USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume III > Part 50
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96
Mr. Raynor has been honored by his associates, hav- ing served as president of the Schoolmasters' Club of Western New York, president of the Chautauqua County Teachers' Association, and as member of the executive committee of the Associated Academic Prin- cipals of the State of New York. He was elected dis- trict superintendent of schools, but declined the office, preferring the closer touch with pupils afforded in doing high school work.
GLENN A. FRANK, who holds a prominent place among the successful attorneys of Jamestown, Chautau- qua county, N. Y., and at present occupies the office of deputy attorney-general of New York State, with his office at Albany, was born in Busti, N. Y., April 20, 1878, a son of Dwight D. and Esther L. (Trask) Frank, both of whom are living, the former being a successful stock and truck farmer in this region.
The education of Glenn A. Frank was begun in the Jamestown Grammar Schools, to which city his parents removed when he was four years old, and he later at- tended the high school, graduating therefrom with the class of 1899. He had in the meantime decided to fol- low the law as a profession, and accordingly had al- ready begun to study his chosen subject before gradu- ating from high school. He carried on these studies in the law office of A. C. Pickard, a well known attor- ney of Jamestown, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1900. He practiced for a year at Jamestown, and was then appointed to fill an unexpired term as justice of the peace. He was so satisfactory in this capacity that at the end of his term he was elected for another full
term and was reelected to the same post two years later. Finally, in 1904, he resigned from this position in order to fill the post of special agent to the State Ex- cise Department, to which he had been appointed some- time previously. He continued to fill this office until April, 1911, when he resigned and resumed the private practice of his profession in Jamestown. He continued thus occupied until Jan. 1, 1916, when he was appointed to his present position as deputy attorney-general of New York State. He has held this exceedingly respon- sible office ever since and has discharged its difficult duties in a manner highly satisfactory to the commun- ity-at-large. During the time that Mr. Frank was en- gaged in private practice, before his appointment to his present office, he also formed an association with a Mr. Eckstrom, under the firm name of Eckstrom & Frank, and engaged extensively in the real estate busi- ness, handling much valuable property in and about Jamestown. He has always taken a keen interest in local, political, social and fraternal affairs, and is quite active in the former realm. He possesses many qual- ities to make him successful in a political career, mixing easily with all types and classes of men and being a ready and attractive speaker. He has gained a wide popularity throughout the community, and the rapid progress which he has made to a position of influence here has been due entirely to his own efforts. At the present time he represents a powerful and beneficent fac- tor in the life of the community, and the future holds out a bright promise for a still more brilliant career of per- sonal achievements and public service. In politics he is a staunch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, being one of the leaders in Chau- tauqua county and Republican State committeeman. Mr. Frank is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Mt. Tabor Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Jamestown Bar Association.
Glenn A. Frank was united in marriage, June 17, 1903, at Buffalo, N. Y., with Ora L. Post, a daughter of Jerome W. and Lydia W. Post, formerly residents of Pleasantville, Pa., where they were highly esteemed. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank, as follows: Nixon L., April 7, 1905; Jean A., June 18, IQII.
GERRY H. WILCOX-Well known in the town of Villenova as a substantial farmer and upright citi- zen, Gerry H. Wilcox in his life exemplifies the homely virtues, industry and honesty to a degree worthy of emulation. The old Wilcox homestead in Villenova, where he was born, is now the joint property of Gerry H. Wilcox and brother, and their home, which com- prises 300 acres, yields bountifully in response to their intelligent management.
Gerry H. Wilcox is a descendant of Thomas and Huldah (McManus) Wilcox, early settlers of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua county, N. Y. Huldah McManus was a daughter of Capt. Christopher McManus, a Rev- olutionary soldier from New Jersey, who died in For- estville, Chautauqua county, N. Y., in 1849, aged ninety- three. Several of the sons of Christopher McManus served in the War of 1812. Captain McManus came to the town of Hanover, Chautauqua county, N. Y., in 1811, his daughter Huldah walking the entire distance.
508
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
Thomas Wilcox came to Chautauqua from Litchfield, Herkimer county, N. Y.
Erastus B. Wilcox, son of Thomas and Huldah (Mc- Manus) Wilcox, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., in 1820, and in 1850 moved to the town of Villenova in the same county. He married Roxy Bugbee, daugh- ter of Oliver Bugbee, of Vermont, a colonel of the War of 1812, who settled in the town of Ellington, Chantau- qua county, in ISIS.
Martin H. Wilcox, only son of Erastus B. and Roxy (Bugbee) Wilcox, was born in the town of Cherry Creek. Chautauqua county, N. Y., Oct. 14, 1844, but in 1850 his parents moved to the town of Villenova, and there his after life was spent. He became a farmer, and in course of time became the owner of Maple Hill Farm. which he operated as a dairy. This farm, on the Cherry Creek road, south of Balcom, is now the prop- erty of his sons, Gerry H. and Shirley J. Wilcox. Mr. Wilcox, an ardent Republican, was often a delegate to party conventions, served as overseer of the poor, and for more than thirty years was town constable. He mar- ried Anna E. Brown, eldest daughter of Horace and Lydia A. (Myers) Brown, of Cherry Creek. Martin H. and Anna E. (Brown) Wilcox, now both deceased, were the parents of five sons: Warren F., born Dec. 31, 1880, a graduate of Allegheny College, A. B., class of 1004: Gerry H., of further mention; William B .; Allen M., deceased; and Shirley J.
Gerry H. Wilcox, second son of Martin H. and Anna E. (Brown) Wilcox, was born at the homestead in the town of Villenova, Chautauqua county, N. Y., June 16, 1853. He was educated in public schools. He grew to manlood at the home farm, and upon the death of his father, together with his brother, Shirley J., became owners of the farm. The Maple Hill Farm Dairy was established by Martin H. Wilcox, and is continued by his sons. In connection with his farm and dairy, Mr. Wilcox has taken an active interest in public life. For twelve years he has been deputy sheriff of Chautauqua county, has served as justice of the peace of Villenova, having been elected when twenty-two years old, and is at present (1921) overseer of the poor and school direc- tor of the town. Ile is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and is past master of Chautauqua County Pomona Grange. His religious affiliation is with the Meth dist Episcopal church. His fraternal connection i- with Cherry Creek Lodge, No. 384, Free and Ac- cepter Masons, and Villenova Lodge, No. 911, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, serving the last named a- secretary.
Mr. Wilcox married, in Falconer, Chautauqua coum'y. N. Y., June 13, 1907, Fern Vincent, born in Villeno: a, June 15, 1882, daughter of Joseph and I'li ena Richardson) Vincent, her father born in Vil- Ilsa, her mother in Cortland county, N. Y. Joseph Vincent walla son of Benjamin Vincent, born in Con- nepi st. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox are the parents of three e dien Irene A., born June 7, 1998; Wayne G., born April 17, 1913: Helen F., born June 9, 1918.
REV. CHARLES H. O'HARA, one of the younger pre ts of the Catholic church in Chautauqua county, 1 a native on of New York, born in Batavia, July 9,
1886, son of James A. O'Hara, a railroad conductor, and Ellen (Skahen) O'Hara, who survives her hus- band.
Charles H. O'Hara attended the public schools in Buffalo, and for six years was a student at Canisius College, located in the same city. Upon leaving the latter institution, in 1906, he pursued his philosophical and theological studies for six years at the College of the Propaganda in Rome, Italy, and there was or- dained to the Roman Catholic priesthood, March 23, 1912, by Archbishop Bonzano, Apostolic Delegate to the United States. Upon his return to America after o1 dination, Father O'Hara was first sent to Holley, N. Y. Thereafter, he acted as curate at St. Joseph's . Old Cathedral, Buffalo, N. Y .; at St. Mary's, Medina, N. Y .; and at Nativity Church, Buffalo, N. Y. In 1915, Father O'Hara was appointed pastor of the Italian parish at Lime Rock, N. Y., and in July, 1917, was transferred to his present field of labor, Holy Trinity Church, Dunkirk, N. Y.
WILLIAM FREDERICK SCHWAN-In his native land, a half century ago, William F. Schwan began his long apprenticeship to the business which he has followed on two continents and for which he has a deep love and strong native talent. He learned the business thoroughly in all its departments, and as florist or landscape gardener is master of his business which ranks little short of a profession. He is a son of Christopher and Augusta Mary Schwan, of Pome- rania, Germany, where William Frederick Schwan was born on Jan. 8, 1855.
He attended school until fourteen years of age, then became a florist's apprentice for three years, from four- teen to seventeen years, on the Von Wedel estate; later served as assistant florist and foreman of land- scape gardening under Koch Brothers, florists, green- house and landscape gardeners. William F. Schwan became an expert and did the landscape beauties of several handsome German estates before coming to the United States in March, 1888. In the United States he was employed in an Ohio greenhouse six months, then started a small plant of his own in Chillicothe, Iowa, growing vegetables and plants under glass. A year later he went to Marion, Ohio, thence to Dunkirk, N. Y., finally coming to Fredonia, where after six months with Wilbur, the florist, he again began business for himself, starting in a small way. In 1900 he bought the Wilbur plant, which he has since enlarged and yet operates with about 18,000 feet under glass. He raises plants and flowers for the trade and has a store in Dunkirk. His son, Charles F. Schwan, is his associate in the business. The firm is a member of the Society of American Florists and Florist Telegraph Delivery, the Northern Chautauqua Florists' Club, Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce, Dun- kirk Merchants' Exchange, and Fredonia Chamber of Commerce. In politics Mr. Schwan is a Republican, and in religion, a Lutheran. He is a member of the Protective Home Circle.
William F. Schwan married, in Germany, Oct. 28, 1879, Anna Mary Wyman, and they are the parents of six children: 1. William G., their eldest, never came
مــ
avvn & Schwan
509
BIOGRAPHICAL
to the United States, but remained in Germany, was sent to college, and became an officer in the German army; he was taken prisoner, Aug. 14, 1918, and held until the end of the war; he is a school teacher. 2. Charles Frederick, a graduate of Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Buffalo: a salesman, traveling for the Lake Shore Seed Company for three years, 1903- 1906, but since 1910 associated in business with his father: member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen, Volunteer Fire Com- pany; secretary and treasurer of the local Florists' Club; he married Mary Ellen Bellman, and has a son, Charles Frederick, Jr. 3. Anna Eliza. 4. Franceska Rosalia, now with the Atlas Steel Company. 5. Robert Charles, a graduate of Columbia University, A. B., B. S., now principal of Belmont (N. Y.) High School. 6. Werner, partner and manager of the National Auto Supply Company of Dallas, Tex .; during the World War he was in the service as instructor at Fort Sill; he is a thirty-second degree member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
HAROLD HARVEY HICKEY, D. D. S .- At the period of greatest unrest in our country, owing to the strained relations with Germany, Dr. Hickey was about finishing his course in the dental department of the University of Buffalo. After graduation he re- mained at the University as instructor, then entered the service of his country. After receiving an honorable discharge, he resumed his interrupted career and is now established in practice in Fredonia. He is a son of Frank Harvey and Belle (Shearer) Hickey, who at the time of the birth of their eldest son, Harold H., were residing in the village of Brant, Erie county, N. Y. Their second and only other child, Roland Hickey, is an automobile salesman in Buffalo.
Harold Harvey Hickey was born in Brant, N. Y., Dec. 26, 1892. He attended the public schools, and after completing courses at Fredonia High School entered the dental department of the University of Buffalo, whence he was graduated D. D. S., class of 1917. He volunteered for service during the war with Germany, and expecting to be called at any time Dr. Hickey spent the months following graduation in tem- porary practice and as instructor in the infirmary of the University of Buffalo. He was not called into the service of the medical department of the United States army until June 14, 1918, his first detail being to Camp Greenleaf, thence to Camp Beauregard in Louisiana, spending four months in each camp. He was honorably discharged Jan. 23, 1919. Later he reënlisted in the Medical Reserve Corps, with the rank of first lieutenant. He spent three months in Miami, Fla., as assistant to Dr. Laymon, then returned to Fre- donia, N. Y., and began the private practice of dentis- try, his specialty orthodontia, the straightening of teeth. Dr. Hickey is a member of Delta Sigma Delta, college fraternity; was president of the Barrettonian Society, a society for the promotion of the welfare of the student body; was prominent in athletics; is a mem- ber of the New York State and American Dental soci- eties, the Masonic Order. American Legion, the Pre-
paredness League, and the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Dr. Hickey is a Democrat.
Dr. Hickey married, June 5, 1918, Mildred Hart, of Fredonia, daughter of William and Frederica (Gold- berg) Hart.
FRANK M. TINKHAM-The firm Tinkham Brothers, wholesale dealers of Jamestown, N. Y., is composed of Frank M. and Fred B. Tinkham, who came to that city in 1900, young men but veterans in business, Medina, Orleans county, N. Y., having been the scene of their former business activities. The twenty years which have since intervened have been years of expansion and development of the business interests of Tinkham Brothers, who today are impart- ant wholesale dealers in widely known brands of cigars whose sale they control in a certain territory in New York and Pennsylvania. They are maintaining branch houses in Buffalo and Rochester, N. Y. This has been Tinkham Brothers' contribution to Jamestown business development, and their civic record is one of equal honor.
Frank M. Tinkham was born in Camillus, Onon- daga county, N. Y., son of Grove L. and Rosa A. (Baker) Tinkham. In boyhood the family moved to Medina, Orleans county, N. Y., where Grove L. Tink- ham engaged in business as a wholesale dealer in gen- eral produce, and served the village as justice of the peace for many years. He died in Medina, Oct. I, 1916. Rosa A. (Baker) Tinkham, now also deceased, was a graduate of Albion Seminary, and a member of an old Orleans county family.
Until seventeen years of age, Frank M. Tinkham attended the schools of Medina, then began his busi- ness career in his father's business. He then made a change which was destined to determine his business future, and may be considered the most important event of his life in its far-reaching consequences. This was his entering the employ of S. A. Cook, of Medina, a wholesale dealer in cigars and tobacco, who covered his territory with a four-horse team drawing a large covered wagon, from which he distributed his goods to the dealers he served. This outfit, known as "Cook's Big Four," became the charge of Frank M. Tinkham, who drove over the route for four years, gaining high reputation as a salesman and as a keen, wide-awake young business man. At the end of four years he gave up the "Big Four," but continned with Mr. Cook as salesman for several years. In 1892, his brother, Fred B. Tinkham, entered Mr. Cook's employ, and in 1893 the brothers pooled their capital and bought a half interest in the Cook business, operating under the name, S. A. Cook & Tinkham Brothers. In 1895, the business was reorganized under the corporate name S. A. Cook & Company. George Bowen and D. J. Bigelow were added to its personnel, and the manufacture of furniture made a part of the business. In 1900, the Tinkham brothers sold their interests in S. A. Cook & Company to their associates in that company and retired to in- augurate their own private business undertakings.
With their withdrawal from business in Medina came their removal from that town, Jamestown, N. Y., being selected as the seat of their proposed venture.
510
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
They came to the city in 1900, and under the firm name Tinkham Brothers, opened a wholesale cigar and no- tions business in the Gifford building, opposite the Humphrey House. Eight years were passed in that location, years of growth as a business enterprise, and years of development for the partners as practical. progressive factors in the world of commerce. In 1908, Tinkham Brothers moved to the newly completed Barrett building, securing space on the first, second, third and fourth floors of that building. Prior to this removal of location the firm bought the notion business of W. W. & C. S. Fish, of Salamanca, which they added to their own, and in 1909 they bought the United Hosiery Company, at Youngsville, Pa. They employ about thirty people in their business, and confine their operations to perhaps forty counties of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio most convenient to James- town. their headquarters and shipping center. The firm is a prosperous one, and in all departments the business reflects the ability and energy of its guiding heads.
Since his coming to Jamestown, Frank M. Tinkham has loyally supported all movements for the advance- ment of the city's interests, and is identified with the liberal, progressive, public-spirited men who have so freely given of their time and their means to serve the common good. He is a director of the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce: a thirty-second degree Mason, also a member of Ismailia Temple, Mystic Shrine; the Fraternal Order of Eagles: the Jamestown Club, and is president of the Jamestown Automobile Club.
Such is the life story of a man hardly yet in life's prime, who won success by always doing well the duty in hand. and thus being well prepared to advance to a higher level in the business world. The prosperity that has come to him has been fairly earned, and in advancing his own fortune no man has been wronged or made to suffer. Tinkham Brothers value their good name in the trade beyond price, and in private life honor and uprightness distinguish the members of the firm.
Trank M. Tinkham and his family reside at No. 165 Forest avenue. Jamestown.
THE SACRED HEART CHURCH, Lakewood- on-Chautanqua-Lake, N. Y., Rev. Thomas H. Har- rigan, rector, was originally a part of SS. Peter and Paul's Parish at Jamestown. Rt. Rev. Bishop Colton. seeing the necessity of a new parish on the lake for the accommodation of summer visitors, sent Rev. David J Mountain in the summer of toft to attend to their -j'rival want ,, and incidentally to look the ground over with the intention of forming a new parish. Rev. Father Mountain said mass in the old Town Hall for a wine later purchasing the vacant church edifice on Ohio a en"". This building was erected by the sum- mer colony to be used as a Protestant community ure, and was later purchased by Mrs. Rose Kent, who intended to convert it into a Christian Science church. It was later used as a chamber of commerce building then as a firemen'- hall, and finally as an dertri light tation.
In the summer of 1912, Rev. Thomas 11. Harrigan wa afjointed frit resident rector. The first mass was
said in the new parish by Rev. Martin J. Blake, C. M., of Niagara University, on Pentecost Sunday, May 25, 1912. The parish, beginning with twelve families, is constantly growing. The church building has been entirely remodeled and it is one of the prettiest coun- try churches in Western New York. The missions at Mayville and French Creek were also attended by Rev. Father Harrigan until an independent parish was formed at French Creek. However, he is still in charge of Sacred Heart parish and the Mayville mission.
Rev. Father Harrigan is a native of Middletown, Conn., a son of John H. and Mary ( Kellieher) Har- rigan. He was educated in the parochial schools of Middletown, and made his preparatory college courses at Niagara University, later entering the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels at Niagara University. He was ordained May 25, 1907, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Colton in the old St. Joseph's Cathedral, Buffalo, N. Y. His first curacy was at the old St. Joseph's Cathedral, where he remained for three years, later being appointed rector of St. Patrick's Church, Fillmore, N. Y., leaving after two years to take charge of the Sacred Heart parish at Lakewood,
An Altar Society, the Society of the Holy Name, and the Sodality of the Children of Mary have been instituted by Father Harrigan at Lakewood, and the members of these organizations are very active in the work of the parish. Father Harrigan is also chaplain of Jamestown Council, No. 926, Knights of Columbus. During the World War, Father Harrigan took as ac- tive part in Liberty Loan work and was chairman of the Committee on the Fifth Loan and also of the Red Cross drive in Busti township. Archbishop Hayes, of New York, appointed him a war chaplain, but be- cause of the signing of the armistice he had no oppor- tunity to serve in this capacity. It was he who originated the Victory celebration at Lakewood and delivered the address to the returning soldiers, Aug. 6, 1919. Rev. Father Harrigan is much interested in community affairs, and has made a very important place for himself in the life of Lakewood, where he is much revered because of his splendid and unselfish service.
FRANK A. SMILEY-The Smiley family, of which today Frank A. Smiley, of Ellery township, Jamestown, N. Y., is one of the representatives, is an old one in Chautauqua county, its members having played conspicuous parts in many different depart- ments of the community's life during several genera- tions and are now numerous in the region. Mr. Smiley was born in the town of Harmony, March 26, 1862, a son of Freeborn L. and Anna ( Brown) Smiley, the former a prominent member of the community, where he was engaged for many years in business as a manufacturer of wagons.
Frank A. Smiley spent his childhood in his native region, dividing his time between attending the local district schools and the wholesome sports and pas- times of country boys. Early in life he began to dis- play that peculiar talent for doing all things well that is so characteristic of the sturdy, self-reliant youth of America, a talent which may be seen at present in the various pursuits and enterprises in which he is engaged
5II
BIOGRAPHICAL
and in all of which he has succeeded equally. Upon completing his studies at the local schools, Mr. Smiley took up the lumber business as an occupation and con- tinued therein for fourteen years, and later became the owner of a well equipped mill. He also entered the mercantile realm, and for a time maintained successful stores at Bemus Point and Lakewood. In all his ven- tures Mr. Smiley met with the well merited success of his industry and intelligence, gradually becoming one of the best known and most highly respected figures in the community and an influential factor in the general business life. Mr. Smiley is a Republican in politics and, although his many and various activities prevent him from taking that part in public affairs for which his abilities fit him, keeps himself abreast of all the vital issues of the day, and is a staunch supporter of the policies of his party. He is an active and valued member of Centralia Grange, of Jamestown.
Frank A. Smiley married (first) Georgie C. Beck, whose death occurred June 15, 1906, and by whom he had four children, as follows: George, born Dec. 5, 1890: Harry A., born April 14, 1892; Raymond F., born Dec. 11, 1899; and Agnes A., born Jan. 13. 1902. He married (second) July 15, 1909, Louise F. Smith, of Jamestown, N. Y., a daughter of Charles W. and Della G. (Strickland) Smith.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.