USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89
181
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Zimmerman, Chester, an old and prominent citizen of Tonawanda, was born in that place, October 13, 1838, a son of Peter Zimmerman, a pioneer who was a native of Montgomery county, N. Y. He was reared on a farm and acted as teamster during the war of 1812. In 1819 he came to Tonawanda and settled on a piece of land which he cleared for farm purposes; he was a jack of all trades, having been a carpenter and wagonmaker, also a shoemaker. He erected many buildings in Ton- awanda and at his death owned two nice farms. His wife was Elizabeth Wire, by whom he had two sons and five daughters. Chester Zimmerman attended the pub- lic school and remained with his father until he died. He inherited a farm which he sold in 1891, only reserving one acre for his own use, where he now lives a retired life. In 1859 he married Johannah Kennedy, a native of Ireland, and they have five children · Maria, Nettie, Lillian, Emma and Birdie Belle. In politics Mr. Zim- merman is a Republican, but not an aspirant to public office.
Wire, Warren, one of the old and substantial residents of Tonawanda, was born in Herkimer county in 1824. Jacob Wire, his father, was a native of New Jersey, born in 1772, and a pioneer of Tonawanda, having settled and cleared a farm of 185 acres there in early days, coming here in 1830. His wife was Anna Hager, and they reared six sons and six daughters. Mrs. Wire lived to be ninety-one years of age, dying in 1872. Jacob Wire was always actively interested in the politics of his town, held the office of supervisor and was well liked by all who knew him; he and his wife spent their last days in Tonawanda. Warren Wire remained and cared for his parents and conducted the farm until 1891, when he sold his farm and since then has led a retired life. In politics he is a Republican, though he never sought public office. His wife was Elizabeth Zimmerman of Tonawanda and daughter of Adam Zimmerman, and they had one son and two daughters. Mrs. Wire died in 1877. Mr. Wire is the youngest of twelve children and the only one living of his father's family.
McConkey, Thomas T., is one of the native and representative citizens of Tona- wanda, born June 20, 1846. His father, James McConkey, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, December 25, 1814, reared on a farm, and in 1841 came to America, where he first found employment on a farm. Two years later found him station- keeper at one of the canal barns in Buffalo, and after two years there he spent two years as cartman in the baggage and express business. From that time his life has been spent on a farm. For many years he was actively interested in public affairs of his town, affiliating with the Democratic party, and was elected justice of the peace, commissioner of highways and other minor offices. In 1845 he married Ann Taylor, who was a native of County. Donegal, Ireland, she coming to America in 1830 with her parents. Mrs. McConkey died in October, 1896, from the effects of a fall. Mr. McConkey is well for a man of his age and resides with his son. Thomas T. received his education in the district schools and two winters in the public schools of Buffalo. Being the only child he remained on the farm with his parents, and when the proper time arrived he relieved his father of the farm duties and as- sumed full charge of the business. In 1882 he sold their Tonawanda farm and re- moved to Grand Island, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres, which he still owns. While there he represented the town on the Board of Supervisors two terms. In politics he is a consistent Democrat and always actively interested in all public
182
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
affairs appertaining to the welfare of his town. In 1893 he moved back to the town of Tonawanda on account of superior school advantages for his children. January 22, 1874, he married Alice, daughter of Levi Zimmerman of Tonawanda, and their children are David T., Cornelia K., Martha A. and James L. Mr. McConkey is a member of the Maccabees, and of the First Presbyterian church of Tonawanda, in which he officiated as elder for a number of years.
Hamp, Frederick, Tonawanda, is a native of Germany, born in Altkalden by Dargun, in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, May 12, 1845. He was married on September 29, 1870, to Sophia Völker, born in Jöndensdorf by Teterow, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and came to America in 1872, settling in Tonawanda. In 1877 he formed a co- partnership with -George Betts in the furniture and undertaking business, which continued for six months, when he purchased the interest of his partner and has since conducted the business alone. Mr. and Mrs. Hamp have five children.
Barnes, Henry, Tonawanda, was born in Liverpool, Onondaga county, N. Y., February 24, 1843. In 1867 he married Miss Jennie Westgate, who died in 1875. In 1876 he came to Tonawanda and began building boats, which he continued until 1890, when he established his present business, that of dealing in coal, wood, sand and plaster. He has four children: J. B. of St. Joseph, Mo .; Flora J., Frank H. and James C., all of Tonawanda.
Diamond, Frank J., A. M., Ph. D., was born in Hamburg, Erie county, N. Y., December 6, 1854. His father, John Diamond, was a native of Washington county, N. Y., and traces his descent from John Diamond, who came from England during the Revolutionary war. John Diamond (father of Frank J.) came to Erie county about 1845. Frank J. was educated at Geneseo State Normal School, graduating in 1879. His academic degrees were earned with Illinois Wesleyan University. His life work has been that of a teacher, beginning at Akron, Erie county, where he taught one year, one year at Rushford, Allegany county, five years at Stapleton and nine years at Dansville. In 1892 he came to Tonawanda, being appointed superin- tendent of the system of public schools. In 1880 he married Mary E., daughter of Henry Brua, by whom he has two sons, James and Herbert. Mr. Diamond's work in Tonawanda has been eminently successful and satisfactory to the patrons of the schools. Under his management the schools have been advanced in many ways. He stands high among the educators of the State.
Wallenmeier, John G., jr., Tonawanda, was born at Black Rock, October 10, 1862. His father, John G. Wallenmeier, came from Germany and located at Black Rock about 1850, and moved to Tonawanda in 1865. He was the pioneer in the bakery business at Black Rock and Tonawanda. John G., jr., was educated at Tonawanda and at the age of twenty entered the grocery business and continued until 1894, when he was appointed first police justice, under the new law, organizing and governing a police force at Tonawanda, and in 1895 was elected for a term of four years. In 1873 he married Hattie, daughter of Robert L. Koch. Mr. Wallenmeier is one of the pro- gressive men of the town, taking an active interest in it. He is one of the founders of the Niagara Savings and Loan Association, being its president for several years.
Ballard, Fayette A., Tonawanda, was born in New Orleans, La., January 24, 1856. In 1872 he came to Erie county and engaged in the brick making business with Hall
183
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
& Sons. In 1888 he was appointed assistant postmaster, and served as village clerk for seven years. In 1895 he was appointed postmaster, and through his efforts the office has been placed in the second grade by the United States government. In 1879 he married Ella, daughter of David Huff, by whom he has had three children : Edward, Fayette and Francis.
Vroman, Dow, Tonawanda, was born November 28, 1867, and was a native of Schoharie county. The family traces its ancestry from Hendrick Meese Vroman, who came to Schenectady in 1683 and perished in the massacre of 1690. Dow Vroman was graduated from Union College in 1887, taking the degrees of A. B. and C. E. He followed civil engineering for one year and then studied law, and in 1890 was graduated from the Albany Law School with the degree of LL. B. In March, 1891, he came to Tonawanda and formed the firm of Patton & Vroman. He was village attorney for Tonawanda from 1894 to 1896 and was master of Tonawanda Lodge No. 247, F. & A. M., for the years 1895 and 1896. He is one of the veterans of the 25th Separate Company, N. G. N. Y., having served a full term of five years and having been honorably discharged. In 1895 he married Matilda, daughter of. Hugh Sloan, of Buffalo. Mr. Vroman is one of the progressive men of his town, and has always been ready to advance the best interests of his town and its people.
Mulhall, John, Tonawanda, was born in Oneida county, N. Y., September 19, 1862. His father, Thomas Mulhall, came to Tonawanda and was interested in boat building. He was elected to the Assembly from Oneida county in 1870, and took an active part in the development of Tonawanda, being ever ready to advance the interests of the town and its people. John Mulhall was educated at Tonawanda and engaged in the marine business, handling big boats, tugs, steamers etc. In 1891 the Tonawanda Real Estate Exchange was formed of which he was one of the organ- izers; in 1896 he engaged in the same business individually. Mr. Mulhall is one of the most progressive business men of the town, and ever ready to advance its inter- ests. He is active in politics and is at present Democratic State committeeman.
Hinkey, Mary N., Tonawanda .- Lewis Hinkey was born in Mecklenburg, Novem- ber 29, 1835, and came to Buffalo in 1849. In 1866 he formed a partnership with John Nice at Tonawanda, under the firm of Nice & Hinkey, being one of the best known in Niagara and Erie counties. In 1867 he married Mary, daughter of John Nice, and they have four sons and two daughters: Francis A., Frederick, Louis, Benjamin, Mary P., and Clara N. Lewis Hinkey died July 31, 1882, in the prime of manhood, after a short but active business life. He was always read to advance the interests of his town.
Rech, Henry, Tonawanda, was born in the town of Amherst May 6, 1862. He was the son of Christian Rech, who came from Alsace province, France, in 1840, and settled in Buffalo; he removed from there to Amherst and was among the pioneers of that town, moving into Tonawanda in 1862, where through life he was one of the - prominent contractors and builders. He erected the Iron Works mills and many of the best residences in Tonawanda. He died in 1872. Henry Rech was educated in the common schools, and for ten years engaged in the mercantile business; in 1884 he established his present business. In 1891 he married Miss Henrietta Walters,
184
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
daughter of Jacob. Walters, jr., by whom he has one son, Clyde W. Rech, born Au- gust 22, 1893.
Rose, Henry A., Tonawanda, was born in Niagara county, September 1, 1847. He is the son of Lorenzo P. Rose, who came to Niagara county in 1834 from Ellis- burg, N. Y., and through life has been engaged in the mercantile and lumber business. He married Mary J., daughter of Ira Newman. He served as an officer of the town for many years. Mr. Rose was educated in Tonawanda, and in 1864 he enlisted in Company F, 10th New York Cavalry, and took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spotsylvania and others. In 1865 he received an honorable discharge, returned to Tonawanda, and in 1870 established his present business of flour and feed, sand, and contractor's supplies, and in 1892 added the coal business. In 1867 he married Miss Kate M., daughter of Michael Milton, by whom he had eight children: Lorenzo P., Charles H., Ira M., Harry E., Walter S., Mrs. Hattie A. Carney, Elsie E. and Cora M.
Patton, John K., Tonawanda, was born of Irish parentage in the city of Buffalo, October 1, 1856. When he was six years old his widowed mother moved to the town of Elma, Erie county, where he lived on a farm for several years, receiving his edu- cation in the district schools, and attended the East Aurora Academy in 1875-76. In June, 1878, he began the study of law with Messrs. Shearer & Merritt, afterwards with Charles H. Addington, being admitted to the bar October 6, 1882, at Rochester, N. Y., and in 1884 began practice in Tonawanda. He has served his town as justice of the peace, president of the village, and in 1895 as supervisor, and was re-elected to the same office in March, 1897.
March, H. G., Tonawanda, was born in Painesville, Ohio. His father was a native of New Hampshire, and was engaged in the mercantile business through life. Henry G. March was educated in the common schools and the academy of Oakfield, and followed civil engineering In 1870 he came to Tonawanda and engaged in the timber business, in which he still continues. In 1864 he married Catharine, daughter of Philip Walters.
Long, Mrs. Almira, Tonawanda .- Hon. Benjamin H. Long was born in Tona- wanda, October 15, 1832, a son of Benjamin Long who came to Tonawanda in 1828, and was among the pioneer settlers of that town. Benjamin H. Long was educated in the common schools and was graduated from the Lima Institute and from Har- vard College in 1856. He then went to Buffalo and read law with Judge Green; after being admitted to the bar he came to Tonawanda and practiced law and in 1861 was elected to the Assembly. In 1859 he married Almira Josselyn, daughter of Aaron Benedict, and they had four daughters: Mrs. Etta M. Huff, Mrs. Elizabeth F. Haskell, Mrs. Nellie A. Calkins and Mary McCoy, who died in 1894. Mr. Long was one of the leading men of the town, taking an active part in its growth and development. He died in 1878.
Hartman, Adam, Tonawanda, was born in Prussia, Germany, April 6, 1834, and came to the United States in 1852, settled on Grand Island, and engaged in farming and wood boating from Grand Island to Buffalo, and in 1879 moved to Tonawanda and established his present business, and is at the present time the largest tug owner in Tonawanda. In 1861 he married Miss Caroline, daughter of Lewis Levi,
185
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
by whom he has had three sons, Frank, Adam and Louis, and two daughters, Mrs. Caroline Henneberger and Miss Mary Hartman. Adam Hartman is one of the self-made men of the town.
Nice, Mrs. Mary A., Tonawanda .- John Nice was born at Kindenheim-on-the- Rhine, in Bavaria, near the city of Worms, October 13, 1813, and came to the United States in 1836. The family settled in the town of Newstead. In 1844 he married Mary A., daughter of Frederick L. Pfizenmaier. In 1848 he moved to Grand Island, where he passed his life, being recognized as a practical, successful farmer and business man. In 1866 he formed the firm of Nice & Hinkey, which is continued at the present day. Mr. Nice was one of the representative men of the town, progressive and energetic. He ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people, serving as supervisor for four years, and elected to the Assembly in 1873-74. His death, which occurred in 1883, was a loss not only to his family, but to all who knew him. Of him it may be said, " An honest man is the noblest work of God."
Fish, Norman D., Tonawanda, was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., August 12, 1879. His father, John R., was a farmer of that county. Norman D. was educated at Ballston, and was graduated from Union College in 1890 with the degree of A. B. He then took up the study of law with Senator John Foley of Saratoga, and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1892 and began practice in 1893, and in 1896 was appointed at- torney of Tonawanda, which position he now holds. In 1893 he formed a partner- ship with Patten Vroman, under the firm name of Vroman & Fish, which was dissolved in 1896, when was formed the firm of Sickmon, Forsyth & Fish of Buffalo.
Ayrault, Miles, Tonawanda, was born in Perinton, Monroe county, N. Y., Sep- tember 21, 1835. His father, John Ayrault, and family trace their descent from Dr. Nicholas Ayrault, who was one of the French Huguenots who came to this country about 1690. John Ayrault was engaged mostly in cattle raising and farming; his death occurred in September, 1861. Miles Ayrault was educated principally in the common school, although attending a few terms at the Collegiate Institute at Roch- ester, N. Y. He engaged in the hardware business at Elmira in 1862. In 1868 he changed from the hardware business to the manufacturing of the Wyckoff Patent Water Pipe. In 1876 he removed to Bay City, Mich., where he continued the same busi- ness till 1886, when he again returned to New York State, erecting the present plant and continued the manufacture of water pipe. He married, in 1861, Mary, daughter of Darius Talman of Perinton, and they have four children: John, Walter C., Miles, jr., and Helen A. McLennan. Mr. Ayrault is one of the prominent men of the town and has frequently been called to fill offices of trust by the people and always takes an active interest in church and educational matters.
Diedrick, Frederick C., was born in Tonawanda, where he lives, July 15, 1865. He is the son of Frederick Diedrick, who came from Germany in 1862, settling in Tonawanda, and through life was engaged in the milk business. Fred C. was edu- cated in Tonawanda, and then entered the employ of Henry Diedrick, and in 1889 established his present business, and is now carrying a full line of groceries and fresh and smoked meats. In 1890 he married Miss Louisa, daughter of Henry
x
186
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Diedrick, by whom he has had three children: Carrie, Walton and Norman. Mr. Diedrick is one of the representative business men of the town, serving as town clerk for three years and taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions.
Hoyer, Frederick F., M. D., Tonawanda, long ago obtained a place in the front rank of the medical profession, and he has since strengthened his position by skill and judgment as a surgeon and originality as a student of medical science. His whole life, from his resourceful youth to his vigorous old age, illustrates the potency of character and lofty ambition. He was born in the town of Warren, Herkimer county, N. Y., May 9, 1822. In the early years of the century educational opportunities were few, and Dr. Hoyer obtained rather more training than most young men, in attend- ing the district schools and the village academy. At the age of twenty he entered upon a professional career that was destined to last fifty-five years. He entered the office of Dr. Peter P. Murphy as a student and later entered the Geneva Medical College (now Buffalo University) and graduated therefrom in 1849 with the degree of M. D. At the end of that time he removed to Tonawanda and since then has car- ried on his profession with uniform success and with an increasingly large practice. Dr. Hoyer is the oldest practicing physician in the village of Tonawanda, and as a matter of fact, his general practice is still extensive. He was married October 15, 1846, to Pauline Town, and in October, 1896, they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. They have three children: Emma, wife of J. H. Millner of Buffalo, Minard and Josephine. Dr. Hoyer belongs to many professional societies, is a member of the Erie County Medical Society, of which he was president in 1880, and one of the founders of the New York State Medical Society, etc.
Dier, William F., Tonawanda, was born in Buffalo, May 28, 1849. His father, Christian, came to Buffalo in 1837 from Germany, and through life was identified as a vinegar manufacturer. He died in Buffalo, July 29, 1880, aged fifty-six years and seven months. William F. Dier was educated in Buffalo, and in 1883 came to Tonawanda. In 1874 he married Miss Louisa, daughter of John Nicholas Welzel, by whom he has had eight children : William, Mrs. Carrie Simson, Elizabeth, Louisa, Gertrude, Viola, Etta and Vivian.
Hensler, Mrs. Eliza, Tonawanda -Emanuel Hensler was born in Germany, Sep- tember 7, 1822, and came to the United States with his parents at nine years of age, and to Tonawanda in 1850 and was an officer in the Custom House, and owned a very large farm on Grass Island. He also conducted a large grocery business. At the time of his death he was largely interested in the lumber business. In 1845 he married Miss Eliza, daughter of Stephen Van Rensselaer Cummings, by whom he had eleven children. Mr. Hensler was one of the representative men of his town, serving as supervisor, collector and collector of customs. His death, which occurred in 1873, was a loss, not only to his family, but to all who knew him. Of him it may be said, " An honest man is the noblest work of God."
Carney, Henry, Tonawanda, was born in that place, January 18, 1836. He was the son of James Carney, a native of Black Creek, Canada, who came to Erie county with his parents, Edward and Annie (Bailey) Carney, about 1803. He settled near Pendleton and aftewards moved on the small island near Tonawanda, which for
187
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
years was known as Carney Island. James Carney married Sally, daughter of Henry Martin, for his first wife, and after her death in 1831 he married Harriet, daughter of Zelotus Bills. He was a farmer, and died in 1891 in his ninety-second year. Henry Carney was educated at the Lima and Monroe Academies, after which he followed his father and gave his attention to real estate business, in which he still continues. In 1861 he married Mary E., daughter of Christopher Ackerman, by whom he has had seven children, three of whom are living: Byron C., Charles S., and Harry J. Mr. Carney is one of the representative men of the town, serving as school trustee, assessor and sewer commissioner.
Driggs, Roswell, was born in Tonawanda, where he resides, April 1, 1832. He was the son of Urial Driggs, a native of Manlius, Onondaga county, and came to Tonawanda in 1818. He married Lucy Ann, daughter of Levi Wait. Urial Driggs was prominent in the business interests of his town, and respected for his judgment in real estate and mercantile circles. He was also a prominent builder and con- tractor. Roswell Driggs was educated in Tonawanda and Springville, after which he entered the mercantile business, from which he retired and entered the real es- tate business. In 1859 he married Harriet E. Benedict, who died in 1882. In 1885 he married Delia Schell, by whom he has had one son, Arthur. Roswell Driggs is one of the representative citizens of Tonawanda, serving as postmaster, justice of the peace, and in other offices.
Senecal, J. B., Tonawanda, was born in Montreal, October 3, 1851, and came to Lockport, N. Y., in 1865. He entered the employ of James Jackson, remaining for seven years. In 1875 he came to Tonawanda and engaged in the lumber business which he continued for nine years. In 1884 he established his present business, car- rying a full line of watches, jewelry, and silverware. In 1869 he married Constance Bossinere, by whom he has had one son and two daughters: Frank, Marietta and Ellen. Mr. Senecal is one of the representative business men of his town, and takes a great interest in educational and religious institutions, and is ever ready to advance the best interests of his town and townspeople.
Knothe, W. L., was born in Tonawanda, and has resided there all his life. He was formerly in the insurance business and also in the canal business as boat owner, but three years ago he went into the loan business, opening an office at No. 2 Web- ster street. He represents the Eastern Loan Company and the Central City Loan Company, both of Syracuse, and does a great deal to develop the Twin Cities through the liberal methods and fair dealings of his companies and his own honor- able business methods. He will advance as high as sixty per cent. of its value on property, and aids many to make homes for themselves. Mr. Knothe is an active Republican and a member of the Christian church, of which he has been trustee. His father, Frederick Knothe, was prominent in the canal business, was canal col- lector and supervisor in Erie county for four years.
Reisterer, John M., Tonawanda, was born in that town, June 9, 1859, and was educated in the common schools, spending three and a half years in college at Nice, France. After his return he entered St. Joseph's College at Buffalo, and then gave his attention to the supervision of his father's farms. In 1891 he married Louisa B .. daughter of Jacob J. Bollier, and they have two daughters: Olga L. and Theresa A.
188
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
In 1891 he established the brick manufacturing business in company with his father. Mr. Reisterer is one of the most enterprising men of the town. In 1894 he was appointed collector for the port, and has always been interested in the advance of the town and its people.
Mueller, Jacob G., West Seneca, p. o. Buffalo, was born in Baden, Germany, March 24, 1847, son of George and Margaret Mueller. George died in Germany in October, 1846, and his wife in July, 1847. Jacob G. was reared by a sister and educated in Germany. In 1867 he emigrated to America and settled in Buffalo, where for eighteen years he was foreman in breweries and two years in a malt house. In 1886 he engaged in general farming in West Seneca, Winchester avenue, South Buffalo Station. May 20, 1881, he married Amanda S., daughter of John J. and Susan (Meyers) Schusler, he of Baden and she of Lancaster county, Pa. Mr. Schusler came to America about 1840, was a cabinetmaker several years, and then founded the Schusler & Co. brewery, of which he was proprietor till his death in 1887; his widow resides in Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob G. Mueller have five children: Susie, John G., Jacob G., jr., Amanda Miller and Elizabeth Miller. He is a Republican, a member of the Lutheran church, and of Tent No. 322, A. O. U. W.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.