USA > New York > Niagara County > Landmarks of Niagara County, New York > Part 66
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Leonard, Allen T., M. D., Wheatfield, was born in Niagara county, N. Y., and was educated in Lockport and the University of New York, from which he was graduated in 1891; in that year he established himself in North Tonawanda. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, of the Niagara County Medical Society and surgeon of the 25th Separate Company. He is also health officer of the village and surgeon for the Erie Railway. November 24, 1896, he married Inez M. Bixby. Dr. Leon- ard's parents were A. W. and Maria (Crosby) Leonard, both natives of Niagara county.
Swigert, John G., was born in the town of Newfane in 1862, a son of John J. and Fredericka Swigert, both natives of Germany. John J. Swigert immigrated to
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America about 1847, settling in Newfane, where he was married and they had ten children: Henrietta (deceased), William, resides in Appleton; George; John G .; Sarah, married; Josiah B., resides in Appleton; Frank, resides in Appleton; Mary and Anna, twins (Mary is dead, and Anna married Harmon Hilderbrant), and Charles. John C. Swigert received his education in the common schools, and en- gaged in general merchandise at Appleton in January, 1894, and prior to that ran an evaporator and cooper shop, which he still conducts. In 1885 he married Florence Monohan of Newfane, and they have these children; Nellie, Ida, Mary, Winnie and Marjorie. Mr. Swigert is a Free Mason, a member of Somerset Lodge No. 639. He is a prosperous and enterprising merchant and is enjoying a good trade.
Sherwood, A. S., one of the representative citizens of Hartland, was born in Con- necticut, January 1, 1823, a son of Noah and Ruanah Sherwood, who came to Niagara county in the spring of 1835, locating in the town of Somerset. Noah Sher- wood was born October 26, 1786; he was a Baptist minister, and as such traveled over a great deal of territory on horseback spreading the gospel and enduring the trials and hardships which were the common lot of all in an early day ; he died October 8, 1873. Mrs. Sherwood was born May 31, 1801, and died June 19, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood were the parents of eight children: A. S., Elam G., born May 10, 1827; Ebenezer J., born May 29, 1831; John, born October 27, 1834; Myron, born July 13, 1836; James L., born March 13, 1838; Mary E., born July 7, 1839, was killed when a little child, and Angeline, born July 7, 1844. Mr. A. S. Sherwood in 1844 bought fifty acres of timber land, which he cleared and added twenty acres more and is now a prosperous farmer, and although seventy-four years of age, is strong and healthy and as spry as most men of forty-five. His brother Ebenezer went to the war. was taken prisoner and it is supposed he died in Andersonville prison. In 1847 Mr. Sher- wood married Mary Ann Lewis, and they had two sons: Sears, born January 30, died December 4, 1864, and William, born March 20, 1855, died January 15, 1872. Mrs. Sherwood died April 28, 1888.
Saddlesom, Ransom, was born in Cambria, N. Y., December 24, 1835, a son of Christopher and Cynthia (Holmes) Saddlesom. The grandfather, Michael Saddle- som, came to Cambria, bringing his family just after the close of the war of 1812, and taking up about 150 acres of land, which is mostly owned by Ransom Saddle- som. Ransom Saddlesom was educated in the common schools and has always resided on the homestead farm, making a specialty of grapes. In 1859 he married Laura E. Pardee, and they have four children: Loren, farmer at Cambria; Anna Bell and Lena Bell, died in infancy, and Sadie E., wife of James Gould of Syracuse, N. Y. Mr. Saddlesom is a Democrat, but does not aspire to office.
Schwarm, Adam, jr., was born in Swormville, N. Y., March 17, 1863, a son of Adam and Louisa (Ebeshart) Schwarm, natives of Germany. Adam and Louisa Schwarm immigrated to America in 1847 and settled at Swormville, they being the pioneer settlers there. He kept a general store there until 1880, and was a dealer in real estate. He and George W. Hoover were the founders of the Erie & Niagara County Farmers' Association, of which he was six years treasurer. Adam Schwarm, the subject, was educated at Clarence Union School and Bryant & Stratton's Busi- ness College, where he taught for a short time and was graduated from there in 1896.
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He commenced his business career as manager of the lumber mills of C. Fritz, Mar- tinsville, and was then nine years with P. Becker & Co., wholesale grocers, as sales- man, giving up this position on account of poor health. In 1897 he bought the Col. Stephen R. Warren farm of 129 acres in Pendleton, where he carries on general farming. June 21, 1888, he married Caroline R., daughter of Col. Stephen R. Warren. Colonel Warren was seventeen years cashier in a bank at Troy, and afterwards settled on Grand Island and later came to Pendleton and purchased a large tract of land, where he died in 1880.
Shimer, Jacob, was born in the town of Lockport, December 23, 1858. His father, William Shimer, came with his parents, Jacob B. and Mary Shimer, from Lehigh county, Pa., in 1831, settling near Lockport. He was a public spirited man and sup- ported all church and school interests. William Shimer married Nancy Root; he died in 1894. Jacob Shimer was educated in the common schools and in 1880 mar ried Matilda L , daughter of Jerry Dunkleberger, and they have four children: Ray C., Mason C., Alton W. and Mabel C. Mr. Shimer is one of the progressive men of his town, serving as highway commissioner for two years, and takes an active inter- est in educational and religious institutions.
Sutliff, Calvin G., one of Lockport's leading manufacturers and well respected citizens, was born in Warren, O., September 14, 1851. After completing his elemen- tary education and a thorough college course at the Western Reserve College at Hudson, O., he began the study of law and was graduated from the Albany Law School in the class of 1880. He then located in Cleveland, O., where he was engaged in the practice of his profession until 1884, when he removed to Lockport to accept the management of the rolling mills of Westerman & Co. This establishment had been founded four years previous by Messrs. Westerman, Fletcher & Co., and was succeeded by Westerman, Bruce & Co. in 1884, that firm being succeeded by the present firm. This is one of the largest plants of the kind in Western New York and they turn out large quantities of bridge iron, horseshoe iron, etc., annually and give employment to a large number of workmen. Mr. Sutliff is a man of great busi- ness ability and is respected by all who know him.
Snow, J. B, C. E., was born in Nantucket, Mass., a son of Charles E. and Emily J. Snow. Mr. Snow was educated at Union College, from which he was graduated a civil engineer in the class of 1889. He at once took up the practice of his profes- sion and executed sewer plans for Goshen, N. Y., after which he was engaged on electric railway work in the East, where he built some tracks; he then spent a year in West Superior and came to North Tonawanda in 1892, and in 1893 entered into partnership with T. W. Barrally, forming the firm of Barrally & Snow. Mr. Snow is city engineer for Tonawanda and is a member of the Engineers' Society of West- ern New York. In 1894 he married Ella C. Haiman of Schenectady, and they have one daughter, Annetta.
Stumpf, C. F., was born in the county of Grey, Canada, a son of John and Mary (Shiedel) Stumpf. His father was a native of Germany and his mother of Phila- delphia. C. F. Stumpf was educated in the public schools of his native place, and has resided in North Tonawanda for six years, where he conducts a high class photograph studio, doing outside as well as inside work, and all of the highest
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quality. In 1894 he married Minnie Parman of Tonawanda, and they have one son, Delmer.
Smeaton, J. V., Wheatfield, was born in Fultonville, N. Y., and was engaged in the lumber business there prior to coming to Tonawanda in 1889, to enter the firm of Calkins & Co., which became an incorporated company in 1894, with Mr. Smeaton as secretary and treasurer and resident manager They are also wholesale dealers in lumber and operate an extensive planing mill. They handle about 25,000,000 feet of lumber annually and employ from seventy-five to 125 hands. Mr. Smeaton mar- ried Jennie Birch. in 1893, and they have one son, Donald.
Sharpsteen, William, was born in Cayuga county, June 13, 1839, and is a son of Joshua M. and Jerusha Sharpsteen, both natives of New York, who came to Niagara county and settled at Johnson's Creek in 1852. They had thirteen children: John, Charles, Joshua, William, Jane, Mary, now Mrs. I. E. Van Orthwick, and the others died when young. December 19, 1860, Mr. Sharpsteen married Catherine Phillips, and they have three children: Francis E., born January 17, 1865, died March 22, 1867; Carrie A., born January 24, 1867, now Mrs. Burt Smith ; and Willie J., born November 3, 1869. Mr. Sharpsteen is engaged in farming and is a breeder of fine bred cattle. He is one of the most prosperous farmers in Niagara county.
Smith, George P., one of the most enterprising men of Niagara county, was born in Lockport, June 15, 1842, a son of Hon. Henry P. and Christina (Long) Smith, and was educated in Genesee College. In 1862 he removed to Saginaw Bay, Mich., where he has since been interested in the lumber business; in 1874 he returned to North Tonawanda, which has since been his home, except an additional nine years spent in Saginaw. He has done a great deal for North Tonawanda through his con- nection with the Tonawanda Lumber & Saw Mill Company, the Tonawanda Stand- ard Light and Power Company, the Standard Gas Company, the Ironton Land Company, the United States Water Company, the Niagara Real Estate and Invest- ment Company, the North Tonawanda Land Company, and the Tonawanda Street Railway Company. In 1884 Mr. Smith married Susan Otterson of Michigan, who was born in Woodstock, Ontario, Can.
Sandstrum, John, a native of Sweden, was born at Onslunda, June 20, 1843, and at twelve years of age immigrated to America. He had served his apprenticeship at the stone mason's trade in his native town and from 1855 to 1887 he followed that trade, traveling through the United States and Canada as a journeyman. In 1887 he settled at Niagara Falls, N. Y., where he has ever since remained and has built up a large and paying business. In 1867 Mr. Sandstrum married Johanna Mortonson of Sweden, and they had eight children, seven of whom survive.
Coates, E. A., Somerset, was born in Somerset, March 13. 1855, and is a son of Thomas P. and Jane Coates. His father came to America in 1832, when the town of Somerset was a wilderness. His mother was born in Canada and came to Lewiston when a small girl. They were married in Lewiston in 1849 and were blessed with four children : Viola A., now Mrs. Taylor, lives in Somerset ; E. A. ; Flora, deceased : Cora, now Mrs. Ezra Martin, and Walter S. Mr. Coates received his education in Somerset, and on June 13, 1881, married Elizabeth Millard, daughter of Dewitt C.
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and Angeline (Lounsbury) Millard. They have one son, Carl, born September 19, 1889. Mr. Coates is a member of the county committee, being elected in 1896. He is the owner of eighteen acres of the finest orchard in Niagara county and has traveled for a nursery company for a number of years. They are one of the first families of the town of Somerset, and are a pleasant and entertaining lady and gen- tleman. Mrs. Coates's grandfather, Millard, was a cousin to President Fillmore.
Coates, Samuel, Somerset, was born in Yorkshire, England, April 25, 1828. He came to America in 1831, with his mother, locating on a farm about one mile from where he now resides. He received his education in the public schools of Somerset and on June 17, 1855, married Martha Powell of Niagara Falls. They had one son, Wallace, born Febrnary 4, 1860, who is now married and is managing their large farm. He was married December 11, 1883, to Mary C. Morgan, and they have two children : Elmer M., born April 6, 1887, and Mabel, born July 22, 1890. Mrs. Sam- uel Coates's father died in August, 1849, and her mother August 31, 1865. Mr. Coates's father died in England and his mother died February 10, 1857. Mr. Coates has twenty acres of apple orchard, 1,200 bearing pear trees, 900 peach trees, 350 plum trees, and 2,000 currant bushes, all bearing; he is also a large grain grower and stock feeder and is one of the most successful farmers in Niagara county.
Carver, William H., was born in Wilson, N. Y., March 18, 1844, and is a son of Lewis R. Carver, born in Seneca county, September 12, 1808, and Sarah A. (Alvers) Carver, born in Canada, May 18, 1823, a daughter of Alexanders Alvers, a native of France, who came to the United States with Commodore Perry, and spent his last days in Wilson, where he is buried in Greenwood Cemetery. Lewis R. Carver came to Wilson about 1830, where he died March 24, 1883, and his widow died November 4, 1894. William H. Carver was reared and educated at Wilson, and followed farm- ing until 1862, when he engaged in the meat business for fourteen years, and for the last six years has carried on a saloon. He is a Republican and has been constable for twenty-two years. In 1862 he enlisted, as private, in the 23d N. Y. Independent Battery Light Artillery, under Capt. Ransom. He is a member of Peter A. Porter Post No. 129 G. A. R. December 25, 1866, he married Helen Wilcox, born in Wil- son in 1846 daughter of George Wilcox, an early settler in Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Carver have four children: Lillian, wife of Sylvester McGinnis of Tonawanda, N. Y. ; Harriet, wife of Glen Hosmer of Tonawanda; Martha (deceased), and Albert H., born May 24, 1874, and educated at Wilson Union School. The Carver family is of German descent and the grandfather of William H. settled in Genesee county, N. Y., where he lived and died.
Chapman, David, was born in England, December 2, 1836, a son of Charles and Ann Chapman, natives of England. David Chapman was educated in England and came to Lewiston, N. Y., in 1855, where he was engaged in farming, which he fol- lowed until 1860, when he went to Ransomville and went into a saw mill. In 1887 he bought a half interest in the Wilson grist mill and after two years went to Bing- hamton as electrical engineer for seven years, thence to Wilson where he has since been in the grist mill in partnership with Mr. Martin Bush. Mr. Chapman was mar- ried in 1859 to Phoebe Fisher of Lancaster, and they have two children, Mary E. (wife of George C. Brooks of Binghamton), and Charles J. Mr. Chapman is a mem-
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ber of the Binghamton Electrical Association, and the family attend the M. E. church.
Cornell, H. G., was born in Lewiston, September 12, 1864, a son of Hiram B. and Isabella (Perry) Cornell. His father was a native of this State and his grandfather, Nelson Cornell, came from Massachusetts prior to 1830. H. G. Cornell's first busi- ness undertaking was steamboating and he was with the Northwestern Transporta- tion Company for three years, then engaged with the Canadian Pacific Railroad for nine years as conductor. In 1888 he returned to Lewiston and inaugurated the Cor- nell House which was burned in July, 1895; he immediately rebuilt his fine hotel at the Central Depot and overlooking the river. The capacity of the house will soon be doubled by a large addition which Mr. Cornell contemplates building. He is highly popular not only in Lewiston, but far and near, and his house is the favorite resort of tourists and pleasure seekers. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Order of Elks, and was the instigator of the extensive fish planting being done in Niagara River. He married Laura Vaughan, and they have three daughters: Eveline, Frances and Isabelle.
Cleveland, Henry T., D. D. S., owes his success in business to strict economy, in- tegrity, courtesy, and close attention to business, all of which goes to make up the successful business man. Dr. Cleveland was born in the town of Cambria, Niagara county, N. Y., June 16, 1856. After acquiring a liberal education from the public schools, he began the study of a profession that was destined to last for twenty years. He entered the dentist office of Dr. T. F. Dickinson as a student, and after two years he took a course at the New York College of Dentistry, after which he returned to Lockport and began the practice of his profession. Since 1880 he has been pursuing his chosen profession with marked success and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Clench, R. J., was born in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and was a son of Ralfe and Cath- erine (Daly) Clench; his grandfather, Ralfe Clench, was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war. R. J. Clench has been a photographer in the Twin Cities for a quarter of a century; he opened his studio in Tonawanda in 1872, but following the growth of the Lumber City northward, in the fall of 1896 he opened a studio in North Tona- wanda. He does all kinds of photography and is noted far and near for the excel- lence of his work. Mr. Clench married Sophia Tay. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity and enjoys a high reputation as a business man and citizen.
Curtis, W. J .; is a native of Massachusetts, and a son of Charles A. and Mary B. (Jackson) Curtis, both of old New England families. Mr. Curtis has been in the lumber trade all of his business life; he was located in Burlington, Vt., until the lumber interests began to wane there, when he came to North Tonawanda to take charge of the lumber interests at this point for the Export Lumber Co. and the Hall & Munson Co. The business of the Export Lumber Company at North Tonawanda ranges from sixteen million to thirty-six million feet per annum, and that of the Hall & Munson Co. averages about 200 cars. The trade of this company is in mill work and box shooks. Mr. Curtis was married in 1875 to Clara Watts, and they have one daughter, Mary. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Ma- sonic fraternity, and is one of North Tonawanda's enterprising business men.
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Clendenan, C. W., M. D., was born in Lincoln county, Ontario, May 4, 1864. He was educated at St. Catherine's High School and Toronto University, from which he was graduated in medicine in 1890; he is also a licentiate of the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons of Ontario. He settled in North Tonawanda in 1891, where he has since practiced his profession. Dr. Clendenan is a member of the New York State Medical Association and also of the Odd Fellows, Foresters and Knights of Pythias. He is also one of the Regent examiners for the State of New York. In 1889 he married Elgan T. Johnston of Port Hope, Ontario. His parents were Daniel and Margaret J. (Claus) Clendenan. His ancestors were New England loyalists.
Cromley, Charles E,, was born in Fulton, Oswego county, N. Y., March 8, 1860, and is a son of James Cromley, who was for years head cutter in a large shoe manu- factory at Fulton. Mr. Cromley received his education at the public schools and at the age of thirteen began to earn his living by selling newspapers. He studied law in the offices of Pardee & Piper of Fulton, and later entered the office of Davenport & Tennant, at Richfield Springs; he was admitted to the Sara- toga Springs bar in 1880 and practiced law in Fulton until 1883, when he came to Niagara Falls and entered into partnership with H. C. Tucker, formerly of Buffalo. This partnership was dissolved in 1885, and he continued practice alone until 1891, when he formed a partnership with S. Z. Lawrence, which was dissolved in January, 1896. Since that time he has been in the successful and uninterurpted practice of his profession. In 1886 Mr. Cromley was elected police justice of Niag- ara Falls, being the first to fill that position. He is an able and brilliant attorney, respected and honored by all who know him.
Cowdrick, William J. S., was born at Bellefonte, Pa., November 4, 1804, a son of Morris W. Cowdrick, a prominent brick manufacturer and contractor. He was edu- cated in the public schools of his native town and at seventeen years of age learned his father's trade, which he has followed ever since. For two years after serving his apprenticeship he traveled through the south doing journeyman work, but re- turned to Bellefonte, and re-entered the employ of his father. In 1887 the family removed to Johnstown, Pa., where, in company with his father, he established a brick works and contracting business which they continued to operate until 1893; early in 1894 they removed their business to Niagara Falls, N. Y., where they still remain. Since 1894 Mr. Cowdrick has been identified with the erection of many large and costly buildings in Niagara county, among them being the Tonawanda Iron and Steel works, which was completed in 1896, the machinery of which plant was set in motion by the touching of an electric button at Canton, Ohio, by Presi- dent Mckinley. October 6, 1887, Mr. Cowdrick married Josephine Shrom of Belle- fonte, and they have two children, John W. and Mary C. Mr. Cowdrick is presi- dent of the Board of Trustees of St. James M. E. church at Niagara Falls.
Haight, Joshua J., Somerset, was born in Somerset, August 13, 1845, and is a son of Stephen aud Celia (Humphrey) Haight, both of whom are dead. His grandfather came from Cayuga county to Somerset in the spring of 1820, and built the house now owned by the subject. Mr. Haight received his earlier education in the public schools near his home, finishing in the Lockport Union School, after which he en-
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gaged in farming which he has since been engaged in and very successfully, being a fruit and grain farmer, and also raises stock. November 1, 1871, he married Emily Huntington, daughter of Joshua and Rebecca Huntington, and they have six chil- dren: Stephen J., born March 30, 1875, married Ruby C., born March 19, 1877, now Mrs. Peacock; Fred W., born September 16, 1880; Louis G., born July 25, 1882; Roy A., born April 25, 1885, and Rosetta, born October 14, 1887.
Hungerford, Andrew H., was born in Orleans county, March 20, 1847, and is a son of Reuben and Elmira Hungerford, natives of New York, both of whom are dead. His father came from Clarkson to Middleport, from there to Orleans county and was captain of a packet on the Erie Canal, and died in 1887. His mother died May 28, 1883. Mr. Hungerford was married September 30, 1869, to Rosena Bate- man, and they had three children: Louis, married January 6, 1897, to Mary Jane Decker; George and Nettie. Mrs. Hungerford died February 17, 1885, and March 23, 1886, Mr. Hungerford married Emma Hill, daughter of George and Manervia Hill, residents of Somerset. Mr. Hungerford is a stock buyer and ships stock weekly ; he also raises grain and fruit very extensively. He has been a resident of Niagara county, all but six years, since 1869.
Harwick L., was born in Caledonia, Livingston county, N. Y., June 2, 1820, a son of Elias Harwick, who spent most of his days in Livingston county, but died in Michigan. L. Harwick was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He first engaged in farming, which he followed for several years, and in 1855 came to Ransomville, where he engaged in a general store, dealing in all kinds of ma- chinery and agricultural implements, and also owns fifty-five acres of land. He married Mary A. S. Roberts, and they had three children: Elwin L., Everett A. and Ada M. The sons are in partnership with their father, the firm being known as Harwick & Sons. Mr. Harwick is a Republican and has been constable and collec- tor. He is a Free Mason, member of Ransomville Lodge No. 551, F. & A. M., and has been treasurer of the lodge for about sixteen years.
Holdridge, George B., was born in the town of Royalton, July 6, 1828. His father, Darius Holdridge, was a native of New London, Conn., and came to Genesee county in 1819, where he met his wife, Rebecca, daughter of Isaac Bishop. They moved into the town of Royalton in 1821, where he was identified as a farmer ; in 1831 they moved into the village, where he carried on the cooper's trade for eight years and then returned to his farm; he died in 1866. George B. Holdridge was ed- ucated in the common schools and through life has been a practical and successful farmer. In 1867 he married Octavia E., daughter of Daniel R. Smith. Mrs. Hold- ridge died July 2, 1872, and in 1880 he married Mrs. Ellen Kingsley, daughter of Adam Gastin, and they have one daughter, Mrs. Matie E. Waters. Mr. Holdridge has served as supervisor three terms, highway commissioner six years and assessor three years; he is recognized as a man of sterling integrity, whose judgment is sought and respected by all who know him.
Holly, Frank W., was born at Seneca Falls, N. Y., February 6, 1852. His parents removed to Lockport in 1853, where he attended the public schools. After com- pleting his preliminary education he was apprenticed at the machinist trade in the Holly Manufacturing Company's plant and after working for a period of three years
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