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 3
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Alexander J. Pringle, father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Plymouth, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1824, and came to Kingston as a teacher in the pub- lic schools. He taught in the Wilkes-Barre public schools from 1853 to 1862. In 1860 he was made a trustee of the Wyoming Seminary, in which capacity he continued to serve throughout the remainder of his life, being treasurer of the board from 1872 until his death. Alexander J. Pringle enjoyed the highest respect of the people about Wilkes-Barre and Kingston and was ac- corded many positions of trust. He was a trustee and treasurer of the Kingston Methodist Episcopal Church and contributed to and aided in the erection, in 1872 and 1873, of the church building which now stands. He was one of the organizers and first directors of the Wilkes- Barre Deposit and Savings Bank in 1871, a trustee for a number of years of the Forty Fort Cemetery Asso- ciation, and served as executive and trustee of innumer- able estates. He established the general store which his son later took over and operated it several years before his death August 12, 1881. He married, October 21, 1858, Mary Price, daughter of George and Clarissa (Cooper) Price. Nelson George Pringle was their one child.
Mr. Pringle attended Wyoming Seminary, graduating with the class of 1879, and then went to Yale University, where he was with the class of 1884, but in the mean- time his father's death had occurred and he had assumed active management of the Kingston store, assuming, along with his business affairs, his father's responsibilities in community life. He aided in work of the Methodist Church and, Republican in politics, exerted his influence to keep able men in local offices. Mr. Pringle was a member of Yale Alumni Association, of which he was
secretary and treasurer for some time; a member of Sigma Epsilon Fraternity and the Westmoreland Club:
On January 3, 1884, Mr. Pringle married Saralı Aldula Copeland, who died April 19, 1922, daughter of Dr. David and Sarah (Wheelock) Copeland, thereby joining two families both noted in educational work, for Dr. Cope- land was president of Wyoming Seminary for ten years, from 1872 to 1882. Born at Braintree, Vermont, Decem- ber 21, 1832, he was graduated from Wesleyan Uni- versity, Middletown, Connecticut, in 1855 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1858 he commenced his work as teacher, joining the Genesee Conference. From that time on he taught in religions schools of the East and Middle West, coming to Kingston upon taking up the work at Wyoming Seminary. He married, in 1857, Saralı Wheelock, daughter of Hon. David and Amelia (Davis) Wheelock of Royalton, Vermont. Dr. Copeland held a number of scholastic and honorary degrees. He was given a Master of Arts degree by Wesleyan Univer- sity ; won his Ph. D. degree from Lafayette College in 1875, and held a D. D. degree from both Wesleyan and Syracuse universities.
From the union of the Copeland and Pringle families were born two daughters, Elizabeth Harvey Pringle, edu- cated at Wilkes-Barre Institute; graduated from Wyo- ming Seminary in 1909; Vassar College in 1913, with the Bachelor of Arts degree, and Bertha Aldula Pringle, also educated at Wiikes-Barre Institute, graduate of Wyoming Seminary in 1912, and Vassar College in 1916, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Both daughters reside at No. 245 College Avenue, Kingston,
CHARLES ERNEST BANKER-Energetic, ambi- tious and successful, Charles E. Banker, a leading coal operator and dealer of Wilkes-Barre, is an example to all who would prove for themselves that taking advantage of opportunities to improve one's talents is sure to win the race in the pursuit of success. Mr. Banker is the son of the late Charles H. Banker, who died December 23, 1926, and Emma Banker, still living in Wilkes-Barre. Charles H. Banker was the son of Philip Banker, a well-known contractor and builder of Wilkes-Barre, who erected many of the churches, schools and other public buildings in and around this city. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Banker: I. P. W., who has a drug store in Wilkes-Barre and also in Kingston, Penn- sylvania. 2. Willamina, who is a trained nurse. 3. Martha, who is the wife of Norman Hoover of Wilkes- Barre. 4. Elizabeth, the wife of Fred. Lamereaux of Forty Fort, Luzerne County. 5. Charles Ernest, of whom further. 6. Elsie, the wife of Arthur E. Morgan oi Wilkes-Barre. 7. George F. 8. Clara E., accountant for the various companies.
Charles Ernest Banker was born in the city of Wilkes- Barre, November 1, 1887. He grew up in his native city, where he attended the public schools and graduated from the high school in the class of 1904. After leaving school, he took a position as a clerk in the office of the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, where he re- mained for ten years. After that time, he went into the mine operating side of the coal business and became a wholesale dealer in coal which he has continued with good success ever since. His field of activity is by no means confined to one locality, he is president of the Banker Coal Company and the Lehigh and Wyoming Valley Coal Company in the State of Pennsylvania, and president of the City Coal Company of Binghamton and Hornell, New York. Also he is vice-president of the Central Coal Company of Hudson, Luzerne County, and Lehigh Coal Company of Hazleton. When one considers that Mr. Banker began his business career without capital and his present holdings and operations are entirely the result of his personal efforts, it is easy to recognize why he is generally termed one of the leading men in this community. He is a member of Lodge No. 61, Free and Accepted Masons, Wilkes-Barre; Shekinah Chapter, No. 82, Royal Arch Masons; Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 45, Knights Templar; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Irem Country Club; Wyoming Lodge, No. 39, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Franklin Club, United Sportsmen of Pennsylvania; the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce; the Pennsylvania State Chamber of Commerce and the United States Chamber of Com- merce. He is a Republican in politics and member of the Lutheran Church.
On December 11, 1911, Charles Ernest Banker mar- ried Mabel Fregans, daughter of Frederick and Alice ( Fell) Fregans, of Wilkes-Barre. They have three chil- dren : Alice F., Jane L., and Ernestine Clair.
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Charles Ernest Banker
Jany L.Freeman
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SAMUEL J. REYNOLDS-Working for four years at the hard task of a breaker boy at the coal mines, when he was sixteen years of age Samuel J. Reynolds determined to make something of himself and undertook to learn carpentry. Industrious and intelligent, ambitious and frugal, keen witted and scrupulously honest, he could not fail in his quest for fortune, which has answered his demand by virtue of his hard work and unflagging de- votion to a single cause. Honors have come to him because of his outstanding citizenship, wherein he has ever displayed the keenest interest in affairs of worthy concern to the people at large. He has been chosen for clective office by unanimous selection and in every case has so administered his posts that satisfaction has been widespread. He is a man of the people, a citizen of highest probity, a worker who has been a mighty power in the growth and development of Plymouth and the surrounding district of Pennsylvania.
He was born in Plymouth, August 13, 1879, a son of Samuel Reynolds, a native of England and a stationary engineer, who died in 1921, and of Mary (Hoskin) Reynolds, also English, whose death occurred in 1920. Samuel was educated in the public schools of Plymouth, leaving them at the age of twelve years to work on the coal breakers. When he was sixteen he began the prac- tical study of carpentry, at the same time taking the con- tractor's and builder's course at the International Corres- pondence Schools, at Scranton. Completing this course in 1906, he formed a partnership with William M. Long and established a contracting and building business, which they continued together until 1914, in which year the association was severed and Mr. Reynolds has since operated independently, employing an average of twelve men. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is on the official board, as well as the building committee for the remodel- ing of the edifice. He was elected to membership in the City Council in 1922 and reelected without opposition in 1927 for a four-year term. He was the first and second vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce and on Jan- uary 1, 1928, was elected to the presidency of that organi- zation. Since 1920 he has been treasurer of Plymouth Fire Company, No. I. His fraternal affiliations include the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Patriotic Order Sons of America, Junior Order United American Me- chanics, Foresters of America, Lodge No. 2; Knights of Pythias, Radiant Lodge, No. 178; and the Kiwanis Club, of which he is a charter member. For two years just passed he has been chairman of the Crippled Children's Committee of the last named organization and had charge of the federation drive for Plymouth of the Kiwanis Club.
Samuel J. Reynolds married, December 24, 1906, Frankie Dodson, daughter of John and Jane Dodson, one of the pioneer families of Plymouth, Pennsylvania.
EDGAR B. STRYKER-In the active business life of Nanticoke, Edgar B. Stryker is one of the foremost leaders in his capacity as proprietor of the Buick Sales & Service Station, located at No. 20 West Broad Street, serving the needs and requirements of the motorists of this community as well as tourists and travelers in this section of the State. Mr. Stryker has achieved a splendid reputation for the superior service afforded by his garage and repair department and his establishment is well known by Pennsylvania autoists for its absolute dependa- bility in both materials and supplies and the courteous manner in which all needs are attended. In promoting the progress and development of this community, he has been of invaluable assistance by creating a feeling of good-will and affability among the travelers stopping in this city who take away with them the most favorable impressions of this city and its people. He also served as a deputy sheriff in 1913-16.
Mr. Stryker was born in Neshanic, New Jersey, Feb- ruary 27, 1889, son of William and Mary ( Agens) Stryker. William Stryker, who is now deceased, was a farmer for many years in Somerset County, New Jersey, and was a highly esteemed and respected member of his vicinity.
Edgar B. Stryker was educated in the public schools of New Jersey and grew to manhood on the family home- stead. After finishing his formal education at Coleman's Business College, he embarked on his business career at the age of sixteen, and was connected with a grocery organization for two years, familiarizing himself with this enterprise and acquiring a thorough and excellent knowledge of business principles. Going to New York City, he was associated for three years with the firm of Jelliff, Wright & Company, after which he returned to
the old homestead and remained three years, assisting his father in agricultural pursuits. Returning to the grocery business, he continued in this line until 1916, when he came to Wilkes-Barre and accepted a position in the repair department of the automobile firm of Henderson & Cohh. His satisfactory service and expert knowledge caused him to progress rapidly until 1921, when he came to West Nanticoke and opened an independent garage, holding the agency for Buick cars, carrying on a large and prosperous business at that location for four years, being one of the west side's foremost men in commercial affairs. In August, 1925, Mr. Stryker moved to his present location in Nanticoke and ever since his opening of this modern and improved enterprise, he has been consistently successful, maintaining a public garage of the finest type, car storage in perfect safety and assur- ance, automobile salėsrooms of a distinctive, attractive nature, and a service station that is unrivalled for quality workmanship and efficiency. The reputation of his repair department has spread throughout this vicinity and as a result he employs five men steadily in this branch of the business alone to care for the continual demand for prompt and perfect repairs. In his agency for the Buick automobiles, he covers the territory embracing Lower Askin, Hanover, Wanamie, Aldin, Glen Lyon, Huntock's Creek, West Nanticoke to Avondale and Nanticoke. In the civic life of Nanticoke, Mr. Stryker takes a prominent part and can always be depended upon to aid by his influence and support every movement which has for its purpose the advancement or improvement of the town and its people. His popularity in fraternal associations is attested by his membership in Nanticoke Lodge, No. 541, Free and Accepted Masons; Keystone Consistory ; and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is an active member of the American Legion and during the World War saw considerable active service. Mr. Stryker enlisted in the United States Army, July, 1917, and was attached to the 312th Ammu- nition Train, 87th Division, spending three weeks at Camp Dix. after which, with his outfit, he sailed from Montreal, Canada, to Southampton, England, and thence to Le Havre, France, where they entrained for Bordeaux, France. He was stationed in France until after the Armistice, being mustered out of service in March, 1919.
Edgar B. Stryker married, May 30, 1917, May L. Rit- tenmeyer, of Wilkes-Barre, and they reside at 121 East Main Street, Nanticoke. They also have a summer home at Sylvian Lake. Mr. Stryker, although still a compara- tively young man, has established a splendid position for himself in the commercial life of this section of Pennsyl- vania, and his career is a remarkable example of unflag- ging energy and constant striving to attain his desired goal.
HARRY L. FREEMAN-Long established as a gen- eral law practitioner in which he has made a most desirable and pleasing record in the courts of Luzerne County, Harry L. Freeman has attained distinction as a pleader and as a legal advisor, both in behalf of leading local financial institutions and the individual clientele. Honors have come to him mainly because of his personal and unaided effort to attain the best things in his profes- sion, and because of his strict adherence to high prin- ciple and integrity of purpose.
Harry L. Freeman was born November 23, 1877, in Plymouth, a son of Leopold and Rosa (Steindler) Free- man, natives of Austria, the father dying November 3. 1914. Leopold Freeman came to the United States in 1865, and he enlisted in the United States Army for about one year. Coming to Wilkes-Barre in 1866, he removed to Plymouth in 1867, where he was employed in business for about forty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman were the parents of twelve children: Alfred Freeman, a New York City architect; Harry L. Freeman, of whom further : Martha Freeman, who married Abram S. Galland, of Wilkes-Barre; Frances Freeman, who married the late Isadore Glou; Ida Freeman, deceased, married Arthur A. Caspar, deceased; Stella Freeman. married Harry Weis, of Sunbury, Pennsylvania ; Stanley L. Freeman, M. D., a Wilkes-Barre physician; Jerome Freeman, a merchant of Bloomsburg, Sydney Freeman. a merchant at Wilkes-Barre; Kathryn Freeman, who resides in New York City; Miriam Freeman, married Dr. Julian Long, of Wilkes-Barre; Milton Freeman. deceased in childhood. Mrs. Freeman, who is seventy- two years old, has resided at Plymouth for the past fifty years.
Harry L. Freeman attended the Plymouth public schools, and was graduated at the Harry Hillman Acad- emy in Wilkes-Barre. In 1900, he entered upon the
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study of law in the offices of Judge Seligman J. Strauss, and he was admitted to the Luzerne County Bar on January 6, 1902. Active in his profession for over a quarter of a century, Mr. Freeman is a member of the board of directors and is attorney for the Plymouth National Bank; he is attorney for the borough of Lu- zerne; a member of the Luzerne County Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania State Bar Association; and has practiced before the Superior and Supreme courts of Pennsylvania, and the Federal courts of the United States. In political matters, he votes an Independent ticket. He is director of the Chamber of Commerce of Plymouth and the Kiwanis Club of Plymouth.
Harry L. Freeman married, April 22, 1903, Mary Boyes, of Germantown, Pennsylvania, daughter of James and Mary (Keath) Boyes. Their children: Leo B. Freeman, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania ; now pursuing a medical course at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Graduate School; Dorothy R., a graduate at Cedar Crest College, at Allentown, Penn- sylvania.
ROBERT A. LENTZ-One of the leading business men of Freeland, Pennsylvania, is Robert A. Lentz, pro- prietor of the extensive lumber yards situated at the foot of Washington Street. The business was founded in 1912, and has grown rapidly and steadily. Mr. Lentz has been a resident of Freeland since 1892, and is a carpenter by trade, but he has been engaged in contracting and build- ing in this vicinity for more than thirty years. His prac- tical experience as a carpenter fitted him for the man- agement of his contracting and lumber business, and he also handles a full line of hardware. He is active in local affairs and is well known in fraternal circles.
Robert A. Lentz was born in Washington Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, December 9, 1867, son of Dr. and Mary (Fenstmacher) Lentz. He received his education in his native county, and then learned the car- penter's trade. In the spring of 1892, he came to Luzerne County, locating in Freeland, and here followed his trade. As time passed he engaged in contracting on his own account. He was successful as a contractor, and, realiz- ing the advantages of handling his own lumber, he de- cided, after some twenty years of experience, to establish a lumber business and operate that in connection with his activities as a contractor and builder. Accordingly, in 1912, he began handling lumber in a small way, increas- ing the amount of stock carried as his patronage grew. His practical knowledge of the carpenter's trade added to his experience as a contracting builder enabled him to know most thoroughly the needs of those who purchase his line of goods in this locality, and success came to him in abundant measure. His plant is located at the foot of Washington Street, in Freeland, and from the small beginnings of his venture into this enterprise, his business has grown to proportions which require the use of his extensive yards covering 125 by 270 feet of ground space, upon which he has erected sheds for drying, stor- age, etc. He carries not only lumber but all kinds of building materials, including hardware, and for many years now his has been one of the leading lumber estab- lishments of Freeland. He has continued his operations as a building contractor, erecting all kinds of structures and giving employment to ten or twelve men. He has consistently limited his huilding operations to Freeland and vicinity, and here he has long ago established a reputation for excellent workmanship and for honest business dealings. While achieving marked success in his business, Mr. Lentz does not fail to find time for personal and active interest in the affairs of the borough. He has served as a member of the borough council, and is always ready to support any well planned project for the improvement of the place. He is a member of Lodge No. 1145, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; of Arbutus Lodge, No. 611, Free and Accepted Masons ; also of Lehigh Consistory; and he holds membership in the Patriotic Order Sons of America and in the Junior Order United American Mechanics. His religious interest is with the Reformed Church of Freeland, of which he is a communicant and which he serves as a member of the official board.
Robert A. Lentz was married, August 13, 1891, to Lillian Mohr, of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, daughter of Tilman Mohr, and they are the parents of ten children : I. Mamie, wife of Harry Horrax, of Oakdale. 2. Charles, who is associated with his father in business; married Ruth Williams. 3. Harold, also with his father. 4. Edith. 5. Howard. 6. Ida. 7. Ferris. 8. Minerva. 9. Jennie. 10. Ruth. The family home is located at No. 966 West Wal- nut Street, in Freeland.
JOSEPH P. BURKE, M. D., is of the third gen- eration of the family in this country and in Pittston. His grandparents, both paternal and maternal, who established the family here, came from County Mayo, Ireland, a county which has contributed to this region through its emigrants and their descendants many of the most patri- otic and valuable citizens. Oliver Burke, the doctor's paternal grandfather, married Barbara McDonald. His maternal grandparents were Peter and Julia Cowley.
Dr. Joseph P. Burke, one of a family of twelve chil- dren, was born in Pittston, March 22, 1883, son of Oliver E. and Julia (Cawley) Burke. He did his college pre- paratory work in local schools and then matriculated at Holy Cross College, Worcester, Massachusetts, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He then entered the Medical School of George- town University, and graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Then to gain practical experience he served a period as interne in St. Joseph's Hospital, Paterson, New Jersey, and followed this by a term of service as house physician in Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. Thus equipped he began the private practice of his profession in Pittston in 1914. He was progressing at a very satis- factory rate when the United States entered the World War. Then, of course, he could do naught but set per- sonal interests aside and enlist to fight the foes of democracy. On September 10, 1917, he entered the Medi- cal Department of the 102d Infantry, 26th Division and sailed for France two days later. He participated in the Seicheprey defensive, St. Mihiel offensive, and Chavingion defensive. He was taken prisoner at the latter engage- ment on April 20, 1918, and held until after the signing of the Armistice. He was mustered out of the service in the spring of 1919 with the rank of lieutenant.
Dr. Burke is a member of the county and State medical societies and of the American Medical Association. He is a member of the staff of St. Mary's Keller Hospital. His fraternal memberships are in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and Phi Beta Pi.
On June 25, 1920, Dr. Joseph P. Burke married Rose Conway of Scranton. They are members of St. John's Roman Catholic Church. Mrs. Burke is an active mem- ber of the Woman's Catholic Club and the Organists Guild of Scranton. The family residence is at 159 Phila- delphia Avenue,. West Pittston.
THOMAS J. LEWIS-Dignity of character, serious entertainment of progressive political questions, tireless industry and devotion to the best interests of his fellow- citizens have together contributed to the esteem in which Thomas J. Lewis, burgess of Freeland, is held by the community. He has accepted office only when it sought him with. convincing force and has administered his charge faithfully and efficiently, adding thereby to his already large circle of staunch friends. From boyhood he has mingled with men of action and industrious pro- duction and has from them absorbed the best knowledge that can be gained from such association, bringing it to bear in his labors in business and in civic activities with happy effect. A man whose life has been spent in hardy labor, he is naturally a leader in outdoor sports, an attribute that has brought to him the admiration and fealty of the younger element and thereby added sup- porters of his cause when he has been induced to enter the political lists as a nominee for office. Mr. Lewis is regarded by his fellow-citizens of the district in which he has long resided, as a worthy member of the body politic.
He was born in Wales, British Isles, August 4, 1865, a son of David and Anna ( Harris) Lewis, and began working in the mines of his native land when he was twelve years of age, continuing until he was seventeen. when he emigrated to the United States and followed a natural path to the anthracite fields of Pennsylvania, locating in Freeland. Here he found employment in the Drifton shops of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company as a laborer. Fidelity to his employers brought reward and promotion came to him from grade to grade until he became foreman of the shops, a position he has held for years and which he has administered to the complete satisfaction of the company, as well as to his force of workers and his own personal credit. He was called to office as treasurer of Foster Township and later was clected burgess of Freeland, which position he has filled since 1925, making an efficient administrator and justify- ing the confidence of the electorate that gave him an overwhelming majority at the election. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Hazleton and attends the Baptist Church.
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