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 39
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Dr. Lutes has an active military career to his credit, having served as second lieutenant in the 3d Pennsylvania Field Artillery in the Mexican Border campaign in 1916. His fra- ternai affiliations are with Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 442, Free and Accepted Masons; Caldwell Consistory of the Scottish Rite, of Bloomburg; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and the Junior Order United American Mechanics. His religious connection is Presbyterian by faith.
Dr. Emory Lutes married, October 28, 1909, Virginia Allen, cf Sweet Valley, Pennsyl- vania, daughter of Charles B. and Eleanora (Zimmerman) Allen.
FRANK L. PINOLA-Only one year old when his parents moved from Scranton, where he had been born January 27, 1893, Frank L. Pinola grew up in West Pittston. He attended the public schools through high school and was graduated at the head of the class of 1910. He continued to live in West Pittston until 1925, when he moved to Kingston. Louis and Caroline (Perrotti) Pinola, his father and mother, have two other sons and two daugh- ters: 1. Joseph J., of West Pittston. 2. Sam- nel J., of Pittston. 3. Theresa, married to Michael J. Clark, of Wilkes-Barre. 4. Lena, who lives at home with her parents in West Pittston. The father is a retired merchant.
Frank L. Pinola attended Cornell Univer- sity one year and then entered the Law School of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received the degree Bachelor of Laws in the class of 1915. In the autumn
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. of that year he was admitted to the Luzerne County Bar, but on receiving the Gowen Fellowship for special studies at the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania, he spent the year 1916 in research.
He enlisted as a private in 1917 in the 311th Field Artillery at Camp Meade, after which he attended the Third Officers' Training School at Camp Meade. He was commis- sioned a second lieutenant of field artillery on June 1, 1918. He was promoted to first lieutenant on October 10 of the same year, and was made a captain of field artillery on November 2, 1918. He was stationed at Camp Funston, Kansas, with the 30th Field Artil- lery at the time of the Armistice and was mustered out of the service early in 1919.
The United States Supreme Court admitted him to practice in 1919 when he returned to civil life. He maintains offices in the Miners' Bank Building in the city of Wilkes-Barre, and in the Liberty National Bank Building in the city of Pittston. From 1919 to 1926 he was United States Commissioner at Pittston.
In addition to his law practice he is inter- ested in banking, being president of the Lib- erty National Bank of Pittston and a director of the First National Bank of Exeter.
He is a member of the American Bar Asso- ciation and the Fox Hill Country Club. He has been very active in the American Legion. having served as Commander of the Depart- ment of Pennsylvania and for two terms as chairman of the National Americanism Com- mission of the American Legion. He was also first Commander of the West Pittston Post, No. 542, which he organized in 1920. He is a Republican in political affiliation and a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Wilkes-Barre.
Attorney Pinola was married on September 1, 1917, to Helen Nicholson, daughter of James and Ellen (Harding) Nicholson, of West Pitt- ston. They have a daughter, Helen Gloria. The family reside in a beautiful home at No. 85 James Street, Kingston.
LEON J. KNORR, D. D. S .- The town of Nanticoke is proud to claim as one of its outstanding sons, Dr. Leon J. Knorr, one of the youngest and most successful dentists in the entire State of Pennsylvania. The profession of dentistry has made such re- markable strides forward within the past decade and so many new discoveries have heen made, regarding the connection and effect which the teeth exercise on the human system and its various organs, that this town is fortunate, indeed, to have the serv- ice of one who has had the benefit of the most modern and scientific training, and who is ever alert to the use of new and improved methods as they are steadily discovered. Although Dr. Knorr has been engaged in the practice of his profession here but a short time, since his graduation from college in 1926, he has attracted a large and discrimi- nating clientele, who appreciate his careful and considerate manner and his expert skill which he has demonstrated to the complete satisfaction of so many patients.
Dr. Knorr was horn in Nantlcoke, June 24, 1904, son of Leo and Mary (Shappart) Knorr, both of whom are living in Nanticoke. He was educated in the public schools of this town and graduated from high school with the class of 1922, after which he entered the University of Pittsburgh, and applied himself to the difficult and exacting work of the dental course which he thoroughly mastered, recelving his degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery with the class of 1926. He then
returned to Nanticoke and opened his pro- fessional office in Room 2, Challenger Build- ing, where he has ever since continued to receive the confidence and admiration of all his fellow-citizens. His success has been due greatly to his affable and sympathetic man- ner, accomplishing the maximum of work with the minimum of discomfort to his pa- tient. In the civic affairs of Nanticoke, he takes a prominent part and is ever active in promoting all projects which have for their purpose the advancement and improvement of the welfare of the community. Dr. Knorr is a member of the Luzerne County Dental Society, the State Dental Association, and the Nanticoke Society. His religious affilia- tions are with St. Francis' Roman Catholic Church.
JOSEPH P. MARTINI-A native of Switzer- land, Joseph P. Martini has been a resident of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, since he was nine years of age and has made his own way in life by dint of ability and hard work. As a boy in the mines, he used every possible moment in securing an education, and later when he became associated with the silk throwing business of which he is now super- intendent, he began at the very bottom and worked his way up to his present responsible position. In addition to the responsibilities of his position as superintendent in the employ of the Nanticoke Silk Throwing Com- pany, located on Washington Street, in Nan- ticoke, Mr. Martini is also one of the or- ganizers and secretary-treasurer of the Martini Throwing Company, at Shick shinny, Pennsylvania.
Frank Martini, fatner of Joseph P. Mar- tini, was born in Austria and came to this country in 1893, locating near Freeland, Luzerne County. During the early years of his residence in this country Frank Martini was a miner, hut later he entered the employ of Peter F. Magagna, Sr., proprietor of a prosperous silk throwing industry at White Haven, to which place he removed. He is still in the employ of Mr. Magagna, and he and his wife, Mary make their home In White Haven ..
Joseph P. Martini, son of Frank and Mary Martini, was born in Switzerland, October 30, 1884, and was brought to this country by his parents when he was nine years of age. The hardships and responsibilities of life began early for him, and he was only ten years of age when he went to work as a breaker boy in the mines. Though his work was hard and discouraging, and not very well paid, he was fortunate enough to be privileged to attend the public schools "between times," and he was also ambitious and aspiring enough to add to the day's hard work in the mines, hours of close, hard study in the evening schools. Thus, working and studylng, he continued for a period of eight years, as breaker boy and later as miner, and during this time he had learned many more lessons than those he received in school. At eighteen, his determination to make the most of his opportunities, wherever he found them, and to prepare himself for the next highest job in sight, had not altered, and when the op- portunity came he entered the employ of Peter F. Magagna, thus beginning his long connection with the silk throwing business. Beginning in the humblest position he worked steadily and faithfully, winning the substan- tial rewards of hetter financial return and of promotion to more responsible positions until finally, in 1917, he was made superin- tendent of the plant. He knows the busi- ness "from the ground up," and he also knows
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how to secure the full and willing coopera- tion of his men.
The Nanticoke Silk Throwing Company, located at Washington Street, in Nanticoke, was established In 1905, by Peter F. Magagna, Sr., who operated to the time of his death, when the business was continued by his widow, with Peter F. Magagna, Jr., as man- ager. The concern has grown and now (1928) operates ten thousand spindles and employs one hundred and twenty-five operatives. The establishment confines its attention to slik throwing entirely, and holds an assured place in this department of the silk manufacturing Industry.
While giving the fullest and most satis- factory service as superintendent of the Nan- ticoke Silk Throwing Company, Mr. Martini has also found time for independent con- structive work in the same field. He is one of the organizers of the Martini Throwing Company at Shickshinny, Pennsylvania, a partnership concern, which he officially serves as secretary-treasurer. He is a member of the Silk Throwsters Division of the Silk Asso- ciation of America, and is one of the pro- gressive and able men of the trade. Mr. Martini is a member of the Knights of Colum- bus and of the Woodmen of the World, also of the Holy Name Society, and his religious affiliation is with St. Francis Roman Catholic Church.
Joseph P. Martini married Mary Magagna, and they have become the parents of six children: 1. Mary Philamina. 2. Joseph Albert. 3. Aloysius Victor. 4. Rita Frances. 5. Arthur. 6. Dorothy. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Martini and their family is at No. 421 East Ridge Street, in Nanticoke.
MICHAEL J. MURPHY, M. D .- As a young man with a brilliant future before him, Dr. Michael J. Murphy of Pittson, Pennsylvania, has shown in the short time he has been in the practice of medicine in this commun- ity an ability and zeal which have won for him the confidence of a constantly increas- ing practice and widening circle of friends and clients who are loyal in their support of this talented young physician. Dr. Murphy is the son of Thomas and Catherine (Langan) Murphy, both of whom are now deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were natives of Pittston where Mr. Murphy was engaged in the business of mining.
Michael J. Murphy was born at Pittston, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1899. His early childhood and boyhood was spent here where he grew up with friends who now form the coterie of companions of his manhood and with whom he is very popular. He at- tended the public schools of Pittston and after that he attended the Wyoming Sem- inary and finishing that course of prepara- tory work, he matriculated at Georgetown University where he graduated in the class of 1922 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He then continued his graduate work at the same institution taking up the study of medicine, and in 1924 he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
After obtaining his degree as a Doctor of Medicine, Dr. Murphy took his interneship at the General Hospital of Wilkes-Barre and after completing that work, in 1925, he began his private practice in his native town of Pittston. Here his skill has been recognized, although he has been in the practice for only a few years, and he has his office in the Dime Bank Building. He is the secretary of the staff as well as the pathologist of the Pitts- ton Hospital where he takes an active Inter- est in carrying on the work of this Institu- tion for the benefit of the community. He
keeps abreast of all that is progressive in the medical profession, and with the ardour of a young man is tireless in his efforts to give this community the very best that can be given in the way of hospital service.
Dr. Murphy is a member of the County Medical Society, the State Medical Society and American Medical Association. Through these organizations, he keeps in close touch with all the highest thought in the med- ical profession of the country, and through the meetings of these various societies he comes into actual contact with the men of his profession among whom he has so ably taken his place in the world.
Dr. Murphy is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He is one of the rising young men in his profession in Luzerne County. With his many friends and his ability he is sure to make for himself a mark of distinction.
HARRY E. JONES-The history of com- mercial development gives an important place to merchants who have been those to supply the needs of their fellowmen and create markets for wares of different kinds throughout the world. Among the merchants of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, is Harry E. Jones, proprietor of a men's furnishing store at No. 488 Main Street, Edwardsville, where he carries on this line of business and also does a good business in sign painting, a line he has been engaged in for a number of years. Mr. Jones is the son of Richard E. and Anna (Allen) Jones, his father who was born in Luzerne County in 1863, and died in 1912, was a miner; his mother, who is still living, was born in Nanticoke, Pennsyl- vania, in 1865.
Harry E. Jones was born in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, September 21, 1893. After ob- taining a public school education he entered a business college and prepared himself for the career which he has since followed with such good success. He began work as a miner and from that he became a sign painter and his work was in such demand that he opened his own shop at No. 488 Main Street and engaged in that line of work until 1924 when in addition to the sign paint- ing business he established a men's furnish- ings and haberdashery shop also at the same address. Both this, and the sign painting business are in Mr. Jones' own name and though he is busy with carrying on this extensive work, he still finds time for civic duty and service to the community. In politics Mr. Jones is a Republican and he is now serving his second term as a burgess in the town of Edwardsville. He was elected first, in 1921. In 1927, he made the race for county treasurer but was defeated. He is a member of Lodge No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Loyal Order of Moose; the Owls; the Junior Order United American Mechanics; and the Baptist Church. Mr. Jones finds recreation in fishing and athletics.
BENNET J. McGUIRE, M. D .- One of the younger members of the medical profession of the Wyoming Valley district of Pennsyl- vania, who Is steadily rising in the Impor- tance of his work, is Bennet J. McGuire, of Pittston, of whom his fellow-citizens hope- fully expect great achievements In the career he has chosen. In carving a name for hlm- self in this exacting profession, in which the membership is of the highest grade in edu- cation, Dr. McGuire brings to his ald an unusual experience for a practitioner of his years and a native ability that assures him
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a commanding position as the years pass on their way. Associated with men of erndi- tien and experience, a young and ambitious physician profits by such professional com- panionship in direct ratio with his desires to forge to the front. Those who have observed Dr. McGuire's activities feel assured that he is such a man and that he will ever be a credit to the medical profession and to the citizenry of which he is a member.
He was born in Sebastopol, Pittston, Penn- sylvania, January 14, 1896, a son of Martin and Bridget (McNamara) McGuire, both de- ceased. His father was a native of Carbon- dale, Pennsylvania, and represented in Pitts- ton the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, of New York. His mother was a native of County Mayo, Ireland. Their son was edu- cated in the public schools here and at the Medical School of the University of Pitts- burgh, from which last-named institution he was graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine in 1925. He then became an interne in the Station Hospital at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, where he served with the rank of first lieutenant in the Medical Reserve Corps for one year. Returning to Pittston, he located in practice, maintaining his residence at No. 287 South Main Street with offices also in the Dime Bank Building. He is a member of the State and County Medical societies and of the American Medical Asso- ciation and is on the staff of the Pittston State Hospital. His church is St. John's Roman Catholic.
Bennet J. McGuire married, June 14, 1924, Mary Bernice Doverspike, of New Bethle- hem, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of one child, John Martin. Mrs. McGuire is a graduate of Carnegie Institute of Technology, of Pittsburgh, and is a member of the Women's Club of Pittston. Dr. McGuire still holds the rank of first lieutenant in the Medical Reserve Corps, United States Army.
PHILIP T. LECHER-The family of the surname Lecher, and, of which Philip T. Lecher, Nanticoke, is a member, is of Eng- lish origin. It was founded in America by John Lecher, father of Philip T. Lecher, who was born in the British Isles, there grew to manhood, and in 1866 came to the United States. He made residence and estab- lished his family at Dover, Morris County, New Jersey. There for more than eight years he did business as proprietor of a book store, news dealer, steamship ticket broker, and operator of an exchange bureau for foreign money. In 1875 John Lecher came with his family to Luzerne County, remained here a scant twelve months, and removed to the West. For two years he was established in business at Virginia City, Nevada, then, in 1879, returned to Luzerne County, taking up residence and business in Nanticoke, where the family has since made its head- quarters. Here John Lecher reconstructed his book store along the lines of the one at Dover, New Jersey. Within a short time he had attained to a position of prestige in this community. Then he added to his stock in trade a variety of small articles. It was at this time that he received an offer from S. H. Kress, who had meanwhile become owner or controller of a great chain of stores in the Southeastern and Southern States, dealing in articles of low price, from ten cents upward; and Mr. Lecher sold the store to Mr. Kress, who incorporated it within the then modest chain which he directed. John Lecher opened another store, however, and this he operated until his death, in 1890,
which occurred when he was fifty-eight years of age. He was one of the best known citi- zens of the community, constantly active in its affairs. He was a trustee of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church of Nanticoke, and inspired those about him to lead better lives. John Lecher married, in England, before he came to America, Jane Tanguay. They had ten children: 1. Isabelle, deceased, who was the wife of William Retallick. 2. William, retired from business, resident in Orange, New Jersey. 3. John H., vice-president of the First National Bank, Nanticoke, resident of Wilkes-Barre. 4. Charles, deceased. 5. Alfred, of the State of Oregon. 6. James, of Morris County, New Jersey. 7. Philip T., of whom further. S. Frederick, of Wilkes- Barre. 9. Ellen, deceased, was the wife of Isaac Dieter. 10. Fannie, deceased, was the wife of John Hamilton.
Philip T. Lecher, seventh child and sixth son of John and Jane (Tanguay) Lecher, was born in England, March 30, 1862, and came with his parents to the United States. He attended the public schools of Dover, New Jersey, and at the age of fourteen years, in Nanticoke, started to work in the mines. Later he learned the trade of plastering, and this he followed, as a successful contractor and man of means, until his retirement, in 1926. In the commercial circles of Nanticoke and centers nearby Mr. Lecher has created an excellent reputation in matters of husi- ness. It is said of him, that, when in the contracting work which made up his career, he never failed to execute an obligation, or to execute it rightly and almost invariably within the briefest possible period of time. He is today one of the respected citizens of his community, having a hearty interest in its welfare, here esteemed sincerely for the loyalty of his public spiritedness. Like his father, Mr. Lecher is a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Nanti- coke, and has been active within it. Toward charity he is ever of large heart, giving liberally to all worthy causes, without regard for race or creed whence an appeal may emanate. Although he found himself some- what advanced in years for duty in the military during the World War, Mr. Lecher served his country loyally, tirelessly, on the various boards and committees engaged in war work, and was of great assistance in the several campaigns of the Liberty Loan.
In 1886, Philip T. Lecher was united in marriage with Marilla Wolliver, of Stuarts- ville, New Jersey, daughter of a Civil War veteran who fought under Union colors and descendant of Revolutionary stock. To this union were born two children: 1. Robert B. (q. v.), doctor of dental science, prac- ticing in Nanticoke. 2. Ruth Ann, wife of Andrew Nicholas, freight solicitor for the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, New York City; they live in Irvington, New Jersey, and have two children, Robert and Philip.
HOBERT B. LECHER, D. D. S .- Eldest child and only son of Philip T. and Marilla (Wol- liver) Lecher, and grandson of John Lecher, who came to the United States from Eng- land in 1866, Robert B. Lecher was born in Nanticoke, March 31, 1889, and is of the third generation of his family to reside in Nanti- coke.
Robert B. Lecher here secured his basic and academic training in the public schools, then studied in Conway Hall Preparatory School, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and matric- ulated in the University of Pittsburgh, where he was graduated in 1916, with the degree of Doctor of Dental Science. Without delay Dr. Lecher opened offices in Scranton,
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Pennsylvanla, and had his practice well be- gun, indeed, when early in the spring of 1917 the United States declared existence of a state of warfare with Germany. In July of that year, Dr. Lecher enlisted in the serv- ice of his country, and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Dental Corps, sta- tioned at Camp Meade, Washington, District of Columbia. Later he was stationed at other centers, and finally at points along the Atlantic between Boston, Massachusetts, and Newport News. After two years of service he was mustered out, in July, 1919, then resumed the course of his profession where he had dropped it, though on this occasion he opened offices in Wilkes-Barre. And in Wilkes-Barre he practiced until 1921, when he returned to the city of his birth, here to practice. During the years that have fol- lowed he has had no cause to regret this move. His prestige in professional circles has mounted steadily; and more, he is ac- counted among the foremost of public- spirlted citizens of the community, sincerely and generally liked not alone for profes- sional excellence and skill, but also for those qualities of character which he possesses that tend naturally to enrich the holder in friendship. Dr. Lecher is a member of a number of dental organizations. These in- clude the Nanticoke, Luzerne County and Susquehanna societies, and the State and national associations. He belongs to the Military Dental Surgeons, the American Legion, and Delta Sigma Delta college fra- ternity. He is affiliated with Nanticoke Lodge, No. 541, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member of the Craftsmen's Club and Kiwanis Club. He is one of the dental staff in attendance at Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre; has been connected with the Hospital Corps, 9th Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard, as sergeant, and for a time was scout master of the Nanticoke Boy Scouts of America. A Republican, Dr. Lecher Is possessed of a considerable political in- fluence, and when he chooses to use it is in a position to do so with effect, through the agency of his friends, quietly. He is active In all civic affairs, as is his father and was his grandfather before him in Nanticoke and, as they, is a communicant of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.
Dr. Lecher married (first) Alice Finch, of Wilkes-Barre, member of a family old in the history of the Wyoming Valley. She died in 1920, leaving one child, Jean. Dr. Lecher married (second) Estelle Edwards, who was a teacher in the public schools of Nanticoke. Mrs. Lecher is active in the Craftsmen's Auxiliary, and in the Protestant Episcopal Church. The family residence is at No. 686 East Main Street, Nanticoke.
HAROLD KRAPF-As proprietor of the Krapf Baking, Confectionery, and Ice Cream Establishment, at Nos. 61-63 South Wyoming Street, Harold Krapf directs the affairs of one of the finest and most successful con- cerns in Hazleton. On his own premises Mr. Krapf does all his baking, manufactures ice cream, and a fair share of his candies, employing in this work some ten people. The uniform high quality of his products is assured by the care with which he selects his ingredients, and the personal supervision which he gives to every department of his organization. Mr. Krapf caters only to the highest type of patronage, serving weddings, church fairs, festivals, parties and similar affairs.
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