USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 24
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Smith, Frank J. L., is one of the most prominent merchants on Elk street, Buffalo. He was born in Buffalo, July 15, 1868, and has always lived in that city. After acquiring a liberal education from the public schools he was offered a position with the People's Bank as bookkeeper, which he accepted and remained in their employ for two years. He then became manager of Lang's Bottling Works and held that positition for three years, when he formed a copartnership with Mr. Drummer, under the style of Drummer & Smith, successors to L. Holzborn, dealers in groceries, provisions and liquors, and they are now one of the leading houses doing business in that remarkably busy section of the city. Mr. Smith was married in August, 1893, to Christina Korzelius of Buffalo.
Tripp, Augustus Franklin, Buffalo, was born in New Haven, Addison county, Vt., September 30, 1822, and lived there with his parents until he became of age, when he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the employ of the Cuyahoga Steam Furnace Co. as a clerk. He remained there three years and then removed to Buffalo, N. Y., and accepted the position of bookkeeper in the firm of John D. Shep- ard & Co., proprietors of the Shepard Iron Works, where he remained for two years, when the firm passed out of existence. Mr. Tripp then became a partner in the firm of Steele Bros. & Pease, who had a general store in Painesvillle, Ohio, and a branch was established in Buffalo of which Mr. Tripp had charge, the business being car- ried on there under the firm name of A F. Tripp & Co. This branch of the business was continued for two years and then closed. Mr. Tripp moved to Paines- ville, Ohio, and made up a new partnership with his former partners, under the firm name of Steele Bros., Pease & Tripp. This business was closed in 1852, when Mr. Tripp returned to Buffalo and entered the employ of Sidney Shepard & Co. After five years of service as clerk and bookkeeper, he became a partner in the firm and has been actively interested ever since. For more than thirty years he had sole charge of the large manufacturing plant, built up and carried on by the concern, which gives employment to many people and has become one of the large industries of the country. Mr. Tripp married Mary M. Steele of Painesville, Ohio, August 17, 1847, and Caroline M. Brown of Chelsea, Mass., January 22, 1868.
Gibson, John H., Buffalo, is of New England parentage and was born January 20, 1846, at Westbrook, Me., a son of Tobias and Sarah (Evans) Gibson, and is a lineal descendant of John Whitman. His education was obtained from the public schools of his native home, and after completing his schooling he enlisted in Co. H, 12th
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Me. Infantry Vols., and was discharged at Savannah, Ga., March 6, 1866. After the war was over he returned and engaged at his trade of carriage making in the employ ot Kimball Bros., of Portland, Me., where he remained for two years, when he removed to Bridgton, Me., and began the manufacture of carriages on his own account, which business he conducted for four years. In 1872 he removed to Omaha, Neb., and conducted business there for a period of nineteen years; he at this date returned to the East and located in Buffalo and became general manager of the American Investors' Trust, which position he now occupies. October 12, 1867, he married Hattie C. Webb of New Hampshire, and resides at No. 64 Morgan street.
Craft, Wilbur H .- Among the younger business men of Buffalo, none is more prominent than Wilbur H. Craft. He was born in Westchester county, N. Y., November 11, 1871. His first business experience was as an apprentice at the jewelry trade in Addison, Steuben county, N. Y., and after two years at this place he removed to Buffalo and entered the service of W. J. Parkinson, remaining in his employ for two years, when he engaged in business for himself, which he has since conducted with marked success. He not only handles a full line of watches and diamonds, but does repairing and manufacturing of parts as well. He is a son of John S. and Mary E. (Hatfield) Craft, and was married July 11, 1894, to Allie Florence Robbins of Watertown, N. Y.
Collins, James K., Buffalo, has been prominently identified with the wholesale liquor business for nearly twenty years. He was born and reared in Buffalo and was graduated from St. Joseph's College in the class of '82. His first business ex- perience was with Walsh Bros., where he remained until 1893, when he engaged in business for himself, in company with James E. Jordan, under the style of Collins & Jordan. They occupy and own premises at Nos. 351-353 Elk street, one floor 100 by 20 and another 75 by 20. They do quite a large business in the city as well as in the adjoining States. Mr. Collins is a son of Henry and Bridget Collins, who emigrated from Ireland to this country in 1850.
Fischer, Gustav A., Buffalo, was born at Ruhla, Saxony, Germany, August 30, 1865, a son of August and Lisetta (Deusing) Fischer, and emigrated to America with his parents when quite young, settling in Brooklyn, N. Y. His first business ex- perience was in the manufacture of meerschaum and briar pipes. They conducted a large business in various cities until June, 1892, when they removed to Buffalo, where he is now engaged in business for himself. He was married in April, 1890, to Emma Lanahan of Syracuse.
Knepper, John H., & Son, Buffalo .- This splendid establishment was founded by John H. Knepper in 1867, in the old Genesee block and removed to their present quarters at Nos. 501-503 Washington street in 1894. Their premises are 100 by 47 feet and they do all kinds of fine plumbing and gas fitting and steam and water heating for residences and public buildings and are the sole agents of Erie county for the Gurney Heaters. They employ about fifty skilled mechanics. The firm is com- posed of J. H. Knepper and his son, Harry J., who became a member of the firm in 1889. Both members of the firm are practicel plumbing and heating engineers and have been engaged in this business the full term of their business life, and have and carry the most complete line of plumbing specialties in this city.
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Lawrence, Alfred O., Buffalo, was born in Gratiot county, Mich., September 4, 1863. He worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he removed to Buffalo and entered the foundry of his brother and served a five years' apprenticeship at the brass moulding trade. After finishing his trade, June 1, 1889, he went with the Otis Steel Company of Cleveland, Ohio, for one year; June 1, 1890, he went with the Buffalo Steam Pump Company, until January 1, 1892, when he was engaged with his brother until April 1, 1894; at that date he engaged in business for himself. He was married, September 10, 1891, to Anna Gibson of Buffalo.
Nicklis, William, Buffalo, a son of William and Lucy (Fysh) Nicklis, was born in the city of Buffalo, January 3, 1875. He attended the public schools and also a mil- itary college for one year, which was followed by a full course at the Bryant & Strat- ton Business College, from which he was graduated April, 1894. He then entered the tailor establishment of Nicklis & Co. as a messenger boy, was promoted to col- lector and bookkeeper, and in January, 1896, received an interest in the business and in June of the same year took the active management. This concern was es- tablished in 1836 by William Nicklis, grandfather of the subject of this sketch; he was succeeded by the father and upon his death in 1886 the business was managed by his mother. Mr. Nicklis is a young man of great business ability and is re- spected by all.
Sangster, James, Buffalo, was born in Kingston, Can., July 13, 1831. He was brought by his parents to Buffalo in 1832, where they have since resided except for about four years spent in Ohio. After passing through the public schools Mr. James Sangster spent a year under the noted sculptor of New York city, Mr. Henry K. Brown. Returning to Buffalo, he engaged in art work and mechanical engineering until 1863, when he engaged in the business of securing patents. In 1870 Mr. Victor H. Becker became his partner under the firm name of Sangster & Becker; this part- nership continued for three years, and since its expiration Mr. Sangster has con- ducted the business alone. He was married June 1, 1864, to Miss Sophia M. Moore of Buffalo.
Eisele, Edward A., is a member of one of the oldest and most respected families in Buffalo. His father, Edward J., was born in Vienna, Austria, and came to Buf- falo in 1847; his mother, Margaret Helfinger, was a native of Buffalo. Edward A. Eisele was born August 4, 1861. He acquired a liberal education from the public schools and was graduated from the High School in 1880. In 1888 he became a part- ner in the wholesale jewelry establishment of King & Eisele, of which his father was junior member. Since the death of Mr. W. F. King, the senior partner, Mr. E. A. Eisele has been the general managing partner. This is the largest house of its kind between New York and Chicago, occupying four floors, 40 by 180 feet, and in their manufacturing department employing a force of sixty operatives, besides a large number of salesmen in the wholesale department. Mr. Eisele was married in 1888 to Miss Harriet Peck of New Haven, Conn.
Orr, Ulysses G., Buffalo .- There are but few men in this city who in their chosen line command the respect that is given to Mr. Ulysses G. Orr, one of the most ener- getic architects. He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., October 15, 1864, and after receiv-
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ing a fair education from the public and high schools of his native city, was early apprenticed to the engraver's trade in the employ of the Buffalo Express. At the end of five years in this office he entered the draughting department of one of the leading architects of this city, and in 1890 he embarked in business on his own account, making a specialty of residential work. He is a son of James G. and Martha A. (Rispin) Orr. His father came to this country from Scotland in 1850 and his mother was born in this country. Mr. Orr is secretary of the Buffalo Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. His spare hours are devoted to the study of photography, and he is an amateur of no mean ability; his object is not so much the production of artistic photographs as an effort to advance the art by the experimental process assisted by a thorough knowledge of chemistry. He is recognized as a liberal and public-spirited man who takes a deep interest in the development of his native and growing city.
Warren, Seth W., Buffalo, was born in the town of Clarence, Erie county, N. Y., March 15, 1841. In 1863 he removed to Buffalo and entered the United States Cus- tom House, but in June, 1864, resigned and entered the First National Bank as assistant bookkeeper, where he remained as bookkeeper, paying and receiving teller for seven years, when he was offered a position as cashier of the German Bank, which responsible position he held until 1878. At the end of this service he entered the coal department of the D., L. & W. Railroad, in the capacity of cashier, which position he held for one year. In 1880 he became assistant cashier of White's Bank and in 1886 was made its cashier. Under his administration of affairs the name of the bank was changed to that of the American Exchange Bank. He occupied this position until April 1, 1894; at this date he severed his connection with this institu- tion and has since been engaged as a broker in real estate and investment securities. Mr. Warren is affiliated with many societies, being a Mason, a past master in the A. O. U. W., and a member of the Acacia Club. He is a man whose word is as good as his bond, and he takes pride in the thought that during a business experience of over thirty-six years he has personally never had cause to bring a legal action against his fellow man and has never been defendant in an action.
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Wohlhueter, William, Buffalo, is of German descent, his parents, Martin and Kathrine (Kummer) Wohlhueter, coming to this country in 1850 and settling in Bos- ton, Erie county, N.Y., where the subject of this sketch was born February 26, 1869. He worked on his father's farm until he was twenty three years of age, when he re- moved to Buffalo and engaged as a clerk in a grocery. After two years in this ser- vice he formed a copartnership with Mr. Lehning, which continued for three years, when Mr. Wohlhueter succeeded the firm and has since conducted the business alone. On March 18, 1897, he was married to Mary Olson.
Schroeter, Charles, Buffalo, is a native of Germany and emigrated to America in 1860, settling in New Orleans where he was employed for a time. When the war broke out he came to St. Louis, Mo., where he worked until March, 1863, when he enlisted in Co. C, 1st Mo. Cavalry, serving through the entire war, being mustered out in September, 1865. In 1866 he enlisted in the regular army, in which he served until November 7, 1894, a period of nearly thirty years. In 1894 he settled in Buf- falo and in company with E. L. Hoopes established a retail confectionery and cigar
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store, in which he is still engaged. As a successful and prominent citizen, with a long and honorable career, his worth has been duly recognized.
Lawrence, Albert A., Buffalo :- The career of this gentleman furnishes another striking illustration of what may be accomplished in this free country, by persever- ing industry combined with intelligence and enterprise in a given direction. Mr. Lawrence was born in Cleveland, O., December 15, 1844. His parents removed to Michigan, where he remained until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Co. M, 1st Michigan Engineers, and served his country faithfully until October, 1865, when he was mustered out. In March, 1866, he removed to Buffalo and estab- lished himself in the brass foundry business, in which he has since been engaged. Mr. Lawrence has been twice married, first to Susie F. Grandison, August 4, 1868; by this union there were three children, two daughters and a son ; and to his present wife, September 10, 1896.
Laycock, O. S., Buffalo, was born at Richwood, Canada, September 29, 1853. His education was acquired from the Grammar School at Paris, Ont. He graduated from the Canadian Literary Institute at Woodstock, Ont., in 1870, going direct from college to the lumber woods and taking charge of the store and books of the lumber camps for his father and uncle. The following spring he was made bookkeeper in their saw mill office at Black Rock, which position be filled for nine years, and then was taken into partnership with his father, John Laycock, which lasted until the death of the senior partner in 1894. He then organized the Laycock Lumber Company, of which he is president, and still continues the business of handling heavy timber and lumber, with offices at No. 1} Builders' Exchange. The Laycock Lumber Company and its predecessors have furnished a large part of the timber used in the construction of the large elevators, docks, trestles and breakwater built in and around Buffalo.
Windsor, Millard F., ranks among the leading live stock commission merchants of Buffalo. He was born in the town of Pike, Wyoming county, N. Y., November 10, 1848, and has been a resident of Buffalo since 1871. He is a member of the well and favorably known firm of Pfeiffer & Windsor Bros., who receive consignments on commission, and are among the largest dealers in live stock in East Buffalo. Mr. Windsor is also general manager of the Milsom Rendering and Fertilizer Company of East Buffalo, which he started as a private concern in 1880 and incorporated in 1886, and its present large and prosperous business is largely due to his constant at- tention and earnest efforts.
Duckwitz, William F., the efficient and successful manager of the Phoenix Brew- ing Company of Buffalo, was born in New York city, October 16, 1855. His parents removed to Niagara county when he was quite young, and there he received his education. After completing his schooling he took a full commercial course at the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Buffalo. At the age of twenty years he en- tered the employ of A. Ziegele, now Phoenix Brewery, beginning as a collector and having been promoted from time to time until he now holds the responsible posi- tion of general manager. This concern was incorporated in May, 1887, with a capital stock of $200,000; they have a capacity of 100,000 barrels per year.
Klopp, Ed. D., Buffalo, a young mam of exceptional business ability and one of
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the prominent butter and poultry dealers of Buffalo, was born in the town of Clarence, N. Y., July 2, 1873. After a full business course at the Bryant & Stratton Business College, he accepted a position with the Tifft Furniture Co. as bookkeeper for two years and with their successor, Charles F. Doll, for five years. In April, 1897, he engaged in business on his own account and he now has a new stand located at No. 24 West Washington Market. Mr. Klopp is of German parentage, his parents coming to America in 1849 and settling in Erie county.
Van Peyma, Herman B., Buffalo, is a son of James W. and Jetske (Klaasesz) Van Peyma, who immigrated to this country from Holland in 1849, and settled in Lan- caster, N. Y., where Herman B. was born January 18, 1854. His early training was obtained from the public schools of his native town and the High School of Buffalo, from which he was honorably graduated in the class of 1873. Upon graduation he determined to study law and subsequently entered the office of Day & Romer, where he remained until he was admitted to practice in January, 1879. In 1881 he opened an office in Buffalo for the general practice of his profession in which he has since been engaged.
Meister, John D., Buffalo, was born in Neustadt. Ontario, March 23, 1863, and came to Buffalo with his parents when a mere child. He was educated in the public schools of this city, and studied medicine with Dr. Hubbard A. Foster, but never completed the course to take the degree. For a number of years he represented the well known hardware house of Walbridge & Co., as their traveling salesman ; he also acted in the same capacity for the Standard Oil Company of New York. In 1884 he was elected secretary and manager of the Minneapolis Mutual Life Insur- ance Company of Minneapolis, Minn., and the Single Men's Endowment Association of the same city; both positions he resigned shortly after acceptance, owing to a disagreement between Mr. Meister and the board of directors as to the policy of management, they not being in harmony with the progressive ideas of Mr. Meister (both companies have since been obliged to discontinue business). Ex-Governor McGill, then commissioner of insurance for Minnesota, made a proposition to Mr. Meister to enter his department, which he declined, and returned to Buffalo and re entered the employ of Walbridge & Co. and the Standard Oil Company in the capacity of traveling representative. In 1886 he married Sadie L. Luxford of Buffalo, and they had three children; Vida Grenville, born in 1888; Mildred Luxford, born in 1889; and Frederick G., born in 1892, died in 1893. Mr. Meister is engaged in various enterprises and connected with many corporations, is president of the Kenmore Electric Land Co., treasurer of the Commercial Land and Improvement Co., president of the Westinghouse Axle Co., secretary of the Buffalo Steel House Co., secretary and treasurer of the Wa-Fa No Cycle Mfg. Co., secretary of the King Land Co., secretary and treasurer of the International Garbage Crematory Co., and is the junior member of the firm of Curtiss & Meister (Gen. James E. Curtiss, com- missioner of police being the senior member), who do a general real estate and mortgage banking business at No. 122 Franklin street.
Kurtz, William H., was one of the representative business men of Buffalo, a large dealer in timber, with his office in the Builders' Exchange building, where he was a prominent and highly respected member of the Builders' Exchange. Mr. Kurtz was
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born in the village of Lancaster, N. Y., March 7, 1851, and was educated in the common schools. He came to Buffalo when a young man and for a number of years acted as clerk for his father, who was then keeper of the Erie County Almshouse, after which he was employed by Joseph Metz, the lumberman. In 1884 Mr. Kurtz engaged in the lumber business with Mr. McNiel, under the firm name of McNiel & Kurtz. In 1891 the W. H. Kurtz Company was organized, Mr. Kurtz being chosen manager and treasurer, which position he held to the time of his death, July 20, 1897. He was a member of Harmonie Lodge, F. & A. M., and Lake Erie Commandery, being a thirty-second degree Mason. January 19, 1881, he married Etta M., daughter of Robert O. and Julia E. Meldrum of Buffalo, and they had two daughters and one son, who with his wife survive him. He was a devoted husband and father; his true character was best shown in the environments of one of the happiest of homes.
Yates, Carlton E., Buffalo, was born in Hinsdale, N. Y., January 7, 1850, a grand- son of Emery Yates, who was born in Vermont in 1791, and served as volunteer in the war of 1812; he came to Western New York soon after the close of the war and was one of the first settlers in Hinsdale, where he died in 1856. Carlton E. Yates's education was limited and he early in life commenced business for himself in a saw mill at Scott's Corners, where he remained for a few years and then removed to Talmadge Mill, Pa., to look after the mill interests for F. H. Goodyear, remaining there until 1887, when he removed to Buffalo and has since been engaged in buying hard wood lumber. He was for five years with the Empire Lumber Co., and is now with the Union Lumber Co. of Jamestown. He was elected town collector of Hins- dale in 1874 and justice of the peace in 1875, and again in 1883, resigning that office to go to Talmadge Mill, Pa. March 15, 1871, he married Florence E. Huyck, and they have two daughters living in Buffalo; Edith R., wife of Peter Post, and Kath- erine E., wife of A. R. Hague. Mr. Yates is a member of the Red Jacket Lodge I. O. O. F., and Knights of the Maccabees.
Kreinheder, H. W., Buffalo, senior member of the firm of Kreinheder & Flierl, builders and contractors, and manufacturers of all kinds of building material, holds a prominent place in the business circles of Buffalo and is one of its most favorably known citizens. Starting in active life with little or no funds, he has gradually, by dint of hard work and persevering enterprise, risen to the position which he now occupies. For a number of years he was manager of a planing mill and shingle fac- tory at Black Rock, and had a large experience in that particular branch. In 1889 formed a copartnership with Mr. Christian Flierl, under the firm name of Kreinheder & Flierl, and in this undertaking he has been eminently successful. The firm enjoys the distinction of ranking with the foremost firms of their line of business in Western New York. Mr. Kreinheder is a native born Buffalonian and has always resided here. He has ever been greatly respected for his uprightness, executive ability and integrity.
Flierl, Christian, Buffalo, of the firm of Kreinheder & Flierl, builders and contractors and manufacturers of all kinds of building material, enjoys the distinction of being one of the most practical men in his line of business. He has superintended the erection of some of the most beautiful mansions and other large business and public buildings in this and adjacent cities. In 1889 he entered into a copartnership with Mr. H. W.
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Kreinheder, and in this enterprise has been very successful. It would take a very extensive list to enumerate all the buildings erected by this firm, among which would be mentioned especially many of the public school buildings, the East Buffalo Market, The Gould Coupler Works at Depew, N. Y., and many churches and fine residences. All these buildings and many more are a credit to the firm. Mr. Flierl is a native born Buffalonian, has always resided here and has ever been highly esteemed and respected for his business enterprise and integrity.
Merritt, James M., Buffalo .- This well known and enterprising business man was born in Smyrna, Chenango county, N. Y., August 28, 1827, but removed with his parents to Chicago, in 1835, where they remained until 1840, when they returned east. In 1848 he found employment with Mr. Miles Jones, as pork inspector, with whom he remained for five years. In 1856 he was a commercial gauger of wines. In 1862 he was appointed United States gauger of wines, which position he filled for twelve consecutive years. He at this date took charge of the extensive liquor busi- ness of Mr. Thomas Clark, in which he continued until the death of Mr. Clark in 1882, when, in company with two others of the same establishment, he succeeded him in business, which was continued for three years under the firm name of Brown, Merritt & Moore. Mr. Moore retired in 1885, and Messrs. Brown & Merritt continued the business until March, 1888, when Mr. Merritt became sole proprietor and has since continued the business alone. Mr. Merritt is a son of Peter and Sylvia (Merrill) Merritt of New England. He married Helen M. Derrick of Erie county, N. Y., in July, 1858, and three children have been born to them: Fred M., Mrs. Harvey D. Reynolds and N. Genevieve Merritt.
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