USA > New York > Wyoming County > History of Wyoming County, N.Y., with Illustrations, Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Some Pioneers and Prominent Residents > Part 81
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GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
Gibbs Post, No. 130, G. A. R., was instituted July 29th, 1871, under a charter granted July 24th. 1871.
The charter members were fourteen in number.
The first officers chosen were A. B. Lawrence, com- mander; A. A. Luther, senior vice-commander ; J. A. Stowe, junior vice-commander ; Wilson Agar, quartermas- ter ; E. M. Jennings, adjutant ; J. K. Smith, surgeon ; Rev. C. M. Booth, chaplain; W. D. Martin, sergeant major; A. W. Hough, officer of the day; G. D. Lawrence, officer of the guard.
It was named Gibbs Post in honor of Colonel Gibbs, of the 1st Dragoons. Since its organization it has had seventy- seven members, of whom forty are now members in good standing. One comrade, Jacob K. Smith, has died. The commanders since its organization have been A. B. Lawrence, Asa A. Luther, J. K. Smith and E. M. Jennings. The pres- ent officers are E. M. Jennings, commander; Robert Barnett, senior vice-commander; Norton C. Bradish, junior vice- commander; George W. Bradley, quartermaster; John Duggan, adjutant; John Barry, surgeon; Luther E. Spencer, chaplain; A. C. Manson, sergeant major; Charles Holley, quartermaster sergeant; Mills Merchant, officer of the day; -- Brewer, ocfhier of the guard.
UNITED WORKMEN.
Oatka Lodge, No. 110, A. O. U. W. was 'instituted October 5th, 1877, with twenty-two charter members.
The first officers were: P. M. W., John B. Matthews; M. W., Charles H. Agar; F., Jacob K. Smith; O., Albert A. Andrews; R., George W. Cadman; F., William W. Smallwood; Rc., Frank Bingham; Guide, Humphrey D. Snow; I. W., Charles H. Crocker; O. W., Francis Rebbe- toy. One death has occurred among the members of this lodge, that of Dr. Jacob K. Smith, who was drowned April Ioth, 1879. The benefit of $2,000 was paid to his daughter, Anna L. Smith.
The present officers are: M. W., Horace A. Metcalf; F., George D. Ellis; O., William H. Luce; R., George W. Cadman; F., William D. Martin; Rc., Charles H. Agar; Guide, Albert A. Andrews; I. W., Ashley McCulloch; O. W., Humphrey D. Snow. The present membership is fifty-one.
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BAXTER UNIVERSITY OF MUSIC.
This is a full educational institution in every department of musical learning-voice and instrument-from simplest beginnings to finished musician.
Regular school formula, graded courses of study, daily instructions, and all instru- ments for practice in its own buildings.
Its educational plan recognizes music as a form of language addressed to all, and places it in the plain light of common sense, that all may understand.
yours truly James Baxter
SCHOLASTIC MUSICAL GRADUATION.
There are four of these courses, quali- fying the learner in reading, writing and rendering musical sense, thought and idea in the music of the church, the parlor, the orchestra and the band respectively.
There are also schools of special virtu- osity in the rendition of classic and other elaborate works in solo performance.
With comprehensive understanding of the situation, and soliciting investigation, the institution is confidently offered as the most perfect organization of musical learn- ing ever opened to public opportunity.
JAMES BAXTER, Pres't.
Residence of JAMES BAXTER,
BAXTER UNIVERSITY of MUSIC, Founded 1853.
FRIENDSHIP, N. Y.
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THE FRANK FAMILY, TOWN OF WARSAW.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
DR. AUOCOTUS FRANK was born January 12th, 1792, in Canaan, Litchfield county, Conn. His father, Andrew Frank, was of German birth, having come to America with his widowed mother and an older sister in 1766. wben teren years of age. The family bad for generations in Germany been dis- ttoguisbed for learning and philanthrophy, and the name was connected with eminent professors and men of position and influence. The name was originally written Frapoke. but many branches of the family have adopted the shorter method of spelling.
The aim of the motber. who sought a home and a future for ber young children in the New World, was to rear them in such a manner as to make them useful citizens in the land of their adoption. In their young minds che instilled the principles of truth and duty, which, as they grew, devel- oped into patriotism and devotion to the public good.
Their arrival in this country being before the formation of the Federal government, the young son grew up under the colonial rule of Connecticut. Im bibing its carly spirit, characterized as it was by strict morais and babits o" Industry. The daughter, Catharine, was married to Oliver Mildeburger, of the oity of New York. The mother resided in New York city, making ber bome with ber daughter, Mrs. Mildeburger, until ber death. 8be was remembered by ber descendants for ber many strong and excellent traits of character.and . fur ber deep-toned plety. The son Andrew remained in Connecticut, be- onming an agriculturist aud manufacturer, which occupations were con- tinued during his life with Increasing prosperity. He married Miss Eliza- beth Shipman. daughter of Nathaniel Shipman, of Norwich, Conn., a lady of tine presence and sterling worth, and of a family distinguished then. as now. in that State. Their bome for many years wasat Canaan. where Mr. Francke died, leaving four cons and two daughters. He wasa man of great firmness. deolded ability and strict probity, such a character as might be expected from his ancestry and early training.
The care and guidance of the family now devolved with double responsi- bility upon the mother. Most faithfully did she devote berself to ber trust. moulding the characters of ber children in accordance with the principles of true worth, and with rar o wisdom directing ber sons in paths which led to upright and honorable manbood. She lived until the subject of this sketch, Dr. Augustus Frank, had arrived at years of maturity. He was the youngest of the children, and but eight years of age at the time of bis father's death. The training be received from ber be remembered during bis whole life with gratitude and commendation. It was to ber loving counsels and faithful restraints in good measure that he owed the tender consolen tiousness and moral purity that carly shone in his character, and made him in after years a strong support for others to lean upon. Four years after the death of the father the family removed from Canaan, Conn., to Granville, Washington county. N.Y. The older soms engaged in business and the younger members of the family continued their studies. Augustus, after completing his education, was for a time engaged as a teacher. He deolded upon the profession of medicine, studied at the medical school of Dorset. Vt., and was graduated from that institution. It was during these years that he enlisted as a volunteer in the war of 1812, between this country and Great Britain. He removed in 1814 to Victor. Ontario county, N. Y .. wbere be commenced the practice of medicine, remaining there three years. From that place be moved to Warsaw (then in Genesee county) in 1817, and funmediately formed a partnership in professional practice with Dr. Chauncey L. Sheldon. He was the second physician residing at Warsaw, Dr. Bbeldon alone preceding him. Their ride extended long distances over the surrounding country. At that time Western New York was the " far west." and Dr. Frank found the locality of his choice quite primitive in all its obaracteristics and surroundings, the town having been settled but fourteen yours. The whole country was but sparsely populated; even Roobester was but a hamlet and Buffalo a small village. The dwellings were plain and the roads new and rough. There were very few sobool buildings or churob edifices. It is said that the first church building in the State west of the Genesee river was built at Warsaw in the year 1817, in which enterprise Dr. Frank took a deep and active interest. Although but twenty-five years of age wben be made Warsaw his home, be immediately engaged in every- thing that could further the moral,intellectual and material interests of the community. and no one was more active and emolent than be in the build- ing up of the place: none more forward in promoting social order, rolig- lourprivileges and the education of the young. This beautiful and fertile region was already filling up with substantial families, principally from New England. Throughout the whole region his decided character, akill and worth soon secured him a large practice and the warmest friendship of the best people, with whom he continued in the kindest relations during his whole life.
Soon after the formation of the professional partnership between Doctors Sbeldon and Frank they engaged also in the mercantile business. There were few stores in the country adjecent, and the firm became widely known as merchants. The chief supervision of the trade department devolved upon Dr. Frank. In 1822 the firm dissolved. Dr. Frank engaged alone in . mercantile and kindred transactions, gradually discontinuing bis practice "- a physician. As such, however, his skill was always valued, aud be was frequently called in consultation. Froun that time on be became eminently a man of business. He purchased lots on the west side of Main street, and created bis store and dwelling. The whole purchase of several hundred feet on Main street was made for fifty dollars, its present value being esti- Inated by thousands. His trade grew and became profitable. extending over Pureral of the adjoining counties. In addition be erected fouring mills, Woolen factories. Iron foundries and other manufacturing or mechanical establishments. He purchased village lots, and erected on them buildings for trade, manufacturing or dwelling purposes, either for sale or rent. Probably so large an amount of village property passed through the bands of no other citizen. No one employed so many men or did so much to build
up the business and increase the population of the town. He was also a partner with others in trade and manufacturing in other towns. He was thorough, systematic and practical in his business operations, an honest dealer, and with all his numerous and large transactions, was never accused of wronging any man. He continued in trade until his death, always maintaining the character of an honorable merobant. His labors and res- sponsibilities were divided with his numerous partners and persons in his employ.
While not a politician in the ordinary sense of that term be was an sotire member of the party with which be was connected. He was identified with the Whig party from its organization, except as be supported the Free Boll candidate in 1848. He was appointed by his political and personal friend, Governor Seward. associate judge of Wyoming county, which position be held until the office was abolisbed by the constitution of 1846. In the erection of the county of Wyoming be rendered emdient aid, spending con- siderable time with others at Albany to effect the division of Genesee and the organization of the new county.
He was much interested in agriculture, owning and cultivating several farms. He assistod in organizing the county agricultural society, and was one of its omcers. All matters pertaining to the public good found him ever ready with support and encouragement, and he was foremost among the public spirited men of that time.
Dr. Frank acting, as he always did, from convictions of duty, was an early and efficient opponent of American slavery. Peroelving the cruelty and in- justice of the system. without hesitation he took a decided stand against it. This required personal sacrifice that few were prepared to make and the ex- tent of which very few can now appreciate Slavery was so interwoven with political. social, religious, educational and business interests and insti- tutions, and was so thoroughly intrenobed, that most people hesitated to avow their opposition to It.
Dr. Frank. in this matter, as in all others, spoke as be thought. To him and those who acted with him millions of freemen are indebted for the liberty they now enjoy. While he was always deolded in the expression of his opinion be was able to enforce them by clear and cogent reasons.
The American Anti-Slavery Society was formed in 1883, and was followed immediately by State, county and town societies. The Warsaw Anti- Slavery Society was formed the same or the following year. Dr. Frank took part in its organization and subsequent operations.
The first annual meeting of the State Society was beld in Ution in 1806. By a mob instigated by leading citizens, and embracing some of them, the meeting was dispersed, and the delegates were compelled to flee to a neigh- boring county to transact their business. To that meeting the town of Warsaw sont Dr. Frank as one of its delegates.
The first annual meeting of the Genesee County Anti-Slavery Society, beld at Batavia Marob 16th, 1886, was treated in a similar manner. Dr. Frank was also a delegate to this convention. The meeting at Batavia ad- journed to meet at Warsaw Marob 28d. 1886. There a series of resolutions and an address were adopted, together with a " Declaration of Sentiments." expressing, in brief form, the principles of the abolitionists, for the inform- ation of any who might never have seen a statement of them. Measures were also taken for establishing a free press, and $1,000 were pledged for its sup- port the first year. Dr. Frank aided largely in furnishing the funds.
In all these labors he took an earnest interest, sparing neither time nor money. His influence during these and subsequent years helped to give the Whig party in western New York Its anti-slavery character.
Dr. Frank was among the first to see the necessity of vigorous efforts for the suppression of intemperance. Drinking customs and usages were fear- fully prevalent. In this, as in other matters, be took counsel of bis sense of duty, and became an uncompromising advocate of temperance. From nature and necessity be was a leader. He spared neither time nor money to forward the great reform. He aided in the formation of the early tom- perance societies in his town, county and State. and was an active member and supporter of each. Few at the present day know how much hard work was done by the early temperance men. His efforts and labors in the cause were unremitting to the last. and be contributed largely to itsadvancement. not only in his own town and county, but over the whole State.
Education bad no firmer friend. Hils vigorous common sense and clear discrimination led him to see that knowledge is power ; and especially did be perceive that self-knowledge, acquaintance with the buman organism, is indispensible to its development and ediciency.
From his first residence in Warsaw, N. Y., he was untiring in his efforts to promote popular education. He counselled and encouraged teachers. as- sisted and organised sobools and cheerfully paid his proportion and more than his proportion for their support. . His efforts and contributions were not confined to his immediate locality.
Dr. Frank's religious character and principles were known and respected by every one. Descended from pious ancestors be early learned to revere the doctrines and institutions of religion. Enjoying the benefit of Christian training and instruction be led an exemplary life; and in laši publicly made profession of his faith, uniting with the Presbyterian church at Warmw. He was well grounded in his beliefs. Like all efficient men be bad strong convictions and was always true to thein. He never made his religious duties matter of convenience, but faithfully performed them at whatever cost. He took delight in the services uf religion, and they became incross- ingly important in his esteem. He attended to the instruction of bix bousebold. The morning and evening knew their appointed services.
He possessed a vigorous mind, and was firin alike in bis principles and bis purposes. He pursued an object with unweried assiduity until it was at- tained or its attainment was found impracticable. Although not lodifferent to the good opinion of others, his conduct was untutluenced by desire for popular applause. In public as well as private discussion be spoke bis souti- ments frankly and fearlessly. and although they often conflicted with those of the majority he ever retained the respect of those with whom he differed.
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HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Though a member of the Presbyterian church, which shared in largn measure his fostering care, bis charities were not circumscribed by its interest. He contributed liberally by personal effort and pecuniary means to the support of religious and benevolent institutions in general.
Dr. Frank was a man of commanding presence, medium height, weighing over two hundred pounds, dark hair and eyes, erect figure, dignified in manner, combining gravity and cheerfulnees.
DR. AUGUSTUS FRANK was married to Miss Jerusha H. Baldwin, of Dorset, Vt .. September 12th, 1816. She was a lady of refinement, gentlegers and force of character. who, although physically delicate, with a brave beart shared with her husband the first years of pioneer life. They bad three children-two sons who died young, and one daughter, Henriette, wbo sur- vived the mother.
Henriette was born September 12th, 1817. She received ber education at Ingham University, Le Roy. She married Edward A. MoKay, a lawyer, and connected for many years before his death with the National Bank Depart- ment at Washington, D. C. Mrs. McKay died at Warsaw in 1877. Three children survive them.
Dr. Frank was married the second time to Miss Jane Patterson, of London- derry, N. H., August 25th, 182%. She was the youngest daughter of Deacon Thomas Patterson, and was born August 80th, 1706.
Mrs. Frank was a lady of superior mental gifts, and attractive graces of person and beart: In carly lite abe was surrounded in ber cultivated Chris- tas home and society by those influences and associations which tend to redne and ennoble character, and by which she was prepared for the wider spbere she was afterward called to dul.
Before ber marriage Mrs. Frank was a very successful and acceptable teacher ; and when called in the providence of God to preside over a bome of ber own and lead in many social and Christian activities, ber dne mind and noble beart appeared to great advantage.
Though not one of those usually termed "old settlers," Mrs. Frank was an early inbabitant of Warsaw. It was during ber sojourn with her brother. Hon. William Patterson, in this town, that she was married to Dr. Augus- tus Frank. From that time until her death. on the 19th of February, 1867. she resided in the village of Warsaw. Here the greater part of her useful, beautiful and happy life was spent, and it is believed that among the great number who during this long period made her acquaintance there are none who do not delight to cherish ber memory.
For more than forty years she was a valued member of the Presbyterian church. and ber constant aim was to glorify her Saviour and show by her daily life not only the reality but the beauty of the religion she professed. She was a safe and wise counselor, and ber sweet influonce was ackoowl- edged in every circle in which she moved. She dispensed ber hospitality with a genuine cordiality that will not be forgotten by those who shared it. Posecesing a bighly social nature, and a mild and cheerful temper. ber pres- ence was welcome by persons of all ages and condition. No class was forgotten: the poor widow, the sick, the aged were all remembered, not only by a kind word, but by many a generous gift so delicately bestowed that none could tell which was the happier, the giver or the receiver. She sought opportunities to do good. No trait in ber character was more con- . spicuous than ber large hearted benevolence.
In appearance Mrs. Frank was tall and well proportioned, possessing pleasing countenance, casy manners and an attractive presence. She died fu the midst of ber usefulness. Her death made a great vold in the church and community.
Augustus was born July 17th, 1826. He hasalways resided at Warsaw. His early life was spent in mercantile pursuits, but for many years past be bas been engaged in the business of banking. He married Agnes, daughter of the late William W. MeNair, of Groveland. Livingston county, N. Y. Their only son died in August, 1871. They have one daughter, Mary L. (860 sketch).
Elizabeth W. married Bev. Joseph E. Nassau, D. D., pastor of the Presby- terian church at Warsaw during the past twenty-five years. They have two children. (See sketch.)
GEORGE W. FRANK was born November 29th, 1830. He early became ac- tively engaged in mercantile pursuits us a meurber of the Orin of A. & G. W. Frank. The business was carried on extensively for several years, and the firm became widely known throughout the western part of the State as successful and prosperous merchants. Mr. Frank was an energetic business inan. and a useful and valuable citizen, taking a lively interest in every- thing that promoted the growth, prosperity and welfare of his town and country.
His removal from Warmew to Iowa with his family in 1809 was gretted by avery one. In bis case. as many others the west offered great inducements to the best business men of the east. He at once in that State became largely and successfully engaged in the real estate business. Shortly after be organized the banking bouse of George W. Frank & Darrow. They added to their business the negotiation of Inans for eastern capitulists, The transactions became so numerous that millions of dollars have been Inaned by them. The care exercised in the conduct of their affairs bas given them an enviable reputation through the eastern and western States for prudence and reliability.
Mr. Frank has been the means of establishing numerous villages end cities, not only in his own section, but for long distances around. He en- gares with untiring energy in the public enterprises in his part of the State, as well as in the adjoining State of Nebraska, that are so rapidly de- velopiog that part of the west. He aids largely in th . erection of churches and sobool buildings, and through his generosity many churches and schools are sucorasfully established that save for bis labors would not have been erected. The business of the Arm increasing so rapidly made it necessary to establish a branch office in New York city. which has been under Mr. Frank's personal supervision for the past four years. He bas. during the present year. 1800, returned with his family to Corning. Ia .. and erected a large and beautiful residence. Mr. Frank married Phoebe T .. daughter of the late William W. McNair. Esq., of Groveland, Livingston county, N. Y. They have three children; the eldest. Augustus Frank 2nd, is in business.
Jennie P. married Edward K. Greene, a very prominent and influential ditiseo and business man of Montreal. Their residence bas been at Montreal since their marriage. in 1865. They bare three children,
Mary A. married Philo D. Browne, a banker of Montreal, Canada. They removed from that city to San Francisco, Cal .. where Mr. Browne engaged in the same business. They have two daughters.
Dr. Augustus Frank died January 26th, 1861, aged fifty-nine years.
Augustus Frank. eldest son of Dr. Augustus Frank and Mrs. Jane Patter- son Frank, was born in Warsaw. N. Y., July 17th. 1826. An account of bis parents and ancestry may be found in the preceding sketch.
Upon the completion of his education be took an active part in the man- agement of the mercantile and other branches of his father's extensive business.
Upon attaining his majority, in 1847, be commenced business as a mer- obant for himself. By energy, persevering industry. and courtesy in the prosecution of bis business be achieved unusual success, acquiring in a few years a large and prosperous trade.
While his business was pursued with assiduity be took a deep interest and active part in matters of public concern, and gave a ready support to mese- ures designed to promote the general good. His practice) knowledge of affairs brought him early into favorable notice. He was chosen to aid in the organization and management of several chartered business associations. one of which was the Buttalo & New York City Railway Company (now the Buttalo division of the New York. Lake Erie & Western Railway), of which be was a director and vice-president.
In political affairs be took an active part in support of the Whig party. casting his Orst presidential vote for General Taylor in 1848, and delivering his first public political speeches during that campaign.
He labored faithfully for the election in 1803 of the Whig candidate for the Presidency.
He carly foresaw the struggle that must ocour between the friends of freedom and those wbo supported the continuance and extension of slay- ery. and in 1866 was among the first to organise the Republican party. In 1866 be was chosen a delegate to the first national convention of the Repub- lican party, beld in Philadelphia, at which General Fremont was nominated for the Presidency. Returning home be engaged vigorously in the cam- paign, aiding in the thorough organisation of the party, and by specobes in his own and other counties, as well as through the press, did very much to arouse public sentiment in behalf of the principles involved.
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