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CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 3 1924 098 820 701 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924098820701 
 
CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
A HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 City of Buffalo 
 
 AND 
 
 NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 INCLUDING A CONCISE ACCOUNT OF THE ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS OF THIS 
 
 REGION; THE FIRST WHITE EXPLORERS AND MISSIONARIES; 
 
 THE PIONEERS AND THEIR SUCCESSORS. 
 
 A NARRATIVE CONTAINING EVERYTHING WORTH REMEMBERING ABOUT THE HISTORIC ACTIONS OF 
 THE RED AND WHITE RACES THAT HAVE OCCUPIED THIS TERRITORY FROM 
 THE EARLIEST AUTHENTIC DATE TO THE 
 PRESENT PERIOD. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
 Hn ®ne IDolwme 
 
 published by 
 
 The Times, Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 1896 
 
/ic 
 
 'y 
 
 
 
 COMPILED FOR 
 
 THE BUFFALO TIMES 
 
 JOHN DEVOY 
 1896 
 
PREFACE 
 
 THIS volume is the result of an earnest and conscientious effort to present in 
 concise form a full history of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and adjacent territory, 
 containing an account of every event of importance from earliest times to the 
 present day. While avoiding such unimportant details as would make the work 
 cumbersome, the compiler has aimed to make the history complete and valuable as 
 a book of reference. 
 
 To this end he has had recourse to the works of his predecessors in the same 
 field of research, and acknowledges his obligation to the authors of H. Perry Smith's 
 "History of Buffalo and Erie County"; "The History of Buffalo: Its Rise and 
 Progress," by Charles P Dwyer ; Holley's "History of Niagara Falls," and Hon. 
 William Dorsheimer's address before the Buffalo Historical Society in 1863. Infor- 
 mation obtained from the Buffalo Historical Society and the Buffalo and Grosvenor 
 Libraries was of great value. 
 
 The publisher also acknowledges his obligation to Mark Hubbell, Esq., City 
 Clerk, for valuable assistance in preparing the chapter on Municipal Government ; 
 to Mrs. Helen Leigh Sawin of the Buffalo "Times"; and to Hon. Peter A. Porter 
 of Niagara Falls, whose knowledge of that region is more extended than that of any 
 other living person, the compiler is especially indebted. 
 
CITY OF BUFFALO 
 
COLONIAL DAYS 
 
 CHAPTER 1 
 
 The Neuter Indians and the Eries Original Occupants of Erie County — The Extermination of these Tribes by 
 the Iroquois — The Company of New France, or Company of Oik Hundred Partners — Opening of First Tavern 
 in ijg4 — Arrival of De La Salle — The First Sailing K'ssel on Lake Erie — Destruction of Seneca tillages 
 by Dc Nonville — His Prophecy that Buffalo would Rival Niagara as a Trade Center — General Bradstreet's 
 Treaty with the Indians at Fort Niagara — The Indians in the Revolutionary War — Phelps and Gorhant 
 Purchase — First Store on the Site of Buffalo — Treaty of Fort Stanwix — Ellicott Lays out the l^illage of 
 Buffalo — Birth of the First White Child in the Village — Anecdotes of Red Jacket — First Recorded Murder 
 Trial iti Erie County — First Town Meeting — Primitive Method of Voting — First State Election — First Post- 
 master at Buffalo — First Mail Brought to Buffalo — Niagara County Formed with County Seat at "Buffalo " 
 or "Neiv Amsterdam" — Farmer's Brother — White Seneca. Seneca White and Red Jacket's Residences — 
 Town of Buffalo Created. 
 
 THE section of country now Erie county was i<nown to travelers as early as 1620 as " A land of quiet, 
 while tempests raged around." It was inhabited by the Neuter Indians, a tribe who dwelt in peace, 
 with hostile tribes on either side of them. They were a large and powerful nation with villages on 
 both sides of Niagara river. The Eries occupied the greater part of the south shoi^e of the lake 
 bearing their name. The word "Erie" signified "cat," and the lake was at that time frequently called 
 " Lake du Chat." The Algonquins or Hurons occupied the territory to the northwest as far as Lake Huron, 
 and the Iroquois, a warlike and hostile tribe, inhabited the country to the east. The latter at this time was 
 composed of the "Five Nations," and their "Long House," as they called their confederacy, stretched from 
 east to west through all the rich central portion of New York. The most deadly strife prevailed between the 
 Hurons and the Iroquois, and between the latter and the Eries as well. 
 
 The French held Montreal and the Canadas, the English held control in Massachusetts, and the Dutch 
 were masters on the Hudson. In 1625 a few Jesuits arrived on the banks of the St. Lawrence, and the 
 following year Father De La Roche Daillon, a Recollect missionary, passed the winter with the Neuter nation, 
 preaching the gospel. In 1627 Cardinal Richelieu organized the Company of New France, or Company of 
 One Hundred Partners. It had three objects, to wit: The conversion of the Indians to Christianity; to 
 discover a new route to China by way of the Great Lakes; and to e.xtend the fur trade. In the last regard 
 the company was successful, but not in the others. 
 
 In 1628 Charles I. granted a charter for the government of Massachusetts Bay. The County of Erie 
 was included in the limits as well as the rest of Western New York. The Jesuits soon had flourishing stations 
 as far west as Lake Huron. During the ne.xt fifteen years the quarrels between the Neuter Indians and the 
 Iroquois were frequent, and the latter finally exterminated both the Eries and Neuters from the face of the 
 earth. In 1794 or 1795 the first tavern was opened. The Duke De La Rochefoucauld Liaincourt says of the 
 landlord: "If he kept a tavern, he kept nothing else, neither furniture, room, candles, nor milk." The land- 
 
lO 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 lord's name was Skinner. The village of Buffalo, or New Amsterdam as it was sometimes called, was only 
 an Indian settlement, with few, if any, white inhabitants, when other towns in Western New York were 
 important business centers. Admirable as was the site for purposes of trade, the adjacent country inhabited 
 
 by hostile savages, and lying within easy range of a 
 British fort, the settlement by whites was practically 
 postponed until the War of the Revolution had resulted 
 in the independence of the American colonies, and the 
 growth of the infant settlement was then retarded by 
 the War of 1812, when the town was destroyed by the 
 British and their Indian allies, making the beginning of 
 the effort to found here an important trade center far 
 from propitious. 
 
 In January, 1679, Robert, Chevalier De La Salle, a 
 Frenchman of good family, arrived at the mouth of 
 Niagara river, and built at the mouth of Cayuga creek 
 a sailing vessel of sixty tons burden, to carry on trade 
 with the Indians on the Western lakes. This vessel 
 was called the Gi'iffin, and the place where it was 
 launched is now known as La Salle. The vessel was 
 armed with seven small cannon, two of which were 
 brass, and it was regarded with alarm by the wondering 
 savages, who looked upon it as a floating fort. On the 
 seventh of August the Griffin set sail with a crew of 
 thirty-four men, all of whom were Frenchmen, except 
 Tonti, an Italian exile. As the boat sailed into Lake 
 Erie the priests led in singing a joyful Te Deum, and 
 cannon were fired, the Indians shouting "Ganoran! 
 Ganoran ! " — Wonderful! Wonderful! This was the 
 beginning of commerce on the upper lakes, and, after 
 all, the venture was a disastrous one. On August 11 
 the Griffin arrived at the mouth of the Detroit river, and 
 sailing up this stream, arrived at Lake St. Clair, to which La Salle gave its name. On the twenty-third of 
 the same month, the vessel entered Lake Huron, and being driven by a storm across Lake Saginaw, the 
 party arrived four days later at Michelli Mackinack. The Griffin entered Lake Michigan September 2, and 
 sailed to the mouth of Green bay. On its return voyage, loaded with furs, it was lost with all on board. 
 
 For forty-five years the French maintained substantial ascendancy in this region, although the disturb- 
 ances by the Indians were frequent and serious. In 1687 De Nonville destroyed the Seneca villages in the 
 vicinity of Victory and Avon, and defeated the Indians utterly in several engagements, who, after burning 
 their towns, fled to the Cayugas. De Nonville then sailed to the mouth of the Niagara river and erected a 
 fort, which for half a century was considered the key of Western New York, and, indeed, of the whole upper 
 lake country. From this fort, in 1689, De Nonville sent Baron La Hontan to escort his Indian allies to their 
 western home. He found a large Indian village at the eastern end of Lake Erie, and in his letters to Colbert, 
 Minister of Louis XIV., he enlarged on the site of Buffalo, and pointed out the necessity for erecting a fort at 
 this point to keep the Seneca Indians in check : " For," said the Baron, " rest assured that at the mouth of this 
 creek there will be a settlement which will rival the speculation in favor of Niagara; as the latter is at the 
 head of Ontario, so this is at the foot of Erie." In the light of subsequent events, this prophecy seems to 
 savor of the humorous. Until 1697 the Five Nations were allies of the English and most of the time were 
 engaged in active hostilities with the French. 
 
 In October, 1763, six hundred British soldiers under Major Wilkes, who were on their way by boats to 
 reinforce the troops at Detroit, were fired upon by a band of Seneca Indians from a point near the present 
 site of Black Rock. About fifty soldiers were landed and attacked the Indians, but were repulsed with a loss 
 of ten killed and as many wounded. This is the first recorded conflict of arms in Erie county in which white 
 men participated. 
 
 In April, 1764, Sir William Johnson concluded a treaty of peace with the chiefs of the Senecas at John- 
 son's Hall, by which the Indians conveyed to the King of England a tract of country around Niagara Falls, 
 
 
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BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS I 1 
 
 fourteen miles in lengtli by four miles in breadth, for carrying or portage purposes. In the summer of this 
 year General Bradstreet, with twelve hundred British and Americans, came by water to Fort Niagara, 
 accompanied by a body of Iroquois warriors. He held a council with the friendly Indians at the fort, and 
 satisfactory treaties were made. The Seneca Indians, however, held aloof, and General Bradstreet ordered 
 their immediate attendance, under penalty of the destruction of their settlements. The chiefs came and 
 ratified the treaty and afterwards faithfully adhered to the terms. 
 
 In the meantime a fort had been erected on the site of Fort Erie, the first one ever built at this point. 
 In August, Bradstreet's army had increased to three thousand, including three hundred Senecas, and came to 
 Buffalo creek. Israel Putnam, a loyal soldier of King George and lieutenant- colonel, commanded the 
 Connecticut batallion. This was the same brave soldier who rallied the wavering lines of the Continental 
 troops at Bunker Hill. 
 
 The War of the Revolution began in 1775, and for a time the Seneca Indians maintained a strict 
 neutrality, but two years later they joined in a treaty with the Cayugas, Onondagas and Mohawks at 
 Oswego, agreeing to serve the British throughout the war. The Oneidas remained neutral, and the whites 
 on the Canadian frontier were assailed by the Indians in all directions. Joseph Brant, or Thay-en-dane-ga, 
 was the most active and distinguished of the Iroquois chiefs. Farmer's Brother, Cornplanter, and Governor 
 Black Snake were the principal chiefs of the Senecas at this time. At the massacre of Wyoming, Young King 
 was the principal chief. The devastation of the Wyoming valley led to the expedition in 1779 of General 
 Sullivan against the Six Nations with four thousand men. He destroyed all the Seneca villages on the 
 Genesee and about Geneva, and the Indians fled to Fort Niagara. The Onondaga villages were also burned, 
 and the league between the Six Nations was practically destroyed by this expedition. The year following 
 a body of Senecas, with a few Cayugas and Onondagas, came from Niagara and established themselves near 
 Buffalo creek, about four miles from its mouth, near the present site of Ebenezer. This was the first 
 permanent settlement in Erie county by the Senecas since the extinction of the Neuter nation 135 years 
 before. In 1784, the year of Fort Stanwix treaty, the county of Tryon, of which Erie county was part, was 
 changed to Montgomery, in honor of the slain hero of Quebec. 
 
 In 1788 Massachusetts sold all her land in New York, about six million acres, to Oliver Phelps and 
 Nathaniel Gorham, for themselves and others, for one million dollars, subject to the Indian right of occupancy. 
 A council with the Indians was held at Buffalo July 5 of that year. Brant, Red Jacket, and Farmer's Brother 
 taking part. The rights of the Indians to occupy two million six hundred thousand acres of their purchase was 
 ceded to Phelps and Gorham at one-half cent an acre. At this council a Yankee named Phelps purchased the 
 Indians' title to a tract of land for a mill-site. When asked how much land he required, Phelps replied that 
 he wanted a tract twelve miles wide from Avon to the mouth of the river, now Rochester, a distance of 
 twenty-eight miles. The Indians thought this a very large mill-site, but let him have the land, containing 
 over two hundred thousand acres. 
 
 In 1791 Colonel Thomas Proctor was commissioned by the United States Government to solicit the 
 intervention of the principal chiefs of the Senecas with the Miami and other hostile tribes to secure a treaty 
 of peace. A council was held at which Red Jacket, Farmer's Brother, Captain Snake, Captain O'Beil, and 
 Young King were present. The latter used every effort to defeat the plan and even appeared at the council 
 in the full uniform of a colonel of the British army. The eloquence of Red Jacket however prevailed, but the 
 mission was not accomplished for want of a vessel to carry the embassy to Sandusky. 
 
 In Colonel Proctor's report he notices the existence of a store kept by Cornelius Winney on the north 
 side of Buffalo creek, which was doubtless the first house occupied by a white resident. The close of the 
 Revolutionary War gave confidence to trade, and settlers from New England began to arrive in this section. 
 In 1784 the treaty of Fort Stanwix was agreed upon between the United States and the Six Nations, the 
 latter agreeing to relinquish all claims to the "country lying west of a line beginning at the mouth of 
 Oyonagra creek, four miles to east of Niagara, thence southerly to a line four miles east of the Carrying 
 path ; to the mouth of Buffalo creek ; thence to the northern boundary of Pennsylvania ; thence east to end 
 of boundary, and thence south along the Pennsylvania line to the Ohio river." 
 
 By the terms of an Indian treaty made at a council of Seneca Indians held at Geneseo in September, 
 1797, Robert Morris became purchaser of the preemption right to the Massachusetts tract, which, acting by 
 his acrents, he sold to the Holland Land Company, extinguishing all claims of the Indians, with the exception 
 of certain reservations, of which one was 130 square miles on both sides of Buffalo creek and extending east 
 from Lake Erie, about seven miles wide. This obliged the Holland company to secure a landing place on 
 the water side, and Captain William Johnson, the British Indian interpreter, procured for them a grant of 
 
12 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 two square miles at the mouth of Buffalo creek. In 1798 there were but eight dwellings of white inhabitants 
 here, including taverns and stores. 
 
 Ellicott, who was directed by the Holland Company's agent at Philadelphia to plot out the village, 
 proposed to call the place New Amsterdam, but his plan was never carried out. He took care to secure for 
 himself a most desirable site for a residence. It was to have occupied the site of Main street from Swan to 
 Eagle, and North and South Division streets were so called from the fact that they divided this farm. 
 
 Fort Niagara was surrendered to the United States July 4, 1796, and the same year Asa Ransom, a 
 resolute young man from Geneva, settled at Buffalo and built a log house in the village. In 1797 a daughter 
 was born to him, the first white child born in the settlement, who afterwards became Mrs. Frederick B. 
 Merrill. In November, 1801, Dr. Cyrenius Chapin took a lot in Buffalo. At this time there were but fifteen 
 real estate holders in the village, the others being mere squatters and settlers by sufferance. The names of 
 
 A VIEW OF THE LAKE AND FORT ERIE FROM BUFFALO CREEK, 1800. 
 
 the land-owners were: William Robbins, Henry Chapin, Sylvanus Maybee, Asa Ransom, Thomas Stewart, 
 Samuel Pratt, William Johnson, John Crow, Joseph Langdon, Erastus Granger, Jonas Williams, Robert 
 Kain, Vincent Grant, and Louis Le Conteul.x. 
 
 Crow's tavern and garden occupied the site of the present Mansion House. In 1806 there were sixteen 
 dwellings, principally frame structures, in the village. Three were on the Terrace, three on Seneca street, 
 two on Cayuga, and eight on Main street. There were two stores, one kept by Vincent Grant on Main 
 street, east side, corner of Seneca, and one by Samuel Pratt, adjoining Crow's tavern. Le Couteulx kept a 
 drug store on Crow street, now Seneca. Judge Barker kept a tavern on the west side of Main street, where 
 the Terrace fronts on that street. In 1802 emigrants began to arrive more frequently. Ten land-owners 
 were added to the population of Clarence, while several more settled in Township twelve, Range five, now 
 Newstead. The same year Peter Vandenventer built himself a log cabin and opened a tavern, the first in 
 Newstead. 
 
 In July of this year occurred the first recorded murder. An Indian, called by the whites Stiff-armed 
 George, stabbed to death John Hewitt, for which crime he was tried and convicted, but was pardoned by 
 Governor George Clinton on condition of his leaving the State. 
 
 The first town meeting on the Holland purchase occurred at Vandenveiiter's tavern March i, 1803. Peter 
 Vandenventer and Jonathan Bemis were announced as candidates for supervisor. The chairman, Enos 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS '3 
 
 Kellogg, placed the candidates side by side in the middle of the road fronting to the south. He then said : 
 " Now all of you in favor of Peter Vandenventer take your places on his right, and all in favor of Jonathan 
 Bemis take your places on his left." Bemis's line stretched toward Batavia, and Vandenventer's line toward 
 Buffalo. They were then counted, and it was found that Vandenventer was elected, he having seventy-four 
 men in his line, while Bemis had but seventy. The method of voting was somewhat primitive, but there was 
 small chance for fraud. 
 
 The other officers were elected by uplifted hands, and were as follows : David Cully, town cleik ; Enos 
 Kellogg, Alexander Rea, Isaac Sutherland, and Sylvanus Maybee, assessors ; David Cully and Benjamin Porter, 
 overseers of the poor ; Abel Rowe, collector ; John Mudge, Levi Felton, Rufus Hart, Abel Rowe, Seymour 
 Kellogg, Hugh Howell, Martin Middaugh, Timothy S. Hopkins, Orlando Hopkins,. Benjamin Morgan, Lovell 
 Churchill, Jabez Warren, William Blackman, Samuel Clark, Gideon Dunham, Jonathan Willard, Hugh Powell, 
 Benjamin Porter and William Wadsworth, overseers of the highway (or path-masters). Of these, Vanden- 
 venter, Cully, Ransom, Maybee, Felton, Timothy S. and Orlando Hopkins, Middaugh, and perhaps several 
 others, were Erie county men. At this meeting an ordinance was passed offering a bounty of five dollars for 
 wolf scalps, " whelps half price," and half a dollar each for foxes and wildcats. The first state election on 
 the Holland purchase was held at the same place in April following. At this election 189 votes were cast for 
 Member of Assembly. 
 
 in 1803 Jabez Warren, by contract with EUicott, surveyed the " Middle road from near Geneseoto Lake 
 Erie," and the same year the village of New Amsterdam was surveyed by William Peacock. Erastus 
 Granger, a cousin of Gideon Granger, was the first postmaster of Buffalo. He was the leader of the Republi- 
 can (Democratic) party, as Dr. Chapin was leader of the Federal party. The first resident of Erie county 
 entitled to be called " judge " was Samuel Tupper, who had charge of the " Contractors' store " in Buffalo. 
 He was appointed Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in the fall of 1805. In the spring of this 
 year there came to Erie county a large number of settlers. One of these was Jonas Williams, a clerk in a 
 law office at Batavia. He rebuilt a mill on Ellicott creek which had been abandoned some time before. 
 Another new arrival was William Warren, afterwards General Warren, a young man, who this year erected 
 a house in East Aurora. Having been an officer in the militia service before, he was soon afterwards com- 
 missioned as captain, and at the first muster of his company but nine men responded. In 1806 Joel Henry 
 made the first settlement in Evans, and began business as keeper of a tavern at the mouth of Eighteen-mile 
 creek. On this stream, the same year, John Cummings built the first mill in the southwestern part of the 
 county. It was a large structure and a grand house-raising was held, at which a large number of Indians 
 were present. The rejoicing continued for four days, when the building was completed. In this year the 
 Quakers at Potter's Corners, in East Hamburg, organized a " Friends meeting," and built a log meeting- 
 house at the same place the following year. This was the first church building of any description in the 
 county, and was for ten years the only one. They also built a log school-house there, and Henry Hibbard 
 was the first teacher. In 1807 Christopher and John Stone located on a small stream emptying into the 
 Cattaraugus, on the present site of Springville. In 1807 Phineas Stephens built the first grist-mill in the 
 southeastern part of Erie county. It was of hewn logs. Early in the same year William Warren hung out a 
 sign in front of his log house, this being the first tavern in the southeastern part of the county. In the 
 summer of this year the cabin in which Warren first lived was converted into a school-house, and the school 
 was taught by Mary Eddy of East Hamburg. The winter following, however, Warren himself taught the 
 school, being then schoolmaster, captain of militia, and tavern-keeper. At the muster of his company this 
 year sixty men were present. Asa Ransom was at this time Major-commandant. The first mail was brought 
 from the east by Evor Metcalf, on horseback, in 1806. 
 
 A religious society was formed in 1807 by a union between the Presbyterians and Congregationalists. 
 The meetings were held in the Court-house. The first settlement in Wales was made by William Allen in 
 1806, where the Big Tree road crosses Buffalo creek. Amos Clark and William Hoyt located here the same 
 year, east of Holmes' hill. In February, 1808, Ebenezer and John W. Holmes settled here. In 1807 Lemuel 
 Osborn located at Newstead, and soon afterwards the first Methodist society was organized with twelve mem- 
 bers. This was the second religious society organized in Erie county. This year Archibald S. Clark opened 
 a store on his farm near Vandenventer's, being the first store in the county outside of Buffalo. 
 
 In 1807 Arthur Humphrey made the first settlement in the present town of Holland, and a year or two 
 later Currier and Scott brought their families to this place. Henry Anguish made the first settlement in 
 Tonawanda village in 1808. 
 
 The first town meeting in Clarence was held in this year at Ellas Ransom's tavern, two miles west of 
 
14 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Williamsville, in what is now Amherst. Jonas Williams was elected supervisor; Samuel Hill, Jr., town 
 clerk; Timothy S. Hopkins, Aaron Beard and Levi Felton, assessors; Otis R. Hopkins, collector; Francis B. 
 Drake and H. B. Annabill, constables; Samuel Hill, Jr., Asa Harris and Asa Chapman, commissioners of 
 highways (path-masters); and James Cronk, poormaster. Excepting Annabill, not one of those elected 
 lived in Buffalo. At this meeting licenses to sell liquor were granted to Joseph Landon, Zena S. Barker, 
 Frederick Miller, Elias Ransom, Samuel McConnell, Asa Harris, Levi Felton, Peter Vandenventer and Asa 
 Chapman. Jacob Taylor, a Quaker, this year built a saw-mill at Taylor's Hollow in Collins, and a grist-mill 
 the following spring. The same year George Richmond and his two sons, George and Frederick, opened a 
 tavern three miles east of Springville. 
 
 In 1808 the counties in the Holland purchase were reorganized ; towns one hundred miles long by eighteen 
 miles wide were found to be very inconvenient. Going from Fort Niagara to Buffalo, a distance of forty 
 miles, to a town meeting was too much even for the public spirit of the early settlers in this section. The 
 residents of Olean, in the town of Willink, if they ever went to the election, which is doubtful, were obliged 
 to travel sixty miles, and twenty miles further to a town meeting. On March 11 the reorganization was 
 effected. All that part of the county of Genesee, lying north of Cattaraugus creek and west of the line 
 between the fourth and fifth ranges, was formed into the county of Niagara, with the county seat at Buffalo 
 or "New Amsterdam," provided the Holland company should erect a suitable court-house and jail and deed 
 to the county at least half an acre of ground, on which the buildings were to be erected. Terms of the 
 Common Pleas Court and two Courts of General 
 Sessions were provided for, all of which were to 
 begin on Tuesday and might be continued until the 
 Saturday following. 
 
 All of Niagara county north of the center of 
 Tonawanda creek was formed into the town of 
 Cambria, covering the ground now occupied by 
 Niagara county. All the land between Tonawanda 
 creek and the center of Buffalo creek, and compris- 
 ing parts of Willink and Erie, was formed into the 
 town of Clarence, which included the village of Buf- 
 falo. The first town meeting was directed to be held 
 at the house of Elias Ransom, near the present site 
 of Eggertsville. All that part of Niagara county 
 south of the center of the Reservation, including 
 parts of Willink and Erie, constituted the town of 
 Willink. This entirely obliterated the town of Erie. 
 
 The Governor appointed Augustus Porter of 
 Niagara Falls the first Judge of Common Pleas. 
 His jurisdiction embraced the counties of Niagara, 
 Cattaraugus and Chautauqua. His four associates 
 were : Samuel Tupper and Erastus Granger of 
 Buffalo, Joseph Brooks of Cattaraugus, and Zattu 
 Gushing of Chautauqua. Asa Ransom was ap- 
 pointed sheriff; Louis Le Couteulx was made 
 county clerk, and Archibald S. Clarke, surrogate. 
 The last named was the same year elected a mem- 
 ber of the State Senate for the district composed of 
 the three counties. At this time there were but four attorneys in Niagara county ; they were : Walden and 
 Bates Cooke of Lewiston, and John Root and Jonas Harrison of Buffalo. After the formation of the new 
 counties, the Holland company began the erection of a frame court-house in the middle of Onondaga, now 
 Washington street, in front of the site of the " Old Court-house," which was built five or six years later. 
 The company also conveyed to the county one-half acre of land lying in a circle around the new building. 
 The court-house was completed in 1809. The first court was held at Landon's tavern in June, 1808, and at 
 the following term, held in November of that year, five men were indicted for stealing a cow in 1806. Peter 
 Vandenventer was foreman of the grand jury, and William Stewart was district attorney, his field of labor 
 extending half way to Albany. 
 
 SOLOMON O'BAIL GRANDSON OF " THE CORNPLANTER.' 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS '? 
 
 At this time a log liouse sixteen feet square, witli a stiingie roof and board floor, and witli six ligiits of 
 glass, was considered very stylish and the owner was regarded as an aristocrat. Bedsteads were very rare 
 and chairs were used only by the upper classes. A slab with four holes bored in the corners and legs 
 inserted in the holes were generally used for seats. Bedsteads were constructed by boring holes in a log 
 forming part of the sides of the house, and two poles were cut, one sixteen and the other three feet long, and 
 the end of each was inserted in the holes. Others were fastened to the post forming the corner of the house, 
 and the frame of the bed was complete, if the family was well-to-do, they strung a bed-cord on the poles, 
 but otherwise bark was used. This article of furniture was called a "horse-bedstead," or "Holland- 
 Purchase bedstead." 
 
 The corn was coarsly ground by making a mortar of a tree stump, and pounding it with a'wooden pestle. 
 House-raisings, logging-bees, and corn-huskings were the chief source of amusement of the people, and on 
 all these occasions the whiskey-jug was in frequent circulation. The angular Virginia rail-fence was almost 
 universally used, the height of which was usually four and one-half feet, but "eight rails, staked and 
 ridered," was the farmers' standard. 
 
 For twenty-five years " sweep "-wells were used exclusively, and no thought of pumps disturbed the 
 order of things in this section. "Browse," by which term is meant the tender twigs of beach, maple, 
 birch, and other trees, was chiefly relied- upon as food for cattle. Corn and wheat bread, according to 
 the circumstances of the people, with pork as meat for all classes, constituted the chief food of the settlers. 
 Beef was a rare luxury. Wild animals were not abundant near the reservations, as the Indians kept them 
 well hunted down in the neighborhood, but venison was frequently obtained in winter. 
 
 In 1808 there was not a carding-mill in the whole Holland purchase, but in the year following one was 
 built at Bushville, Genesee county. Sugar maples grew everywhere, and sugar-making was the occasion of 
 merry-making in the early spring. At this time there was not a church building in the county, except a log 
 meeting-house of the Quakers at East Hamburg. Meetings were held at long intervals in the school-houses, 
 and frequently, when no minister was to be had, a layman read a sermon and conducted the services. 
 Outside of Buffalo, A. S. Clarke's was the only store in Niagara county, but taverns were abundant. 
 
 Farmer's Brother lived on Buffalo creek in the first cabin outside New Amsterdam. White Seneca and 
 his son, Seneca White, lived near him, and further beyond lived Red Jacket, on the Aurora road, west of the 
 village of Ebenezer. At a very early day, Farmer's Brother and other chiefs went to meet the white com- 
 missioners at Elmira. They stopped on their way at a log cabin, recently erected. In describing his jour- 
 ney to the whites. Farmer's Brother said they stayed at " a house put together with parts of trees piled on 
 each other, to which a pole was attached, on which a board was tied, on which was written, ' Rum is sold 
 here.' " He was the principal war-chief of the Senecas at this time, and Red Jacket was the principal 
 sachem or civil-chief. 
 
 In 1808 Ezra Nott settled in Sardinia, he and Richmond being the pioneers of that settlement. The 
 same year ApoUos Hitchcock made the first settlement in Cheektowaga, and the land is still occupied by his 
 descendants. Settlements were made this year in the eastern part of the present town of Lancaster. 
 There were then twelve houses on the road running through the center of Lancaster. The first settlement 
 of the present town of Eden was made this year by Ezra Welch and Deacon Samuel Tubbs, at what is now 
 known as Eden Valley, but which was for a long time known as " Tubbs' Hollow." 
 
 This year, Aaron Saulisbury and William Cash made the first settlement in the present town of Evans, 
 at the mouth of Eighteen-mile creek. One of the new-comers in Clarence was Rev. Glezen Fillmore, a 
 cousin of Hon. Millard Fillmore, afterwards President of the United States. Mr. Fillmore was licensed to 
 preach as a Methodist exhorter in March, 1809, and set out on horseback, with his knapsack on his back, on 
 a journey of two hundred miles, in the early spring, for Oneida county, to begin his labors. He made his 
 permanent home at Clarence Hollow. 
 
 In 1810, the United States census was taken. The population of Niagara county was then 6132, two- 
 thirds of whom were in the present county of Erie. 
 
 On the tenth of February a law was passed creating the town of Buffalo, comprising all that part of 
 Clarence west of West Transit. It comprised the present city of Buffalo and the towns of Grand Island, 
 Tonawanda, Amherst, Cheektowaga, and the northern part of West Seneca. The town was eighteen miles 
 long north and south, and from eight to sixteen miles wide from east to west. Asa Ransom, who was 
 appointed sheriff in 1808, resigned his commission as lieutenant-colonel of militia, and Timothy S. Hopkins 
 was appointed in his stead. Captain William Warren, not yet twenty-four years of age, was appointed 
 first-major, and Asa Chapman second-major. The men subject to military duty in Buffalo and Clarence 
 
1 6 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 constituted the regiment under Lieutenant-colonel Asa Ciiapman, then living near Buffalo, and Samuel 
 Hill, Jr., of Newstead, was one of his majors. The men of Willink formed another regiment, and young Major 
 Warren was appointed lieutenant-colonel commanding. 
 
 Benjamin Whaley of Boston and W. C. Dudley of Evans were appointed majors. There was also a 
 regiment formed in Cambria and in Chautauqua county, the whole force being under command of Brigadier- 
 general Timothy S. Hopkins. 
 
 After his election to Congress in 1810, Peter B. Porter removed to Black Rock from Canandaigua, and 
 became a member of the leading business firm in the county, Porter, Barton & Co. He was the first citizen 
 here who exerted a wide political influence. 
 
 The same year the Holland company sold their preemption right to all the Indian reservations in the 
 Holland purchase to David A. Ogden, for himself and others, known as the Ogden company. This 
 included the sole right to purchase 196,000 acres from the Indians when they wanted to sell, the 
 consideration being $98,000. 
 
 in the spring of this year Moses Fenner removed to Albion, and raised the first crop harvested in that 
 town, and at the same time Joseph Freeman, William Snow, and Arundah Hibbard came to Alden. The 
 Ingersolls, about this time, located on the lake shore in the town of Hamburg. Richard Buffum became the 
 first settler in Colden in 1810. He came from Rhode Island and built a log house forty feet long, and the 
 same fall he erected a saw-mill at that place. In the spring of that year Turner Aldrich and family located 
 on the present site of Gowanda, and this was the only family in Collins, except those at Taylor's Hollow. 
 During this year Congress declared Black Rock the port of entry from the first of April to the first of 
 December, and Buffalo to be the port of entry the rest of the time, during this latter period there being no 
 entries. 
 
 In 181 1 Jabez B. Hyde became a teacher among the Indians. The Buffalo "Gazette" was established 
 this year, the first number being issued October 3, by Smith H. and Hezekiah A. Salisbury, the former 
 being the editor. It was originally a rough, little, brown sheet, twelve by twenty inches in size. The first 
 number of the paper contained a list of 157 uncalled-for letters in the Buffalo Creek post-office. 
 
 Red Jacket was to the time of his death the inveterate enemy of civilization, Christianity, and educa- 
 tion. He understood English, but pretended otherwise. He could speak a few words in English, and would 
 not learn it. Among other caustic things he said was his reply to missionaries who tried to convert him. 
 " Go, preach to the people of Buffalo," he said ; "if you can make them decent and sober, and learn them 
 not to cheat the Indians and each other, we will believe in your religion." Speaking of educated Indians, he 
 said: "They became discouraged and dissipated; despised by the Indians, neglected by the whites, and 
 without value to either; less honest than the former, -AnA, perhaps, more knavish than the latter." Again 
 he said : " Before the whites came, the papooses were all black-eyed and dark-skinned ; now their eyes are 
 turning blue and their skins are fading out." He frequently illustrated his meaning in unmistakable man- 
 ner. The story is often told of his meeting the Indian agent, Joseph Ellicott, in a Tonawanda swamp. 
 Both sat down on a log together, near the center. Presently, Red Jacket said, "Move along, Joe." 
 Ellicott did so, and Red Jacket moved alongside. In a few moments the chief again said, " Move along, 
 Joe," and again the agent complied, the speaker moving beside him again. The third time the request was 
 made and complied with; but when asked again to "move along," Ellicott replied, "Why, man, I can't 
 move any further without getting off the log into the mud." "Ugh!" said Red Jacket; "just so, white 
 man want Indian to move along, move along. Can 't go no further, but he say " move along." 
 
 Red Jacket became very dissipated toward the end of his life, and, it is said, he frequently pawned his 
 Washington medal in Buffalo for whiskey, always, however, redeeming it. His vanity made him prize the 
 medal very highly. The following anecdote is told of him, which shows he did not always have the best of 
 it in his interviews with others. He went with the Indian interpreter. Major Jack Berry, to David Reese, 
 the blacksmith for the Indians, and requested him to make him a tomahawk, describing the kind he wanted. 
 He whittled a wooden pattern, and said if the blacksmith would make one just like it he would be satisfied. 
 " All right," said Reese, who was out of patience with the whims of the chief. In due time the tomahawk 
 was made, and Red Jacket got it. It was precisely like the model, but after looking at it for a moment and 
 then at the pattern, he threw it down with an angry "ugh !" and left the shop. It was exactly like the 
 model, which had no hole in it for a handle. 
 
 On his election to the position of sachem the name Sa-go-ye-wat-ha was given to Red Jacket, his name 
 originally having been O-te-ti-ani, or " Always Ready." In reply to the inquiry as to his deeds of arms, he 
 exclaimed: "1 am an orator I I was born an orator!" thus evading the inquiry, as his war record was not 
 
RED JACKET. 
 
1 8 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 brilliant. In the war of the Revolution he, with the other Senecas, was an ally of Great Britain, and in 1812 
 he served under the American colors, but he never won the right to wear the war-plume of eagles' feathers. 
 In the Revolutionary war he was openly charged with cowardice, and in the war of 1812 he was not conspicuous 
 for his valor. He had, however, great moral courage, and was a statesman of sagacity. He loved his people 
 and swayed them by his eloquence. His tribe was one of the original Five Nations, or United People. By 
 the adoption of the Tuscaroras the Five Nations were afterwards known as the Six Nations. This change 
 occurred in 1712. 
 
 The Senecas were the fifth nation in the confederacy. The great councils of the Six Nations were 
 always held at Onondaga, where the alliance was formed. Red Jacket was styled the " Last of the 
 Senecas." Cornplanter and Farmer's Brother were contemporaries of great ability. During the Revolu- 
 tionary war he was a runner for the British officers on the border, and one of them, in return for his 
 services in that capacity, gave him a richly embroidered scarlet jacket, and when that was worn out he gave 
 him another. He wore this coat as a mark of distinction, a circumstance which gave him the name of Red 
 Jacket, and by which name he was universally known to the whites afterwards. Rev. Dr. Breckenridge said 
 of him, "that, like Cicero and Demosthenes, he better understood how to arouse his countrymen to war, 
 than to lead them to victory." Joseph Brant, or Thay-en-dan-ga, the famous leader of the Mohawks, 
 regarded Red Jacket with the greatest contempt. He called the Seneca orator the "Cow Killer." When 
 Red Jacket, with others, led the retreat from an attack by General Sullivan, Cornplanter tried to rally them 
 in vain, and turning to the young wife of Red Jacket he said: "leave that man, he is a coward." Red 
 Jacket arrived in Philadelphia March 13, 1792, with a deputation of fifty of his people. It was at the sug- 
 gestion of General Washington, who desired to attach the Indians more closely to the United States. Red 
 Jacket made several eloquent speeches on this occasion. It was during this visit that Washington presented 
 Red Jacket with a large silver medal bearing his likeness, which the chief wore on all state occasions, and 
 which he treasured to the day of his death as his most valued possession. Shortly before his death Red 
 Jacket said to a distinguished clergyman: "Brother, if you white people murdered the Son of the Great 
 Spirit, as you say, we Indians had nothing to do with it. If he had come to any of us we would not have 
 killed him ; we would have treated him well, and the white people who killed him ought to be damned for 
 doing it. You must make amends for that crime yourselves." On another occasion he said: "Make the 
 whites less inclined to make Indians drunk and take from them their lands. Let us know trees by their 
 blossoms, and blossoms by their fruit." On Colonel Snelling being ordered to the command of Governor's 
 Island this great Indian orator said : " Brother, I hear you are going to a place called Governor's Island. I 
 hope you will be a governor yourself. I understand you white people think children are blessings. I hope 
 you may have a thousand, and above all, I hope wherever you may go you may never find whiskey above 
 two shillings a quart." 
 
 In 1821 Tommy Jerry, an Indian, was tried for murder at Buffalo. The circumstances were these: An 
 Indian woman had been found guilty, by an Indian court, of witchcraft, and was sentenced to death. The 
 executioner at the last moment refused to perform the duty, and Tommy Jerry, seizing a knife, cut her throat. 
 On his trial his counsel filed a plea involving the jurisdiction of the court, claiming that the Seneca court 
 was sovereign, and that the woman was judicially executed. In support of the plea Red Jacket was sworn 
 as a witness. The prosecution asked him if he believed in the existence of a God. " More truly than one 
 can who could ask me such a question," he replied with indignation. When asked what rank he held in his 
 nation he replied: " Look at the papers which the white people keep most carefully," meaning the treaties 
 by which the Indians ceded their land to the whites, " and they will tell you who 1 am." 
 
 When the prosecution ridiculed the superstition of the Indians in reference to witchcraft, the chief broke 
 forth in an eloquent reply. He exclaimed : " What I do you denounce us as fools and bigots because we still 
 believe that which you yourselves believed two centuries ago ? Your black coats thundered this doctrine 
 from the pulpit, your judges pronounced it from the bench and sanctioned it with the formalities of law, and 
 you would now punish an unfortunate brother for adhering to the faith of his fathers and of yours. Go to 
 Salem I look at the records of your own government and you will find that hundreds have been executed for 
 the very crime which has put the sentence of condemnation against this woman, and drawn upon her the arm 
 of vengeance. What have our brothers done more than the rulers of your people have done, and what crime 
 has this man committed, by executing in a summary way the laws of his country, and the command of the 
 Great Spirit } " The expression in his eye was terrible, and his sarcasm was irrisistible. 
 
 The verdict on the demurrer was that the allegations in the prisoner's plea were true. On certiorari the 
 liberation of the prisoner was allowed on the ground that the case was not one of murder " as the Indians 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 19 
 
 understood it." He (Red Jacket) gave to Dr. Breckenridge the name of Con-go-gu-wah, and to his death 
 had more regard and respect for the reverend doctor than for any other clergyman. 
 
 The dignity of this remarkable hidian was sometimes amusing. A young French nobleman, making a 
 tour of this county in 1820, visited Buffalo. Having heard of the fame of Red Jacket he sent him word that 
 he was desirous of seeing him, and asking him to pay him a visit the next day. Red Jacket received the 
 message with contempt, and replied as follows : " Tell the young man that if he wishes to see the old chief 
 he may find him with his nation, where other strangers pay their respects to him, and Red Jacket will be 
 glad to see him." The count sent back word " that he was fatigued with his journey, and could not go to 
 the Seneca village ; that he had come all the way from France to see the great orator of the Senecas, and 
 after having put himself to so much trouble to see so distinguished- a man, the latter could not refuse to see 
 him in Buffalo." "Tell him," said the sarcastic chief, " that it is very strange he would come so far to see 
 me, and then stop short within seven miles of my lodge." The count made the first visit to the chief's 
 wigwam, and then the latter accepted an invitation to dine with the nobleman in Buffalo. - The count said he 
 considered him a greater wonder than the falls of Niagara. 
 
 Once, while speaking to Colonel Pickering, the latter turned to speak to a third person, when the chief 
 rebuked him, saying: "When a Seneca chief speaks he ought to be listened to with attention from one 
 e.xtremity of this great island to another." Towards the close of his life the chief was present by invitation- 
 at the launching of a schooner at Black Rock bearing his name. In a speech on that occasion he spoke as 
 follows : " You have had a great name given to you ; strive to deserve it. Be brave and daring. Go boldly 
 into the great lakes and fear neither swift winds nor strong waves. Be not frightened nor overcome by them, 
 for it is by resisting storms and other per-ils that 1 whose name you bear obtained my renown. Let my great 
 example inspire you to courage and lead you to glory." He had a great contempt for criminal law. When a 
 
 man had been convicted of burglary and was sentenced to prison for life, Red Jacket asked to be heard in the 
 convict's behalf. Estimating the enormity of the crime by the amount stolen, which in this case was only a 
 few spoons, and not understanding the serious aspect of the breaking into the house, he spoke with great 
 
 indignation of the life sentence for stealing a few spoons, when a man had been sentenced to a few years for 
 
 stealing a horse. Pointing to the Coat of Arms of the State, he said, referring to one of the figures : " What 
 
 him call .■' " The answer was that it represented Liberty. " Ugh I " he said, " and what him call ? " pointing 
 to the other statute. When told it was Justice, he asked 
 
 " where him live now ? " 
 
 Having become somewhat dissipated, and having 
 
 used his influence against Christianity and the improve- 
 ment of his race. Red Jacket was considered worthless 
 
 by the better class of his people. A council was called 
 
 to depose him from his position as sachem>. It was held 
 
 in September, 1827. The act of disposition charged him 
 
 with disturbing their councils; sending false stories to 
 
 their father at Washington ; that he opposed the improve- 
 ment of their nation, abused and insulted our White 
 
 Father, the President; that he did not regard the rules 
 
 which make the Great Spirit love them, and which make 
 
 his Red children do good to each other ; that he had a bad 
 
 heart, because in times of great distress when his people 
 
 were starving, he took and hid the body of a deer he had 
 
 killed when his starving brothers should have shared their 
 
 proportions with him ; that the last time the Great Father, 
 
 the President, was fighting the king across the great 
 
 waters, he divided his nation ; that he had prevented and 
 
 always discouraged the children from going to school 
 
 where they could learn, and abused and lied about his 
 
 people who were willing to learn, and about those who 
 
 were offering to teach them how to worship the Great 
 
 Spirit in the manner Christians do; that he had taken 
 
 goods for his own use which were received as annuities, 
 
 and which belonged to the orphan children and the old 
 
 MARY JEMISON-DEH-HE-WA-MIS. 
 
20 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 people ; that for the last ten years he had often said the communications of our Great Father to his Red 
 children were forgeries, made up at New York by those who wanted to buy their lands ; that he left his wife 
 because she joined the Christians and worshipped the Great Spirit as they do, knowing that she was a good 
 woman ; that they had waited for nearly ten years for him to reform, but were now discouraged, as he 
 declared he would never receive instruction from those who wish to do them good, as the Great Father 
 
 advised them to do, and induced others to hold the same language The act concluded as follows : 
 
 "We now renounce you as a chief, and from this time you are forbid to act as such. All our nation will 
 hereafter regard you as a private man, and, we say to them all, that every one who shall do as you 
 have done will, if a chief, in a like manner be disowned and be set back where he started from by his 
 brethren. Declared at the Council House of the Seneca Nation, September 15, 1827." It was written in 
 the Seneca language, and was translated into English for publication by Dr. Jameson, a half-breed, who 
 retained his connection with the Indians. Red Jacket was greatly affected by this decision and made a 
 journey to Washington where he called on Colonel McKenny, the commissioner then in charge of the Indian 
 Bureau, to vindicate himself. The result of the conference was that Red Jacket agreed to return home, and 
 at a council to be convened, express his willingness to bury the hatchet, and leave it to those who chose to 
 to be Christians to adopt the creed of that religion, while for himself and those who thought like him he 
 claimed the privilege of retaining the faith of his fathers. He returned and entered upon the work of regaining 
 his position in earnest. " It shall not be said that Sa-go-ye-wat-ha lived in insignificance and died in dishonor. 
 Am I too feeble to revenge myself of my enemies ? Am not 1 as I have been } " 
 
 At the council held in the Council House of the principal reservation, in the neighborhood of Buffalo, 
 Half-Town, of the Cattaraugus reservation, declared that the voice of his section of the nation was unani- 
 mous, and that the indignation was general at the contumely cast upon so great a man as Red Jacket. 
 Several other chiefs spoke to the same effect. Red Jacket then rose and spoke with great dignity and force, 
 denying the charges which he claimed were ridiculous, and concluded with these words: "When I am gone 
 to the other world ; when the Great Spirit calls me away, who among my people can take my place .'' " The 
 argumentum aJ hominem prevailed, and the chief was restored to his position by a unanimous vote. He 
 made his last journey to Washington in the spring of 1829. General Jackson was then President. He lost 
 all of his pride in the latter years of his life, and so low did he sink in his own esteem that he allowed the 
 keepers of museums in Boston and Albany to e.xhibit him for money. Before his death he said to those at 
 his death-bed: "Bury me by the side of my former wife, and let my funeral be according to the custom of 
 our nation. Let me be dressed and equipped as my fathers were, that they may rejoice at my coming. Be 
 sure that my grave be not made by a white man, and let them not pursue me there." When the last attack 
 of sickness came upon him, he said he would not survive, and refused all medical aid. He died January 20, 
 1830, at his residence. The funeral was largely attended by Indians and Whites. For nine years his grave 
 was unmarked, but during the summer of 1839 Henry Placide, an actor, while on a visit to Buffalo, secured, 
 through subscription, the erection of a handsome marble slab to mark the resting-place of this famous chief. 
 The stone bears the following inscription : 
 
 Sa-go-ye-wat-ha. (He keeps them awake.) 
 
 Red Jacket, Chief of the Wolf Tribe of the Senecas. The FrienJ 
 
 and Protector of His People. 
 
 Died January 20, 1830, Aged 78 Years. 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 Recruiting Officer in Buffalo — The Founder of Williamsville — First State Senator Elected from Buffalo — 'News 
 of Declaration of War Received — Seizure of a Schooner Next Day — Senecas Agree to Remain Neutral 
 
 — The Silver Greys — The "Charlotte" Taken — Capture of Two British War yessels Near Fort Erie — 
 General Alexander Smyth's Flaming Manifesto — General Porter Puhlishes a Card and a Challenge Sent 
 by Smyth — Bloodless Duel — The British Open Fire on Black Rock — Retreat of the British — Fort Niagara 
 Captured — Destruction of Buffalo — Drunken Indians Loot the Town — Capture of Fort Erie — Battles of 
 Chippewa and Lundy's Lane — British Cry, "No Quarter to the- Yankees" — The Siege Raised — General 
 Porter Elected to Congress — Bounties for Scalps — Peace Declared — First Murder Trial — Execution of 
 Murderer — New Court House Built — The Year of the Cold Summer — Indian Sacrifice — Reorganisation 
 of Towns — Politics in 1818 — The Kremlin funta — First Steamboat on Lake Erie — The " Bucktail" and 
 " Clintonian" Factions — First Work on the Canal — Trial and Execution of the Three Thayer Brothers 
 
 — Population of Buffalo in 182^ — Abduction of William Morgan — Steamer "Michigan" Sent Over the 
 Falls — Cholera in Buffalo. 
 
 ON March 20, 1812, Willink was greatly reduced in area, and out of it were formed the towns of 
 I Hamburg, Eden, and Concord. Eden comprised what is now Boston, Eden, Evans, and part of 
 ' Brant. Hamburg was composed of the present towns of Hamburg and East Hamburg, and 
 Concord comprised the present towns of Sardinia, Concord, Collins, and North Collins, leaving 
 the area of Willink about twelve miles square, and embracing what are now the towns of Aurora, Wales, 
 Holland, and Colden. 
 
 In February of this year, Congress passed an act to organize an army of 25,000 men. Ebenezer 
 Walden was the Federal member of assembly, from Niagara, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. In 
 April, 1812, Abel M. Grosvenor was nominated for Assembly by the Federalist party, or, as they called 
 themselves, "Federal Republicans." At this meeting a large committee of the prominent Federalists was 
 appointed. The members from Buffalo were as follows : Nathaniel Sill, Joshua Gillette, Benjamin Caryl, 
 James Beard, Gilman Folsom, William E. Grant, John Russell, Daniel Lewis, Rowland Cotton, David 
 Reese, Elisha Ensign, S. H. Salisbury, Ransom Harmon, Frederick House, Guy J. Atkins, Samuel LaSuer, 
 John Duer, John Watkins, R. Grosvenor Wheeler, Fred Buck, Henry Anguish, Nehemiah Seeley, Henry 
 Doney, Solomon Eldridge, and Halden Allen. 
 
 The names of the Democratic-Republican committee from Buffalo at this time were as follows : 
 Nathaniel Henshaw, Dr. Ebenezer Johnson, Pliny A. Field, William Best, Louis Le Conteul.x, and John 
 Sample. Early in May, 1812, a lieutenant of the United States Army advertised in Buffalo for recruits, 
 offering those who enlisted 160 acres of land, three-months' extra pay, and sLxteen dollars bounty. 
 
 The election was held May 12th. Willink gave Grosvenor 71 votes, Hamburg 47, Eden 41, Concord 
 33, Clarence 72, and Buffalo 123 ; total, 387. 
 
 For Jonah Williams, republican, the founder of Williamsville, Willink gave 114, Hamburg no, Eden 
 46, Clarence 177, and Buffalo 112 ; total, 609. Archibald S. Clarke was elected State senator, the first citizen 
 of Buffalo to hold that office. He had been the first assemblyman and the first surrogate for this town. 
 
 The militia at this time were organizing for war. Dr. Ebenezer Johnson was appointed surgeon's mate 
 (now assistant surgeon), in Lieutenant-colonel Chapman's regiment, and Abiel Gardner and Ezekiel Sheldon, 
 lieutenants; Aziel Smith, paymaster, and John Henry and Samuel Edsall, ensigns. In Lieutenant-colonel 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Warren's regiment, Adoniram Eldridge, Charles Johnson, John Coon, Daniel Hasi<eil, Benjamin Gardner, 
 and John Russell were appointed captains ; Innis B. Palmer, Isaac Phelps, Timothy Fuller, Benjamin I. 
 Clough, Gideon Person, Jr., Frederick Richmond, and Varnum Kenyon, lieutenants; William Warriner, 
 surgeon ; Stephen King, paymaster ; Samuel Cochran, Elihu Rice, Benjamin Douglass, Lyman Blackman, 
 and Oliver Blezer, ensigns. 
 
 Rumors of Indian outrages were frequent and greatly disturbed the people of the Niagara border. 
 Congress passed an act this year calling out 100,000 militia. New York State to furnish 13,500, and an order 
 was issued at once detailing 240 men of Hopkins' brigade for immediate service. On May 17 Colonel Swift 
 of Ontario county arrived in Buffalo to take command on the frontier. The first regiment of militia passed 
 through Buffalo on their way to Lewiston, May 18, under command of Benjamin Whaley. On May 26, 
 Superintendent Granger, with interpreters Jones and Parrish, held a council with the chiefs of the Six 
 Nations, and urged them to remain neutral. The Indians agreed to send a delegation to consult with their 
 
 brethren in Canada. The declaration of war was now 
 being discussed in Congress. On June 23, Colonel Swift 
 was in command here, with headquarters at Black Rock. 
 His command was composed of 600 militia. A small 
 garrison of regulars were at Fort Niagara with no 
 artillery except at the fort. 
 
 On Friday, June 26, 1812, a messenger, probably 
 despatched by the British representative at Washington, 
 arrived at Lewiston carrying to the Canadian govern- 
 ment information that the United States had declared 
 war against Great Britain. With singular promptitude 
 hostilities began next day. About one P. M., June 27, 
 the schooner Connecticut, Captain Johnson, owned by 
 Peter H. Colt of Black Rock, was lying off the mouth of 
 Buffalo creek, waiting for a favorable wind. At this 
 time two row-boats, with about forty men, put off from 
 Fort Erie and rapidly approached the vessel. Captain 
 Johnson immediately weighed anchor and attempted to 
 reach Sturgeon point, but the winds were contrary and 
 the boats soon overtook him, and the vessel became a 
 British prize, the first one taken on Lake Erie. Along 
 the roads a constant stream of militia was to be seen 
 daily, and drills in front of Crow's tavern were hourly 
 witnessed. 
 
 Fort Erie was fully garrisoned and strengthened, 
 and guns of large calibre were mounted, paralyzing 
 shipping entirely. On the eleventh of August, Gen- 
 eral Van Rensselaer arrived and took command of the 
 United States troops, with headquarters at Lewiston. At a council in which Erastus Granger, Indian 
 commissioner, and the chiefs of the Senecas were present. Red Jacket eloquently advocated neutrality, and 
 one great danger was averted. The pledge was faithfully kept by the Indians, and much credit is due for 
 this action of the Senecas at this period, critical indeed for the pioneers on the Canadian frontier. 
 
 On July 4, 1812, 3000 American militia were assembled on the Niagara frontier under General William 
 Wadsworth. Two companies of old men were recruited, and were called "Silver Greys," one in Willink 
 commanded by Phineas Stephens, captain ; Ephraim Woodruff, lieutenant, and Oliver Pettengill, ensign. 
 The other company was organized at Hamburg, under Captain Jonathan Bemis. General Amos Hall of 
 Ontario county succeeded General Wadsworth as Major-general of this division, and he, in turn, was super- 
 seded by Major-general Stephen Van Rensselaer, July 11, with headquarters at Lewiston. 
 
 The British had several armed vessels in the lake, one of which, named Charlotte, kept the people of 
 Hamburg and Evans in a constant state of anxiety and alarm. A feeling of gratification prevailed among the 
 inhabitants upon reading the headlines in the "Gazette " announcing " The Charlotte Taken." This feelina 
 somewhat subsided when the article was read announcing the marriage of Jared Cranfield, a sergeant in 
 Captain McClure's volunteer company, to Miss Charlotte King of Concord. 
 
 CAPTAIN PHILIP CONJOCKETY, A SENECA 102 YEARS. 
 
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24 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 A council was called by Mr. Granger to meet on the Buffalo reservation July 6 of this year, it was 
 opened by Red Jacket and Granger in long speeches, urging the Indians to take no part in the war between 
 the United States and Great Britain. Their counsels prevailed, but the neutrality of the Senecas and 
 Cayugas was of short duration. 
 
 On July 27 the "Gazette" announced the surrender by General Hull of Detroit and his army to an 
 inferior force of British and Indians. 
 
 On October 8 a detachment of sailors arrived from New York and were placed under command of 
 Lieutenant Jesse D. Elliott at Black Rock. At this time there were two armed British vessels lying at 
 anchor opposite Fort Erie. They were the Detroit, with si.x guns, lately captured from the United States, 
 and named the Adams ; and the Caledonia, with two guns. On the night of the ninth of October three boats 
 put out from the American shore in the direction of Fort Erie, the first containing fifty men under Lieutenant 
 Elliott; the second with forty-seven men under Sailing-master Watts, and the third with six men under 
 Dr. Chapin. They arrived where the two vessels were anchored, and after a short but stubborn resistance, 
 in which two of the attacking party were killed and five wounded, the enemy was overpowered, the cables 
 were cut and the vessels were under way down the river. Seventy-two officers and men were taken 
 prisoners and forty American prisoners were released. The Adams was run aground on Squaw Island, and 
 the guns of Fort Erie opened fire on the vessels as they passed Black Rock. The first shot killed Major 
 William Howe Cuyler of Palmyra, aide-de-camp of General Hall. The stranded vessel was afterwards 
 burned by the Americans. The capture of these vessels greatly encouraged the people, who soon grew 
 despondent on learning of the defeat of General Van Rensselaer at Queenston. Brigadier-general Alexander 
 Smythe, of the regular army, was assigned to the command of the Niagara frontier. He was a Virginian who 
 concentrated all the troops at Black Rock preparatory to an invasion of Canada. Some nine hundred regular 
 troops were collected there under Colonel Moses Porter, Colonel Winder, and Lieutenant-colonel Boerstler. 
 General Smythe, on November 12, issued a flaming address from "Camp near Buffaloe" to the men of 
 New York, calling for aid to plant the American flag in Canada, and concluded with the words: "We will 
 conquer or die." Three or four hundred volunteers reported at once, the two companies of Silver Grays 
 making part of the force. Peter P. Porter, afterwards Quartermaster-general of the State, was placed in 
 command of the New York volunteers. 
 
 November 27 General Smythe issued orders for the troops to cross the river next day. At this time 
 there were over four thousand troops at Black Rock. The landing- was effected, but after spiking a number 
 of the enemy's guns, a retreat was ordered, and at a council of war it was decided not to again invade Canada 
 that year. The troops were utterly disgusted. Smythe's bombastic address was republished in doggerel 
 rhyme and the newspapers were filled with ridicule of this pompous Virginian. General Porter published a 
 card in the Buffalo "Gazette" charging General Smythe with cowardice, and a challenge from Smythe was 
 the result. The challenge was promptly accepted, General Porter selecting Lieutenant Angus as his second. 
 General Winder acting for General Smythe in the same capacity. The two generals met at Dayton's tavern, 
 below Black Rock, October 14, and crossed to Grand Island. One shot was fired by each of the principals, 
 as stated by the seconds "in as intrepid and firm a manner as possible," without effect, when the charge 
 made by General Porter was withdrawn and the hand of reconciliation was extended and received. Major 
 (Doctor) Chapin was even more furious than Porter, and published a statement bitterly denouncing General 
 Smythe. General Smythe resigned December 22, and Colonel Moses Porter took command. Major Frederick 
 Miller was appointed commandant of forces at Black Rock, and Colonel Swift of the troops at Lewiston. An 
 express was despatched to Canandaigua for arms and ammunition. Several of the companies were ordered 
 to Black Rock, and Captain Wells' light infantry company and Captain Hull's company of militia were held 
 to protect Buffalo. 
 
 The English built breastworks at Waterloo and the Americans constructed earthworks at Black Rock. 
 The Sailor's battery was on the south side of Scajaquada creek, near its mouth, and was furnished with three 
 long thirty-two pounder guns. Early in March, 181 3, Oliver Hazard Perry, a young man of twenty-six vears, 
 and wearing the uniform of a captain in the United States Na\'y, arrived at Buffalo from the East. ' Five 
 vessels were fitted out at the mouth of Scajaquada creek. In April of this year Lieutenant Dudley of the 
 Navy, Dr. Trowbridge, Frederick B. Merrill, and three seaman, who were hunting on Strawberry Island, 
 were seen from the Canadian shore, and a squad of British soldiers was sent across and made them prisoners. 
 A battery of three guns was planted on the property, afterwards belonging to Mr. William A. Bird, and Fort 
 Tompkins was located on the ground now occupied by the car barns on Niagara street, being the largest of 
 the fortifications. Its armament consisted of six or seven guns of different calibres. A mortar batter\- was 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 2^ 
 
 placed in a ravine near the water-worl<s, with one eight-inch mortar, popularly known as "Old Sow." On the 
 northerly corner light earthworks were thrown up, and here was placed a gun of twenty-four pound calibre. 
 
 The first shot was fired from the river batteries August 13. It was discharged without orders by soldiers, 
 and the ball struck a few feet from an earthwork on the Canada side, doing no damage. Early in August 
 it was rumored that the British had occupied Grand Island, which belonged to the Six Nations, and the 
 Senecas- assembled for the purpose of consulting Mr. Granger on the subject. With irresistible logic Red 
 Jacket said on this occasion: "Brother, you have told us that we had nothing to do with the war that has 
 taken place between you and the British, but we find that the war has come to our doors. Our property is 
 taken from us by the British and their Indian friends. It is necessary for us to take up the business, defend 
 our property and drive the enemy from it. If we sit still upon our seats and take no measure of redress, the 
 British (according to the custom of your white people) will hold it by conquest, and should you conquer the 
 Canadas you will claim it upon the same principle, as conquered from the British. We therefore request 
 permission to go with our warriors, drive off those bad people, and take possession of our land." The rumor, 
 however, proved to be false. On September 13 the British opened fire on Black Rock. A barrel of whiskey 
 in the barracks in the rear of Fort Tompkins was exploded, several houses were struck, and a Negro who 
 belonged to the marines was killed. 
 
 In 1813, July II, the British made their first attempt to capture Black Rock and Buffalo. On Sunday 
 morning, just before daylight. Colonels Bishop and Warren, with about 250 men, crossed the Niagara river 
 below Squaw Island and marched to Scajaquada creek and occupied the navy yard before they were dis- 
 covered. The detachment of militia there were surprised and retreated up the beach. The enemy took 
 possession of the village, fired the sailors' barracks and blockhouse at the navy yard, and also the barracks 
 at Fort Tompkins. They dismounted and spiked three twelve-pounder cannon, and took away three field- 
 pieces and one twelve-pounder. They also captured a large quantity of whiskey and other stores. Major 
 Adams was in command at Black Rock and sent to Buffalo for reinforcements. A small force of one hundred 
 regulars under Captain Cummings, and as many militia under Major Adams; thirty volunteers from the plains 
 under Captain Hull, a company from Buffalo commanded by Captain Bull, and thirty Indians led by Farmer's 
 Brother, responded. The militia under command of Major Adams formed the left of the line, the regulars and 
 the Buffalo company composed the center, and the Indians and the volunteers from the plains were posted on 
 the right. The enemy were found in line of battle, near Fort Tompkins, on the present site of the car barns. 
 The left wing of the Americans, led by General Porter, began the attack, vigorously supported by the Indians 
 on the right, and after a contest of fifteen or twenty minutes the enemy gave way and the American center 
 was ordered forward. The British retreated in disorder to the river and took to their boats. A heavy fire 
 was kept upon them from the shore, and the boats in the rear suffered terribly. Colonel Bishop was mortally 
 wounded and Captain Saunders, of the Forty-ninth regiment, was also wounded. 
 
 The English lost one hundred killed, wounded and missing, leaving eight killed and five wounded on the 
 field, besides fifteen prisoners. The Americans lost three killed and five wounded, among the latter being 
 the Seneca chief Young King, who, with Farmer's Brother, was conspicuous for valor. In this battle a boy 
 named Henry Lovejoy took part, carrying a heavy flint-lock musket. 
 
 On December 19 an English force under Colonel Murray surprised and captured Fort Niagara, and the 
 villages from the fort to the falls were destroyed. The available American troops were hastily assembled at 
 Buffalo, under command of Brigadier-general Amos Hull. The force was composed as follows: 129 mounted 
 men, under Lieutenant-colonel Boughton ; 433 Ontario Exempts and Volunteers, under Lieutenant-colonel 
 Blakeslie; 136 Buffalo militia, Lieutenant-colonel Chapin in command; 97 Canadian Volunteers, Lieutenant- 
 colonel Mallory commanding, and 332 Genesee militia, under Major Adams, assembled at Buffalo. There 
 were at Black Rock: 382 militia, under Brigadier-general Hopkins; 39 mounted Infantry, Captain Ransom 
 commanding; 83 Indians, under Lieutenant-colonel Granger, and one field-piece and 25 men, under Lieutenant 
 Seeley. On December 29 a regiment of Chautauqua militia 300 strong arrived, commanded by Lieutenant- 
 colonel McMahon, making a total force of 2001 men, poorly equipped, and without sufficient ammunition. 
 On the evening of that day the British left, composed of 800 regulars and militia and 200 Indians, landed 
 below Scajaquada creek, and took possession of the sailors' battery. General Hall ordered the troops at 
 Black Rock to dislodge the British, but the militia were thrown into disorder by the first fire of the enemy and 
 the attack failed. Major Adams and Colonel Chapin were then ordered to carry the battery, but after a 
 short skirmish their men fled. The Ontario command. Colonel Blakeslie, was then sent, but before the 
 attack was made day broke, revealing the English center crossing to this side of the river, and their right 
 landed about the same time near Fort Johnson. 
 
26 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 The enemy was commanded by Lieutenant-general Drummond, and was under the immediate direction 
 of Major-general Rial!. This compelled General Hull to change his plans. The order to Colonel Blakeslie 
 was countermanded and he was ordered to attack the English at the water's edge. The enemy's left was 
 soon seen moving from Scajaquada creek upon the American right, and the Indians, under Colonel Granger, 
 was ordered to meet them, with Colonel Mallory's Canadian Volunteers, while Colonel McMahon's regiment 
 was held in reserve. Lieutenant Seeley opened the engagement with his six-pounder, and a twenty-pounder 
 and two twelve-pounders were soon brought into service. At the same time the batteries across the river 
 threw a heavy fn-e of shells, round and hot shot. Colonel Blakeslie held his troops in line, and as the enemy 
 landed, they poured upon them the most destructive fire. On the American right, however, a feeble 
 resistance was offered. The entire force had been greatly reduced by desertions the night before. General 
 Hull ordered up the reserve of Colonel McMahon, to hold the enemy in check, but these troops scattered 
 before it came under fire and the right wing of the Americans was driven from the field. Colonel 
 
 EAGLE TAVERN. 
 
 Bakeslie's men were exposed to a cross-fire, but for half an hour the gallant band, outflanked and outnumbered, 
 maintained the unequal conflict, the greater part of the Americans flying in all directions. Some of the 
 bolder spirits retired slowly along Niagara street to Buffalo. Among these were Colonel Chapin and 
 Lieutenant John Seeley, a carpenter and joiner, living at Auburn and Niagara streets. The latter was 
 lieutenant of a company of artillery at Black Rock, and had fought his piece on the brow of a hill, now 
 Breckenridge street, until he had but seven men and one horse left. Mounting this horse, harnessed to the 
 gun, he brought it away with him, firing at the enemy whenever occasion offered. A sailor named Johnson, 
 E. D. Efner, and a few others, went to a vessel, one of Perry's fleet which lay beached on the side of the 
 creek near its mouth, and took off an iron nine-pounder, which they placed on Main street, opposite Church 
 street, and trained it down Niagara, greatly harassing the enemy. Among those who assisted in serving 
 this gun were Robert Kain, Captain Hull, father of Mrs. O. G. Steele, and his brother, Absalom Hull. At 
 the third fire one of the wheels broke, but they were loading it again when Colonel Chapin, who thought 
 further resistance hopeless, and who wished to give the people time to escape, rushed forward with his hand- 
 kerchief on the end of his sword (some say it was part of his shirt) and shouted, "Don't fire that gun." 
 " I will fire it," replied Kain. " I'll cleave to the earth the first man who touches it," returned Chapin, " I've 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 27 
 
 shown a flag of truce." He then started forward towards the enemy, who were at this time in the woods, 
 on what is now Frani<lin square. A parley tool< place, which resulted in Colonel Chapin surrendering the 
 town, stipulating, however, for protection of private property; a stipulation General Riall refused to be 
 bound by when he learned that Colonel Chapin was not in command, and therefore without authority to 
 treat with him. 
 
 It was now ten o'clock at night, bright and cold. A heavy snow had fallen some time before, which still 
 lingered in the woods, while the roads were bare. When news of the defeat at Black Rock reached Buffalo 
 every road leading towards the Indian settlements was the scene of the wildest disorder, the terrified villagers 
 flying from the savage foe into the wintry forest — fugitives flying through the forest at night and seeking 
 shelter under the friendly roof of some Indian hut. The British Indians had left the main column before it 
 reached Buffalo, and swarming through the woods, came into Main street near Tupper street. A house on 
 Tupper, corner Delaware street, was the first one burned. It was occupied by a man named Dill. Judge 
 Tupper's house and the residence of Andrew Rich, on Main near Tupper street, were next destroyed. The 
 latter was occupied by Samuel Helms, who was killed while attempting to escape. Going down Main street 
 the torch was applied to every building the savages found. Mrs. Lovejoy was in her house with her little 
 son; she told him to run, saying, "I am a woman, they will not harm me." Before the sound of the boy's 
 footsteps had died away, a score of Indians inflamed with whiskey rushed into the building, a tomahawk 
 crashed into the skull of the brave woman and she fell dead to the floor. Two-thirds of the village was now 
 in flames, the English returning to the Rock. The next day the work of destruction was completed. Only 
 four buildings were left standing; these were: Mrs. St. John's, the jail, the frame of a barn, and Reed's 
 blacksmith shop. 
 
 The American General reported his loss at thirty killed, forty wounded, and sixty-nine taken prisoners. 
 Among the slain were Major William C. Dudley, Adjutant Tatman and Lieutenant-colonel Boughton. The 
 citizens of Buffalo killed were: Job Hoysington, a carpenter and joiner on Church street, near Franklin; 
 John Trickett; John Roop, father of Henry Roop, who lived on Main street above Tupper; Samuel Helms, 
 before mentioned; N. D. Keep, killed by a British officer near Cold Spring; James Nesbit; Myers and 
 Robert Franklin, and an aged Negro, who lived in a log hut on Niagara street opposite Jersey. 
 
 The following citizens were captured: Cyrenius Chapin, John Lay, Charles C. Wells, William Wilber, 
 Rufus Botsford, Joseph D. Hoyt, Robert Keene, Timothy Strong, Benjamin Hodge, Jr., Daniel Baxter and 
 Captain R. Harmon. 
 
 The rebuilding of Buffalo was soon begun. The " Gtt^ette," now printed in Williamsville, announced 
 on April 4 "that Buffalo village, which once adorned the shore of Lake Erie, and was prostrated by the 
 enemy, is rising again." Even before the ashes of his house were cold, Pomeroy announced that his " Eagle 
 hotel, phoenix-like, is to rise from its ashes." In the spring of this year new officers took command of the 
 forces at this point. Scott, Ripley and Porter held brigadier's commissions, and Jacob Brown, fresh from the 
 plow, was placed in command of the Niagara frontier. He had little education and less military training, but 
 was a man of superior judgment and extraordinary ability, courage and confidence. It was said he "was 
 never so calm as when the tempest raged all around him." 
 
 A larger force than ever was now concentrated at Buffalo. There were two brigades of regular troops 
 under Scott and Ripley, and a brigade of volunteers, with a few Indians, under Porter. On July 3 the 
 regulars were thrown across Niagara river. Scott's brigade landed about a mile below Fort Erie, and Ripley 
 landed about the same distance above. The fort was surrounded and soon surrendered, with the loss of but 
 four men wounded. The battle of Chippewa was fought two days after, and on the twenty-fifth of the same 
 month the battle of Lundy's Lane occurred. At this fight both Brown and Scott were wounded, and Ripley 
 returned to Fort Erie, where he arrived on the twenty-seventh of July. He strengthened the fort, and when 
 General Drummond appeared, August 3, with 5350 men, he threw a force of 1000 troops across the river 
 below Squaw Island, with the intention of seizing Buffalo and destroying the stores collected there, and 
 interrupting the communications of the American army. This plan was frustrated by Major Morgan, with a 
 battalion of the First Rifles 250 strong. Morgan saw the British coming up the river, and suspecting an 
 attack he threw up breastworks of logs on the north side of Scajaquada creek, and tore up the flooring of the 
 first span of the bridge which crossed the creek, on the south side, so that those approaching from the north 
 could not see it was impassable until they were half way across. At four o'clock in the morning the British 
 advanced at a double-quick. The head of the column recoiled when half way across the bridge, but the 
 impetus was so great that many men fell into the water. The attacking party was soon scattered by the 
 deadly fire of Morgan's men, and the British commander sent forward a party to repair the bridge under cover 
 
28 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 of the fire of his iafiintry. This they were unable to do, because of the destructiveness of the fire of Morgan's 
 troops. The enemy fell baci<, and Colonel Tucker being strongly reinforced from the Canadian side, sent a 
 flanking party to cross the creek higher up. This was met by a detachment of sixty men, and repulsed with 
 severe loss. The enemy then retreated, carrying off their dead and wounded. But for Morgan's gallant 
 defense, the Americans at Fort Erie would doubtless have been compelled to surrender. 
 
 During the two weeks following, skirmishes frequently occurred in front of Fort Erie, in one of which the 
 gallant Colonel Morgan was killed. General Drummond being still further reinforced, determined not to 
 await the slow results of a siege, but to take the fort by assault. At two o'clock in the morning of August 23, 
 the British moved to the attack in three columns. One was to carry the Douglass battery on the extreme 
 right, one was to attack the fort, and the main attack was to be made on the Towson battery on Snake Hill. 
 Brigadier-general Gaines who had lately arrived, was now in command of the American forces, which were 
 disposed as follows: Captain Towson with his battery of six guns held the redoubt on the left; Captain 
 Williams, with the Nineteenth infantry under Major Trimble, was to hold the fort; and the batteries in the 
 front were commanded by Captains Biddle and Fanning, and that on the right was under Captain Douglass. 
 
 The old brigade of General Scott, now commanded by Lieutenant-colonel Aspinwall, was posted on the 
 right. General Porter, with his volunteers and riflemen, held the center of the line, and General Ripley with 
 two regiments of regulars held the left. A shell having exploded the night before in the fort, General Gaines 
 was apprehensive that the enemy would take advantage of the disaster and attack him, and one-third of the 
 troops were kept at their posts through the night, which was dark and rainy. These precautions were well 
 taken. At half-past two in the morning the tramp of a large column of troops was heard approaching 
 Towson's redoubt. Instantly a sheet of flame flashed from the American line, lighting up the night and 
 showing the enemy 1 500 strong. They had been ordered to attack with the bayonet, and to insure obedience 
 the flints were removed from their muskets. They approached the redoubt with great courage, and were 
 within reach of the light abatis between Snake Hill and the lake, but after a desperate struggle they were 
 forced to fall back They again charged, and this time succeeded in planting their scaling ladders in the ditch 
 in front of the redoubt. The ladders however were too short, and the attacking party were again driven 
 back with severe loss. A detachment of the enemy in the, meantime endeavored to turn the position by 
 wading out into the river and passing around the left of the Americans. Ripley met them promptly, and 
 many of them were killed and wounded and carried off by the current, and the remainder of the detachment 
 was captured. Five times did the British return to the attack, and were repulsed as often with decided loss. 
 Colonel Flascher, their commander, then ordered a retreat, and the Americans made a sally, capturing 147 
 prisoners. 
 
 The other column waited until the engagement on the left was at its height, and then advanced on 
 the Americans' right, to within fifty yards of Douglass' battery, but were driven back. At the fort the 
 conflict raged with more severity. The attacking party, led by Colonel Drummond, an officer of great 
 determination, advanced through a ravine to the north of the fort and made a simultaneous attack on all of 
 the salient points. They swarmed over the parapets of the north bastion, when some British officers called 
 to the American forces along the line extending to the river to cease firing. The ruse succeeded and the 
 firing ceased. The enemy again attacked Douglass' battery and were again repulsed, while the garrison at 
 the fort rallied, and after a severe contest regained the bastion. Three times Drummond returned to the 
 assault, but without success. Moving his troops under the cover of the night and a dense cloud of smoke, the 
 British commander suddenly repeated the charge, and the ladders were run up against the glacis before the 
 defenders in the fort could rally to resist the assault. Drummond was in the lead, and as he -stepped from the 
 ladder he shouted : "Charge! give the Yankee's no quarter." His troops rushed on the artillerymen and 
 infantry, and a deadly combat ensued. Williams and Macdonough soon fell mortally wounded, and the bastion 
 was captured. Macdonough asked for quarter, but Drummond, whose cruelty contrasted strangely with his 
 valor, refused it, and Macdonough then seized a hand-spike and made a gallant defense against several 
 assailants, till Drummond shot him down with his own pistol, and the next instant the British commander was 
 shot through the heart by an American soldier who stood near Macdonough. The garrison of the fort made 
 repeated attempts to retake the bastion, but without success. Strong detachments were then brought up from 
 the left and center, and an attempt was made to drive the British from their position, but this also failed. The 
 guns of the Douglass battery, and of Captain Fanning, were then turned upon the bastion, and Captain 
 Biddle was placing a piece of artillery to enfilade it, while several hundred reserves stood ready to rush upon 
 the British. At this moment a loud explosion occurred, supposed to be accidental, although some attributed 
 it to the dying Macdonough, who it is thought threw a lighted match into an ammunition chest near him. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 29 
 
 The shattered column of the enemy then retired to their encampment. The British reported their loss at 
 950 killed, wOLinded and missing, of whom 222 were killed, including 14 officers, and 174 were wounded. 
 The Americans' loss was 84 men, of whom 11 were prisoners, and in the bombardment the day before 45 
 were killed and wounded, making the total loss 129. A few days after the British were reinforced by two 
 regiments, and opened fire all along the line. On August 28 General Gaines was wounded, and General 
 Ripley assumed command, the latter being superseded soon after by General Brown, now recovered from his 
 wounds at Lundy's Lane. General Porter had by this time gathered a considerable force of militia in Buffalo, 
 and early in September he ordered the men to cross the river. The enemy was, however, daily increasing 
 in number. New batteries were being thrown up, the fire from which was rapidly making the position of the 
 Americans perilous in the extreme. General Porter planned a sortie, which was to throw two strong columns 
 on the enemy's batteries about two miles distant from their camp, and to destroy the cannon. The plan was 
 approved by General Brown, and under cover of a dense fog a road was cut through the woods, starting from 
 Towson's battery and making a wide detour in a northwesterly direction to the rear of the enemy's line. 
 
 OLD FORT PORTER. 
 
 The working party, under Lieutenants Biddle and Frazier, in doing this work reached within pistol 
 shot of the enemy's line without discovery. General Porter was ordered to move up this road with 1600 
 volunteers, regulars, and militia. General Miller was directed to concentrate his men in a ravine which ran 
 between the fort and the British lines, by passing through the woods by detachments. General Ripley, with 
 the Twenty-first Regulars, was held in reserve, and lay out of view between the two new bastions of the 
 fort. On the morning of August 27 a severe storm set in and increased through the day. At twelve o'clock 
 Porter formed his men into three divisions, and set out from Towson's battery. Shrouded in the gloom of the 
 storm Porter crept up silently to within a few feet of the enemy's right flank, who, unsuspicious of an attack, 
 had made no preparations for defense. At 3:20 P. M. Brown found Porter in position and ordered him to 
 make the attack, and then hurried down to the ravine where Miller lay hidden. Porter found but little 
 opposition, and carried a block house in the rear of Battery No. 3, taking possession of the battery. As soon 
 as Miller heard the firing he advanced and formed a junction with Porter, and attacked and captured Battery 
 No. 2. The battle had lasted but thirty minutes, and two of the most formidable of the enemy's batteries 
 and two block houses were in possession of the Americans. The British had by this time recovered from 
 their surprise. Reinforcements were brought up and a stubborn defense of Battery No. i was made. Brown 
 
30 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 sent his reserves to strengthen Miller's column, and under the lead of that gallant officer, the Americans 
 cheering loudly, charged on the intrenchments with their bayonets and drove the enemy from their last 
 battery. Ripley, who was now in front, formed his line, and detachments were detailed to spike the enemy's 
 guns and to destroy their entrenchments. These objects accomplished, the Americans retired to the fort, hi 
 his despatches General Porter speaks of Captain Elliott and twenty young gentlemen who volunteered at 
 Batavia. " Our loss was 510, and we took 185 prisoners, including 11 commissioned officers. In his report 
 General Porter also mentions the gallantry of fourteen volunteers, who were exempt by reason of age from 
 militia duty, one of whom was Thomas C. Love, who was wounded in the hand. Four days afterwards the 
 siege was raised. 
 
 As the spring of 18 14 advanced more troops were placed on the frontier. Their presence here brought 
 a considerable amount of money for distribution among the people of this section, and a ready market at high 
 prices was the consequence. Williamsville was the principal rendezvous for the troops, and a long row of 
 barracks was built parallel with Main street, and a little north of that thoroughfare, while other buildings used 
 for hospital and other purposes connected with military affairs were situated about a mile up Eleven-mile 
 creek. By April i thirty or forty houses were built under contract, and business was in a flourishing condi- 
 tion. On April 10 Brigadier-general Winfield Scott, a fine, soldierly officer of about thirty years of age, 
 arrived at Buffalo, and his superior officer. General Brown, arrived soon afterwards. At an election held this 
 month General Porter was reelected to Congress on the Democratic ticket. Many changes were now made 
 in military affairs. In the Forty-eighth New York hifantry, Lieutenant-colonel Warren's regiment, Ezekiel 
 Cook was promoted to first major, and Ezra Nott became second major. Lyman Blackman, Frederick Rich- 
 mond, Peter Lewis, Luther Colvin, Benjamin I. Clough, Timothy Fuller and James M. Stevens, were made 
 captains ; Thomas Holmes, Aaron Salisbury, Dennis Riley, Moses Baker, William Austin, Oliver Alger, 
 Micah B. Crook and Elihu Rice were appointed lieutenants, and John M. Holmes, Otis Wheelock, Lathrop 
 Francis, Sumner Warren, George Hamilton, Calvin Doolittle, Giles Briggs and Asa Warren were 
 commissioned ensigns. General Scott moved his headquarters to Buffalo from Williamsville towards the 
 latter part of May, and troops were encamped among the ruins of the town. Rigid discipline was enforced, 
 troops were almost constantly drilling, and desertion was punished without mercy. 
 
 On June 28 the Buffalo " Gazette " stated that the rumors of an immediate advance of the troops were 
 without authority, as transportation for supplies, etc., was not at hand, but the advance was ordered July 3, 
 notwithstanding. General Brown's entire force at this time consisted of two brigades of regular troops under 
 Generals Scott and Ripley, and one brigade of volunteers under General Porter, the latter being composed of 
 500 Pennsylvania, and 600 New York militia, and nearly 600 Indians, the latter having come from all the 
 reservations of the Six Nations in Western New York. Red Jacket was a private in the ranks, although a 
 sachem of the Senecas, who notwithstanding the charge of temerity frequently made, was unwilling to stay 
 behind while his brethren were winning laurels on the field of battle. Colonel Robert Fleming was quarter- 
 master of this battalion. Fort Erie at this time was garrisoned by about 170 British soldiers, the main body 
 of the enemy being encamped at Chippewa, two miles above the falls of Niagara, and eighteen miles below 
 the fort. On July 2, Generals Brown, Scott and Porter reconnoitered Fort Erie, and formed plans of attack 
 on that place. General Ripley with part of his brigade was to cross Lake Erie from Buffalo at night, and land 
 a mile above the fort, while Scott's brigade was to cross the river at Black Rock at the same time and land 
 about a mile below the fort. In the morning early both brigades were to march and invest the fort, and 
 capture it by assault. Both brigades started at the time appointed, but Ripley's pilot was misled by the fow 
 on the lake, and his command did not land until several hours after the time designated. Scott's brigade, 
 however, crossed and landed promptly, and invested the fort with his troops alone. At sunrise the artillery 
 and Indians crossed the river at the ferry, and after some parley the fort surrendered without awaiting an 
 attack. 
 
 The campaign along the Niagara from that time forward was outside the limits of Erie county, but as the 
 battles were participated in by many Erie county men, and as most of the Indians were from this county, as 
 was General Porter, a brief account of the battles at Chippewa and Lundy's Lane is here given. On July 3 
 Scott marched down the Niagara several miles, and on the day following drove in the advance posts of the 
 enemy. He was followed by Generals Brown and Ripley, and both brigades were established on the south 
 side of Street's creek, two miles south of Chippewa. On their left, three-quarters of a mile from Niagara, 
 there was a dense and swampy forest on both sides of the creek to within a mile of Chippewa creek. On the 
 north side of the latter stream the British were entrenched, the two armies being concealed from each other 
 by a strip of timber land. On the night of July 4 the Americans were greatly annoyed by Canadians and 
 
IRA A. BLOSSOM. 
 G. B. RICH. 
 
 HORATIO 8HUMWAY. 
 
 GEORGE COIT. 
 
 DR. JOSIAH TROBRIDGE. 
 
 H. B. POTTER. 
 
 E. G. BPAULOING- 
 ALBERT H. THACEY. 
 GEORGE PALMER. 
 
 THE EARLY BANKERS. 
 
32 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Indians in tlie forest, wiio drove in tlieir pici<ets and tlireatened tiieir flank. Late that night General Porter 
 crossed the river with his Pennsylvania Volunteers and Indians, and in the morning marched towards 
 Chippewa. He was met on the road by General Brown, who proposed that Porter should drive the enemy 
 from the forest. The Indians were in full war-dress, consisting of maturnips, breech-clouts, moccasins, 
 feathers, and paint. The war cliiefs then proceeded to elect a leader, and Captain Pollard was chosen. He 
 was a veteran of Wyoming and many other battles, and a chief of great courage and skill. General Porter 
 left 200 of the Pennsylvania troops in camp, and formed the rest, about 300, in one rank on the open ground, 
 about half a mile from Street's creek, his left resting on the forest. The 500 or 600 Indians were formed in 
 the woods, their right extending to the left of the line of white troops. General Porfer took his station 
 between the two wings, with Captain Pollard on his left, and several officers of the regular army were 
 present to witness the affair. Red Jacket was on the extreme left of the Indian line. The war chiefs were 
 about four rods in advance of their warriors, and several scouts were sent still further in advance. At a 
 given signal the whole line moved forward, the white troops with steady tread, while the naked Indians, with 
 bodies bent forward, their feathers nodding as they advanced, glided through the forest with cat-like tread. 
 At a signal from the chiefs the v/hole line of painted warriors sank to the ground, while the former consulted 
 over some report brought back by one of the scouts. At another signal the Indians sprung to their feet and 
 moved forward as before. The scouts soon brought word that the enemy was awaiting them on the north 
 side of Street's creek, and General Porter then made some changes in his plans, and the line again advanced 
 with increased speed. As the Indians approached the creek they received the fire of the British Indians and 
 Canadians. They instantly raised the war-whoop, which was heard beyond Niagara, and charged at full 
 run. The enemy tied, and the Indians rushed through the creek and swiftly pursued the flying foe, shooting, 
 tomahawking, and scalping the fugitives. Few prisoners were taken, although occasionally a Seneca or 
 Cayuga Indian would seize an enemy, unwind his maturnip line, bind the prisoner with it and lead him to 
 the rear, holding the end of the line as one would lead a horse by the halter. For more than a mile the 
 pursuit was continued, as General Porter says, "through scenes of frightful havoc." At length the Indians 
 in the advance, emerging from the forest into open ground three-fourths of a mile from Chippewa creek, 
 received a terrible fire from the larger, part of the British regulars, drawn up in line of battle on the plain. 
 The warriors quickly retreated from the destructive fire in front, and Porter, thinking it came from the force 
 they were pursuing, rallied them, forming them on the left of his volunteers, and moved forward to the edge 
 of the woods. Again the enemy opened fire, but after exchanging several volleys the British charged with 
 bayonets. Porter, seeing nothing of Scott with his supports, ordered a retreat, and the whites and Indians 
 fled with great confusion. 
 
 As the fugitives approached Street's creek, Scott's brigade was seen crossing the bridge and forming in 
 line. They took position with great coolness, under Are of the British artillery. Ripley's brigade was at 
 once sent to the left to flank the enemy. Some of the Indians had taken their sons from 12 to 16 years of 
 age into the battle, to initiate them into the art of warfare. One was seen running with his boy on his 
 shoulders, when a shell exploded over his head. " Ugh ! " he exclaimed, and leaping into the air, the boy 
 fell to the ground, and the father leaving him to make his escape, increased his speed from the dangerous 
 locality. As Porter's retreating column came up, they fell into line, and awaited the attack of the British. 
 Waiting until the enemy was within fifty yards, the Americans poured into the British such a deadly volley 
 that they fell back instantly, but quickly rallied and returned to the attack. Another volley was fired into 
 their ranks and they retreated in great disorder. Scott's troops pursued them beyond the strip of woods, and 
 then the enemy, crossing the Chippewa creek, tore up the bridge. The battle, so far as the regular troops 
 were engaged, lasted only a few minutes, but it was one of the most decisive victories of the war. By order 
 of General Brown, who was in the midst of the fight. Porter took 200 Pennsylvania troops to the left of 
 Scott's brigade, and they laid down under fire of the British artillery. Soon afterwards Ripley's brigade came 
 out of the woods covered with mud, the enemy having retreated before his troops could reach their flank. 
 The total British loss officially reported was 514, of whom between 100 and 200 were found dead on the field 
 of battle. About 250 prisoners were taken, most of whom were wounded. The Americans had about 50 
 killed and 140 wounded. Few, if any, were taken prisoners. The regulars engaged on the American side 
 numbered 1300. General Porter estimated the number of British regulars at 1700. 
 
 The Canadian Indians were so roughly handled in this engagement by the Americans that they fled to 
 the head of Lake Ontario, and never afterwards took any part in the war. The next morning General 
 Porter was horrified by the appearance of about twenty chiefs, each attended by several warriors of his band, 
 bearing bloody scalps, stripped from the fallen foes. They had been informed that a bounty was to be paid 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 3^ 
 
 for every scalp they produced. General Porter told them that nothing of the kind would be done, and the 
 gruesome trophies were burned or thrown into the Niagara river. The story of paying for scalps was in 
 direct contravention of the agreement by which the Indians had entered the American service, and yet it 
 found credence among the Red men. The chiefs obtained permission to bring off their own dead, and brought 
 in fifteen warriors killed in action, who were buried with the honors of war. The Indians found three of the 
 enemy on the battle-field mortally wounded, but not yet dead, and cut the throats of two of them, but 
 recognizing the third as an old acquaintance, they gave him a canteen of water and left him to die on the 
 field. On relating what they had done, an officer angrily reproached them for their cruelty. "Well, 
 Colonel," said " Hank," an Indian chief) seemingly contrite, " it does seem rather hard to kill men in that 
 way, but then you know these are hard times." Red Jacket is said to have displayed great courage in this 
 battle. 
 
 On July 7, six hundred volunteers from Western New York joined Porter's brigade, and the next day 
 Ripley's brigade and these New York troops forced passage of the Chippewa three miles up the stream, 
 driving back the force stationed there. General Riall, finding himself flanked, destroyed his works and 
 retreated to Queenston, and subsequently to Fort George. Brown pursued him, but did not think it advisable 
 to attack or besiege the fortress with the force at his command. At this time Red Jacket proposed to send 
 messengers to the Mohawks to propose the withdrawal from both sides of the Indians engaged in the war. 
 General Brown consented to the proposition, and two young chiefs were sent on a secret mission for that 
 purpose. They were formally received, but accomplished nothing. In the meantime the British received 
 considerable reinforcement, and General Brown determined to return to Fort Erie, and Riall followed him. 
 Before arriving at the falls most of the Indians obtained permission to return to their homes, promising to 
 come back if the British Indians again took the field, but the latter never again appeared in arms against the 
 Americans throughout the campaign. 
 
 On July 25 Brown's army encamped near Chippewa creek, and Riall had pursued him so closely that 
 Scott was sent back with his brigade to hold the enemy in check. Scott's troops met the British near Bridge- 
 water, below the Falls, and sending word back to Brown, led his troops in an attack. For about an hour a 
 fierce contest raged and the British were slowly pressed backward. A short time before night Brown arrived 
 with Ripley's and Porter's brigades, which were ordered forward to relieve Scott's exhausted troops. The 
 enemy's line was near Lundy's Lane, a road which led at right angles from the river, with his artillery on 
 rising ground, the key to the position. Colonel Miller was ordered forward by General Brown to capture the 
 battery. " 1 will try, sir," was the reply of the gallant officer, and although the regiment which was to 
 support Miller gave way, yet he moved steadily up the hill, increasing the pace of the men as they advanced, 
 and although his ranks were depleted at every step, he carried the heights and captured the battery, after a 
 short but desperate struggle, at the point of the bayonet. At the same time Major Jessup's regiment drove 
 back part of the British infantry, capturing Major-general Riall, and when General Ripley led forward his 
 reserves, the enemy fell back and retired from the field. It was then about eight o'clock and very dark. In 
 a short time the British rallied and made an attempt to retake the captured guns. At half past eight o'clock 
 the Americans discovered the advancing foe. Suddenly the American cannon and small arms lighted up the 
 scene, the hillside was covered with dead and dying, but the lines closed up and advanced steadily, firing as 
 they came. Soon, however, the British ceased firing, and with bayonets charged gallantly. But the grape 
 and canister from the American line made great havoc in their ranks and the musketry of Scott's and Ripley's 
 troops mowed the attacking party down by scores. The Americans in turn charged on the enemy, and the 
 whole British line retreated hastily. The regulars followed but a short distance, but the volunteers chased 
 the flying troops down the slope and captured many prisoners. Two more attempts were made to recapture 
 the guns, but without success. The victors, having no teams, could take but one of the cannon with them. 
 Spiking the other guns, they, with 169 prisoners, including the commanding officer of the British troops, 
 returned to their encampment at Chippewa. The loss on the American side in this engagement was 171 
 killed, 449 wounded, 117 missing. The mills, barracks and bridge at Bridgewater were burned by General 
 Ripley. The news of the signal triumph of the Americans at Chippewa and Lundy's Lane greatly encouraged 
 the inhabitants of the frontier settlements, and especially those along the Canada border. 
 
 On January 15, 181 5, the news of the great victory at New Orleans was announced in an extra published 
 by the " Gazette." The rejoicing was great and universal, and a week later the news of the signing of the 
 treaty of Ghent was received with unbounded joy. 
 
 The first sermon preached in Sardinia was at the house of General Nott early in 1815. It was rumored 
 that the minister who was to preach had in his pocket a newspaper announcing the conclusion of the treaty. 
 
34 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 He rose to announce his text and when the reverend gentleman took from his pocket a newspaper and said, 
 "1 bring you news of peace," the congregation knew that the war was ended. The news spread rapidly 
 from town to town and the whole country was moved to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. A tide of emigration 
 soon set in, the arrivals being more numerous than ever. The only towns at this time having a grist-mill, 
 saw-mill, tavern and store, outside of Buffalo, were Williamsville and Black Rock. The latter was the rival 
 of Buffalo in all that goes to make up commercial and social prosperity. A short time before a mail route 
 had been established through Willink and Hamburg from east to west, running near the centers of the present 
 towns of Wales, Aurora and East Hamburg, with post-offices at Willink, Blakeley's Corners, and perhaps 
 one at John Green's tavern, named Hamburg. 
 
 In the spring of this year, Albert H. Tracy, then but 22 years old, opened a law office in Buffalo. He 
 was an able advocate and wielded a political influence in this section of the State, second only to General 
 Porter. Samuel Wilkes also located in Buffalo this year. The assembly district composed of Niagara, 
 Cattaraugus and Chatauqua counties was at this time awarded two members of assembly, and the first two 
 elected were Daniel McCready, of Buffalo, and Elias Osborn, of Clarence. 
 
 The first murder trial in the county occurred in June, 181 5, when Charles Thompson and James Peters 
 were convicted of the murder of James Burba. They were sentenced to death and were executed in August 
 following. The prisoners and scaffold were guarded by several companies of militia under General Warren's 
 command. Rev. Glezen Fillmore, a young Methodist minister at Clarence, preached the funeral sermon, and 
 was assisted in the last rites to the condemned men by Rev. Miles P. Squier, of the Presbyterian church. 
 
 The erection of the new Court-house was began in the spring of 1816, and during the summer the walls 
 were erected. It was built on the east side of Onondaga, now Washington street, and had a small park laid 
 out in front. It was the only court-house in the county until 1850, and was torn down in 1876. 
 
 Soon after the war a severe financial crisis was experienced. Money was very scarce and " shin- 
 plasters" were issued by private firms, and were in use in many parts of the country. Mr. D. S. Warren 
 said of them: "They were good from one turnpike gate to another." July i of this year the Niagara 
 bank was organized. The whole capital stock subscribed was ^500,000, an immense sum of money in that 
 day, but only $6.25 was required to be paid on each share of ^100. The business of the bank extended 
 over a great area. The directors were Augustus Porter of Niagara Falls; James Brisban, of Batavia ; A. S. 
 Clarke, of Clarence; Isaac Kibbe, of Hamburg; Martin Prendergast, of Chautauqua county; Samuel Russell 
 and Chauncey Loomis, residence unknown ; Ebenezer F. Norton, Jonas Harrison, Ebenezer Walden, and 
 John G. Camp, of Buffalo. Isaac Kibbe was the first president of the bank and Isaac Q. Leake was the 
 first cashier. 
 
 The year 1816 was noted as the year of the "cold summer." Snow fell late in May, and a heavy frost 
 occurred on the 9th of June. The weather all through the summer was so cold that crops of all kinds suffered 
 severely. Emigration of late years having been very great the damage to the crops combined to make 
 provisions very high. On August 17 flour sold in Buffalo at $15 per barrel, and three days later there was 
 not a barrel for sale in the town. During this summer the Indians had a pagan sacrifice. Jack Berry, Red 
 Jacket's interpreter, said that the Indians had burnt a white dog and a deer to avert the cold weather, and a 
 grand pow-wow was held, but next morning a harder frost than ever occurred. 
 
 In 18 1 7, April 5, Boston was formed from Eden, comprising Township eight. Range seven, except the western 
 tier of lots. Cattaraugus was made a separate county this year. On August 9, President Monroe was 
 tendered a reception at Black Rock. He had, the day before, visited Niagara Falls, and came up the river, 
 accompanied by General Jacob Brown, Commander in Chief of the United States Army. A committee of 
 prominent citizens met them at Black R.Oc|c, and addresses were made, and after shaking hands with the 
 people, the President embarked the same 'day. At this time Buffalo had only a tri-weekly mail from and to 
 the east, the stages leaving Buffalo Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. In these days staging was at times 
 terrible, the passengers being frequently called upon to lift the stage out of the mire, by means of rails procured 
 from a neighboring fence. Indeed, through the woods, a rail was frequently carried by the passengers. " To 
 go on foot and carry a rail," paying for the privilege of riding in the stage, was a mode of conveyance as 
 common as it was disagreeable. The mud was said to be of Plutonian depth at some places in the fall and 
 spring of the year. A story is told of a traveler passing over one of the mud roads, which is said to have 
 been in this neighborhood : he was about to pick up a hat lying on top of the mud, when a man underneath 
 denounced him for taking the hat off his head without permission, and when the traveler offered to extricate 
 him from the mire, the reply was that he could not leave the horse he was riding, as the animal was traveling 
 on the hard ground underneath. This was said to have occurred in the "Four-Mile Woods." The Indians 
 
^6 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 suffered great distress by reason of the failure of the crops this year. The Onondagas received six dollars 
 each per month as annuity, and the Senecas, who numbered 700 at this time, received two dollars per month 
 from the State. Part of this was the annuity of $500, the principal consideration paid for the purchase of 
 Grand Island, sold to the State a short time before. Subscriptions in the churches were taken up for the 
 suffering Red men, and many of them cut wood for the Buffalo market. 
 
 " Father Spencer," as he was called, was at this time a well-known personage in this part of the country. 
 He was a Congregationalist minister, acting under the Presbyterian Synod. He was a good man, full of zeal 
 and energy, but mirthful and witty on all occasions. He would not admit that he was ever beaten in jest but 
 once : He always rode a big horse, which was as well known as himself. Whilst going over the terribly 
 muddy roads, on one occasion, meaning to give his horse a rest, he was going on foot, leading his beast, which 
 was old and stiff. As he passed through a small village a young man called out: "See here, old gentleman, 
 you ought to trade that horse off for a hand sled ; you could draw it a great deal easier." 
 
 The first religious revival occurred this year in Buffalo, and on one Sunday night eight persons were 
 admitted to membership in the Presbyterian church here. The year 1817 was a notable one in the history of 
 the State, by reason of the passage of a law directing the construction of the canal from the Hudson river to 
 Lake Erie. The first ground was broken at Rome, July 4, 1817. in those days the charge of infidelity to the 
 "Grand Canal " was as damaging as it is by some considered to be at this day. In 1818 there were four new 
 towns created, and one of the largest — and the oldest one — in Erie county was annihilated. On the tenth of 
 April an act was passed forming the town of Amherst out of Buffalo, which comprised the present towns of 
 Cheektowaga and Amherst, and five days later the town of Willink was stricken off the map of the county. 
 It had originally been eighteen miles wide by one hundred miles in length. The town of Holland comprised 
 what is now Holland and Golden, and Wales was formed out of Township nine. Range five. By the same act, 
 the balance of Willink was made to comprise the town of Aurora. At this time the Republican, or Democratic 
 party was in full possession of National affairs, but in local affairs the party was divided into factions. The 
 regular Republican convention this year nominated Nathaniel Alden and Albert H. Tracy, of Buffalo, for 
 Congress. Isaac Phelps, of Aurora, was renominated for Assembly, with Philo Orton, of Chautauqua. A 
 considerable portion of the party declared war against the nominees. The "Kremlin Junta," as the leaders 
 of the regulars were called, were denounced as bosses. The "Junta" was composed of Albert H. Tracy, 
 Dr. Marshall, James Sheldon and a few other of the leading spirits in the Democratic party. Ex-Congressman 
 Clarke was the leader of the opposing faction, and before long, independent nominations were made. Judge 
 Ellas Osborne, of Clarence, was nominated against Phelps, for Assembly. John C. Spencer and Benjamin 
 Elliott were renominated, but declined, despite which they were voted for by the anti-Kremlin faction. The 
 Buffalo "Gazette," which at this time was known as the Buffalo "Patriot," was the organ of the Clarke- 
 Osborne party, and a new paper, called the Buffalo "Journal," espoused the cause of the "regulars," led 
 by Tracy and Phelps. At the election in April following Tracy was elected by a large majority and Phelps by 
 a majority of twenty-three. 
 
 On the twenty-third of August, 1818, the first steamboat steamed into Lake Erie. It was the famous 
 Walk-in-the-Water , which had just been completed at Black Rock. As yet but little commerce was carried 
 on the lakes, some forty schooners and perhaps a dozen sloops, with a few open boats, were all the vessels 
 in the carrying trade at this port. The greater part of the freight carried was westward bound, and consisted 
 of supplies for garrisons, trading-posts, and emigrants up the lakes. Half the returning vessels returned in 
 ballast, and if otherwise, the cargo generally consisted of furs. 
 
 On the eighth of October of this year the Methodists began the erection of a frame chui^ch building in 
 Buffalo, and it was dedicated about eight weeks afterwards. Improvements were going on rapidly and in all 
 directions. While the forests were being cut away and mills and stores were being built in many places, 
 wild beasts still prowled about the cabins of the frontier settlers. Many encounters were had by the people 
 with wild animals, the principal one occurring in North Collins in this year, when an Indian named John 
 Turkey, of the Cattaraugus reservation, killed three panthers in a single combat. 
 
 in the early part of 1819 the Boundary Commission, coming from the East, established the line between 
 the United States and Canada along the Niagara river, and in July passed on to the west end of Lake Erie. 
 General Porter was the American commissioner and Colonel Ogilvie represented Great Britain. The prin- 
 cipal surveyor on the part of the Americans was Colonel William A. Bird of Black Rock. The sovereignty 
 of Grand Island was first definitely settled by this Commission, and the island fell to the United States. Aii 
 the smaller islands in the Niagara river were also, on account of their location, assigned to the United States, 
 except Navy Island, which fell to Canada. In the summer of 1819 an earnest effort was made to induce the 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 37 
 
 Indians to sell part or the whole of their lands to the preemption holders. A council was held on the Buffalo 
 reserve, at which a commissioner on behalf of the United States was present, as also one on the part of Massa- 
 chusetts, besides Colonel Ogden and some of his associates. All of the principal chiefs of the Senecas, 
 Cayugas, and Onondagas attended the council. On the ninth of July the United States Commissioner 
 submitted propositions looking to the sale of Buffalo Creek reservation. Red Jacket "rekindled the council 
 fire," and made a long speech, in which he said that the voice of his people was that they would not sell one 
 foot of their lands. He declared that he would not have a single white man on their reservation, neither 
 schoolmaster, workman nor preacher, and that those Indians who wished to send their children to school, or 
 to attend church, could go outside the reservation to do so. Afterwards Captain Pollard and thirteen other 
 chiefs apologised to the Commissioner for the violent language Red Jacket had used. All the Indians were, 
 however, opposed to the sale of their lands, and nothing was accomplished in that direction. 
 
 In December of this year the second execution for murder took place in Erie county, although the crime 
 was committed outside the county limits. The crime was the killing of a soldier of the garrison at Fort 
 
 BUFFALO HARBOR IN 1627. 
 
 Niagara by Corporal John Godfrey. The Rev. Glezen Fillmore preached the funeral sermon as he had on a 
 former occasion, and crowds of people and the militia companies were witnesses of the execution. 
 
 Probably the most important event of the year occurred on Grand Island. The squatters on the Island 
 had grown to consider themselves a kind of independent nation, principally because it had not until recently 
 been determined whether the island belonged to the United States or Great Britain. They set up a kind of 
 government of their own, and bade defiance to the authorities on both sides of the river. A man named 
 Pendleton Clark, one of the squatters, was recognized as "Governor" by his fellows; justices of the peace 
 were elected, and precepts were issued "in the name of the People of Grand Island." On one occasion a 
 constable crossed to the island to arrest one of these squatter sovereigns, when several friends of the culprit 
 put the officer back in his boat, and taking away his oars, set him adrift on the swift current of Niagara river. 
 But for some more humane outlaw living further down the river coming to the rescue, the officer might have 
 been carried over the falls. In April, 1819, an act passed by the New York Legislature requiring the 
 squatters to leave the island, and, in case of refusal, the Governor was authorized to remove them by force. 
 To this they paid little or no attention. In the fall of that year the Governor sent orders to Sheriff Cronk to 
 remove the intruders. The sheriff notified the squatters to leave the island by a day specified. Some 
 obeyed, but the majority did not, and the sheriff called out a detachment of thirty militia, under Lieutenant 
 (afterwards Colonel) Hodge, and on the ninth of December the troops marched down the river from Buffalo 
 to a point opposite the head of the island, to which they crossed by boats, landing about five o'clock P. M. 
 The first sergeant of the company was Nathaniel Wilgus, who wrote an account of the expedition for the 
 Buffalo Historical Society. The muskets were loaded with ball cartridges, and guards were stationed, the 
 
38 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 men encamping for the night. No resistance was offered, however, and within five days 150 men, women, 
 and children were removed by the militia in boats to Canada, to which place all but one desired to be taken. 
 
 In the beginning of 1820 the Bucktail and Clintonian parties held the political field in this section. 
 Clinton was, of course, the candidate and leader of the latter, which claimed, and generally received, the 
 benefit of the strong canal feeling which prevailed. The Bucktail, to some extent, received the benefit of the 
 regular Republican organization, and nominated Vice-President Tompkins for Governor. Clinton was elected 
 by a large majority, although, but a few years before, Tompkins had been the most popular man in the 
 State. In what is now known as Erie county Clinton received 737, to 310 -for Tompkins. Boston gave 35 
 votes for Clinton and i for Tompkins ; Aurora, 164 for Clinton, to 20 for Tompkins ; Wales, 126 for Clinton, 
 to 27 for Tompkins; and Concord, 128 for Clinton, to 20 for Tompkins. The "Patriot" was the organ of 
 the Bucktails and the " Journal " for the Clintonians. At this time there was a property qualification, which 
 accounts for the small vote. The "Patriot" claimed that neither Aurora nor Wales had a hundred legal 
 votes, and charged fraud on the opposing faction. 
 
 In 1821 Joseph Ellicott, the founder of Buffalo, who for twenty years had been the local agent of the 
 Holland company, resigned the position, and Jacob S. Otto of Philadelphia was appointed in his place. The 
 following year Buffalo was provided with a passable harbor, prior to which time there was practically none. 
 
 BUFFALO AS SEEN FROM THE LAKE IN 1829. 
 
 In 1823 the contest between Black Rock and Buffalo for the western terminus of the "Grand canal" was 
 decided in favor of the latter, and the first work on the canal in Buffalo was performed August 23 of that 
 year. The year 1824 was uneventful in the history of Erie county. The canal was almost completed this 
 year and De Witt Clinton, the father of the great enterprise, was removed from the position of Canal Com- 
 missioner for partisan reasons. The following year, however, was very eventful. The "three Thayers" 
 murdered John Love in Boston and the brothers were arrested in February. They were tried in the Court 
 of Oyer and Terminer of Erie county, April g and 10. The prisoners were defended by Thomas C. Love, 
 Ebenezer Griffin and Ethan B. Allen, and were convicted and sentenced to death. They were executed 
 June 7 in the presence of a vast crowd — people coming from a great distance to witness the spectacle. It 
 was estimated that between twenty and thirty thousand were present on the occasion. Elder Glezen 
 Fillmore preached the funeral sermon, for the third time. 
 
 It was during this year that the Marquis de Lafayette visited Buffalo as the Nation's guest. The corner- 
 stone of the city of Ararat, on Grand Island, was laid this year by Major Mordecai M. Noah of New York 
 City, which was to be a refuge for Hebrews of the whole world. The "Grand Canal" was completed 
 October 24, and two days later a grand celebration was had all along the line of the canal. 
 
 In June of this year a State census was taken showing the population of Buffalo to be 2412, and of Erie 
 county to be 24,316. In 1826 the Indians ceded to the Ogden company their title to 33,637 acres of the 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 39 
 
 Buffalo reservation ; 33,400 acres of the Tonawanda reservation ; 5120 acres of the Cattaraugus reservation, 
 and 1500 acres in the Genesee valley. Red Jacket bitterly opposed the selling of the lands, but signed the 
 deed conveying the title. In the winter of 1826-7 there was great excitement throughout Western New 
 York on account of the abduction of William Morgan of Batavia, who was about to publish his exposition of 
 Masonry. As time passed and Morgan was not found, meetings were held in all parts of the State, and bitter 
 denunciations of the Masonic fraternity were heard on all sides. It was at last learned that he had been taken 
 from Canandaigua to Fort Niagara, thence across the river to Canada, and thence back to the fort, where he 
 was kept in the magazine until September, when all traces of him were lost. Some of the original abductors 
 were discovered and were indicted. They pleaded guilty of the first abduction in January, 1827, but were 
 never sentenced. So great was the indignation of the people that many Masons severed their connection 
 with the order, and many lodges in Western New York surrendered their charters. Several Masons were 
 arrested for the murder of Morgan and were brought to trial in Niagara county, but the juries disagreed and 
 the prisoners were discharged. The matter was brought into the political campaign, the Buffalo " Patriot" 
 supporting the Anti-Masons and the " Journal " defending the fraternity. 
 
 in 1827 the Presbyterians and Baptists united in building a large church in Aurora, and about the same 
 time the Methodists erected a church building. At this time there were several steamers on Lake Erie, and 
 also a large fleet of sailing vessels. Several small steamers were built to run on the Niagara river. The 
 steamer Michigan, a large and unseaworthy vessel, was towed down the Niagara in September of this year, 
 and was sent over the falls. The crew of the steamer on its last journey consisted of a buffalo, three bears, 
 two foxes, a raccoon, a dog, a cat, and four geese. The vessel plunged over the Horseshoe falls and was 
 broken into thousands of pieces. Two of the geese survived the terrible plunge and swam ashore, all the 
 other animals disappearing forever. In 1828 General Peter B. Porter was chosen Secretary of War, which 
 position he filled till the end of President Adams's term. He shortly afterwards removed to Niagara Falls, 
 where he died in 1844. His only son, Colonel Peter A. Porter, volunteered in the War of the Rebellion, and 
 was killed at the head of his regiment. 
 
 In the political contest between the Adams-Clay party and the Jackson Democrats, the Anti-Masons 
 were against Jackson, and were largely in the majority in Erie county. Millard Fillmore, who was then only 
 twenty-six years old, began the practice of law at Aurora, and was elected by the Anti-Masons to the State 
 Assembly. In the fall of 1829, Albert H. Tracy again entered the political arena, and was elected to the 
 State Senate by the Anti-Masons, having a majority of over seven thousand. Millard Fillmore was at the 
 same time reelected to the Assembly. In 1830 the opponents of Jackson adopted the name of National 
 Republicans. The census of this year gave Buffalo a population of 8568, and Erie county 35,719. There 
 were now twenty-seven post-offices in the county. In April, 1831, the name of the town of Erie was changed 
 to Newstead. In 1832 Buffalo was incorporated as a city, having at the time a population of about 10,000. 
 Millard Fillmore was elected to Congress in the fall of 1832, the same year the cholera made its appearance, 
 the dread scourge being a heavy blow to Buffalo. 
 
BUFFALO AS A CITY 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 hicorporated as a City — Population — Census of i8^^ — -Political Excitement in the Harrison Campaign — Census 
 of 1840 — Buffalo and Attica Railroad — Treaty With Senecas — Surreiider of Reservations — Commerce of 
 the City — Anti-Slaveiy Controversy — Census of i860 — Buffalo's Part in the War of the Rebellion — News of 
 Surrender of Fort Sumter — Public Meeting — "Minute Men" — First Volunteer Company — Four Companies 
 Leave Buffalo — The Gallant Tuvnty -first Infantry — "Union Continentals" Act as Escort — The Twenty-first 
 at Second Bull Run — The Death Roll — Battles of South Mountain, Antietam. Fredericksburg — Return of 
 the Regiment — Thirty-third Infantry — Heavy Loss of the Regiment — Chancellorsville — The Forty-ninth 
 Infantry — Yorktown — Williamsburg — Charge and Counter-charge — Mechanicsville — Gaines ' Mill — Malvern 
 Hill — White Oak Swamp — Gettysburg — Wilderness — Cold Harbor — Three-fifths of the Regiment Killed 
 or Disabled — Other Battles — The Gallant One Hundredth Infantry — Fair Oaks — "Charge the One 
 Hundredth" — Mysterious Disappearance of Colonel Brown in Battle — Many Other Engagements — Heavy 
 Losses Sustained — Colors of the One Hundredth Planted on Last Stronghold of the Rebels. 
 
 INCORPORATED a city with a population of 10,000, Buffalo began in 1832 a career of almost unparalleled 
 prosperity. In the spring of this year, Ebenezer Johnson was elected mayor. The population rapidly 
 increased, commerce to and from this important trade center gave 
 employment to all who desired it. An immense fleet of vessels 
 brought the products of the Western states to this port, where it was 
 transferred to the boats on the canal for transportation to the Atlantic 
 seaboard, and the laying out of numerous streets and the extent of 
 building operations, gave to the place the air of thrift and progress 
 which gave promise of future greatness. The closing of the United 
 States bank and the incorporation of numerous State banks issuing a 
 vast amount of paper money led to a great inflation of prices, an 
 advantage of which Buffalo received the lion's share. So rapid was 
 the population that the census of 1835 made the number of inhabitants 
 of the city 15,661 and of Erie county 57,594. In the year last named, 
 and the following year, speculation ran riot. Real estate values 
 increased so rapidly as to make fortunes for all holding property to 
 any considerable extent, and prosperity seemed to wait upon every 
 new enterprise inaugurated. The great increase in population entitled 
 the county of Erie to three members of assembly. 
 
 In 1836, April 16, the town of Tonawanda was incorporated, 
 embracing the area of that name and Grand Island. The financial 
 crisis which for some time had threatened paralysis to business suc- 
 ceeded this period of great prosperity, and for years its influence was 
 
 felt throughout Erie county, more keenly by comparison. Opposition to the Holland company was now 
 manifested everywhere, and opposition to the eviction of the company's tenants was open and defiant. A 
 
 EBENEZER JOHNSON, FIRST MAYOR. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 41 
 
 RESIDENCE OF EBENEZER JOHNSON, FIRST MAYOR OF BUFFALO. 
 
 great "Agrarian Meeting" was held in 1837, and resolutions denouncing tliose wlio favored the Holland 
 company as " Judases," and requesting the Attorney-general to contest the title of the company to the lands 
 were adopted. So difficult did the Holland agents find it to evict the tenants, that many of them acquired 
 titles to their lands by "prescription" or as it is better known to the laity, by "adverse possession." A 
 company was organized and incorporated this year to construct a macadamized road from Buffalo to Williams- 
 ville, which was completed within two 
 years. In the fall of 1837 William A. 
 Mosely was elected State senator to 
 succeed Albert H. Tracy. 
 
 Cheektowaga was formed from 
 the southern part of Amherst on the 
 twenty-second of March, 1839. Brant 
 was formed out of the southern part of 
 Evans and the Cattaraugus reserva- 
 tion, and all of the town of Buffalo, 
 outside of the city was made to con- 
 stitute the town of Black Rock. At 
 this time Erie county was a strong 
 fortress of the Whig party, and in the 
 Harrison campaign log cabins were 
 erected in every part of the city and 
 county. The Harrison ticket received 
 two votes to one for the Democratic 
 candidate. Millard Fillmore was elected 
 to Congress by a large majority. The 
 census of 1840 gave Buffalo a popula- 
 tion of 18,213, and the county 62,465. 
 
 In 1842 the Buffalo & Attica Railroad was completed, and travel over the road was very great, the 
 hotels in the city doing a great business. 
 
 The Senate of the United States this year confirmed the treaty made with the Seneca Indians in 1838. 
 In May, 1842, a new agreement was made with the Indians. By this treaty the Senecas retained the 
 Cattaraugus and Allegany reservations, giving up the Buffalo Creek and the Tonawanda tracts. The United 
 States bought the title of the Ogden company to the reservations and gave the Indians the lands. The 
 Indians in 1844 abandoned their homes and removed to the Cattaraugus and Allegany reservations. Settlers 
 began to occupy the land thus purchased, particularly in the towns of Elma and Marilla. 
 
 The population of the city by the census of 1845 was 29,773, ^'""^ ^^ fhe county 78,635. Great 
 improvement was made in the buildings from this time, and the city was now on the high road to greatness. 
 Immense fleets brought grain from the West, which was transferred at Buffalo to canal boats by which it was 
 carried to the Atlantic seaboard. In 1846 the new State Constitution was framed. The Court of Common 
 Pleas was by its provisions made a County Court. The State was divided into eight judicial districts, each 
 to elect four Justices of the Supreme Court. Erie county formed part of the Eighth district. The new 
 Constitution was ratified in 1846, and a special election was held in June, 1847, to elect the officers of the 
 new courts. Four Whig Justices were elected in the Eighth district, Seth E. Hill, of Buffalo, being one of the 
 number. The succeeding fall, State officers were chosen. The Democracy were divided into two factions, 
 known as the "Hunkers" and "Barnburners." In 1848, Millard Fillmore, who had been elected Governor, 
 was nominated for Vice-President on the Whig ticket with General Taylor at the head. The radical Democrats 
 opposed Cass and Butler and nominated Van Buren for President. The convention was held in Buffalo, 
 August 9, 1848. B. F. Butler was chairman of the committee on resolutions. Joshua R. Giddings, the Nestor 
 of the anti-slavery controversy, delivered an address. Salmon P- Chase was chairman of the convention. 
 "No more slave states, and no slave territories," was the gist of the resolutions adopted. Charles Francis 
 Adams was nominated for Vice-President, on the ticket called the "Free Democratic Party." This movement 
 gave the State of New York to the Whigs, and gave Taylor the election. Elbridge G. Spaulding was chosen 
 to Congress at the same time. On July 9, 1850, General Taylor died and Fillmore became President, hi 
 November, 1850, Solomon G. Haven was elected to Congress. 
 
 In 1850 the population of the county was 100,993, and Buffalo 42,261. Hamburg was divided this year 
 
42 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 and the town of Ellicott was formed of part, but soon afterwards the name was changed to East Hamburg. 
 The town of Seneca was formed October i6, 1851, out of a part of the Buffalo Creek reservation. The 
 Ebenezer colony comprised the greater number of the inhabitants. The name was soon changed to West 
 Seneca. On the twenty-fourth of November of this year a new town, called Shirley, was created, but before 
 long the name was changed to North Collins. December 4, 1857, the town of Elma was formed. A com- 
 bination of the Republican and American (Know-Nothing,) parties was made in 1858, and Elbridge G. Spaulding 
 was elected to Congress on the fusion ticket, but the following year the Republicans carried the county, the 
 "Americans " disappearing entirely from the field. 
 
 In i860 the population of Erie county was 141,971, of which Buffalo was credited with 81,129. In the 
 presidential election this year the Breckenridge electoral ticket received very few votes in the county, as did 
 the Bell ticket. Lincoln had a good majority in the countv, and Spaulding was reelected to Congress. On 
 October 19 of this year the town of Grand Island was formed, and December 2 following, Marilla was 
 constituted a town also. 
 
 TJPPECANOE LOG CABIN, CORNER MAIN AND EAGLE STREETS. 
 
 ERECTED BY THE WHIGS OF BUFFALO AND DEDICATED TO THE CAUSE OF HARRISON AND TYLER, MARCH 20, 1S40. 
 
 The repeal of the " Missouri compromise " in 1854 was the cause of great indignation throughout the 
 North. Know-Nothingism sprung up, and the party made full nominations, their candidate for Lieutenant- 
 Governor being General Gustavus A. Scroggs of Buffalo. The Whigs of course carried the State. On the 
 fifteenth of April, 1861, the news of the attack on Fort Sumter and its surrender to the Rebels reached Buffalo 
 and the excitement thereby occasioned was indescribable. A call for a meeting of citizens the same night in 
 the old Court-house was issued, for the purpose of organizing a battalion of "Minute Men" for immediate 
 service in behalf of the Union. An immense number of citizens gathered at the hour appointed, and Eli Cook 
 was elected chairman of the meeting. He made a most eloquent address, and by the time he had concluded 
 the court-room was crowded almost to suffocation, and the meeting was adjourned to Kremlin hall. So vast 
 was the assemblage that another adjournment was made to the street, and after soul-stirring addresses by 
 prominent citizens it was announced that the roll for the signatures of volunteers was at the old Court-house 
 for which place a rush was made by a large number of persons anxious to volunteer in their country's service. 
 Over a hundred signatures were secured that night, and for several days afterwards the volunteers throni^ed 
 the building to sign the roll. On the eighteenth of April General Scroggs called a meeting of the men who 
 were enrolled, part of whom were organized into the first volunteer company from Buffalo, and the follow- 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 4i 
 
 ing officers were elected: captain, W. H. Drew; first lieutenant, R. P. Gardner; second lieutenant, E. R. 
 Shurley. 
 
 In response to an inquiry of the Governor, Colonel Abbott of the Sixty-seventh regiment New York 
 Militia, reported 250 men ready for duty. Both the Seventy-fourth and the Sixty-fifth regiments established 
 recruiting offices in the city. On the third of May, 1861, four companies left for Elmira, and on the eleventh 
 of that month six more companies, principally recruited from the Seventy-fourth regiment of Militia, came to 
 that city, which had been selected as the rendezvous for volunteers from Western New York. These ten 
 companies were organized into the Twenty-first New York Volunteer Infantry. When the first four com- 
 panies marched to the depot en route for Elmira, they were escorted by the " Union Continentals," a battalion 
 of elderly citizens in the uniform of the Continental troops of 1776, with ex-President Fillmore in command. 
 A halt was made at Niagara Square, where a handsome flag was presented to them by the young ladies of 
 Central school, Miss Julia Paddock representing the school on the occasion. The field and staff officers of the 
 Twenty-first were: colonel, William F. Rogers; lieutenant-colonel, Adrian S. Root; major, William H. Drew; 
 adjutant, C. W. Sternberg; surgeon, H. P. Clinton; assistant surgeon, J. A. Peters; chaplain, John E. 
 Robie. The men were all from Erie county, and nearly all from Bufl'alo, and were enlisted for two years, 
 but by some mistake they were mustered in for three months, notwithstanding which, all but forty-one men 
 agreed to serve the full term of their enlistment. 
 
 On the eighteenth of June the Twenty-first reached Washington, and were stationed at Fort Runyon, at 
 the Virginia end of the Long Bridge, where they remained for two months. In the latter part of August the 
 regiment was made part of the brigade commanded by General James S. Wadsworth of Geneseo. In March, 
 
 1862, the brigade marched to Centreville, where Wadsworth resigned and was succeeded by General M. R. 
 Patrick. In the summer the brigade marched to reinforce General Banks. The Twenty-first regiment was 
 moved to Cedar Mountain to aid Banks, but arrived after his defeat. The brigade marched to Warrenton 
 Turnpike, where it crosses Bull Run, August 29, and on the following day it was driven from its position by 
 Rebel artillery, and about three o'clock of that day the second battle of Bull Run began. Patrick's brigade 
 was in the second line of battle. An advance was ordered, and the Twenty-first, with the rest of the 
 brigade, rushed toward the Rebel lines. Sergeant Bishop fell with the flag of the Twenty-first: it was 
 seized by Corporal Sheldon, who was killed in a few moments, and nearly every man of the color guard was 
 killed or wounded in that battle. It was borne away finally by Captain Alger M. Wheeler, who was wounded, 
 and who at the time was doubtless the youngest captain in the service, being only nineteen years of age. In 
 this, the first battle in which it was engaged, the Twenty-first lost fifty men killed, thirteen seriously and 
 many slightly wounded. Eleven commissioned officers were killed or wounded. Captain Washburn and 
 Lieutenant Whiting were killed, and Lieutenant Mulligan was mortally wounded. Colonel Rogers was 
 slightly, and Major Thomas severely wounded. Captains Lee, Canfield, and Wheeler, and Lieutenants 
 Efner, Barney, and Myers were also wounded. 
 
 On September 14 Hooker's corps came in contact with the Confederates on the slopes of South Mountain. 
 With the Twenty-first and Thirty-fifth New York regiments as skirmishers, the corps moved up the moun- 
 tain, driving back the enemy's advance guard and afterwards their main line, the Twenty-first securing a 
 good position and successfully resisting a gallant effort to dislodge them, the loss in front of the Buffalo 
 regiment being very heavy. On September 16 the Twenty-first was warmly engaged in the battle of 
 Antietam. They stood firm under a heavy musketry fire, bearing themselves like veterans. With fixed 
 bayonets they charged the enemy with gallantry and drove them from their position, and so enthusiastic did 
 they become in pursuit of the retreating foe that General Patrick ordered the regiment back into line. The 
 enemy thinking the Twenty-first was retreating, turned, and yelling, charged on their rear, but facing about, 
 the Twenty-first again drove them back with severe loss. The loss of this regiment in this engagement was 
 seventeen killed and fifty-three wounded, among the former being Captain Gardner and Lieutenants Vallier 
 and Hickey. At the battle of Fredericksburg, December 12, 1862, the Twenty-first regiment was held in 
 reserve, although it lost one man killed and three wounded by shells. When ordered home, the last of April, 
 
 1863, 495 officers and men returned. Arriving at Buffalo, a grand reception was given to the remnant of the 
 regiment who marched to the front two years before. 
 
 Soon after the surrender of Fort Sumter Theodore B. Hamilton of Buffalo raised a company of infantry 
 called the "Richmond Guards" in honor of the late Dean Richmond. Captain Hamilton's first lieutenant 
 was Alexis E. Eustaphieve, and his second lieutenant was Iva V. Germain. The company proceeded to 
 Elmira and then united with other companies from Ontario and adjoining counties to form the Thirty-third 
 New York Infantry, the "Richmond Guards" being Company G of the regiment. The Thirty-third was 
 
44 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 mustered into the United States service on the third of July, for two years, and a few days afterwards left 
 Elmira for Washington, and became part of the Third brigade of General W. F. Smith's division. On April 
 6, 1862, the Thirty-third had a lively skirmish with the Rebels near Yorktown, in which several men of 
 Company G were wounded. On the twenty-eighth of June, while doing picket duty near Golden's farm, 
 the Thirty-third New York and a few Pennsylvania companies were attacked by two Confederate regiments, 
 and were driven back a short distance. Captain Hawkins of Company G being taken prisoner. A stand 
 was then made and the Union troops poured a destructive volley into the enemy, who in turn retreated. 
 They made a second attack and were again repulsed. Colonel Lamar of the Eighth Georgia ordered them to 
 charge again. In leading this charge Lamar fell dangerously wounded and was captured, and the Rebels fled 
 a third time, leaving ninety-one dead on the field and many wounded. Captain Hamilton was soon exchanged. 
 On May 3, 1863, the Thirty-third New York was one of the twenty-four regiments selected to storm Mary's 
 heights, a short distance south of Fredericksburg, and the duty was gallantly performed. The Thirty-third 
 had six color-bearers shot down in a few moments and had seventy men killed and wounded in capturing the 
 Rebel battery. In the Chancellorsville campaign the Thirty-third sustained a loss of 250 killed, wounded, 
 and prisoners. Captain Hamilton of Company G was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Sixty- 
 second New York Infantry, and First Sergeant George A. Gale was promoted captain. Sergeant George W. 
 Marshall was made first lieutenant and Corporal M. F. Grain was promoted to second lieutenant. 
 
 July 30, 1861, Major D. D. Bidwell began organizing another regiment of infantry, and in the early part 
 of September the various companies and detachments from other near points assembled at Buffalo, and on 
 the sixteenth of that month the regiment set out for New York city. A company from West Chester was 
 added there, and the organization of the Forty-ninth was completed. The field and staff-officers were : 
 colonel, Daniel D. Bidwell; lieutenant-colonel, William C. Alberger; major, George W. Johnson; adjutant, 
 William D. Bullymore ; quartermaster, H. D. Tillinghast ; surgeon. Dr. James C. Hall; assistant-surgeon, 
 Dr. W. W. Polte ; chaplain. Rev. John Baldwin. On the twenty-first of September the Forty-ninth left for 
 Washington and was soon afterwards assigned to the Third brigade, commanded by General W. F. Smith. 
 In March, 1862, the regiment was sent to Fortress Monroe, and took part in the siege of Yorktown. It 
 participated in the battle of Williamsburg, and the Third brigade with another was ordered to turn the right 
 of the enemy. General Hancock commanding the attacking brigades. The Rebels charged on Hancock's 
 troops, the latter making a counter charge, and after a desperate fight the Rebels were defeated. General 
 McClellan, in person, thanked the two brigades, giving them the credit of winning the battle. In May 
 following, the Third brigade was made part of the Sixth corps. In the battle of Mechanicsville, May 23, the 
 brigade drove the enemy back and captured the town. At the battle of Gaines' Mill and Golden's Farm on 
 the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth of that month, the Forty-ninth was actively engaged and sustained 
 severe loss. At Malvern Hill and White Oak Swamp the regiment was also under fire. In the capture of 
 Crampton Pass, September 14, the Forty-ninth took a prominent part, and on the seventeenth it was hotly 
 engaged at the battle of Antietam In this engagement Lieutenant-colonel Alberger was severely wounded 
 and the regiment suffered greatly in both killed and wounded. On account of his wounds Lieutenant-colonel 
 Alberger resigned, Major Johnson being promoted to that position, and Captain Ellis, who was originally a 
 second lieutenant, was made major of the regiment. The Sixth corps, after marching 250 miles in seven 
 days, arrived at Gettysburg at five P. M. July 2, and was held in reserve during that terrible engagement. 
 
 In May, 1864, Colonel Bidwell was placed in command of the brigade. On May 5, at the battle of 
 the Wilderness, the Forty-ninth was in the thickest of the fight. Captains J. F. E. Plogstead, W. T. 
 Wiggins, and C. A. Hickmott, and Lieutenants Henry C. Valentine and Reuben T. Preston were killed or 
 mortally wounded in two days. At Spottsylvania Captain Seward H. Terry and Lieutenants M. S. V. Tyler 
 and Herman Hass were killed, and Major Ellis was mortally wounded. The regiment was also engaged in 
 the battle of Cold Harbor, and in this terrible conflict, at what was called the "death angle," Captain 
 Reuben B. Heacock and Lieutenants J. P McVean and Charles A. Sayer were killed. Out of 384 men 
 which left Brandy Station two weeks before, sixty-one were killed, 155 wounded, and thirty missing, beino 
 fully three-fifths of the total strength. On July 12 the Forty-ninth had a sharp conflict with the Rebels 
 about five miles from Washington, D. C. President Lincoln was present and saw Colonel Bidwell's brigade 
 charge up the hill and drive back the enemy. The Forty-ninth in this engagement had twenty-one killed 
 and wounded, among the former being Lieutenant-colonel George W. Johnson and Lieutenant David 
 Lambert. The President was so well pleased by the valor displayed by Colonel Bidwell that he appointed 
 him Brigadier-general immediately afterwards. August 3 Major Ellis died of his wounds, and Captain Brezer 
 was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. The Sixth corps was made part of General Sheridan's 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 4') 
 
 command, and the Forty-ninth took part in tlie battle of Opequan Creek, September 19. In this engage- 
 ment the Forty-ninth hadeight killed and many wounded. When the regiment was mustered out and 
 returned to Buffalo, eighty-nine men were all that were left of 1550 men who were enrolled from time to 
 time. After the fight at Opequan Creek the regiment mustered 410 men. These were consolidated into a 
 battalion under Lieutenant-colonel Holt, and Captain George H. Selkirk of Buffalo was commissioned major. 
 After this engagement General Sheridan pursued the retreating column of Early, overtaking him at Fisher's 
 Hill, where the Rebels were defeated. Bidwell's brigade captured the first cannon from the enemy in this 
 fight. 
 
 On the nineteenth of October the battle of Cedar Creek occurred. In this battle, which was a complete 
 victory for Sheridan's troops, the brigade of Bidwell was as usual to the fore. The Forty-ninth lost thirty- 
 seven killed and wounded; the gallant Bidwell was killed in this engagement. In six months all of the field 
 officers of the Forty-ninth had been killed, besides five captains and seven lieutenants. Of the three regi- 
 ments of volunteers for three years, raised in Erie county, every one of the three colonels had been killed in 
 action. In December the battalion with the rest of the Sixth corps returned to the vicinity of Richmond and 
 Petersburg. On the second of April the battalion was in the front in the attack on the last stronghold of the 
 Rebellion. The Forty-ninth and Seventy-ninth New York regiments formed the center of the attacking 
 column on the Rebel entrenchments at Fredericksburg on the south side of the railroad, and the flag of the 
 Forty-ninth was the first Union colors planted on the breastworks. The battalion in this engagement suffered 
 severely. Its commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Erastus B. Holt, was mortally wounded, dying five 
 days later from his wounds. Major Selkirk was promoted to his place. On the twenty-seventh of June the 
 Forty-ninth was mustered out of service and arrived in Buffalo July 3, numbering 18 officers and 274 men 
 out of over 1,500 whose names had been on the rolls. On the nineteenth of January, 1862, General Scroggs 
 had succeeded in recruiting another regiment, which was designated as the One Hundredth New York Volunteer 
 Infantry: colonel, James M. Brown; lieutenant-colonel, Phineas Staunton; major, Calvin N. Otis; adjutant, 
 Peter R. Chadwick, with a total strength of 900 officers and men. The regiment left Buffalo for New York 
 March 7, 1862, reaching Washington on the twelfth of that month. They were assigned to the First brigade 
 of Casey's division. On the twenty-ninth of April the division embarked on transports and were landed 
 at Newport News. On the twenty-fifth of May the regiment had its baptism of fire in a skirmish with 
 the enemy, -and on the thirty-first it participated in the battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks. Nagley's 
 brigade was ordered to charge, and at the command of Colonel Brown, "Charge, the One Hundredth," the 
 regiment instantly responded. In this terrible charge the One Hundredth was badly broken up, and Colonel 
 Brown suddenly disappeared, and no knowledge of his fate was ever obtained. In the same place Lieutenant 
 Kellogg, of Company G, and Lieutenant Wilkeson, of Company K, were killed, while Captain Nash, 
 Lieutenant Mayo, both of Company A, and Lieutenant Brown, of Company E, fell seriously wounded. On 
 the fifteenth of August the One Hundredth started out on a march down the James river, reaching Yorktown 
 on the twentieth and thence to Gloucester Point where it arrived on the twenty-third. Through the efforts 
 of the Buffalo Board of Trade there were 345 recruits sent to the One Hundredth regiment between the first 
 of August and the first of October of this year. During this time George B. Dandy, of the regular army, 
 was commissioned colonel of the One Hundredth New York, assuming command on the fifteenth of September. 
 Major Otis was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and Captain D. Nash of Company A was made major. On 
 the twenty-sixth of December the brigade embarked on boats for North Carolina and thence to Port Royal, 
 South Carolina, arriving at that place January 31, 1863. They did not disembark, however, until February 
 10, when the regiment landed on the Island of St. Helena. On the seventh of April the regiment witnessed 
 the bombardment of Fort Sumter by Admiral Dupont. On the tenth of July the bombardment of the Rebel 
 works on Morris Island was begun, and the next morning Fort Wagner was attacked by seven regiments, the 
 One Hundredth participating in the assault. A second attack was made on the night of July 18. In this 
 assault Adjutant Hadduck and Lieutenant Runckle, of the One Hundredth, were killed. It was then deter- 
 mined to besiege the fort, and the siege lasted from July 25 to September 7, during which time the One 
 Hundredth had 104 men killed and wounded. 
 
 In April, 1864, the One Hundredth regiment was ordered to reinforce the troops operating against 
 Richmond with the enemy, in which Lieutenants Adriance and Richardson were wounded. On the thirteenth 
 of May the One Hundredth took part in the capture of Fort Darling, Lieutenant Hoyt being killed and Lieu- 
 tenant Edward Pratt was badly wounded. On the sixteenth General Beauregard attacked the right flank of 
 the army of the James at Drury's Bluff, inflicting severe loss. Lieutenant French was mortally wounded, 
 Lieutenant Babbitt was also wounded, and Lieutenant Pierson was taken prisoner. The regiment lost in this 
 
46 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 engagement over two hundred in killed, wounded and prisoners. On the twenty-first the One Hundredth 
 was attacked by the Rebel General Walker, but the attack was repulsed, and a sharp conflict ensued, known 
 as the battle of Ware Bottom Church, but the Union troops held their ground. On the fourteenth of 
 August an advance was made, under General Grant, the One Hundredth taking an active part. It charged 
 through a ravine and captured a battery of four guns under the eyes of General Grant. Lieutenant McMann 
 was wounded and about thirty men of the regiment were killed or wounded in the charge. On the sixteenth 
 the regiment twice charged on the entrenched lines of the enemy, but was driven back. Captain Granger 
 and several of the regiment were captured, and Sergeant Kuhns and several men were killed. The regiment, 
 after passing a month in the trenches in front of Petersburg, was made part of the Tenth corps, and the 
 command marched within four miles of Richmond. The Rebels made an attack which the One Hundredth, 
 with other regiments, repulsed on the fifth of October. The regiment remained in front of Richmond until 
 the latter part of March, 1865, when it marched to the south of Petersburg with the rest of the Third brigade, 
 arriving there on the twenty-ninth. The next day the One Hundredth assisted in driving in the Rebel 
 pickets, and on the second day of April it took part in the assault on Forts Greig and Alexander, the One 
 Hundredth leading the attack and planting its colors first of all on the last defense of the Confederacy. In 
 this charge the color-bearer was shot and fell dead beside the colors he had just placed on the Rebel breast- 
 works. Major Dandy sprang forward to raise the colors when he, too, was killed, but in a few moments 
 the fort was surrendered —all but thirty of its brave defenders being killed or wounded. Four days later 
 the battle of Appomattox was fought, and General Lee surrendered. The regiment was mustered out at 
 Richmond, August 28, 1865. 
 
 On July 7, 1862, Governor Morgan issued an order directing that a regiment of troops be raised in each 
 of the thirty-two senatorial districts of the State. Erie county was the thirty-first district, and a committee 
 was appointed to organize the new regiment, as follows : General Henry M. Lansing, Hon. George W. 
 Clinton, Hon. N. K. Hall, Hon. William G. Fargo, Hon. John Ganson, Jacob Beyer, H. M. Kinne, John G. 
 Deshler, Philip Dorsheimer, A. S. Bemis, E. S. Warren, S. G. Austin, and Alexander W. Harvey. The 
 colonelcy of the new regiment was offered to Major Edward P. Chapin, of the Forty-fourth New York 
 Infantry, then on recruiting service in Buffalo, which offer was accepted. Notwithstanding the many recent 
 enlistments, and that the Board of Trade was at the time obtaining recruits for the One Hundredth regiment, 
 the new regiment by the third of September had 929 men enrolled. It was mustered into service the same 
 day as the 1 1 6th Regiment New York Infantry. The field and staff officers were as follows: colonel, 
 Edward P. Chapin: lieutenant-colonel, Robert Cottier; major, George M. Love; adjutant, John B. Weber; 
 surgeon, C. B. Hutchins; first assistant surgeon, Uri C. Lynde; second assistant surgeon Carey W. Howe; 
 quartermaster, James Adams; chaplain, W. M. Moddeset. The total number of officers and men in the 
 regiment was 931, all from Erie county. The troops left for the front on September 5, and before leaving 
 the regiment was presented with a fine stand of colors by the citizens of Buffalo, through Henry W. Rogers. 
 They arrived at Baltimore September 7 and on the fifth of November following the ii6th was made part of 
 General William H. Emery's brigade, and took passage for Fortress Monroe. On December 4 the regiment 
 started for Ship Island, Mississippi, where they arrived December 13, and thence to New Orleans, as part of 
 the Third brigade. First division. Nineteenth army corps, under General Banks. They were afterwards 
 transferred to Baton Rouge, and became part of the First brigade. Third division (Augur's), Colonel Chapin 
 commanding. On March 14 the regiment left for Port Hudson. On May 20 Chapin's brigade moved to 
 Merritt's plantation, joining Augur's division, and next day advanced on Bayou Sara, the movement beina 
 checked by the fire of the Rebel artillery, which was promptly replied to, Chapin's brigade supporting the 
 battery. The enemy retired, but firing again began, and the ii6th, with another regiment, was sent to the 
 left on the Port Hudson road under Major Love. The two regiments moved steadily forward under a heavy 
 fire from the enemy, and were ordered to charge, which they did with a yell. The enemy broke and 
 retreated, but again rallied. A second charge was made and the enemy were driven a second time. General 
 Augur congratulated Colonel Chapin on the conduct of his men. The loss of the ii6th was thirteen men 
 killed and forty-four wounded, including Lieutenant Charles Boniski, who died shortly afterwards.. 
 
 When Port Hudson was invested. Colonel Chapin called for eleven officers and two hundred enlisted 
 men to volunteer to storm the fort. Nine officers and sixty-five men of the ii6th promptly responded. 
 Lieutenant W. J. Morgan led the volunteers from the Buffalo regiment May 27, 1863. Colonel Chapin led 
 the storming party and was wounded in the knee early in the attack, but remained at the head of his men, 
 and a few moments later was killed. Lieutenant-colonel O' Brian at the head of the command pushed 
 forward and was also killed, and the storming party, attacked in front and flanks, were withdrawn from the 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 47 
 
 field. The i i6th lost io6 killed and wounded. Major Love and Lieutenants Grey, Morgan, and Jones were 
 among the wounded, the last named mortally. Siege was then laid to Port Hudson, and during a feigned 
 attack on the enemy's center on June 13, Lieutenant Timothy Linahan was killed, and twenty-seven men 
 were killed and wounded. Another party volunteered to attack the fort, but it was surrendered on learning 
 of the surrender of Vicksburg, before the attack was begun. On July 9, 1863, the ii6th, as one of the two 
 best regiments in the division, marched into the fort and received the surrender of over six thousand Rebels, 
 and the same day the regiment was sent down the river to Fort Donelson. July 13 the ii6th regiment with 
 other troops were ordered out to meet General Richard Taylor, who was operating in the vicinity. After a 
 short engagement, however, the Union forces retreated. The loss of the ii6th in this fight was five killed, 
 twenty-two wounded, and twenty-one captured. Captain David Tuttle was one of the killed, and Lieutenant 
 Orton S. Clark one of the wounded. In the autumn of 1862 several companies of volunteers were organized 
 in Buffalo, two of which were mustered into the 155th New York Infantry regiment, for three years from 
 November 18. The Buffalo companies were I and K, the former commanded by Captain John Byrne, and 
 James McConvey was captain of Company K. The regiment was not engaged in any battles during the year 
 
 BUFFALO IN 1863. 
 
 1863 except the battle of Suffolk, but in the spring of 1864, with the army of the Potomac, took active part 
 in the battles of Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna, Totopotomy, Cold Harbor, and in the siege of 
 Petersburg. The regiment was mustered out of service July 15, 1865. Captain Byrne was promoted to 
 major, lieutenant-colonel, and colonel of the regiment; Captain McConvey was promoted to major, and 
 Second Lieutenant Hugh Mooney was promoted to captain. 
 
 The 164th Regiment New York Infantry was mustered into service November 19, 1862, and two of the 
 companies, C and D, were from Buffalo. Captain Timothy W. Kelly commanded Company C, and Chris- 
 topher Graham was captain of Company D. The colonel of this regiment, John E. McMahon, was also from 
 Buffalo. These volunteers participated with credit in the battles of Suffolk, Blackwater, Spottsylvania, Cold 
 Harbor, Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, the siege of Petersburg, and Boydton Road. 
 Colonel John E. McMahon died of disease in March, 1863, and his brother, James P. McMahon, who succeeded 
 to the command of the regiment, was killed at Cold Harbor while cheering on his men. Lieutenant Charles 
 Waters was killed at Spottsylvania, and Sergeant Callanan was promoted to lieutenant and afterwards 
 received a captain's commission. 
 
 The fourth and fifth companies in the Tenth New York Cavalry were recruited in Buffalo, and the 
 regiment was mustered into service between the twenty-.seventh of September and the twenty-third of 
 
48 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 December, 1861, for three years. The regiment took part in the battles of Leesburg, Brandy Station, 
 Middieburg, Gettysburg, Shepardstown, Sulphur Springs, Todd's Tavern, Ream's Station, Boydton Road and 
 other battles. Company H of the Eleventh New York Cavalry, generally known as "Scott's Nine Hundred," 
 was raised in Buffalo, and was mustered into service with the regiment in the winter of 1861-2. The Eleventh 
 served in Louisiana. The principal battle in which the regiment was engaged was New River. Captain 
 John Morris was captain of the Buffalo company. The regiment was mustered out in March, 1865. Two 
 companies, K and M, of the Twelfth New York Cavalry, were recruited in Erie county. The regiment was 
 stationed in North Carolina, and participated in the battle of Tarboro July 2, 1863, and the battle of Wise's 
 Ford, March 8, 1865. This regiment was-mustered out July 9, 1865. A company of the Fourteenth New 
 York Cavalry was raised in Erie county. Captain Albert W. Metcalfe, and served in Louisiana. Of the 
 Sixteenth New York Cavalry four companies, B, C, D, and E, were recruited in Erie county. Captain John 
 Nicholson was in command of Company B, Captain Joseph Schneider of Company C, Captain A. L. Wash- 
 burn of Company D, and Captain Charles E. Morse of Company E. The regiment served in North Carolina. 
 Captain Nicholson was promoted to major February 4, 1865, and Samuel P. Gail was appointed adjutant in 
 1864 and captain in November of that year. Of the Twenty-fourth New York Cavalry three companies. 
 Captains Leland L. Doolittle, Charles B. Coventry and H. J. Tucker, were organized in Erie county. The 
 regiment served with the Army of the Potomac and took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
 North Anna, Totopotomy, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Ream's 
 Station, and in the other battles of 1864 and 1865 in which the Army of the Potomac was engaged. The 
 Second Mounted Rifles was organized in the summer of 1862, and companies D, H, and K, of the regiment 
 were recruited in Erie county. Henry Wells was captain of Company D, James T. Hall of Company H, and 
 Samuel D. Steinman of Company K. They served with the Army of the Potomac, and were actively engaged 
 in the battles of Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Bethesda Church, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run, and other 
 engagements. First Lieutenant John W. Bedel was mortally wounded before Petersburg, and Lieutenant 
 John F. Nunan was killed at Hatcher's Run. The regiment was mustered out December 9, 1864. Wiedrich's 
 Battery, famous in the history of the Rebellion, was organized in Buffalo in August, 1861. It was known as 
 Battery I, First New York Artillery, but acted throughout the war as a separate organization. It was 
 commanded by Captain Michael Wiedrich, and was composed entirely of men of German birth or parentage, 
 and maintained in action the proverbial reputation of the Teutonic race for unflinching courage and earnestness 
 of purpose. At the battle of Cross Keys, June 8, 1862, the battery was actively engaged, having six men 
 wounded, two of them mortally. August 22 following. Battery I took part in the battle of Freeman's Ford 
 with a loss of one killed and five wounded. The battery was in the thickest of the fight at the second Bull 
 Run battle, in which Lieutenant Schenkelberger and thirteen men were wounded. In this engagement five of 
 the six guns were disabled, and it was only by the most desperate efforts that the guns were saved. At the 
 battle of Chancellorsville Captain Wiedrich was obliged to leave two of his guns. At one of them all the men 
 but one were shot down, and four horses were killed at the others. In this action four men of Battery I were 
 killed and fourteen were wounded. At Gettysburg the battery was hotly engaged, three men being killed 
 and Lieutenants Palm and Stock and seventeen men were wounded. The battery was engaged in the battles 
 of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, escaping loss, however, in both. Captain Wiedrich was promoted to 
 lieutenant-colonel of the Fifteenth New York Artillery in February, 1864, and Lieutenant Sahm became 
 captain, but he died soon afterwards and Captain Winegar took command. The battery went with Sherman 
 to Atlanta and thence to the sea. At Lost Mountain June 4 two men were wounded, and at Kenesaw 
 Mountain one man was killed and one wounded. At Peach Tree Creek, July 20, one man was killed and 
 five wounded, and at the siege of Atlanta Lieutenant Aeuchen was killed and two of the men mortally 
 wounded. The battery was mustered out at the close of the war. 
 
 The Twenty-seventh Light Battery was organized in Erie county and was mustered into the service of 
 the United States for three years December 17, 1862. The officers were: captain, John B. Eaton; first 
 lieutenant, William A. Bird, Jr. ; and second lieutenant, Charles A. Clark. The battery joined the Army of 
 of the Potomac and participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, and was 
 mustered out of service in June, 1865. The Thirty-third Light Battery was raised in Erie and Niagara 
 counties, Alger M. Wheeler, captain; J. D. Woods and Orville S. Dewey, first lieutenants; and Otis S. 
 Drake and William G. Burt, second lieutenants. The battery was mustered into the Federal service August 
 31, 1863. Captain Wheeler was brevetted major for gallantry in action, and the officers and men won many 
 laurels for courage and efficiency in many engagements. 
 
BUFFALO AFTER THE WAR 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 FOR several years after the close of the War of the Rebellion Buffalo made but little progress toward 
 the grand position it was destined to occupy among the industrial and commercial centers of the 
 Union. Business was stagnated and few new enterprises of moment were inaugurated. On 
 January 26, 1865, the American hotel was burned, and James H. Sidway, William H. Giliett and 
 George H. Tifft were Ifilled by falling walls. The same year a society for the encouragement of manu- 
 facturing in Buffalo was organized, but little was accomplished, hi May and June of this year Buffalo was 
 made the rendezvous for the members of the Fenian organization who had determined to invade the Dominion 
 of Canada. Towards the last of May Fenian soldiers began to arrive, and by June i about one thousand 
 men were assembled in this city, with General O'Niel in command. The United States Government took 
 immediate steps to prevent them crossing the Niagara river, but on the night of June i about one thousand 
 Fenians crossed to the Canada side. On the next day General Grant arrived and placed General William 
 F. Barry in command of the frontier, with power to call out the National Guard, and a detachment of regular 
 troops was ordered to Fort Porter from Sackett's Harbor to prevent hostile movements from this side of the 
 river. On June 2 an engagement between the Fenian troops and the Canadian militia took place at Lime- 
 stone Ridge, resulting disastrously to the invaders, about five hundred of whom were captured by the United 
 States authorities on their retreat across the river. The excitement continued, however ; troops continued to 
 arrive at this point to reinforce the Fenians, and on June 5, orders signed by the Attorney General of the 
 United States, were issued, directing the arrest of all persons connected with the Fenian movement, and on 
 the twelfth of that month orders were received which caused the disbandment of the entire force, the men 
 returning to their homes. 
 
 In the fall of 1865 the Democrats reelected James M. Humphrey to Congress and C. R. Durkee county 
 treasurer. After the census of 1865 was taken by the State, Erie couny was assigned five members of 
 assembly, and in 1866 the delegation was composed of C. W. Hinson, now judge of the Municipal Court 
 William Williams, and R. L. Burrows of Buffalo, Alpheus Prince of Newstead, and J. H. Plumb of Collins. 
 In 1867 G. J. Bamler, Richard Flach, and L. P. Dayton were elected to the Assembly from Buffalo, and 
 Alpheus Prince of Newstead and James Rider of Sardinia were elected to make up the balance of the 
 delegation. At this election Asher P. Nichols was chosen State senator and Charles Darcy sheriff, Horatio 
 Seymour surrogate, and John H. Andrews of Evans was elected county clerk. In 1868 Erie county gave the 
 Grant electoral ticket two thousand majority, and the Republicans elected D. S. Bennett to Congress, and 
 R. L. Burrows county judge. Mr. Bass was reelected district attorney at this election. In the summer of 
 this year Frederick Law Olmsted, the distinguished landscape architect of New York City, was called to 
 Buffalo by a number of citizens of public spirit, with the view of laying out a park system. Among the 
 most prominent in this enterprise were Pascal P. Pratt, S. S. Jewett, Richard Flach, Joseph Warren, and 
 William Dorsheimer. Hon. William F. Rogers, then mayor of the city, gave his influence to the movement, 
 and it was greatly promoted by the liberality of the Common Council. After thorough examination, Mr. 
 
?o 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Olmsted made a full report of a favorable character, and action was taken at once toward carrying out his 
 suggestions. A board of park commissioners was appointed, and in April, 1869, an act of the Legislature 
 was passed authorizing an issue of bonds to carry on the work. The work was begun under the immediate 
 supervision of Mr. W. McMillen, superintendent, and was pushed with great vigor, resulting finally in the 
 present park system, now comprising about one thousand acres, at an outlay of about jS2,ooo,ooo. The 
 system comprises a chain of parks nearly encircling the city on the land side. Commencing at the point 
 where the waters of Lake Erie pour into the Niagara river, is the "Front," containing forty-five acres on 
 the crest of a steep bluff fifty feet above the lake surface, commanding a fine view of the Canadian shore. 
 
 THE RUINS OF THE AMERICAN HOTEL BLOCK AS THEY APPEARED AFTER THE GREAT FIRE OF JANUARY 26, 1865. 
 
 The lowland between the Erie canal and the lake has been converted into a play-ground. Adjoining this is 
 Fort Porter, occupying seventeen acres of ground, and parkways or boulevards one hundred feet wide and 
 lined with trees connect the Front with North Park, which embraces 365 acres, forty-six of which form a 
 beautiful lake, and fifty acres comprise a broad sweep of turf, known as the Meadow. This park includes 
 picnic grounds, shady woods, and handsomely laid out lawns and drives. Adjoining the park is Forest Lawn 
 cemetery, of 230 acres, which, by another system of parkways, is connected with the Parade, which 
 includes fifty-six acres of smooth lawn for military drills, parades, etc., with a fine grove and a large 
 refectory. Three parks in the south part of the city are just completed or nearly so, one of si.\ty-two acres 
 on the lake shore, known as Stony Point; South Park, of 150 acres; and Cazenovia Park, of eighty acres, 
 which will be connected with the other parks and with each other by broad parkways. 
 
 hi 1869 the Republicans still held supremacy, electing Loran L. Lewis to the State senate, and W. B. 
 Sirret county treasurer. The following year William Williams was elected to Congress on the Democratic 
 ticket, however; Grover Cleveland was elected sheriff, and J. H. Fisher county clerk, by that party. 
 
 The corner-stone of the city and county hall was laid June 24, 1872, with appropriate ceremonies. The 
 act of Legislature authorizing the building of this magnificent structure was passed April 21, 1871. The first 
 estimate of the cost was ^772,000, and ground was broken August 21 of that year. In April, 1873, the 
 plans were amended, providing for granite instead of softer stone, and for black walnut instead of pine in the 
 construction of the building, and making the total cost $1,207,234. This amendment was sanctioned by the 
 Legislature, the act limiting the total cost to a sum not exceeding $1,400,000. In the spring of 1876 the 
 building was completed. It is in the form of a double cross, the main front on Franklin street being 245 feet, 
 with a depth of 114 feet to Delaware avenue, with six projections, one on each end and two on each side, 
 52x20 feet in area, the total ground occupied by the building being 35,310 feet. It is a most imposing 
 structure, harmonious in its proportions, convenient in its arrangement, and substantially built. 
 
 In 1872 the Republicans swept the field, electing Lyman K. Bass to Congress, Albert Haight county 
 judge, and William Sirrett county treasurer a second time. That party elected all the members of the 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 ?1 
 
 Legislature, which never occurred before or since, hi 1873 the honors were divided. John Gaiison was 
 elected State senator by the Democrats, and J. B. Weber and G. L. Remington, Republican candidates for 
 sheriff and county clerk, respectively, were elected. In 1874 the Democrats elected A. P- Laning senator, 
 and D. N. Lockwood district attorney. At this election Hon. William Dorsheimer was elected Lieutenant- 
 governor. IWr. Bass, however, was elected to Congress by the Republicans. In 1875 the Republicans had a 
 majority of 3500 in Erie county, electing S, S. Rogers State senator, and for a third time electing Mr. Sirrett 
 county treasurer. 
 
 The German Bank of Buffalo was organized May 6, 1871. F. Aug. Georger was its first president. 
 The new jaiP was built in 1877-8, at the corner of Delaware avenue and Church street. It is a substantial, 
 solidly-built stone structure. A new wing was added to the county insane asylum the same year. The old 
 court-house was torn down in 1875. It was built in 1817 and at the time was the most imposing building in 
 the village. In 1871 the Republicans elected Mr. Lewis to the State senate, B. H. Williams district attorney, 
 and Zebuion Ferris surrogate. Nelson K. Hopkins of Buffalo was this year elected State comptroller. The 
 State census of 1875 gave the county a population of 199,570, and Buffalo 134,573. 
 
 The Buffalo Charity Organization was founded in 1877 and was the first of its kind in America. 
 Benjamin Fitch of New York City, but formerly a resident of Buffalo, donated to the organization real estate 
 to the value of $300,000, under restrictions. This society supports the Fitch creche, where the children of 
 working-women are cared for, and includes a kindergarten and a school for training nursery-maids, it is a 
 fire-proof building and cost ^140,000. In 1877 the Buffalo & Jamestown Railroad Company was organized 
 under the name of Buffalo & Southwestern Railroad Company, and the line was leased to the New York, 
 Lake Erie & Western, who now operate the road. After years of business depression, a revival of trade 
 occurred in 1879, and 
 the same year the New 
 York, Chicago & St. 
 Louis Railroad, popu- 
 larly known as the 
 "Nickel Plate" road, 
 was commenced from 
 Buffalo to Chicago, via 
 Fort Wayne, a distance 
 of 523 miles, which was 
 completed in the latter 
 part of 1882. The New 
 York, Lackawanna & 
 Western Railway Com- 
 pany was chartered in 
 August, 1880, to con- 
 struct an extension of 
 the Delaware, Lacka- 
 wanna & Western Rail- 
 road from Binghamton 
 to Buffalo, a distance 
 of two hundred miles, 
 which was completed in 
 1883. The Rochester 
 & Pittsburg Railroad 
 Company were the suc- 
 cessors of the Rochester 
 & State Line Company, 
 
 and in 1882 built a branch road from Ashford, Cattaraugus county, to Buffalo, via East Hamburg, West Falls, 
 Golden, and Springville, which was completed in August, 1883. Every railroad mentioned has Buffalo as a 
 terminus, not a line running through the city. On May 20, 1880, the Legislature of New York passed an 
 act establishing a municipal court in Buffalo, giving it jurisdiction in all cases where three hundred dollars or 
 less in money is involved. Two judges of this court were appointed by the mayor and were confirmed by the 
 Common Council, one for six and one-half years from July i, 1880, and the other for five and one-half years 
 
 MAIN STREET, CORNER OF LAFAYETTE SQUARE. 
 
^2 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 from that date. The first judges of the Municipal Court were Hon. George S. Wardweij and Hon. George A. 
 Lewis, and Otto Volger was appointed cleric. The United States Life-boat station, which was established 
 at Buffalo harbor in September, 1877, was made a full station of the United States Life-saving Service 
 July I, 1879. 
 
 Frederick Bensler's large furniture factory was burned May 11. Rev. Edward Middleton was ordained 
 pastor of the First Presbyterian church May 19. Robert Mills was appointed police commissioner June 7, and 
 the same day Nelson K. Hopkins, George R. Potter and James M. Hutchinson were appointed commissioners 
 of the Fire Department by Mayor Brush. The Beaver Island club was incorporated June 17, and George A. 
 Lewis was appointed judge of the Municipal Court June 21, and July i the Fire Department was reorganized. 
 The regatta of the Buffalo Yacht club on July 9 was an occasion of great interest. July 29 a destructive fire 
 
 THE OLD MUSIC HALL. 
 
 on the island occurred, planing mills and lumber to the value of $225,000 being destroyed. The corner-stone 
 of the new wing of the Asylum of the Good Shepherd on Best street was laid August i of this year. August 
 4, 1880, Brigadier-general Albert J. Meyer, U. S. A., "Old Probabilities," died at the Palace hotel, aged 
 fifty-two years; the funeral occurred on the seventh. September 4 Hon. Albert P. Laning died. The 
 Marquis of Lome and suite visited Niagara Falls September 28, and on October i the new part of the General 
 Hospital was dedicated. Westminster Presbyterian church was reopened October 10, and the new Unitarian 
 church on Delaware avenue was dedicated October 13. A great storm of wind and snow visited the city on 
 the seventeenth, and the same day the corner-stone of the soldiers' and sailors' monument at Forest Lawn 
 was laid by the Masonic fraternity. October 22 the Decorative Art Society opened their rooms. 
 
 At the election, November 2, Hon. Jonathan Scoville was elected by tlie Democrats to Congress. 
 November 7 the wind created great havoc on the lakes and on shore. December 28 Lafayette Street Presby- 
 terian church was reopened. The wall-paper factory of M. H. Birge & Sons was totally destroyed by fire 
 December 17, and twelve people were killed. The Queen City malt-house and Alberger House were also 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 ^i 
 
 destroyed. The loss aggregated $250,000. Rodney W. Daniels was appointed Collector of the Port of 
 Buffalo by President Hayes December 21 of this year. 
 
 The Common Council was organized by the election of M. E. Beebe president, January 3, 1881. Fitch 
 creche was formally opened three days later, and on the eighth Dr. A. H. Briggs was reappointed health 
 officer of the city. Rev. William Shelton, of St. Paul's cathedral, resigned after a pastorate of fifty-one 
 years. January 21 a snow 
 storm of unusual violence oc- 
 curred, greatly impeding travel. 
 Four hundred feet of the- roof of 
 the Exchange Street depot fell 
 February 8, killing four men. 
 On the twenty -eighth W. S. 
 Bissell resigned as president of 
 the Young Men's Association, 
 and C. A. Sweet was elected in 
 his place ; the certificate of in- 
 corporation of the First Baptist 
 church was filed, and Charles 
 M. King was appointed canal 
 collector of Buffalo. The mayor 
 and common council of Toronto 
 visited this city April 5 ; Dr. 
 Pierce's Palace hotel was de- 
 stroyed by fire, loss $250,000, 
 and Dr. Joseph Haberstro re- 
 signed his position as resident 
 physician at the poor-house. 
 Brigadier - general John C. 
 Graves received his commis- 
 sion as commandant of Four- 
 teenth brigade, N. G. N. Y., April 8. On the tenth of this month the soldiers' and sailors' monument 
 committee requested Council to appropriate $25,000 towards completing the work. The Buffalo Cooperative 
 Brewing Company began business on High street April 14, and on the seventeenth Rev. J. H. Hartzel 
 preached his farewell sermon to the congregation of the Church of the Messiah. Hofner's soap factory was 
 burned May 6, loss $45,000. May 11 the Niagara Square Baptist church was purchased by the First 
 Congregational Church Society for ^15,520. On May 12 Rev. Francis L. Patten, D. D., LL. D., accepted 
 a call to one of the chairs in Princeton Theological Seminary. May 19 building operations were partially 
 suspended owing to the strike of brick-layers and stone-masons; and the strike of the freight-handlers on the 
 Central, Erie, and Lake Shore railways practically ended. May 30 the soldiers' and sailors' monument in' 
 Forest Lawn was unveiled, military and civic organizations taking part. It bears the inscription: "This 
 monument honors the friendless soldiers and sailors buried here, who fought to save the Union in the 
 Rebellion of 1861-1865." The case of Joseph Bork, the defaulting city treasurer, was called for trial May 31 
 in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, and was convicted June 7. 
 
 The corner-stone of the Prospect Avenue Baptist church was laid July 12, 1881. Hon. William J. Fargo 
 died August 3, and his funeral, three days later, was largely attended. On the eleventh of this month the 
 widow of ex-President Fillmore died; and on the twenty-fifth Mr. A. Altman resigned the presidency of the 
 Third National bank, and Mr. Charles A. Sweet was elected his successor. Rev. Dr. Gibbs was installed as 
 pastor of the Church of the Messiah on Sunday, September 4, of this year, and on the seventh City Attorney 
 Hawks was suspended from office by the Mayor. The ninth of this month was observed as a day of prayer 
 for the recovery of President Garfield. Rev. G. M. Peters resigned the pastorate of Cedar Street Baptist 
 church September 18, and the following Sunday services in memory of President Garfield were held in all 
 the churches of the city. The following day business was suspended and a memorial meeting was held in the 
 rooms of the Board of Trade, appropriate resolutions on the death of the murdered President being adopted. 
 On October 5 the medical department of Buffalo University was opened, and on the sixteenth of this 
 month Rev. R. M. Stratton, D. D., the new pastor of Grace Methodist Episcopal church preached his first 
 
 BUFFALO HARBOR FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE. 
 
54 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 .sermon. October 28 an order was granted by Judge Haight, of the Supreme Court, changing the name of 
 the Union cemetery to Delaware Avenue cemetery. Rev. R. S. Green was installed as pastor of Lafayette 
 Street Presbyterian church November i, and the same day the death of Dr. Walter Gary at Marseilles, 
 France, was announced. At the election, November 8, the Democracy triumphed, electing Grover Cleveland 
 mayor, and also its candidates for comptroller, city attorney, engineer, street commissioner, and superinten- 
 dent of education. The Republican candidates for treasurer and assessor were elected at this time. The 
 death of Jacob Altman occurred November 11, and he was buried on the fourteenth. The Dart planing-mill 
 was destroyed by fire on the twenty-second of this month, loss $77,000. Rev. W. S. Hubbell, the new 
 
 pastor of North Pres- 
 byterian church, was 
 welcomed December 4; 
 and three days later the 
 death of Rev. William 
 Baker occurred, the 
 funeral services being 
 conducted on the sev- 
 enth. The death of 
 Mr. Charles Townsend 
 Coit, president of the 
 First National bank, 
 and the funeral on the 
 thirteenth were occa- 
 sions of great sorrow. 
 Rev.W.S. Hubbell was 
 installed pastor of North 
 Presbyterian church 
 December 22, and on 
 Christmas day, the 
 West Side Presbyterian 
 church was dedicated. 
 Jonathan Mayhew died the same day and the funeral services were held December 29. 
 
 By a combination of Democrats and Independents the Common Council was organized January 2, 1882. 
 On the twenty-fourth of this month the First Congregationalist church on Niagara square was dedicated. 
 Companies D and E of the Si.xty-fifth, and companies E and K of the Seventy-fourth regiment, N. G. N. Y., 
 were disbanded on this date, the companies falling below the minimum of membership ; the officers being 
 placed on the supernumerary list. On March 5 Rev. George Whitman preached his first sermon as pastor of 
 the Cedar Street Baptist church, and the same day the funeral cortege of Ko Kua Hua, late Chinese professor 
 at Howard University, passed through this city en route for China. The certificate of incorporation of the 
 Cutler Furniture Company was filed March 20, and on the twenty-seventh the Merchants' and Manufacturers' 
 Building Association also filed its certificate of incorporation. The plan for the new building of the Young Men's 
 Christian Association, corner of Pearl and Mohawk streets, was adopted on the twenty-seventh ; and two 
 days later Farthing & Company's distillery was damaged by fire with a loss of from fifty to sixty thousand 
 dollars. Rev. J. W. Brown, D. D., of Trinity church, Cleveland, Ohio, accepted the call to St. Paul's, of 
 this city, the same day. The laying of the corner-stone of the soldiers' monument on Lafayette square was 
 postponed till July 4 next, at a meeting of the monument committee April 7. On the twelfth of April of this 
 year the First National bank was closed. A heavy business in real estate was transacted during the spring 
 and summer of this year. The National Telephone Company, to operate between New York City, Albany, 
 and Buffalo, was incorporated April 24, with a capital of five millions. The day following the building of the 
 East Side Railway Company's car barns at Main and Virginia streets was begun. Dr. George E. Hayes died 
 April 27 leaving a v/ill, in which he made a magnificent bequest to the Society of Natural Sciences. Dr. 
 J. W. Brown officiated as rector of St. Paul's for the first time May 7 of this year. On the fifteenth of this 
 month Benjamin Fitch made an additional donation of fifteen thousand dollars to the trustees of the Charity 
 Organization Society for improvements to Fitch institute. 
 
 The surveys for the Buffalo, Cayuga Valley & Pine Creek Railroad were begun May 6 of this year, and 
 on the next day the Bradford extension of the Buffalo, Pittsburgh & Western Railroad was opened. The 
 
 ELMWOOD AVENUE NEAR BARKER STREET. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS <,S 
 
 death of George W. Tifft occurred June 23, awA July 4 tlie semi-centennial anniversary of the City of Buffalo 
 was celebrated with great enthusiasm. The corner-stone of the soldiers' monument was laid with imposing 
 ceremonies, and over fifty thousand strangers visited the city. Rev. G. L. Wharton, of the Church of 
 Christ, preached his farewell sermon July 16. On August 8 the contract for the new Board of Trade 
 building was let to Jacob Beier & Son, and on the twelfth the plan for the enlargement of the Government 
 building was decided upon. On the twenty-sixth of this month the iron steamship H.J. Jewett was launched, 
 and two days later the death of John G. Dayton occurred. The first train of palace stock cars arrived in 
 Buffalo August 31. Rev. William Trible preached his first sermon as pastor of the Church of Christ 
 September 3. On the sixth plans for the new Music Hall building were adopted, and the following day the 
 corner-stone of the Young Men's Christian Association building, corner Mohawk and Pearl streets, was laid. 
 The new chapel of the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane was dedicated September 17, and on the twenty- 
 sixth the mayor, Grover Cleveland, was nominated by the Democratic State convention for Governor. 
 General W. T. Sherman made an official visit to Fort Porter September 26, and Wahle's new opera-house, 
 now Court Street theater, was opened with a performance by the Strakosch English Opera Company. 
 November 6, 1882, Rev. J. F. Ernst died, and at the general election next day, Grover Cleveland was 
 elected Governor by an immense majority, Erie county contributing 7440 of his plurality. The Democrats 
 elected General W. F. Rogers to Congress at this election. Governor-elect Cleveland had a grand reception 
 at the City club, November 16, and on the twentieth his resignation as Mayor of Buffalo was received. On 
 the twenty-fourth the elegant residence of George Bailey on Delaware avenue was burned, loss $ 1 50,000, 
 and the same day the death of William Wilkeson occurred, and two days later William H. Glenny died. 
 
 Prospect Avenue Baptist church was dedicated March 28, and the same day R. Porter Lee, ex-president 
 of the defunct First National bank, was convicted of defrauding the bank and was sentenced to ten years' 
 imprisonment in Erie county penitentiary. The Vine Street Methodist Episcopal church was reopened 
 December 10, and the following day the Buffalo Medical Library Association was organized. The new hall 
 of the United Workmen in the Young Men's Association building was dedicated December 13. A disastrous 
 fire occurred December 21 of this year, destroying the building of the "Commercial Advertiser" on 
 Washington street and part of the Miller-Greiner building, the loss aggregating over four hundred thousand 
 dollars. The election of Herman S. Cutting, Esq., by Common Council as mayor, to succeed Governor-elect 
 Cleveland, December 29 closed the record of important local events for 1882. 
 
 The first meeting of the Common Council was held January i, 1883, and Alderman R. R. Hefford was 
 elected president, and the City Free Dispensary was opened the same day. The Buffalo Press club-rooms 
 were formally opened January 5, and on the ninth John B. Manning was elected mayor by the Democrats by 
 a majority of 3715 votes. January 19 Jerome F. Fargo of Adams' Express Company died, and was buried 
 on the twenty-first. The local board of Pension Surgeons was reorganized February 3 : president. Dr. E. H. 
 Daggett; secretary and treasurer. Dr. Frank W. Abbott; Dr. Charles Gary. Rev. Edward Ingersoll died 
 suddenly the day following ; he was rector of Trinity church for thirty years ; the funeral occurred on the ninth. 
 
 The first number of the "Sporting World" was issued February 15. The new Baptist chapel on 
 Delaware avenue was dedicated the same day. The Young Men's Christian Association received an anony- 
 mous donation of ^3000 February 23. The corner-stone of the new Music Hall was laid March 5 of this 
 year, and on the seventh F. A. Georger, president of the German Savings bank, cabled 25,000 marks 
 (;^595o) to the president of the German Reichstag at Berlin, for the benefit of the sufferers from the flood on 
 the Rhine; the money was subscribed in Buffalo. The post-office business, April i, 1883, had increased to 
 such an extent that Postmaster Bedford was obliged to increase his bond from ^105,000 to $130,000. April 
 29 Rev. William W. Hughes of St. John's church closed his rectorship, and the new German St. Paul's 
 church on Ellicott street, between Tupper and Goodell, was dedicated the same day. The amount required 
 to be raised from taxation for this year was fixed at $1,659,639.99, an increase over 1882 of $76,038.81. On 
 May 6 Rev. S. R. Fuller preached his inaugural sermon in St. John's church, and on the tenth Rev. Frank 
 S. Fitch was installed as pastor of the First Congregational church. Thomas Curtin was appointed 
 superintendent of police May 11, and on the nineteenth the Acacia club filed articles of incorporation. The 
 battle flag of the Twenty-eighth New York Volunteers, captured by the Fifth Virginia Regiment, C. S. A., 
 was returned by survivors of the latter regiment May 22, the occasion being one of great interest. The 
 corner-stone of the new St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic church was laid May 25. July i the new city 
 directory gave the population of the city as 200,011. On the eleventh Rev. W. F. Faber was ordained in 
 North Presbyterian church as City Evangelist in the eighth ward. The strike of the telegraph operators at 
 this time tiave rise to grave fears of great detriment to business. 
 
^6 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^i- i- ^ 
 
 PHOTOGRAPH COPYRIGHTED BY THE CIT 
 
 PANORAMIC VIEW. 
 
 The corner-stone of St. James' church, Swan and Spring streets, was laid July 25, and the corner-stone 
 of St. Mark's church, on Elk street, was laid August 7 of this year. August 26 Rev. F. Jennings of Calvary 
 Presbyterian church preached his farewell sermon, and the same day Bishop Ryan laid the foundation of the 
 new Catholic church at Gardenville. Captain Charles McCarthy, one of the oldest citizens, and one of the 
 oldest lake navigators, died September 4. The first edition of the daily " Times " was issued September 13. 
 Lord Coleridge had a reception at the City club September 20, and the first number of the Sunday 
 "Express" was issued September 30 of this year. On October 12 St. Mark's church, on Elk street, 
 extended a call to Rev. Otto Bueren of Rochester. The corner-stone of School No. 16, Utica and Best streets, 
 was laid October 20, and on the thirty-first the certificate of incorporation of the Polish Catholic church of 
 the Mother of Rosary was filed. Major S. M Welch was elected Lieutenant-colonel of the Sixty-fifth 
 regiment, N. G. N. Y., and Captain John E. Robie was elected major in his stead. At the election Novem- 
 ber 5 the Democrats elected most of their candidates, including Mayor Jonathan Scoville. November 14 Rev. 
 James McLeod, of the Central Presbyterian church, resigned the pastorate. The newly-elected city officers 
 were sworn in November 26. 
 
 December i of this year Bunnell's Museum was opened as one of the city's permanent institutions in St. 
 James' hall, and on the ninth of the same month the ne.w St. Agnes church on Bensinger street was dedicated 
 by Bishop Ryan. Dr. H. Mickle, formerly of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, England, was appointed 
 resident physician of the Pine Street Emergency Hospital. The opening of the new cantilever bridge 
 below Niagara Falls December 20 was one of the important events of the year, affecting materially the trade 
 of the Queen City of the Lakes. 
 
 The year 1884 was ushered in with the opening of the West Shore Railroad, January i, an event of great 
 importance to Buffalo interests. The city officials elected in November, 1883, entered upon their duties 
 January 7, and the opening of the magnificent new building of the Young Men's Christian Association, 
 January 28, was celebrated with imposing ceremonies. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church issued a 
 call to Rev. Carl N. Conrad of Rochester, to supply the pastorate made vacant by the resignation of 
 Rev. Christian Volz February 2, and February 10 was made notable by the bombardment of Buffalo by 
 the Salvation Army for the first time. The new Cooking school absorbed great interest among the ladies 
 during the winter of this year. On March 29 Lieutenant-colonel Edgar B. Jewett was elected Brigadier- 
 general and commandant of the Eighth brigade, N. G. N. Y. 
 
 The estimates of Comptroller Barnard of the amount required by the several branches of the municipal 
 government for 1884, filed April i, were $2,102,184.13, the amount to be raised by taxation being $1,952,- 
 184.13, an increase over the previous year of $292,594.14. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 ">! 
 
 The Calvary Presbyterian church extended a call to Rev. J. P. Egbert in the early part of this month, 
 and on the twenty-first the Main Street Land Association of Buffalo was incorporated, and on the twenty- 
 ninth the extension of water-mains to the amount of $66,700 was ordered. On May i the Children's ward 
 in the General Hospital was opened, and on the third of this month the terms of the consolidation of Trinity 
 and Christ churches were approved by the latter. Government work on the breakwater was begun May 12, 
 and the following day James Ash, the newly-appointed park commissioner, was sworn in. The new ball 
 grounds of the Buffalo Base Ball club at Olympic park were opened with a game with the Detroits May 
 20. On June 12 ground was broken for the addition to the State Arsenal on Broadway, and the same day 
 the Union Terminal Railroad Company of Buffalo, with a capital stock of 1? 1,000,000, was incorporated. The 
 Germania theatre was opened June 23. In a heavy rain storm, July 4 the soldiers' monument was dedicated, 
 the principal part of the ceremony taking place in the Court Street theatre. The new city directory pub- 
 lished about this time gave the population of Buffalo as 254,856. July 31 the seventy-fifth meridian time 
 was made the standard for Buffalo. In August of this year Wahle's opera-house was leased by J. M. Hill 
 and the name was changed to Court Street theatre, and the City Eye and Ear Dispensary was removed to 
 562 Washington street. 
 
 The nominations of Cleveland and Blaine for President having been made, politics at this time seemed to 
 absorb general attention. In October of this year the trunk sewer, which was approaching completion, had 
 cost $732,948.46. The general election occurred November 4, the city giving the Blaine electors a majority 
 of 1254, and the Republicans elected their candidate for city treasurer, eight of the twelve city members of the 
 board of supervisors, six of the twelve aldermen, and three of the five members of assembly. Major J. M. 
 Farquhar, the candidate of the Republicans for Congress, was elected over D. N. Lockwood. The uncertainty 
 of the result of the presidential vote so long protracted was the cause of grave concern, and the official 
 announcement of Cleveland's election was a great relief to all. The members of Delaware Avenue Methodist 
 Episcopal church wel- 
 
 m 
 
 corned their new pastor. 
 Rev. F. C. Inglehart, 
 November 13, and the 
 next day the stone 
 chapel on Glen wood 
 avenue, corner of Purdy 
 street, was dedicated. 
 Rev. John M. McLachlin 
 officiated as pastor of 
 the Central Presbyte- 
 rian church for the first 
 time December 21, and 
 on the twenty -eighth 
 Rev. Henry W. Crabbe, 
 who had been pastor 
 of the United Presbyte- 
 rian church for twelve 
 years, preached his fare- 
 well sermon. 
 
 Messrs. Stafford & 
 Company assumed the 
 management of the Tifft 
 House January 5, 1885, 
 and on the tenth, the 
 new Board of Health 
 was organized. The 
 
 contract for carrying the mails between the post-office and the depots was let by the . Post-office Department 
 to H. C. Slavin at $4900 per annum, from July i, 1885. The "Commercial" became a two-cent news- 
 paper February 3 of this year. The corner-stone of No. 8 station-house was laid February 7. The largest 
 fire in Buffalo for years occurred March 25 of this year. Music hall and St. Louis' German Catholic church 
 were destroyed, and damage to other property was caused; the loss aggregating over $350,000, on which 
 
 THE BUFFALO PARK LAKE. 
 
^8 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 insurance was in force to the amount of $116,500 — $88,000 of whicli was lield by the German Young Men's 
 Association. Joseph Grimm, a bricklayer, and George J. Roth, a fireman, were killed on this occasion. On 
 April i6 another large fire burned part of the Washington block; the Buffalo "Express" ofifice was totally 
 destroyed, and the large printing establishment of Matthews, Northrup & Company was partially consumed ; 
 the loss was $225,000, on which there was insurance of $189,000. A severe snowstorm occurred May 10 
 of this year, the latest since 1870. 
 
 The Best Street Land Association filed its certificate of incorporation May 19, and on the twenty-fourth 
 the corner-stone of the new German Evangelical Lutheran church was laid. The contract for the new 
 armory of the Seventy-fourth regiment, N. G. N. Y., was awarded May 28 of this year. The corner-stone 
 of the addition to the insane department of the poor-house was laid June 4. The city directory this year 
 gives the population of the city as 250,000. The first issue of the "Roller Mill," a publication in the interest 
 of milling, was issued July 15, and the same day the reservation at Niagara Falls was made free to the public. 
 July 20 Judge Sheldon appointed Norris Morey, Daniel H. McMillan, George H. Lewis, W. C. Bryant, and 
 Jacob Stern Bar committee for two years. General Grant's death, July 23, was the occasion of universal 
 sorrow. The city was draped in mourning and memorial services were held in the churches. July 25 Rev. 
 T. H. Becker was installed pastor of St. John's German Lutheran church, Detroit street below Broadway, 
 August 23, and on the thirty-first of this month Colonel Alfred Clemons died at Akron, New York; he was 
 eighty-one years of age, and was colonel of the Sixty-fifth regiment many years before ; he was buried in 
 Buffalo. St. Mary's-on-the-Hill was formally reopened, after extensive improvements had been made, 
 September 6 by Bishop Coxe. The same day the steamer IVa/ula cleared from Duluth for Buffalo with 
 twenty thousand barrels of flour from Minneapolis, the largest cargo ever floated on either of the Great 
 Lakes. The death of Judge George W. Clinton, September 10, was a sad event of this year. 
 
 Work on the new Music hall was begun September 17, and on the twenty-eighth school No. 10, on 
 Delaware avenue was opened. The "Republic" made its first appearance as a penny paper at this time. 
 The Canadian Express Company opened an office in this city October i of this year. On the twenty- 
 seventh the Americus club filed its certificate of incorporation. At the election which occurred November 3, 
 the Republicans elected D. H. McMillan State senator; F T. Gilbert, sheriff; Charles A. Orr, county clerk; 
 Henry Moest, keeper of the alms-house ; Philip Becker, mayor ; W. F. Northington, city attorney ; Joseph 
 Barnard, comptroller; James H. Carmichael, city treasurer ; George A. Lewis, judge of the Municipal Court; 
 Nicholas J. Mock, assessor, and four members of the legislative delegation. The Democrats elected Hon. 
 R. C. Titus, judge of the Superior Court; J. F. Crooker, superintendent of education, and two members of 
 assembly. November 8 the Church of Annunciation on Bouck avenue was dedicated, and on the sixteenth 
 night-schools were opened in schools Nos. 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 15, 19, and 21. 
 
 On December 2, the guns at Fort Porter were fired in honor of the memory of Vice-President Hendricks, 
 deceased. December 10 Brigadier-general Jewett tendered his resignation, and on the thirteenth the German 
 Evangelic St. Jacob's church, on Jefferson street near High, was dedicated. The Buffalo cemetery was 
 declared ready for use December 28, and on the thirty-first Rev. Elgins Popp of the order of St. Francis, was 
 ordained in St. Joseph's cathedral by Bishop Ryan. 
 
 The old armory of the Seventy-fourth regiment, N. G. N. Y., was destroyed by fire February 23, i885, 
 loss about $30,000. On the first of March of this year the Women's Union raised $12,000, and secured the 
 Babcock House on Niagara square for their work. On the fifth of that month the new Seventy-fourth 
 regiment armory on Virginia street was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, and on the eighth a depart- 
 ment of Pharmacy was established by the University of Buffalo. On the twenty-sixth of March the Gilbert 
 starch works at Black Rock were destroyed by fire, the loss amounting to over half a million dollars. On 
 April 8, 1886, the Cadet Corps was made Company E of the Seventy-fourth regiment. National Guard, and 
 during the month of May of this year there were labor agitations and strikes threatened, but resulted in 
 nothing serious. The aggregate valuation of assessable property in Buffalo this year was $122,369,710, an 
 increase of $13,995,030 over 1885. On the eighth of May the name of the Buffalo Young Men's Association 
 was changed to the Buffalo Library, and on Decoration Day, May 30, the corner-stone of St. Louis' church 
 was laid, followed on the thirty-first by the laying of the corner-stone of Music hall. On June 2, 1886, the 
 Baker's Union ordered a strike of the journeymen bakers, but the difficulty was settled a few days later by 
 mutual concessions. The annex of the Homoeopathic hospital was opened on the eighteenth of this month, 
 and on the twenty-fourth the local board of the Civil Service Commission was formed. On the thirtieth the 
 Seventh battery was mustered out of the State service. On July 2 the Seventy-fourth regiment left for 
 Peekskill camp, followed by the Sixty-fifth regiment on the sixteenth. Dearborn Street Baptist church was 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 ?9 
 
 dedicated July 7. On the twenty-fifth of August, 1886, Brigadier-general Peter C. Doyle became commander 
 of the new Fourth brigade, N. G. N. Y. A boom in building operations came in with the month of September 
 of this year. The new Library building was enclosed the first of the month, and the walls of Music hall 
 were almost completed. The sufferers by the Charleston earthquake, August 31, had warm friends in this 
 city, and by the twenty-fourth of September $7182.75 was raised here for their benefit. On the thirtieth 
 of September, 1886, the Riverside Driving Park was opened. 
 
 The month of October of this year was an eventful one. General John C. Graves retired from the office 
 of Clerk of the Superior Court October i, and was succeeded by Moses Shire, and on the fourth James A. 
 Hanlon was appointed Internal Revenue Collector vice H. S. Pierce, suspended. On the fourteenth a terrible 
 storm broke over the city, causing great desolation on the Island, many families being rendered homeless. 
 Part of Music hall was blown down, and great destruction of property, with loss of life, in the city and on the 
 lakes was caused. Nearly two hundred homeless sufferers from the flood were cared for at the old Police 
 
 PARADE AT THE DEDICATION OF THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT, 1885. 
 
 headquarters building. On the seventeenth St. Stanislaus' Polish church was dedicated. Hon. Daniel N. 
 Lockwood was appointed United States District Attorney for the Northern District of New York by President 
 Cleveland October 23. By the twenty-ninth of this month the fund raised for the beach sufferers aggregated 
 $2603, making over $3200 expended in their behalf to date. Collector Hanlon took possession of the Inter- 
 nal Revenue collector's office November i, 1886. At the election held November 2, 1886, the Republicans 
 elected John M. Farquhar and John B. Weber members of congress, and Edward Gallagher and Edward K. 
 Emery members of assembly; George T. Quinby, district attorney; Edward W. Hatch, judge of Superior 
 Court; and George S. Wardwell, judge of Municipal Court. The Democrats elected William F. Sheehan, 
 Frank M. Giese and Henry H. Guenther, members of assembly, and Thomas S. King, police justice. The 
 factory of George N. Pierce & Company, and adjacent buildings on Prime street, were burned November 18, 
 the loss being $175,000. On the twenty-second Council voted an appropriation for electric lights, and the 
 first meeting of the general committee on charter revision was held on the twenty-seventh. The Sibley & 
 Holmwood building and Wells Street chapel were destroyed by fire December 7, 1886, and on the seventeenth 
 James D. Warren, one of Buffalo's most useful and prominent citizens, died. The Buffalo post-office building 
 was declared entirely inadequate by Special Agent Phelps of the United States Treasury department on 
 
6o 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 December 21, and the same day the Buffalo Electric Light and Power Company filed its certificate of 
 incorporation. The epidemic known as "pink-eye" broke out among the horses of the city and was quite 
 prevalent. On December 27 the mayor appointed F- L. Danforth as park commissioner in place of James 
 Ash, and Nelson K. Hopkins fire commissioner to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John M. Hutchinson. 
 January 10, 1887, Judge Charles Beckwith was elected Chief Judge of the Superior Court to fill the 
 vacancy caused by the retirement of Judge James M. Smith. Two days later the new Lovejoy Street 
 Episcopal church was formally opened. On the eighteenth Jewett M. Richmond's residence on Delaware 
 
 avenue was burned, loss $50,000. The 
 sad news of the death of General Gus- 
 tavus A. Scroggs was received with deep 
 regret January 24. The Grand Trunk 
 freight depot on River street was burned 
 January 28, loss about $25,000. On 
 February 2, 1887, Rev. Joseph K. Mason 
 was installed as pastor of the Church 
 of the Messiah, and on the seventh the 
 Buffalo Library was dedicated, and the 
 following day Jewett M. Richmond was 
 elected president of the organization. 
 March 1 5 witnessed two large conflagra- 
 tions. The "Courier" establishment 
 was damaged to the extent of $35,000, 
 and Miller, Greiner & Company's block. 
 City club, and other buildings were 
 destroyed, involving a total loss of 
 $400,000. This fire destroyed Masonic 
 hall, the loss on which was $70,000. 
 On the sixteenth of this month Super- 
 intendent Phillips was removed and 
 Martin Morin was appointed superintendent of police. On the eighteenth the Richmond hotel was totally 
 destroyed by fire, in which fifteen lives were lost and $300,000 worth of property was burned. St. James' 
 hall and other buildings were consumed. A benefit performance for the Richmond hotel fire sufferers was 
 given at the Academy of Music by the Yokes Company on March 30, which netted $400. 
 
 On April 5, 1887, the American Exchange bank was organized from White's bank. May i of this year 
 the Fine Arts academy was opened to the public free of charge. A memorial meeting of the Buffalo Bar was 
 held to take suitable action on the death of Hon. James Sheldon, ex-chief judge of the Supreme Court, who 
 died May 2, and the same day preliminary arrangements were made for the organization of the Buffalo Law 
 school. On the seventh of this month Edward C. Shafer was appointed police commissioner to succeed 
 J. O. Crissey, and a few days afterward Charles O'Neill was appointed collector of canal statistics to succeed 
 Charles G. Irish. On Ascension Day, May 19, Rev. Dr. W. A. Hitchcock began his duties as rector of the 
 Church of the Ascension. The new steam ferry to the Tifft Farm lumber district was opened May 25, and 
 the laying of the corner-stone of the Ingersoll Memorial chapel on Jewett avenue closed the record of the 
 month. The month of June opened with a brisk trade in real estate, a heavy lake and canal traffic, and 
 great activity in building operations, over five hundred dwellings in the eleventh ward being in process of 
 erection at the time. The post-office receipts for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1887, showed an increase of 
 twenty per cent, over the previous year. The International Typographical Union in session in Buffalo 
 elected James B. Stafford, of this city, president of the body, July 6, and the same day the Business Men's 
 Association perfected its organization. About the same time Council ordered the overhead telegraph, 
 telephone, and electric light wires and cables to be placed under ground within six months, an ordinance 
 which seems to have been "more honored in the breach than in the observance." On July 14 of this year 
 the Society of Natural Science was opened in the Buffalo Library building. On the nineteenth the corner- 
 stone of the Seven Dolors church, at Genesee and Rich streets, was laid. The water commissioners let the 
 contract for the water-works engine to the Holly Manufacturing Company July 11 at a cost of $98,750, 
 and the same day the corner-stone of the German Evangelical Trinity church on Gold street was laid. The 
 city directory just issued gave the city a population of 253,500. During the summer the cholera-infantum 
 
 BUFFALO PARK BRIDGE. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 6i 
 
 scourge was alarmingly prevalent. The Ziegel brewery and barns, corner of Main and Virginia streets, 
 were destroyed by fire July 21 and John Manning, foreman of engine No. 6, was fatally injured. On the 
 twenty-second of July the Buffalo Library accepted plans for the new Iroquois hotel. 
 
 The Masons met August i and took preliminary steps toward erecting a nev^ Masonic Temple. On the 
 eleventh of this month Rev. W. S. Pease was installed as pastor of Immanuel Baptist church. On the twelfth 
 the Queen City planing mills on Massachusetts street were burned, entailing great loss. On the twenty- 
 second steps were taken to organize a produce exchange. Two days later the union printers in Gies & 
 Company's establishment went out on a strike, and on the twenty-sixth Ellicott street extension was opened 
 from Seneca to Exchange street. On September 9 the work of placing the telegraph wires underground was 
 begun. On the fifteenth the Buffalo Standard Stove works were burned, a loss of thirty thousand dollars, 
 and the same day the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Railroad Company was reorganized as the Western 
 New York & Pennsylvania Company. On October 6 General William F. Rogers was elected superintendent 
 of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home at Bath, N. Y., to succeed General T. G. Pitcher, resigned. The same 
 day Concert hall, in the new Music hall, was opened with a musical entertainment by the Orpheus club. 
 The police census taken about this time gave the city a population of 230,284. New Music hall was .opened 
 on the eighteenth with a grand musical festival, and on the thirtieth the Evangelical Protestant Church of 
 Christ on Kehr street was dedicated. On November i the Buffalo Art School opened with thirteen pupils. 
 Rev. David Hunn, said to be the oldest living graduate of Yale, the oldest clergyman in the United States, 
 and the oldest man in Buffalo, celebrated his ninety-eighth birthday. The election occurred November 
 eighth, the Republicans electing John Laughlin, State senator; Philip Steingoetter, county treasurer ; Edward 
 K. Emery, member of assembly; Philip Becker, mayor; and A. J. Meyer, city treasurer. The Democrats 
 elected four members of the assembly delegation; three assessors; James F. Crooker, superintendent of 
 education; and James Harrington, justice of Sessions. November 9 the Citizens Electric Railway Company 
 was incorporated with a capital stock of $150,000. On the sixteenth Ripley Memorial Methodist Episcopal 
 church on Dearborn street was dedicated, and on the twentieth Parkside Baptist chapel was dedicated ; on 
 the twenty-seventh St. Vincent's Roman Catholic church on Main street, near Parkside, was also dedicated. 
 December i Bishop Ryan sailed for Rome to attend the jubilee of the fiftieth anniversary of Pope Leo XIII, 
 and carried with him ^4500 and other gifts from the Buffalo churches. December 10 of this year the Buffalo 
 club took possession of their magnificent 
 new club-house on Delaware avenue and 
 Delaware place. 
 
 January 7, 1888, Hon. S. S. Rogers 
 was elected president of the Buffalo 
 Fine Arts academy, and on the ninth 
 the Buffalo Riding club was incorpo- 
 rated. Dr. Edward Clark was appointed 
 health physician the following day, and 
 on the eleventh Robert B. Adam was 
 chosen president of the Merchants' Ex- 
 change. The Common Council voted 
 ;g 2 50,000 for the building of nine school 
 houses, and on the sixteenth Buffalo 
 was visited with the most disastrous fire 
 in its history. It destroyed the main 
 front of Barnes, Hengerer & Company's 
 store and adjoining buildings were dam- 
 aged. The loss of the firm of Barnes, 
 Hengerer & Company was estimated at nine hundred thousand dollars. Music hall was formally dedicated 
 February 7, Hon. E. C. Sprague making the address, and the leading musical societies taking part. The 
 evening was concluded by a ball and banquet. 
 
 Francis Murphy ended a series of gospel temperance meetings at Liedertafel hall, and over two thousand 
 signed the pledge February 21. On the twenty-sixth of this month the Curtiss building, the Bickford & 
 Francis block, and the Vanderbilt block on Exchange street were totally destroyed by fire, the loss 
 aggregating nearly four hundred thousand dollars. On the twenty -ninth the underwriters advanced 
 rates twenty per cent, on all buildings except dwellings. March 23, 1888, the plasterers struck for three 
 
 BUFFALO PARK DRIVEWAY. 
 
62 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 dollars a day. On the twenty-eighth Charles Dickens, Jr., was tendered a public reception at the Niagara, 
 and the same evening he gave a reading from his father's works in Concert hall. On the twenty-ninth the 
 Black Rock Business Men's Association was formed, and on the thirty-first the Senate passed the bill for the 
 purchase of the site for the new Buffalo post-office building. On April 2 the remains of Hon. William 
 Dorsheimer were interred in Forest Lawn. April 6 President Cleveland signed the bill for the purchase of the 
 new post-office site. On the tenth a motion was made at the General Term at Rochester for the impeach- 
 ment of Police Justice King. Orders were received for bids for the new post-office site, the lot to be 200 x 250 
 feet in area. Governor Hill was tendered a reception at the Sixty-fifth regiment armory on the nineteenth 
 of this month. On the twenty-fifth "Bishop Ryan was received with great joy on his return from abroad, and 
 a parade of ten thousand men was the principal feature of the reception. On the twenty-eighth navigation 
 opened and two propellers left port. May 4 of this year the Assembly passed the bill creating a Grade-crossing 
 commission for Buffalo. The commissioners named were: R. B. Adam, John B. Weber, Frederick Kendall, 
 George Sandrock, James Nunan, William J. Morgan, Solomon Scheu, E. H. Butler, and Charles A. Sweet. 
 An explosion of natural gas pipes in St. Paul's Episcopal church. May 9, caused a fire with an estimated loss 
 of one hundred thousand dollars. On the tenth the Bank of Buffalo opened a department for women 
 depositors. On the thirteenth the corner-stone of the new St. Stephen's church was laid, and on the fifteenth 
 Father Gleason was appointed domestic -prelate to the Pope. May 21 the Church of the Good Shepherd was 
 consecrated, and the next day Rev. J. L. Franklin was installed. On the twenty-ninth the Grade-crossing 
 commission held its first meeting and R. B. Adam was chosen president. On the thirty-first Dr. John H. 
 Vincent was elected bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church and chose Buffalo as his place of residence. 
 
 On June 12, 1888, the National convention of millers met at Music hall, and on the twentieth the German 
 branch of the Young Men's Christian Association was organized in East Buffalo. The city directory issued 
 in July of this year gave Buffalo a population of 258,560. On the twentieth of this month the Queen City 
 Cyclorama Company was incorporated, and on the thirtieth ground was broken for the St. Columbkill Roman 
 Catholic church on South Division street. August 4 several cases of smallpox were reported, causing 
 considerable alarm. September 4 Joseph Salter, ninety-three years old, opened the great Inter-state Fair. 
 Four days later the cyclorama was opened on Edward street, with a representation of " Jerusalem on the day 
 of the Crucifixion." Maple Street Mission chapel was dedicated October 7. On the twentieth of this month 
 the Masonic organizations voted to purchase the lot on which Temple Beth Zion was located for a Masonic 
 temple. Old Fort Porter was demolished the latter part of this month. November 2 -Hon. Charles G. 
 Fairchild, the Secretary of the United States Treasury, spoke in Music hall. The distillery of E. N. Cook & 
 Company was damaged by fire to the extent of $30,000 November 14, and on the eighteenth St. Mark's 
 Methodist Episcopal mission was opened on Abbott road, and on December i Milner street chapel was 
 dedicated. The board of the Church Charity foundation was organized. Dr. Lothrop being elected president, 
 December 6, and the Traders' Exchange became the Real Estate Exchange, with W. M. Citerly as president. 
 James N. Matthews, editor and proprietor of the " Express," died on the twentieth of December of this year, 
 and was buried on the twenty-third, the funeral being attended by the Republican league, Merchants' 
 Exchange and Buffalo club. Bishop Coxe officiating. 
 
 The year 1889 opened with a deadlock in city Council, and the testing of the new high-service pump at 
 the water-works, showing a capacity of 75,000,000 gallons of water per day. On the ninth of January a 
 terrible storm visited the city and vicinity. Upper Suspension bridge, below Niagara falls, was blown down, 
 houses on the island were wrecked, and shipping in the harbor suffered greatly. On the eighteenth the 
 deadlock in the Council was broken by the election of Alderman Summers president, and three days later the 
 organization was completed. The great fire on Wells and Carroll streets occurred February 2 of this year, 
 destroying six business blocks. Thirty buildings were burned, and the loss aggregated $1,453,000, the 
 insurance amounting to $1,055,000. The Working Boys' Home of the Sacred Heart was opened January 5, 
 and on the seventh a meeting of citizens was held to take measures towards securing the amendment to the 
 city charter. The Buffalo Athletic club was incorporated February 9, and on the fifteenth the long-distance 
 telephone came into use in this city. The salary-list of the city, complete for the year just closed, amounted 
 to $1,329,980. February 26 the first stone was laid in the rebuilding of the burnt district. March 11 the 
 mayor appointed the members of the new Civil Service Commission. A mass-meeting was held March 14 at 
 Music hall, of the advocates of the Niagara Boulevard bill, and the day following the new Civil Service Com- 
 mission was organized by the election of John Greiner as president. March 22 the Buffalo, Lackawanna & 
 Pacific Railroad Company was incorporated at Albany, its object being to build a railroad from Suspension 
 Bridge to International bridge. Colonel H. S. Hamilton of Kansas introduced his method of harnessing 
 
64 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Niagara falls, but receiving no encouragement removed to Canada. The annual commencement of Buffalo 
 University occurred March 26, and sixty-three women were graduated from the Medical and Pharmical 
 departments. The same day one thousand carpenters and joiners met at Turn hall to urge the passage of the 
 nine-hour labor day, and the bankers of the city met at the Merchants' Exchange and agreed to open a 
 Clearing House. March 28 the First church site was sold to the Erie County Savings bank for g 180,000, and 
 the work on charter revision was completed. The Bank Clearing House was opened April i, 1889, and on 
 the third the Farmers' and Mechanics' National bank was reorganized under the name of Farmers' and 
 Mechanics' bank, under State laws. On the sixth a flow of natural gas was struck at Gerhard Lang's 
 brewery, and on the seventh Rev. E. R. Hardy, -the first minister of the Christian Science church in Buffalo, 
 was ordained. 
 
 April 22 Governor Hill opened the Music Hall Prize Fair, which closed on the twenty-sixth with a profit 
 of $40,000. The tax rate in Buffalo was fixed at $14.15/^ per $1,000 for the year. May 6 Colonel S. 
 Douglass Cornell was elected colonel of the Seventy-fourth regiment, N. G. N. Y. May 7 Frank J. Illig was 
 appointed police commissioner. The People's bank began business May 20, 1889. The Church of the 
 Annunciation, Bishop Ryan's Chapel of Ease, was dedicated May 26. June 11 the new Niagara Square 
 Home of the Women's Christian Association was dedicated. On the fifteenth the corner-stone of West Avenue 
 Presbyterian church was laid. During this month the people of Buffalo raised $25,230.56 for the relief of the 
 Johnstown flood sufferers. June 22 the General Term of the Supreme Court denied the application for the 
 removal of Judge King. June 25 Lieutenant-colonel Johnson accepted the position of colonel of the Seventy- 
 fourth regiment, N. G. N. Y. June 27 Colonel W. J. Morgan was appointed collector of customs. July i of 
 this year the Elmwood avenue street car line was opened. July ninth J. N. Adam was elected president of 
 the Buffalo Business Men's Association. August 2 the Hotel Iroquois was opened, and on the fifth the 
 Country Club House was opened. August 22 the Temple Beth Zion, Clinton and Walnut streets, was 
 dedicated. The Buffalo Electric and Cable Street Railway Company, Henry Altman, president, filed a 
 certificate of incorporation October 5, and on the twenty-seventh Postmaster Sackett was authorized to 
 advertise for a post-office site. On November 11 terrific gales were experienced on the lakes, and many 
 vessels were wrecked and driven ashore. The Exchange elevator, with 213,000 bushels of barley, was 
 burned December 15, a loss of $200,000. 
 
 By January i, 1890, the work begun on the outside harbor by the Federal Government in 1869 was 
 completed. It comprised 870 lineal feet of pile pier and 6350 feet of breakwater, costing $2,200,000. 
 Including the docks, ships, and basins, this gave Buffalo an available water frontage of over twenty miles in 
 length. The lighthouse, built on the inner south breakwater, is a large stone structure. The Snow Pump 
 Manufacturing Company, lately incorporated, on January i, 1890, purchased land on Clinton street at the 
 junction of the Lehigh Valley and Western New York & Pennsylvania railroads; Gerhard Lang, H. W. Box, 
 Irlbacker & Davis, and Hardwick & Ware being among the stockholders. January 3 St. Paul's cathedral, 
 which was rebuilt after the fire of one and a half years ago, was consecrated anew, and the twenty-fifth 
 anniversary of the consecration of Rt. Rev. Arthur Cleveland Coxe as bishop of the diocese of Buffalo, was 
 the same day celebrated in the restored cathedral. By the fifth of this month the stock for the new Citizens' 
 bank was all subscribed, and Pardon C. Sherman, the noted elevator constructor, died the same day and was 
 buried two days later. Building operations on a large scale were in progress in the early part of this year. 
 The Exchange Elevator Company was organized January 7 with a capital stock of $150,000, the capacity of 
 the elevator to be five million bushels of grain. Mayor Bishop's administration began January 6, and the 
 new Board of Police Commissioners were sworn on the eighth of that month. James S. Murphy, city 
 assessor, died on the date last named. Pascal P- Pratt was elected president of the Manufacturers' and 
 Traders' bank January 11. Two days later a cyclone struck the city. Houses on the sea wall were greatly 
 damaged. The Lake Shore & Buffalo Creek Railroad tracks were torn up for miles, and telegraph, telephone 
 and electric-light wires were blown down. Travel and business were greatly impeded. On January 20 
 subscriptions for the new Hydraulic bank were opened. Alphonse J. Meyer was elected assessor January 
 20 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of James S. Murphy. Dr. W. D. Green was appointed health 
 officer January 21. January 25 Post-office Inspectors Darby and Rogers reported in favor of establishing a 
 full sub-post-office at Black Rock, fixing the present site on Forest avenue near Niagara street, and fixing the 
 location of the new East Buffalo station. About this time natural gas was struck on C. J. Hamlin's property 
 on Chicago street, between Scott and Perry streets. The committee on charter revision completed its work 
 February 7. March 4 Oak Grove Land Company was incorporated, and the day following a mass meeting 
 of citizens indorsed the proposed charter amendments. March 10 new plans for the Erie County Savings 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 6^ 
 
 Bank building were opened. The appropriation for Government work on tiie harbor at Buffalo was fixed at 
 $1,800,000. The Court of Appeals of New York having affirmed the proceedings of the Superior Court in 
 the case of William Kemmler, convicted of murder in the first degree, he was the first victim of electrocution 
 in the State. The Buffalo Steam Forge Company was incorporated March 23, and the South Buffalo Business 
 Men's Association was organized the same day. Broadway market was ready for traffic January 27, and the 
 Legislature passed the bill on that day for the new South Side park. The Buffalo Parlor Furniture Company 
 was incorporated May 6 of this year, and William J. Connors and others certified that all the capital stock of 
 the Vulcanite Asphalt Paving Company was paid in. On the ninth of May the School for Nursery Maids 
 was- opened at the Fitch creche. June 9 of this year B. F. Geatsch was officially notified of his appointment 
 as postmaster of Buffalo. 
 
 On July I work which had been suspended on the soldiers' and sailors' monument was resumed. The 
 citizens generally were indignant because of the inefficiency of the United States census of 1890 just completed, 
 and a meeting was held July 4 to demand a fair enumeration, the population of the city in 1890 having been 
 returned as 250,122, and a few days later the Council joined with citizens in asking for a recount. On July 
 26 the corner-stone of the new Masonic temple on Niagara street, near Franklin, was laid by District Deputy 
 Grand Master Charles F. Bishop, acting grand master. A recount of the population having been ordered by 
 Superintendent Porter, the amended return gave the city an increase of 5421, or 255,543. The electrocution 
 of William Kemmler August 7 gave rise to much discussion as to the use of electricity as the agent of death in 
 execution of criminals. A strike of the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad workmen was ordered 
 August 10, 1891. 
 
 On September 12 the magnificent and imposing Temple Beth Zion on Delaware avenue was dedicated, 
 and on September 25 the corner-stone of a new church building at Kenmore was laid. George Baltz was 
 appointed tax collector by Comptroller Shafer October 12, and the same day Mayor Bishop approved 
 the plans of the new Main street sewer. The first session of the Night High-school was held on the 
 thirteenth of this month with a large attendance, and the same day Governor Hill addressed a mass meeting 
 of Democrats in Music hall. October 17 the site of the new post-office was announced. The general 
 election occurred November 3, the Democracy electing its State officers and most of the county and city 
 tickets, Matthias Endres being elected State senator; August Beck, sheriff; C. N. Brayton, county clerk; 
 Charles F. Bishop, mayor; George S. Field, commissioner of public works; Joseph E. Gavin, comptroller; 
 Louis Braunlein, judge of the Municipal Court; Andrew Beasley, assessor; James Harrington, justice of the 
 peace; and Jewett M. Richmond, James Hanrahan, George W. Hayward, Martin Maher, Andrew Kilgallon, 
 M. Strauss and George Baldus, members of the Board of Councilmen ; and John J. Clahan, first district ; 
 Jacob Goldberg, second district; and H. H. Guenther, fourth district, members of assembly. The Republicans 
 elected Truman C. White judge of the Supreme Court; H. J. Kreinheder, councilman; and E. Gallagher, 
 third district; and Myron H. Clark, fifth district, members of assembly. For Governor, Hon. R. P- Flower 
 had 1658 majority in the city. On November 10 Mayor Bishop appointed George S. Gatchell, Republican, 
 and James Mooney, Democrat, commissioners of public works; and Dr. Earnst Wende was appointed health 
 commissioner of the city November 12. The trolley wires were strung on Washington street December 6 of 
 this year. The statue of Red Jacket was received and put in place December 11. It is eleven and a half 
 feet in height, the granite base being fourteen and a half feet in height. The statue is of the best American 
 bronze. The electric cars began running between Buffalo and Tonawanda December 29, 1890. 
 
 January 5, 1891, Alderman Summers was chosen president of the Common Council for the fourth time. 
 At a meeting of the Merchants' Exchange John N. Scatcherd was chosen president of that body, and the same 
 day Rev. Thomas B. Payne was installed as pastor of Grace Universalist church. Two days later, the 
 Citizens' Association having completed their work on the revised charter for the city, it was sent to Albany. 
 The next day the hardware establishment of C. E. Walbridge was burned, the loss being $200,000. On 
 January 22 Daniel Morgenstern was appointed superintendent of police, vice Martin Morin. The Clothing 
 Exchange on Pearl street was burned January 23, Warren Bros., & Co., L. Marcus & Co., Zingsheim & 
 Harris, and Darling & Schloss being the principal sufferers. Loss $351,000. Robert Schneider and Adam 
 Fischer, firemen, were killed by falling walls. Rev. William Burnet Wright became pastor of Lafayette 
 Street Presbyterian church February 5, 1891, and the same day the Senate passed the bill amending the city 
 charter. Police Commissioner Morin, refusing to resign, was removed February 13. Flags were at half 
 mast next day on account of the death of General William T. Sherman. The Builders' Association decided 
 to erect a Builders' Exchange. The appropriation of $450,000 for the new post-office site was cut down to 
 $350,000 by Congress, and the bill passed March 2, i8gi. The will of Jonathan Scoville, as probated. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 67 
 
 disposed of three million dollars. On the tenth of Mitrch the Burt block and the Merritt-Nichols building, 
 corner of Court and Pearl streets, were burned; loss $295,950, insurance $226,950. The site of the former 
 was purchased for the new Builders' Exchange for forty-five thousand dollars. The revised charter passed 
 the Assembly March 19. The island club bought the McComb hotel property on Grand Island March 26; 
 consideration sixty thousand dollars. On April i of this year J. Ambrose Butler was elected president of the 
 Press club. On the fourth the Cleveland Democracy leased the old City Club building on Washington 
 street. Two days later Colonel Johnson, of the Seventy-fourth regiment, N. G. N. Y., resigned. The 
 assessed value of property for 1891 exceeded that of the previous year by twenty million dollars. April 13 
 advertisements were issued for new bids-for the new post-office site, and George C. Fox was elected Colonel 
 of the Seventy-fourth regiment, N. G. N. Y. The handsome new municipal building was occupied April 20 
 of this year by city oftkials. James W. Rogers was appointed excise commissioner May i. Real estate and 
 building operations were very active at this time, the latter being seriously delayed by scarcity of carpenters. 
 Twelve bids for the new post-office site were received this month. Bethany Presbyterian church was 
 dedicated May 1 3 of this year. 
 
 The commission of Colonel Fox, Seventy-fourth regiment, N. G. N. Y., was signed by Governor Hill 
 June 4, 1891. On the seventh the Union bank began business, and on the thirteenth Secretary Foster 
 announced the Baptist church property as his first choice and the block directly east of that as his second 
 choice for the new post-office. May 27 C. Lee Abel was elected major of the Seventy-fourth regiment. The 
 corner-stone of St. Columbkill Catholic church was laid May 28. The receipts of the post-office for the fiscal 
 year aggregated $516,938.36, an increase over the previous year of $70,225.86. The increase in the money- 
 order department alone was $41,451.21. July 6 the Metropolitan bank was opened. George Zillig succeeded 
 Peter Drexelius as Assistant Dairy Commissioner July 9, 1891. St. Adelbert's church was dedicated on the 
 twelfth, and the new Presbyterian church at Kenmore was dedicated on the nineteenth of this month, and 
 Zion German Methodist Episcopal church at Black Rock one week later. The corner-stone of the Polish 
 Catholic church of St. Anthony of Padua was laid August 2 by Bishop Ryan, and on the sixteenth the Church 
 of St. Mary of Sorrows was opened. The corner-stone of the Richmond Avenue Methodist Episcopal church 
 was laid September i, 1891, and on the eighteenth of that month the Buffalo, Kenmore & Tonawanda Electric 
 Street Railroad Company was chartered. The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was dedicated September 20; 
 the corner-stone of St. Patrick's church was laid October 4, and on the seventeenth of this month the site 
 of the new post-office was selected. The Empire State express made its first run from New York to Buffalo 
 October 26, 1891 ; time eight hours and forty minutes. The election November 3 resulted as follows: 
 Mayor, C. F. Bishop ; commissioner of public works, George S. Field ; comptroller, Joseph E. Gavin ; 
 assessor, Andrew Beasley ; judge of Municipal court, Frank Braeunlein, and justice of the peace, W. H. 
 Harrington, were elected by the Democrats. The Republicans elected the judge of the Supreme Court, over- 
 seer of the poor, and each party elected nine members of the city Council. November 11 Mayor Bishop 
 appointed Dr. Ernst Wende health commissioner. November 23 the corner-stone of Sentinel Methodist 
 Episcopal church was laid. 
 
 January 6, 1892, a great snow-storm visited the city, seventeen inches falling, and impeding travel. 
 January 7 the free transfer system on street cars went into effect. On the twelfth of this month the battle- 
 flags of the One Hundredth regiment New York Volunteers were presented to the Buffalo Historical society, 
 and the new Masonic temple was dedicated on the eighteenth. On January 28 William H. Chapin was 
 elected lieutenant-colonel of the Sixty-fifth regiment, N. G. N. Y., and the record of events for January 
 closed on the thirtieth with the resignation of Rev. Henry A. Adams, rector of St. Paul's church. 
 
 On February i Mayor Bishop appointed William B. Hoyt, Timothy J. Mahoney, Mrs. Lily Lord-Tifft, 
 and Dr. Conrad Diehl, school examiners, the first the city had, and the local Chautauqua Union was formed 
 February 4. Captain W. W. Bates of Buffalo, commissioner of navigation, resigned his office on the eighth, 
 and the following day James F. Crooker was appointed State superintendent of public instruction to succeed 
 Andrew F. Draper. Rowland B. Mahany was appointed Minister to Ecuador February 11, and on the 
 the thirteenth the census enumerators were named. St. Columbkill church was dedicated by Bishop Ryan 
 February 21, and on the twenty-ninth the estimates for carrying on the city departments were made public, 
 the aggregate amount being $3,054,384.81. The Main Street station of the Buffalo post-office was opened 
 March 4 of this year, and C. Lee Abeil was elected lieutenant-colonel of the Seventy -fourth regiment, 
 N. G. N. Y., on the seventh. Fire caused a loss of fifty thousand dollars in the packing house of the Danahy 
 Company at East Buffalo, and the census of Erie county was completed, the population being given as 344,703 
 for the county. On the thirteenth St. Stephen's Catholic church on Elk street was dedicated, and the day 
 
68 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 following John Hughes was appointed park commissioner, vice Daniel O'Day, resigned. On the fifteenth the 
 Buffalo Grade-crossing bill passed the Senate, and the River and Harbor bill, made public on the twenty-first, 
 contained an appropriation of three hundred thousand dollars for Buffalo harbor. 
 
 The New York, Ontario & Western Railroad Company secured control of the old Niagara River Hydraulic 
 Company, and its valuable franchises on Squaw Island, March 24, and four days later a Lake Superior line of 
 boats to run from Buffalo was established. The contract for building the Buffalo & Williamsville Electric 
 Railroad was let March 31 of this year. April opened with a great boom in real estate. On the twelfth 
 Governor Flower appointed Charles A. Sweet one of the general managers of the State's exhibit at the 
 World's Fair, Chicago, and on the fifteenth transfers were made by the New York Central ancfthe Western 
 New York & Pennsylvania Railroads, amounting to five hundred thousand dollars, preparatory to the entrance 
 
 of the latter into the 
 Central station. The 
 Buffalo & East Aurora 
 Electric Railroad Com- 
 pany was incorporated 
 April 20, and on the 
 twenty-fourth the 
 Brewers' National Un- 
 ion began its convention 
 in this city. On the 
 twenty - ninth Britain 
 Holmes, Bronson C. 
 Rumsey and William 
 Hengerer were reap- 
 pointed park commis- 
 sioners, and David F. 
 Day and Henry Zipp 
 were added to the board. 
 The Builders' Exchange 
 moved into its new 
 home May 2, 1892, and 
 companies B and H of 
 the Twenty-first United States Infantry, arrived at Fort Porter, relieving the troops at this post. Orsamus 
 G. Warren, a delegate-elect to the coming National Republican convention, died May 6, and John L. Williams 
 was named in his place on the tenth of the same month. The physicians of this citv organized the Academy 
 of Medicine May 17, and the assessors appraised the value of real estate of the city at $197,249,129, an 
 increase of $17, 291, 770 over the year 1891. The tax rate was fixed at $15.169182 per $1,000, as against 
 $15.8147 for the year previous. May 21 Rev. J. A. Regester of Georgetown, D. C, accepted a call to 
 St. Paul's church. The Buffalo Ophthalmic Hospital was established May 28. The Second Methodist 
 Episcopal church, corner of Howard and Monroe streets, was dedicated June 12, and the next day the 
 preliminary steps for the great strike on the New York Central and West Shore railroads were taken, 
 and the statue of Red Jacket in Forest Lawn Cemetery was unveiled June 22. The Security Investment 
 Company was organized June 25, and two days later the Columbia National bank began business. The 
 new east-bound Einpire State express made its initial trip on the twenty-seventh of this month, reaching New 
 York ahead of schedule time. Manager George M. Robinson, of the Buffalo Fair, presented several buffaloes 
 to the city July 2, and the same day Messrs. Dann and Armstrong, alleged bank wreckers, were committed 
 to jail in default of one hundred thousand dollars bail. 
 
 The new passenger-steamer service between Buffalo and Lake Superior was announced to begin in July, 
 1893, the company to be known as the Great Lakes Steamship Company, capital two million dollars. The 
 Dann defalcation was the all-absorbing subject of interest at this time. On the eighteenth of July the new 
 steel fire-boat. City of Buffalo, was launched. On the next day the County Board of Supervisors reapportioned 
 the county of Erie into six assembly districts. Bishop Ryan laid the corner-stone of the Church of St. Nicholas, 
 Welker and East Utica streets, July 24, and a few days later the Main street trolly line was opened for 
 service. The National Savings bank resumed business August 7 under the name of the Empire Savings bank. 
 The Buffalo Carriage Company's factory was burned August 9, loss sixty thousand dollars; and on the nine- 
 
 ELMWOOD AVENUE. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 6g 
 
 teenth seven thousand soldiers arrived in Buffalo to protect railroad property from the striking switchmen. 
 The corner-stone of the new St. Andrew's Episcopal church, corner of Goodell street and Werrick alley, was 
 laid August 21. On the twenty-third of this month Thomas Manaher, a striking switchman, was killed by 
 the military in a riot at Tifft Farm, and the same day the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western and Buffalo, 
 Rochester & Pittsburgh switchmen joined the strikers. William Broderick, seventeen years old, was mortally 
 shot by a private of the Twenty-second regiment, N. G. N. Y., and on the twenty-eighth the troops were 
 withdrawn. September 17 Frederick Hornung, chief of the tire department, resigned, and B. J. McConnell 
 was appointed his successor. 
 
 Trinity church was consecrated September 2o,-i8q2. The Board ot Supervisors of Erie County was 
 organized October 4 and the Buffalo Iron & Steel Company filed papers of incorporation the next day. The 
 Buffalo Cold Storage Company, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, was organized October 8. 
 On the fourteenth of this month Jewett M. Richmond was elected president of the Marine bank, and October 
 31 the Hydraulic bank was organized with one hundred thousand dollars capital. Heavy storms on the lakes 
 prevailed November 2. The general election occurred on the eighth. The city gave eight hundred majority 
 for the Cleveland electors. The Democrats elected D. N. Lockwobd to Congress, Thomas Crowley, assessor ; 
 Charles W. Hinson, judge of Municipal Court; all three councilmen, six aldermen, and seven city members 
 of the Board of Supervisors, and the entire delegation of six members of assembly. The Republicans elected 
 Hon. Charles Daniels to Congress from the Thirty-third district, George T. Quinby, district attorney over 
 H. P. Bissell by forty-four majority; Albert Neal, keeper of the penitentiary; Harvey Tucker, coroner; 
 Robert Oehmig, city treasurer, and H. P. Emerson, superintendent of education by twenty-six majority ; six 
 aldermen and five city members of the Board of Supervisors. 
 
 The comptroller's report for eighteen months ending June 30, 1892, covering the period since the new 
 charter went into effect, showed the city bonded debt to be ^11,632,261.99, an increase of $1,896,550.74. 
 On December 21 the Board of Aldermen decided to add fifty-eight policemen to the city force, but it was 
 defeated two days later by the Council. The building records for the year 1892 show permits for nearly 
 $4,500,000, the value of new frame buildings alone being $1,515,075. November 27 St. Andrew's Episcopal 
 and Calvary English Lutheran churches occupied for the first time their new buildings. Rev. John Paul 
 Egbert, pastor of Calvary church, accepted a call to St. Paul, Minnesota, December 4. On the tenth the 
 Board of Public Works appointed Samuel J. Fields to succeed City Engineer Mann, and Peter Drexelius to be 
 superintendent of the Water Bureau. Calvin P Hazard's death occurred the same day. The electric light 
 station of the Buffalo General Electric Company on Court street was damaged to the amount of fifty thousand 
 dollars by fire December 16, and two days later the Faulk Furniture Company's building on Jewett avenue 
 was burned ; loss one hundred thousand dollars. Isaac M. Schermerhorn, former postmaster of Buffalo, died 
 December 21 of this year. John N. Scatcherd was elected president of the Bank of Buffalo on the twenty- 
 third of December, and the year closed with a heavy holiday trade in progress. 
 
 Jewett M. Richmond was elected president of the Board of Councilmen, and James Franklin was chosen 
 to preside over the Board of Aldermen January 2, 1893. The charity ball was held January 4, the grand 
 march being led by Mrs. Grover Cleveland, and the day afterwards the Grade-crossing commission closed the 
 hearings on behalf of the railroad companies. The new buildings of the Buffalo University were opened 
 January 9, and James Hanrahan was elected president of Common Council. On the fifteenth a heavy 
 storm interfered with the working of the street railways. Charles W. Miller's famous "fire proof" frame 
 stables on Pearl street were destroyed by fire January 20, loss forty thousand dollars. Rev. T.. Ralston 
 Smith resigned his pastorate of Westminster church January 22, and Rev. John McLachlan, pastor of the 
 Central Presbyterian church, resigned February 5. On the twenty -fifth of this month the fires were lighted 
 in the Buffalo Furnace Company's great plant, and the same day the Brush Electric Light works were 
 damaged by fire to the amount of $150,000, more than half the electric lights in the city being extinguished. 
 On February 28 Congress cut down the appropriation for the new Buffalo post-office from $2,000,000 to 
 $1,500,000, in addition to the $500,000 appropriated for the site. The New York, Ontario & Western 
 Railroad made arrangements with the New York Central whereby it secured an entrance into the city March i. 
 The estimates for expenses for the year, filed by the comptroller, were $5,431,261.12. The same day fire at 
 40 Niagara street caused damage to the amount of fifty thousand dollars, and on the following day ex-Alderman 
 Philip G. Myers was appointed superintendent of buildings to succeed John Feish. 
 
 March 7 Hon. Wilson S. Bissell took the oath of office as Postmaster-general in President Cleveland's 
 cabinet. The People's Gas Company was organized March 20, and the City bank opened its doors for the 
 first time for business. The franchise of the Queen City Gas Company was granted by the Board of 
 
70 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Aldermen March 27, and the next day the Consolidated Producer's Company held its first fruit auction in 
 Buffalo. The electric road from Buffalo to Williamsville was opened April 4. On the ninth of this month 
 the new St. Patrick's church was dedicated by Bishop Ryan. April 13 the Holmes oil refinery on Seneca 
 street was destroyed by fire, causing a loss of two hundred thousand dollars. April 18 Mayor Bishop suspended 
 James Hanrahan, president of the Common Council, on charges of official misconduct. On the twentieth of 
 this month the Legislature passed a bill giving Comptroller Gavin power to appoint police commissioners, and 
 A. F. Scheu, F. J. lllig, and James Ryan were the same day appointed. The action caused intense excitement 
 in political circles. Evidence was heard on charges against James Hanrahan, president of the Common 
 Council, April 26, and on the twenty-eighth evidence was taken on the counter-charges brought against 
 Councilmen Richmond and Kreinheder and Aldermen Smither and Boechel, and on May 2 all charges were 
 dismissed by Mayor Bishop. The Home-rule Democracy was organized May 4, and on the fifth the Buffalo, 
 North Main Street & Tonawanda Electric Railroad was opened to the public. The extensive plant of the 
 Shepard Hardware Company at Black Rock was destroyed by fire May 8, causing a loss of two hundred 
 thousand dollars, and the same day the New York Car Wheel works and Lorenz Granacher's furniture 
 factory on Michigan street were burned. 
 
 Dr. John B. Coakley was elected a member of the Board of Councilmen to succeed the late George W. 
 Hayward, and the same day George Chambers was appointed superintendent of police in place of Daniel 
 Morgenstern. Captain Albert J. Meyer was elected a major of the Sixty-fifth regiment, N. G. N. Y., and 
 Captain Frank E. Wood was chosen major of the Seventy-fourth regiment. The corner-stone of the 
 synagogue of Brith Sholem was laid May 27. On June 3 Catling, Buffalo's new suburb, was formally 
 dedicated, Dr. Catling laying the corner-stone of the main furnace-building of his ordnance works. The 
 union plasterers went out on a strike June 10, and on the sixteenth a riot was caused at Tonawanda by the 
 striking Polish lumber-shovers, necessitating the calling out of the Twenty-fifth and Forty-second Separate 
 companies, N. G. N. Y. The Queen City bank failed June 26. The Viking Norse ship, en route for Chicago, 
 reached Buffalo July 3, and the crew was given a cordial reception. The whaleback steamer Mather arrived 
 in Buffalo harbor on July 6 with 266,089 bushels of grain, breaking the lake record to date. The defalcation 
 of Erie Ontario Van Brocklyn, clerk to the Board of Fire Commissioners, amounting to $63,776.47, was 
 discovered and admitted July 10. Two days later the Bankers' Association adopted resolutions demanding 
 the repeal of the silver purchase clause of the Sherman bill, and the Merchants' Exchange followed their 
 example the next day. The corner-stone of the German Young Men's Christian Association was laid by 
 Mayor Bishop July 16. Rev. F. S. Uhrig, the oldest priest in the diocese of Buffalo, died July 23. On the 
 twenty-fourth the Erie County Bank building was formally accepted by the bank officials. This is the most 
 imposing and subtantial structure of its kind in the country. 
 
 Warren Bryant, president of the Buffalo Savings bank, died August 5, and Rev. Dr. J. B. Wentworth 
 died on the day following. Captain John Brown Eaton, United States Cavalry, died on the fourteenth of this 
 month, and next day the Coatsworth & Fulton Elevators were destroyed by fire, loss four hundred thousand 
 dollars. The twenty-third of this month was Buffalo day at the World's Fair. Nearly four thousand people 
 from this city and vicinity were present and Mayor Bishop made an address. Electricity was substituted for 
 horse power on the Albany and Baynes street-car lines and the corner-stone of the Church of the Transfig- 
 uration of Christ was laid August 27. Two days afterwards a heavy storm occurred, the rainfall being 4.22 
 inches, the heaviest on record for Buffalo. This month closed with the reopening of the Queen City bank on 
 a solid basis. The death of the oldest resident of Erie county, Mrs. Lavina Fillmore, of Clarence, aged 106 
 years, occurred September 3. September 11 the Board of Aldermen adopted the proposed plan of redistricting 
 the city, and the twenty-eighth grand conclave of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, State of New 
 York, began September 12. St. Stephen's new Episcopal church was formally opened on the Sunday following. 
 On the twenty-ninth of this month General Peter C. Doyle was appointed collector of customs and Alderman 
 J. J. Kennedy appraiser of merchandise by President Cleveland. October 2 the Delaware, Lackawanna & 
 Western Railroad Company began work on its grade-crossing elevation. October 10 2,192,023 bushels of 
 grain were received in Buffalo, counting flour as grain, the largest amount, perhaps, ever received at any 
 lake port in twenty-four hours. A terrific storm struck Buffalo October 14. Half of the Western New York 
 & Pennsylvania freight shed was blown down and three boys were killed in the ruins. The old Rumsey 
 tannery was blown into the canal, the barge Amboy was driven ashore at the foot of Georgia street, and a 
 large number of dwellings were wrecked. Heavy loss of life was reported from other Lake Erie ports. 
 November 2 Captain Samuel E. Nichols was appointed pension agent for Buffalo. The Buffalo Catholic 
 Institute presented a jubilee cup to Bishop Ryan November 5. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 71 
 
 At the general election, November 7, the Republicans were victorious, electing their candidates for 
 county treasurer, coroner, justice of sessions, senator of Thirty-first district, corporation counsel, three 
 members of the Board of Councilmen, aldermen in the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Four- 
 teenth, Fifteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-first, and Twenty- second wards, eleven out of twelve 
 of their candidates for supervisors, and five of the six members of assembly. The Democrats elected their 
 candidate for senator in the Thirtieth district, and their candidates for Assembly and supervisor in the First 
 ward. The disaffection of Home-rule Democrats resulted in large Republican majorities in the city and 
 county. The celebration of the twenty- 
 fifth anniversary of the dedication of „. 
 
 Stephen Vincent Ryan as Bishop of Buf- 
 falo was begun November 7, Mgr. Satolli 
 and Cardinal Gibbons taking part. The 
 following day Rev. Howard E. Markley 
 was installed as pastor of Grace Univer- 
 salist church. The water was turned 
 into the new Dodge street reservoir 
 NoN'ember 9, giving greatly increased 
 water supply to this part of the city. 
 November 20 General Peter C. Doyle 
 entered upon his duties as Collector of 
 the Port of Buffalo. The Lehigh Valley 
 Railroad strike reached Buffalo the same 
 day, and trains were tied up and freight 
 and passenger traffic were seriously 
 disturbed. The Lehigh Valley Railroad 
 strike was declared off December 6. 
 December 13 Rev. Henry Elliott Mott, 
 of Iowa, accepted a call to the pastorate 
 of Central Presbyterian church. The 
 next day fire destroyed the Arcade and 
 Mathews buildings, Robinson's Musee 
 Theatre, Shea & Eberhardt's Music Hall, 
 and Faxon, Williams & Faxon's grocery 
 house being the chief sufferers. The 
 loss aggregated $j6t,,ooo. A citizens' 
 meeting at the mayor's office that day 
 decided to raise fifty thousand dollars 
 for practical relief work among the poor. 
 
 The death of Colonel Walton, 
 January 7, 1894, was the occasion of 
 general sorrow. A fire in the Marine 
 
 block occurred February 6, causing damage to the amount of thirty thousand dollars. Mayor Bishop appointed 
 C. A. Rupp and General Edgar B. Jewett police commissioners February 24. A destructive fire burned 
 a large part of Lancaster April 4 of this year; loss one hundred thousand dollars, of which one-third was 
 insured. The death of John Wilkeson, at the age of eighty-seven, April 4 of this year was an event of 
 universal regret. April 7 Brinkworth's printing establishment, Dingens Brothers' grocery store, and others 
 in the same block. Main and North Division streets, suffered loss by fire amounting to seventy-five thousand 
 dollars, almost entirely covered by insurance. The American Glucose works on Scott street were burned to 
 the ground a few days later ; loss one million dollars, insurance six hundred thousand dollars. Fire started in 
 the Electric Light building April 12, and a number of employees and firemen were injured. 
 
 The Liberty pole, an old landmark. Main and Terrace, was taken down April 16, and on the twenty- 
 eighth Montgomery Gibbs was murdered by the Robinsons. Governor Flower, after a full hearing of charges, 
 removed Sheriff Beck from office May 28, and Isaac Taggart was appointed sherifi-' for the unexpired term. 
 June 7 Howard H. Baker was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland, William E. Delaney was 
 murdered by George Bartholmy on the fourteenth of that month. The corner-stone of the new buildings of 
 
 MUNICIPAL BUILDING, DELAWARE AVENUE. 
 
72 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 the Church Home Orphanage, corner of Rhode Island street and Front avenue, was laid June 27. The rail- 
 road strike in Chicago and other western points, extending eastward gave considerable concern to business 
 interests. The suicide of B. F. Gentsch, ex-postmaster, July 15, was universally deplored. The sum of 
 forty-two thousand dollars additional was appropriated for the improvement of the Buffalo post-office service 
 this year. A considerable increase in the number of clerl<s and carriers was made. The new apportionment 
 made July 23 gave Erie county one additional State senator, and two additional members of assembly. 
 
 The removal of Father Zarenczny as pastor of St. Adelbert's Roman Catholic church, and the appoint- 
 ment of Father Wo2cil< in his stead, caused great indignation among the Poles of that parish. Louis D. Voltz 
 was appointed by President Cleveland appraiser of merchandise, and Michael J. Galvin, inspector of steam 
 vessels, for the Ninth New York district, August 8. Work was begun August 9 on the new schools, Nos. 50, 
 51, 52, and 54. A wonderful mirage was observed August 16 at ten A. M. ; Toronto city and harbor were 
 plainly visible, and vessels on Lake Ontario were also observed. "Coxey's hoboes" reached the city limits 
 August 20, and camped just beyond the city line. "Count Rybakonski," the leader, and many of the rank 
 and file were arrested as vagrants, and sent for thirty days to the penitentiary. General George Stoneman, 
 ex-governor of California, was buried with military honors in Buffalo September 7 of this year. George T. 
 Quinby resigned his office of district attorney September 14. At the election November 6, General E. B. 
 Jewett was elected mayor, and a large proportion of the balance of the Republican ticket, by good-sized 
 majorities. D. J. Kenefick was elected district attorney, and nine out of twelve city members of the Board of 
 Supervisors were elected by the Republicans. Six aldermen were elected by each party. November 28 
 Edmund Hayes was appointed chief of engineers on Governor Morton's staff. December 27 a large fire in 
 East Buffalo occurred ; loss $ 1 30,000. 
 
 January i, 1895, Mayor Jewitt predicted an increase of at least twenty-five thousand in the population 
 for the year just begun, and that this growth in population would continue for years to come. Ex-Mayor 
 Bishop and Alderman Smithers were of the same opinion. January 7 Charles A. Brayton vacated the position 
 of county clerk, and Charles H. Bingham assumed the duties ot the office. Sheriff Taggart gave place to 
 George H. Lamey, and John R. Kenney became coroner vice Henry B. Ransom. In the summary of the live- 
 stock trade of Buffalo for 1894, nearly 5000 car-loads of stock received from the Lake Shore by the Lehigh 
 Valley road, and 4220 car-loads shipped from the city on that road were not reported at East Buffalo, making 
 the total receipts via that road 97,088 car-loads instead of 92,359 as reported. New buildings to the value 
 of $9,000,000 were erected during the past year, none of which were of less value than $10,000. Among 
 the larger buildings for which permits were issued during the year were the Ellicott Square building, cost 
 $2,000,000; Guaranty building, $650,000; Wards G, H, 1, and J in Buffalo Hospital, $450,000; Mooney & 
 Brisbane building, $400,000; Marine Exchange, $150,000; Bank of Buffalo, $75,000; Bank of Commerce, 
 $53,000; Grosvenor Library, $60,000; Church Charity Foundation Society, $32,186; Coatsworth Elevator, 
 $177,000; Marine Elevator, $110,000. 
 
 February 27 of this year the Buffalo General Hospital received a princely gift from Mrs. George B. 
 Gates, who contributed forty thousand dollars, and her three daughter each added five thousand dollars. 
 The same day General Mason Brayman died in Kansas City, Missouri. He was one of the pioneer editors of 
 Buffalo and a native of this city. He was formerly governor of Idaho, and was a typical American, being 
 editor, attorney, railroad projector, soldier and politician. He was editor of the first daily newspaper 
 published in Buffalo. The contract for building the new Shea's theatre was let March 10, the building to be 
 erected on the site of the old Sidway homestead on Washington street, between Huron and Mohawk. The 
 estimated cost is seventy-five thousand dollars. During the past year two new clubs were organized by 
 women of Buffalo, the Twentieth Century club and the Civic club. Mr. Leonard Hauenstein died March 10 
 of this year. He represented the Seventh ward of the Board of Supervisors from 1889 to 1892, and was 
 formerly proprietor of Sour Spring Grove, Grand Island. Hon. Charles Beckwith, who died the same day, 
 was buried at Forest Lawn March 13. A large number of prominent citizens paid their last tribute of respect 
 to the upright judge and honored citizen. Rev. J. A. Regester, rector of St. Paul's church, officiating. Edward 
 Swope, one of the best known stockmen of the city, died at the Crandall House March 16. He was the senior 
 member of the firm of Swope, Hughes, Waltz & Benstead. He was one of the men who built the Erie Stock 
 yards at East Buffalo in 1862. 
 
 The building of the proposed new^ High-school at Masten Park at a cost of from $125,000 to $150,000 
 will provide accommodations for nine hundred additional scholars. The number of students in the High- 
 school has increased from three hundred in 1883 to over fifteen hundred in 1895, and additional accommoda- 
 tions were absolutely necessary. Alderman Solomon Scheu died March 26. He was born in this city 
 
74 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 October 29, 1850, and was one of the widely known citizens of Buffalo. The work on the improvement of 
 the Union Dry docks was completed April i, 1895, and the largest vessels can now be handled there. The 
 principal dock was lengthened to over four hundred feet and the dredging gave a depth of seventeen feet. 
 The thirty-six elevators, six transfer towers and nine floating elevators of Buffalo harbor are valued at ten 
 million dollars. Those in use have a capacity for storage of 16,525,000 bushels. During 1894 there was 
 shipped by lake from this port 2,475,255 tons of anthracite coal. The goods imported to Buffalo during 1894 
 from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Netherlands, Cuba, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, and Turkey in Asia 
 were valued at $3,038,169, on which duties were collected to the amount of $473,830.50. The receipts of 
 iron at this point for 1894 aggregated 6,350,825 gross tons, and the total shipments from all points by lake 
 and rail was 7,755,494 gross tons as reported by the Board of Trade. 
 
 The initiatory steps for a new cemetery were taken May i, 1895. The site of the prospective buriaJ 
 ground lies in the town of Hamburg, between Athol Springs and Hamburg-on-the-Lake, a quarter of a mile 
 from the lake, and fronting on the lines of the Lake Shore, Western New York & Pennsylvania, and the 
 
 STATE HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 
 
 Nickel Plate railroads, adjoining the tract known as Locksley Park. It comprises 245 acres of land, or five 
 acres more than that embraced in the limits of Forest Lawn. During the month of May the Military Surgeons 
 of the United States and the Elks met in convention in Buffalo. Colonel George C. Fox welcomed the former 
 on behalf of the National Guard. Dr. Nicholas Senn, the founder of the Association of Military Surgeons, 
 was presented with a handsome testimonial by his associates. Major J. Van R. Hoff, U. S. A., of Governor's 
 Island, making the presentation speech. The business sessions were' held in Alumni hall of the University of 
 Buffalo. Some of the most distinguished of the many prominent visitors were George M. Sternberg, surgeon- 
 general of the United States Army, president of the association; Dr. Albert Leary Gihm ; J. Rufus Taylor, 
 surgeon-general of the United States Navy; Dr. Walter Wayman, surgeon-general of the United States 
 Marine Hospital Corps; Dr. J. A. Ryerson, of Toronto, surgeon-general of Canada; and Dr. M. O. Terry, 
 of Utica, surgeon-general of the N. G. N. Y. June i the plans for the new building of the Buffalo Phrenix 
 club were approved. The cost was fixed at fifty thousand dollars, and the location on Franklin street, 
 between Edward and Virginia. The plans for the St. Ann's school, Emslie street and Broadway, were 
 adopted June 9 of this year. The building will accommodate two thousand scholars, and cost one hundred 
 thousand dollars. During this month the preliminary arrangements for the conversion of the Fargo mansion 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 IS 
 
 into a hospital were taken, the cost of the property being fixed at $185,000. Clarence W. Wilson, one of the 
 most promising young lawyers of this city, died June 17 at the old Wilson mansion. Main and Tupper streets. 
 M. Leo Ritt, one of the oldest real estate and insurance men of Buffalo, died June 28 ; he was prominent in 
 military circles. June 29 Superintendent Chapman, of the Ninth United States Life Saving district, received 
 notice that the contract for building six new surf boats had been awarded to the Wyandotte Boat Com- 
 pany of Detroit, Michigan, the boats to be distributed in this district. Work on the building of the South 
 Buffalo Odd Fellows was begun July 7 by Cazenovia lodge No. 340, 1. O. O. F., on the northwest corner 
 of Seneca street and Indian Church road ; it is the first Odd Fellows' temple in the city, and will cost 
 about twenty thousand 
 dollars. Permits were 
 granted during the 
 month of July for many 
 new and extensive 
 buildings, among which 
 were the new factory of 
 M. H. Birge & Sons, 
 corner of Niagara and 
 Maryland streets, cost 
 seventy thousand 
 dollars, and a brick 
 church building for the 
 Evangelical Reformed 
 Emanuel church, Hum- 
 boldt parkway and East 
 Utica street. 
 
 The contract for a 
 large building corner of 
 Utica and Main streets 
 was executed July 20. 
 Mr. Samuel G. Laird is 
 
 the owner, and the cost of the building is $160,000. Mrs. Delia Strong Spaulding, wife of Elbridge Gerry 
 Spaulding, the well-known banker, died August 12, 1895. Steps to establish Niagara square as a park 
 were taken during the month of August, it being proposed to place here statues of famous Buffalonians. 
 James W. Gates, one of the most progressive business men of Buffalo, died August 31 of this year. 
 Amenzo J. Miller, chief clerk of the second division of the United States railway mail service stationed at 
 Buffalo, died September 6, 1895, at his home. No. 68 Norwood avenue. September 15 the Buffalo & Niagara 
 Falls Electric Railroad was completed, and was formally opened for traffic a few days later. Samuel Biddle, 
 a prominent citizen of Delaware in ante-bellum days, died in this city September 17 at the home of his 
 daughter, Mrs. W. Bowen Moore, No. 339 Delaware avenue. Messrs. Georger & Company of 510 Main 
 street, manufacturers of furs, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their business October i, 1895. The 
 Commercial Travelers' Home Association met in this city October 8, delegates being present from all parts of 
 the United States. They were welcomed to Buffalo by Mayor Jewett. October 9 H. D. Herr, cashier, and 
 John M. Danahy, assistant superintendent of the Department of Public Works, were arrested for grand 
 larceny. 
 
 The Union Veteran Legion met in this city October 16, about 2500 old veterans being present. The 
 High Court of New York, Independent Order Foresters, convened here the next day. October 30 the 
 city Council approved of loans by the city to the railroad companies to make necessary crossings at grade. 
 A meeting of citizens was held at the Merchants' Exchange and adopted resolutions strongly favoring the 
 appropriation of nine million dollars for improvements on the Erie canal. At the general election, November 
 5 of this year, the Republicans swept the field, electing their entire ticket except the three members of the 
 city Council, and assemblymen in the first and third districts. The majority given by the people of Buffalo 
 for the amendment of the constitution authorizing extensive canal improvements was nearly 37,000 out of a 
 total vote of 44,000. November 1 1 the Buffalo Traction Company filed its petition for permission to begin 
 work on its proposed lines of street railway. Ex-District Attorney George T. Quinby, known as the "little 
 giant" among the members of the Bar, died Ncjvember 17. The street railway war between the old company 
 
 ELMWOOD AVENUE FROM NORTH STREET, LOOKING NORTH. 
 
76 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 and the Traction Company was waged with greatest fury during the months of November and December of 
 this year. November 26 the franchises were granted by Councils to the Niagara Falls Power Company. 
 November 30 a public hearing of the Traction Company was had. Mr. L. N. Wolcott announced the opening 
 of a new theater in the near future to be known as the Fillmore Avenue theater, corner of Fillmore avenue 
 and Broadway. 
 
 The annexation of Tonawanda and the formation of Greater Buffalo was a subject of much interest 
 during the closing days of 1895. December 22 a riot of the Poles of St. Adelbert's church occurred. The 
 church was surrounded by an angry mob, and the priests were barricaded in the rectory.. December 22 
 the Buffalo Traction Company was granted a franchise of sixty-six years by the Board of Aldermen, and was 
 passed by the City Council on the twenty-third. On Christmas day the Polish riot was renewed and shots 
 were fired. December 26 R. R. Hefford was appointed commissioner of public works by Mayor Jewett, 
 which he declined, and Marcus M. Drake was appointed in his stead. 
 
 January 4, the recently elected municipal officers qualified, and James L. Quackenbush was appointed 
 city attorney. The franchise of the Traction Railway Company, with several important concessions on the 
 part of the company, was signed by Mayor Jewett January 6. The following day the Board of Supervisors 
 was organized, and appointed Drs. E. H. Tweedy and Jacob Miller post-mortem examiners; Dr. Jacob 
 Krauss, physician to the penitentiary; Dr. C. P. Filer, physician to the jail ; and John W. Hull, attorney lo 
 the board. The Board of Public Works was also organized the same day, and James Mooney, the oldest 
 member was elected president. January 1 3 great excitement was caused by the killing of Police Sergeant 
 Cantlin by patrolman Michael Sammon, formerly a captain on the force. January 15 the Niagara Falls 
 Power Company accepted the franchise offered by the city Councils, and the transmission of the power of 
 Niagara cataract to this city is now assured. The upper branch of the municipal legislature voted against the 
 Buffalo Traction franchise, as amended, and the original franchise, which was previously adopted, thereby 
 became law. On the morning of the same day the immense stove warehouse of S. S. Jewett & Company 
 was destroyed by fire; loss $225,000. December 22 the State Commissioners of Railroads refused the 
 application of the Traction company for a franchise, and the matter will doubtless be carried to the courts for 
 adjudication. 
 
GREATER BUFFALO 
 
 M' 
 
 ARVELOUS as has been the material growth of Buffalo since 1870, the future bids fair to far 
 surpass the progress made of recent years, in all that constitutes prosperity and greatness. The 
 extension of manufacturing operations in all directions, and especially northward along the Niagara 
 river, has already absorbed many suburban villages and settlements, and the introduction of part 
 of the almost inexhaustible power of Niagara falls, gives promise of uniting into one great manufacturing and 
 commercial center the entire section of country from the mouth of the Niagara river to the great cataract. The 
 extension of the city limits to include Tonawanda, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Cheektowaga, Williamsville, 
 West Seneca, and other adjoining towns is now under consideration and discussion, and the twentieth century 
 will doubtless dawn upon this great trade metropolis, with a population of half a million souls, the Greater 
 Buffalo of the near future. 
 
 The Queen City of the Lakes is situated in latitude 2° 6' 37° west from Washington, a distance of 446 
 miles from New York City, and 296 miles from the State capitol, occupying a commanding position both as a 
 place of residence and a great trade center. The climate is more pleasant than any other place in the United 
 States on the same parallel of latitude, and fully as healthful as the most favored regions on the American 
 continent, as is attested by the official mortuary reports for many years. The thermometer registered 94° but 
 once in twenty-two years, and even during the oppressive summer of 1892 the limit was 88°. The mercury 
 fell to 14° in January, 1884, and during the intensely cold January, 1893, it was only 5° in Buffalo, while 
 554° was recorded in Mississippi. The waters of the lake modify greatly the extremes of heat and cold, 
 making Buffalo unquestionably one of the most desirable resident cities in the United States. Ellicott, who 
 laid out the village in the wilderness, described it as "situated about sixty perches from Lake Erie on a 
 beautiful elevated bank thirty-five feet in perpendicular height above the surface of the water of the lake." 
 The site of the city at the eastern extremity of the great chain of inland seas of America, at the source of the 
 Niagara river, commands beyond all question the trade of a vast area, making it the entrepot for the natural 
 products of the great West and Northwest, as well as for the manufactured goods from the factories and mills 
 of the East consigned to western points on the lakes or inland, with every facility for storage and shipment to 
 all points by rail, lake, or canal, marks it indisputably as the future trade metropolis of the country, and even 
 now the second in importance of all the great inland cities of the Union, and in many regards the peer of any. 
 It is the county seat of Erie county, with a population of nearly if not quite 355,000, the third in this regard 
 in the State, and second in commercial importance only to the great American metropolis. New York City. 
 The assessed valuation of the property for 1895 was ^234,651,400, the yearly increase averaging ten million 
 dollars, with the population increasing yearly from ten to twenty thousand. 
 
 The Erie canal, of which Buffalo is the western terminus, passes through the western part of the city 
 from north to south, giving communication by water to remote points in the northwest and the Atlantic sea- 
 board, the completion of the canal repeating the "Marriage of the Adriatic," made famous by artists and 
 poets of a former age. The city is bounded on the west by Lake Erie and the Niagara river, on the east by 
 the towns of Cheektowaga, Amherst and West Seneca, the latter town forming also its southern, and the 
 town of Tonawanda its northern boundaries. The city has an area of 25,343"^ acres, with 330 miles of 
 paved streets, two hundred miles of which are of asphalt, or more than any other city in the world, and more 
 than London and Paris combined. It has 150 miles of sewage, nine hundred acres of magnificent parks, and 
 sixteen miles of park driveways, and 144 miles of street railway operated by electricity, giving rapid passage 
 
8o 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 between all parts of the city and neighboring towns, including Tonawanda and Niagara Falls. Twent\-six 
 lines of railway enter the city from all directions with 250 passenger trains daily, there being nearly seven 
 hundred miles of trackage within the city limits. 
 
 Natural gas from Penns\ivania, and Welland county, Ontario, is largely in use in the city, and is a 
 popular source of fuel supply for heating and cooking purposes. The public-school system is on the highest 
 plane of usefulness, there being fifty-six imposing and substantial buildings, with nearly one thousand 
 teachers, supplemented b\' night schools during the winter, and also by many private schools and seminaries 
 of great reputation. The University of Buffalo is an institution of greatest usefulness, with departments of 
 law, medicine, and pharmacy. The university has recently acquired for its department of medicine a building 
 
 at a cost of $128,000, 
 which is said to be 
 unequaled, for the pur- 
 poses to which it is 
 devoted, bv that of any 
 other city in the world, 
 in attractiveness and 
 convenience. St. Jos- 
 eph's and Canisius col- 
 leges, both of which are 
 Catholic institutions, 
 are great factors in the 
 educational affairs of 
 the city. The former is 
 under the control of the 
 Christian Brothers, and 
 the latter is in charge of 
 the Priests of the Order 
 of Jesuits. 
 
 The city boasts of 
 many public libraries, 
 the Buffalo and Grosve- 
 nor libraries being un- 
 surpassed by those of 
 any city in America. 
 The building in which 
 the former is located is 
 a magnificent brown- 
 stone structure as nearly tire-proof as it can be made, and contains 150,000 volumes, besides many autograph 
 papers of great value. The Fine Arts Academy and Historical Society have their quarters in the same 
 building, the latter occupying the third floor, while the Museum of the Society of Natural Science occupies 
 the basement, with a \ast collection, free to all and of almost inestimable value. Each public-school building 
 has a library of its own for use of pupils, and many private libraries supplement this important feature of 
 education in Buffalo. The great area of Buffalo, forty-two square miles, and the low prices of real estate in 
 former years, enabled the laying out of streets of sufficient width for business purposes, and the narrow, 
 inconvenient thoroughfares of older cities are unknown in Buffalo. 
 
 The custom of setting the houses back from the street line, \\ ith well-kept law ns between the buildings 
 and the sidewalks, with shade trees on either side of the latter, gives most of the resident portions of the 
 cit\' a beautiful appearance and adds comfort and attractiveness to the occupants ; and on Delaware, Elmwood, 
 Auburn, and other avenues, and on N'nrth, West Ferry, and on man\- other streets, the dwellings are sur- 
 rounded with magnificent parterres, beautiful with shrubbery, flowers, and ornamental trees, statuary, etc. 
 The low cost of fuel and food makes Buffalo one of the cheapest large cities in which to reside. An eccentric 
 millionaire once remarked in his club, that "a man with an income of two thousand dollars was as well off in 
 Buffalo as one with two hundred thousand dollars elsewhere." There is no paradise for the poor on earth, 
 but Buffalo is as near it as any large city in the world. There are many delightful summer resorts on lake 
 and ri\'er for the people of Buffalo. A pleasant sail on the former for an hour brings the people to Crystal 
 
 
 BUFFALO IN THE PARK. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 8i 
 
 Beach on the Canadian side of Lake Erie or to Woodlawn Beach on the American side, both of wliich afford 
 magnificent bathing, fishing, boating, and other means of enjoj'ing the heated term ; and Grand Island, in tiie 
 river half a dozen miles below the city, has numerous public and private resorts, club-houses, etc. A number 
 of villas, built on the Lewiston Heights overlooking the grand gorge of Niagara is a magnificent place for 
 summer residence, and immediately opposite, on the Canadian shore, is the local Coney island of this section. 
 The hotels of Buffalo are numerous and afford every comfort desired. The Iroquois and Niagara are 
 models of architectural art, and especially impress visitors to the Queen City of the Lakes. The Buffalo 
 club occupies a magnificent large mansion on Delaware avenue, and nearly opposite is the home of the Saturn 
 club, composed chiefly of young professional men. The PhcEnix club offers every convenience to the Hebrew 
 citizens of the city, and the Ellicott club just formed will occupy elegant apartments in the new Ellicott Square 
 building. The Women's Educational and Industrial Union protects working women from fraud, gives free 
 entertainments and instruction in English branches, and is supplied with a gymnasium, reading-room, etc. 
 The fine building of the Union is on Niagara square. 
 
 There are in this city i8o churches, including thirty-three Roman Catholic, with eleven chapels; twenty- 
 four Methodist; two Free Methodist; twenty-one Episcopal; eighteen Presbyterian, besides four chapels; 
 seventeen Baptists and six missions; sixteen Lutheran ; five Evangelical ; five Evangelical Reformed ; twelve 
 German Evangelical; five Jewish Synagogues; seven Congregational; two Universalist ; one Unitarian; 
 one United Brethren; two Scientist; one Friends; three Disciples; two Canal Street Missions; and one 
 Floating Mission. A score of hospitals, public and private, afford ample accommodations for the afflicted, and 
 numerous homes and asylums are provided by the charity of the city, its churches and citizens, for the 
 indigent. Twenty-five banks give ample accommodations to the people, and afford great aid to deserving 
 enterprises. The capital and surplus of the commercial banks aggregate about ten million dollars, and the four 
 savings banks have a total savings fund of thirty-two million dollars, and a surplus of almost five million 
 dollars. Buffalo boasts of a most efficient police force, entirely removed from political influence, and the fire 
 department is also equal to all emergencies, with fire alarm system and every modern requisite of the 
 service. Nine theatres, some of them first-class, and most of them good, furnish amusement suited to all 
 tastes. The water supply is abundant, and is obtained from Lake Erie, and with extensive improvements 
 lately made, will meet all requirements for many years to come. The water is of exceptional purity, largely 
 contributing to the healthfulness of the people. The rate of taxation is reasonable, the city rates being 
 $15.39 on a valuation of one thousand dollars, the county and State rates aggregating $5,075 per thousand 
 dollars. The receipts of the Buffalo post-office for the year ending June 30, 1895, were $655,644.08, an 
 increase of nearly ten thousand dollars over that of the previous year, and the customs receipts during the 
 same period aggregate $473,830.50. 
 
 hi variety and styles of architecture the city is without a peer in the country, and the highest taste and 
 greatest architectural skill has been called into requisition in the building up of the resident portions of the 
 city. The wonderful increase in the trade of the city during the past decade has been a matter of surprise to 
 all, and is evidenced by the following statistics: The receipts of live stock during the past year were 
 8,894,510 head, and of grain by lake there was received 161,401,815 bushels, while 6,577,600 tons of coal 
 were received for transportation elsewhere and for consumption here. To handle the large amount of grain 
 for storage here, there are thirty-six elevators, six transfers and nine floating elevators, with a combined 
 capacity of 16,550,000 bushels. Buffalo is the largest flour depot in the world, the receipts by lake alone 
 during 1895 being 11,488,530 barrels. In the city and its immediate vicinity there are fourteen flour mills, 
 which during the past year manufactured 1,396,665 barrels of flour. During that year the arrivals of vessels 
 at this port were 4795, with 4,323,537 tonnage, and 4869 vessels cleared with 4,466,365 tonnage. During 
 this period 13,496 vessels passed the International bridge on Niagara river. 
 
 The number of manufactories here is over three thousand, employing more than seventy-five thousand 
 operatives. Buffalo harbor, prior to 1826 was of small advantage, but in the summer of that year it was 
 greatly improved, and ninety rods of pier were built. When Buffalo was made the terminus of the canal, work 
 on the harbor was begun, and with the improvements since made by the Federal Government, Buffalo harbor 
 is one of the finest on the lakes. A number of companies have been organized since that time, each having 
 now a fleet of freight and passenger steamships, the tonnage of these vessels aggregating one hundred 
 thousand, affords ample accommodation for lake traffic from Buffalo to Duluth. Within twenty miles 
 are located the Niagara Falls tunnels, supplying a practically unlimited amount of power, which is delivered at 
 the city line at low prices, giving promise of still more wonderful growth in industrial enterprise in the near 
 future than in the past. 
 
EDGAR B. JEWETT, MAYOR. 
 
 MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT 
 
 BUFFALO is one of the best governed cities of tine Union, its officials in almost every instance being 
 elected by a popular vote, its original charter was revised in 1892, after many months of patient, 
 earnest and intelligent effort on part of men representing the best citizens in business, professional, 
 and social life. The experience of the past dictated the enactments for the future, and defects in the old 
 charter were remedied, omissions supplied, and the interests of the taxpayers were faithfully guarded. 
 Meetings were held in the Merchants' Exchange, and mooted points were discussed by lawyers, judges, 
 clergymen, physicians, and representatives of labor organizations, and were noted by members of the Charter 
 Revision Committee, and the result was an instrument of which the city may well be proud. It prescribes a 
 system of municipal government eminently wise and prudent. It created a Board of Public Works consisting 
 of three members, two appointive and one elective, and to this board was given the governance of four 
 important bureaus of the city government. These are designated the bureaus of water, streets, engineering 
 and buildings, each of which is under the supervision of a head of department appointed by the commissioners, 
 who is directly responsible to them for his own acts and that of his subordinates. 
 
c 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 8^ 
 
 The operation of the new charter has been in the direction of non-partisanship, and greatly improved 
 methods in the management of public affairs. Under the existing charter the city has a complete system of 
 local legislation, consisting of the Board of Aldermen, in which body all legislation must originate, and 
 consisting of an alderman from each ward. The second legislative branch is the Board of Councilmen, which 
 an only review and finally pass upon the proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, which after action by the 
 councilmen must receive the sanction of the mayor. The third body is the Common Council, which composes 
 both the legislative boards in joint session, and which elects the city clerk, who acts as clerk of both bodies, 
 and appoints his own deputy and ofTice staff. Most of the clerkships and patronage in the city departments 
 are governed by civil service requirements, candidates for positions in the city government being certified as 
 competent by the Board of Civil Service Commissioners. 
 
 Buffalo has a most excellent Health Department, its work during the past few years having decreased 
 the mortuary list in inverse ratio to the great increase in population. Inspections of plumbing are frequent 
 and thorough, and all infectious diseases are required to be promptly reported to the Bureau of Vital Statistics 
 by the physicians having such cases in charge, under heavy penalties for failure to comply. When these 
 diseases are of contagious types the houses of the afflicted are placarded, the patients isolated or quarantined, 
 and a thorough system of fumigation, after the demise or convalescence of the patients, is rigidly insisted 
 upon. The municipal government is at all times liberal, and fosters enterprise and encourages settlement 
 here. The policy of its officials has always been in the line of thought of the great statesman who wrote that 
 "that governs best which governs least." No income is derived by the city from many lines of industry 
 which are heavily taxed in other places, and unreasonable sumptuary laws are not enforced by the police 
 authorities, such regulations only being observed as secure the greatest good to the greatest number. 
 
 The Board of Councilmen is composed of nine members, elected on the general city ticket, whose terms 
 of office are so arranged that the personnel of one-third of the board is changed annually, three members 
 being elected every year. The fiscal affairs of the city are controlled and directed by a comptroller and city 
 treasurer. No general fund indebtedness can be incurred without a two-thirds vote in both legislative 
 branches, and the approval of the mayor. Compared with other cities the municipal debt of Buffalo is small, 
 and the tax rate low on valuations as assessed. On every side there are colonies and settlements, which will 
 doubtless soon become part of the city proper, and the addition of a strip of territory a mile in width would 
 add many thousands to the 355,000 population which is justly claimed is an accurate estimate of the number 
 of her citizens. 
 
 The fact that millions of dollars of outside capital are being invested in Buffalo every year speaks 
 eloquently of the future of the city. Suburban residences are being largely purchased by strangers, and 
 many large steel-frame office-buildings have recently been erected, in the construction of which foreign 
 capital is invested, and providing accommodations for coming years, the surest index of the faith of outsiders 
 in the future of the city. A syndicate of Chicago people, in January, 1895, broke ground for the thirteen- 
 story office building which has been completed at a cost of seven hundred thousand dollars, and which is 
 known as the Guaranty building ; and Boston, New York, and Buffalo capital is invested in erecting the 
 magnificent Ellicott Square building, covering an entire block, at a cost of $2,600,000. The imposing Mooney 
 & Brisbane building, on Main, Clinton and Washington streets, completed in 1895, occupying 180 feet each 
 on Main and Washington streets and two hundred feet on Clinton street, facing the soldiers' monument, cost 
 about one million dollars, and the handsome D. S. Morgan building, built by outside capital, are notable 
 instances of the faith in Buffalo's future greatness. In 1894 the United States Government purchased the 
 site for the new post-office building, covering an entire block, and bounded by Ellicott, Oak, Swan and South 
 Division streets. 
 
 The utilization of the power of Niagara Falls, the great triumph of engineering science of the closing 
 years of the nineteenth century, has attracted the attention of investors in all parts of the country, as prom- 
 ising greater returns than any other field on earth. Without Niagara's power the future greatness of Buffalo 
 was assured by every natural advantage possible as a trade and resident city. With it, the possibilities are 
 more than the shrewdest can realize, and the greater Buffalo of the twentieth century bids fair to surpass the 
 expectations of the most sanguine. Of late years Buffalo has come to be recognized as the ideal convention 
 city, the principal reason for which is its accessibility to delegates coming from all parts of the Union. 
 
 The municipal officers of Buffalo for 1896 are as follows: Edgar B. Jewett, mayor. Department of 
 Finance — Erastus C. Knight, comptroller; Philip Gerst, city treasurer. Board of Councilmen — Christian 
 Klinck, president; James N. Adam, James Ash, Michael J. Byrne, A. Frank Gorski, Andrew J. Keller, 
 Christian Klinck, Henry C. Steul, Charles H. Utley, Henry Zipp. 
 
84 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Board of Aldermen — William H. Bradish, president; John J. CoLighlin, John P. Sullivan, Joseph Butler, 
 John Walsh, William Summers, Charles Kiefer, Edward J. G. Schaefer, Abram Durr, John O. G. Robert, 
 Adam Boeckel, James Smith, Samuel Caldwell, John Kick, Charles P. Woltz, Jacob Kissinger, Frederick A. 
 Menge, Fred W. M. Heerwagen, George Zoeller, John J. Kennedy, James Franklin, Frank Maischoss, 
 Clifford S. A. Coe, Joseph C. Veling, Robert K. Smither, William H. Bradish. 
 
 Department of Law — Charles L. Feldman, corporation counsel; James L. Quackenbush, city attorney. 
 Department of Public Works — George S. Gatchell, Charles G. Pankow, and James Mooney, commis- 
 sioners. Bureau of Engineering — Samuel J. Fields, chief engineer ; Edward B. Guthrie, assistant. Bureau 
 of Water — Peter Drexelius, superintendent ; Louis H. Knapp, assistant. Bureau of Streets — Thomas F- 
 Maloney, superintendent. Bureau of Building — John Reiman, superintendent. 
 
 Board of Health — Hon. Edgar B. Jewett, mayor, ex-officio; George S. Gatchell, Ernest Wende, M. D., 
 health commissioner; John A. Pettit, M. D., assistant; Franklin C. Gramm, M. D., registrar of vital statis- 
 tics; Herbert M. Hill, M. D., city chemist; W. H. Heath, M. D., inspector of food supplies and drugs; 
 William G. Bissell, M. D., bacteriologist, with Thomas B. Carpenter, assistant; D. J. Constantine, M. D., 
 tenement and lodging-house inspector; Dean Wilson, inspector of plumbing; John Rost, cattle inspector; 
 A. T. O'Hara, M. D., Quarantine Hospital. City Physicians — George F. Cott, First district; D. W. C. 
 Green, M. D., Second district; A. W. Bayliss, M. D., Third district; G. W. Lewis, Jr., M. D., Fourth 
 district; H. G. Bentz, M. D., Fifth district; William Hoddick, M. D., Sixth district; E. C. Waldruff, M. D., 
 Seventh district; J. A. Hoffmeyer, M. D., Eighth district; E. A. Fisher, M. D, homoeopathic, east side of 
 Main street; George R. Stearns, M. D., homoeopathic, west side of Main street. 
 
 Department of Public Instruction — Henry P. Emerson, superintendent; Matthew F. Chemnitz, secre- 
 tary and superintendent of German. Department of Poor — John Arnold, overseer; L. J. Kenngott, deputy. 
 Department of Assessment — Andrew Beasley, Thomas F. Crowley, Nicholas J. Mock, Albert H. Beyer, 
 and Edward G. Volz, assessors. City Clerk's Department — Mark S. Hubbell, city clerk; Charles F. Sus- 
 dorf, deputy. Department of Fire — G. Fred Zeller, Jacob Davis, and William N. Smith, commissioners; 
 Bernard J. McConnell, chief of department; Edward P. Murphy, assistant. Department of Police and 
 Excise — Edgar B. Jewett, ex-officio, James E. Curtiss, and Charles A. Rupp, commissioners; W. S. Bull 
 superintendent; Patrick V. Cussack, assistant. Sealer of Weights and Measures — Alfred H. Neal. 
 
 Judiciary Department — Municipal Court Judges, Charles W. Hinson, Louis Braunlein; Police Court 
 Justice, Thomas S. King; Justices of the Peace, John G. Miller, Wallace C. Hill, and T. H. Rochford. 
 
 The list of Mayors of Buffalo from the time of its corporation as a city to the present: 1832, Ebenezer 
 Johnson; 1833, Major A. Andrews; 1834, Ebenezer Johnson; 1835, Hiram Pratt; 1836, Samuel Wilkeson ; 
 1837-8, Dr. Josiah Trowbridge; 1839, Hiram Pratt; 1840, Sheldon Thompson; 1841, Isaac R. Harrington; 
 1842, George W. Clinton; 1843-5, James G. Masten; 1846, Solomon G. Haven; 1847, Elbridge G. Spauld- 
 ing; 1849, Hiram Barton; 1850, Henry K. Smith ; 185 1, James Wadsworth ; 1852, Hiram Barton; 1853-5, 
 Eli Cook; 1856-7, Frederick P. Stevens; 1858-9, Timothy T. Lockwood ; 1860-1, Franklin A. Alberger ; 
 1862-5, William G. Fargo; 1866-7, Chandler J. Wells; 1868-9, William F. Rogers.; 1870-3, Alexander 
 Brush; 1874-5, Lewis P. Dayton; 1876-7, Philip Becker; 1878-9, Solomon Scheu ; 1880-1, Alexander 
 Brush; 1882, Grover Cleveland ; 1882, unexpired term, Marcus M. Drake; 1883, John B. Manning; 1884-5, 
 Jonathan Scoville ; 1886-9, Philip Becker; 1890-4, Charles F. Bishop; 1895-6, Edgar B. Jewett. 
 
 The following shows the increase in the value of property in Buffalo, as assessed for taxation, during 
 the past twenty years: 1876, $111,995,955; 1877, $99,975,575; 1878. $88,886,545; 1879, $88,156,3x0; 
 1880, $89,232,485; 1881, $92,256,315; 1882, $98,097,035; 1883, $101,963,765; 1884, $104,801,190; 
 1885, $108,374,145; 1886, $122,369,170; 1887, $128,631,295; 1888, $133,076,805; 1889, $157,512,570; 
 1890, $162,359,450; 1891, $179,957,350; 1892, $197,084,780; 1893, $222,572,885; 1894, $230,126,405; 
 1895, $234,651,400. 
 
 The total city debt, July 1, 1895, all of which is bonded, was $12,441,108.63. 
 
 POLICE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 History, on the subject of guardians of the peace for Buffalo, is silent until 1828, when Lenord P. Cary 
 was constituted a constable, and from year to year his successors were elected and installed in office, but 
 there is no evidence that they were vested with the powers and functions of policemen. In 1837 a watch- 
 tower on the Terrace near Main street was erected, and the following year James L. Barton was appointed 
 police justice, and held his court in this watch-house. In 1839 Samuel Fursman was appointed captain of the 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 8^ 
 
 watch, and had under him ten constables ; as the city grew this force was from time to time increased. The 
 hrst chief of police was Samuel W. Bagnall, who was appointed in 1854; four police captains were appointed 
 at this time. Mr. Bagnall was succeeded by Robert H. Best in 1858, and he resigned in 1861, when he was 
 succeeded by George Drullard, who in 1864 gave place to Charles Darcy. There were at this time four 
 police stations, located on the Terrace near Evans street, at the corner of Louisiana and Seneca streets, on 
 Sycamore near Ash street, and at the corner of Pearl and Mohawk streets, in 1866 an act of the Legislature 
 established the Niagara Frontier Police District, which included Buffalo and Tonawanda in Erie county, and 
 the town of Wheatfield in Niagara county. The act authorized the appointment nf three commissioners of 
 police, superintendent, 
 captains, and detectives, 
 and one hundred patrol- 
 men, with headquarters 
 located in Spaulding's Ex- 
 change. In 1867 two new 
 station-houses were built, 
 one on Main street at Cold 
 Spring, and one on Forest 
 avenue near Niagara 
 street. In 1870 the Niag- 
 ara district was divided, 
 and Buffalo was consti- 
 tuted a separate police 
 district, and Peter C. 
 Doyle was appointed su- 
 perintendent. May 1,1871, 
 the Buffalo city police was 
 organized. 
 
 The call-box system 
 and patrol wagons were 
 introduced in 1886, and 
 added greatly to the effi- 
 ciency of the department. 
 At this time the entire 
 police system is under the 
 control of three police 
 commissioners, of which 
 board the mayor is, ex- 
 affkio, president. Edgar B. 
 Jewett, James F. Curtiss 
 and Charles A. Rupp, con- 
 stitute the present Board 
 of Police Commissioners. 
 
 The executive officer 
 of the Police Department 
 
 is the superintendent. The superintendents of police since 1866 were as follows: 1866 to 1870, David S. 
 Reynolds; 1870 to 1872, Peter C. Doyle; 1872 to 1879, John Byrne; 1879 to January, 1880, W. A. Phillips; 
 1880 to 1883, William J. Wolfe; 1883 to May i, 1883, James M. Shepard ; 1883, Thomas Curtin ; 1884 to 
 1887, William A. Phillips; 1887 to January 27, 1891, Martin Morin ; 1892 to 1893, Daniel Morgenstern ; 
 1893 to 1894, George Chambers; 1894 to the present, William S. Bull, who has P- V. Cussack as his 
 assistant. The force consists of thirteen captains, fifteen detectives, twenty-five precinct specials, thirty- 
 nine sergeants, nine operators, thirty-nine doormen, and 469 patrolmen. There are thirteen station-houses, 
 seven patrol wagons and 150 patrol call-boxes, the latter under the charge of the electrical department, 
 consisting of a superintendent and four assistants. Of the patrolmen twenty-one are mounted. The depart- 
 ment also maintains a harbor police, to guard the extensive water front, and a steam patrol boat has lately 
 been added to the equipment of this branch of the department. The superintendent's last report states that 
 
 CITY AND COUNTY HALL. 
 
86 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 in no instance has an appointment, transfer, or promotion been made for political reasons, and officers now 
 feel sure of their positions so long as their duties are faithfully performed, regardless of political affiliations. 
 The total expenditures in the Police and Excise Departments for the year ending June 30, 1895, was 
 $673,922.22, and the appropriation for 1895-6 is $678,475.00. 
 
 FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 The Fire Department of Buffalo antedates the city itself, its history reaching back as far as 1816, when 
 an ordinance of the village authorities required every owner of a house "to have one good leather bucket 
 for each house, store or shop, to cause their chimneys to be swept and to build chimneys in future, large 
 enough for sweepers to go through them." The first advance on this primitive system of fighting fire was in 
 1826, when one hundred dollars was ordered levied to build an engine house, and a fire engine was procured. 
 
 In January, 1830, the fire company numbered twenty-seven members, most of them leading citizens, 
 and the following year action was taken by the municipal authorities to enlarge the facilities for extinguishing 
 fires. September 19 of that year four reservoirs, each of the capacity of ten thousand gallons, were ordered 
 to be placed at the intersection of Main street with Seneca, Swan, Eagle and Court, and these, with others 
 afterwards provided, served the purpose for many years. 
 
 The same year two new engines and additional hose were purchased. The first regular fire company 
 was organized in Buffalo, December 16, 1824, and Oliver Forward directed the appointment of the members 
 of the organization, the list including most of the prominent men in the village. 
 
 Two more companies were organized in November 1831, one of which was a hook and ladder company. 
 They were known as Engine Company No. 3 and "Fulton 3." Hose companies i, 2, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were 
 organized in 1871, and Liberty No. i in 1872. Hook and Ladder Company No. i became an organization 
 June 3, 1861 ; No. 2 August 14, 1864; No. 3 December 11, 1868. Protection Company No. i was organized 
 September i, 1868, and Pioneer Truck Company No. i or "Rescue Truck" No. 2, in May, 1832. Isaac S. 
 Smith was the first chief engineer, being appointed January 4, 1832. In 1866 Edwin Hullont was appointed 
 superintendent of the Fire Department, which position was subsequently filled as follows : Peter C. Doyle, 
 1868-9; Thomas B. French, 1870-73; Joseph B. Williams, 1874-5; Thomas B. French, 1876-7; Peter C. 
 Doyle, 1878; James L. Rodgers, 1879-80; T. B. French, 1880-83; Frederick Hornung, 1883-1894, and 
 Bernard J. McConnell, 1895-6. The first board of fire commissioners was appointed April 27, 1857. The 
 first steam engine was purchased February 3, 1859. The city was apportioned into fire districts November 
 21, 1859, and the fire-alarm telegraph was introduced in 1865. The volunteer companies were disbanded in 
 March, 1880, and three fire commissioners were appointed. The total expenditures in the fire department 
 for the year ending June 30, 1895, was $459,902.78 ; appropriation for 1895-6, $496,719.40. The Board of 
 Fire Commissioners consists of George F. Zeller, William A. Smith, and Jacob Davis. The superintendent 
 and chief engineer is Bernard J. McConnell. There are at present thirty-five captains, thirty-seven lieuten- 
 ants, twenty-eight engineers, 290 first-class and 64 second-class firemen, and four pilots of fire boats in the 
 department. This branch of municipal government is universally recognized as the equal of that of any city 
 of the union, both as regards equipment and efficiency. 
 
 STREET PAVING. 
 
 Buffalo has now in use and under contract nearly two hundred miles of asphalt pavement. The business 
 of asphalt paving, of which the Barber Company is the oldest and by far the largest concern in the country, 
 was established in the United States in 1878 by Mr. A. L. Barber, and the business has since that time 
 attained vast proportions. The company was incorporated in 1883, up to which time its business was largely 
 confined to Washington, D. C, but since that time its operations have extended to all parts of the country, 
 from Montreal on the north to New Orleans on the south, and from Boston, Massachusetts, to Denver, 
 Colorado. The use of the Barber Company's pavement for seventeen years has justified the name of the 
 "Standard pavement of America," and there is good ground for the belief that at a day not far distant it will 
 supersede all others in use. All the pavements laid by this company are kept in repair for five years free of 
 expense. The wearing surface of these pavements is a mixture of asphalt obtained from the celebrated 
 "Pitch Lake" in the Island of Trinidad, with sand, limestone and petroleum oil in certain proportions, fixed 
 by long experience and most careful observation, and slightly varied according to the traffic and climate, and 
 the highest technical skill and best possible knowledge of the ingredients are absolutely requisite for 
 successful work. 
 
88 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 The Barber Asphalt Company maintains a large chemical laboratory in connection with its work, where 
 examinations and analyses are being constantly made by experts and the records of over twelve hundred 
 streets laid during seventeen years are preserved. The advantages of the Barber asphalt pavements are 
 manifold, among which may be mentioned first its durability, being in reality a sandstone, more durable than 
 the natural product, owing to the ductile nature of the cementing material. While not as durable as granite, 
 it is far more lasting than wood or brick, and many streets paved with Trinidad asphalt are now in perfect 
 condition after ten years' use without ever having been repaired. Second, its smoothness, the uniform 
 surface reducing the force of traction to one-third or one-fifth as compared with gravel roads ; it increases the 
 carrying power of horses from three to twelve-fold ; it saves one-third to one-half of the cost of repairs of 
 vehicles due to wear and tear, and adds immeasurably to the comfort of persons riding over them in carriages. 
 Third, healthfulness: The joints of Belgian and cobble pavements necessarily become receptacles for 
 manure, etc., dropped in the street, which putrifies under the influence of heat and moisture, giving forth 
 unhealthy vapors, and the upper layers of macadam and gravel roads are impregnated with the same kind of 
 filth. The vegetable fibre of wood pavements absorbs the filth also, giving out foul odors. On asphalt pave- 
 ments, there being no joints, this is all avoided. The pavements are easily cleaned and every particle of 
 foreign matter is readily removed. Fourth, safety : It is a popular error, fast disappearing, however, that 
 horses are more liable to slip on asphalt than on other kinds of pavement. In 1895 systematic observations 
 were made in ten different cities, covering a period of 192 days in which over eight hundred thousand horses 
 were observed, and it was demonstrated that on an average a horse traveled 583 miles on asphalt before 
 falling, and only 413 miles on stone — forty-one per cent, more accidents on stone than on asphalt. 
 
 The gritty surface of the Trinidad Lake asphalt pavements, due to the combination of sand and bitumen, 
 is incapable of a polish which makes stone pavements so slippery. The asphalt pavement also dries more 
 quickly after a rain, and thus escapes the damp, greasy conditions of wood pavements. For these reasons 
 stone pavements in Washington were replaced by asphalt for 125 miles, and on Fifth avenue. New York, and 
 in many other places asphalt has taken the place of bituminous limestone. In 1890-1 this bituminous lime- 
 stone was again laid in New York City, and again has been taken up and replaced by Trinidad asphalt on 
 Madison avenue in New York. The two pavements had been subjected to identically the same conditions 
 and afforded the best possible opportunities for testing their relative merits in regard to safety in travel. 
 Careful observations were made from January 19 to February 21 (Sundays excepted). The number of 
 vehicles was carefully counted on the Trinidad pavement at the intersection of Twenty-seventh street, and 
 on the Sicilian, or bituminous limestone pavement at the intersection of Thirty-ninth street. The number of 
 horses falling within two hundred feet on either side of both points of observation was also recorded as com- 
 plete falls, falls on the knees and falls on the haunches. The observers were changed from one point to the 
 other at the end of two weeks and their reports were all verified by affidavits. 
 
 The results obtained were as follows: On Sicilian or rock asphalt, corner Thirty-ninth street, 29,141 
 vehicles, fifteen falls on knees, twenty-eight falls on haunches, forty-one total falls; total from January 19 to 
 January 31, 32,352 vehicles, twenty-seven falls on knees, twenty falls on haunches, one hundred complete 
 falls, total 147 falls; from February 2 to February 14, 16,505 vehicles, seven falls on knees, thirteen falls on 
 haunches, fifty-four complete falls, total seventy-four falls, from February 16 to February 21, the grand 
 totals being 77,998 vehicles, forty-nine falls on knees, sixty-one falls on haunches, 197 complete falls, total 
 falls, 307. On the Trinidad asphalt pavement, from January 19 to January 31, 33,472 vehicles were 
 observed, the total number of falls being four; from February 2 to February 14, 22,466 vehicles, without a 
 single fall of any kind, and from February 16 to February 21, 13,305 vehicles, with but two falls, the grand 
 total being but six falls, 56,945 vehicles being observed, or sixty times as many accidents on the bituminous 
 limestone as on the Trinidad asphalt pavements, and not a single complete fall on the latter, while more 
 vehicles were observed. Fifth, noiselessness : On asphalt the noise made by vehicles is only the light click 
 of the horses' hoofs, the wheels making no perceptible sound, while the almost intolerable noise of stone 
 pavements is patent to every one, the cause of most of the nervous troubles among residents of large cities, 
 as declared by leading physicians. 
 
 It was frequently observed that a block of stone pavement would be covered with tan bark or sawdust, 
 in consequence of the sickness of some person residing in the block, with whom the noise and vibration from 
 the stone pavement might turn the scale between life and death. The nuisance on the street thus occasioned 
 would have been insufferable except that human life probably depended upon it. This is entirely unneces- 
 sary on the asphalt pavements, as has doubtless been observed. Sixth, popularity : The principal tests of 
 relative merits of different pavements is the relative amount of traffic which they attract under similar circum- 
 
FRANKLIN STREET, LAID WITH TRINIDAD ASPHALT PAVEMENT. 
 
 m^ 
 
 NORTH STREET, LAID WITH TRINIDAD ASPHALT PAVEMENT. 
 
go BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 stances. This was first observed in St. Louis, Missouri, wliere two streets, parallel, adjacent and similar in 
 every respect were paved in 1883, one with Trinidad asphalt and the other with the best granite blocks with 
 tar cement in the joints, and over ten times as many vehicles per day were used on the asphalt as on the 
 granite pavement in 1885. Seventh, cost: In regard to cost, everything can be truthfully said of Trinidad 
 asphalt pavements. It is laid at less cost than the" best quality of granite or Belgian pavement, or of wood 
 on concrete foundation, and although its first cost is greater than that of cheap wood or brick laid on sand, 
 yet the rapid decay and frequent removal of the former and the short life of brick, owing to its brittle and 
 friable nature make the latter much more expensive in the end. In every regard it is the standard pavement 
 of the age. 
 
 The important part taken in the progress of Buffalo during the past twenty years by the Barber Asphalt 
 Company is scarcely to be estimated. It has laid in this city during the last eighteen years 2,958,111 square 
 yards or 184 miles of twenty-six-foot roadway of their asphalt pavement, and in forty cities in fifteen states 
 of the Union the company have laid 8,840,600 square yards of Trinidad pavement, or more than three times 
 the amount of asphalt pavements in London, Paris, Berlin, and other cities in Europe, where the laying of 
 asphalt pavement was begun over forty years ago. The Barber Company, as a result of experience, have 
 adopted four distinct classes of pavement, varying with the amount of traffic and the character of the foun- 
 dations. Class " A," a concrete foundation of five inches, one and one-half inches of binder (fine bituminous 
 concrete), with an asphalt surface of two inches. Class "B," concrete foundation, four inches, binder one 
 inch, asphalt surface one and one-half inches. Class " C," existing stone block or macadam foundation, 
 binder one and one-half inches, asphalt surface two inches. Class "D," for sidewalks and driveways, 
 foundation of broken stone, two inches, and asphalt surface one inch. 
 
 The pavements of the company are ready for use the day after they are laid. Great as has been the 
 work accomplished here and elsewhere by this well-known company, such are its facilities that its every 
 engagement is faithfully performed. Promptness, reliable work, and satisfaction in every regard is always 
 guaranteed. It is one of Buffalo's most important enterprises, and its contributions to the general growth of 
 the city in appearance and in a more utilitarian sense, constitute it one of the prime factors in the great 
 prosperity of Buffalo of to-day — the Greater Buffalo of the future. 
 
 HEALTH. 
 
 The records of the Buffalo Bureau of Vital Statistics show, that while the population is increasing with 
 wonderful rapidity, its death rate is steadily growing less, Buffalo having as low a rate of mortality as the 
 most favored cities of the world. The sewage system of the city is as near perfection as can be obtained by 
 sanitary science, and is adequate for the present and the future as well. The Health Department is perfectly 
 equipped to ward off disease, and no means are spared to make this the most healthful as well as the most 
 beautiful of the greatest cities of the American continent. 
 
 WATER. 
 
 The water supply is limited only by the amount of pure liquid contained by the chain of great inland 
 seas, and in quality is unsurpassed for every purpose. The construction in 1893 0^ the new reservoir at 
 Jefferson and Best streets at a cost of ^406,000, adds 125,000,000 gallons to the supply capacity of the city. 
 The Fire and Police departments of Buffalo are unsurpassed ; they are entirely divorced from partisan control, 
 and are quite as efficient as the same departments of any of its sister cities of the Union. Since 1886 natural 
 gas has, in great measure, supplanted coal and steam as fuel. The cost is about that of coal, and the saving 
 in labor to housekeepers is enormous. There are over one hundred miles of pipe laid in the city, connecting 
 with the great gas-producing sections of Canada and Pennsylvania. The municipal policy and government 
 are liberal at all times. Industries are not burdened by taxation, unreasonable sumptuary laws are not 
 enforced, and elections are not controlled by party hacks, and a spirit of independence on the part of the 
 people, results as a rule in the election to office of the best men, regardless of their political faith. The city 
 claims to have the most imposing and substantial city and county building in the United States. It was 
 constructed at a cost of ;?i,40o,ooo, and was first occupied in March, 1876. The building is of granite, 
 ornamented with a- tower in which there is an illuminated electric clock, and at the corners of the tower there 
 are four statues, also in granite, of heroic size, representing the leading factors in the growth and progress of 
 the city. In 1889 an annex known as the Municipal building was erected on Delaware avenue, opposite the 
 City hall, to accommodate the Municipal Courts and other city departments. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 91 
 
 POPULATION. 
 The population of Buffalo as shown by the census of 1890 was 255,543, and a police census taken by 
 the police, which was completed May 6, 1895, gave the number of inhabitants at 335,709, but for many 
 reasons the figures are considered as largely underrating the population. Taking the United States census of 
 1890, and adding to it the average yearly increase for years before, the inhabitants of Buffalo number 
 355,000. it is more than probable that had the police census been taken in January, 1895, the total popula- 
 tion would have aggregated 360,000. It must be remembered that the population of Buffalo has not been 
 increased by annexation. The city lines to-day are the same as they were forty years ago-, 
 
 CLIMATE. 
 
 The statistics of the weather bureau show that the climate of Buffalo compares most favorably with that 
 of any other city in the same latitude. The temperature rarely falls below ten degrees Fahrenheit, and 
 seldom rises above eighty degrees, making it one of the most pleasant residence cities in the world. Buffalo 
 is justly celebrated for the beautiful styles of architecture of its private residences which are seen in all parts 
 of the city, and especially on Main, Delaware avenue, North, Ferry, Bouck, and other streets and avenues 
 on the West side. The sidewalks of most of the streets are shaded by trees, and the handsome lawns which 
 uniformly grace the fronts of buildings add greatly to the beautiful appearance of the city. 
 
 PUBLIC PARKS. 
 
 There are several public parks in Buffalo, the principal one being on a scale of great magnificence. Its 
 total area is 640 acres, or one mile square. An artificial lake covering forty-six and one-half acres, elegant 
 drives and walks, magnificent shrubbery and beautiful parterres, make it a most popular pleasure resort, and 
 adds greatly to the pleasure and comfort of the people. Free concerts by the Sixty-fifth and Seventy-fourth 
 Regiment bands at frequent intervals draw thousands to this beautiful retreat during the summer months. In 
 addition to this the city has now under improvement a tract of about three hundred acres in the southwestern 
 part of the city, which will soon be made part of the main park system, and which will be known as the 
 South park. 
 
BUFFALO HARBOR 
 
 IN the early years of the nineteenth century the State of New York was authorized by the Legislature to 
 loan to the village of Buffalo the sum of twelve thousand dollars to build a harbor, on giving bonds in 
 double the amount for repayment of the loan. The times were very stringent and all the members of the 
 Harbor Association refused to sign the bond except Oliver Forward and Charles Townsend, and at this critical 
 juncture Hon. Samuel Wilkeson agreed to execute the bond with Messrs. Forward and Townsend, and the 
 money was secured. After much persuasion. Judge Wilkeson consented to superintend the building of the 
 harbor in 1819, and the great work was completed in 221 working days. In 1822 De Witt Clinton, canal 
 commissioner, judicially determined that Buffalo, and not Black Rock, should be the terminus of the Erie 
 canal, and from that time the city dates her importance as a shipping port. 
 
 From year to year extensive improvements were made by the Federal Government, and to-day the city 
 can boast of one of the finest harbors on the Great Lakes, and with miles of dockage where the largest 
 vessels can be accommodated. The port is at all times crowded with lake craft of every description. Many 
 lines of freight steamers and several passenger steamship lines have Buffalo for one of their termini. Among 
 the latter the leading line is that of the Northern Steamship Company. 
 
 This enterprising corporation, in the introduction of their magnificent new passenger steamships North 
 West and North Land a few years ago for transportation over the Great Lakes between Buffalo and Duluth, 
 inaugurated a new era in the navigation of the great inland seas of America ; and the successful operation of 
 the line has demonstrated the wonderful advance in ship-building during the past decade. Owing to the 
 small size of the Government canal between Lakes Huron and Superior, and the shallow waters of the straits 
 which connect the lakes with each other, the navigation of this grand system of inland water-ways was 
 impossible for vessels of large size as they were then constructed, and the skill of naval experts was called 
 into requisition to overcome these seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The first was removed when, in 
 1881, the United States Government opened the first of the large locks at Sault Ste. Marie, and the second 
 has been met in the construction of the steamships North West and North Land, by providing them with the 
 water-balasting system, which permits the sinking of the ships to the depth required to insure the greatest 
 speed and safety in the deep lakes and of floating the vessels easily and safely over the shallow bars of the 
 rivers and straits. This system has made practicable the building of ships of a size hitherto unknown. The 
 Northern Steamship Company's fleet of modern freight vessels, one following the other from the ship yards 
 in rapid succession, was closely watched and studied by marine experts, to insure the construction of the 
 passenger vessels contemplated by the company, evolving the plan on which they were to be built, in which 
 nothing should be omitted which science and skill could suggest to make the steamships speedy, safe and 
 attractive. The order of the company to the Globe Iron Works of Cleveland was for the fastest, largest, 
 safest and most comfortable vessels that could be built, and the contract was executed with fidelity to every 
 requirement or condition. The contract stipulated that the ships should make the trip from Buffalo to 
 Duluth in sixty hours, that each vessel should accommodate five hundred passengers with ample room, and 
 should possess certain characteristics of magnificence and beauty. 
 
 The length of the steamships was fixed at 386 feet, breadth forty-four feet, and depth from spar-deck to 
 keel thirty-four feet. About fifteen hundred tons of steel and nearly fourteen hundred tons of iron were used in 
 building the hull of each of these vessels. The twenty-eight boilers which each of the steamships has, were 
 each subjected to a pressure of eight hundred pounds per square inch, while they are operated by a pressure 
 of but 275 pounds. These boilers convert into steam seventy tons of water per hour, and in a round trip 
 
94 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 each vessel turns into steam a quarter of a mile of water twenty-five feet wide and nine feet deep. The 
 regular and auxiliary engines of each ship employ sixty-four steam cylinders, twenty-six pump cylinders, and 
 six centrifugal pumps. The propellers turn 120 times per minute, and at each revolution the vessel is thrust 
 forward a distance of seventeen feet. Each vessel is provided with twelve hundred electric lights, each of 
 sixteen candle-power, exceeding the number employed on the largest ocean steamships by three hundred. 
 The electric search-light is of one hundred thousand candle-power, and was used on the Liberal Arts building 
 at the World's Fair at Chicago. The refrigerating machine on each vessel manufactures one thousand pounds 
 of ice per day and each steamship is provided with two independent propeller-screws, and to operate them, two 
 independent quadruple-expansion engines, with a capacity 3500 horse-power each. 
 
 In their appointments and decorations, the North West and North Land are models of elegance and taste. 
 The magnificent dining-rooms have a seating capacity for 1 50 persons at one time, and an elegantly equipped 
 
 ' NORTH LAND." 
 
 cafe is a feature of these floating palaces. The route of the vessels affords interesting views to passengers at 
 numerous points in the voyage of one thousand miles. Leaving Buffalo in the evening these steamships pass 
 from the harbor into Lake Erie, and before the lights of the city have faded away in the darkness behind. 
 Crystal Beach on the Canadian side of Lake Erie and Woodlawn Beach on the American side are passed. 
 Early next morning a fine view of General Garfield's tomb is obtained, and shortly afterwards Cleveland is 
 reached, where more passengers are taken on. In crossing the lake from this point Kelly's is passed and 
 Put-in-Bay islands, famous for Catawba grapes and fine summer hotels, crossing the spot where the famous 
 naval battle in 181 3 was fought, the result of which was announced by Commodore Perry in the words which 
 are historic: "We have met the enemy, and they are ours." 
 
 Entering the Detroit river, the ships pass the islands described by Father Hennepin in 1679 ^s "the 
 finest in the world." The Canadian town of Amherstburg is next observed and at Grosse Isle the villas of 
 Detroit families are seen, and Fort Wayne is visible from the decks of the steamers, with its old barracks and 
 cannon surmounting the parapets. Detroit, the "City of Straits," is reached, where a landing is made. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 9? 
 
 The beautiful park, Belle Isle, connected by a long steel bridge with Detroit, is soon passed, and Grosse 
 Point being left behind, Lake St. Clair is entered. Past the old colonial town of Algonac and Marine City the 
 vessels pass, and soon St. Clair city with its gay summer hotels is seen. Lake Huron is reached as night 
 comes on and next morning the Straits of Mackinac are entered, passing numerous vessels. Crossing east- 
 ward, the vessels enter St. Mary's river at Detour, the most picturesque part of the voyage. The St. Mary's 
 Falls canal, the great engineering work of the lakes, is seen, and as the vessels enter the great lock a 
 panorama of unusual interest is observed, and the whole town of Sault Ste. Marie is spread out to view. The 
 magnificent bridge crossing the river is seen in the distance, and on the Canadian side the extensive works 
 of that government on its own canal, the old white buildings of a Hudson Bay fort are visible from the lock, 
 and here Lake Superior is entered. After a delightful sail Duluth is reached, and the city of Superior across 
 the harbor is plainly visible. 
 
 The noise usual with electrical machinery is entirely avoided by the use of low-pressure engines. The 
 North West was launched January 6, 1894, and her trial trip was made May 7 following. The North Land 
 began running a year later, and in every regard of comfort, speed, and elegance, these vessels are incom- 
 parably the finest steamships afloat on lake or ocean. In the voyages from Buffalo to Duluth, these vessels 
 take in the entire length of three rivers — Detroit, St. Clair, and St. Mary — and the three great lakes: Erie, 
 Huron, and Superior; and from the Straits of Mackinac, which are also visited in the passage, the fourth 
 great lake — Michigan — is seen. Starting from Buffalo and returning from West Superior, these steamships 
 touch at Cleveland, Detroit, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, and Duluth. 
 
 The officers of the company are as follows: president, J. J. Hill; vice-president, W. C. Farrington; 
 general traffic manager, Francis B. Clarke; general passenger agent, A. A. Heard; and general freight 
 agent, S. Murray. Captains W. S. Brown and W. H. Campau were in command of the North West and 
 North Land respectively in 1895. 
 
HENRY P. EMERSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF INSTRUCTION. 
 
 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 
 
 NOTABLE as has been the commercial growth of Buffalo, in the matter of education it has kept even 
 pace with the progress of the city. From earliest times the best possible facilities were afforded by 
 the public schools, the liveliest interest in the work having been manifested by the pioneers, while 
 yet scarcely a score of houses marked the site of the present great and flourishing city. The first teacher in 
 Buffalo or New Amsterdam was, it is said, Hiram Hanchett, in Middach's house, in the winter of 1806-7. 
 The school-house had but one window, and that without glass, but sufficient light was admitted through the 
 openings between the logs of which the building was constructed. Three benches, made of slabs and a small 
 pine table comprised the furniture of the establishment. Reading only was taught at first, but spelling 
 afterwards became part of the curriculum. About twenty scholars attended the first session of the school, 
 hi 1810 or 181 1 Asaph Hall opened a grammar-school in the court-house, but it was not continued for a long 
 time. Miss Irene Leech kept a school about this time in a stone building at the corner of Main street and the 
 Terrace. November 22, 1827, the Buffalo High-school was projected, and great results were expected from 
 its organization. On this day a meeting was held at the Eagle hotel, and the plan of the institution agreed 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 97 
 
 upon. The school was incorporated the same year with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars, of which 
 ten thousand dollars was subscribed and the building was commenced. It was a fine structure, and was 
 erected on the ground which now forms part of the site of the Sisters of Charity hospital on Main street. The 
 school was fairly successful for some years, but did not seem to meet the wants of the people and was 
 discontinued. A military school was established in the High-school building, and for a time was well 
 patronized ; the expenses however were too great for the pieople of that day, and the doors were soon closed. 
 The first building for educational purposes, and paid for by public subscription, was erected at the southwest 
 corner of Pearl and Swan streets in 1807. 
 
 School District No. 2 was established in 181 5, when a school-house was built, and the year following the 
 school was opened at Cold Spring. The Buffalo High School Association was formed in 1827, but failed to 
 carry out the purpose for which it was organized. In 1838 the city was divided into six school districts, with 
 a grammar-school in each. From year to year the number has been increased, and there are now fifty-six 
 districts, and the same number of school-houses, nearly all modern and substantial structures, and many of 
 them imposing in appearance, with every requirement of sanitary science and convenience. Including the 
 High-school buildings and grounds, the valuation of the school property at a fair estimate is over ;g2, 500,0.00. 
 The text-books are furnished free to the pupils, and every facility possible is afforded the people to educate 
 their children so as to qualify 
 them for any position in life, or 
 to prepare them to enter any 
 college or university in the land. 
 Each school is provided with a 
 library, the number of volumes 
 in all aggregating over forty 
 thousand. There are fourteen 
 evening schools open for sixteen 
 weeks of each year. Each of 
 these evening schools has a 
 principal, and over sixty teach- 
 ers are employed in this depart- 
 ment. Eight kindergarten 
 schools are in successful opera- 
 tion, having on the rolls 758 
 children, of the average age of 
 four and one -half years. The 
 corps of teachers, including 
 principals of schools, numbers 
 over one thousand, and the 
 number of pupils enrolled in 
 
 1894-5 was over forty -six thousand, with an average daily attendance of seventy -five per cent. The 
 High-school is the pride of the city, and well it may be; the diploma of that institution is the" open sesame" 
 to success in almost every walk in life. In 1894 there were 1650 pupils enrolled, and the seating capacity of 
 the school is only 1050 in the main building and the Clinton Street annex. The course of study, besides the 
 full English course, includes one language, Latin, French, or German, as may be preferred. Higher mathe- 
 matics and a classical course in Greek or Latin is optional with the scholars. 
 
 BUFFALO HIGH-SCHOOL. 
 
 THE NORMAL SCHOOL. 
 
 The corner-stone of the Normal school was laid on April 15, 1869, and on September 7 of the year 
 following it was completed and furnished, and was accepted on behalf of the State by the School Commissioner. 
 An appropriation of forty-five thousand dollars was made toward the erection of the building by the County 
 of Erie, and a like amount by the City of Buffalo. The grounds on which the building was erected comprised 
 five acres of land, bounded by Jersey, Normal avenue. Fourteenth and York streets, and was donated by 
 Jesse Ketchum for the purpose. This was the crowning act of one of the most generous philanthropists of 
 his time, and was only one of many acts of benevolence which characterized " Father Ketchum." The land 
 when donated was valued at thirty thousand dollars, and is now worth over five times that sum. The 
 
98 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 " Ketchum Medals " are annually awarded to pupils in the public schools as an incentive to diligence and 
 correct deportment. The fund for the purchase of these gold and silver medals is obtained from a deed of 
 trust of ten thousand dollars, by the executors of Mr. Ketchum's will in 1871, and the medals are designed 
 as a memorial in honor of the best friend of the public schools in his day. The Normal school was opened for 
 students September 13, 1871, with Rev. H. B. Buckham as principal. He remained in charge of the school 
 till June, 1886, when he was succeeded by the present efficient principal, Dr. James M. Cassity. The num- 
 ber of students the first year in attendance was 185, which has steadily increased until at present the number 
 of pupils exceeds four hundred. About three hundred pupils under sixteen years of age are in regular atten- 
 dance on the School of Practice in this institution. A few years since the State of New York erected a large 
 addition to the main building, and connected with it by a corridor, at a cost of twenty-six thousand dollars. 
 
 Besides the public schools there are a number of private academies, among which are the Buffalo Female 
 academy, incorporated in 185 1, Canasius and St. Joseph's colleges. Holy Angels' academy, the Roman Catholic 
 parochial schools, and a number of institutions of learning connected with churches of other denominations. 
 There are also four Mercantile or Business colleges in successful operation in the city. The Department of 
 Public Instruction has at its head a Board of School Examiners, who are appointed by the mayor. Henry P. 
 Emerson is superintendent, and M. F. Chemnitz is the German superintendent and secretary. Two clerks 
 and a stenographer are connected with the department, besides five attendance officers. 
 
 MATTHEW F. CHEMNITZ. 
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARIES. 
 
 The magnificent libraries for public use in Buffalo ably supplement the excellent school system of the 
 city in the education of the people, the facilities in this regard being equaled by few cities of the country. 
 The Young Men's Library was organized as early as 1816, but endured only for sixteen years, in 1836 it 
 was reorganized, Seth C. Hawley being elected president, and Dr. Charles Winne, Samuel N. Callendar and 
 George Brown, vice-presidents. The rooms of the association were originally located at what is now No. 
 219 Main street, and in 1841 the library was removed to South Division street, near Main, and four years 
 later it was again removed to the American block on Main street, between Eagle and Court streets, hi 1863 
 
100 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 the association purchased the block corner Eagle and Main, which the h'oquois hotel now occupies, and two 
 years later the library was removed to the building which the association erected there at a cost of ^112,500. 
 In 1882 the association purchased a block of ground on Broadway, facing Lafayette square, on which their 
 present magnificent library building is located. Ground for this building was broken October 8, 1884, and 
 the new library building was completed in March, 1887, at a cost of $225,000. In 1886 the name of the 
 association was changed to the Buffalo Library by act of Legislature. 
 
 The Grosvenor library was founded with the money bequeathed for the purpose by Seth Grosvenor, a 
 merchant of New York City, and for a time a resident of Buffalo. The building was completed in 1859, but, 
 by reason of the "law's delay," it was not opened until 1869. The library, which is for reference only, 
 contains over thirty-five thousand volumes, which were purchased from the endowment fund. 
 
 The German Young Men's Association library was founded May 10, 1841. It is for use of members of 
 the association and contains nearly six thousand volumes. 
 
 St. Michael's Young Men's Sodality library was established when the college was founded, September 
 19, 1870. It has fifteen thousand volumes for use of the students of the college only. 
 
 The Women's Educational and Industrial Union library was established in 1884 by members of the 
 union, the books being contributed by generous patrons. 
 
 The Catholic Institute library was founded October i, i885, and has six thousand volumes, purchased 
 and contributed. Besides these there are a number of others, many indeed, if the school libraries, of which 
 each public school has one, are included. 
 
 GROSVENOR LIBRARY, CORNER EDWARD AND PEARL. 
 
HOMES, ASYLUMS, ETC. 
 
 IN this regard the old and young in indigent circumstances are well provided for in Buffalo. Among the 
 many institutions for their care and comfort are the following : Buffalo Newsboys' and Bootblacks' 
 Home, 29 Franklin ; Catholic Home, 64 Franklin, in charge of Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary ; 
 Church Charity Foundation, home for aged and destitute females, opened in 185-9; Evangelical Church 
 Home, Broadway, near city line; Central Presbyterian, Lafayette Square Presbyterian, North Presbyterian, 
 Westminster Presbyterian, and Calvary Presbyterian Homes, Church of the Ascension, Grace Episcopal, 
 Church of the Good Shepherd, St. Mary's-on-the-Hill, and All Saints church provide homes for their poor, 
 as also the Delaware Avenue Methodist, First Baptist, Prospect Avenue Baptist, Delaware Avenue Baptist 
 churches, and the Church of Our Father (Unitarian), Church of the Messiah (Universalist), First 
 Congregational church. Church of Christ (Disciples). 
 
 Ingleside Home, one of the most important charitable institutions of the city, was incorporated October 
 22, 1867, and is situate at 70 Howard place. Magdalen Asylum, located at 485 Best street, and under the 
 management of the Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge ; the Catholic Protectorate for girls is located at the 
 same place. The Le Conteaulx St. Mary's Institute for deaf mutes is at 125 Edward street; St. Francis 
 Asylum, 337 Pine street, for all denominations ; St. Mary's Asylum for widows, foundlings, and infants is 
 located here. The Working Boys' Home, 35 Niagara square; Buffalo Orphan Asylum, 403 Virginia; 
 Catholic Protectorate, on West Seneca street, near the city line ; Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Asylum, 
 at 280 Hickory street ; Fitch creche, 159 Swan street, a day nursery for children of working women, under 
 the management of the Charity Organization Society, are all doing noble service in the cause of humanity 
 and religion. 
 
 HOSPITALS. 
 
 Philanthropy, broad and liberal, has always characterized the municipal authorities, the churches, and 
 the people of Buffalo, ample provisions being made for the afflicted, rich and poor alike. The Buffalo General 
 Hospital was established in 1846 by citizens of public spirit and liberal purposes, and was chartered in 
 November, 1847. Its first president was Dr. Josiah Trowbridge, with General P. B. Porter, first, and 
 George W. Clinton, second vice-presidents respectively, and E. S. Baldwin, secretary, and S. N. Callender, 
 treasurer. The attending surgeon was Dr. F. H. Hamilton, and Dr. Austin Flint was the attending 
 physician, the consulting physicians being Drs. Trowbridge and Buswell. The building on High street has 
 been occupied since 1858, and with the Scoville and Kimberly cottages adjacent, has accommodations for 225 
 patients. The officers and medical and surgical staff at present are as follows: President, Truman G. 
 Avery; vice-president, William H. Walker; secretary Charles R. Wilson ; treasurer, Edward R. Spaulding ; 
 consulting physicians, C. C. Wyckoff, Conrad Diehl, and M. B. Folwell ; consulting surgeons, J. Hauenstein, 
 and D. W. Harrington; attending physicians, Charles Cary, H. R. Hopkins, C. G. Hopkins; attending 
 surgeons, W. C. Phelps, Roswell Park, S. Y. Howell, Frank W. Abbott, and Lucien Howe. 
 
 The Fitch Accident Hospital is a most important adjunct to the General Hospital, being the receiving 
 hospital. It is located on Swan street, and was established in August, i885, and is in charge of Dr. John 
 Parmenter, medical director ; John H. Pryor, attending surgeon ; Roswell Park, consulting surgeon ; 
 Chauncey P. Smith, attending physician, and Edward Meyer, attending surgeon. The training-school for 
 nurses is a most important feature of this noble institution. The Buffalo Hospital of the Sisters of Charity 
 was organized in 1848, and the following year the Legislature appropriated nine thousand dollars to aid the 
 
I02 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 enterprise. Dr. Frank H. Hamilton was ttie first attending surgeon, and Dr. Austin Flint, the attending 
 physician, with Drs. Trowbridge and James P. White as consulting physicians and surgeons respectively. 
 The institution was established largely through the efforts of Rt. Rev. John Timon, first Bishop of Buffalo, 
 and the corner-stone of the present imposing building was laid by the Rt. Rev. S. V. Ryan, the present 
 Bishop of this diocese in 1876. The Sisters' Hospital accommodates 180 patients, and the capacity of the 
 institution is at all times taxed to its utmost. With improvements now contemplated, the usefulness of this 
 great institution will be largely increased. The receiving branch of this institution is the Emergency Hospital 
 on South Division street, for the reception of victims of accidents, and, as its name implies, emergency 
 cases. The medical and surgical staff of the Sisters' Hospital includes the'following distinguished physicians 
 and surgeons: John Cronin, George E. Fell, M. Willoughby, and D. L. Redmond, attending physicians. 
 
 The Buffalo Homoeopathic Hospital was established in 1872, and is located on Cottage street, corner of 
 Maryland. It owes its existence to the liberality of Robert G. Stewart, Moses Day, Amos Cheeseborough, 
 and other generous citizens, and is maintained by public contributions. The medical staff includes many of 
 the most eminent homoeopathic physicians of the city. The officers are: President, Fred M. Inglehart ; 
 secretary, Charles F. Dunbar ; treasurer, Henry W. Burt. 
 
 The corner-stone of the State Hospital for the Insane, situate on Forest avenue, in close proximity to 
 the park, was laid September 18, 1872. The magnificent grounds on which it is builL-xomprising two 
 hundred acres of ground, was donated by the city, the value of the land at the time being ^aimated at sixty 
 thousand dollars. The work on the building was begun June 15, 1871, and the structure was completed in 
 1880. The asylum was opened for the reception of patients November 15, 1881, and over two hundred 
 persons were admitted as patients before the close of the year. The medical staff at that time was composed 
 of Drs. Judson B. Andrews, William Granger, and Floyd S. Crego. The number of patients cared for at 
 this institution at this time is over six hundred. The following well-known medical practitioners compose 
 the present medical staff of the asylum : Drs. John A. Cronyn, A. J. Roehner, Thomas Lothrop, Roswell 
 Park. 
 
 The Lexington Heights Hospital is a private institution for the sick, and is located on Lexington avenue, 
 near Elmwood avenue, on high ground, with abundance of sunshine and amidst the most delightful surround- 
 ings. Its staff is composed of some of the leading physicians and surgeons of Western New York, with a 
 corps of trained nurses and attendants. Every patient has perfect freedom in the selection of physician. 
 There are no wards, the rooms being furnished with taste and elegance, it being a veritable hotel for the sick, 
 with all the luxuries and comforts possible. 
 
 The Buffalo Women's Hospital, formerly Buffalo Maternity Hospital, Georgia, corner of Seventh street, 
 was established in May, i856, and St. Francis Hospital, 337 Pine street, under charge of eighteen Sisters of 
 St. Francis are also prominent and beneficent institutions. 
 
 CEMETERIES. 
 
 In the early part of the nineteenth century Captain William Johnston, a British officer, owned about 
 forty acres of land in Buffalo, bounded by Seneca and Washington streets and Little Buffalo creek, and here 
 he laid out a small lot for burial of the dead at the corner of Washington and Exchange streets. This was the 
 first burial ground in Buffalo. Captain Johnson was the first one buried there, in 1807, and interments were 
 made in these grounds until the village burial grounds were established on Franklin square, where the City 
 and County hall now stands. Captain Samuel Pratt and Dr. Cyrenius Chapin, foremost in this as in most 
 other public undertakings, obtained from the agent of the Holland company a contract for four lots on the 
 Terrace, for burial purposes prior to 1804. "The Infant," a very tall Indian, whose great stature gave him 
 the name, and Farmer's Brother were buried here; the latter in March, 181 5, with military honors. In 1832 
 burials here were almost discontinued, and the last person interred here was the wife of Hon. Samuel Wilke- 
 son, daughter of the pioneer Gamaliel St. John. 
 
 Prior to the War of 1812 a small tract of ground on the southwest corner of Delaware avenue and Ferry 
 street was granted for burial places, but was never consecrated for the purpose. In 1830 five acres of ground 
 on the southwest corner of Delaware avenue and North street, known as the Delaware Avenue and North 
 Street burial grounds, was opened, but was much too small, and in 1865 the bodies were removed to Forest 
 Lawn. When Buffalo was incorporated as a city in 1832, an epidemic of cholera was threatened, and to 
 decrease the risk burials were forbidden in Franklin Square, and land was purchased between North and Best 
 streets, west of Prospect street, for a common burial ground, and was called Potter's Field. The Black Rock 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 103 
 
 burial ground was established in 1845, the funds being appropriated by the State, but the ground was found 
 too low for the purpose and was not much used. When the village of Black Rock was incorporated, lot 88 
 on North street was exchanged for the old burial ground, and when burials were discontinued the lot was 
 donated to the Charity Foundation of the Episcopal Church. The Bidwell Farm burying ground on the old 
 "Gulf road," now Delavan avenue, was established about 181 1, interments being made here up to 1825. 
 The Matthews and Wilcox burying ground was established 1833-4. 't was a private cemetery, adjoining 
 Potter's Field, and was purchased in 1854 by the Buffalo Cemetery Association, which was incorporated the 
 same year. The cemetery of St. John's church (German Evangelical) was laid out at Pine Hill, corner Pine 
 Ridge, in 1858, the first interment being made July 6, 1859. Holy Rest cemetery (German Lutheran Trinity) 
 also located at Pine Hill, was opened in 1859. Zion Church cemetery was also located here in 1859. 
 Concordia cemetery, on Genesee street between the New York Central and Erie railroad lines, was also 
 opened in 1859; it comprised fifteen acres. St. Matthew's Church cemetery, on Clinton street near Sulphur 
 Springs Orphan Asylum, was opened in 1875. Black Rock Methodist Episcopal cemetery was located on 
 Bird street the same year. Mt. Hope, a private cemetery, was laid out at Pine Hill about the same time. 
 Reservation cemetery, an old Indian burying ground, was located on Seneca street extended ; here Red 
 Jacket was buried. Old St. Louis cemetery, originally located on Edward street near Main, was donated by 
 Louis LeCouteaulx about 1830. Old St. Mary's cemetery was opened in 1845 on Johnson street, corner 
 North, and was closed in i860. St. Francis Xavier cemetery. North Buffalo, was opened in 1850, and is still 
 in use ; it is near Bird street and the Falls branch of the New York Central & Hudson River railroad. St. 
 Joseph's cemetery was opened in 1850 ; it is near the poor-house, five miles from the center of the city, and 
 is still used. Holy Cross cemetery at Limestone Hill was located there in 1850, and contains eighty acres. 
 Tlie United German and French Catholic cemetery consists of fourteen acres, to which twenty-eight acres 
 were added in 1870. In 1847 Bethel cemetery was established. The Jewish Society purchased ground on 
 Fillmore avenue, between Batavia and Sycamore streets, which they afterwards sold, and purchased ground 
 at Pine Hill. The soldiers' burial place is on the bank of the river at Black Rock and Scajaquada creek. 
 
 Forest Lawn — This beautiful "City of the Dead," originally consisted of eighty acres, and work was 
 begun on the grounds in 1850. The money was raised by issuing bonds to the amount of $131,650, and 
 afterwards additional purchases were made, in value amounting to $51,630. It now comprises 240 acres, 
 without incumbrance. It was dedicated September 28, 1866, the mayor, city councils, clergymen. Masonic 
 bodies. Continental Singing Society, and a large concourse of people taking part. 
 
STATE ARMORY, SIXTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL GUARD 
 
 IN 1848 the Sixty-fifth regiment was organized with nine companies, and was the first uniformed regiment 
 officially designated as infantry. The Seventy-fourth was formed in 1854, making a brigade, commanded 
 by Brigadier-general Gustavus A. Scroggs. In 1863, when the Rebels invaded Pennsylvania, the Sixty- 
 fifth regiment, commanded by Colonel Chauncey Abbott, went to Harrisburg and Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and 
 the night of the first of July they reached the latter place, and the town was shelled by General Fitzhugh 
 Lee, with three thousand mounted infantry and eight pieces of artillery. The field and staff of the Sixty-fifth 
 was originally composed as follows : Colonel, Henry K. Viele ; major, Jacob Krettner ; adjutant, Martin 
 Buck; quartermaster, H. B. Woodbridge ; engineer, John J. Hollister ; paymaster, Edward F. Cronyn ; 
 surgeon, John S. Trowbridge ; assistant surgeon, B. K. Hosmer ; chaplain, George W. Hoskins. 
 
 The headquarters of the Fourth brigade, N. G. N. Y., is at 474 Main street, and two regiments of the 
 brigade are located in this city, Peter C. Doyle, Brigadier-general, commanding; assistant Adjutant-general, 
 Edward S. Warren ; inspector. Major Lauren W. Pettebone ; inspector rifle practice. Major Charles M. 
 Ransom; judge advocate. Major Martin Carey; ordnance officer. Major John H. Ball; quartermaster, Major 
 Jacob Metzger ; surgeon. Major Floyd S. Crego ; commissary of subsistence. Major Edson J. Weeks ; aides, 
 Captain George J. Frey and Captain Wiman H. Smith. 
 
 Sixty-fifth regiment: headquarters, New York State arsenal, Broadway, corner Potter ; Brevet Brigadier- 
 general Samuel M. Welch, Jr., colonel; lieutenant-colonel, William H. Chapin ; major, William T. Parsons; 
 adjutant, W. F. Nurzey ; battalion adjutants, E. H. Hall and A. B. Christey ; quartermaster, Harvey W. 
 Putnam; commissary, H. C. Wadsworth ; surgeon. Major A. H. Briggs ; assistant surgeons. Captains E. F- 
 Meyer and Harry Mead ; inspector of rifle practice. Captain C. W. Wilson ; chaplain, Rev. Francis Lobdell. 
 
 The armory of the Seventy-fourth regiment is located on Virginia, corner of Elmwood avenue, and the 
 field and staff officers at this time are : Colonel, George C. Fox ; lieutenant-colonel. E. P. Cottle ; majors, 
 R. M. Harding and Frank E. Wood ; adjutant, William A. Angus ; battalion adjutants, P. C. Denning and 
 T. B. Sheldon; inspector of rifle practice. Captain Lee H.Smith; quartermaster, H. R. Clark; commissary, 
 W. R. Buck; chaplain. Rev. Thomas B. Berry; surgeon. Major George W. York; assistant surgeon, 
 Captain W. G. Bissell. 
 
NEW MUSIC HALL. 
 
 MUSIC 
 
 BUFFALO is the most musical among the cities of its size. This claim is easily established by the 
 number and efficiency of its musical organizations and the ability of the personnel of the musical 
 profession. As early as 1848 the Liedertafel was organized by German patriot refugees, compelled to 
 flee the Fatherland for participation in the revolution of that year. The first musical director was Frederick 
 Hoddick, who in course of time was followed by Carl Adam, William Groscurth, James Nuno, F. Erfling, 
 C. W. F. Mueller, Joseph Mischka and Louis Adolphe Coerne. Besides giving concerts of the highest 
 standard, the Liedertafel found time to attend saengerfests given in nearly all of the principal cities of the 
 Union, at four of which the society earned and received prizes in competitive singing. Approaching its fiftieth 
 anniversary the Liedertafel is still a sturdy organization capable of sustaining the fine reputation it has so 
 richly earned. 
 
 In 1853 another society seemed necessary to meet the demands of the growing city, and this demand 
 was met by organizing the Saengerbund, under the direction of Wilhelm Braun, who, after years of faithful 
 service, was succeeded by Freiderick Federlein, Joseph Cintura, Wiihelm Borchert, Karl Samans, Johannes 
 Gelbke, and Henry Jacobsen. For a time the Saengerbund made a specialty of amateur operas, a number 
 of which were given very successfully. At other seasons the conventional concerts with miscellaneous 
 programs were given to the great pleasure and satisfaction of the large membership. 
 
 The year of 1864 gave birth to another flourishing society, called the Arion, under the direction of Joseph 
 Mischka, but upon this gentleman's resignation, the society was dissolved, after an existence of a little over 
 two years. About this time the American contingent of this community began to express a desire for organ- 
 ized musical effort, and the Continental Singing Society, afterwards the St. Cecilia Society, was called into 
 life. The musical directors were: J. R. Blodgett, William Von Doehn, Carl Adam, and J. R. Drake. After 
 several brilliant musical and social seasons, this fine organization was merged into the Choral Union, which, 
 under the direction of Carl Adam, made a specialty of oratorio. Want of appreciation of this classic form of 
 music at this time caused the dissolution of the Choral Union, in spite of the heroic efforts of its promoters. 
 A dissension as to the retention of William Groscurth, a director of the Liedertafel, was the cause of the 
 secession of a large number of members in 1869, who combined to form the Orpheus. As first director 
 
I06 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Ernest Schultze officiated for one year, when he was succeeded by Carl Adam, and he in turn by James 
 Nuno, Johannes Gelbke, and John Lund. The Orpheus ranks as one of the best exponents of music for 
 men's voices in the United States, and is now in the very hey-day of prosperity, having a membership of 
 one hundred active and one thousand passive members. 
 
 The most important of the additions to the societies is the Vocal Society, which differs from all the 
 foregoing in that it is an aggregation of men's and women's voices, while the others are only men's voices. 
 The Vocal Society was started in 1886, under the direction of Henry Jacobsen, whose successor in 1887 and 
 until 1894 was Joseph Mischka, who, on his retirement to assume the duties of Supervisor of Music in the 
 Buffalo public schools, was followed by Mr. L. A. Coerne and Angelo M. Read, respectively. The Vocal 
 Society holds an enviable reputation for the finished production of all manner of four-part compositions, 
 notably those known as "part songs," glees, and madrigals. Of late the Vocal Society is making an effort 
 to occupy the oratorio field, which, since the disbandment of the Choral Union, has been sadly neglected. 
 
 Other singing societies of more or less prominence are: Harugari Maenerchor, A. Schoenwolf, director ; 
 Harmonie, Waldemar Spohr, director ; Harugari Frohsinn, Johannes Gelbke, director ; Harugari Liedertafel, 
 Louis Andritzki, director ; Teutonia, Wilhelm Wagner, director ; Zoellner Verein, Wilhelm Wagner, director ; 
 Herwegh, Louis Andritzki, director ; Badischer Liederkranz, Joseph Sarbin, director ; Junger Maennerchor, 
 August H. Schoenewolf, director ; Mozart Liederkranz, L. Andritzki, director ; Germania Saengerkranz, 
 Wilhelm Wagner, director ; Saxonia, Joseph Sarbin, director ; Germania, Frederick Erfling, director ; Ost 
 Buffalo Maennerchor, Joseph Sarbin, director ; Helvetia, Wilhelm Wagner, director ; Constantia, August 
 Goehle, director ; Schwaebischer Saengerbund, Wilhelm Wagner, director ; Forester Maennerchor, Gottlieb 
 Frank, director; Italian Singing Society, EugenioOlivieri, president; Mendelssohn club, John Lund, director; 
 >Eolian Quartet, W. W. Griswold, manager ; Knickerbocker Quartet, J. F. Thomas, manager ; Buffalo 
 Ladies' Quartet, Mary M. Howard, director. 
 
 On several occasions the then existing societies united for some grand combined effort, thus in i860 for 
 a Saengerfest of the North American Saengerbund, an organization of all the German singing societies of 
 North America. This saengerfest was attended by about five hundred singers and an orchestra of about fifty 
 musicians. The concerts were held in the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad depot on Exchange 
 street, under the direction of Carl Adam. After bi-annual meetings in other cities the North American 
 Saengerbund held another, namely the twenty-third saengerfest in Buffalo in 1883, with an aggregation of 
 three thousand singers, under the direction of Joseph Mischka, Frederick Federlein, and Carl Adam, and an 
 orchestra of one hundred musicians, under the direction of Leopold Damrosch. This saengerfest is conceded 
 to have been the most successful, musically, socially, and financially the North American Saengerbund had 
 held before or has held since. A fine structure, called Music Hall, was erected for this and similar occasions, 
 at an outlay of a quarter of a million dollars by the German Young Men's Association. The existence of 
 Music Hall gave opportunity to societies of every description to give entertainments on a much grander scale 
 than heretofore, thus giving all musical and social functions a new impetus. State and national conventions 
 found inducement to meet in Buffalo. The greatest musical event was the musical festival in 1884, with a 
 chorus of six hundred local singers under the direction of Joseph Mischka and Johannes Gelbke, and an 
 orchestra of eighty musicians under the direction of Theodore Thomas, with Christine Nillson, Amalia 
 Materna, Emma Juch, Hermann Winkelmann, Emil Scaria, and several lesser lights as soloists. 
 
 On March 25, 1885, the Music Hall succumbed to a fire which not only destroyed it, but the St. Louis 
 church, standing on the opposite corner, also. But so great was the need of a similar structure that, by a 
 strenuous effort on the part of the public-spirited citizens, a new Music Hall in every respect finer than the 
 first was erected, and dedicated with another music festival on the eighteenth of October, 1887, under the 
 local direction of Joseph Mischka and general direction of Walter Damrosch. Other festivals have been 
 given in 1888, 1891, in which the successes of the preceding ones were repeated. The business management 
 of these festivals was taken in hand by the Buffalo Musical Association, an institution which has for its 
 purpose the transaction of the financial business when the local societies combine in some "rand concerted 
 effort. 
 
 There is a large number of singers in Buffalo not identified with regular organizations who, on the occasion, 
 combine for the production of amateur opera. "Dorothy," "Pinafore," "The Mikado," and " Frilby" 
 have been given in a manner that would put to shame many a so-called firsf-class traveling professional 
 troupe. The earnings resulting from those efforts are invariably given in aid of charity, in 1870 the first 
 attempt to organize an orchestra capable of interpreting music of the highest order was made by William 
 Groscurth, after the way had been paved by previous efforts made by Albert Poppenberg and Gustave 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 107 
 
 De Spiesz. This organization was called the Beethoven Orchestra, in the direction of which Groscurth was 
 succeeded by James Nuno and Carl Adam, and although of the highest excellence musically, did not prove 
 self-sustaining. The next attempt was the Germania Orchestra, under the leadership and management of 
 Emil Wahle and Joseph Kuhn. This also succumbed in a struggle with financial difficulties. 
 
 On completion of the first Music Hall Mr. Gustave Dannreuther formed the Philharmonic Club, an 
 excellent string quartet, which gave subscription concerts for several seasons. After Mr. Dannreuther's 
 departure for New York, the quartet was augmented and reorganized into the Buffalo Orchestra Association 
 with, James Nuno as director, and would have met the fate of dissolution through non-support, had not Mr. 
 Fred C. M. Lautz assumed the responsibility of a deficit. This exceedingly public-spirited and philanthropic 
 gentleman has taken upon himself the entire control and management of this organization, for the musical 
 direction of which he was fortunately able to secure the services of John Lund. Eight subscription concerts 
 and public matinees are given each season-, the patronage being increased each year. Mr. Lautz soon 
 increased the quality and quantity of the personnel of the orchestra to the extent that he could change the 
 title to the Buffalo Symphony Orchestra, under which name the splendid organization easily maintains its 
 right to be classed as the crowning musical glory of Buffalo. Only two other cities maintain orchestras under 
 similar auspices, namely, Boston and Chicago. 
 
 Buffalo has also several amateur orchestras which are capable of playing music of very high grade. The 
 best of these is the Guard of Honor Orchestra of about fifty players, led by Miss Charlotte Mulligan. Others 
 are the St. Andrew's Orchestra, J. C. Hall, director, and a new organization not yet named, led by G. 
 Hudson Bidwell. Among a large number of brass bands, the Seventy-fourth Regiment and the Sixty-fifth 
 Regiment bands easily rank highest, the latter having the distinction of being engaged for several seasons 
 by the State of New York for the encampment of the National Guard at Peekskill. The two bands are also 
 engaged by the City of Buffalo to give concerts on alternative evenings during the summer at the public 
 parks, on which occasion there is a great outpouring of all classes of people to hear them. A very good 
 Zither club, led by Fred Schulz, and an efficient Mandolin club, led by Miss Carrie M. Cochrane, round out 
 as complete a list of musical organizations as only very much larger cities than Buffalo possess. The field of 
 church music is very highly cultivated with the usual accessories of fine organs, exquisite quartets, excellent 
 chorus and "boy" choirs, and hearty congregational singing. Wilhelm Kaffenberger, William S. Waith, 
 Andrew Webster, Seth C. Clark, and Joseph Mischka are organists of unusual ability, whose reputation 
 reaches far beyond the limits of the city. Among composers whose compositions have attained a wide 
 popularity, Buffalo furnishes her quota in John Lund, Wilhelm Kaffenberger, William S. Waith, Seth C. 
 Clark, James Nuno, and at least a dozen others. A large force of music teachers makes it possible for those 
 desiring to obtain a thorough musical education in Buffalo. There are specialists for every branch of instruc- 
 tion. Foremost among those are the following, alphabetically enumerated : Mary Boysen, Seth C. Clark, 
 Henry Dunman, Leander Fisher, Mrs. George Fisk, Bianca Fleischmann, Johannes Gelbke, Edwin A. 
 Gowan, Mary M. Howard, Henry Jacobsen, William Kaffenberger, John Lund, Charlotte Mulligan, Matilda 
 Raab, James Nuno, Angelo M. Read, F. W. Riesberg, William S. Waith, Andrew Webster, George Whelpton, 
 and J. de Zielirski. 
 
 The City of Buffalo makes provision for the musical education of its sixty thousand school children by 
 having the subject of music scientifically and regularly taught in all public schools. Three special teachers 
 are provided, namely : Joseph Mischka, supervisor ; Mary M. Howard and Charles F. Hager, assistants. 
 It is the business of these three to teach the regular teachers, and they in turn teach the children by means 
 of the normal music course. This ensures a constant supply of intelligently-trained material for societies, 
 choirs, and all forms of musical organizations, and educates such as are prevented from participation in the 
 production of music to be appreciative and critical listeners. Not only the maintenance but the amplification 
 of Buffalo's splendid musical reputation seems to be for all time assured. 
 
io8 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 HOTEL IROQUOIS, MAIN AND EAGLE STREETS 
 
 HOTEL IROQUOIS. 
 
 In the interesting calendar of Buffalo's progress no red-letter day stands out more prominent, or is 
 deserving of more attention than that which was especially marked by the completion of Buffalo's leading 
 hotel, the " Iroquois, " in 1889. While Buffalo had been reasonably well provided with hotel accommodations 
 during her long period of quiescence, when the commercial and industrial awakening' came, one of the most 
 severely felt needs was a first-class hotel ; that is to say, a hotel of large proportions, an impressive and at the 
 same time appropriate structure, and up-to-date in equipment. The Buffalo Library Association saw the 
 necessity of such a building and after careful deliberation resolved to erect a structure on their property which 
 would be not only a source of revenue to the Association, but also reflect credit on and bring attention and 
 patronage to the city itself. Accordingly the hotel was planned and built in a complete and substantial 
 manner, one of the chief aims being to make it absolutely fire-proof, and this aim, in the opinion of experts, 
 has been triumphantly achieved. The Iroquois is built on historic grounds. It stands on the spot — the 
 south side of Eagle street between Main and Washington streets — on which the first theatre was erected in 
 Buffalo, and which has been occupied by St. James' hall, in its time a very popular place of amusement and 
 entertainment, the rooms of the Young Men's Association and Public Library ; by Bunnell's museum and the 
 Richmond hotel, which were destroyed by fire in 1888. When the Iroquois was completed it came under the 
 proprietorship of W. E. Woolley and H. M. Gerrans, who, in the face of a heavy rental and enormous expenses 
 and despite the solemnly discouraging headshakes of many pessimists, inaugurated a liberal and enterprising 
 system of management tempered by good judgment and business sagacity, which has been crowned by a large 
 measure of deserved success. From the start the popularity of the Iroquois was assured, and to-day there is 
 no hotel in the country that is held in better repute by tourists, railway and commercial men and by the 
 traveling public generally. A few facts in connection with the building itself may properly be noted here as 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 109 
 
 matters of record. The hotel covers a ground area of twenty thousand square feet. It has eight stories and 
 is 112 feet in height from the street to the roof. The main entrance is on Eagle street, where the frontage is 
 two hundred feet. On Washington street the building proper has a frontage of one hundred feet, but to this 
 Messrs. Woolley & Gerrans have added considerably by annexing the buildings immediately adjoining. There 
 is a ladies' entrance on Main street and also a general entrance, which was added after the building came 
 into the possession of Messrs. Woolley & Gerrans. While perhaps not absolutely handsome in its exterior 
 proportions, the architectural qualities of the Iroquois are of no mean order. Its general style is that of the 
 French renaissance, which gives it a substantial, businesslike and generally pleasing appearance, but it has 
 gained favor with the public more on account of the commodious and attractive character of its interior 
 arrangements rather than from any exterior architectural merits. Its furnishing and fitting up, its care of 
 guests, its cuisine and hygienic plumbing are in accord with the most modern and accepted ideas of the most 
 intelligent and desirable hotel management and not a little of the practical development of Buffalo's material 
 interests may be traced to the impetus which the city received when it was happily provided with a really 
 first-class hotel under actually first-class, intelligent, and enterprising management. 
 
 THE ADAM, MELDRUM & ANDERSON COMPANY. 
 
 Familiar throughout Western New York as is Macy's of New York City, Wanamaker's of Philadelphia, 
 and Jordan, Marsh & Company of Boston, is the name of the above firm, and this preeminence has been 
 attained in a much shorter time than by any of its contemporaries. This great house was founded in 1867, 
 and began business March 21, of that year. The firm was originally Adam, Meldrum & Whiting, composed 
 of Robert B. Adam, Alexander Meldrum and Albert B. Whiting, who leased the double store, Nos. 308 and 
 310, now Nos. 30 and 398, Main street, from John Michael, February 16, 1867. The contract for counters 
 and shelving was made with Frederick Scott, and for painting and finishing with Joseph J. Huppuck, 
 February 23 of that year. The sales-room was originally forty-five by one hundred feet in area, and from 
 the opening day the enterprise was a pronounced success. In August 1869, Mr. Whiting retired from the 
 firm, and the business was conducted by the remaining partners under the firm name of Adam & Meldrum, 
 until July 1875, when William Anderson was admitted to an interest in the business, the firm becoming Adam, 
 Meldrum & Anderson. Mr. Meldrum died October 22, 1891, and after taking inventory of stock at the close 
 of the year, the business was reorganized as a joint stock association, under its present style and title. The 
 directors of the company are: Robert B. Adam, president; William Anderson, treasurer, and Robert B. 
 Adam, Jr., secretary. The details of the three main branches of the business are placed under the following 
 management : Thomas W. Gibson has charge of the retail dry goods department ; Morris Benson of the 
 carpet department, and Edward Fairbairn of the wholesale dry goods department. Under frequent extensions 
 and enlargements, necessitated by the great increase in the trade of the house, the establishment has grown 
 to great proportions, until the whole American block is occupied by the business of the company. 
 
 The accompanying illustration shows the Main street front. It is numbered from 396 to 408 on Main 
 street, a frontage of 135 feet, and extends through to, and includes Nos. 209 to 219 Pearl street, a depth of 
 232 feet from street to street. The entire building is five stories in height besides a basement. The building 
 is in the renaissance style of architecture, with a total floor area of 187,920 square feet, while the concern 
 originally occupied one floor forty-five by one hundred feet in dimensions. For reserve stock, the company 
 occupies a large storage ware-house on Express street, built for its use several years ago. The American 
 block was built in 1865, and completed two years later by John Michael, on the site of the old American 
 hotel, which was destroyed in the disastrous fire of 1865. Many interesting associations were connected 
 with the old building, which in its day was the leading hotel of the city. Lincoln, Sumner, and other distin- 
 guished statesmen were guests of this famous hostelry in ante-bellum days. With the continued growth of 
 the business, which at first was limited to dry goods exclusively, quite a number of departments have been 
 added. Beginning with carpets, upholstery, draperies ; then followed books and stationery, millinery, silver- 
 ware and jewelry, trunks and valises, crockery and glass-ware, shoes, soda fountain, confectionery, refriger- 
 ators and bicycles, and the establishment throughout is an ideal fin de siecle department store, a model of 
 completeness, convenience and taste. The gentlemen composing this great company are all representative, 
 progressive, business men, and the immense trade they have developed is an important factor in the great 
 aggregate of the commerce of the city. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS •" 
 
 FAST TIME. 
 
 In these days, when, as it seems, time is even more valuable than money, the object of most of the great 
 lines of railroads the world over is rapid transit; and the dawn of the Electric age seems to have stimulated 
 the management of those roads to exert every item of engineering science to make the fastest possible time 
 between important points on their lines. The New York Central & Hudson River Railroad officials four years 
 ago made a vast stride toward the maximum rate of speed attainable, when the company established the 
 Empire State express — the fastest regular train in the world and the wonder of the age. This famous train 
 was originally scheduled to run from New York to Buffalo, a distance of 440 miles in 520 minutes, including 
 four stops and twenty-eight slow-downs, or at a rate of fifty-one miles an hour, and was run under that 
 schedule for a little over four years, every day except Sundays, demonstrating beyond question that a com- 
 mercially paying train can be operated at this rate of speed. The earnings of the Empire State express are 
 reported to be about ninety thousand dollars per month, or over a million a year. Experiments were made by 
 the New York Central to ascertain if increase of speed were practicable, and on September 11, 1895, a train 
 of four cars, engine and tender, length 337 feet, weight 565,000 pounds, capacity 218 passengers, a counterpart 
 in every respect of the Empire State express, hauled by the same engines that hauled that train, made the 
 trip from New York to East Buffalo, 436^^ miles in 411^-3 minutes, including two stops of two minutes each for 
 change of engines and twenty-eight slow-downs, an average speed of 63.36 miles an hour, or excluding stops, 
 an average speed of 64.26 miles an hour, the fastest time on record in the world. 
 
 Prior to this time England claimed the distinction, a train weighing loi tons, or only about half the weight 
 of the New York Central train, having made the trip from Kings Cross (London) to Aberdeen, Scotland, a 
 .distance of 523 miles in 520 minutes, including stops, an average of 60.3 miles per hour, or 60.7, exclusive of 
 stops. This was done on August 21, 1895, and on the following day on the West Coast line, a train left 
 Euston, (London) at eight A. M., arriving Aberdeen, Scotland, a distance of 540 miles, at 4:32 P. M. ; 512 
 minutes, including stops, or an average of 63.28 miles per hour, and not including stops, an average of 63.84 
 miles per hour. These trials, the figures being official, show that the New York Central train beat the East 
 Coast train by 3^^ miles an hour, including stops, and by 2)4 miles an hour exclusive of stops, while it beat 
 the West Coast train by one-twelfth of a mile an hour including stops, and by two-fifths of a mile an hour, 
 exclusive of stops. The figures given for the New York Central and those officially reported by Mr. Leonard, 
 secretary of H. Walter Webb, third vice-president of the company, and those for the English roads were 
 taken from the publication known as -" Engineering, " and all may be regarded as official. It will be noticed 
 however, that "Engineering" gives only minutes without fractions of a minute or seconds, making the 
 difference of time in favor of the Central road, doubtless, still greater. 
 
 Speaking of this great "race to the North," this English journal says, as late as August 30, 1895: 
 " There is the greatest difficulty in obtaining trustworthy records of the actual times of the trains. The 
 
 official records and passenger timing disagree among themselves The full figures will need careful 
 
 collection and examination before they can be implicitly accepted as permanent records." For some of 
 the fractional distances the variance was as much as three minutes. The breaking of the world's record 
 by the Central train, as was to be expected, was not accepted without protest by the English railroad authori- 
 ties, elated as they were of the feats accomplished by their trains on the East and West Coast trains. From 
 the mother-country objections came, claiming that the time of the West Coast's train was superior to that of 
 the New York Central's, because it was inclusive of stops, and that merit of the performance was greater, 
 because the English gradients were steeper, and because the distance was greater. The first objection is fully 
 answered by the figures here given, being both inclusive and exclusive of stops, as "figures cannot lie"; 
 while the answer in the matter of gradients, a question of fact purely, is if the English claims are true, is more 
 than counter-balanced by the acknowledged fact that the weight of the Central train was more than double 
 the weight of the East Coast train, and 164 tons more than three times as much as the West Coast train. 
 Even admitting that the latter has some steeper gradients, the Central, running through the Main streets of 
 many towns between New York and Buffalo, on account of which it was obliged to slow up twenty-eight 
 times in addition to stops, the run from Albany to Buffalo being made during the hours when this circumstance 
 could be least disregarded. The engine used on this memorable trip was a copy of the famous Empire State 
 express, and had it kept on at the same rate of speed, it would have reached Chicago in 15^^ hours from New 
 York City. As it was, the private car was attached to the east-bound Empire State express leaving Buffalo 
 at one P. M., and arrived at the Grand Central station at 10: 19 that evening, which is equivalent to a straight 
 run from New York to Chicago in ijyi hours, half of the run being made by regular train. 
 
I 12 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 The conclusion is therefore irresistible that the Central can still boast of holding three world's records 
 for speed : (i) The fastest mile ever made by a regular passenger train; the Empire State express, with four 
 heavy cars loaded with passengers, hauled by engine 999, having made a mile in thirty-two seconds between 
 Batavia and Buffalo, May 10, 1893, or at the rate of 112 miles an hour. (2) The fastest time for a long 
 distance ever made by a passenger train : The run from New York to East Buffalo, a distance of 436}^ miles 
 in 407^^3 minutes, and (3) The fastest regular long-distance train ever run: the Empire State express from 
 New York to Buffalo, 440 miles in 520 minutes, including four stops and twenty-eight slow-downs, or fifty-one 
 miles an hour. Of late it is claimed that two trains have appeared in England, timed to run regularly, one 
 by the West Coast, from London to Aberdeen, 540 miles in ten hours and twenty-five minutes, reaching 
 Perth, a distance of 450 miles in the same time that it takes the Empire State express to reach Buffalo from 
 New York, 440 miles ; the other by the East Coast from London to Dundee, Scotland, 452 miles in eight 
 hours and forty-seven minutes. Nothing is said however of the weight or capacity of these trains, nor is 
 
 EMPIRE STATE EXPRESS. 
 
 there any certainty as to the time they are to be continued, and until these trains liave run regularly, and 
 have shown their ability to live up to their scheduled time they cannot claim comparison with the New York 
 Central's Empire State express for regular speed, and the Central could safely rest upon its laurels until that 
 is determined, but in order that there may be no question as to its " record " for the fastest regular long iUstamc 
 train in the world, the company has decided to quicken the time of the Empire State express from New York 
 to Buffato, twenty-five minutes, and will hereafter make the run of 440 miles, daily, in 495 minutes, which is 
 at the rate of 53.33 miles per hour, including four stops and twenty-eight slow-downs. 
 
 WAGNER PALACE-CAR COMPANY. 
 
 This great concern, the name of which is familiar in every part of the American continent, with official 
 headquarters in New York City, has its extensive plant in Buffalo, which was originally located on Seneca 
 street, and was subsequently removed to its present location on Broadway. 
 
 The site now occupied was purchased from the West Shore Railway Company in 1886 and occupies 
 forty acres, and over one thousand men are employed in the extensive works, which has a capacity for 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 "3 
 
 turning out twelve finished cars per month. The company builds the finest sleeping, drawing-room, hotel, 
 private, and special-plan cars in service, and has for charter sleeping, hotel, drawing, private, and tourist- 
 cars for use of special or family parties, tourists, theatrical companies, etc., and also furnishes for large 
 parties special trains complete, consisting of dining, sleeping, and drawing-room cars, compartment-cars, and 
 combined baggage and buffet smoking-cars, containing bath-room, barber-shop, library, etc., the whole in 
 charge of trained and skillful servants and attendants. 
 
 The sleeping-cars have from twenty to thirty-two double berths each, with stateroom, smoking-room, 
 etc., and a capacity of from twenty to sixty persons. The hotel-cars have about the same capacity as the 
 sleeping-cars, with the addition of a kitchen, furnished complete with necessary equipment for serving meals 
 en route. The private cars of the company combine all the latest improvements for the comfort and safety 
 of passengers, and are designed and constructed with a view to supplying parties on extended trips with the 
 conveniences and comforts of a first-class hotel. Each car has a large saloon or parlor, furnished with 
 
 THE WAGNER PALACE CAR COMPANY'S PLANT. 
 
 luxurious movable chairs and couches, center extension tables, writing-desk, reading-lamps, and every 
 requisite to make a long journey a delightful experience, as free as possible from discomfort. 
 
 The staterooms have large and comfortable beds, stationary wash-stands, and closets. The observation- 
 rooms in these cars command the best possible view, the largest plate-glass windows affording advantages in 
 this regard that cannot be obtained in ordinary cars of this class. The kitchens have every facility for 
 furnishing meals to passengers, and are fully equipped with kitchen utensils, china, silverware, table linen, etc. 
 
 The commissariat will be furnished by the company when desired, together with polite and trained 
 servants. The private cars of the company are models of taste, elegance, comfort, and completeness. They 
 are finished in different kinds of woods, carefully selected, elaborately carved in exquisite designs. 
 
 The carpets, portieres, draperies, are in harmony with the decorations, and the pantries, china closets, 
 and kitchens are finished in walnut and other hard woods. All are supplied with hot and cold water, and 
 have every attraction and convenience of a first-class metropolital hotel. The dining-cars have five tables, 
 seating four persons each, and five tables seating two persons each. The chairs are moveable, and are 
 upholstered in leather, and an attractive buffet, fully stocked with necessary silver and table ware, wine- 
 coolers, etc., occupies one end of the car. The crockery for these cars is Haviland ware of special designs. 
 
114 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 and the table linen is imported expressly for this service. The carpets are Wilton. The baggage and buffet- 
 cars have a capacity of twenty-two seats. The interior of each is finished with mahogany, and the main 
 parlors or smoking-rooms have large plate-glass windows, and are handsomely furnished with luxurious arm- 
 chairs, writing-desks, book -cases, tables, etc. There are in each car four section seats, adjoining the 
 smoking-room and separated from it, richly upholstered in embossed leather, designed especially for the 
 convenience of card players. The buffets have ice-boxes, nine lockers, and every facility and requisite for 
 serving light refreshments. 
 
 The company has attained the nearest possible approach to perfection in its provision for the safety, 
 comfort, and pleasure of travelers, and every year adds to the attractiveness and elegance of these rolling 
 palaces. The name of "Wagner" was derived from the original founder of the company, who was killed 
 by accident near his home at Palatine. He claimed to be the inventor of sleeping-cars, which claim was 
 disputed by Pullman, and was never settled. The management of this magnificent and extensive car service 
 is under the direction of eminently competent officials. Their names are: President, W. S. Webb; vice- 
 president, H. W. Webb; general manager, J. A. Spoor; general superintendent, J. C. Yager; general 
 accountant, T. D. Boak ; purchasing agent, C. E. Taylor ; manager Buffalo works, Edwin A. Benson ; secretary, 
 Buffalo works, Ira B. Littlefield. 
 
 THE BREWING INDUSTRY. 
 
 This branch of industrial enterprise is one of the important items in the large aggregate of the trade of 
 Buffalo, and has for many years largely contributed to the wonderful prosperity and growth of the city. Not 
 only in the aggregate of its output, but in the quality of the product as well, Buffalo is a successful rival of 
 any city of the Union, both in the home and export trade. The business was inaugurated synchronous with 
 the incorporation of Buffalo as a city, and with its wonderful growth in all that constitutes material prosperity, 
 the brewing business, malting, bottling, and kindred interests have kept even pace. It is ascertained from the 
 best information obtainable, that previous to 1840 there were in this city five breweries, with a capacity of 
 from one to nine barrel kettles each. The pioneer in this important enterprise was Jacob Roos, whose plant 
 was located on what was then called "Sandy Town," between Church and Lock streets, and beyond the 
 Erie canal, near the "Old Stone House." Early in the "forties" he purchased the land lying between 
 Hickory and Pratt streets, below Batavia street, now Broadway, where the present fine buildings of the 
 Iroquois Brewing Company are situated, the present plant having the capacity of ninety thousand barrels 
 annually. 
 
 In 1840 Messrs. J. F. Schanzlin & Hoffman established a brewery at the corner of Main and St. Paul 
 streets. The stone building and brew-house were located here, and the saloon which was carried on in 
 connection with the business is now standing as in 1840, at present being used as a dwelling-house. In 1842 
 the firm was dissolved, Mr. Hoffman continuing the business, and Mr. Schanzlin purchased a number of acres 
 of ground on the corner of Main street and Delevan avenue, on Scajaquada creek, now known as the 
 Breitwieser property. He erected here a large brew-house, and a fine dwelling and restaurant, which was 
 patronized by many of the most prominent citizens of Buffalo in those days. The brew-house was torn 
 down, but the dwelling-house, restaurant, and barn remain, and are occupied as tenements. 
 
 The third brewery established in the city was that of Mr. Joseph Friedman, on Oak street, near Tupper, 
 where St. Marcus' church now stands. He erected here a brew-house, dwelling, and restaurant, and while 
 beer was sold in the saloons at that time for five cents per quart, he sold his product at sixpence, or six and 
 one-fourth cents per quart, from which fact he was called "sixpencer," which so advertised him that he did 
 a lucrative business. The plant, in later years, passed into the hands of Beck & Baumgartner, and it was 
 here that Magnus Beck laid the foundation of the present Magnus Beck Brewing Company's extensive 
 business, which is now conducted on both corners of North Division and Spring streets, with a capacity of 
 150,000 barrels per annum. Mr. Baumgartner erected his brewery corner Exchange and Van Rensselaer 
 streets, but he died soon afterwards. The next in order of time was the establishment of Philip Born, corner 
 of Genesee and Jefferson streets. The brewery was the most modern of its day. Mr. Born died in 1848, 
 and the business was conducted by his widow and Jacob Weppner, under the old firm name. 
 
 In 1862 Gerhard Lang was married to the oldest daughter of Mr. Born, and took the place of Mr. 
 Weppner, the firm becoming Born & Lang, and it was here that the latter began his career, which brought 
 him great wealth and prominence in this field of industrial enterprise. Mr. Lang purchased the Cobb farm, 
 corner of Best and Jefferson streets, where at present the imposing buildings and extensive plant of the 
 Gerhard Lang Brewery is located, with a capacity of 250,000 barrels annually. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 1 1? 
 
 Godfrey Heiser was the next to engage in the business, and carried on his trade on Seneca street, below 
 Chicago street, the brew-house being situated on Carroll street, in 1864 the business passed into the hands 
 of Godfrey Heiser, Jr., and Jacob Holzer, both of whom died within a few years, and the business was 
 discontinued. 
 
 In 1863 there were thirty-five breweries in successful operation in the city, conducted by the following 
 well-known brewers: Albert Ziegele, Main, corner Virginia street, now the Phoenix brewery; Born & 
 Lang, Genesee, corner Jefferson street ; Magnus Beck, North Division and Spring streets ; Jacob Scheu, 
 Genesee, corner Spring street ; J. F. Schanzlin, Main, corner Delavan avenue; Charles Gerber, Main, corner 
 Burton alley; Muschall & Appert, Main, near Goodell street; John Schiisler, now the Schusler brewery, 
 Emslie, corner Clinton street ; George Roos, Roos street, now the Iroquois Brewing Company ; F- Kalten- 
 bach, Lutheran street; Fritz Albrecht, No. 815 Broadway; George Weber, No. 652 Broadway; Nicholas 
 Hiemenz, Broadway, opposite St. Mary's church; Fritz Loersch, Genesee, near Hickory street; David Haas, 
 southwest corner Cherry and Spring streets, now the Star brewery ; George Rochevot, southeast corner 
 Cherry and Spring streets ; Christ Becker, Genesee and Jefferson streets ; Franz Welde, Main, opposite 
 Summer street; Joseph L. Haberstro, Main, corner High street, now German-American Brewing Company; 
 Michael Hoefner, High, corner Michigan street, now Buffalo Cooperative Brewing Company; Jacob Baum- 
 gartner. Exchange and Van Rensselaer streets; Fritz Lang, Genesee, corner Grey street; Gottlieb Bodemer, 
 Genesee street, near Walden avenue; Christ Loos, No. 18 West Bennett street; Heizer & Holzer, Seneca 
 street, below Chicago ; F. J. Jost, Broadway and Pratt street; Garcis & Knobloch, Oak, near Tapper street; 
 Baldus & Schleucher, Clinton and Cedar streets ; John G. Roehrer, Jefferson, corner Best street ; William 
 Moffatt, Morgan street, ale brewery; Hugh Boyle, St. Paul street, ale brewery; William W. Sloan, Exchange 
 and Van Rensselaer street, ale brewery. 
 
 While the manufacture of beer in the year 1863 was 152,000 barrels, in 1894 the product of the Buffalo 
 breweries aggregated 662,667 barrels, while the number of breweries decreased from thirty-five in 1863 to 
 nineteen in 1894, an illustration not only of the "survival of the fittest," but of their steady growth and 
 success. In 1872, when the price of raw material was very high, and the breweries were doing business 
 at a loss, an organization of the brewers of Buffalo was effected to fix the price of their product and to 
 protect themselves from loss. The first regular meeting was held on the second Tuesday of January, 1863, 
 at No. 557 Main street, over D. Bain's Hop and Brewer Supply Dealers' store, and the following were elected 
 officers of the organization : President, Gerhard Lang ; vice-president, Magnus Beck ; treasurer, F. J. Jost, 
 and secretary, Jacob F. Kuhn. A resolution was adopted at this meeting to admit maltsters, hop dealers, and 
 kindred trades as associate members. At the regular meeting in January, 1875, Mr. Jacob Scheu was elected 
 vice-president in place of Magnus Beck, resigned. In January, 1878, the following were elected officers : 
 Albert Ziegele, president ; Joseph L. Haberstro, vice-president ; John Schiisler, treasurer, and J. F. Kuhn, 
 secretary. 
 
 During the first week in June, 1880, the United States Brewers' convention was held in this city, and 
 the occasion was one of great interest and pleasure. Seven thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven dollars 
 were expended in the festivities, and the event will long be remembered as one of importance and benefit to this 
 branch of industry. From January i, 1882, to January i, 1886, the organization had only a nominal existence. 
 A reorganization, however, was effected in May, 1887, and officers were elected as follows: President, Joseph 
 Timmerman; vice-president, August Beck; treasurer, George Rochevot, and secretary, J. F. Kuhn. A new 
 constitution and by-laws were adopted. At the meeting in May, 1890, Charles G. Pankow was elected 
 president; John A. Weyand, vice-pi-esident, the secretary and treasurer being reelected. Mr. Rochevot 
 resigned his office as treasurer in 1891, and Julius Binz was elected to fill the vacancy. In September, 1893, 
 the following were elected to fill the offices as follows : President, Charles G. Pankow ; vice-president, 
 J. W. Niederpruen, and the secretary and treasurer were reelected. Mr. Binz resigned his position as 
 treasurer December, 1894, and Edwin G. S. Miller was elected in his stead, and the officers are now the 
 same as in 1894-5. 
 
 At present there are nineteen breweries in successful operation, and located as follows : The Magnus 
 Beck Brewing Company, on both corner of North Division and Spring street; the Buffalo Cooperative 
 Brewing Company, corner High and Michigan streets; the Broadway Brewing Company, No. 815 Broadway; 
 the Clinton Cooperative Brewing Company, No. 18 West Bennett street; the East Buffalo Brewing 
 Company, No. 300 Emslie street; the German-American Brewing Company, No. ii High street; the 
 Gambrinus Brewing Company, No. 652 Broadway ; the Germania Brewing Company, No. 161 5 Broadway ; 
 the International Brewing Company, No. 1078 Niagara street; the Iroquois Brewing Company, No. 230 
 
GUARANTY BUILDING, COR. CHURCH AND PEARL STREETS. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS ' ' 7 
 
 Pratt street; the Kaltenbach Brewing Company, Pratt, between Eagle and Clinton streets; the Gerhard 
 Lang Brewing Company, Best, corner Jefferson street; the Lake View Brewing Company, No. 132 Lake 
 View avenue; the Lion Brewery, No. 1037 Jefferson street; the John Scluisler Brewing Company, No. 143 
 Emslie street; the Star Brewery, Spring, corner Cherry street; the C. Weyand Brewing Company, No. 
 785 Main street; the Ziegele Brewing Company, Washington, corner Virginia street; the Henry C. Moffat 
 Ale Brewers, No. 143 West Mohawk street. 
 
 GUARANTY BUILDING. 
 
 The wonderful development of late years in the construction of modern office-buildings marks an era in 
 architectural history, and the closing decade of the nineteenth century witnesses the nearest possible approach 
 to perfection in this field of industrial enterprise. An inspection of the Guaranty building completed during 
 the past year at the southwest corner of Church and Pearl streets in this city will attest the marvelous 
 progress of the builder's art, this structure standing absolutely peerless among its class in America. This 
 model office-building with 116 feet frontage on Church street, one of the widest thoroughfares of Buffalo, and 
 ninety-three feet on Pearl street, is nearly opposite the City and County 'lall, and but a short distance from 
 and almost in a direct line between the City hall and the new Post-office and Government building, Board of 
 Trade, and the leading banks, hotels and mercantile buildings in the city. It is the center of Buffalo's great 
 radiating system of trolley street-car lines, and less than two blocks from Terrace station of the Belt line, 
 Tonawanda, Niagara Falls and Lockport trains. Messrs. Adler & Sullivan, the architects who designed this 
 magnificent structure have made a life study of large office-buildings, and the most advanced improvements 
 that ripe experience, the best skill procurable, and ample capital could secure is evidenced in every detail of 
 its construction and ornamentation. The Guaranty is the highest exponent of the use of terra cotta in exterior 
 work of this kind. It is the chef d' ceuvre of Louis H. Sullivan, who is famous in the old world and in the new, 
 for the originality, beauty and refinement of his conceptions. 
 
 The building is thirteen stories in height, besides a finished basement. It is of steel-frame construction, 
 with the floors, partitions, and roof of fire-clay tile, making it absolutely fire-proof. The ceilings are eleven 
 feet high and upwards and many of the rooms are equipped with vaults. The plan of the building is admira- 
 bly simple and compact. The rooms are grouped in convenient suites, with lofty ceilings and well lighted by 
 the large windows, of which no room has less than two. The rooms are all nearly square, and those without 
 street frontage command a magnificent view of Lake Erie and Niagara river. The corridors throughout are 
 wainscoted with pink Tennessee marble of beautiful configuration, and the floors are laid in elaborate marble 
 mosaic. The same kind of wainscoting is used in all the stairways, toilet and bath-rooms. The elaborate 
 shafts, and the stairways above the wainscoting are faced with white enameled brick, and the elevator enclo- 
 sures, stairs, store fronts etc., are in bronze of a high standard of excellence. Mexican mahogany, and oak, 
 are the woods used for doors and other interior work, and the large windows, which are a special feature 
 of the Guaranty are of plate glass, and the doors are ornamated with chipped plate glass. 
 
 The building is equipped with four high-speed electric elevators, controlled by push-buttons, and the 
 time from the basement to the twelfth floor is twenty seconds. There is also an independent electric plant to 
 provide light. A three-boiler steam-plant furnishes the power for the electric currents, and the same boilers 
 heat the building and secure a current of fresh air through all the rooms by means of the vacuum ventilating 
 system. Filtered drinking water cooled to thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, by an independent ice-machine in 
 the basement, is supplied to every floor of the building, and each room is equipped with a marble wash-stand 
 and hot and cold water. Every office is provided with a cabinet-finished coat-room, and oak telephone closets 
 are furnished when desired. Private bicycle lockers are located in the basement, and commodious bath-rooms 
 are connected with the barber-shop. This magnificent structure was erected by the Guaranty Building Com- 
 pany of Buffalo, the officers of which are as follows: President, Colonel George M. Moulton ; vice-president, 
 William D. Richardson of Chicago, and Charles H. Keep, treasurer; George Baker Long, seceretary and 
 manager of the building, the two last named residing in Buffalo. The contract was executed by the Guaranty 
 Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois, which has had a large and varied experience in work of this 
 character, and has erected a number of such buildings throughout the country. 
 
 THE WHITE BUILDING. 
 
 To the average passer-by the great "White Fire-proof Building" seems to differ from the rest of the 
 business edifices of the city merely in the matter of size and superiority of finish. An inspection, however. 
 
ii8 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 will convince the most unobserving that in details of comfort and elegance it cannot be surpassed. In the first 
 place, the building is absolutely fire-proof. The partitions are all either of iron with iron lath, or of unburnt 
 brick. The floors are laid upon a solid concrete filling between the iron rafters; the ceilings are of corrugated 
 iron, which is handsomely painted and frescoed, and the stairs are of iron with slate treads. In fact the only 
 inflammable material about the building is to be found in the doors and windows. In spite of this, hose-pipes 
 are prepared, connected with a water supply in each apartment, and should a fire break out in any one of the 
 rooms it would be confined there, as it would be impossible for it to get through the partitions. The elevator 
 is a feature of the establishment, it is one of the most elegant and rapid in the city, making the ascent 
 
 THE WHITE BUILDING, MAIN AND ERIE STREET ENTRANCES. 
 
 from the first floor to the top in seventeen seconds. It runs every two minutes during the day, thus making 
 it unnecessary for tenants to climb the stairs. The building is never left alone. The first large office- 
 building to be erected, it has been kept up to date with all improvements in vogue, and is on par with the 
 latest. Electric plant supplies light, and the best appliances in plumbing are in use in offices and toilet- 
 rooms. The entire building is heated by steam, and the halls are lighted all night. By a system 
 of ventilation of Mr. James P. White's own invention, the atmosphere of the offices is kept in a wholesome 
 condition, while, by an ingenious arrangement of the skylights and upper ceilings, the offices on the sixth 
 floor are kept as cool and pleasant as those lower down. To enumerate all the little conveniences 
 and advantages of the White building would take several pages: suffice it to say that it comes as near 
 perfection as can be hoped for. The illustration of the building gives an idea of its size and the beauty of its 
 construction, showing the Main and Erie street entrances. 
 
JOURNALISM 
 
 THE TIMES 
 
 FROM small beginnings mighty enterprises rise. This has been the history of "The Times." On 
 September 7, 1879, ^roiTi a small office located in the building No. 202 Main street, Mr. Norman E. 
 Mack the editor and proprietor, issued the first number of "The Sunday Times." Two years later 
 the office was moved to No. 50 Seneca street. Here the first press, a single-cylinder Campbell, was put up. 
 One night during the following year, 1882, while Mr. Mack was away in New Orleans, a fire occurred in 
 the building. New quarters were at once secured at No. 271 Washington street, and from there " The Sunday 
 Times" was issued May, 1883, when Mr. Mack purchased the mercantile printing establishment at No. 191 
 Main street. On September 13, 1883, the first issue of the " The Daily Times " was published. In 1886, 
 additional space being necessary, "The Times" building Nos. 193 and 195 Main street was secured and 
 here is the present home of the paper. 
 
 In June, 1887, a mammoth Hoe perfection press was built. This printed and folded newspapers at 
 the rate of twenty-four thousand four-page and twelve thousand eight-page papers per hour. This proved 
 incapable of supplying the demand and five years later another Hoe press, a counterpart of the first, was put 
 in. Then it was acknowledged by all that "The Times" had one of the finest plants of any newspaper 
 in the State, outside of New York City, and yet to-day it could not possibly print the mammoth editions 
 of "The Times." Last year Mr. Mack purchased still another press — a Jumbo Goss three-decker. This 
 prints twenty-five thousand eight-page papers per hour. It can also run ten, twelve, sixteen, twenty and 
 twenty-four page papers. It is no unusual matter for "The Evening Times" to consist of twelve pages, 
 when excess of advertising or news matter demands increased space, and " The Times" of Thursday is never 
 less than ten pages and "The Sunday Times" invariably consists of twenty-four pages. 
 
 Another event which must not be overlooked was the introduction of ten Mergenthaler linotype machines 
 in the composing room in 1893, and the old-time system of setting type by hand was discarded. One opera- 
 tor on one machine can now do the work of four compositors. To disseminate this news requires a small 
 army of news dealers and boys. To supply them, seventeen horses and wagons are daily used carrying 
 the papers to the railroad depots and "The Times" agencies all over Buffalo. 
 
 " The Times" has ever aimed to be the paper of the people. It is the enemy of trusts and monopolies, 
 and the advocate of every advancement and prosperity of Buffalo. It is not the organ of any political party 
 or faction, but is Democratic in its principles, steadfastly supporting every candidate of its party and working 
 to secure unity in the Democratic ranks. Among the notable achievements of "The Times," may be 
 mentioned the defeat of the Board of Police Commissioners in 1891, to superannuate Superintendent Morin, 
 upon the ground that he had served twenty years. "The Times" proved that the service record was false 
 and the charge was sustained upon an investigation by the Mayor, and the pension was denied. In 1890 
 where there was a Democratic majority in the Board of Aldermen, an election to fill a vacancy for assessor 
 was held by that body. Alphonse Meyer was declared elected. "The Times" secured the affidavits of 
 fourteen of the twenty-six aldermen, that they had voted for Andrew Beasley, the Democratic candidate. 
 The result was that Meyer resigned and Beasley was elected. 
 
 One of the best pieces of journalistic work ever achieved by any newspaper, was the unearthing of a 
 gang of counterfeiters. For a month, night and day, did a "Times" reporter follow the trail and gather 
 evidence, which he turned over to the United States Marshals whom' he led in April, 1890, to the counter- 
 feiters' den. The gang was arrested, tried and convicted. Another " scoop " which " The Times" obtained 
 
I20 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 over its contemporaries was the publishing of the decision of the State Board of Railroad Commissioners, in 
 January, 1896, in the application for a certificate of necessity by the Buffalo Traction Company, hours ahead 
 of any of its contemporaries. 
 
 Through the efforts of "The Times" free text books are now in use in the public schools, the people 
 enjoy free music in the parks during the summer months, and one market is in existence at East Buffalo, 
 while another one will shortly be erected at Cold Spring; the policemen have shorter hours, better pay, and 
 more time to spend with their families. "The Times" has led successful crusades against many nuisances 
 and evils, notably the overhead wires which were a menace to life and property in case of fire, the deadly 
 grade-crossing evil and the overcrowded condition of the public schools. 
 
 The Buffalo "Gazette" was established in 181 1 by S. H. and H. A. Salisbury, brothers, and at that 
 time was the only newspaper published in Western New York, west of Canandaigua. It was a small sheet, 
 originally being twenty by twenty-four inches in size. The first number was issued October 3, 181 1, and two 
 years later it was considerably enlarged. Anticipating the destruction of the village by the British and their 
 Indian allies, the printing-office was temporarily removed to Harris Hill in 181 3. H. A. Salisbury became 
 sole proprietor April 20, 1818. When Erie county was changed the paper became the Buffalo "Patriot." 
 
 The "Western Advertiser" was started in the winter of 1827-8, by Charles Lentell and B. Haywood, 
 and was devoted to the interests of the Anti-Masonic party. James Sheldon and Oliver Forward were among 
 those who contributed to its columns. The Buffalo "Weekly Patriot" was issued as the "Buffalo Patriot 
 and Commercial Advertiser," and was published every Tuesday. The first number was issued January i, 
 1835. In 1836 the Aurora "Standard" was consolidated with the " Weekly Patriot," and in 1839 the "Daily 
 Journal" was consolidated with the "Commercial." The "Journal" was established in July, 181 5, by 
 David M. Day, and it was originally the "Niagara Journal," and was changed to the "Buffalo Journal" 
 when Erie county was formed. In 1834 the business was sold to Elijah J. Roberts, who changed the name 
 to the "Daily Advertiser." In 1834 the Buffalo "Whig," a new weekly paper, was established by M. P. 
 Day, with R. W. Haskins as editor, in 1839 the "Journal" was merged into the "Commercial Advertiser." 
 April 4, 1857, Messrs. E. K. Jewett and Dr. Foote became sole proprietors, the latter being the editor until 
 his death in 1858, when Mr. E. P. Smith succeeded to the editorial management; and James D. Warren, 
 Rufus Wheeler and Joseph Candee became proprietors April 9, 1861. In 1877 James D. Warren became sole 
 proprietor. It is now published as an evening paper and is ably conducted by Mr. James D. Warren's sons, 
 since the death of their distinguished father. 
 
 In the spring of 1830 Horace Steel began the publication of the Buffalo "Bulletin," devoted to the 
 interests of the workingmen, and in July of that year the first daily newspaper was published in Buffalo by 
 Mr. James Faxon, called the "Daily Star." In 1841 the name of the paper was changed to "Mercantile 
 Courier and Democratic Economist," and again to the "Mercantile Courier" October i, 1842. In 1846 the 
 "Daily National Pilot" was consolidated with the "Courier." In i860 the firm became Joseph Warren & 
 Company, who were succeeded by the Courier Company, of which Joseph Warren was president; William 
 G. Fargo, vice-president,- and C. W. McCune, treasurer. In 1880 Charles W. McCune was elected president 
 and George H. Bleistein, secretary. In 1870 the word " Buffalo" was prefixed to " Courier," and Mr. George 
 Bleistein was elected president of the company. 
 
 The first Sunday paper published in Buffalo was the " Buffalo Sunday News." The first edition of the 
 "Evening News" was published by Mr. E. H. Butler, October 11, 1880, and the first night over seven 
 thousand copies were sold on the street. E. H. Butler is still publisher and proprietor. 
 
 The first number of the Buffalo "Daily Express" was issued January 15, 1846, and was published by 
 A. M. Clapp. A weekly edition was also published. In 1872 Messrs. James N. Matthews and James D. 
 Warren became proprietors, and one year later a stock company was formed, and in 1878 James N. Matthews 
 became the sole proprietor. On November 20, 1883, the " Sunday Express" was first issued, and the illus- 
 trated edition made its appearance on January 3, 1886. Since the death of James N. Matthews, the 
 "Express" has been edited and published by his son, George E. Matthews. 
 
 The "Allgemine Zeitung" was founded in 1853 by the proprietors of the " Freie Presse," which name 
 it assumed afterwards. It started as a weekly, but became a daily in 1870, and in August, 1868, the 
 " Volksfreund" was started as a daily paper. 
 
 The "Catholic Union and Times" is one of the most influential church papers in America. It is a 
 weekly, and the efficient editor, Rev. Patrick Cronin, is one of the ablest journalists in the country. It was 
 founded April 25, 1872. The publication company was organized at the suggestion of the Bishop of the 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 121 
 
 diocese, and the president of tlie company is the Rt. Rev. Bishop Ryan. Father Cronin has had entire charge 
 of the paper since 1874. 
 
 hi 1884 the "International Gazette" at Blaci< Rock was established. It is a weekly paper and Alfred E. 
 Torey is publisher. 
 
 The " Enquirer," an afternoon daily, entered the field of journalism in Buffalo April 9, 1891, and was at 
 first published by the proprietors of the " Demokrat." In 1895 a stock company was organized, of which 
 W. J. Connors is president and Joseph O'Connor is editor-in-chief. The new evening paper has a wide 
 circulation and is popular with the masses. 
 
 The following additional newspapers are published here: Buffalo "Daily Demokrat" (German), Mrs. 
 C. Held, publisher, 509 Main ; daily, semi-weekly and tri-weekly " Mercantile Review," Chas. H. Webster, 
 publisher, 79 Ellicott street; "Buffalo Volksfreund" (German), daily and weekly, Buffalo German Printing 
 Association, publishers, 46-48 Broadway; "Sunday Tribune" (German), Reinecke & Zesch, publishers, 
 E. Huron corner Ellicott streets; "Die Sonntagspost," Hoffman & Keller, publishers, 12 Mohawk street. 
 Weeklies: "Die Aurora" (German), Christian Wieckman, publisher, 131 Broadway; " Buffalo Arbeiter 
 Zeitung," 315 Genesee street; "The Christian Uplook," 457 Washington street, Samuel McGerald & Sons, 
 proprietors; " Eastern Contractor," A. D. McConnell, publisher, 1715 Niagara street ; " Horse Gazette," 
 published by A. E. Torey, 1724 Niagara street ; " National Odd Fellow," Kraft & Stern, publishers, 363-365 
 Washington street ; " The Christliche Woch " (German), Buffalo German Catholic Orphan Asylum, pub- 
 lishers, office 46 Broadway; "Cycle Record," D. H. Lewis, manager, 48 Chapin block; "Echo" (Polish), 
 1006 Broadway, V. Wagonis, publisher; "The Intending Builder," 41 Builders' Exchange society, 306 Main 
 street; " South Buffalo Journal," James Stratton, publisher, 350 Elk street; " Weekly Produce Journal," 
 C. H. Webster, publisher ; " Poiak W. Ameryce" (Polish), published Tuesdays and Fridays, by Rev. John 
 Pitass, Lovejoy, corner William streets. 
 
THE BUFFALO CLUB. 
 
 CLUBS OF BUFFALO 
 
 SOCIAL life here, as elsewhere, is regarded as essential to health and happiness, since the largest measure 
 of man's enjoyment is derived from intercourse with those of similar tastes and aspirations. The 
 social instinct was never more fully developed than it is to-day, as is evidenced by the numerous clubs 
 in existence, where the business man may lay aside his cares and find relaxation from the mental strain of 
 work-a-day life. Both in the number and character of these social institutions, Buffalo is fully abreast of 
 other cities of America, and offers ail the attractions that could be desired in this direction. 
 
 The first organization, which was formed in 1867, and the most important as well as the oldest in this 
 city, is the Buffalo club, of which Millard Fillmore was first president, and William G. Fargo, Isaac Verplanck, 
 and William F. Dorsheimer were the first vice-presidents, and on the roll of membership from its inception 
 are found the names of many of the most distinguished professional and business men of the city. The 
 magnificent club-house is situate on Delaware avenue, corner of Trinity place, and it is furnished and equipped 
 with every comfort and luxury that the most fastidious taste could require. The officers of the Buffalo club 
 at this time are: President, John G. Milburn ; vice-presidents, Edmund Hayes, Edgar B. Jewett, Robert R. 
 Hefford ; secretary, William H. Ball ; treasurer, Carlton Perrine. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 123 
 
 THE SATURN CLUB. 
 
 The Saturn club, which has large membership among the young men of the city, was organized in 1885, 
 and their elegant home is located on Delaware avenue, corner of Edward street. Its membership was largely 
 increased on the dissolution of the City club. Every provision is made for the entertainment and pleasure 
 of its members and their guests, and its deserved popularity is steadily increasing. The officers of this club 
 are: Dean, Bryant B. Glenny ; vice-dean, John Parmenter, Nl. D.; registrar, Jesse C. Dann ; bursar, 
 Edward B. Guthrie. 
 
 THE COUNTRY CLUB. 
 
 The Country club was organized in 1889, and is located on Elmwood avenue, north of Park Lake. Its 
 membership is largely composed of wealthy citizens, and the magnificent equipages which throng the grounds 
 compare most favorably with those of any coaching club in the country. The officers of the club are : 
 President, George Bleistein ; vice-presidents, Edwin T. Evans, Harry Hamlin ; secretary, Willis O. Chapin ; 
 treasurer, George E. Laverack. 
 
 THE ACACIA CLUB. 
 
 The Acacia club, a social organization of Masons, is one of the great attractions for the craft of this city. 
 Its magnificent suite of rooms occupy the entire third floor of the Masonic Temple, and "brothers of the 
 compass and square" find here every facility for substantial enjoyments of their leisure hours. The officers 
 are : President, Hon. Jacob Stern ; vice-president, Thomas Hodgson ; secretary, Charles R. Fitzgerald ; 
 treasurer, Hon. Robert C. Titus. 
 
 SOCIETY OF ARTISTS. 
 
 The first meeting looking towards the formation of this society was held in the studio of Mr. James F. 
 Brown in 1892, and was of an informal character. A committee was appointed to draw up a constitution and 
 by-laws, and the organization was perfected in the studio of Mr. Ammi Farnham, who had been very active 
 in the movement, and the name given above was adopted. The following officers were elected at that time: 
 President, James Francis Brown; vice-president, Ammi Farnham; secretary, Mark M. Maycock; treasurer, 
 John Rother. It was at first decided that the society should hold exhibitions of colored work only, but at a 
 subsequent meeting the plan was enlarged to include sculpture, and black and white. At this last meeting 
 Mr. Sangster, Miss Clarke, George Bridgman, Mark Maycock, and Mrs. John Glenny were elected to 
 constitute the council of the society. Two exhibitions were held the first year, one of oil paintings and 
 sculpture, and one in black and white. In January, 1893, the Fine Arts Academy gave the society the free 
 use of the room they now occupy and it was fitted up for meetings. At the close of the year last named 
 there were enrolled the names of thirty-five active members, six non-resident members, and forty-one fellows 
 — no in all. The officers elected in 1893 were: Mrs. John Clark Glenny, president; Amos W. Sangster, 
 vice-president; Mark W, Maycock, secretary; John C. Rother, treasurer; council — Ammi IW. Farnham, 
 Mrs. John Clark Glenny, George B. Bridgman, Amos W. Sangster, Miss Rose Clark, Mark M. Maycock, 
 Miss Hauenstein, John C. Rother, and William H. Arthur. The society offers support and encouragement to 
 all youth of the city who are working seriously in the Students' Art League. William C. Cornwell is now 
 the president, and Mrs. Linda D. K. Watson secretary of the society. 
 
 THE BUFFALO RIDING CLUB. 
 
 The Buffalo Riding club was incorporated in 1888, and its club-house and riding pavilion are located on 
 West Utica street. The objects of the organization are the interests of horsemanship and instruction in riding. 
 
 THE BUFFALO POLO CLUB. 
 
 This is one of the recent organizations of Buffalo, and combines social advantages with recreation. 
 Its fine club-house and stables are located at the Park parade, and frequent games of polo are played on the 
 Park meadow, which are witnessed by a large number of spectators on pleasant afternoons. The elite of the 
 city in carriages are usually present, and are a conspicuous feature on these occasions. 
 
,24 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 THE PHOENIX CLUB. 
 
 The Phoenix club was organized in 1891, with headquarters at corner of Court and Pearl streets, where 
 they have erected a magnificent club-house on the site of the old Tracy mansion. The membership comprises 
 the most prominent Hebrew citizens of Buffalo. The officers are : president, Hon. L. W. Marcus ; secretary, 
 Martin Bergman ; treasurer, Meyer Wile. 
 
 THE ELLICOTT CLUB OF BUFFALO. 
 
 The Ellicott club of Buffalo, was organized in 1895, and occupies an elegant suite of rooms in the new 
 Ellicott Square building. The membership is composed of many prominent professional business men of the 
 city. Its object is to promote social intercourse among its members, and to provide club-room conveniences in 
 the business portion of the city. The officers are: president, Edmund Hayes; first vice-president, Ralph H. 
 Plumb; second vice-president, Joseph P. Dudley; secretary, William P. Northrup; treasurer, John B. Weber. 
 
 A number of other clubs have their houses and grounds on Grand Island, among which the following are 
 the most prominent: The Falconwood, organized in 1870, has an elegant summer resort on Grand Island. 
 The officers are Frank Sidway, president; George B. Hayes, secretary ; Nathaniel Rochester, treasurer. The 
 Idlewood has its club-house and magnificent grounds near Lake View. The officers are: president, J. N. 
 Adam; vice-president, J. C. Nagel ; secretary, W. H. Hotchkiss; treasurer, H. L. Lyon. The Oakfield, 
 Ideal, Silver Spray, Windsor, and other clubs are some of the social organizations in Buffalo. 
 
 Of the literary, musical, and scientific organizations, the following are the most prominent : Buffalo 
 Architectural Sketch club ; Archasological club; Buffalo Camera club; Buffalo Press club; Florists' club; 
 Buffalo Electric society; Microscopical club and German Young Men's Association. 
 
 Of the College societies there are the Cornell Association of Western New York; Delta Kappa Epsilon 
 Alumni Association ; Harvard Association of Western New York ; Yale Alumni Association ; University 
 Association and St. Joseph's ALumni Association of Buffalo. 
 
 The leading singing associations are the Orpheus, Liedertafel, Saengerbund, Apollo Musical club, Buffalo 
 Musical club, Buffalo Orchestra, Buffalo Vocal society and Buffalo Zither club. 
 
 The principal fishing and sporting clubs are the Audubon club, Cold Spring Gun club, Jefferson Fishing 
 club, Spruedel Fishing club, Niagara Fishing club and Buffalo Central Schuetzen Verein. 
 
 The Buffalo Yacht club, Buffalo Canoe club and Central Mutual and West End Rowing clubs furnish 
 aquatic excercises, and lovers of athletic sport find amusement at the Albion, American, Buffalo, Iroquois and 
 West Side Athletic clubs. Of Bicycle clubs, there are here the Ramblers, Wanderers, Buffalo, Press, 
 Women's and Zigzag clubs and the Globe, Iroquois, Central, Olympic and Pleasure, are the leading bowling 
 clubs of the city. 
 
 The Buffalo Base Ball, the Homing Pigeon, Buffalo Whist, Buffalo Tennis and Caledonian Curling 
 and Quoiting clubs, are also important organizations of the city. There are eleven Masonic lodges, four chap- 
 ters Royal Arch Masons, two councils Royal and Select Masters, two Commanderies Knights Templar, two 
 bodies of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and one order of Ancient Arabic Knights of the Mystic Shrine. 
 There are also in the city, twenty-four lodges, three Encampments, two uniformed Cantons, one Degree and 
 two Rebekah Degree lodges of Odd Fellows. The order Der Freiheit, Hamgari, Red Men, Uniformed Catholic 
 Knights, Good Fellows, Knights of St. John and Malta, Scottish Clans, Elks, A. O. U. W., Foresters, Knights 
 of Pythias, Royal Arcanum, and many other organizations are represented here, including all the prominent 
 fraternal insurance orders. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS '2^ 
 
 WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS 
 
 TWENTIETH CENTURY CLUB. 
 
 The largest and most prosperous of all the women's organizations of Buffalo is the Twentieth Century 
 club, which occupies its own elegant building on Delaware avenue, between Allen and North streets. It is a 
 handsome building in brick and gray granite, with a lecture-hall, a ball-room, and various other rooms which 
 are let to smaller clubs. The club-rooms are large and well furnished, and there is a library, billiard-room, 
 and sitting-room, and all the other accessories of a prosperous club. Miss Charlotte Mulligan, the club's 
 founder and first president, lifted the first shovelful of earth on November 9, 1895, ^"d the new building was 
 ready for dedication in May of the following year. It was erected at a cost of forty-two thousand dollars, and 
 is the largest and finest club-house in the State to be built exclusively by women. The club is an outgrowth 
 of the Graduates' Association of the Buffalo Seminary, and was formed for the purpose of working on 
 broader lines than is possible for an alumnce association. The club was formed in September, 1894, at the 
 chapter-house, and the membership limit was placed at three hundred. The initiation fee is fixed at one 
 hundred dollars, and the members may or may not own stock in the club-house. Its aim is to develop the 
 minds of the members, and it works on educational lines, giving especial attention to the claims of music and 
 art. Every Wednesday morning there is a lecture or musicale, or some instructive entertainment in the main 
 hall, which is free to the club members, and at the club meeting on the first Wednesday of each month some 
 timely topic is discussed by any member wishing to enter into the debate. No written papers are allowed in 
 these meetings. The officers of the club are : President, Miss Charlotte Mulligan ; vice-president, Mrs. A. P. 
 Wright; second vice-president, Mrs. Henry C. French; third vice-president, Mrs. John Clarke Glenny ; 
 secretary, Miss Mary Jane Dudley ; assistant secretary. Miss Mary Alice Eames ; treasurer, Mrs. Horace 
 Reed ; directors for four years, Miss Charlotte Mulligan, Mrs. William H. Gratwick, Mrs. Horace Reed, Miss 
 Eames, and Miss Dudley ; for three years, Mrs. E. S. Wheeler, Mrs. Frank H. Goodyear, Mrs. H. C. French, 
 Mrs. James F. Chard, and Mrs. Samuel M. Clement ; for two years. Miss Esther Glenny, Mrs. Ansley 
 Wilcox, Mrs. John C. Glenny, Mrs. Douglass Cornell, and Mrs. Charles W. Pardee ; for one year, Mrs. 
 F. L. A. Cady, Mrs. Carlton R. Jewett, Mrs. A. P. Wright, Mrs. Robert P. Wilson, and Mrs. Robert Keating. 
 The committee in charge of the erection of the new building was made up of Mrs. John C. Glenny, Mrs. 
 S. M. Clement, Mrs. James F. Chard, Mrs. H. C. French, and Mrs. C. R. Jewett. 
 
 WOMEN TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The Women Teachers' Association occupies its own home. The chapter-house, a pretty little club- 
 house in Johnson park, which was purchased in November, 1895, from the Graduates' Association, for twelve 
 hundred dollars. Previous to that time the club, then in its tenth year, occupied rooms at No. 916 Main 
 street, and meetings were held once each month. The object of the club is to raise the standard of teaching, 
 to improve the public schools, and to be at all times and in every branch of school work, modern, and 
 progressive. At its monthly meeting some subject of interest to the teachers, as a teacher, is discussed, and 
 oftentimes prominent educators are brought to Buffalo to address the club. Since entering its new home, 
 there have been more occasions for social gatherings, and an opportunity for a friendly intimacy between 
 women of the same profession, which has been found most helpful. Any woman teacher in Buffalo, either 
 in public or private schools, is eligible to membership in the club. The president is Dr. Ida C. Bender, 
 supervisor of the primer grades, and professor of juvenile literature in the School of Pedagogy ; vice-presidents. 
 Miss Elma Brown, of School No. 16, and Dr. Amelia Earle Traut, of the High-school ; recording secretary. 
 Miss Harriet E. Bull, of the High-school; corresponding secretary. Miss Nellie G. Small, of School No. 17; 
 treasurer. Miss Sarah Haas, of School No. 31. 
 
 TEACHERS' MUTUAL BENEFIT ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Another club of women teachers is the Teachers' Mutual Benevolent Association, which is a purely 
 beneficiary organization, paying nine dollars a week sick benefits, and five hundred dollars at death. This 
 club meets only to transact regular business. 
 
126 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 WORKING GIRLS' CLUB. 
 
 The Workincr Girls' club, at No. 216 Franklin street, represents that best type of American woman, the 
 girl who is self-dependent and self-helpful — the girl who is thoroughly capable and who respects herself. It 
 is a club of working-women, who organized for the purpose of having a home where every one would be 
 thoroughly independent, and yet have the companionship of women who are congenial, and who appreciate 
 the fight which the other is making in the great business world. There is n't a rule in the whole house, 
 the members believing that the woman who knows enough to care for herself, is sufficiently well informed to 
 be a law unto herself. The social life of the club is delightful. Two or three times a year, the big club-house 
 is thrown open, and a public reception given, but generally the entertainments are small and informal, 
 and given at intervals of one or two months. There are classes in the club, with a competent instructor 
 in music, drawing, painting, and in other of the more elegant accomplishments. The club is run on the 
 cooperative plan, and has been, since its freedom from debt, highly successful. It has always been self- 
 supporting. The club is conducted by a council chosen from the membership. 
 
 THE SCRIBBLERS' CLUB. 
 
 The Scribblers' Club of Buffalo, was founded on the last Monday in November, 1893, and its membership 
 is comprised solely of women writers. Its objects as set forth in the by-laws, are to elevate the standard of 
 the public press, to encourage the use of pure English, in writing and speaking, and by study and discussion, 
 benefit the women writers of the city. It was the first club in Buffalo to be devoted to this purpose. Since 
 its formation it has been regarded as one of the most influential clubs of the city. It will occupy rooms in the 
 Twentieth Century club building. While it is, in a measure, a woman's press club, much of its study is 
 devoted to more ambitious literature. The club meetings are held on the last Monday afternoon in each 
 month, and the discussions are upon topics of timely interest. The officers of the club, are : president, Miss 
 Charlotte Mulligan ; vice-president, Mrs. Fred Williard Kendall ; secretary, Mrs. Edmund Raymond Lawrence; 
 treasurer. Miss Marian De Forrest. 
 
 WOMEN'S INVESTIGATING CLUB. 
 
 The Women's Investigating club grew, as did many an other good thing, out of a church society. It was 
 formerly a Ladies' Aid society of the West Avenue Presbyterian church, and from the discussions of house- 
 hold affairs, and the giving of suppers in aid of church charity, it developed into a club that has done more 
 than any other to bring intellectual benefits to women who are not actively engaged in the professions or 
 trades. Its laws are unusually strict for a woman's club, and it requires of each member so much work 
 every year. There are oral topics at the meetings, written papers, which are afterward discussed, always 
 bearing some topic which is occupying the attention of the public at that time. The first president of the club 
 was Mrs. Florence Hopkins Lyon, and it was due largely to her efforts, that it was placed upon so successful 
 a basis. Mrs. Lyon died in the Spring of 1894. There are no honorary members, and the club work is 
 divided proportionately between the members. The club occupies elegantly-furnished apartments in the tower 
 of the Women's Educational and Industrial Union, and the meetings are held weekly on Fridays. It was 
 formed in 1890, and is a member of the National Federation of Women's clubs. 
 
 LITERARY CLUB OF THE CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH. 
 
 The Literary club of the Church of the Messiah, while in a measure a church club, does not confine 
 its membership to the members of the church. It is one of the broadest of the literary clubs of the city, and 
 its membership comprises many of the distinguished literary women, and others who are prominent in educa- 
 tional work. The club was organized in 1880, and its researches have done much to broaden and devolop 
 the women who are included among its members. It is a federated club. The regular meetings are held 
 on Wednesday at three o'clock, from November until June. The annual meeting takes the form of a banquet 
 which is held always on the last Wednesday in March. The club officers are : Mrs. George W. Townsend, 
 president; Mrs. Frank C. Ferguson, first vice-president; Miss Kate J. Smith, second vice-president ; Miss 
 Laura Newman, secretary ; Miss Efifie H. Shields, treasurer. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 127 
 
 THE CIVIC CLUB. 
 
 A wide-awake club, which demonstrates its interest at all times in all that pertains to the welfare of 
 Buffalo, is the Civic club, which was organized in September, 1895, for the purpose of arousing public interest 
 in all matters pertaining to municipal affairs, and fostering all movements for public good which come within 
 the circle of its influence. Its work is carried on in a measure, under the direction of the Women's Educa- 
 tional and Industrial Union, and it discusses all matters which bear in any way upon municipal reform. 
 Especial attention is given to the tenement-house evil, to street-cleaning, and public buildings. The meetings 
 are held on the first Tuesday afternoon of each month, in the worten's room of the Women's union. The club 
 officers are : president, IWrs. Lilly Lord Tifft ; vice-president, Mrs. Charles Kenney ; secretary, Mrs. Frank 
 Ferguson ; treasurer. Miss Clara L. Hefford. 
 
 WOMEN'S PROGRESSIVE UNION. 
 
 When the Women's Progressive Union was founded in 1880, it was for the purpose of obtaining money 
 with which to build a temple for the use of the Spiritualists of Buffalo. But that was long ago. The hand- 
 some temple at the corner of Jersey street and Prospect avenue has long stood as a monument to the energy 
 and ambition of this club, which was so well named. Only women may become members. The temple was 
 erected solely through the efforts of women and largely through the generosity of one woman, Mrs. J. H. R. 
 Matteson, the organizer of the union. Besides the work of securing the erection of the Spiritual temple, the 
 association strives for improvement in religious knowledge, the development of spiritual and scientific truth, 
 to secure for women a higher and more general spiritual, literary, and ethical culture, and to advance the 
 interests and welfare of the women of Buffalo. The association, during the "hard times" of 1894, started a 
 soup-kitchen on North Division street, where hundreds of people were fed daily, and distributed clothing 
 among the poor, besides assisting in caring for the sick and exercising a general supervision over a large 
 territory at that time when there was so much suffering through destitution in the lower sections of the city. 
 For its noble work at that critical time, the Women's Progressive Union received the thanks, publicly 
 expressed, of the Common Council and the Mayor of Buffalo. Mrs. J. H. R. Matteson is the president and 
 leader of the union. 
 
 WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The Women's Christian Association, celebrated its seventeenth birthday on the first Tuesday in February, 
 1896. During the seventeen years of its existence, the association has striven to be of benefit to women who 
 are not under the protection of their own homes, to be of service to girls and women who are forced out into 
 the business world, and to render assistance to such as are unable to care for themselves. To this end 
 the great home on Niagara square, with accommodation for one hundred women, was founded. In this branch 
 of its work the aim is not to give in charity, but rather to assist women to become self-supporting. An 
 employment bureau is a part of the work carried on, and a great deal of attention is paid to city missions. 
 This department of the work is under the supervision of Mrs. Homer E. Dudley, and is not confined to any 
 one section. While a great part of it is devoted to the people of the slums, there is attention paid to the wants 
 of those who need but temporary aid, to render them self-supporting. The whole system of work, in every 
 department is broad. It is laid out on a generous scale, and the association is fortunate in having earnest 
 Christian women who are willing to devote their time to the work. The home on Niagara square is not and 
 never has been self-supporting, and the discrepancy is made up by subscription. The officers are: president, 
 Mrs. John J. McWilliams; first vice-president, Mrs. John Cowans; second vice-president, Mrs. George C. 
 White; third vice-president, Mrs. S. S. Spencer; fourth vice-president, Mrs. Edgar B. Jewett; fifth vice- 
 president, Mrs. Henry F. Allen; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Horace Reed; recording secretary, Mrs. James 
 B. Holmnes; treasurer, Mrs. W. S. Cunningham; matron, Mrs. Kate Willett; missionary, Mrs. E. C. 
 Douglass; employment agency, Mrs. A. P. Keeney. 
 
 GRADUATES' ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Of the Graduates' Association of the Buffalo Seminary it may be said, "Behold how great a matter a 
 little fire kindleth." The fame of the Graduates' Association could rest, if it had nothing else, forever upon 
 its work in the education of women in parliamentary law. When a new club is organized, or officers elected 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 1 27 
 
 THE CIVIC CLUB. 
 
 A wide-awake club, which demonstrates its interest at ail times in all that pertains to the welfare of 
 Buffalo, is the Civic club, which was organized in September, 1895, for the purpose of arousing public interest 
 in all matters pertaining to municipal affairs, and fostering all movements for public good which come within 
 the circle of its influence. Its work is carried on in a measure, under the direction of the Women's Educa- 
 tional and Industrial Union, and it discusses all matters which bear in any way upon municipal reform. 
 Especial attention is given to the tenement-house evil, to street-cleaning, and public buildings. The meetings 
 are held on the first Tuesday afternoon of each month, in the women's room of the Women's union. The club 
 officers are : president, Mrs. Lilly Lord Tifft ; vice-president, Mrs. Charles Kenney ; secretary, Mrs. Frank 
 Ferguson ; treasurer. Miss Clara L. Hefford. 
 
 WOMEN'S PROGRESSIVE UNION. 
 
 When the Women's Progressive Union was founded in 1880, it was for the purpose of obtaining money 
 with which to build a temple for the use of the Spiritualists of Buffalo. But that was long ago. The hand- 
 some temple at the corner of Jersey street and Prospect avenue has long stood as a monument to the energy 
 and ambition of this club, which was so well named. Only women may become members. The temple was 
 erected solely through the efforts of women and largely through the generosity of one woman, Mrs. J. H. R. 
 Matteson, the organizer of the union. Besides the work of securing the erection of the Spiritual temple, the 
 association strives for improvement in religious knowledge, the development of spiritual and scientific truth, 
 to secure for women a higher and more general spiritual, literary, and ethical culture, and to advance the 
 interests and welfare of the women of Buffalo. The association, during the "hard times" of 1894, started a 
 soup-kitchen on North Division street, where hundreds of people were fed daily, and distributed clothing 
 among the poor, besides assisting in caring for the sick and exercising a general supervision over a large 
 territory at that time when there was so much suffering through destitution in the lower sections of the city. 
 For its noble work at that critical time, the Women's Progressive Union received the thanks, publicly 
 expressed, of the Common Council and the Mayor of Buffalo. Mrs. J. H. R. Matteson is the president and 
 leader of the union. 
 
 WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The Women's Christian Association, celebrated its seventeenth birthday on the first Tuesday in February, 
 1896. During the seventeen years of its existence, the association has striven to be of benefit to women who 
 are not under the protection of their own homes, to be of service to girls and women who are forced out into 
 the business world, and to render assistance to such as are unable to care for themselves. To this end 
 the great home on Niagara square, with accommodation for one hundred women, was founded. In this branch 
 of its work the aim is not to give in charity, but rather to assist women to become self-supporting. An 
 employment bureau is a part of the work carried on, and a great deal of attention is paid to city missions. 
 This department of the work is under the supervision of Mrs. Homer E. Dudley, and is not confined to any 
 one section. While a great part of it is devoted to the people of the slums, there is attention paid to the wants 
 of those who need but temporary aid, to render them self-supporting. The whole system of work, in every 
 department is broad. It is laid out on a generous scale, and the association is fortunate in having earnest 
 Christian women who are willing to devote their time to the work. The home on Niagara square is not and 
 never has been self-supporting, and the discrepancy is made up by subscription. The officers are: president, 
 Mrs. John J. McWilliams; first vice-president, Mrs. John Cowans; second vice-president, Mrs. George C. 
 White; third vice-president, Mrs. S. S. Spencer; fourth vice-president, Mrs. Edgar B. Jewett; fifth vice- 
 president, Mrs. Henry F. Allen; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Horace Reed; recording secretary, Mrs. James 
 B. Holmnes; treasurer, Mrs. W. S. Cunningham; matron, Mrs. Kate Willett; missionary, Mrs. E. C. 
 Douglass; employment agency, Mrs. A. P. Keeney. 
 
 GRADUATES' ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Of the Graduates' Association of the Buffalo Seminary it may be said, "Behold how great a matter a 
 little fire kindleth." The fame of the Graduates' Association could rest, if it had nothing else, forever upon 
 its work in the education of women in parliamentary law. When a new club is organized, or officers elected 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 129 
 
 domestic training, and i<itchen garden. Among the great things which stand to the union's credit are two 
 laws upon the statute bootcs, one, which maices it obligatory on the part of the State to have a woman on the 
 Board of Physicians of every insane asylum of the State of New York. The other is the law which gives to 
 mothers equal rights in the guardianship of minor children. This last law was passed in 1893. 
 
 Its protective work includes the collection of moneys due women for wages, and furnishes legal services 
 to such women free of charge. In 1891 the protective committee caused to be incorporated in the city charter 
 a clause by which no property of the defendant is exempt when the plaintiff is a domestic servant and recovers 
 judgment not exceeding twenty-five dollars, exclusive of costs. 
 
 The domestic training department includes day and evening classes in every branch of housework', many 
 of which are practically free, and there are many classes which fit women for a dignified position in life, and 
 render herself self-supporting. The union has a membership of six thousand women. 
 
 The handsome club-house, which was dedicated on May 10, 1895, has rooms for the use of all the 
 classes, a large hall for hire, for dinners, receptions and dances, there is a hall with a seating capacity of six 
 hundred, wherein are given the free entertainments, and other functions of the kind which the union gives 
 at short intervals. 
 
 Mrs. George W. Townsend has been president of the union since its formation. The other officers are: 
 First vice-president, Mrs. Benjamin H. Williams ; second vice-president, Mrs. Porter Norton ; third vice- 
 president, Mrs. P. H. Griffin; recording secretary, Mrs. Ellie J. Shepard ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. 
 Arthur W. Austin ; treasurer, Mrs. Jennie Rumrill. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 129 
 
 domestic training, and kitchen garden. Among the great things which stand to the union's credit are two 
 laws upon the statute books, one, which makes it obligatory on the part of the State to have a woman on the 
 Board of Physicians of every insane asylum of the State of New York. The other is the law which gives to 
 mothers equal rights in the guardianship of minor children. This last law was passed in 1893. 
 
 Its protective work includes the collection of moneys due women for wages, and furnishes legal services 
 to such women free of charge. In 1891 the protective committee caused to be incorporated in the city charter 
 a clause by which no property of the defendant is exempt when the plaintiff is a domestic servant and recovers 
 judgment not exceeding twenty-five dollars, exclusive of costs. 
 
 The domestic training department includes day and evening classes in every branch of housework, many 
 of which are practically free, and there are many classes which fit women for a dignified position in life, and 
 render herself self-supporting. The union has a membership of six thousand women. 
 
 The handsome club-house, which was dedicated on May 10, 1895, has rooms for the use of all the 
 classes, a large hall for hire, for dinners, receptions and dances, there is a hall with a seating capacity of six 
 hundred, wherein are given the free entertainments, and other functions of the kind which the union gives 
 at short intervals. 
 
 Mrs. George W. Townsend has been president of the union since its formation. The other officers are: 
 First vice-president, Mrs. Benjamin H. Williams ; second vice-president, Mrs. Porter Norton ; third vice- 
 president, Mrs. P. H. Griffin ; recording secretary, Mrs. Ellie J. Shepard ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. 
 Arthur W. Austin; treasurer, Mrs. Jennie Rumrill. 
 
 -%>i- 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS l^r 
 
 of Hamburg, IW. Prendergast of Chautauqua, and E. F. Morton, Jonas Harrison, Ebenezer Walden and John 
 G. Camp of Buffalo. It was chartered for sixteen years, and Isaac Kibbe was the first president and I. 
 Q. Leake the first cashier. In July, i8i8, a vexatious run was made on the bank, but it withstood the 
 storm. The bank was a brick building and was located on Washington street, corner of North Division. It 
 was not reorganized when its charter expired in 1832. A branch of the United States bank was established 
 here September 15, 1829. The site was on the northeast corner of South Division and Main streets. 
 
 BANK OF BUFFALO. 
 On May 16, 1831, books were opened at the Eagle tavern for subscriptions to the stock of the Bank 
 of Buffalo. The capital was fixed at ^200,000, and over g 1,500,000 were subscribed. Guy H. Goodrich was 
 the first president and Hiram Pratt and S. G. Austin were the first cashier and teller, respectively. 
 
 BANK OF ATTICA. 
 This institution was established in Attica in 1836, and was removed to Buffalo in 1842. It was reorgan- 
 ized in 1850 under the banking laws of the State, and became the 
 
 BUFFALO COMMERCIAL BANK. 
 The capital of this bank is $250,000, and a surplus of ^65,000 indicates excellent management on part 
 of the officials, past and present. The officers are now: president, Frederick L. Danforth ; cashier, William 
 E. Danforth; teller, Carlton R. Perrine. The bank is located corner of West Seneca and Pearl streets. In 
 1838, the Merchants Exchange bank, with a capital of $200,000 was established, and during that and 
 the following year a number of others were organized here, among which were the United States, Erie 
 County, Mechanics, Bank of Commerce, Bank of America, Phcenix, Union, and State Bank of New York, 
 each with a capital stock of $100,000. 
 
 THE MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS BANK. 
 The Manufacturers and Traders Bank was incorporated March 24, 1856, and was opened for business 
 August 29 of that year. It was one of the few financial institutions of the country which never suspended 
 specie payments during the terrible financial crisis of 1857. The first officers of the bank were: president, 
 Henry Martin ; vice-president, P P. Pratt; cashier, D. F. Frazell. Those at this time are: President, P. P. 
 Pratt; vice-presidents, Bronson C. Rumsey and Robert L. Fryer ; cashier, James H. Madison. The location 
 of the bank is Main, corner of West Seneca street. 
 
 THE MARINE BANK. 
 The Marine bank was organized July 8, 1850, with a capital stock of $170,000. The first officers elected 
 were: President, George Palmer; cashier, James M. Ganson. In 1853 the capital was increased to $250,000, 
 and the year following it was again increased to $300,000, and in 1859 was reduced to $200,000, with a 
 surplus of $650,000. It was originally located at 79 Main street, and is now situate at 220 Main street. The 
 present officers are: President, S. M. Clement; vice-president, J. J. Albright; cashier, J. H. Lascelles; 
 assistant cashier, Henry J. Auer; tellers, E. N. Wilkes and O. H. P. Chaplin, Jr.; located 220 Main street. 
 
 THIRD NATIONAL BANK. 
 This bank was originally incorporated under the United States banking laws February 14, 1865, with a 
 capital of $250,000. A. F Blackman and E. T. Smith were the first president and cashier, respectively. 
 The capital is $500,000 at this time (authorized capital $1,000,000), surplus $325,000, and it is located at 
 273-275 Main street. This bank is the National repository in this city. The present officers are: President, 
 Charles A. Sweet; vice-president, Loren L. Lewis; cashier, Nathaniel Rochester; tellers, Charles R. 
 Riselay and Charles J. Ritter. 
 
 THE FARMER'S AND MECHANIC'S BANK. 
 Was established at Batavia, New York, in 1838, and was removed by act of Legislature, in 1852, to 
 Buffalo, when E. G. Spaulding was elected president. The capital stock, with undivided profits, is $1,400,000. 
 The officers at this time are: President, E. G. Spaulding; vice-president, F. Sidway ; cashier, E. R. 
 Spaulding; teller, William F. Jones. The bank is situated at 198 Main street. 
 
1^2 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 AMERICAN EXCHANGE BANK. 
 This bank, formerly White's bank, was incorporated in 1853, and its capital is ^200,000, with a surplus 
 of g 100,000. It is located at 16 West Seneca street, and the officers at this time are: President, John L. 
 Williams; vice-president, Rufus L. Howard; cashier, A. B. Briggs; tellers, William F. Carey and F. W. 
 Alderman. 
 
 BANK OF BUFFALO. 
 Organized in 1832. Capital $300,000, with a surplus of the same amount. It is located at 234-238 
 Main street. The present oificers are: President, John N. Scatcherd ; vice-president, Sherman S. Rogers; 
 cashier, Elliott McDougal ; tellers, Charles D. Appleby, W. H. Munsell, and James P. Hunt. 
 
 BANK OF COMMERCE IN BUFFALO. 
 Located at 215-217 Main street. Organized July, 1873. Capital $200,000 and surplus $317,000. The 
 officers are now: President, George W. Miller; vice-president, William H. Gardner; cashier, M. F. 
 Warren; tellers, John F. Steele and William T. Parsons. 
 
 MERCHANTS' BANK OF BUFFALO. 
 Organized in May, 1871. Location 208 Main street. Capital $300,000 and surplus $120,000. The 
 officers at this time are: President, William H. Walker; vice-president, Robert B. Adam; Cashier, F. W. 
 Fiske, and teller, William R. Anderson. 
 
 THE PEOPLE'S BANK OF BUFFALO. 
 The People's Bank of Buffalo was organized in 1889, with a capital of $300,000, and has a surplus of 
 $100,000. It is situate at 237 Washington street (Coal and Iron E.xchange), and the officers at this time are: 
 President, Daniel O'Day; vice-president, Arthur D. Bissell ; cashier, Clarence W. Hammond; tellers, 
 William H. Stebbins and Benjamin W. Dwyer. 
 
 UNION BANK. 
 Organized January, 1891, and incorporated in May of that year. Its location is 496-498 Main street. 
 Capital $200,000, with a surplus of $35,000. The officers are: President, Henry A. Menker; vice-president, 
 Alexander McMaster ; cashier, James Kerr ; tellers, F. W. Gethoefer and Lloyd L. Westbrook. 
 
 METROPOLITAN BANK. 
 This bank was organized June 6, 1891, and is located at 485 Main street. The capital is $200,000, with 
 a surplus of $57,000. The officers are : President, Henry Weill ; vice-president, Philip W. Roth ; cashier, 
 Jacob Dilcher ; teller, Henry P. Clark. 
 
 NIAGARA BANK OF BUFFALO. 
 Organized September 15, 1891. It is located at 244 Main street. Capital $100,000, surplus $15,000. 
 The officers are: President, P. H. Griffin; vice-president, M. M. Drake; cashier, John A. Kennedy; teller, 
 Frank T. Hartman. 
 
 CITIZENS' BANK OF BUFFALO. 
 Organized October 1890. Capital $100,000, surplus $70,000. It is located at corner of William and 
 Sherman streets. The officers are: President, Joseph Block; vice-president, G. Fred Zeller; Cashier, 
 Irwing E. Waters, and teller, John Peters. 
 
 COLUMBIA NATIONAL BANK. 
 Organized May, 1892. Located at 103 Seneca street. Capital $200,000. The officers are : President, 
 Josiah Jewett, vice-president, Henry C. Howard; cashier, Clifford Hubbell; teller, B. P. Vos. 
 
 QUEEN CITY BANK. 
 Organized 1892. Capital $300,000, surplus $200,000. The location is 347 to 351 Main street. The 
 officers at this time are: President, F. C. M. Lautz; vice-presidents, J. N. Adam and William F. Creed; 
 cashier, D. Clark Ralph; tellers, A. H. Morey and L. E. Munsell. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 133 
 
 THE GERMAN BANK OF BUFFALO. 
 Organized 1872. Capital ^100,000, surplus $400,000. Located German Insurance building. Tlie 
 officers are : President, F. A. Georger ; vice-president, Rudolph Hoffeld ; cashier, E. A. Georger ; tellers, 
 Paul Werner and William P. Ludecke. 
 
 GERMAN AMERICAN BANK. 
 Organized May 10, 1892. Capital $200,000, surplus $100,000. Located Main, corner of Court street. 
 The officers are : President, George Sandrock ; vice-president, Jacob W. Diehl ; cashier, Henry W. Burt ; 
 tellers, William L. Koester and Edward D. Reed. 
 
 THE HYDRAULIC BANK. 
 Corner Seneca and Hydraulic streets. Organized 1893. Capital $100,000. The officers are : President, 
 William S. Sizer ; vice-president, John D. Langner ; cashier, John Y. Sloan. 
 
 THE CITY BANK. 
 Organized March 20, 1893. Capital $300,000, surplus $150,000. Located at 319 Main street and 324 
 Washington street. The officers are as follows : President, William C Cornwell ; vice-presidents, P. H. 
 Griffin and Hon. Charles Daniels ; cashier, Alfred J. Barnes ; tellers, Fred Schultz, James W. Hall and A. D. 
 Ralph. 
 
 BUFFALO SAVINGS BANK. 
 Corner of Washington and Lafayette streets. Incorporated May 8th, 1846. Deposits over ^ 10,000,000, 
 surplus $1,567,000. President, Edward Bennett; vice-presidents, Jewett M. Richmond and C. Rodenbach ; 
 secretary, John N. Wayland ; tellers, Gustave J. Adolph and Frank X. Wannemacher. 
 
 ERIE COUNTY SAVINGS BANK. 
 Main, Niagara, Church and Pearl streets. Incorporated April 10, 1854. Deposits over ^16,000,000, 
 surplus $1,958,169.01. President, David R. Morse; vice-presidents, Philo D. Beard and Oliver J. Eggert ; 
 secretary and treasurer, William J. Humanson ; tellers, Robert D. Young, Stephen B. Lee, Emil Seifert and 
 Frank J. Rooth. 
 
 WESTERN SAVINGS BANK. 
 Main, corner of Court street. Incorporated 1851. Deposits over $3,500,000, surplus ^365,807.39. 
 President, Phillip Houck ; vice-presidents, Abram Twitchell and Lewis L. Hodges ; teller, Charles F. Krafft. 
 
 EMPIRE STATE SAVINGS BANK. 
 No. 308 Main street. Organized 1892. Deposits $700,000, surplus $39,620.99. President, Andrew 
 Langdon ; vice-presidents, George A. Stringer and John S. Voltz ; secretary and treasurer, George W. 
 Townsend ; teller, Nathan F. Miller. 
 
 The following Loan, Trust, Safe Deposit, and Guarantee companies are also in successful operation here : 
 The Buffalo Loan, Trust, Safe and Deposit Company, 449 Main street; capital, $200,000, surplus $52,000; 
 and the Fidelity Trust and Guaranty Company, Erie County Savings Bank building; capital $500,000. 
 There are besides, over fifty Building and Loan Associations in Buffalo, and every facility for effecting loans, 
 making deposits at best current rates of intesest, and the accumulation of savings is afforded here. 
 
 The Bankers' Association of Buffalo meets at Merchants' Exchange every January, April, July and 
 October. President, Pascal P. Pratt; vice-president, Frederick L. Danforth ; secretary, William C. Corn- 
 well ; and treasurer, Edward R. Spaulding. 
 
 CLEARING HOUSE. 
 The Clearing House was established April i, 1889, since which time there has been a marked increase in 
 the number of banks, in the amount of capjtal and in the general banking business. When the Clearing 
 House was established, there were but thirteen banks in the city, with a total capital of $3,650,000; surplus 
 and undivided profits $2,500,000; deposits $22,400,000, and at this time these figures are almost trebled. 
 During the year 1895, the Clearing House showed clearances of $222,780,268.94, and balances aggregating 
 $38,054,080.48. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 •3? 
 
 HON. E. G. SPAULDING. 
 
 This distinguished lawyer, statesman, and philanthropist, one of America's ablest financiers, known as the 
 "Father of the Greenback," is a lineal descendant in the seventh generation from Edward Spaulding, who 
 settled in Massachusetts in 1630. The father of Mr. Spaulding was a hero of the Revolution, as was also his 
 grandfather, the latter taking part in the battle of Bunker Hill. In commemoration of this fact, Mr. Spaulding 
 has had a magnificent granite monument erected in Forest Lawn, a reproduction of which appears in this 
 work. It was dedicated to the memory of the "New England" fathers who fought for civil and religious 
 liberty, American independence resulting in National union. He was born February 24, 1809, at Sumner 
 Hill, Cayuga county, New York, and received a thorough English education in the public schools. He began 
 the study of law at the age of twenty in the office of Fitch & Dibble, at Batavia, New York, and taught 
 school during the winter months, and also acted as recording clerk in the office of the county clerk for two 
 years, to defray his expenses while preparing for admission to the bar. 
 
 ' RIVER LAWN," VILLA OF HON. E. G. SPAULDING. 
 
 In 1832 he entered the law office of the late Hon. Harvey Putnam, of Attica, New York, where he con- 
 tinued his law studies, and was admitted to practice in the Court of Common Pleas in Genesee county. In 
 1834 Mr. Spaulding removed to Buffalo, and became a clerk in the office of Potter & Babcock, then one of 
 the leading law firms of the State. In 1836 Mr. Spaulding was admitted to practice as an attorney in the 
 Supreme Court, and in 1839 as a counsellor of the Supreme Court and the Court of Chancery. In 1846 he 
 formed a copartnership with George R. Babcock and afterwards with Herman B. Potter, the latter continuing 
 till 1844, when Mr. Potter retired. In 1846 he became a partner of Hon. John Ganson, and the firm con- 
 ducted a large and important practice for four years, when Mr. Spaulding retired from professional life. In 
 1836 he was appointed city clerk of Buffalo, and in 1847 he was elected mayor of Buffalo, and during his 
 administration many important measures were inaugurated. He took an active part in enlarging the facilities 
 for lake and canal commerce, and in the organization of the Buffalo Gas Light Company, and the adoption 
 of an extensive system of sewage. 
 
 In 1848 he was elected a member of the New York Assembly, and was chairman on the canal committee, 
 and rendered valuable service in that capacity, obtaining an appropriation of ^350,000 from the State for 
 work on the Erie and Ohio basins. In 1849 he was elected a member of the Thirty-first Congress, and was a 
 firm opponent of slavery, advocating the admission of California as a free state. In 1853 he was elected 
 
136 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 State treasurer and became, ex-officio, a member of the Canal Board. Largely through his efforts the canals 
 were improved, and nine million dollars borrowed by the State were expended. In i860 he was a member 
 of the Congressional executive committe, in which campaign Abraham Lincoln was elected president. Having 
 been elected a member of congress in 1858, he was reelected in i860, and for four years he was on the 
 committee of ways and means. During the stormy days of the Rebellion he took a most active part. 
 
 He was made chairman of a sub-committee of ways and means, and drew up the Greenback, or Legal 
 Tender act and National Currency Bank bill, which were both adopted, measures which were of utmost 
 importance in carrying on the war to a successful issue. President Lincoln had the utmost confidence in Mr. 
 Spaulding's financial ability, and to a gentleman from Buffalo said: "If New York was not represented in 
 the cabinet, I would send for Mr. Spaulding, and tender him the position of Secretary of the Treasury." He 
 was a great man in his day, and seemed specially qualified for important work in the darkest days of the 
 history of the Republic. In every station of life he was capable, energetic and successful, and his name will 
 live in history as one of his country's most devoted and efficient statesmen. His ample means and cultivated 
 
 HISTORIC MONUMENT ERECTED IN FOREST LAV^N 
 
 HV n- V. E. G- SJUI'LllINf;. 
 
 tastes largely contributed to the building up of the scientific, literary, and charitable interests of Buffalo. He 
 is a life member of the Young Men's Association and the Buffalo Historical Society, a member of the Society 
 of Natural Science, Buffalo club, and other literary, social, and charitable organizations. He is now, and has 
 long been the efficient president of the Farmer's and Mechanic's bank of Buffalo, and in every worthy public 
 or charitable undertaking he has always been among the foremost. 
 
 "River Lawn," the country seat of Mr. Spaulding, on Grand Island, is a model of elegance and taste in 
 its appointments and architecture. It is situated on an elevation, commanding a magnificent view of lake 
 and river, and travelers passing by rail or water never fail to note this imposing building and its deliahtful 
 surroundings. An idea of this beautiful home may be obtained from even a casual glance at the enc^raving 
 accompanying this sketch. " 
 
 WILLIAM C. CORNWELL. 
 In these latter days, when the discussion of the silver question is creating a profound impression in 
 business circles throughout the country, there has been no more zealous champion of sound money than 
 William Caryl Cornwell, president of the City Bank of Buffalo, and the financial literature of the day includes 
 among its most valuable contributions the products of his brain and pen. Mr. Cornwell was born in Lyons 
 New York, August 19, 1851. His father, Francis E. Cornwell, was a lawyer of great ability, and removed to 
 
WILLIAM C. CORNWELL. 
 
,38 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Buffalo where he attained eminence in his profession. His death at the age of forty-six years, on the day of 
 election, at which he was a candidate for judicial honors, cut short a career which gave promise of great 
 success and usefulness. On his mother's side Mr. Cornwell is a descendant of the Livingston family of 
 Livingston, New York, the first American ancestor, Robert Livingston, having come from Holland to America 
 in 1674. The subject of this biographical sketch obtained his early education at the public schools of Buffalo, 
 and at the age of seventeen he entered the banking house of H. N. Smith. In 1873, when the Bank of 
 Buffalo was organized, he was made bookkeeper and correspondent of that institution, and in 1877 he was 
 elected by the board of directors as cashier, the duties of which position he discharged with marked efficiency 
 for fifteen years. In November, 1892, Mr. Cornwell withdrew from active connection with the Bank of Buffalo, 
 retaining however, his directorship, and organized the City bank, of which he was chosen president. The 
 bank began business in the spring of 1893, and notwithstanding the financial crisis of that panic period, its 
 business steadily grew, and by the fall of that year over one million dollars of deposits were accumulated. 
 The methods and policy of the City bank during the whole period of depression greatly inspired the business 
 community with courage, and its petition blanks for the repeal of the silver-purchasing clause of the Sherman 
 Act, originated by Mr. Cornwell, were sent to thousands of banks throughout the Union. The banks obtained 
 the signatures of their customers and forwarded the signed petitions to Washington. It became known 
 as the "Buffalo Petition" and had great weight in influencing final action. In naming the six leading 
 conservative authorities on financial subjects, David A. Wells included the. name of William C. Cornwell, 
 the others being David W. Stone, William B. Dana, William Dodsworth, Edward Atkinson and Charles 
 S. Fairchild. Mr. Cornwell has contributed several valuable papers to the literature of banking. "The 
 Currency and Banking Laws of Canada" a digest of the Canadian law by Mr. Cornwell, recently published 
 by Putnam's Sons, is of especial interest in view of the probable changes in our banking laws. 
 
 Mr. Cornwell was one of the founders of the New York State Bankers' Association, and was elected its 
 first president at Saratoga, in August 1894. During his term of one year as presiding officer, to which period 
 it is limited by the constitution, the membership of the organization increased from 112 to over four hundred, 
 his energy and zeal giving great impetus to the new association, and under his personal guidance the annual 
 meeting was made to pronounce strongly for sound money, and thereby materially strengthening the sentiment 
 against free silver. On retiring from the presidency Mr. Cornwell was made an honorary member of the 
 council of administration for the second year. He was for several years vice-president of the Bank of Niagara, 
 at Niagara Falls, New York, and was chairman of the Buffalo Clearing House committee for the first three 
 years of its existence. In 1891 he was elected vice-president of the State of New York of the American 
 Bankers' Association, and in 1894, was elected a member of the executive committee of that association for 
 three years. He is president of the Buffalo Society of Artists and has been a fund commissioner and curator 
 of the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy since 1879. Mr. Cornwell is a student of art and art literature, and uses 
 the brush with more than mediocre ability. His " Book of the Festival " (1894) is a most attractive souvenir 
 of that occasion. He studied art at the Julien School, Paris, and was a pupil of Lefebore and Boulanger. His 
 delightful home at East Aurora contains many specimens of his skill as an amateur decorative artist. Mr. 
 Cornwell was married in 1873 to Miss Marian W., daughter of Dr. H. N. Loomis, a pioneer settler and 
 eminent physician of Buffalo. 
 
 HON. PASCAL P. PRATT. 
 This representative business man and valued citizen, who for many years has been one of the foremost in 
 every undertaking for the good of his fellow men in Buffalo, was born in this city September 15, 1819, 
 and has resided here all his life. His ancestors on his father's side were from Westminster, Vermont. His 
 grandfather. Captain Samuel Pratt, came to Buffalo in 1803, bringing his family here in a private carriage, the 
 first one ever seen in Erie county, and built a frame house, the first one of any considerable size in the 
 settlement, and also a store, in which he began business as a merchant, having for customers few white 
 people and many Indians. Captain Pratt's son, Samuel Pratt, Jr., the father of Pascal P. Pratt, was married 
 in 1806 to Miss Sophia Fletcher, daughter of General Samuel Fletcher, a prominent citizen of Townsend, 
 Vermont. Mr. Samuel Pratt died in the village of Buffalo in 1822, leaving surviving his widow and four 
 children. The subject of this sketch, the only surviving child of Samuel Pratt, Jr., was educated in the 
 schools of his native village, in 1833, pursued his studies at Hamilton academy, Madison county, New York, 
 followed by a two-year term at Amherst, Massachusetts. At the age of sixteen years, he began business life 
 as a clerk in the hardware store of his brother, Samuel F. Pratt, in Buffalo, and five years later became 
 a partner in the business, which was afterwards conducted under the name of Pratt & Company. Edward P. 
 
HON. PASCAL P. PRATT. 
 
I40 ,^ BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Beals was soon afterwards made a partner, the firm so constituted continuing the business without change 
 up to January i, 1880. Mr. Samuel F. Pratt died in 1872, but the business, under partnership agreement, 
 was continued as above stated. 
 
 From time to time the business of Pratt & Company was increased and extended, and from a retail trade 
 became a wholesale business of large proportions, extending westward beyond the Mississippi river. The firm 
 was also extensively engaged in the manufacture of iron, forming a corporation and owning the entire stock 
 of the Buffalo Iron & Nail Company of this city. They built a rolling-mill and furnace at Black Rock 
 and began operations in 1857, which were continued until 1880, when the blast-furnace was leased to other 
 parties and the rolling-mill has since been devoted to other manufacturing purposes. For many years 
 this enterprise gave employment to an army of workmen, numbering from five hundred to eight hundred, 
 materially assisting in building up a part of the city which is to this day a monument to the energy and 
 enterprise of Mr. Pascal P. Pratt, to whose keeping the management of the firm's interests was committed. 
 His example and his influence induced others to embark in various industries, and many of the successful 
 manufacturing enterprises in Buffalo owe their inception and successful conduct largely to his encouragement 
 and assistance. He was one of the originators of the Buffalo park system, and was the first president of the 
 Park Commission from 1869 to 1879 when he resigned, and the plans matured during his administration have 
 given the people of this city a system of parks of which they are justly proud. 
 
 Mr. Pratt was one of the commission, composed of Hon. Luther R. Marsh, Hon. Matthew Hale and 
 himself, in the appraisement of the land proposed to be taken at Niagara Falls for an international park, which 
 after great labor awarded a sum of money, aggregating one and one-half million dollars. Grave questions 
 were determined by this commission and millions of dollars claimed were saved to the State by the 
 commissioners. In this work the clear head and practical judgment of Mr. Pratt were invaluable, and the 
 confidence of his fellow-members of the commission gave great weight to his opinions. He has been a generous 
 contributor of time and money to all of the charitable institutions of Buffalo. He was the most liberal 
 contributor to the expense of building the Young Men's Christian Association building, and in many other 
 undertakings has been liberal and active. He was a Republican presidential elector in 1872, and except in this 
 instance he has always refused and avoided political office. He was vice-president of the Manufacturers and 
 Traders Bank of Buffalo from the date of its incorporation in 1856 until he became its honored and efficient 
 president in 1885. He is also a director of the Bank of Attica, a trustee of the Buffalo Gas Light company, 
 president of the Buffalo Female Academy, trustee of the Buffalo Orphan Asylum, and president of the board 
 of trustees of the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Pratt was married September i, 1845, to Miss 
 Phoebe Lorenz, the daughter of Mr. Frederick Lorenz, a prominent glass and iron manufacturer of Pittsburgh, 
 Pennsylvania. His children are Katharine, wife of John M. Horton, residing in Europe; Frederick L. Pratt, 
 who resides with his father ; Annie, who married John S. Chittenden of Buffalo; Melissa D., wife of Robert 
 L. Fryer, a lumber merchant of Buffalo; Samuel F. Pratt of Alden, New York; Emma, wife of Dr. Charles 
 Sumner Jones of this city, and Edward P. Pratt, manager of the Standard Oil Company of Kansas City. 
 
 JEWETT M. RICHMOND. 
 
 There are few men in Buffalo, if any, who have been more active, prominent or efficient in advancing 
 the interests of the city, than Jewett M. Richmond. He is a son of Anson Richmond, whose ancestry dates 
 back to the Plymouth colony, and was born in Onondaga county. New York, December 9, 1830. His father 
 was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, February 24, 1790, and served in the Federal army, under Colonel 
 Daniel Draper in the War of 1812. His grandfather was a gallant Revolutionary soldier as well, and was 
 taken prisoner and carried to Bermuda, where he was exchanged after his term of enlistment had expired. 
 He was paid in Continental money, the value of which was so much depreciated, that he was obliged to pay 
 forty-eight dollars for his breakfast. The father of Jewett M. Richmond removed from Barnard, Vermont, to 
 Salina, now part of Syracuse, New York, in 1814, where he was extensively engaged in the manufacture 
 of salt, becoming one of the leading citizens of the town. He was chairman of the council, and was a man of 
 strictest probity both in public and private life. 
 
 Jewett M. Richmond was educated in the common schools of his native town, and began business as a 
 clerk in a store in the village of Liverpool, New York, at the age of sixteen years. In 1853 he became 
 a member of a firm and was engaged in the manufacture and sale of flour and salt, with offices in Syracuse, 
 Salina, Oswego, Bufl^alo and Chicago. In 1854 Mr. Richmond made Buffalo his home, and in i860 severed 
 his business relations to form a partnership with Henry A. Richmond, for carrying on the grain commission, 
 storage and elevator business in this city, the firm being known as J, M. Richmond & Company, and in 1863 
 
JEWETT M. RICHMOND. 
 
FREDERICK 0. M. LAUTZ. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS '4^ 
 
 erected the Richmond elevator. In 1864 the firm was dissolved, and M. M. Richmond and Alonzo Richmond 
 became the new partners, and the same year Mr. Jewett M. Richmond made an extended tour of Europe. 
 On his return his exceptional business ability was sought eagerly in the conduct of various important under- 
 takings, and in 1867 he was elected president of the Marine bank, to which position he was again elected in 
 1892. In 1871 he was elected president of the Buffalo and Jamestown Railroad Company, in which the city 
 voted to take stock to the amount of a million dollars, and it was largely to the energy and tact of Mr. Richmond 
 that the road was completed, despite the financial crisis of 1873. This accomplished, he refused a reelection as 
 president of the company, that he might devote his entire time to his large private interests. 
 
 He is a life member o'f the German Young Men's Association, the Buffalo Historical Society, the Fine Arts 
 Academy and the Society of Natural Science, and is also a member of many social organizations. He is 
 president of the Buffalo Mutual Gas Light Company, and a director in the Buffalo and Southwestern 
 Railroad Company, and also a trustee of the Buffalo Savings bank and of the Forest Lawn Cemetery 
 Association. Principally to the efforts of Mr. Richmond the Iroquois hotel was erected by the Young Men's 
 Association, and his name will always be gratefully associated with the hotel and the Buffalo library. He 
 was married in 1870 to the daughter of John Rudderow of New York City, and has four children living. 
 His beautiful residence. No. 844 Delaware avenue, is one of the most elegant homes in the city. 
 
 FREDERICK C. M. LAUTZ. 
 
 The subject of this biographical sketch, one of Buffalo's most public-spirited and beneficent citizens, was 
 born March 5, 1846, at Rimborn, Hesse-Darmstadt, and at the age of seven years he came, with his parents, 
 to America, and located in this city. He was educated in the public schools here, and then engaged in 
 business with his father, now the well-known house of Lautz Brothers & Company, one of the largest soap 
 manufacturing concerns in the county. He was one of the founders of the Niagara Starch Works, and is one 
 of the firm of Lautz Brothers & Company (onyx works), and of the Niagara Stamping and Tool Works. He 
 is president of the Queen City bank, and is also interested in other important enterprises of this city. From 
 1881 to 1884 he was president of the German Young Men's Association, and during his administration the 
 first Music Hall was erected, and he has been one of the real-estate commissioners of the association since 
 1883. He was instrumental in the erection of the home of the association, which now adorns the site of the 
 first building, which was destroyed by fire in 1885. Mr. Lautz is a life member of this organization, and is 
 also a life member of the Buffalo Library, the Historical Society, the Fine Arts Academy, the Buffalo 
 Orpheus, and the Buffalo Catholic Institute. ' He is one of the trustees of the Homoeopathic Hospital. 
 
 He is gifted with a fine voice, and has for many years been the sole baritone of St. Paul's choir. He is 
 one of the organizers of the Musical Association, of Buffalo, an organization which has for its prime object the 
 musical culture of the people of Buffalo, and are the projectors of large musical festivals and fetes. It is, 
 however, as the patron of the Buffalo Symphony Orchestra that Mr. Lautz occupies a prominent position. 
 This orchestra, through his efforts, has been built up and occupies a position of great prominence among the 
 musical orgaizations of the country. In this particular Mr. Lautz has but one peer in public spirit and 
 disinterestedness in the country — Mr. Higginson of Boston, Massachusetts, the patron of the Symphony 
 Orchestra of that city — these two being the only two men in the United States sufficiently beneficent to 
 assume the entire responsibility, which in all other American cities devolves upon the community and which, 
 in European centers, rests with royalty. 
 
 In 1884, a string quartet, under the name of Philharmonic, was organized in Buffalo, and was the pioneer 
 of classic music in Buffalo. Two years later this organization became the Philharmonic Orchestra, composed 
 of thirty-six performers, but after two years' effort, the Philharmonic was discontinued. At this juncture 
 Mr. Lautz, realizing that the highest form of musical culture was precarious and required a sponsor, assumed 
 that character, and at the sacrifice of time and money, and at the cost of indomitable energy and persistence, 
 accomplished his noble purpose, and has now the satisfaction of seeing the good of his ambition in this 
 direction attained, and the organization made one of the great institutions of Buffalo, whose delightful 
 rehearsals are greeted by the largest and most enthusiastic audiences, and that which should have been the 
 duty of the many is his individual and delightful triumph. He is president of the Shaker Heights Land 
 Company, who have recently presented to the city of Cleveland, Ohio, 279 acres of land for park purposes. 
 The value of the gift is estimated upwards of four hundred thousand dollars. He is also vice-president of the 
 Ellicott Square Company. In 1874 Mr. Lautz was married to Miss Amelia K. Trageser of New York City, 
 and has three daughters. The delightful home of the family is No. 694 West Ferry street, one of the most 
 beautiful sections of the city. 
 
THE OLD FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
THE RT. REV. ARTHUR CLEVELAND COXE, D. D. 
 
 RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS 
 
 THE Church history of Buffalo dates back to the earliest days, when the village was but a frontier 
 settlement, with savages for neighbors. The pioneers of civilization in Western New York were 
 principally from New England, and brought with them the devout disposition and faith of their 
 fathers. There are in Buffalo 175 churches and eighteen chapels, representing almost every religious sect. 
 They are as follows: Baptist, seventeen churches and six missions; Catholic, thirty-three churches and 
 eleven chapels; Church of Christ (Disciples), three churches; Church of Christ (Scientist), two churches; 
 Congregational, seven churches; Episcopal, twenty-one churches; Evangelical Association, five churches; 
 Evangelical Reformed, five churches; German Evangelical, twelve churches; Jewish, five synagogues; 
 Lutheran, sixteen churches; Methodist Episcopal, twenty-four churches and three missions ; Free Methodist, 
 two churches; Presbyterian, eighteen churches and four chapels ; Unitarian, one church; Universalist, two 
 churches; Friends meeting house, one; Seventh Day Adventists, one church; United Brethren in Christ, 
 one church; Christian Alliance, one church; Spiritualists, one church; Spiritualists' Society, one church; 
 miscellaneous, five churches. 
 
146 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 In 1812, before the village was made the theatre of war a second time, a society known as the First 
 Congregational and Presbyterian church was formed, and was known by that name for four years afterwards, 
 hi 1816 it became the First Presbyterian church, and Rev. Miles P. Squier was installed as the first pastor, 
 in a barn at the northeast corner of Main and Genesee streets. A building was erected on the site of the 
 
 present church in 1828 
 at a cost of $874, and the 
 new church was built in 
 1891-2 at a cost of 
 two hundred thousand 
 dollars. The present 
 pastor is Rev. S. S. Mitch- 
 ell, D. D. 
 
 The Lafayette Pres- 
 byterian Church Society 
 was organized July 13, 
 1845, and was originally 
 known as the Park 
 Church Society. The 
 name was changed to the 
 present from October i, 
 1845. Rev. Grosvenor 
 W. Heacock was the first 
 pastor. The first church 
 building, erected in 1845, 
 was burned March 11, 
 1850, and the present 
 structure was completed 
 in 1 852 at a cost of 
 twenty -five thousand 
 dollars. Rev. William Burnet Wright, D. D., is the present incumbent of the pastorate. 
 
 The Central Presbyterian church was organized November 14, 1835, as the Pearl Street Presbyterian 
 church. The first church building was erected in 1836 at a cost of thirty-five thousand dollars, at Pearl and 
 Genesee streets. The society was reorganized under its present name in 1848, with Rev. John C. Lord as the 
 first pastor of the church. The present church was built in 1852. The Rev. Henry Elliott Mott is now pastor. 
 Westminster Presbyterian church was organized September 3, 1854; the principal projector being Jesse 
 Ketchum, who built the first chapel and paid the salary of the first pastor. Rev. John Germain Porter. The 
 new church was built in 1858-9 at a cost of $19,200. Rev. Samuel Van Vranken Holmes is now in charge 
 of this congregation. 
 
 North Presbyterian church was organized by members of the First Presbyterian congregation in 1847. 
 Rev. Charles Rich was the first minister in charge. The church edifice was dedicated December 29th of that 
 year. The present pastor is Rev. William S. Hubbell, D. D. 
 
 Calvary Presbyterian church was established February 22, i860. Rev. Dr. William Reed was the first 
 pastor. The pulpit is filled by Rev. William J. Kittrick at this time. 
 
 First United Presbyterian church was organized in 1835, Rev. M. McFinney being the first pastor. It was 
 
 reorganized in February, 1848, as the Associated Reformed church. Rev. S. M. Bailey is the present pastor. 
 
 The East Presbyterian church was organized in 1864, Rev. Henry Smith being the first pastor. The 
 
 present church structure on South Division street, near Spring street, was begun in 1872, and was completed 
 
 in 1875. '"'he pastorate is filled at this time by Rev. Henry Ward. 
 
 WEST AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 In 1827, when Buffalo and Black Rock were rival villages, when it was doubtful whether Black Rock 
 would become part of Buffalo, or the latter part of its northern suburb, the old First Presbyterian church, at 
 the head of Niagara street was the only church of this denomination in either village. On May 10 of that 
 year the leading citizens of Black Rock issued a call for a meeting to take steps for the erection of a Union 
 meeting-house, and Major-general Porter gave a lot for such a building on Breckenridge, corner of Mason 
 
 THE NEW FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS H7 
 
 street. A brick building was then erected at a cost of four thousand dollars, the money being raised by the 
 sale of stock at five dollars per share. The house was occupied by the Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Meth- 
 odist denominations equally, and in 1858 it was transferred to the Presbyterian Church, and was organized 
 as such September 14, 1831. At this time Rev. Hugh Hamill, D. D., was minister. In December, 1840, 
 Rev. J. D. Moore moved to Black Rock and acted as supply for three years and was then succeeded by Rev. 
 G. W. Heacock, a licentiate at that time, and subsequently for over twenty-five years the pastor of Lafayette 
 Street church of Buffalo. In 1845 the congregation decided to unite with the "Old School" branch, and in 
 November of that year the church elected its first pastor. Rev. J. S. Heacock became pastor in 1849, and 
 was succeeded in 1850 by Rev. J. C. Knapp, and in 1854 Rev. A. T. Rankin became his successor, and acted 
 as stated supply until July 1859. The pastorate from that date was vacant until February, 1864, when 
 Licentiate E. P. Marvin was ordained and installed, and remained for two years, after which the pulpit was 
 supplied by Licentiate Anson G. Chester for two years ; the membership at this time being fifty-two. Rev. 
 
 A. D. White was elected pastor in 1870, but was never installed, and during his ministry the name was 
 changed to the Breckenridge Street Presbyterian church. Rev. Mr. White closed his labors in November, 
 1873, and Rev. F. W. Brauns acted as supply for six months. Rev. W. Alfred Gay was installed pastor in 
 1873, and remained in charge for ten years, when he was succeeded by Rev. Giles H. Dunning. Rev. W. C. 
 McGarvey became pastor in July, 1888, and during the summer of that year the church building was sold for 
 three thousand dollars. In 1889 the present building was erected at a cost of ;^I3,323, and the name was 
 changed to the West Avenue Presbyterian church. The membership is now nearly four hundred. 
 
 LAFAYETTE STREET CHURCH. 
 In July 1845, the Park Church Society was incorporated with a board of nine trustees, of which Reuben 
 
 B. Heacock was president and N. B. Palmer clerk, and on October 16, 1845, the organization was formally 
 received into the Presbyterian church, under the name of Lafayette Street church. At that time there were 
 thirty members, none of whom are now living. A unanimous call was extended to Rev. Grosvenor W. 
 Heacock at this meeting, and his salary was fixed at six hundred dollars. He was installed October 19, 1845. 
 The old building was destroyed by fire March 11, 1850. With the insurance money supplemented by contri- 
 butions, the church completed the purchase of the site for a new building. After great effort six thousand 
 dollars was raised, and in the winter of 185 1-2 the new house was dedicated, subject to a debt of three 
 thousand dollars. As the congregation increased, the want of a larger building was felt. The piece 
 of ground on Washington street was purchased for $4,400, and the present fine edifice was built and was 
 dedicated October 15, 1863, the entire cost being $16,500, besides one thousand dollars more for the windows. 
 Here the first minister completed thirty-two years of his pastorate, the church under his guidance increasing 
 its membership to over six hundred. Dr. Heacock, owing to failing health, resigned January 10, 1877, 
 his people declined to accept his resignation and begged him to retain his office. To this he never made any 
 formal reply and died May 6, 1877. On September 3, the same year, a call was extended to Rev. Henry M. 
 Parsons of Boston, Massachusetts, at a salary of four thousand dollars, and he was installed November i, 1877. 
 During his pastorate, which ended April i, 1880, a schism arose, and a large number of the members with- 
 drew and formed the First Congregational church of this city. On September i, 1881, a call was given 
 to Rev. Rufus S. Green, D. D., and he was installed soon afterwards, and during his ministry of nine years, 
 the membership increased from 322 to 644. The handsome memorial chapel was built during his pastorate. 
 He resigned in February 1890, and January 13, 1891, a call was extended to Rev. William Burnet Wright, D. 
 D., of New Britain, Connecticut, and he was installed March 3, 1891. On May 4th, 1894, the congregation 
 decided to erect the new church at Bouck and Elmwood avenues, and on May 6, 1895, the corner-stone of the 
 magnificent edifice was laid. 
 
 First Congregational Church, organized in 1880, and until October 1881, worshiped in McArthur's hall. 
 The congregation then purchased the church of the Niagara Square Baptist Society. Rev. George B. Stevens 
 was the first pastor. The church was incorporated in June 1880. Rev. Frank S. Fitch is the present pastor. 
 
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 
 St. Paul's church, the oldest Episcopal parish in the city dates back to the times when Buffalo was 
 a village, and a history of the church is largely a history of the growth of the city. The parish was organized 
 February 10, 1817. The first clergyman to officiate was the Rev. Samuel Johnston, missionary and deacon 
 in Genesee and Niagara counties, under Bishop Hobart. After the incorporation of the parish and the election 
 of a vestry, it was decided to wait upon Joseph Ellicott, agent of the Holland Land company, to solicit a gift 
 
148 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 of one of the company's lots in Buffalo upon which to build. This resulted May 20, 1819, in the gift by the 
 
 company of "Inner lot No. 42," which is the lot still owned by the parish, bounded by Main, Erie, Church 
 
 and Pearl streets, and on which the church stands. In 18 18 a subscription was started for building, $1785 
 
 being raised, and the corner-stone of St. Paul's was laid 
 by Dr. Cyrenius Chapin, with Masonic ceremonies, 
 June 24, 1819. The Rev. William A. Clark, missionary, 
 officiated at St. Paul's from 1818 to April 1820. The 
 church, a plain little edifice of wood, in the village-gothic 
 style, was ready for occupancy in 1820. The Rev.'- 
 Deodatus Babcock followed Mr. Clark, becoming the 
 first rector in 1820, and the new church was consecrated 
 by Bishop Hobart, February 25, 1821. In 1824 the 
 Rev. Mr. Babcock resigned his charge, and was followed, 
 in 1825, by the Rev. Addison Searle. The parish of 
 St. Paul's prospered also under the rectorship of Mr. 
 Searle, until September, 1828, when he resigned. The 
 Rev. Reanard Kearney became rector in January 1829, 
 but in June of the same year, the office was again 
 vacant, and the Rev. Mr. Sheiton became the rector in 
 1829, preaching his first sermon on September 13 of that 
 year. In 1845, the rector was married to Mrs. Lucretia 
 (Stanley) Grosvenor of Buffalo, and in 1847 the rectory, 
 on Pearl street opposite the church, was built ; in this 
 house Dr. Sheiton lived until his death in 1883. 
 
 In 1848 was begun a subscription to raise forty- 
 eight thousand dollars towards building a new church 
 edifice, more permanent and beautiful than the old, and 
 the vestry placed the work in the hands of Richard 
 Upjohn, of New York, who had been the architect of 
 Trinity church, New York city. Dr. Sheiton obtained 
 signatures for the full amount of forty-eight thousand 
 
 dollars, and the construction of the new edifice was begun. The corner-stone of the new brown-stone edifice 
 
 was laid June 12, 1850, by the Rt. Rev. William Heathcote DeLancey, bishop of Western New York, and the 
 
 church was consecrated by him October 22, 185 1. The architectural 
 
 features of the new edifice were finer than any church west of New 
 
 York city, at the time, and it has been called " Upjohn's master- 
 piece." The style was the first pointed, or early English. The 
 
 ground plan of the church consisted of a nave 105 feet by 30 feet, 
 
 aisles 87^2 by 16 feet, chancel 26 by 24 feet, a chapel on the north 
 
 side 50 by 28 feet, a vestry 12 by 14 feet, northeast and northwest 
 
 porches, and west tower. The extreme length of the church exter- 
 nally, including the tower, nave and chancel, was about 150 feet, 
 
 and the extreme breadth, including the nave, aisles and chapel, 
 
 about 9; feet. The material used was Medina brown sand stone. 
 
 The main part of the church was finished at this time ; the stone 
 
 steps, porches, and towers were added later. The spire of the main 
 
 tower was not finished until the year 1870, and that of the smaller 
 
 tower not until 1871. Much more money was required during these 
 
 years, to finish the work so well begun, and all of this was raised by 
 
 the personal exertions of the rector, the Rev. Dr. Sheiton. In the 
 
 year 1862 the Rev. Dr. Thomas C. Pitkin became Dr. Shelton's 
 
 assistant at St. Paul's. In the year 1865 Bishop DeLancey died, 
 
 and was succeeded in the bishopric of Western New York by the 
 
 Right Rev. Arthur Cleveland Coxe, D. D. In 1866 St. Paul's was made the cathedral church of the diocese, 
 
 without, however, ceasing to be a parish church. In 1869 the Rev. Charles L. Hutchins became the assistant 
 
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 
 
 REV. DR. SHELTON. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS '49 
 
 at St. Paul's, and remained there until 1872, when he was followed by the Rev. Charles S. Hale, who was 
 the assistant until Easter, 1875. The Rev. S. Humphreys Gurteen was assistant from November, 1875, 
 until April, 1880. 
 
 On January 11, 1881, Dr. Shelton resigned the rectorship of his beloved parish, owing to his advanced 
 age and growing bodily infirmities, and was made honorary rector of St. Paul's. The church was without a 
 rector until May 7, 1882, at which time the Rev. John W. Brown, D. D., came to St. Paul's, the Rev. Dr. 
 Ingersoll having officiated in the interim. On October 11, 1883, Dr. Shelton died at his old home in Bridge- 
 port, Connecticut, to which he was making his usual yearly visit, at the age of eighty-five years, and the 
 beautiful church edifice may truly be called his monument. The impressive funeral services were conducted 
 in St. Paul's on October 13, 1883. The parish prospered under the able rectorship of Dr. John W. Brown 
 until April 1888, when he resigned his charge to become rector of St. Thomas's church, New York City. On 
 IWay 10, 1888, the beautiful church edifice, which represented so many years of work and self-denial, was 
 almost entirely destroyed by fire, the result of an explosion of natural gas used for heating the building. 
 It was at once decided to rebuild, and the plans of Robert W. Gibson, of New York, were accepted. 
 A subscription for the purpose was begun, and sixty thousand dollars were pledged, which, with insurance 
 from the former building, was deemed sufficient for the work of restoration. 
 
 During the rebuilding of the church, the services were held in the Jewish synagogue, the Temple Beth 
 Zion, on Niagara street, the use of which was generously given, free of charge, to the members of St. Paul's. 
 The Rev. John Huske was the minister-in-charge after the resignation of Dr. Brown until May, 1889. In 
 October, 1889, the Rev. Henry A. Adams became rector of St. Paul's, resigning in March, 1892. In January, 
 1890, the restored St. Paul's was formally reopened and dedicated by Bishop Coxe, the service being one of 
 " hallowing and reconciling." After the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Adams, the parish was in charge of the 
 Rev. Arthur J. Fiedler until April, 1892. The present rector, the Rev. Dr. J. A. Regester, came to St. Paul's 
 from Georgetown, D. C, in August, 1892, and under his able management the parish has steadily gained in 
 prosperity and good works. The restored St. Paul's shows many changes from the original building, although 
 the ground plan is not materially different, and the main walls and towers are the same. The spire is 
 considered a very fine example of gothic work, being most harmonious in its lines and proportions. The 
 distance from the pavement to the top of the gilded cross on the summit is 254 feet. 
 
 St. James's Episcopal church was organized April 17, 1854. Rev. J. T. Eaton was the first rector. The 
 present church structure was built in 1884 on the site of the old church. Swan and Spring streets. Rev. Charles 
 H. Smith became rector in 1876, and is still in charge. 
 
 Trinity church (Episcopal) was organized October 12, 1836. Rev. Cicero S. Hawks was the first rector. 
 In 1842 the new church, corner of Mohawk and Washington streets, was completed Rev. Francis Lobdell 
 is the rector at this time. 
 
 St. John's Episcopal church was organizsd February 19, 1845. The first rector was Rev. William 
 Schuyler. The church building was completed in 1848 at a cost of thirty-four thousand dollars. July 4, 
 1868, a sky-rocket lodged in the steeple, causing a loss by fire of nearly twenty-three thousand dollars, 
 covered by insurance, and on March 28, 1869, the church was reopened. The present rector is Rev. George 
 G. Ballard. 
 
 Church of Ascension was incorporated April 9, 1855. The Rev. Daniel F. Warren was the first rector. 
 The church building, corner of North street and Linwood avenue, was begun in 1872 and completed in April, 
 1873, at a cost of sixty thousand dollars. The incumbent is Rev. W. A. Hitchcock. 
 
 Grace church (Episcopal) was organized August 10, 1824. Rev. Addison Searle was the first rector. 
 In 1859 the church building was erected, and in 1876 the church built a chapel at Black Rock, known as 
 St. Mark's. The present pastor of Grace church is Rev. Charles A. Ricksecker. 
 
 St. Mary's on the Hill was organized April i, 1872. Rev. William Baker was the first rector. The 
 improvements made in 1894 consisting of brown-stone front, and sidewalks, make it one of the most beautiful 
 church edifices in the city. The pastor is Rev. C. F. J. Wrigley. 
 
 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BUFFALO. 
 The history of the Baptist Church in this city is contemporaneous with the eventful settlement of the 
 wilderness by the whites, and its beginning was far from propitious. In 1818 John A. Lazell removed from 
 Worcester, Massachusetts, to Buffalo. He was a Baptist, and after diligent inquiry he found several persons 
 of the same religious faith and, in January, 1822, organized a Baptist society, and Rev. Elon Galusha, then 
 pastor of the Baptist church at Whitesboro, New York, was invited to take charge of the embryo church, 
 
1^0 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 consisting of fourteen members. Mr. Galusha's efforts increased the number to thirty in a few months, and 
 Rev. John Newton Brown soon afterwards succeeded the first pastor, who remained in charge until 1825. 
 
 in 1827 the church secured Rev. Eli B. Smith, who was graduated from the Theological Institution at 
 Newton, as pastor, and during the first two years of his pastorate the first meeting-house was built on the 
 site of the present post-office. He was in turn succeeded by the Rev. Jairus Handy, who assumed charge in 
 1830, and before his sudden death, which occurred the following year, headed over forty members to the 
 church by baptism, and many more by letter and experience. From 1831 to 1836, Rev. Elisha Tucker was 
 minister, during which time the membership was increased to 388, and a new church was erected near the 
 corner of Washington and Swan streets. Rev. John O. Chonles succeeded to the pastorate in February, 
 1838, and in 1839 part of the congregation was dismissed to form the Baptist church at Black Rock. Rev. 
 James M. Granger became pastor in February, 1841, and in February, 1843, Rev. Levi Tucker began his 
 pastorate of six years, hi 1844 the church dismissed thirty-five of its members to form the Niagara Square 
 Baptist church. In January, 1849, the church membership was 431, and the same year twenty-three German 
 members were granted letters to form the First German Baptist church of Buffalo. In April, 1849, Rev. Velona 
 B. Hotchkiss began his pa.storate lasting ten years. He was succeeded by Rev. J. Hyatt Smith, May i, 1855, 
 and he in turn by Rev. David Moore, May i, i860. Dr. Hotchkiss began his second pastorate July i, 1865, 
 closed it May i, 1879. Rev. John Gordon succeeded Dr. Hotchkiss November i, 1879, and his successor 
 was Rev. John H. Griffith, who was pastor from 1889 to 1892, and the present pastor. Rev. A. S. Coats, 
 assumed charge October i, 1893. 
 
 Prospect Avenue Baptist church was organized May 15, 1867, and was originally known as the Ninth 
 Street Baptist Society. It was changed to its present name in 1871. The first church building was dedicated 
 June II, 1868. The first pastor was Rev. Horace F. Barnes. The present church building was dedicated 
 March 28, 1882, and cost fifty thousand dollars. The pastorate at this time is vacant. 
 
 The Free Baptist church was organized in 1850, and was reorganized April 15, 1851. Rev. George H. 
 Ball, D. D., was the first pastor. The congregation purchased the Niagara Square church in April, 1864. 
 The present building was erected on Hudson street, May, 1882, at a cost of twenty-three thousand dollars. 
 It is the only Free Baptist church in the city. The present pastor is Rev. Frank K. Church. 
 
 Delaware Avenue Baptist church was organized December 8, 1882. The church was dedicated February 
 15, 1883. Rev. R. E. Burton was the first pastor. Rev. O. P. Gifford is the incumbent. 
 
 Grace Methodist Episcopal church, formerly Swan Street Methodist church, was organized October 11, 
 1844. The first pastor was Rev. John Dennis, D. D. It was dedicated as Grace Methodist Episcopal church 
 by Bishop Simpson June 2, 1855. The pastor is Rev. J. T. Walker. 
 
 The Asbury Methodist Episcopal church, originally known as the Niagara Street Methodist Episcopal 
 church, was organized in 1847. Rev. Schuyler Seager, D. D., was the first pastor. The present name was 
 adopted in 1850. The new church was consecrated December, 22, 1872, at a cost of fifty thousand dollars. 
 The present pastor is Rev. Andrew Purdy. 
 
 Delaware Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, corner of Delaware avenue and Tupper street, was 
 organized October 18, 1870, and dedicated May 21, 1874. The first pastor was Rev. Langford Hurst, and 
 the present minister is Rev. W. P. Odell. 
 
 The First Free Methodist church was organized and incorporated November 20, i860. The concrretyation 
 purchased the old brick theatre. Pearl near Eagle street. Rev. D. M. Sinclair was the first pastor. '' The 
 present church building was erected at the corner of Virginia and Tenth streets in 1869. The minister at this 
 time is Rev. B. P. Clark. 
 
 The Church of the Messiah (Universalist), was organized December 6, 1831. The first pastor was 
 Rev. George W. Montgomery. The first church building was erected on the east side of Washington street, 
 near Swan, in 1864. The present building was consecrated September 24, 1871. The pastor now in charge 
 is Rev. Joseph Kimball Mason. 
 
 First Unitarian Congregational Society organized in 1831. The corner-stone of the first church building 
 was laid August 13, 1833. The Rev. William S. Brown was the first pastor. The corner-stone of the 
 present handsome edifice, known as the Church of Our Father, on Delaware avenue, near Huron street was 
 laid October 16, 1879. The present pastor is Rev. Thomas R. Slicer. 
 
 Beth Zion congregation was organized by German Israelites November 27, 1850. The Rev. J. M. 
 Slatky was the first rabbi. Rev. Israel Aaron, D. D., is at present in charge of the congregation. The 
 magnificent synagogue on Delaware avenue is a model of architectural beauty. 
 
TEMPLE BETH ZION, DELAWARE AVENUE. 
 
1^2 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Beth EI Synagogue was incorporated June 13, 1848. The present synagogue on Elm street, between 
 Eagle and North Division, was dedicated in August, 1874. The rabbi is Rev. B. Cohn. 
 
 Birth Sholen (or Berith Shalon), on Elm street, between Broadway and Clinton, was organized in 1865 
 by Prussian Israelites. It was reorganized in 1882. The first rabbi was Rev. M. Sullforth, and the present 
 is Rev. Simon Pathoritch. 
 
 Beth Jacob organized October i, 1881. The first rabbi was Jacob Meyerbug. The incumbent is Rev. 
 Harry Suiger. 
 
 The English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity of Buffalo was organized May 5, 1879, 
 and the first minister was the Rev. 1. H. Geschwind. It was consolidated with the French Protestant church 
 January 21, 1882. The present pastor, Rev. F- A. Kahler, began his ministry here October 15, 1884. 
 
 The Church of the Atonement, a branch of the Holy Trinity, was established February 4, 1894. The 
 church building was erected on Eagle street, west of Jefferson, at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars. 
 The pastor, Rev. W. L. Hunton, took charge of this congregation October i, 1894. The Church of the 
 Redeemer, Highland and Elmwood avenues, was the second branch established here by the Church of 
 the Holy Trinity, in December, 1894, and on May i, 1895, Rev. F. P. Bossart took charge of the congregation. 
 
 The United Brethren in Christ congregation was organized in Buffalo in 1888, and the same year a 
 church and parsonage were built at the corner of Masten and Laurel streets. The first pastor was Rev. S. I. 
 Bennehoff. The present pastor. Chaplain Owen Orson Wiard, began his ministry in September, 1895. The 
 affairs of the church are controlled by the ballot of its members, the officials being vested with no Episcopal 
 powers. 
 
 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. 
 
 This church, one of the old land-marks of Buffalo, was organized in 1828, and for five years, services 
 were held in private houses and in public halls. On February 10, 1833, steps were taken to raise funds for 
 building a church, the committee being composed of Messrs. Louis Brunner, George Schneider, Phillip Beyer, 
 Samuel Kreigelstein, Michael Bonch and Michael Getz. The trustees of the church were Messrs. Jacob Siebold, 
 Rudolph Baer, Ernst Gray, Christian Bruner and Dr. Fred. Dellenbach. The corner-stone of the first church 
 on Hickory street was laid December 14, 1833, and the building was constructed of brick, and was forty 
 by eighty feet in dimensions, costing ten thousand dollars. It was not supplied with pews or other essential 
 fixtures and furniture until 1843 for lack of necessary funds, and being completely equipped and free from debt, 
 it was dedicated May 25, of that year. The first pastor was the Rev. F. H. Gunther, whose ministry here 
 lasted until 1857, when he was succeeded by Rev. Christian Volz, whose pastorate ended with his death, 
 November 14, 1883. So great was the increase in the congregation, that a large building was required, and on 
 September 20, 1874, the corner-stone of the present imposing building on Hickory street, between Broadway 
 and William streets was laid. The church is built of brick and stone and is of the gothic style of architecture. 
 The dimensions of the building are 65 x 1 16 feet, and the spire towers to the height of 216 feet. The cost of 
 the new church building was forty-two thousand dollars. A parochial school connected with this church was 
 established in 1854, and Mr. John Laux was the efficient teacher for thirty-five years. In 1856 the first 
 school-house was built. A cemetery containing eleven acres at Pine Hill, for the use of this congregation has 
 also been provided, and it has also two orphan houses, one for girls and the other for boys. In the education 
 and support of about four hundred children the church is doing noble work in the name of charity. Rev. 
 Kuever became pastor on the death of Rev. Volz, and served for four years, and on September 21, 1887, the 
 present minister. Rev. Jacob Brezing began his pastorate here. The congregation of this church has built 
 and paid for two other churches in Buffalo ; the Evangelical Lutheran Concordia church on Northampton 
 street, and German Lutheran Redeemer church on Bailey avenue, near Genesee street. 
 
 THE RT. REV. ARTHUR CLEVELAND COXE, D. D. 
 
 This eminent divine, the second Protestant Episcopal Bishop of the diocese of Western New York, 
 was born at Mendham, New Jersey, May 10, 1818, and was the son of Rev. Samuel Hanson Cox, a prominent 
 Presbyterian minister. He was educated in New York City, to which place his parents removed in 1821. 
 He was graduated with the degree of B. A., from the University of New York in 1838, and had conferred upon 
 him the Master's degree in 1841, when he completed his course at the General Theological Seminary. He 
 was ordained to the deaconate, and became rector of St. Ann's church, Morrisania, New York, where he 
 remained until Easter, 1842. He was that year ordained a priest and became rector of St. John's church at 
 Hartford, Connecticut. In 1854 he accepted the rectorship of Grace church, Baltimore, Maryland, and in 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 I?? 
 
 1857 was elected Bishop of Texas, but declined the office. In 1863 he became rector of Calvary church, 
 New York City, and soon afterwards was consecrated Bishop Coadjutor of Western New York, and on 
 the death of Bishop DeLancey, January 4th, 1865, he succeeded to the bishopric. In 1851 Dr. Coxe visited 
 England and made an extended tour of continental Europe, visiting the eminent Hirscher at Freiberg (Breisgau), 
 he became convinced that a movement towards primitive Christianity was on foot, both in Germany and 
 Italy. Dr. Coxe translated a work of Hirscher's with an introduction detailing facts which he had learned in 
 Italy, and published them at Oxford, the following year under the title "Sympathies of the Continent." In 
 1872 he visited Hayti to organize churches and ordain clergy. 
 
 Within the church his influence has always been exerted in the direction of conservatism. A letter 
 written by him in 1869, upon the calling of an ecumenical council by the Pope, was printed in all the 
 languages of Europe. Dr. Coxe was a vigorous opponent of the revision of the Scriptures. Among his 
 numerous publications are: "Christian Ballads," 1840, published in England in 1851 ; " Athanasian and 
 other poems," 1842; "Halloween," 1844; "Saul, a Mystery," 1845; "Sermons on Doctrine and Duty," 
 1854; "Impressions of England," 1856; "Criterion," 1866; "Moral Reformers," 1869; "Apollos," 
 republished in Oxford, 1874; " Ladye Chace," 1878; and " The Penitent" in 1882. In 1885 he founded 
 the Christian Literal Company of New York, and edited nine volumes of that series of " Ante-Nicine Fathers," 
 and subsequently their edition of "St. Augustine on the Psalms." In 1887 he was "Baldwin Lecturer," at 
 Michigan University, and the first volume of these lectures appeared in that year, with the title of "Institutes 
 of Christian History." During the same year he was "Bedell Lecturer" in Kenyon College, Gambler, 
 Ohio, and the lectures were published under the title "Holy Writ and Modern Thought." In 1889 his 
 collection of Eastern poems, entitled "The Paschal" appeared. In 1892 he was "Paddock Lecturer" 
 in New York, and the work was called "The Repose of the Blessed." He contributes largely to periodical 
 literature, and has published in Paris several works in the French language. During the year 1888, he 
 preached frequently in Paris, and officiated in the Galilean chapel, as Bishop in charge of the Galileans 
 of France, which position he resigned in 1892. His work entitled " L'Episcopat de I'Occident" published in 
 Paris in 1875, was rewritten and enlarged in English. Bishop Coxe is well and widely known in Buffalo, 
 where he resides on Delaware avenue. 
 
THE RT. REV. STEPHEN VINCENT RYAN. 
 
 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES 
 
 CATHOLICISM, from the earliest history of Erie county, was ably represented in Western New York 
 by zealous and fearless pioneers of the Christian faith, who came to the Buffalo Creek reservation 
 in furtherance of one of the objects of the "Company of One Hundred Partners," to preach the 
 Gospel of Peace to the savages in this region, whose only Deity was a God of War. The zealous Jesuits 
 braved the dangers and endured the hardships of life among the inhospitable Aborigines, and the rigors of the 
 climate, to plant in this wilderness the seed which seemed to fall on barren soil, but which has borne a 
 thousand-fold of fruitage. The diocese of Buffalo was not established until 1847, at which time there was 
 but one English Catholic church in the city. The territory embraced the counties of Erie, Niagara, Genesee, 
 Orleans, Chautauqua, Wyoming, Cattaraugus, Steuben, Chemung, Allegany, Tioga and Schuyler. The 
 first bishop of this diocese was the Rt. Rev. John Timon, who was succeeded in 1868 by the Rt. Rev. Stephen 
 Vincent Ryan, C. M., the present honored and beloved bishop. Such has been the wonderful growth of 
 Catholicism, that the Catholic population is stated by the church authorities of the diocese to be 160,000, 
 and the total number of churches is given as 162, colleges four, academies eleven, and parochial schools 
 seventy-four. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS l^^ 
 
 THE RT. REV. STEPHEN VINCENT RYAN, BISHOP OF BUFFALO. 
 
 The biography of this distinguished priest and prelate, like that of his illustrious predecessor, the saintly 
 Timon, first bishop of Buffalo, is an essential part of the history of the city, and, indeed, of Western New 
 York. Bishop Ryan was born in Almonte, Canada, January i, 1825. His parents came from the Clare 
 shores of the Shannon, six miles from the historic city of Limerick, where five of their older children were 
 born, the eminent divine, of whose life and labors this is a brief account, being the first child to bless their 
 new home on the American continent. At his baptism, for which purpose the infant was carried several 
 miles through one of the most terrible storms of a Canadian winter, the officiating priest, an itinerant 
 missionary, temporarily resident in that neighborhood, remarked that the child would "live to command an 
 army yet" — a prophecy more than fulfilled in the eventful life of this predestined priest, subsequently a 
 prince of the Church, by divine right, for he has lived to command two great spiritual armies : the Sons of 
 Vincent de Paul in the United States and the vast flock, priests and people, of the Buffalo diocese. When 
 Stephen was but three years of age his parents removed to Pottsville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where 
 they remained for many years, and here, at the age of twelve years, young Stephen was confirmed by a 
 Mexican bishop, then visiting Bishop Kenrick of Philadelphia. In his earliest youth those traits of character 
 which marked him a beloved leader of his people in after life were manifested : gentleness, frankness in 
 in speech, innocence of heart and brilliance of intellect, even at that early day, seemed to point out his future 
 career, and in his fourteenth year he entered the seminary in Philadelphia with the purpose to devote his life 
 to the Church. When Father O'Connor was promoted from the presidency of the seminary to a larger field 
 of labor in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, young Stephen Vincent Ryan, with another seminarian, was chosen to 
 deliver the farewell address on behalf of his fellow students. With the accession of the Lazarists to the 
 charge of the seminary, the Vincentian vocation of young Ryan is indissolubly linked. Father Mailer, a 
 distinguished Spaniard, was president, and Father Penco, the scion of a noble Italian house, was his professor 
 of rhetoric, and the impressions which their scholarly attainments and ascetic lives made upon the future 
 Bishop of Buffalo have never been effaced. At the age of nineteen years, resolved to become a member of 
 the Vincentian community, the young novice bade farewell to his family and friends and set his face towards 
 the West, and in company of that distinguished Lazarist, Father Burke, he set out for the Vincentian Mother- 
 house at Perryville, Missouri. He made his Lazarist profession here. May 6, 1846, and a few weeks later 
 received tonsure and minor orders at the hands of Bishop Barron. For two years he was employed as 
 professor and prefect at the Barrens, and in 1848 was promoted to the sacred order of sub-deaconship and 
 deaconship by the Rt. Rev. John Timon, who little knew, doubtless, that he was then vesting his own 
 successor in the See of Buffalo. 
 
 On St. John's day June 24, 1849, the Rev. S. V. Ryan, C. M., was ordained a priest by the most Rev. 
 Peter Richard Kenrick in the St. Vincent's church, St. Louis, Missouri. For two years the young priest 
 remained at the Mother-house, teaching and doing missionary work in the vicinity, and acquired a knowledge 
 of those foreign tongues which has since been of signal service in his life work. He also obtained a critical 
 knowledge of the English language at this institution, which has since characterized his writings and oral 
 discourses. In 1851 Father Ryan was summoned to the Vincentian college at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 
 then, as now, a grand institution of learning. On the return to Spain of Father Masnou, the president of the 
 college. Father Ryan was selected to fill the position, and during his regime the college prospered to a wonderful 
 degree. In 1857 he was suddenly summoned to Paris by M. Etienne, Superior-general of the Vincentians, 
 where despite his modest reluctance, he was officially commissioned Visitor, or head of the community in the 
 United States, at the age of thirty-two years, and in the ninth year of his priesthood. He remained in Paris 
 some time and then with great joy visited Rome, and when presented to the Prefect of the Propaganda, the 
 venerable Cardinal, after gazing with astonishment at the young priest, remarked: "What young men they 
 make Visitors of in America." The government of a large and scattered religious community, like the 
 Vincentians in this country, was a grievous burden on the shoulders of one so young, but the physically frail 
 priest rose to the occasion with a zeal equal to his responsibilites. He was firm yet gentle, vigorous though 
 indulgent, and he infused into the community a spirit which brought it to the very front of religious organiza- 
 tions in America. It was at his suggestion that the Mother-house of the community was transferred to 
 St. Louis and subsequently to Germantown, a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While engaged in 
 these labors he was summoned to assume still greater responsibilities. Bishop Timon had laid down his 
 pastoral staff and had gone to his reward, and Very Rev. Stephen V. Ryan was unanimously recommended as 
 his successor. He shrank from the Episcopal responsibility however, and when the bulls of his appointment 
 
ADDENDUM. 
 
 Kt Rev. Stephen Uincent Ryan. 
 
 After forty-five years of labor in the Church, Rt. Rev. Stephen Vincent Ryan, Bishop 
 of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Western New York, has passed away. He died at his 
 residence on Delaware avenue, April lo, i8q6. His portrait and biography appear in this 
 volume on pages 154-5. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 l?7 
 
 came from Rome, he returned them, beseechhig the Propaganda to relieve him from the heavy burden. 
 His appeals however were in vain, and the bulls were returned to him with a command which he dared 
 not disobey. The Feast of All Saints, November i, was selected as the day of his consecration, but for some 
 reason the eighth day of the month was substituted. When the glad day arrived the cathredal was thronged 
 with rejoicing multitudes, and the ceremony was one of magnificent solemnity. The orator was the Rev. P. 
 J. Ryan of St. Louis, now the distinguished Archbishop of Philadelphia, and the impressive ceremonies were 
 supplemented by addresses and a monster torchlight procession of the laity. The Bishop made his second 
 visit to Rome a few months afterwards, at the opening of the Vatican council, but he was seized with terrible 
 illness, and for months lay in a precarious condition in the Eternal city. He recovered however and returned 
 to Buffalo, his arrival being celebrated with unbounded joy and enthusiasm. He found work in abundance on 
 his return. He erected the spacious and imposing residence and chapel adjoining the cathredral, and in the 
 spring of 1871 he established the Buffalo Catholic Publication Company, and the weekly paper, the " Catholic 
 Union." On the seventh of September, 1878, Bishop Ryan made his second Episcopal visit to Rome to comply 
 with the ad limina obligation. He was received with great kindness by the Holy Father and the officials of 
 the Propaganda, and his slightest wish was gratified. On his return he visited Cardinal Manning in London, 
 and visited Birmingham to pay his respects to the great Newman. He made a tour of Ireland and received 
 "a hundred thousand welcomes," and returned to Buffalo in March, 1879, and was enthusiastically received 
 by his fellow-citizens generally. In the winter of 1877 he issued a most pathetic appeal in behalf of the 
 sufferers in Ireland from famine, and fifteen thousand dollars which was the immediate response, was 
 distributed to the afflicted. In May, 1881, another appeal met with generous response likewise. November 
 8, 1887, on the nineteenth anniversary of his Episcopal consecration the priests of the diocese presented him 
 with twenty thousand dollars towards building a new residence, the presentation being made by Mgr. 
 Gleeson, the Vicar-general of the diocese. On December 3 of that year he again sailed for Rome, and made 
 a pilgrimage of the Holy Land, and returning April 25, 1888, he was received with demonstrations of joy. His 
 work in this great field of labor was most efficient, resulting in a vast increase in the number of catholics 
 
 in the diocese, the number being now about 170,000. 
 The priests number over two hundred, and the parochial 
 schools in Buffalo seventy-six, or twice the number 
 twenty-five years ago, there are one hundred and sixty 
 churches in his jurisdiction. He is an able writer, 
 earnest, zealous and efficient, and is held in universal 
 love and admiration by his people and his fellow-citizens 
 of every creed. On the occasion of Bishop Ryan's 
 silver jubilee, November 8, 1893, the love and venera- 
 tion in which he is regarded by priests and people was 
 shown. Flags of the United States and the Papal colors 
 covered the front of the Episcopal residency and thousands 
 assembled to witness the ceremonies in the cathedral. 
 Mgr. Satolli occupied the center throne, and on his right 
 sat Archbishop Corrigan with Bishop Ryan on his left. 
 His Eminence, Cardinal Gibbons, occupied the single 
 throne on the Gospel side, and with many other eminent 
 priests and prelates took part in the ceremonies. The 
 occasion was one long to be remembered. 
 
 REV. PATRICK CRONIN, LL. D. 
 
 Father Cronin, as he is known by his work in the 
 "Cottages of the poor and palaces of the rich" at 
 home and abroad, was born near "Sweet Adare" in 
 Limerick county, Ireland, March i, 1835, and few men in 
 any of the walks of life have done more for their fellow- 
 men than he. He was brought to the United States 
 when he was twelve years of age, and was educated for the priesthood at St. Louis University, and in Cape 
 Girardeau, Missouri. He received holy orders in December, 1862, and was assigned as assistant to the Rev. 
 
 REV. PATRICK CRONIN, LL. D. 
 
.S8 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 P. J. Ryan, now Archbishop of Philadelphia, at the Church of the Annunciation, St. Louis, Missouri. He 
 was next assigned to the pastorate in Hannibal, Missouri, where he remained for four years, and returned to 
 St. Louis at the end of that time as pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. He resigned his 
 pastorate at that place to fill the chair of Belles Lettres in the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, now Niagara 
 University, and, after two years, he removed to Buffalo in October, 1872, to fill the position of editor of the 
 "Catholic Union," established here by Bishop Ryan, and then, as now, the official organ of that distinguished 
 prelate, in which position he still remains, an honor alike to his church and to the people of Buffalo of every 
 creed. When he assumed the editorial management of the paper, it was in its small beginnings, and during 
 the time in which he has been in charge, nearly a quarter of a century, it has grown to be a great and 
 
 flourishing organ of public opinion, and of 
 inestimable service to the Church, not 
 only in this diocese, but throughout the 
 country, and its influence has been felt 
 and recognized throughout the world. 
 As editor of the "Catholic Union and 
 Times," Father Cronin has done yeoman 
 service for the cause of home rule in his 
 native land, and won for himself the 
 universal love and regard of his former 
 countrymen. As a poet Father Cronin 
 ranks among the foremost of the day, and 
 his fame in this wide field of literature is 
 second only to that attained as a preacher, 
 theologian, and orator. His verses are 
 from the heart, and have all the freshness 
 of nature's self at her best, and as we 
 read them we "hear the melody of the 
 birds rather than the accents of the lute." 
 In his long, eventful life, filled with labors 
 of love towards his fellow-men, this noble 
 poet -priest has accomplished much to 
 elevate humanity, and his fellow-citizens, 
 whatever be their faith, accord him high- 
 est regard, and fullest confidence. Father 
 Cronin was honored with the degree of 
 LL. D., in June, 1891, by the University 
 of Notre Dame, Indiana. In his life, this 
 earnest worker in the cause of religion 
 and humanity, has erected a monument 
 to his memory "more enduring than 
 brass." 
 
 ST. LOUIS' CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 
 ST. LOUIS' CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 
 This is the oldest church in Buffalo, the first frame building having been erected by Father Mertz, 
 the first pastor of the parish in 1831-2, and was called "The Lamb of God." Father Ale.xander Pox who 
 came to assist Father Mertz in 1835, began the erection of the brick church building, a splendid structure, 
 destroyed by fire in 1885. The land was donated by the distinguished Louis Stephen Le Couteulx de 
 Chaumont. The magnificent St. Louis church of to-day was completed in 1889. The style of architecture is 
 known as the Continental Gothic of the fourteenth century, and the building is considered the finest in 
 the diocese. It is faced with Medina sand-stone. It is 234 x 1 34 feet in dimensions, the center tower, fronting 
 on Main street is of grand proportions and is 245 feet in height, with two side towers each 128 feet high. 
 The church has a seating capacity of two thousand. The parochial school is a fine one, with an attendance 
 of five hundred pupils, who are instructed by seven Sisters of St. Joseph and two Christian Brothers. Rev. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS I ?9 
 
 Dr. Hoelscher is the present pastor. He was graduated from the University of Innsbruck, Tyrol, and ordained 
 in 1875. He came to America June 4, 1876, and was appointed Chancellor of the diocese of Buffalo and 
 Secretary to Bishop Ryan in October, 1877, and Pro-rector of St. Louis, September 15, 1888. 
 
 ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL. 
 
 This is one of the finest ecclesiastical edifices in the United States. It was built largely through the 
 efforts of Bishop Timon, the first Bishop of the Buffalo diocese, and was consecrated July 6, 1855. The 
 magnificent south tower has the finest chime of bells in America. They are forty-three in number, and were 
 cast at the foundry of IW. Ernest Bollee, in Mains, France, and the chimes took the first prize at the Paris 
 exposition of 1867. The cost of the bells, with duty, was over twenty thousand dollars. The cathedral 
 was rededicated by Bishop Timon, August 30, 1863, and on November 8, 1868, the Rt. Rev. S. V. Ryan 
 was consecrated here as his successor. Additional buildings have since been erected for schools, offices, and 
 residence purposes. The cathedral is located on the west side of Franklin, corner of Swan street. It is built 
 of granite, and presents an imposing appearance. 
 
 ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 
 This new and imposing church of St. Patrick's was recently erected at a cost of nearly one hundred 
 thousand dollars, at the corner of Emslie and Seymour streets. The style of architecture is decorated gothic, 
 and the building is of stone beautifully faced and finished, with a seating capacity for twelve hundred persons. 
 The parish was formed forty years ago. Rev. Daniel Moore was first pastor, he was a brave, zealous man, 
 and did much for the new and struggling parish. He was succeeded in 1855 by Rev. Father Deane. In 
 1857 Very Rev. James Early took temporary charge, and was succeeded in four months by Rev. A. McCon- 
 nell. In 1858 the Franciscan Fathers took charge of St. Patrick's, and have been there ever since. Father 
 Sintus was the first Franciscan pastor of St. Patrick's. Father Sintus was succeeded in 1861 by Father 
 James, who, in turn, was succeeded by Very Rev. Father Bonaventure in 1863. The latter was replaced by 
 Father Joachim, who served until 1865, and was succeeded by Father Bonaventure, who served until 1868, 
 and was succeeded again by Father James, who remained until 1871. Father James built the first parish 
 school, and was instrumental in bringing Sisters of the Franciscan Order from Alleghany to teach the school. 
 He had a convent erected for them. Father James died in 1877, and Very Revs. Fathers Bonaventure and 
 Joachim took his place in the government of the parish, and were succeeded by Very Rev. Father Anacletus. 
 Father Edward, Father Trauguilius, and Very Rev. Father Angelus O'Connor succeeded in the order named. 
 Father Angelus caused to be erected the splendid parochial school-house, three stories high, containing nine 
 large class-rooms and large hall. The building has every modern improvement. Fifteen Sisters of St. Francis 
 teach the five hundred pupils who attend. Rev. Father Dominic Scanlon, O. S. F., has been in charge of 
 St. Patrick's for the past five years, and is a man of much learning and refinement, and is much beloved by 
 his flock. He is assisted by Revs. Michael Mann, O. S. F., and Lawrence Ward, O. S. F. 
 
 ANNUNCIATION CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 
 This growing parish was founded in 1884, and the first priest was Father Edward Kelly, who caused to 
 be erected a fine frame church building. He was succeeded by Father John Baxter in 1889, and he in turn 
 was succeeded by Rev. P. A. Malloy in 1892. In February, 1893, Rev. J. McGrath, the present pastor, 
 assumed his duties ; an eloquent preacher and an earnest worker for the parish. In 1887 the parochial school 
 was started in the convent of the Sisters of St. Mary, and is still located in their building, pending the erection 
 of a handsome structure, which is now in contemplation and which will be erected as soon as the financial 
 condition of the parish will warrant. The attendance now is 175 pupils. The course of study includes 
 instruction in the common-school branches, and to the more advanced girls, an academic course is to be given. 
 The Sisters of St. Mary are wonderfully successful in school work, and are sure to establish and maintain a 
 high standard in this school. 
 
 ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 
 The large and substantial buildings of St. Francis Xavier, located on East street, near Amherst, are 
 models of completeness and comfort. It was in 1847 that the first services were held in this parish, in a 
 frame building which served as both church and school. Rev. Francis Guth, of St. Louis' church, being the 
 
i6o 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 first priest that officiated, services being field twice a montli. Tfie parish grew in importance with every 
 year, and to-day it is one of the most substantial and well-to-do parishes of the city. The church is a large 
 brick structure with a seating capacity of over one thousand. It has now about five hundred families who are 
 communicants. Many additions were made to the school building, and in 1893 it was decided to erect a large 
 handsome building, and the result is one of the prettiest and most complete school buildings in the city. The 
 priests in charge of the congregation since its establishment have been as follows : Rev. Francis Guth, 1847 
 to 1848; Rev. Aloysius Somogyi, 1848 to 1852; Very Rev. F. N. Sester, 1852 to 1857; Rev. Dominic 
 Geimer, 1857 to 1858; Rev. Aloysius Hatalo, May, 1858, to January, 1859; Rev. John Ignatius Zwistowski, 
 1859 to 1861 ; Rev. James Aloysius Muschall, July to September, 1861 ; Rev. George Foertsch, S. J., 1861 
 to 1864; Rev. Father Theodore Martins, O. M. I., 1864 to 1867; Rev. Henry Feldman, 1867 to 1873; 
 Rev. F. X. Kofler, 1873 to 1893; Rev. Charles Schaus, March, 1893, to the present. 
 
 HOLY ANGEL'S CHURCH, PORTER AVENUE, NEAR FARGO AVENUE. 
 
 HOLY ANGEL'S COLLEGE, CHURCH AND PAROCHIAL SCHOOL. 
 
 The accompanying illustration represents one of the largest and most imposing group of buildings that 
 any religious denomination of any city of the Union can boast. This famed institution was founded in 
 September, 1852, in what was then the sparsely settled village of Black Rock, the buildings being on the site 
 of the old Erie County poor-house. The first chapel, a frame structure, was located on West avenue, corner 
 of New York street, and a part of the present brick church building and a small parochial school were erected 
 in 1857. The handsome buildings of to-day were erected from time to time, and the extensive additions were 
 completed in 1874, making a magnificent showing, with grounds and surroundings of a most pleasing and 
 delightful appearance. The college buildings are modern and complete in every regard, with accommodations 
 for two hundred students, and conducted by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, by which order it was founded. 
 The curriculum embraces both classical and commercial courses, and it is principally a day school, only those 
 desiring to enter the priesthood in the Oblate order being received as boarders. A large congregation worship 
 at the beautiful church, the parish having grown rapidly since its establishment. The parochial school is one 
 of the most noted in the city. It was founded by the Grey nuns in 1856, and is still under their management. 
 The building contains eight large class-rooms and a large hall, and the attendance aggregates 350 pupils. The 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS l6l 
 
 school is divided into nine grades, and the course of study is complete and fully up to the standard of the 
 public schools. The pupils from Holy Angel's usually hold high positions at the Regents' examinations, and 
 in every regard the institution is a model of excellence and good government. The faculty of the college is 
 large and is composed of scholars of great ability and learning. Rev. James McGrath, O. M. 1., is superior, 
 and Rev. T. W. Smith, O. M. I., A. M., is the director of the college. 
 
 ST. BONIFACE'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 St. Boniface's parish is the third oldest in Buffalo, having been founded in 1847. Xn March, 1849, the 
 p'arish was composed of forty families. On May 15, the same year, the first frame church was completed, 
 with Father Kunzes as pastor. In 1854 Rev. Rudolph Folonires succeeded Father Kunzes. In November, 1856, 
 the first brick church was commenced. In 1859 Rev. Henry Feldman succeeded to the charge, and finished 
 the inside of the church. In 1861 a new school-house forty by sixty feet was erected, and is now a part 
 of the present school building. In 1866 Rev. Nicholas Sorg succeeded Father Feldman, and remained until 
 1873. During his pastorate the present church was completed, a steeple and an addition costing twenty 
 thousand dollars, having been added to it. The present beautful church is 58 x 180 with a seating capacity 
 of fifteen hundred. Father Feldman again became pastor of St. Boniface's in 1873, and remained until 1880, 
 when he died. Rev. Chryostom Wagner was pastor from November, 1880, to January i, 1884, when 
 the present pastor, the Rev. F. Kolb, took charge. During his administration he built a residence for the 
 Sisters who teach in the school, costing ten thousand dollars; bought an organ for the church, costing 1^3500, 
 and paid off about fifteen thousand dollars of debts on the property. The parochial school is under the charge 
 of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and has an attendance of five hundred pupils. 
 
 SACRED HEART CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 In 1875 a number of German Catholics of the Hydraulics, members of St. Mary's and St. Ann's parishes, 
 conceived the idea of forming a parish of their own, and, renting a frame building, opened a school, and Mrs. 
 Arch, a highly-accomplished German lady was employed as teacher. Rev. Chrysostom Wagner was 
 the first regular pastor, and under his direction the foundation of the church was laid. The following priests 
 succeeded him in the order named : Rev. Gessner, Rev. W. Biszewski and Rev. George J. Weber, the present 
 pastor, who was sent here to assist his predecessor in 1888. In 1884 the school building was enlarged and 
 a spacious hall was added, making one of the most modern school buildings in the city, having a capacity for 
 six hundred pupils. The parish contains about six hundred families who are communicants at this church. A 
 handsome parsonage was erected in 1890. 
 
 ST. VINCENT'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 The parish of St. Vincent's is one of the oldest in Buffalo, having been established over forty years ago, 
 and is situated in a beautiful and rapidly-growing part of the city, on Main street. The school is the most 
 modern in the city. It contains five large class-rooms and every convenience for school purposes. The hall 
 is fitted up with a fine stage, dressing-rooms, etc., and has a seating capacity of six hundred. The number 
 of pupils in attendance averages 350, and the course of study is equal to that of the most advanced parochial 
 schools of the city. It is in charge of the Sisters of St. Francis, of Pine street. The parish contains about 
 six hundred families who are communicants at this church. Father Weber is a young man of great culture, 
 and he is much beloved by his flock for his zeal in behalf of the church and school. 
 
 SEVEN DOLORS CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 This parish was formed in 1872, and is now one of the largest in the city, having about twelve hundred 
 families. The handsome church was begun in 1890, and is on the Romanesque style of architecture, with a 
 seating capacity of fourteen hundred. It is located corner of Rich and Genesee streets. It has two large 
 parochial schools, the old one for boys, and the new building for girls, the attendance aggregating fourteen 
 hundred. The course of study is advanced and complete, and the schools are in charge of the Sisters of 
 St. Francis. Rev. Anthony Heiter, has been in charge for fourteen years, and is assisted by Revs. A. 
 Bornefield and A. Wiese. 
 
 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 This is one of the oldest parishes in Buffalo, having been founded in 1852. Located near the heart of the 
 city, it has many of the leading Catholics as its parishoners. It is an English-speaking parish, and though 
 
1 62 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS' 
 
 not one of the largest it is one of the most prosperous and solid in the city. Many priests who have attained 
 high positions in the diocese have been pastors of Immaculate Conception church. The parish school, a 
 comfortable brick building with modern improvements, has an average attendance of two hundred pupils. 
 The school is especially noted for the high standing of the scholars. The Sisters of St. Joseph, women of 
 highest culture, have charge of the school. Rev. Thomas A. Donaghue succeeded Dean Rogers as pastor 
 here in 1893. He was for seven years pastor of St. John's church at Black Rock, and has been zealous and 
 energetic in behalf of this parish (Immaculate Conception), and has endeared himself to his flock. 
 
 ST. NICHOLAS' CHURCH. 
 
 This thriving parish was established in 1874, and was attended by priests from St. Louis' and St. Vincent's 
 until 1885, when Father C. O'Byrne became pastor, and has remained in charge to this time. During the 
 first year of his pastorate he bought the ground on which the new church is located, corner Utica and Welker 
 streets. It was not, however, until 1892 that work was commenced on the new church. The work was 
 pushed rapidly forward, and the church was completed and dedicated on October i, 1893. It is a most 
 commanding structure and its style of architecture is most pleasing. It is 60 by 150 feet, with a seating 
 capacity of a thousand. 
 
 ST. ANN'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 
 
 This is the largest and finest parochial school in the Buffalo diocese, and was erected in 1895 at a cost of 
 over a hundred thousand dollars. The Sisters of St. Francis are the teachers, assisted by one or more Jesuit 
 Fathers and lay teachers. The parish of St. Ann's was founded in 1858, and is the second largest in Buffalo. 
 The magnificent church of St. Ann's, costing over $150,000, with a seating capacity of about 1800, was 
 completed in 1886. Father Joseph Kreusch, the pastor, has been in charge of St. Ann's nearly five years. 
 
 BUFFALO HOSPITAL OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY. 
 
 This is the oldest hospital in Buffalo, having been established in 1848, and was then located on Main street, 
 near Virginia. In 1876 the sisters moved to their present building, a large four-story brick house with base- 
 ment, on high ground with beautiful surroundings. The buildings and grounds cost $250,000, and is one of 
 the most complete institutions of its kind in the country. The hospital has 344 beds. During the cholera 
 epidemic of 1849 one hundred and thirty-six patients were admitted, of whom fifty-two died up to September 
 1st, and during the year 151 3 were admitted. It was one of the first under the Sisters' management to 
 establish a training-school for nurses. The Emergency hospital, corner South Division and Michigan streets, 
 is a branch of this institution, for the reception of accident cases. The medical staff is composed of Drs. 
 Thomas Lothrop, Samuel Dorr and F. W. Barttell as consulting physicians ; Drs. William S. Tremaine and 
 Marcel Hartwig as consulting surgeons, and Dr. Rollin S. Banta on diseases of women. The attendant staff 
 is composed of Drs. John Cronyn, H. C. Ruswell and Matthew Willoughby, physicians; and Drs. Herman 
 Mynter, Herbert Mickle and William H. Heath, surgeons ; and Drs. A. A. Hubbell, H. D. Ingraham, D. I. 
 Redmond and William C. Krause, specialists. 
 
 LE COUTEULX ST. MARY'S INSTITUTION FOR DEAF-MUTES. 
 
 This great and beneficent institution was incorporated as the Le Couteulx St. Mary's Benevolent Society 
 for the Deaf and Dumb, September 26, 1853, and the growth of the noble charity and the great work accom- 
 plished by the Sisters of St. Joseph, who have charge of it, have made it one of the model institutions of the 
 country in this field of Christian work. The ground on which it is located was donated by Louis Le Couteulx 
 de Caumont. In October, 1859, the work was begun, with four deaf girls and a few boys as day pupils. For 
 a short time this work had to be suspended on account of the lack of means, during which time (1861) Sister 
 Mary Ann Burke, superior of the Order of the Sisters of St. Joseph here for the past twenty-five years, was 
 sent to Philadelphia to become acquainted with the methods used there in the instruction of deaf children. In 
 the meantime Bishop Timon had caused to be erected for the purpose a four-story brick building, twenty-eight 
 by thirty-four feet, and in November, 1862, the instruction of the deaf was resumed under brighter prospects. 
 The attendance increased so rapidly and the fame of the institution spread so far and fast that many large 
 additions were made every few years. In 1880 the last addition was completed, and the building now has a 
 frontage of 170 feet, and contains four stories and basement, and has every modern convenience. The institu- 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 1 6^ 
 
 tion has expended for buildings and grounds over ^iio.cxk), and did this without any outside aid. It is almost 
 free from indebtedness. In 1871 the institution was privileged to take children as county beneficiaries, and 
 in 1872 the Legislature of the State of New York extended the benefits of the law for this class of children as 
 State pupils to the institution, and to-day such pupils are received to the number of about 140, besides the 
 orphan children that are received and educated free, of which number there are some thirty to forty always 
 kept. This was one of the first institutions to introduce articulation or " improved instruction," and now all 
 pupils are taught to speak and to read from the lips, and the results are most astonishing. Many useful 
 branches of industry are taught: the girls are taught cooking, dressmaking, needle-work and household 
 duties, and the boys learn any trade they wish — printing, tailoring, shoemaking, chair-making, etc. All the 
 shoes and clothing needed in the institution by the pupils are made in the institution. These trades, of course, 
 are taught in addition to the regular school branches. 
 
 CANISIUS COLLEGE. 
 
 This famous institution was opened' in 1870, and was incorporated in January 1883 by the Regents of 
 the University of the State of New York, with power to confer degrees and academic honors. Its object is to 
 afford Catholic youth the facilities for securing a classical education, based on religious principles, and 
 calculated to qualify them for any useful career. It is conducted by the Fathers of the Society of Jesus. The 
 stately building over three hundred feet in front and three stories high, contains large recitation rooms, study 
 and recreation-halls and dormitories, a thoroughly equipped chemical laboratory, physical cabinet, and a 
 valuable collection of Coins, minerals, shells, petrifactions, birds, insects, and animals. The students number 
 about three hundred, partly boarders, partly day scholars. The fact that the students of last year were 
 gathered from no less than twelve states of the Union, speaks for the wide reputation which the institution 
 enjoys. The tuition amounts to ten dollars per quarter of ten weeks ; the quarterly charge for board is forty 
 dollars ; for washing and bedding, eight dollars. The students wear a handsome military uniform. The 
 course of instruction contains an academic and a collegiate department, each embracing four classes and 
 lasting four years. The branches taught include a full course of the Catholic doctrine and ecclesiastic history, 
 English language and literature, elocution, Latin grammar, composition and conversation, and Latin authors, 
 Greek grammar and translation of Greek authors, elementary and advanced mathematics, mineralogy, 
 botany, zoology and physics, chemistry, physiology and hygiene, geology and astronomy, ancient and 
 modern history, constitution and government, philosophy and the modern languages. Most of the branches 
 enumerated are obligatory ; besides instruction is given to those who desire it, in short-hand, type-writing, 
 vocal and instrumental music. The college possesses a well-directed orchestra and silver cornet band which 
 has already frequently earned the applause of large audiences, particularly last May at the silver jubilee 
 celebration at Music Hall, and in June at the commencement exercises in Concert Hall. 
 
 BUFFALO ACADEMY OF SACRED HEART. 
 
 This well known, successful institution is the outgrowth of a small school established in Buffalo by 
 the Sisters of St. Francis in 1874, and was incorporated as the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart with 
 power to confer diplomas in 1894. It is located at 749 Washington street, and was first opened as a day 
 school in 1877. Its success has been marked, the attendance has rapidly increased, with an average of over 
 one hundred pupils. This academy is more of a normal school than anything else, and has educated many 
 young ladies who are holding prominent positions as teachers in the public schools. Every facility is given to 
 pupils who wish to try the Regents' examination of the State of New York. Thus they have access not only 
 to a Regents' preliminary certificate, but also to an academic diploma of the University of New York. It is 
 the intention of the Sisters to erect a handsome new building to give increased facilities for their work. 
 
 ST. JOHN'S PROTECTORY AND ST. JOSEPH'S ORPHAN ASYLUM. 
 
 St. John's Protectory at West Seneca near the city line, is one of the grandest philanthropic institutions 
 in existence. Here five hundred homeless and destitute boys at one time are fed, clothed, and educated. 
 Many homeless and destitute waifs and wayward boys have been saved from neglect and sin by the sheltering 
 arms of St. John's Protectory and St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum. So great has the fame of these institutions 
 become that boys are sent here from nearly every city in the country, and even now the accommodations are 
 insufficient for the growing attendance. The building and playground of St. John's Protectory occupy an 
 
164 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 area of four acres, and adjacent thereto is a three-hundred acre farm in a high state of cultivation. Its 
 products are used at the institutions. It does not supply enough, however, for the vigorous appetites of five 
 hundred boys. Rev. Nelson H. Baker by his ability and wonderful energy really made these institutions 
 what they are to-day. No man was ever more thoroughly devoted to a cause or worked harder for its success. 
 
 SISTERS OF MERCY AND ST. BRIDGET'S SCHOOL. 
 
 This institute for religious women was established by Catharine Elizabeth McAnly, born in Dublin, 
 Ireland, September 29, 1787, who possessed vast wealth and used it all for the benefit of her fellow-creatures. 
 Their first schools, comprising an academy and free school, numbered about six hundred pupils. The present 
 convent was built by Rev. M. O'Connor in 1864, and the large parochial school-house by the same in 1870. 
 He did not live to see it opened, as his death occurred December 19, 1870. Father O'Connor was succeeded 
 by the Very Rev. William Gleason, V. G., January, 1871. In September 1871, the new school opened with 
 an attendance of about twelve hundred pupils and eighteen Sisters of Mercy as teachers. ' The school 
 comprises eight class-rooms. The Sisters of Mercy were the sole managers of St. Bridget's school until 1888, 
 when Rt. Rev. Mgr. Gleeson, V. G., engaged two Brothers of the Christian Schools to teach the advanced 
 boys. Though St. Bridget's school has nothing attractive externally or internally, yet it has its record 
 for good. The visitation of the sick has been a particular duty of the Sisters in this locality. On the register 
 kept of names visited, there are upwards of eight thousand, and much consolation is afforded and instruction 
 imparted by this means, perhaps, peculiar to the Sisters of Mercy. 
 
 ST. STANISLAUS' PAROCHIAL SCHOOL. 
 
 The magnificent parochial school building of St. Stanislaus' is located at the corner of Peckham and 
 Townsend streets, and is the largest school in the diocese, having an attendance of over two thousand pupils, 
 the church itself having over twenty thousand communicants. The course of study embraces the English 
 and Polish languages, and all the branches of education taught in the public schools. The school is in charge 
 of the Felician Sisters, or Sisters of St. Francis, and four lady teachers for the larger boys. This order of 
 Polish sisters has done wonderful work in this city, and the success of the school has attracted widespread 
 attention. This noble order has just completed a fine building near the city line, to be used as the Mother- 
 house of this section, and as an academy for the higher education of young ladies. An orphan asylum is 
 also to be erected soon and conducted by this Order. The school, a splendid stone and brick building, contains 
 twenty-one large school-rooms, and a large hall on the fourth floor, and is well arranged with every modern 
 sanitary convenience and comfort. It was built in 1887-8, and is a monument to the progressive spirit of the 
 Polish population of this large and growing parish. 
 
 ST. FRANCIS' HOME. 
 
 This noble asylum for the aged was established by the Sisters of St. Francis, and is located at No. 337 
 Pine street. It is a splendid structure as it now stands, and is a monument of one of the noblest orders of 
 God's children, the Sisters of St. Francis. It was in 1861 that the first sisters of this order came to Buffalo, 
 and began their work of caring for the aged in a garret of a frame building, and in 1862 they erected their 
 first building, a small affair, still they prospered in their good works, and in 1862 erected a brick building that 
 gave them more room, and a nucleus to which they have added addition after addition to their building, until 
 they now have a splendid three-story brick building, with a frontage of 250 feet, extending from Pine to Ash 
 street. The building is excellently arranged with every modern comfort, splendid ventilation, light, and 
 sanitary arrangements. It has accommodations for three hundred inmates. Besides the wards, this building 
 is supplied with private rooms, where many, who have a little money, spend the rest of their life in ease and 
 comfort. This is also the Mother-house of the Sisters of St. Francis, and the novitiate of the Order in this 
 diocese. 
 
 MT. ST. JOSEPH'S ACADEMY. 
 
 This large and handsome building. Main street and Humboldt parkway, was erected in 1891, and is an 
 imposing and substantial structure, four stories in height and basement, and is supplied with every modern 
 convenience for perfect ventilation, lighting, heating, protection from fire, etc. It was originally the Mother- 
 house and Academy of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The rooms are large and handsomely furnished. While 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 <6^ 
 
 this building is the novitiate and home of the Order, which numbers one hundred and ninety in this diocese, 
 it has sufficient room to accommodate seventy-five boarders, and a large number of day pupils, and it is 
 expected that the fifth scholastic year, which begins on September 4, will find enrolled even a larger number 
 of pupils than has yet attended this high-class academy. The admirable location, conceded one of the 
 finest in the city, will have much to do in attracting a large number of students. The thirty acres of 
 ground owned by this Order, on which the academy is located, is one of the most valuable and beautiful spots 
 in or around Buffalo. The system of education is practical and comprehensive, the course of study being 
 arranged according to the best approved methods, and every effort is made to train young girls to be women 
 qualified to adorn society. It is the intention to build an extensive addition to the present building, as the 
 growth of the order and the desire for more room for school purposes demand it. The departments of 
 music and art are conducted on the plan of the best classical schools, and particular attention is given to 
 pupils that they may be thoroughly acquainted with domestic economy and sewing. Mother Mary Ann 
 Burke is the superior of Mt. Joseph, and is known all over the country in connection with the deaf mute 
 and parochial school work, in which she has been engaged in this diocese with great success for over a 
 quarter of a century. 
 
 ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE. 
 
 This deservedly famous educational institution, at the corner of Prospect avenue and Jersey street, is 
 ably conducted by the Christian Brothers, the largest and most successful body of men in the world engaged 
 exclusively in the education of young men. St. Joseph's offers every advantage of acquiring a thorough 
 English and classical education, the course of study supplying the necessary preparation for every walk of 
 life. Thoroughness is one of the main points. Students are not permitted to pass one branch of study until 
 they have a thorough knowledge of it. The English language receives a large share of attention, its history 
 and literature being carefully studied. Daily exercises in grammar, composition, and rhetoric are discussed 
 and corrected in the class-room, and the English classics are read with closest attention. Latin and Greek 
 are taught, and instruction in drawing is given according to the method of Brother Victoris, a system 
 pronounced the best by the judges at the expositions of Paris, London, Vienna, and Chicago. Instruction 
 and drill in elocution are an important part of the curriculum. In the commercial course special stress is laid 
 on accuracy, and neatness in penmanship, and in keeping books. Composition and letter writing are taught 
 with equal care ; shorthand, and the use of typewriter are parts of the course. The location of this college 
 is admirable, being in a quiet place and easy of access. The brothers contemplate the erection of finer 
 college buildings in Buffalo in the near future. 
 
HON. MILLARD FILLMORE, THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 THE BENCH AND BAR 
 
 AMONG her lawyers and jurists, Buffalo has from her earliest history numbered legal lights whose 
 talents and energy marked them as peers of the ablest lawyers in the State and Nation. From its 
 ■^ infancy the people of Buffalo have been most fortunate in having fearless and able judges, and 
 lawyers whose talents and learning were of inestimable value in the litigation of grave questions and contro- 
 versies incident to the early settlement and rapid growth of this great Metropolis of Western New York. 
 Niagara county, of which Erie county was then a part, was created by Act of Legislature, March 14, 1808, 
 Buffalo (then Buffaloe) being made the county seat, on condition that the Holland company should erect a 
 suitable court-house and jail, which was done the same year. The new court-house was erected on 
 Washino-fon street, fronting on what is now Lafayette square, and was at that time regarded as a handsome 
 and substantial structure. The first court was held in Buffalo in June, 1808, in a room in Landon's tavern, 
 which stood on the south side of Crow, now Exchange street. Augustus Porter of Niagara Falls, was the 
 "First Judge," and Erastus Granger was one of the puisne judges, there being four of the latter, two of 
 whom were required to sit with the presiding judge. At this time Ebenezer Walden, Jonas Harrison, John 
 Root and H. B. Potter were the only lawyers in Buffalo. Jonathan E. Chaplin began practice here in 1812, 
 and A. H. Forey, James Sheldon and E. S. Stewart came in 181 5; and Thomas C. Love, Ebenezer F. Morton 
 and William A. Mosely came soon after. When Erie county was formed in 1821, Philander Bennett, Stephen 
 G. Austin, Horatius Shumway, Henry White, Thomas J. Sherwood, Henry Slade, Joseph Clary, Slieldon 
 Smith, Roswell Chapin and Major A. Andrews were added to the list of practicing attorneys. For several 
 years Judge Ebenezer Walden, who settled in Buffalo in 1806, was the only licensed attorney in New York 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 167 
 
 west of Batavia. Following the English practice, " riding the circuit" was usual in these days. The Circuit 
 Judge of the Supreme Court traveled from county to county to hold court, and they were accompanied by the 
 lawyers who were employed in cases in adjoining counties. Root, Potter, Sheldon and Tracy were always in 
 attendance at the sittings of the Circuit Court. The compensation paid attorneys in these early days was 
 very meagre, from fifty to one hundred dollars being the largest fees received for services in any case ; 
 realizing Daniel Webster's idea of a lawyer's fate: "to work hard, live well, and die poor." Prior to the 
 constitution of 1846, the Court of Common Pleas and the General Sessions of the Peace were the only courts 
 held in the county, except the Circuit Courts. The Recorder's Court was established in 1839. The Court 
 of Common Pleas was held by the " First Judge," and any two of the puisne judges. The constitution of 
 1846 abolished both courts and established the County Court, with enlarged jurisdiction and powers, which 
 was presided over by a County Judge. In 1854 the Recorder's Court was merged into the present Superior 
 Court, with three judges. 
 
 Judge Walden was one of eight members of the Niagara Bar in 1808. He was elected a member of the 
 Legislature in 1812 and was appointed first judge in 1823. In 1838 he was elected mayor of the city, and 
 died November 10, 1857. He was a lawyer and jurist of marked ability and unquestioned integrity, and 
 commanded the universal respect and confidence of the lawyers. John Root, was a large, jovial gentleman, 
 familiarly known as "Counselor Root." He was learned in the law, a forcible speaker, quick at repartee 
 and with ready wit and humor. Many of his witticisms are remembered to this day. On one occasion, 
 when the Judge had decided a point against the "Counselor," he remarked that the decision "was only 
 equaled by that of Pontius Pilate in a memorable case," and, on being sharply rebuked by the Judge, who 
 remarked, "Sit down, Mr. Root, you are drunk"; he replied, as he took his seat, "That is the only 
 correct decision your Honor has made during the term." Albert H. Tracy, although one of the youngest 
 members of the Buffalo Bar, was one of the ablest advocates of his time. He settled in Buffalo in 181 5, and 
 at the age of twenty-five years he was recognized as a lawyer of rare ability. He served six years in 
 Congress, and declined the appointment of Circuit Judge. He died in 1859 leaving a large fortune. James 
 Sheldon also came to Buffalo in 181 5, and was engaged in practice here for seventeen years. He was the 
 father of James Sheldon, who was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Buffalo. Thomas C. Love, a 
 gallant soldier in the War of 1812, was one of the leading lawyers of Erie county in his day. He was 
 wounded and taken prisoner by the British at Fort Erie in 1814, and at the close of the war he returned to 
 his home in Batavia, but shortly afterwards removed to Buffalo. He was judge of the county in 1828, was 
 elected to Congress in 1834, and was surrogate of Erie county in 1841. 
 
 Ebenezer F. Norton came to Buffalo prior to 1820, and was distinguished for his legal ability. He was 
 elected to the State Legislature in 1823, and to Congress five years later. William A. Mosely began the 
 practice of law in Buffalo in 1820. In 1834 he was elected a member of the State Senate, and in 1842 he was 
 chosen to represent this district in Congress and was reelected in 1844. It is said of him that he was four 
 years in the State Senate and four years in Congress without making a speech. Roswell Chapin was an 
 eccentric but witty lawyer of great ability. He was the first surrogate of Erie county, which position he 
 filled for seven years. In 1809 Oliver Forward settled in Buffalo. He was a brother-in-law of Erastus 
 Granger, the Indian agent here. He was, soon after his arrival, appointed a justice of the peace, and had 
 his office at what is now 102 Pearl street. He was named as one of the trustees when the village was incor- 
 porated, and in April 1817 he was appointed one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Niagara 
 county. He died in 1847. Hon. Philander Bennett began the practice of law in Buffalo in 1817, and attained 
 great success in his profession. He was appointed First Judge of Erie county in 1829, and for eight years 
 filled the position with ability and honor. Hon. Millard Fillmore, moved to Erie county in 1821, and was 
 admitted to practice law two years later. He settled in Aurora, and in 1830, removed to Buffalo and was 
 engaged in practice here until 1847 when he was elected comptroller of the State. He was elected Vice- 
 President on the ticket with General Taylor in 1848, and on the death of the latter July 9, 1850, he became 
 the thirteenth President of the United States. 
 
 Thomas F. Sherwood came to Buffalo in 1826, and became the law partner of Henry White. In 1838, 
 he formed a partnership in practice with William H. Greene. Hon. George R. Babcock came to Buffalo 
 in 1824, and was a law student of General Potter. He was admitted to the bar in 1829, and was engaged in 
 a large practice till his death in 1876. He was elected a member of the Assembly in 1843, and to the State 
 Senate in 1850, to which he was reelected in 1852. Another leader at the Buffalo Bar in the early history of 
 the city was Stephen G. Austin, who came here in 1825 and amassed a large fortune. He died in 1872, 
 at which time he was president of the National Savings bank. In 1824 Dyre Fillinghast came to Buffalo and 
 
1 68 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 began the practice of law. He was a learned equity lawyer and was an able advocate in every forum. He 
 died in 1862, and his loss was greatly felt by the community at large. Among the other noted members of 
 the Buffalo Bar who were distinguished among their fellows were Millard P. Fillmore, son of President Fillmore, 
 Alonzo Tanner, Martin A. Laux, Edmund B. Vedder, George U. Loveridge, Henry W. Rogers, William F. 
 Worthington, E. Carlton Sprague, James M. Cloak, and Hon. James Corlett, Justice of the Supreme Court, 
 all of whom are deceased. The law firms of Hall & Haven; Barker, Hawley & Sill; Rogers & Smith; and 
 Henry K. Smith, Judge of the Recorder's Court from 1844 to 1848; John L. Talcott; George W. Clinton, 
 Judge of the Superior Court from 1854 to 1878 ; Joseph Q. Masten, Judge of the Superior Court from 1856 to 
 1871 ; Horatio J. Snow, recorder from 1839 to 1844; Isaac A. Verplanck, Judge of the Superior Court from 
 1854 to 1873; John Ganson, Charles H. S. Williams, Rogers & Bowen, James Mullett and Eli Cook were 
 also prominent lawyers of former years, and were distinguished leaders of the Buffalo Bar. 
 
 George W. Cothran, LL. D., was admitted to the Bar in 1858. He was captain of artillery in the War 
 of the Rebellion, and was for one year county judge of Erie county. At the end of his term he declined 
 reelection and continued his practice. 
 
 Henry F. Allen, admitted to the Bar at Gowanda, New York, in 1859. He removed to Buffalo in 1882. 
 He was elected by the Democracy to the Assembly from the fifth Erie county district in 1877. He was the 
 nominee of that party in 1878 for county judge, and in 1889 was nominated for justice of the Supreme Court. 
 
 Lucien N. Bangs, admitted to the Bar at Le Roy, New York, in 1849. He was elected county judge in 
 1870, filling the position for twelve years. He removed to Buffalo in 1882. 
 
 Tracy C. Becker, A. B., LL. D., admitted to practice 1876. He was assistant district attorney from 
 January, 188 1, to June, 1885. He was one of the organizers of the Buffalo Law School and fills the chair of 
 Criminal Law and Medical Jurisprudence of that institution. 
 
 Hon. Wilson Shannon Bissell, admitted to the Bar in 1871. He was appointed Postmaster-General in 
 1893 by President Cleveland, and resigned in 1895. 
 
 Hon. Frank Brundage, admitted to practice in 1868 at Angelica, New York. He was soon afterwards 
 elected district attorney of Niagara county, and afterwards was elected county judge of that county, resigning 
 to form a partnership to practice in Buffalo in 1883. 
 
 Carl F. Chester, admitted to practice 1879. He is a member of the faculty of Buffalo Law School. 
 
 Hon. Thomas Corlett, admitted to the Bar of Buffalo 1848. He was elected a justice of the Supreme 
 Court in 1883. 
 
 Hon. Charles Daniels, admitted to practice in 1847. He was appointed judge of the Supreme Court in 
 March, 1863. He was elected for a term of six years and was reelected in 1869 on the expiration of his term, 
 and was elected the third time without opposition. He was elected to Congress in 1892, and was reelected 
 in 1894. 
 
 Hon. Albert Haight, admitted to practice in 1863. He was elected county judge in 1872, and four years 
 later was elected to the Supreme Bench for the term of fourteen years. He was reelected in 1890, and was 
 elected judge of the Court of Appeals in 1894. 
 
 Hon. Edward W. Hatch, admitted to the Bar in 1877. He was elected district attorney in 1880, and in 
 1886 was elected judge of the Superior Court by a large majority. 
 
 Hon. Arthur W. Hickman, admitted to the Bar in 1871. He was elected a member of the Legislature by 
 the Republicans in 1881, and v/as reelected by a large majority in 1882. He declined all further political 
 honors. 
 
 William B. Hoyt, admitted to practice in 1883. He was appointed deputy United States district attorney 
 in 1886. He is a member of the firm of Humphrey, Lockwood & Hoyt. 
 
 Hon. John S. Lambert, admitted to the Bar in 1877. He was elected supervisor in 1881, and was county 
 judge from 1882 to 1889. He was elected judge of the Supreme Court in 1889. 
 
 Frank C. Laughlin, admitted to practice law in 1882. He was the first corporation counsel of the city, 
 and was elected to that position in 1894, and the following year was elected judge of the Supreme Court on 
 the Republican ticket. 
 
 John Laughlin, admitted to the Bar in 1881. He was the Republican candidate for State senator in 1887, 
 and was elected by a majority of 4301. He was renominated in 1889 and was reelected. 
 
 Hon. D. H. McMillan, admitted to practice in 1871. He was the Republican candidate for the State 
 Senate in 1885, and was elected by over two thousand majority, and declined a renomination in 1887. 
 
 Hon. Robert C. Titus was admitted to the Bar in 1865, and came to Buffalo in 1873, and in 1877 was 
 elected district attorney. In 1881 he was elected to the State Senate and was reelected in 1883. He was 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS l6c 
 
 elected judge of the Supenor Court in 1885, and on the abolition of that court in 1895 became a justice of the 
 Supreme Court. 
 
 Norris Morey, of the well-known law firm of Sprague, Morey & Sprague, a veteran of the War of the 
 Rebellion, was admitted to the Buffalo Bar in 1866. He was assistant city attorney in 1870 and 1871, and 
 again from 1871 to 1874. 
 
 James O. Putnam has for over half a century been successfully engaged in law practice in Buffalo. He 
 is a graduate of Yale, and was admitted to the Bar in 1842. In 185 1 he was appointed postmaster of Buffalo, 
 and in 1853 was elected State senator. In i860 he was one of the two Lincoln electors-at-large for New York, 
 and in i8(3i was appointed consul at Havre, France, and in 1880 was appointed United States minister to 
 Belgium, and while abroad was a delegate of the United States International Industrial Congress at Paris 
 in 1881. 
 
 Hon. James A. Roberts, a veteran of the war of 1861-5, was admitted to practice law in 1876, and was 
 for two terms a member of the New York Legislature, and afterwards was appointed park commissioner of 
 the city. He was elected State comptroller in 1893, and was reelected to the same office in 1895. 
 
 Hon. Sherman S. Rogers, of the firm of Rogers, Locke & Milburn, was admitted to the Bar in 185 1, and 
 was in 1872 appointed a member of the commission to revise the constitution of the State. In 1875 he was 
 elected by the Republicans to the State Senate. He is an able champion of civil service reform. 
 
 James Murdock Smith was admitted to the Bar in 1837. He was appointed collector of customs in 1848, 
 and in 1873 was appointed judge of the Superior Court of Buffalo, to which position he was elected in 1874 
 for a term of fourteen years. 
 
 E. Carlton Sprague, admitted to practice in 1846, was elected State senator in 1876, and was afterwards 
 appointed register in bankruptcy. He was long chancellor of Buffalo university, and was a gentleman of high 
 literary attainments. 
 
 Hon. Charles F. Tabor was admitted to the Bar in 1863. In 1876 he was elected to the State Assembly, 
 and was appointed Deputy Attorney-general of the State of New York in 1885, and two years later was 
 elected Attorney-general. 
 
 Benjamin H. Williams was admitted to the Bar in 1855, and came to Buffalo the same year. He was 
 elected by the Republicans district-attorney in 1871, and to the State Senate in 1879. 
 
 Hon. Marvin Smith was admitted to the Bar in 1876, and was elected special judge of Chautauqua county 
 before he was thirty years of age. He came to Buffalo in 1893, and is a member of the firm of Smith & Jones. 
 
 Hon. L. L. Lewis was admitted to the Bar at Ithaca, July 4, 1848, and came to Buffalo the same year. 
 In 1869 he was elected to the State Senate, and in 1882 justice of the Supreme Court. 
 
 Hon. Joseph V. Seaver was admitted to practice law June 21, 1873. He was elected county judge in 
 1889, and was renominated by the Democrats in 1889, and, although running over four thousand votes ahead 
 of his ticket, was defeated by Hon. Edward K. Emery. 
 
 Hon. Louis William Marcus, LL. D., the present surrogate of Erie county, was admitted to the Bar in 
 1888, and was elected surrogate in 1895, assuming the duties of his office January i, 1896. 
 
 The Buffalo Bar Association at this time is largely composed of lawyers of National reputation, in every 
 way qualified to wear the mantles of their predecessors. Some of the most prominent of these are Josiah 
 Cook, John G. Milburn, Charles A. Pooley, H. W. Box, C. M. Bushnell, Myron H. Clark, Spencer Clinton, 
 Joseph E. Ewell, S. S. Jewett, W. H. Cuddeback, P. A. Laing, D. N. Lockwood, F. M. Loomis,,W. L. Marcy, 
 Adelbert Moot, Franklin D. Locke, E. H. Movius, C. P. Morton, Myron H. Peck, George Clinton, Marcy & 
 Close, Moses Shire, John Cunneen, S. A. Simons, James G. Smith, W. M. Spaulding, Roswell L. Burrows, 
 Jacob Stern, Sheldon T. Viele, George Gorham, S. M. Welch, Jr., G. S. Wardwell, Ansley Wilcox, and many 
 others of equal ability. 
 
 HON. MILLARD FILLMORE. 
 
 This distinguished American citizen, the thirteenth president of the United States, was born in Locke 
 Township, Cayuga county, New York, January 7, 1800. This section was then a wilderness, and his 
 ancestors for four generations were pioneers in the forests of North America. Millard Fillmore was a delicate, 
 sickly boy until his fourteenth year, after which time, with his increasing strength, he was a great student, 
 and readily acquired all the knowledge his teachers could impart. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to 
 a clothier, and while learning thetrade he taught school during the winter months for several years. At the 
 age of nineteen he entered the law office of Walter Wood, Esq., having purchased his time from his master, 
 with whom he was apprenticed, and at the age of twenty-one he removed to Buffalo, where he continued his 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS I?' 
 
 law studies, teaching school in the meantime to defray his expenses. He was admitted to the Bar in the 
 Court of Common Pleas of Buffalo in 1823, and, until 1828, practiced his profession in Aurora, Erie county, 
 New Yorl<. He was at this time a prominent Anti-Mason, and in 1828 was elected to the Legislature on that 
 ticket, and was reelected several times. In 1832 he was elected to Congress, and was a leader of the minority 
 in that body, and when the Whigs again came into power in 1840, he was made Chairman of the Committee 
 on Ways and Means. In 1848 he was made the Whig candidate for Vice-President of the United States, on 
 the ticket with General Zach Taylor, and was elected. He resigned the Comptrollership of New York, to 
 which he had been elected in 1847, and was inaugurated Vice-President of the United States March 5, 1849. 
 He presided over the Senate with great dignity and ability, and on the death of General Taylor, July 9, 
 1850, he became President of the United States, and took the oath of office July 20 of that year. 
 
 HON. GROVER CLEVELAND. ^i^f|>l'^ 
 This distinguished member of the Buffalo Bar, at this time President off the United States, is descended 
 from Moses Cleveland, who came to Massachusetts in 183; , from Ipswich, Norfolk county, England. The 
 name was originally spelled " Cleaveland," the supertTuous "a" having been dropped by some of his 
 descendants, and after two generations, the ministerial habit became fixed in the family, and since that time 
 there has never been a generation in which one or more of the name was not a minister of one of the 
 Protestant churches, generally the Presbyterian or Congregational denomination. In 1793, William Cleve- 
 land, the grandfather of Grover Cleveland, settled at Norwich, Connecticut, and here, on June 19, 1805, 
 Rev. Richard Falley Cleveland, the father of Grover Cleveland was born. The latter removed to Baltimore, 
 Maryland, in 1829, and was married to Miss Neal of that city, and in 1834 he accepted a call to Caldwell, 
 New Jersey, where Grover Cleveland was born March 18, 1837. In 1841 he removed to Fayetteville, 
 Onondaga county. New York, where he accepted a clerkship in a grocery store, receiving fifty dollars for his 
 services for one year. At the expiration of that time he was called home, to Clinton, Oneida county, to 
 which place his father had removed, and entered the academy there, and made good progress in his studies. 
 In September, 1853, his father accepted a call to Holland Patent, New York, about fifteen miles from Utica, 
 and died there October i, of that year, and Grover became bookkeeper and assistant to the superintendent 
 of the Institution for the Blind in New York City. Every moment of his leisure hours was devoted to hard 
 study. He returned home in the autumn of 1864, and the same year made a visit to his uncle, Lewis F. 
 Allen, in Buffalo. He was persuaded to settle here, and became a law student in the law office of Bowen & 
 Rogers. He was admitted to the Bar in May, 1859, but remained four years with his preceptors as a clerk, 
 receiving a salary of six hundred dollars per annum, which, in 1862, was increased to one thousand dollars. 
 He began practice January i, 1863, and was appointed assistant district attorney the same year. In 1870 
 he was elected sheriff of Erie county, and on the expiration of his term of office in 1874, returned to the 
 practice of law, as a member of the firm of Bass, Cleveland & Bissell. He was a hard-working lawyer, and 
 was in the best sense successful. In i88i he was elected Mayor of Buffalo by a majority of thirty-five 
 thousand, the largest ever given to a candidate in the city. In 1882 he was elected Governor of New York, 
 defeating Charles J. Folger by a majority of 192,854 votes. In 1884 he was elected President of the United 
 States, and was inaugurated the fourth of March following. He was nominated in 1888, and was defeated by 
 Benjamin Harrison, over whom he was reelected in 1892. During his first term as president, Mr. Cleveland 
 was married to Miss Frances Folsom of Buffalo. Three daughters have blessed the union, Ruth, Esther, and 
 Marion. 
 
 HON. HENRY W. ROGERS. 
 There was a brilliant and powerful Bar in the little city of Buffalo during the Thirties and Forties : 
 Fillmore, Hall & Haven ; Barker, Hawley & Sill ; Rogers & Smith, Albert H. Tracy, Thomas T. Sherwood, 
 John L. Talcott, Henry K. Smith, George W. Clinton, Joseph G. Masten, Horatio J. Stow, George R. 
 Babcock, Isaac A. Verplanck, John Ganson, Charles H. S. Williams, James Mullett, Eli Cook, and others 
 who would have done honor to any Bar. To those who knew these men in their prime it always seems as if 
 they could not have been equaled in any except the largest cities of the country. Among them the subject 
 of this sketch held rank equal to the highest, and for many years was one of the most prominent figures in 
 Buffalo's social, municipal, and political life. Henry W. Rogers was born of excellent New England parentage 
 at Unadilla, Chenango county. New York, April 24, 1806. There were but meagre educational advantages 
 in that newly-settled region, but such as they were, young Rogers made the best of them, and following the 
 road on which so many successful Americans have traveled, he supplemented those advantages by some 
 
172 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 years of teaching in the district school. In his eighteenth year he was master of the village district school, 
 in the village of Bath, Steuben county. New York, to which place he had followed his brother. Dr. Gustavus 
 A. Rogers (father of Sherman S. Rogers), who had preceded him a few years. He conducted this school 
 successfully until he attained his majority, eking out its moderate salary by teaching psalmody by the aid of 
 the old "buckwheat notes," in the country districts about Bath. During this time, also, he pursued 
 diligently the study of law in the office of Henry Welles, afterwards a justice of the Supreme Court, in the 
 Eighth Judicial district. A few weeks before he became twenty-one years of age, he was chosen a justice 
 of the peace of the town of Bath, then an office of far more dignity and importance than now. hi the first 
 treatise on The Jurisdiction and Practice of Justices' Courts published in this Stat^, prepared by George C. 
 Edwards, then First Judge of the Steuben Common Pleas, there will be found appended to most of the 
 precedents furnished for the use of practitioners the name of " Henry W. Rogers, J. P." 
 
 The same year Mr. Rogers was admitted to the 
 Common Pleas, and formed a law partnership with the 
 late Hon. David McMaster, and later with that great 
 lawyer, the late Hon. Joseph G. Masten, then a resident 
 of Bath. The members of these firms were life-long 
 friends. In 1836 Rogers & Masten removed to Buffalo, 
 where their copartnership continued for about a year. 
 In 1837, Hon. George P. Barker having resigned the 
 office of district attorney of this county, Mr. Rogers was 
 appointed his successor, and served with distinguished 
 ability in that office until 1844, when, on the e.xpiration 
 of his term, the Hon. Solomon G. Haven was appointed 
 in his place. It is curious to note how many of the 
 distinguished trial lawyers of Buffalo have filled the 
 office of district attorney. During most of his official 
 term Mr. Rogers also conducted a large and successful 
 practice in partnership with James Murdock Smith — 
 lately one of the judges of the Superior Court of Buffalo 
 — one of the ablest and best equipped lawyers we have 
 ever had at this Bar, who retired from the bench by 
 limitation of age, is still a vigorous and useful citizen of 
 Buffalo. In 1845 '^r- Rogers was appointed by President 
 Polk collector of customs of this port, and held that office 
 until 1849. During his official term he was substantially 
 withdrawn from the practice of his profession, but in 
 1848 he formed a business connection with the late 
 Harmon S. Cutting, under the name of Rogers & Cut- 
 ting, which continued until 1852, when the law firm of 
 Rogers & Bowen (the late Dennis Bowen), was formed. It was for many years one of the leading law firms 
 of the city, and of Western New York. Mr. Sherman S. Rogers became a member of the firm in 1854, and 
 the firm name became Rogers, Bowen & Rogers. 
 
 The old law-office on Erie street, near Pearl, was built by them in 1855, and it is now (February, 1896), 
 just forty years since the firm moved into the new building. Among the towering fin-de-siec/e office phalan- 
 steries — the Guaranty building, the Ellicott Square building, the Morgan building, etc., — it sturdily holds its 
 
 place, but it is a dingy-looking veteran. The senior of the present firm — Rogers, Locke & Milburn is 
 
 accustomed to point it out to the brand-new people of the present great city as "the place where law business 
 was first done on the American continent!" The signs at the entrance are almost indecipherable, but 
 within there are no evidences of decreptitude, or obsolescence, though there are some notable vacancies. Mr. 
 Rogers will tell you that he is sitting at the same table that his uncle, Henry W., occupied forty years ago. 
 On one of the inner doors you may read the name of Dennis Bowen, though he passed through it for the last 
 time in 1876. One of the clerks in the outer office will show you with pride the table where Grover Cleve- 
 land, law clerk, diligent, and trustworthy, sat for years, and laid the foundation for his distinguished career. 
 After his retirement from the practice of his profession, Mr. Rogers was for some years president of the 
 Buffalo Water-Works Company, and its property was, during his administration of that office, sold to the 
 
 HON. HENRY W. ROGERS. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 '73 
 
 city. While a resident of Buffalo no one of its citizens was better known or more highly respected. He 
 was one of the founders, and a liberal benefactor of the Fine Arts Academy, and the Historical Society of 
 the city, succeeding Mr. Fillmore as president of each of these institutions. He was from early life a man 
 of decided religious character, and for many years prominent in the councils and activities of the Episcopal 
 church. He possessed a most genial nature, which, with his fine physique, and an irresistible humor, and 
 his inexhaustible fund of shrewd and racy reminiscences and anecdotes, made him one of the most agreeable 
 of companions. He was a man of distinguished personal appearance, standing full six feet, it is a curious 
 fact that nearly all the leading lawyers contemporary with Mr. Rogers were large men. Fillmore, Barker, 
 Tracy, Clinton, Masten, Stow, Bancock, Talcott, Verplanck, were all six-footers. Sherwood, Sill, Haven, 
 Hall, Henry K. Smith, Ganson, Eli Cook, all averaged higher physically than their successors to-day. Henry 
 W. Rogers died at Ann Arbor on the second day of March, 1881, and was buried in Forest Lawn cemetery in 
 this city. 
 
 HON. DE WITT CLINTON. 
 
 This eminent statesman, representing one of the oldest and most distinguished families of New York, was 
 born in " Little Britain," Orange county. New York, March 2, 1769, and was a nephew of George Clinton, 
 the first governor of the State. His father was also prominent, and was a member of the Legislature in 1801. 
 De Witt Clinton was graduated from Columbia College at the head of his class in 1786, and from 1789 to 
 1795, was secretary for his uncle, the Governor of the State. In 1797 he was elected a member of the 
 Assembly from New York City, and in 1798 he was chosen State senator. He was elected United States 
 senator February 4, 1802, and resigned the position two years later to assume the office of mayor of New 
 York City, to which he had been elected. He was again elected State senator in 1805, and held the, position 
 till 1812. He was a great advocate of the Erie canal, and was a member of the commission appointed to 
 explore the proposed route of the canal from Lake Erie 
 to the Hudson river. In 1812 he was a candidate for 
 President of the United States, but was defeated by 
 James Madison. In 1816 he was one of five commis- 
 sioners to construct the canal, and in 18 16 he was 
 elected Governor of New York, and pushed forward the 
 canal scheme with great energy and zeal. He was 
 
 ' which 
 He was 
 
 known as the " Father of the Erie canal, 
 was opened for navigation October 26, 1825. 
 reelected Governor several times, and died in office 
 February 11, 1828. 
 
 SPENCER CLINTON. 
 
 Representing a family famous in history for three 
 generations, the subject of this biographical notice in 
 his life has ably maintained the old time prestige and 
 prominence of his ancestors. He was born in Buffalo 
 half a century ago and has always resided in Buffalo. 
 He is a grandson of De Witt Clinton, the father of the 
 Erie canal, ex-United States senator and ex-Governor 
 of New York. His father, Hon. George W. Clinton, 
 was one of the ablest jurists of his day. His mother 
 was a daughter of John C. Spencer, Secretary of War 
 during Tyler's administration, and an eminent lawyer 
 who was prominent in the revision of the New York 
 statutes. Spencer Clinton began the study of his 
 profession in the office of Solomon G. Haven, and subse- 
 quently with Hon. William Dorsheimer. When the latter was appointed United States district attorney for the 
 Northern district of New York, he appointed Mr. Clinton, who had been recently admitted to the Bar, his 
 assistant, in which position the brilliant young lawyer distinguished himself as wn advocate and counselor 
 until 1871. He soon afterwards formed a partnership with Charles D. Marshall, and subsequently Robert P. 
 
 SPENCER CLINTON. 
 
174 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Wilson became a member of the firm, which, as Marshall, Clinton & Wilson, is recognized as one of the 
 representative successful law firms of the State. Mr. Clinton has been devoted to his profession and is 
 recognized as one of the most sagacious members of the Buffalo Bar. He has never sought public office, and 
 when he was made the Democratic nominee for State senator in 1887, his indifference was assigned as the 
 cause of his defeat by his most intimate friends. During this campaign his legal ability and high personal 
 character were freely acknowledged by the Republican press of the district. He is an honored and prominent 
 member of the Buffalo Club, and was president of the organization in 1885. He is a gentleman of scholarly 
 attainments, and is universally recognized as one of the successful leaders of his profession in the State. 
 
 HON. CHARLES DANIELS. 
 
 That " man is the architect of his own fortune," is demonstrated in the lives of many greatly successful 
 professional and business men of this country, where "no pent-up Utica " confines grand achievements to 
 the few "born in the purple," or entering upon life's battle-field under the most favorable conditions and 
 auspices. A most notable example of eminence and success attained against adverse circumstances, by 
 earnest and untiring effort, is presented in the life of that distinguished lawyer and jurist, Hon. Charles 
 Daniels, of Buffalo, the present able and popular representative of the Thirty-third New York district in 
 Congress. Judge Daniels was born about March 24, 1826, in New York City, of Welsh parentage, and in 
 early life was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and after learning the trade worked at it for years after coming 
 to Buffalo in 1842. While thus engaged he began the study of law, and managed to secure by industry and 
 frugality, the means to obtain an education at Canandaigua, and was admitted to the Bar at the age of about 
 twenty-one years. Until 1850 he was engaged in the practice of his profession in this city as a member of 
 the firm of Cook & Daniels, after which time he was alone in his practice. From the very outset of his 
 career he exhibited marked ability as an advocate, and his studious habits and perseverance soon brought 
 him a thorough knowledge of the principles and practice of law, and his success made him prominent among 
 his fellow-practitioners. In 1863 he was elected to the Supreme Bench to fill the vacancy caused by the death 
 of Hon. James G. Hoyt, and directly after the election was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court by 
 Governor Seymour, and he was reelected for a full term in 1869, and again without opposition in 1877. He 
 was appointed associate justice of the General Term, First department, by Governor Dix, in December, 1873, 
 and ably filled the position for five years, and was reappointed by Governor Cornell, and continued in that 
 court over twenty years. In 1886 he was made the nominee of the Republican party for Associate Judge of 
 the Court of Appeals, but was defeated by Hon. Rufus W. Peckham at the election following. His term of 
 office expired in 1891, and he retired from the bench with the approbation of all his fellow-citizens of both 
 political parties. He was elected to Congress in 1892, and again in 1894, and has represented the Thirty- 
 third district with the distinguished ability which characterized him on the Bench. Judge Daniels is a 
 Republican of liberal views, a firm champion of integrity in political management, and a citizen whom his 
 fellow-men are proud to honor. He resides at No. 787 Delaware avenue, and the residence is a model 
 of architectural taste, making it conspicuous among the many magnificent private houses of this grand 
 thoroughfare. 
 
 WILSON SHANNON BISSELL, LL. D. 
 
 The name of this distinguished lawyer is familiar all over the country, and to-day there is no man in this 
 city whose counsel and advice are more sought or have more weight. Mr. Bissell was born at New London 
 Oneida county. New York, December 31, 1847. When he was only five years old his parents removed to 
 Buffalo, which city Mr. Bissell has always made his home. He received his early education in the public 
 schools here, but in 1863 he was sent to the Hopkins grammar school at New Haven, Connecticut, in order 
 to prepare him for entering Yale College. He was graduated from that institution in 1869, and immediately 
 thereafter began the study of law in the office of Laning, Cleveland & Folsom. He successfully passed his 
 examinations and was admitted to the Bar in 1871. Twelve months later he entered into partnership with 
 the Hon. Lyman K. Bass, and three years later the two gentlemen in question were joined by Grover Cleve- 
 land. Mr. Bass soon after retired and the name of the firm became Cleveland & Bissell. In 1881, when Mr. 
 Cleveland was elected to the mayoralty, Mr. George J. Sicard joined the firm, the style of which became 
 Cleveland, Bissell & Sicard. This copartnership continued until Mr. Cleveland's election to the Governorship 
 when he retired. Charles W. Goodyear was admitted and the name of the firm was once more changed 
 this time to that of Bissell, Sicard & Goodyear. The last-mentioned gentleman retired in 1887, and a new 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 m 
 
 firm was formed by the admission of ex-Judge Frank Brundage and Herbert P. Bissell, and the title of Bisseil, 
 Sicard, Brundage & Bissell was assumed. When Mr. Brundage retired, the firm became Bissell, Sicard, 
 Bissell & Carey. Mr. Bissell was appointed Postmaster- 
 General by President Cleveland in 1893, and after two 
 years in the office retired and returned to Buffalo and 
 resumed the practice of law. He is the consulting lawyer 
 of a number of large corporations. In local affairs Mr. 
 Bissell has always given his support to all worthy enter- 
 prises. His interest in the management of the Buffalo 
 Library has been of the most active character, both as 
 president, trustee, and real estate commissioner. In 1888 
 he was president of the Buffalo club. In 1893 the degree 
 of LL. D. was conferred upon him by Yale University. 
 For several years he has been a member of the Council 
 of the University of Buffalo, and in 1895 was elected its 
 vice-chancellor. 
 
 HERBERT P. BISSELL. 
 In professional as in political circles Herbert P. 
 Bissell, Esq., has for years been one of the most prom- 
 inent citizens of Buffalo. He was born August 30, 1856, 
 at New London, Oneida county, New York, and is a 
 son of Amos A. and Amelia S. Bissell, the former a 
 prominent forwarding merchant of Buffalo. Until he 
 was eight years of age, the subject of this brief biograph- 
 ical notice attended the public schools of New London, 
 and his family removing to Lockport at that time, for 
 the next four years he was a pupil in the public schools 
 of that city. At the age of twelve years he entered 
 De Veaux College at Niagara Falls, from which he was 
 graduated at the age of sixteen years. He then visited Germany and attended the public schools for two 
 years, and, returning, entered Harvard College, from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 
 1880. The same year he came to Buffalo and began the study of law with the firm of Laning, McMillan & 
 Gluck as his preceptors, and was admitted to the Bar in April, 1883. He became a member of the well- 
 known firm of Bissell, Sicard, Bissell & Carey, of which successful concern he is still an active and efficient 
 member. This firm, of which ex-Postmaster-General Wilson S. Bissell is the head, is one of the leading law 
 firms in the United States and is engaged in much important litigation in the courts. Herbert P. Bissell is 
 chairman of the Board of Real Estate of the Public Library, trustee of De Veaux College, a member of 
 the Buffalo, University, and Saturn clubs of this city, and secretary and counsel for the Niagara Falls & 
 Lewiston Railway, known as the "Gorge Road." He was one of the leaders in organizing the Cleveland 
 Democracy of Buffalo, and was for three terms its president, and has been very prominent and efficient in 
 political work since 1884. In the recent contest in Buffalo and Erie county against "machine" rule in the 
 Democratic party, and against the doubtful methods adopted by those in control of its affairs, there was not 
 in the city a more intrepid champion of the right than Herbert P. Bissell. His voice was always heard in 
 advocacy of clean politics, and, doubtless at the sacrifice of personal interests, he was active and earnest in 
 the cause of Home-rule, and the sanctity of the ballot. He was in this struggle a leader and an able one, 
 and in the thickest of the fight, like the "white plume of Navarre," his presence and zeal inspired courage 
 in the ranks of those who preferred the defeat of their party to victory obtained by questionable methods. 
 He was made the Democratic candidate for State senator in 1885, and for district attorney of Erie county in 
 1892, but met defeat in the adverse tidal waves of those years with philosophic good nature, for which he is 
 noted, and is still energetic in behalf of true Democracy and honest political methods. Such was the 
 popularity of Mr. Bissell, that, notwithstanding the large majorities for the most of the candidates on the 
 Republican ticket, the vote for district attorney was so close that it required the olTicial count to determine 
 the result and Mr. Bissell was in fact declared elected. Owing to some irregularities and errors in the 
 returns, however, he withdrew all claims to the office and was one of the first to congratulate his opponent 
 
 WILSON SHANNON BISSELL, LL. D. 
 
176 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 upon his election. He is a member of tlie Episcopal cliurcli, and is universally regarded as a lawyer of great 
 ability, and an earnest, devoted champion of good government. Mr. Bisseil was married October 30, 1883, to 
 Miss Lucy Coffey of Brooklyn, New York, and has three children: Mary R., born October i, 1884; Harriett 
 A., born September 3, 1888, and Lucy A., born July 19, 1891. Mr. Bisseil resides at 549 Linwood avenue, 
 and has an attractive country home at the mouth of the Niagara river, Ontario. 
 
 GEORGE W. COTHRAN, LL. D. 
 
 After all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the 
 acquirements which are sought in the schools and in books, he must essentially formulate, determine and give 
 shape to his own character and future. He is mainly responsible for his own manhood, as a rule. This 
 general proposition applies to George W. Cothran, now one of the foremost members of the Chicago Bar. 
 He was born February 25, 1834, on a farm in Royalton, Niagara county. New York. When he was four 
 years of age his father died, leaving his mother with a small and heavily encumbered estate, and a family of 
 thirteen children, of which George was the youngest. In the fall of 1838 his mother sold the homestead and 
 moved with her family to Richland county, Ohio, where she remained till the spring of 1842, when the 
 purchaser, having failed to pay for the homestead, reconveyed it to her, and she returned to it to live. 
 George remained there with his mother, attending school and doing farm work, until 1850, when his mother 
 again removed, with the four children remaining at home, to Lockport, New York, and the succeeding four 
 years George devoted his attention to the mechanical arts, of which he was fond, and became proficient in 
 several branches. He acquired a practical knowledge of the branches he pursued, and could to-day draw 
 plans of, and build, almost any structure of wood, iron or stone, which knowledge has been of service to him 
 in the practice of his profession, in the class of causes involving such questions. In 1854, at the age of 
 twenty, he entered the law office of Phineas L. Ely, of Lockport, and commenced the study of law, remaining 
 three years, at the end of which time he was admitted to the Bar to practice in all the courts of the State of 
 New York, and at the e.xamination, conducted by three judges in open court, he correctly answered all of the 
 searching questions, with a single e.xception. He had application, and power of concentration, which has 
 always been a distinguishing feature of his mind, notwithstanding the fact that before he entered upon the 
 study of law, he had wandered into the flowery paths of literature, science, and art, and had contributed to 
 magazine and periodical literature to quite an extent, and has since his admission to the Bar, especially 
 illustrating the annals of the literature of law and jurisprudence. 
 
 After his admission to the Bar he remained one year with his preceptor, when, in September, 1858, he 
 opened a law office of his own in Lockport, and at once entered into a good practice. So successful was he 
 that but one law firm had more cases on the Court Calendar than had he. He remained in practice until 
 i85i, when he left his profession, organized Battery M, First New York Volunteer light artillery, was 
 commissioned its captain, and went to the front; and no volunteer battery achieved a better reputation in the 
 Army of the Potomac than Cothran's battery. He served with General Banks in the Shenandoah Valley 
 campaign, under General Pope during his inglorious command of the Army of the Potomac, from Cedar 
 Mountain to the time he turned over the command to General McClellan, then through South Mountain and 
 Antietam. He was eight hours under fire in the latter battle. Then followed the brief and disastrous careers 
 of Burnside and General Hooker, and the more successful one of General Meade. About the time of the 
 Gettysburg fight he was compelled to resign on account of ill health. During the grand retrograde movement 
 of General Pope, after a severe artillery battle at Beverly Ford, on the Rappahannock, in consequence of 
 exposure in an all-day and night's rain, he took cold, which culminated in sciatica-neuralgia in his right limb, 
 from which he was a great sufferer for more than ten years, and has not yet fully recovered. 
 
 After the battle of Antietam he was recommended to President Lincoln for promotion for meritorious 
 services in the field, by every commissioned officer in the Eleventh army corps, including General Banks, its 
 late, and General A. S. Williams, its then commanding officer. But the Harrison's Landing letter of General 
 McClellan had been written, and the successor of President Lincoln became a matter of such great political 
 importance at Washington that Douglas Democrats were not appointed thereafter as readily or as frequently 
 as in the earlier stages of the war, coupled with the fact that he would do nothing to aid his promotion. He 
 remained with his battery, even when serving on General Williams' staff as chief of artillery of the First 
 division of the Twelfth corps. He was offered promotion to the position of major or lieutenant-colonel by the 
 Adjutant-general of New York, but he declined, as the command of a battery is really the only responsible 
 position in the artillery service. Many amusing anecdotes of the captain and his battery were printed in the 
 Drawer in "Harper's Magazine," and in "Knickerbocker" at the time. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 177 
 
 On leaving the army in 1863, he married the only surviving child of W. W. Mann, of Buffalo, New York, 
 and in the fall of that year went to Buffalo to live, and commenced the practice of his profession. " There 
 were giants in those days" in the Buffalo Bar, a Bar that had no superior in any city in the Union. The 
 subject of this sketch, by perseverance, close attention to business, and a thorough mastery of his cause, soon 
 took a place in the foremost rank of that celebrated Bar, and no lawyer of his age stood higher in the estima- 
 tion of the New York Court of Appeals than he. While in the flush of successful practice in Buffalo, in July, 
 1879, he came to Chicago to help his friend, F. E. Hinckley, in unraveling the legal complications in which 
 his railroads had become involved, and he it was that preserved the Chicago & Iowa Railroad Company and 
 placed it in its present successful situation. He was soon after appointed the general solicitor of the Chicago 
 & Iowa Railroad Company, Chicago, Pekin & Southwestern Railroad Company, and the Chicago, Rockford & 
 Northern Railroad Company, and the appointment has led to his permanent residence in this city. 
 
 Mr. Cothran has never been much of an office seeker or office holder. In addition to his office of captain 
 of artillery in the army, the only other office he has held was that of county judge of Erie county. New York, 
 for one year. His appointment to that office was the 
 first official act of Governor Robinson, of New York, and 
 was recommended by ex-Governor Tilden, his intimate 
 friend. At the end of his term, he declined to take a 
 nomination, and continued his practice. It was nearly 
 the unanimous wish of the Bar that he should remain on 
 the bench, but he preferred the active practice of his 
 profession. On different occasions, he was suggested 
 for nomination for judge of the New York Court of 
 Appeals, but he invariably declined to enter the field. 
 Having been nominated for judge of the Superior Court 
 of Buffalo, he declined to run, but on a subsequent 
 occasion he permitted the use of his name for that office, 
 but was defeated with his party at the polls. 
 
 While engaged in the practice of his profession, he 
 edited and published the sixth edition of the Revised 
 Statutes of New York, in three massive volumes, con- 
 taining 3700 pages. The labor bestowed upon these 
 volumes was immense, and for this work, and his high 
 standing at the Bar, he received the honorary degree of 
 LL. D. He has also edited the latest editions of the 
 Illinois Revised Statutes in one compact volume. It is 
 the edition now used by judges and lawyers almost 
 exclusively. The same evidences of careful preparation, 
 which made his New York Statutes so valuable, are 
 observable in this later work. 
 
 Judge Cothran is a great lover of books, and has 
 pretty thoroughly traversed the whole range of literature. 
 His private library is unique, and embraces a large collection on the origin, formation, and progress of religions 
 and religious ideas. His law library is probably more thoroughly annotated than any other in the city. Art and 
 music are his hobbies. His house, at No. 83 Hodge avenue, is literally filled with oil paintings by distinguished 
 foreign and American artists. But his musical library, probably the largest private collection in America, is 
 an object of curiosity as well as of peculiar interest. It embraces all the choice editions of the great tone 
 poets, as well as nearly all modern composers of any merit or celebrity, all conveniently arranged and beauti- 
 fully bound. It is envied by all musicians, many of whom avail themselves of it to consult rare works. 
 
 His schooling was the schooling of practical life, resulting from the "struggle for existence" by a young 
 man with no other means than brains and a determination to achieve success. While not a graduate of any 
 college, he has been a great friend of educational institutions, and was one of the founders of the Buffalo 
 College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was its first president, and until after his removal to Chicago, 
 occupied the chair of medical jurisprudence. 
 
 As a lawyer he is distinguished by clearness and comprehensiveness of statement, and clearness of 
 argument, preferring to solve a legal problem by argument and general principles of law, than by a mass 
 
 GEORGE W. COTHRAN, LL. D. 
 
lyS BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 of mere authorities, ttiough he is exceedingly diligent and patient in research when he depends upon author- 
 ities. Candid, cautious, thorough in the study and evolving of facts and precedents, and clear in his analysis 
 of the principles of law and equity, with a clear comprehension of the spirit and scope of jurisprudence, and 
 the independence to lay his cause before the court according to the best judgment of the law and equity of 
 the cause he is advocating, a keen sense of honor, which Wordsworth says is the finest sense of justice and 
 right which the human mind can frame, he is still a student, quiet and studious in his demeanor and habits, 
 and an indefatigable worker. He has arisen to eminence and success as the result of his own indominitable 
 energy, and inborn ability directed into the channel it has been, and controlled by himself; in short, a self- 
 made man. 
 
 HON. EDWARD W. HATCH. 
 
 Judge Hatch was born in Friendship, Allegany county. New York, on November 26, 1852. His father, 
 Jeremiah Hatch, a descendant of Captain Jeremiah Hatch, who served in the Revolutionary War, was 
 educated at Middlebury, Vermont, became a tutor in Newberne, North Carolina, and subsequently was prin- 
 cipal of Friendship academy. In 1856 he became canal collector on the Genesee Valley canal, and read law 
 in the office of A. P. Laning. At the breaking out of the war he raised a company, and went out as captain 
 in the 130th New York Volunteers, and died at Suffolk, Virginia, in December, 1862. Judge Hatch's mother 
 was a daughter of Sidney Rigdon. After the death of Captain Hatch, the family removed to Friendship, 
 where Judge Hatch attended the academy in the autumn and winter months, until he was sixteen years old. 
 He then learned the blacksmith's trade, working at it in his native county, and also in the lumber woods of 
 Pennsylvania, and at Attica, Wyoming county. New York, until December, 1872. During all these years, 
 however, he had a latent ambition to become a lawyer as soon as circumstances should permit. An oppor- 
 tunity came in 1872, when he began to read law in the office of the Hon. Andrew J. Lorish, afterwards 
 county judge of Wyoming county, then postmaster at Attica, and at the same time he was made a clerk in 
 the post-office. In 1874 he came to Buffalo, and entered the law offices of Corlett & Tabor, the former of 
 whom afterwards became a justice of the Supreme Court, and the latter Attorney-General of the State. This 
 firm dissolved in 1875, Judge Hatch remaining with Judge Corlett until he was admitted to the Bar in 1876. 
 He then practiced law alone for two years until 1878, when he formed a partnership with his former preceptor. 
 Judge Corlett, which continued until the latter went upon the bench in 1883. 
 
 In 1880, and again in 1883, Judge Hatch was nominated by acclamation by the Republican party for the 
 office of District-Attorney of Erie county. New York, and was twice elected to that important position by 
 large and increasing majorities. In January, 1884, he became a member of the law-firm thereafter known 
 as Box, Hatch & Norton, in which he continued until January i, 1887, when he was elected one of the judges 
 of the Superior Court of Buffalo, to which office he had been chosen for fourteen years, in the previous 
 autumn, by a large majority. This court, which, in the City of Buffalo, had equal jurisdiction with the 
 Supreme Court, was abolished on January i, 1896, by the new State constitution adopted in 1894, and its 
 judges transferred to the Supreme Court for their unexpired terms, with somewhat limited territorial juris- 
 diction. Judge Hatch was, thereupon, in the autumn of 1895, nominated as one of the Supreme Court 
 justices for the entire Eighth Judicial district, embracing Western New York, with full powers, and elected by 
 a large vote for a new fourteen-year term, beginning January i, 1896, thereupon resigning his unexpired 
 term as a Superior Court judge. The new constitution also provided for the establishment of four appellate 
 divisions of the Supreme Court, to be composed of justices thereto assigned by the Governor. Judge Hatch 
 was designated as one of the five appellate judges for the Second department, comprising Kings and adjoining 
 counties, his appointment being for five years. He entered upon his new duties at Brooklyn in January, 
 1896. Judge Hatch, in addition to his legal duties, has always shown an active interest in public, literary, 
 and social questions, and is frequently heard on the lecture platform. His career has been one of rapid but 
 merited progress and promotion, and has been based on ability, integrity, and persevering industry. 
 
 HON. ROBERT C. TITUS. 
 This distinguished lawyer and jurist was born at Eden, Erie county, New York, October 24, 1839. His 
 ancestors were Scotch, and for many generations lived in the north of Ireland. Some of them emigrated to 
 America in the early days of its colonization, and from them was descended James B. Titus, a son of Robert 
 Titus, son of Timothy Titus. James B. Titus was born at Hebron, Connecticut, July 19, 1794, and at an 
 early age removed with his parents to Richfield, Otsego county. New York, where, on January 2, 1817, he 
 
■i;:** 
 
 HON. EDWARD W. HATCH. 
 
i8o 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 married Esther, daughter of Sterling Yeomans of that place. He started on horseback with his young wife 
 
 for the Hollafid purchase, then known as the ' 
 ness, in what is now the eastern part of Eden 
 
 Far West," and built himself a dwelling-house in the wilder- 
 In 1831 he moved into a larger house, and raised his family 
 in peace and contentment. He was a colonel in the State 
 militia, and prominent in affairs of that section. He died 
 in 1839, leaving a widow and eight children, who nobly 
 faced the struggle to support her family, and brought 
 them up with care and in comfort. The subject of this 
 biographical sketch was prepared for college in the 
 public schools of Erie county, and entered Oberlin Col- 
 lege in 1857. He pursued his studies there for two 
 years, teaching school during the winter to pay for his 
 tuition. In i860 he removed from Oberlin to Hamburgh, 
 New York, and began his law studies in the office of 
 Hon. Horace Boies, ex-governor of Iowa. In 1863 he 
 organized a company of volunteers, which was after- 
 wards attached to the Ninety-eighth Regiment, N. G. 
 N. Y., and was mustered out of service December 22, 
 1864. The year afterwards he was admitted to the Bar, 
 and was appointed special deputy clerk of Erie county 
 under Dr. Lewis P. Dayton, and remained in this 
 position until 1866. He then opened a law office in 
 Hamburg, and in 1867 was the Democratic candidate 
 for Assembly, but was defeated. In 1871 his party 
 nominated him for surrogate, and, notwithstanding he 
 was some eight hundred votes ahead of his ticket, he 
 was defeated by the Republican candidate by a small 
 plurality. In 1873 he removed to Buffalo, and formed 
 a partnership with Joel L. Walker, in the practice of 
 law, and in 1877 he was elected district attorney over 
 the Republican candidate by 2200 majority. He was 
 renominated in 1880, but was defeated, although he was twelve hundred votes ahead of the ticket. In 
 1879, Mr. Titus became a partner in the firm of Osgoodby, Titus & Moot, with which firm he was connected 
 until 1883, when he formed a partnership with B. S. Farrington, under the firm style of Titus & Farrington, 
 which continued until 1886. In i88i he was unanimously nominated as the Democratic candidate for State 
 senator from the Thirty-first district, and was elected by a majority of 5528 votes, running over seven 
 thousand votes ahead of the ticket, and was reelected in 1883. In 1885 he was elected Judge of the Superior 
 Court of Buffalo, and was made chief judge by his associates in January, 1891. He is an eminently able and 
 upright jurist, and has won universal regard in his official station. By the adoption of the new constitution 
 in 1895, abolishing the Superior Court, Judge Titus became a justice of the Supreme Court, which position 
 he now adorns. He is a Mason and a member of the thirty-third degree Scottish Rite. He was married in 
 1867 to Miss Arvilla Clark, daughter of Allen Clark of Gowanda, New York, and has two children. 
 
 HON. ROBERT C. TITUS. 
 
 HON. ALBERT HAIGHT. 
 
 As an able lawyer and a learned, upright judge, Hon. Albert Haight has occupied a prominent position in 
 official, professional, and social circles in this city and State for more than a quarter of a century. He was 
 born in Ellicottville, New York, February 20, 1842, and was educated in the public schools of the district, 
 and subsequently at the Springville, New York, academy, and having completed a thorough course of law 
 studies, was admitted to the Bar as an attorney and counselor in 1863. He married Miss Angeline Waters 
 of West Falls, New York, November 20, 1864. He was elected supervisor of Erie county from the Second 
 ward of Buffalo for three successive terms, 1869, 1870 and 1871 ; and in 1872 was elected Judge of the County 
 Court of Erie county, and four years later he was elevated to the Bench of the Supreme Court for the Eighth 
 judicial district of New York, and was reelected a Justice of the Supreme Court in 1890. In 1884 he was 
 appointed Associate Justice of the General Term of the Supreme Court, Fifth department, by Governor 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 i8i 
 
 HON. ALBERT HAIGHT. 
 
 Cleveland. In 1889 he was appointed Associate Judge 
 of the Court of Appeals, second division, by Governor 
 Hill. In 1892 was again appointed an Associate Justice 
 of the General Term by Governor Flower, and in 1894 
 was elected Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals of 
 the State. For almost an entire generation this eminent 
 jurist has worn the judicial ermine with honor to himself 
 and his fellow-citizens, and enjoys to the full the confi- 
 dence and esteem of the people. He is one of the most 
 popular and honored of Buffalo's citizens and has largely 
 contributed to the building up of the city. 
 
 HON. LORAN LODOWICK LEWIS. 
 
 For nearly half a century this distinguished lawyer 
 
 and jurist has been a prominent figure in the courts 
 
 of Buffalo, and a citizen whose worth and usefulness 
 
 have met with universal recognition, have inspired 
 
 fullest rt-gard and confidence as an able lawyer and an 
 
 efficient, upright judge. He was born May 9, 1825, at 
 
 Auburn, New York, and is a son of John C. Lewis, a 
 
 successful builder of that place, and Delecta Lewis, nee 
 
 Barbour. He first attended the public schools of Auburn, 
 
 and was graduated from a private school where he had 
 
 pursued a full course of the classics and higher English 
 
 branches, and subsequently, at the age of nineteen 
 
 years, he began his law studies in the office of Messrs. Hulbert & Hall, with whom he remained until he 
 
 accepted a clerkship in the office of Seward & Blatchford. While thus engaged he was admitted to the Bar 
 
 at Ithaca, July 4, 1848, and the same year removed to 
 Buffalo and engaged in the practice of his profession. 
 After four years he became associated with C. O. Pool, 
 Esq., in practice for three years, when, the latter retir- 
 ing, Mr. Lewis was again alone in professional work for 
 five years, and great success marked his career. He 
 afterwards formed a copartnership with Mr. George 
 Wadsworth, which continued for one year, after which 
 Mr. Lewis was associated with William H. Gurney in 
 practice for twelve years. A. G. Rice, Esq., then became 
 a law partner of Mr. Lewis, and afterwards the firm of 
 Lewis, Moot & Lewis was organized, which has since 
 been one of the best known and most successful law 
 firms of Western New York. In 1869 he was elected to 
 the State Senate and represented his constituents in that 
 body with distinguished ability. In the fall of 1882 he 
 was elected a justice of the Supreme Court of New York, 
 and has since worn the judicial ermine with honor ; the 
 learning and ability which marked his career at the Bar 
 distinguished him among his brethren on the Bench. He 
 was an able advocate and made the trial of cases his 
 special work, and in every forum he was equal to every 
 occasion, and commanded fullest regard of court and jury 
 by his zeal and ability in the preparation and trial of his 
 cases. His long professional career was one of great 
 usefulness, and in high official station he has won the 
 HON. LORAN LODOWICK LEWIS. unlversal esteem of his fellow-citizens. He was married 
 
1 82 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 in 1852 to Miss Charlotte E. Pearson, wliose family was one of the oldest and most prominent of East Aurora, 
 New York, and their family consisted of four children — two sons and two daughters: the former comprising 
 the well-known law firm of Lewis & Lewis of this city. One of the daughters is the wife of A. R. Preston, 
 Esq., a lawyer of Buffalo, and the second is the wife of Mr. Francis U. Kahle, also of this city. Judge Lewis 
 is a Republican in politics, and a Presbyterian in his religious faith, and has been for a quarter of a century 
 a trustee of Lafayette Street Presbyterian church. He is also a director and vice-president of the Third 
 National bank and is a director of the German-American bank of this city. 
 
 HON. NELSON K. HOPKINS. 
 
 Among the names of Buffalo's honored citizens, perhaps none is better known than that of Nelson K. 
 Hopkins, born in Amherst, just east of our city line, March 2, 1816. He has resided here continuously for 
 eighty years, with the exception of the time spent in college, and in public service at Albany. He has seen 
 
 Buffalo steadily advance from a fire and war-stained 
 village of less than two thousand souls, to the proud and 
 beautiful city of to-day with our 350,000 inhabitants. 
 Timothy S. Hopkins of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, 
 came to Williamsville, Erie county, in 1800, and located 
 upon the farm where the object of this sketch was 
 born sixteen years later. He was appointed captain by 
 Governor Clinton in 1803, major by Governor Lewis in 
 1806, lieutenant-colonel by Governor Tompkins in 181 1, 
 and he served as brigadier-general throughout the War 
 of 1812, and resigned his commission when peace was 
 declared. He died at his home on January 23, 1853. 
 Nelson K. Hopkins attended the district schools in Am- 
 herst in his early boyhood, and at the age of seventeen 
 we find him in the responsible position of clerk and 
 manager in the building of the macadam road between 
 Williamsville and Buffalo. In this position he had entire 
 charge of the work and accounts of something over four 
 hundred men. At the completion of this work, Mr. Hop- 
 kins turned his attention to education, and in 1834 he 
 entered the academy at Fredonia, New York, and in 
 1837 the Wesleyan Seminary at Lima. Before entering 
 this seminary, Hopkins had been elected captain of a 
 company of militia at Williamsville, and while at school 
 his company was called out. He started immediately 
 for the front, where he enlisted in the service of the 
 United States with sixty of his men, and served in what 
 was called the "Patriot War," being stationed at the 
 foot of Ferry street, to guard the Niagara frontier. In 1842 he graduated with high honors from Union 
 College at Schenectady, New York, at which time he was elected a member of the Phi Beta Kapa society — 
 an honor conferred only upon students of the highest standing. In 1846 he was admitted to the Bar in the 
 City of New York, and has practiced law continuously in Buffalo ever since. 
 
 In politics Mr. Hopkins is a Republican. After several years of service in Buffalo as supervisor, and as 
 alderman, he was appointed collector of internal revenue by President Johnson in 1866. Without his 
 knowledge or consent, the Erie county delegation to the Republican State convention in 1871, presented his 
 name as a candidate for the office of State comptroller. He received the nomination, and was elected by a 
 handsome majority. The financial department of the State came in Mr. Hopkins' hands at a most important 
 and critical period. Tweed and his accomplices were then in power, and had sadly despoiled the finances of 
 the State. To properly fill such an important office at such a time required a man of sound business judg- 
 ment, untiring zeal and energy, of absolute honesty, integrity, and courage. The result of Mr. Hopkins' 
 administration is an abundant proof that he was indeed the right man in the right place, and his reelection in 
 1873 (the only Republican on the ticket), shows very plainly that his efforts and work were appreciated by 
 
 HON. NELSON K. HOPKINS. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 i8j 
 
 the public. During tlie four years of Democratic administration, prior to liis assuming tiie duties of office, 
 over six and one-liaif millions of dollars liad been abstracted from the sinking fund, in direct violation of 
 the constitution. During his four years of office, Mr. Hopkins saw the whole of this amount restored to the 
 treasury, and nearly twenty million dollars of the State debt paid. Mr. Hopkins was one of the organizers 
 of the Buffalo paid fire department, and he served the city for ten years as fire commissioner, his services 
 being of that careful and conservative nature which best guarded the public interest, in 1848, Mr. Hopkins 
 married Lucy Ann Allen, daughter of the Hon. Orlando Allen, then mayor of Buffalo. After her death Mr. 
 Hopkins again married, this time to Louise Ann Pratt, daughter of the Hon. Hiram Pratt, also ex-mayor of 
 Buffalo. Mr. Hopkins has six children now living, all of whom reside in the city of Buffalo. 
 
 GEORGE GORHAM. 
 
 The subject of this biographical sketch, one of the oldest and most distinguished lawyers of Buffalo, was 
 born May 23, 1837. His ancestors were among the earliest and most prominent settlers of New England. 
 His great-grandfather, Nathaniel Gorham, being one of the framers of the constitution of the United States, 
 and his grandfather, Nathaniel Gorham, who was the partner of 
 Oliver Phelps in the purchase from the state of Massachusetts in 
 1789 of all the western portion of New York, known as the "Phelps 
 and Gorham purchase." George Gorham was educated at Canan- 
 daigua, Ontario county. New York, and at Phillips' academy, Exeter, 
 New Hampshire. He was graduated from Harvard University in 
 1857, and afterwards began the study of law in the office of Smith 
 & Lapham of Canandaigua, and was admitted to the Bar in 1858. 
 He came to Buffalo in 1861, and was the same year appointed Clerk 
 of the United States District Court, which position he held until 
 January i, 1867, when he resigned to engage in the practice of law 
 in partnership with Hon. Lyman K. Bass. In 1870 the firm was 
 dissolved and for two years Mr. Gorham was alone in professional 
 work. He formed a partnership with Hon. E. Carleton Sprague 
 January i, 1872, which continued until 1879, since which time he 
 has been alone in practice. He is one of Buffalo's oldest and ablest 
 counselors, and his long professional career has been one of great 
 success and usefulness, and in all undertakings for the general good 
 he has ever been active and earnest. He is a member of the council 
 of the University of Buffalo, and is ex-president of the Buffalo 
 Library. He has also been prominent in social life. He is ex-presi- 
 dent of the City club, and is an honored member of the Buffalo and Ellicott clubs, and is president of the 
 Buffalo Abstract Company. He was married in i860 to Miss Emily, daughter of Hon. Nathan K. Hall, 
 Postmaster-General in the cabinet of President Fillmore. She died in 1863, and three years later he was 
 married a second time to Miss Ellen A. Marvine of Auburn, New York, who died in 1887. 
 
 GEORGE GORHAM. 
 
 HON. JAMES A. ROBERTS. 
 
 This able lawyer and popular Comptroller of the State of New York was born in Waterboro, Maine, 
 March 8, 1847, and began life on a farm in that state. In early manhood he resolved, if possible, to obtain a 
 collegiate education, and, under circumstances most unpropitious, accomplished this purpose. After acquiring 
 a fair English education in the public schools, he engaged in teaching during the winter months, and in 
 summer performed the arduous work on a farm, and by the practice of most rigid economy, obtained the 
 means to secure thorough preparation for college at Auburn, Maine. The Civil War was at its height at this 
 time, and laying aside his text-books, the youth of seventeen years in 1864 enlisted in the cause of the Union, 
 and served in the ranks of the Seventh Maine battery with the Army of the Potomac until the surrender of 
 Lee at Appomattox Court House. On his return from the field he entered Bowdoin College, with a mind 
 matured by experience beyond his years, and was graduated from that time-honored institution in 1870, 
 primus inter pares with the degree of B. A. He then taught school in Portland, Maine, for one year, and 
 removing to Buffalo, was engaged in teaching in this city for three years, during which time he pursued the 
 
1 84 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 HON. JAMES A. ROBERTS. 
 
 study of law, and was admitted to the Buffalo Bar in 
 1875. l^evoting his entire energies to his professional 
 work and to the promotion of important commercial 
 enterprises, with literary culture of a high order, sup- 
 plemented by rare business tact, Mr. Roberts soon 
 obtained prominence both in his profession and in 
 business circles, at a time when Buffalo had entered 
 upon a period of wonderful growth and prosperity. In 
 real estate enterprises, and the inauguration of banking, 
 and the introduction of street railroads, electric lighting, 
 etc., Mr. Roberts was active and prominent, manifesting 
 business qualities of the highest order. He was an 
 earnest champion of civil service reform, and zealous in 
 behalf of pure politics. He was elected a member of the 
 State Assembly on the Republican ticket in 1879, and 
 was reelected in 1880. In the popular branch of the 
 Legislature he was, from the first, influential and efficient, 
 and represented his party and the people with marked 
 ability and fidelity. In 1893, in recognition of his states- 
 manship and integrity, he was made the Republican 
 nominee for Comptroller of the State of New York, and 
 was elected to the office, in which position he has 
 demonstrated rare executive ability, and won the esteem 
 and confidence of his fellow-citizens without distinction 
 of party; and such was his administration of affairs, 
 that he was reelected in 1895, running ahead of the 
 ticket. Still further honors doubtless await him, as the 
 logical sequence of his worth. Mr. Roberts is the head of the well-known law firm of Roberts, Becker, 
 Ashley, Messer & Orcutt, one of the leading legal firms of Western New York, interested in much of the 
 important litigation in the city, State, and Federal courts of this section. Mr. Roberts was married in 1871 to 
 Miss Minnie Pineo, who died in 1882; and in 1883 he was married 
 to Miss Martha Dresser of Auburn, Maine. He resides at No. 1195 
 Main street. 
 
 TRACY C. BECKER, A. B., LL. D. 
 This distinguished lawyer of Buffalo, a member of the well- 
 known firm of Roberts, Becker, Ashley, Messer & Orcutt, was born 
 in Cohoes, Albany county, New York, February 14, 1855. His 
 father was descended from Holland Dutch stock, while his mother's 
 ancestors were Scotch-Irish. He was educated in private schools in 
 Cohoes and Albany, and was graduated from Union College in 1874 
 with the degree of A. B. He afterwards pursued a course of law 
 studies at the Albany Law School, from which he was graduated a 
 bachelor of laws in 1876, and was admitted to practice in May of the 
 same year. His law preceptors were G. B. and J. Kellogg of Troy, 
 New York, and Hon. Simon W. Rosendale of Albany, afterwards 
 Attorney-general of the State of New York. He removed to Buffalo 
 in 1877, and began here his brilliant career as an attorney. From 
 1881 to 1885 he was second assistant district attorney of Erie county 
 during the incumbency of Hon. Edward W. Hatch as district attor- 
 ney. In 1885 Mr. Becker resigned this position to become a member 
 of the law firm of Fullerton, Becker & Hazel, which relation continued until 1891, when the firm was 
 dissolved, Mr. Becker becoming a member of the present firm of Roberts, Becker, Ashley, Messer & Orcutt, 
 at that time, as now, one of the most successful law firms of Western New York. He was one of the 
 organizers of the Buffalo Law School in 1886, and has occupied the chair of Criminal Law and Medical 
 
 TRACY C. BECKER, A. B., LL. D. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 A 
 
 Jurisprudence in tliat institution ever since. In 1888 he was appointed a member of tlie Cliarter Revision 
 committee of the Buffalo Citizens' Association, witli Jolin G. Milbum, George Clinton, Ansley Wilcox, John 
 C. Graves, and other prominent lawyers and citizens, and after arduous work for years, this committee secured 
 the passage of the new charter of Buffalo in 1891. From 1892 to 1894 Mr. Becker was chairman of the 
 executive committee of the New York State Bar Association, and in 1894 was elected president of the associa- 
 tion. Since 1887 he has been engaged with Professor R. A. Witthaus and others in preparing a work on 
 "Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology," in four volumes. The third volume has just 
 appeared, and the work thus far has received the most favorable criticism from eminent jurists and lawyers. 
 Mr. Becker was a member of the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1894, and was appointed 
 chairman of the committee on Legislative Organization in that body, and also as a member of the Judiciary 
 committee and Committee on cities. He was a most valuable and prominent member of that convention, and 
 his ability and learning were fully appreciated by his fellow-members. Mr. Becker was married in 1876 to 
 Miss Minnie A. Leroy of Cohoes, New York, daughter of Hon. Alfred Leroy, ex-mayor of that city and a 
 most prominent citizen of the place, and has one son, a student at this time at Harvard University. He 
 
 resides at 160 Highland avenue, one of the most delight- 
 ful residence sections of the city. He is prominent in 
 Masonic circles, being a member of Ancient Landmark 
 lodge, Adytum chapter, and Hugh de Payen commandery, 
 Knights Templar. He is also a member of Revere coun- 
 cil, Royal Arcanum and several beneficiary organizations, 
 and of the Buffalo and Ellicott clubs, also a member of 
 the Exempt Firemen's Association. He is a courteous 
 and cultured gentlemen, an able lawyer and safe coun- 
 selor, and a progressive and popular citizen. 
 
 HON. WILLIAM H. ORCUTT. 
 This distinguished lawyer and citizen of Buffalo 
 was born at Boston, Massachusetts, on November 15, 
 1847, where he received his early education. He 
 removed with his family to Cambridge, Massachusetts, 
 in 1861, and subsequently became a student at- Harvard 
 College, from which he was graduated with the degree 
 of A. B. in 1869, receiving the degree of A. M. in 1871. 
 He afterwards pursued a full course of law studies 
 at Harvard Law School, from which he was graduated 
 in 1873 with the degree of LL. B. He began his 
 career as an attorney in his native city, and was soon 
 appointed Judge of the District Court of Middlesex 
 county, Massachusetts, in June, 1882, and resided there 
 until October, 1889, when he resigned his seat on 
 the Bench and removed to Buffalo, and in the early part 
 of 1 891 he became a member of the well-known law 
 firm of Roberts, Alexander, Messer & Orcutt. in the fall of the same year the firm became Roberts, Becker, 
 Messer & Orcutt, and in 1894 it was again changed to Roberts, Becker, Ashley, Messer & Orcutt, which firm 
 occupies a magnificent suite of offices in the Mooney & Brisbane building. Main, corner of Clinton street. 
 The senior partner of this firm is Hon. James A. Roberts, the present efficient and popular State Comptroller 
 of New York, and it is recognized as one of the strongest law concerns of the State. Mr. Orcutt is a lawyer 
 of marked ability, reliable as a counselor, and his career has been one of uninterrupted success and great 
 usefulness. He was married in Buffalo, June 4, 1889, to Miss Leafie Sloan, and resides at 178 Summer street, 
 one of the most delightful residence sections of the city. He is an honored and influential member of both the 
 Buffalo and Ellicott clubs, and in professional and social circles is held in universal esteem. 
 
 HON. TRUMAN C. WHITE. 
 This distinguished jurist was born in Perrysburg, Cattaraugus county. New York, his parents being 
 Daniel Delavan White and Alma (Wilber) White, both of whose ancestors were of English origin. He was 
 
 HON. WILLIAM H. ORCUTT. 
 
1 86 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 educated in the public scliools of Erie county, New York, supplemented by a course of a part of two years at 
 Springville academy of Springville, Erie county, New York. While a student at this institution the call of 
 President Lincoln for volunteers was issued, and young White laid aside his text-books and enlisted as a 
 private in the Tenth New York Cavalry in the early part of 1861. From August, 1862, to March, 1863, he 
 was quartermaster-sergeant; and from March, 1863, to February, 1864, he was first sergeant of his company. 
 Young White reenlisted in the field in 1864, and was soon afterwards commissioned first lieutenant, and 
 served in that capacity during the remainder of the war with bravery and efficiency. He was mustered out 
 of service with his regiment July, 1865, at Syracuse, New York. In September of that year he went to the 
 oil regions of Pennsylvania, and came to Buffalo the following January. During his service in the army he 
 had occupied a large part of his leisure time in reading the commentaries of Blackstone and Kent, and on his 
 return to Buffalo he entered the office of Judge Stephen Lockwood, and soon afterwards became managing 
 
 clerk and a student of law with Hon. Edward Stevens, 
 then one of the most eminent lawyers of Western 
 New York, and in November, 1867, he was admitted 
 to the Bar. He at once opened an office and entered 
 upon his brilliant career as a lawyer, and a few months 
 later he was offered and accepted a partnership with 
 his preceptor, Mr. Stevens. This offer was a most 
 flattering tribute to the abilities of Mr. White as a 
 lawyer and was abundantly deserved. Mr. Stevens died 
 in 1868, after which time Mr. White was associated in 
 practice with George Wadsworth, Esq., Hon. Nelson K. 
 Hopkins, and Seward A. Simons, Esq., successively, 
 and conducted and directed a large and important 
 practice with great ability and marked success. In 
 recognition of his legal attainments, which are of a high 
 order, he was elected in 1891 Judge of the Superior 
 Court of Buffalo, and by virtue of the new constitution. 
 Judge White became a justice of the Supreme Court 
 January i, 1896, and his career as a jurist has reflected 
 honor on his character and attainments, and earned 
 for him the commendation and confidence of his fellow- 
 citizens. Judge White was married February 10, 1869, 
 to Miss Emma Kate Haskins, daughter of the late 
 Roswell W. Haskins, A. M., of Buffalo, and has one 
 son and one daughter. He resides at 150 West Utica 
 street, and enjoys in full measure the regard and esteem 
 of a large circle of acquaintances. He is an honored 
 member of the Buffalo club, a life member of the Buffalo 
 Orphan Asylum and the German Young Men's Association, and also a member of the Grand Army of the 
 Republic. He is a Royal Arch Mason. He has worn the ermine with dignity and honor, and his career as a 
 lawyer and jurist has been "sans peiir et sans reprocke." 
 
 HON. TRUMAN C. WHITE. 
 
 HON. EDWARD K. EMERY. 
 
 Called to the Bench of the Erie County Court in 1895 by an overwhelming majority, the subject of this 
 biographical notice brings to his judicial office a thorough knowledge of the principles and practice of law. 
 He entered upon the discharge of his important duties January i, 1896, with the full confidence of the Bar 
 and his fellow-citizens in his ability and worth. Judge Emery was born July 29, 1851, in Aurora, Erie 
 county. New York. His father was Josiah Emery and his mother Elizabeth C. Emery, nee Kellogg; his 
 ancestors were among the earliest settlers in Western New York, and his grandfather, Josiah Emery, was a 
 colonel in the War of 1812. Young Emery taught school during the winter months and worked on a farm 
 during the balance of the year to secure the means to pursue the study of law. He came to Buffalo and after 
 a thorough course of law reading was admitted to the Bar in 1877. He began the active practice of his 
 profession, and at once took a prominent place as an able advocate and safe counselor. He was a member of 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 187 
 
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 HON. EDWARD K. EMERY. 
 
 the State Assembly in the sessions of 1887-8, repre- 
 senting the old Fifth Erie district, and was a member 
 of the Judiciary and other important committees. On 
 his return from Albany he resumed the practice of law, 
 and his success was decided as it was eminently 
 deserved. In the fall of 1895 he was nominated by 
 the Republicans as their candidate for Judge of the Erie 
 County Court, and was elected over the Democratic 
 candidate, by a majority of over eight thousand votes. 
 He assumed the judicial ermine January i, 1896, and 
 in his career to this time he has demonstrated the 
 wisdom of the people's choice. Judge Emery is a 
 prominent Mason, and an honored member of the Odd 
 Fellows, Royal Arcanum, and other organizations. He 
 was married in 1886 to Miss Clara B. Darbie, daughter 
 of Jedediah Darbie, a prosperous manufacturer of East 
 Aurora, New York, and has one child. He is a genial, 
 courteous gentlemen, and is held in universal esteem 
 and confidence. 
 
 DANIEL J. KENEFICK. 
 This efficient and popular official is one of the recog- 
 nized leaders of the junior Bar of Buffalo, and as district 
 attorney of Erie county has added fresh laurels to his 
 fame. He was born in this city October 15, 1863, and 
 was educated in public school No. 4, and was graduated 
 from the High-school with the class of 1881. immediately afterwards he began the study of law with the 
 well known firm of Crowley & Movius, and continued with them and their successors, Messrs. Crowley, 
 
 Movius & Wiico.x, until he was admitted to the Bar, 
 October 16, 1884. He at once engaged in practice here, 
 and on January i, 1886, he was appointed to a clerkship 
 in the law department of the city, which position he 
 resigned January i, 1887, to accept the appointment of 
 second assistant district attorney under the late George 
 T. Quinby, district attorney, and on January i, 1893, 
 he was appointed first assistant district attorney, and 
 on the resignation of Mr. Quinby November 10, 1894, 
 he was appointed district attorney to fill the unexpired 
 term by Governor Flower. His nomination by the 
 Republican convention for the office in 1894 was the 
 logical sequence of his ability and efficiency, as was 
 evidenced by his administration of the affairs of the 
 office during 1893-4 while Mr. Quinby was incapacitated 
 from discharging the duties, and his election to the 
 office by the unprecedented majority of over seventeen 
 thousand votes was a testimony to his worth more 
 eloquent than words. While he was second assistant 
 district attorney he formed a copartnership with Hon. 
 Joseph V. Seaver, and on the election of the latter as 
 county judge, he became associated with Messrs. Cudde- 
 back & Ouchie, which continued until May, 1893, when 
 with William H. Love, Esq., he organized the firm of 
 Kenefick & Love, which is still conducting an important 
 law business in this city. In private practice as in 
 DANIEL J. KENEFICK. officlal statlou Mr. Keiiefick has acquitted himself with 
 
1 88 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 great honor, and his success in his profession is the natural sequence of diligent application and legal abilities 
 of a high order. He is an advocate of great ability and is fearless and impartial in the discharge of his duties, 
 and his efficiency is cheerfully attested by the whole community regardless of party, He is a member of 
 the Buffalo club, and was married to Miss Maysie Germain of this city, June 30, 1891, and resides at 791 
 Seventh street. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, and in social life as in professional circles he is held in 
 universal regard and confidence. 
 
 ARTHUR WASHINGTON HICKMAN. 
 For a quarter of a century the subject of this biographical notice has been actively and successfully 
 engaged in the practice of law in Buffalo, and is now one of the foremost and most prominent members of the 
 Bar of this city. He was born at Marshall, Michigan, June 18, 1850, his parents being Isaac Hickman 
 
 and Eliza Hickman, nee Bale. His father was a master mechanic and 
 was employed in that capacity by different railroad companies, and 
 removed to California in 1868, after his appointment as master 
 mechanic at Mare's Island Navy Yard, a Government position of 
 responsibility; his family removing to the Pacific coast the same 
 year, leaving young Arthur, then a pupil in the High-school in 
 Buffalo. This son was educated in the public and high schools of 
 this city, and after his graduation from the latter, in 1868, he began 
 the study of law in the office of Messrs. Austin & Austin of this 
 city. He was admitted to the Bar at Rochester in 1871, and 
 remained with his preceptors as a clerk for one year, when upon the 
 death of the senior member of the firm he was admitted to partner- 
 ship, the style of the firm being changed to Austin & Hickman. 
 When Mr. Austin removed to the Sandwich Islands, where he was 
 appointed to a judgeship, Mr. Hickman associated with himself in 
 practice Nathaniel S. Rosenau, which partnership continued for two 
 years, and Mr. Hickman continued in practice alone until 1893, when 
 he formed a copartnership with Mr. William Palmer, and the firm of 
 Hickman & Palmer is now one of the best known law concerns of 
 the city, being engaged in a large and important practice in the State 
 and Federal courts. He is well known in social life, being a member 
 of a number of clubs of Buffalo. He is a Republican in politics and represented his district in the New York 
 Legislature in 1881 and 1882, and was an eminently efficient and useful member of that body. He is an 
 esteemed member of the First Baptist church of Buffalo, and for the past fifteen years has been one of the 
 trustees, and is also one of the real estate commissioners of the German Young Men's Christian Association. 
 He was formerly secretary of the building committee of Buffalo Music Hall, is an active member of the 
 Merchants' Exchange, and of the new Ellicott club, and a life member of the Buffalo Library Association. 
 Mr. Hickman was married to Miss Alice Gregory, daughter of Willis S. Gregory, Esq., of Buffalo, and has 
 three sons and three daughters, the two elder children attending High-school and the four younger being 
 pupils of school No. 16. Mr. Hickman is an able advocate and a safe counselor, and is held in high esteem. 
 
 ARTHUR W. HICKMAN. 
 
 MATTHIAS ENDRES. 
 
 As a man of the people, successful lawyer, popular with the masses, and an active, efficient public 
 officer, "Matt" Endres, as he is almost universally known, has long been recognized as one of the most 
 prominent professional men and citizens of Buffalo. He was born in this city July 6, 1852, of German 
 parentage, and attended the public and sectarian schools here until 1864, when he began life as a newsboy, 
 carrying the Buffalo "Democrat." From this humble beginning he became an apprentice and learned the 
 printing business in the office of the "Democrat," where he remained until 1867, when he left to learn the 
 plumbing and gas-fitting business with Messrs. Keenan & Wilson, with whom he continued until 1872, and 
 his thorough knowledge of the practical part of the business is attested by his work in many of the principal 
 buildings of Buffalo. He then began the study of law in the office of Judge Hinson, and was admitted to the 
 Bar of Erie county in 1875. From 1876 to 1879 he was successfully engaged in practice in New York City, 
 where he first engaged in political affairs, and made his maiden "stump" speech for Tilden from a truck in 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 189 
 
 the open air in the Eighth assembly district. He returned to Buffalo and became a member of the reportorial 
 staff of the "News" and "Truth." In 1880 he became the founder and publisher of the "Saturday Sun," 
 and two years later he, with two other printers, started the first sporting paper in Buffalo, the "Sporting 
 World," and afterwards returned to the case in the office of the "Courier." In 1884 he again took up the 
 practice of law, and on January i, 1888, he formed a copartnership with Judge Hinson, which continued 
 until the latter was elected Judge of the Municipal Court in 1892, since which time Mr. Endres has been 
 engaged in practice alone. 
 
 In 1880-1 he contested the old Second assembly district with Frank Sipp, but was defeated, and in 1887 
 he was again nominated by the Democrats for Assembly and defeated Henry W. Brendel, and in 1888 he was 
 reelected, defeating the late Henry J. Kreinheder. In 1889, and again in 1890, he was returned a member 
 of the Legislature, the last time by the largest majority ever given in the district. In 1891 he was made the 
 nominee of the Democrats for senator from Erie county, before the division of the county, and was elected by 
 a majority of eight hundred over Senator John Laughlin. In 1893 he was nominated, but was defeated, in the 
 new district which had been organized, by Charles Lamy. During his legislative career Mr. Endres gave 
 special attention to labor interests. He was the "father" of the vacation law for firemen, and also of the 
 eight-hour law for patrol drivers, police officers, and doormen. He was opposed to capital punishment and 
 voted against the introduction of electrocution. He was the only one of the Buffalo delegation in the Legisla- 
 ture who voted against the Buffalo charter bill, because of the many commissioners to be appointed under its 
 provisions. He was always active, fearless, and conscientious in the discharge of his official duties, and 
 enjoyed the full confidence of his constituents in his ability and integrity. He was an active and useful 
 member of the volunteer fire department from 1873 until its disbandment in 1880. He wrote the first history 
 of the fire department for the "News" in the seventies, and was secretary of Hook and Ladder Company 
 No. I. He had many narrow escapes in the discharge of his duties as fireman, on one occasion being carried 
 down with falling floors of a large barn on Genesee street, but escaping with slight injuries. Mr. Endres has 
 also been prominent in social organizations, among which are the Red Men, Bavarian National Society, of 
 which he was for three years the efficient secretary. He was a charter member of Fillmore lodge, A. O. U. W., 
 and of Resolute council. Order of United Friends. He was president of Buffalo Yunger-Maennerchor for one 
 year, of which he was one of the founders, and is a charter member of the Veteran Volunteer Firemen's 
 Association. He was married in 1874 to a lady of Vienna, Austria, 
 whose family had settled in Buffalo seven years before, and resides 
 at No. 296 Strauss street. 
 
 JAMES LESTER QUACKENBUSH. 
 
 This representative member of the junior Bar of Buffalo, the 
 present efficient city attorney, was born in Brewerton, Onondaga 
 county. New York, April 11, 1868. His father was Marcena E. 
 Quackenbush, a descendant of an old Dutch family which came to 
 New York from Amsterdam, Holland, in the seventeenth century. 
 His great-grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812, and the 
 latter's father fought in the ranks of the Continental army. 
 The mother of the subject of this notice was a daughter of James 
 McClennan, a Scotchman, who came from Belfast, Ireland, nearly 
 half a century ago. Young Quackenbush was educated in the 
 country schools of Brewerton, and in the district high schools at 
 Syracuse, New York, having lived on his grandfather's farm until 
 twelve years old, and afterwards residing in the "Salt City." He 
 came to Buffalo in 1888 and entered the Buffalo Law School, from 
 which he was graduated with the highest honors of his class in 1890, 
 
 receiving the Daniels prize for the best thesis on constitutional law. From January i, 1889, to July i, 1892, 
 he was managing clerk in the office of Lewis, Moot & Lewis, and then was associated in practice with 
 Theodore Beecher, under the firm name of Quackenbush & Beecher, with their office at 73 West Eagle street. 
 He was appointed assistant district attorney of Erie county, January i, 1895, but resigned the position to 
 accept that of city attorney, January i, 1896. He was appointed to the chair of Law of Torts in the law 
 school here, in place of the late George Wardwell, and as an instructor as in his practice he has attained 
 
 JAMES L. QUACKENBUSH. 
 
I go 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 great prominence. Mr. Quackenbush has always been a staunch Republican, and has been influential in the 
 counsels and campaigns of his party, and has for years been a recognized leader of the junior Bar of this city. 
 He was married September i, 1887, to Miss Anna M. Lewis of Central Square, New York, a daughter of a 
 prominent lawyer of that place, and has four children, three girls and one boy. He resides at 462 Auburn 
 avenue. 
 
 HON. LOUIS WILLIAM MARCUS. 
 Although one of the youngest lawyers ever elected surrogate of Erie county, the subject of this sketch is 
 fully qualified to discharge the responsible duties of the office. Judge Marcus was., born in this city May 18, 
 1863, and is of German parentage. He was educated in the public schools of Buffalo, and at Williams 
 
 academy, and afterwards became a member of the firm 
 of L. Marcus & Sons, extensive manufacturers and 
 wholesale dealers in clothing in this city, with which 
 concern he was connected for nine years. Having 
 determined on a professional career, however, he sev- 
 ered his connection with that firm and entered Cornell 
 Law school as a student, from which institution he was 
 graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1888. Returning 
 home he entered into the practice of his profession as a 
 member of the firm of Swift, Weaver & Marcus, which 
 upon the retirement of Mr. Swift became Weaver & 
 Marcus. Such were Mr. Marcus's abilities as an advo- 
 cate and counselor that he soon ranked among the 
 foremost members of the junior Bar of the city, and 
 his success was as decided as it was deserved. In 1895 
 he was nominated as the Republican candidate for 
 surrogate of Erie county, and notwithstanding the most 
 vigorous efforts to defeat him, the principal objection 
 being his youth, he was elected by a plurality of 4790 
 over George Gorham, Esq., one of the most popular 
 Democratic members of the Bar. He assumed the duties 
 of his office January i, 1896, and has so far evidenced 
 sound judgment and great legal ability on the Bench, 
 which gives promise of an official career of efficiency 
 and usefulness. Judge Marcus is a popular and influ- 
 ential Mason, and has attained the thirty-second degree 
 Free and Accepted Scottish Rite. He is a member of 
 Ancient Landmarks Lodge, No. 441, F. & A. M., and 
 also of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; holds membership in the Independent Order Red Men; is an honored 
 member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon College Fraternity, and belongs to the Acacia club. The Judge is 
 president of the Phoenix club, and under his administration they are building a fifty-thousand-dollar club- 
 house with a membership of forty-nine, which speaks well for his executive abilities. He was married 
 in November, 1889, to Miss Ray R. Dahlman, daughter of Louis Dahlman, late of this city, and resides in a 
 pleasant home at 217 Franklin street. 
 
 HON. LOUIS WILLIAM MARCUS. 
 
 HON. FRANK C. LAUGHLIN. 
 
 This well known lawyer was born in Newstead, Erie county. New York, July 20, 1859, and lived on his 
 father's farm at that place until 1865, when his parents removed to the town of Wilson, Niagara county, 
 where he remained engaged in farm work and attending the district schools during the winter months. In 
 1877 his parents removed to Lockport, where he attended the Union school for three years, at the expiration 
 of which time he entered the office of Hon. John E. Pond as a law student, and was admitted to the Bar in 
 1882. He soon afterwards came to Buffalo and entered the office of the firm of Sprague, Morey & Sprague, 
 which at that time was the counsel of the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad, as well as the legal 
 advisers of other great corporations. Mr. Laughlin was entrusted with much of the firm's litigation, and in 
 the trial of important cases placed in his charge, which gave him prominence in all the courts of the Eighth 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 191 
 
 judicial district. Wlien William F. Wortliington, Esq., was first elected city attorney of Buffalo in 1885, 
 although not personally acquainted with Mr. Laughlin, he appointed him his assistant. He entered upon the 
 duties of his office in January, 1886. During Mr. Worthington's administration the title of his office was 
 changed from that of city attorney to corporation counsel, and Mr. Laughlin was appointed city attorney, which 
 position he held until Mr. Worthington's death in 1891. His record of five years in this position was one of 
 great usefulness and success. One of the most important cases in which he secured a decision for the city 
 was the Ellicott street e.xtension litigation, involving over two hundred thousand dollars. In 1890 Mr. Laughlin 
 was nominated by the Republican city convention for the office of corporation counsel, and while the majority 
 of the Democrat candidates raised from two thousand to five thousand, he was defeated by George M. 
 Browne by a majority of twelve hundred. He afterwards resumed the practice of law on his own account 
 and was retained as counsel in the famous election inspectors' cases, the investigation of election frauds in 
 1892, and many other important cases. He subsequently associated himself with Thomas Penney, and the 
 firm of Laughlin & Penney took offices in the Erie County Savings bank building. In 1893 he was again 
 nominated by his party for corporation counsel, and was triumphantly elected over his former opponent, 
 Mr. Browne, by the magnificent majority of 7924. He is universally recognized as a lawyer of rare ability, 
 and the newspapers, without regard to party, recognized in advance of his nomination, his fitness for the 
 position of Supreme Court justice, to which he was elected by an overwhelming majority in 1895. His 
 career as a jurist begins under the most favorable auspices. 
 
 CHARLES L. FELDMAN. 
 
 The popular and efficient corporation counsel of Buffalo, Charles L. Feldman, Esq., was born in this city 
 in 1863, and has always resided here. His education was limited to his earlier years, and was obtained in 
 the public and private schools of this city. After leaving school he was engaged in various pursuits, but 
 finally decided to study law. He was admitted to practice in 
 Syracuse, New York, at the General Term of the Supreme Court 
 held in that city in January, 1884, and at once began his professional 
 career in Buffalo. In 1886 he was appointed to the office of assistant 
 city attorney under the late William F. Worthington, and served 
 the city well and faithfully in that capacity until the death of Mr. 
 Worthington in November, 1890, after which Mr. Feldman formed a 
 copartnership with Julius A. Shreiber, and under the firm name of 
 Feldman & Shreiber continued in practice until January 1895. 
 When Hon. Frank C. Laughlin was elected corporation counsel in 
 1894, he appointed Mr. Feldman to the same position he held under 
 Mr. Worthington, and in February, 1895, he was appointed city 
 attorney, which office he filled with ability until Mr. Laughlin resigned 
 his office to enter upon his duties as justice of the Supreme Court, 
 to which he had been elected in November, 1895. After Judge 
 Laughlin's resignation Mr. Feldman was unanimously chosen by the 
 Common Council as corporation counsel, the official duties of which 
 he has since discharged with efficiency and fidelity. Mr. Feldman is 
 an able advocate and reliable counselor, and is noted among his 
 professional brethren as a careful, hard-working, and successful 
 lawyer. In politics he is a Republican but has a large number of 
 friends among his political opponents as is evident from the fact that every Democratic alderman and council- 
 man voted for him when he was elected to the position he now fills so acceptably. He is a married man and 
 resides with his family, consisting of his wife and two children, at 159 Riley street. He is an attendant at 
 St. Louis' church, and is an esteemed member of the Republican league and of the Buffalo Press club. 
 
 CHARLES L. FELDMAN. 
 
 HENRY W. BOX. 
 
 Eminent as a lawyer and one of the foremost among those who have been extensively engaged in building 
 up the suburban sections of the city, Henry W. Box has been one of the prominent actors in the remarkable 
 growth of the city during the past thirty years. He was born in Cornwall, England, April 23, 1836, and 
 came to America in the spring of 1851. He located at first in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and shortly after- 
 
192 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 wards removed to the country, where he attended the public schools in winter, working on the farm during 
 the balance of the year. He subsequently attended the public schools at Bethany, Pennsylvania, and 
 afterwards became a tutor in Wyoming seminary at Bethany, Kingston, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. He 
 began the study of law with Judge Collins of Wilkesbarre as his preceptor, while conducting his classes and 
 pursuing his studies in the seminary. He then was engaged in teaching school at Scranton for two years, 
 and in Honesdale for one year, to obtain the means to complete his studies, which he finished in 1859 with 
 Messrs. William H. & S. E. Dimmick, and was admitted to the Bar. The last-named member of the firm 
 was subsequently Attorney-General of the state of Pennsylvania. Mr. Box came to Buffalo in the spring of 
 1861, and went into the law office of Hon. S. S. Rogers as clerk, and studied the New York" code, and was 
 admitted to the Bar of Buffalo a year afterwards. He began practice here as the head of the firm of Box & 
 
 -^ -^. ^■.. .maETi^^-a-. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF HENRY W. BOX, DELAWARE AVENUE. 
 
 Gurney, afterwards Box & Perkins, and still later Box, Hatch & Norton, and for many years to the present 
 the firm has been Box, Norton & Bushnell. Mr. Box has long been recognized one of the leaders of the Bar 
 of Buffalo, and one of the most successful and able practitioners in the city. State, and Federal courts. He 
 has for twenty-seven years been attorney for the Buffalo Street Railway Company, and has been prominently 
 connected with many other important business enterprises. He is a director of the Third National bank and 
 of the Loan, Trust & Safe Deposit Company of this city. He is president of the Bellevue Land Company, 
 the Lancaster Land & Improvement Company, the Buffalo, Bellevue & Lancaster Railway Company, and 
 the Lake Shore Land Company. He was for two years vice-president of the Depew Improvement Company, 
 and under the late reorganization, he was elected its secretary and treasurer, but resigned the latter position. 
 He is a member of the Buffalo club, the Country club, Ellicott club, and all the other important social organi- 
 zations of Buffalo. He is considered one of the most successful men in the city in real estate ventures. He 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 "93 
 
 commenced several years ago to purchase acre property 
 in the suburbs and improving the same, laying out and 
 grading streets, sewering, etc., and during the past fifteen 
 years he has built nearly four hundred dwelling houses. 
 Mr. Box was married to Miss May M. Peabody of this 
 city and resides at 628 Delaware avenue. 
 
 HENRY J. 
 
 WEISENHEIMER. 
 
 The subject of this biographical notice, one of the 
 younger members of the Buffalo Bar, was born in this 
 city June 20, 1858. His early education was obtained 
 in the old public school No. 8 on Church street, and 
 was finished at the High-school. Before completing 
 the full course at the latter he was offered a clerkship 
 and the privileges of a student-at-law in the office of 
 the distinguished judge of the Supreme Court, Hon. 
 Thomas Corlett, which position he accepted, and with 
 whom, and the Hon. Edward W. Hatch, now one of 
 the judges of the Appellate Division of the Supreme 
 Court at Brooklyn, New York, comprising the firm of 
 Corlett & Hatch, as his preceptors, he devoted himself 
 with assiduity to the study of law. He was admitted 
 to practice in the courts of this State in June, 1880, at 
 Buffalo, and in 1882 was admitted to the United States 
 District Court for the Northern District of New York. 
 He began his professional career alone in this city, 
 
 and has been devoted and zealous in his calling, and by honorable and upright methods, and abilities of a high 
 order, he has fully established himself in the confidence of a Jarge clientage. He has never aspired to political 
 office, and although frequently importuned to accept public positions of honor and trust, has steadily refused, 
 preferring to devote his time exclusively to his profession. His office is eligibly located at 248 Main street, the 
 same office in which he was prepared for the Bar, and he is universally recognized as one of the successful 
 advocates and counselors of this city. Mr. Weisenheimer is unmarried and resides at home with his parents. 
 He is an esteemed member of the Masonic fraternity and Buffalo Leidertafel. 
 
 HENRY J. WEISENHEIMER. 
 
JAMES PLATT WHITE, M. D. 
 
 MEDICAL PROFESSION 
 
 M' 
 
 EDICAL and surgical practitioners of education and ability were not wanting in the early days of 
 Erie county's history, but their paths were not strewn with roses. The War of 1812 greatly 
 impoverished the people, who did not soon recover from the loss incident to the destruction of the village 
 in 181 3. This condition of affairs obliged some of the physicians and surgeons to supplement their professional 
 work with other employment, their fees being small and payment precarious. The laxity of the law passed 
 in 1797, authorized the Chancellor, Judge of the Supreme Court or of the Common Pleas, or the Master in 
 Chancery, to issue license to practice medicine to those who could give satisfactory evidence of having studied 
 the science of medicine for two years, enabling almost every one who desired to follow the profession of 
 medicine to do so, without regard to ability. The efforts of those who had regularly taken their degrees were 
 for a long time directed toward having this obnoxious act repealed, and it was only after years of earnest 
 endeavor that this was accomplished. To effect this medical societies were organized, the first in 1806, when 
 twenty societies were formed in as many counties of the State, and within two years nearly every county of 
 the State boasted a medical society. The State Medical Society was organized in February, 1807, and was 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS IQ? 
 
 composed of one delegate from each of the county societies. The Niagara County Society was formed in 
 1818, and embraced the territory now constituting the county of Erie. When the latter county was formed, 
 in 1821, the Medical Society of Erie County was organized, many of its members having been on the list of 
 membership of the Niagara county society. 
 
 Doctors William Lucas, James Woodward, John Watson, Thomas B. Clarke, and Cyrenius Chapin 
 settled in New Amsterdam in 1805. The latter was from Massachusetts, and was distinguished both as a 
 physician and soldier. He took a most active part in public affairs, and especially in the War of 1812, when 
 his valor was attested in many engagements. General Porter said of him, "that with the means at his 
 command, none rendered more valuable service to the army and country than he." He was a surgeon during 
 the war and was the first president of the county medical society in 1821. In 1836 he was presented with a 
 silver service by his fellow-citizens as a testimonial of their appreciation of his character as a citizen and a 
 soldier. Dr. Chapin died in 1838 at the age of sixty-nine years. Dr. Daniel Chapin was from Connecticut 
 and came to Buffalo in 1806 or 1807. He was president of the Erie County Medical Society and also of the 
 Medical Society of the Village of Buffalo. Dr. Ebenezer Johnson came to Buffalo in 1807. He was a surgeon's 
 mate (now assistant surgeon) in the War of 1812. Dr. Josiah Trowbridge was from Connecticut and settled 
 in Buffalo in 181 1. He received from the Regents of the University the honorary degree of M. D. In 1839 
 he was president of the Erie Covmty Medical Society, and was for ten years librarian of that organization. He 
 was the first president of the Buffalo Medical Association, which was organized in 1845, was mayor of the city, 
 and held other important municipal offices. He died in 1862. Dr. John E. Marshall was from Connecticut, 
 coming to Buffalo in 181 5. He was surgeon of McMahon's regiment in the War of 1812. He was health 
 physician in 1832. He was treasurer of the Erie County Medical Society in 1826, 1827, and 1828, and its 
 president in 1830. Dr. Marshall died in 1838. 
 
 Dr. Moses Bristol, of Oneida county, New York, came to Buffalo in 1822, and became a member of the 
 Erie County Medical Society in 1823. He was censor of the society from 1834 to 1840, and its president 
 from 1833 to 1838. Failing health obliged him to relinquish his practice in 1849, and he died in 1869, having 
 "done much to elevate the character of the profession in Buffalo." Dr. Bryant Burwell came to Buffalo in 
 1824 from Herkimer county. New York, and was associated in practice with Dr. Cyrenius Chapin. In 1831 
 he became recording secretary of the new organization known as the Medical Society of the Village of Buffalo, 
 of which Dr. Chapin was president. Dr. Burwell was a delegate to the State Medical Society in 1833, and 
 represented the Buffalo Medical Association in the first and second National Medical Associations, held in 
 New York and Philadelphia respectively in 1846 and 1847. In 1850 he was a representative to the Third 
 National convention at Cincinnati, and in 1847, 1848, and 1850 he was censor of the State Medical Associa- 
 tion. He died in 1862 highly esteemed by the profession and his fellow-citizens as well. Dr. Alden S. 
 Sprague was born in New Hampshire, and came to Buffalo in 1825, and the following year became a member 
 of the Erie County Medical Society, of which he was elected treasurer in 1829, serving as such till 1833. 
 He was president of the society from 1835 to 1851. He was distinguished both as a physician and surgeon, 
 and was one of the foremost citizens of his day. Dr. Charles Winne was born in Albany, New York, and 
 removed to Buffalo in 1833, and the same year joined the Erie County Medical Association. He was health 
 physician in 1836, and treasurer of the county society in 1836, 1837, and 1838, and secretary in 1845-6. 
 He was associated in practice with Dr. Josiah Trowbridge, and later with Dr. Walter Carey. He was the 
 efficient president of the county society in 1863, and for several years was surgeon to the Buffalo Hospital of 
 the Sisters of Charity. He was a gentleman of great literary taste, and was well versed in science and art. 
 He died in 1877. 
 
 Dr. Gorham F. Pratt was born in New Hampshire, and settled in Buffalo in 1830 as a student of medicine 
 in the office of Dr. Cyrenius Chapin. He became a member of the county society in 1833, ^nd was its 
 secretary from 1834 to 1840, and president in 1841. He had an extensive practice, including many of the first 
 families in the city among his patients. Dr. James Edwin Hawley of Buffalo became a member of the medical 
 society in 1832, and was its vice-president in 1832, and president in 1837. In 1848 he became a permanent 
 member of the State Medical Society. Dr. Josiah Burns came to Buffalo in 1832. He was a graduate of 
 Yale and of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He joined the county society in 1833, 
 and was librarian in 1835, 1836, and 1837; secretary, 1840-1 ; president in 1842, and treasurer from 1847 to 
 1851. He was an accomplished scholar and a very successful physician. He died in 1871. Dr. James P. 
 White was born in New York State, and was graduated from Jefferson Medical College. He began the study 
 of medicine with Dr. Josiah Trowbridge as his preceptor in 1830, and obtained his diploma and degree in 
 1834. He joined the medical society the same year, and was librarian in 1840; secretary, 1842, 1843, and 
 
196 BUFFALO AhlD NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 1844, and president in 1855. He paid special attention to surgery for ten years, and afterward devoted his 
 abilities to obstetrics and gynecology during the rest of his life, a period of thirty -five years. He ably 
 filled the chair of obstetrics in Buffalo Medical College. He was a delegate to the National Medical Association 
 at Cincinnati in 1850, and was elected vice-president of that body in 1877, and the year previous was elected 
 one of the vice-presidents of the International Medical Congress in Philadelphia. In 1870 he was president 
 of the State Medical Society. He cooperated with Bishop Timon in founding the Buffalo Hospital of the 
 Sisters of Charity, and was active in establishing the Maternity and Foundling Hospital, the Providence 
 Insane Asylum, and the Buffalo City Hospital. He suggested the establishment here of the State Lunatic 
 Asylum and was one of the managers from the beginning, and was subsequently the president. During the 
 late Civil War he was appointed by the Government medical inspector of military hospitals in the West and 
 South-west. He contributed many valuable papers to the literature of the profession, and was active in 
 establishing the Young Men's Association, the Academy of Fine Arts, Historical Society, and Buffalo park. 
 He died September 28, 1881. Dr. H. N. Loomis came to Buffalo from Connecticut in 1836. He joined the 
 county medical society in 1837, and from 1839 to 1846 was treasurer, and its vice-president in 1851. He was 
 associated in practice with Dr. Alden S. Sprague in 1843. He ranked high in his profession and had a large 
 practice. He died in 1881. 
 
 Dr. Benjamin B. Colt located in Buffalo in 1837, and the same year became a member of the county 
 medical society. In 1837 he was associated in practice with Dr. J. E. Marshall. Dr. Samuel S. Crawford 
 began practice in Buffalo in 1837, and the same year Dr. Samuel M. Abbott located here. Dr. Nelson Peck 
 also began practice in Buffalo in 1837. Dr. Morgan L. Lewis was born in Buffalo in 1816, and began practice 
 at Black Rock. He joined the county society in 1838, and died here in 1858. He was highly esteemed, both 
 as a physician and citizen. 
 
 The officers of the Erie County Medical Society are at present: Dr. Frederick W. Bartlett, president; 
 Dr. Justin G. Thompson, vice-president; Dr. Franklin C. Gram, secretary; Dr. Edwin Clark, treasurer ; 
 Dr. William C. Callahan, librarian. 
 
 JAMES PLATT WHITE, M. D. 
 
 Certainly the most eminent physician and surgeon of his day in Buffalo, the death of this great 
 practitioner and teacher of medicine, Sepitember 28, 1881, was little less than a public calamity. Dr. White 
 was born March 14, i8ii, in Austerlitz, Columbia county. New York. He was of Puritan lineage, and 
 descended in a direct line from Peregrine White, the first male child in Plymouth Colony. His grandfather 
 was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and his father, David Pierson White, served with gallantry in the 
 War of 1812. His parents removed to East Hamburg, Erie county. New York, in 1816, which was then called 
 the far West, and lived to see their oldest son attain great eminence. He acquired an excellent English and 
 a fair classical education, and began the study of law, but shortly afterwards determined to enter the medical 
 profession. Supplementing the means which his father could afford by teaching school, he attended a course 
 of medical lectures at Fairfield, New York, and afterwards completed a full course of medical studies at 
 Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, receiving from that institution his doctor's degree. 
 Before his graduation, and during the prevalence of the cholera epidemic in 1832, the young medical 
 student was solicited to go to Black Rock as a representative of his preceptors, two of the most prominent 
 physicians of Buffalo. He acquitted himself most creditably, and this experience had doubtless great influence 
 in qualifying him for his great success in his professional career. Dr. White established himself in practice 
 in Buffalo in 1835, ^nd a year later he married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of the late Henry F. Penfield, Esq., 
 of the town of Penfield, New York, and the union was a source of mutual happiness. He shortly afterwards 
 met with a most singular accident. He was traveling in a stage-coach over a rough road, and his head was 
 jolted against the top of the coach with such force as to fracture the atlas, but without displacement of the 
 fractured parts of the bone. After a long confinement to his bed he expectorated an entire secrment of the 
 atlas, and finally recovered, with the permanent loss of the power of rotation of the head upon the neck. His 
 success in practice was great and increased with rapidity, and in a few years he had in this regard outstripped 
 his fellow-practitioners of equal age and many of his seniors, as well. For many years his practice was only 
 limited by his powers of endurance. His physical capacity for work was remarkable, and his energy, 
 promptness, genuine ability as a practitioner, secured for him such success as few attain. He was largely 
 instrumental in establishing the medical school at Buffalo, in which institution he filled the chair of Obstetrics 
 and Gynecology with great ability to the time of his death. He was the first to introduce the chemical 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 '97 
 
 illustration of labor, or as he termed it "Demonstrative Midwifery," and tlie innovation aroused a storm of 
 abuse from the enemies of the college. A protest was signed and published, and newspaper communications 
 appeared intended to excite public indignation against the author of what was denounced as an outrage upon 
 decency. Dr. White then appealed to the court, and the libel suit was a cause cekbre, in which Dr. White 
 was triumphantly vindicated. In recognition of his distinction as a teacher and practitioner he was elected 
 vice-president in 1868, and president in 1870, of the New York State Medical Society, and in 1878 he was 
 elected vice-president of the American Medical Association, and he was afterwards elected a corresponding, 
 and subsequently an honorary fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. He was also one of the vice- 
 presidents of the Medical Congress at Philadelphia in 1876. He was the first to demonstrate the feasibility 
 of the operation for restoring the inverted uterus, and two of his cases were published before the case reported 
 by Tyler Smith of London, for whom priority has been claimed. He also devised a valuable improvement in 
 the construction of obstetrical forceps. During the latter part of his life he devoted much attention to 
 ovariotomy, and his reputation in this branch of surgery led to his being called to operate in distant parts of 
 the country. Although having but little leisure Dr. White contributed many articles for medical publications, 
 etc. He was the author of the articles on Pregnancy in " Beck's Medical Jurisprudence," edited by the late 
 Professor Oilman, and of the life of Bard 
 in the " Lives of Distinguished American 
 Physicians and Surgeons" edited by Pro- 
 fessor Gross. He was always active in 
 behalf of medical relief, and cooperated 
 actively with Bishop Timon in establishing 
 the Buffalo Hospital of the Sisters of Char- 
 ity, and of the Maternity and Foundling 
 Hospitals and of the Providence Asylum 
 for the Insane. The location here of the 
 State Lunatic Asylum was chiefly due to 
 his influence, of which institution he was 
 manager from its foundation, and president 
 until shortly before his death. He was a 
 zealous member of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church, and was active in behalf of its 
 charitable organizations. He was one of 
 the founders of the Young Men's Associa- 
 tion, the Academy of Fine Arts, and of the 
 Historical Society here. His sympathy and 
 cooperation were always enlisted in all 
 improvements in sanitation, and move- 
 ments for the beautifying of the city. He 
 was active in securing to the city its mag- 
 nificent parks, and in the closing years of 
 his life erected the White building, one of 
 the finest business structures in the city. 
 In figure he was tall and commanding, and 
 of a cheerful temperament. He was thor- 
 oughly domestic in his tastes, and his long 
 career of usefulness ended in a peaceful, 
 hopeful death. His widow passed away 
 in less than four months after her distin- 
 guished husband died. 
 
 DR. JOHN CRONYN. 
 
 This distinguished physician and surgeon of Buffalo was born in Ireland in 1827. His first instruction 
 was received from his father and at a monastery school in Cork, and later with private tutors at Knox's 
 College and at the University of Toronto, Canada. In 1850 he passed his examination in the medical 
 department of the University of Toronto, but was prevented from taking his degree on account of the test oath 
 
 DR. JOHN CRONYN. 
 
1 98 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 which required graduates to subscribe to the thirty-nine articles. This, being a Roman Catholic, he refused 
 to do, and was obliged to go before the Provincial Licensing Board, which admitted him to practice, and a few 
 years later the Canadian government having removed all sectarian restrictions, he immediately applied for 
 and obtained his degree of M. D., his thesis being awarded the Chancellor's prize. He began his professional 
 career as a practitioner of medicine at Fort Erie and in the adjoining counties, where he remained for nine 
 years, during which time he was for several years local superintendent of schools, and during this time he 
 was also elected reeve. In 1859 Dr. Cronyn removed to Buffalo, and has since been recognized as one of the 
 leaders in his profession in this place. He has been for the past thirty-five years on the staff of the Sisters' 
 Hospital, at first as surgeon, and subsequently as physician-in-chief. During eight of those years he was 
 marine surgeon at this port, and in all his official relations he has been uniformly zealous and efficient. He 
 has been president of the New Yorl< State Medical Association, and at different times president of the Erie 
 County Medical Society, and also of the city society. In 1883 he was largely instrumental in the establish- 
 ment of the Medical Department of Niagara University, in which he occupies the chair of Professor of 
 Principles and Practice of Medicine, and president of the faculty. In 1888 Niagara University conferred upon 
 him the degree of Ph. D., and in 1893 that of LL. D. 
 He is an honorary member of the Ontario Medical 
 Association and also a member of the board of managers 
 of the State Hospital, of which board he was for years 
 president. Dr. Cronyn is one of the best known and 
 most useful citizens of Buffalo. He has ever been fore- 
 most in every movement for the general good, and alil<e 
 in professional and social circles he is recognized as one 
 of the oldest and ablest medical and surgical practitioners 
 in Buffalo, whose long career of usefulness has largely 
 contributed to the welfare of the people and the advance- 
 ment of medical science in this city. 
 
 JOSEPH C. GREENE, M. D. 
 The position of Dr. Joseph C. Greene in medical 
 circles and municipal affairs of Buffalo is such that 
 any mention of the men who have made the city what 
 it is without reference to him would be incomplete. 
 He was born in Lincoln, Vermont, July 31, 1829, his 
 family being of the best New England stock, some of 
 his ancestors having been prominent in the stirring 
 scenes of colonial history. His paternal line runs back 
 to Samuel Greene, a native of England, who emigrated 
 to America and settled in Boston in 1630. Isaiah 
 Greene, one of his descendants, removed from Ken- 
 sington, New Hampshire, to Weare in that state, where 
 Stephen Greene was born, and the latter removed to 
 Vermont in 1827, where he married Lydia Chase the 
 following year, and to them were born twelve children, all of whom are now living. Joseph, the subject of 
 this biographical sketch, was the eldest of the family. The first sixteen years of his life were passed in the 
 best possible preparatory school, the summer work on a New England farm, and the winters in the common 
 schools. In 1846 he was sent to an excellent boarding school at Nine Partners, Dutchess county. New York, 
 and from there he was transferred a little later to Barry Academy, Vermont, where he obtained a liberal 
 education and from which he was graduated. His personal tastes led him to choose the profession of 
 medicine, and he entered the office of Dr. Hugh Taggart, a leading physician of Western Vermont, as a 
 medical student. He attended four full courses of lectures in Wootlstock, Castleton, and Albany Medical 
 colleges, receiving his degree of M. D. from the last-named institution in 1855. To make his preparation for 
 professional practice as thorough as possible, he went to New York City after his graduation, and took what 
 is now termed a polyclinic course in the various hospitals there. He returned to hrs native state and be^an 
 the practice of medicine in Charlotte, and in 1863 he decided to seek a broader field and removed to Buffalo, 
 where he has attained eminence among his professional brethren, due to his talents and manly character! 
 
 JOSEPH C. GREENE, M. D. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 199 
 
 He is ex-president of the fourtii brancli of the New York State Medical Association, an honored member 
 and ex-president of the Erie County Medical Society, and ex-president of the Buffalo Historical Society. In 
 1873 and 1874 he was district physician to the Buffalo Board of Health, and January i, 1885, he took his 
 seat in the Common Council as alderman. He is known as a staunch Republican, and in official life was 
 efficient and faithful. He is prominently connected with the Masonic order and is a Knight Templar, Shriner, 
 and a member of the thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite. He was married September 21, 1856, to Miss Julia 
 Taggart of Vermont, who died in Buffalo October 15, 1882, leaving three children of this marriage; viz.. 
 Dr. Dewitt C. Greene, now practicing medicine in this city ; Anna Adelaide, the wife of Edward Andrews, 
 a prominent member of the Buffalo Bar; and Julia Delphine, the wife of Frederick Bush Willard, M. D., one 
 of the faculty of the Buffalo Medical College. Dr. Greene's second wife was Mary Burrows Smith of Albion, 
 New York, whom he married November 26, 1891. After twenty-five years of continuous and successful 
 practice, he with his brother. Dr. Stephen S. Greene, left Buffalo September 3, 1888, for a tour around the 
 world by way of San Francisco and Japan, Dr. Joseph C. Greene taking many side trips, one of which was 
 to Norway, " The Land of the Midnight Sun." He traveled in all about fifty-five thousand miles, occupying 
 fourteen months, and during his tour collected a museum of more than three hundred originals and copies 
 illustrating the political, religious, and social life of ancient Egypt, Syria, Assyria, and other oriental 
 countries, which he presented to the Buffalo Historical Society, where the collection is now on exhibition free. 
 Dr. Greene is an educated, genial gentleman, and a citizen who has always been active in all undertakings 
 having the growth of the city and the welfare of the people as their objects, and few men in any walk of life 
 are more widely or more favorably known than he. 
 
 ROSWELL PARK, M. D. 
 
 This distinguished surgeon was born in Pomfret, Connecticut, in 1852. His father, Rev. Roswell Park, 
 D. D., was an officer in the United States Army, and afterwards became professor in the University of Penn- 
 sylvania, and subsequently founded Racine College, Wisconsin. His ancestors on both sides were prominent 
 in the Revolutionary War. The subject of this biographical notice 
 received the degrees of B. A. and M. A. from Racine College, and 
 was graduated from the Chicago Medical College in 1876, "primus 
 inter pares." He was for a time interne in Mercy and Cook County 
 hospitals, Chicago, and afterwards became demonstrator of anatomy 
 in the Women's Medical College, and adjunct professor of anatomy 
 in his alma mater. After three years he resigned to pursue his 
 studies abroad, and after his return from Europe he was appointed 
 lecturer on surgery in Rush Medical College and surgeon of Michael 
 Reese Hospital. In 1863 he became professor of surgery in the 
 University of Buffalo, and surgeon to the General Hospital, which 
 position he still retains. Dr. Park is a member of the German 
 Congress of Surgeons, the American Surgical Association, the 
 American Association of Genito-Urinal Surgeons, the American 
 Orthopedic Association, the New York Academy of Medicine, the 
 New York State Medical Society, and many other medical and 
 surgical organizations. His practice is limited exclusively to surgery, 
 and both at home and abroad he is recognized authority on surgical 
 subjects. Dr. Park was for nearly ten years surgeon of the Fourth 
 brigade, N. G. N. Y., and at present is a member of the Military 
 Service Institute. He has written many valuable papers for medical 
 
 journals, cyclopaedias, and other publications, and his monograph on brain surgery is recognized by the 
 profession as one of great merit. He published in 1892 a volume of " Mutter Lectures on Surgical Pathology," 
 and was for years associate editor of "The Annals of Surgery" ; also of the weekly "Medical Review" of 
 Chicago, and later of the " Medical Press" of Western New York. He has now in press two distinct works, 
 one on "The History of Medicine," the other "A Treatise on Surgery" (two volumes), which will be 
 published in 1896. 
 
 ROSWELL PARK M. D. 
 
200 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 STEPHEN S. GREEN, M. D. 
 
 STEPHEN S. GREEN, M. D. 
 
 This well-known and eminently successful physician and surgeon of Buffalo is a lineal descendant of 
 Samuel Green, who emigrated from England to Boston in 1630. Stephen S. Green, the father of Dr. Green, 
 removed from Weare, New Hampshire, to Starksboro, Addison county, Vermont, in 1827, where the following 
 year he was married to Lydia Chase, the daughter of Joseph Chase, a prominent minister of the society of 
 Friends and a descendant of the early Holland Dutch families who settled near New York City. To them 
 fourteen children were born, seven sons and seven daughters, of whom twelve are now living, six sons and 
 six daughters. The subject of this biographical notice was born in Starksboro, Vermont, January 6, 1839, 
 and in his boyhood he attended the public schools of his native town. He was afterwards instructed in the 
 academies at Bristol and at Barre, Vermont, and for two years was a student at Nine Partners' Friends' 
 College, at Washington, Dutchess county. New York. For two years following he was engaged in teaching 
 and the pursuit of his medical studies, and matriculated as a student in the medical department of the 
 University of Michigan, and after one year entered the medical department of the University of New York, 
 from which he was graduated with high honors and the degree of M. D. After having successfully passed 
 the examination before the Naval Board of Medical Examiners he was appointed an assistant surgeon in the 
 United States Navy, and after a short service in that capacity at the Brooklyn Navy Yard he was ordered to 
 New Orleans, at which place he reported for duty to Admiral Farragut, who appointed him to serve on the 
 steamer Arizona of the Gulf squadron, which vessel was afterwards the flag ship of Admiral Thatcher. 
 After serving for one year here. Dr. Green was appointed by Admiral Farragut, examining surgeon, to 
 examine men transferred from the army to the naval service at New Orleans, and while in perfomance of 
 this duty he was stricken with yellow fever and removed to the Naval hospital, where he recovered after 
 several weeks, amidst the dead and dying on every side. Throughout the war Dr. Green was a faithful, 
 efficient officer, prompt in the performance of every duty, and when peace was declared he retired from the 
 Navy with the good opinion of his fellow officers and comrades in the service. He began his civil career as a 
 practicing physician in Lagrangeville, New York, and enjoyed decided success for nine years, when desiring 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 201 
 
 a larger field of professional activity he removed to Buffalo in 1875, and has since conducted a large practice 
 in this city, where he has taken rank among the foremost in his profession. In 1873 he was appointed 
 surgeon on the vessel Charles H. Marshall, plying between New York and Liverpool, and afterwards filled 
 the same position on the Alaska, a steamer sailing between Panama and San Francisco. For six years Dr. 
 Green was officially connected with the Buffalo Board of Health as district physician, and in this important 
 branch of municipal affairs he was a most zealous and useful factor. He is an honored member of the Erie 
 County, New York State, and American Medical associations, and also of the International Medical Congress, 
 and an able member of his profession. He is also prominent and popular in social circles, and is influential in 
 Masonic counsels. He is a member of Queen City lodge, F. & A. M.; Keystone council; Keystone chapter, 
 R. A. M.; Hugh De Payen Commandery, Knights Templar; Buffalo Consistory, and is a Noble of the Mystic 
 Shrine. He has attained the thirty-second degree Scottish Rite, and is a prominent member of the Acacia 
 club. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen organizations, and an active 
 
 member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Dr. Green 
 was married in 1866 to Miss Charlotte S. Cornell, 
 daughter of John C. Cornell, a manufacturer of Gays- 
 ville, Windsor county, Vermont, and has four children, 
 Wallace C, Mortimer T., Evalena, and Gertrude L. 
 Green. In 1888 he made a tour of the world, and has on 
 different occasions visited the principal points in South 
 and Central America and the Pacific Coast, and is one 
 of the most genial and cultured gentlemen of Buffalo, 
 and a valued and progressive citizen. 
 
 THOMAS LOTHROP, M. D. 
 This eminent physician and progressive citizen of 
 Buffalo is a lineal descendant of Rev. John Lothrop, 
 who emigrated from England and settled in Scituate in 
 1634, and in Barnstable, Massachusetts, 1639. Dr. 
 Lothrop was born in Provincetown, Massachusetts, 
 April 16, 1836. He was graduated from Clinton (New 
 York) Liberal Institute in 1855, and matriculated as a 
 medical student in the University of Michigan the same 
 year, from which institution he was graduated with the 
 degree of Doctor of Medicine in March, 1858. He 
 received the ad eundcni degree of Doctor in Medicine 
 from Niagara University in 1886, and the degree of 
 Ph. D. causa honoris from the same institution in 1893. 
 He began his long and useful career as a physician and 
 surgeon in Corunna, Michigan, in 1858, and removed to 
 this city the following year, and has since that time 
 been actively and successfully engaged in practice here. On coming to Buffalo he took charge of the practice 
 of Dr. John D. Hill during the latter's absence in Europe in 1859 and i860, and in the autumn of the latter 
 year he located in Black Rock, where he was engaged in practice until 1871, when he removed to 260 Pearl 
 street, and in 1890 he removed to his present delightful location, 153 Delaware avenue, his active practice in 
 this city covering a period of thirty-seven years. In 1869 Dr. Lothrop was elected superintendent of education 
 of the city, assuming the duties of the office in 1870, his term expiring February 12, 1872. He has been 
 senior editor of the "Buffalo Medical and Surgical Journal" from 1879 to the present, and since 1890 has 
 been one of the trustees of the Buffalo State Normal School. He was appointed manager of the Buffalo State 
 Hospital in 1892, and was president of the Buffalo Academy of Medicine in 1893-4. He is a fellow of the 
 American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and is professor of obstetrics of the medical depart- 
 ment of Niagara University, and is a founder of and physician to the Buffalo Women's Hospital ; attending 
 physician to St. Francis' Hospital ; consulting physician to Providence Retreat for Insane, the Buffalo Hospital 
 of Sisters of Charity, and the Erie County Hospital, and is the president and a manager of the Church 
 Charity Foundation of Buffalo. He is a valued and useful citizen, always foremost in charitable and 
 educational affairs, and is a cultured gentleman of scholarly attainments. 
 
 THOMAS LOTHROP, M. D. 
 
202 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 ALBERT HENRY BRIGGS, M. D. 
 
 The professional career of this well-known and successful physician and surgeon of Buffalo covers a 
 period of more than a quarter of a century. He was born in Lancaster, Erie county, New York, September 
 9, 1842, and his ancestors were numbered among the most prominent and earliest settlers of New England. 
 
 After a course of instruction in the district schools at Elma, New 
 York, he attended the Union school at Batavia, subsequently taking 
 an academic course of study at the Aurora academy, and afterwards 
 attending the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, New York, from 
 which he was graduated. He matriculated as a student in the 
 Buffalo Medical College in October, 1867, and was graduated with 
 the degree of M. D. from that institution February 20, 1871. He 
 entered upon his professional career in this city with his office on 
 Michigan street, where he remained for ten years, and his success 
 was decided and eminently deserved. He removed to his present 
 desirable location, corner of Hudson street and West avenue, in 1881, 
 where he has since remained, taking a prominent place among his 
 fellow-practitioners and successfully conducting a large and steadily 
 growing practice. He was appointed post-mortem examiner of Erie 
 county soon after he entered upon his useful career by the Board of 
 Supervisors, without solicitation on his part, and discharged his 
 official duties with marked ability, and after the expiration of his 
 term he was appointed physician of the Second and Third wards of 
 the city, which position he filled with commendable efficiency for 
 three years and three months. In 1880 he was appointed health 
 physician of Buffalo by the Board of Health, serving in that capacity 
 for two years, and in 1884 he was appointed a second time to the office, and ably performed the official 
 functions for four years. During this period he organized the department of vital statistics, of which he was 
 the first registrar, and his official life throughout was one of great usefulness and faithful performance of 
 official duty. In 1881 Dr. Briggs was appointed grand medical examiner of the Ancient Order United 
 Workmen for the State of New York, which position he still retains. He was appointed assistant surgeon of 
 the Sixty-fifth regiment, N. G. N. Y., with the rank of first lieutenant 1879, captain and surgeon June 7, 
 1881, and promoted to the rank of major April 23, 1883. He is still a member of the regimental staff, and as 
 an officer is held in highest esteem by the entire regiment, enjoying universal popularity. In military circles 
 as in private practice and official station. Dr. Briggs has ever been active, energetic, and reliable, and his 
 friends are legion in social and professional life. He was married June 7, 1863, to Miss Meckie, daughter of 
 Thaddius Baker, M. D., a prominent physician of Andover, Alleghany county. New York. He is an active 
 and esteemed member of the Buffalo Academy of Medicine, the Erie County Medical Society, the American 
 Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, the Association of Military Surgeons of the 
 United States, and of the Medical Union. Also of Washington Lodge, No. 240, F. & A. M., and of the Acacia 
 club, the Ancient Order United Workmen, and several other fraternal organizations. Dr. Briggs is one of 
 the most affable and courteous of men, a conscientious practitioner and a most useful and valued citizen. 
 
 ALBERT HENRY BRIGGS, M. D. 
 
 JOSEPH FOWLER, M. D. 
 
 For nearly thirty years the subject of this biographical sketch has been a resident of the City of Buffalo. 
 Dr. Fowler was born in the township of Clifton Park, county of Saratoga, State of New York, May 3, 1847, 
 which was also the birth-place of his parents and grandparents. His great-grandparents were among the 
 early settlers in that part of the State. His ancestry both maternal and paternal can be traced to colonial 
 days. Dr. Fowler's early education was obtained in an academy located in his native town. When eighteen 
 years of age he began teaching school, and continued that work for three years, after which he removed to 
 the City of Buffalo and matriculated as a student in the medical department of the University of Buffalo, 
 receiving his medical degrees in 1873. '" 1881 Dr. Fowler was elected one of the coroners for Erie county 
 and served one term. In 1889 he was nominated by the Republican party for the office of superintendent of 
 education. In 1886 he was appointed surgeon to the Department of Police, which position he still holds- 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 203 
 
 JOSEPH FOWLER, M. D. 
 
 For twenty-three years Doctor Fowler has been engaged in the active practice of his profession in this city. 
 He is a member of the New Yorl< State Medical Association, Erie County Medical Society, and other medical 
 organizations. For ten years he was connected with the medical staff of the Sisters of Charity Hospital, 
 and has been an active participant in dispensary work. In politics 
 Dr. Fowler has always been a consistent, earnest Republican. He 
 is an enthusiastic believer in the confraternity of men, and for many 
 years has been an active member of many fraternal associations. 
 Dr. Fowler is a genial and cultured gentleman, and is held in high 
 esteem both in professional and social circles. 
 
 JOHN HAUENSTEIN, M. D. 
 
 The subject of this biographical sketch, who for half a century 
 
 was prominent as a physician and surgeon of Buffalo, was born in 
 
 the Canton of Argan, Switzerland, June 28, 1821. He received 
 
 his early education in the common schools of his native town, and 
 
 came to the United States when a boy of ten years of age, his family 
 
 settling in Buffalo. He afterwards began the study of medicine in 
 
 this city with Dr. Harris as his preceptor, and subsequently matric- 
 ulated as a student of medicine in the medical college at Geneva, 
 
 New York, from which institution he was graduated with his degree 
 
 of M. D. in 1844. Returning to Buffalo he began his career as a 
 
 medical and surgical practitioner, and for fifty years he was actively 
 
 and successfully engaged in practice in this city, attaining great 
 
 prominence among his profession. He was married December 2, 1845, to Miss Madilan Sigewald, the daughter 
 
 of a prominent citizen of Alsace, formerly a province of France but now belonging to Germany, and has four 
 
 children, two sons and two daughters. Dr. Hauenstein's 
 long and useful life has been crowned with great suc- 
 cess, and he has lately retired from active life, and while 
 yet in vigorous health is enjoying a well-earned respite 
 from the cares of active, professional work in his beau- 
 tiful home. No. 309 Elmwood avenue, one of the most 
 attractive residences on that delightful resident thorough- 
 fare. Dr. Hauenstein was one of the founders of the 
 Young Men's German Association and is still an active 
 and honored member of that organization. He is also a 
 member of the Buffalo Academy of Medicine, and is one 
 of the ex-presidents of the Erie County Medical Society. 
 
 WALTER D. GREENE, M. D. 
 
 This successful physician and valued citizen of 
 Buffalo was born in Starksboro, Vermont, April 20, 
 1853, and is a lineal descendant of Samuel Greene, who 
 emigrated from England to Boston, Massachusetts, in 
 1650, and General Samuel Greene of Revolutionary 
 fame. He received his education first in the public 
 schools of his native town and afterwards pursued a 
 preparatory course of study at Union Springs academy, 
 New York, and was graduated from that institution in 
 1 87 1. He then removed to this city and entered the 
 medical department of the University of Buffalo, being 
 graduated thence in 1876 with the degree of M. D. He 
 then removed to Rochester and became junior assistant 
 
 physician of the Rochester City Hospital, and was subsequently promoted to the position of house physician. 
 
 After remaining in Rochester for two years, supplementing his medical studies by e.xtensive practical work, 
 
 WALTER D. GREENE, M. D. 
 
204 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 he began his long and useful career as a medicar and surgical practitioner at Mendon, Monroe county, 
 New York, where he remained for two years. Returning to Buffalo in 1880 Dr. Greene at once engaged 
 in private practice, in which he has been eminently successful, attaining prominence in his profession, 
 and taking rank among the foremost physicians and surgeons of the Queen City of the Lakes. In 1882 
 he was appointed assistant physician in the health department of the municipal government, and for seven 
 years discharged his official functions with marked ability, and was then appointed health officer of the city, 
 a position which he held for two years, discharging the onerous duties of the office with great efficiency. 
 In 18,92 he was appointed professor of hygiene in the medical department of Niagara University, and still 
 fills the chair in that institution. Dr. Greene is an honored member of the State, county, and city medical 
 associations, and also prominent in Masonic circles. He is a member of the Scottish Rite, or thirty-second 
 degree; an esteemed member of the Acacia and Buffalo clubs, and is one of the directors of the Masonic 
 Library Association of Western New York. He was married in 1878 to Miss Mary E., daughter of J. N. 
 Pursel of this city, and his beautiful residence is located at 385 Jersey street, corner of Fourteenth street, 
 where he has spacious and elegant offices. 
 
 MATTHEW WILLOUGHBY, M. D. 
 
 There are few medical practitioners in Buffalo more widely or more favorably known than Dr. Matthew 
 Willoughby, whose long and successful career marks him one of the most useful men in his profession in this 
 city. Dr. Willoughby was born in England, December i, 1836, and is a son of Matthew and Elizabeth Ann 
 
 (Reafrew) Willoughby, who came to America in 1842, first settling 
 in Buffalo, but shortly afterwards removing to Toronto, Canada, 
 where the subject of this notice began his studies in the public 
 schools and afterwards attended the Normal school of that city. 
 Coming to Buffalo in 1863, he matriculated as a medical student at 
 the University of Buffalo, with John Cronyn, M. B., M. D., Ph. D., 
 as his preceptor, being graduated as a Doctor of Medicine from that 
 institution in 1868, and delivered the valedictory of that class. Upon 
 receiving his diploma, he began at once the practice of medicine in 
 this city and has since conducted a large and successful practice. 
 He has for the past fifteen years been a member of the staff of the 
 Sisters' Hospital, and was treasurer and a member of the board of 
 directors of the Free Medical and Surgical Dispensary from 1870 to 
 1874, and was also one of the primary board of examiners of the 
 Erie County Medical Society for three years. In 1884 he was 
 appointed city physician, and from 1885 to 1891 he was sanitary 
 inspector. He was always active and efficient in the discharge of 
 his official duties, and was justly regarded with fullest confidence by 
 all with whom he was brought into professional, official, or social 
 relations. Dr. Willoughby is a valued member of the Erie County 
 Medical Association and a fellow of the New York State Medical 
 Association. In 1861 he became a member of Wilson Lodge, F. & A. M., and of King Solomon's Chapter, 
 No. 3, of Toronto, Canada, and after removing to Buffalo he affiliated with Hiram Lodge, No. 105, retaining 
 his membership in Toronto Chapter, H. R. A. Masons. He is a valued member of Eureka Lodge, Knights of 
 Honor, and also of Crescent Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Buffalo. To a wide circle of personal acquaintances Dr. 
 Willoughby is known as a most courteous and genial gentleman and a valued friend. In professional life he 
 is ever at the service of the deserving poor, and his charitable work has made him many friends amonu the 
 unfortunate and indigent of Buffalo. He was married in 1859 to Miss Mary Jane Bielby of Little Falls, New 
 York, and has had eleven children, five of whom, three sons and two daughters are livino. The eldest son 
 John Willoughby, is a successful lawyer of this city, and Guido Basil, the youngest son, is attending Niagara 
 University with a view to become a physician. 
 
 MATTHEW WILLOUGHBY, M. D. 
 
 SAMUEL G. DORR, M. D. 
 
 Samuel G. Dorr, M. D., great-grandson on his father's side of Captain Mathew Dorr of Revolutionary 
 fame, grandson of Judge Mathew Dorr, and youngest son of Samuel G. Dorr of Dansville, New York, who was 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 205 
 
 educated in the medical profession and graduated at Fairfield Medical College, but never practiced, preferring 
 an active business life. The subject of this biographical sketch might well be proud of his ancestry. A 
 certificate of the adjutant-general of the State of Connecticut, under his official seal, reads as follows : " The 
 records of this office show that Mathew Dorr was a cap- 
 tain in Colonel Jonathan Lattimer's regiment of militia 
 in 1777. Two regiments of militia composed of detach- 
 ments from all the brigades were ordered to reinforce 
 General Gates at Saratoga in the summer of 1777. 
 They "were assigned to General Loois's Continental 
 brigade in Arnold's division, and fought in both the 
 battles with the enemy, September 19 and October 9, 
 1777. In the first battle they lost more than any two 
 regiments on the field. After the surrender of Burgoyne, 
 Gates spoke of them as the two excellent regiments 
 from Connecticut." Dr. Samuel G. Dorr was born in 
 Dansville, Livingston county. New York, in 1840, and 
 was educated at Nunda academy, in his native county, 
 and at Rogersville academy in Steuben county, during 
 which time he devoted a large portion of his time to the 
 study of medicine. In 1857 he went to Dane county, 
 Wisconsin, and returning to Dansville two years later 
 he engaged in the lumber and milling business in that 
 town and at Rogersville. At the first call for troops 
 made by President Lincoln in 1861 he enlisted in the 
 Thirteenth regiment. New York Infantry, but before his 
 company left for the seat of war he had an attack of 
 diphtheria, which left him an invalid for years and 
 prevented him from serving his country in the field. 
 He was however appointed recruiting officer by Gov- 
 ernor Seymour at the instance of the provost-marshal 
 of the district, which position he filled with indefatigable 
 zeal and energy, and most decided success, until the close of the war. He afterwards removed to the 
 Pennsylvania oil region, where he had charge of the extensive lumber and coal interests of F. A. Phillips, 
 the treasurer of the Oil Creek Railroad Company. In 1866 he was engaged in the oil refining business 
 with Charles Twining as his partner, and the firm afterwards was extensively engaged in the manufacture 
 of pails, tubs, and cooperage in Waterford, Pennsylvania. He was elected burgess of that town in 
 1870, and he organized the fire department there. The following year he again took up the study of 
 medicine in the office of his brother-in-law, Dr. Z. H. Blake, and entered the medical department of the 
 Buffalo University, from which institution he was graduated in 1875. He at once began his professional 
 career in Buffalo, and built up a large practice. He was for over three years the efficient police surgeon of 
 Buffalo, and for several years was health officer of the Fourth district of the city. He is a valued member of 
 the Buffalo Medical Union and of the Erie County Medical Society, and is held in highest esteem among his 
 fellow-practitioners and a host of acquaintances, social and professional. Dr. Dorr was married in 1864 to 
 Miss Rebecca, daughter of Lucius Bradley, Esq., of Dansville, New York, who was one of the builders of the 
 Williamsville, and the Niagara Falls paper mills. The doctor is an influential and popular leader in the 
 Ancient Order of United Workman and is past master of Erie County Lodge, No. 425, A. Y. M., Penn- 
 sylvania. His residence and office are located at No. 300 Jefferson street, where he is ably assisted by his 
 son. Dr. L. Bradley Dorr. 
 
 WILLIAM WARREN POTTER, M. D. 
 
 For several generations the ancestors of this eminently successful physician and surgeon have been 
 prominent in professional circles in Western New York. The subject of this sketch was horn in Strikersville, 
 Wyoming county. New York, December 31, 1838. His father, Dr. Lindorf Potter, was a native of the town 
 of Sheldon, Wyoming county. New York, and his grandfather. Dr. Benjamin Potter, was a prominent physi- 
 cian of Rhode Island, who removed to Western New York in the early part of the nineteenth century. 
 
 SAMUEL G. DORR, M. D. 
 
2o6 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Dr. William W. Potter, was educated at Arcade Seminary and Genesee Seminary and College at Lima, 
 New York. He came to Buffalo in 1854, and studied medicine at the medical department of Buffalo University, 
 from which he graduated February 23, 1859. He then engaged in practice with his uncle. Dr. Milton E. 
 Potter, of Cowlesville, New York, which partnership continued until 1861, when he passed the examination 
 before the Army Medical Board, at Albany, April 25, 1861, and was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 
 Forty-ninth regiment. New York State Volunteers, serving in that capacity with the Army of the Potomac. 
 By order of General Franklin, commanding the Sixth army corps, he was left with the wounded of Smith's 
 division at Savage's Station on the night of June 29, 1862, and was taken prisoner. He was a few days 
 afterwards removed to Richmond, with quarters in Libby prison. He was exchanged among the first 
 under the cartel, then negotiating between the contending armies, and was delivered to the hospital steamer 
 Louisiana at Aiken's Landing, Virginia, July 18, 1862. He immediately rejoined his command at Harrison's 
 Landing, Virginia, and was soon afterward promoted to surgeon of the Fifty-seventh New York State Volun- 
 teers, and served with that regiment at the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. In August, 1863, he 
 was assigned to the charge of the First Division Hospital, Second army corps, and continued to perform that 
 duty until mustered out of service. He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel United States Volunteers, March 3, 
 1865, for his efficiency, and after the war returned to Batavia and engaged in practice, soon afterwards removing 
 to Buffalo, where he has since resided and been in active and successful practice. His professional work was 
 largely directed by his father, who had been his preceptor, leading him into the field of surgical practice in 
 which he has excelled, and he has performed with great success many important surgical operations. In 
 private practice he has given especial attention to diseases of women, and is accounted one of the most 
 successful practitioners in gynecic surgery in the State. He is a member of the American Medical Association, 
 and was chairman of the section of obstetrics and diseases of women in 1890. He is a permanent member of 
 the Medical Society of the State of New York (president 1891), and was president of the Buffalo Medical and 
 Surgical Association in 1886. In 1884-6 he was president of the Buffalo Obstetrical Society, and from 1888 
 to 1896 he was secretary of the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is also a 
 member of the Southern Surgical and Gynecological Association, and chairman of the section on Gynecology 
 and Abdominal Surgery of the Pan-Ameri-Medical Congress in 1893. He is Examiner in Obstetrics of the 
 New York State Medical Examining and License Board, and is Consulting Gynecologist to the Woman's 
 Hospital, and a frequent contributor to the medical literature of the day, besides having written many 
 important unpublished papers for medical and other societies. He is managing editor of the " Buffalo Medical 
 Journal." He was married March 23, 1859, to Emily A., daughter of William H. Bostwick, of Lancaster, 
 
 Erie county. New York, his wife being descended in a direct line from 
 the distinguished Revolutionary general, Ethan Allen. He had three 
 children, one of whom was the late Dr. Frank Hamilton Potter, and 
 the others — Helen Blanchard (Tallman) and Alice F. Potter — reside 
 in this city. 
 
 FRANK J. THORNBURY, M. D. 
 
 Of the younger members of the medical profession of Buffalo, 
 the subject of this biographical sketch is one of the best known 
 and most successful. His father, Richard Oliver Thornbury, 
 A. M., was a professor in the academy at Franklin, Pennsylvania, 
 and was a poet also of more than mediocre talent, whose verses 
 have met with universal favor and most flattering criticism. He 
 was also a skilled mathematician. Dr. Thornbury was born in 
 Java, New York, March 14, 1867, and in his boyhood attended the 
 academy at Arcade, New York, graduating thence at the age of 
 seventeen years. The year following he entered the Cincinnati 
 University, from the medical department of which he was graduated 
 in 1888 with distinguished honors, receiving the Dawson gold medal 
 for surgical work. After a competitive examination he was appointed 
 resident physician in the Cincinnati Hospital, and at the expiration 
 of his term became chief of the resident medical staff of that institution. In this latter capacity he examined 
 over six thousand applications for admission to the hospital, and had general supervision over it. In 1890 he 
 made an extended tour of England and Continental Europe, taking post-graduate courses of instruction and 
 
 FRANK J. THORNBURY, M. D. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 ZOJ 
 
 making observations in tlie universities of Heidelburgh, Vienna, and Berlin, and in the principal hospitals of 
 London and Paris. He v/as for a time a student in Koch's histitute, and an assistant in Kaposi's Clinic of 
 Dermatology in Vienna. In 1892 he returned to this country and began his career as a physician and surgeon 
 in Buffalo, where he has since remained. His thorough preparation for professional work marked his career 
 in this city with great success from the beginning, and he has already attained eminence among the medical 
 fraternity of this country. In 1892 he was appointed post-mortem examiner by the Board of Supervisors of 
 Erie county, and a few months later became supervising microscopist in the Bureau of Animal Industry of 
 the United States Department of Agriculture at Buffalo. Dr. Thornbury is considered an authority on 
 bacteriology, and is lecturer on that subject in the University of Buffalo, to which position he was appointed 
 soon after his return from Europe. He is president of the Buffalo Microscopical club, and a valued member 
 of the Society of Natural Science, the American Medical Association, and the Mississippi Valley and the 
 Central New York Medical associations, and is also a fellow of the Buffalo Academy of Medicine. In the 
 general practice of his profession Dr. Thornbury was associated for three years with Dr. Floyd S. Crego, 
 but is now established for himself at No. 405 Delaware avenue, making dermatology and bacteriology his 
 specialties, having given these par- 
 ticular subjects extended observation 
 and thoughtful study abroad. Dr. 
 
 Thornbury has devoted considerable 
 time to literary work, having written 
 
 more than twenty valuable papers 
 
 which have been published in various 
 
 medical periodicals. They have been 
 
 mostly descriptive of original discov- 
 eries in his special fields of thought 
 
 and labor. He is the inventor of the 
 
 Thornbury sterilizer for simultaneously 
 
 preparing water, instruments, and 
 
 dressings for surgical use, which is 
 
 widely known and used throughout the 
 
 United States. He is also renowned 
 
 in medical circles in this country and 
 
 England as the author of the American 
 
 edition of Schimmelbusch's "Aseptic 
 
 Wound Treatment," which has been 
 
 recently published by Putnams, and 
 
 which stands without a peer in the line 
 
 of medical text-books on the subjects 
 
 of which it treats. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF JOHN NELSON GOLTRA, A. M., M. D. 
 
 JOHN NELSON GOLTRA, A. M., M. D. 
 
 A successful physician and surgeon of Buffalo whose future gives promise of great usefulness is Dr. 
 John Nelson Goltra, who, among the younger members of his profession has attained deserved distinction. 
 He was born at Oakland, Douglas county, Oregon, November 20, 1859. He made preparation for his 
 collegiate course in the schools of Eugene City, Oregon, and pursued a full classical course of study at the 
 University of Oregon, from which he was graduated with the degree of B. A. in 1883, and three years later 
 he had conferred his master's degree by his alma mater. Crossing the continent he matriculated as a student 
 of medicine at Columbia College, New York City, and pursued his studies under the personal supervision and 
 direction of H. B. Sands, M. D., professor of surgery in that famed institution, from which he was graduated a 
 Doctor of Medicine in 1887. After spending a few months in the principal laboratories of New York for special 
 investigation, he came to Buffalo the same year, where he has since resided and has fully established himself 
 in the high regard of his fellow practitioners and the citizens generally. He is thoughtful and conscientious 
 in his work, and faithful and efficient in every detail of his practice, and his success has been decided and 
 deserved. His office and residence is situate at the corner of Elmwood avenue and Bryant street, and is one 
 of the most beautiful homes on that delightful thoroughfare. He was married in 1890 to Miss Ada, daughter 
 of the late William Whaley, Esq., one of the leading live-stock commission merchants of the city. Dr. 
 
208 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Goltra is a staunch Republican in politics, and was clerk of the Assembly of Oregon in the years 1883, 1884, 
 and 1885. He is one of the original members of the University club. He holds membership also in the Erie 
 County Medical Society and the Buffalo Academy of Medicine. He is surgeon to the Harbor Dispensary, 
 and resident surgeon to the Preferred Accident Insurance Company of New York, and the Standard Accident 
 Insurance Company of Detroit. 
 
 JOHN ELMER BACON, M. D. 
 
 JOHN ELMER BACON, M. D. 
 
 This successful physician and surgeon is one of the best known and most prominent of the younger 
 
 members of the medical profession of Buffalo. He is the eldest son of Dr. M. L. and Eva B. (Bailey) Bacon, 
 
 and was born in Blossburg, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, March i, 1868. He attended the public and high 
 
 schools of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, and afterwards pursued a 
 classical course of study at Lafayette College, and subsequently 
 entered the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, from the 
 medical department of which institution he was graduated with 
 the degree of M. D. in 1892. In addition to the regular medical 
 curriculum he pursued a polyclinic and a post-graduate course of 
 study at Philadelphia under Dr. Freeman in 1893 and 1894. After 
 a year's sojurn in Washington Dr. Bacon removed to Buffalo, where 
 he has since been actively engaged in the practice of medicine and 
 surgery, and has built up, in that short period, an important and 
 increasing practice. In diseases of the throat and nose, which he 
 makes his specialty. Dr. Bacon is recognized as an expert, and has 
 been eminently successful, taking a foremost place among the 
 younger members of the medical profession in the city. He is a 
 frequent contributor to the "American Therapist," one of the best 
 medical publications of the day, and for the past year has been 
 editor of one of the departments of that journal; viz., "Diseases of 
 the Respiratory Tract." His papers published attest the thorough 
 study of his branch of medical practice, and in this regard, as well 
 as in a literary sense, rank him among the brightest and most 
 proficient throat specialists of the day. His future gives promise of 
 
 great usefulness and prominence in his profession, and his past success is a just tribute to his ability and 
 
 worth. He is an active and esteemed member of the Erie County 
 
 Medical Association, and also of the Buffalo Academy of Medicine, 
 
 and the D. Hayes Agnew Surgical Association of Philadelphia, 
 
 Pennsylvania. In politics Mr. Bacon is a staunch Democrat and is 
 
 a Presbyterian in faith. 
 
 DE WITT G. WILCOX, M. D. 
 
 In a city like Buffalo, with its population rapidly approaching 
 half a million, there are, of necessity, a number of eminent physicians 
 and surgeons, practitioners whose knowledge of the healing art 
 places them among the foremost in their profession in the New World. 
 Of these, DeWitt G. Wilcox, M. D., is universally recognized as the 
 peer of any in surgical work, and his career in Buffalo has been 
 one of uninterrupted success. He was born in Akron, Ohio, 
 January 15, 1858, his great-grandfather being one of the pioneers 
 of civilization in Connecticut. His mother was descended from 
 some of the earliest Scotch settlers in Ohio. Dr. Wilcox received 
 his early instruction in the public schools of his native city, and 
 was graduated from the Akron High-school with honor. He subse- 
 quently entered Buchtel University at Akron, and after a selective 
 course in that institution he began the study of medicine, and was graduated from the Cleveland Hospital 
 College with the degree of M. D. in 1880. Two years later he visited Europe, and pursued a post-graduate 
 
 DEWITT G. WILCOX, M. D. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 209 
 
 course in surgery at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, England, and later was appointed resident house- 
 surgeon of the London Temperance Hospital. He returned to Akron, Ohio, where for two years he was 
 engaged in active practice. Coming to Buffalo, he began a brilliant career, which now ranks him among the 
 foremost surgeons of America. In 1890 he established the Wilcox Private Hospital, under which name it was 
 conducted with decided success until 1894, when a stock company composed of physicians was organized, 
 and the name was changed to the Lexington Heights Hospital, where obstetrical, surgical, and general 
 patients are received and are cared for. Dr. Wilcox being the president of the company as well as surgeon 
 in charge. Under his masterly management the hospital has become one of the important institutions of the 
 city, and its usefulness is recognized and universally appreciated. While yet in the prime of vigorous 
 manhood. Dr. Wilcox has already attained eminence among the surgeons of the country. His experience 
 in numerous important and difficult surgical cases, and his uniform success, have made him authority 
 among his fellow-practitioners, and his frequent contributions to the medical publications of the country are 
 read with interest by surgeons generally He is an honored member of the American Institute of Homoe- 
 opathy, the New York State Medical Society, and of the Western New York Medical Society. He was elected 
 president of the last-named society in 1891, and is also a member of the Microscopal club and Society of 
 Natural Science. He is visiting surgeon to the Erie County and to the Homoeopathic Hospital, and in his 
 busy, useful life he has established himself as a successful surgeon. He has but recently withdrawn entirely 
 from general practice, when he was family physician to a large number of the best families, in order the 
 better to devote all his time and attention to the practice of surgery and surgical consultation. 
 
 DANIEL B. STUMPF, M. D. 
 
 Both as a physician and a leader in philanthropic and church affairs, the subject of this notice has for 
 many years been a prominent citizen of Buffalo. He was born in Elmira, Ontario, May 17, 1856, and his 
 father was the Rev. John Stumpf, a learned divine and one of the pioneers of civilization and Christianity 
 of Canada. His mother was from an old, prominent Pennsylvania 
 German family. In his boyhood he was a pupil in the public 
 schools, and at the Canadian Literary Institute of Woodstock. 
 Having finished the preliminary course of study, he began the study 
 of medicine with Dr. Clarence T. Campbell, one of the most eminent 
 homoeopathic physicians of his day in Canada, now the Grand Sire 
 of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, the highest office in the order of 
 Odd Fellows in America. Mr. Stumpf was graduated from the 
 Cleveland Homoeopathic Hospital College in February, 1876, and at 
 once began the practice of his profession at Urichsville, a small 
 mining town in Ohio, from which place he removed to Buffalo in 
 June of the same year, and his career in this city has been one of 
 great usefulness and success. He is an honored and influential 
 member of the Erie County Homeopathic Society and of the 
 Homoeopathic Society of Western New York, and New York 
 State Homoeopathic Medical Society, also of the American Institute 
 of Homoeopathy. He is consulting physician of the Lexington 
 Heights Hospital and one of its directors, also consulting physician 
 of the Buffalo Homoeopathic Hospital. He is also prominent in 
 church affairs, being chairman of the board of trustees of the Ger- 
 man Baptist Theological Seminary of Rochester, New York, and a 
 trustee of the German Baptist Publication Society of Cleveland, Ohio. For fifteen years he has been a 
 deacon of the First German Baptist church in this city, and is director of the choir of that church. He 
 is chairman of the German department of the Young Men's Christian Association of this city, and one 
 of the most active and efficient members of that organization. Largely by his efforts and under his direction 
 their new Young Men's Christian Association building was erected, and his zeal and intelligent efforts in the 
 cause have been of great value in advancing the good work of the noble institution here. Dr. Stumpf is a 
 member of the missionary committee of the Buffalo Baptist Union. He is vice-president of the Mutual 
 Benefit Association of German Baptists of North America, with headquarters at Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. 
 Stumpf was married on the thirteenth day of June, 1878, to Miss Louise S., daughter of the well-known 
 
 DANIEL B. STUMPF, M. D. 
 
2IO BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 divine, Rev. C. Bodenbender, who for twenty-one years was pastor of the First German Baptist church of 
 this city. He has three children, two daughters and a son, and resides in his elegant home. No. 631 Eliicott 
 street, where he has built one of the most imposing residences in Buffalo, with delightful surroundings, and 
 every attraction and comfort possible. His home is a credit to this section of the city, a model of conven- 
 ience and taste in architecture, and its appointments and surroundings are in keeping with the building. Dr. 
 Stumpf is indeed a valued and useful citizen, and his practice is far-reaching and extensive, many of the best 
 German families of the city being numbered among his patients. 
 
 ELIAS T. DORLAND, M. D. 
 For more than thirty years this notably successful physician and surgeon has held a prominent place 
 among the medical practitioners of Buffalo, and his experience in professional work covers a period of nearly 
 half a century. He was born April 12, 1832, in Oswego, Dutchess county, New York, and is a son of 
 Joseph Dorland, a prominent physician of that place, and a lineal descendant of one of the old Knickerbocker 
 families of the State, while his mother was of English descent. The subject of this brief biography was 
 educated in the public schools of his native town, and was subsequently graduated from the Springville 
 academy, Springville, Erie county. New York. He was for two years afterwards engaged in teaching, 
 supplementing his labors by the study of medicine with his father as his preceptor. He matriculated as a 
 student in the Buffalo University, and afterwards continued his studies at, and was graduated from, the 
 medical department of the University of Michigan. He was for two years the resident physician of Erie 
 County Almshouse and County Insane Asylum, which positions he resigned to engage in private practice in 
 La Grangeville, Dutchess county. New York, where he remained for twelve years. In 1866 he returned to 
 Buffalo where he has since resided, acquiring a large practice and a reputation as a successful physician, 
 whose long career of usefulness is fully appreciated by his fellow- practitioners and his fellow -citizens 
 generally. He spent three months in Europe during the Paris exposition in 1889, and visited the principal 
 hospitals in Great Britain and on the Continent for observation and study. Dr. Dorland was married 
 October 12, 1856, to Jane C. Congdon, a daughter of an eminent Quaker philanthropist of La Grangeville, 
 New York. He is an ex-president of the Erie County Medical Society, and is a prominent member of the 
 Medical Union of Buffalo, the New York State Medical and the National Medical Associations. He is a 
 Master Mason and a member of the American Legion of Honor. He is a Republican in politics but has never 
 aspired to prominence in political affairs. In 1888 he was nominated by the Republicans as their candidate 
 for Assembly against William F. Sheehan in the Democratic "Gibraltar" of the city, and led the "Forlorn 
 Hope" in that district with gallantry deserving of success. He met defeat with the good nature which is 
 characteristic of the man, a defeat he anticipated when he accepted the nomination. Dr. Dorland resides with 
 his family in his delightful home. No. 388 Elmwood avenue, and in social life as in professional circles he is 
 held in universal high esteem. 
 
 RICHARD H. SATTERLEE, M. D. 
 
 After years of preparation for practice of the oculist's art Dr. Richard H. Satterlee began a professional 
 career of great usefulness in Buffalo, and has attained eminence entirely deserved in this field of medical and 
 surgical science. He was born in Rochester, New York, in 1861, and is a son of one of the most successful 
 and prominent educators of that city, Leroy Satterlee, A. M., principal of the Rochester Collegiate Institute. 
 Dr. Satterlee was educated in his boyhood at the public schools of his native city, and afterwards in the 
 university of that place. He began the study of medicine at the medical department of the Buffalo 
 University, from which he was graduated in 1888. He afterwards became senior house physician in the 
 Rochester City Hospital, and becoming especially interested in the eye, he removed to New York to pursue 
 a post-graduate course of study in this branch of his profession. He was appointed a member of the staff 
 of surgeons in the Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital, and subsequently engaged in practice in Easton, 
 Pennsylvania, where he was successfully engaged in his special field of professional work for three years. 
 In 1894 he visited Europe to supplement his knowledge and experience in his art, and pursued his studies and 
 observations in the principal eye hospitals in Vienna, Paris, and London, where every opportunity was 
 presented and zealously embraced to perfect himself in the science of ophthalmology. Returning from Europe 
 he at once engaged in active practice in Buffalo, with his office and residence at No. 189 Delaware avenue, and 
 his career here has been one of greatest usefulness and marked success. He is oculist for the Buffalo Electric 
 Railway Company and for the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railway Company, and the results attained 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 21 I 
 
 have established and attested his proficiency in his special field of practice. Dr. Satterlee, in the very prime 
 of manhood, is an enthusiast in his profession, and the assiduous study and investigations abroad and at home, 
 supplemented by large experience in practice in the principal hospitals of the world, give promise of a career 
 of greatest usefulness and prominence among the successful and distinguished oculists of America. 
 
 GEORGE W. LEWIS, M. D. 
 For more than forty years Dr. George W. Lewis, Sr., has held a leading position among the medical 
 and surgical practitioners of Buffalo, and he has long been a recognized leader among the Homoeopathists of 
 this country. This successful veteran in practice was born in Auburn, New York, March 24, 1827, and is of 
 Welsh descent. His father, Major John C. 'Lewis, was a distinguished and gallant American officer in the 
 War of 1812, and on both sides his parents were representatives of old Colonial families. Dr. Lewis received 
 an academic education at Auburn academy, and began his medical studies at the medical department of the 
 Pittsfield (Massachusetts) University, and completed the course at the New York City University, from 
 which he was graduated in 185 1. He at once came to Buffalo and engaged in practice of his profession, 
 and his long career in this city has been one of great distinction. In addition to his large private practice, 
 he has been officially and actively connected with the Homeopathic Hospital of this city from the time of its 
 organization until recently ; and his valuable services are universally recognized and gratefully remembered. 
 He is an honored member of the County Medical Society and of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, 
 and of the New York State Medical Society. He was married to Miss Arvina, daughter of John Strow, Esq., 
 of this city, and has two sons, one of whom, George W. Lewis, Jr., M. D., is also a prominent physician 
 and surgeon of Buffalo. Dr. Lewis is a Republican in politics, and is a highly esteemed citizen. He resides 
 at No. 311 Delaware avenue, where he also has his office. 
 
 GEORGE W. LEWIS, JR., M. D. 
 This well-known, successful physician and surgeon, the son of the distinguished Dr. George W. Lewis, 
 one of the oldest practitioners in Buffalo, was born in this city, February 22, 1862. In early life he was 
 educated in the public schools, and was graduated from the High-school here in 1880. He entered Cornell 
 University the same year and pursued a full classical course of study, graduating from that time-honored 
 institution with his Bachelor's degree in 1884. He then began the study of medicine in the University of 
 Berlin, Germany, and was graduated from that famous institution in 1886, and, returning to this country, he 
 entered the New York Homteopathic Medical College and completed a post-graduate course, graduating there- 
 from in 1888. Thus admirably prepared by years of study and practice at home and abroad for his professional 
 work, he began his successful career in the city of his birth with his father, having his office at No. 311 
 Delaware avenue, and he has already attained eminence among his fellow-practitioners in the State and 
 country. In 1883 he married Miss Mary Edna, daughter of Franklin D. Lobe, Esq., of this city, and has one 
 daughter. He is an esteemed member of the New York State Medical Society, the American Association of 
 Microscopists, and the Buffalo club, and is the medical examiner for the Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order 
 of United Workmen, and several other fraternal organizations. His career opened under most favorable 
 auspices, has been one of great success, and the future gives promise of still greater eminence. 
 
THE BUFFALO HISTORICAL SOCIETY- 
 
 IT was during the spring of 1862 that the first public steps were taken toward the establishment of a 
 society for the collection and preservation of all materials of historical interest which in any way were 
 related to the history and development of Buffalo and its surroundings. In the columns of the local 
 press of 1862 was published the following call for a meeting of the public-spirited citizens of Buffalo: "A 
 meeting of those of our citizens disposed to establish a historical society for the county of Erie, is requested 
 at the law office of Messrs. Marshall & Harvey, No. 336 Main street, up stairs, on Tuesday next, twenty- 
 fifth inst., at seven o'clock P. M." 
 
 That call was signed by George R. Babcock, Henry W. Rogers, O. H. Marshall, William Dorsheimer, 
 Dr. John C. Lord, Dr. Walter Clarke, Lewis F. Allen; and prominent among those who responded to the 
 call may be named, in addition to those above, George W. Clinton, Oliver C. Steele, James P. White, 
 Henry Lovejoy, A. L. Baker, Joseph Warren, David F. Day, Edward S. Rich, John Howcutt. Hon. Lewis 
 F. Allen was called to the chair, and O. H. Marshall was named as secretary. After the presentation and 
 thorough discussion of the idea and aims of a historical society, upon motion of Henry W. Rogers it was 
 "Resolved, that it is expedient to organize a historical society for the City of Buffalo and county of Erie; and 
 that the chairman appoint a committee of seven to report a plan of organization." 
 
 On the eighth of April, 1862, the members of that committee came together and drafted a constitution 
 and by-laws, which they presented before the large and interested assembly of representative citizens who 
 gathered at the second public meeting, held on April 15, 1862, at the rooms of the Medical Association, 
 then located at No. 7 South Division street. At this meeting the Hon. Millard Fillmore presided, and 
 O. H. Marshall acted as secretary. In accordance with the resolution adopted at the previous meeting, the 
 chairman of the committee on organization, O. H. Marshall, presented the drafted form of constitution and 
 by-laws, which, after a few minor changes had been made, were adopted and have served for the govern- 
 ment of the society even until the present year of 1896. The first regular election of officers occurred on 
 Tuesday, May 20, 1872, at which time the society made unanimous choice of the following officers and 
 councilors, who constituted the board of managers: President, Hon. Millard Fillmore; vice-president, Hon. 
 Lewis F. Allen; councilors, George R. Babcock, George W. Clinton, Walter Clarke, Nathan K. Hall, 
 Henry W. Rogers, William Dorsheimer. 
 
 The first great event in the life of the Historical Society, and one which brought the society very 
 prominently before the people, occurred on July 2, 1862, when President Fillmore delivered an inaugural 
 address before a large and appreciative audience assembled at American hall. This address, printed in the 
 first volume of the publications of the society, outlined and clearly set forth the aims and objects to be 
 pursued. President Fillmore said: "Its chief object is to collect and preserve the materials of history 
 relating to Western New York and especially to Buffalo, for future reference and use. ... Its object is 
 not to teach, but to preserve history." This address gave to the society an added dignity, and a permanent 
 place among the sister societies of the city and in the esteem of the people of Buffalo. "In the fall of 1862," 
 said the late Oliver G. Steele in his paper read before the society in 1873, " an arrangement was made for a 
 series of lectures before the society on subjects of local history by members of the society, without expense, 
 and free to the public. The lectures were well attended during the winter of 1862-3. It soon became 
 evident, however, that a special effort was necessary to provide sufficient income to meet the current 
 expenses of the society and insure its permanence. Accordingly, by subscription, enough money was raised 
 to provide for the current expenses for five years. Fifty gentlemen, by paying fifty dollars at one time, 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 1'3 
 
 became life members, and these same fifty paid also fifty dollars in addition by annual payments of ten 
 dollars. Thus the life of the society was assured and it has successfully widened its sphere of usefulness 
 year by year." 
 
 In 1864 negotiations were entered into whereby, in the following year, the property of the society was 
 removed to the building of the Young Men's Association on the corner of Main and Eagle streets, where it 
 remained until it outgrew its accommodations and the necessity of obtaining larger and fire-proof apartments 
 arose. In January, 1873, the effects were removed to rooms on the upper floor of the Western Savings 
 bank. In i886 a new home was secured in the newly-completed Library building, the entire third floor of 
 which is now occupied by the society. There the various collections are carefully arranged and indexed for 
 the convenience of the public. The library of the society, which is free for reference, contains nearly nine 
 thousand volumes and seven thousand pamphlets ; relics and curios of every description are exhibited, and in 
 its every department the collections of the society are the most complete in Western New York. During the 
 fall of 1884 the society cared for the re-interment of the remains of the famous Indian chief Red Jacket, and 
 of several other chiefs, in the plot given by the Forest Lawn Association. On the afternoon of June 22, 
 1892, was unveiled a statue, erected by the society at a cost of ten thousand dollars, to the honor and 
 memory of Red Jacket. The monument and bronze statue stands at the Delaware avenue entrance to the 
 beautiful City of the Dead, and is but the outward mark of the zeal which invests the life of the society. 
 
 Those who, in times past, have served as the society's presiding officer have been : Millard Fillmore, 
 1862 to 1867; Henry W. Rogers, 1868; Rev. Albert T. Chester, D. D., 1868; Orsamus H. Marshall, 1870; 
 Hon. Nathan K. Hall, 1871 ; William H. Greene, 1872; Orlando Allen, 1873; Oliver G. Steele, 1874; 
 Hon. James Sheldon, 1875 and 1886; William C. Bryant, 1876; Captain E. P. Dorr, 1877; Hon. William P. 
 Letchworth, 1878; William H. H. Newman, 1879 and 1885; Hon. Elias S. Hawley, 1880; Hon. James M. 
 Smith, 1881 ; William Hodge, 1882; William Dana Fobes, 1883 and 1884; Emmor Haines, 1887; James 
 Tillinghast, 1888; William K. Allen, 1889; Joseph C. Greene, M. D., 1891 ; George S. Hazard, 1890 and 
 1892; Julius H. Dawes, 1893; Andrew Langdon, 1894 to 1896. The office of corresponding secretary and 
 librarian was filled by Guy H. Salisbury from the organization until the appointment of Dr. George S. 
 Armstrong in 1867, who served with untiring zeal for twelve years, and whose work contributed in no small 
 measure to the success of the society. In 1880 Rev. Albert Bigelow held the office; he was succeeded by 
 Elias O. Salisbury, who labored during 1881 and 1882. During the next twelve years George G. Barnum 
 faithfully discharged the duties of the office and did much toward the upbuilding of the society. Mr. Barnum 
 resigned on January 15, 1895, and Edward D. Strickland, the present secretary, was elected on February 
 5, 1895. 
 
 The present officers of the society are: President, Andrew Langdon; vice-president, George Alfred 
 Stringer; recording secretary, Hon. Henry W. Hill; corresponding secretary and librarian, Edward D. 
 Strickland; treasurer, George W. Townsend; councilors, Hon. James M. Smith, James Tillinghast, Dr. 
 F. H. James, Dr. Joseph C. Greene, George S. Hazard, Frank H. Severance, Cyrus K. Remington, Dr. A. H. 
 Briggs, J. N. Larned, Rev. Thomas R. Slicer, Hon. H. A. Richmond, J. N. Adam, Charles J. North, Edmond 
 W. Granger, Hamilton Ward, Jr. 
 
SHERMAN S. JEWETT. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 SHERMAN S. JEWETT. 
 
 THE eventful life of this eminently successful manufacturer and useful citizen of Buffalo is perhaps 
 without a parallel in the magnitude and number of the enterprises with which he has been actively 
 connected. Only cursory mention of the most important undertakings which he was prominent in 
 establishing, or with which he was officially connected in the management, can be made in this connection, 
 where the whole life of the subject has been made up of ceaseless, persistent, successful efforts to originate 
 and promote those projects which commend themselves to him as promotive of good to his fellow men. 
 Sherman S. Jewett was born at Moravia, Cayuga county, New York, January 17, 1818. His father was 
 Josiah Jewett, the fourth son of Joseph Jewett, a gallant officer in the Revolutionary War, who was killed 
 in the battle of Long Island. The early life of Sherman S. Jewett was passed upon his father's farm, 
 assisting in supporting a large family. At the age of ten years he attended the district school during the 
 winter months, and in 1833 he became a clerk for his half-brother, who kept a small country store. He 
 
2i6 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 afterwards came to Buffalo and was employed in the foundry of his uncle, Isaac Watts Skinner, a manufac- 
 turer of plows and castings for mills and mill machinery. During the winter of 1834-5 he attended Silas 
 Kingley's High-school, and afterwards learned the trade of a moulder, subsequently acting as clerk in ware- 
 house until Mr. Skinner's foundry was destroyed by fire. On September i, he became a partner in the 
 newly-organized firm of Day, Root & Company, who erected a small foundry on Mississippi street near Elk. 
 Shortly afterwards Mr. Day withdrew from the business, which was continued under the firm name of 
 Skinner, Root & Company for several years, when Messrs. Skinner and Root withdrew and the firm of 
 Dudley & Jewett was formed, who continued the manufacture of stoves for two years, when Mr. Dudley 
 sold his interest to Mr. Jewett, who continued the business alone until 1843, when Mr. Francis H. Root 
 obtained an interest in the business, which was afterwards conducted under the style of Jewett & Root. 
 The trade of the firm increased as rapidly as they could secure means to meet the demands. In 1854 a 
 branch was opened in Chicago, and in 1875 f^''- Josiah Jewett was admitted to the firm. 
 
 In 1878 Mr. Root withdrew from the business, and the firm of Sherman S. Jewett & Company was 
 formed, consisting of Sherman S., Henry C, and Josiah Jewett. From this small beginning half a century 
 ago has grown up an enterprise the magnitude and importance of which classes it without a rival in the 
 markets of the world for this class of merchandise, and the stoves of this firm are shipped to all parts of the 
 old world and the new. To facilitate their immense trade Messrs. Jewett & Company have long since 
 established branches in other cities than Chicago, and have warehouses and offices in San Francisco and 
 Detroit. At the Cincinnati Exhibition in 1888 the exhibit of stoves by S. S. Jewett & Company was 
 awarded four of the five first prizes offered. The firm's nickel-plating plant is the most complete in the 
 United States, and most of the important improvements in stoves and ranges are the inventions of the firm 
 and were patented by them. This grand achievement is largely the logical result of the untiring energy and 
 wonderful business ability and foresight of Mr. S. S. Jewett, who is still the head of the concern in fact as 
 in name, and who to-day directs and supervises its affairs with matchless ability and continued success. In 
 all measures for the general good. Nation, State, and municipal, the same prosperity has uniformly resulted, 
 and in every movement for the benefit of the people he has been foremost if not the first. Few men, dead 
 or living, have accomplished more than he for the growth of Buffalo. He was one of the first to inaugurate 
 the magnificent park system, the pride of the people of Buffalo, and he has been a member of the Board of 
 Park Commissioners since its formation in 1868, and since 1879 has been its efficient president. His 
 munificent endowment of the Academy of Fine Arts at a crucial period of its history, supplemented by 
 similar gifts inspired by his example, saved that important institution in its darkest days, and the magnificent 
 library, the greatest adjunct of the educational interests of the city, was also the recipient of his bounty, 
 and owes its importance and perhaps its existence to this representative citizen. 
 
 As one of the founders of the Bank of Buffalo, Mr. Jewett has erected a monument to his worth, "more 
 lasting than brass," and from its organization in 1873 until 1893 he was president of the institution, and then 
 retired of his own volition. As president of the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Railroad Company he 
 piloted the corporation through one of the most trying crises of its history, securing every stockholder from 
 loss, including the City of Buffalo, which held seven hundred thousand dollars of the stock. He was one of 
 the organizers and a director of the Manufacturers' and Traders' bank, and of the Clinton bank during its 
 existence, and also of the Columbia National and several other banks. He assisted largely in the organization 
 of the Buffalo Mutual, afterwards the Buffalo Fire and Marine Insurance Company. He was one of the 
 founders and the first president of the Falconwood Company, and also one of the original members of 
 the Buffalo club, of which for nine years he was a director, and its president in 1874. He was a member 
 of the Buffalo branch of the Christian Commission during the Rebellion, and joined heartily in every 
 movement to perpetuate the Federal Union, by personal effort and his private means. The Washington 
 Street Baptist, the Prospect Avenue Baptist, and the Delaware Avenue Baptist churches, the Rochester 
 University and similar institutions here and elsewhere, were also objects of his bounty. He was married 
 August 14, 1839, to Miss Deborah Dusenbury of Buffalo, and has two sons and two daughters living. His 
 sons, Henry Clay and Josiah Jewett, are associated with their father- in the business of S. S. Jewett & 
 Company. His daughter Emma married Charles H. Williams, Esq., and the second daughter is the wife of 
 Henry C. Howard, Esq., all residing in this city. It may well be said of such men as Sherman S. Jewett 
 that "the world is better for their having lived." 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 217 
 
 SHELDON THOMPSON. 
 
 The first mayor of Buffalo elected by the people, and one of the foremost in the inauguration of trade 
 and commerce in the infancy of the place, was Sheldon Thompson, a native of Derby, Connecticut, born 
 July 2, 1785. His grandfather, Jabez Thompson, was one of the most prominent citizens of Derby, and was 
 one of the selectmen of the town from 1761 to 1764, and again in 1774 and 1775. He was an officer in the 
 French and Indian War from 1755 to 1763, and at a town meeting held at Derby, November 29, 1774, to 
 consider the proceedings of the Continental Congress held at Philadelphia, September 5, 1774, the recom- 
 mendations made by Congress were approved, and a committee of fourteen was appointed to see them 
 carried into execution ; on which committee the name of Major Jabez Thompson stands third. He was in 
 command of the first troops sent from Derby, immediately after the battle of Lexington, and his company 
 was probably engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. His commission as First Major of the 
 First Regiment is dated May i, 1775, and in December following his name again appears as Colonel, on the 
 Committee of Inspection of Derby. He was killed while in command of the Second Regiment of Connecticut 
 militia in the retreat from New York, September 15, 1776, and tradition says that his body was buried with 
 military honors by the British officers who were his companions in arms in the French war. The father of 
 Sheldon Thompson, also named Jabez Thompson, was born January 7, 1759, and was a sailor from his 
 youth, and while in command of a West India trading vessel, which he owned, was lost at sea with his 
 eldest son. 
 
 At the age of ten years, Sheldon Thompson went to sea as a cabin boy, under the charge of his elder 
 brother, William, then a master. In 1798, during the difficulties with France, he was taken prisoner in the 
 West Indies, and was confined at Guadaloupe for several months. He afterwards became master of the ship 
 Keiiah, owned by Gillett & Townsend of New Haven, having risen rapidly from a sailor before the mast to 
 the command, at the age of twenty-four years, of a fine vessel in the West India trade. He abandoned the 
 sea in 1810, and came to Lewiston, New York. Jacob Townsend, the junior member of the above firm, 
 visited the lake region, taking in his route Salina, Oswego, Niagara, Erie, and Pittsburg, returning to New 
 Haven about the time Alvin Bronson arrived from a voyage to the West Indies, when he proposed to the 
 latter to abandon the West India trade and join him in his projected lake enterprise. Bronson said that if Shel- 
 don Thompson would join them he would engage in the enterprise. Thompson promptly agreed, and articles of 
 copartnership were drawn up, the firm name being, Thompson, Bronson & Company, the purpose being to 
 transact mercantile business in the State of New York and elsewhere, and in ship-building and coasting on 
 Lakes Erie and Ontario. The firm had the schooner Charles and Ann, built at Oswego, which was sailing on 
 the lakes in the fall of 18 10, under command of John Hall. Sheldon Thompson, after the completion of the 
 first vessel, took the carpenters to Cayuga creek and at its mouth built the schooner Catharine (named after 
 his affianced wife), and it was completed in June, i8n. Both these vessels figured as United States gunboats 
 in the War of 18 12. In addition to the coasting trade of the lakes, the firm established two stores, one at 
 Lewiston, conducted by Townsend & Thompson, and one at Oswego, conducted by Bronson, the principal 
 trade being the transportation of Onondaga salt for the lakes and Pittsburg markets, and the carrying of 
 stores for military posts, the Indian annuities, the American Fur Company's goods and furs, and provisions 
 for the frontier settlements. 
 
 Sheldon Thompson married Catharine Barton at Lewiston, April 5, 181 1. She was the daughter of 
 Benjamin Barton, of the great firm of Porter, Barton & Company, and the two firms, being thus connected 
 by marriage, cooperated in their business and conducted almost the entire commerce of the lakes. The War 
 of 1812 destroyed the important trade established, and after peace was declared the settlers returned to their 
 homes. In 1816 or 1817, the two firms formed a branch establishment at Black Rock, under the name of Sill, 
 Thompson & Company, and Sheldon Thompson removed to Black Rock from Lewiston. This firm built the 
 Michigan, a schooner of one hundred and twenty tons, and a smaller vessel called the Red jacket. The 
 former was too large for the trade and was finally sent over the falls in 1829. The firm of Townsend, 
 Bronson & Company continued in business until 1821, and Sill, Thompson & Company until 1823 or 1824. 
 About this time the firm of Sheldon, Thompson & Company was formed, with its principal offices in Buffalo, 
 and continued the forwarding business. The firm owned one of the first organized lines of boats on the 
 canal, and was known as the Troy and Black Rock Line, and when the terminus of the canal in 1826 was 
 fixed at Buffalo, the name was changed to the Troy and Erie Line, which afterwards attained great propor- 
 tions. The firm was largely instrumental in establishing steam navigation on the lakes. They built the 
 Pioneer, the third steamboat on the lakes, in 1823, and it was a great success. In 1828 they built the 
 
21 
 
 8 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Sheldon Thompson at Huron, in Ohio. In 1830 the firm removed to Buffalo, and in 1836 the firms of 
 Sheldon, Thompson & Company and Townsend & Colt, the two leading forwarding concerns, were consol- 
 idated under the name of Coit, Kimberly & Company, Messrs. Thompson and Judge Townsend, the senior 
 partners, retiring from leadership. Mr. Thompson was one of a copartnership that bought and laid out 
 Ohio City, now part of Cleveland, and of another company which built Manhattan, on the Maumee river, an 
 early rival of Toledo. He was one of a company that entered immense tracts of land in Wisconsin, 
 embracing Milwaukee, Green Bay, Sheboygan, and mining sections in Iowa county and other parts of the 
 state, and was one of seven men in Buffalo who bought the assets of the branch of the United States Bank. 
 He retired from business in 1845. 
 
 While at all times patriotic and public-spirited, Mr. Thompson was never a politician. He held public 
 office but once in his life. Buffalo was incorporated as a city in 1832, and for eight years the mayors were 
 elected by the Common Council. In 1840 a law was passed making the office elective by the people, and 
 the first election for mayor was held that year. The Whigs nominated Sheldon Thompson, and the Dem- 
 ocratic candidate was George P. Barker, one of the most brilliant and popular men of Buffalo. The election 
 was hotly contested, and Sheldon Thompson received 11 35 votes to 1125 polled for his opponent. He filled 
 the position with great ability. Mr. Thompson was an Episcopalian who never wavered in his allegiance or 
 fidelity. He was a member of the first vestry of St. Paul's parish, and his bust in marble on the walls 
 commemorates the fact that he was one of the founders of the parish. His wife died in Buffalo May 2, 1832. 
 They had ten children, four of whom lived to maturity. Sally Ann married Henry K. Smitfi, one of the 
 leading lawyers of Western New York; Agnes Latta married Edward S. Warren, and Ljetitia Porter 
 married Henry K. Viele, both gentlemen being prominent lawyers now deceased. Augustus Porter 
 Thompson has always been actively identified with the manufacturing interests of Buffalo, and is now 
 manager of the Cornell Lead Company, branch of the National Lead Company. 
 
 Sheldon Thompson died in this city March 13, 1851, and the Common Council, the vestry of St. Paul's, 
 and many other bodies passed appropriate resolutions on the death of this upright, prominent, and useful 
 citizen, whose calling away left a void which was long felt. 
 
 HON. SAMUEL WILKESON. 
 
 This distinguished son of a distinguished sire was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1781. He was of 
 Scotch-Irish descent, and men of his name and race fought and died for religious freedom at Bothwell Bridge, 
 in 1679. The final defeat of the Covenanters drove the family into exile in the north of Ireland, where 
 they received their portion of land in the Pale. They took with them their love of battle and devotion to 
 Protestant liberty, and six brothers were killed in the siege of Derry. Within a century the increase of 
 the family exceeded the supporting power of the land, and John Wilkeson and his wife, Mary Robinson, the 
 father and mother of Samuel Wilkeson, emigrated to America in 1760, and settled in Delaware. When the 
 War of the Revolution began, John Wilkeson welcomed the opportunity to oppose the British monarchy and 
 entered the army as a lieutenant, and served with gallantry until peace was declared. At this time the 
 remnant of his regiment was in camp at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and here the subject of this biographical 
 sketch was born. When the Continental Army was disbanded, his father removed to Washington county, 
 Pennsylvania, and with a soldier's land warrant, took up a farm in the wilderness. Samuel's school training 
 began in the nearest log school-house, and lasted for a short time. Until he was twenty-one years of age he 
 performed the onerous work, of which there was plenty, on the frontier farm, and after his father's death he 
 married, and removed to Southeastern Ohio, and began farming in another wilderness. He suddenly 
 determined on a change of employment and became a builder of boats, a merchant and forwarder. He built 
 his first vessel with his own hands, and with tools of the most primitive kind, and this was the modest 
 beginning of the commerce of vessels of three thousand tons burthen which now enter Buffalo harbor. The 
 freight carried in these open boats was principally salt, and he made voyages at times to other points up 
 Lake Erie, but the lake trade was soon destroyed by the War of 1812. In the early part of this struggle 
 the American army under General Harrison was delayed in its advance to invade Canada by the failure of 
 the contractor to supply transportation, and Wilkeson was applied to by the Commander-in-Chief to supply 
 the needed vessels. He consented, and immediately gathered a force of workmen, hastened to the Grand 
 river in Northern Ohio, felled the timber growing on the banks, and in a very short time completed his 
 transports. Wilkeson's family at this time resided in Chautauqua county, and the British army was 
 marching to cross the Niagara river from Canada. Armed with a rifle, Wilkeson hurried to Buffalo with his 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 219 
 
 regiment to engage in tlie expected battle, which occurred north of Black Rock, near Scajaquada creek. 
 Wellington's veterans, however, overmatched the militia both in number and effectiveness, and Buffalo was 
 captured and burned. Wilkeson walked home to Chautauqua, and in 1814, before peace was declared, he 
 loaded two lake boats at Portland with the frames for a store and dwelling-house, and embarked with his 
 family for Buffalo, to settle there permanently and engage in mercantile business. He erected his store 
 corner of Main and Niagara streets. In the spring of 181 5 Samuel Wilkeson was persuaded to accept the 
 position of justice of the peace, and the faithful discharge of his duties of criminal magistrate is a part of the 
 early history of Buffalo. He was a terror to evil-doers, utterly fearless, loving right, and a natural-born 
 lawyer. He punished offenders with celerity and to the utmost limits of the law, and his judgments were 
 always approved by public opinion. In 1819 he was a 
 leading advocate of the Erie canal. In the most critical 
 period of the commercial history of Buffalo he, joined 
 with Charles Townsend and Oliver Forward, executed 
 bonds in the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars to 
 secure the harbor loan of twelve thousand dollars for the 
 improvement of the harbor, when all other members of 
 the harbor association refused. Wilkeson was persuaded 
 to abandon his business and take charge of the work. 
 His services were so well appreciated that on the square 
 of granite covering the grave of Judge Wilkeson is 
 inscribed the words " Urbem condidit." As a matter of 
 fact he built the city by building the harbor. Then the 
 canal commissioners met in Buffalo in 1822, to decide 
 where the Erie canal was to terminate. Samuel Wilkeson 
 presented the claim of Buffalo, using a map he had pre- 
 pared of the lower part of the lake, and using with great 
 effect his thorough knowledge of the winds and currents 
 at both points. Black Rock and Buffalo, and although 
 General Peter B. Porter appeared in behalf of the former 
 it was decided in favor of the latter. As chairman of the 
 citizens' committee, he made the first passage through 
 the entire length of the canal on the packet-boat Seneca 
 Chief, returning with a cask of sea water which, mingled 
 with the water of Lake Erie, repeated the "Marriage of 
 the Adriatic." In February, 1821, he was appointed 
 First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Erie 
 county, in which position he served with dignity and 
 honor for three terms. In 1824 he was elected to the State Senate, and in that capacity, and in the Court for 
 Correction of Errors he served with distinguished ability for six years. During this period he was a forward- 
 ing merchant on the lakes, built a section of the canal, was a large ship owner, built the first iron-foundry in 
 Buffalo, inaugurated its present extensive steam-engine, stove, and hollow-ware industry, and also established 
 blast furnaces in Lake county, and in Mahoning county, Ohio. He was an inveterate foe of African slavery, 
 and favored a system of gradual emancipation and the colonization of the Negroes on the west coast of Africa. 
 He edited " The African Repository" in Washington, D. C, the organ of the American Colonization Society, 
 for two years. He was elected mayor of the city in 1836. Mr. Wilkeson was a born commander, a leader of 
 men. He was a master of humor, incorruptibly honest, courageous, warm-hearted, and sympathetic. He was 
 married three times, his first wife being the mother of all his children. She was Jane Oram, the daughter of 
 James Oram, a Scotch-Irish exile, who came to this country with John Wilkeson, and fought with him through 
 the Revolution. Of their six children none are now living. His second wife was Sarah St. John of Buffalo, 
 and his third was Mary Peters, who was a noted educator of girls, and a descendant of Hugh Peters of New 
 Haven, Connecticut, who was exiled with the regicides from England. He died July, 1848, in his sixty- 
 seventh year. Eight of his grandsons were volunteers in the Union Army in the War of the Rebellion, and 
 all were in the very front of battle. One was killed in the battle of Seven Pines, in command of Company K 
 of the gallant One Hundredth New York Volunteers, another commanding Battery G, Fourth United States 
 Artillery, was killed at Gettysburg at the age of nineteen years, 
 
 HON. SAMUEL WILKESON. 
 
JAMES TILLINGHAST. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 221 
 
 JAMES TILLINGHAST. 
 
 This prominent railroad manager, whose experience in this field of commercial enterprise is, perhaps, 
 without a parallel, was born in Cooperstown, New York, May 8, 1822, and is a lineal descendant of the 
 Rev. Pardon Tillinghast, who was born at Seven Cliffs, in Sussex, on the southern coast of England, in 1622. 
 This distinguished ancestor was in his youth a soldier in Cromwell's army, and at the age of twenty-two 
 emigrated to America with the Roger Williams Baptist Colony, which sailed from England November 19, 1645, 
 landing at Providence, Rhode Island, where a settlement was formed. He was known as Elder Tillinghast, a 
 strict Baptist, and "remarkable for his plainness and piety." He was a member of an old and influential 
 English family, having for its motto, "Be just and fear not," and the original coat of arms bearing this motto is 
 now in possession of the family in Buffalo. For sixteen years Elder Tillinghast was a member of the Town 
 Council, and he was also a member of the General Assembly of the Province. In 1670 he built a church on 
 his own land and at his own expense, the first Baptist church in America, and in 1700 presented it to the 
 Baptist Society of Providence. He preached regularly in the church of which he was the founder almost up 
 to the time of his death, April 27, 1719, at the age of ninety-seven years. One of his descendants was 
 Gideon Tillinghast, who was born in Providence in the latter part of the Eighteenth century, who helped to 
 build the first power-looms used for making cotton cloth in New York. He died in i860, aged sixty-five years, 
 leaving three children to survive him, the eldest of whom is the subject of this biographical notice, who 
 inherited much of his father's aptitude for mechanical pursuits, for which, even in his boyhood, he exhibited 
 a great fondness, and while attending school he spent a large part of his leisure time in the shops under his 
 father's control. At the age of fifteen years James Tillinghast entered a country store at Brownsville, New 
 York, as a clerk, and a year afterwards became clerk and bookkeeper for the firm of Bell & Kirly, at Dexter, 
 his salary being eight dollars per month. Leaving this firm in 1840 he was employed for two years in the 
 management of the Brownsville Cotton Manufacturing Company's store and office, and in 1841, he, with 
 Alexander Brown, purchased the store of C. K. Loomis & Company, in Brownsville, and two years later he 
 sold his interest in the business and embarked in trade on the lakes. His first voyage was made as super- 
 cargo of the sailing vessel H. H. Si^er, which took out from Sacketts Harbor in 1844 about 134 passengers to 
 Chicago. The voyage was made memorable by a storm which nearly wrecked the vessel, but reached its 
 destination minus sails and mainmast. There being no return freight to be had, Mr. Tillinghast bought 
 all the wheat he could obtain, amounting to less than three thousand bushels, and returned to Buffalo, where 
 he arrived during the famous September gale of 1844. This was the second shipment of grain from Chicago to 
 Buffalo, and was sold at a profit of forty-eight cents per bushel. In 1846 he joined his father in establishing 
 a machine shop and foundry at Little Falls, and in the spring of 185 1 he accepted a position as extra fireman 
 on an engine handling a gravel train. In July following he accepted an offer made by friends interested in 
 the building of the Rome and Watertown railroad, and performed all kinds of service, becoming finally acting 
 master mechanic and assistant superintendent of the road. In 1856 he accepted the position of superintendent 
 of motive power on the Northern Railway of Canada, from Toronto to Collingwood, and in 1862 he joined 
 Captain R. Montgomery, of Buffalo, and Mr. E. B. Ward, of Detroit, and organized a line of steam propellers 
 to run between Gooderich, Port Huron and Chicago, and for a year or more was active in its management. 
 During this time he established his home in Buffalo, and has since been identified with the interests of this 
 city. In 1864 he sold his steamboat interests to accept temporarily the position of superintendent of motive 
 power on the Michigan Southern road, and in July of that year he became assistant to his old friend, Mr. J. L. 
 Grant, superintendent of the Buffalo and Erie railroad. In February, 1865, he was requested by Dean 
 Richmond, then president of the Buffalo and Erie and New York Central roads, to become superintendent of 
 the Western division of the New York Central road, and he made the acquaintance of the late Commodore 
 Vanderbilt in 1867, the great railway king discovering on his first tour of inspection that Mr. Tillinghast was 
 a man of keen observation, superior worth, and excellent judgment. The friendship increased as years passed 
 terminating only with the death of Mr. Vanderbilt. When the latter obtained the controlling interest in the 
 " Central," he made Mr. Tillinghast its general superintendent, with headquarters at Albany, and it was at 
 his instance that the plan of four tracks was decided on and carried out with remarkable results. He resigned 
 in 1881, at which time the tonnage had increased tenfold what it was in 1865. In 1878-9 Mr. Tillinghast, in 
 addition to his other responsibilities, filled the double position of president and general manager of the Canada 
 Southern railway, and in 1881 he was appointed by William H. Vanderbilt assistant to the president of the 
 New York Centra! and Hudson River railroad. After the death of Webster Wagner in 1882, Mr. Tillinghast 
 acted as vice-president of the Wagner Sleeping Car Company, and upon the death of Hon. Augustus Schell in 
 
RESIDENCE OF JAMES TILLINGHAST. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 223 
 
 1884 he became president of the company. He acted in 1883 as vice-president of the Niagara River Bridge 
 company, and had charge of and superintended tine erection of the new cantilever bridge, and in 1893 with- 
 drew from active business, after having accomplished a life work which mari<ed him a man of wonderful 
 resources, attaining grand results in the numerous responsible positions he had filled. He was married 
 October 22, 1843, to Mary Williams, who died in 1859 leaving three children, James W., manager of the 
 Western Union Telegraph company at Buffalo; Kate, intermarried with Mr. P. P. Burtiss, of the Howard 
 iron Works of this city; and Annie, wife of Mr. F. D. Stow, general agent of the Merchants Dispatch Trans- 
 portation company. He was married to his second wife, the widow of his first wife's brother, July 25, 1882. 
 
 EDWARD P. BEALS. 
 
 One of the oldest and most important industries of Buffalo is that conducted by Beals & Company, 
 wholesale iron and hardware merchants, of which house the subject of this biographical notice is the head. 
 He was born at Canandaigua, New York, March 16, 1821. His parents five years later removed to Buffalo, 
 where he has since resided, and his long and useful business life contributed largely to the commercial growth 
 of the city. He attended public and private schools and the Military academy of this city, and completed his 
 education in 1836 at Canandaigua academy. The same year he accepted a position with Samuel F. Pratt, 
 who was extensively engaged in the hardware business in the city, at the corner of Main and Swan streets, 
 which was removed to the Terrace in 1850. In 1846 Mr. Beals became a partner in the business, which was 
 afterwards conducted under the style of Pratt & Company, until i885. Mr. S. F. Pratt died in 1872. In 
 1886 the new firm of Beals & Brown was organized, and the extensive wholesale and retail trade was 
 continued under that style until the death of Mr. Brown in 1892. The following year the firm of Beals & 
 Company was formed, composed of Edward P. Beals, and his son, P. P. Beals, and W. R. Gass, who still 
 carry on the business with which the senior member of the concern has been connected for sixty years. The 
 e.xtensive hardware trade of this house, which has grown to large proportions, has for many years been a 
 large item in the great aggregate of the commercial business of Buffalo, and Mr. E. P. Beals has for genera- 
 tions been the acknowledged leader in his line of trade and one of the substantial, representative, successful 
 merchants of the city. He is a director of the Buffalo Savings bank, and gives to his affairs the closest 
 attention and intelligent direction. He was married in 1848 to Miss Lorenz of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who 
 died in 1886. Mr. Beals resides at No. 214 Delaware avenue, and deservedly enjoys the high esteem and 
 regard of his fellow-citizens. 
 
 GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON. 
 
 This distinguished patriot and statesman, the first governor of the State of New York, was born in 1739 
 in "Little Britain," now Orange county in this State, and was named after Admiral George Clinton, son of 
 the Earl of Lincoln, the Colonial Governor of New York from 1743 to 1753. The subject of this notice was 
 educated for the legal profession, and in 1765 was elected a member of the Colonial Legislature from Ulster 
 county. He took an active part with the patriots who brought about the Revolutionary War, and was a 
 member of the Provincial Congress of 1775, and voted for the Declaration of Independence. He organized a 
 force of militia in Ulster county for service in the American army, and was appointed general of a brigade, 
 and was a recognized leader in the defense of the infant State. In 1777 a provincial government was formed 
 and General Clinton was chosen governor, taking the oath of office at Kingston, the capital of the State at 
 that time. He thus became commander of the New York militia, and held the position till the surrender of 
 Burgoyne at Saratoga. He fought at the head of the State troops at Fort Montgomery on the Hudson river, 
 when it was captured by Sir Henry Clinton. He was reelected Governor in 1780, 1785, 1789, 1792, and 
 1801, and under his influence the first State Constitution was adopted in 1777. He took a leading part in 
 securing legislation for internal improvements, and especially in the establishment of public schools, and at 
 his instance the Board of Regents of the University of New York was established in 1784. He suggested the 
 construction of canals between the Hudson river and Lakes Ontario and Champlain, the first step toward a 
 grand system of canals. He was elected Vice-President of the United States in 1804, and died occupying 
 that position in 1812. 
 
224 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 GEORGE S. HAZARD. 
 
 "His eye is not dimmed, nor is tiis material strength abated." So may truly be said to-day of tlie 
 subject of tliis sketch, who in December, 1895, entered on the eighty-seventh year of a well-spent life, still 
 in his prime mentally and physically. Born in New London, Connecticut, in December, 1809, Mr. Hazard 
 after enjoying the advantages of school training then available at his birth place, entered into commercial life 
 at the age of fifteen in the village general store, working the first year for his board, the second year for 
 seventy dollars-per annum, and advancing by slow increments, until at the age of twenty-one he had 
 attained to an income of one hundred and fifty dollars. During the six years, however, he had accumulated 
 a wealth of experience in business, and was entrusted with the responsible duty of visiting outside markets 
 and buying supplies. Growing ambitious of turning his experience to more profitable account he declared 
 his intention of seeking a wider field ; but his value had been so thoroughly realized by his employer that he 
 offered his young clerk an equal share in the business in order to retain him. Now a member of the firm he 
 remained in the partnership three years. The business had by this time reached large proportions and 
 included four woolen manufactories, turning out satinettes, flannels, etc. After the revision of the tariff in 
 1832, and depression in this branch of manufacturing consequent on the removal of duties, he sold out his 
 share in the concern for a bulk sum and started in business alone, after declining the offer of the position of 
 cashier in the local bank. In 1835 he sold out and determined to explore the western country. First visiting 
 New York he started for Buffalo, which point he reached after a week's travel by night and day. Remaining 
 but a short time he visited the different lake ports in search of a location, and finally pitched his tent at 
 Maumee City, the head of navigation on the Maumee river. There he built his house, bringing up three 
 carpenters from New London for the purpose, and his family having joined him, he established himself in the 
 forwarding and commission business. After some years he removed to Toledo to take advantage of better 
 facilities for navigation. 
 
 In 1847, his health being impaired, he removed to Buffalo and engaged in the produce and commission 
 business, hi the nearly half a century which has elapsed he has been a citizen of whom Buffalo is proud, 
 and to him may in a great measure be attributed the high standing in the commercial world to which our 
 Board of Trade has attained. First elected its president in 1855, when as a body it had no local habitation 
 but only a name, meeting in the open air on the docks for transaction of business, he recognized the necessity 
 of placing so important a body on a footing more in consonance with the importance of the city. His efforts 
 were not, however, efficiently seconded, and for some years little progress was made in the direction of 
 obtaining suitable quarters. He was again elected president in 1857, but it was not until 1862, when he was 
 reelected president without being consulted, then he declared that he would not serve until some endeavor 
 was made to revive the board from its then moribund condition. Determined to secure a proper building for 
 the purposes of the body, and the old Heywood exchange being objected to, he secured a building on Central 
 wharf owned by Mr. White, which was then rented for offices, and having had the interior remodeled, the 
 first meeting of a revived Board of Trade was held on June 26, 1862. He held the presidency during the 
 years 1862, 1863, and 1864, and the new life then infused into the Board by the energy and public spirit of 
 Mr. Hazard has steadily grown in strength up to the present day. To the influence of the Buffalo Board 
 of Trade under Mr. Hazard's regime is to be attributed the improvement of navigation by the deepening of 
 St. Clair flats by dredging; in the first place by local enterprise, securing a depth of ten and one-half feet 
 instead of eight feet, and afterwards by a Government corps of engineers, when a depth of eighteen feet 
 was obtained in the same channel. 
 
 The removal of obstructions at the mouth of the Detroit river and the reduction of canal tolls by fifty 
 per cent., are also monuments to the energy of Mr. Hazard. To him also was the Country indebted for the 
 placing on a proper footing, and the adoption by the Board of Trade, of the One Hundredth regiment, after it 
 had lost 510 out of its 960 heroes (including the colonel and many other officers), at the battle of Fair Oaks. 
 He set the example of a liberal contribution and in a few days raised the sum of $24,000, which was placed 
 in the hands of a committee of which he was chairman and treasurer. Recognizing the necessity of 
 entrusting the command of the reorganized regiment to a man of military education, he personally interviewed 
 the governor of the State and secured the appointment of Colonel Dandy, and at the same time arranged 
 that no appointments of officers should be made in the regiment until recommended by the Board of Trade. 
 At the close of the war Mr. Hazard determined to enjoy the rest that he had so well earned and left for 
 Europe, where he remained visiting various countries for two years. Returning to his home in Buffalo he 
 resumed his produce business and continued in it until 1873, when he assumed the position of president of the 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 22^ 
 
 Bank of Attica, now known as the Buffalo Commercial bank. This position he held until 1879, when he 
 finally retired from active business life. A life long Republican (casting his first vote on the Whig ticket in 
 Connecticut), he has always abstained from seeking political honors though frequently urged to do so. 
 
 He is an active member of the Historical Society of which he has twice been president, and was one of 
 the originators of the Fine Arts Academy, of which he was the second president, and of the Board of Trade, 
 which he has served since its formation. Of untiring energy, strictest integrity, public spirited, and self- 
 sacrificing for the good of others, his life is a lesson to be contemplated with benefit by the rising generation. 
 
 THE BUFFALO SOCIETY OF VERMONTERS. 
 
 Preliminary steps were taken to organize the Buffalo Society of Vermonters on March 15, 1894, at the 
 residence of Dr. Stephen S. Greene, No. 326 Niagara street, in the city of Buffalo, by the following-named 
 persons: Dr. Joseph C. Greene, Dr. Stephen S. Greene, Dr. Walter D. Greene, Mr. Simon P. Greene, 
 Henry W. Hill, Edward W. Andrews, Mr. George P. Wilkins and others. 
 
 After an informal conference as to the advisability of the formation of such society, a temporary organ- 
 ization was perfected as follows : Dr. Joseph C. Greene was elected chairman, Edward W. Andrews was 
 elected secretary, and the following persons were named as a committee to formulate a plan of organization 
 and report the same with all convenient speed; viz., Henry W. Hill, chairman; Walter H. Johnson, Simon P. 
 Greene, Elam R. Buttolph, Ira B. Hawthorne, William H. Bollard, and Dr. Dennis B. Wiggins. 
 
 On September i, 1894, in pursuance of a call of the committee on the plan of organization, a meeting 
 was held in the Buffalo park, at Buffalo, New York. The temporary chairman. Dr. Joseph C. Greene, 
 presided, and stated the object of the meeting and called upon the secretary, Mr. Edward W. Andrews, to 
 read the minutes of the preliminary meeting, which were approved. Henry W. Hill, chairman of committee 
 on plan of organization, reported that he had conferred with the officers of similar organizations in other cities, 
 and that the committee had then taken the matter under consideration, and reported a constitution and by- 
 laws for the Buffalo Society of Vermonters, which were unanimously adopted. The society then proceeded 
 to elect the following officers for the first year: Judge James M. Smith, president; Dr. Joseph C. Greene, 
 vice-president; Edward W. Andrews, secretary; Walter H. Johnson, treasurer; executive committee, Henry 
 W. Hill, chairman; Dr. Stephen S. Greene, Dr. Wesley C. Earl, Bradley D. Rogers, Elam J. Buttolph, 
 George P. Wilkins, and Charles C. Farnam. Judge Smith, in accepting the presidency for the first year, 
 referred to the distinguished services rendered by Vermonters in the State and Nation, and thanked the 
 society for the honor conferred upon him ; remarks were also made by other members of the society. A group 
 photograph of the Vermonters present was then taken which is reproduced and accompanies this article. The 
 members of the society then sat down to an old-fashioned Vermont basket picnic. 
 
 On January 17, 1895, Dr. Joseph C. Greene represented the Buffalo Society of Vermonters at the 
 annual banquet of the Brooklyn Society of Vermonters. The first annual mid-winter banquet of the Buffalo 
 Society of Vermonters was held at the Genesee hotel in the city of Buffalo on March 26, 1895, ^t which time 
 about 120 were present. On this occasion, in the absence of the president on account of sickness, the vice- 
 president. Dr. Joseph C. Greene, presided, and the officers, Edward W. Andrews, secretary, and Walter H. 
 Johnson, treasurer, made their reports. At the post-prandial exercises Henry W. Hill presided, and toasts 
 were responded to by Dr. Joseph C. Greene, Major E. O. Farrar, B. D. Rogers, Elam J. Buttolph, Dr. S. S. 
 Greene, William H. Johnson, Frank H. Severance, Ira B. Hawthorne, Charles C. Farnam, E. C. Randall, 
 Miss Mabel L. Johnson, and a poem was read by Edward D. Strickland. President Arthur's sister, 
 Mrs. Mella Hainsworth, was present, and submitted a paper on the family history of President Arthur, which 
 was read by Mrs. D. C. Ralph. 
 
 The second annual basket picnic was held at the City park in Buffalo, New York, on September 7, 1895. 
 On this occasion business was mingled with pleasure to the extent of electing officers and admitting new 
 members to the society. Judge James M. Smith declined a reelection as president on account of impaired 
 health. Dr. Joseph C. Greene, the former vice-president, was elected president. The other officers elected 
 were as follows: Vice-president, William P. Northrup; secretary, Edward W. Andrews; treasurer, Walter H. 
 Johnson; executive committee, Henry W. Hill, Dr. Stephen Greene, Bradley D. Rogers, George P. Wilkins, 
 Elam J. Buttolph, Dr. Wesley C. Earl, Charles C. Farnam, who are still in office. The social features of the 
 meeting were of an enjoyable character, and consisted of a genuine Vermont dinner, with an abundance of good 
 things. An original poem entitled, " The Green Mountain State," was read by its author, Hon. N. A. Wood- 
 ward of Batavia, New York. The second annual mid-winter banquet was held at the Genesee hotel on 
 
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BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 227 
 
 March 6, 1896, at which about a hundred persons were present. President Dr. Joseph C. Greene presided 
 and acted as toastmaster ; Secretary Edward W. Andrews and Treasurer Walter H. Johnson submitted their 
 reports. Toasts were responded to by Henry W. Hill, Simon P. Greene, E. A. Hayes, Henry G. White, 
 Edward W. Andrews, Mrs. W. F. Worthington, Dr. Albert H. Briggs, and Charles C. Farnam. 
 
 Though young, the Buffalo Society of Vermonters is in a sound and flourishing condition, and has enrolled 
 the following membership: Judge James M. Smith, Joseph C. Greene, M. D., Mrs. Mary Burrows Greene, 
 Stephen S. Greene, M. D., Mrs. Charlotte S. Cornell Greene, Walter D. Greene, M. D., Mrs. Mary P- 
 Greene, Simon P. Greene, Mrs. Marcia A. Sanborn Greene, George E. Greene, Mrs. Mary Greene, Henry 
 Wayland Hill, Mrs. Harriet A. Smith Hill, Julian P. Hill, M. D., Mrs. Nancy A. Rockwell Hill, Miss Josie 
 Pearl Hill, Dean R. Hill, Edward W. Andrews, Mrs. Anna Adelaide Greene Andrews, William H. Johnson, 
 Mrs. William H. Johnson, Walter H. Johnson, Mrs. Walter H. Johnson, Miss Mabel L. Johnson, John S. 
 Halbert, Dennis B. Wiggins, M. D., Hirman Johnson, Wesley C. Earl, M. D., Mrs. Sarah A. B. Earl, R. T. 
 Marsh, Benjamin F. Dow, Mrs. Caroline M. Dow, George C. Dow, George C. Bingham, Charles W. 
 Bingham, Mrs. Olive A. Bingham, Charles W. Bingham, Jr., Harry Tracy Buttolph, Bradley D. Rodgers, 
 Mrs. B. D. Rodgers, Mary L. Williams, Joanna E. McMahon, James A. Taggert, Miss Sarah E. Taggert, James 
 A. Taggert, Jr., Mrs. Margaretta D. Taggert Worthington, Harriet Penfield, M. Harriet Jennings, Gertrude B. 
 Spaulding, George P. Wilkins, Mrs. Lena 1. Wilkins, Frank H. Severance, Mrs. Lena L. Hill Severance, Edward 
 D. Strickland, James M. Blake, Mrs. Augusta V. B. Blake, Charles C. Farnham, Mrs. Charles C. Farnham, 
 Roswell C. Farnham, William M. Farnham, Mrs. William M. Farnham, Mrs. Abby B. Field, Ann Amidan 
 Taylor, Frederick B. Willard, M. D., Mrs. Julia Delphine Greene Willard, De Witt Clinton Greene, M. D., 
 Mrs. Julia Gates Greene, Mrs. Maria M. Whitney, Howard Nichols, Mrs. Estella E. Howard Goddard, Alfred 
 Barnett, Mrs. Julia Barnett, Charles Barnett, Mrs. Alice Barnett, Martha M. Bruce Carbee, William A. 
 Taggert, Henry H. Baker, Mrs. Frances H. Taggert Baker, Ethel Agnes Earl Heard, L. M. Wool, Mrs. Katie 
 M. P- Wool, Pliney E. Washburne, Mrs. Mary R. N. Washburne, Lillian E. Washburne, M. J. Keenan, 
 William C. Bryant, H. L. Griffith, Everand A. Hayes, Mary C. Hathorn Kendall, Ella C. Hathorn Bullis, 
 Miss Carrie B. Wheeler, Mrs. Joseph J. Wesling, Miss Anna Keefe, Miss Sarah H. Rockwood, Ira B. 
 Hawthorne, Mrs. Caroline Moore Hawthorne, Thomas P. Sears, Mrs. Emma Reed Hill, Meritt Nichols, Henry 
 G. White, A. F. Tripp, George H. Bryant (deceased), William P. Northrup, Caroline E. Wheeler, Mrs. Martha 
 Elliott, W. J. Hutchinson, Monroe Wilder, Mrs. M. Wilder, William H. Brush, Mrs. William H. Brush, Thomas 
 H. Noonan, James F. Bancroft, E. O. Farrar, Mrs. Ida A. Farrar, Mrs. Mary Kimball Clark, Mrs. Kittle 
 Kimball Ingalls, Mrs. R. S. Fowler, Albert H. Briggs, M. D., James K. Bancroft, Mrs. Fanny S. Bancroft, 
 H. C. Hill, M. D., Mrs. Julia Bacon Hill, Miss Hattie D. Hill, D. Clark Ralph, Mrs. Clark D. Ralph, Elam J. 
 Buttolph, Mrs. Elam J. Buttolph, Susan Frances Halbert, Hon. Elam R. Jewett (deceased), Mrs. Caroline W. 
 Jewett, Mrs. Sarah M. Wheeler, Mary L. Wheeler, W. Carlos Hayes, M. D. S., Mrs. W. Carlos Hayes, Hon. 
 Joseph Bennett, Seymour Bennett, Edward Dorr, Dr. C. W. Bourne, Mrs. S. J. Reid, E. A. Griffith, Josiah S. 
 Farr, John K. Clark, Mrs. Elgenia B. Behrends, Miss Estella M. Clark, Miss Mildred K. Ingalls, Robert L. 
 Ingalls, "j. E. Farthing, T. D. Burnham, Mrs. J. S. Farr, T. D. Demond, Mrs. T. D. Demond, Miss Lucia A. 
 Demond, Miss Helen D. Blake, Emma Hingston Blake, Harrison W. Blake, B. B. Clark, Henry F. Fullerton, 
 Mrs. Mary J. Farthing, Miss Isadora A. Belknap, John A. Berger, Mrs. Frances A. Berger, Joseph T. Cook, 
 Mrs. Clarissa T. Cook, Frederick Kendall, Elsie T. Kendall, George H. Westinghouse, M. D., Mrs. Eva L. 
 Greene Westinghouse, Edson Young, M. D., Mrs. Elizabeth P. Young, Albert M. Ellis, Mrs. Anna M. Ellis, 
 Mrs. H. J. Westinghouse, Mrs. Adda Gray, William H. Adams, Mrs. Sallie M. Adams, Barkley G. Mering, 
 Mrs. Eva Greene Mering, Mrs. J. A. Belknap. 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON TIFFT. 
 The Tifft family is of French descent. As a boy the subject of this sketch received but little schooling, 
 and up to the eighteenth year of his life he spent on his father's farm. About two months of each year were 
 all he could devote to education. This was partly attributable to the death of his father, which occurred 
 when George was but eighteen years old. In 1823 Mr. Tifft began to strike out for himself, and followed 
 various pursuits with moderate success for some years. In 1826 he bought an unimproved farm in Murray, 
 Orleans county, with which he did nothing for some years, but in 1830 he commenced to cultivate the place 
 and to operate in grain and the milling business. He left the farm, and in 1841 went to Michigan City, 
 Indiana, still remaining in the grain business, and he there formed certain business connections with Buffalo 
 shippers which led to his settlement in this city in 1842, in which year he formed a partnership with the late 
 Dean Richmond to carry on a milling business. From this point may be said to start his real career. From 
 
JOHN NEWMAN. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 229 
 
 1842 to 1857 his operations extended enormously. Tlie house of George W. Tifft & Company was founded 
 in 1843. In 1854 he was prominent among the organizers of the hiternational Bank of Buffalo. Mr. Tifft 
 became president of the Buffalo, New York and Erie railroad, a corporation still in existence and now leased 
 by the New York, Lake Erie and Western. He became deeply interested in real estate and was one of the 
 most extensive builders in the city. Among the notable structures put up by him are the Tifft House and 
 the Tifft elevators. For the last twenty years of his life his attention was chiefly given to the management 
 of the Buffalo engine works, a private stock company managed by the firm of George W. Tifft & Sons. 
 Mr. Tifft died June 24, 1882, at the ripe age of seventy-seven, after fully sixty-six years of active business 
 life. In 1827 he married Miss Lucy Enos, who bore him seven children, of whom two married daughters are 
 living. Mrs. Tifft died in 1871. Mr. Tifft's private life was quietly happy, and his memory will long 
 survive in Buffalo. 
 
 JOHN NEWMAN. 
 
 In the earlier years of this city John Newman was one of the best known among those prominently 
 identified with its material interests and prosperity. He was born October i5, 1796, near Ballston, Saratoga 
 county, New York, the home of his father, Thomas B. Newman. At an early age he removed to Oneida 
 county, near Utica, which at that time was a small village. With enterprise, energy, and abilities seeking a 
 wider field for their exercise, when twenty-one years old he set out for New York City, making the passage 
 from Albany by sloop down the Hudson river. (Then, all above Canal street in New York was rough, open 
 country.) Soon after reaching his destination he engaged in the then new industry of supplying machinery 
 and other iron work required for steamboats, in which he soon became proficient. The development of 
 steam power opened a wide field for improvements and gave ample exercise for the ingenuity and skill of 
 those thus early engaged in the business. Mr. Newman was connected with many of the earlier steam- 
 engine works of New York while he continued to reside there. In the year 1828 his firm, viz.. Hall & 
 Newman, built the low-pressure beam engine and the boilers of the steamboat DelVitt Clinton, one of the 
 largest passenger boats of that time, which for years plied between Albany and New York. This engine 
 continued in servic^ in the steamboat Knickerbocker long after the days of the DelVitt Clinton, and, as the 
 writer was informed, until the Knickerbocker was lost near Fortress Monroe, while in the United States 
 service, during the early part of the War of the Rebellion. (The original drawings of this engine have been 
 preserved in Mr. Newman's family.) The ravages of the Asiatic cholera, during its first visit to this 
 continent, in the summer of 1832, caused a general stagnation of business in New York. At this time, as a 
 consequence of the epidemic, and in common with others, the Novelty iron-works, one of the largest steam- 
 engine works of that city and with which Mr. Newman had been connected since its establishment, was nearly 
 idle. He was then applied to by Oliver Newberry of Detroit, Michigan, to construct at that city the boilers 
 for his new steamboat, the first Michigan. The Michigan was of the largest class and was probably in its 
 day the most powerful of the passenger boats in the lake trade. It was propelled by two low-pressure beam 
 engines. An engraving of the Michigan adorned very many of the bank notes in circulation prior to the era 
 of greenbacks and national bank notes. Going by stage from New York via Philadelphia to Pittsburg, 
 Pennsylvania, Mr. Newman procured the iron required for the boilers, and forwarded it by wagons thence to 
 Detroit, where he remained until the completion of the Michigan in the spring of 1833. At this time 
 electricity as a motive power and for telegraphic purposes was unknown. Then only a few short railroads 
 were in operation in the United States, and none of them connecting with New York city. Steamboats and 
 canal packet-boats, with the stage-lines, then served the general requirements of the country for the con- 
 veyance of passengers and the mails. On his way from Detroit to his New York home, a number of the 
 lake steamboat owners met Mr. Newman by appointment at Buffalo, and at their urgent solicitation he was 
 induced to remove to this city in June, 1833, and to establish a business then required to meet the wants of 
 the growing lake marine service. At this time there were no works for the building of steamboat boilers on 
 the entire line of the great western lakes. Here he engaged in the construction of steam and other machinery 
 and in general iron work, largely for the lake craft of that day, and also for land purposes. He held a 
 reputation for marked skill and success in the designing and building of steamboat boilers, of iron and of 
 copper, to which he had given particular attention from his early connection with the business. The 
 industry began by him in 1833 was continued until he retired from active life, with ample competence, a 
 few years before his death, which occurred August 28, 1867. 
 
 January i, 1823, Mr. Newman married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Miller. The birthplace of Mrs. 
 Newman was at Mamaroneck, Westchester county. New York, where her father's family, who were 
 
230 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Quakers, resided previous to and during tlie Revolutionary War. Mrs. Newman died March 12, 1859. 
 James M. Newman, M. D., the eldest son of John Newman, was born March 30, 1824, and died January 7, 
 1861. He was prominent in his profession and active in the many works and objects of public interest and 
 benevolence of this city with which he was identified, and to which a large share of his time and services 
 were freely devoted. The second son, William H. H. Newman, has long been known as one of the 
 successful business men of Buffalo. His daughter, Esther A. Newman, born November 5, 1827, married 
 Erastus Scovill, of the late firm of Newman & Scovill, and, after the death of Mr. Scovill, married John B. 
 Osborn. Her death occurred June 8, 1892. John Newman, while avoiding public life, was interested in 
 and well known in connection with matters of general good, sharing in their care in a quiet way character- 
 istic of the man. The Quaker influences by which he had been surrounded in early life, and later in the 
 family circle of Mrs. Newman's father, tended to impart a happy tone to and to grace a benevolent nature. 
 His clear and comprehensive views often found forcible expression in words seasoned with quaint humor. 
 Ever affable, genial, generous, and courteous, he was regarded as the friend of all. With an honored 
 position and a reputation for integrity of the highest standard, none were more widely known in the city in 
 his day or held in greater respect and esteem. 
 
 WILLIAM H. H. NEWMAN. 
 
 William H. H. Newman is among the oldest and best known of the business men of Buffalo. He has 
 been identified with the substantial prosperity of the city during the larger portion of its corporate existence. 
 Here, for about forty years, he successfully conducted a large and important mercantile business. He held a 
 position of unquestioned responsibility, among those who continued exempt from reverses during the several 
 periods of panic and general depression which marked a portion of those years. Besides mercantile pursuits 
 he has been connected with other prosperous business enterprises. Mr. Newman was born in New York 
 City, February 8, 1826, where he lived until his father, John Newman, removed to Buffalo. Since June 30, 
 1833, he has resided here. At an early age he entered the office of his father's iron works, assuming the 
 numerous and essentia! duties consequent upon the position, which he continued to discharge with ability 
 until his father retired, a part of the time having an interest in the business. In the meantime he had 
 secured important connections in other business interests, and had engaged in the supplying of materials 
 required by railroads and other industries. To better provide for an extending trade, in the summer of 1858 
 he established a store at the corner of Main and Dayton streets, to furnish materials and supplies required by 
 railroads, steamboats, manufacturers, and mechanics, a mercantile line for which he was well qualified by 
 his taste for mechanical arts, previous business experience and wide acquaintance, and which gained him a 
 liberal patronage from those requiring his services. Energy untiring, with rigid promptness and correctness 
 in all engagements, and an individuality in management characterized his life's work. An honorable reputa- 
 tion thus maintained ensured marked success. His business was continued near to its first location until 
 January i, 1893, when he retired from mercantile pursuits in favor of his son, John B. Newman. Since then 
 the various objects and interests with which he has been identified have engrossed much of his attention, 
 while leisure hours have been shared in part in the care and enjoyment of his library, noted for its rare and 
 valuable collection of old manuscript and early printed books. While Mr. Newman has avoided positions of 
 political preferment and personal emolument, and closely attended to the duties of his immediate business, he 
 has been known among the earlier life members of many of the institutions of this city, and has shared in the 
 direction and active management of numerous corporations, likewise in church and benevolent work. For 
 much of the time he has been connected with bank, railroad, and other boards of direction, and in the 
 management of the Buffalo Historical Society during the larger portion of its existence. In the year 1849 
 Mr. Newman married Miss J. A. Burrows, daughter of the late Hon. Latham A. Burrows of this city. His 
 son, John B. Newman, who had been associated with him for several years in the firm of W. H. H. Newman 
 & Company, continues under the old firm name the business he succeeded to when his father retired from it. 
 His daughter, Emily A., is the wife of Harry Walbridge, of the firm of Walbridge & Company of this city. 
 
 GEORGE BRUSH WALBRIDGE. 
 
 George Brush Walbridge was born September 14, 1814, at Bennington, Vermont, where his grandfather, 
 Henry Walbridge, had settled in 1760, removing there from Norwich, Connecticut. The family was a 
 patriotic one, and from the beginning ranged itself on the side of the colonies in their struggle with the 
 mother country. Henry Walbridge was a member of the Committee of Public Safety, and, with his three 
 
WILLIAM H. H. NEWMAN. 
 
232 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 elder sons, was engaged in the battle of Bennington. His wife, Anna Safford, was a granddaughter of 
 Captain Samuel Robinson, the founder of Bennington and the acknowledged leader of the champions of the 
 New Hampshire grants in their controversy with the governor of the Colony of New York. Her father, 
 Deacon Joseph Safford, was also a member of the Committee of Public Safety, and her brother, Joseph 
 Safford, Jr., was a colonel on the staff of General Washington. Henry Walbridge's youngest son, David, 
 married Ruth Brush of Vergennes in 1807, and George was their eldest son. in 1819 or '20 the family 
 removed to Western New York, settling at first near Byron, Genesee county. The country was very new, 
 the houses and the way of living rude and primitive; moreover, at that time the climate of the region was 
 malarious, in consequence of which they remained there but a short time, removing to the village of Buffalo, 
 where they lived several years, part of the time in the adjoining village of Cold Spring. In 1824-5 they 
 occupied the old brick house on Washington street, known for many years as the Stevenson house, and more 
 
 recently as the headquarters of the political organization 
 known as the Cleveland Democracy. In 1829 David 
 Walbridge died in Erie, Pennsylvania, where the family 
 were then residing. 
 
 A year or two later his son George returned to 
 Buffalo, and for several years was a clerk in the whole- 
 sale grocery store of Augustus Colson. His business 
 abilities and good habits attracted the notice of Colonel 
 Ira A. Blossom, a prominent citizen and capitalist, and 
 in 1835 he established Mr. Walbridge, who was then 
 but twenty-one years of age, in the grocery business, 
 himself taking an interest as special partner. The 
 firm succeeded in weathering the financial storm which 
 wrecked so many merchants in 1837, and a few years 
 later the partnership was dissolved, and a new firm, 
 Walbridge & Hayden, was formed, which continued until 
 about 1846. Their store was at No. 28 Main street, 
 running through to Prime alley, as it was then called, 
 on the ground now covered by the Delaware, Lacka- 
 wanna & Western Railroad's passenger station. Their 
 business was widely extended, covering not only Western 
 New York and Pennsylvania, but reaching out to Ohio, 
 Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. Mr. Hayden was one of 
 those adventurous spirits, who in '49 undertook the 
 overland journey to California, but, like many other 
 unfortunate pilgrims, he dropped by the way, never 
 reaching the golden Mecca. After Mr. Hayden's retire- 
 ment from the firm, a new one was formed under the style 
 of George B. Walbridge & Company, the junior partners being William Levering, Ira Harrison Blossom, 
 and Wells D. Walbridge. In December, 1847, the store, a large one for those days, was destroyed by 
 fire, a disaster which was fixed in the memory of older residents by the tragic death of Henry Bishop. He 
 was a well-known young man, employed as bookkeeper by the firm, and occupied a room in the buildint^. 
 The fire occurred in the night, and young Bishop perished in the flames. The store was rebuilt the following 
 spring, but not long afterwards Mr. Walbridge sold out to A. D. A. Miller & Company, afterwards Miller, 
 Greiner & Company, and retired from the grocery business. 
 
 He had previously built several sailing vessels, and had become interested in the transportation business 
 which he extended by the purchase of the steamers Diamond, Fashion, and Tecumseh, forming a line between 
 Buffalo and Cleveland. During the season of navigation, one of the steamers of Walbridge's line left the 
 dock at the foot of Washington street daily, Sundays excepted, calling at Silver Creek, Dunkirk, Erie 
 Ashtabula, Conneaut, and Cleveland. The Lake Shore Railroad was not then in existence and these 
 steamers formed an important link in the transportation facilities of the time, both for freight and passengers- 
 connecting at the ports mentioned with lines of stage-coaches running to interior points, such as Jamestown, 
 Fredonia, Meadville, etc. He afterwards established a line of propellers between Buffalo and Grand Haven 
 Michigan, the port for Grand Rapids, that region being then without railroad communications of any kind, and 
 
 GEORGE B. WALBRIDGE. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 233 
 
 also had boats running to Chicago, Milwaul<ee, and other Lal<e Michigan ports. He owned, in whole or in 
 part, the side-wheel steamer Albany, and the propellers Pocahontas, Troy, Saginaw and others, and shortly 
 before his death built the propeller Buffalo, which was at that time the largest stern-wheel steamer on the 
 lakes, in 185 1 Wells D. Walbridge, a nephew, became a partner in the business, and in the autumn of that 
 year Mr. Walbridge's failing health caused him to seek a milder climate. He spent the ensuing winter and 
 spring in Florida, but derived no benefit therefrom, and his death occurred August 30, 1852. Mr. Walbridge 
 was president of the Board of Trade in 1849. His death was announced to that body by George S. Hazard, 
 Esq., who paid a beautiful and touching tribute to his ability and high character. The flags on the shipping 
 in the harbor, and upon many buildings, were lowered to half-mast on the day of his funeral, and no token 
 of respect was wanting to express the regret of the community for his untimely death. 
 
 In his church relations Mr. Walbridge was a Presbyterian, having united with the First church while a 
 very young man, and was always known as a devout and consistent Christian. When the North church, a 
 colony from the old First, was formed Mr. and Mrs. Walbridge were among the first to inscribe their names 
 on the new roll of membership. Mr. Walbridge was a trustee of the new organization and was deeply 
 interested in building the church. He was one of the elders up to the time of his death, and also superinten- 
 dent of the Sunday-school, an office he previously held in the First church, and also in the mission school in 
 the old Bethel church on Perry street. 
 
 In politics Mr. Walbridge was an old-time Whig, a strong party man though never a candidate for office. 
 He was public-spirited and always in favor of any project to advance the interests of the City of Buffalo, of 
 which he was both fond and proud. He was one of the original trustees of the Buffalo Female academy, now 
 the Buffalo seminary, and used his best efforts for its establishment on a sound basis. In January, 1836, 
 Mr. Walbridge was married to Miss Wilhelmina C. L. Colson, daughter of Rev. Karl Colson of Meadville, 
 Pennsylvania, and sister of Augustus Colson, an old resident of Buffalo. The young couple began house- 
 keeping in a new block on Eagle street, near Oak, then the outskirts of the city. Their neighbors were the 
 Loverings, Maceys, Flaggs, and other well-known old Buffalo families. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walbridge were 
 very hospitable, and in their home of later years, a large house on Washington street, near South Division, 
 delighted in entertaining their friends. Mrs. Walbridge survived her husband many years, dying in 1883. 
 Two sons and four daughters are living: Charles E. and Harry Walbridge of this city, Mrs. Charles Warren 
 Butler of Brooklyn, Mrs. Henry Woodley Musson of Kansas City, Mrs. Isaac Livingston Miller of Plainfield, 
 New Jersey, and Mrs. Edward Potter Bowen of La Salle, New York. George B. Walbridge, the second son, 
 died at Plainfield in March, 1880. Although Mr. Walbridge was still so young, barely thirty-eight years old at 
 the time of his death, he had been so long identified with Buffalo in its commercial, social, and christian life, 
 that he was generally supposed to be a much older man, and regret was universal that so useful a career 
 should be thus cut short. 
 
 CHARLES BENNETT ARMSTRONG. 
 This old and successful underwriter of Buffalo is well and widely known in business circles in Western 
 New York and far beyond State limits in his special field of commercial enterprise. He was born April 9, 
 1833, at Hartwick, near Cooperstown, Otsego county. New York, and is the youngest of ten children of 
 William H. and Salome Armstrong of Lebanon, Connecticut. His mother's immediate ancestors comprised 
 one of the oldest and most influential families of New England, among whom were John Kirkland, one of the 
 pioneers of the settlement and civilization of this section, and President Wheelock of Dartmouth College, an 
 eminent scholar and a national celebrity. Having a large family, the father of the subject of this sketch 
 removed to Hartwick, New York, to better educate his children, and here Charles was born. He first 
 attended the public schools of his native town, and entered the high-school at Lockport, from which he was 
 graduated, when he removed to Buffalo. At the age of twenty-one years he associated himself with his 
 brother-in-law, Mr. William B. Mann, in the grain trade, the firm being William B. Mann & Company, the 
 business continuing until 1862. He then formed a copartnership with Silas H. Fish, a well-known and 
 successful commission merchant and underwriter of Buffalo, and the firm of Fish & Armstrong conducted a 
 large insurance business until the death of Mr. Fish in 1887. Mr. Armstrong then admitted his son, Charles 
 N. Armstrong, to a partnership in the business, which has attained large proportions, and at this time the 
 firm is recognized as one of the leading insurance concerns of Western New York. For many years he has 
 been president of the Buffalo Association of Underwriters, and as such was prominent in the revision of the 
 city charter. Mr. C. B. Armstrong was married to Miss Eliza A. Newton, daughter of Eliza Walker Newton 
 of Belchertown, Massachusetts, and his sons, four in number, are all successfully engaged in business, two 
 
234 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 of them being partners with their father, and a third the secretary of the Maple Flooring Company, and the 
 fourth conducting a planing-mill in Rochester. The father has always devoted a large portion of his time to 
 church and charitable work. He is an elder in the Central Presbyterian church, and was for two years 
 president of the Young Men's Christian Association, and in that capacity greatly assisted in raising the funds 
 for their fine new building. Mr. Armstrong was also a member of the board of managers of the association 
 for several years. For eighteen years he has been one of the most earnest and active christian workers in 
 behalf of the prisoners in the Erie County penitentiary, devoting his time and means to their spiritual 
 
 welfare, conducting, with the aid of others, 
 services there every Sunday during the 
 year, and has also a Bible-school class com- 
 posed principally of long-term convicts, and 
 has labored zealously and intelligently in 
 this part of the Lord's vineyard. In the 
 earliest years of his active business life Mr. 
 Armstrong was firmly convinced that a man, 
 active in any of the walks of life, could 
 devote a portion of his time to study, and 
 has verified his theory by setting apart a 
 portion of each day to the stucJy of different 
 subjects, and while actively engaged for 
 many years in business of greatest impor- 
 tance, he has stored his minc3 with useful 
 knowledge, by systematic, earnest, daily 
 application. In many other charitable, reli- 
 gious, and philanthropic measures he has 
 taken prominent and effective part. He is 
 treasurer of the Buffalo City and Erie 
 County Bible Society, a posiiion he has 
 filled for fifteen years, and is also the chief 
 executive officer of the board of directors 
 of the Eye and Ear Infirmary of this city. 
 He was for a time one of the trustees of the 
 Board of Trade, and a member of the 
 reference committee, and chairman of the 
 Gratuity Fund system, and is now a director 
 of the Empire State Savings bank of this 
 city. In his long career in business he has 
 accomplished great results, and his life has 
 been made up of works of benevolence and 
 christian charity which mark him a bene- 
 factor of his race. 
 
 JOHN WHITE. 
 
 JOHN WHITE. 
 
 The engraving accompanying this sketch is a very faithful picture of one of Buffalo's oldest residents. 
 Mr. John White was born near Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, on the eighteenth day of May, 1814. At 
 the age of seventeen he came to this country with his father's family and settled on Lake Geneva, this State, 
 and for three years devoted himself to farming. In 1834 he went to Canada and settled near Toronto, his 
 idea being to advance and enlarge his knowledge of farming. His anticipations were not realized, so he 
 shortly after returned to his former home on Lake Geneva. On March 11, 1841, he married Elizabeth 
 Johnson, daughter of John Johnson of Geneva, New York, who was at that time an agriculturalist of great 
 note. On October 11, 1843, his wife died, leaving him just at a time when he was beginning to realize the 
 fruits of his labor. Two daughters survive this marriage, Margaret E. and Jessie. The former married the 
 Rev. J. L. Robertson of Cortland, New York, and the latter Theodore Bull of Buffalo, New York. On June 
 23, 1847, Mr. White contracted a second marriage with Delia D. Angus of Bellona, New York, a daughter, 
 and descendant of an old Scotch family named Angus, also a descendant of Lord Angus. Shortly after his 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 !?? 
 
 second marriage the "California gold fever " broke out, and Mr. Wliite became one of the "Forty-niners," 
 taking ship at Philadelphia by way of Cape Horn. He had indifferent success and returned to Geneva in 
 1851. He then interested himself in the steam flour-milling business, and after running it successfully for a 
 short time sold out to advantage and accepted the management of a flour-mill owned by Mr. Thomas Clark 
 of Buffalo, New York. From this time on Mr. White's success was established far beyond his expectations. 
 He became Mr. Clark's partner in several enterprises such as the distilling and malting business, but his 
 greatest achievement was the building of the Niagara elevator which was, and is now, one of the largest 
 elevators in the world. He perfected the steam shovel and was president of the Steam Shoveling Association 
 until the elevators put in and handled their own plants. 
 
 Mr. White was more or less interested in several elevators and seemed to have the faculty of managing 
 everything he undertook successfully. He was one of the promoters of the Bank of Commerce, and was a 
 director of same from the day the doors of the bank were opened up to the time of his death. In the year of 
 1872 he disposed of his vast elevator interests and entered into copartnership with his son, John C. White, 
 and John W. Crafts, in the malting business. After the death of his wife, which occurred October 6, 1888, 
 he practically gave up business on account of ill health. Mr. White after a very successful career died 
 January 12, 1892, at the age of seventy-eight, honored and respected by all who knew him. His son, 
 Mr. John C. White, and his three daughters, Margaret E. Robertson, Mary A. Osborne, Georgia M. Koerner, 
 survive him. 
 
 DEAN RICHMOND. 
 
 A strong type of American manhood was Dean Richmond. He was born in Barnard, Vermont, March 
 31, 1804. He was a descendant from the sturdy, energetic New England farmers. As a boy he did not 
 have the advantages of an early education, but he educated himself, and through boyhood and early man- 
 hood, and in fact through his entire life, he had one of those minds which always grasp something new, and 
 never cease to learn, even while teaching others. At fifteen years of age Dean Richmond started in business 
 in Salina, in the manufacturing and selling of salt. He was successful from the start, for he had energy, 
 pluck, and ambition, and was not afraid of work. In 1842 he established himself in business in Buffalo as a 
 dealer in and shipper of Western produce. He became interested in railroads, and was one of the leaders in 
 the consolidation of the seven separate roads which afterwards formed the New York Central Railroad. It 
 was due chiefly to his efforts that the act of consolidation was passed in the Legislature. In 1853, upon the 
 organization of the New York Central Railroad, Mr. Richmond was made vice-president, and in 1864 he was 
 chosen president ; this position he held until his death. Mr. Richmond was an earnest Democrat, and was 
 
 for many years chairman of the Democratic State committee. He 
 never sought or desired office, but preferred to remain a private in 
 the ranks. He was married in 1833 to Miss Elizabeth Dauchy, and 
 nine children were born of the marriage. 
 
 HON. CHARLES F. BISHOP. 
 
 Ex-Mayor Charles F. Bishop was born in Williamsville in Erie 
 county, October 14, 1844. His parents removed to the City of 
 Buffalo in his early youth and resided on Grey street. He was 
 educated in the public schools here, and at the age of thirteen 
 years left school and obtained employment in a grocery store, 
 where he remained until he began business for himself. In 1869 he 
 established a wholesale coffee and spice house at No. 80 Main street, 
 remaining there until 1884; he then moved to larger quarters at 
 93 Seneca street, where he has been ever since, and conducts one 
 of the largest wholesale coffee and spice houses in the city. In the 
 fall of 1887 Mr. Bishop was induced to become a candidate for county 
 treasurer, and his personal popularity secured for him a vote con- 
 siderably greater than his party. Some irregularities occurred in 
 canvassing the votes and his opponent was declared elected, 
 although the returns as first made indicated his election by one hundred and fifty-one plurality. Two years 
 later, in 1889, he became his party's candidate for mayor, and after a bitter contest, was elected. His 
 administration during his first term was noted for his firm adherence to the principle that "he serves his 
 
 HON. CHARLES F. BISHOP. 
 
1^6 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 party best, who serves the people best." During his first term no charge was ever made that any of his 
 official acts were influenced by either personal or partisan motives, and when, in the fall of 1891, nominations 
 for mayor were again being made, no name but his was mentioned by the Democracy, and he was again 
 elected and continued the same policy that distinguished his first administration. In private life Mr. Bishop 
 has always been esteemed. He has been for many years a member of the Orpheus, and served as its 
 president for three years. He is a member of Concordia lodge of Freemasons, and for four years was deputy 
 grand-master of the Twenty-fifth district of the State of New York, and as such deputy grand-master laid the 
 
 corner-stone of the Masonic temple of Buffalo. In 1865 
 Mr. Bishop was married to Miss Kate Moran, and they 
 reside at 220 Summer street. Mr. Bishop is popular 
 both socially and commercially, and enjoys the con- 
 fidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. 
 
 GEORGE BURRELL HAYES. 
 
 This prominent leader in the manufacturing inter- 
 ests of Buffalo was born October i, 1842, at Rochester, 
 New York, and is the third of seven children of John 
 Henry Hayes, an extensive dealer in furs. After 
 completing his studies in the public schools, he was sent 
 to Cleveland, Ohio, to learn telegraphy, in which he 
 was employed for several years. He came to Buffalo 
 as an operator in the employ of the Western Union 
 Telegraph Company in 1861, and was appointed man- 
 ager of the company in this city, holding that position 
 until 1868. He then engaged in the iron business, and 
 formed the firm of Brown, Drullard & Hayes, which 
 built and operated the Franklin steam forge on Chicago 
 street. After two years Mr. Brown retired from the 
 business, the firm becoming Drullard & Hayes, and 
 purchased the property on E.xchange street, where 
 they began the manufacture of cast-iron pipe by the 
 Scotch method, which at that time was employed by 
 only five similar concerns in the United States. After 
 the death of Mr. Drullard in 1879, his father, Solomon 
 Drullard, purchased his son's interest, the firm name being unchanged until 1883, when Mr. Drullard died, 
 and the business was conducted by Mr. Hayes, who became sole proprietor of the plant, representing an 
 outlay of nearly a quarter of a million dollars. A few years later a stock company was organized to carry 
 on the business, and Mr. Hayes retired. Mr. George W. Miller was made president of the new company, 
 and at the end of five years Mr. Hayes purchased his interest and again became the leading spirit in the 
 enterprise. The company has lately erected extensive pipe works, the largest and most complete in the 
 country, and over three hundred men are constantly employed in the establishment. Mr. Hayes was one of 
 the principal owners of the Niagara River Iron Company blast furnace at Tonawanda, and is a director 
 of the Manufacturers and Traders bank and the Columbia National bank. He is a life-member and 
 ex-president of the Buffalo Library and of the Academy of Fine Arts, and also of the Society of Natural 
 Science. He is a past-master of Ancient Landmarks Lodge, F. & A. M., a trustee of the Buffalo Seminary 
 and is actively connected with many other organizations. He was married to Miss M. Louisa, daughter of 
 Solomon Drullard, Esq., and has three sons and five daughters. The family residence on Elmwood avenue 
 corner of North street, is one of the most attractive on that beautiful thoroughfare. Mr. Hayes is a cultured 
 gentleman and entertains liberally. He has traveled considerably in foreign lands, and is a hroad-cruage 
 liberal, progressive citizen, enjoying universal esteem in business and social circles. 
 
 JOHN CARD GRAVES. 
 General John Card Graves, the subject of this sketch, was born in the Mohawk valley, in the village of 
 Herkimer, November 18, 1839. His father, Hon. Ezra Graves, was well known throughout that part of the 
 State, having had a large practice in the law, and holding at one time the double" office of Judge and 
 
 GEORGE B. HAYES. 
 
RESIDENCE OF EDMUND HAYES, 147 NORTH STREET. 
 
238 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Surrogate of Herkimer county for sixteen years. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 
 1867-8, and, with his immense practice, also found time to interest himself in various philanthropic move- 
 ments,' especially in prison reform, serving as Inspector for a number of years and doing splendid work. 
 Judcre'ezra Graves married Maria Card of Card City, in Newport, Herkimer county, whose father was a 
 pros^pei'ous manufacturer at that place. The Graves family emigrated to America from England in the year 
 1635 and settled in Massachusetts. John Graves, the grandfather of General Graves, removed to Central 
 
 New York in the latter part of the last century, and was 
 himself a prominent man, having served in the Legis- 
 lature a number of terms and as sheriff of Herkimer 
 county. The early school life of John Card Graves 
 was passed at Fairfield academy, one of the most 
 flourishing schools in the country. He afterwards 
 attended Hamilton College, from whence he graduated 
 in 1862. Having previously acquired a knowledge 
 of the law in the office with his father, his ambition 
 prompted him to apply himself more closely to the study 
 after graduating, and he was admitted to the Bar in the 
 same year. He entered into partnership with his father, 
 and practiced successfully till 1867, when he removed 
 to Buffalo, which he has since made his home. General 
 Graves has for thirty-four years been a devoted Mason 
 and has held many offices of trust. Having a taste for 
 military life, he attached himself to the National Guard, 
 becoming lieutenant -colonel, then colonel, of the 
 Sixty-fifth. Afterwards he was commissioned Brigadier- 
 general, commanding the Eighth Brigade, N. G. N. Y. 
 He is a large real estate owner, and is president of the 
 Eastern elevator. Of his devotion and love for his 
 adopted city, too much cannot be said. Having no per- 
 sonal ambition or wish to hold office, his motives have 
 never been questioned by his fellow-citizens. Having 
 always the good of the city at heart, whether as park 
 commissioner, president of the Merchants Exchange, or 
 president of the Citizens Association, he has shown him- 
 self actively alive to everything affecting the good of the city, and it was largely through his efforts that the 
 new charter of Buffalo was obtained. Indeed, his reputation as a vigorous and pure-minded reformer is not 
 confined to Buffalo, for he is president of the New York State Municipal League. A man of large brain, he also 
 has that rare quality of being able to grasp a situation and see possibilities at a glance. General Graves, in 
 1864, married Augusta, daughter of A. C. Moore, and has a family of seven children. The beautiful home of 
 General and Mrs. Graves they call "The Lilacs," and it is there in the midst of its hospitality that the 
 General shows his fine taste in literature and the arts, as his library is rich in store of rare books and his 
 walls are hung with carefully-selected pictures from the best studios. Buffalo is justly proud of a son who, 
 so richly endowed by nature, stands ready to give the best that is in him for the good of her citizens, never 
 sparing himself or counting the cost, whether it be to fight for its municipal rights or advocate reforms on 
 other lines. He knows no fear, courts no favor, but takes his stand firmly in whatever cause seems best in 
 his judgment. 
 
 HON. SOLOMON SCHEU. 
 
 Exemplifying in life the grand success which awaits patient and persistent effort, and in his death 
 universally regretted, ex-Mayor Solomon Scheu was one of the most conspicuous figures in business and in 
 political life in Buffalo in his day. He was born near the village of Standenbuehl, January 6, 1822, and was 
 the son of Henry Jacob Scheu, a landed proprietor of that part of Bavaria, where his ancestors had lived for 
 generations, whose lineage was traced to Huguenot stock. His family were substantial people in that 
 country, and the emigration of his uncle and two brothers to America was the incentive to young Solomon 
 to seek his fortunes in the New World. He finally persuaded his parents to give a reluctant consent to his 
 
 JOHN C. GRAVES. 
 
HON. SOLOMON SOHEU. 
 
240 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 emigration, and secured passage on a French sailing-vessel to New York in 1839. He determined at once to 
 learn a trade and chose that of a baker, and for five years was engaged in this business as apprentice and 
 journeyman. In 1844 a merchant of Buffalo visited New York, carrying with him an invitation to young 
 Scheu to visit his brother Jacob, then a successful man of business in this western city, and after a tedious 
 journey Solomon Scheu settled in Buffalo. After a year in the employ of his brother here, he returned to 
 his trade of baker with Mr. Spencer, after whom the old Spencer House was named. His parents came to 
 Buffalo in 1846, and his father, a man of considerable means, advanced Solomon the money to engage in 
 business for himself. His stock in trade was two barrels of flour and a small supply of lard, and he rented a 
 small shop on Spring street. 
 
 In 1847 he removed to Water street, near Commercial, and from that time his success dated. Within a 
 year the business had outgrown the surroundings and the alternative was presented of moving or selling out. 
 He chose the latter, and disposed of his interests to the firm of Springman & Bowers. He was afterwards 
 successfully engaged in supplying provisions to forwarders on the lake and canal, at the end of which time 
 he established himself as proprietor of a restaurant, cafe, and billiard-room under the Hauenstein block, 
 corner of Mohawk and Main streets, where he built up a large and prosperous trade. The place became a 
 favorite resort for the more influential local politicians, and many men of note of those days were frequent 
 guests. Thus Mr. Scheu was drawn into political activity and soon became a leader in the ranks of the 
 Democratic party. He was elected alderman of the old Sixth ward by a large majority in 1853, and from 
 1856 to i860 was receiver of taxes, and in both positions acquitted himself with great credit. He declined 
 further political honors, his business affairs having attained such proportions as to demand his undivided 
 attention. He had purchased the malt-house corner of Third and Hudson streets in the meantime, and under 
 his efficient management this branch of his trade had become most important. In 1865 he was again elected 
 a member of Common Council, and at the end of his term, and entirely unknown to himself, he was 
 nominated by the Democratic State convention as the candidate of the party for State prison inspector, and 
 was elected, serving with distinguished ability for two terms of three years each. 
 
 In 1874 he announced his farewell to active political life, but the needs of his party would not allow a 
 man of his influence and ability to pass out of official circles, and realizing that he belonged not so much to 
 himself as to his party, he reluctantly consented to accept the nomination for mayor, and was elected, 
 redeeming the city from Republican rule. His administration was one of great success, and in 1887 he was 
 again nominated for mayor, but was defeated by Philip Becker, and Mr. Scheu accepted his defeat with great 
 equanimity. He was from early manhood a Mason in high standing, and was for years one of the park 
 commissioners of the city. He was also an honored member of the Orpheus, Liedertafel, German Young 
 Men's and other prominent associations, and was many times delegate to State conventions of his party. He 
 married Miss Minnie Rinck, and two of his six sons, Augustus F. and Solomon, Jr., were like their father, 
 prominent in political affairs. Mr. Scheu died rich in wealth and honors at his fine family residence, corner 
 of Goodell, Oak, and Ellicott streets, November 23, 1888, of paralysis. President Cleveland wired his 
 condolence to the widow of his personal friend, and rich and poor alike joined in paying the last tribute of 
 respect to the memory of this valued and honored citizen. 
 
 RUSHMORE POOLE. 
 
 For almost half a century and until his death in 1885, the subject of this biographical notice was one of 
 the most successful and prominent business men of Buffalo. He was born of English parents on Long Island, 
 Queens county. New York, in 1810, and was educated at the Long Island academy. After leaving school he 
 went to New York City to engage in the crockery business with his uncle, Joseph Cheeseman, who at that 
 time was one of the largest wholesale and retail merchants engaged in that line of trade in the American 
 metropolis. In 1825 Mr. Cheeseman formed a partnership with Mr. Weeks ; the firm of Weeks & Cheeseman 
 established the first crockery store in Buffalo. The business was carried on in the first three-story brick 
 building on Main street, which the firm erected for that purpose, and Mr. Poole continued in business with 
 this prominent house for years, when he engaged in the business on his own account. In this his business 
 ability, which was of high order, brought abundant success, and his long career in Buffalo ranked him among 
 the foremost merchants of the Queen City of the Lakes. He developed a business which was an important 
 item in the great aggregate of Buffalo's trade, and he was a large contributor to the wonderful commercial 
 growth of the city. He was a man of rare worth and sterling integrity, and left behind him an honored name, 
 his long life being "without fear and without reproach." He was a devout member of Trinity church, of 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 241 
 
 which he was for twenty-five years a vestryman, and also leader of the choir. He was noted for his charity 
 and benevolence, and the deserving poor never asked his aid in vain. Mr. Poole was married in 1837 to Miss 
 Martha, daughter of Benjamin Fitch, a prosperous farmer and prominent citizen of Vienna, Oneida county, 
 New York. Mr. Poole died October 14, 1885, leaving his widow to survive him, who seems to have 
 discovered the fountain of youth, possessing at an advanced age the vigor and comeliness of middle life. She 
 
 resides at 636 Delaware avenue, and enjoys the esteem 
 of a large circle of friends, in whose memory as in hers, 
 is cherished the remembrance of her departed husband 
 as one of God's noblest works, an honest man. 
 
 HON. T. GUILFORD SMITH. 
 
 This prominent civil engineer and man of letters, 
 whose long, active, and eventful life has crowned his 
 career with distinction, was born in Philadelphia, Penn- 
 sylvania, August 27, 1839. His parents were Pemberton 
 and Margaretta E. Smith, nee Zell, representing two 
 prominent families of English and German Quakers, the 
 Smiths coming from England to settle at Burlington, 
 New Jersey, and subsequently removed to Philadelphia ; 
 while the Zells came from Germany at a later period, 
 locating at Lower Merion, near Philadelphia. The 
 Ogdens, from whom he conies, on both his father's and 
 mother's side, were descendants of David Ogden, who 
 arrived at Philadelphia in the ship Welcome in 1682 with 
 William Penn, on the occasion of his first visit to the 
 Province of Pennsylvania. Mr. Smith's education was 
 obtained in private and public schools in Philadelphia, 
 being graduated from the Central high-school with the 
 honor of having the salutatory address, and with the 
 degree of A. B. in 1858. He afterwards entered Rens- 
 selaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York, where 
 he supplemented his English and classical education by 
 a full course of scientific study, and from which institution he was graduated in 1861 with the degree of Civil 
 Engineer. He immediately entered the engineering department of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. He 
 received the degree of A. M. from the Philadelphia Central high-school in 1863. Two years later he resigned 
 his position as resident engineer of the Philadelphia & Reading Company in the Mahanoy district of the 
 anthracite coal region, and became manager of the Philadelphia Sugar Refinery, resigning that position in 
 1869. During the years 1870-1 he was consulting engineer to various railroad and mining enterprises in the 
 South and West, and in 1872, visited England in connection with important railroad interests, and was a 
 delegate to the International Prison Congress of London during his sojourn abroad. 
 
 In 1873 he was appointed secretary of the Union Iron Company of Buffalo, New York, and came to this 
 city in the spring of that year to assume the duties of his office. The furnaces of this company at that time 
 were equal to any in the country, and the rolling-mills turned out iron shapes, such as beams, channels, 
 angles, and other bridge-building materials, which compared favorably with some of the largest works, such 
 as produced by the PhcEnix Iron Company of Phojnixville, Pennsylvania, the New Jersey Steel and Iron 
 Company, and the Carnegie-Kloman Works at Pittsburg. The plant of the Union Iron Company continued 
 in full operation until closed down by what was known as the Jay Cooke panic in 1873. At this time efforts 
 were being made by the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company (although not under its corporate name) 
 to build a connection to Buffalo, and to enter into the anthracite coal trade of the West, in competition with 
 other great coal-mining and transporting companies. To make this connection it was necessary to build a 
 very extensive line of railway, and the Jersey Shore, Pine Creek & Buffalo charter was availed of by the 
 Reading interests to do so. In order to avoid the great expense of building a tunnel through the Alleghany 
 Mountains near Coudersport, Pennsylvania, the original route was changed from Port Alleghany to 
 Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, so that instead of entering Buffalo by the present Western New York & 
 
 GUILFORD SMITH. 
 
242 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Pennsylvania Railway system, entrance was effected by means of the Fall Brook system and the New York 
 Central & Hudson River Railroad lines. With this enterprise Mr. Smith was prominently and actively 
 connected until it was finally completed, and the shipments of coal were begun in June, 1883. At this time 
 the firm of Albright & Smith was organized, composed of Mr. J. J. Albright, of Buffalo, and the subject of 
 this biographical sketch, for the sale of all the shipments of anthracite coal for the Philadelphia & Reading 
 Company, north and west of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The building of docks for the shipment of this 
 coal by lake, west of Buffalo, and of stocking trestles at Lyons (New York) East Buffalo, and other points, 
 all came within the province of this firm. Mr. Albright, under the firm name of Albright & Company, 
 providing the docks, etc., at West Superior and Chicago. The Philadelphia & Reading Company purchased 
 the interests of Messrs. Albright & Smith and Albright & Company in 1892, and Mr. Smith's connections 
 with the anthracite coal trade ceased at that time. 
 
 In 1892 he was elected vice-president of the New York Car-wheel Works at Buffalo, and was also 
 responsibly connected with the St. Thomas Car-wheel Company of St. Thomas, Ontario, and with the 
 Canada Iron Furnace Company of Montreal, and Radnor Forges, P. Q., and subsequently in connection with 
 Mr. P. H. Griffin, organized the Pittsburg Car-wheel Company, the Philadelphia Car-wheel Company, and 
 the Boston Car-wheel Company. As many of his ancestors were prominently connected with the iron 
 industries, it was but natural that Mr. Smith's inclinations should lead him to activity in the same field of 
 industrial enterprise. He has firm faith in the policy of protection to American industries. Amid the cares 
 and activity incident to his busy life, Mr. Smith has taken a lively interest in science and literature. He 
 was elected a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia in 1866. He is a member of the 
 Union League and Franklin histitute of that city, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American 
 Institute of Mining Engineers, and of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. In 1890 he was elected Regent 
 of the University of the State of New York, and a year later became chairman of its Museum committee. 
 In 1892 he became a member of the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, to represent Assistant 
 Deputy Quartermaster-general Christopher Meng, of Pennsylvania, of the Continential Army. 
 
 He was married July 14, 1864, to Mary Stewart Ives of Lansingburg, New York, a lineal descendant of 
 Stephen Pelton, a soldier of the Revolution from Massachusetts Bay. His eldest son, Pemberton Smith, was 
 graduated from Rensselasr Polytechnic Institute in 1888 as a civil engineer, and was in the service of the 
 Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and afterwards with the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad 
 Company until 1894. He is now responsibly connected with the New York Car-wheel Works. His second 
 son, Chauncey Pelton Smith, received his degree of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1892, and 
 was afterwards officially connected with the Johns Hopkins Hospital of Baltimore, and is now assistant to 
 Dr. Roswell Park of this city. In 1894 Mr. Smith went on the Fuerst Bismark excursion to the Orient, 
 taking in Algiers, Cairo, Smyrna, Jerusalem, Constantinople, Naples, etc., and returning via Rome, Florence, 
 Venice, the Italian Lakes, Paris, and London. He was a delegate from the American Society of Civil 
 Engineers to the Eleventh International Congress of Medicine and Surgery held at Rome in 1894. In 
 recognition of his scholarship he was the same year made an honorary member of the Phi Beta Kappa 
 fraternity by the Hobart chapter. He is now and has been for years the president of the Charity Organiza- 
 tion Society of Buffalo, and vice-president of the Buffalo Fine Arts academy; also president of the Buffalo 
 Library Association. He is at this time the sales agent of the Carnegie Steel Company (limited), vice- 
 president of the New York Car-wheel Works and of the St. Thomas Car-wheel Company. His successful 
 business career, and his zeal and prominence in charitable and educational affairs, constitute him a valued 
 and useful citizen. 
 
 GEORGE URBAN, JR. 
 
 There are few business men of his years more widely known, and none more favorably, than George 
 Urban, Jr., the executive head of the Urban flour-mills, the product of which competes in almost every 
 market of the country with all other brands of flour, and is shipped to many foreign countries. Their 
 business was established by Mr. George Urban, Sr., the father of the subject of this notice, in 1846, and 
 this son was born July 12, 1850, on the site of the present extensive mills. His education was obtained in 
 the public schools of the city, which he attended until he was sixteen years of age. He then entered the 
 employ of his father, and after four years was admitted to an interest in the business, which has since 
 attained important proportions. In 1882 his father retired from active participation in the business, leaving 
 his son in charge of the mills. The sales of the firm, which in 1869 aggregated less than 9000 barrels per 
 annum, since which time the increase has been so rapid and continuous that the business at this time 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 243 
 
 amounts to more than 200,000 barrels a year. This 
 representative, successful business man has also been 
 active and prominent in other enterprises. He was an 
 organizer and the first vice-president of the Buffalo Loan 
 and Trust Company, .and occupied that position until the 
 retirement of Mr. Pierce from the presidency in 1892, 
 when he was elected to fill the vacancy, and has since 
 filled the position with eminent ability and fidelity. He 
 was also one of the organizers and president of the 
 Thomson -Houston Electric Light Company, until the 
 business was sold to the Buffalo General Electric Litrht 
 Company, of which corporation Mr. Urban is first vice- 
 president. He is also a director of the Merchant's bank, 
 the Bank of Buffalo, and Hydraulic bank, as well as a 
 director of the Buffalo Elevator Company, owning and 
 operating the Dakota, Sturges, and Fulton elevators. He 
 was besides one of the organizers of the Bellevue Land 
 and Improvement Company, and the Depew Land 
 Company, of both of which he is a director. He is a 
 zealous champion of Republican principles, and is an 
 honored and trusted leader in its county and State coun- 
 cils. He was for several years a member of the Repub- 
 lican State Committee, and during the Presidential 
 campaign of 1892 was chairman of the Erie County 
 Republican Committee, and was reelected to the position 
 in 1893. Mr. Urban was married, in 1875, to Miss Ada 
 E., daughter of P. Winspear, Esq., of Cheektowaga, 
 
 and has four children, one son and three daughters, and their delightful home at Cheektowaga is frequently 
 the scene of pleasant social events, Mr. and Mrs. Urban being model entertainers. 
 
 GEORGE URBAN, JR. 
 
 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES E. CURTISS. 
 This distinguished soldier, whom Buffalo is proud to number among its prominent citizens, is one of 
 the heroes of the late Civil War, having nobly fought for his country's flag from 1861 until the close of 
 
 the war in 1865, when he was honorably discharged with the rank 
 of Brigadier-general. Mohawk, Herkimer county. New York, had 
 the honor of being his birthplace on October i, 1840. He received 
 his education at his native place in the public schools and at Caze- 
 novia academy, after which he spent a few years in commercial life, 
 as clerk in a store. At the age of twenty-one he enlisted in the 
 Thirty-fourth regiment. New York. From this regiment he received 
 his discharge in 1862, having been commissioned by the Governor 
 of the State to raise a company of the I52d New York Volunteer 
 Infantry, which regiment was organized at Mohawk, and mustered 
 in on October 14, 1862, and in which he received his first commis- 
 sion as Captain of Company C. Thus commenced a brilliant record 
 of faithful service to his country during the terrible years of the 
 Rebellion. The newly-formed regiment left the State for Washington, 
 D. C, on October 26, 1862, and was attached to the provisional 
 brigade of Abercrombie's division on the defences of Washington 
 until February, 1863, after which it was brigaded with the Twenty- 
 second Corps, district of Washington, until April. From that time 
 until June the regiment served with Ferry's brigade, Corcoran's 
 division, participating in the siege of Suffolk, Virginia, and the 
 actions at Carrsville, Windsor, Dix's Peninsular campaign, the expedition to Bottom's Bridge, and serving at 
 New York City, where it did efficient service during the draft riots. On October 18 it was ordered to join 
 
 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES E. CURTISS. 
 
244 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 the Army of the Potomac for service in the field. Major Curtiss, having received promotion to that rank 
 February 4, 1863, served with his regiment in the Mine Run campaign until December, and on December 24 
 was detached for duty as acting assistant adjutant-general of brigade until August, 1864. With his brigade 
 he fought through the campaign from the Rapidan to the James, the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
 Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania Court House, Bloody Angle, Landron House, Milford Station, Tolopotomy, Cold 
 Harbor, the siege of Petersburg, battle of Jerusalem Plank Road, and Deep Bottom. At the action at Straw- 
 berry Plains, Deep Bottom, his horse was killed under him and he received a wound, which did not, however, 
 prevent him from returning to duty three days afterwards. He was also wounded at the siege of Petersburg 
 and at Ream's Station'. After the action at Ream's Station he was appointed Brigade Inspector, which 
 position he held until he took command of his regiment as Lieutenant-colonel in November, 1864. He was 
 at Fort Sedgwick, Dabney's Mills, Fort Fisher, Petersburg, through the Appomattox campaign, and as full 
 Colonel he commanded his regiment at Hatcher's Run, Boydton Road, and White Oak Ridge, fall of Peters- 
 burg, Sailors' Creek, High Bridge, Farmville, and the surrender of Lee and his army at Appomattox Court 
 House. "For faithful and meritorious services during the war" he was promoted to the rank of Brevet 
 Brigadier-general on the recommendation of Generals Hancock, Barlow, Smith, and Eagan, his commission 
 bearing date March 13, 1865. He joined in the march to Washington and the grand review in that city on 
 May 23, 1865, and on June 22, was appointed Acting Inspector-general of the Second Army Corps to muster 
 out. As Brigadier-general, and under twenty-five years of age, he was mustered out on July 13, 1865, 
 receiving honorable discharge after a service which reflected honor on himself and his country. 
 
 At this time he was recommended for a commission in the regular army by General F. C. Barber in a 
 letter to the Secretary of War, which was couched in the strongest terms of commendation of his past service. 
 He however declined to accept. His commissions bear the autographs of President Andrew Johnson and 
 Generals Morgan, Fenton, and Seymour. The staff appointments held by him successively were: Assistant 
 Adjutant-general, First brigade. Second division. Second Army Corps; Assistant Adjutant-general, Second 
 division, Second Army Corps; Assistant Inspector -general. First brigade. Second division, Second Army 
 Corps; Assistant Inspector-general, Second brigade. Second Army Corps ; same. Second division of same, 
 and same of Second Army Corps; Ambulance officer of Fourth Army Corps on the staff of General Keys. 
 He was specially detailed as a member of court-martial at Chain Bridge, Virginia; also assigned with 
 company to United States Engineer Corps for construction of Fort Ethan Allan, Virginia; a member of 
 general court-martial under the presidency of General Hancock, in front of Petersburg, Virginia; general 
 court-martial for trial of deserters at Brandy Station, Virginia; and president of general court-martial at 
 Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor. 
 
 Laying aside the sword, which he had wielded so well, he betook himself to the arts of peace and first 
 located at Little Falls, where he entered into the clothing business and remained there until 1877, when he 
 removed to Canandaigua, continuing in the same line. In 1882 he came to Buffalo, where he commenced 
 the manufacture of gloves and mitts and the jobbing of furnishing goods. His premises were located on 
 Exchange street and were, during his absence at New York, destroyed in the memorable fire of 1887. He 
 then established himself in the real estate business at 122 Franklin street, the firm being now Curtiss & 
 Meister, having taken Mr. John D. Meister into partnership in 1895. General Curtiss has always taken an 
 active interest in public affiairs and in 1895 was appointed commissioner of police, a position for which he was 
 well qualified by his military experience and in which he has served the city well. He is a director of the 
 Columbia National bank, a member of the Buffalo, Ellicott Square, and Otowega clubs, and of the Republican 
 League. He also holds membership in the Society Army of the Potomac; Military Order Loyal Legion, 
 United States ; and is post commander. Post 19, New York, Grand Army of the Republic. He was married 
 on November 19, 1867, to Miss Fanny Burch, daughter of Hon. H. M. Burch of Little Falls, and has a son and 
 a daughter to inherit their father's well-earned fame. 
 
 CHARLES A. RUPP. 
 Another of the men whose careers afford a useful lesson to the young men of the rising generation is 
 Mr. Charles A. Rupp, now occupying the honorable position of commissioner of police. Thrown on his own 
 resources at an early age, he began the battle of life with a fund of indomitable energy and pluck, which has 
 never failed him, and which has placed him in the front rank of Buffalo's citizens. Never flinching from any 
 honorable occupation, however humble, he sold papers during his spare time from school, and after completing 
 his education he was employed as messenger by the old Buffalo City bank, then located on Commercial 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 MS 
 
 street, at that time the business center of the city. He was after- 
 wards employed in the forwarding trade ; then, not having yet found 
 his true vocation, he tried the dry goods trade as clerl<. hi 1868 he 
 entered the employ of Henry Rumrill, a leading contractor and builder, 
 as bookkeeper and confidential clerk, and the business appealing to 
 his tastes he, by hard night work, mastered its technicalities, and 
 made himself so valuable to his employer that he was admitted to 
 partnership in 1874. The connection subsisted until 1893, since 
 which time Mr. Rupp has, conducted business alone, and has carried 
 out many extensive contracts. Active in politics, he was elected 
 alderman in 1881 for the Eleventh ward, which he served two years. 
 hi 1890 he was appointed civil service commissioner, and showed 
 himself a valuable public servant. In 1894 he was appointed one 
 of the police commissioners, in which capacity he has done good 
 service. He is president of the Builders' Exchange Association, and 
 was elected president of the National Association of Builders of the 
 United States, at the convention held in Baltimore in October, 1895. 
 He also served in the National Guard, and retired from the colonelcy 
 of the Sixty-fifth regiment in 1873, after a total service of thirteen 
 
 years 
 
 CHARLES A. RUPP. 
 
 AUGUSTUS F. SCHEU. 
 
 Omega Lodge No. 259, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 
 
 Miss Anna Frances Kraft, and has resided since 1880 at 36 St. Paul street. 
 
 He is prominent in social life, and 
 is a member of the Masonic order and of the 
 Knights Templar. 
 
 AUGUSTUS F. SCHEU. 
 
 A worthy son of a worthy sire, Mr. A. F. 
 Scheu, the son of the late Solomon Scheu, is 
 one of the citizens of Buffalo who are helping 
 to place the city in the foremost rank in the 
 Union. Born here on November 7, 1855, he 
 commenced his education at public school 
 No. 12, finishing at the State Normal school. 
 On leaving school in 1872 he went into 
 the malting business with his father, and 
 remained associated with him until his death 
 on November 23, 1888, since which time he 
 has conducted the business for the benefit 
 of the estate. Notwithstanding the heavy 
 calls made upon his time by a steadily 
 increasing volume of trade, he has still been 
 able to do good service to his city and State 
 in puplic life. One of the leaders in the 
 councils of the Democratic party, he is now 
 a member of the State committee for the 
 Thirty-third Congressional district. In 1885 
 he received the party nomination for sheriff. 
 In civic affairs he has served the city as 
 commissioner of police and park commis- 
 sioner, and is now an active member of the 
 Grade-crossing commission. He is also a 
 trustee of the Exempt Firemen's Charity 
 Organization; a member of the Orpheus 
 and Liedertafel singing societies, and of 
 He was married in Buffalo on July 8, 1879, to 
 
LEWIS J. BENNETT. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS Ml 
 
 LEWIS JACKSON BENNETT. 
 As president of the Buffalo Cement Company, the subject of this sketch is well and widely known in 
 business circles throughout the country, and in Buffalo he is recognized as one of the foremost and most 
 enterprising citizens. He was born July 7, 1833, at Duanesburg, Schenectady county. New York, and is 
 a son of William and Elma (Strong) Bennett. His father was a farmer, and in 1836 removed to Glen, 
 Montgomery county. New York, where the young man received his education in the public schools. During 
 the summer months he was obliged to work on the farm, and at the age of sixteen years he became a clerk 
 in a grocery store in Fultonville, Montgomery county. New York, where he remained for sixteen months, 
 when he accepted a position in a dry goods store for a short time, and was admitted to an interest in the 
 grocery business of his former employer in 1851. The confinement to business affected his health to such 
 an extent that he was advised to spend a year in California, and he sailed for San Francisco, and, having 
 regained his health, he returned to Fultonville and resumed business there, remaining until 1866. He then 
 removed to Buffalo and engaged in business as a general contractor, and was extensively engaged in contract 
 work on the Welland canal. In 1873 he was one of the organizers of a company engaged in the manufac- 
 ture of cement, but the enterprise failed. With indomitable pluck and energy he began business anew, and 
 in 1877 organized the Buffalo Cement Company, which now owns 150 acres of cement land, from which an 
 enormous amount of excellent cement is produced, largely used in construction of buildings, etc., and which 
 finds a ready market in fifteen states of the Union. Among the large concerns using the cement of the 
 company may be mentioned the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy rail- 
 road companies, and the United States Government also uses a large amount of the product, the business of 
 the company being a large item in the great aggregate of trade of this city. Mr. Bennett has traveled 
 extensively, having made a trip around the world, from which he returned in April, 1895. He is a collector 
 of curios and relics, and his collection at his beautiful home in Central Park is one of the most valuable and 
 interesting in the country. In 1857 he married Miss Mary F., a daughter of Andrew Spaulding, Esq., of 
 Johnstown, New York, and has two children, a son and a daughter, the latter being the wife of Mr. James P. 
 Woods, the vice-president, and the son being the efficient secretary of the Buffalo Cement Company. Mr. 
 Bennett is a Republican in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont for President of 
 the United States. He was, in i86o-6i, collector of tolls on the Erie canal at Fultonville, and in 1865 was 
 Supervisor from the town of Glen, in which official positions he furnished a large number of recruits from his 
 district for the United States Army. He is a Universalist in faith, and is a valued member of the Otwego Club. 
 He is also a prominent Mason, being a member of Fultonville Lodge, No. 531, Johnstown Chapter, No. 78, 
 and a Sir Knight and life-member of Apollo Commandery, No. 15, of Troy, New York. He has firm faith 
 in the great future of Buffalo, and has taken great pride in the improvement of Central Park, of which he is 
 the founder, a most delightful residence section of the city, and he is credited with making the plans for the 
 park and the landscape work of that attractive place. In this work, begun in 1889, he has spent four years 
 in active work. He is a representative business man and a citizen of public spirit and great usefulness in 
 every regard, and is held in universal esteem and fullest confidence by his fellow-citizens. 
 
 JOHN BLOCHER. 
 
 Of the successful business men who have retired from trade to the privacy of home and its enjoyment, 
 the subject of this biographical sketch is a notable representative. He was born in Scipio, New York, in 1825, 
 and was but a year old when his father settled on his farm near Clarence, New York. His ancestry for 
 generations were tillers of the soil, of that sturdy, thrifty race known as " Pennsylvania Dutch." His father 
 came from Pennsylvania in 1823, and settled in Cayuga county, New York, and the following year removed 
 to Erie county in this State. Amidst the struggles and hardships of pioneer life young Blocher obtained the 
 benefit of the limited school facilities of that day, the school term of three months' instruction in winter being 
 supplemented by arduous work on the farm for the balance of the year. When but ten years of age his 
 father died, leaving a widow and three children, of whom John was the youngest. The boy was brought 
 by this aifliction face to face with life's stern realities, with its grave responsibilities at that tender age. He 
 hired out to a farmer in the neighborhood at four dollars per month, and at the age of twelve years he was 
 apprenticed to a tailor, and at eighteen he engaged in that business for himself. His business developed into a 
 large general store, and by the exercise of energy, frugality, and integrity his prosperity began. He was 
 one of the first to respond to the call for troops in 1861, and enlisted in the Seventy-eighth New York 
 
RESIDENCE OF LEWIS J. BENNETT. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 249 
 
 Regiment of Volunteers, serving with fidelity for one year, longer service being prevented by ill health. 
 After his return he bought a farm near Clarence, and was for a year engaged in the lumber trade. In 1863 
 he came to Buffalo and established himself in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and built up one of the 
 most important industries of the city. Mr. Blocher was married in 1845 to Miss Elizabeth Neff of Williams- 
 ville. They had one child, whose death at the age of thirty-seven years, cut short a career of great promise. 
 Having sold out his extensive business, Mr. Blocher retired to private life in his elegant home on Delaware 
 avenue, corner of Huron street, where he devoted his leisure to literature and art. The magnificent 
 monument erected in Forest Lawn, the most attractive feature of that beautiful "City of the Dead," 
 erected to the memory of his only son, was designed by the devoted father and modeled by his loving hands. 
 In 1885 Mr. Blocher, who had been active in the establishment of the trolley line to Williamsville, assumed 
 the management of the road, to satisfy his craving for some field of active life which had not died with his 
 retirement from active business. He owned a fine tract of land of about forty acres at Williamsville, on 
 which he has built a beautiful summer residence. On this land a mineral spring has been discovered, the 
 water of which has been analyzed and shown to possess valuable medicinal properties. These springs, 
 known as Blocher's Mineral Springs, have been made free to the public, one of many acts of generosity 
 which have characterized the life of this self-made successful leader of mercantile and industrial enterprise 
 in this city. 
 
 THOMAS T. RAMSDELL. 
 
 The present senior member of the great boot, shoe, and rubber house of O. P. Ramsdell, Sweet & 
 Company is a notable example of what business ability and well-directed effort and energy can accomplish. 
 Mr. Ramsdell was born in this city March 15, 1854, and was a pupil at private schools until he attained the 
 age of ten years, afterwards attending public school No. 10 until his fifteenth year. He was subsequently a 
 scholar at Professor Briggs' classical school, from which he was graduated at the age of eighteen years. In 
 1872 he engaged in business with the firm of O. P Ramsdell, which had been established by his father in 
 1837. In 1877 Mr. William H. Walker retired from the business, and a new firm was organized, consisting 
 of his father, Orrin P. Ramsdell; his brother, A. N. Ramsdell, and himself; the name of the original firm, 
 O. P. Ramsdell & Company, being continued. Mr. A. N. Ramsdell died in 1878, and the business was 
 conducted by Mr. T. T. Ramsdell and his father until 1880, when W. C. Sweet, George C. Sweet, and 
 S. M. Sweet, of the firm of Sweet & Company, were admitted as partners, and the style of the concern was 
 then changed to O. P. Ramsdell, Sweet & Company, under which name the large trade of the house is still 
 conducted. Mr. George C. Sweet died in 1887, and the founder of the business, Mr. O. P. Ramsdell, also 
 died July 16, 1889. The head of this representative concern, the subject of this biographical sketch, is a 
 director of the Buffalo Bell Telephone Company, a trustee of the Merchants Exchange and of the Buffalo 
 General Hospital. He is one of the curators of the Buffalo Fine Arts academy, and a director of the 
 Colchester Rubber Company of Colchester, Connecticut. He is also president of the board of trustees of 
 Westminster church, director of the Buffalo club, and a member of the Country club, of which last named 
 organization he was one of the governors for the first three years of its existence. He is, besides, a life 
 member of the Buffalo Library, of which he was a trustee for three years, and is a life member of the Buffalo 
 Press club. He is an influential member of the Buffalo Republican League, and was one of its directors and 
 chairman of the finance committee in 1891. He is also a member of the Historical Society, Society of Natural 
 Sciences, Central Railway club, Buffalo Athletic club, the Free Kindergarten Association, and a director of 
 the Ellicott Square Company, and trustee of the Board of Trade. 
 
 ORRIN P. RAMSDELL. 
 
 For over half a century the name of Orrin P. Ramsdell was prominently identified with the commercial 
 interests of Buffalo, and his memory is cherished as that of a business man of sterling worth, and a citizen 
 whose life was one of great usefulness and beneficence. He was born in Mansfield, Connecticut, July 19, 
 181 1, and was of Scotch descent, and in his life exhibited those qualities of frugality and industry so 
 characteristic of the race. In his boyhood he attended the village school of his native place, and at the age 
 of sixteen years he went to New York City, where he was employed in a clerical position in a large dry 
 goods establishment. He did not remain long in that position however, and having succeeded in borrowing 
 one thousand dollars, he engaged in the boot and shoe business for himself in New London, Connecticut. 
 Although his business prospered, his ambition sought a wider field of usefulness, and he removed to Buffalo 
 
ORRIN P. RAMSDELL. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 251 
 
 in 1835, find opened the first boot and shoe store in this frontier settlement. He was eminently successful 
 here, and soon opened a wholesale department, which, under his able management, attained important 
 proportions. He invested in railroads while in the infancy of the industry, when it required courage and 
 foresight to venture, and he lived to see the wisdom of his act, and he became identified with many railroad 
 enterprises. He also made large investments in real estate. He was the chief organizer of the Erie Basin 
 elevator, and was one of the foremost in establishing the Manufacturers and Traders bank, of which he was 
 a stockholder, and in every way was active and energetic in advancing the interests of Buffalo. His private 
 life was exemplary, and his charities were many and liberal. The Buffalo General Hospital and the Buffalo 
 Orphan Asylum were favorite objects of his bounty, and both institutions were left liberal bequests in his 
 will. He was for a long period a trustee of the North Presbyterian church. He was a competent and artistic 
 musical critic, and largely through his influence the sweet tuneful service of the church to-day has been 
 substituted for the mournful dirge-like service of early days. He was an ardent admirer of literature, and 
 his extensive reading gave him polish and culture, which others more fortunately situated acquired in early 
 life. Mr. Ramsdell married in 1851 Miss Anna C. Titus of Brooklyn, 
 New York, by whom he had nine children: Albert N., who was 
 born in 1853, and died in 1878; Thomas T., born 1854, now at the 
 head of the firm of O. P. Ramsdell, Sweet & Company; Orrin P., 
 born 1856, died 1868; and five daughters. Belle C, Bessie H., who 
 died in infancy; Anna K., Clarissa C, and Evelyn Ramsdell. He 
 died July 16, 1889, leaving substantial wealth and the priceless 
 inheritance of an unsullied name and blameless life. 
 
 WILLIAM CARLETON SWEET. 
 
 One of the old merchants of Buffalo. He was born in 
 Geneva, New York, April 22, 1828, and came with his father, 
 James Sweet, to Buffalo when six years of age. His father estab- 
 lished a boot and shoe store in 1834, in the old Ellicott Square 
 building, Main street, and continued the business in this city until 
 1842, when he removed to Cleveland, Ohio. On June 8, 1840, 
 the subject of this sketch entered the employ of O. P. Ramsdell & 
 Company, boot and shoe dealers, and in a few years became a 
 member of the firm. He is now one of the firm of O. P. Ramsdell, wjlliam c. sweet. 
 
 Sweet & Company, in the same business, at Nos. 215 to 225 
 
 Washington street. This is one of the largest shoe houses in the State. Mr. Sweet was married April 8, 
 1850, to Harriet C, daughter of William G. Ramsdell, late of this city, and to them were born three children: 
 Sidney M. Sweet and Mrs. Isadore Michael of this city, and Mrs. Harvey M. Lewis of Chicago. 
 
 REV. PHILOS G. COOK. 
 
 Until the death of this christian philanthropist in 1895, there were doubtless few men in Buffalo more 
 widely known, and none more favorably, than the subject of this biographical sketch, familiarly known for 
 many years as Chaplain Cook, who for half a century labored in this part of the Lord's vineyard and accom- 
 plished grand work among the poor and lowly of the city. He was born in Constable, Franklin county, 
 New York, August 10, 1807, and at the age of seventeen years he removed to Montreal, where he was for 
 several years a clerk in a hardware store. In 1827 he became a member of the Presbyterian church of that 
 city, and the following year he entered Middlebury College, Vermont, from which he was graduated with the 
 class of 1833. During his college vacations he was engaged in teaching, which, after his graduation, he 
 continued in order to obtain the means to secure a theological education. His first school was a private 
 institution in Rochester, and he soon afterwards became principal of the Avon academy. He came to 
 Buffalo in 1836, and became assistant in a large boarding-school for boys, near the corner of Main and 
 Virginia streets, which was later removed to the corner of Eagle and Pearl streets, where, with Miss Jane 
 Bush as his assistant, Mr. Cook established a flourishing school for boys and girls, which he conducted till 
 1845, when he became a student at Auburn Theological Seminary. He received his license as a minister 
 from this institution in 1848, and was pastor of a church near Ithaca, New York, for five years, and at the 
 expiration of his ministry there he returned to Buffalo as agent for the Sunday-school Union. In this work 
 
2p 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 he became thoroughly acquainted throughout Erie county, and his interest never ceased during his life. In 
 1856 he organized the Erie County Sunday-school Association, of which until his death he was secretary. 
 
 In the fall of 1862 Mr. Cool<'s son, George, a lieutenant in the gallant Twenty-first New York Volun- 
 teers, was wounded, and while visiting him he was invited by Colonel A. R. Root to become chaplain of his 
 regiment, the Ninety-fourth New York Volunteers. He accepted the position and for three years shared the 
 fortunes of war with "his boys," as he called the soldiers, and devoted himself zealously to their physical 
 and religious welfare. Like John Alden of the pilgrim fathers' days, he excelled as a writer of letters, and 
 his communications from the front to the Buffalo newspapers were eagerly looked for by those who had 
 friends in the field. His army experience made him a host of friends who were steadfast through life. 
 From 1865 to 1870 Chaplain Cook served as missionary in Buffalo for the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
 tion, and while thus engaged he established the Wells Street Sunday-school, which grew rapidly and soon 
 became the largest and most widely-known mission of the city. The Wells Street church was subsequently 
 organized \v\th Chaplain Cook as pastor, and to this charge he gave the best efforts of his life, receiving in 
 return the love and devotion of its members. His chief characteristics were love for his fellow-men, a 
 cheerful disposition, and great physical endurance, and he possessed a clear voice and great musical ability, 
 which were of great value in his mission work. At 8:30 A. M., he started every Sunday with his faithful 
 horse "Billy" for a service at the penitentiary, where he was both chorister and preacher, at the age of 
 seventy years. At 10:30 A. M., he preached in his own church, afterwards distributing religious papers in 
 the streets and saloons. At 2:30 P. M., he conducted a large Sunday-school, in which the singing was a 
 most prominent feature, and from there he went to the vicinity of Canal street, where, mounted on a store 
 box, he sang, prayed, and preached to the crowds in the open air. After a short rest at home he again held 
 service in his church, which often consisted of three parts: singing, a short sermon, and "after-meeting." 
 His Saturdays were devoted to his pulpit preparation, and the other five days he was busily engaged in 
 pastoral work. For years he went, accompanied by ladies, to the General Hospital, where many weary 
 invalids were cheered by a song-service, and no Sabbath-school convention or gathering in the city, county, 
 or State was considered complete without his presence. 
 
 He assisted in organizing the Milnor Street and the West Side Missions, the Home for the Friendless, 
 and Ingleside Home, and his knowledge and good judgment in charitable work gave him the confidence of the 
 substantial business men of the city, who entrusted him with large sums of money to carry on his noble 
 work among the poor and afflicted. He was constantly engaged in visiting families in need, supplying the 
 wants of the poor, his special care being children, and, as one writer has said, "he was the only minister 
 of the Gospel known to an immense section of Buffalo's population." By the gentlest and kindliest methods 
 and the sincerity of his life he overcame opposition to religion, and it was impossible to doubt Chaplain 
 Cook's honesty of purpose. In 1886 the Wells Street church, corner of Wells and Carroll streets, was 
 burned and was never rebuilt, but the work was continued on South Division street until November, 1892, 
 when, at the age of eighty-five, Mr. Cook was with difficulty persuaded to withdraw from church work, and 
 for two and a half years afterwards scarcely a day passed in which he did not visit some home to carry 
 cheer and help. He died June 24, 1895, leaving a widow and five children to survive him. Rich and poor 
 alike paid the last tribute to this truly good man. 
 
 EDGAR B. JEWETT. 
 Edgar Boardman Jewett of Buffalo, New York, was born at Ann Arbor, Michigan, December 14, 1843, 
 and is the son of John Cotton Jewett and Priscilla Boardman Jewett. His parents removed to Buffalo, New 
 York, where the father established a business house now known as the John C. Jewett Manufacturing 
 Company, in 1849. He received his education in the public schools of Buffalo and early developed a strong 
 inclination for a business training. At the early age of sixteen he entered the establishment of his father, 
 and in due course of time mastered the details of the business, and, with but few interruptions, he has given 
 it his continuous attention ever since. At the breaking out of the Civil War he entered the service of the 
 State of New York as a private in Company C, Seventy-fourth Regiment, N. G. N. Y. In May, 1863, he 
 was elected second sergeant, and held the position during the regiment's participation in the 'campaign 
 which followed Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania, from June to August of that year. He returned to Buffalo 
 as first sergeant of his company. On June 29, 1865, he was commissioned as first lieutenant; on April 
 3, 1866, he was promoted to a captaincy; on April 11, 1877, he was appointed major and inspector of rifle 
 practice of the Thirty-first brigade; on October 9, 1879, he was promoted to the position of Inspector of 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 2^3 
 
 the Fourteenth brigade; on October 25, 1880, he was appointed Lieutenant-colonel and Chief-of-staff of the 
 Fourteenth brigade, and on March 29, 1884, he was elected Brigadier-general of the Eighth brigade. He 
 resigned, however, on December 7, 1885, in order to take the position of president and general manager of 
 the John C. Jewett Manufacturing Company of Buffalo. He has been actively engaged since that time in 
 the management and direction of the business interests of this corporation. He is also vice-president of the 
 Gary Safe Company of Buffalo, New York. On March i, 1894, he received from the mayor of the city of 
 Buffalo the appointment of commissioner of police, which position he most acceptably filled until he was 
 himself elected mayor of the city on Tuesday, November 5, 1894. General Jewett on October 3, 1865, 
 married Miss Elizabeth Foster Danforth, at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in whom he has found a most estimable 
 companion and helper. 
 
 As a business man he stands very high in the mercantile circles of Buffalo, and is especially noted for 
 the excellent executive abilities which he has displayed. An exemplary disciplinarian through the military 
 training he has had, he is admirably qualified to discharge the manifold duties pertaining to a complicated 
 and extensive business plant, and these qualities were no doubt duly considered by the chief magistrate of 
 the city of Buffalo when he selected General Jewett for the post of commissioner of police. The ability 
 and fidelity he exhibited in the administration of the position so strongly popularized him with the people of 
 Buffalo that he was elected to the mayoralty by a majority of nearly ten thousand, the largest ever given 
 a mayor of this city. Mayor Jewett's first year in office was an exceptionally busy one. It was character- 
 ized by the number of difficult and important questions which arose, all of which the mayor handled with 
 great ability and firmness. His first veto prevented the awarding of the street-cleaning contracts to favored 
 bidders. The mayor demanded that the contracts be let to the lowest bidders, and thus saved the tax-payers 
 ^24,000. The mayor introduced the Detroit plan of utilizing the vacant land in the city for the benefit of 
 the poor, and carried the project through with great success. Five hundred and seventy-eight families were 
 taken off the poor-books of the city and made self-supporting in this manner. Other features of Mayor 
 Jewett's administration to date were his signing of the Niagara Power franchise, and his approval of the 
 Buffalo Traction Company's franchise after securing a concession of three fares for ten cents. General 
 Jewett is a strong advocate of the free-school system. Eight new schools have already been completed 
 during his administration and four others, including the handsome new Masten Park high-school, will be 
 ready for occupancy on the first of September, 1896. He is also an advocate of municipal ownership of the 
 water-front, and if this idea is eventually carried out the city of Buffalo will be the owner of the finest 
 docks on one of the best harbors in the world, and the city treasury will be deriving an immense revenue 
 therefrom. 
 
 GEORGE HOWARD. 
 
 The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Charlotte, Chittenden county, Vermont, June 26, 
 1810. He came from a family of sturdy old puritan stock. George Howard's early life was like that of all 
 other boys, but with more work than play. He attended the public schools during the winter, worked on his 
 father's farm during the summer, and for any extra time employment was found for him in his father's 
 tannery. His character was shaped by the severe and constant discipline of hard work. He left school at 
 the age of thirteen. When he was eighteen years old his father met with severe business reverses, which 
 resulted in both the loss of his tannery and his farm. Under these distressing circumstances it was necessary 
 to look elsewhere for a home, and his father found an opportunity to trade a horse for an "article" calling 
 for 115 acres of land in the forest, on the tract of the Holland Land Company, in Chautauqua county. New 
 York. So George Howard, with his father and brother, came to Western New York. Now began for them 
 the hard, rude, but healthful life of the pioneer. In a few years the Howards had cleared about one hundred 
 acres of the farm and had it under cultivation. On account of ill health George Howard determined to make 
 a change, and came to Buffalo in 1837, to go as a sailor on the lake. While waiting for navigation to open, 
 he first worked for ex-Mayor Ebenezer Johnson at fifty cents a day, and repaid the loan of four dollars with 
 which he paid his fare from Chautauqua to Buffalo. He shipped before the mast at twelve dollars a month. 
 A year later he returned home, and then went to work in the tannery of Aaron Rumsey, at Westfield, and a 
 little later came to Buffalo and became foreman in Mr. Rumsey's tannery in Buffalo at a salary of $28c 
 a year and board. The third year his salary was increased, and he continued to save the greater part of the 
 money that he earned. After his employer failed, Mr. Howard formed a partnership with Aaron Rumsey, the 
 firm being known as Rumsey & Howard. About four years later Aaron Rumsey was succeeded in the 
 business by Fayette Rumsey. 
 
sal 1$. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 2^5 
 
 In 1844 Mr. Howard formed a partnership with Myron P. Bush. They built a tannery on Chicago street, 
 and from a comparatively small beginning built up a business of a million to a million and a quarter dollars a 
 year. For thirty-five years the firm of Bush & Howard was one of the most substantial in the State. Mr. 
 Howard was originally a Jacksonian Democrat, but became an ardent supporter of the Whig party. He never 
 sought nor would accept political honors. He was prominent in charitable and benevolent work, serving as 
 a trustee of the Buffalo Hospital, and was chairman of its board for many years. He was one of the trustees 
 of the State Insane Asylum, the Forest Lawn Association, and the Westminster Church Society. He was a 
 member of the Young Men's Association, Buffalo Historical Society, Fine Arts Academy, and Society of 
 Natural Sciences. Mr. Howard died August 30, 1886. A career like that of George Howard shows how 
 much can be accomplished by upright, wholesome methods in an age when too many fortunes are acquired 
 by questionable means. The name of George Howard will always stand as a synonym for probity and 
 sterling worth. Mr. Howard married three times, the third time to Miss Amelia Flagler of Lockport, New 
 York. Of this marriage four children were born, two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Howard and the two 
 sons, Frank K. and George R., survive him. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF LEONARD B. CROCKER. 
 
 The accompanying engraving represents the beautiful home of Leonard B. Crocker, and is situated on 
 the lake shore about fifteen miles from Buffalo and six miles from the town of Hamburg. This delightful 
 residence is of fine architectural proportions, and has all the appointments of a first-class city house. The 
 grounds have a frontage of about two thousand feet, and are part of a very fertile farm of about two hundred 
 acres. It is called " Cedar Ridge," from the high bank of cedars on the premises. The interior of the house 
 is finished entirely in hard wood; and conservatory, stable, laundry, etc., as well as the grounds, are lighted 
 by electricity from a plant on the premises. The grounds are laid out in drives, walks, beautiful parterres, 
 and lawns, tastefully arranged, with deer-parks and hot-houses. A dock and boat-house, with overhead 
 trolley, is built on the water as a harbor for Mr. Crocker's steam-yacht Anemone. Situate at each end 
 
 of the spacious grounds are very unique rustic houses, 
 overlooking the park and lake, lighted by arc lights and 
 small electric lights. A Javanese house is an attractive 
 feature of the place. It was brought directly from the 
 village of Java at the World's Fair, and was once occu- 
 pied by the queer little people of Java. The commanding 
 view afforded from "Cedar Ridge," and the delightful 
 surroundings, make it one of the finest and fairest 
 suburban residences in this section. 
 
 JAMES MOONEY. 
 
 There are few more progressive and prominent 
 business men in Buffalo than the subject of this short 
 biographical sketch, and none who have been more 
 enterprising or energetic in bringing to the city her 
 wonderful latter-day growth and prosperity. He came 
 to America from Ireland when he was a boy with his 
 parents, and has resided in Buffalo since 1850. He 
 began the study of law with the late Charles D. Norton, 
 Esq., but soon tired of that profession and engaged in 
 real estate business, at that time a most unpromising 
 field. His excellent judgment and energy, and his con- 
 fidence in the great future of Buffalo, fully warranted 
 in the light of the present, made his operations remu- 
 nerative, and brought him wealth at a comparatively 
 early age. A short term of service in the City tax 
 receiver's office was an excellent training for the young 
 real estate operator, and his means have been freely spent in many philanthrophic enterprises and for worthy 
 objects of benevolence, among which was that of Irish liberty. He has long been the half-owner of the 
 
 JAMES MOONEY. 
 
NORMAN E. MACK. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 2^7 
 
 Arcade block on Main street, corner of Clinton ; and the magnificent business block on this site which has 
 just been completed, and which is known as the Mooney & Brisbane block, is one of the most imposing and 
 attractive of the many large and elegant buildings which in the past few years have transformed the business 
 part of the city, making it thoroughly metropolitan in appearance. In Buffalo and in many other parts of 
 Erie county Mr. Mooney has been interested in numerous large real estate transactions, and his possessions 
 are scattered throughout the city and suburban sections. Mr. Mooney has always been an enthusiast on the 
 subject of home rule for Ireland, and has done as much as any man in the United States to secure this great 
 boon to his native land. He was one of the leading spirits in the Irish Land League, and was its president 
 from 1881 until its amalgamation with the Irish National League a few years later. He was many times 
 president of the Real Estate and Brokers Board, and has been an influential member of the Merchants 
 Exchange since its organization, and was its vice-president in 1890. He was appointed one of the com- 
 missioners of the first Board of Public Works by Mayor Bishop, and is now its president, and has for years 
 been one of the most faithful and useful of the city's officials. He was one of the commissoners of the State 
 Park Reservation at Niagara Falls, and has served the public with intelligence and efficiency, and in official 
 station as in business life he has ever inspired the fullest regard and confidence of his fellow-citizens. 
 
 NORMAN E. MACK. 
 
 This enterprising and successful newspaper man, the editor and proprietor of "The Times," one of the 
 most popular dailies of the State, was born in West Williams, Ontario, in 1856, and came with his parents 
 to this country when quite a child. The family settled in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1868, where he was engaged 
 as a clerk in a mercantile establishment, where he acquired that knowledge of business which has enabled 
 him to establish and maintain the important journalistic enterprise of which he is the head. In 1872 he 
 engaged in the advertising business in Detroit and Chicago, which he conducted for two years, this being 
 his first experience in newspaper work. In 1874 he came to Buffalo, and was here engaged in various 
 advertising enterprises, and four years later he started the Jamestown "Sunday Gazette," which he sold 
 out in 1879. That paper was merged into the present Jamestown "Sunday Sun." 
 
 He established the "Sunday Times" in this city September 7, 1879, the business being conducted on 
 Main street, opposite the present site of "The Times" office, but was subsequently removed to No. 50 
 Seneca street, where it remained till 1882, when, on account of fire in the building, temporary quarters on 
 Washington street were secured. In 1883 the business was removed to 191 Main street, adjoining the 
 present location, to which Mr. Mack removed in 1887. The first number of "The Daily Times" was issued 
 September 13, 1883, and was changed from a morning to an afternoon penny paper November 2, 1887. 
 Until 1884 "The Times" was independent in politics, but became a Democratic newspaper in October, 
 1884, when it gave Grover Cleveland zealous and effective support for President, and since that time has 
 earnestly and consistently supported every candidate of the Democratic party. National, State, and municipal, 
 and has loyally upheld Democratic principles. Mr. Mack has been chosen a delegate of his party to various 
 State and local conventions, and was alternate to the last Democratic National convention. He was 
 appointed the representative of the Empire State on the committee to notify Mr. Cleveland of his nomination 
 in 1892, and was chairman of the committee on arrangements. For two terms he represented his congress- 
 ional district on the Democratic State committee, declining a third term. Mr. Mack has always been active 
 and zealous in political affairs, and has been an indefatigable worker for unity in the Democratic ranks, and 
 to that end " The Times" has been one of the most efficient agents in the State. 
 
 He is a member of the Board of Park Commissioners, and is active also in social life. He is a member 
 of the Buffalo club, and of the Orpheus and Liedertafel organizations, the Press club, and other societies, 
 and was for years a member of the executive committee of the State Associated Press. He has always been 
 foremost in advancing the interests of the city, and is well and widely known as a champion of the masses 
 and the inveterate foe of trusts and monopolies. He was also instrumental in securing free music for the 
 people, and the band concerts in the parks last summer was the result. Mr. Mack married Miss Harrette B. 
 Taggart of this city. They have one daughter. Norma Emily Mack, and reside at 77 Niagara square. 
 
 WILLIAM GUSHING BRUSH. 
 
 This prominent and eminently successful manufacturer, one of the oldest representative business men of 
 Buffalo, is the head of the firm of Brush Brothers, who for half a century have carried on the manufacture 
 of brick in this city on a scale of most important proportions. He was born December i, 1819, in Delaware 
 
2^8 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 county, New York, and was the oldest son of Jacob and Phoebe (Gushing) Brush. His father's family was 
 one of the oldest in Delaware county, and his mother was a descendant of one of the first settlers in Dutchess 
 county. New York. His father, who was a prosperous farmer, died when William was but fifteen years of 
 acre, and who at the time was attending the district school at Steventown, was obliged to leave school and 
 take charge of the farm, which he carried on with success for about four years. He then removed to 
 Waterloo, and obtained employment in the brick manufacturing business, remaining there until 1842, 
 obtaining a thorough knowledge of every detail of the industry. He then came to Buffalo and accepted a 
 responsible position with Mr. James White, a brick-maker, whose plant was located near the old Philadelphia 
 depot, and after three years in that capacity he formed a copartnership with his brother Alexander, and 
 began the manufacture of brick in this city. Their plant was situate between Seneca and Elk streets on 
 Smith street, and the firm had a yard on the present site of St. Patrick's church. From time to time the 
 plant was removed, and finally located at their present place in East Buffalo, where the facilities for their 
 work are of the most completed character, their establishment being one of the most extensive of its kind in 
 New York. The valuable plant of the Brush Brothers covers an area of sixty-nine acres; the yard and kilns 
 occupying about seven acres. The brick are made by machinery of the most improved patterns, and the 
 product comprises both molded and common brick, a large force of workmen being employed. The output 
 aggregates two hundred thousand brick daily, which are sold throughout New York State, Pennsylvania, and 
 Michigan. The firm at present consists of William C. Brush and his sons, William H. and Warren H. Brush, 
 all of whom are greatly interested in the industrial growth of the city, and progressive, enterprising, and 
 responsible men of business. The office of this prosperous concern is advantageously located at No. 2 
 Builders' Exchange. Mr. William C. Brush was first married to Miss Hannah Bull of Chautauqua county, 
 near Jamestown, and had three children; the two sons (twins), now members of the firm, and one daughter. 
 
 In his political faith he is a Republican, and he is a 
 member of the Delaware Avenue Methodist church. 
 Although seventy-six years of age, he is active and. 
 energetic in business affairs, going daily to the works in 
 East Buffalo, and his vigor of mind and body give prom- 
 ise of years of continued usefulness. 
 
 ROBERT KNIGHT SMITHER. 
 
 It is a regrettable fact that among the rising business 
 men of our large cities few appear to find the time or 
 possess the inclination to engage in active politics, but 
 among the most popular and widely known of the 
 few is Robert K. Smither, a leading pharmacist of 
 Buffalo and the present efficient president of the Board 
 of Aldermen. Born in Winchester, England, October 10, 
 185 1, he came to America with his parents at the age 
 of seven years. Ten years later he entered the employ 
 of W. H. Peabody at Main and South Division streets, 
 in what was then the most popular drug store in Buffalo. 
 Mr. Smither subsequently assumed the management 
 of the pharmacy of W. R. Crumb at Niagara and Caro- 
 line streets, and in 1875 established in a small way 
 what has since become one of the leading pharmacies 
 in the city, at Niagara and Jersey streets. In addition 
 to this, Mr. Smither is now the fortunate possessor of 
 an equally flourishing and extensive one at Elmwood 
 avenue and Bryant street. In 1879 he was elected on 
 the Republican ticket to a seat in the Board of Supervisors, representing what was then the Ninth ward, 
 and, being reelected three successive terms, served until his removal from the ward, a total of eight years! 
 Although upon his appearance in that body he was one of the youngest of its members, he was quickly 
 recognized as a leader, and during his encumbency served three terms as chairman of the board. After 
 removing from the Ninth ward he gave his attention exclusively to his business until 1891, when he was 
 
 ROBERT K. SMITHER. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 2^9 
 
 again persuaded to enter the political field, at the first election under the new city charter, and as the Repub- 
 lican candidate for alderman from the Twenty-fourth ward was elected by eight hundred majority. Two 
 years later he was unanimously renominated and elected by 1775 majority, and in 1895 he was again 
 nominated by acclamation and was elected by a majority of 1792, the largest majority ever given for a ward 
 office under the revised charter, and an eloquent and deserved tribute to his official ability and integrity. 
 
 He was elected president of the Common Council in 1894 and is now president of the Board of 
 Aldermen, having been elected to that position by the unanimous vote of the members, both Democratic and 
 Republican. In official position he has been a successful leader in effecting needed reforms and foremost in 
 every movement for a businesslike administration of municipal affairs. He was active in securing the 
 passage of the law restricting the practice of pharmacy to thoroughly competent and licensed persons, and 
 upon the organization of the Erie County Board of Pharmacy in 1884 was elected president of the body, 
 which position he still fills with distinguished ability. He is chairman of the Board of Curators of the 
 
 Buffalo College of Pharmacy, ex-president of the Erie 
 County Pharmaceutical Association, and member of sev- 
 eral similar organizations in the State. He is a popular 
 Mason and Odd Fellow, and a valued member of the 
 Royal Arcanum. Mr. Smither was married in 1874 to 
 Lucretia C, daughter of John S. Newkirk, Esq., late of 
 this city, and resides at 456 Elmwood avenue. He is 
 one of the most genial and courteous of men, and is 
 esteemed alike in business, political, and social circles. 
 
 JAMES ASH. 
 
 This representative and successful business man and 
 honored citizen of Buffalo was born in New Brunswick, 
 Nova Scotia, December 20, 1836, of English parentage, 
 and came to this city with his parents at the age of six 
 months. He here secured his education in the public 
 schools, on the completion of which he secured employ- 
 ment as manager in a large coal yard, where he remained 
 but a short time. He then accepted a responsible position 
 with Messrs. Pratt & Company, extensive dealers in coal 
 and iron in this city, having charge of the purchase and 
 shipments of stock. He remained in the service of this 
 firm for fifteen years, and in 1866 he engaged in vessel 
 business. He built a number of schooners and tugs for 
 lake service, and is still engaged in this branch of indus- 
 trial enterprise, being at this time president of Hand & 
 John's Tug Line. In 1879 he was nominated as the Republican candidate for Assembly from the third Erie 
 district, and was elected by the flattering majority of three thousand votes. He served his constituents with 
 marked ability, and his worth was recognized by his appointment as member of several important committees, 
 including those on Cities and Charities. In 1882, he was appointed one of the park commissioners of 
 Buffalo, and discharged the functions of the office with intelligence and fidelity until he was elected a member 
 of the Board of Aldermen in 1886, when he resigned his position as park commissioner. As a member of the 
 legislative branch of the municipal government, Mr. Ash was active, progressive, and faithful ; and in recog- 
 nition of his services his party nominated him as its candidate for City Council in 1893, when he received 
 the largest majority of any candidate on the ticket. He was elected president of the upper branch of 
 Common Council in 1895, and still is a valuable member of that body. In 1863 Mr. Ash, being a member of 
 the Seventy-fourth Regiment, N. G. N. Y., went to Maryland and was sworn into the United States service. 
 He has been for over a quarter of a century the largest retail dealer and one of the most extensive wholesale 
 dealers in coal in this great center of that branch of mercantile activity, and has large trestle works at North 
 Buffalo for his retail trade. In every sense of the term Mr. Ash is a successful man of affairs. He takes an 
 active interest in every movement for the welfare of his fellow-men and the general good, and his disinter- 
 ested work in that regard is gratefully appreciated. He is one of the managers of the Queen City Society 
 
 JAMES ASH. 
 
26o 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and is zealous in the great work of their humane organization. 
 Mr Ash has been one of the managers of the Lake Carriers Association of the great lakes since its foun- 
 dation ten years a^o, and was recently reelected. He is also a director of the Commercial Bank of Buffalo. 
 Mr Ash was marrie'd December 4, 1853, to Miss Mary Finn, daughter of William Finn, Esq., late of this city. 
 
 To them were born ten children ; four boys and three 
 girls are living. The family reside in their beautiful 
 home, 291 Porter avenue, one of the most delightful 
 residence thoroughfares of the city. 
 
 GEORGE BINGHAM. 
 
 George Bingham, the present county clerk, was born 
 in the town of Lancaster December 21, 1847. His father, 
 Henry L. Bingham, was born at Windham, Connecticut, 
 April I, 1814, and settled in Western New York when 
 a young man. His mother was born in this State. The 
 subject of this sketch obtained his education in the public 
 and private schools. In 1866 Mr. Bingham was given a 
 position as rodman by William Wallace, chief engineer 
 in the engineering department of the Buffalo & Wash- 
 ington Railroad, now the Western New York & Penn- 
 sylvania Railroad. He was afterwards appointed assistant 
 engineer, and was given charge of a division of the road. 
 Mr. Bingham was employed by City Engineer George E. 
 Mann for one year in running the levels for the topo- 
 graphical map of the city. He was also engaged in the 
 location and construction of other roads in the Western 
 states and Canada. For ten years Mr. Bingham was 
 engaged in the hide and leather business, and met with 
 marked success. In 1880 he was elected a member of 
 the Assembly, and was one of the staunch supporters of 
 the late Hon. Roscoe Conkling in his fight to be returned 
 to the United States Senate in 1881. Mr. Bingham was superintendent of the Thompson-Houston Electric 
 Light and Power Company for three years. He was appointed United States appraiser for the Port of 
 Buffalo by President Harrison in 1891, and served three years and resigned. He was elected county clerk in 
 1894. Mr. Bingham is chairman of the Republican county committee, and was elected, in March, 1895, 
 president of the village of Lancaster, and is also one of the justices of the peace for the same town. He was 
 married on September 4, 1874, to Miss Carrie Lee of Lancaster, where they reside. They have two daughters. 
 Mr. Bingham as county clerk has made a clean, careful, honest, and painstaking official, and so far has given 
 entire satisfaction to all concerned. He is an honor to his party and a faithful servant of the people. 
 
 GEORGE BINGHAM. 
 
 JOSEPH CHARLES VELING. 
 
 Alderman Joseph C. Veling, who was elected to the Council of 1895 to represent the Twenty-third 
 ward, was born in Oneida, New York, August 21, 1861. He is of German descent, his grandfather having 
 been a native of Mayence, Germany, who settled in this country in the early part of the century. Our 
 subject received his education at his birthplace, where he was graduated from the high-school at the age of 
 -sixteen. On leaving school he entered the employ of the American Express Company, and at the age of 
 nineteen traveled for them on the route from Buffalo to New York and Boston. He remained with the 
 company until 1889, making his headquarters in Buffalo, when he accepted the appointment of deputy-sheriff 
 under Sheriff Jenkins. At the expiration of his term of office he became connected with the Buffalo School 
 Furniture Company, for whom he traveled for some years. Well known and highly esteemed in his ward, 
 he came to the front in the elections for the Council of 1895, ^'""^ h'S personal popularity was marked by his 
 return by the largest majority ever given in an aldermanic contest — 1134. At the Council Board he at once 
 took a front rank, and as chairman of the Fourth of July celebration committee, the carrying out of the 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 261 
 
 memorable parade of 1895, O" ^he dedication of the new 
 liberty pole, proved him possessed of executive ability in 
 a marked degree, and gained for him a special vote of 
 thanks. In the same year he embarked in the cigar 
 business, in which he has established an extensive con- 
 nection, and is contemplating the establishment of a 
 factory on a large scale. On the Board of Aldermen he 
 is now chairman of Markets and Fourth of July com- 
 mittees, and also served on the committees on Schools 
 and Streets. Of untiring energy, strong independence 
 of mind, and fearless in his advocacy of the right, his 
 name carries weight in the Council. While still under 
 twenty years of age, he was married in i88i to Miss 
 Frances Fahrenschale of Oneida, by whom he has a 
 family of three children. He resides at 169 Eighteenth 
 street. 
 
 WILLIAM H. BRADISH. 
 
 The popular president of the Board of Aldermen, 
 William H. Bradish, was born in Lyons, Wayne county, 
 New York, April 7, 1856. When he was but two years 
 of age his parents took him to Batavia, New York, where 
 they located on a farm and afterwards moved into the 
 village, where young Bradish received his education at 
 the Batavia Union school. His father was for a long time 
 owner of a large iron and wood-working establishment in joseph c. veling. 
 
 Batavia, and was quite successful. After learning the 
 
 trade of a mechanic, the subject of this sketch and Malcomb D. Mix, started in the newspaper business, and 
 published what is now called the "Batavia Daily News." After severing his connection with that paper, he 
 came to Buffalo in 1879. Mr. Bradish then followed the profession of court stenographer for Sprague, Milburn 
 & Sprague for several years, but being ambitious and anxious to advance himself, he decided to give up the 
 position, and obtained employment with the Gilbert Starch Works, where he was made superintendent. He 
 remained with that concern until the works were destroyed by fire. After looking around for a short time he 
 secured an engagement with the Bell, Lewis & Yates Coal Mining Company, after which he associated himself 
 with Richard Humphrey at Black Rock. In this position he was brought in contact with a great many people, 
 and in 1892 he received the nomination for alderman on the Republican ticket, and strange to say, was 
 elected in a Democratic ward. In 1894 he was renominated and again elected by a handsome majority. He 
 has labored zealously for his constituents, and his record in the Board of Aldermen speaks for itself. His 
 popularity was fully demonstrated when he was unanimously elected president of the Board January i, 1896. 
 For eleven years Mr. Bradish was a member of the N. G. N. Y., his time being divided up in Companies 
 A and B of the Seventy-fourth regiment. He was also major and aide-de-camp on General Rogers' staff of 
 the Fourth division. In both companies he held the rank of first lieutenant. Mr. Bradish is a member 
 of Occidental Lodge, No. 766, F- & A. M. ; North Buffalo Lodge, No. 517, I. O. O. F. ; Black Rock I. O. F. ; 
 Fraternity club; Black Rock Business Men's Association, and Cycle club. He is now engaged in the real 
 estate business, and is considered one of Buffalo's progressive and enterprising citizens. 
 
 CICERO J. HAMLIN. 
 
 The sleepless energy which cannot confine itself to one field of enterprise, but requires a multiplicity of 
 pursuits for its proper exercise, is strikingly characteristic of Mr. Cicero J. Hamlin, who in various channels 
 of industry has attained remarkable success. He was born in 1819 on a farm in Columbia county, New 
 York, near the Massachusetts line, his father being a Methodist minister of an old New England family. He 
 was the youngest of ten children, and began life's struggle with little besides a sound constitution and 
 untiring energy. In 1836 the young man removed to East Aurora in Erie county, where three years later he 
 opened a general store, and in 1846 he came to Buffalo, and engaged in the dry goods business as a member 
 
WILLIAM HENGERER. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 263 
 
 of the firm of Wattles & Hamlin. Mr. Wattles retired from the business in 1847. Mr. Hamlin continuing the 
 business until 1852. In i860 he became a member of the fu'm of Mendsen & Company, wholesale and retail 
 dealers in carpets and house furnishing goods. The firm was reorganized as Hamlin & Mendsen, and the 
 sale of dry goods was made part of the business. In 1871 Mr. Hamlin retired from the firm and three years 
 later became president of the Buffalo Grape Sugar Company, afterwards merged into the American Glucose 
 Company, whose works are the most extensive and complete of the kind in the world. With the help of his 
 sons Mr. Hamlin has built up the business of this company to a marvelous extent. Until the Hamlins began 
 the manufacture of glucose the entire supply was imported from France and Germany, and now Buffalo 
 glucose is the leading brand in the markets of the world. The works of the American Glucose Company 
 employ hundreds of men, and millions of bushels of corn are used annually, and the product which is 
 enormous in amount, is shipped to all parts of the world. Mr. Hamlin's real estate operations since 1848 
 have been on a scale of great proportions. He has erected many fine business structures, prominent among 
 which is the Hamlin block, the largest structure in the city. In the village of Aurora he has a stock farm of 
 over six hundred acres, and here, as early as 1855, he began the business of improving stock. The farm is 
 famous as the home of Mambrino King, Almont Jr., Sire of Belle Hamlin, the beautiful queen of the turf for 
 years, and many other famous horses. His stock at times number over four hundred head. In 1868 he 
 purchased the ground upon which the Buffalo Driving Park, now famous as a race course, was laid out. In 
 every undertaking of this active, progressive business man, success great and enduring has attended his 
 efforts, and at home and abroad he is a recognized leader in industry and trade. Mr. Hamlin was married in 
 1842 to Miss Ford, a daughter of Isaac Ford, Esq., of Hulberton, the youngest sister of the late Hon. Elijah 
 Ford of this city. He has three sons, all of whom are successfully engaged in business in Buffalo. 
 
 WILLIAM HENGERER. 
 
 Familiar as a household word, the name of this eminently successful merchant of Buffalo has for years 
 been identified with the growth and prosperity of the city, and not to know him argues one's self unknown in 
 the Queen City of the Lakes. He was born at Wiirtemberg, Germany, March 2, 1840, and until nine years 
 of age attended the common schools of his native city. He came to America in 1849, and to Buffalo in March, 
 1 861, and entered the store of Sherman & Barnes. When Fort Sumter was surrendered Mr. Hengerer became 
 a member of the historic Twenty-first New York Volunteers, and served his adopted country in the field with 
 fidelity until the regiment was mustered out in 1863. Returning to Buffalo he again entered the employ of 
 the Sherman & Barnes Company, and was soon advanced from the position of clerk at six dollars per week 
 to membership in the firm. Mr. Hengerer is emphatically a self-made man, and has accomplished by virtue 
 of his own tact and perseverance results almost phenomenal, despite circumstances which would have discour- 
 aged most other men. Possessing indomitable energy, supplemented by judgment that seldom errs, he has, 
 unaided, gained leadership among the foremost business men of Buffalo. As the head of the leading depart- 
 ment mercantile house of the city during the past decade, Mr. Hengerer has been a large contributor to the 
 vast aggregate of Buffalo's trade. In 1874 he was the junior member of the firm of Barnes, Bancroft & 
 Company, which in 1885 became Barnes, Hengerer & Company, and by reason of the death of Mr. Barnes, 
 a reorganization was effected January i, 1896, since which time the business has been conducted under the 
 style of the William Hengerer Company, of which Mr. Hengerer is president; C. O. Howard, treasurer; 
 and E. D. Robbins, secretary; and, large as the trade of the concern has been for years, increasing from 
 three hundred thousand dollars in 1865 to over four million dollars per annum now; with the improvements 
 in contemplation now, it is confidently expected that the sales will, in the near future, aggregate ten million. 
 Mr. Hengerer is a plain-spoken, progressive, and reliable man of business, ruggedly honest and plain almost 
 to bluntness in speech, using no unnecessary words in conversation. Active as has been his business life, 
 Mr. Hengerer has been in the front rank of every important movement for the general good, and his advice 
 and counsel have always been sought in matters of public interest. He is also prominent in Masonic circles, 
 and is an honored member of the Buffalo club and of the Orpheus Liedertafel organizations. He has been 
 one of the park commissioners since 1884, and is at present one of the trustees of the State Normal school. 
 An example of the possibilities which await the intelligent application of energy and perseverance to affairs 
 of business, he furnishes encouragement to aspiring men in business. The city is better for having men like 
 William Hengerer, and the future of the city is assured by such as he. 
 
^ 
 
 THE WILLIAM HENGERER COMPANY BUILDING. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 26^ 
 
 THE WILLIAM HENGERER COMPANY. 
 
 As the successors of Barnes, Hengerer & Company, this concern has, since January i, 1896, conducted 
 the extensive wholesale and retail dry goods business inaugurated nearly half a century ago, and which has 
 always been one of the most important trade enterprises of Buffalo and Western New York. The business 
 was established in 1850 by Mr. Barnes, who was prominently connected with the house until his death. 
 Soon after the business was inaugurated Mr. Barnes formed a copartnership with Mr. Sherman, and until 
 1867 the trade of the house was carried on under the firm name of Sherman, Barnes & Company. Towards 
 the close of that year Messrs. Sherman & Barnes dissolved partnership, and until 1874 the business was 
 conducted by the firm of Barnes & Bancroft. In 1874 the firm of Barnes, Bancroft & Company was organ- 
 ized as successors to Barnes & Bancroft, Mr. William Hengerer, who had been employed in the business since 
 March, 1861, being the company. Under this style the business was conducted until January i, 1885, when 
 the firm of Barnes, Hengerer & Company succeeded to the large trade developed, and in a scale of most 
 important proportions the business was carried on until January i, 1896, the name of the firm being familiar 
 as a household word in Buffalo and adjoining sections of the State. From its inception the business has kept 
 even pace with the progress of the age ; anticipating the wants of the trade, the enterprise of the manage- 
 ment created astonishment among the more conservative business men of the city, and many were the 
 predictions that the firm was growing too fast for the town. Despite all, however, success great and 
 continued attended the efforts of the proprietors, as is attested by the magnificent establishment, a model 
 concern in every particular of completeness and management. Under the present regime, the old-time 
 prestige and reputation of this great concern is admirably sustained, and the trade is rapidly increasing and 
 extending. The company as now organized is composed of William Hengerer, president; C. O. Howard, 
 treasurer, and E. D. Robbins, secretary. It is incorporated under the laws of the State of New York, with 
 abundant capital ; and many new improvements, which will greatly increase the floor space and storage 
 capacity of Buffalo's leading department store in the 
 near future are contemplated by the management. An 
 idea of the growth of the business can be had when it 
 is considered that in 1865 a business aggregating three 
 hundred thousand dollars per annum was regarded most 
 encouraging, while now the annual sales of the company 
 amount to between four and five million dollars, and 
 with the improvements in contemplation it is not unrea- 
 sonable to suppose that in the near future the business 
 will aggregate ten million dollars per year. 
 
 GUSTAV FLEISCHMANN. 
 
 Gustav Fleischmann is one of the many sons of the 
 Old World who have attained prosperity in this new 
 land and have contributed their full share to the growth 
 and development of their adopted country. Mr. Fleisch- 
 mann was born less than fifty years ago in Vienna, 
 Austria. He came to the United States at the age of 
 sixteen and obtained employment with the firm of 
 Casoni & Isola in New York city as a marble -cutter 
 and designer, at the same time attending night schools 
 and Cooper Institute and pursuing his studies in math- 
 ematics and drawing to fit him for the profession he 
 had adopted. He was obliged to abandon this vocation, 
 however, on account of ill health, and in 1869 he went 
 to Cincinnati and entered the firm of Gaff, Fleischmann 
 & Company, of which his brothers, Maximilian and 
 Charles, were members, where he thoroughly learned the business of a distiller and yeast manufacturer. 
 When he had perfected his knowledge of this industry and was ready to establish himself in business, Mr. 
 Fleischmann began to consider the question of location. The Buffalo of twenty years ago was a different 
 
 GUSTAV FLEISCHMANN. 
 
266 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 place from the city of to-day as regards both population and commercial prosperity, but the elements of her 
 future greatness were there, and it was not difficult for a far-sighted and sagacious man to appreciate her 
 superior advantages. Mr. Fleischmann accordingly went to Buffalo and engaged in the distillery business 
 under the firm name of Frost & Company. A year later Mr. Frost retired and Mr. Fleischmann formed a 
 partnership with E. N. Cook under the style of E. N. Cook & Company. This connection lasted until 1893, 
 when Mr. Fleischmann bought out Mr. Cook's interest in the business and organized the Buffalo Distilling 
 Company, of which he has since been the proprietor. The successful business man of the present day seems 
 to be capable of carrying on an amount of business that would have been deemed entirely impossible by even 
 the most active man of half a century ago. We are not surprised, therefore, to learn that Mr. Fleischmann 
 is president of the Meadville, Pennsylvania, Distilling Company, and of the Frontier Elevator Company of 
 Buffalo, New York, in addition to his duties as proprietor of the Buffalo Distilling Company. He also held for 
 some years the office of president of the Merz Universal Extractor & Construction Company, but this position 
 he resigned in favor of his brother when the main office of the company was removed from Buffalo to New 
 York City. Mr. Fleischmann is a member of Meadville Lodge, B. P. O. E., and is the owner of some fine 
 residence property in the City of Buffalo. His greatest interest, aside from the engrossing cares of business, 
 is in hunting, to which he is passionately devoted. He is a member of the Adirondack League club, and 
 brings home several fine deer each fall as trophies of his skill as a marksman. 
 
 JOHN STROOTMAN. 
 
 Among the many manufacturing interests which go to make up the prosperity of Buffalo as a commercial 
 center, the boot and shoe industry is not one of the least important, giving employment, as it does, to large 
 numbers of the most intelligent of the artisan class. Prominent among the famous houses in this line is that 
 of Mr. John Strootman, which is located on Carroll street, numbers 61 to 69, and occupies two entire floors, 
 covering nearly twenty-five thousand square feet. Over 250 skilled hands are employed the year round in 
 the manufacture of ladies' footwear, and the machinery in use is of the latest and most improved kind. 
 The large output is distributed through the Western and local trade by fourteen traveling salesmen. The 
 business was founded by Mr. Strootman in 1873 in the premises at the corner of Main and Exchange streets. 
 As time went on, more space was needed for the rapidly growing business, and after making a number of 
 changes Mr. Strootman finally secured his present commodious quarters. The founder of the business was 
 born in this city, his parents being among the early settlers of the village of Buffalo. Young Strootman 
 obtained his education in Buffalo, leaving school, however, at an early age to learn his father's business, which 
 was that of a shoemaker. After becoming thoroughly conversant 
 with the trade, he started in for himself at the age of twenty-two 
 years, and has succeeded in building up one of the best and most 
 extensive boot and shoe houses in Western New York. He is a 
 director of the Union bank, and also largely interested in many corpo- 
 rations. His father died some years ago, but his mother, with whom 
 he lives at 475 Delaware avenue, is still hale and hearty, and has 
 seen the growth of Buffalo from its early days, before incorporation, 
 to its present prosperous condition. 
 
 EDWARD C. SHAFER. 
 
 This progressive and popular man of affairs first saw the light 
 of day at Honesdale, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1850. His father came 
 from good old German stock, while his mother descended from the 
 Puritans. The subject of this sketch removed to Bradford county, 
 Pennsylvania, with his parents when a child and received his early 
 education in the public schools there, supplemented with a thorough 
 business course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Buffalo, 
 New York. After completing his education Mr. Shafer secured a 
 position in 1872 with Barnes, Bancroft & Company of this city (now 
 the William Hengerer Company). He remained with them but a short time, however, and accepted a situation 
 as book-keeper with O. S. Garetson, and later with the Buffalo Hardware Company, of which he became a 
 partner in 1877. When the Bufl'alo School Furniture Company was formed in 1883, Mr. Shafer became its 
 
 EDWARD C. SHAFER. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 267 
 
 general manager, and in 1890, when the concern was incorporated as a stock company, Mr. Shafer was elected 
 treasurer and general manager. He was appointed a police commissioner in 1887, by Mayor Becker, but 
 resigned to enter upon the duties of city comptroller, to which office he had been elected by a large majority. 
 After serving one term as comptroller, he declined renomination and decided to devote his time to his own 
 private interests. He repeatedly declined the nomination for mayor and other offices of public trust. He is 
 president of the Standard Asphalt Company of Buffalo, New York. Mr. Shafer is prominent in Masonic circles, 
 holding the rank of grand senior warden of the Grand Lodge of the Empire State. He holds membership in 
 Lake Erie Commandery, Knights Templar, and is department commander of the State, a Noble of Ismailia 
 Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and a member of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, thirty-second degree. He 
 also belongs to the Ellicott and Acacia clubs. Mr. Shafer was married on June 25, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth, 
 daughter of James Anderson of this city. They have one daughter, and reside at 405 East Utica street. 
 
 GIBSON T. WILLIAMS. 
 
 One of the most prominent men in Buffalo was the late Gibson T. Williams, who was born in Charles- 
 town, New Hampshire, January 15, 181 3, of Welsh ancestry on his father's side, and Scotch on his mother's. 
 Mr. Williams was one of the second generation born in New Hampshire. His parental grandfather, Benjamin 
 W., was born in Massachusetts. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and fought in the battles of Bunker Hill, 
 Saratoga, Bennington, and Stillwater. In the latter he held the rank of ensign. After locating in New 
 Hampshire, he enlisted in the Second New Hampshire regiment and was made orderly sergeant in Captain 
 Ezra Town's company. When Gibson T. Williams had reached his eleventh year, the family removed to 
 Franklin county, Vermont, and here he worked at farming until his sixteenth year. At that age he went to 
 St. Albans, close by, where he attended the academy about one year, after which he became a clerk in a 
 general country store in St. Albans, and continued so for three years. But the New Englander had a mission 
 to fulfill beyond the mere fact of growing up and getting settled in life. Under the banner of progress we 
 find Gibson T. Williams at the age of twenty in Buffalo. It did not take the bright youth long to find 
 employment. He worked as a clerk in a hardware store until the spring of 1834, when he entered upon a 
 clerkship in the grocery and ship chandlery establishment of Kimberly & Waters, continuing there until 
 February, 1837, when he and Henry C. Atwater bought out the business, and continued it under the style 
 of Atwater & Williams. 
 
 When in 1845 Mr. Atwater died, Mr. Williams formed a copartnership with Rufus L. Howard and 
 George L. Newman, and the institution was thereafter conducted under the firm name of Williams, Howard 
 & Company. In 1850 Mr. Williams sold out his interest to his partners. He did not care to lay idle 
 however, and soon began to look around for another enterprise. This soon came about; and in conjunction 
 with the late Henry Roop, he built up the Niagara White Lead Company's factory on the corner of Delaware 
 avenue and Virginia street. In 1861 Mr. Williams disposed of his interest to Mr. Cornell. At the time of 
 the War Mr. Williams was president of the Clinton bank, which wound up its affairs by common consent, 
 paying dollar for dollar, in consequence of the troublous times. In 1862 Mr. Williams was one of the 
 organizers of the Western Insurance Company, and became its vice-president and later its president. This 
 company, which did a very large business, was swept out of existence, as were many others, by the great 
 Chicago fire of 1871. Mr. Williams suffered in this great loss equally with all others affected. As early as 
 1854 he was one of the corporators and the first vice-president of the Erie County Savings bank, and later 
 became its president. Among the numerous enterprises that he was actively connected with were the old 
 Mutual Insurance Company of Buffalo, the City Insurance Company, and the Buffalo Fire and Marine 
 Insurance Company, in each of which he was a director. 
 
 For some years he was a director in the Buffalo & Erie and the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad Companies. 
 He was instrumental in the consolidation of the lines, forming the lines of the Lake Shore Railroad. At that 
 time he held nearly every proxy for the Buffalo and Erie division, and cast the vote which brought about the 
 consolidation. He was a director in the Bank of Buffalo, the Manufacturers and Traders bank, the Bank of 
 Niagara, and the old White's bank; also in the Buffalo Gas Company and the Mutual Gas Company. He 
 was one of the incorporators of the Board of Trade, and became one of its directors. Mr. Williams was a 
 member of the board which appraised the land taken for the Buffalo park, and his judgment in the matter 
 was satisfactorily rendered. He was associated with General Rufus L. Howard in the building of the 
 Howard Iron Works. He was instrumental in the founding of the Buffalo library. As early as 1845 he was 
 president of the Young Men's Association, which from a condition of debt he largely helped to put into a 
 
D. S. MORGAN BUILDING. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 269 
 
 prosperous and healthy state, hi all public-spirited enterprises Mr. Williams was never found wanting. 
 His whole career shows the active life he led, and that he was one of those citizens to whom Buffalo has 
 been indebted for her prosperity. In 1841 he was married to Miss Harriet C. Howard of Herkimer county, 
 New York. Mr. Williams died April 14, 1891. Of his children there are now living, Mr. Charles H. 
 Williams, Mr. George L. Williams, and Miss Martha T. Williams. Mrs, Gibson T. Williams lives in the 
 beautiful residence at 1226 Main street. 
 
 D. S. MORGAN BUILDING. 
 
 This building, one of the most important and centrally situated in Buffalo, within a radius of one-quarter 
 of a mile from the principal business headquarters of the city, is convenient to all lines of transportation, and 
 its location is a credit to the forethought of the corporation which erected it. Recognizing the fact that the 
 growing importance of Buffalo as a business center required office accommodation commensurate with its 
 wants, D. S. Morgan & Company started in to erect a building which should be fin de siecle in every 
 particular; and the accomplished result shows that they have not fallen short of their ideal. The building, 
 including the observatory tower with flagstaff, rises 221 feet from the street level, and basements below the 
 street extend the total height to 243 feet. The frontage on Niagara street is sixty-nine feet and on Pearl 
 street is fifty-five feet. In the construction of the building, the first and second stories, which in the plan 
 were treated as a base, are built of gray granite, above which the shaft of the building, regarding it as a 
 column, is constructed of brick and terra cotta, and the cap, consisting of two stories of terra cotta, completes 
 the unity of conception so essential to a high building. The tout ensemble is graceful and rich while at the 
 same time dignified. Of the general plan of construction it must be noted that this building is the first to be 
 erected in the City of Buffalo on the plans recognized and appreciated in the Eiffel tower, Tay bridge, and 
 other erections involving the cantilever principle. Stability and permanency have been provided for. Each 
 column stands on a separate and isolated pier of calcareous limestone, one of the hardest building stones to 
 be found, some of the blocks weighing six and seven tons each. The cantilevers, weighing seven tons each, 
 are balanced over the foundation piers, which, for this purpose, are composed of stone and steel beams 
 embedded in concrete. Two million pounds of steel were used in the construction of the building, and the 
 columns in the basement are capable of sustaining a combined safe load of 16,518,118 pounds, and four 
 times this weight could be put on them before they would show any signs of failure. 
 
 Next to stability, the great aim in the construction of this building has been to make it fire-proof. Every 
 part of the steel work is completely protected from fire, and the hollow tile fire-proofing used contains a large 
 percentage of fire clay, and is practically invulnerable to the effects of fire. The interior finish is worthily in 
 keeping with the necessities and uses of the building. The halls and corridors are laid with five-eighths-inch 
 Tessala marble mosaic and wainscoted with white Italian marble, a Tennessee marble base serving as mop- 
 board. A very important advantage offered in this building is "unobstructed light," the rear light court 
 giving an area of 2600 square feet, as ample as that afforded on the street fronts, and the basement being 
 provided with ample light through special sidewalk lights. The mail-chute service is perfect throughout the 
 building; and the elevators, four of the safest and most efficient hydraulic construction, are operated system- 
 atically. The elevator cars are designed to carry a load of 2500 pounds and are fitted with a safety governor 
 which is brought into operation by the car itself. The entire elevator plant is regularly inspected by a 
 responsible insurance company, and every possible precaution is taken to ensure the safety of passengers. 
 Heating arrangements are provided so that an equable temperature of seventy degrees Fahrenheit can be 
 attained in the coldest weather ; and ventilation is arranged on the most scientific principles. Tenants are 
 furnished electric light without extra charge, the building being illuminated throughout by its own plant. 
 Sanitation has been well provided for by excellence of plumbing, toilet conveniences, and filtered water ; and 
 the building, being under the constant care of a competent and reliable superintendent, is one that stands 
 second to none in the Union. The accompanying engraving will give an idea of the imposing appearance 
 and architectural finish of the structure. 
 
 HENRY P. EMERSON, A. M. 
 
 This eminently successful educator was born in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, January 11, 1847, and at 
 the age of twenty years was graduated from Phillips academy, Andover, Massachusetts. Four years later 
 he received his degree of A. B. from Rochester University, and in 1874 had conferred upon him the Master's 
 degree by the institution last mentioned. The same year he was married to Miss Mary A. Estey of 
 
270 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Middleton, Massachusetts, and came to Buffalo as teacher of Greek and Latin in the Central High-school, of 
 which he was appointed principal in 1883; and under his management the school was acknowledged to be 
 one of the very best in the State. In 1892 he was elected superintendent of education, and, at the expiration 
 of his term of three years, he was reelected to the position November 5, 1895, by the unprecedented 
 plurality of over thirteen thousand votes, a testimonial to his efficiency more eloquent than words. During 
 his administration he has introduced the system of free books and has prepared and introduced an improved 
 course of study, highly commended by teachers and pupils as well as the general public. He has improved 
 the force of instructors by dropping incompetent teachers and appointing new ones on the basis of merit, 
 without regard to influence. He has made the course of instruction more useful and practical, and has urged 
 the building of new school-houses, which has already taken eight thousand children out of unhealthy rented 
 annexes. His administration has saved the tax-payers thirty thousand dollars per annum by the manage- 
 ment of affairs on business principles, and has given to the city an efficient, progressive, non-sectarian, and 
 non-partisan administration of educational affairs. In making the course of study cover the period of nine 
 instead of ten years, Mr. Emerson has effected a saving of time and money, and the fear that this would be 
 done at the expense of thorough scholarship was entirely dispelled at the Regents' examinations in 1894, 
 when not only a greater number of scholars, but a larger proportion, passed successfully, and the average age 
 was one year younger; and every indication that a teacher, and not a politician was at the head of the school 
 department, was made abundantly manifest. Under his efficient management the public schools of Buffalo 
 are second to none in the United States, and the endorsement Mr. Emerson received from his fellow-citizens 
 at the last election is universally admitted to be the logical sequence of his ability, energy, and worth. 
 
 CHRISTIAN KLINCK. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is one of Buffalo's most enterprising citizens, and stands among the foremost 
 on the list of men of Teutonic descent who have made for themselves fame and fortune in their adopted 
 country. Mr. Klinck is a native of Germany, where he received a good common-school education, and 
 learned his trade as a butcher. The narrow world of German provincialism, with its hopelessness of any 
 great success, proved too small for the ambitious lad, and at the age of seventeen he determined to seek his 
 fortunes in the New World. Accordingly he set sail for America, intending to settle in Cincinnati, Ohio ; 
 but when he reached Buffalo he was unable to pay his railroad fare further, and, making a virtue of 
 necessity, he sought work there, which he obtained at the munificent rate of six dollars a month. Notwith- 
 standing this small beginning, his German thrift and industry enabled him in six years to amass sufficient 
 capital to go into business for himself; and from that time forth his path was always forward and upward. 
 
 At first he conducted the business of a general butcher, but in 1868 he took up a specialty, opening a 
 pork-packing business that was destined to become one of the greatest establishments of its kind in the 
 United States. From the start he had to contend with competition of the keenest kind. There were 
 wealthier and stronger firms which, had they been able, would have crushed the life out of the new concern ; 
 but it was based upon the principles of business integrity, and an iron will was behind it. Few men could 
 have been successful in this enterprise, but Mr. Klinck was one of the few. He was honest, industrious, 
 prudent, far-seeing, and resolute ; and because he possessed these characteristics, because he rejected all 
 offers to compromise or combine, because he refused to be swayed from his original purpose, he won the 
 battle, and is to-day one of the kings of pork-packing in the country. His establishment is situated on Depot 
 street, near William, in East Buffalo. The yards cover over eighteen acres, and the mammoth buildings are 
 equipped with the most complete machinery and the most improved appliances. Some idea of the magnitude 
 of the business may be gained from the fact that between two and three hundred men are there employed, 
 turning out a product that annually amounts to over three million dollars. 
 
 Mr. Klinck has not only flourished financially, but he has prospered politically as well, so far as he has 
 found time for such pursuits. In 1863, yielding to the solicitations of his friends and neighbors, he entered the 
 political arena as candidate for alderman of the old Thirteenth ward, and served his constituents faithfully 
 for two years, when he retired. For nearly thirty years he remained out of politics, but at the expiration of 
 that time representative citizens waited upon him, and induced him to become a candidate for councilman, 
 and he was elected by a most flattering majority. In this capacity Mr. Klinck has brought to the service of 
 the public those rugged qualities of sterling integrity, steadfastness of purpose, and keen discrimination that 
 have brought him success in private life. To be fair and just is the self-evident purpose of his action in all 
 matters of legislation. Though at times others have differed from him and taken opposite grounds, none 
 
CHRISTIAN KLINCK. 
 
272 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 have ever impugned his motives or suggested for a moment that his intentions were other than the purest. 
 Mr. Klinck is interested in many financial and business enterprises aside from those immediately under his 
 personal control. He is a director of the Citizens' bank and of St. John's German Orphan Asylum, and is a 
 stockholder in the Live Stock Exchange and in the Crocker Fertilizer Company. 
 
 MARCUS M. DRAKE. 
 
 MARCUS M. DRAKE. 
 The efficient superintendent of the Lackawanna Transportation Company, Marcus M. Drake, was born 
 in 1835 in Cortland county, New York. His family were originally from New Jersey, where they had resided 
 for over a century. Until 1876 Mr. Drake resided near Fredonia, Chautauqua county. New York, where he 
 
 received a common-school education, supplemented by a course of 
 study at Fredonia academy. He was brought up on his father's 
 farm, but early in the "fifties" he became a sailor on the lakes. In 
 1861 he was appointed master of a steamboat in the lake service, 
 and in 1862 he enlisted as a private in the Seventy-second New York 
 Volunteers, then in the field, and when the regiment was mustered 
 out he was transferred to the historic 120th New York Volunteers, 
 and served with fidelity till the close of the war. He was promoted 
 for gallant services in the field, from time to time, and was finally 
 commissioned first lieutenant as a tribute to his bravery and worth. 
 In his discharge, the following clause eloquently testifies to his 
 fidelity: "An officer whose strict attention to duty, gentlemanly 
 deportment, and cool courage have won the respect of all his com- 
 rades." On his return from the war Mr. Drake resumed his former 
 vocation as captain of one of the Erie Railway line of steamers, 
 where he remained until 1869, when he accepted the position of 
 superintendent of repairs for the Union Steamboat Company, owned 
 and controlled by the Erie Railroad, which he filled with marked 
 ability, and when the Union Dry Docks Company was organized, 
 the supervision of these docks was added to his duties. In 1889 he 
 resigned the position to accept the management of the Lackawanna 
 Transportation Company, in which responsible position he displayed great executive ability and won the 
 fullest confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been brought into business relations. Uniform 
 promptitude and courteous methods have always characterized his official acts and have established him in 
 the general regard of his employers and with those having business with the company in his department. 
 Mr. Drake was married to Miss Mary A. Ludlow in 1867. She died November 3, 1880, leaving to survive 
 her six children. Mr. Drake was elected alderman from the old Eleventh ward in 1878, and was reelected in 
 1882. He was chosen mayor of the city by the Common Council November 20 of that year, to fill the 
 unexpired term of Grover Cleveland, Governor-elect of New York, and resigned his position as alderman 
 December 22 of that year. In the position of chief magistrate of Buffalo, Mayor Drake manifested the fidelity 
 and executive ability which marked his business life, and in official as in social circles he was universally 
 esteemed. He was appointed a commissioner of public works by Mayor Jewett January i, i8g6. He was 
 the first commander of William Richardson Post, No. 254, G. A. R., and is an honored member of the 
 Masonic fraternity. 
 
 HARDIN HETH LITTELL. 
 This popular and efficient general manager of the street railway system of Buffalo was born in 
 Corydon, Harrison county, Indiana, August 5, 1845, and his education was limited to attendance in the 
 country schools. When he was twelve years of age he engaged in business as a junior clerk in a dry goods 
 store, and after his family removed to Louisville, Kentucky, he secured a position in a jewelry store in that 
 city. At the age of nineteen years Mr. Littell entered upon the career which developed in him executive 
 ability of a high order, and which, coupled with energetic application and resolute will, has brought him 
 distinction in an important field of commercial enterprise. He then entered the service of the Louisville 
 City Railway Company as a clerk in the office of the treasurer of that company, and a year later was 
 promoted to the position of assistant superintendent, and at the age of twenty-one years he became super- 
 intendent. He remained in this position for almost a quarter of a century, directing the e.xtension and 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 273 
 
 improvement of the system with eminent success, including the change from horse to electric power during 
 the later years of his career in Louisville. In May, 1891, Mr. Littell was elected president of the Cross- 
 town Railway Company, vice-president of the Buffalo Railway Company, and general manager of both 
 companies, and assumed the duties of these responsible positions. The introduction of electricity as the 
 motive power and the extension of the lines to meet the requirements of the recent wonderful growth in 
 population of the city, were duties which devolved upon Mr. Littell on the threshold of his administration. 
 The mileage was doubled, and all parts of the city and 
 suburban sections were put in close communication, and 
 under his able direction these radical changes have been 
 effected with expedition, and the car service of this city 
 has been brought to the highest degree of excellence. 
 In 1889 the total number of passengers carried by the 
 companies so ably represented and operated by this 
 progressive manager, was less than fifteen millions, and 
 after two years of his regime the number of passengers 
 was three times as great, a silent hut eloquent tribute to 
 his worth and energy. 
 
 Occupying a position so intimately connected with 
 the welfare and convenience of the masses, and involv- 
 ing interests of utmost importance, prime factors in the 
 progress which places Buffalo first among the cities of 
 the American continent in present growth and future 
 importance, Mr. Littell has demonstrated his ability to 
 solve many and weighty problems, and carry out to suc- 
 cessful achievement the work essential to keeping pace 
 with the wonderful development of electric science which 
 marks the dawn of the twentieth century. He is largely 
 interested in other enterprises of importance, being a 
 director and vice-president of the Buffalo, Bellevue & 
 Lancaster Railroad, and a director of the Bellevue Land 
 Company, and he still retains a directorate in the Louis- 
 ville Railway Company and in the German Bank of 
 Louisville, and also of the Columbia Finance and Trust 
 Company of that city. He is president of the Inclined- 
 plane Railway of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Littell was married April 26, 1876, to Miss Nellie Burton Green of 
 Logansport, Indiana. Since he has resided in Buffalo he has won the highest regard of business men, and in 
 social circles as well is held in general confidence and esteem. Mr. Littell organized and was elected the first 
 president of the American Street Railway Association, an organization that has done more to advance the 
 interests and solve the problem of rapid transit in the United States than any other organization. Mr. Littell's 
 brother, H. M. Littell, of Brooklyn, New York, is now president of the association. 
 
 HARDIN H. LITTELL. 
 
 AMZI L. BARBER. 
 
 Amzi Lorenzo Barber, A. M., LL. B., was born at Saxton's River, Windham county, Vermont, on June 
 22, 1843. His father was the Rev. Amzi Doolittle Barber, whose grandfather, Thomas, and father, Calvin, 
 settled and lived in Townsend, Vermont. Thomas Barber, with two brothers, came to this country before 
 the Revolution. One brother, named Joseph, settled in Massachusetts; the other brother went West or 
 South, and of whom nothing further is now known. Mr. Barber's mother was Nancy Irene Bailey, who was 
 born at Westmoreland, Oneida county. New York. His ancestors on his father's side were Scotch-Irish, 
 and on his mother's side French-English, and he has perhaps, in some degree, inherited the striking 
 characteristics of these four different nationalities. His father was a self-educated Congregational clergyman 
 of great simplicity of purpose and strength of character. He was one of the students who left Lane 
 Theological Seminary in Cincinnati, because the discussion of the slavery question had been prohibited by 
 the faculty of that institution, and he walked across the state of Ohio to Oberlin, and entered Oberlin 
 College, from whose theological department he graduated in 1841. Among his classmates were many men 
 
AMZI L. BARBER. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 27^ 
 
 who became distinguished for their phiianthrophy and otlier qualities, among them ex-President James H. 
 FairchiJd, and Rev. Dr. M. E. Strieby of the American Missionary Association. His father is still (1895) 
 engaged in ministerial work at Castalia, Ohio, and although eighty-five years of age he enjoys excellent 
 health, retaining all of his faculties e.xcept hearing, and is rendering acceptable service to the parish of 
 which he has charge. 
 
 The subject of this sl<etch at first contemplated a professional career. The family moved to Ohio in 
 1852, and lived at Bellevue, Huron county, until 1858, then in Cleveland until 1862, and afterwards in 
 Austinburg and Geneva, Ashtabula county. Mr. Barber attended the various schools and academies, 
 including the high-school of Cleveland, during his minority, and in 1862 he entered Oberlin College at the 
 head of his class in the preparatory department. An attack of pneumonia compelled him to leave college for 
 a year, which he spent in the then wilds of northern Michigan. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1867, 
 taking the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and subsequently received from that institution the degree of Master of 
 Arts. By working upon farms in the summer time and teaching school in the winter, he saved enough money 
 to meet his college expenses. While pursuing a post-graduate course in the theological department of Oberlin 
 College, he was invited by General O. O. Howard, then at the head of the Freedmen's Bureau, to take charge 
 of the normal department of Howard University, and in April, 1868, he moved to Washington for that purpose. 
 Subsequently he took charge of the preparatory department, and, later on was elected to a professorship of 
 natural philosophy in that university. In 1872 he resigned his connection with that institution, and engaged 
 in the real estate business in Washington. A year later there followed the panic of 1873, which was com- 
 menced by the failure of Jay Cooke's banking house. The depression in prices was very great and continued 
 for several years, during which time many people engaged in the real estate business in Washington lost 
 heavily. Mr. Barber, however, held on to his real estate interests and ultimately sold out to good advantage 
 and realized a handsome profit. 
 
 A dispute has arisen in recent years concerning the likelihood of success of a college man in business. 
 Mr. Barber's career is a signal example of the eminence to which an energetic man can rise when his mind, 
 naturally clear and active, has been trained by years of study and close thinking. Real estate operations in 
 the District of Columbia led him to appreciate the value of good streets, and in 1878 his attention was called 
 to and he engaged in the laying of asphalt pavements in the city of Washington. Many miles of streets in 
 the Capital of the Nation were paved with the new material by him, and the business growing rapidly, his 
 operations soon extended to other cities. In 1883 he found it necessary to incorporate the Barber Asphalt 
 Paving Company in order to systematize the work and most efficiently carry out the contracts which were 
 obtained by his skill, energy, and hard work. During the four years, 1882 to 1886 inclusive, he averaged 
 one thousand miles of railway travel weekly, and slept an average of one hundred and twenty nights yearly 
 on Pullman sleeping cars. Including about eighty thousand miles of travel upon the ocean, he estimates 
 that he has traveled upwards of four hundred thousand miles in establishing and carrying out the business of 
 which he is the head ; the equivalent of circumnavigating the globe upwards of sixteen times. 
 
 In order to obtain under the most favorable conditions an ample supply of the raw material for its works, 
 Mr. Barber negotiated in 1887 a concession from the government of Great Britain for a lease of the celebrated 
 lake of natural pitch on the island of Trinidad for a period of forty-two years. This reservoir of one hundred 
 and fourteen acres contains an almost inexhaustible supply of asphalt. To acquire and operate this 
 concession the Trinidad Asphalt Company was organized in 1888. Mr. Barber is the leading stockholder, 
 director, and officer of the two corporations above-named, representing an aggregate capital and surplus of 
 nearly seven million dollars. Down to the present time there have been laid upwards of twenty million 
 yards of Trinidad asphalt pavements in eighty cities of the United States, at a cost of over sixty million 
 dollars. The Trinidad Asphalt Company has supplied nearly all the material for this work, and the Barber 
 Asphalt Paving Company has done upwards of one-half of it, the remainder having been done by about 
 thirty separate companies or firms, in which neither of the two companies above-named nor Mr. Barber has 
 any interest beyond supplying the material therefor. The pavement as laid by these companies, especially 
 the Barber Company, has proven so acceptable that it has come to be recognized as the standard pavement 
 of the United States. Companies are now being formed to introduce the pavement into foreign countries. 
 
 In 1868 Mr. Barber was married to Celia M. Bradley of Geneva, Ohio, who died in 1870. In 1871 he 
 married Julia Louise Langdon, daughter of J. Le Droict Langdon, formerly of Belmont, New York. They 
 have had five children, of whom four are living; namely, Le Droict Langdon, Lorena Langdon, Bertha 
 Lancrdon, and Roland ; the first three being adults and the last seven years old. Mr. Barber retains a strong 
 affection for Oberlin College, and has long served it as one of its trustees. In 1875-6 Mr. Barber took the 
 
276 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 course of lectures in the law department of Columbian University at Washington, and received the degree of 
 Bachelor of Law. Subsequently he was admitted to the Bar in Washington, but has never made a regular 
 practice of law. At one time Mr. Barber was a director of the Citizens National Bank of Washington, and at 
 another a director of the Washington Loan & Trust Company, but, finding that his business prevented him 
 from giving personal attention to the affairs of those institutions, and wishing to concentrate his entire time 
 upon his own business, he declined reelection. Mr. Barber is very fond of yachting, and for several years 
 has spent much of the summer season living with his family on board his steam yacht at anchor in the harbor 
 of New York, or visiting the many places of interest and beauty along the coast from Bar Harbor to the 
 Chesapeake. In the winter of 1893-4 he took his family on a yachting trip through the Mediterranean sea, 
 visiting all the principal points of interest from Gibraltar to Jaffa and from Marseilles to Constantinople. 
 He considers money so spent as wisely invested, not merely in pursuit of pleasure and of new sights, but in 
 the direction of health and of knowledge, geographical, scientific, and historical. 
 
 Mr. Barber is a member of various scientific and social organizations. He is a fellow of the American 
 Society of Civil Engineers, and a member of the Society of Arts in London. He is also a member of the 
 Royal Thames Yacht club of London, and a member of the Metropolitan, the Lawyers, the Engineers, the 
 New York Yacht, Corinthian Yacht, and the Larchmont Yacht clubs of New York, and of the American 
 Geographical and New England societies of New York. He is also a non-resident member of the Buffalo 
 club. In 1880 he became associated with Senator John Sherman and Messrs. Jesse and Alfred M. Hoyt of 
 New York, in the purchase and sale of the Stone property, one hundred and twenty acres, then situated on 
 the outskirts of Washington, but now a part of that city. This enterprise was remarkably successful, and 
 realized large profits to all parties interested. Mr. Barber early reserved the choicest part of the property 
 for his own use, and built a fine stone mansion and stable known as "Belmont," which has been the 
 permanent home of the family. In 1889 he purchased the Cunard place on Staten Island, which he occupied 
 as a summer residence for four seasons. He then bought for this purpose the property known as " Ardsley 
 
 Towers" at Irvington, built by Cyrus W. Field for his 
 son, whose financial difficulties made a sale of the prop- 
 erty necessary. He has more recently purchased the 
 Robert L. Stuart mansion on Fifth avenue at Sixty-eighth 
 street in New York, where his family will spend a part 
 of each year during the winter season. His library and 
 picture gallery contain many rare and beautiful works 
 of art. 
 
 HENRY ZIPP. 
 
 There are few men in Buffalo more widely known, 
 and none more favorably, than Henry Zipp, whose long 
 and active business life here has been one of great 
 usefulness and prosperity. He was born in Germany, 
 September 4, 1841, and came with his parents to Buffalo 
 in 1852. He received his education in the public schools 
 of this city, supplemented by a course in a business 
 college, and in 1866 he engaged in the flour and feed 
 business. In 1875 he became a large dealer in coal, and 
 his trade under able management steadily increased, and 
 has long ranked him among the leaders in this field of 
 enterprise in Buffalo. Mr. Zipp is a life-member of the 
 German Young Men's Association, and is prominent and 
 popular in Masonic circles. He is a trustee of the Western 
 Masonic Life Association and of the Western Savings 
 bank and the Union bank, and is one of the park commis- 
 sioners of this city. He is also one of the trustees of the 
 Masonic Hall Association, and was elected a member of 
 Select Council November 5, 1895, on the Democratic 
 ticket when nearly every other candidate of his party was defeated by an overwhelming majority ; the two 
 other Democratic candidates for councilmen being also elected in deference to the voice of the people, who 
 
 HENRY ZIPP. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 i77 
 
 WILLIAM E. WOOLLEY. 
 
 regardless of political lines, called to the administration of affairs men of sterling worth and unquestioned 
 probity. Creditable alike to the men chosen at this election to represent the people in their municipal 
 legislature and to the voters whose independence and desire for good government overcame a party majority 
 of thousands, is the selection of such representative men as Mr. Zipp, and his election and that of his confreres 
 
 on the ticket was hailed with delight by all lovers of good government 
 and honest politics. Mr. Zipp was married in 1869 to Miss Emily 
 Haller, and has two children living. His active, honorable career in 
 business and his blameless record mark him one of the most honored 
 and esteemed citizens of Buffalo, and one whose usefulness and worth 
 have inspired universal confidence. 
 
 WILLIAM EDGAR WOOLLEY. 
 Although he has not yet reached the middle age of manhood, 
 William Edgar Woolley has acquired the experience of a veteran in 
 the business which has been his commercial study in life, that of 
 hotel manager. Indeed, with him the business of hotel management 
 has become a fine art. Combining keen observation with abundant 
 industry and enterprise, he has achieved success and is recognized 
 by those in his own profession as a past-master in the great and 
 important guild of hotel proprietors. He was born at Long Branch, 
 New Jersey. After a continuous and faithful service in various 
 departments of the hotel business, he became proprietor of the Hotel 
 Bristol, Fifth avenue and Forty-second street. New York. This he 
 left in 1889 to form a felicitous and most successful partnership with 
 Henry Montgomery Gerrans in the proprietorship of the Hotel Iroquois, Buffalo, noticed elsewhere in this 
 history. In 1892 the firm of Woolley & Gerrans assumed a lease of the great summer hotel palace at Saratoga 
 Springs, New York, the Grand Union, and have conducted that im- 
 mense establishment, under the personal supervision of Mr. Woolley, 
 with the approbation of the public and substantial profit to the firm 
 for four seasons, and with a prospect of many more successful years 
 to follow. 
 
 HENRY M. GERRANS. 
 Henry Montgomery Gerrans was born and educated in Dunkirk, 
 Chautauqua county. New York, but his extensive business experience 
 was acquired in Buffalo, where he has resided since 1869. His first 
 employment was with the Erie Railway and his services were so 
 satisfactory to that corporation that in 1873 he was appointed cashier 
 and chief clerk. Leaving the railroad business for a wider and more 
 lucrative commercial field, he engaged in various business ventures, 
 the most important of which was as a partner in the extensive 
 brokerage firm of Wescott, Myers & Company, which he joined in 
 1884. On the completion of the Hotel Iroquois by the Buffalo Library 
 Association, he associated himself in the management of that splendid 
 hotel establishment with W. E. Woolley, and the firm of Woolley & 
 Gerrans has been the successful lessee since the opening day. The 
 same firm has shown its enterprise and capability by conducting with 
 unequivocal success for five consecutive seasons the management of the great summer palace hotel, the Grand 
 Union, at Saratoga Springs, New York. Mr. Gerrans is as popular socially as he is successful in business. 
 He is in every way a progressive and eminently worthy citizen, ever ready to advance the interests of the 
 thriving community in which he resides. 
 
 EDSON J. WEEKS. 
 The popular and efficient general agent of the West Shore and New York Central & Hudson River 
 Railroads at Bufl'alo is perhaps one of the best-known railroad officials in the State, and his experience in 
 
 HENRY M. GERRANS. 
 
278 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 railroad matters in various capacities covers a period of over twenty years. He was born in Schodack, 
 Rensselaer county, New York, January 22, 1857, and was educated at East Greenbush Collegiate Institute 
 in his boyhood. He entered the railway service as a telegraph operator in 1875, and filled the positions of 
 ticket clerk and ticket agent of the Erie Railroad Company at Buffalo with efficiency, his ability and energy 
 securinc for him the responsible position he now holds as general agent of the West Shore and New York 
 Central and Hudson River railroads, January i, 1884, with headquarters in this city. Mr. Weeks' long 
 experience in this line has made him one of the most valuable officials on the two great lines of railroad 
 with which he is responsibly connected, and in his special field he is almost indispensable. His thorough 
 knowledii-'e of every detail of this branch of commercial enterprise, acquired by years of actual experience in 
 various positions of the service, classes him as an expert, and makes his services doubly valuable to the 
 
 companies he so well and faithfully represents in this 
 city. He is a genial, popular gentleman, and is held in 
 highest esteem by a host of personal and business 
 acquaintances. He was married in June, 1880, to Miss 
 Ray, daughter of ex-alderman Ray of the Tenth ward of 
 Buffalo, lately deceased, and has two daughters. 
 
 ADAM BOECKEL. 
 
 Of all the elements that have combined to make up 
 the cosmopolitan population of Buffalo, none has been 
 greater or made a more enduring stamp upon the city 
 than the German emigration, which has always been of 
 a high character. Adam Boeckel, one of the prominent 
 business men and the present president of the Common 
 Council, was born in Diidelsheim, Hesse Darmstadt, 
 Germany, May 23, 1845, of good old German stock. He 
 was educated in the public schools of his native town, 
 and at the age of sixteen, not being satisfied with the 
 opportunities the place offered for employment, he con- 
 cluded to seek broader fields and embarked for the land 
 of the Stars and Stripes, where he arrived in 1861. 
 Young Boeckel settled in Buffalo at once and secured 
 employment with a cabinet maker, where he remained 
 until 1868, mastering every detail of the business. Mr. 
 Boeckel was ambitious, and decided to lay aside his trade 
 and embark in business for himself. Seeing an oppor- 
 tunity, he secured a grocery store, and from an humble 
 beginning he built up his present prosperous establishment, located at 685 to 687 Clinton street, where he 
 does a large wholesale grocery business. Mr. Boeckel was elected a member of the Common Council from 
 the Tenth ward in 1892, and reelected in 1894 by a large majority, and in 1896 became president of that body. 
 Mr. Boeckel was married in 1868 and has a large family, all of whom are living. Mr. Boeckel is an esteemed 
 member of the German Young Men's Association, Buffalo Sa^ngerbund, and Orpheus. He is a Mason, 
 and popular in the organization. He is a self-made man, and illustrates what can be done by hard work, 
 conscientious effort, and honest business methods. 
 
 ADAM BOECKEL. 
 
 MATHIAS STRAUSS. 
 
 There are few examples more strikingly illustrative of the adage that "man is the architect of his own 
 fortunes," than that afforded by the career of Mathias Strauss, one of the best-known and most successful 
 manufacturers of Buffalo. Under circumstances the most adverse and unpromising he has achieved grand 
 results; unaided and heavily handicapped from his boyhood, he has wrung success from adversity and carved 
 a name and a competence, despite obstacles seemingly insurmountable. He was born in Remich, Grand 
 Duchy of Luxemborg, April 15, 1836, in the business carried on by his father and grandfather before him for 
 over one hundred years, under the same name that he bears himself, the manufacture of wool and sheep- 
 skins in the city of Remich. At the age of fourteen years young Strauss, the oldest of five sons, induced 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 279 
 
 his parents to seek in America a wider sphere of activity, and in 1850 the family emigrated to America, 
 where they landed without friends, strangers indeed in a strange land. Young Mathias, full of energy and 
 pluck, determined to stand by his family, and father and son obtained work with Breithaupt & Schoellkopf, 
 tanners of sheepskins on Carroll street (hydraulics). 
 Hard times prevailed, and his father's wages were only 
 seventy-five cents and his own half that sum per day ; 
 but glad of an opportunity to learn the business, young 
 Strauss worked with an energy and fidelity remarkable 
 in a boy of his years. Within five years Mathias was 
 promoted to the position of foreman of the dyeing and 
 finishing department, where fancy-colored sheep-leather 
 was made, and the firm claimed to have found in the 
 young man the best dyer and finisher in Buffalo. The 
 firm was dissolved in 1861, and Mathias, then twenty- 
 four years of age, besides having greatly aided in sup- 
 porting the family, had by frugality and self-denial saved 
 about two hundred dollars of his wages. He leased the 
 old part of the tannery, and laid the foundation for the 
 extensive business he now carries on at the corner of 
 William street and Fillmore avenue. 
 
 He was married this year to Miss Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Charles Brosant, one of the most highly respected 
 Germans of Buffalo, and his wife has been a faithful 
 helpmate, not only in domestic affairs, but in business 
 matters as well, acting as his clerk and bookkeeper in 
 his early struggle to establish his present important 
 industry. His energy and persistent efforts were 
 rewarded with great and deserved success, and his 
 plant, covering an entire city block, is one of the most 
 complete in the country. A fire destroyed almost the 
 entire plant May 6, 1895, but he at once began to 
 rebuild, without discharging one of his employees, and the enlarged new plant was completed and in full 
 operation within six months. The extensive business of Mr. Strauss is now carried on under the superin- 
 tendence of his two sons, John and Charles. This enterprising, successful business man was twice elected 
 a councilman from his ward, and has served his constituents with marked efficiency and fidelity and his 
 character as an official is without a stain. He is a member of the Old German Society, and of the Knights of 
 St. John of St. Mary's church, and also of the Working Boys' Home and of the Tabernacle Society. He was 
 one of the founders of the Sacred Heart of Jesus' church, and also of the German Catholic Orphan House. 
 He laid out Strauss street, named in his honor, and is foremost in every movement for the general welfare of 
 his fellow-citizens. 
 
 S. DOUGLAS CORNELL. 
 
 The subject of this biographical sketch belongs to one of the oldest and best-known families in Buffalo. 
 Mr. Cornell was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, but early in life came to Buffalo, where he and his 
 father were identified for many years with the development and progress of the city. Mr. Cornell was 
 carefully trained and received an excellent education, graduating with honor at Hobart College, Geneva, 
 New York. Supplementary study brought him the degree of A. M. from the same institution in 1863. After 
 graduation he began an active business career with his father, S. G. Cornell, who was a leading manufacturer 
 of white lead, a business with which the name of Cornell was associated for a long period. His connection 
 with the white lead business was broken off for a time, Mr. Cornell going to Colorado as an agent for the 
 examination of gold mines. In this mission he was very successful, and in 1863 he published as a result of 
 his observations a valuable pamphlet entitled, "Prospects of Gold Mining in Colorado." Mr. Cornell's 
 father desired his son's services in his rapidly increasing business, hitherto conducted under his own name; 
 the young man returned from the West and devoted himself to the interests of the firm, which thus acquired 
 the style of S. G. Cornell & Son. The firm was so known until 1867, when it was reorganized as the 
 
 MATHIAS STRAUSS. 
 
28o 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Cornell Lead Company. Under this name the business was successfully carried on until 1888, when Mr. 
 Cornell retired from active pursuits. Mr. Cornell for many years was connected with the N. G. N. Y. He 
 
 enlisted as a private in the Seventy -fourth regiment, 
 
 in which he soon became a non-commissioned officer. 
 
 The attention of Brigadier-general William F- Rogers 
 
 was called to the faithful young man, who was thereupon 
 
 given a staff appointment as junior aide-de-camp. Mr. 
 
 Cornell remained on the staff of General Rogers for 
 
 fifteen years, while that officer was a Brigadier-general, 
 
 and afterwards a Major-general in command of the 
 
 Fourth division. After serving through various subor- 
 dinate ranks, Mr. Cornell won the position of assistant 
 
 adjutant- general and chief of staff, with the rank of 
 
 colonel. This position he retained until the reorganiza- 
 tion of the National Guard, and the abolishment of 
 
 divisions. Mr. Cornell is possessed of much histrionic 
 
 talent, and would undoubtedly have made a brilliant 
 
 success had he adopted the stage as a profession. He is 
 
 a member of the Buffalo Amateurs, and has been the 
 
 stage manager of that organization since 1872. The 
 
 people of Buffalo are familiar with the splendid enter- 
 tainments furnished by them on numerous occasions, 
 
 and great credit is due Mr. Cornell for his excellent stage 
 
 management. Mr. Cornell is an esteemed member of 
 
 Theta Delta Chi college fraternity, a charter member 
 
 of the Buffalo club; also a member of the Saturn, 
 
 University, and Country clubs of this city, and holds 
 
 membership in the United Service and the Reform clubs 
 
 of New York City. Mr. Cornell was married to Miss 
 
 Lydia Hadfield of Buffalo, on January 29, 1862, and they 
 
 reside during the winter months in their elegant home at 484 Delaware avenue, which is one of the finest 
 
 private houses on that palatial thoroughfare. They spent the heated term at Coburg, Ontario, where Mr. 
 
 Cornell is the owner of a beautiful villa, known as " Hadfield Hurst." 
 Mr. Cornell is one of the most popular men in Buffalo society, and 
 his entertainments are a source of great pleasure to his many friends. 
 He is genial and kind, and always considerate in his bearing towards 
 others : any movement for the good of the city or his fellow-men is 
 sure to find him an ardent supporter. 
 
 FRANK J. ILLIG. 
 
 This prominent citizen, ex-police commissioner of the city and 
 one of the most progressive business men of Buffalo, was born in 
 Buffalo December 5, 1853. He attended the public schools and 
 afterwards completed a full collegiate course, and in early manhood 
 began working in copper, tin, and sheet-iron for his father at 
 Sidney Shepard's. After seventeen years at this work he engaged 
 in the hardware and stove business for himself at 541 wTlliam 
 street. He developed business executive ability of a high order, 
 and in 1888 was appointed a civil service commissioner by Mayor 
 Becker, and on the expiration of the term of Michael Newell, Esq., 
 he was appointed police commissioner by the mayor. His early 
 training at hard work for others, covering a period of seventeen 
 especially qualified him for the position, and in the discharge of his official functions he manifested 
 of a high order. He was married in 1875 to Miss Francis Bensler, and the union has been one of 
 
 S. DOUGLAS CORNELL. 
 
 FRANK J. ILLIG. 
 
 years, 
 ability 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 281 
 
 great happiness. Mr. Illig is a man of rare force of character ; zealous and energetic in every undertaking 
 and in every relation of life he has made hosts of true personal friends. In every regard Mr. Illig is a 
 representative, successful, broad-guage citizen, and his influence and efforts have always been executed for 
 the general good. He is a Democrat in politics, and is always consulted in the management of the affairs of 
 the party. Mr. Illig is president of the Chautauqua National Loan & Savings Association ; vice-president 
 Trinidad Asphalt Roofing Company; a director of the Buffalo " Volksfreund," and president of the Germania 
 Brewing Company. 
 
 CONRAD HAMMER. 
 
 This successful representative of the brewing interests of Buffalo was born in 1850 at Can Bickelheim, 
 Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in which place he was educated, and where he afterwards learned the 
 locksmith's and machinist's trade, and was engaged in this business for two years in the city of Mainz before 
 coming to America in 1867. He settled in Cincinnati on his arrival 
 in this country, and learned the brewing business in the establish- 
 ment of John Kaufman, remaining there four years, after which he 
 concluded to see as much of his adopted country as possible, desiring 
 especially to visit the battlefields of the War of the Rebellion. 
 Following the custom of young German craftsmen after serving 
 their apprenticeship, he started afoot from Cincinnati and walked as 
 far south as New Orleans, preferring this method of traveling as 
 best adapted to gratify his desire to become acquainted with the 
 country and people, and not from want of money, with which he 
 was well provided. After five months' walking he reached New 
 Orleans, during which time he visited many points of interest and 
 stored up information, which have since been productive of both 
 pleasure and profit. He returned by boat to Cincinnati, where he 
 remained for some time, and then removed to Buffalo; but after a 
 few months he again returned to Cincinnati, and after a year's 
 sojourn there he again came to this city. He was employed here in 
 Gerhard Lang's brewery for three years, and then spent several 
 years in Chicago and St. Louis, obtaining additional experience in 
 brewing; and coming back in 1891, he purchased the Kunz brewery, 
 now the Gambrinus, which he carried on for fourteen months, and 
 
 selling out, he founded the Germania brewery, and forming a stock company, it was incorporated in 
 September, 1894. Mr. Hammer being vice-president of the company. He enjoys the distinction of being 
 the oldest braiimeister in Buffalo, having occupied that position for sixteen years before starting business for 
 himself, and was the founder of the Braumeisters Association of Buffalo. He was married in 1870 to Miss 
 Anna Maria Vogt, by whom he had thirteen children, of whom six sons and four daughters survive, three of 
 the former being employed in the brewery. He finds his enjoyment in his family circle, and avoids all 
 political and society affiliations, and is a genial pleasant gentleman ; a representative of the highest type of 
 the large German population of the city. 
 
 MICHAEL CALLAHAN. 
 
 In the discharge of his duties as one of the Board of Assessors of the city, a position which he has ably 
 filled for eight years, Mr. Michael Callahan has always maintained his reputation as a just, faithful, and 
 efficient official, and has received the fullest confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was born at Drewis Court, 
 County Limerick, Ireland, January 9, 1842, and came to this country with his parents in 1848, the family 
 settling the same year at Hornellsville, Steuben county, New York, where he received a liberal education in 
 the public schools of that place. Relinquishing his studies at an early age, he was employed in a grocery 
 store for two years, at a salary of five dollars per month. In i860 he removed to Dunkirk, New York, and 
 was for two years employed in the Erie Railroad machine shops at that place, leaving the position to become 
 a fireman on the Erie road. In 1865 he was promoted to the position of engineer, discharging his duties with 
 fidelity for twenty-two years; and on the laying of the third rail, or narrow-gauge track, in 1876 on the 
 Erie, connecting that road with Philadelphia, Mr. Callahan was selected to run the first train from Buffalo to 
 Elmira, making the run in two hours, then the fastest on record. Much interest was taken in this, large 
 
 CONRAD HAMMER. 
 
MARK S. HUBBELL. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 283 
 
 amounts being expended in decorations with flags, etc., and many bets having been made on the time. In 
 1866 he was married to Miss Bridget Clancy of Elmira, and removed to Buffalo in 1868, taking up his resi- 
 dence in the Third ward, which he represented in the Common Council from 1881 until he was elected city 
 assessor in 1887. As one of the "city fathers," he was noted for his zeal and activity in the interests of 
 the people generally and of the citizens of his ward in particular, and his reelection several times was a just 
 tribute to his fidelity and worth. On two occasions he was appointed mayor pro tern, by the Hon. Jonathan 
 Scoville, and discharged the duties as executive officer of the city with marked ability for six weeks. In 
 1887 he was made the Democratic nominee for city assessor, to which position he was elected by a large 
 majority, and in 1890 his fellow-citizens, as a tribute to his ability as an efficient public servant, reelected 
 him to the position for a term of five years. As a sterling Democrat, Mr. Callahan's public career has been 
 one of unquestioned integrity, and his acts have always commended him to general confidence. His warm 
 personal friends in the Republican party are legion, and he is recognized universally as an official who has 
 discharged every trust with impartiality, intelligence, and fidelity. His first wife dying in 1878, Mr. Callahan 
 was married a second time, to Miss Mary E. Dolphin, a daughter of Thomas Dolphin, Esq., of Niagara Falls, 
 in 1880. He was always prominent in political life in this city, and in 1884 he was elected a delegate to the 
 Democratic State convention, which elected delegates to the National convention which nominated Grover 
 Cleveland for President of the United States. In social life Mr. Callahan is one of the most affable of men, 
 and there are few citizens of Buffalo who can boast a larger circle of sincere friends than he. 
 
 MARK S. HUBBELL. 
 
 Before he entered the public service Mark S. Hubbell's pen had introduced him favorably to the people 
 of Western New York. He had been a brilliant worker in journalism. His lively newspaper style, his 
 verses, humorous and pathetic, his lampoons, his splendid descriptive work, had enlivened and enriched the 
 columns of several Buffalo newspapers. He satirized men and movements in verses which charmed while 
 they stung. His political articles were characterized by an intimate knowledge of human nature, a clear 
 reading of events and tendencies, and a fascinating quality of style. Current happenings were treated in 
 fanciful poetry, which was widely read and copied. Mr. Hubbell turned, in some regards, reluctantly from 
 this chosen field to become city clerk, for which office he had twice been the candidate of his party while it 
 was in the minority. 
 
 Mark Sibley Hubbell, named for United States Senator Sibley, was born in the old house still standing at 
 the corner of South Division and Ellicott streets in the City of Buffalo, February 5, 1857. His father, John 
 Hubbell, was for many years a prominent figure in legal and political circles of the Empire State. He held 
 for twenty years the position of general counsel to the Western Transportation Company, now the Western 
 Transit Company, and was elected city attorney of Buffalo in 1854 and 1855. Mark, like his father's other 
 sons, was destined for a legal career. He got his early education in private schools at Montrose and Newark, 
 New Jersey, and concluded his studies when about seventeen years of age, studying law in the offices of 
 Francis U. Bangs in New York City. He returned to Buffalo in 1875 and, with the exception of some years 
 spent in New York journalism, has lived here constantly. He was admitted to the Bar in 1878 by the 
 General Term of the Supreme Court at Rochester, in the first class admitted under the so-called new rules. 
 He practiced law for about a year, and then his natural tendencies to literature carried him into newspaper 
 work. His first work was done on the Buffalo "Morning Express." He then went to the larger field of 
 New York journalism, where he wrote for the New York "Times," "World," and "Telegram." Returning 
 to Buffalo he was employed in an editorial capacity on the Buffalo "Courier," the "Evening Times," and 
 the "Evening News." In 1881 he made a tour of the world. It was time well spent, broadening his 
 education, helping him to a mastery of the continental languages, and affording him new views of life which 
 his observing nature took to good account. 
 
 At the time of his election to the office of city clerk, Mr. Hubbell was employed as city hall and political 
 writer for the "Evening News," a position which enabled him to gain the confidence and trust of the men in 
 whose keeping the people had placed the municipal government. He was elected for the year 1894, and 
 reelected in 1895 and 1896, without opposition. As city clerk he has acquitted himself so as to earn hearty 
 praise from the whole newspaper press of the city, from the people generally, and from the Common Council, 
 which it is his particular duty to serve. He has made many improvements in the methods of the office, 
 perfected the record systems, compiled the best manual of the city government ever printed, and it may be 
 truly said that as city clerk he has done more to advertise Buffalo and its approaching greatness than any 
 other man within its limits. 
 
284 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 PHILIP GERST. 
 
 This representative business man, one of tlie most prominent and popular citizens of Buffalo, was born 
 in thiis city September 17, 1863. His parents were Jacob and Eva (Dormire) Gerst, and he received his 
 early education in the public schools of Buffalo, supplemented by a full commercial course at Bryant & 
 Stratton's business college here. After leaving school he entered the office of Hon. James A. Roberts, the 
 present State Comptroller of New York, with a view to his admission to the Bar; but after one year he 
 
 changed his purpose and entered the service of the Erie 
 Railroad Company as a clerk in the freight department 
 in this city. He remained in the service of the Erie for 
 eight years, obtaining promotion from time to time, until 
 he became chief clerk of the company's freight depot at 
 Black Rock. He subsequently opened a stationery store 
 on Amherst, corner of Dearborn street, which he suc- 
 cessfully conducted for three years, during which time 
 he formed a co-partnership with the late Michael Doll in 
 1890, and the firm have since been engaged in a pros- 
 perous real estate and insurance business in this city. 
 Mr. Gerst has always been a Republican from conviction, 
 and since he attained his majority he has been active 
 and influential in the councils of his party, being recog- 
 nized as a leader of ability and universally popular. In 
 1894 he was elected a member of the State Legislature, 
 and was chairman of the canal committee during the 
 session of 1894-5. He was a faithful and efficient 
 representative, and in recognition of his services to the 
 people and the party, he was nominated by the Repub- 
 licans as their candidate for city treasurer, to which 
 position he was elected by a large majority November 5, 
 1895. He is a commissioner of railroads of the State, 
 and in official station, as in business life, he has always 
 commanded the full confidence and regard of his fellow- 
 citizens. Mr. Gerst is an active and esteemed member 
 of Occidental Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Buffalo Lodge, 
 No. 517, I. O. O. P., and holds membership also in 
 the Fraternity club of Black Rock. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, a broad-gauge, progressive citizen, 
 and is universally esteemed for his substantial worth and personal qualities. 
 
 PHILIP GERST. 
 
 EVERARD PALMER. 
 Both in business and public life, the subject of this brief biographical notice has been prominent in 
 Buffalo for over half a century. He was born in Palmyra, Wayne county. New York, in 1824, beina a son 
 of George Palmer, one of the most prominent tanners of this city. The family removed to Buffafo when 
 he was but two years of age, and four years later his father took him to school in Sprinaville where he 
 remained until 1833. He was then placed in a boarding-school at Pittsfield, Massachusetts where 
 he remained for four years, returning to Buffalo in 1837, where his education was completed at the schools 
 of Messrs. Kingsley and Fay. At the age of sixteen years he was employed in his father's tannery in this 
 city, where he became a master of every detail of the business, which afterwards came into his hands and 
 was conducted with great success until 1856, when he leased his plant to Messrs. A. Rumsey & Company 
 who continued the business until 1895. In 1861 Mr. Palmer, with others, built the blast-furnace of the 
 Union Iron Works on Hamburg street and conducted business there until 1864, when, his health becoming 
 impaired, he visited the Western states, where he remained for several years. Returning to Buffalo he 
 entered business again, but soon afterward was obliged to give up again on account of continued ill-health 
 Mr. Palmer, after the dissolution of the Whig party, became a Democrat, and was elected by that party 
 alderman of the Fourth ward, and was an efficient, faithful, and popular official. He is an old esteemed 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 28^ 
 
 member of Washington Lodge, F. & A. M., and was for two years master of that body. He is a gentleman 
 of broad, liberal views, and an honored and useful citizen. He resides at No. 316 Franklin street. He was 
 for years on the executive committee of the Young Men's Association, becoming president of the same in 
 1859-60; one of the founders of the Buffalo Natural Science Society and Art gallery. He became president 
 of the Marine bank on the death of his father, which position he resigned upon going West. 
 
 WILLIAM SIMON. 
 
 With experience in the brewing business co'vering a period of over a quarter of a century, Mr. William 
 Simon, the well known proprietor of the famous John Schusler Brewing Company, one of the oldest and 
 most important industrial enterprises in the city, is a large contributor to the great aggregate of trade which 
 gives to Buffalo her prominence as a trade center. He was born May 22, 1853, at Benchen, in Baden, 
 Germany, and in boyhood attended the public schools of his native town. At an early age he was employed 
 in his father's brewery, where he acquired a thorough knowledge of the business, and when eighteen years 
 of age came to America, and was employed in a cooperage establishment at Morrisania, New York, for a 
 
 short time, after which he removed to Williamsburg, 
 New York, where for six years he was employed in sev- 
 eral breweries, and then accepted the position of foreman 
 for Conrad Decher, an extensive and successful brewer 
 at East Boston, Massachusetts. One year later he 
 removed to Buffalo, and his career has since been marked 
 by steady advancement. 
 
 Entering the employ of Gerard Lang and George 
 Rochevot as first cellarman in their brewery, he remained 
 one year, after which he was employed by George 
 Rochevot as braumeister . After some time he entered 
 the employ of George Roos as braumeister in brewery, 
 which position he held for one year, and then reentered 
 the employ of Gerhard Lang as braumeister and super- 
 intendent. Here he remained for eight years, when 
 his health becoming impaired, he took a trip home to 
 Germany, where he spent some months reviving the 
 associations of his boyhood. In 1888, with renewed 
 health, he returned to Buffalo and formed a partnership 
 with Mrs. Susan Schusler, widow of the late John Schus- 
 ler, which continued until October, 1894, when he 
 became sole proprietor. The old trade landmark known 
 as the John Schusler Brewery Company dates its exis- 
 tence back to 1852, having been first started on Broad- 
 way, and removed two years later to the present location 
 at the corner of Emslie and Clinton streets. Since Mr. 
 Simon's connection, the premises have been extended 
 until they now occupy an entire block, with a frontage 
 of 373 feet on Emslie street, 233 feet on Clinton street, 51 feet on Eagle street, and 421 feet on Railroad 
 avenue. The establishment is a model of completeness, with all the latest and most improved machinery, 
 and having a capacity of one hundred thousand barrels. Mr. Simon is now planning large extensions to 
 meet the Tequirements of a rapidly growing trade. He was married in 1873 to Miss Theresa Bronstetter of 
 his native town, and has a family of two sons and three daughters. One of his daughters is married to 
 Mr Joseph G. Schaff, who is the able business manager of the concern. Mr. Simon is also director of the 
 Hydraulic bank, and a member of the Orpheus club and many other social organizations. 
 
 GEORGE ROCHEVOT. 
 
 This successful representative brewer of Buffalo, well and widely known as the proprietor of the Lion 
 Brewery, 1013 to 1039 Jefferson street, was born in Rhenish Bavaria in 1832, where he was educated. He 
 learned the art of brewing at Manheim, and was subsequently engaged in the business in Leon, France, at 
 
 WILLIAM SIMON. 
 
286 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 that time one of the most important brewing centers of Continental Europe. After becoming a master of the 
 brewing art in every detail, he came to America at the age of twenty-two years, locating at Buffalo, and was 
 employed as foreman of several brewing establishments of this city, and afterwards was engaged in similar 
 positions in Chicago, Illinois, and Cincinnati, Ohio, and St. Louis, Missouri. He was in charge of the 
 
 Winkelmeyer brewery in the last-named city, and suc- 
 cessfully operated the famous brewing establishment of 
 Seippand Lehman. In 1857 he returned to Buffalo, and 
 established himself in a small brewery at the corner of 
 Spring and Cherry streets, the entire product being 
 delivered by one horse and wagon. By the exercise of 
 that indomitable will and persistent effort and energy 
 which eminently characterizes the man, he gradually 
 increased his business, and built his present extensive 
 brewery, now one of the most complete and popular 
 establishments of its kind in the United States. 
 
 The premises occupied by Mr. Rochevot cover an 
 area of 600 by 285 feet, all covered by large, substantial 
 buildings, filled with valuable machinery of the most 
 improved design for brewing, malting, manufacture of 
 ice, etc. All the malting is done on the premises at the 
 Lion brewery, choice Canadian barley only being used 
 by Mr. Rochevot, and its process carried on under the 
 constant supervision of the proprietor. Two large Corliss 
 engines, each of eighty horse-power and one of sixty 
 horse-power, operate the machinery. The ice is formed 
 artificially by the ammonia process, and is produced in 
 immense blocks, eighteen by eight feet in dimensions 
 and twelve inches in thickness, each block weighing 
 over two tons. The water after being thoroughly filtered 
 is placed in the receptacles, and one week is required to 
 convert it into ice, which is clear as crystal and entirely 
 free from ammoniacal taste or odor. These blocks are 
 carried by steam cranes to the refrigerator storage-rooms, and is there cut up into blocks of convenient size for 
 handling. The machinery for cleaning and grinding the malt is of the latest improved patterns, operated by 
 steam, and the ground malt is then carried to immense copper kettles or boilers, where it is mixed with hops, 
 and after being raised to the proper temperature, is allowed to cool, after which the clear liquid is carried to 
 the fermenting-rooms, and the process of fermentation being completed, the beer is ready for use. Long rows 
 of immense tanks occupy the large storage cellars, in which the temperature is kept constantly at a few 
 degrees above freezing, and from these, each having a capacity of three hundred barrels, the finished product 
 is drawn from day to day to supply the trade. Cleanliness, system, and order pervade every department of 
 this model establishment at all times, and the Lion brands of beer unsurpassed for purity, flavor, and excellence 
 by the product of any other American or foreign establishment. Both lager and bock beer are produced by 
 Mr. Rochevot in large quantities, and the entire product finds a ready market where its superior excellence 
 is best known — at home. 
 
 Mr. Rochevot's two sons, Albert and Oscar, are actively engaged in the business with him. At the 
 reorganization of the Brewers' Association in 1887, Mr. Rochevot was elected treasurer, which position he 
 held until he resigned in 1891. The proprietor of the Lion brewery is one of the most progressive, 
 substantial, representative business men of Buffalo, and largely to his energy and persistent effort does this 
 city owe much of its fame as one of the great brewing centers of America. 
 
 GEORGE ROCHEVOT. 
 
 PHILIP BECKER. 
 
 Among the men whose lives illustrate the wonderful results of individual, unaided effort, the name of 
 
 Philip Becker is a striking example. He was born in Germany on the historic Rhine in 1830. His family 
 
 were of Franco-German stock, and exemplified the best and most dominant qualities of both races. Philip 
 
 got his share of each: the power of quick action and the gift of stoical, unconquerable application. He 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 287 
 
 obtained his early schooling in the neighborhood of his own home, and at the age of thirteen he was sent 
 to France to a good college, where he remained two years. Returning to Germany, he entered a German 
 collegiate institute, which completed his acquisitions in such intellectual equipments as may be furnished by 
 books and teachers. Within a year after he left his German college, in 1847, Philip Becker had embarked 
 for America on a sailing ship. He disembarked at New York and proceeded to Albany by boat, and thence 
 by canal packet to Buffalo. His first position was as clerk in a grocery store. He was ambitious to learn, 
 and possessed a retentive mind, and soon mastered the English language. A new business announced itself 
 to the public in the year 1854, and Philip Becker & Company grew from that beginning in the early fifties 
 until it reached its present state of prosperity and greatness. ••• 
 
 In the early seventies for once the governing powers of Buffalo and Erie county came together, and 
 agreed it was necessary to have a new county building, and that it would be the part of wisdom to erect a 
 structure under the roof of which both city and county alike could do business, the cost of erection and of 
 maintenance to be shared mutually. To accomplish this result, a commission was necessary, representing in 
 its membership town and county. In 1872 IVlr. Becker was chosen as one of the representatives of the city, 
 and he did yeoman's service in its behalf, it was one of the few public buildings in the United States built 
 within the appropriation originally made. The city and county hall in Buffalo was more than ample for its 
 uses for more than ten years from the day when it was triumphantly opened for business in 1876. The 
 preceding fall Philip Becker was chosen mayor of Buffalo. Mr. Becker brought to the office of mayor the 
 vigorous business ideas which had governed himself. He concluded that a city's business may be conducted 
 upon the same lines as an individual's, and that what would succeed for an individual should prove equally 
 efficacious for a municipality. In January, 1876, Mayor Becker sent his first message to the Common Council. 
 In it he struck the key-note of true economy which marked all his administration of public trusts. No Buffalo 
 taxpayer. Republican or Democrat, has ever questioned Philip Becker's usefulness to his city while he was 
 its chief magistrate. His administration fairly shone with benefits accomplished. He would neither palter 
 nor covenant with subterfuge or doubtful measures. Everything had to be explained to Philip Becker, and 
 what was not explained, he investigated until it explained itself. 
 
 January, 1886, saw Buffalo again under the conservative and painstaking administration of Mayor 
 Becker. He introduced the patrol signal and patrol wagon system, which he succeeded in obtaining for the 
 city at a greatly reduced price from that paid in other cities, and Mayor Becker showed his devotion to home 
 interests in having the contracts made with Buffalo manufacturers for such parts of the work as could be 
 produced here at home. To enumerate all the good things Mayor Becker introduced and carried out success- 
 fully while he was mayor of Buffalo, would take a good-sized volume itself. The people thought so much of 
 him that in 1887 he was once more triumphantly elected the chief magistrate of the city. During this term 
 he strongly urged a revision of the city's charter, and, in his farewell message, sent to the City Council on 
 December 30, 1889, he gave to municipal history a valuable document for posterity to read. In it he said, 
 among other things; viz., "There is a strong and wholesome demand for an abolition of the selfish and 
 unscrupulous methods that have obtained in the distribution of the patronage of the Common Council, as 
 well as in the granting of rights and franchises; and in revising the organic law the opportunity should not 
 be lost to enforce the demand." That message bore its fruit not many months later, in the agitation which, 
 after many bitter battles, won for the people a new charter. In 1889 Mr. Becker declined renomination, and 
 the municipal government became Democratic again. 
 
 Philip Becker stayed out of politics until 1891, when his party in Erie county asked him to accept the 
 nomination for Governor. He said neither yes nor no, and the result was a delegation to the State 
 convention at Rochester which made that town solid for Philip Becker; but J. Sloat Fassett received the 
 nomination. In 1892 Mr. Becker was chosen a delegate to the Minneapolis convention. He made a 
 condition precedent of his candidacy. But Philip Becker went unpledged by a unanimous election. The life 
 of Mr. Becker shows what can be accomplished by integrity and steadfastness of purpose. From a humble 
 beginning he gained fortune, and with it an honorable name. 
 
 JAMES FRANKLIN. 
 Alderman James Franklin, who represents the Twentieth ward in the City Council, was born in 
 Preston, Lancashire, England, on February 6, 1848. His father, who was a participant in the Chartist 
 agitation in England in 1848, was forced to expatriate himself with many others, and came to this country, 
 locating himself in Buffalo. His family remained in England, but joined him sometime later in his new home. 
 He remained in the city for some years, and finally located himself in Cattaraugus county, where he 
 
288 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 remained for a year, returning to Buffalo, where he engaged in business. His son James attended school 
 No. 25 in Buffalo until ten years old, when he went to work with his father. In 1848, at the age of twenty 
 years, he started in business for himself as a butcher, first opening on Michigan street, where he remained 
 for about ten years, afterwards removing to his present location, 329-331 Niagara street, where he has in 
 seventeen years built up an extensive trade. 
 
 Successful in business, his proved worth made him of marl< in the community, and in 1888 he was 
 elected alderman for what was then the Ninth ward, now the Twentieth. That he did his duty by his 
 constituents is proven by the fact that he was reelected by large majorities in 1890, 1892, and 1894, his term 
 expiring December 31, 1896. He was president of the Council in 1893 and 1894. hi 1891 he was the 
 Republican nominee for comptroller of the city, but was defeated by the Democratic wave of that year. He 
 is chairman of the Committee on Claims, and a member of the Committees on Finance, Ordinances, Rules, 
 Police, and Public Grounds. He is now a candidate for the coming Republican convention to be held at 
 St. Louis. A man of genial temperament, he is prominent in social organizations, and is a member of the 
 Order of Red Men, Totewa tribe; Royal Arcanum, Fillmore council; Elks, Lodge 23; Catholic Mutual 
 Benefit Association ; Audubon Shooting club, and others. He is also president of the National Butcher's 
 Retail Protective Association, the next convention of 
 which is to be held at Denver, Colorado. In sporting 
 circles he is well known, being president and owner of 
 the Buffalo Base Ball club. 
 
 He was married in 1880 to Miss Anna P., daughter 
 of Mr. John A. Seymour, a well known citizen of Buffalo, 
 whose father was the first white settler in Wyoming 
 county. He resides at 222 Prospect avenue, and not- 
 withstanding his numerous social connections, finds time 
 to indulge his love of domesticity in the bosom of his 
 family. Alderman Franklin has been successful in all 
 things, giving his whole might to whatever he takes in 
 hand, and what is unusual in a man of his geniality, he 
 has never used intoxicants in his life. 
 
 JOHN GEORGE MILLER. 
 
 Justice Miller, whose name is a terror to evil-doers 
 in the precincts under his charge, was born in Buffalo 
 on July 4, 1854. His father, who was a native of 
 Carlsruhe, Baden, Germany, came to Buffalo from his 
 fatherland in 1850. He first followed his trade as a 
 carpenter, then engaged in contracting, and afterwards 
 went into the wholesale liquor business. He lived a 
 useful life, and died highly respected in December, 1892. 
 His son, the subject of this sketch, after receiving his 
 education in the public schools, remained for some years 
 in his father's employ. In 1876 he was appointed to a 
 position in the City Clerk's office, and in 1877 was made assistant clerk to the Board of Excise. When 
 Mr. John M. Bedford was appointed postmaster, he entered the postal service as mail clerk, serving for five 
 years, after which he went into the real estate business, at the same time conducting a saloon and restaurant. 
 When the Main and Glenwood station was opened, he reentered the postal service, succeeding Mr. Hugh 
 Miller as superintendent of the enquiry division. After fourteen months he resigned, and organized the firm 
 of Miller, Braunlein & Miller in real estate, insurance, and law, of which partnership he remains an active 
 member. He was elected in 1894 to the position of police justice, his term expiring with the century. In this 
 position, covering the First, Second, Third, and Seventh precincts, he has made himself a name by his stern 
 and fearless administration of the law. In private life his bonhomie and geniality of disposition make' him 
 universally esteemed. He served for some years in the Seventy-fourth regiment, but is now on the retired 
 list. He was married in 1876 to Miss Libby Houck, daughter of Mr. Adam Houck of this city, by whom he 
 has a family of three children. His residence is at 364 Mills street. 
 
 JOHN G. MILLER. 
 
HERBERT P. BISSELL. 
 
2go 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 AZOR BROWN CRANDALL. 
 
 Of the progressive, public-spirited men whose energies and foresight have brought distinction to Buffalo 
 as one of the great trade centers of the Union, none have been more efficient than the late Azor Brown 
 Crandall, whose keen judgment and untiring energy were the prime factor in making the Queen City of the 
 Lakes the greatest horse-market of the world. Mr. Crandall was born at Sloansville, Schoharie county. New 
 York, July 23, 1829, and was educated at Schoharie College, from which he was graduated with distinction. 
 He shortly afterward engaged in the clothing business in New York City, and subsequently engaged in the 
 hotel business. He was proprietor of the old Broadway hotel, at that time one of the most famous hostelries 
 of the metropolis, and managed the business with decided and deserved success. He removed to Buffalo in 
 1879 and opened the Stock Exchange hotel, opposite the stock yards. The patronage of this house under 
 his able management increased rapidly and soon attained such proportions as to necessitate removal to a 
 larger establishment. He secured the largest hotel building in East Buffalo, which was then known as the 
 Brick House, but which is to-day favorably known throughout Europe and America, among dealers in live 
 stock, as the Crandall House. Foreseeing that Buffalo would become the principal distributing point for 
 horses and other live stock in the country, Mr. Crandall inaugurated auction sales of horses, and at the first 
 sale he disposed of twenty-five head of horses, which at the time was considered almost phenomenal. The 
 part he took in bringing the horse-market here to its present immense proportions may readily be perceived 
 from the fact that the firm of Crandall & Company, of which he was the head, have sold as many as 775 
 horses in one day, and the total number sold by the firm in 1894 aggregated 26,500. Crowned with such 
 wonderful success as were the efforts of this distinguished leader in his line of trade, bringing to this market 
 millions of capital and a trade in live stock which is almost astounding in volume, it followed as a logical 
 sequence that Mr. Crandall was universally accounted one of Buffalo's most useful, progressive, and 
 substantial business men. In matters of greatest magnitude he was prompt in action, cool in judgment, and 
 wise in his conclusions, and it is not surprising to those who knew his sterling business qualities that such 
 grand achievement should have attended the live work of the man whose untiring energy and unquestioned 
 worth made him "first among his equals" in affairs of greatest moment, hi 1858 Mr. Crandall was 
 married to Miss Marguerite Ida Gilmore of New York City, in i860 he represented the Ninth ward of that 
 city on the Board of Aldermen. He was a highly-honored member of the Knights of Pythias and of the 
 Gentlemen's Driving Park Association. He was a member of the Thirty-seventh Regiment, N. G. N. Y., 
 and was awarded a gold medal by Congress for services in the field in 1862. Mr. Crandall died April 2, 
 1895, universally regretted by hosts of friends in business circles and by his fellow-citizens generally. He 
 was generous and charitable and always among the first to aid the unfortunate, or to further the interests of 
 the public in every way, and his death was a grievous loss to the city, and particularly to that part of it in 
 which he lived, and which owes a large proportion of its prosperity to his push and energy. 
 
 MATTHEW F. CHEMNITZ. 
 
 This able superintendent of German instruction in the public schools, and secretary of the school 
 department of Buffalo, was born in Wiierzburg, Lower Franconia, Bavaria, in 1856. He is a descendant of 
 one of the oldest and most eminent Nether-Sa.xon families in the Prussian province of Schleswig-Holstein, 
 which has given many noble and famous men to Germany. Martinus Chemnitz; reformer of Prussia and 
 Brunswick, the most celebrated theologian of the sixteenth century, is his ancestor in direct line, as was also 
 Philippus Bogislaus Chemnitz, who was chancellor of Queen Christina of Sweden, the right hand of the 
 great Oxenstierna, and one of the shrewdest of politicians and ablest historians of the seventeenth century. 
 The father of Mr. Chemnitz was a distinguished lawyer and editor, and is the author of the soul-stirring 
 national song, "Schleswig-Holstein, Seas Surround Thee," which roused and sustained the sturdy Saxons of 
 the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein in the revolution against the oppression of the cruel Danes, who, 
 after many bloody battles, overcame all resistance by overwhelming numbers, and compelled the leaders of 
 revolt and officials to flee for their lives. 
 
 His father took refuge in Wuerzburg in Lower Franconia, Bavaria, where the subject of this sketch was 
 born, returning in 1864 to Holstein, when it became annexed to Prussia, where he remained in high judicial 
 life in different cities. The son attended various public schools in Bavaria and Holstein, and finally entered 
 the Royal Classical school of Rendsburg in Holstein, where he completed a full course of chemical studies and 
 kindred branches of natural science, with the famous professors Kraut and Heeren, at the Polytechnic 
 
A. B. CRANDALL. 
 
292 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 University of Hanover, graduating tlience in five years. He served his military volunteer year with the 
 Eiglith battery of the Twenty-fourth Artillery regiment at Moelln, Lauenberg, and was afterwards transferred 
 with the rank of an officer to the reserve of the coast artillery at the fortress of Bremerhaven. In 1880 he 
 emigrated to New York to accept a position as clerk in his uncle's drug store, and came to Buffalo in 1881. 
 He here became assistant chemist of the American Glucose Company, rising gradually to higher positions, 
 and was subsequently appointed superintendent of the Glucose Company's works at Peoria, Illinois. He 
 then became chief chemist and superintendent of the Scott Street refinery in Buffalo, and continued in 
 that capacity for eleven years. 
 
 Because of his great literary and linguistic abilities, Mr. Emerson preferred him over all other applicants 
 for the position, and appointed him superintendent of German instruction in 1893. He has thoroughly 
 mastered both ancient and modern languages, and has demonstrated the wisdom of his selection beyond all 
 question. Mr. Chemnitz has given his undivided attention to his branch of educational affairs, and by 
 improved methods of a practical course of study, has greatly advanced the important work. In three years 
 of his administration he has organized German classes in six additional schools, and the number of pupils in 
 his department has been increased by fifteen hundred, and there are over three hundred more scholars in his 
 classes in the High-school. As secretary of the school department he inaugurated important improvements in 
 the methods of bookkeeping and tabulating, notwithstanding the work has vastly increased by the introduction 
 
 of free text-books. He was married to Miss Emily Eppers 
 of Liebenburg in Hanover in 1881, and has two children. 
 He has been prominent in many German organizations 
 since he lived in Buffalo, among which are the German 
 Young Men's Association, Turn Verein, Deutscher 
 Saengerbund, German Soldiers' Association, German 
 Christian Young Men's Association, German Hospital, 
 and has occupied and still fills important official position 
 in all of them. He is also a member of the Society of 
 Natural Sciences and of its field section. 
 
 F. A. BABCOCK. 
 
 Representing a company recognized the world over 
 as the greatest among its many great contemporaries, 
 the subject of this biographical sketch, the popular gen- 
 eral agent of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of 
 New York, at Buffalo, occupies a position of prominence 
 in this community which ranks him among the foremost 
 of the representative successful men of affairs in State 
 and Country. Mr. Babcock was born at Haniden, 
 Connecticut, September 10, 1850, and was educated at 
 Everest's Military school in that place. At the age of 
 fourteen years he accepted a position in a mercantile 
 establishment in New York City, and four years later 
 engaged in the service of the great Hudson Bay Com- 
 pany, and was stationed at Temiscamingue, enjoying the 
 distinction of being the only Yankee ever employed by 
 that company as one its officers. He remained with this 
 corporation two years. For five years he was employed as a traveling salesman for the Bradley Fertilizer 
 Company of Boston, Massachusetts, and in 1876 engaged in the carriage business at Amesbury, Massachusetts. 
 The year 1884 found Mr. Babcock traveling to all parts of the world in the interest of the carriage 
 industry of Amesbury, and four years later his manufacturing plant was entirely destroyed by fire. He then 
 began his active life anew as an executive special agent of the Mutual Life, and his work developed talents 
 of the highest order in this field of commercial activity. In recognition of his abilities he was appointed 
 general agent for the Mutual Life for Western New York, with headquarters at Buffalo, and in this field of 
 labor has represented this preeminently successful company efficiently and well. When it is remembered 
 that the Mutual Life has paid out over one hundred and sixty-five million dollars for death claims, and nearly 
 
 
 
 
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 F. A. BABCOCK. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 293 
 
 forty million dollars for matured endowments to date, the magnitude of the interests entrusted to Mr. 
 Babcock in his field of operations may be realized, and during his regime the fame and beneficence of the old 
 and reliable company have been more than maintained. The wonderful advantages offered by the Mutual 
 Life Insurance Company of New York to every man for securing to himself an income for his advanced 
 years, places Mr. Babcock in close touch with the business men in his jurisdiction, and in his keeping the 
 weighty affairs of the company and its policy-holders alike are admirably subserved, and under his intelligent 
 direction of affairs the prestige and reputation of this great corporation in this city and section are maintained 
 unimpaired, and the business has steadily increased and extended. 
 
 Mr. Babcock is active and popular in social as in business life. He is an enthusiastic Mason ; is a 
 member of Warren Lodge, F. & A. M., of Amesbury, Massachusetts; a companion of Jerusalem Chapter, 
 Royal Arch Masons of New York City; a Noble of Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine of Boston, Massachusetts; 
 a sir knight of Coeur de Lion Commandery of New York, and a member of Massachusetts Consistory, 
 Thirty-second Degree, of Boston, Massachusetts. He is also a member of the Bohemian Sketch club, and 
 the Orpheus Society of this city. Mr. Babcock is a great admirer of 
 horses, and during the summer months drives a four-in-hand, his 
 break being a familiar feature of the fashionable driving thoroughfares 
 of Buffalo. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, and in business 
 circles as in social life, is held in universal esteem, and resides with 
 his wife and family at the Niagara hotel. 
 
 CHARLES T. SLOAN. 
 
 The efficient executive officer of the Standard Oil Company 
 in Buffalo, Mr. Charles T. Sloan, was born in McConnelsburg, 
 Pennsylvania, April 9, 1853. He is of Scotch-Irish parentage, his 
 ancestors having lived in the north of Ireland and emigrated to 
 America in 1625, and many of them were conspicuous in the 
 Revolutionary War. The subject of this notice obtained his educa- 
 tion in the public schools of McConnelsburg, and at the age of 
 eighteen years was obliged to leave home and begin the battle of 
 life. He first secured a position with the Western Union Telegraph 
 Company, having charge of the batteries and wires, and afterwards 
 for two years was responsibly connected with the Atlantic and 
 Pacific Telegraph Company, and since that time he has been in the 
 
 employ of the Standard Oil Company in various parts of the United States, and more recently as manager of 
 the company's oil and gas interests in Buffalo. He came to this city in 1884 to look after the oil lines from 
 Bradford, Pennsylvania, to Buffalo, and since the natural gas was introduced here he has had charge of that 
 branch of the company's business. To his executive ability is due the excellent service in natural gas which 
 Buffalo enjoys. Mr. Sloan is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a Knight Templar, a Noble of the 
 Mystic Shrine, and also of the Acacia club. He was married April 4, 1877, to Miss Margaret L. Middagh of 
 Mifflin, Juniata county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Justice Joseph Middagh of that place, and has three 
 children, two sons and one daughter, and resides with his family at 573 Prospect avenue. Mr. Sloan is a 
 genial, courteous gentleman, and is widely known as one of Buffalo's most honored and influential business 
 men. 
 
 MOSES WILLIAM DAKE. 
 
 This representative business man, a recognized leader of one of the most important industries of Buffalo 
 was born March 23, 1841, on a farm in the town of Portage, Livingston county. New York. His parents 
 were Jonathan Miller Dake and Maria Hagadorn Dake, the former a prosperous farmer of that place. This 
 son attended the district school in the neighborhood, and after obtaining such an education as was afforded by 
 the public schools at that time, resumed work on his father's farm, where he remained until he was twenty- 
 five years of age. He then removed to Albion, Orleans county, New York, and was employed as clerk in a 
 hardware store there for four years, and, after acquiring a thorough knowledge of that branch of mercantile 
 industry, he removed to Nunda, New York, and in company with his father he engaged in the hardware 
 business, which he conducted with marked success, under the firm name of J. M. Dake & Son, for eleven 
 years. He then withdrew from the firm, disposing of his interest to a younger brother, and the business has 
 
 CHARLES T. SLOAN. 
 
HENRY D. KIRKOVER. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 29^ 
 
 been successfully carried on to this time under the original firm name. For three years the subject of this 
 biographical notice was not actively engaged in business, and in January, 1883, he removed to Buffalo and 
 purchased an interest in the Niagara Baking Company, at that time located at numbers 23 and 25 Ellicott 
 street, and employing a force of twenty-five workmen. The business tact and executive ability of Mr. Dake 
 were brought into play with most gratifying results, and the business was steadily increased under his 
 management, attaining most important proportions. On October 5, 1890, the United States Baking 
 Company, the leading concern of its kind in the country, purchased the interests of the Niagara Baking 
 Company, Mr. Dake having the management of the business, which was rapidly increased and extended, the 
 product being sold throughout the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Under his direction and 
 supervision the company, in 1893, erected a large and substantial four-story building, with a frontage of one 
 hundred feet on Michigan street, and 172 feet on Myrtle avenue, with every facility for the business, and the 
 establishment is recognized as a model of completeness and convenience for intended purposes. To such 
 proportions has the trade attained that 125 hands are employed in the various departments. Mr. Dake 
 married Miss Harriet T. Hallenbake, a daughter of his first employer in Albion, and their son, who is about 
 twenty years of age, is now taking a course of study in one of the local business colleges of this city. 
 Under the able management of Mr. Dake, this concern has become one of the important contributors to the 
 great aggregate of the trade of Buffalo, and he is universally recognized as one of her most active, energetic, 
 and progressive citizens. He is a Republican in politics, and attends the Delaware Avenue Baptist church. 
 
 HENRY D. KIRKOVER. 
 
 This progressive, popular citizen was born in Buffalo February 16, 1840, and is of German parentage, 
 his father having come to America in 1833 from Baden-Baden, Germany. He was educated in the public 
 schools of this city, and was subsequently engaged in the lumber business with his father, the firm also 
 conducting an extensive brick manufactory in this city. In 1862, after severing his connection with his 
 father, he carried on a large real estate business with great success, and amassed a considerable fortune, 
 being concerned in some of the most important transactions in city and suburban property that have marked 
 the growth of Buffalo during the past decade. He is a staunch Democrat, and has always taken a prominent 
 part in political affairs. He is a strong champion of purity in politics, and has done valiant service in the 
 cause of home rule and honest methods. He was elected supervisor from the town of West Seneca in 1881, 
 and was elected for three consecutive terms thereafter by his party, and represented his fellow-citizens with 
 zeal and efficiency, hi 1892 he was appointed one of the commissioners of the Insane Asylum, and served 
 with ability on the board for three years, and is now a member of the Grade Crossing Commission, whose 
 earnest work to abolish the crossing at grade of railroad trains has of late been crowned with success. Mr. 
 Kirkover is a member of the Ellicott club, and is a genial and courteous gentleman, and in social circles as in 
 business and municipal affairs he is held in general high esteem. He has ever been foremost in all measures 
 for the general welfare and in the wonderful growth of the city in recent years, the development of its 
 resources, and has taken prominent and effective part. Mr. Kirkover was married September 26, 1871, to 
 Miss Emma J. Barnard, daughter of Robert Barnard, Esq., of this city, and resides at the Niagara hotel. 
 
 EDWIN A. BENSON. 
 
 Possessing in a remarkable degree those qualities especially required in the management of men and 
 affairs of great importance, Mr. Edwin A. Benson, the popular and efficient manager of the Wagner Palace 
 Car Company's works, was, on the retirement of Mr. T. A. Bissell in April, 1895, appointed to that 
 responsible position, and his masterful administration has demonstrated beyond all question that the 
 selection was a most judicious one. Mr. Benson was born at Easton, Washington county, New York, 
 January 13, 1848, and was educated at Warsaw, New York, and was graduated under Professor Dann. His 
 father was an expert mechanic and inventor and was manager of an extensive foundry and machine shops ; 
 and on leaving school he entered the establishment, and under his father's instructions he became a 
 thorough master of the principles of mechanics. He then went to Elmira, New York, and was asssociated 
 with his father's brother, a prominent contractor of that place, and acquired proficiency in the work of a 
 carpenter and joiner, and after valuable experience in house-building at Warsaw Mr. Benson was for a 
 year or more engaged as a machinist at Rockford, Illinois, and subsequently found opportunities for the appli- 
 cation of his skill and experience as a contractor at Aurora, Illinois. Through the influence of the mayor of 
 
296 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 that town, he entered the railroad shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy at Aurora, and was employed 
 in car-building and repairing, in which he has since achieved decided and deserved distinction. It was here 
 he met Mr. Thomas Bissell, and has ever since been closely associated with him. 
 
 When Mr. Bissell opened the Pullman shops at Detroit, Michigan, he sent for Mr. Benson, to whom he 
 gave a responsible position, and remained there from 1872 to 1879, when he was sent by Mr. Bissell to 
 Paterson, New Jersey, to set twenty-five thirty-foot cabs for the engines to be used on the Metropolitan 
 
 Elevated road, then being built by the Grant Locomotive 
 works, and after executing this work Mr. Benson went 
 to St. Louis, Missouri, as superintendent of repairs for 
 the Union Depot Company, where he had charge of the 
 repairs on cars for eleven different lines centering in that 
 city. Eight months later he took charge of the machin- 
 ery department of the Missouri Car and Foundry Com- 
 pany, and after six months he resigned his position to 
 accept a call to the new town of Pullman, and entered 
 the service of the Pullman Company December 18, 1880. 
 He made out the first requisition for materials and tools 
 for car-building purposes at the Pullman works, and was 
 the first white settler of the town. His family on Jan- 
 uary I, 1881, took possession of the first house built at 
 Pullman, but on account of ill health he remained there 
 for but one year, and the company placed him in charge 
 of its St. Louis shops, then in process of construction, 
 and which he organized and managed for five years. 
 
 On March i, 1886, he resigned and entered the 
 service of the Wagner Company as master car-builder 
 at the old shops on Seneca street in Buffalo, and subse- 
 quently at Schenectady, and when the new plant was 
 established at East Buffalo he became assistant manager 
 under Mr. Bissell. Mr. Benson's long experience and 
 his skill and valuable knowledge of car-building emi- 
 nently qualified him to succeed Mr. Bissell in the respon- 
 sible position of manager of the extensive plant of the 
 Wagner Company, having performed a very important 
 part in bringing these works to the high state of efficiency for which they are noted, and his promotion to the 
 position by such discriminating oftkials as those of the Wagner Company is the best possible attestation of 
 his skill and efficiency as a car-builder and executive ability of a high order as an organizer and manager of a 
 large staff of workmen. Mr. Benson was married in 1870 to Miss Sadie Burt, daughter of Levi Burt of 
 Livonia, New York, who was a gallant soldier in the War of the Rebellion and who was killed in action in 
 the line of duty. Mr. Benson is a valued member of Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., of Detroit, Michigan, and 
 of Oriental Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 61, of St. Louis, Missouri, and of St. Louis Commandery, 
 Knights Templar, No. i. 
 
 CHARLES J. MCLENNAN. 
 
 As president and general manager of The McLennan French Paint Company, one of the most important 
 industrial enterprises of Buffalo, the subject of this biographical notice occupies a prominent place in 
 commercial circles. He was born on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, February 26, 1858, and was educated 
 in the public schools of that place. His parents were Scotch highlanders, his father, John McLennan, being 
 a graduate of Truro College, Nova Scotia, and a prominent civil engineer of that province. His mother, 
 Catharine McLennan, nee McLeod, was a lineal descendant of King Charles Stuart, her mother being a Stuart. 
 The first language spoken by young Charles McLennan was Gaelic, or the dialect of the Scottish highlanders. 
 His father's family were from Aberdeen and were members of one of the most prominent Scottish clans. At 
 the age of sixteen years young McLennan removed to Clinton, Ontario, where he was engaged in the study 
 of the chemistry of paints and colors, and after a few years he went to Detroit, Michigan. Here he was 
 engaged in color-making and in stage scenery and fresco-painting for several years. He was tendered and 
 
 EDWIN A. BENSON. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 297 
 
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 CHARLES J. Mclennan. 
 
 accepted a position with tlie Massey-Harris Company, at tliat time the most extensive manufacturers of 
 agricultural implements in the world, and while in their employ he developed what is now known as the 
 McLennan dipping process, a system of painting by immersion, without the use of brushes, and he was the 
 first man in the world to make the process a success, and he has 
 secured letters patent on his invention in the United States, England, 
 and Canada. He resigned his position with the Massey-Harris Com- 
 pany in 1889, to introduce his method, and removed to Toronto, and 
 in a few years his process was adopted by all the large manufactories 
 in Canada. In 1892 Mr. McLennan sold his interest in Canada to 
 his partner and, coming to Buffalo, he organized the McLennan 
 French Paint Company, which was incorporated under the laws of 
 New York State the same year. This company is the only concern 
 in the world engaged exclusively in supplying dipping paints to man- 
 ufacturers, and their trade has attained large proportions, extending 
 to all parts of North America and to Australia and other parts of the 
 Eastern hemisphere. The company's plant was originally located 
 on William street, near Bailey avenue, but, the business outgrowing 
 their facilities, they erected a new plant in 1895 on Rano street, at a 
 cost of fifty thousand dollars, with capacity to supply the demands 
 of their trade. It is one of the most complete establishments of the 
 kind in America, and over one hundred workmen are employed in 
 the works. The buildings, nine in number, are thoroughly fire-proof, 
 being entirely composed of brick, stone, and iron, and occupy an 
 area of 200 by 150 feet, the output aggregating three hundred thousand dollars per annum, and is steadily 
 increasing. Mr. McLennan has invented and patented processes for preventing the precipitation of paints, 
 and centrifugal strainers for removing foreign matter, and he is recognized the world over as an expert 
 
 and authority on paints. 
 Since removing to the 
 new works, the company 
 have extended their field 
 of operations, and are 
 now engaged in the man- 
 ufacture of all kinds of 
 paint and colors, var- 
 nishes, etc. Mr. McLen- 
 nan is the president and 
 general manager of this 
 successful company, and 
 Joseph Cavanaugh, the 
 president of the Ottawa 
 (Ontario) Board of 
 Trade, is vice-president, 
 and Henry Mackey is 
 secretary and treasurer. 
 Frank A. Lane, a half- 
 brother of Mr. McLennan, 
 is the principal expert of 
 the company, and W. H. 
 Kestin is the efficient 
 financier and office man- 
 ager. Mr. McLennan was married in 1881 to Miss Charlotte A. Fricker of Rochester, New York, and has 
 three children, two girls and one boy. Mrs. McLennan is a lady of rare culture and refinement, and their 
 home in Central park is one of the most delightful in that beautiful residence section of the city. Mr. McLennan 
 filed his declaration of intention to become a citizen the first day he arrived in the United States, and is loyal 
 and devoted to the country of his adoption. 
 
 THE Mclennan French paint company. 
 
298 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 success. 
 
 DANIEL J. DONOVAN. 
 
 DANIEL J. DONOVAN. 
 In his special field of industrial art there are few men more widely known and none more favorably 
 than Daniel J. Donovan, who, since 1876, has been engaged in the business of home decoration with great 
 Mr. Donovan was born iViny 21, 1858, in Croydon, a suburb of London, England, of Irish 
 
 parentage, and was educated in the private schools of his native 
 town, his advantages in this regard, however, ceasing at an early 
 age. When but nine years old he left school, and was employed at 
 such work as he could secure until 1869, when he came to America 
 and located at Niagara Falls, New York, where he attended the 
 public schools for a few months. Two years later he was appren- 
 ticed to learn the business of furniture finisher to Isaac D. White, 
 and was subsequently employed by the Erie Railroad Company as 
 a coach painter, and as house painter in this city. After being 
 thus engaged for four years he removed to Chicago, Illinois, and 
 there received instruction in artistic house painting and decorating 
 while working at the business, and thus became thoroughly con- 
 versant with every detail of the art. In 1881 Mr. Donovan returned 
 to Buffalo, and formed a copartnership with his brother, Thomas W. 
 Donovan, the firm executing all kinds of painting and decorating, 
 and also conducting a picture frame business, to which a photographic 
 department was afterwards added. The partnership continued for 
 two years, after which Mr. Donovan carried on business for himself 
 until 1886. He again associated himself with his brother, and under 
 the firm name of D. J. Donovan & Company, the concern has since 
 been largely and successfully engaged in important work as fine 
 house painters and decorators, with their office and work shops at 40 Elm street. In 1894 the firm removed 
 to their present location, 869 and 871 Main street, where the firm carries on a large wall paper and paint 
 store, and with a large force of skilled workmen, e.xecute first-class work in paper hanging and house 
 decorating of every description. Messrs. Donovan & Company have made and carried out some of the 
 largest contracts for artistic work in Western New York, and the painting, finishing, and glazing of the 
 Jewish temple, and Erie County Savings bank building, the Brozel House, and in many other fine buildings 
 in Buffalo, unmistakably attest their taste and skill to design and execute everything in their line in the best 
 style of art. Mr. Donovan is a Democrat, and a champion of honesty in political affairs. He is president of 
 the Seventeenth Ward Good Government club, and in the support of the sanctity of the ballot box and 
 integrity regardless of expediency, he is active in political work as in 
 affairs of business. He is a member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit 
 Association, and president of the Buffalo Master Painters Association. 
 He is also vice-president of the State Association, and a prominent 
 member of the National Association, and one of the executive board ; 
 is also a charter member of the Buffalo Athletic Association. He was 
 married November 21, 1882, to Miss Elizabeth J., daughter of 
 Captain J. Armstrong, Esq., of this city, and resides with his wife 
 and three children at No. 171 Riley street. 
 
 JOHN W. DONOVAN. 
 
 This eminently successful business man, the junior member of 
 the firm of D. J. Donovan & Company, one of the largest represen- 
 tative house-decorating concerns in Western New York, was born 
 in Croydon, a suburb of London, England, October 15, 1854, his 
 parents being of Irish birth. He attended the public schools of his 
 native town, and at an early age came to the United States, 
 locating in this city, where he learned the house painting and 
 decorating business, and was subsequently employed as foreman 
 
 JOHN W. DONOVAN. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 299 
 
 for the firm of D. J. Donovan. In 1886 he became associated with his brother as partner, and under the firm 
 name of D. J. Donovan & Company they have since conducted house decorating and a paint and wall paper 
 store with great success, the subject of this biographical sketch giving his principal attention to the mercantile 
 branch of the business. Until 1894 the firm was located at No. 40 Elm street, and in the year last named, 
 removed to their more desirable location, 869 and 871 Main street. Messrs. Donovan & Company have been 
 engaged in work on many of the finest buildings in Buffalo, and specimens of their skill and taste in designing, 
 and ability to execute the most artistic work in their line of industrial enterprise. Mr. Donovan was married 
 in 1879 to Miss Amelia, daughter of Thomas W. Tuggy, Esq., of Portsmouth, England, and lives in South 
 Buffalo, one of the most beautiful suburban sections of the city. He is a member of the Catholic Mutual 
 Benefit Association, and also of the Buffalo Athletic Association, and in trade circles is recognized as one of 
 the most energetic representative business men of the Queen City of the Lakes. 
 
 FRANCIS GRANT WARD. 
 This successful man of affairs, prominent in enterprises of great magnitude both in this country and 
 Europe, was born at Jordan, Cayuga county. New York, March 8, 1856, and has resided in Buffalo since 
 November, 1889. He was educated at the Rectory school, Hamden, Connecticut, and at the Brooklyn 
 
 Polytechnic Institute, completing his studies at the Institution Cousin 
 and the Lyce Bonaparte in Paris, supplemented by a preparatory 
 course of instruction at the Rectory school in 1871, to qualify for 
 admission to the United States Naval academy at Annapolis. He 
 was appointed a cadet at that institution in 1872, but having returned 
 to Europe in the meantime, he declined the appointment. Returning 
 to New York City in 1873, he entered the employ of the Laflin & 
 Rand Powder Company, for whom he removed to Buffalo in 1875. 
 He resigned the position the year following to enter the service of 
 the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad Company, and 
 began his apprenticeship as night yard master and despatcher at the 
 Grand Central station. Forty-second street. New York City, and 
 served in different capacities for nine years, becoming assistant to 
 the manager of the Harlem line in 1884, which position he resigned 
 in 1885 to accept the general superintendency of the Panama Rail- 
 road Company, then owned by the Cie Universelle Canal, Panama, 
 the appointment being confirmed by the Count De Lesseps, through 
 Captain Nathan Appleton of Boston, his personal agent. 
 
 In 1887 Mr. Ward was ordered to Paris by the president of the 
 canal company, and was made manager of the railroad department of 
 the canal, and also a member of the Turkish-Asiatic Railway Con- 
 struction committee. Returning to Buffalo in 1889, on leave of absence, he was obliged to remain and take 
 charge of his personal interests here, which had been neglected in his extended absence from the United States. 
 He was prominent in military affairs here, enlisting in Company F, Seventh regiment, N. G. N. Y., March 23, 
 1873; transferred to the Seventy-fourth regiment, N. G. N. Y., May, 1875; was elected captain Company 
 C, Seventy-fourth regiment, December 29, 1876, and the same year was commissioned lieutenant-colonel 
 and inspector Eighth division. Returning to New York was reenlisted in Company F, Seventh regiment, and 
 served as first sergeant for five years under Captain Daniel Appleton, resigning in December, 1889. During 
 the years 1885, 1886, and 1887 he was acting colonel in command of the Panama Railroad Employes batallion 
 at Aspinwall. In 1886 he was made a Mason in Universal Fraternity Lodge at Aspinwall, and affiliated with 
 the Lodge of Ancient Landmarks at Buffalo in 1890, of which lodge he was elected master in 1896. 
 
 After the destruction of Aspinwall by fire in 1885, he reconstructed the company's wharves and railway 
 system, and also the streets for the government, and when Mr. Rosseau, counselor of state, arrived on the 
 Isthmus in 1886 to inspect the canal work for the French government, Mr. Ward was detailed by the 
 counselor to take charge of the inspection tour. In return for the services rendered, the French government, 
 through Monsieur Baihaut, minister of public works, sent him a Sevres vase, with the thanks of the govern- 
 ment for his valuable work. Mr. Ward is captain-general of Hugh de Payens Commandery No. 30, Knights 
 Templar; lieutenant-commander of Buffalo Consistory, Thirty-second degree, and is a member of Trinity 
 
 FRANCIS G. WARD. 
 
JOO 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Protestant Episcopal church. He is also a member of the Seventh Regiment Veteran Association of New 
 York City, and of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a courteous genial gentleman, and is 
 recognized as one of the progressive public-spirited citizens of the Queen City of the Lakes. Colonel 
 Ward was married to Miss Christine Meday at Ruthford, New Jersey, November 3, 1886, and resides at 
 No. 676 Seventh street. 
 
 CHARLES W. GOODYEAR. 
 
 This distinguished business man and valued citizen was born October 15, 1846, in Cortland, Cortland 
 county, New York, where his father was a well known physician. In his boyhood days his father removed 
 to Erie county, where the family have since resided. The son attended the academies at Cortland, East 
 Aurora, and Wyoming, and came to Buffalo in March, 1868. He began the study of law in the office of 
 Laning & Miller. He remained with this prominent firm for two years, and entered the office of John C. 
 Strong in 1871, and the same year was admitted to the Bar. He began the practice of his profession as the 
 head of the firm of Goodyear & Tyler, and in 1874 he was appointed assistant district attorney by Hon. 
 D. N. Lockwood, and on the election of the latter to Congress, Mr. Goodyear was appointed district attorney 
 in his stead by Governor Hoffman. He afterwards formed a law partnership with Judge Frank Allen, the 
 firm being Goodyear & Allen, and on January i, 1882, Grover Cleveland became Governor of New York, 
 and Mr. Goodyear entered the firm of Bissell, Sicard & Goodyear, successors to Cleveland, Bissell & Sicard. 
 During his connection with this firm Mr. Goodyear developed high qualities as an advocate, and his ability 
 in this regard had a wide field in the trial of cases in the city. State and Federal courts. 
 
 On January i, 1887, Mr. Goodyear retired from the practice of law, and associated himself with his 
 brother, F H. Goodyear, who was operating very extensively in lumber in Pennsylvania, and the business 
 under their joint management attained colossal proportions, their output aggregating over one hundred and 
 fifty million feet per annum. They own nearly all the capital stock of the Buffalo & Susquehanna Railroad 
 Company. This local branch extends from Keating's Summit to Ansonia, Pennsylvania, a distance of 
 sixty-two miles, and with its other branches to cross Fork and Wellsville, New York, makes a total 
 
 mileage of one hundred and twelve miles. In 1892 Mr. C. W. Good- 
 year was elected president of the Lumbermen's National Association, 
 at its session at Washington, D. C. He is a member of the Buffalo, 
 Saturn, Acacia, Country, Falconwood, and Liberal clubs; also an 
 esteemed member of Alden Lodge, A. F. A. M. Mr. Goodyear 
 resides at 723 Delaware avenue, where generous hospitality is dis- 
 pensed to a host of distinguished men and social leaders in this city 
 and State. 
 
 WILLIAM HENRY WARHUS. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in this city March 28, 1855. 
 His parents were Frederick W. and Josephine (Krieg) Warhus. His 
 father came to Buffalo from Hanover, Germany, at the age of 
 twenty years, and was a shoemaker by trade, and his mother was 
 a sister of Bonaventure Krieg, a well known local politician. Until 
 he was thirteen years of age, young Warhus attended the public 
 and private schools in this city, and was first employed as office 
 boy for Dr. Blanchard. He afterwards learned the shoemaking 
 trade with his father on Eagle street, and remained with him until 
 he was twenty -four years of age. Although denied the benefit of a 
 collegiate education, the young man was ambitious to become a lawyer, and going to New York City, he 
 began the study of law in the office of Samuel C. Mount, Esq., during which time he made his home with 
 an aunt living in the metropolis. After six months he returned to Buffalo, and in 1880 he entered the law 
 office of Messrs. Humphrey & Lockwood, and was soon promoted to the position of managing clerk. He was 
 admitted to the Bar in January, 1885, and remained with his preceptors until 1889. Having thus attained the 
 object of his ambition by his own unaided efforts, Mr. Warhus began his professional career, which has been 
 marked with deserved and decided success. Persistent in his determination to secure a thorough knowledge 
 of the principles and practice of law, success attended the young lawyer, and his career in his profession 
 
 WILLIAM H. WARHUS. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 301 
 
 marked him an example of what may be accomplished where the will is not wanting, even against circum- 
 stances the most adverse, hi 1889 IWr. Warhus formed a copartnership with Thomas Gary Welch, and the 
 firm opened an office in Law Exchange. This firm was successfully engaged in practice until dissolved in 
 1893, since which time Mr. Warhus has been alone in professional work, and has established himself in a large 
 and important practice. He is a Democrat from convic- 
 tion, and an active worker for the party, and one of the 
 charter members of the Cleveland Democracy. He was 
 secretary of the Erie County Home Rule Democracy in 
 1893, and is also a member of several social clubs and 
 organizations. 
 
 FRANK E. IWUNGER. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, one of the most prom- 
 inent business and society men of Buffalo, was born in 
 Guilford, New Haven, Connecticut, May 5, 1853. He 
 is of Anglo-Saxon parentage and was educated in the 
 public schools of his native town. He afterwards 
 became a student at Yale and was graduated from that 
 venerable institution in 1875, working in various ways 
 to pay his expenses. He began the study of law, and 
 after his admission to the Bar he began the practice of 
 his profession in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1879. Ten years 
 later he removed to Buffalo, and is now a prominent 
 insurance attorney of this city. Being a member of 
 several fraternal insurance societies, he planned and 
 organized the order of Empire Knights of Relief and 
 incorporated it under the laws of the State of New York. 
 It is the only fraternal life insurance order incorporated 
 in America on the natural premium plan and the only 
 organization established on this line of life insurance. 
 Under Mr. Munger's management and counsel, the 
 Empire Knights of Relief has met with success unpre- 
 cedented in the history of fraternal insurance societies, and it is regarded as one of the important enterprises 
 of this city. He occupies spacious offices on the second floor of the D. S. Morgan building and gives most 
 of his time to the interests of the organization of which he is one of the honored founders. Mr. Munger 
 is an uncompromising Republican, but has never aspired to office, his busy life affording no opportunity for 
 active political work. He was married to Miss Ella M., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Pond, a prominent 
 business man of Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1875, and a few years later his wife died. In 1886 he married 
 Miss Fannie A. Flora of Rochester, New York, the daughter of Joseph M. Flora, and his pleasant home life is 
 passed with his wife and daughter, a girl of six years, at No. 310 Fifteenth street in this city. He is a 
 member of Ellicott club, one of the leading social organizations of Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Munger entertain 
 their friends most hospitably at their home, and their numerous society friends regard a visit to their home 
 as a most delightful experience. Mr. Munger has a handsome cottage at Crystal Beach, one of the most 
 delightful of Buffalo's many pleasant summer resorts. 
 
 FRANK E. MUNGER. 
 
 JOSEPH MISGHKA. 
 
 This famous musical director of Buffalo was born in the town of Herrman-Myestetz, in Bohemia, May 8, 
 1846. His parents were poor in worldly goods, and emigrated to America in 1852, and located in this city. 
 There were four children when they arrived in this country, and two more were born here, all of whom 
 exhibited decided musical talents at an early age. The father was of frugal and industrious habits, and both 
 he and his wife exerted themselves to the utmost to give their children all advantages of education. But the 
 best they could do was not sufficient to relieve Joseph from becoming a bread winner, and his time was 
 divided between study and labor to assist in the support of the family. His education, which was begun in a 
 kindergarten in his native town, was continued at one of the public schools of Buffalo for a short time, and 
 
302 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 was completed at the parochial school of St. Louis' church of this city. At the age of seven years young 
 Mischka began the study of the violin, and became so proficient that he was soon made a member of the 
 orchestra, which then took the place of an organ in the church. He afterwards developed a fine voice and 
 was made principal alto in the choir of St. Louis', attracting the attention of Rev. William Deiters, who from 
 that time made the boy his protege, and being an ardent lover of music, and having a fortune inc3ependent of 
 his salary, he gave the boy many advantages for securing an excellent musical education. 
 
 At the age of thirteen years Joseph left school, and became an errand boy in the music store of Messrs. 
 Blodgett & Bradford, and recognizing the boy's talents, Mr. Blodgett, the musical member of the firm, aided 
 him in many ways, giving him advice and instruction freely. His connection with the firm secured him 
 admission to the operas and concerts given in Buffalo, and gave him advantages of great value. When but 
 fifteen years old young Mischka became the organist of the North Presbyterian church Sunday-school, and 
 soon afterwards obtained the position of organist of Calvary Presbyterian church, and later of Westminster 
 church, and finally of the old Unitarian church ; each change being an advancement both in regard to position 
 and salary. While filling the latter position Mr. Mischka began his career as a director of singing societies. 
 He was placed at the head of the newly-organized Arion Society, and while directing this organization its 
 concerts became more and more popular, being given in the old opera-house in the Arcade. 
 
 In 1868 he accepted the position of chorus-master with the Caroline Richings Opera Company. The 
 great prima donna was then at the height of her fame, and the young man acquired much valuable information 
 and experience during his two years' connection with the company. Mr. Mischka returned to Buffalo in 1870, 
 and was made musical director of the Liedertafel, which position he retained until the fall of 1894, a period of 
 nearly a quarter of a century. From 1887 to 1894 Mr. Mischka was director of the Vocal Society, and 
 brought that organization to a high degree of excellence. He was appointed supervisor of music in the public 
 schools of Buffalo in the fall of 1894, and to give to his duties his undivided attention, he resigned his official 
 connection with both the Liedertafel and Vocal Societies. He has now over sixty thousand pupils in his 
 
 charge, and it is his ambition to furnish capable singers to the chorus- 
 masters of the coming generation. He is one of the foremost 
 promoters of music in Buffalo, and many a young musician dates 
 his success in his profession from the time when Mr. Mischka brought 
 him into public notice. He resides at 240 West avenue. 
 
 THOMAS HENRI ROCHFORD. 
 
 The subject of this biographical sketch, at present one of the 
 efficient justices of the peace of Buffalo, was born December 14, 
 1857, in Hornellsville, Steuben county. New York, and is of Irish 
 descent. His father was one of the first Irish settlers, coming from 
 Sligo, Ireland, about 1840. Young Rochford obtained his limited 
 book-learning in the public schools of his native town, but at an 
 early age he was obliged to lay aside his text-books and engage in 
 the battle of life. He came to Buffalo and secured a position as 
 brakesman on a passenger train, and during his service in this 
 capacity he attended the commercial college night school, alternating 
 the labors of the day with hard study at night for four years. Under 
 most unpropitious conditions, he thus obtained a fair knowledge of 
 the English branches, and by experence and observation he qualified 
 himself without assistance for the duties of active business life and official station. From earliest manhood 
 Mr. Rochford was a Republican from conviction, and was active and influential in the councils of his party, 
 and popular with the masses. In 1894 he was selected as assistant financial secretary to the State Constitu- 
 tional Convention, and in 1895 was the nominee of his party for justice of the peace of the city, or justice of 
 sessions, and was elected by a large majority. He entered upon the discharge of his official duties January 
 I, 1896, and has shown in his public life that sound judgment and strict integrity which give promise of 
 efficiency and ability in his position. He was married in 1883 to Miss Glendora S. Godfrey, daughter of 
 Arthur Godfrey, Esq., of this city, and has five children, three boys and two girls. He is a citizen of worth 
 and enjoys the full confidence of a wide circle of political and social friends. 
 
 THOMAS H. ROCHFORD. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 303 
 
 NELSON P. HINKLEY. 
 This distinguished leader of veterinary practice in Buffalo, who is also the United States veterinary 
 inspector for the ports of Buffalo and Niagara, New York, was born in the town of Lancaster, Erie county, 
 New York, February 14, 1855. His first instruction was obtained in the district school of his native town, 
 and in July, 1869, he removed with his family to Buffalo, where he attended public school No. 19, from 
 which he was graduated in 1873. He subsequently 
 became a student at the Montreal Veterinary College, 
 and was graduated with honors from this institution 
 with the degree of Veterinary Surgeon March 30, 1880, 
 and on the first day of April, 1890, he had conferred 
 upon him the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Science by 
 the McGill University of Montreal, Canada. Dr. Hink- 
 ley was one of the organizers of the State Veterinary 
 Medical Society, and has always been an active mem- 
 ber of the organization. He was elected secretary of 
 the society, and has held this position for the past six 
 years. He was chosen president of this body at its 
 last election and fills that position at this time. He is 
 also an active member of the United States Veterinary 
 Medical Association, and was appointed an examiner in 
 veterinary medicine for the State of New York by the 
 Regents of the University on July 12, 1895. Dr. Hink- 
 ley was appointed United States Inspector for the Bureau 
 of Animal Industry, for the ports of Buffalo, Niagara, 
 and Charlotte, August i, 1893, and has full charge of 
 this department in this section of the State. He is a 
 recognized authority on all questions in veterinary 
 science, and is universally acknowledged a successful 
 leader in his profession in the United States. He is the 
 proprietor of the well known Buffalo Veterinary Hospital, 
 and is the senior member of the firm of Hinkley & Will- 
 young, one of the best known firms in this branch of 
 professional practice in Western New York. He was 
 recently elected honorary fellow of the Montreal Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Hinkley resides at 467 
 Norwood avenue, with his office at 395 Ellicott street, and his practice as a consulting veterinarian extends 
 far beyond city and State limits. 
 
 EDWIN DUNHAM McHENRY. 
 
 This eminently successful detective, representing the hiternational Detective Bureau in Buffalo, which 
 is the headquarters of the organization, is one of the recognized leaders of his profession in this country. 
 His father was a native of Dundee, Scotland, and came to America at an early age. His mother was a 
 member of the Dunham family, one of the old and eminent families of Charleston, South Carolina. His 
 father served in the Confederate Army as colonel of the Second Virginia regiment, and was a gallant and 
 efficient officer. Three of his sons also fought on the same side, and four other sons who had previously 
 settled in the North, one of them, Colonel J. D. McHenry, commanding the Excelsior Light battery of New 
 York, enlisted in Rhode Island regiments of the Union Army. His father died from wounds in 1864, after 
 having lost an arm at Shiloh. His family consisted of sixteen children, and at the close of the war in 1865, 
 owing to the destruction of his father's plantation, the subject of this notice, who had only attended school 
 for one term, ran away from home, arriving in New York at the age of ten years, where he began life as a 
 newsboy, selling the New York "Herald." While thus engaged he attracted the notice of Captain Charles 
 Brackett and Captain James Chalker, who were associated as special agents of the United States Treasury 
 Department Secret Service, and who had for some time been customers of the young lad, who, seeing the 
 energy and natural intelligence of the boy, employed him in their office as office boy, from which position he 
 
 NELSON P. HINKLEY. 
 
304 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 rapidly advanced, until at the age of sixteen he was sent out as a detective. He remained with these officers 
 until the death of the members of the firm in 1882, within a few months of each other, and the same year 
 the young detective removed to Rhode Island to look for some of his family, and remaining there for some 
 
 time, he was appointed under-sheriff, being the youngest 
 man ever occupying that position, and the first Roman 
 Catholic to hold it in that state. He was also employed 
 as detective in charge of the Manhattan Beach, Brighton 
 Beach, and other railroad lines. 
 
 In -1892, when the Democratic party was defeated, 
 he petitioned for license to practice as private detective, 
 his petition being signed by all the members of the Su- 
 preme Court Bench, including the chief justice of Rhode 
 Island, and by the leading members of the Bar and other 
 prominent citizens, all of whom, with two exceptions, 
 being Republicans, while he was a staunch Democrat. 
 He was employed to work up the defence in the 
 celebrated Graves- Barnaby murder case at Denver, 
 Colorado, and was successful in obtaining sufficient 
 evidence to secure a new trial. He was employed by 
 Hon. Major Coughlin of Fall River, Massachusetts, on 
 behalf of the city in the Borden murder cases. He came 
 to Buffalo in July, 1894, where he was already well 
 known, and where his reputation had preceded him, and 
 established his present office at first in partnership with 
 another detective, but now on his own account, and has 
 been greatly successful. In elections especially his ser- 
 vices are in great demand, and he is a thorn in the side 
 of political floaters. Since coming to Buffalo he has 
 conceived and perfected a system of day protection for 
 banking and other institutions which has been exten- 
 sively adopted, and the value of which has been demon- 
 strated within a few months past. Banks are connected by wire with his office, and if trouble is apprehended 
 a bell in his office is sounded, which rings until shut off on the arrival of the officer at the point of alarm. 
 
 While in New York Mr. McHenry was leader of Tammany organization in the Twenty-second district. 
 He is vice-commander of Emerson Legion No. 50, Select Knights of Buffalo, of which order he is recognized as 
 the patron saint, and in the organization of a marching body of knights recently, it was named McHenry 
 Commandery, in his honor, and he was elected first lieutenant. He joined the Knights of Pythias Com- 
 mandery at Richmond, Virginia, and received all the honors, and is now aifiliated with Buffalo Commandery 
 No. I. He is also a member of the New Jersey State Detective Association. Mr. McHenry was married in 
 1877 to Miss Watson, daughter of Nathaniel H. Watson, of the well-known firm of Watson & Underbill of 
 New York City, and resides in his delightful home. No. 479 Prospect avenue. Mrs. McHenry is well known 
 in musical circles as a lady of rare accomplishments, having taken the highest honors at a musical competition 
 in Florence, Italy, at the age of fourteen years. Mr. McHenry gives to his business his undivided attention; 
 he is a master of every detail of his profession, and enjoys the fullest confidence of all with whom he has 
 been brought into social or business relations. 
 
 EDWIN D. Mchenry. 
 
NIAGARA FALLS 
 
THE AMERICAN FALLS FROM BELOW. 
 
NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 THE universe does not afford its parallel" was written over two centuries ago concerning Niagara 
 Falls, by Father Hennepin, who accompanied La Salle on his famous voyage of exploration, and his 
 opinion has been confirmed by the millions from all parts of the earth who have since that time 
 visited this beautiful cataract. 
 Supplementary to the treaty of 1763 between England and France, Sir William Johnson, commander of 
 the English forces in the Niagara region, called together the Indian warriors, in number about two thousand, 
 principally of the hostile Senecas, and obtained from them the grant to his sovereign, with other lands, of a 
 strip four miles wide on each side of the Niagara river from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, not including the 
 islands, which they ceded to him personally as proof of their regard, and which he, in compliance with the 
 military law of the time, conveyed to the crown. This section, popularly known as the Niagara frontier, is 
 the territory of which, in a sketch by Hon. Peter A. Porter of Niagara Falls, he says : " Through the center 
 of this historic tract, twenty-six miles long and eight miles broad, flows the Niagara river, between whose 
 banks the waters of four great lakes find their way to the ocean ; and through the center of the deepest 
 channel of the river the boundary line between the United States and Great Britain was fixed by the treaty 
 of Ghent in 1816. It was in this region where for centuries the Indians lived, held their councils, waged 
 their inhuman warfare and offered up their human sacrifices. 
 
 " The early French Catholic missionaries crossed the swift current of Niagara river to preach the gospel 
 to the Indian tribes in the wilderness, and here the agents of the company organized by Cardinal Richelieu 
 came with La Salle, to extend the fur trade and to convert the Red men. One of the principal posts was 
 established at the mouth of Niagara river by the French, for trading with the Indians, and for eighty years 
 this region was the most important part of the French domain on the American continent. The English, 
 following after, steadily drove the French before them, and finally deprived the latter entirely of their 
 possession. Shortly afterwards the American Revolution began, and within twenty years after Great 
 Britain had acquired this territory from the French by conquest, England was obliged to recognize the 
 new nation founded by her colonists, and to cede more than one-half of the lands bordering on the Niagara 
 river to the United States." 
 
 The existence of the great cataract of Niagara was doubtless known to the American Indians prior to the 
 discovery of the continent by Columbus. As early as 1535, Jacques Cartier made his second voyage to the 
 St. Lawrence river, and learned from the Indians what they had heard of the Great Lakes, and the great falls 
 between Lakes Huron and Erie. Lescarbot in his "History of New France," published in 1609, mentions this 
 fact in describing the voyage of Cartier, and this is doubtless the first published reference to the region of the 
 Great Lakes and the cataract of Niagara. In his work entitled " Des Sauvages" published six years prior, 
 Champlain mentions a "fall," which is doubtless Niagara, and in his "Voyages," published in 161 3, he locates 
 on the map accompanying the work, a river, which from its location must be the Niagara, and in that river 
 marks a "Sault d'eau" or water-fall. Etinne Brule, interpreter for Champlain, was in that vicinity in 161 5, 
 and may have been the first white man to see the falls. In 1626 Joseph de la Roche Dallion was on the 
 
6 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Niagara river, engaged in missionary work among tiie Neuter Indians. In 1632, in a subsequent edition of 
 his "Voyages," Cliamplain quite accurately locates "a water-fall, very high, at the end of Lake St. Louis 
 (Ontario)." The Jesuit fathers Brebeuf and Chaumonot began their missionary work among the Neuter 
 Indians in 1640. In the "Jesuit Relations," published in 1642, Father L'Allement mentions "the Neuter 
 nation (Onguiaahra) having the same name as the river," and in the volume of the same work published in 
 1649, Fi^tlT^i' Ragueneau speaks of "Lake Erie which is formed by the waters of Lake Huron, and which 
 discharges itself into a third lake, called Ontario, over a cataract of fearful height." In a map of Canada, 
 published in 1657, Sanson correctly locates the lakes, and calls the falls " Ongiara Sault." Le Sieur Gendron 
 in 1660 refers to the falls in the e.xact words of Father Ragueneau, given above. De Creuxius in his " Historia 
 Canadensis" locates the Niagara region, and calls the falls "Ongiara Cataractes." 
 
 In 1669 La Salle made a visit to the Seneca Indians, who lived in what is now Western New York. Fathers 
 Dollier de Casson and Rene Gallinee went with La Salle as far as the western end of Lake Ontario, from 
 which point La Salle returned eastward. Gallinee's account of that journey is the earliest known description 
 of Niagara Falls. He says : " We found a river, one-eighth of a league broad, and e.xtremely rapid, forming an 
 outlet or communication from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. The outlet is forty leagues long and has, from ten to 
 twelve leagues above its embrochure into Lake Ontario, one of the finest falls of water in the world, for all the 
 Indians of whom I have enquired about it, say that the river falls at that place from a rock higher than the 
 tallest pines, that is about three hundred feet. In fact, we heard it from the place where we were, although 
 from ten to twelve leagues distant ; but the fall gives such a momentum to the water that its velocity 
 prevented one ascending the current by rowing, except with great difficulty. At a quarter of a league from 
 the outlet where we were, it grows narrower and its channel is confined between two very high, steep, rocky 
 banks, inducing the belief that navigation would be very difficult quite up to the cataract. As to the river 
 above the falls, the current often sucks into this gulf from a great distance, deer and stags, eik and roebucks, 
 that suffer themselves to be drawn from such a point in crossing the river that they are compelled to descend 
 the falls and are overwhelmed in the frightful abyss. I will leave you to judge if that is not a fine cataract 
 in which all the water of that large river falls from a height of two hundred feet, with a noise that is heard 
 not only at the place where we were, ten or twelve leagues distant, but also from the other side of Lake 
 Ontario." Neither of the writers referred to ever saw the falls. 
 
 In 1678, however. Father Hennepin visited the cataract, and five years later published his first work, 
 " Louisiana," in which he speaks of the Niagara river and of the falls, which he says are five hundred feet high. 
 The name Niagara first appears on Coronelli's map, published in 1688. Three years later Father Le Clercq, in 
 his account of the " Establishment of the Faith in New France," uses the words "Niagara Falls." In 1697, 
 Father Hennepin published his "New Discovery," giving a description of the falls, beginning as follows: 
 " Betwixt the lakes Ontario and Erie there is a vast and prodigious cadence of water, which falls down after 
 a surprising and astonishing manner, insomuch that the universe does not afford its parallel." Farther on in 
 this work he gives their height as six hundred feet, and published the first picture known of Niagara Falls. 
 The two works of Hennepin referred to, and a third entitled "Nouveau Voyage," were translated into almost 
 all the languages of Europe ; and by reason of this, and the publication of the works of Campanius Holm in 
 
 1702, in which he reproduces Hennepin's picture of the falls, and by the works of La Honton, published in 
 
 1703, and later works, Niagara Falls became familiar to Europeans. In 1721 Charlevoix and Borassow, 
 each independently of the other, made accurate measurement of the height of the falls. Hennepin was 
 the first to use the modern spelling, " Niagara," and he was followed by De Nonville, Coronelli and all other 
 French writers since, while English writers did not all adopt this spelling until the middle of the eighteenth 
 century. 
 
 The Neuter nation of Indians occupied all the territory now called the "Niagara Peninsula," the lan'er 
 number of their villages being on the western side of the river. The Indian custom was to give their tribal 
 name to, or take it from, the chief natural feature of the country which they occupied ; hence they were 
 called "Onguiaahra," the same name as the river, as stated by Father Ragueneau. Thirty-nine different 
 ways of spelling the Indian name of the Neuter nation are given in the index volume of the "Colonial History 
 of the State of New York." The most commonly used were "Jagara," "Oneagerah," "Onyoara," 
 "lagara," "Oniagara," "Ochniagara," " Ogniogorah," and those previously given here. After the 
 Senecas had conquered and exterminated the Neuter nation, they adopted that name as nearly as their 
 language would permit ; " Nyah-ga-ah," and is said to mean the "thunder of the waters," while others claim 
 that it signifies "neck," alluding to the connecting link between the two lakes. The language of the 
 Iroquois had no labial sounds, and all their words were pronounced without closing the lips. They seem to 
 
ROCK OF AGES, CAVE OF THE WINDS. 
 
8 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 to have pronounced it " Nyah-ga-rah," and later on " Nee-ah-ga-rah " ; while in the more modern Indian 
 tongue it was " Ni-ah-gah-rah," and hence the name Niagara. 
 
 The Neuter nation regarded the cataract with a feeling of awe and reverence, and considered the Great 
 Spirit of Niagara as the embodiment of religion and power. They often made sacrifices to this divinity. 
 They heard in the thunder of the falls the voice of the Great Spirit, and regularly contributed part of their 
 crops or fruits of the chase to him, and offered human sacrifices on their return from wars forced upon them. 
 The warriors frequently made offerings of their ornaments and weapons, and as an annual offering of good 
 will and gratitude, they sacrificed each spring the fairest maiden of their tribe, sending her over the falls in a 
 white canoe filled with fruits and flowers, and guided by her own hand. The honor of being selected for this 
 sacrifice was eagerly sought by the young women of the race, and the clan to which the one selected belonged 
 held the choice to be one of special honor to itself. This practice, as tradition states, was abandoned because 
 the daughter of the principal chief was selected one year for this annual sacrifice. Her father betrayed no 
 emotion, but on the day fixed, as the white canoe guided by the daughter's hand entered the rapids, another 
 boat shot out swiftly from the bank, followed the same course, and disappeared over the falls a moment after 
 the one bearing his daughter to death. The loss of a chief so beloved was thought to be so serious that the 
 sacrifice was abandoned. A less sentimental, but more plausible reason is given, however : That on the 
 extermination of the Neuter Indians, their conquerors, not having the same belief in the Great Spirit of 
 Niagara, discontinued the custom. The warriors of the Neuter Indians desired to be buried on the banks of 
 the river, as many skeletons exhumed at different points prove ; and the nearer the falls, the greater the 
 honor. Goat Island is said to have been reserved as the burying ground for the chiefs and principal warriors, 
 and the bones of many braves lie in that beautiful place. 
 
 From 1678 to 17159 France laid claim to that part of America now known as Canada, and to the northern 
 part of the United States east of the Mississippi river, including Niagara region, by right of discovery. Her 
 supremacy was swept away, however, by the capture of Quebec and Fort Niagara in 1759 by the English, 
 the fort being the last and most important post of the French fortifications established by them in the vast 
 tract known as Louisiana and her eastern Canadian possessions. From that time, by conquest and occupa- 
 tion, and from 1763 by treaty. Great Britain owned all this territory until 1776, when the Colonies took up 
 arms for independence, which was recognized in 1783, and England relinquished all ownership of that portion 
 of the Niagara region lying east of the river, although Fort Niagara was not given up until after the ratifica- 
 tion of Jay's treaty in 1796, nor were most of the islands in the Niagara river conceded to belong to the 
 United States until the treaty of Ghent in 1816 was concluded. 
 
 On December 6, 1678, La Salle anchored his brigantine in Niagara river, near its mouth, and there built a 
 trading post. Going up the river he built a fort of palisades where Lewiston now stands, and about five 
 miles above the falls, at the mouth of Cayuga creek, on the American side of the river, where the village was 
 built which bears his name, he constructed and launched the Griffin, the first vessel, except Indian canoes, 
 that ever sailed the upper lakes. In 1687, the Marquis de Nonville, returning from his expedition against the 
 Senecas, fortified La Salle's trading post at the mouth of the river, but during the year following it was 
 abandoned. In 1725, it was rebuilt with stone, and has since been maintained. The site of the present 
 village of Lewiston, at the head of navigation on the lower Niagara, named in honor of Governor Lewis of 
 New York, was the commencement of a portage, of which the upper terminus was a mile and a half above 
 the falls, and the road between these points is even now called the " Portage road." The upper end of this 
 portage afterwards became a fort, which was completed in 1750, and was called Fort de Portage, and 
 sometimes Fort Little Niagara; the French built their barracks a short distance below the fort, and both 
 were burned in 1759 by Joncaire, who was in command of the French troops, to prevent their falling into the 
 hands of the victorious English, and he and his men retreated to a station across the river, on Chippewa 
 creek. An old stone chimney, believed to be all that remains of the first stone building erected in that 
 section, still stands, a monument of the early commercial and military events of those days. The English 
 began their decisive campaign against the French in 1759. General Prideaux was in command of the 
 English forces at this point, and collected his troops on the shore of Lake Ontario, east of Fort Niagara. 
 Prideaux demanded the surrender of this fort, and his demand being refused, laid siege to it. He was 
 killed during the siege, and the command devolved on Sir William Johnson, who pushed operations with 
 vigor, and captured the fort before reinforcements for the French, which had been sent from Venango, on 
 Lake Erie, could arrive. Learning of the surrender of the fort as they reached Navy Island, the officer in 
 command of these reinforcements, feeling certain that the two vessels which had carried the troops and 
 ammunition from Chenango would be captured, took the vessels with some smaller ones recently built on 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 9 
 
 Navy Island, to the northern shore of Grand Island and set them on fire. As late as 1850, portions of these 
 vessels were plainly visible under the water in an arm of the river, which from this incident is called "Burnt 
 Ship Bay." 
 
 The place known as " Devil's Hole," about three miles below the falls, is also famous as the site of a 
 terrible massacre. After French rule in America had been entirely crushed out, the old hatred of the English 
 on the part of the Seneca Indians broke out afresh, and induced them to undertake a bloody campaign against 
 the English, encouraged no doubt by French influence. The Indians knew that the English, on a certain day in 
 1763, would send a long train of supplies and ammunition from Fort Niagara to Fort Schlosser, a station built 
 by Captain Joseph Schlosser of the English army in 1761 to replace Fort de Portage, which had been,_ 
 destroyed two years before. At Devil's Hole, at the verge of the precipice, they ambushed the train and 
 destroyed it entirely, forcing both train and escort over the high bank, and killing all but three of the drivers 
 and soldiers. They then cunningly ambushed the relief force, which at the sound of the firing had been 
 sent out from Lewiston, and killed all but eight of these. The same year the treaty between France and 
 England was signed, by which Great Britain became owner of the entire north-eastern part of tbie American 
 continent. 
 
 The Niagara region felt the full burden of the three years' border warfare in the War of 1812, after 
 fortunately escaping the terrors and hardships of the Revolution. In the fall of 1812, shortly after the 
 declaration of war. General Van Rensselaer established his headquarters east of Lewiston, and collected an 
 army for the invasion of Canada. After some delay many of his men reached the Canadian shore and took 
 possession of Queenston Heights. General Brock hastened from Fort George, at the mouth of the river, 
 with English reinforcements, and in an effort to recapture this position was killed. Other reinforcements 
 arriving, the Americans were defeated and dislodged, many of them being forced over the bluff. At the fort 
 of Queenston Heights an inscribed stone was set in place in i85o by the Prince of Wales, with appropriate 
 ceremonies, to the memory of General Brock, on the spot where he fell, and on the heights above, a lofty 
 column was erected as a monument of his country's gratitude. It was blown up in 1840, but was replaced 
 in 1853 by the present imposing shaft. 
 
 In May, 181 3, the Americans captured Fort George and the village of Newark, on the Canadian shore at 
 the mouth of the river. The English abandoned Fort Erie, at the source of the river, and all the store-houses 
 along the river, and, in fact they evacuated the entire frontier. Fort Erie was at once occupied by the 
 Americans. Several minor attacks were made by small parties of English at points on the American side 
 during the year 181 3, one at Black Rock, where the English were badly repulsed, being the most important. 
 In December, 1813, the British assumed the offensive on the Canadian side of the river. General McClure 
 was in command of the American forces at Fort George, and determined to abandon it and cross to Fort 
 Niagara. He blew up Fort George and burned the adjoining village of Newark, the oldest settlement in that 
 part of Canada, and the place where the first Parliament of Upper Canada was held in 1792. Its destruction 
 was to leave no shelter for the enemy. It was a very severe winter, however, and the sufferings of those 
 whose houses were burned were terrible. This destruction of Newark raised a storm of wrath throughout 
 England and the Canadas, and encouraged the English forces to make the greatest efforts to retaliate. 
 Colonel Murray, a few days later, at three o'clock in the morning, surprised and captured Fort Niagara. Many 
 of the ofarrison, including invalids, were bayonetted after all resistance had ceased. The British General 
 Riall, with a force of regulars and Indians, was awaiting at Queenston the signal of success agreed upon, 
 and when the signal was given he hurried them across the river to Lewiston, which was sacked and destroyed 
 despite the resistance of the few Americans in Fort Gray on Lewiston Heights. The British and Indians 
 pushed on to Manchester, and the settlement two miles above and the country for miles around shared the 
 fate of Lewiston, as well as Youngstown, near Fort Niagara. The destruction of the bridge across the creek 
 at Tonawanda saved Buffalo at that time, but not for long. 
 
 The opening of the campaign of 1814 found an American army at Buffalo, and on July 3, Fort Erie 
 surrendered to them. On July 5, after a fierce struggle, they defeated the British in the memorable battle 
 of Chippewa, on the Canadian side two miles above the fall. The British retreated to Queenston, followed 
 by the Americans under General Brown, who intended to attempt the recapture of Fort George, but learning 
 that the expected fleet could not cooperate with him, he changed his plans and returned to Chippewa. 
 General Scott, reconnoitering from this place in the afternoon of July 25, found General Riall with his 
 reinforced army drawn up in line of battle. General Scott, with the hope of soon being reinforced by 
 General Brown's army, immediately gave battle. After the British retreated, the Americans fell back to 
 their camp at Chippewa. 
 
WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS ■ ' 
 
 The battle of Niagara Falls, Lundy's Lane, or Bridgewater, as it is variously called, was claimed as a 
 victory by the British, and is still annually celebrated on the battle-field as such. It was regarded by the 
 Americans as a substantial victory, and the United States Congress voted to Generals Scott, Brown, Porter, 
 Gaines and Ripley, gold medals for their services in this and other engagements of the War of 1812. The 
 American army now returned to Fort Erie, which they strongly fortified, and were besieged there on August 
 3 by the British. On August 14 the British attacked the fort but were finally repulsed. From this time to 
 September 17 cannonading was frequent, and on that date a sortie was made from the fort by the Americans. 
 Lord Napier refers to this sortie as the only instance in modern warfare when a besieging army was totally 
 routed by such a movement. On November 5, 1814, Fort Erie was mined and laid in ruins, and still remains 
 so, a most picturesque and interesting spot. During this war every foot of land, almost, along both banks of 
 the Niagara river was the scene of strife, of victory and defeat of armies, and of heroism of individuals. The 
 treaty of Ghent in 1816 brought peace to the inhabitants along the frontier on both sides of the Niagara. 
 The commissioners appointed under the treaty to fix the boundary line between the United States and 
 Canada, agreed that it should run "through the center of the deepest channel of the Niagara river, and 
 through the point of the Horseshoe Falls." By this decision Grand Island and Goat Island became American 
 soil, and Navy Island became part of the British possessions. 
 
 Prior to 1825, all heavy goods were sent westward by Lake Ontario vessels to Lewiston, and were 
 thence carted over the well-known " Portage road" to Schlosser, and there reloaded into vessels which sailed 
 up Niagara river and into Lake Erie. On October 26, 1825, a cannon announced the opening of the Erie 
 canal, which caused a total suspension of traffic over the old Portage road. In 1826, the first survey and 
 report was made on a project of national importance, to-wit : the building of a ship canal of a capacity large 
 enough to float the largest war-vessels around Niagara Falls, from Lewiston to a point from two to four miles 
 above the cataract. At least four surveys were made by the Government, and some of the most eminent 
 engineers were employed in the work, and the subject was discussed frequently in Congress and by 
 commercial bodies, but the enormous cost prevented favorable action. 
 
 The Niagara region again became the theatre of war in 1837, when the "patriots" undertook to over- 
 turn the government of Canada, and the entire Canadian bank of the Niagara was kept in a ferment for 
 several months ; but, fortunately, a war with England was averted. 
 
 In 1825, IW. M. Noah took steps to reestablish the Jewish nationality on Grand Island. He prepared a 
 corner-stone for this city of refuge, now in possession of the Buffalo Historical Society, with the following 
 inscription, the first two lines being in Hebrew : 
 
 Hear, O Israel ! the Lord Is one God ; 
 
 the Lord Is one. 
 
 ARARAT, 
 
 A City of Refuge for the Jews. Founded by Mordecal Manuel Noah, 
 In the Month of TIsrI, 5586; September, 1825; 
 
 In the Fiftieth Year of American Independence. 
 
 One of the three small buildings at Niagara which escaped the flames in 1814 was a log cabin, thirty or 
 forty feet square, which stood in what is now the center of International block. In 181 5, the late General 
 P. Whitney built a frame addition to the cabin and opened the first hotel' in the village, and from this has 
 grown up the magnificent International hotel. The Eagle tavern was the immediate predecessor of the 
 International, and was for some years conducted by Mr. Hollis White, now deceased. On the opposite side 
 of the street was the home of Judge Porter, a one-and-a-half-story building, to which the General built an 
 addition, and entertained here numerous distinguished guests, among whom were President Monroe, General 
 Lafayette, General Brown, General Scott, and Judge Spencer. The first building erected on the site of the 
 Cataract House was built in 1824. It was about fifty feet square, and was purchased in 1826 by General 
 Whitney, and from it sprung the famous Cataract House of to-day. In 1829 the carriage road from the 
 bank to the ferry on the Canadian side was made. For several years the principal hotel on the Canadian 
 side was the Pavilion, just above Horseshoe Falls. The principal stage-route from Buffalo was on that side 
 of the river ; but after the erection of the Cataract House and the establishment of the stage-route on the 
 American side, the patronage was drawn from the Canadian village to a large extent, and when the first half 
 of the Clifton House was built, the Pavilion was abandoned. A few years later the Ontario House was 
 built, half-way between the village of Clifton and Horseshoe Falls, fronting the latter. The Clifton House 
 was greatly improved in 1865 by Mr. S. Zimmerman, the proprietor : Amusement Hall was added, several 
 
12 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 cottages built, gas was introduced, and the grounds were handsomely graded and adorned. The Museum is 
 located near the site of Table Rock, and contains a valuable collection of over two thousand specimens of the 
 animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms, made by the proprietor, Mr. Thomas Bennett. Table Rock was 
 formerly a^bare projection of rock, fifteen rods long and five rods in width, and extended out over the water 
 a distance of fifty feet. About two miles above is Burning Spring, the water of which is impregnated with 
 sulphuretted hydrogen gas and is in a constant state of ebulition, and when a light is applied the gas burns 
 
 intermittently. 
 
 Lundy's Lane, about one and one-fourth miles from Table Rock, is historic ground where the most 
 bloody battle of the War of 1812 was fought. Here are two pagodas, and from the top of each a com- 
 manding view of the plain is had, with the heights to the north, crowned by Brock's monument, and 
 Buffalo^and Lake Erie to the south-east as background. It was here that the gallant American officer, 
 Colonel Miller, when commanded to take a British battery, modestly replied, " I will try, sir," and promptly 
 accomplished the task. Here also General Porter, with his Indians, broke through the woods on the right 
 
 BRIDGE TO THE FIRST SISTER ISLAND. 
 
 of the British line, just as Miller's men had captured the battery, and assisted in winning the most obstinate 
 and sanguinary battle of the war. When, fifty years later, a banquet was given by the Canadians to sig- 
 nalize the completion of the lower Suspension Bridge, the late Major Woodruff, a British Canadian officer 
 who served during the war, in response to a toast to the late " Colonel Porter, son of General Porter," said 
 in reference to the retreat of the British at the battle of Chippewa, as he turned to Colonel Porter, " Yes, 
 sir, I remember well the moving events of that day, and how sharp he was after me. But, sir, he was 
 balked in his purpose, for, although he v/on the victory, 1 won the race, and so we were even." 
 
 in 1818 a mass of earth and rock 160 feet long and 30 feet wide fell from Table Rock, and in 1828 and 1829 
 two smaller masses became detached and fell into the water below. In April, 1843, a mass of rock and earth 
 fell from Goat Island, and four years later a slide of earth and gravel occurred just north of the Biddle stairs, 
 the whole area being 40 \ 10 feet. The greatest downfall, however, occurred June 25, 1850, the portion 
 falling being solid rock 60 feet wide and 200 feet long, by 100 feet in depth. The noise was like muffled 
 thunder and was heard for miles around. The driver of an omnibus had taken out his horses for their 
 inid-day feed, and was washing his vehicle on the part of the rock which fell. He heard the premonitory 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 '3 
 
 cracking and escaped, but the omnibus was plunged into the surging waters below. On February 7, 1877, 
 an abrasion extended from the water's edge at Table Rock more than half the distance around the curve, 
 about 1500 feet, and the mass varied in width from 50 to 100 feet. The contour of Horseshoe Falls was 
 greatly changed, and within three months another falling away occurred, extending about 200 feet toward 
 Goat Island. The exhibition of water rockets projected high into the air by the settling of these great masses 
 was witnessed for months, and was a spectacle at once grand and awe-inspiring. The winter of 1847-8 was 
 unusually severe, and the ice formed on Lake Erie was very thick. In the early spring it became detached 
 from the shores, and the immense mass was driven down the lake. The wind changed, the great field of ice 
 was turned around so as to fill the outlet of the lake, damming the water back, and on the morning of 
 March 28 the rocks in the bed of the river, far above Goat Island, were left bare. This lasted all day, but 
 during the night everything was restored to its usual grandeur and beauty. The Hermit of the Falls, so 
 called, was Francis Abbott, who came to the village in June, 1829. He was a good-looking young man, 
 eccentric, but harmless. He lived alone in a log hut which had been abandoned, directly across the island 
 from the falls, and in April, 1831, he built a cabin of his own at Point View. In June of that year he was 
 drowned while bathing below the ferry, and his body was found at Fort Niagara and was brought back to 
 the falls and buried in God's Acre there. The three fine bridges uniting Goat Island with the three smaller 
 islands known as the Three Sisters, or Moss Islands, were built in 1858. In tSs-;, several flights of stairs'" 
 were erected, and good paths were made, and in 1845 the double railway track at the ferry was completed. 
 Indian tradition claimed that the great cataract demanded a yearly sacrifice of two human victims, but is not 
 fully borne out by the facts. Almost every year one or more persons have gone to their death, by accident 
 or design, the latter being cases of suicide. 
 
 in'^ 1840 Mr. Charles Ellet erected the first suspension bridge over the chasm below the falls. He 
 offered five dollars to the person who would first get a string across the rapids, and soon afterwards hundreds 
 of kites were in the air, and before night a hoy landed his kite on the Canadian heights and secured the 
 reward. To this cord 
 was attached a small 
 wire cable, seven- 
 eighths of an inch in 
 diameter, and from this 
 was suspended a wire 
 basket with room for 
 two persons to be seat- 
 ed. The basket was 
 attached to an endless 
 rope, which was worked 
 by a windlass on either 
 side. The present mag- 
 nificent railway suspen- 
 sion bridge was built 
 by Mr. John A. Roeb- 
 ling, and was begun in 
 1852, the first locomo- 
 tive crossing it in 1855. 
 it is a splendid speci- 
 men of modern engi- 
 neering, combining the 
 tubular system with the 
 cables. It is supported 
 by two large cables on 
 each side, one above 
 the other : each is ten 
 
 inches in diameter and is composed of seven strands, each of which contains 520 No. 9 wires. These wires 
 were boiled three times in linseed oil, giving them a coating and great adhesive power. There are fifty-six 
 under-stays or wire guys fastened to the rock below, and the depression caused by the weight of an ordinary 
 train of cars is five inches. Five miles below, on the American side of the river, is De Veaux College, a 
 
 IRON BASKET USED TO CARRY PASSENGERS ACROSS THE NIAGARA RIVER BY CABLE IN 1848. 
 
14 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 M - '^'~"' 
 
 noble charity endowed by the late Samuel Deveaux, who died in 1852. its prime o,r)ject is the education of 
 orphan boys, but other pupils, paying for tuition, are received. The principal sourpe of revenue consists of 
 the amounts paid for admission to the whirlpool. The suspension bridge near Lewiston was built in 1856 by 
 Mr. T. E. Serrel. It was partially destroyed by the ice in i865, and was shortly restored, and in the same 
 year was destroyed by a gale. The new suspension bridge was built in 1868. It is a graceful structure, 
 1200 feet long, and, after Brooklyn bridge, the largest in the, world^ and is 190 feet above the water. 
 _^ — In 1858, Blondin carried a man on his back over a 'vwe ^stretched across the chasm, trundled a wheel- 
 barrow, and walked across in ;\.sack. He made a special trip on the occasion of a visit of the Prince of Wales 
 in i860, at which time the Prince shook hands with him- and commended his courage and nerve. Blondin 
 successfully continued these mid-air journeys at intervals for three years, with profit. The illumination of 
 the falls in honor of the Prince of Wales was a notable occasion. Calcium, volcanic, and torpedo lights on 
 the banks and at the water's edge were lighted simultaneously, and the air was filled with fireworks, giving 
 a display which is indescribable. In 1879, when the Marquis of Lome and Princess Louise visited the falls, 
 an electrical illumination was made, the lights equaling 32,000 candle-power. 
 
 The grandeur of the falls has been told in verse a hundred times, and a few extracts are here given, from 
 the numerous descriptions of the sublime spectacle by poets. During a visit to the cataract Mrs. Sigourney 
 wrote " An Apostrophe to Niagara," from which the following lines were selected : 
 
 Flow on forever in thy glorious robe of terror and of beauty. 
 God has set His rainbow on thy forehead, and the clouds 
 Mantled around thy feet. And He doth give thy voice of thunder 
 Power to speak of Him eternally, bidding the lips of man 
 Keep silence, and upon thy rocky altars pour 
 Incense of awe-struck praise. 
 
 The following extract is taken from a translation by William Cullen Bryant, of a poem in Spanish by 
 Jose Maria Heredia, written after a visit to the falls : 
 
 Tremendous current, for an instant hush 
 
 The terrors of thy voice, and cast aside those wide-involving 
 
 Shadows, that my eyes may see the fearful beauty of thy face. 
 
 Thou flowest on in quiet, till thy waves grow broken midst thy rocks : 
 
 Thy current then shoots onward like the irresistable course of 
 
 Destiny. Ah, terrible thy rage, 
 
 The hoarse and rapid whirlpools there I 
 
 My brain grows wild, my senses wonder, as I gaze upon thy hurrying 
 
 Waters, and my sight vainly would follow, as toward the verge 
 
 Sweeps the wide torrent. Waves innumerable meet there and madden. 
 
 Waves innumerable urge on and overtake the waves before, and disappear 
 
 In thunder and in foam. They reach, they leap the barrier, the 
 
 Abyss swallows insatiable the sinking waves. 
 
 A thousand rainbows arch them, and woods are deafened with the roar. 
 
 The violent shock shatters to vapor the descending sheets. 
 
 A cloudy whirlwind fills the gulf and heaves the mighty pyramid 
 
 Of circling mist to heaven. 
 
 The Lord hath opened His omnipotent hand, 
 Covered thy face with clouds, and given His voice 
 To thy down-rushing waters ; He hath girt 
 Thy terrible forehead with His radiant bow. 
 1 see thy never-resting waters run. 
 And 1 bethink me how the tide of time 
 Sweeps to eternity. 
 
 The following e.xtract from a lyric written by Mr. A. S. Ripley of Baltimore, portrays the grandeur of 
 this wondrous cataract more graphically than prose could do, unless from the pen of a master of "descriptive 
 art : 
 
 Amazement, terror, fill. 
 
 Impress, and overcome the gazer's soul. 
 
 Words may not picture thee, nor pencil paint 
 Thy mighty waters, volumed, vast, and deep ; 
 
THE HORSESHOE FALLS FROM BELOW. 
 
l6 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Tliy mniiy-toned and all-pervading voice ; 
 
 Thy wood-crowned isle, fast-anchored on the hriiik 
 
 Of the dread precipice ; thy double stream, 
 
 Divided, yet in beauty unimpaired ; 
 
 Thy wat'ry caverns and thy crystal walls. 
 
 Thy crest of sunlight and thy depth of shade, 
 
 Boiling and seething like a Phlegathon 
 
 Amid the wind-swept and involving spray ; 
 
 Steady as faith and beautiful as hope. 
 
 Then, of beam and cloud the fair creation, 
 
 The rainbow arches its etherial hues. 
 
 From flint and granite in conipacture strong, 
 
 Not with steel thrice-hardened, but with the wave, 
 
 Soft and translucent, did the new-born Time 
 
 Chisel thy altars. 
 
 Here hast thou ever poured 
 
 Earth's grand libation to eternity ; 
 
 Thy misty incense rising unto God, 
 
 The God that was, and is, and is to be. 
 
 The effect of the first sight of Niagara on one poet, at least, did not inspire his Pegasus, judging from 
 the brevity of his lines, as well as the fact stated : 
 
 I came to see ■, 
 
 I thought to write ; 
 
 I am but — dumb. 
 
 Tlie following lines, written by the late Colonel Porter in the album of a lady relative, in humorous 
 explanation of a sketch this artist, poet, and distinguished soldier had made at the top of the page, constitute 
 a refreshing change from the solemn blank verse which goes before. Colonel Porter's verses are pro- 
 nounced by competent critics to be the most pleasing lines ever written on tile subject : 
 
 An artist, underneath his sign — a masterpiece, of course — 
 Had written, to prevent mistakes, " This represents a horse." 
 So, ere I send my album-sketch, lest connoisseur should err, 
 I think it well my pen should he my art's interpreter. 
 
 A chieftain of the Iroquois, clad in a bison's skin. 
 Had led two travelers through the wood— La Salle and Hennepin. 
 He points, and then they, standing, gaze on the ceaseless flow 
 Of waters falling, as they fell two hundred years ago. 
 
 Those three are gone, and little heed our worldly gain or loss. 
 The chief, the soldier of the sword, the soldier of the cross. 
 One died in battle, one in bed, and one by secret foe ; 
 But the waters fall, as once they fell, two hundred years ago. 
 
 Ah me, what myriads of men since then have come and gone ; 
 What states have risen and decayed ; what prizes lost and won ; 
 What varied tricks the juggler. Time, has played with all below ; 
 But the waters fall as once they fell, two hundred years ago. 
 
 What troops of tourists have encamped upon the river brink ; 
 What poets shed, from countless quills, Niagaras of ink ; 
 What artist armies tried to fix the evanescent bow 
 Of the waters falling as they fell two hundred years ago. 
 
 And stately inns feed scores of guests from well-replenished larder, 
 And hackmen drive their horses hard, but drive a bargain harder. 
 And screaming locomotives rush in anger to and fro ; 
 But the waters fail as once they fell, two hundred years ago. 
 
 And brides of every age and clime frequent the island bower. 
 And gaze from off the stone-built perch, hence called the Bridal Tower, 
 And many a lunar belle goes forth to meet a lunar beau. 
 By the waters falling as they fell two hundred years ago. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS i? 
 
 And bridges bind thy breast, O stream ! and buzzing mill-wheels turn 
 To show, like Samson, thou art forced thy daily bread to earn. 
 And steamers plash thy milk-white waves, exulting as they go ; 
 But the waters fall as once they fell, two hundred years ago. 
 
 Thy hanks no longer are the same that early trav'lers found them. 
 But break and crumble now and then, like other banks around them. 
 And on the verge our life sweeps on, alternate joy and woe ; 
 But the waters fall as once they fell, two hundred years ago. 
 
 Thus phantoms of a by-gone age have melted like the spray. 
 And, in our turn, we, too, shall pass, the phantoms of a day ; 
 But the armies of the coming time shall watch the ceaseless flow 
 Of the waters falling as they fell two hundred years ago. 
 
 Some humorous writer penned the following, showing at least ojie exception to the rule that all observe 
 the falls from a sentimental, rather than a practical standpoint: 
 
 To view Niagara Falls one day, 
 
 A parson and a tailor took their way. 
 
 The parson cried, while rapt in wonder. 
 
 And, listening to the cataract's thunder : 
 " Lord ! how Thy works amaze my eyes. 
 
 And fill our hearts with vast surprise." 
 
 The tailor merely made this note : 
 " Lord! what a place to sponge a coat." 
 
 Scarcely less wonderful than the cataract itself is the turmoil of waters for miles below, supplementing 
 scenes of grandeur and magnificence indescribably and awfully imposing. Inspired by the feelings natural to 
 the poet on viewing this sublime work of creation, one of them has written : 
 
 Oh, may the waves which madden in thy deep. 
 There spend their rage, nor climb the encircling steep ; 
 And till the conflict of thy surges cease. 
 The nations on thy banks repose in peace. 
 
 Winter but adds to the wondrous grandeur of the spectacle. The frozen spray on every limb and twig, 
 on every rigid stem and tendril of the vines, on every stiffened blade of grass is covered with a frosty bloom, 
 than which nothing more fanciful nor more beautiful can be imagined, and even fairy-land as painted by the 
 fancy of the most gifted writers cannot equal the reality, hi this instance at least "truth is stranger than 
 fiction." After years spent in surveying and laying out large tracts of land in Western New York, and in 
 the western reserve of, Ohio,, Judge Porter removed with his family to Niagara Falls in June, 1806, and lived 
 their until his death,, nearlyfifty years afterwards. His brother. General Porter, came to the Falls in 1838 
 from Black Rock, and the two brothers were interested in the purchase from New York State of four lots in 
 the " mile strip," both above and below the falls, and a few years later they became the sole proprietors. 
 In i8i4they had become the owners of Goat Island, and adjoining islands in the Niagara river, and by the 
 treaty of Ghent, December 24, i8i5, these islands became territory of the United States. On Goat Island 
 was found the date " 1643" carved in a rock, and human bones and arrow heads were also found. 
 
 In 1817 Judge Porter built the first bridge from the main-land to Goat Island, but the same winter it was 
 swept away ; the following year another was built, which stood until 1856, when the present substantial iron 
 bridge was erected. The strong, round tower, called Terrapin Tower, and which stood near Goat Island, 
 was built in 1833. It was forty-five feet high and twelve feet in diameter at the base. In 1873 it was taken 
 down, owing to fears of its insecurity. The Biddle Staircase, named after Mr. Biddle of Philadelphia, who 
 contributed a sum of money toward its construction, was erected in 1829. Near the foot of these stairs Sam 
 Patch set up a ladder one hundred feet high, from which he made two leaps into the water below. Going 
 thence to Rochester, he made his last leap, a leap to death, near the Genesee Falls. In the fall of 1827 the 
 ship Michigan, having been condemned as unseaworthy, was sent over the falls. The hand-bills announcing 
 the event were very sensational, proclaiming that "the Pirate Michigan, with a cargo of furious animals " 
 would " pass the great rapids and the falls of Niagara " on the "eighth of September, 1827." Entertainment 
 was promised " for all who may visit the falls on this occasion, which will, for its novelty and the remarkable 
 spectacle it will present, be unequaled in the annals of infernal navigation." In 1841, the Detroit, of five 
 
i8 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 hundred tons burden, one of the vessels of Commodore Perry's victorious fleet, was condemned, the event 
 being witnessed by a large concourse of people. It stuck fast on a bar in the rapids and remained there until 
 it was pounded to pieces by the ice. The navigation of the rapids was inaugurated by Joel R. Robinson, a 
 remarkable man, who had no rival in his day and who left no successor. He saved many persons who were 
 considered hopelessly lost in the rapids. In 1846, a small steamer named Maid of the Mist was built in the 
 eddy below the falls, just above the railway suspension bridge, to run up to the cataract. Her engine was 
 not sufficiently powerful, but she made the trips successfully except in a financial way. In 1854 a larger and 
 better boat was built, called New Maid of the Mist. Robinson was captain and pilot of this vessel. It was 
 not a financial success, and was sold at half its cos't, to be delivered at Niagara, opposite Fort Niagara. 
 Robinson undertook to pilot the vessel down the river, and a large number of spectators were gathered to 
 witness the passage of the boat through the rapids. It started on the dangerous voyage June 15, 1867, and 
 the smokestack was carried away and the vessel listed badly in the beginning of its journey. After reaching 
 the whirlpool the boat showed an even keel, and the first voyage through this rapids was successfully made. 
 
 THE WHIRLPOOL, AMERICAN SIDE. 
 
 The fall Of a large part of Table Rock, June 25, 1850, reduced that famous feature to a narrow bench alona 
 tile bank. " 
 
 On July 4 1857, an excursion from Buffalo to Niagara Falls was made on the occasion of the practical 
 completion of the hydraulic canal, on the Qgnet, the first steam vessel that ever landed within the corporate 
 
 li in d^Z'-'f N '' ''' "''"'"''• "^'"^ ^""'"' ''-'' ^^'"■''"^^-■-l in '861. public meetings were 
 
 held n all pa ts of Niagara county, and in seven days five companies were organized and became pait of the 
 Twenty-eighth New York Volunteers. This regiment took part in the battle of Cedar Mountain where it 
 was distinguished by a daring charge and hard fighting, and the bravery of the men at Antietam was 
 
 ouJTm. f li'^f 'T' "'7' i"' ^'^^'"-"---""^ the regiment lost seventy-eight men, and was mustered 
 out in May, 1863. \n an after-dinner speech on September 25, 1878, before the artists of Toronto Lord 
 Dufferin Governor General of Canada, first publicly suggested the creation of an international \^^ \Z 
 lands taken from both sides of the river, adjacent to the falls. The matter was referred to the le. slatu e 
 New York by Governor Robinson in his annual message, but the object was not attained at that t m fo 
 economical reasons. The first railroad in Niagara county was the Lockport & Niagara road, comm need 1 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 19 
 
 1835 and abandoned in 1850. In 1836, the Buffalo & Niagara Falls road was begun, and on May 7, 1853, 
 was consolidated with other roads to form the New York Central. The Lockport & Tonawanda branch 
 was built in 1852, and the Canandaigua & Niagara Falls Railroad was constructed the same year. The 
 Suspension Bridge & Erie Junction branch of the Erie Railway, from Buffalo to Suspension Bridge, was 
 constructed in 1870-1. In 1852 the Niagara Falls & Lake Ontario road was begun, and shortly after its 
 completion in 1855 it was abandoned. The Lake Ontario Shore Railroad was begun in 1876, and the first 
 passenger train ran over its western section June 12, 1876. The Cataract mill, the first established on the 
 hydraulic canal, was erected by Charles B. Gaskill in 1874, and the capacity of the mill is now seven hun- 
 dred barrels- of tlour per day. The erection of the flouring mill of Schoellkopf & Mathews was commenced in 
 1877, and started with twent\-two run of stone. In 1881, it was remodeled and rollers introduced, and the 
 product was increased to two thousand barrels per day. The Niagara Wood Paper Company erected a mill 
 for the manufacture of wood pulp, and a second mill was soon after erected by John F. Quigley ; a third 
 was subsequently built and became the property of the Cataract Manufacturing Company. The business of 
 
 THE WHIRLPOOL FROM CANADA SIDE. 
 
 the Brush Electric Light and Power Company was organized at Niagara Falls in 1881, and it now furnishes 
 light to Suspension Bridge and for several miles along the Canada shore. The Niagara Falls Brewing Com- 
 pany is another great industry here, and also the Philpott & Leuppie machine shop in the center of the mill 
 district. The water-power of the hydraulic canal was first used in 1875. The value of imports into the 
 Niagara district from Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and other points in the northwest, aggregate over 
 ^4,000,000 per annum in value. 
 
 Suspension Bridge, the village now known by this name, was first called Bellevue, and was incorporated 
 as Niagara City June 8, 1854. The United States Custom House is located here. 
 
 Ten years ago (1885) the State of New York purchased the islands in Niagara river and the land 
 forming the American shore, in all 107 acres, and the scenery adjoining the cataract has since undergone a 
 marvelous change, and every year adds to the charming prospect. Twenty years ago every foot of both 
 shores of the river was occupied and not a view of the falls was to be obtained e.xcept for pay. Unsightly 
 mills defaced the islands ; the Cataract House extended to the verge of the American rapids, and the rear 
 view of numerous factories, shops and houses greatly marred the American shore. There was no protection 
 
20 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 at the edge of the American falls except a broad railing, and danger attended the adventurous tourist who 
 desired to^obtain a close view of the cataract ; and the expenses of numerous entrance fees, carriage hire, 
 bridge tolls, and other extortionate charges, greatly detracted from the pleasure of the visit. All is now 
 changed. Every object that marred the scene and every obstruction to the view is removed, and every 
 convenience is provided at the least possible cost, making the island and shores free. The introduction of 
 electric cars has eliminated the extortionate charges of hackmen, and every point on the American side may 
 now be reached on foot, and street cars carry passengers to all parts of the city for five cents. The reclaim- 
 ing and parking of Niagara river and falls has cost the State of New York nearly $1,500,000; the price paid 
 for the land taken alone being $1,443,429.50, and many appropi'iations for improvements have since been 
 made by the State Legislature; the bridge and incline railway charges realize a yearly income of $12,500 to 
 the State, the Park Commissioners having turned into the State treasury nearly $75,000 in the past eight 
 years. 
 
 Under the policy of improvement, both on the American and the Canadian side of the river, the sur- 
 roundings of the falls are vastly more beautiful than ever before. Government ownership of natural scenery, 
 an experimental departure in state policy ten years ago, has proven a grand success. To-day the visitors 
 can stroll across a beautiful lawn over a well-shaded walk beside the canal, once a disfiguring tail race for 
 mills, but now a delightful feature in the landscape. It is spanned by a rustic stone arch leading to Willow 
 Island. The toll-gates have disappeared, and one is not now charged fifty cents at the entrance to Bath Island 
 bridge. A stone-arch bridge has replaced an insecure and unsightly wooden structure to Luna Island, and 
 new driveways and many other improvements are to be noted on every hand on Goat Island. On the 
 memorable day that the park was opened, ten years ago, 810 car-loads of visitors were brought to the falls 
 and every summer since numerous excursions have brought vast crowds to the place. In the season of 1893, 
 during the World's Fair, half a million persons visited the cataract, and more than half the number were 
 excursionists. The year following the number was still greater. One of the most popular features to visitors 
 is the Wagonette service which affords every one an opportunity to see every point of interest for twenty- 
 five cents. 
 
 The New Niagara wonderfully inspires the visitor, and since the consolidation with Suspension 
 Bridge and incorporation as a city, its metropolitan features have been greatly enhanced. Falls street from 
 the New York Central depot to Prospect park, and Main street, on which the imposing Cataract and hiter- 
 national hotels are situate, are paved with asphalt. Handsome new business blocks with all the modern 
 conveniences have been erected, and the Suspension Bridge section has also been improved to a wonderful 
 degree. The schools, churches, and residence section have kept even pace with the rest of the city in this 
 regard, and the village aspect of a decade since has entirely passed away. The Canadians were the first 
 in the field with electricity at the Falls. In January, 1893, the electric road between Lakes Erie and Ontario 
 was begun, and was opened in June of that year. The success of the enterprise was wonderful from its 
 beginning. The cost to this time has been a million dollars, and in 1884 seven hundred thousand passengers 
 were carried over the line, a distance of fourteen miles, a second track being laid that year. The circuitous 
 route of this line presents a magnificent view at every one of its numerous turns, the road at no point being 
 more than sixty feet from the abyss, and a visit to the Falls is not regarded as complete without a view of 
 the grand natural panorama between Chippewa and Queenston. The return trip to Chippewa affords a 
 succession of magnificent views that no other resort on the American continent can boast. It passes in full 
 view of the three great suspension bridges, the bridal veils, the mouth of the great tunnel, the American and 
 Canadian falls, and through Queen Victoria's Park to a point above the rapids. The famous Cataract 
 House still retains its supremacy as the leading fashionable hotel of the city and has held its prestige to 
 the present. The New International hotel is another evidence of the wonderful transformation at this 
 grand resort. It was built originally before the Civil War, and even then was a most imposing and popular 
 hotel. During the past few years it has been greatly improved and is almost entirely a new building. It 
 occupies an entire block. 
 
 After years of labor devoted to the work of harnessing the falls, the Cataract Construction Company 
 has solved the problem of utilizing the power of Niagara by practical work, and has made the dreams of 
 eminent engineers for centuries back a grand reality. Now visitors to the cataract have realized the "sense 
 of power" exerted by Niagara river, representing 275,000 cubic feet of water per second, falling fifty-five 
 feet within half a mile of the point where it plunges 165 feet more into the lower river. In the grandeur of 
 the scene the multitute has failed to consider that the pov/er developed here equals the latent power of all 
 the coal mined in the world — 200,000 tons per day. Professor William C. Unwin, one of the most famous 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 21 
 
 engineers, authors, and teachers of engineering science in England, has calculated that the falls of Niagara 
 represent theoretically seven million horse-power, and for practical purposes, without diminution of the 
 natural beauty to any appreciable extent, several hundreds of thousands of horse-power. 
 
 The utilizing for industrial purposes of some part of this enormous power has been considered from the 
 early part of the eighteenth century, and the name of Manchester was given to the place by the pioneers 
 who contemplated, through the reduction of this force -to practical uses, the growth of the settlement to a 
 great manufacturing center. The idea was to a degree exploited, but steam, before any system had been 
 adopted, had attained such a hold on popular favor that water-power fell in general esteem, anci the use of 
 some of the water-powers was discontinued. In view of the obvious advantages of the use of a part of this 
 force, Augustus Porter, one of the leading land owners at Niagara, proposed in 1842 an extension of the 
 
 NIAGARA POWER TUNNEL. 
 
 system of canals then used, and in January of that year, with Peter Emslie, a civil engineer of prominence, 
 published a formal plan which was made the subject of negotiations with Walter Bryant and Caleb S. 
 Woodhull, formerly mayor of New York City. An agreement between these enterprising men was reached 
 providing for the construction of a canal one hundred feet in width, but after various interruptions their 
 successor, Horace H. Day, completed a canal thirty-five feet wide, eight feet deep, and four thousand four 
 hundred feet in length, by which the water from the upper Niagara river was collected in a reservoir on the 
 hiffh bluff below the falls, 214 feet above the water of the river; and in 1855 the available capacity of the 
 canal in use was about ten thousand horse-power. In that year Thomas Evershed, an old, experienced 
 engineer engaged in the service of the State, came to Niagara. After a conference with Mr. Evershed, Captain 
 Charles B. Gaskill, the first person to use the power of the hydraulic canal, with seven other prominent 
 citizens, obtained a charter from the Legislature of New York, passed March 31, 1886, which by subsequent 
 acts has been amended and enlarged. Mr. Evershed issued his first formal plan and estimate, which was 
 described and discussed in Appleton's Cyclopaedia for 1887, calling forth most adverse criticism and objections 
 almost innumerable which, in the light of subsequent successful achievement, have been fully answered. To 
 convince capitalists that it would be commercially profitable to complete the development of Mr. Evershed's 
 plans required three years. It was demonstrated that the capacity of the proposed tunnel would he about 
 120,000 horse-power, exceeding the theoretical horse-power of Lawrence, Lowell, Holyoke, Turner's Falls, 
 Manchester, Windsor Locks, Bellows' Falls, and Cohoes; that it would largely exceed the actual developed 
 power of al'l of these places and Augusta, Paterson, and Minneapolis in addition, representing more than 
 a third of the power of all the water-wheels in use in the United States in 1880. 
 
 The advantaoes of Niagara Falls as a locality were fully shown, and the question whether water-power 
 could be used in° competition with steam was then discussed ; after careful consideration the Niagara Falls 
 Power Company concluded that 24-hour steam horse-power is not produced anywhere in the world for 
 less than ^24 per annum and that the cost of fuel represents but one-half the total cost. These considera- 
 tions led to the organization of the Cataract Construction Company in 1889, which was the outgrowth of the 
 zealous interest taken in the matter by the following gentlemen : William B. Rankine, Francis Lynde 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 23 
 
 Stetson, J. Pierpont Morgan, Hamilton McK. Tvvomhiy, Edward A. Wickes, Morris K. Jessup, Darius Ogden 
 Mills, Charles F. Clark, Edward D. Adams, Charles Lanier, A, J. Forbes-Leith, Walter Howe, John 
 Crosby Brown, Frederick W. Whitridge, William K. Vanderbiit, George S. Bowdoin, Joseph Larocque, 
 Charles A. Sweet of Buffalo, and John Jacob Astor, most of whom have been officers of the company ; and 
 while ail have been earnest and energetic in behalf of the great undertaking, the organization and the direc- 
 tion of the momentous affairs of the corporation have, from the first, engaged the intelligent attention, and 
 that continuously, of the president, Mr. Edward D. Adams. The company retained the services of Dr. 
 Coleman Sellers of Philadelphia as general consulting engineer, and Mr. Clemens Herschel of Holyoke 
 was engaged as hydraulic engineer. The plan finally determined upon comprised a surface canal, 250 
 feet in width at its mouth on the river a mile and a quarter above the falls, extending inwardly 1700 feet, 
 with an average depth of 12 feet, serving water sufficient for the development of about 120,000 horse-power. 
 The walls of this canal, which are of solid masonry, are pierced at intervals with inlets, guarded by gates. 
 Some are used to deliver water to tenants putting in their own wheels and wheel-pits, and ten inlets are 
 arranged on one side of the canal to permit delivery of the water to the wheel-pit under the power-house, 
 where dynamos placed at the top of the turbine shafts generate electricity for transmission to near and distant 
 points. This wheel-pit is 178 feet in depth, and is connected with the main tunnel serving the purpose of a 
 tail-race 7000 feet in length, with a slope of six feet to the 1000 feet. 
 
 The tunnel has a maximum height of 21 feet and a width of 18 feet 10 inches, making a net section of 
 386 square feet. The slope is such that a chip thrown into the water at the wheel-pit will pass out of the 
 portal in three and one-half minutes, showing the velocity of the water to be 2634 feet per second, or 
 almost 20 miles per hour. Over 1000 men were engaged in the construction of this tunnel for more than 
 three years. Over 300,000 tons of rock were removed, and more than 16,000,000 bricks were used for 
 lining the tunnel. The most careful consideration was given to the subject of the turbines to be used, and 
 also to the question of power transmission. In the winter of 1890, Mr. Adams, while in Europe, conceived 
 the idea of obtaining information as to results obtained by engineers and manufacturers, not yet published, 
 and in pursuance of this suggestion an International Niagara Commission was established in London in 
 June, 1890, with power to offer ^22,000 in prizes. The Commission consisted of Sir William Thomson 
 (now Lord Kelvin) as chairman, with Dr. Coleman Sellers of Philadelphia, Lieutenant Colonel Theodore 
 Turretini of Geneva, Switzerland (the originator and engineer of the great water-power installation on the 
 Rhone), and Professor E. Mascart of the College of France, as members, and Professor William Cawthorne, 
 Union, Dean of the Central Institute of the Guilds of the City of London, as secretary. Inquiries concern- 
 ing the best-known methods of development and transmission of power in England, France, Switzerland, 
 and Italy were made, and competitive plans were received from twenty carefully selected engineers, manu- 
 facturers of power in England and the Continent of Europe, and America. All of the plans were submitted 
 to the commission at London on or before January ist, 1891, and prizes were awarded to those considered 
 worthy by the Commission. The first important result was the selection of the designs of Faesch and 
 Piccard, of Geneva, for turbines calculated to yield 5000 horse-power each, and three of these wheels were 
 built from these designs by the L P. Morris Company of Philadelphia, and are now in place. The question 
 of turbines having been disposed of, the problem of transmission of power remained for solution. Engineers 
 of the company were sent to different parts of Europe and America to examine and report on the various 
 methods in use. The device of wire ropes was investigated, and was found impracticable in localities 
 affected by cold or frost. The second system examined was that used on a scale of great proportions at 
 Geneva, Switzerland; viz., hydraulic transmission of hydraulic power through pipes. While this was 
 found to work admirably, it was already, in 1890, demonstrated that it was not equal to electrical trans- 
 mission, and electricity is now being substituted there for the hydraulic method, under the direction of 
 Colonel Turretini, who acted as foreign consulting hydraulic engineer for the Niagara company. The third 
 system was the pneumatic, which had been used to a great extent in Paris, according to the plans of Mr. 
 Popp, under the observation of that eminent engineer. Professor Riedler. Large steam-power plants were 
 established at Belleville, nearly seven miles from Paris, and, by the use of compressors, over 7000 horse- 
 power was distributed throughout the city, operating over 30,000 pneumatic clocks in hotels and residences, 
 supplying refrigeration for meats in the Bourse de Commerce, and for electric lighting. The system of 
 pneumatic transmission of Sturgeon & Lupton in Birmingham, and that used at Iron Mountain, in Michigan, 
 were also critically examined. 
 
 The prize for a plan of distribution of power pneumatically was awarded to the Norwalk Iron Works 
 Company of Connecticut. A most interesting debate was conducted in September, 1890, between Professor 
 
24 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Reider, in behalf of compressed-air transmission of power, and Mr. Ferranti, in favor of electricity, the 
 latter contending that electricity was especially adapted to the transmission of great quantities of power to 
 distant points. Subsequent experiments tended to confirm this statement, Mr. Nikola Tesia agreeing that, 
 if the Niagara company would put 100,000 horse-power upon wires, he would deliver it at commercial 
 profit in New York City, and the company in 1890 determined to adopt the electrical system. The dynamos 
 employed were adopted under the advice of the company's electrical engineer, Professor George Forbes of 
 London. In these the field magnets revolve instead of the armature, and three such dynamos of 5000 
 horse-power each, were made by the Westinghouse Company of Pittsburg. The great work has now been 
 completed, and the grand promise of those who wrought out the great problem has reached a glorious fulfill- 
 ment. The transmission to Buffalo of power developed at Niagara Falls is a fact determined, and it is only 
 a question of time when the transmission of a large proportion of the great cataract's power to New York 
 and Chicago will be effected. 
 
 In this great work 600,000 tons of material were removed, 16,000,000 bricks, 19,000,000 feet of lumber 
 and timber were used, besides 60,000 cubic yards of stone; and 55,000 barrels of Giant American Portland 
 cement, 12,000 barrels of natural cement, and 26,000 cubic yards of sand were used ; and Niagara's 
 centuries of idle splashing must now be atoned for by useful service. 
 
 The village of Niagara Falls was incorporated July 6, 1848, and was consolidated with Suspension Bridge 
 and incorporated as a city March 17, 1892. The first mayor was George W. Wright, who was succeeded in 
 1894 by Captain M. B. Butler,'and he in turn by the present incumbent, Hon. Obadiah W. Cutler, in 1895-6. 
 S. F. Arkush is now city clerk, and Burt Bellinger is his assistant. The city treasurer is Cornelius F. 
 Kanavan ; Morris Cohen, jr., city attorney ; Willett W. Reed, city engineer; William F- Sheely, superinten- 
 dent of streets; Charles H. Piper, police justice; Konrad Fink, Henry J. Delmage and Thomas J. Smith, 
 assessors ; Henry F. McBride, overseer of the poor. 
 
 The city is divided into four wards, each of which is represented by two members on the Board of 
 Aldermen. The composition of the board at this time is as follows : First ward, James J. Mahoney and 
 James W. Kanavan; Second ward, Francis W. Belden and Thomas O'Reilly; Third ward, John Wagner 
 and Frederick Hartman ; Fourth ward, James J. Mahoney and Michael P- Maloney. 
 
 The Board of Health is composed as follows : James H. Meehan, health officer ; James Martin, Frank E. 
 Fames, Jacob J. Stucker, Dr. J. W. Sutherland, Andrew J. Hamlin, Daniel Kline and Henry Smith. 
 
 The Board of Public Works consists of the Mayor, president ex-offkio ; J. C. Morgan, John Lennon, 
 Arthur Schoellkopf, M. B. Butler. 
 
 Examining and Supervising Board of Plumbers and Plumbing : F. W. Oliver, president ; W. W. Edwards, 
 secretary and treasurer ; S. F. Arkush, clerk. 
 
 Board of Education: J. F. Trott, president; N. L. Benham, superintendent and clerk; S. B. Eshelman, 
 truant officer ; Charles B. Gaskill, James E. Rock, John M. Hancock, Joseph G. Gruhler, J. Elmer Passage, 
 Daniel Durnin, Hans Neilson, Eugene Laurier. 
 
 Police Department: William Dinan, chief of police. Police station No. i, 209 Niagara street; Police 
 station No. 2, 912 Niagara avenue. 
 
 Fire Department : Thomas J. Walker, chief engineer ; Herman C. Hertel, first assistant ; Harry Emerv, 
 second assistant ; William C. Edwards, secretary and treasurer. The fire wardens, one from each ward, 
 are: First ward. Otto Utz ; Second ward, James Lane ; Third ward, Gayton H. Swan ; Fourth ward, O. R. 
 Sackett. The superintendent of the Fire Alarm system is Martin J. Donohue. Ten men belonging to the 
 paid fire department are distributed among the twelve volunteer fire companies in the city. These com- 
 panies and the location of the houses are as follows : Active Hose Company No. 6, 21 16 Main street ; Henry 
 H. Hoffman, foreman. Bellevue Hose Company No. 4, New Fire Hall, Niagara avenue ; A. C. Schumacher, 
 foreman. Cataract Hose Company No. i. Second street, corner Niagara street ; J. W. McGarigle, foreman. 
 Emerald Hose Company, Fairfield avenue, corner Eleventh street; John Whalen, president; John Walton, 
 foreman. Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company No. i, New Fire Hall ; William C. Edwards, foreman. 
 Flagler Hook and Ladder Company No. 3, Main street, near Spruce avenue ; A. J. Walker, captain. Gaskill 
 Hose Company No. 7, Main street, near Spruce avenue ; Daniel Ziegler, foreman. Maple Hose Company 
 No. 5, 715 Third avenue; J. H. Paige, foreman. Niagara Hose Company No. 2, Third street; Charles A. 
 Robinson, president; James T. McGinnis, foreman. Rapid Hose. Company No. 3, 2131 Main street. 
 Christian Kledeher, president ; James Jacoby, foreman. Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, Second 
 street, corner Niagara street ; C. J. Reiss, president ; Otto Utz, foreman. 
 
 The city has a score or more churches, representing the leading denominations of the country, amonc 
 
 ( 
 
26 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 which are two Baptist, two Episcopal, one Congregational, one Church of God (undenominational), two 
 Methodist Episcopal, one Free Methodist, two Roman Catholic and one Lutheran. 
 
 The public schools are ample for all purposes, and the system is fully up to the standard of other cities. 
 The buildings are modern, and the management of this important feature of municipal government is all that 
 could be desired. These are supplemented by a number of private institutions and parochial schools, giving 
 every opportunity for securing a thorough English and classical education. The location of the public schools 
 and the names of the principals in charge are here given : Pine avenue school. Pine and Sixteenth streets ; 
 Miss Norma E. Osgood, principal. Third street school. Third street, between Falls street and Jefferson 
 avenue; Miss E. M. Shaw, principal. Sugar street school, Sugar street, corner E street; Miss Kate F. 
 Hanrahan, principal. The following are the principal parochial schools of the city: School of the Sacred Heart, 
 South avenue, in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph ; St. Mary's Parochial school. Fourth avenue, near Erie 
 avenue. Rev. J. A. Lanigan, principal, with an average attendance of three hundred pupils. The Niagara 
 Business College is admirably located in the Arcade building, and is well sustained ; R. A. Taylor is president 
 of the institution. De Veaux College, at the Whirlpool, is a worthy charity and offers every facility for a 
 thorough collegiate course of study ; Reginald H. Coe, M. A., is principal of this famous institution. 
 
 The Niagara University is situate two miles north of Suspension bridge, on the bluffs on the New York 
 side of the river. The reputation and location of this great institution of learning make it one of the most 
 desirable in the State, its fame extending to all parts of the country and its patronage coming from nearly 
 every state of the Union. It was founded in 1856, and was incorporated as the Seminary or Our Lady of 
 Angels in 1863 by act of the Legislature of New York, and in 1883 it became a university under its present 
 title, by the Regents of this State, with all the authority and franchises of a university. 
 
 In the grandeur and sublimity of its scenery it is without a riyal in this or any other country. To the 
 north it overlooks the winding course of the Niagara river and the broad expanse of Lake Ontario, while 
 southward it commands a magnificent view of the great cataract, Seminary Rapids and the Whirlpool, and 
 is exceptionally easy of access from every point by land and water. The buildings are located on the most 
 elevated part of Mont Eagle Ridge, and has the advantage of the pure, invigorating breezes from the lakes, 
 and the sanitary conditions are unsurpassed. The buildings are large and especially adapted to the comfort 
 of students, and the course of study includes everything required to prepare candidates for the ministry, or 
 for any other career in life, with a preparatory di^partment to qualify applicants for entering upon the college 
 course, Latin, Greek, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Hebrew being part of the curriculum. The 
 medical department presents every facility for thorough preparation for medical and surgical practice. Dr. 
 John Cronyn, M. D., LL. D., is president of this department, and Alvin A. Hubbell, M. D., Ph. D., is the 
 efticient secretary. The thorough training in this institution has given it a reputation second to none in the 
 country, and its success has been both decided and deserved. Outside the department of medicine, the 
 studies are under the direction of priests of great piety and learning. 
 
 There are here three bridge companies, with one on the Canadian side, owning and operating the 
 suspension bridges spanning the chasm. The cantilever bridge, 910 feet in length, is the property of the 
 Niagara River Bridge Company, organized April 15, 1883, capital $1,000,000; Cornelius Vanderbilt, presi- 
 dent; James Tillinghast, vice-president; A. Torrey, chief engineer; George S. Field, manager. The old 
 suspension bridge was erected by the Niagara Falls hiternational Bridge Company of New York, organized 
 in August, 1847, capital $250,000, and the officers are George L. Burrows, president; Lorenzo Burrows, 
 secretary ; W. G. Swan, treasurer ; L. L. Buck, engineer ; Thomas Reynolds, superintendent. The new 
 suspension bridge was completed in January, 1869, and was rebuilt in 1888. The company's officers are, C. H. 
 Smyth, president ; J. M. Bostwick, treasurer ; F. De M. Smyth, secretary ; John R. Porter, superintendent. 
 
 The Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge Company, of Canada, was organized with a capital stock of 
 $250,000, and the bridge was erected by the Canadian and American companies. Thomas R. Merritt is 
 president, secretary and treasurer, and Thomas Reynolds, superintendent. 
 
 The Niagara Water Works Company was organized in 1877, with a capital stock of $50,000. The office 
 of the company is at 723 Erie avenue, and the following is the list of officers : William B. Rankine, president ; 
 James S. Milner, secretary ; Nathaniel Gorham, treasurer ; S. T. Murray, superintendent. 
 
 The Niagara Falls Gas Light Company has its office on Riverway. H. L. Brewster, president; Peter 
 A. Porter, vice-president; L. A. Boore, secretary; and A. E. Perkins, treasurer. 
 
 There are two steamboat lines at the Falls: the Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company, capital $50,000 ; 
 H. Nielson, president ; M. Ryan, treasurer ; R. F. Carter, master. The Buffalo and Niagara River Navigation 
 Co., Schlosser's Dock, Sloan & Cowes, lessees, is operated by the Buffalo Loan and Trust Co., receivers. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 The Niagara Falls Library is located in room P, Arcade building, James F. Trott, president. The 
 following newspapers are published at Niagara Falls: "In the Mist," a daily during the summer season. 
 The Niagara Falls "Gazette," 233 First street, daily and semi-weekly. The Niagara Falls "Journal," 
 published every Saturday; S. S. Pomroy, publisher. "The Daily Cataract," 309 Falls street; Hon. O. 
 W. Cutler, proprietor. "Niagara Courier," published weekly; William Pool & Son, proprietors. The 
 " Press Weekly,'' the Press Company, publishers. All of which are ably conducted and well supported. 
 
 The Post-office is open from 6 A. M. to ii p. m. Hon. Walter P. Home is Postmaster; J. C. Jenney, 
 deputy. The Telephone Exchange is located in rooms 16 to 19 Cluck building. 
 
 There are three theatres at the Falls : The Gem, 2219 Main street; New Music Hall, 309 Main street ; 
 and the Star theatre, 1045 Main street. 
 
 Of the educational, business, and social organizations, the following are some of the most important: 
 Business Men's Social Club, E. E. Philpott, president; Civic Club, R. H. Coe, president; Forty-second 
 Company Athletic Association, J. T. Low, president; 
 Lyceum Reading Club, Dr. J. H. Meehan, president; 
 Niagara Falls Wheelmen's Club, George S. Coupe, 
 president; Niagara River Shooting Club, John Hop- 
 kins, president ; Pastime Club, L. Williams, pres- 
 ident ; Pastime Musical Club, Joseph H. Kitt, pres- 
 ident. The secret societies represent nearly all the 
 leading beneficiary organizations in existence. The 
 Masonic organizations are as follows : Niagara Com- 
 mandery Knights Templar, No. 64, O. W. Cutler, 
 eminent commander ; Niagara Chapter, Royal Arch 
 Masons, No. 200, Walter Jones, eminent high priest; 
 Niagara Frontier Lodge 132, F. and A. M., N. L. 
 Benham, worshipful master ; Niagara River Lodge 
 785, R. and A. M., G. J. Silberberg, worshipful 
 master ; Masonic Hall Association ; trustees. Sir Hans 
 Nielson, president ; Sir J. V. Carr, treasurer ; Sir 
 A. H. G. Hardwicke, secretary. 
 
 The 1. O. O. F. have two lodges and an encamp- 
 ment here, and there are two courts 1. O. Foresters ; 
 two councils Royal Templars of Temperance; two 
 divisions A. O. H.; two lodges A. O. U. W.; one 
 lodge Knights of Honor; and one encampment Knights 
 of St. John and Malta. The Knights of the Maccabees 
 have two tents in this city, and there is also a Hive 
 (if Ladies of the Maccabees. A Commandery and 
 two Legions of Select Knights were organized at the 
 Falls, and also a lodge of Empire Knights of Relief, and two associations of the Equitable Aid Union. There 
 is also an organization known as the International Fraternal Alliance ; a council of Chosen Friends, and one 
 of the Royal Arcanum ; besides a Sexennial League ; two councils of Sons of St. George ; two branches and 
 one ladies' branch of the C. M. B. A.; a Catholic Total Abstinence Society; W. C. T. U.; Society for 
 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ; Lyceum Reading Circle ; Women's Church and Missionary Society ; 
 Society of Sociable Friends; Society of Children of Mary; Y. M. C. A. ; St. Aloysius Society ; Niagara Falls 
 Liedertafel; Niagara Falls Turn Verein, and Orpheus Gesangverein. 
 
 The Forty-second Separate Company is one of the "crack" organizations of the N. G. N. Y. Their 
 armory on Main street was completed November 20, 1895, just ten years after the company was mustered 
 in. Captain, M. B. Butler ; first lieutenant, C. K. Mellin ; second lieutenant, John M. Hancock. The 
 armory of this company is one of the finest ever built for any separate company in this part of the State, 
 and is splendidly furnished and equipped, surpassing in many respects some of the finest club-houses ; having 
 a billiard-room, library, reception-rooms and parlors, bath-rooms, kitchen and banquet-hall. It has a spacious 
 drill-hall and an excellent rifle-range. The formal opening of this armory was an event in the history of the 
 Falls, more officers wearing the epaulets of General being gathered in that city than on any other occasion 
 since the opening of the reservation to the public. 
 
 ARMORY OF THE FORTY-SECOND SEPARATE COMPANY. 
 
GENERAL PETER BUEL PORTER. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 GENERAL PETER BUEL PORTER. 
 
 DISTINGUISHED alike as a soldier and civilian, this eminently gallant and successful military leader 
 and man of the times was in his day the most prominent feature in history in Western New York, and 
 during the first third of the nineteenth century he was the chief actor on the stage in this vicinity, in 
 war and in the peaceful pursuits and events which marked that eventful period. General Porter was born in 
 Salisbury, Connecticut, in 1773, and was a graduate of Yale and a scholar of high attainments. He settled 
 at Canandaigua in 1795, ^"d was admitted to practice law the same year. In 1797 he was elected Clerk of 
 Ontario county, and in 1802 was chosen a member of the State Legislature. He removed to Black Rock in 
 1810; he was then, at the age of thirty-seven years, a portly, dignified gentleman, fluent of speech and unmar- 
 ried, and was the first citizen of Niagara (now Erie) county to e.xercise wide political influence. In 1810 he was 
 a member of the committee to investigate the route of the projected Erie canal, and was always a zealous and 
 able champion of that great undertaking. He was thrice elected to Congress. As chairman of the Committee 
 on Foreign Relations he reported and advocated with great eloquence the declaration of war with Great 
 Britain, and resigned his seat in Congress to wield his sword in supporting the measures he advocated in the 
 House. Through his influence a large body of Indians were induced to fight in the American army, and he 
 led them to victory on several notable occasions. He was called " Conashustah " by the Red men, and 
 they were wont to say "where Conashusta leads we follow." He was commissioned a Major-general of > 
 New York State troops by Governor Tompkins, and took a most prominent part in the battles of Fort Erie, 
 Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. When Fort Erie was besieged by the British, he planned and led the sortie P 
 from the fort which resulted in the utter defeat of the British. Lord Napier refers to that incident " as the 
 only instance in history where a besieging army was totally routed by a single sortie." In 1814 Congress 
 voted General Porter a gold medal, and the State of New York voted him a sword, for his services and bravery, 
 and in 181 5 President Madison commissioned him a Major-general of the United States Army. The same 
 year he became Secretary of the State of New York, and was also appointed Commander-in-chief of the United 
 States Army by President Madison, a position which he declined. In 1816 he was appointed a member of 
 the commission, on part of the United States, under the treaty of Ghent, to determine the boundary line 
 between the United States and Canada. In 1824 he was appointed a Regent of the New York State 
 University, and in 1828 he became Secretary of War in President Adams' Cabinet. General Porter removed 
 to Niagara Falls in 1839, and died there in 1844, mourned in death as he was honored in life by the Nation 
 whose rights he was one of the first to uphold and one of the bravest to defend. As senior member of the 
 firm of Porter, Barton & Company, of Black Rock, who controlled the carrying trade of the Niagara frontier, 
 General Porter did much to build up the commerce of this section both on land and water. He was a truly 
 great man, whose patriotism and successful career in many directions remain conspicuous examples to the 
 young men of to-day. 
 
 COLONEL PETER A. PORTER. 
 
 This distinguished son of a distinguished sire was born at Black Rock, Erie county, New York, in 1827, 
 
 and after a full preparatory course of study he entered Harvard University, from which he was graduated in 
 
 1845. In 1861 he was elected a member of the New York Legislature, and the same year was commissioned 
 
 to raise a regiment of United States Volunteers in Niagara, Orleans and Genesee counties. He speedily 
 
COLONEL PETER A. PORTER. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 ^' 
 
 accomplished this vvorl<, and the command was sworn into service as the 129th New York Volunteer infantry, 
 which in 1863 became the Eighth New York Heavy Artillery, of which he was Colonel. The regiment was 
 assigned to duty at Forts Federal Hill and McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland, and at Colonel Porter's request 
 was sent to the front in 1864, the regiment having been recruited up to the strength of 1800 men. This 
 gallant command took part in all the Wilderness campaign, and the regiment was noted for its gallantry and 
 efficiency. At the bloody battle of Cold Harbor, Colonel Porter led his men over the breastworks, and was 
 killed at the head of his regiment in that fatal charge. For two days his body lay immediately in front of the 
 enemy's works and could not be recovered. On the second night five brave men of his command rescued the 
 remains, and received gold medals from the Century club of New York for this act of gallantry. This regi- 
 ment stands second on the roll, in the War Department at Washington, in the number of men killed and 
 wounded in action, over one-third of the entire command being killed and wounded in that brief but bloody 
 charge at Cold Harbor alone. Colonel Porter was nominated by the New York Republican State convention 
 as its candidate for Secretary of State in 1862, but declined the honor for the reason that, having gone into 
 the field in command of a regiment composed mainly of his friends and neighbors, many of whom were 
 especially committed to his care, he would not ask for his discharge while theirs could not be granted. The 
 noble, unselfish character of this man was illustrated by the life in this act, and he went to his death rather 
 than falter in his devotion to the cause of the Union. The qualities possessed by the sire, who had half a 
 century before done noble service in the field for his country, and who resigned his seat in Congress to take 
 up arms in her defense, was an inheritance bequeathed to the son who gave his life in the cause of the Union 
 and liberty. Colonel Porter was married in May, 1852, to Miss Mary Cabell Breckenridge, and by this 
 
 marriage had one son, Peter A. Porter ; after the 
 death of his first wife he was married a second time, to 
 Miss Josephine M. Morris, and a son, G. M. Porter, is 
 the only surviving child of this union. 
 
 PETER A. PORTER. 
 Distinguished as a leader in municipal and industrial 
 affairs, as were his ancestors on the field of battle in two 
 of its great wars, the subject of this biographical notice 
 is one of the most prominent and progressive citizens of 
 Niai;ara Falls. He was born here in 1853, and is a son 
 of the gallant Colonel Peter A. Porter, who was killed 
 while gallantly leading his regiment at the bloody battle 
 of Cold Harbor, and a grandson of General Peter Buell 
 Porter, the hero of the battles of Fort Erie, Chippewa 
 and Lundy's Lane in the War of 1812. He was educated 
 at St. Paul's School, Concord, New Hampshire, and was 
 graduated from Yale College in 1874. He is a life-long 
 resident of the Falls, and has largely contributed to the 
 substantial prosperity of his native place, in the history 
 of which he has always been largely interested, and is a 
 recognized authority on that subject. He was elected a 
 member of the New York State Legislature in 1886, and 
 again in 1887, and introduced and passed the so-called 
 Niagara Tunnel bill, under the provisions of which the 
 enormous hydraulic works have been built at Niai^'ara 
 Falls, by which a part of the great power of the cataract 
 is now utilized, by means of electricity, to serve the 
 The counsel and the pen of Mr. Porter have long been 
 
 PETER A. PORTER. 
 
 ends of industrial enterprise here and elsewhere, 
 large factors in the building up of the city and section in all that goes to constitute substantial prosperity, and 
 to his agency and that of his progenitors, does the city near the great cataract owe much of its prosperity 
 to-day. Mr. Porter is an accomplished scholar, and has contributed largely to the local history of this section. 
 He is an acknowledged leader in all enterprises of importance inaugurated for the general good, and his counsel 
 and his means are freely given to advance the welfare of his fellow citizens. He is now the receiver of the 
 Cataract bank, his financial and executive ability being recognized and appreciated. He has always taken a 
 
3^ 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 lively interest in municipal affairs, and his advice is eagerly sought in all affairs of puhlic movement. Mr. 
 Porter is a genial, cultured and courteous gentleman, and in social, as in financial and business circles, he 
 enjoys distinction as universal as it is deserved. His life has been an active one, and does honor to the 
 memory of his distinguished ancestry. 
 
 GENERAL PARKHURST WHITNEY. 
 Although descended from one of the old families of America, the subject of this biographical notice won 
 distinction entirely his own, and his prominence as a citizen whose public spirit and energy largely con- 
 tributed to the material prosperity of the community in which he passed his busy, useful life, is even more 
 substantial than his ancestral greatness. He was one of the pioneers of Western New York, having settled 
 at Niagara Falls in 1810, and was the fifth in a direct line of descent from John Whitney, who settled at 
 W^atertown, Massachusetts, in June, 1635, o^ which place he was a selectman, town clerk, and constable. 
 He was the progenitor of Hon. William C. Whitney, ex-Secretary of the United States Navy, of Professor 
 Whitney of Yale and Harvard Colleges, and of Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton gin. Their ancestor 
 was baptized in St. Margaret's church, Westminster, England, July 20, 1592, and with his wife and five 
 children sailed from London in April, 1635, in the ship Eliiabeth and Ann, Roger Cooper, master, landing at 
 Boston in June, and settling in Watertown, Massachusetts. John Whitney was a son of Thomas Whitney, 
 Gentleman, and his wife Mary, nee Bray, and a great grandson of Sir Robert Whitney. John Whitney was 
 descended from the Whitneys of the Parish of Whitney in Herefordshire, the family name being derived 
 from that of the parish, where the castle and church then stood, but now represented by a group of mounds. 
 
 Here stands the church in which the Whitneys were 
 baptized from the eleventh century. The parish was 
 one of several granted to Turstin the Fleming, a knight 
 of William the Conqueror, and his son Eustace took the 
 name Whitney in 1086. 
 
 After the arrival of John Whitney in America, there 
 were two sons born to him, from the younger of which 
 General Parkhurst Whitney was descended. Jonathan, 
 the son of Benjamin, settled at Milford, Massachusetts, 
 and his son, also named Jonathan, was a captain in the 
 French and Indian War, and Captain Whitney's son, 
 likewise called Jonathan, was the father of General 
 Parkhurst Whitney, and married Esther Parkhurst in 
 1760. With a few others, he laid out and settled the 
 town of Conway, Massachusetts, where he lived until 
 1790. He was captain of the Seventh Company, Fifth 
 Regiment, Massachusetts Militia during the Revolu- 
 tionary War, and rendered valuable service in the cause 
 of the colonists. In 1789 he came to Ontario county. 
 New York, and with others purchased Township ten. 
 Range one of the Phelps and Gorham purchase. He 
 subsequently purchased the interests of his co-partners 
 and brought his family there, being one of the earliest 
 settlers in Western New York. He died in 1792, leaving 
 nine children to survive him, of whom General Park- 
 hurst Whitney was the youngest, having been born 
 September 24, 1784. After the death of his parents, he 
 lived with his brothers and sisters till he was nineteen 
 years of age, when he moved to the property his father had devised to him. He married Miss Celinda 
 Cowing of Rochester, Massachusetts, October 10, 1805, and soon after moved to "Old Castle," near 
 Geneva, New York. In 1810 he came to Niagara county, and lived on a farm about four miles above the 
 Falls, and in 1812 he came to the village of Niagara Falls and rented Porter's saw-mill, situate on Canal 
 street, opposite the head of Main street. He made the first survey of Goat Island, and made other surveys 
 for the Holland Land Company and for the State of New York. When war against England was declared in 
 1812, he sent his family to Ontario county, and was foremost among the brave defenders of the frontier. 
 
 GENERAL PARKHURST WHITNEY. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS ii 
 
 He was appointed captain and served under General Scott. At tiie battle of Queenston he was sent as a 
 hearer of dispatches to the officer commanding the American forces, and was taken prisoner, but was speedily 
 released on parole. In 1814 he leased the Eagle hotel, which stood where the International now stands, and 
 in 1817 he purchased the entire block from Augustus Porter and Peter Barton. In 1831 he purchased the 
 Cataract hotel property, and assumed control of the hotel in 1838. The following year the firm of Parkhurst 
 Whitney & Sons was organized, and in 1846 he leased the property to the firm of Whitney, Jerauld & Com- 
 pany, which was composed of S. M. N. Whitney, D. R. Jerauld, and James F. Trott; at the expiration 
 of the lease the firm purchased the property. In the spring of 1834 three of General Whitney's daughters— 
 AsenatkB., who married Peter De Kowaleski, a Polish exile; Angelina P., who married D. R. Jerauld, and 
 Celinda Eliza, who afterwards became Mrs. James F. Trott — crossed the river to the first of the Sister 
 Islands, Asenath B. going to the second. As they were the first white women who ever stood upon these 
 islands, they were, in honor of these brave sisters, named the Three Sister Islands. A guide-book of that 
 year states this fact. The MaU of the Mist was so named at the suggestion of IVlrs. James F. Trott when 
 the first trip was made by the little steamer below the falls. 
 
 In building up Niagara Falls as a pleasure resort. General Whitney was active and prominent. He 
 donated the first building erected at the Falls for church purposes, and was always liberal and energetic in 
 every movement having for its object the general welfare of his fellow citizens. He bought the first piano 
 that was brought to the Falls, and the instrument is now in possession of his son, S. M. N. Whitney, in 
 1812 General Whitney was commissioned by Governor Daniel D. Tompkins as a captain of the 163d 
 Regiment, New York Militia, and in May, 1818, Governor De Witt Clinton signed his commission as colonel 
 of that regiment. He was apppinted, by Governor Clinton, Brigadier-general of the Fifth Brigade, June 10, 
 1820, and on the fourth of Marcl-ylTe was commissioned Major-general of the Twenty-fourth Division. A very 
 handsome sword was presented to General Whitney by the field and staff officers of the Fifth Brigade and the 
 officers of the 169th Regiment, as a testimonial of respect, September 29, 1823. This sword is now in the 
 possession of his son, S. M. N. Whitney. In 1825 General Lafayette was entertained by General Whitney 
 as his personal guest, and he took the distinguished French General to Lockport in his carriage at the celebra- 
 tion of the opening of the Erie canal. On October 10, 1855, General Whitney and his estimable wife 
 celebrated their "golden wedding" in the parlors of the Cataract House. The ceremonies on this occasion 
 were touching and imposing, and were conducted by Rev. E. W. Reynolds of Buffalo. General Whitney 
 lived for many years at the old homestead, which was located between the Falls and Suspension Bridge. The 
 house, which was burned down in i860 and was rebuilt, was bequeathed to the General's daughter, Mrs. 
 James F. Trott, whose family still occupies it. General Whitney died here April 26, 1862, his wife having 
 died two years prior. Few men in Niagara county more fully enjoyed the public confidence and regard of 
 fellow citizens than General Whitney, and yet the only position he ever accepted outside of his military 
 offices was that of supervisor. He was a man of rare virtue, independent, self-reliant, and of unquestioned 
 integrity; one of those sturdy, indomitable, energetic men who made this section, once a wilderness, to 
 " blossom as the rose." General Whitney was an old and eminent Mason, and a distinguished Knight Templar. 
 He was buried with Masonic honors, and prominent Masons from all parts of Western New York participated 
 in the ceremonies. The funeral was the largest ever held in Niagara Falls, fully three thousand people 
 paying their last tribute to the worth of this honored, upright citizen by their attendance. 
 
 MAJOR SOLON M. N. WHITNEY. 
 Descended from one of the oldest families of New England's early settlers, and himself a pioneer of 
 civilization in Western New York, Major Whitney is rightly regarded as one of the chief agents in bringing to 
 this section prosperity and progress. He is the sixth in a direct line of descent from John Whitney, and one 
 of America's most distinguished families, who settled at Watertown, Massachusetts, in June, 1638, of which 
 place he was a selectman, town clerk and constable. W. C. Whitney, ex-Secretary of the United States 
 Navy, Professor "Whitney of Yale and Harvard, and Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton gin, are lineal 
 descendents from this progenitor. He was baptized in St. Margaret's church, Westminster, England, July 20, 
 1592, and with his wife and five children sailed from London in April, 1635, 'n the ship Eliiabcth and ^nn. 
 Roger Cooper, master, landing in Boston in June, and settling in Watertown, Massachusetts. John Whitney 
 was a son of Thomas Whitney, Gentleman, and his wife Mary, nee Bray, and grandson of Sir Robert 
 Whitney, who was knighted in 1533 by Queen Mary. He came from the Whitneys of the Parish of Whitney 
 in Herefordshire, the family name being derived from the name of the parish, where the castle and church then 
 stood, but now represented by a group of mounds. Here stands the church in which the Whitneys were 
 
MAJOR SOLON M. N. WHITNEY. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 3? 
 
 baptized from the eleventh century. The parish was one of several granted to Turstin the Fleming, a knight 
 of William the Conqueror. Eustace, the son of Turstine, took the name in 1086, The parish is now in 
 possession of Sir Tompkins Dew and his brother Rev. Henry Dew, descendants of the last Sir Robert Whitney. 
 After arriving in America there were two sons born to John Wliitney, from the younger of whom, named 
 Benjamin, Major Solon Whitney was descended. Jonathan, the son of Benjamin Whitney, settled at Milford, 
 Massachusetts, and his son, likewise named Jonathan, was a captain in the French and Indian War. The son 
 of Captain Whitney, also named Jonathan, was the grandfather of Major S. Whitney, and married Esther 
 Parkhurst in 1760, and with a few others laid out and settled the town of Conway, Massachusetts, where he 
 lived until 1790. Ht was captain of the Seventh Company, Fifth Regiment, Massachusetts Militia, during the 
 Revolutionary War, and in 1789 he came to Ontario county. New York, and with others purchased Township 
 ten. Range one, of the Phelps and Gorham purchase. He afterwards bought the interests of his co-partners, 
 brought his family there in 1790, being one of the earliest settlers of Western New York. He died in 1792, 
 leaving nine children, of whom General Parkhurst Whitney was the youngest. His widow married a brother 
 of the English Admiral Parker, who attempted to take Charleston, South Carolina, at the beginning of the 
 Revolutionary War. General Whitney came to Niagara Falls in 1810, was a surveyor and captain in the War 
 of 1812. l-|g_j3ought the block where the International hotel nf)w stands, and was in the hotel business from 
 181 1 to 184$. General Whitney died leaving three daughters and one son, Major Solon M. N. Whitney, now 
 an octogenarian, but as hale and vi<j;orous as a man of sixty years. Major Whitney was born at the " Old 
 Eagle," Niagara Falls, New York, October 7, 181 5. In his boyhood he attended school at the Lewiston and 
 Canandaigua academies, and after leaving school he engaged in business with his father at the Cataract 
 hotel, and aided in building up the great reputation of that model hostelry. He became a member of the firm 
 of P. Whitney & Sons in 1837, his father retiring in 1846, when the firm became Whitney, Jerauld & Com- 
 pany. In 1846 James F. Trott became a member of the firm, and remained forty years. In 1889 Mr. Jerauld 
 died, when Major Whitney sold his interest in the business to Hon. Peter A. Porter, a son-in-law of Mr. 
 Jerauld's wife. Major Whitney is now living in the house, overlooking the rapids and upper river, which 
 he built in 1848. 
 
 At the age of ten years he rode his pony to Lockport to the celebration of the opening of the Erie canal, 
 his father being at the time in the carriage with General Lafayette, his guest. He also rode the pony to 
 Buffalo to witness the execution of the three Thayers. In 1834 he, with his friend George Sims, discovered 
 the Cave of the Winds. In 1837, during the Patriot War, Mr. Whitney was a major in the State Militia. 
 He received one hundred and sixty acres of land from the United States Government for services. He 
 married Miss Francis E. Drake of Saratoga county in 1840, his wife being a granddaughter of Colonel Samuel 
 Drake, of the Third New York Westchester Regmient during the War of the Revolution, and Judge Andrews, 
 County Judge of Saratoga county, was also her grandfather. Major Whitney was foreman of the first fire 
 engine company of Niagara Falls, the " Belchertown," and also the first foreman of Cataract Engine Com- 
 pany No. I. He was trustee of the village several times, also president; and president of the Gas Company 
 until 1893, and also a director in the Cataract bank and the Niagara County Savings bank. He is now 
 senior warden of St. Peter's Episcopal church, and has been a vestryman and warden for thirty years, and 
 a liberal contributor to the building of the new church, of which he is a regular attendant. He is a member 
 of Niagara Frontier Lodge, F. and A. M. ; Niagara Chapter, R. A. M. ; and Genesee Commandery, K. T. 
 He has outlived his wife and three of his sons. His one son living, Drake Whitney, was educated at the 
 Porter Academy, Dr.., Seeds' Walnut Hill School, Geneva, New York; and graduated from the Troy 
 Polytechnic Institute in 1864. He pursued his studies in Germany and Paris from 1865 to 1869 at the 
 University of Goettinger Freiberg Mining Academy, Saxony, and at the Ecole des Mines, Paris, and was an 
 assistant engineer on the Erie, Canada Southern, and Michigan Midland railroads, and on the New Suspen- 
 sion Bridge. He ran the first levels for the Niagara Power Company, and was for fourteen years corporation 
 engineer of Niagara Falls. 
 
 JAMES FULLERTON TROTT. 
 
 This distinguished citizen of Niagara Falls, who for almost half a century has been identified with public 
 affairs, and particularly with its educational interests, is one of the oldest and most public-spirited citizens of 
 the place. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on Purchase street, Fort Hill district, at that time the 
 most aristocratic part of the " Hub," March 25, 181 5. He came from one of the most distinguished families 
 of Boston, being seventh in direct line of descent, on his maternal side, from John Winslow and Mary Chilton. 
 His "randfather, on his mother's side, was General John Winslow, who served as a lieutenant under General 
 
36 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Washington in the Revolution. He was one of the original members of the Society of the Cincinnati, being 
 the sixth to sign the original articles of association, and for many years the treasurer of the organization. He 
 was also treasurer of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, and was made a Brigadier- 
 general by the city of Boston for valuable military services, and at his death he was buried with military 
 honors in the Winslow tomb in King's chapel burial ground, where for six generations the family have 
 deposited their dead. The subject of this sketch was baptized in the Old South church, where most of his 
 ancestors had been baptized before him from the time the church was built. His father. Captain James 
 Fullerton Trott, had command of a packet of which he was part owner, and sailed between Boston and 
 Liverpool, but when the Revolutionay War began his vessel was seized by the English, the officers and 
 passengers being paroled and returned to Boston. His son, named after him, received his education in the 
 Boylston Public Grammar school, where he was awarded the Franklin medal for scholarship, an honor highly 
 prized, and afterwards attended the High school for three years. After residing for a few years in New York 
 City he came to Niagara Falls, where he married Miss Celinda Eliza, youngest daughter of the distinguished 
 General Parkhurst Whitney, September 9, 1844, at the Cataract House. He removed to Galena, Illinois, 
 after his marriage, and thence to Bellevue, Iowa, at which latter place he engaged in business, but on account 
 of General Whitney's earnest request he returned to the Falls, and as a member of the firm of Whitney, 
 Jerauld & Company he became interested in the management of the Cataract House, the great reputation of 
 which was more than maintained by the firm, their combined efforts adding greatly to the popularity of the 
 hotel, which, under the management of General Whitney, had attained a world-wide popularity. In 1853 the 
 firm built the historic ball-room in which so many distinguished people have participated on festive occasions. 
 In 1859 the firm built the still more famous drawing-room, whose magnificent piazzas command a superb view 
 of the rapids. These additions, however, were removed when the State of New York purchased that part of 
 the property for reservation purposes. In 1868 the massive stone addition fronting on Main street was built. 
 Mr. Trott for forty years managed the financial affairs of the firm with consummate ability, and retired from 
 the business in 1886. He has always taken a lively interest in municipal affairs : He has been a member of 
 the Board of Education since 1848, and was for many years its president. He was for six years supervisor of 
 the town, being elected on the Democratic ticket, of which party he has always been a staunch supporter. 
 He was at one time tendered the Democratic nomination for Congress, but declined the honor. Since 1848 
 he has had charge of the school district library, and has always taken deepest interest in the welfare of the 
 schools. His aim was for many years to elevate the standard of scholarship in the public schools to the high 
 plane which it now occupies, in which he was ably seconded by his fellow members of the board and by the 
 public generally. At the graduating exercises June 20, 1895, o^^ of the most interesting features of the 
 occasion was the presentation to Mr. Trott, then president of the Board of Education, of a life-size portrait of 
 himself in a magnificent frame, in recognition of his continuous and faithful service of the school board for 
 forty-eight years, and his fellow citizens are a unit in the desire that his usefulness will continue for many 
 years to come. 
 
 SPENCER FIELD. 
 
 The late Spencer Field was a grandson of John Field of Frith, England, who removed to Ireland, where 
 he married Hannah Donovan of County Clare. He was pressed into service in the Army of Great Britain, 
 and sailecJ from England to America with General Braddock, and was stationed at Fort Edward. He served 
 until the close of the French and Indian War, and then settled in Vermont, where he died. James Field, the 
 father of Spencer Field, was a veteran of the Revolution. He was born in Bennington, Vermont, about 1755, 
 and at the age of twenty years he enlisted in the Continental army, and served under General Lafayette 
 throughout that historic struggle for American independence. After peace was declared, he removed with his 
 family from Bennington, Vermont, to Leuvea, near Geneva, New York, and settled upon a farm at that place. 
 In 1801 he removed to Canada, near the head of Lake Ontario; while residing there he attended the funeral 
 of the great Indian Chief Joseph Brant, with his family. In consequence of the unsettled condition of affairs 
 between the English colonies and the United States, the family removed to Fort Schlosser, on the American 
 side of the river. The old Stedman house was occupied by Enos Broughton at that time, and the chimney of 
 the building is yet standing as a landmark. James Field purchased a farm about four miles up the river, 
 where he died. He was a prominent member of the Masonic order, and his was the first Masonic funeral at 
 which Masonic honors were observed in this part of the country. The subject of this notice was born in 1787 
 in Bennington, Vermont, and in 1807 married Miss Ruby Cowing, who lived near Geneva, Seneca county, 
 New York, making their home in Buffalo, where they lived when the village was destroyed by the British and 
 their Indian allies in 181 3. Spencer Field was a lieutenant in the American Army during the War of 1812 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 37 
 
 and with General Parkhurst Whitney volunteered to carry despatches to the American commander at Queens- 
 ton Heights, at the battle of Chippewa, October 13, 181 3. Both were captured by the British, and were 
 afterwards exxhanged. He was a brave officer and rendered valuable service to his country during this war. 
 He died at his father's house, September 29, 1868. He assisted in the building of the first bridge to Goat 
 Island. McKenzie, the prime mover in the Rebellion, was at the house of James Field, brother of Spencer 
 Field, for several days, and very few, e.xcept his family, were aware of his whereabouts. He was a small 
 man, of dark comple.xion, and resembled a Frenchman. Lieutenant Field was a valued and useful citizen, and, 
 like his ancestors, rendered noble service to the infant Republic in the trials of the early days of its history. 
 
 HON. THEODORE G. HULETT. 
 
 At a great disadvantage in early life, the subject of this biographical sketch began his career, and 
 despite obstacles the most formidable he wrung great success from a beginning most inauspicious. He was 
 born in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, June 13, 1811, his father being Anthony Hulett and his mother Char- 
 lotte Hulett nee Curtiss. His grandfathers, maternal and paternal, were both soldiers of the Revolutionary 
 War, and both lived to great old age — the one dying at the age of one hundred and two, and the other at 
 ninety-eight years of age. When only twelve years of age the subject of tliis biography resolved to engage 
 in life's battle, and unknown to his parents he left home, carrying upon his person his entire stock of worldly 
 goods. He was apprenticed for nine years to Jason Clapp to learn the blacksmith's trade at a salary of fifty 
 dollars per annum. After serving for three years he secured a year's salary in advance from his employer 
 and purchased a small library and candles for night study, applying himself with entire diligence to 
 securing an education. During the last year of his apprenticeship he attended the Pittstield academy for 
 three months. After completing his term of service, the young man worked for his employer for six months 
 and afterwards worked at his trade in Albany and Troy during the summer, pursuing a course of law studies 
 during the winter months. After a short time in Pittsfield he removed to Buffalo, and a year later, 1834, he 
 came to Niagara Falls, where for two years he was engaged in the manufacture of carriage-springs, etc., and 
 then engaged in business on his own account; and from that time until a few years ago, he conducted a large 
 establishment here. During his business career in this place, he has directed and superintended the construc- 
 tion of important work at various points. In 1849 he constructed the first wire suspension bridge across the 
 Niagara river, and two years later built a wire suspension bridge across the Mohawk river between Fonda and 
 Amsterdam. Three years later he built a wire suspension bridge across the Tallapoosa river in Alabama. 
 In 1865 he superintended the erection of the massive trusses across the Niagara river for the new suspension 
 bridge, during which time he invented and patented the cast-iron shackle fastenings which secured the cables 
 of the bridge to the anchors ; and other undertakings of great magnitude, successfully completed, marked 
 Judge Hulett as a mechanical engineer, singularly qualified both to plan and execute work requiring rare 
 skill and sound judgment. He was, during this period, interested also in gas manufacture : in 1866 he built 
 the gas-works at Niagara Falls, and in 1870 rebuilt the naphtha gas-works at Warsaw, New York ; three 
 years later he constructed the oxy-hydric gas-light works at Buffalo, on plans supplied by a French engineer. 
 His last crreat work of engineering was the construction of a wire suspension bridge spanning the Mohawk 
 river at Fink's Ferry, near Little Falls, New York. In all his undertakings he was entirely successful, and 
 his worth is attested by his works far more eloquently than by words. 
 
 In 1832 Judge Hulett was married to Miss Mercy Amelia Bailey of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and had three 
 children, of whom only one is living. He has seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren living. He 
 was elected a justice of the peace of the town of Niagara, and held the position by repeated reelections for 
 thirty years, during which time he served with efficiency as Judge of the Courts of Oyer and Terminer and 
 Sessions of the county for two terms. He was always active during the War of the Rebellion in aiding the 
 cause of the Union, and aided in the raising and equipment of the Eighth Regiment of Heavy Artillery in 
 thirty days. He devised and carried into execution the plan by which $28,000 was raised to relieve the 
 families of soldiers in the field, and initiated the movement after the war to erect the imposing soldiers' mon- 
 ument at the foot of Falls street, and as president of the construction commission he delivered the monument 
 to the town authorities September 20, 1876. Judge Hulett has written a great deal of very creditable verse 
 and prose for publication, his poem entitled "The Three Sister Islands" having been published and widely 
 distributed among his friends, who are legion. He is now at a ripe old age, quietly enjoying the fruits of a 
 life of energy and great usefulness, honored by all his acquaintances as one of the foremost public benefactors 
 of his day. In his will he directs that after his death his body be encased in cement for preservation, he 
 being the pioneer of cementation as a means of preserving the earthly remains of the dead. 
 
WILLIAM CARYL ELY. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 39 
 
 WILLIAM CARYL ELY. 
 Eminent as a lawyer and prominent and progressive as a citizen, the subject of this liiographica! notice 
 has for years been one of the successful leaders of the Niagara County Bar, and has been identified with the 
 great commercial and industrial growth of the Falls during the past decade. He was born in Middlefield, 
 Otsego county. New York, February 25, 1856, and attended the public schools of his native town, the 
 Union school at Cooperstown, New York; Delaware Literary Institute, Franklin, New York; Girard 
 academy, Girard, Pennsylvania, and entered Cornell University with the Class of 1878, but left that insti- 
 tution in his junior year. He began the study of law with John B. Holmes, Esq., at East Worcester, New 
 York, where he then resided, and was admitted as an attorney and counselor of the Supreme Court in 1882. 
 He began the practice of his profession then alone, and in 1885 removed to Niagara Falls and opened a law 
 oft'ice there. Two years later he admitted Frank A. Dudley, Esq., to partnership, under the firm name of 
 Ely & Dudley; and in 1893 Morris Cohn, Jr., became a partner, forming the firm of Ely, Dudley & Cohn, 
 having the largest offices and practice of any law firm in Niagara county. Mr. Ely is descended from one of 
 the oldest families of Otsego county, always closely identified with the political history of that county. In 
 1879-80 he was Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of that county, and represented the town of Worcester on 
 the board in 1881-2. He was elected a member of the Legislature from the first district of Otsego county in 
 1883-4-5, i^'T-1 was in the year last named nominated by the Democrats as their candidate for speaker, and 
 was the leader of the minority in that body. He was a member of some of the important legislative commit- 
 tees, notably Ways and Means, Railroads, and Rules. He was a member of the Democratic State Committee 
 in 1893-4-5, ^nd is at present treasurer of that organization and a member of its executive committee. He 
 has been tendered the nomination for important official positions in Niagara county, which he has uniformly 
 declined. He was nominated for Justice of the Supreme Court, Eighth Judicial District, in 1891 by the Dem- 
 ocrats, and substantially reduced the always large Republican majority in that district. 
 
 IWr. Ely is actively interested in many business and manufacturing enterprises : He was one of the 
 original promoters and incorporators of the Niagara Falls Power Company, and has been one of the trustees 
 and local counsel for that company since its organization. He was one of the founders of the Niagara County 
 Savings bank and has always been its counsel. He is president of the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Electric 
 Railway and was the principal promoter of that important enterprise, having been actively engaged in work 
 connected with its rights and franchises for over three years, and until its completion in the fall of 1895. Mr. 
 Ely was married February 13, 1884, to Miss Grace Keller of Cobleskill. She is descended from some of the 
 oldest and most prominent families of Schoharie county and her great-grandfather. General Thomas Lawyer, 
 was the first member of Congress from that county. Mr. Ely is a valued member of the Masonic order and is 
 also a member of the XI. chapter of the Chi Phi college fraternity. He has been one of the vestrymen of 
 St. Peter's Episcopal church, Niagara Falls, since 1886. His life has been an active one, and crowned with 
 ureat success, and in professional and business circles as in the social world he is held in highest regard and 
 confidence. 
 
 HON. THOMAS V. WELCH. 
 
 Thomas V. Welch was born in the town of Camillus, New York, October i, 1850, and was a son of 
 Thomas Welch, one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of that part of the State. He came 
 to Niagara Falls in 1855, and it was in the schools here that he received his early education. In 1873 he was 
 appointed freight agent of the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad, relinquishing which position the 
 following year he engaged in the dry goods business, in which he remained until 1885, at which time he was 
 the head of the well-known house of Welch & Ryan. He has always been prominent and popular in municipal 
 affairs, and has filled with marked efficiency many positions of honor and trust. He has been the honored 
 president of the Niagara County Savings bank since its organization, and has filled with decided ability the 
 positions of village clerk in 1873-4, village trustee, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and was a member 
 of the State Legislature from 1881 to 1884. He is now superintendent of the New York State Reservation 
 at Niacrara, which office for years he has filled with marked ability and success, and in every position, fiduciary 
 and otherwise, he has always established himself in universal confidence. He was a zealous champion of the 
 scheme to utilize the great water power of Niagara, being one of the foremost and most zealous advocates of 
 the great undertaking. His influence was effective in securing the passage of the bill by the Legislature, and 
 he brought the matter to the attention of capitalists in Wall street and elsewhere, and was a potent agent in 
 securing the formation of the syndicate which, at immense expense, has wrought out the accomplishment of 
 one of the greatest undertakings of the age. 
 
40 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 The present 
 Massachusetts, Apr 
 
 HON. WALTER P. HORNE. 
 ahle and popular postmaster of Niagara Falls was horn at Brighton, now part of Boston, 
 
 20, 
 
 1849, and is a son of John and Eunice Home. He was educated in the public schools 
 
 of Brighton, and left the "Hub" in January, 1866. 
 He first came to Suspension Bridge, New York, where 
 he was responsibly connected with the New York Cen- 
 tral & Hudson River Railroad, in the stock yards of 
 that place ; he was afterwards associated 'with his 
 cousin, George E. Brock, in the butcher business, and 
 subsequently for one year in the flour and feed business. 
 Since 1874 he was connected with the management of 
 the Western hotel near the New York Central depot, 
 of which he is now the proprietor. He was for two 
 years one of the trustees of the old village of Suspension 
 Bridge, and filled that position at the time the city of 
 Niagara Falls was consolidated ; he was also the presi- 
 dent of the Board of Education, and had served as 
 president of the Board of Water Commissioners. He 
 was appointed postmaster of Suspension Bridge by 
 President Cleveland March 28, 1893, and performed the 
 duties of that office with fidelity and ability until Suspen- 
 sion Bridge and Niagara Falls were made to constitute 
 the city of Niagara Falls. On June 14, 1894, he was 
 directed to assume the duties of postmaster of the newly 
 constituted city of Niagara Falls, which he did, and is 
 now the efficient postmaster of the city. He is the vice- 
 president of the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Electric Light 
 Company, and a director of the Bank of Suspension 
 Bridge. During the session of 1884-5 ^^ ^^^ a member 
 of the State Legislature, and in public office as in busi- 
 ness life, he has always commanded the esteem and 
 confidence of his fellow citizens. Mr. Home was married December 25, 1874, to Miss Emma E. Atwood, and 
 is universally recognized as one of the progressive, reliable, staunch business men of Niagara Falls. 
 
 HON. WALTER P. HORNE. 
 
 GENERAL BENJAMIN FLAGLER. 
 
 This distinguished citizen of Niagara Falls, one of the most prominent Masons and public men in Western 
 New York, was born in Lockport, Niagara county, New York, December 10, 1833. His father, Sylvester 
 Flagler, was one of the early settlers of Niagara county, and his mother, Mrs. Abbie Flagler, nee Remington, 
 also came from one of the old substantial families of this section. General Flagler in his childhood attended 
 the district schools of his native town, and was brought up on his father's farm. He began business life as 
 an accountant in a clothing store at Lockport, and after his fath.^r's death he returned to the homestead farm, 
 where he remained until 1861. At the first call of President Lincoln for volunteers to put down the rebellion 
 his patriotism prompted him to enlist, and he enrolled himself as a member of the Twenty-eighth Regiment, 
 New York State Volunteers, and became a member of the Staff of the First Brigade, First Division of the 
 Twelfth Army Corps. He was injured by a fall in the summer of 1862, and was honorably discharged from 
 service on account of disability in October of that year. In 1863 he accepted a position in the Custom House 
 at Suspension Bridge, and passed through all the positions in that office until appointed Collector of the Port 
 in February, 1878, acquitting himself with great credit as a Government official. He brought to the discharge 
 of the duties of this position that quick perception, resolute energy and promptitude which distinguished him 
 through life among his fellow citizens, and which crowned his efforts with abundant success in all his under- 
 takings. When in 1883 the first street railway company in Niagara Falls was organized, he was, because of 
 his great executive ability, elected its president, and discharged his official functions with the greatest efficiency 
 until the valuable franchises and property of the company were sold in 1890. The road is now operated under 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 4' 
 
 the electric system. The Bank of Suspension Bndtje was organized in Au>;;ust, 1886, and he was called 
 to the presidency of the corporation, in which position he still remains. His sterling qualities and business 
 methods inspired fullest confidence in the hank from its inception, and in the management of its affairs under 
 his direction this confidence is abundantly justified. He was one of the incorporators of the great Niagara 
 Falls Power Company and was its first vice-president, and in every other project toward advancing the 
 general interests of the community he is always among the foremost. When Governor Morton was 
 inaugurated in 1895 he appointed him Chief of Ordnance and acting Quarter-master General, with the rank 
 of Brigadier-general, and he is one of the most efficient members of the Governor's staff. He is a very 
 prominent Mason, and has for years been high in th'e councils of that ancient fraternity. He is a member of 
 Niagara Frontier Lodge, No. 132, F. and A. M. ; of Niagara Chapter, No. 200, R. A. M. ; Genesee Com- 
 mandery. No. 10, K. T., of Lockport ; Rochester Consistory, and of the Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction 
 Scottish Rite 33d Degree, and is an honored past grand master of the Grand Lodge of New York State. 
 General Flagler was married November 9, 1859, to Miss Martha J. McKnight, daughter of Robert McKnight, 
 Esq., of Newfane, New York. 
 
 HON. O. W. CUTLER, MAYOR. 
 
 Not to know the efficient e.xecutive of the city of Niagara Falls is to argue one's self unknown in that part 
 of the State, his Honor, the Mayor being one of the best known and most popular citizens and officials of 
 the Cataract City. He was born in Newbury, New Hampshire, April i, 1846, his father being a successful 
 farmer and merchant, prominent in political and military circles, being for years the adjutant of one of the 
 militia regiments of the Granite State. Mr. O. W. Cutler received a liberal education in the High school and 
 the New London Literary and Scientific Institute, and was ijraduated from the latter institution in 1864. For 
 two years afterwards he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Boston, and on June i, 1866, he was married 
 to Miss Mary A. Tallant, a leading society lady of one of the best families of Concord, New Hampshire. 
 The following year he settled at Suspension Bridge, where he purchased a drug store, now conducted by Cole 
 & Merriam, and which Mr. Cutler carried on successfully for nine years. From 1876 to 1880 he was 
 connected in a responsible capacity with the Holly Steam Company of Lockport, and negotiated for that con- 
 cern contracts of great magnitude. In 1880 he purchased the Union Printing and Publishing Company's 
 business at Lockport, and remained proprietor of the concern until 1895, and on March 8 of that year he 
 formed a partnership with Frederick W. Corsen of New Castle, Pennsylvania, the firm purchasing the plant 
 of the Lockport "Daily Sun," the "Niagara Sun," and the Lockport "Union," and "The Niagara Demo- 
 crat," continuing these publications under the name of the " Union-Sun." Mr. Cutler established the " Daily 
 Catarat" at Niagara Falls in 1892. He has always had unshaken faith in the future of the Falls, and has 
 been influential and active in advancing every project for the improvement and welfare of the place. To his 
 efforts, and those of other older residents, the water-works at Suspension Bridge were established, and he was 
 zealous and untiring in his efforts to throw the reservation open to all ; it was his arguments and his influence, 
 more than any other one person's, that induced Governor Hill to sign the bill which made Niagara "free." 
 For twenty years past he has taken great interest in the project to utilize the water-power of Niagara Falls, 
 and with Mr. Gaskill, also an enthusiast on the subject, he discussed the matter in all its bearings, and 
 submitted to Thomas Evershed, the engineer who projected the plan which was adopted by the Cataract 
 Construction Company, the advantages which led to the drawing up of the plan from an engineer's standpoint 
 for the great work just completed, which was published in full in the Lockport "Union," and in his papers he 
 advocated the measure with ability and evidently to some purpose. 
 
 Mr. Cutler is a gentleman of culture and refinement, an uncompromising Democrat, generous, honest and 
 possessing executive abilities of a high order. He is an able public speaker, prominent in social circles, and 
 his son, John W., is the assistant business manager of the Lockport " Union-Sun." Mr. Cutler is one of the 
 large taxpayers of the city. He is an old fireman, a charter member of the Forty-second Separate Company, 
 N. G. N. Y., in which he served for five years. He is influential in Masonic counsels, a past-master of 
 Niagara River Lodge, No. 785, F. and A. M., and past-commander of Genesee Commandery, Knights 
 Templar, and is the present commander of Niagara Commandery, No. 64, at Niagara Falls. He has taken 
 the Scottish Rite degrees, and is a popular member of Ismailia Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. 
 
 Although active in politics for over twenty years, no suspicion of want of ability or integrity has ever 
 been raised, and he has never been credited by his political adversaries with a single act of doubtful honesty. 
 
FRANK H. CLEMENT. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 43 
 
 FRANK H. CLEMENT. 
 The senior member of the well-known firm of Clement & Company of Niagara Falls, engineers and con- 
 tractors, was horn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1840. His life has been one of great usefulness and 
 activity, having been engaged in connection with some of the most extensive and important works in different 
 parts of America from early manhood. He was for a long time engaged in engineering work in Mexico, South 
 America and throughout the United States, and occupied a prominent and responsible position in the construc- 
 tion of the South Pennsylvania Railroad. He came to Niagara Falls, New York, in 1890, and has been 
 successfully engaged since in the construction of the great tunnel of the Niagara Power Company ; the entire 
 work in connection with the sinking of the shafts on this great tunnel, was done under the direction of Mr. 
 Clement, much of the engineering work connected with the tunuel being the result of his labors. Mr. Clement 
 is a member of the Society of Civil Engineers ; of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and of the 
 American Institute of Mining Engineers. He is an ener- 
 getic, broad-guage man of business, and is universally 
 recognized as one of the most useful and prominent 
 citizens. 
 
 CHARLES A. ADAMS. 
 This prominent contractor and citizen of Niagara 
 Falls, a member of the well-known firm of Clement & 
 Company, is one of those actively engaged in the con- 
 struction of the extensive sewage system at the Falls, 
 and in previous work there to utilize the power of the 
 great cataract he has taken a most important part. Mr. 
 Adams was born in Simsburg, Connecticut, October 26, 
 1856, and in early life attended the public schools of his 
 native town, supplementing his studies by a course at 
 Eastman's College, Poughkeepsie, taking the full course 
 and graduating with honor in one year. From that time 
 to the present he has been responsibly connected with 
 the construction of important public works. In 1874-5 
 he was employed in the building of the Delaware & 
 Hudson Canal Company's railroad, and from 1876 to 
 1880 and again in 1884-5 with the Lachine Canal work 
 ill Canada. For several years afterwards he was suc- 
 cessfully engaged in mining in the Western states, and 
 was also connected with the work on the great New York 
 aqueduct, on which he was employed for five years ; 
 from 1890 to December, 1893, his services were engaged 
 by the firm of Rogers & Clement on the work of the 
 
 Niagara Falls tunnel. Messrs. Clement & Company are one of the leadinji contracting firms for e 
 work in the country, and have special facilities for performing such speedily and effectively at lowest 
 cost of construction, and their future gives promise of great success and usefulness. Mr. Adams was 
 in New York City, August 21, 1886, to Miss Catharine Hendley, and resides at 223 Third street, 
 genial gentleman, an expert in his line of business, and a valued citizen in all that the term implies. 
 
 CHARLES A. ADAMS. 
 
 xtensive 
 possible 
 married 
 He is a 
 
 JOHN R. BARRON. 
 This well-known successful business man is a member of the firm of Clement & Company, contractors, 
 of Niagara Falls, whose extensive contracts here and elsewhere have given them great prominence in their 
 field of industrial enterprise in this country. Mr. Barron was born at Baltimore, Maryland, September 10, 
 1859, and was educated in the public schools of his native city. From early manhood he has been actively 
 engaged in the construction of extensive public works in many parts of the country, and in his profession he 
 is recognized as a responsible, reliable and successful manager and director of great undertakings. He had 
 charge of, or superintended, the construction of section number two of the Baltimore water-works ; the 
 Tillie Foster iron mines, New York State ; the north end of Haverstraw tunnel on the West Shore Railroad ; 
 
44 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 the Sodam Dam tunnel, in Putnam county, New York ; 
 the timber work on the Baltimore & Ohio Junction tunnel 
 at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; the Sidling Hill tunnel on 
 the South Pennsylvania Railroad; the Niagara power 
 tunnel at Niagara Falls ; the sinking of the shafts on 
 section seven of the new Croton aqueduct, and had 
 charge of the mining operations of the Lee Mountain 
 Syndicate in Montana. In 1887-8 Mr. Barron was super- 
 intendent for the Batopilas Mining Company, in Chick- 
 ucha, Mexico. In Niagara Falls he had the construction 
 of the work on the Erie street sewer, the Cliff Paper Mill 
 incline and tunnel work, the conduit for the Cataract 
 hotel, the subway for the Niagara Falls & Suspension 
 Bridge Railway, and the Third and Fifth street sewers. 
 In all his important undertakings Mr. Barron has evi- 
 denced the skill to plan and ability to execute the most 
 difficult work in his line, and in every detail he is prompt, 
 energetic and successful. He was married June 11, 
 1882, to Miss Catharine A. McCabe of Haverstraw, 
 New York. 
 
 CHARLES E. CROMLEY. 
 
 This successful and popular attorney at Niagara 
 Falls is the son of James and Elizabeth Cromley, the 
 former a veteran of the Civil War, representing two of 
 the old substantial families in Oswego county. New 
 York, where the subject of this biographical sketch was born March 8, 1859. He was educated in the public 
 schools of his native town, and at the early age of thirteen he engaged in the battle of life on his own account. 
 Largely by his own exertions he secured an excellent classical and English education, and began the study of 
 law at Fulton, Oswego county, New York, in the office of Hardee & Piper. Messrs. Davenport & Tennant, 
 a very prominent law firm at Richfield Springs, subsequently became his law preceptors, and in 1879, at the 
 age of twenty years, he was admitted to the Bar at Saratoga Springs. The year following he removed to 
 Niagara Falls, and he has been engaged in successful practice there since that time. Mr. Cromley is the 
 senior member of the well-known law firm of Cromley & Lawrence, whose offices are located in the Arcade 
 building. The firm are counsel for some of the most important mercantile and manufacturing interests of the 
 Falls, and both the members are recognized as advocates of great ability and as sagacious counsellors. Mr. 
 Cromley was the first police justice of Niagara Falls, to which position he was elected in 1886, and his record 
 as an official is one of great usefulness and efficiency. In politics Mr. Cromley is a Republican, and has a host 
 of political friends in his party, and many warm personal friends among the Democrats. The former are 
 anxious to nominate him as their party's candidate for Senator in this Republican stronghold. He has 
 declined several political nominations, among them delegate to the Constitutional convention and for Member 
 of Assembly. On June 10, 1880, Mr, Cromley was married to Miss Hattie Ransom, daughter of the Hon. 
 Norman Ransom of Otsego county. New York, and has two children. Ransom and Ned. in social circles Mr. 
 Cromley is held in highest esteem. He is a member of Niagara Frontier Lodge No. 132, F. and A. M., and 
 was formerly Second Lieutenant of the Forty-second Separate Company, N. G. N. Y., an organization which 
 was raised largely by his efforts. He is a gentleman of culture and social qualities of a high order, and in 
 professional as in social life is held in general confidence and esteem. 
 
 JOHN R. BARRON. 
 
 SPENCER J. LAWRENCE. 
 The subject of this brief biographical notice, one of the most efficient and successful of the younger mem- 
 bers of the Niagara County Bar, was born at Le Roy, New York, October 11, 1864, and obtained a thorough 
 common-school education in the public schools of his native town. After attaining his majority he removed 
 to Batavia, New York, where he began the study of law in the office of his preceptor, William C. Watson, and 
 was admitted to practice in the several courts of the county in 1889. He remained in Batavia with Mr. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 45 
 
 Watson for five years, and removed to Niagara Falls about January i, 1891, where he formed a co-partnership 
 with Cliarles E. Cromley, Esq., constituting the firm of Cromiey & Lawrence, one of the best l<nown and 
 most reputable law firms in Western New York. The office of Messrs. Cromley & Lawrence is eligibly 
 located in the Arcade building, and the firm have established themselves in a most important and growing 
 practice in the courts of Niagara and adjoining counties. Both members of the firm are able advocates, and 
 safe, reliable counsellors, and bring to the management of their business that thorough preparation which 
 secures the best possible results for their clients. Mr. Lawrence is an esteemed member of Niagara Frontier 
 Lodge, F. and A. M., and also of Niagara Chapter, R. A. M. He has never sought or held any political posi- 
 tion, although he has many warm friends in the Republican party who are earnestly urging him to accept the 
 nomination for the County Judgeship, a position which he would unquestionably adorn. He is devoted to his 
 profession, and is regarded alike with highest favor by Bench and Bar, and is accounted a citizen and a 
 lawyer of highest repute. 
 
 COLONEL CHARLES B. GASKILL. 
 Distinguished alike as a soldier and citizen. Colonel Charles B. Gaskill has long been prominent in busi- 
 ness and social life at the Falls. He was born in Niagara county. New York, November 28, 1841, and 
 received his early education in the public schools of his native county. Until the outbreak of the 
 Rebellion he resided at Suspension Bridge, New York, and in the beginning of the struggle he enlisted in the 
 Forty-fourth Regiment, New York Volunteers. For gallant services he was rapidly promoted to lieutenant, 
 captain, major, lieutenant-colonel and colonel, in recognition of his valued services in the cause of the Union. 
 He was appointed a captain in the regular army, and was brevetted major and lieutenant-colonel in the 
 United States regular army for gallant and meritorious conduct at the battles of Hanover Court House and 
 Gaines' Mills. In the last-named fight he was wounded and taken prisoner, and was subsequently exchanged. 
 He resigned his commission in the army in 1870, and returned to Niagara Falls and built the first flour mill on 
 the Hydraulic canal, since which time he has been successfully engaged in the milling business here, and also 
 in the manufacture of paper and in other important business enterprises. He was president of the Niagara 
 Falls Power Company from its inception to 1893, and is still a director in that concern., He superintended the 
 construction of the Niagara Falls Electric Railway and was elected president of the company, and in business 
 affairs he has always displayed the ability and energy which distinguished him in the field. In all enterprises 
 for the general welfare of his fellow citizens he has ever been among the foremost and most active, and he is 
 universally recognized as one of the most valued, useful and honored citizens of Niagara Falls. He was 
 married in 1866 to Miss Helen I. Sherwood of Suspension Bridge, and resides on Pine street corner of Fifth 
 street. He is in every regard a representative citizen, and a cultured, genial and popular gentleman. 
 
 HON. MIGHELLS B. BUTLER. 
 
 This representative citizen and prominent business man of Niagara Falls was born in Phelps, New York, 
 November 23, 1856. His father was Edgar D. Butler, and his mother Mary Butler, nee Bachman. At a 
 very early age he removed to Niagara Falls, where he attended the public schools, and subsequently pursued 
 a full course of study at DeVeaux College, from which he was graduated in 1876. He then became a student 
 at Harvard College, where he remained for one year, and then accepted the position of master and com- 
 mandant of DeVeaux College, which he ably filled for two years. He then began the study of medicine, 
 taking a full course of instruction at the New York Homeopathic College, from which institution he was 
 graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1881. He began the practice of his profession in Geneva, New York, 
 at the Hygienic Institute, but relinquished his profession in a few months to engage in the mercantile business. 
 He became a partner in the well-known dry goods house of Jackson & Bush, at Ithaca, and from there he 
 removed to Suspension Bridge in 1884, where he engaged in the grocery business as a partner in the firm of 
 M. V. Pearson & Company. In 1890 he took charge of the branch store of the firm at Niagara Falls, and in 
 July, 1892, the firm was dissolved. Dr. Butler retaining the Falls store, which he is now conducting with great 
 success in the new Gluck building on Falls street. In March, 1894, he purchased the business of his former 
 partner at the north end of the city. He has also been prominent in municipal affairs. He filled with 
 efficiency the position of trustee of the village of Suspension Bridge, and in 1893 he was elected mayor of 
 Niagara Falls — the second mayor of the city after the consolidation, and in the discharge of his duties he was 
 faithful, intelligent and prudent. He is now a member of the Board of Public Works of the city, and in 
 oftlclal life as in private business he has established himself firmly in the esteem and confidence of his fellow 
 
ANTHONY C. DOUGLASS. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 47 
 
 citizens. At tiie time of tlie organization of the Forty-second Separate Company, N. Y. N. G., in 1885 lie 
 was elected second lieutenant of the organization, and in 1891 he was elected captain, a position he still holds 
 and which he fills with eminent ability. He is a popular officer, and has made his command one of the most 
 creditable in tlie National Guard of this State. He was married in Ithaca, New York, June, 1881, to Miss 
 Jessie Jackson, and resides on Michigan avenue. In business, social and military life he is held in highest 
 confidence and regard, and in every movement for the welfare of the city he is always one of the foremost. 
 
 ANTHONY C. DOUGLASS. 
 From the number and magnitude of the undertakings successfully e.xecuted under his direction and 
 supervision in all parts of the country, it may well be assumed that Mr. Anthony C. Douglass, mining and 
 mechanical engineer, and general contractor, of Niagara Falls, New York, is one of the recognized leaders in 
 his profession in the country. He was born in North Oxford, Ontario, April 23, 1857 ; his father, James W. 
 Douglass, who was a native of Plattsburg, New York, was descended from one of the old, substantial 
 families of the Scotch settlement. After the War Mr. Douglass removed to Mississippi, where he remained 
 until 1870, receiving there a common-school education. Essentially a self-made man, the knowledge obtained 
 in contact with the world of business, supplementing the elementary instruction received at school, fitted him 
 in a marked degree for the momentous affairs of a life of usefulness and great achievements. Until 1880 he 
 was engaged in mining and railroad work on the Pacific slope, and in May of that year he returned East on a 
 visit to his father. While on this visit he took charge of the Portland, Maine, water-works improvements at 
 Sebago lake, and on its completion he went to Capleton, Province of Quebec, and had charge of the driving 
 of a tunnel for the O.xford Nickel and Copper Company. He afterwards romoved to Isaacs' Harbor, Nova 
 Scotia, as mining and mechanical engineer for the Gallaghar Gold Mining and Milling Company, to open up a 
 gold mine at that place. From thence he went to Hanover Junction, Pennsylvania, and opened up extensive 
 iron mines for W. W. Rossiter of New York City, and subsequently became a sub-contractor on the aqueduct 
 tunnel of Washington, D. C, under Beckwith & Quackenbush, and then undertook part of the work on the 
 New York aqueduct, under Brown, Howard & Company. He afterwards drove the Ruggles Avenue trunk- 
 sewer tunnel at Newport, Rhode Island, under contract, and on its completion he became general manager of 
 the Galena tunnel on the Minnesota & Northwestern Railroad, at Galena, Illinois, for Sheppard, Winston & 
 Company of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He then became a member of the well-known firm of R. J Malone 
 & Company, of New York City, and was the active partner in charge of the driving of the Centralia drainage 
 tunnel for the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, on the completion of which he bought Mr. Malone's interest in 
 the business, and contracted with the Lehigh Valley Coal Company and Lentz, Lilly & Company for the 
 driving of several other principal tunnels in that section. He came to Niagara Falls in 1891 and contracted 
 with the Cataract Construction Company for the building of their canal and was afterwards awarded the 
 contract for sinking the wheel-pit and building the extension of the main tunnel and its lateral branches. He 
 received also the contract for sinking the wheel-pit for the Niagara Falls Paper Company and building their 
 canal, and for driving their branch tunnel, connecting with the main tunnel of the Cataract Construction 
 Company. He has contracts at this time for building the sub-structure of the filtering plant of the Niagara 
 Falls water-works for the Cataract Construction Company, and also for the intake pier of and tunnel for the 
 Buffalo City water-works improvement. Mr. Douglass was married June 4, 1882, to Miss Emma Ida Law of 
 Hanover Junction, Pennsylvania. He is an associate member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, 
 and is prominent and popular in Masonic circles. He is a member of the Blue Lodge and Chapter of Sing Sing, 
 New York, and a member of Niagara Commandery, No. 64, Knights Templar; of the Philadelphia Consistory 
 Scottish Rite, 32d Degree; and of Lu Lu Temple, Ancient Arabic order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. 
 Dnuidass is an affable and courteous gentleman and has many friends throughout the country. 
 
 NATHANIEL L. BENHAM. 
 The popular and very efficient Superintendent of Schools of Niagara Falls, Nathaniel L. Benham, was 
 born at Seneca Falls, New York, October 29, 1851. He is a lineal descendant of John Benham, who came 
 to America from England in 1630. This distinguished ancestor went to New Haven, Connecticut, with the 
 Eaton and Davenport colonists in 1640, and was the head of one of the seventy families who settled the place. 
 The second son of this pioneer, Joseph, removed to Wallingford, Connecticut, in i66o, and was the first 
 settler in that town. The mother of Nathaniel L. Benham, iicc Latham, was a descendant of Gary Latham, 
 one of the founders of New London, Connecticut, one of whose ancestors was William Janes, who was also 
 
48 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 one of the seventy families of tlie Eaton and Davenport colonists who first settled in New Haven. The sub- 
 ject of this biographical notice was educated in the academy at Seneca Falls, preparatory to entering college, 
 for which his studious habits and tastes especially qualified him ; but unforseen circumstances prevented the 
 realization of his ambition for a collegiate education. At the age of sixteen years he accepted the position of 
 teacher in one of the country schools, and was subsequently engaged in educational work in his native village 
 for eight years. While engaged in teaching he began the reading of law in the office of J. N. Hammond, 
 Esq., and was admitted to the Bar in 1878. Removing to Waterloo, New York, he engaged in the practice of 
 law for one year, as the head of the firm of Benham & Rood. He came to Buffalo in 1880, and remained in 
 that city for four years, removing to Niagara Falls in 1884. The same year he was appointed principal of 
 the Niagara Falls Union school, discharging the duties of the position with marked ability until his appoint- 
 ment as Superintendent of the schools of the village. In 1892, when the city was consolidated, he was 
 continued in the capacity of Superintendent of schools of the city, a position which he ably fills at this time. 
 Mr. Benham has been a student diligent and untiring all his life, and has by his own energy and perseverence 
 attained a high degree of scholarship. His long experience as an educator, and his ability to impart knowl- 
 edge, have given him prominence in his special field of professional work, and he enjoys the fullest confidence 
 of the patrons of the schools, teachers, pupils, and the general public. He was married August 12, 1886, 
 to Miss Margaret E. Sheldon of Niagara Falls. He is a vestryman in St. Peter's church, and worshipful 
 master of Niagara Frontier Lodge, No. 132, F. and A. M., and also a member of Niagara Chapter, Royal 
 Arch Masons. 
 
 ARTHUR SCHOELLKOPF. 
 
 This recognized leader of industrial enterprises at Niagara Falls, was born in Buffalo, June 13, 1856, and 
 is a son of Jacob F. and Christina Schoellkopf, representatives of the foremost German-American families of 
 the Queen City. His grandfather was Christian Schoellkopf, a native of Germany, as was the father of the 
 
 subject of this biographical sketch, the latter coming to 
 America in 1841 and locating in Buffalo, of which city 
 he has ever since been a resident, and one of the most 
 prominent and successful manufacturers. Mr. Jacob F. 
 Schoellkopf is the senior member of the firm of Schoell- 
 kopf & Matthews, proprietors of the Central Milling 
 Company, whose plant, one of the largest and most com- 
 plete of its kind in Western New York, is located on the 
 Hydraulic canal. 
 
 Mr. Arthur Schoellkopf was educated in Germany 
 and in America. He attended an academy at Kirchheim, 
 Germany, for four years, and after coming to Buffalo, 
 he completed his education. He learned the milling bus- 
 iness with Thornton & Chester of Buffalo, and on the 
 completion of the large mill at Niagara Falls, of which 
 he was a part owner, he became local manager of the 
 business, and is also largely interested in the Central 
 Milling Company's interests in that city. His father 
 and he were among the most influential citizens of the 
 Falls and were active and prominent in forming the 
 Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing Com- 
 pany, owners of the Hydraulic canal, which supplies the 
 power for all the mills located there. The former is 
 president and the latter secretary and treasurer of the 
 company since its organization. Mr. Arthur Schoellkopf 
 built the Niagara Falls and Suspension Bridge street 
 railway, which was completed July 4, 1883, and. was 
 manager of that enterprise until 1890, when he sold out 
 his interest in the concern. The two Schoellkopfs were the originators of the Brush Electric Light Company 
 of the Falls. He is aLso one of the directors of the Bank of Niagara, and president of the Power City bank in 
 the Gluck building, and a stockholder, director, secretary and treasurer of the International Hotel Company 
 
 ARTHUR SCHOELLKOPF. 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 49 
 
 here. He is vice-president of tiie Cliff Paper Company ; president of tine Parl< Thieatre Company, wiio lately 
 built the handsome and complete new Park theatre, facing Prospect Park; also president of the local branch 
 of the New York Mutual Loan and Savings Association. 
 
 Mr. Schoellkopf has been a member of the Board of Public Works for three years, and is a trustee of the 
 Presbyterian church. He is a member of Niagara Frontier Lodge, No. 132, F. & A. M.; a prominent Knight 
 Templar, and a member of Ismailia Temple of Buffalo. He was married October 13, 1880, to Miss Jessie 
 Gluck, daughter of Alva Cluck of Niagara Falls, and resides here, where he is held in high esteem. Mr. 
 Schoellkopf is recognized universally as one of the most progressive and enterprising business men of Niagara 
 Falls. 
 
 ANDREW KALTENBACH. 
 
 The name of this prominent citizen of Niagara Falls is familiar as a household word among tourists from 
 all parts of the world, his fame as proprietor of the elegant hotel bearing his name having spread over two 
 continents. He was born in 1828 at Baden, Germany, and was educated at the schools of his native place. 
 He came to the United States and became a resident of Rochester, New York, where he engaged in business 
 as restauranteur. He came to Niagara Falls from Rochester, New York, in the fall of 1877, and purchased a 
 delightful site for a first-class hotel, with a commanding view of the American Park and the rapids, and 
 erected the famous Hotel Kaltenbach, designed by the most prominent architects, as a modern, model hotel, 
 which in its appointments and arrangement is unsurpassed by any house of its kind in the country. This 
 imposing building, with its healthful surroundings, was opened to the public May 21, 1878, and from the first 
 was the most popular resort for European and American tourists sojourning at the Falls. The taste displayed 
 in its arrangement and appointments is unexceptionable, the menu is all that could be desired, and the 
 service is polite and accommodating. The furnishing of this establishment is in keeping with the imposing 
 building and its attractive surroundings, and the guests of the Kaltenbach find in the proprietor a genial, 
 cultured, and competent host. The house is conducted on the American plan, and for seventeen years it has 
 received the patronage of the better class of travelers visiting the Falls, who are unqualified in their praise 
 of the Kaltenbach and its model proprietor. He is a man of rare tact and judgment in catering to the 
 requirements of refined and critical patrons, and as a business man and citizen he is finely established in 
 general regard and confidence. 
 
 HON. CHARLES H. PIPER. 
 
 Distinguished alike at the Bar and on the Bench, Judge Charles H. Piper has for years been a prominent 
 citizen of Niagara Falls and one of the most popular and successful practitioners in the courts of Niagara and 
 adjoining counties. He was born October 17, i860, at Niagara Falls, New York, and in boyhood attended 
 the public schools of his native place. His father, Charles H. Piper, was the first and oldest lawyer at 
 Niagara Falls, and his mother was a daughter of Judge Hulett. After completing his common-school studies 
 he entered De Veaux College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1877. He began his law 
 studies in his father's office, and pursued the study of law in the office of William C. Fitch, Esq., and was 
 admitted to practice in the courts of Niagara county in January, 1882, since which time he has been engaged 
 in successful practice at Niagara Falls. He was elected justice of the peace, and filled the position efficiently 
 for four years, in 1889 he was elected police justice of the village of Niagara Falls, and was reelected in 
 March, 1892, and in April of the year last named he was elected police justice of the city, after the consoli- 
 dation. He was for one year (1882) village clerk. Judge Piper was married September i, 1885, to Miss 
 Lizzie J. Pfeiffer, daughter of Bernard Pfeiffer, Esq., of Niagara Falls, his wife dying, however, April 17, 
 1895. He is a popular member of Niagara Frontier Lodge, F. & A. M., and is influential in the councils of 
 Niagara Chapter No. 200, R. A. M. He resides at 134 Third street. 
 
 WILLETT W. READ. 
 
 A valued and useful citizen and efficient public official is the subject of this short biographical notice, 
 the city engineer of Niagara Falls. He was born in Watertown, New York, February 12, 1865, his father 
 being D'Estang C. Read, Esq., one of the prominent citizens of Watertown. His early education was 
 secured at Watertown and at Potsdam, New York, and in 1884 he entered Cornell University, from which he 
 was graduated in 1888. He then removed to Washington, Indiana, and was there engaged in engineering 
 and constructing works under contract, and in enterprises of greatest importance he was always successful. 
 
?o 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 his work taking him to Cleveland, Chicago, and Niagara Falls, and for the past two years he has been 
 located in the latter city. On April i, 1895, Mr. Read was elected city engineer of this place, a position 
 which he now fills with great ability and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. He was married to 
 Miss Elizabeth Nassoiy of this city, and resides at No. 1004 Grove avenue. Valued for his public services 
 and esteemed for his worth and energy, he is one of the prominent figures in official and business circles 
 at the Falls. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
CITY OF BUFFALO 
 
 PART FIRST. 
 
 COLONIAL DAYS. 
 
 Chapter I. 
 
 The Original Occupants of Erie County — Their Extermination by the 
 Iroquois — The Company of New France — Arrival of De La Salle — The First 
 Sailing Vessel on Lake Erie — Destruction of Seneca Villages by De Nonville — 
 His Prophecy Concerning Buffalo — The Indians in the Revolutionary War — 
 Phelps and Gorham Purchase — Treaty of Fort Stanwix— Ellicott Lays Out the 
 Village of Buffalo — Birth of the First White Child in the Village — Anecdotes 
 of Red Jacket— First State Election — First Postmaster at Buffalo — First Mail 
 Brought to Buffalo — Niagara County Formed — Town of Buffalo Created. 
 
 EARLY STRUGGLES. 
 
 Chapter 11. 
 
 Recruiting Officer in Buffalo — First State Senator Elected 
 from Buffalo — News of Declaration of War Received — Sen- 
 ecas Agree to Remain Neutral —Capture of Two British War 
 Vessels Near Fort Erie — The British Open Fire on Black 
 Rock — Retreat of the British — Fort Niagara Captured — 
 Destruction of Buffalo — Drunken Indians Loot the Town 
 — Capture of Fort Erie — Battles of Chippewa and Lundy's 
 Lane — Peace Declared — Reorganization of Towns — Politics 
 in 1818 — First Steamboat on Lake Erie — First Work on 
 the Canal — Population of Buffalo in 1825 — Abduction of 
 William Morgan. 
 
 BUFFALO AS A CITY. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Incorporated as a City — Population, Census of 1835 — 
 Buffalo and Attica Railroad — Treaty With Senecas — Com- 
 merce of the City — Buffalo's Part in the War of the Rebellion 
 — News of Surrender of Fort Sumter — Public Meeting — First 
 Volunteer Company — The Death Roll — Battles of South 
 Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg —Other Battles — The 
 Gallant One Hundredth Infantry — Mysterious Disappearance 
 of Colonel Brown in Battle — Many Other Engagements — 
 Heavy Losses Sustained — Colors of the One Hundredth 
 Planted on Last Stronghold of the Rebels. 
 
 PART SECOND. 
 
 BUFFALO AFTER THE 
 
 Chapter IV. 
 
 WAR. 
 
 American Hotel Fire — Invasion of Canada by Fenians — Inauguration of a 
 Park System — City and County Hall Dedicated — Numerous Large Fires — 
 Unveiling of Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument — Rapid Increase of Churches 
 — Real Estate Values Greatly Appreciated — Many New Railroads Centering in 
 Buffalo — Labor Organization Troubles — Rapid Growth of City — Population 
 in i8go— New Passenger Boats on the Lake — Importance of Buffalo as a Har- 
 bor—The Necrolngical Record — Many Costly Buildings Erected — A Princely 
 Gift to the Hospital — Extending the Suburbs. 
 
 PART THIRD. 
 
 Summary 
 
 Municipal Government 
 
 BUFFALO Harbor 
 
 Educational Institutions 
 
 Homes, Asylums, Etc. 
 
 National Guard 
 
 Music 
 
 Journalism 
 
 GREATER BUFFALO. 
 
 Page 79 Clubs OF Buffalo . 
 
 82 Women's Organizations 
 
 93 Banks and Bankers 
 
 96 Religious Denominations 
 
 loi Roman Catholic Churches 
 
 104 Bench and Bar 
 
 105 Medical Profession 
 119 Buffalo Historical Society 
 
 Page 122 
 
 125 
 
 130 
 
 145 
 154 
 166 
 194 
 
 212 
 
 part fourth. 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Page 215. 
 
GENERAL INDEX 
 
 Acacia club, 123 
 Academy of Sacred Heart, 163 
 A cold summer, 34 
 
 Adam, Meldrum & Anderson Com- 
 pany, The, 109 
 Adams Major, 25 
 A dearth of flour, 34 
 Agrarian outbreak, 41 
 American Exchange bank, 132 
 Amherst township erected, 36 
 Antietam, battle of, 43 
 Anti-slavery agitation, 41 
 Ararat, a refuge for Jews, 38 
 Army, an act to organize, 21 
 Asphalt pavement, miles of, 79 
 Aspinwall, Lieutenant-colonel, 28 
 Assembly, first member of, 21 
 Assessed valuation 1886, 58 
 Assessed valuation, increase of, 84 
 A strange crew's fate, 39 
 
 Bank at Attica, 151 
 
 Bank of Buffalo, 131, 132 
 
 Bank of Commerce, 132 
 
 Bank of Niagara, 130 
 
 Banks and Banking, 130 
 
 Bemis, Captain Jonathan, 12, 22 
 
 Bench and Bar, 166 
 
 Berry, JVlajor Jack, 16 
 
 Bidwell, Captain, 28 
 
 Biographical sketches, 215 
 
 Bird, William A., 36 
 
 Bishop, Colonel, 25 
 
 Black Rock, attempt to capture, 25 
 
 Blakslie, Lieutenant-colonel, 25 
 
 Bloody Angle, the, 44 
 
 Boston township formed, 34 
 
 Boughton, Lieutenant-colonel, 25, 27 
 
 Bradstreet, General, ii 
 
 Brant, Joseph, 11, 18 
 
 Brant township formed, 41 
 
 Breckenridge, Rev. Dr., 18, 19 
 
 Brewing industry, the, 114 
 
 British captives, 27 
 
 British gunboats captured, 24 
 
 Brooks, Joseph, 14 
 
 Brown, Jacob, 27, 29 
 
 Buffalo after the War, 49 
 
 Buffalo as a city, 40 
 
 Buffalo & Attica Railroad completed, 
 
 41 
 Buffalo Charity Organization founded, 
 
 51 
 Buffalo Commercial bank, 131 
 Buffalo General Hospital, loi 
 Buffalo harbor, 93 
 Buffalo Historical Society, 212 
 Buffalo HomtEopathic Hospital, 102 
 Buffalo incorporated as a city, 39 
 Buffalo in 1800, 12 
 Buffalo Savings bank, 133 
 Buffalo Society of Vermonters, 225 
 Buffalo, first mayor of, 40 
 Buffalo, first postmaster of, 13 
 Buffalo, prophecy of, 10 
 Buffalo, rebuilding of, 27 
 Buffalo, town of, created, 15 
 Buffalo, village plot of, 12 
 Buffum, Richard, 16 
 Bull, Captain, 25 
 Bull Run, battle of, 43 
 
 Canisius College, 163 
 Carding mill, the first, 15 
 Cash, William, 15 
 Catholic Union and Times, The, 120 
 Cattaraugus county set off, 34 
 Cavalry companies, 48 
 Cedar Creek, battle of, 45 
 Cemeteries, 102 
 Census of 1810, 15 
 Census of 1823, 38 
 Census of 1830, 39 
 Census of 1835, 40 
 Census of 1840, 41 
 Census of 1845, 41 
 Census of 1850, 41 
 Census of i860, 42 
 Census of 1875, 51 
 Census of 1880, 65 
 Chapin, Lieutenant-colonel, 25 
 Chapman, Asa, 15 
 Charter of 1628, 9 
 
 Cheektowaga, first settlement in, 15 
 Cheektowaga township formed, 41 
 Chippewa, battle of, 27, 30 
 Chronological record of events, 1865 to 
 i8q5, 49-76. 
 
 Churches, 81 
 
 Asbury Methodist, 150 
 
 Ascension, 149 
 
 Annunciation, 159 
 
 Berith Shalon, 152 
 
 Beth El Synagogue, 152 
 
 Beth Jacob, 152 
 
 Beth Zion, 150 
 
 Church of the Atonement, 152 
 
 Church of the Messiah, 150 
 
 Delaware Avenue Baptist, 151 
 
 Delaware Avenue Methodist, 150 
 
 English Evangelical Lutheran, 152 
 
 Evangelical Lutheran, St. John's, 
 152 
 
 First Baptist, 149 
 
 First Free Methodist, 150 
 
 First Unitarian Congregational, 
 150 
 
 Free Baptist, 150 
 
 Grace Episcopal, 149 
 
 Grace Methodist Episcopal, 150 
 
 Holy Angels', 160 
 
 Immaculate Conception, 161 
 
 Lafayette Street, 147 
 
 Prospect Avenue Baptist, 150 
 
 Sacred Heart, i6t 
 
 Seven Dolors, 161 
 
 St. Ann's, 162 
 
 St. Boniface's, 161 
 
 St. Francis Xavier, 159 
 
 St. James' Episcopal, 149 
 
 St. John's Episcopal, 149 
 
 St. Joseph's, 159 
 
 St. Louis', 158 
 
 St. Mary's, 149 
 
 St. Nicholas', 162 
 
 St. Patrick's, 159 
 
 St. Paul's, 147 
 
 St. Vincent's, 161 
 
 Trinity Episcopal, 149 
 
 United Brethren, 1 52 
 
 West Avenue Presbyterian, 146 
 Churches erected at Aurora, 39 
 Citizens Bank of Buffalo, 132 
 City and County hall, corner-stone 
 
 , laid, 50 
 City bank, the, 133 
 City debt 1895, 84 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 S^ 
 
 Civic club, 127 
 
 Clarence, first town meeting in, 13 
 
 Clarke, Archibald S., 21 
 
 Clearing house, 133 
 
 Cleveland, Hon. Grover, 50, 55, 57 
 
 Climate, 79, 91 
 
 Clinton DeWitt, 38 
 
 Close of War of 1812, 33 
 
 Clubs of Buffalo, 122 
 
 Colden, first settlement in, 16 
 
 Collins, first settlement in, 16 "' 
 
 Colonial days, 9 
 
 Columbia National bank, 132 
 
 Commercial Advertiser, The, 120 
 
 Company of New France, 9 
 
 Concord, town of, formed, 21 
 
 Congress confirms Indian treaty, 41 
 
 Cornplanter, 18 
 
 Council of Jewish Women, 128 
 
 Counties reorganized, 14 
 
 Country club, 123 
 
 Courier, The, 120 
 
 Court-house, the first, 14 
 
 Court-house, tlie second, 34 
 
 Courts established, 14 
 
 Cushing, Zattu, 14 
 
 Custom-house business 1895, 74 
 
 Cuyler, Major William H., 24 
 
 Daillon, Rev. Father, 9 
 
 De Nonville, 10 
 
 Destruction of Black Rock and Buffalo, 
 
 27 
 Douglass, Captain, 28 
 Drummond, Lieutenant-general, 26, 28 
 Dudley, W. C, 16, 24, 27 
 
 Early attorneys, 14 
 
 Early struggles, 21 
 
 East Hamburg, township formed, 42 
 
 Eden, first settlement in, 15 
 
 Eden, town of, formed, 21 
 
 Educational institutions, 96 
 
 Efner, E. D., 26 
 
 Ellicott club, 124 
 
 Ellicott, Joseph, 12, 16, 38 
 
 Elma, township formed, 42 
 
 Empire State express, in 
 
 Empire State Savings bank, 133 
 
 Enquirer, The, 121 
 
 Erie canal begun, 36 
 
 Erie canal completed, 38 
 
 Erie County Savings bank, 133 
 
 Evans, first settlement in, 15 
 
 Evening News, The, 120 
 
 Express, The, 120 
 
 Fanning, Captain, 28 
 
 Farmer's and Mechanic's bank, 131 
 
 Farmer's Brother, 15, 25 
 
 Fast time, iii 
 
 Father Spencer, 36 
 
 Federalists, prominent early, 21 
 
 Fenian outbreak, 49 
 
 Fillmore, Millard, 15, 39, 41 
 
 Fillmore, Rev. Glezen, 15, 34, 37 
 Fire department, 86 
 Fires — 
 
 American hotel block, 49 
 
 Arcade building, 71 
 
 Barnes, Hengerer & Company, 61 
 
 Bickford & Francis block, 6i 
 
 Birge & Son's wall-paper factory, 
 52 
 
 Burt block, 67 
 
 Carroll street, 62 
 
 Clothing Exchange, 65 
 
 Exchange elevator, 64 
 
 "Express" building, 58 
 
 Glucose works, 71 
 
 Miller-Greiner building, 55, 60 
 
 Music Hall, 57 
 
 Pierce's Palace hotel, 53 
 
 Richmond hotel, 60 
 
 S. S. Jewett & Company building, 
 76 
 
 Walbridge & Company, 65 
 First church society organized, 13 
 First land-owners, 12 
 First murder trial, 34 
 First town-meeting, 12 
 Fitch Accident Hospital, 102 
 Fleming, Colonel Robert, 30 
 Flour, output of, 81 
 Fort Erie, 11, 22 
 Fort Erie, surrender of, 27, 30 
 Fort Johnson, 25 
 Fort Niagara captured, 25 
 Fort Niagara surrendered, 12 
 Fort Sumter fired upon, 42 
 Fort Tompkins, built, 24, 25 
 Fortifications at Black Rock, 24 
 Forty-ninth regiment, 44 
 Fourth brigade, N. G. N. Y., 104 
 Fredericksburg, battle of, 43 
 
 Gaines, Brigadier-general, 28, 29 
 
 Gazette, The Buffalo, 16, 120 
 
 German American bank, 133 
 
 German Bank of Buffalo, 51, 133 
 
 Ghastly trophies, 32 
 
 Grade Crossing Commission, 62 
 
 Graduates Association, 127 
 
 Grain elevators, 81 
 
 Grand Island, 25, 36 
 
 Grand Island, squatter sovereignty, 37 
 
 Grand Island, township formed, 42 
 
 Granger, Erastus, 13, 14, 22, 25 
 
 Grosvenor, Abel M., 21 
 
 Greater Buffalo, 79 
 
 Guaranty building, the, 117 
 
 Haight, Albert, 50 
 
 Hall, General Amos, 22, 25 
 
 Hamburg, town of, formed, 21 
 
 Harrison campaign, the, 41 
 
 Haven, Solomon G., 41 
 
 Health, 90 
 
 Hill, Samuel, Jr., 16 
 
 Holland Company, 11, 12, 16 
 
 Holland Company's land war, 41 
 
 Holland, first settlement in, 13 
 
 Holland purchase, 13 
 
 Homes, asylums, etc., loi 
 
 Hopkins, Timothy S., 15, 16, 25 
 
 Horse-bedsteads, 15 
 
 Hospitals, loi 
 
 Hull, Captain, 25, 26 
 
 "Hunkers" and "Barnburners," 41 
 
 Hydraulic bank, the, 133 
 
 Indian allies, 32 
 
 Indian reservation ceded to Ogden 
 
 Company, 38 
 Indians — 
 
 Cayugas, 11 
 
 Fries, 9 
 
 Five Nations, 9, 10, 18 
 
 Hurons, 9 
 
 Iroquois, 9 
 
 Mohawks, 11 
 
 Neuter, 9 
 
 Niagaras, u 
 
 Oneidas, 11 
 
 Onondagas, 11 
 
 Senecas, 10, 11, 18, 22 
 
 Six Nations, 11, 18, 22 
 Indians cede lands to British, 11 
 Indians refuse to sell lands, 37 
 International Boundary Commission, 
 
 36 
 Iroquois hotel, 108 
 
 Jesuits, 9 
 
 Johnson, Dr. Ebenezer, 21, 40 
 
 Journalism, 119 
 
 Kain, Robert, 26 
 Knownothing party, 42 
 
 Lafayette, Marquis De, 38 
 
 Lake traffic, 81 
 
 Lancaster, first settlement in, 15 
 
 La Salle, Robert De, 10 
 
 Lawyer, first in Buffalo, 33 
 
 Le Couteulx, Louis, 14 
 
 Lewis, Loran L., 50 
 
 Lexington Heights Hospital, 102 
 
 Libraries, public, 98 
 
 Literary club, Church of the Messiah, 
 
 126 
 Lundy's Lane, battle of, 27, 30 
 
 MacDonough, Colonel, 28 
 Mallory, Lieutenant-colonel, 25 
 Manufacturers and Traders bank, 131 
 Manufactories, number of, 81 
 Marilla, township formed, 42 
 Marine bank, 131 
 McCready, Daniel, 34 
 McMahon, Lieutenant-colonel, 25 
 Medical profession, 194 
 Merchants Bank of Buffalo, 132 
 Merrill, Frederick B., 24 
 Methodist church, first in Buffalo, 36 
 
?6 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Metropolitan bank, 132 
 
 Militia, early organizations, 13, 15, 16, 
 
 21, 22 
 Miller, Major Frederick, 24 
 Missouri compromise repealed, 42 
 Morgan, Major, 27, 28 
 Morgan, William, abduction of, 39 
 Morris, Robert, 11 
 Mosely, William A., 41 
 Mt. St. Joseph's academy, 164 
 Municipal court established, 51 
 Municipal government, 82 
 Music, 105 
 
 National Guard, 104 
 Natural Gas, 64 
 New Amsterdam, 10, 12, 13 
 Niagara bank, organization of, 34 
 Niagara Bank of Buffalo, 132 
 Niagara Falls Power Company, fran- 
 chise to, 76 
 Noah, Mordecai M., 38 
 Normal school, the, 97 
 North Collins, township formed, 42 
 Nott, Ezra, 15 
 
 O'Bail, Captain, 11 
 
 Ogden, David A., 16 
 
 One Hundred and Sixteenth regiment, 
 46 
 
 One Hundred and Sixty-fourth regi- 
 ment, 47 
 
 One Hundredth New York Volunteer 
 regiment, 45 
 
 Original occupants, 9 
 
 Osborn, Elias, 34 
 
 Outrages by Indians, 22 
 
 Parks, public, 91 
 
 Park system inaugurated, 49 
 
 Peace treaty with Senecas, 10 
 
 People's Bank of Buffalo, the, 132 
 
 Perry, Oliver H., 24 
 
 Phelps and Gorham purchase, 1 1 
 
 Phffinix club, 124 
 
 Police department, 84 
 
 Political Equality club, 128 
 
 Politics in 1817, 36 
 
 Polo club, 123 
 
 Population, 91 
 
 Porter, Augustus, 14 
 
 Porter, Colonel Moses, 24 
 
 Porter, Colonel Peter A., 39 
 
 Porter, General Peter B., 16, 24, 25, 28, 
 
 29, 30, 39 
 Post-offices in Erie county, 39 
 President Monroe at Black Rock, 34 
 Prophecy concerning Buffalo, 10 
 
 Quakers, 13 
 
 Queen City bank, 132 
 
 Queenston Heights, battle of, 9 
 
 Railroads — 
 
 Buffalo & Southwestern, 51 
 
 Railroads — 
 
 Buffalo & Niagara Falls Electric, 
 
 75 
 Buffalo, Cayuga Valley & Pine 
 
 Creek, 54 
 Buffalo, Pittsburgh & Western, 54 
 Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh, 
 
 51 
 
 New York Central & Hudson 
 River, in 
 
 New York, Chicago & St. Louis, 
 51 
 
 New York, Lackawanna & West- 
 ern, 51 
 
 West Shore, 56 
 Ransom, Asa, 12, 14, 25 
 Red Jacket, 11, 15, 16, 22, ,25, 30, 33, 
 
 37, 39, 65 
 Religious denominations, 145 
 Religious revival, 36 
 Reminiscences of coaching, 34 
 Residence of Leonard B. Crocker, 254 
 Riall, Major-general, 26 
 Richmond Guards, 43 
 Ripley, General, 28, 29 
 Rivals for the canal terminus, 38 
 Roman Catholic churches, 154 
 
 Sardinia, first settlement in, 15 
 
 Saturn club, 123 
 
 Saulisbury, Aaron, 15 
 
 Saunders, Captain, 25 
 
 Schooner Connecticut captured, 22 
 
 Scott, Brigadier-general Winfield, 30 
 
 Scribbler's club, 126 
 
 Scroggs, General Gustavus A., 42, 104 
 
 Second Mounted Rifles, 48 
 
 Seeley, Lieutenant, 25 
 
 Seventy-fourth regiment, 43, 54, 104 
 
 Sewerage, miles of, 79 
 
 Shinplasters, 34 
 
 "Silver Grays," the, 22, 24 
 
 Sisters of Charity Hospital, 162 
 
 Sixty-fifth regiment, 54, 104 
 
 Sixty-seventh regiment, 43 
 
 Smythe, Brigadier-general Alexander, 
 
 24 
 Society of Artists, 123 
 Soldier's and sailor's monument, 52, 53 
 South Mountain, battle of, 43 
 Spaulding, Elbridge G., 41, 42 
 St. Bridget's school, 164 
 St. Francis' home, 164 
 St. John's Protectory, 163 
 St. Joseph's College, 165 
 St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, 163 
 St. Mary's histitution for Deaf Mutes, 
 
 162 
 St. Stanislaus school, 164 
 State constHution of 1846, 41 
 State Hospital for Insane, 102 
 State senator, first from Buffalo, 21 
 Steamboat, first on Lake Erie, 36 
 Street paving, 86 
 Suffering among Redmen, 36 
 
 Sullivan, General, 11 
 Surrender of General Hull, 24 
 Swift, Colonel, 22, 24 
 
 Tatman, Adjutant, 27 
 
 Taxation, rate of, 81 
 
 Teacher's Mutual Benefit Association, 
 
 125 
 Tenth New York Cavalry, 47 
 The Bucktail and Clintonian factions, 
 
 38 ■■■ 
 The D. S. Morgan building, 269 
 The notorious "Three Thayers," 38 
 The Times, 56, 119 
 
 The William Hengerer Company, 265 
 Third National bank, the, 131 
 Thirty-third New York Infantry, 43 
 Tonawanda, town of, incorporated, 40 
 Towson, Captain, 28 
 Tracy, Albert H., 34, 39 
 Treaty of Fort Stanwix, 1 1 
 Treaty of Geneseo, 11 
 Trimble, Major, 28 
 Trowbridge, Dr., 24 
 Tubbs, Samuel, 15 
 Tupper, Judge Samuel, 13, 14 
 Twelfth New York Cavalry, 48 
 Twentieth Century club, 125 
 Twenty -first New York Volunteer 
 
 Infantry, 43 
 Twenty-seventh Light Battery, 48 
 
 Union bank, 132 
 
 Vandenventer, Peter, \i 
 Van Rensselaer, General, 22 
 Vessel, first on Lake Erie, 10 
 Vessels, arrivals and clearances, 81 
 Volksfreund, The, 130 
 Volunteers, call for, 42 
 
 Wadsworth, General James S., 43 
 
 Wadsworth, General William, 22 
 
 Wagner Palace Car Company, the, 113 
 
 Walden, Ebenezer, 21 
 
 Wales, first settlement in, 13 
 
 War declared against Great Britain, 22 
 
 Woodruff, Ephraim, 22 
 
 War of 1812, Indians pledge neutrality, 
 
 22, 24 
 War of 1812, on the Niagara frontier, 
 
 22 
 Warren, William, 13, 15, i6 
 Water supply, 81, 90 
 Welch, Ezra, 15 
 
 West Seneca, township formed, 42 
 Whaley, Benjamin, 16 
 White building, the, 117 
 Wiedrich's Battery, 48 
 Wilkes, Major, 10 
 Wilkes, Samuel, 34 
 Williams, Captain, 28 
 Williams, Jonah, 21 
 Willink, township abolished, 36 
 Women's Athletic club, 128 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 ^7 
 
 Women's Christian Association, 127 
 Women's Educational and Industrial 
 
 Union, 128 
 Women's Hospital, 102 
 Women's Investigating club, 126 
 
 Women's organizations, 125 
 Women's Progressive Union, 127 
 Women Teachers' Association, 125 
 Working Girls' club, 126 
 Writing club, 123 
 
 Wyoming, massacre of, ri 
 
 Young King, 11 
 
 Young Men's Christian Association, 
 54, 55- 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Armstrong, Charles B., 233 
 Ash, James, 259 
 
 Babcock, F. A., 292 
 
 Bacon, John E., M. D., 208 
 
 Barber, Amzi L., 273 
 
 Beals, Edward P., 223 
 
 Becker, Philip, 286 
 
 Becker, Tracy C, A. B., LL.D., 184 
 
 Bennett, Lewis J., 247 
 
 Benson, Edwin A., 295 
 
 Bingham, George, 260 
 
 Bishop, Hon. Charles F., 235 
 
 Bissell, Herbert P., 175 
 
 Bissell, Wilson S., LL.D., 174 
 
 Blocher, John, 247 
 
 Boeckel, Adam, 278 
 
 Box, Henry W., 191 
 
 Bradlsh, William H., 261 
 
 Briggs, Albert H., M. D., 202 
 
 Brush, William C, 257 
 
 Callahan, Michael, 281 
 Chemnitz, Matthew F., 290 
 Cleveland, Hon. Grover, 171 
 Clinton, General George, 223 
 Clinton, Hon. De Witt, 173 
 Clinton, Spencer, 173 
 Cook, Rev. Phllos G., 251 
 Cornell, S. Douglas, 279 
 Cornwell, William C, 136 
 Cothran, George W., LL.D., 176 
 Coxe, Rt. Rev. Arthur Cleveland, 152 
 Crandall, Azor Brown, 290 
 Cronin, Rev. Patrick, 157 
 Cronyn, Dr. John, 197 
 Curtiss, Brig. Gen. James E., 243 
 
 Dake, Moses W., 293 
 Daniels, Charles, 174 
 Donovan, Daniel J., 298 
 Donovan, John W., 298 
 Dorland, Ellas T., M. D., 210 
 Dorr, Samuel G., M. D., 204 
 Drake, Marcus M., 272 
 
 Emerson, Henry P., A. M., 269 
 Emery, Hon. Edward K., 186 
 Endres, Matthias, 188 
 
 Feldman, Charles L., 191 
 Fillmore, Hon. Millard, i6g 
 Fleischmann, Gustav, 265 
 Fowler, Joseph, M. D., 202 
 Franklin, James, 287 
 
 Gerrans, Henry M., 277 
 Gerst, Philip, 284 
 Goltra, Jonh N., M. D., 207 
 Goodyear, Charles W., 300 
 Gorham, George, 183 
 Graves, John C, 236 
 Greene, Joseph C, M. D., 198 
 Greene, Walter D., M. D., 203 
 Green, Stephen S., M. D., 200 
 
 Haight, Hon. Albert, 180 
 Hamlin, Cicero J., 261 
 Hammer, Conrad, 281 
 Hatch, Hon. Edward W., 178 
 Hauenstein, John, M. D., 203 
 Hayes, George B., 236 
 Hazard, George S., 224 
 Hengerer, William, 263 
 Hickman, Arthur W., 188 
 Hinkley, Nelson P., 303 
 Hopkins, Hon. Nelson K., 182 
 Howard, George, 253 
 Hubbell, Mark S., 283 
 
 lllig, Frank J., 280 
 
 Jewett, Edgar B., 252 
 Jewett, Sherman S., 215 
 
 Kenefick, Daniel J., 187 
 Kirkover, Henry D., 295 
 Klinck, Christian, 270 
 
 Laughlin, Hon. Frank C, 190 
 Lautz, Frederick C. M., 143 
 Lewis, Hon. Loran L., 181 
 Lewis, George W., M. D., 211 
 Lewis, George W., Jr., M. D., 211 
 LIttell, Hardin H., 272 
 Lothrop, Thomas, M. D., 201 
 
 Mack, Norman E., 257 
 Marcus, Hon. Louis W., 190 
 McHenry, Edwin D., 303 
 McLennan, Charles J., 296 
 Miller, John George, 288 
 Mischka, Joseph, 301 
 Mooney, James, 255 
 Munger, Frank E., 301 
 
 Newman, John, 229 
 Newman, William H. H., 230 
 
 Orcutt, Hon. William H., 185 
 
 Palmer, Everard, 284 
 Park, Roswell, M. D., 199 
 
 Poole, Rushmore, 240 
 
 Potter, William W., M. D., 205 
 
 Pratt, Hon. Pascal P., 138 
 
 Quackenbush, James L., 189 
 
 Ramsdell, Orrin P., 249 
 
 Ramsdell, Thomas T., 249 
 
 Red Jacket, 16 
 
 Richmond, Dean, 235 
 
 Richmond, Jewett M., 140 
 
 Roberts, Hon. James A., 183 
 
 Rogers, Hon. Henry W., 171 
 
 Rochevot, George, 285 
 
 Rochford, Thomas H., 302 
 
 Rupp, Charles A., 244 
 
 Ryan, Rt. Rev. Stephen Vincent, 155 
 
 Scheu, Augustus F., 245 
 Scheu, Hon. Solomon, 238 
 Shafer, Edward C, 266 
 Simon, William, 285 
 Sloan, Charles T., 293 
 Smither, Robert K., 258 
 Smith, Hon. T. Guilford, 241 
 - Spaulding, Hon. E. G., 135 
 Straus, Mathias, 278 
 Strootman, John, 266 
 Stumpf, Daniel B., M. D., 209 
 Sweet, William C, 251 
 
 Thornbury, Frank J., M. D., 206 
 Tifft, George W., 227 
 Tillinghast, James, 221 
 Titus, Hon. Robert C, 178 
 jTompson, Sheldon, 217 
 
 I Urban, George, Jr., 242 
 
 Veling, Joseph C, 260 
 
 Walbridge, George B., 230 
 Ward, Francis G., 299 
 Warhus, William H., 300 
 Weeks, Edson J., 278 
 Weisenheimer, Henry J., 193 
 White, Hon. Truman C, 185 
 White, James P., M. D., 196 
 White, John, 234 
 Wilcox, Dewitt G., M. D., 208 
 Wilkeson, Hon. Samuel, 218 
 Williams, Gibson T. 267 
 Willoughby, Matthew, M. D., 204 
 Woolley, William E., 277 
 
 Zipp, Henry, 276 
 
^8 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 PORTRAITS 
 
 Ash, James, 259 
 
 Babcock, F. A., 292 
 
 Bacon, John Elmer, M. D., 208 
 
 Bankers, Early, group of, 31 
 
 Barber, Amzi L., 274 
 
 Becker, Tracy C, A. B., LL.D., 184 
 
 Bemis, Aurelia, 23 
 
 Bennett, Lewis J., 246 
 
 Benson, Edwin A., 296 
 
 Bingham, George, 260 
 
 Bishop, Hon. Charles F., 235 
 
 Bissell, Herbert P., 289 
 
 Bissell, Wilson Shannon, LL.D., 175 
 
 Blossom, Ira A., 31 
 
 Boeckel, Adam, 278 
 
 Brace, Lester, 23 
 
 Brace, Mrs. Lester, 23 
 
 Briggs, Albert Henry, M. D., 202 
 
 Bristol, Daniel, 23 
 
 Bristol, Mrs. Daniel, 23 
 
 Buffalo Society of Vermonters, 226 
 
 Chemnitz, Matthew F., 98 
 Cleveland, Hon. Grover, 170 
 Clinton, Spencer, 175 
 Coit, George, 23, 31 
 Conjockety, Captain Phillip, 22 
 Cornell, S. Douglas, 280 
 Cornplanter, 10 
 Cornwell, William C, 136 
 Cothran, George W., LL.D., 177 
 Coxe, The Rt. Rev. Arthur Cleveland, 
 
 D. D., 145 
 Crandall, A. B., 291 
 Cronin, Rev. Patrick, 157 
 Cronyn, John, M. D., 197 
 Curtiss, Brig. Gen. James E., 243 
 
 Deh-he-wa-mis, 19 
 Donovan, Daniel J., 298 
 Donovan, John W., 298 
 Dorr, Samuel G., M. D., 205 
 Drake, Marcus M., 272 
 
 Early Bankers, group of, 31 
 Early Settlers, group of, 23 
 Emerson, Henry P., 96 
 Emery, Hon. Edward K., 187 
 
 Feldman, Charles L., 191 
 Fillmore, Hon. Millard, 166 
 Fleischmann, Gustav, 265 
 Fowler, Joseph, M. D., 203 
 Fox, Mrs. Esther P., 23 
 
 Gerrans, Henry M., 277 
 Gerst, Philip, 284 
 Gorham, George, 183 
 Graves, John C, 238 
 Greene, Joseph C, M. D., 198 
 Greene, Walter D., M. D., 203 
 Green, Stephen S., M. D., 200 
 Gy-ant-wa-ka — The Cornplanter, 10 
 
 Haight, Hon. Albert, 181 
 Hammer, Conrad, 281 
 Harris, Mrs. Mary, 23 
 Hatch, Hon. Edward W., 179 
 Hayes, George B., 236 
 Heacock, Mrs. Reuben B., 23 
 Hengerer, William, 262 
 Hickman, Arthur W., 188 
 HInkley, Nelson P., 303 
 Hodge, Benjamin, 23 
 Hopkins, Hon. Nelson K., 182 
 Hubbell, Mark S., 282 
 
 Illig, Frank J., 280 
 
 Jemlson, Mary, 19 
 Jewett, Edgar B., 82 
 Jewett, Sherman S., 215 
 Johnson, Ebenezer, 40 
 
 Kenefick, Daniel J., 187 
 KIbbe, Mrs. Cyrene, 23 
 KIrkover, Henry D., 294 
 Kllnck, Christian, 271 
 
 Lautz, Frederick C. M., 142 
 Lewis, Hon. Loran Lodowick, 181 
 Littell, Hardin H., 273 
 Lothrop, Thomas, M. D., 201 
 
 Mack, Norman E., 256 
 Marcus, Hon. Louis William, 190 
 Marshall, Mrs. Dr. John E., 23 
 McHenry, Edwin B., 304 
 McLennan, Charles J., 297 
 Miller, John J., 288 
 Mooney, James, 255 
 Munger, Frank E., 301 
 
 Newman, John, 228 
 Newman, William H. H., 231 
 
 O'Bail, Solomon, 14 
 
 Orcutt, Hon. William H., 185 
 
 Palmer, George, 31 
 Park, Roswell, M. D., 199 
 
 Potter, H. B., 31 
 
 Pratt, Hon. Pascal P., 139 
 
 Quackenbush, James L., i8g 
 
 Ramsdell, Orrin P., 250 
 
 Red Jacket, 17 
 
 Rich, G. B., 31 
 
 Richmond, Jewett M., 140 
 
 Rochevot, George, 286 
 
 Rochford, Thomas H., 302 
 
 Rogers, Hon. Henry W., 172 
 
 Rupp, Charles A., 245 
 
 Ryan, Rt. Rev. Stephen Vincent, 154 
 
 Salisbury, Mrs. H. A., 23 
 Scheu, Augustus F., 245 
 Scheu, Hon. Solomon, 239 
 Shafer, Edward C, 266 
 Shelton, Rev. Dr., 148 
 Shumway, Horatio, 31 
 Sidway, Mrs. Parnell, 23 
 Simon, William, 285 
 Sloan, Charles T., 293 
 Smither, Robert K., 258 
 Smith, Hon. T. Guilford, 241 
 Spaulding, E. G., 31, 130 
 Straus, Mathias, 279 
 Stumpf, Daniel B., M. D., 209 
 Sweet, William C, 251 
 
 Tilllnghast, James, 220 
 Titus, Hon. Robert C, 180 
 Tracey, Albert H., 31 
 Trobridge, Dr. Josiah, 31 
 
 Urban, George, Jr., 243 
 
 Veling, Joseph C, 261 
 
 Walbridge, George B., 232 
 Walden, Mrs. Ebenezer, 23 
 Ward, Francis G., 299 
 Warhus, William H., 300 
 Warren, General, 23 
 Weisenheimer, Henry J., 193 
 White, Hon. Truman C, i86 
 White, James Piatt, M. D., 194 
 White, John, 234 
 Wilcox, Dewitt G., M. D., 208 
 Wllkeson, Hon. Samuel, 219 
 Wllloughby, Matthew, M. D., 204 
 Woolley, William E., 277 
 
 Zipp, Henry, 276 
 
BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 ?9 
 
 SCENES AND BUILDINGS 
 
 American block, rebuilt, no 
 American hotel, ruins of, 1865, 50 
 
 Buffalo club, the, 122 
 
 Buffalo from the lake. In 1829, 38 
 
 Buffalo from the lighthouse, 53 
 
 Buffalo harbor in 1827, 37 
 
 Buffalo harbor from foot of Michigan 
 Street, 92 
 
 Buffalo in 1853, 47 
 
 Buffalo Library, the, 99 
 
 Buffalo Park — The Lake, 57 
 The Bridge, 60 
 The Driveway, 61 
 The Boat-house, 73 
 Buffalo Pen, 80 
 
 Chiefs of the Cayuga Nation of Iro- 
 quois, Frontispiece. 
 City and County Hall, 85 
 
 Delaware avenue at Barker street, 63 
 Delaware avenue at Utica street, 65 
 
 Eagle Tavern, 26 
 
 Elmwood avenue, 68 
 
 Elmwood avenue near Barker street, 54 
 
 Elmwood avenue north from North 
 
 street, 75 
 Empire State express, 112 
 Erie County Bank building, 56 
 
 Fort Porter, ruins of, 29 
 Franklin street, 89 
 Front, The, 78 
 
 Grosvenor llbra'ry, 100 
 Guaranty building, 116 
 
 High-school, 97 
 
 Historic monument erected by Hon. E. 
 
 G. Spaulding, 136 
 Holy Angels' church, 160 
 Hospital for the Insane (New York 
 
 State), 74 
 
 Iroquois hotel, 108 
 
 Lafayette square and Main street, 214 
 Lake and Fort Erie from Buffalo creek 
 in 1800, 12 
 
 Main street, corner Lafayette square. 
 
 Main street, from Niagara to Erie, 56 
 McLennan French Paint works, 297 
 Mooney & Brisbane building, 214 
 Municipal building, 71 
 Music Hall, old, 52 
 Music Hall, new, 105 
 
 " North Land," 94 
 North street, 89 
 
 Old Court-house and Jail, 35 
 Old Music Hall, 52 
 
 Parade, dedication of Soldiers' monu- 
 ment, 1885, 59 
 Presbyterian church, the old First, 144 
 Presbyterian church, the new First, 146 
 
 Residence of Bishop Ryan, 156 
 Residence of Ebenezer Johnson, 41 
 Residence of Edmund Hayes, 237 
 Residence of Henry W. Box, 192 
 Residence of Hon. E. G. Spaulding, 
 
 134 
 Residence of James Tlllinghast, 222 
 Residence of John Nelson Goltra, M.D. 
 
 207 
 Residence of Leonard B. Crocker, 254 
 Residence of Lewis J. Bennett, 248 
 Richmond avenue, 87 
 "River Lawn," villa of Hon. E. G. 
 
 Spaulding, 135 
 
 Sixty-fifth Regiment Armory, 104 
 Soldiers' and Sailors' monument, 214 
 State Hospital for the Insane, 74 
 Steamer " North Land," 94 
 St. Louis' church and school, 158 
 St. Paul's Episcopal church, 56, 148 
 
 Temple Beth Zion, 151 
 The D. S. Morgan building, 268 
 The William Hengerer Company build- 
 ing, 264 
 Tippecanoe log cabin 1840, 42 
 
 Wagner Palace Car Company's plant, 
 
 "3 
 White Building, the, 56, 118 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 The views on pages 54 and 68 should read Linwood avenue Instead of Elmwood avenue. 
 The Grosvenor Library building is located at the corner of Edward and Franklin, instead 
 of Edward and Pearl, as printed under the engraving. 
 
NIAGARA HALLS 
 
 General index. 
 
 Abbott, Francis, 13 
 Advantages of Niagara Falls, 21 
 A notable footrace, 12 
 
 Biddle staircase, 17 
 Boundary line, 5 
 Bridges, 26 
 
 British besiegers repulsed, 11 
 Brock, General, 9 
 
 Campaign of 1814, g 
 
 Cartier, Jacques, 5 
 
 Cataract Construction Company, 20, 
 
 21 
 
 Cataract House, early beginnings, 11 
 Cataract mill, 19 
 Chippewa, battle of, 9 
 Churches, 24 
 Civic Societies, 27 
 Clifton House, the, 11 
 Congress awards gold medals, 11 
 Crossing the river, primitive method 
 of, 13 
 
 Daillon, Joseph De La Roche, 5 
 
 " Detroit ", the, sent over the Falls, 17 
 
 De Veaux College, 13 
 
 Devil's Hole, Indian massacre at, 9 
 
 Distinguished guests, 11 
 
 Early maps of Niagara Falls, 5, 6 
 Electric light, iq 
 Ellet, Charles, 13 
 Extortionate fees abolished, 20 
 
 Fire department, 24 
 
 First building, ruins of, 8 
 
 First White to see the Falls, 5 
 
 Flouring mills, 19 
 
 Fort Erie evacuated, 9 
 
 Fort George captured, 9 
 
 Fort Niagara captured, 9 
 
 Forty-second Separate company, 27 
 
 Free parks, 19 
 
 French Catholic missionaries, 5 
 
 French deposed of possession, 5 
 
 French-English war, 8 
 
 French possessions, 8 
 
 Gallinee's account of the Falls, 6 
 Goat Island, an Indian burial place, 8 
 Goat Island bridge, 17 
 
 Harnessing Niagara Falls, 20 
 Hennepin, Father, 6 
 Hermit of the Falls, the, 13 
 Horseshoe Falls, face of changed, 13 
 Hotels, early, 11 
 Human sacrifices, 8 
 Hydraulic canal, opening of, 18 
 
 Imports in Niagara district, value of, 
 
 19 
 Indians, Neuter Nation of, 6, 8 
 
 Senecas, 5, 6 
 
 Traditions of, 8 
 International hotel, origin of, 11 
 International park proposed, 18 
 
 Jewish nationality, plan to restore, 11 
 
 La Salle, 8 
 Les Carbot, 5 
 Lewiston, 8 
 
 Lewiston, sacking of, 9 
 Lundy's Lane, battle of, 11, 12 
 
 "Maid of the Mist", 18 
 
 Manchester, 9 
 
 Marquis of Lome visits the Falls, 14 
 
 Michigan, the, 17 
 
 Miller, Colonel, 12 
 
 Monument to General Brock, 9 
 
 Museum, 12 
 
 Newark, destruction of, g 
 New Suspension Bridge, 14 
 Niagara, early methods of spelling, 6 
 Niagara Falls, battle of, 11 
 Niagara Falls beautified, 19 
 Niagara Falls, ceded by Indians, 5 
 Niagara Falls city government, 24 
 Niagara Falls, history of, 5 
 Niagara Falls in verse, 14 
 Niagara Falls in winter, 17 
 Niagara Falls library, 27 
 Niagara Falls, when first known, 5 
 Niagara University, 26 
 
 Noah, M. M., 11 
 Nonville, Marquis De, 8 
 
 Ontario House, 11 
 Over the Falls, 17 
 
 Patriot war, the, 11 
 
 Pavilion hotel, the, 11 
 
 Poetical tributes, 14 
 
 Portage road, 8, 11 
 
 Porter, Colonel, 14 
 
 Porter, General, 11, 17 
 
 Porter, Judge, 17 
 
 Prince of Wales visits the Falls, 14 
 
 Profitable kiteflying, 13 
 
 Purchase of Niagara Falls, 19 
 
 Railroads, 19 
 
 Railway suspension bridge built, 13 
 
 Rapids, navigation of, 18 
 
 Riall, General, 9 
 
 River bed left dry, 13 
 
 Robinson, Joel R., 18 
 
 Roebling, John A., 13 
 
 Sam Patch's leap, 17 
 Schools, 26 
 Scott, General, 9 
 Ship canal projected, 11 
 Steamboat lines, 26 
 
 Suspension bridge at Lewiston des- 
 troyed, 13 
 Suspension bridge, the first, 13 
 
 Table rock, 12 
 Terrapin Tower, 17 
 The New Niagara, 20 
 The tunnel, building of, 23 
 Three Sisters Islands, 13 
 Twenty-eighth New York Volunteers, 
 18 
 
 Van Rensselaer, General, 9 
 Vessels burned at Grand Island, 9 
 
 Whitney, General P., 11 
 Wood pulp industry, the, 19 
 Woodruff, Major, 12 
 
62 
 
 BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 Biographical Sketches. 
 
 Adams, Charles A., 43 
 Barron, John R., 43 
 Benham, Nathaniel L., 47 
 Butler, Hon. Mighells B., 45 
 Clement, Frank H., 43 
 Cromley, Charles E., 44 
 Cutler, Hon. O. W., 41 
 Douglass, Anthony C, 47 
 Ely, W. Caryl, 39 
 Field, Spencer, 36 
 Flagler, General Benjamin, 40 
 Gaskill, Colonel Charles B., 45 
 Home, Hon. Walter P., 40 
 Hulett, Hon. Theodore G., 37 
 Kaltenbach, Andrew, 49 
 Lawrence, Spencer J., 44 
 Piper, Charles H., 49 
 Porter, Colonel Peter A., 29 
 Porter, General Peter B., 29 
 Porter, Peter A., 31 
 
 Read, Willett W., 49 
 Schoellkopf, Arthur, 48 
 Trott, James F., 35 
 Whitney, General Parkhurst, 32 
 Whitney, Major S. M. N., 33 
 Welch, Hon. Thomas V., 39 
 
 PORTRAITS. 
 
 Adams, Charles A., 43 
 Barron, John R., 44 
 Clement, Frank H., 42 
 Douglass, Anthony C, 46 
 Ely, William Caryl, 38 
 Home, Walter P., 40 
 Porter, Colonel Peter A., 30 
 Porter, General Peter Buell, 28 
 Porter, Peter A., 31 
 Schoellkopf, Arthur, 48 
 Whitney, General Parkhurst, 32 
 Whitney, Major Solon M. N., 34 
 
 Scenes and Buildings. 
 
 American Falls, 3 
 
 Armory, Forty-second Separate com- 
 pany, 27 
 Basket used for crossing river, 13 
 Bridge, Three Sisters Islands, 12 
 Horseshoe Falls, 15 
 Niagara Falls, American side, 3 
 Niagara power tunnel, works on, 21 
 Power House, Cataract Construction 
 
 Company, 25 
 Prospect Point by Moonlight, 22 
 Rock of Ages, Cave of the Winds, 7 
 Whirlpool Rapids, 10 
 Whirlpool, American side, 18 
 Whirlpool from Canadian side, 19