USA > New York > Erie County > Our county and its people : a descriptive work on Erie County, New York, Volume II > Part 81
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Mugridge, George, Buffalo, was born in Chatham, England, December 20, 1816, came to America in 1836, and first settled in Rome, N. Y. In 1841 he removed to Buffalo and became associated with his father, the late James Mugridge, in the bakery business. James retired in 1850 and died in 1862. George Mugridge suc-
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ceeded to the business on the death of his father, and in 1863 admitted his eldest son, James A., to partnership, under the firm name of George Mugridge & Son, which has since remained unchanged. The premises, 60 by 180 feet, now occupied by the business, front on Elk and Illinois streets, and about 250 barrels of flour are con- sumed daily in the manufacture of bread stuffs. This is one of the oldest and largest bakeries in Western New York, having been in constant operation since 1841. George Mugridge was a member of Hiram Lodge No. 105, F. & A. M., and as a business man, was widely respected and esteemed. He died March 9, 1897. He was twice married; his children were James A., George W., William, Bert E., Mrs. Mary Dunlop, Mrs. Genie McNaughton, Grace E., Mrs. Belle Lathrop, and Mrs. Kate Thayer.
Smith, John D., Buffalo, was born in Manchester, England, March 18, 1821, and came to America when a young man. He soon settled in Buffalo, where he was first associated in business with W. H. Glenny. In 1852 he engaged in the plumbing business, which he successfully continued until his death on the 11th of April, 1892, when he was succeeded by the present firm, styled the John D. Smith Company, composed of his widow and son, Charles A. Mr. Smith was one of the oldest and best known plumbers in Buffalo. He was a prominent Mason, being a Knight Tem- plar, and as a citizen was widely respected and esteemed.
Carley, Joseph Henry, Buffalo, born in Buffalo, N. Y., September 3, 1861, is a son of Joseph and Janette (Sylvester) Carley, was educated in the public schools of his native city, and was graduated from the Northern Illinois College in the class of 1872. The following year he returned to Chicago and was appointed an officer in the House of Correction, which position he held until 1878, when he resigned to accept a position as traveling salesman for the Buffalo Rubber Company, which he held six years. He then entered the health department of the city of Buffalo as sanitary in- spector, which position he now occupies. Mr. Carley's father came to America from the north of Ireland. His mother is of Scotch descent.
Bissell, Wilson Shannon, LL. D., Buffalo, son of John and Isabella Jeanette (Hally) Bissell, was born in New London, Oneida county, N. Y., December 31, 1847, and in 1852 removed with his parents to Buffalo, where he has since resided. After attending the Buffalo public and high schools he entered, at the age of sixteen, the Hopkins Grammar School at New Haven, Conn., where he finished his preparatory studies. He then entered Yale University, from which he was graduated with honors in 1869. Returning to Buffalo he began the study of law in the same year in the office of Laning, Cleveland & Folsom, and in September, 1871, was admitted to the bar. In 1872 Mr. Bissell formed a copartnership with Hon. Lyman K. Bass for the practice of his profession, and in 1874 Grover Cleveland joined the firm under the style of Bass, Cleveland & Bissell. Mr. Bass retired in 1876 and the firm of Cleveland & Bissell continued in active and successful practice until 1881, when Mr. Cleveland was elected mayor of the city of Buffalo and George J. Sicard was admitted to partnership. This firm was succeeded in 1893 by that of Bissell, Sicard, Bissell & Carey, which in 1897 was changed to the present style of Bissell, Carey & Cooke. Mr. Bissell is one of the foremost members of the bar of this State.
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As an office lawyer he is "unequaled. Endowed with ability of a high order, he has achieved eminence in his profession, and during a long and active career has always enjoyed an enviable reputation for honesty, integrity, and scholarly qualifications. He is a leading Democrat, and in 1888 was a presidential elector at large on the Democratic ticket. In 1893 he was induced to accept the portfolio of postmaster- general in President Cleveland's cabinet, which position he filled with signal dis- tinction and satisfaction for two years, when he resigned to resume his law practice. He was offered other important offices under Cleveland's two administrations, but declined them. In 1888 he was president of the Buffalo Club, of which he is still a prominent member. He is also a member of the Ellicott Club and other organiza- tions. On February 6, 1890, he married Miss Louise Sturges, of Geneva, N. Y. The same year he was appointed by Governor Hill a member of a commission to propose amendments to the judiciary article of the State constitution. He is vice- chancellor of the University of Buffalo.
Denison, Charles Wells, Buffalo, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., January 29, 1858, and is a son of Arnold J. and Mary A. (Coonrod) Denison. His father came to this country from England in 1849 and settled in Buffalo, where he resided until his death. His mother was a native of Erie county, N. Y., and was of German descent. Mr. Denison was educated in the public schools, and in 1879 engaged in the whole- sale and retail liquor business, in which he continued for five years. He then accepted a position at the Genesee Hotel, where he was employed until 1889, when he took a position at the Hotel Iroquois, where he remained until the organization, in 1892, of the firm of Denison & Heinike, proprietors of the Hotel Mohawk, a com- modious and well-appointed house. The building was recently rebuilt. Mr. Denison was married September 28, 1868, to Miss Amelia, daughter of William B. and Sarah (Barryman) Hayes, of Buffalo, and three children have been born to them, Sarah A., Charles H., and Helen A. Mr. Denison is a member of Buffalo Lodge No. 37, I. O. O. F.
Farrell Brothers, Buffalo, proprietors of the United States Steam Laundry, are among Buffalo's leading business men. This concern was established in 1893 by the present proprietors, Edward and William M. Farrell, and executes fine custom work. Edward Farrell was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 14, 1867. His first busi- ness venture was with his brother, John, who conducted a meat business for a period of seventeen years. During this service he was also interested in a line of freight steamers running between Buffalo and Duluth. William M., the junior member of the firm, is a native of Buffalo, born in 1869. Prior to his connection with this firm he was engaged as a marine engineer for seven years. Their parents, Michael and Ellen (Mooney) Farrell, came to this country from Ireland in 1861 and first settled in Philadelphia, Pa., where they remained one year, when they removed to Buffalo, where they have since resided.
Knight, William B., Buffalo, is a son of Edward M. and Josephine (Covert) Knight, natives of Seneca county, and was born at Farmer, Seneca county, N. Y., March 9, 1867. His education was obtained in the public schools and at the Cayuga Lake Military Academy at Aurora, from which institution he was graduated in 1885.
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On January 1, 1886, he entered the service of Harvey D. Blakeslee, who was engaged in the wholesale saddlery hardware business, remaining in his employ until Novem- ber 1, 1893, when he embarked in the manufacture of trunks, in which business he was actively and successfully engaged until December 15, 1896. He then opened an office for the handling of real estate, which business he conducted until the organ- ization of the Pan-American Publishing Company, when he became business manager of that concern, which position he now holds. Mr. Knight is a prominent thirty- second degree Mason.
Koons, Henry, Buffalo, son of Jacob H. and Elizabeth (Dellenbaugh) Koons, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., October 9, 1838, and was educated in ithe public schools. His first business experience was in the employ of the American Express Company, where he remained for two years. At the end of this service he went West to learn the tanner's trade with G. Pfisler & Co. of Milwaukee, Wis., returning after two years to Buffalo. He accepted and held a position as search clerk in the county clerk's office from 1865 to 1871, when he engaged in the real estate business on his own account at 448 Main street, and after one year removed to his present office at 474 Main street, where he has since conducted a large and profitable business. On June 1, 1884, the firm of Henry & Edward L. Koons was formed, which copartner- ship still continues. Mr. Koons is prominently identified with many large corpora- tions, in which he holds positions of responsibility and trust.
O'Rourke, Thomas H., Buffalo, son of Patrick and Mary (Francis) O'Rourke, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 2, 1860. After completing his elementary education he entered the boot and shoe establishment of his father, and continued in that busi- ness for twenty years, when he engaged in the same business on his own account at 43 Main street, his present location. January 6, 1884, he married Kathran, daughter of Captain Doohen, of Buffalo, and they have three children.
Poole, Edwin D., Buffalo, was born in Massachusetts in 1842. He was educated in the public schools of Boston, and was graduated from the Boston High School in the class of 1860. In 1870 he removed to Buffalo and engaged in the lumber busi- ness, which he has since successfully followed. Mr. Poole was united in marriage in October, 1869, to Miss Gertrude E. Gardiner, of Savannah, Ga., and to them have been born two children.
Prentice, William H., Buffalo, has for several years been prominent as one of the leading wall decorators and dealers in fine furniture, and is a recognized authority on all subjects pertaining to interior decorations. He was born at East Aurora, N. Y., April 30, 1854, a son of Horace and Lucy T. (Persons) Prentice, and was edu- cated in the district schools and the Normal School at Buffalo. His first business experience was as cashier for the firm of L. H. Chester & Co., with whom he re- mained four years, when he entered the employ of M. H. Birge & Son. In 1888 he succeeded the latter firm in business at 250 Miami street, and on May 1, 1896 re- moved to his present location at 156 Pearl street. Mr. Prentice is called to do dec- orating in all parts of the United States. September 26, 1882, he married Winnibel, daughter of J. C. Bryant, of Buffalo.
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Rebstock, Joseph Henry, Buffalo, son of John and Catherine (Klepser) Rebstock, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 4, 1861. His first business experience was as a clerk in the hardware store of his brother, John E., in whose employ he remained six years, subsequently becoming a partner in the business. In 1896 he became sole proprietor and the firm name was changed to the Rebstock Furnace Company. In March, 1886, he established himself as a florist, in which business he has since been actively engaged. In 1887 he succeeded F. Zimmerman in the nursery busi- ness, which is now known as the Pine Hill Nurseries. Mr. Rebstock is also largely interested in a number of corporations, being president of the Crystal Beach Steam- boat and Ferry Company, and a director in the Freehold Savings and Loan Associ- ation. He is a member of the Lodge of Ancient Landmarks No. 441, F. & A. M., and the Buffalo Republican League, a charter member of the Buffalo Whist Club, and a member of the Ellicott Club, and the Bohemian Sketch Club. Mr. Rebstock is possessed of rare artistic taste and a love of the beautiful, and it would be difficult to name any ornamental member of the vegetable kingdom worthy of a place and capable of cultivation in garden or conservatory that may not be found in his collec- tion. He was married June 24, 1896, to Miss Elvira, daughter of Capt. John Green, of Buffalo, N. Y.
Taylor, William P., Buffalo, son of Daniel R. and Phebe (Myers) Taylor, was born , at State Line, N. Y., April 15, 1846. After completing his school education he learned telegraphy and was employed by the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern railroad at North East, Pa., for a short time, after which he was transferred to the Buffalo office and was subsequently made train dispatcher, in which capacity he continued for several years. In 1873 he was appointed superintendent of the Buffalo division. In April, 1878, he was made general manager of the Canada Southern (now the Michigan Central) railroad, with headquarters at St. Thomas, Canada. In 1886 he purchased the interest of A. W. Morgan, junior member of the firm of Bing- ham & Morgan, founders, in Buffalo, and has since been connected with that business. Aside from his extensive business affairs, Mr. Taylor is a lover of horses and is the owner of some very fine and promising animals. He was the owner of the first horse (Mascot) that made a mile in 2:04. He now owns Rena R., with a four-year-old record of 2:1614, and the Guy Wilkes mare, Lucina Wilkes, 2:2414. He is a member of the Buffalo, Ellicott and Country Clubs and of the Masonic fraternity.
Hauth, John, Boston, was born in the town of Boston, June 15, 1844, and is a son of John and Margaret (Stern) Hauth, natives of Baden, Germany, who came to America in 1832 and settled in the town of Boston, buying and clearing fifty acres of land. Buffalo then was a mere hamlet and there were scarcely any roads. Mr. Hauth, sen., died April 1, 1874, and Mrs. Hauth in August, 1891. They had nine children, five of whom are living: Louis, living in Hamburg; Jacob, living in Elli- cottville; Margaret, living in Boston, and Sallie, living in Hamburg. Mr. Hauth received his education in the public schools of Boston, after which he learned the trade of blacksmithing, which he followed for sixteen years, when he traded his shop for the farm where he now lives, and lived on it for one year. He then went to Colden, where he worked at his trade for six years, and then came back to his farm March 11, 1882, where he has since resided. January 1, 1869, he married Miss
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Schegele, daughter of Mathias and Susan Schegele, natives of Germany, and they have had eight children, seven of whom are living; Charles E., George W., William H., Emma L., Oscar M., Susan L. and Eva F .; Jennie B. is dead.
Martin, Guy C., Holland, is descended from a long line of New England ancestors. The paternal grandfather, Reuben Martin, was a native of Connecticut, where he married, and then moved to Charlotte, Vt. They had a family of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters. Mr. Martin's father was born in 1791, and married Phebe Cooley, a native of Willsborough, Essex county, who died in Aurora, Erie county, in 1850; they had a family of eight children: Charles (deceased), Guy C., born in Charlotte, Vt., December 31, 1818, and moved with his parents to Chautauqua county at the age of twelve years and at the age of fourteen he worked in Westfield for two and a half years, then returned home for five years, and then went to Buffalo where he commenced work at tanning and was with the same firm for fifty-one years; also worked eight years in Aurora. He was asked by the firm to locate a site and build a tannery, which he did in 1851, and was superintendent of the tannery at Holland, N. Y. He worked for sixteen years for this institution and went to Buffalo, N. Y., and ran that tannery for twenty-three years, then returned to Holland, where he is now superintendent of the tannery. Guy C. only received a common school education and was a delegate to the Free Soil convention held in Buffalo in 1844. He is a member of Lodge No. 25, I. O. O. F., of Buffalo. In 1844 he married Eliza Phelps, who died in 1885 at the age of fifty-six. They had nine children, Helen E., Alice L. (deceased), Charles A., Mary A. and Carlton, jr., William, Minnie, Mittie and Edward E., all deceased. His son Charles has been a conductor since 1870. Helen is the widow of Thaddeus E. Gill and they have three children, James, Nellie and Howard. Mary Adell is the widow of L. O. Hawks.
White, Paul Harvey, North Collins, was born in North Collins, October 24, 1822. His father, Lemuel W., was a native of Dartmouth and came to Erie county in 1813. He married Mary, daughter of Paul Kirbey. He died in 1879 in his eighty-fifth year. Paul H. White was educated in the common schools and in 1844 engaged in the mercantile business at Collins Center, from there he went to Shirley and engaged in the same business, and since 1855 has been engaged in farming. In 1848 he mar- ried Rhoda Dart, who died in 1850, and he then married Naomi, daughter of Rich- ard Rogers, and they have three children: Clarence E., Merton L. and Mrs. Nellie E. Lawton. Mr. White served as town clerk and takes an active interest in all church and social matters.
Trull, Hiram D., M. D., Amherst, p. o. Williamsville, is descended from an old English family, his ancestors coming to Massachusetts early in the eighteenth cent- ury. He is a son of David W. and Esther A. (Parker) Trull, and was born April 21, 1842, in Sheldon, Wyoming county, N. Y., where he obtained his preliminary edu- cation in the district schools. He attended Pike Academy in 1861 and Arcade Acad- emy in 1862, and in 1865 began the study of medicine with Dr. O. K. Parker of Clarence, Erie county, N. Y. Afterward he entered the medical department of the University of Buffalo, from which he graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1868. Since then he has continuously and successfully practiced his profession in Williams-
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ville, Erie county, where he is universally respected and esteemed. Dr. Trull has been health officer of the town of Amherst and the village of Williamsville ever since the health department was organized, and he is also curator of the Medical Univer- sity of Buffalo, N. Y. He is a prominent member, and for one year was vice-presi- dent of the Erie County Medical Society, a member of the New York State Medical Association, and a thirty-second degree Mason in Buffalo Consistory, holding mem- bership in Akron (N. Y.) Blue Lodge No. 527, the Lake Erie Commandery and the Nobles of Ismailia Temple, Buffalo, N. Y. In October, 1870, he married Emma L. Tyler, a native of Attica, N. Y.
Spinhern, Martin, West Seneca, p. o. Ebenezer, was born in Germany, August 22, 1829, a son of Gottlieb and Margaret (Thorne) Spinhern, natives of Germany, who emi- grated to America in 1830, settling in Buffalo, where Gottlieb followed his trade, that of shoemaking, until his death, which occurred in 1854. Martin Spinhern was reared and educated in Buffalo, where he was engaged in the butcher business until 1873, when he shipped cattle until 1877, and then engaged in farming. In 1874 he married Catherine, daughter of Philip and Anna Engler, and they have one son, Henry M.
Criqui, William, Cheektowega, p. o. Forks, was born in Cheektowaga, August 17, 1849, a son of Anthony and Elizabeth (Beits) Criqui, natives of Germany, who came to Buffalo in 1832 and to Cheektowaga in 1833. Anthony Criqui was a shoemaker and died July 5, 1850; his widow died in 1877, and they were the parents of thirteen children, eight of whom are living. William Criqui was reared in Cheektowaga and learned the blacksmith's trade. For four years he was on the lakes and the follow- ing fourteen years worked at his trade; he then engaged in the hotel business in Clarence, for seven and a half years, at the same time carrying on blacksmithing. Thence he went to a hotel at Forks for eight years, and in 1892 built the Union House, of which he has since been proprietor. For ten years he was superintendent of the North Buffalo and Lancaster Turnpike Road. In 1872 he married Frances Nagel of Tonawanda, who has borne him six children. Mr. Criqui is independent in politics, and for three years has been justice of the peace, having been elected on the Democratic ticket.
Boldt, Charles, West Seneca, p. o. Ebenezer, was born in Germany, January 26, 1851, a son of John and Caroline (Hasselow) Boldt, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1854, settling in Buffalo, and in 1855 moved to West Seneca, where he died January 22, 1892, and his wife October 28, 1888. Charles Boldt was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, and has followed farming all of his life. In 1873 he married Mary Knuth, and they have had eight children: Louise, Matilda, Annie, Albert (deceased), Amy, Clara and Flora (twins), Carl and Walter.
Davis, George H., North Collins, was born February 14, 1842, on the homestead which his father, Andrew Davis, purchased of his brother, Otto Davis, in 1828, and which for sixty-eight years has been in the family. Andrew Davis was a farmer and married Judith Briggs. He died in 1872 in his seventy-third year. George H. Davis was educated in North Collins, after which he returned to the farm and in 1852 enlisted in Co. A, 116th N. Y. Vols. He took part in the battles of Port Hud-
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son, Donelsonville, Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, the Red River expedition, Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, being wounded at Cedar Creek, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. In 1865 he married Anna A., daugh- ter of Capt. Rufus Washburn, and they have two daughters: Laura A. Smith and Mrs. Lucy J. Pickens.
Whiting, Mark, Boston, was born September 9, 1837, and is a son of Ami and Clarissa Whiting. His father was born in 1805 and was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother a native of Vermont. In 1817 Mr. Whiting came to Erie county and settled in Boston. At that early day there were few settlers and roads, the country being an almost unbroken wilderness. Mark Whiting received his education at East Aurora Academy, after which he taught several months. April 21, 1859, he married Emily L. Hill, daughter of Alvin and Louise Hill, and they had three children: L. G. Ray, Ethel V. and Hortense M. In 1861 Mr. Whiting engaged in business in Boston, in which he continued for twelve years, when he traded his stock for a farm and went to shipping cows and other stock. At the breaking out of the war he was appointed Republican enrollment commissioner. He has served as postmas- ter at Boston under two administrations; has been captain in two regiments of the National Guard, 67th Regiment, and was captain of Co. E; also captain in the 28th . Regiment. He was notary public for thirty consecutive years and is now justice of the peace. Mr. Whiting has served the people of his county in various positions with uniform satisfaction to the people and credit to himself.
Bourne, Charles W., M. D., Hamburg, was born in Pawlet, Vt., August 10, 1838. He was educated in the public schools and Mettawa Academy, and was grad- uated from Castleton Medical College, June 12, 1860. August 12, 1862, he enlisted in the 11th Vermont Vols. This regiment was, on orders from the war department, recruited 1,800 strong as the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery. He was promoted from private to hospital steward and soon after to assistant surgeon of the regiment, and was honorably discharged June 24, 1865, returning to his native place. Soon after he came to Erie county and to Hamburg March 16, 1882, where he has practiced since with marked success. September 11, 1865, he married Martha S. Wheelock of Hamburg, N. Y., and they have three children: Bentley S., Bertha M. and Charles L. Bentley S. married Helen Newton of Hamburg, and they have one son, Thomas L. Bentley S. is a practicing physician with his father. Bertha M. married George D. Potter of Hamburg. Dr. Bourne is a member of Erie County Medical Society and of the State Medical Society. Bentley S. is a member of the Erie Medical So- ciety. Dr. Bourne's father, Nehemiah W. Bourne, was born at Attleboro, Mass., May 30, 1808; he married twice, first to Jane A. Bentley, and they had one son, Charles W., as above. Mrs. Bourne died November 13, 1838, and for his second wife he married Lydia Winchester, and they had one daughter, Agnes C. Mr. Bourne died November 20, 1873, and his widow May 26, 1896. Dr. Bourne is a member of N. J. Swift Post No. 440, G. A. R., Dept. of New York, and is its past commander and surgeon, and is a member of Encampment No. 97, U. V. L.
Clark, John E., Hamburg, was born on the homestead in 1824. His education was obtained in the schools of that day and he has always followed farming. Feb-
rrr
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ruary 1, 1847, he married Elizabeth M. Perine of White Creek, Washington county, N. Y., and they have seven children: Byron W., Charles E., Percis A., Millard M., Ottis L., Burton M. and Estella V. Byron W. is an architect and married Harriet Arnold; they have one daughter, Myrtle. Charles E. married Ida Meade of Michigan; they have five children: Roy, Clyde, Edward J., Ellen E. and Irving. Percis A. married George Freed of Niagara county, N. Y. ; they have four children : Ethel, Lulu, Earle and Liona. Ottis L. married Mary Scoville of Hamburg; they have two children: Gertrude and Howard C. Burton M. married Anna Dillingham ; they have two sons: Paul S. and Harold D. Estella resides at home. Mr. Clark in his political choice is a staunch Republican. His father, Elisha Clark, was born in Vermont in 1773, and came here in 1806; he married Nancy Jameson of Antrim, N. H., and they had one son: John E., as above. Mr. Clark died in 1861 and his widow in 1871. The grandfathers of Mr. and Mrs. Clark were in the Revolutionary war, her grandfather being a colonel.
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