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 103
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Father Kroner's career in brief is this: He was born in Czecho-Slovakia, May 21, 1889, son of Julius and Theresa (Chladek) Kroner. In 1890, when he was about twelve months of age, the family came to the United States, first locating in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, soon removing to Plymouth, Pennsylvania, still later taking residence in Illinois, and ultimately returning to Pennsylvania, where a residence was established in Wilkes-Barre. But after a comparatively brief residence here the family moved once more to Illinois, and finally, in 1902, returned to Plymouth, where Father Kroner grew to manhood. In the schools of Plymouth he secured his sec- ondary academic instruction, then took his classical course at St. Procapius College, Lisle, Illinois. His philosophical studies were in St. Mary's College, of Baltimore, Maryland, and he took theology at St. Bonaventura's, at Allegheny, New York, being ordained to the priesthood July 16, 1914, at the age of twenty-five, by Bishop Hoban, at Scranton. His initial responsibility was as administra- tor, assigned to St. Stephen's, at Plymouth, and to Holy Trinity Church at Sawyersville for a short time. Then he was given charge of St. Anthony's Church at Larksville, Lu- zerne County, October I, 1914, and there spent four years before coming to St. Joseph's of Hazleton as pastor in charge. While at Larksville he also took care of affairs in St. John's of Luzerne.
Father Kroner has accomplished a great amount of good works in connection with St. Joseph's. A progressive in general mat- ters, he is progressive as regards church buildings, grounds and administration. He has added four rooms to the parochial school's facilities, and in 1927-28 brought to completion the new rectory, a handsome building of native stone with trimmings of limestone. The church edifice is likewise of stone, so that the two are in harmony with each other and with the general surround- ings. Present membership in the church is
six hundred and fifty families. The school, completed in 1925, has three hundred and twenty-five pupils, and is in charge of the Sisters of St. Cyril and Methodius, the mother house being at Danville, Pennsylvania. The first mother house was at Plymouth.
Father Kroner is one of the directors and vice-president of the Union Building and Loan Association, takes a considerable inter- est in civic affairs, is spiritual adviser to the Pennsylvania Slovakian Union, and during the period of America's participation in the World War was of valued assistance in the several campaigns of the Liberty Loan and Red Cross. He is a foremost citizen of Hazleton.
MARTIN BALOGA-For almost thirty years, Martin Baloga has been prominent in the life of Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, to which he came as a young man. Mr. Baloga has conducted or has been associated with at various times, many important business ventures in the vicinity all of which have benefited by his sound judgment and able direction of their affairs. He has not limited his activities solely to business however, having devoted considerable time and atten- tion to services in the public interest in offi- cial capacity, and to the affairs of various religious and Czecho-Slovakian societies.
Mr. Baloga was born in Czecho-Slovakia, then part of the Austrian empire, on Novem- ber 11, 1878, a son of Stephen Baloga, a farmer, born in Austria in 1853, died in 1918, and of Anna W. (Simchek) Baloga, also born in Austria, who died in 1917.
Martin Baloga attended the Austrian schools, and later came to the United States, arriving in Wilkes-Barre on May 15, 1895. For about a year he worked in a coal breaker, after which he was connected with a general store in Edwardsville for four and a half years, and with a general store in Luzerne for a short time. In the year 1900 he began his independent business career, establishing a butcher business in Swoyers- ville, which he operated very successfully under his own name until 1907, when ill health forced him to dispose of his interests. During this period also Mr. Baloga conducted an undertaking establishment of modern type. After a trip to Europe made necessary by his physical condition, he returned to Swoyersville and entered the liquor and saloon trade, continuing this work until the prohibition laws became effective. In addi- tion to his establishment at Swoyersville, he owned a retail saloon in Wilkes-Barre, and a wholesale store in Nanticoke. Mr. Baloga again entered the meat business for one year, after which he retired until 1928, when he opened the retail shoe store which he now operates. In all these varying activities he displayed the same sound business judgment and energy, and his efforts were rewarded by continued success.
Mr. Baloga served for nine years as street commissioner of Swoyersville Borough, and four years he was chief of police of the borough, the first uniformed chief which Swoyersville had had up to that time. The duties of both these difficult positions he dis- charged in a very efficient manner. Mr. Ba- loga was one of the organizers and original directors of the West Side Trust Company, which later merged with the Kingston Bank and Trust Company, and of this latter insti- tution he is now a director. In politics he is a member of the Republican party, stand- ing high in party councils in the Wilkes- Barre district, while he has always heartily
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supported every worthy movement for civic progress and the welfare of the community. For many years he has been a member of the National Slovak Union, of which he is now treasurer, and for the past ten years, he has been president of the Pennsylvania Slo- vak, Roman, and Greek Catholic Union. Mr. Baloga is also a member of the First Catholic Union, treasurer of the Young Folks' Circle of the National Slovak Society, treasurer of the First Slovak Wreath of the Free Eagle and of the junior branch of this organization, a member of the Woodmen of the World, the Security Benefit Association, and of the Fra- ternal Order of Eagles. He is a member of the Holy Name Society and of the Holy Trin- ity Church, at Swoversville, serving as vice- president of the board of the latter organiza- tion and as a member of the committee for the erection of the new church and school. To the affairs of all these associations he has given freely of his time and attention, while his liberal contributions to benevolent causes are well known.
In 1897 Martin Baloga married Antonetta Lacina, a Bohemian by birth, daughter of Thomas and Antonetta Lacina. Mrs. Baloga died on December 13, 1921, leaving several children: 1. Anna, now Mrs. Anna Heny. 2. Pauline, who is Mrs. Pauline Yennoson. 3. Aloysius, priest in the Roman Catholic Church, who was graduated from St. Mary's High School, in Wilkes-Barre, from St. Pro- copius College in 1924, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and from St. Bonaventure Seminary, after which, on June 2, 1928, he was ordained priest by the Rt. Rev. Bishop O'Reilly. 4. Margaret, now Mrs. Margaret Walaitas. 5. Albert S., who was graduated from St. Mary's High School, and is now attending St. Bonaventure. Mr. Baloga mar- ried (second), April 17, 1922, Helen Matalick, daughter of John and Anna Matalick, of Swoyersville. The family residence is situ- ated at No. 320 Hughes Street, Swoyersville.
ANDREW J. SELECKY-The coal industry, although an underground form of occupation, is no barrier to success for the energetic worker. In fact, not a few of the mine work- ers have gained coveted goals through their initiative, good judgment and spirit of co- operation. Andrew J. Selecky, who came to this country at the age of seventeen, and who attended the night schools of his community, rose from the ranks of slate-picker in the No. 1 breaker at Nanticoke to the present posi- tion of mine-foreman, school director, and bank director in Glen Lyon, winning the re- spect and confidence of his fellow-townsmen.
Andrew J. Selecky, born in Czechoslovakia, July 11, 1868, is the son of John and Anna (Haslinsky) Selecky, both parents natives of that country: the former, a farmer, died in 1871, the latter died in 1918. In 1885 he came to the United States with the hope of better- ing his condition and future to a far greater degree that he ever hoped to attain in his native land. Arriving in Nanticoke, he ob- tained employment at the old No. 1 breaker. After a ten-hour work day he would spend his evenings in advancing himself in study- ing his course of study. Thus, he provided a living for himself, and at the same time acquired a working knowledge of funda- mental subjects.
From a slate-picker at the breaker, he was promoted to different classes of work in and about the mines, showing himself competent to perform every grade of work to which he was assigned with adaptability, thoroughness and cheerfulness. After working as "miner"
from 1892 until 1905, he was made assistant mine foreman In 1905 In which position he exhibited capacity for handling men and solving the problems of transporting the coal from the mine chambers to the hreaker. Four years later, in 1909, he was advanced to the position of mine-foreman, which position he has since held; demonstrating to his superi- ors the wisdom of making the appointment.
The occupation of coal mining, while an honorable one in every sense, did not re- strain a man of Mr. Selecky's ability and broad outlook from taking his proper place in the civic life of the community of Glen Lyon. He gave his political allegiance to the Democratic party, and in many a spirited campaign he helped its candidates to victory in the elections. In 1915, he was honored with the election to the office of school director and was retained in that capacity until 1921; his term being featured by an intelligent and faithful attention to the responsibilities with which he was clothed. Incidentally the posi- tion gave him a coveted opportunity both of service to the community and of acquiring an intimate contact with the educational system as there administered. A further indication of his standing lies in his election to the board of directors of the Glen Lyon National Bank. He is a member of the National Slovak Union, the Pennsylvania Slovak Roman Cath- olic Organization, and worships at the Roman Catholic Church in Glen Lyon.
Andrew J. Selecky married, on January 21, 1891, Julia Fabry, who also is a native of Czechoslovakia. They are the parents of eight children: 1. John, a graduate of Syra- cuse University and a teacher in the local high school. 2. Andrew. 3. Julia. 4. Joseph, a graduate of the United States Naval Acad- emy, Annapolis, Maryland, and a first lieuten- ant in the navy. 5. Catherine, a graduate of Bloomsburg Normal School, and a teacher In the Glen Lyon schools. 6. Aloysius, graduate of the local high school and of the Wilkes- Barre Business College. 7. Emma, graduate of Bloomsburg Normal School, and a teacher in the schools of Nanticoke. 8. Paul, graduate of the local high school and of Wyoming Seminary, with honors; a student at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania.
PETER EDWIN TURIK-Among the younger members of the bar in Glen Lyon is Peter Edwin Turik, who has had to overcome many obstacles in order to attain his cherished de- sire to qualify himself for law practice. Practically his entire training has been ac- quired through self-effort, and this educa- tion, incidentally, is one of the best among attorneys of Luzerne County. Mr. Turik has degrees from many important institutions of learning, most of them gained at intervals Interspersed with teaching, in order that his expenses might thereby be defrayed. His teaching career has included high school sub- jects, and another handicap Mr. Turik sus- tained in his efforts to gain admission to the bar was occasioned by his services for his country during the World War, when he held a commission in the artillery corps. He has heen a paramount figure in projects of the political party of his faith and has held pub- lio office in his community. A member of many other organizations, including fraternal and war veterans' associations, he is one of the most popular young men in Glen Lyon,
Mr. Turik was born December 5, 1892, at Glen Lyon, son of John and Julia (Skovron- ski) Turik. Both parents are natives of Poland and reside in this town. Peter Edwin Turik was given the customary public school
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education and graduated from the Newport Township High School. Thence he entered Bloomsburg Normal School, completing his studies at that institution in 1911. At this time he was forced to seek employment in order to gain funds to further his education, and he became a teacher in Newport Town- ship High School, serving as an instructor in this institution from 1912 to 1917. With the entrance of the United States into the World War, Mr. Turik gave up his teaching and en- listed in the military service. Attached to the Heavy Artillery Corps, he served with this department during the World War with the commission of second lieutenant, and was dis- charged as a captain of the Reserve Corps on July 20, 1919. After discarding his military habiliments, Mr. Turik resumed his duties as a teacher in the Newport Township High School, in 1919, and there continued until 1924. In the meantime, however, he had studied at Susquehanna University, and in 1921 was given the degree of Bachelor of Arts by this institution. Thereafter he ma- triculated at Dickinson College, and after completing the prescribed courses in this col- lege, was graduated with the class of 1927 with the degree of Master of Arts. In this same year he received his long-coveted Bach- elor of Laws degree from Dickinson Law School and then entered practice at Glen Lyon, his native town. As a natural conse- quence of such varied and complete training, combined with the fact that he had heen known since boyhood in this community, Mr. Turik immediately gained recognition as a talented practitioner, and in the brief period that has elapsed, has gained a niche of import among Glen Lyon lawyers. His abilities also have been recognized by the political party of his choice, the Republican, and on June 14, 1928, he was appointed director of the poor for Newport Township, an office he has filled to the complete satisfaction of his constitu- ents and fellow-citizens. Realizing the value of organization among veterans of the World War, Mr. Turik has associated himself with the local post of the American Legion, and is ever to the fore in projects of this highly re- garded veterans' society. In fraternal circles he is a popular and well-liked member of Carlisle Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a Catholic in religious beliefs, and a communicant of St. Adelbert's Roman Cath- olic Church.
Peter Edwin Turik married, June 5, 1917, Helen Peters, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, daughter of Frank and Mary Peters, and the children of this marriage are: 1. Florence, born September 19, 1919. 2. Eleanor, born July 17, 1923.
JOSEPH KACALA-To the many examples of worthy ambition, progressive spirit and thrift, furnished by foreign-born folk of Lu- zerne County who have attained positions of commanding influence in the commercial and civic life of the community, must be added the name of Joseph Kacala. After a quarter of a century occupation in the coal mines, he launched successfully his own business as a grocer, and has served the village of Glen Lyon as president of the School Board, helped organize a national bank, of which he is a director, and in many other ways has demon- strated his constructive association with the large betterment program of township and county.
Joseph Kacala was born in Poland, Feb- ruary 28, 1870, the son of Vincent and Sophie (Sekora) Kacala, both natives of that conn-
try, the former a farmer, died in 1871, and the latter died in 1893. He received his edu- cation in schools of his native country, and then was employed on a farm there for a short time. In 1885 he arrived in the United States, being then fifteen years old. The fol- lowing year he settled in Nanticoke and went to work in the mines of the Susque- hanna Coal Company, where he was employed for twenty-six years, a faithful member of the force. During that period he had saved what money he was able from his wages, against the day when he hoped to establish himself in business. That day arrived when he opened his own grocery in Glen Lyon, where he has since become an important fac- tor in the political, merchandising and finan- cial circles. He is highly esteemed for his personal worth and his intense interest in worthwhile endeavors in the village.
Mr. Kacala readily owns to his allegiance to the Democratic party, in whose councils at Glen Lyon his counsel and assistance are highly prized by his colleagues. He found opportunity for real service in the educa- tional department of the village when elected to the position of school director, which he filled with marked efficiency and regularity for his term of three years. Then he was made a member of the school board and elected its secretary, later being advanced to president, serving in that office for one year. When the movement for the formation of the Glen Lyon National Bank was con- templated, he was invited to be one of the organizers and with his assistance the insti- tution was established on a good foundation which furnished the basic formation for the successful financial structure that has since been builded. With the organization of the personnel he was elected a member of the board of directors, and has since held that office. He is also a stockholder of the Nanti- coke National Bank, belongs to the Polish Union and is a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church.
Joseph Kacala married, in 1894, Anna Pe- troski, of Glen Lyon, daughter of John and Frances Petroski, and they have had thir- teen children: Mary, who died at the age of thirty-three years; Rose, Stanley, Victoria, Katherine, Julia, Joseph, a graduate of Mans- field State Teachers College; Frank, Celia, Sophia, Edward, Stella, and Leonard.
LEONARD P. JENNINGS-Though one of the youngest of Nanticoke's business men, Mr. Jennings, during the comparatively few years in which he has been established in the electrical contracting business under his own name, has built up not only a very extensive and lucrative business, but also a very high reputation for unusually thorough knowledge of all branches of the electrical trade, for courtesy and efficiency, and for fair-dealing and reliability. He also takes a very active and effective part in the civic, political and religious life of the community and in every respect represents the highest type of prog- ressive and useful citizenship.
Leonard P. Jennings was born at Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1898, a son of the late Matthew Jennings and Mary (O'Brian) Jen- nings. His father, who died in 1899, the same year in which the son was born, was a coal miner. On his mother's side he is a member of a very ancient Irish family. Mr. Jennings was educated in the public schools of Nanti- coke, which, however, he left at the early age of eleven years, in order to assist his mother in the difficult struggle for life, resulting from the premature death of the head of the
Charles Rozmarek
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family. At that time he began to work in the electrical business, In which field he has con- tinued ever since then. Showing marked me- chanical ability and applying himself very closely to the various tasks set him by his employers, he made rapid progress. The next ten years were devoted to acquiring a most thorough and practical training in the differ- ent branches of the electrical business, and these years were spent to such good advan- tage that in 1920, after he had reached his majority, he established himself in the elec- trical contracting business on his own ac- count. Since then he has executed, with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfac- tion of his numerous customers, some very important contracts for electrical equipment, including contracts from the Nanticoke Hos- pital, the Challenger Apartments, the Strauss Department Stores, all of the better houses erected since then in Tilsbury Terrace and West Nanticoke, and from many other similar enterprises. Today he is considered the leader in his particular line of business in Nanti- coke. April 1, 1926, almost exactly six years after he had first started in business as a con- tractor, he added a retail store to his other work. Located most advantageously at No. 153 South Market Street, Nanticoke, and car- rying a very complete and high-grade line of electrical goods and hardware, this enterprise. too, has greatly prospered and is assured of further growth and even greater prosperity. A self-made man in the best sense of the word, Mr. Jennings has the satisfaction of being able to ascribe his steady progress and his remarkable success to his own efforts exclusively, efforts which have been based consistently on hard work, untiring energy, unwavering integrity and keen judgment. Though naturally his constantly growing business receives the major share of his time and attention, he has always found it possible to take great interest in the general life and progress of the community, where he is highly respected and much liked. His religious affili- ations are with the Roman Catholic Church.
CHARLES ROZMAREK-A Wilkes-Barre lawyer with offices in the Brooks Building, Charles Rozmarek in the short period of his practice here has won the confidence of the community in an unusual degree. He is thoroughly trained in his profession, with a wide knowledge of both legal principles and their application in modern procedure, and the success which he is winning is well de- served.
Mr. Rozmarek was born at Wilkes-Barre on July 25, 1987, a son of John Rozmarek, a mine worker, who was born in Poland, and of Madaline (Chybke) Rozmarek, also of Polish birth. He attended the public schools of Parsons and later the Wilkes-Barre High School, from which he was graduated in 1915. Beginning the business of life, Mr. Rozmarek entered the employ of the Carib- bean Steamship Company of New York City, for which he acted as Spanish correspondent during a period of one year. In 1919 he resumed his educational work, entering the University of Pennsylvania where he was graduated in 1922 with the degree of Bache- lor of Arts. For a year thereafter he was connected with the Bankers Trust Company in New York City, and then for a short time he traveled on the road as a commercial salesman, but he had meanwhile decided upon a legal career and undertook a course of study at Harvard Law School remaining here for two years. He then matriculated in the Boston University Law School where in 1927,
he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Returning to Wilkes-Barre, Mr. Rozmarek was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar on March 5, 1928, and immediately began the general practice of his profession under his own name. The community here has been quick to take advantage of the excellent legal service offered by Mr. Rozmarek and through all the period since he first opened offices the demands on his time and attention have constantly increased. Several notable victories in the local courts give promise of the brilliant career which may be expected of him in the field of his chosen occupation.
In politics a consistent supporter of the Republican principles, Mr. Rozmarek is active in local party councils and has done consid- erable campaign work in this section. He has declared in favor of many important movements for advance and progress and has contributed liberally to worthy causes, whether civic or benevolent in nature. He serves as secretary of the Citizens League of Luzerne County, is a member of the Loyal Republicans League of Pennsylvania, and is solicitor of Larksville Borough. In his fra- ternal affiliations he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Polish National Alliance of North America since 1917, serving as president of Wilkes- Barre Division, No, 13, with its twenty-five hundred adult members. He is a member of the Lawyers' Club of Luzerne County, and a devout worshipper at St. Mary's Polish Roman Catholic Church, this city.
Charles Rozmarek married, in June, 1928, Wanda Blinstrub, of Boston, Massachusetts, a daughter of Casimer and Michaelina (Do- browski) Blinstrub. Mrs. Rozmarek is a graduate of Boston University, from which she received the Master of Arts degree, and has spent one year in the Boston University Law School.
ZIBA RAYMOND HOWELL-Educator of note and citizen of repute in Luzerne County, Ziba Raymond Howell of Trucksville entered his duties as assistant superintendent of schools of Luzerne County, after more than fifteen years as an instructor in New York State. This experience, coupled with his thorough understanding of the juvenile mind, enabled Mr. Howell to carry on his work in a manner that gained for him the admiration of members of his profession, and the esteem and respect of his fellow-citizens. The Howell family has been prominent in the affairs of this county for more than three- quarters of a century, the first member thereof having been Levi Howell, who came to Luzerne County in 1825. Formerly he had resided in Hope, New Jersey. Levi Howell was the grandfather of Ziba Raymond.
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