USA > New York > Niagara County > Landmarks of Niagara County, New York > Part 69
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Sweeney, James, jr., Wheatfield, was born in Buffalo, October 28, 1866, and was educated in Buffalo. He read law for four years with Sprague, Mercy, Sprague & Morey, and spent a year traveling in Europe. He has since been engaged in the real estate business and in the management of the extensive Sweeney estate. He also does a large business in handling investments for clients. Mr. Sweeney is a member of the Saturn Club of Buffalo, the Yacht Club and the Buffalo Republican League. Mr. Sweeney's parents are James and Kate (Ganson) Sweeney, both of whom are liv- ing. The Sweeney estate owns a great deal of valuable property in North Tona- wanda and Tonawanda, including Sweeney park, which comprises about fifty acres of ground, and much of this property has been in the Sweeney family since 1824. 'They also own the Sweeney dock, and are doing much toward the development of North Tonawanda and Tonawanda by building houses and selling them on the in- stallment plan. They also have several fine factory sites,
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Jeffery, D. Elwood, lawyer, was born in the town of Wilson, Niagara county, N. Y., June 5, 1855, son of David A. and Mandana (Tuttle) Jeffery. His education was obtained at the public schools and the Lockport Union School. After completing his preliminary education he entered the law office of Holmes & Fitts as a student, where he remained for a short time, when he accepted a position in the surrogate's office as a clerk and remained there for five years, during which time he was admitted to the bar. He at this date formed a copartnership with his brother, Mr. E. L. Jeffery, which continued for five years, when he conducted the business alone for a period of four years. During this time he was assistant district attorney, and in 1893 formed a copartnership with Mr. D. E. Brong, under the firm name of Brong & Jeffery, which partnership still continues. Mr. Jeffery is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of St. John and Malta, also the Ancient Order of For- esters and Lockport Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1. He married in 1886, Miss Kate M. Beckett of Geneva, N. Y .; they have two children, Mary Grace and David E. Politically Mr. Jeffery is a Republican.
Pound, Hon. John E .- One of the most prominent men of the Niagara county bar, and of the city of Lockport, is Mr. John E. Pound. He was born in Lockport, N. Y., August 23, 1843. After attending the public schools, he was graduated from the Union School in 1862, and for two years was in the quartermaster's department dur -. ing the war of the Rebellion. After the war was over he began the study of law in the office of L. F. & G. W. Bowen, and in 1867 was admitted to the bar and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Pound has been a mem- ber of the State Legislature, assistant United States attorney and twice mayor of the city of Lockport. He is president of the Lockport Home for the Friendless, vice-president of the State Bar Association and a warden in the Grace Episcopal church. He has just completed a term of two years as supreme regent of the Royal Arcanum ; was a delegate to the Republican National Convention held at Chicago in 1880, and is one of the survivors of the "old guard 306." He is vice-president of the board of managers of the Buffalo State Hospital for the Insane; is United States Commissioner, and a member of the Board of Education. He was twice president of the Lockport Business Men's Association.
Pettit, Samuel H., a son of Alexander and Mariah B. Pettit, was born in the town of Wilson, Niagara county, N. Y., February 28, 1844. He was educated in the Collegiate Institute at Wilson, and was graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Busi- ness College of Rochester in 1864. He is a Republican in politics and takes a deep interest in the advancement of his party's principles. He served four consecutive terms as supervisor of his town; two years later was again elected and served two years, and was a candidate for assenblyman in the Second district of Niagara county in the fall of 1890, being defeated by only a small majority. September 13, 1864, he married Mary E. Case of Wilson, who died April 7, 1888, and on November 13, 1890, he married Hattie E. Quick. In 1895 he was nominated by the Republican party for the office of county clerk and was elected and took charge of the office January 1, 1896, and, as in all his official work, is giving entire satisfaction.
Kill. Hon. Ruthven, was born in the town of Van Buren, Onondaga county, April 2, 1834. His father, Jasper Kill, was one of the pioneer settlers in the town of New
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fane; he married Miriam Jones, and they came to town of Newfane in 1835, where lie was identified as a farmer. He died April 26, 1871. Ruthven Kill was educated in the common schools; in 1867 he married Lydia J., daughter of James H. Man- chester, and they are the parents of two sons, Fred M. and James R. Mr. Kill has served his town as highway commissioner for four years, assessor three years, super- visor two years, and in 1889 was elected to the Assembly, declining to be a candi- date for renomination for second term. He was president and vice-president of the Agricultural Society two years each, and it was at his suggestion that a public wed- ding be held on the grounds during the fair, provided the subjects therefore could be found ; this was done, proving a drawing card and financial success. Mr. Kill has resided for the past forty-eight years on his farm on the Slayton Settlement road in the town of Royalton, and while he has always taken an active part in politics, he being a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, yet he has never neglected his business, as his fine residence and well cultivated farm bear witness.
Holzer, Andrew, a native of Rhine, Germany, was born January 30, 1860. He attended the German schools and in 1881 immigrated to America and entered the employ of John Schuesler of Buffalo, and was afterward employed by the East Buffalo Brewing Company for eight years. He removed to Lockport in November, 1895, and in company with John G. Baer established the Union Brewery of Lock- port, which has grown to be one of the leading enterprises of the city. Mr. Holzer married Katie Grim of Buffalo in October, 1886, and there have been four children born to them: Mary, Andrew, John and Joseph. Mr. Holzer has never taken an active interest in political affairs, although he is interested in all good moves to benefit the community in which he lives. He is a member of the C. M. B. A. and he is respected by all who know him.
Nielson, Hans, one of the best known and most popular business men of the vil- lage of Niagara Falls, is a son of Christian and Anna Dorthea (Helgosen) Nielson, and was born October 16, 1821, in Veile, Denmark. His ancestors on both sides were natives of Denmark for unknown generations, his father being born there about 1791. All of his ancestors were Lutherans; his father was proprietor of a brewery and distillery. He married and raised a family of seven children. Hans Nielson was educated in the common schools of Denmark, and after leaving school learned the trade of tobacco manufacturer. He went to Norway where he was engaged for six years in the manufacture and sale of tobacco. In 1850 he emigrated to America, settling at Niagara Falls, where for two years he was a tobacco merchant. He then removed to Plattville, Illinois, and in company with Frederick Gluck, a native of Germany, went into the brewing and distilling business. After they had conducted this a short time their plant was accidentally destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of several thousand dollars. They having no insurance on their plant this untoward event left Mr. Nielson again at the foot of life's ladder with no capital but his native energy and strong will power. He began again as a tobacco merchant at Niagara Falls, and shortly afterward went into the grocery business, and in 1860 added the lumber business in company with Jeremiah Binkley. For eleven years he conducted this combined business and then sold out. In 1873 he was made president of Pros- pect Park, in which he had an interest, and served as president and manager of the company owning Prospect Park, and served in this capacity until the purchase of
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the park by the State in July, 1885. Prospect Park is now included in the Niagara Falls Reservation, and commands one of the finest views of the great falls. In 1887 he, in connection with his son, embarked in the dry goods business, in property owned by him on the corner of Main and Fall streets. This business is chiefly con- ducted by his son, Mr. Nielson giving his own attention to handling real estate in Buffalo. On September 18, 1857, Hans Nielson was married to Louisa Krull, a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, and to this union have been born four children, all engaged in business. Hans Nielson is a member of Franklin Lodge No. 132, Free and Accepted Masons, and has been a Knight Templar for over a quarter of a century. For many years he has been a member of the Board of Education of Niagara Falls trustee of Oakwood Cemetery, and trustee of the Niagara County Savings Bank, and vice-president of Power City Bank. Starting without capital and depending alone on his inherited talent and force of character, Mr. Nielson has attained a position of honor and influence in the community and is now reaping the reward which should crown an active and busy career.
Cooke, W. J., was born on the homestead where he still resides, in the town of Lewistown, December 7, 1829. He was the oldest son of Isaac C. and Catherine (Jones) Cooke, and has pursued the occupation of farming all his life. Mr. Cooke is one of the old native residents of the town and has always enjoyed the highest respect and confidence of his fellow townsmen. He was supervisor of the town of Lewiston five years in succession from 1886 to 1891, and has held other public offices. The Cookes are an old New England family and Mr. Cooke's grandfather, Lemuel, came from Connecticut to Fort Niagara in 1796 with the American troops sent thither to take possession of the fort upon its surrender by the English. About 1800 he removed to Lewiston village, and about 1808 settled upon the present Cooke farm, which he cleared up. There were originally a family of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, of whom four are now living, namely, Lemuel Isaac, Emily, W. J. and Amelia.
Sage, Franklin S., was born on the farm where he still resides, February 26, 1827, a son of Sparrow S. and Sarah (Williams) Sage. His father was a native of Con- necticut and came to Lewiston when a young man. His mother was a native of Manlius, Onondaga county, N. Y. F. S. Sage has pursued the occupation of farm- ing all his life, excepting when serving his country in the war. He enlisted Decem- ber 26, 1863, and served until February 13, 1865, with Co. L, 8th N. Y. Heavy Ar- tillery, when he was honorably discharged from the service. He participated in the battles of Spotsylvania, North Ann River, Cold Harbor and the fighting around Petersburg. He is a member of Mabon Post, G. A. R., Sanborn, N. Y. Mr. Sage was formerly an extensive fruit grower before selling most of his farm to the found- ers of the Model City. In 1859 he married Elizabeth A., daughter of Col. Arthur Gray, and they have four children: Frank L, a graduate of Mount Union College of Alliance, O., who is principal of the High School, Saginaw, Mich. ; Arthur G., a medical student; Eugenia E. and Cornelia M. Eugenia E. is a teacher in the home district in Lewiston. Mr. Sage and his family are members of the Presbyterian church at Lewiston, excepting Frank L., who is a member of the Presbyterian church at Saginaw. He is a staunch Republican and has served as assessor three years. He was originally a Whig and helped organize the Republican party.
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Meacham, George, was born in Claremont, N. H., February 6, 1824, a son of Asa and Margaret (Farwell) Meacham. His father was a dyer and dresser of cloth and his grandfather, Asa Meacham, was a patriot in the Revolutionary war. At twelve years of age George Meacham moved with his parents to Springfield, Vt., where he resided until 1847, when he moved to Abington, Mass., and remained there eight years. He then settled in Buffalo, where he engaged in the undertaking business and so continued until 1884, when he came into the town of Lewiston and engaged in farming, which he has since pursued. Mr. Meacham married Caroline H. Farwell in 1852; she died in 1863 leaving one son, Henry, who resides on the farm and prac- tically conducts all the business. He married Susie Hull and they have two chil- dren, Henry G. and May Hope. George Meacham has built a fine residence, one of the best in the town, upon his farm adjoining the village of Lewiston. Mr. Meacham has been a member of Hiram Lodge No. 105, F. and A. M., of Buffalo, since 1863. He has also been for the larger portion of his life a member of the Swedenborgian church.
MeHale, The Very Rev. Patrick, C. M., was born in Ireland in 1854, and was partly educated in that country. He attended St. Mary's College at Montreal, Can. ; St. Vincent's at Cape Girardeau, Mo., and later St. Vincent's Seminary, at German- town, Pa., where he was ordained by the late Archbishop Wood. His first assign- ment was to St. John's College at Brooklyn, N. Y., and from there he went to the Scholasticate at Germantown, Pa., as a professor, remaining for several years; when he was chosen as president of St. Vincent's College at Cape Girardeau. He later became pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Baltimore, Md., where he remained for seven years. He was then chosen (in 1894) as president of the Niagara University, and still remains in that capacity, this (1897) being the third year of his office.
Armstrong, Andrew M., Somerset, one of the enterprising farmers of Somerset, was born on the west shore of the west branch of Keuka Lake in the town of Pult- ney, Steuben county, July 14, 1839, and is a son of Andrew and Eunice Armstrong. His father was born in Ireland and came to America in an early day and died when Andrew was quite young. His mother was born in Benton, Yates county, N. Y., and died August 7, 1883. Mr. Armstrong clerked in Middleport for William Van Horn for two years, and when eighteen years of age moved on to the farm he now owns, and where he has since resided. December 25, 1872, he married Emma J. Hays of Hartford, and they had two children: Edith M., born April 26, 1875, and Hugh, born December 19, 1884, died May 30, 1891. Mr. Armstrong was elected supervisor of his town in 1883, and served seven years-1883, 1889, 1890, 1893, 1894, 1895 and 1896. He is a successful farmer, raising grain, fruit, chickens, blooded cows and horses. Mrs. Armstrong's father died in 1862, aged sixty-two years. Her mother, who is living with her daughter, was born in the town of Hat- field, Hampshire county, Mass., in 1803, and is probably the oldest living person in Somerset, if not in Niagara county. She is yet hale and hearty, and aside from be- ing slightly deaf, is in full possession of all her faculties. She is the mother of eleven children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. One son, Sidney C`. Hays, was a member of the 151st N. Y. Vol. Infantry and was killed at Sailor Creek. The G. A. R. Post at Barker is named after him. The famous Jug Tavern,
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the first in Somerset, was on Mr. Armstrong's farm, a hollow tree with a five-gallon jug of whiskey. Mr. Armstrong has been a member of Hartland Lodge No. 218, F. and A. M., since 1864.
Darrison, John T., ex-mayor of the city and one of Lockport's most respected citizens, was born in Lockport, N. Y., October 20, 1855. He was educated in the public schools of his native city and at an early age was apprenticed at the printer's trade and was employed on the Lockport Journal as a compositor for a short time. He next embarked in the flour, grain and seed business in a small way, and by hard work, economy and strict attention to business, has built up a trade that is a credit to the community in which he lives. Aside from his grain business he has interests in a number of enterprises, being a stockholder in the Thompson Milling Company, the United Indurated Fibre Company and other ventures of some importance. It is useless to say that Mr. Darrison is a very popular man, having been elected alder- man in 1885, appointed supervisor in 1886, made a member of the Board of Health in 1889, civil service commissioner in 1890, elected mayor of the city in 1892, railroad commissioner in 1894, and school trustee in 1895. He has also been identified officially with the Niagara County Agricultural Society and many other local insti- tutions. September 29, 1880, he married Laura A. Lambert and they have two children, Ralph L. and Miriam L. Personally Mr. Darrison is very social and en- joys the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Bailey, Perrin C., was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., May 4, 1836, a son of Aaron and Maria (Braman) Bailey. Aaron Bailey was born in New Hampshire and came to Wyoming county in 1806, where he married and lived until his death, May 27, 1876, aged seventy-five years; his wife was born in Connecticut and died in Jan- uary, 1880, aged seventy-five years. Perrin C. Bailey was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Middlebury Academy. With the exception of eight years spent in Iowa, he has always lived in New York State and now has a farm of 140 acres of land. He is a Republican, and was once a candidate for mem- ber of assembly, but was defeated by a small majority. In 1859 he married Eloise, daughter of Stephen Millard, an early settler of Wilson; to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have been born two children, Francis, wife of Dr. Campbell of Detroit, Mich., and Addie, wife of L. R. Root, a bank cashier of Sioux Falls, Dak. Mrs. Bailey died in 1880 and Mr. Bailey married Mary Peek in 1887, and they have one child, Merritt. Mr. Bailey is a member of the G. A. R. in Iowa. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, 9th N. Y. Vols., and served for three years; was all through the service of the Army of the Potomac, at the battle of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Gettys- burg, Winchester and Chancellorsville, and other engagements of the Army of the Potomac. He was promoted to first lieutenant and then to captain, commanding the company most of the time. Mr. Bailey has been a Baptist since 1856 and deacon of the Baptist church at Wilson for about seventeen years.
Draper. W. Levell, M. D., was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., February 24, 1865, a son of Philorus and Emaline (Cowan) Draper, both born and reared in Jefferson county, where she died in May, 1872. The grandfather of W. Levell was a native of Rhode Island and was one of the first settlers of Wilna, Jefferson county, where he lived and died. He built the first log and first frame house in that section and
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owned about 1,000 acres of land. He was a prominent man of the place and left a large family. W. Levell Draper, was reared on a farm and educated in Ives Semi- nary, Antwerp, N. Y ; he began the study of medicine with Dr. F. L. Santway, of Theresa, N. Y., in the mean time teaching at Natural Bridge and Carthage. He was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago in 1890, and was with Dr. J. E. Gilman of Chicago one year, when he came to Wilson where he has since had a successful practice. Dr. Draper is a member of the Western New York Ho- meopathic Society, and is also a member of the Masonic order, the I. O. O. F., the 1. O. F., the F. M. C. and K. O. T. M. In February, 1896, he married Anna Shoelles, of Wilson, N. Y.
Young, Henry C., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y .. April 29, 1838, a son of the late Jonas Young, who was a prosperous farmer of that section. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, Fort Edward (N. Y.) Institute and East- man's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. For a number of years following his graduation from the latter institution he traveled through Europe as the repre- sentative of several large American manufacturing concerns. In 1875 he was ap- pointed vice-consul of the United States at Moscow, Russia, and served in that capacity until 1878. In 1880 he returned to the United States and located at Phila- delphia, Pa., where for a number of years he was engaged in business, shipping machinery to Europe and other foreign ports. In 1890 he returned to the old home- stead at Niagara Falls, where he has since resided, a gentleman farmer. The Young farm was purchased from the Holland Land Co. early in the present century (in 1810) by the paternal grandfather of Henry C., who lived and died there, as did his father, Jonas, and originally contained over two hundred acres; his son Jonas added by purchase to the original tract making over 300 acres, all of which is still in the Young family. By her union with Jonas Young, Lydia Hittel, who died on May 8, 1897, at the advanced age of ninety-two years, had six children, four of whom survive, viz., Jonas, jr., Samuel, Maria and Henry C.
Tower, Peter S., was born on the old homestead, at Tower's Corners, two miles east of Youngstown, March 22, 1843, a son of Peter Tower, who settled on that farm in 1815. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools and Lock- port Union School, and was graduated in 1866 from Eastman's Business College. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Co. F. 129th N. Y. Vol Infantry, after which the regiment organized as the 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery and served until the close of the war, being mustered out June 10, 1865. September 26, 1868, he married Elizabeth McConkey, and they have five children: Mary B., Victorine M., Dan P., Ray C. and Nellie E., all living. Mrs. Tower died July 18, 1888, and Mr. Tower married, January 2, 1890, R. Adelle Shaw. Mr. Tower is a Republican and has been supervisor three terms, district clerk in school district for years, and has since June 1, 1891, been deputy collector and inspector of U. S. customs at Youngs- town, N. Y. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of. McCollum Post No. 228 G. A. R. at Ransomville; he is a member of St. John's Episcopal church and has been vestryman and treasurer for several years. He and his brother, Luke Tower, have the homestead of 212 acres and have added 120 acres more, and carry on gen- eral farming and fruit growing; they also keep a large number of sheep. He has always taken an active part in politics, being one of the leaders in the town for years.
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Mr. Tower on account of being unable to work on the farm has looked for other em- ployment and was appointed deputy collector of customs. Peter S. Tower has always been an active Republican and has taken a prominent part in the various conventions of his party as a representative of his town.
Tower, Luke, was born in Porter, in the house he lives in, May 24, 1834. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools and has always been a farmer. He is in partnership with his brother, Peter S., owning the homestead of 212 acres, to which has been added 120 acres more (see sketch of Peter S. Tower). December 15, 1868, he married Bessie Hosmer, and they had three children: Luke, jr., Paul (deceased), and Jennie C. Mr. Tower is a Republican and has been pathmaster forty years in succession.
Steele, Frank C., was born in Youngstown, N. Y., September 23, 1851, a son of William and Amanda (Clark) Steele. William Steele was born in Castleton, N. Y., and came to Youngstown about 1844, and was a blacksmith by trade. He and his wife reside with the subject and they had four children, Minnie and Lizzie (both de- ceased), and F. C. and Josephine living. F. C. Steele was educated in the schools of Youngstown and graduated from Empire State Business College in 1867. He began life as a clerk in Youngstown and went to Rochester as book- keeper for some years in Levi & Swarts's wholesale clothing house. In 1891 he built the Eldorado House at Youngstown and has since been proprietor. July 21, 1883, he married Ada, daughter of Dr. Havill of Rochester, and they have three sons, Frank A., George C. and William T. Mr. Steele is a Democrat and president of the village for the last two years. The Eldorado Hotel is open the year round, with special attention given to summer guests. It is modern in architecture and sup- plied with gas, running water, bath rooms, etc., and commands a fine view of old Fort Niagara and the mouth of the river.
Ripson, William, was born in Porter, September 15, 1834, a son of Tice and Sophia (Giddings) Ripson, who came to Porter in a very early day and here lived and died. William Ripson was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was a manufacturer of agricultural implements and foundryman and also owned thirty acres of land near Youngstown. He carried on business until his death, October 30, 1893, and the firm is now under the same name, William Ripson & Son. In politics he was a Democrat, and he and wife were Episcopal- ians, he being one of the officers and builders of the church and held office until his death. He was married in 1853 to Marcelia Lloyd, daughter of John Lloyd, who came to Porter in 1800 and had one of the first deeded farms from the Holland pur- chase. To Mr. and Mrs. Ripson was born one son, Julius M., born December 28, 1853. Julius Ripson carries on the business of his father in partnership with his mother.
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