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 40
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Isaac M. Thomas was only eight years old when his parents settled at Miners Mills, Luzerne County, Penn- sylvania, and he received his education in private schools in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and subsequently at Union College in New York State, from which he was graduated in the class of 1867 with the degree of Civil Engineer. When he left college, he engaged for a time in his profession, and then taught engineering for two years in the Pennsylvania State College. At the end of this period, he returned to Wilkes-Barre, where he formed a partnership with Charles A. Miner, and engaged in the merchant milling business. He continued in this work for seventeen years under the firm name of Miner and Thomas, and the company's mills were at Miners Mills, Luzerne County. Mr. Thomas, during that period and following that time, had been one of the leading business men of Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley. As time went on, he became more and more highly re- garded by his associates and by those with whom he transacted business, so that they came to seek his advice and invite his participation in their affairs. He was for many years a director of the Vulcan Iron Works, and a director of the Hazzard Manufacturing Company and the Sheldon Axle Works. He also was one of the original directors of the old People's Bank, which was merged into the present Miners Bank of Wilkes-Barre, of which Mr. Thomas was a vice-president and a director.
Not only was he active in banking and business in Wilkes-Barre, but was an interested spectator of and participant in the public affairs of the community. He was, in his political views, affiliated with the Republican party, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church, in which for many years he had served as an elder.
Isaac M. Thomas, on September 22, 1872, married Sarah Hollenback Dunlap, of Wilkes-Barre, a daugh- ter of the Rev. Robert Dunlap, who was a minister in the Presbyterian Church. She died November 17, 1917, and her passing brought great sorrow to the community, in which she was loved and respected. Isaac M. and Sarah Hollenback (Dunlap) Thomas became the parents of five children: 1. Eleanor Natalie, married Dr. Mau- rice B. Ahlborn, of Wilkes-Barre. 2. Hervey Dunlap, born May 29, 1875, died May 5, 1883. 3. Louise Miner, single, resided with her father. 4. Jessie Dunlap, who is the wife of Z. Platt Bennet, a leading hardware iner- chant of Wilkes-Barre. 5. Percy R., who died at the age of twenty-eight years. Isaac M. Thomas' death occurred December 30, 1928.
STANLEY GRAEME OGILVIE-Born and edu- cated in Scotland, Stanley Graeme Ogilvie immigrated to America in early manhood, and his career since that time has been one of steady progress and advancement until now (1928) he is chief executive of one of this county's best known automobile agencies, dealing in
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Oakland and Pontiac motor cars. It was not through any whim of chance that Mr. Ogilvic achieved success, for a résumé of his life discloses the fact that his pro- gress has been steady, and may be credited to unquench- able ambition and a determination to overcome all obsta- cles, large or small. Public and social circles enjoy the association of this man, who has entered zealously into the work of developing the resources and commercial possibilities of his adopted country.
Mr. Ogilvie was born July 4, 1880, in Scotland, son of Stanley G. and Mary Elizabeth (Graeme) Ogilvie. Stanley G. Ogilvie, born in 1847, in Scotland, passed away in 1892, predeceased by his wife, who died in 1882.
It was in Scotland that Stanley Graeme Ogilvie re- ceived his scholastic training and there he remained until 1897, when he came to the United States. In 1903 he entered the employ of W. M. Miller & Company, of Wilkes-Barre. This was about six years after Mr. Ogilvie had first settled at Kingston, and he remained with the Miller Company until 1917, at which time he was office manager for this firm, which dealt in retail groceries. In the last-named year, Mr. Ogilvie trans- ferred his allegiance to the Frank Mathison Company, representatives for Oakland and Pontiac Motor cars with plants in Wilkes-Barre and Kingston. His first position . with this concern was that of office manager, but his employers soon recognized his ability and loyalty, which resulted in his promotion to secretary and general man- ager. After serving satisfactorily in this capacity until 1928, Mr. Ogilvie again was advanced, and in July of that year attained to the presidency of this concern. Under his leadership a substantial increase in the busi- ness has resulted and the products handled by this com- pany are becoming more in demand, while the service facilities have been raised to a much higher standard.
Coupled with unusual business instincts is Mr. Ogilvie's faculty for making friends, and he has become popular in spheres of local activity foreign to his commercial emprise. He is a Republican, but frequently acts inde- pendently, placing his convictions and a candidate's abili- ties before party lines. A member of Kingston Lodge, No. 395, Free and Accepted Masons, of the Franklin Club and the Craftsman's Club, Mr. Ogilvie's unaffected manner and willingness to cooperate in the works of these organizations have gained many friends for him. He is a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
Stanley G. Ogilvie married, in 1902, Jane James, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, daughter of John W. and Anne James. This union has been blessed with two sons: John G., born in July, 1905; and Robert J., born in Novem- . ber, 1910. Mr. Ogilvie and his family reside at No. 90 Park Place, Kingston, and are popular and well-liked citizens of this neighborhood.
WALTER L. MORGAN-The British Empire un- doubtedly has given to the United States more miners than any other country, and especially is this true of that principality of Great Britain known as Wales. In almost every section of America where mining is carried on to any great extent will be found Welshmen and their descendants busily engaged in bringing to the surface coal and other minerals so necessary for the continued progress and prosperity of this country. A typical illus- tration of the foregoing statement is given by Walter L. Morgan, of Wanamie, who has been connected with one mining company in this community since 1891. The son of a Welsh miner, he has elected to follow the voca- tion which occupied the father throughout his life. Mr. Morgan, himself, is a native of Pennsylvania, as is his mother who was born in this county. His career with the mining industry is unusual in view of the fact that ever since he first entered the mines he has maintained his associations with one concern, the Lehigh & Wilkes- Barre Coal Company, having been section foreman for this company for more than eighteen years. A life-long resident of Wanamie, Mr. Morgan is, perhaps, one of the best known citizens of the town, has been a partici- pator in the activities of political organizations, fraternal societies, and other bodies ever since attaining his matur- ity.
Mr. Morgan was born March 17, 1878, at Wanamie, son of William and Janc ( Fairchilds) Morgan. William Morgan, who was born in Wales, now (1928) resides in Luzerne County with his wife, Janc (Fairchilds) Morgan, born in Newport Township. Walter L. Morgan attended public schools in his native town until he reached the age of thirteen years, when his studies were inter- rupted by his entering the mines, in which he has since been employed. His first position was with the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company here and with this con-
cern he has since remained. His loyal services have been recognized, and from time to time promotion came to him, resulting in his being appointed section foreman in 1910, a post he now fills. Naturally, Mr. Morgan is thoroughly familiar with all mining operations coming within his sphere and renders valued aid in the conduct of the local plant of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company. During his mature years he has taken upon himself the duties of a conscientious citizen, has par- ticipated in politics, serving in public office, and has be- come affiliated with various fraternal societies. A Repub- lican in political beliefs, Mr. Morgan has won the trust and confidence of the members of this party and of his fellow-citizens, as is attested by the fact that for two years he was secretary to the Board of Commissioners here. His fraternal associations include membership in Lodge No. 867, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Lodge No. 549, Junior Order United American Mechanics, and Shalimar Lodge, No. 237, A. M. O. S. He assists materially in the projects of his' church, the Methodist Episcopal.
Walter L. Morgan married, in May, 1903, Alice James, of Wanamie, daughter of William and Emma (Gordon) James. William James, like the father of Mr. Morgan, was a miner and a native of England. He also con- ducted a hotel previous to his death, which occurred in September, 1910. Mrs. Emma (Gordon) James, a native of Pittston, Pennsylvania, passed away in May, 1923. The children of Walter L. and Alice (James) Morgan are: John J., Emma J., Ruth M., William L., and Alice M. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan also have one grandchild.
ARTHUR L. TURNER-Among the many able at- torneys of Wilkes-Barre who have been engaged in practice here for more than twenty years, is Arthur L. Turner, whose offices are located at No. 503 in the Coal Exchange Building in Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Turner is a native of this city and is well known in Masonic circles here.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1877, A. L. Turner is a son of George G. and Alice (McIntosh) Turner, both of whom are deceased. George G. Turner was a native of Wilkes-Barre, and he and his wife were the parents of three children : Arthur L., who is the only surviving one, and of whom further ; Chauncy C., deceased, who was a physician in Wilkes-Barre at the time of his death; and Edith, also deceased. Mr. Turner received his early school training in the public schools of Wilkes-Barre, and then con- tinued his studies in the Wilmington Conference School, at Dover, Delaware, from which he was graduated with the class of 1896. He began the study of law in the office of John E. Jenkins, and was admitted to the Lu- zerne County Bar in 1901, since which time he has been successfully engaged in general legal practice in Wilkes- Barre. He is a member of the Luzerne County Bar As- sociation, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association, and has made for him- self a reputation for ability, for sound legal knowledge, and for resourcefulness in handling cases. Politically he gives his support to the principles and the candidates of. the Democratic party, and he is active in the affairs of the county, having served for four years as assistant district attorney, under Frank Slattery. Fraternally he is identified with Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 655, Free and Accepted Masons; Shekinah Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Dieu le Veut Commandery, Knights Templar ; and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His religious affiliation is with West- minster Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre.
A. L. Turner was married, September 4, 1911, to Jean U .~ Trimmer, daughter of James H. and Laura (Breisch) Trimmer, and they have three children: Jean Ury, Chauncy W., and Alice Laura.
ANDREW J. GREEN-A resident of Hudson, Pennsylvania, since the days of his early boyhood, Andrew J. Green has achieved a position of prominence in the business life of this place. In 1918, he established the general store which he now operates, and the success of this venture is due entirely to his own energy and ability. In Hudson and the vicinity, he is regarded as a business man of the finest progressive type.
Mr. Green was born November 6, 1885, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, a son of Michael Green, born in Poland, and now retired, and of Agnes (Jablonski) Green, also born in Poland. His father was for many years the owner of a hotel which he operated. Andrew J. Green attended the public schools of Hudson, and
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when he completed his education, began work in a local coal breaker. After several years, however, he learned the cigar maker's trade. and for twenty years there- after engaged in this business. Finally, in 1918, he estab- lished the general store in Hudson, which he has since operated under his own name in a very successful way.
Politically, Mr. Green is a member of the Republican party, and since 1924, he has also served as postmaster of Hudson, discharged all the duties of this office very efficiently, and to the complete satisfaction of the com- munity. He is also a director and was one of the organizers of the Plain's State Bank. Mr. Green is a member of St. Joseph's Society, and is also past-presi- dent of St. Joseph's Parish. He is a member and a liberal supporter of St. Joseph's Church.
In August, 1910, Andrew J. Green married Victoria Grzybowski, of Miners' Mills, a daughter of Martin and Frances (Slovinski) Grzybowski, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Green are the parents of eight children : Andrew J. Jr., Max, Frances, Constance, Marie, Aloysius, Veronica, and Josephine. Mr. Green's address is No. 84 Miners Street, Hudson.
JOHN L. TURNER-In the commercial and fra- ternal circles of Luzerne County, one of the leaders is John L. Turner, of Nanticoke, founder and treasurer of the J. L. Turner Brick Company, Incorporated, which business he established on November 12, 1923. Mr. Turner takes a prominent and constructive interest in all town affairs, engaging actively in all movements which tend to aid the progress and development of the com- munity. The company which he organized has brick- yards at Mifflin, Columbia County, covering three hun- dred acres of ground, and the daily output is approxi- mately 27,000 bricks. The corporation is capitalized at $150,000 and maintains distributing centers in New York, Philadelphia, and the Wyoming Valley. The product is a neat texture brick, and in the operation of the plant, forty people are regularly employed, the year 'round. In addition to the brick enterprise, Mr. Turner is also the head of J. L. Turner and Company, Plumbing and Heating Supplies, which is one of the leading firms in this line in this region.
Mr. Turner was born in Alden, May 30, 1886, son of Thomas Turner, (q. v.) who was associated in the brick business with his sons before his death in 1928.
John L. Turner was educated in the public schools of Pennsylvania, and after the completion of his formal education, learned the trade of plumbing and heating, and three years later, took a course of study with Cain and Brother, New York City, mastering the details of heat- ing and plumbing, so that in the spring of 1907, he en- gaged in business independently, opening a shop on Main Street, this town. His remarkable ability and unlimited capacity for energetic work caused him to succeed from the start, and eighteen months later, he bought out the Gene Cooper Hardware store and operated this busi- ness until 1917. He then sold the business and devoted his entire time to the plumbing and heating trade, and today the company which he operates carries the most complete line of modern equipment and handles the larg- est volume of business in Luzerne County, outside the city of Wilkes-Barre. Taking a deep and earnest inter- est in all matters of civic importance, Mr. Turner was the founder and first president of the Kiwanis Club, and was also president of the Market Street Business Men's Association, and he is to be found at the head of all pro- jects which have for their purpose the welfare of his fel- low-citizens. In 1927, he was manager of the Kiwanis Circus, which was an outstanding success and gave great pleasure to all the vicinity. He is a trustee of the Stick- ney Fire Company of this town, having been a prominent member in this courageous volunteer organization since residing here, being an enthusiastic supporter of all its campaigns in the interest of securing the most adequate fire protection for the community. He is also a mem- ber of the Master Plumbers' Association of Luzerne County. Mr. Turner is particularly active in fraternal circles, being a member of the Free and Accepted Ma- sons, Nanticoke Lodge, No. 541; Caldwell Consistory ; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Knights of Pythias; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Patriotic Order Sons of America, Al- den Camp; Junior Order United American Mechanics. His hobby is hunting and he finds great recreation and pleasure as a member of the West Nanticoke Hunting Club. His religious affiliations are with the Nanticoke Methodist Episcopal Church, where he serves as trustee.
John L. Turner married, September, 1909, Elanore Harris, of Nanticoke, daughter of Edward and Ellen
Harris, and they have three children : Elanore Vivian, Phyllis Ardith, and John Lore. The family residence is at No. 140 Orchard Street, Nanticoke.
H. B. STULTZ-Born in Virginia, a descendant of one of the old Virginia families, H. B. Stultz has found his permanent occupation in connection with the original staple product of his native State, tobacco. Just before the opening of the World War he became associated with the P. Lorillard Company, and since that time he has been steadily enlarging his experience in the cigar manu- facturing business. He is now ( 1928) superintendent of the Nanticoke plant of the General Cigar Company and supervises the work of six hundred people. He is inter- ested in local public affairs in Nanticoke, and is known as one of the progressive citizens of this place.
H. B. Stultz was born in Martinsville, Virginia, Octo- ber 7. 1886, son of Henry and Callie (Minter) ) Stultz, both members of old Virginia families. After attend- ing the local public schools he took a business course in Richmond, Virginia, and then, as a young man became associated with a shoe industry in Richmond, serving in clerical capacity and eventually taking charge of the cost department, which he managed for six years. He then began his connection with the cigar business by entering the employ of the P. Lorillard Company. Here he started as timekeeper, in 1913, and from that time until 1921 worked his way up through various positions, learn- ing the business as thoroughly as possible and becoming expert in several departments of the work. In 1921 he went to Newark, New Jersey, with the Waitt and Bound people, as cigar foreman, and there he remained until he came to Nanticoke in 1924, as foreman in the Nanti- coke factory of the General Cigar Company. In the spring of 1927 he was made superintendent of the plant, and that responsible position he is ably filling at the present time ( 1928). He has under his charge about six hundred employes, and has abundantly demonstrated his ability to handle the responsibilities of his position. Pos- sessed of administrative and executive ability, he also possesses the tact which enables him to "get things done" with the least possible friction. Interested in general public affairs, Mr. Stultz is always ready to bear his share of the task of increasing the general welfare of the community, and he is known as one of the progressive young men of the city. His religious affiliation is with the Baptist church.
WILLIAM ALFRED VALENTINE-Acclaimed as one of the leading legal lights of the Pennsylvania State Bar, the appointment by Governor Fisher of Wil- liam Alfred Valentine, of Wilkes-Barre, as judge of the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, was hailed as a noteworthy action and fine discernment of ability. For more than a quarter of a century Mr. Valentine has been in active practice in the county, during which time he has won the admiration and esteem of his fel- low-citizens, professional and lay alike, by the strength of his personal character and his fine ability as a law- yer. During his professional career here he has taken part in many important causes, in which he maintained his growing reputation as an advocate and exponent of the law, while his counsel and advice have been con- stantly sought by private clients and some of the great- est corporate bodies. At the time of his appointment to the bench it was especially pointed out that no personal acquaintance existed between the Governor and Mr. Val- entine, neither was the lawyer affiliated with the political group of the State administration. The selection came because of the merits of the man, whose reputation had made its influence felt throughout the State and invaded the portals of the capitol at Harrisburg and into the private offices of the Chief Executive, whose action fol- lowed.
Aside from his standing as a lawyer, Mr. Valentine is the happy possessor of a most attractive personality, is of a congenial nature and staunch in his devotion to all civic causes that look to improvement of conditions affecting all in common. He is affiliated with numerous social and fraternal organizations, in all of which he is a popular member, and is a sound churchman of the Protestant faith.
Born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1879, a son of William A. and Emma (Cave) Valentine, he received his early scholastic training in the local public schools of his native place, after which he attended the Dickinson School of Law, from which he was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1901. Admitted to the Bar of Pennsylvania in 1902, he began his practice in Luzerne County, the first four years of which were in
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association with L. Floyd Hess, since which time he has practiced independently. He has devoted himself to civil practice and is the author of two important contri- butions to the legal literature of the State; "Subordinate Courts of Pennsylvania" and "Liquor Laws of Pennsyl- vania." He served as district counsel for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, and the Pennsylvania railroads. He represented the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre and the Glen Alden Coal companies in the notorious Hanover Town- ship graft case, was counsel for Luzerne County in the coal tax assessment case and also in the litigation in- volved in the Valmont Real Estate case. In April, 1910, he was appointed district attorney of Luzerne County and served until December, 1911. He gained considerable favorable reputation as a member of the commission ap- pointed by the Supreme Court to revise the rules of the Appellate Court of the State, in which he was associated with eminent legal minds. In November, 1928, he was appointed a member of the Board of Grievance of the Pennsylvania Bar, consisting of eleven members, to hear and determine complaints against practicing lawyers in the State involving unethical conduct. He is a mem- ber of the Board of Incorporators of the Dickinson School of Law, and is affiliated with the Masonic Order in which he has attained the Thirty-second degree, being a member of the Keystone Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons ; the Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 45, Krights Templar; the Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, of the Royal Arch Masons; and the Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His professional member- ships include the American Bar Association, the Penn- sylvania State Bar Society. and the Luzerne County Society.
William Alfred Valentine married, October 22, 1902, May I. Shoemaker, of Wilkes-Barre. Their children are: 1. William A., Jr., a student at Dickinson School of Law. 2. Mary E., a senior at Wilson College (1929). 3. Jonathan C., a student at Lafayette College. 4. Mar- garet A., at home. The family residence is at No. 112 Charles Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
MAYOR WILLIAM HENRY GILLESPIE-The present-day readers of this history in Pittston need no introduction to Mayor William H. Gillespie, whose ac- quaintance and enviable reputation extend far beyond the confines of that city. He has risen from comparative obscurity when he was one indistinguishable bv outward appearances from a thousand other youths. The differ- ence between the one and the many was, of course, there. The record of the steps and methods which have won for him prominence and recognition as a most useful citizen devoted to public service will afford encourage- ment and inspiration to other ambitious youths, not only of the present but of succeeding generations. For this history will grow in importance with the passing of the years. Mayor Gillespie is debtor to no caprice of fortune nor to the aid of influential friends. Blessed with the heritage of a good physique, urged onward by worthy ambition, he worked with unflagging industry toward a definite goal. Yet in all this he has been far from self- centered-an attitude impossible to a lover of human kind, possessing a real sense of social responsibility, and a most pleasing personality. As a school teacher, he tried to inculcate the high ideals of personal conduct and civic responsibility that have motivated his own life; and as a lawyer he has ever sought to reduce litigation to a minimum by composing differences between his clients and their opponents on a basis of fair dealing and the recognition of mutual rights.
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