Misc. Old Photos and Biographies,
Westfield, Chautauqua Co. N.Y.

Business Card for Carson R. Cosgrove

Edward A. Skinner, Banker.

Edward A. Skinner, Banker.

Edward A. Skinner was born in the town of Aurora, Erie County, New York, May 10, 1841. His father, a Presbyterian clergyman at that time, had moved to western New York from Oneida County five years earlier and the family, another generation back, was to be found in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. When Mr. Skinner was thirteen years old, his father moved to Westfield and went into the banking business, as Cashier of the Bank of Westfield. Between that date, 1854, and the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Skinner spent most of his time at school in the Westfield Academy.

In October, 1861, the 9th regiment New York volunteer cavalary was organized in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties and was rendezvoused at Westfield; and in November, Mr. Skinner entered the service. In the same month his regiment joined Mcclelland's Army near Washington and served there and on the Peninsula, unmounted, until May, 1862. Having returned to Washington at that time, to be mounted and equipped, the regiment was assigned to Siegel's corps under General Pope. After Pope's retreat to Washington, Mr. Skinner's regiment became a part of the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac, and served therewith throughout the campaign of '63 in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Early in his army life Mr. Skinner was commissioned regimental quartermaster and during much of the time he discharged the duties of brigade quartermaster. He left the service, owing to ill health, in March, 1864.

In the fall of 1864, the First National Bank was organized and Mr. Skinner becoming assistant cashier began his long career as a banker. He was promoted in a few years to the position of cashier. In 1870 he went West and organized in Ottawa, Kansas, the First National Bank of that place, retaining an interest in it until 1906. He returned, however, to Westfield in 1874, becoming vice president of the Frst National Bank there and taking an active part in its management. Two years later his father died and he succeeded him in the presidency of the bank. Since then Mr. Skinner has continued as president of the First National Bank and of its successor, the National Bank of Westfield, holding that position at this time.

Mr. Skinner joined the Royal Arcanum in 1878, was a charter member of Westfield Council and participated in the organization of the Grand Council of the State of New York in 1879. He was sent as its first representative to the Supreme council of the Order. In 1880 he was elected Supreme Treasurer of the Royal Arcanum and has just completed thirty years of continuous service in that office.

Mr. Skinner was married to Frances M. Barger of Westfield, October 20th, 1864. She died June 16, 1872. On August 19, 1874, he married Augusta Wheeler of Portville, New York, who died April 3rd, 1909. His children are Flora Atkins Skinner, Egbert Wheeler Skinner and Frances Skinner Rynd.

In the social life of Westfield Mr. Skinner has held a prominent place. He has always been a member of the Presbyterian Church and serves on its Board of Trustees. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and to the Loyal Legion.

For many years he served as treasurer of Chautauqua Institution and on its Board of Trustees. He has always been active in matters pertaining to the welfare of Chautauqua County and the Village of Westfield.

--from "A Testimonial to Edward Alburn Skinner," on the occasion of his retirement

For more information, see here.

Dr. Strong, Physician

He Was Born In Vermont Nearly 90 Years Ago and Came to Westfield In 1851--He Had Held Office In Various Medical Organizations--Member of An Old Colonial Family.

(Special to The Journal.)

Westfield, June 7. [1911]--Dr. Thomas D. Strong, one of the oldest practicing physicians of western New York, died at his residence in this village Tuesday evening, aged 89 years, 6 months and 14 days. He leaves a wife, Rachel Bostwick Strong, and one sister, Miss Laura Strong of Buffalo.

Dr. Strong was born at Pawlet, Vt., in 1821. He fitted for college at Burr seminary, Manchester, Vt., and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1848, and from the medical college of the University of Buffalo in 1851. He came directly to Westfield, where he practiced medicine for 60 years. He served as surgeon in the 68th regiment, New York State militia, and participated in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. He was a member of the local G. A. R. post.

Dr. Strong was president of the board of pension examiners at Jamestown for several years and was a member of the board of education in this village for 25 years, also a member of the American Academy of Medicine and an ex-president of the Chautauqua and Lake Erie Medical society. In 1883 he was elected president of the New York State Medical association and was also president of the board of trustees of the Westfield Presbyterian church for several years and a charter member of the Royal Arcanum of this village, of which organization he was medical examiner.

In local matters, Dr. Strong was an important factor, having served the village in many capacities. He was in active practice up to two weeks ago, when he was taken ill with a complication of troubles usual to men of his age.

See also biography here.

One of the leading elderly citizens of Westfield is James Taylor. He was born in Wood Grange, County Down, Ireland, April 6, 1839. His hardy parents, David and Nancy Strain Taylor emigrated to this country in the month of May 1853, and as a lad James was active in the affairs of this section of the county. It may be remarked that his parents lived to a good old age. His mother died in 1877 and his father followed her to the grave six years later in 1883.

Not unlike the other young men of that generation and locality James Taylor devoted the summer months to the chores that fall to the lot of a farm boy, and thetraining which he received in the elementary branches of his education was obtained by close attention to school during the winter months.

Mr. Taylor took up his present residence in the Town of Westfield in May, 1853, and during a period of 50 years he has been an active and respected member of the community. Having gained a general experience to business matters. Mr. Taylor went into the meat business in 1865; and the excellence of his judgment, as well as his popularity with the trading public is evidenced in his successful continuance in that business until 1903.

In addition to his other affairs Mr. Taylor owned a large farm near the village for a period of thirty-two years, but during most of that time his home was situated in the Village of Westfield.

Not withstanding his commercial obligations he has found time to devote to the advancment of the interests of the Republican Party. The appreciation of his townsmen was shown by his election as Commissioner of Highways in 1890, and his successive selection as Trustee of the village for a number of years.

Nor has Mr. Taylor neglected the fraternal and social features of life. He is a valued member of Summit Lodge, No. 219, Free and Accepted Masons; the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights of Honor and the Royal Arcanum.

A glance at the outline of Mr. Taylor's domestic life will show that it has been no less happy. He married Miss Sarah A., the daughter of John Crosgrove of Westfield, November 1, 1871. They are the parents of a numerous family: John David, now deceased; James, who died in infancy; Jay and Jennie, born June 19, 1875, and who now reside in Westfield; Fanny, born September 30, 1877; Mabel, deceased, and Matthew born August 15, 1883, and who continues to be a resident of his native township.

Source: Centennial History of Chautauqua County, New York
pub. 1904, 2 vols., from Vol. 2 pages 1111-1112.