Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II, Part 23

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 23

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manufacture of blank books and bookbinding, rone occupies a more advanced posi- tion than that of George B. Hinkly. This business was established in 1888. Mr. Hinkly is a native of Buffalo and learned the business there; starting at the foot of the ladder, he mastered every detail with a degree and tact that counted in his favor. That he has made a grand and growing success of his Buffalo venture, there is no room for question.

Rausch, William, is a native born Buffalonian and has always resided in that city. He was educated in the public and high schools of Buffalo. After a short time in the grocery business he entered the service of French & Kirkholder, wholesale dealers in wooden and willow ware, in whose employ he continued about twelve years, three years as bookkeeper and nine years as traveling salesman. In 1893 he succeeded Mr. French and the firm name was then changed to Kirkholder & Rausch ; this firm has grown to be one of the largest of the kind between New York and Chicago, and occupies the entire building at No. 88 East Seneca street, four floors and basement, each 25 by 180 feet, Mr. Rausch is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Wallkam) Rausch, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America in 1846.

Stevens, Joseph, Buffalo .- Among the many prominent live stock commission brokers, none is more conspicuous than Joseph Stevens. He was born in Yorkshire, Eng., in 1840, coming to this country in 1848 and settling with his parents in Hills- dale, Mich. After completing his elementary education he became engaged in the buying and shipping of live stock. June 20, 1861, when the call to arms was heard, he enlisted in Co. E, Capt. W. Lombard's company, at Hillsdale, Mich., and was mustered into the 4th Michigan Infantry, commanded by Col. D. A. Woodbury, at Adrian, Mich. In the Seven Days fight in front of Richmond he was captured and sent to Libby prison, was soon exchanged on account of sickness and sent to a Philadelphia hospital, remaining there until he received his discharge. He was home but one week when he re-enlisted and was appointed drill master in Co. B, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, under the command of Col. C. W. Deland. On June 17, 1864, he was captured in front of Petersburg and sent to Andersonville prison. In the middle of April, 1865, he, with nearly 2,000 others, was exchanged and put aboard the ill-fated steamer Sultana and started for home; seven miles above Memphis, Tenn., she blew up, killing 1,500. This was one of the most terrible steamboat disasters that history has ever recorded. Mr. Stevens was picked up off of a bale of hay unconscious and nearly dead by a gun boat and taken to Memphis Hospital, where he stayed for several days until he was able to be taken home. In 1876 he removed to Buffalo and formed a copartnership with John McDonough, under the style of McDonough & Stevens, live stock commission brokers, which firm continued for two years, it then becoming McDonough, Stevens & Dunning. Upon the death of Mr. McDonough a few years later it was changed to Dunning & Stevens, which firm still continues. May 1, 1866, he married Julia Hawkins of Sturgis, Mich., formerly of Lockport, N. Y.

Gibson, Charles H., Buffalo, was born in that city, January 20, 1835. He attend- ed the schools of his native city and after completing his elementary education he was given a position in the office of the Sandusky and Cincinnati Railway line, and afterward became a clerk on a passenger steamer running from Buffalo to Chicago.

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In 1861 he formed a copartnership with O. L. Nims, under the firm name of Nims & Gibson, which was continued until 1867, when the partnership was dissolved. In 1873 he formed a partnership with G. J. Whitney, dealer in grain, and upon the death of Mr. Whitney in 1879 he continued in business with a son of Mr. Whitney, James W., and has since conducted the business under the style of Whitney & Gibson.

Teller, George R., Buffalo, senior member of the well known firm of Teller & Hunsicker, was born in the city of Buffalo, June 6, 1847, and received his education in the public and private schools. His first business experience was in the employ of what was then the American Transportation Co. He successively passed all the clerical stations, until he became manager of the office, which was in 1869. On the 14th of March, 1870, he severed his connection with that company to enter the service of Messrs. Winslow who were at that time the largest and most extensive owners of vessel property on the lakes. In January, 1877, he associated himself with Mr. Will- iam G. Winslow and engaged in the grain commission business, under the style of William G. Winslow & Co. This firm continued until January, 1882, when Mr. Teller formed a copartnership with Mr. William B. Cutter, which partnership was continued but a short time and Mr. Teller assumed the management of the H. J. Winslow estate. On October 1, 1891, he entered into partnership with Joseph L. Hunsicker, which partnership has continued up to the present time.

Vosburgh, John L., Buffalo, was born at Newark, N. Y., August 14, 1852, and was educated at the Newark Academy. Mr. Vosburgh's first business experience was with the wholesale paper house of Alling & Cory, of Rochester, N. Y., first as office boy, subsequently becoming their traveling salesman. Wishing to learn the station- ery business, he resigned his position with Alling & Cory and went with George L. Stratton, after which he entered the employ of Scranton, Wetmore & Co. and traveled for them until 1882, when he organized the firm of Vosburgh, Whiting & Co, which is now one of the largest stationery concerns between New York and Chicago. November 16, 1882, he married Miss Carrie Wittlesey, daughter of Fred- erick Wittlesey, of Rochester, N. Y.

Kelsey, Schutt & Co., Agents of the Kelsey Corrugated Warm Air Furnace, 615 Main street, Buffalo, N. Y .- The firm of Kelsey, Schutt & Co. is composed of Messrs. Roland S. Kelsey, Louis E. Schutt and Everett P. Schutt and do a general business as heating and ventilating engineers, but make a leading specialty of the furnishing and installation of the Kelsey Corrugated Furnace. Mr. R. S. Kelsey came from Syracuse, N. Y., where he learned the business, and was employed as traveling salesman for the Kelsey Furnace Co. before forming the copartnership of Kelsey, Schutt & Co. in Buffalo nearly five years ago. Mr. Kelsey is a brother of William W. Kelsey, the inventor and organizer of the Kelsey Furnace Co., who are manufacturers of the furnace at Syracuse. Mr. L. E. Schutt came from Cortland, N. Y. He has charge of the office, being a practical bookkeeper and stenographer. Mr. Schutt has a large and popular acquaintance, who never tire in saying good words for the character of the work executed by this firm. Mr. E. P. Schutt is the father of L. E. Schutt, whose years of practical experience in general mechanics add ma- terially to the growing success which this firm enjoys in establishing this " modern

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departure" in furnace construction-being unlike all other heaters in shape and principle, thus furnishing the most economical means of thoroughly heating resi- dences which has yet been devised.

Volger Edward C., a native and resident of Buffalo, was born March 19, 1857. After completing his schooling he entered the store of Volger, Riebeling & Haupt as cash boy, where he remained for two years. He then severed his connection with this house and entered the service of S. O. Barnum, becoming assistant manager, subsequently becoming manager, which responsible postion he now holds. Mr. Volger is of German descent, his parents coming to this country from Germany in the early fifties. June 21, 1892, he married Anna E. Carmichael, daughter of the late Robert Carmichael of Buffalo.

Lawrence, George A., Buffalo .- As the pharmacies of Buffalo are ably conducted and managed, a popular establishment of this kind to which we desire to direct attention is that of George A. Lawrence. He was born at the town of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua county, N. Y., September 12, 1869. His education was obtained from the Ellington Union School, and after completing his elementary education he be- gan the study of pharmacy and was graduated from the Buffalo University in the class of 1891. May 1, 1891, he succeeded Dr. C. W. Gould (his former employer), in the drug business in which he has since been engaged.

Benedict, Nathan Gregory, was born in Jerusalem, Yates county, N. Y., March 10, 1833, and died in Buffalo, Erie county, N. Y., September 13, 1892. He attended in his boyhood the district schools, and spent several winters at Franklin Academy, Prattsburg, Steuben county, N. Y. He began teaching at seventeen in country schools, boarding around, building fires, etc., and receiving four or five dollars a week. Later he taught a private school in Penn Yan, Yates county, for a year or more very successfully. He came to Buffalo in May, 1855, to take charge of School No. 2 on the Terrace, continuing there for seven years. He became principal of School No. 32 on Cedar street, near Clinton, in May, 1862, remaining in charge till his death in 1892. He spent thirty-seven years in these two schools, and his work has had a marked influence for good over the thousands of pupils who have passed them. He was a good disciplinarian, a thorough instructor, and personally inter- ested in his pupils, so that he held their affection and respect. The cleanliness, order, quiet and high moral tone of his schools were always remarkable. He was a member of the M. E. Delaware Avenue church for many years. He was a very active and efficient member of the Y. M. C. A., of which he was president for five consecutive years, during which the fine building belonging to the association was erected, calling for much effort on his part, which added much to the ill health which was beginning to seriously affect him. He was married in 1857 to Gracia S. Smith, daughter of Rev. Stephen Rensellaer Smith.

Clark, Irving D., has been identified with the Buffalo Association of Underwriters since February, 1889, and is prominent among the insurance men of Buffalo. , He was born in the town of Concord, Erie county, N. Y., February 7, 1858, and was educated at Griffith Institute. His first business venture was in the insurance office of H. H. Spencer at Hamburg. Three years of this service gave him considerable insight into the elements and principles of business and thus paved the way for a

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business of his own at Springville, where he remained for six years. In 1887 he re- moved to Lockport and engaged in the insurance business. In 1888 was made cashier of the Hawley Salt Company, where he remained until February, 1889, when he accepted a position with the Buffalo Association of Fire Underwriters. In March, 1891, he became manager of the rating department of this association, which posi- tion he still occupies. There is no doubt however that the important duties assigned to Mr. Clark have been most faithfully and efficiently performed and the success of the business must be ascribed in a large measure to him.

Nicklis, Eldred E., Buffalo, is a son of William and Lucy Elizabeth (Fish) Nicklis and was born in Buffalo on the 25th of March, 1869. His grandfather, William Nicklis, sr., was for many years a leading merchant tailor at No. 27 Main street, Buffalo, founding the business which has long been conducted by his descendants. He was succeeded by his sons under the style of Nicklis Bros. ; this firm was followed by William Nicklis, jr., and he by Nicklis & Rix, who were succeeded by Nicklis & Co., of which Eldred E. was a member. William Nicklis, jr., died in March, 1886, aged forty-four years and eight months. Eldred E. Nicklis learned the tailor's trade with his father, and, as stated, became a member of the firm of Nicklis & Co. In the fall of 1890 he withdrew and spent four years in mining and farming in the West. Returning to Buffalo on January 1, 1895, he soon afterward engaged in the tailoring business at the corner of Main and North Division streets. On January 14, 1897, the Fashion Company was incorporated with Mr. Nicklis as president.

Doty, George G., Buffalo, is the son of Cornelius B. and Rebecca Doty, and was born in Hartford, Conn., April 1, 1862. Cornelius B. Doty enlisted in the 16th Conn. Vols., served four years in the Civil war, was wounded and honorably dis- charged, and afterward moved to New Haven, Conn., and later to Sparrow's Point, Md., where he died in 1888, at the age of fifty-six. He was a brick manufacturer. George G. Doty was educated in the High School at Springfield, Mass., where he was for about two and a half years the cashier of a large dry goods store. He subsequently held similar positions in Hartford, Conn., and Elmira, N. Y., for two years each. In 1888 he came to Buffalo as manager for A. R. Morse, one of the leading men's furnishers of the city, located at No. 289 Main street, and in 1891 purchased the business, which he has since conducted with uninterrupted success, moving it to his present location at No. 523 Main street in 1895. He also manufac- tures fine custom shirts, and has one of the best appointed establishments in Buffalo. March 10, 1892, he was married to Miss Nellie J. Boylen, of Elmira.

Tench, William E., Buffalo, was born in Earlville, Iowa, in June, 1856. He received his elementary education at the public schools, and was graduated from the Toronto University in 1887. After graduation he engaged in railroad work and his first experience was as a civil engineer on the Geneva and Lyons Railroad, after which he was assistant engineer on the New York Central and Hudson River Rail- road for two years. He then engaged in building railroads and his first work was that of the Hamilton and Northwestern Railroad of Canada, and different railroads throughout the United States and Canada. In 1893 he formed a copartnership with D. A. Crage and since that time they have built the Great Gorge Road, the Lewis-

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ton and Youngstown Frontier Electric Railroad, and the Buffalo and Susquehanna Railroad. This firm is the largest employer of Italian labor in the country, giving steady employment, to from eight hundred to one thousand workmen. They also conduct two large wholesale grocery stores, one in Buffalo and one in Niagara Falls, as well as a private bank at each place. They are also agents for the Trans- Atlantic Steamship Company, and are general ticket agents.

Weyand, Charles M., Buffalo, secretary and treasurer of the Christian Weyand Brewing Company, is a son of Christian and Magdelen (Meyer) Weyand, and was born in Buffalo, March 1, 1869. In order to thoroughly equip himself for the busi- ness of life he intended to pursue, after passing through the Canisius College he en- tered the Bryant & Stratton Business College, where he obtained a thorough busi- ness education. He immediately entered business with his father and in 1890, when the concern was made a stock company, he was elected secretary and treasurer, which responsible position he now holds. He was married in October, 1891, to Bohumila Louise Andele of Buffalo, and they have one daughter. Mr. Weyand is a member of the Buffalo Orpheus and the St. Louis Dramatic Circle.

Weyand, John A., vice-president and general manager of the Christian Weyand Brewing Company, and one of Buffalo's most respected citizans, was born in that city, December 8, 1859. He early evinced a desire to acquire an education and after passing through the public schools and Canisius College he entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College, from which he was graduated before attaining his ma- jority. He immediately entered his father's brewery, remaining in that business until 1890, when it was made a stock company and he was made vice-president and general manager. Aside from his extensive business affairs Mr. Weyand takes an active interest in church affairs, being a member of St. Louis Catholic church, is a trustee of St. John's Protectory, member of the Buffalo Orpheus, Sangerbund and Liedertafel. He has always taken an active interest in all public enterprises and and was a park commissioner under Mayor Bishop.

Williams, Alfred S., Buffalo, was born at Perth, Ont., April 13, 1857. His first business venture on his own account was with the Singer Sewing Machine Company at Rome, N. Y., where he was made manager; he was afterward transferred to Little Falls, where he remained for one year, and thence to Jamestown, N. Y., as manager for the counties of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany, from March, 1892, until March, 1896. In March, 1896, he removed to Buffalo to accept the city management of the company's affairs, where he has since resided. Mr. Williams was married, January 1, 1887, to Lillian Shannon of Ogdensburg, N. Y.

Johnston, James W., Buffalo, a native of England, was born September 24, 1866, and came to this country when he was but two years of age, his parents settling in Buffalo. After acquiring a liberal education from the public schools he embarked in the painting business with his father and continued with him until 1894, and since that time he has conducted the business alone. It is scarcely necessary to en- large upon the taste and skill that have always distinguished Mr. Johnston, the in- numerable examples of both found in the private residences, public buildings, ves- sels, etc., sufficiently attest these merits, while the volume of his business proves the hold he has upon the confidence and patronage of the property owner and building

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public. He employs from thirty to fifty painters and artists dependent upon the season and does an annual business of $20,000 to $25,000.

Thebaud, Frank L., Buffalo, was born in that city, July 16, 1870. He was edu- cated in the public schools and also took a course in electric engineering at Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind. In 1893 he formed a copartnership with J. W. Churchill, under the firm name of the Thebaud-Churchill Electric Company, who do a large construction business. Mr. Thebaud is a member of the Stationary Engineers' Society, and was formerly with the Western Electric Company, Chicago, Il1. He is a son of Victor C. and Mary (Britton) Thebaud.

Robinson, Roy M., Buffalo, a son of Ferdinand G. and Alice Electa (Pratt) Robin- son, was born at Pittsfield, Mass , June 18, 1875. He was educated at the public schools of his native city and at the Albany (N. Y.) High School, from which he was graduated in 1892. In 1896 he removed to Buffalo and engaged in the handling of phonographs, vitascopes and kinetoscopes and all of Edison's goods, in which he is still engaged. He was married July 22, 1896, to Louise B. Potter of Albany, N. Y.

Sibley, Frank, Buffalo, was born at Springville, N. Y., February 24, 1850. His parents removed to Buffalo in 1853, where he attended the public schools. In 1868 he accepted a position with the wholesale confectionery house of Henry Hearne, as traveling salesman, which position he held until 1870, when he resigned to accept a like position with John Benson's Son, where he remained until 1873, when he resigned and formed a copartnership with Mr. James Holmwood, manufacturing confection- ers. This firm has just completed a new factory at Nos. 149-155 Swan street, which is 65 feet front and and 160 feet deep, five stories high. This will be operated by electricity, generated on the premises; they will employ about 300 operatives, and will be equipped with the latest improved machinery for the manufacture of all kinds of candy. This house has been a prosperons one from the start, both gentlemen having had many years' experience in the business.

Eyring, William J. and Henry P., Buffalo .- This splendid establishment was estab- lished by Louis Zittle in 1870, who was succeeded by the present proprietors May 18, 1893. They occupy a handsome two story building 109 feet front and 240 feet deep. Aside from a full line of choice and staple groceries, they carry a full line of wines and liquors. The firm is composed of Messrs. Henry P. and William J. Eyring, and each is a thorough-going business man.

Shafer, Edward C .- The prominence attained by Mr. Edward C. Shafer in Buffalo during the past thirty years is such as to warrant some mention in these pages. He was born at Honesdale, Pa., April 17, 1850. His parents removed to Bradford county when he was quite young and where he remained until 1871, when he removed to Buffalo to accept a position in the dry goods establishment of Barnes & Bancroft, remaining there but a short time when he entered the service of O. S. Garatson as a bookkeeper and continued in that capacity until the business was merged into the Buffalo Hardware Co. in 1876, when he became a partner in the business. The Buffalo School Furniture Co. was organized in 1883 and he was made manager of that concern, and after the incorporation in 1890 he was made treasurer and general manager, which position he now holds. Aside from this he is interested in numerous other enterprises, being president of the Standard Paving

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Co. which was organized in 1896. In 1889 he was elected city comptroller and after serving one term declined renomination and also nomination for mayor of the city. Industry, economy and thrift did for him what they have done for many others, and he is a prosperous, genial and popular citizen.

Walker, Stephen, is a Buffalonian by birth and has always lived in that city. His first business experience was as a clerk in the shoe store of Harry K. Koch, where he remained for five years, when he entered the wholesale boot and shoe store of his uncle, Mr. W. H. Walker, and in 1893 became a partner in the business, which is one of the largest and most extensive wholesale houses between New York and Chicago. He is a son of Charles R. and Angeline (Lake) Walker, his father being one of the old settlers of Buffalo, coming to that city in 1832. Mr. Walker was married to Fanny W. Treat of Hartford, Conn., September 18, 1883.

Engle, Albert A., has been established in his present line of business in Buffalo since 1879, having removed from Hazelton, Pa., where he was also engaged in the same business. He was born in Sybertsville, Pa., November 15, 1856. He was educated in the public schools and the Bloomsburg (Pa.) State Normal School. In 1879 he removed to Buffalo and engaged in the grain, flour, feed and elevating busi- ness, in which he is still engaged. He was married, April 5, 1881, to Anna M. Schreck of Hazelton, Pa.

Yeager, Orson E., Buffalo, was born in Moscow, Pa., in March, 1866. His educa- tion was obtained from the public schools and from Starkey Seminary at Eddytown, N. Y., from which he was graduated in the class of 1883. After graduation he was engaged in teaching for two years, when he removed to Buffalo and entered the service of Shaw & Co., lumber dealers, and after two years with this firm was em- ployed by their successors, Betts & Buck, where he remained until the organization of the firm of Vetter & Yeager, which was afterward merged into the Empire Lum- ber Company and incorporated in 1892, he becoming the secretary and treasurer, which position he now occupies. Mr. Yeager was married in November, 1891, to Katharine C. Fitzmartin of Corning, N. Y.

Waters, Howard D., Buffalo, a native of Aurora, N. Y., was born April 8, 1852. He attended the Aurora Academy, from which he was graduated in the class of 1870. Then he went to Michigan and entered the employ of the Michigan Barrel Company, where he remained one year when he returned to Buffalo and entered the service of Barnes & Bancroft, where he remained three years, when he again went to Grand Rapids, Mich., and engaged in the grocery business. He was mar- ried to Sophronia M. Barckley of Grand Rapids, Mich., September 18, 1875. In 1878 he returned to Buffalo and engaged in the manufacture of overalls and clothing, in which he continued until 1887, when he entered the real estate and insurance business with his father, under the style of H. G. Waters & Son. This firm makes a specialty of handling east side real estate and collecting rents.

Hickok, Robert C., Buffalo, has been associated with the firm of H. G. Trout & Co. for nearly twenty years, and is an experienced man in every branch of the iron industry. Mr. Hickok became a member of the firm in 1880, when it was organized, and prior to thas time was connected with the Oswego and Syracuse Railroad as ticket and freight agent at Oswego. He was born at Oswego, N. Y., March 25,

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1839. He was variously employed until he removed to Buffalo, and became con- nected with this well known iron works. October 16, 1872, he married Persis W. Putnam of Tioga, Pa. He is a well preserved and remarkably active man for his years.

Schlaefer, Walter J., one of the prominent insurance men of Buffalo, was born in New York city, November 25, 1858. His first business experience after completing his education was in the employ of the old Dominion Steamship Company, in whose service he remained for five years. In 1879 he removed to Buffalo and entered the service of Smith, Davis & Co., one of the largest insurance houses in the city, as cashier, in which capacity he remained for fourteen years, and was then admitted to membership in the firm.

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Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II, Part 23

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