USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89
Hofheins, George H., Buffalo, is of German descent, his father coming to Erie county with his parents in 1835 from Speck, near Carlsruhe in Baden, and his mother from Heichelheim, near Sandau in Bavaria, in 1845. His education was obtained from the public schools of the city of Buffalo, supplemented by one winter's night course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, graduating before he attained his majority .. His first business experience was as an apprentice at the tinsmith's trade, at which he continued for one year; that trade being distasteful to him, he associated himself with his father in the wood and coal trade, where he remained until May 1, 1873, when he entered the service of the Buffalo German Insurance Company as a clerk, and was promoted to cashier early in the following year, retaining that posi- tion until 1886, when he was selected as registrar, becoming general assistant and chief clerk to the secretary and manager of said company, remaining in that capacity until April 15, 1896, when the Buffalo Commercial Insurance Company was organized and he was chosen secretary, which position he now holds. Mr. Hofheins was mar- ried in May, 1877, to Harriett E. Miller of Buffalo.
Baker, Herbert L., is the manager of the Buffalo branch of the American Type Founders Company, which was established as the Buffalo Type Foundry in 1835, and was the first of the kind west of Albany. It was established by Nathan Lyman and continued by his sons and grandsons until 1892, when it went into the hands of the present owners, with Mr. Baker as its manager. Their business extends all over the United States and to every country on the globe.
Murray, Stewart, Buffalo, son of Peter and Euphemia (Blackey) Murray, was born at Marine City, Mich., July 29, 1850. His parents were natives of Scotland, coming to this country in 1850. Mr. Murray attended the public schools of his native city, and in 1863 removed to Milwaukee, Wis., where he also attended school. His first employment was as a messenger boy for a telegraph company and afterward he en- tered the service of the Evans Line (now the Anchor Line) as office boy, and by his business integrity, industry and strict attention to business, has successfully passed all the clerical stations, until now he occupies the responsible position of general freight agent of the Northern Steamship Company. Mr. Murray was married in 1873 to Miss Alice C. Williams of Milwaukee.
Knibloe, E. F., Buffalo, was born in the town of Sharon, Litchfield county, Conn., and moved soon after with his parents to Livingston county, N. Y. He was edu- cated in the public schools and Nunda Academy. After leaving the academy he taught school, and at the close of this period entered the service of the Erie Rail-
110
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
road as clerk, to procure the means of paying the expenses of a college course. He entered Cornell University in the fall of 1869, as State student from the Assembly district consisting of Livingston county. After a year spent in the University he got leave of absence and accepted a position as tutor in the Nunda Academy (which afforded an opportunity for special study of the classics) to earn more money and with a view to taking an advanced standing in the university at the close of the year. While engaged in the academy he received a severe injury from the discharge of a gun, resulting in a long period of disability and in the final abandonment of the college course. He re-entered the service of the Erie Railway Company in 1872, where he remained until January 1, 1892, having passed during that time through the grades of telegraph operator, train dispatcher, chief dispatcher, train master and superintendent. On January 1, 1892, he was appointed by the Erie and Lehigh Valley Railroad Companies, lessees of the Buffalo Creek Railroad, as general agent for the lessees, in charge of the maintenance and operation of that property. While employed as train dispatcher on the Buffalo division of the Erie Railroad he read law in the office of E. L. Parker and was admitted to the bar in 1883, but has never undertaken the practice of this profession.
Kinne, Volney P., Buffalo .- This popular and genial men's furnishing goods mer- chant was born in Wheatland, Madison county, N. Y., September 9, 1863. His parents removed to Buffalo when he was but twelve years of age, where he obtained his education from the public schools. After leaving school he was employed in the dry goods establishment of A. A. Kendall, where he remained for six years, when he accepted a responsible position with Adam, Meldrum & Anderson. In 1886 he purchased a half interest in the men's furnishing goods business which had been established by his former employer, A. A. Kendall, in the old Ellicott Square. He was married, September 20, 1887, to Gertrude A. Lockrow, daughter of ex-Alderman Harmon M. Lockrow. In 1891 the Kinne & Shearer Co. was formed, of which he is still an active member. Kinne & Shearer Co. occupy the entire five-story building 357 Main street, adjoining the Hotel Iroquois, where they have a model establish- ment. Aside from having the finest men's furnishing goods business in the city, they have a large custom shirt factory and also a large laundry. Mr. Kinne is presi- dent of the Como Terrace Improvement Company, which has a fine tract of land on the shore of Como Lake in the pretty suburban village of Lancaster, N. Y., where he has just completed a beautiful residence. He is active in the work of the Baptist denomination, and was instrumental in establishing the First Baptist church of Lancaster, of which he is deacon and trustee. Mr. Kinne is a member of the Elli- cott Club, Buffalo Yacht Club, Buffalo Historical Society, and Washington Lodge No. 240, F. & A. M.
Bailey, Charles H., Buffalo, was born in the town of Vienna, Oneida county, N. Y., September 20, 1866, and was educated at the academy in Rome, N. Y. His first business experience was in the office of Thornton, Briggs & Close, who were the officicial stenographers of various courts and doing a general shorthand business, the firm afterward becoming Thornton, Briggs & Bailey. This firm continued until 1891, when Mr. Bailey retired. In 1893 he was graduated from the Buffalo Law School and admitted to the bar in June of the same year. In September, 1894, he was ap- pointed one of the official stenographers of the Supreme Court, which position he
111
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
. still holds. He was married October 18, 1892, to Mamre E. Dodge, daughter of Leonard Dodge, and they have two children, Leonard Hotchkiss Bailey and Mamre Bailey.
Bernhardt Bros., Buffalo .- Among the leading houses in Buffalo that contribute largely to the constantly spreading enterprise and activity of its merchants is the house of Bernhardt Bros., importers and wholesale dealers in foreign and native wines and liquors, with office and store at Nos. 297, 299 and 301 Washington streets. This prosperous business was established forty years ago by Christ Bernhardt in Main street, where he was located twenty two years In 1882 he removed to 273 Washing- ton street, and consolidated his old business with that of Messrs. S. Gillig & Son (which was founded in 1848), the firm being known as Gillig & Bernhardt. In 1886, on the retirement of the Messrs. Gillig, the present firm was organized, the copartners being J. Christ and Herman Bernhardt. During the first four years of their partner- ship the business grew to such an extent that they were obliged to seek larger quar- ters in the four-story and basement brick building, 297-301 Washington street, 60 by 175 feet in dimensions, the upper floors being used for storage and the wholesale trade, while the first floor is utilized for the retail trade and the basement for the wine cellars and vaults. The stock, which is one of the finest in the State, includes all foreign and native wines, ports, sherries, clarets, Rhine wines, champagne, the finest Hungarian wines for medical purposes, special brands of Pennsylvania and Kentucky whiskies (aged for family use), and all the leading brands of cordials, ales and mineral waters. All foreign goods are imported direct by them. Their wholesale trade ex- tends throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and adjacent States. Messrs. J. . Christ and Hermann Bernhardt were both born in Germany; the former has resided in Buffalo forty-two years, and the latter thirty-five years. They are widely known in trade circles for sterling integrity, and are popular members of the Buffalo Board of Trade and several of the bust clubs and societies.
Simson, Andrew, Buffalo, is a rarely successful and accomplished photographer, who for many years has devoted his native talent and energy to the uninterrupted study and pursuit of his profession in all of its higher branches, the result being the achievement of a reputation second to that of no artist legitimately engaged in photography west of New York city. Mr. Simson has had practical experience in his vocation, thus acquiring a knowledge of men and women and their tastes, which enables him to give a degree of satisfaction in pose, style and general effect seldom attained by photographers as a class. Mr. Simson is certainly entitled to great credit for the unsurpassed facilities afforded this city in photography. The mere statement that a man has been a successful photographer for over a quarter of a cent- ury, in one city, and prosecuting his work in one location, implies of itself the possession of rare and unusual abilities, and the implication is flush with the facts of
the case in hand. For longer than the period mentioned Mr. Simson has done the cream of the business in the city of Buffalo, enjoying, for many years, the patronage of the most cultured class in this community. He was the first in this city, and among the first in this country, to recognize that photography is an art and a science as well as a trade, and that the mere posing of a subject before a photographic lens and the mechanical operation thereof is not all there is to learn. All his work bears the hall mark of the masters, and challenges competition by the union, which it exemplifies,
112
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE,
of delicacy and strength. In conclusion it may be said, without fear of contradic- tion, that Andrew Simson stands and has always stood in the very front rank of his profession.
Moore, James S., Buffalo, was born in Mercer county, Pa., June 23, 1843, and edu- cated in the public schools of his native county and the High School of Youngstown, Ohio. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 100th Pa. (Roundheads), re-enlisted in February, 1864, serving his country until the close of the war. After the war he en- tered a commercial school in Pittsburg, Pa., where he remained for a time; he was then offered and accepted a position as bookkeeper and clerk in a general store at Kittanning, Pa , in which capacity he served for four years, after which he removed to Pittsburg to take charge of a large retail grocery house. In 1872 he accepted the position of cashier in a bank at Kittanning, Pa., where he remained for six years. In 1879 he took charge of the merchandise department of the Pittsburg Coal and Mining Company, and in 1884 removed to Buffalo as the representative of the River View Coal and Mining Company, of which he is now general manager.
Dickinson, Alfred H., Buffalo, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Dickinson, was born in Buffalo, September 25, 1856. His first business experience was as a clerk in the jewelry store of his father, in which capacity he remained until 1892, when he was admitted to partnership in the business.
Boardman, John, M. D., Buffalo .- For almost half a century Dr. Boardman has been known and honored in the city of Buffalo, where, since 1853, he has pursued his profession as physician and surgeon. He was born in Watertown, June 4, 1828; passing through the schools of that city, he prepared for college at Lee, Mass., under the training of Prof. Alexander Hyde. He entered Williams College, was graduated in 1849, and coming to Buffalo at the conclusion of his college course, he entered the office of Dr. Frank H. Hamilton, where he was a private student with Gen. Albert J. Myer, well known as " Old Probabilities." After taking two courses of medicine at the Buffalo University and two courses at the University of Pennsylvania, he be- gan his life work as a physician and surgeon. He received the appointment of phy- sician to the Buffalo Orphan Asylum in 1855, and that of surgeon to the Hospital of the Sisters of Charity, a position he which he resigned in 1873. He was demonstrator of anatomy from 1854 to 1856, delegate to the New York State Medical Society in 1855-58, elected permanent member in 1862; appointed by Governor Cleveland a manager of the Buffalo State Hospital in 1883, elected president of the Erie County Medical Society in 1868, was for a time consulting surgeon to Buffalo General Hos- pital. In 1862 Dr. Boardman was married to Frances S., daughter of Dr. Abraham Miller, of New Orleans, who formerly practiced in this city. Mrs. Boardman died in 1867. Dr. Boardman is a member of the Kappa Alpha Society, was knighted in Lake Erie Commandery and was afterward one of the charter members of Hugh De Payne Commandery, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine.
Bork, William H .- Among the leading manufacturers of Buffalo, one of the most prominent is William H. Bork. He was born in Buffalo, June 11, 1843, and edu- cated in the public schools. His first business experience was as a clerk in the shoe store of W. R. Taylor, where he remained for eight years. At the end of this ser- vice he entered the bookbindery of Henro Nauert, where he remained for eight
113
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
years, when he became a partner in the concern, and after four years of a very suc- cessful business, he purchased his partner's interest and has since conducted the business alone. Besides bookbinding, he does a large business in the manufacture of envelopes.
Foster, Horatio A., Buffalo, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., January 12, 1858. His first business experience was in a cotton mill, acting in the capacity of superin- tendent and treasurer, where he remained for five years. In 1886 he was employed by the Thomson-Houston Electric Company of Boston, remaining with that com- pany for five years, and in 1891 was appointed electrical expert for the United States Census office, retaining that position until the close of that branch of the work. In 1893, during the World's Fair, he was editor of Electrical Industries, published in Chicago, and in September, 1893, became assistant to Prof. George Forbes, F. R. S., the electrical consulting engineer of the Cataract Construction Company of New York and Niagara Falls, continuing until December, 1894, when the work was fin- ished. In Jannary, 1895, and up to the present time, he has held the office of con- sulting engineer and has spent a large portion of the time as expert, examining into the cost of steam power, also in testing the company's electric machinery at the falls. Mr. Foster is a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, the New York Electrical Society, and others.
Manger, Leo, Buffalo, was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 19, 1865, and came to America alone when thirteen years of age. His first business experience was in a restaurant. In 1892 he removed to Buffalo and engaged in the restaurant busi- ness, in which he is still engaged. He was married, December 8, 1889, to Mary Meyers, from Denver, Col.
Reinecke, Ottomar, Buffalo, one of the proprietors of the Buffalo Freie Press, daily and weekly, and Sunday Tribune, was born at Sondershausen, Germany, No- vember 20, 1840. In 1852 his parents came to America and settled in Buffalo. Two years after their arrival his father started a printing office and he was associated with his father in business until the death of the latter in 1866, when he took charge of the business and the following year he formed a copartnership with Frank H. Zesch, which copartnership still exists. Mr. Reinecke was appointed park commis- sioner by Mayor Jewett, January 1, 1896, for a period of four years.
Janes, Herbert S., Buffalo, junior member of the well known manufacturing firm of Pittman & Janes, has for some time been prominent among the younger genera- tion of successful business men in Buffalo, and the fact that to-day he occupies a position in the front ranks of Buffalo manufacturers, is sufficient proof that he is possessed of rare sagacity in business matters. Mr. Janes is a native of New York and was born at Le Roy, in that State, August 22, 1869. He was educated in the public schools at Le Roy and Havana and afterward took a full course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College. After finishing his business course he entered the service of a lumber firm at Tonawanda, N. Y., where he remained for two years. He then removed to Tennessee and became superintendent of a saw mill, where he remained for a few years, when he removed to Buffalo and accepted a position with the Empire Lumber Company as buyer. After three years in this capacity he de-
0
114
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
termined to engage in business on his own account, and in company with Mr. Pitt- man organized the now well known firm of Pittman & Janes, manufacturers of hard wood for furniture. He was married at Buffalo, N.Y., on October 17, 1894, to Jessie L. Mason.
Denton, Robert, Buffalo, senior member of the firm of Denton, Cottier & Daniels, music dealers, was born in England, February 27, 1828. His parents emigrated to this country when he was but three years of age. His first business experience was as a clerk in the music establishment of his predecessor, James D. Sheppard, where he remained for three years, when he took up the study of music as a professor, which he followed for a number of years. The house was established by James D. Sheppard in 1827. The style became Sheppard, Cottier & Co. in 1863; Cottier & Denton in 1867, on the retirement of James D. Sheppard; Denton & Cottier in 1878, on the death of H. Cottier, the acquirement of his interest by Mrs. Kate Cottier, and her admission as a partner. In 1887 William H. Daniels became a member of the firm, the style of which was then changed to Denton, Cottier & Daniels.
Best, A. J., Buffalo, was born in London, England, June 25, 1856. When he was ten years of age he came to America and settled in New York city. In 1882 he re- moved to Buffalo and established the now well known jewelry and optical goods house of Best & Co. Mr. Best was married in 1885 to Carrie L., daughter of John Syrcher, well known in Buffalo as one of the leading manufacturers of billiard tables.
Kirkholder, William H., Buffalo, was born in Lancaster, N. Y., December 12, 1841. His first business experience was as a clerk in a grocery store in Buffalo, where he worked for one season. In 1879 he formed a copartnership with Mr. Thomas B. French, wholesale wooden and willow ware business, which continued for a period of fourteen years, when Mr. French retired and Mr. Rausch joined the firm and it then became Kirkholder & Rausch, which copartnership still continues.
Reynolds, John F., Buffalo, was born in Kalamazoo, Mich, May 15, 1860. He re- ceived his education from the elementary schools and pursued a course of private study that fitted him ultimately for the business he intended to pursue. He was first employed by Dudgeon & Cobb, grain and commission business, of Kalamazoo, where he remained for three years. In 1879 he moved to Buffalo to accept a position with the N. Y. C. & H. R. Railroad, where he remained until the fall of 1881, when he accepted a position with the B., N. Y. & P. Railroad as general bookkeeper, remain- ing in that capacity until 1891, when he was promoted to the responsible position of auditor. The road is now the Western New York and Pennsylvania.
Belden, Duane E., Buffalo, was born at Hermitage, Wyoming county, N. Y., De- cember 31, 1865, and was educated at Pike Seminary, after which he entered the Geneseo State Normal School, and was graduated in the class of 1890. After teach- ing for a short time he removed to Jamestown and engaged in the real estate business, which he carried on successfully until the fall of 1893, when he removed to Buffalo and invested heavily in Buffalo and Niagara Falls real estate, making Ken- more a specialty. Since coming to Buffalo he has also taken up the study of law and will in the near future be admitted to the bar. Mr. Belden has been associated with a number of the best land companies in and about the city and is secretary and treas- urer of the Buffalo, Niagara Falls & Electric Transit Land Company.
115
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Rumsey, Frank, Buffalo, was born at Cattaraugus, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., July 16, 1854, and was educated at the Union Free School and Forestville Academy. He taught school several terms before his majority in the country school districts of his native county. In 1876 he began the study of law in the office of Hiram M. Herrick at Cattaraugus, and in the fall of 1877 he went into the office of Cary & Jewell, Olean, N. Y. He was admitted to the bar at Buffalo, June, 1879. October 1, 1879, he mar- ried Emma F., daughter of Charles S. Cary, and they have one son, Charles Cary Rumsey, born May 8, 1888. From the fall of 1879 to the fall of 1889 he practiced law at Olean as a partner of Charles S. Cary. He removed to Buffalo in 1889 and on November 1 of that year was appointed general solicitor of the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railway Company, which position he still fills. As such official he has general charge of all the law matters of the company named.
Maytham, George W., Buffalo, son of the late Thomas Maytham, was born in Buf- falo, January 3, 1868. He was educated in the public schools, graduating from the High School, and also took a full course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College. He at this time entered the service of the Maytham Tug Line and is now secretary and treasurer of that company. The estate of Thomas Maytham, who died in 1893, is also under his charge; he is also assistant manager of the Republic Steamship Line, in which line the Maytham estate has the controlling interest.
Maytham, Edward C., Buffalo, was born on a farm in the town of Lafayette, Medina county, Ohio, October 13, 1850. He attended the district school in the winter months and worked on his father's farm during the summer. When he was seven- teen years of age he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, to accept a position with his uncle, John Greening, where he remained for four years. In 1869 he removed to Buffalo and in company with his brothers, George and Thomas, engaged in the tug boat business. Mr. Maytham is now president of the Maytham Tug Line, one of the most extensive tug builders on the great lakes; also president of the International Ferry Co. that operates between Buffalo and Fort Erie, Ontario; also interested in several steamers that do business on the great lakes.
Neuhart, Emil, Buffalo .- Among the prominent business men of Buffalo who have been active in the affairs of the city, one of the most conspicuous is Mr. Emil Neuhart. He was born and reared in Buffalo and his first business experience was in the patent securing business, in which he is still engaged, being a member of the firm of E. Neuhart & Co., patent attorneys. He is a thoroughly practical and expert patent at- torney, and has an extensive business connection throughout a large part of the United States and Canada.
Butts & Adams, Buffalo .- Stephen B. Butts engaged in the photo supply business in 1850 as a clerk, remaining in it since; and in 1892 admitted John F. Adams as partner, he having been a faithful clerk for Mr. Butts for about twenty years The firm occupies two floors at 457-459 Washington street; one floor being one hundred and twenty by twenty five, the other eighty by twenty-five feet. They are nicely fitted up in every department and stocked with an exhibit of photographic goods of all kings. Everything handled by the firm is guarantied and they have established a reputation for promptitude and reliability.
Provoost, D., Sons & Co., Buffalo, manufacturers of sails, awnings, tents, and
116
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
flags, employ about fifty skillful sailmakers, and carry a full line of canvas, flags, and everything required above decks in fitting out steam or sailing crafts. They do an extensive business in all the lake ports and among the shipbuilders and owners of Buffalo. They make a specialty of yacht sails and do an extensive business with the yacht clubs of the city.
Burns, Millard S., was born in Buffalo, N. Y., April 7, 1854, receiving his educa- tion in the public schools of that city. His first business experience was in 1869, when he left school to accept a position in the office of Dr. V. R. Pierce of Buffalo, the well-known manufacturer of patent medicines. His next position was that of clerk in the employ of the Bradstreet Commercial Agency; afterward with the same company he filled the position of reporter and canvasser. In 1875 he entered into partnership with Robert Palan, of Buffalo, the firm being Palan & Burns, in the merchandise brokerage business, which business finally developed into that of whole- sale coal, coke and lumber. The firm is still in existence. Mr. Burns was married April 10, 1882, to Miss Anna E. Heather, also of Buffalo. Mr. Burns was for several years secretary of the Buffalo Coal Exchange and one of its directors. For a num- ber of years he has been a director of the Buffalo Lumber Exchange, two years fill- ing the office of vice-president and one year president of that exchange. He is a member of the Merchants' Exchange of Buffalo, and in 1892 was elected one of its trustees. For nine years Mr. Burns held the office of secretary of the Buffalo Chil- dren's Aid Society (operating the Newsboys' and Bootblacks' Home) and in 1896 he he was elected president of that society. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and has been a vestryman of Ascension Parish and superintendent of its Sunday school for about ten years. He is a member of the brotherhood of St. Andrew, an international church organization, and is at present one of its Buffalo local council. Mr. Burns is also actively connected with the Laymen's Missionary League of Buf- falo, being a member of its executive committee. In politics is a Republican, never having held office; on national affairs always acting with his party.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.