USA > New York > Erie County > Memorial and family history of Erie County, New York Volume, II > Part 17
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Col. Feist was of German-American parentage. His father, Mathias Feist, came from Germany and settled in Buffalo, where he became a weli-known builder and an influential citi- zen. His son, the subject of our sketch, was born in Buffalo February 1, 1843. As a boy he attended St. Mary's Parochial School and the public schools. He was early apprenticed to Mr. Parks, a ship-builder, and when but sixteen was placed in charge of the latter's extensive plant, continuing until 1860. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enrolled in the Quarter- master's Department of the Army of the Tennessee, commanded by General Thomas. His record was one of marked patriotism and capability, rendering valuable service in the construction of hospitals and barracks.
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After the war, Col. Feist returned to Buffalo and engaged as a builder and contractor. During this period he went to the Pennsylvania Oil Region, where he constructed nearly all the derricks and oil buildings then erected in and near Bradford and Oil City. Meantime he had organized the manufacturing firm of Feist, Van Huysen & Dykeman, which existed till 1869. After his return from the oil country, Col. Feist engaged in contracting with Thomas Chambers. When the firm was dis- solved he continued alone. In 1884 he formed with A. Ralph Clark and Edward M. Hagen a partnership in the planing-mill business and general contracting and building. In 1887 Mr. Clark retired and the business was carried on by Messrs. Hagen & Feist till 1894, when Col. Feist withdrew and purchased the Shreiner planing mill at 115 Ash street. In 1901 Col. Feist and his three sons, Henry M., Joseph J., and Charles G.'Feist, incor- porated as the John Feist & Sons Company. The concern is one of the largest planing-mill, building and contracting industries of the city, and its extensive plant employs about 100 men. Col. Feist constructed many of the finest buildings in Buffalo, including the Post-Office Building, the Fidelity Building, any number of the finest residences in Buffalo, and the Post-Office Building at Elmira, which are a few of the more noteworthy contracts handled by this firm.
In politics, Col. Feist was a Democrat. In 1892-93 he was Superintendent of Buildings under Mayor Bishop.
Col. Feist was one of the organizers and President for several years of the Builders' Exchange, a life member and President of the Buffalo Catholic Institute, Colonel of the local Regiment of the Knights of St. John, and at the time of his death was Judge Advocate on the staff of Col. John L. Schwartz, head of the society. He was a member of Commandery No. 14, Knights of St. John; of Council No. 184, Knights of Columbus, and of Branch 15, C. M. B. A. He was a member of St. Louis' Church, served several times as its Trustee, and was also a trustee of St. Mary's Church. One of the founders of the Liedertafel
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Society, he was also a member of the Buffalo Orpheus and served on its Board of Directors.
In 1868 Col. Feist married Rosa Bardol of Buffalo, who died in 1880. His second union was with Catherine Davis of Buffalo, whom he married in 1883. He is survived by his widow, three sons, Joseph J., Henry M. and Charles G. Feist, and two daugh- ters, Rose, now Mrs. Anthony J. Hoefner, and Mary, now Mrs. W. F. Liddle.
JOSEPH J. FEIST was born in Buffalo July 25, 1874. He was educated in the public schools and Canisius College. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed till 1894, when he took charge of the contracting branch of his father's business, which he continues to supervise in the present firm of which he is a member. He is a thorough master of his busi- ness, a sound and successful man of affairs and an esteemed citizen of Buffalo.
In politics, Mr. Feist is a Democrat. Mr. Feist married in 1899 Miss Anna K. Dietsche, daughter of Xavier Dietsche, Esq., of Buffalo. They have three children, John, Mildred and Louis.
HENRY M. FEIST was born in Buffalo December 12, 1876. After receiving a common school education he graduated from Canisius College, and later graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Business College. In 1892 he entered his father's establish- ment as a draughtsman, later adding the making of estimates. In 1902 he was made Superintendent of the plant. When the concern was incorporated he was elected Secretary and Treas- urer. Mr. Feist is an accomplished builder and mechanical draughtsman, a strong executive official and a man of high standing in the community.
Politically Mr. Feist is an independent Democrat. In 1901 Mr. Feist married Miss Sara J. Quinlan, daughter of Thomas and Mary Quinlan of Buffalo. Their children are: Henry C., Katherine M., and Edmond T. Feist.
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CHARLES G. FEIST was born in Buffalo September 9th, 1878. He attended public schools and later graduated from the Brother's College. He then learned the carpenter's and build- er's trade, and later entered his father's office as assistant book- keeper, until 1901, when he became head bookkeeper, and he has to the present time rendered efficient services as the finan- cial manager of the company.
Mr. Feist has a fine record as a National Guardsman, having served five years in Company H, of the 74th Regiment.
In 1903 Mr. Feist married Miss Agnes T. Wierling, daughter of William S. Wierling, Esq., of Buffalo. Their children are: Adelaide and Charles Henry Feist.
JACOB H. KOONS, whose death took place April 9, 1889, was one of Buffalo's oldest and most respected citizens, and a man of rare business ability, who by industry, judgment and honorable dealing, achieved a high place among the city's sub- stantial men. Mr. Koons became a prominent merchant, an important public official and a leader in church and charitable affairs. He was born in Alsace, France, January 14, 1806. In the spring of 1828 he left his native country for the United States, and immediately after arriving here sought employ- ment as a farm hand near Guilderland, Albany County, in this State. After working at farming for a few months, he began business in a modest way as a seller of notions.
In 1832 he came to Buffalo, where, in partnership with the late Francis A. Handel, he established a small store for the sale of clocks, dry-goods and groceries, the business being located in Main street, near Genesee. The firm prospered and later a branch concern was founded at Paris, Ohio. Mr. Koons was very successful in his undertakings, and continued to carry ou his stores till 1848, when he retired from business on an ample competence.
Mr. Koons was a Democrat. In 1856 he was appointed Superintendent of the Poor for a term of three years. This
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was the only public office he ever accepted. Mr. Koons was one of the first members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was connected with St. John's Orphans' Home, and spent much of his time in its upbuilding and improvement.
November 11, 1834, Mr. Koons married Miss Elizabeth Dellen- baugh of Columbiana County, O. Mrs. Koons was born in Berne, Switzerland, and came to this country with her parents, the family settling in Ohio. Dr. Dellenbaugh, who distinguished himself by heroic service during the cholera epidemic in Buffalo, and was the author of the famous Dellenbaugh Cholera Cure, was Mrs. Koons' brother. Mr. Koons was survived by his widow and six children: Henry (since deceased), Edward L., Mrs. Philip Swikhart, Mrs. John Fullerton, Mrs. Edward J. Liebtraut, and Mrs. Mary A. Reiman.
HENRY KOONS was born in Buffalo on the 9th of October, 1838. He was the son of Jacob H. and Elizabeth (Dellenbaugh) Koons. His first business experience was with the American Express Company. He then went to Milwaukee, Wis., where he learned the tanner's trade. Returning after two years to Buffalo, he engaged in the business of abstracting and tracing titles, accepting the position of search clerk in the County Clerk's office, a place which he held from 1865 to 1871. In the latter year he entered the real estate business. In the mean- time he became extensively interested in investments and loans, and in 1884, in association with his brother, he formed the copartnership of Henry & Edward L. Koons, which became one of the foremost real estate and investment concerns in Western New York. In connection with his land interests Mr. Koons erected a very large number of houses, building over 300 in two years.
During the last ten years of his life, he was devoted to manu- facturing enterprises. Mr. Koons never was married, and died in Buffalo April 8, 1904. Henry Koons was not only a man of great abilities, but one of kindly nature and sterling qualities.
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His tastes were simple and modest, and his chief relaxation was found at his beautiful country seat at Athol. He contributed much to the prosperity of the city in which he lived, and to his fellow men he left the example of character forceful without severity and of ability free of pride or affectation.
EDWARD L. KOONS has long been one of Buffalo's fore- most business men. He was born in this city October 1, 1861, and here he received a public and High School education.
Leaving school, he engaged in the abstract and title searching business with his brother, Henry, on the 1st of June, 1884, establishing the well-known firm of Henry & Edward L. Koons. His connection with abstract and title matters naturally directed his attention to general real estate interests, with their investment and loan accompaniments and the develop- ment of local property by the erection of buildings. Mr. Koons is one of the best-posted men in real estate values in the City of Buffalo, and his knowledge of the law of real property is not surpassed by that of many members of the legal profession.
On the organization of the Erie County Guaranteed Search Company in 1891, Mr. Koons was made its Secretary and Treas- urer. He is Director, General Manager and Treasurer of the Buffalo Abstract and Title Company which he was instrumental in founding, and he is also a Director and a member of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Trust Company. In the Buffalo Commercial Insurance Company he is a Direc- tor and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and he is Direc- tor and Treasurer of the National Electrolytic Company of Niagara Falls, and is interested in several large irrigation companies in Colorado.
Mr. Koons in 1906 was appointed by Mayor Adam as a mem- ber of a commission to revise the charter of the city, and has given much of his time to its work. Mr. Koons is a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. He is actively identi- fied with the Chamber of Commerce, and belongs to the Ellicott,
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Country, Buffalo, and Park clubs, besides having at different times been affiliated with the Buffalo Library Association, the Orpheus and Liedertafel singing societies, and the German Young Men's Association.
May 12, 1886, Mr. Koons was married to Miss Anna C. Hen- gerer, a daughter of the late William Hengerer of Buffalo. They have two children, Dorothy and Louise.
DR. HENRY BAETHIG, who died July 14, 1906, was one of Buffalo's best-known phy- sicians. Both from the professional and personal standpoint, Dr. Baethig held a representative place in the community. As a medical practitioner he was characterized by abilities of a high order, and his native talents were developed by solid acquirements and disci- plined by extensive re- search. In a distinctive degree Dr. Baethig pos- sessed the confidence of the community.
Dr. Baethig was a son of Henry and Adelaide (Ziekursch) Baethig, and DR. HENRY BAETHIG. was born in Nuremberg, Germany, on the 24th of April, 1850. When he was a year old his parents came to the United States and settled in Buffalo. He attended grammar and High Schools of this city, and the Hahnemann Institute, Philadelphia, receiving his degree of M.D., when he was only nineteen years old. After his graduation he spent a year in the
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Hahnemann Hospital as House Physician, and then returned to Buffalo, and engaged in the practice of his profession.
His professional pursuits began along the broad lines of general practice and continued so to the end. Dr. Baethig was one of Buffalo's hardest-working physicians. In the later years of his practice, his duties were of particularly arduous charac- ter. His severe professional labors made serious inroads upon his strength, and his end was probably hastened by his devotion to duties which knew no cessation.
He was a member of the Erie County Homeopathic Medical Society, and the American Institute of Homeopathy. He was the first homeopathic District Physician in the City of Buffalo, and was one of the consulting physicians of the Buffalo Homeo- pathic Hospital. He was a member of Concordia Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M.
In 1878 Dr. Baethig married Miss Blanche Aman of Roches- ter, N. Y. He is survived by his wife and two children, Vincent H. and Adelaide L. Baethig.
A man of firm mental and moral poise, he was characterized by steadfastness of purpose and consistency of conduct, and not less far-reaching in its results than the practical benefits he conferred upon his fellow-men is the memory of his example. -%
WILLIAM BAYNES, who died August 8, 1905, was for half a century one of the best-known citizens of Buffalo, and during the long period of his residence there attained high prominence both in business and public affairs. He was a man of great enterprise and at different times successfully engaged in a variety of industrial undertakings.
Mr. Baynes was a native of Lancashire, England, where he was born in July, 1837. His father, Philip Baynes, was a shoe- maker, and a worthy citizen much esteemed in the community where he lived. His mother was Mary Barnett. His childhood was spent in England, where he acquired a good common school education and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1855 he left
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England for the New World, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, the Shepherdess, the voyage lasting fifty-five days. Immediately after his arrival in the United States, Mr. Baynes came to Buffalo, where he found employment with John R. Monroe, for whom he worked as a carpenter for a number of years. In the '60's he engaged in general building and con- tracting, and his venture prospered from the outset. He was a sound practical builder, performed all work entrusted to him faithfully and well, and quickly gained the public confidence in such a degree that undertakings of the highest importance were committed to his charge. Among the numerous large buildings he erected were the Buffalo State Hospital, the Buffalo City Gas Works, all the stations of the Lake Shore Railroad between Buffalo and Rochester, and the first great flouring mill using Niagara Falls power from the Schoellkopf canal. He also made a specialty of the construction of private dwellings. Aside from his activities as a contractor, he successfully con- ducted a carriage factory at No. 1502 Niagara street, and was President of the Co-operative Store Works, till his death. About 1886 Mr. Baynes built the Baynes Garbage Reduction Works, a plant used for the disposal of city garbage, which he conducted for five years. In connection with this he undertook the con- tract for cleaning the streets. Mr. Baynes became a wealthy man, but later in life he sustained some financial reverses. But he was not a man to be daunted by them, and the courage, ability and resourcefulness he displayed in combating them won the admiration of all.
Mr. Baynes was a Republican and an important factor in the affairs of his party. In 1871 he was elected from the old Elev- enth Ward as Alderman, and made for himself an admirable record as a member of the Conimon Council. Prior to the organization of the present Department of Public Works he was made Commissioner of Public Buildings, at that time an exceedingly responsible office, of whose duties he acquitted him- self so ably that he was continued in it for several terms.
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Eight years before his death he was elected Supervisor from the Twenty-Second Ward and filled that position till the close of his life. Though very popular among his fellow-officials, in all his public capacities he was a man of pronounced views and exceptional determination. Even when advanced in years and suffering from ill health, he was full of will and energy, sup- ported his opinions with the utmost vigor and would never yield a point when convinced that he was right. During his connection with the Board of Supervisors the increased impor- tance and complexity of the matters coming before that body caused many spirited debates in which Mr. Baynes took a leading and on numerous occasions a winning part. He was one of the most valuable men ever identified with municipal legis- lative functions, for in addition to sound judgment and unques- tionable sincerity, he possessed the courage of his convictions. By the residents and property owners of the old Eleventh Ward he is held in grateful remembrance, for he had much to do with the development of that section of Buffalo. While Alderman he succeeded in having a number of streets laid out in that ward, and through his efforts extensive improvements were made in its sewer system. Baynes street, one of Buffalo's leading thoroughfares, is named after him. Mr. Baynes served for several terms as Chairman of the Republican County Com- mittee, and was at one time offered the nomination for Mayor. He declined and insisted that his personal friend, Philip Becker, should become a candidate, the outcome being the latter's nomination and election.
Mr. Baynes was President of the Mechanics' Institute Library, which was afterward absorbed by the Buffalo Public Library. He was a Mason, being affiliated with Parish Lodge, F. & A. M., and belonged to Prospect Lodge, No. 22, A. O. U. W. He was a member of the Episcopalian Church.
In 1859 Mr. Baynes married Emma Thomas of Buffalo. Mrs. Baynes, like her husband, was born in England. She is living, and Mr. Baynes is also survived by nine children: James B.,
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Henry T., Frederick A., William B., Edward C., Samuel C., and Mrs. William Vineman, all of Buffalo; Mrs. Willis Adams of Niagara Falls, N. Y., and Mrs. William Batty of Newark, N. J.
In his death as well as his life, William Baynes was an example and inspiration to his fellow-men. He was a sound and progressive business man, an upright and able official, and united the social with the domestic virtues. He was devoted to his family, had hosts of friends, and enjoyed a wide popu- larity which increased with years. His was a career which has had few peers either in practical achievement or consistency with the highest principles of life and citizenship.
WILLIAM HAMILTON WELLS. The word "Patriotism" is written broadly on the record of the Wells family, and as a soldier of the Union, the subject of this sketch fulfilled the best traditions of his race. As civilian, as well as soldier, he did his full duty, and when he passed away he left an honorable and untarnished name.
The Wells family was prominent in England, and is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the history of Buffalo. Its first representative came to America about 1776, locating in New England. Joseph Wells came from the vicinity of Provi- dence, R. I., to Buffalo in 1800, and was a Major in the War of 1812. To him and his wife, Prudence Grannis, were born eleven children, among whom were Chandler J. Wells, at one time Mayor of Buffalo, and one of its leading men, and William Wells. The oldest son of Joseph Wells, Aldrich Wells, was probably the first white male child born in Buffalo. William Wells, the father of the subject of this sketch, was the first : man to operate a grain elevator in Buffalo. He was the owner of the steamer Caroline, which was destroyed by the British during the Patriot War.
William Hamilton Wells was the third son of William Wells and Elizabeth H. (Brown), and was born in Buffalo November 12, 1842. After receiving a common school education, he joined
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1
his father in the elevator business. The Civil War broke out, and though at first compelled on account of his youth to be only a spectator of the great struggle, the patriotic fire burned so strongly in the veins of William H. Wells that he, when only nineteen years old, determined to enlist. Being under age, he was rejected as a private soldier, but his purpose was so reso- lute that his father and uncle, Chandler J. Wells, bought him a commission. September 13, 1862, he was commis- sioned Second Lieutenant of Company D, 100th New York Volunteer Infantry. He served honorably until his discharge, but soon re- entered the army, enlist- ing as a private of Com- pany D, 74th Regiment (of Buffalo), N. G. N. Y., in June of 1863. The fol- lowing month he was commissioned First Lieu- tenant of Company E, 16tlı New York Cavalry. He received his discharge at Vienna, Va., June 21, 1864. His retirement was WILLIAM H. WELLS. the result of an injury to his spine from being thrown from his horse at Vienna, in July of 1863, and which was the ultimate cause of his death. He was ordered to the General Hospital from Fairfax Court House. October 16, 1863, and was later ordered to Washington, after which he resigned from the service in which he had made for himself an enviable record for bravery and fidelity in the cause of the Union.
After returning from the war, Lieutenant Wells was for a time engaged in the book business at Erie, Pa .; later, at Buffalo,
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he was in the employ of the U. S. Government, afterward for two or three years he had charge of harbor work at Little Sodus, on Lake Ontario, and Ashtabula, on Lake Erie, as Government inspector and engineer. After the death of his father in 1885 he returned to Buffalo to take charge of the business interests of the family. He remained a resident of Buffalo until his death, which occurred July 14, 1891.
Before the war Mr. Wells served as Captain in the Spaulding Guards, a crack military organization in its day. He was a member of William Richardson Post, G. A. R., a 32d degree Mason, and a Knight Templar, and a member of the Buffalo Club. Mr. Wells was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and was a vestryman for a number of years. In politics he was a Republican, but although entitled to preferment because of his services as a soldier, he never sought or held public office.
Mr. Wells was a man of attractive personality. Courage and cheerfulness were his most prominent characteristics. Although he never recovered from the injury which he received during his military service, and was always an invalid, he never complained, but bore his lot with fortitude. He was a man of high ideals of personal life and was greatly esteemed in the community in which he lived. As soldier and civilian he played his part with honor, and he died regretted by all who knew him.
Mr. Wells married in 1866, Mary Hill of Erie, Pa., who alone survives him.
THE LAUB FAMILY has for many years been identified with one of the greatest industries of Buffalo, the immense tan- nery of which George Laub's Sons are the proprietors, repre- senting the abilities and labors of three generations.
GEORGE LAUB, the pioneer of the Laub tanneries, was a native of Germany, having been born in Hessen, Darmstadt, in 1795. In 1831 he came to America, accompanied by his wife and a son. He settled in Hamburg, Erie County, where he engaged in farming, tanning and the lumber trade. To make
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complete use of the lumber products, Mr. Laub employed the bark of his timber in tanning, his first tannery being estab- lished in Eden, N. Y., in 1846. In 1858 he settled in Buffalo, having at that time retired from active business. After being a resident of that city for thirty-two years, he died October 5, 1890, at the remarkable age of ninety-five years. He was a practical man, resourceful and energetic and possessing a shrewd discernment of business opportunities. He was a mem- ber of the German Evangelical Church and a sincere Christian. He was the father of three children: Adam, Fred and George Laub, Jr.
GEORGE LAUB, JR., was born March 4, 1837, in Hamburg, Erie County, N. Y., and received his education in the public schools. In 1854 he went to work in his father's tannery, where he continued four years. He then formed a partnership in the tanning business with his brothers, at Abbott's Corners, N. Y. In 1865 the firm was dissolved, Mr. Laub forming a new part- nership with G. Frederick Zeller of Buffalo. The firm of Laub & Zeller existed until 1889, when the firm of George Laub & Son was formed, George C. Laub being associated with his father and the other sons becoming partners at a later period. About three years ago George Laub retired from the business, which has since been continued by his sons, under the firm name of George Laub's Sons. As an adjunct to his tanneries, Mr. Laub at different periods opened stores in Buffalo for the sale of the leather goods manufactured by his firm, but in 1888, this branch of the business was discontinued. In May, 1904, Mr. Laub had a paralytic stroke and from that time his health failed steadily up to his decease, October 12, 1905.
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