USA > New York > Erie County > Memorial and family history of Erie County, New York Volume, II > Part 30
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Mr. Hughes was born in Nunda, N. Y., March 20, 1853. He was reared in habits of industry and before his boyhood was past had learned to hold as a maxim that his future must depend upon his own efforts. When a young man he came to Buffalo and entered the employ of Ransom & McDowell, one of the well-known live stock commission firms of the day, beginning on a salary of ten dollars a week. His ability and faithfulness soon won the confidence of his employ- ers, and from his modest position he advanced by steady promotion until he commanded a large sal- ary. He acquired a knowl- edge of the live stock industry which admirably equipped him for inde- pendent business, and a number of years before his death he established the firm of R. J. Hughes & Company, also being at different times associated with Harrison & Meeks, The Standard Commission Company, Nute, Bement RICHARD J. HUGHES & Lincoln, Ransom & Mansfield and The Williamson Commission Company. In his numerous business relationships Mr. Hughes wrought out a worthy life work by being true to himself and to the interests confided to him. He was an expert judge of values and market conditions, and there was no man in Buffalo whose opinion com- manded more respect from those cognizant of live stock interests. He built up not only a successful but a permanent enterprise, as the business which he founded is to be continued as the R. J. Hughes Company by his three sons, well-known and estimable young business men of Buffalo.
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Notably a man of fraternal spirit, Mr. Hughes was a repre- sentative figure in several societies and organizations. For many years he was Secretary of the East Buffalo Live Stock Association and he filled the office with credit to himself and benefit to the Association, whose interests were constantly considered by him and whose sessions he always attended with conscientious regularity till his health failed shortly before his death. He was a leading member of Buffalo Branch 11, C. M. B. A., of which he served as Financial Secretary for fifteen years, and he held an equally prominent place in the Buffalo branch of the C. B. L., of which he was Financial Secretary for twelve years. He was one of the directors of the Live Stock Exchange Building and a member of Buffalo Council, Knights of Columbus. On the occasion of his death the East Buffalo Live Stock Association adopted and spread upon its records a set of memorial resolutions feelingly expressive of the regard in which he was held by his fellow-members and of their appre- ciation of his valuable services to the live stock interests of Buffalo.
He is survived by his widow, by three sons, James, Emmet and Raymond Hughes, and by a daughter, Alice Hughes.
The arduous responsibilities of Mr. Hughes' later years were carried on against the disadvantages of failing health, but in the declining as well as in the vigorous days of his life he mani- fested an unfalterng evenness of temperament and a mental poise which was equal to all occasions. He was a man of modest, unassuming manners and was invariably courteous and considerate of the feelings of others. By his business associates and those in his employ, he was regarded with affec- tion as well as esteem. His disposition was to be kind to all men and his sympathy with misfortune frequently expressed itself in deeds of generosity. He was devoted to his home, a loving husband and father, and he never permitted the busy activities of his life to divert his attention from the welfare of his family. As a friend he was sincere and loyal. His circle of
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acquaintances was large, and without being a seeker for popu- larity he attained it by the uniform candor and manliness of his conduct.
THOMAS DANIEL SHERIDAN, who died September 23, 1899, was for forty years one of the best-known and most popular railroad men in Buffalo. His services as ticket agent and district passenger agent for the Grand Trunk Railway extended over thirty-three years, during the greater part of which time he was stationed in Buffalo. Mr. Sheridan was one of the most genial of men, fulfilling the difficult offices of his position with a kindly patience which won him high regard from the traveling public and his fellow-workers.
Mr. Sheridan was born in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Ireland, August 24, 1831. His parents were John and Esther (Daniel) Sheridan. He had received the first rudiments of an education when his studies were interrupted by the death of his father, who left besides his widow, four children-two boys and two girls. At this time Thomas was but ten years old, and though he was enabled to attend school for a few years after the death of his father, the restricted income of the family necessitated his leaving school before his parents had intended, to assist in the maintenance of the family of five. W. Steuart Trench, a friend of his mother, was then agent for the Irish estates of the Marquis of Bath, and took young, Sheridan for his clerk. When Mr. Trench resigned the agency to accept the same office with Lord Digby, in Kings County, Ireland, Thomas Sheridan accompanied him and remained as assistant until 1858, when he came to the United States, making his way immediately to Buffalo. Mr. Sheridan's service for the Grand Trunk Railway began as ticket clerk in the office of Robert Cassaday in 1863. Four years later he was made passenger agent in Western New York and the section of Pennsylvania extending to, but not including, Philadelphia. In the '70's he became district passenger agent in the same terri-
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tory, and to it was joined the Niagara Falls, Ontario, office. Later, under a new distribution of territory, the Canadian office was moved from his jurisdiction. In May, 1896, he retired from active work. Mr. Sheridan served under eight general passenger agents and four general managers.
Mr. Sheridan's religious affiliations were with historic old St. Paul's Episcopal Church, of which he had been a member for many years. He was a staunch Republican in politics, but never aspired to or held any political office. He was a member of the Masonic order, joining Erie Lodge, several years before his death.
Mr. Sheridan married in 1871, Angeline Barker of Niagara Falls. The couple had no children. Mrs. Sheridan died in 1888. Of his relatives, one sister, Elizabeth Sheridan, survives.
JOHN F. JONES, who died April 9, 1902, was a lifelong resi- dent of Erie County and for thirty years a well-known railroad man of Buffalo. He was the son of John Jones and Eunice Hatch, and was born in Colden, Erie County, N. Y., April 18, 1829. After receiving his education in the public schools of Colden and Springville, he for a time found employment in driving a stage between Springville and Buffalo, later entering the service of the New York Central Railroad as a brakeman, which necessitated his removing to Buffalo. He soon received promotion, finally becoming a conductor between Buffalo and Syracuse, in which capacity he served during the remainder of his active career. He worked for the Central Railroad thirty years, and up to his retirement in 1883.
Mr. Jones was a Democrat, but was independent and always voted for the candidate whose fitness and principles he most approved. Fond of observing men and customs, he traveled quite extensively in this country, making several journeys to California and the South. He was, in the leisure period of his life, ardently devoted to fishing and hunting, being a member of the Audubon Shooting Club; was affiliated with Hiram
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Lodge, F. & A. M., at Buffalo, and attended the Presbyterian Church.
January 13, 1858, Mr. Jones married Delancy A. Coddington, daughter of William and Nancy Coddington of Batavia, N. Y. Mrs. Jones died on October 28, 1882. March 13, 1888, Mr. Jones married again, his second wife being Phoebe C. Baxter of Blooming Valley, Pa., who died in January, 1900. Mr. Jones is survived by one child, Eunice L. Jones.
John F. Jones was an upright and thoroughly estimable citi- zen, and as a railroad man he showed sound abilities and a faithfulness worthy of all praise. He was a good husband and kind father, being devoted to his home and family; was singu- larly unselfish and ever thoughtful of those around him. The success he won in his chosen calling and the peace and pros- perity which attended his later years illustrate the rewards that await the manful performance of duty.
CHARLES GOLLWITZER, whose death occurred on the 1st of September, 1906, was one of Buffalo's best-known and most widely popular citizens. He was born in Buffalo April 17, 1857, and was educated at Canisius College. When about sixteen years old he became assistant in the restaurant of Harry Smith, one of the well-known restauranteurs of the day. Mr. Goll- witzer was a faithful employee and became Mr. Smith's right- hand man in the business, after a few years being entrusted with its entire management a great deal of the time. About twenty-five years ago Mr. Smith sold his restaurant to Mr. Gollwitzer and the latter removed the business to No. 78 Pearl street, where it has been located ever since. A year before Mr. Gollwitzer's death the business was incorporated as the Goll- witzer Company. Mr. Gollwitzer was a popular restauranteur and one of the familiar figures of the Buffalo business district, where his place was a much frequented resort. He was per- sonally known to almost every downtown business man in Buffalo, and also had a large outside acquaintance. He con-
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tinued to follow the business of a restauranteur all his life, winning great success in it and enjoying a reputation second to none for ability and honorable dealing.
Mr. Gollwitzer was a member of St. Louis' Church and a liberal contributor to its support and charities. He was much interested in music and was an active member of the Buffalo Orpheus and the Buffalo Saengerbund.
June 19, 1884, Mr. Gollwitzer married Caroline Koch, daugh- ter of John and Catherine Koch of Buffalo. Blessed with a happy domestic life, he was a kind husband and father, amid the duties of his busy career being always devoted to the welfare of the family circle and finding his chief joy in his home. He is survived by his wife and three chil- dren, Charles F., Edward J. and Grace Margaret Gollwitzer.
Mr. Gollwitzer was one whom to know was to respect. Endowed with the strong qualities which are the chief factors in success in life, he also possessed the virtues which constitute the ele- ments of sterling citizen- ship. His sense of justice was keen, he was always considerate of the rights CITARLES GOLDWITZER. and feelings of others, and in the competition of business was guided by liberal views and a broad-minded spirit of toleration and charity. Few men were thrown into such close relations with the public and he was a sound judge of human nature and had a large fund of
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tact and forbearance. The instinct of hospitality was one of Mr. Gollwitzer's distinctive traits. His patrons were also his guests and between him and them there grew in the progress of the years a feeling of genuine friendship. The popularity which he enjoyed was a sentiment of sure and steady growth, having its foundations in mutual esteem. By the death of Charles Gollwitzer Buffalo sustained the loss of a citizen who was a credit to the community and a man who in all his rela- tions with the world exemplified high standards of character and conduct.
EDWARD McKNIGHT COLLINS, who died October 3, 1905, presented a notable example of a life which, without parade or display, was of the highest practical usefulness, and a character which to the sterling qualities of honor, capability and devotion to duty, united the graces of social existence and the spirit of fraternalism.
Like so many others who have borne an honorable share in the world's work, Mr. Collins was of New England birth and descent. His parents were George T. and Maria (Brown) Collins, and he was born in Killingly, Conn., August 7, 1843. He received a cominon-school education, but his desire for knowledge led him to study and reading outside the regular course, with the result that chiefly through his own efforts he became an exceptionally well-educated man. As a youth he learned the trade of shoemaking, and at the age of twenty-one came to Buffalo, where he entered the employ of Forbush & Brown, boot and shoe manufacturers. His connection with the firm proved to be nearly a life-long relationship, and when in 1892 Mr. Brown retired from the business, Mr. Collins was admitted partner, the concern still retaining its former style of Forbush & Brown. The new association lasted until the death of Mr. Forbush in 1901, when the business was dissolved. Mr. Collins then traveled for a shoe firm of Boston, Mass., and con- tinued in this occupation to the close of his life.
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MEMORIAL AND FAMILY HISTORY.
Mr. Collins was a Republican, a member of St. Luke's Epis- copal Church, of which he was for many years a vestryman, a member of Queen City Lodge, F. & A. M., Keystone Chapter, Hugh de Payens Commandery, Buffalo Consistory, Ismailia Temple and the Acacia Club. His absence from any meeting of any of the above Masonic organizations was an event so un- usual that on the rare occasions when it occurred it was always a subject of remark. He was frequently asked to accept office in some of the Masonic bodies with which he was affiliated, but invariably declined. His Masonic inclinations did not take the form of ambition for preferment, but his devotion to Masonry as an institution and as a means conductive to the brother- liness of feeling with which his own nature was heartily in accord, was unsurpassed.
December 18, 1866, Mr. Collins married Belle Daly, daughter of Richard H. and Linda M. (Barber) Daly of Buffalo. He is survived by his widow and by two children, Louise M., now Mrs. Walter Hart of Boston, Mass., and George S. Collins, who is a resident of Buffalo.
Mr. Collins was buried with Masonic honors, and his decease was the occasion of sorrow in many circles, for Edward M. Col- lins was a true exponent of friendship, who commanded the esteem and love of his associates, and was faithful in all the relations of life. His was a high and sincere nature, which ennobled its surroundings and endowed others with a share of its own gentleness and fidelity.
WILLIAM WALLACE BUFFUM, for many years a leading railroad man of Buffalo and well known in business circles there and in other parts of the country, was a railway official of dis- tinguished executive ability and was held in high estimation as a citizen. Of Christian character and identified with the church both in spirit and by membership, he filled an important place in religious work. His disposition was genial, and he readily won friends, whom he retained by his fidelity and his other excellent qualities of mind and heart.
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WILLIAM W. BUFFUM.
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MEMORIAL AND FAMILY HISTORY.
Mr. Buffum was born in Colden, Erie County, N. Y., April 15, 1842. His parents, Benjamin Sweet Buffum and Betsey (Car- men) Buffum, were among the prominent residents of that locality, Benjamin S. Buffum being a prosperous farmer in Colden.
William W. Buffumn obtained his elementary education in the public schools of his native town, and Springville Academy, graduating from that institution. He then became a teacher in Colden for eight years. In 1870 Mr. Buffum came to Buffalo, entering the employ of Robert Ridpath, proprietor of a grocery store, with whom he remained for three years, meantime supple- menting his income by teaching night classes in penmanship. In 1873 he became connected with the Lake Shore Railroad in a clerical capacity. He was rapidly advanced, finally, in 1883, being appointed Division Superintendent of the route from Buffalo to Cleveland. This position he held until 1889, when he accepted a place with the American Transit Refrigerator Com- pany at St. Louis, serving as General Superintendent for five years. Later he was at his own request transferred to Hornellsville, where for two years he was Division Superintendent, subsequently being transferred to Detroit, there also acting for two years as Division Superin- tendent, failing health at last causing him to resign the position. Mr. Buffum was formerly a Democrat, but for the ten years preceding his death was a Republican. For a number of years he represented the Third Ward as Supervisor. He was a member of Transportation Lodge, F. & A. M., a life member of the Y. M. C. A., and one of the organizers of the Association in Buffalo. For some years he was a inember of the East Presbyterian Church, and later of the Park Presbyterian Church.
January 21, 1872, Mr. Buffum married Miss Mary Gleb, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Hebel) Gleb of Buffalo. The children are: Lillie D., now Mrs. George Kabel; Jennie M., now Mrs. Robert C. Moost; Alice D. and Harry C., all of Buffalo.
The death of Mr. Buffum occurred July 7, 1905.
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William W. Buffum was a man who united to superior intel- ligence the sincerity and the amiable qualities from which spring not only the noble characteristics but the refinements and graces of life. He traveled much, and was a keen observer. He was a thorough railroad man, being equal to any situation arising from the difficulties and complexities incident to such important executive positions as those he held. His death was mourned as the loss of one who was a representative of the best qualities which distinguish the practical man and who was true to all obligations of life.
HENRY MOEST, at the time of his death Alderman from the Sixth Ward, and during his life the recipient of many public honors, was a man who against early advantages won his way to position and success. Mr. Moest was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 16, 1845. His parents, John and Agnes Moest, died while he was a child, and his care in boyhood was com- mitted to an uncle. He received a common-school education, but at fourteen left school and began to learn the cabinet- maker's trade. Before he had arrived at manhood he resolved to go to America, and in 1863 he came to Buffalo in the company of an elder brother. There he found employment with A. Hert- korn, for whom he worked as a cabinet-maker for five years. He then entered the employ of Jewett & Root, the well-known stove manufacturers, in the capacity of a pattern maker, remaining with them fourteen years. He then engaged in the grocery business in which he continued several years, being very successful.
In 1880 Mr. Moest was elected Supervisor from the old Seventh Ward, being twice elected. In 1885 he was elected Keeper of the Almshouse, and was reelected, occupying the place six years. On retiring from office Mr. Moest engaged in the undertaking business, in which he continued until his death. In the fall of 1901 he was elected Alderman from the Sixth Ward, and two years later was reelected. For many years he was a Republican General Committeeman.
HENRY MOEST
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MEMORIAL AND FAMILY HISTORY.
The death of Mr. Moest occurred July 8, 1905, resulting from injuries sustained in an elevator accident at the City Hall.
Mr. Moest was a member of Harmonia Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Germania Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Grotto; also of Con- cordia Lodge, I. O. O. F. He was a member of the Wurtemberg Schwaben Benevolent Society, the Buffalo Orpheus, the Buffalo Saengerbund, the Wurtemberg and Harugari singing societies, and a trustee of St. Paul's German Evangelical Church.
In 1865 Mr. Moest married Mary Mehl, daughter of Henry and Mary Mehl of Buffalo, who survives him. The living children are: Mary, now Mrs. Dr. Jacob Kraus; Ida, now Mrs. William J. Campbell; John and Robert C. Moest. A son, Henry W., died October 31, 1898.
The death of Alderman Moest was widely and sincerely deplored.
John Moest, the elder surviving son of Henry Moest, was born in Buffalo February 5, 1868. He was educated in the public schools and the University of Buffalo. His business life began when he was still a boy, as his father's assistant in his grocery store. In 1885 John Moest and an older brother, Henry W., assumed charge of the senior Moest's business and con- ducted it for four years. Later he became connected with the Harmonia Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Buffalo, in the capacity of a collector and assistant in office work, and con- tinued with this company nearly sixteen years. Since the death of their father, John Moest and his brother, Robert C., have conducted an undertaking business.
Mr. Moest is a Republican, and after the death of his father, was appointed Alderman to serve the unexpired term. He is a member of Harmonia Lodge, No. 699, F. & A. M .; Buffalo Lodge, No. 23, B. P. O. E .; Concordia Lodge, No. 143, I. O. O. F .; and Genesee Lodge, Order of the Iroquois. He also is a member of the Wurtemberg Schwaben Benevolent Society, the Wurtem- berg Singing Society, and St. Paul's Church.
June 21, 1892, Mr. Moest married Martha R. Besser of Buffalo, who died on the 6th of April, 1903, leaving three children.
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MEMORIAL AND FAMILY HISTORY.
Robert C. Moest, son of Henry Moest, was born in Buffalo January 3, 1876. His education was obtained in the public and High Schools of Buffalo. At the age of nineteen he entered the employ of the Union Bank of Buffalo, continuing two years. After leaving the bank ill health interfered, for a considerable period, with his business pursuits. In 1898 he entered his father's undertaking establishment, and has ever since been connected with that business, which he is now conducting with his brother, John Moest.
Mr. Moest is a Republican, and has served as election officer for eight years. He attends the Park Presbyterian Church, is a member of Genesee Lodge, Order of the Iroquois and Teutonia Lodge, A. O. U. W.
April 19, 1901, Mr. Moest married Jennie M. Buffum, daugh- ter of the late William W. Buffum of Buffalo.
ROBERT OWEN MELDRUM was the son of Alexander and Jane McCabe Meldrum, and was born in Merigomish, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, November 2, 1826. He was educated in the public schools. At the age of twenty-one he came to the United States and traveled from Albany to Buffalo by the Erie Canal. When he reached Buffalo he had only five dollars in his pocket. At Griffin's Mill's he secured a place with Lockwood Gail, a miller, with whom he lived and for whom he worked for a number of years. During this period Mr. Meldrum also engaged with Henry Sprague in the blacksmithing and wagon- making business, later for several years conducting the industry alone. In 1863, while living at Griffin's Mills, he with Mr. A. B. Paxon of that place, invented the first clothes wringer. Among his other ventures, Mr. Meldrum purchased a saw-mill, and for several years engaged in the manufacture of lumber.
About 1865 Mr. Meldrum disposed of his enterprises in this State and went to Petroleum Center, Pa. There he followed the wagon-making and blacksmithing business for a few years. He later became a successful oil operator.
ROBERT O. MELDRUM
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MEMORIAL AND FAMILY HISTORY.
In 1876 Mr. Meldrum came to Buffalo, which he thereafter made his home, leaving the management of his affairs in the oil regions to his sons, Charles and Elbert. In 1885 in association with his sons, Charles and Elbert, he erected a fine hostelry known as the Fountain Hotel, also building a superb bath-house containing accommodation for 500 bathers, at Mount Clemens, Michigan. Another noteworthy enterprise of Mr. Meldrum's later years was the Meldrum Farm, located on the Moorhead Northern Railroad, in the Red River Valley, now owned by E. D. Meldrum. He was also largely interested in real estate, in Buffalo and the West.
Mr. Meldrum was twice married. His first wife was Evelin Hensaw, a daughter of James and Amy Gail Henshaw of Griffin's Mills. In 1850, Mrs. Meldrum died. May 2, 1854, Mr. Meldrum married Miss Julia E. Brown, daughter of Dexter and Rebecca (Henshaw) Brown. Mrs. Meldrum was born November 21, 1837, and survives her husband. They had eight children, Charles H. Meldrum, Elbert Dexter Meldrum, Claribel, Ettie M., Minnie L. (deceased), Frank (deceased), Edwin R. (a youth of great promise, met his death at the age of seventeen as the result of an accidental gunshot injury sustained while on a vacation at his father's farm at Perley, Minn.), Mattie (the wife of Herman C. Prox of Terre Haute, Indiana), and Robert O. Meldrum.
Robert Owen Meldrum died on the 21st of March, 1895. By his decease there was lost to the community a man of rigid integrity, of remarkable business ability and of notable public spirit. Mr. Meldrum was a member of the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church, and a devontly religious man. So strong were Mr. Meldrum's benevolent instincts and so practical was their expression, that he was frequently called a public benefactor.
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