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 44
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Richardson, William G .- Born, May 19, 1826. Town of Royalton. Served as Tax Collector, Road Commissioner, Assessor, Master of Cataract Lodge, F. and A. M. five years. Present Worthy Patron, Gasport Chapter, No. 153, F. and A. M.
Richmond, William-Born in Worcestershire, England. 1847. Came to America in 1863. Came to Lockport in 1868, and entered employ of uncle. James Richmond, manu- facturer of milling machinery, who died in 1873, William Richmond succeeding to the business, having since carried it on successfully. Mayor of Lockport, 1883-84, Alderman of First Ward, 1882: Alderman of Third Ward, 1889-00; mem- ber of Board of Education, 1889-95; President of Board of Water Works, 1884-87. Served as Collector of Customs at Suspension Bridge during second administration of Presi- dent Cleveland. Former President of Lockport Business Men's Association. Member of Niagara Lodge, F. and A. M. and Royal Arcanum.
Roberts, R. N .- Born in Brantford, Ontario. 1864. Came to Lockport, 1879. Learned the printer's trade with James P. Murphy. Established a printing office in 1892, which he continues. Elected Supervisor, Third Ward, 1898. Now serving second term. Past Master Niagara Lodge, F. and A. M. ; Member Ames Chapter, R. A. M .; Past Grand, Cataract Lodge, I. O. O. F .; member Niagara Union En- campment, I. O. O. F., and Lockport Council, R. A.
Rogers, Rev. L. L .- Methodist preacher. His first charge was at Youngstown, where he remained three years. His next pastorate was for two years at Cambria. While there he was ordained an elder and was promoted to the more important work at Wilson, where he remained three years. While at Youngstown he built the parsonage there at a cost of $2,000.
Root. Sylvester G .- Born 1822 in Genesee County. Came to Town of Hartland in 1837. One of the most suc- cessful farmers on the Ridge Road. Has three children liv- ing, Mrs. E. J. Taylor, of Lockport, and George and Clar- ence, dentists, of Springfield, Ohio.
Rowe, Jay S .- Born in Navarino, Onondaga County. 1847. Came to Town of Hartland with his parents when four years old. Educated at Lockport Union School. En- gaged in farming in Town of Somerset for a time. Opened
a general store in Johnson's Creek, which he has since con- tinued. Supervisor of Town of Hartland from 1891 to 1896, Chairman of Board for 1895 and 1896. Elected Asembly- man in 1898 and again in 1899 on the Republican ticket.
Ryan, J. Franklin-Born in Livingston County, 1871. Graduated from Nunda High School, taught country schools and moved to Rochester, 1892. Graduated from Underhill Business School, in which he afterward taught, remaining six years, the last two being partly spent in reading law in offices of Herman W. Morris and Hon. George Raines. Came to Lockport in 1898 and is senior member of Ryan Brothers, who now conduct the Lockport Business Institute.
Ryan, D. Longfellow-Born in Livingston County. 1878. Graduated from Nunda High School and attended Geneseo Normal School in anticipation of making the law his profession. In 1899, after attending the school two years, he came to Lockport to become interested in the firm of Ryan Brothers, of Lockport Business Institute, a busi- ness school. He is teaching in the institute and studying law privately.
Sanford, Harvey-Born in Center Brooke, Connecticut, 1838. Came to Wilson, 1866. Engaged in lumber and coal business for five years. Since that time operated local in- surance agency for life, fire, accident, indemnity, health and plate glass. Several times President of Village of Wilson. Connected with Management of Union School since it be- gan. Past District Deputy Grand Master of Thirty-seventh Masonic District. Successful dealer in real estate. Re- publican. Elder in Presbyterian Church, owns and operates several farms. Owns beautiful home in Village of Wilson.
Schad, Charles H .- Born in Town of Royalton, 1845. Left Lockport with Cothran's Battery. October 11, 1861. Was in a number of battles in Virginia and taken prisoner at Winchester. He was liberated in ten davs by Fremont's Cavalry. He lost his left leg on May 1. 1863, and has the piece of shell weighing two pounds, ten ounces that struck him. Returned home in 1864 and went into general merchandising at Wolcottsville. Appointed Postmaster there and held the office for twenty-four years. In 1888 moved to Lockport and is engaged in the operation and sale of farm implements.
Seaman, William-Born 1826, on the farm where he now resides. Probably the oldest resident of the Town of Hartland who has always lived on the farm where he was born. Democrat. Never held office. Treasurer of Hart- land Central Cemetery Association for a number of years.
Seward, Charles-Born in Town of Hartland. 1855. Operated the farm on which he resides for twenty-nine years. In 1888 was married to Fannie Jesson, of the Som- erset family of the same name. Has always taken a citizen's interest in local affairs and has served a term as Collector of his town.
Sheldon, John L .- Born in Town of Rovalton, 1846. Lived there all his life. Successfully engaged in farming. A Republican, and has taken an active part in party affairs. Represented his town as Supervisor and held other offices. A pioneer in the good roads movement.
Sheldon, John L., Jr .- Born at the family homestead in Rovalton, 1874. Graduated from High School. Came to Lockport in 1891, studied law and was admitted to the bar. Now practicing his profession successfully in Lockport.
Shepard, George G .- Born in Niagara Falls. 1865. Al- ways engaged in banking business. Now Cashier of Electric City Bank. Now serving his second term as President of Board of Education. Captain of the Forty-second Separate
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Company, of Niagara Falls. Has served on various city committees and in 1894 was Chairman of Republican City Committee at the Falls.
Sherwood, Arza G .- Born in Hartland, June 25, 1852. Moved to Royalton with his parents, Arza B. and Mary Gumaer Sherwood, when seven years of age. Followed occupation of a farmer until the beginning of 1902, when he bought out hardware business of W. I. Van Brookin, in Middleport, which he now conducts. Mr. Sherwood is one of the very Republicans who have been elected Supervisor from Royalton. Elected in 1897; relected in 1899 and was Chairman of the board during portion of his latter term.
Slayton, Henry H .- Born in Orangeport, Town of Royalton, 1845. Son of Joseph and Antoinette Harrington Slayton and grandson of Joshua Slayton, one of the found- ers of Slayton Settlement. (See history of Town of Royal-
port in 1880, where he has since resided. Originator and Secretary and Treasurer, since 1883, of the Niagara White Grape Company. Elder in First Presbyterian Church and Superintendent of its Sabbath School since 1880. Trustee of Farmers' and Merchants' Savings Bank eighteen years. Former large stockholder in Holly Manufacturing Company and closely associated with its officers.
Smith, Lloyd, M. D .- Born in Easton, Washington County, March 23, 1792. Came to Lockport, 1821-22. One of the first physicians to practice. there. Partner with Dr. Isaac Southworth. Owned first drug store in Lockport. M. M. Southworth his first clerk. Married Laura Ann Kniffen, 1826. Moved to Williams Stock Farm, Chestnut Ridge, 1832. Kept hostelry known as "Smith's Tavern." Super- intendent of Highways and Justice of the Peace. Wife died in 1846. Bought present "Moody Fruit Farm" and died
LYMAN A. SPALDING.
HON. L. AUSTIN SPALDING.
D. GURNEY SPALDING.
ton.) Spent early days on his father's farm, part of original tract taken up by his grandfather. Attended Lockport Union School and Eastman's Business College in Pough- keepsie. Married Emeline A. Newcombe, 1869. Bought a farm at Reynale's Basin, where he engaged in farming and fruit growing all his life. Died March 4, 1901. Widow resides in Lockport. Two children, Esther Loretta, who, in 1897, married Burt A. Smith, an Attorney, of Lockport, and Joseph Albert Slayton, of Lockport.
Slocum, Hart-Born in Cambria, 1848. Worked at cooper's trade until 1871. Moved to Wilson in 1876. Street Superintendent three years. In 1884 Deputy Collector and Inspector of Customs under Collector Flagler. Passenger Agent of West Shore Railroad at Suspension Bridge for two years. Elected Coroner of Niagara County in 1894 and has held the office ever since.
Smith, Calvin U .- Born in Broome County, 1837. Came to Johnson's Creek, 1855. Worked at blacksmithing for forty-five years at that place. Married Mary J. Wood in 1859. Four children, three of whom are living. Mrs. Maggie Martin and George U. Smith, of Johnson's Creek, and Burt Smith, of Hartland. Died July 15, 1900.
Smith, E. Askley-Born in Rochester, 1832. Spent boy- hood on a farm in Town of Royalton. In 1856 moved to Rochester, being engaged there for three years in mercantile business. Bought a farm in Royalton and devoted twenty- one years to agriculture and fruit culture, Moved to Lock-
there, 1856. Three children born in Lockport and living : Susan Dennis, born 1828, married Brazilla S. Pease, 1847 (died, 1878), six children, Lloyd B., Alfred L., Laura A., Susie M., Flora E. (married Albert P. Harrington in 1888, three children), and Dorinda D., all living. John Paul Smith born, 1830, one of the old and well known citizens of Lockport and vicinity ; and Alfred James Smith, born 1831, married first Esther P. Robinson, 1862, (died, 1870), tivo children, Emma M. married Fred B. Kayner, 1887 (six chil- dren), Burt A. Smith, graduate of Cornell Law School, of the Lockport bar, married Esther L. Slayton, 1897; all living. Married the second time Deborah I. Campbell in 1874; three children, Alice W., Edward C. and Laura A., all living.
Spalding, Lyman A .- Born in Cayuga County, 1800. Came to Lockport, 1822, where he purchased considerable real estate. Spalding Street was named for him. Built the mill on site of Chester mill in 1828. It was burned in 1840 and rebuilt in 1841. In 1834 established iron foundry now occupied by Norman & Evans, Spalding Evans, of the latter firm, being a grandson. Was engaged in several large en- terprises, including a line of canal boats running between Lockport and Albany. He was a bank President and Di- rector, Director Branch Bank of the United States, Presi- dent of Pioneer Association, 1881-82, a strong temperance advocate. Married in 1824 to Amy Pound, daughter of John Pound. Died, January 7, 1885.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Spalding, L. Austin-Born in Lockport, 183.4. Early in life entered the office of his father, Lyman A. Spalding. Was Chief of volunteer fire department of the village and officer of the old Lockport Dragoons. During President Lincoln's administration occupied prominent position in Department of the Interior at Washington. President of the Pound Manufacturing Company for a number of years until 1884. In 1886 Democratic candidate for Congress, but was defeated. Appointed by President Cleveland con- lumber business. He has been Manager of the Tonawanda Gaslight Company, City Treasurer and was elected County Clerk in 1901. He was Captain of Company D, 107th New York Volunteer Rifles, served with the regiment and at the close of the war was transferred to the pay department at Louisville, Kentucky, where he remained a year or two. He is a member of W. B. Scott Post No. 129; was one of the first commercial travelers, starting for a New York house in 1852. Voted for Fremont in 1856 and the Republican ticket ever since.
sul to Aix-la-Chapelle in 1887. Afterward transferred to Brunswick, where he remained until 1892. Died January 25, 1902. Survived by three sons, Lyman A., of New York; William G. and D. Gurney Gpalding, of Lockport.
Spalding, D. Gurney-Born in Lockport, IS73. Ac- companied his father, L. Austin Spalding, from 1887 to 1892 inclusive, when the latter was Consul at Aix-la-chapelle. Educated at the Brunswick College, Brunswick, Germany. Elected Sheriff, 1899. Chairman Democratic County Com- mittee, 1901-02.
Steele, John Wesley-Born in Town of Royalton, 1821. Came to Lockport when a young man. Married Sophia Houstatter, 1843. Four children, Charles W., George, Wal- lace W. and Saphrona. Charles W. and George have passed away. Was Trustee of Manufacturers' Building Company in 1858, member of firm of Fletcher, Hoag & Steele in 1864, member Board of Supervisors, 1867-68, member firm of J. W. Steele & Company in 1872, member Steele & Wells Lumber Company, 1877. Died June 8, 1882.
Steele, Benjamin F .- Born in Lockport, 1874. After attending the public schools until 1895 he entered the busi- ness house of L. L. Steele and remains there at this time. Member of Protection Hook and Ladder Company and now President. Member of Red Jacket Lodge, F. and A. M .; Ames Chapter, No. 88, R. A. M .; Genesee Commandery, No. 10, K. T. ; Ismailia Temple, of Buffalo, and Treasurer of the Lockport Wheelmen.
Stockwell, Ralph-Born in Jefferson County, 1819. Removed with his parents to West Somerset in 1824, com- ing to Olcott in sailing vessel. Moved to Wilson in 1834, where he has lived ever since-sixty-eight years in one town and seventy-eight years in the county. His means for an education were limited, but he acquired knowledge to such an extent that he successfully taught the Wilson village school for several terms. The Town of Wilson elected him Supervisor in 1859-60-75-76-77. The last two years he was Chairman of the Board. Elected School Commissioner in 1862-63. In 1878 he was appointed United States Customs Inspector for the Port of Wilson. Mr. Stockwell's family consisted of eight children: James K. Stockwell, M. D., of Oswego, N. Y .; Herbert R., of Wilson ; Homar S., of Lock- port, Superintendent of Glenwood Cemetery ; Nellie E. and Walter, both deceased ; Carrie B., now Wetmore, of Wilson ; Frances E., now Wilson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Burt G. Stockwell, present District Attorney of Niagara County, of Lockport. Mr. Stockwell is now eighty-three years old, and his present health is excellent. His father, Stephen Stockwell, died in 1890, at the ripe old age of ninety-nine years and four months. Republican.
Stockwell, Burt G .- Born in Town of Wilson, 1868. Moved with father to Wilson village, 1878. Educated at Wilson Union School, graduating in 1885. Worked on farm and taught school winters until 1889, when he commenced the study of law with E. L. & D. E. Jeffery. Admitted to the bar, 1892. On January 9, 1893, appointed Justice of the Peace to fill a vacancy. In the spring of that year he was nominated and elected for a full term. Resigning that
office he was appointed Assistant District Attorney by Abner T. Hopkins January 1, 1896, continuing until Janu- ary I, 1902. In the fall of 1901 he was elected District At- torney on the Republican ticket, by a majority of 2,996, said to be the largest majority that was ever given to any can- didate in this county.
Stocum, Hector M .- Born in Yates County, 1835. Came to North Tonawanda in 1873 and engaged in the
Sult, Stephen-Born in Pennsylvania, 1812. Came to Niagara Falls in 1836 to act as Foreman of construction of Lockport and Niagara Falls Railroad. After completion became its Road Master and Pay Master. Road absorbed by New York Central in 1856, when be became Road Master under that corporation. He is still living in Lockport at the age of ninety.
Thompson, George B .- Son of Rev. John Thompson, a Congregational Clergyman. Born in Washington County, 1839. Passed early life in New Hampshire and Vermont, going to Troy when thirteen years of age. Came to Ni- agara County in 1867, remaining until 1869, when he re- turned to Troy, after which he again came to Niagara County, where he has since resided. In 1890 he organized the Thompson Milling Company, of which he has since been President and Manager. He is an active Sunday School worker and Superintendent of Sunday School of East Av- enue Congregational Church.
Thompson, George F .- Born in Saratoga Springs, 1870. Entered law office of George D. Judson as a student in March, 1890, and admitted to the bar in 1893. Formed a partnership with Mr. Judson, which was continued two years, after which continued on his own account until June I, 1901, when he formed a partnership with GeorgeR. Shel- don, as Thompson & Sheldon, which is still in force. For a number of years has been Justice of the Peace and takes an active interest in public affairs. Republican.
Timanus, Henry -- Removed to Lockport with his wife from Bethel, Connecticut, in 1876, and engaged in the furnishing goods business, which is continued successfully today by his wife. Mr. Timanus died from a stroke of apoplexy in February, 1898. He was a member of Pro- tection Hook and Ladder Company, Exempt Firemen's As- sociation, Red Jacket Lodge, F. and A. M .; Genesee Com- mandery, K. T .; Ames Chapter, R. A. M .; Ismailia Temple. Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Cataract Lodge, I. O. O. F. and Niagara Encampment.
Townsend, James S .- Born in Town of Lewiston, 1859. Son of Samuel Townsend. Lived on family homestead all his life. His grandfather, Sheldon C. Townsend, was a Methodist Clergyman. Mr. Townsend is a Republican, a suc- cessful business man and owner of considerable real estate.
Tucker, Carl E .- Born at Buffalo, 1867. Came to Ni- agara County in 1868 and when nineteen entered Brown University at Prividence, Rhode Island. Studied law in Lockport and was admitted to the bar. In 1893 opened a law office at Niagara Falls. At present in partnership with C. H. Piper, as Piper & Tucker.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Turner, Joseph W., Jr .- Born in Lockport, 1862. At- tended Lockport Union School. Engaged with the Lock- port Lumber Company for several years. Janitor of the Court House for five years. Supervisor of First Ward, 1893-94-95. Member Board of Education, 1890-91-92-93- 1900-01. Now proprietor of Lockport Box & Lumber Company. An incorporator of Lockport Park Association.
Walter, Peter D .- Born in Otsego County, 1817. Died in Rochester, 1889. Came to Lockport, 1845. Engaged in jewelry business. Commanded Regiment of State Militia in 1841-42. Trustee of village in 1853; President of Niagara County Agricultural Society, Treasurer of Lockport, Clerk of County, Mayor of Lockport in 1873, thirty-five years vestryman and Warden of Grace Church, Trustee of De Veaux College, Treasurer of Bruce Council of Masons and of Genesee Commandery, K. T.
Ward, Joseph A .- Born in Herkimer County, 1832. Came to Lockport 1864, and entered Exchange Bank as Bookkeeper and Assistant Cashier, which position he held for six years. In 1870 purchased an interest in The Lock- port Journal, of which he was Manager until he sold his interest in 1901 to Fletcher & Purdy. Trustee of First Congregational Church, member of Niagara Lodge, F. and A. M. ; Ames Chapter, R. A. M., and Genesee Commandery, K. T.
Warren, Charles A .- Born in Town of Newfane, 1857. Moved to Lockport in 1868, resided there ten years and then purchased the Seneca Foote farm on Chestnut Ridge, where he has since resided. Supervisor from Town of Lock- port for two years and Collector one year. For three years President of Niagara County Agricultural Society. In 1897 he was appointed Inspector of the State Department of Agriculture, ninth division, and continues to hold that office. Republican.
Watts, J. C .- Born in Royalton, 1856. Came to Town of Hartland in 1860 with his parents, who were engaged in farming. Moved to Lockport and learned the wagon- maker's trade and worked at it for five years at Hartland Corners. Moved to Johnson's Creek, where he kept a gen- eral store for fifteen years. Postmaster of Johnson's Creek three terms.
Weaver, Frank Phelps-Born in Cambria, 1845. Suc- ceeded his father, Erastus B. Weaver, in the furniture busi- ness in 1887. Educated in Lockport schools. Elected County Treasurer on the Republican ticket and is the pres- ent incumbent of that office. Member Board of Educa- tion, 1890-99. Member Republican County Committee. Member Red Jacket Lodge, Genesee Commandery, Cataract Lodge, I. O. O. F .; the A. O. U. W., Royal Arcanum, Exempt Firemen's Association, Lockport Wheelmen, City Club, Buffalo City Club and New York and Buffalo Chap- ters, Sons of the American Revolution. Vestryman of Grace Church. Director of Glenwood Cemetery Associa- tion twenty years.
Weaver, George W .- Born in Town of Lockport, 1839. Moved to Royalton four years later and lived on a farm four years. Came to Lockport in 1857, and has lived here ever since, engaging in drug business as clerk for Murray, Green & Company in 1862. In 1871 went into partner- ship with Dr. A. R. Ferguson. In 1872 dissolved partner- ship and continued on his own account ever since. A Mason, member of the A. O. U. W. and Royal Arcanum, and Treas- urer of the Anglers' Club for fifteen years.
Witbeck, Howard M .- Born in Schenectady, 1864. Commenced business as a clerk for Saxton & Thompson, millers, 1880. After mill was destroyed by fire in 1889, was one of the incorporators of Thompson Milling Company, and now its Treasurer. Member Board of Education. President Business Business Men's Association in 1899-1900. Member Republican County Committee in 1896.
Young, Charles-Born in Town of Niagara, 1825. His father, Samuel Young, having come to Niagara County in 1810 and taken up 350 acres of land when the country was a wilderness and the haunt of wild beasts. They were driven from their homes three times by the British and Indians, The going as far as Geneseo until peace was restored. grandchildren of Samuel Young number thirteen, of whom Charles Young is one. Hs now operates a farm of 245 acres in the Town of Cambria. Mr. and Mrs. Young have two children, Charles T., living at home, and E. Amanda. wife of S. S. Hopkins, of Lewiston, President of the Niagara County Farmers' Club.
PUBLISHED UNDER AUSPICES OF THE
PIONEER ASSOCIATION OF NIAGARA COUNTY.
THE LOCKPORT JOURNAL, 1902.
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