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 V > Part 33
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the anti-Masons. Mr. Wright, then twenty-seven, was prominent in Luzerne County as a member of the anti- Masonic party. In 1835 he was elected and commis- sioned colonel of the Wyoming Volunteer Regiment, Sec- ond Brigade, Eighth Division, Pennsylvania Militia, which commission he held until 1842. He succeeded well in his practice, and at times gave attention to poli- tics. After having filled local offices he was elected to the lower house of the State Legislature, and was offered strong support if he would run for the Senate, but he declined, and was elected to a third term in the lower branch. At the opening of the next session he was chosen speaker, in which position he strongly opposed the Porter wing. In the 1844 National Democratic Con- vention held at Baltimore he acted as delegate-at-large from Pennsylvania, and was chosen temporary chairman, and then permanent chairman, over the deliberations of the body which nominated James K. Polk for the Pres- idency : this action displeased Colonel Wright's faction, which had consistently opposed Polk. In October, 1850, he ran strongly for Congress, but was defeated by the Whig candidate, Henry M. Fuller. Two years later, however, Colonel Wright defeated Mr. Fuller. In 1854 their names again headed the ticket, and this time Fuller was successful. In March, 1856, Colonel Wright was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention, and was elected its chairman. He advocated the nomination of James Buchanan by the Democrats as their offering for the Presidency. In 1858 he was substitute delegate to the State Convention and chairman of the commit- tec on resolutions. In 1861 he was the candidate of the War Democratic party for Congress, and obtained an overwhelming endorsement at the polls. He strongly opposed the secession of the Southern States from the Union, but voted against a bill abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia. When criticized for this stand, he replied : "I voted against the bill for abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, and it is my purpose to vote against any bill abolishing slavery anywhere, with- out the consent of the people in the State where it exists; and in doing this I will violate no pledge that I ever assumed, either by word or implication, in the remotest degree."
In March, 1863, Colonel Wright returned to his home and the extensive law practice which circumstances had forced him to relinquish when he went to represent his constituency in Washington. In 1871 he published "A Practical Treaties on Labor," which had originally ap- peared in a series of articles in the "Anthracite Monitor," under the nom de plume of "Vindicator." He published in April, 1873, "Historical Sketches of Plymouth." In 1872, during strenuous political times, Colonel Wright was again called upon to bear the Democratic standard for Congress, but he met with defeat. At Erie in 1873 he presided over the Democratic State Convention, and until 1875 served as chairman of the State committee. He was elected to Congress in 1876 and again in 1878. With the conclusion of the Forty-ninth Congress in 1881, Colonel Wright closed his political career, after eleven years of faithful service in State and National legisla- tures; and at this time he also gave up the practice of law and business affairs, and retired to the inner sanc- tuary of contemplation at his country residence on the shores of Shawanese Lake, some twelve miles from Wilkes-Barre. His local honors included membership in the first board of trustees of the Wyoming Athenaeum ; first president of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association ; an organizer and president of the Wilkes- Barre Water Company; stockholder and director of the Second National Bank; and presidency of the Wyoming Valley Historical and Geological Society.
Colonel Wright married at Wilkes-Barre, April 21, 1835, Mary Ann Bradley Robinson, born at Wilkes-Barre, June 9. 1818, died here September 8, 1871, only daugh- ter of John W. Robinson and Ann (Butler ) Robinson, and granddaughter of Colonel Zebulon Butler. She was a descendant of the fifth generation of the Duxbury pastor, Rev. John Robinson, and a descendant of the seventh generation of Major William Bradford. She was an eighth gencration descendant of Governor Wil- liam Bradford, Mayflower leader and second governor of the Colony of Massachusetts. Other ancestors in- cluded Rev. James Fitch, of Saybrook, later Norwalk, Connecticut ; and Major-General John Mason, leader of the Connecticut forces in the Pequot War and at one time deputy of the colony. Her father, John W. Robin- son, born at Norwich, Connecticut, April 5, 1779. was the eldest child of Samuel and Priscilla (Metcalf) Robin- son; great-grandson of Rev. John Robinson, able but eccentric pastor of the church at Duxbury, Massachusetts.
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The children of Hendrick Bradley and Mary A. B. (Rob- inson) Wright were ten: 1. and 2. Charles Robinson and Ellen Hendrick, twins, born and died in 1836. 3. Joseph ( 1827-62), served in the Civil War on the side of the Union. 4. Ann Augusta, born June 18, 1839. 5. Mary Elizabeth (1841-88), married Christopher Eldredge Hawley, mining engineer. 6. Caroline Griffin, born September 28, 1844. 7. Hendrick Bradley, (1847- 1880). 8. George Riddle, of whom further. 9. Ellen Hendrick (1852), married, in 1872, Thomas Graeine, native of Virginia, resident of Wilkes-Barre. 10. Charles Robinson Wright ( 1854-60).
Colonel Wright died at Wilkes-Barre, September 2, 1881, and three days later was interred in the Hol- lenback Cemetery. Of him it was said, "Charity and benevolence were the ruling features of his heart. The distribution of his holiday loaves to the poor, a prac- tice he continued for years; his acts of generosity to the poor the year round; his aid to people in debt, con- tributions to public charities, and various subscriptions for public purposes, all indicated in him the existence of that priceless feature of exalted manhood and the true ornament of human life."
(VI) George Riddle Wright was born in Wilkes- Barre, November 21, 1851, son of Hendrick B. and Mary Ann Bradley ( Robinson) Wright. He was educated at Wilkes-Barre and attended private schools and Edge Hill Academy at Princeton, New Jersey. In September, 1869, he entered Princeton University, graduating in the class of 1873 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and later with the degree of Master of Arts. He won the senior gold medal for oratory in a competition at Clisophic Literary Hall. Then he returned to Wilkes-Barre and began the study of law in the office of his father, and in 1875 was admitted to the Luzerne County Bar. In the summer of 1877 he was tendered a nomination to Congress by the committee appointed by the Labor Con- vention ; he could easily have been elected, as the whole ticket went through that fall, but he refused the nomina- tion.
Mr. Wright is a member of the American Bar Asso- ciation, the County and State Bar associations ; he served as president of the United Charities of Wilkes-Barre from 1895 to 1901. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Society of the War of 1812, the Robinson Genealogical Society of Boston, the Wyom- ing Valley Historical and Geological Society, and the University and Princeton clubs of New York. In 1896 he was a gold standard Democrat, and was an elector in the nomination of Palmer and Buckner in opposition to the Bryan free silver standard. He declined nomina- tion on the Democratic ticket for Congress at the time Judge Lynch was elected from the Eleventh District, and also declined the nomination for the Legislature and State Senator. For twelve years he was a director of the Wilkes-Barre Water Company, three years its presi- dent ; for several years he was a director of the Wilkes- Barre Electric Light Company. In 1906 he organized the First National Bank at Dallas, Luzerne County, and for twenty-one years has been its capable president. He is a member and attendant of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He is unmarried.
REV. MICHAEL E. LYNOTT-Head of St. Ig- natius Parish, Kingston, the Rev. Michael E. Lynott has given long and devoted years to the service of his church, and is one of the oldest living Catholic rectors in point of service within the Wyoming Valley. Ordained a priest fifty-three years ago (1928), through that extended period his works for good have been incalculable, and for twenty-seven years he has had charge of the parish in Kingston.
Father Lynott is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born at Scranton, July 17, 1852, son of John and Catherine (Thomas) Lynott, both of whom are since deceased. John Lynott came to (old) Luzerne County in 1846, settling in the community that subsequently hecame Scranton, Lackawanna County. In the family were thir- teen children, sons including Patrick, Martin. William, Edward, and John. Of this large family of children, Father Lynott is the only one to survive.
In the public schools of his native Scranton Father Lynott secured his earliest academic education. Later he studied in private schools, at St. Bonaventure College, and at St. Vincent's in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. For his theological training he attended the Grand Seminary, at Montreal, Dominion of Canada, and was ordained to the priesthood September 29, 1875, at St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton, by the Rt. Rev. William O'Hara, First Bishop of Scranton. Then began the long career in the service
of the church which has filled the years intervening. Father Lynott's first post was that of assistant in St. John's Church, at Pittston, where he served for seven ycars, until 1882. In that year he was appointed pastor in charge of St. Peter's Church and Missions, at Wells- boro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, and there remained in charge for seven years. In 1889 he was appointed pastor in charge of the new parish of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Jermyn, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, and there served for twelve years. In November, 1901, he was appointed rector of St. Ignatius' parish, King- ston, and here has served continuously through the years succceding.
St. Ignatius parish of Kingston was founded by Rev. John Bergan, in 1885. The church was built in 1886, and Father Bergan carried on his work until death, 1891. He was succeeded in the charge by Rev. John P. O'Mal- ley, who was at the head of the congregation for ten years, until Father Lynott assumed charge in 1901. The parish now consists of eight hundred families, number- ing thirty-five hundred parishioners. During the nearly three decades of his leadership the parish has grown steadily, as has the city of Kingston; and while Father Lynott has been devoted most of all to his parishioners he has assisted mightily in the healthful development of the community as a whole. He is loved and respected universally by all who know him, as a clergyman, man, and citizen. In the general affairs of Kingston he has been active, never disregarding a movement designed for the common welfare. Politically he votes as an indepen- dent Democrat and uses his influence quietly, and to best effect. He makes his residence at the parish house, No. 339 North Maple Avenue, Kingston.
CHARLES FREDERICK HESS-A banker in Wilkes-Barre from 1908 until 1922, and since 1922 in Kingston, Charles Frederick Hess is vice-president of the powerful Kingston Bank and Trust Company, is known well and with respect in banking circles through- ont Pennsylvania, and is accounted one of the outstanding men of Kingston and Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Hess was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1870, a son of Henry and Elizabeth H. (Simon) Hess, both of whom are de- ceased.
Henry Hess was for many years superintendent of the Scranton Coal and Iron Company. He was industrious, temperate and kind. Although his financial means were limited, he ever considered the advancement of his chil- dren; so, too, his wife, Elizabeth H. (Simon) Hess, to whom no self-denial constituted hardship if it were for the welfare of her children, whom she loved dearly, and who, those who now ( 1929) survive, retain her memory in fondest affection. Mr. and Mrs. Hess were the par- ents of seven children: 1. George W., of Scranton. 2. Henry A., deceased. 3. William, of Scranton. 4. John E., deceased. 5. Mary Amelia, deceased. 6. Charles Frederick, of whom further. 7. Robert, deceased.
Charles Frederick Hess attended the public schools of Scranton, his native city, and while young in years, worked with his brother, John E. Hess, founder of the J. E. Hess Baking Company, Scranton. This employ- ment he left, however, in 1885, at the age of fifteen years, to become a clerk in the Merchants' and Me- chanics' Bank, of Scranton, where he remained for a comparatively extended period and mastered the funda- mentals of banking, the foundation for the comprehen- sive knowledge that later became his. His next position was with the Dime. Deposit Bank, of Scranton, as teller, and soon after engagement in this capacity he was made cashier. He had now attained to the highest place open to hint in a bank controlled by others than himself, and, ambitious, and realizing what the future might bring, became associated with Joseph Jermyn, organizing the Dime Bank of Wilkes-Barre. Of the new, enterprise he was named president, which office he held fourteen years, with great success to his associates and pros- perity to the organization. Mr. Hess came to Wilkes- Barre thoroughly trained in finance, and immediately took his place in local banking circles, rapidly deepen- ing the regard in which his judgment was held by the ever increasing numbers of those who knew him. When, in 1922, he removed to Kingston to become associated with the then new West Side Trust Company, he was, indeed, respected of all bankers in the two communities. As vice-president of the trust company, which office he retained until the summer of 1927, when the company was consolidated with another, forming the Kingston Bank and Trust Company, he accomplished great good for Kingston, through support of worthy enterprises calculated in his trained reason to be of permanence and
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lasting benefit to the community, and, conversely, though opposition to those enterprises which his reason told him would fail, or would otherwise wreak disadvantage to it. The Kingston Bank and Trust Company, with Mr. Hess as vice-president, is one of the largest and strongest of banking houses in Luzerne County. It occupies a new and imposing building completed in 1927; the structure is a model of its kind, among the most modern in North- eastern Pennsylvania.
Although his principal interest lies in banking, Mr. Hess is far from unconcerned regarding general affairs of the community. A Republican, he is a staunch sup- porter of the party and the principles that it represents. Because of his position and his possession of those high qualities of character that make men esteemed by their associates he owns great voice in political and other questions of Kingston, and this he exercises without fan- fare, quietly, always to the welfare of the public. Frater- nally, he confines his activities to Kingston Lodge, No. 395, Free and Accepted Masons. He is a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is devout in its serv- ice, and ready in contributions to charitable and kindred worthy causes, regardless of their sponsorship, race or creed. During the World War, Mr. Hess participated in the activities of various boards and committees in charge of the prosecution of the war from within this country, and, as banker, was in a position to contribute a substantial support to the several Liberty Loan cam- paigns. In 1917, Mr. Hess was appointed by the Fed- eral Reserve Board as Liberty Loan chairman for the counties of Carbon, Luzerne, Bradford, and part of Wyoming County, and devoted practically his entire time to the various loan drives until the close of the war. Of him it is said by those who know him well, that he is a patriot, as a citizen a valuable asset to country, State and community, and as a man honorable in every way.
On May 31, 1904, Charles Frederick Hess was united in marriage with May A. Graves, of Scranton, daughter of George Graves of that city. To this happy union were born seven children: I. Amelia, a teacher in the public schools of Kingston, Pennsylvania. 2. Ruth, who is the wife of Harris A. Long. the latter connected with the Lehigh and Wyoming Valley Coal Company of Du- pont, Pennsylvania. They have one child, Isabel Ruth Long. 3. Robert G., a student in the Lehigh Univer- sity. 4. Charles F., a student in the State College of Kingston. 5. Henry E., in high school. 6. Elizabeth. 7. George, in school. Mrs. Hess owns a fine character, and is greatly endeared to a large number of persons for her charm and refinement, and for the care that she devotes to her children's well-being.
DOUGLAS BUNTING-To members of the engi- neering profession is due much of the progress that has been achieved in this country, especially along indus- trial lines, for the skill of mechanical and chemical engi- neer has advanced civilization at a rapid rate enabling men through mechanical invention to achieve in a short time what was formerly done only by slow processes. As a Cornell man who carried his engineering skill into the Pennsylvania coal fields, the late Douglas Bunting, of Wilkes-Barre, achieved a success which gave him an enviable place among alumni of that institution who are doing big things. He was one of the foremost men in the coal industry in Pennsylvania, holding the posi- tion of vice-president and general manager of the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, and that of a director of the Wyoming National Bank of the same city, and also a director of the Morris Run and Lehigh and Wilkes- Barre Coal Mining companies. His interest in all move- ments of a progressive nature undertaken for the benefit of Wilkes-Barre was always sincere and into such he put the enthusiasm that inspires others to take part in the affairs of civic betterment. He was a descendant of the best of early American pioneer stock, coming from families whose names on the pages of the early history of this country record deeds of heroism and valor as they took part in the trying times of the Revolutionary War and the founding of the Republic of the United States of America.
The Bunting family traces its origin to Anthony Bun- ting, of Matlack, Derbyshire, England, whose wife was named Ellen Their son, Samuel Bunting, came to this country in 1678 and settled at Cross-we-sung, now Cross- wicks Creek, New Jersey, near Burlington. The land and the reconstructed homestead of this pioncer are still in possession of members of the family. This Samuel Bunting was a minister in the Society of Friends (Quakers), and an early Philadelphia minute shows that
he was approved by the founders of that city. In 1684, he married Mary Foulke, daughter of Thomas Foulke, one of the commissioners sent from England by William Penn to negotiate with the Indians for their lands in West New Jersey. The descent from Samuel and Mary (Foulke) Bunting to Douglas Bunting was through their son, John Bunting, who was born at Crosswicks, New Jersey, in 1685, and married Alice Lord Nicholson, widow of George Nicholson, Mrs. Nicholson having been a minister in the Society of Friends; their son, Samuel Punting, born at Crosswicks in 1724, died in 1767, had married, in 1762, Esther Syng, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Warner ) Syng. Philip Syng was a com- missioner of Pennsylvania under John Penn and a close friend of Benjamin Franklin and was treasurer of the city of Philadelphia for a decade; their son, Philip Syng Bunting, was born at Philadelphia in 1763 and died there September 6, 1826, a recommended minister of the So- ciety of Friends, who married, in 1788, Elizabeth Tomp- kins ; their son, Joshua Bunting, was born at Philadel- phia, December 15, 1797, and died there March 30, 1850. He was a merchant and married Henrietta Barron Wade, of Elizabeth, New Jersey; their son, Dr. Thomas Crowell Bunting, born at Philadelphia, November 7, 1832, died in East Mauch Chunk, December 24, 1895, where he had successfully practiced medicine for more than thirty years, being a physician of the homeopathic school. He married, June 1, 1869, Elizabeth Crelland Douglas, daughter of Andrew Almerin and Mary Ann (Leisenring) Douglas, of Mauch Chunk. They had five children : 1. Douglas, of whom further. 2. Mary Doug- las, married George B. Horne, of Mauch Chunk. 3. Laura Whitney, married James S. Heberling, of Reding- ton. 4. Henrietta Wade, who married J. Irwin Blake- lee, of Mauch Chunk. 5. Wade. Mrs. Elizabeth Crel- land (Douglas) Bunting was a descendant of the Doug- las family who came from Scotland to this country in 1800. Her father was a cousin to the noted statesman, Stephen A. Douglas who was the vigorous contestant of Abraham Lincoln in political debates as well as for office. In the upholding of the characteristics of his ancestors for patriotism in the finer things that make for the greatness of community or country, Douglas Bunting was conspicuous, and his life reflected credit on his parents, Dr. Thomas Crowell and Elizabeth Crel- land (Douglas) Bunting.
Douglas Bunting was born at East Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1870. He was educated at the public schools of Mauch Chunk, the Bethlehem Pre- paratory School and the Spring Garden Institute of Philadelphia. After this preparatory work he entered Cornell University, at Ithaca, where he was a student in the school of engineering, and in 1894, he graduated from there with the degree of Mechanical Engineer. He immediately entered upon the practice of his profession and in the autumn of 1804, he entered the employ of the Mount Jessup Coal Company, at Scranton, where he remained for a short time only, and then on Novem- ber I, of the same year, he removed to Wilkes-Barre, and in 1899, he was advanced to the position of me- chanical engineer of the Wilkes-Barre Coal Company. His efficiency and the record of his admirable achieve- ment was so splendid that on October 1, 1903, he was promoted to the position of chief engineer and from that time on, his executive ability being recognized, he was continuously promoted until he filled the office of vice- president and general manager.
Mr. Bunting was a member of the Chi Phi college fraternity which he joined when a student at Cornell University and he always took an active part in its alumni activities, which are chiefly carried on through the Cor- nell Club of New York City of which he was a member. He was a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engi- neers, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Na- tional Engineering Society, the Wyoming Valley His- torical and Geological Society, the Westmoreland Club, the Wyoming Valley Country Club, the Hazelton Club, and, the Republican party. He attended the First Pres- byterian Church of Wilkes-Barre.
At Scranton, Pennsylvania, on January 2, 1901, Doug- las Bunting married Helen Romayne Seybolt, one of five children of Calvin and Helen ( White) Seybolt, of Scran- ton. Mr. and Mrs. Bunting had one daughter, Elizabeth Douglas Bunting. Mr. Bunting died on December 15, 1927. At the time of his death he was one of the lead- ing men in the coal industry in the Wyoming Valley, and a man generally beloved for his genial disposition and modest charities. His place in the community was that of an exemplary citizen, his business acumen was
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without question, his clear understanding of values made his advice desirable on questions pertaining to public welfare. He was devoted to his friends and to his family and in every act proved himself a citizen of the highest type. His death is a great loss to this community in all the lines and social circles where he moved with such dignity and where he at all times com- manded such respect. No man here has ever been held in greater honor.
SAMUEL MCCRACKEN-A prominent character in the banking and financial world of the Wyoming Valley is Samuel McCracken, vice-president of the Miners' Bank of Wilkes-Barre. He was born November 12, 1876, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, son of Leroy and Charlotte (Little) McCracken, both of whom are now deceased. The McCracken family traces its descent from Scotch- Irish stock in America, and the name first appears on the early tax records of Northampton County, Pennsyl- vania. Leroy and Charlotte (Little) McCracken be- came the parents of eight children: John Wesley, Archi- bald, Jennie, Samuel, of whom further; Hattie, now deceased, Sallie, Elizabeth, and Leroy, now deceased.
Samuel McCracken, third son and fourth child of Leroy and Charlotte (Little) McCracken, was reared in Scranton, and received his education in the district schools of that community. At sixteen years of age he went to work, as a messenger boy for the Traders National Bank of Scranton, where he remained for more than eleven years. Then, in 1903, he was appointed treasurer of the Union Savings Bank and Trust Company of Pittston, Luzerne County. Mr. McCracken remained with this well known institution until 1907, when he resigned to become assistant cashier of the Peoples' Bank of Wilkes-Barre, later becoming cashier. In 1915, the Peoples' Bank was merged with the Miners' Bank of Wilkes-Barre, one of the largest financial institutions in Eastern Pennsylvania. Mr. McCracken continued as cashier of the Miners' Bank after the merger, and served thus until 1922, when he was promoted to the vice-pres- idency, an office which he is now filling. He also is a director of this bank and holds a similar position with the board of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company. A self- made man and an active worker, Mr. McCracken is con- sidered one of the substantial citizens of Wilkes-Barre.
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