Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II, Part 47

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 47

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Williams, John, Grand Island, p. o. Sheenwater, a resident of Grand Island since his boyhood, was born in Huron county, Ohio, in 1838, the eldest of four children born to Edward and Ellen Williams, natives of Wales. Edward Williams was pos- sessed of considerable money and came to America in 1837, bringing his wife with him and going direct to Ohio, where he embarked in the land business. This enter- prise proved disastrous and he lost his money. In 1845 he removed to Chippewa, Canada, and a year later located in Grand Island, where he found employment. A few years later and during the year of the cholera in that section he left home one day to go to Tonawanda to engage employment and was never heard of by the family afterward. His wife survives him and resides with her son. After the death of his father John became the family support. When the war of the Rebellion broke out and a call for troops was made he was anxious to enlist his services, but the prevailing influence of his mother and sisters and the duties incumbent upon him for their support forced him to remain at home a few years longer, but in the spring of 1864, however, he enlisted in Co. G, 187th Regiment N. Y. Vols., and served until the close of the war, participating in all the battles his regiment was engaged in. In seventeen days after he left Buffalo he was at the front in battle, and had the good fortune to go through receiving but one slight wound. Since his return from the war he has devoted his time to farming. For several years past he has added grape culture, and owns a farm of twenty-five acres beautifully located on the bank of the west division of the Niagara River. In politics Mr. Williams is a Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R. of Buffalo. When a lad of ten Mr. Williams and his father (who was then badly disabled by rheumatism) had a remarkable escape from

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being washed over the Niagara Falls. While crossing the river in a canoe the swift current and a strong wind forced them down at a rapid rate, and by supreme efforts they succeeded in forcing the canoe to a reef, striking with such force that young Williams jumped out into the water, and seizing hold of his father held his head out of the water. The canoe capsized and went on over the falls. The current was slowly but surely washing the two off the reef, when the timely appearance of some men on the shore with a long rope rescued them from their perilous position, as they were about exhausted. In 1866 Mr. Williams married Margaret Welsh, born in Canada in 1844, and they have two children by adoption, Frank Bean, a nephew of Mr. Williams, and a girl aged ten years.

Townsend, John R., Grand Island, the well known farmer and for many years manager of the large stock farm owned by the late Hon. E. G. Spalding, of Buffalo, was born in Stoverville, Canada, May 16, 1857, the second of three sons and two daughters born to Edwin and Mary (Ray) Townsend, natives of England. Edwin was a lifelong gardener and farmer. He came to the United States in 1852, coming direct to Black Rock, where a few years later he was married and moved to Grand Island. He spent the years 1856 and 1857 in Canada, returning to Grand Island where he conducted a portion of the large Allen farm for six years. From 1864 to 1868 he was at Cold Springs, Buffalo, and in 1868 accepted the management for the Falconwood Club, and under his experienced supervision the club house was erected and the elegant grounds laid out and fitted on the west shore of Grand Island. He remained in charge of the Falconwood club house and grounds for fourteen years, when he purchased the farm adjoining, now known as Cottage Grove, fronting on the west division of the Niagara River, erecting a house and cottages for the purpose of leasing to summer residents. He was actively identified with the Republican party on the Island and filled the office of assessor and other minor offices. He died in 1884; his wife survives him and resides on the Cottoge Grove farm. John R. Townsend remained with his father until 1876 and attended the common schools. He then accepted the management of the River Lawn farm of 365 acres, for the Hon. E. G. Spalding, in Grand Island, on which for many years under the good management of Mr. Townsend they have made a specialty of breeding Holstein cattle. As manager of this farm Mr. Townsend still officiates. In politics he is a Republican, but always too busy with his farm duties to be an aspirant to public office. In 1880 he married Hattie E. Naldrett of Alden, N. Y., and their children are Elbridge S., John N. and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend are members of the Congregational church of Grand Island, of which Mr. Townsend is one of the trus- tees; he is also a member of the Farmers' Alliance. Mrs. Townsend is a member of the Maccabees and of the Ladies' Aid Society.

Anthony, John, Boston, p. o. Patchin, was born April 20, 1851, and is a son of John and Achsie Maria (Churchill) Anthony. His father was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1809 and was married in 1829. He came from Dutchess connty in 1840 and settled on the farm now owned by our subject, where he with his wife un- derwent the hardships incident to pioneer life. They had ten children, seven of whom are living: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Milo Canfield, living in Eden; Martha, now Mrs. W. D. Smith, living in Council Bluffs, Ia .; Gorham, died in 1840; Almina, married Edward Randall, died in 1864; George, now living in East Tawas, Mich. ;

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Mary, Mrs. L. J. Drake, of Chicago; Carlos Emmons, died in 1886; Margery, living in Buffalo, and John the subject. Mr. Anthony was married to Adelaide Goodspeed of Hamburg, N. Y., a daughter of George C. and Hariett Goodspeed, and they have six children: William D., Winifred G., Lauren C., Florence M., John Cleveland and Norman J. Mr. Anthony is now assessor and a member of the A. O. U. W. He is largely engaged in dairying and fruit growing and is a progressive and enterprising citizen.

Baker, Charles, Boston, p. o. North Boston, was born February 1, 1828, and is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Jones) Baker. His grandfather, Elisha Baker, came from Washington county in 1822 and settled in what is now East Hamburg and en- gaged in farming. He was a Quaker and of the sterling worth of that religious sect. Isaac Baker was born in the town of Easton, Washington county, in 1806, and came with his parents to Erie county when sixteen years of age. He attended school at Hamburg, after which he went to Rochester to complete his studies, after which he engaged in farming. He was married in 1826 to Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Joseph Jones. Mrs. Baker died in 1832, aud he married Cynthia Maria Arnold, deceased; his third wife was Sarah Hambleton, deceased, and his fourth wife, Eliza Armitage. Charles Baker married in 1849 Samantha Paxson, and they have four children: Charles F., Herbert E., Minerva E. and Adelbert I. Mr. Baker worked at the car- penter's trade for about fifteen years and then engaged in farming, in which he has been very prosperous. He has served with credit as supervisor for two terms in Boston, and is a member of the A. O. U. W., having filled the office of master work- man with honor to himself and satisfaction to the order.

Cary, Van Rensselaer, Boston .- His grandfather, Richard Cary, a Revolutionary soldier, was born in Mansfield, Conn., in 1759, came from Madison county, N. Y., in March, 1806, with an ox team, bringing a sick wife and a large family of chil- dren, to Boston Valley, and settled on the same land now owned by V. R. Cary. Luther H. Cary, father of V. R. Cary, was the third son of Richard Cary, and was born in Williamsburg, Mass., in February, 1800. In 1821 he married Lucy Doolittle, who bore him eight sons, six of whom reached maturity. Three joined the Union army, and died in service. He died in 1874, and his wife in 1870. Van Rensselaer Cary was born August 23, 1825, in Boston, N. Y., and was educated in the common schools and at Springville Academy. He held the office of town superintendent of schools, school commissioner, and president of the Erie County Agricultural Society for five years, and member of the official board thirteen years. He spent two years at seafaring, 1846-48. He married, in 1850, Jane A. Skinner of Boston, who bore him three sons: One died in childhood; Elgin B., who is married and has one son, Van Rensselaer, born in 1896; and Luther D., married and has three sons, David D., born in 1881, Frank A., born in 1883, and Robert L., born in 1894. Mr. Cary united with the Free Baptist church fifty-eight years ago and was clerk of the Erie Quarterly Meeting of Free Baptists for twenty-three years; Mrs. Cary is also a de- vout member of the Free Baptist church.

Klein, Lewis P., Boston, p. o. Patchin, was born in Boston, N. Y., December 6, 1860, a son of Philip and Saloma Klein, both natives of Germany and who settled in Boston in 1847. June 16, 1886, Mr. Klien married Lucy M. Gallmann, a daughter

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of Philip and Magdalena Gallmann. They have one daughter, Lenora, who was born March 7, 1888. Mr. Klein is one of the successful and enterprising farmers of Boston, and is engaged principally in dairying.

Lehning, Frederick, Boston, p. o. Colden, was born in Hesse, Germany, February 14, 1840, and came to America with his parents in 1853, locating in Buffalo, where he resided with his parents until he married, which occurred on December 1, 1861. On January 1, one month later, he moved on to the farm where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Lehning have two sons and three daughters. Emil, the oldest son, is en- gaged in the grocery business in Buffalo; Henry and Caroline are twins, and Henry lives at home and carries on the farm. Johanna and Matilda are the youngest. Mr. Lehning's wife, Elizabeth, was born in France, January 1, 1838, and came with her parents to America in 1852. Mr. Lehning received her education in France and Mr. Lehning in Germany, although he attended night school in Buffalo to learn English. Mrs. Lehning died August 24, 1895.

Needham, Warren, Boston, son of Charles Needham, was born in Concord, Octo- ber 17, 1855. He received his education at Hamburg and Orchard Park, since which time, with the exception of two years, he has worked on the farm of 160 acres he owns, making a specialty of dairying. March 10, 1879, he married Alice Hale, daughter of Alex and Newal (Kimball) Hale. Mrs. Needham died in September, 1887, leaving three children, Jessie, Mason W. and Alice.

Partridge, Jerome M., Boston, was born in South Collins, October 31, 1835, and is a son of Amos and Mary (Pelton) Partridge. His father came from Vermont in an early day, settling in Cattaraugus county, and helped build the Erie Canal. Mr. Partridge was married May 20, 1879, to Ella M. Sweet, and they have two children, Vivian Bell, born January 27, 1882, and Bessie Irene, born April 16, 1891.

Miller, William, Boston, was born April 7, 1845, in Alsace, and is a son of Chris- tian and Magdalena Miller. His mother died in France in 1851. In 1854 he came with his father to America, settling in Buffalo, where they arrived May 12, 1854. His father and family (he having married again) proceeded at once to the town of Boston, where he purchased a farm on the hill east of the village and which our sub- ject now owns. His stepmother died in March, 1890, and his father died in January, 1896, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. They had nine children, five of whom are living: Martin, lives in Colden, Michael, lives in Marilla, Charles, lives in Franklin, Pa., and is connected with the Standard Oil Company, being a large stockholder and a millionaire; and one sister, Mrs. Wallish, living in Holland vil- lage. William Miller married Catherine Anna Schlegele, daughter of Mathias and Susan Margaret Schlegele, who were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had four children: Carrie, who lives in Buffalo; Amelia, deceased; William, deceased ; and Charles A., who is now attending school in Buffalo. Mr. Miller has twice been elected town collector and has been assessor of Boston for six years, both offices having been filled with entire satisfaction to the people of his town and credit to himself. Mr. Miller is a farmer and raises large quantities of hay and grain, but gives the most of his attention to dairying, and converting the milk product into cheese.

Rice, William B., Boston, was born and reared on the farm he now owns February

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14, 1822, is a son of Wilder and Mary Rice. His father was born in Vermont, and came with his father to Erie county when it was but a wilderness. There were no roads, and blazed trees formed the only guide from one place to another. He was born in 1790 and died September 11, 1864. His mother was born in 1797, and died November 6, 1864. William B. Rice was married March 21, 1876, to Jenette Zwipf, and they have one son, Charles T., born May 8, 1879, who is now attending school at Collins Center. Mr. Rice is a Republican, and has been ever since the organization of the party.

Bauer, Frederick W., Eden, was born in the town of Eden on the farm he now owns August 13, 1861, and educated in the common schools. He purchased the farm from his father in 1887 and has since conducted it, making a specialty of breeding high grade stock and dairying. In 1886 he married Catharine S. Janes, and they have two children, Florence and Lena. Mr. Bauer's grandfather, Jacob, was a na- tive of Alsace, Germany, born in 1791. He immigrated to America with his family in 1834, settling in Buffalo, where he remained for a short time, when he removed to Eden. His wife, Mary Catharine Ebar, died four years after they settled in Eden, leaving nine sons and one daughter. Henry Bauer, the father of Frederick W., was born in Alsace, Germany, in 1820. He was a carpenter by trade, which he worked at for a time in Buffalo. When twenty-eight years of age he engaged in farming on a portion of the homestead, to which he added fifty acres more, where he spent his life. His wife was Magdalena Schweikhardt, a native of Germany, and their chil- dren are Barbara, Magdalena, George, Saloma, Philip, Maria, Henry, Frederick, Benjamin and Louisa, all of whom are living. Mr. Bauer died in 1888, and his wife survives him and resides on the homestead with her son.

Caskey, Joseph D., Eden, was born in the town of North Evans February 25, 1859. He received his education in the common schools and the Angola and Hamburg Academies. His first business experience was as an agent for a sewing machine company, which he followed for a time, and then engaged as a clerk in a store in Angola for four years. In 1882 he formed a partnership and engaged in the mercan- tile business in Eden Center, and later bought his partner's interest, and has car- ried on the business alone. He filled the office of postmaster under both of Cleve- land's administrations and was town clerk for three years. He married Carrie M., daughter of Franklin and Julia Doll, and they have two children, Franklin and Harry M. Harry Caskey, the father of Joseph D., was born in Buffalo in 1832, and married Anna Doan, and they had four children: Alice, Esther, Joseph D. and Hettie.

Heinrich, George Philip, Eden, p. o. Eden Valley, one of Eden's well to do and successful farmers, was born in the town of Eden, January 12, 1851. He received a limited district school education, and has spent his life thus far on a portion of the homestead. In 1873 he married Magdalena Bauer, and they have four children: Amelia, Julia, Charles and Mary. Mrs. Heinrich died October 4, 1888. Diebold Heinrich, his grandfather, was born in Elsass, Germany, August 12, 1786, and died April 3, 1839. His wife was Catherine Waggoner, and their children are George, Diebold and Magdalena. George Heinrich, the father of our subject, was also a native of Germany, born in Elsass, October 25, 1812. He was a successful farmer

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and accumulated a large property. His wife was Saloma Wohlhuter, born October 23, 1828, and their children are Saloma, Magdalena, Catharine, George, Mary, Fred- erick. Daniel, William and Caroline. He died in 1884 and his wife in 1865.

Hoelscher, John David, Eden, p. o. East Eden, a prominent and influential man of East Eden, was born in Buffalo, August 26, 1864. He attended the St. Mary's Parochial School and the Buffalo College being graduated from the latter when fif- teen. He then entered a store as clerk, and later learned the file-cutter's trade, which he plied for five years; he also assisted his father in his work at the docks for a time, and when his father moved to Eden he came with him, where he has since lived and has assumed the management of the farm. In March, 1893, he was elected justice of the peace. In 1895 he was nominated for supervisor, but was defeated, the town being largely Republican. In October, 1896, he married Rosa Weber of Eden, and a daughter of Anthony Weber. Mr. Hoelscher's father, Frank Hoelscher, was a native of Hanover, Germany, and was born February 2, 1833. In 1862 he married and migrated to America and settled in Buffalo, where he engaged as steve- dore, which he continued until 1888, when he removed to the town of Eden and pur- chased the farm on which he now resides. His wife was Mary Elizabeth Kuhlmann, and their children are J. David, Anna and Mary.

Heinrich, William D. Henry, Eden, p. o. Water Valley, was born in Eden, Sep- tember 6, 1862, and was educated in the district schools. He was engaged in farm- ing until twenty-five years of age when he purchased his present fine and valuable farm. In 1888 he married Caroline, daughter of Jacob Zittle, aud they have three children: Frank, Clarence and Walter. Mr. Heinrich's grandfather, Diebold Hein- rich, was a native of Elsass, Germany, and emigrated to America in 1832 with his family. He settled in Eden on a tract of wild timber land, and there made him a home in the woods. He met his death April 3, 1839, by being crushed between two logs. George Henry Heinrich, father of William, was bornin Germany, October 25, 1812, and came to America with his parents when a young man. He worked in Buf- falo for a time, but soon settled in Eden on a farm, and at the time of his death was the owner of 240 acres, which was divided between his sons.

Ritter, John, Eden, p. o. Hamburg, was born in Eden, February 15, 1860, and re- ceived a limited education from the district school. After the death of his father he assumed the care of the farm, caring for his mother until her death. In November, 1894, he married Mrs. Emma Britton, a native of Niagara Falls, and they have four children: Lulu, Samuel, Irene and Edna. Mr. Ritter's father, John Conrad Ritter, was born in Germany in 1820, and came to America about 1849. His wife was Dorothy Proeppert, and they had eight children: Minnie, Anna, Dorothy, John, Caroline, Julia, Louisa and Clara. Mr. Ritter died September 22, 1876, and his wife died April 19, 1894.

Adams, Asa J., Marilla, born in the town of Manlius, Onondaga county, N. Y .. January 31, 1831, is a son of Thomas J. and Sally (Hackett) Adams, he born at Fa- bius, Onondaga county, December 1, 1805, and she at Fairfield, N. Y., May 3, 1802. Thomas J. Adams came by canal to Buffalo, thence to Marilla, in 1832, where he spent the remainder of his life at farming. He died February 5, 1851, and his wife April 6, 1884. Asa J. Adams has always been a farmer and speculator in stock. In

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1851 he married Triphena, daughter of George W. Hunt of Alden, and she died De- cember 2, 1865, leaving one son, Harry. For his second wife Mr. Adams married Elizabeth E. Greenfield of Dodge county, Wis., and they had three children: Henry W., teacher in the Buffalo schools; Jennie T., wife of Lester B. Longee, a physician of Attica, N. Y .; and Jessie L. Mr. Adams is a staunch Republican and has been assessor for nine years. He is a member of Lodge No. 81, A. O. U. W.

Flood, Joseph P., Marilla, was born in Londonderry, Vt., February 10, 1813, a son of Joseph and Betsey (Priest) Flood, both of Marlboro, Cheshire county, N. H. In 1805 they went to Londonderry, and thence in 1833 to Marilla, where they purchased the farm still owned by Joseph P. The father died in 1854 and the mother in 1861. In 1838 Joseph P. married Caroline, daughter of Asa and Philomelia Buttolph, of Darien, Genesee county, N. Y., and they had three children: Julia A., who married Jasper Bidlock, of Batavia; he died in December, 1895; Sarah J., who married Theo- dore Westcott; and Betsey M., who died at the age of fifteen. Mr. Westcott died in 1887 and Mrs. Westcott afterward married Henry D. Harrington, a merchant of Marilla, who died in August, 1895. She has one son, Everett J. Westcott, who works on the home farm. Mrs. Flood died July 12, 1896, aged eighty-four. Mr. Flood owned 139 acres and had always been a successful farmer. He had served his town as as- sessor and had other offices tendered him, but always refused to accept. He had charge of an Independent Rifle Company for two years. Joseph P. Flood died March 24, 1897, aged eighty-seven years.

Munn, Watson, Marilla, p. o. West Alden, was born at Hamilton Center, Madison county, N. Y., son of Asa (born October 11, 1789) and Sarah (Durkee) Munn, and grandson of Gideon and Lovina (Curtis) Munn, all natives of Connecticut. Asa Munn died in Marilla December 8, 1876, and his wife in June, 1879. Watson Munn began his business life as a clerk and later learned the shoemaking trade, which he followed but a short time, when he assisted his father on the farm for awhile, then returned to his trade, working in New York, Brooklyn and Jersey City. About 1843 he returned to the homestead farm, which he and his brother assisted in paying for, adding forty-two and a half acres, making about ninety-seven acres each. He makes a specialty of. dairying. In 1853 he married Mary L., daughter of Russell Hopkins of Portland, Conn. They have had two children: Florence, born in 1857, and died in 1870; and Asa H., born July 8, 1860, married in 1881 Jane A., daughter of Abram and Mary Veeder, and have three children: Watson A., born November 13, 1882; Arthur V., born November 6, 1884; and Florence M., born March 21, 1892. Asa H. conducts the homestead farm.

Veeder, John R., Marilla, was born in Marilla, N. Y., November 29, 1859, and is a son of Abram S. and Mary A. (Patterson) Veeder. Mr. Veeder was educated in the common schools and at the Buffalo Business College and Slocum School of Short Hand. He was first engaged as bookkeeper at Olean and Batavia, and for two years was with the People's Guaranty Search Company at Buffalo. He now resides and works the old homestead farm. In politics he is a Democrat, and was elected supervisor in 1895, and re-elected in 1897, the town being largely Republican. He is a member of Alden Lodge No. 594, F. & A. M., East Aurora Chapter No. 282, R. A. M., Evening Star Lodge No. 657, I. O. O. F., East Buffalo K. of P. No. 333, and Marilla Tent No. 263, K. O. T. M.

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Willis, R. G., Marilla, was born in Alden, October 4, 1820, son of Nathan and Betsey E. (Bissel) Willis, he of New Hampshire and she of Massachusetts. Nathan settled in Alden in 1810, and died there in January, 1866; his wife died in 1825. R. G. Willis was reared at farming and lumbering. In 1847 he married Elvira S., daughter of Captain Edward Nye. They had two children: Emma M., wife of R. W. Austin of Marilla; and Helen E., wife of Herbert Mason of Aurora. Mrs. Willis died in 1859, and he married, March 7, 1863, Elvira L. Pattengell; she was the daughter of Oliver Pattengell and widow of Jonathan S. Kerr. They have one daughter, Hattie G., wife of Charles E. Hall of Marilla. R. G. Willis has spent his life at milling, farming and hotel-keeping, and is now living retired with his daugh- ter, Mrs. Hall, his wife having died in 1896. Mr. Willis held several town offices, and is a man highly esteemed.

Allen, James L., Wales, p. o. East Aurora, born in Newport, Herkimer county, N. Y., February 18, 1843, is son of Isaac and Emily (Willoughby) Allen, who were farmers of Wale. He died August 6, 1884, and Mrs. Allen May 8, 1895. James Allen was reared on the farm and has made farming his occupation. In 1866 he married Sally, daughter of Jared and Louisa Tiffany of Wales. Mr. Allen enlisted in 1861 in Co. K. 100th N. Y. Vol. Inft., and was honorably discharged in October, 1864. In politics he is a Republican, and in the spring of 1895 was elected supervisor of Wales. He is a member of Arthur Smith Post, No. 506, G. A. R., at East Aurora.

Calkins, Myran, Wales, p. o. East Aurora, born in the town of Marcellus, Onon- daga county, N. Y., May 10, 1837, is a son of David and Caroline (Sissin) Calkins. He died in 1889 and Mrs. Calkins in 1842. The grandfather of Mrs. Calkins was Israel Calkins, who was a miller of Wales and went west, where he died. Mr. Myran Calkins was one of four children, and his brother, William H., was a soldier in the Rebellion three years, being in many hard battles; he was taken sick and came home and died April 9, 1865. Mr. Calkins when five years of age was brought by his father to Wales and left to live with his uncle, James W. Kellogg. At the death of Mr. Kellogg Mr. Calkins fell heir to the farm and he has since resided there. In 1860 he married Althera, daughter of Samuel and Relief Stevens of Wales. Mrs. Calkins died February 4, 1894.

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Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II, Part 47

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