USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume III > Part 49
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Don Allen Curtis married, in Jamestown, Oct. 1, 1908, Susan B. Carr, of that city. They have one son, Don Allen, Jr., born Nov. 8, 1912. He is now attending the public school in Jamestown.
Of a very social nature and fond of mingling with his fellowmen, Mr. Curtis is connected with several of the popular organizations of Jamestown. He is a Free Ma- son of the thirty-second degree, a Knight Templar and a Shriner. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks, and of the local lodge of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows; he is active in the James- town Club and also in the Board of Commerce. Mr. Curtis is a most congenial man, agreeable in manner, of a kindly, sympathetic temperament, and is regarded by other men as a generally likable man. During his sales- man days his personality was one of his greatest assets, for he made friends readily and had the gift of retaining them. After he had attained a competence, he felt the need of a rest from the many business interests in which he had been engaged, for his nature compelled him to do with all his energy whatever his hands found to do, and as he had worked hard in his early life he desired relaxation later, therefore he bought the sheep farm before referred to and lives upon it in contentment.
ALBERTUS A. COBB, who has been for a number of years an exceedingly prominent figure in the business world of Brocton, Chautauqua county, N. Y., is a member of a family which has long held a conspicuous place in the life and affairs of this region. Mr. Cobb is a son of John Hale and Julia (Prentice) Cobb, old and highly respected residents of Brocton. The elder Mr. Cobb was for many years engaged in business as a printer, and was one of the successful editors of Brocton. He was born
at Sinclairville, and early in life went to the West, where he spent a number of years. He returned, however, to Chautauqua county, N. Y., while yet a young man and published a paper at Ripley for a time, after which he removed to Brocton, and for the twelve years preceding his death, which occurred May 19, 1903, was associated with the affairs of this city. He was the publisher of the Brocton "Mirror," and besides controling the policy of that paper he wrote the editorial page. He was an unusually clear thinker and powerful writer, and his work as editor unquestionably strongly influenced local thought on the political issues of his day. His ability was recog- nized by his colleagues throughout this region, and it was often lamented by them that he could not take the part which his abilities warranted in some larger field of en- deavor. They believed, and with good reason, that he would have made a name for himself on some large city newspaper, but although this was unquestionably true, the work that he did in the home field was of great im- portance and perhaps his influence, although more indi- rectly, was as vital and effective as it could have been in any other environment. John Hale Cobb married, Julia Prentice, who was also a member of a well known family in this neighborhood, by whom he had five sons, as fol- lows: P. E. Cobb, of Cleveland, Ohio; Archie, who is connected with a telegraph company at Springfield, Ohio ; Albertus A., with whose career we are here especially concerned; Harry, who resides at Brockton; and Bert, who also resides at Brocton.
Albertus A. Cobb was born in Barry, Pike county, Ill., during the residence of his parents in the West, Dec. 23, 1871, and spent his childhood in his native region, where he attended the local public schools. He was still a boy, however, when his parents brought him to Chautauqua county, N. Y., and he continued his schooling in the public schools of Ripley. While still a youth, he entered his father's printing establishment and there learned the trade of printer and the elements of the publishing busi- ness. At the death of the elder Mr. Cobb, he succeeded to the publication of the Brocton "Mirror" and has con- tinued to conduct that paper in a most able manner ever since. The Brocton "Mirror" is one of the chief organs of public information in this region, and Mr. Cobb's printing office is equipped with all the most modern and up-to-date presses and other mechanisms for the produc- tion of a first class paper. Mr. Cobb's ability as a writer and a publisher are universally recognized, and he is regarded universally as the able successor of his tal- ented father. Mr. Cobb is well known in social and fraternal circles here and is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Brocton. In politics he is a Republican of independent tendencies, and his paper reflects his broadminded and public-spirited attitude to- ward the affairs of the day.
Albertus A. Cobb was united in marriage, July 7, 1899, with Alice MI. Barber, of Portland, N. Y. Mrs. Cobb died in the year 1909. They were the parents of four children, as follows : Mabel, born 1900, died in 1911 ; Merle, educated in the Brocton Public schools and the Fredonia Normal School, and now is employed as a teacher in the local institution; Josephine, who attended the Brocton public schools and is also following the pro- fession of teaching; Ora, who is now a student in the public schools of Brocton.
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EDWARD C. TRILL, tax collector of Dunkirk, N. Y., which position he has held since 1915, was born in Dunkirk. March 27, 1874, the son of Thomas Trill, an employee of the Brooks Locomotive Works, located in Dunkirk, and of Fannie ( Guenther) Trill, his wife.
Until he was fourteen years of age, Edward C. Trill attended the public schools of his native city, when he went to work in a planing mill, then to Erie, Pa., re- maining for a year, subsequently returning to Dunkirk, where he was employed in the foundry for nine years. In 1915, he was appointed to his present position of tax collector to fill an unexpired term, which expired in 1917, when he was reelected, and has held the position ever since. He is affiliated with the Republican party, and takes a lively interest in that phase of politics that makes for the highest good of the city. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is past chancellor commander of the lodge. He is a member of St. John's Church.
Mr. Trill married, Feb. 2, 1900, Bertha Kneubbe, of Dunkirk. They are the parents of three children : Edith, an employee of the Lake Shore National Bank; Florence and Robert.
WILLIAM HENRY REID-No man in any com- munity fills a more important position than does the postmaster, for to him is entrusted the custody and de- livery of the mail and upon his vigilance and fidelity may depend matters of the greatest moment to individuals, institutions, cities and states. This is the office which has now been held for six years by the man whose name heads this article, and to whose ability and trustworthi- ness the citizens of Lakewood, N. Y., can bear abundant testimony. Mr. Reid has a most creditable record as a bisiness man and is actively associated with fraternal affairs.
Robert Reid, father of William Henry Reid, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and at an early age emigrated to the United States, where he followed the blacksmith's trade. He married, in Franklinville, N. Y., Sarah M. Phetteplace, a native of Chenango county, N. Y., and his death occurred while he was still a young man.
William Henry Reid, son of Robert and Sarah M. ( Phetteplace) Reid, was born July 8, 1854, in Franklin- ville, Chautauqua county, N. Y., and received his primary education in the district school, passing thence to the Ten Broeck Academy. At the age of sixteen he obtained em- ployment in a cheese factory and learned the business thoroughly. remaining fifteen years. At the end of that time he went to Obi, Allegany county, N. Y., where for another fifteen years he conducted a grocery store. Ilis next removal was to Portville, N. Y., remaining four years, during three of which he filled the position of wijwrintendent of the Kent House, at Lakewood, N. Y. He worked for Mr. Broadhead in the Traction Railroad office and was also employed as agent for the American Railway Express, at the same time filling the position of t ket agent for the Chautauqua Traction Company. lrpolitie . Mr. Reid has always been a staunch Demo- crat, and in 1914 was appointed postmaster of Lakewoodl. The fact that he had ever since continuously retained the office furnishes convincing evidence of his competence and fidelity in the discharge of his very responsible duties. He has passed the chairs of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and al-o affiliates with the Maccabees and
the M. P. L. He was brought up in the Methodist Epis- copal church, but is not now connected with any religious denomination.
Mr. Reid married, March 18, 1886, Florence A. Cran- dall, born in Genesee, N. Y., daughter of Joel A. and Jennetta E. ( Maxson) Crandall. Mr. Crandall, a na- tive of Genesee, was a carpenter by trade, and affiliated with the Republican party, holding various local offices. He died April 16, 1911. Mrs. Crandall, who was born at Portville, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., lives with her daughter, Mrs. Reid. Mr. and Mrs. Reid are the parents of one daughter, Grace Florence, wife of Harry H. Hagg, of Lakewood. Mr. Hagg served in the Army of Occupa- tion.
The record of William Henry Reid has been varied, but always honorable. It is a record which his family would wish to have preserved and of which his descend- ants may be justly proud.
FRANK COOK, postmaster of the village of Niobe, in the town of Harmony, was born in the town of Clymer, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Aug. 24, 1861, son of Charles and Harriet ( Tanner) Cook. He was educated in the public schools, and was variously engaged until 1915, when he was appointed to his present office, postmaster of Niobe. He is a member of Sylvan Lodge, No. 1225, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Bear Lake, Pa., is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Baptist church. As a citizen Mr. Cook is highly esteemed by his townsmen, and is well liked both as a postmaster and as a inan. He has made his own way in the world and holds the respect of all who know him.
Mr. Cook married, at Watts Flats, town of Harmony, Blanche E., daughter of Frank and Louisa (Laurence) Danner. Their only daughter, Louise, married Ivan Shreves, and has two sons, Gerald and Regis Shreves.
ALFRED ROY TRIPP, a prosperous business man of the village of Panama, was born in the town of Har- mony, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Dec. 9, 1875, son of Rassander G. and Nettie (Swezey) Tripp, his father a farmer.
He was educated in the public schhools, finishing with graduation from Panama High School, after which he was for a time engaged in farming. In 1905 he engaged in milling at Panama, and with his partner, W. P. Muz- zey, operates a milk station at Panama, and has a good grain and feed business. Mr. Tripp has made his busi- ness profitable through close attention to its every detail, both he and his partner being men of energy and ability. He is a Republican in politics ; member of the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, Patrons of Husbandry, and the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Tripp married, June 7, 1902, in Panama, Chautau- qua county, Mae J. Cook, born April 18, 1877, in Panama, daughter of Thaddeus and Minerva (Oliver) Cook, na- tives of Panama.
FRED AND JOHN SAHLE-Since 1910, Fred and John Sahle, trading as Sahle Brothers, have been en- gaged as florists in Fredonia, both young men being practical florists, thoroughly skilled and capable. They began in rented quarters, but soon bought the property,
Fred Sable
V
SAHLE BROS'. GREENHOUSES FREDONIA, N. Y.
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to which they have made many additions, until they have a well equipped modern greenhouse plant, with 16,000 feet under glass. Their particular specialty is carnations, but all kinds of plants and cut flowers are included in their stock. They have been very success- ful in their business, and highly deserve to reap a gen- erous reward, for they have worked with energy and intelligence to achieve that result. The Sahle Brothers" greenhouses are at Nos. 97-101 Newton street, Fre- donia, and everything about the establishment bears evidence of the ability and energy of the proprietors of the plant. The brothers are well known and highly esteemed both as business men and citizens. Both are men of youth and energy, and their future seems full of promise. The brothers are sons of John and Marion Sahle, their father a carpenter. John and Marion Sahle are the parents of seven children: Mrs. Lizzie Law- rence; Fred, of further mention; John, of further men- tion ; Burton ; Mrs. Clara Gumtow; Rudolf, and Louise.
Fred Sahle was born in Bern, Switzerland, Marclı 16, 1886. He was educated in the public schools, and early began his business career, finding his first em- ployment in the nursery owned by Foster & Griffith, with whom he remained two years. He was then with Wilbur, the florist, of Fredonia, employed in the green- houses, and was for two years, 1908-10, with Palmer & Son, in Buffalo, and then returned to Fredonia, where with his brother John they formed the firm of Sahle Brothers. Fred Sahle is an expert landscape gardener and specializes in that department, but is a thorough florist and skilled in all lines. He is a member of Fre- donia Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Fredonia Grange, Patrons of Husbandry ; ex-president of the Northern Chautauqua Florists' Club; is first as- sistant chief of the Fredonia Fire Department; member of the Chamber of Commerce; a Republican in politics; and in 1919 elected trustee of the village of Fredonia. He married, Aug. 3, 1919, Margaret O'Neil, of Fredonia, daughter of Patrick and Marion O'Neil.
John Sahle was born in Bern, Switzerland, July 19, 1888, and was educated in the public schools of Van Buren, N. Y. He was early attracted to the florist's business, learning his art with Wilbur, of Fredonia, with whom he spent two years, followed by four with Herman Wilbur. This brought him to the year 1910, and the organization of the firm of Sahle Brothers with his brother Fred. He is a member of Fredonia Grange, Patrons of Husbandry; and of the Northern Chautall- qua Florists' Club. John Sahle married, Feb. 24, 1915, Harriet Morrison, of Fredonia, daughter of An- drew Morrison. They are the parents of two children: Marion G. and Rudolf B.
ROSS D. COWLES-When the northern part of the town of Harmony was set off as a separate district and awarded a supervisor, Ross D. Cowles, a merchant at Stedman, was the first man chosen to fill the posi- tion, and he is now (1920) serving his first term in that body. He is a son of Archibald W. and Martha Jane (Taylor) Cowles, the former named a farmer of Harmony in that part designated North Harmony. Ross D. Cowles engaged in farming for several years prior to 1903, then entered mercantile life and has been very successful as a general merchant. He is well known
in his section of the county, and is highly regarded as both business man and citizen.
Ross D. Cowles was born in the town of Harmony, Chautauqua county, N. Y., March 10, 1866, and has spent his life in that section. He was educated in the public schools and Jamestown Business College, and after graduation from the last named institution began business life for himself. He was variously engaged until 1903, then established his general store at Sted- man in North Harmony, and there has continued in business until the present time (1921). He is a mem- ber of the Patrons of Husbandry, is a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church, a Republican in poli- tics, serving as the first supervisor for North Har- mony.
Mr. Cowles married, in Jamestown, N. Y., Dec. 16, 1892, Anna Dahlstedt, born in Sweden, March 3, 1870, daughter of Louis and Marie (Bergstrom) Dahlstedt, her father a corporal in the Swedish army, and a car- penter by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Cowles are the parents of two children: Archibald, born May 3, 1894, and Grace, born Jan. 8, 1908.
EDWIN JOHN SUCKOW-The city of James- town, metropolis of Chautauqua county, N. Y., whose rapid growth in population and material prosperity has been characteristic of the best type of American com- munity, must with justice attribute its enviable condition to the enterprising and progressive quality of its citi- zens who, whether they have been merchants, manu- facturers, farmers or public servants, have in the great majority of cases never lost sight of the general welfare for the sake of personal ambitions and have been ready at all times to subordinate their private interests to those of the community-at-large. Among the members of the first class of these, whose public spirit have con- tributed to build up the prosperity of the community, should be mentioned Edwin John Suckow, who, al- though still a young man, is the owner of a flourishing grocery establishment which he conducts on principles of fair play and good will that have made him widely popular and gained a large patronage. Mr. Suckow is a native of Buffalo, N. Y., born May 23, 1888, a son of Christopher and Sophia (Messinger) Suckow. The elder Mr. Suckow was employed as a stationary engi- neer in a manufacturing establishment at Buffalo, and it was there that the childhood and early youth of his son was passed.
Edwin J. Suckow attended the local public schools of Buffalo, and after completing his studies at those institutions engaged in the clothing business. Thrift and industry enabled him to save up a considerable por- tion of his earnings, and in 1915 he found himself in possession of sufficient capital to make it possible to engage in an enterprise on his own account. With this end in view he came to Jamestown and settled in Elli- cott township, where he purchased a small building and opened a grocery store. His first attempt ended in misfortune, for after two years of hard work, and when his business was beginning to meet with encouraging success, the store was destroyed by fire. Nothing daunted, however, by a loss that might well have dis- couraged most men, Mr. Suckow purchased a building across the street from the burned property and soon
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had the satisfaction of seeing his business revived with greater prospects of success than ever. At this loca- tion he has remained ever since, and as the enterprise has grown. has added to the building stock and equip- ment to meet the larger demands. His indefatigable industry and quickness in meeting the changing re- quirements of the times have borne their merited fruit, and he is today the proprietor of a fine modern estab- lishment and enjoys a wide and increasing patronage. Mr. Suckow has been prominent in social and fraternal circles at Jamestown, and is now a member of Mt. Tabor Lodge. No. 780, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Jamestown. He attends Holy Trinity Eng- lish Lutheran Church, and is a valued member of the congregation.
Edwin John Suckow was united in marriage, June 24. 1014. at Jamestown, with Grace Orilla Shaver, only daughter of William and Anna (Kohlbacker) Shaver, of that city, where her birth occurred July 19, 1891. They are the parents of one child, Virginia May Snc- kow, born Aug. 10, 1915.
LEWIS L. WARNER-In 1815, John Warner, grandfather of Lewis L. Warner, of Niobe, N. Y., left his home in the North of Ireland and came to the United States, locating in Trenton, N. J. From there he went to Warren county, Pa., settling on a farm which he purchased in 1832 near Freehold. There his son Summerfield was born, educated, and followed his father's business, farming. Summerfield Warner mar- ried Mary Shaw, born in Hudson, N. Y., and they were the parents of T. L. and Lewis L. Warner, now en- gaged in business at Niobe, town of Harmony, Chan- tauqua county. N. Y., under the firm style and title of Warner Brothers, merchant millers, flour, feed, farming implements, coal, etc.
Lewis L. Warner was born in Frechold, Pa., Aug. 30, 1%., and there was educated in the public schools. After coming to the town of Harmony, Chautauqua county. N. Y., he bought a farm of fifty-five acres near Niobe, which he still owns, and in 1892 bought the mill property in the village of Niobe, which he still operates under the firm name, Warner Brothers. Mr. Warner has been successful in his business operation, and is a man of influence in his town. He is a Republican in polities, a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and o' the Baptist church.
Mr. Warner married, in Niobe, Nov. 8, 1906, Rhoda Hawkins, daughter of Francis and Rena ( Fields) Haw- kin-, of Harmony.
LOUIS GONZAGA MONROE, one of the pros- of the younger attorneys of Fredonia, N. Y. and a man who is very prominent in the community Terra cuts, i a vomi of Elmon and Anna ( McNamara) Monroe The e'der Mr. Monroe held a conspicuous place in the educational circles of Western Pennsyl- Fanta, Hit is & w retired. Elmon Monroe has been an educator during his entire career, and is a graduate of Cornell Other ty with the degree of A. B., and thereafter he cent all ci hi- children to this university for their relocation.
Low Gonzaga Monro received his preliminary edu-
cation in the schools of Coxsackie, Greene county, N. Y., and after completing the course, attended the high school at Columbus, Pa., where he was prepared for college and from which institution he graduated in the year 1906. He then matriculated at the Law Depart- ment of Cornell University, and in 1909 won the de- gree of LL. B. In December, 1909, Mr Monroe began the practice of his profession in the office of Nugent & Hefferman, and in the following year served as a clerk in the office of Herman J. Westwood at Fredonia, but at the end of six months formed a partnership with Mr. Westwood under the style of Westwood & Monroe. This association continued until Jan. 1, 1919, at which time Mr. Westwood went to New York City, and the firm dissolved partnership. Mr. Monroe has continued in practice alone since then, with great sticcess, and much of the important litigation of this region passes through his hands. Mr. Monroe is a conspicuous fig- ure in the social and club circles here, and is a mem- ber and officer of Dunkirk Lodge, No. 922, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a member of the Citi- zens' Club of Fredonia, and the Fredonia Bar Associa- tion. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Monroe is unmarried.
C. ELMER OLSON-Among the representative citizens of Stockton, N. Y., is C. Elmer Olson, cashier of the private bank of Lavern W. Lazell & Company. Since coming to this community, he has indentified himself with everything pertaining to the welfare of his fellow-citizens and is highly respected by all who know him.
C. Elmer Olson was born in Charlotte, N. Y., July 12, 1891, the son of Charles V. and Christine (Peterson) Olson. When about ten years of age, he moved with his parents to Stockton and there he completed his education. After leaving school he secured a position as clerk with Crissey & Hendee. In 1911 he was made cashier in the bank of Lavern W. Lazell & Company, which position he still holds, and Melvin J. Olson, his brother, is assistant cashier of Lavern W. Lazell & Company, Boston. C. Elmer Olson is also treasurer of the Empire State Degree of Honor.
In politics, Mr. Olson is a Republican. His best efforts are always given to the advancement of what- ever in his judgment tends to the furtherance of the welfare and progress of his community. During the World War he was chairman of four Liberty loan drives, and was treasurer of the Red Cross. He is af- filiated with Sylvan Lodge, No. 303, Free and Accepted Masons, Mr. Olson is unmarried.
GEORGE R. RAYNOR, principal of the Chautau- qua High School, was born at Hartfield, N. Y., April 11, 1871. llis grandfather, John Raynor, moved from Ilerkimer county and settled on the shores of the lake in the town of Chautauqua during the year 1835.
Mr. Raynor Jaid the foundation for his education in the Pleasantville District School and the Mayville Iligh School, graduating from high school in 1889. In the autumn of this year he entered the University of Rochester, with the intention of securing further aca- demic training, preparatory to taking a special course
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in medicine. At the close of a successful year at col- lege, it became necessary to earn the money with which to continue his course. In order to do so he secured a teacher's certificate and taught for two years in dis- trict schools. The life of young people and the task in instructing them appealed so strongly to him that he felt impelled to make teaching a life profession. Enter- ing the Fredonia Normal School, he graduated from the four years' classical course in June, 1896.
After a year's experience as principal of a high school in Genesee county, he returned to his native county, where he has since then engaged in educational work. During the six years, 1898-1902, he was princi- pal of the Frewsburg High School, and for the follow- ing thirteen years, 1903-1916, he had charge of the schools of the village of Falconer. The period of his administration there was marked by the rapid growth and advancement of the schools. He supervised the construction and equipment of two new school build- ings, and witnessed an increase in the teaching staff from eight to twenty-seven, as well as an increase of nearly 200 per cent. of pupils enrolled. In September, 1916, he accepted the principalship of the Chautauqua High School, his present field of labor. During the past three summers he has had charge of the Depart- ment of Mathematics in the Chautauqua Summer Schools. During the last year of the war he was granted a year's leave of absence, and served for seven months as educational director of the Army Schools for American Soldiers in one of the large army camps in France.
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