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 105
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
Harry T. Butts married on September II, 1904, Cathryn Mary Shiffer, of Hudson, Lu- zerne County, daughter of Milot and Chris- tina (Labaugh) Shiffer. Mr. and Mrs. Butts are the parents of two children: I. Milot L., a graduate of the high school at Plains and formerly a student at Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, now (1930) with the engineering corps of the Pennsylvania State Highway De- partment. 2. Vernette Louise, graduate of the Plains High School and a student at Mans- field College, Tioga, Pennsylvania.
JOHN ALVIN BAYLESS-To a very high degree the career of the late John Alvin Bay- less stands as a monument to his ability, probity, courage and high principles. Having lost his parents in childhood, he overcame successfully many obstacles and difficulties that would have turned out to be stumbling blocks in the way of one less gifted and less determined. Alike as a business man, a public official, a civic leader and a private citizen, Mr. Bayless achieved notable success and at all times displayed consistently those qualities which endeared him to his many friends and to his fellow-citizens.
John Alvin Bayless was born at Audenried, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1886, a son of John A. and Anna (Rodgers) Bayless. His father died when he was only three years old, and his mother died soon afterwards. At the age of six years he be- came a member of the household of the late William F. Adams at Beaver Brook. At the age of nine years he began to work as a slate picker at the Audenried colliery and later was employed in the mines. Still later he learned the butcher trade in the meat market of Mr. Adams, with whom he re- mained until he had reached his majority. At that time he opened a meat market of his own at Weatherly. Later he managed for a number of years the meat department of the Lattimer store of Pardee Brothers and Company, Inc. It was while he filled this position, that he was elected secretary of the Middle Coal Field Poor District in Hazleton in 1915, an office which he continued to hold until the time of his death. In 1919 he came to Hazleton and there organized the firm of Bayless and Company, dealers in hay and provisions. Later he organized the Bayless
754
Beef Company, which also proved successful and which was eventually bought by Morris and company, beef packers. In 1920 he formed the Hazle Sales Company, dealers in meat products, which he managed very successfully for some time. Two years later, in 1922, he organized the Pioneer Distributing Company, which under his management grew into one of the largest oil and gasoline distributing organizations in the Northeastern section of Pennsylvania, having branches in four towns besides the general offices, yards and plants maintained in Hazleton. The growth of this business reflected the outstanding ability of Mr. Bayless. The enterprise was started on a comparatively small scale with only one truck. Now branches are located at Allen- town, Lehighton, Mount Carmel, Shenandoah and Tamaqua, all its business being devoted to the famous Tydol products. Mr. Bayless was also one of the leaders in the develop- ment of McAdoo Heights Land Company, which venture was also a success.
In 1919 Mr. Bayless was appointed to the office of collector of taxes for the State, county and poor district for the City of Hazleton. This office he filled so capably that he was continued in it from then on until his death. He was a power in Republican poli- tics in Hazleton and was looked upon as one of the most able leaders of his party. His advice was frequently sought, and he had such an insight into matters of public inter- est that he could vision future developments with unerring accuracy. A man of kindly approach with a striking personality, a friendly smile and sincere hospitality, he became widely known and was greatly esteemed everywhere. He never forgot his friends of his earlier days, and his offices were the gathering places of all those who had known him from time to time and who cared to renew their acquaintance with him. He was a member of Hazleton Lodge, No. 327, Free and Accepted Masons; Lehigh Con- sistory, of Allentown, Ancient Accepted Scot- tish Rite; Irem Temple, of Wilkes-Barre, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Hazleton Lodge, No. 200, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. At the last convention, prior to his death, of the State Association of Directors of the Poor and Charities of Pennsylvania, Mr. Bayless was elected the vice-president of that organi- zation. He was also a member of the Crafts- man's Club and of the Lions' Club, as well as of the Irem Country Club of Wilkes-Barre. His religious affiliations were with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and more particularly with St. Paul's Church of Hazleton.
Mr. Bayless married, August 5, 1906, Ra- chael Lewis, of Colerain, a daughter of John and Gwennie (Howells) Lewis. Mr. and Mrs. Bayless had three children: 1. Dorothy May, born March 24, 1908, now a teacher in the public schools of Hazleton. 2. Kenneth Rod- ger, born August 10, 1916. 3. J. Robert, born October 14, 1918. Mrs. Bayless is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and of the Young Women's Christian Association. The family residence is located at No. 436 West Broad Street, Hazleton.
At a hotel in White Sulphur Springs, Vir- ginia, John Alvin Bayless died after an ill- ness of some six months, but nevertheless very suddenly, March 15, 1930. He had gone to the Southern resort in the hope that he might benefit from the baths. For some time prior to his death his health had given grave cause for worry, but after his arrival in Virginia, he seemed to improve and, indeed, had planned for his return to Hazleton. At
the time of his death he was survived, be- sides his wife and children, also by one sister, Sylvia, wife of John Jones, of Lee Park, Wilkes-Barre, and by a half-sister, Miss Edith James, of the same place.
Funeral services for Mr. Bayless were held at his late residence in Hazleton and were attended by hundreds of his friends and neighbors. Rev. W. H. Russel of Hazleton officiated and paid a beautiful tribute to the memory of his departed friend. After the services, all that was mortal of John Alvin Bayless was laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery, where the final rites at the grave, simple but impressive, were held by his fel- low-members in the local Masonic lodge.
How highly Mr. Bayless was regarded and how greatly he was liked in his home com- munity of Hazleton, may be seen from the following tribute, quoted from an article published in one of the local newspapers im- mediately after his death: .
His passing caused many sincere expres- sions of regret in business and financial circles and tearful eyes in many homes where they recalled the kind remembrances in times of distress. Mr. Bayless was a man of the highest ideals and of likeable person- ality. His business judgment was held in the highest esteem and his word was recognized as good as a bond . .
John A. Bayless was above all else a man's man. He thought in manly ways. He had big ideals. He valued good citizenship. He lived and advocated the good things of life. He had the heart of courage, the spirit of forgiveness, the bigness to want to help others over the rough spots of life. He lived not unto himself alone. When such as he is summoned from any community's inhabi- tants, there is a loss that reaches far and wide. When men of his sterling worth are summoned across the Divide, it makes us stop and wonder, as we cannot see and under- stand like He who does all things well.
RALPH H. WHAREN, D. D. S .- For almost a quarter of a century, the late Dr. Ralph . H. Wharen practiced his profession of den- tistry in Wilkes-Barre, and during this period built up a wide following and an extensive reputation for excellent work, gaining as a result a large and profitable practice. He was also active in various other phases of the general community life, especially in social and fraternal circles.
Born at Wilkes-Barre, on January 15, 1885, Dr. Wharen is a son of Harrison C. Wharen, who was born in 1848 at White Haven, Lu- zerne County, Pennsylvania, and died on May 5, 1920, and of Louisa R. (Burr) Wharen, who was born at Springville, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, in 1852, and who died in April, 1915. The father was long associ- ated with the Lehigh Valley Railroad.
Ralph H. Wharen attended the public schools of his birthplace and was graduated from the Wilkes-Barre High School in 1901. Having determined upon a career in dentis- try, he then entered the University of Penn- sylvania, from which he was graduated in 1905 with the degree of Doctor of Dentistry. For a year thereafter, he practiced his pro- fession in Philadelphia, but in 1906 he re- turned to Wilkes-Barre and opened offices here, making his home in this city until his death. He was quick to win the confidence of those who came to consult him in his professional capacity, and rapidly rose to a leading place among practicing dentists in this part of the State. His offices were located at No. 110 South Main Street.
Dr. Wharen was active in the various asso- ciations of the men of his profession, hold-
755
ing membership in the Luzerne County, Penn- sylvania State, and American Dental Asso- ciations. He was affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons, and in this great order was a member of Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 442, Shekinah Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Council of Royal and Se- lect Masters; Dieu le Veut Commandery, Knights Templar; and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania University Chapter of the Xi Psi Phl Frater- nity; of the local lodge, No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and of several clubs, including the Franklin Club and the Wyoming Valley Club. Politically he gave his hearty support to Republican principles and candidates, maintaining always the warmest interest in civic progress and wel- fare, while he worshipped in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, attending the First Church of this denomination at Wilkes- Barre.
In 1915 Ralph H. Wharen married Guida M. Schwartz, who died on April 4, 1920, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Schwartz, of Nanticoke. Dr. and Mrs. Wharen had one daughter, Elizabeth Davenport, born at Wilkes-Barre, November 11, 1916. Dr.
Wharen maintained his residence at No. 496 South Franklin Street, in this city.
At his home in Wilkes-Barre, Dr. Wharen died March 24, 1930, at the early age of forty- six years. His untimely death at the height of his career and in the prime of life, of course, was an irreparable loss to his young daughter, who was thus made an orphan at the age of thirteen years. It was also deeply regretted by his many friends in Wilkes- Barre and elsewhere, as well as by his fellow practitioners in the science of dentistry. His memory will long be cherished by all who knew him, and most so by those who knew him best.
PAUL JAMES SHERWOOD-It has become a maxim in a more or less machine-made age that the success of men depends largely upon the diligence with which they toil away year after year at the appointed tasks of routine, when in many cases they are not suited to their assignments at all, and inwardly yearn for the self-expression that more appropriate occupations would make possible. Compara- tively few people perform the tasks they pre- fer, but others find comparative contentment in life by pinning their faith on a hereafter where everything will be ideal. One of the fortunate few was Paul James Sherwood, a lawyer, formerly located at Nos. 25 and 26 Bennett Building, Wilkes-Barre, who had gratified so many hobbies that he was quite as well known in them as in the practice of law. As a lawyer, Mr. Sherwood had made a most gratifying success, and in side activities which had little or nothing to do with mere money he had done the same. It is a common fallacy that a man who clings to aesthetic tastes must necessarily be a dilettante and a trifler with more serious things. That this is not true is amply proven in the career of Mr. Sherwood. We find a striking illustration in the case of William B. Stout, of Detroit, Mich - igan, who was advised some years ago to give up inventions and "go to work." Mr. Stout recently sold the all-metal airplane rights to Henry Ford for millions. Artists, authors and aesthetes generally are looked at askance by men who traffic in butter and eggs, while the former also look askance at the latter.
As Mr. Sherwood saw it, both have a right to live and to continue their useful functions,
for they could not do without each other. It was Mr. Sherwood's philosophy that it is man's duty as well as his pleasure to learn how to play, in support of which he points to the golf links, the tennis courts, the auto- mobile courses and the tracks of the water- borne craft. As for himself, he was Interested in a liberal education for the average man, and he pointed the way by leading his friends back to nature on an estate of two hundred acres near Harvey's Lake, where his hobby was better agricultural products and trees, not to mention flowers and shrubs. Here he romped with the God of Nature mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, and sur- rounded himself with the spiritual and ma- terial things that on an extended scale brought happiness and joy to Luther Burbank. But he was closer to the Bible and authori- tative religion, for he was a leading spirit among the church forward movement and a member in the First Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a member for twenty-one years in the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, where he taught Sunday school.
Mr. Sherwood was born September 15, 1866, in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, son of Lafayette Sherwood, a highly respected and successful farmer of the same county, who died in 1904, and Malvina Augusta (Mahon) Sherwood, eldest of thirteen children of Al- fred Mahon of Lake Winona, this State, a woman of strong personality and character, who died in 1905. Mr. Sherwood was the youngest of five children. He received his education in the local public schools, Key- stene Academy, and the University of Mich- igan, at Ann Arbor. While at Ann Arbor, his ability as expounder was recognized and he was frequently assigned to teach. His studies of the law were mostly pursued in a practical manner in the law office of District Attorney James E. Frear. He taught school some time before he was admitted to the bar, and thus gained a highly valuable experience, which has stood him in good stead ever since. He was admitted to the bar at Tunkhannock in 1891, and began the practice of his profes- sion at Wilkes-Barre, under his own name. He was admitted to the Luzerne County bar De- cember 19 of the same year, having done some general law work in the meantime. On October 22, 1897, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and on January 13, 1911, his efforts were crowned with admission to the Supreme Court of the United States as a pleader and counsel. He practiced over a wide territory and made a name as one of the leading attorneys of this section of Pennsylvania. Gifted with a flu- ent speech, he was in demand as a public speaker, especially as a lecturer for the Grange, in which he was prominent; this ac- tivity took him to various places on the Chau- tauqua Circuit.
Mr. Sherwood was a great lover of children; he contributed liberally to the rearing of numbers of promising youths, and gave per- sonally of his time and attention to numerous cases needing help. Under the administration of Governor William C. Sproul he served as Deputy Attorney General of the State of Pennsylvania. He served on the board of the Parish Street Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as in the councils of the Central Metho- dist Church. During the World War he per- formed essential service as a member of the Legal Advisory Board. He was a member of the Patriotic Sons of America and the Knights of Malta. He showed the advantage of gen- tle birth, having inherited certain desirable traits of character from his paternal grand-
756
father, Mathew Sherwood, whose family mi- grated from Connecticut, a man of strong character and personality who led an unright and useful life. Mr. Sherwood was the young- est of five children of his parents, the other four having been Alice, deceased, wife of George B. Patterson; Eva, deceased, wife of Denton Nelson Swan; Estella, deceased, wife of Charles D. Johnson, of Beaumont, Wyo- ming County; and Edward Mahon Sherman, a retired farmer of Lake Winona, Wyoming County.
Mr. Sherwood did valuable work for the Re- publican party. He was a warm personal friend and supporter of Theodore Roosevelt, and was a delegate to the convention of 1920 that nominated Warren G. Harding for Presi- dent and Calvin Coolidge for Vice-President, which ticket, as is well known, won the race. Mr. Sherwood married, July 4, 1891, Eunice E. MacConnell, of Susquehanna County, daughter of Hugh and Florence MacConnell, of Harford, who both were teachers and the daughter also. Mrs. Sherwood is president of the Central Chapter of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and City Federation of Unions. The family city home is at No. 112 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre.
In March, 1929, Mr. Sherwood spent several days in Lynn Haven, Florida, taking part, as a speaker, in a Bible Conference at Bob Jones College. On his way home he purchased at Winter Park, Florida, a comfortable winter home located at No. 192 Brewer Avenue, where he planned in the future to spend the winter months.
On December 21, 1929, he was one of sev- eral speakers at the Luzerne County Law Club meeting, where he delivered a highly praised address, and after being seated, quickly answered the "Last Great Summons." He was retired from actice practice and planned to live in Florida in cold weather and his native clime during the warm season. He had already taken up the work which he hoped to pursue for his declining years, that of lecturing on religious subjects and cit- izenship to lift with all his wise powers of mind and soul those less fortunate "Toward the Light."
His oft expressed desire to "Go while active" was honored by his Maker, in Whom he fully trusted.
ASA (ACE) HOFFMAN-As proprietor of the Hoffman Studios, located at No. 54 West Market Street in Wilkes-Barre, Asa, or Ace, Hoffman, as he is familiarly known, is at the head of one of the best known commercial photographic concerns in the city. He makes portraits of distinction and of artistic worth, of interiors, does a large amount of com- mercial photography of all kinds, reproduc- tions, enlargements, and cirkut photography. He also takes photographs of large groups, banquets and social events, using smokeless artificial lighting and has a special depart- ment for educational and industrial motion pictures. Mr. Hoffman trades under the trade name of Ace Hoffman.
George Hoffman, grandfather of Mr. Hoff- man, operated the first stage coach line be- tween Los Angles and Santa Barbara, Cali- fornia. He was one of the early pioneers of California and died at the age of one hundred and one years.
Charles E. Hoffman, father of Mr. Hoffman, married Virgie Haviland, daughter of Ben- jamin Haviland, who was a native of Rhine- beck, Dutchess County, New York, and whose ancestors settled in Rhode Island in 1653. Charles E. and Virgie (Haviland) Hoffman
were the parents of three children: George Thomas, who resides in California: Charles Virgil, of New York; and Asa, of further mention.
Asa (Ace) Hoffman, son of Charles E. and Virgie (Haviland) Hoffman was born in Santa Barbara, California, February 18, ISSS, but was brought East by his parents when he was four years old. They settled for a time in New York City and the boy grew up and received his education in that city. He attended the public schools, and when school days were over went to Texas and later to California where he became one of the pio- neers of the motion picture business. In 1915 he returned to New York, where for four years he added to his already extensive ex- perience. In 1919 he came to Wilkes-Barre and opened his present studio at No. 54 West Market Street. He conducts one of the most modern studios in Northeastern Pennsylvania and covers the complete field of photography, commercial motion pictures and X-ray pho- tography. Under the name of Ace Hoffman he has become known to thousands of pa- trons throughout this section of the country and the quality of his work is such that his many satisfied patrons have become his most effective advertising agencies. Fraternally, Mr. Hoffman is identified with Landmark Lodge, No. 442, Free and Accepted Masons; Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, Royal Arch Ma- sons; Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 45, Knights Templar; Keystone Consistory, of Scranton, in which he holds the thirty-second degree; and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Wilkes- Barre. He is also a member of the Irem Temple Country Club of Wilkes-Barre. He is also identified with Lodge No. 109, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks and his religious affiliation is with the First Metho- dist Church of Kingston.
Asa Hoffman was married April 20, 1920, to May Yaeger, daughter of Henry and Eliza- beth Yaeger, of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have no children.
EDWARD G. CHAPIN-One of the most progressive men of the Wyoming Valley is Edward G. Chapin, president of the Chapin Lumber Company, of Kingston, Pennsylvania. Entirely through his own energy and ability, he has brought his company, which was established in 1922, into the front ranks of the lumber companies of the section, han- dling a large volume of business, both whole- sale and retail. Mr. Chapin, who is financially interested in other large enterprises, is active in the social and civic life of Kingston, where he is highly esteemed as a public-spirited citizen.
The Chapin family is an old one in America, the original settler of this name in Pennsyl- vania coming to Luzerne County from Con- necticut at an early date. Of this branch of the family was Warren Chapin, a life-long farmer in Huntington Township, Luzerne County, as was his son, Nathan D. Chapin, who died at the age of eighty. He had mar- ried Elizabeth Emory, and they became the parents of eight children: 1. John, deceased. 2. Lillian, the wife of Edward Gray, of Scott- dale, Pennsylvania. 3. Charles, of Ocala, Florida. 4. W. O., a merchant of Jamestown, Columbia County, Pennsylvania. 5. James D., of Clark Summit, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, a lumber dealer. 6. Hannah, who married C. B. Wenner, of Columbia County. 7. Walter S., a farmer of Lacyville, Pennsylvania. 8. Edward G., of whom further.
Edward G. Chapin was born on November
757
20, 1884, at Southdale, Huntington Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, He grew up on the home farm, spending a few years in the local public schools, and worked as a farmer until he was twenty-one years old. At that time he left the farm and took a position with the West Lumber Company at Plymouth, Pennsylvania, where he remained for three years, and then accepted a position with Kehoe and Mowery, contractors and builders at Wilkes-Barre, with whom he also remained for three years. In 1911 he became associated with the Sturdevant Lumber Com- pany of Wilkes-Barre, continuing this work three years, after which he went to work for the Ruggles Lumber Company, at Kingston, Pennsylvania, and in this position he re- mained seven years. Finally, in 1922, he de- cided to go into business for himself, his long experience in lumber work having eminently fitted him for such a step, and in that year he established the Chapin Lumber Company at No. 695 Wyoming Avenne, King- ston, where he has continued so successfully since that time. Mr. Chapin also owns a large lumber yard at Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Politically, he is a member of the Repub- lican party, and in his religious affiliations he is a Protestant. He is affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons, and in this organization he is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 655, of Wilkes-Barre, Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, of the Royal Arch Masons, of Dieu le Vent Commandery, No. 45, of the Knights Templars, at Wilkes-Barre, and of Irem Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also an Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Mason of the thirty-second degree, and a member of Key- stone Consistory, at Scranton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Chapin is also a member, at Wilkes- Barre, of the Craftsman's Club, the Trem Temple Country Club, and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce. He was one of the organizers, and is now vice- president and a director of the First National Bank of Kingston, and he is also a director of the Smith-Bennett Printing Company, at Wilkes-Barre, and a director of the Standard Gypsum Company, of Buffalo, New York.
On October 14, 1909, Mr. Chapin married Eleanor Jones, a daughter of John L. and Hannah (Roberts) Jones, of Plymouth, Lu- zerne County, Pennsylvania. Their children are: Eleanor Jones, Lois Virginia, Edward Grover, Jr., and William Roberts.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.