USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > Wilkes-Barre > A history of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania : from its first beginnings to the present time, including chapters of newly-discovered early Wyoming Valley history, together with many biographical sketches and much genealogical material. Volume VI > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
RÉ
1871
UNIVERSITY
OF PITTSBURGH
TY
PIT
UNIVERSIT
TS
GH
170
1787
LIBRARY
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2009 with funding from University of Pittsburgh Library System
http://www.archive.org/details/historyofwilkesb06harv
Engdby Campbell N.
Sunt Stray Smith,
A HISTORY OF
WILKES-BARRE
LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
FROM ITS FIRST BEGINNINGS TO THE PRESENT TIME; INCLUDING CHAPTERS OF NEWLY-DISCOVERED
EARLY WYOMING VALLEY HISTORY
TOGETHER WITH MANY BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND MUCH GENEALOGICAL MATERIAL
BEGUN BY
OSCAR JEWELL HARVEY, A. M.
AUTHOR OF "A HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 61, F. & A. M.", "THE HARVEY BOOK", "A HISTORY OF IREM TEMPLE", ETC.
AND COMPLETED BY
ERNEST GRAY SMITH, M. S., LL. B.
PRESIDENT AND EDITOR OF THE WILKES-BARRE TIMES-LEADER
ILLUSTRATED WITH MANY PORTRAITS, MAPS, FACSIMILES, ORIGINAL DRAWINGS AND CONTEMPORARY VIEWS
VOLUME VI BIOGRAPHICAL WILKES-BARRE, PA.
1930
Das q. F159 W6H34 v. C
Lamer At. Bevor
373
LAURENCE W. BEVAN-One of the very suc- cessful business and professional men of Wilkes-Barre is Laurence W. Bevan, vice-president and general man- ager of the Hazard Wire Rope Company, of Wilkes- Barre. Mr. Bevan was identified with the former Hazard Manufacturing Company from March, 1913, to the time of its reorganization in 1927. He took charge as engineer of tests for the company, and since 1925 filled the respon- sible official and executive positions of vice-president and general manager. He-is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State College, and was formerly in the employ of the Carnegie Steel Company.
Rev. I. L. Bevan, father of Mr. Bevan, is of Welsh ancestry, a descendant of forebears who came from Wales to this country about a century ago. He is a minister of the Christian and Missionary Alliance of America, a man of ability and of fine Christian char- acter. He married Alice Foster, and they make their home in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. They are the par- ents of four children: Robert C., who is a salesman in the employ of the Hazard Wire Rope Company ; Paul T., a salesman in the employ of the H. B. Schooley and Company, of Wilkes-Barre; Kenneth F., who is associ- ated with the Matheuson Automobile Company, at Forty Fort, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania ; and Laurence W., of further mention.
Laurence W. Bevan, son of Rev. I. L. and Alice (Foster) Bevan, was born in West Pittston, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, November 2, 1889, and spent his carly boyhood in his birthplace, attending the local pub- lic schools and then continuing his study in Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, Pennsylvania, where he completed his course with graduation in 1908. He then matriculated in the Pennsylvania State College, from which he was graduated in 1912 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. After graduation he went out to Youngstown, Ohio, where he was for a time associated with the Carnegie Steel Company. In March, 1913, he returned to this State and located in Wilkes-Barre, where he took charge as engineer of tests for the Hazard Manufacturing Company. Here he remained, giving faithful and very efficient service, and in 1925 he was made general man- ager of the business. In 1927 he was made vice-president and general manager, and since reorganization of the company he retained the two positions as well as director with the Hazard Wire Rope Company. Mr. Bevan gives his support to the Republican party. Fraternally, he is identified with Kingston Lodge, No. 395. Free and Ac- cepted Masons. He is a member of the American Insti- tute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, and is well known among his professional associates. He is a director of the Luzerne County Branch of the Pennsylvania Man- ufacturers Association ; trustee of the Hahnemann Hos- pital, Wilkes-Barre; director of the Wilkes-Barre Cham- ber of Commerce; and in June, 1929, he was elected vice-president of the Pennsylvania State Alumni Associa- tion. He is a member of the Rotary Club, the West- moreland Club, the Franklin Club, and of the college fraternity. Beta Theta Pi, and he is a Protestant in his religious faith.
Laurence W. Bevan married, September 10, 1913. Helen G. Biehl, of Plymouth, Luzerne County, daughter of Dr. Jefferson P. and Carrie (Davenport) Biehl, the father a well-known physician of Plymouth. and the mother, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bevan have two sons : Laurence W., Jr., and Robert Davenport. The family home is located at Dallas, Pennsylvania.
ANTHONY J. RUDDY-A business man of abil- ity and long experience, Anthony J. Ruddy has made his home in Hudson, Pennsylvania, for many years. As proprietor of the A. J. Ruddy general store, he provides for the needs of the community in a very efficient way, while in the various other phases of local activity, he has played a prominent part.
Mr. Ruddy was born in Ireland, April 8, 1858, a son of Patrick Ruddy, who was born in Ireland, and died in 1899, and of Mary Ruddy, also a native of Ireland, who died in 1910. He came with his parents to the United States in May, 1864. Being denied the advan- tages of a finished education, at the age of nine he began work in a coal breaker in Hudson, which he continued for a period of twelve years, from 1867 to 1879. At the end of that time he entered the grocery business as a clerk in a local store, but after only two years, in 1881, he established the firm of Reilley and Ruddy, in association with Mr. Reilley, and together they operated a general store until the year 1900, when Mr. Ruddy disposed of his interest in the venture. In the same year, at No. 2 Miner Street, he established his
own general store, which was immediately successful. In the course of the years since that time, Mr. Ruddy's efforts resulted in a large volume of business as the general excellence of his service and products gained wider recognition. In addition to this work, Mr. Ruddy is a director and vice-president of the Citizens' Bank, of Parsons, in which institution he was one of the origi- nal stockholders.
Politicaily, Mr. Ruddy supports the principles and candidates of the Democratic party, served as a member of the Plains Township School Board, and as tax col- lector of the same. He worships in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, and for many years has been a member and a liberal supporter of the church of the Sacred Heart, at Hudson.
In November, 1880, Anthony J. Ruddy married Mary Kilker of Hudson, daughter of Patrick and Mary Kilker of this place. Of this marriage there were five children : 1. Mary, who married George Schroeder, of Wilkes- Barre. 2. Joseph, a dentist in Wilkes-Barre. 3. Charles, who is a dentist in Pittston. 4. Anna, a teacher in the city schools. 5. Gerald, of Hudson. Mrs. Ruddy died in November, 1913.
GEORGE G. BRADER-A leading figure in real estate and insurance circles in Luzerne County, George G. Brader is one of the most prominent citizens of Nan- ticoke, taking an active part in the civic affairs of the community and occupying a high position in its busi- ness life. Mr. Brader conducts an extensive insurance business, being agent for approximately twenty different companies, all of which are the best known and most sub- stantial organizations in the United States. In addition to his commercial activities, he takes a deep interest in- business clubs and fraternal organizations, being par- ticulariy devoted to those of the Masonic Order, in which, for many years, he has been a loyal and enthusiastic leader.
Mr. Brader was born in Beach Haven, Luzerne County, March 1, 1868, son of Daniel and Sarah (MacGraw) Brader. Daniel Brader was born in Northampton County, son of Henry Brader, who brought his family to Luzerne County many years ago. Henry Brader was engaged during his active career as a mechanic. Daniel Brader learned the trade of cabinet making and boat building, and for a time was engaged in constructing boats for the canal company which once plied this sec- tion. He later engaged in the construction business inde- pendently, acquiring boat yards and building boats on contract for private parties. In addition to this, he operated a successful and complete lumber yard and planing mill at Beach Haven, in which town he was a prominent figure, taking an active part in all affairs and being a leading member of the First Methodist Episco- pal Church. By his marriage, he had one son, George G., of whom further.
George G. Brader was educated in the public schools of Luzerne County, after which he studied at Wyoming Seminary. Upon the completion of his education, he entered the employ of the Wyoming National Bank at Wilkes-Barre and remained with this important finan- cial institution until 1906, in the position of correspond- ing clerk. At that time, he engaged in his present busi- ness, taking over the organization which his brother. J. C. Brader, had established in 1886 and operated until that time, in Nanticoke. Mr. Brader has ever been suc- cessful in all his enterprises, having a keen knowledge of the real estate and insurance trade, with a particularly expert and accurate judgment of land values and pros- pects. In 1924, he was joined by his son, Norwood H., who handles much of the detail relating to real estate, with particular attention to city properties. Although his success in the financial world attests to his thorough attention to business, he finds time to devote to social and fraternal affairs, and is a leader in Masonic circles, being a member of Landmark Lodge, No. 442, Free and Accepted Masons, Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, Royal Arch Masons; Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 45. Knights Templar, and Past Eminent Commander thercof also a member of Keystone Consistory, and Irem Temple. Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Wilkes-Barre, in which he served officially, resigning his office of Recorder upon his removal to Nanticoke. He is prominent in the Craftsmen's Club of Nanticoke, the Press Club of Wilkes-Barre, the Irem Temple Country Club, Luzerne County Insurance Exchange, the Penn- sylvania State Association of Insurance Agents, and the State Federation of Insurance Agents. In his religious affiliations, he is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
George G. Brader married December 1, 1892, Elizabeth
374
Atherton, of Kingston, daughter of Thomas R. Ather- ton. To this union have been born three children: I. George Atherton; enlisted in the Aviation Service of the United States in May, 1917, shortly after the declaration of war against the Central Powers; trained at Madison Barracks, New York, and later at the Air Service Ground School, Ithaca, New York; going overseas in October, 1917, he finished his training with the Royal Air Forces of England and while stationed at Turnberry Field, Scotland, was killed April 5, 1918, while engaged in a practice flight, being then twenty-five years of age. 2. Mary, married Edward Siegel, of Nanticoke, and they have one child, George Atherton. 3. Norwood H., born December 23, 1899, was educated in the public schools of Nanticoke and after high school, entered West Chester Normal School, being attached to the Students' Army Training Corps, during the World War, and later grad- uating from the Wyoming Seminary, with the class of 1920; matriculated at Cornell University, receiving his degree of Mechanical Engineer with the class of 1924; then became associated with his father in the latter's business and has ever continued to be a prominent part of that organization; married Ruth Howser, of Ithaca, New York, who died in July, 1926, leaving one son, James N. Mr. Brader and his family reside on Tilbury Heights, West Nanticoke.
CHARLES W. MILLER-Having as his only assets a fund of energy and ambition coupled with an agreeable personality, Charles W. Miller began his business career in Wilkes-Barre in 1887, when he came to this city and became associated with J. C. Bright and Company, dealers in oil. Since that time, he has continued to advance steadily until today he is one of the city's leading business men as well as being prominent in all civil affairs and an active figure in all projects for community welfare.
Mr. Miller was born at Mifflinville, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, on January 2, 1866, son of George and Mary (Martz) Miller, both of whom were members of old Pennsylvania families and who are both now de- ceased. George Miller was born in Columbia County and was for many years a successful farmer.
Charles W. Miller received his education in the public schools of Mifflinville, assisting in the farm work while carrying on his studies, and he later entered Wyoming Seminary at Kingston. Upon the completion of his course, he matriculated at the Bloomsburg State Normal School where he was an apt and diligent student. After finishing his studies, he accepted a position as bookkeeper at Weatherley, Pennsylvania, and in 1887, came to Wilkes-Barre as aforementioned. Through his industry and ability, he prospered continuously and in 1900, entered business for himself, during the year purchasing the business formerly owned by the J. C. Bright and Com- pany. He has ever since continued in the oil business, having been connected with this present - location for forty years and is the oldest oil dealer in point of service in this city. Business increased so that he opened and now operates a branch of his enterprise at the corner of North Main and North streets. Taking an active interest in the city's progress, he as a member of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce and as a director of the Young Men's Christian Association, has ever had the best interests of the city at heart. In fraternal organi- zations, he takes a prominent part, being a member of Landmark Lodge, No. 442, Free and Accepted Masons in which he is Past Master; Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, Royal Arch Masons; Dien le Vent Commandery, No. 45, Knights Templar ; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and the Shrine Country Club. In politics, he has always followed the principles of the Republican party and in his religious affiliations is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, having been a trustee for many years.
Charles W. Miller married ( first), in September, 1887. Luella Keller, of Mifflinville, Pennsylvania, daughter of William and Margaret (Bowman) Keller, and they had one daughter, Mary, married M. G. Robbins, of Kingston, and their children are Charles and Melvin. Mrs. Miller died in September, 1894. Mr. Miller married (second), in December, 1897, Helen Doron, of this city, daughter of William E. and Elizabeth (Barnes) Doron, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth, who married Albert R. May of this city, and they have a son, A. Robinson May. Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Miller reside at No. 281 North Main Street, in the home which he built more than thirty one years ago.
MICHAEL ALEXANDER-For nearly forty years the residents of Nanticoke have been pleasantly familiar with the commercial house of Michael Alexander, deal-
ing in dry goods and garments for women. Established by Michael Alexander in 1889, at Nos. 15 and 17 East Main Street, the original location has been found satis- factory, although they have moved once, merely to cross the street, even with the growth of the city and the expansion of their business. The name seems to be synonymous with the business section in which it is located, so firmly have the members of the firm entrenched themselves in the good will of the trading populace. Joseph and Herman Alexander today comprise the firm and both have displayed such deep interest in the prosperity of the city, in its enterprises, its social, religious, political and fraternal affairs that they are held to be citizens of high merit and worthy of all the good fortune that has attended their industry.
Michael Alexander was born in Germany, emigrating to America when a young man and locating in Nanti- coke, where he spent his life as a merchant. His wife was Minna Meyer, also of German birth, still surviving him, who died in 1913. She was the mother of nine chil- dren, Rose, her first born, being the wife of H. Fruden- thal, a hat manufacturer of New York City. In the order of their births the others were Max, a manufac- turer of hats, operating in New York City; Joseph, who is a partner in the Nanticoke firm of M. Alexander Sons; Alexander, also a New York hat manufacturer; Leo, in similar business; Herman, a partner of his brother Joseph in the Nanticoke firm; Bertha, wife of J. H. Margolies, of West Chester, Pennsylvania; Hilda, and Gertrude, wife of W. S. Green, of New York City. In addition to conducting the dry goods store in Nanti- coke, Joseph and Herman Alexander own and operate a hat store for men at No. 2 West Market Street, Wilkes- Barre, which they founded in 1917.
Joseph Alexander, the elder of the two brothers com- prising the firm, was born in Germany, August 4, 1880, was brought to Nanticoke by his parents and educated in the public schools here. He entered into association with his father at the conclusion of his elementary edu- cation and soon became a partner in the concern. He continued in that occupation until the death of his father, then entering into partnership with his brother and con- tinuing the business. He is a director in the Nanticoke National Bank and holds membership in Antiquity Lodge, No. 11, Free and Accepted Masons; Caldwell Consis- tory, of Bloomsbury; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and in the Crafts- men's Club. He is held to be one of the most progres- sive citizens of Nanticoke.
Herman Alexander was also born in Germany, in 1886; was brought to Nanticoke by his parents and was educated in the public schools here. He was taken into his father's store to learn the business and continued there until his father's death brought about the change that made him a partner of his brother, Joseph, in the business. His popularity is on a plane with that of his brother, the two being looked upon by their fellow- citizens as men of substantial character and high worth to the community. Herman is a member of New York Lodge, No. 743, Free and Accepted Masons; of Cald- well Consistory; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and of the Craftsmen's Club.
WALTER C. SUTHERLAND-From a very mod- est beginning, the firm of Sutherland and McMillan, wholesale grocers and importers, of Pittston, Pennsyl- vania, has developed into the largest jobbing concern in Luzerne County. Founded by Walter C. Sutherland and Charles L. McMillan, more than thirty-six years ago, the enterprise has been guided by the business ability of the founders through all these years, and is now (1928) doing a volume of business which aggregates over a million dollars annually. The firm handles groceries and feed, specializing in Columbia Flour, and Fox Hill and Columbia canned goods, their own brands. Mr. Sutherland is a director of the People's Union Sav- ings Bank, and has for many years been active in public affairs in Pittston.
The Sutherland family is one of the old families of Scotch ancestry, tracing back to William Sutherland, who came to this country from Scotland. He settled in Dutchess County, New York, and reared a family there, the line to Walter C. Sutherland of Pittston, descending through William Jr., son of the immigrant, born in Dutchess County, New York, in 1690; his son Colonel David Sutherland, of Dutchess County, born in 1722, who served as a colonel in the 6th New York State Militia during the Revolutionary War; his son, Joel, born August 30, 1755; his son, Brush, born June 5, 1785;
Est. milan
375
his son, Smith, born October 21, 1818. All of the above were born in Dutchess County, New York.
Smith Sutherland, born in 1818, was educated in. Gilbertsville Academy, Otsego County, New York, and served as justice of the peace and as captain of a mili- tary company in Otsego County, New York, where he was also a superintendent of schools. In 1850, when he was about thirty-two years of age, he came to Pittston, Pennsylvania. Here be became a successful merchant, and continued to follow that line of business activity. He was a man of wide interests, active in local affairs, and a progressive and helpful citizen. A supporter of the Republican party, and a member of the Universalist Church, he was for more than forty years a substantial and progressive citizen of Pittston, continuing to be actively interested in its affairs to the time of his death, which occurred in 1891, at the age of seventy-three years. He married (first) Lucy P. Fuller, and to this marriage two children, both of whom are deceased were born: Charles F., born May 25, 1848, and George H., born January 5, 1850. Smith Sutherland married (second) Laura Stanton, and to this marriage two children were born: Lucy F., born March 6, 1864, who married Jos- eph B. Hayes; and Walter C., of further mention.
Walter C. Sutherland, son of Smith and Laura Loomis (Stanton) Sutherland, was born in Exeter Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1862, and received his early education in the public schools of West Pittston. Later, he was a student in Kingston Seminary, and before his seminary course he spent one year in the United States Navy, under Commander Robley B. Evans. When his training was completed, he entered the employ of Githens, Rexsamer and Com- pany, wholesale grocers of : Philadelphia, with whom he remained for a period of ten years, 1882-92, In 1892, he engaged in the wholesale grocery line in Pittston, forming. a partnership with C. L. McMillan, and through the years which have passed since that time he has con- tinued in this business, developing it to the proportions which place it at the head of jobbing houses in the county. In 1912, W. A. Hay was admitted as a partner, but the business continued to operate under the original name of Sutherland and McMillan. Their operations cover the Wyoming Valley and part of Lackawanna County, and the present impressive annual business has developed from the original annual sale of one hundred thousand dollars. Six salesmen are kept on the road, and the firm has a reputation which has been one of its valuable assets for more than three decades. The estab- lishment is located at No. 10 Sutherland Place, in Pitts- ton, and is one of the leading concerns of the city.
Mr. Sutherland is a Republican in politics, and has always been deeply interested in the general welfare of West Pittston, serving for seven years as a member of the West Pittston Council, during which time he was president of the council for one year. He is well known in the Masonic Order, being a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 233, Free and Accepted Masons; Pittston Chapter, No. 242, Royal Arch Masons; Wyoming Val- ley Commandery, No. 57, Knights Templar ; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the New England Society, of New England, and the Pennsylvania Society; of the Sons of the Revolution, the Wyoming Valley Historical and Geological Society; and of numerous clubs, including the Westmoreland Club, Craftsmen's Club, Fox Hill Country Club, in which he served as treasurer and presi- dent of the board of governors. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian Church.
Walter C. Sutherland married, April 17, 1889, Grace Klotz, of West Pittston, Pennsylvania, daughter of Joseph Klotz, a pioneer settler in Pittston, and they have three children: 1. Martha S., who married Major S. K. Mitchell, a member of the firm of Biddle and Eno, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. 2. Marian S., who mar- ried Allen P. Kirby, of Wilkes-Barre. 3. Esther, who lives at home. Mrs. Sutherland is a member, and actively interested in the work of the Woman's Club and the Presbyterian Church. The family residence is at No. 50 Susquehanna Avenue, West Pittston.
CHARLES L. McMILLAN-In the commercial development of Pittston, Charles L. McMillan has taken a prominent part as member of the wholesale grocery concern of Sutherland & McMillan, one of this city's most progressive business establishments, doing busi- ness over a wide area and expanding steadily and con- sistently by reason of their efficiency, modern methods of operation and thorough consideration for their cus- tomers. Mr. McMillan is thoroughly acquainted with
this branch of commerce having been connected with the grocery business, both retail and wholesale, for the entire period of his active career. His present partner- ship with Mr. Sutherland was formed in 1892 and it has continued firmly and successfully during the ensuing years, and today this concern is one of the foremost factors in Pittston's commercial advance. In civil life, Mr. McMillian is prominent in everything pertaining to public welfare, while in fraternal and social organiza- tions he is a popular and energetic member.
Mr. McMillan was born in Hawley, May 14, 1862, son of James L. McMillan, who died in 1908, and Marian D. (Muir) McMillan, born in 1843 and died in 1915. James L. McMillan was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and came to the United States in 1855, settling in Pitts- ton where he spent the greater part of his life. For a time he resided in Avoca where he conducted a gen- eral merchandise store and was also interested in coal operations, later being elected president of the New York & Pittston Coal Company in which office he served for many years. He was also director of the First National Bank of Pittston, and an elder in the Presbyterian Church at West Pittston, having held similar office for a time at Avoca. Mr. and Mrs. McMillan were the parents of twelve children, all of whom reached matur- ity, of whom Charles L. (of whom further) was the eldest.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.