USA > New York > Niagara County > Souvenir history of Niagara County, New York : commemorative of the 25th anniversary of the Pioneer Association of Niagara County > Part 42
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Chapman, Harrison S .- Born in Friendship, Allegany County, New York, 1849. In 1866 entered employ of Erie Railway and continued until 1891. In 1882, however, he became a member of the newly organized Field Force Pump Company and later assumed its business management. In 1891 the business had grown to such proportions as to re- quire his individual time and attention, and he is now the Secretary, Treasurer and Manager. Mr. Chapman is a Democrat and has held the office of Police Commissioner and member of the Board of Health. He has been a mem- ber of the Board of Education for fourteen years.
Chormann, Frederick-Born in Niagara Falls, 1872. Graduated from Niagara Falls High School in June, 1890, and studied law with W. Caryl Ely. Admitted to the bar March, 1894. Became Managing Clerk in office of Ely, Dudley & Cohn and upon the dissolution of that firm in 1899 formed a partnership with Mr. Cohn. Is a 32.1 Degree Mason and a member of all subordinate bodies. Attorney
for the stockholder in some of the largest corporations at the Falls. Vestryman of St. Peter's church.
Coates, Frank S .- Born in Olcott, 1862. Learned telegraphy and at nineteen became operator for New York Central. Afterward Station Agent at Newfane for Rome, Watertown & Ogdenburg Railroad for seven years. Came to Lockport to become Manager of office of Postal Tele- graph Company. After four years entered employ of Holly Manufacturing Company as head bookkeeper, which post- tion he retains. Engaged also in bicycle business since 1895. Member of Common Council since 1900. President of Lockport Wheelmen, has been Assistant Foreman and Secretary of Protection Hook and Ladder Company and President of Grant Club.
Crosby, E. Ellis-Born in Town of Cambria, 1857, son of Abiel Crosby and grandson of Colonel Alexander Dicker- son, of Dickersonville. Elected Vice President of Niagara County Farmers' Club in 1895, which position he now holds. Specialties, Jersey cattle, butter and cream, white Wyandotte fowls and fruit. In 1880 he married Jennie Richardson, daughter of the late Hiram H. Richardson, who settled in Cambria in 1822.
Crosier, William H .- Born in Town of Cambria, 1837. His father came to Lewiston December 7, 1816. Three years later he moved to the Town of Cambria and purchased the farm where his son, William H. Crosier, resides.
Cunningham, Samuel-Born in Lockport, December 31, 1870. After leaving school followed machinist's trade until 1898, when he purchased the Eagle Hotel, which he has since owned. Volunteer fireman for twelve years. Member of De Witt Clinton Hose Company, having held every office except steward. Now Chief Engineer of the Lockport Fire Department. Member of Foresters, A. O. of H., Red Men, Hay Makers and Exempt Firemen's Asso- ciation.
Daniels, Willard J .- Born in Vermont, 1813. Moved to Toledo, Ohio, in 1832, and there accumulated a large fortune in early years. It was Mr. Daniels who suggested the name of Toledo for the city. In 1853, after his wife's death, he moved to Lockport. He was one of the founders of the Niagara County Bank and its first President, elected in 1856 and continuing until 1860. Engaged in lumber business as W. P. Daniels & Company, and afterward sold to James Jackson, Jr. Partner in firm of Daniels, Mack & Company, grain dealers, and W. J. & S. R. Daniels, who built the New York Central Elevator. Mr. Daniels lived for many years and died at Wyndham Lawn, which he ac- quired from Governor Hunt and improved. It is now the beautiful Home for the Friendless. Mr. Daniels died in November, 1877, leaving a wife and a large family.
Day, Charles-Born in Mendon, Monroe County, 1820. Received a High School education. Came to Niagara County about 1854 and settled on a farm in Royalton. Was a successful farmer until 1884, when he removed to Lock- port and lived a retired life until his death, which occurred in 1896.
Dempsey, S. Wallace-Born in the town of Hartland and has always residcd in the county. Graduated at De Veaux College. Studied law in the office of L. F. & G. W. Bowen and was admitted to the Bar in 1886. Immedlately began practicing in Lockport. On January 1, 1900, formed a part- nership with Frederick P. James, which still continues, An active Republican and popular platform speaker in political campaigns. Appointed Assistant United States District Attorney in the fall of 1899, which office he still holds.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Dickson, James-Born in Ireland, 1837. Went to Canada in 1843. Came to Lockport, 1867, engaging in grocery business, selling to Whittaker & Webb in 1868. Then started the transfer business which he continues. Su- perintendent of Streets from 1892 to 1894.
Dickinson, Charles E .- Born in Westminster, Mass- achusetts, 1862. Was "devil" in a printing office and after- ward went on the road as a salesman. Started in the brokerage business after nine years in Rochester, New York. Invested his profits in real estate and later bought a quarter interest in the Franklin Mills of Lockport and became ac- tively identified with the milling trade. Later he increased his interest. He has doubled the capacity of the plant and modernized it throughout. A short time ago the electrical building, on Race Street, was completed by Mr. Dickinson and it is now a center of the dissemination of electrical light and power. Proprietor of Albright Hotel at Olcott. Do- nated the site for the new Episcopal Church at Olcott. Prominent Democrat and actively interested in social, fra- ternal and church affairs.
Diemer, George F .- Born in Niagara Falls, 1868. Educated in city schools. Clerk in clothing store of Max Amberg, 1884-94. Teller in First National Bank, 1894-96. Appointed Deputy City Clerk by Mayor Hastings in 1897 and was reappointed by Mayor Butler as Deputy City Clerk and Auditor. Appointed City Clerk by Mayor Hancock. While Deputy City Clerk was Clerk of the Board of Educa- tion.
Donnelly, Joseph-Born at Lockport, 1851. Educated in Lockport schools and at Niagara University. Studied law with Ely & Joyce and was admitted to the bar in 1875, since which time he has practiced. In 1882 and 1883 he held a position in the office of the State Engineer and Sur- veyor at Albany. Democrat.
Douglass, Anthony C .- Commissioner of Public Works of Niagara Falls in 1899-1900. Elected President of the council in 1900. Democratic candidate for Mayor in the spring of 1902. Is a 32d Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Knight Templar, Shriner and member of the Buffalo Club. Extensive contractor. Now building main tunnel for the development of 100,000 horse power for the Canadian Ni- agara Power Company and sinking wheel pits, the work to occupy three years. Employs 200 to 300 men. Never had a strike. Sank Niagara Falls Power Company's first wheel pit and built the intake canal; built the wheelpit for the Ni- agara Falls Paper Company, their intake canal and the 700 foot connecting tunnel; also sections three and four of the main tunnel of the Niagara Falls Power Company.
Earl, John R .- Born in Lockport, 1860, and lived there ever since. Engaged in retail grocery and meat business on Erie Street for eighteen years. Secretary of Democratic County Committee four years. Chairman in 1897-98; elected school Trustee, 1898; reelected, 1901. Now Secre- tary Board of Education, President of the Public Library Board and Trustee Niagara County Agricultural Society. Police Commissioner, 1898-99. Appointed Agent State Department of Agriculture in 1893 by Governor Flower for Ninth District, which position he has held continuously.
Elton, Theron S .- Born in Canandaigua, 1831. Reared on a farm and educated in Yates Academy. Worked on the farm for sixteen years and went on the lakes for eleven years. Afterward learned the ship carpenter's trade, which he followed eight years. Came to Cambria 1860 and fol- lowed farming and wagon making. Served as Justice of the Peace twenty-four years. Republican.
Ernest, Chauncey E .- Born March 7, 1850, Town of
Lockport, two miles east of Lockport. Attended town schools and Lockport Union School. Now resides on a farm on the Hinman Road and devotes much attention to fruit growing. Has been Justice of the Peace four years. Vice President of Pioneer Association for the Town of Lockport. Prominent member of Niagara County Farm- ers' Club. Elder in First Presbyterian Church, Lockport, for three years and at present. Democrat.
Ernest, Roy H .- Born in Town of Lockport, 1875. Graduated from Lockport High School, 1893. Studied law with Hopkins & Brim and Brong & Jeffery. Admitted to the bar in 1897, and began the practice of law which he continues. Elected Justice of the Peace in 1899, which of- fice he now holds. Member of Democratic County Com- mittee, Red Jacket Lodge, F. and A. M .; Ames Chapter, R. A. M .; Constellation Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Elks.
Ferguson, Dr. Andrew R .- Born at Newcastle on Tyne, England, in 1823. Came to America with his parents in 1829. He graduated from Rutger's College in New Jersey in 1840, and soon thereafter came to Lockport and practiced medicine for a number of years. In 1861 he en- gaged in the drug trade which he continued until a short time before his death, which occurred on March 14, 1895. At the time of his death he was the oldest member of Grace Episcopal Church, having held connection with that body for more than fifty-four years.
Flagler, Charles W .- Present Supervisor of Town of Lockport. Brother of General Benjamin Flagler and Gen- eral Daniel W. Flagler. Enlisted in the Civil War in the Second Mounted Rifles. Shot three times. Mustered out as Captain.
Freeman, Benjamin F .- Son of Asher Freeman, who came to Town of Royalton in 1814 and purchased a 640 acre farm from the Holland Land Company at $2.50 per acre. Born in Royalton, 1822. Moved to Michigan in 1843, remaining four years. In 1847 he returned to the homestead farm, where he resided until 1875, when he re- tired from active business and moved to Middleport, where he now resides. His father, Asher Freeman had a large family. By his first wife, Basheba Russell, he had five sons, Samuel, Philip, William, Daniel and Isaac, all de- ceased. By his second wife, Sophia Eddy, he had seven children, Asher, James, Polly, Olive, Sophia (deceased), and John and Benjamin F., both of the latter living at Middle- port. Benjamin F. Freeman in 1842 married Harriet Waterman, who died in 1846, leaving one child, Harriet, wife of James H. McNall, of Ithaca, Michigan. In 1848 Freeman married Anne E., adopted daughter of James Freeman. By this marriage he had one son and two daughters: Asher S., who married Kate Kelley; Lydia L., who married W. W. Steele, of Lockport, and Mary A. Mrs Freeman died in 1859 and in 1860 Mr. Freeman married Laura Lee. He has eight grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.
French, Edgar B .- Born in Orleans County, 1859. At- tended grammer school in Medina and Lockport High School. Afterward engaged with hardware merchant in Medina, remaining five years. Then entered employ of Pratt & Company, Buffalo, for three years. Came to Mid- dleport and formed partnership with A. J. Gray. Burned out in 1891, bought Mr. Gray's interest and continued. Also member of firm of French & Rinn, hardware dealers, Gas- port. Member of Middleport Lodge I. O. O. F., Cataract Lodge, F. and A. M., Medina Chapter, Lockport Com- mandery and Ismalia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .. Trustee and Elder, in Presbyterian Church at Middleport. In 1882
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
he married Louise C., youngest daughter of Linus Spalding. Mr. French has always been a Republican and although active and influential in the work of the party, has never :red to hold office.
Fuchs, Rev. Henry-Born in Baden, Germany, 1871. Came to Lockport, 1901, when he was appointed Rector of St. Mary's Church, which position he still fills.
Gardner, C. M .- His father, Leonard Gardner, was one of the earliest of the prominent business men and manu- facturers of Lockport. Started general foundry business and manufacture of agricultural implements about 1840. His son, C. M. Gardner, became associated with him when the style was changed to L. Gardner & Son. Some twelve years after Leonard Gardner died, when the business was reorganized as the Gardner Foundry Company. C. M. Gardner died three years after, since which time D. A. Hixson has acted as Manager of the business.
Gill, John-Born in Devenshire, England, 1822. Came to America 1834, and immediately thereafter to Gasport, Town of Royalton. Came up the Hudson by steamboat and from Albany to Schenectady on strap railroa.i, thence by canal to Gasport. Hired out to Edward Calvert, on Slayton Settlement Road, for $22 a year and two months' schooling. Worked at home afterward until 1840 and a portion of the time worked on construction of the locks at Lockport. Married Harriet E. Randall and thereafter pur- sued farming in the Town of Royalton. Raised a family of three boys and four girls, all of whom are living. He lives now with his wife and daughter, Hattie, at Johnson's Creek.
Gooding family-Four generations now living of this family are represented in a group elsewhere. Stephen F. Gooding was born in Monroe County, 1817. Came to Lockport, 1823. Surveying for railway companies in vari- ous parts of the country until 1840. From 1840 to 1862 was engaged in engineering of enlargement of Erie canal in vicinity of Lockport, including construction of combined locks. Village engineer, 1862-67. Practiced his profession on Long Island, 1868-76. Returned to Lockport, 1876, and engaged in surveying and civil engineering ever since. His son, A. Stewart Gooding, was born in 1841, in Lockport, Illinois. Learned the printer's trade in Journal office under Moses Richardson. Foreman job department of that office, 1867-68 and continuously since 1884. Served in Nineteenth New York Battery in Civil War. Adjutant Charles P. Sprout Post, No. 76, G. A. R. George S. Gooding, son of A. Stewart, was born at Reynale's Basin, 1863. Learned his trade in Journal office. In 1891 established Lockport Ni- agran, a weekly, which he continued for four years. Ap- pointed United States Gauger in 1891 and held office four years. From 1895-98, City Editor on Journal. On staff Union-Sun, 1900-01. Returned to business department of Journal in spring of 1902. In 1895-96, Secretary of Pioneer Association. His son, Sanford Stewart Gooding, born, 1887, student at Lockport High School and carrier for The Journal. Three generations of this family are at pres- ent in the employ of that paper.
Gould, Francis A .- Born in Town of Hamburg, Erie County, 1841. Came to Town of Hartland in 1867. Mar- ried Ellen Chaplin, of Hartland, daughter of Washington Chaplin, a pioneer, in 1867. One daughter living, Mrs. Clarence Root, of Springfield, Ohio. Lived on the same farm on the Ridge Road for thirty-five years.
Graham, Almon M .- Born in Columbia County, 1842. Came to Lockport 1856, and has since resided there. Many years in lumbering and saw milling business. Now en-
gaged in the retail coal business. Early in life united with First Free Congregational Church of Lockport and is an active member now. Is a Prohibitionist, a teetotaler and actively engaged in temperance work. At first call for volunteers in 1861 enlisted in Twenty-eighth New York and served the full term of the Regiment. Is a prominent member of G. A. R. and veteran Free Mason.
Gray, Alfred W .- Born in St. Lawrence County, 1868. Graduated from Ogdensburg Academy, 1887. Taught school one year. Graduated from Hamilton College in 1892. Studied law, moved to Buffalo, was admitted to the bar in 1896. In June, 1899, went to Niagara Falls and formed a partnership with Hon. Frank A. Dudley and Harry Highlands, under the firm name of Dudley, Gray & High- lands, which is still continued.
Hancock, John M .- Born in Chicago, October 17, 1860. Came to Niagara Falls, 1865. Educated in public schools and De Veaux College. Wholesale coal and coke dealer for twenty-six years. Former member of Board of Education and Civil Service Commissioner. Elected Mayor of Niagara Falls in the spring of 1902.
Harrington, J. Charies-Born in town of Royalton, 1859. Came with his parents to Lockport and lived there ever since. Educated in ward schools and Union School. In 1890 elected City Treasurer and has since held that 01- fice. Republican.
Hastings, Arthur Chapin-Born in Brooklyn, New York, 1860. Secretary of Rochester (New York) Paper Company with which concern he was engaged front 1877 to 1889. 'Treasurer and Manager of Cliff Paper Com- pany, Niagara Falls, since 1892. In 1896 appointed Police Commissioner of Niagara Falls and electer Chairman of the Board. Elected Mayor in 1897 and 1898. At present Fire Commissioner. Delegate to last Republican National Con- vention of the American Pulp and Paper Association of the United States. President of Niagara Falls Civic Club and holds other important positions.
Hatch, Charles W .- Born in Orleans County, 1851. Taught district school for three winters. When nineteen he went to Holley to engage in the flour, feed and produce business. Sold out in 1881 and came to Lockport to take charge of business of Niagara County Fruit Company, con- tinuing for sixteen years. In 1897 bought Ferguson fruit house, where he still continues business. Represented old First Ward as Supervisor in 1894 and in 1899 appointed by President Mckinley, Postmaster of Lockport, which posi- tion he now holds.
Helwig, Dr. J. E .- Born in Erie County, 1892. Gradu- ated from Clarence Academy and taught school for seven terms. Then attended and graduated from University of Buffalo. In 1891 located at Martinsville, where he has since resided. Held office of Coroner eight years, being reelected last year. Health Officer for Towns of Pendleton and Wheatfield. Member of Board of Public Works of North Tonawanda.
Hickey, Charles-Born in Town of Somerset, 1857. Present County Judge and Surrogate. Always resided in County. Educated in district schools and Lockport Union School. Commenced practice of law in Lockport in 1885. Was City Attorney, 1892-96, in which latter year he was elected County Judge and Surrogate. Reelected, 1901. His ability as a jurist is attested by the fact that during the six years upward that he has been on the bench not one of his decisions as County Judge or as Surrogate has been re- versed by the higher courts. The Judge has an extended
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
personal acquaintance and enjoys a high degree of popu- iarity. He is a Republican.
Highlands, Harry-Born in Niagara Falls, 1873. Grad- uated from Niagara Falls High School, 1891. Studied law at Cornell Law School. Admitted to the bar July, 1895. Became member of the firm of Dudley, Gray & Highlands, 1899.
Hixson, D. A .- Born in Town of Royalton about fifty years ago. His father, John Hixson, was one of the early settlers of the town. Came to Lockport at age of mineteen. Served an apprenticeship of five years to a jeweler and com- pleted study of his art by three years service in a prominent Rochester jewelry house. In 1870 engaged in jewelry busi- ness; style, D. A. Hixson; later Hixson & Lyke; Brown, Hixson & Company, and at C. C. Brown's death, D. A. Hix- son & Company, which is still continued. At death of C. M. Gardner he assumed management of Gardner Foundry Company, which he still retains. Member of A. O. U. W., Knights of St. John & Malta and Trustee of Baptist Church.
Hoag, Horace C .- Born in Otsego County, 1827. Moved to Niagara County with his parents when seven years old and settled in Hartland. Came to Lockport in 1862 and died April 9, 1897. Mr. Hoag was one of the first men to buy and ship apples out of the county. The first cold storage plant in this county was erected by hint and his son, Charles A. Hoag, in Lockport. The latter is now carrying on the business.
Hodge, John-Born in Jefferson County, 1837, and settled in Lockport when it was a village. Became Secre- tary and sole Manager of Merchant's Gargling Oil Com- pany. Erected Hodge Opera House, which was burned and rebuilt by him. President of Lockport Water Supply Com- pany, Lockport Street Railroad Company and Treasurer of Lockport & Buffalo Railroad Company. Nine years Presi- dent of Lockport Board of Education. For several years Treasurer of the A. O. U. W. and was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons of New York State during the last year of his life. He died August 7, 1895. Mrs. Hodge is now living, an honored resident of Lockport.
Hooper, William J .- Born in Lockport, 1876, and graduated from Lockport High School in 1895. Took a course at Burns Business College at Buffalo. Studied law in office of Slater & Fennelly, Buffalo. In July, 1898, en- listed with the 202d Regiment, New York State Volunteers, and served with that regiment in Cuba. Returning, he at- tended University of Buffalo Law School until appointed Surrogate's Clerk in February, 1900, which position he still holds.
Hoover, Matthew Henry-Born in Reading, Pennsyl- vania, 1865, son of Rev. Francis T. Hoover. Graduated from Williams College, 1888. Represented Williams Col- lege in intercollegiate essay contest and won medal offered by American Protective Tariff League. One of the editors of the "Williams Weekly." Reporter on Pittsburg Post, 1889. City Editor of Post in October of same year. In November, 1890, started Niagara Spray, an illustrated weekly, in Lockport and in 1891 was one of the founders of the Lockport Daily Sun, which was later combined with the Union. Became editor of Union-Sun in 1896, holds that position now, in addition to writing for various news- papers and periodicals.
Horne, Hon. Walter P .- Born in Boston, 1849. Came to Suspension Bridge, 1866. Engaged in mercantile busi- ness for several years. Proprietor of Western Hotel for over 20 years. Treasurer of Village of Suspension Bridge two years; President of Water Board and of School Board;
member of the Board of Trustees of village at time of con- solidation of Niagara Falls and Suspension Bridge; member of Assembly, 1885. Elected Police Justice, 1901.
Hulshoff, Henry C .- Born in New York City, 1856. Came to Lockport, 1881, and has lived here ever since. Is a Shriner and has received the sixteenth degree in Scottish rite. Was cashier at the United States Customs Office at Suspension Bridge under President Cleveland. Has been Alderman, member of Boards of Health and Education. He is an Exempt Fireman, member of Knights of St. John and Malta and President Board of Trustees of St. Peter's Ger- man United Evangelical Church.
Humphrey, George-Born in Cambridgeshire, Eng- land, 1845. Came to Niagara County with his parents when a small boy. Served from June, 1862, until the close of the war in Nineteenth New York Battery, and participated in all the many battles in which the battery was engaged. Re- turned to Hartland at close of war, where he is engaged in farming. Has served twice as the President of the Niagara County Veterans' Association.
Huston, Louis E .- Born in Buffalo, 1860. Came to Lockport, 1862. Attended city schools until 1875, when he entered wholesale produce and commission business with his father, Luke Huston, and has been engaged in it ever since. Member of Lockport Wheelmen, City Club and Lockport Club. Elected Mayor, 1900, and at present fills that posi- tion.
Huston, William E .- Born in Huston, Province of On- tario, Canada, 1852. Received his early education in schools of Clifton, Ont. Assisted his father on the farm until twenty-two years of age. Learned the trade of carpenter and continued occupied therewith for several years. In 1880 he went into contracting and building, which he has suc- cessfully pursued ever since in Lockport.
Jackman, W. J .- Born in Genesee County, 1835. Came to Lockport 1879, when Lockport and Buffalo branch of Erie Railroad was formally opened. He was conductor on first passenger train out of and into Lockport and punched the two tickets No. I. The first train, unscheduled, ran over the road some time previous and carried Washington Hose Company to Taylor's Park, about twenty miles east of Buf- falo. Also conductor on that train. Purchased Niagara Hotel in 1888 and is yet proprietor. Master of Niagara Lodge of Lockport; District Deputy Grand Master Thirty- seventh District, 1900-01 ; High Priest of Ames Chapter, R. A. M., 1887-88; Master of Bruce Council, Royal and Select Masters, 1892-99-00-01-02; Eminent Commander, Genesee Commandery, K. T., 1894; Master Lock City Lodge of Per- fection, 1889-90; is a Thirty-second Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner, belonging to Ismailia Temple, of Buffalo.
Jackson, James, Jr .- Born in Medina, 1826. Spent boy- hood on the farm and went to Tennessee, where he taught school. Came to Lockport in 1855. Engaged in lumber and sawmill business in Lower Town with Willard Daniels. Afterward the partnership was dissolved and his son, J. Carl Jackson, was taken into the firm. In 1884 the Jackson Lumber Company was organized with James Jackson, Jr., President; Augustus H. Ivins, Vice President and J. Car! Jackson, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Jackson died on March 6, 1891. He was President of the Farmers' and Machanics' Savings Bank; Director of the Niagara County National Bank and the Holly Water Company; Trustee of Cold Spring Cemetery Association, Treasurer of Merchant's Gargling Oil Company, Vice President of Lockport Pulp Company, Trustee of Lockport Water Supply Company, Di-
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