Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II, Part 15

Author: White, Truman C
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: [Boston] : Boston History Co.
Number of Pages: 684

USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 15

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Leib, John D., superintendent of the city delivery, Buffalo post-office, the only surviving son of John and Betsey E. (Lapp) Leib, was born on a farm at Clarence,

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Erie county, N. Y., October 29, 1842. His early education was acquired in the dis- trict school. He labored with his father upon the farm until the spring of 1864, when he enlisted in Co. B, 98th N. Y. S. National Guard, serving a short time in the field. Upon his return he accepted a position as head weighmaster at the Wilkeson Eleva- tor, and continued in this position until November 6, 1866, when he was appointed to a clerkship in the Buffalo post-office by Postmaster Joseph Candee. He steadily rose through the several departments; became superintendent of the registry depart- ment under John M. Bedford in 1879, and during the administration of Postmaster John B. Sackett was promoted to the important position of superintendent of the city delivery, April 1, 1889, which he has since filled with so much ability as to win for him warm praise from the Department at Washington, D. C. The department of city delivery comes in close touch with the citizen, for through it is distributed the vast amount of mail matter passing through an office of so important a trade center as is the city of Buffalo. Mr. Leib's long experience in various capacities during his thirty years' service in the office has eminently fitted him for the important duties of superintendent. Courteous in manner and affable in speech, he is a strict disci- plinarian, thus bringing order out of what would otherwise be chaos in so vast a de- partment. He was married, June 3, 1867, to Susan E. Adams, of Buffalo, and they have three sons: William Adams, Edwin Roy, and Harry Fitcli.

Burt, Marvin S., Buffalo, was born at Honeoye Falls, Monroe county, N. Y., Jan- uary 2, 1863, was educated in the public schools of Buffalo, and was graduated from the Rochester Business University in 1882. On May 26, 1884, after successfully pass- ing the civil service examination, he was appointed by John M. Bedford, postmaster, as a clerk in the Buffalo post-office, and by strict attention to duty was rapidly ad- vanced through the various clerical positions from that of porter to that of assistant superintendent of the registry division, to which he was appointed by Postmaster John B. Sackett on April 1, 1889. On October 1, 1890, Postmaster B. F. Gentsch promoted him to the superintendency of the registry division, which position he has since filled with great satisfaction. Mr. Burt is an active member of several fraternal societies, and is past grand of Trinity Lodge, I. O. O. F. November 22, 1888, he married Miss Hattie L. Williams, of Buffalo, who died July 4, 1893, leaving one daughter, Gertrude E.

Kirsch, Alexander, Buffalo, is a son of Peter and Elizabeth Kirsch, who came from Alsace, France, in 1818, and settled in the town of Tonawanda, Erie county, being one of the first German families to locate in Western New York. There Mr. Kirsch was born March 16, 1847. In the spring of 1857 the family removed to Buffalo, where he has resided since, and where his father was for some time engaged in the mer- cantile business. Mr. Kirsch received a public school education, became a clerk in his father's store, and in January, 1864, enlisted as a bugler in Co. H, 2d N. Y. Mounted Rifles, with which he served until he was honorably discharged in August, 1865. He was a clerk again in his father's store until 1868, and from that time until 1879 was in the employ of the Canal Department of the State. In 1879 he was in the canal collector's office; in 1880 in the employ of the Anchor Line; in 1882-83 a clerk in the city comptroller's office; in 1884 bookkeeper for Baker & Graves; and in 1885 in the employ of the State again. In January, 1886, he entered the city clerk's office as index clerk, and held that position until January, 1896, when he was ap-

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

pointed chief clerk. His twelve years' experience in the city clerk's office is not only valuable, but one of which any man may well feel proud. He was married, February 15, 1868, to Bridget A. Carmody, of Buffalo.

Spann, Albert C., Buffalo, son of Henry and Mathilde (Beitter) Spann, was born in Attica, N. Y., January 18, 1863. He obtained his education from the public schools and was graduated from the Attica Collegiate Institute in 1880. He then removed to Buffalo and began the study of law in the office of Crowley, Movius & Wilcox, and in 1884 was duly admitted to the bar. After being admitted to the bar he remained in this office for four years, and at the end of that time opened an office on his own account and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession.

Seymour, Elisha W., Buffalo, was born in that city, November 1, 1840. After ob- taining a liberal education from the public schools, a position was offered him, which he accepted, as a clerk in the International Bank of Buffalo, a position he re- tained for eight years, passing through the different clerical stations, until he became teller of that institution. Soon the call to arms was heard and he resigned his position and enlisted in the 116th New York as second lieutenant, returning home after nearly three years' service as brevet major. He then entered the Internal Revenue office as cashier, where he remained for a short time, when he resigned to accept the position of assistant cashier in the wholesale dry goods firm of H. B. Claflin & Co., of New York city, where he remained for thirteen years. In 1887 he removed to Buffalo and was appointed cashier in the city treasurer's office, a position he still holds.

Buerger, Theodore S., Buffalo, was born in Wolcottsville, Niagara county, N.Y., July 4, 1863. He received a common school education and at the age of fifteen en- tered the notion store of T. H. Schorr, and attended Bryant & Stratton's Business College nights. After two years' service in this establishment he was offered a posi- tion, which he accepted, with Kessel & Richert, where he remained until August, 1892, when he bought a half interest in the business, whereby the copartnership of Kessel & Buerger was formed. In 1889, upon his suggestion, to meet the demand of the retail dry goods trade, the retail department was discontinued and an exclu- sive wholesale business was adopted. The firm is now one of the leading wholesale notion houses of Buffalo, and is especially recognized by the retailer as the supply house for hosiery, yarns and many other specialties. Their place of business is located in the well-lighted Fuchs fire-proof building, No. 515 Washington street.

Mooney, James, Buffalo .- There are few more progressive and prominent business men in Buffalo than James Mooney, and none who has been more enterprising or energetic in bringing to the city her wonderful later-day growth and prosperity. He came to America from Ireland with his parents when he was a boy, and has resided in Buffalo since 1850. He began the study of law with the late Charles D. Norton, esq., but soon tired of that profession and engaged in the real estate business. Mr. Mooney has long been the half owner of the Arcade block on Main street, corner of Clinton, and the magnificent business block on this site, which has just been com- pleted and which is known as the Mooney & Brisbane block. It is one of the most imposing and attractive of the many large and elegant buildings which in the past few years have transformed the business part of the city, making it thoroughly

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

metropolitan in appearance. Mr. Mooney was one of the commissioners of the State Park Reservation at Niagara Falls and has served the public with intelligence and efficiency, and in official station, as in business life, he has ever inspired the fullest regard and confidence of his fellow-citizens.

Allen, Cyrus A., D.D.S., Buffalo, was born in Woodstock, Ill., October 2, 1855. He was educated in the Grand River Institute at Austinburg, Ohio, and at Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio. In 1881 he was graduated from the dental de- partment of the University of Pennsylvania, and then entered the office of his father, Dr. Edwin R., who for a great many years had been one of the leading dentists of Girard, Pa. In 1882 he removed to Buffalo and has since been engaged in active practice. Dr. Allen is a member of various dental societies, both local and State, and was for three years professor of Prosthetic Dentistry in the dental de- partment of the University of Buffalo. He was married, March 4, 1884, to Kate Taylor of Buffalo.

Knight, Erastus C., Buffalo, attained his present position in finance and politics by reason of undoubted merit and ability. His ancestors were New Englanders of the Revolutionary type, his great-grandfather, Seth Cole, having moved from Ches- terfield, Mass., to the shores of Lake Erie near Dunkirk in 1805. His grandfather, Erastus Cole, was a volunteer in the war of 1812 and was present at the burning of the city of Buffalo in 1813. A thorough education was one of the factors of Mr. Knight's success; having taken a course in a commercial college, he had a theoretical and practical knowledge of business methods before he entered active business. Upon the completion of his studies he accepted a position in the wholesale house of Bell Bros., produce commission merchants of Buffalo. In 1880 he started in busi- ness for himself and became senior member of the firm of Knight, Lennox & Co., produce commission merchants, with whom he was successfully engaged for seven years. In politics Mr. Knight has been prominently identified with the Republican party. In the fall of 1894 he received the nomination of comptroller of the city of Buffalo and was elected by a round majority and assumed the duties of the office January 1, 1895. Mr. Knight was born at Buffalo, March 1, 1857; attended the pub- lic schools and Bryant & Stratton's Business College. May 14, 1881, he married Mary Elizabeth Cowles of Buffalo.

Curtiss, James E., Buffalo, was born at Mohawk, Herkimer county, N. Y., October 1. 1840, and was educated in the public schools and Fairfield Academy. His first business experience was at Little Falls, N. Y., in the clothing business, where he remained for ten years. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the 34th New York; he was discharged to accept the position as organizer of the 152d New York, becoming cap- tain of Co. A, and was promoted to major, lieutenant-colonel, colonel, and brigadier- general, serving until the close of the war. In 1882 he removed to Buffalo and be- came engaged in the jobbing business, continuing in that until he was burned out in 1887, when he engaged in the real estate business, in which he has since con- tinued. In 1895 he was appointed police commissioner. November 19, 1867, he married Miss Fanny Birch, daughter of Hon. H. M. Birch of Little Falls, N. Y.

Berry, Clinton Rice, Buffalo, was born in Bethany, Genesee county, N. Y., Sep- tember 28, 1824. His paternal grandparents, who were well-to-do farmers of Old

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

England, came to America with a large family in 1795 and located in Seneca. Onta- rio county, N. Y. Richard Berry, father of Clinton R. and the third child of nine brothers and sisters, was then ten years old. He was not only a farmer but also conducted a tavern, store, distillery, and potashery, besides running two farms, all at the same time. He died, after a most successful career, at the age of sixty-three, and at that time owned a farm of 200 acres, lying partly in the village of Le Roy. March 15, 1813, he married Deory Rice, who survived him twenty nine years and died aged eighty-two. They had two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Berry's parents were New Englanders. She was educated at North Conway, Mass., whence her family early removed to Seneca, N. Y. Clinton Rice Berry's first visit to Buffalo was a trip of fifty miles in a wagon, with his parents, to see the three Thayers hung. When he was born, Gov. De Witt Clinton was so active in the construction of the Erie Canal that he was dubbed its father. This is why Mr. Berry became honored with the name of "Clinton." He was reared on a farm, and for several years attended select school at the celebrated Round House in Le Roy. When sixteen he was sent to Lima Seminary, which he attended three terms. In 1840 he took his first active part in politics, and remembers the song of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," that car- ried General Harrison into the presidential chair. He was an ardent Whig, and naturally became a Republican, which party he has since conscientiously supported. In the fall of 1841 he became a clerk in the store of Charles B. Rich at Akron, Erie county, where he remained three years. January 13, 1846, he was married in Bata- via to his employer's niece, Mary Catherine Rich, the Rev. (afterward Bishop) A. P. Ripley performing the ceremony. She was the eldest of three daughters and two sons of Calvin and Margaret Rich. That spring Mr. Berry became a clerk in the store of C. W. Perkins, of Albion, and in 1847 the two formed a copartnership under the firm name of Perkins & Berry. Two years later Mr. Berry became sole owner, and after two more years failed-a blow which caused him much disappointment. Being quite a genius he foolishly thought he could win a prize of $300 offered for the best railroad sleeping chair to be exhibited in New York. This was prior to the Pullman sleeping cars. The firm of Pullman Bros. (of which George Pullman was a member) made his invention. The committee of the American Institute reported that there was no device exhibited worthy of the prize. For three years he acted as deputy clerk of Orleans county under Hon. Dan H. Cole, and acquired a valuable experience. In the spring of 1856 he moved to Buffalo, where for twelve years he was employed by the Western Transportation Company; in the fall of 1866 he be- came their bookkeeper in Chicago. Returning to Buffalo he was later employed by the Merchants' Dispatch, Emory Cummings, superintendent, for three years. After- ward he was commercial editor of the Buffalo Express for seven years, and during one and a half years of that time performed the same service for the Buffalo Com- mercial. He purchased an interest in the Express, of which his only son, Earl D. Berry, became city editor; the latter was also elected supervisor and later alderman of the Ninth ward. Finally Mr. Berry invested in real estate and met with eminent success. He was also for a long time agent of Chandler J. Wells, a millionaire, and since his death continues in the same capacity with his estate. During an active career Mr. Berry has always been held in the highest respect, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of all who know him. He has lived in a generation the most prolific in inventions of any recorded in history. In his day people could travel only eight

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

or ten miles an hour. In his young days there were no steamboats or locomotives, no gas or matches, no planing mills, no grain harvesters, no sewing machines, no telegraphs or telephones, no electric lights, no trolleys.

Hubbell, Mark S., Buffalo .- This popular and efficient city official was born in Buf- falo, February 5, 1857. His commercial training has been long and thorough, and he is equally familiar with the practical and theoretical sides of business operations. His elementary education was obtained from the public schools and the military academies at Montrose and Newark, N. J. After completing his academic course he began the study of law in the office of Francis M. Bangs, and was admitted to the bar at the spring term of the Supreme Court held at Rochester in 1878. He began the practice of law at once, practicing for a short time, subsequently taking up newspaper work. He was employed by the New York World and Telegram, and by the Courier and News of Buffalo, retaining his position with the News for six years. In January, 1894, he was elected to the responsible position of city clerk, which posi- tion he still holds and has proved himself by his eminent and unfailing courtesy the best city clerk Buffalo has ever had. While city clerk Mr. Hubbell introduced the idea of municipal advertising, distributing throughout the United States about five thousand copies of the "Manual of the City of Buffalo," following up in 1896 with another edition which was copied by several municipalities of Europe. Mr. Hubbell is a man of wide acquaintance and many friends, is of a very social nature and is affiliated with many societies. He is a member of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, Historical Society, Buffalo Press Club, the Ellicott Club, and Landmarks Lodge No. 441, F. & A. M.

Marcy, William Lake, of the law firm of Moot, Sprague, Brownell & Marcy of Buffalo, was born in Peterboro, Madison county, N. Y., August 26, 1858, and when an infant was taken by his parents to Lockport, N. Y., where he lived until he was twelve years of age, receiving a preliminary education in the public schools. He then came to Buffalo, was graduated from the High School in 1876, entered upon the study of the law, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. For four years he prac- ticed his profession alone; in 1883 he formed a copartnership with Joseph V. Seaver, which continued under the style of Seaver & Marcy until 1886, when he became a partner of Manly C. Green. In 1891 Mr. Green was elevated to the Su- preme Court bench and Mr. Marcy associated himself with Emory P. Close; this firm was dissolved in June, 1897, and since then Mr. Marcy has been connected with the firm of Moot, Sprague, Brownell & Marcy, one of the oldest and most prominent law firms in Buffalo. Mr. Marcy was assistant district attorney of Erie county from 1887 to 1893, being appointed by District Attorney George T. Quinby, and has served as a civil service commissioner under appointment of Mayor Becker. In politics he is an ardent and active Republican, and was vice-president of the Buf- falo Republican League. He is a member of Ancient Landmarks Lodge No. 441, Niagara Lodge No. 25, I. O. O. F., the Buffalo, Liberal and other clubs, the Idle- wood Association, the Buffalo Historical Society, and the Sons of the American Revolution. He is also a trustee of the Buffalo School of Pedagogy, and formerly held a similar position in the Buffalo Library. October 7, 1885, he married Carrie Childs, daughter of Justice Henry A. Childs of Medina, N. Y.

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Hibbard, Frank C., Buffalo, was born at Watkins, N. Y., May 30, 1866, and was educated in the public schools and at Cook Academy. His first business experience was in the railroad contracting business, in which he was engaged six years. At the end of this time he moved to Syracuse and engaged in the building of the new Syracuse Water Works. In 1893 he removed to Buffalo to accept the secretaryship of the Buffalo Dredging Company. He is now a member of the firm of A. F. Chapman & Co.

Chemnitz, Matthew J., Buffalo .- This able superintendent of German instruction in the public schools was born in Wuerzburg, Lower Franconia, Bavaria, in 1856. He attended various public schools in Bavaria and Holstein, and finally entered the Classical College of Rendsburg in Holstein; four years later he entered the Royal Polytechnic University of Hanover, from which he was graduated as a chemist. In 1880 he came to America and secured a position in New York and after one year re- moved to Buffalo. He was chief chemist and superintendent of the Scott Street Glucose Refinery, in which capacity he served for eleven years; in 1893 he was ap- pointed superintendent of German instruction, which position he now holds. He was married in 1881 to Emily Eppers of Liebenburg in Hanover, and they have two children.

Strong, William J., Buffalo, son of Dr. Phineas H. and Eliza A. (Andrus) Strong, was born in Buffalo, July 4, 1860. After completing his schooling he began the study of law in the office of Delavan F. Clark. In 1880 he accepted a position with the Western Elevating Co. as collector, where he remained for eleven years, when he engaged in the insurance business, in which he continued until 1893, when he accepted the position of chief clerk in the office of Public Instruction, which position he now occupies. Mr. Strong was one of the prominent organizers of the Buffalo Republican League, in which he has taken an active part from its inception in 1884. He is a member of the Lodge of Ancient Landmarks No. 441, F. & A. M. He was married in September, 1885, to Harriet Marie Ruppersberg, who died in May, 1886.

Volz, Edward G., Buffalo, was born February 22, 1864, and was graduated from the Buffalo schools in 1878, and afterwards took a full course in German. After leaving school he was employed at various positions until he accepted the postion as bookkeeper in the county treasurer's office, where he remained for five years. In 1895 he was elected to the office of assessor, which he now holds.

Benedict, A. L., M. D., Buffalo, was born in that city, August 25, 1865. His father, Nathan Gregory, was a descendant of Thomas Benedict, of Nottinghamshire, Eng., who came to this country in 1638 and of John Gregory (the first known of his line) who was born about 1200 A. D. Dr. Benedict obtained his education in the Buffalo public schools and the University of Michigan, from which institution he received the degree of A. B. After receiving the medical degree from the University of Buf- falo and the University of Pennsylvania, he began the practice of his profession in Buffalo. Dr. Benedict is well known as a medical writer, being associate editor of the Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter, the oldest weekly medical journal in the country. He is also professor of physiology and lecturer on digestive diseases in the dental department of the University of Buffalo. In 1891 he received the de- gree of A. M. Since 1893 his practice has been limited to the digestive organs.

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Brown, George L., M. D., Buffalo .- This eminently successful physician and sur- geon was born in East Granville, Hampden county, Mass., May 24, 1848. He was prepared for college at his native town and was graduated from the medical de- partment of Harvard University in 1870, receiving the degree of M. D. He im- mediately began practice at Holyoke, Mass., and after a time removed to Barre, Mass., where he remained until 1876, when he removed to Buffalo. Dr. Brown is a member of several medical societies, the Erie County Medical Society, New York State Medical Society and the Buffalo Academy of Medicine; he is also a member of the Buffalo Club and is one of the directors of the Acacia Club. Dr. Brown is one of the very few 33d degree Masons.

Thompson, Augustus A., Buffalo, son of Augustus P. and Matilda (Jones) Thomp- son, and grandson of Sheldon Thompson, the first mayor of the city of Buffalo elected by the people, was born July 18, 1865. He was educated in the public and private schools of Buffalo, and after leaving school accepted a position with the National Lead Company, which position he retained until 1892, when he accepted the position of secretary of the Buffalo Railway Supply Company, which he held until 1894, when he was appointed assistant secretary of the Board of Public Works, which position he still holds.

Pankow, Charles G., Buffalo, was thirteen years of age when he came to this country, a sturdy, hearty German, ready to grapple with whatever fate his adopted land might have in store for him. He served an apprenticeship as a baker and con- fectioner, in 1880 engaged in the grocery business at the corner of Hickory and William streets, where he remained until 1885, when he removed to the corner of William and Pratt, where he is still engaged in business. In 1894 he was elected commissioner for a term of three years, which responsible position he still holds. Mr. Pankow is president of the Brewers' Association of Buffalo, president of the Clinton Co-operative Brewing Company, and president of the Western Bottling Company, Limited.

Taylor, Peter W., Buffalo, was born at Lockport, N. Y., November 7, 1861, and removed to Buffalo with his parents when he was but three years of age. His edu- cation was limited and at the age of ten years he was compelled to seek employment at the Pratt Rolling Mills at Black Rock, and had been holding various other posi- tions when at the age of seventeen he entered the employ of the Buffalo Street Rail- way Company, at the Niagara street barns, where he remained for three years, when he accepted a position as a clerk in the freight department of the N. Y. C. & H. R. Railroad, where he remained for eleven years. At the end of this period he accepted his present position as tax sale clerk in the comptroller's office. In 1880 he married Miss Marian G. Roberts, of Buffalo.

Dowd, J. Henry, M. D., Buffalo, was born in Batavia, N. Y., July 26, 1865. His early education was received in the public and private schools of that city. Entering the employ of the N. Y. C. & H. R. Railroad Company as a telegraph messenger, he soon mastered the art of telegraphy, filling several important offices as operator, the last being in the office of George H. Burrows, superintendent of the road. Resign- ing, he commenced the study of medicine, graduating in 1890 and at once entering the United States Marine, and Sisters' Hospitals as house surgeon, where he re-

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Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II, Part 15

Author: White, Truman C Publication date: 1898 Publisher: [Boston] : Boston History Co. Number of Pages: 684

Author: White, Truman C
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: [Boston] : Boston History Co.
Number of Pages: 684