North Tonawanda and Tonawanda — The “Lumber City” (1891)

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Tonawanda, N.Y.: Herald Printing House, October 1891.

INTRODUCTORY.—We shall not go into a lengthy preface, but at once proceed to the task of compiling a condensed sketch of this ~ place and its surroundings. It will not be exhaustive, and we shall doubtless omit something which properly might have been incorporated in these pages, but we hope to make it more comprehensive and generally accurate than any historical pamphlet or paper that has ever been published before for the " Lumber City," and in a condensed form to present the natural and acquired advantages of this section, with the view of attracting additional emigrants, the talents and the capital of enterprising men desirous of embarking in any legitimate business. We shall not go into lengthy details of unimportant private enterprises, nor fulsome praise of individuals; but it is the purpose of the compiler and interested citizens of this place to present in a convenient shape for preservation, and in as brief a manner as is consistent with an intelligible description of the facts (yet withal so inexpensive and easily

mailed as to be sent far and wide by the promoters of this section), a sketch of our advantages and surroundings, which shall show forth to the world the undoubted superiorities of this point, and that our progressive men are ever ready to welcome any legitimate industry. The purpose of this pamphlet is to exhibit in a condensed form, and with strict regard to the truth, the resources and advantages of this twin city, and show forth its desirability as a place of residence and a business mart. The object is to give accurate information regarding its railroads and waterways, religious, educational and industrial resources, its professional, banking, mercantile and manufacturing facilities, and in fact its many advantages and general attractions.

Publisher’s footnote: [The towns of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda are located in different counties and are separated by Tonawanda Creek, but their proximity to each other, and intimate business and social relations, render their interests so nearly identical as to make them practically one city. In fact it is daily becoming more apparent that the project for forming a new county from portions of Erie and Niagara counties, with the Tonawandas united in one municipality as the county seat, is a most excellent one. To avoid confusion and the tedious repetition of the two names it has been deemed expedient to use some significant appellation in referring to the two places jointly. From Maine to Michigan this point is known as an important lumber centre, and, as former writers have used the highly appropriate and significant term of Lumber City, we shall adopt this name when speaking of the two places together.]

THE FUTURE PREDICTED.

Four years since one of the ablest editorial writers of the New York Times visited Kansas City, Duluth, Chicago, Buffalo and other cities with the view of predicting if possible where the most vigorous growth of the future would concentrate. Here is what Frank Wilkeson wrote: " As I look forward to Buffalo's future, I am not at all certain that Chicago will be the largest city on the lakes. I strongly incline to the belief that the Erie Canal will eventually draw to Buffalo the commerce of a region which living men will see inhabited by 25,000,000, the larger portion of whom will be producers of bulky primary products, and all of whom will be large consumers of coal and iron. If Buffalo secures this trade, and she can, then Buffalo and not Chicago will be the second American city." When the above prophecy was made many persons doubted the sanity of the author, but the developments of the three past years have led careful observers to the conclusion that before a quarter of the next century has passed this forecast may be entirely verified. The harnessing of Niagara Falls, with its untold and unestimated power, which is now being pushed to completion and has been decided by engineering experts both in Europe and America to be not only feasible but practical, will doubtless bring to this section the cheapest power extant and assist greatly in the upbuilding of manufacturing interests. With the consummation of the tunnel developments, and the rapid extension of Buffalo, it is only a question of time when, from Lake Erie to the Falls, a distance of twenty miles, will be one vast metropolis, and the "Lumber City" its centre. GEOGRAPHICAL.—With a map of the country before him, the acute observer may readily see how advantageously the " Lumber City " is located. At the foot of the great chain of lakes, through which the lumber and timber from the Michigan and Canadian forests is accessible at the minimum price, with direct connections to the anthracite and bituminous coal regions of Pennsylvania, and in shape to receive the barges of Lake Superior ore, with cheap fuel and cheap limestone, there is every reason to believe that furnaces, under judicious management, located at this place should meet with unbounded success. The slight disadvantages in securing the coal and coke is more than counterbalanced in the saving of breaking bulk and reshipments required in

transporting the ore to the Pittsburg region. And the product of more than one furnace would be readily absorbed at our very door. The establishment of additional furnaces would create a good foundation for manufactories in all lines of iron interests, and the above suggestion is very worthy of the careful consideration of capitalists. PAST HISTORY.—For the purposes of this work we shall give but a brief mention of the remote past. Western New York is particularly full of interest for the student of American History. Long before the Indians of which we have record roamed the forests of Erie and Niagara counties, or fished in the clear waters of river and lakes, it is believed to have been inhabited by a superior people—of whom not even a tradition remains—whose only monuments are scattered earthworks and tumuli here and there containing pottery, ornaments, and bones from a race of giants. Whether these were a distinct race from the aboriginal Indians or not, we may never know, but it is reasonable to suppose that they constituted a part of the half-civilized race who were predecessors to the Mexican Aztecs. Relics, mounds, etc., from this source were formerly abundant through the Ohio and Mississippi valleys as far north as Lake Superior and as far east as this point. If a separate race from the Indians, when or by what agency they were destroyed will perhaps for all time remain a mystery as deep as that of the lost island of "Atlantis." De la Roche Daillon, an early French missionary, visited this section in 1627 and preached to the Neuter Nation in Niagara and Erie counties. The warlike Eries then held the entire south shore of Lake Erie to Sandusky Bay, while the Iroquois occupied the principal portion of this state, and the Hurons held possession, more particularly in the adjacent portions, of Canada. Within the decade from 1645 to 1655 a relentless war was waged in which the Kahquahs (Neuter Nation) and Eries were exterminated and the Hurons driven farther west, leaving the Iroquois (Five Nations) virtually masters of the situation. Robert de La Salle, a bold French adventurer, in 1669 visited the Senecas and other tribes and with his companions and guides passed through the trackless wilderness and down the Allegheny and the Ohio to the Falls. He returned to his native country, and in 1678, with a commission from Louis, King of France, came back to Quebec and, accompanied by La Motte, Father Hennepin and others, he located on the Niagara River, in Wheatfield township, and proceeded to build a sailing craft. On August 7th, 1679, after several unsuccessful attempts, this schooner of 60 tons burden, manned by La Salle, an Italian named Tonti, 35 French seamen, and having on board several small cannon, ascended the rapids above Black Rock, and "The Griffin" launched out on the bosom of Lake Erie as the first boat of the pale-face. The vessel went as far as Green Bay, Wis., where it loaded with furs and was to proceed to the southern part of Lake Michigan in charge of Tonti, the Italian, who was second in command. Meanwhile La Salle, Father Hennepin, and a portion of the crew went by overland and canoes to the south end of the lake, where they established a trading post, and after waiting many weary months for "The Griffin," decided that it had been lost in a storm

and all on board had perished. After several years of explorations and daring hardships on the Mississippi, which was traversed to its mouth' La Salle was murdered by two of his followers about 1683, after having claimed Louisiana and all the country which he had discovered for France. We have made this paragraph somewhat extended from the fact that La Salle and his followers were the first white men to make an extended stay and engage in boat-building in the neighborhood of the Lumber City, which they did nearly one hundred years prior to the Revolutionary war. There were numerous bloody encounters between the French and Indians from 1670 to 1715. About the latter year the French rebuilt Fort Niagara, and through the influence of Chabert Joncaire, a young Frenchman who had been captured and adopted by the Indians, a treaty of peace was brought about. In 1752 Du Quesne opened a road from Erie to LeBoeuf, the headwaters of French Creek at Waterford. George Washington was sent there in 1753 with instructions from Governor Dinwiddle, of Virginia, asking the French commander to evacuate Fort LeBreuf, as being on English territory. The Portage road was also opened from the mouth of Chautauqua Creek to Mayville, thus making the second communication with the headwaters of the Ohio. Wayne's great victory over the Indians on the Maumee River in 1794, and the final treaty with the Iroquois in November following, ended all further danger of savage uprisings in this part of the country, and with the assurance of peace a new impetus was given to immigration and settlement. NEW YORK.—Henry Hudson, an Englishman in the Dutch service, discovered Manhattan Island in 1609, and a year later it was set tied by Adrian Black and others. The Plymouth Company, under their grant of Massachusetts, from the Atlantic to the Pacific claimed this territory; but the Dutch West India Company settled it with over one hundred emigrants in 1623, and named it New Amsterdam. Peter Minuits was governor for ten years, succeeded by Wouter Van Twiller, who was 5 feet 6 inches in height and 6 feet 5 inches in circumference. William Kaieft, third governor, was unnecessarily quarrelsome with the Indians, and precipitated an outbreak in 1643. He was recalled by the company and the government given to Peter Stuyvesant. The town and country were seized by Richard Nichols, for the Duke of York, in 1664, and New Amsterdam incorporated, with change of name to New York. The English remained comparatively friendly with the Mohawks and other Indian tribes, who waged war against the invasion of De la Barre, governor of Quebec, in 1684, continuing their deadly encounters until the peace of Ryswick was established in 1697. NIAGARA. AND ERIE CO.'S.—In 1784 Western New York was named Montgomery county. In 1789 this section was in Ontario county, and in 1802 all west of the Genesee River was called Genesee county. On the 11th of March, 1808, Niagara county was created with boundaries as far south as Cattaraugus Creek, the township of Cambria comprising the present area of Niagara county. April, 1821, Erie county

was set off as at present bounded. Buffalo, which had been the county seat of Niagara from its foundation in 1808, now became the seat of justice for Erie county, and after animated discussion Lockport was made the permanent shire town of Niagara, and the court house occupied in January, 1825. EARLY SETTLEMENT.—Previous to operations on the Erie Canal there appears to have been but little progress made towards the settlement of Wheatfield township. In 1809 Geo. N. Burger located on the premises now occupied by Vincent Koch & Co. A year later John Pettit opened a log tavern near where the Niagara Iron Works stand, and in 1817 Stephen Jacobs took up a claim a mile further down the river. James Carney was located here as early as 1819, having previously settled with his father on Carney Island, now Tonawanda Island. In Tonawanda township the first settlement was made as early as 1805 by Alex. Logan, John King and John Hershey, Oliver Standard, John Cunningham, Joseph Guthrie, Ebenezer Coon and Thomas Hannan. Henry Anguish, about 1808, was perhaps the first to locate within the present corporate limits of Tonawanda, where in 1811 he opened a tavern. Robert Van Slyke, Frederick Buck and James Burba settled in the vicinity in 1810. At this time the site of the Lumber City was nearly an unbroken forest, with no roads excepting one along the beach of the Niagara River. Robt. Simson took up a farm just east of Tonawanda, in 1811. THE WAR OF 1812.—This place having been within the bounds of action during the second war with England, is sufficient apology for brief reference to those trying times. As dangers were apprehended here, a guard-house was erected in 1811, near the foot of South Canal street, and many thrilling experiences were had by the little band of settlers during the next two or three years. It was first contemplated to build the lake fleet at this point and Black Rock; but Capt. Daniel Dobbins, a prominent lake man, recommended Erie, Pa., as a more feasible point for boat building, and it was there that Commodore Perry's little fleet was erected, which met and defeated the enemy on Sept. 10th, 1813. Shortly after the capture of Fort Niagara by the British, Dec. 19, 1813, a detachment of the enemy on their way to Buffalo, burned not only the fort here, but every building in the vicinity excepting the residence of Mrs Francis (a French lady). Other settlers had made their escape, but Mrs. Francis, having been sick, had not been able to flee, and after the torch was applied she summoned courage to crawl down from her hiding place and put out the fire. Buffalo also suffered from the enemy's torch. After the war settlement was again resumed, but was not vigorous until operations were commenced on the Erie Canal. THE ERIE CANAL.—Jesse Hawley was first to publicly advocate the building of a waterway from Lake Erie to the Hudson, which he did by publishing an article on that subject in the Pittsburg Commonwealth in 1807. The matter was discussed from time to time and

Mr. Geddes, a year or two later, made a cursory examination of a proposed route. In 1810 a commission appointed by the Legislature surveyed a route, and after failing to secure the necessary appropriation from Congress, the New York Legislature, in June, 1812, authorized the borrowing of five million dollars with which to construct the canal; but the war with Great Britain paralyzed the financial resources of the state and two years later the act authorizing the loan was repealed. As the state recovered from the effects of the war with England, the canal construction was again agitated and the measure re-enacted in April, 1817, with Dewitt Clinton, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Joseph Ellicott, Samuel Young and Myron Holley as commissioners. Ground was first broken at Rome on July 4th, 1817, and from that time forward the work pushed as fast as practicable in those days. The middle section was completed in three years, the part east of Utica was finished October, 1823, and then attention was turned to the construction of the western section. The first work done on this section was at Tonawanda, in 1823, by Judge Samuel Wilkeson and Dr. Ebenezer Johnson, who built the dam across the creek. It was at first thought that the canal would end at Tonawanda or Black Rock; but the lake level at Buffalo being somewhat higher, it was finally decided expedient to make that place the western terminus. On the 9th of August, 1823, work was commenced in Buff'alo, the entire western section completed and the whole canal ready for use Oct. 24th, 1825. On the evening of the 25th Gov. Clinton and other distinguished gentlemen from Albany arrived in Buffiilo, having made the trip by canal boats in less than five days. On the journey cannons had been arranged at convenient intervals, that on the departure from Buff'alo were to be fired in succession immediately after hearing the report from the one directly to the west. In this manner the news of the return trip of the Governor and his associates was heralded to Albany, 280 miles distant, in one hundred minutes, a record unparalleled before the days of telegraphy. This was then the longest canal in the world (excepting one in China), and the people of the Empire State were justly proud of their achievements. It was 363 miles in length, 40 feet at surface, and 28 at bottom, with 4 feet draft. It had 83 locks, with a descent from Buff'alo to Albany of 563 feet. The largest boats then available carried 76 tons burden, and the cost of construction had been $7,000,000. Buff'alo being the terminal point, and the place of breaking bulk from the West, received the greatest good; but this entire region shared to a considerable extent in the general prosperity. Subsequent to the war, the canal was enlarged to a width of 56 feet at the bottom and depth of 7 feet, giving a water capacity of more than three times the former measure, and at a cost of about $30,000,000; but the revenue from canal tolls had warranted this expense. With more complete railroad transportation the competition was too great, and in order to continue the life of the canal business, which was believed to be of general good to the people of the state, this great waterway was made free in 1882. Its benefits are believed to be an ample reward for the tax required for its maintenance. Notwithstanding all that may have been said to the contrary, the Erie Canal has not outlived its usefulness. Statistics

from New York city disclose the fact that one-third of all the flour and grain from the states during 1890 came by canal. With improved cables and clutches the expense of canal-boating ma>"be greatly lessened. With the enlargement and improvement of the canal and the adoption of modern inventions it is safe to assert that this plan of transportation for heavy freights will continue to be a pojDular one. NIAGARA RIVER.—The majestic outlet of Lake Erie which flows swiftly but quietly past the Lumber City is in many respects the grandest and most famous river in the world. With its tumultuous rapids, its roaring cataract and its fearful whirlpools, it is an object of wonder and admiration by personages of all classes and from every land. About 35 miles in length, for its average width of three-quarters of a mile, the Niagara probably carries a greater volume of water than any other river on the globe. A short distance below where the lake merges into the river there is a rapid descent and very strong current, which, however, does not seriously interfere with navigation. From this point the current is marked, but comparatively even, until it reaches the rapids about a half mile above the great Falls, where the incline is steep and the river plunges along over the huge stones, falling a distance of perhaps forty feet before it reaches the majestic plunge, where it rushes in eternal thunder over a precipice 160 feet in height, making the grandest spectacle known to man. For five miles below the falls, excepting at the whirlpool, the river is very narrow and walled in by almost perpendicular cliffs from 200 to 250 feet in height. Through a portion of this gorge it is supposed to be the deepest river in the world. The great Whirlpool Kapids in this portion is scarcely less remarkable than the cataract itself. As the outlet for the chain of great lakes, Niagara is unceasing and almost uniform in its volume, being neither perceptibly increased nor diminished by flood or drouth. A strong prolonged western wind causes the river to rise a foot or two, while a steady gale from the east has a reverse effect. This uniformity of volume has greatly assisted in creating, along the river front at this place, and on all sides of Tonawanda Island, an elegant harbor for vessels and place for storage to this chief lumber mart of the east. Miles of docks line the banks at this point and receive cargoes direct from the vessels, for storage, or reshipment via the Erie Canal. About a mile below Lake Erie is the head of Squaw Island; two miles further on is Strawberry Island. Six miles from its source the Niagara divides into an east and west branch (its general course from Erie to Ontario being west of north), embracing within its watery arms Grand Island, a fertile tract of 17,381 acres of land. In its winding course it is six miles from the head of Grand Island to Tonawanda Island and the Lumber City. Midway between this and the Falls we find Cayuga Island. Narrowly detached from Grand Island at its lower end is Buckhorn Island; a mile farther on is Navy Island (the only British territory of any importance in Niagara River), and then the grand park of Goat Island and the Three Sisters, just on the brink of the great precipice. By direct line across Grand Island it is but 15 miles from the head of the Niagara River to the Falls, but the circuitous route by river or rail past the Lumber City adds six or seven miles to

the distance. From the above description of river and islands it will be seen that the people of this place have not far to go to reach a picnic ground or summer resort. Grand Island and the lesser lights furnish numerous locations for an outing, while a quarter will give you passage to Buffalo or to Niagara Falls, WATER POWER OF NIAGARA.—Who has measured it? Can it be utilized ? What does it mean to the Lumber City ? The business men of this place have long recognized the fact that to harness the power of this mighty river was of first importance to their rapidly growing city, and there has been a concentration of thought and effort, by the best engineering minds, to solve the problem of how to accomplish this end. As a result, a powerful corporation has been organized, composed of leading capitalists and bankers of New York, Philadelphia and London, known as the Cataract Construction Company. A contract has been made with the Niagara Falls Power Company to build an immense tunnel Irom near the river above the Falls to the river below the Falls, with shafts to serve as wheel pits, and connected with the river above the Falls by lateral canals, discharging the water so gathered from the river through turbine wheels at the bottom of these shafts into the main tunnel and through it into the river below, the tunnel thus serving as an immense tail race. By this very simple plan, approved as practicable by the engineering and electrical experts of Europe and America, backed by keen, sagacious capitalists, it is estimated that 150,000-horse power will be developed. This great work will cost $3,500,000, and it is to be completed within a few months. As but a small fraction of the water in the river will be used by this tunnel, it is among the possibilities that within the next few years ten tunnels instead of one will be in operation, developing the enormous total of 1,500,000-horse power. What does this mean to the Lumber City? The result of utilizing only the 150,000-horse power now in course of development will be to make Buffalo and region extending to Niagara Falls the greatest manufacturing centre of the world. Mr. Edison is authority for the statement that electrical power can then be supplied to all the manufactories of the river region (now 3,000 in number) for one-fifth the cost of steam. This 150,000-horse power is far greater than that developed, at the Falls of St. Anthony in the Mississippi Kiver, around which is clustered the milling interests of the great North West, and which has resulted in the building up of the twin cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, with a combined population of more than 300,000 souls. It is apparent, if like causes produce like results, that an increase equal to this in the region between Buffalo and Niagara Falls is bound to closely follow the completion of this great tunnel. With a greater motive power at her command than is utilized at any other point in the civilized world, it means to this city that she is no longer content to take one toll on the primary products brought to her door by the ever increasing commerce of the great lakes, and then re-ship them; but that she proposes to take double and triple toll, by first running these primary products of an " Inland Empire " through her mills and factories

propelled by the cheapest power the world has ever known—the power of Niagara. With 32 passenger trains each day to Buffalo we practically enjoy her advantages in railroad service. Buffalo is at the head of the Erie Canal, the foot of the great chain of lakes, the terminal point of more than twenty railroads, most of them trunk lines, and is the distributing point for millions of people and products. Within the present city limits are over 660 miles of railroad trackage, more than can be found in any other city on the globe, and the Lumber City not only has the benefits of direct passenger service but gets the same freight rates as Buffalo to any part of the country. With electric railways in operation to the Falls, the intervening residence and manufacturing sections can scarcely fail of marvelous and unprecedented growth, and real estate values must show a rapid increase. SALUBRITY AND HEALTHFULNESS.-Although well north in the temperate zone, this section is seldom visited by intense cold, and the mercury in summer is rarely above 90 in the shade. The wonderful ameliorating effects of large bodies of water is well known, and this narrow neck of country lying directly between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario is particularly fortunate in its location. The winters are decidedly warmer, summers cooler, and extremes much less than inland sections upon the same line of latitude. It is also a noted fact that the lake influences deflect all severe storms, cyclones and hurricanes, so that this favored section has never had a visitation of anything worthy of note in that line. These advantages show a marked good eft'ect upon the healthfulness of this section. The nosological chart published by the Smithsonian Institute gives the greatest immunity from epidemic diseases in North America to a narrow strip of land in this section. All diseases are usually found here, if at all, in their mildest form, and readily controlled. VILLAGE NUCLEUS.—Although the early settlers on each side of Tonawanda Creek had provided accommodations in their rude log huts for a dozen years prior, it was not until the canal developments of 1823 that there were any pretensions to forming a village. Early in that year -Judge Samuel Wilkeson and Dr. Ebenezer -Johnson, with a large force of men, began the building of a dam across Tonawanda Creek to make the stream, as now, a portion of the canal. They also contracted to build three-fourths of a mile of the canal. A toll bridge was built under their supervision and a store opened up on the South side. During the years 1823-4 the operations on the canal made Tonawanda a bustling village, most of the canal shanties having been on the south side of the creek. Geo. Goundry, of Geneva, with James and John Sweeney, of Buffalo, became the first real estate agents of the place, offering lots for sale, through a well-worded hand bill, under date of July 5th, 1824. Four years later Mr. James Sweeney erected the first frame dwelling in North Tonawanda, and prepared the way for the sale of village lots. While the canal was in progress, business was brisk at the new village; but in the autumn of 1825 the temporary excitement subsided and but little permanent development was made for

many years afterward. The late Urial Driggs opened, in 1827, another store on the south side which continued as a permanent landmark. The town of Tonawanda, organized in 1836, comprised its present area and Grand Island, as well. The latter was made a separate town in 1852. The supervisors of Tonawanda township were as follows: Wm. Williams, 1836; J. H. Lathrop, '39; T. W. Woolson, '40 and '51 to 54; Jas. Carney, '46; J. H. Phillips, '48; Warren Moulton, '55 ; Paul Roberts, '57; Chris. Schwinger, '59 and '71; E. Hensler, '60 ; David Kohler, '62; Benj. H. Long, '64 an(^ '70; Fred. Knothe, '66 and '72; S. G. Johnson, '68; Wm. Kibler, '74; J. H. DeGraff, '75 and '81; Philip Wendell, '76; A. B. Williams, '77; O. H. Gorton, '79; J. R. Hoiway, '83, and James B. Zimmerman, the present incumbent, elected in '87. J. G. Hubman, the town clerk, will have mention in our mercantile pages. The plat on which Tonawanda is located was purchased from the Holland Company by a Mr, Huntington, of Rome, N. Y., who, about the time of the canal developments, sold to Wm. Williams, his son-in-law, who came on to develop the same. Wheatfield Town was taken from Niagara May 12, 1836, and its supervisors have been, Benj. McNitt, 1837; N. M. Ward, '38, '43, '46, '58; Wm. Vandervoort, '39; John Sweeney, '40; Isaac L. Young, '42 Lewis S. Payne, '44-5, '47-8, '50, '59 '61, '76; Sylvester McNitt, '49, '52 Seth F. Roberts, '51; Peter Greiner, '53-4; Joseph Hawbecker, '55; G W. Sherman, '56-7, '63-6; P. Schmeck, '62; H. H. Griffin, '67, '69 James Carney, '68; Edward A. Milliman, '70; J. D. Loveland, '71-3 T. C. Collins, '75; Chris. Fritz, '77-8; Chas. Kandt, ^O-'Sl; Dan'i Sy, '82; C. F. Goerss, '83; Peter Heim, '84-8; Chauncey Wichterman, the present incumbent, was elected in 1889 and is now serving his third term. He is a farmer, residing in the village of Shawnee, this township, and a veteran of the late war. Chas Hagen, the present clerk, has served the town in this capacity for seventeen years past, which is suflScient recommendation of his ability. Mr. Hagen was a veteran of Co. D, lOOth N. Y. Vols. He serves as notary as well as town clerk. THE PRESS.—A fair share of the success of every growing city is attributable to the push and enterprise of its local journals. The home daily or weekly is expected not only to give the general and neighborhood news, but to champion every progressive movement and unhesitatingly attack any foe to public welfare. The nearness to Buffalo has prevented the place from being a desirable newspaper field. The first attempt at publishing a paper in Tonawanda, so far as we can learn, was by Mr. S. Hoyt, who issued the first number of a nicely printed and well edited six-column journal, called the Tonawanda Commercial, on May 2d, 1850. The project was started in anticipation of the business to be secured from the Cleveland Commercial Co., which had platted considerable land in this place. A line of steamers, elevator building and warehouses were under way and Mr. Hoyt thought it time for a newspaper. The Commercial lived but little more than a year. It was followed in September, 1853, by the Niagara River Pilots

S. S. Packard, editor, the press having been presented by the Cleveland Com. Co., in aid of the enterprise. In 1855 Mr. Packard's interest was purchased by S. 0. Hayward who, in November, 1857, started the Niagara Frontier, he, at this time, being telegraph operator, town and village clerk, as well as editor. About January, 1860, the plant came into the charge of G. W. Maxon, who had been an assistant engineer on the canal enlargement, but as he failed to pay for the same, a year later, the office reverted to Mr. Hayward. Mr. H. spent some years on the Pacific coast, and published a paper at North East, Pa., before returning to the field here, but in 1871* he commenced the Enterprise, which was suspended a couple of years ago, although the office is still in statu quo. Mr. Hayward holds a position in the office of the Auburn State Prison.

THE TONAWANDA HERALD

was commenced July 19th, 1875, by Jay Densmore, and a year or two later became the property of Warren & O'Regan. On Oct. 14th, 1877, T. M. Chapman bought out John O'Regan, and in 1880 Geo. Warren sold his interest to T. E. Warner, when the firm became Chapman & Warner, which it still remains. Both members of the firm are practical printers of long experience, have a good job office, and a well established circulation for the weekly. For six months of 1890 a neat six-column daily was printed, when it was discontinued, the efforts of the office being now concentrated in bringing out a good Democratic weekly paper with a German department in connection. From the files of the Herald the historian has collated lumber statistics and other valuable information.

THE DAILY NEWS.

J. A. L. Fisher, in 1875, commenced the publication of the Index, and some five years later Geo. S. Hobbie, an employe of the Index office, started the Daily Neivs, a diminutive two-column sheet. The Daily rapidly gained in popular favor. Mr. Hobbie purchased Mr. Fisher's interest and discontinued the Index. The evening paper was enlarged in a few months and again in 1882. Geo. W. Tong became a partner in 1884, but he and Mr. Hobbie both becoming connected with Dr. Hayes' Asthmatics Institute, changed the publication of their paper to a weekly edition, calling it the Standard, which was leased to J. W. Works in 1886. The next year Mr. Works resumed the publication of the Daily Neivs in an enlarged and rejuvenated form, discontinuing the weekly publication. Arthur Works became a member of the firm in 1887 and the plant was purchased by the Works Brothers. A live daily paper is an actual necessity to any growing city, and with a good jobbing department the Daily News office is prepared to satisfy every reasonable demand of its patrons in the printing line. The daily has recently been enlarged to seven columns.

THE PRESS JOBBING OFFICE.

A. E. Bishop, a job printer, began the Tonawandan in 1888, and a short time afterwards was seconded in the undertaking by C. H. Drew, and the name was changed to the Tonawanda Press. J. H. Meahl and' E. M. Krauss held the plant under lease for a short time when it was

purchased Sept. 1, 1890, by Frank L. Lane. Mr. Lane was joined in the enterprise, four months later, by his brother A. F. Lane, also a practical printer, and with May 8th of the present year the Press was discontinued in order to give their entire attention to commercial and pamphlet job printing. Messrs. F. L. & A. F. Lane are turning out some very neat work from their office. AGED RESIDENTS —James Carney, now in declining health, commenced life March 23, 1800, and when sixteen 3'ears of age came with his father to Tonawanda Island. In 1824 Judge Samuel Wilkeson, as the agent of the elder Carney, went to Albany to purchase the Island; but Samuel Leggate, of New York, became the purchaser, at $23 per acre, as the Jews at that time were planning to found the "City of Ararat" on Grand Island, a bubble which soon after burst. Mr. James Carney led a long and active life in this vicinity, and died Aug. 6th, 1891, since above was in type. Hon. John Sivison.—One of the most generous men, active in every good word and work, in this vicinity, is the venerable John Simson, born May 19, 1803, who is still engaged in overseeing the farm, a mile southeast of Tonawanda village, where his father located in 1811. He gives a graphic description of the clever ruse played by the sixteen soldiers, together with the boys and men of this vicinity, who, (when several hundred Indians had crossed Grand Island, from Canada, to attack this place, in 1813,) marched around in squads, first with coats off, then on, then wrong side out, etc., conveying the idea to the enemy that a large body of men were here. In 1840 Mr. John Simson erected a saw mill, and frequent mention will be found of him in the history of churches, schools, etc. He was a member of the New York Legislature in 1872, and the Lumber City owes much of its prosperity to movements started or encouraged by Mr. Simson. Edward Heffrtm, who is probably the oldest citizen in Tonawanda, was born in Ireland August 25, 1797. He has resided in this place since 1850. Mr. H. resides with his son Michael, who is a successful boat builder and carpenter at No. 122 Delaware street. Mrs. Elizabeth Walters, has been a resident of Tonawanda for 57 years past, she having been born in November, 1799. Mrs. Walters is rapidly declining at this writing and may not be alive when this book appears before the public. She has eight children living. There are a number of foreign-born citizens in the Lumber City about 90 years of age, but lack of space forbids further mention. In reviewing the hardships and privations that these early pioneers must have endured to withstand the savage beasts and savage men and lay the foundations of civilization with all incumbent blessings, a feeling of reverence comes over us and we can only take the hand of those aged veterans and gaze upon the work they have accomplished with the most profound respect. We find much embraced in their personal history that would interest the general reader if space would permit, but the bounds of the present article and the important pressing present forbid our enlarging on these early scenes, and we pass on to the consideration of other matters.

The present generation might derive an instructive moral lesson by contrasting the privations and discomforts which beset the first settlers with the happy circumstances by which we are surrounded; such a contrast should inspire the latter with feelings of gratitude for the blessings which they now enjoy, and should stifle the dispositio;i to complain, which has become almost as chronic with us as it was with the ancient people who were fed with bread from heaven. In the social customs of our day it may be doubted whether we have made any improvements upon those of our ancestors. In those days friends and neighbors could meet together and enjoy themselves, and with hearty good will enter into the spirit of social magnetism. The old and young could then spend evening after evening around the fireside with pleasure and profit; there was a geniality of manner-, and a corresponding depth of soul to which modern society is unaccustomed. VILLAGE GOVERNMENT—The first election of officers of the village was held on the 29th of December, 1853, at which the following officers were chosen: John R. Wheeler, T. W. Woolson, Henry Hill, Henry P. Smith and Jesse F. Locke, trustees; Elijah Cooley, Gideon Hulbert and Thos. J. Keith, assessors; F. T. McCuller, clerk; Hiram Newell, treasurer; Wm. Hay, collector, and Levi Wait, pound master. The village was incorporated on the 7th day of January, 1854, with four wards, one of which was on the north side of the creek. John R. Wheeler was chosen chairman of the board by his associate trustees and was succeeded as president of the village by T. W. Woolson, who officiated in 1855; G. W. Sherman, '56; Hiram Newell, '57; Wm. T. Bush, '58-9; B. H. Long, '60-1, '65; Selden G. Johnson, '62-3; Warren Driggs, '64; Daniel Bellinger, '66; Joseph Bliss, '67-8; Dr. F. F. Hoyer, '69; A. B. Williams, '70-1, '84-5-6; J. S. Bliss, '72, '75-6-7, and '80; 0. H. Gorton, '73, 78; M. Hickle, '74; Wm. Hardleben, '79; A. A. Bellinger, '81, '87-8; Joseph Holway, '82; Chas. W. Sickmon, '83; Adam Schuler, '89; J no. K. Patton, '90, and A. H. Crown, the present incumbent who will have mention in another article. The trustees for this year are: M. Scanlon, H. J. Koenig, John Kiphuth, Jas. Mullhall, H. S. Wende, W. A. Gardei, E. H. Rogers, Wm. Schwartz; Martin Riesterer, J. M. Hubman and Theo. Hardleben, assessors; N. Lockman, street commissioner; Dan'l Grant, collector; Louis Green, treasurer, and Fayette A. Ballard, clerk. Mr. B. was born in New Orleans. His father having been a native of this state, he visited New York and located here some twenty years ago. He was for several years manager of the brick yard and later served as assistant postmaster. The Tonawanda police are Louis Haines, chief, with Chas. Gagnon, John Welch and John McCormick, patrolmen. The population in Tonawanda village is about 9,000. NORTH TONAWANDA INCORPORATED.—Tonawanda village originally comprised four wards, one of which was on the north side of Tonawanda Creek. This withdrew from the corporation in 1857, and for eight years was simply a part of the town of Wheatfield. Early in 1865 a petition was signed for the incorporation of the "village of

Wheatfield." The plat as surveyed, contained 681 acres, with a population on March 16th 1865, of 440 persons. It was finally incorporated May 8th of that year, under the name of North Tonawanda. The growth within the past decade has been little less than marvelous. The corporation limits were recently greatly extended, and a systematic enumeration taken in July, for school purposes, adding the Martinsville and Sawyer’s Station district, makes about 9,000 within the present corporation of North Tonawanda. The first Board of Trustees, after the village incorporation, were David Robinson, Jacob Becker, Alex G. Kent, Clark Ransom, and Geo. W. Sherman, who officiated as chairman. Jas. Carney was elected president of the village in 1868; Franklin Warren, ’69, ’72–3, ’76; Jno. M. Rockwell, ’70; A. G. Kent, ’71; C. W. Watkins, ’74–5, ’77–8; T. S. Fassett, ’79; Alex McBain, ’80; Jno. Taylor, ’81–2; Wm. Gombert, ’83; Conrad Backer, ’84; J. S. Thompson, ’85–7; Fred Sommer, ’88–9; Joseph Pitts, '90; and B. F. Felton, the present incumbent, in '91. Until the recent extension of the city, Mr. Felton has resided just outside of the corporate limits, but has for fifteen years past been foremost in school work, and as President of the incorporation, bears his honors easily. T. E. Warner, Clerk of the Board, is one of the well known proprietors of the Herald. The Town Hall is a well constructed brick, having Council rooms on second floor, jail and apartments for fire apparatus below, and hose and lookout tower in connection. It was erected in 1874, at a cost of about [$5,000? — supplied OCR: “85,000”]. The Police Force,—For some time after the incorporation, Frederick Bishop was chief and all hands, but as North Tonawanda grew, additional force was required. Chas. C. Kohler, an old resident of the Lumber City, is the present efficient chief. He is assisted by patrolmen John Ryan, Thos. A, Tunis, James Smith, John Miller, and C. H. Proefrock. Our laborers being largely of a civil, well-behaved make up, this small force have been able to meet the police demands to the present time, but our rapid increase in population will doubtless soon necessitate additional patrolmen. The Fire Protection.—The fire protection service of the Lumber City is seldom equalled in a place of 20,000 inhabitants. The two sides have over a dozen well equipped companies, convenient and well kept buildings, several thousand feet of hose, two full hook and ladder equipments, and two engines. The Holly Water System gives the requisite pressure during an emergency, and the firemen of both sides act in concert. Although the city is virtually covered with lumber and inflammable material, destructive fires have been of very rare occurrence. The Tonawanda Board of health is B. F. Betts, George Hardleben and H. Bucher, efficient public spirited men who are looking after the best interests of the place. On the north side the Board is made up of Jno. G. Paul, President; J. H. Barnard, Secretary; Wm. C. Long, Wm. P. Hayes, and Robt. W. Cramer. Dr. A. W. Jayne has officiated as health officer for two years past, and a thorough inspection has been made from house to house. In the section where wells have been condemned

and the city water put in, typhoid fever has been practically eradicated. The death rate in the Lumber City has been below the average for cities of this size, and with the more general introduction of sewerage, and city water for domestic use, the mortality statistics will doubtless show an advantage over the past. The North Tonawanda Cemetery Association was incorporated in 1868 by B. F. Felton, G. L. Judd, Franklin Warren, Hiram Newell, S. G. Johnson, and John Simson. It was then placed at a convenient distance from the village, but the rapid growth of the past few years has surrounded it with development and will soon place the cemetery in the heart of the city. It is neatly kept, and makes a beautiful resting place for the remains of the dead. MODERN CITY.—During the last few years few of the third class cities of New York have shown such remarkable growth and solid prosperity as exhibited by the Lumber City. It has suddenly entered upon an era of development in every direction, unfolding and strengthening steadily and rapidly, and many signs indicate that its progress has but begun, and that the next season will bring to it still greater improvement than any past year has seen. The recent growth is not like that sudden wild-cat leap which westerners call a " boom," which in a few weeks or months create a panic of improvement, investment and speculation, and then, having reached its highest possible tension, like a gigantic, gorgeous, brilliant soap-bubble, bursts into frothy nothingness. No one can inspect the improvements in this city without being convinced that there is a solid basis of endurance in the development, that the evolution is a natural and healthy one, and that its strongest and greatest manifestations have not yet been realized. The Lumber City possesses, in its surrounding country, in its topographical situation, in the manner in which it is laid out, in its transportation facilities, in the broad and liberal spirit in which its public works are being planned, and in numerous other respects, nearly all the imaginable qualifications for a substantial and wealthy city. The situation of this city is excellent in every way. It lies in the midst of a fertile country, and is surrounded by fine farms, held by an industrious, intelligent and thrifty farming population. The surrounding region is one of the finest agricultural sections of the state. The excellency of the city's public and parochial schools and the numerous churches of all evangelical denominations render the city a pleasant home for all who love enlightenment and Christian morality. HOMES, STREETS, ETC.—On the corner of Webster and Tremont streets Mr. Geo. P. Smith, one of the leading developers of North Tonawanda, has this year erected a towering six-story business block which would grace any city in the land. From the top of the elevator tower the historian recently spent a half hour in taking a bird's eye view of this city and its surrounding. It is a picture worthy the pencil of an artist and must be seen to be fully appreciated. Immediately south of us lies the Tonawanda Creek, with its canal and bridges, branching a half mile above its mouth into Ellicott's Creek, the winding course

of which can be traced, curving to the southward and back to an easterly direction, so that four miles distant from our point of observation it is directly on our line of latitude, Near to it on the north, with handsome meadows intervening, lies the Tonawanda Creek, in this division forming the Erie Canal, which after running eastwardly a couple of miles gracefully curves to the north until it rounds Martinsville, and thence to the northeast, leaving the creek a few miles further on, which in its upward route goes almost east, while the canal takes a northeasterly course to Lockport. Directly to the south, less than ten miles distant by air line, stands the Buffalo City Hall, and the smoke can be plainly seen from the hundreds of factories at Black Rock and intervening points. The beautiful Niagara River in its windings can be clearly traced for several miles both north and south. Tonawanda Island, a half mile to the west of our position, with its nearly two miles of dockage, is completely covered with towering lumber piles, the water works and various mills, while the intervening harbor is filled with canal boats and other vessels. Looking over Tonawanda Island and the blue channel of the Niagara, the edge of Grand Island is seen, but little more than a mile from our point of observation. Niagara View Grove and Sour Spring Grove show out in all their loveliness, to the southwest, with the ferry, Lorelei, steaming between, while down the river a couple of miles to the northwest, Wm. H. Fix's Edgewater resort can be plainly seen. Buffalo parties have bought this and will erect summer cottages. From this elevated position nearly the whole 17,000 acres of Grand Island, with its magnificent farms, groves and outing resorts, can be traced with the glass, and directly across the point of the island, in a northwesterly course, the mist from the plunge of Niagara Falls, eight miles distant, can be dimly seen ascending. A mile from our position, slightly west of north, stands the towers of the Ironton blast furnace, surrounded by the new buildings, constructed since the fire of July 11, and a mile farther down the river can be seen the lumber piles, mills and developments of the Gratwick district. To the south, within a two-mile radius, the shaded streets, church spires and handsome homes of Tonawanda show out in their loveliness, the grounds rising in a gentle incline plane on Delaware and other streets in the southeastern portion. Looking eastward on Goundry and other principal residence streets, our admiration for the scores of splendid mansions, magnificent lawns and beautiful surroundings can scarcely be penned. Wealth and refinement are clearly seen, and but few if any cities in the United States of::iO,000 inhabitants can show more magnificent mansions, beautiful homes and well kept cottages than the Lumber City. Within the immediate surrounding squares, are found the fine Hotel Sheldon, the Erie and N. Y. Central railroad depots, the handsome Lumber Exchange and State Bank buildings, the commodious stores, hotels, etc., on Webster street, new brick blocks going up, and just across the bridge the Rand Bank and new postoffice building, while near the corner of Main and Canal streets are the Riesterer, Wolf 's, Gardei, Nice & Hinkey, Hamp, and many other elegant business blocks.

North Tonawanda developments are rapidly spreading to the north and east, and the entire acreage between Sawyer's Station, Martinsville, Gratwick and the old corporation limits, bids fair to soon be dotted with the homes of mechanics, laborers and business men. Within a radius of two and one-half miles from our position the present population is very nearly 20,000, and being a suburb of Buffalo, with the Niagara Tunnel development near our door and electric railways something more than talk, it takes a wise philosopher to predict the future. MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.—In this pamphlet we shall set forth some of the Lumber city's claims upon those who propose a change of residence or business, and we hope to sufficiently demonstrate that, taking it all in all, there are few better locations in the wide world for general manufacturing than this city. While the mercantile interests of a community are an essential feature, and the professional talent a necessary part of a city, it is generally admitted that thriving manufacturing industries are the greatest desideratum, and give more permanency and rapidity of growth to any place than all other interests combined. The merchant brings to us the commodities of commerce and is usually generous in dividing his profits to charities and enterprises of public good; but the legitimate manufacturer opens a permanent investment for capital at remunerative rates, gives employment to the laborers of a community, and enhances the value of all farm products in his immediate section. The Lumber City, with her railroad facilities and healthy location, offers superior inducements to those who may desire to make investments within her borders. Lands are cheap, laborers plenty, educational advantages of high grade, her citizens noted for their culture, hospitality and generous welcome toward good people from other states and countries—and with a map of the country before him any observer can see how advantageously this city is located with reference to the lumber, coal and iron interests. Manufacturers, capitalists and those in search of healthful homes in a refined and advanced community cannot fail to see the great advantages which we possess. Hundred?- who, in the emigration excitement of the past decade, left this part of New York for homes in the west, have realized their mistake and are returning to this section, content with its superior advantages. Niagara and Erie counties are becoming densely populated, and the surrounding acres can furnish abundance of room upon which to build a city as large as New York, without being compelled to go up fourteen stories in order to find room enough to stow away our inhabitants. This is already a city of homes, in which a considerable portion of the inhabitants own commodious residences, with plenty of breathing space. There is still room to quadruple the population within the present incorporations without serious crowding. But we have digressed; manufacturing is our theme. It is eminently proper, in a descriptive review of this character, that the men or corporations who have really done something, who have ventured their time and means to the establishment of industrial work, and liberally dispensed their money in our midst for the construction of buildings, salary to employes and purchase of mat-rial, should have deserving

mention. As these industries use up the raw materials of the country at remunerative prices and dispense large amounts in weekly wages, which revert to the tills of our merchants and mechanics, the municipality can well afford to give them liberal encouragement. On thriving manufacturing industries the growth and continued prosperity of our city largely depends, and those who are working for its upbuilding should receive due credit. In pages farther over we shall give a separate mention of our principal manufactories and set forth the features which have contributed to their upbuilding. The strikes in New York and elsewhere, combined with various other causes, have made a depression in the lumber trade, which has been felt to some extent in this city, but which will result in our ultimate good if we profit by the lesson, which should teach us that diversified manufacturing must be looked forward to as the foundation upon which to build future developments. The slight check in real estate transactions is doubtless also a blessing in disguise, in that it would tend to discourage unwarranted speculation and place everything upon its real merits for future development. But the fact still remains, that notwithstanding these temporary checks in development, that there is scarcely a square in the city on which improvements of a decided character are not going on. New houses, or new store buildings are being erected on every street, and nearly all of them are at once occupied by owner or tenant. The proper thing to do is for all public spirited men to give liberal assistance to worthy projects for the general good, and above all to encourage the locating in our midst of any legitimate manufacturing enterprise. THE LUMBER INTERESTS.—The venerable John Simson established a saw and planing mill at Tonawanda as early as 1840, and through his influence, with others, the Cleveland Commercial Co. was induced to locate here about 1849. The company did a business of magnitude here, but through the strenuous efforts of Buffalo capitalists was induced to remove its principal offices and operations to the larger city at the expiration of its lease here, and subsequently the commodious elevator here was burned. Tonawanda had, however, gained considerable notoriety as a shipping point, and, with the revival of business subsequent to the war, it became an important lumber centre. Within a score of years past the lumber trade has developed to eight times its former proportions, and last year reached the momentous figures of 753,672,000 feet, an amount almost beyond the comprehension of the ordinary thinker, and excelled in volume by no city in America excepting Chicago. This growth has been as steady as the staple trees which furnish this market with raw material, as the following figures, compiled by the Herald at the close of last season, will demonstrate: The amount of excess of lake receipts alone over those of 1889 was 42,633,700 feet of lumber, which may fairly be considered as a most satisfactory increase, demonstrating very clearly that more lumber is coming here every year by the water route, as the supply recedes from

the near-by western states, like Michigan. This volume has been largely augmented, too, by the advent of several new firms, whose stocks have been of no inconsiderable proportions, and their settling down among us will continue to keep up the pleasing record for a number of years to come. The following statistical table covering 18 years will be found of great comparative value, showing lath and shingles as well as lumber for each year since 1873:

• Adding to the foregoing imports by lake, the 10,439,000 feet of lumber brought by the N. Y. C. & H. R R. R. to this point, and 24,583,000 by the N. Y., L. E. & W.. we have the aggregate total receipts, before given, of 753,672,- 000 feet of lumber. In this connection it will perhaps not be out of place to state that in addition to the 52,232,300 shingles imported, as per above schedule, our local mills manufactured about 100,000,000. Of the former quantity one firm alone imported 40,000,000, and of the latter item one local mill made 62,000,000. There was also sent by canal shipment 13,186,000 shingles in 1890; 1,258,600 cubic feet of timber; 233,966,000 pounds of stone, and other articles making up a total of 775,729 tons and a total valuation of over eleven million dollars. Total clearances issued, 3,655. The increase of lumber shipments to eastern points in 1890 was 33,869,- 300 feet in excess of 1889.

VESSEL CLEARANCES BY RIVER AND CANAL.

Following are the reports of receipts at the two customs offices located here, for the season of 1890, as furnished by the obliging officials in charge :

PORT OF NORTH TONAWANDA, NIAGARA DISTRICT.

Coastwise vessels entered 886

cleared 886 Foreign vessels entered 113 " " cleared 95 Total vessels entered 999 cleared 991

MERCHANDISE RECEIVED, 1890.

Lumber, feet 485,365,332
Shingles, pieces 48,262,300
Lath, pieces 10,326,600
Cedar posts 31,670
Iron ore, tons 25,369
Duties collected on foreign lumber $57,992.14
Entered    Cleared
Tonnage, domestic     378,313    379,322
Tonnage, foreign       40,091     38,884

C. F. GOERSS, Deputy Collector.

PORT OF TONAWANDA, BUFFALO CREEK DISTRICT.

Coastwise vessels entered 339

cleared 349 Foreign vessels entered 84 " cleared 72 Total vessels entered 423 " " cleared 421

MERCHANDISE RECEIVED, 1890.

Lumber, feet 232,285,677
Shingles, pieces 3,970,000
Lath, pieces 2,713,000
Duties collected on foreign lumber $76,437.29
Entered    Cleared
Tonnage, domestic     135,594    138,408
Tonnage, foreign       30,402     22,053

J. Frank Pinner, Deputy Collector. By canal we have already given the report of James Mulhall, collector of statistics. The above figures clearly demonstrate the right of Tonawanda to the appellation of the " Lumber City." The lumber business is the chief industry, but other and more diversified manufactures are carried on, and doubtless still others will be started. Great care has been taken in collecting the above figures, which show the stability of the Lumber City's interest in this commodity. Canal Foreman.—This section of the Erie canal, for fifteen miles, is in charge of David Huff, who was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1828, his parents having removed to Tonawanda in 1830. For eight years past Mr. Huff has been connected with public works. For canal repairs he keeps ten or twelve regular employes and on special occasions has forty or more. Congress has appropriated $100,000, which is being expended on the improvement of the harbor and river channel, benefitting greatly the Lumber City. But trade is not dependent wholly on water transportation, as the N. Y. Central and the Erie railroads give excellent accommodations to the local trade, having miles of switches in the various yards here. TUG AND FERRY BOATS.—In bringing the lumber-laden schooners to our wharves, moving the timber rafts on canal and river, and various other tug service, a dozen tug boats are required. Eight of these are formed into the Tug Association, viz: The C. S. Parnell, Flossie Thielkie, Michael Davitt, Albert Little, W. H. Gratwick, J. H. DeGraff, A. A. Bellinger, and K. P. Lee, ranging in size from 7 to 15

tons capacity. This trade works in harmony with the Buffalo Tug Association, each having their limit of waters which they traverse. The Tonawanda Tug Association was organized three years since. Adam Hartman officiates as President; A. H. Crown, as Secretary, and S. C. Hosmer, as Collector. The Lumber City Tug Line is owned by Michael Dunn and Robt. McArthur, and comprises the Thos. Madden, of 7 tons, the L. B. Trowbridge, and Ella B., of smaller size. The R. Dunbar is owned by F. Ronaker, and there are two passenger steam canal boats traversing this section, from Buffalo to Rochester. Ferries, Etc.—The tug Ben Harrison, with attachments, plies as a regular ferry between Grand Island and the upper canal bridge at Tonawanda, running as often as signalled by passengers or teams, and proving of great convenience to the farmers of the Island, or to others desiring to communicate between the two places. This is owned by Williams & Crown, as is also the fine steam yacht, Lorelei, which makes regular trips at convenient hours during the day, between Sour Spring Grove and Tonawanda. The yacht Corsair, and accompanying barge Irene, is owned by Captain Mago, and can be chartered at any time for excursions to the various islands, groves, and places of resort, making the desired ports with speed and safety. RAILROADS, Etc.—When we review the history of railroads and discover that within the memory of many who are now living, there was no such thing as railroads proper, cars or locomotives, we are struck with intense admiration for the wonderful evolution which has been developed in machinery, coaches, roads and transportation during the past sixty years. Tramways and horse car roads were commenced about the beginning of this century, and as early as 1802, Trevithick took out the first patent "for adapting a steam engine to the powers of locomotion," although Watts is said to have made a model previously. Several other patents were obtained, but none of practical utility, until George Stephenson's "Rocket" was built in 1829, and run from Liverpool to Manchester, England. This, at that time, wonderful locomotive, weighed but 7½ tons, and could draw 44 tons at a speed of 14 miles per hour. In 1830 Peter Cooper built the first American locomotive for the Baltimore & Ohio R. R., and the same vear an engine was built by E. L. Miller, of New York, for the South Carolina R. R., which, in 1833, had 136 miles of main track and continued for several years to be the longest railroad in America. The Buffalo and Erie Co. was chartered in 1832. A horse car line was built from Buffalo to Black Rock in 1834, and in 1836 the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Railway was built from Black Rock to Tonawanda. A locomotive was first run this 7 miles on August 26th of that year; September 6th, to the Falls, and a month later the 3 miles from Black Rock to Buffalo was completed. This road was purchased by the New York Central in 1854, heavier rails and bett^-r rolling stock put on.

THE NEW YORK CENTRAL AND HUDSON RIVER RAILROAD.

The Niagara Falls Railroad was purchased by the New York Central in 1854, the branch from Tonawanda to Canandaigua, built about that time was leased by the New York Central in 1858, and in 1869 the Hudson River System was added. Other systems have been leased from time to time, and branches built until now over 1,500 miles of road are under the management of this corporation. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Sr., was known throughout the civilized world as a railroad king, while his son and predecessor, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr., is scarcely less noted, and Chauncey M. Depew, President of the New York Central & Hudson River, has a world wide fame. The vice presidents, secretary and officers of the company in general have been chosen for their well known railroad ability. The entire equipment of the road is first class, the freight and passenger service unexcelled, and the Lumber City is fortunate in having the advantages possessed through this railroad and its connections. From the directors annual reports we glean the following statistics: The gross annual earnings for 1890 was about $38,000,000; operating expenses, $25,000,000; taxes, interest on bonds, etc., $8,000,000, giving about $5,000,000 for profit, making a 5 per cent, dividend. Of the above earnings, $23,000,000 were for freight, $11,000,000 for passenger, over a $1,000,000 for mail service, and $2,500,000 from rents, interest, etc. Over 21,500 persons were employed in the direct service of this road, at an annual cost of $14,000,000. The number of miles traversed by passenger trains for 1890 was over 10,000,000; switch and working trains 11,500,000, and freights 12,000,000. Nineteen millions of passengers carried by this corporation in one year have traveled an aggregate distance of 600,000,000 of miles. In all these millions of miles traveled by passengers for the year ending June 30, 1890, but 1 passenger was killed by collision and 9 injured; while from walking or sleeping on the tracks, crossing in front of trains, falling ofi" platforms, and falling under the cars in attempting to get on moving trains, an aggregate of 115 were killed, and half as many injured. In the army of 21,500 employees about 50 are annually killed and more than 200 injured. Eighteen million tons of freight has been handled, which has traveled an aggregate distance for one ton of 3,200 millions of miles. Of the above freight, coal and coke make up 3,887,141 tons; iron, steel and ore, 786,853; lumber, 1,441,706; live stock, 1,233,577; grain, 2,031,531; merchandise and manufactured articles, 4,553,864; flour, 725,750 tons. R. W. Gardner, of Buffalo, has for a year officiated as station agent at North Tonawanda. He is assisted by Wm. C. Fowler, cashier; J. M. Johnson, biller; Geo. Lund, John Stoll, Chas. Buchhart and J. F. Jenzen, clerks; Wm. Love and S. J. Purcell, yard masters, together with 4 switch engines and their crews, and several other laborers, handling for shipment from 50 to 75 cars of rough and dressed lumber, doors, sash, pig-iron, etc., daily. There are five local freights each way, besides numerous extras and through freights. The lumber shipped from here in 1890 by the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. amounted to 211,342 tons.

The passenger service is unexcelled, giving 21 daily trains to Buffalo; 15 to Niagara Falls; 7 to Lockport, and 2 to Batavia, besides through connections with West Shore and Michigan Central trains. Herbert E, Shaffer is ticket agent, assisted by his wife, and Jerome Gibbs as night agent. All the shipping and freight business is transacted in North Tonawanda. But a half dozen years since the growing travel from this city made better passenger accommodations an imperative necessity, and a neat brick depot was erected in Tonawanda, on a handsome triangle where it is neatly ensconced by elegant shade trees. L. L. Bevier, the agent, is a native of this State, and for half a dozen years past in the employ of the N. Y. C. He is assisted by A. L. Edwards, baggageman, a native of Tonawanda.

NEW YORK, LAKE ERIE & WESTERN RAILROAD.

The original Charter for the Erie Railway was granted in 1837, but the financial crisis coming on, it was about five years before the first section of 46 miles, Piermont to Goshen, was in active operation. It was extended to Port Jervis and Susquehanna in 1846-8. A year later it was decided to complete the line to Lake Erie as soon as possible, and H. G. Brooks, late president of the Brooks Locomotive Works, of Dunkirk, was sent with a locomotive via of Erie Canal and schooner to Dunkirk, where he arrived November 28th, 1850, (after a two months journey), to take charge of a construction train on the west end. The lines of the Erie system have been extended from time to time, until it is now a great through system from New York to Chicago, with many important branches covering an aggregate of 1,820 miles. When the Erie first began its work for the public the whole railway service of the world was about 5,000 miles, while to-day it foots up the grand total of 170,000 miles in the United States alone. Illinois having 10,000 miles, Kansas, 8,800, and Texas, 8,350. Travel by rail was then very limited, now we find the number of miles made by all passengers in the United States to aggregate in a single year over 11,000,000,000, and the tonnage of freight business to equal the moving of 70,000,000,000 of tons one mile. The General Offices are at New York. John King, President, and W. C. Eienearson, General Passenger Agent, with a full corps of efficient officers in all directions. D. V. Hibbard, the agent at North Tonawanda, came from Warsaw, N. Y., some 3 years since, and is an experienced railroad man. His office assistants are: W. J. Kearney, biller; C. G. Thoman, cashier ; W. C. Rossow, car clerk; D. E. Thomas and E. R. Day, operators ; J. W. Heffron, baggage. Two switch engines and their crews, and several other assistants, go to make up the local working force. Twelve regular passenger trains to Buffalo, 4 each way to Lockport, and to the Falls via the Erie, assist in making a very complete service for the Lumber City. The Erie will also build a new passenger depot in Tonawanda, where a site has recently been purchased near the Eastern Lumber Company's plant.

AMERICAN EXPRESS.

The business of carrying small packages was begun in 1840, by W. F. Harnden, and spread in its development to the express trade, which now has for its motto, "speed and safety," receiving packages of any reasonable size or weight. The American Express commenced business about the middle of the present century and has ever kept abreast of the times, adding new lines and new offices as fast as the contingencies of the case demanded, until it now has 5,500 offices and covers some 40,000 miles of railroad and steamship lines. The money orders of this company are convenient, cheap, and safe, while its commission purchase system is very popular with those who have investigated. C. I. Watson, recently of Buffalo, who has been 15 years with the American, has charge of the business in this city, and is a courteous and obliging official. He is assisted in the office by A. D. Parker. A. C. Wall attends the numerous trains and the delivery of packages. The Wells Fargo Express was started in 1852, and does a similar business to the American. The office here is kept at the Erie depot, by D. V. Hibbard, with C. 0. Browning as assistant.

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH.

This company was formed in 1854, by the consolidation of three other companies, then doing business in the United States. The Western Union now owns or controls nearly 200,000 miles of poles, having three times as great a length of wire, and over 16,000 offices. It annually transmits over 50 millions of messages, which are handled by about 22,000 operators, nearly half of whom are in railroad employ, as well as operating. The Western Union has transacted business here ever since the year of its organization. The Postal Telegraph was started about ten years since, and has become a healthy rival of the Western Union. An office was located here about a half dozen years since. It is in charge of our townsman and druggist, E. H. Worden.

THE BELL TELEPHONE CO.

The inventions of the present century have been very great, and, perhaps, two of the most important and most marvelous are the telephone and electric light. These electrical outgrowths, which were hardly mentioned in the census reports of 1880, now show investments of many millions of dollars in the manufacture of their various requirements, and many thousands of people employed in their management. The telephone organization of Western New York started in June, 1879, and the number of subscribers and miles of wire has steadily increased since that time. The connections comprise about seventy-five cities and towns in the seven counties of Erie, Wyoming, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee and Monroe, also connected with the principal eastern cities through long distance telephone. G. J. Stackhouse, the manager here, has been a resident of Tonawanda for twenty one years. Wm. Conzelman is assistant, with Lena Seyler and Rose Lockman as operators. About 160 instruments are in use in the Lumber City.

BANKING INTERESTS.—The banking interests of a community are of great importance to the general welfare, and the standing ot the men at the head of these institutions is a matter which concerns every person of this city. While the speculative disposition on the part of the officers would lead a banking establishment into trouble, the unnecessarily exacting, penurious, or spirit of aggrandizement, on the other hand would lead to oppression, distrust and financial stricture among the masses. It must therefore require very nicely balanced heads to satisfactorily and successfully look after the monied interests of a town, and in this respect the Lumber City is fortunate in having good talent. We shall not attempt to individualize, as we can conscientiously refer to the banking officers of the city en masse as a strictly honorable, conservative and enterprising set of men. All the banks here are backed by plenty of capital, judiciously managed, and a suspicion of unsoundness in any respect has never rested upon them. This condition of matters adds largely to the general standing of the Lumber City with the outside world, as speculative or unsound banking institutions disturb the usual equanimity of a city, and cause mercantile or manufacturing disaster.

THE STATE BANK

Nearly sixty years ago a branch bank was started in Tonawanda, the Niagara River Bank having survived a score of years, and several subsequent attempts were made in banking, but none of permanent duration until June 1, 1872, when Edward Evans, a member of the extensive lumber firm of Evans, Killmaster & Co., organized the banking house of the same name. Mr. Evans was a shrewd financier and under his supervision as president, assisted by Wm. McLaren as cashier, the bank met with gratifying success. After the death of H. .J. Killmaster the firm was re-organized as Evans, Schwinger & Co., May 1, 1877, with.James H. DeGraff, president; E. Evans, vice president, and Wm. McLaren cashiel', continuing to do business under this firm style, with increasing success, for six years. The State Bank was organized May 1, 1883, with -Jas. H. DeGrafF, pres. ; E. Evans, vice pres. ; Benj. L. Rand, cashier, and Wm. McLaren assistant cashier. Its paid in capital stock was placed at $100,000, and having men of large experience at its head its success was assured from the start. The present capital, undivided profits, and surplus of this bank is about $165,000, and with an average line of deposits amounting to $200,000, the State Bank is able to meet all the requirements of its numerous customers. The executive officers are J. H. DeGraff, president; C. Schwinger, vice-president; Benj. L. Rand, cashier, and H. P. Smith, assistant, all well known in business circles.

THE LUMBER EXCHANGE BANK

Was organized on the 1st of May, 188G, with a capital of $100,000; Edward Evans, president; Joshua S. Bliss, vice president; Jas. H. Rand, cashier, and Wm. McLaren assistant cashier. The success of the institution

mated in 1889. In March, 1890, Mr. Evans sold his stock to Jas. H. Eand and retired with his well earned laurels, although he continues as a successful dealer in lumber and real estate. James S. Thompson, the president of the Lumber Exchange Bank, is a life-long resident of this place, having been in the lumber trade since 1885 and connected with the Lumber Exchange Bank from its start. He was selected as the president of the bank in May, 1890. Joshua S. Bliss, vice president, is an extensive timber and shingle dealer, under which heading he will have further mention. He is president of the Union Bank, of Buffalo James H. Eand, cashier, is a native of North 'J'onawanda, and has been connected with the banking business ever since the completion of his preparatory education. He is a heavy stockholder in the concern, and although comparatively a young man, has for years past held the responsible position of cashier, with the entire confidence of the community. Wm. McLaren, assistant cashier, is a native of Ontario, was cashier of the Evans, Kilmaster & Co. Bank, at its start in 1873, and has officiated in a similar position from that time to the present. F. Robertson has been for four years connected with the Lumber Exchange Bank, and was recently promoted from teller to second assistant cashier. The capital stock of this bank is $200,000, and present surplus about $30,000. The average deposits range nearly $200, uOO. The bank was formerly kept in the Evans building, but in 1890 moved into the present handsome three story brick building. The directors are, Jas. S. Thompson, Joshua S; Bliss, Geo. P. Smith, P. S Humphrey. Everett B. Simson, Franklin Batt, Alfred C. Tuxbury, John W. Robinscn, and Jas. H. Rand.

THE GERMAN-AMERICAN BANK.

Twenty years ago the banking business of this place was all done at Buffalo or Lockport, our capitalists being wary of a banking investment in the Lumber City. After the ice was broken, however, it was clearly demonstrated that our monied transactions could be better done at home, and as no bank here has paid less than six percent, annual dividends the stock is considered desirable property. Martin Riesterer, believing that a third bank could be successful here, induced others to join him and the German-American was commenced August 6, 1888, with a capital of $35,000. It met with popular patronage and in June, 1889, the capital stock was raised to $100,000. January 28th, of the current year, it was doubled, making the present capital $200,000 while the surplus and undivided profits add $50,000 more. Drafts are drawn by the German- American on the principal cities of the world and its large collection business is a prominent feature. It is a depository for both state and municipal funds. Martin Riesterer, the president, a native of Heideisheim, Germany, has been a resident of Tonawanda for over forty years and actively engaged in business enterprises, as well as prominent in the official manage- ment of the village affairs. He is an able financier, as his success in business has demonstrated. John E. Oelkers, first vice president, is a prominent grocer on Webster street and will have mention in our mercantile

pages. Miles Ayrault, second vice president, is a staunch manufacturer, engaged in the construction of water pipe, under which heading he will have proper notice. Edw. G. Riesterer, the cashier, was born in Tonawanda, and is a son of President Riesterer. He was early taught business habits and about ten years since graduated from the Bryant & Stratton Business College, of Buffalo, After spending some years as canal collector he was for a time associated with the business house of P. W. Scribner from which he retired on account of illness, and, recovering about the time of the German-American organization, he was made cashier. Nicholas Beckrich, Herman V. Berger and George C. Hollister, all well known business men, are directors in addition to the above, while Wm. L. iSommer acts as assistant cashier, W. C Ayrault, teller and C. J. Miller, clerk Thus capitalized and officered the German-American bank is doing its full share of business, average deposits ranging 1300,000. George F. Rand started a private bank in 1890 and has done a good business. He has recently moved to the convenient quarters, where the postoffice was formerly kept, in the Lumber Exchange block, and which has been very nicely fitted up. Mr. Rand is assisted by D. \V. Smith as teller and A. W. Perrigo as bookkeeper. SOCIAL SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.—While the educational and religious features of a place have due weight with the intelligent prospective settler, the secret societies, or other social attractions, are a matter to which much importance is attached by some persons, and we shall herewith show some of Tonawanda's advantages from a social and moral aspect. The Crusaders, or Knights of the Temple, which were organized in 1096 with the avowed intent of wresting.Jerusalem and the Hoh' Land from the hands of the Turk, was the earliest modern secret society of which we have authentic record. This organization at once assumed a military character and many thousands of lives were sacrificed in what was considered to be a religious cause.

ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.

Free Masonry has its rites and ceremonies founded upon the tradiditions of the building of King Solomon's Temple, and some of its devotees claim for it a continued existence among skilled operative Masons from that time to the present date, but its origin may be said to have been lost in remote antiquity It is undoubtedly an ancient and respectable institution, embracing among its members men of every rank and condition of life, and stands prominent among the institutions established for the improvement of mankind. It is said that ancient Master Masons met at York, A. D. 926, and at least one Scottish lodge has written records extending back to 1599. Elias Ashmole in 1664 gave in his diary an account of his initiation into the society. Twenty years later, after the great London fire, Sir Christopher Wren, then grand master of the order in that city, secured prompt financial aid for the suffering Masons, and the society flourished, accepting from time to time princes, potentates and rulers, as honorary members, who had not been proficient in operative work. In 1702 St.

Paul's lodge of London, then the only active Masonic society in existence, dropped the operative restriction and agreed to accept as a candidate any man, free born, of mature age, moral character, sound body, and under the tongue of good Masonic report. In 1717 four lodges united to form the Grand Lodge of England, and from this the advent of speculative Free Masonry may properly be dated. It soon spread to France and other countries of the continent, and in 1733 was introduced into America. Washington organized and conducted American Union Lodge No. 1 in the Colonial army. At present there is no country on the civilized globe in which it has not gained a foothold, and its membership exceeds 3,000,000, numbering in its ranks many of the most celebrated men of the age, covering all shades of religious and political beliefs. Tonawanda Lodfje No. 2Jf7, F. tC' A. M., Was commenced under dispensation in 18il and chartered in 1852, with Emanuel Hensjer as first Master. The living Past Masters are: Franklin Warren, B. F. Betts, Clark Pvanson, A. R. White, G. L. Judd, A. B. Williams, A. H. Crown, J. S. Bliss, A. A. Bellinger, W. R. Gregory, G. W. Millener, L. G. Stanley and R. A. Pierce, Of the original charter members, Erastus Jacobs is the only one now living. Upon the suspension of the old Odd Fellows lodge the Masons purchased their hall furniture and in 1886 removed to the Riesterer block which is well furnished and adapted to their use. The present officers are: E. C. McDonald, W. M. ; T. E. Warner, S. W. ; R. W. Cramer, J; W. ; Stillman C. Woodruff, Sec'y, and A. C. Campbell, Treasurer. Tonawanda Chapter, No. 378, R. A. M., was organized April, 1884, and chartered February, 1885. The first Council under the charter, was composed of Andrew R. Trew, H. P. ; William R. Gregory, King, and Lyman G. Stanley, Scribe. After the death of Andrew R. Trew, which occurred before his term expired, Wm. R. Gregory was made High Priest, and held the office for three years. He was succeeded by Lyman G. Stanley, who served two years. The present High Priest is Rev. J. H. Barnard, rector of St. Mark's church; Dr. R. C. Taber, Scribe. The Chapter meets first and third Tuesdays.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.

A society of the Ancient and Honorable Loyal Odd Fellows was formed about the beginning of the present century, and from its fantastic and convivial character was probably originated as a burlesque on the Free Masons, but in 1812 some of the brotherhood at Manchester, England, conceived a plan for the continuance of the order on noble and lasting principles—prompt attendance and disbursement of funds to a sick brother, administrations to the needs of the widows and education of the orphans—fellowship, love and truth. April 26, 1819, Thomas Wilder, of Manchester, and four others, organized the first lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the United States at Baltimore, Md., naming it Washington Lodge No. 1. Eleven months later a second lodge was located at Boston, and December 26, 1821, the third society was organized at Philadelphia. The Sovereign Grand

Lodge of America was formed at Baltimore, June, 1823, and from that date the order made a rapid growth in the new world. There are some 50 grand lodges on this continent, with 6,500 subordinate lodges and a membership of over 600,000. The membership in Europe is approximately the same, aggregating about one and one-fourth millions of Odd Fellows. Niagara River Lodge No. 527., I. 0. 0. F., was organized June 25, 1885, and has rapidly gained in membership until it numbers at present about i75. This lodge has a well drilled team and ceremonial rites are nicely conferred. W. H. Jacobs, N. G. ; H. H. Croley, P. 8. ; B. J. Wheattall, 8ec'y; A. C. Gillie, Treas. A lodge of Odd Fellows was organized in this place as early as 1853, but for lack of support it surrendered its charter about the time of the late war.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

This. organization was founded in 1866 in Illinois, and has a present membership of about 450,000. It is composed exclusively of men who served in the late war against the states which seceded from the Union, and is a patriotic organization designed to cherish the memories of the fallen comrades, assist and fraternize the living soldiers and dispense charities to the widows and orphans of the deceased. The order has probably reached its acme, as it has incorporated in its ranks the majority of those from the late war who are still living, and the death rate must now necessarily be about as large as the increase from those who are eligible that still remain outside its folds. Under the present constitutional requirements it can be but a few years at most until the order must succumb for lack of material, and the Sons of Veterans has been organized as a society to perpetuate the memories of the fathers. Winfiekl B. Seott Post No. 129, G. A. R. Was organized November, 1879, and at last semi-annual report had 75 members. The post purchased the old brick school house in 1886 and owns a very comfortable home. Daniel F. Burd, Com. ; F. Lacey, adj. ; H. A. Rose, Q. M.

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.

The above order is the oldest of its kind in the United States, having been established at Meadville, Pa., October 28, 1868, and now having a membership of over 260,000, which is largely in excess of any other beneficiary organization. Prior to June 1, 1891, the A. 0. U. W. had paid to the relatives of deceased members $35,737,673, and is now carrying insurance risks aggregating over five hundred millions of dollars. By a careful discrimination in risks the average mortality rate in this state has been less than 9 to every 1,000 members, while the usual insurance tables allow over 12. The full $2,000 has in all cases been promptly paid, without litigation, upon proper proofs of the death of any brother in good standing, and the order- has a record of reliability not excelled by any beneficiary organization. It is not, as its name would seem to imply, a fraternity of working men, but strictly a mutual insurance and fraternal society composed of all phases of business, social and religious preferences. In New York the order now has 400 lodges and about 35,000 members.

Centennial Lodge No. IJf, A. 0. U. W. Was organized in 1876 and has a membership of over 175. It meets on the second and fourth Fridays in Masonic hall. James Gillespie, M. W. ; S. C. Hosmer, Recorder ; J. F. Davison, Fin. ; Max Schroeder, Receiver.

EQUITABLE AID UNION.

The Equitable Aid Union was incorporated under the laws of the Keystone State at Columbus, Pa., March 22, 1879. For a half dozen years the union was hampered by one drawback or another, but, finally outlived adverse circumstances and for several years past has been steadily and surely progressing, having now a membership of over 40,000, scattered well over the northern states, but predominating in New York and Pennsylvania. The mathematical tables upon which the insurance is rated are perhaps the most carefully and systematically arranged of any beneficiary society and fully entitles this organization to the appellation of "Equitable Aid Union." Beginning with 21 years the insurance is So,000 on a $1.00 assessment and drops S50 with each additional year of age, so that the person who delays entering until 41 only secures S2,000, and he of 61 only SI,000 insurance. This gives all intermediate ages a correct grading according to the probabilities from the expectancy tables. Another wise feature of the organization is the payment of one-half the insurance to the person upon his arrival at the age of physical disability. The Equitable Aid Union also insures ladies, and its twelve years of experience in that direction has proven that they are preferable risks. The medical examinations are ver}^ strict, and the society bids fair for a long and prosperous existence. A Grand Union was formed in this state in 1886,, and has now a membership of over 13,000. Tonawanda Union No. [uncertain], E. A. U., was organized in 1885 and has about 150 members. Meets in Masonic Hall on second and fourth Mondays. J. G. Brown, President; Wm. C. Fowler, Accountant ; Wm. V. Vickers, Sec'y; E. L. McKeen, Treasurer.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.

This beneficiary insurance organization was commenced in New Jersey in 1874, its plans having been somewhat remodeled about ten years since. The present headquarters are at Toronto, and the business appears to be conducted upon a sound and economical basis. A surplus of over $350,000 has been accumulated, to be used when needed, to keep the assessments on an equable basis at times when epidemics or accidents produce an extra heavy mortality rate. The insurance ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, for which a low regular monthly assessment is made, regardless of the current number of deaths. The order has a membership of over 30,000. Tonawanda Court No. 624-, I- 0. F., was organized about a year since. It meets in Scribner's Hall on second and fourth Thursday's. J. F. Davison, C. R.; A. G. Rose, F. S.; Thos. Tully, Treas.; James Gillespie, Court Deputy.

ROYAL ARCANUM.

This fraternal beneficiary order was organized under Massachusetts laws in November, 1877, and has all the popular features of modern

society insurance. Organized but 14 years ago this society now has 18 Grand Councils, about 1,400 Councils with an aggregate membership of over 120,000. It has paid 17,000,000 of dollars to beneficiaries, and by its careful selection of risks has maintained the lowest average mortality rate of any organization approximately as great, the highest number of assessments in one year having been 15. Niagara River Council, No. 718 R. A., was organized October 25th, 1882, with 19 members, and now has about 75. Meets first and third Monday, in Masonic Hall. P. D. Hershey, Regent; Jno. J. Edwards, Collector; Chas. Akerly, Treasurer; and Fayette A. Ballard, Secretary.

CATHOLIC BENEFICIARY SOCIETIES.

The Catholic Mutual Benefit Association and the Roman Catholic Benevolent Legion are composed exclusively of adherents to the Catholic faith and have the full endorsement of the Church and clergy. These fraternal insurance societies have gained a well merited popularity. The C. M. B. A. was first organized at Niagara Falls, N. Y., December, 1876, and now has a total membership of about 35,000, of which nearly half are in this state. There are now five Grand Councils and branches in several other states which still work under the Supreme Council. St. Francis Branch, No. 6, C. M. B. A., was organized early in 1877 and has a present membership of about 100. Meets in Riesterer block on alternate Tuesdavs. Martin Riesterer, Pres.; Jno. M. Tallon, Sec; Jno. D. White, Fin. Sec; Henry Whitefield, Treas. Ascension Branch, No. [149?], was organized May 28, 1890. Jno. W. Kelley, Pres.; C. E. Caulfield, Sec; Wm. J. Ward, Fin. Sec; John Ryan, Treas. Meetings are held in Nice & Hinkey block, opposite N. Y. C. depot, on alternate Tuesdays. The Catholic Benevolent Legion was organized in Brooklyn about ten years ago and now has a total membership of 27,000, of which more than half are in this state. Its objects and plans are similar to the C. M. B. A. Lumber City Council, No. 208, started in January, '88, and has about 65 members. John Ultsch, Pres.; Thos. Flanagan, Sec; Thos. Hunt, Col.; Jno. D. White, Treas. Meetings are held in Riesterer block on first and third Wednesdays. The Catholics also have a Mutual Benevolent Association, German Benevolent Association, and Ladies' C. M. B. A., of which at this writing we have been unable to obtain statistics. Deutscher Order Harugari, No. 119, has 50 members and meets Tuesday evenings over Nice & Hinkey's store. F. Brumm, 0. B.; John Henning, Sec. This order is similar in its plans and workings to the Odd Fellows, and was started in the United States over 50 years ago.

EMPIRE ORDER OF MUTUAL AID.

This order, as its title would indicate, is a fraternal insurance order,, exclusively for citizens of the Empire State, It was organized Dec. 12, 1878, and has about 8,000 members. It is on the same general plan as other beneficiary organizations.

Tonawanda Lodge, No. 32, E. 0. M. A., was organized a dozen years ago and has numbered in its membership many of our prominent citizens. Among the past presiding officers have been T. S. Fassett, H. M. Stocum, J. B. Hotchkiss, Geo. M. Warner, H. A. Bacon, T. M. Chapman, T. E. Warner, L. G. Fuller. John G. Stackhouse is iPres.; David Edwards, Sec; H. M. Stocum, F. Sec; W. H. Hepworth, Treas. The present membership is over 50. Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday in each month in Masonic Hall.

ROYAL TEMPLARS OF TEMPERANCE.

This beneficiary society was organized in Buffalo Feb. 3, 1877, with the belief that a mutual insurance organization with only total abstainers would have a low rate of mortality. It has met with excellent success, now numbering over 37,000 members who carry insurance each ranging from $500 to $4,000. It has nine grand councils and over 800 select councils. This organization pays one-half the insurance upon total disability from accidents. Tonawanda Council, No. 25, R. T. of T., was organized in 1878 and has about 85 members. It meets in Scribner's hall on Tuesdays. Dr. Wm. Lane, S. C; Mrs. Wm. Sutton, Sec; Mrs. S. C. Hosmer, F. S.; B. L. Rand, Treas. The Lumber City also has Sons of Temperance, Select Knightsj Daughters of Rebekali, Knights of the Order of Maccabees, and perhaps other secret societies that have failed to report in time for this department. CHURCHES, ETC.—The early settlers in this region were nearly all religious people, mostly from New England and eastern New York. They were principally Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists and I'niversalists. The earliest preaching was by Rev. John Foster, a Presbyterian divine from Pennsylvania, who held meetings in the school houses and homes of the settlers. Revs. Hoag and Cole, circuit preachers of the Methodist denomination, were the next to come. There was no church building on either side of the creek until early in the '30's, when John Simson, foremost in religious as well as school work, erected, at his own expense, a substantial church building on the south side, which he dedicated to the use of all denominations, and which was freel}" used by many of them, including the Roman Catholic. Mr. Simson relates that one of the most impressive sermons ever delivered in Tonawanda was preached in that church by a Catholic priest from Buffalo. For some time he secured preachers upon his own responsibility for the church which he had built, inviting them or employing those from the various denominations. The next church building in the growing twin villages was a Presbyterian, erected on the south side, and it is not surprising to learn that this, after being half completed for several years, was finished and turned over to the Presbyterians by the ever ready and generous Mr. Simson. This building was erected about 1838 and served the congregation for many years, until they suspended.

About 1830 the Germans began to come into this region and by 1845 they were settled in considerable numbers over both townships. As they had been practically driven from the fatherland by religious persecution it was but natural that they should form communities of their own and be bound together by the strongest religious ties. Their denomination was the Lutheran, and the church organization was the controlling element in their communities.

LUTHERAN CHURCHES.

The first Lutheran Church in this section was erected at Martinsville, on Tonawanda Creek, in 1845. The first church of this denomination within the old corporations was Immanuel Church, erected in 1869, when the congregation numbered but eight' families. The building is still standing, being now used for a parish school. Rev. Herman Krebs was the first pastor. In 1878 the present substantial, commodious church was erected, and later the pastor's residence. The congregation is in a flourishing condition, numbering now 120 families. The church school, in which both German and English are taught, has an attendance of 130 pupils. Rev. J. W. Gram, the pastor, has had charge of this congregation for many years. Immanuel Church becoming, of late, over crowded, a new church was erected on Wheatfield street, north side of the creek, and dedicated October oth, 1890, as St. Matthew's Church. The German United Evangelical Protestant Church, was first established within the village about 1855, and in 1857 Salem Church, the first building, was erected on Morgan street. The present fine building, one ot the largest in the town, was completed in 1889. The congregation now numbers 2G0 families, nearly 1,000 persons, and the large parish school has about 120 pupils. The church also has a Mission Chapel beyond the corporation limits. Rev. John G. Wittlinger, a native of Georgia and for thirteen years a missionary in Brazil, has been pastor of this church for two years past. The new church building was erected in 1889, and the present church property including the school building, is worth over $12,000. The First Presbyterian Church.—A Presbyterian church was organized here in the 30's, and in 1837-8 the building on North Canal street, now used by Dr. W. D. Murray as a barn, was erected. This church suspended in the '40's, and on May 29, 1852, the present organization was effected by Rev. A. T. Rankin, who was succeeded in '53 by Arthur Burtis. The latter again officiated as pastor in '64-5. Thos. J. Hodgskin came in '54; E. W. Kellogg, '57; A. T. Rankin again in '59 ; Wm. Hancock, '65; R. R. Sutherland, '71; Albert Robinson, 76; A. F. Hale, '80; W. C. MacBeth, '82; W. A. Gay, '83; L P. Smith, '85, and C. H. Fenn, the present incumbent, in 1890. Rev. Fenn is a native of Clyde, N. Y., graduated from Hamilton College in 1887 and from Auburn Theological Seminary just prior to accepting the charge here. The brick edifice of this congregation adjoins the public park and was built some thirty years ago. Mrs. Phebe Cherry and Mrs. Col. Payne are the only charter members now living.

St. Frmicis R. C. Church was organized in 1850 as the Church of the Sacred Heart. The building on Franklin street was removed to the center of Grand Island in 1862 where twenty acres of land had been purchased. It is known as St. Stephen's CUiurch, and is connected with the Tonawanda parish. A new building was last year erected there at a cost of |4,000 The handsome stone edifice of St Francis church, on Adam street, was erected in 1862, at a cost of about $10,000. The grounds are 200x264 feet and in 1883 a handsome three-story brick school house, 40x90 feet, was erected on the park side. Over 200 scholars attend here, and are instructed by four of the sisters of St. Francis. The third story is used as an exhibition hall. A commodious frame parsonage.40x68 feet, two stories in height, is nearing completion. The first mass in Tonawanda of which record has been made was said in a building which stood at the corner of Seymour and South Canal streets. The first regular priest was Sergius de Schoulepnikoff, from Buffalo who was succeeded in '53 by Father F. S. Uhrich, of the Pendleton charge, who remained pastor of Tonawanda until Chrisostom Wagner came, January '66. Francis X. Kofier came in the fall of '66 ; L. Vanderpoel, '69; T. Voss, '70, and Aloysius A. Bachmann, August 9, 1874. Rev. Bachmann is a native of Philadelphia, educated at St. Vincent's University, of Latrobe, Pa., and graduated from the Niagara University, of Suspension Bridge, in 1873. Including the Grand Island Catholics, Father Bachmann has over 200 families in his charge, and with over seventeen years in this field his services have become indispensable to the congregation of St. Francis church. The Church of Christ was organized in Tonawanda March 27, 1853, with about forty members. The brick chapel, corner of Broad and Seymour streets was built in 1857 and recently enlarged. Among the preachers to this congregation have been J. J. Moss, J. D. Benedict, J. M. Bartlett, H. C. Parsons, J. C. Goodrich, Geo. Lobingier, Levi Osborne, Frank Talmage, S. C. Humphrey, and E. B. Cross, the present incumbent, who came to this charge a year since. Minister Cross attended the Northwestern Institute, of Chicago, and the theological seminary of Valparaiso, Ind. The present church membership is about 250. The Evangelical Association Congregation of Tonawanda was organized in 1869, Frederick Lohmoeyer serving as pastor until the church was built, in 1873, Then succeeded Fred Hehr, '74; Edw. A. Weir, '76; David Fisher, '78; Carl Mowitz, '80; Paul Beck, '83; Geo. Buesch, '86; C. A. Wisseman, '88, and P. E. Bahn, the present pastor, in '91. Rev. Bahn is a native of this state and was educated at Northwestern College, Naperville, III. The present membership is over 100. The church is a convenient frame edifice on Morgan street. The Free Methodist Church of Tonawanda was organized in 1860, the meetings first having been held at the residence of Geo. Goodenough by Rev. B. F. Roberts. The building on Adam street was erected in 1887, since when Rev. C. C. Eggleston has officiated two years and Rev. B. P. Clark up to the present time.

The German Baptid Cliurch of Tonawanda was started as a mission in 1874, and organized as a church in 1879, Rev. R. Otto having been its pastor for a dozen years. Rev. R. J. Hack, came in March, 1886, was succeeded in March, 1890, by Rev. John Schuff, and we are told that another pastor will take the field about the time this book is published.

NORTH TONAWANDA CHURCHES.

The ChurcJt of Christ of North, Tonmoanda organized in 1888, and the present commodious building, corner of Christiania street and Payne's avenue, was erected in 1889. J. W. Robbins served as pastor in 1889, W. H. Willison in 1890 and at present writing the church is without a regular pastor. The building is a neat and commodious structure and cost, with the accompanying lot, about $12,000. Methodist Episcopal Church.—Rev. John Foster, a circuit rider, preached in Tonawanda between the years 1816-20. About 1830 Mr. John Simson started a subscription paper to build a church. He met with but little assistance and was at more than three-fourths of the expense. Mr. A. H. Tracy donated a lot on South Canal street upon which the building was erected, and for several years after this Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians and Universal] sts all worshipped in this " meeting house." In 1842 the Methodist church, corner of Main and Tremont streets, was erected. Donations were made by James and John Sweeney, Mr. Goundry and some others, but again the burthen of the work fell upon Mr. Simson, who, on July 4th, 1867, presented the lot, old edifice and sheds, free of debt, to the M. E. church society. The present modern and convenient church was completed in 1882, and with lot is valued at $15,000. We have not the names of the early preachers, but Rev. B. F. McNeal was pastor in 1859, succeeded in '60 by W. L. Leake; J. Timmerman and R. C. Foot, '61; C. P. Clark, '62-3, '71; C. D. Burlingham, '66; J. McEwen, '67-8; Z. Hurd, '69-'70; S. C. Smith, '72-3; H. Vosburg, '74-6; G. H. Dyer, '77-9; L. D. Watson, '81-3; S. McGerald, '83-4; L. A. Stevens, '85-7, since which time Dr. Andrew Purdy has been in charge. Dr. Purdy took the A. B. degree at Alfred University in 1864, attended a term at the Michigan University and graduated from the New York University, practicing medicine for several years before entering the ministr3^ First Baptist Church.—A Baptist church was organized about 1850, Joshua Vincent and other ministers attending to its spiritual wants, but it succumbed in a few years for lack of support. The First Baptist church of North Tonawanda was organized September 6, 1885, with eighteen members, and in 1887-8 the present commodious building on Vandervoort street was erected at a cost of about S5,00(>. Difierent students from the Rochester Theological Seminary preached for this church during the winter of 1885-6, and on March 26, 1886, a call was extended to Rev. M. W. Twing, a student of the Seminary, who was ordained here and has continued to be its pastor from the start. The church has a present membership of about 110. St. Mark's Episcopal Church was organized Feb. 17, 1869, with Geo. W. Sherman and L. S. Payne as wardens and G. L. Judd, W. H. Vick44

ers, C. C. Lane, D. H. Burrows, .James Sweeney, vestrymen. Services were first held in Washington Hall, which was burned in 1870. Two lots were donated by G. W. Sherman on the corner of Tremont and Marion streets, and the present church erected. Rev. George C. Pennell was first rector, succeeded in 1870 by F. W. Raikes; Alb. Wood, '71; H. A. Duboc, '75, and.J. H. Barnard, the present rector, a native of Norfolk, Va., who came to this charge -July 15, 1883. St. Marks has about 150 actual communicants, and, as the present building is too small, it is contemplated to build a more commodious one in the near future. Ascension R. C. Church.—Rev. Father Bustin, who graduated from Niagara University a half dozen years ago, in 1888 organized the Church of the Ascension in North Tonawanda, and having faith in the northward development located his church in the outskirts. It is now surrounded by cottages in all directions and will soon be near the center of its membership. Over 100 Catholic families are in this pastorate, a handsome and commodious church and parsonage have been completed and the church property, worth S 10,000, is free from debt, which certainly speaks well for Father Bustin 's industry and zeal. He has recently returned from a three months' vacation to Kurope and the British Isles. German Evangelical Lutheran.—The building of St. Matthew's church at the corner of Wheatfield and Bryan streets, was commenced in 1889, and completed the next year, the church organization having been effected January, 1890. Rev. W. C. Koch, the pastor, died in October, and in February, 1891, August Hering, the present spiritual shepherd came to this field. Rev. Hering is a native of Illinois, and graduated from the Springfield Theological Seminary in 1885. The basement of the church is used for the parochial school, where the children from nearly 100 families receive their early education. The church property is valued at $10,000. Evangelical Frieden'^s Church, corner of Schenck and Vandervoort streets, was erected in 1889 at a cost of S8,000. It is a handsome modern structure and, with lots, etc., makes the church property worth about $11,000. The society was organized in 1889 under Rev. Paul Dittman, a native of Buffalo and graduate of the Springfield (111.) Theological Seminary. About 100 families are connected with this church and the early education of the children is cared for in the apartment for that purpose, adjoining the church. St. Peter s Evangelical Lutheran Society was organized October 31st, 1887, and the church in the Pine Grove on Schenck street built soon after. There are about sixty families connected with this church under charge of Rev. H. Kaufman, who was commissioned by the " Lutheran Synod of Ohio and Other States" to organize this church. Rev. Kaufman also has charge of the church school and, as most of his parishioners are recent immigrants from Germany, it makes his duties arduous. This church has a private cemetery of one and a half acres on the Martinsville road, and the church property is worth about S3,000. The First Presbyterian Church of North Tonawanda was organized April 30th with seventy-five members, and at present has nearly one

hnndred. The building erected by the German Methodists in 1887, on Schenck street was purchased by this organization, but present indications are that it will soon be outgrown. Rev. H. K. Sanborne, of West Bloomfield, N. Y., is in charge. He graduated from Hamilton College, of Clinton, N. Y., in 1884, was four years professor of mathematics in Roberts College, at Constantinople, receiving the degree of A. M. in 1890, and graduating from the Aubvirn Theological College just prior to accepting this charge. Residence 14 Lincoln Avenue. The session are H. K. Sanborne, moderator; James P. McKenzie, clerk; L. A. Kelsey, J. D. Holden and G. 0. Miller. Trustees: W. B. Kerr, J. 0. Wilson, C. H. Akerley, G. C. Herschell, Alex. Nelson James greene, J. G. Paul and J. S. Sanborn. Young Hoi's Christian Association. Formerly this place had a " Young Men's Prohibition Club," which disbanded some half dozen years ago, and largely through the influence of the late Rev. I. P. Smith the Y. M. C. A. was organized, in December, 1886. Geo. Jones was elected general secretary Jan. 6th, '87, the work systematized under his directions, a junior department added, and the work was running smoothly and successfully under his charge until he was called away by death, Sept. 18th, in his first 3'ear of labor. J. B. Bristol took charge on the first of October. Bath and gymnasium rooms were added, with A. W. Barnard in charge of the latter. Messrs Bristol and Barnard both left in 1889; but prior to their retirement a lot had been purchased on the corner of Main and Tremont streets. Work has been commenced and materials collected towards the erection of a fine four-story building 50x132 feet, which will contain convenient reception rooms, auditorium, parlors, reading room, gymnasium, etc., which will probably be completed next year, and is an institution worthy of the liberal consideration of our people. The Association now numbers 286. with a junior department of 59 members. Dr. T. M. Hayes has been its president from the start, and Benj. L. Rand treasurer. C. R. Measel is the present gymnasium instructor. A. E. Roever, the present general secretary, was called to the charge in 1889 and has been a zealous and successful worker. There are Methodist churches at Ironton and Gratwick, and Lutheran churches at Martinsville, all within North Tonawanda corporation, which will have mention under their respective headings. SCHOOLS.—The pioneers of this section were not unmindful of the benefits to be derived from education, for although struggling with poverty and the hardships of frontier life, one of their first acts, of a public nature, was the establishment of a school. This school, doubtless the first in Tonawanda township, was opened previous to 1817, in a house built for the purpose near where the road left the river, Ephraim Kelsey being the first teacher. Robt. Simson, about 1816, built a log house on the north side and run a blacksmith shop. About 1819 he removed to the Simson farm, his log residence having been sold for use as a school house and chapel, and a Mr. Steele engaged to teach, It was in these primitive schools, kept almost in the depths of

a primeval forest, that the foundations were laid for the present highly progressive school system of the Lumber Cit3\ As the settlement of this region progressed other schools were added, or the old ones enlarged and the school term lengthened somewhat. In 1835 the promoters of education secured from Congress, for the States, a loan of &28,000,000, of which New York State received &3,500,000 as her share. The interest of this fund was proportioned to districts in each township, provided they could raise from private donation an equal amount, and this was the first start of the free school system which has produced such grand results in the enlightenment of our people. The citizens of Tonawanda and Wheatfield were not slow to take advantage of this opportunity to establish good schools. In less than a year the school commissioners of Wheatfield had set apart the district now within the corporation, which thej' designated School District No. 1, and the free holders and inhabitants in the newly formed district had held a public meeting and voted to levy a tax to build a school house. At a subsequent meeting the officers for the district were elected: Isaac S. Youngs, District Clerk; James Sweeney, James Lovell and Loyal E. Edwards, Trustees, and William Sweeney, Collector. Four hundred dollars was the sum to be raised by tax and subscription for the erection of a school house which was to stand on lot 81. The tax was placed at one and one-third per cent, on a fair valuation, and netted &385.91—S54 in money and $83 in material and labor, additional were donated to the good work, making a total of S522.91. In 1839 a library was purchased for the school. In 1846 School District No. 3, of Wheatfield, was, by request, annexed to District No. 1, and in 1848 a school house was built thereon. As before stated the first school house in Tonawanda township was the log structure near the river and close to where the canal now runs. It was built about 1816, and conducted by Ephraim Kelse}', who taught there about three months in the year. When School District No. 3 was formed in Tonawanda and trustees elected, early in the thirties, a second school house was erected near the end of the bridge over the canal; it was a frame building, somewhat larger than the old one. The teachers were Dr. Hopkins, Mrs. Bigelow, Messrs. Emery, Woolson, Bush, Murdock, and others, and the first trustees were John Simson, Urial Driggs, and a Mr. Cleveland. About 1838 Mr. John Simson, who had been the leading spirit in public enterprises, erected, and with the assistance of Mr. Carney and Mr. Ackerman, maintained a practically free school on his farm just east of the village. A good teacher was engaged and some of the twenty or thirty scholars who attended became distinguished men and women. It was not until about 1844 that the first really free school was opened in Tonawanda. The building was of. brick and located on Adam street, where it is still standins;, though used at present as G. A. R. Hall. ^

There are 2,344 children of school age in Tonawanda, and of these not more than 900 attended the public free schools, which is due to the fact of a large attendance at the parochial schools. The present large, substantial I'nion Free School building was erected in 1870 to take the place of the old and much smaller structure on Adam street. Not a, little hard feeling was created by the erection of this building; many persons believing that it would prove a Jumbo and never be filled, but developments have fully demonstrated the wisdom of the board's action. Not only is this commodious building now filled to over flowing, but it has been found absolutely necessary to rent a building in the western part of the town to accommodate a part of the primary department. Sites have also been purchased in both the eastern and western sections of the village, upon which school houses will shortly be built for the lower grades. Union School.—The site where the present handsome union school building stands on Goundry street was purchased from Mrs. Rogers in 1865 for S300, and a tax levied for $4,00 for the purpose of building the old portion of the building now in use. L. S. Payne, G. W. Sherman, Wm. Clark, Jacob Becker and George Becker were elected trustees, G. L. Judd, chairman. The old portion of the building was erected 1866-7. B. F. Felton was elected a member of the school board in 1876 and has continued to be a zealous and efficient worker ever since. On June 5, 1882, a vote was taken authorizing S14,000 to be raised by bonds, bearing five per cent, interest, and payable, $1,000 each year until paid. The funds from these were used for the new structure which was well planned in every respect, giving every facility for the commercial, classical and normal courses. Ironton School.—The rapid growth of North Tonawanda in the Ironton district, together with the crowded condition of the union school, demanded increased facilities, and on November 15th, 1888, $10,000 was voted to build an edifice in that locality. The amount was increased to $15,000 and the building erected in 1889 is of modern design, and well adapted to school use. The lot is well located, 150x300 feet, and, altogether, it makes a very desirable school property. The rapid growth of Gratwick and other sections of the corporation will necessitate immediate appropriations for building purposes. The education of the rising generation demands our best attention, as schools create good citizens while idleness makes criminals and paupers which are more expensive and especially undesirable. PROFESSIONAL.—By some it may be claimed that in describing the essential features of a city, "professional notes" are a matter of minor importance, and the space might better have been occupied with statistics or valuable data. It is not only difficult, but impossible, to meet the requirements of all, and while we shall attempt to please the majority, our experience has taught us that people take pleasure in mailing to distant friends a.paper containing the name and business mention of their personal acquaintances; consequently these notes, while seemingly unimportant, assist us in securing that wide-spread distribution

which is so essential in making this production valuable to the Lumber City and to all advertisers. The ease of wrapping and inexpensiveness of mailing this pamphlet to friends, its convenient shape for preservation, together with the fact that all subscribers for the pamphlet have agreed to make judicious distribution of the same, justify us in asserting that this sketch of the Tonawandas will have a much larger circulation than any other descriptive sketch of a similar character which has been issued from this city. MEDICAL PROFESSION.—Among the early practitioners of this place was Dr. Hopkins, who taught school for some time. Drs. Young, Thomas, and others were here before 1850. Dr. Jesse F. Locke came about 1838 and practiced until his death in 18G0. The present corps of physicians in the Lumber City are men who rank well in the profession, the oldest here being Dr. F. F. Hoycr, a native of Herkimer county, who came to this place in May, 1849. Drs. Ware and Gail having located here the same week, but only remaining a short time. Dr. Hoyer reports that in his 42 years of practice here, that at least 100 physicians have come and gone. In early years the country ride was burdensome, covering not only long distances in Erie and Niagara counties, but the adjacent part of Grand Island as well, although the Island has the record of being the healthiest spot in the United States. Dr. Hoyer was physician to the Erie County Alms House and Insarie Asylum, in 1860, served 5 years on the Board of Censors, has been for many years a member of the Erie County Medical Society, having served as its presiding officer. He still enjoys robust health and continues to practice as in days of yore. Dr. W. D. Murray is the second oldest practitioner of the place, having located here over thirty years ago. He was born in Lockport, took a literary course at ('Columbia College, and graduated from the Washington National Medical College in 1860. Early in the war Dr. Murray was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Eagle Brigade at Buffalo, serving for a time with the 100th N. Y., and later promoted to surgeon of the 161st N. Y. Vols., where he served till the close. Office and residence, No. 88 North Canal street. Dr. H. B. Murray was born in Niagara county and graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York in 1868, having since been in practice in Tonawanda. Mrs. Murray is also a student of medicine with her husband, having attended two courses at the Buffalo Medical College. Office at residence, 144 Clinton street. Dr. R. C- Taher is a native of Ithaca, N. Y., having been from early years connected with the drug trade at Ithaca and Auburn, and a half dozen years clerk for L. G. Stanley prior to attendance at the medical department of the Buffalo University, from which he graduated in 1888 and located in Tonawanda. His office rooms are over Stanley's drug store, corner of Main and South Canal streets. Dr. Taber is a member of the Erie County Medical Society. Dr. Duncan Sinclair is a native qf Ontario, attended the McGill College at Montreal, and graduated from the Toronto Medical College in

1887, locating at Tonawanda. His office is at No. 25 Main street. See

Martinsville sketch for notice of real estate. Dr. Jno. T. Harris is a native of Ontario and graduated from the Buffalo Medical College in 1883, practicing for two years at La Salle, Niagara count}', before locating in Tonawanda. Dr. Harris' office is at the corner of Broad and Delaware streets. He is also interested in real estate with Dr. Sinclair. Dr. J. R. Simson is a native of this place, graduated from the Bryant & Stratton business college and in 1879 from the Cleveland Homoeopathic Hospital College, and has since been in practice in Tonawanda. Dr. H. M. Edmonds is a native of Fulton county, N. Y., and resident of Tonawanda since 1878. He graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York in 1887, and has since been engaged in the practice here. Dr. Edmonds has just completed a fine office and residence corner Seymour and Broad streets. Dr. H. C. Leonhardt, born near Stratford, Ont., attended Mitchell's Collegiate Institute, graduated from the Buffalo University in 1890, and located at No. 35 South Canal street. Dr. Leonhardt has a good location, modern library, well furnished and convenient rooms.

NORTH TONAWANDA PHYSICIANS.

Dr. W. L. Allen is a native of Niagara county, was educated at the State Norman School of Albany, and is a graduate of Ovid Academy and Seneca Collegiate Institute, having taught for live years prior to commencing the study of medicine. He graduated from the Buffalo Medical College April 10, 1876, having been in the practice at this place ever since. His office is conveniently located at the corner of Webster and Tremont streets in North Tonawanda. Dr. W. V. R. Blighton, a native of Wyoming county, N. Y., and licentiate of the Columbia and Green county Homoeopathic Medical Society began practice in 1860, and 17 years ago located in Tonawanda, having office at his residence. No. 60 Oliver street. Dr. Blighton is president of the Niagara County Homoeopathic Medical Society. Recently Dr. H. W. Davis, a graduate of the University of Buffalo, has become a partner in practice with Dr. Blighton. Dr. Wm. Lane, who located at the corner of Goundry and Oliver streets in March last, is a native of Ontario, and graduated from the Victoria Medical College of Toronto, in 1861, practicing for ten years at St. Catharines, Canada, before locating at New Fane, Niagara county, where he was in practice 17 years prior to locating in North Tonawanda, Dr. C. C. Smith, is a native of Lewiston, and after a two years preparatory course in the University he attended and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, in 1884, and located in North Tonawanda, where he has since been in practice. Dr. Smith has been County Coroner since January 1890, and is on the present Board of Trustees. He owns the drug store at No. 60 Webster street. Dr. W. E. McChesney was born at Wilson, Niagara county, attended a medical course at Ann Arbor, Mich., after which he took two full

years at the Buffalo Medical College, graduating in 1882. He practiced a short time in Genesee county, and for 7 years at Somerset, coming to North Tonawanda July 4th, 1889. Office and residence No. 41, Tremont street. Dr. A. T. Leonard is a native of Niagara county, read medicine at Lockport, and took a three years course at Universitj' Medical College of New York, graduating last spring and soon after located at the corner of Webster and Tremont streets, where he has commodious office rooms. Dr. A. W. Jayne was born in Dansville, Va., graduated from Hamilton College in 1869, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, in 1872, and the New York Homoeopathic School in 1873. Dr. Jayne practiced in Norfolk, Va., for several years, and four years ago located in North Tonawanda. His office is at 48 Webster street. Dr. Pemberton Lundy was born in county of York, Ontario, and after a preparatory education entered the Toronto University, from the medical department of which he graduated last spring and located in Tonawanda. Dr. Lundy's office is No. 64 Webster street, and residence on Lincoln Avenue. He is a member of the college of Physicians and Surgeons.

DENTISTS AND VETEEINARY SURGEONS.

Dr. R. G. Wright is a native of Ontario, and in 1878 he purchased the dental practice of E. W. Belding, of North Tonawanda, having continued in dentistry here ever since. He has all the modern appliances for operative and mechanical dentistry at No. 72 Webster street. The well furnished suite of rooms are convenient, and Dr. L. G. Richardson, his assistant, is a graduate from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, formerly in practice at Castile, N. Y. Dr. M. J. Dixon was born in Tonawanda, reared in the rural district, was a student of Dr. Mo3'er, a Lockport dentist, for a time, and then took a two years course at the New York Dental College, from which he graduated in 1890, and located in Tonawanda. Dr. Dixon has a convenient operating room at No. 4 Lumber Exchange, and laboratory in room 7. Dr. Geo. W. Hall was born and reared in this state, attended the Oberlin, Ohio, College, and graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College in 1887. He has a good library, convenient operating and mechanical rooms in the Krauss block. Main street, corner of Adams. Drs. Wende & Thomson, V. S.—Dr. H. S. Wende was born in Erie county, graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1886 and lo-. cated in Tonawanda where he secured a good run of practice, having an operating table and every convenience for the treatment of accidents or the diseases of horses. This is the largest veterinary hospital in this vicinity. Dr. J. P. Thomson, a Canadian and graduate of the above school, has been associated with Dr. Wende for a j-ear or two past, and is giving good satisfaction. Dr. H. S. Webb is a native of Grand Island, graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto in December, '88, and shortly afterwards

commenced practice here. The doctor has a full supply of surgical instruments and appliances, good quarters for caring for horses, and has received a fair share of the trade. LEGAL PROFESSION.—The earliest record of an attorney in this place is that of Jno. T. Bush and brother William, who began practice in Tonawanda in 1836, spending part of their time in Buffalo. W. W. Thayer, ex-Governor of Oregon, located here in 1855 and practiced for several years. B. H. Long began practice in 1856 and continued until his death in 1878. Hon. Garwood L. Judd was admitted to the practice of law in 1850 and three years later located in North Tonawanda. He served two terms as associate justice of the county court under the old law; was for 24 successive years a justice of the peace, has served as town superintendent of schools, village clerk and various other public positions. With the last election Mr. Judd was chosen as a member of the New York Assembly from the first district of Niagara county, which position he has filled with honor to his constituency. Payne & Dunkleberger.—Lewis T. Payne is a native of North Tonawanda, attended our Union School, and graduated from Cornell University in the class of 1883. He read law with Brundage & Chipman, of Buffalo, and was admitted to the bar in 1886, having since been in practice in his native town. Chauncey E. Dunkleberger is a native of Niagara county, and graduate from Madison College. He read law with Elsworth & Potter, of Lockport, was admitted in 1887, and has since been in practice at Lockport. He was appointed Surrogate by Gov. Hill to fill a vacancy, and a year later elected to that office by the suffrage of the people. The co-partnership of the above, commenced with September 1st, the firm occupying rooms formerly used by Mr. Payne, Nos. 4, 5 and 6, State Bank Building. Taylor & Tice.—Edw. J. Taylor, a native of Niagara county read law with Gen'l W. S. Farnell, and has been in practice at Lockport about a dozen years. David Tice, of the same county, read with M. S. & B. J. Hunting, of Lockport, was admitted in 1884, practicing there until the firm started a branch office in North Tonawanda, some two years since. The rooms occupied are Nos. 2 and 3, State Bank Building, and the Lockport office is at 46 Main street. Herman S. Lary was born near Amsterdam, N. Y., graduated from the Fort Edwards Institute, of Washington county, in 1870, was principal of the school at Gloverville, N. Y., for four years, read law and graduated from the Albany Law School, in the class of '80, practiced at Albany for ten years, in the meantime serving for several years as City Attorney of Greenburg, (East Albany). Mr. Lary then took a western tour, practiced about a year in Denver, and in August 1890 located in North Tonawanda. Office in Nice & Hinkey Building, opposite N. Y. C. depot. Henry E. Warner, a native of Orleans county, attended Albion High School, read law with Signor & Wage, graduating from the Albany Law School in the class of 1885. He practiced in Albion prior to

locating in North Tonawanda, three years since. Office in front rooms over State bank. Mr. Warner is interested in several tracts of North Tonawanda real estate. John Rubbert, a native of Germany, has been a resident of this county since 1865, living at Bergholtz and Martinsville prior to locating in North Tonawanda in 1885. Mr. Rubbert read law with Armstrong & Duckwitz, of Buffalo, in 1887-8, the latter year having been appointed a Justice of the Peace, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Wm. Dornfeld, and in 1889 he was elected Justice of the Peace. Squire Rubbert has a convenient office in the Nice & Hinkey block, Main street Frederick Sommer was born in Baden, Germany, and came to America in 1848, locating in Cheektowaga, Erie county, lie moved to Tonawanda in 1868, and a year later to North Tonawanda, where he served for 11 years as Deputy Collector of Customs, holding the office of Justice of the Peace 4 years in the meantime, 81-5. He served as President of North Tonawanda, 88-9, the latter year having been again elected as Justice of the Peace, and holds court at corner of Main and Thomson streets. Mr. Sommer joined the 21 N. Y. Vols, as a private, was promoted to lieutenant in 116th, served as captain in the 98th, and was mustered out as lieutenant colonel.

TOJS'AWANDA ATTORNEYS AND JUSTICES:

Patton & Vroman.—Jno. K. Patton is a native of Buffalo, attended the East Aurora Academy, read law with Shearer & Merrit, and C. H. Addington, and was admitted to practice in 1882, locating in Tonawanda. He served as Justice from 1885 to 1889, also having been the Republican nominee for assemblyman from the fourth district in 1887, and suffered the defeat of the minority party. Dow Vroman graduated from Union College of Schenectad}'-, in 1887, and practiced as a civil engineer for a year or two. Subsequently he read law in his native town, Middleburgh, N. Y., with Wm. H. Albro, later attending the Albany Law School, from which he graduated in 1890, and in May was admitted to practice. A partnership of the above was formed July 1st. Office, Kibler Building, S. Canal street. Simson & Dudley.—Wm. B. Simson comes from a pioneer family of Tonawanda, his father, Wm. F. Simson, having been born in this place in 1823. Mr. Simson read law in the office of his brother, Volney Simson, of Lockport, was admitted to the bar about ten years ago, and has since been in practice here. Glen G. Dudley was born in Wisconsin, graduated from the White Water State Normal School, a year or two later coming to Tonawanda. After reading law with Mr. Simson the required time he was admitted to practice in January last, since which time he has been a partner with his former preceptor. Convenient office rooms are occupied in the Wolf Building, No. 23 Young street. Root & Orton.—Elias Root was born near Pekin, Niagara county, and after graduating from the Lockport Union School, read law with L. F, & G. W Bowen, and Holmes & Fitts, was admitted in 1877, and commenced practice in Tonawanda with the late F. L. Clark. After 5 years he removed to Dakota, but returned to Tonawanda in ^1884.

Chas. S. Orton was born and reared near Pekin, read law with Mr. Root, was admitted to practice last January, and at once became a partner with his preceptor. The firm have a good library and convenient rooms at Nos. li and 12 in the Lumber Exchange Building. Simon Bellinger, Associate Justice of the Sessions for 1889-90, was born in Madison county this state, January 24th, 1817, and at fourteen J ears of age removed to Buffalo. Relocated in Tonawanda in 1865, and has been active in the village government, having served as trustee, president of the school board, and Justice of the Peace. Judge Bellinger owns a comfortable property at 285 S. Canal street. Wm. J. Rogers is a native of Tonawanda, graduated from the Chamberlain Institute, of Randolph, read law with Clinton & Clark for a time, but in '84 engaged with his brother, E. H. Rogers, Jr., mentioned elsewhere as a contractor. In '89 he was elected a Justice of the Peace for Tonawanda, assuming its duties January 1st, '90. Justice Rogers has a well fitted apartment in the Riesterer Block, and holds his full share of Tonawanda courts. PUBLIC BENEFITS.—The Tonawanda Gas Light Company was incorporated September 29, 1884, with a paid in capital of $60,000, and at present has over 25 miles of mains. The gas plant is in charge of Thos. Hunt, Superintendent, and is located on South Canal street, near the Erie R. R. bridge across Tonawanda creek. The output is about 24 million feet annually. About 550 street lamps and nearly 400 private consumers are supplied. The gas is made by the usual coal process, is of first class quality, and is furnished at the low rate of $1.40 per 1,000 feet per month, and $1.25 where 12,000 feet is used monthly. The officers are: J. H. De Graff, pres.; A. G. Kent, vice-pres.; A. H. Crown, sec; L. G. Stanley, treas., and H. M. Stocum, manager. Office in the Riesterer Block.

THE STANDAKD GAS COMPANY

Wa& incorporated August 21, 1888, with capital of $25,000, for producing and piping natural gas. The gas territory is at Getzville, some 6 miles southeast of this place, the oldest well having been opened some 26 years ago, and which is still supplying about the usual amount. There are now a dozen producing wells with average pressure of 200 pounds each at the well. The average depth is 500 feet. Over 20iJ customers are supplied in North Tonawanda at the low rate of 20 cents per 1,000 cubic feet. About 5 miles of pipe is in use in the city. As 15,000 feet of gas has been demonstrated to equal in heat a ton of hard coal, the price obtained is considered very reasonable. B. L. Rand is president; Franklin Getz, vice-president; H. M. Fales, secretary, and Geo. C. Herschell treasurer.

ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAYS.

Electricity is the power that moves the world, and this place means to be abreast of the times. An electric railway has been laid on Main and Fletcher Streets in Tonawanda and is now reaching out to connect with the Buffalo end. Another is being built from the Falls towards the

Lumber City. The Tonawanda Street Railroad Company has been incorporated, and will next year build the missing link from the new bridge, across Tonawanda Creek, via Main, Webster and Oliver Streets, to Felton Street in the Gratwick district. This will doubtless be extended to Payne's Avenue and other important streets as the necessity of North Tonawanda demands.

TONAWANDA & WHEATFIELD ELECTRIC LIGHT CO.

Incorporated in 1890, this company has in operation a 1,300 alternating incandescent illuminator, a 75 arc light dynamo and two 50 light Thomson-Houston machines. About 100 street lights are in operation in North Tonawanda, and about 40 private arc lights are kept going. F. S. Davis, the superintendent here, has been for a half dozen years past with the Thomson-Houston Co.. of Boston, and is a thorough electrician. The operating plant is on Tonawanda Island, in charge of S. A. Parish, engineer. Office opposite Sheldon Hotel. The general office of this company is in New York, with H. N. Curtis, manager, and every needed modern device in electrical invention is used here m order to supply a perfectly satisfactory illumination.

THE STANDARD ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY

Was organized about a year since in North Tonawanda, and purchased a five hundred light incandescent dynamo, which is located on the island and run by steam from the water works boiler. About three hundred lights of sixteen candle power are in use and giving a very satisfactory illumination. This, with the full arc system in operation, gives a metropolitan appearance to North Tonawanda.

THE TONAWANDA ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWDER COMPANY

Has been recently incorporated by Alex. C. Campbell and others, to be run with a current generated by the Niagara Falls Power Company, through the great tunnel development, which is to be completed about the middle of next year. There can now be no reasonable doubt but what this project will be carried to success, and electric power furnished to the Lumber City and Buffalo at a cost considerably below the price of steam power generated by coal.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, BICYCLES, ETC.

The firm of Wilson & Wilson, electricians, make a specialty of electric wiring, furnishing the incandescent lamps for all systems, electric bells, and all manner of electrical appliances. The Warwick Perfection Bicycle is kept on sale and repairs made on all machines. The firm have a shop with lathes, engine and machinery on Faulkner Street and office at 116 Main street.

BRIDGES, PAVING, SEWERS, ETC. .

The iron bridge connecting Main and Webster streets is the successor of three others. The first was a temporary one, erected about the dawn of the present century, for military purposes. It lasted but a few years and for fifteen years a ferry was used. In 1824 a toll bridge was erected, with charter for 21 years. Later a third bridge was erected by the two counties which are connected, and which remained until

superseded by the present solid structure, which is 300 feet in length, with a 26-feet roadway, and 7-leet sidewalks on either side. With the present season an iron bridge has been erected across EUicott Creek, on Delaware street, while an elegant structure is nearing completion that will connect Delaware and Main streets across the Tonawanda. Considerable additional sewerage has been laid in Tonawanda the present year, and more than S1<XMXX3 expended in the years 1889-91 in Xorth Tonawanda. in extending and perfecting the sewerage system. Eleven miles of mains have been laid, ranging in size from lU to 42 inches in diameter, under Franklin Warren, inspector, assisted byJ.D. Vandervoort. George B. Secord. for eleven years past a citizen of Xorth Tonawanda. keeps from ten to a dozen men employed in putting in lateral sewers with house connections. The brick pavements laid on Webster and Main streets a year since, are giving excellent satisfaction, and Goundry street is now being paved with the same material. The cinder from the iron furnace when rolled with the heavy street roller makes a roadbed which endures for years and Oliver street is to be paved on that plan. Many of the streets have a good gravel roadbed and scarcely need paving, while others are clay and need prompt attention. A considerable number ot our citizens are laying tiag or cement sidewalks. These are desirable and cheapest in the end. Good plank sidewalks if kept in repair are quite acceptable, but when rotten and torn up. as many in this city are found to be. they become an intolerable nuisance and should be abated.

CITY WATER WORKS.

The Tonawanda City Water Works Company was incorporated in 1885, with capital of [$50,000?], while the plant to-day, including its system of piping and mains is valued at [$300,000?]. The Holly system of pumps is used and a pressure of about forty pounds maintained for domestic use. while in case of fire the pressure is immediately raised to 1<X' pounds or more, and as both towns are well supplied with hose a fire engine is seldom needed. The plant is located on Tonawanda Island, is in charge of A. A. Archer, as first engineer, and has a daily capacity of six million gallons, although the present consumption is but little more than one-fourth that amount. Over eight miles of mains have been laid in Tonawanda and nearly seventeen miles in Xorth Tonawanda, about 1.000 consumers being supplied and ooO fire hydrants established in the most convenient locations. The water supply IS secured from the never failing Xiagara River, eleven miles below its source, as the outlet of the great inland sea. (^Lake Erie) is clear as crystal, and the analysis found to be first-class. Xearly the entire Lumber City is underlaid with gravel, and wells within 10<]> feet of privy vaults or cesspools are liable to become contaminated, as has been shown from the fact that the sewerage system has in many places drained wells 1<XJ feet or more distant from the line. Physicians and scientists have proven that typhoid fever oftener results from drinking impure water than from all other causes, hence, in this kind of soil, in

thickly settled portions of the city, well water becomes absoluteh' unfit for domestic use until boiled and filtered. The safest plan is to use city water. The officers of the company are B. L. Rand, Pres.; Geo. P. Smith, Sec. and Treas., and H. M. Fales, Sup. Mr. Fales is a native of Grand Island and graduate of DeVeaux College, of Suspension Bridge. The office is on Main street, opposite N. Y. Central depot.

BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS.

Notwithstanding the fact that it requires considerable self denial to keep up payments during dull times, these institutions, when honestly conducted, are an acknowledged blessing, as they encourage small savings, and, in many instances, have laid the foundations for future homes which would not have been acquired otherwise. North Tonawanda Aid and Savings Association was incorporated in the spring of 1887 and has some sixteen hundred shares in operation. The officers are: Fred Sommer, President; H. U. Berger, Vice President; Jno. E. Oelkers, Treasurer, and F. Davies, Secretary. The Hmnestead Loan Association, of North Tonawanda, was organized May 1, 1890, and has about two thousand shares in force. Wm. Fletcher, President; L. G. Fuller, Vice President; A. L. Ebersole, Treasurer, and T. E. Stocum, Secretary. Niagara Savings and Loan Association, of Tonawanda, was organized June 2, 1890, and has a total holding of nearly three thousand shares. The executive officers are: E. G. Riesterer, President; Wm. Hardleben, Vice President; Louis Gruen, Treasurer, and E. W. Betts, Secretary. Mr. E. F Wilson represents the Wayne Buildijg, Loan and Accumulating Fund, of Palmyra, N. Y., of which a branch was established here in 1889. Seventy loans made in this place aggregate 850,000. John D. Wolf, No. 25 Young street, is agent for the Eastern Building and Loan Association, of Syracuse, N. Y., which appears to be doing business on a solid basis; is chartered for five hundred thousand shares; members pay seventy-five cents each month on a hundred dollar share, maturing in six and one-half years from date of entry. National Savings and Loan Association, of Rochester, N. Y. North Tonawanda branch organized October, 1890. Jas. H. Rand, Pres. ; A. W. Story, V. Pres. ; A. J. Hathaway, Sec. and Treas. IRONTON ADDITION.—With the advent of the Niagara River Iron Works in 1873 brisk times were anticipated and quite a large tract of land was platted into lots in that vicinity. As the furnace was discontinued in about a year, developments were practically at a standstill for more than a dozen years; but North Tonawanda having grown in the meantime to the old corporation limits, when the furnace was re-opened in 1889, under a new and vigorous management, this land at once became desirable. It was purchased from Pratt & Jewett by Geo. P. Smith and A. J. Hathaway, Oct. 15, 1889, replatted. and Jan. 1st, 1890, put on the market. Within a year 500 building lots had been sold and 100 houses erected. With June of the present year the Ironton Land Co. was incorporated with capital of &100,000 and everything bids fair for a prosperous career, as this is the river center

of North Tonawanda corporation, and being traversed by all the railroads it cannot fail to secure prominent manufacturing interests. The Ironton addition is less than a mile from the North Tonawanda City Hall. With the Iron & Steel Works, the surrounding lumber interests and the bolt and nut works of Plumb, Burdict ct Barnard, which has recently been located on the adjoining property, this section of the city will make a convenient and desirable place for mechanics and business firms. It has the water supply, electric lights, and will soon be connected by the electric street car line. A double two story brick block for stores has just been completed on Oliver street, making a nice addition to the mercantile conveniences there, a S15,000 brick school house was erected a couple of years since, a church dedicated in August and this section has all the modern conveniences of the older part of the city. An electric street car company has been formed to connect the Tonawanda ct Buffalo line with the Niagara Falls system. This will probably be built the coming season from the Main street bridge, via Tremont and Oliver streets, through the Ironton and Gratwick district, to Felton street, and will make a great convenience to employes of the Ironton and Gratwick industries, who reside in the old corporation limits. The Second M. E. Church.—A class was organized in the Ironton district last year and Messrs. Smith c't Hathaway, at their own expense, have erected and furnished a convenient place of worship, which with the lot is worth about 65,000. The class numbers about fifty and is in charge of Rev. W. A. V. E. Pattyson, who recently came to North Tonawanda from Ontario. The church was dedicated in August last.

NORTH TONAWANDA LAND CO.

The above company was recently incorporated (in.June, ISUIJ with capital stock of 8100,000, for the development of land adjacent to the Ironton Addition, and through the efforts of its officers has secured the locating of the factory before mentioned. Geo. P. Smith is President; A. .J. Hathaway, Secretary, and A. C. Campbell, Treasurer. Over 200 acres are owned by this company, and the well known push of its officers and stockholders, with the fact of its location in the most feasible manufacturing district, is a sufficient guarantee of its earl}^ development. This tract, in conjunction with the Ironton property and that of L. S. Payne, is sold with a clause in each deed prohibiting the sale or manufacture of spirituous liquors on the premises The bolt and nut factory before mentioned is a very important addition to this city, as it will use about 50 tons of wrought iron daily, give employment to about 600 men and distribute more for wages in our midst than any other industrial concern here. By a careful consideration of our transportation advantages, and other facilities for successful manufacturing, the proprietors of this well established plant, without other inducements, decided to remove their works from Buffalo to this city. The fact of sagacious business men. from the great metropolis of Buffalo, with an old established trade, having well

built brick structures 400 feet in length, removing their base of operations to this place, is a convincing argument in favor of its desirability. The firm of Plumb, Burdict & Barnard have purchased eighteen acres on the North Tonawanda Land Co.'s Addition, convenient to both the Erie and N. Y. Central tracks, and are making preparations for the prompt erection of buildings. As their work is one requiring skill in a special line, most of their workmen will be continued, and will doubtless remove their families from Buffalo to this place, thereby probably adding from 2,000 to 3,000 to the population of this place. Payne's addition to north Tonawanda. Col. Lewis S. Payne has made a record here which, in connection with his present prominent land interests, is worthy of detailed notice. Born in Riga, Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1819, he came to Tonawanda August, 1836, clerked for four years, when he became proprietor of the store, married in 1840, and settled in Wheatfield town, of which he has been supervisor nine terms. About 1845 he engaged in the lumber business and in 1847 erected the first steam saw mill in this place. In 1850 Mr. Payne was elected county clerk and before the end of his four years' term purchased the 150 acre homestead where he now resides, at the crossing of Wheatfield street and Payne's avenue. Formerl}' a whig, in 1860 he became a Douglas Democrat and in 1861, he engaged in raising volunteers for the war, at his own expense forming Co. D of the 100th N. Y. Regiment, of which he was commissioned captain. His Company was put on scout duty and Capt. Payne had many thrilling encounters and hair-breadth escapes at the seat of war, losing two-fifths of his men during the first year of service. On August 3, 1863, while engaged in intercepting communications of the enemv, near Fort Sumter, he was attacked by a superior force, wounded and taken prisoner, and kept in close confinement at Columbia, S. C, until February, 1865. He was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel while a prisoner, but as the war closed a few weeks after his exchange, he returned home in April, 186-5. Col. Payne was again elected county clerk that fall, in 1869 elected Assemblyman, and in 1877 chosen Senator from the Twenty-ninth District. He added to his homestead from time to time, sixty acres of which was in the corporation, and with the developments of the last few years the city has grown to his premises, surrounded and taken him prisoner. Not wishing to retard development he platted and placed on the market that within the old corporation limits, and this having nearly all been sold, his elegant orchard, the highest ground in North Tonawanda, and other portions of his farm are now eagerly sought after by the real estate men. GRATWIOK.—Among the pioneers in the wholesale lumber trade of this place was W. H. Gratwick, who, in 1870, purchased fifty acres from Hon. John Simson and B. F. Felton, adjoining the Niagara River, about two miles below the mouth of Tonawanda C'reek, and started a lumber yard. A half dozen years later P. W. Ledoux built the sash, door and blind factory, which a few years later was purchased by Parks & Son, who operated the same until its recent purchase by HoUister Brothers. Mr. Gratwick erected a large planing mill in 1879, and from

that time forward the place has steadily grown until it now has about 1,000 inhabitants. The lumber and mill interests ot Gratwick, Smith & Fryer, Touawanda Lumber Co. and Hollister Brothers will be mentioned on other pages. Augustus Miller.—After the lumber interests the next manufactory of importance in Gratwick is the wagon shop at the corner of Oliver and Felton streets. This was built in 1887 by August Miller, and besides doing all kinds of blacksmith and iron repair work, puts up a quantity of wagons, trucks, and other new work. Mr. Miller employs from five to ten men, and has added an important industry to Gratwick, in a line of diversified manufacturing for which there is much room for development. Churches, Schools, Etc.—A class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Gratwick in 1887, and the membership, a short time afterwards, commenced the erection of a church, which with lot, is worth about S3,000. This was dedicated in 1889 and has been in charge of Rev. J. S. Duxbury up to the present writing. St. Peter's German Evangelical church was organized April 5, 1888, by Rev. Kottler and the house of worship erected the same year. Rev. Conrad Bachman, who was educated at the mission school of Basle, Switzerland, came to this charge in October, 1888, and teaches the parochial school. Some sixty families are connected with this church. Gratwick has a public school with about 100 pupils, a brass band, two hose companies and other societies; numerous hotels, stores, coal offices and abundance of saloons. It was made a part of North Tonawanda corporation the present year, since which it has been placed in connection with the water mains, has electric lights and other corporation advantages. Riverside.—From Gratwick station to the corporation limits on the west is nearly a mile, and as the river presents a graceful curve and nice beach in this vicinity, it has been proposed to call the station which will probably be located one and a half miles below Gratwick, "Riverside." Last year the Riverside Land Co. was incorporated and purchased forty acres on the north side of the Erie railroad, mostly within the new corporate limits. The oflScers are H. E. Warner, Pres. ; J. A. Kuck, of Buflalo, V. P. ; Charles W. Archibald, of North Tonawanda, Sec, and L. Landauer, of Albion, Treas. Bluff Point.—E. A. Milliman, a farmer and contractor, of Wheatfield town, has been seven times appointed a deputy collector, which office he now holds. Mr. Milliman owns a handsome farm of 120 acres at Bluff Point, bounded on the west and south by the Niagara River. The river at this point has a clean gravel shore with high bluff, making a delightful place for a summer location. G. F. Goerss, also deputy collector, owns a fifty-acre farm near the mile line, which is handsomely located and will presently be within the radius of development. Last year he erected a dwelling in Gratwick, Mr. Goerss was born in Wheatfield, and is authority on real estate values. He has been supervisor, -J. P., Justice of Sessions, and 1887-8 a member of Assmbly.

MARTINSVILLE AND SAWYER'S CREEK.—Several German- Prussian families who had started for Wisconsin, stopped at Buffalo, in 1843, for a week of rest and while there were invited to look at lands in Wheatfield town. The place was rather uninviting, being heavily timbered, in many places covered with six to ten inches of water, and malaria everywhere present; but these hardy Teutons were induced to purchase, at S15 per acre, from Wm. Vandervoort and John DeGraflf, 400 acres of land along the banks of the canal, near the junction of Sawyer's Creek. The deeds were made to Carl Sack, Erdman Wurl and Fred Grosskopf and afterwards divided up between some thirty families, which has since increased to more than a hundred, with a present population in the village ol about 600. When the settlement commenced, a temporary church was built of six inch oak plank sawed by hand, which still remains and is used as a parsonage. An old log house was also used tor school purposes, Mr. J. Briest being the first teacher. The place was called Martinsville, in honor of the great Reformer, Martin Luther, and the frame church built in 1846 was named St. Martin's Church. A school house was erected about the same time. Rev. F. Plentz is pastor of St. Martin's and teacher of the school connected with the same. A division occurred in the congregation in 1861 and St. Paul's Church was erected. This is in charge of Rev. C. Grossberger, and has a school of more than 100 pupils instructed by Albert Dornfeld, who has been its teacher for seventeen years past. Mr. D. has also served as justice of the peace, postmaster, and is at present notary and one of the trustees of North Tonawanda, of which Martinsville is now a part. The late Erdman Wurl began boat building on Sawyer's Creek about 1844, and turned out a number of canal boats.

SAW AND PLANING MILLS.

A])out the middle of the present century J. P. Hewitt, of Lewiston, erected a saw mill at Martinsville, which was purchased in 1856 by Wm. and Albert Dornfeld and Christian Fritz, the firm style being C. Fritz it Co. In 1860 Mr. Fritz sold to his partners and erected a mill on the present site, which is now operated by his son, Wm. F. Fritz, and sons-in-law, Louis Dornfeld and Chris. Kohn, under firm style of C. Fritz Estate. Krull Bros. & Dornfield in 1876 erected the Centennial mill for the manufacture of doors, sash, etc., which burned in 1880. The planing mill of C. Fritz was built in 1879, and in connec-j tion with the saw mill which was rebuilt in 1888, is doing quite an exj tensive business in custom work. The saw mill has a capacity of 12,000 or 15,000 feet of lumber daily, its average output being but little more than half this amount. The firm secure their timber principally from J. S Bliss & Co., of Tonawanda, and make a specialty of filling bills for contractors. With their well fitted planing mill and skilled workmen, they are al)le to turn out the entire wood outfit for a build-j ing on short notice. About thirty-five workmen find employment witl the C. Fritz Estate mill, which is one of Martinsville's leading Indus'] tries.

FARM LAXDS, ETC.

Since the extension of the city limits of North Tonawanda to include the Martinsville district, a handsome engine house has been built at a cost of about 62,000, fire company of forty men formed and the engine formerly in the old corporation, placed here, where as yet they have not the water mains. Martinsville has awoke from her lethargy, modern cottages are going up on all sides, and farmers have commenced to realize that, although taxes have increased from being in the new corporation, the value of land has increased still more rapidly. Many of the farmers are holding their lands at more than double what they would gladly have sold for a year since. The danger lies in holding for too high prices and thereby driving away development. Among the leading farmers of this vicinity are Wm. Krull, Wm. Boening, Wm. Fritz, Gottleib Walck, Fred. Wurl, Fred, and Martin Kopp, Wm. Manth and others. Mr. Evans, of North Tonawanda, recently purchased a fine farm lying along Sawyer's Creek, and owns various tracts of real estate in the county and city. Geo. P. Smith has seventyfive acres about a half mile west of Saw^^er's station. Drs. Harris and Sinclair, of Tonawanda, own several desirable tracts in the vicinity of Martinsville, as well as smaller ones along the canal and the railroads between Martinsville and North Tonawanda stations which could be utilized as manufacturing sites. Armitage, Herschell & Co. also own a tract of 100 acres in the vicinity of Sawyer's station which is desirably located. Dr. J. E. Hehcig was born in Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., and came to this place April, 1891. He graduated from the University of Buffalo. Office at his residence. We cannot go farther into the details of Martinsville business, and will simply give the names of the leading business firms: Chas. Grosskopf, store; Ernst Jaenecke, store and saloon; Fred Schultz, store and coal; Chris. Martin, grocery and hotel; .John Jaenecke, hotel and coal; Ferdinand Ziehl, hardware and coal; Chas. Rogge, blacksmith and wagon shop; Chas A. Graf, P. M., harness shop; Wm. Dornfeld, notary, drugs and paints; Ernst Klemer, and Peter Nablo, contractors ; Albert Dornfeld, notary and teacher; C. Fritz Estate, saw and planing mill; John Brookman, real estate agent; John Fohl, news agent and dealer in patent medicines. PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENTS.—Although settlement was commenced in North Tonawanda sixty-seven years ago, lots in the village of " Niagara" having been advertised July 5, 1824, as noticed on page 17, yet there was no marked development until within the past decade. In another article we give the history of Col. Payne's addition, and here we will refer to the Sweeney interest. The Sweeney and Vandervoort families were the first resident owners of land in the old village limits of North Tonawanda. Jas. Sweeney purchased farm lots eighty-one and eighty-two June 14, 1824; subsequently conveying one-third interest to his brother, Col. John Sweeney,, and one-third to Geo. Goundry, an uncle of the latter's first wife. Wm. Vandervoort, a brother-in-law of

Jas. Sweeney, purchased farm lot eighty June 7, 1S26. These three lots comprise three-fourths of the old corporate limits. Notwithstanding the fact that the original hand bills held forth the inducement of rapid travel by the canal then approaching completion, " leafving the canal at this place for stage coach for Niagara Falls and Lewiston every day, and every other day from the Falls to Lockport," yet sales were slow and investors far between. Although this tract had never been withdrawn from the market the developments east of Oliver street and north of Thompson were very tardy and none worthy of note had been made up to 1880. Nothing can bring more convincing proof of the rapid development of North Tonawanda than to make comparisons with former years. As late as five years since the progress had just reached Payne's avenue, while now this whole section has been transformed into a city up to and extending beyond the old corporation limits on both the north and east lines. Stores, halls, hotels, offices, cottages and more pretentious residences have arisen on all sides, until there are but few vacant lots and these generally owned by some person intending to build in the near future. The lots and buildings, too, are generally owned or under contract by the tenant, so that the Lumber City is rapidly becoming a place of homes; of neatly built cottages surrounded with handsome grass plats, rather than tumble-down tenement structures where workmen only stay until they can get away. This section of the place enjoys all the city conveniences of the older portion. The principal part of farm lots 80, 81 and 82, before mentioned, remaining undeveloped, belongs to James Sweeney, son of the original purchaser. The location is a gravelly ridge, with good natural drainage and with the system of sewerage, water, and electric lights, put in the present year, makes a desirable residence section. To persons desiring to secure a home, Mr. Sweeney takes payments extending from ten to twenty years. In order to preserve the natural grove on the east line, some 40 acres has been fenced in. A portion of this will be reserved by Mr. Sweeney for a residence of his own, while the remainder will be sold when needed. This tract is known as the "pine woods," and in the enclosure, with handsome surroundings, is found the office of the estate in charge of James Sweeney, Jr., as manager, where he can be found from 3 to 6 p. m. each afternoon.

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

In observing the many advantages of this favored section of our state, it is a matter of wonder to the careful observer that there are not more general manufactures in the Lumber City. While compiling the facts which will convey to the outside world a knowledge of our principal resources, we shall notice in detail some of the firms and individuals who are laying solid foundations for manufacturing success. The persons who are really doing something towards the general welfare are entitled to more credit than those, who, through the handling of commodities or speculative investments, have brought success to their individual enterprises only. Iron in some form is in use

called the real foundation of nearly every industrial concern.

TONAWANDA IRON AND STEEL COMPANY.

NIAGARA FURNACE.

On the river bank, near where the above plant now stands, Joshua Pettit opened a rude tavern in 1810, little dreaming of the manufacturing developments which would later occupy the surroundings. The Niagara River Iron Co. was incorporated in 1872 with a paid in capital of $400,000, and 165 acres of land was purchased from the estate of M. Bush. The elegant engine and boiler house now in use was erected in 1873. It is of brick, 68x74 feet, of proportionate elevation, and finished in tasteful style. In this is found two gigantic engines, 4x7 ft. stroke, of I. P. Morris & Co.'s make, estimated at 1,500 horse power each, and which work with apparent ease and grace. The main boiler house is 45x70 feet, containing ten ponderous cylinder boilers, each three feet in diameter by sixty feet in length, heated by gas manufactured at the establishment. These are supplemented by six flue boilers of similar size. The former capacity of the furnace was fifty tons of pig iron per day. The original company run the furnace but a single year, after which it was idle for a long time ; but with the advent of the present company a new order of things prevailed. The Tonawanda Iron and Steel Company resolved to make Iron ton Furnace one of the best in the country. The old stack was torn down and a modern furnace was erected at a cost of $250,000. The bosh is 17 feet in diameter, and height of stack 76 feet, with steel jacket, accompanied by 3 Cowper-Kennedy stoves of modern make. Sixteen chartered vessels and others under contract, bring the Lake Superior ore direct to the Ironton docks, where it is unloaded by a Brown Hoisting Apparatus and conveyed to the furnace by machinery, as needed. Some 200 tons of coke is daily used, shipped direct by cars from Pennsylvania into the furnace yards. Limestone comes from this state. While the coke and stone cost a trifle more than furnaces in the coal regions have to pay, this is overbalanced by the handling of ore without breaking bulk, and the above firm are able to deliver a first-class make of pig iron in Erie and Niagara counties at lower figures than other concerns; while in more remote places they are fully able to compete in price and quality. A cast is made every 6 hours, the daily output ranging from 175 to 200 tons. The plant has over a half mile of dockage on the Niagara River, the buildings and yards covering some 25 acres of ground, while in the various operations 150 men find employment. No institution of the Lumber City better illustrates the possibilities of successful manufacturing than the Tonawanda Iron and Steel Co. The frame store houses burned on July 10, at a loss of S35,- 000, and are being replaced by substantial fire-proof structures. The hoisting apparatus, which was damaged by the wind storm of August 9th to the extent of $10,000, has been fully repaired and made better than before.

The officials of the company are: Wm. A. Rogers, president ; Archer Brown, vice-president; Geo. G. Hamilton, secretary; Wm. A. Gamble, treasurer; W. B. Kerr, superintendent, and W. M. Mills, assistant secretary, covering a large experience in iron manufacture.

TONAWANDA ENGINE & BOILER WORKS.

ARMITAGE-HERSCHELL COMPANY.

While the furnace transforms the iron from its crude state to the founders use, it is the engine and boiler maker that furnish machinery for motive power, and lays the foundation for manufacturing success. The history of all industrial establishments are largely inseparable from their proprietors. James Armitage, president of the above plant, is from England; Allan Herschell, vice president, is a Scotchman; as is his brother, Geo. C. Herschell, treasurer. These gentleman, all practical machinists, after locating in North Tonawanda, decided to make it a permanent home. Besides building homes and making large land investments, they have ever been ready to assist in the development of plans, designed for the upbuilding of the place, and are interested in many of the Lumber City enterprises. Nearly twenty years ago they opened a small iron and brass foundry in rear of where the State bank now stands. Their shop was burned in 1874, re-erected and again burned in 1875. As their business had then gained a considerable prominence, the firm secured the present convenient site on Oliver street, opposite the Erie depot, where larger and more complete buildings were erected. The rapid increase of trade necessitates additional room and a handsome brick and iron, machine and pattern shop will be erected next season. In 1872 but a dozen machinists were needed, all told, while over 100 mechanics now find employment here, and the business output for this year will exceed $200,000. The principal occupation of the firm is the building of stationary and portable engines, stationary and portable boilers, saw mill machinery, feed and ensilage cutters, shaftings, pulleys, and all kinds of iron and machine work, as well as making castings. Natural gas is used in drying cores for foundry work. A full corps of expert pattern makers, carvers, moulders and machinists are kept, all under the personal supervision of the proprietors, whose long experience and actual connection with the business, render them particularly fitted to turn out first-class work. In 1887 this company conceived and planned a more complete and perfect Steam Riding Gallery than had ever been on the market before. The frame is made of 16 sweeps radiating from an iron hub, upon which is built the superstructure; furnished with galloping horses, carriages, etc. It is made to revolve about a center pole, by a portable engine and boiler, connected with a steel cable, passing about the periphery of the machine. A handsome sweet toned organ, with operating image is furnished ; a tent 50 feet in diameter covers the whole, and altogether this is decidedly the best Steam Riding Gallery ever put upon the market. It has rapidly gained in popularity, the sales of 1890 showing 60 machines, while the present year will reach about 100.

There is much more that might be said of the above estabhshment, but we will close by saying that for nearly a score of years it has been one of the prominent iron working industries of this place, and its continued success is a good indication of the possibilities to be achieved in this line of manufacture. The Lumber City is highly favored by natural and acquired advantages for the largest manufacturing concerns. Tonawanda Spring Company, (see page 81.)

TONAWANDA ROLLER MILLS.

MCDONALD & EBERSOLE, PKOPRIETORS.

In 1883 C. C. Grove and L. D, Ebersole, of Williamsville, erected and equipped the handsome four-story brick roller mills on Mechanic street, opposite the Erie depot. The following season C. C. McDonald, purchased Mr. Grove's interest and after his death, in 1886, his sons. E. C, W. C. and G. C, continued to represent the interest. The mill is equipped with seventeen pairs of rolls and other modern machinery for the best pi-oduction of flour. The power is furnished by a hundred horse power boiler, of Armitage, Herschell & Co.'s manufacture, with engine of similar capacity, and with the condensing system, the vacuum produced by the exhaust is used to save power, requiring only eighty-five pounds pressure. Natural gas from the Standard Gas Co. is used as fuel. Duluth hard spring wheat and the winter wheat of Erie and Niagara counties is principally used, and the product largely shipped to eastern cities. The capacity is over 200 barrels per day, and average an output of about 50,000 barrels per annum. This mill, while demonstrating the feasibility of shipping wheat from the upper lake region, manufacturing and sending the flour to the east, also furnishes the principal mart of trade among the wheat producing farmers of Grand Island, and adjoining sections of Erie and Niagara counties. Cash is paid, or flour given in exchange for wheat, and a stone is kept running to grind the corn and chop feed to the order of the customers. By careful attention to improved methods, this firm has succeeded, in these times of close competition, in creating a de- 1 mand which has kept their mill running on full time, and by their success have added evidence that the Lumber City can be made a prosperous manufacturing center.

GRIST MILL, FLOUR AND FEED.

FRANKLIN" GETZ, PROPRIETOR.

Franklin Getz was born in Pennsylvania, but brought to this county in childhood. His father, Joseph Getz, having erected mills in Amiherst in 1844, where Franklin learned the trade which he has been identified with most of the time since. Some 35 years ago he located six miles east of this place, and the village that grew up there is known as Getzville. Fifteen years since he sold his milling interests in the country, and in 1883 purchased his present stand at the corner of Oliver and Mechanic streets. He has two runs of stone, grinding rye, corn and oats, and keeping flour, meal and feed for sale or exchange. Mr. Getz also handles stone and sand by the car load.

TONAWANDA GRAIN ELEVATOR.

L. G. FULLEK, PROPRIETOR.

The man who provides an ever ready cash market for the products of the rural population is worthy of the thanks of the community, and of such is Mr. L. G. Fuller, for 30 years a resident of this section, who, 1882 erected the Tonawanda Grain Elevator on Mechanic street and opened a market, not only for wheat, barley and oats, but for hay and all kinds of marketable produce. This makes a great convenience to the farmers of this section of country, who can at once turn their products into cash when needed. Mr. Fuller stores the same and ships in car loads to his customers. He also deals in hemlock lumber.

GRANITE, MARBLE AND STONE WORKS.

J. 0. BALL, PROPRIETOR, 33 WEBSTER STREET.

The nearness to Buffalo necessarily makes close competition in work of this line, but every city needs its local monument makei' and stone worker and this place has an enterprise in that line which compares favorably with much larger cities. John 0. Ball is a native of Ontario, and learned the marble cutter's trade in boyhood. He has conducted a business in that line for over a score of years, beginning in North Tonawanda in 1877, and keeping a full variety, has held the field. Anything in the line of marble and granite work is produced. A large share of the monuments in the local cemeteries being of his handiwork. Mr. Ball also has some elegant specialties for mantel and other marble work. His stone yards on Goundry street turn out all descriptions of curbstone and dressed building stone to the order of customers, thereby materially aiding in the architectural beauty of the place. A considerable force of stone cutters are constantly employed by Mr. Ball, whose quick appreciation of the wants of customers has brought him a large patronage.

SAND, LIME AND SEWER PIPE.

H. A. ROSE, PROPRIETOR.

H. A. Rose was born in Wheatfield and reared in this place. At the age of 16 years he volunteered in the 10th N. Y. cavalry and lost a leg in the service. For some years past he has been furnishing contractors and builders in the above line. Williamsville lime, Ohio white lime, sand, hair, plaster of paris, stone, sewer pipe in all sizes, water lime cement. King's Windsor cement, fire brick, etc., are furnished to the order of builders and contractors, a large assortment being kept on hand. An office is kept at the yards, corner of Marion and Goundry streets, and another at the south end of the N. Y. Central bridge on Young street. This trade is found to be a great convenience to builders and has steadily increased from year to year.

CARRIAGE AND WAGON WORKS.

STEVENS & MCINTYRE, PROPRIETORS.

Among diversified manufactories, there is no line that is more universally applicable than the above,and this institution becomes an important one in the fact that it illustrates the possibilities in that direction. The business was started in the centennial year, D. B. Stevens

becoming a member of the firm in 1S79. Nearly everything in the line of vehicles is made to order, the stock work being carriages and sleighs. The trade has increased from year to year, and last year a three story addition 40x50 feet was made in order to provide more room for storage, painting, varnishing, etc. The plant is located on Sweeney street at the foot of Main, where about a dozen mechanics find employment. D. C. Mclntyre is a practical blacksmith and carriage ironer, while Mr. Stevens was formerly engaged in the lumber business.

BOILER WORKS, BLACKSMITHING AND WAGONS.

This business was established eight years ago by John Mahar, a native of Buffalo, who continues to be the sole proprietor. The premises are fitted for the production of marine, stationary and portable boilers, heavy plate work, smoke stacks, etc. Pipe and fittings are kept in stock and general blacksmithing done. Chas. P. Carey is a native of Niagara county, 25 years blacksmithing and 3 years ago engaged in business for himself. A year since he erected a two-story building on the railroad triangle, at the corner of Vandervoort and Thompson streets, where he does blacksmithing and wagon work. B. H. Pearce is a native of Niagara county, for ten years past in the blacksmithing trade. A year ago he opened up a shop on Vandervoort street in company with Mr. Adams and this year bought out his partner. He does general blacksmithing, repairing and new wagon work.

TONAWANDA MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.

NIAGARA CIDER AND VINEGAR WORKS.

YINEGAK, CIDER AND COMPRESSED YEAST.

This business was started in 1873 by the firm of Sommer, Schaefer & Co. in a small way, but the trade soon began to grow and additions were made to the plant from time to time until 1887, when the entire block bounded by Clay, Chestnut and Second streets was built up and an immense factory, with a capacity of 30,000 barrels of vinegar per year, was established. In July, ] 887, an incorporated company with a capital of $100,000 was formed, and bought the plant of Sommer, Schaefer & Co. The plant was destroyed by fire in September same year and a new factory, mostly of brick and stone, three and four stories high was built, covering the entire block, with a frontage of nearly 400 feet on Chestnut street, 300 feet on Clay street and 200 feet on Second street. The plant is divided into four departments, viz: Three-story cider mill with four immense presses, large storage capacity and refining rooms, capacity of 30,000 casks of cider per annum: Cider vinegar department, capacity 20,000 casks per annum: Grain and malt vinegar department, with a full distilling mill and elevator outfit; capacity, 30,000 barrels per annum: Compressed yeast department, complete outfit; capacity, 500 pounds per day. The business of the Niagara Cider and Vinegar Works extends

throughout the United States aud part of Canada, with an export trade to France and England. The cider and vinegar made by this factory are known to the trade as the finest in the market, most of the best pickling houses and mustard mills securing their supply of vinegar from this factory. Their sweet and refined cider is also well known for its purity, flavor and keeping ([ualities. The manufacture of malt (compressed) yeast is a recent addition to the plant, and the trade has already grown to almost the full capacity of the factory. Altogether the Niagara Cider and Vinegar Works is the largest and most complete plant of its kind in the United States. It has a frontage on Niagara Eiver, the Erie Canal and railroad track, giving unsurpassed transportatian facilities. The present officers are: G. A. Schaefer, president; J. C. Graves, vice president; P. S. Humphrey, secretary; C. A. Sommer, treasurer and general manager. The above, with H. L. Schaefer, M. Doll, C. A. Stein, H. J. Kreinheder, G. F. Hofheins, C. A. Bloomer and J. E. Oelkers are directors.

NIAGARA RIVER BREWING CO.

Fifty years ago beer was seldom sold as a beverage, save among the German population. In immigrating to America they brought along more or less of the customs of the " fatherland," and among other immigrants came the beer brewer. The business has now a deep root in American soil, and we are told that thirty millions of barrels of beer are now annually made and consumed in this country. The brewery here was started in 1867, by Geo. Zent of Williamsville, who employed Prosper Peuquet, a Frenchman, who had then been at the business a dozen years in this country and who still remains at the head of the business in Tonawanda. The plant was purchased on Feb. 15, 1883, by the Niagara River Brewing Co., of which our prosperous townsman, C. Schwinger, is president, and Martin Riesterer, president of the German-American Bank, serves as treasurer. With the new order of things and ample finance at command the entire plant was remodeled. Recently two 20-ton ice machines have been put in at a cost of about $20,000. A 60-horse power boiler for each, fed from automatic duplex pumps, furnishes the steam, and the perfecting engines, with their immense ammonia tanks, for furnishing the evaporating process of refrigeration, work to perfection in all departments. A 125-barrel copper kettle costing nearly $1,000 is the receptacle for the brewing process. Here the malt liquor is boiled and after being sent through a system of cooling pipes by which it is soon reduced from 212 to 40 degrees it is stored in the cellar hogsheads, of which there are about 60, holding from 40 to 60 barrels each, where the temperature is kept near the freezing point during the process of maturing for use. The perfection of labor-saving machinery is such that although 12,000 bushels of malt are annually used here, together with 15,000 pounds of hops and four car loads of cerealine, producing about 6,000 barrels of beer, the services of fifteen men are required in its production and marketing. Nearly the entire product is sold to the home market. i

BRICK YARD OF M. RIESTERER & SON,

ox STATE DITCH NEAR DELAWARE STREET.

This plant which commenced producing brick in August, will turn out nearly a million before the season closes, and is another evidence of the enterprise and business sagacity of Mr. Martin Riesterer, who has been so prominently identified with business interests of the "Lumber City'^ for 40 years past. The plant is furnished with a hundred horse steel boiler, of Tonawanda make, excellent engine, heavy Martin press brick machine, pug mill and crusher, which easily turn out 60 bricks per minute. The yards are fitted with all the conveniences for handling and storing the brick until they are burned and ready for market. Thirty acres of land with 6 to 10 feet of clay, form an almost inexhaustible supply of raw material. The brick produced are of excellent make and good color. Another Martin machine will be added next season, and a represser as well. It is intended to make the output for '92 reach five millions. Thos. Sharp, who has the superintendence of the mechanical work is a brick maker of 28 years experience. Martin Riesterer, the senior partner, is the well known president of the German-American bank, while John M. , the son who was formerly in the wholesale meat trade of Tonawanda will have general charge of the yards. Some 25 hands are employed at present and it is thought that the force will be doubled next year. A row of cottages for convenience of the employes of the firm will probably be erected on the grounds adjacent to the yards next spring. Mr. M. Reisterer will use a large share of this years' output in the erection of business blocks on S. Canal street. This firm have ample capital, is fully equipped for continuing a successful business, and Tonawanda may well be proud of an industry of this character and magnitude, as it gives employment to labor and keeps the money in the city, which would otherwise go to distant points.

WYCKOFF WATER PIPE FACTORY.

AYRAULT BROTHERS & CO., PROPRIETORS.

An experience of over thirty years has demonstrated that for water pipe with an inside diameter from two to fourteen inches, wooden pipe is equal, and often superior, to cast iron. The business was commenced in Tonawanda thirty four years ago by I. S. Hobbie, the firm name successively changing to Hobbie, Ayrault & Co.; Ayrault, Charlton & Co. , and in 1866 to its present style. The plant covers four acres of ground with numerous mills, shops, ware houses, etc., fully equipped with motive power and with augers from one and one-fourth to fourteen inches in diameter. The larger sizes are hollow and the cores produced thereby are again bored for smaller sizes of pipe. White pine with sap removed is used, in sections about eight feet in length, with tenon and mortice forming a perfect joint when driven together. After being sufficiently dried the pipe is coated with imperishable cement and banded by hoop iron until they are safe for a pressure of 200 pounds. Good evidence sustains the claims for the Wyckoff pipe as superior to cast iron on the following points: Cheaper, more durable, less expense to lay.

connections more readily made, does not make water impure, and is not injured by mineral water. Less liable to freeze, (pipes have never been known to burst so but that eighty pounds of pressure could be carried). The freight is less, and in every important particular it is superior to iron pipe. This firm furnishes and lays complete systems of water works, and in addition to the forty or more men employed here, give employment to laborers in whatever city they put in works. They have just completed a S10,000 plant at Holland, N. Y., and an $8,000 plant at Union City, Pa. Mr. Miles Ayrault, the senior member of the firm, has been for thirty years engaged in this trade, while his son, John, has been raised in the work, and Warren Ayrault has been fifteen years connected with the business.

FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP.

A native of Scotland, Mr. Gillie, emigrated to this place thirty-seven years ago, learned the machinists trade in boyhood, and a dozen years since erected the shops adjoining the creek at the corner of Tonawada and Chestnut streets. The machine shop is 30x70 feet, equipped with lathes of all necessary dimensions, and other iron devices for making new work or doing any kind of repairs. The foundry is 40x60 feet, where all kinds of castings are turned out; and with direct connections to the Niagara Furnace of this city, iron of the requisite grade is secured better and cheaper than formerly, with a complete saving of time and freights. The engine and boiler room is fitted with the necessary power producing apparatus for the successful conduct of the work. A specialty is made in steering wheels and other boat castings, water works pipe, builders' columns, etc. Although as before said, any kind of casting is produced lo the order of customers, or machinery made to special pattern. Twenty to twenty-five skilled mechanics find employment here, and, as Tonawanda develops into a manufacturing city, Mr. Gillie's shops and other like concerns will doubtless be compelled to enlarge their sphere of action. The plant recently purchased by J. Bordman, and under the superintendence of W. A. Hartwig, is also fitted up as a foundry and machine shop.

BOAT BUILDERS.

A. B. Williams, prominent in this trade, is mentioned under head of "Lumber, Timber and Mills." /, M. Rose has a very convenient and well fitted boat-building establishment on Fillmore street, in which twenty-three canal boats were built last winter. The plant is also fitted with machinery, planes, saws, etc., requisite for sash and blind work. Henry Whitefield is conducting a successful dry dock and boat building enterprise just above the mouth of Ellicott Creek, where he keeps

J. M. Annis, Thos. Mulhall, and others also engage in the work during the winter season.

BLACKSMITH AND WAGON SHOPS.

CJias. G. Martin learned the smith trade in Germany over forty years ago, and has been in business in Tonawanda since 1864, doing general blacksmithing and wagon repair work. He has a building for each. Hubert Sclimiiz is from Germany, and ten years blacksmithing in Tonawanda. Last year he erected a 30x30, two and one-half story wagon shop and has every convenience for repairs. Geo. P. Gillie, Peter Dahl, J. S. Kearn, C. 0. Perine and others, do horse shoeing, blacksmithing and repair work. ®"Preserve this Pamphlet for future use.

LUMBER, TIMBER, AND MILLS.

On pages 26-8 we have given lumber statistics, which show the magnitude of shipments, and here we will proceed somewhat in detail regarding this leading interest of the Lumber City. While the wholesaling of lumber, shingles, etc., cannot be classed as manufacturing, and has not the permanent basis for the continued upbuilding of the place to be found in industrial pursuits proper, yet the planing mills connected with the majority of the larger establishments, and the employment given to hundreds of men, in unloading, sorting and reshipping lumber, has been a principal source of revenue to this place, while the cheapness and facility with which all kinds of lumber and timber can be secured here, is one great argument in favor of starting any kind of manufacturing requiring large amounts of wood. The economical conversion of timber into the material required by the builder cannot be overestimated, and the saw, planing, lath and shingle mills have gone through a rapid process of evolution, until the observer is now struck with amazement in seeing how quickly a log is pulled from the river and manufactured into the various commodities for building. Col. L. S. Payne opened the pioneer steam saw mill here in 1847, on the site now occupied by Jos. Jackson's mill. Upon the advent of the Cleveland Commercial Go's business here in '49, additional lumber was needed for building houses and docks, and about 1850 Merit Crandall started a mill, in which B. F. Betts became a partner in 1854. Simson, Woolson and Whaley also started mills some time in the fifties. Butts & Co., and others, engaged in the stave trade, while Brunson & Co. were heavy dealers in square timber, and brought a cargo of lumber from Canada in '57. John A. McDougal & Co. also handled timber and lumber before the war. In 1865 B. F. Betts secured a cargo of lumber, and from that time forward this commodity continued to be handled in greater quantities for sale and re-shipment, until in its magnitude the Lumber City to-day discounts all American places, excepting Chicago, as a lumber market. To handle successfully the millions of lumber shown in tables on page 27, requires not only large capital, but a long experience and general knowledge of the business. We shall now^ proceed to mention facts regarding the principal firms.

A. B. WILLIAMS.

SAW AND PLANING MILLS, SASH, DOORS, ETC.

One of the pioneer plants in the lumber trade of Tonawanda is that which is conducted by A. B. Williams, who has been in the business for more than a quarter of a century. In 1865, in company with A. G. Kent, Mr. Williams purchased the mill which Merrit Crandall had built some fifteen years before, and later the mills of Fred Smith and Robert Koch were added to the concern. Mr. Kent sold his interest to C. Brewster in 1877, which after Brewster's death, in 1880, was purchased by E. Morse, running under firm style of A. B. Williams (!c Co., until 1878, when Mr. Williams became the sole owner. The mills have been entirely rebuilt and furnished with modern machinery, one having been fitted entire for dressing lumber and timber in any quantities, and from one-half inch to twelve inches in thickness by twenty inches in width. Every facility is furnished here for the successful manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, newels, mouldings, brackets, or any wood work required in house or boat building. A prominent feature of the business is boat building, and Mr. Williams is especially prepared to contract for any kind of canal boats, tugs, lighters, barges or vessels. His works are located on EUicott Creek, with direct canal connections, and traversed by tracks from the N. Y. Central and Erie railways. Bridge building timber of pine or oak, in all sizes up to eighty feet in length, is produced, as well as the best of material for boat sides, the facilities for furnishing anything in this line being unsurpassed by any mill in the state. Mr. Williams makes a specialty of getting out bills to order, large or small, and there is practically nothing in the timber line, from a hundred feet spar to a shingle but what he can furnish. His timber comes in immense rafts from Michigan and Canada, covering white and Norway pine, hemlock, oak, etc., and in his booms may be found from one to four million feet from which to select. Of lumber, this plant also handles from three to four million feet annually. With an Invincible Dryer, and all modern machinery, contractors can have any reasonable requirement filled at once. An electric light dynamo is in operation and a natural gas well on the premises. The office of the plant is found at the east end of the Fremont street bridge at crossing of Young street. Mr. Williams may justly be proud of the success which his business has attained, as it gives employment to seventy-five or more men, and is an important factor in Tonawanda's industrial development.

EASTERN LUMBER CO.

WHOLESALE LUMBER DEALERS.

This company was incorporated in May, 1886, with a capital stock of $300,000, and engaged in business as wholesale lumber dealers. Twenty-eighth acres adjoining Ellicott creek was purchased by the corporation, and this entire lot is now well covered with nearly thirtyfive millions of feet of lumber which is kept in stock at this season of the year. The machinery consists of two Independent Dryer Co.'s kilns of 20,000 feet daily capacity, planing mill fully equipped with boilers,

Electrolyses 350 horse power engine, with 12 machines, and all the requisite saws and other devices for successfully meeting the wishes of the trade. Both pine and hardwood lumber are handled, and about 150 men here find employment in loading and unloading from barges, and other handling of the lumber. The officers are: Jacob Beidler, president ; B. F. Ferguson, vice president; Francis Beidler, secretary; M. M. Darr, treasurer and Tonawanda manager. The business transacted by the Eastern Lumber Company has been a material factor in the prosperity of Tonawanda.

FASSETT & BELLINGER—LUMBER FORWARDERS.

OFFICE, HAMP BLOCK, COR. MAIN AND YOUNG STREETS.

The above house is doubtless the most extensive forwarding concern east of Michigan, their handlings for 1890 reaching the enormous figures of 98,500,000 feet of lumber. The trade was commenced by Goodrich & Bellinger in 1878, Jas. A. Fassett, a native of Albany, who had been in the lumber trade of Tonawanna since 1873, taking Mr. Goodrich's place in 1882. A. A. Bellinger was reared in Tonawanda and served as president of the village for several terms. The firm occupy some 3,000 feet of dockage and over 200 men are required in receiving cargoes of lumber, lath, shingles, etc., at this port, which are at once transferred to canal boats or cars for shipment to eastern points. Messrs. Fassett & Bellinger are experienced lumberman, backed by ample capital, and have gained a marked prominence as receivers and forwarders at this port, thereby assisting in Tonawanda's record as a lumber City.

P. W. SCRIBNER—WHOLESALE LUMBER.

YARDS ON RIVER ABOVE TONAWANDA CREEK.

For 25 years P. W. Scribner has been in the lumber trade, locating in Tonawanda in 1874, with increasing success which has brought him to the front rank as a lumber dealer, his annual transactions now being above 75 million feet and requiring the services of nearly 200 men. His extensive yards between the Erie Canal and Niagara River are traversed by the N. Y. C. tracks and have abundance of water front. The steady increase of this trade since its advent 17 years ago is a matter of pride to our city and reflects credit upon Mr. Scribner as a lumberman. A year or two since the wholesaling of coal was established in connection with his trade, which gives lumber vessels a chance to load here for a return trip, as well as at Buffalo. A steam derrick is in operation and Mr. Scribner has arrangements with prominent mine and transportation companies which enables him to successfully compete with the Buffalo coal trade.

GEO. E. HILL'S PLANING MILL.

FOOT OF TONAWANDA STREET.

Geo. E. Hill, a native of Maine, for twenty-five years past a mill man, successor to Homer & Daniels, occupies the pioneer planing site of Tonawanda, Mr. Wm. Everson having commenced the planing of lumber and furnishing of pickets from this location some time in the fifties.

The present mill is fitted up with modern machinery and gives employment to from twenty to thirty men, turning out a daily average of 50,000 feet of dressed and matched lumber. The plant has 900 feet of dockage on Tonawanda Creek and the Niagara, with railroad connection giving ample transportation facilities. Custom planing, receiving and forwarding is done; and, as Mr. Hill has ample storage room, he will rent for lumber yards or possibly engage in the trade next year in connection with the planing business. The damages caused by the fire of September 10th have been fully repaired and made better than before. The dock here is the one used for river passenger traffic from this port.

SCANLON, BUSH & CO., EAFTEKS.

A business of no mean importance in Tonawanda is the handling of the immense rafts of timber, composed of many sections, which are towed across the lake and to this port, chained together. M. Scanlon, a native of Ireland, has been for a quarter of a century the leader in the trade here of receiving, sorting and re-rafting these logs, for storage or sale to dealers. The firm employs from fifteen to twenty-five men in the business. The chains are removed and the rafts made into convenient size for passing through the canal locks so they can be transported to Albany or New York if so desired. The chains taken out are stored until a hundred tons or more are on hand, when they are returned to the lumber districts of Michigan or Canada for service as before. Mr. Scanlon has an interest in several tugs and has real estate in various sections of Tonawanda. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees for sixteen years past, and is an active worker in municipal affairs.

SHINGLE MILLS.

The planing mill formerly owned by Romer & Vilhauer, on Young street, was refitted in 1885 by R. E. Fowler, of Ontario, and M. E. Hewitt, a Tonawanda lumberman, as a shingle mill. The firm use the timber of J. S. Bliss & Co., making shingles under contract, and having a capacity of about 150,000 per day. Jas. Woods also owns and operates a shingle mill of still larger capacity", located near the above, the output being controlled by J. S. Bliss & Co.

NORTH TONAWANDA-TIMBER. LUMBER AND MILLS.

J. S. BLISS & CO.

TIMBER AND SHINGLES.

The oldest mill now standing in this place is the one in use by J. S. Bliss & Co., as a shingle mill, on the north side of Tonawanda creek, just below the lower bridge. This was erected in 1853 by John and James Sweeney as a grist mill, and during the war, when whiskey revenue was high, was converted into a distillery. After serving its time in that connection it was remodeled into a shingle mill by the late John Batt. The rafting of logs from Canada and other lake points was commenced in the early sixties by Hon. H. P. Smith, and has now become an important industry here. The mammoth rafts, several hundreds of

feet in length, chained together, are brought by tugs here and taken from the river direct to the mills as needed. Mr. Bliss has been in the business for 18 years past. The firm of J. S. Bliss & Co., was formed in 1876, by the association of Frank and Michael Batt with J. S. Bliss, of Buffalo. Owning a large shingle mill, with two more under contract, this firm has a capacity for turning out over 600,000 shingles in a single day. They raft about 12 million feet of round pine timber by lake annually, owning the steamer Samson, which is engaged in this trade. About 200 men find employment with this firm. Spars and timber are furnished to other millmen in any size or quantity required. The Batt brothers, Frank and Michael, are natives of Erie Co., and have been in the shingle trade for 20 years. J. S. Bliss is a resident of Bufalo, president of the Union bank of that city, and has been connected with the timber business for 18 years past.

A. M. DODGE & CO.,

ROUGH AND DRESSED LUMBER AT WHOLESALE.

The firm of A. M. Dodge & Co. was organized in New York city some 15 years ago, but did not commence business here until 1883, three years later erecting their extensive mill. The members of the firm have saw and planing mills at Georgian Bay, also in Michigan and Wisconsin. The large planing mill at the foot of Goundry street was erected in 1885, and has 16 machines with total capacity for dressing 200,000 feet per day. The shingle mill has a daily capacity of 40,000. The storage capacity here is from 50 to 60 million feet, about two-thirds of that amount being an average stock on hand. From 225 to 250 men find employment in the mills and yards of this firm in the Lumber City, the pay roll averaging $2,500 per week, which largelv goes to the coffers of Lumber City merchants. The firm is composed of H. A. Crane, of Buffalo, and A. M. Dodge, of New York. Fine offices are occupied by this firm over the Lumber Exchange bank, where a full force of experienced clerks take charge of the clerical work.

TONAWANDA LUMBER AND SAW MILL COMPANY.

INCORPORATED JUNE, 1891, CAPITAL STOCK, So00,000.

George P. Smith, for many years engaged in the mill and lumber business of Michigan, in 1885 located in North Tonawanda and with others incorporated the N. Y. Lumber and Wood Working Co., the predecessor of the Tonawanda Lumber Co. June 10, the Tonawanda Lumber and Saw Mill Co. was organized and purchased the lumber y^rds of the Tonawanda Lumber Company and the saw mills of the Jackson Lumber Co. in North Tonawanda. The mills recently purchased by this company were built in 1890, of iron and brick at a cost of about $125 000, equipped throughout with modern machinery and have a capacity for producing 50,000 feet of lumber, 16,000 lath and 30,000 shingles daily. Five boilers, with the requisite engines, furnish about 300 horse motive power. The plant is on the bank of Niagara River, with its own private boom, from which the logs are pulled by machinery, and handled throughout by steam

power, which reduces them to the builders" use in «hort order. In the yard and mill about eighty hands find employment. The slabs and short pieces are made into lath or' shingles while the shavings and refuse are used for fuel, so that nothing goes to waste. The annual output of the Tonawanda Lumber and Saw Mill Co. is about twenty million feet, and the average stock on hand one-third this amount, although the company has storage capacity for the shipments of a whole 3'ear. The yards extend on Thompson street from Vandervoort to Payne's Avenue and are traversed by one and one-half miles of railroad tracks. An average of 150 men are on the pay rolls of the company and the amount distributed to laborers for weekly wages assists in swelling the grand total of North Tonawanda transactions. Geo. P. Smith is president of the company; A. H. Ivins, of Lockport, vice president; W. F. Weiss, recently of New York, is secretary and treasurer.

GRATWICK, SMITH & FRYER LUMBER CO.

WHOLESALE LUMBER AND SHINGLES.

Among the pioneer lumber dealers of this place was Wm. H. Gratwick, who removed from Albany to this place in 1870, and established the yards in the district which now carries his name, although at this time a part of the corporation of North Tonawanda. The above company was incorporated in 1880, and in the magnitude of its operations, it ranks among the first, having last year handled 72,000,000 feet of lumber, all manufactured by the mills of this firm in Michigan, and transported to Tonawanda on barges belonging to the company. The firm has 2,000 feet of dockage at Gratwick, the planing mill there making an average handling of 1,000 feet daily. Edward Smith, of Detroit, a partner in the firm, looks after the Michigan interest, while Robt. L. Fryer, of Buffalo, assists in the business here. C. J. Fillmore, who has been with the firm since its organization, has charge of the office business in the absence of the proprietors. From 200 to 300 men are employed in the various operations of the firm at this point, and the magnitude of its operations has assisted largely in making this place famous as a lumber centre.

HOLLISTER BROTHERS' COMPANY, LTD.

"WHOLESALE LUMBER, ETC.

Messrs. Geo. C. and G. A. Hollister, of the above firm, have been in the lumber trade at Rochester since 1872, succeeding to the business formerly conducted by their father and grandfather. The business at this place was organized under the limited partnership law, January, 1889, with capital of S450,000, which on September 1, '90, was increased to $600,000. The yards cover twenty-five acres with dockage front of 3,000 feet. Western pine lumber, lath and shingles are handled extensively, dressed lumber and mouldings being furnished in any quantity from their extensive mills. The average annual receipts rnd shipments are over 50,000,000 feet, representing a value of a million dollars. The stock on hand is 25,000,000 to 30,000,000 feet. An average of 150 men are employed, and with extensive docks and railroad trade giving every

facility for prompt shipment, this company is prepared to fill the largest order on short notice. Geo. C. Hollister is President, E. Hallenbeck, Vice President; G, A. Hollister, Treasurer, and AV. H. Gilbert, Secretary. The Hollister brothers reside in Rochester, but have extensive interests in this place aside from the above. Messrs. Hallenbeck and Gilbert reside at Saginaw, Mich., where they have abundant facilities for securing lumber, etc., at the lowest ruling prices.

L. A. KELSEY I.QMBER CO.

MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN HARDWOOD LUMBER,

The above company established the first hardwood lumber trade of this place in 1886, handling about three million feet the first year, and steadily increasing each year until the the output of 1890 showed 18,000, 000 feet. From five to eight million feet is regularly kept in stock, of the various kinds and grades, about fifty men being employed in its handling, and an average of one hundred cars or more shipped per mouth. This company have a shed of 3,000,000 feet capacity, for storage of dressed lumber, such as flooring, ceiling, wainscoting, extra stock, etc. They also have a yard in Union City, Ind., where stock is collected and shipped direct to customers, thereby being able to save freights and re-handling, and meet the wants of their numerous customers for anything in their line. Office is on Mam street, opposite the N. Y. Central depot. The officers are L. A. Kelsey, Pres. ; Orren Weston, V. P. ; G. C. Hollister, Treasurer, all experienced lumbermen. The transactions of this company have added an important branch to the lumber industry here, and the business sagacity displayed has brought a well merited success, which has continued this firm as the leading one in hardwood lumber dealings. Mr. Weston owns and operates a large and well equipped planing mill in connection with the above interests.

J. & T. CHARLTON'S MILL.

OFFICES ON THOMPSON AND TREMONT STREETS.

With the march of civilization and the unique developments in architecture, mills specially fitted for interior finish work have become a necessity, and perhaps no superior to the above can be found in the State. Fitted with 57 machines, of which many single machines operate a number of different style, size and device tools, the plant is able to furnish the most elaborate and difficult designs for interior finish. The mouldings, veneers, and other hard wood finish turned out by this firm are of the highest grades and are now largely used by heavy contractors in the city of New York. The mill was built by Charles Williams, and five ye'ars since fitted with a 150 horse power Mahar steel boiler. Fifty to , sixty hands are employed in this manufactory, and the success of the firm has met the most sanguine expectations of its proprietors. John and Thomas Charlton have been in the timber business in this place for over 23 years, the senior member coming here in 1862. They own the timber rights of 300,000 acres of pine lands in Canada, large tracts of hardwood lands in Michigan and three tug boats which are employed in towing on the lakes.

TONAWANDA ISLAND LUMBER DISTRICT.

SMITH, FASSETT & CO., OWNERS OF ISLAND

In 1833, the East Boston Company, for the white oak timber, purchased 3,000 acres of Grand Island, opposite to Tonawanda, at $16,000. An extensive mill, equipped with gang saws, was erected, and Stephen White, the manager of the company, purchased Tonawanda Island as his home, and erected the mansion which still stands. The company shipped east, via canal boats, and did a thriving trade until the financial crash in 1836-7 paralyzed the industry. Later Wm. Wilkeson, of Buffalo, became owner of the Island, and from him Smith, Fassett & Co., who had been in the lumber trade since 1872, purchased it in 1883. It was soon afterwards cleared of its forest timber, and has now become one of the busiest lumber centres in the world. The island comprises 85 acres at the mouth of Tonawanda creek, and assists in forming our excellent harbor. It has 8,600 feet of docks, which will be extended somewhat, making about 2 miles of water front. A substantial draw bridge, erected by the N. Y. Central R. R., connects with the main land, and tracks extend to all the lumber yards on the Island. The water works and electric light plants are also on the island. Messrs. Smith & Fassett do strictly a wholesale lumber and shingle trade, handling annually over 30,000,000 feet of lumber and more than 40,000,000 shingles, which are principally shipped from the West and sold to eastern points. From 65 to 75 men are employed and the magnitude of the trade is an important factor in Tonawanda's record as a lumber center, while the enterprise of its proprietors in making a business mart of the Island has assisted largely the development of the city.

W. H. SAWYER LUMBER CO.

WHOLESALE LUMBER AND SHINGLES.

In January, '87, the above company, was organized with W. H. Sawyer, of Wooster, Mass., as president; Chas. E. Redfern, of Winchester, Mass, secretary; while A. C. Tuxbury, of Maine, who has for ten years past been connected with the lumber trade of North Tonawanda, is treasurer and Tonawanda manager. The firm secured grounds on Tonawanda Island and have made a city of towering lumber piles. Offices of modern structure, conveniently and superbly furnished, grace the front of the plant, while the planing mill in the rear, furnished with a dozen machines, has a capacity for dressing and matching nearly 200,000 feet of lumber daily. The annual handlings are thirty five to forty million feet of Michigan pine, which is largely shipped to the New England states. This company also furnishes any design of dimension shingles, lath, etc., employing in their various operations from 160 to 180 hands. Through the magnitude of its operations the above firm has gained a marked success, and have received justly merited praise for the enterprise which founded and the ability which directs its operations.

SKILLINGS, WHITNEY & BARNES.

WHOLESALE LUMBER DEALERS.

The establishment of this firm in Boston dates back to 1856, by C. & D. Whitney Jr. & Co. Later Mr. Skillings became a partner, and

subsequently Mr. Barnes, when it became the Skilliugs, Whitney & Barnes Lumber Co. In June, 1890, the extensive plant of Hall & Buell, on Touawanda Island, was purchased and capital stock raised to 11,000,- 000, Mr. Hall becoming a large stock holder and director. The company have mills at Burlington, Vt., and Ogdensburg, N. Y., own a number of large vessels, have 1,300 feet of dockage on Tonawanda Island, with the most approved appliances for handling stock, of which 40,000,- 000 feet is an average annual output. The yards are conveniently connected with the extensive custom planing mills of Robertson & Doebler, mentioned elsewhere. David Whitney, president of the company, resides in Detroit, Mich, ; Henry L. Tibbetts, treasurer, has charge of the Boston headquarters; W. L. Proctor, general manager, resides at Ogdensburg, and Geo. S. Dailey is manager at Tonawanda. There are other local offices in charge of efficient men. Backed by a large capital, and with experienced men looking after every department, the above company is fully prepared to do its share of trade.

ROBERTSON & DOEBLER.

CUSTOM PLANING MILL.

To accommodate general custom and several lumber firms which have no planing attachments, the above firm was formed in 1888 and leased the Howes and Evans' mill. W. W. Robertson had been a lifelong mill man; Chas. G. Doebler was no novice in the business, and the sterling business qualities of the firm brought prompt success. In 1889 a large and modern equipped planing mill was erected on the island, which has since been added to, until there are few mills in the country that do more or better general planing than the above. From forty to fifty men are given employment here, and 100,000 feet or more of planed lumber turned out daily. With convenient railroad tracks, modern machines and prompt appreciation of the business wants of its customers, this firm is reaping the rewards of justly merited success.

W. E. MARSH & COMPANY.

DRESSED MAPLE FLOORING, ETC.

The above firm commenced the lumber business in North Tona* wanda some three years ago, and has met with an encouraging trade. They have a convenient dockage on the Niagara River, with railroad tracks to their yards and every facility for receipts and shipments. L"unloading of barges, etc., is done by contract work, some thirty men or more being employed. A leading specialty of the business is the production of kiln-dried maple flooring. W. E. Marsh, of New York, with C. R. Palmer, of Burlington, Vt., compose the firm, the main office being at 82 Wall street, New York. Fred A. Myrick, for ten years in the lumber trade of this place, is the efficient manager. Pioneer Planing Mill.—This plant, formerly owned by Vincent & Hittel, was purchased a year ago by F. A. Myrick. It is well fitted and equipped, having dry kilns and a capacity for dressing about 75,000 feet of lumber each day, the average run being about 50,000 feet, and requiring the assistance of twenty-five to thirty men.

KESSLER-RISSEL LUMBER CO.

W. H. Kessler & Son opened in the lumber trade in this place in 1887, and the firm style was changed in April, 1890, to the above title. Mr. Kessler, the president of the company, is a resident of Philadelphia, where he looks after the interests of the house, while J. W. Rissel, treasurer, is in charge of the North Tonawanda office on Main street, corner of Robinson. White pine lumber, timber, lath and shingles are the products shipped from this point and are furnished in any quantity desired. Flooring and finishing lumber are forwarded direct -from the mills of the south, while poplar, hardwoodS;, cypress shingles, etc., are also shipped, under contract, direct from the manufacturers of the west and south, to customers of the Kessler-Rissel Lumber Co. By close attention to the wants of customers this company has built up a large trade, much of their business not coming under the record of Tonawanda shipments.

PLUMSTEEL, GILLESPIE & HIMES,

This firm is composed of practical lumbermen, and although started less than two years ago, have already secured a fair share of trade. They handle not only the usual pine and hemlock, but the different hardwoods, lath, shingles, pickets, etc. Their lumber comes from Canada, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and is principally shipped to eastern points, two salesmen being kept on the road to look after the outside interests. The recognized practicability, industry and integrity of all the members of this firm give assurance of a steady growth in business, as every care will be taken to keep abreast of the times and give personal supervision to the wants of customers.

C. H. CLAPHAM.

The planing mill at the crossing of the Erie railroad and Lockport branch of the N. York Central, near Oliver street was formerly occupied by Robertson & Doebler. After their removal to the Island this was refitted with modern machinery by Williams, Pick and Co., the equipment having been purchased by C. H. Clapham in January of the present year. A new engine was added at a cost of 11,600. The mill has four planers, re-saws, moulding machines, etc., to meet all requirements of the architectural advancements of the present age, principally doing custom work for Tonawanda Lumber Co. and others. About twentyfive men are embloyed and a successful and worthy business is conducted by Mr. Clapham. With a railroad on either side of the mill, the conveniences for shipments are advantageous.

CALKINS & COMPANY.

This firm has a complete planing mill, with a system of blowers carrying the shavings to a baling house. They have put in machinery for baling, and from the shavings of this and other firms, pack 700 bales a day, which are sold principally as horse bedding. The firm have also recently established an important industry in the burning of some 300 barrels of lime per day. The stone is brought from Kelly's Island and burned here by shavings, making a superior grade of lime.

WILLIAMS & PICK'S MILL.

Chas. Williams and Geo. W. Pick are natives of this state, Mr. Williams having been for a dozen years past engaged in the planing mill business of this place. He built the Charlton mill, fitted the one now run by C. H. Clapham, and has otherwise assisted in the development of mill machinery here. The present stand on Tremont street, at the Erie railway crossing, was built ior a laundry, and came into the hands of the above firm a year since. It is now fitted with planers, saws and other machinery for producing inside finishings. A specialty is made of water closet seats and tanks, bath tub caps, etc. The firm have just completed a double two-story brick business block, 45x100 feet at the corner of Oliver and Schenck streets, which adds to the architectural development in that vicinity, and they are prepared to do all kinds of contract building work.

GOMBERT & THOMPSON.

This business started in '83 by Gombert, Vielhauer & Co., changed to the present style in '85. They furnish all styles of mouldings, sash, doors, etc., doing a business of over $100,000, and giving employment to 60 men. The firm is composed of Wm. Gombert, of Germany, formerly a carpenter, and J. S. Thompson, of the Lumber Exchange bank.

VINEGAR WORKS, ETC.

Milo Sloat, at No. 86, Sweeney street, who has been a resident of this place for 35 years past, builds vinegar works throughout, making vats, yeast, etc. He also makes cisterns or any kind of tanks, having all the requisite machinery for effective work. There are a number of other lumber and timber firms deserving of notice, but the space allotted for this department having been already exceeded, our time limited for the completion of this work, and the details of other firms covering the same line of trade, having been made sufficiently clear to show the advantages in this direction, we can only add their names here: A. Weston & Son, Cowper & Gregory, J. S. H, Clark & Co., Silverthorne & Co., Geo. W. Stanley, White, Rider & Frost, L. J. Bovee & Co. Robinson Bros., Joseph Jackson and W. A. Frazier.

TONAWANDA SPRING CO.

One of the most important manufactories of this place has recently been located on Miller street, adjoining the railroad tracks. This company manufactures all kinds of veeicle springs under the Hunt Improved patent, illustration of which is given herewith. This article has been upon the market for four years and has given universal satisfaction. Descriptive catalogues and circulars sent upon application.

HOUSEHOLD REPAIR SHOP.

Some industrial concerns of small proportions are worthy of note from their convenience. Of such is the one on Young street, conducted hy Comrade F. Lacey, who served in Illinois regiments over four years in the late war. Mr. Lacey is ingenious in the repair of any kind of household furniture or fixtures, and is especially prepared to look after the umbrellas. Leave your quarters where they will do good instead of giving them to the tramp menders who spend them for drink.

TONAWANDA HEIGHTS LAND COMPANY.

A. H. CROWN, MANAGER.

The development of Tonawanda has been one of steady increase for a score of years past, without any strained effort or speculations in real estate. As the village increased by natural growth, new territory has been platted and placed on the market for actual settlers or business. From year to year new homes and streets have been opened on the south and west sections, until now the territory is principally occupied, out to the race course along Main street, and above the brewery on South Canal and intervening streets. Recently the two-mile-creek farm of 220 acres, bounded on the west by Two Mile Creek, fronting 1,200 feet on the Niagara River and extending back a mile has been platted by the Tonawanda Heights Land Co., streets laid out, and it is now open for development. The river front is a bluff some fifty feet in height and has on the creek side a handsome grove of ten acres. Extending back from the river a half mile or more, the ground continues on a gentle incline, so that the summit is some seventy feet above the river, and among the highest spots to be found within a radius of five miles, thus giving pure air and healthy surroundings. The incline towards the business portion of the city is almost perfect^ making a natural grade. On this crowning summit, overlooking the Lumber City, and directly opposite from Sour Spring Grove, Grand Island, somewhat removed from the smoke, noise and dirt of the manufacturing section, with beautiful surrounding scenery and traversed by the electric railway, will doubtless in the near future be erected some of the finest residences of this place. In fact it will make a desirable place for suburban homes for wealthy business men of Buffalo, who can reach their business from here, by electric or steam cars, in 30 minutes. It is less than four miles from the present corporate limits of Buffalo, and a few years hence will doubtless be a part of the Queen City of the Lakes. The Niagara River front of this tract presents elegant advantages for a tourists' hotel, or scientifically conducted sanitarium. Either or both containing 100 rooms could be kept filled for eight months in the year if properly advertised and judiciously managed. With the adjacent grove and river, boating, fishing, or swinging in the hammocks, while enjoying the Niagara River breeze, would furnish every element for pleasure and health. Although this is the upper end of Tonawanda, the lower end of North Tonawanda, at Gratwick, four miles distant by road, is but little more than two miles by river, and from this height all the intervening mills, furnace, iron working establishments

and lumber interests with their surrounding boats and cars, loading and unloading, are plainly seen around the crescent. It is a picturesque scene of hustle and business, which can be best enjoyed at this distance. A. H. Crown, manager of the Tonawanda Heights Land Company, is president of the village, and has long been identified with its upbuilding. He will gladly furnish any desired information regarding business or residence interests. Acre lots or blocks of the above tract can be purchased at holding prices, or a residence lot secured on easy terms.

THE HENSLER PLACE.

One of the handsomest tracts within the corporation of Tonawanda is that known as the Hensler place, fronting 40 rods on the Niagara river between the Brewery plant and Tonawanda Heights Land Co. and extending back for a mile. It lays high, has the city improvements of streets, sewers, etc., is crossed by the new electric street railway, and what we have said regarding the Tonawanda Heights Land Co. is applicable to this, as the tracts are adjoining. A number of lots have been sold here within the past year, upon which will be erected dwellings ranging in price from $6,000 to $10,000. These are on Mountain avenue, upon which the highest point is 70 feet above the Niagara river. The street is 100 feet in width, running from the river bluff', a mile back, and is destined to become a magnificent residence avenue. The electric railway is on Hamilton avenue, which is one block distance and parallel with this. Choice lots on this tract are now for sale on easy terms. E. H. Rogers, Jr., the manager, was born in Tonawanda, and for eight years past has been contracting for heavy timber work, docks, bridges across Ellicott Creek and the Canal here, are Mr. Rogers work. His office is over the new postoffice on North Canal street.

SOUR SPRING GROVE.

This resort is owned by the East Side Land and Hotel Company, of Buffalo, and is a pleasant and shady nook on Grand Island two miles distant from Homer & Daniels dock, from which place the steam yacht. Lorelei, makes round trips nearly every hour in the day. It is a favorite spot for picnics, excursion and dance parties. The surrounding grounds are shaded, handsomely platted, and several cottages for summer residences have been erected, while there is still room for more. NORTH TONAWANDA LAND INTERESTS—Continued.

OLIVER STREET LAND COMPANY.

In any live city there will always be found real estate agencies, and perhaps no other class of men do more to advertise a place and bring its merits before the public than the dealer in real estate. Nicholas Beckrich is a life-long resident of this county and a pioneer in the ice trade. He was among the first to engage in the real estate business at this place. For five years past he has carefully studied the situation, and with others each year has added to the confirmation of confidence in the ultimate successful development of the city. The Oliver Street Land Company is composed of E. G. Riesterer, Jno. E. Oelkers and N. Beckrich.

The company owns over 100 acres, located on Oliver street, Pa3a"ie's Avenue, the Nash Road, at Gratwick, and other places in the corporation, and are disposed to do business on the basis of real values. Farmers or other parties having genuine bargains to offer will find the above company as read}' to purchase as to sell. Each of the above gentlemen have been ready investors and have separate and combined land interests aside from the Oliver Street Land Co. All are officers in the German- American Bank and otherwise largely interested in the development of this place. Mr. Beckrich gives a large share of his time to real estate transactions and is fully prepared to make judicious investments for those who desire the assistance of a thoroughly posted agent. He occupies convenient offices in the Fowler block, corner of Webster and Tremont streets. Recently Mr. Beckrich has become the manager of an important manufacturing concern, the Tonawanda Spring Co., mentioned on page 81.

A. J. HATHAWAY, 122 MAIN STREET.

A. J. Hathaway, a native of this state, who for many years was interested in the lumber trade with McGraw & Co., has for two years past been largely engaged in the real estate interests of this city, and is prepared to give information regarding manufacturing sites or profitable investments, he having large holdings. Mr. Hathaway is secretary and treasurer of the Ironton Land Co. and secretary of the North Tonawanda Land Co. He negotiates loans, and is a liberal-spirited citizen, ever ready to second any proper effort for the up-building of this city.

STORY & PICKARD, REAL ESTATE AGENTS.

A. W. Story, an old time jeweler, began real estate transactions some three years ago, and the above partnership was formed Feb. 1, 1891, Mr. Pickard also having been dealing in real estate for a year or two past. Messrs. Story & Pickard have convenient offices over the Golden Eagle Clothing house on Webster street, and are prepared to rent, sell, bu}'', or transact any kind of real estate business. They are fully posted on prices and own desirable property in various sections of the city, as well as handling on commission, at reasonable rates, any business in this line which may be entrusted to their care.

FULLER & GETZ—REAL ESTATE

The firm of Fuller & Getz, for transactions in real estate, was formed last spring. As both partners are old residents, thoroughly acquainted with real estate values, and with a wide acquaintance they have secured a good trade from the start. Real estate is bought and sold in all parts of the corporation, rents, taxes, etc., are adjusted for non-residents, and any matter pertaining to the business will have the prompt attention of the firm when placed in their hands. L. G. Fuller is the grain elevator proprietor, and Franklin Getz, the mill merchant, where each are engaged in business on Oliver street, corner of Mechanic. HOTELS, ETC.—As early as 1795 an Indian trader at Tonawanda, named Poudrey, entertained as best he could the occasional traveler, and about 1810, Peter Taylor, living on the south side, and Garrett Van

Slyke, the ferryman, who located on the north side of the creek, each in turn kept travelers. We shall not attempt a continued record of these inns, which, at best, afforded rude accommodations, but will pass at once to the consideration of the finest hotel in the Lumber City, which was opened to the public with the present year. The Hotel Sheldon.—Nothing is more needed for the general prosperity of a city than a first-class hotel, and in this particular the Lumber City is especially fortunate, as outside of metropolitan places it would be difficult to find a house more complete in all its appointments than the Sheldon. It is fitted in attractive and elegant style throughout and contains all the modern improvements and appurtenances of a first-class hotel. It is an imposing four-story brick, with eighty rooms. American Hotel.—For many years past the American has been one of the leading hotels of this place, ranking as first until the recent erection of the Sheldon. It has accommodations for 50 or more guests, is fitted with the usual modern conveniences, and the table supplied with the best which the market affords. It is located at the center of business, convenient to the depots, business houses, etc. Wm. Lysitt became proprietor of the American with the present year, and has made every effort to meet the reasonable demands of his guests. Mr. L is a native of Medina, N. Y., having had several years experience in the hotel business. Railroad House.—On Main street, directly opposite the N. Y. Central depot, stands the Railroad House This hotel was built in 1871, and was run by Henry Homeyer, father of the present proprietor, until his death in 1882, since which it has been managed by the son, Henry Homeyer. Good barn accommodations can be had, and this hotel is supplied with hot and cold water, gas and electric lights, is furnished with fire escapes, giving good accommodations throughout at reasonable rates to its numerous guests. M. J. Wattengel, a native of Germany, here from childhood, for some time past a hardware dealer at No. 28 Webster street, a year ago bought out the livery business of Kage & Co., at No. 29 Webster St.'eet. He keeps about 20 horses and the full supply of elegant turnouts.

* T0N.4.WANDA HOTELS AND LIVERY.

Hotel Lawton.—The fine brick hotel opposite the N. Y. C. depot, in Tonawanda was opened about a year since for the convenience of the public. It has accommodations for about 40 guests and is fitted with the usual modern improvements conducing to the comfort of guests. Gfo. Lawton, the proprietor, is a native of Oneida county, for four years past in the hotel business, having been in charge of the Bork Hotel prior to becoming landlord of Hotel Lawton. Mr. L. endeavors to make his guests feel at home. Bork Hotel.—This three-story brick hotel, on N. Canal street, has been a leading one in Tonawanda, having accommodations for about 50 guests and being well furnished and fitted throughout with modern improvements. R. T. Hayes, the proprietor, was raised in Rochester, coming

to Tonawanda in early manhood, and in March '90 becoming landlord of this house. The table is well supplied, and every reasonable demand of guests receives attention. The Adams House, kept by E. V. Day and wife, is an acceptable boarding house on Adams street. But few men in Tonawanda know more of the history of this place than Mr. Day. Born April 8th, 1811, he came here when 9 years of age and has ever since made this his home. There are a number of other fair sized and well kept hotels and boarding houses, too numerous to mention. William Haner, a native of this State, a horseman from boyhood, and 10 years in the livery business, keeps a well furnished livery barn at the intersection of Young, Broad and Delaware streets, and always endeavors to meet his customers necessities at reasonable rates. FIRE, LIFE AND OTHER INSURANCE.—The insurance business is peculiar in many respects, and one important feature is that the busy business man has not always the time or means at hand to examine into the merits or reliability of the different companies. He can and should fully know the reputation and candor of the local agent, and when satisfied that he is dealing with an agency that would not countenance unreliable ventures, he has only to indicate the amount of insurance which he desires to carry and the trustworthy agent will look after every other detail, as it is to his interest to protect his customer as well as to secure his company against unnatural loss. Humphrey & Vandervoort.—P. S. Humphrey, formerly in the timber trade, in 1875 engaged in (Jeneral Insurance, which has ever since claimed his attention. Ceo B. Vandervoort, formerly in the lumber trade, a half dozen years since joined Mr. Humphrey, since which the firm style has been Humphrey & Vandervoort. More than 30 first-class Fire Companies are represented, so that no delay or inconvenience is found in placing the largest fire risks. The firm have made a special study of their customers wants, and are prepared to write satisfactory policies in fire, marine, boiler, plate glass, cyclone, fidelity, and everything requiring insurance. In life insurance this firm represents the Equitable Life of New York, one of the best established and most popular companies in America. Also the well known Travelers Life and Accident of Hartford. Mr. Humphrey is a nitive of Tonawanda, while Mr. Vandervoort was born in North Tonawanda, both having been life-long residents of the place. Office corner of South Canal and Main streets. Austin & Kage.—The insurance business established in 1887 by Sanborn ik Beitz, was purchased in November 1890 by Austin & Kage. The agency is located at No. 50 Webster street, and represents seven reliable fire insurance companies, aggregating over 88,000,000 of capital; the Standard Accident of Detroit, and the well known Mutual Reserve Life of New York. The firm also transact a general real estate business, and negotiate loans on bond and mortgage at favorable rates. G. C. Chi'ist & Son —Our present postmaster has long been an insurance agent, until four years since making his office at his residence. It was then established at No. 60 Young street, where G. C. Christ & Son also have.a

wall paper store. In connection with insurance the above firm handle real estate, doing notarial work as well. They represent the Milwaukee Mechanics, Fireman's Insurance Co., of Newark, N. J., the London Assurance Corporation, established 1720, the Union Fire Insurance Co., of Buffalo, and the National, of New York, all reliable companies. Schwinger & Misner.—A couple of years since ex-Postmaster G. G. Schwinger and W. L. Misner, both natives of Tonawanda formed the above insurance firm. They represent reliable companies for fire, plate glass, cyclone, marine, accident and life insurance. The office is conveniently located over the old postoffice stand, where one of the above can always be found ready to attend to the wants of customers. The Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co., of Newark, N. J., was established in 1845, and ranks among the best insurance companies of this country. It is represented in this place by Geo. M. Warren.

COAL, WOOD, SEWER PIPE, SAND, ETC.

M. F. Meyers & Co.—M. F. and G. F. Meyers, natives of Wheatfield, in April, 1890, purchased the coal business of G. L. Faulkner, corner of Goundry and Vandervoort streets. The yards are under elevated tracks, convenient for dumping, and the firm makes a specialty of the well known Coleraine and Lehigh Anthracite Coal, of which they annually handle about 4,000 tons. Any desirable grade of soft coal is also furnished to the order of customers, as well as wood, hay, baled straw, feed, oats, flour, etc. The Meyers brothers also keep a complete assortment of sewer pipe, which extends to Tremont street, along the Erie railroad. This firm also has coal yards in Gratwick, and a number of choice lots for sale on easy terms in Ironton, Gratwick, and other desirable sections of North Tonawanda. With a lifelong residence in this vicinity, they are thoroughly acquainted with real estate Values and are conducting a successful business in general. /. Frank Pinner.—This business was started in 1880, and has become a representative one, occupying a large and convenient yard near the N. Y. Central depot, and commodious docks for the coaling of vessels, opposite Weston's mill. The office is in the Lumber Exchange building, over the old postoffice stand, where Mr. Pinner also officiates as Collector of Customs for the port of Tonawanda, (Erie count}^) to which port he was appointed in August, 1889. He is a native of Tonawanda, fully acquainted with the Lumber City, and its requirements in his line of trade. A full supply of both bituminous and anthracite coal is kept, Mr. Pinner having exclusive sale of some prominent grades, and facilities for the successful handling of any amount required. He is also somewhat interested in real estate. Herman U. Berger is a native of Germany,twenty-seven years here, and his business on Oliver street, at the corner of Thompson, is a prominent one in this Hne. He handles all grades of coal, keeping, also, wood, sewer pipe, cement, etc. By close attention to the wants of the trade, and the handling of reliable products, Mr. Berger has, in five years, built up a good trade in his line. He was formerly yard master and

conductor on the N. Y. C, and is a director in the German-American bank; has been a trustee of North Tonawanda, is prominent in secret societies, and is one of our solid citizens. Henry Barnes is a native of Oneida county, N. Y., and has resided in Tonawanda since 1876, having for several years been a prominent boat builder. In 1884 he commenced the coal business, has yards on Ellicott Creek, foot of Delaware street, and is dealing in coal, wood, sand, etc. Also doing a considerable real estate trade. POST OFFICE.—In the early history of this place the mail was brought from Buffalo and left at Peter Taylor's Inn, on the North Side. Joseph Bush was appointed postmaster for Tonawanda about 1825 and continued to hold the office for many years. He was succeeded by Rufus Fanning who held the office until Jacob Kibler was appointed, in 1845; S. G. Johnson succeeded in '53; C. M. Eggert, '57; Roswell Driggs, '61; S. 0. Havward, '62; H. B. Stanley, '64; Mrs. Jeanette Stanley, '66; Robert L Koch, 79; H. L. Joyce, '82; G. G. Schwinger, '87; and G. C. Christ, the present incumbent, in November, 1890. Mr. Christ is a native of Germany but resident of this place for a quarter of a century past. H. S. Rowley is assistant postmaster, Kate Scanlon, registry and money order clerk, Hattie White and Lottie Schell delivery clerks. Eleven daily mails are received and the rapid increase in mail matter for two or three years past is a pretty sure index to the development of the Lumber City. Since moving into the new building on North Canal street July 1st, a handsome new outfit of furniture has been secured. The postal statistics for the year ending June 80th, 1891, show that 3,400,406,273 stamps were issued in the United States with a total value of $64,109,490.

SUMMARY AND REVIEW.

READ THIS, IF NOTHING MORE.

As some of our readers may not have time to peruse this entire sketch, we will briefly summarize for their benefit. Although articles may be found in this book which appear irrelevant to the text, (that of demonstrating to the world the superior advantages possessed by this city for diversified manufacturing) yet nearly every page brings out an important fact or convincing argument. We do not claim for this place a big boom, but steady and rapid increase for several years past, (see pages 23, 47 and 95). Having acquired a right to the title of ''Lumber City," (26 to 28) Tonawanda seeks to build up manufactories in iron productions and other lines of trade, and (on pages 14-17, 25-6, and 28-31,) conclusive arguments have been presented, showing agricultural surroundings, cheap iron, cheap lumber, and unexcelled transportation. The Niagara River, for several miles above the Falls, is very shallow on the American side, so that after passing Bluff Point, three miles below the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, lake vessels of heavy draught find no suitable depth of water nor practical harbor. This stream is the outlet for the chain of great lakes, in the commerce of which more than 2,000 vessels

are employed, with an aggregate annual trade of $50,000,000. This is the last safe harbor, and for lumber transactions is practically the western terminus of the Erie canal, a capacious free waterway (14) through which extensive shipments are made, (27) and, with convenient elevators here, could handle wheat as well as Buffalo. Additional furnaces and a rolling mill are contemplated and should be planted here, (10, 63). No better place in the country can be found for car works, (56-61). A very desirable location also being between Tonawanda and Ellicott Creeks, along the line of the Erie and Canandaigua branch of the N. Y. Central. Mrs. Almira Long owns a V of a dozen acres or more here which, supplemented by adjoining lands of M. Riesterer, would make a magnificent manufacturing site. But we may as well say right here, that one reason why manufactories cannot afford to locate or stay in Buffalo is because grounds for their plants and lots for the homes of their operatives are too high. With abundance of competing points along the line of railroads, canal and river at this place there is no reason why hundreds of worthy institutions cannot be built up within the corporate limits of the Lumber City, on grounds that can be purchased at from $500 to $1,500 per acre. Any kind of iron working industry should succeed here, while furniture, carriage works and other wood working factories have as good or better chances of success here as in other sections of the country', if under judicious management. Niagara Falls has for many years produced several thousands of barrels of flour daily, while with an elevator at the river side here and electric power from the tunnel, we shall have superior advantages, as water transportation is invariably cheaper than by rail. The wheat from the west could be taken direct from vessels to the mill, and loaded into canal boats at the factory door for the great eastern market, (pages 14, 16 and (iS). To give room for female as well as male operatives, cotton and woolen mills should be established, or additional factories requiring needle work. Enough laundry goes from this city to Buffalo and the Falls each week, or into the hands of the Chinamen, to keep a steam laundry with a dozen hands running on full time. With unexcelled passenger and freight conveniences, by railroads, canal and river, (14-15, 30 32,) natural and artificial gas, electric light, power and street railways; a superb water supply from a never-failing water course, unaffected by drouth or flood; (53-55) a commodious harbor with seven to ten miles of convenient dockage; railroads radiating in all directions and unsurpassed canal dockage furnishing many miles of manufacturing frontage ; with thousands of peaceable workmen, who mostly own their homes, and room for a hundred thousand more, why should not this city rise in her dignity and assert her rights to manufacturing development ? With a dozen land companies and real estate agencies (56 61, 28-84) the majority of whom are owners as well as agents, all realizing that extensive manufacturing gives a solidity to a city which can be obtained in no other way, it is scarcely possible for speculative prices to be held against development. It is hardly necessary for us to again refer to our superior religious, social educational and professional advantages given on pages 35 to 53. Estimates show twenty one churches with property worth $150,000; school property worth $65,00i), which, with the crowded condition of all the schools manifested at the present session indicates a rapid increase of population for the present year, and the immediate necessity of adding school houses aggregating .$40,000 to $50,000 more. About twenty secret societies are represented, covering nearly all the prominent fraternities. We have ample fire protection and moderate hotel accommodations, but a tourists hotel at popular prices, or hygienic home, could doubtless be made to pay good interest on the investment, (82). This suggestion is worthy of more than a passing thought, and capitalists of Tonawanda will take stock in a company for that purpose when the proper man develops feasible plans. The surrounding agricultural districts, with pure water and equable climate (I7j present many advantages for the raising of thoroughbred stock.

In fact, any man who has the stamina to go west or south with Hmited means, trusting to his energy and the smiles of Providence, has greater certainty of success right here. He finds on Grand Island, Wheatfield and Tonawanda no devastating grasshoppers, blasting drouths, floods nor cyclones; his products are near the great markets and his necessities are easily and cheaply supplied. If the illustrious Horace Greely were here at present, instead of saying "young man, go west," he would doubtless second our efforts by saying, "stay at home and do your best."

MERCANTILE INTERESTS.

Thriving manufacturing industries are a great source of continued prosperity to any place, but a certain number of mercantile houses are indispensable, and the more these are in accord with the progressive spirit of the times the better it keeps trade at home and draws from surrounding country and villages. We shall not attempt in this department to mention every house but shall endeavOi* to note some of the leading firms in the various lines. Considerable manufacturing matters are directly connected with the mercantile and are incorporated with the latter business.

DRY GOODS, FANCY GOODS, MILLINERY, MACHINES, ETC.

W. H. Heinvorth, a native of England, formerly in the mercantile trade of Buffalo, established a business on Main street, Touawauda, about a dozen years since, removing to the Lumber Exchange building when that structure was erected. Mr. Hepvvorth keeps dry goods and domestics, carpets, oil cloths, etc. Wheeler & Wilson, No. 9.—The improvements in Sewing Machines within the past 25 years, have been numerous, and the Wheeler & Wilson's late pattern, No. 9, brings out the most prominent features of desirability. It is sold in Tonawanda by J. H. Lewis, who keeps a confectionery store at the corner of Seymour and Adam streets. J. Wolf & Son handle the Standard sewing machines at their dry goods store. They have a shirt factory which gives employment to about forty sewing girls. J. SchulmeUter.—In North Tonawanda the leading dry goods house is the above, which was opened nine years ago. Three years since Mr. Schulmeister erected a row of stores on Webster street, occupying the one at No. 50, where he keeps the full line of everything in dry goods, notions, fancy goods and millinery, making a prominent feature of the latter. We have not space to give in detail Zuchmaier Bros., S. Byers, the Buffalo store, and several others scattered about the city. A. R. Orant, for some years past connected with the lumber business of the Eastern and Sawyer lumber companies, is proprietor of the well filled millinery establishment at the corner of Webster and Tremont streets. Mr. Grant was formerly engaged in the millinery trade in Chicago and Buffalo, opening the business here in March, 1890. He keeps a very full supply of hats, bonnets, flowers, trimming, ribbons and fancy goods. Mrs. Grant is an expert milliner, and has personal supervision of the work, having two assistants in the trimming department. Mrs. R. M. Coshiuay, a native of Buffalo, commenced the millinery business in Tonawanda twenty-eight years ago, and has always held a leading trade in that line. She was among the first to bring notions and fancy goods to the Lumber City, and has a full assortment in that line, as well as everything in millinery necessary or desirable to complete a stylish hat or bonnet, which she turns out to the order of her numerous customers on short notice.

MERCHANT TAILORING, FURNISHINGS, SHOES, ETC.

Benj. H. Neff.—But few, if any of Tonawanda’s business men have made a longer and better record in business here than B. H. Nefl. Coming from

Williamsville, Erie county, to this place in 1853, he clerked for C. M. Eggert & Co. for nine years, when he bought out the store. In 1871, by fire and burglars he lost 113,000; but with a business career of almost 30 years has always paid the full amount of every obligation, and at present carries a large stock of gent's furnishing goods, hats and caps, men's shoes in light and heavy grades, and everything usually found in a first-class furnishing house, at No. 24 Webster street. Mr. NefF's long acquaintance with this city, and intimate knowledge of the wants of patrons, have brought him well merited and continued business success. Lehon & Warren.—This firm opened business in the line of merchant tailoring and gent's furnishing goods some three years ago, and by close attention to the wants of their customers have gained a well merited trade. Wm. 8. Lehon is a practical cutter and tailor of forty years experience, coming from Oswego, N. Y., to this place in 1888. Geo. IM. Warren is a native of North Tonawanda, for several years connected with the Custom House here, and having a wide acquaintanceship. The firm keep a full line of domestic and imported cloths, making suits in the latest styles, to the order of customers. The line of gent's furnishing goods comprises everything desirable, and the location of the firm is in the Lumber Exchange Block at the Main street bridge, one of the most central in the city. Al. Thompson.—The merchant tailoring business of this city adds considerable to our manufacturing industries. Custom made goods are always more reliable and perfect in fit than ready-made clothing, as the merchant tailor, in order to hold his trade, must use good goods in all respects. Al. Thompson served as cutter for Goldsmith for many years, and Sept. 1, 1889, opened business at 46 Webster street, where he keeps a large assortment of cloths and a first class merchant tailoring establishment. A. & E. M. Krauss.—The house of A. & E. M. Krauss is a representative one in the trade of boots, shoes, clothing, liats, trunks and gents' furnishing goods. The business was founded many years ago by Mr. A. Krauss in Attica, N. Y., where the firm have a prosperous establishment. In 1887 Mr. E. M. Krauss opened the branch store in Tonawanda at No. 23 North Canal street, which is tastefully fitted up, and is 22x75 feet in dimensions. The goods displayed are new, carefully selected, and embrace full lines of foot and head gear of men's, youths', and boy's clothing, and of gents' furnishings, that for quality, extent and variety are unsurpassed by the goods of any other similar establishment. The house has but one price, which is the lowest market quotation, while courtesy and polite attention form a standing rule in this establishment. Mr. A. Krauss, Sr., who still resides at Attica, is a native of Germany, and came to this country when a youth. Mr. E. M. Krauss was born at Attica, and makes Tonawanda his home. G. F. Oelkers is a native of Germany, and, although but four years from the Fatherland, he has not only learned well our language, but by patient industry has established himself in a nice shoe trade at No. 48 Webster street, where all sizes and styles of men's, women's and children's shoes are kept for sale at reasonable prices. John M. Hubman is a native of Germany, learned the shoe trade in Buffalo before the middle of the present century, and thirty-four years ago moved to Tonawanda. Three years since he added to the improvements on Young street by erecting the two-story brick, Nos. 16, 18 and 20 Young street, which is used as harness shop, restaurant, and shoe store by John G. Hubman, clerk of the town of Tonawanda, who keeps a full line. Tents, Awnings, Sails, Etc.—Quite an important industry was established at No. 71 Webster street, in August last. The firm of Armitage, Herschell & Co., use a large number of tents annually, for their steam riding galleries, and Oliver Lawson, who is a tent maker by trade, for seven years past working in Buffalo, was induced to locate here. He also makes sails, awnings, horse and wagon covers and any article requiring canvas.

Mr. Lawsou's force of bands, the present season, is quite small, but as our business men are made acquainted with the fact that awnings, sails, etc., can be as cheaply and quickly made here as elsewhere, his trade will doubtless enlarge with the coming season. F. W. Kelly.—Economy is a good trait in all and should be more generally practiced, hence the necessity of the skillful cleaner, dyer and repairer of clothing, etc F. W. Kelly is a native of Michigan, and five years past in the above business at No. 33 Webster street, where he has secured a good trade in the above line.

DRUGS, BOOKS, JEWELRY STORES, PIANOS, ETC.

L. O. Stanlcij, is a native of Vermont, residing in the west for some time and when the late war broke out, he volunteered in the.30th Iowa Reg't. After his brother's death in 1866, he was assistant postmaster for a dozen years, while his sister-in-law was postmistress. In 1870 he added drugs to the stationery and news line which he had carried for some time before, and to-day he is carrying a large assortment in the book and drug line, at the corner of Main and South Canal streets, also being a member of the firm of Stanley & Billett, who opened a fine store in the Hotel Sheldon in March of the present j'ear. M. C. Belts.—This drug house was commenced in 1867 by E. H. Hewitt, who was succeeded in turn by Mr. White, E. H. Hewitt, Jr., Dr. AV. D. Murray, and in 1884 M. C. Betts became proprietor. The store was removed from S. Canal street to its present location in June, 1890, where superb fixtures and a very complete stock is found. A prominent proprietary article from this house is the “Acme Toothache Drops," which has gained a wide reputation for its meritorious qualities Mr. Betts is a native of Tonawanda and is assisted by N. J. Stern, a practical chemist, from Meadville, Pa. C. H. Scoville also keeps a well filled drug store in Tonawanda, and Dr. C. C. Smith and W. L. <^ollette in North Tonawanda. Mundie & McCoy.—The leading jewelry and music house in the Lumber City commenced business in 1888, succeeding A. W. Story, who established the business six years before Mr. J. Mundie is a practical jeweler and had previously been in partnership with Mr. Story. Mr. F. A. McCoy for five years before had been principal of the Tonawanda Union School. Thej^ keep one of the largest stocks of diamonds, watches, clocks, jewelry, sterling silver and plated ware, optical goods, musical instruments, and they are the only house that sell pianos and organs. Both men are young, enterprising and popular. Their business is growing rapidly with the development of the city. Frank Hammond has for twenty-eight years past done a leading jewelry trade at 54 Seneca street, Buffalo, and four months since opened a branch store at No. 30 Webster street, under the firm name of Frank Hammond & Co., in charge of C. A. Dockham, watch specialist, where may be found a large stock of diamond and silver goods, watches, chains, jewelry, etc.

HARDWARE, STOVES, PLUMBING, ETC.

2slce d- Hinkey.—In the line of hardware, etc., the firm of Nice & Hinkey are a representative house, the start of the business dating back twenty-five years, when John Nice and Louis Hinkey engaged in trade. In 1870 the four-story brick block now occupied on South Canal street, was erected by the firm. We cannot attempt even a partial detailed description of the stock. Suffice to say that in the line of shelf and heavy hardware the assortment is complete. The ship chandlery assortment is very full, stoves and. tinware all that could be desired, paints in all shades and colors, glass of all sizes. This house conducts a complete plumbing and a tin business having a large force of workmen. Two years since a branch store was established at Nos. 64 and 63 Webster street. This building, together with the one occupied by offices and hall opposite the N. Y. C. depot, on Main street, belongs to Nice & Co. Mr. Hinkey died in 1882, and Mr. Nice followed the

next year, the firm name and business being continued by the estates with A. C. Campbell, a native of Livingston county, as manager. His success in conducting the affairs of the firm has marked him as a thorough-going business man, and made the firm of Nice & Hinkey widely known. Mrs. M. A. Nice has recently ei'ected the handsome three-story brick block 75x75 feet on North Canal street, now occupied by the postoffice, Walsh & Sweeney's dry goods store, offices, etc. There are three hardware stores on each side of the creek, besides the above, which we have not space to describe. J Crahan.—A representative house in the line of paints, varnishes, paper hanging and decorating is that of J. Crahan, which was established here a year or two since. Mr. Ci'ahan is a practical workman, keeps several assistants and a very full supply of all desii'able styles in wall paper, decorations, curtains, and painters' supplies, in Scribner's block, on Sweeney street.

GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, MEAT MARKETS, ETC.

John E. Oelkers is known as a representative dealer and entitled to first place. Of German nativity he came to this city in 1869, and was variously engaged before he settled down in the grocery trade about eighteen years ago. A dozen years since he erected a row of stores on Webster street, occupying one at the corner of Tremont street for his own use. By keeping the best the market affords he has steadily increased his trade until it is now one of the foremost in this place in the line of groceries provisions, crockery, etc., requiring a half dozen employes in addition to the personal supervision of the proprietor. Mr. Oelkers is a director in the German-American Bank and variously interested in the upbuilding of the Lumber City. Max. S'ehroeder, a native of Germany, in this place from boyhood, was educated in the grocery trade under J. E. Oelkers with whom he continued for seven years. Ten years ago Mr. Schroeder commenced business in his own name on the site now occupied by the State Bank, and upon the erection of the building at No. 16 Webster street, in 1886, he secured the commodious rooms at his present quarters and moved in. He keeps a large and selected stock of everything usually found in a first class grocery and provision house as well as a full line of queens ware, crockery, wooden ware, etc., and by good tact and industry has built up a leading trade in his line C. Sohwinger & Co.—Christopher Schwinger, born in Germany, has been a leading citizen of Tonawanda for forty years and prominent in the banking business here since 1877, being at present vice president of the State Bank, and a director in the gas works. In 1850 he commenced in the grocery business of Tonawanda and has always held a good trade. The firm keeps a full supply of groceries, provisions, fresh meats, wines, liquors, etc., at No. 48 North Canal street. Wm. J. Kage, a native of Germany, has been for eight years past in the grocery trade of North Tonawanda. His establishment, at No. 58 Webster street, is well stocked with a choice line of staple and fancy groceries and a full line of provisions. He keeps an extensive line of coffees, teas, spices, etc., making a specialty of supplying vessels. B. Humphrey, a wholesale dealer at Black Rock, also keeps a wholesale flour and feed establishment, at No. 156 North Canal street, unloading from canal boats by machinery. The business here was established fifteen years since and is in charge of H. M. Dayton. Wm. A. Gardei is a native of this county, served in the late war, and has been 20 years in Tonawanda, now serving the fourth year as Trustee. In 1890 he completed the three-story brick block at No. 7 Young street, 34 x 75 feet. He conducts one of the most popular meat markets in the city. Chris Oraff, Jr., a native of Tonawanda, three years since erected a convenient market and residence building on the corner of Adam and Kohler streets, and keeps a desirable stock of fresh meats, butter, eggs, etc.

WHOLEALE TOBACCO, CIGARS, LIQUORS, ETC.

Worden & Wright —E. H. Worden, a native of Tonawanda, years ago engaged in the cigar and tobacco trade at No. 60 Webster street, where he held a good trade in this Hno, a year since engaging with Dr. C. C. Smith. This he has recently sold, and will now engage with Dr. R. G. Wright, at No. 72 Webster street, in the wholesale and retail cigar and tobacco trade. The firm have purchased a large stock of domestic and imported cigars, complete assortment of smokers' articles, and the favorite brands of chewing tobaccos. They will make a special effort to meet the demands of their customers, both in the wholesale and retail line, and Mr. Worden's experience in the business and knowledge of his customers' needs, gives assurance of success. Cigar I'actories.—There are four cigar factories in the Lumber City, the leading one being run by Geo. W. Quinlian, a native of Lockport, who learned the trade twenty years ago and five years since opened business in Tonawanda. He keeps six hands at work at No. 19 Main street, turning out about a half million cigars annually of common and fine grades. Wholesale Liquor Store.—Reynolds & Co. established a wholesale liquor store at Nos. 173-4 Oliver street, in June last, where they keep a full line of whiskies, brandies, wines and liquors in general, both domestic and imported. There is a large local demand in the Lumber City for these goods, and this house assists in keeping the money at home that would otherwise go to Buffalo and elsewhere. Central Besort Hotel.—John Spillman, of Germany, forty four years in this place, eight years since opened a restaurant at No. 66 Webster street, and in May last added a full line of liquors for the wholesale trade. He keeps both domestic and imported wines, brandies, whiskies, etc., doing both a wholesale and retail trade. Saloons are so numerous here that we cannot attempt to give an account of more of them. . Fred Hamp, a German, 14 years in the furniture and undertaking trade, five years ago erected the two-story and basement brick block, 50 x 80, adjoining the railroad on Young street. He keeps a full assortment in all lines of furniture, as well as undertaking supplies. Ulrich Maul, a native of Buffalo, is the only ice dealer in the Lumber City, having purchased the business from Emil Messing a year ago. He stores about a thousand cords of ice at the houses on EUicott creek, and keeps three teams busy in delivering to his numerous customers in the hot months. W. H. 2brre2/.—Photography as an art was begun in the '50s, but in 1847 Mr. Torrey, who is a native of Genessee county, N. Y., commenced the Ambrotype trade, which has since been succeeded by the ferrotype and the photograph. Mr. Torrey spent some years in teaching, and in 1874 commenced photography in Buffalo, removing to North Tonawanda seven years ago. He owns his gallery on Tremont street, pays no rent, hires no help, consequently he can produce good work at reasonable rates, and has, so far, held the field against all competitors. R. Clench runs a well fitted gallery on the Tonawanda side. Business men with slow customers on book will find A. D. Ward, who resides at No. 11 Miller street, a faithful and energetic collector. He was formerly an employe at the furnace, but resigned on account of his health. For lack of space we have been compelled to leave out detailed mention of artists, 2; architects, 3; bakers, 4; band; barbers, 15; clothiers, 10; confectioneries, 15; contractors, 6; dressmakers, 44; furniture, 8; harness, etc., 3; liveries, 4; meat markets, 25; milliners, 5; painters and paper hangers, 6; variety stores, 2, and others mentioned under their respective headings. There are important facts on every page. As you have time read the entire sketch through. A two cent stamp will carry it to a friend.

RKCENT MATTERS, ADDITIONS, ETC.

Tonawanda Schools.—More children are in attendance in the Tonawanda free schools than ever before, the enrollment now being above 1,000. Prof. D. A. Blakeslee, who commenced here as principal with the fall term, is a native of this state, taking the degree of A. M. from Alfred University in 1866, teaching in the Elmira Grammar School for a dozen years, and for some time past holding a position at the Alfred University. He is assisted by nearly a score of teachers. The Tonawanda school board are, B. F. Betts, A. H. Crown, Martin Riesterer, W. D. Murray, Henry Carney and Albt Little. Prof. A. D. Filer having been called away by death last spring, the North Board sought for another head and called Prof. C. S. Marsh to the superintendency of North Tonawanda public schools with the present term. He is a native of Cortland, N. Y., received the A. B. degree from Cornell University and has had seven years experience in teaching. Prof. Weinheimer, a graduate of Rochester Business College, has charge of the commercial department. More than twenty-five lady teachers are employed. The Board of Education are, B. F. Felton, A. C. Tuxbury, L. T. Payne, C. Jacobs, Benj. Rand, and Jas. H. Rand clerk for North Tonawanda. Chapman & Warner have purchased a lot on Main street, opposite the Sheldon, and will next year erect a two-story brick 20x70 feet, adjoining the new block, as a home for the Herald office. The lot and building will cost about $6,000. Job Printing, Etc.—W. H. Patterson has recently opened a job printing office at No. 8 S. Canal street. He is an experienced printer, has a new outfit of late styles of type and will make a specialty of artistic commercial job work. Rovers Bicycle Club.—Two months since the above club was organized and now has over twenty members. Wm. Davis, president; Wm. Hardleben, secretary, and Wm. Hubman, captain. The Tonawanda Bicycle Club has twenty-three members and has been in active operation for some time. J. D. Warren, Pres. ; Alb. R. Smith, Sec. ; Frank R. Whiteman, Capt. Tweniy-fifth Separate Co. N. G. S. N. Y. was organized May 25, 1891 and has a present membership of about 100, uniformed, armed and equipped. Temporary armory quarters at Kibler block, S. Canal street. Captain, C. A. Sommer; First Lieut., H. M. Fales; Second Lieut., W. R. Gregory; Surgeon, Dr. W. D. Murray; Chaplain, Rev. J. H. Barnard. The Tonawanda Lumbermen''s Association has been in active existence for several years, looking closely after the interests of the lumber trade both at home and abroad. The officers of the Association are A. C. Tuxbury, Pres. ; W. H. Cowper, Sec, and J. A. Fassett, Treas. A project is on foot to extend William street to Young street and purchase adjoining lands in rear of the Gardei Block for a market house site. It would be a good move and ought to pay. On the north side, the Vandervoort property, bordering on the alley, which extends from Geo. P. Smith's six-story block to Sweeney street, has been spoken of for market purposes, and would make a good place. The Tonawanda Electric Railway has asked for privilege to belt the city, and the Buffalo, Kenmore & Tonawanda Street Railway, a new corporation, is seeking for a franchise on Delaware and Young streets, with through connections to Buffalo.

Havugari Liederkanz singing society was organized some half dozen years ago, has about twenty-five active members and about fifty honorary, it meets Friday and Sundry afternoon. Rudolf Trosin, president; Ernest Dr. A. Purdy has been assigned to the Asbury M. E. church, of Buffalo, and his place in the First M. E. church here is filled by Rev. J. T. Walker, recently of Rochester, N. Y. Tonawanda Union, mentioned on page 38, has changed meeting nights to first and third Fridays. It was organized in 1887. North Tonawanda Church of Christ has recently secured the services of Frank O. Fannon, from Liberty, Mo, as pastor.

OMISSIONS, ERRORS, ETC.

This book requires in its pages more than a half million of separate pieces of metal, and if any one of these is misplaced or wrongly used it makes an error, so we ask our readers to deal gently with us if they should find a letter upside down or a word wrongly spelled. The compiler has used special care and perseverance to arrive at correct and complete facts, and every important manufacturing industry we believe has been considered. In some instances proprietors have been absent, reticent or other good reasons appear for making the mention brief, and in mercantile matters we have not even attempted to make it complete, but onlj' to note representative houses in the various lines. Our space is too limited to even give the names of all the restaurants, groceries, meat markets, etc., but for every practical purpose the work can be fully relied upon for its general and historical information, after making the following corrections: The last paragraph on page 40 should be omitted, and first three lines in Presbyterian church notes, page 41, are incorrect. The building now used as a barn by Dr. Murray was erected as a union church and used by all denominations, no Presbyterian society having been organized until 1852. Mile Line Reserve.—The state of New York owned, for military reserve, a strip extending one mile back from the Niagai-a River. The early settlers of this area consequently procured titles direct from the state, and not from the Holland Company as did others a mile away from the river. The North Presbyterian church, instead of First Presbyterian church of North Tonawanda, page 44. First Baptist church, page 43, cost over 118,000 and, with lot, is worth about $10,000. Among presidents of Tonawanda, page 21, read J. A. Bliss instead of J. S. In Union school, page 47, a bad cipher makes $4,000 look like $4.00. G. C. Christ was supervisor of Tonawanda town in 1886, page 18. Last paragraph page 59, read C. F. Goerss instead of G. F. In Y. M. C. A., page 45, read F. M. Hayes instead of T. M. St. Francis Branch C M. B. A. is No. 6 instead of 66. On page 78, read W, H. Sawyer, of Worcester, Mass., instead of Wooster. If you care nothing for the Historical and Descriptive Sketch of the Lumber City, this pamphlet is valuable for its general statistics and general information condensed on first S pages, and should be preserved for reference. The older this book becomes, the more valuable it will be for reference. Save it for future use.

TONAWANDA, N. Y.

(ERIE COUNTY.)

This place has thirteen miles of well laid sewers, eight and one-half miles of water mains, with elegant protection from the Holly system pressure and well organized fire companies, under John O'Day chief engineer. The water system will be greatly extended and improved the coming year. The street names are posted at every corner, and houses numbered preparatory to the free delivery mail system which has been promised. Tonawanda is located on the Niagara river at the mouth of Tonawanda anda creek, midway between Buffalo and Niagara Falls and with

MANUFACTURING ADVANTAGES

which must make a rapid development. It is ten miles from the Buffalo city hall, but less than three from the corporation limits of that city and with the contemplated enlargement of the boundaries of the great metropolis which is adding 15,000 to its population each year, this place will doubtless be a portion of Buffalo at no distant day.

THE NIAGARA KIVEK AND ERIE CANAL

furnish first-class dockage and water transportation advantages, while the Erie and N. Y. Central & Hudson River railroads give the best of freight advantages and must conduce to a rapid development of manufactories. With thirty-two passenger trains each way, one electric road and another one building, the connections to Buffalo are so easily and quickly made as to make it practically one city, and Tonawanda has some excellent

SITES M PALATIAL RESIDENCES

as well as manufactories. Persons desiring to change location for either residence or business will find every material fact set forth in the within pamphlet, without coloring or misrepresentation, and will be gladly accorded any additional information by addressing B. F. Betts, city engi- i neer; M. Scanlon, H. J. Koenig, John Kilputh, Jas. Mulhall, H. S. Wende, W. A. Gardei, E. H. Rogers, Wm. Schwartz, trustees; or A. H. CROWN, Pres. of the Board.