USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 22
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Holmwood, James, Buffalo, was born in Sussex, England, in 1841, came to this country with his parents, who settled in Southern Illinois, where they remained one season and returned to Buffalo and lived in the city about two years; they then moved to the town of East Hamburg, Erie county, where his father bought a farm and lived there several years. In 1862 James Holmwood came to Buffalo and worked
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in the grocery store of Webster & Co. (then one of the leading retail stores) for two years. After that he accepted a position as bookkeeper for Hastings & Bell, whole- sale grocers, where he remained two years. He then entered the employ cf Henry Hearne, wholesale confectioner, as bookkeeper and confidential manager for about seven years. The following few months he was in Cleveland engaged in the gal- vanizing iron business, but sold out and returned to Buffalo. In 1873 the firm of Sib- ley & Holmwood was formed, of which he is at present a member. This firm is one of the largest manufacturers of confectionery in the United States at present writing, having recently moved to the commodious building, 149-155 Swan street, which was erected expressly for their business, where they have all modern machinery and ap- pliances to be run by electricity.
A. Brick & Son, Buffalo .- The foregoing house was established in 1880 by E. A. Diebolt, who conducted a boot and shoe business until 1891, when the present pro- prietors bought the business and have since been engaged in the retail boot and shoe business, at the above number. Nicholas C. Brick, who is the manager and junior member of the firm, was born in Buffalo, February 19, 1865, and was educated in St. Joseph's College.
Atwood & Light, 162 Pearl street, Buffalo, N. Y., opposite Erie County Bank .- For a new house, the above named has been remarkably successful in the face of eager and determined competition. This house was established in 1894 by its present pro- prietors, and in a career of two years it has already built up a very large and suc- cessful business. The factory equipment is first class, embracing all the modern machinery of approved and practical value, and the bicycles turned out by them are of the best material and workmanship. Each member of the firm is a thoroughly practical man, experienced in his business, capable and industrious.
Washburn, Winslow M., Buffalo, was born in Sleightsburg, N. Y., June 1, 1867. He attended the public schools of his native town, also the Kingston (N. Y.) Acad- emy, from which he was graduated in the class of 1880. He then accepted a posi- tion with the boot and shoe house of Thing & Co., at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he remained for four years, when he removed to Buffalo to take charge of their branch house. January 3, 1891, he married Estella Hanyan of West Point, N. Y.
Tallmage, Millard F., Buffalo, was born in Nunda, Livingston county, N. Y., July 13, 1854. After obtaining from the public schools of his native town a liberal educa- tion, he served an apprenticeship at the machinist trade, working at that about six years. In 1874 he removed to Buffalo and engaged as a clerk in the store of J. B. Pierce (who was conducting one of the largest stove, furnace and house furnishing stores in the city), where, as the result of hard work and close attention to business, in 1881 he obtained an interest in the business, together with his brother, the style of the firm becoming J. B. Pierce & Co., which copartnership continued until the spring of 1887, when Mr. Pierce retired and the business was then conducted by Tallmage Bros. (H. K. and M. F. Tallmage). This firm continued until 1892, when Horace K. Tallmage retired and Millard F. has since conducted the business alone. From his earliest life Mr. Tallmage has ever manifested qualities of a high order, and by his industry and perseverance has amassed a considerable fortune, and is one of Erie county's most successful business men. Being governed by a high sense
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of honor and of a social nature, he enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Cockburn Bros. & Co., Buffalo .- This well known concern was founded by J. S. and J. W. Cockburn in 1891, and was succeeded by the present proprietors in 1893. The firm of Cockburn Bros. & Co. is the leading builder of concrete sidewalks and floors in Western New York, and has established a reputation all over the country because of the superior material and workmanship employed, and the good tact and originality displayed. The firm employs from seventy-five to one hundred men. Messrs. Cockburn Bros are also general contractors in concrete. Theirs is the only firm in Western New York that has undertaken to construct a building entirely in concrete-walls, floors, stairs and roof, all of this material.
Haertel, E., Buffalo, a native of Germany, was born March 27, 1862, and has been engaged in the fur business since a small boy. Before coming to this country he worked in different fur manufactories in Italy, France and England, where he obtained a knowledge that has been useful to him since coming to Buffalo. The firm of E. Haertel & Co., fur manufacturers, was established in 1890 by the present proprietor. Mr. Haertel employs from eight to ten skilled fur workers and enjoys a large and growing business.
Tyng, Pierre Kissam, Buffalo, is a son of Alexander Griswold and Lucy (Brother- son) Tyng, and was born at Peoria, Ill., April 21, 1868. After completing his edu- cation he spent two years in mercantile business in Peoria and at the end of this time entered the service of N. W. Harris & Co., bankers, of Chicago, New York and Boston. He served four years in Chicago as assistant manager of the financial department, and while in New York for four years was assistant manager of the sales department of the same banking firm. In January, 1894, he removed to Buf- falo and in company with Joseph S. Bryant and his brother, Lucien H. Tyng, formed the firm of P. K. Tyng & Co., investment bankers, dealing in municipal bonds and local securities. Mr. Tyng is quite prominently identified in a number of societies of Buffalo, being president of the Buffalo Stock Exchange, which was re- organized in August, 1896, and also a member of the Ellicott, Saturn, Buffalo and Country Clubs.
Illig, Frank J., Buffalo, was born in that city December 5, 1853. After finishing his elementary education he went to work for his father at Shepard's, as a mechanic in copper, tin, and sheet iron work. After seventeen years' service at this establish- ment he came to the conclusion he would start in business for himself, which he did in 1883, engaging in the hardware and stove business at No. 541 William street. In 1883 he was appointed civil service commissioner by Mayor Becker, and after a year he was appointed police commissioner to succeed Michael Newell; this was May 7, 1889, and he served on the board with Mayor Becker as president, and E. C. Shafer as acting commissioner. When Mr. Shafer retired to assume the duties of comp- troller, Commissioner Illig became acting police commissioner. Shortly after retir- ing from the commissionership of the Police Department he engaged in partnership with Conrad Hammer in the brewing business. The brewery is known as the Ger- mania and is situated at Nos. 1615-1621 Broadway.
Schopf, William, Buffalo, son of John and Margaret (Hanour) Schopf, was born in
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Buffalo, March 21, 1860. He is of German descent, his parents coming to this coun- try in 1853. His education was obtained from the public schools and St. Louis Catholic School, and after completing his schooling he entered the service of Peter J. Hanour, where he remained for some years. He afterward removed to Bradford, Pa., and engaged in the hotel business. Returning to Buffalo, he engaged in the saloon business on his own account, and as agent for J. & A. McKechnie Brewing Company, Canandaigua, N. Y., on lower Main street, where he remained for some time, when he removed his business to his present location at the corner of Michigan and Seneca streets. Mr. Schopf was married in December, 1879, to Sarah Richey of Buffalo, and they now have five children to brighten their happy home.
Rogers, George B., Buffalo, son of Theron B. and Julia Barbara Rogers, was born in Hamburg, Erie county, N. Y., September 4, 1864. He came to Buffalo and his first business engagement was with John Thomas, 169 Allen street, in a drug store as " boy." He later was employed as errand boy by William Coulson, with whom he rose to a clerkship. From there he took a position with W. H. Smith (now known by the name of Smith's Drug store, 402 Michigan street, corner of Eagle) in 1881, and was manager of the same for ten years up to November 16, 1896, when he pur- chased the store of Mrs. G. B. S. Terry (widow). Mr. Rogers graduated from the Buffalo University of Pharmacy March 25, 1890; received the Erie County Board license April 5, 1890, and the New York State Board license March 4, 1890. He is a member of the Alumni of the Buffalo College of Pharmacy; also of the Erie County Pharmaceutical Association.
Broadway Foundry Company, Buffalo .- This business was founded by Messrs. J. W. Pohlmann and J. C. Kohlmann in 1887, who conducted it until January 1, 1891, when Edward Walter became a partner. Mr. Pohlmann has the general manage- ment of the offices and financial affairs, while Mr. Kohlmann controls the foundry and Mr. Walter gives his attention to the stove department. They make a specialty of the famous Walter ranges and stoves. The partners are widely known Buffalo men and are active competitors for business.
Ough, Richard A., Buffalo, is of Scotch-English descent, his parents coming to America in 1831 and settling in Cobourg, Ont., where Richard A. was born, June 25, 1852. The foundation of his education was laid at his native town; he finished his schooling, however, in the schools of the United States. After completing a full course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Cleveland, O., he entered the service of S. Brenard & Sons, music publishing house, taking full charge of the music plate printing department, where he remained until 1869, when he re- moved to Augusta, Ga. He remained there a short time when he returned to Cleveland to his former position and in 1871 removed to Titusville, Pa., where he en- gaged in the fire insurance business, in which he continued until 1873, when he re- moved to Buffalo to accept a position with Adam, Meldrum & Anderson, taking charge of one of their departments. From 1878 to 1883 he had charge of the ship- ping, receiving and stock department of Cosack & Co., lithographers; he was travel- ing salesman for Gies & Co. one year. In 1884 he formed a copartnership with Mr. Lockwood, under the firm name of Lockwood & Ough, dealers in commercial sta- tionery, which continued until 1896, when the firm dissolved, Mr. Ough continuing
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the business at the old stand. Mr. Ough is affiliated with many societies, being a life member of the Buffalo Historical Society. In Masonic circles he has attained high honors, being a past master of Queen City Lodge No. 358; he is also a member of Keystone Chapter No. 163, Keystone Council No. 20, and Hugh de Payens Com- mandery No. 30, Knights Templar. In February, 1880, he married Mary Eggers of Buffalo.
Bingham, George C., vice-president and treasurer of the Crocker Fertilizer and Chemical Company, Buffalo, is a remarkable example of the rapidity with which young men, by their own unaided efforts, can rise to positions of great trust and responsibility. His early days were spent on his father's farm in Vermont, and his education was confined to a district school and a neighboring academy. After teaching school successfully in his own State and in Iowa, and reading law between whiles, he finally settled in Buffalo in 1882, obtaining a position as bookkeeper with the Crocker Fertilizer and Chemical Company. After a few years of faithful ser- vice he was promoted to the secretaryship, and has recently been elected to the office he now holds. He is the son of Benjamin F. and Maria Smedley Bingham, and was born in January, 1859. In September, 1887, he married Julia, daughter of Oscar Cobb of Buffalo.
Kirk Printing Company, Buffalo .- This concern was established by E. H. Hutch- inson in 1871, whom the present firm succeeded in August, 1896. They have prem- ises 30 by 125 feet, and two stories high, at 71-73 West Eagle street. The facilities possessed by this firm are unsurpassed, every department being complete in itself. They do a general printing business, including embossing and catalogue work.
Brown, C. Kirby, Buffalo, who has been identified with the homeopathic drug trade for about seventeen years, was born in Michigan on the 11th of July, 1865. He received a good public school education, was graduated from the Chicago College of Pharmacy in 1889, after a full three years' course, and is registered as a pharmacist by examination in both Michigan and Illinois. In 1891 he came to Buffalo as man- ager of Halsey's Homeopathic Pharmacy on East Eagle street, and five years later succeeded Halsey Brothers as sole proprietor. This is emphatically a homeopathic pharmacy, dealing only in medicines and supplies used by physicians and the pub- lic who incline to that school. Every article is of the purest and highest grade known to the profession. His store is both unique and interesting in its interior arrangements, and has achieved a wide reputation, although conducted in an un- ostentatious manner Mr. Brown is a courteous and honorable business man, and has thoroughly earned a name for reliability and enterprise.
Cook, Fayette A., was born at Westfield, Chautauqua county, N. Y., June 21, 1836. In 1844 his parents removed to Buffalo, where he attended the public schools. After acquiring a liberal education he entered the comptroller's office, where he re- mained for a short time, and then entered the service of the Western Insurance Company. In 1874 he engaged in the insurance business on his own account, represent- ing the Milwaukee Mechanics, the Michigan Fire and Marine of Detroit, the Grand Rapids Fire Insurance Company of Grand Rapids, Mich., the Newark Fire Insur- ance Company of Newark, etc. Since the death of Mr. Cook on February 18, 1886, his widow, Mrs. Caroline F., has taken charge of the business, in which she is still engaged.
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Lewis, Leonard A., Buffalo, was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery county, N. Y., February 13, 1848. His parents removed to Buffalo when he was four years of age, where he attended the public schools. His first employment was in the New York Central office where he learned telegraphy, remaining in their employ for three years. He then entered the L. S. & M. S. office where he remained for a like period, when he engaged in the live stock commission business, forming a copart- nership with T. L. Kerr; the firm afterward became Kerr Bros. & Co., then Kerr, Taylor & Co., then the present style of Kerr, Lewis & Co. Mr. Lewis is a past president of the Live Stock Association, also a director of the East Buffalo Live Stock Exchange Company.
Huntley, Charles R., general manager of the Buffalo General Electric Co., was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., October 12, 1854, a son of Russell and Clarinda (Talbot) Huntley. He was educated in the public schools of Utica and the High School, from which he was graduated in 1870. In January, 1888, he removed to Buffalo and was employed at various electric plants and now holds the responsible position of general manager of the Buffalo General Electric Co. Mr. Huntley was married in June, 1878, to Ida, daughter of William Richardson of Buffalo.
Crage, Donato A., senior member of the firm of Crage & Tench, Buffalo, is a native of Italy, where he was born June 3, 1852. When he was twenty years of age he emigrated to the United States and was variously employed for several years. In 1895 in company with Mr. Tench they engaged in the banking and contracting business; they also do a large wholesale liquor and cigar business. Mr. Crage was married February 21, 1887, to Mary Ryan of Canada.
Faxon, W. H., Buffalo .- The firm of Faxon, Williams & Faxon, of which the subject of this sketch is senior member, was established in Boston, Mass., in 1870, moving to Buffalo in 1889, and has been remarkably successful, occupying one of the handsomest buildings in the city of Buffalo (the Mooney & Brisbane), extending from Main to Washington streets, with all requisite facilities for the transaction of a first class business. In addition to this establishment they own and operate stores in Lockport, Niagara Falls and two in Buffalo, including the famous Fulton Market, which they purchased of Stafford Bros. in 1892. In addition to a large and carefully selected stock of all staple and fancy groceries, they manufacture all their own confectionery, bread and cakes. Both members of the firm are thorough going business men and have the happy faculty of retaining and constantly adding to their circle of customers.
Stevens, George A., Buffalo, was born at the village of Knowlesville, Orleans county, N. Y., August 16, 1867. He attended the village school, the Medina Free Academy and the Albion High School. In 1886 he graduated from the Clinton Lib- eral Institute, a business college at Fort Plain, N. Y. In September, 1886, he ac- cepted a position in the office of Lee, Holland & Co. of Buffalo and remained with this company until he engaged in business for himself, which was in 1890. Since that time he has represented the Wood Mosaic Company of Rochester, makers of parquet floors, etc. September 15, 1892, he married Delia S. Young eldest daugh- ter of George H. Young of Buffalo.
Heinold, Charles J., Buffalo .- A self-made man, genial and kindly to all, judi-
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ciously liberal, is Charles J. Heinold, who was born in Germany, November 27, 1847. Socially and commercially, Mr. Heinold ranks pre-eminently among the foremost citizens of Buffalo. In 1854 he emigrated with his parents to this country. His edu- cation from schools was meager and confined to the elementary grade. His first business experience was as a clerk in a grocery where he remained for three years, when he resigned his position to accept a like position with E. D. Halman, in whose employ he continued for two years. By hard work and undaunted perseverance he accumulated $140, and embarked in business on his own account, at the corner of North Division and Pine streets, where he remained for a period of three years, and later at Broadway and Bennett streets for nineteen years, wholesale and retail. He then removed to his present location, No. 315 Broadway, where he has since con- ducted a wholesale grocery and liquor house. Success followed him in this venture, and even at the present time he is largely interested in not a few enterprises which have for their aim the welfare and progress of the city of which he has for so many years been an honored and respected citizen.
Langdon, George W., Buffalo, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 23, 1861. The first work he did was in the employ of a chair manufactory. November 3, 1878, he entered the employ of Green, Huddleston & Co., in the live stock business at Cin- cinnati, with whom he was engaged for twelve years. Huddleston, Hubbard & Co. succeeded Green, Huddleston & Co. at the end of that period, and he entered their employ. This firm opened a branch house at the New York Central Stock Yards, Buffalo, and Mr. Langdon removed there as their hog salesman on the 26th of March, 1891, and remained in that capacity until March 1, 1895, when he formed a partner- ship with Ed. L. Woodward and Foster Geffs, under the firm name of Langdon, Woodward & Geffs. They are still engaged in the live stock commission business at Room 17 Live Stock Exchange, East Buffalo.
Burchfield, Russell O., Buffalo, son of Reuben J. and Alice A. (Stansbury) Burch- field, was born in Masillon, Ohio, March 31, 1873. In 1888 he removed to Buffalo and entered the service of the L. S. & M. S. R. R. as a collector, where he remained for five years. At the end of this service he entered the office of Langdon, Wood- ward & Geffs, remaining but a few months when he took charge of the office and books of B. C. Shepard, his present position. Mr. Burchfield is a young man with exceptional ability and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Gibbs, John W., Buffalo, is a native of Wisconsin, coming to New York State in 1870. He attended the public schools until he was thirteen years of age, when he entered Alfred University, subsequently taking a full course at the Elmira Business College. In 1889 he removed to Buffalo and in company with Mr. Felch engaged in the drug business, which copartnership continued for several years: Mr. Gibbs is a graduate of the New York State Board of Pharmacy. In 1895 he established the Buffalo Mackintosh Co., in which he is still engaged. He has been actively engaged in the real estate and building business since 1892. He was married May, 3, 1892, to Julia E. French, daughter of Thomas B. French of Buffalo.
Choate, Rufus M., Buffalo, was born in the town of Clarence, Erie county, N. Y., October 5, 1840, and educated in the public schools and the Clarence Academy, graduating at the Bryant & Stratton Business College. He traveled through the
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West for one year. He returned in the spring of 1861 and at the call to arms was one of the first as a three months volunteer. After his discharge he became identified with the lake transportation business and in 1866 was appointed general passenger agent of all the Chicago lake lines, in which capacity he served for twenty-two years. He is now a large dealer in real estate, also president of the South Buffalo Business Men's Association and president of several land companies, loan associations, and the South Buffalo Land Exchange. On April 10, 1866, he married Ellen Strickler of Clarence; they now reside in South Buffalo, N. Y.
Young, Jasper S., Buffalo, son of Jasper B. and Evaline (Abby) Young, was born in the town of Amherst, Erie county, N. Y., July 30, 1840. He attended both public and private schools, also the Williamsville Academy. His first business experience was with an engineer corps on the Chicago and Great Eastern Railroad. At the end of this service he entered the State Engineer's Department. He afterward served on the construction of the Wabash Railroad as division engineer and on the completion of the road was made resident engineer of the St. Louis division, in which capacity he served until 1871, when he resigned to take charge of his father's stone quarries in Buffalo, where he has since resided. In May, 1865, he married Neoma Simons from Niagara county.
Pottle, Henry W., is prominent among the rising young lawyers and well known men of Buffalo. He was born at Naples, Ontario county, N. Y., March 2, 1872, and was educated at the High School at Naples, from which he was graduated in 1891. He then entered the Buffalo Normal School from which he was graduated in 1892. Having decided upon the law as his profession, he immediately entered the law office of Harry D. Williams of Buffalo, where he remained one year. He then entered the Buffalo Law School and was graduated therefrom in 1895, as well as being admitted to the bar. This is an unusually early age at which to gain admis- sion to the bar, and is a striking proof of the maturity of the mind. Immediately after his admission to practice he formed a copartnership with Messrs. Wood and Gibbons, under the style of Wood, Gibbons & Pottle. This firm has been deservedly successful and has built up a substantial and reputable clientage.
North, Charles J., Buffalo .- Among the many prominent insurance men, none is more conspicuous than Charles J. North. He was born at Chazy, N. Y., May 13, 1847, and removed to Buffalo in 1873, where he has since resided and conducted business. In 1881 he formed a copartnership with Mr. Vedder in insurance and the firm of North & Vedder has grown to be one of the leading insurance firms in Western New York. Mr. North was married June 30, 1881, to Dora, daughter of Prof. Horace Briggs.
Jokl, Alois, M. D., Buffalo, was born in Austria, May 27, 1859. His elementary education was received in his native country, and in 1889 he was graduated from a medical college in Vienna, receiving the degree of M. D. The following year he came to America and entered the Niagara University, graduating from the medical department in 1892. He has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. From 1892 to 1894 he was engaged in practice in Colorado, but since that time he has resided in Buffalo.
Hinkly, George B., Buffalo .- Among the houses prominently identified with the
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