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 70
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Dr. Jacob P. Kuschel was married, in June, 1910, to Susan Mills, of Pittston, and they are the parents of three children : Elizabeth Louise, Charles Edward, and Harold Jacob. The offices of Dr. Kuschel are located at No. 5 Water Street, in Pittston, and his home is at No. 508 Fourth Street, in West Pittston.
GERDON EDWARD BAKER, M. D .- Prominent among dominant physicians and surgeons of Forty Fort, known widely through the whole of Greater Wilkes- Barre. Gerdon Edward Baker, Doctor of Medicine, was born in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, December 5, 1870, son of Royal and Christine (Shook) Baker. His father, native of Poughkeepsie, New York, engaged long as a farmer, and died in May, 1919. His mother was a native of Wurttemberg, Germany. Her death occurred in July, 1926.
Dr. Baker secured his elementary and academic instruc- tion in the public schools of his township in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, and became a student at Blooms- burg State Normal School, whence he graduated in 1901, at the age of twenty-one years. For ten years there- after he taught school, himself owning positive gifts as a teacher. Five years of this he spent in Columbia County, and five at Harry Hillman Academy, Wilkes- Barre. Meanwhile his feeling for medicine as a career had increased so materially as no longer to be denied ; and, accordingly, he entered the Medico-Chirurgical College. He took the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1915, and served his interneship in the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. From completion of interneship to the present, he has practiced continuously, in Greater Wilkes- Barre, with offices in Forty Fort. He is a general prac- titioner of respected position, and holds an important place on the staff of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He is a member of the county, State and American medical associations, the American College of Physicians; is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons as member of Lodge No. 182; and Shekinah Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Dieu le Veut Commandcry, No. 45. Knights Templar ; and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Dr. Baker married, in 1907, Atta Kunkle, of Jones- town, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, daughter of E. M. and Elizabeth ( Driesbaugh ) Kunkle.
CHARLES E. HOWELL-Starting in business with a capital of $400, which he had saved from his wages as a boy working about the mines of the Wyoming Valley, Charles E. Howell today has two establishments, one in Pittston and one in Bethlehem, and is the longest established mortician and house furnishing merchant in Pittston. where he makes his headquarters and has his home. He is a man of sterling character, interested in cvery movement that looks to the improvement of con- ditions in the community and in the affairs of such fra- ternal organizations and religious bodies as appeal to the progressive element.
Mr. Howell was born in Pittston, October 16, 1867, a son of William F. and Mary (German ) Howell, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Wales. The father was identified with the mining operations of the Wyo- ming Valley for many years, his death occurring in 1903 at the age of sixty-seven years, while his wife followed him in 1910 at the age of seventy-one-years. Both were members of the First Congregational Church of Pittston. Their son was educated in the public schools of Pittston and at the seminary, but left at the age of ten years and went to work. When he was twenty-one he returned to
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the seminary and took the course, then reentering business in various employment and eventually establishing the house which he still conducts, although greatly enlarged and equipped. He has a complete knowledge of the mortician's profession, having taken the course at Clarke's School. He is a member of the State and County Funeral Directors' associations and is the dean of his profession here. He is a Republican in politics and for six years was deputy coroner. He is a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons, affiliated with St. John's Lodge, No. 233; Keystone Consistory. Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, and Irem Temple, An- cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His clubs are the Craftsmen's and others.
Charles E. Howell married, April 21, 1888, Addie H. Reed, of Pittston, whose death occurred September 14, 1900. Mr. Howell has one adopted son, Harold E., who is manager of his father's business at Bethlehem, Penn- sylvania. Their home is at No. 55 South Main Street, which building was built by Mr. Howell in 1899.
J. ALAN CORSON, M. D .- Although in the active practice of the medical profession but a comparatively brief time, Dr. J. Alan Corson, of Parsons, Pennsylvania, has established a fine reputation in the Wyoming Valley and gives promise of a brilliant future. The son of a reputable physician of Clinton County, Pennsylvania, he fortified himself for his occupation by a thorough prepara- tion in theory and practice before establishing himself in- dependently. His work was of such outstanding nature that it came to the favorable attention of an ever-growing clientele, with the result that he is today held in high esteem as a practitioner by both the professional and lay element of the community. His civic interest com mends him to his fellow-citizens, as do his fraternal affiliations in local organizations. Dr. Corson is felt to be an ornament to his profession and an acceptable addi- tion to the ranks of the brilliant medical practitioners in association with whom he labors.
He was born in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1894, a son of the late Dr. Joseph M. Corson, a native of Lycoming County, graduate of Jefferson Medical Col- lege of the class of 1891, who practiced in Hughesville, where his death occurred, March 2, 1928. His mother was May (Boak) Corson, of Hughesville, Lycoming County. Their son was educated in the public schools at Avis, Clinton County, and was graduated from the high school in 1912. He then attended Dickinson Seminary for two years, after which he took the course at Jeffer- son Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1921. From 1921 to 1922 he was an interne in the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, upon conclusion of which experience he began independent practice in Par- sons. He is assistant surgeon of the Hudson Coal Com- pany and the Glen Alden Coal Company of Parsons and of the Harris-Denly Coal Company of Pittston. He is a member of the American Medical Association and of the State and County medical societies and adheres to the principles of the Republican party. In fraternal circles he is affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles; with Lodge No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Lodge, No. 61, Free and Accepted Masons; Bloomsburg Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons; and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His church is the Methodist Episcopal.
Dr. J. Alan Corson married, in 1922, Grace A. Smith, of Parsons, Pennsylvania, daughter of Samuel and Helen (Gilmore) Smith. Her death occurred July 29, 1927. They were the parents of one child: Jean, born July 27, 1924.
JAMES FRANCIS GIBBONS-As assistant post- master of Pittston, James Francis Gibbons is one of the very useful members of the community in and near Pittston, not only because of the value of the work which he performs, but also for the reason that his personality is the likeable sort and is pleasing to the many people who constantly come in contact with him. He is especi- ally well adapted to the position which he holds in the Pittston Post Office, since he is a native of Pittston, has lived here practically all his life, and is understood and liked by his fellow-townsmen.
Mr. Gibbons is a son of James and Margaret (Doran) Gibbons, both of whom are now deceased. His father, who was born in Ireland, came to the United States as a young man, engaged for a time in the undertaking business, then went into the hotel business, became active
in political affairs, joined the ranks of the Democratic party, was alderman of the Fourth Ward and later of the Seventh Ward of this city, and was one of the faithful members of St. John's Roman Catholic Church. The mother, Margaret ( Doran) Gibbons, a native of England, was well liked and highly esteemed by her many friends and acquaintances in Pittston. James and Margaret Gibbons were the parents of eight children : Virginia, John, James, Joseph, Edward, Sylvester, Am- brose and Frank.
Of these, James F. Gibbons, the present assistant post- master of Pittston, was born September 1, 1875. As a boy, he attended St. John's High School and Pittston High School; and, having completed his academic edu- cation, entered the employ of the Central Pennsylvania Telephone Company, of Wilkes-Barre, with which cor- poration he remained for several years. Then, in 1896, he became a clerk in the Pittston Post Office. It was not long before his natural abilities and special adaptability to this post office made themselves manifest, and accord- ingly, on October 1, 1915, he was advanced to special clerk. Finally, on May 1, 1917, he was promoted to the rank of assistant postmaster, a position which he has filled since that time in a creditable and wholly praise- worthy manner. By his genial and friendly attitude, as well as by diligence and hard work, he has made himself worthy of the important post that he holds.
Although Mr. Gibbons is a busy man, he takes time to maintain an interest in public and civic affairs in the city of Pittston. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, as well as of St. John's Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. At all times he has taken an active interest in the development of Pittston, and has supported those movements which have been designed to bring about some special improvement in conditions, business or otherwise, of the city and the people of this community.
On November 14, 1907, James Francis Gibbons was married to Kathryn F. Tighe, of Pittston. By this mar- riage there were five children: Paul J., Ruth, Mary, James F., Jr., and Robert J. The Gibbons family residence is situated at No. 46 Plank Street.
STEPHEN J. TKACH-Entering business life as a bank employee, Stephen J. Tkach, of Luzerne, rose stead- ily because of a native industry and a keen ambition, finally reaching the post of cashier of one of the leading financial institutions of this district at an age when most men are plodding along the road. Such an achievement speaks for itself in determining the personal attributes that brought it about. Beginning with ambition, there must be tireless industry, strict attention to duty, a love of the work in hand and a fidelity to trust. It was the good fortune of Mr. Tkach to be possessed of all of these, as well as of a most attractive personality and en- gaging manner that won friends wherever he made acquaintances. He has shown himself to be a worthy citizen, with qualities that should carry him to still greater heights in the business world of which he is a valuable unit.
He was born in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1894, a son of John Tkach, a coal miner, and Anna ( Palyo) Tkach, both natives of Hungary, and was educated in the local public schools and at St. Stephen's Parochial School, Plymouth, Pennsylvania, and St. Mary's, in Wilkes-Barre, where he took the commercial course. For one year he acted as assistant secretary of the Penn- sylvania Slovak Union in Wilkes-Barre, then entering the service of the First National Bank of Plymouth as a clerk, remaining there for nine years and then coming to the Merchants' and Miners' Bank of Luzerne, in 1924, as assistant cashier. In October of that year he was promoted to the post of cashier, which he still admin- isters. During the World War he served in the 145th Infantry, 37th Division, and was with the American Expeditionary Forces overseas for sixteen months, en- gaged in the activities in France and Belgium. He was honorably mustered out April 12, 1919, and returned to his business life. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Pennsylvania and First Catholic Slovak Unions and of the National Slavonic Society. Frater- nally he is affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus, fourth degree. He is a musician of note, having been organist in St. Stephen's Church in Plymouth for four years and in St. John's Church in Luzerne for cighteen months, in the last named of which he now has membership. The Merchants and Miners' State Bank, of which he is cashier, was organized July 13, 1923, with James J. McCarty as its first president, Emil Freed-
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man and James H. Lare, vice-presidents; David J. Hot- tenstein, secretary; Joseph H. Finn, solicitor, and C. F. Schlingman, cashier. Its present president is Z. F. Schooley; vice-presidents, Emil Freedman and W. V. Sullivan; cashier, Stephen J. Tkach; secretary, James H. Lare, and solicitor, Joseph H. Finn.
Stephen J. Tkach married, September 24, 1923, Emma A. Demsky, daughter of John and Anna Demsky, of Larksville, Pennsylvania, deceased, December 16, 1926.
F. JOSEPH KRYCH, M. D .- For a score of years Dr. F. Joseph Krych has engaged in the practice of medicine, and is today a foremost physician and surgeon of Greater Wilkes-Barre. He is a native of Wilkes- Barre, having been born here November 20, 1882, son of Peter Krych, native of Poland, in trade as a butcher, who died in 1898, and Mary (Domovicz) Krych, also a native of Poland, who survives her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Krych had four children, two of whom died, and Julian Joseph, a mechanic, born in Wilkes-Barre, and F. Joseph, of whom further.
Dr. Krych attended the public schools of Wilkes- Barre, graduated from high school with academic mark- ings of distinction, took a year's study at Wyoming Seminary, and matriculated in Atlantic Medical College, of Baltimore, Maryland, whence he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1909, at the age of twenty- six years. Later still, he has taken post-graduate study in medicine. For a year after having taken the degree in medicine he practiced in Wilkes-Barre proper, then removed to Kingston and practiced there sixteen years, coming. to Forty Fort and greatly increased his practice in 1925. Engaged in general surgery, he maintains a large clientele, is on the surgical staff of Homeopathic Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, is a member of the county, State and American medical associations, the Wyoming Valley Medical Society, and of other professional bodies. During the period of America's participation in the World War he served as medical examiner in the Fifth Dis- trict, appointed by Governor Brumbaugh, and was of valued assistance in the several campaigns of patriotic appeal. Dr. Krych was the founder of the Kingston Mills and later in 1923, bought the West Pittston Mills, now operating both mills, and employing about five hun- dred people. A Republican, he has been consistent in his support of the party's candidates and principles. He is affiliated fraternally on the non-professional side with Lodge No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a member of the Tatra Club. Wilkes-Barre. Dr. Krych married, in 1911, Stella Ohelski, of Buffalo, New York, daughter of Joseph and Sophie Ohelski.
Dr. Krych's offices are at No. 1497 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.
LUDWIG L. REESE-After completing his studies in Lehigh University, Ludwig L. Reese was associated with the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company for four years, as assistant to the paymaster. He then began his long connection with the banking business by entering the employ of the Miners' Bank, at Wilkes-Barre, and after twenty-three years of experience there came to the People's National Bank of Edwardsville, as cashier. In that capacity he has continued to serve to the present time (1928), and since 1915 he has been a member of the board of directors.
Ludwig L. Reese was born in Summit Hill, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1858, son of Daniel Reese, who was born in Carmarthen, Wales, in 1816, but came to this country and settled in Plymouth, Penn- sylvania, where he was employed as a mine manager by Charles Parrish, died in 1889, and of Sarah (Jones) Reese, who was born in Llanelly, Wales, in 1821, and died in 1890. After attending Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, Pennsylvania, he entered Lehigh University, and immediately after finishing his course of studies there entered the employ of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, with whom he remained for four years as assistant to the paymaster. He then began his per- manent connection with the banking business by associ- ating himself with the Miners' Bank at Wilkes-Barre, and that connection he maintained for a period of twenty- three years, serving for ten years of that time as assistant cashier. Application, ability, and faithfulness in the performance of all his duties had brought him the successive promotions by means of which he had risen to that position, and in 1913 came the opportunity to accept a more responsible position by changing his connection. Accordingly, in 1913. he resigned his posi- tion as assistant cashier in the Miners' Bank of Wilkes- Barre to accept his present position as cashier of the
People's National Bank of Edwardsville. For fifteen years now (1928) he has filled the last named office most acceptably, and during that time he has taken his place among the responsible and able citizens of the place. His integrity has long been recognized, and in 1915 he was made a member of the board of directors of the bank. In politics, Mr. Reese gives his support to the principles of the Republican party, and he is a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Wilkes-Barre.
Ludwig L. Reese married, in 1895, Edith Harvey, of Wilkes-Barre, daughter of Colonel E. B. Harvey, a veteran of the Civil- War, and of Sarah Harvey. Mr. and Mrs. Reese have two sons: 1. Benjamin H., born in 1903, who is now (1928) employed in the Irving National Bank of New York City. He is a graduate of Lehigh University, class of 1924. 2. Robert M., born in 1908, who is now a student in Lehigh University. The family home is at No. 93 James Street, Kingston, Penn- sylvania.
JOHN B. SMITH-Coming from one of the oldest families to settle in this section, and being of the third gencration in the First National Bank of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, John B. Smith, the present assistant cashier of this institution, is an exponent of that sturdy and dependable family whose identification with this bank has been from its inception, for Mr. Smith's grandfather, John B. Smith, who was born in Plymouth, organized this bank and was its first president in 1864. He held this position until the time of his death in 1904. His son, Robert Newton Smith, father of the subject of this sketch, held the responsible position of teller of the First National Bank of Plymouth for many years. He was an active man in civic affairs and at one time a member of the school board. He was born in 1855 and died in 1910. Robert Newton Smith married Mary Kath- erine Koch, who was born in Schuylkill County, Penn- sylvania, in 1859 and died in 1918. They were the parents of John P .. Smith, of whom further. John Smith, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, opened the first coal mine here in 1807.
John B. Smith was born at Plymouth, Pennsylvania, on December 7, 1878. He received his education here in the grade schools and in the high school and then attended the Wyoming Seminary and from there matriculated at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, graduating from the School of Engineering with the degree of Electrical Engineer and Mechanical Engineer in the class of 1903. He then took a position with the Bell Telephone Com- pany, and, in 1906, he entered the banking business with a position in the First National Bank of Plymouth where his father was teller. His work in the bank has been such as to justify steady promotions and in 1927 Mr. Smith was made an assistant cashier and has now been in the bank for twenty-two years. He is a Republican in his political proclivities although he has held no public office. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias; Lodge No. 442, Free and Accepted Masons ; Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons : Dieu le Veut Commandery, Knights Templar ; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and is a member of the Christian Church of Plymouth.
In 1907, John B. Smith married Emily Davenport Schwartz, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Schwartz, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.
JOSEPH PHILLIPS DOUGHERTY, M. D .- For fifteen years. save for the period during which he was serving in the Army Medical Corps, Joseph Phillips Dougherty has been successfully practicing medicine in Ashley, at No. 41 North Main Street, where he has a large clientele. Dr. Dougherty has won the respect of his fellow-citizens by his uprightness of character, his unfailing devotion to his profession and the needs of his patients and his sturdy citizenship. He is the fortu- nate possessor of an attractive personality and a con- vivial nature that makes association with him in his hours of leisure a pleasure deeply appreciated. Frater- nally he is admired for his interest in those associations with which he is affiliated, while the profession of which he is a rising member holds him in respect and high regard.
He was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania, August 24. 1885. a son of John J. Dougherty, a native of Ireland and a miner in this State, who died here in 1911, and of Mary ( Phillips) Dougherty, also of Irish nativity, de- ceased in 1921. He was educated in the public schools, graduated from high school and then went to work in a Wilkes-Barre drug store, where he continued for two ycars. This he gave up, to attend the Medico-Chirur-
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gical College in Philadelphia, from which he was grad- uated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1912. He then took the usual year's course of preparatory training as an interne, in Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, at the conclusion of which he set himselt up in practice in Ashley, where he has since remained.
During the participation of the United States in the World War he was a member of the Medical Corps, with the rank of first lieutenant and stationed at the Base Hospital at Norfolk, Virginia, his discharge coming on September 6, 1919. He is independent in politics and a Roman Catholic in religion, being a communicant of St. Leo's Church and a member of the Knights of Colum- bus. He belongs to the Westmoreland and the Wyoming Valley Country clubs ; and is a member of the American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State, Luzerne County and Lehigh County medical societies. Dr. Dough- erty is surgeon for the Central Railroad of New Jersey and is a member of the surgical staff of Mercy Hospital of Wilkes-Barre. His chief recreation is golf.
ARTHUR A. KEARNEY-A resident of Ashley, Pennsylvania, for many years, Arthur A. Kearney has always been recognized as one devoted to the best inter- ests of the community. Having previously filled several official positions, he was elected burgess in February, 1928, in which office his genuine ability and capacity for executive control have insured a thoroughly business- like and efficient administration.
Mr. Kearney was born in Ashley on December 16, 1883, a son of Peter Kearney, a miner, and of Margaret (Gorham) Kearney. His father, who was horn in Ire- land, died in 1890, and his mother, also born in Ireland, died on January 9, 1928. Arthur A. Kearney attended the public schools of Ashley and the high school. He began work when very young, working nights in mines and attending school during the day. He was employed for ten years in the local mines. At the end of that time, he served on the Ashley police force, as patrolman for one year, and as chief of police for three years. Later he served as sub-assessor and as special constable. From 1915 until February, 1928, he acted as lieutenant of police for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, resigning this place to take office as burgess. In 1912 he was appointed a justice of the peace by Governor Brumbaugh, to fill the unex- pired term of Dan Evans.
Mr. Kearney supports the principles and candidates of the Republican party, and he is affiliated with the Fra- ternal Order of Eagles. He and his family attend St. Leo's Roman Catholic Church at Ashley.
In 1912, Arthur A. Kearney married Mae Murphy, who was born in Ashley, a daughter of Thomas and , Elizabeth Murphy of that place, her father holding the position of postmaster at Ashley at the time of his death in 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Kearney are the parents of six children : 1. Mary, born in 1913. 2. John, who was born in 1915. 3. Elizabeth, born in 1917. 4. Jane, born in 1920. 5. Margaret, born in 1921. 6. Robert, born in 1923.
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