USA > Vermont > The Lake Champlain and Lake George valleys, Vol. III > Part 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70
GEORGE H. LEICHT-Assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Glens Falls, an organization with which he has been associated for the past sixteen years, George H. Leicht is not only one of the outstanding bankers of his community but also respected for his leadership in civic prob- lems, having served two terms as town clerk of the town of Hancock, Dela- ware County.
George H. Leicht was born in Fremont Center, Sullivan County, April 26, 1887, son of George and Martha (Sipple) Leicht. George Leicht, who was born in Sullivan County, spent his life until his recent retirement, as a merchant. Martha (Sipple) Leicht, his wife, is also a native of Sullivan County.
After passing through the public schools of Delaware County and gradu- ating from the Hancock High School, George H. Leicht in 1908 found his
417
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND LAKE GEORGE VALLEYS
first employment on the staff of the First National Bank of Hancock, where he remained for thirteen years, rising through various positions to reach the rank of assistant cashier in 1920. In 1921 Mr. Leicht resigned from the bank to enter the insurance business, being appointed district manager at Bing- hamton, New York, for the Equitable Life Insurance Society of New York. After a year in Binghamton, Mr. Leicht was transferred to the Albany office of the insurance company, leaving the organization in 1923, when he was appointed to the staff of the First National Bank of Glens Falls, beginning an association which has continued through the present time. Since 1930 he has been assistant cashier of this bank. Mr. Leicht, who is a member of the Republican party and takes a deep and abiding interest in the civic concerns of his adopted community, brings the experience in municipal affairs which he gained while serving two terms as town clerk of the town of Hancock. A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, Mr. Leicht finds recreation from his responsibilities at his bank by indulging in his twin hobbies of hunting and fishing.
George H. Leicht married, in 1915, Hazel K. Morey, who is a native of Syracuse, New York.
JOSEPH W. SWEET-Proprietor and manager of the Rockwell Hotel of Glens Falls, Joseph W. Sweet is one of the most widely known hotel men in the United States, having been secretary and treasurer of the Hotel Greeters' Association for about ten years and being a charter member of group No. 37, Hotel Greeters' Association.
Joseph W. Sweet was born at Syracuse, April 6, 1903, son of Chester H. and Maude T. (Casey) Sweet. Chester H. Sweet, who was a native of Syracuse, spent his life in the hotel business, being at Kay Vincent, Thousand Islands, for more than twenty years. Maude T. (Casey) Sweet, his wife, is a native of Syracuse, also.
After passing through the grade schools of Syracuse and graduating from the Syracuse High School, Joseph W. Sweet followed his father into the hotel business, joining the staff of the Yates Hotel in Syracuse, where he remained for fifteen years, starting as clerk and rising to be manager and vice-president of the Yates Hotel Corporation. Then, in April, 1937, Mr. Sweet purchased the Rockwell Hotel in Glens Falls and has resided in Glens Falls ever since, as manager of his property, an enterprise which was estab- lished in 1876 under the name it has borne ever since. Prominent throughout the country as well as in New York as secretary and treasurer of the Hotel Greeters of America for several years, a charter member of group No. 37 of the Hotel Greeters' Association, Mr. Sweet is also active as a member of the American Hotel Association and of the New York Hotel Association as well as being a member of Glens Falls Lodge, No. 81, Benevolent and Protective
418
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND LAKE GEORGE VALLEYS
Order of Elks. He finds recreation from his duties and responsibilities by engaging in his favorite sports of hunting and fishing as well as in playing golf.
Joseph W. Sweet married, in Syracuse, October 3, 1925, Leda Scherer, who is a native of Syracuse.
STANLEY B. MILLER-In the period following the World War, Stanley B. Miller began his career in the insurance business and after a num- ber of years of service with a Massachusetts and a Connecticut company he came to Glens Falls in 1927. Since that time he has been manager of the fidelity and surety department of the Glens Falls Indemnity Company.
Mr. Miller was born in Yarmouth, Maine, on September 12, 1892, a son of David and Carrie (Bucknam) Miller. His father, who was born in Scot- land, is a contractor. His mother was born in Yarmouth, Maine.
Stanley B. Miller was educated in the public schools of Jay, Maine, at Wilton Academy in the same State, and at Colby College, where he was grad- uated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1914. After completing his college course, he became sub-master at Southington High School, Southing- ton, Connecticut, teaching history and mathematics and coaching all athletic teams. One year later he began his business career with the real estate firm of L. V. Niles at Boston, with whom he served until July, 1917. At that time he enlisted in the United States Army and held the rank of captain of infantry at the close of the World War. After receiving his discharge, he became associated with the Massachusetts Bonding and Insurance Company, where he obtained his initial experience in insurance work. In 1922 he went to the Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company at Hartford, Connecticut, round- ing out five more years of service. His successful record made possible his further career as an insurance executive and, in 1927, he came to Glens Falls as manager of the fidelity and surety department of the Glens Falls Indem- nity Company. In this capacity he has large responsibilities and occupies an important place in the Glens Falls insurance group.
Mr. Miller is also active in the general life of the city, having many inter- ests, both civic and social. He is Past Commander of Glens Falls Post, American Legion; past president of the Glens Falls Kiwanis Club; vice- president of the Warren County Tuberculosis Committee; a member of the Glens Falls Country Club; and a member of Orient Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, as well as the Royal Arch Chapter of East Hartford, Con- necticut. Mr. Miller is also a member of the Insurance Federation and of the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls. His favorite recreations are golf and gardening.
In 1917 Stanley B. Miller married Evie Learned, who was born in Madi- son, Maine.
William H. Jaffers.
419
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND LAKE GEORGE VALLEYS
HAROLD H. FRAIR-When the office of purchasing agent was created in the Glens Falls Insurance Company, Harold H. Frair was selected as the first incumbent. He has served in this capacity without interruption since 1920, filling an important place in the organization.
Mr. Frair was born at St. Albans, Vermont, on January 7, 1892, son of Charles R. and Alida (Jones) Frair. His father, who was born at Rouses Point, New York, is a patternmaker and was for years engaged on bridge construction work. The mother is a native of Sabrevois, Quebec.
Harold H. Frair was educated in the public schools of Rouses Point, and after high school learned the printing business. For ten years he operated a printing office in Rouses Point, leaving that community in 1918 to come to Glens Falls. During the following two years he was employed as foreman by the Bullard Press of Glen Falls. He withdrew from this connection in 1920 to accept the designation as first purchasing agent of the Glens Falls Insurance Company, a post for which he was well qualified since a large part of the company's purchases consists of paper and printing. When the Com- merce Insurance Company was purchased and, later, with the organization of the Glens Falls Indemnity Company, he became purchasing agent for these affiliates. He has functioned with great efficiency, fully demonstrating the value of his services to the organizations.
Mr. Frair is affiliated fraternally with Champlain Lodge, No. 237, Free and Accepted Masons, and since 1926 has been a member of the Glens Falls Rotary Club. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith and has been very active in church work, as well as with Boy Scouts. For several years he has been secretary of the board of trustees of the Glens Falls Presbyterian Church. While he has never entered public life he has been a useful citizen, support- ing valuable community causes both civic and benevolent. In his spare time he finds recreation in gardening and wood and metal working.
Mr. Frair married, in 1915, Minnie Lighthall, who was born in Rouses Point, New York. They are the parents of three children: I. Dorothy M., a member of the class of 1940 at Oberlin Conservatory of Music. 2. Paul B. 3. Ruth L.
WILLIAM WALLACE JEFFERS-During his active career as a civil engineer and surveyor, William Wallace Jeffers was associated with the development of many important projects in the Lake Champlain and Lake George section. Although he is now retired, he retains the position in its life which his business and professional interests brought him and is one of the best known citizens of Ticonderoga, New York, where he has made his home for many years.
Mr. Jeffers was born at Luzerne, Warren County, New York, on August 19, 1867, son of William Wallace Deodat Jeffers. He is a grandson of
420
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND LAKE GEORGE VALLEYS
Manlius Jeffers and a great-grandson of Deodat Jeffers, born in 1775, who, in turn, was the son of the Revolutionary soldier of the same name. In the maternal line, Mr. Jeffers is the great-grandson of Darius Leavens and thus is descended on both sides of his family from old American stock.
William Wallace Jeffers came to Ticonderoga with his parents when he was twelve years old and after completing his preliminary education in local schools, entered Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1885. He was graduated from this institution as a civil engineer in 1892 and while he was still in col- lege served as a surveyor on various projects, notably with the Delaware and Hudson Railroad in 1888-89, under the chief engineer's department. After taking his degree in 1892 he was employed as an engineer on the Alice Falls Dam at Ausable Chasm, and in the following year made the survey for a projected railroad to run between Keeseville and Lake Placid. Subsequently, with the progress of his professional career and the development of his repu- tation, he was retained on many important projects, among them the dam at Rome, New York, which he built for the J. and J. Rogers Company. Mr. Jeffers was also associated with Senator M. Y. Ferris in development work at the mines of the American Graphite Company at the settlement called Graphite in the town of Hague. These were operated successfully until the present supplies of lower-priced graphite began to come into the United States from Austria, Siberia and Ceylon. Throughout the course of his career, Mr. Jeffers' professional qualifications were always highly valued by his associates, and every responsibility devolving upon him was faithfully and efficiently discharged.
Since his retirement, Mr. Jeffers has continued to make his home in Ticonderoga. For many years, as his professional interests allowed him, he has been active in the life of the community and has lent his support to all useful community causes. He is affiliated fraternally with Ticonderoga Lodge, No. 794, Free and Accepted Masons, and is prominent in the order as a member of many high bodies, in all of which he has been presiding officer. Mr. Jeffers is also affiliated with Ticonderoga Lodge, No. 1494, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a Republican in politics.
On August 4, 1893, at Keeseville, New York, Mr. Jeffers married (first) Helen Mary McGowan, who was born July 8, 1875, daughter of Sheridan Elijah and Helen Mary (Cleaves) McGowan. They became the parents of four children : I. Elizabeth Louise (Jeffers) Donovan, born August 24, 1898. 2. Helen (Jeffers) Moore, born August 29, 1900. 3. William Wallace Jeffers, Jr., born September 28, 1902. 4. Sheridan McGowan Jeffers, born August 30, 1904.
On July 28, 1917, Mr. Jeffers married (second) Adelaide (Townsend) McCabe, widow of the late Arthur McCabe.
421
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND LAKE GEORGE VALLEYS
FREDERICK W. STEIN-Twenty-five years ago, Frederick W. Stein began his career in insurance with the Commerce Insurance Company of Albany. When this organization was taken over by the Glens Falls Insur- ance Company he continued the connection and retained the executive posi- tion to which he had risen. Recent years have brought him further promotion and during the past decade he has served as secretary of both the Glens Falls Insurance Company and the Commerce Insurance Company and was made vice-president in 1939.
Mr. Stein was born in Troy, New York, on September 9, 1894, son of George F. and Fannie (Wager) Stein. His father, now deceased, was em- ployed for twenty years in the Adjutant General's office at Albany. He was also a well-known vocalist, appearing frequently in concert work. Fannie (Wager) Stein, the mother, was born in Troy and died in 1928.
Frederick W. Stein was educated in the public schools of Albany, com- pleting the high school course. He became associated with the Commerce Insurance Company at Albany immediately afterward, beginning as a clerk, and during the following ten years rose steadily to the position of assistant secretary. When the Commerce Insurance Company was taken over by the Glens Falls Insurance Company in 1923 he joined the larger organization in the same capacity and in 1928 was elected secretary of both the Glens Falls Insurance Company and the Commerce Insurance Company, and in 1939 was made vice-president. To his duties he brings the long experience and accurate knowledge arising from his many years of service in the business and the executive qualifications which have distinguished his career.
Mr. Stein is also a director of the Kendrick and Brown Company. He is past president of the Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce, a director of the Glens Falls Hospital and vice-president of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, connections reflecting his civic spirit and his willingness to devote his time and effort to community causes. He is affiliated fraternally with Senate Lodge, No. 456, Free and Accepted Masons ; is a member and past president of the Glens Falls Country Club; and member of University Club of Albany, New York, and Lake George Country Club ; and is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Stein's favorite recreation is golf.
He married, in 1926, Gertrude Mann, who was born in Albany, and they are the parents of two sons: I. Richard George. 2. Robert Frederick.
WALLACE D. HICKS-As secretary of the Glens Falls Insurance Company and several affiliated insurance organizations, Wallace D. Hicks has important responsibilities in connection with their management. He has spent his entire career in the service of the company and is thoroughly qualified by experience and record for his present office.
422
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND LAKE GEORGE VALLEYS
Mr. Hicks was born in Pottersville, New York, on December 26, 1896, son of Charles and Amelia (Day) Hicks. His father, who was born in Man- chester, Vermont, was a painting contractor until his death. The mother, also deceased, was born in Glens Falls, New York. ,
Wallace D. Hicks was educated in the public schools of Glens Falls and in 1915, after completing the high school course, became associated with the Glens Falls Insurance Company. He began as a clerk, but was soon pro- moted to positions involving wider duties and as he demonstrated his capaci- ties he was appointed to executive office. In 1933 he was elected secretary of the Glens Falls Insurance Company and has since served in this connection. He is also secretary of the Glens Falls Indemnity Company and of the Com- merce Insurance Company. His services are highly valued by his associates, and his long experience and sound judgment have been reflected in the com- pany's operations.
During the World War, Mr. Hicks enlisted and served in the United States Navy, returning to his duties with the Glens Falls Insurance Company after the war. He is a member of the American Legion and the Glens Falls Country Club and is prominent in the Masonic Order, being affiliated with Senate Lodge and all higher bodies of the York Rite and with Oriental Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Hicks attends the Methodist Church. His hobby is golf.
GEORGE D. MEAD-Since 1934, George D. Mead has served as executive vice-president of the Glens Falls Indemnity Company, one of the group of related insurance organizations prominently associated with the city. He has devoted his entire career to insurance work and has risen to his pres- ent position on his successful record.
Mr. Mead was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on December 2, 1897, a son of William A. and Mina (Whiting) Mead. His father, who was born in Sioux City, Iowa, has been a railroad worker most of his life. The mother, now deceased, was a native of Scranton.
George D. Mead was educated in the public schools and high school of East Hartford, Connecticut, and began his career in that State with the Hart- ford Accident and Indemnity Insurance Company. In fifteen years of service within that organization he was advanced steadily from the position of office clerk to chief underwriter of the automobile department and later was appointed manager of the Columbus, Ohio, office of the company. In 1928 he came to Glens Falls as agency superintendent of the newly organized Glens Falls Indemnity Company. Assuming at once an important rôle in the management of the company, he was elected vice-president in 1932 and two years later was called to new and larger responsibilities when he undertook
423
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND LAKE GEORGE VALLEYS
the duties of executive vice-president. As such he is active operating head of the company and has guided its affairs with sure hand and sound judg- ment.
Mr. Mead, who is well known in insurance circles, is a member of the Casualty and Surety Executives' Association and the Casualty and Surety Field Club. He is a member of the Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce and has given his active support to other community enterprises, including the Glens Falls Community Chest, of which he is a director. Mr. Mead is also president of the Warren County Fish and Game Farm Association, the Glens Falls Country Club and the St. Bernard Club. He is affiliated fraternally with Orient Lodge, No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, at Glens Falls, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Fond of outdoor life and sports, he finds his principal recreation in fishing, hunting and golf.
In 1921 George D. Mead married Helen Kinghorn, who was born in East Hartford, Connecticut. They are the parents of two daughters: Barbara Helen and Betty Jane.
SYLVANUS MARTIN THOMAS-Since the beginning of his pro- fessional career following his admission to the bar, Sylvanus Martin Thomas has been largely occupied with insurance interests. He assisted in the organi- zation of the Glens Falls Indemnity Company, one of the newer subsidiaries of the Glens Falls insurance group, and has served as secretary and counsel of the company since that time.
Mr. Thomas was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, on February II, 1893, son of Sylvanus Martin and Emily (Hayman) Thomas. His father, who was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, was an active member of the Massachusetts bar until his death. The mother, a native of London, England, is still living.
Sylvanus Martin Thomas, the son, received his preliminary education in the public schools of Taunton and subsequently entered Harvard University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1913. He prepared for the profession of law at Columbia University Law School, and after taking the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1917, was admitted to the Massachusetts bar. In the same year he entered the home office claim department of the Travelers Insurance Company and for three years was occupied with the duties arising from his position. At the end of that time he became associated with the Massachusetts Bonding and Insurance Com- pany and took over the office of manager of its claim department in New York City. The merit of his services brought him further advancement four years later when he was appointed general attorney for the Metropolitan Casualty Company, supervising the handling of claims all over the United States.
424
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND LAKE GEORGE VALLEYS
Mr. Thomas first came to Glens Falls in 1927 to assist in the organization of the Glens Falls Indemnity Company. He has remained as secretary and counsel of the company ever since, continuing the successful record which has brought him an established reputation in insurance circles. Mr. Thomas is a member of the International Association of Insurance Counsel, and has served for many years on the legal committee of the National Bureau of Casualty and Surety Underwriters. In addition to his business and profes- sional interests, he is an active Mason, being affiliated in this order with Ionic Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Taunton, Massachusetts, with all higher bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including the Consistory, and with Oriental Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Thomas is also affiliated with Glens Falls Lodge, Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a director of the Glens Falls Young Men's Christian Association, and has interested himself in other com- munity organizations and causes, among them the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Harvard Club of New York City, the Glens Falls Country Club and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Mr. Thomas is a Presbyterian in religious faith and is now president of the board of trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, and for many years has been a member of its choir. He is fond of athletic recrea- tions, particularly swimming and golf, of gardening and of bridge, and has taken an active part in musical and dramatic affairs in Glens Falls.
In 1921 Sylvanus Martin Thomas married Jean Burnham, who was born in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Besides his wife his family consists of two charming daughters ; one a student at Northwestern University and the other, of grade school age.
EDWIN CARLTON MILLARD-As the owner of the E. C. Mil- lard Knitting Company, Edwin Carlton Millard is one of the industrial leaders of Ballston Spa. His reputation and success are based upon experience com- bined with natural abilities. He compiled an unusual military record before becoming identified with the town where he has won recognition as one of its valuable citizens.
Mr. Millard was born at Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1896, son of Jacob and Laura (Girton) Millard, both natives of this city. His father for many years was engaged in the textile business, a manufacturer of yarns. After attending the local schools and being graduated from the Bloomsburg High School, Edwin C. Millard studied at the State Normal College. Instead of entering the teaching profession, he returned to his birthplace to become associated with the mill industry. He was still a youth in 1916 when he enlisted in the 13th Infantry, United States Army, and it was not until 1919
Powin C. Millard
425
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND LAKE GEORGE VALLEYS
that he received his honorable discharge from the army. He was overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces for nineteen months, serving with the rank of second lieutenant. He participated in the campaigns of the Meuse- Argonne, the Oise-Marne and other major battles in France. He continued with the Army Reserve Corps for a decade after his return to the United States.
Before becoming the owner and directing head of the knitting company which bears his name, Mr. Millard was foreman of the American Car and Foundry Company, at Berwick, Pennsylvania, and spent some years at Broadalbin, New York, as overseer in a carding mill. Aside from business, Mr. Millard is a Rotarian, a member of the Utopian Club, and fraternally is affiliated with the Kennyetta Lodge, No. 599, Free and Accepted Masons, of Broadalbin. He is a member of the Methodist Church.
At Manchester, Connecticut, October 6, 1923, Edwin Carlton Millard married Maude Duxbury, born in Moodus, Connecticut, daughter of John Duxbury, D. D., a Methodist minister, of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Millard are the parents of five children: 1. Marion Elizabeth, born November 23, 1924. 2. Edwin Carlton, Jr., born January 16, 1926. 3. Laura Jane, born July 5, 1927. 4. Ruth Ann, born October 14, 1930. 5. John Jacob, born May 19, 1935.
JOHN S. WOODWARD-With a sound background of experience in teaching and along other lines of endeavor, John S. Woodward took up the profession of law in 1922, since which time he has been practicing in Glens Falls.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.