USA > New York > Erie County > Memorial and family history of Erie County, New York Volume, II > Part 16
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Though he was seventy-seven years old at the time of his death, Mr. Denton appeared much younger, and was as energetic and active as any of the junior members of his firm. He was a believer in outdoor exercise, to which he was greatly devoted. He was in the last two decades of his life a remarkable example of the enthusiasm and vigor of youth retained in apparent defi- ance of time. The intellect of the veteran business man, musical artist and connoisseur was keen as of yore, he enjoyed companionship, played out-of-door games, and was fond of healthful recreation. Mr. Denton's heart was pure, his tastes refined, his integrity scrupulous, and that he possessed a high type of business talent was demonstrated by his successful career. Although when he died he had passed far beyond the Psalmist's limit of three-score and ten, his death was a shock to the community, for to the last day of his life Robert Denton did the work and bore the responsibilities of a man among men.
WILLIAM C. FRANCIS was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Febru- ary 6, 1847. His father, Daniel Francis, came to Buffalo in 1832 from the family home in Wethersfield, Connecticut, and after establishing himself in business, married Elyda Yates Long of Albany, N. Y. William C. Francis early engaged in business, entering the employ of Pratt & Co., and following the
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hardware business in their service for a number of years. He resigned the valued position attained with them to engage in the manufacture of axes, and associated with him in this ven- ture, his brother, George W. Francis, under the name of The Francis Axe Co. Their brands met with favor in the growing West and abroad. This business was finally sold to the Trust.
In 1882 Mr. Francis became associated with the late R. H. Bickford, in the manufacture of leather belting, the firm name being Bickford & Francis. Their factory was located at num- ber 53 to 55 Exchange street. In 1888 their building was destroyed by the great Exchange street conflagration of that year. The firm immediately rebuilt on the same site, but Mr. Francis did not live to enjoy more than a few months in the new abode.
Mr. Francis married Gertrude C. Wilson, a daughter of the late Guilford R. Wilson of Buffalo. Their children are: Guil- ford W. Francis, William C. Francis, and Florence G. Francis.
Mr. Francis was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon and Elder. In politics an enthusiastic Republican, he took pride in marching with the good old Repub- lican League in its militant days.
William C. Francis died April 27, 1889, at the age of forty-two years. With a heart for the good and happy influences in life, he enjoyed the fellowship of those who knew him.
THOMAS LATHROP BUNTING. In the career of this dis- tinguished citizen and estimable man were exemplified useful activities carried on with high ability and resulting in well-won success. The life work of Thomas L. Bunting was closely identi- fied with Erie County, and few men were so well known to its people. He was merchant, manufacturer and financier, and in every one of these fields accomplished signal achievements. As Representative in Congress he took a leading part in debate and the general work of legislation, and when he retired from public life it was with a political record alike creditable to himself and a source of justifiable pride to his constituents.
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Mr. Bunting was born in the town of Eden, Erie County, N. Y., April 24, 1844. His parents were Joseph and Lucinda (Fish) Bunting, well-known residents of that township. After availing himself of the advantages of the public schools he entered Springville Academy and engaged with ardor in the task of preparing for col- lege, meantime, as oppor- tunity offered, assisting his financial resources by teaching school. At this period he met with a severe disappointment, for failure of his health compelled him to abandon his cherished plan of go- ing to college.
Upon leaving the Springville Academy in 1863, Mr. Bunting re- moved to Hamburg, Erie County. When he recov- ered his health he direct- ed his attention to mer- cantile pursuits, and in THOMAS L. BUNTING. 1868 established a general store in Hamburg, which soon became the largest store of its kind in Western New York, being called in familiar parlance the "Six Stores in One." In 1881 Mr. Bunting became con- nected with the canning industry, the outcome being the estab- lishment of the Hamburg Canning Company, a mammoth enter- prise with large plants at Hamburg and Eden. The concern is capitalized at $100,000, and its average yearly output is three and one-half million cans of fruits and vegetables. He was Vice-President of the Bank of Hamburg, President of the local water and electric light company, President of the Hamburg
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Investment and Improvement Company, and a stockholder in the Hamburg Planing Mill Company.
Mr. Bunting was a Democrat of high standing in the counsels of his party and his fidelity and services were rewarded in 1890 by his election as Representative in Congress from the 33d Dis- trict. The period was one of great agitation of the tariff ques- tion. Mr. Bunting thoroughly understood the subject and quickly became prominent as a Congressional debater. The tin plate industry was one of the chief centers about which was waged the struggle of Protection vs. Free Trade. The canning business of which Mr. Bunting was the head, was an immense consumer of tin cans, and this gave him an unsurpassed prac- tical knowledge of the issue relative to tin plate. He was recognized as one of the most authoritative exponents of tariff reform, and in addition to his work in Congress wrote many able articles for the Tariff Reform Club and the press. At the end of his term his party urgently pressed him to accept a renomi- nation, but he declined.
Mr. Bunting was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Hamburg, and one of its most active workers, as well as a liberal contributor to denominational and other charities. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arcanum and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
September 8, 1869, Mr. Bunting married Bettie Maria New- ton, daughter of Daniel R. and Maria (Lockwood) Newton of Hamburg, N. Y. The father of Mrs. Bunting was a leading resident of Hamburg and owner of one of the largest dairy farms in Western New York, consisting of 1,200 acres of the tract now known as Newton Road, so called after Mr. Newton, who developed the district. Mr. Bunting is survived by his widow and three children: Jessie, now Mrs. Charles C. Huestis; Thomas Newton Bunting, a well-known civil engineer of Buffalo, associated with the C. C. Conkling Engineering Com- pany, and Curtis Daniel Bunting, who resides at Grand Rapids, Mich., and is civil engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
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The death of Mr. Bunting occurred on the 27th of December, 1898. His decease was an irreparable loss to the enterprises with which he was identified, and to the community of which he had so long been an honored citizen.
DUGALD MACNIEL, M.D., who died March 21, 1884, was an able and well-known physician of Buffalo who well exemplified the sturdy Scottish strength of character. Dr. Macniel's repu- tation as a physician was gained and confirmed by years of prac- tice. His standing with his professional brethren was high and he possessed the confidence and esteem of the community.
Dr. Macniel was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1848. His father was John and his mother Mary (McCollum) Macniel. The lad's mother died during his childhood, and while still a boy he accompanied his father and step-mother on their journey to America. The voyage was overcast with tragic circumstances which left a deep shadow on the youthful Macniel's life. His father and two brothers died at sea, and on his arrival in Can- ada the boy was taken to an uncle in the town of Dutton, with whom he thereafter made his home. While in Canada young Macniel received a common school education. Early discov- ering a strong inclination toward the medical profession, he taught school in the endeavor to earn enough money to pursue his medical studies. He studied medicine at St. Thomas Uni- versity, and when about seventeen years old, he came to Buffalo, and continued his medical studies at the University of Buffalo, from which he graduated in 1871. He returned to Canada, but after remaining there for a short time came back to the United States, settling in Buffalo, and immediately entering on the practice of his profession. As a physician, Dr. Macniel was successful from the first. He was conscientious and unre- mitting in the care of his patients, and few equalled him in solid acquirements. No man was more cognizant of the truth of the aphorism that "he who ceases to be a student soon ceases to be a scholar." To the end of his life he was a careful
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reader of the literature of his profession. In dealing with his patients Dr. Macniel in a remarkable degree united the quali- ties of gentleness and determination.
Dr. Macniel was a member of Washington Lodge, No. 240, F. & A. M., and Keystone Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He also belonged to the Odd Fellows, and was a charter member of Waverly Lodge, No. 160, A. O. U. W., of which he was also Past Master. He was at one time associated with the Knights of Pythias; was a member of the Erie County Medical Society; was connected with St. Andrew's Scottish Society, and was a life member of the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy. He attended the First Presbyterian Church. Politically he was a Republican.
June 13, 1876, Dr. Macniel married Harriet C. Hamlin, daugh- ter of Daniel R. and Caroline (Huntington) Hamlin. He is sur- vived by his wife and his children: Caroline H. Macniel and Mrs. Charles M. Olmstead.
Dr. Macniel was a man who inspired confidence and readily won esteem. His character was benevolent and his acts of kindness were by no means limited to the field of his profession. He was notably a liberal contributor to church charities and other philanthropic causes.
ORSON CARY HOYT, M.D., was for forty years a well-known and respected citizen of Buffalo. As a business man and public officer he participated actively in the affairs of that community. He was prominent in church life, and in particular was he remarkable for the catholicity of his charities, in which he recognized neither sect nor creed, dealing generously by all alike.
He was born in East Aurora, Erie County, May 20, 1825, the son of Dr. Jonathan and Prudence (Eddy) Hoyt. He was edu- cated at the Aurora Academy, after which he went South for two years, being engaged in teaching in Kentucky, Mississippi and Alabama. Upon his return in 1849 he entered the Buffalo
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Medical College, and subsequently studied at the Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in 1850. He belonged to a family of physicians, his father and two older brothers being members of that profession. Dr. Hoyt came to Buffalo in 1853, which from that time on was his home. Previous to that year he had practiced medicine in the West and two years at Orchard Park, N. Y. After a residence of one year in Buffalo he gave up professional pursuits and entered upon the real estate business, in which he was interested from that time forward. In 1862 he opened a dry goods store at the northwest corner of Main and Eagle streets, and in 1869 retired from active business. He still had extensive real estate inter- ests whose management engrossed a large part of his time.
In politics Dr. Hoyt was a life-long Democrat. In 1862 he was his party's candidate for Alderman of the old Fourth Ward and was elected, serving one term.
One of Dr. Hoyt's distinguishing characteristics was his love for children and his fondness for dumb animals. He was extremely fond of music and was naturally gifted in that direc- tion, although he never pretended to be a musician. It was nevertheless a fact that he could hear a piece of music and upon his return home could seat himself at the piano and nearly always reproduce the composition from memory. Dr. Hoyt was a man of strong religious feeling, and for many years attended the Central Presbyterian Church. He always took an active interest in church work, and for a number of years served as trustee. During his last illness he received the sacrament and was baptized in the Presbyterian communion. But although a Presbyterian by choice, he knew no lines of demarcation when it came to the exercise of his charities, which were many and liberal. He gave of his means to Catholic and Protestant alike. The Buffalo General Hospital and the Catholic Orphan Asylum were objects of his benevolence, and every institution which had for its object the amelioration of the condition of his fellow beings found in him a warm and practical supporter.
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A man of noble principles and fine nature, Dr. Hoyt was honest, sincere and straightforward in his dealings with his fellow men. He was firm in his own convictions but broad- minded enough to be tolerant of those who held views differing from his own. In domestic life he exhibited the virtues of a husband and a father and was affectionately cherished by those nearest to him.
Dr. Hoyt married Camilla B. Foster, daughter of Joseph and Belinda (Bird) Foster of Hamburg, Erie County, May 13, 1852. His widow and daughter, Mary, who is Mrs. Carlton R. Per- rine, survive him. The death of Dr. Hoyt occurred April 19, 1893. His remains were interred in the beautiful Forest Lawn Cemetery.
BALLARD I. CROOKER, President of the New York State Builders' Association, is proprietor of one of the largest con- tracting concerns in Buffalo.
Mr. Crooker is of New England descent, his ancestors having been among the early settlers of Stratford, Conn. Samson Crooker, grandfather of Ballard I. Crooker, was a native of Central New York and a farmer all his life. He was born May 2, 1809, and died March 17, 1890. In April, 1832, he married Betsey Yates, a descendant of Governor Yates, who was born March 7, 1809, and died April 25, 1840. Their children were: James F., born August 12, 1834; Julia M., born July 10, 1837, married O. E. Tiffany December 9, 1858; and George, born February 6, 1843. Samson Crooker married for his second wife Clara Belknap, born June 11, 1821. Their children were: Deville S., born July 26, 1849, married Jane Stafford, died June 16, 1895; Emma T., born September 22, 1847, married J. B. Swan, June 22, 1871; Ida M., born April 6, 1856, married George A. Smith, June 14, 1894; Effie C., born May 8, 1860, married Henry G. Waite, August 11, 1885; Celia A., born February 20, 1844, married January 15, 1864, died October 26, 1878; and George O., born May 25, 1845, married on September 26, 1867, Huldah A.
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Gifford, who was born February 8, 1845. Their children were: Ballard I. Crooker, the subject of this sketch, Clara and Ralph Crooker. George O. Crooker was a well-known farmer and an influential citizen of Eden, Erie County, N. Y., a Republican and a prominent member of the Baptist Church. His death occurred June 22, 1892. His brother, the Hon. James F. Crooker, was born at Christian Hollow, Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1834, and in 1836 came with his parents to Erie County. For nearly thirty years he was con- nected with the public schools of Buffalo, most of the time as Principal. In 1881 he was elected Superintendent of Educa- tion of Buffalo, a position which he retained until February, 1892, when he was chosen by the Legis- lature to succeed the Hon. Andrew S. Draper as State Superintendent of Public Instruction. This eminently responsible office he held till 1895. In 1862 Mr. Crooker married Mrs. Frances S. Warner, daughter of Alexander R. BALLARD I. CROOKER. Galloway of Buffalo. They had two children, Charles R., and Eugenia M.
Ballard I. Crooker was born in Eden, Erie County, N. Y., August 4, 1868. He received a common-school education and after leaving school worked on his father's farm. When seven- teen years old he came to Buffalo, where he entered the employ of the late James Boland, a well-known contractor, and soon became a partner, the association between himself and Mr. Boland continuing until the latter's death on April 7, 1893, when
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Mr. Crooker succeeded to the business, which he has conducted ever since. By able management and strict integrity Mr. Crooker has built up a very large contracting enterprise. He devotes himself to masonry work, and has successfully handled many of the most important undertakings in that line in Western New York, including the City Water Works Pumping Station, the Buffalo Pottery Plant, four buildings of the Larkin Soap Manufactory, the erection of the Mckinley Monument, and the substructure of Lewiston and Queenston Heights suspension bridge. His ability received recognition by his election as President of the Builders' Exchange of Buffalo.
September 18, 1893, Mr. Crooker married Minnie M. White, daughter of T. F. and Jane White of Buffalo. Mrs. Crooker was born in 1873. Their surviving children are: Vera, born Novem- ber 7, 1895; Erma, born February 22, 1896; Marion, born October 18, 1901, and Doris, born September 16, 1903. Their first child, Stella, was born November 6, 1894, and died April 25, 1895.
Mr. Crooker is in the vigorous prime of life, and is to be counted with those men who have a future as well as a past. He is personally popular and is held in deserved regard.
JACOB WEPPNER. This excellent man and representative German-American citizen was born in Germany, and passed the greater share of his boyhood in that country, though he lived in Buffalo for a longer period than the lifetime of most men, for he was a resident there nearly sixty-eight years. Mr. Weppner was a successful man of business and a citizen held in high esteem.
August Weppner, father of Jacob Weppner, lived at Zell, Rhine-Bavaria, Germany. He married Barbara Stumpf, and in 1834 came to America, accompanied by his family, settling in Buffalo in July of that year. Soon after his arrival he opened a meat market, carrying on the business with success. August ยท Weppner was a respected citizen and a sound business man.
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Jacob Weppner was born in Zell, Rhine-Bavaria, October 29, 1820, and lived there till he was nearly fourteen years old, receiving the advantages of the excellent public schools of his native place. In 1834 he came with his parents to Buffalo, and as a youth assisted his father in the meat business, remaining in his employ till 1849, when he assumed the management of a brewery formerly owned by his wife's uncle, Philip Born. In this capacity Mr. Weppner successfully continued till 1865. He then retired for about ten years, but resumed business as a maltster, carrying on that industry till two years before his death, which occurred January 8, 1902.
September 1, 1848, Mr. Weppner married Emma Lambert of Buffalo, who survives him. Mrs. Weppner is of German extrac- tion and is a niece of the late Philip Born.
Mr. Weppner was a Democrat, but never held political office, and it may be added that he was a man of essentially modest and retiring characteristics, who did not in any way seek public prominence, being content with faithful attention to his busi- ness duties and with the companionship of his family and friends. He was a trustee of St. Louis Church, and one of its most devoted and consistent members. In the work of St. Louis parish Mr. Weppner was very actively engaged; he was gener- ous in the support of his church and its charities, and was justly regarded as among the most willing, liberal, and efficient workers of the congregation.
RICHMOND HENDERSON BICKFORD, whose death occurred on the 2d of March, 1905, was for many years one of the representative men of the leather industry in Buffalo, and ranked high among the substantial citizens of that community. For more than forty years he was a singer in different churches, during a large portion of the time acting as choir conductor. Music he made a life study, and composed for his own use only a large amount of church music of superior quality. .
Mr. Bickford was of sturdy New England stock. Thomas
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Bickford came from England to this country about 1630 and settled in Dover, N. H. Later he was a prominent figure in the border wars of that period. From his time to the present day, nearly all of his descendants have lived in New Hampshire near the vicinity where he originally settled. The character- istics of the family are honesty and temperance. From genera- tion to generation its members have obeyed in their literal interpretation the words of Scripture, "Owe no man anything," and no representative of the race has ever been known to drink intoxicating liquors.
Richmond Henderson Bickford was the son of Isaac and Mehitabel (Henderson) Bickford, and was born in Roches- ter, N. H., February 8, 1830, being one of eleven children. He early be- came his own support and the stay and reliance of his family. When a boy D he attended district school in winter, during the summers being occu- RICHMOND H. BICKFORD. pied with farm work. When ouly seventeen years old he installed his family on a farm at his own expense. At the age of eighteen he abandoned farming and applied himself to the brick-maker's trade, shortly afterward engaging in the leather, belt and hose manufacturing business. In this way he earned enough money to buy the farm of which he had previously placed his father in charge.
In 1849 Mr. Bickford went to Lowell, Mass., where he entered
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the employ of Josiah Gates, for whom he worked at the hose and belt-making trade for eighteen years. Beginning as an apprentice, he became superintendent of the Gates factory.
In January, 1867, Mr. Bickford came to Buffalo and formed a copartnership with Fred B. Curtiss in the manufacture of leather belting and fire hose, the firm style being Bickford & Curtiss. In 1869 Fred Deming was admitted to partnership, under the firm name of Bickford, Curtiss & Deming. In 1882 Mr. Curtiss' interest was purchased by William C. Francis, the firm becoming Bickford & Francis. In April, 1889, Mr. Francis died. Shortly afterward the business was reorganized, Walter T. Wilson purchasing the interest formerly held by Mr. Francis in the working capital and R. Kenneth Bickford, Mr. Bickford's son, being admitted as one of the proprietors of the concern, which was thenceforward known as the Bickford & Francis Belting Company, whose plant occupies a handsome new building just erected at 35 Pearl street .- From modest begin- nings the business has become one of the principal concerns of its kind in the State.
Mr. Bickford regularly attended the Baptist Church. He was a Mason of the 32d degree, and was Past Master of De Molay Lodge, No. 498.
July 18, 1853, Mr. Bickford married Emma J. Tracy of Mercer, Me. July 18, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Bickford celebrated their golden wedding. Mr. Bickford is survived by his wife and four children: Ella (Mrs. L. A. Gould), E. Everett, Richmond Ken- neth, and Gertrude (Mrs. Albert A. Wilson).
Richmond Kenneth Bickford, son of Richmond H. Bickford, and member of the firm of Bickford & Francis, has achieved an enviable business position and is one of the best-known citi- zens of Buffalo, being notably prominent in Masonic circles. He was born in Lowell, Mass., December 16, 1864, and received a common and High School education. As a child he accom- panied his family to Buffalo, and when sixteen years old entered his father's factory, where he remained about eight
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years, and became assistant foreman. In January, 1890, on the reorganization of the firm as the Bickford & Francis Belting Company, R. Kenneth Bickford became a member of the firm.
Mr. Bickford is a Republican. He is Past Master of De Molay Lodge of Masons, and has twice been installed Master of the lodge. He has served as one of the Grand Lodge officers of the State of New York, and is Past Master of Buffalo Council, No. 17, R. & S. M., a member of Buffalo Chapter, No. 71, and of Lake Erie Commandery, No. 20, Knights Templar. He is also con- nected with Mckinley Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
On the 24th of September, 1890, Mr. Bickford married Effie I. Storms, daughter of James and Mary C. (Eyseman) Storms of Buffalo.
COL. JOHN FEIST, who passed from this life in January, 1907, was a man of wide and useful activities. He was promi- nent both as a business man and a citizen. He was one of Buffalo's leading contractors and builders. A patriotic Ameri- can, Col. Feist proved his devotion to his country by a record of distinguished service during the Civil War. Of genial tem- perament and kindly nature, he was widely popular in social circles. Benevolence was one of his notable traits, and he was a liberal supporter of many charities.
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