USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York > Part 64
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St. Mary's Lyceum .- In September 1889, Rev. Stephen Kealey assem- bled, time and again, a number of the young men of St. Mary's Parish, to organize a society. The St. Mary's Literary, Social and Scientific Lyceum was the result. Its constitution provided for a literary, social and a military
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department. The prospect of eventually owning a lyceum building, was proposed as a motive for united action. Catholic young men of other cities had erected imposing structures, why could not the young men of St. Mary's Parish follow their example? The timid treated the proposition as a beau- tiful dream of builders of " castles in the air." The organization, after some months, lingered and was finally dissolved. One of the thoughts uppermost in the mind of Rev. Fr. John, on again taking charge of St. Mary's Parish in 1890, was to bring the young men together and establish an intellectual and social society. An incomplete organization was effected. Measures were taken to engage rooms for social and literary purposes. But difficulties multiplied, and after a few months of languishing existence it was, discon- tinued. Late in 1891 Rev. Fr. Mark, with several prominent members of St. Mary's Parish, were talking over the best interests of their church, the subject was broached by Mr. R. Mulholland of making another attempt to organize the young men into a literary society, and by a pleasing coincidence he took the position advocated by Rev. Fr. John, suggesting a judicious blending of the maturer element with the younger. The matter was pro- posed to Rev. Fr. John, who favored the movement. 33 members of the congregation offered to donate $50 each in the furtherance of organizing a permanent literary society and erect a lyceum building. Steps were then taken to become a corporate body in accordance with the laws of the state. Through the kindly offices of Lester F. Stearns, Esq., the necessary docu- ment, which gave the association a legal existence, was prepared and pro- perly filed. June 20, 1892, the corner-stone was laid with imposing cere- monies. All the Catholic societies and many municipal societies participated, and on the 24th of the following November the doors of the lyceum build- ing were thrown open to its patrons.
The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was dedicated November 18, 1877. The German Catholics of Dunkirk worshipped with St. Mary's con- gregation until 1857. when they organized a society and built " St. George's" a frame church. A separate parish was made in 1874, when Father Kolb took charge, and the ".Church of the Sacred Heart " was built at a cost of $20,000. George Dotterweich assisted liberally in building these churches. He paid for the clock in the steeple, the chime of bells, donated a $5,000 marble altar and left a bequest of $4,000 for the erection of a school-house adjoining the church. Under the ministrations of Rev. Andrew Frey St. George's Hall was erected at a cost of about $9,000. In the parish there are about 200 families. Rev. Fr. Sester, an old and revered priest formerly pastor at Lancaster, N. Y., is the present rector.
St. Hyacinth's Roman Catholic Polish Church was erected in 1875 at a cost of $10,000. Fathers Bratkiewicz, Schneider, Lebiecki, Ciszek, Zar- enczny and Klawiter officiated prior to the present pastor. There are about
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300 families and about 175 children in the parish. Under the rectorship of Father Klawiter, the present beautiful church was completed. Rev. A. Lex is the present pastor.
The Chautauqua Il'hig was the first permanent newspaper of Dunkirk. Its publication was commenced in August 1834, by Thompson & Carpenter. Its name was later changed to the Dunkirk Beacon. The Dunkirk Printing Company now publishes the Chautauqua Farmer and the Daily Observer- Journal. The Advertiser and Union is a Democratic newspaper and has a wide and influential circulation.
The first bank established in Dunkirk was a bank of issue by A. J. Webb, about 1844. About 1851 the New York, and Erie bank was opened. Tru- man R. Coleman, in March, 1855, established the Lake Shore Banking Com- pany. In April, 1883, the Lake Shore National Bank was organized with T. R. Coleman at its head. Upon his death in 1865, his son William T. Coleman succeeded him, and in 1891, after the sudden death of Mr. Coleman, M. L. Himman was made president. The capital is $105,000. The Mer- chant's National Bank was opened March 6, 1882, capital $100,000. Lang- ley Fullagar was its first president. He was succeeded by Stephen M. Clem- ent, and Mr. Clement by his son, Stephen M. Charles D. Murray, vice-pres- ident. John H. Lascelles, cashier. Mr. Lascelles is a native of Dunkirk, served in the office of the New York and Eric railroad, was treasurer of the board of education, city treasurer for many years and teller of the Lake Shore bank and occupied many prominent positions. He resigned in 1892, went to Buffalo, and is assistant cashier of the Marine Bank. He was succeeded by P. J. Mulholland.
The Gratiot, one of the finest hotels in Western New York, was erected by the " Young Men's Building Association," and is now conducted by Dan- iel F. Toomey, one of the members. Mr. Toomey was born in Dunkirk, edu- cated in its public schools and is one of the active business men. The Gratiot is made of brick and stone and has four stories. " The views from the windows are unsurpassed in their combined extent, variety and beauty of scene. They include the wide spreading city with its many churches, public buildings, beautiful homes and finely shaded streets on every side : Lake Erie with Point Gratiot, Hickoryhurst and Battery Point on the west and north ; and on the south, the ever-grand Chautauqua hills." Mrs. E. M. H. Edwards. The Erie Hotel has always held a leading position.
LAWYERS .- Charles DeKalb Murray, for many years the leader of the bar of Chautauqua county, was born May 4, 1831, at Gilford, Chenango county, and was admitted to the bar at Buffalo in 1860 and practiced law four years in Hinsdale. In August, 1864, he came here and has since prac- ticed law in Dunkirk. He was delegate for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus to the Democratic national convention in 1884.
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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.
W. W. Holt was born at Springfield, Otsego county, September 24, 1821. He received his education in the common schools at Gilbertsville and Clin- ton academies. He studied law in Fredonia, and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court in 1849. He practised law in this county over 40 years. He was an upright and able lawyer with an extensive practice. He was counsel for the Chautauqua assembly for over twelve years and was also counsel for the free association of Cassadaga lake. He died September 18, 1893. Walter D. Holt, son of W. W. Holt, after being admitted to the bar, became a partner in his father's practice in 1879. He has served as city counselor since 188 3.
Francis Smith Edwards was born May 28, 1817. He received an acade- mic education and then entered Hamilton college. After leaving college he read law in Norwich and in Sherburne, and was admitted to the bar in New York city in May, 1840. October 8, 1840, he married Julia H., daughter of Squire White, of Fredonia. After practising law at Sherburne and Albany 'in 1851, he removed to Fredonia and afterwards to Dunkirk. In both places he practised law with great success. He is an able advocate and coun- selor and stood in the front rank of the profession. Among other public positions held by him were master and examiner in chancery and special surrogate. In 1853 he was elected member of Congress to represent Chau- tauqua and Cattaraugus counties. He discontinued practice in 1892 and has since been police justice of Dunkirk. While in Congress his first wife died. October 7, 1858, he married Eliza M., daughter of E. T. Hatch, of Niles, Mich. Mrs. Edwards is a graduate of the state normal college, and was for- merly a teacher in the Auburn and Fredonia academies. She is a lady of literary tastes and accomplishments and a writer of much merit. She has been for several years the Chautauqua county correspondent of the Buffalo Courier and New York Sun.
Lester F. Stearns was born July 27, 1856, at Villenova. He is a son of Crawford and Lovisa Stearns. He was educated for his profession at Forest- ville and Dunkirk, was admitted to the bar at Rochester, April 17, 1882, and located at Dunkirk for practice in June, 1882. He is the senior member of the firm of " Stearns & Warner," established in April, 1890, and has been district attorney.
Elton Dean Warner, born July 23, 1867, at Villenova, is the son of Eras- tus Dean, and Jane R. Warner of Forestville. He studied law with " Holt & Holt" in 1885 and 1886, with Surrogate Sherman of Forestville in 1887 and 1888, and then went to Cornell University School of Law where he was graduated in June, 1889, with the degree of L. L. B. He was admitted to the bar at the general term in June, 1889, at Buffalo, and in November, 1889 he commenced the practice of law at Dunkirk and became a member of the
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firm of "Stearns & Warner" in April, 1890. He was assistant district attorney from January, 1890, until January 1, 1893.
Fred G. Wyman, son of W. H. and E. R. Wyman, was born in Dunkirk, March 8, 1859. He read law with C. D. Murray, and was admitted to the bar at Rochester, April 7, 1882, and practised law in Dunkirk until Decem- ber, 1888. He resumed practice in September, 1893.
S. P. Fox, Leslie A. Pease, and H. P. Bishop are practising lawyers.
PHYSICIANS .- Of the physicians, Dr. Ezra Williams was the first in Dun- kirk. He came in 1820. He was born in Massachusetts. His wife was the daughter of Rev. Walter King, of Norwich, Com. In early life he moved to Utica where he commenced the practice of medicine, but failing health determined him to go to Western New York. A few small buildings along Front street then constituted the village. Central Avenue was then a continuous forest from Third street to Fredonia. The only road for teams to the latter village was one running westerly to near the mouth of the Can- adaway, thence to Fredonia by the creek road. Dr. Williams was a promi- nent and widely known physician, and in his prime had the most extensive practice in the northern part of the county. "He had the kindest and most sympathetic of natures." He was postmaster of Dunkirk in John Quincy Adams' administration. He was one of the founders of the Dunkirk Academy, which became a flourishing institution of learning.
Drs. Day, Daniel Gould, Thomas Frame and others were here prior to 1850. Dr. Samuel M. Smith, Dr. Matteson and Dr. H. M. T. Smith, now deceased, were popular, well-known physicians of a later period.
Dr. Henry Raymond Rogers was born in Maine in 1822, graduated from Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1851, and in 1852 located in Dunkirk where he still continues. He is distinguished for his scientific investigations, and his original views of matter and the laws which govern . it are now attracting the attention of scientists. He maintains that all phy- sical phenomena without exception are transformations of electrical energy.
Dr. Wm. J. Cronyn, a native of Canada, residing in New York from boy- hood, entered the 30th Michigan Infantry in 1864, when but fifteen, and served through the war. He was graduated from the medical department of. the University of Buffalo in 1870; was surgeon in the navy from 1873 to 1876. In 1876 and '77 Dr. Cronyn published the Dunkirk Semi-weekly Tribune. He was supervisor, a member of the city council and board of education, secretary and treasurer of Chautauqua County Medical Society, and a member of the board of censors, state medical director and a prominent official in the G. A. R. He removed to Wisconsin.
Dr. F. S. Jackson a native of Syracuse, has resided in Dunkirk from early childhood. He commenced the study of medicine about 1870, and,
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after a thorough course, was graduated from the University of New York six years ago and located in this city for practise.
Dr. Rollin T. Rolph, son of William D. and Elizabeth (Willett) Rolph, was born at French Creek, September 3, 1851. He was graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1873. He has practised in Pennsylvania and Dakota. He located in Fredonia in 1888 and now has an office in Dunkirk. He is a member of the Chautanqua county and New York State Medical Associations.
Dr. Nathan E. Beardsly was born at Pine Valley, studied medicine with his uncle, C. C. Johnson, of Gowanda, N. Y., graduated from the University of Buffalo in the class of '89-'90, and served one year as home physician and surgeon at the Buffalo General Hospital. Since then he has been located at Dunkirk.
Dr. George E. Blackham was graduated from the medical department of the Buffalo University. He has made a specialty of the eye, ear, throat and nose, and is a scientific investigator in the microscopical field.
Dr. Julien Taintor Williams, fourth child of Dr. Ezra Williams, was born in Dunkirk, November, 1829. He attended the Fredonia academy several years, afterwards taught the public schools of Dunkirk, and, at the same time was employed in the drug store of Charles Beggs, with whom he learned that business, studied medicine with his father, attended lectures at Buffalo Medical College, and at the medical college at Castleton, Vt., from which he was graduated in 1851. He returned to Dunkirk, became a druggist and practiced medicine. He married the same year, Julia K., daughter of E. R. Thompson. In 1858 he was elected president of the board of education in which he was continued 18 years, being a member for 25 years. He was elected president of the village several years, represented Dunkirk on the board of supervisors three years. He has always been a staunch, active Republican, " never did anything on halves" and always supported his views with strength and ardor. In 1865 and in 1885 he represented the 2nd assem- bly district. He has been intimately associated with every good work and public improvement which this city has ever seen and from which its citizens are daily receiving full benefits. He has owned and edited the Evening Observer and Farmer since 1888.
Among the other physicians are Dr. D. G. Alling, J. J. Sullivan, J. W. Pond and Isabella H. Stanley. A. A. Stone, Byron Rathbun, H. J. Howe and Edward H. Emerson are dentists.
Otis Stillman was the pioneer in the insurance business, which he estab- lished in 1850 and conducted for over 35 years. He was long identified with the city. He was succeeded by Samuel J. Gifford. Mr. Gifford was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, and has been a resident of Dunkirk since 1854. Besides insurance he has a real estate commission business. Mr. Gifford has represented Dunkirk upon the Chautauqua county board of supervisors.
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William Zimmerman, Charles II. Harris and J. Lyman Van Buren have also been long in the insurance business.
The business of photography was commenced by O. Monroe in 1852. Gif- ford's art gallery has an established reputation. Byron R. Gifford, a native of the county and long in the business, purchased Mr. Monroe's gallery in 1881.
Dunkirk's largest manufacturing establishment is the Brooks Locomotive Works. The grounds cover nearly 20 acres. 1,000 workmen are employed and the works have a capacity of 250 or 300 engines per year. It pays out weekly $12,000, and its annual output is about $2,500,000. The excellency of its engines are surpassed by none. M. L. Hinman is president. Marshall L. Hinman, son of Simeon B. Hinman, was born in East Otto, N. Y., Decem- . ber 12, 1841. In 1861 he became timekeeper at the Dunkirk shops of the Erie railroad, in 1864 he was appointed division clerk of the northwestern division of the Erie road with office at Hornellsville, in 1865 he was made chief clerk of the machinery department of the road with office at New York, in October 1869 was elected secretary and treasurer of the Brooks Locomotive Works (at organization), in 1887 he was elected vice-president and treasurer of the works, and, after the death of Edward Nichols, January 7, 1892, was chosen president in his place, and continued as treasurer. Mr. Himnan has been president of Dunkirk board of education, alderman, presi- dent of the water and electric light board, and mayor for three terms. He is also president of the Lake Shore National Bank, and has been a nominee of the Democratic party for state senator. His family consists of a wife and daughter, his only son having died in 1888.
The Martin Anti-fire Car Heater Company, capital stock $500,000, was incorporated in 1883, with William Martin president and Frank E. Shaw, then of Sinclairville, vice-president. It became an important industry. William Martin, president of the company, was born in England but came to America in his childhood and learned the trade of machinist. In New England he was a pupil of Prof. James T. Edwards. He studied theology and became an eloquent preacher. He came to Dunkirk in 1871 and was put in charge of the M. E. church. Some years later he invented his system of car heating. It was first adopted and used by the Dunkirk Allegany Val- ley & Pittsburgh railroad, and was afterwards extensively by other roads. A fine brick structure was erected in Dunkirk for the works adjoining the Lake Shore tracks, which employed 75 hands.
An addition was made to the manufacturing enterprises of Dunkirk in 1890 by the organization of the Harell Steam Heating Company with a cap- ital of $40,000. Richard Harell, its founder, came to Dunkirk in 1880, and accepted the position of foreman of the Brooks Locomotive Works. In 1883 lie patented a steel-plate tubular boiler adapted to the warming of buildings. An extensive plant to manufacture these boilers has been erected. William
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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.
H. Harell, son of Richard, the general manager, was born in Patterson, N. J., in 1882. He learned the trade of machinist in the Brooks Locomotive Works. The Harell Steam Heating Company in May, 1894, was succeeded by the United States Radiator Company, of which R. J. Gross is president. Mr. Gross was president of the Harell Steam Heating Company, and has long been agent for the locomotive works.
In 1861 the Dunkirk Basket Machine Company, Thomas Flesher proprie- tor, was founded. Mr. Flesher was born in England and came to this country in 1848. He established and conducted a large business, and, in 1873, retired, being succeeded that year by his sons, G. and C. H. Flesher, who continued until 1878, when the father again assumed control. From two to four skilled workmen are employed and steam is used as motive power. All kinds of machinery for manufacturing fruit and other baskets are made.
M. J. O'Donnell & Co's planing mill was founded in 1867 by T. O'Don- nell ; Richard I. Cary, one of the firm, is a leading and influential citizen, born at Boston, in Erie county. He early learned the printer's trade and published the Cattaraugus Whig. He moved to Dunkirk in 1852, and has been engaged in hardware and flour and feed business. He has been post- master and is now president of the board of water commissioners. His son, Philip B. Cary, is a member of " P. B. Cary & Co.," a leading hardware firm.
The Dunkirk Engineering Company, manufacturing engines, boilers and general machinery, is one of the most important of the city's industries, employing about 50 skilled mechanics. The Mulholland Spring Company, the lumber manufactories of Barber, Scully & Co., the Dunkirk Barrel Fac- tory, the Dunkirk Shirt Company employing 100 women, the "Home" Steam Laundry employing 30 persons, the feed mills of Coleman & Saun- ders, Frank May and D. F. Toomey, and the Dunkirk marble and granite works are others. S. M. Hamilton, formerly cashier and agent of the Buf- falo and Eric railroad, was the pioneer of the coal and lumber business in Dunkirk. He died several years ago. Since his decease the business has been successfully carried on by his widow, Mrs. Emma Coleman Hamilton. Mrs. Hamilton has been president of the Dunkirk Woman's Educational and Industrial Union and an active member of the Woman's Literary Club. M. K. MeDonough, J. T. Hoole & Co., P. J. Mulholland & Co., C. J. Alexander and H. H. Roberts are other firms engaged in the coal business.
T. P. Heffernan is the present postmaster. J. C. Haggett is the collector of the United States customs at the port of Dunkirk. Mr. Haggett was born in North Edgecomb, Maine. He came to Dunkirk in 1861 where he was et iployed in the New York and Erie repair shop and as locomotive engi- neer. Afterwards he had charge of the locomotive and car department of the D. A. V. & P. railroad, and was superintendent of motive power and machin- ery until appointed collector in 1891.
Tillagas
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
LANGLEY FULLAGAR.
BY REV. E. P. ADAMS.
The character of a city being but the sum and product of the individual characters of its citizens, every man's individuality has a peculiar interest for us. Langley Fullager wrought his character into the texture of this city altogether in a quiet way. A prominent banker, devoting his energies to banking, during his thirty-eight years residence here he held no public office, for it was known that he would accept none. His devotion to what- ever business he had in hand .was phenomenal, and it has been remarked that for years he did the work of several men. He had some favorite say- ings in accordance with which he fully acted : "Be sure you are right and then go ahead ;" "There is only one way of doing a thing and that is the right way." In spite of a splendid constitution, overwork brought on ner- vous weakness approximating nervous prostration. Though continuing in business, ill-health induced a retiring habit, and perhaps an indisposition to adopt some of the newer methods of the younger race of business men, in whose eyes he seemed somewhat over cautious. His integrity stood forth in bold relief, nor could any one question his superior business qualifications, as well as other qualities which go to make a strong and simple character. He was also very successful.
A friend .wrote of him : " His training as a banker led him to state facts with simplicity, accuracy, directness, and in few words ; and no discount needed ever to be made from the simple face of what he said. He had a native conscientious integrity, and his honest word found a backing in his honest face and manner, while his good judgment made him a reliable and trusted advisor. He accorded to others their full dnes, and in turn demanded his own, but never any more. He was the soul of honor. Crooks and gain- blers in stocks found him unpliable to their purposes. Of a tender and nicely sensitive nature, he was pleased with appreciation. Indeed, none knew him truly who did not know how keenly susceptible he was to all that is honorable and magnanimous, or how untruth and underhandedness dis- gusted him. So disturbed was he by any wrong dealing that came to light, that he could not conceal his disapprobation in face and manner if not in word. This earned him credit for being a man of strong prejudices. It is
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remembered that when speculation in oil was rife in this section and the ' bucket shop' lured many people into gambling, Mr. Fullagar was greatly exercised over the mischief and public demoralization resulting therefrom. He had faith only in honest work and the gains of legitimate business."
Langley Fullagar spent several years in New Orleans, was married in 1845,* came to Dunkirk in 1854, was for several years cashier of the Lake Shore Bank, and in 1882 organized the Merchant's National Bank of which he became president. It may safely be affirmed that in the history of Dun- kirk no man has exercised a greater influence in the direction of business integrity, than did Langley Fullagar.
PORTLAND.
BY HORACE C. TAYLOR, M. D.
CHAPTER LIII.
Much of the material for this history is taken from the writer's " History of Portland," published in 1873.
T HE original town of Portland comprised the present towns of Portland, Westfield and Ripley, and was taken from the town of Chautauqua. The act defining its boundaries was passed April 9, 1813. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the house of Jonathan Cass in West- field, when these officers were elected : Supervisor-Thomas Prendergast. Town Clerk-Asa Hall. Assessors-Jonathan Cass, Oliver Stetson, David Eaton. Com'rs of Highways-John Post, Wm. Bell, James Parker. Col- lector-Samuel Dickson. Com'rs of Schools-Robert Dickson, Jabez Hurlburt, David Eaton. Inspectors of Schools-Elijah Hayden, Amos Atwater, James Parker. Constables-Samuel Dickson, Asa Hall. Overseers of the Poor- James Montgomery, John Brewer. Portland did not long remain with its first boundaries. So great was the influx of emigration that there was a demand for better accomodations for the transaction of public business and attendance upon elections. In 1815 a project for a division was discussed, and resulted in an act passed March 1, 1816, erecting Ripley, which com- prised all the territory of the towns west of Chautauqua creek ; all east of that creek, to constitute Portland. Portland and Ripley then remained unchanged until 1829. The town meeting in 1828 had been a spirited one,
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