Armitage, James.jpg
From <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607"><em>Landmarks of Niagara County</em> (1897)</a>:
<blockquote>James Armitage was born in England, March 9, 1843, and came to America in 1864. He learned his trade of machinist in the old country and followed it in Buffalo and Williamsville, until he became a member of the firm of Armitage, Herschell & Co. in 1872. March 14, 1870, he married Kate Murray of Buffalo, and they have four children living: Mrs. Clarence Hoover, James Armitage, jr., Elizabeth and Anna. They are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Armitage has been a steward for many years. Mr. Armitage is a Royal Arch Mason, and is universally esteemed for his sterling integrity and honor, as well as for his well known business ability.</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607"><em>Landmarks of Niagara County</em> (1897)</a>
1897
Carney, James (1800-1881).jpg
From <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/606"><em>History of Niagara County 1821-1878</em></a> (1878):
<blockquote>James Carney was a pioneer in the town as early as 1819, locating with his father, Edward Carney, who was one of the earliest settlers in Avon, Livingston county, in 1791 on Tonawanda Island (for many years and now more frequently designated Carney Island). His object in settling was to gain a pre-emption right if the boundary line, when settled, left the island in the territory of the United States. In 1824 the State of New York caused a survey to be made, ordering an assessed valuation of $4.50 per acre. During the following year the island was ordered to be sold at public auction in the city of Albany, requiring one-eighth of the purchase money to be paid down. James Carney, furnishing the required amount, placed it in the hands of Judge Samuel Wilkinson to purchase at the sale, but speculation had been stimulated by the purchase that had been made on Grand Island, opposite, by the Jews, to found the " City of Ararat " and concentrate the scattered tribes of Israel; and Samuel Leggate, of the city of New York, became the purchaser at $23 per acre. Mr. Carney set out in the effort to attain, by buying and clearing land, the position of affluence he now enjoys at an age of seventy-eight years. At seventeen he was an ox-teamster in the employ of Porter, Barton & Co., slowly plodding through the woods from Lewiston to Schlosser. He was a subject of pioneer life, doing milling, floating a canoe down the river for a harbor in Porter's mill race at the Falls; returning by applying his shoulder to a setting pole in the way he had learned in propelling scow-boats from Schlosser to Black Rock, often loaded with three hundred and fifty barrels of salt.</blockquote>
<p>His <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/agenbyte/3816803472/in/album-72157604940790322/">headstone in Sweeney Cemetery</a> says he is "Born on the west bank of the Niagara River March 28, 1800" and dies August 8, 1881; two wives listed.</p>
1800
Fassett, T. S..jpg
Biographical and Portrait Encyclopedia of Niagara County, 1892
Larry J. Smith
Felton, Benjamin F. (1827-1905).jpg
One of the most prominent early residents of North Tonawanda, Felton is born in Massachusetts in 1827. Early on he is involved in the manufacture of leather goods and stationary in Buffalo. For the next 15 years he was involved in the news business, apparently renting a franchise on New York Central and other lines for $40,000 a year. In North Tonawanda he became involved with real estate, and fostered the area's industrial growth, being an organizer of the Niagara River Iron Corp, which was succeeded by Tonawanda Iron and Steel. He supervised the creation of many streets, and Gratwick's Felton Street is named after him. He also spent 30 years as president of North Tonawanda's Board of Education. The former Felton School and its nearby orphaned athletic field, Felton Field, still bear his name.
Felton is Village President in 1891.
His obituary
1827
Gratwick, William H..jpg
From <a href="http://buffaloah.com/a/archs/rich/richgrat/">Buffalo as an Architectural Museum</a>:
<blockquote>[William H.] Gratwick was born in Albany, NY. After he learned the lumber trade, he came to Buffalo in 1877 and founded the lumber firm of Gratwick, Smith & Fryer Lumber Co. with offices in Buffalo, Tonawanda, and Detroit. He was also the managing owner of six lake vessels and president of the YMCA.<br /><br />The William H. Gratwick House stood at 776 Delaware Avenue at the northwest corner of Delaware and Summer. It was Richardson's last commission, according to his biographer Mariana Van Rensselaer, before he died in 1886. A heavy, brownstone Richardsonian Romanesque building, it was finished by the firm that continued Richardson's practice --Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge.</blockquote>
From <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/606"><em>History of Niagara County 1821-1878</em></a> (1878):
<blockquote>Extensive, as are the other yards and docks, astonishment is still further excited upon the premises of W. H. Gratwick & Co., one and a half miles down the river on the Central railroad. The office for the transaction of their business could not be more conveniently and comfortably arranged for employees and customers. W. H. Gratwick, formerly residing in Albany, is now a resident of Buffalo, acting as the local representative of the firm at that point ; the other members associated are Robert S. Fryer, in Albany, under the name of Gratwick, Fryer & Co., and Edward Smith, in Michigan, representing the firm of Smith, Gratwick & Co. The capital they employ in the prosecution of their business is $500,000 ; in the various localities and departments they employ four hundred and fifty men. They own a tract of 31,000 acres of pine land in the northern part of Michigan, where they have two mills that annually turn out 28,000,000 feet which is transported inbarges to Tonawanda and forwarded by rail and canal to eastern markets ; they deal exclusively in their own production. Their docks have a river frontage of 803 feet, with a water slip, doubling the means of storage, and an additional dock in the rear, 600 feet long; in all, 2,200 feet. Tramways have been built for wagon roads, and tracks to receive the cars from the Central and Erie railroads, to be loaded directly from vessels or piles on the docks. The docks, 300 feet out in the river, reach thirteen feet depth of water, sufficient to float the largest craft on the lakes. The cost of land, docks and buildings was $25,000. The stock on hand of planed and dressed lumber averages from 4,000,000 to 8,000,000 feet, with a proportionately large supply of shingles and laths. About four years since, Gratwick & Co. became the pioneers in occupying lots far down the river, an example that others have thought worthy of imitation.</blockquote>
Photo: <em>A History of Buffalo, Delineating the Evolution of the City</em> By Josephus Nelson Larned, Charles Elliott Fitch, Ellis Henry Roberts, Progress of the Empire state company, New York, pub Published by The Progress of the Empire state company, 1911 (page 228).<br /><br />http://buffaloah.com<br /><br />http://www.gratwick.com/
Herschell, Allan (1851-1927).jpg
From 1897 Landmarks of Niagara County:
"Herschell, Allan, vice-president of the house of Armitage-Herschell Co., was born in Scotland, Apr 27, 1851*, a son of John and Jessie Herschell, and came to America in 1870. He learned the trade of moulder in Arbroath, Scotland, and followed the same business for some years in this country, working in Buffalo, Toronto, Chicago and Boston. In 1873 he became a member of the company of Armitage, Herschell & Co., and in 1894 he made a trip over nearly all the eastern world for his house, visiting British India, Prance, Egypt, the British Isles and other parts; he also traveled over a great part of the United States and in both hemispheres introduced many of their machines. He was a charter member of Columbia Hook and Ladder Co., the first fire company organized in North Tonawanda, serving as its secretary for two years and president for one year. He was elected and served as trustee of North Tonawanda for three years; is a regular attendant and liberal contributor to the support of the Presbyterian church; is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, and A. O. U. W. lodges, and is a thoroughly reliable and enterprising citizen in every way. In 1882 Mr. Herschell married Ida M. Spilman. and they have three children, Buela C, Raymond Le Roy and Margaret Caroline."
* Disputed by Scotland Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950, which has 1850. Gives his full name as "Allan Artaxerxes Todd Herschell," born in SAINT VIGEANS, ANGUS, SCOTLAND to John Herschell and Janet Christie.
<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607"><em>Landmarks of Niagara County (1897)</em></a>
1851
Herschell, George C..jpg
Treasurer to Armitage-Herschell. Republican, trustee of the North Presbyterian Church, and a member of Sutherland Lodge.
From 1897 Landmarks of Niagara County:
"Herschell, George C, has been a factor in the growth and development of North Tonawanda since 1872. and is prominent both in public and business life. He was born in Scotland. December 2, 1848, and came to America in 1869. He learned the trade of machinist in Scotland and pursued it both in the old country and the United States until 1873, when the firm of Armitage, Herschell & Co. was formed. He is treasurer of the Armitage-Herschell Co., which was incorporated in 1890, and has been extremely successful and which contributes in no small degree to the prosperity of the Twm Cities. Mr. Herschell is treasurer of the Board of Water Commissioners of North Tonawanda and has been since its organization ; he was one of the organizers of the Tonawanda Natural Gas Co. and is its treasurer. He is a prominent Republican and his voice is always influential in the councils of his party. Socially Mr. Herschell is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a member and trustee of the Presbyterian church. July 20, 1882, he married Charlotte B. Wilson of Bufiralo, and they have four children; Jessie C, James W., Walter G. and Mary Esther. Mr. Herschell's parents were John and Jessie (Christie) Herschell, natives of Scotland, who came to America in 1870. Mr. John Herschell was for many years a prosperous coal merchant and contractor in Scotland and was also engaged in business in this country for some years before retiring from active pursuits."
From his January 12, 1900 obit in the Tonawanda News (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/agenbyte/4080732833/sizes/o/in/set-72157607434615416/">link</a>):
"Mr. Herschell was born in Leeys Mill, Forfarshire, Scotland, 52 years ago. Here he lived until 1869, when he crossed the Atlantic Ocean with his brother, Allan Herschell. After reaching this country they worked at the machinist trade in different places until they arrived in North Tonawanda in 1872. Together they opened a blacksmith shop on Manhattan Street. After their shop burned twice they formed a partnership with Mr. James Armitage and began a business which has rapidly grown since, becoming one of the leading concerns in the Twin Cities. Mr. George C. Heschell was chosen treasurer of the firm a few years later, which position he had faithfully filled until his demise."
Some political, religious and fraternal details follow.
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607"><em>Landmarks of Niagara County</em> (1897)</a></li>
<li>"George Christian Herschell Dies." <em>Tonawanda News</em> 12 January 1900. Microfilm.</li>
</ul>
1897
Joshua Pettit (c1780).htm
One of the earliest residents of present-day North Tonawanda. Lived near the Niagara River at present-day Wheatfield Street. <span>Operated a public house? Gave his name to Pettit Creek which formerly ran through the Avenues. Builds a log house in 1809 (1936 TN atrticle). </span>First appears on <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH2C-PKH?cid=fs_copy">1810 U. S. Census</a> in Niagara County > Cambria Township, one adult male, one adult female, 2 young girls.<br /><br />An anecdote exists (source?) that during the War of 1812, on the night of 12/19/13, the men there heard noises coming down the Miltary (River) road. To put off the apparent enemy, they decided to roll a wagon repeatedly over the corduroy road, shouting military things, attempting to affect a great force of men there. It turned out to be other U. S. men. <br /><br />1820 census: Six children (2 girls and 2 boys under 10 and 2 teenage girls), and two adults (one male and one female). One person involved in agriculture. (A Mary Pickard listed separately).<br /><br />1830 census: a J Pettit in Clarence, young boys, one young girl and one 20-30 girl, maybe not same household?<br /><br />1840: No obvious matches in immediate area<br /><br />1830s+: <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WN-56J3?i=28&cc=2078654&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3A76L7-FTZM">Grantor Index</a> of the Land assessment, Niagara, shows many transactions by and among the Pettits (Abraham, Lawton, Hiram, William O., Benjamin D, Jenme, Alexander, Enoch, Reuben, Curtis, George, John, etc.
1780
Judd, Garwood L..jpg
Attorney Garwood L. Judd has an <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/645">impressive residence</a> at the southwest corner of Goundry and Oliver in 1875. From <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/606"><em>History of Niagara County 1821-1878</em></a> (1878):
<blockquote>Garwood L. Judd was born at Augusta Centre, Oneida county, N. Y., July 4th, 1823. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, after having received a good education. Shortly after his admission, he was- admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States as a proctor and advocate in admiralty. He was married to Maria A. Pryne, eldest daughter of Francis P. Pryne. He practiced at Frankfort, Herkimer county, till 1853, and then removed to North Tonawanda, where he has since resided. He has been a justice of the peace in Wheatfield twenty-four years in succession.</blockquote>
Wife Maria Augusta Judd dies in late September 1893 (<a href="http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2011/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale%20-%200201.pdf">Article at fultonhistory.com</a>).
Long, Benjamin.jpg
Orrin C. Burdict, Buffalo Bolt inventor, portrait.jpg
1880
Payne, Colonel Lewis S. (1819-1898).htm
From <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607"><em>Landmarks of Niagara County (1897)</em></a>:
<blockquote>Col. Lewis S. Payne was born in the town of Riga, Monroe county, N. Y., January 21, 1819, the son of Stephen and Ruth A. (Smith) Payne. The Payne family is of honorable New England ancestry and its founder in the New World was of Puritan stock. His paternal grandfather, Aepba Payne, was a native and lifelong resident of Massachusetts. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His son, Stephen Payne, father of Colonel Payne, was born in 1790, in Hinesdale, Mass., settling in Monroe county when a young man. He died at the residence of his son, Colonel Payne, at North Tonawanda, February 11, 1880, in the ninetieth year of his age. Col. Lewis S. Payne was educated in the common school and High School in Monroe county. At the age of sixteen he became a clerk in a mercantile house in Tonawanda, and five years later he and a fellow clerk purchased the business in which they had been employed. Four years afterward the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Payne accepted a position as clerk in Buffalo, remaining there four years. In 1847 he built the first steam saw mill in North Tonawanda, which he operated for nine years, after which he engaged in the lumber business for several years.</blockquote>
<blockquote>In the fall of 1861 Mr. Payne, at his own expense, raised a volunteer company, of which he was made captain, and which was attached to the 100th N. Y. Vol. Regiment, later becoming a part of Casey's Division of the Army of the Potomac. The l00th N. Y. Regiment, with Colonel Payne leading his company, participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill among others. Later on he and his company made many daring expeditions from the vicinity of Charleston, and the information thereby gained was of great value to the Union cause. On the night of August 3, 1863, while engaged on Morris Island in intercepting communication with Fort Sumter, he was attacked by a superior Confederate force. A desperate engagement followed, in which Colonel Payne was wounded in the head by a musket ball, taken prisoner and conveyed to Charleston, where he was confined in the Queen Street Hospital Later he was removed to Columbia, S. C, and February 14, 1865, he was sent to Wilmington, N. C, where he was exchanged March 5. Soon after his imprisonment ended he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel.<br /><br />In 1840 Colonel Payne married Mary Tabor, of Ithaca, N. Y., and they have six children: Emily R., wife of George Crandall, of Will- iamsport, Pa.; Eugene R., who resides in Williamsport ; Ida, Mrs. George McCray, of Buffalo; Edward C, of Decatur, Ala.; Lewis C, a lawyer at North Tonawanda, and Cornelia R., wife of Lyman Stanley. Col. Payne is a member of Tonawanda Lodge No. 247, F, & A. M., and a vestryman of St. Mark's P. E. church. Politically Colonel Payne is an aggressive Democrat, and has served in nearly every office in tlie gift of his town. In 1850 he was elected clerk of Niagara county on the National Whig ticket and in 1859 was nominated for State senator in the Twenty-ninth New York district, but was defeated. In 1865 he was again elected county clerk on the Democratic ticket, and in 1869 was elected to the Assembly. In 1877 he was elected State senator from the Twenty-ninth district. In 1883 he was the Democratic can- didate for Congress in his district, but was unable to overcome the big Republican majority in his district. Colonel Payne has always stood high in the esteem of his fellow townsmen and ranks as one of the foremost citizens of Niagara county.<br /><br /></blockquote>
From Willard Ditmar's <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/1982">Meet Your Street</a> article on Payne's Avenue:
<blockquote>About 1854 or 1855, Col. Lewis S. Payne, a Civil War hero, purchased the old Anguish farm in the Town of Wheatfield at what is now the northwest corner of Payne's Avenue and Wheatfield Street in North Tonawanda. On Feb. 5, 1859, Col. Payne and 12 freeholders petitioned the highway commissioners of the town fo lay out a road from the Payne farm to Tonawanda Creek, half the distance of which was in woods and timbered land. This road, called Payne's Road, evidently stopped at the wooded section at Goundry Street, for on May 8, 1866. the Board of Trustees of the newly created village of North Tonawanda passed a resolution laying out a street from Sweeney's Lane (Sweeney Street) to the intersection of Payne's Road to be known as Forest Street. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees held on Dec. 1. 1868, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "Resolved that the streets in said village known as Forest Street and Payne's Road, one road being a continuation of the other shall hereafter be known as Payne's Avenue and shall be known as Payne's Avenue from the northerly end of said road to the Tonawanda Creek." However, at a meeting of the trustees held on Aug 11, 1874, the board adopted the following resolution: That the name of the street heretofore known as Forest Street and now known as Payne's Avenue is hereby changed to the name of Mohawk Avenue and the said street is to be known as such.'" The name 'Mohawk Avenue" was, however, shortlived, for at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the village held on June 7, 1875, the following appears: "Resolved that the resolution passed by the Board of Trustees of this village on the 11th day of August. 1874, purporting to alter or change the name of Payne's Avenue to Mohawk Avenue, be and the same hereby is recinded (sic), annulled and expunged and that the said street be named, called and known hereafter as it has been for many years heretofore as Payne's Avenue." The ayes had it and the resolution was adopted.</blockquote>
He dies April 11, 1898.
1819
Perew, Philip (1862–1946).jpg
See also <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillip_Louis_(Phil)_Perew">his Wikipedia entry</a>.
1862
Ramsay, William "Pop".jpg
William "Pop" Ramsay may be familiar to current residents as the gentleman after whom Walck Road's "Ramsay Field" is named. Mr. Ramsay serves in the U. S. Navy during WWI, and by 1919 is the "physical director" of the North Tonawanda YMCA. That same year he establishes the first playground at Felton Field on Tremont Street (<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/collections/show/59">Felton High School</a> was just on the other side of Sweeney Cemetery, on Bryant). In 1931 he becomes city Director of Parks & Recreation. In 1947 he advocates for the establishment of the <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/collections/show/104">Memorial Pool</a> in Payne Park. By 1965 he and his group of five assistants are responsible for the care of 18 ballparks, 6 large picnic parks, 17 playgrounds, 7 skating rinks, 1 hockey rink, and 2 swimming pools around the city.
<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/609"><em>North Tonawanda Centennial Magazine, 1865-1965</em></a>
Richardson, George Reid (1879-1937).png
Founder of the Richardson Boat Company in 1909.
B. 19 December 1879
D. 17 February 1937
Full bio in The National Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1939 volume 27 , pg 479.
1879
Sikora, Stephen J.
Taken from the <a href="http://ampoleagle.com/sikora-holds-special-place-br-in-hearts-of-local-residents-p6942-202.htm">Am-Pol Eagle</a>:
<blockquote>Stephen Sikora holds a special place in the hearts of the people of North Tonawanda. Besides the Post, the city of North Tonawanda named a street after the war hero, Stephen J. Sikora Drive.<br /><br />Stephen was born to Frank and Stella Sikora of North Tonawanda. The Sikora family operated a bar and restaurant on 685 Oliver St. aptly named, Frank Sikora’s Restaurant. They were parishioners at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church and very active in the parish. Frank was chairman of the ground breaking committee when the new church was built and had the honor of turning the first shovel of dirt for the new building.<br /><br />As a boy, Stephen was active in the church as well as Boy Scout Troop 76. Growing up on Oliver Street, he attended Felton Grammar School and North Tonawanda High School. Sikora was an excellent student and made the honor roll in high school. Following his graduation from high school, he joined the Navy in 1939.<br /><br />With the outbreak of World War Two, Stephen was assigned to the USS Colhoun (DD-85) as a Machinist's Mate Second Class. In July of 1942, the Colhoun left Hawaii for Noumea, New Caledonia as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The Colhoun was given two responsibilities, the first was to be a high-speed transport and second as an anti submarine vessel.<br /><br />On Aug. 7, 1942 with Stephen aboard, she proved herself as a highspeed transport vessel by landing the 1st Marine Raider Battalion onto the island of Tulagi in the first day of the Battle of Guadalcanal. For the rest of the Guadalcanal Campaign the Colhoun would act as a transport for the first part of the day and then in the afternoon as an anti-submarine ship.<br /><br />On Aug. 30, 1942 the Colhoun ported at Kukum and unloaded supplies for the U.S. Marine Corps stationed on Guadalcanal. After she finished unloading, she went out and began her anti-submarine patrols for the day. In the afternoon, an alarm went out as Japanese aircraft were spotted. <br /><br />Using the clouds for cover, the air formation targeted the USS Colhoun and dropped three bombs. Two splashed in the water, but the third “blew the after davits down and forward, blocking the after engine room hatches, and starting a fire from the diesel oil spilled by the boat”.<br /><br />The crewmen attempted to return fire but the planes hid in the clouds, avoiding the return fire. The Imperial forces made a second run at the Colhoun, this time dropping five or six bombs. This attack knocked down the foremast, blew three gun mounts clear off the ship, blasted a lubrication pump in the after engine room through the bulkhead and into the forward engine room and destroyed the deck house. After this second attack the order was given to abandon ship.<br /><br />There were a number of surviving and missing men and initially Stephen was only listed as MIA. For days, then weeks, the Sikoras held out hope that their son would be found safe, washed up on a beach or in a prison camp. But after a year, the Navy officially declared Stephen J. Sikora killed in action. <br /><br />With this designation, Stephen Sikora became the first man from North Tonawanda killed in the War and the second to be killed from the Tonawandas; CPL Gerald W. Hamann from Tonawanda lost his life a month before Stephen in July of 1942. <br /><br />On Dec. 15, 1945 American Legion Post 1322 was dedicated and selected Stephen Sikora as their “patron”. The first meetings of the Post were held in the Dom Polski on Oliver until they could secure a home of their own. In May of 1950, the post opened its new and current home at 950 Payne Ave., North Tonawanda.</blockquote>
1945
Stan Rojek (1919-1997).bio
https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/local_news/journey-through-history-stanley-rojek-from-fighting-in-wwii-to-fighting-mlb-s-color-barrier/article_59bcad84-31a7-11e7-9deb-0330c815fea3.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCk4XSIXydc
https://buffalonews.com/news/stanley-a-rojek-78-dies-shortstop-played-for-four-major-league-teams/article_4c561fe1-0437-5dff-b354-bca7b09658ce.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Rojek
1919
Sweeney, James (1794-1850).jpg
From <em><a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/606">History of Niagara County 1821-1878</a></em> (1878):
<blockquote>James Sweeney located first in Buffalo in 1811. As one of the proprietors in the original purchase of the land upon which the village of North Tonawanda has been erected, he located on it in 1828, and built the first frame dwelling. The clearing of the land was commenced for the purpose of furnishing timber for the Buffalo pier, and to prepare the way for the sale of village lots. He pursued a liberal policy in advancing his individual interests, or those of others whom he sought to interest in becoming citizens. The lots for the first Methodist church, built in 1837, and the first school-house, were donated by him. Not alone in these generous public benefits was he conspicuous as a citizen. As the advance of landed property added to his means, his benefactions increased, and he aided worthy objects wherever aid was needed. He worked earnestly to extend the benefits of local schools, manifesting the interest he felt by furnishing books and often clothing to destitute children, placing them in a condition to be benefitted by them. Leaving to posterity the legacy of a respectable name as a valuable citizen and man of integrity, he died January 13th, 1850, aged 57. His son John, who died in the midst of a career of business enterprises, managed the building of the first railroad depot, and was the first, and for several years the station manager at this point. He caused the first dock to be built on the creek, next to the bridge, afterwards extending it 250 feet along the bank of the creek in the direction of the river; employing Elijah V. Day to supply the foundations and planking. He built the first and only grist-mill, which was afterwards destroyed by fire. Colonel John Sweeney built a saw-mill on the dam at the present position of the waste gates, the only one existing in this section of the country.</blockquote>
Sweeney, John (1786-).jpg
Born August 21, 1786, in Carmel, New York, John Sweeney was residing in Buffalo in 1813, when he joined the Geneva Volunteers as a lieutenant. He served in the blockhouse that was built to protect Tonawanda during the War of 1812. Wounded at the Battle of Queenston, he returned to Tonawanda in about 1815 to become one of the most prominent businessmen in the area, who was also active in land speculation and promoting the area.
PHOTO: From the Historical Society of the Tonawandas image collection.
1786
Vandervoort, William.jpg
From <em><a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/606">History of Niagara County, New York, 1821-1878</a></em> (1878):
<blockquote>William Vandervoote located in 1825, occupying a log house, the only one that then existed. He had in view the transaction of mercantile business, and the purchase of staves and oak timber for the Boston market. The first public house, called the Niagara, was completed by him in 1828, and burnt in 1844. Mr. Vandervoote subsequently purchased of the Holland Company seventeen hundred acres of land, and sold to the Prussians the tract including the largest part of their possessions, on the Tonawanda creek and in its vicinity. He was a partner in a store established by the Boston Company, then floating in the full tide of prosperity, on Grand Island. He established the first bank in the place in 1836. His mother and his sister Sarah located with him, the latter of whom occupied a brick residence erected by her brother, the first of the kind in the place.</blockquote>
From <em><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=pvIMAQAAMAAJ&rdid=book-pvIMAQAAMAAJ&rdot=1">Biographical sketches of Representative Citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts</a></em> (1901):
<blockquote>He was the son of Michael Vandervoort, and the descendant of an early Dutch settler who arrived in the colony of New Amsterdam about the year 1640.</blockquote>
Wurlitzer, Rudolph.jpg
(1831–1914) Rudolph Wurlitzer emigrates from Germany to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1853. Coming from a long line of instrument makers, he soon recognizes that with his family connections, he can provide instruments at a lower price and of higher quality than those being offered in America. The business develops, and his sons (Howard Eugene, Rudolph Henry, and Farny Reginald) join the effort. (It is his son Farny Wurlitzer who will head the North Tonawanda Wurlitzer plant for many decades). He dies in 1914 in Cincinnati.
<ul>
<li>Palkovic, Mark. <em>Wurlitzer of Cincinnati</em>. Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press, 2015.</li>
<li>"Wurlitzer Family". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 27 Nov. 2015 <http://www.britannica.com/topic/Wurlitzer-family>.</li>
</ul>
1888