USA > Vermont > The Lake Champlain and Lake George valleys, Vol. III > Part 43
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A member of the Democratic party, Mr. Laundree has always been keenly interested in political problems as well as in civic affairs and he has devoted himself generously to both interests, being a member of the Clinton County Democratic Committee for eight years and serving as treasurer of the com- mittee for two years, as well as serving eight years as town clerk of Ausable, eight years as town supervisor of Ausable, six years as village trustee of Keeseville and, since 1933, a member of the Keeseville Board of Education. Preserving his war time associations by membership in Keeseville Post, No. 284, American Legion, an organization which he has served as commander, Mr. Laundree is a member of Plattsburg Lodge, No. 621, Benevolent and
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Protective Order of Elks and also belongs to the Kiwanis Club of Keese- ville. A member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mr. Laun- dree finds a means of recreation from his duties as postmaster and from his responsibilities as a town official through his interest in basketball and baseball.
Edward A. Laundree married, in 1917, Helen Latourelle, who is a native of Keeseville. Mr. and Mrs. Laundree are the parents of four children: I. Robert E., a member of the class of 1941 of Alfred University. 2. James C. 3. Raymond. 4. William.
ROSS PLATT LOBDELL-Active in real estate business at the present time, Ross Platt Lobdell of Plattsburg, New York, is one of the out- standing and authoritative resources for local history in and around Platts- burg, Lake Champlain, and Clinton County. Because of his heritage and keen interest in the history of the place his ancestors founded, Mr. Lobdell is often consulted and is looked upon as an authentic and valued source for writers of local history. There is probably no one in Clinton County so ably and intelligently equipped to supply this information.
Mr. Lobdell was born on March 16, 1879, and is the son of Frank P. Lobdell, a native and merchant of Schuyler Falls and later, of Plattsburg. Through his mother, Mary M. Platt, Ross Platt Lobdell is a direct descend- ant of Zephaniah Platt, founder of Plattsburg and for whom it was named. Zephaniah Platt's son, Levi Platt, was the first president of the village of Plattsburg in the year 1815, and his wife, Eliza Miller, was the daughter of Dr. John Miller, the first physician in Plattsburg. The beautiful large oil portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Platt now hang in the residence of their great-great-grandson, Ross Platt Lobdell.
Mr. Lobdell, upon graduating from Plattsburg High School became asso- ciated with his father's firm, F. P. Lobdell and Company, as bookkeeper, and had full charge of his mother's and father's real estate. After his father's death in 1916, Mr. Lobdell became owner and manager of F. P. Lobdell and Company. In 1932 he retired to devote himself to the real estate busi- ness and to the management of his extensive real estate holdings in Platts- burg.
Mr. Lobdell is active in fraternal and civic life of the city that bears the name of his ancestors, being a member of Plattsburg Lodge, No. 828, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a Past Master ; he belongs also to Plattsburg Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, having served as deacon and treasurer and at the present time is an elder. Interested in the welfare of the city, he has always
Harry S. Down
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been anxious to give his services to his community and is a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, Relief Hose No. 2.
Ross Platt Lobdell married Mabel Irene Ebbets of Brooklyn, New York, in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Lobdell have a daughter, Katharine Irene Lobdell, a graduate of Wellesley College with a degree of Bachelor of Arts. She is now executive director of the Business Girls' Department of the Young Women's Christian Association of Newark, New Jersey.
HARRY S. DOWNS-Taking a leading part in the business life of Chestertown, Harry S. Downs has particularly concerned himself with bank- ing affairs as president of the Chester-Schroon-Horicon Bank.
Mr. Downs was born January 25, 1862, in Pottersville, Warren County, New York, son of Marcus H. and Jane (Lockwood) Downs. His father, a native of New Haven, was engaged in the hotel business in Pottersville and Chestertown until his death. The mother, born at Schroon Lake, New York, is also deceased.
Public schools were the source of Harry S. Downs' early formal education. When he completed his studies at Chestertown High School, he entered the Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, taking a special course there in preparation for his career. Completing his formal education, he went into the hotel business with his father, who was proprietor of the Downs Hotel. Then, in 1887, he became proprietor of the Chester House, at Chestertown, New York. He has also deeply interested himself in the financial life of Chestertown. For a number of years he has been a director of the Chester- Schroon-Horicon Bank, of which he was elected president in 1938.
A Democrat in his political views, Mr. Downs has served for one term as supervisor of his town. He is president of the Chestertown-Pottersville Chamber of Commerce, and is president of the local Cemetery Association. He belongs to Glendale Lodge, No. 497, of the Free and Accepted Masons, and to Glens Falls Lodge, No. 81, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He also is a member of Chester Lodge, No. 514, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a Past Grand. He is a member of the Adirondack Resort Association and the American Hotel Association, as well as of the New York State Hotel Association and the Empire Tours Associa- tion.
Along with his business, financial and civic activities, Mr. Downs concerns himself with religious matters, and is a regular attendant at the services of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Chestertown. He has served as treasurer of his church for a considerable period. In spare time he enjoys the out-of- doors and healthful outdoor recreations, being particularly fond of golf.
Harry S. Downs married, in 1893, Althea G. Waters, a native of Fenton, Michigan, who is now deceased.
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HOMER W. KEELER-A notable record of public service is attached to the name of Homer W. Keeler, of South Hero, Vermont, who, save for two years, has occupied the office of State's Attorney of Grand Isle County since 1916. Throughout this period he has also been prominent in the business and farming affairs of this section as well as taking an active part in social and civic affairs.
Mr. Keeler was born at South Hero, March 12, 1874, the son of George B. and Phoebe (Phelps) Keeler, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Grand Isle. His father, who is now deceased as is his mother, engaged in the mercantile business for many years. The Keeler family is listed as one of the oldest in this part of the State, its first representatives having come here about 1840. The house in which Mr. Keeler now lives is one of the oldest and most widely known landmarks in these parts. Mr. Keeler attended the public schools of his native community, also was a student at a private high school here, later enrolled in the Rutland Classical Institute, at Rutland, and eventually completed his studies at the Albany Business College. He began his career in the mercantile business with his brother, at South Hero, and continued with this enterprise for fifteen years. At the expiration of this period he began to farm and has continued in this work since. As one of the successful members of the agricultural community here he has been prominently identified with several farming organizations, among them the South Hero Creamery Association, for which he has served as secretary for a number of years.
Mr. Keeler's career in public life dates back to 1916, when he was elected for his first term as State's Attorney. Since that time, save for two years, he has been reëlected to this post, a record of service which clearly reflects his abilities and the personal and professional esteem he is held in. He is also a former director of the South Hero School Board and for the past two years has served as assistant judge. He is a Republican in politics and in his reli- gious convictions worships at the Congregational Church.
In a social capacity Mr. Keeler has been equally active and prominent, devoting much of his interest to the affairs of the Masonic Order in which he is a Past Master of the South Hero Lodge, a member of the Royal Arch Mason Chapter of Alburg, and a permanent member of the Grand Lodge. He also is Past Patron of the Daughters of the Eastern Star. During his youth Mr. Keeler was an ardent sportsman and found his principal recreations in hunting and fishing, but today his main hobby is devoted to the game of bridge.
Mr. Keeler married Katheryn Livingston, a native of South Hero, who was educated here and in New Hampshire. Mr. and Mrs. Keeler are the parents of two children: I. Harold G., who was born in South Hero, and
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received his education in the public schools of this community and at the Goddard Seminary, in Barre. 2. Arthur L., also a native of South Hero, who is now residing in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the public schools of South Hero, Goddard Seminary, De Paul University, in Chicago, and the University of Vermont.
CHARLES HENRY PETERSON-Charles Henry Peterson, Sena- tor of Grand Isle County, and for many years a prominent figure in the political life of Alburg, Vermont, is a native of New York State, having been born in the town of Madrid on October 10, 1874, the son of Milan and Saphronia (Allen) Peterson, both deceased. Milan Peterson, a native of Nor- wood, New York, was employed for many years in a butter tub factory. His wife was born at Chase Mills, New York.
Charles Henry Peterson was educated in the district schools at Canton, New York. Among the public offices to which he has been elected during his notable career is that of village clerk and treasurer, which office he held for ten years; and also selectman, which he has held for a similar period. In addition, he served as town representative in 1925, and in 1938 his years of faithful service in public office were rewarded by his election to the post of Senator of Grand Isle County. He has always taken an active part in civic affairs, and is numbered among the leaders in all movements benefitting the welfare of the local populace.
Mr. Peterson is an active member of the Congregational Church, where he serves as both deacon and trustee, and in political life he is a staunch Republican. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and an affiliate of the Free and Accepted Masons. He has also for the past thirty-seven years held membership in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen.
He is married to Martha L. Goodspeed, a native of Montgomery, Ver- mont, and to this union has been born a son: Kermit C. Peterson, born in Alburg, and a graduate of Rouses Point High School.
G. LEROY BROWN-G. Leroy Brown, prominent Plattsburg archi- tect, and the designer of many of the large modern buildings in this locality, was born in Newark, Delaware, May 23, 1890, the son of George Leroy and Mary (Hyde) Brown, both deceased. George Leroy Brown, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, was a colonel in the United States Army, and was engaged in active service in the Indian Wars, Spanish American War and the World War. Mary (Hyde) Brown was a native of Marshall, Michigan.
G. Leroy Brown received his early education in the public schools at Newark, Delaware, and he completed his high school education at the San
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Antonio (Texas) High School. He then entered the Military Academy at West Point, where he was graduated in 1912, and being commissioned a second lieutenant, he was assigned to the 5th Infantry at the Plattsburg Barracks. After two years there, he went to Panama Canal Zone, where he engaged in architectural work under the constructing quartermaster, and he remained there until the World War period, when he returned to Plattsburg to serve as an instructor at the local training camp. In April, 1917, he was commissioned first lieutenant and was assigned to the Ist Division, United States Army Infantry, and he went to France in August, being promoted to the rank of captain in the 18th Regimental Infantry. In December, 1919, he resigned from the service, with rank of captain, and upon his return to civilian life, he went to Los Angeles, California, to study architecture and to work in the Los Angeles County Architect's office. In 1921 he returned to Plattsburg, and the following year received his New York State architect's license. After a short period of professional activity in Plattsburg, he went to New York City, where he followed his profession for the next nine years. In 1931 he returned to Plattsburg and established offices at No. 27 Clinton Street, where he has been successfully engaged to the present day. During his years in this vicinity, he has been the architect for several large construction jobs, including the designing and building of the Plattsburg Filtration Plant ; designing the Old English Tavern at Cumberland; Hotel Plattsburg, and the new Public Library here. He was also the designer and builder of the first modernistic home in this area, and he planned the Central School at Ellen- burg, and in addition, ten bank buildings for the Morris Plan Company of New York.
Mr. Brown is a parishioner of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and holds membership in the Society of the First Division, American Expedition- ary Forces, and the Society of Colonial Wars. His hobbies are radio and sketching.
Mr. Brown was married, in 1915, to Genevieve C. Sharron, a native of Plattsburg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sharron. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of two daughters: I. Genevieve Beatrice. 2. Dorothy Marie.
W. ALFRED ROBINSON-W. Alfred Robinson, owner and man- ager of the Plattsburg Credit Bureau, and active in the local insurance field, was born at Van Etten, New York, December 30, 1893, the son of Burnett Chandler and Helen (Burchard) Robinson, both deceased. Burnett Chandler Robinson, a native of Union, New York, was engaged in the hotel business for many years prior to his death.
After completing his elementary and high school education in the Van Etten public schools, W. Alfred Robinson enrolled at Union College, with
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W. W. Buslia
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the class of 1916. He began his active business career as an employee of the Schenectady Illuminating Company, now known as the New York Power and Light Company, in several departments until 1922, when he became a member of George Olsen's orchestra. Six months later he became associated with the Service Appliance Company of Schenectady, serving as division sales manager in charge of the Eastern Connecticut area until 1928, when he be- came sales manager for the New York State Electric and Gas Association at Ithaca, and later was transferred to the Plattsburg office of this company, where he remained until 1932, at which time he established the Plattsburg Credit Bureau, which ever since that time, under his sole direction, has en- joyed a successful existence. Mr. Robinson is also identified with the insur- ance business, maintaining offices at No. 58 Margaret Street, where he con- ducts a general insurance business.
During the World War, he enlisted for service, and was assigned to the 317th Field Signal Battalion. He entered his country's service February I, 1918, and went overseas five months later, participating in the Saint Mihiel and Meuse Argonne engagements. He received his honorable discharge with rank of sergeant January 25, 1919.
Mr. Robinson is an active member of the Episcopal Church, being past president of the Men's Club, and he is a most prominent Kiwanian, being past president of both the Plattsburg and Saranac Lake Kiwanis clubs, a past lieutenant-governor of New York State District, Kiwanis International, and the organizer of eight individual Kiwanis clubs in this vicinity. He is also affiliated with Mount Hope Lodge, No. 730, Free and Accepted Masons, Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Council, Royal and Select Masters; Theta Delta Chi Fraternity, and the American Legion.
WILLIAM WALLACE BULLIS-An outstanding attorney of the Lake George district, William Wallace Bullis, of Lake George, is not only prominent in his profession but also a leading member of the Odd Fellow's Fraternity, having been Grand Master of the New York State organization of the fellowship.
William Wallace Bullis was born in Luzerne, Warren County, April 27, 1894, son of William Wallace and Rose Dora (Potter) Bullis. William Wallace Bullis, Sr., who was a native of Luzerne, mastered the trade of a mechanic and spent his life as such, being so engaged at the time of his death. Rose Dora (Potter) Bullis, his wife, is a native of Lake George, where she makes her home with her son.
After passing through the public schools of Corinth and attending the Corinth High School, William Wallace Bullis completed his secondary edu- cation at Troy Conference Academy, Poultney, Vermont, and then entered
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Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, from which institution he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts as a member of the class of 1916. Then, determining to follow a legal career, Mr. Bullis entered the Albany Law School, where he studied for three years, completing his legal education and receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws from Brooklyn Law School as a member of the class of 1919. Admitted to practice in New York State in 1920, Mr. Bullis at first established himself in New York City but, after three years in Gotham, he removed to Lake George, where he set up in the general practice of his profession and has maintained his office through the present time. Supporting his profession by membership in the Kings County Bar Association and the Warren County Bar Association, Mr. Bullis, like many other members of his profession, has always taken a keen interest in civic problems, being particularly active in political enterprises ever since he has made his home in Lake George where, as a leading Republican, he has been a member of the Warren County Committee since 1928 and, since 1931, village attorney for the village of Lake George. Another non-professional interest of Mr. Bullis' is fraternal organization, especially the Odd Fellows, an order in which, as a member of Lake George Lodge, No. 912, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he has been not only Past Grand and District Deputy but also District Deputy Grand Master for the State of New York as well as Grand Warden for New York State. Mr. Bullis is also a member of St. Sacrament Lodge, No. 1029, Free and Accepted Masons, and belongs to Delta Upsilon and Phi Delta Phi fraternities. A member of the Lake George Methodist Church, Mr. Bullis finds recreation from his professional duties and public responsibilities by indulging in his hobbies of boating and horses.
William Wallace Bullis married, in 1925, Doris Hawley, who is a native of Lake George.
WILLIAM J. H. MANNING-For many years William J. H. Man- ning, a member of the civil engineering profession, has been employed by the Delaware and Hudson Railroad in different parts of New York State and Pennsylvania. He is now division engineer of the Champlain division of the road, with headquarters at Plattsburg.
Mr. Manning was born June 24, 1891, in Omaha, Nebraska, son of James Henry and Fannie (Liddell) Manning. His father was born in Cairo, Illi- nois, and was engaged for many years in railroad work until the end of his life. The mother, a native of Scotland, is now also deceased.
Both public and parochial schools provided William J. H. Manning's early education. He was graduated from the Christian Brothers Academy at Albany, New York, and in 1911 took the degree of Civil Engineer from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In that same year he began his professional
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career in association with the Delaware and Hudson Railroad, which engaged him on construction work in its engineering department at Watervliet, New York. In 1913 he entered the valuation department as chief of Party, then in 1919 was made assistant engineer on special work during the period of Federal control of the railroads. In 1920 he was in charge of engineering accounting work in the valuation department, but in the following year was transferred to the accounting department and made office engineer. In No- vember of that year, 1921, he was appointed assistant engineer of maintenance- of-way, so serving until, in May, 1925, he came to Plattsburg to be division engineer in charge of the Champlain division of the Delaware and Hudson. He has acted in this capacity ever since that time, and is one of his com- munity's widely known citizens.
Along with his professional work, Mr. Manning is an associate member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Railway Engineers' Association and the American Bridge and Building Association. He belongs to the University Club, of Albany, New York, the Alumni Association of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Fort Orange Post, No. 30, of the American Legion.
When the United States went into the World War, Mr. Manning became a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve Corps on June 11, 1917. In that capacity he was assigned to the 302d United States Engineers Regiment, afterward being transferred to the 52d Regiment of Engineers, Railroad Transportation Corps. He served in France with the American Expedition- ary Forces from June 2, 1918, to July 4, 1919, and was discharged with the rank of first lieutenant. He attends St. John's Roman Catholic Church. In spare time he is fond of outdoor life and healthful recreations, notably golf.
In 1923 William J. H. Manning married Marguerite Anne Toole, a native of Albany, New York. Their children were: I. Joan. 2. Patricia. 3. William J. H., Jr.
THOMAS KERLEY-President of the Ballston Spa National Bank, an institution to which he has devoted about sixty years of his life, Thomas Kerley is not only one of the leading bankers of the Lake George district but also an outstanding citizen, having served his community in a number of offices and in various civic enterprises. Thomas Kerley was born in Ballston Spa, April 20, 1863, son of William and Catherine (O'Grady) Kerley. William Kerley, a native of Ireland, was a gardener in Kings County, and son of William Kerley.
After passing through the grade schools of Ballston Spa and graduating from the town's high school in 1889, Thomas Kerley went directly from school into the Ballston Spa National Bank, an institution which was founded
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in 1838, beginning an association of nearly sixty years, during which time he passed through various positions until he became the president. Keenly inter- ested in the civic problems of his community, Thomas Kerley has always given freely of his time and energy to various offices and public enterprises, being ready at any time to lend his influence and assistance to any worthy cause. A member of the Utopian Club, Mr. Kerley is president of the board of direc- tors of the Benedict Memorial Hospital and president of the Board of Education.
Thomas Kerley married, in Ballston Spa, October, 1888, Mary Sweeney, native of Ballston Spa, where she was born in 1868, and daughter of Owen and Mary (Cogan) Sweeney.' Mr. and Mrs. Kerley are the parents of two children : Mary Elizabeth, born in 1889, and Elizabeth Jane, born in 1896, who married Edward J. Gallogly, of Albany, New York, and they have four children : John, Mary K., Thomas Kerley, and Jane Gallogly.
WILLIAM WALLACE-Making his home at Plattsburg, William Wallace has performed an important work with the Delaware and Hudson Railroad, which he now serves as superintendent of the Champlain division.
Mr. Wallace was born August II, 1884, in Brooklyn, New York, son of James and Maria (Fletcher) Wallace. His father, who was born in Scot- land, was engaged in the contracting business for many years until his death. The mother, a native Englishwoman, is now also deceased.
Public schools in Brooklyn provided William Wallace his early education, and afterward he attended school in Whitehall, New York. Completing his formal studies at Whitehall he was employed on a farm until 1903, when he went to work for the Delaware and Hudson Railroad. Starting as a trucker in the freight house at Whitehall, he worked his way upward through various positions until 1918, when he was appointed yardmaster at Rouses Point. In 1920 he was made assistant trainmaster of the Champlain division, becoming trainmaster in 1922. A year later he was transferred to the Saratoga division as trainmaster. Then, in 1930, he was promoted to the superintendency of the Champlain division, in which office he has continued down to the time of writing.
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