USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 56
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Cronyn, John, M. D., Ph. D., LL. D., Buffalo, was born in Ireland in 1827, and was educated under his father, at a monastry school in Cork, under private tutors at Knox College and at the University of Toronto in Canada. He passed the examina- tion in medicine at the latter institution in 1850, but did not take his degree on ac- count of the test oath, which required all graduates to subscribe to the thirty-nine articles; being a Roman Catholic he refused to do this, and therefore he was obliged to go before the Provincial Licensing Board, which admitted him to practice. A few years later, the Canadian government having removed all sectarian restrictions, he applied for and received the degree of M. D., his thesis being awarded the chancel- lor's prize. He practiced at Fort Erie with uninterrupted success until about 1859, serving also as local superintendent of schools for several years and being elected reeve. Removing thence to Buffalo he rapidly won a high reputation, and to-day he is recognized as one of the ablest and foremost physicians in Western New York. For more that thirty-five years he has been a member of the staff of the Buffalo Hos- pital of the Sisters of Charity, serving first as surgeon and latterly as physician in
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chief. He was for eight years marine surgeon of the Port of Buffalo, and has been president of the Buffalo City and Erie County Medical Societies and the New York State Medical Association. In 1883 he was largely instrumental in establishing the medical department of Niagara University, of which he is president of the faculty and professor of principles and practice of medicine. This university conferred upon him the degree of Ph. D. in 1888 and that of LL. D. in 1893. Dr. Cronyn is also a member of the Board of Managers of the Buffalo State Hospital (of which he was several years the president) and an honorary member of the Ontario Medical Association.
Will, John P., Buffalo, was born near Berlin, Germany, May 5, 1865, and came to America with his parents, Frederick and Mary (Witte) Will, in 1870. The family set- tled in Buffalo, where Mr. Will was educated in the public schools and Bryant & Strat- ton's Business College ; afterward he was in the employ of the New York Central Rail- road eight years and the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern nearly eight years, acting in the capacity of clerk, claim agent and tracer. In 1893 he formed a partnership with his brother William C. Will, and engaged in the produce commission business at 147 Michigan street, where they have one of the most successful houses of the kind in the city. Mr. Will is an enterprising, progressive and popular business man, esteemed by all who know him. He is an enthusiastic collector of insects, and for some time has been a valued contributor to " Natural Science." In 1890 he married Mary Strebel and they have three children.
Sims, Orin B., Buffalo, son of Benjamin and Jane (Cronkhite) Sims, was born in the town of Royalton, near Royalton Center, Niagara county, N. Y., August 27, 1860, and recived a common school education in his native town. He first engaged in farming and afterward was for two years a clerk in a general store in Royalton Center, where he began mercantile business for himself in January, 1882. After conducting a successful trade for six years he sold out and removed to Akron, Erie county, where he established the Akron Produce Company and for five years was engaged in the general produce business. In 1893 he established the Buffalo branch of the Ferrin Brothers Company, incorporated, whose general office is in Rochester, N. Y., and he has since been the general manager with headquarters at 82 and 84 West Market street. This firm is among the largest wholesale produce dealers in in the country and has several branches in Western New York and Michigan. Mr. Sims is an able business man and enjoys a wide and popular acquaintance. He is a member of Akron Lodge, No. 212, I. O. O. F. October 19, 1881, he married Clara D. Zimmerman, of Royalton Center, and they have two children, Clarence P. and Flora A.
Rogers, Harry E., Buffalo, is a son of Bradley D. and Mary L. (Williams) Rogers, natives of New England, who settled in Buffalo in the years 1852 and 1835 respect- ively. He was educated in the public schools and at Randolph College, and after spending some time in the west returned to Buffalo, where he has since resided, and where he engaged in the produce commission business in company with his brother, Charles O. Rogers. They have since conducted the successful and well known com- mission house at 102 West Market street.
Drummer, Martin, Buffalo, son of George and Walburger Drummer, was born in
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Koeshing, Germany, November 11, 1849. When he was three years of age his pa- rents emigated to America and settled in Hamburg, Erie county, N. Y., where he attended the public schools and Hamburg Academy. His first business experience was in the grocery store of L. Holzborn, of Buffalo, in whose employ he continued for a period of twenty-five years, and whom he succeeded in 1893, when he organ- ized the present firm of Drummer & Smith, which is now one of the leading grocery houses in the southern section of the city. Mr. Drummer was married September 25, 1879, to Mary Doettrell, of Buffalo, and they have three children: Louis R., Estella M. and Martin G.
Fairchild, Joseph L., Buffalo. was born at Waterloo, Seneca county, N. Y., April 3, 1831, and is a son of Gen. Caleb Fairchild and Aurelia Maltby, his wife. He pre- pared for college at the Waterloo Academy and under private tutors, advancing as far as the Sophomore year, but abandoned the idea of a collegiate training and en- tered upon the study of law in the office of Talcott & Love, of Buffalo, where he remained four years, being admitted to the bar in 1853. Since then he has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Buffalo. Mr. Fairchild is one of the oldest and foremost lawyers in Western New York. He was appointed by Chief Justice Chase register in bankruptcy in the United States courts in 1867, and since 1876 has also been a United States commissioner. He was super- visor of the old Tenth ward for several years, and for about seven years was a mem- ber of the Buffalo Park Commission, serving on the committee on grounds and buildings. He has long been prominently identified with the Young Men's Associa- tion and its successor, the Buffalo Library, being a life member, and with S. V. R. Watson was largely instrumental in purchasing the property (formerly occupied by the association) where the Iroquois Hotel now stands. He is also a life member of Ancient Landmarks Lodge, No. 441, F. & A. M., and a charter member of Adytum Chapter, No. 235, R. A. M. In 1862 he married Anna E. Dennison, of Buffalo.
Goetz, George E., Buffalo, son of Jacob and Dora (Sand) Goetz, was born in Orange- ville, Wyoming county, N. Y., December 15, 1860. He was educated at the Warsaw high school, came to Buffalo in 1881, and for two years was employed in the grocery store of Frank J. Miller. In 1883 he engaged in the retail grocery business at the corner of Michigan street and Glenwood avenue, where he remained three years. He then removed to 25 East Market street and with his brother Henry L. established the present firm of Goetz Brothers. Mr. Goetz is a man of wide business experience and a popular member of the Odd Fellows. He was married November 26, 1885, to Elizabeth Sauer of Buffalo, and their children are Carl H., Edwine I .. , Elmer J. and Clarence E.
Smith, Lewis George, M. D., Buffalo, is a son of Gideon and Helen (Milroy) Smith, and was born at Glanford, Ontario, Canada, in 1856. He spent his boy- hood on the farm and in brick-making. After attending the public schools of Ontario he entered, in 1879, the Brantford Collegiate Institute, where he took a special preparatory course with a view of studying medicine. In 1880 he passed most creditable examinations, and in 1882 he entered Victoria University at Coburg, from which he was graduated as M. D. and C. M. in 1885. He also took the fellowship degree from the Toronto School of Medicine, practiced his profession for
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one year with his brother, and in 1886 passed the examination and received his license degree from the College of Physicians of Ontario. Dr. Smith obtained his education by his own efforts, practicing the principle that money must be earned be- fore it is expended. His career up to this time was one of untiring industry against limited means; beginning active practice in Canada he soon rose to prominence, and in 1888 sought a broader field in Buffalo, where his ability and personal qualifi- cations have placed him among the leading physicians and surgeons of the city. Since coming here he has been in successful practice at 300 Elk street. He is a man of public spirit and enterprise, and a thorough student in all that pertains to the wel- fare of mankind. He is a member of the Erie County Medical Society, the Ontario College of Pharmacy, and the Odd Fellows.
Kane, Joseph J., M. A., M. D., Buffalo, son of Patrick M. and Mary E. (Fowler) Kane, was born in Buffalo, September 24, 1870. After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools and at St. Joseph's College he determined to fit him- self for the medical profession. With this end in view he entered Manhattan Col- lege, New York city, and was graduated in 1889 with honors, taking the degree of M. A. He then entered the medical department of Niagara University and re- ceived the degree of M. D. in 1882. Immediately after graduation he was appointed resident physician of St. Mary's Hospital at Rochester. The following year he established his present practice on Elk street in Buffalo. Dr. Kane is medical ex- aminer for several well known fraternal organizations, and for three consecutive years has been honored with the appointment as supreme medical examiner for the Knights of St. John. He is a member of the Erie County Medical Society.
King, Henry M., Buffalo, senior member of the firm of King & Walker, was born in Buffalo, October 31, 1854. After leaving the public schools he entered the King Iron Works, where he served an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade. After serving his time there he followed the great lakes for twelve years. He then ac- cepted a position as chief engineer for the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company at Cheektowaga. In 1891 he returned to Buffalo and formed a partnership with R. T. Walker. This firm has one of the best equipped machine shops and en- gineer's supply stores in Buffalo, and its members enjoy an enviable reputation as expert machinists. Mr. King was married in December, 1879, to Harriet M. Ber- nard, and they have two children, Jennette C. and George H. Mr. King is a mem- ber of De Molay Lodge No. 498, F. & A. M.
Dooley, Edward M., M. D., Buffalo, was born in Meriden, Conn., August 25, 1860. Passing through the excellent educational training given by the public schools of that city, he entered St. John's College at Fordham, and completed his classical edu- cation at Niagara Universty, where he entered the medical department and in 1890 received the degree of M. D. After graduation he received the appointment of resi- dent surgeon to the Buffalo Hospital of the Sisters of Charity. The following year he established his present practice on Louisiana street He is associate professor of anatomy in the medical department of Niagara University, and surgeon of the Erie, the W. N. Y. & P., and the Nickel Plate Railroads. Dr. Dooley is a member of the Buffalo Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Railway Surgeons of Chicago, and the Association of Erie Railway Surgeons, and is secretary of the Association of W. N. Y. & P. Railway Surgeons.
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Lane, John Forrester, Buffalo, son of George A. and Margaret A. (Forrester) Lane, was born at Richfield Springs, N. Y., September 9, 1846, and in 1857 moved with his parents to Buffalo where he attended the public schools. After a few years he re- moved to La Porte, Indiana, and secured employment in a drug store as a clerk. He remained there until 1868, when he returned to Buffalo, and entered the service of the Lake Shore and Michighan Southern Railroad, in the capacity of tally man. He has been promoted from time to time and is now local freight agent, which position he has filled since May, 1892. September 19, 1884, he married Millie E. Barber, of Buffalo.
Alexander, Raymond W., Buffalo, son of John and Frances (Linton) Alexander, was born July 20, 1860, in Rochester, N. Y., where he received a public school edu- cation. In 1882 he came to Buffalo and entered the employ of Vosburg, Whiting & Co., booksellers, with whom he remained until January 1, 1887, having entire charge of their retail department during that period. He then engaged in the fine station- ery and book business for himself, which he conducted until 1892, when he went to Philadelphia, Pa., as assistant manager for the Fidelity and Casualty Company of New York. In 1894 he returned to Buffalo as resident manager of the local office of that company and has since held that position. Mr. Alexander is a member of Washington Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M. He was married October 27, 1886, to Min- nie E., daughter of William Smith, of Lockport, N. Y., and they have two sons: Norman Smith and John Raymond.
Boyle, Frederick M., M. D., Buffalo, is the son of Major M. H. and Mary J. (Hen- dricks) Boyle, and was born in Auburn, N. Y., where he received a public school education. He began his medical studies in the Prison Hospital at Auburn, and in 1889 entered the medical department of Niagara University, from which he was graduated with honors and with the degree of M. D. in 1893. During the last two years of his course in that institution he was junior house surgeon at the Emergency Hospital of Buffalo, and after his graduation held the position (by appointment) of house surgeon there for one year. In 1894 he began active practice of his pro- fession in Buffalo, having an office on Elk street, and on the death of Dr. Dunnigan in 1895 succeeded also to his business. Dr. Boyle's connection with the Emergency Hospital has given him a large practice in surgery, especially among railroad people, and he has attained a prominent and influential place among the leading physicians and surgeons of Buffalo.
Hammond, Willliam Wallace, Buffalo, the eldest of four children of Charles and Clarissa (Clark) Hammond, was born in Hamburg, Erie county, N. Y., November 4, 1831, and spent his early life on the farm and attending the district school. His father came from Northampton, Fulton county, about 1820, and first settled and cleared a tract of land in the town of Hamburg; about 1833 he exchanged this for a larger tract of wild land in the present town of Brant. When fourteen young Ham- mond attended a select school at Irving, Chautauqua county, walking six miles through the " Indian woods " each day; later he was for a short time a student at the Fredonia Academy. When sixteen he began teaching school at Columbus, Pa. ; the next year he went to Louisville, Ky., and taught for a time; he then traveled through the South until sickness compelled him to return home in 1851. In 1852 he
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resumed school teaching winters in Erie county and worked at painting and farming summers. In 1856 he opened a general store at Brant, and also read law and prac- ticed in Justices' Courts; in 1860 he came to Buffalo, completed his legal studies with Sawin & Lockwood, and in June, 1861, was admitted to the bar. From 1861 to 1864 he practiced his profession at Angola, and while there, in 1863, was ordered with his regiment, the 67th National Guards, to Harrisburg, Pa., where he was on duty when the battle of Gettysburg was fought. He was a member of this regiment fourteen years, becoming captain of Co. C. In 1864 he removed to Farnham, and for twelve years conducted a general store and a steam saw mill, manufacturing lumber, lath and shingles. He also practiced law for a short time, served as justice of the peace one term, and was supervisor during ten of the twelve years. In 1877 he was elected county judge of Erie county and filled that office with distinguished ability for twelve years, being twice re-elected. At the end of that period he resumed his law practice in Buffalo, where he has resided since the spring of 1878. Judge Hammond was one of the incorporators of the Angola Congregational church, and was an original mem- ber and trustee of the First Congregational church of Buffalo. In 1854 he married Miss Amy A. Hurd, who died in 1860, leaving one daughter, Rosa Belle (Mrs. Charles Koeppe), of Brant. In 1861 he married Miss Louisa A. Hurd, and they have two children, Lillie M. (Mrs. Edward J. Newell) and Clark H., both residing in Buffalo.
Stanton, Patrick E., Buffalo, is prominent among those who have taken an active part in promoting the real estate interests of the city and who have built up influen- tial connections with property owners. The business was founded in 1878. He has long been a prominent citizen of Buffalo, and is thoroughly identified with the best interests of the community. His standing in financial circles is of the highest. In his policy and methods, Mr. Stanton is a thorough-going exponent of the great car- dinal principles of equity and probity, which form the only basis of enduring pros- perity.
Ernst, Frank J., Buffalo, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., July 26, 1870, a son of Charles F. and Wilhelmina (Schott) Ernst. His parents, natives of Germany, came to this country in 1861, settling in Boston, Erie county, where they remained until 1866, when they removed to Buffalo, where they have since resided. The first position that Mr. Ernst ever held was in his father's machine shop, where he served an apprenticeship. He is now one of the proprietors, having succeeded to the business with his brothers at the death of his father in the spring of 1897. Mr. Ernst is a young man of much ability, and is a member of the C. M. B. A. In September, 1894, he married Miss Barbara Gförer of Buffalo, and they have two children: Frank C. and Florence W.
Klaiber, August F., Buffalo, son of John F. and Carlina P. (Lutz) Klaiber, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., October 11, 1856, and obtained his education in the public schools. He was variously employed until 1871, when he entered the employ of the Buffalo Commercial as a pressman, in which capacity he continued for twenty years. In May, 1887, he also engaged in the retail boot and shoe business with his nephew, W. A. Klaiber, under the firm name of W. & A. Klaiber, at 615 Broadway. In 1891 he purchased the interest of his partner and in 1893 removed to his present location at 629 Broadway, where he has since conducted a successful retail boot and shoe trade. In 1888 he married Mary E. Link, daughter of Frank L. Link of Buffalo, and they
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have two children: Frank L. and Howard H. Mr. Klaiber is a member of Modestia Lodge, No. 340 F. &. A. M.
Windsor, Joseph C., Buffalo, son of Samuel and Eliza (Grover) Windsor, was born in Pike, Wyoming county, N. Y., November 23, 1842. He received his preliminary education in the district schools of his native town and was variously employed until 1872, when he came to Buffalo. In company with his brother and C. F. Pfeiffer he established the firm of Pfeiffer & Windsor Bros., live stock brokers, which is still in existence. Mr. Windsor is a director in the Third National Bank and in the Milsom Rendering and Fertilizer Company. He is of a very social nature, enjoys the confi- dence and respect of all who know him, and his experience and ability have placed him in an advanced position among the live stock brokers of East Buffalo.
Geffs, Foster, Buffalo, a live stock broker in East Buffalo, N. Y., for nearly ten years, was born in Memphis, Clinton county, Ohio, March 1, 1853. His early edu- cation was obtained in the district school of his native town and this training was supplemented by attendance at the Lebanon Normal School. After leaving school he engaged in the sheep business, in which he continued until 1890, when he re- moved to East Buffalo, where he is now a member of the well known firm of Lang- don & Geffs, having charge of the sheep department. Mr. Geffs has been twice married, first to Ella Adams, November 30, 1876, and second to Anna C. Chase in 1888, and to this union there have been born two sons: Robert and Frank.
Koehler, Frederick W., M. D., Buffalo, son of Andrew and Margaret (Smoker) Koehler, was born May 1, 1867. His parents were natives of Germany and came to America in 1845, settling in Tonawanda, where he was born. When he was four years of age his father died and the family removed to Buffalo, where he obtained his elementary education in the public schools. At the age of fourteen he entered the office of the Western Union Telegraph Company as a messenger boy, and sub- sequently became an operator. In 1885 he took up the study of medicine under a preceptor, and in 1886 entered the medical department of the University of Buffalo, and was graduated in 1889 with the degree of M. D., standing fifth in his class and on the honor roll. After graduation he served one year in the Erie County Hospital as assistant house surgeon, and upon leaving spent six months in New York city in post-graduate study at the New York Polyclinic and the Vanderbilt Clinic Schools. He then opened his present office on Broadway in Buffalo, and has served as post mortem examiner of Erie county for two terms. In 1891 he married Miss Dorotha Schoelles, of Amherst, Erie county, and they have one daughter, Alice M., born in 1893.
Davis, Charles S., Buffalo, son of Samuel H. and Bertha A. (Wheeler) Davis, was born in Detroit, Mich., September 1, 1862. His mother is a cousin of Ella Wheeler Wilcox. His excellent educational opportunities fitted him for a position in the Merchants' and Manufacturers' National Bank of Detroit, which he filled so satisfac- torily that eventually he became teller. In 1885 he associated himself with his father in the wholesale fish business, under the firm name of S. H. Davis & C. In 1891 he came to Buffalo and engaged in the same business; and in 1893 he organized the Davis Fish Company, of which he became, and still remains, vice-president and manager. Under his efficient direction the company has established a large and
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constantly increasing trade, and has become one of the largest wholesale fish con- cerns in Buffalo. Mr. Davis is a prominent 32d degree Mason, holding membership in Washington Lodge No. 240, F. & A. M. In October, 1887, he married Martha J. Crittenden of Jackson, Mich., and they have two children, Augusta and Helen.
Kirk, Thomas, Buffalo, son of William and Mary (Hornsbury) Kirk, was born in Yorkshire, England, October 3, 1825. In May, 1845, he immigrated to America, set- tling in Buffalo, where he has since resided. He was variously employed until 1869, when he engaged in the restaurant business at his present location, where he has continued for twenty-four years. Mr. Kirk is an active citizen of Buffalo, deeply in- terested in all that affects its welfare, and popular with and esteemed by all who know him. He is one of the oldest business men in East Buffalo. He was a volun- teer fireman in the old Live Oaks Fire Company, the first fire company in the old First ward, the members of which built their own headquarters.
Goetz, Henry L., Buffalo, was born in Orangeville, Wyoming county, N. Y., No- vember 25, 1855, and was educated at the Warsaw High School. His first business experience after coming to Buffalo in 1875 was as a clerk in a grocery store. In 1879 he engaged in the grocery business in company with his brother, William Goetz, who died in 1890, and who was succeeded by another brother, George E. Goetz; this co- partnership still continues, the firm name being Goetz Brothers. They are large wholesale and retail dealers, and are noted for their thoroughgoing business-like methods. In August, 1894, Mr. Goetz married Margaret Stern, daughter of Philip Stern.
Emge, George, ranks among the well known business men of Buffalo, having a prosperous boot and shoe store at No. 675 Clinton street. He has been established in trade since 1886, and during the eleven years has been steadily increasing his hold on popular favor, building up a very prosperous business, and handling nothing but the finest hand-made boots and shoes. Mr. Emge, who is of German birth, but a resident of Buffalo since 1881, is a gentleman of pleasing manners and strict in- tegrity in his dealings, as well as a man of energy and thorough business ex- perience. He was married to Elizabeth Ellers in January, 1883, and they have seven children.
Koepf, Albert C., Buffalo, was born in Buffalo, where he always resided. As a boy he attended the public schools and worked in his father's paint and wall paper store. January 1, 1895, he succeeded his father and has since conducted the business at 798 Seneca street. He is a son of the late Leonard and Caroline (Pauly) Koepf, who came from Germany in 1865 and settled in Buffalo. In June, 1892, he married Marie Schneider, and they have one son, Newell A. Mr. Koepf is a member of East Buffalo Lodge No. 355, I. O. O. F., and of the Buffalo Zither Club.
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