USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 58
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
.
383
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
numerous scientific, benevolent and social organizations. He was elected a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences and Union League of Philadelphia in 1866, of the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia in 1867, of the American Society of Civil En- gineers and the American Institute of Mining Engineers in 1871, of the Engineers' Society of Western New York and the Grolier and Players' Clubs of New York city in 1895, and of the Shakespeare Society of New York in 1896. He is also a member of the Buffalo, Falconwood, Saturn, Country, Fortnightly, Liberal, Uni- versity, Ellicott and Riding Clubs of Buffalo, the Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh, the St. Maurice Fish and Game Club of Montreal, the Buffalo Republican League, and the Twenty first Ward Good Government Club of Buffalo; the Buffalo Civil Service Association, the American Protective Tariff League, the American Academy of Political and Social Science, the American Economic Association, the Buffalo Merchants' Exchange, the Alumni Association of the Philadelphia Central High School, the Buffalo Historical Society, the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the Buffalo Society of Artists; and an honorary member of Hobart Chapter, Phi Beta Kappa, elected in 1894. He was one of the founders of the Charity Organization Society of Buffalo in 1887, serving as its secretary until 1880, vice-president from 1883 to 1888, and since then president. He was a member of the Council of the University of Buffalo from July 20, 1887, to December 18, 1890, and in 1889 was elected president of the Alumni Association of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 1890 he was elected treasurer and in 1895 vice- president of the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy. In 1890 he was also elected a life mem- ber of the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York, and since 1891 has served as chairman of its museum committee. In 1892 he became a mem- ber of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, representing Col. Christopher Meng, assistant deputy quartermaster-general, Continental Army, and in 1895 was elected vice-president and in 1897 president of the Buffalo Association. He was elected a director of the American Society of Civil Engineers January 1, 1894, in which year he was a delegate from the society to the Eleventh International Congress of Med- icine and Surgery at Rome and also visited the Orient. In 1896 he was elected president of the Buffalo Library. Mr. Smith is one of the foremost men of Western New York, representing the highest standard of public spirit, progressive enterprise, and benevolence. He was married in St. Mark's P. E. church, Grand Rapids, Mich., July 14, 1864, to Mary Stewart Ives, daughter of Chauncey Pelton and Charlotte Brownell (Stewart) Ives. She was born in Lansingburgh, N. Y., November 15, 1839. They have two sons: Pemberton Smith, born June 3, 1865, a graduate as C. E. of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1888, now associated with his father, and Chauncey Pelton Smith, M. D., born October 27, 1869, a graduate as M. D. from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania and a post-graduate of Johns Hopkins Hospital, and now a practicing surgeon in Buffalo.
Thomas, William G., Buffalo, son of Henry and Katharine (Heineman) Thomas, natives of Germany, was born in New York city January 24, 1863. His parents came to America in 1853 and in 1872 settled in Buffalo, where the father was en- gaged in the boot and shoe business until his death December 31, 1885, at the age of fifty years; the mother still survives. William G. Thomas attended the public schools of Buffalo and the Buffalo Business University, and obtained his first busi-
384
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE,
ness experience in the dry goods establishment of Flint & Kent, where he remained three years, rising from the position of cash boy to that of salesman. He was after- wards in the employ of Bradstreet's Commercial Agency for seven years, and in Feburary, 1886, resigned and turned his attention to the settlement of his father's estate. On March 8, 1887, he became a messenger in the Bank of Buffalo, where he remained until March 1, 1894, serving during the last three years as general book- keeper. He then became district manager for Western New York of the Cosmo- politan Building and Loan Association, of Syracuse, with headquarters in Buffalo, which position he still holds. This association was incorporated March 30, 1892, with an authorized capital of $100,000,000, and is one of the strongest of its kind in the State. It has built up an extensive and successful business in Western New York, and especially in Buffalo, where it takes a leading rank as a sound progress- ive institution. Mr. Thomas enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him. He has been very active in the growth and work of the Young People's So- ciety of Christian Endeavor, serving as the first vice-president of the New York State Union and as president, secretary, and treasurer of the Buffalo Union. June 30, 1896, he married Susie E., daughter of George A. Cole, of Buffalo.
Stewart, Allen T., Buffalo, came to Buffalo in 1887 and entered the employ of Thomas Kennett, merchant tailor, as a cutter. He had thoroughly learned his trade with Charles A. Smith & Co., of Boston, Mass. In 1890 he formed a copartnership with William H. Lyons, which still continues, the firm name being Lyons & Stewart. Mr. Lyons had been for fifteen years previously associated with the merchant tail- oring firm of Reagle & Robinson, of Buffalo. Lyons & Stewart are among the largest and best known merchant tailors in the city, and have built up a successful and prosperous business. They are recognized as leaders in their line, importing the best weaves of French and English looms, and giving personal attention to style and fit. Both are members of Washington Lodge No. 240, F. & A. M., and Mr. Lyons is also a thirty-second degree Mason and a Knight Templar.
McCarthy, Franklin Justin, Buffalo, comes from a family of sailors. His ancestors moved from Ireland to Spain and to Liverpool, England, and came thence to the United States. John Justin Macarthy, his great-grandfather, emigated from Liver- pool to New Orleans, La., prior to 1760, and there his son, Robert Macarthy, was born. The latter married Inez Carlos, and had two sons, Dennis and Charles, who adopted the present spelling of the name, McCarthy. Dennis McCarthy, father of Franklin J., was born in New Orleans about 1821, married Mary Ryan, a native of Toronto, Canada, and settled in Buffalo, where he died in 1882. He was a sailor, as was also his father, Robert. Franklin J. McCarthy was born in Buffalo, Febru- ary 12, 1858, and in 1876 became a sailor on the lakes in the employ of the Union Steamboat Company with whom he remained about twenty years. He served in almost every capacity on vessels until 1887, when he entered the office. He ad- vanced to chief steward and purchasing agent, later to assistant superintendent of repairs, and in 1892 to superintendent of repairs; on the reorganization of this com- pany with the Erie Railroad he associated himself entirely with the Union Transit Company and the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Buffalo Steamship Company in the capacity of marine superintendent and purchasing agent, which positions he had also held for four years previously and which he still holds. Mr. McCarthy began at
385
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
the bottom of the ladder, and by industry and application rapidly rose to the top. Primarily he had obtained a good education in the Buffalo public and high schools and at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, and to this, combined with determin- ation and constant reading, is largely due his subsequent advancement. For several years he has been heavily interested in real estate in Buffalo and Erie county and also in the south and west. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in Washington Lodge No. 240, F. & A. M. July 31, 1889, he married Mary, daugh- ter of Patrick O'Day of Buffalo, and their children are Mary, Esther and Franklin Bullard.
Mills, Frederick Hubbell, M. D., Buffalo, son of William A. and Lodisa A. (Hub- bell) Mills, was born on a farm in Leon, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., January 4, 1869. His ancestors originally emigrated, it is supposed, from England to Holland, whence they came to Connecticut in the seventeenth century. The change of residence caused a change of name to Van den Müllen, which was again changed to Mills by an act of the Connecticut Legislature. Dr. Mills attended the district schools of his native town until he was thirteen years of age, when his parents removed to Ran- dolph, where he entered Chamberlain Institute, from which he was graduated in 1888. He then taught for one year at the Thomas Orphan Asylum at Versailles. In 1889 he entered Princeton College and was graduated therefrom, in a special course in chemistry and biology, in 1891. In the following autumn he became a stu- dent and lecturer on analytical chemistry at the medical department of Niagara University, having charge of the laboratory. In 1893 he resigned and entered Jeffer- son Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated as M. D. in 1894, receiving the gold medal in surgery for the best essay and original research. After practicing about six months in Leon he returned to Buffalo, where he has since fol- lowed his profession, being also connected with the medical department of Niagara University, first as demonstrator of analytical chemistry for two years and since then as lecturer on medical chemistry. He was also assistant to State Chemist Dr. John A. Miller for one year. Dr. Mills is a Mason, and a member of the Lake Erie Med- ical Society and the American Whig Society of Princeton. December 30, 1896, he married Adelaine, daughter of William S. Robbins, of Buffalo and later of Chicago.
Lary, Herman S., Buffalo, son of John and Margaret (Fox) Lary, was born near Amsterdam, Montgomery county, N. Y., July 13, 1851. His father, a native of Ire- land, came to America when a boy, and was highly respected in the community where he resided. Mr. Lary spent his early life on the farm, attending the district schools until he was about seventeen years of age. He then began teaching, but at the close of his first term entered upon a course of study at the Fort Edward Institute, from which he was graduated. From the fall of 1871 to the spring of 1874 he was prin- cipal of the district school in Gloversville, N. Y., resigning to complete his studies. He first took up the study of medicine, but soon decided to adopt the law as a pro- fession, and on completing his literary course entered the law office of the late Milton J. Warner in Waverly, N. Y. In 1880 he was graduated from the Albany Law School and admitted to the bar of New York, and immediately afterward began a successful general practice in Albany, where he remained about eight years. While there he was corporation council of East Albany, now the city of Rensselaer, for three suc- cessive terms. In the fall of 1889 he went west, as far as Spokane Falls, and spent
WW
386
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
the winter in Denver, being admitted to the bar of Colorado. Returning to New York State in the spring of 1890 Mr. Lary settled in Buffalo, where he has since re- sided, engaged in the general practice of his profession. From 1892 to 1894 he was associated with William E. Kisselburgh, jr., afterward deputy attorney-general at Albany, under the firm name of Lary & Kisselburgh. Mr. Lary has been an active Republican, an able and successful lawyer, and a man of enterprise and public spirit. He was married June 25, 1878, to Maria M. Clary, of Amsterdam, N. Y.
Kerr, Morrison, Buffalo, son of James and Martha (Morrison) Kerr, was born in Cadiz, Harrison county, Ohio, January 31, 1831, and removed with his parents to Bellefontaine, Logan county, Ohio, in 1836. His education was obtained in the district schools. He engaged in farming and stock raising on the farm that had formerly been operated by his father, about two miles east of Bellefontaine, on the Walnut Grove road. In 1873 he removed to Buffalo and engaged in business as a live stock broker with his brother, Thomas L. Kerr, under the firm name of Kerr Brothers. After one or two minor changes in the personnel of the firm, covering a period of eighteen years, the present firm of M. Kerr & Son was organized. Mr. Kerr is now president of the East Buffalo Live Stock Association. In 1852 he mar- ried Mary McLaughlin, daughter of John Mclaughlin, of Bellefontaine, and five children survive: Ella Maxwell, William Sprague, Emma May, Leander Brandt and Paul Lorimer.
Mack, Norman E., Buffalo, proprietor of the Times, was born in West Williams, Ontario, Canada, July 24, 1856. His parents had originally settled in Cass City, Mich., where his father engaged in farming, having previously been a large con- tractor in that State until 1868. In that year Mr. Mack went to Pontiac, Mich., where he became a clerk in a mercantile establishment. From 1872 to 1874 he ob- tained his first experience in journalism, being engaged in the advertising business in Detroit and Chicago. In 1874 he came to Buffalo, and after four years in various advertising enterprises went to Jamestown, N. Y., where he established the Sunday Gazette, which he sold a year later. Returning to Buffalo he started on September 7, 1879, the Sunday Times, and on September 13, 1883, issued the first number of the Daily Times, which rapidly won a foremost place among the leading afternoon news- papers of the city. The Times has always stood for the best elements of municipal government, and has been a power in reform movements and public progress. It has achieved many important victories, among the most noted of which was the campaign of 1897, when it alone of all the other English papers in the city advocated the principles of the triumphant party and was largely instrumental in causing the election of Dr. Conrad Diehl as mayor. Mr. Mack has always been an unswerving Democrat, and has ably expounded the principles of his party in his newspaper. He was for two terms a member of the State Democratic Committee, declining a re- election : a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Chicago in 1890; long a member of the executive committee of the State Associated Press; has served as one of the park commissioners of Buffalo; and is a member of the Buffalo Club, the Buffalo Press Club, the Buffalo Orpheus, and the Liedertafel. December 22, 1891, he married Harriet B., daughter of Isaac H. Taggart of Buffalo, and they have two children: Norma Emily and Harriet Frances.
Stone, Anson W., Buffalo, is a son of Richard L. and Elizabeth L. (Thayer) Stone,
387
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
being the youngest but one of eight children, all of whom are living. Richard L. Stone was born in Greenfield, Saratoga county, N. Y., August 22, 1815, and in 1844 moved to Frewsburg, Chautauqua county, where he married Elizabeth L. Thayer on September 19 of that year. She was born in Newfane, Vt., February 20, 1819, and in early life was a school teacher. In 1849 the family removed to Onoville in the town of South Valley. Cattaraugus county, where Mr. Stone was for many years a merchant, postmaster, and justice of the peace. In earlier life he was a lumber- man and farmer. He died while on a visit to Buffalo, March 11, 1894. His wife survives him. Anson W. Stone was born in South Valley, Cattaraugus county, Oc- tober 5, 1859, attended the district schools winters and worked on the farm summers, was graduated from Chamberlain Institute at Randolph, N. Y., in 1884, and after- ward received two years' private instruction and graduated in various courses of home reading. He read law in the office of Ansley & Davie of Salamanca, N. Y., being admitted to the bar October 4, 1889, and began active practice there as a mem- ber of the firm of Coxe, Whipple & Stone. In January, 1891, he came to Buffalo, where he has since been chiefly engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Stone began life without a dollar, but by enterprise and self-application has ac. cumulated a competency. In both business and law he has been eminently suc- cessful. April 19, 1893, he married Harriet B. Cravens of Randolph, and they have one daughter, Beatrice Pearl, born May 18, 1895.
Nellany, Charles V., Buffalo, son of Michael and Maria (Grogan) Nellany, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 29, 1872. He completed his education at Canisius College, receiving a gold medal for elocution at that institution, and was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1890, being valedictorian of his class. He then became a student in the law office of Tabor, Sheehan, Cunneen & Coatsworth, and in 1891 went to Albany, where he entered the law office of Parker & Fiero and also the Al- bany Law School, from which he was graduated in 1892. He was admitted to the bar of this State March 29, 1893, and since then, with the exception of one year in the law office of Norris Morey, has been associated with the well known law firm of Sprague, Moot, Sprague & Brownell and their successors, Moot, Sprague, Brownell & Marcy. Mr. Nellany is one of the rising young members of the bar of Buffalo.
Hennig, Herman, was born in Saxony, Germany, October 16, 1852, and in 1855 came with his parents to America, settling in Buffalo, N. Y. He attended the pub- lic schools, and in 1872 began the study of law in the office of Corlett & Tabor, act- ing as their managing clerk and remaining with them until his admission to the bar in June, 1876. He then opened an office for the general practice of his profession, in which he has achieved success and prominence. In 1883 Mr. Hennig was elected attorney for the city of Buffalo and served two years, and during that period con- ducted for the city 105 cases, involving an aggregate of $241,560; only fourteen cases were decided against the city, the judgments amounting to $1,625. He was a fear- less and conscientious official, and won the approbation of the entire community. Honest, studious, and industrious, he is an able lawyer, a man widely respected and esteemed, and a citizen distinguished for his public spirit and excellent judgment. In 1894 he was the Democratic candidate for district attorney, a position for which he was qualified, but was defeated by a small majority. He has long been active in politics, winning high honors as a campaign speaker and orator. He staunchly
388
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
supported the Democratic party until 1896, when he allied himself with the interests of McKinley and sound money, and has since been a Republican. He is a member of several fraternal organizations and identified with the best elements of the city.
Montgomery, Harry Earl, eldest surviving son of Hugh M. and Susie (Green) Montgomery, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., November 18, 1873. His father, Hugh M., was born in London, England, in 1836, came to America when twelve years of age, and soon afterward settled in Buffalo, where he has since been engaged in the wall paper business. Mr. Montgomery was educated in the public and high schools of his native city, and in 1891 became a student at law in the office of Fred M. Ingle- hart, being admitted to the bar in March, 1895. He remained with Mr. Inglehart until December 1, 1896, when he formed a law partnership with Hon. George A. Lewis, formerly municipal court judge, which still continues under the firm name of Lewis & Montgomery.
Kenefick, Daniel J., Buffalo, district attorney of Erie county, is the son of Michael and Mary (O'Connell) Kenefick, and was born in Buffalo on October 15, 1863. He attended public school No. 4, was graduated from the high school in 1881, and read law with Crowley & Movius and their successors, Crowley, Movius & Wilcox. After being admitted to the bar October 16, 1884, he entered upon a most successful legal career and soon won honor and distinction in the general practice of his profession. He held a clerkship in the city law department from January 1, 1886, until he resigned January 1, 1887, to accept the appointment of second assistant district attorney un- der George T. Quinby, then district attorney. On January 1, 1893, he was appoint- ed first assistant district attorney, and on the resignation of Mr. Quinby, November 10, 1894, Governor Flower appointed him district attorney of Erie county to fill the unexpired term. In 1894 he was elected district attorney by the unprecedented ma- jority of over 1,700, and in 1897 was re-elected, running far ahead of his ticket. During his long connection with the office he has zealously performed the work as- signed to him, and has won a high reputation for ability and integrity. Mr. Kene- fick's first law partnership was formed with Joseph V. Seaver, later county judge ; afterward he was associated with Cuddeback & Ouchie until May, 1893, when he organized, with William H. Love, the present firm of Kenefick & Love. He is a prominent citizen, a good advocate, and a member of the Buffalo Club. June 30, 1891, he married Miss Maysie Germain, of Buffalo, and they have one son, Daniel J., jr.
Grant, Alexander J., Buffalo, was born in Toronto, Ont., April 26, 1856, and was educated in the public schools. His first railroad experience was as a sleeping car conductor. In 1886 he removed to Buffalo and has since been associated with the Wagner Palace Car Company, being now the district superintendent.
Ferguson, Frank C., Buffalo, was born at Oriskany Falls, Oneida county, N. Y., October 31, 1855, and removed with his parents, Edwin L. and Annette (Clark) Fer- guson, in 1866, to Buffalo, where he has since resided. He attended the public schools and was graduated from the Buffalo (then called the Central) High School in June, 1873. In the fall of that year he entered the freshmen class of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was graduated at the end of a four years' course, with the degree of B. A. He began the study of law in the office of Charles Beck- with, remaining with him until Mr. Beckwith was elected judge of the Superior
389
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Court, when he entered the law office of James E. Ford. In October, 1879, he was admitted to the bar and at the beginning of the year 1880 he formed a law copartner- ship with Mr. Ford, under the firm name of Ford & Ferguson, which partnership has continued without change or interruption down to the present time. Mr. Ferguson was assistant United States Attorney for the northern district of New York for about two years, under Col. D. S. Alexander, district attorney, but has held no other pub- lic office. He is a member of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution and also of the Buffalo and University Clubs of the city of Buffalo.
Davis, H. Townsend, Buffalo, son of Townsend and Anna C. (Knowlton) Davis, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., June 8, 1867. His education was obtained in private schools and at Harvard University, where he matriculated in 1888 in the class of 1890. In the same year (1888), however, he returned home and engaged in the in- surance business, and in 1893 became the junior member of the firm of Smith, Davis & Co., which position he still holds. He is a member of the prominent clubs of his native city.
Clark, Horace (Harv.), A. B., M. D., Buffalo, is the son of Lemuel B. Clark and a grandson of Horace Clark, whose family arms and crest date from the year 1612. He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., November 4, 1862, began his education in a private , school in New York city, and in 1882 entered Columbia College of Mines, being elected a member of Psi U. Two years later he prepared for Harvard and was graduated from that institution in 1885, with membership in the Institute of 1770 and Hasty Pudding Club. He then entered Harvard University Medical School of Boston and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1888. While at Columbia and Harvard Dr. Clark rowed with his class crews and was a prominent participant in general athletics. Upon graduating he became connected with the Boston Lying- in and General Hospitals and a fellow of the Massachusetts and Boylston Medical Society, and in the same year (1888) went to Germany, where he familiarized himself with the German language, remaining a year and a half ; meantime he took a special course in laryngology and rhinology in Vienna, holding several assistantships. In November, 1889, he returned and began active practice in New York city, and held a faculty appointment as assistant surgeon in the throat division of the medical de- partment of Columbia College. Two years later he again went abroad and was a student in the private laboratory of Professors Arnold and Obersteiner until June, 1892, when he returned to America and located in Buffalo, where he has practiced his profession. He was attending surgeon at the Charity Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital for one and one-half years, and is a member of the Buffalo Academy of Medicine, the Erie County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Associa- tion, the New York County Medical Society, the American Academy of Medicine, and the Harvard Alumni and Laryngological Associations. He is also consulting laryngologist to the Lexington Heights Hospital. He has written and published a number of papers on surgical subjects, particularly on those relating to his special practice. September 25, 1895, he married Myra May Sefton, of Pittsburg, Pa.
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.