USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 61
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
404
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Wolf, J. J., & Co. (John J. Wolf and Louis Hirtzel), Buffalo .- John J. Wolf, son of Michael and Mary (Hagen) Wolf, was born in Buffalo, February 27, 1860. He was educated at St. Ann's School and St. Canisius College, became a stationary engineer, and afterwards served apprenticeships at the carpenter's and the tinsmith's trades. Mr. Wolf is a member of the C. M. B. A., secretary of the East Buffalo Business Men's Association, treasurer of the Industrial Savings and Loan Company, and a member of the Single Line Dealers Association of Buffalo. In September, 1886, he married Frances Hirtzel, and they have four children: John J., Frances M., Mary C. and Rosie M. Louis Hirtzel, junior member of the firm, is a son of John and Anna Mary (Kaemmerer) Hirtzel, and was born in Buffalo, September 24, 1863. After completing his education in the public schools he was variously occupied until he entered the employ of the J. C. Jewett Manufacturing Company as a mechanic. He afterwards worked at the carpenter's trade four years and then formed a copartner- ship with John J. Wolf, which still continues. He is a member of the C. M. B. A., the East Buffalo Business Men's Association, the Single Line Dealers of Buffalo, and the Knights of St. John. In November, 1887, he married Kathrine Schroeder, of Buffalo, and they have had six children: Louis P. (deceased), Louis J., Kathrine E. M., Mary J., George B. aud Edwin L. The firm of J. J. Wolf & Co. is well and fa- vorably known to the hardware trade of Buffalo. They occupy a large building at 761-763 Broadway, and carry on an extensive business in hardware, stoves, cutlery, etc. They are progressive, energetic, and enterprising and enjoy the confidence of the community.
Glauber & Hunkemoeller (Henry J. Glauber and Henry Hunkemoeller), Buffalo .- Henry J. Glauber, son of John B. and Elizabeth (Hummell) Glauber, was born in Buffalo August 11, 1861. After obtaining his education in the parochial schools of this city, he conducted a cigar business for three years and then engaged in the gro- cery trade. Mr. Glauber is a member of C. M. B. A. In September, 1877, he mar- ried Philomena Hartman, of Pittsburg, Pa., and they have seven children. Henry Hunkemoeller, son of Caspar and Marie (Moeller) Hunkemoeller, was born in West- phalia, Germany, September 24, 1855. He came to this country in November, 1873, and settled in 'Buffalo, where he has since resided. He was employed for some time as a clerk in a drug store, and variously occupied until 1886, when the firm of Glauber & Hunkemoeller was formed. July 15, 1885, he married Miss Martha Eckert, of Buffalo, and they have had eight children, six of whom survive. He is a member of the C. M. B. A. Glauber & Hunkemoeller formed their present copartnership in 1886. They began business in the stores 578-582 Broadway, but the rapid growth of their trade soon compelled them to seek larger quarters. In April, 1889, they pur- chased a site at 544 Broadway, and erected the building they now occupy. They are doing a large business in wholesale and retail groceries and liquors, and are noted in their section of the city for frank and honorable dealing.
Klaus, Anthony, Buffalo, son of Anton and Anna (Bauman) Klaus, was born in Buffalo, March 13, 1855. He is a descendant of one of the oldest and most respected pioneer families of Erie county. He received a liberal education in the public and parochial schools and at Bryant & Stratton's Business College. In 1883 he became connected with the firm of Fischer, Klaus & Luippold, which is now one of the leading lumber firms of Buffalo. Mr. Klaus gives his entire attention to the busi-
405
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
ness and enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him. In addition to a lumber yard the firm operates a planing mill at 920 Seneca street. Mr. Klaus is a member of the C. M. B. A. In November, 1879, he married Catharine, daughter of Jacob Walker, of Pine Hill, Erie county, and they have two children: Anthony H. and Catharine B.
Menge, Frederick A., Buffalo, son of Jacob C. and Matilda (Kruse) Menge, was born in Buffalo, February 12, 1852. After obtaining a liberal education at the parochial schools, he served a three years' apprenticeship at the tinner's trade, be- ginning when he was but thirteen years old. He then accepted a position with the firm of Keifer & Housle at 515 Main street, which he held for nine years, and then engaged in the hardware and tin business on his own account at 484 Genesee street. In 1893 he moved to his present location, 480 Genesee street. Mr. Menge is a self-made man. He has a large circle of friends in Buffalo, and is very promi- nent in political circles. In 1881, when he was but thirty years of age, he was elected supervisor from the old Seventh ward. He has been elected alderman from his ward three terms, and has been a member of the Common Council for the past seven years. During this term of service Mr. Menge has made a record for ability and honesty. He is public spirited and is alive to the interests of the city. He is a member of Concordia Lodge No. 143, F. & A. M., Germania Chapter R. A., and the I. O. O. F. In May, 1875, Mr. Menge married Mary C. Schwartzbeck of Buffalo, and they have three sons: Frederick H., William F. and Henry C.
Billeb Bros., Buffalo. - These are both natives of Buffalo, N. Y. Ernest H. Billeb. jr., was born December 11, 1863, and received his education in the public and parochial schools and at Bryant & Stratton's Business College. In September, 1889, he married Ellen, daughter of Michael Lundrigan of Buffalo. Edward W. Billeb was born March 29, 1868. After completing his education he was employed in his father's store until 1892, when the firm of Billeb Brothers succeeded Ernest H. Billeb, sr., who had established the business in 1860. This is one of the largest and most successful retail grocery houses in the city of Buffalo, and the fact that it has been so long established, together with the efficient management of the Messrs. Billeb, has brought it an immense trade. Besides a full line of groceries the firm handles large quantities of hay and feed. Both members meet all the requirements of successful retailers, being liberal and just in their dealings, and possessed of per- sonal qualifications which make them popular.
Bayliss, Alfred W., M. D., Buffalo, son of William and Ann (Smith) Bayliss, was born in the town of Colden, Erie county, August 23, 1853. His parents were both born in England and came to America in 1836, settling in Troy, N. Y., whence they removed to Wales, N. Y., and afterwards to Colden. Dr. Bayliss obtained his ele- mentary education in the district schools and at the East Aurora Academy; he en- tered the medical department of Niagara University in 1886 and was graduated in 1889, with the degree of M. D. During his last year in college he was medical as- sistant at the Erie County Penitentiary and after graduation became visiting physi- cian. In 1890 he opened an office at 240 Peckham street and began the practice of his profession, subsequently removing to his present location at 378 Genesee street. In March, 1891, he passed the civil service examination and was appointed a district
406
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
health physician by the Board of Health, which position he still holds. Dr. Bayliss is medical examiner for several fraternal and insurance organizations. He holds mambership in Eastern Star Lodge No. 601, I. O. O. F., the Erie County Medical Society and the Buffalo Academy of Medicine. November 30, 1880, he married Mary L., daughter of Jacob Snyder of Buffalo, and they have three children, J. Will- iam, Florence L. and Annie B.
Pfister, J. F., Buffalo, son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Suttle) Pfister, was born in West Alden, Erie county, November 11, 1867, and obtained his education in the dis- trict schools of that village. He is of German descent; his father came to this country from Germany in 1846, settled in Lancaster, and thence removed to West Alden ; his mother came to West Alden from Germany in 1865. They were married the same year and still reside there. After leaving school Mr. Pfister was engaged in farming until 1886, when he came to Buffalo and entered the employ of H. G. Eichner, who conducted a bakery at 220 William street. He remained two years and then entered the employ of N. Kans at 403 Broadway, remaining three years. In February, 1892, he assumed the management of the Buffalo branch of the A. P. C. Compressed Yeast and the Prussing Vinegar Company, which post was tendered him by A. P. Callahan, the Chicago yeast manufacturer. The branch was started in a small way, but under the efficient management of Mr. Pfister its business has greatly increased and at present several wagons are used. Mr. Pfister is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On May 30, 1895, he married Eliza J., daughter of Edward Ralph of Buffalo.
Jaeckle, Jacob, Buffalo, son of Philip and Anna (Schlenker) Jaeckle, is a native of Buffalo, where he has spent his entire life. He was born December 14, 1852, and received his education in the parochial and public schools. Mr. Jaeckle is highly respected and closely identified with the best interests of Buffalo. He is a thoroughly practical and expert lumber manufacturer, fully conversant with the requirements of dealers and builders. His planing mill occupies a spacious three-story brick building, 131 by 208, and is equipped with improved machinery and appliances. A special department of the business is fine cabinet work, scroll sawing, and molding. Mr. Jaeckle was married in May, 1879, to Mary, daughter of John Marx, of Buffalo, and they have four children: William J., Annie, Philip and Edwin F. He is a member of Modestia Lodge No. 340, F. & A. M., and of Ludwig Lodge No. 105, A. O. H.
Rosner, Philip, & Sons, Buffalo .- The business conducted by this firm was estab- lished by Philip Rosner in 1884. He is a native of Worms-on -the- Rhine, Germany, and came to this country with his parents in 1847, settling in Canada ; in the following year he removed to Buffalo, where he has since resided. When he arrived in Buffalo he had but a few dollars. This he invested in fruit, starting on a small scale and building up the business until he became proprietor of a fruit store, handling all kinds of foreign and domestic fruits. In 1884 he established the present grocery business at 251 Sycamore street. In 1865 he married Margaret Lublee, of Buffalo, by whom he has had three children: William F., Henry E., and Cecelia. Mr. Rosner's oldest son, William F., has been identified with the business since its start. Henry E. was admitted in 1887, the firm name being then changed to Philip Rosner & Sons. William F. Rosner was born in Buffalo May 27, 1866, and received
407
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
his education in the public schools. On April 20, 1890, he married Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Leonard Miller, of Buffalo, and they have two sons: Harry E., and William F., jr. Henry E. Rosner was born in Buffalo, January 23, 1868. After obtaining his education at the public schools, he served an apprenticeship at the engraver's trade, remaining five years in the employ of the Matthews, Northrup & Co. In 1887 he was admitted to the present firm of Philip Rosner & Sons. In July, 1893, he. married Carrie Ida, daughter of Leonard Miller, of Buffalo, and they have one daugh- ter, Edna. The firm of Philip Rosner & Sons has been established at its present location for fourteen years, during which time an excellent trade has been built up. It can be safely said that it is one of the leading retail grocery houses in Buffalo.
Fogelsonger, David R., Buffalo, son of Wendell and Catherine (Reid) Fogelsonger, was born in Williamsville, Erie county, August 15, 1845. After completing his ed- ucation in the public and high schools of his native town he engaged in farming and the stone business. In 1878 he removed to Buffalo and continued the latter business, and in 1888 formed a partnership with his brother, Henry L. Fogelsonger, which still continues, a lime business having been added to the original stone business. He was married in 1875 to Mary E. Kregloh, of Williamsville, and they have three chil- dren: Myra (wife of Henry L. Walker), Charles K., and Etta A. Mr. Fogelsonger is a director of Williamsville and Buffalo Electric Railroad Company, and takes charge of the stone department of the business of Fogelsonger Brothers.
Rochevot, Oscar P., Buffalo, secretary of the Lion Brewery, is a son of George Rochevot, the founder of this establishment, and his wife, Caroline (Schelt) Roche- vot. He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., August 19, 1869. After leaving the public schools he entered his father's office and remained until 1892, when an incorporated stock company was formed with a capitalization of $100,000, with George Rochevot as president and manager; Caroline Rochevot, vice-president; and Oscar P. Roche- vot, secretary. Since the death of his father on January 29, 1897, Mr. Rochevot has assumed the management of the company's extensive affairs. He is a young man of excellent ability and has a host of friends. In September, 1897, he married Emma C., daughter of Philip Pierson of Buffalo.
Bleistein, George, Buffalo, son of Michael and Barbara (Stroble) Bleistein, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., December 6, 1861. He spent two years at a German pa- rochial school, was graduated from public school No. 15, and when fourteen became an office boy in the establishment of the Buffalo Courier Company. His energy, perseverance and marked business qualifications rapidly won for him a permanent place in the concern, and in 1881 he was made superintendent. On the death of Charles W. McCune in 1884 he was elected president of the company, a position he has ever since filled with great credit and ability. The Courier Company published for many years the leading Democratic newspaper in Buffalo and also built up an extensive printing and binding establishment; in 1897 they sold the paper to Will- iam J. Connors, who consolidated it with the Record, under the name of the Courier- Record, and since then the company has devoted its energies to the printing busi- .ness, having, as is well known, the largest show printing house in the world. They also do lithographing, engraving, book binding, and all kinds of printing. Mr. Bleistein is a Democrat, and although not active in politics he is nevertheless an im-
408
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
portant and influential factor in his party and has contributed much to its advance- ment and to the welfare of his fellow citizens. He was elected president of the Home Rule Democracy of Erie County in 1893, and was a trustee of the city and county hall for seven years and chairman of the board for four years. He is a 32d degree Mason, a member of the Buffalo, Country and Saturn Clubs of Buffalo, the Manhattan Club of New York city, and the Jekyl Island Club; and has served as president of the New York State Associated Press and a director of the United Press. April 28, 1886, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Wells McCune of Buffalo.
Carter, John, Buffalo, has attained a high position in business circles in the brief space of time that he has resided in the city of Buffalo. His thorough and practical knowledge in building and construction soon ranked him among the leaders in the contracting and building business. Mr. Carter springs from a family of masons and builders. His father, John Carter, was a mason, contractor and builder and his paternal ancestors have been masons and builders successively since 1628. His mother was Gordon Thompson, and many of her ancestors were also masons and builders. Mr. Carter was born at Castle Douglas, Scotland, January 8, 1844, and attended the schools of his native place until fourteen years old, when he had mas- tered the elementary studies, the first principles in mathematics, and some French and Latin. He then began to learn the trades of mason, stone cutting and building, and later spent two years in Glasgow, Scotland, studying architecture. He then re- turned home and continued in the building business with his father, and after his father's death he and his brother succeeded to the business, which they continued until 1881, when Mr. Carter left his brother there in the business and came to America, bringing his family with him. He first settled in Silver Creek, N. Y., where he was engaged with the Nickel Plate Railroad Company, having charge of their construction work until 1886, when he removed to Buffalo, and after a year's time was general superintendent for Green & Weeks (architects), with whom he re- mained for five years. He then entered into a copartnership with Henry Rumrill, jr., & Co., well known masons, builders and contractors, Mr. Carter taking full charge of the firm's many and large constructions, for which he is so eminently qualified. The firm has an office in the Builders' Exchange Building, and is a member of the Builders' Exchange of Buffalo. In politics Mr. Carter is an inde- pendent. He married in 1879 Annie Wilson McAdam, great-granddaughter of James McAdam, the inventor of the macadamized road as it is now more familiarly known. His family consists of five daughters and one son. .
Hodson, Devoe P., Buffalo, was born at Ithaca, N. Y., March 23, 1856; received his education at the Ithaca Academy and Cornell University, and read law in his native city with Hon. Samuel D. Halliday and Judge Marcus Lyon, beginning in the former's office while he was still in college. He was admitted to the bar in Septem- ber, 1877, began active practice in Ithaca, and. in 1885-86 served as corporation counsel of that city. In 1888 he formed a copartnership with Hon. Walter G. Smith, then the owner of the Ithaca Republican, and removing to San Diego, Cal., estab- lished a newspaper there. A few months later, however, Mr. Hodson returned east and located in Buffalo, where he has since been engaged in the general practice of his profession, winning a foremost place at the bar as an able, conscientious and painstaking lawyer. He had been in Buffalo less than two years when the munici-
409
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
pal authorities of Niagara Falls elected him as their non-resident corporation coun- sel, an office he held two years; recently he was tendered the position of city attorney of Buffalo, but declined the appointment. Mr. Hodson was married to Mariette Wood, of Painted Post, N. Y., in 1880.
Moot, Adelbert, Buffalo, son of Charles D. and Mary (Rutherford) Moot, was born in Allen, Allegany county, N. Y., November 22, 1854, and received his education in the district schools and at Nunda Academy and the Geneseo State Normal School. He read law with Hon. D. P. Richardson of Angelica, and Hon. Wilkes Angell of Belmont, N. Y. took his degree of LL. B. from the Albany Law School, and was admitted to the bar November 22, 1876. In 1877 he began active practice in Nunda, N. Y., forming a copartnership with George M. Osgoodby, as Osgoodby & Moot; two years later, in 1879, they removed to Buffalo, where the firm became Osgoodby, Titus & Moot, which continued until 1882, when Mr. Moot withdrew to become a member of the firm of Lewis, Moot & Lewis. This copartnership was dissolved in 1893 and Mr. Moot joined the firm of Sprague, Moot, Sprague & Brownell, which was changed in June, 1897, to the present style of Moot, Sprague, Brownell & Marcy. Mr. Moot occupies a commanding place at the Buffalo bar, and is widely recognized as a lawyer of ability and distinction. He is connected with the faculty of the Buf- falo Law School and a member of the American and New York State Bar Associa- tions, the Buffalo Historical Society. the Society of Natural Sciences, the Liberal and Saturn Clubs, and the Church of Our Father (Unitarian). July 22, 1882, he mar- ried Miss Carrie A. Van Ness of Cuba, Allegany county, N. Y. They have three sons: Richmond D., Welles V. and Seward A.
Parsons, Robert G., Buffalo, son of Samuel V. and Sarah (Thompson) Parsons, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., January 6, 1856, and received a public school education. After taking a full course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College he accepted a position as bookkeeper for the White Line Transit Company, and subsequently held various positions, becoming successively accountant for the United Lumber Com- pany, chief accountant for the Pratt Hardware Company, and accountant for Thomas W. Cushing of East Buffalo. In 1889 he purchased an interest in the Lakeside Pub- ing Company of Buffalo, and also became a member of the advertising firm of Rose & Parsons. In 1892 Mr. Parsons was made assistant secretary of the Department of Public Works, and in July, 1894, succeeded John Ransom as secretary, which posi- tion he still holds. He is a member of Ancient Landmarks Lodge No. 441, F. & A. M., and of the Royal Arcanum. In September, 1887, he married Miss Harriet Fobes, daughter of Milton D. Fobes of Olean, N. Y., and they have two sons, Milton W. and Samuel Vey.
Foote, Hon. Robert B., Hamburg. p. o. 765 Elmwood avenue, Buffalo, was born in England, February 13, 1844. He came to America with his parents in 1847 and was educated in the public schools. He was teaching school when he enlisted in Co. A, 116th N. Y. Vols., August 13, 1862. He was wounded in the battle of Port Hud- son Plains, on May 21, 1863, and was honorably discharged July 25, 1863, by reason of a surgeon's certificate of disability. He went to the Pennsylvania oil regions in April, 1864, and remained there for three years, being engaged in the production of oil and also in the hardware business. Having sold his interests in the oil country,
410
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
he returned to Hamburg in 1867, and in the fall of 1872 he was elected to the State Legislature, and re-elected in 1873, serving two terms. He was chairman of the Erie County Republican Committee in 1875-76 and in 1879 was elected county clerk, serving three years. Since then he has been retired, occasioned by spinal disease. In 1893 Mr. Foote and family removed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he expects to pass the remainder of his life, and is now serving as one of the trustees of the City and County Hall. In 1865 he married Mary G. Kingscott of Buffalo, N. Y., and they have two children; Robert B. J., who is a graduate of Cornell University, and is a prac- ticing attorney of Buffalo, N. Y .; and Mary G., who married George A. Kerr of Buffalo. Mr. Foote is a member of Swift Post No. 440, G. A. R., Dept. N. Y.
Corey, Fred D., Buffalo, son of Daniel M. and Angeline (Kennedy) Corey, was born at Black River, Jefferson county, N. Y., May 27, 1863, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. His mother died when he was three years old and he moved with his father to the town of Watertown, where his early life was spent on a farm and at- tending the district schools. He was graduated from the Watertown High School with first honors and at the head of his class in 1884, and then engaged in teaching ; he taught in Jefferson county for three years, and during a similar period was prin- cipal of a grammar school at Norwalk, Conn. His success in this profession was marked. The law, however, attracted his attention, and after spending these six years as a teacher he became a student in the office of Hannibal Smith of Water- town, N. Y., where he remained fifteen months. In September, 1891, he moved to Buffalo and completed his legal studies at the Buffalo Law School, from which he was graduated in 1892, being admitted to the bar of this State in the same year. While a student in the law school he was also a clerk in the office of Sprague, Morey, Sprague & Brownell. After his admission to the bar Mr. Corey spent two years in the office of Robert F. Schelling of Buffalo, and on July 1, 1894, formed a co- partnership with Edward D. Strebel, under the firm name of Strebel & Corey, which still continues. Mr. Corey has won signal success at the bar and enjoys a large civil practice. He is a staunch Republican, a public spirited citizen, and a member of the Independent Club of Buffalo. August 17, 1887, he was married at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., to Miss Ella L. Phelps, who died February 18, 1890.
Larkin, John Durrant, Buffalo, was born September 29, 1845, in Buffalo, his parents being Levi Henry Larkin and Mary Ann Durrant. Levi H. Larkin was born in England about 1816, came to America in 1832, and died in Buffalo in June, 1852. He first entered the employ of George Jones (now George Jones's Sons), manufacturers of iron work, and later founded the old Clinton Iron Works, op- posite the present Buffalo Library building, which he conducted until his death. He was a member of the old Volunteer Fire Department, and in politics was a Whig. His wife survives him and lives at North Evans. He left seven children, of whom two, John D., and William G., are living. John D. Larkin was educated in public school No. 15 of Buffalo, and when twelve became a clerk in the wholesale millinery store of W. H. Woodward. Four years later he became a clerk for Justus Weller, soap manufacturer, who in 1870 sold his plant in Buffalo and moved to Chicago, Mr. Larkin going with him. There Mr. Weller established a soap manu- factory, and in 1871 Mr. Larkin was admitted to partnership under the firm name of J. Weller & Co. In 1875 Mr. Larkin withdrew and returned to Buffalo and engaged
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.