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 88
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99
William Charles Boyd married, December 26, 1004, Gertrude Yohey, of Wanamie, Pennsylvania, daughter of Clemeul H. and Mary A. Yohey; and their children are : Ruth Gladys and William Weir. The family resi- dence is at No. 40 North Gates Street, Kingston.
PATRICK F. KIELTY-The debt which this State and the country at large owes to its citizens of Irish birth and ancestry i beyon ! computation. Centuries of struggle for freedom on their native heath has given these Celts the same ideals of liberty and justice and morality that animated the founders of this Republic. Hence, the Irish immigrant never has to be "American-
ized"; he just naturally fits into our political and social order and makes himself a constructive force in any community where he may become a resident. Of such stock came Patrick F. Kielty, superintendent for the Prudential Life Insurance Company in the Wilkes-Barre District. He was born at Archibald, Luzerne (now Lackawanna) County, Pennsylvania, November 25, 1871, son of Patrick and Sabina (O'Hara) Kielty.
Patrick Kielty and his wife were natives of County Mayo, Ircland, whence they came to Archibald in 1858. For many years he was employed in the mines of the Delaware and Hudson Coal Company. They reared a family of seven children : Bridget, who married Patrick Flaherty of Avoca; Thomas J., who was for many years mine foreman for Jones, Simpson and Company at Archi- bald. He is now deceased. Richard S., a mine carpenter for the Delaware and Hudson Coal Company at Archi- bald; Mary, now deceased, was a teacher in the public schools at Archibald; Patrick F., of whom further ; Matilda, a public school teacher in Archibald.
The early life of Patrick F. Kielty was much like that of other boys in the coal mining region : he attended the public schools and then went to work in the mines as a slate picker, and later as mule driver. He con- tinued thus employed until he had reached the age of twenty; but long before that he became aware of the limitations inherent in the work of the miner, and deter- mined that he would take the first opening that offered real promise of an opportunity for an ambitious energetic youth to demonstrate ability and dependability. This came in 1891 when he was offered a place on the agency organization of the Prudential Life Insurance Company at Scranton. So well did he acquit himself that it was only two years until he was made assistant superintendent for the Scranton District. In 1899, he was made super- intendent of the Hazleton District. In these positions he proved himself not only a business builder but a capable executive, with a good understanding of human nature in general and especially tactful and efficient in managing men. These qualities won for him promotion in 1907 to the superintendency of the Wilkes-Barre Dis- trict in which position he has remained ever since. Up to the present time (1929), his service with the company covers a period of thirty-eight years.
During all these years he has been not only a keen student of life insurance in all its phases, but he has read widely on questions concerning national and social welfare, and he has arrived at conclusions concerning these questions after careful analysis and mature reflec- tion. The knowledge and ability thus developed find scope for their expression in his many activities in con- nection with local organizations, fraternal, financial, cleemosynary and religious. Mr. Kielty is a Republican but not a seeker for political preferment. He is a mem- ber of the Wilkes-Barre Association of Life Under- writers; Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce ; he is vice-president of the Community Welfare Asso- ciation of the Wyoming Valley; the Wyoming Valley Historical Society ; the Knights of Columbus; Ancient Order of Hibernians; Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Kiwanis Club, of which he is a director ; Westmoreland Club; he is a director of the Union Savings Bank and Trust Com- pany ; director of the Catholic Light Publishing Com- pany ; director of the Smith Bennett Publishing Company, of which he is also treasurer; president of the Wilkes- Barre Thrift and Loan Company; director of Mercy Hospital ; and director of the Association for the Blind. Mr. Kielty is a member of St. John's Roman Catholic Church and of the Holy Name Society, of which he was Diocesan president in 1926. In 1925, Mr. Kielty was chairman of the drive that raised $361,000 to build the new addition to Mercy Hospital. During the World War drives he was one of the "four-minute" speakers. He is fluent and forceful and carries conviction and persuades by the simple, common sense presentation of his posi- tion on any question.
Patrick F. Kielty married, June 21, 1898, Bridget A. McAndrew of Archibald. She is a daughter of Jolin and Rose ( Gilgalon) McAndrew. From this union seven children have been born: Joseph, a graduate of West Point and now ( 1929) a lieutenant in the Machine-gun Section ( i the Infantry in the United States Army ; John T., M. D., a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He is now practicing in Kingston, Luzerne County; Patrick F., Jr., is an agent for the Smith- Bennett Publishing Company; Rose K., a teacher in the Luzerne County public schools at Swoyersville; William K., Mary E., and Catherine A., students in high schools and college.
-
Patrick Elfily
£
MAicholson
341
The record here indicated is one of which any family might well be proud. It shows that opportunity exists for those who have the vision to grasp it and the ambition to realize their own possibilities as individuals and as useful members of society.
CHARLES M. AUSTIN-Long years of association and faithful service in the Wyoming National Bank of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, have thoroughly fitted Charles M. Austin for the responsible position which he now holds, that of cashier. Mr. Austin is a native of Wilkes-Barre, and his connection with the Wyoming National Bank began many years ago, when he entered its employ in the capacity of bookkeeper. He is one of the representative citizens of the city, and well-known as a public-spirited citizen and a man of sound judg- ment and unquestioned integrity.
The branch of the Austin family to which Mr. Austin belongs is one of the old New England families located in Connecticut. Ralph Austin, born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, came to the Wyoming Valley in the early days while the Indian wars and massacres were still in progress. He was a pioneer here, able and resource- ful, and one of those who helped to lay the foundations of civilization in this section of the State. He reared a family among whom was Shadrach Austin. Shadrach Austin was reared in the valley, under pioneer condi- tions, and married and reared a family here. Among his sons was Rev. Isaac Austin, who was born in Luzerne County, and who devoted his life to the ministry, contri- buting to this section of the valley the strong and high idealism and the standards of service which have so greatly influenced the moral and intellectual life of the valley. He married Barbara Benscoter, a native of Luzerne County, and they were the parents of Miner B. Austin.
Miner B. Austin, son of Rev. Isaac and Barbara (Benscoter ) Austin, was born in Luzerne County, Penn- sylvania, January II, 1851, and died March 27, 1914. He attended Wyoming Seminary in 1866: taught school in 1867, when sixteen years old; in 1868 he became con- nected with Louis Praetorions, owner ot the first music store in Wilkes-Barre, and while with this firm, Mr. Austin became a talented musician and began teaching music in 1873; he later became organist in the First Methodist Episcopal Church for fifteen years, and char- ter member of Alexanders Band and its first president. Politically, he gave his support to the Republican party. His religious affiliation was with the Methodist Episco- pal Church. He married Ella N. Welch, who survives him and is now living in Wilkes-Barre ( 1929) at the age of seventy-seven years. Miner B. and Ella N. ( Welch ) Austin became the parents of two children : Charles M., of further mention; and Edna, who married C. W. Honeywell, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Charles M. Austin was born in Wilkes-Barre, Penn- sylvania, April 23, 1876, and grew up in that city. He attended the local public schools and then became a student in Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, Pennsyl- vania, from which he was graduated with the class of 1894. Upon the completion of his course in the seminary, he found his first employment with the Austin Shoe Company, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, but after a time he severed that connection and identified himself with the Wyoming National Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper. Able, faithful, and of strict integrity, he continuously maintained his connection with this bank, serving in various clerical capacities until 1923, when he was chosen cashier of the bank, and also manager of the Wilkes-Barre Clearing House. Since that time he has been most efficiently filling that responsible position, and his long association with this bank enables him to render unusually efficient service.
The Wyoming National Bank was founded in 1829 and is the oldest banking house in Luzerne County. In addition to the faithful discharge of his duties in connec- tion with the Wyoming National Bank Mr. Austin is also actively interested in the civic welfare of the city in which he lives. He supports the principles of the Republican party. He is prominent in the Masonic Order, being a member of Landmark Lodge, No. 442, of Wilkes- Barre; Shekinah Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Dieu le Veut Commandery, Knights Templar, of which he is a Past Commander ; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of Irem Temple Country Club, and of the Kiwanis Chub. His religious affiliation is with the Grant Street Pres- byterian Church of Wilkes-Barre.
Charles M. Austin was married, October 15, 1910, to Lucita E. Krause, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. MIr.
and Mrs. Austin became the parents of four children : Charles M., Jr., Gilbert D., Esther Ellen, and Robert K.
FRANK J. DOUGHER-The insurance business, which engaged the time and attention of Frank J. Dougher for over forty years at Wilkes-Barre, Penn- sylvania, afforded a maximum of protection to families, individuals and property against the vicissitudes of fate. Whoever can afford it, therefore, owes it to himself and his loved ones to invest in a policy, and the insurance agent who can show the prospect that it is to his inter- est to make the investment has performed an altruistic service.
Mr. Dougher was born at Kingston, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1867, a son of John F. and Mary A. (Gallagher ) Dougher, both parents now deceased. There were four children of this union: 1. Frank J., of whom further. 2. Robert V., a member of the Queens County Bar at Jamaica, Long Island, New York. 3. Anna R., employed in the clerical department of the Huntington Machinery Company at Wilkes-Barre. 4. Mary K., "stenographer for Conyngham & Company, of this city.
Frank 1. Dougher received his education in attendance upon the public and high schools of Wilkes-Barre, at the end of which he entered the insurance business in the employ of Biddle and Eno in the Coal Exchange Building, which had been founded in 1874 by William G. Eno and Walter S. Biddle. After the death of Mr. Biddle, Mr. Dougher became a member of the firm. Mr. Dougher was one of the best known insurance experts in this part of the country. He was keenly interested in civic affairs, and was often called upon to assist in com- munity drives for charity and other purposes. On Janu- ary 1, 1927, Mr. Dougher branched out for himself in the fire insurance business, having been connected with Biddle and Eno forty years. He made a fine start in this exclusive line, and his friends were predicting a continuance of his splendid record, when his death occur- red, January 21, 1928. Mr. Dougher was a member and attendant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. In secret order affairs he was a member of the Wilkes-Barre Council No. 302, Knights of Columbus; Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 100, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was also active in the Concordia Society and the Exchange Club.
Mr. Dougher married, September 10, 1902, Alice M. Dougherty, and they are the parents of two children: Mary Jule, a graduate of the College of the Sacred Heart of Manhattansville, New York; and Charles Bow- man, a graduate of the Wyoming Seminary of King- ton and a student in his third year at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
SAMUEL THOMPSON NICHOLSON, president of the Vulcan Iron Works, was born in Wilkes-Barre, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1867, a son of William H. and Hannah C. (Craig) Nicholson, both of whom are now deceased. William H. Nichol- son and his wife came to this country from New Castle, England, settling in Wilkes-Barre during the year 1863, where all of their twelve children were born. A fully detailed list of these children is given under the biography of George Nicholson, which is included elsewhere in this work. William H. Nicholson, the father, was, as has been stated, a man of very marked genius, having invented and patented many different machines and machinery parts. He was the founder of the William H. Nicholson Company, which is still in existence in Willes-Barre, being operated there in the competent hands of the inventor's sons.
Samuel Thompson Nicholson received his early edu- cation in the public schools of the community in which he was born, Wilkes-Barre, and while he was still a young lad he went to work under his father, learning the machinist's and iron foundry trades. And he has met with such success that it is this type of endeavor in which he has since remained, having carried on thus for a period of over forty years. He early became identified with the Vulcan Iron Works, which was founded originally by one Richard Jones, during the year 1849; and it is with this concern that he has achieved the greatest measure of success, working his way steadily upward until now, at the date of the writ- ing of this biographical history, 1929, he is the president of the entire organization. He is also the president of the William H. Nicholson Company, Inc., the concern founded by his father ; and he is a director of the Sec- ond National Bank of Wilkes-Barre, and the Wilkes- Barre Iron Manufacturing Company, of which he is also vice-president.
342
Mr. Nicholson's political inclinations have long shown a strong preference for the Republican party; and he is especially noted for the excellent manner in which he stands behind any movement designed for the welfare or advancement of Wilkes-Barre. He has been almost equally active in his club and social life, for he now holds membership in the Westmoreland Club the Frank- lin Club, and the Wilkes-Barre and Wyoming Valley Chambers of Commerce.
Samuel Thompson Nicholson married, September 20, 1893, at Wilkes-Barre, Elizabeth Dennis, a daughter of Adalbert and Martha (Welch) Dennis, of Wilkes- Barre. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson have become the par- ents of four children, two sons and two daughters : I. Ruth, who is now deceased. 2. Edith Craig, who married John M. Robinson, of Wilkes-Barre, and they have a son, John M. Robinson, Jr. 3. Samuel Ralph, who is now associated in business with his father, as a part of the engineering department of the Vulcan Iron Works. He. married Ruth Wolfe, and they have one daughter, Judith. 4. Martha D., a graduate of Vassar College; married James B. Robinson, of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson, the parents of the foregoing children, maintain their residence in Wilkes-Barre, in which community they attend the Westminster Presby- terian Church.
GEORGE NICHOLSON-Known throughout his native State of Pennsylvania as a prominent factor in industry, and as a financier, and manufacturer of impor- tance, his principal interests lying in the banking field and in the conduct of the Vulcan Iron Works, of which he is vice-president, George Nicholson of Wilkes-Barre, has attained prominence in a State that is filled with successful men.
Mr. Nicholson was born November 26, 1870, at Wilkes-Barre, son of William H. and Hannah C. (Craig) Nicholson, both of whom are now deceased. This couple came to America from New Castle, England, locating in Wilkes-Barre in 1863. They had twelve children, of whom seven grew to maturity : I. William, now deceased, former vice-president of the William H. Nicholson Com- pany of Wilkes-Barre, manufacturers of machinery specialties. 2. Ann, who married Frederick Beiswinger, of Wilkes-Barre. 3. Mary, who resides in Wilkes-Barre. 1. Samuel Thompson, president of the Vulcan Iron Works. 5. Elizabeth, who married the Rev. Samuel McDowell, a minister of the Presbyterian Church. 6. George, of whom further. 7. Hannah, widow of Arthur L. Rinehimer. William H. Nicholson, father of the foregoing children, was an inventive genius, for during his long and active life he made many improvements for the complicated metallurgical and shaping machinery, now used in almost every branch of manufacturing. He died in 1911. He was the founder and president of the William H. Nicholson Company, Inc., until his death.
George Nicholson was reared in Wilkes-Barre, received his primary education in the public schools of that city, and was graduated from the Wilkes-Barre High School. When he was eighteen years of age he became associated with the Vulcan Iron Works, in company with his father and his brother, Samuel Thompson Nicholson. It is with this concern that he has since remained, promotion following promotion, until now (1929) he is vice-presi- dent of the entire concern. This company, founded in 1849 by Richard Jones, manufactures engines and ma- chinery for hoisting, mining, sugar refining, and various other purposes, and is one of the largest and oldest establishments of its kind in America. As time passed and his interests expanded, Mr. Nicholson has assumed numerous other financial and commercial responsibilities, among the more important of which are his offices as president of the Hanover Bank and Trust Company of Wilkes-Barre, vice-president and treasurer of the Wil- liam H. Nicholson Company, vice-president of the Wyo- ming National Bank of Wilkes-Barre, and president of the Luzerne County Manufacturers' Association.
Mr. Nicholson also has evidenced a deep interest in the civic and general affairs of his community. In his political views he is a supporter of the Republican party, and he has ever assisted in promoting any movement designed for the welfare or advancement of Wilkes- Barre. He is a member of the Westmoreland Club, and of many other organizations local to Wilkes-Barre, as well as the Manufacturers Club of Philadelphia ; the Machinery Club of New York City; and the Engineers Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He has been con- spicuously useful in the management of the Kis-lyn Industrial School for Boys of Luzerne County, of which he has been president for many years. Mr. Nicholson
resides in Wilkes-Barre, is an elder of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, has just completed twenty-five years of service as superintendent of the Sunday school, is a valued member of the General Council of the Pres- byterian Church, United States of America. He is deeply interested in the Young Men's Christian Association, being at present a director, and was president for the ten- year period 1915-25.
ROSS HARRIS LLOYD-One of the leading bank- ers of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, is Ross H. Lloyd, president of the Dime Bank Title and Trust Company, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Idris Lloyd, father of Mr. Lloyd, was born in Pontypridd, Wales, and came to this country as a young man. He located at Wilkes- Barre, where he was a mine superintendent for many years, and where he died in 1914 at the age of seventy- six years. He married Mary Harris, and they became the parents of four children: Ross H., of further mention ; Gordon, a contractor of Wilkes-Barre, Penn- sylvania ; Lynford, of Pittston, Pennsylvania; and Ray- mond, who holds the agency for Hudson and Essex cars in Luzerne County.
Ross H. Lloyd was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsyl- vania, August 23, 1886, and was reared in this city. He attended the public schools of his birthplace and graduated from Wilkes-Barre High School with the class of 1905. The following fall he graduated from Wyo- ming Seminary, College of Business, in Kingston, Penn- sylvania, where he completed his course with graduation in 1906. He secured his first position as assistant pay- master in the employ of the Lehigh Valley Coal Com- pany, at Wilkes-Barre. Two years later he made a change and became associated with the Luzerne County National Bank as bookkeeper and teller, which position he filled for eight years. During the time of his connec- tion with the Luzerne County National Bank he took a four-year course in banking, in the Wharton Extension School, of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1917 he was made cashier of the Heights Deposit Bank of Wilkes- Barre, and that connection he maintained until October, 1923, when he was made president of the Dime Bank Title and Trust Company, which important official posi- tion he still holds (1929). Politically, Mr. Lloyd gives his support to the Republican party. He is a member of Landmark Lodge, No. 445, Free and Accepted Ma- sons ; of Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 25, Knights Templar ; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Keystone Bodies, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons. He is well known in club circles, being a member of the Westmoreland Club, the Franklin Club, the Craftsmen's Club, Wyoming Valley Country Club, Shrine Country Club and the Kiwanis Club. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Ross H. Lloyd was married to Margaret Tinsley, of Wilkes-Barre, daughter of Alfred J. Tinsley, who was born in England, and Rosina (Kelly) Tinsley, born in Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd are the parents of two children : Margaret Elizabeth and Rosemary.
FRANK S. CRANE-Close study of silk manufactur- ing since his school days and application of all he learned to the promotion of the industry in which he was engaged, has brought to Frank S. Crane, of Kingston, high reward and the esteem of his business and social associates. Never deviating from the path he set his feet upon in youth, he today is known as a successful man of com- merce, a staunch friend and delightful companion. His affiliations with organizations outside the commercial realm in which he does his full share of labor are many and eminent, his standing in the community in which he has lived and labored for many years is of the highest.
Frank S. Crane comes of a distinguished family on both sides. He was born in Mansfield, Connecticut, November 21, 1873, a son of William H. and Amoret (Clark) Crane, an ancestry coupled with the colonial families of New England, both sides originating in Eng- land and being among the first settlers of Connecticut. Among their six children were two sons, William B., and Frank S., who are now associated together in a thriving business. Frank grew up on the old homestead in Mansfield and received his early education there. Hc later went to business college in New London, Connect- icut, then taking a position in a silk mill owned and conducted by his uncle, Orlo Atwood, in New London. After two years of this tuition he went to another silk mill in Willimantic, Connecticut, later forming a partnership with O. S. Chaffee and engaging in the manufacture of silk at Montville, Connecticut. In 1902
4
Trong Nicholson Long,
343
he entered into partnership with his brother, William B. Crane, and they have continued together for twenty- five years. He and his brother organized the incorporated house of Crane Brothers, Silk Throwsters, September 25, 1902, and built a factory in Elm Street, Kingston. Since then they have increased the capacity of the plant more than three times and now have a fine building, with more than 60,000 square feet of floor space. Frank S. Crane is treasurer of the corporation, and W. B. Crane, its president.
Frank S. Crane has served for the past four years as president of the borough council of Kingston, of which body he has been a member for sixteen years. He is a member of Kingston Lodge, No. 395, Free and Accepted Masons; Keystone Consistory of Scranton; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, thirty-second degree; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Wilkes-Barre. He belongs to the Shrine Country Club, the Franklin Club, the Craftsmen's Club and the Wyoming Valley Motor Club. He is a director in the Kingston Bank and Trust Company, one of the largest and most successful banking houses in Luzerne County, and a member of the Hoyt Library Board, of Kingston.
Mr. Crane married (first) Eva Nellie Ide, of King- ston, in 1908. Of this union there were three chil- dren : Ruth A., Gertrude L., and Frank S., Jr. Eva Nellie ( Ide) Crane dicd in February, 1917. He married (second), in 1921, Elizabeth Morgan. They have one of the most beautiful homes in Kingston, at No. 45 Reynolds Street.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.