USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 79
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Emery, Hon. Edward K., Buffalo, judge of the County Court of Erie county, was born in Aurora, Erie county, July 29, 1851, and is the son of Josiah and Elizabeth C. (Kellogg) Emery, and a grandson of Josiah Emery, a colonel in the war of 1812. His family were among the pioneers of Western New York. Judge Emery educat- ed himself by teaching school winters and working on the farm summers. He read law in Buffalo, was admitted to the bar in 1877, and at once began an active and successful professional career. In 1887 and 1888 he represented the old Fifth Dis- trict of Erie county in the State Assembly, and in 1895 was nominated by the Re- publicans for judge of the Erie County Court and elected by over 8,000 majority. He assumed the duties of his office January 1, 1896, and has since discharged them with great credit and satisfaction. Judge Emery is an able lawyer and jurist, a prominent Mason, Odd Fellow and member of the Royal Arcanum, and a citizen widely respected and esteemed. In 1886 he married Clara B., daughter of Jedediah Darbie of Aurora, Erie county.
. Weyand, Crétien, Buffalo, was born in Lorraine, France, May 11, 1826, attended the common schools, and in the spring of 1847 came to America and settled in Buf- falo, where he has since resided. He followed the shoemaker's trade for some time,
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and then in 1866 engaged in the brewing business with a partner. In 1873 he be- came sole owner of the establishment on the corner of Main and Goodell streets, and in a few years built up one of the largest and best breweries in Western New York. In May, 1890, the Weyand Brewing Company was incorporated with C. Weyand, president; John A. Weyand, vice-president and manager; and Charles M. Weyand, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Weyand is probably the best known brewer in Buf- falo. He is a prominent, public spirited citizen, widely esteemed and respected, and has always enjoyed the confidence of all who know him. May 9, 1852, he mar- ried Magdalena Mayer of Buffalo.
Williams, John Wesley, Buffalo, son of Richard and Sarah Ann (Pullen) Williams, was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, March 21, 1865. His family is one of the oldest of the Saxon race, a fact that is amply attested by the ancient headstones which are still standing in the graveyard at Whitehead, Cornwall, England, whence Richard Williams removed to America at the age of twenty-three. He was after- ward graduated from the Toronto Normal College, and for several years was sexton of the Upper Canada Methodist church. John W. Williams was educated in the public schools and at the Y. M. C. A. Business College of his native city, and then engaged in the painting business, which he has ever since followed in all its branches. He came to Buffalo when a young man and first worked as an ornamenter for the Wagner Palace Car Company. Afterward he went to Chicago and was employed in decorating the Palmer House, and on returning to Buffalo engaged in his present business. He is one of the foremost sign, ornamental and general painters in the city, employing a large force of men. In 1894 he was nominated for representa- tive in Congress on the Populist ticket from the Thirty-second District. He is an enthusiastic student of political economy, has been prominent in political affairs, was the organizer of the Buffalo Political Economy Club, and is the father of the " Financial Schools," upon which the late Henry George based several important articles. He is public spirited, is deeply interested in the welfare of the city, and for several years has been active in public affairs. He is a member of De Molay Lodge, No. 498, F. & A. M., and of Idlewood Lodge, No. 652, I. O. O. F. October 20, 1887, he married Sophie H., daughter of Charles A. Waldo, of Buffalo, and they have two daughters, Erma H. and Marvel C.
Proctor, Charles M., Buffalo, was born in Bath, Me., August 30, 1863 and in 1873 removed to Niagara county, N. Y., where he remained until 1880, when he came to Buffalo and entered the employ of the American Electrical Supply Company. After two or three years he severed his connection with this company and organized the Proctor-Raymond Electric Company of Rochester, N. Y., and two years after- ward they removed to Buffalo, and the firm name was changed to the Proctor-Ray- mond Manufacturing Company, of which Mr. Proctor is president and general manager. They manufacture all kinds of electrical and hardware specialties. Sep- tember 18, 1891, Mr. Proctor married Flora E. Dix, of Rochester.
Endres, William Frederick, Buffalo, is a son of John and Barbara (Deininger) Endres, natives of Germany, who came to this country in 1857, settling in Roches- ter, N. Y. In 1865 they removed to Buffalo, where William F. was born October 4,
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1868. His first business experience after leaving the public schools was in the coal and wood business with his brother, under the style of Endres Brothers. In 1893 he severed his connection with this firm and opened a hotel, which he has since con ducted. Mr. Endres is a member of the Foresters of America, and is the manager of the North Buffalo Base Ball Club, which holds the amateur championship of Western New York of 1897.
Pendergast, James Joseph, Buffalo, is a son of James and Delia (Feeney) Pender- gast, and was born in Lewiston, Niagara county, N. Y., September 20, 1870. He attended the public schools and Bryant & Stratton's Business College, and for three years was bookkeeper for the Buffalo Batting Company. Afterward he was for two years a clerk for the D., L. & W. Transportation Line, and later became connected with the Erie Boatmen's Transportation Company, of which he is now the Buffalo agent and business manager. This corporation enjoys an extensive business, which includes the handling of all kinds of freight from the East to the West and from West to East, with lake and rail connections. Its main office is in New York city. Mr. Pendergast is a popular young business man, and has already achieved a wide reputation for efficiency and faithfulness.
Caul, Martha F., M. D., Buffalo, was born in the town of Brant, Erie county, and received her elementary and medical education in the city of Buffalo, where she has spent her active life. She studied medicine in the office of Dr. Henry C. Buswell, and in 1888 entered the medical department of the University of Buffalo, from which she was graduated with honors in the class of 1891, receiving the degree of M. D. She also took a special course in diseases of women and children at the New York Post-Graduate School, receiving her diploma therefrom in July, 1891. Since then she has successfully practiced her profession in Buffalo. Dr. Caul is recognized as one of the leading physicians of the city, and ranks high in her specialty, that of gynecology. She is a member of the Erie County Medical Society, the Buffalo Academy of Medicine and the Woman's Medical Club. In 1884 she was married to John H. Caul of Buffalo, and they have one son, Harold J.
Crooker, Hon. James F., Buffalo, formerly superintendent of public instruction of the State of New York, is descended from an old and respected New England family. His ancestors were among the early settlers of Stratford, Conn., on the old records of which is the name of William Crooker, who owned lot No. 40 about 1654, and who subsequently removed to Norwalk, and thence to Newtown, L. I. Mr. Crooker's father, Samson, was a native of Central New York and a lifelong farmer, dying in 1890. His mother was Elizabeth Yates, a descendant of Governor Yates, and died in 1838. Mr. Crooker was born at Christian Hollow, Onondaga county, N. Y., August 12, 1834, and in 1836 came with his parents to Erie county, where he received a limited education in the district schools. Making the best of his meager advan- tages, which were curtailed by the pecuniary resources of the family, he applied himself assiduously to books, and when sixteen began teaching district school near the paternal residence, at which he earned enough money to attend Springville Academy for a time. Leaving the academy in 1853 he went to New York, where his push and energy secured for him a position in a mercantile establishment, which
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he held for about three years, when he resigned on account of ill health. Thence- forward he devoted his life to teaching, attending the Springville and Fredonia Academies as occasion permitted. He was connected with the schools of Buffalo for nearly thirty years, most of the time as principal, and in 1881, while principal of No, * 31, the largest school in the city, was elected superintendent of education of Buffalo. He filled this office by re-election until February, 1892, when he was chosen by the Legislature, on joint ballot, State superintendent of public instruction, to succeed Hon. Andrew S. Draper, which position he held until 1895. Mr. Crooker is one of the foremost educators of the State. He possesses great natural ability, and is a close thinker, a hard worker, and a public spirited, enterprising and progressive citi- zen. He is a member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Honor and the A. O. U. W. In 1862 he married Mrs. Frances S. Warner, daughter of Alexander R. Gallo- way, of Buffalo, and they have two children, Charles R. and Eugenia M.
Welsh, Harry Stoner, Buffalo, is the son of J. Harry and Sue C. (Bowden) Welsh, and is a descendant of an old and respected Pennsylvania family whose founder emigrated to this country from Wales early in the eighteenth century. His father is a prominent business man of Philadelphia. Mr. Welsh was born at Waynesboro, Franklin county, Pa., July 2, 1868, was graduated from the Phila- delphia High School, and at an early age identified himself with the heating busi- ness. After serving in various capacities, principally in the supply branch, he be- came, in 1890, the general manager of the George P. Steele Iron Company of Phila- delphia and Camden. In November, 1893, having resigned this position, he came to Buffalo, to take charge of the business of the Niagara Furnace Company, of which he and Abram C. Mott and William H. Pfohler of Philadelphia are directors. This company, under Mr. Welsh's supervision, has built up an extensive trade, and is one of the leading heating establishments of Western New York. They make a specialty of installing heating plants in fine residences and apartment houses, many of which in Buffalo and vicinity have been equipped by this firm. Mr. Welsh was married in August, 1890, to Miss Sue Roberts Wills, daughter of William Wills of Norristown, Pa., and a descendant of Gen. Anthony Wayne of Revolutionary fame. Their children are Mildred, born in December, 1893, and Florence, born in March, 1897. Mr. Welsh is a member of Washington Lodge No. 240, F. & A. M.
Kingston, Harry O., Buffalo, son of George and Elizabeth Kingston, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., August 19, 1869, and attended the grammar schools of his native city. He also took an academic course at the Albany State Normal School, after which he began the study of law with his brother, George L. Kingston. He was admitted to the bar at the Rochester General Term April 1, 1892, and on the 26th of May of the same year was graduated from the Buffalo Law School with the degree of LL. B. Since then he has been engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Kingston is a member of Parish Lodge No. 292, F. & A. M., of Buffalo Chapter No. 71, R. A. M., of Lake Erie Commandery No. 20, K. T., and of the Phi Delt Phi fraternity. He was married on June 6, 1896, to Anna L., daughter of John H. Pake, of Buffalo.
Marston, John B., Buffalo, was born in New York city, October 31, 1858. He is the son of William W. Marston, who came to this country from England in 1840 and
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married Josephine Maxwell, a native of this State. Mr. Marston attended private schools and was graduated from the University of New York city in 1876, and from 1879 to 1883 was engaged in the brokerage business in his native city. In 1886 he came to Buffalo to accept a position with the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, being promoted to general dispatcher in 1888, to train master in 1890, and to superintendent in 1894. December 8, 1880, he married Minnie W. Ralston, of New York city.
Bloomer, William M., Buffalo, is a son of Tooker T. Bloomer, who was proprietor of the famous "Bloomer's Hotel" on West Eagle Street, Buffalo, and of Adelia Smith, his wife. He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., August 25. 1853, and received a public school education. His first business experience was in the freight office of the N. Y. C. & H. R. Railroad. Afterward ne was for five years librarian of the Mechanics' Institute, which position he resigned to enter the employ of Walker & Eustophive, insurance agents. In 1880 he succeeded to this business, and in 1882 admitted P. W. Bullard to partnership. Since then the firm of Bloomer & Bulla:d has been well known in insurance circles. Mr. Bloomer became a member of the National Guard in 1870; he was for six years captain of Company B, 74th Regiment, Spaulding Guards, and in 1881 commanded the company on its famous trip to New Orleans; in 1883 he was made colonel of the regiment and served as such for six years. He is a prominent Mason, being at present the representative from his lodge to the Masonic Hall Association; past high priest of Keystone Chapter, R. A. M .; thrice illustrious master of Keystone Council, R. & S. M .; generalissimo of Hugh de Payens Commandery, K. T. ; a member of Buffalo Consistory, Scottish Rite Masons, and assistant rabban of Ismailia Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also grand vice-leader of the Grand Council, State of New York, Home Circle, has been for many years treasurer of Red Jacket Lodge, R. A., and is a member of other organizations. In 1890 he was one of the organizers and the first president of the Equitable Savings and Loan Association. He has been active in loan association work, and is a trustee of the Erie, Equitable and Niagara Square Dime Savings and Loan Associations. He has long been prominently identified with the State League, and was elected a delegate from New York State to the United States League, of which he was chosen second vice-president at Philadelphia and first vice-president in July, 1897, at Detroit. August 7, 1878, Mr. Bloomer married Clara E. Spaulding, of Buffalo, and they have two children, Prudence and Frank H.
Woolley, William Edgar, Buffalo, a native of Long Branch, N. J., has been en- gaged in the hotel business since he attained his maturity. He was for some time proprietor of the Hotel Bristol, Fifth avenue and 42d street, New York, and in 1889 removed to Buffalo to form a partnership with Henry M. Gerrans, a native of Dun- kirk, N. Y., and a resident of Buffalo since 1869. They have ever since been the proprietors of the Iroquois Hotel, making it one of the most popular and best known hostelries in the country. It is safe to say that no house in America has a better or wider reputation. The building was completed in 1889 and opened by Wooley & Gerrans, and stands on historic gronnd, the ground having been occupied by the first theatre in Buffalo, St. James's Hall, the Young Men's Association rooms and library, Bunnell's Museum, and the Richmond Hotel. In 1892 Woolley & Ferrans also leased
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the Grand Union Hotel at Saratoga Springs, which they have since conducted dur- ing the summer seasons.
Gail, Adelbert D., Buffalo, son of John H. and Mary T. (Brown) Gail, was born in Aurora, Erie county, N. Y., December 27, 1858. In 1862 his parents removed to Buffalo, where he obtained a good public and high school education, and where he subsequently entered his father's wholesale commission house, with which he has since been connected. In 1882 he was admitted to a partnership in the business. The firm of John H. and Adelbert D. Gail is one of the largest jobbers in apples in the United States and one of the most extensive dealers in general produce in West- ern New York. Mr. Gail is a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 105, F. & A. M., of Buffalo Chapter, No. 71, R. A. M., of Queen City Council, No. 60, R. & S. M., and of the Acacia Club. He is also a director of Homoeopathic Hospital of Buffalo, and has been an officer of the Buffalo Produce Exchange since its organization in 1885, serving at one time as its president. In 1878 he married Nettie Parker, of Buffalo, who died March 1, 1885, leaving three children: Mary Alice, Maud Minnetta, and Florence Ella. On May 20, 1886, he married Margaret Sarde, of Camden, Delaware, and they have one son, Adelbert Dexter, jr.
Heinike, Henry Charles, Buffalo, son of John C. and Mary E. (Bernhardt), Hein- ike, was born in Germany, February 12, 1863. He removed to this country with his parents in 1873 and settled in Buffalo, N. Y. Mr. Heinike began his education in the public schools of his native country and finished in the schools of Buffalo, gradu- ating from the German school in 1877. His first employment was as an errand boy with Jacob Mitzger, with whom he remained a year and a half, when he entered the employ of his uncle, Christopher Bernhardt, remaining with him one and a half years. He then accepted a position with the firm of Millitt & Hoffer in the old Ar- cade building. After a two years' service with this firm he entered the employ of Joseph Farthing, remaining but a short time, when he returned to the firm of Millitt & Hoffer. In 1882 he was offered a position with V. L. Tiphaine, in whose employ he remained until 1892, when he formed a copartnership with C. W. Denison, under the firm name of Denison & Heinike, proprietors of the Hotel Mohawk, which part- nership continues as it was then organized. Mr. Heinike has been twice married, first to Miss Josephine Glover, in June, 1884; she died in June, 1889. He was mar- ried to Mary E., daughter of Samuel A. Winans, July 12, 1892, and to them have been born three children, two of whom are now living: Charles Henry and Her- bert Raymond. Mr. Heinike is a member of Buffalo Lodge, No. 23, B. P. O. E., and the Atlantic Social Club.
Nieman, William J., Buffalo, is the son of Frederick and Sophia (Kather) Nieman, natives of Germany, who came to this country in 1857 and settled in Buffalo, where they have since resided, and where the father is engaged in the coal and wood busi- ness. Mr. Nieman was born in Buffalo, N. Y., April 4, 1864, and was educated in the public schools and at Bryant & Stratton's Business College. His first business experience was obtained in a real estate and insurance office, where he served a four years' clerkship, after which he engaged in that business for himself. He is now one of the successful and prominent real estate dealers and insurance brokers of Buffalo,
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and represents a number of companies of high standing. He is a conservative and popular business man, enjoys a wide acquaintance, and is a member of the Board of Underwriters of Buffalo.
Clarke, Everett A., Buffalo, son of the late A. Perry and Lauraetta (Hooker) Clarke, was born at Fly Creek, Otsego county, N. Y., February 8, 1856. After attending the public schools of his native town he accepted a position in the dry goods establishment of Van Vechten & Lyon at Auburn, N. Y. Later he entered the services of the Auburn Manufacturing Company, in whose employ he served for a period of eleven years. His next employment was as a traveling salesman for the Danforth Milling Company, with whom he remained three years. He then accepted a position with Lautz Brothers, remaining with them for a short time, when he removed to Buffalo to accept a position as salesman with the Meadville (Pa.) Distilling Company, in which capacity he served five years, when he became sole proprietor, couducting the business until May 1, 1897. He then accepted a position with C. Kamper's Sons, as city representative, in which he is still engaged.
Wende, Otto H., Buffalo, county clerk, was born in Alden, Erie county, N. Y., April 19, 1866. He is one of a family of five sons and two daughters of Hermann A. Wende, who was born in Prussia, Germany, October 29, 1825, came to America in 1847, and on May 23, 1848, settled in the town of Alden, Erie county, where he first purchased 640 acres of land. Hermann A. Wende was an active Democrat and was the first supervisor of foreign birth ever elected in that town, serving on the board in 1863 and 1864. He filled nearly all the town offices, was a prominent Mason, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of the entire community. He died March 15, 1892. On June 16, 1851, he married Mary Ries, a native of Germany, who survives him and occupies the homestead in Alden. Otto H. Wende attended the district schools, was raised on his father's farm, and took a course at a business college in Buffalo. Passing a teacher's examination he began teaching school at the age of twenty, and after one year was elected tax collector of Alden. He was re- elected and when twenty-three was chosen a justice of the peace, being the youngest man ever elected to that office in that town. He resigned, however, to accept at the age of twenty-seven the office of supervisor, which he held from 1895 to the fall of 1897, when he was elected clerk of Erie county by a handsome majority, having
still two years to serve as supervisor. He has attended every Democratic county and assembly convention for many years, often as a delegate and has been a dele- gate to three State conventions and other political bodies. Since 1891 he has been the station agent at Wende for the New York Central Railroad. He is a member of the Masons, the I. O. O. F., and the K. O. T. M., and a popular and representative citizen. He is the first county clerk of Erie county of German parentage and the youngest man ever elected to that office in the county of Erie. He occupies the homestead with his mother.
Heppel, George P., Buffalo, only son of Lenhard and Christina (Kistner) Heppel was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 8, 1846, and came with his parents to Buffalo in 1849, coming by canal from Albany. His parents also reared six daughters, and spent the remainder of their lives in Buffalo. Mr. Heppel attended public school
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No. 15, and at the age of fourteen began active life for himself, learning the trade of stove plate molder, which he followed until October 26, 1863, when he enlisted in Co. M, 12th N. Y. Cav. He served until the close of the war, participating in the bat- tles of Newbern, Tarboro, Plymouth, Kingston, Goldsboro and Snow Hill, where he was wounded. Returning from the army he resumed his trade, which he followed until 1880. In 1872 he assisted in organizing Lockrow Hose Company No. 6, of the volunteer fire department of Buffalo, of which he became assistant foreman, and which he served as foreman from 1878 to April, 1880, when the department was reor- ganized on a paid basis. He then joined Hose Company No. 1, of which he was appointed captain, which was attached to Engine No. 9. Five years later he was transferred to Engine No. 16, and on June 4, 1888, was made battalion chief of the newly created fifth district, which position he still holds. He has been conspicuous at all the great fires of Buffalo since 1872, a period of twenty-five years. Mr. Heppel is a member of the Exempt and Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, the Buf- falo Firemen's Beneficiary Association, the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, and Chapin Post No. 2, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. He was married in 1868 to Margaret, daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth (Hartman) Renner, and they have three sons and one daughter living.
Mock, Nicholas J., Buffalo, son of John and Katharine Mock, was born in Phila- delphia, Pa., March 4, 1854, and in 1856 was brought by his parents to Buffalo, where his father was for thirty years a foreman in a planing mill, and where they both still reside. Their family consisted of a daughter and four sons. Mr. Mock attended public school No. 31, and was graduated from St. Joseph's College. Having lost his right arm in the machinery of the mill of which his father was foreman, he learned telegraphy, which he followed for eleven years. He then became a clerk in the city assessor's office, and in 1884 entered the city treasurer's department; in 1885 he was elected a city assessor on the Rebublican ticket by 1,800 majority, and was re-elected in 1888 by 3,500 and in 1893 by 7,600. His present term expires January 1, 1900. He has always been an active Republican, has served as a delegate to city, county, State and national conventions, and is secretary of Northern Star Lodge No. 458, I. O. O. F., a member of Mount Vernon Encampment. the Red Men, the Foresters, and the Knights of Pythias, and an honorary member of the Exempt Firemen's As- sociation. In 1880 he married Miss Louisa E. Stephens, of Spring Brook, Erie county, and they have one son living.
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