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 96
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In his political affiliations, Dr. Stiff is a Republican. He is a member of Wyoming Lodge, No. 468, Free and Ac- cepted Masons : also of the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order United American Mechanics; and of the Kiwanis Club. Dr. Stiff is a member of the Luzerne County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association, and a member of the medical staff of Mercy Hospital, in Wilkes-Barre. His religious membership is with the Christian Church, which he serves as a member of the official board.
Dr. William Clifton Stiff was married, January 14, 1903, to Carolyn Gwilliam, of Plymouth, daughter of George and Annie Gwilliam, and they are the parents of one son, William Carol, who was born January 18, 1908, and is now (1928) studying vocal music.
MICHAEL W. GILLESPIE-One of the leading merchants of Plymouth, Michael W. Gillespie has come to be regarded in this town and its environs as a useful member of the community. Both in business and social life he takes a prominent part; and, through his store, which he now conducts under his own name, he performs' a much needed service to his fellow-citizens, who hold him in highest esteem.
Descended from an old family, he is a son of William and Helen (Buckley) Gillespie, who for years were prominent citizens of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. His father, who was born in England in 1855, came to this region of Pennsylvania to make his home, and for many years was a hotel owner in Avondale, Luzerne County. He died in 1884. The mother, who was born in Hones- dale, Pennsylvania, in 1852, and died September 18, 1927, was loved and respected by a host of friends and acquain- tances.
Michael W. Gillespie was born in Avondale, Pennsyl- vania, November 26, 1880, and as a boy attended the public schools there. Later he attended St. Vincent's School. in Plymouth. He began work at eleven years of age, working for four years in this part of Pennsyl- vania in the mines. In this work he held various johs and became thoroughly proficient. Then, in 1906, he engaged in the general store business under the name of Gillespie and Company, under which name he continued until 1910. In that year his partner sold out his share of the business, and since that time Mr. Gillespie has continued the business under his own name. This store handles a general line of merchandise; and, since Mr. Gillespie combines modern efficiency methods with individ- ual attention to the special requirements of his many customers-an attention that is only made possible by long intimacy with the people of the community,-it fulfills a real need in Plymouth.
Along with his growth in the business world, Mr. Gillespie has assumed his full share of responsibilities in the social and public life of Plymouth. He always has taken a pronounced interest in political matters, and gives his whole-hearted support to the work of the Democratic party. He is a school director in Plymouth Township, an office he has held since 1916. He is a charter memher of the Kiwanis Club; and was vice- president in 1925 of the Shawnee Club; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 109; the Knights of Columbus, fourth degree; the Chamber of Commerce : Fire Company No. 2, known as the Good- will Company ; and in all of these organizations he takes a leading part. He is a director of the Plymouth National Bank. He took a very active part in all of the Liberty Loan drives during the World War, being vice president of the executive committee of Plymouth Knights of Columbus, Young Men's Christian Association and Salva- tion Army drives; also a member of the Draft Board and other activities pertaining to the borough and town- ship. His religious affiliation is with the St. Vincent's Church.
In 1911 Mr. Gillespie married Mary Kelley, of Lee Park, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Rebecca Kelley. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie are the parents of two children: Helen Rebecca, who was born July 3, 1913, and William Michael, born August 5, 1918.
JOSEPH R. HOOPER-The business career of Joseph R. Hooper, vice-president and general manager of Plymouth Lumber Company, a wholesale and retail lumber concern of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, has been one of steady progress, built upon hard work, careful planning, foresight, and ability. As success has been achieved in one enterprise, he has enlarged the scope of his activities until he is now (1928) interested in several business concerns, including the Shawnee Supply Hardware Com- pany, of which he is a partner ; and the Shawnee Cloth- ing Company, of which he is a director. He is also vice- president of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and is active in local affairs, aiding in all projects planned for the betterment of Plymouth.
Joseph R. Hooper was born in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1883, of English parents. His father, Wil- liam J. Hooper, was born in England in 1863, and in his earlier years was engaged as a miner, but later he came to this country and settled in Plymouth, Pennsyl- vania, where he worked as a miner and then was engaged
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in clerical work to the time of his death, which occurred in 1921. His mother, Kezia ( Moore) Hooper, was born in Wales, British Isles, in 1866, and is still living ( 1928) As a boy, Mr. Hooper attended the public schools, and Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, Pennsylvania, where he took a business course as preparation for the success- ful career which has been his. When his training in the seminary was completed and his commercial course finished, he associated himself with Clark Brothers and Company, lumber dealers in Plymouth, as bookkeeper, and after some years of faithful service in this connec- tion as an employee he was made a partner in the firm. The partnership was continued until 1920, when Mr. Hooper and Simon J. Tisdel (q. v.) purchased the Shaw- nee Supply Hardware Company, which they still own. Mr. Hooper is a man of more than ordinary business ability, and after he and Mr. Tisdel had successfully operated the Shawnee Supply Hardware Company for about two years they extended their interests by organiz- ing the Plymouth Lumber Company, and dealing in both wholesale and retail lumber. Mr. Tisdel took over the managership of the hardware business, both partners retaining their original interests, and Mr. Hooper became the active manager of the Plymouth Lumber Company, the official personnel of which is as follows: president, Frank Martz ; vice-president and general manager, Joseph R. Hooper ; secretary, Simon J. Tisdel ; treasurer, David Pickett. Under the able management of Mr. Hooper this concern, too, has been a successful venture and is steadily and rapidly growing, both in the volume of its wholesale business and in its retail sales. About fifteen employees are required to handle the present volume of business and each year is bringing a substantial increase in the amount of lumber handled. In addition to his interests in the two concerns named above, Mr. Hooper is also a member of the board of directors of Shawnee Clothing Company, of Plymouth. In politics, he gives his support to the Republican party, and he is a help- ful and progressive citizen, giving freely of his time and attention to the advancement of the general welfare of Plymouth. As vice-president of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, he is vigorously forwarding the general business interests of the place, and as a private citizen he is always ready to aid in philanthropic and civic plans for the good of the community. Fraternally, he is iden- tified with Plymouth Lodge, No. 322, free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a Past Master; with Plymouth Chapter, Knights Templar, of which he is a Past High Priest; with the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a Past Chancellor ; and with Lodge No. 872, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a Past Grand. He is also a past president of the Kiwanis Club. With all. these numerous and varied business and fraternal activities and responsibilities, Mr. Hooper finds time for excellent service as superintendent of the Methodist Epis- copal Sunday school, and for service as a member of the board of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. As a business man, a citizen, and a pleasant friend and com- panion he is well known and highly regarded here in Plymouth, where he has spent practically all of his life to the present time, and where he has contributed gen- erously to the general progress of the place.
Joseph R. Hooper was married, in 1908, to Julia May Badman, of Plymouth, daughter of Fred and Harriet Badman, and they have five children : Ruth B., Lillian B., Fred B., Louise M., and Janet. The offices of the Plymouth Lumber Company are located at No. 26 Wil- low Street, at the business end of Plymouth Bridge.
CHARLES WILLIAM SHOEMAKER-One of the younger men of affairs of Shickshinny, Charles Wil- liam Shoemaker is regarded by his fellow-citizens as a business man of the finest, progressive type. After a number of years of experience in general mercantile pursuits, Mr. Shoemaker established the general insurance business under his own name, which he has since con- ducted with the greatest success. In the various civic and social affairs of the community he also plays a prominent part.
Mr. Shoemaker was born in Shickshinny, August 4, 1888, a son of Walter Shoemaker, now deceased, who was also born in Shickshinny, and of Mary P. ( Bowman) Shoemaker, who was born in Cambra, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and is still living.
Charles William Shoemaker attended the public schools and the high school of his birthplace, and when he com- pleted his education began work as a clerk for the Shick- shinny Store Company, with whom he remained in this capacity for eleven years. His obvious ability and strict attention to the task at hand won him merited promotion,
and for six years, thereafter, until 1919, Mr. Shoe- maker was in charge of the stores of this company. In that year, however, he entered the field of insurance, establishing an independent enterprise, to which he has devoted his energy and talents since that time. The con- fidence reposed in him by the community, together with his ability and personal charm have brought him a highly prosperous business.
Mr. Shocmaker, politically, supports the principles and candidates of the Republican party. For eight years he has served on the Shickshinny Borough Council, and for the past four years has been president of this body. He is affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons and in this organization he is a member of Sylvania Lodge, No. 354, a member of all bodies of the Scottish Rite, including Caldwell Consistory, at Blooms- burg, Pennsylvania, and a life member of Irem Temple, Ancient Arabie Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of Lodge No. 180, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a member of Shalimar Lodge, No. 237. of the Ancient Mystie Order, and a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He is a member of the local Rotary Club, and of the Shickshinny Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is trustee, and chairman of the financial committee.
On March 2, 1910, Charles William Shoemaker mar- ried Veda I. Wilkinson, of Shickshinny, daughter of Thomas H. Wilkinson, born in Register Township, Lu- zerne County, and hardware merchant in Shickshinny until his death on February 4, 1918, and of Elizabeth ( Kelly ) Wilkinson, who was born at Lightstreet, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, and who is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker are the parents of three chil- dren : 1. Charles Herbert, born April 30, 1916. 2. Wal- ter Roland, born February 9, 1920. 3. William Jesse, born February 24, 1924.
JAMES M. NEALON, M. D .- The discovery of the X-Ray by Roentgen in 1895 is within the memory of most of the present generation. It was not long before the medical profession began to realize the great therapeutic importance of this epoch-making discovery, which has proven such a boon to suffering humanity. Since that time the invisible violet rays have been the subject of much intensive study and experimentation. This is a highly technical subject, and only a small percentage of the members of the medical profession have been inter- ested to give the time necessary to master what is known of it and to keep abreast of the new discoveries in con- nection with it. In fact, it requires the type of mind called "scientific." Dr. James M. Nealon, the well-known Roentgenologist of Plymouth, is one of the men who has devoted himself for years to the study of this specialty in the treatment of disease. He is a native son who has demonstrated that the old adage, "A prophet is not with- out honor save in his own country" does not always apply.
Dr. Nealon was born in Plymouth, March 25, 1876, son of Patrick Barrett and Ellen Jane (Gilboy ) Nealon. Patrick Barrett Nealon was born in Ireland in 1840 and came to America some time before the Civil War. He settled in the South where he became a citizen and identi- fied himself with the interests and concerns of that sec- tion. When the war between the States broke out he enlisted in the 25th Georgia Light Cavalry of the Con- federate Army. After the war he came north and settled in Plymouth, where he followed his trade of carpenter for many years. He is still living at the advanced age of eighty-eight. His wife was born in Carbondale in 1849, and with him is enjoying the pleasures of retro- spection, having lived through the era of the world's greatest development, The telegraph was just coming into use in their childhood. They have witnessed the introduction of the telephone, electric light and other manifold applications of electricity, the invention of the gas engine and the flying machine and the automobile -- wonders that other generations considered only as im- practicable dreams.
Dr. James M. Nealon received his elementary instruc- tion in St. Vincent's Parochial School. He prepared for college at Wyoming Seminary and matriculated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore, from which he was graduated in the class of 1902, with the . degree of Doctor of Medicine. With confidence he re- turned to his native town and entered upon the private practice of his profession. In 1924 he opened an office in Wilkes-Barre. He is in charge of the Roentgenology Clinic of Mercy Hospital in that city, and has made an enviable name in the practice of his specialty.
In politics Dr. Nealon is independent, believing in sup-
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porting a worthy cause or movement regardless of the party sponsoring it. He is a member of the Luzerne County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Medical Soci- ety and the American Medical Association. His fraternal and social affiliations include the Knights of Columbus and the Kiwanis Club.
In 1907 Dr. Nealon married Margaret V. Roan, daugh- ter of Patrick J. and Mary Roan, of Plymouth. Two children have been born from this union: I. James Roan, born in March, 1908, and now attending Villanova Col- lege. 2. Gene T., born in November, 1911, and now a student in the Plymouth High School. Dr. and Mrs. Nealon are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
JOHN D. JONES-A native son who has worked himself steadily forward in the region of his birth, John D. Jones, of the Shawnee Cash Store, Plymouth, has proven that the potentialities of success lie not so much in locality or circumstances as within the individual him- self. Putting into every job the best that was in him, working with his brain as well as with his hands, Mr. Jones not only progressively, increased his ability, and thus prepared himself for greater responsibilities, but he attracted the attention of those who required the kind and quality of service he was able to render. It is in records of this kind that the young of the present and succeeding generations can find suggestions for charting their courses so as to avoid the snags and reefs upon which, due to ignorance and lack of right direction, many a promising career has foundered.
John D. Jones was born in Plymouth, March 16, 1893, son of John D. and Catherine (Morris) Jones. Thc father was a native of Wales. After coming to this country he was employed as shaft engineer of the Not- tingham Colliery until his death in 1923. The mother was a native of Bloomsburg. She died in November, 1919. John D. Jones attended the grammar and high schools of his native town, graduating from the latter in the class of 1911 and as president of the class. His formal training for a business career was received in the Peirce Business School of Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1913. His first employment was as clerk in the purchasing department of the Kingston Coal Com- pany. So well did he perform his duties that after two years he was placed in charge of the same company's compensation department, where he remained for seven years. In 1925, he entered the employ of the Shawnee Cash Store as office manager.
A Republican, Mr. Jones has no political aspirations, but he has decided views upon the duties and responsi- bilities of citizenship which extend far beyond the range of politics and include every question that concerns the common welfare, economic, social, moral and spiritual as well as political. He is secretary of the Kiwanis Club, and his fraternal memberships include Plymouth Lodge, No. 332, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Knights of Pythias.
In November, 1919, John D. Jones married Helen Keen, daughter of A. E. G. and Emma (Chester) Keen, of Plymouth. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have a daughter, Helen Louise, born March 1, 1923. They are members of the Pilgrim Congregational Church, of whose board of trustees Mr. Jones is a member and he is also treas- urer of the church.
FRANK SEYMOUR CRANE-Widely experienced in the silk industry, Frank Seymour Crane, member of the firm of Crane Brothers at Kingston, Pennsylvania, shares the ownership and executive control of this pros- perous venture with his brother. Mr. Crane is thoroughly familiar with all the details of silk manufacture, and his plant at Kingston, which employs some four hun- dred people, is operated on a high level of business efficiency. His silks are of excellent quality and are widely in demand throughout the markets of the East.
Mr. Crane was born at Mansfield, Connecticut, Novem- ber 21, 1873, a son of William H. and Amoret (Clark) Crane, both born at Mansfield, and both now deceased. His father was a farmer and lumberman in Connecticut for many years.
Frank Seymour Crane attended the public schools of his birthplace, and later completed a course in business college at New London, Connecticut. Beginning his busi- ness career, he became associated with his uncle at New London, in the employ of Orlo Atwood and Son, silk manufacturers of that city, with whom he remained for a period of two years. This first experience confirmed Mr. Crane's interest in the silk industry to which he has devoted his life. About 1892 he was offered and accepted the position of superintendent of the A. G.
Turner plant, at Willimantic, Connecticut, continuing his work there in a very satisfactory way for ten years. Finally, on September 5, 1902, Mr. Crane and his brother, W. B. Crane, established an independent silk mill at Tobyhanna, and for a period of five years their busi- ness was conducted there. Meanwhile the present mill at Kingston was constructed in 1905, and in 1907 the Tobyhanna plant was moved to this city, where the firm of Crane Brothers has -been well known and highly esteemed for more than twenty years.
Politically, Mr. Crane supports the principles and can- didates of the Republican party and in civic affairs gen- erally at Kingston he has taken an active part. For sixteen years he has been a member of the city council and is now president of this body. His judgment is regarded as unusually sound and on questions of impor- tance his advice is frequentiy sought. Aside from his activities in the silk industry he is a director of the Kingston Bank and Trust Company, to which his serv- ices have been of considerable value. Mr. Crane is affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons and has been prominent in the work of this great order, holding membership in Kingston Lodge, No. 395, in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, at Scranton, and in Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Franklin Club, and of the Kingston Presbyterian Church.
In 1907, Frank Seymour Crane married Eva Ide, daughter of Herrick Ide, of Kingston, and they became the parents of three children : Ruth, Gertrude, and Frank. Mrs. Crane died in 1918, and in 1922 Mr. Crane married (second) Elizabeth Morgan, daughter of Reese Morgan. The family home is situated at No. 45 Reyn- olds Avenue, Kingston.
ALBERT CLARK SNYDER, M. D .- Fifty-one years of continuous practice as a physician and surgeon in White Haven, Pennsylvania, knit the life of Dr. Albert Clark Snyder closely to the lives of a great number of families in this place and in the surrounding neighborhood. For more than a half century he ushered into the world and stood beside the sick beds of the people of this community, giving of the best of his knowledge, his experience, and his devotion. Now he has passed on to the "next room," and we shall sce him no more in this life, but the memory of his faithful- ness and his friendliness will long be with us. While his passing, in June, 1928, at the age of seventy-four years, was as the harvesting of fully ripened grain, still his going left a gap in the life of the community and an ache in the hearts of those who knew him best. As a "crack" marksman and a zealous hunter and fisher he made even his recreational sportsmanship minister to his fitness for the most expert service in his profes- sion, and as a citizen he was one who never shirked, serving ably for many years on local boards. Dr. Snyder will long be remembered in White Haven.
Dr. Albert Clark Snyder was born in Leslie's Run, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, May 30, 1854, son of David, a native of this State, one of the 'Forty-niners who crossed the continent in search of gold, but who returned to his native State and engaged in the whole- sale lumber business, died in 1885, and of Lucinda (Kreamer) Snyder, who was born in Pennsylvania .and died in 1917. After attending the public schools of Luzerne County, Dr. Snyder prepared for college in Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, Pennsylvania, and then matriculated in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the class of 1876, receiv- ing at that time the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He graduated with honors, and throughout his career hc maintained the high standards which he attained during his college course. In 1877 he came to White Haven and opened his office for general practice, and from that time to the time of his death, a period of fifty-one years, he made the central aim of his life the welfare of his many patients in this neighborhood. Along with his general practice he was especially interested in the treat- ment of tuberculosis and was actively interested in the organization of the White Haven Sanitarium. He was a member of the Luzerne County Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the Ameri- can Medical Association, and was well known among his professional colleagues. For many years he was surgeon for the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company and for the Central Railroad of New Jersey. . He was also medical examiner of the New York Life Insurance Com- pany for forty years, and of the Penn Mutual Life Insur- ance Company for many years.
Like some of the most noted of the surgeons of the
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country, Dr. Snyder made his favorite form of recrea- tion one which would aid in maintaining his professional skill and devoted himself to marksmanship with such effect that he was considered one of the most expert in this section of the country. The steadiness, the per- fect coordination of muscle and brain, and the accuracy of aim required by the skilled marksman is a necessity to the skilled surgeon, and Dr. Snyder was both. His interest in hunting and fishing aided him in keeping a well toned nervous system and good general health, and throughout the years he held his high place as physician and surgeon. In addition to the surgical work which he did for the railroad, and insurance companies men- tioned above, he also served as surgeon for many of the industrial companies of this section of the State.
In addition to the large amount of professional work which he did so successfully, Dr. Snyder also found time for civic service. He was a Republican in his political sympathies, and always was one who willingly bore his share of the burdens and responsibilities of local administrative work. For many years he was a member of the school board and of the White Haven board of health, and for some time he served as a member of the borough council. In all these offices he brought to the problems involved the clear-sighted attitude and the sound judgment, which made his professional work so much . of an achievement, and he was always public- spirited in his aims. Fraternally, he was a member and a Past Master of Lodge No. 467, Free and Accented Ma- sons, of which he was a trustee at the time of his death : and for a period of fortv-three years he was identified with Lodge No. 457, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. He was interested in the Presbyterian Church, of which his family are attendants.
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