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NAVAGATION
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Lautz, Charles, Buffalo. A worthy example such as that which is presented in the history and career of Charles
Lautz, member of the firm of Lautz Bros. & Co., manufacturers of soap and glycerine, the product of which finds
its way into almost every hamlet in the United States, is certainly one worthy the consideration and imitation
of the young men of the present day and generation, being as he is a central and prominent figure in the industrial,
commercial and financial history of Buffalo. Mr. Lautz was born in Dieburg, Germany, and emigrated to this country
with his parents when he was about eleven years of age. His education was obtained by taking a thorough course
of study of private tuition after his routine duties of the day were completed. When, in 1853, the small acorn
of the present business was planted, and which has since grown to a gigantic oak, or rather, one of the most formidable
of its kind, he was assigned to a most responsible position over which to exercise his judgment. That he proved
himself adequate to the occasion is best illustrated by his subsequent success in commercial life. Aside from the
above firm, whose name has become a household word, and his multifarious duties, he is one of the original members
of The Lautz Company, extensive workers in foreign and domestic marble. A new departure was recently introduced
by this company which promises to become one of the largest industries among those of our commercial pursuits,
namely, the execution of interior work in marble of large public and private buildings. A member of this company
is now scouring the lands of Italy and Africa in quest of rare and unique marble. The Niagara Stamping and Tool
Works, a large and flourishing institution for the manufacture of tinners' tools, is another worthy example of
enterprise into which he has been instrumental in creating life. Besides doing a large and lucrative home trade,
the company is steadily attaining an extensive exporting business. The Niagara Starch Company, of which Mr. Lautz
was one of the original projectors, and which has been merged into The National Starch Manufacturing Company, of
which he is a director, is likewise a living monument to his indefatigable efforts. He is vice president of the
National Soap Makers' Association, to which he was twice elected; is a director and chairman of the finance committee
of the Buffalo Metropolitan Bank, where his counsels and advice are always warmly welcomed by his associates in
that institution's affairs. He is president of the Niagara Heights Land Company, president of the Long View Driving
Park Land Company of Cleveland; a member of the National Association of Manufacturers of the United States and
a member ofthe Buffalo Board of Trade. He is also a director and was one of the prime promoters of the Buffalo
and Williamsville Electric Railway; is a life member of the Buffalo Catholic Young Men's Institute, in which association
he has filled the executive chair with great satisfaction. The Ellicott Club, composed of most prominent citizens
and merchants of this city, likewise has a claim on him as a member. He is a director of the Buffalo Business Men's
Association; a life member of the Fine Arts Academy; life member of the German Young Men's Association; charter
member of the Buffalo Orpheus Singing Society, and a member of several others. Last but not least is his effective
church work, to which he is ardently attached and by whose members he is held in the highest estimation. He is
president director of St. Louis parish, and has filled that honored position time and time again with great promptness
and satisfaction to all. After the old edifice was destroyed by fire, which was ignited by the burning of Music
Hall, he was one of the visiting committee to various cities on a tour of inspection, to obtain plans, etc., and
was largely instrumental in the construction of what is really today one of the handsomest structures of its kind
in this State. Just so in all public spirited movements, he has always been among the first to respond, and in
matters where liberality is essential he is never backward. The benevolence bestowed upon the poor orphan and those
in the humbler walks of life is never forgotten. In addition to Mr. Lautz's many enterprises, considerable attention
is devoted to his country home known as the "Amherst Villa "-which is unquestionably, and expressed by
those having visited it, to be among the finest, best equipped and thoroughly managed farms of its kind. The tract
of land, which covers about 300 acres, is pleasantly located, and is situated in the historical village of Williamsville,
about ten miles from the city of Buffalo. When he purchased this property it was in a very crude state, but through
his untiring efforts he has made it a paradise of farms. Besides his handsome private summer residence, there are
between sixteen and eighteen other buildings upon the grounds. These are used for dwellings, stables for cattle
and horses, storage and dairy house. Upon this latter he takes just pride For cleanliness and sanitary arrangements
it is unsurpassed and worthy of admiration. Among his stock, well fed and carefully housed, is a beautiful herd
of full blooded, registered cattle. In order not to allow his stock to diminish or become below the standard, he
is endeavoring to concentrate one of the most complete herds that can be brought together. For this purpose he
has dispatched an agent to the Island of Jersey, off the northeastern coast of France, with instructions to purchase
without regard to cost, the finest and best stock obtainable. Mr. Lautz resides at 394 Linwood avenue, an elegant,
roomy mansion, where all the pleasures and comforts of city life may be taken advantage of to its fullest extent.
In early manhood Mr. Lautz was married to Miss Susanna Bensler. She is an estimable lady whose association in life
has given him more genuine comfort than words of ours can consistently describe. Mrs. Lautz is unostentatious in
her demeanor and is imbued with the same hospitable traits that characterize her devoted helpmate. For want of
space we can but sparingly touch upon the many salient points of the history and career of Mr. Lautz, but we think
enough has been said to class him among Buffalo's self made men. In short he added materially to the growth, welfare
and repute of the manufacturing and mercantile interests of this, "The Queen City of the Lakes."
Source:
Our County and it's people
a descriptive work on Erie County, New York
Edited by: Trumen C. White
The Boston History Company, Publishes 1898
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Erie County Biographies
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