USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 72
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
Florian, Gustavus F., Buffalo, son of Peter J. and Barbara (Drummer) Florian, is a native of Erie county, born in Hamburg, May 9, 1864. His parents removed to Buffalo when he was an infant, and he obtained his education in the public schools, at St. Canisius College, and at St. Joseph's College. He then engaged in various mercantile pursuits until 1888, when he succeeded to the grocery business which was established by Florian Brothers. Mr. Florian conducts one of the largest retail grocery houses in his section of the city. The store, which is located at 454 Seventh street, is divided into two distinct departments, one being set aside for meats, and the other for groceries. He is a member of the C. M. B. A.
Stoll, Daniel H., Buffalo, is a native of Germany, born May 5, 1865. In 1871 his parents, John and Otilla (Haemmer) Stoll, came to America, locating in Lockport, N. Y., where Mr. Stoll was educated in the public schools. In 1885 he came to Buf- falo and entered the employ of the Niagara Stamping and Tool Company. Several of the employees of this firm afterwards formed a stock company, called the Stark Machine and Tool Company, Mr. Stoll becoming one of the stockholders. This company was very successful until the financial panic of 1893, when it was discon- tinued and the plant purchased by the West Manufacturing Company, in which Mr. Stoll is a stockholder. This concern was incorporated in 1896, Mr. Stoll taking the post of superintendent. The business of the company consists principally of the manufacture of all kinds of dies and special machinery for working sheet metal. Mr. Stoll is a member of the I. O. O. F. in all its branches. In 1893 he was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Kaufmann, of Buffalo, and they have two children: Arthur C. and Nettie.
Folsom, Benjamin, was born at Folsomdale, Wyoming county, N. Y., December 5, 1847, and is the third son of Benjamin R. Folsom and Mary Rathbone. He is descended in a direct line from John Folsham and Mary Gilman, who came from Norfolk, England, in the ship Diligent, in 1638, and settled in Hingham, Mass. On his mother's side he is a descendant of the Robert Ashley family of Massachusetts. His great-grandfather, William Ashley, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and a more remote ancestor, Aaron Ashley, was an officer in the Colonial wars. His paternal great-grandfather, Abraham Folsom, of Gilmanton, N. H., although prevented by his religious principles from engaging in military service, contributed liberally to the support of the cause of the Revolution. At an early age Benjamin Folsom removed with his parents to Attica, Wyoming county, where his father was for many years a very prominent citizen, being several times elected supervisor of the town and president of the village. He received his primary education in the Attica Union School and prepared for college at Wyoming Academy and Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima. In 1867 he entered Rochester University and was graduated with honors as B. A. in 1871; a few years later his alma mater conferred upon him the degree of M. A. After his graduation he made a tour of Europe and on his return he was retained on the staff of the New York World and spent nearly two years in journalism. Coming to Buffalo early in 1873 he entered the law office
ifi
482
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
of Bass & Bissell and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1875. During the years 1876-77 he was managing clerk in the city attorney's office, where he gained much experience in the trial and argument of cases in court. He was actively engaged in the general practice of the law in Buffalo from 1878 to 1885, when he visited Europe for the third time, spending the winter in Italy. Returning in 1886 he was offered the appointment of consul at Prague in Bohemia, which he declined; but later in that year he accepted the U. S. consulship at Sheffield, England, and ably repre- sented our commercial interests at that important post until July, 1893, when he resigned to attend to his real estate interests in the West. That Mr. Folsom was a popular representative in Sheffield is evinced by the fact that no other consul there. has ever received such elaborate testimonials and banquets as were tendered him by that municipality and the Masonic fraternity of that city on his departure. Return- ing to America he was married on October 11, 1893, in Muskegon, Mich., to Ella Blanchard Howard. Mr. Folsom has an office in the White Building, Buffalo, but his time is mainly occupied in looking after his real estate interests in Nebraska and California. He is a member of Washington Lodge No. 240, F. & A. M., Talbot Chapter Rose Croix 18°, Sheffield, Eng., the University Club, and the Sons of the American Revolution.
Susdorf, Charles F., Buffalo, is the son of Charles F. and Amelia (Miller) Susdorf, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1850 and 1856 respectively. He was born in New York city April 25, 1859, and after graduating from the Shaw Private Academy in 1875 removed to Buffalo, where he was engaged in the grocery business with Charles F. Schell & Co. until 1880. He then went South and settled in Georgia, and while there was made superintendent of the Glade Mining Company. Return- ing to Buffalo in February, 1885, he was employed as a clerk in the city treasurer's office until 1891, when he was appointed deputy collector and entry clerk in the cus- toms service. In 1894 he was appointed deputy city clerk by the Common Council of Buffalo, which position he still holds. Mr. Susdorf is a member of the Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum, the Buffalo Republican League, and the East Side Republican League. September 17, 1887, he married Barbara, daughter of John Achtiger of Buffalo, and they have two children: Amelia D. and Frank C.
Meyer, Edward J., M. D., Buffalo, son of Joseph O. and Mary E. (Grissom) Meyer, was born in Buffalo, August 16, 1869. He attended the public and high schools and was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo with honor in 1891. He then served as house surgeon at the Buffalo General Hospital and Fitch Accident Hospital, after which he visited Scotland and entered the University of Edinburgh. Upon his return to this country he spent some time at the Johns Hopkins University and returned to Buffalo in 1894 to take up active practice. Dr. Meyer is associated with the chair of surgery at the University of Buffalo; is attend- ing physician to the Fitch Accident Hospital and the Erie County Hospital; is con- nected with two of the leading dispensaries; and is chief of clinic at the Buffalo General Hospital. He is a member of the Erie County Medical Society and the Buf- falo Academy of Medicine, and is a 32d degree Mason, holding membership in Erie Lodge No. 161, F. & A. M. In October, 1893, he married Sarah Margaret, daughter of Charles Berrick of Buffalo.
483
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Le Van, Clarence B., M. D., Buffalo, was born in Lockport, N. Y., September 23, 1864, a son of Daniel S. and Julia A. (Lewis) Le Van. He was educated in the State Normal School and the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y. He then en- gaged in teaching for two years in Orleans and Niagara counties, after which he en- tered the medical department of Niagara University, and was graduated in 1888 with the degree of M. D. After graduating he spent one year in the Quarantine Hospital. This was during the small-pox epidemic of 1889. In 1890 he began active practice in Buffalo. He is a member of the Erie County Medical Society and the Buffalo Academy of Medicine, and is a 32d degree Mason, holding membership in Queen City Lodge No. 358, F. & A. M. He is also a member of Omega Lodge No. 256, I. O. O. F., and of the Knights of Pythias. In November, 1897, he married Julia C. Carmer of Buffalo.
Congdon, Charles E., M. D., Buffalo, son of Ira W. and Livonia (Smith) Congdon, was born in Middleport, Niagara county, N. Y., August 15, 1863. He obtained his preliminary education in the public schools and at the Clinton Liberal Institute at Fort Plain, N. Y. In 1883 he began the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Gould and Meyer, of Middleport, and matriculated at the Niagara University, from which he was graduated in 1887 with the degree of M. D. After graduating he held the position of assistant visiting physician at the Providence Retreat for five years and then went abroad, spending some time in a special course of study in Berlin, and returning to Buffalo in 1895, thoroughly equipped for practice. He makes a specialty of surgical work, and is gynecologist at the City Hospital for Women. He is a member of the board of examiners in midwifery, the American Medical Associ- ation, the New York State Medical Association, the Central New York Medical As- sociation, the Erie County Medical Society, and the Buffalo Physicians' Club, and is chairman of the section of obstetrics and gynecology of the Buffalo Academy of Medicine. In May, 1884, he married Clare Cummings, of Buffalo. They have two children: Clare Cummings and Homer Cummings.
Volker, Andrew J., M. D., Buffalo, son of William H. and Christine (Unbehaun) Volker, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., June 18, 1871. His father was of Holland birth and his mother a native of Saxony. They came to America in 1848 and settled in Buffalo. Dr. Volker began the study of medicine in 1888 at the University of Buf- falo, and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1892. He immediately began practice in Buffalo, locating at 389 Ellicott street, where he now conducts a large practice. In June, 1896, he married Louise, daughter of Louis Sandmann of Buffalo.
Westinghouse, George H., M. D., Buffalo, son of William H. and Harriet J. (Tay- lor) Westinghouse, was born at Silver Creek, N. Y., December 21, 1860. He ob- tained his preliminary education in the district schools and at the Union School in Salamanca, N. Y., from which he was graduated in the class of 1877. In 1883 he began the study of medicine at the University of Buffalo, and was graduated with honors in the class of 1886. Immediately after graduation he began his present prac- tice in Buffalo. Dr. Westinghouse has served as a district health physician, having passed the civil service examinations and being appointed by the Board of Health. He is a member of the Erie County Medical Society, the Buffalo Academy of Medi-
484
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
cine, the I. C. I. and S. A. societies of Buffalo University, and De Molay Lodge No. 498, F. & A. M. In February, 1889, he married Eva L., daughter of Simon P. Greene, of Buffalo. They have three sons: Ralph W., Arthur L. and Clarence D.
Mooney, James J., M. D., was born in Buffalo, July 4, 1865, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (O'Neill) Mooney. He was educated in the public schools and at St. Joseph's College, from which he was graduated in 1879. He then engaged in various mercantile pursuits until 1885, when he entered the medical department of Niagara University and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1890. He at once opened a practice at his present location at 443 Niagara street.
Thornton, William H., M. D., Buffalo, was born in Watertown, N. Y., June 28, 1857. He attended the Watertown High School, Hale's Scientific School at Roches- ter, and the University of Rochester, from which institution he received the degrees of A. B. and A. M. In 1883 he was graduated from the medical department of Buf- falo University with the degree of M. D., and immediately afterward began prac- tice in Buffalo, first locating at Fargo avenue and thence removing to his present location at 572 Niagara street. Dr. Thornton was secretary of the Erie County Medical Society for five years, and has been secretary of the western branch of the New York State Medical Association for the last twelve years. He is a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity of Buffalo University, the University Club and the Buffalo Medical Club. In November, 1886, he married Donna Eloise Taylor (deceased) of Orchard Park, N. Y. Four children were born to them: Marie, Irving F., Alice L. and Louis B.
Beals, Edward Preble, Buffalo, son of John W. and Julia (Rumney) Beals, was born in Canandaigua, N. Y., March 16, 1821, and came with his parents to Buffalo in 1826. His maternal grandfather was a lieutenant in Captain Popkin's company of the Massachusetts line in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Beals attended the public and private schools, the Buffalo Military Academy and the academy at Canandai- gua, and in 1836 entered the hardware store of Samuel F. Pratt as a clerk. In 1846 he was admitted as a partner in the business, which was moved in 1850 from the corner of Main and Swan streets to the Terrace. The firm of Pratt & Co. continued from 1846 to 1886, when it became Beals & Brown. Samuel F. Pratt died in 1872 and David E. Brown in 1892, and in 1893 the present firm of Beals & Co., consisting of Edward P. Beals and his son, Pascal P., and William R. Gass, was organized. This is one of the oldest wholesale and retail hardware houses in Western New York, and has always been a leader in the business. Mr. Beals is a man widely re- spected and esteemed, and during a long and useful career has been eminently suc- cessful. He has been connected with the North Presbyterian church since 1848, and is also a director of the Buffalo Savings Bank. In 1848 he married Miss Mary Lorenz of Pittsburg, Pa., who died in 1886, leaving one son and four daughters: Katharine L., Pascal P., Mary L., Julia L. and Grace R.
Beals, Pascal Pratt, Buffalo, only son of Edward P. and Mary (Lorenz) Beals, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., July 31, 1850, attended the private schools of his native city, and was graduated from Yale University in the class of 1872. With the exception
485
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
of a few years, he spent his active life in the hardware business, becoming a mem- ber of the present firm of Beals & Co. in 1893. He was actively connected with the National Guard of the State of New York from 1879 to 1892, rising to the rank of colonel, which commission he still holds. At one time he was a director of the Buf- falo Library, and at present he is a member of the Saturn and Ellicott Clubs of Buf- falo and of the United Service Club of New York city.
O'Grady, Daniel, Buffalo, the first deputy excise commissioner of Buffalo under the new State law, was born in Rochester, N. Y., February 17, 1861, received a public school education, and was graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Business Col- lege. For five years he was a clerk in his father's clothing store and for seven years was a traveling salesman for H. S. Warner, manufacturer of safes. In 1885 he re- moved to Buffalo and established himself in the grocery business at the corner of Broadway and Bailey avenue, where he built up a large and successful trade. For many years he has been a prominet Republican, serving as district and general com- mitteeman, and on April 11, 1896, was appointed by State Excise Commissioner H. H. Lyman to the office of deputy excise commissioner of Buffalo under the new " Raines" law, which position he still holds. He is a member of the Elks, the Red Men, the Knights of Pythias, and the Buffalo Republican League, and is a man widely known and esteemed. January 30, 1881, he married Elizabeth Maloney, of Spencerport, N. Y.
Barber, Albert, Buffalo, son of William and Hannah (Bassett) Barber, was born in Salem county, N. J., January 8, 1865, and received his education in the public schools of Camden, N. J., and Philadelphia, Pa. After leaving school in 1881 he connected himself with the firm of John B. Ellison & Sons, dealers in woolens, of Philadelphia, with whom he has remained ever since, coming to Buffalo to take charge of their local office in 1895. Mr. Barber is a thorough business man as the relations he has so long sustained abundantly proves. He is a member of Trimble Lodge No. 117, F. & A. M., and Chosen Friends Lodge No. 29, I. O. O. F., both of Camden, N. J., where he was married March 16, 1887, to Margaret Kates, of that city.
Watkins, Francis L., M. D., Buffalo, is a native of Montgomery, Ala., and ob- tained his preliminary education in the public schools of that city, afterwards attending the State University of Alabama, from which he was graduated in 1885, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science. In 1888 he attended a course of lec- tures at the medical department of the University of Chicago, and in 1891 was graduated with the degree of M. D. from the medical department of the University of Buffalo. He stood well in his class, which was one of the largest ever graduated from that institution, and he had the respect of all his associates. In May, 1891, Dr. Watkins began practice in Buffalo, and has since become one of the leading and suc- cessful physicians of the city. He is the only colored physican in Buffalo, and makes a specialty of surgery and skin diseases. He is a member of the Erie County Medical Society and the Buffalo Microscopical Society.
Whittet, Joseph L., Buffalo, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 7, 1852, received a
486
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
public school education, and in 1868 accepted a position in the office of George Bailey, dealer in railway supplies, with whom he remained fourteen years. He was then an examiner in the State Insurance Department at Albany, under Superinten- dent Charles G. Fairman, for four years, and afterward conducted the Wellsboro (Pa.) Advocate for two years in company with Mr. Fairman. In February, 1887, he returned to Buffalo and engaged in business as a dealer in engineers' supplies, wrought iron pipe and fittings, etc., buying out the establishment of E. G. Felt- housen. A little later he organized the present firm of Whittet, Barrett & Co. Mr. Whittet is an able and progressive business man, a public spirited citizen, and widely known and respected. He was twice elected to the State Legislature, serv- ing in the Assembly during the sessions of 1894 and 1895. In 1880 he married Miss Hattie Boughton Fairman, daughter of Charles G. Fairman, editor and publisher of the Elmira Advertiser. They have one son, Charles Fairman Whittet.
Shea, Thomas, Buffalo, son of Daniel and Mary (Griffin) Shea, natives of Ireland, who came to Canada in 1850. Mr. Shea was born in St. Catharine's, Ontario, No- vember 7, 1861, and in 1862 was brought by his parents to Buffalo, where he re- ceived a liberal education in the public and parochial schools. He served a five years' apprenticeship in the rolling mills of the Union Iron Works, and in 1882 engaged in the liquor business on his own account. On the completion of the Elli- cott Square building in May, 1896, he removed to his present spacious and elegant quarters in that structure, where he has one of the handsomest buffets in the city. Mr. Shea is a member of the C. M. B. A. In November, 1888, he married Elizabeth Morrissey, of Buffalo, who died February 23, 1897, leaving three children: Thomas, jr., Mary Victoria, and Agnes.
Hager, Edward M., Buffalo, was born in Germany in 1842 and came to America with his parents in 1854. He obtained his education in the German schools and in the public schools of Buffalo. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he enlisted in Co. E, 68th N. Y. Vols., and served until the end of the war. In the battles of Gettys- burg and Chancellorsville he was a color bearer. At the close of the war he visited Germany and upon his return to Buffalo in 1865 worked in the New York Central car shops for some time. Afterward he engaged in the flour and feed business at the corner of William and Adams streets. In 1868 he formed a partnership with Joseph Klaus and engaged in contracting. In 1871 this partnership was dissolved, Mr. Hager continuing the business. In 1880 he became connected with A. R. Clark and John Feist in a planing mill, which they conducted until 1887, when Mr. Clark retired and Messrs. Hager and Feist formed a partnership for the conduct of the planing mill and a general contract business In 1893 Mr. Feist retired and the pres- ent firm of G. M. Hager & Sons was formed. Mr. Hager is a member of the C. M. B. A. On April 17, 1866, he married Ottilia Dorscheid, of Buffalo. They have five children : August C., George J .. Ottilia, Caroline and Edward J.
Timpson, Thomas S., Buffalo, son of John H. and Mary H. (Foster) Timpson, was born in New York city, August 27, 1847. He was first employed in a stock broker's office, where he remained three years. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. A, 165th N. Y. Vols., and served his country faithfully until the end of the war. In 1866 he en-
487
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
tered the service of the Northern Transportation Company, and from September 1, 1868, until 1878, he was with the White Line (fast freight). From 1878 to 1881 he was general eastern agent of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad; from 1881-82 he was eastern freight agent for the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indian- apolis and the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroads; August 1, 1891, he became east- ern passenger agent for the same road at Buffalo; from August 1, 1891, to December 1, 1892, he was also eastern passenger agent for the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railroad; from December 1, 1892, to May 1, 1896, he was eastern passenger agent for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad; and from May 1, 1896, to date, he has been general eastern agent for that road. He is a member of Bidwell-Wilke- son Post No. 9, Dept. of N. Y., G. A. R. In November, 1871, he married Mary H., daughter of Jonathan B. Foster, of New York city, and they have one daughter, Florence E.
Mier, Adolph R., Buffalo, proprietor of the Buffalo Gymnasium, is a son of Fred- erick and Jane (Scholhass) Mier, and was born in Saxony, Germany, July 13, 1866. His parents came to this country in 1872 and settled in Buffalo, N. Y., where he was educated in the public schools. Mr. Mier was for three years a teacher of gymnas- tics at the Young Men's Christian Association and for five years instructor at the Buffalo Athletic Club. He then organized the Buffalo Gymnasium, of which he is now proprietor. He makes a specialty of fencing and single stick. He is also in- structor at the Rambler Bicycle Club and the Young Men's Club at Canisius College. Mr. Mier's father was personally acquainted with Franz Listz and Richard Wagner, two of the most noted composers of music in the world, and is in possession of a por- trait of Listz that was presented to him a number of years ago. On March 1, 1886, Mr. Mier was married to Miss Clara Sandker of Bradford, Pa., and they have one daughter, Mabel.
Beecher, Menzer J., Buffalo, is a native of Fremont, Steuben county, N. Y. His rst schooling was obtained in the district schools of his native town, and he finished his education in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima. He then went to Hor- nellsville, where he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. In 1884 Mr. Beecher removed to Buffalo, and in 1891 the present firm of Cook & Beecher was formed. Since that time this firm has constructed nearly 200 houses and churches. In addition to general contract work they also conduct a real estate and insurance business. Mr. Beecher is an architect of considerable ability and plans most of the buildings which are erected by the firm. He is a member of Mizpah Lodge, No. 518, I. O. O. F. In September, 1891, he married Nellie W., daughter of George Rock- well, of Buffalo, and they have three children: Bernice E., M. Carlton, and Thelma E. Mr. Beecher is directly related to the late Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, the eminent divine, and to his sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Enos & Sanderson Company, The, Incorporated, Buffalo, George E. Enos, Presi- dent, and Charles H. Sanderson, Secretary and Treasurer .- George E. Enos was born in Genesee, Wis., January 25, 1860. In 1871 he removed to Buffalo, where he attended the public schools, and upon leaving was engaged as a bookkeeper, subse- quently obtaining employment in the carriage hardware business of Fowler & Sons, in whose employ he remained for several years. In 1895 he engaged in his present
488
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
business. Charles H. Sanderson, son of Lyman and Sylvia (Altenburg) Sanderson, was born in Bennington, Wyoming county, N. Y., November 2, 1851. He obtained his education in the district schools of his native town, in the Union School at Attica, and at Bryant & Stratton's Business College in Buffalo. He was variously employed until 1873, when he removed to Buffalo and obtained employment with Fowler & Sons in the capacity of salesman and traveling agent, remaining twenty-three years. In September, 1873, he married Grace E., daughter of Timothy G. Grannis, of Darien, Genesee county, N. Y., and they have two children: Alice S. and Gordon K. The Enos & Sanderson Company is among the leading dealers in iron, steel, horse shoers' supplies and hardware in Buffalo. Its location is on Ellicott street, near Swan, where it occupies three floors, 40 by 100 feet. The company was estab- lished in 1895 and was incorporated the same year. Although new, it is enjoying a liberal and constantly increasing share of the patronage of the trade.
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.