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 71
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HARRY S. MAINS-One of the outstanding public- spirited business men of Plymouth, a man who is a native of this community and who has spent his entire life-time here, is Harry S. Mains, who for many years conducted a general store on the site of the present J. J. Newberry establishment. While Mr. Mains was active in his own business enterprise, he took at all times a keen interest in the civic and social affairs of his town, and was always ready to support any movement designed to bring about a betterment of conditions among his fellow-citizens. And even though he no longer operates a store, he is widely respected for his business acumen and for his activity in the public life of Plymouth and its environs.
A son of Charles W. and Emma ( Hershberger ) Mains, he is descended from a family that has long held an important place in the business world in and near Plymouth. His parents were both born in Halifax, Dau- phin County, Pennsylvania, the mother in 1841 and the father in 1845. The father, who for years was a success- ful contractor and merchant in Plymouth, died in 1915; while the mother died in 1903. Charles W. Mains was very active in Masonic circles in his locality ; also a charter director of the Plymouth National Bank.
Harry S. Mains, who was born in Plymouth on October 10, 1870, was educated in the local public schools. Later he attended the Wyoming Seminary, as well as Fred Snyder's Business College. Upon completion of his studies, he became associated with his father, Charles W. Mains, in the contracting business in Plymouth ; and for five years he continued in the plastering trade with
his father, learning all the details of the business. Then, for ten years, he was a partner in the firm, whose name was at first Hershberger Brothers and Mains and later was changed to Hershberger, Mains and Son. In 1900, father and son became engaged together in the general store business under the name of C. W. Mains and Son, with headquarters at No. 35 East Main Street. This enterprise went on under their joint management until the father's death in 1915; then Harry S. Mains con- ducted the store under his own name, carrying a com- plete line of general merchandise to meet the needs and desires of the many townsmen who were his customers, until in 1924 he retired. The J. J. Newberry store now occupies the spot on Main Street which was for many years the establishment of Mr. Mains.
Always interested keenly in the public life of his com- munity, as well as that of his State and Nation, Mr. Mains is an independent Republican. Taking a prominent part in the club and fraternal activities of Plymouth, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which. he is affiliated with Lodge No. 332, the Dieu le Veut. Commandery and frem Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, having been one of the earliest members of the Masonic lodge to be admitted to the mysteries of the Shrine. An active Kiwanian, Mr. Mains is an earnest advocate of all those measures which are urged and supported to effect improvements in condi- tions, especially as regards business activity. He also is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1892 he was married (first) to Ella Vastine, of Danville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Amos and Mahala. ( Schultz) Vastine. By this marriage there was one son, Charles V. Mains, who was born on March 25, 1899, and who is a graduate of Plymouth High School and Wyoming Seminary, now engaged in the insurance and real estate business having offices over the Newberry store in the Mains Building. He is a member of the Official Board of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Cn November 1, 1901, Mrs. Mains died. In 1904, Mr. Mains was married (second) to Jennie Clap- saddle, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Harry and Olive ( Nesbitt) Clapsaddle. This marriage was blessed by three children: 1. Robert Nesbitt, who was born on March 25, 1905. 2. John Bowes, who was born in July, 1908. 3. Elizabeth Frances, who was born on March 25, 1913. The two sons by this marriage, Robert and John, are now students at Syracuse Univer- sity, and both members of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. The daughter, Elizabeth, is attending Wyoming Semi- nary. Kingston, Pennsylvania.
JOHN J. MOORE-At the apex of a business career that was carrying him to a greater prominence in the commercial world of Plymouth, John J. Moore, mer- chant and mortician, was called to his eternal reward. During a busy life here of more than a quarter of a century he had established a reputation of the highest character and had attracted to his side a large circle of friends. His abilities were widely recognized and his value to the community acknowledged. His interest in civic enterprise was such that he had been called by the electorate to public office of honor and trust, the duties of which he administered with distinction and satisfaction to those who had entrusted him with the work. He was a churchman who believed in and operated on the lines laid down by the "Golden Rule," while his fraternal affili- ations were of that character that appeals to a great proportion of the population. His death occurred in Plymouth on August 26, 1923.
Mr. Moore was born in Plymouth, May 26, 1871, a son of John J. Moore, a native of Ireland, who came to America when a youth and settled in Plymouth, where he was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business until his death in 1898. The mother of his son was Ann (Dooley) Moore, who was born in Plymouth and died here in 1906.
John J. Moore was educated in the public schools of Plymouth and took the husiness course at the Wyoming Seminary, after which he became a clerk in the grocery business of P. P. Callary, where he remained for three years, then entering the furniture and undertaking estab- lishment of his father, at No. 144 East Main Street. Upon the death of the elder Moore he and his brother, James J., took over the business and conducted it together until the last named died, in 1915, when he continued it alone, retaining the original firm name. Mr. Moore was county treasurer of Luzerne County from 1904 until 1908 and county commissioner from 1914 until 1918. He was one of the organizers of the Plymouth National Bank
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and was its second president, having been in that office at the time of his demise. He was a Democrat in politics ; a Roman Catholic in religion, member of St. Vincent's Church, and affiliated with the Knights of Columbus as one of the first fourth degree members in Plymouth and Past Grand Knight of his order. He also belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and served through all the local offices.
John J. Moore married, in 1896, Sarah A. Mackin, daughter of Edward and Mary J. Mackin, of Wilkes- Barre, her father having been a native of Wilkes-Barre, born in 1841, and superintendent for several years in the employ of the Delaware & Hudson Coal Company, of Wilkes-Barre. He afterward became associated with his brother, Thomas, in the grocery business, which con- tinued until his death, August 6, 1912. Her mother was born in West Nanticoke in April, 1844, and is now ( 1928) living here. The Mackin family is one of the oldest in the Wyoming Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Moore had two children : Mary A. and John J.
E. H. HILL, M. D .- Prominently identified with the medical profession of the Wyoming Valley of Pennsyl- vania for upward of thirty years, Dr. E. H. Hill, of Pittston, long ago won for himself a distinguished posi- tion among his fellow practitioners and a flattering repu- tation among a large clientele. That he is a physician of skill and success has been demonstrated by his selection for important posts where his knowledge has been put to the test and found worthy of the choice. His activities in civic, social and fraternal affairs have brought him into intimate contact with a large circle of citizens and constantly added to his large list of close friends and acquaintances. He holds an undisputed place in the ranks of the medical profession of Pittston and neighborhood, an erudite professional man and an upright and con- scientious citizen, ever zealous in these affairs that inter- est the better element of the community.
Dr. Hill was born in Titusville, New Jersey, November 21, 1866, a son of Samuel B., and Mary ( Hart) Hill, and was educated in the public schools and at the Hahne- mann Medical School, from which last named institution he was graduated with the class of 1888, when he estab- lished himself in practice at Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, where he remained for nine years. He then removed to Pittston, where he has since practiced. He is a member of the staff of the Wyoming Valley Homeopathic Hos- pital and of the State, County and National Medical associations. He belongs to the Rotary Club, the Crafts- men's Club, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His other fraternal affiliations are with St. John's Lodge, No. 233, Free and Accepted Masons. He has been president of the Pittston Board of Health and is a director in the Young Men's Christian Association. His church is the Methodist Episcopal, of which he is a member of the board.
Dr. E. H. Hill married, September 1, 1887, Bessie G. Gallagher, of Camden, New Jersey. They are the par- ents of the following. children: 1. Harry, killed in France while serving as a lieutenant of engineers with the American Expeditionary Forces. 2. William B., in business in Nashua, New Hampshire. 3. Helen Berlew, wife of Russell J. Berlew. 4. Marie J. 5. Alice. 6. Gil- bert. 7. Robert. 8. Edward M., a student at Hahnemann Medical School. 9. Grace P .. wife of William Saylor, of Washington, District of Columbia. The mother died in 1925.
P. R. BROWN-For many years P. R. Brown has been an outstanding figure in the life of Pittston. A business man of great ability he has achieved success in several fields and is now a member of the firm of Lynott and Brown, coal operators engaging mostly in retail trade. His administration as mayor of Pittston will always he gratefully remembered by its inhabitants for the many public improvements he was instrumental in bringing about. He provided the city with new fire equipment, new paved streets, an improved lighting sys- tem, better sewage disposal and water supply and other similar necessities for a growing community. All these required much labor and thought on Mr. Brown's part but he has always given his best to Pittston, both as mavor and as a private citizen.
He is the son of James and Elizabeth ( Keating) Brown, both natives of Ireland, who came to the United States in childhood. Patrick Brown, a miner, father of James, married Margaret Brennan and upon his arrival in America found work in the mines near Pittston. Eventually he became the owner of a small farm. James Brown grew up about the mines and also became a miner.
He was always deeply interested in public affairs, serv- ing as alderman, and occupying a high place in the esteem of the community.
P. R. Brown was born in Pittston Township, April 10, 1867. He attended the local public schools and as a boy worked about the mines. Later he became ticket agent for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, remaining in this position for about five years, after which he engaged in the ice cream business on South Main Street, Pittston. He continued this business for some fifteen years, finally disposing of his interests. In 1921 he was elected mayor of Pittston for a term of four years, and in 1923 found time to establish a shoe store at No. 40 South Main Street, where he still maintains a business of the first rank. At the conclusion of his terin as mayor he became interested in coal, and in 1926, in association with Mr. T. A. Lynott, he established the firm of Lynott and Brown, retail coal dealers, in which business he is also still engaged. He has gradually added to his real estate holdings until he is now the owner of considerable prop- erty in Pittston and Dupont boroughs. He is also a stockholder in the Dime Bank of Pittston.
Mr. Brown supports the principles of the Democratic party, and it was as a candidate of this party that he was elected to the office of mayor. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his family attend St. John's Roman Catholic Church.
In 1898 Mr. Brown married Mary E. Mullen, a mem- her of an old Luzerne County family. She died in 1924. By this marriage there were four children: Eleanor, James, Grace and Marian. The family home is at No. co William Street, Pittston.
James Brown died in 1927 at the age of twenty-seven years. During the World War he served as a member of the United States Navy, Medical Division, stationed at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Previously he had been a student at Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, but at the conclusion of his term of enlistment his health he- gan to fail, and to the great sorrow of his many friends and acquaintances his death occurred.
JOHN JOSEPH McHUGH, M. D .- Well known among the physicians of Parsons, Pennsylvania, is Dr. John Joseph McHugh, whose offices are located at No. 124 George Avenve, North End, Wilkes-Barre, Penn- sylvania. Dr. McHugh is a graduate of Jefferson Col- lege, Philadelphia, and has been engaged in general med- ical and surgical practice here for a score of years. He is a member of the surgical staff of Mercy Hos- pital and is financial secretary of the Luzerne County Medical Society ( 1928).
Constantine McHugh, father of Dr. McHugh, was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, in 1846, received his education in the public schools of his hirthplace, and then became interested in machinery. Eventually, he became a skilled stationary engineer in the mines, which calling he followed to the time of his death, which occur- red in June, 1901. He was a man much respected in the community, a man of ability and of sound principles, and both he and his wife gathered about them a large circle of friends. He married Mary Kelly, who was born in Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania, June 8, 1847, and died October 1, 1913, aged sixty-six years.
Dr. John Joseph McHugh, son of Constantine and Mary ( Kelly ) McHugh, was born in Miners Mills, Plains Township, Pennsylvania, January 15. 1876, and attended the public schools of that district. When he left school he found employment outside the mines, around the breakers, and continued there and at other work in Wilkes-Barre until 1904, when he was twenty-eight years of age. He had always desired to become a physician, but had not seen his way clear to obtaining the neces- sary preparation until that time, and when, in 1904, he entered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, his long wait kad but rendered him more eager for the knowledge he was to gain there. In 1908 he finished the course with graduation, receiving the degree of Doc- tor of Medicine, and then entered Mercy Hospital, in Wilkes-Barre, where he served his interneship. When his interneship was finished he engaged in general med- ical and surgical practice here in Parsons, where he has now been successfully taking care of a steadily growing practice for nearly twenty years. He has been a member of the surgical staff of Mercy Hospital for a number of years, and is well known both as physician pndl as surgeon. He is a member of the Luzerne County Medical Society, which he is now (1928) serving as financial secretary, of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association. His many patients find in him a faithful physician and a
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true friend, and there are many who know him to be a most helpful and warm-hearted friend in need. In politics, Dr. McHugh gives his support to the principles of the Democratic party, and in his religious affiliation he is identified with St. Dominick's Roman Catholic Church.
Dr. John Joseph McHugh was married (first), in 1910, to Anna Farrell, of Parsons, Pennsylvania, daugh- ter of James and Mary (Kinney) Farrell. She died in February, 1916, and he married (second), in 1918, Mae Farrell, sister of his first wife.
GEORGE B. THOMPSON-In Pittston, Pennsyl- vania, George B. Thompson has been a prominent and helpful citizen for more than fifty-four years, and dur- ing that time he has built up one of the best known real estate concerns in this section of the State. Since the founding of the business in 1874 he has devoted his energy to that one line of business activity with the singleness of purpose and effectiveness which have won substantial success, and since 1908 his son, Walter N., has been a partner in the business which is operated under the name of G. B. and W. N. Thompson, Real Estate Operators. Mr. Thompson, the founder of the business, was a successful teacher during the early years of his mature life, and was a rolling mill operator before coming to Pittston. He has for many years been very active in promoting the interests of Pittston, bringing new industries to the place, serving officially in the board of trade, contributing liberally to numerous philanthropic and civic enterprises, and active in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association, which he at one time served as president. The offices of G. B. and W. N. Thompson are located in the Cash Block Building, in Pittston.
George B. Thompson was born in Berwick, Pennsyl- vania, January 11, 1842, son of Alexander and Eliza- beth (Brown) Thompson. After attending the public schools of Berwick, he continued his education in the Tunkhannock schools, and then, like many of the suc- cessful men of his day, engaged in teaching for a time. He taught for one term at Russell Hill, and then accepted a position as teacher of bookkeeping and arithmetic at Cumberland Valley Institute, in Mechanicsburgh, Penn- sylvania. In those days, the teaching profession was one in which one might find plenty of opportunity for service and possibly ample opportunity for continued study, but the pecuniary rewards were negligible, and most men of ability taught until they had completed their own educa- tion and then entered other more remunerative fields of activity. Mr. Thompson served as station agent at Berwick, and also served as bookkeeper in the Jackson and Woodin Mercantile Establishment, and then entered the milling business in Berwick, the place of his birth. There he built the Berwick Rolling Mill, and organized the company of which he was vice-president, treasurer, and general manager, this continued until the Panic of 1873. In 1874 when he was thirty-two years of age, he came to Pittston, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the real estate business, which he has continued during more than fifty years. After thirty-four years of successful devel- opment of his business, Mr. Thompson admitted his son, Walter N., to partnership under the firm name of G. B. and W. N. Thompson, and that association has been con- tinued to the present time (1928). They conduct a general real estate brokerage business and also manage estates. Both father and son have for many years enjoyed the full confidence of the residents of Pittston and vicinity, and both are well known as public-spirited citizens as well as able business men. George B. Thompson, the founder of the business, who is now in his eighty-seventh vear, has always taken a deep and abiding interest in local public affairs in Pittston, and has for many years been recognized as one of the leading citizens of the place. In many and varied ways he has contributed to the growth and prosperity of Pittston, cspecially through his successful activities in helping to bring new industries to Pittston. He has served as secretary of the Pittston Board of Trade, and has always been onc of the most able and progressive of Pittston's busi- ness men. While contributing so actively to the economic and civic progress of the community, however, Mr. Thompson has also been very active in promoting the general welfare of his fellows, contributing generously to the support of the Pittston Hospital, and serving actively in the Young Men's Christian Association, as president, and as a member of the board of directors. Mr. Thompson has devoted his energies, so far as busi- ness is concerned, to the real estate business. He is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he has served as trustee and as steward, and at the present time he is a steward of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of West Pittston. Few men are better known or more sincerely respected in Pittston than is George B. Thomp- son, and few have been active in the interests of the city during so long a period of years. For more than half a century he has been a familiar figure upon the streets and in the public gatherings of the place, and during all that time he has been the loyal and faithful citizen, as well as the successful business man. Now, in the sunset years of his life, he can look back over years well spent, and he has only to glance about him to see evidences everywhere of the prosperity which he helped to bring.
George B. Thompson was married in December, 1870, to Alverda M. Gere, daughter of Rev. John A. Gere, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They became the parents of five children: I. Laura G., who is a graduate of Goucher College. 2. Elizabeth, mar- ried Rev. John Gowdy, D. D., a missionary of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, who has been located in Foochow, China, for the past twenty years. He was president of the Anglo-Chinese College and of Fukien Christian Uni- versity, and his wife has been active in the work during all these years. She is a graduate of Wesleyan Univer- sity. 3. Alexander. 4. Helen A., who is a graduate of Goucher College. 5. Walter N., of further mention.
Walter N. Thompson is associated with his father in the real estate business operating under the name of G. B. and W. N. Thompson, and has been a member of the firm since 1908. He attended the public schools and then matriculated in Princeton College, at Prince- ton, New Jersey, from which he was graduated with the class of 1908, after which he became a partner in his father's business. While a student in Princeton he was a member of the Terrace Club, and he is now a mem- ber of the Fox Hill Country Club. He was married, July 12, 1916, to Jean Grey Law, of West Pittston, and they have two children, William Law and George Gere. Mr. and Mrs. Walter N. Thompson are members of the First Presbyterian Church of West Pittston.
WILLIAM E. WILLINGALE-Executive of one of the large industrial companies Mr. Willingale has throughout his whole business life been identified with the workings of foundries and machine shops, for some years in Tamaqua. He was born in that town, February 8, 1874, son of Samuel Isaac and Mary Louise (Evans) Willingale. His father was an Englishman, born in West Hartlepool, County Durham, in 1853, coming over here when a young man to settle; his mother was born in this State in what is known as Newkirk, near Tamaqua.
William E. Willingale received his early education in the local schools and then supplemented this with courses at a Philadelphia business college. Upon the completion of these courses of study he obtained his first real con- tact with the commercial world by entering the employ of the Tamaqua Manufacturing Company, where he was soon promoted to office managership. On March 1, 1895, he was taken into the organization in which he has had so long and honorable a carcer, the Vulcan Iron Works. and he has remained with that company since, working through various positions and with constant promotion. For fifteen of these years, he was in the office of the works at Tamaqua, the greater part of the time at the head of the office, but was called into the Wilkes- Barre office to act as chief clerk in 1911. In September, 1919, Mr. Willingale was inducted into the ca.ce of assistant treasurer and in June, three years later, was made treasurer, a post that he now holds in this important industrial company.
In spite of a very busy commercial life, Mr. Willingale has found time to give attention to community matters and, at all times, is ready to further any measure that is pertinent to the welfare of his town. During his years at Tamaqua he served as a school director and as hor- ough auditor. In Wilkes-Barre his name appears as one of the directors of the Hanover Bank and Trust Company. Although not actively interested in political problems, yet he gives the weight of his influence and his endorsement to the candidates and principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Harmony Lodge, No. 86, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Tamaqua, No. 592. He also enjoys a membership in the Westmoreland Club.
On October 25, 1898, William E. Willingale was mar- ried to Mary Ellen Harpster, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Harpster, of Tamaqua.
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WILLIAM ARTHUR ROBERTS-For many years William Arthur Roberts has been one of the most re- spected citizens of Plymouth, prominent both in the business world and in the social life of the community. As president of the Shawnee Amusement Company, the local branch of the M. E. Connerford Amusement Com- pany, he was instrumental in presenting to Plymouth and its inhabitants a splendid new theater and office building, modern in every respect, where the latest and best motion pictures are displayed. His membership in many local clubs and civic organizations shows the va- riety and range of his interests.
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