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 5
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Mr. Rogan recalls his soldier days through his membership in Hazleton Post No. 76, American Legion, and has been one of the most vital factors in the many achievements of this post's Americanization work. A de- voted Catholic, he attends St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church, and expedites the work of the local Knights of Columbus organization.
Mr. Rogan married, August 16, 1922, Othella Thomas, daughter of C. J. and Sylvania (Dis- hardt) Thomas, of Carrolltown, and the chil- dren of this marriage are: Camilla Marie, Thomas Patrick, and Paul Joseph. The Rogan family resides at No. 620 West Twelfth Street, Hazleton, while Mr. Rogan has his office in the Markle Building, Hazleton.
GEORGE R. DRAKE, M. D .- With the interests of his community ever in mind, Dr. George R. Drake, of Plymouth, is active in all public affairs, a leader in various civic endeavors and in addition, one of this section's foremost physicians, having con- ducted a large and steadily expanding med- ical practice since coming to this town in 1907. Dr. Drake Is a true follower of this most merciful profession, devoting himself unselfishly to the ald of his fellowmen, work- ing untiringly for the alleviation of the suf- fering and the restoration to health of his patients. In matters concerning public health, he is frequently consulted, while in the realm of medical science he is prominently identified among the leaders of his profession, being a constant and careful student and keeping abreast of every new discovery brought to light, making use of the most modern and progressive methods which have been demonstrated as valuable acquisitions towards medical advancement. In local activities, Dr. Drake is an active factor in
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Richard The theway
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financial affairs besides taking a deep inter- est in educational and athletic endeavors.
Dr. Drake was born in Bristol, Vermont, February 24, 1879, son of Warner T. Drake, born in 1834, and died in 1915, and Eleanor (Roberts) Drake, born in 1842, died in 1906, both of whom were natives of Bristol, Ver- mont. Warner T. Drake was engaged in agriculture all his life.
George R. Drake was educated in the pub- lic schools of his native town and after high school, from which he was graduated in 1898, he entered Middlebury College at Middlebury, Vermont, receiving his degree of Bachelor of Arts with the class of 1902. He then decided to study medicine and entered the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and ap- plied himself to the arduous studies neces- sary for this profession, graduating with the class of 1906 and receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. He served his interne- ship at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for a year, and in 1907 came to Plymouth and opened an office for general medical practice. He immediately made many friends by his courteous manner, considerate treat- ment and expert medical and surgical skill and his practice grew and extended to embrace a large area in and about this town. Dr. Drake's estimable qualities and remarkable ability soon brought him deserved recognition with the result that he was elected to the staff of the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, in which capacity he still continues. Maintaining a deep interest in the rising generation, he has served as coach of the football team of the local high school since 1910, and has been a splendid guiding influence to the boys under his direction. He is a director of the Plymouth National Bank and his fraternal connections are with the Chi Psi Fraternity at Middlebury College, Vermont, the Knights of Pythias, the Kiwanis Club, and the Wyoming Valley Country Club. In his religious adherence, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the . organizations connected with his profession he is prominently identified with the Luzerne County, Pennsylvania State and American Medical associations, and in 1927 had the honor to serve as president of the Luzerne County Medical Society. He is one of the trustees of Middlebury College at Middle- bury, Vermont. His political principles are those of the Republican party of which he is a staunch supporter. While studying at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Drake achieved a distinguished place in athletic circles by his glorious achievements as a member of the varsity football team on which he played end.
Dr. George R. Drake married, in 1907, Frances Gertrude Crane, of Philadelphia, daughter of John and Margaret Crane, and to this union has been born one son, George R., Jr., born April 3, 1917. His professional offices are located at No. 135 West Main Street, Plymouth.
RICHARD TRETHAWAY-For many years Richard Trethaway has occupied an impor- tant place in the industrial life of Wilkes- Barre, his native city. Before 1918, he achieved distinction for his careful handling of the affairs of Trethaway Brothers, manu- facturers of all kinds of tin and metal ware, of which he was president and part owner; and as a director of the Union Savings Bank and Trust Company and the Industrial Loan Company, both of Wilkes-Barre, he is main- taining the reputation for splendid accom- plishment and fair dealing which so long has been his.
His father, James Trethaway, a native of
England, is now deceased; while his mother, Martha (Pascoe) Trethaway, also of England, is likewise deceased. They were the parents of nine children: 1. Ella, the wife of George R. Sailor, of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2. James, deceased. 3. Richard, of further men- tion. 4. Thomas, deceased. 5. William H., of Kingston, Pennsylvania. 6. Joseph, of Wilkes-Barre. 7. John, of Wilkes-Barre. 8. Charles, deceased. 9. Bertha M., of Wilkes- Barre.
Richard Trethaway was born on January 21, 1868, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He attended the public schools of this city, and when seventeen years old began to learn the machinist's trade, having hecome an appren- tice in this sort of work with the Dickson Manufacturing Company, of Wilkes-Barre, on May 1, 1883, and having remained with this firm until 1888, when he was employed for one year in Cincinnati, Ohio. Then he was in the employ of the Vulcan Iron Works for about four years. And, in 1894, he formed a partnership with his brothers, William H., Joseph, John, and Charles Trethaway, for which the name Trethaway Brothers was adopted. This firm immediately began the the manufacture of metal ware; and from the very start, it made rapid progress, until it came at length to employ about five hun- dred persons. But when fire destroyed the huilding, machinery, and stock on April 25, 1918, it was considered inadvisable to rebuild. Richard Trethaway decided, instead, to enter the business of printing, binding, and litho- graphing; and he was president of the Raeder Company, which was later sold and he is now retired from active business.
At all times Mr. Trethaway has taken an active part in the public life of his com- munity, and has shown himself ready and willing to support any movement which he has believed would bring certain and last- ing benefits to Wilkes-Barre and vicinity. He was vice-president of the Luzerne County branch of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association; he is a director and vice-presi- dent of the Wilkes-Barre City School Board, to which position he was elected in Novem- ber, 1925, for a six-year term: and a director of the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. In his political alignments, he is a member of the Republican party. He is a member of the Knights of Malta, the Franklin Club, and the Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club, and the Wilkes-Barre-Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is a member and a trustee of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Wilkes-Barre.
On May 13, 1891, Mr. Trethaway married Annie Wallace, a daughter of George and Ellen Wallace, of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. and Mrs. Trethaway are the parents of two chil- dren: 1. Mabel, who is the wife of E. P. Dietrick, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, by which marriage there are three children, Marion, Dorris and Frank E. 2. Robert C., publisher of the Printing Equipment Cooperative Cata- logue, and one of the coming men of impor- tance in this community. He married Eleanor Kirkendall, of Wilkes-Barre, and they have two children, Richard and Cordelia. Mr. Trethaway resides at No. 12 Riverside Drive, Wilkes-Barre.
JAMES SHAW CRAWFORD-Postmaster of Freeland since 1922, originally appointed by President Warren G. Harding, James Shaw Crawford, although a native of Penn- sylvania, spent many years of his life in the southwest. He assisted in constructing one of the best known transcontinental railroads in the United States, and at another time was a locomotive engineer. His public serv-
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ice has included many offices of trust in this community and he is well and favorably known in various walks of life throughout Luzerne County.
Mr. Crawford was born September 30, 1866, son of David and Isabel (Shaw) Crawford, at Eckley, Pennsylvania, both parents natives of Belfast, Ireland. David Crawford, during the early portion of his mature life, was a sea captain, and later became a pattern- maker. He entered the Civil War, being attached to Company K, 81st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was transfer- red to the Signal Corps, and received severe wounds in battle. At the close of the Civil War, like many other veterans of this con- flict, he migrated to the southwest with the intention of engaging in agriculture. How- ever, he became interested in railroad build- ing after having taken up a soldier's claim, and was made foreman of track layers work- ing on the Santa Fe Railroad. His home- stead was located in Southeastern Kansas. He died March 8, 1882, in Arizona, and was buried near the Old Mexico boundary, by his son, an Indian, and a Mexican. David Craw- ford now (1928) is survived by his widow.
James Shaw Crawford went west with his parents in 1871. He had studied in the public schools of his native district and had attended a mechanical training institute at Freeland, also had studied at night schools. As a young boy he drove a scraper team for the Santa Fé Railroad, having assisted in lay- ing the tracks for this transportation line from Benson, Arizona, to the Old Mexico boundary. Later he was similarly occupied on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, working with this corporation from Wichita, Kansas, through the Indian Territory (now a part of Oklahoma). He later returned to Larned, Kansas, the family homestead. In 1883, at the age of seventeen, James S. Craw- ford came back to Luzerne County and located at Drifton, where he was employed by Cox, Miller & Company, working in the machine shops as a blacksmith. Eventually he became a fireman on the Delaware, Sus- quehanna & Schuylkill Railroad, and for nine years was a locomotive engineer, his "run" being from Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to Perth Amboy, New Jersey. In 1904, he returned to Drifton and was employed as a blacksmith in the shops of the Lehigh Rail- road, being so occupied until August 30, 1922, when he was appointed postmaster at Free- land, this appointment coming through the influence of Congressman Clarence D. Cough- lan. On January 1, 1927, Mr. Crawford was reappointed by President Coolidge, this ap- pointment being effected through the influ- ence of Congressman Carpenter. Freeland has had few postmasters as efficient as Mr. Crawford, and in his conduct and supervision of the local post office he has gained and held the respect and admiration of his con- stituents.
A staunch supporter of the Republican party, its principles and its candidates, Mr. Crawford has exercised great influence in the affairs of this political division, as has been illustrated by his close friendships with prominent publio officials of Pennsylvania. He also has taken interest in local political affairs, having been treasurer of Freeland Borough Council, in 1905; in 1906 was elected to the Freeland Borough Council, Second Ward; 1916, again elected councilman from the Third Ward, and in 1920 chosen from this same ward as councilman. He was also a director of the Freeland Building and Loan in 1923. Every movement designed for the benefit of his community has received his generous support, and fraternal, social, and
religious institutions value him highly on their rolls. He is a member of the Benevol- ent and Protective Order of Elks, the Free- land Fishing Club, the James G. Brookmire Camp, No. 188, Sons of Veterans of the Civil War, and the Presbyterian Church.
James Shaw Crawford married, October 3, 1894, Sophie Hart, of Highland, daughter of James and Sophia (Buck) Hart. Their chil- dren: 1. Charles William, resides in the South; is a machinist; served in the Ordnance Department during the World War. 2. James, deceased. 3. Edward Cunningham, born in 1898, died in 1920 at the age of twenty-two years. The armistice was signed shortly after he took the oath in the military service during the World War. 4. Ethel, now de- ceased; married Adair Renshaw, and they had a child: Ruth, now being reared by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford. The Crawfords reside at No. 1021 Center Street, Freeland.
HENRY LEES-When he first located in Plymouth, sixty-six years ago, it was as an unknown youth from a foreign land. Today, Henry Lees is one of its oldest citizens -- both in point of years and of residence-and a highly respected leader in the borough. At the age of eighty-seven, still vigorous mentally and physically, and at the head of an important financial institution, he stands as an inspiring example of how success- using the term not merely in a financial sense, but in its broadest signification- may be achieved. And because of the helpful light that this narrative of Mr. Lees' career may shed upon the path of young readers of this volume, the biographer is taking the liberty of pointing out some of the factors that have contributed toward placing Mr. Lees in the enviable position he occupies. Of course, the qualities and attributes to be mentioned have been observed and known to two generations in Plymouth, and it is the just recognition of these personal char- acteristics by his contemporaries that has won for him the high esteem in which he is so generally held. When young Lees went to work in the mines away back in 1862, he was, to all outward appearances, just one of a lot of unimportant laborers; and he owes his rise from that humble sta- tion in life to no influence of friend or freak of fortune, but to his own intelligently directed industry, thrift, correct habits, straightforward dealings in every relation of life and genuine interest in the welfare of his fellowmen. He has proven that in think- ing first of service to others the individual finds he also best serves himself.
Henry Lees was born in Somercotes, Eng- land, February 14, 1841, son of George and Anna (Ashley) Lees. His lineage, both pater- nal and maternal, is of that old substantial, industrious and right-living English stock from which came such a large proportion of the founders of this Nation and which have heen such welcome additions to our population from Colonial days to the pres- ent time. When Henry Lees came to America, in 1862, he went to work in the mines in Plymouth. But he was young, and had not been here long before he began to hear won- derful tales of the vast West. Adventurous in spirit, confident of his ability to take care of himself in any circumstances, he yielded to the Inre and went to Helena, Mon- tana. In those days the West was, indeed, "wild and woolly." What he saw and experi- enced during the five years he worked in the mines out there would make interesting reading; for they belong to a period in
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American history that even now is lengend- ary. But he did not lose his head, though the temptations were great for a bold vigorous youth. Keeping in mind his goal, he worked hard, saved his earnings when others were scattering theirs to the four winds, their characters going with their money, and when Mr. Lees returned to Plymouth at the end of the period mentioned, he brought with him sufficient capital to establish himself in business as a merchant. From a modest beginning he developed a large and prosperous business by studying the needs of the community, through careful buying so as to be able to give his customers the greatest value possible for their money and by unfailing courtesy. He handled men's clothing and furnishings and did merchant tailoring and by the methods mentioned built up a reputation that extended far beyond the confines of the borough of Plymouth. In the spring of 1903, having reached the age of sixty-two and acquired a competence that made the comfort of his remaining years secure, he retired from active business to the enjoyment of a well-earned leisure. But idleness could find no place in his life. The previous spring he had been elected a direc- tor of the First National Bank of Plymouth, and he had not been long out of business until he was drafted to serve as vice-presi- dent of the bank. He remained in that office until 1915, when he was elected president and has held that position ever since. His wide acquaintance, his sound judgment, his broad experience in business and with men and the universal confidence of the community in him as a financier and as a man all contribute to make him the ideal as chief executive of such a financial institution. Mr. Lees is a Republican, but has never sought political preferment. However, in a quiet way, he has always taken his share of the burden as a Christian patriot in promoting the welfare of the borough in every way in his power. He is a member of Plymouth Lodge, No. 332, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of Shawnee Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is a member of the Men's Club and an elder in the Presbyterian Church.
Henry Lees married Lorinda Davenport, born in Plymouth, October 12, 1838, dangh- ter of Oliver and Lydia (Ransom) Daven- port. Mrs. Lees died in 1915. Both the Ran- som and the Davenport families trace back to an early date in New England history. Samuel Ransom, who established this fam- ily in America, was born in or near Ipswich, England, about 1737. His marriage to Esther Lawrence on May 5, 1756, is recorded in Canaan, Litchfield County, Connecticut. She was born in Windham County, that State, about 1739. She survived her husband and married Captain James Bidlack, senior, and returned with him to Norfolk, Connecticut, where she died in August, 1794. Samuel Ransom was a soldier in one of the Connect- icut battalions during the French and Indian War. His name first appears in Wyom- ing records under date of October 2, 1773, when he purchased of John Ransom "Lower tier lot No. 10" in Plymouth Township, Wyoming Valley. He removed there from Canaan about this time with his family and was admitted an inhabitant. On March 2, 1774, he was selectman of Westmoreland (Wyoming), and surveyor of highways and the next year was constable of the town. In August, 1776, he hauled the first log for the erection of Fort Shawnee. At this time he was captain of the 3d Company, 24th Regular Connecticut Militia, having received his commission in the previous October. He gave up his command of the militia when he
was commissioned captain in the Continental service on August 26, 1776, and with Captain Durkee began to raise the two Wyoming independent companies.
Captain Ransom and his men were with Washington in the campaign of 1777 at Bound Brook, Mud Creek, Brandywine, Ger- mantown and other points and went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. He has- tened back to Wyoming the following May and participated in all the events preceding and during the battle. Early in the fight he was wounded in the thigh. He was left on the field and fell into the hands of the enemy. Later, when the bodies of slain Americans were gathered for burial, Cap- tain Ransom's body, covered with gashes and with the head severed from it, was found near the ruins of Fort Wintermoot. After the battle his widow fled with her chil- dren to Delaware but returned with her family to Plymouth early in 1780.
George Palmer Ransom, third child and second son of Captain Samuel and Esther (Lawrence) Ransom, was born in Canaan, January 3, 1762 and died in Plymouth, Penn- sylvania, September 5, 1850. He was twice married, his second wife, (through whom this line descends) whom he married January 9, 1794, was Elizabeth Lamoreux, born October 18, (or 25), 1776, and died August 27, 1859.
Their sixth child was Lydia Ransom, born in Plymouth, January 9, 1804 and died there July 20, 1872. In that town she married, July 4, 1840, Oliver Davenport. Their daughter Lorinda married Henry Lees, as already stated.
Henry and Lorinda (Davenport) Lees had one child, Rush Oliver Lees, born in Plym- outh, December 15, 1873. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and Wyoming Seminary at Kingston. After grad- uation from Harvard Medical School he served as interne in the Massachusetts Gen- eral Hospital and was connected with the hospital at Pittston for a year and a half. This was followed by a period in the great institutions of Vienna where he was a stu- dent under the world-famous Dr. Lorenz. Upon his return to this country, Dr. Lees settled in Utica, New York, and established himself as a specialist in diseases of the nose and throat. He married Margaurita Van Ness, and they have a daughter, Norma Lees, who is a graduate of Bennett's College, near Schenectady, New York.
HARRY D. ADAMY-Starting as a messen- ger boy in the Wyoming National Bank, of Wilkes-Barre, when he was twenty years of age, leaving that occupation to accept a clerkship in the offices of the Lazarus Broth- ers, at a very small wage a week, in four- teen years Harry D. Adamy has risen to be vice-president and general manager of that commercial organization. He is also presi- dent and treasurer of the Merchants' Gold Stamp Company, of Wilkes-Barre. Sheer merit alone advanced this young man to the business eminence he occupies, a position in which he has made a great circle of friends, by reason of his high character, business ability, and pleasing personality.
Harry D. Adamy was born in Sayre, Penn- sylvania, October 31, 1892, a son of Walter A. and Ruby E. (Smith) Adamy, both of whom now reside in Johnson City, New York. The father is a successful contractor. There were six sons of this marriage, Harry D. being the second. His brother Owen died at the age of twenty-one years, while in the service of the New York State National Guard during the World War. Another brother,
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Basil Earl, is associated with the firm of which Harry D. is vice-president.
Harry D. Adamy was brought by his par- ents to Wilkes-Barre in 1908, and here was educated in the public schools, graduating from the high school, and afterward taking a post-graduate course in the same institution. He followed this with a business course at Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pennsylvania. In 1912 he accepted a position with the Wy- oming National Bank, later coming to the company with which he since has been asso- ciated. The Wilkes-Barre Dry Goods Com- pany has made great strides in the field, and now holds a commanding position in the trade of the region. It was originally Lazarus Brothers, now incorporated under the name of the Wilkes-Barre Dry Goods Company, located in South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, Increasing business has compelled enlarge- ment of store space, this being accomplished by the erection of its own building at Nos. 57 and 59 South Main Street, and at Nos. 14 and 17 West Northampton Street, where there are three floors and basement, with a total area of 60,000 square feet. The building is one of the most modern in Wilkes-Barre, with extensive windows for display and every facility for the efficient transaction of its ever growing business.
Harry D. Adamy is a Republican in poli- tics, and a member of the Grace Protestant Episcopal Church, of Kingston, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Georgetown Settlement and a director and member of the Executive Board of the Ameri- can Red Cross. He belongs to the Rotary Club of Wilkes-Barre, of which has been a director and vice-president; is vice-president and director of the Wilkes-Barre-Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, also member of the Executive Board; a member of the Franklin Club, Wyoming Valley Country Club, and the Craftsmen's Club. His fra- ternal affiliations are with Kingston Lodge, No. 395, Free and Accepted Masons; Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, Royal Arch Masons; Dieu le Veut Commandery, No. 45, Knights Tem- plar; and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also holding membership in the Shrine Country Club.
Mr. Adamy married, August 10, 1912, Elsie May Haslam, daughter of Arthur Willis and Emma (Knowles) Haslam, of Wilkes-Barre, both deceased.
SECOND NATIONAL BANK OF WILKES- BARRE-During the year 1862 it became apparent that, if this Government were to emerge victorious from the Civil War, all the available resources of the Nation must be used. The Government was hampered in all its financial operations by the lack of a stable currency and a satisfactory basis of credit. President Lincoln in his message of January 17, 1863, urged Congress to adopt the National Banking Act which provided for a currency based upon the pledge and credit of the Government. On February 25, 1863, this act became a law and by the prompt organization of National Banks throughout the North, the people were able to come to the aid of the Government by buying its bonds and sustaining its credit. As a result the Government was enabled to prosecute the war with renewed vigor and the Union was preserved.
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