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 11
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On June 3, 1915, Mr. Morgan was united in marriage with Emily Williams, of Ma- hanoy City, Pennsylvania; and they are the parents of a danghter, Helen. Mrs. Morgan is active in the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Craftsmen's Club, and in the Methodist Epis- copal Church. The family reside at No. 101 East Green Street, Nanticoke.
FRANK RAYMOND TUBBS-Associated with the third generation of the same family engaged in funeral directing and mortuary work in Nanticoke, where their establishment is held to be the most elaborate and up-to- date in the city, Frank Raymond Tubbs has ably assisted in the work that has brought about this preeminence in business. The firm is now Tubbs and Harter, the second partner being a direct descendant of the first Harter to engage in the business here.
Mr. Tubbs was born in Lehman Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1881. His father was Simon Tubbs, and his mother, Emma (Crispwell) Tubbs. The family is one of the oldest and most respected in the county. His grandfather was a farmer of Fairmount Township and his father a farmer and sawmill owner.
Frank Raymond Tubbs was educated in the public schools, afterward being employed in various capacities, finally studying under-
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taking under the tutelage of Aman I Harter, who had established the business. He eventu- ally bought the interest of his employer and, taking into partnership Drew R. Harter, the first firm became known as F. R. Tubbs & Company. This title was changed, January 1, 1924, to Tubbs and Harter, as it stands today. The plant contains a mortuary chapel, where funeral services are held, and has a complete line of motorized equipment of the most modern design. Jacob Harter, great- grandfather of the partner of Frank Ray- mond Tubbs, was born in Nescopeck, Luzerne County, November 25, 1809. He married Anna Marguerite Detrich, March 4, 1832, and was the father of Aman Luther, born in Nesco- peck, December 20, 1858, and dying February 15, 1903. Aman Luther Harter was a cabinet maker, having learned the trade under Thomas Harter, at Catawissa, Pennsylvania, and in 1883 coming to Nanticoke, where he established the undertaking business in his own name by purchasing that of Frank Moe Harter. This he carried on until his death, when the present Tubbs bought it out. Drew Raugh Harter, his son, named for his mother, who was Mattie E. Raugh, was born Septem- ber 9, 1897, and educated in Nanticoke public schools and the Wyoming Seminary. He took the course of embalming at Eckels School and is a member of the National, State and County Funeral Directors' Associa- tions. He also holds membership in the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows; Junior Order United American Mechanics; Patriotic Sons of America; Nanticoke Lodge, No. 541, Free and Accepted Masons; Keystone Con- sistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite: Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and he attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married, May 22, 1919, LaBerta Smith, daughter of A. D. and Minnie (Barrall) Smith, of Nanticoke. Their children are: Lois, and Drew Raugh, Jr.
Frank Raymond Tubbs is very active in civic, social and fraternal affairs of Nanti- coke and Luzerne County. He is a director in the People's Savings and Trust Company, and administers the business affairs of the local agency of the Willys-Knight and Over- land automobile companies. He is a member of the National, State and county funeral directors' associations, and of Nanticoke Lodge, No. 541, Free and Accepted Masons; Royal Arch Chapter, No. 287, Royal Arch Masons; Keystone Consistory, Ancient Ac- cepted Scottish Rite of Scranton; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Junior Order United American Mechanics and Woodmen of the World. He attends the Baptist Church.
Mr. Tubbs married, December 6, 1906, Mrs. Mattie Rowe Harter. They reside at No. 2 Shea Street, Nanticoke.
ULYSSES GRANT BICKELL, M.D .- A native of Pennsylvania, reared and educated in this State, Dr. Ulysses Grant Bickell, of White Haven, undoubtedly possesses a wider ex. perience, and one that covers the various walks of life more thoroughly, than any other physician of this town. His practice has covered many sections of his native State and encompasses a period in the service of his government over-seas, which has proved extremely valuable to him during the later years of his practice. He now has a large and steadily increasing clientage in White Haven and the surrounding communities, which speaks eloquently of the confidence reposed in him by his patients. Dr. Bickell was born August 25, 1865, at Jersey Shore, Pennsyl- vania, son of Mathias and Elizabeth (Cow-
nick) Bickell. Mathias Bickell, who was a native of Germany, born in 1824, was brought to the United States in 1826, when he was two years of age. He attained prominence in construction work, having been a promi- nent contractor and builder in Jersey Shore until the time of his death in 1897. The mother of Dr. Bickell, born in 1828, at Ly- coming County, Pennsylvania, passed away in 1907.
Ulysses Grant Bickell, after receiving the full benefits of training afforded by the public schools of Jersey Shore, attended Munsey Normal School. While in this last- named institution, he decided upon the call- ing that was his future work, and having decided upon the medical profession, matricu- lated at Jefferson Medical College, there de- voted himself assiduously to study, and at the time of his graduation therefrom, in 1893, held the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He chose Williamsport, Pennsylvania, as the place to launch his independent practice and remained there for a number of years, going thence to Philadelphia. He spent some years in this metropolis, engaged in the pursuit of his profession during all of this time, but in 1922 came to White Haven and established an office. His activities in White Haven have been continuous since 1922, with the excep- tion of that period during which he served in the World War. Shortly after he came to White Haven, the United States was drawn into the war, and Dr. Bickell enlisted, being commissioned a first lieutenant. He was sent over-seas, and in France was attached to base hospital No. 91, Commissary Department. He remained in the army until July, 1919, at which time he was honorably discharged. Dr. Bickell, however, has retained his mili- tary connections and now holds a captain's commission in the Medical Reserve Corps. He returned to White Haven immediately after his discharge and now resides with his family at No. 207 Wilkes-Barre Street.
Dr. Bickell married, in 1894, Elizabeth Balch, of Virginia. Her father, too, was a physician, a member of the Balch family so well known in the Old South. Dr. and Mrs. Bickell have three children: 1. Ernest M. W. 2. Elizabeth C. 3. Harold G., who now is in the aviation service of the United States Army.
FRANK P. KELLY-Devoting the better part of his life to important work for the city of Wilkes-Barre, Frank P. Kelly, now city treasurer, was awarded this position by a grateful constituency after twenty-seven years of faithful service as deputy treasurer under five city treasurers. He is one of the leading citizens of the city, and has the high regard of the population, regardless of politi- cal affiliation. Courteous in his associations with the public, genial in manner, sound in political principles, devoted to the best inter- ests of the community, his is a position among his fellows that betokens the deepest respect, the most sincere admiration.
He was born in Wilkes-Barre, March 18, 1866. His father was Michael Kelly, who came to this country from his native Ireland some twenty years previous to the birth of Frank and settled in this city, which was then but a small village, where he became a miner. In this occupation he was killed when Frank was two years of age. His widow was Bridget (Hilbert) Kelly, also of Irish birth, now deceased. They were the parents of five children, of whom Frank P. was the youngest. James H., the first born, died in 1925; Nora H. is the widow of Charles Dermody, of Phil- adelphia; William J. is a grocery merchant of Wilkes-Barre, and Elizabeth is single.
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Frank P. Kelly was educated in the public schools here and at St. Vincent's College, at Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Upon completing these courses of instruction he obtained a clerical position in the offices of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company here, holding that post until 1899, when he was appointed deputy treasurer of the city under Bernard McManus. This position he held for three years, when he became bookkeeper for the old People's Bank, remaining there until 1905, when he returned to the city government in his original position there, this time under the late George Steg- maier. At the city election of November, 1927, he was chosen city treasurer by the largest majority ever given a candidate for that office. He is a member of Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Knights of Colum- bus, of Wilkes-Barre. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and has his residence, with his family, at No. 438 South River Street, Wilkes-Barre.
Mr. Kelly married, in October, 1908, Mar- garet C. Buckley, daughter of Dennis Buck- ley, well-known contractor and builder, of this city, and Margaret (Farrell) Buckley. They became the parents of five children: Frank, Jr., Mary E., Margaret, William, and Robert, who died at the age of six years.
THE RT. REV. JAMES S. FAGAN, V. F .- Rector of St. Gabriel's parish, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, for more than two decades, the Very Rev. James S. Fagan, V. F., has accomplished a noble work in the up-building of the parish during his long pastorate. The beautiful new church only recently com- pleted, the new and modern school, and the remodeled convent building are tributes to his energy and executive ability, while the spiritual vitality so apparent in his charge to even the most casual onlooker, is evidence enough of his fidelity to his sacred mission. Father Fagan has occupied the pulpit of St. Gabriel's with the fine dignity which alone constitutes genuine eloquence, and his place in the deep affection of his parishioners is notably secure.
Father Fagan was born in New York, a son of Patrick C. Fagan, superintendent of masonry for the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, and of Rose (Simons) Fagan, He came to Wilkes-Barre as a small child, and here attended the local public schools. Later he entered Wyoming Seminary, and also attended the private school of Professor Henry A. Reid. He began his preparation for the priesthood at St. Vincent's College, in Westmoreland County, about 1880, and upon the completion of his classical course, he entered St. Mary's Seminary, in Baltimore, for training in theology and philosophy. In August, 1888, he was ordained to the holy priesthood by the Rt. Rev. Bishop O'Hara.
Father Fagan was first assigned to Sus- quehanna, where he remained as an assistant for seven years. At the end of this time he was named by Bishop O'Hara to be pastor at Great Bend, continuing his duties there for thirteen years, until his promotion to the pastorate of St. Gabriel's, in Hazleton, on July 1, 1908. Father Fagan's work at St. Gabriel's has been one of great accomplish- ment. As early as 1912, he replaced the old school building with the present splendid and modern structure, which accommodates more than one thousand children, and he later sponsored the remodeling of the convent building, the living quarters of which had become inadequate because of the greatly increased number of the Sisters. In 1924 he embarked upon the crowning achievement of
his pastorate, the erection of the beautiful and magnificent church, which was com- pleted about three years later. The church itself, designed by Peter B. Sheridan and Philip G. Knobloch, registered architects of Hazleton, is in the thirteenth century Gothic style and is considered by competent judges to be one of the finest structures of its kind in the country. It was built by James C. Hoe's Sons, Inc., of New York City. Father Fagan's constant effort toward the improve- ment and beautification of the church prop- erty has been a subject of admiration throughout the whole community. During his pastorate at St. Gabriel's, the following priests have served as assistants: Fathers Martin Cawley, D. J. Kane, James Gilpatrick, J. J. Featherstone, Joseph Reilly, Joseph Gagan, John Walsh, James Mulholland, James Walsh, James A. Boland, James P. Flynn. Thomas F. Kelley, Leo Gilroy and John Carroll.
At the time of the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Hoban's death, in November, 1926, Father Fagan was named administrator of the Scran- ton diocese by His Eminence, Dennis Cardi- nal Dougherty, Archibishop of Philadelphia. During this administratorship, the qualities which characterized him in his own parish have endeared him to all the priests of the diocese, who have come to look upon him as one filled with a deep sense of justice, and an understanding, sympathetic way. Thus during Father Fagan's pastorate, the finest traditions of the Church and of St. Gabriel's parish have been loyally upheld. At the celebration attending the dedication of the new church, this fervent prayer was offered, on behalf of the entire congregation:
It is our earnest prayer then that God's choicest blessings be showered upon him, upon his worthy and earnest efforts to better his parish both spiritually and materially, and that he be spared to us for many years to come.
On August 19, 1928, Father Fagan was elevated to the dignity of Rt. Rev. Monsignor, Bishop Reilly officiating.
ROBERT E. JONES-Although one of the comparatively younger members of the bank- ing profession in Luzerne County, Robert E. Jones has already acquired a well deserved reputation for leadership in the financial world in and ahout Kingston, Pennsylvania, where he is cashier of the First National Bank. A native of this city and a man who has spent a great deal of his life in this part of Pennsylvania, Mr. Jones is thoroughly acquainted with local men and conditions, and it is predicted for him that he will, be- fore many years, be one of the outstanding figures in the State's banking business. The institution in which he holds this important position was organized on April 26, 1926, and occupied its present modern bank building on February 4, 1927. Its president is Olin R. Mullison, who has been associated with a number of men prominent in banking and finance, among them being R. H. Scureman, formerly second vice-president and a direc- tor, now deceased, and Harry R. Hay, the first cashier of the present bank. Mr. Jones has held the cashier's post since December 27, 1927.
Born July 21, 1903, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn- sylvania, Robert E. Jones was a son of Robert E. and Emma (Miller) Jones. Both of his parents were born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsyl- vania, where his father was throughout his active career a lace weaver. His mother died on February 12, 1928. The son, Robert E. Jones, attended the public schools in his early boyhood, and later went to the Wilkes-
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Barre High School, which graduated him in the class of 1921. He then studied at the Wharton Night School, in Wilkes-Barre, where he acquired a thorough mastery of business and banking principles and fitted himself for work as a banker. His first work was as a clerk with the South Side Bank and Trust Company, of Wilkes-Barre. After he had been for a short time with that organi- zation, however, he came with the First Na- tional Bank of Kingston in the capacity of assistant cashier. That was in April, 1926. It was on December 27, 1927, that, recogniz- ing his innate abilities and his special talents for the work which he had undertaken, his superior officers in the bank made him cash- ier. In this position, for which he is well fitted by personality and inclination, Mr. Jones attracts to the bank a large number of depositors and people desiring to utilize this financial institution for their banking needs; and has established for himself among his fellow townsmen a wide circle of friends.
In addition to his work as bank cashier, Mr. Jones participates extensively in the social and fraternal life of his community. Keenly interested in political developments, he is identified with the Republican party, whose policies and candidates he supports; is a member of the Pi Delta Epsilon Frater- nity; and belongs to the Lutheran Church.
WILLIAM J. KEAR-One of the foremost contractors and builders of Wilkes-Barre, William J. Kear, has won the esteem of a large number of his fellow-townsmen with whom he has worked or had business deal- ings; he is respected by his many friends and acquaintances, not only because of his splen- did business acumen, but for the spirit of fairness that he displays in all his transac- tions. Since 1894 he has been a citizen of Wilkes-Barre, and except for about ten years of that period he has been engaged in the building and contracting business for himself.
A son of Thomas C. Kear, a shoemaker, and Harriett (Pickford) Kear, he belongs to an old Pennsylvania family. He was one of a family of nine children: Florence, Edward, Thomas, Eva, Sarah, William J., of further mention; Mary, George, and Frank.
William J. Kear, who was born on August 30, 1870, in Danville, Pennsylvania, attended as a boy the public schools of his native town until he was sixteen years of age. Then he went to work, learning the carpen- ter's trade wbile still a very young man. In 1894, when he came to Wilkes-Barre, he con- tinued his trade for about a decade; then he engaged in the contracting and building busi- ness, which since has occupied the greater part of his attention. With the passing years, he has established himself more and more firmly in the business life of the community in and near Wilkes-Barre, so that to-day he Is recognized throughout the Wyoming Val- ley as one of the leaders in this branch of industry.
Mr. Kear is a busy man. For not only is he interested in the business affairs of Wilkes-Barre, but also takes time to be active In the political and civic life of the people. In his political views, he is a Republican, having long supported the principles of that party. He is a member of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons, in which order he is affiliated with Lodge No. 61, of Wilkes-Barre; the Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, of Royal Arch Masons; the Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 45, Knights Templar; the Caldwell Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, in which he holds the thirty-second degree,
and Irem Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, being a trustee of Irem Temple. Mr. Kear, along with his other activities, is an active Rotarian, belong- ing to the local club of Wilkes-Barre, and Is a life member of Wyoming Valley Historical Society, and a member of Wilkes-Barre- Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce.
On April 27, 1897, he married Viola Lloyd, a daughter of Bartlett and Jane (Morgan) Lloyd, of Danville, Pennsylvania. This mar- riage has been blessed with three children: 1. Bartlett Lloyd, who is associated with his father in the contracting and building busi- ness. 2. Ruth M., the wife of Lieutenant John Morrell, of the United States Navy. 3. Wil- liam T.
DR. CHARLES C. LAW-For some four years Dr. Charles C. Law has been engaged in practice in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, as an optometrist. He is a graduate of the Penn- sylvania State College of Optometry, and has his offices at No. 116 West Broad Street, where he has proved that he is skilled in his profession, and where he is taking care of a large clientele. Dr. Law is a native of this State, and has been located here in Hazleton since 1924.
Dr. Charles C. Law was born in Edwards- ville, Pennsylvania, February 28, 1902, son of Thomas J. Law, who during the greater part of his mature years was in the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company, and of Mary (Mckeown) Law, both of whom are now (1928) deceased. Dr. Law attended the public schools of Ed- wardsville, and then entered the Pennsyl- vania State College of Optometry, where he completed his course and was graduated with the class of 1923. For one year after his grad- uation he was engaged in practice in Wilkes- Barre, but in 1924 he came to Hazleton and opened his offices at No. 116 West Broad Street, where he has since devoted his atten- tion to the building up of what has grown to be a very substantial business. He has for the last four years been well known as one who is skilled in his calling, and each of the four years of his practice here has wit- nessed a very decided increase in the number of those who seek his services. Dr. Law is a member of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association and of the American Optometric Association, and has always taken an active interest in the affairs of both organizations. Fraternally, he holds membership in the Knights of Columbus, the Omega Delta Fra- ternity Optometrists Epsilon Chapter, Al- hambra Caravan, No. 4; and he is also a member of the . Valley Country Club. His religious membership is with St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church.
DR. GLENN OTIS ROSSMAN, D. D .- A native of Clarion County, Pennsylvania, Dr. Glenn Otis Rossman left the Clarion State Normal School, in May, 1917, to enlist for service in the World War. He was sent overseas with the First Division of the American Expedi- tionary Forces, as a member of the Medical Department, and with that division was in active service in the most important of the major engagements, including Cantigny and St. Mihiel, as well as in numerous minor en- gagements. After the armistice he went into Germany with the Army of Occupation, re- turning to this country in the summer of 1919. He then completed his course in the Normal School and entered the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy. Since his graduation in 1924 he has, with the exception of a few months spent in an osteopathic hospital, been
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engaged in general practice here in Hazleton. He is a member of the State and National osteopathic associations, and gives special attention to psycho-therapy and gynecology.
Dr. Glenn Otis Rossman was born in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, January 19, 1896, son of William Otis and Sarah Pearl (Roshline) Rossman. After attending the public schools of Clarion County he entered Salem High School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1915. The following fall he began study in the Clarion Normal School, planning to take the four-year course. There was then little thought that before he had finished this country would be at war as one of the Allies, fighting in Europe, but the grim fact broke into his life as a student, as it did into the lives of so many students all over the coun- try, and on May 30, 1917, he enlisted in the Medical Department of the United States Army for service in the World War. He was stationed at San Antonio, Texas, until August 7, 1917, and then was sent overseas with the 1st Division of the American Expeditionary Forces. Upon his arrival in France he was sent with his division to the Toul Sector, and saw active service in several of the most important major engagements, including Cantigny, Soisson, two engagements at St. Mihiel, and two in the Argonne. He also took part in several minor engagements, and after the signing of the Armistice went into Germany with the Army of Occupation, being stationed at Coblenz. Returning to America, August 28, 1919, he was mustered out of serv- ice as a non-commissioned officer, and upon his return to civil life returned to the Clarion Normal School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1920. He had already de- termined that he would enter the osteopathic profession, and with that end in view he began study in the Philadelphia School of Osteopathy, where he completed his course with the class of 1924. After graduation he more fully prepared for independent practice by going to Grove City, Pennsylvania, where he was connected with an osteopathic hos- pital until December, 1925. He then came to Hazleton, where he has since been success- fully engaged in practice. Along with his general practice he gives special attention to psycho-therapy and to gynecology, and dur- ing the three years in which he has been engaged in practice here he has built up a very substantial practice. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association and of the American Osteopathic Association, and has established a reputation for skill and for discretion in handling difficult cases. Fraternally, he is identified with Clarion Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; and with Caldwell Consistory; and he is also a member of the American Legion. His religious mem- bership is with the Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Glenn Otis Rossman was married, De- cember 29, 1921, to Jeanne Estella Keeler, of St. Petersburgh, Pennsylvania, and they have one daughter, Yvonne Jeanne. The family home is located at No. 83 North Church Street, in Hazleton, and Dr. Rossman has his offices at No. 908 in the Markle Building.
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