USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 28
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McGuire, Francis W., M. D., Buffalo, was born in Wellington county, Ontario, in August, 1866. He was educated in the public and high schools, and was graduated from the High School in 1885. In 1891 he began the study of medicine at the Niag- ara University. During 1893 and 1894 he was a student at the Erie County Alms- house, and received his degree in 1894, and immediately commenced the practice of
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his profession in Buffalo, where he has since resided. He is a son of George and Hannah (Gardiner) McGuire, who were natives of Canada.
Loveland, Henry B., attorney and counselor at law, Buffalo, was born at Arkport, Steuben county, N. Y., December 9, 1860. His early years were spent on the farm, during which time he attended the district school. Later he took a four years' course at the Hornellsville Academy; finally, a full four years' classical course at Hamilton College where he was honorably graduated in the class of 1886. While at college he also took the full law course in the Maynard Law School. On graduation he removed at once to Buffalo and entered the office of Wadsworth & Loveridge, but soon accepted the managing clerkship in the law office of Hawkins & Williams, where he remained until 1888, when he was duly admitted to the bar, and immedi- ately opened an office for the practice of his profession, which he still continues, his offices now being at 820 and 822 Ellicott Square, Buffalo, N. Y. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion a Presbyterian. In 1892 Mr. Loveland was married to Miss Lucy S. West, of Philadelphia, daughter of the late Dr. Henry S. West, mis- sionary to Sivas, Turkey in Asia. They have two children, a boy and a girl, and reside at 431 Norwood avenue.
Johnson, Walter H., secretary and treasurer of the Peter Paul Book Company, Buffalo, was born in Bradford, Vt., July 15, 1847. His first business experience was St. Albans, Vt., as chief clerk in the master mechanic's office of the Central Vermont Railroad, where he remained for twelve years. He then came to Buffalo and became engaged in the oil business with Johnson & Co. In 1893 he became connected with the Peter Paul Book Co. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Buffalo Society of Ver- monters, is interested in charitable and philanthropic work of the city, and for some years has been president of the Buffalo Orphan Asylum.
Christ, George F., Buffalo, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 9, 1840. When he was twelve years of age his parents came to America, where he was variously employed until 1857 when he began the butcher business, and in 1862 opened a market on his own account, which he is still engaged in. In 1864 he married Barber Asmus of Buffalo, and was again married, in 1892, to Ellen S. Risser.
Munson, Henry S., Buffalo .- During the last half century the study of life insur- ance has become one of the economic problems of the civilized world. In America exceptional progress has been made. No one who professes any knowledge of finan- cial matters, questions the soundness of the arguments used in demonstrating the insurance of human life to be one of the best of investments to the rich as well as the poor. This result has been accomplished by the managers of the different com- panies throughout the land, and among the most active and influential of this class is Henry S. Munson of Buffalo, Western New York agent for the Ætna Life and Accident Insurance Company, of Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Munson was born May 19, 1837, at Rutland, five miles from Watertown, N. Y., a son of Dr. Isaac and Cornelia (Stebbins) Munson. Dr. Munson graduated in medicine at Fairfield Col- lege, Herkimer county, N. Y., and for many years conducted a large practice in and around Rutland with great success. He was elected county clerk in 1849, removed to Watertown, and while discharging the duties of that office was made vice- president of the Agricultural Mutual Fire Insurance Co., of which, in 1853, he became
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secretary. In 1863 he effected a change in its organization, merged it into a stock company and was largely instrumental in its success. He continued in the capacity of secretary, and as president, until his death in 1886. Henry S. Munson prepared for college at Watertown, entered Hamilton College in 1854, but after a year was compelled to temporarily relinquish his studies because of failing eye-sight. He later attended Williston Seminary. Easthampton, Mass., and after completing his studies read law at Watertown, then took a year's course in the law school at Poughkeepsie. In 1857 he was admitted to practice at Dubuque, Iowa, from the office of United States Senator William B. Allison, practiced his chosen profession for ten years, and, at one time, was a partner of Hon. Emory A. Storrs, of Chicago, one of the ablest and most prominent criminal lawyers ever produced in this country. In 1867 Mr. Munson was induced to embark in insurance, and returning to Water- town, became associated with the Manhattan Company. Subsequently he was identified with the Empire State Life, of Watertown, as a manager of agencies. In 1872 he assumed charge of the correspondence and general office duties for the Agricultural Fire Insurance Company, of Watertown, but two years later was elected secretary of the Homestead Fire Insurance Company, continuing as such by repeated elections three years. Life insurance better suited him, however, and in February, 1877, he became manager for Western New York for the Phoenix, of Hartford, continuing as such for fifteen years. Since then he has occupied his present position. In politics Mr. Munson is a sound money Democrat. As a Mason he has attained to the rank of Knight Templar. July 1, 1863, he married Miss Ruth A. Allen, by whom he is the father of five children, one son and two daughters now living. Inheriting a healthy and rugged constitution, Mr. Munson has retained much of the vigor and freshness of young manhood by living a temperate life and refusing to be worried over difficulties. Socially he is affable, entertaining and agreeable and an excellent companion. His long association in both branches of the insurance busi- ness has brought him into personal acquaintance with more agents, perhaps, than any other man in the business. In 1895 he was president of the Life Underwriters' Association of Western New York. In his religious views Mr. Munson is of the Presbyterian faith.
Porter, Cyrus K., Buffalo, architect, was born in the village of Cicero, Onondaga county, N. Y., August 27, 1828, and is a son of Welcome and Rachel (Kinne) Porter. He first learned the trade of a joiner. After studying architecture, he secured a position as draftsman for the Chicago Water Works. In 1855 he opened an office on his own account in Brantford, Ont., where he remained several years. He then removed to Buffalo in 1865 and has since made that city his home. Mr. Porter has made the erection of public buildings a special study, and as early as 1867 received a premium of two thousand dollars in an open competition for designs for the War Department buildings at Washington, D. C. He has since won many important premiums, and has been employed in the erection of many edifices of a public and private character. His son, Jesse R. Porter, is associated with him in business.
Weigand Bros., John L. and Edward C., Buffalo, were born in Constantinople, Turkey, in 1860 and 1865 respectively, sons of John L. and Elizabeth Weigand. John L. was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and Elizabeth of Russia. The father was a baker by trade and came with his family to America in 1867, settling in
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Buffalo, and after five years at his trade engaged in the malting business. This he followed until the time of his death in 1897. The brothers received a limited education in the German schools of Buffalo, but having the natural qualifications for successful business men they were early engaged in business on their own account. In 1886 they engaged in the coal business, having succeeded to it through the death of a brother, and to this business, which has grown pro- portionately large under their management, they have added the flour and feed business. In 1887 they succeeded their father in the malting business which they continued until 1894, when they ceased operations in that line, thereby enabling them to devote more time and attention to their real estate transactions, they having acquired possession of considerable valuable realty. They continued their large coal and feed business, their office being located at No. 1093 Genesee street, where they own considerable property. In politics the brothers are Republicans; John L. has been active in political affairs in his ward for a number of years, and is at the present time a candidate for the office of supervisor. He is a member of Sprudell Fishing Club and Harmonia Benevolent Association. The brothers are members of the orders of Odd Fellows and Red Men. They are both married.
Keller, John I., a prominent and well known citizen of Tonawanda, was born in that place in 1866. Isadore Keller, his father, was a lifelong farmer, having been born in Germany in 1833. When he was three years of age his father, Francis, came to America, where Isadore grew to manhood. He pursued farming until 1891, when he removed to Buffalo, leaving the farm in charge of his son John. He has always been active and successful and well deserves the rest he is now enjoying. His wife was Katherine Buling, born in Canada. In politics Mr. Keller is a Demo- crat. John I. Keller received a common school education, and he being the only son, remained and took entire charge of the farm after his father went to Buffalo. In politics he is a Democrat, and a member of the C. B. L. His wife was Louisa Rupp of Buffalo, and they have three sons and three daughters.
Failing, David R., Tonawanda, the oldest living resident born in what was then the town of Buffalo, was born December 9, 1819. His great-grandfather was a farmer in Montgomery county, N. Y., and during the French war he was surprised and cap- tured by the Indians while picking apples. He was taken through the woods to Canada, enduring great hardships and was held prisoner there until the close of the war. Richard Failing, father of David R., was born in Montgomery county in 1787. He sold his farm in the Mohawk valley and moved to the town of Buffalo in 1817, where he bought a tract of 120 acres of timber land which he cleared. Here he successfully reared his family and spent many useful years, owning at different times 500 acres of land, 180 of which he possessed at the time of his death. He was active and influential in public affairs pertaining to his town; he acted as assessor for a number of years and filled the offices of commissioner of highways and super- visor. He was a personal friend and acquaintance of President Fillmore, Ebenezer Johnston (the first mayor of Buffalo) and E. G. Spaulding. His wife was Katherine Zimmerman and they reared three sons and four daughters. He died August 27, 1868, and his wife died in April, 1867. David R. Failing received a limited educa- tion. He remained on the farm and cared for his parents until their death. He yet owns sixty acres of the homestead, sixty acres of which he sold for $1,500 per
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acre. In 1895 Mr. Failing erected two houses in the village of Kenmore, where he has since resided. For many years he has been much interested in educational and church work, has been a member of the M. E. church for forty-five years and a liberal supporter; he is an active member of the official church board of the Kenmore church. In the spring of 1897 he purchased a bell for the Kenmore church, besides spending several hundred dollars for other improvements. In the summer of 1897 he erected and donated to the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y., an educational hall, a fine large three-story brick building which will be known as Failing Hall. In December, 1854, he married Mary Ann Lewis of Steuben county, and they had four sons, all of whom Mr. Failing provided with college advantages. In politics Mr. Failing is Republican.
Kent, John Warren, now of North Tonawanda, is the oldest living pioneer settler of Grand Island. He was born at Rome, Oneida county, N. Y., October 17, 1818, one of six sons and ten daughters born to Warren Kent by two wives. Warren was a grandson of Warren Kent, a native of England, who migrated with his brother to America and subsequently became patriots in the cause of American freedom. H had the proud distinction of being a participant in the throwing overboard of the historical cargo of tea in Boston harbor just previous to the war of the Revolution. Warren, the father, was a grocery and hotelkeeper at Sackett's Harbor during the war of 1812; later he moved to Rome and engaged as boatman on the Mohawk River for a number of years. In 1832 he came to Erie county and settled on Grand Island as a squatter and engaged in getting out timbers for the Black Rock pier; later he cleared a tract of land in the town of Tonawanda and farmed. In 1829 he located on Buck Island and engaged in the stave business. After several years he settled down to farming on Grand Island where he spent his remaining days. He died on February 22, 1838, aged sixty-two years. In politics he was a Democrat. John W. Kent grew to manhood on the Island and his school education was very limited. He spent two winters in Canada, where he tended locks on the Welland Canal and attended school. His early life was attended with many hardships, assist- ing his father in the woods and farming. In 1838 he purchased sixty acres which he cleared, converting the timber into spiles and cord wood and disposing of it on the river bank; he later bought sixty acres more and for many years made apple culture a specialty; on this farm he lived and prospered and reared his family. In politics he is a Democrat, but since 1882 has affiliated with the Prohibition party. He was elected to fill the offices of justice, collector and other minor offices. In 1893 he sold his farm and retired to the city of North Tonawanda, where he resides with his chil- dren. In 1839 he married Mary Ellen Wintermoot of Canada, and their children are John W., Imogene Granger, Charity, James Randolph, Morris, George, Joseph, Frank and Charles. His wife died in December, 1884. James Randolph Kent was born on Grand Island, January 25, 1849. When eighteen he left home and went to Tonawanda, where he engaged as raftsman for his uncle, which he followed for many years, and in 1891 received his appointment as patrolman in North Tonawanda, which postion he still holds. In politics he is a Republican; is a charter member of the A. O. U. W. and Select Knights, being treasurer of the latter lodge. In 1876 he married Maria N. Carroll, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Fayles) Carroll, and they have four children: Alexander R., John W., Elizabeth and Harold E. Mrs. Kent is
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a member of the Auxiliary Select Knights and the L. O. T. M. Mrs. Kent's mother, Elizabeth Carroll, was born in Buffalo in 1819, and moved to Grand Island with her parents, Henry and Maria (Undrwood) Fales, in 1831, soon returning to Buffalo to reside with an uncle and was a resident there when Buffalo was incorporated as a city. Most of her life was spent on Grand Island, where she now owns a farm; she later became a resident of North Tonawanda and saw it incorporated as a city. She was present when the first train of cars pulled out of Buffalo. She is now an active old lady enjoying life among her children, being the mother of eleven, seven of whom are now living.
Meyer, Frederick William, Torawanda, was born in Posen, Germany, October 17, 1860, an only child of Jacob and Laura Meyer, his mother dying when he was six weeks old. His father was a weaver by trade, but followed the business of contract- ing, a portion of his contracts being the cutting of many fields of grain, sometimes employing 300 men. He died when forty-two years of age. Frederick William re- ceived a common school education in his native place and then learned the miller's trade. In 1883 he came to America, coming direct to Buffalo and arrived there with but a few dollars in his pocket. He immediately sought employment and three days later went to Williamsville, where he found employment on a farm, remaining there three years. He then came to Tonawanda, where he engaged as third miller with the Tonawanda Roller Mill Co., in whose employ he has remained up to the present time. By his strict integrity and careful attention in looking after the welfare of his em- ployer's business he has been rewarded by receiving promotions which place him now as head miller. He resides in the village of Tonawanda. His wife was Caro- line Roth, a native of Buffalo, and daughter of Peter and Mary (Kuhns) Roth. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have two children: Arthur and Evelyn. In politics Mr. Meyer is a Republican; he is a member of the Foresters, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
Ensminger, Christian, Tonawanda, was born in that town, April 28, 1848, a son of George Ensminger, who was born in Germany in 1814, and was one of four children born to Conrad Ensminger, viz., Charles, George, Christian and Caroline. Conrad came to America in 1833, bringing his family with him and located in the town of Tonawanda. George, the father of the subject, found employment at farm work and after a few years bought a tract of twenty-five acres. He was a hard worker and in- dustrious and to this farm added from time to time until he owned at one time 300 acres. He assisted each of his three sons in purchasing a farm. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife was Magdelene Schear, a native of Germany and daugh- ter of Andrew Schear. They reared three sons and three daughters, and were both members of the Lutheran church, in which he often filled official capacities. He died October 8, 1891, and his widow June 25, 1892. Christian Ensminger received a very limited education, being obliged to work on the farm and do a man's work at a very early age. He remained with his father until thirty years of age, when he purchased a farm which his father assisted him to pay for, and in 1888 he sold that farm and purchased the farm of fifty acres on which he now resides. In 1892, dur- ing the land boom in that town, he disposed of thirty five acres at a high price, retain- ing fifteen acres for his own residence; he still operates the farm, having leased it from the purchasers; on his farm he has erected large and commodious farm build-
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ings. In politics Mr. Ensminger is a Democrat, and is a member of the Lutheran church in which he has served as trustee for a number of years. He served as school trustee from 1887 to 1896; was twice collector for the Farmers' Insurance Co. of Tonawanda, and a director a number of years and appraiser of the same company. In 1881 he married Caroline Hoehn, a native of Iowa, and daughter of George and Magdelene Hoehn, who were first residents of Tonawanda, moving to Iowa later. Mr. and Mrs. Ensminger are the parents of three children: Julia, Rose and George.
Reppentine, Henry, one of the leading farmers and dairymen of Tonawanda, was born in Prussia in 1840, one of fifteen children born to Fred and Rachel (Haman) Reppentine. Fred, the father, was a railroad and canal contractor and builder. Henry Reppentine has spent his life as a farmer. He served in the Prussian army three years and was also a soldier in the Prussian and Denmark war, where he was the hero of nine battles, participating in every battle in which his regiment was engaged and was at the taking of Fort Duppel; he was also a soldier in the war with Austria, where he fought in the battle of Yetcheyene and Fort Kenelsgriff. In June, 1867, he came to America, arriving in Tonawanda, where he hired out to do farm work and after two years purchased a farm of forty acres, since which time he has devoted himself successfully to farming and dairying. He now operates a farm of 200 acres and since 1882 has conducted a dairying business in connection with his farming, retailing his milk in the village. In politics he is a Republican. In 1869 he married Margaret Hollar, daughter of Anthony and Bar- bara (Philips) Fix, and they had five children: Henry G., Joseph A., Margaret V., William S. and Frank P. Mrs. Reppentine had three children by her first husband: Josephine, Angeline and Mary ; one child, Peter, died in infancy. In religion Mr. Reppentine is a Protestant. Mrs. Reppentine was reared in the Catholic faith and has brought her children up in the same faith. Mr. Reppentine is a member of the order D. O. H.
Schumacher, Mrs. Charlotte Yockey, is one of the old and prominent residents of the town of Tonawanda, but now of Buffalo. She was born in Germany, Novem- ber 15, 1830, the ninth of five sons and seven daughters born to Henry and Sophia (Miller) Yockey. When seventeen she came to America with an uncle, being pre- ceded by most of her brothers and sisters. After two years she was married to Conrad Schumacher, who was a native of Bavaria, born in 1824, an only son born to Conrad and Katharina Schumacher, who came to America in 1835, settling in the town of Tonawanda on a tract of land which had but half an acre cleared. They cleared the land and made a home. Being a timber country, wild game abounded, and the father became quite a noted hunter. Conrad, jr., grew to manhood in Ton- awanda, became a prosperous farmer, owned 115 acres on Two-Mile Creek road, was prominently identified with the Democratic party and all other public affairs pertain- ing to the welfare of his town and county. He was a man who commanded the esteem of the entire community; he was elected assessor and commissioner of high- ways. To Mr. and Mrs. Schumacher was born one child, Louisa, wife of Jacob Helf of Buffalo. Mr. Schumacher was an active member of the Lutheran church, in which he filled various official capacities. He died October 1, 1887. After the death of her husband Mrs. Schumacher conducted the farm until 1892, when she sold it. Jacob Helf then purchased a lot at No. 535 Ashland avenue, Buffalo, where he erected a dwelling house and they have resided there since they left the farm.
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Tuck, Robert L., one of the well known citizens of Tonawanda, was born in Norfolk, England, May 3 1844. His father, Robert Tuck, was born in 1819 and was a lifelong farmer. He moved to Canada in 1854, settling in the township of Nelson, where he became one of the leading farmers and stock raisers. Being a thoroughly progressive man, he made a practice of exhibiting his grain and live stock at the fairs and invariably received the first premiums; to him was awarded the first prize on wheat at the Centennial Fair held in Philadelphia in 1876. In poli- tics he was a Liberal. His wife, Christianna, was also a native of England, and Mr. and Mrs. Tuck were the parents of six sons and six daughters, five sons and four daughters growing to maturity. Mr. Tuck died in 1892 and his widow in 1893. Robert L. Tuck left home when thirteen years of age to care for himself, and was engaged in various occupations. When twenty-one he came to Tonawanda, where he took up the trade of millwright, which he followed for twenty-nine years in the employ of one man. Since 1894 he has been engaged in the roofing business and wagon repair work, being manager for the Twin City Roofing Company, he and his sons comprising the company. His place of business is in North Tonawanda. In politics Mr. Tuck is a Republican. He is a member of the Masons, holding the office of king in the Royal Arch; member of the order of Select Knights, in which he is inspector-general in the State Grand League and past commander in the sub- ordinate. In 1873 he married Kittie, daughter of A. A. Cary of Madison, Wis., and their children are Alex. C., who is now doing business in North Tonawanda as druggist with L. G. Stanley, he having charge of the store; Fred D., traveling salesman for the F. C. Howlett & Co. wholesale rubber company of Buffalo; Alta, and Ledith Irene. The family are members of the Christian church, Mr. Tuck's term of three years as trustee expiring in June, 1897.
Koch, John E., Tonawanda, was born in Skinnersville, Erie county, N. Y., De- cember 4, 1860. Robert L., his father, was a native of Germany, born about 1813, and came to America when a young man, settling in the town of Amherst where he attended school to learn English, having obtained a liberal education in his native tongue while in Germany. He followed the vocation of farmer until 1862, when he moved to the village of Tonawanda and engaged as laborer in a saw mill, but was soon promoted to the position of bookkeeper by his employer, who realized and ap- preciated his sterling qualities as a business man. He continued for some years with them, when he embarked in the mercantile business for himself and later con- ducted a planing mill. Mr. Koch was a Republican and always active in politics, serving his village as trustee and was often elected delegate to conventions; he held the office of postmaster during the administrations of Grant and Garfield. He was a member of the A. O. U. W. and charter member of the D. O. H. His wife was Elizabeth Kibler of Skinnersville, and they had ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity. Mrs. Koch survives her husband and resides in the village of Tonawanda. John E. Koch received a good public school education and remained with his father until of age, when he engaged in his father's planing mill, where he continued from 1872 to 1893. In 1894 he established his present bottling works on Delaware avenue and has accumulated a good patronage, supplying a dozen towns with his beverages, which are first class. In 1871 Mr. Koch married Nellie Rice of North Bay, and they had two children: Elizabeth and Edward. Mrs. Koch died in 1891 and in 1893 he
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