USA > Vermont > The Lake Champlain and Lake George valleys, Vol. III > Part 32
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FRANK D. MANNIS-Proprietor of the O'Connor Coal Company of Glens Falls, Frank D. Mannis is not only widely known as a merchant in the Lake George district but is a distinguished sportsman, being a judge of the New York State Athletic Association.
Frank D. Mannis was born in Fort Edward, October II, 1878. After passing through the public schools of Fort Edward and graduating from the Fort Edward High School, Frank D. Mannis, to prepare himself for a career in business, attended the Albany Business School and the Haley Business School in Fort Edward, graduating from the latter school with the class of 1896. His education completed, Mr. Mannis entered his father's wholesale grocery supply business, the firm being known as Dewey, Mannis and Burns, and in 1898 went on the road as a traveling salesman for the firm, a position which he occupied until 1911. That year, Frank D. Mannis left the grocery business and coming to Glens Falls, purchased an interest in the O'Connor Coal Company, an enterprise which he took over altogether in 1928 and has operated ever since with the assistance of his two sons. The O'Connor Coal Company is one of the older firms of its kind in the district still in existence, the firm being organized some forty years ago by John H. O'Connor, who received his coal from tide water on the Hudson River by means of canal boats which were hauled up the river and reached Glens Falls over a branch of the old Champlain Canal. After a time, the company became known as O'Connor
Frank D. Mannis
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and Fowler, but then it returned to its original title of the O'Connor Coal Company, a name which Mr. Mannis has retained through the present time. Supporting the interests of Glens Falls by membership in the Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Warren County Farm Bureau, Mr. Mannis is also a member of Glens Falls Lodge, No. 81, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Keenly interested in sports of all kinds, he is particularly enthusiastic about boxing and for the past eight years he has been a judge of the New York State Athletic Association, as well as indulging himself for recreation in both hunting and fishing.
Frank D. Mannis married (first) Ethel E. Pease, a native of Phillips, Maine, deceased, and (second) Elizabeth O'Connor, who was born in Glens Falls and educated in St. Mary's Academy, deceased, and (third) Alice B. Kennedy, who is a native of Glens Falls and a graduate of St. Mary's Academy. Frank D. Mannis by his first marriage is the father of a son, Malcolm P., who, now associated with his father in the O'Connor Coal Com- pany, was born in Glens Falls and educated at St. Mary's Academy. He joins his father in interest in all sports but is particularly interested in the game of golf, being the champion of the Glens Falls County Club. By his second marriage, Frank D. Mannis is the father of a son and daughter : Frank O'Connor, also associated with his father in the O'Connor Coal Com- pany, and educated at St. Mary's Academy ; and Elizabeth Anne, a graduate of St. Mary's Academy and Katharine Gibbs School, of New York City, now secretary for Assemblyman Reoux, of Warrensburg, Warren County. By his third marriage, Frank D. Mannis is the father of two sons : David C., born in Glens Falls ; and William D., also born in Glens Falls.
FRED M. BECKWITH-District Attorney of Warren County since 1922, and previously city judge of Glens Falls for six years, Fred M. Beck with is not only one of the leading lawyers of the Lake George region but is, in addition, a prominent business man and an active member of the Republi- can party.
Fred M. Beckwith was born at Whitehall, Washington County, September 27, 1894, son of James A. and Ella A. (Dunn) Beckwith. James A. Beck- with, who was born in Orrville, Vermont, passed his life as a farmer; his wife, also deceased, was a native of Washington County.
After passing through the grade schools and the high schools of Glens Falls, Fred M. Beckwith selected the legal profession for his career and, entering Albany Law School, graduated with the class of 1910 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Winning admission to the New York State bar the same year, he established himself in Glens Falls, where he has maintained a practice through the present time, advancing his profession by membership
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in the New York State Bar Association and the Warren County Bar Associa- tion. Always deeply interested in civic concerns, he became active in the Republican party upon taking up his practice in Glens Falls and in 1916 he was elected city judge of Glens Falls, a post which he occupied until 1922, when he was chosen district attorney of Warren County, an office which he has discharged through the present time. During the World War, Judge Beckwith joined the army and, commissioned a major, was assigned as judge advocate to the 3d Brigade of New York National Guard, being retired after the war with the rank of a colonel. In addition to his duties and responsi- bilities within his profession, Judge Beckwith is president of the Comet Independent Supply Company and a member and director of the Pine View Cemetery Association. A member of Glens Falls Lodge, No. 121, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, he is also a member of various Masonic bodies, including Oriental Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and the Glens Falls Masonic Club, of which organization he is a past president. Judge Beckwith is also a member, trustee and Past Exalted Ruler of Glens Falls Lodge, No. 81, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Sagamore Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being Past Grand of the lodge; and past president of the Glens Falls Kiwanis Club, as well as belonging to the Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Lake George Association. He attends the Glens Falls Episcopal Church and finds recreation in yachting.
Fred M. Beckwith married, June 29, 1929, Catherine L. Loyzelle, a native of Union Hill, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith are the parents of two children: 1. Frederick M., Jr. 2. Mac James.
ROBERT S. BUDDY-Since 1922 Robert S. Buddy has been associ- ated with the Glens Falls Insurance Company. He entered the organization as an experienced insurance man and rose rapidly to executive position, holding the office of vice-president at the present time.
Mr. Buddy was born in Denton, Texas, on June 24, 1888, a son of Charles R. and Elizabeth (Spalding) Buddy. His father, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a banker in the South for many years and at the time of his death was vice-president of the City National Bank of Dallas, Texas. The mother, Elizabeth (Spalding) Buddy, was born in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Robert S. Buddy was educated in the public schools of Dallas and at the University of Texas, from which he was graduated in 1909 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After completing his college course he entered the insurance business in Dallas and served a thorough apprenticeship continuing for several years. He was still active in this connection when the United States entered the World War. Mr. Buddy promptly volunteered his services and entered the First Officers' Training Camp in May, 1917. After complet-
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ing his training he was commissioned second lieutenant of Field Artillery and was assigned to the 165th Field Artillery Brigade, 90th Division. With these troops he served one year in France as a member of the American Expedi- tionary Forces, during which time he was attached to Brigade Headquarters. Mr. Buddy received his discharge on June 12, 1919, with the rank of first lieutenant, and returned at once to the pursuits of civil life. In the same year he became associated with the Beers-Kenison General Agency of Galveston, Texas, and a short time afterward entered the Rochester Department of the Great American Insurance Company. Here he served for three years. In 1922 he formed his first connection with the Glens Falls Insurance Company, beginning as special agent for the State of Texas. In 1923 he was called to the home office at Glens Falls as assistant secretary and was later made secretary of the company. His election to his present office as vice-president followed as a result of his notable record in meeting the executive responsi- bilities devolving upon him.
Mr. Buddy is also vice-president of the Commerce Insurance Company. He is well known in insurance circles and in the business life of Glens Falls and has interested himself in many civic and community enterprises during his residence here. To these he has given generously of his time and effort. Mr. Buddy is a member of the Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce, which he has served as vice-president ; a member and past president of the Young Men's Christian Association ; a member of the Rotary Club; chairman of the Disaster Relief Section of Glens Falls Chapter, American Red Cross; a member of the local Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Camp Committee of the Girl Scouts of America; and president of the Warren County Tuberculosis Committee. He is also a member of the Glens Falls Board of Education. In addition to these connections he is affiliated with the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, with Senate Lodge, No. 456, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member of the American Legion and the Glens Falls Coun- try Club. He is a member of Christ Methodist Episcopal Church and serves on the official board. Mr. Buddy's personal tastes are simple and his leisure is devoted principally to his home and family.
He married, on November 30, 1923, Elizabeth Sampson, who was born in Hyde Park, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Buddy are the parents of three children : Robert Spalding, Jr., Margaret E., and Mary Elizabeth.
RUSSELL MACK LITTLE CARSON-For many years Russell Mack Little Carson has been a prominent figure in the business and civic life of Glens Falls, where he is head of the Carson Insurance Agency and active in other important interests. He is perhaps more widely known, however, as a leader in the conservation movement in this State and as an authority on the Adirondack region and its history.
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Mr. Carson was born in Glens Falls on June 20, 1884, a son of Charles Herbert and Katherine Luella (Little) Carson. He was educated in local schools, graduating from Glens Falls Academy in 1901, and began his career in the insurance business in the same year. His activities have always cen- tered at Glens Falls, and since 1915 he has operated the Carson Insurance Agency in this community, developing a large business. He is well known in insurance circles and is now president of the New York State Association of Local Insurance Agents as well as a member of the National Association of Local Insurance Agents. His other business connections include the Jointa Lime Company, of which he has been an executive for a number of years and is now president ; the F. W. Wait Lime Company, of which he is secretary ; and the Glens Falls Savings and Loan Association, which he serves as vice- president and member of the executive committee.
With the progress of his business career he has found time to be active in other interests, particularly the preservation of the Adirondacks in their natural beauty. The study of the Adirondacks has been his hobby, and his participation in the conservation movement has had important consequences for the success of the cause. Mr. Carson is secretary and a trustee of the Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks and was a member of the New York State Conservation Department Advisory Council in 1931. In 1935 he was appointed to the executive committee of the New York State Committee on Fifty Years of Conservation. He is active in the Adirondack Improved Trail Society, The Wilderness Society and in the Adirondack Mountain Club, of which he was president in 1930-31. He is an acknowledged authority on the Adirondacks and has written frequently on the region and various aspects of its life. He is the author of "Peaks and People of the Adirondacks," published in 1927; was editor of "High Spots," from 1929 to 1938, and has contributed many articles, especially on Indian occupancy of the Adirondacks, to magazines and newspapers.
At Glens Falls Mr. Carson has been active in many civic enterprises and has served for a period of years as a member of the Glens Falls Board of Education, of which he is now president. His interest in education extends beyond the limits of his own community, as reflected in his membership in the New York State School Boards Association. He is vice-president of this organization and since 1935 has been chairman of its special Committee on Insurance and Bonding Problems. Mr. Carson is also co-author of "An Insur- ance Program for the Guidance of School Boards." He is a trustee of Christ Church (Methodist) at Glens Falls, a member of the Glens Falls Rotary Club (president 1936-37) and the Camera Club and is affiliated with the Masonic order. From 1918 to 1924 he served as captain of Company K, 105th Infantry, New York National Guard. Mr. Carson is a Republican in politics.
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He married, on May 28, 1910, Mary Isabelle Goodman, of Glens Falls, and they are the parents of three children : Shirley Elizabeth, Samuel Good- man, and Charles Herbert, 2d.
JOHN KILPATRICK-As a graduate lawyer and youthful member of the bar, John Kilpatrick sought his career in the insurance field and has now continued this connection for more than a quarter of a century. He came to the Glens Falls Insurance Company in 1927 and since the following year has served as its secretary.
Mr. Kilpatrick was born in Liverpool, England, on June 2, 1884, son of John and Mary (Campbell) Kilpatrick, both now deceased. His father, who was born in Scotland, was engaged in the life insurance business until his death. His mother was also born in Scotland, at Montrose.
As a boy, Mr. Kilpatrick was brought to the United States by his parents. He attended the public schools of Jamestown, New York, where the family home was established, and after finishing his high school course, entered Syra- cuse University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1910. Shortly thereafter he became associated with the General Adjustment Bureau as manager of the Syracuse and Rochester branches, con- tinuing in the service of this company for eighteen years. His experience and record brought him an established reputation in insurance circles and in 1927 he was appointed assistant secretary of the Glens Falls Insurance Com- pany and came to Glens Falls to take over his new duties. In 1928 he was elected secretary of both the Glens Falls Insurance Company and the affiliated Commerce Insurance Company, continuing in these offices during the inter- vening years. He has been active in various aspects of the company's man- agement, adding to his reputation by his loyal and efficient performance of his duties.
Mr. Kilpatrick is affiliated with the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and is a member of the Methodist Church. He has a number of civic interests and is a trustee of the Tri-County Blind Association, whose work has received his active support over a period of years. Fond of outdoor life, he turns for recreation to golf and fishing.
In 1912 Mr. Kilpatrick married Olive Pierce, who was born in Utica, New York. They are the parents of six children : Mary Jean, Margaret Ann, David Pierce, Alice Claire, Olive J. and Ellen C.
G. P. CRAWFORD-More than thirty years ago, G. P. Crawford entered the service of the Glens Falls Insurance Company. Employed at first in minor capacities, he rose gradually within the organization and for a con-
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siderable period has been occupied with responsible executive duties. He is now vice-president of the company.
Mr. Crawford was born in Port Henry, New York, on December 12, 1889, son of George W. and Frances H. (Fitch) Crawford, both now deceased. His father was a native of Schroon Lake and his mother, of Mooers.
Educated in the public schools of Glens Falls, G. P. Crawford became associated with the Glens Falls Insurance Company in 1906, after completing his high school course. Beginning as a clerk in the Glens Falls office, he learned the business thoroughly through his service in a number of positions to which he was advanced successively as he gained in experience. Early in his career with the company his qualifications and industry won favorable attention and he was eventually entrusted with executive responsibilities which in turn were increased when his successful record as an administrator and organizer lengthened. His election as vice-president reflected the value placed upon his services in the organization. Mr. Crawford has held the latter office for several years. He is also vice-president of the Commerce Insurance Company, an affiliated organization, and has a prominent place in the man- agement councils of both companies.
In addition to his business connections, Mr. Crawford has been active in other aspects of Glens Falls life, both civic and social. He is affiliated with Senate Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and in this order is a member of the higher York Rite bodies and of Oriental Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member and director of the Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Glens Falls Country Club, the Lake George Association and the Lake George Club. Camping, hunting and fishing are his favorite recreations, an indication of his fondness for outdoor life, to which he has always turned in leisure hours. Mr. Crawford is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He married, in 1912, Helene C. Davidson, who was born in Glens Falls, and they are the parents of two children : I. Robert P., who was graduated from Dartmouth College in 1937, taking the degree of Bachelor of Arts. 2. Wilmer D.
HARRY M. COOKE-One of the leading florists of Clinton County, and proprietor of one of the largest greenhouses in Northern New York State, Harry M. Cooke, of Plattsburg, is also an outstanding public citizen, having devoted himself generously to the welfare of his county and community and served in several public offices for many years.
Harry M. Cooke was born at Montreal, Quebec, Canada, March 12, 1881, son of William and Charlotte (Bartley) Cooke. William Cooke, who was a native of England, came to America and was gardener for years for the late
H. M. Cooke.
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Hon. Smith Weed, later devoting himself to the establishment of his own busi- ness as a greenhouse proprietor and florist, an activity in which he was engaged at the time of his death in 1915. Charlotte (Bartley) Cooke, his wife, also deceased, was born at Kempville, Ontario, Canada.
After passing through the grammar schools of Plattsburg and attending the Plattsburg High School, Harry M. Cooke joined his father in the develop- ment of the family business and, upon his father's death in 1915, took over the business, reorganizing it and continuing to develop it until, as of the present time, he is one of the leading florists of Northern New York State and his greenhouses are among the largest in the Lake Champlain district. A member of the Democratic party, Mr. Cooke has always been keenly interested in civic affairs and has given generously of his time and ability to the public service, being an alderman from Ward Six for twelve years, serving for six years as the president of the Plattsburg Board of Education, being a member of the Clinton County Board of Supervisors, a post which also included the chair- manship of the building committee for the county and membership on the board's purchasing committee, and, in addition, acting mayor of Plattsburg for a period, plus ten years membership on the Plattsburg Democratic City Committee. In his public service, Mr. Cooke has been active in seeking public efficiency and in promoting public economy, a policy which has won him wide support in both Plattsburg and Clinton County.
Besides his profession and his public service, Mr. Cooke has devoted him- self to fraternal organizations, being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for nearly forty years, basing his membership upon McDonough Lodge, No. 549, a lodge of which he is Past Grand, and including membership in Lakeside Encampment, in which he held office as Chief Patriarch, and also being Past District Deputy for the fraternity in Clinton County. A member of the Rebekahs, Mr. Cooke is also active in the Maccabees, an order in which he is a Past Commander and was Lieutenant-Colonel of uniform rank. Be- longing to Plattsburg Lodge, No. 621, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for some twenty years now, Mr. Cooke, who is a member of the Platts- burg Humane Society, and the Plattsburg Rod and Gun Club, is also a member of the United Commercial Travelers. He is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Plattsburg and devotes himself to outdoor sports, with horses and cattle being of interest to him as an avocation apart from his profession as a florist. Harry M. Cooke married, in 1914, Alphonsie Phillips, who is a native of Plattsburg.
CHARLES V. PETERS came to Glens Falls and established a gentleman's clothing store in 1901. Although he was then a young man, he had to his credit a dozen or more years of experience in business and quickly
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won a place as a merchant in this community. One result of his enterprise is the C. V. Peters Company, which for almost four decades has served the town and its people, and although one of the oldest local establishments it is in every sense one of the most modern.
Mr. Peters was born in Middle Granville, New York, a son of John P. and Mary (Conaway) Peters, who came to the United States from England in 1864. His father was born in Wales.
Charles V. Peters moved to Vermont as a boy and was educated in the public schools of that State. He began his active store career in 1889 at Fair Haven, Vermont. In 1892 he entered the employ of Bardy, Wilson and Root, clothiers, and in 1894 was transferred to the Rutland store, where he remained until 1896. His energy and industry having favorably impressed his employers, he was sent in January, 1896, to take over the management of the O. D. Lang store at St. Albans, Vermont. In May of the same year Mr. Peters was sent to Claremont, New Hampshire, to open a new clothing store for his firm, remaining there until 1901. His business career was interrupted briefly when he enlisted during the Spanish-American War and served as. corporal of Company D, New Hampshire Volunteers. When he was mustered out at the close of the war, he returned to his duties in Claremont. Mr. Peters' services had become so valuable to his company that, when the firm was reorganized in 1901 following the death of Mr. Bardy, he was admitted as the third partner. The business was then carried on for a time as the Wilson-Root Company, but later was changed to the C. V. Peters Company. In August, 1901, the firm purchased the unexpired lease of A. Wurtenburg, in the Colvin Building, and since that time the C. V. Peters Company has occupied this site. The original store and its contents were completely de- stroyed in the fire of April 22, 1902, but despite the very heavy loss sustained, Mr. Peters was again doing business a week after the conflagration in a temporary location at No. 7 West Street (now Broad Street).
In January, 1903, when the new Colvin Building was completed, Mr Peters returned to his original location. From the beginning he operated only on the principles of fair dealing, supplying quality merchandise at reasonable prices. In 1910, he had his store front completely remodeled, and it became the first modern store front in Glens Falls. Only a few members of the present business community have longer records of activities than Mr. Peters, and today, as one of the senior business leaders, he continues as in the past to hold a place of leadership.
Mr. Peters has always been interested in the civic progress of Glens Falls and has given his support to every worthy community cause. He is active in the Rotary Club, in the Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of Warren A. Wilson Camp, United Spanish War Veterans, and Boy Scouts
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of America. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Senate Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Peters served during the World War as secretary of the local Draft Board. In 1934 the National Boy Scouts of America presented Mr. Peters with "The Silver Beaver Award," for distinguished service to boyhood. Mr. Peters is a member and elder of the Glens Falls Presbyterian Church.
On July II, 1898, while serving in the United States Army, Charles V. Peters married Ida Bell Ewing, of Claremont, New Hampshire, daughter of David and Clinta (Whitcomb) Ewing. The former Ida B. Ewing comes from a very old New England family, being a direct descendant of Captain Josiah Whitcomb and Daniel Warner, who served in General Abercrombie's Army. Daniel Warner was wounded at Ticonderoga, New York, July 7, 1758, and captured by the French. Four of Mrs. Peters' ancestors were in the New Hampshire Division at the battle of Bennington, Vermont, Lieutenant Daniel Warner, Abijah Whitcomb, Ezra Graves and William Livingston, the latter being the descendant of John Livingston. The Livingston family were mas- sacred by the Indians at Billerica, Massachusetts, on August 5, 1695, John a boy of fourteen, working in the field some distance from the scene, being the only one to escape.
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