USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 69
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Gifford, Rev. O. P., D. D., pastor of the Delaware Avenue Baptist church of Buf- falo, was born in Montague, Mass., Aprii 15, 1847, and spent his boyhood at Shel- burne, in his native State. When eighteen years of age he entered a commercial house in New York city, but soon felt an inclination to the ministry, and in 1870 en- tered Brown University, from which he was graduated in 1874. He then entered the
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Baptist Theological Seminary at Rochester, N. Y., and was graduated in 1877, after which he was ordained pastor of the First Baptist church of Pittsfield, Mass. During his theological course his services as a preacher were constantly sought. In 1879 he became pastor of the Warren Avenue Baptist church in Boston, where he won con- siderable fame as an able and fearless sermonizer and writer. During this pastorate he published a volume of his sermons. His next field was in Brookline, Mass .; from there he went to Chicago, where he succeeded Dr. Lorimer, the founder and first pastor of the Immanuel Baptist church, and there his power for good was felt beyond the bounds of his own denomination. Mr. Stead, in his famous book, "If Christ came to Chicago," frequently refers to Mr. Gifford as a terror to evil and a staunch supporter of all that is worthy. Mr. Gifford was one of the organizers and chairman on morals of the Chicago Civic Federation, and was prominently identified with the anti-sweatshop and other public movements. In 1894 he came to Buffalo as pastor of the Delaware Avenue Baptist church, one of the largest and handsomest edifices in the Queen city, which was built in 1895 at a cost, exclusive of the site, of about $120,000. It is of Medina sandstone, will seat 1,200 people, and was opened for wor- ship December 15, 1895. Mr. Gifford ranks high among the leading clergymen of Western New York. His sermons are models of good English, direct and practical discussion, and clear thinking, and are often widely circulated.
Kreinheder, Henry W., Buffalo, son of Job and Catharina (Westbrook) Kreinheder, was born in Buffalo, in the old Sixth ward, July 31, 1850. He received his education in the public and parochial schools and at Hicks's Business College. After leaving school he engaged in various mercantile pursuits until.1870, when he entered the employ of Thomas Thompson, proprietor of a planing mill and shingle factory at Black Rock, acting in the capacity of bookkeeper and having charge of the finances of the business. He remained in this responsible position seventeen years, and then opened a lumber and coal yard on Seneca street, which he continued until 1889, when he formed a copartnership with Christian Flierl to conduct a building, contract, lumber and planing mill business. They located on Genesee street, near the Belt Line crossing, where an old frame mill was on the property at this time. This was torn down and a new brick mill erected and completely fitted with modern machinery. The firm of Kreinheder & Flierl is one of the largest and most enter- prising building concerns in Buffalo, and has constructed many churches, residences, school houses, etc. Among these may be mentioned the East Buffalo market, school houses Nos. 11, 7, 48, 50, 55 and 57, the shops of the Gould Coupler Company at Depew, Christ Lutheran church and the Ontario Hotel. Mr. Kreinheder is a direc- tor of the Buffalo Mutual Insurance Company. In May, 1872, he married Mary C. Oschnetz of Buffalo, and they have six children: Robert F., Arthur W., Oscar C., Edwin J., Oliver W. and Herbert P.
Aaron, Rev. Israel, D. D., Buffalo, was born in Lancaster, Pa., November 20, 1859. His father, Moses Aaron, a native of Hesse Darmstadt, was an officer in the Grand Ducal army of Hessia, and came to America about 1850. He engaged in the mercantile business in Philadelphia, and later moved to Lancaster, Pa., where he at times officiated as minister. He died in 1865. He left a wife (born Zetta Green- baum) and three children. His wife's father was a farmer, stock raiser, small land
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owner and business agent for a landed proprietor. Rev. Israel Aaron was grad- uated from the Lancaster (Pa.) High School in 1875 and from the University of Cin- cinnati (Ohio) in 1880 as B. A. He received his rabbinical degree from the Hebrew Union College in 1883, and in 1887 that institution conferred upon him the honorary degree of D. D. Six months prior to his graduation Dr. Aaron was called to the pulpit of Achduth Ve Sholom Temple in Fort Wayne, Ind., which he served with distinguished ability until 1887, when he was called to Buffalo, where he has since resided. Soon after his arrival here he took steps for the erection of an edifice which would in every way represent the best elements of the Jewish population of the city, and in 1890 the handsome Temple Beth-Zion on Delaware avenue was built. It is one of the finest specimens of synagogue architecture in the country, and stands a monument to Dr. Aaron's energy and perseverance, for to him is largely due its construction. He was a member of its building committee. Dr. Aaron founded and organized the Sisterhood of Zion, whose objects were philanthropic and educa- tional, and who maintains various classes for girls and boys in an excellently ap- pointed house, which it built for its particular purposes He is a manager of the Jewish Orphan Asylum of Western New York at Rochester, N. Y., a member of the executive board of the Buffalo Good Government Club from the Twenty-first ward, and a member of the Masonic and B'nai Brith fraternities and other bodies. Since he first entered the ministry he has lectured extensively, particularly in Ohio, In- diana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Canada, and in this field as well as in the church has won high honors. In June, 1897, he was invited to deliver a sermon at the queen's jubilee celebration at Hamilton, Ont., a distinction never before received by any American minister. He is a forcible exponent of the doctrines of Reformed Judaism, an eloquent orator, a student and a scholar, and one of the ablest rabbis on this continent. He was married in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Miss Emma Falk.
Gorski, A. Frank, Buffalo, son of Albert and Zuzana Gorski, was born in Poland, Prussia, July 17, 1843. His father, a farmer, died when he was eight months old, and his mother reared and educated him, giving him a thorough training in music. For several years after he attained his majority he was an instructor in music and later engaged in the grocery and distilling business, which he followed until 1869, when he came to America. He first went to St. Paul, Minn., where he was organist in a church for two and one-half years. He was afterward a teacher in Winona, Minn., for three years and a school teacher in Pine Creek, Wis., for two years, and then came to Buffalo where he has since resided, being first a teacher and organist in St. Stanislaus school and church. In 1880 he engaged in the real estate, insurance, banking, and steamship ticket business, which he has since followed with uniform success. He is an active Republican, was the organizer and president of a promi- nent Polish society club, and in 1895 was elected to the city council for a term ex- piring December 31, 1898. He has been a trusted leader of his party and a delegate to various political conventions. He was married in Buffalo to Angela Strozykow- ska, who is also a native of Poland, Prussia, and they have a son and two daughters.
Frost, Edward L., M. D., Buffalo, son of William H. and Cecelia (Grover) Frost, was born at Knowlesville, Orleans county, January 30, 1865. He attended the dis- trict schools and the Albion High School, meantime assisting in his father's business
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and learning telegraphy. In 1883 he came to Buffalo, and obtained a position with the Western Union Telegraph Company. He began the study of medicine in 1888 and in 1893 was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buf- falo. He immediately began practice in Buffalo, locating at 489 Plymouth avenue, where he has since resided. Dr. Frost is instructor in obstetrics in the University of Buffalo, a member of the medical staff of the Erie County Hospital, member of the Erie County Medical Society and the Buffalo Academy of Medicine. He is supreme medical director of the order of the Iroquois and a member and medical examiner of the Royal Arcanum. In 1886 he was married to Minnie E., daughter of Orrin Hulburd of Medina, N. Y., and they have four children: Allen H., Carl G., Olive and Pauline.
Clark, Charles E., Buffalo, secretary of the Buffalo Loan, Trust and Safe Deposit Company, is the son of Andrew and Thankful D. (Brown) Clark, whose grandfathers served in the Revolutionary war, and was born at Comstock's, Washington county, N. Y., April 5, 1848. When sixteen years of age he found himself dependent upon his own efforts for a livelihood with only the education which district and the Union school had given him. He was first engaged as a telegraph operator for five years, afterward as train dispatcher of the Harlem Extension Railroad Company at Ben- nington, Vt., and then in the slate manufacturing business. In 1877 he was ap- pointed a bank examiner for the State of New York. In 1883 Mr. Clark came to Buffalo and entered upon his present duties as the first secretary of the Buffalo Loan, Trust and Safe Deposit Company, of which he is also a trustee. He has won his way to the responsible position he now holds and to the high esteem of his fellow citizens, by his own efforts. He is a director of the Buffalo Elevator Company, the Erie County Guarantied Search Company and several other corporations of Buffalo, and of the Merchant's Gargling Oil Company of Lockport. May 2, 1872, he married Florence S. Sprague of Brandon, Vt., and they have had four children, two of whom, Alfred H. and Charles S., are living.
Kreinheder, Herman J., Buffalo, is one of a family of two sons and three daughters of Job and Mary (Westbrook) Kreinheder, natives of Hanover, Germany, who came to this country and settled in Buffalo in 1848. Job Kreinheder was a lifelong carpen ter and builder, dying in 1890. He was an active Republican from the organization of the party, and a public spirited and useful citizen. Herman J. Kreinheder was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 3, 1853, received his education in a Lutheran Parochial School, St. Joseph's College, and at Bryant & Stratton's Business College and for years was cashier and chief bookkeeper for R. W. Bell & Co. From 1880 to 1883 he was engaged in the manufacture of paper boxes and from 1883 to 1892 he was a man- ufacturer of and wholesale dealer in carriages. In 1892 he retired from active busi- ness and since then has been identified with various enterprises, such as building houses on his real estate in the Elmwood district and in East Buffalo. He was also one of the promoters and builders of the Buffalo, Tonawanda and Niagara Falls Electric Railway the first electric line running out of Buffalo. He is chairman of the Erie County Republican Committee, real estate commissioner of the German Young Men's Association, and a director of various societies. He has frequently been a delegate to local and State Republican conventions, has been a dealer and
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developer of real estate for many years, purchasing his first realty when twenty years of age, and by thrift, perseverance and careful investments has achieved success. In 1876 he married Catharine M., daughter of Frederick Gehring, an old and prominent piano manufacturer of Buffalo. They have five daughters.
McConnell, Bernard J., Buffalo, chief of the Buffalo Fire Department, is one of a family of four sons and six daughters of Michael and Mary (Dorran) McConnell, na- tives of Ireland, and was born in Buffalo, N. Y., January 1, 1850. Michael McConnell came to America and located in Buffalo in 1823, when he was eighteen years of age, and afterward returned to Ireland, married Mary Dorran, and brought her to his new home. He finally settled on a farm in West Seneca, where he died in 1872, aged sixty-seven. In politics he was a Democrat. Bernard J. McConnell attended public school No. 4 and remained on the farm until he was seventeen, when he en- gaged in the livery business in Buffalo, and joined the volunteer fire department in 1871 and was elected foreman of Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, in 1876. In 1877 he was appointed a captain in the Buffalo Paid Fire Department, with which he has ever since been connected, becoming its chief in 1892. Much of the efficiency of the excellent fire service in the city is due to his ability and personal management. From a captain he was promoted to battalion chief and from that to chief, a position he has filled with great credit and satisfaction. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the C. M. B. A., the Foresters and the Buffalo Fire Department Benefi- ciary Association. In 1883 he married Mary, daughter of Daniel Kief of Buffalo, and they have two sons and two daughters.
More, George Edward, Buffalo, son of Robert Freeman More and Louisa Prime, his wife, was born in England on the 5th of February, 1849, and in 1870 came to America and settled in Buffalo, where he has since resided. On arriving here he entered the employ of Harry Smith, whom he succeeded six years later. Mr. More is now one of the largest importers of fine furs in Western New York, and besides a manufactory in which about twenty skilled workmen are employed he conducts a large retail store at 327 Main street, where he has established a prosperous business. He is a member of the Oakfield and Ellicott Clubs, and as a citizen is highly respect- ed and esteemed. In December, 1879, he married Clara Stanton of Buffalo, by whom he had one daughter, Clara Stanton More. In August, 1885, he was married, second, in Tollington Park church, London, to Emma L. Cole, and they have four children; Edward Augustus, Morgan Benjamin, William Algernon and Constance Isabel. His father was born in the old town of Bungay, Suffolk, Eng., where George E., with fifteen brothers and sisters, was also born. He is a descendant of the noted poetess, Hannah More.
Vedder, Harrison Needham, Buffalo, son of Jacob Schermerhorn Vedder and Mary Ann Needham, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., September 11, 1858. His maternal grandfather, Joseph Parsons Needham, came from Rochester to Buffalo about 1834, and for many years carried on a saleratus factory and afterwards a distillery and was one of the founders of the Unitarian church. On his father's side he is of Hol- land descent. Mr. Vedder received a public school education and when fourteen years old entered the insurance office of Capt. E. P. Dorr. Three years later he be-
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came a clerk for the insurance firm of Smith, Davis & Clark and five years afterward became chief clerk for the Western Elevating Company. In 1881 he formed a co- partnership with Charles J. North, under the firm name of North & Vedder, and en- gaged in the insurance business, which they still continue. This is one of the largest and best known firms in the city and represents a number of the strongest insurance . companies in the United States. Mr. Vedder is a member and trustee of the Buffalo Merchants' Exchange, a life member of the Buffalo Historical Society, an organizer and for three years (1883-85) commodore of the Buffalo Yacht Club a member and past master of the Lodge of the Ancient Landmarks No. 441, F. & A. M., a member of Adytum Chapter No. 235, R. A. M., and Hugh de Payens Commandery No. 30, K. T., and a member and one of the board of governors of the Otowega Club. Sep- tember 13, 1881, he married Ida Elizabeth Loveridge of Buffalo, and they have one son, Harold Loveridge, born June 25, 1882.
White, John C., Buffalo, is a son of the late John White, one of the oldest and most prominent business men of Buffalo, who was born in Scarborough, England, in the year 1814. At the age of seventeen he came to America, first settling in Toron- to, Canada, and thence removing to Geneva, N. Y. In 1849 he joined the stream of gold hunters for California, but a few years later returned to Geneva, where he identified himself with large milling interests. He then came to Buffalo and asso- ciated himself with Thomas Clark and was for many years an extensive distiller. He and Mr. Clark built the Niagara Elevator, then the largest elevator in the world. In 1873 he severed his connection with Mr. Clark and formed a partnership with his son, John C. White, and John W. Crafts, under the firm name of White & Crafts, for the conduct of the malting business. At his death in 1892 his son succeeded to his interests and in 1895 purchased the interests of Mr. Crafts. John C. White was born in Buffalo October 8, 1856; he was educated in the public schools and is a graduate from Williams Academy; he became a partner in the business of which he is now proprietor at the age of eighteen years. By perseverance and attention to business he has more than tripled the output. He is a 32d degree Mason, holding membership in the Lodge of Ancient Landmarks No. 441. In October, 1876, he mar- ried Anna M., daughter of the late Edson F. Emery of Buffalo; they have one son, John Emery White. The Lake View Malt House, of which Mr. White is proprietor, is a combination of the old and new system of malting; the main building fronts 126 feet on Lake View avenue, and 265 feet on Jersey street, and is one of the best equipped plants there is in the country.
Gavin, Joseph Edward, Buffalo, son of Michael and Rosana (Flannigan) Gavin, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., November 14, 1855. He attended the public schools and St. Joseph's College of his native city, was graduated with honors from St. Michael's College, Toronto, in 1877, and then entered the coal and wood office of his father. On the latter's death he succeeded to the business, which he still continues under the firm name of Joseph E. Gavin & Co., his partner being F. Herbert Grantier. Mr. Gavin is an influential Democrat, has long been prominent in public and political affairs and during Cleveland's first administration from 1885 to 1889 served as a deputy collector of customs. In 1891 he was elected comptroller of the city of Buf- falo by an overwhelming majority, and in this capacity achieved a high reputation
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as a faithful officer and an able financier. He saved the city over $100,000 by dis- covering that fines collected from criminals had been paid into the county instead of the city treasury. As a financier he exhibited rare foresight and ability in placing the city's bonds and securing temporary loans. In May, 1894, he obtained a loan of $30,000 for sixty days from bankers in New York at two and one-half per cent., which is the lowest rate of interest the city has ever paid for borrowed money, either before or since, and which is even below the figure paid by New York city for loans during the same period. During the panic of 1893 he successfully placed over $500,000 five year bonds at three and one-half per cent. These and other financial achievements gave Mr. Gavin a wide reputation and placed him in the front rank of financiers. Under his administration the new city charter went into effect, which necessitated many important changes in the municipal government, yet he sur- mounted every difficulty and placed his office upon a basis that has since demon- strated his efficiency as an organizer. Upon retiring from the office of comptroller he was given a vote of thanks by the Board of Aldermen for the efficient manner in which he conducted the affairs of his office. This was the more remarkable because it was the first of its kind in Buffalo and the board was Republican. In 1894 he was the Democratic candidate for Congress, but the tidal wave of Republicanism caused his defeat by a small majority. Since retiring from the comptroller's office he has been a heavy dealer in bonds, his transactions in this connection aggregating over $10,000,000. He is a member of various social and benevolent organizations, and is a man of the highest integrity, rare executive ability and indomitable perseverance. October 31, 1881, he married Sarah E. Candee, daughter of the late Dean Candee of Buffalo, and they have one son, Dean M. J.
Hinson, Hon. Charles Wesley, Buffalo, judge of the Municipal Court of Buffalo, is a son of George and Mary (Macklin) Hinson, and was born in Buffalo, N. Y., No- vember 20, 1844. His early education was obtained in the public and high schools of his native city, after which he became a student in the law office of Judge James M. Humphrey, and Galusha Parsons, and on May 9, 1866, he was admitted to prac- tice. He shortly afterward opened an office for the practice of his profession in Buffalo in which he was successfully engaged until his election to the bench in 1892. Judge Hinson was attorney for the Fenians, who, under General O'Neill, invaded Canada at Fort Erie in 1866. In this celebrated case twenty-eight officers and four hundred men were charged with violating the neutrality laws and he procured their release on habeas corpus proceedings. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs and in 1867 served as a member of assembly and in 1873 was nominated for city attorney by the Democrats, but was defeated, although running largely ahead of his ticket. In 1892 he was elected judge of the Municipal Court of Buffalo for a term ending December 31, 1899. He is connected with many fraternal organi- zations, having been great sachem of the State of New York of the Improved Order of Red Men, and grand chancelor of the Knights of Pythias.
Feist, John, Buffalo, was born in 1843 in Buffalo, N. Y., where he was educated in the public schools. He began his business career at the bottom of the ladder and and has achieved a success that does not commonly fall to the lot of men. During the war of the Rebellion he rendered invaluable service in the construction of hos-
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pitals, barracks, etc., for the army of the Tennessee commanded by General Thomas. In 1892-93 he was superintendent of buildings. He has about 150 men in his em- ploy. He is a thoroughly self-made man, and enjoys a position of assured honor and respect among the people of his city. Hundreds of Buffalo's finest structures attest his skill and success.
Miller, Peter Paul, Buffalo, son of John Miller, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Novem- ber 20, 1837, and received a public school education. He was associated with the Western Transportation company until its dissolution in 1884, becoming successively chief engineer of their entire fleet, superintendent and a director. In 1873 he also became a director of the Citizens' Gas Company, and since 1885 has been its manag- ing director, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Miller is a director of the General Elec- tric Company and manager and part owner of the Red Star line of steamers. He introduced, in 1866, in the small steamer Susquehanna the first compound engine on the lakes. He is a Republican, and served as alderman of the Fourth ward in 1869-70.
Lyman, Cornelius M., Buffalo, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., where he has always resided. His grandfather, Nathan Lyman, and father, William E. Lyman, came to Buffalo from Albany, and under the firm name of Nathan Lyman & Son conducted a type foundry until 1892. Mr. Lyman received a public school education, and at the age of seventeen became a clerk in the drug store of A. I. Mathews. In 1861 he accepted a similar position with William H. Peabody. In 1863 he enlisted as lieu- tenant in a New York city regiment, Ullman's Brigade, and served his country faith- fully for about one year, when he was honorably discharged from the Marine Hos- pital, New Orleans, on account of sickness. Returning from the war he entered the drug store of Edward Harries, and in 1868 purchased the drug store of Sage & Tucker at 296 Main street, which he sold out about 1876, having in the mean time bought out Richard Jenners's drug store at 416 Main street. In 1877 he purchased William H. Peabody's establishment at 311 Main street and also his branch at 598 Main street, and in 1889 consolidated the entire business, which is now carried on at 311 Main street by the Lyman-Jeffrey Company. Mr. Lyman is one of the oldest and best known druggists in Buffalo, having been identified with the trade almost continuously since 1859. He was one of the founders and formerly vice-president of the New York State Pharmaceutical Association, a member and one of the founders of the Erie County Pharmaceutical Association, and a member of the Lodge of Ancient Landmarks No. 441, F. & A. M., and of Bidwell-Wilkeson Post No. 9, G. A. R.
Chester, Lucas, Buffalo, the oldest dyer in the State west of Rochester, is the son of John and Elizabeth Walsham (Lucas) Chester, and was born in Boston, Lincoln- shire, England, December 21, 1832. In 1833 the family came to America and settled in Buffalo, where father and son have ever since been the leading dyers. On arriv- ing in Buffalo John Chester established a dye house on Main street, where the store of J. N. Adam & Co. now stands. Later he removed to a site adjoining the old Trinity church property on Washington street, and in 1848 he purchased a lot and built a three story dye house on the corner of Broadway and Blossom (then Batavia) street, where he was succeeded by his son Lucas in January, 1851. Mr. Chester was
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