The founder of the Buckley family of Troy, New York, here recorded was Peter Henry Buckley, born in Ireland in 1839, came to the United States in 1852 with his parents, who settled in Troy, and died after a long and successful business career in his adopted city, April 19, 1903. He was the son of Dennis and Margaret (Dooley) Buckley, born in Ireland, died in Troy, New York.
Peter Henry Buckley was educated in Ireland and at the "Christian Brothers" Academy, Troy. On reaching a suitable age, he became an apprentice to the mason's trade under Otis G. Clark, a leading contractor and builder, in whose employ he continued as foreman, after serving his required years. In 1859-60-61 he was with United States Engineer Captain Green in government employ. In 1863 he engaged in contracting on his own account, continuing with marked success until 1866, when he joined forces with Levi H. Button, under the firm name of Button & Buckley. They continued in partnership for twenty years and were the leading building firm of the city. In 1886 Mr. Button retired, and Mr. Buckley continued the business under his own name until the year of his death, and many of the public buildings of Troy stand as monuments to his skill as a builder. Among the more notable are the Troy Armory, the Music Hall, Troy Post Office and Government building, the William H. Frear and R. P. I. Alumni buildings, the Troy Security Trust Company building, and many of the great collar factories. He also built the Chapel of the Troy Orphan Asylum, the beautiful St. Barnabas Episcopal Church of Troy, and the Young Women's Christian Association building. He employed a large force of men and was noted for the faithful performance of all his contracts. In 1897 he established a coal business in Troy, that later came under the management of his son. He was a broadminded, public-spirited, substantial citizen, and did much for the advancement of Troy interests. His sound judgment, coupled with wise foresight and long business experience, rendered him a valuable counsellor in matters of public welfare. He was a Democrat in politics, and a devout, consistent member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, devoted to the interests of the church and auxiliary societies, giving freely both of his time and of his substance to their advancement. He was a leading member of the Knights of Columbus, Mount Olympus Council, C. B. L., the Troy Catholic Club, the Catholic Club of New York City, the Ionic and Robert Emmet clubs of Troy. He served as a member of the Troy public commission, and materially aided in its work during the year of its existence. He was a man of fine physique and commanding presence, genial in disposition, a loyal friend and a useful citizen.
He married Suzanne Michel Tetreault, born at St. Pie, Province of Ontario, Canada, daughter of Dr. Francis and Ellen (McNamee) Tetreault. Her grandfather, ———— Tetreault, born in France, came to Canada, where he had a grant of land. He married ———— Peron. Dr. Francis Tetreault was a prominent man and skillful physician in Canada, and represented his district in the Canadian parliament. His wife, Ellen McNamee, was of the Reil family (originally Reall) of Spanish descent. Children of Peter H. and Suzanne Michel (Tetreault) Buckley:
- Alice C., born June 3, 1878, died 1884.
- Nellie, born September 16, 1879, died September 5, 1882.
- Joseph Henry, born April 20, 1881, died September 5, 1882.
- Marguerita Georgiana, educated at Miss Hamblin's private school, Sacred Heart Academy, Kenwood (Albany) Sault au Recollet and Hochelaga convents, Montreal, Canada; now a resident of Troy.
- Dennis Tetreault, died 1907, aged twenty-four years; was a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
- Peter Henry, Jr., died 1905, aged nineteen years.
- Paul M., born September 16, 1887; educated at St. Patrick's parochial school, La Salle Institute, Troy, Notre Dame and Loyola colleges, Montreal, Canada; he is now (1910) engaged in the coal business in Troy; this business was established in 1897 by his father, and is successfully continued by the son; he is a member of St. Patrick's Church, an Independent in politics, and a member of the Troy Citizens Corps.
- Joseph James, born 1891; student at St. Laurent College, Montreal, Canada, class of 1911.
- Susan Mary, deceased.