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 6
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On September 19, 1863, a group of men met in the office of Messrs. Hoyt and Loveland, lawyers in the city of Wilkes-Barre, and signed the Articles of Association and sub- scribed for the stock of the Second National
Bank of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. These signers and subscribers were: Thomas F. Atherton, Abram Nesbitt, Charles Parrish, Samuel Hoyt, Lazarus D. Shoemaker, Benjamin F. Pfouts, M. L. Everitt, George Coray, William C. Reyn- olds, John Sharpe, Jr., Ahram H. Reynolds, Isaac Everitt and William S. Ross. The bank was chartered and on December 3, 1863, was opened for business, being the one hundred and fourth organized under the act of Con- gress. Thomas F. Atherton and M. L. Everitt were elected president and cashier respec- tively. The first board of directors consisted of the following: Thomas F. Atherton, George Coray, M. L. Everitt, Samuel Hoyt, Abram Nesbitt, A. H. Reynolds and John Sharpe, Jr. These men were favorably known throughout the valley for their integrity and responsibility, and the institution immedi- ately won the confidence of the public and started auspiciously on its successful career.
The bank began business in what was then known as the Chahoon Building, on West Market Street, in the room now occupied by Jordan & Son. In 1864 larger quarters were secured in the Anthracite Building of J. W. Hollenback on West Market Street near River. These quarters were occupied until May, 1870. From that time until February 29, 1908, the bank occupied the building on the northwest corner of Franklin and Market streets, now occupied hy the Dime Deposit Bank. On February 29, 1908, the bank moved into its present home on the northeast corner of Franklin and Market streets.
The Second National Bank was capitalized at $100,000 at the time of its organization. This was increased to $200,000 in December, 1863. On June 30, 1864, the capital was in- creased to $400,000. On July 2, 1868, a further increase of $50,000 an on October 16, 1906, another increase of $50,000 was made. In 1922 the capital was increased to $1,000,000 and the surplus to $2,000,000.
On January 1, 1865, Walter G. Sterling, who had been conducting the business of a private banker on West Market Street was elected vice-president of the bank and his business was taken over.
On February 1, 1917, under authority granted by the Federal Reserve Act, the Sec- ond National Bank organized and established a trust department. On October 1, 1922, the bank opened to the public a thoroughly mod- ern and spacious safe deposit department with every facility for the safe-keeping of valuables. Early in 1929 the bank occupied its new and enlarged banking room thus providing its patrons with every modern con- venience in its various departments.
The Second National Bank came into exist- ence during the dark days of the Civil War. It has made progress during the periods of prosperity which have come since the war; it has aided every legitimate business enter- prise that has called for its help in times. of prosperity and depression; and it has come through every period of financial disaster unscathed.
Officers and their respective terms of service:
Thomas F. Atherton, President, 1863-1870. L. D. Shoemaker, President, 1870-1878. Abram Nesbitt, President, 1878-1920.
Abram G. Nesbitt, President, 1920-1926.
W. E. Lewis, President, 1926 -.
M. L. Everitt, Cashier, 1863-1872.
E. A. Spalding, Cashier, 1872-1882.
E. W. Mulligan, Cashier, 1882-1919.
W. E. Lewis, Cashier, 1919-1926. W. G. Sterling, Vice-President, 1865-1870. Hendrick B. Wright, Vice-President, 1870- 1871.
Richard F. Walsh, Vice-President, 1878- 1903.
SECOND NATIONAL BANK, WILKES BARRE, PA.
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Thomas H. Atherton, Vice-President, 1900- 1923.
Edwin H. Jones, Vice-President, 1908-1908. F. M. Kirby, Vice-President, 1908-1908.
Present list of officers and directors:
H. B. Schooley, Chairman of the Board.
W. E. Lewis, President.
W. T. Payne, Vice-President.
E. B. Mulligan, Vice-President and Cashier.
Allan P. Kirby, Vice-President.
Sheldon Evans, Assistant Cashier.
James Mulligan, Trust Officer. Directors: Anthony C. Campbell, S. H. Huber, James L. Morris, P. F. O'Neill, Abram Nesbitt, 2d, S. T. Nicholson, A. D. Shonk, Ernest G. Smith, John B. Vaughn, Geo. M. Wall, F. J. Weckesser.
Growth of the bank:
Capital, Surplus, Undivided Profits. Deposits.
Dec. 3, 1863
$100,000 00 $11,783 64
January, 1874 . .
510,000 00 298,724 81
January 1884 ..
575,000 00 564,931 32
January, 1894 ..
625,000 00 1,349,033 47
January, 1904 ..
1,040,000 00 3,375,991 34
January, 1914 .. 1,500,000 00 5,173,066 80
January, 1924 ..
3,000,000 00 10,194,364 66
October, 1928 -
4,000,000 00 11,340,900 54
WALTER E. LEWIS was born in Homer, Ohio, December 21, 1874. After the death of the father, the family, mother and three sons, moved to the Wyoming Valley and settled in Kingston. Here the boys were educated, the subject of this sketch first attending the pub- lic schools and later completing the busi- ness course in Wyoming Seminary in 1893. January 1, 1894, he entered the employ of the Second National Bank of Wilkes-Barre as clerk. In 1910 he was made assistant cashier, and nine years later, namely in 1919, he became cashier. The death of Abram G. Nesbitt in 1927 brought about changes and promotions in the bank management. Harry B. Schooley filled the position of president until January 1, 1928, when he became chair- man of the board, and Mr. Lewis at that time became president. Mainly his interests have been centered in his career at the bank though he has been at times identified with certain other business institutions of the valley, and among them he has held a direc- torship in the Vulcan Iron Works.
He is a member of the Wyoming Valley Country Club and of the Westmoreland Club and has also been identified with various Masonic bodies, Kingston Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and later the Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and Dieu le Veut Commandery, Knights Templar.
Mr. Lewis married Ruth B. Piatt of Tunk- hannock. He has been a consistent sup- porter of the church and of various institu- tions devoted to welfare, and has been a director of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation.
This story of a centralized attention to a particular career, and the rise from a clerk- ship to presidency of one of the strongest financial institutions of the valley, is suf- ficient to indicate how and why the subject has gained success, and the esteem of his generation hoth in the business world and in social and eleemosynary concerns.
EDWARD BOWMAN MULLIGAN-Through all his business career Edward Bowman Mul- ligan has been associated with the Second National Bank of Wilkes-Barre. From posi- tions of minor responsibility he has risen to those of the greatest confidence and trust, and now as vice-president, cashier and a member of the board of directors, he exer-
cises an important influence in the hank's affairs, his services in official capacity having proved repeatedly of the greatest value. He has not neglected other phases of community affairs, however, and has been particularly active in charitable and welfare work.
Mr. Mulligan was born in Wilkes-Barre on May 4, 1880, the only child of Edwin L. and Julia (Bowman) Mulligan, of this city. His father was long associated with the Second National Bank, and it was natural that the son should desire to follow in his footsteps.
Edward Bowman Mulligan received his edu- cation in the Wilkes-Barre public schools, and later attended Harry Hillman Academy, and Phillips Academy, at Andover, Massa- chusetts. He was eager to begin the busi-' ness of life, and with the completion of his academic training, returned to Wilkes-Barre and entered the employ of the bank as a runner. Although anxious to forge ahead, he was determined that any advancement which came to him should be thoroughly well merited, and so, while discharging the duties of the minor positions which he first filled, he took the opportunity to become familiar with all details of sound banking operation. His industry and loyal services were soon rewarded, and he rose gradually to the higher positions in the bank. Thus in the thirty years of his connection with this institution, his record has been one of constant advance and progress. With his broad background of experience in all departments of the bank, and a wide knowledge of local problems, his direction of affairs in executive capacity has resulted most happily both for the bank and for the community which it serves. He was appointed cashier and vice-president in 1923, continuing in this office until the present time.
In politics Mr. Mulligan supports Repub- lican principles and candidates, and although he has never cared to seek public office, he has maintained a warm interest in the civic progress and the successful solution of. gov- ernmental problems. He is affiliated frater- nally with the local lodge, No. 109, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while he is also a member of the Wilkes- Barre Chamber of Commerce, and of several other clubs and associations, including the Westmoreland Club of which he was presi- dent in 1929, and the Wyoming Valley Coun- try Club. Mr. Mulligan is a trustee of the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, and the Nes- bitt West Side Hospital, of Kingston, Penn- sylvania, while he is also treasurer of the Welfare Federation of Wilkes-Barre. With his family he worships in the Episcopal faith, and has been active for many years in the affairs of St. Stephen's Church of this denomi- nation at Wilkes-Barre, serving now as treasurer and vestryman here.
On October 18, 1905, Edward Bowman Mul- ligan married Louise Stark, of Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of Colonel Benjamin F. and Mary Frances (Warner) Stark. Two children were born of this marriage: 1. Edward Bowman, Jr., born September 25, 1906. 2. Ellen Stark, born April 20, 1908. The family home is situated at No. 84 James Street, Kingston, while Mr. Mulligan maintains his offices in the Second National Bank Building in Wilkes- Barre.
SHELDON REYNOLDS EVANS-Twenty years ago Sheldon R. Evans came to the Second National Bank of Wilkes-Barre, as a messenger boy. He had just come from Wyoming Seminary, where he had completed his course with graduation, and he was con- scious of the fact that after graduation
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comes the true commencement of a busi- ness career. He was able and industrious, holding a modest estimate of himself, but withal, ambitious to win the success which hard work and close application alone can bring. Through the years he has held stead- ily to his plans, and since 1923 he has been assistant cashier of the bank, which is one of the largest National Banks in North- eastern Pennsylvania.
The Evans family is of Welsh origin and Mr. Evans represents the third generation of his particular branch of the family in this country. William H. and Ann (Richards) Evans, grandparents of Mr. Evans, were born in Wales and came to this country about 1861. They were the parents of three chil- dren: Richard L., John D., and James, of whom further.
James Evans, son of William H. and Ann (Richards) Evans, was born in Kingston, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and during the greater part of his active life was em- ployed as a salesman, but is now living retired in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. He married Margaret Waters, and they became the parents of five children: Sheldon R., of further mention; Mabel, who married W. H. Pethick, of Forty Fort, Pennsylvania; Nellie, who married G. W. Turner, of Forty Fort; Chester W., who is a salesman in the employ of Deemer and Company, of Wilkes-Barre; and Margaret W., who is living at home.
Sheldon R. Evans, son of James and Mar- garet (Waters) Evans, was born in King- ston, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1888. He received his early education in the public schools of Kingston and of Forty Fort, graduating from Forty Fort High School with the class of 1905. He then became a student in Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, where he completed his course with graduation in 1907. After graduation he became associated with the Second National Bank of Wilkes- Barre as a messenger boy, and his connec- tion with this financial institution has been continuous to the present time (1929). He was promoted from messenger hoy to clerk, then was made book-keeper, then teller, and in 1923 was promoted to his present responsi- ble position as assistant cashier. Mr. Evans is well known in banking circles in the Wyo- ming Valley and has won in a high degree the esteem of his business associates. Fra- ternally he is identified with William B. Warren Lodge, No. 209, Free and Accepted Masons, of Chicago, Illinois and is a mem- ber of all the bodies of the Scottish Rite; also of Keystone Consistory, in which he holds the thirty-second degree; and with Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Wilkes-Barre. He is a member of Irem Country Club, West- moreland Club, Craftsmen's Club and of Black Diamond Post, No. 395, American Legion, of Kingston, and is a member and assistant treasurer of Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce.
Upon the entrance of the United States into the World War Mr. Evans joined the Quartermaster Department of the United States Army and was commissioned a Cap- tain. He was assigned to the central depart- ment and stationed at Chicago, Illinois, where he served on the staff of General Leonard Wood, and was mustered out of service in 1919 with the rank of major.
Sheldon R. Evans was married, in 1914, to Minnie Yeager, of Forty Fort, Pennsylvania, daughter of Harvey and Margaret (Smith) Yeager. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are the par- ents of two children: Winifred L., and Shel- don R., Jr.
JAMES MULLIGAN-For the administra- tion and care of the affairs of the trust de- partment, the Second National Bank has placed the responsibility of the department upon James Mulligan, who is the son of E. W. Mulligan.
The Mulligan family has been connected with this bank in various capacities for gen- erations. James Mulligan's father, the late E. W. Mulligan, was cashier of the Second National Bank for forty years. He was born in Reading and devoted most of his life to the welfare and financial development of his adopted city. He and his wife, the former Alice Morris, were the parents of seven chil- dren: James, of whom further; Eugene W., Michael M., Eleanor, Alice, Margaret and Edward.
James Mulligan was born November 12, 1891, in Wilkes-Barre, and was educated in the public schools there. He was graduated in 1908 from the Harry Hillman Academy. He was enrolled as a student at George- town University, Washington, District of Columbia, from which he was graduated in 1912.
After graduation he returned to Wilkes- Barre and became a clerk in the Second Na- tional Bank. He was appointed trust officer in November, 1921. He has always been inde- pendent in politics and is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He also holds mem- bership in the Westmoreland Club and the Wyoming Valley Country Club. He is unmar- ried.
JOHN HERBERT REYNOLDS-The Rey- nolds are one of the oldest families in the Wyoming Valley, their ancestors having set- tled here in the colonial period under the Susquehanna Company, after a previous resi- dence in Connecticut. They participated in the battle and massacre of Wyoming, July 3, 1778, and otherwise have been conspicuous in the history of the Commonwealth. John Her- bert Reynolds, a descendant of this pioneer family has been engaged in the coal business for years with offices at No. 806 Coal Ex- change, Wilkes-Barre, and home at No. 226 Maple Avenue, Kingston.
His paternal grandfather was William C. Reynolds. His father, Abram H. Reynolds, died December 4, 1890, at seventy-one years of age, was for many years in the coal and mercantile business in Kingston; he was a lifelong Democrat and for many years a lead- ing member of the Kingston Presbyterian Church; and a foremost citizen of his com- munity. He married Elizabeth Shepard Hoyt, who died September 22, 1901, at seventy years of age, a sister of Henry M. Hoyt, a former Governor of the State and native of this county. They were the parents of Charles H. and Emily Fuller, both deceased, and John Herbert, of whom further.
John H. (J. Herbert) Reynolds was born at Kingston, May 10, 1876, and grew to maturity in his birthplace, attended the public school and Wyoming Seminary there; and on reach- ing his majority he launched into a business career at Plymouth in the coal trade. After a long period of success he sold his interests and located in Wilkes-Barre, where he has continued since. Politically he is a Demo- crat; serves as an elder in the Kingston Presbyterian Church; and is a member of the Westmoreland Club and the Wyoming Valley Country Club.
CHARLES J. KUSCHKE-One of the best known men of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Charles J. Kuschke, of Plymouth, is prominent
Kleckert reynolds
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in the legal, financial and civil affairs of this vicinity having been engaged in the practice of law since 1899, besides which he is presi- dent of the Plymouth National Bank, and active in matters of public interest. Mr. Kuschke is a man of many attainments and capable of giving to each of his diversified interests the same measure of his keen and penetrative ability, possessing as he does a remarkably intuitive sense in affairs of law and commerce. His reputation as an attorney of unusual talents has been long established in this county and he maintains legal offices in both Plymouth and Wilkes-Barre where he conducts general professional practice and attends the needs of his clients. In 1921, Mr. Kuschke was elected to his pres- ent executive position as head of Plymouth's leading banking institution, and under his régime the affairs of this establishment have flourished and prospered with unusual suc- cess.
Mr. Kuschke was born in Plymouth, Octo- ber 24, 1874, son of Christian B. Kuschke, born in Germany, and Margaret (Llewellyn) Kuschke, born in Wales, who died in August, 1927. Christian B. Kuschke was prominent for many years as a merchant in this town and is now retired from active business.
Charles J. Kuschke was educated in the public schools of Plymouth, and after high school, entered Wyoming Seminary and com- pleting his studies there, proceeded to the Law School of the University of Pennsyl- vania, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws with the class of 1899. Admitted to the bar of the State of Pennsylvania that same year, he opened his office and practiced law in the Luzerne County courts, later establishing an addi- tional office in Wilkes-Barre and ever since continuing to conduct the affairs of both these branches of his legal business. At the organization, in 1902, of the Plymouth National Bank, Mr. Kuschke became one of the directors, and upon the death of John J. Moore in 1921, he was elected president of the organization and has continued in this capacity ever since. Always active in mat- ters of jurisprudence and civic government, Mr. Kuschke was appointed assistant district attorney of Luzerne County, and served from 1912 to 1916, while he is at present director of the poor, representing this district. In politics, he is a staunch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party and by his influence and support aids every worthy campaign, having the interests of the com- munity ever in mind. His social and frater- nal activities are confined to the Shawnee Club and the Kiwanis Club, in the latter being vice-president. In his religious affil- iation, he is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Charles J. Kuschke married, in September, 1906, Ida M. McCaa, of Plains, daughter of Robert D. and Millie M. McCaa, and they are the parents of one son: Robert D., now a student at Lafayette College at Easton.
The Plymouth National Bank of which Mr. Kuschke is president is one of the strongest and best-known financial institutions in Pennsylvania, having been organized in 1902 with the following officers: John R. Powell, president; John J. Moore, vice-president; R. J. Faust, cashier. The present officers of this progressive bank are Charles J. Kuschke, president; Dr. C. L. Ashley, vice-president; Abdiel Phillips, cashier. The present modern banking building, an architectural addition to the town, was erected at No. 25 East Main Street in 1907, and here it continues to serve the populace of Plymouth and the vicinity within a large radius.
WILLIAM H. D. MOYER-Having learned the cigar-maker's trade early in his youth, William H. D. Moyer followed that occupa- tion for more than a quarter of a century, during which period he became head of a firm of cigar manufacturers, which he con- ducted until 1923. In that year he was ap- pointed Sealer of Weights and Measures of Luzerne County, a post he held until 1928, when he was appointed postmaster of White Haven by President Calvin Coolidge. In this office he is performing his duties most satisfactorily and giving to the people of White Haven service that compares favorably with any other office of like size in the United States. Active for many years in political circles, he also has assumed inter- ests not directly connected with his manu- facturing business, and has been a promi- nent factor in the affairs of fraternal and social organizations. Born at Auburn, Schuyl- kill County, Pennsylvania, in 1876, son of Samuel B. and Susan (Diefenderfer) Moyer, William H. D. Moyer removed early in life to Orweigsburg, Pennsylvania. Samuel B. Moyer, also a native of Schuylkill County, was a stone mason by trade, and followed this calling until his death in 1883. Susan (Diefenderfer) Moyer was born near Read- ing, Pennsylvania, and passed away in 1894.
William H. D. Moyer, after finishing his studies in school, became an apprentice of the cigar-maker's trade, and for the ensu- ing sixteen years devoted himself to this industry. It was in 1905 that he came to White Haven and became a member of the cigar manufacturing firm of W. H. D. Moyer & Company. This firm experienced steady growth and prestige under his supervision, which lasted until 1923. Retiring from active participation in the manufacture of cigars in this year, he became Sealer of Weights and Measures of Luzerne County, functioning most thoroughly in this office until 1928, when he became postmaster at White Haven. Since his assumption of the duties of post- master here, Mr. Moyer has devoted himself assiduously to bettering the service, and that his efforts have been successful is attested by the fact that the White Haven post office has attained high rating among postal au-
thorities. A Republican in political allegi- ance, Mr. Moyer has proved himself almost invaluable in the conduct of affairs of this party locally, and has evidenced his public spirit by his conscientious service as a mem- ber and secretary of the local school board, for a period of four years. He also, for five years, has been associated with the Guaran- tee Mutual Building and Loan Association, acting as local collector for that organiza- tion. A popular member of Lodge No. 157, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Past Noble Grand; he also holds membership in Schuylkill Lodge, No. 138, Free and Accepted Masons. He and his family are followers of the Lutheran faith, and attend the church of that denomination here.
Mr. Moyer married, October 21, 1905, Anna M. Heist, of Orweigsburg, Pennsylvania, daughter of Daniel H. and Emma Heist. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are: 1. Catherine R., born September S, 1906; grad- uate of White Haven High School and of Temple University on the teacher staff at Hillerest, the city Orphanage of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. Horace B., born August 19, 1917.
RALPH DAVENPORT WORTHINGTON- Conspicuous success has attended the efforts of Ralph Davenport Worthington, of Plym- outh, mining engineer, now division engineer of the Ashley & Sugar Notch division of the
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Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company. Descendant on both sides of pioneer fam- ilies of Pennsylvania, Mr. Worthington up- holds the traditions of progress handed down through the generations by his forebears having been conspicuous for his industry and unfailing devotion to those who call upon his professional skill. Reared in a mining atmo- sphere, it was but natural that he should choose a career in accordance with the most prominent industry of the district, while such selection has been a matter of equal profit to himself and the community depen- dent upon the mines as an important part of the general prosperity. His fitness for the tasks he has been called upon to perform is established by the office he holds, for the engineers of this exacting profession must be of the highest class. He is a member of this class, also an able and upright citizen and a man of the highest integrity, a credit to the body politic wherein he lives.
He was born in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, December 11, 1881, a son of Joseph L. Worth- ington, a native of Plymouth, now retired, and Emily (Davenport) Worthington, also of Plymouth and living here. Both parents are members of families that settled in the Wyoming Valley in the early days and were materially assistfnl in the work that resulted in the present commercial prosperity. Some of them fought in the War of the Revolu- tion, and through this ancestry Mr. Worthing- ton holds membership with the Sons of the American Revolution, while all were active in many fields of development.
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