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 43
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
rector of Lockport & Erie Railway Company of this city, President of Bignall Manufacturing Company of Medina, and Elder in First Presbyterian Church. He was member of Assembly in 1864, member of State Board of Canal Com- missioners in 1873, Mayor of Lockport 1867, and President of Board of Education for four years in the seventies. He was a Democrat.
Jackson, William-Born at Toronto, 1847. Came to Lockport with his parents in 1849. Lived here ever since. Been one of Lockport's leading tobacconists for over a quarter of a century. His father, William Jackson, was fore- man of the workmen who cut the stone for the combined locks.
Jeffery, D. Ellwood-Born near Ransomville, 1855. Educated in district school and Lockport Union School. Entered the law office of Holmes & Fitts in 1881. Was clerk of Surrogate's Court for five years and Assistant Dis- trict Attorney one term. Admitted to practice, 1885 at Buf- falo, Special term. Practiced law since that time with his brother, E. L. Jeffrey, and with D. E. Brong. Elected Al- derman of Third Ward in fall of 1901. Member of Niagara Lodge, F. and A. M .; Lock City Lodge of Perfection, A. O. F .; Knights of St. John and Malta and retired member of Protection Hook and Ladder Company No. I.
Jeffery, John O .- Born in Town of Newfane, 1861. Son of Joseph Allan Jeffery, one of the earlier settlers of the Town of Newfane. Graduate of Lockport Union School. Married Catherine A. Wadhams, daughter of late Perry G. Wadhams, of Lockport. Successfully engaged in real estate business in Tonawandas.
Judge, Martin S .- Born in Ireland, 1857. Came to this country with his parents, 1864, locating at Gasport. At- ยท tended St. Joseph's College, Buffalo, Lockport Union School and taught school one term. In 1879 entered the employ of New York Central Railroad as telegraph operator, was appointed Station Ticket Agent at Lockport in 1886 and in January, 1902, was promoted to the office of City Passenger Agent for the New York Central lines, with headquarters at No. 97 Main Street, Lockport.
Knowles, A. I .- Born in Canandaigua, 1848. Came to Lockport, 1861. Enlisted in the Fifteenth New York Cav- alry after securing consent of his guardian, Jacob Corson, his parents being dead, and the recruiting officers protesting because of his youth. Served with General Custer's divi- sion till close of war. Returning to Lockport clerked in a grocery. In 1876 he started in the peanut business until he commenced the cold storage business, corner Union and Charles Streets, where his sons, under the style of Knowles Brothers, are in the wholesale fruit and produce business.
Vilborne, Horatio-Born in Otsego County, 1821. Moved to Lockport in 1837; where he was variously employ- ed until 1851, when he-started the insurance business now operated by H. Kilborne & Son. For five years a member of the Board of Supervisors and one year its Chairman. Member of Board of Education six years. Examiner for State Board of Regents for Lockport for many years and now oldest member of Constellation Lodge, I. O. O. F. and presided on occasion of opening of the lodge's hall in 1902 An active Presbyterian all his life.
Lackor, James R .- Born near Orangeport, Town of Royalton, 1824. His father, Smith Lackor, with John May- nard, had a contract to dig one mile of the canal west of Orangeport. Then Smith Lackor bought a farm on Chest- nut Ridge, built the original Cottage Hotel, and resided there with his family till his death. Just before his death he sold the farm. Then James R. Lackor came to Lock- port and has resided there ever since. Married Harriet A.
Maynard, daughter of the late John Maynard, the contractor above mentioned, in 1849. By this union he had two chil- dren, Frank J., born in 1852, and Martha, now Mrs. Rosolvo Flinchbaugh, born in 1854.
Lambert, William-Born in England, 1831. Came to Lockport in 1849 and lived here ever since. Worked at the Spalding and Douglass mills for nineteen years in all, when he started in the flour, feed and grain business on Main Street and continued it ever since. Police Commissioner of Lockport six years, served four terms on the Board o. Supervisors, is now serving at Alderman from the Fourth Ward. Married to Sarah Boodger, by Rev. William C. Wis- ner, D. D., in the old brick church on Church Street in 1854.
Lee, Albert H .- Born in Town of Lockport, 1843, on "Old Salt Works Farm." In 1864 moved with his parents, Edmund and Alice Lee, to Wright's Corners, in Town of Newfane, where he resided until elected to office of Super- intendent of the Poor. Removed to Almshouse January I, 1899, to assume duties of the office and was reelected in 1901. Educated at Lockport Union School, afterward a farmer. Spent all his life in Niagara County. Democrat.
Lee, A. Edmund-Born at Wright's Corners, 1873. Graduated from Lockport Union School, 1895. Studied law in office of Hon. John E. Pound, attended Albany Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1899. In August, 1902, formed a copartnership with William Gold for the practice of law.
Level, J. C .- Born in Kentucky. Moved to Buffalo when a child. Came to Niagara Falls in 1886 and established a carriage service on the New York State Reservation, which he still conducts. Mr. Level some years since began to ad- vocate the compressed air theory as the reason of the reces- sion of the Falls. He says there is an explosion at the base of the Horseshoe Falls every fifteen seconds. He has re- cently established a life saving station on the river, above the rapids.
Lewis, Eli B .- Born in Connecticut, 1819. Came to Town of Hartland, 1841. Moved to Lockport 1862, where he has since lived. Resides on handsome farm on Locust Street, engaged in raising small fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers. The group picture presented elsewhere was taken on the Golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis They have five children living, Frank B., Flora, Fred B., Nellie and Nettie.
Lewis, S. Curt-Born in Lockport; resided there ever since. Been in banking business since 1852, beginning in old Canal Bank. Was with the Niagara County Bank, later with the Niagara County National Bank for thirteen years. For four years Secretary and Treasurer of Farmers' and Mechanics' Saving Bank. In 1872 elected County Treas- urer, holding the office for nine consecutive years. In 1876 established the banking office of S. Curt Lewis and has con- ducted it ever since. Has been Alderman ; Police Commis- sioner and President of the Board for over fifteen years; treasurer of Board of Education for over forty years.
Little, Joseph W .- Born in Lockport, 1843. Enlisted in Twenty-eighth Regiment, New York State Volunteer In- fantry, Company A, Captain E. W. Cook, in April, 1861. Promoted to Corporal after battle of Antietam. Acting Sergeant when honorably discharged in 1863. In employ of government at Philadelphia in 1865. Served four years as Supervisor, four years on City Council, two years on Board of Health. Member of Niagara Lodge, F. and A. M., Knights of St. John and Malta and Charles P. Sprout Post. G. A. R. He is now President of the Niagara Cooperage Company, Lockport, and has been in the business for thirty- five years.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Lounsbury, Arza-Born in Carmel, Putnam County, in early part of century, of Quaker-Puritan ancestors. For many years in lumber business in New York and Pennsyl- vania. Came to Lockport in 1834. Interests mostly in landed property. Early retired from active business. Man of intellectual tastes, correct habits and undoubted integrity. He died in 1879.
Low, James-Born in Toronto, Canada, 1836. Edu- cated in public schools of Niagara County and Wilson Col- legiate Institute. Commenced life as a farmer and when twenty-five years old entered Custom House at Suspension
McComb, George T .- Born in Lockport, 1856. Served twelve years in National Exchange Bank. Eight years pay- ing and receiving teller of Niagara County National Bank. Made an extended trip round the world. In 1892 engaged in wholesale produce commission business, wich he con- tinues. An antiquarian and collector of autographs and relics. Two years Vice President of New York Association of Hay and Grain Dealers. Member of several fraternal societies and an influential business man.
McCoy, F. A .- Born in Shed's P. O., Madison County, I858. Came to the Tonawandas, 1883. Principal of Tona-
MR. AND MRS. ELI B. LEWIS AND DESCENDANTS.
Bridge as Deputy Collector and Inspector. In 1862 en- tered the army as a Lieutenant of Company B, 129th New York Volunteers, and served until close of war. Mustered out in 1865 as Major. Wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor. In 1865 appointed Postmaster at Suspension Bridge by President Johnson and reappointed by President Grant. In 1882 appointed Consul at Clifton, Ontario. In 1890 appointed Collector of Customs at Suspension Bridge and was appointed again by President McKinley. He is now filling that office. Also served three terms as As- semblyman.
wanda schools for five years. Engaged in jewelry and music business until 1898. Appointed Postmaster by President McKinley. Now serving second term, having been reap- pointed by President Roosevelt.
McCoy, Warner H .- Born in Saratoga County, 1831. Attended schools of Rensselaer County and learned book- binder's trade in Troy. In 1847 came to Lockport and two years later established himself in the business on his own account, first in the Central Block on Main Street and after- ward at his present premises, 91 Main Street. Served four years on City Council. Member of Lockport Lodge, F.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and A. M .; Ames Chapter, R. A. M .; Bruce Council; Gen- esee Commandery. K. T. and Lock City Lodge of Per- fection, A. A. S. R.
McGrath, Michael-Born in Ireland about 1810, com- ing to Utica, New York, in 1826, being employed there as clerk in a grocery store. He came to Lockport in 1841 and immediately opened a wholesale and retail grocery on Buffalo Street. A few years thereafter he purchased the block on the soutwest corner of Main and Cottage Streets and continuedthe grocery business there in the "Checkered block" until his death in 1873. He married Mary Murphy just before coming to America and nine children were born to them, of whom five are living, Sarah McGrath, Michael S., Thomas M., Edward J. and John C., all of Lockport.
McParlin, Peter H .- Born in Lockport, 1858. Learn- ed pressman's trade and was with Lockport Journal for four years. Manager of Lock City Review for two years. Fire- man and later engineer on New York Central for ten years. Then opened insurance office in Lockport, which he con- tinues. Member Board of Education two terms. Pioneer in securing free text books in schools. Now serving second term as Supervisor from Second Ward. Member of Royal Arcanum, C. M. B. A., Knights of Columbus, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, Washington Hose Company, Ex- empt Firemen's Association and Western New York Fire- men's Association.
Mahoney, James J .- Born at Niagara Falls, 1863. Edu- cated in public schools. Until twenty-two years of age worked with his father on the farm. For six years from 1885 worked in baggage room of the New York Central. For past five years proprietor of the International Phar- macy. Elected Alderman when Niagara Falls became a city in 1892, and has held the same office ever since. Term expires January I, 1905, which will make nearly thirteen years' service in Council. Delegate to Democratic National Convention at Kansas City in 1900.
Martin, J. A .- Born in Albion, 1874-Learned tele- graphy. Was operator for the Central Railroad for six years. In Commercial telegraph offices at Rochester and Buffalo. Was Manager of Western Union Telegraph Com- pany at Brockport ; Assistant Agent of New York Central two years at Niagara Falls. Promoted to Ticket Agent at Lockport, January, 1902.
Maxwell, David-Born in Essex County, New Jersey, 1792. Came to Johnson's Creek in 1820. The portrait published elsewhere is from a minature taken eighty-four years ago. In 1824 built turnpike connecting Wright's Corners and Warren's Corners and moved to Wright's Corners, where he bought some 42 acres of land, built a house and lived there the remainder of his life. He built the turnpike from Wright's Corners to Warren's Corners and maintained it at his own expense for fifty years. In 1840 he built a hotel at Wright's Corners, rented it for a number of years and eventually sold it. He died in 1878. He was married to Hannah Mosher at Johnson's Creek shortly after he settled at that place and had two children. One died in infancy. The other, Isaac M. Maxwell, still lives on the family homestead at Wright's Corners. For five years in early life David Maxwell held a responsible position under Governor Ogden, of New Jersey. He was also clerk on a steamboat plying between Elizabeth, New Jersey and New York City. For a time he was in close association with Commodore Vanderbilt in his early boating operations, and told many stories of the thrift and energy of the Commodore.
Merritt, John A .- Born in Tecumseh, Michigan, 1851.
Educated in Tecumseh schools and Ann Arbor University. Subsequently he came to Lockport, read law with E. M. Ashley, and was admitted to the bar. Elected County Clerk in 1880 and reelected in 1883. In 1886 chosen member of Board of Education and has served several terms. In 1891 appointed Postmaster of Lockport by President Harrison. Appointed Third Assistant Postmaster-General by President McKinley. Is now Postmaster of the City of Washington, D. C., Treasurer of the Niagara Paper Company and in- terested in other Lockport industries.
Metcalf, Clarence Edgar-Born in Ontario County, May 18, 1861. Removed to Niagara County, 1864. Col- lector of the Town in 1894. For two years Representative of his town on the Republican County Committee.
Metcalf, William Coe-Born in Royalton, July 30, 1866. Began teaching in 1888. Moved to Town of Lockport in July, 1900. Enumerator of Census of 1900 for the south half of Town of Royalton.
Molyneux, Charles-Born at Molyneux, Town of Cam- bria, 1845. Attended district schools, Lockport Union School, Lewiston Academy and Niagara University. Studied law with Murray & Greene and graduated from Albany Law School in 1868. Acted as Surrogate's Clerk and practiced law two or three years. For eight years thereafter he was engaged in the Department of Public Works on the western division of the Erie Canal. Then entered upon construction work of the State Line Railroad, now the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railroad. In December, 1892, appointed Chief of Police, of Lockport, which position he has held ever since.
Mulhair, Samuel-Born in Lockport, 1847. Was pro- prietor of East Lockport House many years and since his death, on November 11, 1898, has been succeeded by his widow, daughter of Michael Cunningham, who continues to conduct the old and well-known hostelry of which her hus- band was proprietor for so many years. Samuel Mulhair was a member of the Eighth New York Heavy Artillery in the Civil War.
Nicholls, Charles Luman-Born in Lockport, 1869. Son of Mark A. and Emma J. Marks Nicholls. Studied law with L. F. & G. W. Bowen, admitted to the bar in 1893 and practiced since that time. Exempt member of Protec- tion Hook and Ladder Company No. I. Been Secretary of Niagara County Agricultural Society since 1900. City At- torney since January 1, 1902. Member of Niagara Lodge, F. and A. M .; Lockport Lodge of Elks; Niagara County Anglers' Club and Lockport Gun Club.
Neilson, Hans-Went to Niagara Falls in 1850. migrating from Denmark, where he was born in 1821. En- gaged in tobacco business for two years. Removed to Plattsville, Illinois, and with Frederick Gluck went into brewing and distilling business. Afterward the plant was destroyed by fire. No insurance. Mr. Neilson was obliged to begin life all over again. Started again as a tobacco merchant at Niagara Falls. Shortly afterward went into the grocery and the lumber business. For eleven years he con- ducted this combined business and then sold out. In 1873 he was made President of Prospect Park. Served until purchase of park by State in July, 1885. Mr. Nielson is a member of Niagara Frontier Lodge, No. 132, F. and A. M. and has been a Knight Templar for over a quarter of a cen- tury. He is Trustee of Oakwood Cemetery and Trustee of Niagara County Bank; Vice President of Power City Bank. In 1885 elected a member of Board of Education of Village of Niagara Falls, and continued as such until in- corporation of City of Niagara Falls in 1892, when he was appointed a member of the City Board of Education and
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
remained as such until June 30, 1899, when he offered his resignation. Upon his retirement a resolution of appre- ciation and regret was unanimously adopted.
Niland, M. S .- Born at Lockport, 1873. Educated in Lockport public schools. Has been with Whitmore & Com- pany since 1889. Now Manager of same company. In 1901 elected Supervisor on the Republican ticket from the Sixth Ward, which is strongly Democratic.
Oliver, Fred R .- Treasurer of the State Council, Jr. O. U. A. M. of Lockport ; Treasurer of Niagara Council, No. 8; Recording Secretary of Lockport Council, National Union; Collector of Minnehaha Lodge, Order of the Iro- quois; Treasurer of Lockport Council, Royal Arcanum; Secretary of the Grant Club; member of the Exempt Fire- men's Association; former Foreman of Protection Hook and Ladder Company, No. I, and has been a member of the Re- publican County Committee for three years from the Fifth Ward. Born in Lockport, November 4, 1865.
Oliver, Reuben W .- Born in Orleans County, 1827. Came to Town of Wilson, 1828. Enlisted in Battery M, First New York Light Artillery, October 3, 1861. Ap- pointed Quartermaster Sergeant, November 3, 1851. Now living at Wilson, New York.
Palmer, Charles N., M. D .- Born in Oneida County, 1841. Graduated from Medical Department of University of City of New York, 1864. Served a year during the war as surgeon. Began private practice in Sauquoit, Oneida County. Came to Lockport in 1867, and practiccd exten- sively in medicine and surgery. Has been President of Niagara County Medical Society. Is a Mason of higli standing and a Shriner.
Parker, Edward G .- Born in Warsaw, Illinois, 1854. Came to Lockport in 1863. Began to study law with Farnell & Burrell in 1877. Admitted to the bar in 1881. Ap- pointed Deputy County Clerk by Hon. John A. Merritt, which position he held until 1886, when he resigned and went west for a time. Returning, he engaged in the prac- tice of law and continued until January 1, 1893, when he entered the County Clerk's office as Deputy, which position he has held ever since.
Penfold, George P .- Born in Lockport, 1842, and al- ways resided there. Learned printer's trade in office o Lockport Advertiser, beginning in 1856. Became Foreman of job department of Lockport Union and continues to this time. Alderman two terms. In fall of 1901 elected Super- visor of First Ward. Is a Mason and Director of Lockport Savings and Loan Association. Democrat.'
Perhamus, John H .- Born in Bristol, New York, 1852. Educated in Canandaigua public schools, became a tele- graph operator and secured a position with the New York Central, with which corporation he has since remained, steadily rising in position, until he is now Freight Agent, at Lockport, which important office he has filled since 1892.
Peterson, Gilbert-Born in Owasco, Cayuga County, New York, 1824. Married to Elizabeth Parker in 1847. Moved to Niagara County in 1854, where he had a contract for enlargement of Erie Canal, with Horace Hunt, of Rey- nale's Basin, where he lived until the work was done. Ap- pointed State Superintendent of Niagara and Orleans sec- tion of Canal in 1858 and in October of same year moved to Lockport. In 1859 built the family home on Market Street, which he occupied at his death, November 14, 1890. Well known in New York State, Ohio, Canada, Wisconsin and Washington, D. C., in connection with public works. Survived by his widow, two sons, Charles and Jesse, and a daughter, Miss Elizabeth, all residents of Lockport.
Peterson, Jesse-Born in Allegany County, 1850. Moved to Lockport with his parents at an early age. President of the United Indurated Fibre Company. Member of Sons of the American Revolution, the Ellicott and Buf- falo Clubs, of Buffalo and the City Club of Lockport. De- voted considerable time to travel in the United States, Continental Europe and Africa. Married Arabella A. Brown, of Lockport, 1872. Two children, Jesse Dudley and Brown of Lockport, 1872. Two children, Jesse Dudley and Clara B.
Pettit, S. H .- Born in Town of Wilson, 1844. Edu- cated at Wilson Collegiate Institute and graduated from Bryant and Stratton's Business College at Rochester in 1864. Served five terms as Supervisor of his town. Can- didate for Assemblyman in Second Assembly District, but was defeated by a small majority. Has served two terms as County Clerk.
Pool, Wilber T .- Born in Dickersonville, 1854. Justice of the Peace twelve years. Served as an appointed official of State Constitutional Convention in 1894. Has served four terms as Supervisor of the Town of Lewiston. Chosen Chairman of the Board in 1897. Served Republican party on Town and County Committees.
Potter, Alvah K .- Born in Concord, New Hampshire, I840. Graduated from Dartmouth College in 1862. Com- missioned First Lieutenant Company H, Seventh New Hampshire Regiment and successfully promoted to Captain, Major and Lieutenant-Colonel. Recommended for brevet rank for "gallant and meritorious conduct" at Petersburg. Admitted to New Hampshire bar in 1866. Practiced in Concord for three years and removed to Niagara Falls, where he was for three years a member of the law firm of Piper & Potter. Came to Lockport in 1872, where he has since resided. City Attorney, 1875-76. Elected Judge of Niagara County in 1883, and served six years. Member of law firm of Ellsworth, Potter & Storrs.
Pound, John E .- Born at Lockport in 1843. Gradu- ated from Lockport Union School and entered Brown Uni- versity, but did not complete his college course. Served in Quartermaster's Department during the war. Admitted to the bar in 1867 and practiced law ever since. Served one term in Legislature, eight years as Assistant United States Attorney, twice as Mayor of Lockport, Warden of Grace Episcopal Church, President of the Lockport Honie for the Friendless, Vice President of the State Bar Association, United States Commissioner, Attorney for Buffalo State Hospital, President of the Lockport Board of Education, delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1880 and was one of the famous "306" who voted for Grant to the last. For two terms he was Exalted Ruler of Lockport Lodge of Elks and was its Representative to the Grand Lodge in Milwaukee in1 1901. He was twice President of the Lockport Public Library, for many years has been one of the Directors of the National Exchange Bank, was two terms Supreme Regent of the Royal Arcanum, twice Presi- dent of the Pioneer Association, and for many years has been Supreme Orator of the Order of the Iroquois. He has often been a delegate to the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of Western New York, many times member of the Standing Committee of the Diocese, since 1901 has been Chancellor of the Diocese and has long been Superintendent of Grace Church Sunday School.
Pound, Gorge W .- Born in Boston, 1865. Read law with John E. Pound, admitted to the bar in 1888. Since practiced in Lockport and now in Buffalo. Deiegate to numerous party conventions and public speaker. Is a mem-
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ber of various fraternal organizations. Was Captain of Grant Club, of which he was one of the charter members. Also Secretary of Republican County Committee.
Pratt, Lorenzo N .- Born in Town of Wilson, 1831, and always lived there. Enlisted as bugler in Battery M, First New York Light Artillery, and served three years and nine months, being honorably discharged at the close of the war. His father was one of the first settlers of Wilson.
Raymond, Charles T .- Born in Troy, New York, and educated at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in that city. He came to Lockport in 1883 as General Manager of the Saxton & Thompson flour mill. He has since been en- gaged in numerous other industries and is at present Presi- dent of the Newfane Electric Company, and of the Lincoln Square Company, and Secretary and Treasurer of the Lock- port Felt Company and also of Lockport Hydraulic Com- pany. Mr. Raymond founded the Sidepath League in the fall of 1890 and gave Lockport the distinction of having started this movement. In 1895 he drew up the sidepath law which permitted Niagara County to tax wheels and expend the fund for building sidepaths. He was Chairman of the first State Sidepath Convention in Rochester in 1898, and drew up the State law permitting any county to license wheels and build sidepaths.
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