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 VI > Part 100
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Francis B. Gryczka received his early edu- cation in the public schools and the high school of Blossburg, his birthplace, and was graduated from high school in the class of 1908. He then went to the Chicago Prepara- tory School, from which he was graduated in 1911 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Going to the Medico-Chirurgical College for his professional training, he was graduated from that institution in the class of 1915 with the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. Thereupon he became an interne at Saint Agnes Hospital, in Philadelphia, where he remained for one year, until he started his own independent practice of medicine in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, where he did his first important work for his profession. There he stayed for two years, until at the outbreak of the World War, he served his country actively overseas as a member of the United States Army Medical Corps. In the beginning he was commissioned a lieuten- ant, and later was given the rank of cap- tain. Stationed for a considerable period at the base hospital in Bar le Duc, France, he performed there a great amount of work that proved of great value to the army and won for him the praises of his superior officers and the admiration of all those with whom he was associated. For eighteen months after the war he also did extensive mis- sionary work in Russia and Poland, where he fought typhus and fever.
When he was discharged, on October 30, 1919, he immediately made preparations for resuming his private practice, and for this purpose settled in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he remained for two years and ac- quired a considerable practice. Then, in 1921, he came to Kingston, where since that time he has been engaged in a general med- ical and surgical practice. At all times his genial personality and his kindly attitude toward everyone whom he has encountered have been factors which go hand in hand with his professional skill in rendering him a highly esteemed and dearly loved member of his community and an excellent physician.
In addition to his regular work as a doctor of medicine, Dr. Gryczka keeps in close touch with all developments in the medical world and with the discoveries and theories of his professional colleagues, especially through the mediums of the different medical societies. He is a member of the Luzerne County Med- ical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American Medical Associa- tion. He also is a member of the staff of the Nesbitt West Side Hospital. Active in civio and social affairs, he is especially inter- ested in political developments, being him- self affiliated closely with the Republican party and a strong supporter of its policies and candidates. He also holds memberships in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he is identified with Lodge
No. 109; the Tatranlan Club; and Saint Hed- wig's Polish Church. All of these organiza- tions are, it may readlly be seen, important in the life of Kingston and Luzerne County, and Dr. Gryczka's membership in them is indicative of the breadth and public-spirited- ness of his interests.
On June 29, 1921, Dr. Francis B. Gryczka married Rose Summa, of Kingston, Pennsyl- vania, a daughter of Paul and Veronica (Steinberg) Summa. By this unlon there has been one son, Francis, Jr., who was born October 24, 1922.
FATHER SIGMUND BRINSKY-St. Mary's Greek Catholic Church, of Freeland, Penn- sylvania, owes much to the energy and devotion of Rev. Father Sigmund Brinsky, who for the past decade has worked early and late in the interests of the parish. The rectory and the school building are visible results of his efforts, and since his coming in 1918 the membership of the parish has been increased by one hundred familles. His parishioners hold him in high esteem and appreciate the high quality of the service he has rendered.
Rev. Father Sigmund Brinsky was born In Austria-Hungary, December 21, 1881, son of Rev. Antony, who served faithfully in the ministry for forty-nine years, now deceased, and of Irma (Brauer) Brinsky, who is still living (1928). He received his education in his native land, completing the usual prepara- tory and advanced courses and then winning his theological degrees in Eperjes. After his ordination in 1907 he ministered to congre- gations in his own land for four years, and then, in 1912, came to America, locating first at Beaver Meadows, Carbon County, Penn- sylvania, where he remained for one year. He then went to Cleveland, Ohio, for three months, and from there to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. There he remained until 1918, when, on March 26, he took charge of St. Mary's Greek Catholic Church in Freeland, succeeding Iren Yanicky. Here he has for the past ten years devoted his best energy to building up the parish, both materially and spiritually, and the results of his earnest labors are apparent throughout the parish.
The parish was founded in 1884. There was no church building at the time and it was five years before the little struggling congregation found itself in a position to begin the building of a church. The first church edifice of the parish was started in 1889, and as the congregation grew in num- bers and in prosperity additions were from time to time made to the original structure, enlargements being made at various times, and a special addition being made in 1890. Seventeen more years of growth and progress had developed the parish to an extent which made the old building no longer adequate for the needs of the congregation, and in 1907 the present building was begun and finished. It is located on the corner of School and Fern streets, and provides seating ca- pacity for one thousand people. The pastors of this church have been: Cyril Gulovich, 1890-98; Gabriel Martyak, 1898-1904; Iren Yanicky, 1904-06; Nicholas Molchany, 1906-08, who built the brick church; Bar. Tutkovich, 1908-13, who painted and repaired the interior of the church; Michael Andrejkovich, 1913-17: again Iren Yanicky, 1917-18; and S. Brinsky, 1918-to the present time, 1928. When Father Brinsky took charge of the parish the mem- bership included four hundred families, but since that time the growth has been steady, increasing until at the present time (1928) there are some five hundred familles living here. While encouraging in every way the
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general spiritual and social welfare of the parish, Father Brinsky also gave careful attention to the providing of suitable mate- rial equipment and housing, and in 1918 the present rectory was built. In 1921 Father Brinsky erected the school building, which now accommodates four hundred pupils, and in the same building is a fine club room for the boys, provided with all modern equip- ment, gymnastic apparatus, etc. This is greatly appreciated by the young people of the parish, who make full use of the oppor- tunities which it affords. The earnest and devoted interest of Father Brinsky in all that pertains to the welfare of his parish- ioners has won their affection and their respect, as well as a large share of gratitude, and his close touch with his people has enabled him to quicken the spiritual life of the parish while steadily building up its material resources. The members of St. Mary's Parish are all faithful and good citi- zens and it is through their loyal help and encouragement that Father Brinsky has been able to accomplish so much in so short a time. In addition to their faithful parish activities, the members have entered all civic matters connected with the borough. In financial affairs the members are, of course, very liberal in all things and ably help the pastor. Rev. Brinsky is a member of Dioce- san Councillors, nominated in 1926 by Bishop Narapi.
Rev. Sigmund Brinsky was married, June 11, 1908, to Ella Martyak, daughter of Rev. Father Gabriel Martyak, of Lansford, Penn- sylvania, and they have six children: 1. Sigmund, who is a student in Georgetown University, Washington, District of Colum- bia, class of 1931. 2. Nicholas, a student in Lehigh University, class of 1932. 3. Gabriel. 4. Clara. 5. Mary. 6. Martha.
REV. V. L. BICZYSKO-Having entered St. Thomas' College, Scranton, immediately after coming to this country from his native Poland as a boy of fourteen years, Rev. V. L. Biczysko devoted the next eleven years to study and to his preparation for the priest- hood in the Roman Catholic Church. Or- dained in 1908, he came to Nanticoke in 1914 as pastor of St. Stanislaus' Church and since then has built up this congregation and its various allied enterprises to a re- markable degree of prosperity and effective- ness. In many other directions, too, he has been a powerful influence for good, and every movement tending to advance the welfare of the community can always count upon his helpful and enthusiastic support.
Rev. V. L. Biczysko was born in England, February 11, 1883, a son of Leopold and Maria Biczysko. When he was fourteen years of age he came to this country and, locat- ing at Scranton, Pennsylvania, entered St. Thomas' College. Though at that time he was unable to speak a word of English, he was at the end of the first year at the head of his class. Graduating from this college in 1903 with the degree of Bachelor of Science, he went to a seminary in Detroit, Michigan, where he commenced his theological studies and from which he graduated in 1905. He then entered St. Bonaventure's Seminary, Allegany, New York, where he continued his studies until 1908, when, in July of that year, he was ordained to the priesthood by Rt. Rev. Bishop M. J. Hoban. For a time he served as an assistant priest at St. Stanis- laus' Roman Catholic Church, Nanticoke. His first permanent charge was St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Exeter Borough, Luzerne County to which he came in 1900 and where he remained for four years. Dur-
ing these years he proved himself an inspir- ing spiritual leader and a very able adminis- trator, rebuilding this church and greatly extending the size and influence of his con- gregation. In 1914 he returned to St. Stanis- laus' Church, Nanticoke, this time as pastor, and since then he has continued at the head of this church.
St. Stanislaus' Roman Catholic Church, located at the corner of Church and Maple streets, Nanticoke, was founded in Septem- ber, 1875, when this community was a very small village, containing some twenty fam- ilies. Its first pastor was Rev. Eugene Zychowicz, who was succeeded by Rev. B. Gramliwicz. The latter served for thirty- three years until 1910, when he, in turn, was succeeded by the present incumbent, on January 1, 1914. At the time Rev. Biczysko assumed charge, the congregation numbered some three hundred families, but since then has grown to upwards of five hundred fam- ilies. This growth has been the result of the pastor's untiring efforts and able leadership, and he has also been responsible for many material improvements of the congregation's property. in 1915 he erected a parochial school building with a capacity of two hun- dred and fifty pupils, the school being con- ducted hy six Bernardine Sisters, supplied by the headquarters of this order at Reading, Pennsylvania. In 1916 he founded an orphan- age, of which he was one of the original incorporators and of which he has been president since 1920. In 1922 the church it- self was rebuilt and it is now a modern edifice of yellow pressed brick with a seat- ing capacity of nine hundred, being con- sidered one of the most attractive churches of Nanticoke. The priest's house, adjoining the church, has also been remodeled.
Though naturally the major share of his time and attention is devoted to his pastoral work and to the interests of his church and congregation, Rev. Biczysko has been promi- nently active in many other directions as well. He has always given freely of his experience and labor to all worth-while civic enterprises and has been especially interested in advancing education, benevolent enter- prises and similar undertakings, and in many ways has made his influence felt through- out the Wyoming Valley. He is a man of pleasing personality and strong character, very popular not only with his own people, but also with all who know him. He is one of the original members of the Nanticoke Kiwanis Club.
JOHN E. JURICA-Though a native of Austria John E. Jurica has spent the greater part of his life in this country. He located at once in Pennsylvania and after a few months went to Philadelphia, where he worked in the Locomotive Works and at- tended night school. Later, he was engaged in the grocery business, but eventually he prepared himself for the business of the mortician. Since February, 1914, he has been engaged in business for himself in Freeland, Pennsylvania, where he has a modern, thor- oughly well equipped establishment at No. 426 Center Street.
John E. Jurica was born in Austria, June 24, 1888, and attended school in his native land until he was fourteen years of age and had completed his first year in high school. After coming to America he spent about six months in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, but at the end of that time he sought a location where opportunities for work and for educa- tion were greater, and removed to Philadel- phia. There he entered the employ of the Baldwin Locomotive Works, where he re-
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mained for two years. During this time he was steadily attending night school, in order that he might master the language of his adopted country and make himself more familiar with its manners and customs and better equip himself for life's battle in a new land. After two years spent in the locomotive works and in night school, Mr. Jurica decided to make a change and re- moved to Lansford, Carbon County, Pennsyl- vania, where for two years he was engaged in the grocery business. While engaged in this line of business he was keeping a keen eye out for better opportunities and finally decided to fit himself for a definite profession. He entered the Eckels School of Embalm- ing, where he finished his course. He then came to Freeland, Luzerne County, and en- tered the employ of F. A. McDonald, with whom he remained for sixteen months. Wish- ing to still further enlarge his business experience in this field before venturing into operation on his own account, he associated himself with Edgar Albert. In this connec- tion he worked hard, devoting himself to the final mastering of all the details of the mortician's business, and on January 6, 1914, received his license as an undertaker. In February of the same year, he opened his own place, and since that time has been giving close attention to the building up of his special clientele. He is a member of the Luzerne County Funeral Directors' Associa- tion, and has long ago established a reputa- tion for skilled work and honest business methods. Along with his undertaking busi- ness he does upholstering and cabinet-mak - ing, and in this branch of his business he has also made a reputation for special skill. He is a member of the First National Slovak Society, and of the Socio Society, and his religious membership is with the Roman Catholic Church of St. John.
John E. Jurica was married, February 21, 1914, to Susan Veronica Yanoshik, of Lofty, Pennsylvania, and they have seven children: I. Margaret. 2. Mary. 3. Olga. 4. John. 5. Sylvester. 6. Paul. 7. Dolores. The family home is at No. 426 Center Street, Freeland, Pennsylvania.
PETER A. MASLOWSKI - In Plymouth. Pennsylvania, Peter A. Maslowski has been engaged in the embalming and funeral direct- ing business since November, 1904, a period of twenty-four years. He is a graduate of the Eckles School of Embalming, of Philadelphia, and since 1906 has been the owner of the business founded by his father, Alexander Maslowski. He operates under his own name, and carries a full line of modern equipment and accessories. He is active in the affairs of the borough, has served as a member and chairman of the Borough Council, and for seventeen years was court interpreter for Luzerne County in Wilkes-Barre.
Alexander Maslowski, father of Mr. Mas- lowski, was born in Lithuania, Russla, June 6, 1854, and died in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1917. As a young man he was one of the many who left the restrictions and the difficulties of the home land to come to America, where he might find opportunity to use his abilities unhampered by the har- rowing and discouraging conditions which prevailed under the imperial regime in Rus- sia. He located here in Plymouth, where for some years he was the owner of a general store and retail meat market. Later, he owned and operated a hotel here in Plymouth for a period of twenty-five years, and still later he engaged in the undertaking business. After his son completed his training in the Eckles School of Embalming, he turned the
business over to him, and since that time the son has been steadily enlarging and develop- ing the enterprise. Alexander Maslowski mar- ried Rose Yuskewicz, who was born in Rus- sia, and died in Plymouth, Pennsylvanla, October 3, 1914.
Peter A. Maslowski, son of Alexander and Rose (Yuskewicz) Maslowski, was born in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, August 3, 1885, and as a boy attended the local public schools. Later, he took a course in Wyoming Semi- nary, a business course, graduating with the class of 1901. He then further prepared for an active career hy continuing study at Wyo- ming Seminary, taking a one year academic course, after which, in November, 1904, he became associated with his father, Alexander Maslowski, in the undertaking business. In order that he might have every possible ad- vantage in this line of business he then entered the Eckles School of Embalming, at Philadelphia, and completed the course there
with graduation with the class of 1905. In 1906 he took over his father's business, and since that time he has continued to operate the business under his own name. As has been stated, he is modern and progressive in all his methods, using the most advanced and scientific processes, and he carries a full line of all the things needed for the highest grade of service in the business of embalm- ing and funeral directing. He is a member of the National, State and Luzerne County Funeral Directors Associations. Along with the successful management of his business, Mr. Maslowski finds time for active partici- pation in the affairs of the Borough of Plym- outh. He is a Republican in his political sympathies, and as a member of the Borough Council served efficiently for four years, 1910-14, being chairman of the council during the last two years. As a Luzerne County court interpreter he has been especially use- ful here in the county, and he has served in that capacity for a period of seventeen years. Fraternally, he is identified with Lodge No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Wilkes-Barre; with Aerie No. 546 Fra- ternal Order of Eagles; and he is a member of Goodwill Hose Company, No. 2. He is an honorary member of Lithuanian Dough Boys; and his chief recreations are hunting and fishing. His religions affiliation is with St. Casimir's Lithuanian Church, and in this con- nection, too, he is active in all the affairs of the organization, and a trustee and director of the Cemetery Association.
Peter A .. Maslowski was married, August 23, 1908, to Anna McCloskey, of Plymouth, daughter of George and Mary McCloskey; and they became the parents of seven children: 1. Clement V., born July 19, 1909, who holds honorary membership in Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Phi Kappa Fraternity. 2. Leona, died at the age of nine months. 3. Leonard. 4. Vincent. 5. Edward. 6. Peter A., Jr. 7. Rosemary. Mr. Maslowski has his establish- ment at No. 388 West Main Street, in Plymouth.
REV. JOSEPH WILLIAM TREITZ is held in high esteem not only by the members of his parish but by the entire community, who have always given him a spontaneous and generous cooperation in all his labors. His church is the Holy Trinity, located at the intersection of Laurel and Oak streets. He has been its pastor since 1906.
Holy Trinity was established in 1887, by Rev. Nicholas Forve, who was a native of Wilkes-Barre, and who came to Hazleton from the pastorate of St. Mary's of the As- sumption, in Pittston. The church was founded in the need of a place of worship
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for German Catholics, and during the nine- teen years of his pastorate here, Father Forve inaugurated a most satisfactory serv- ice, holding the post until 1906, when he was transferred to Williamsport. Father Forve was succeeded by Father Treitz who found in the parish about one hundred fam- ilies of the faith. He took up Father Forve's work where it was left off, carrying it for- ward with consistency and success, until today the parish is one of the most thriving in this community, numbering now one hun- dred and fifty families. Since his coming he has made extensive improvements to the church and parish buildings, the rectory and Sisters Convent. In the parish school are one hundred and fifty students, under the charge of the good Sisters of Christian Charity.
Father Treitz was born in New York City, October 20, 1862, a son of Peter and Catharine (Stephan) Treitz. His early education was received in the public schools and with the school Sisters of Notre Dame in New York. In preparation for the priesthood he matric- ulated at the St. Vincent Benedictine College in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, be- ing ordained to the priesthood in 1886, by the Right Rev. Bishop O'Hara, at the Cathe- dral in Scranton. His initial responsibility was as assistant to Father Peter Nagel, pastor of St. Nicholas Parish, Wilkes-Barre, 1886-91, where he took an active interest in all the church work and greatly endeared himself to the parishioners. In 1891 he was sent to the Missions of Pike County, Penn- sylvania, and there labored for fifteen years, building the Church and Rectory at Matte- moras, and taking a dominant rôle in the pioneer church work of the county. Thus his experience before coming to Hazleton was a most valuable asset for the work of his new charge. His learning, his sincere reli- gious faith, and his sympathetic comprehen- sion of human nature are elements render- ing him most effective in his dealings with his flock and his fellow-townsmen. In 1922 Rev. Leo J. Post was appointed his assistant, and remains with him.
Prior to 1912 the people of the parish heard their religious services in German, but so Americanized had they become by that year that the services were changed to the Eng- lish language.
In 1927 the parish purchased two pieces of ground adjacent to the church property and adjoining the Sisters Convent. These afford ample room for expansion, plans for which have frequently been discussed. Fi- nancially, as spiritually, the parish is in excellent condition. In his unselfish devotion to the interests of his parish, his deep sense of integrity, probity, and conscientiousness, Father Treitz has won the hearts of his flock, and placed himself high in the estimation of his fellow-citizens. .
JOEL COHEN, president of the Select Furniture Corporation, is a native of Wyo- ming Valley and is recognized as one of the leading merchants of Wilkes-Barre. This place in the business world he has gained as a result of his own initiative, business acumen and honorable methods. He knows merchandise and he knows mankind. He studies the needs of the community and tries to match these needs with commod- ities that will give the utmost of value and satisfaction for the money expended. Uni- formly courteous, he wins friends as well as trade, with the result that from a modest beginning he has developed a business of large proportions and of importance to the community.
Joel Cohen was born in Scranton, Novem-
ber 27, 1889, son of M. J and Anna (Bloch) Cohen. The mother is deceased; but the father is retired, having been a well-known merchant for many years. He and his wife were the parents of eight children: Sadie, Bessie, Samuel L., also a merchant in Scran- ton; Gussie, Joel, of whom further; Gertrude, Irene, all married, and Martha, who is de- ceased.
Joel. Cohen received his education in the grammar and high schools of his native city, graduating from the latter in the class of 1907. After leaving school he learned the paint and wall paper business in Scran- ton. By 1909, he decided that if he were going to achieve anything worth while in the business world it would be as the head of a business of his own. Accordingly, he located in Wilkes-Barre and opened a paint and wall paper store. The beginning was modest, but progress was made from the start and, year by year it grew until it reached a point, in 1922, when Mr. Cohen felt that the line should be made more com- plete in order to serve the householder more fully. In that year a line of furniture and rugs was added and larger quarters were secured on South Main Street. Today, the business known as the Select Furniture Corporation, is said to be the largest of the kind in Wilkes-Barre and is a monument to Mr. Cohen's industry and the high standards of his business methods.
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