1878-79
HISTORY
On January 6, 1822 Solomon Scheu
was born near Standenbehl in Bavaria. He was a descendant of
the French Huguenots, his ancestors arrived there around
the sixteenth century, escaping religious persecution. Scheu's
parents were farming people, and he was brought up doing
farm work until he was nearly seventeen years old.
It was at this time that emigration to America started
to fill his mind, as many people had made the trip to the
land where the streets were "paved with gold". Two of his
brothers and an uncle had gone to the New World, and Solomon
was determined to make the trip.
He barely had enough money to make the trip. He made
it to France and took the French vessel "Francis the
First" across the ocean. After 49 days he arrived in
New York in the spring of 1839. He sought out and found
his uncle and a brother who were working in New York City.
Here he found a temporary home.
His uncle convinced him that he needed a trade of
some sort if he was to make any money. Soon after, Scheu
became a baker's apprentice. Scheu learned all the details
of the baking business and spent about five years working
in New York City.
It was around this time that Mr. Nicklis, a tailor
from Buffalo
, and neighbor of Scheu's brother Jacob, found him while
on a business trip to New York. He was invited by his brother
to visit Buffalo
After consulting with his uncle, Solomon left for Buffalo
with Mr. Nicklis.
It was the winter of 1844 and the Hudson River was
frozen over, so the only means of transportation was by
steamer to Bridgeport, Connecticut and then the Hudson Railroad
to Albany. They arrived in Albany around midnight and crossed
a river on the ice, hauling Mr. Nicklis' luggage and purchases
on a sled they obtained for that purpose. When they awoke
in the morning they found the ice had broken up and they
saw how dangerous it actually was to make that crossing.
From there they took several roads until they met
with the New York Central Railroad
It took three days to reach Buffalo
Jacob Scheu was in the lumber and grocery business and he
immediately gave employment to his younger brother.
After about a year Solomon found work in the bakery
of Mr. Spencer, formerly of the Spencer House at Washington
and South Division Streets. He worked there for about one
year, the baking season mainly occurring during navigation
season.
It was 1846 and Solomon decided to opened his own
bakery on Spring Street. About this time the rest of Scheu's
family arrived from the old country. The elder Scheu helped
his son get started in his business by buying him two barrels
of flour, two barrels of lard, and butter. Scheu's specialty
was to be only pastry and this was enough to get him started.
His brother Jacob furnished a horse and wagon for deliveries
and his younger brother William peddled the wares through
the streets.
Unfortunately the location was not a good one for
a bakery, so in 1847 he rented an old bakery on Water Street.
He was near the dock and along the canal and found this
to be a much better location. After a short time he found
the bakery to be too small and worked out a deal with the
landlord so he could expand the building using his rent
money for one year.
The bakery was successful for three years, at which
time he sold it to Sprigman and Bowers, making a decent
profit.
He then went into the grocery business at the corner
of Canal and State Streets, dealing mainly in supplies for
forwarders and boatmen. After two years he sold out and
opened a saloon, eating house and billiard rooms in the
basement of Hauensteins block at the corner of Main and
Mohawk Streets. This new business brought him into contact
with many politicians, and this led him into politics.
In 1853 the City Charter
was changed dividing Buffalo
into thirteen wards and Scheu was sought to fill the position
of Alderman of the Sixth ward. He was elected in November
1853.
Scheu served as Alderman of the Sixth ward for the
years 1854 and 1855.
In 1855 Scheu was nominated for receiver of taxes
, which he won. It was a two year term and he was re-elected
in 1857 for a second two year term.
The city had $30,000 deposited in the Bank of Buffalo
, when during the panic of 1857 the bank
failed. Scheu
had deposited that money as receiver of taxes
Eventually the bank was able to pay 87 cents on the
dollar, leaving 13 per cent lost. Scheu was legally
responsible for the money, even though he felt he was not
morally. He had followed the established practice for depositing
money, and although never disputing this claim, he never
paid it back either.
After eighteen years either Mayor Lewis P. Dayton
or Philip Becker
, and Common Council
urged a resolution to the
matter be reached. Scheu agreed to pay the deficiency,
plus interest for eighteen years.
After his second term as receiver of taxes
expired, he returned to his business. He purchased the Malt
House on the corner of Hudson and Third Street and went
into the malting business. When he began he made about 25,000
bushels a year.
In 1865 he was again asked to run for Alderman of
the Sixth ward, and subsequently won, serving in the years
1867 and 1868.
It was during 1868 that his name was mentioned for
sheriff throughout the wards. The Democratic party
leaders already had a candidate chosen for that position, so
they devised a way to remove Scheu from the race. At the
State Convention they brought up Scheu's name for State
Prison Inspector. Without his knowledge, he was nominated
as the Democratic candidate.
A telegram was sent to him inquiring if he would
accept the nomination, but some of his friends intercepted
the telegram for fear he would decline. After the Convention
he was informed of his nomination. He was elected and served
the three year term. He was re-elected in 1870, serving
an additional three years.
Scheu returned to his malting business which was
growing tremendously.
On Saturday, October 27, 1877 the Republicans held
their City Convention nominating their candidates one week
before the election. Up until this time the nominations
were always within several weeks of the election, and the
candidates would generally make the rounds at the local
saloons trying to win over votes. This was the typical political
rally of the day.
The Republicans chose Mayor Philip Becker
as their choice for re-election.
The Democrats held their City Convention at Germania
Hall on Main Street on Thursday, October 25, 1877. Alderman
James Ryan moved that Solomon Scheu
be nominated, which was carried unanimously. The Democrats favored
a repeal of the street railroad fare bill passed the previous
winter, and favored restricting the street railroad commission
to the provisions of their original charter. "Low tolls;
low fare!" was their cry.
In addition, there was a third party vying for the
office of Mayor. The Tax-Payers Party put Edward Bennett
in as their candidate.
LIFE AS A MAYOR
The local elections were held on Tuesday, November
6, 1877. Solomon Scheu
won the three-way battle by a slim margin. Scheu received 8,756;
Becker 8,159; and Edward Bennett
6,216. Bennett stole many of his votes from the Republicans,
insuring that Mayor Becker
was not re-elected.
The Common Council
was split evenly 13 Democrats to 13 Republicans.
On January 7, 1878, before Mayor Scheu
even gave his Inaugural Address
he made department appointments, including Superintendent of
Fire, and First and Second Assistant of the Superintendent
of Fire.
The salary for Mayor was now up to $2,500 per year.
This salary had not changed for several years and would
not change for several more.
The Mayor's Inaugural Address
was delivered to the Common Council
and was dated January 8, 1878.
"The necessity of a strictly economical and
conscientious management of our local affairs has never
been felt more keenly than at present. A large municipal
debt rests, practically as a mortgage, upon the taxable
property of our people and the rate of local taxation must
consequently be high. The utmost prudence in public expenditures
and great vigilance that the heavy burden may not be increased,
together with strenuous efforts for its reduction, are among
the most urgent duties of those who are entrusted with the
municipal government in the management of its various branches.
There is a general impression that without detriment to
any public interest and without due regard to all our obligations,
after the present accounts are fairly adjusted, the municipal
expenditures can be reduced. Unnecessary positions in the
service should be abolished and actual and adequate work
for the compensation given should be required of every official
and his employees. The utmost caution ought to be observed
as to every new undertaking not absolutely necessary and
which might involve the city in additional outlays.
"It appears from the information submitted to
me by the Superintendent of Education...there has been a
large increase in registration and attendance over those
of any previous year. One new building has been completed
in School District No. 20.
"In times of such stringency as now prevails
it would be improper for the Common Council
to sanction
or encourage any movement for a change of text books. Indeed
it is deemed on competent authority that the books now in
use meet the wants of the schools.
"I suggest as one desirable reform that, there
being few pupils in the higher grades a consolidation of
various schools as regards this class, might be made, thus
considerably reducing the expenses to the public, while,
at the same time the efficiency of the pupils might be promoted.
"The firemen, both paid and volunteer, have
been energetic and efficient, and the immunity from fire
Buffalo
has conspicuously enjoyed in comparison with many other cities
is due to the excellence of the department.
"The number of fires during the year was 143
and the loss is estimated at $167,100, including a loss
of $70,000 caused by the burning of Jacob Dold
's slaughter house at East Buffalo
and the Parade House, Park grounds.
"The Health Physician and the District Physicians
have rendered effective aid to the Board in promoting the
health of the city. The Health Physician recommends that
action should be taken to enforce the ordinance relating
to the location of slaughter houses, soap factories and
other establishments liable to create nuisances and to give
rise to offensive and unhealthy odor. He thinks this would
relieve many of our citizens from considerable annoyance
and, to some extent, add to the public health.
"With the year 1876 the work of improvement
in the Parks practically ceased. The parks are now in a
condition, by judicious administration, to be enjoyed by
the public at comparatively small expense.
"The destruction of the Parade House by fire
in August last was a serious loss, viewed in the light of
its accommodations for the public as a pleasure resort.
"The Board of Park
Commissioners is now composed of sixteen persons, including
the Mayor as a member ex-officio. The Commissioners render
their services without pay...but the difficulty of securing
the attendance of a majority of the Board...is frequently
experienced. ...I am of the opinion that a less number could
be entrusted with these important functions without detriment
to the public service. It is suggested that six persons,
in addition to the Mayor as one ex-officio, would be a sufficient
number and that the Board should be non-partisan.
"I have pleasure in stating that from various
causes, including the mildness of the season and the employment
of the police
in examining into the circumstances of applicants for relief,
the number of families reported by the Overseer of the Poor...was
[less than the previous year]. I regret that no means are
provided of furnishing work for able-bodied persons who
are destitute and dependent on the public for the means
of living. It is a constant subject for your consideration.
"You have been elected to the honorable and
responsible positions you occupy, not for your personal
benefit, nor for that of any clique or party, but to promote
by all just
means, so far as may be to your power, the
welfare
of our beloved city. Partisan feeling has undoubtedly run high
beyond its proper limits and borne its evil fruits. In some
departments of the city government large amounts of the
money wrung from the hard earnings of the people have been
taken from them and partisan efforts have been made to screen
the offenders from detection and the just penalty of their
misdeeds. Reaction assuredly punishes all who abuse the
confidence of the people by using official authority to
conceal or...[betray] the public trust in the hope of benefiting
a party. For myself, I am content to know that whoever most
thoroughly endeavors to promote the interests of the people
will best advance those of his party. I trust that when
another year has been added to the past, our respective
right intentions will be fully realized, and we shall meet
again with mutual good will, increased by experience."
The city had invested heavily in the Buffalo
& Jamestown Railroad, which went into the hands of a receiver
on the first of October, 1876. The railroad scaled back
and attempted to become profitable. During 1877 the earnings
increased approximately $2,000 over 1876.
The committee to wait upon the Mayor in January,
1879 returned with his Annual Message which was presented
to the Common Council
"The future prosperity of our city and people
depends much upon the introductions of capital and manufacturers.
High taxation drives away to other places those who would
otherwise gladly avail themselves of the natural and other
advantages offered by our city, and establish new enterprises
in it, thus helping to pay our taxes
"Decisive steps should be taken to secure more
prompt payment of taxes
Strict compliance with the requirements of the charter would
have the desired effect, and it would not be otherwise than
beneficial to the entire tax-paying community. It is manifestly
improper that those who do pay their own taxes promptly
should also be compelled to pay for those who do not pay
their at all. Whatever appropriate measures may be devised
to save the city from paying taxes on land it has bought
at tax sales, and to sell it so that it may be profitably
used and become a source of revenue instead of costly on
the part of the city, will receive my hearty approval.
"In my former message I stated that a more accurate
and authentic statement of the accounts of the city in former
years should be given to the public. I again recommend that
a skillful and reliable expert, of ample experience, with
well-known reputation, in whose report all parties may confide,
shall be employed to make the proposed examinations which
I deem necessary to public confidence.
"The Central School is in a high state of prosperity,
and its condition is quite satisfactory; the number of pupils
in attendance is larger than ever, and in addition to the
course of study usually pursued in a High Schools, the languages,
both ancient and modern, are successfully taught.
"The paid branch of the Fire Department
..consists of...a working force of one hundred and twelve
men, being an increase of twelve men over that of the preceding
year.
"The volunteer branch consists of...four hundred
and fifty volunteers.
"The Treasurer of the Board [of the Buffalo
City Police Department] states that [they have] been compelled
to practice the strictest economy from the fact that the
Common Council
cut down the estimate of the sum needed to defray the expenses
of this department.
"A new station-house has been erected during
the past year in the third police
precinct.
"I regret that no adequate methods are provided to
find employment for able-bodied persons who are anxious
to work, but destitute, and often, with their families,
are dependent on the public for the means of sustaining
life.
"The principle of investigation as a pre-requisite
to relief has been more fully and practically developed
than in the previous year. Through it...a great saving has
been effected and door-to-door begging has almost disappeared.
During the year it has been extended to requests for burial
at the expense of the city. Medical relief is undoubtedly
often the means of preserving health and preventing many
from becoming burdens to the public, but the practice of
granting it without discrimination is liable to great abuse.
Not a few benevolent individuals are availing themselves
of the opportunity afforded by the Charity Organization
Society, and through their efforts many have ceased to be
dependent on the public. It is a very suggestive fact, showing
the importance of due investigation, that since the society
extended its operations it has found that nearly one-third
of the applicants for relief are not in need of it.
"A new corporation called the Buffalo
& Southwestern Railroad Company has been organized by the
bondholders in the Buffalo
& Jamestown Railroad. That our merchants and manufacturers
are greatly benefited by this railroad is attested by the
fact that many car loads of merchandise are daily shipped
from the city over the line, while an additional avenue
for the introduction of cheap coal has been secured.
"In my former message I pointed out that the
present charter and ordinances of the city are defective
and sometimes contradictory. It is desirable that they should
be revised by competent persons, who, after due examination,
may suggest the proper changes.
"It is admitted by both parties that the purity
of the elective franchise is endangered by...men who unscrupulously
lower the standard of political morals through all the means
in their power, and more or less openly avow that everything
is fair in politics as long as the election of their candidate
or their own interests are promoted by it. Oppressive and
corrupt taxation and disregard for the general welfare
follow in the train. The purification of the ballot box is earnestly
desired by every good citizen, and demands the careful attention
of all who desire the perpetuation of government by the
people for the people. This necessarily implies that increased
attention should be paid to the appointment of those whose
duty it is to preside at our elections and to whom the practical
expressions of the will of the electors, evinced by their
votes, is entrusted. Marshals, supervisors and inspectors
of election should be selected from among our most worthy
citizens, and never simply because the applicants for these
positions are out of employment and the hangers-on of political
parties."
An elaborate table was presented by Mayor Scheu
during his second year, showing the number of people and families
assisted by the city, broke down by nationality. People
of Irish origin were the most destitute, as over 700 families
were assisted. Next came Germans with over 500, United States
citizens with over 200, Poland with 97, and United States
colored with 48. There were many others but this shows the
influx of citizens from foreign countries, expecting to
find the pot of gold that the United States supposedly had.
Solomon Scheu
was an extremely popular Democrat and was nominated by that
party again in the fall of 1879. Unfortunately, he was defeated
in a strong showing by former Mayor Alexander Brush
Brush defeated Scheu 13,721 to 12,189.
Mayor Scheu
left politics after that defeat and returned to his malt business
which was becoming extremely large, and making him a wealthy
man.
In 1887 Scheu was again called by his political party.
The party could find no suitable Democrat and relied on
Scheu to carry the party's nomination into the office of
mayor once again. This time Scheu was defeated by Mayor
Becker
as he was re-elected, 17,925 to 17,451.
"These defeats were no indication of his unpopularity,
but rather the observance of a long established custom that
the office of Mayor shall alternately be held by the respective
political parties." This held true to form for many
years, with only two mayors succeeding themselves, one of
each party, and apparently Scheu was chosen for re-election
on off years.
Additionally, during the winter of 1879 - 1880 the
State Legislature passed a law which reorganized the Buffalo
Fire Department
, eliminating the Volunteer service and putting control
into the hands of the Board of Fire Commissioners, which
were appointed by the Mayor. In March and April 1880 the
volunteer companies disbanded, and turned their property
over to the city, which was sold by auction.
PERSONAL LIFE
Solomon Scheu
married Wilhelmina Rink in 1847. Her father was a one-time lieutenant
under Napoleon Bonaparte. The Scheu's had seven sons and
one daughter during their marriage.
The first homestead for the family was near his grocery
store, on Genesee Street. In later years he owned a home
on Goodell Street, at Oak and Ellicott Streets , the "scene
of much hospitality." This is the site of the current
M. Wile Company.
After leaving political office Scheu continued building
his malt business. He opened several more malt houses, on
St. Paul Street, and leased the Niagara Malt House on Ohio
Street. He opened another malting firm with his brothers
in Lancaster, New York, Scheu Brothers. By 1882 they did
approximately 400,000
to 500,000 bushels a year.
He was appointed to the Erie County Board of trade
and held that position for several years.
Scheu was active in many societies and organizations.
He was a member of the Orpheus, Liedertafel, German Young
Men's Association
He was elected to state conventions many times and was proud
of the fact he was a delegate to the national convention
that nominated Grover Cleveland
He was a member of the Park and Grade Crossing Commissions.
He was a Mason
in good standing, and a member of the Buffalo
Library Association
On November 23, 1888 Solomon Scheu
died of paralysis after a week's illness. Before Scheu was dead
two hours, Grover Cleveland
wired condolences to his widow from Washington, D.C. "I
beg of you to accept my sincere condolences on the death
of your husband and my friend, with the assurance that I
share your affliction." He had been kept abreast of
the situation by hourly wires.
The Merchant's Exchange, the Grade Crossing Commission
, and Charity Organization Society all drafted resolutions
of sorrow after his death.
Solomon Scheu
and his
wife are buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery
.
