Buffalo New York

History of Buffalo New York

Buffalo Village from the Light House, 1828

“History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County” by Henry Perry Smith offers a comprehensive account of the development and significant events in Buffalo and Erie County, New York. Published in 1884 by D. Mason & Co. in Syracuse, New York, this two-volume work delves into the early settlement, growth, and transformation of the area. Volume II focuses on the history of Buffalo, New York. For the detailed history of Erie County, readers should refer to Volume I.

The Descendants of Franklin Mary Noyes Rowe of Humboldt County, Iowa

Home of Franklin and Mary Noyes Rowe 1887-1905

This book, “The Descendants of Franklin Mary Noyes Rowe of Humboldt County, Iowa, with Some Notes on Their Ancestors,” authored by Velma Rowe Coffin in Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1955, is a meticulously researched genealogical record spanning 87 pages. It traces the lineage of Franklin Rowe, born December 30, 1836, in Onondaga County, New York, and provides insights into his ancestry and descendants. Free to read or download.

Biography of Seth H. Powers

Seth H. Powers, born June 26, 1843, in Canada, was the son of Vermont farmer Richard Powers. Orphaned young, he moved to the U.S., where he trained as a blacksmith and machinist. Powers served in the Civil War with the Illinois Volunteers, participating in key battles before returning to his trade. He established a successful manufacturing partnership in Jamesport in 1880 with J.H. Higdon. Married in 1865, he and Anna Crawford raised five children and were active in their church and community organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Sieg Harzfeld

Sieg Harzfeld, a significant figure in Kansas City’s commercial development, is recognized beyond local borders for his management acumen in the ladies ready-to-wear clothing industry. Born in Buffalo, New York, to German immigrant parents, he serves as vice president and director of a successful chain of stores across major U.S. cities. Active in civic organizations, Harzfeld was a delegate to Washington representing the Chamber of Commerce and the National Dry Goods Association during World War I, reflecting his commitment to civic duty and national principles.

Biography of Benjamin E. Bradley

Benjamin E. Bradley, born on October 13, 1869, in Lafayette County, Missouri, is a prominent figure in American journalism, currently serving as the general manager of the Star of St. Louis. Educated at the University of Missouri, he has held various significant positions in newspapers across the country. Bradley has been married twice and has three children. He embraces an independent political stance and is active in social clubs, reflecting his diverse interests beyond the newspaper industry.

Biography of Trowbridge C. Egleston

Trowbridge C. Egleston, born on June 19, 1857, in Madison, Ohio, is a prominent businessman in Caldwell, Idaho, overseeing a successful hardware and general goods store established in 1884. He acquired the business in 1892 and has since managed it from a substantial brick building. Educated at Cornell University, Egleston gained valuable experience as a traveling salesman before settling in Caldwell. He has served as mayor, is a Mason, and is actively involved in public affairs. He is married to Sarah B. Mann, with whom he has two daughters.

Biography of Robert Grostein

Robert Grostein, born in Poland in 1835, became a prominent merchant in Lewiston, Idaho, after arriving in the United States as a child. He started his business journey in California before relocating to Lewiston in 1862, where he established a successful store amidst the gold rush. Grostein was known for his integrity and enterprise, eventually expanding his business and investing in real estate. A community leader, he contributed to local stability during lawlessness and supported various public initiatives. He was married to Rachel Newman, and their family remains active in the community.

Biography of Richard Watson Argue

Richard Watson Argue (1845-1916) was a prominent figure in the Mid-Continent oil industry, establishing significant operations in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Born near Ottawa, Canada, he began his career in Pennsylvania before moving to Buffalo and later to Independence, Kansas. A dedicated community member, he actively contributed to local church and civic affairs. After his death, his widow, Eva Jean Allport Argue, adeptly managed their extensive properties. Together, they had four children, all of whom pursued education and careers in various fields.

Biography of Edwin Scotton

Edwin Scotton, born on May 8, 1827, in Manchester, England, emigrated to America in 1834. After initially settling in Buffalo, New York, Scotton and his family moved to Indiana before relocating to Kansas in 1869. He built a successful 520-acre farm despite facing numerous hardships, including floods and droughts. A dedicated community member, Scotton served as a justice of the peace and was active in the Grange and local Baptist church. He passed away on November 25, 1912, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and civic engagement.

Biographical Sketch of Egbert Nelson Fairchild

Egbert Nelson Fairchild, born on September 28, 1868, in Peekskill, New York, was a prominent flour manufacturer and businessman. He received a public school education and married Gertrude A. Kenny in Buffalo, New York, on October 4, 1893, with whom he had two daughters, Catherine and Mary. Fairchild spent 27 years in the flour milling industry, serving as president of the Cleveland Milling Company from 1910, and previously managed the Pittsburgh Flour Company in Minneapolis. He was also active in local clubs.

Biographical Sketch of Edmund E. Allyne

Edmund E. Allyne, born in Cleveland on December 25, 1874, was a pioneering manufacturer in aluminum castings. After his service in the Ohio National Guard, he founded a foundry in 1900, which became the world’s largest aluminum foundry with plants across six states. He pioneered the commercial use of aluminum in castings, beginning production in 1908. Allyne also held leadership roles in various organizations and maintained involvement in the plumbing goods sector. He was married to Mildred Ford and had three children.

Biographical Sketch of Vernon H. Burke

Vernon H. Burke, born on December 22, 1865, in Saybrook, Ohio, was a prominent attorney and politician. Educated at Canisius College and the University of Notre Dame, he held multiple degrees and served as a Cuyahoga County senator from 1896 to 1900. Burke was active in the Republican Party and held various leadership roles in both legal and business sectors. He married Matilda B. Hahn in 1892 and had one son, all while enjoying pursuits such as motoring, hunting, and fishing.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas A. Burke

Thomas A. Burke, born on April 18, 1864, in Cleveland, was a prominent surgeon who studied at Canisius College and Western Reserve Medical College. After earning his medical degree in 1888, he served as house surgeon at City Hospital and later as a visiting physician at St. Alexis and Charity Hospitals. He was elected coroner of Cuyahoga County and served as a U.S. pension examiner. Burke specialized in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, and held a directorship at Charity Hospital.

Biographical Sketch of William Clement Connelly

William Clement Connelly, born in Cleveland in 1875, was the son of Daniel and Kate Laughlin Connelly. Educated at St. Ignatius College and Case School of Applied Science, he married Mary C. Schaefer in 1907. After working for his father at the D. Connelly Boiler Co., he became president following his father’s death in 1911. He was actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce and the Cleveland Athletic Club, contributing to the business community in Cleveland. His son, Daniel, was born in 1909.

Biographical Sketch of Arthur Nathan Doud

Arthur Nathan Doud, born in New York in 1872, was a civil engineer educated at Clarkson Technical School. After marrying Nellie M. Wilson in 1901 and working in surveying and hydroelectric projects, he served as chief of field party for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Doud contributed to significant constructions, including the New York Terminal of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Since 1911, he has been the manager of Acme Equipment Engineering Co., and is an inventor known for Doud Steel Buckets and Cars. He is active in several professional societies and enjoys hunting.

Biographical Sketch of Joel Haven Fuller

Joel Haven Fuller, born in Cleveland on September 6, 1851, came from a family rooted in the area. After completing his education, he began his career as a clerk, later working in various capacities including a thirteen-year tenure at Standard Oil Co. In 1890, he founded the Stowe-Fuller Co. for fire brick pavement. Fuller held leadership roles in multiple companies and was active in several clubs and Masonic organizations. He was a Republican in national politics while being independent locally. He enjoyed golf and hunting.

Biographical Sketch of Warren Phelps King

Warren Phelps King, born on September 9, 1865, in Ithaca, New York, was the son of Warren Leander and Mary Eliza Phelps King. A Cornell University graduate of 1888, he married Justine McKenna in 1892, and had two children. King’s career spanned roles at The Lehigh Valley Coal Co. and New York Car Wheel Works, ultimately serving as president of Liberty Brass Foundry. He was active in several engineering and social organizations and descended from a notable family with Revolutionary War ties.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph Sherman Van De Boe

Joseph Sherman Van De Boe, born January 20, 1859, in Cooperstown, New York, had a diverse career in real estate. He started working at age 12, eventually managing a drug company and pursuing further education at Eastman Business College and Williston Seminary. After various business ventures, he became a general manager in a Boston real estate firm before relocating to Buffalo and then Cleveland. He founded his own company, laying out multiple subdivisions, and was active in local organizations and Masonry.

Biographical Sketch of Audley P. McCallie

Audley P. McCallie, born on October 15, 1888, in Kansas City, Missouri, was the son of Jack and Jennie Purcell McCallie. He received his education in grammar school in Buffalo, New York, and attended high schools in West Springfield and Meadville, Pennsylvania. McCallie became the managing partner of The Superior Peanut Company and was also a member of the Cleveland Athletic Club.

Biographical Sketch of Frank E. Lynch

Frank E. Lynch, born on December 28, 1875, in Cleveland, was the son of Frank and Christina Karn Lynch. He received his education in Cleveland’s public schools and Edmiston Business College. Married to Margaret B. Staebler in Buffalo on October 8, 1901, he had one son, Kenneth F. Lynch. Lynch began his career in the Post Office Department in December 1899, advancing through positions in the money order division, ultimately becoming superintendent by December 1912. He was also a member of the Chamber of Industry.