The American progenitor of Edwin Buchman, of Valley Falls, New York, is Raphael Buchman, born in Adelsdorf, Bavaria, Germany, January 16, 1825, who came to the United States in 1850. He was a man of education, and successfully engaged for many years in the clothing business. In 1884 he retired from that line and became associated with the manufacturing firm of James Thompson & Company of Valley Falls, New York, representing them in New York City. In 1909 he retired from all active business. He was a member of the Harmonic Society of New York, and an influential member in New York City business and banking circles, being director of Importers' & Traders' Bank for many years. He married, March 7, 1852, Julia Hirsh, born April 9, 1832. Children:
- Rosa B., born December 9, 1852; married Raphael A. Schoneman, who in 1877 became a member of the firm of James Thompson & Company; at his death Rosa B., his widow, continued his interest in his firm and business; child:
- May Clara, married Percival M. Sax and has Percival M. and Robert B.
- Bella, May 9, 1854.
- Albert, June 11, 1859; married Adele Judels.
- Julius, June 24, 1862; married Bella Sykes; children: Helen Julia and Aline.
- Edwin, of whom further.
- Emily, July 28, 1868.
(II) Edwin, son of Raphael Buchman, was born in Orange, New Jersey, July 20, 1866. He was educated in private schools and after finishing his school years settled in Valley Falls, New York, where he became associated with James Thompson & Company, became familiar with the details of their large manufacturing business and since 1899 has been a partner of the firm. The business with which he is now connected was established in New York City in 1852 by James Thompson, who learned linen manufacture in Belfast, Ireland, his native city. In 1870 he removed to Valley Falls where an old mill was bought and made over to suit the new requirements. In 1877 the entire business was removed from New York City and mills built suitable for the large business of the company. They acquired other mills and several additional lines of manufacture were added. R. A. Schoneman was admitted as partner in 1877. In 1899 a new partnership was formed, necessitated by the death of James Thompson, the founder. He was succeeded by his son, James (2), and Mr. Schoneman by his widow, Rosa B., and new partners, Julius and Edwin Buchman, admitted. Edwin also represented the interests of Mrs. Schoneman, his sister. The firm retains the original name, James Thompson & Company. They are a large concern and market their products all over the world. Edwin Buchman is an active and influential Republican. He is a member of Victor Lodge, No. 680, Free and Accepted Masons, of Schaghticoke, over which he presided; Apollo Chapter, No. 48, Royal Arch Masons, of Troy, over which he presided; Bloss Council, No. 14, Royal and Select Masters, of Troy, over which he presided; Delta Lodge of Perfection; Delta Council, Princes of Jerusalem, of Troy; over which he presided; Delta Chapter, Rose Croix, of Troy; Albany Sovereign Consistory, of Albany; Oriental Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Troy, and was deputy district grand master of seventeenth district, New York, 1899-1900.
He married, December 24, 1903, Martha M., born March 23, 1876, daughter of Bruno and Bernardine (Tatte) Buschmann, the former born in Hanover, Germany, and the latter near Bremen. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Buschmann:
- Hermonie [Hermione?], married William Henry Outwater; children: Blanche and Miriam;
- Adele, married Frank Foose;
- Martha M., married Edwin Buchman;
- Emilie, married William Palmer; child, Henriette;
- Henriette L.
Bruno Buschmann, at thirty-six years of age, enlisted September 15, 1862, in New York City for three years. He was mustered in September 16, 1862, a private of Company A, Fourth Regiment New York Cavalry. He was later transferred to the Seventh Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, was mustered out June 30, 1865, at Washington, D. C. After the war, in which he saw hard service in many of the severest battles, he returned to New York City and engaged in the grocery business. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed church, and of Custer Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Children of Edwin and Martha M. (Buschmann) Buchman:
- Edwin R., born October 17, 1904;
- Dorothy M. E., May 28, 1906;
- Julius H., May 27, 1908.