USA > New York > Erie County > Memorial and family history of Erie County, New York Volume, II > Part 20
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The following is taken from the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Public Library, on the occa- sion of Mr. Elmendorf's death:
"In the death of Mr. Henry L. Elmendorf the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Public Library recognized the great loss that the library has sustained, and the still greater loss to our fair city.
"The members of the Board of Directors record their high
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appreciation of the efficient service of Mr. Elmendorf, to whose devoted and masterful work is due the uncommon success of the library, which he has left in the front rank of the great public libraries of the country.
" We hereby but faintly express our admiration for his ability and success in his profession, and his high integrity and faith- fulness to his trust, which has commanded at all times our entire confidence."
ANDREW J. HOLDEN. The passing on August 28, 1904, of this great business man removed another of a long line of dis- tinguished citizens noted for solid capability and practical achievement that is fast passing away.
He was born on a farm at Livonia, New York, and received his only educational training in the primitive district schools of the time. When twelve years of age he became a clerk in a store of which Alonzo Bradnor, late of Dansville, was one of the proprietors. Remaining in Bradnor's employ seven years he later became a clerk in a store at Honeyoe, of which he later became the owner, conducting in connection with it a grain and wool business. He subsequently removed to Livonia Station, where he conducted an extensive grain business, latterly and for seven years being associated with Willard Wheeler of South Livonia. During the construction of the West Shore Railroad they took large contracts for furnishing the ties, and the under- taking proved so profitable that they sold their grain business, removed to Buffalo, where they later became associated with General Austin Lathrop of Corning, William H. Hallock of Bath, and Robert F. Cummings and Montgomery Gibbons of Buffalo. Mr. Holden had the sole management of the business which having grown to such extensive proportions proved too great a tax upon his physical powers, and owing to failing health was obliged to retire from active business, and the Wheeler-Holden Company acquired the business of the old firm. He was pre-eminently a business man of great capacity and
ASHolden
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though he acquired a great fortune his aims in life lifted him above the mere accumulation of wealth. He rose to the highest plane of civic righteousness; a man of the warmest sympathy and most generous impulses, his hand was ever liberally extend- ed to the weak and needy and many were the private benefac- tions bestowed, though so kindly and unostentatiously that few seldom ever knew of the unbounded generosity of this good man's heart save those who were the recipients of his bounty. As showing the broad, practical charity of the man the following is a partial list of the well selected humane institu- tions that were remembered among his numerous benefactions made in his will which we here appropriately enumerate: The Home for the Friendless, Buffalo Homeopathic Hospital, Ingle- side Home, District Nursing Association, Fresh Air Mission, Buffalo Deaconess' Home of the M. E. Church, Women's Chris- tian Association, Rochester Home for the Friendless, First Presbyterian Church for the use of Welcome Hall, Charity Organization Society, Buffalo Children's Aid Society, Charity Foundation of the Protestant Episcopal Church, Queen City Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Protestant Episcopal Church Home of Rochester, The Ontario Orphan Asylum, the Industrial School of Rochester, The Ontario Orphan Asylum, The Fitch Cheche of the Charity Organization Society, and the Hospital of the Society for Deaconess Work, and numer- ous other public and private bequests of a minor character.
This is but a brief outline of the life of a man of unusual activity, of varied experiences, and of large successes. His life was characterized by nutiring industry, unsullied integrity, an equanimity of temperament which was seldom disturbed, a uniformly genial and engaging manner, sagacious business instincts, and high moral character. He was unusually gener- ous. Many were the deeds of his quiet, unassuming generosity to those whose needs came to his notice, and the number of those who were sustained by his benefactions increased with the years. Pure in his life, charitable in his judgments,
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generous in his impulses, warm in his social nature, impressive in his manner, from the poverty of his youth, by toil and direct application, he carved his way upward, and attained a high position among the successful business men of Buffalo.
Personally Mr. Holden was the kindest-hearted of men; domestic in his tastes and devoted to his wife and home, his happiness was near ideal. Though pre-eminently a business man, the fine almost nobility of his nature stamped him the true gentleman of the old school that he was. The strongest attribute of the man was his unbounded benevolent and philanthropic spirit that he exercised so generously, though so quietly, throughout the years of his prosperity, and that seemed to fill his heart to overflowing in his thoughts of those who when he would no longer be permitted to minister to them in this world. The wide range of his bountiful benefactions to practical and organized charity at the time of his death was a veritable outpouring of his benevolent heart. Almost Christ- like in his compassion for suffering humanity, he exemplified the highest type of the Christian gentleman. He left a fragrant memory that will be forever cherished in the hearts of those he so generously succored and all who knew of the works of this good man.
The following resolutions testamentary of their affectionate esteem were offered by the board of directors of the Wheeler- Holden Co.
" Resolved, that in the death of Andrew J. Holden, which occurred on August 28, 1904, this Company has sustained an irreparable loss. To his energy, industry, sound judgment and sagacious business instincts, coupled with the high moral prin- ciples which actuated and pervaded all his dealings, is due, in a large measure, the success that this business has attained; and
"Resolved, that in Mr. Holden's death, his business associates, direct and remote, have sustained a personal loss that is beyond computation, and for which nothing can compensate. We shall
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miss his cheerful presence, wise counsel, strong personality and hopeful disposition which have encouraged and sustained us at all times, and in all the relations, both business and personal, that have brought us in contact; and
"Resolved, that in the future conduct of this business it shall be our endeavor to emulate the noble example set by Mr. Holden during his lifetime, and to employ only such honorable and upright methods as our long association with him has taught us he would approve, and which made his own life such a conspicuous success; and
"Resolved, that this be spread upon the minutes as an expres- sion of the love and esteem in which Mr. Holden was held by the members of this Board, and by all of his business associates, and that we shall never cease to mourn his death and shall ever revere his memory; and be it further
"Resolved, that the sympathy of this Board is extended to Mrs. Holden in her bereavement, and that a copy of these reso- lutions, approved by the President and Secretary, and attested by the Corporate Seal of the Company, be engrossed and pre- sented to her."
February 16, 1865, Mr. Holden married Miss Abbie Pitts of Honeyeo, New York, an estimable lady, to whom may justly be attributed much of his success in this world. The bride of his youth and the inspiration of his early ambitions was the solace of his years and ministered to him with tenderest felicitations to the end.
SALEM GRISWOLD KENNEDY, who died August 24, 1888, was an upright and eminently capable business man, and a most useful citizen of Buffalo. He was the son of Andrew and Olive Griswold Kennedy, and was born in Penfield, N. Y., January 25, 1830. His parents died during his boyhood and he was reared by an uncle, the Rev. Mr. Griswold, a Baptist clergyman, and received a good common school education. As a young man he was for several years a clerk in a general store at Fredonia, N. Y. In March, 1855, he came to Buffalo, where he entered the
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dry goods house of Avery & McPherson and he later became bookkeeper in the Manufacturers' & Traders' Bank. In 1864 he resigned to assume the post of cashier for the large manu- facturing establishment of Jewett & Root, a connection which lasted almost a quarter of a century, only terminating with Mr. Kennedy's death. To his duties as cashier for Jewett &. Root were later added those of a similar position with Sherman S. Jewett & Co. Mr. Kennedy's remarkable accuracy in business transactions is illustrated by the fact that not a single dis- crepancy was ever found in his accounts throughout the long period of his connection with tlie Jewett firms, for which he handled all the cash, amounting to several millions of dollars, as well as all moneys received or paid out on account of the Jewett stock farm at East Aurora, N. Y. The highest trust was reposed in Mr. Kennedy by the Jewett concerns, in which for many years he held the position of confidential adviser and assistant.
In politics Mr. Kennedy was a Republican. He was a mem- ber and deacon of the Washington Street Baptist Church, and was a liberal giver to church and other charities. For a number of years he was Musical Director of the church choir, in which he was a singer, possessing a very fine baritone voice and an excellent knowledge of church music. He was also a prominent member of the Buffalo Baptist Union.
Mr. Kennedy married, first, Jennie Barrell, daughter of David Barrell of Fredonia, N. Y. She died in 1857, and the only child of the union died in infancy. November 24, 1863, Mr. Kennedy married his second wife, Mary Victoria Jewett, daughter of George W. and Annie P. Jewett, of whom the former was the son of Josiah Jewett of Moravia, N. Y. Mrs. Kennedy is a member of the North Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, and is active in the work of that church. She is a woman of social distinction, and a leading member of Buffalo Chapter, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Besides his wife, Mr. Kennedy is survived by one son, George Jewett Kennedy.
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GEORGE JEWETT KENNEDY, son of Salem G. Kennedy, is one of Buffalo's prominent citizens both from the business and the social standpoint, and is among the representative men of that city in the wholesale lumber trade, with which he has for a number of years been conspicuously identified.
Mr. Kennedy was born in Buffalo November 25, 1865. He was prepared for Yale College, where he remained one year, but wishing to enter business life he returned to Buffalo and became cashier in the retail department of the Jewett Stove Works, where he continued a year and a half. Believing that the lumber trade offered great opportunities for advancement, he resolved to learn the business and in September, 1889, he entered the employ of W. W. Tyler and the Superior Lumber Company, continuing for ten years in the services of the latter as traveling salesman. In 1900 he engaged in the wholesale lumber business for himself, having his offices in the Ellicott Square Building, where he has remained ever since. He has been very successful, and aside from his local lumber interests is connected with the Tennessee Lumber & Coal Company of Ozone, Tenn.
Mr. Kennedy is a member of the Buffalo and Ellicott clubs. He is a member of the North Presbyterian Church, a leader in the Sunday school and very prominent in the church's musical affairs. He was for fourteen years chorister, and in 1905 was made director of the church orchestra. Politically he is a Republican, but has never sought preferment.
JAMES MACBETH, who died July 6, 1907, was one of Buffalo's foremost citizens. Mr. Macbeth was a man liberally endowed by nature with the gifts that win esteem and confi- deuce. His name will long be cherished in affectionate remem- brance by those who knew and valned him in business and social relationships, and by the people of Buffalo whose iuter- ests he faithfully represented in different public capacities.
Mr. Macbeth was descended from the ancient Macbeth family of Scotland. His father, Audrew Macbeth, was born at Caith-
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ness, in the Scottish Highlands, and his mother, Jane Robert- son, was a native of Aberdeen. Andrew Macbeth came with his family to America in 1855, and settled in Canada, where he died in 1886.
James Macbeth was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1846, and spent his early boyhood in his native country. When about nine years old he accompanied his parents to America. He was educated in the public schools of Hamilton, Ont., and in 1859, when only thirteen years old, entered the railway service, as an apprentice in the machine shops of the Great Western Railway of Canada. In 1864 he became a foreman for the New York Central Railroad. From 1867 to 1887 he was successively engi- neer on the Southern Cen- tral Railroad and engi- neer on the New York Central Railroad, Master Mechanic for the Ithaca, Geneva & Sayre road, Superintendent of Con- struction and Machinery for the Elmira, Cortland & Northern, and locomo- tive engineer on the Lake Shore & Michigan South- ern railroads. In 1887 he was placed in charge of the Motive Power and Car Department of the West Shore Railroad, and continued to hold this po- sition for six years, then JAMES MACBETH. becoming Superintendent of Motive Power and Rolling Stock and also Superintendent of Transportation for the Adirondack & St. Lawrence Railroad. In 1893 he was appointed Master Carbuilder of the New York Central Railroad, in which responsible capacity he served for
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the rest of his life. He had full charge of the extensive car works of the New York Central at East Buffalo, as well as of the shops at Rochester, Syracuse and Suspension Bridge, his department including all the freight car repair work of the road west of Albany. There were 3,000 employees under his super- vision, the cars repaired averaging 2,200 a day.
In 1898 Mayor Diehl of Buffalo appointed Mr. Macbeth Civil Service Commissioner, in which capacity he served one year. The following year he received the appointment of Park Com- missioner, and on the organization of the new Park Board was chosen its President, retiring from office at the time Erastus C. Knight became Mayor. In the fall of 1905 Mr. Macbeth was tendered the Democratic nomination for Councilman of Buffalo and was elected. When the new Board of Councilmen was organized, the unanimous choice of Mr. Macbeth as its President afforded a conspicuous proof of his popularity and of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow officials. He dealt with municipal affairs in the same manner as if the city's wel- fare had been his own, and no one ever questioned the purity of his motives or the integrity of his methods. He was a staunch friend of Civil Service reform, and rendered valuable aid to that cause. As Park Commissioner he took an important part in the improvement of Buffalo's park system.
Mr. Macbeth was a member of Ancient Landmarks Lodge, No. 441, of Masons; of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Transportation Club, the Road Drivers' Association and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
In 1866 Mr. Macbeth married Miss Sarah Fowler of Cale- donia, Ont., a most estimable lady, with whom his wedded life was blessed with exceptional happiness. He is survived by his wife and two sons, Harry A. and James H. Macbeth, both resi- dents of Buffalo.
CHARLES BENNET ARMSTRONG, who passed away November 2, 1904, was one of Buffalo's leading insurance under- writers and a man who united the characteristics that win
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business success with the sound essentials of citizenship and Christian philanthropy. He was born at Hartwick, Otsego County, N. Y., April 9, 1833, being the son of William Hammond Armstrong of Newport, R. I., and Salome (Bennet) of Colum- bia, Conn. His mother's ancestors came from one of the leading families of New England, among them being President Wheelock of Dartmouth College, and John Kirkland, one of the noted pioneers of Western New York. In Mr. Armstrong's childhood his family removed to Lockport, N. Y., where he received a public and High School education. When twenty years old he removed to Buffalo, where he formed a partnership with William B. Mann in the flour and grain commission trade, as W. B. Mann & Co. In 1861 the firm was dissolved and Mr. Armstrong engaged in a general insurance underwriting busi- ness, becoming the partner of Silas H. Fish, under the style of Fish & Armstrong. Mr. Fish died in 1887, when the copartner- ship of C. B. Armstrong & Co. was established by Charles B. Armstrong and his son, C. N. Armstrong. After the senior Armstrong's death the firm became Armstrong & Husted, being composed of C. N. Armstrong, Allen D. Husted and A. Burt Armstrong. To the energy, ability and sterling integrity of its members was due the fact that the firm of C. B. Armstrong & Co. became one of the foremost insurance concerns in Western New York. The name of Charles Bennet Armstrong was always a guarantee for responsibility and fair dealing.
Mr. Armstrong was a Republican. When the Buffalo charter was remodeled he was a member of the Charter Revision Com- mission.
For half a century Mr. Armstrong was a prominent member of the Central Presbyterian Church, and for forty-three years was ruling elder. Throughout the entire period of his connec- tion with the church he was a member of the Sunday School, during all that time taught a Bible class and for some years was Superintendent of the School. Throughout his residence in Buffalo Mr. Armstrong was active in the Y. M. C. A. From
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1859 to 1870 he was a member of the Board of Directors, and served in the same capacity from 1878 to 1883. In 1879 he was President of the Association, and helped inaugurate the move- ment resulting in the erection of the Y. M. C. A. Building in Mohawk street. The work of securing funds for the first home of the Y. M. C. A. in Buffalo was practically all done by Mr. Armstrong, R. B. Adam and George N. Pierce. In 1884 he became Chairman of the Railroad branch of the Association, and served for several years. For twenty-five years he con- ducted the Y. M. C. A. services at the Erie County Penitentiary. Mr. Armstrong was Treasurer of the Erie County Bible Society and the Buffalo City Bible Society, and President of the Eye and Ear Infirmary. He was one of the founders of the Oakfield Club, and for five years was its President. He was a member of the Merchants' Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce, the National Board of Fire Underwriters and the Buffalo Board of Fire Underwriters, of which last named he was President for upwards of fifteen years. He was a member of the Men's Association of the Central Presbyterian Church.
In April, 1857, Mr. Armstrong married Eliza Ann Newton of Buffalo, a daughter of Ovid and Eliza (Walker) Newton of Hadley, Mass. Mrs. Armstrong, who survives her husband, is an estimable and deeply religious woman. Their children are: Charles Newton Amstrong of Buffalo, William Bugbee Arm- strong of Rochester, N. Y., A. Burt Armstrong of Buffalo, and Howard Thayer Armstrong of Newark, N. J.
Charles Bennet Armstrong was an able and incorruptibly honest man of business, a gentleman of the old school and a Christian whose religion found expression in lifelong labors for the moral and physical welfare of mankind.
JOHN H. RUCKEL, who died March 25, 1902, was an able business man and one of Buffalo's oldest citizens. The ances- tors of Mr. Ruckel came from Holland, and were German Huguenots. On account of religious persecution they fled to
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Ireland and thence emigrated to France. Paul and Barbara Ruckel came to America about 1760. Barbara Heck, a member of the Ruckel family in 1766 helped build the first Methodist Church in the City of New York. The great-grandfather of John H. Ruckel was Philip Ruckel, whose son, James, settled in Geneya, N. Y. The latter's son, also named James, was the father of the subject of this sketch, whose mother, Adelaide (Speaight) was of Dutch stock.
Mr. Ruckel was born in New York City March 13, 1830, and was educated at Hobart College, Geneva. In 1852 he came to Buffalo, where he found employment in a crockery store. He then entered the service of W. A. Case, as a salesman of sugar house equipments, distillery and vessel sup- plies. After eleven years he formed a partnership with Mr. Case, under the firm name of W. A. Case & Co. The association lasted till 1881, when Mr. Ruckel engaged in the factory, engineers' and mill supplies business and the furnishing of ventila- ting and heating appara- tus, under the style of J. JOHN H. RUCKEL. H. Ruckel & Co. In 1901 he admitted his son, John B., to partnership, under the firm name of J. H. Ruckel & Son, this connection being dissolved by the death of the senior partner in 1902.
Mr. Ruckel was a Democrat, but held no public office. He was a member of the Washington Lodge of Free Masons for nearly forty years, and was a charter member of Neptune Hose
11
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Company No. 5. For many years he was Warden and Vestry- man of All Saints' Church. He belonged to the Acacia Club, but otherwise was not greatly devoted to club life, being very fond of the home circle.
In 1856 Mr. Ruckel married Nancy Jane Johnson, daughter of Ezekiel Johnson of Bradford, Vt. Mrs. Ruckel survives with five children: John B., Adelaide M., Louise J., Ella S., and Ruth.
John H. Ruckel was a man of sterling qualities, always faithful to duty, of lovable character, a true friend and a devoted husband and father.
JOHN B. RUCKEL, son of John H. Ruckel, was born in Buffalo January 28, 1869, and was educated in the public schools. When sixteen years old he became connected with his father's business, in which, in 1901, he became a partner. After the death of the senior Ruckel, John B. Ruckel assumed charge of the establishment of J. H. Ruckel & Son, which he continued to conduct. Mr. Ruckel is a practical man of experience and sound business training, and has been successful in his under- takings, winning a high reputation for zeal, integrity and execu- tive powers.
Mr. Ruckel is a Democrat, but never held political office. He has been a member of Company F., of the 74th Regiment, N. G. N. Y., for thirteen years, and was for several years the com- pany Secretary and Treasurer. He is a member of the Cham- ber of Commerce, the Builders' Exchange, the Manufacturers' Club, and the Buffalo Canoe Club. He is a member of All Saints' Church.
In February, 1906, Mr. Ruckel married May Bain, daughter of Alexander J. and Georgiana (Stewart) Bain of St. Cather- ines, Canada.
TOBIAS WITMER, JR., who died on the 26th of December, 1898, was for many years an esteemed resident of Buffalo and a citizen of high business and social standing.
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Mr. Witmer was a native of Erie County, having been born in Williamsville on the 7th of February, 1844. His parents were Tobias and Anna (Frick) Witmer. Tobias Witmer, Sr., was by profession a civil engineer, and during the Civil War was con- nected in an important capacity with the Government service, being employed in the preparation of plans for military posi- tions. His wife was a daughter of Christian Frick, whose name is identified with an interesting incident in the early history of Buffalo, Mr. Frick, during the burning of Buffalo by the British and Indians in 1813, having removed what was probably the only printing press in the vicinity at that time from Buffalo to Williamsville in order to save it from destruction by the invaders.
Tobias Witmer, Jr., graduated from the Williamsville Academy and afterward taught school for a short time near Williamsville. During the Civil War he served in the Commis- sary Department. At the close of the war he went to New Mexico, where he found employment at Las Vegas as a clerk in a general store.
In 1875 Mr. Witmer returned to Williamsville, where, in part- nership with his brother, E. F. Witmer, he engaged in the insurance business. After a short time Mr. Witmer abandoned insurance to become Superintendent of the Akron Cement Works of Akron, N. Y., till 1877, when he came to Buffalo to become Cashier of the Urban Milling Company, and he con- tinned to be the company's Cashier for a long term of years, voluntarily resigning in 1891 in order to engage in the real estate and insurance business, which he carried on till his death in 1898.
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