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 102
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JOHN URBANSKI-In the development and upbuilding of Greater Wilkes-Barre, pro- gressive contractors endowed and equipped with modern construction methods and facili- ties have taken a prominent part, and of these, one of the best known builders in this vicinity, John Urbanskl has been particularly instrumental in promoting civic improvement In the erection of many important and sub- stantial buildings and residences in this city and vicinity. Mr. Urbanski's rise to promi- nence in the contracting business is a re- markable record of a firm determination to succeed in the face of numerous adversities and obstacles in his path, and his successful achievements are a fitting reward to his In- defatigable energy and perseverance in the accomplishment of his ambition.
Mr. Urbanski was born in Poland, Decem- ber 15, 1882, son of Alexander and Marion (Malinowski) Urbanski, both of whom are now deceased. They were the parents of twelve children, five of whom dled in child- hood, and the seven who reached maturity are: Joseph, Sophia, John, of whom further; Walter, Victoria, Stanley and Helen.
John Urbanski, the only member of his family to come to the United States, was educated in the schools of his native land, and while a boy, learned the trade of car- pentry. He was later impressed into the service of the Russian Army and served as a soldier for five years, fighting against the Japanese in the Russo-Japanese War, par- ticipating throughout the entire Harbin and Port Arthur campaigns, and was commis- sioned captain of a Russian company. In 1906, he came to the United States and settled in Pittsburgh, where without money, without friends, and in a strange land, he set out to overcome these disadvantages and concen- trated his efforts on becoming an earnest, successful American citizen. With these lofty ideals ever before him, he labored long and hard, and coming to Luzerne County in 1908 he continued to follow his trade as carpenter. His unswerving attention to the details of his work and his painstaking ability evident in every operation with which he was con- nected, caused him to advance, and he stead- ily rose to a position where it was possible for him to branch out into an independent contracting and building business, which he started in 1914, in this city. From the very first, he won the admiration and acclaim of all his patrons for his thorough dependa- bility and the superior quality of all work done under his supervision, with the result that he was soon the recipient of many con- tracts for houses and buildings awarded him ' by discriminating builders. His office and residence are located at No. 387 South Main Street, and his reputation for bullding proj- ects of superior quality and workmanship is established throughout this city and its en- virons. Among the many contracts which Mr. Urbanski has completed are the Leo Emanski Building, Kingston; the Tony Des- lesski Building, corner North Main and Chest- nut streets, Wilkes-Barre; John Gibus Apart- ments, Kingston; and the Thomas Grovik Apartments and Stores, Koon Krest, Hanover Township. Mr. Urbanski is especially promi- nent in spreading Americanization policies among his fellow-citizens of Polish descent and in this connection is a leading figure in the affairs of the Polish Union of America and the Polish Alliance of the United States, having been at one time president of the latter. He was for two years treasurer of
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Holy Cross Church at Buttonwood and the first organizer of the church. In politics, he is a staunch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and his religious ad- herence is given to St. Mary's Polish Catholic Church on Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.
John Urbanski married, May 26, 1912, Lot- tie Poremba, of Nanticoke, and they are the parents cf six children: Stanley, Loretta, Chester, Genevieve, Edmund, and John, Jr. Mrs. Urbanski is a daughter of George and Catherine (Wolan) Poremba, both of whom were natives of Poland. Her father died at the age of fifty, and her mother survives. Mr. and Mrs. Poremba were the parents of ten children: Joseph, Catherine, George, Martha, Nellie, Lottie, who married John Urbanski, Viola, Louise, Nettie and Helen.
Mr. Urbanski has in the truest measure earned the right to be called a self-made man, because after serving five hard years in the Russian Army and experiencing trials and privations which would have tried the courage of one of less determination, he came to this country with no assets but his will to advance, which ambition he has success- fully accomplished.
JOSEPH BLAZEJEWSKI-In the business circles of Wilkes-Barre the name of Joseph Blazejewski is a familiar one. It stands for achievement in diverse financial directions, and for a man whose citizenship has been of the highest order, valued for constructive effort in connection with all major move- ments designed for the benefit of the greater community.
Joseph Blazejewski is a native of Wilkes- Barre. He was born January 9, 1891, son of Michael and Martha (Falkowski) Blazejew- ski. His father, native of Poland, was born in 1868, and in 1891, aged twenty-three, came to the United States, quickly settling as resi- dent of Wilkes-Barre. In the course of his years he became prominent in the city's busi- ness activities as proprietor of a prosperous bottling works, which he founded In 1908 and continues to operate. He is a Democrat. Michael Blazejewski married Martha Fal- kowski, as himself a native of Poland; and of their union were born ten children, of whom nine are living, and of whom we are concerned with Joseph Blazejewski. Both parents survive, making their home in Wilkes-Barre.
In the public schools of Wilkes-Barre Joseph Blazejewski secured his elementary and secondary academic instruction, and at an early age went to work, entering the business world as clerk in a store. As clerk he continued through a full twelve years, learning all aspects of retail merchandising, and acquiring much destined to be of service to him later as his own proprietor. In 1909, a year after his father had founded the bot- tling works, to charge bottles with car- bonated beverages, he became associated with him; and with this business he has been affiliated through the two decades that have followed, under the firm style of Crystal Bot- tling Company. The works are well estab- lished, and in them the year entire are em- ployed an average of five and six hands. As his father, and perhaps to greater degree, Mr. Blazejewski interests himself in the city's general affairs. A Democrat, he supports the principles and candidates of the party with consistency. He is a director of the North End State Bank of Wilkes-Barre, treasurer of the Wyoming Valley Bottlers' Association,
and maintains a diversity of economic con- nections, holding property of considerable value. He is a member of the Tatra Club, and a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
JOSEPH S. MIESZKOWSKI-Coming to America from Poland as a young boy, Joseph S. Mieszkowski grew to manhood in Pennsyl- vania, and is now a member of the bar of this State at Wilkes-Barre. Thoroughly trained in
the profession which he has adopted, he has won recognition for his work at Wilkes-Barre, where he is considered one of the most promising of the younger attor- neys. He has achieved success solely through his fine energy and ability, and may well be proud of his record as the community is proud to number him among its citizens.
Mr. Mieszkowski was born in Poland on August 15, 1900, a son of Stanislaw Miesz- kowski, a school teacher in Poland, now de- ceased, and of Katharine (Turczynska) Mieszkowski, now living with her son in Wilkes-Barre. In his seventh year he came to the United States, with his parents who settled in Wilkes-Barre, and in the public schools of Plains and Parsons, Pennsylvania, he received his preliminary education. There- after he undertook the course of study at the Polish National Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated In 1919, and then matriculated at Columbia University, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1923. Mr. Mieszkowski had early determined upon a legal career, and continued work in law at Columbia, receiving the Bachelor of Laws de- gree in 1925. Returning to Wilkes-Barre, he was admitted to the local bar in March, 1926, and immediately began the general practice of his profession in the office of the late Judge John V. Kosek. This arrangement has been continued since that time, his services proving repeatedly of great value to his firm, and bringing him wide local reputation. Mr. Mieszkowski is a member of the Luzerne County Bar Association and of the Wilkes- Barre Lawyers' Club.
Aside from his professional work he is active in local Republican party affairs, working prominently in support of party pro- grams, and of all civic movements for the welfare of the community. He holds member- ship in the Tatra Club, and is counted a gen- erous contributor to charitable enterprises. He is a member of the Polish Union of America and the Polish National Alliance, the Polish Roman Catholic Union, and the Polish Alliance of Plymouth, Pennsylvania.
Joseph S. Mieszkowski married, June 12, 1929, Marie I. Stepan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Stepan, of Wilkes-Barre. Mrs. Miesz- kowski is a graduate of Wilkes-Barre High School and the State Teachers College, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and taught school before her marriage. Mr. Mieszkowski's office is in the Bennett Building, in Wilkes-Barre, while his place of residence is situated at No. 62 Miner Avenue, Miners Mills.
HERMAN JOSEPH GOLDBERG, who is the efficient assistant district attorney of Luzerne County, with offices at No. 609 Coal Exchange Building, was born in Wilkes-Barre July 14, 1898, and is a son of Israel and Minnie F. (Silverstein) Goldberg, of this city. Israel Goldberg is an efficient and respected mer- chant tailor and he and his wife are the par- ents of five children: 1. Harry, engaged in
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the real estate business at Wilkes-Barre. 2. Gertrude, married to Joseph Monsky, residing in Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. Herman Joseph, of whom further. 4. Dora, who is a teacher at Wyoming Borough, Luzerne County, in the public school system. 5. Jacob Maurice, a practicing attorney at law in Bedford, In- diana.
Herman Joseph Goldberg was reared in the city of Wilkes-Barre and as a boy attended the grammar schools, after which he entered the Wilkes-Barre High School and on apply- ing himself vigorously graduated with the class of 1916. He immediately matriculated at the Dickinson School of Law, whence he was graduated with a good record and with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in the class of 1919. Mr. Goldberg was admitted to the Luzerne County Bar February 9, 1920, and on April 12, 1920, was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. On October 8, 1920, he was admitted to prac- tice before the United States Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on May 2, 1922.
Mr. Goldberg, it will be seen, was making a very steady progress, and his abilities were recognized in a more substantial and endur- ing form when he was appointed assistant district attorney for Luzerne County by Thomas M. Lewis, November 25, 1926. He is a leading and valued member of the Luzerne County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania State Bar Association. He is director and solicitor of the South Side Bank and Trust Company, of Wilkes-Barre.
In political affairs Mr. Goldberg's allegiance is with the Republican party. He was presi- dent of the Young Men's Hebrew Association of Wyoming Valley, and enjoys an unusual measure of popularity in this worthy organi- zation, as in the others with which he is affiliated. In secret order circles he is prominently identified with Landmark Lodge, No. 442, of the Free and Accepted Masons; Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, of the Royal Arch Masons; Mount Horeb Council, No. 34, of Royal and Select Masters; Keystone Consistory at Scranton; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons of the thirty-second degree; Irem Temple, of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Wilkes-Barre; Wilkes- Barre Lodge, No. 109, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and Aerie No. 353, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Knights of Pythlas, No. 174. He is also a member of the Craftsman's Club, the Pennsyl- vania State Hebrew Institute and the Greek letter fraternity of Phi Epsilon Pi. Mr. Gold- berg has made a remarkable record in his chosen profession.
JOHN LUPAS-Though he was born in Italy, John Lupas has spent the greater part of his life in this country. Hard work and thrift have enabled him to rise steadily and since 1926 he has been in Government em- ploy, in the service of the State of Pennsyl- vania. For some thirteen years he worked in and around the mines, but later he engaged in business for himself as a merchant in Plains, Luzerne County, where for seventeen years he demonstrated his ability to conduct a business successfully. He is one of the organizers and a director of the Plains State Bank, and at the present time (1930) is presi- dent of the Wyoming Valley Coke and Cone Company, Inc.
John Lupas was born in the southern sec- tion of Italy, April 25, 1888, son of Anthony Lupas, a laborer, who was born in Italy in 1862 and is still living, and of Rose (Soca) Lupas, born in Italy in 1871, also still living. Mr. Lupas was brought to this country by his parents while he was still a small boy and as a lad he began work picking slate in a coal breaker at the mines. For some six years he continued at this job, and then remained around the mines, holding various positions, for about seven years more, total- ing thirteen years in all. Like most of his race, he was sturdy, industrious, and thrifty, also ambitious, and he had no intention of remaining in subservient positions in the mines or anywhere else. When he was able he engaged in business for himself as a mer- chant in Plains, and his native abillty, to- gether with close attention to details and honest business methods brought him suc- cess. For seventeen years he continued as a merchant, beginning to operate his own con- cern when he was twenty-one years old, in 1909, and continuing until 1926, when he sold out at a satisfactory price. Since 1926 he has been in the employ of the State of Pennsyl- vania as State inspector. Mr. Lupas was one of the organizers of the Plains State Bank and has been a member of its board of di- rectors since its organization, and he is presi- dent of the Wyoming Valley Coke and Cone Company, Inc., in which capacity he is ren- dering most effective service. He is well known among the business men of this dis- trict, and in addition to the able administra- tion of his business affairs is also active in political affairs. He is a Republican and has served as township commissioner here from 1919 to 1923, a four-year term. Fraternally, he is identified with Lodge No. 109, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks; and with Lodge No. 128, Loyal Order of Moose, of Wilkes-Barre; and his religious membership is with the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart here in Plains.
John Lupas was married (first), March 13, 1905, to Antoinetta Valenti, of Yatesville, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who died Oc- tober 29, 1912, leaving two children: 1. Rose, born in 1908. 2, Anthony, born in 1909. Mr. Lupas married (second), August 6, 1913, Catherine Greco, of Old Forge, Pennsylvania. No children have been born to the second marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Lupas make their home at No. 76 North Carey Street, in Plains, Pennsylvania.
EMERSON F. SCHMALTZ-Fortifying him- self with a thorough knowledge of the elec- trical business by a practical experience of twelve years, Emerson F. Schmaltz, of King- ston, felt qualified for independent operations and since 1916 has been forging to the front rank of electrical contractors and merchants of appliances in this district. He is also a man of fine business ability and pleasing per- sonality, honorable in all his dealings and co- operative in his attitude toward others in the field, believing that multiple success is best attained by such methods. These attrl- butes commend him to the citizenry and draw to his headquarters a profitable patronage, while the quality of his wares and work is a tribute to his belief in giving full value for the confidence that is reposed in him. He Is one of our young citizens and business men who is bound to make a lofty place for him- self in the commercial world, wherever he may find his footsteps leading him, appreci-
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ated to the full by this community, which judges a man hy his merits alone.
Born in Pittston, Pennsylvania, January 4, 1891, he is a son of George W. Schmaltz, also a native of Pittston, born in 1865, a carpenter by trade, deceased in December, 1927, and of Gertrude (Simmons) Schmaltz, also of Pittston, deceased in 1892. He was educated in the public schools and came to Wilkes- Barre after leaving the class room, going to work here for the Hazard Manufacturing Company, with which he remained for five years. He learned during those years and the seven that followed the electrical trade, and in 1916 established himself independently in Kingston as an electrician, opening his pres- ent headquarters in Wyoming Avenue in 1921, where he has a complete line of elec- trical equipment, radios, refrigerators and appliances, and where he also engages in electrical contracting of all kinds. He em- ploys six or more men and does a large busi- ness. In politics he is a Republican, in relig- ion a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His fraternal affiliation is with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 109.
Emerson F. Schmaltz married, in 1912, Irene Pursell, daughter of John S. and Edna Pur- sell, of Wilkes-Barre. They were the par- ents of one child, Helen Blanche, born Janu- ary 12, 1915. Mrs. Schmaltz died December 16, 1929.
JOHN J. HALOGA-After some thirteen years of experience in the emhalming and funeral directing business John J. Baloga purchased the establishment of A. V. Kozak, Incorporated, at No. 592 North Main Street, in Wilkes-Barre, where he is now (1930) tak- ing care of a rapidly growing business. Mr. Baloga is an active member of the various Slovak Greek Catholic and Roman and Greek Catholic Associations, and well known in Wilkes-Barre.
Stephen Baloga, father of Mr. Baloga, now deceased, and his wife Mary, who survives him, became the parents of children, of whom three are now living: Andrew H., a resident of Wilkes-Barre; Stephen M., and John J., of further mention.
John J. Baloga, son of Stephen and Mary (Liptak) Baloga, was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, June 25, 1897. He attended the local public schools until he was twelve years of age and then found his first remunerative employment in the Sheldon Axle Works, where he remained for several years. He then took a position with Andrew V. Kozak with whom he learned the business of the embalmer and funeral director. The associa- tion with Mr. Kozak was maintained for more than ten years and in 1925 the business was incorporated, Mr. Baloga becoming a partner in the business under the name of A. V. Kozak, Incorporated. In 1927 he pur- chased the business and is now sole owner of the establishment. His modern parlors and well equipped rooms are located at No. 592 North Main Street in Wilkes-Barre, and Mr. Baloga has long ago established a repu- tation which brings him a steadily increas- ing patronage. Mr. Baloga enlisted October 17, 1918 in the World War, and was assigned to Company A, as automobile mechanic at Pennsylvania State College. He was honor- ably discharged December 12, 1918. Mr. Baloga is a member of Branch No. 173, First Slovak Catholic Union of America; of Branch 25, Pennsylvania Slovak Union; of Branch 59, Roman and Greek Catholic Athletic Asso- ciation; the Ukranian National Association; the Commercial Travelers and Mutual Acci-
dent Association; the Council No. 2797, the Security Benefit Association; the American Legion, Post No. 132; and is also identified with the Funeral Directors' Association of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. His religious affiliation is with the Sacred Heart Slovak Catholic Church of Wilkes-Barre.
John J. Baloga was married, in St. John the Baptist's Roman Catholic Church by Rev. Father Marley, in Philadelphia, to Mary M. Pribula, of Wilkes-Barre, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, daughter of William and Julia (Ulicny) Pribula, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Baloga are the parents of five children: John J., Jr., Stephen, Maria, Dorothy Ann and Theresa.
JOSEPH STANLEY WARKOMSKI, D. D. S. -Born at Plains, Luzerne County, December 16, 1902, Joseph Stanley Warkomski, Doctor of Dental Surgery, is a son of Julian and Elizabeth Warkomski, both of whom are natives of Poland, the father, Julian War- komski, having been proprietor of a hotel in Wilkes-Barre for many years, now in retire- ment.
Joseph Stanley Warkomski received his elementary and secondary instruction in the public schools of Wilkes-Barre, graduating from high school in 1921 with markings at- testing to scholastic excellence. Thereafter he matriculated in Temple University Dental School, and in 1925, at the age of twenty- three-years, took the degree in dentistry. From that year onward he has practiced in Luzerne, having offices at No. 126 Main Ave- nue. His clientele is large, and already, within the few years of his activity in the profession, he has advanced to a respected position among confreres. Dr. Warkomski is a member of the county, State and National dental societies; the Psi Omega Dental Fra- ternity, the Rotary Club of Dallas, and the Knights of Columbus. A Republican, he has supported the party's principles and candi- dates consistently. He is a communicant of St. John's Church, of Luzerne.
Dr. Warkomski married, in June, 1923, Louise Norris, of Trucksville, Pennsylvania, daughter of Charles S. and Unice Norris, the family of Norris being one of the oldest in Luzerne County, its members among the earliest settlers of the Wyoming Valley. Of this union was born a son, James Norris, August 7, 1927.
ANTHONY DRAPIEWSKI-Anthony Dra- piewski & Sons, of Nanticoke, established an undertaking business in 1881, which makes him one of the very few in the Wyoming Valley in this business at that early date. He came to this country at the age of ten years, landing at "Castle Garden" in 1870. He walked from New York to Shamokin where he worked in the mines for a year, then to Pittsburgh for a few months and later to Chicago after the great conflagration there. He worked in different factories and went to school when out of a job, then re- turned to anthracite at Nanticoke, working in the mines and outside, attending night school in winter months. He met with a few accidents, including falling down the shaft (being at the time a head man) and, having enough warning, he quit the mines. He began to learn shoe making, but at that time an undertaker by the name of McNulty, not be- ing able to find anybody to buy him out, persistently urged Mr. Drapiewski to give up shoe making and go into the undertaking business, in which he has continued to this day.
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REV. LEO J. KRONER-Consideration of the career of Rev. Leo J. Kroner is one and the same with consideration of the history of St. Joseph's Slovakian Catholic Church, for the annal of one is closely identified with that of the other, and that of each is interesting.
First the church: St. Joseph's, at the inter- section of Fifth and Laurel streets, was founded as a parish in 1884, the first Slova- kian Catholic Church, it is said, in America, by Rev. Joseph Jaskovich, who remained with the parish until 1890. In those six years he saw the work fairly launched, and himself saw to erection of the basement structure in which the first services were held-the base- ment of the present church. Father Jaskovich was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Kossalko, who administered to the spiritual needs of the growing community until 1893, when he turned over the charge to Rev. Frank J. Pribyl. Father Pribyl filled the charge four years, leaving it in 1897, being succeeded then by Rev. Joseph Fornanek, whose labors here endured five years more. In August, 1902, Rev. Matthew Jankola assumed to the pas- torate, held it until 1907, and during his in- cumbency (1905) the church was completed, the earlier edifice having been destroyed by fire. In November, 1907, upon the retirement of Father Jankola, Rev. John Gaspercik at- tained to the post, and retained it longer than had any one of his predecessors, until death came to him, October 16, 1918. After that date Father Kroner took charge, and has con- tinued in the pastorate through the years that have followed, having equalled Father Gaspercik's long term of service among the parishioners.
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