admin HENRY WILLIAM WENDT, Secretary and Treasurer of the Buffalo Forge Company, and Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer of the George L. Squier Company and the Buffalo Steam Pump Company, is a well-known manufacturer, inventor and mechanical engineer, equally prominent as an expert technician and a successful business man.
Mr. Wendt is a son of William F. Wendt, Sr., and Louise Weichman, and was born in Buffalo June 19, 1862. He was educated in the public schools, and while still a boy showed a natural aptitude for mechanics. When seventeen years old lie became office clerk for J. C. Austin, proprietor of a ship chandlery and boat supply house, where Mr. Wendt remained two years, then entering the employ of the Buffalo Forge Company. Working at the lathe and bench he gained a masterful knowledge of the machinist’s trade, and was soon appointed Superintendent. In 1888 he was admitted to partnership, and upon the incorporation of the Buffalo Forge Company he became and has ever since been its Secretary and Treasurer. Later the company acquired the ownership of the George L. Squier Company, manufacturers of plantation machinery, of which concern Henry W. Wendt is Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, also filling similar offices in the Buffalo Steam Pump Company, another industry owned by the Buffalo Forge Company. Both as an executive and a mechanical expert, Mr. Wendt represents the modern spirit of advancement, and the reputation his companies enjoy of being always in line with the latest and best manufacturing processes is largely due to his ability. He is well-known as an inventor, having been granted patents for a number of valuable devices. Mr. Wendt has traveled extensively, and enjoys a large acquaintance among engineers and other men of science, in this country and Europe.
Mr. Wendt is a Republican, and an active supporter of his party. In 1898-1900 he was General Committeeman for the 23d Ward of Buffalo, and in this capacity rendered efficient service. He is a Mason of the 32d degree in the Consistory, and a member of Washington Lodge, No. 240; Keystone Chapter, No. 163; Lake Erie Commandery, Knights Templar, and Ismailia Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Buffalo Builders’ Exchange, has, served on its Board of Trustees, and belongs to the Ellicott Club and the Orpheus Society. He attends the Church of the Messiah.
November 25, 1885, Mr. Wendt married; Edith M. Forsyth, daughter of Edgar A. and Amy (Stanton) Forsyth of Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Wendt have two sons, Edgar F., born in 1887, and Henry W., Jr., born in 1891.
SOURCE: Memorial and Family History of Erie County New York; Volume I