USA > New York > Erie County > Memorial and family history of Erie County, New York Volume, II > Part 18
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Mr. Laub married Bertha Schaller, who was born in Saxony, Germany, July 13, 1841, and died October 3, 1907; came to Buffalo in 1852. Their children were: three sons, George C., Albert F., and Charles J. Laub, and four daughters, Emma Goetz, deceased; Mrs. Clara L. Dorries; Bertha P., now Mrs. Joseph L. Whittet, and Ida B. All but one of the above, also eight grandchildren, survived Mr. Laub's death.
George Lauch
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Mr. Laub was a member of the German Evangelical Church, and was always very liberal in his contributions for its sup- port. He was trustee and Treasurer of the church for many years. He belonged to nearly all the German societies of Buffalo. Mr. Laub was a man greatly devoted to his family, and one who made friends wherever he was known. He was keenly interested in the welfare of Buffalo, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to any legitimate project to fur- ther the prosperity of the city.
GEORGE C. LAUB, son of George Laub, Jr., was born in Buffalo August 10, 1866. He had a High School education, and at the age of sixteen began work in his father's establishment, taking great interest in the clerical as well as the practical side of the business. When the present tannery was built in 1889, he became his father's partner under the firm style of George Laub & Son. In 1895 Albert F. Laub was admitted into the firm, the name then being changed to George Laub & Sons. Upon the admission of Charles J. Laub as partner in 1898, no alteration was made in the firm style, but in 1903 it was modi- fied to the present name of Geo. Laub's Sons. George C. Laub is a member of Erie Lodge, No. 161, F. & A. M. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, and to a number of other business and social organizations. In 1892 he married Cora Spitzmiller of Buffalo, the issue of this marriage being two children, Ethel C., and George A. Lamb.
ALBERT F. LAUB, second son of George Laub, Jr., was born in Buffalo May 28, 1870. His earlier education was obtained at the public schools. Later he attended Cornell Uni- versity for three years, thereafter becoming a partner in the Laub tannery business. He is a 32d degree Mason, Scottish Rite, a member of Ancient Landmarks Lodge, F. & A. M .; also a member of various societies and business organizations, among which may be particularly mentioned the Chamber of
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Commerce of Buffalo. In 1898 he married Clara Hoffman of Buffalo. They have three children, Raymond, Herbert and Albert, Jr.
CHARLES J. LAUB, brother of the above, was born in Buffalo July 25, 1873. He had a grammar and High School education, and, like his brothers, is a partner in the tannery business. He is unmarried.
An interesting fact in connection with this sketch is that the brothers Laub have just completed the erection of a handsome new plant with modern equipment.
WILLIS CHARLES JACUS, who died October 9, 1902, was one of Buffalo's representative citizens, and a man whose ster- ling qualities of mind and heart caused him to be held in high esteem in the community. Though his active career was almost wholly identified with the State of New York, Mr. Jacus was born in New England, and in a marked degree exemplified the sterling traits characteristic of men of his native section.
Mr. Jacus was the son of David and Caroline Jacus of Bridge- water, Conn., where he was born on the 13th of March, 1837. His early life was that of a typical New England lad, and he was surrounded by excellent home influences. He received a common school education, and began his business career at Palmyra, N. Y., where he found employment in a flour and feed store and a milling establishment. He remained in Palmyra till he was about twenty-six years old, and in 1863 came to Buffalo, where he became connected, as bookkeeper with the commission business of Allen W. Horton. Some time after- ward he formed a partnership with Mr. Horton, under the style of Horton & Jacus. The firm did a very successful busi- ness and existed until the death of Mr. Horton in 1873, when Mr. Jacus admitted Mr. W. H. Knapp to partnership. The new firm continued until the Buffalo Forwarding Company was established, when Mr. Jacus withdrew in order to devote him-
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self to the latter concern in which he was a large stockholder, and with which he was identified to the time of his death.
As a business man Mr. Jacus enjoyed a high reputation for sound judgment and executive capability. He represented solid commercial principles, had a thorough knowledge of modern business conditions and possessed the hearty confidence of his associates and the public. His dealings were scrupulously fair and his name in any transaction was a sufficient guaranty of its honor.
In politics Mr. Jacus was a Democrat, but was independent in his course and voted for the candidates whom he deemed the best men. He was not ambitious of political preferment, and in only one instance held public office, that of Deputy County Treasurer of Erie County, in which capacity he served efficiently for one term.
Mr. Jacus was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He attended the old St. John's Episcopal Church, and at one time belonged to the Forester Club. He was fond of outdoor life, was a keen sportsman, and his principal recreations were fishing and shooting.
Mr. Jacus was married twice. His first wife was Antoinette Holmes of Rochester, N. Y., whom he married in 1862, and whose death occurred in 1872. On the 16th of December, 1874, he married his second wife, Ida Horton, daughter of Allen W. and Eveline (Burnett) Horton. The children of the first mar- riage are: Margaret A., Lakey H., and James R. Jacus, all of Buffalo; and those of the second union are: Willis H. Jacus of St. Paul, Minn .; Marshall F., Allen W., and Warren Y. Jacus; Mrs. Albert M. McGee of Jackson, Mich .; Evelyn and Nathalie L. Jacus.
Mr. Jacus had many friends who reposed implicit trust in him, and he was respected by all who knew him. He was happy in his home relations, and was deeply beloved by his family. His death left an irreparable void in the circles which had known him so long.
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FREDERICK PERSCH, one of the leading German-American- citizens, and pioneer business man of Buffalo, for many years a representative figure in the grocery and provision trade and prominent in fraternal circles, is now enjoying in the genial autumn of his days the peace and prosperity which are the rewards of a well-spent life.
Mr. Persch was born February 29, 1820, in Boechingen by Landau, Rhein Pfals, Rhein-Bavaria, Germany, the son of Philip and Catharine Persch, well-known residents of that locality. In early child- hood Mr. Persch was left an orphan by the death of both his parents. Until he was fifteen years old he had the advantages of the excellent public schools for which Ger- many is famous, and afterward spent nearly ten years in a number of cities in Bavaria, working as a journeyman cabinet maker. Meantime his brother, Henry C. Persch, had emigrated to Ameri- ca, where he had been very successful in the grocery business, and at FREDERICK PERSCH. his request Frederick Persch came to this country in 1846, and the following year came to Buffalo. For the next two years he was associated with his brother, and then engaged for himself in the grocery and provision business in Buffalo, by energy and enterprise building up a large establishment, which he continued success- fully to conduct for twenty-eight years. Having acquired a sub-
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stantial competence, he retired from business in 1873. In addition to his commercial pursuits, Mr. Persch was Vice-Presi- dent of the Union Fire Insurance Company and a trustee of the Buffalo Loan & Trust Company.
Mr. Persch is a strong Democrat and takes such interest in current political affairs as befits a good citizen, but he has never cared for public office. He is an Odd Fellow of over fifty years' standing, having joined Walhalla Lodge, No. 91, February 22, 1849, and he served twelve years as its Treasurer. He is a charter member of Stuttgart Encampment, No. 70, and Ein- tracht Rebekah Lodge, No. 138, and a member of Canton Persch No. 26, which was named after him. His work in behalf of the I. O. O. F. has been active and untiring, and he has received distinguished honors from the order. Like all of his family he is a Protestant, being a member of St. Paul's German Evan- gelical Church.
In 1849 Mr. Persch married Caroline Streich, who was born in Yeppenhausen, Wurtemberg, Germany, and who died March 31, 1903. Their wedded life was one of unusual felicity, and lasted nearly fifty-seven years. Having no children of his own, Mr. Persch in 1860 adopted a two-year-old boy, who took the family name as Charles Persch. He received a thorough educa- tion and became a skilled mechanic and a noted fresco painter. His career was full of promise, but was cut short by his early death, April 30, 1907. He married Mary Ebel of St. Louis, and is survived by his widow and one daughter, Gertrude.
Mr. Persch has lived to an age far exceeding the limits usually assigned to the life of man, but he is hale and vigorous, pre- serving the physical health and the intellectual force of his prime. His career is an admirable example of sterling useful- ness and sound citizenship.
COL. WILLIAM MILLS BLOOMER was born in Buffalo August 25, 1853. He was the son of Tooker T. and Adelia Smith Bloomer, and his father is still well remembered as the
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proprietor of the then famous "Bloomer's Hotel," situated in West Eagle street, Buffalo, and a noted hostelry of the early '50's. William M. Bloomer received a public school education. His first business experience was as an employé in the freight office of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad. Shortly afterward he was appointed librarian of the Mechanics' Institute, which position lie held five years, then resigning to enter the employ of Walker & Eustophive, insurance agents. In 1880 he became proprietor of the business, and in 1882 he admitted P. W. Bullard to partnership. The firm of Bloomer & Bullard became well-known in insurance circles, and to the public, and existed until dissolved by the senior partner's death.
Col. Bloomer soon grew prominent in building and loan affairs. In 1890 he, with others, organized the Equitable Savings & Loan Association, and he was its first President. He was very active in loan association work, and was a trustee in the Equitable, the Erie and the Niagara Square Dime Savings & Loan associations. In this connection he early became identi- fied with the State League, in which he held various offices, finally becoming the President of the League for two years. He was also elected a delegate from New York State to the United States League, and at Philadelphia was chosen Second Vice-President of that body. At its meeting in Detroit, the July before his death, the United States League elected him First Vice-President.
In 1870 Mr. Bloomer enlisted as a private in the National Guard. He received successive promotions until he was made Captain of Company B, Seventy-Fourth Regiment, Spaulding Guards. He held the command of the company for six years, and was at its head during the Company's famous trip to New Orleans in 1881. In 1883 he was commissioned Colonel of the regiment, retaining the command until his resignation in 1889.
Col. Bloomer was a Mason of great prominence and high rank. At the time of his death he was representative from his lodge to the Masonic Hall Association; Past High Priest of Key-
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stone Chapter, R. A. M .; Thrice Illustrious Master of Keystone Council, R. & S. M .; Generalissimo of Hugh de Payens Com- mandery, K. T .; a member of Buffalo Consistory, Scottish Rite Masons, and Assistant Rabban in Ismailia Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was Grand Vice-Leader of the Grand Council, State of New York, Home Circle, and for many years Treasurer of Red Jacket Council, Royal Arcanum. He was also a member of several other societies, among them being the Order of Elks, and the Underwriters' Association.
Col. Bloomer was married August 7, 1878, to Clara E. Spaul- ding of Buffalo. The children of this marriage were two, Frank H., and Prudence.
The death of Col. Bloomer occurred in Buffalo, May 1, 1898. The deceased was buried with imposing military and Masonic honors.
HENRY JOHN KREINHEDER, who died August 1, 1893, was one of the most prominent and respected of the German- American citizens of Buffalo. He was born July 26, 1845, at Neuenkirchen, near Hanover, Germany, being the son of Her- man Kreinheder, who in November, 1845, emigrated to the United States, settling in Williamsville, Erie County, N. Y., whence two years afterward the family removed to Buffalo. When Henry J. Kreinheder was about four years old his mother died. His education was received in the parochial schools of Buffalo. He learned the trade of piano-making in the employ of Christian Kurtzman, with whom he remained until he was twenty-three years old. He then conducted a grocery for about four years, then becoming a salesman, and later entering the employ of former Mayor Charles F. Bishop. Subsequently he formed a partnership, first with J. W. Lewis, and afterwards with G. S. Fisher, in the wholesale grocery business, the con- cern continuing to exist under the firm name of H. J. Krein- heder & Co. till Mr. Kreinheder's death. Mr. Kreinheder was President of the East Buffalo Brewing Company, and Vice-
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President of the Harmonia Fire Insurance Company. In all the capacities in which he was called upon to act he proved him- self an upright, capable and far-sighted man of business.
Mr. Kreinheder was a Republican, and took an active part in the affairs of his party. In 1877 he was elected Alderman from the old Fifth Ward, and in 1888 he received the Republican nomination for Member of Assembly. In 1891 Mr. Kreinheder was elected Councilman, and as a member of the Upper House of the City Legislature rendered excellent service to the munici- pality. One of his last public acts was to oppose the course of the majority of the Board of Councilmen in regard to re-dis- tricting the wards. He was greatly respected by his colleagues and was very conscientious in at- tending to his official duties. Throughout his whole term of service as Councilman he was ab- sent from but one meet- ing of the Board.
IIENRY J. KREINIIEDER.
Mr. Kreinheder was a member of the Saenger- bund, Orpheus and Teu- tonia singing societies, and a Director of the Buffalo Athletic Club. He was a member of a Hook and Ladder Company, au exempt fireman, and a member of St. Andrew's
German Lutheran Church.
October 14, 1875, Mr. Kreinheder married Ida E. Poetting, daughter of Henry J. and Hannah Eleanora (Roth) Poetting of Buffalo. He is survived by his widow and four children: Walter
STEPHEN D. CALDWELL
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H. C., who resides in Cleveland, and is a salesman for several large tea and coffee houses; Rev. Oswald, who is pastor of the Lutheran Church at West Henrietta, N. Y .; Emily L. M., a teacher in Public School No. 47 of Buffalo, and Jerome C. E., who is connected with the Century Telephone Company of Buffalo.
Mr. Kreinheder was a man of kindly and genial disposition, readily winning friendship. In all the relations of life he was honest and loyal. He was devoted to his family and fireside, and his death was a severe loss to the community.
STEPHEN D. CALDWELL. When on the 26th of May, 1898, death removed Stephen D. Caldwell from the scene of his worldly activities, there was lost to Buffalo a man who had no superior in business ability, in the qualities of a citizen or in the personal characteristics which add worth and dignity to private life.
Mr. Caldwell came from one of the best New England fam- ilies, being a descendant of that branch of the Caldwells among whose representatives were the founders of Barre, Massachu- setts. His father, Judge Samuel Caldwell, was an able and prominent jurist, and a leading resident of Canajoharie, N. Y., where, on the 4th of January, 1828, Stephen J. Caldwell was born. About 1830 the family removed to Buffalo. Young Cald- well was educated at the Buffalo public schools and at Hawley's School. Shortly after leaving school, he obtained a position with Kimberly, Pease & Company, a transportation firm, with whom he continued till 1857, when he went to Dunkirk, N. Y., where he became Manager of the steamboat lines of the Eric Railroad Company. Later he returned to Buffalo, but retained his position with the Erie till 1870.
In that year he resigned his position with the Erie Railroad Company's navigation lines operated as the Erie Steamboat Company to go abroad in the interests of the Lay torpedo, a newly invented explosive device for use in war. While in
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Europe he interviewed the military heads of many foreign Gov- ernments, and military experts, and succeeded in convincing them of the effectiveness and power of the new engine of war- fare. Mr. Caldwell returned in 1873 to Buffalo and assumed the management of the New York Central Railroad Company's fast freight department, known as the Red Line of Steamers. His connection with the Central Railroad continued until' he voluntarily resigned to pass to a more responsible position with the same company as General Manager and Vice-President of the Western Transit Company, one of the most famous of the Great Lakes navigation lines. Of this company he continued the active head till about two years before his death, his final retirement being caused by ill-health. In the latter years of his life he was also Vice-President of the Lake Superior Transit Company, another of the leading enterprises of the lake marine. The splendid reputation which Mr. Caldwell had previously gained as a transportation man was enhanced by his official relationship with the above companies, which gave him enlarged opportunities for the utilization of his remarkable business gifts.
One of the most important relationships of Mr. Caldwell's life was his connection with the Lake Carriers' Association, of which he was among the principal organizers and its first President. To him more than to any other individual is due the effectiveness of the Association.
Mr. Caldwell was married twice. In 1848 he was united to Miss Mary Bassett, a daughter of Col. Jason Bassett of Buffalo. The children of the marriage were: three daughters, Mrs. Gil- bert E. Jones and Mrs. George Edgar Montgomery, both of New York City, and Mrs. Charles Chamberlain of Chicago. The first Mrs. Caldwell died in 1886, and in 1888 Mr. Caldwell married for his second wife Clarissa A. Johnson, daughter of Joseph P. Johnson of Palmyra, N. Y. Mrs. Caldwell survives her hus- band and is at the present time a resident of Buffalo.
Stephen D. Caldwell was one of the most modest of men. Void of pretense or affectation and wholly averse to display, he
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let his achievements speak for him, and they fixed the estima- tion in which he was held by his fellow men. Mr. Caldwell's remarkable abilities were accompanied by those personal qualities which win affection as well as respect. He was gen- erous, kind-hearted and devoted to his home. He left a fragrant memory, and died both loved and mourned.
HENRY MORSE. On October 18, 1903, there passed away that venerable patriarch, Henry Morse. For upward of half a century he stood in the forefront in the commercial enterprises of his day, and the history of his life presents a splendid example of the self-made man.
A son of Samuel and Phoebe Gay Morse, he was born on a farm at Vienna, Oneida County, N. Y., November 23, 1826. As a boy he worked on his father's farm, his meager educational training being obtained in the primitive district schools. In early life he resided not far from the city of Syracuse, and near the canal. As it was the ambition of farmers' sons in those days to become drivers of the packet boats, he was attracted in that direction, and started in life as the driver of one of these packets in the early '40's. When twelve years old he was driving a three-horse packet between Chittenango, Canastota, and State Bridge, and at seventeen was Captain of a canal boat.
Soon afterward he became a canal boat owner, and later bought and sold boats. He came to Buffalo in the early '50's where he continued to buy and sell boats, and later gradually launched into the canal forwarding business. After being asso- ciated successively with Frank Schofield, James Van Buren, and Absalom Nelson, he became the partner of William Morse and John S. Heath, in the firm of H. Morse & Co., continuing for ten years, when the firm was dissolved, and he formed a part- nership with his brother, Alanson, the style of the concern remaining the same. The brothers Morse were among the best known and most extensive canal forwarders at the western terminus of the Erie Canal. Then years prior to his death Mr. Morse had given up business, and was living in well-earned
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retirement and the enjoyment of the fruits of his many years of industry and thrift.
Mr. Morse was an enthusiastic advocate of the thousand-ton barge canal project. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, from the date of its organization, and a prominent Mason. He was a Republican, and served as an Alderman from the 9th Ward for six years, having been reelected repeatedly until he refused finally to serve longer. He left the office with an honorable record of distinguished service, and no taint or tarnish ever attached to his official life. He brought to the office the same sound business sense that characterized his whole life in the conduct of his own private business enter- prises.
Mr. Morse remained active to the last, maintaining an office in the Board of Trade Building. Though almost totally blind the last five years of his life, this sad affliction never apparently affected his cheerful disposition. Of large stature, standing over six feet, of broad shoulders, deep chest and wealth of grey hair, he was one of the notably fine and venerable looking old men of his day. Of courtly manner and gentle bearing, his appearance bespoke the gentleman of the old school.
Gifted with a wonderful memory, he was a delightful story- teller, and when in a reminiscent mood his recollections were full of interest. He was a Methodist, and one of the predomi- nant attributes of his fine character was his great devotion to . the Church and its activities.
February 13, 1861, Mr. Morse married Eliza Ellen Fero, a daughter of the late John Fero of Buffalo.
Mrs. Morse, an estimable woman and the bride of his youth, was his companion during their forty-two years of wedded life.
JAMES BURGESS, whose death occurred July 24, 1905, exemplified high personal integrity and sterling business quali- fications. He was born in Shepton-Mallet, Somersetshire, Eng- land, October 13, 1851, being the son of James and Ann Burgess. After receiving a High School education, he was apprenticed
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when fifteen years old to the dry-goods firm of Snow & Taylor. Burgess went to London, where he entered the employ of Mar- shall & Snelgrove, the largest dry goods firm of that city. Here he remained three years, then returning to his native town of Shepton-Mallet, where he opened a dry goods store, which he conducted for sixteen years, being very successful. At this period of his life Mr. Burgess was actively concerned in poli- tics. He was much in demand as a speaker at political meet- ings, and was Secretary of the Workingmen's Re- form Union. In military service he also had some experience, as a member of the Volunteer Corps formed of employees of the establishment of Mar- shall & Snelgrove, in Lon- don.
Mr. Burgess came to Buffalo in 1888. He was first employed in the dry goods store of William Hengerer, later becoming a collector for Flint & Kent, his relations with the latter firm only being terminated by his death. In 1893 he engaged in the JAMES BURGESS. real estate and insurance business, in which he won notable success.
After coming to the United States, Mr. Burgess was affiliated with the Democratic party. He attended the Unitarian Church, and at different times was connected with various clubs and fraternal organizations.
May 24, 1890, Mr. Burgess married Martha Millard, a native
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of England, who prior to her marriage lived in the vicinity of London. He is survived by his widow.
The character of Mr. Burgess commanded the highest respect. His heart was warm, his manners dignified and affable and his life exemplary. He was a man who made many friends, but was devoted to his home, which he preferred to the attractions of society.
DR. JOSEPH HABERSTRO, who died July 12, 1898, was one of Buffalo's best known medical practitioners and a man held in high esteem by the medical fraternity and the community, both for his professional abilities and liis excellent qualities as a citizen.
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