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 61
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Mr. Sheehan has been equally successful in other lines of business. In 1887 he became a member of the firm of Sullivan & Sheehan, controlling the Arctic Ice Com- pany, which was later merged with other business organizations of this character
L'IN STUDIOS
PTH AVE
DANIEL SHEEHAN
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and since 1891 has been operated under the style of the Elmira Ice Company, Limited. Since its incorporation Mr. Sheehan has been a drector in the company and he was one of the original stockholders of the American Sales Book Company, with which he has likewise been connected throughout the period of its existence. The firm is engaged in the manufacture of sales books and office supplies and ranks with the larg- est concerns of the kind in the United States. Since its organization in 1902 Mr. Sheehan has been a director of the Chemung Canal Trust Company of Elmira and is also a member of its executive committee. In 1913 Mr. Sheehan organized the Elmira Herald Publishing Company, which published the Daily Herald for seven years. The Daily Herald suspended publication in 1920, but the company still conducts an exten- sive job printing business at Nos. 117-19 Railroad avenue, the original location.
Mr. Sheehan is a stanch democrat in politics and an active worker in the ranks of the party. His opinion carries much weight in its councils and he acted as chairman of the democratic county committee during 1898 and 1899 and from 1912 until 1914, inclusive. He was a delegate to the state conventions of the party in 1894-95-96-97- 98-99 and 1900 and in the latter year was elected a member of the democratic state committee, representing the fortieth senatorial district, composed of the counties of Chemung, Tompkins, Tioga and Schuyler. He has continued as state committeeman, representing Chemung county, and has served on the executive board of the state committee. During the period of his connection with this committee he has attended every state convention and he was also a delegate to the Democratic National con- ventions of 1904 and 1912, the former of which was held in St. Louis and the latter in Baltimore. He was a member of the committee that notified Judge Alton B. Parker of his nomination for president in 1904 and was also one of the committee that waited upon Woodrow Wilson at Shadow Lawn, New Jersey, in 1916, to notify him of his renomination for the presidency.
Mr. Sheehan is one of the best versed men in political economy in the state. His connection with public affairs dates from 1887, when he was appointed clerk of the civil service commission under Mayor Stanchfield. This position afforded him an opportunity to gain an insight into every department of city government and he made the most of it. In 1888 he was chosen to represent the fifth ward in the city coun- cil, in which he served for two terms. He was one of the most progressive aldermen the ward has ever known and always agitated public improvements, having the best interests of the city at heart. In 1895 he was appointed police commissioner by Mayor Frederick Collin, was reappointed by Mayor Denton in 1898 and in 1900 by Mayor Frank H. Flood, retiring in 1901. While occupying that office he was successful in obtaining the eight-hour shift for policemen, Elmira being one of the first cities in the state to inaugurate this system.
In 1902 Mr. Sheehan was called to the mayoralty, at which time the city was suffering from the effects of two disastrous floods, and the work of repair was the first serious duty. A system of concrete dykes on both sides of the Chemung river, protecting the city from frequent overflows, was constructed, and the expense was paid by the state. While filling the position of alderman he had been instrumental in obtaining a detailed survey of the original channel of the river and employed eminent counsel to establish the fact that the state of New York was negligent when in 1865 it built a temporary dam across the Chemung river near the city of Corning, to divert the water to a state canal. After a heavy and continuous rainfall this dam gave way and washed away considerable property adjacent to the bank of the river, changing the course of the stream in some places. As a result the city established the liability of the state to repair the damage caused by the flood. Mr. Sheehan completed his first term on January 2, 1904, and on that occasion the follow- ing tribute to his public service was paid by The Telegram, one of Elmira's leading newspapers:
"Mr. Sheehan has given to the city an administration marked by careful manage- ment and by financial integrity of a scrupulous order. No matter how citizens may differ politically with Mr. Sheehan, all will concur that he is a business man of the first rank in Elmira, and that he gave to the discharge of the duties of the office of mayor the same degree of thoroughness, capacity and integrity that he has employed so long and so successfully in the mercantile life of Elmira. Considering the bad financial condition of the city when Mr. Sheehan came into office and its splendid con- dition when he leaves office, it must be admitted that his qualities as a financier and administrator for the public weal have proven of the highest order. In careful man- agement of the city's finances, and scrupulous caution in disbursements, Daniel Sheehan has not been excelled by any mayor in Elmira's history. In the forty years since Elmira became a city it is doubtful if any mayor had so much to contend
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against on every hand. Great as were the difficulties Mr. Sheehan proved equal to the occasion, and with courage and firmness he conserved the city's best financial interests. He not only had to battle with his political opponents, but to overcome conditions in his own party for which he was not responsible. Judged by his own highly deserving official and personal record, Mr. Sheehan's part in history as mayor of Elmira will be one which he can look back upon with pride and satisfaction. Politi- cal mishaps and mistakes will occur, but with a man of Mr. Sheehan's keen business ability and high integrity the city's deepest interest in its finances and expenditures was sure to be well conserved. Clean in person, brave in his public and private acts, all question of politics aside, the best citizens of Elmira are proud of the fact that Mr. Sheehan made a record as mayor that no one can successfully challenge."
Mr. Sheehan was reelected in 1907 and remained in office until 1914. Under his administration as mayor, the city acquired ownership of the water system formerly owned by a private corporation, whose property the municipality had made many atempts to secure during the period from 1885 until 1912. The city hall was rebuilt after the fire of 1908 and in 1911 he obtained motor equipment for the fire department, installing the American La France motor fire apparatus. In 1912 a new high school was constructed and he also was instrumental in establishing a vocational school. He adopted strong measures for the protection of the public health, ordering the inspection of all meat and milk offered for sale in the city, and under his regime a preliminary survey was made for a sewage disposal plant.
On March 16, 1917, Mr. Sheehan was appointed postmaster of Elmira by President Wilson and served until September, 1921. He is a member of the advisory committee of St. Joseph's Hospital of this city and served on its building committee. He was a member of the Mckinley Memorial committee and a close friend of the late president. In 1923 Mr. Sheehan was appointed by Governor Alfred E. Smith a member of the Watkins Glen Reservation Commission. He is identified with the State Charities Association and was instrumental in securing for Elmira the convention of 1908. He is a member of the Mayors and City Officials Conference of New York State and attended the conventions held in Schenectady, Utica, Binghamton, Poughkeepsie and Elmira. He was the first president of the Elmira Business Men's Association, which was organized in 1902, filling that office for two terms, and in 1899 and 1900 was first vice president of the Elmira Board of Trade. He has held membership in the Pine Cliff Club of Chemung county, the City, Country and Century Clubs, the National Democratic Club of New York city, and is a member of the Elmira and National Chambers of Commerce and the National Retail Dry Goods Association. He is a faithful communicant of St. Mary's Catholic church of Elmira and from 1888 until 1900 was one of its trustees. He is a charter member of Elmira Council, No. 229, of the Knights of Columbus, which was organized in 1897, and was the first grand knight of this council. He served in that capacity for ten consecutive terms and was district deputy for a period of six years. He was elected a delegate to the National convention held in Los Angeles, California, in 1905, and was also a member of the National convention which met in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1906. He attended every state convention of the New York Council of the Knights of Columbus from 1898 until 1920 and is numbered among the prominent representatives of that order. From 1886 to 1922 Mr. Sheehan was an active member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, a fraternal insurance order. He took a keen interest in the establish- ment of a reserve fund and served as first vice president and supreme trustee until the association was merged with another fraternal order.
On June 16, 1909, in Elmira, Mr. Sheehan was married to Miss Helen Loretta O'Herron, a daughter of David and Ellen (McDonald) O'Herron, and to this union have been born six children: Daniel, Jr., John J., David, William F., Mary Virginia and Paul.
EARL CHARLES BLOSS.
Activity in real estate is unmistakable evidence of the growth and prosperity of a community and through his well-directed efforts in this field Earl Charles Bloss has earned the right to classification with Rochester's successful business men and valuable citizens. He was born in Moscow, New York, on the 16th of April, 1889, and is a son of Charles H. and Eva Belle (Walker) Bloss, also natives of the Empire state.
Earl Charles Bloss began his education in Alton, New York, and completed his high school course in Rochester, in 1909. After his graduation he secured a position
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in the advertising department of the Rochester Stamping Company and remained with that firm for three years. On the expiration of that period he was connected with the local agency for the Auburn automobile, later opening a branch in Buffalo, but sold the business two years later and turned his attention to real estate. At the time of the World war Mr. Bloss enlisted at Buffalo and went overseas with the Seventy- eighth Division. He was stationed at the front for eighteen months and became cor- poral of his company. He participated in hard fighting at St. Mihiel and the three memorable battles in the Argonne sector. In May, 1919, he received his honorable discharge in New York city and since his return to Rochester has been active in the real estate field. As a member of the firm of Bloss & Slayton he has been a contribut- ing factor to the enviable position attained by this concern among the city's repre- sentative real estate firms. They have successfully handled many large realty deals and enjoy a reputation for business integrity and reliability not surpassed by any of their contemporaries.
In Rochester, on the 15th of August, 1920, Mr. Bloss was married to Miss Evelain C. Parmington, a daughter of George Parmington of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Bloss have two daughters: Arlene Marion and Barbara Jean. Mr. Bloss takes a very active part in the work of the Rochester Real Estate Board, being chairman of its educational committee. He is the head of the real estate course given by the Rochester Y. M. C. A. School. His religious faith is indicated by his affiliation with the First Baptist church. He is an energetic young man of high character and owes his success to hard work, the intelligent utilization of his opportunities and strict attention to business.
WILLIAM G. NICHOLS.
William G. Nichols, a worthy native son and successful young business man of Bolivar, is extensively engaged in oil production and also handles insurance, in which field of activity he was formerly the associate and is now the successor of his father. He was born on the 4th of March, 1899, his parents being the late William L. and Jennie B. (Rosebush) Nichols. A review of the father's life may be found on another page of this publication.
William G. Nichols received his early education in the grammar and high schools of Bolivar and then continued his studies in Alfred University, from which institution he was graduated in 1920. Thereafter he entered the insurance business in associa- tion with his father under the firm name of. Nichols & Nichols, which partnership was maintained until the death of the senior Nichols in July, 1924. Since that time William G. Nichols has conducted the enterprise alone and has been accorded a clientage of large and gratifying proportions, handling every kind of insurance except life. As above stated, he has also become well known as a successful oil producer, another line of activity which claimed the attention of his honored father.
On the 26th of June, 1922, at Bolivar, New York, Mr. Nichols was married to Miss Gladys J. Root, daughter of E. C. Root of that place. To them has been born a son, William E., whose natal day was February 2, 1924.
Mr. Nichols is a stanch adherent of the republican party, actively interested in local political affairs. He has made an excellent record as justice of the peace, which office he has filled for two years. In religious belief he is a Methodist and fraternally is identified with the Masonic order. While a student in Alfred University he became a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He is very fond of baseball and other outdoor sports and enjoys well deserved popularity in both social and business circles of the community which has always been his home.
JOHN CULLEN LEGGETT.
One of the most highly respected and influential members of the Allegany county bar was John Cullen Leggett, of Cuba, who had been engaged in the practice of law for nearly forty years when called to his final rest on February 20, 1924. He was born in Oswego, New York, December 25, 1858, and was the son of a Methodist Epis- copal minister, Otis M. Leggett. His mother bore the maiden name of Rosette Litchfield.
John Cullen Leggett obtained a good educational foundation for his life work in
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the public and high schools of his native state and in the University of Missouri, from which he graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in the class of 1883. Returning to New York, the young man took up the study of law in the office of the late Edward D. Loveridge, of Cuba, under whose able direction he prepared for his bar examina- tions. These examinations were successfully passed in 1885 and Mr. Leggett was duly admitted to the New York bar. On the 1st of January, 1886, he entered into a legal partnership with his former preceptor and friend, Mr. Loveridge, under the firm name of Loveridge & Leggett, an association that continued with mutual pleasure and benefit for ten years. In 1896 this partnership was terminated by the death of Mr. Loveridge, and thereafter Mr. Leggett practiced alone under his own name.
Many years of successful practice before the bar, during which he was promin- ently identified with many an important piece of litigation, served to raise Mr. Leggett high in the ranks of his colleagues in this section of the state. He was noted among his associates for his mastery of the technique of the law, his sound judgment and forceful address. Something of his high standing as a business man was indicated by his office as president of the Cuba National Bank from 1899 to his death. For years Mr. Leggett was prominent in the councils of the republican party in his vicinity. When in 1915 his district wanted a man to serve in the state constitutional convention at Albany he was the person selected. This graceful tribute to Mr. Leg- gett's legal learning was heartily endorsed by all the electorate, for it was generally felt that it would be hard to find a citizen better fitted to perform the extremely im- portant and highly technical duties involved in drawing up a new constitution for the great Empire state. Mr. Leggett was trustee of the Cuba public library; treasurer of the Cuba Cemetery Association and president of the Cattaraugus-Allegany Counties Bankers Association.
On the 28th of June, 1885, Mr. Leggett was married to Miss Genevieve Parker, of Cuba. They became the parents of two daughters: Ruth, who was her father's assistant in his office; and Genevieve, who married Donald G. Beachler, an electrical engineer, and now resides in Hasbrook Heights, New Jersey. They have one daughter, Barbara Leggett.
HON. IRVING L'HOMMEDIEU.
A leading attorney and citizen of Medina is Hon. Irving L'Hommedieu, who has served as state senator and has held many public offices of trust besides building up a large law practice. Senator L'Hommedieu is the originator of the now nation-wide plan of licensing and taxing automobiles, introducing the first bill of that nature into the New York state senate in 1905. He is the son of Wallace and Frances M. (Berry) L'Hommedieu and was born in Shelby, Orleans county, New York, on the 12th of January, 1865. His father was supervisor of the town of Shelby in 1887, 1888 and 1889 and a member of the assembly of 1890-91. Mulford L'Hommedieu, the paternal great-grandfather of Senator L'Hommedieu, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, while the grandfather, Henry L'Hommedieu, a native of Orwell, Vermont, became one of the pioneers of Orleans county, New York, settling in Shelby in 1825. The family comes of Huguenot ancestry.
In the acquirement of an education Irving L'Hommedieu attended the common schools and Medina Free Academy, while his professional training was received in the Albany Law School, which conferred upon him the degree of LL. B. He was admitted to the bar on October 8, 1886, and began the practice of law in Medina, forming a partnership with Edwin B. Simonds under the firm name of Simonds & L'Hommedieu. This association continued until 1902, when the senior partner took office as county judge and surrogate. Senator L'Hommedieu practiced independently through the succeeding four years and then entered upon his present partnership as a member of the firm of L'Hommedieu & Whedon, which has become well established in western New York.
Senator L'Hommedieu has held many public offices, beginning with that of village attorney of Medina in 1893. He was a member of the board of education from 1892 until 1898 and acted as its president in the latter year. From February, 1899, until August, 1902, he served as postmaster of Medina, resigning to become a candidate for the state senate, to which body he was elected and in which he served from 1903 until 1906. As a lawmaker his record was a most creditable and commendable one, fully justifying the confidence and support of his constituents. Senator L'Hommedieu was a member of the republican state committee from 1898 until 1902 and was sent as delegate to the Republican National conventions of 1920 and 1924. In his public
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connections he has always served the best interests of the people and gained a well deserved reputation for honesty and ability.
On the 29th of June, 1887, in Medina, New York, Mr. L'Hommedieu was married to Miss Christina M. Breed of the same place, a daughter of Charles H. and Sena Breed. Mrs. L'Hommedieu departed this life on May 30, 1922. Senator L'Hommedieu is very active fraternally, belonging to Medina Lodge, No. 336, F. & A. M., in which he has served as senior deacon, junior warden, senior warden and master, holding the office of master for four successive terms; Medina Chapter, No. 281, R. A. M .; Alpha Omega Council, No. 71, R. & S. M .; and Genesee Commandery, No. 10, K. T. In 1905 he served as grand master of the state. He is likewise a member of the Alert Club of Medina and enjoys high standing in social, fraternal and professional circles of the county which has known him as a lifelong resident. He makes the beneficent spirit of Masonry a workable principle in his life and at all times commands the respect, con- fidence and esteem of his fellowmen.
HARRY E. KELLER.
Harry E. Keller, a well known figure in legal circles of Allegany county, is one of the native sons of the town of Cuba where he has lived most of his life. Born on the 26th of January, 1878, he is the son of Edson A. and Anna (Barnes) Keller, both of whom are now deceased. The father was an insurance agent in Cuba during his active life.
Harry E. Keller was educated in the Albany Law School, which he entered after completing his preparatory work in the public and high schools of Cuba and ob ained the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1901. Returning to his birthplace Mr. Keller started to practice law with John C. Leggett. This association was continued with mutual helpfulness and profit for twenty years. In 1922 Ward M. Hopkins was admitted into the firm as a partner, the name being changed to Keller & Hopkins, its present form. Mr. Keller and Mr. Hopkins have a large clientele in Cuba and vicinity and stand well before the bar of Allegany county as lawyers of ability and unquestioned integrity.
In addition to his legal practice Mr. Keller has a number of other interests in Cuba of a business and financial nature. He is vice president of the First Na ional Bank and is also closely identified with the work of Bartlett, Morgan & Keller, Inc., a successful real estate and insurance firm of Cuba, in which he now holds the office of vice president. Mr. Keller is prominent in civic affairs as one of the leading business men and attorneys of the community and as an active republican. For eleven years he has served as the election commissioner of Allegany county and in many other ways has demonstrated his interest in the public welfare. He is a member of the local Presbyterian church and a Mason of high rank, belonging to Cuba Lodge, No. 306, F. & A. M .; Valley Point Chapter, No. 232, R. A. M .; St. John's Commandery, K. T .; Olean Consistory; and the Shrine at Buffalo. In 1925 Mr. Keller was appointed district deputy grand master for the Allegany Masonic district. Rem- iniscent of his student days is Mr. Keller's membership in Phi Delta Phi, a college fraternity, while in connection with his professional life he maintains membership in the Allegany County Bar Association.
Mr. Keller was married, June 25, 1904, to Miss Mary Morgan, a daughter of Henry C. and Mae (Renwick) Morgan of Cuba.
ANDREW JACKSON McDIVITT.
Among the farsighted, sagacious men who recognized the great possibilities afforded by the rich oil fields of Allegany county was numbered Andrew Jackson McDivitt, whose labors constituted a most important factor in their development, and he well deserved the success which rewarded his efforts, and Bolivar counted him among its most valuable citizens. He was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1846, and his paternal grandfather was a native of Ireland. His parents were James and Mary (Addleman) McDivitt. The father was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, and always resided in his native county. He was a building con- tractor and also followed the occupation of farming.
Andrew J. McDivitt attended the common schools of Center county, Pennsylvania,
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and in 1869, when a young man of twenty-three, went to Venango county, that state. For a year he worked in the oil fields of that section, going from there to Butler county, and in 1875 he began producing for himself in Clarion county, Pennsylvania. In 1881 he transferred his activities to McKean county, Pennsylvania, but after the latter part of that year his operations were confined to the oil fields of Allegany county, New York, until his death, which occurred May 5, 1924. He acquired an expert knowledge of the business, which was his life work, and he was one of the largest producers in his district.
In 1869, in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, Mr. McDivitt was united in marriage to Miss Frances Hile, who died April 3, 1891. They became the parents of nine children but five are deceased, namely: Frank, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Wayne, who died at the age of twenty-six; Maud, at the age of three; and twins, who died in infancy. Of the surviving children Rose Emily is the oldest. She is the wife of Charles McLaughtin, of Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, who is connected with the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company. They have two sons: Paul and Louis, both of whom are employed by that company. James is conducting a rooming house in Buffalo, New York. Edmund Lee is identified with operations in the local oil fields. He married Miss Daisy Karchner, of Woodville, Ohio, and they have a family of seven children: Dewey Karchner, who married Mildred Wolven of Poughkeepsie, New York, where they resided; Marjorie Isabel, now Mrs. Gerald Griffith of Portville; Daisy Lee, teacher at Little Genesee; Sada Frances, a student at Alfred University; and Malcolm Wayne, Josephine Rose and Andrew Jackson, Jr., who are attending the Bolivar school. Frances Mary completed a course in St. Elizabeth's Academy at Allegany, New York, and is a resident of Bolivar.
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