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 91
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Strength to the local Republican organization is given by Mr. Mack's adherence to the policies of that party. His affiliation with fraternal life includes Lodge No. 721. Free and Accepted Masons : Ithiel Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Hagerstown. Maryland; Chesapeake Con- sistory of the Scottish Rite, of Baltimore, Maryland; and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Wilkes-Barre. He is a member of the Craftsman's Club and the Franklin Club, and president of the Nuangola Lake Association. His interest in mat- ters of religion is active and most helpful, and he is a member, as were three generations of his family pre- viously, of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Wilkes-Barre, of whose Sunday school he is secretary. lle is also a member of the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Chap- ter, American Institute of Architects, of which chapter he acted as secretary for two terms.
Fred J. Mack married, October 22. 1902, Katherine Beach, daughter of Frederick J. and Harriet (Gresh ) Beach, of Wilkes-Barre. Frederick J. Beach is a great- grandson of Nathan Beach of Beach Haven, southern part of this county, who was the largest land owner in the county and who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mr. and Mrs. Mack are the parents of three children : I. Dorothy An, who is a graduate of Beaver College (kindergarten course), and took a year in art at the same institution. 2. Frederick J., Jr. 3. Priscilla Jane. The two last-named children are students at Wyoming Seminary.
FRANK B. R. SAHM-Examples of the architectural skill and constructive capacity of Frank B. R. Sahm are to be seen in goodly numbers in the Wyoming Valley region, as evidenced by the beautiful homes, capacious and serviceable business houses and educational buildings. As a member of the firm of Mack and Sahm, of Wilkes- Barre, Mr. Sahm is a large contributing factor to the growth and progress of the city and its environs along modern lines. This architectural firm enjoys high rank in the profession and in the business community as a whole, from which it draws much of its large and desir- able clientage. Mr. Sahm is a man of practical experience in construction work, and his knowledge of that depart- ment is an important element of his successful practice as an architect.
Frank B. R. Sahm was born in Wilkes-Barre, May 27, 1876, the son of John T. L. and Minnie R. ( Roth- rock) Sahm. both parents now deceased. His father, a well-known lawyer, was born in Juniata County, Penn- sylvania, and was graduated from Gettysburg College. He studied law and was admitted to the Luzerne County bar where he practiced until his death. The mother was also born in Juniata County, of an old and respected family.
The education of Frank Sahm was received in the grade schools and the high school, of his native city. having his diploma from the latter school as of the class of 1805. lle carly showed a preference for design of buildings, and obtained a berth in an architect's office in Wilkes-Barre, where during his stay of four years he familiarized himself with the details of professional practice. He was considered a finished draftsman and estimator and later he became attached to the office of the United States Supervising Architect at Washington. District of Columbia, serving under that master of architects. James Knox Taylor, and his association there was for about one year. His next connection was back in his home city of Wilkes-Barre in the office of Architects McCormick and French, with whom he remained for about eight years, adding much to his experience and aiding that firm to maintain its position among the leaders in the profession in that city.
111 1910. Alr. Sahm established himself in his own
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office in the Second National Bank Building, where he was engaged in private practice until 1917. Two years later he went with the F. W. Woolworth Company, at Buffalo, New York, in its construction department, where he was employed on an important assignment, and through it he gained further practical knowledge of that end of the business. On his return to Wilkes-Barrc, he formed with Fred J. Mack (see accompanying biography ) the firm of Mack and Sahm, which agreement has con- tinued operative ever since, to the mutual satisfaction of the principals. They have been commissioned to design and supervise the construction of many of the more im- portant residences in the Wilkes-Barre region, and busi- ness and school buildings, as well, which have satisfac- torily passed the test of usefulness to which they are put. The firm's reputation has long since been estab- lished among an exacting clientele, and the increasing de- mands for its services are indicative of its high standing.
Mr. Sahm gives his political allegiance to the Repub- lican party. He is highly placed in fraternal circles, affiliating with Kingston Lodge, No. 395, Free and Accepted Masons; Caldwell Consistory of the Scottish Rite, at Bloomsburg; and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is a member of the Kiwanis and the Franklin clubs. In religious affairs he is actively interested, being a member of the official board of the Kingston Methodist Episcopal Church.
Frank B. R. Sahm married, in October, 1904, Margaret Marshall, daughter of James and Margaret Marshall, of Plains, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of two children : 1. Marjorie M., graduated from Syracuse University, class of 1927. 2. Frank, Jr. Mr. Sahm has his business address at the Coal Exchange Building, Wilkes-Barre, and his residence in Kingston.
GEORGE L. FENNER, leading member of the Luzerne County bar, has not only made a conspicuous success at the law but has developed a business ability that has caused his election to important offices with corporations, in whose service his sound judgment and judicial mind are of great benefit. He is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church and a director of the Young Men's Christian Association. In all the relationships of life he typifies the good citizen, and he enjoys a popularity and standing among his fellow-townsmen that are unusual.
Mr. Fenner was born in Ashley Borough, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1877, son of the late James K. P. and Caroline Pettibone (Fellows) Fenner, both deceased. James K. P. Fenner was a son of Abra- ham and Catherine (Smoke) Fenner, both members of prominent families and the latter a native of Monroe County, this State. James K. P. Fenner was also a native of Monroe, having been born July 20, 1844, and having died in Ashley at seventy-five years of age. He came to Luzerne County in 1863 and clerked in a drug store for three years, then located in Ashley, where he engaged in the mercantile business for nearly twenty years. On September 7. 1870, he married Caroline Pettibone Fellows, a daughter of J. T. and Marilla ( Pettibone) Fellos s, of Scranton, members of old Pennsylvania families of Eng- lish origin. James K. P. Fenner and wife were the par- ents of five children: 1. Caroline Mary, widow of the late Dr. Daniel Donsife, of Tunkhannock. 2. Jamie, died in infancy. 3. George L., of whom further. 4. Samuel R., assistant treasurer of the Washington Trust Company, of Washington, Pennsylvania. 5. Charles A., died in infancy. James K. P. Fenner was a life-long Democrat, a justice of the peace for many years, member of the Ashley School Board and at one time burgess of Ashley. For many years he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Ashley, Luzerne County.
As a boy George L. Fenner attended the public schools and later graduated from Harry Hillman Academy at Wilkes-Barre in 1897. He then studied law in the office of the late Gaius L. Halsey and S. J. Strauss, both of whom became judges of the Eleventh Judicial District, comprising Luzerne County. He was admitted to the bar July 2, 1902, and has successfully followed the law for twenty-seven years, to 1929. He is a member of West- moreland Club. At one time he served as secretary of the Luzerne County Democratic Committee. In commer- cial life he is president of the Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton Ice Company, secretary of the W. D. Beers Company, Inc., one of the oldest and largest grocery concerns in Luzerne County, founded by the late W. D. Beers; is a director of the Central Forging Company at Catawissa ; of the R. E. Beers Lumber Company of Trenton, New Jersey; and of the Smith Bennett Corporation, of this city.
Mr. Fenner married, October 12, 1907, Jesse Flick Beers, of Wilkes-Barre, daughter of the late W. D. Beers, for many years one of the foremost merchants of this city, and their union has been blessed by three chil- dren : Elizabeth Caroline, George Leslie, Jr., and Sarah Louise.
WILLIAM N. SCHANG, of Wilkes-Barre, secre- tary and treasurer of the E. B. Yordy Company, Inc., printers and book binders at No. 71 Public Square, have made an enviable record in the upbuild of the State and the Republic, and are very properly classed as one of the most prominent printing concerns in Northeastern Penn- sylvania,
The family of the late Conrad Schang, a native Ger- man, has added much to American life. Mr. Schang came to this country as a young man and settled in Wilkes-Barre, where he died in 1896. He married Mary Bacr, also a native of Germany, who died in 1917. At the time of his death Mr. Schang was one of the oldest merchants in the city of Wilkes-Barre. His son, William N. Schang, was born here December 6, 1868, and received his early education in the local public schools. It was necessary for him to go to work early, and on leaving school he learned the trade of printer in the plant of E. B. Yordy, and has been identified with the growth and progress of that concern ever since, serving in the various positions up to foreman and superintendent, until 1916, when he was made a member of the firm. The concern was incorporated in 1922, and Mr.' Schang was made a vice-president and superintendent of factory, thus fur- nishing ample testimony of his versatility. He has always been most effective on the firing-line, however, and he now capably fills the double position of secretary and treasurer, as adverted to above. This concern is one of oldest and most important in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It was founded in a small way in 1870 by E. B. Yordy ; in 1900 Mr. Yordy retired and sold his interest to George F. Coddington and F. S. Fowler; later Mr. Schang bought an interest. The other officers now are F. . S. Fowler, president; and Mrs. George F. Coddington, vice-president.
Mr. Schang is prominent in the various business and civic activities of Wilkes-Barre, and enjoys the respect and confidence of his associates and contemporaries. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 655, of the. Free and Accepted Masons; Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, Royal Arch Masons; and Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 45, of the Knights Templar; Irem Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Wilkes- Barre Lodge, No. 87, of the Knights of Pythias. He be- longs to the Irem Temple Country Club, the Craftsman Club and the Neighborhood Club. In politics he is a Republican and in religion an adherent of the Presby- terian faith. He is also active in the work of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Schang married June 4. 1890, Susan E. Hartzell, of Wilkes-Barre, daughter of Edwin E. Hartzell, by trade a miller, and Katherine (Simms) Hartzell. and seven children have blessed their union: Ruth I .; Helen, deceased ; Harry V., graduate of the high school ; Leona Maud. married Charles Krupp, and they have Charles and Helen Krupp: Florence, Mildred, a public school teacher, and Wilbur H. Schang, a graduate of high school.
P. F. O'NEILL-A coal picker in the mines when he was eight years old, P. F. O'Neill of Wilkes-Barre is a graduate of two institutions of higher learning, is a member of the honorary scholastic fraternity of Phi Beta Kappa, and an eminent member of the Luzerne County bar. Having done for himself at an age when the average and more fortunate child is in the third grade at school, the advancement, professional success and hon- orable position in society achieved by Mr. O'Neill at middle life, constitute an encouraging and stimulating biography to those who of necessity need face similar problems. or who, having faced them and triumphed over them as he has, are in a position to look forward, with pardonable satisfaction.
P. F. O'Neill was born in Wilkes-Barre on August 15, 1877, a son of Michael and Ann ( Gallagher ) O'Neill, his father deceased and his mother .now (1927) living. aged seventy-six years. Throughout his life Michael O'Nei'l was a miner, a member of the Catholic Church, and a Democrat. Michacl and Ann (Gallagher ) O'Neill were the parents of two children : P. F., of whom more follows, and John A., of Wilkes-Barre.
P. F. O'Neill grew up around the coal mines of Wilkes-Barre, attending public school part time only. First he attended the Wyoming Seminary at Kingston,
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Pennsylvania, and graduated with the class of 1894, next matriculating at Wesleyan University at Middletown, Connecticut, graduating in 1808 with the degree of Bach- elor of Arts and Phi Beta Kappa honors. Mr. O'Neill returned to Wilkes-Barre and began to read law in the office of the law firm of Wheaton, Darling and Wood- ward, and was admitted to the Luzerne County bar on July 14, 1900. His self reliance, proved in his early strug- gles for an education, his intensive use of the means of that education when finally secured, and the character of necessity owned by one capable of doing what he has done, all have attracted friends to Mr. O Neill; and the friends, far from meeting with disappointment in the man, as a man and lawyer, have drawn even more closely to him, while his legal and social position in Wilkes- Barre and Luzerne County attain to rank ever more elevated. Mr. O'Neill went with Wheaton, Darling and Woodward to study for the bar with a firm determina- tion to qualify. With almost no outside direction, he depended upon his own understanding of cases read and the significance of their points of law in the profession and upon such guiding counsel as was given him by members of the firm, and Mr. O'Neill won the right to practice law. And in this practice he has further tri- umphed, creating for himself a position outstanding among the legal fraternity of the county. Mr. O'Neill is a member of the Luzerne County Bar Association and the Westmoreland Club ; he is a director of the Second National Bank of Wilkes-Barre, general solicitor for the Lehigh Valley Coal Company and counsel to many other powerful corporations. He is a Democrat and a mem- ber of St. Mary's Catholic Church, of Wilkes-Barre.
P. F. O'Neill married Matilda Kyle of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of two children, Marie and Edward O'Neill.
CHARLES S. MILES-By inherent capabilities and professional enterprise, County Surveyor Charles S. Miles has made sure and steady progress in his profes- sion, and as a civil, mining and consulting engineer, his work is well known and highly appreciated by all with whom he has come in contact. Upon all occasions, he has performed a work that has met with the approval of town- ship, county and of individual patrons, and his repute has been built upon the most substantial foundation of personal worth and integrity.
Charles S. Miles was born January 22, 1867, at Wilkes- Barre, a son of William and Emmeline (Groves) Miles, both parents now deceased. William Miles, a native of Columbia County, came to Wilkes-Barre in his young manhood, and for many years he was superintendent of the T. S. and W. S. Hillard Brick Company. He was the father of eight children: George Miles, of Wilkes- Barre: Cora, who was drowned at the age of five years; Hattie L. Miles, who married H. M. Speice, of Wilkes- Barre ; William H. Miles, in the employ of the Hazard Manufacturing Company ; Charles S. Miles, of whom further ; Jennie, and Sallie Miles, hoth of whom died in childhood; Daisy E. Miles, who married Owen Crabtree.
After attending the public schools in Wilkes-Barre, Charles S. Miles, at the age of sixteen years was em- ployed as a messenger bov for the Western Union Tele- graph Company ; and he afterwards became a clerk with Hancock and Company, wholesale grain dealers. When he was twenty years old, Mr. Miles joined the office force of H. R. Reets, civil and mining engineer, where he learned the profession in all its branches. In 1910, he was received as a full partner in the business, the partnership continuing to the time of the death of Mr. Reets, in 1921. On January 25, Mr. Miles, then sole proprietor of the concern, received as a partner W. W. Ackman, who died July 16, 1926; and with the association thereafter of George J. Richards as a member of the firm, the latter has since been known as Miles and Richards, civil, min- ing and consulting engineers.
In the political field, Mr. Miles adheres to the prin- ciples of the Democratic party ; in 1916, he was elected county surveyor for Luzerne County, succeeding himself in 1920 and 1024. and. reelected in November, 1927, he will continue in this office through January, 1901.
Fraternally, Mr. Miles is affiliated with Lodge No. 61, Free and Accepted Masons : Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 45, Knights Templar ; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and he is also a member of the Irei Country Club, and a member of the National Geographic Society.
Charles S. Miles married, March 6, 1907, Alice L. Davis, of Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of George Davis, of Welsh ancestry.
THOMAS J. MORGAN-Son of a Welsh miner, it was but natural that Thomas J. Morgan should follow in his father's footsteps, especially since his youthful lot was cast among the coal miners of Eastern Pennsylvania, where the father settled upon emigrating to this country when a young man. But there was ever a strong urge of politics in the veins of the youth and he entered with vim into the local atmosphere of government. Recogni- tion of his ability came with his appointment to the postmastership of Nanticoke, a position which he retains under the present administration (1928).
Mr. Morgan was born in Wales, in 1864, a son of William J. and Ann Morgan. When he was fifteen years of age his parents came to America and settled in Plymouth, where the father engaged in mining until his death and where Thomas grew to manhood. William J. Morgan was the father of nine children and an active worker in the cause of the Welsh Presbyterian Church. The children were: Thomas J., Gwinn, James, Maryann, Catherine, Ruth, Sarah, David and Jennie.
Thomas J. Morgan was educated in the public schools and at twelve years of age went to work as a breaker boy in the coal mines. He followed the occupation of mining until 1898. He became mine boss and afterward operated independently as a rock contractor at the mines. All this time in "his adopted country he was busy with politics and, in 1922, upon the recommendation of his fellow-citizens of Nanticoke, President Harding ap- pointed him postmaster of the city. Five years prior to that appointment he was elected to the lower house of the Pennsylvania State Legislature, wherein he served until 1919, when he was reelected for another term of two years. He was district chairman of the Republican Committee of Luzerne County and served for years on the executive committee. He is a member of Nanticoke Lodge, No. 541, Free and Accepted Masons; of Keystone Consistory ; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and he attends the Welsh Presby- terian Church.
Mr. Morgan married, in 1885, Ruth Williams, of Plymouth, by whom his children were: I. Howard K., a graduate of Cornell University with the degree of Civil Engineer, now engaged in construction work in Detroit, Michigan; married and the father of two children. 2. Ann, now the wife of Dr. Percy Williams, of Nanticoke, and the mother of two children. Thomas J. Morgan, left a widower, married (second), in 1924, Clara Young, of Nanticoke. They reside at No. 61, Kenmore Avenue, Alden, Pennsylvania.
PETER G. RIMMER-For a period of twenty years Peter G. Rimmer has been identified with the Ridgway Dynamo and Engine Company, of Ridgway, which con- cern is now (1929) a part of the well-known Elliott Company, coming to Wilkes-Barre in 1908. He is sales engineer and has his offices at No. 826 Second National Bank Building. The Elliott Company is located in Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania, and Mr. Rimmer is district man- ager for the Wilkes-Barre district.
Peter Gillibrand Rimmer, father of Mr. Rimmer, was born in Liverpool, England, and came to this country about 1855. He settled in Batavia, Genesee County, New York, where for many years he was engaged as a dealer in horses, and where he died. He married Margaret Bibby, who survives him, now (1929) aged eighty-eight years. They became the parents of six children: Peter G., of further mention; Agnes, Catherine, Mary, Mar- garet, and Edward.
Peter G. Rimmer, son of Peter Gillibrand and Mar- garet (Bibby) Rimmer, was born in Batavia, Genesee County, New- York, December 2. 1869, and received his education in the public schools of his birthplace, remain- ing in Batavia until 1888. In that year, then a young man nineteen years, he went to New York City and secured a position as office assistant to the manager of the Deane Steam Pump Company. While holding this position he was steadily preparing himself for advancement by study in Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, where he completed a four-year course. His connection with the Deane Steam Pump Company was maintained until 1898, a period of ten years, during which time he had made himself an expert in certain lines of mechanical and engineering work. In 1898 he became a member of the engineering firm of McClave, Hamilton, and Rimmer, with offices at Nos, 85-87-89 Liberty Street, New York City, and this partnership was continued, with mutual benefit, for another period of ten years. At the end of that time, in 1908, Mr. Rimmer came to Wilkes-Barre as district manager of the Ridgway Dynamo and Engine Company, where he has since remained. In 1927, when the Ridg-
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way Dynamo and Engine Company was absorbed by the Elliott Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Rim- mer was continued as district manager and is still filling that position to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. The Elliott Company has also taken over the Lagonda Manufacturing Company and the Liberty Manufacturing Company, and Mr. Rimmer is sales engineer for the con- solidated group, and is very well known in Wilkes- Barre. He is a Republican in politics, and his business ability has caused him to be much sought by the various organizations with which he is identified. He is a men- ber and a director of the Engineers Society of North- eastern Pennsylvania, and is serving his thirteenth term as president of the Wyoming Valley Motor Club. In the Masonic Order he is very well known, being a member of Polar Star Lodge, No. 245, Free and Accepted Masons, of New York City; of Keystone Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, of Scranton, in which he holds the thirty-second degree; and of Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Wilkes- Barre. He is also a member of Irem Temple Country Club, the Franklin Club, and of Lodge No. 109, Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks. His religious mem- bership is with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, of Wilkes-Barre.
Peter G. Rimmer was married, September 30, 1897, to Emilie Clemence Rooney, of New York City, and they are the parents of one son, Edwin Frederick, who is engaged in the automobile business with the Marmon Motor Company of Wilkes-Barre. He married Jose- phine M. Anstett, of Wilkes-Barre, and they have two children, Peter G., 3d, and Susanne J. Mr. and Mrs. Rimmer have their home at No. 2 Sunset Court, Forty Fort, Pennsylvania.
JOHN WILLIAMSON-The surname borne by John Williamson has long figured prominently in affairs of Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County, and notably so in commercial matters. Owner and proprietor of the well- known firm of John Williamson and Company, dealers in groceries at wholesale, his business is one of the larg- est in Northeastern Pennylvania. It is located at Nos. 112-18 East Market Street, Wilkes-Barre. Here are employed a number of men the year 'round, engaged in the work afforded by the directing head and founder of the organization. Never in his extended career has Mr. Williamson found it necessary to deviate from the course laid down by proper integrity, and the business which rises as a monument to his character and talent is the more respected therefor. It is with pleasure that we include his record in this volume of contemporary biog- raphy.
John Williamson is a native of Luzerne County, born at Olyphant, January 4, 1869, son of William and Mar- garet (Waddell) Williamson. William Williamson and his wife both were natives of Scotland, the latter born at Edinburgh. He died at the age of fifty-seven years ; she at seventy-four. It was in 1850 that they came to the United States, and here, settling in Luzerne County, William Williamson opened up a grocery store at retail, in Olyphant, attaining to some measure of prosperity and position among the people of the town. He was a Republican, a leader in matters pertaining to the civic welfare, and with his wife a communicant of the Pres- byterian Church. To their only surviving son they gave every advantage within their means.
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