USA > New York > Genesee County > History of the Genesee country (western New York) comprising the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates, Volume IV > Part 38
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
In early manhood Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Melvina Prince of Pennsylvania, who died August 15, 1917, aged sixty-seven. They became the parents of eight children, all of whom have received liberal educations. May, the eldest, is widely known as an able business woman, is active as an oil producer in association with her father and her husband, Charles A. Boyd. They reside in Allentown, and Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have three children-Dorothy, who was graduated from Alfred University in 1924, and is now teacher of English in the Belmont high school; Hilda, who is also a graduate of Alfred University, class of 1925, is teacher of English in the Horseheads high school; and Virginia; Sarah Allen, the second daughter of Riley and Melvina (Prince) Allen, died May 31, 1911; Kate is the wife of A. E. Ewing, who is engaged in the retail hardware business in Olean, New York, where he is also one of
RILEY ALLEN
393
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
the directors of the Exchange National Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing have four chil- dren-Margaret, a student at Randolph-Macon Women's College, Lynchburg, Virginia; Jack, attending Mercersburg Academy; Robert and Mary Katherine; Ida, the fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Riley Allen is the wife of Walter C. Foss, who is engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business in Olean, New York, as a member of the firm of Foss & Sons. Mr. and Mrs. Foss have two children, William Allen and Mary; Ada, twin sister of Mrs. Ida (Allen) Foss, is the wife of D. D. Conable, who repre- sents the Miller Hardware Company of Olean as a salesman. Mr. and Mrs. Conable have one son, Frederick; Orville Allen, the sixth child of Riley Allen, is associated with his father in oil productions and also in general agricultural pursuits. He wedded Miss Hazel Lawrence of Olean, New York, and has a family of five children, namely: Riley, (II), Melvina, Sarah, Marjorie and Lawrence; Floyd R. Allen, the seventh in order of birth in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Riley Allen, wedded Miss Bernice Starr of Vanlue, Ohio, and is an oil producer at that place; Claude E. Allen, the youngest child of Riley Allen, is a drilling contractor of Bolivar, Allegany county, New York. He married Miss Belle Thomas and has a daughter, Mildred.
JAMES FRANK CRAWFORD, M. D.
Since 1912 Dr. James Frank Crawford has been practicing medicine in Warsaw, Wyoming county, New York, where his skill is evidenced in the large number of patients who call him their physician. He was born in Warsaw, September 17, 1883, the son of Samuel James and Mary S. (McConnell) Crawford, the father being a dealer in carriages at that time and now a dealer in automobiles. Samuel James Crawford was the first one of his family to settle in the Genesee country, coming from the north of Ireland, where his family had lived for many generations, although the family originally is of Scotch descent.
James Frank Crawford's education while a boy was acquired in the grade and high schools of Warsaw, and later at Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, where he was given the degree of A. B. and graduated in the class of 1906. His pro- fessional studies were pursued at the Buffalo Medical College, Buffalo, New York, from which he received his degree of M. D. and graduated in 1911. Dr. Crawford passed one year after graduating as an interne in a Buffalo hospital, and in 1912 he returned to Warsaw and opened an office, and has been practicing in the city ever since, with the exception of the time he was in the army. Dr. Crawford enlisted in the Medical Corps, for service in the World war in May, 1917, was sent overseas in August, 1917, was attached to the British Expeditionary Forces (B. E. F.), and remained until he was discharged in January, 1919. He was captured by the Germans in the Lille sector, in April, 1918, and held as a prisoner in Germany until December of that year. After receiving his discharge in 1919 Dr. Crawford returned to Warsaw and resumed the practice of his profession. He is a member of the Wyoming County, the New York State and the American Medical Associations.
On November 1, 1913, Dr. Crawford was married to Eliza S. Higgins, daughter of Floyd M. and Lillian Higgins of Warsaw. The Doctor has some interest in outdoor sports, but the demands of patients upon his time leave little opportunity for its gratification. Fraternally Dr. Crawford is affiliated with the Masonic order. Socially he is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Warsaw, and his religious connection is with the Presbyterian church. Dr. Crawford is a republican without taking any particular interest in party affairs, and is serving as a member of the Warsaw board of education.
EDWARD DEMBOWSKI.
Among the desirable citizens whom the European nations have furnished to the United States none has made better use of his opportunities than has Edward Dem- bowski, who came to this country with no assets save youth, ambition and ability, and is now classed with the successful business men of Rochester. Mr. Dembowski is a native of Poland. He was born November 2, 1886, a son of John and Valeria (Szum- ski) Dembowski, both of whom were born in that country. The father was an expert harnessmaker and devoted his life to that trade. He is survived by the mother, who resides in Konin, Poland. Five children were born to them, but one is deceased.
394
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
Those now living are Edward, Kazimir and Leo, all of Rochester; and Mrs. Mary Szatkoski, who resides in Poland.
Mr. Dembowski obtained his education in the schools of his native land, after- ward learned the trades of harnessmaking and upholstering, which he followed in Poland until he reached the age of twenty-three years. In 1909 he responded to the call of the New World and first obtained work in Philadelphia, afterward going to Chicago. In 1910 he returned to the east, locating in Rochester, and for a time was employed in the plant of the Hayden Company, manufacturers of fine parlor furniture. Later he was associated with the firm of Summers, Abbot & Kief and with W. M. Powell. In 1922 he began the manufacture of overstuffed parlor suites, forming a partnership with Harry C. Summers, who became senior member of the firm of Harry C. Summers Company and in the intervening period their business has grown rapidly as a result of the enterprising methods and combined efforts of the men at its head. Mr. Dembowski is a master craftsman and the work done by the firm represents the height of artistic achievement in their line. Their output is sold to the large department stores and furniture dealers and the business will soon be incorporated.
On February 2, 1914, Mr. Dembowski married Miss Eugenia Firk of Rochester, and they now have three children: Amelia, whose birth occurred in 1915; Bertha, born in 1917; and Arthur, who was born in 1923. Mr. Dembowski's business makes heavy demands upon his time and his identification with the Polish People's Library constitutes his only outside connection. He is keenly interested in his work, deriving much satisfaction from the completion of a task well done, and enjoys in full measure the respect and admiration that the world accords to the fortunate individual who has fought and won in the great battle of life. Mr. Dembowski resides on Culver road, where he built his home in 1925.
J. MICHAEL KELLER.
For more than half a century the name of Keller has been intimately associated with the horticultural development of Rochester and the immediate vicinity, and influential in giving to that place the name of the "Flower City". J. Michael Keller, vice president of John B. Keller & Sons, Incorporated, one of the leading floral con- cerns of the city, was born in Babylon, Suffolk county, Long Island, New York, De- cember 26, 1868. His parents, John B. and Susan (Brueck) Keller, natives of Ger- many, came to the United States as young people and became citizens of the Empire state. About 1873 John B. Keller purchased a tract of ground on South avenue, then outside the Rochester city limits, and began the business of cultivating flowers. There he continued until his death on April 10, 1922. His wife died on April 10, 1899. Mr. Keller lived long enough to see the city grow in his direction until where his first greenhouses stood is now one of the finest residential sections of Rochester. John B. and Susan Keller were the parents of six sons: E. E., now a resident of Detroit, Michigan; F. J., George J., J. Michael, John W. and William L., all residents of Rochester.
J. Michael Keller received his education in the public schools of Rochester. Upon leaving school he entered the employ of his father, where he began at the bottom of the ladder and worked his way through all the various departments of floriculture, finally reaching his present position of vice president of John B. Keller & Sons Com- pany, which was incorporated in 1910. He is a member of the American Society of Florists and the American Nurserymen's Association; a thirty-second degree Mason and a Knight Templar; belongs to the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, the Rochester Club, the Automobile Club; and the Presbyterian church.
On June 23, 1890, Mr. Keller was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Henry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James P. Henry of Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. Keller have five children: Clifford H., born in 1894, was educated in the public schools of Roches- ter and at Cornell University. He is now associated with the Rochester Stamping Company. He married Miss Elizabeth Howard and their children are, Margarette, Howard Michael and Taylor: Emil Harold, the second son of J. Michael Keller, was born in 1898, attended the Rochester public and high schools and the Mechanics In- stitute. During the World war he served in the United States Aviation department and won the rank of lieutenant. Since the war he has been associated with his father in business. He married Miss Marion Wilkinson of Rochester. and they have one son-John W. Keller; Jean M., the third of the family, born in 1901, received his
J. MICHAEL KELLER
-
397
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
education in the Rochester public and high schools, served in the Hospital Corps during the World war, and now occupies a responsible position with the Rochester Waterworks department. He married Miss Marion Smith of Rochester, and they have a son and daughter-William and Joan; Miss Iris C. Keller, the fourth child and only daughter, born in 1905, is now a student at Cedar College; Robert D., the youngest, born in 1907, is a graduate of West high school, class of 1925.
ALANSON CHASE DUEUL.
From boyhood Alanson Chase Dueul has given evidence of the possession of those qualities which in the long run spell success. In his business career he has made each day count for the utmost, improving the opportunities of the hour and thus advancing steadily. He has reached a field of broad usefulness and influence and as president and manager of the Niagara Falls Gazette he is a strong personality in journalistic circles of western New York. He was born in East Hamburg, New York, October 10, 1874, the third child in the family of Israel and Emeline (Chase) Dueul, the latter a native of Erie county, this state, and both parents are deceased. They were married in Hamburg, New York, and four children were born to them, three sons and a daughter. The father was also a native of the Empire state and followed the occupa- tion of farming as a means of livelihood.
Alanson Chase Dueul attended the union school in Hamburg and at an early age was attracted to the newspaper business, entering the employ of the Hamburg Inde- pendent. He remained with that paper for about three years, acquiring proficiency in the printer's trade, and then secured a position in the typesetting department of the Courier Printing Company of Buffalo. In 1895 Mr. Dueul took charge of the printing department of the Niagara Falls Gazette and for twenty-nine years his labors have contributed to the development and success of the paper, of which he is now the executive head. He has a highly specialized knowledge of the newspaper business, which he has made his lifework, and his plant is thoroughly modern, equipped with the latest presses and machinery. The business is well organized in all of its depart- ments and in its management he has secured maximum efficiency with a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material. Mr. Dueul purchased the Niagara Falls Journal and discontinued its publication on June 1, 1918. The Gazette is the only paper issued in the city and is housed in its own building. It now has a circulation of seventeen thousand five hundred in Niagara county and is the largest daily in the state west of Syracuse, with the exception of those in Rochester and Buffalo. The paper was founded as a weekly by the Hon. Peter A. Porter in 1854 and for seventy years has wielded a distinct and beneficial influence in shaping the destiny of this district.
In North Tonawanda, New York, on February 22, 1912, Mr. Dueul was married to Miss May Brock, a member of one of the well known families of that locality. Mr. Dueul is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is one of the energetic members of the Chamber of Commerce. He is serving on the board of governors of the Niagara Country Club and also belongs to the Niagara Club. His military experience covers service in the Spanish-American war as a private in Com- pany E, Third New York Regiment. In politics he is a republican with independent views. His paper is an outspoken, fair-play exponent of the best elements of the party and through its columns he encourages every movement looking toward the upbuilding and prosperity of Niagara Falls and the surrounding district. Mr. Dueul's activities in the newspaper field have brought him a wide acquaintance and his progressive spirit and sterling qualities of manhood have established him high in public regard.
HARRY MILTON BROWN.
In making the practice of law his profession Harry Milton Brown, partner in the law firm of Woodworth & Brown, of Warsaw, Wyoming county, New York, follows in the footsteps of his father, who was for many years one of Warsaw's most dis- tinguished and able legal practitioners. Mr. Brown's family is one of the oldest in the county, members of it having been residents of Wyoming county for over a century, the founder of the family in the county having been Mr. Brown's great- grandfather, who moved from Vermont and settled in Wyoming county in 1820. Harry
398
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
Milton Brown was born February 11, 1885, the son of Frank W. and Carrie (Cheese- man) Brown. His father was a lawyer and spent most of his life in Warsaw. He served as deputy attorney general of New York state from 1911 to 1915, and died shortly thereafter.
Harry Milton Brown acquired his early education in the grade and high schools of Warsaw, and then entered Rutgers College, at New Brunswick, New Jersey, from which he received the degree of A. B. and was graduated in the class of 1906. Imme- diately after his graduation Mr. Brown entered the law office of Brown & Coleman in Warsaw as a student, was admitted to the bar in March, 1911, and started in practice by taking over his father's business, the latter having been appointed deputy attorney general in 1911. Mr. Brown continued in practice by himself until 1918, when he formed a partnership with John L. Woodworth, which has existed ever since under the firm name of Woodworth & Brown, the firm's practice being of a general character.
Mr. Brown was married on February 1, 1913, to Emma L. Lewis, daughter of George A. and Frances C. Lewis of Warsaw. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one child, Harry Lewis, born December 27, 1924. Mr. Brown is a democrat in his political views and takes an active interest in political affairs. He served as justice of the peace from 1912 to 1916, has been the democratic election commissioner of Wyoming county since 1917, was secretary of the democratic county committee for a number of years, and has been clerk of the board of education since 1916. Mr. Brown was secretary and treasurer of the Wyoming County Bar Association from 1913 to 1925, and is treasurer of the County Community Hospital. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order. He was worshipful master of Warsaw Lodge No. 549, F. and A. M., in 1920; was high priest of Wyoming Chapter No. 181, R. A. M., in 1923 and 1924; and is a member of Batavia Commandery No. 34, Knights Templar. In his religious associa- tions Mr. Brown is a member of the First Congregational church of Warsaw, and one of its trustees.
FRANK WILLIAM GENT.
Wellsville owes much to the enterprising spirit of Frank William Gent, whose residence in the village covers a period of twenty-six years, and one of the most im- portant productive industries of Allegany county is the visible result of his well- directed labors. He was born January 25, 1873, in Sharpsville, Mercer county, Penn- sylvania, a son of Martin and Caroline (Casbohm) Gent, the former a native of Ger- many. The father was born in 1836 and came to the United States when a young man of twenty-seven, locating in Silver Creek, New York, in 1863. Later he removed to Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, where he spent three years, working as a day laborer. Subsequently he returned to Chautauqua county, New York, and there spent the re- mainder of his life, passing away in 1907, at the age of seventy-one years.
Frank William Gent obtained his education in the public schools of Silver Creek, New York, and after completing his studies worked for two years in local stores, next becoming an employe of the Silver Creek Upholstering Company. He gained a thor- ough knowledge of the trade, which he followed in St. Louis, Missouri, and in James- town, Glens Falls and Rochester, New York. He arrived in Wellsville in 1898 and opened a furniture repair shop, doing upholstering work for two years. He then formed a partnership with H. C. Behring and they purchased the Coates Brothers furniture store, which they conducted for one and a half years. On the expiration of that period they decided to broaden the scope of their activities and began the manu- facture of bedroom furniture, forming the Coates Manufacturing Company in associa- tion with Charles Davis and James Benson. The Wellsville Upholstering Company was organized in 1903 and had its inception in the small repair shop established five years previously by Frank William Gent. The business was incorporated in 1910 and is capitalized at one hundred thousand dollars. Its first officers were: F. W. Gent, president; F. X. Barker, vice president; Morris O'Connor, secretary; and E. C. Brown, treasurer. Mr. Gent still acts as president, but A. L. Foster of Corry, Pennsylvania, is filling the office of vice president, while Henry Graham is secretary, and F. X. Barker retains the office of treasurer. The firm manufactures upholstered furniture for household use and under the expert guidance of its executive head an extensive business has been developed. Its output compares favorably with the best grades of upholstered furniture on the market and the firm has established an enviable repu- tation for enterprise and reliability.
On January 22, 1902, Mr. Gent was married to Miss Mary Link, who was a daughter of Christian Link of Wellsville. She passed away in 1907, leaving a family
-
FRANK W. GENT
401
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
of three children: Mildred, who is attending the Nurses Training School of the Buffalo General Hospital; and Martin and Frank, who are engaged in factory work. Mr. Gent's second union was with Miss Frederica Kreuger, a daughter of Henry Kreuger of Wellsville, and the children of the second marriage are: Henry, who is a theological student in an educational institution of Bronxville, New York; and Edward, Alfred, Donald and Esther, all of whom are pupils in the public schools of Wellsville.
Mr. Gent is a faithful member of the Lutheran church and is serving as one of its trustees. He is liberal in his political views and casts his ballot for the man whom he considers best qualified to fill the office to which he aspires, regardless of party ties. He has a high conception of the duties and obligations of citizenship and is serving on the school board, while he has also been selected as a member of the Water and Light Commission. He is a Rotarian and also belongs to the Brookland and Wellsville Rod and Gun Clubs. Through the force of his character and the strength of his mental endowments Mr. Gent has become a useful and influential member of society and his life has been an exemplary one in all respects.
REV. JOHN FORD LEFFLER.
The Methodist Episcopal church of Le Roy was organized in September, 1828, although preaching service had been held here for several years, and a class had been organized as early as 1823. The Rev. Micah Seager was the first regular pastor of the society. For a year services were held every two weeks in the schoolhouse east of the village. In 1829 a small brick church was built at a cost of nine hundred and fifty dollars, and was dedicated by Bishop Roberts. In 1884 this church was ruined by fire, and plans for a new building were at once made. The corner stone of the handsome new edifice on Trigon Park, East Main street, was laid by the Rev. J. E. Bills, D. D., presiding elder of the Genesee district of the Genesee conference, and the structure was dedicated on September 14, 1886, by Chancellor Charles W. Sims, D. D., of Syracuse University. The building is of gray sandstone and cost twenty-six thousand dollars. The present parsonage was a gift from the late Orator F. Wood- ward of Le Roy.
Rev. John Ford Leffler is the present pastor of this church in Le Roy, and for twenty-eight years has been an earnest worker in a vocation which is recognized as the noblest occupation of man. He was born September 28, 1867, in Shelbyville, Indiana, a son of Philip and Olive D. (Parrish) Leffler, the former of whom was an attorney at law and also conducted a tannery. Later the father went to Florida, where he purchased an orange grove, and his death occurred in that state in 1881.
John Ford Leffler attended the public schools of Indiana and Florida, and also received private instruction from his stepfather, Judge Charles B. Bucknor, of Colum- bia University, class of 1842. John F. Leffler devoted five years to the study of theology and his first charge was in Allegany, New York, where he remained for two years. From 1898 until 1902 he was pastor of the North Ridge and Dickinsonville churches and was then transferred to St. James church in Niagara Falls, New York, spending four years in that city. In 1906 he was sent to Attica, New York, and in 1910 he was assigned to the church at Coudersport, Pennsylvania, where he was stationed for six years. From 1916 until 1920 he had charge of the Normal Park church in Buffalo, a year of which time he was on leave of absence and engaged in war work with the Y. M. C. A. in France. He has since 1920 been pastor of the First Society of the Methodist Episcopal church in the village of Le Roy. Under his guid- ance the influence of the church has been materially strengthened and it continues to be a potent force in the moral progress of the community. His style of delivery is simple and direct and his message never fails to reach the hearts of his congregation.
In Horseheads, New York, on February 1, 1898, Mr. Leffler was married to Miss Lena May Compton, a daughter of Norris M. and Mary (Brigham) Compton and a sister of William R. Compton, who for more than fourteen years was United States marshal at Elmira, New York. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Leffler: Rev. John Compton Leffler, who is pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church in Fairport, New York; and Paul Ford Leffler, who resides with his parents in Le Roy.
Mrs. Leffler belongs to the Woman's Club, the History of Art Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. Leffler is a Son of the American Revolu- tion and belongs to the Sons of Veterans of the Civil war. In politics he is a repub- lican with independent views, and his civic spirit has been demonstrated by both word and deed. He is especially interested in child welfare work, serving as chairman of
402
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
the Le Roy playground commission during 1923-24, and is a member of the Oatka Hose Club. He is studious by nature, finding much enjoyment in the reading of good literature, and also derives pleasure from outdoor life. Mr. Leffler is a broad- gauged man of cultivated mind, and his is a sincere and devoted service in behalf of the cause of Christianity.
EMIL G. SCHAUMAN.
The undertaking establishment of L. Schauman's Sons Company, located at No. 609 Clinton avenue, North, Rochester, New York, was founded many years ago by Louis Schauman, who was one of the pioneer funeral directors of that city. He was born in Germany, but at the age of three years was brought to this country by his parents. Some years later Johanna Prestin, also a native of Germany, came to this country, at the age of seventeen. In Rochester she became the wife of Louis Schau- man, who soon after his marriage began the business later incorporated as the L. Schauman's Sons Company, Funeral Directors. He is now living retired, having turned the business over to his sons. His wife is also living. They have four chil- dren: Frederick J., George J., Emil, and Mrs. T. Albert Garrett.
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.