USA > New York > The men of New York: a collection of biographies and portraits of citizens of the Empire state prominent in business, professional, social, and political life during the last decade of the nineteenth century, Vol. I > Part 16
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The city of Jamestown has to thank Mr. Marvin's active public spirit for a number of the civic advan- tages that it enjoys. He was chairman of the com- mittee that formed the charter under which the city
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was organized ; he first set on foot the movement that resulted in free mail delivery there; he was largely instrumental in supplying the city with good water ; he organized the local telephone company, and was for years its president ; he has been a volun- teer fireman in the Jamestown fire department, and
ROBERT N. MARVIN
chairman, vice president, and president of the State Firemen's Association. In addition to local services rendered to the Republican party as supervisor, dele- gate to conventions, and nominee for state senator, he served as elector on the Republican ticket in 1884.
Mr. Marvin's brain has been prolific in conceiving and carrying out commercial ventures that have con- tributed to the prosperity of the community. The Jamestown street railway, the Chautauqua Lake rail- way, and other enterprises are indebted to him as promoter, incorporator, or president. He was an incorporator of the Lakewood Land & Improvement Co., whose holdings border beautiful Lake Chautau- qua, and is a director of the company. He holds a
similar position in the Wyckoff Harvester, Mower & Reaper Co., in the Preston Farming Co., and in the Chautauqua County National Bank.
.. In the midst of these manifold business interest. Mr. Marvin has found opportunity to serve his fellows in other ways as well. As chairman of the committee to raise funds for the Gustavus Adolphus Orphanage, as a member of the advisory board of the Women's Christian Association, and as advisory member of the State Charities Aid Association, he has proved himself the friend of the unfor- tunate. He is a trustee of the James Prendergast Library Association of James- town, and is a lover of books and works of art. He is one of the charter mem- bers of the Jamestown Club, and was for eighteen years its president. He is a member of Mt. Moriah lodge, F. & A. M., and of the A. O. U. W. ; an honor- ary member of the 13th Separate Com- pany, N. G., S. N. Y. ; a member of the Chautauqua County Historical Society. and of the Sons of the Revolution. With the death of Mary A. Prendergast ended the historic family of the founder of Jamestown - James Prendergast, from whom the town was named. The prop- erty accumulated by him and his descend- ants has gone into permanent monu- ments, such as the Prendergast Library, and the beautiful stone church that adorns the city of Jamestown. Mr. Marvin was one of two executors of the Prendergast estate.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY -- Robert Newland Marvin was born at Jamestown, N. Y., October 13, 1845 : attended public and private schools, Hart- wick Seminary, and Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Buffalo : began business as bookkeeper, and later became manager of his father's business : organised the lumber business of Marvin, Rulofson & Co. in 1870, and has been manager of the same ever since : was Republican candidate for state senator in 1881, and presidential elector in 1884 ; married Mary Elisabeth Warner of Jamestown February 6, 1890.
C. D. Murray has an interesting and signifi- cant lineage. His father, Dauphin Murray, was sheriff of Steuben county, New York, and participated in the war of 1812 ; while his grandfather fought at Bunker Hill and in other revolutionary battles. On the maternal side the line is equally distinguished.
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including General Sedgwick, governor of Jamaica, and other notable men. Mr. Murray himself has had an interesting and varied career. When he was only nineteen years old the California gold fever broke out, and the subject of our sketch joined the westward tide of emigration, and in due season reached San Francisco. It is hard at the present time to picture the scenes of those days. Men flocked to the Pacific coast from all over the country -some overland by wagon and others around the Horn- and all acquired, if not tangible riches, at least a wealth of experience. Young Murray, however, did not become a miner, but confined his attention to business pursuits. Finding no other opening, he obtained employment as a drayman, and as soon as he had saved a little money bought a dray for him- xlf. A year later he engaged in the produce com- mission trade as a member of the firm of Murray & Foster. The firm carried on an extensive business, and Mr. Murray made two voyages to Australia with cargoes of lumber. Such an experience was full of interest in those early days, before the steam vessel and the cable had dispelled the romance connected with that distant land.
Mr. Murray was called East in 1855 by the death of his father, and engaged in the lumber business at Hinsdale, Catta- raugus county, for several years. The commercial depression following the panic of 1857 and especially a strike on the Erie railroad preventing the shipment of lum- ber, brought business reverses to Mr. Murray, and he was forced to abandon the lumber business and begin over again. He obtained a position as railway mail Clerk on the Erie road, traveling between Hornellsville and Dunkirk, and employed all his spare time in the study of the law. In 1860 he was admitted to the bar, and at once opened a law office in the town of Hinsdale, where he practiced for four years. At the end of that time he :moved to Dunkirk, where he has won for himself a position at the bar and in "blic life that has made him a conspicu- on figure in western New York.
Municipal affairs have occupied a large share of Mr. Murray's time and thought. He has served one term as mayor of Dunkirk, and has Ixen repeatedly nominated for high offices by the Democratic party, of which he is an ardent supporter. He has been a delegate to several state conventions,
and to the national convention of 1884 that nomi- nated Grover Cleveland for president. The district in which he lives is strongly Republican in politics, and Democratic success there is of the nature of a forlorn hope. Mr. Murray has nevertheless accepted the nomination of his party for the state assembly, and twice for representative in congress, and has greatly reduced the majority of his opponents whenever he has run. In 1870, for example, he came within three hundred votes of election from the 33d congressional district, which usually gives a Republican majority of six thousand. This fact attests Mr. Murray's popu- larity at home, and shows the estimate placed upon him by those who know him best.
In educational matters Mr. Murray has been an important factor in Dunkirk. As president of the board of education for seven years, he has contributed
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C. D. MURRAY
more than his fair share of work and care to a task that often proves thankless. The internal improve- ments of the city have also received his attention : and he demonstrated his value to the city not only
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as mayor but as president of the board of water commissioners. He is president of the Merchants' National Bank and of the Hartford Axle Co., and vice president of the United States Radiator Co. He is a communicant and senior warden of St. John's Episcopal Church. A conservative business man, an
S. FREDERICK NIXON
earnest and upright citizen, he enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends, and the confidence of his fellow-citizens.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY - Charles De Kalb Murray was born at Guilford, N. Y., May 4, 1831 ; received a common-school education ; engaged in commerce in San Francisco, 1850-55 ; married Orpha A. Bandfield of Hinsdale, N. Y., May 20, 1860; was admitted to the bar at Buffalo in 1860; was president of the board of education of Dunkirk, N. Y., 1875-79 and 1883-86 ; was first president of the board of water commissioners, in 1871, and mayor of the city in 1880 ; was nominated for congress in 18TO and 1872, and for the assembly in 1884; has prac- ticed law in Dunkirk since 1864.
5. frederick Miron affords a good example of what a young man can accomplish in politics, if he have suitable talents, energy, and ambition. Before Mr. Nixon was thirty years old he had made a name in the state legislature as a political leader. He did not owe his eminence to subserviency, moreover ; for he stands among the most prominent of those who insist upon uncontrolled and independent action on the part of political leaders.
The main facts in his career outside of politics can be quickly narrated. He was born in the village of Westfield, and grad- uated from the village academy in 1877. Then he spent four years at Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y., graduating in 1881 with the degree of B. A. The next year he passed with the Vermont Marble Co., at Sutherland Falls, Vt. Then he returned to his native place, and has been engaged in business there ever since as a member of the firm of Nixon Brothers, manufacturers of monumental work and building stone. In connection with his brother he has also extensive farming and vineyard interests in the Chautauqua grape belt.
Like most men who have won distinc- tion in public life, Mr. Nixon very early showed a taste for political affairs. He also displayed an unusual talent for leader- ship. Thus it happened that, when little past his majority, he had already become a prominent figure in local politics. Be- fore he was twenty-four years old he was elected trustee of the village of Westfield - a surprising mark of confidence in the case of one so young. Two years later, in 1886, he was elected supervisor, and has since continued to represent the town of Westfield, one of the richest in Chautauqua county, upon the county board. During four terms, 1892-95, he was chairman of the board of supervisors.
Mr. Nixon was introduced to the field of state politics when, in 1887, he was chosen to represent the 1st district of Chautauqua county in the state as- sembly. He has served altogether in six legislatures. After his first term in 1888, his district sent him back to Albany for the terms of 1889 and 1890. He was elected to the legislature of 1894 to represent the whole of Chautauqua county, the two earlier districts having been consolidated under the apportionment act of 1892. He was re-elected to the following legis- lature, and when the county was once more subdivided
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under the new constitution, he was chosen as the first representative of the new 2d district. Mr. Nixon has been, from the beginning, a conspicuous figure on the Republican side of the assembly. He has served on many important committees, includ- ing those on ways and means, railroads, insurance, and general laws. In the legislature of 1896 he was . hairman of the railroad committee, held the second place on the committee on ways and means, and had membership in minor committees. He was chair- man of the Republican caucus committee at the or- ganization of the assembly, and his name has been proposed more than once for the speakership. Upon the floor he is one of the ablest of the Republican leaders. Among the constructive measures for which he is responsible is the legislation under which a sys- tem of horticultural schools has been established in the state. Mr. Nixon is best known, however, for his independence. He is a lading representative of the spirit of opposition to one-man domination within his party, and as such is one of the most prominent figures in the politics of western New York.
Mr. Nixon was a member of the Chau- tauqua-county Republican committee for five years, and served as chairman during the presidential campaigns of 1888 and 1892.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY- Samuel Frederick Nixon was born at Westfield, N. Y., December 3, 1860; received his early education at the West- field Academy, and graduated from Ham- ilton College in 1881; married Myrtle Ilunting Redfield of Westfield May 21, 1585 ; was member of the state assembly, 1888-90 and 1894-96 ; has been super- visor of the town of Westfield since 1886, and was chairman of the Chautauqua- county board of supervisors, 1892-04.
3crome Babcock, member of as- seinbly from the 1st Chautauqua district, has taken a prominent part in the politics of his county for more than twenty years. Hle represented the town of Busti in the lwwird of supervisors back in the '70's and again in the later '80's. He is now werving his second term in the assembly, having served ten years ago for the first time. Probably no other act of his official life has attracted 4) wide attention as his introduction, at the begin- ung of the 1896 session of the legislature, of a
resolution calling on the state comptroller for an explanation of his action in issuing bonds for the canal loan with the stipulation that both principal and interest should be paid in gold. Unlike most eastern politicians, Mr. Babcock is a firm believer in silver, and he was determined to show the courage of his convictions even though he stood alone. As the event proved, he did stand alone. He made an elab- orate speech in support of his resolution, holding the attention of his colleagues and even eliciting considerable applause. No speech during the ses- sion received more notice from the press of the state. But when the vote came, Mr. Babcock was the only member recorded in the affirmative. His character is well shown by this incident. He knew that he had the unpopular side, and that he could expect no support : but he was determined to record his views.
JEROME BABCOCK
Mr. Babcock has known what it is to work with his hands as well as with his head. He was born in Chautauqua county somewhat more than sixty years ago, and country boys of that day were put to work
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about as soon as they got out of the cradle. He attended the common schools in his neighborhood, and went to work for himself as soon as he was old enough, as a farm hand. But his ambition demanded a more profitable return for his labor, and he soon betook himself to Pennsylvania, and engaged in the
CHARLES A. BALL
lumber and oil business on the Allegheny river. This was his occupation for ten years. Having be- come a man of family, he felt the need of a business that would be more settled, and would take him away from home less, and he accordingly bought a farm in Sugar Grove, Warren county, Penn. This was his home, and a farmer's life his calling, for the next eight years. While at Sugar Grove he was president of the school board for four years, and also served for two years as president of the Union Agricultural Society. He was at heart a New Yorker all this time, notwithstanding his absence from the state of almost a quarter century, and he availed himself of a good opportunity to sell his farm and return to his native town of Busti. Here he devoted himself
successively to the hotel business, to mercantile affairs, and to farming ; and here his political career really began. As his acquaintanceship in Chautauqua county extended, he naturally became more and more interested in Jamestown and its people ; and he finally established himself there in 1889. He is now recognized as one of the most prom- inent citizens of the place, as is shown by the fact that he was elected an alder- man of Jamestown in the spring of 1895.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY- Jerome Babcock was born at Busti, N. Y., July 21, 1835 ; spent his early manhood in Pennsylvania, in the lumber and oil business and in farming ; married Celia O. Smith of Sugar Grove, Penn., January 1, 1863 ; was supervisor from Busti, 1873-75 and 1887-88 ; was elected a member of the assembly in 1885 and in 1895 ; was elected alderman of Jamestown, N. Y., in March, 1895 ; has been in business in Jamestown since 1889.
Charles H. JBall has been a very influential man in state politics for a number of years. Those who have an intimate knowledge of the inside work- ings of political affairs well appreciate this, though Mr. Ball is not among the men whose names are most frequently heard in connection with such, matters. This is partly because he is a modest man, preferring to keep his personality in the background and let only his work show. He has a wide acquaintance with men and an accurate knowledge of affairs in both the state and the nation, and he has come to be regarded as an indis- pensable assistant about headquarters in both state and presidential campaigns.
It was Senator Fassett who discovered the abilities of Mr. Ball, and made him known to the political managers of the state. When Mr. Fassett first went to the senate, Mr. Ball held a committee clerkship in the legislature. Mr. Fassett made him his private secretary. As the party leader in the senate, Mr. Fassett naturally had close relations with politicians in all parts of the state. He found in Mr. Ball not merely a competent clerical employee, but a trust- worthy and reliable friend as well. His services were so valuable that when Mr. Fassett became secre- tary of the Republican national committee, in 1888, he chose Mr. Ball as his assistant. Thus the latter obtained opportunities for extending his acquaintance
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and his sphere of usefulness, which he improved so well that in the next national campaign he was again called upon to serve as assistant secretary, though the secretary this time was not his friend Mr. Fassett, but Louis E. McComas of Maryland. Mr. Ball has retained, meanwhile, his connection with the state senate. He was index clerk for two wears, and during the greater part of the last six years he has been assistant clerk under John S. Kenyon. He has never accepted a nomination for an elective .dire, though he has twice been the unanimous choice of the Allegany-county delegates for state senator.
Mr. Ball was born on a farm in Allegany county about forty-six years ago. He attended the country and village schools, the Almond Academy, and the The kinson Seminary at Williamsport, Penn. a self-made man, having educated himself andl supported himself since his thirteenth scar. He intended to go to Heidelberg, Germany, to complete his education ; but his father's death, which occurred when Mr. Ball was within six weeks of gradu- sion at Dickinson Seminary with the degree of A. B., caused a change in this arrangement. Mr. Ball abandoned his plans for completing his education, and book charge of his father's business, which w.is that of a carriage manufacturer at Wellsville, N. Y. After some years he Have up this occupation, and became in- !crested in oil production. He now has .tyortant holdings in the Allegany field.
Mr. Ball is a broad-minded, public- yarited citizen. He has interested him- wolf especially in the matter of preserving the fish, game, and forests of the state, and has rendered important service in this work.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY- Charles Alley Ball was born at Almond, Wesany county, N. Y., December 19, : 10 : was educated in Almond Academy 31 in Dickinson Seminary, Williams- ' 1;, Penn .; married Clara M. Pooler of Wellsville, N. Y., October 1, 1813; was " lex clerk of the senate, 1888-89, and : sistant clerk, 1800-91 and 1894-96 ; wi assistant secretary of the Republican woral committee in 1888 and 1892; y hoed at Wellsville, N. Y., since 1871.
frank L. Bartlett, president of the Ex- !!. ge National Bank of Olean, comes of sturdy !dlich stock, his grandfather having removed to
He is
this country and settled at Belfast, Allegany county, when the locality was almost an unbroken wilderness.
Mr. Bartlett's early education was limited to the public schools of his native village, supplemented by a course at Friendship Academy. His business career began at the age of twenty-one, when he became a clerk in the First National Bank of Cuba, N. Y. Here his efficiency early won the confidence and esteem of his employers, and soon opened to him a broader business field. Within a year he entered the Exchange National Bank of Olean, where his ability and untiring energy have gained him rapid promotion. Attaining successively the positions of bookkeeper, teller, cashier, and president, he thoroughly mastered the duties and details of each in turn. Mr. Bartlett possesses a combination of
FRANK L. BARTLETT
qualities which would insure success in any business calling he might seek, but which seem peculiarly fitted for the profession of his choice. To his good business judgment, his keen perception of men and
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events, his untiring industry and devotion to the interests in his charge, is due, more than to anything else, the uninterrupted success and increasing pros- perity of the Exchange National Bank of Olean. Mr. Bartlett is the largest stockholder in the insti- tution.
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WILLIAM BROADHEAD
These qualities have also brought their due reward in other enterprises in which he has become inter- ested. Among these may be mentioned the Eastern Oil Co. of Buffalo, of which he is a director and the treasurer.
Mr. Bartlett has always been interested in public affairs and especially such projects and enterprises as tended to enhance the prosperity and well-being of his locality. He was largely instrumental in the organization of the local Board of Trade, whose efforts have secured the location in Olean of many important manufacturing industries. He has ever been zealous in the support of every project for the improvement of his city in a material, moral, or aesthetic way.
Socially Mr. Bartlett is noted for his good-fellow- ship and uniform courtesy ; and he and his charming wife dispense hospitality and charity with a generous hand.
Mr. Bartlett is affiliated with the Odd Fellows and the Masons, being a member of St. John's Com- mandery, K. T., of Olean, and Ismailia Temple of Buffalo. He attends the Pres- byterian church.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY- Frank Le Verne Bartlett was born at Belfast, Allegany county, N. Y., December 25, 1858 : entered the banking business in 1879 ; moved to Olean, N. Y., in 1880 ; became cashier of the Exchange National Bank, Olean, in 1885 ; married Fannie E. England of Tidioute, Penn., July 15, 1886 ; has been president of the Exchange National Bank, Olean, since January 1, 1895.
William Broadhead, the founder of the worsted manufacturing industry in Jamestown, N. Y., is a Yorkshireman by birth. At the age of ten he was ap- prenticed to learn the weaver's trade in his native town of Thornton. Before and during his apprenticeship he attended the common and evening schools at Thornton, but his education has been mainly that of the factory and of practical business life. On completing his appren- tieeship at the loom he went to work in his father's blacksmith shop, where he remained until he became of age.
He was twenty-four years old when he emigrated to the United States, going to Busti, Chautauqua county, N. Y., where his uncle, the Rev. John Broadhead, was then living. He secured work in the shop of Safford Eddy at Jamestown, and within two years had married. About two years after his marriage he formed a partnership with his father-in-law, Adam B. Cobb, for the manufacture of scythe snaths and grain cradles. The business gradually extended to in- clude other farm implements, and when it was divided. after ten years, Mr. Broadhead continued alone the manufacture of axes, pitchforks, and edge tools.
As his capital accumulated, and the need of pro viding business for his sons developed, Mr. Broad- head opened a merchant-tailoring establishment. taking his eldest son, and later a younger son, inte partnership. This business was continued for fourteen years.
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Mr. Broadhead had reached his fifty-third year before he revisited his old home in England. The trip marked an epoch, not only in his own business career, but also in the development of Jamestown. The dimensions to which worsted manufacturing in Yorkshire had grown since he learned the weaver's trade on a hand loom, impressed him with the idea that the business might profitably be undertaken in Jamestown. For the purpose of carrying out this idea he formed a partnership with Joseph Turner of England and William Hall of Jamestown. The necessary machinery was imported, a factory was built, and by January 1, 1874, the firm was making worsted dress goods. The enterprise was successful from the start, but owing to some disagreements Mr. Broadhead and Mr. Hall were compelled to dissolve partnership. Mr. Broadhead withdrew, and in 1875 began the erection of a new mill, in which his sons became partners. Three years after it was finished, the merchant-tailoring business was sold, and the firm gave its whole attention to worsted manufacture. A second mill, and after- ward a third and fourth, became necessary to accommodate the growing business. The present large factory at Jamestown employs some seven hundred hands. Though he has passed his seventy-seventh year, Mr. Broadhead continues the active superintendence of his property.
Mr. Broadhead has many investments besides his manufacturing plant. He has built and now owns no fewer than twenty- five business places on Main street in Jamestown. His firm built, and are now operating, the Jamestown electric street railroad. He has been a director of the First National Bank of Jamestown for eighteen years, and vice president for ten years.
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