USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume III > Part 6
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WILLIAM C. BRIGGS-Probably the greatest compliment that can be paid a man is that he has made himself a credit to his nation in the great commercial world as well as a credit to the mercantile community in which he lives. Public-spirited to the highest degree, he is ever forward in encouraging enterprises which can in any way advance the interests of Jamestown and Chautauqua county. Such a man is William C. Briggs, who by his honorable exertions and moral attributes gained for himself all that a man could desire, friends, affluence and position. By the strength and force of his own character he overcame obstacles which to others less sanguine and optimistic would have seemed unsur- mountable. His fertile mind wrought many measures for the ultimate good of the State, and as selfishness was never considered a fault of his, the citizens of the county have felt and will continue to feel the results of his untiring efforts for some time to come. He is rigidly honest in all his dealings with the business world, and in fact in all his relations in life, and through his geniality and sociability he has acquired numerous friends from all walks of life. In the estimation of those who know him, his calling and his competent manner in handling weighty affairs entitle his biography the same place in the history of Chautauqua county as that accorded those who have been eminent in the up- building of Chautauqua county.
William C. Briggs who, for a number of years past, was treasurer and general manager of the Chautauqua Towel Mills, but who is now living temporarily retired at his home at No. 404 East Fifth street, Jamestown, N. Y., was horn in the town of Ellington, June 5, 1866, a son of Carey and Martha Ann ( Staples) Briggs. Carey Briggs, son of Francis Briggs, was born in the State of Massachusetts, and was an agriculturist by trade. He married (first) Diana Gould, and the children by this union were: Clara D., who resides in Jamestown with her sister, Mrs. Arthur C. Wade; Frances, widow of Arthur C. Wade; Caroline, wife of Jerry Gifford, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Briggs married ( second) Martha Ann Staples, and they were the parents of three children, as follows : Martha May, who resides in Jamestown; Charles, who died in infancy ; and William C., see forward.
William C. Briggs, whose name is the caption of this article, obtained his early education in the public schools of Ellington, and after graduating from the Ellington school entered the high school of Jamestown, N. Y., being graduated from there with the class of 1888. Im- mediately after leaving the Jamestown High School, he began reading law in the offices of Cook, Fisher & Wade. However, after reading law one year, Mr. Briggs decided that he preferred a business life to a professional one at the bar, and accordingly he formed a partnership in 1889 with Fred E. Hatch, under the firm name of Hatch & Briggs, as druggists. Their place of business was located upon Third street, James- town, and there Mr. Briggs continued until 1902, when he disposed of his interest in the business and joined in organizing the Chautauqua Towel Mills, of James- town. Arthur C. Wade, Mr. Briggs' brother-in-law, was made president of the company, and Mr. Briggs was elected to the office of treasurer. This position he held until 1906, when he was elected general manager of the company as well. Mr. Briggs continued to hold these offices until 1919, when the business was sold out to a new concern, and since that time he has lived retired. Politically, Mr. Briggs is a staunch Republican, but never could be induced to hold office, preferring to devote his time and attention wholly to his home and business affairs. In religious affiliations, Mr. Briggs is a Methodist, and both he and his family are prominent in the church of that denomination in Jamestown.
On June 23, 1892, Mr. Briggs was united in marriage with Minnie Elizabeth Clement, who was born in Centerville, Pa., Oct. 18, 1869, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Thompson) Clement. Mrs. Briggs received her education in the Jamestown grammar and high schools, graduating from the latter institution with the class of 1888. Up to the time of her marriage, Mrs. Briggs was a teacher of Physical Culture and Elocution at the Jamestown High School. She was a prominent member of the Mozart and Browning clubs, a member of the Agnes Home Association, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the Clotho Society of that church. Mrs. Briggs, who died at hier home, Oct. 1, 1919, was a woman of amiability and great mental attainments. Her true refinement and sweet personality raised for her a host of friends, and her death was mourned by all who knew her. She was a wise counsellor, sympathetic in difficulties, remarkable in comprehending a situation, reasonable and sound in her judgment. She was splen- didly loyal and devoted to her church, and for many years she was the leader in all its good work. She was a woman of large benefactions; not only did she help substantially in all the departments of the church work, so that she was often called affectionately the "good angel" of the church, but her private charities were large. Hundreds if not thousands will rise up and call her blessed. She was a lady of the old school, full of dignity, sweetness and gracious womanhood. She be- lieved in the great revelations of the gospel with all her heart and her life was an illustration of their teachings. Her memory is an inspiration and a benediction to all who knew her, and her death called forth many beauti- full tributes, among which was one tendered by the Rev. and Mrs. Horace G. Ogden, who said in part :
A daughter of Jamestown, inheriting her best tradi- tions, trained in her schools, moving in her best circles,
Cart Ray
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an exemplar of all that is finest and highest in her life, has been called away as in the twinkling of an eye.
Possessed of a great love of the beautiful, she sought and found it everywhere, in nature and in human life. The birds and flowers, landscapes and skies, all con- tributed constantly to her life, and from art and litera- ture and aspiring friends she perennially drew, to build more firm and true her own character. She was an adventurer after truth, and all her years followed the gleam, until it led her into the full-orbed Day.
This made her an ardent student. She pursued sys- tematic courses of study and thus ripened into a woman of wide knowledge with a rare insight into the deeper realities of life. Robert Browning found in her an ardent admirer and illuminating interpreter because she brought to the study of his poems a spirit like his own, earnest and sincere, and a mind whose research and experience was fitted to understand and appreciate this poet of the inner life. And thus for her, life lengthened and joy deepened.
Mrs. Briggs steadfastly adhered to that which was good; she forever aspired; she had a keen sense of moral values and was ever quick to discern a lower- ing tendency in any movement of individual or com- munity life. She was ethically sensitive: she knew what she believed and why, and once convinced of the right course was adamant in her adherence to it.
Because of these qualities, she was a real power in the community; many who knew her only in the chance occasional intercourse were conscious of her influence; to those few who were privileged to be her intimate friends she gave herself without reserve, and to-day they feel an irreparable loss in the removal of this powerful and loved personality.
Mrs. Briggs had a beautiful consciousness of God, and a vivid sense of His reality and abiding presence; she was a devout worshiper, humble, sincere and un- afraid. She was a gentle woman, high-minded, pure, serene, considerate, thorough-going, a Christian in whom there was no guile.
Finally, the beauty of her home life was so perfect and sacred one may dare only to hint at it. "Twenty- seven years, lovers" was literally true for her and her husband. A companionship so complete, a love and understanding so deep, marked their life together, that to him, who so long had this unspeakable happi- ness, goes out not only sympathy in this great hour of his loss, but congratulations that the great gift has been his.
In Browning's "Pompilia" are found these lines which may be applied most fittingly to this rare and beautiful character:
"Through such souls alone, God stooping, shows sufficient of His light for us in the dark to rise by."
In closing this review of Mr. Briggs' life we may say that in private life he is greatly beloved by all who know him. Genial, whole souled and fond of a joke, his manners are frank and kindly. His success in life has in no way changed him, and this is a principal reason for his popularity. He fought his way to his present position, earnestly and manfully, thus becoming one of the best examples of a self-made man of our times, and has not forgotten the difficulties that beset his way. This probably is the reason that a tale of dis- tress always finds him with a willing ear and a heart ready to alleviate suffering in all forms in which it is in his power to do so. His clean cut face clearly deline- ates his forcible character, and his contemporaries are glad to honor him as one of the leading citizens of Chau- tauqua county.
PAUL De LANEY-Still a young man as years are counted in the commercial world, Paul De Laney is the present executive head and general manager of The Paul De Laney Company, Incorporated, an enterprise created through his initiative and ability, and since its foundation he has been the inspiring, guiding and con- trolling head. His training was received in that great school of commercial methods-the Chicago dressed meat industry-fourteen years close adherence to which perfectly fitted him to conduct the manufacture of food Chau-22
products which are prepared and sold under the trade- mark, "American Maid," by The Paul De Laney Com- pany, Incorporated, of Brocton, Chautauqua county, N. Y.
Paul De Laney, son of Joseph R. and Sarah De Laney (now deceased), was born in Princeton, Mo., May 2, 1877. He was educated in the grade and high schools of Cameron, Mo., class of 1894. Later he was a student in Atchinson, Kan., pursuing advanced courses, com- pleting his education in the year 1900. In 1901 Mr. De Laney commenced his business career with the Cudahy Packing Company of Chicago, in the capacity of salesmanı. He remained with that company fourteen years, during which time he gained the perfect coufi- dence of the officials of the corporation, which confidence was expressed by the constant increasing of his respon- sibilities and position. In 1915 he organized The Paul De Laney Company, Incorporated, for the manufacture of quality food products, establishing the plant at Broc- tou, N. Y., in the heart of the Chautauqua county grape belt. The corporation has developed into a very import- ant one, its $2,000,000 capital being invested in a large, modern factory plant, with the latest and best equip- ment, where "American Maid" foods are prepared and shipped to customers from coast to coast, including, also export business. The offices of the company occupy a separate building, and in the construction of both office and factory full emphasis has been laid on the features so essential to the rendering of efficient service, viz., light, sanitation, modern equipment throughout; also, a careful observance of all conditions that lead to the general welfare of a people banded together to pro- duce food products. Factory buildings are of steel, con- crete and brick, their walls enclosing a floor space of 124,000 square feet. The value of the company's invest- ment is shown by the amount of insurance carried- $760,000. The average factory payroll of the company numbers 240 men and women. The success of the etter- prise, now (1920) in its fifth year, is due to its wise management and the spirit of true cooperation with which Mr. De Laney has inspired his associates.
In political faith Mr. De Laney is a Democrat. He has taken little part in public affairs beyond exercising the obligations of citizenship, having concentrated his entire energies upon the fulfilment of his business responsibilities. During the World War he was the deeply interested, patriotic American, aiding in all the activities of that period, the various "drives" receiving his personal support and encouragement. He is inter- ested in other forms of business activity, and has bank- ing connections in Chautauqua county and in Buffalo. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus. His standing in the com- munity is due not alone to his business prominence, but for the public-spirited interest shown in regard to any matter concerning the public welfare.
Mr. De Laney married, June 26, 1907, Elizabeth K. Robbins, of Belfast, Me. Mr. and Mrs. De Laney are the parents of five children-one son, Rhoderick, and four daughters: Devonia, Mary and Lillian Ruth (triplets) ; and Pauline. The family home is in Brocton, Chautau- qua county.
Mr. De Laney has won his way to responsible position through native ability, optimism, determination, and the
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application of sound business principles. The manner in which he has solved his problems and risen to success should prove both an example and an inspiration to the young man who would have a part in twentieth century business life.
ERNEST JOHN BAILEY, one of the leading residents of Brocton, Chautauqua county, N. Y., a successful building contractor who has to his credit many large contracts, has advanced far in material wealth, and at the same time has held the sincere respect of the people of the county who have known him under all conditions. He has manifested commendable charac- teristics, is a man of distinct business ability, and has exhibited a praiseworthy public-spirit, and a practical desire to help on the wellbeing of the community in general, and the poor and needy in particular. In busi- ness enterprise, he has been very successful, and has many consequential associations ; he has for two decades had a contracting business which has found employment for a considerable number of men, has taken part in the establishment and direction of other important man- ufacturing concerns and is vice-president of the Brocton Furniture Company.
Ernest J. Bailey was born in Charlotte Center, Char- lotte township. Chautauqua county, N. Y., Oct. 27, 1868, the son of John J. and Barbara (Beha) Bailey, or Ballay, as the family is known in France, wherein is the original family seat. Ernest John Bailey is French in both paternal and maternal antecedents, the paternal line originating in Champagne, and his maternal ances- tors being from Alsace-Lorraine, provinces of France. The patronymie, as originally spelled, was Ballay, and the American progenitor of the branch of the Ballay family to which Ernest John Bailey belongs was of that name, and it is not clear why the name became changed in spelling. It probably was wrongly written in real estate deeds, to substantiate the title to which the heirs took the Americanized version of the French patronymic. However that may be, the family in America has for some generations been known by the name of Bailey.
Ernest John Bailey was born on a farm, and in due time attended the district school nearest to his father's farm, after passing through which he seems to have commenced working at farming occupations quite early in his teens. By such work he accumulated sufficient means to carry him through business college, where he gained the fundamentals of executive work which were later of inestimable value to him in the management of his own important enterprises. He perhaps had mapped out his career well in advance, and knew the various steps by which sound success would come. Heapprenticed himself to carpentry, serving an apprenticeship of five years, and later for six years was a journeyman car- penter, by which time he was thoroughly conversant with most phases of building construction. By steadi- ness of his, and by industrious continuance in work during the years, he had by that time acquired some financial means, sufficient at all events to induce him to enter independently into business as a builder and con- tractor. He had come to Brocton in 1803, and had worked a' a carpenter upon many contracts in that place, so that he was comparatively well known in the village when he started in contracting business for him- self in typo. During the almost two decades to the
present, he has had very substantial success as a con- tractor, and has to his eredit the erection of many important buildings. Many of the fine residences of that section of Chautauqua county have been built by him, and among the buildings of public institutions and business corporations constructed by Mr. Bailey may be listed the following. all of which do credit to his thoroughness as a builder: The Broeton State Bank building; the Ahira Memorial Library building, Broc- ton; the Crandall building, Broeton; the Bailey building, which is a very fine structure, and used mainly by Mr. Bailey for his own business offices; the Norquist Metal Door Company plant, at Jamestown, a huge building; additions to the American Loco Works, and to the Atlas Crucible Steel Company plant at Dunkirk; con- struction work for the Buffalo and Lake Erie Traction Company, including the car barns at Fredonia, and all the stations with the exception of two between Buffalo and Erie, Pa .; the Court House at Mayville, Chautauqua county ; the Church of Christ at Chautauqua; the Chau- tauqua High School; the Falconer High School; the Jamestown Grammar School; the Sherman Library; the Armour Grape Juice Company headquarters at Westfield, Chautauqua county; the gymnasium and other additions to the Normal School at Fredonia; some of the building of the Redwing Grape Juice Company, Fredonia; warehouses of same company at Fredonia ; the Memorial Hospital at Lilly Dale; the St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church at Dunkirk; and the plant of the Brocton Furniture Company; in addition Mr. Bailey has also undertaken many important building contracts outside Chautauqua county. He has during the period given employment to an average of about 140 workmen. It may therefore be inferred that, with moderate success, he must have acquired an appreciable degree of material wealth during the many years he has spent in consequential business as a contractor. As a matter of fact, he has been universally successful, for he knew his business thoroughly before committing himself to independent work. And latterly, as a capi- talist, he has been brought into connection with many other outside enterprises. He owns stock in many manufacturing corporations in Chautauqua county ; Mr. Bailey is one of the largest stockholders of the Brocton Furniture Company, of which he is vice-presi- dent.
Politically, Mr. Bailey is an independent Democrat, but has been too busy with business affairs that needed almost his undivided attention to have much time to spare for participation in political movements, and he has never allowed himself to consider the thought of taking publie office. Ile has, nevertheless, always been closely interested in local affairs, and has been ready to lend his support to any worthy local project. Religiously, the Ballays are Roman Catholics; that is to say, the French family was of the Roman Catholic faith, although Ernest J. Bailey has not followed in that church. In fraternal affiliations, he has been faithful and is identi- fied particularly with the Masonie order. He has risen to the thirty-second degree in the order, and is a mem- ber of the following: Blue Lodge of Brocton; the Chapter, Couneil, and Commandery, of Dunkirk; the Buffalo Shrine; and the Consistory of Jamestown, also of Buffalo.
On Sept. 12, 1900, Ernest John Bailey married Ruth
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EIGENBROADT FAMILY REUNION AT ELLINGTON, 1905
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Hall Pettit, grand-niece of Ahira Hall, whose genealogy will be found elsewhere in this historical work. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have been born three children: Kath- leen Elizabeth, now in high school; Angeline Sarah, twin sister of the first-named, and also a high school student; Florence Edith, who also attends the local school.
The business success of Ernest John Bailey has been notable, especially so, bearing in mind that it has come to him entirely by his own efforts, and he has a definite place among the worthy Chautauqua county people of his generation.
HENRY RAPPOLE-Nearly nine years have elapsed since Henry Rappole, farmer, veteran soldier, and public official, passed to his reward, but his memory is green and will forever live in the history of his native county and adopted city, for he served them both in important position. The Rappoles came to Chautauqua from Eastern New York, the first of the name, Adam Rappole, coming to the town of Ellery, when vir- gin timber covered most of the fertile farms of the town. Adam Rappole was the father of Henry Rap- pole, to whose memory this review of a worthy life is dedicated.
Adam Rappole, born in New York State, came to Chautauqua county after the close of the War of 1812, and settled on a 100 acre tract of timber land in the town of Ellery, his tract a part of the original Holland Land Purchase. Adam Rappole built a house from the logs felled on his own property, and in course of time the forest fled before his axe, and cultivated fields fol- lowed, and there he lived a general farmer and stock raiser until his death in 1860, at the age of sixty-six years. He is buried in Bemus Point Cemetery. He mar- ried Elizabeth Rice, and they were the parents of eight children: Nancy, married Aaron Klock, and died in the State of Illinois; John, died at the old homestead in Ellery; George, died in the State of Wisconsin; Mary, married William Rooker, of Ellery; Electa, married Orsenne Richards; Frank, died in Iowa; Henry, of fur- ther mention ; and a child who died in infancy. Mrs. Rap- pole, who was a member of the Presbyterian church, died at the farm in Ellery, and is buried with her hus- band in Bemus Point Cemetery.
Henry Rappole, youngest son of Adam and Elizabeth (Rice,' Rappole, was born at the homestead in the town of Ellery, Chautanqua county, N. Y., Oct. 27, 1833, died in the city of Jamestown, Jan. 25, 1911. He attended the county district schools of Ellery and spent his years of minority on the farm as his father's assistant. After attaining legal age he engaged in lumbering, rafting logs down the rivers to mills below. Later he bought seventy acres in Ellery township, which he improved and later added to until he 112 acres, which he conducted along the lines of general farming, also maintaining a dairy department and raising stock. The even current of his life was broken in 1862 by the War between the States, 1861-1865, and on Sept. 12, 1862, he enlisted in the Seventh Company, First Battalion, New York Sharp- shooters, under Captain Arnold. Mr. Rappole was ap- pointed corporal, then sergeant, but at the battle of the Wilderness his misfortunes began, a shot so disabling his left hand and arm that amputation was necessary. He
spent several weeks in the hospital, then was honorably discharged and mustered out of the United States service.
With his empty sleeve, Mr. Rappole returned home, and until 1879 engaged in farming. In that year he was elected superintendent of the county poor for Chautauqua county, an office he held for six years through five suc- cessive annual reelections. In 1882 he sold his farm in Ellery, and henceforth made Jamestown his home. He was a member of the Jamestown police force for several years, then was elected city treasurer, Oscar Price at that time being mayor. He held the office of treasurer three years, and then retired to private life, leaving a record of efficiency and devotion to duty highly credita- ble. Prior to coming to Jamestown he had served the town of Ellery as assessor and collector of taxes, and in every position held he gave to the duties involved the most careful attention and to the fullest extent of his ability served his constituency. He held exalted ideas of citizenship, and in all things measured up to the full standard of a man. He was a member of James M. Brown Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of James- town; member of the Union Veteran Legion; and in religious faith connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. He is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Jamestown.
Henry Rappole married, in Mayville, N. Y., July 5, 1855, Celina Carpenter, born in Pittstown, Rensselaer county, N. Y., died in Jamestown, April 18, 1920, at the age of eighty-two years, ten months and twelve days, daughter of Stephen R. and Prudence (Brownell) Car- penter, her parents old settlers of the town of Ellery. On July 5, 1905, Mr. and Mrs. Rappole celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding day, and six years longer they trod life's pathway together ere their paths separated, and the wife was left to walk alone. Mrs. Rappole was one of the oldest residents of the city, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the Woman's Relief Corps. She was a woman of strong Christian principle, and in the home which Mr. and Mrs. Rappole erected and maintained so long, love and happi- ness reigned. Their children were: Frances E., who died in childhood; and Nora R., married Frederick L. Bush, of Jamestown, representative of the Fleischmann Compressed Yeast Company; they have a daughter, Frances E., wife of William G. Ritzer, of Jamestown, and they have a daughter, Eleanora Jane Ritzer.
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