Landmarks of Niagara County, New York, Part 64

Author: Pool, William, 1825-1912, ed
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: [Syracuse] : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 820

USA > New York > Niagara County > Landmarks of Niagara County, New York > Part 64

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).

Tabor, C. D., was born in Wilson, October 5, 1846, a son of Calvin Tabor, a native of Vermont, who came to Niagara county with his parents in 1821. Calvin Tabor was a blacksmith by trade, and married Rebecca, daughter of Alexander Oliver, whose family was prominent in the Revolutionary war. C. D. Tabor was educated at Wilson Collegiate Institute, and learned the iron moulder's trade. In 1868 he entered the employ of James Jackson, jr., & Son of Lockport, manufac- turers of sash, doors and blinds, in which he has continued for the last thirty years. In 1877 he established the Wilson Planing Mill Co., which burned in 1879; he then spent five years in Steuben county, one year in Oshkosh, Wis., from 1888 to 1892 was manager of the Syracuse Sash and Door Co., from 1892 to 1895, was superin- tendent for C. J. Hamlin of Buffalo, and in the fall of 1895 came to Middleport as manager of the Royalton Door Co. Mr. Tabor is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an active interest in public events and has ever received and meri- ted the respect of his associates.

Tuttle, Edward J., was born at Shady Center, September 18, 1825. His father, Abner Tuttle, came to the town of Royalton in 1823, where he was engaged in contracting and building; he moved to Michigan in 1838, and died in Richfield, Ohio, October 18, 1864. Edward J. Tuttle was educated in a log school house and learned the carpenter's trade of his father. In 1854 he married Eunice, daughter of James Compton, sr., and they have one son, Edward Compton. In 1884 Mr. Tuttle built the block that bears his name; he has served the town as president for two terms, and always takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions.

Nellist, Mrs. Phebe, Somerset, was born in Shelby, September 16, 1832, and is a daughter of Barney and Betsey Hellenbolt, both of whom were born in Herkimer county. They had four children : Louisa, born in August, 1835; John, born in July, 1838, died February 28, 1893; Marshall, born in 1839, and Mrs. Nellist, married to Henry Nellist, a native of England. He came to America with his parents in 1883, and was a prosperous farmer, He died January 20, 1892. Mrs. Nellist is the mother of three children: Ida, now Mrs. Irvine Kenyon, born February 3, 1863;

159

Christopher G., born November 11, 1866, married Minnie Lewis, and Elizabeth E., her youngest daughter, resides at home, was born February 22, 1871.

Johnson, Jay K., was born in Wilson, N. Y., in December, 1841, a son of Richard and grandson of Henry Johnson. Henry Johnson was born in New York State and early in life moved to Ohio and in 1824 came to the village of Wilson, where he worked at the blacksmith business for Luther Wilson, doing iron work on a grist mill. His wife died in 1864, and he spent some time in Michigan, where he died in 1871 and was buried in Wilson. Richard Johnson was born in Ohio and when twelve years of age moved to Wilson, N. Y., with his parents, where he learned the blacksmith's trade; he died in 1885. His wife, Laura (Cole) Johnson, was born in Canada and came to Wilson with her parents, James and Nancy (Quick) Cole; Mrs. Cole died in Michigan, aged ninety-nine years; Mr. Cole died in Wilson in 1840. Jay K. Johnson was educated in Wilson Collegiate Institute, and worked at his trade, that of a blacksmith, from 1860 to 1895. July 4, 1870, he married Alphoretta Tower; she died August 8, 1871, and October 30, 1874, he married Eliza A. Carver, and they had four children: Arthur, Leon, Cole and Roy (deceased). August 5, 1862, Mr. Johnson enlisted in Co. B, 129th Infantry, and was transferred to the 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery and served until wounded, June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor; he was discharged November 16, 1864. He was promoted to corporal and after the battle of Cold Harbor was promoted to second lieutenant, but was not mustered owing to the fact of his being unable to return. He is a member of Peter A. Porter Post No. 126, G. A. R. He is a Democrat and was elected justice of the peace in 1896, being the only Democrat ever elected to that office in the town.

Delano, Ezra B., was born in Orleans county, N. Y., March 20, 1831, a son of Durfey Delano, who was a native of Saratoga county and came to Orleans county in 1816. Ezra B. Delano was educated at Millville Academy and in 1852 came to Mid- dleport and engaged in miiling with his brother. In 1860 he engaged in the ware- house and produce business and has been one of the largest shippers of produce in Niagara county. In 1855 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Horace Pierce, and they have two daughters Mrs. George D. Judson and Mrs. Fred Craig, jr. Mr. Delano has served as president of the village for three years and has always taken an active interest in educational and religious institutions.

Dysinger, Samuel A., was born in the town of Royalton, December 5, 1835. His father, John Dysinger, came to Niagara county in 1832, with his parents, George and Elizabeth Dysinger, where he kept the hotel at Dysinger's Corners. John Dy- singer married Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Carl, and through life was identi- fied as a farmer, taking an active interest in school, church and public affairs, and was recognized as a man of sterling integrity, who ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. He died in 1878. Samuel A. Dysinger was edu- cated in the common schools and through life has been a farmer. In 1856 he mar- ried Nancy, daughter of John Dolinger, and they have seven sons and two daugh- ters. Mr. Dysinger is one of the representative farmers in Niagara county, coming to the town of Lockport in 1860, with his brother, David M., and has by the force of his own character accumulated about 650 acres of land and is to day one of the most successful farmers in the State of New York. He has served as supervisor two years, highway commissioner three years and assessor for fifteen years.

160

Darcy, Rev. Matthew J .- This efficient pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic church of Lockport, N. Y., was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, February 20, 1844, and is a son of Daniel and Joanna (McGrath) Darcy. At the age of twenty Rev. Mr. Darcy came to New York and entered the Niagara University from which he was graduated and ordained priest. His first assignment was at Bath, in Stenben county, where he had charge of four churches. In 1876 he was called from his field of labor to his present congregation, the church of St. John the Baptist of Lockport. It was through his persistent labor and energy that the edifice was en- larged and improved, besides the erection of a fine stone residence and school house in which a school is being conducted by the Sisters of St. Mary. He is a fine speaker and a pleasant gentleman and very popular among a large circle of friends and acquaintances both in and out of his church.

Davis, E. W., was born at Pompey Hill, Onondaga county, March 10, 1824, and came to Niagara county with his parents, Sewell and Lucy Davis, who settled at Reynale's Basin in 1833. Mr. Davis was educated in the common schools of his day. to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. In 1852 married Laura H., daughter of Enoch Hyde. Mr. Davis through an active business life has been identified as a shipper and forwarder of grain and produce and canal traffic. Mr. Davis is one of the conservative men of his town, of sterling integrity, and it may well be said his word has ever proven as good as his bond.

Rand, James H., son of Calvin G. and Almira H. (Long) Rand, was born in North Tonawanda, N. Y., May 29, 1859, and was educated in the public schools of his na- tive village and at the State Normal School in Brockport. Leaving school he became a clerk in the banking house of Evans, Schwinger & Co., and their successor, the State Bank of North Tonawanda, rising to the postion of teller. On the organ- ization of the Lumber Exchange Bank in 1886 he was made cashier of that institu- tion and held the position until 1894, when he established his present private bank- ing business. Mr. Rand has been eminently successful as a banker, and is one of the most prominent business men in North Tonawanda. He is president of the Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Tonawanda Electric Railroad Company and treasurer of the Rand Ledge Company, and has been clerk of the North Tonawanda Board of Education since 1882. He was married in 1884 to Mary S., daughter of P. W. Scribner of Buffalo.

Rech, William, was born in Tonawanda, April 2, 1863, a son of Jacob and Caro- line Rech, natives of Germany. Jacob Rech came to America when a young man and died in 1863; his widow died 1895. William Rech was educated in the village schools and learned the trade of barber, working at his trade for eighteen years. After filling the position of bartender for a time he took charge of the North Tona- wanda Hotel, and conducted it for two years, when he became proprietor of the Eligible Stand, corner of Payne's avenue and Schenck street, in 1891; this house he has since conducted successfully. In 1887 Mr. Rech married Helen McRae of North Tonawanda. He is a Democrat in politics and was nominated for collector in 1892 by his party.

Morris, Stephen H., was born in Porter, December 15, 1841, a son of Elisha and Margaret (Baker) Morris. Elisha Morris was born in Canada aud came with his pa-

161

rents to Porter, where he was a farmer and lumberman. He built the second saw mill that was built in Tonawanda in 1849; he died in 1857 and his widow in 1896. Stephen H. Morris was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and has 163 acres in Wilson; for four years he was in partnership with Mr. Dwight in the lumber business in Wilson, under the firm name of Morris & Dwight. In 1891 he dissolved partnership and came to Ransomville and engaged in the lumber business, where he has been very successful. In politics Mr. Morris is a Democrat, but not an aspirant to office. He is a Free Mason, a member of Ransom ville Lodge No. 551, F. & A. M., and is senior warden. In 1867 he married Ellen F. Lutts, and they have two children: Garnet, of Syracuse, and Beatrice at home. The grandfather of Stephen Morris was Robert Morris, who came from Wales during the Revolutionary war and enlisted as soon as he came and was wounded three times.

Mossell, Aaron .- The career of this gentleman furnishes another illustration of what may be accomplished in this free country by persevering industry combined with intelligence and enterprise in a given direction. Mr. Mossell was born in Bal- timore, Md., March 7, 1824. In those days the children of colored families were not admitted to the public schools, consequently Mr. Mossell had but few opportunities for obtaining an education and the only schooling he ever received was at a night school which he attended after he attained his majority. The first money he ever earned was in the employ of Mr. Alexander Russell, in a brick yard in Baltimore. He was an industrious and hard working boy and soon gained the confidence of his employer with whom he remained for a period of fifteen years. In 1853 he removed to Hamilton, Ont., and engaged in the manufacture of brick on his own account, in which he was very successful; in 1865 he removed to Lockport, N. Y., and established himself in his present business; the plant embraces a vast yard, kilns, dryer, office, and covers about eight acres of ground and furnishes employment to from fifteen to twenty workmen. The finest collection of improved brick machinery is used, with a yearly capacity of 1,500,000 high grade brick. Mr. Mossell has had over fifty years experience in the manufacture of brick, and is recognized as an expert in his line. He was married in October, 1846, to Eliza, daughter of Nathan Bowers of Baltimore, and they had four children: Mrs. Abraham Denny, who resides in Princeton, N. J. ; Dr. Nathan F., a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, and resides in Phil- adelphia, Pa .; Rev. Charles W., pastor of the A. M. E. church of Lockport, and Aaron A., an attorney of Philadelphia. In politics Mr. Mossell has always been a Republican, giving his party a loyal and active support. He and his family are reg- ular attendants of the A. M. E. church, to which he contributes liberally. Mr. Mos- sell has led an active, earnest life, and ranks among the most distinguished and rep- resentative colored families of the State, and is esteemed by all who know him.

Moore, J. O., was born in Canada, May 25, 1869, a son of George and Isabella Moore. Mr. Moore was reared on a farm and educated at Colegate Institute of Mt. Forest, Canada. In 1888 he came to Wilson, where he has since resided. He was graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1892, and began the practice of his profession in Wilson, where he has been very successful. In politics he is a Democrat and is a member of Unconditional Lodge No. 1255, I. O. F.

Macpherson, James F., M. D., was born in Halton county, Ontario, Can., and re-

162

ceived his literary education at Trinity College, Toronto. He then took a medical course in Toronto University and was graduated from the Buffalo Medical College in 1892. In 1894 he came to North Tonawanda, and that same year married Elizabeth Lapp of Clarence, Erie county, and they have one son, Fraser.

Ziehl, Ferdinand, was born in Walmore, August 28, 1867, a son of Charles and Mary Ziehl, natives of Germany. He wasreared on a farm and worked in a foundry and in Gratwick's lumber yard for two years before embarking in the hardware busi- ness at Martinsville in 1891. He also conducts a coal yard and handles about 500 tons annually. In 1889 Mr. Ziehl married Gussie Croskop and their children are Ed- ward, Lewis, Louisa and Matilda. He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church and is a trustee of the Parochial School.

Frost, Solcmon W., Somerset, general merchant of Somerset, and a son of Henry H. and Julia A. Frost, was born in the town of Somerset, November 15, 1858. His father was born in Albany county, March 30, 1816, and when nineteen years of age came to Somerset and engaged in farming. Thirty years ago he left the farm and with a Mr. Aldrich engaged in general merchandise in Somerset, under the firm name of Frost & Aldrich, continuing for six months, when he bought his partner out and took Albert Van Wagoner into partnership, continuing for two years when he bought Mr. Van Wagoner's interest in the business, and in 1871 took William Scism, a retired Methodist minister, as a partner ; after a partnership of about nine months, Mr. Scism retired from the firm and Mr. Frost took his son as partner. September 27, 1843, he married Julia Wilcox, and they had five children: Albert E., Sarah Ann, Frances Emily, Lillie and Solomon W. Mr. Frost served his town as clerk twelve years, justice of peace one year and superintendent of schools two terms, with gen- eral satisfaction to his townsmen and credit to himself. Solomon W. Frost received his early school training at the home school and completed his education at Buffalo in 1876 and 1877, after which he clerked for his father until April 2, 1888, when he bought one-half interest with his father and has since assumed entire control of their large stock of goods. November 5, 1879, he married Hannah E. Mead, daughter of Daniel and Mercy C. Mead, and they had two children: Henry M., born April 24, 1886, and Benjamin Harrison. born October 24, 1888. Mr. Frost has been clerk of his town for the past fifteen years, and his long continuation in office bespeaks his popularity and ability.

Farley, Francis B., was born in Wilson, Niagara county, N. Y., May 30, 1856, a son of Benjamin and Lavinna (Le Baron) Farley. Benjamin Farley was born in Salem, Mass., October 4, 1810, and in 1842 came to Niagara county; he was a farmer and also engaged in the mercantile business at Wilson. In politics he was first a Whig and afterwards a Republican; he held various town offices, and in 1857 was elected sheriff of the county, supervisor in 1865, and elected to the Assembly in 1867 from the Second district of Niagara county. He died May 15, 1876. Mrs. Farley was born in Leroy, N. Y., in 1812 and came to Wilson about 1847, where she now resides. Francis B. Farley was reared on a farm and educated in the Wilson Union School; he spent several years in Lockport as a contractor and builder, but is a farmer by occupation. December 2, 1886, he married Kittie, daughter of Morgan G, and Hester (Sears) Van Wagoner, and they have two sons, Ray M. and F. Leon.

163

Mrs. Farley's father was a farmer and died in 1864; his widow is still living in Wil- son. Her grandfather was an early settler in Niagara county and died in Lockport.

Fermoile P. J., was born in the town of Somerset, June 15, 1858. His father, Michael Fermoile, was a native of Ireland, and immigrated to America in 1850. P. J. Fermoile was educated in the common schools and Yates Academy. In 1882 he entered into partnership with M. E. Covey, in the grocery business, which he con- tinued up to 1891, when he went into his present business, that of canal supplies. In 1890 he married Minnie, daughter of Dennis Lahey, and they have one son, Francis. Mr. Fermoile is one of the conservative men of the town, serving as trustee and tak- ing an active interest in all public affairs.

French E. B., was born in the town of Ridgway, Orleans county, N. Y., January 17, 1859, a son of Nathan French, who came from Monroe county in 1849, and was always engaged in farming. He married Marietta, daughter of Allen Breed, and he died in 1869. E. B. French was educated in Medina and Lockport schools; his first business experience was in the employ of Oscar Wheedon of Medina, where he remained five years and then spent three years in Buffalo in the hardware business. In 1884 he came to Middleport and established his present business and to-day is carrying the largest and most complete stock of hardware, bicycles, stoves, etc., in his town; he also handles wagons, carriages and agricultural implements, and is a partner in the Royalton Door Co. In 1888 he married Louise, daughter of Linus Spalding.

Flanders, Albert, was born in Cambria, February 4, 1824, a son of Jacob and Eliz- abeth (Colt) Flanders. Mr. Flanders's grandfather, Aaron Flanders, was a farmer near Concord, N. H. ; he was born August 15, 1750, and died February 13, 1844; his wife, Hannah Flanders, was born May 17, 1752 and died December 13, 1844; they lived together as man and wife for about seventy-six years. The maternal grand- father, Isaac Colt, came from New Jersey to Niagara county and followed farming and hotel keeping. He served in the war of 1812. Jacob Flanders was reared on a farm in New Hampshire and was born January 18, 1785. When a young man he traveled through the west and east to find a place to settle in and finally settled in Cattaraugus county, but after a short stay removed to Cambria, where he engaged in farming and spent his last days. Albert Flanders was reared on the farm, and in 1855 married Louisa M., widow of William Scott, of Cambria. Mrs. Scott had one son, Edward W. Scott, who was reared by Mr. Flanders. Mr. Scott married Ellen Moody of Lockport, and they have four sons: Edward W., Walter E., Elmer and Wallas. Edward W. Scott was first a druggist, but since 1870 has been engaged in the insurance business; in 1884 he was made vice-president and one of the direc- tors of the Equitable Life Insurance Co. of Jersey City. Mr. Albert Flanders has two farms, one of 166 acres and one of 156. He is a Republican and has been as- sessor of Cambria and superintendent of the poor of Niagara county.

Fritz, William F., was born September 25, 1855, and has resided all his life in Mar- tinsville. His father, Christian Fritz, was one of the leading men of his town and conducted a large saw mill business in Martinsville and William F. grew up in that business. In 1894 he established a coal business in Martinsville, to which he now gives his attention. He has been twice married; his first wife was Sophia Peters,

164

who died leaving three children: Christian, Matilda and Rosa. For his second wife he married Rose Peters, and they have three children: Mary, Clara and Reno. His father, Christian Fritz, died in 1887. He was born in Germany and came to America and built a saw mill at Martinsville. He was prominent in politics as well as in busi- ness and was three terms supervisor of the town, besides holding other offices. William F. Fritz is a Democrat, a member of the firemen and engineer of the corps. He has been county delegate several terms and also inspector of election. His mother was Henrietta (Dornfield) Fritz and is still living.

Hotchkin, James H., was born in the town of Wilson, Niagara county, July 25, 1834, a son of A. E. and Electa Hotchkin. His parents came to Niagara county in an early day, locating in Wilson, where they remained until 1838 and then moved to Jackson county, Mich., and remained there until 1853, when they removed to Illinois, where he died in 1858. Mrs. Hotchkin came to Newfane in 1860 and died in 1873. They had nine children: Abram, born in 1830, resides in Porter; Noah, born in 1832, died in 1837; James H .; Edwin, born in 1836; Rose, born in 1838, died in 1863; C. S., born in 1840; Henry born in 1842, died in 1873; Alexander, born 1844, died in infancy, and one half brother and sister. James H. Hotchkin was edu- cated in the common schools and engaged as fireman on the railroad. August 22, 1862, he enlisted at Rochester, in the 19th N. Y. Light Artillery and was wounded in front of Petersburg in the forehead and removed to the hospital where he remained until April 1, 1865, when he was discharged and returned home. He married Frances Michaels of Aurora, Ill., February 28, 1856, and they had six children, four of whom are living: Isabelle, born June 28, 1861; Electa, born December 25, 1867; Clara, born May 21, 1869; Matilda, born June 23, 1871, died September 5, 1882; James, born August 3, 1875, and Edwin, born January 8, 1878, died February 18, 1882. Mr. Hotchkin is a member of Jacob Branker Post No. 547, G. A. R. at Newfane, of which he is sergeant. Mr. Hotchkin is a retired farmer, has a fine home and is a cordial and unassuming gentleman and has a warm place in the hearts of his comrades and neighbors.

Frazer, John J., a leading carriage manufacturer of Lockport, was born in that city April 19, 1853. His early education was obtained from the public schools and at an early age he was apprenticed at the carriage maker's trade. In 1872 he established his present business and built a handsome three story brick building, 138 by 44 feet, with basement. He makes a specialty of work to order, as well as all kinds of repair- ing. Mr. Frazer is a son of John and Sarah (Orr) Frazer, who removed from Cana- da to Lockport in 1847. In 1875, he married Anna, daughter of J. W. Doty of Lock- port, and this union has been blessed with two daughters: Gertrude A. and Edith L., who are now attending college in Cincinnati.

King, William H., Somerset, son of W. W. and Sarah (Jackson) King, was born in Nottingham, England, June 15, 1848, and came with his mother to America (his father having preceded them) when fifteen years old, landing at Quebec on his birthday, whence they went at once to Montreal, thence to Toronto, living on Scugoy Island a little more than one year. Not being satisfied there they came to the States, arriving at the village of Somerset in the spring of 1865, and where they yet reside. Our subject received his earlier educational training in England, and has

165

since by judiciously purchasing good books and taking the best magazines in the country, acquired a broader practical education which to-day ranks him as a well educated gentleman. He learned the trade of blacksmith in an earlier day and is now a practical horseshoer, having a large and prosperous trade. He has never mar- ried. His father, W. W. King, was born October 20, in Osgathorp, England, and is still living in Somerset. His mother was born January 4, 1826, at Bobber Mills, Nottingham, England, and died January 20, 1897.

King, M. J., was born in Towanda, Pa., July 21, 1853, and is a son of John J. and Mary A. King, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1848, and settled in Hart- land, Niagara county, N. Y., in 1858. They moved with mule team and went two miles over corduroy road of solid logs with no dirt on them. They had ten children, five of whom are now living: Mary, Michael J., P. Frederick, Anna, Daniel W., Will (deceased), and the rest died when young. All of this family were school teachers, M. J. King having taught thirteen terms. He was married in 1880 to Catherine A. Conley, and they have eight children: John, Mary, Jay L., William H., George, Thomas F., Ulysses and Eunice. Mr. King was elected justice of the peace in January, 1891, and served one term with satisfaction to all. He was appointed postmaster at Hartland under Harrison and served as deputy under Cleveland. He is engaged in fruit evaporating and operates one of the largest dryers in the town or country.

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.

Landmarks of Niagara County, New York, Part 64

Author: Pool, William, 1825-1912, ed Publication date: 1897 Publisher: [Syracuse] : D. Mason & Co. Number of Pages: 820

Author: Pool, William, 1825-1912, ed
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: [Syracuse] : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 820