USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 17
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Chamberlain, Horace P., Buffalo, has had a career that is full of inspiration to young men with a noble ambition to succeed. His education from schools was limited, never having had the benefit of a collegiate training, but in its place he sub- stituted a course of private study and thus gained a knowledge and mental discipline that fitted him ultimately for the responsible position he now occupies. Mr. Cham- berlain was born in Buffalo, April 1, 1852. In 1870-72 he moved to the West and was employed on the United States Engineer Corps, surveying the Illinois River. After this service he returned to Buffalo and was engaged as a clerk until 1876, when he accepted a position with the Union Pipe Line Company, which, in 1877, was sold to the Empire Pipe Line Company, which, in return, was almost immediately merged into the United Pipe Line Company. In consequence of the change of ownership Mr. Chamberlain resigned his position and removed to Olean, N. Y., where he re- sided until December 1, 1879. He then removed to Titusville and engaged in the oil brokerage business until 1887, when he returned to Buffalo to accept the position of assistant general manager of the Standard Oil Company of New York, Atlas Works, becoming general manager in March, 1890. The company has a refinery, tar distillery, paraffine works and acid works. They also manufacture their own tank cars, tank wagons for city and country use, and have all the machinery re- quired in a complete refinery and car shop equipment. In the mechanical depart- ment they employ from 150 to 200 men and about 200 in the balance of the works.
Wiggins, Dennis B., M.D., one of the oldest and best known physicians in Buf- falo, was born in Essex, Vt., December 7, 1821 When he was yet a young man he began the study of medicine at Heinsburg, Vt., and afterwards took a full course at the Physio-Medical College at Cincinnati, O., and was graduated in 1846. He then began the practice of his profession at Locust Grove, Adams county, Ohio, where he remained for three years, and then removed to Buffalo, where he has been en- gaged in active practice ever since.
Endres, Joseph, a prominent representative of one of Buffalo's greatest interests, was born in that city, October 19, 1860, and obtained his early education at St. Ann's Parochial School, from which he graduated in 1873. On leaving school he entered the dry goods establishment of S. Bettinger & Co. as a cash boy, and after two years he was apprenticed to Henry Juengling, one of the leading metal engravers in the city. In this office he received a training and gained a practical experience in his trade such as is rarely obtained. In 1879 he entered the service of E. C. Brink- worth, with whom he remained for nine years, after which he accepted a position as collector with the Broadway Brewing and Malting Company. In 1891 he was ap- pointed turnkey of the Erie county jail, and September 14, 1893, he engaged in his present business, and the success in this and all prior undertakings demonstrates that he is a man of rare judgment and business sagacity.
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Bates, Nurse & Co., Buffalo .- This enterprising house was established by its pres- ent proprietors in August, 1895. For a new house the above named has been re- markably successful, in the face of eager and determined opposition. They make a specialty of fine steel and copper plate engravings, also plate printing and emboss- ing. Mr. Bates, the senior member of the firm, was for several years an employee of Tiffany & Co., of New York. Mr. Nurse has had fifteen years' experience as a practical engraver, and Mr. Palliser possesses all the commercial qualifications that go to make a successful manager of a business of this character.
Bowen, Jesse C., Buffalo, son of Caleb B. and Arrintha (Cook) Bowen, was born in Machias, Cattaraugus county, September 5, 1862, and was educated in Ten Broeck Free Academy, Franklinville, N. Y. He was for six years engaged in the insur- ance business in Franklinville, N. Y., when a position as special traveling agent was offered him by the Niagara Insurance Company of New York. which he accepted. In 1892 he resigned this position and removed to Buffalo and engaged in the real estate business in which he is still engaged. Mr. Bowen is one of the deacons of the Delaware Avenue Baptist church.
Bidwell, Clinton, Buffalo, is a native of Pittsburg, Pa., and was educated at a military college at Chester, Pa. His first business experience was in the powder busi- ness at Pittsburg, in which he remained until 1883, when he removed to Buffalo to represent the Dupont Powder Co., the Oriental Powder Co., and the Repauno Chemical Co., in which he is still engaged.
Brown, Frank H., Buffalo, son of Solomon and Margaret (Eggleston) Brown, was born in Hulberton, N. Y., March 16, 1858. His first business experience was in the confectionery business at Albion, N. Y., where he remained for four years. At the end of this time he accepted a position with the N. Y. C. & H. R. Railroad, taking charge of the freight office at East Buffalo, and also had charge of accounts at Ohio street, Buffalo. He held this position for eight years, when he resigned to accept a position with the Michigan Central as cashier, with headquarters in Buffalo, which position he held until May 1, 1891. At this time he formed a copartnership with Mr. Velzy, of which he is still a member, and entered into the real estate and loan busi- ness, doing a large and successful business.
Kellogg, Augustus Burr, Buffalo, was born at Ashland, Ohio, and came to Buffalo in 1857, connecting himself with the Singer Manufacturing Company and later The John T. Noye Manufacturing Company. In 1881 he established and edited The Roller Mill, a monthly journal published in the interests of flour milling and kindred subjects, which is still alive and flourishing. In 1890 he became editor and half owner of the well known financial paper, American Investments, which has ob- tained a world-wide reputation and authority on conservative investments. Mr. Kellogg is an accountant of a high order, having at one time been a member of the New York Institute of Accountants, and is frequently called as consulting account- ant and referee in intricate cases. In addition to his editorial duties, he acts as trus- tee and manager of a number of estates.
Prentiss, Jerome I., Buffalo, has had a career that is full of inspiration to young men with a noble ambition to succeed. He was compelled to leave school when very young, but has advanced step by step until to-day he stands in the front rank of
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Buffalo business men. He was born in Madison county, N. Y., in 1839. In 1861 he enlisted in the 1st Regiment Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, as a private, serv- ing his country faithfully until 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Mr. Prentiss was with General Sherman on his famous march to the sea and was pro- moted before the close of the war to first lieutenant of engineers. At the close of the war Mr. Prentiss went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and engaged in the lumber and grain business, where he remained until 1882, when he removed to Buffalo and established the wholesale grocery business of which he is now a member, and which has grown from a small institution to one of the largest in Western New York. Mr. Prentiss also organized the Buffalo Cold Storage Company in 1892, which is now one of the most successful organizations in Buffalo. His religious affiliations are with the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian church of Buffalo, of which he is an officer, and he was chairman of the building committee in 1895 when the church was erected at a cost of $175,000. Mr. Prentiss is a charter director of the Citizens Bank of Buffalo, which is one of the most successful banking institutions of the city.
Kerr, A. T., Buffalo, was born in 1835 in the town of Brant, Erie county, and in 1854 removed to Buffalo and secured a position with Messrs. Bidwell & Co. as a clerk, remaining in their employ for two years, subsequently keeping books for Renwick & Bissell, plumbers, for two years, when he engaged in the liquor business, first as a member of the firm of Kerr & Laing, and later by himself. In 1875 the firm of A. T. Kerr & Co. was organized, and they are well and favorably known importers and wholesale dealers in fine wines and liquors.
Haines, Alfred, Buffalo, was born in Rochester, N. Y., May 8, 1846, and was edu- cated in the public schools. In 1861 his parents removed to Buffalo, where his father became senior member of the firm of E. & G. R. Haines, lumber dealers. In 1870 Mr. Haines became a member of the firm, the style being changed to Haines & Co., of which he is still a member.
Reynolds, Harvey D., manager for the Postal Telegraph Company at Buffalo, was born at Olcott, Niagara county, N. Y., January 26, 1850. After obtaining a public school education he learned telegraphy, and was first employed at Lockport, N. Y., in the New York Central depot. His first service with a commercial company was for the Western Union at Medina, N. Y. He filled positions in several other offices, coming to Buffalo in December, 1866, where he worked the first duplex circuit used between New York and Buffalo, and was subsequently promoted to the position of night manager, from which he resigned to go with the Mutual Union Telegraph Company as chief operator and circuit manager. On January 4, 1884, he was ap- pointed manager of the Postal Telegraph and Cable Company at Buffalo, and on February 2, 1891, was promoted to position of superintendent of the Fourth District, Eastern Division, of that company. When Mr. Reynolds assumed control of the company's business in Buffalo they had but one office, employed one operator, and three messenger boys, and under his efficient management it is developed to the fol- lowing proportions: The Postal Company employing fifty operators, and sixty-five messenger boys, and having eighteen branch offices in the city. Personally Mr. Reynolds is of a very social nature, and enjoys the confidence of the company he represents, as well as the fullest respect of those in his employ.
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Thompson, Augustus P., Buffalo, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Western New York. His father, Sheldon Thompson, was one of the pioneers of this section, having settled in Lewiston, N. Y., in 1810. In company with Jacob Townsend and Alvin Bronson, Sheldon Thompson left the seaboard for the lakes, impelled by the British Orders in Council and Bonaparte's Berlin and Milan Decrees. In March, 1810, Bronson proceeded to Oswego Falls and built a schooner of 100 tons, the Charles and Ann. At the completion of this first vessel Sheldon Thompson took the carpenters and proceeded to the Niagara River, above the falls, built the schooner Catharine at Cayuga Creek, near the spot where La Salle had built the Griffon, the first vessel navigating Lake Erie 132 years before. The Catharine was completed in June, 1811, so that in little more than one year the two younger part- ners had completed two vessels. Both figured as United States gunboats during the war of 1812. This firm was instrumental in developing the early commerce of the lakes. In 1816 or 1817 Sheldon Thompson changed his residence from Lewiston to Black Rock, now part of the city of Buffalo. The firms with which he was con- nected continued prominent in the lake commerce. He was a devoted friend of the canal and went down on the first boat to assist in the mingling of the waters of Lake Erie with the waters of the Atlantic. His firm was prominent in the commerce of the canal and owned regular lines of passenger packets and freight boats. It was also largely instrumental in the development of steam navigation on the lakes. It built the Pioneer, the third steamboat on the lakes, in 1823. Sheldon Thompson moved to Buffalo in 1830 and continued one of the most prominent business men of that place until 1845, when he retired from active business. In 1840 he was elected mayor of the city, being the first mayor elected by the people. He was one of the founders of St. Paul's church, the first Episcopal church in Buffalo, and a member of the first vestry. He died at Buffalo, March 13, 1851. His son, Augustus P. Thompson, was born at Black Rock, February 14, 1825. He received his education in the Lewiston and Canandaigua Academies and at private schools in Buffalo. His first business experience was obtained as clerk in his father's establishment in Buffalo, where he remained until he became of age. His father then gave him an interest in the firm of Thompson & Co., white lead manufacturers, where he re- mained until 1860. He then sold his interest in this business and in company with Edward S. Warren and De Garmo Jones built the second anthracite blast furnace . erected in Buffalo, the first having been built by Palmer & Co. The two concerns were soon consolidated and known as the Buffalo Union Iron Works, and built one of the largest rolling mills at that time in the country. Mr. Thompson remained with this company until 1866, when he bought an interest in the white lead manu- factory of S. G. Cornell & Son, afterwards known as the Cornell Lead Company. He held the office of vice-president for several years and then of president until the company was transferred to the National Lead Company. He is now manager of the Buffalo branch of this company. He is warden of St. Paul's church, trustee of St. Margaret's School, and has filled other positions of importance in and of benefit to the community.
Dagenais, Alphonse, M. D., Buffalo, is of French descent, his parents coming to this country in 1832 and settling in Montreal, Can., where the subject of this sketch was born, March 17, 1846. He was educated in the public schools of his native city,
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and after completing his schooling he began the study of medicine at Ecole de Médecine et de Chirurgie de Montreal (affiliated with Victoria University), from which he was graduated in the class of 1867. In the fall of the same year he re- moved to Buffalo and began the practice of his profession, where he has since re- sided. Dr. Dagenais is a member of the Erie County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Society and the Buffalo Academy of Medicine. In May, 1871, he married Mary (Engs) Blanchard of Somerset, Mass., in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Philips, Thomas S., D.D.S., Buffalo, was born in Cassadaga, Chautauqua county N. Y., June 24, 1843, and was educated in the public schools. At a very early age he began the study of dentistry in his father's office, and so great was his aptitude for the work that in 1859 he took full charge of his father's office and business. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Co. F, 154th Regt., N. Y. Vols., serving his country three years. At the end of this time he began practice at Louisville, Ky., and in 1871 he removed to Buffalo, where he has built up a large and growing clientage.
Holz, Andrew, Buffalo, was born in Germany in 1858 and came to America when fourteen years of age. He was educated in the public schools of Buffalo and at St. Mary's Academy. He first engaged in business in Amsterdam, N. Y., removing to Buffalo in 1874 and entering the service of Antony Feldmann, whose successor he became in 1887 by a purchase of the business, since which time he has most success- fully conducted the business. In 1887 he married Helen M. Neukirchen. Mr. Holz has given the subject of embalming a most careful study. He is the third in succes- sion of a business established in 1864. In connection with his undertaking business is a large and expensively equipped livery. He is a member of the C. M. B. A., the C. B. L., St. Alfonsus, and C. Y. M. A. of St. Mary's Church.
Kittinger, Joseph, Buffalo .- Among the best posted and most active operators in real estate, Joseph Kittinger stands prominently to the front. He has had many years' experience in the business and is now one of the largest operators in the city. He was born in the town of Cambria, Niagara county, N. Y., February 5, 1839. His education was obtained at the Wilson Collegiate Institute and the Allegheny College at Meadville, Pa., where he remained until the breaking out of the war when he en- . listed in the 23d N. Y. Battery in September, 1861, and was mustered out in July, 1865, giving nearly four years' continuous service. He served under Generals Mc- Clellan, Burnside, Butler and Sherman, and it was he who commanded the section of the artillery that fired the last cannon shot of the war of the Rebellion (in action at Morrisville, N. C., April 13, 1865, between General Kilpatrick's Cavalry and that of Gen. Wade Hampton). After the war he returned to Buffalo and took a business course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College, after which he was engaged as a teacher in that institution during a portion of 1865-1866. From 1868 to 1869 he was engaged in the produce business on Central Wharf, after which he removed to Kan- sas and engaged in the stock business until 1873, when he returned to Buffalo and compiled the city directory for years 1875, 1876 and 1877. From 1877 to 1882 he en- gaged in the petroleum oil producing business in the various Pennsylvania oil fields, and during that time was interested and had the charge of putting down over 200 oil wells. In 1882 he embarked in the real estate business, in which he has since been engaged. Mr. Kittinger is a member of the G. A. R. and the Union Veteran
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Legion. September 24, 1868, he married Mary Johnston, of Buffalo. Four children have blessed this union, namely, Isabelle, Margaret Irvine J. and Ralph G., all now living.
Bissell, Frederick O., is one of the younger members of the Erie county bar, but is one of Buffalo's prominent attorneys. He was born in Aurora, Ill., September 19, 1868. He prepared for college at the public schools of Detroit and Dayton, O., and graduated from the High School at the latter place in 1887, when he was valedicto- rian of his class. He entered Cornell University in the fall of 1887, and received the degree of A. B. in 1891, his graduating thesis on "Jeremy Bentham as a Law Re- former" receiving an honorable mention for excellence. After a clerkship spent in the law offices of McMillan, Gluck, Pooley & Depew, prominent railroad and corpora- tion attorneys of Buffalo, he returned to Cornell University and graduated from the law department in 1893, with the degree of LL. B. His thesis for graduation writ- ten at this time, and entitled "Codification in the State of New York," was one of three prize theses. He immediately began practice in Buffalo, where he has since been engaged with marked success. In political belief, Mr. Bissell is a Republican, though he has never taken a very active part in politics. He is a member of the Re- publican League, Cornell Alumni Association, Buffalo Orpheus and the University Club. He was married in June, 1896, to Nellie, daughter of John H. Smith of Buffalo.
Smith, Howard J., Buffalo, son of Howard M. and Mary E. (Joslyn) Smith, was born in Elmira, N. Y., June 21, 1872. He was educated in the public schools of Buffalo and was graduated from the High School in 1889. His first business experi- ence was with the Western Elevating Association, beginning as messenger boy on the docks, and has been promoted from time to time, until he now has charge of their collections. He was married to Juliet A. Cook in 1894, and has one child, a boy, born in 1895.
Velzy, Frank E., Buffalo, was born in Machias, N. Y., and was educated in the public and the State Normal schools of Buffalo. After completing his education he engaged in teaching school in Niagara county for a time, and was afterward offered a position with the Standard Stave Company, which he accepted, as traveling sales agent and remained for seven years, when he became superintendent of the works. He then removed to Brockport and began the manufacture of oak stave baskets, which he continued until 1889, when he removed to Buffalo and the following year, in company with F. H. Brown, opened a real estate and loan office, under the firm name of Brown & Velzy, which has since been carried on very successfully, Mr. Velzy often being called on to act as appraiser in land values, for railroads and other large corporations.
Morse, Henry, Buffalo, is a self-made man, having applied his splendid mentalities to his opportunities and circumstances. His beginning was humble. Born in the town of Vienna, Oneida county, N. Y., November 23, 1826, he worked as a boy on his father's farm until he was sixteen years of age, attending the district schools in the neighborhood. Not contented with his environment, poor and ambitious, at this early age he left the farm and went on the canal, where for twelve years he labored in different positions, doing better each year. Comprehending in advance of the
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times the advantages of the canal business, he came to Buffalo with his brother, Lansing Morse, in 1854, and engaged in the transportation business. The firm of Lansing & Henry Morse continued for over thirty-eight years, and by close attention to business and honorable dealing among men, was eminently successful. In the latter years of his life Lansing Morse was blind, but, arm in arm, these two old men, one guiding the other, were familiar figures upon the streets of Buffalo going to their business daily. Henry Morse is one of Buffalo's substantial business men. He is interested in many financial institutions, and performs his duty as a citizen. While interested in Buffalo's welfare he has accepted political position but once, when he was elected alderman for four years of the old Ninth (now the Twentieth) ward. Unostentatious in his style of living, cordial in his friendship, prompt and progress- ive in his work, he stands in the front rank among Buffalo's best citizens.
Manges, Monroe, A. B., A. M., M. D., Buffalo, was born at Wooster, Ohio, June 4, 1866. He received his elementary education in the public schools and graduated from the University of Wooster, taking the degree of A. B. in 1888. For two years he superintended the public schools at Windham, Ohio. In the fall of 1890 he en- tered the medical department of the University of Michigan, and in March, 1892, graduated from the Cleveland Medical College with the honors of his class. In May of the same year he located in Buffalo, N. Y., where he has since resided. Dr. Manges makes a specialty of surgery, genito-urinary and rectal diseases; he is now one of the surgeons to the Homoeopathic Hospital, was formerly assistant surgeon at the Lexington Heights Hospital.
Johnson, James M., Buffalo, was born at New Hudson, Allegany county, N. Y .. May 3, 1846. After receiving a liberal education from the public schools, he entered his father's store as a clerk and remained in that capacity for three years. At the end of this time he enlisted in the United States service in the 189th N. Y. Infantry, serving his country until the close of the war. In 1866 he removed to West Almond, N. Y., and engaged in the manufacture of cheese, where he remained for thirteen years. In 1894 he removed to Buffalo and engaged in the laundry business and two years later organized and incorporated a stock company, which is now known as the Banner Laundry Company, of which he is still a member.
Burgard, William M., Buffalo, was born in that city, November 7, 1852, and was educated in the public schools, taking a full course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College. After leaving school he became engaged with his father in the mercantile business. In 1873 a position was offered him by Hammond, Standish & Co., of De- troit, Mich , which he accepted, remaining four years. At the end of this service he returned to Buffalo and accepted a position as assistant cashier in the city treasurer's office. In 1880 he resigned his position to accept another offered him by the Cana- dian Southern Railroad as clerk in the local freight office at Buffalo. In 1883 he was appointed traveling freight agent for the C. & N. W. Railroad, which position he held until 1888, when he was promoted to his present position, that of general agent of the same road with headquarters in Buffalo.
Ball, Howard J., Buffalo, son of George H. and Mary A. (Roberts) Ball, was born in Philadelphia, May 23, 1852. Mr. Ball has been engaged in the railroad business since 1863. His first business experience was with the Catawissa Railroad as office
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boy, where he remained for seven years, rising from office boy to the position of division rate clerk. At the end of this time a position was offered him by the Erie Railroad as traveling passenger agent, which he accepted, with headquarters in Philadelphia. In 1886 he became division passenger agent of the same company with headquarters at Elmira, N. Y. August 1, 1887, he accepted a position with the D., L. & W. Railroad and is now general western passenger agent, with office at No. 289 Main street.
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