1897 Biography - Hector M. Stocum

Stocum, Hector M., Wheatfield, was born at Hurd's Corners,Yates county, N.Y., December 13, 1835. When he was three months old his parents removed to Elmira, N. Y., and in 1852, he removed to New York city, where he lived until 1857, when he returned to Elmira. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, 107th Regt., N. Y. Vols., which served with the 12th Corps in the Army of the Potomac. He was in the field until the fall of 1863, participating in the battles of Antietam, South Mountain, and Chancellorsville, when he was transferred to the department of the Cumberland, Louisville, Ky., where he remained in the pay department until the close of the war. After the war he returned to Elmira and embarked in the lumber business. In 1867 he removed to Corning and in 1869 to Painted Post, still continuing in the lumber business. August 23, 1873, he came to North Tonawanda and established himself in the lumber business, which he continued up to 1888. Since that time he has given his attention to the affairs of the Gas Light Company, of which he is manager. He has long been prominent as a business man in this part of the State and was president of the Lumbermen's Association for two years and president of the Business Men's Association for two years; he has also been president of the Union Republican Club. He has been a Republican since that party was formed in 1856, in which year he cast his first vote on Duane street, New York city, and he was a member of the Republican County Committee for Wheatfield, Niagara county, five years. March 17, 1897, he was elected village treasurer, and upon the incorporation of the city became city treasurer. In 1863 he married Ann E. Bennet, and they have two sons; Solomon Bennet and Thomas Edward. His parents were Eliphalet Miller and Emily (Hurd) Stocum.

Contributed 2017 by Lisa Slaski from Landmarks of Niagara County, New York, by William Pool, D. Mason & Co., Syracuse, NY, 1897

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