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 41
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William Henry Gillespie was born in Hughestown Borough, near Pittston, March 21, 1869, son of John J. and Ellen (Cadden) Gillespie, both of whom were natives of County Mayo, Ireland. From the time of his arrival in America until his death, February 8, 1838, the elder Gillespie worked as a mine carpenter for the Pennsyl- vania Coal Company. He was a man of excellent men- tality, who realized the value of education and its im- portance as the foundation of intelligent citizenship. He served for many years as one of the school directors of Pittston Township and the Borough of Hughestown. To John J. Gillespie and wife the following children were born: Peter J., who was a practicing physician in Avoca, Pennsylvania, at the time of his death; Agnes, wife of Frank Cooke, of Pittstown; Genevieve, wife of Raymond B. Gentes, of New York City; and William Henry, of whom further.
William Henry Gillespie received his elementary edu- cation in the public schools of his native borough and
was prepared for the teaching profession at the Mans- field State Normal School. Then followed seven years of teaching. He early felt a strong attraction toward the law, and so, during this period he prepared himself for the practice of that profession under the preceptor- ship of Hon. Peter A. O'Boyle, late Judge of the Lu- zerne County courts. Mr. Gillespie was admitted to the bar January 14, 1895, and since that date has engaged in general practice in Pittston. Like his father, he has always taken an active interest in public affairs, his activities in connection with the political phases of which have been in connection with the Democratic party. He was elected mayor of Pittston the first time in 1907 and served a three-year term. He, was then appointed as an assistant to the district attorney of Luzerne County, who was then W. A. Valentine. Mr. Gillespie continued to serve in that capacity for twenty-one months. He then was appointed first assistant district attorney under John H. Bigelow and filled that office for two years, resigning to engage in private practice again. He is solicitor for the Dime Bank and Trust Company of Pittston. In November, 1925, Mr. Gillespie was elected mayor of Pittston for the second time and still holds that office (1928). It is in itself an interesting commentary on Mr. Gillespie's reputation and standing in, the commu- nity that this time he was elected on the Republican Ticket. He holds to the belief, as expressed by Grover Cleveland that "A public office is a private trust." Mayor Gillespie considers his office as primarily from the point of view of a public administrator rather than as a point of partisan political advantage. Economy, efficiency and consideration of every interest of the city as a whole are the aims he is striving to attain.
He is a member of the County, State and American Bar associations. He was the first Exalted Ruler of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, with which he has been indentified since it was instituted. . He also served as Worthy President of the Pittston Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagles for the first two years after it was organized. He was one of the organizers of the Pittston Kiwanis Club, of which he is an ex-president.
On June 30, 1897, William Henry Gillespie married Catherine Saltry of Scranton, and they are the parents of the following children: 1. Kathryn, a teacher in the public schools of Pittston. 2. Mary, supervisor of music in the Pittston public schools. Both daughters are graduates of Marywood College of Scranton. The fam- ily are communicants of St. John's Roman Catholic Church and they reside at No. 127 William Street, Pitts- ton.
ALBERT G. GIBBS, M. D .- Among the members of the medical profession in Northeastern Pennsylvania, particularly in the anthracite coal region, the name of Dr. Albert G. Gibbs, of Nanticoke, stands out promi- nently as that of one of the most important and pro- gressive young physicians who has already established a splendid reputation for his skill in surgery, in which he has specialized since receiving his medical degree. Dr Gibbs now devotes his entire time to surgical cases in his position as chief house surgeon at the Nanticoke State Hospital, having received this appointment on June 1, 1925, and ever since that time, he has labored earnestly and tirelessly in the service of suffering humanity, re- ceiving the highest esteem of his fellow-citizens and the acclamation of the fellow-members of his profes- sion. This city is proud to number him among its-sons, and he takes an active interest in all that concerns his community, being especially prominent in affairs of the Masonic Order, while indirectly he is a prominent. factor in several of the leading financial and industrial corpora- tions of this city.
Dr. Gibbs was born in Nanticoke, August 12, 1897, son of William H. and Caroline J. (Gabriel) Gibbs. William H. Gibbs, who is deceased, was a stationary engineer for many years in connection with the mining industry until his death, in June, 1917, at the age of fifty-six years.
Albert G. Gibbs was educated in the public schools of Nanticoke, was an honor student in high school, and for a time taught in the Nanticoke schools. He entered Bucknell University, at Lewisburg, where he prepared for his entrance into medical college. Matriculating at Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, he completed his course and was graduated with honors with the class of 1922, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. He served in the Students' Army Training Corps as ser- geant. He then served as interne at the Pottsville Hos- pital for a year, and in August, 1923, came to Nanticoke
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and engaged in general medical practice, was attending physician on staff of Nanticoke Hospital and won the confidence of all his patients, ministering to their needs with great success. On June 1, 1925, he accepted his present responsible post with the Nanticoke State Hos- pital and in the field of surgery has made some remark- able advances. Dr. Gibbs has relinquished his general practice and confines all his time to his surgical work, and the city is, indeed, fortunate to receive his serv- ices as he is constantly alert to all new and progressive discoveries and utilizes everything that modern skill has brought forward for the benefit of the human race. He is a member of the County and State Medical So- cieties, and the American Medical Association. His fraternal affiliations are with Nanticoke Lodge, No. 541, Free and Accepted Masons; Keystone Consistory; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine: Phi Gamma Delta college fraternity, and Phi Alpha Sigma, medical fraternity. He is also a member of the Alumni of Jefferson Medical College, and of Hiramı R. Loux Urological Society, Makum Pediatric Society, Shaeffer Anatomical Society and Frances X. Dercum Neurological Society. He is also a member of Post No. 350, American Legion. In the banking and industrial life of the community, Dr. Gibbs is promi- nent as a stockholder in the Nanticoke National Bank, the Susquehanna Lumber Company, and the Nanticoke Construction Company. His religious adherence is given to the Methodist Episcopal church. His residence is No. 224 East Main Street, Nanticoke.
FREDERICK J. WECKESSER-The entire life of Mr. Weckesser, one of Wilkes-Barre's leading citizens, has been spent in the mercantile business. From the age of ten years, when he started to work in .one of . the local stores of LaFargeville, New York, until the pres- ent day, when he is a director and member of the execu- tive committee of F. W. Woolworth Company, Mr. Weckesser has devoted all his truly remarkable ability and business foresight to the development and progress of whatever mercantile business he was at the time con- nected with. As a result, he stands today as one of the foremost figures in the business world, not only in Wilkes-Barre, but also throughout the country.
Mr. Weckesser was born in Clayton, New York, No- vember 14, 1867, the son of Frank Joseph and Mary Susan (Grimm) Weckesser, the former a LaFargeville merchant. He was of German parentage and was the father of three sons, as follows: 1. Joseph, an effici- ency engineer, of Detroit, Michigan. 2. John Andrew, a retired merchant of LaFargeville. 3. Frederick Jacob, of whom this is a record.
At the age of ten years Mr. Weckesser entered the world of business, working before and after school hours in the store at LaFargeville operated by George Lingen- felter. When nineteen years of age he went to Water- town, New York, where he secured employment in the store of Bush, Bull & Roth. He was with this firm for several years and then he secured a position with F. M. Kirby & Company. Mr. Weckesser speedily dem- onstrated his ability and was placed as manager in the Kirby store at Pawtucket, Rhode Island; later being sent to Baltimore. In 1899 he came to Wilkes-Barre. where he went into the general office of F. M. Kirby & Com- pany. He was appointed to the responsible post of gen- eral manager and buyer, which offices he held until 1912, when the company was merged with the Woolworth concern. From 1912 to 1920 he was district manager at Wilkes-Barre for F. W. Woolworth Company and was made a member of the board of directors but is also a leading figure on the executive committee.
In political faith Mr. Weckesser is a staunch Repub- lican, but he has never sought for or held office, his business interests keeping him fully occupied.' He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a trustee for many years. He is affiliated with Landmark Lodge, No. 442, Free and Accepted Masons ; of Shekinah Chapter, No 182, Royal Arch Masons; Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 45, Knights Templar ; Key- stone Consistory of Scranton, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons ; and of Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the leading clubs of the community, including Irem Temple Country Club, the Franklin and Westmoreland clubs, the Wyoming Valley Motor Club and the Wyoming Valley Country Club. In addition he holds membership in the Lake Placid Club, Hardware Club and the Pennsylvania Society all of New York, the Tin Whistle Club of Pine- hurst, North Carolina, and the Blooming Grove Hunting & Fishing Club of Glen Eyre, Pennsylvania.
On June 15, 1892, Mr. Weckesser married Anna E. Hammond, of Rutland, New York, the daughter of George and Fanny L. (Sawyer) Hammond. Mr. and Mrs. Weckesser are the parents of two daughters, as follows: 1. Esther F., married to C. Harold Laycock, of Wilkes-Barre. 2. Marion, married to J. Henry Pool, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM T. HARRIS-In contributing to the progress and business security of any city, the banking and financial institutions take a prominent part, being as they are, so intimately connected with the daily lives of the citizens of the communities which they serve. One of the most prominent men in affairs of finance, William T. Harris, cashier of the First National Bank of Nanti- coke, has achieved a splendid reputation throughout the entire State for his brilliant conduct of the affairs of this splendid organization. Mr. Harris began his banking career on November 1, 1916, when he accepted the posi- tion of teller in this same bank in which he has ever since continued, and by his superior ability and constant attention his value was recognized and appreciated with the result that he was elected to his present position as cashier in June, 1922, and in this official capacity, he has given new impetus to this institution and his régime has been characterized by unprecedented progress and in- creased business. Mr. Harris was born in Drifton, Lu- zerne County, Pennsylvania, December 5, 1882, son of Edward and Sarah (Thomas) Harris, both of whom were natives of the country of Wales, and are now deceased.
William T. Harris was educated in the public schools of Nanticoke, terminating his formal education at the age of ten years, going to work in the office of the Nanti- coke "News," remaining with that publication for two years, after which he was a breaker-boy in the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Coal Company for four years. He next accepted a position as coal in- spector for the Susquehanna Coal Company and held this post for three years, leaving to enter the employ of the Central Railroad of New Jersey in the Nanticoke Freight Station, and two years later, became associated with the Pennsylvania Railroad at the Honeypot Yard, beginning at the scale office and advancing until he reached the position of chief clerk. Giving up railroad work, in 1916, Mr. Harris accepted the position of teller with the First National Bank with which he has since remained. His rise to prominence in the financial world has been due to the earnestness and sincerity which he has applied to every post, while his deep consideration of the rights of others and courtesy to all have brought him a host of friends in addition to material success. In the civic life of his city, he displays a constructive interest, and served for twelve years on the School Board, while everything that aims to further the welfare of the people finds him an enthusiastic supporter. He was treasurer of the Community Chest drive, is a charter member of the Kiwanis Club, and is a popular member of the Country Club. His fraternal connections are with Nanticoke Lodge, No. 541, Free and Accepted Ma- sons ; Nanticoke Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Keystone Consistory; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and the Craftsman Club, while in addition to his Masonic affiliations he is active in John Bunyan Lodge, Knights of Pythias; the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. In 1927, he was a delegate to the American Bankers' Association national convention, hield at Hous- ton, Texas. His religious adherence is given to the English Congregational Church in which he has acted as president of the Board of Trustees for many years.
William T. Harris married, August 17, 1906, Anna Mae Turner, daughter of Thomas Turner, of Alden, a graduate of Newport Township School, and a school- teacher for several years before her marriage. To this union have been born three children: Margaret, Ruth, and William, the two daughters being graduates of Nanticoke High School and now students at the Emerson School of Oratory in Boston, Massachusetts. Mrs. Har- ris is active in the Delphian Society and is Past Matron of Nanticoke Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. The family residence is located at No. 316 State Street, Nanti- coke.
The First National Bank of Nanticoke occupies the seventh position on the roll of honor of all national banks of the United States. It was founded in Novem- ber, 1888, with a capital of $75,000, and since its incep- tion has had a phenomenal growth, which can be attri- buted to the courtesy, efficiency and ability of its person; nel. This institution was located for a time on East
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Main Street in the Peter Mills Building, and after sev- eral changes the present artistic structure was erected at No. 73 East Main Street, at a cost of $80,000, since which many improvements have been made, until it is now one of the finest banking houses in the Wyoming Valley. The interior is solid marble of great elegance, with bronze fixtures, and the equipment throughout is of the most modern and efficient design. The presidents since its inauguration have been Isaac Everett, John M. Smoulter. Brinton Jackson, and Charles A. Shea. The cashiers have been Harry D. Flanagan, Jesse C. Bell. E. W. McSparran and William T. Harris. The first directors wore Isaac Everett, William Fairchild, H. W. Search, F. P. Duneker, J. C. Brader, John Smoulter, Jr., Xavier Wernett, Manus McGinty, J. H. Hill, C. F. Bohan, G. L. Halsey, John M. Garman, and David Joni- than. This is the oldest, the largest and strongest national bank in Nanticoke and stands in first place on the National Bank Honor Roll in the anthracite coal region and fourth place among the National banks of the State of Pennsylvania. Its resources at the close of business, October 10, 1927, were $9,600,380.21, and its surplus and undivided profits were $1,318,735.99.
EDWARD GEORGE HEYER, M. D .- One of the more prominent physicians and surgeons of Nanticoke is Edward George Heyer, who maintains offices at No. 37 East Green Street. Doctor Heyer is accounted an out- standing and public spirited citizen of the community, and for many years has been concerned actively in its welfare, professionally and in its general affairs.
Doctor Hcyer was born in Hazleton, Luzerne County, December 26, 1882, son of John George and Sophia ( Krapf) Heyer, and there received his early academic training in the public schools, graduating from high school in 1901. During the next four years he engaged in business, but, meanwhile, arrived at the decision to make medicine and surgery his career ; and accordingly. in 1905, he matriculated in the University of Pennsyl- vania, enrolled in the school of medicine, and in IgIo was. graduated, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Heyer then returned to his native city, Hazleton. twenty- two miles to the south of Wilkes-Barre, and there, until April, 1914, was on the staff of the State Miners' Hos- pital as assistant surgeon. The hospital is one of the most favorably known in Pennsylvania, and cases dealt with are ant to be of great professional interest. During his four years connected with it Dr. Heyer perfected much of his technique. Thus experienced, he came to Nanticoke, where he has devoted himself to his profes- sion through the years succeeding until the present time. His reputation as physician and surgeon, and notably as surgeon, he has caused to mount steadily, and it is today one of the admirable reputations of Luzerne Coun- ty. When he came to Nanticoke it was to assume a position on the staff of the Nanticoke State Hospital. and by 1923, when he retired as hospital official, he held the office of superintendent. Since then he has continued in association with the hospital, as chief surgeon. He is a member of the medical societies of county, State and Nation. Moreover, while he is busily engaged in his profession, Dr. Heyer does not neglect civic or non- fraternal activities ; to the contrary. he is active over a wide range of interests. He is a member of Nanticoke Lodge No. 541. Free and Accepted Masons; Nanticoke Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Keystone Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; and Irem Temple, An- cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Irem Country Club and' the Wyoming Valley Country Club, and is popular in both, as indeed he is in all other circles in which he moves. Commercially his chief connection is with the First Na- tional Bank of Nanticoke. and of this institution he is a director, whose judgment has been proven sound on every occasion when tried and is courted by associates on the board for its worth. Dr. Heyer is a communicant of the Episcopal church, and generous in matters of charity, giving of his time, money and services for the cause of suffering humanity. More than one poor mother has reason to praise the kindness of Dr. Heyer for his goodness of heart in treatment of an ailing child. just as. more than once, his fee has been paid in gratitude.
In the month of June. 1910, Dr. Heyer was united in marriage with Harriet Mayer, of Lakewood, New Jer- scy. They reside in Tilbury Knobb, West Nanticoke.
FREDERICK W. HEYER, M. D .- Born in Hazle- ton, Litzerne County. . November 2, 1887, son of John George and Sophia ( Krapf ) Heyer, Frederick W. Heyer
attended the public schools of his native city, graduated from high school in 1905, at the age of eighteen years, and soon thereafter turned his attention to medicine, in which he aspired to make his career. And so it has transpired. Now (1928) one of the principal physicians and surgeons of Nanticoke, Frederick W. Heyer's offices near the inter- section of Green and Prospect streets are known to a clientele ever increasing, and his reputation in the medical circles of Luzerne County is enviable. Moreover, his name is heard frequently in connection with civic enterprises, and he is known as an honorable practitioner and citizen of whom the community is proud.
Following graduation from Hazleton High School, Dr. Heyer matriculated in the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, whence he was graduated, with honors, in 1912, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. At once he returned to his native city, Hazleton, and served for one year as interne in the State Miners' Hospital. In 1914 he came to Nanticoke, and has here engaged with prosperity in a general practice of some volume. He was connected with the Nanticoke State Hospital since his residence in Nanticoke began, and is at the present time a member of its staff, of which his elder brother, Edward G. Heyer (q. v.), is chief surgeon. Dr. Heyer is a member of county, State and National medical associations, the Asso- ciation of Military Surgeons, and the Radiological Soci- ety of North America. His standing in all of these or- ganizations is unquestioned, and his professional talent the admiration of associates in city and county. Dr. Heyer is identified with every enterprise calculated to be for the public good. He is a member of the American Legion, the Westmoreland Club, and Wyoming Valley Club, and is concerned continually in the activities of each. Toward charity he is unfailingly of generous dis- position, contributing in material and in deeds to the welfare of the needy, regardless of narrowing considera- tions as to race or creed.
On April 6, 1917. the United States declared war. against Germany and the Central Powers, and in the Sep- tember following Dr. Heyer offered his services to the cause of his country. First he was stationed in a hos- pital. and in January, 1918, was sent overseas, where he acted most honorably in line of duty. In May, 1919, after twenty months in the service, he returned to the United States and received his discharge, having spent four months in Germany with the Army of Occupation. While in France, Dr. Heyer was attached to the 2d Divi- sion and fought in five offensives, including those of St. Mihiel, Oise and the Marne. When mustered out, he held the rank of captain, and a distinguished record for valor on the field of battle.
On October 16, 1919, a few months after he had re- sumed the practice of medicine and surgery in Nanticoke, Dr. Heyer was united in marriage with Catharine Ber- gin, of Nanticoke. Mrs. Heyer is prominent in the activi- ties of women's organizations of Nanticoke, and is a member of the council of the Girl Scouts of America. They reside at No. 289 East Main Street.
PAYNE PETTEBONE-A resident of Wilkes- Barre and the vicinity through all the formative years of the last century, Payne Pettebone, business builder and man of affairs, wrote his share in the history of the development of the community. Many prosperous cor- porations and local business institutions owe an appre- ciable part of their prosperity to his sound judgment and brilliant ability, but Mr. Pettebone by no means confined his activities to business affairs. He was equally prominent in civic and social life, and gave much of his time in the interests of church and religious work.
Mr. Pettebone was a member of an old American fam- ily. The founder of the line in this country, John Petti- bone, of French extraction, came from England in 1650 and settled first at Windsor, and later at Simsbury. Con- necticut. on land which in 1880 was still in possession of some of his descendants. His great-grandson, Oliver Pettibone, son of Noah and Huldah (Williams) Petti- bone, was born May 13, 1762, and died March 17. 1832. His father had purchased land in the Wyoming Valley. and he "was in Forty Fort at the time of the massacre : he counted the men as they went out, and made the number three hundred and eighty-two. He returned to Connecticut after the battle, but later removed to Amenia, Dutchess County, New York, where, December 21, 1783. he married Martha Paine, died December 25, 1833. daugh- ter of Dr. Barnabas Paine, and settled on Livingston Manor, where three of his children were born. He returned to Wyoming in April, 1788, and bought lands adjoining his father, and there ten more children were born, all of whom, with the exception of two who died,
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married and raised large families." The third child of this marriage was named Payne.
Payne Pettibone, son of Oliver and Martha ( Paine) Pettibone, was born January 14, 1787, and died August 13, 1814. He married, in 1811, Sarah Tuttle, born April 4, 1783, died April 27, 1869, eldest daughter of Joseph and Mary (Lee) Tuttle, and by this marriage there were two sons: 1. Stoughton, born April 9, 1812, married (first), in 1835, Antoinette Dunning, who died March 9, 1845; married (second), in 1846, Cornelia Bellamy. Child by first marriage: Emma C .; by second mar- riage, Lauren W. 2. Payne, of whom further.
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