1870-71, 1872-73,
1880-81
HISTORY
Alexander Brush
was born on February 8, 1824 at Brushland, Bovina, in Delaware
County, New York. Brushland was named for his pioneer ancestors
who arrived there in the eighteenth century and cleared
the land. Alexander was the fifth child of ten, born in
a farming family. In 1827 the family moved to Lebanon, New
York, and after several years moved to Savanah, New York,
where they purchased 600 acres of unimproved land.
The early death of his father, Jacob, left his mother
to take up the burdens of raising the family. The six boys
all went to work during the months they weren't needed on
the farm, bringing home their earnings. It was at this time
that Alexander learned the art of brick making. He also
drove a team for construction work on the Rochester &
Auburn Railroad, and also the New York Central Railroad
In 1843, after Mrs. Brush realized she could not
afford to keep up the 600 acres, the family moved to Colden,
New York. The next year Alexander sought work at a brick
yard near Buffalo
, and, still a minor, sent all his earnings to his mother.
In 1848 he moved to Buffalo
and opened his own brick making business with his brother William.
Machinery was not used at this time, and it was all hard
labor. They were able to turn out about 1,000,000 bricks
per year.
At different times two other brothers, Milton and
Nathaniel, have worked for the Brush Brothers
company. They became, for a while, the most extensive brickmakers
in the country.
Brush was born into a Democratic family, everyone
being of that party in Delaware County at that time. He
identified himself with the Whig
party, and although six months shy of maturity in 1844, campaigned
for Henry Clay for President. Upon the formation of the
Republican party
, he was one of its warmest supporters.
Brush's first public office appears to be that of
Alderman for the third Ward in 1861, under Mayor Alberger.
In 1863 Brush was again elected Alderman for the
Third Ward, serving in 1864, and also in 1865.
He was re-elected Alderman for the Third ward for
1866, and 1867.
In 1867, "without any solicitation on his part"
he was presented the nomination for street commissioner.
Even though the Democrats were victorious that year, he
and Joseph Ball, Overseer of the Poor, were elected as Republicans.
The Democrats held their City Convention on October
21, 1869 in the Council Chambers. After a closed door session,
which was claimed to be un-Democratic, Thomas Clark
, a well-known distiller, was chosen their candidate for
Mayor.
Before his term as street commissioner was expired,
Brush was nominated for Mayor.
When the Republican Party held its City Convention
on October 29, 1869, he was the unanimous selection for
Mayor. He planned on declining the nomination but was persuaded
by some friends to accept.
"The popularity of Mr. Brush arises out of the
fact that he is extensively trusted as a gentleman of strict
probity and honorable principle; is thoroughly democratic
in his sympathies...and...is a man full of energy, immensely
industrious, and we firmly believe that he will make the
most efficient, live Mayor, that the city has had in many
a year."
LIFE AS A MAYOR
Election day was held on Tuesday, November 2, 1869.
"The political battlefield on Wednesday was strewn
with wreckage of friend and foe, the contest having taken
on a purely personal character."
Alexander Brush
defeated Democrat candidate Thomas Clark
by a vote of 7,639 to 7,405, with Mr. Clark believing he had
won, until early the next morning.
The Common Council
heavily favored the Republicans, 16 to 9. Most of the other
offices were split between the parties.
On January 3, 1870 Mr. Brush was administered the
oath of office and gave his inaugural address to the Common
Council
"Profound gratitude is due the Giver of all
Good for the abundant blessings enjoyed by our people the
past year; and although financial embarrassments may, to
some extent, affect the general business community, yet
our growth as a city and the extension of manufacturing
enterprises are health and satisfactory.
"The constantly increasing business of the various
departments of the city government will, doubtless, account
for some portion of this increase in expenditure.
"Manufacturing and commercial enterprises do
not yield so fair a remuneration as they have for several
years past, and the mechanic and laborer are less steadily
employed, and more poorly paid. It becomes your duty therefore
to exercise the most rigid economy in conducting the financial
affairs of the city. I see no good reason why the estimates
for the present year may not be made as low as they were
last year, and if possible, they should be reduced.
"The present system of granting permits to open
streets for the purpose of constructing side sewers and
laying water pipes is liable to great abuse, and should
be changed.
"In order to remedy this evil I would recommend
that an ordinance be enacted prohibiting any but a licensed
sewer builder or plumber to lay water pipes or construct
side sewers.
"The demands of increasing population have been
met in several [school] districts by the completion of new
school buildings, one in No. Fifteen and one in No. Twelve,
both of which are in successful operation.
"The new house in district No. Six (the largest
public school
building in the city) is now completed.
"The Normal School building just completed must
be mentioned, both in noting the advancement of the city
and the faithfulness of the commissioners to whom the work
has been entrusted. These gentlemen, without any remuneration...have
furnished a most substantial and beautiful edifice.
"I am happy to learn that the Grosvenor Library
will soon be in a condition to fulfill the intentions of its
generous founder.
"The liberal founder expressed the hope 'that
his views and wishes, as declared in the act of donation,
would be responded to by those in the public employ.' I
believe that it is the desire of our citizens that those
wishes should be carried out, and that such liberal aid
should be furnished by the city as will enable the trustees
to place the library on a permanent and useful foundation.
"Allow me to urge upon the attention of your
honorable body...the necessity of providing means for improving
the quality of the water now supplied. I think this may
be done either by extending the tunnel further into the
river, or by some system of filtration; either at the reservoir
or before reaching the pump...a system of filtration will
probably be the most reliable and desirable, if not the
most economical.
"Provision should be made, without unnecessary
delay, for supplying the more elevated portion of the city.
This can probably be done, more economically, and, in all
respects, quite as satisfactorily, by making a separate
distribution from a reservoir of sufficient size for this
portion of the city.
"There are thirty-five paid employees and twenty
horses, with plenty of hose for the coming year, all in
good order [for the Fire Department
].
"I would earnestly renew the suggestion...in
reference to providing a floating steam fire engine for
the harbor.
"I would also recommend that ten additional
fire alarm boxes be added, and that, at least, one steam
fire engine should be located at Black Rock
"When our markets were erected, it was supposed
that they would prove a source of revenue to the city. Not
only have they failed in this regard, but the receipts have
not paid the expenses of repairs and management. Whether
they can be made to sustain themselves, demands your careful
consideration.
"During the past year only three hundred numbers
for new buildings were marked on the maps on file in the
City Surveyor's office. A large number of dwelling houses
have been erected, whose owners have neglected to call at
the proper office for their respective numbers.
"I would recommend the enforcement of the ordinance
relating thereto.
"The present owner of the Hydraulic canal has
been unable to provide a sufficient flow of fresh water
from this source to wash out the stagnant water from these
canals.
"I would...recommend that as early as possible
the necessary steps to be taken to prepare a proper system
of sewerage for the lands lying east of Jefferson Street
and north of Buffalo
River, and provide at the same time for a flow of fresh water
from the river to the Main and Hamburgh Street Canal through
some of the sewers.
"At the last session of the legislature an act
was passed authorizing the appointment of a Board of Commissioners
empowered to select certain lands in the city of Buffalo
for public parks.
"This is a work of greater magnitude than any
heretofore undertaken by the city, and imposes upon those
having it in charge a heavy responsibility. Whatever difference
of opinion may exist among our citizens as to the wisdom
or policy of establishing such a park as is contemplated
by the Park Commissioners, it is evident that your honorable
body have no power to change or modify their action."
The Council of 1871 received their oaths and commenced
business on January 2, 1871. A committee was appointed to
wait upon Mayor Brush
, at which time he transmitted his annual address
to the Common Council
"I have the honor to transmit this, my second
annual message.
"In doing so, I regard it our paramount duty
to recognize and acknowledge the goodness and mercy of an
overruling Providence in preserving our city, the past year,
from pestilence, tumult and disorder, and keeping our people
in a condition of comparative plenty and comfort, and remunerative
industries.
"Over one half of [the city's] indebtedness
is really no expense to the city. Interest on the Water
Bonds is mostly provided for by the revenue derived from
the supply of water, and it is hoped that the same revenue
will eventually be sufficient to create a...fund for the
final repayment of the bonds at their maturity.
"Hereafter repairs of paved streets are to be
paid from a general fund appropriated for that purpose.
Unless carefully guarded, great abuses are likely to grow
out of a misappropriation of this fund.
"I would recommend that the heads of departments
be required to advertise for proposals, for all work or
supplies, amounting to over two hundred dollars.
"On the 1st of June the Buffalo
Gaslight Company entered into a contract with the city to supply
the public lamps for three years.
"Great care should be exercised in granting
permission to open butcher shops within the market limits.
The establishment of meat shops in close proximity to the
markets, operates injuriously upon those occupying stalls
in them, and will eventually destroy the value of the market.
"The plan for supplying this part of the city
with water by means of the 'Holley' arrangement of pumping
machinery is nearly completed. The Commissioners inform
me that the machinery will compare most favorably with any
in operation in our city. The building in which the works
are placed is located on the corner of Massachusetts and
Seventh Streets.
"The number of teachers at present employed
is 340, at a cost for salary of $200,000.
"Over 21,000 pupils are reported as having attended
the Public Schools
the past year.
"From the report filed by the late Trustee of
the Grosvenor Library
, it appears that the funds of this institution have been
safely and most judiciously invested.
"The immediate expenditure of this sum would
procure a very respectable library, and be a great source
of benefit as well as enjoyment to those who now have no
free access to any library. ...I would recommend that this
library should be kept open till 10 o'clock at night, for
six months of the year - say from the 1st of October.
"About five hundred acres have been 'selected
and located' by the Park Commissioners, a body of gentlemen
well known to our citizens, who are giving to the matter
confided to them all the attention which its importance
demands.
"Efforts were made to purify the water by directing
a stream through the Hydraulic Canal into its channel, but
this was...inadequate to the purpose.
"Aside from this nothing has been done beyond
declaring the intention of taking the lands necessary for
connecting the canal with the river."
The local Democratic leaders "procured the passage"
of a new charter for Buffalo
in 1871, dividing the city into twenty-six wards, and changing
the elections to the spring. This appears to be the Democrats
way of getting even for the changes procured by the Republicans
during Frederick Stevens
term as Mayor. In addition, the office of receiver of taxes
was abolished, and the title of superintendent of schools was
changed to superintendent of education.
"Some of the provisions of this charter were
so distasteful to the people that there was a popular demand
for its speedy repeal - so much so that the question was
made an issue at the election for State officers and members
of the legislature in the fall of 1871."
One of the first orders of business for the legislature
was to repeal this charter and re-enact the old one. It
was passed and a special election was ordered to be held
in February 1872 for the ensuing two years. All of the people
currently in office, therefore,
continued in their positions until the spring of
1872.
At this special election, held in February 1872,
Alexander Brush
handily defeated his Democratic challenger, Myron E. Brown,
13,530 to 8,174, assuring himself another two years in office,
and carrying his entire ticket, a feat not accomplished
in many years.
On February 12, 1872 he delivered his annual address
"Located as Buffalo
is at the foot of the great chain of lakes it must always be
a great thoroughfare for travel, trade and commerce. As
a manufacturing center it presents inducements second to
no other inland city. No community can thrive where the
percentage of taxation approximates the legal rate of interest.
"The Fire Department
is reported in good condition. One horse hose cart for Black
Rock
was added to the department the past year.
"The Fire Alarm Telegraph is reported in excellent
working order. Further extension will not be required for
the coming year.
"The time is not distant, if not already reached,
when the erection of wooden buildings within the more densely
occupied [part] of the fire limits should be prohibited.
"The water works are in good condition and have
fully met all demands made upon them during the year just
closed.
"The Grosvenor Library
is a city station under the management of three trustees...and
with the consent of
the Common Council
[is presently] in the commodious...building corner of Washington
and Lafayette
Streets.
"This is emphatically a free library open to
all classes of citizens without distinction [to] age, sex
or color.
"The present police
force was organized and went into operation May 1st last, under
the name of the Buffalo
City Police.
"There are six Police Stations, only one of
which is owned by the city, the others being rented.
"The charter requires all work, the expense
of which shall exceed $500, to be advertised and competition
invited. I, therefore, respectfully recommend the adoption
of an ordinance requiring all officers and heads of departments
to advertise and invite proposals - for all work not otherwise
provided for - where the expenses exceed $200, and to award
the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.
"Amendments of more or less importance are needed
to the charter in order to its more perfect adaptation to
the wants of the city.
"...Our fellow citizens...expect us to to do
a work of reform in the city government. I trust we shall...keep
continually in remembrance the peculiar weight of responsibility
which the circumstances of our election have laid upon us.
We are pledged to introduce greater efficiency, wherever
it may be done."
The erection of an important structure for the city
was begun on June 24, 1872. The corner stone was laid for
the City and County Building, which was not completed until
early in 1876. The site was at one time the city cemetery,
and was later named Franklin Square.
The first meeting of the Council of 1873 was held
on January 6. A committee of three was appointed to wait
upon Mayor Brush
and inform him that the new council was organized. At the 2
p.m. meeting of the Council, the Mayor submitted his annual
message.
"Notwithstanding the comparatively large indebtedness,
the credit of the city is excellent, both at home and abroad,
for although our bonds are made payable in the city, both
principal and interest, the great majority of them have
been readily sold at par in the city of New York.
"In 1871 the aggregate valuation of taxable
property was [$37,000,000].
"The reduction in the assessed value of personal
property in 1872, from that of 1871, is a result of the
insolvency of some city insurance companies caused by losses
sustained by reason of the Chicago fire.
"House numbers furnished, making a total of
20,000 - 580.
"Bridges constructed - 5.
"As at present organized the Fire Department
consists of eleven volunteer companies and the Paid Department,
consisting of eight steam fire engines and nine horse hose
carts.
"The Volunteer Hose Company located on High
Street, and the Horse Hose Co., near Cold Springs, were
organized the past year.
"The rapid growth of the city, in districts
remote from the location of the engines now owned by the
city...induced the superintendent of the department, on
the 18th of November last, to recommend the purchase of
four new steam fire engines.
"One hundred and twenty-five fires and alarms
are reported for the past year. The great majority of fires
were subdued in the buildings where they originated.
"The receipts for water rates...[show] net receipts
over and above running expenses.
"Experience has developed the fact that the
present capacity of our Water Works is insufficient for
the daily requirements of our city;...it is hoped they will
furnish a sufficient supply of water, if prudently need,
until next summer, when the new pumping engines will be
ready for operation.
"The city has over three hundred miles of streets,
about two hundred of which are regularly patrolled [by the
police
], and the balance occasionally, making the number of miles
patrolled by each man three and a half. From this statement,
it is obvious that the number of patrolmen should be increased.
"The city is divided into seven Police Precincts,
a new one having been erected during the past year.
"The citizens of the eastern part of the city
are desirous of having
a precinct created...for that part of the city.
"Through the efforts of the police
, since the 1st of May last, there have been 173 criminal
convictions in Courts of Record, of which
"2 were sentenced to death,
"82 to Auburn State Prison,
"53 to the Erie County Work house, and the balance
fined.
"Since the estimates for the past year were
confirmed, the Council authorized the appointment of ten
additional patrolmen.
"[The] wide difference between the number of
pupils enrolled and the average daily attendance is due,
in part, to the alarm among parents occasioned in many districts
by the prevalence of small pox. Another cause is the withdrawal
of many of the older pupils, during the spring and autumn
months, to engage in occupations of labor. Others again,
especially the younger children, are detained from attendance
during the inclement winter season, while still another
part is accounted for by the prevalent practice among many
of our citizens of temporarily transferring their children
at particular seasons from the public to parochial schools,
for certain courses of religious...instruction. The superintendent
of education estimates the enrollment of pupils in private
or parochial schools at about 10,000, making a total of
school enrollment of about 30,000. While not advocating
an enforced attendance at public schools, it seems to me
a question worthy
of careful consideration...to compel attendance at some
school of all children between seven and fifteen years of
age.
"[The Grosvenor Library
]...has become an established fact. The library now contains
upwards of 15,000 volumes. Delegated for reference only,
no books are allowed to be taken from the rooms, but are
free for examination, to all who comply with the rules.
"The necessity of adopting a general organized
system of sewerage for the entire city is becoming more
apparent each year. Until within the last few years but
little if any, attention has been paid to the ultimate necessary
extension and enlargement of sewers. The policy of our predecessors
seems to have been guided by the immediate requirements
of the city, rather than to provide for its future growth
and expansion.
"In view of these facts I feel impelled to renew
the recommendation made by me in a former message, that
an ordinance be enacted providing that none but licensed
sewer-builders or plumbers be permitted to construct side
sewers or lay connecting water or gas pipes.
"The road was completed on the first inst. to
Emporium, Pennsylvania [via the Buffalo
, New York
& Philadelphia Railway]...bringing the city in direct communication
with Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington.
"The road [via the Buffalo
& Jamestown Railway] was projected for the purpose of opening
direct communication between the city and the oil and coal
regions of Pennsylvania.
"When completed and in operation, it will undoubtedly
give our city facilities for manufacturing second to none
in this country.
"...Hereafter all moneys appropriated and raised
for [the poor] within the city and the moneys expended by
the city overseer of the poor, shall be estimated, appropriated,
raised and expended as a portion of the general fund.
"I have thus, gentlemen, briefly and as comprehensively
as possible, laid before you the present condition of our
city."
At the end of his second term, Mayor Brush
declined to be a candidate for re-election and retired to return
to his business.
In 1879, six years after retiring from public office,
Alexander Brush
was the only suitable candidate the Republican party
could find to run for the office of Mayor. He was nominated
at the Republican City Convention
, which was held on October 16, 1879 at St. James Hall.
He attempted to get his friends to release him from the
nomination, but at their insistency, and fear of losing
the election, he accepted. In the midst of an apparent Republican
party
scandal, the party needed his leadership to clear the party's
image.
The Democratic City Convention
was held on October 18, 1879. Current Mayor, Solomon Scheu
, was the candidate of their choice for mayor.
Election day fell on November 4, 1879. The "battle
at the polls was earnest and determined," and both
candidates believed their party would carry them. After
the polls closed at 4:30 p.m., the results started coming
in. Mayor Brush
was determined the winner as the citizens flocked to the polls,
13,721 to 12,189.
The entire Republican ticket throughout the state
was victorious, except the office of comptroller. The Common
Council
had a Republican majority of 10.
On Monday, January 5, 1880, the Common Council
convened. A committee of two was appointed to wait upon the
mayor and inform him the Council was in session.
Mayor Brush
submitted his fifth annual address
to the Common Council
"The constant repairs required on our paved
streets are rendered necessary largely by reason of the
imperfect manner in which paving is replaced after making
sewer, gas and water connections...effectual measures should
be taken to secure a practical and perfect manner of doing
such work that the streets may be left in a proper condition,
and kept so by the parties doing our work.
"This end might be secured by requiring contractors
in this line to take out licenses.
"It is a question of time only when measures
must be taken to rid the city of the foul water skirting
its southern and western borders, and to replace it by pure
lake water.
"Early in the month of October measles and diseases
of a kindred nature made their appearance among the pupils,
and from that time until the close of last term, the attendance
was largely reduced, especially among the younger children.
"The total number of arrests by the Police for
the year ending December 31, 1879, will be about 6,700.
Among the most important of these was that of three 'professional'
burglars and bank robbers on the 23d day of November last.
They had 'operated' in Philadelphia and elsewhere, and were
properly disposed of.
"In the early part of the summer Dr. E. G. Mackey,
the Health Physician, repeatedly called the attention of
the Board of Health, and they to the attention of the Common
Council
to the unhealthy...condition of the public wells, of which there
are only 200 remaining in the city, and the urgent need
that there was of the final abandonment of this system and
the extension of water mains to give a healthful supply
in their stead.
"The Parade House was completed about the 1st
of May last and was leased...opened and conducted it in
a manner satisfactorily to the Board of Park
Commissioners.
"The extension of the Street Railway track to
the Park during the past year has brought those pleasure
grounds within reach of all classes of our people, and from
the day the cars commenced running to the Park it has been
thronged with happy groups. Provisions should, however,
be made for a cheap but tasty structure in the picnic grove,
as a resort for ladies and children in case of the occurrence
of sudden showers.
"...The financial condition of the city is such
that expenses should be reduced instead of increased. If
each department is carefully managed, and the expenses thereof
kept at the lowest practicable point, the general result
will be such that a retrospect at the close of our terms
of office will be pleasant, and present no subjects for
criticism or regret."
On January 7, 1881 Mayor Brush
communicated his last annual address
to the Council.
"Gentlemen - Since my last annual communication
to your Honorable Body many important changes have been
made in the charter powers of the city and in the mode of
administering some of the prominent departments of the city
government. These changes it is safe to say after many months
of practical application, have proved themselves to have
been judiciously and to the advantage of the city and citizens.
"By section 15 of the new fire law passed May
12th last, and under which the department is now organized,
it is made the duty of the Board of Fire Commissioners to
'investigate the cause and origin of all fires in the city,
to take testimony under oath, reduce the same to writing'
and 'report
such testimony to the Police authorities.'
"The Coroner's Jury impaneled to investigate
the causes of the death of those destroyed in the...fire
on Perry Street...'request...to see that the proper examinations
of our large buildings, schools and factories now erected
in this city, and hereafter to be erected, are [required
to have] fire-escapes...placed on all large buildings.'
"...It is hoped, expected and believed that
the ordinances as amended will be enforced, so that disasters
by fire, resulting in loss of property and life, will be
reduced to the minimum in the city.
"The Police Department was fully reorganized...on
the 22d of June last.
"That the Department has lost none of the efficiency
by reason of such reorganization is fully demonstrated,
That the character of the Department has been fully maintained
and its expenses greatly reduced are facts which must be
gratifying to our tax-payers.
"The thirty-six inch main recommended by the
[Board of Water] Commissioners and authorized by the Council
is completed and the improvements in the water supply by
the same is satisfactory to the Department.
"The expenses of the city for lighting are of
necessity heavy. For the last twenty-five years...the expense
has steadily grown with the growth of the city.
"In view of the large expense...I dislike to
recommend any increase, but...I recommend the Council to
order the streets lighted the year round.
"The Overseer of the Poor reports a decided
improvements in his department for the year just closed.
This result is owing doubtless in a degree to the revival
of business and better employment, but is largely owing
to...making thorough investigations of cases.
"This institution [Buffalo
State Asylum for the Insane] is one in which the Common Council
and our citizens generally find a deep interest. ground was
broken for the buildings fronting on Forest Avenue in June
1872. The corner-stone was laid on the 18th of September,
1873. The Administration Hall...[was] completed in October
last.
"The building fund of the [Grosvenor Library
] is now ample for the erection of a suitable Library building.
If the old Court House property...or if some public-spirited
citizen would [give] a suitable lot of land for such building,
the Trustees might at once enter upon the erection of a
Library building, which would be an...honor to the city.
"The business of railroads centering here has
largely increased during the year, and the growth admonishes
us to continue a liberal policy in that direction."
There was much misgovernment going on by the board
of Aldermen during 1880 and 1881, based primarily on patronage.
Not that it didn't occur throughout the years, but Mayor
Brush
noticed the lack of control the board possessed, and was determined
to stop it. He vetoed many proposals through those two years,
culminating in the removal of his street commissioner in
November, 1881. Many other patronage and party squabbles
occurred, including the awarding of contracts and individual
officers were subjected to investigation.
Mayor Brush
was not "noted for any aggressive or radical efforts at
reform," although he attempted to have several ordinances
passed that never were. He "evinced a skill in administration,
which stands almost without a parallel in Buffalo
, for his popularity with the masses, never suffered from
any official act of his as Mayor."
PERSONAL
LIFE
Up until 1879 Brush's residence was on the East Side
at 82 North Swan Street, adjoining his brick yards. Around
1879 he built a house at 48 Linwood Avenue, and in the 1880's
he built a new house at 50 Linwood, right next door.
In April, 1863, Mr. Brush married Lucinda Bucklin
of Titusville, Pennsylvania. Within the year, she died.
Brush remarried in 1866 to Mrs. Sarah A. Leonard, (nee Warner)
of South Wales, New York. They had no children, which caused
him to take an interest in his nieces and nephews.
By the year 1882 the firm of Brush Brothers
were making twelve million bricks annually. They purchased new
yards and machinery to increase their business.
Alexander Brush
died while traveling across the ocean to Europe on June 1, 1892.
His body was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery
