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 99
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In 1905, Mr. Lewis married Ella F. Shupp, daugh- ter of Daniel P. and Lydia A. (Snyder) Shupp, the former a native of Broadheadsville, Monroe County, where he was born in 1838. The mother of Mrs. Lewis was a native of Pike's Creek, Luzerne County, and was also born in 1838. The father of Mrs. Lewis died February 16, 1928, and her mother passed away February 24, 1925. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are the parents of one child, a son, Francis D., who is married and has a child, Botta Ella.
JACOB J. STEIDLE-Recognized as a foremost authority on the construction of mining buildings, Jacob J. Steidle, of Jeddo, was forced to overcome the dis- advantages of a limited education, due to the fact that his father died when the boy was only nine years of age, necessitating that Mr. Steidle go to work. Notwithstand- ing this handicap. he has refused to become discouraged, and has met and overcome the various obstacles lying between him and success. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Steidle is entitled to his present position both finan- cially and socially, having attained them solely through his own dogged determination. Mr. Steidle was born October 5. 1867, at Schuylkill, Pennsylvania, son of Charles M. and Louise (Cooms) Steidle, both parents natives of Germany. Charles M. Steidle was born at Württemberg, Germany, migrating to the United States at the age of twenty years. He was a butcher by trade, and died in 1876. Louise (Cooms) Steidle, who died in 1909, was brought from Germany to this country when she was eleven years old.
Jacob J. Steidle entered the public schools of Schuyl- kill, but at the age of nine, was forced to abandon his studies because of the death of his father. His first employment was in a foundry, wherein he remained two years, and then was for one year occupied in "slate picking" at the mines. At the expiration of this time he apprenticed himself to the carpenters' trade, and especially with that branch having to do with the con- struction of coal breakers, which he followed for the ensuing fifteen years. He was with the Lehigh Valley Coal Company at York Farm, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, for four years, functioning as foreman of car- penters. In 1895, he came to Hazleton to accept a posi- tion with the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, and here supervised the construction of collieries in this section for a year, at the end of which time he was promoted to outside foreman at Hazleton Shaft Collieries. Twenty years in this capacity brought about his promotion to the, post of general carpenter foreman for the entire system of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, and he occupied this position for two and one-half years. An- other change, in 1912, found him with the Jeddo High- land Coal Company, and here, too, he was a general outside superintendent, the office he has since filled.
Possessed of that desirable faculty for making friends, Mr. Steidle has become quite popular in social, frater- nal, and civic organizations. He is a Republican but has never held public office. In his capacity as a mem- ber of the board of directors of the Freeland Build- ing & Loan Association, he renders valued aid to the conduct of this firm's affairs. His fraternal connections include the Patriotic Order Sons of America ; Freeland Lodge, No. 1145, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he is a member of the Pioneer Fire Con- pany of Hazleton. His religious beliefs conform to those advocated by the Lutheran Church, of which he is a member.
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Jacob J. Steidle married Margaret Edmunds, of Miners- ville, Schuylkill County. She is the daughter of Edmund and Jennie Edmunds, and has borne her husband two children : 1. Ethel, married Dr. John S. Carter, of Hazleton. 2. William J., born June 20, 1906; graduated from Lehigh University with the class of 1928, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Mr. Steidle is a resident of Jeddo.
SETH W. KISTLER, M. D .- In the noble and self- sacrificing profession of medicine, Luzerne County is fortunate to possess so many noteworthy physicians, among the most prominent of whom stands Dr. Seth W. Kistler, of Nanticoke. Dr. Kistler is a member of the staff of the Wyoming Valley Homeopathic Hos- pital, and holds the respect and esteem of his fellow- citizens, not only because of his remarkable medical and surgical skill, but also because of his friendliness to all and his zealous efforts to be of service to suffering humanity. In the civic life of the town he takes a prominent part, being always active in advancing its inter- ests and in promoting the welfare and progress of the community in everything that will be of benefit to the people.
Dr. Kistler was born in Kampton, Berks County, Sep- tember 27, 1873, son of Philip S. and Louisa (Wessner ) Kistler. He was educated in the public schools of Berks County, and having a great desire to study medicine, entered Hahnemann Medical College, in Philadelphia, where he pursued his studies diligently, graduating with the class of 1901, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. He then located in Nanticoke and engaged in general practice, being successful from the first, receiv- ing the confidence and commendation of all on account of his skilful treatment and keen knowledge as a diag- nostician. For more than a quarter of a century, Dr. Kistler has continued to minister to the needs of this town and vicinity, displaying splendid fortitude and energy under all conditions, in all weathers, in order to be of service to those in need, to whom he has ever been, besides their physician, their friend. He is a member of the county and State homeopathic societies, and of the Ameri- can Institute of Homeopathy. In the financial life of the town, he is a leading factor, being a director of the Nanticoke National Bank. In fraternal circles, he is prominently identified with Nanticoke Lodge, No. 541, Free and Accepted Masons, Caldwell Consistory ; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also an active member of the Craftsman Club ; the Kiwanis Club ; the Junior Order United Ameri- can Mechanics; Wyoming Valley Motor Club, and the United Sportsmen of Pennsylvania. With his family, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he resides at No. 200 State Street, Nanticoke.
Dr. Seth W. Kistler married, December 26, 1896, Lilah M. Bachman, of Lehigh County, and to this union were born the following children: 1. Esther L., a graduate of Keystone State Normal School and Pennsylvania State College, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1926; member of Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Delta fraternities, also the Order of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of America. 2. Charles J., graduate of Hahne- mann Medical College, receiving the degree of Doctor o Medicine in 1924, having completed special courses ; n ember of Phi Alpha Gamma Fraternity; served in ( fficers' Training Camp during the World War ; married M. Edith Gring. 3. Clarence P., graduated from Swarth- more College in 1923 with the Bachelor of Arts' degree ; served as president of Phi Alpha Gamma Fraternity in 1926-27; married Dorothy Burt. 4. Seth B., a member of the class of 1928, Hahnemann Medical College. 5. Delilah, a student at Pennsylvania State College. 6. One child who died in infancy. Mrs. Kistler is prominent i the social and church circles of the town. being an energetic member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and the Mizpah Bible Class. She is also a leader in Nanticoke Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.
CHARLES W. MARKLE-The family of this sur- name is old in the history of Pennsylvania. It was formerly represented in Columbia County, where the name continues to be recalled as having belonged to prominent inen, notably to Charles W. Markle and his father. Mr. Markle is now a resident of Shickshinny, Luzerne County, and here has made himself a citizen of great value, par- ticipating in all movements designed for the general wel- fare. He was born at Fishing Creek, in Columbia County, March 18, 1882, son of Monroe and Rebecca ( Dodder ) Markle. His father, a farmer who spent his life in the Fishing Creek area, where he was born, May
24, 1834, died January 12, 1915. His mother, also a native of Fishing Creek, was born January 1, 1841, and died in February, 1907.
In the public schools of Fishing Creek Mr. Markle secured a sound elementary and secondary academic instruction, and took his diploma from the high school at Jonestown, in 1902. Thereafter he studied in the well-known Eckles School of Embalming, at Philadelphia, completing the course in 1904. For four years after graduation as an embalmer he practiced his professien with R. W. Thompson, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, then spent a year working for the Pittsburgh Casket Com- pany, and in 1912 came to Shickshinny, here to engage as a funeral director and embalmer under his own name. He carries a full line of most modern equipment in his complete mortuary establishment at No. 111 North Union Street. A Republican, he is active in politica! affairs, and fraternally is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Son of Veterans, being a member of Lodge No. 234, in the former order. He is a member of the Shickshinny Rotary Club and a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the workings of which he is active and interested. For a considerable period he has had under his charge a Sunday school class. He also directs a troop of Boy Scouts.
Charles W. Markle married, in 1912, Grace Sutliff, of Waterton. Luzerne County, daughter of Sterling and Mary Sutliff. To this union was born a son, Zehn- der, who died at the age of five years.
REV. JOHN HALL GRIFFITH-Born in Wales, British Isles, September 26, 1865. the Rev. John Hall Griffith, of Plymouth, is a son of David Hall and Eliz- abeth ( Thomas ) Griffith. David Hall Griffith was born in Wales. 1837, and died in 1921. He was a mechanic by trade. Elizabeth (Thomas) Griffith was also a native of Wales, born in 1842, died in 1921.
In the public schools of Elmira, New York, Mr. Grif- fith secured his basic academic instruction, graduating from high school in 1883, and matriculated in St. Stephen's College, of Annandale, New York, whence he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1889. Thereafter he studied theology in Seabury Divinity School, of Faribault, Minnesota, where he completed his studies in 1892, and was ordained minister in July of that year. For two years he was pastor of the church at Le Sueur, Minnesota, then became curate in St. Paul's Church, in Albany, New York, which charge he retained for two years. His first charge in Pennsylvania came next, and lasted for two years: it was over the Church of the Redeemer. at Sayre. In September, 1897, he came to Plymouth, as pastor of St. Peter's Church, and has remained in this position through the many years succeeding to the present time (1928). St. Peter's Church was organized in Plymouth in 1856. The present edifice was constructed in 1895.
Mr. Griffith engages actively in general affairs of the community. He is a Republican, loyal to the principles of government upheld by that party, and a good influ- ence within its ranks. He is also actively interested in the Knights of Pythias, and is affiliated with Plymouth Lodge, No. 332, Free and Accepted Masons.
John Hall Griffith married, in January, 1896, Eleanor Lovisa Hoyt, of Le Sueur, Minnesota, daughter of John P. and Rosa Hoyt; and of this union have been born children : 1. Edward Dean, born in 1898. 2. Elizabeth, wife of Dr. William E. Evans, born January 1, 1900. 3. Hoyt H., born December 18, 1901.
EDWARD J. KIELAR, M. D .- In Nanticoke and in Glenlyon, Dr. Edward J. Kielar is building up a substantial general medical practice, with offices in Nan- ticoke at No. 50 West Greene Street, and in Glenlyon with offices at No. 212 East Main Street. He is also industrial surgeon of the Susquehanna and Glenlyon col- lieries, Glenlyon, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kielar is a grad- uate of the University of Chicago and of the Medical School of Loyola University, and while a student in the first-mentioned institution was captain of the university wrestling team.
Dr. Kielar is one of the numerous men of Polish ancestry who have achieved professional success in this country. His father, John Kielar, was born in Poland, and came to this country as a young man. He located in Luzerne County and found employment in the mines, where by lard work and the peculiar persistence and steadiness which is a characteristic of his race, he earned a livelihood for his family. Dr. Kielar's mother, Susanna ( Brudnitski) Kielar, was born in Russian Poland and came to this country with her family when she was one
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year of age. Both are of Polish descent and both are now (1928) living in Nanticoke.
Dr. Edward J. Kielar was born in Alden, Pennsylvania, December 31, 1897, and as a boy attended the public schools of Newport Township. Later, he continued study in Wanamie High School, class of 1917. Before he had quite completed his senior year, however, the en- trance of the United States into the World War inter- rupted his course, for in May, 1917, he enlisted for serv- ice in the Coast Artillery and was stationed at Fort Totten, New York. After a time he was transferred to Camp Meade, in Maryland, where he was assigned the work of training new recruits, and was advanced to the rank of sergeant-major. After the signing of the armistice he was transferred to the Quartermaster's Department, as first class sergeant. He took the examina- tions for field clerk and was assigned to the camp recruiting office with Major Deering, where he remained until he was discharged with a scholarship to the Uni- versity of Chicago, where he matriculated in October, 1919. Three years later, in the spring of 1922, he com- pleted his course there, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science, and the opening of the fall term found him beginning his special preparation for the medical profes- sion, in the School of Medicine, at Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois. There he completed his course in three years, graduating in 1925, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. While a student in the University of Chicago, Dr. Kielar became deeply interested in athletics, and in this field, as well as in his studies, he was content with nothing less than top-notch achievement. He became proficient in the art of wrestling and displayed executive ability of a quality which won for him the proud posi- tion of captain of the university wrestling team. His activities in this department of extra-curricular inter- ests was of special value to him, and he has retained his interest in athletics. After graduation from the Medical School of Loyola University, Dr. Kielar served his interneship at Mercy Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, and then further extended his experience by coming to Nanticoke as resident physician at the Nanticoke State Hospital. Although having license to practice in Illinois, he returned to Pennsylvania in 1927 and located in Nan- ticoke. Here he opened his offices at No. 50 West Greene Street, and in order to render his services more easily accessible to a larger number of people he also opened offices at No. 212 East Main Street, in Glenlyon. He still maintains offices in both places (1928), but resides in Glenlyon, and is building up a very satisfactory practice. Though he is engaged in general practice, Dr. Kielar is also giving special attention to pediatrics, and in both fields has won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has been associated. He is a member of Luzerne County Medical Association, Pennsylvania State Medical Association, and the American Medical Society, and is also a member of Phi Beta Pi college fraternity; a Fellow of American Geographical Society : member of the Falcons, and a member of the American Legion at Glen- lyon. Along with his professional activities he takes an active interest in civic affairs, and is known as one of the progressive and public-spirited citizens of Nanticoke. His religious membership is with St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church.
Dr. Edward J. Kielar was married, in August, 1925, to Rose Gronka, of Glenlyon, who, before her marriage was engaged as a teacher in the public schools of Glen- lyon. Dr. and Mrs. Kielar have many friends both in Nanticoke and in Glenlyon.
SHADRACH M. WHITESELL-A resident of Town Line, Huntington Township, Pennsylvania, for many years, Shadrach M. Whitesell has achieved an important place in the business life of the community. He is a man of wide experience in both the lumber and building trades, having erected many important build- ings in the vicinity, while he is now president of the Whitesell Lumber Company, Inc. His able direction of the affairs of his company has resulted in a large volume of business.
Mr. Whitesell was born at Roaring Brook, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, May 13, 1862. His father, Darius Whitesell, who was born in Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, was a farmer for many years, and died in 1925. His mother, who before her marriage was Mary Tinklepaugh, was born in Bradford County, Pennsyl- vania, and is also now deccased.
Shadrach M. Whitesell attended the public schools of his birthplace, and as a young man established his own retail lumber business, at Roaring Brook. Later he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, L. L.
Reese, under the firm name of Whitesell and Reese, and for seventeen years under this arrangement they engaged as lumber manufacturers, with a plant at Broadway, Pennsylvania. At the end of this time, Mr. Whitesell came to Shickshinny, where he entered business as a contractor and builder, operating under his own name at Shickshinny and at Mocanaqua. During this period he built the First National Bank Building, in Shick- shinny, the bank building at Mocanaqua, as well as others of importance in both places. Finally, in 1924, Mr. Whitesell purchased the retail lumber business of the Shickshinny Lumber Company, to which, as the White- sell Lumber Company, Inc., he has since devoted his time and attention. Not only has Mr. Whitesell been very successful in his own enterprises, but he has also been called into consultation by other financial interests, which value his keen judgment and sound advice. He is vice- president and a director of the First National Bank, of Shickshinny, and president of the First National Bank of Mocanaqua, of which he is also a member of the board of directors.
Politically, Mr. Whitesell supports the principles and candidates of the Republican party, but any movement which he considers designed to promote the growth and welfare of the community is always assured of his liberal support. He is affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons, in which organization he is a member of the Shickshinny Lodge, and a member of all bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including Cald- well Consistory, at Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. He is also a member of Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of Lodge No. 354, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family worship in the faith of the Methodist Episco- pal Church.
In 1888, Shadrach M. Whitesell married Sarah Reese, of Plymouth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Reese of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Whitesell became the par- ents of four children I. Ludwig R. 2. Elwood. 3. Mary, now Mrs. Mary Gisriel. 4. Darius B., who died at the age of twenty-two in the service of the United States Army during the late war. Mr. and Mrs. White- sell have also five grandchildren.
JAMES D. HUSTED, D. D. S .- Doctor of dental surgery highly regarded by fellow members of the dental profession, with a long and distinguished record of pro- fessional practice in Wilkes-Barre and Kingston, Dr. James I). Husted, of 49 South Thomas Strect. Kingston, was born in Ross Township, Luzerne County, May 24, 1862. His father, David Husted, was born in Dallas, Luzerne County, 1841, spent the years of his youth on a farm, and served with the 143d Pennsylvania Volun- teers in the Civil War. He died, in 1864, at Philadel- phia. Dr. Husted's mother, Amelia ( Benscoter ) Husted, was a native of Ross Township, Luzerne County, boru in 1844, and she died in January of 1927. The family is one of the oldest in the Wyoming Valley.
Dr. Husted secured his elementary academic instruc- tion in the public schools of Luzerne County, then attended private school-Huntington Mills Academy. Afterward, for fourteen years, he taught school, was supervising principal of Plymouth Township and prin- cipal of Edwardsville High School for six years, then attended the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadel- chia, from which he graduated in 1902 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Science. Without delay he opened offices in Wilkes-Barre, where he practiced continuously through twenty-six years, removing to Kingston in 1928. Here he now carries on a large general dental practice. He is a member of the Susquehanna Dental Society, and in general affairs of interest fraternally and civically. Dr. Husted is prominent. He is a member of Lodge No. 395, Free and Accepted Masons; Shekinah Chapter, Royal Arch Masons: Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 45. Knights Templar ; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and Patriotic Order Sons of America. Of the Patriotic Sons he has been a member two-score years (as this is written, 1928). He is at present school director of Kingston Borough, and was president of the board for two years. He is a communicant of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, upon the official board of which he serves.
Dr. Husted married, in 1885, Nellie Davenport, of Shickshinny, Pennylvania, daughter of Alexander and Amy Davenport ; and they have children : I. Claude M., born in 1886, graduate optometrist, of Wilkes-Barre. 2. Ralph Hays, born in 1894, graduate of the Medico- Chirurgical School, 1915, degree of Doctor of Deutal Science, of Shickshinny.
Edward J. Rielar M. Q.
LAUREL BOOK SERVICE KATHERINE AND KARL GOEDECKE 33 West Third St. HAZLETON, PENNA.
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