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 60
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Miss Dorrance is a member of the Execu- tive Committee of the Pennsylvania State Republican Committee for Governor Fisher's administration. She has also been president of the Wyoming Commemorative Association since 1923. Miss Dorrance is a communicant of the Grace Episcopal Church in Kingston, Pennsylvania.
2. Frances Dorrance, second daughter of Benjamin and Ruth Woodhull (Strong) Dor- rance, was born in Wilkes-Barre, June 30, 1877. She was graduated from Wyoming Seminary in 1896 and from Vassar College, Bachelor of Arts, with honor, class of 1900, and was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa. During 1911-14 she studied at Berlin Univer- sity for three semesters and at Columbia University in 1912. With a knowledge of Botany and German secured in this way she translated three important plant pathological books into English for the benefit of Ameri- can scholars in the various agricultural sta- tions and technical institutions. In 1916 she entered the New York State Library School, from which she graduated Bachelor of Li- brary Science in the class of 1918.
Miss Frances Dorrance at once entered the practice of her chosen profession. She was made head of the circulation department of the Trenton (New Jersey) Public Library, in
which position she served 1918-19. She filled a similar position at the Osterhout Free Library in Wilkes-Barre from 1919-22. In the latter year she was elected director of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society and has served in that capacity ever since.
Miss Frances Dorrance is a Republican in politics. As will have been gathered, she is prominently known in the library profession and in historical society circles. She is also serving as secretary of the Pennsylvania State Historical Commission and of the board of directors of the Hoyt Library, Kingston (See accompanying sketch). Her social or- ganizations are the Wyoming Valley College Woman's Club, the Wyoming Valley Woman's Club, the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames and the Thursday Art Club. Her re- ligious connection is with the Presbyterian Church.
3. Ruth, born August 9, 1879, died February 13, 1895.
JOHN BENJAMIN TOBIAS, M. D .- A native and lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and educated in the public schools and colleges of that State, Dr. Tobias has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Wilkes-Barre ever since he completed his medical studies, some thirty years ago. Not only is he considered one of the leading general practitioners of that city, but he is also prominently identified with several important financial institutions and industrial undertaking's, all of which have profited by his keen judgment of men and affairs. In the fraternal and religious life of the community, too, he has always taken an active part and in every respect he must be considered as representative of the highest type of useful and progressive citi- zenship.
John Benjamin Tobias was born at South Gibson, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1872, a son of the late David and Johanna (Daniels) Tobias. Both his parents were born in Wales, his father in 1827, his mother in 1825. The former, a miller by trade, died April 7, 1897, the latter in 1911. Dr. Tobias received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native district and of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, after which he became a student at Wyoming Seminary. From there he entered the Medical Depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania, Phil- adelphia, from which he graduated with the degree of M. D., in 1898. Since then he has been engaged in the general practice of medicine at Wilkes-Barre. Unlike most physicians he has found it possible to give considerable attention to numerous important financial and industrial enterprises and he is a member of the boards of directors of the following companies: Heights Deposit Bank of Wilkes-Barre, of which he is one of the organizers and is also secretary; Beneficial Loan Association of Wilkes-Barre, of which he is also vice-president; director of R. P. Thomas & Company, a well-known Wilkes- Barre bond house; Glen View Coal Sales Company, Fern Brook, Pennsylvania; Beth- lehem Coal Company, Bethlehem, Pennsyl- vania, of which he is also president; and a director of the Springfield Coal Company, Springfield, New Jersey. That his interest in his profession has not been allowed to suffer through his active participation in financial and business affairs is proven not only by his large and successful practice, but also by his membership in several professional societies, including the American Medical Association,
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the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Luzerne County Medical Society. Dr. Tobias was a member and one of the organizers of the Riverside Hospital staff for fifteen years, until it was sold. He is also a member of Lodge, No. 61, Free and Accepted Masons; Caldwell Consistory, at Bloomsburg, thirty- second degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; Irem Temple, Wilkes-Barre, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Lodge No. 1103, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Sons of Liberty; and the Crafts- man's Club. In politics he is a sup- porter of the Republican party, and at one time served for one term as a member of the Wilkes-Barre City Council. His religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church and more particularly with the First Welsh Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre, of the board of trustees of which he is a member.
Dr. Tobias married (first), in 1897, Gwennie Thomas, of Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of Wil- liam M. and Mary Ann Thomas. Mrs. Tobias died May 1, 1910, being survived by her hus- band, and by two daughters, Gwladys and Marian Tobias. He married (second), in June, 1912, Adaline Jones, of Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of James and Grace (Jones) Jones. The family home is located at No. 305 East Northampton Street, Wilkes-Barre.
Mrs. Adaline (Jones) Tobias takes a keen interest in all civic, philanthropic and charit- able affairs of Wilkes-Barre, while in the business world she has taken a prominent place, having been a most successful importer for twelve years. She holds a very important position in the club life of her community, having been president of the Luzerne County Parliamentary Club in 1924; president of the Wyoming Valley Woman's Club in 1925-27; president, Evangeline L. Lindbergh Delphi- nian Chapter, 1927-28; organizer and past- president Northeastern District Assembly of Delphinians, 1928-29; president, Wilkes- Barre Cambrian Club, 1928-30; and president of Luzerne County Federation of Woman's Clubs, 1929-30. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Wilkes-Barre, taking an active part in the numerous church societies.
Gwladys Tobias received a liberal educa- tion, graduating from St. Ann's Academy, Wilkes-Barre, in 1919, and from Wilson Col- lege in 1923. She next attended Dr. White's Bible School in New York City for one year, and then taught for one year among the mountain whites in North Carolina. Later she taught school in Oxford, Pennsylvania, and at Howard, the same State. On November 17, 1928, Gwladys Tobias married Dr. Daniel W. Gates, of Howard, Pennsylvania, to whom a son, John Daniel Gates, was born October 18, 1929.
Marian Tobias also graduated from St. Ann's Academy, Wilkes-Barre, in 1919, and for a year and a half attended Wilson Col- lege. She is a graduate of the Wilkes-Barre Business College.
FANNY LOVISA KITCHEN is descended from an eminent line of ancestors distin- guished for many generations in the settle- ment and development of the eastern part of the United States.
Her parents were John B. Kitchen, son of John B. and Lovisa (Shaver) Kitchen, and Kate (Sax) Kitchen, daughter of William and Mary (Mulford) Sax. William Sax was the son of John and Catherine (Kresge) Sax, the latter a daughter of Conrad Kresge, an early settler in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The town of Kresgeville was named for the
family, the members of which constituted the leading citizenry of the community. The Sax family came from Holland and were also numbered among the early settlers of Monroe County. Mary Mulford, who married William Sax, was the daughter of Nathan Mulford. who came to Kingston Township, Pennsyl- vania, from Long Island, in 1799. He later married Jemima Derby, who came to Kings- ton Township with her parents also from Long Island.
The Mulford family-two brothers, John and William-left Devonshire, England, in 1645 along with other Puritans who sought religious freedom in the new land and set- tled first at Salem, Massachusetts. Later, in company with a group of other Puritans, they bought land from the Indians at East Hamp- ton, Long Island, building their homes there and forming a community in which the Mul- fords played a prominent part in local gov- ernmental matters.
It was in New Jersey that the Kitchen family figured in the pioneer population. Joseph Kitchen was the first of the name to come to the State, settling at Mt. Zion. Lo- visa (Shaver) Kitchen, grandmother of Fanny Lovisa Kitchen, was a daughter of John Philip and Sarah (Montayne) Shaver. The Montayne family came originally from France and were among the early settlers of Orange County, New York. From this place in 1788 John Montayne brought his wife and two sons, John and Joseph, to the Wyoming Val- ley to establish a home in Kingston Town- ship. Sarah Montayne was a daughter of the younger son, Joseph, and she married John B. Shaver, son of Philip and Mary Ann Shaver, natives of Heidelberg, Germany. Philip Shaver was born in the Valley of the Danube near Vienna in 1762 and, in 1769, to- gether with his parents and his brothers, sailed to America where they settled along the Paulinskill in New Jersey. Later they moved to Oxford and Easton, whence Philip Shaver and his family came by ox team over the historic Sullivan's Road to Kingston Township in 1804. They settled in Forty Fort, but in 1813 Philip Shaver sold his land at that place and went to the more remote regions back of the mountain where he ac- quired title to a large enough tract of land to provide farms for himself and for each of his six sons. The place where he settled is still named Shavertown.
Philip Shaver erected a sawmill and some of the lumber for the first bridge at Wilkes- Barre was sawed in it. He was a generous and a public-spirited man who gave of his time and substance to further affairs of the community. He gave the land on the hill near the pine grove in Dallas for the public bury- ing ground, and also the Shaver burying ground. He donated the land for, and built, the first schoolhouse in Dallas Township, a log structure erected in 1816 which also served as a meetinghouse. Here Philip Shaver often led the meetings, which began at early candle light. He died in 1828 as the result of an accident and lies buried, together with the most of his family, in Shaver Ceme- tery, Shavertown.
FRANK M. DEVENDORF-Exerting great influence in the community, Frank M. Deven- dorf is the popular and enthusiastic general secretary of the Wilkes-Barre Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Devendorf takes an active interest in the social and civic affairs of the entire Wyoming Valley and is
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known throughout the entire State for his ceaseless energy and ability in promoting and upholding the ideals of his organization.
Mr. Devendorf was born on a farm near Eldora, Iowa, September 20, 1879, son of Luther A. Devendorf, who is now eighty-five years old, and Anna J. (McCall) Devendorf, who is now eighty. Mr. and Mrs. Devendorf had the following children: 1. Minnie L., married Rozelle Edick of California. 2. Frank M., of whom further. 3. Charles W., of Santa Fe, New Mexico. 4. Erwin Luther of Berkeley, California. 5. George E., of Great Neck, Long Island, New York. 6 and 7. Katie and Willie, who died in childhood. Luther A. Devendorf followed an agricultural career all his life and is one of the most esteemed residents of his locality.
Frank M. Devendorf received his education in the public schools of Iowa, and after high school, entered the Des Moines Business Col- lege. After the completion of his studies, he engaged in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association at Des Moines in 1899 and has ever continued to follow this voca- tion. His great executive ability and pleas- ing personality made him many friends and his services were in demand in many different centers. In 1901, he left Des Moines to accept a post at Independence, Iowa, where he re- mained until 1904, when he went to Ridge- wood, New Jersey, and stayed there until 1908. From 1908 to 1912, he served at Waterloo, Iowa, after which he came to Wilkes-Barre and has ever since been an important factor in the life of the city. Mr. Devendorf is one of the leaders of the local Rotary Club and also an active member of the Y's Men's Club. He is active in the affairs of the Luzerne County Social Workers Union, and is a mem- ber of the Wyoming Valley Motor Club, and also the Chamber of Commerce. In politics, he has always followed the principles of the Republican party and in his religious affilia- tions, he is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church of Forty Fort, being a member of the official board and also a local preacher.
Frank M. Devendorf married, on May 7, 1902, at Des Moines, Iowa, Grace Rose, daughter of James Albert and Frances (Glaze) Rose, and to this union were born five daughters: 1. Helen, a graduate of Forty Fort High School, class of 1921, Wyoming Seminary, class of 1922, Syracuse University, class of 1926, and is a teacher in the Kings- ton High School. 2. Anna Frances, graduate of Forty Fort High School 1925, and attended Wyoming Seminary 1925-26; now a kinder- garten teacher, being a graduate of Miss Ilman's Training School, class of 1929, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 3. Ruth Eliza- beth, graduate of Forty Fort High School, class of 1928, now attending Iowa State Col- lege, Ames, Iowa. 4. Selma Grace, graduate of Forty Fort High School, 1929. 5. Lois Lucille, student in Forty Fort Junior High School. The family resides at No. 133 Center Street, Forty Fort.
ANTHONY JAMES BASS-As president of the Diamond City Masons' Supply Company, Inc., of Wilkes-Barre, Anthony James Bass heads an organization of which he was one of the founders, and which owes much to his able direction of its affairs. He has had long experience in the field of his chosen occupa- tion, and is recognized by all who know him as an able and progressive business man of high type.
Mr. Bass was born in Wilkes-Barre on
November 6, 1893, a son of Anthony and Diana (Josephine) Bass, both of whom were born in Italy. The father, a plumber by trade, died in October, 1912, while the mother is still living.
Anthony James Bass received his educa- tion in the local public schools, being gradu- ated from Wilkes-Barre High School in 1912. Beginning the business of life soon after- wards, he entered the employ of the Wilkes- Barre Masons' Supply Company, where he was engaged chiefly in clerical work for a period of six years. His loyal services during this time won him merited advancement, and he also secured a wide familiarity with the whole field which the company covered. For three years after this Mr. Bass then acted as salesman for the Atlas Cement Company at Wilkes-Barre. During the World War, how- ever, Mr. Bass enlisted in his country's cause, and as a member of the 331st Infan- try, 83d Division, served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France for six months. He received his final discharge in February, 1919.
Upon his return to Wilkes-Barre, Mr. Bass became general manager of the Masons' Sup- ply Company, retaining this position for six years and discharging all his duties most successfully. Finally in 1927, with Mr. I. Grant Scott (see accompanying biography), he incorporated the Diamond City Masons' Supply Company, becoming its president, and continuing executive direction of its affairs since that time. This company has followed a course of normal, healthy, expansion, and is now a leader in the local field.
Aside from his business activities, Mr. Bass has taken a prominent part in the general life of the community. In politics he is a member of the Republican party, while fra- ternally he is affiliated with Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 109, of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and with King Hiram Lodge, No. 721, of the Free and Accepted Masons. In this latter order he is also a member of all bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including Keystone Consistory at Scranton, and a member of Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Bass is a member of the Italian- American Citizens' Club of Wilkes-Barre and was formerly its president, while he holds membership in the local post of the American Legion, the United Commercial Travelers' Association, Wilkes-Barre-Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Wilkes-Barre Press Club. Mr. Bass maintains his office at the Central Railroad of New Jersey yards on Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, while he re- sides at No. 1439 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.
I. GRANT SCOTT- Though still relatively young, I. Grant Scott has become an impor- tant figure in the commercial life of Wilkes- Barre, and has proved his energy and ability in connection with local business enterprises. He is also active in civic and social life, and in the higher Masonic circles of the State.
Mr. Scott was born at Trenton, New Jersey, on May 3, 1897, a son of Edward C. Scott, who was born In Bloomsbury, New Jersey, and of Lucille (Green) Scott, born at Stockton, in that State. The father, now a resident of Philadelphia, is a mechanical engineer by profession, and was graduated from the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania in 1890. Mr. Scott is descended from families which have been in America for well over a century. On his
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mother's side the immigrant ancestor, Andre Romaine, of French Huguenot stock, came to the Colonies about 1760, settling in Georgia. The Scotts came to this country about 1800, members of the family making their homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
I. Grant Scott attended the public schools and later Cheltenham High School, at Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated in 1914. He then matriculated at Lafayette College, being graduated from this institu- tion in 1918 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy.
With the entry of the United States into the World War, however, Mr. Scott enlisted in the Navy, serving from July, 1917, until April, 1919. In September, 1918, he was com- missioned an ensign and was serving in that capacity when he received his discharge. On returning to civil life, Mr. Scott came to Wilkes-Barre in the fall of 1919 as district manager for the Keasbey and Mattison Com- pany, manufacturers of asbestos products. This association was continued until 1924 in a very satisfactory way, but in the latter year, Mr. Scott entered the employ of the Penn Allen Cement Company as salesman in Wilkes-Barre. Finally in October, 1927, he took on the Allantown Portland Cement Com- pany account here and has remained con- nected with this corporation since that time, this office being in the Central Railroad of New Jersey building at East Market. Mr. Scott's services have proved repeatedly of great value to them, and his efforts have resulted in the expansion of their business in the Wilkes-Barre section. Having become thoroughly familiar with operating details in the cement industry and allied trades, he also, in 1928, incorporated the Diamond City Masons' Supply Company, of which he is now treasurer, and which is run in conjunction with his other business. This latter company are members of the National Builders Supply Association.
In politics Mr. Scott supports Republican principles and candidates, and in spite of a busy life, maintains a warm interest in civic affairs, and with the progress of the commu- nity welfare. He is affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons, and in this order is a member of Bethlehem Lodge, No. 140, at Bloomsbury, New Jersey, a member of all bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including the Consistory at Scranton, and a member of Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also holds membership in the Westmoreland Club, the Franklin Club, the Press Club, The Penn Athletic Club of Philadelphia, and the Fra- ternities Club of New York City, while with his family he worships in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1920, I. Grant Scott married Adalene T. Cougle, of Bloomsbury, New Jersey, a daugh- ter of James C. and Elizabeth (Thatcher) Cougle, of that place. Mr. Cougle was a free- holder of Hunterdon County for two terms. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are the parents of two children: 1. Lucille Elizabeth, born, May 1, 1925. 2. Jeanne Adaline, who was born on December 4, 1926. The family residence is situated at No. 1439 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.
JOIIN II. CANOUSE-One of the principal men of Kingston, and known widely in Lu- zerne County, is John H. Canonse, member of the firm of Canouse and Batterton, real estate brokers, West Side Trust Bank Building.
Here, in suite No. 203, business transacted ls large indeed, and as real estate brokers Mr. Canouse and his associate occupy substantial positions in the community, being, moreover, because of the nature of their business, in a capacity to do great benefit to Kingston, Mr. Canouse is public-spirited. He takes part In all worthwhile movements calculated to ad- vance the community at large.
Mr. Canouse was born at Wyoming, Lu- zerne County, November 11, 1891, a son of James W. and Mary E. (Batterton) Canouse, both of whom are deceased. James W. and Mary E. (Batterton) Canouse were the par- ents of five children: Harry, deceased; Eliza- beth, deceased; John H., of whom follows; James, deceased; and Marie, wife of John F. Gallagher, of Scranton.
John H. Canouse spent his boyhood and youth in Wyoming, Wilkes-Barre and King- ston. He received his academic training at St. Mary's Parochial School, Wilkes-Barre, and at the age of fourteen years became office boy in the employ of the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad Company, known as the Lanrel Line. With this company Mr. Canouse continued for six years, then secured a connection with the Stegmair Brewing Company, with which he worked five years. In 1918, before the close of the World War, he took charge of the Washington Pump Company, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, for the Federal Government. In 1920 he became as- sociated with Tom Hart, of Wilkes-Barre, in the insurance business, and the fall of that year formed a partnership with Dr. John L. Batterton, to do business as real estate brok- ers, at their present location, Kingston. Politically Mr. Canouse is affiliated with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 109, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a communicant of the Catholic Church.
On August 11, 1916, Mr. Canouse was united in marriage with Anna F. Carey, of Wilkes- Barre, daughter of Patrick J. and Sarah K. (Brann) Carey. To this union were born three children: Marie, John H., Jr .; and Anna. The family residence is at No. 34 Mohawk Street, Forty Fort.
LEONARD D. MARINARO, M. D .- During the time in which he has practiced medicine at Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Leonard D. Marinaro has built up a wide following in the community which he has come to serve. Thoroughly trained in his profession he quickly won the confidence of those who con- sulted him, taking his place as a leading member of the efficient body of medical men in this city.
Dr. Marinaro was born on July 4, 1897, at Old Forge, Lackawanna County, Pennsyl- vania, a son of Frank and Margaret (Rizzo) Marinaro, both natives of Italy. His father, who was born in 1863, has been a wholesale grocer at Scranton for many years, while his mother, who was born in 1867, died on May 6, 1907.
Leonard D. Marinaro attended the public schools of his birthplace, and later, St. Thomas College at Scranton, Pennsylvania. Thereafter he undertook the course of study in medicine at Georgetown University, com- pleting his work there in 1926, with the de- grees of Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine. Coming to Wilkes-Barre, he served as an interne attached to the staff of Mercy Hospital for one year, and then established
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the general practice to which he has since devoted his time and attention, with com- plete success. His offices are located at No. 123 South Washington Street, this city.
Dr. Marinaro is a member of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania State, and the Amer- ican Medical associations, and aside from his professional connections is active in various other phases of the community life at Wilkes- Barre. Always interested in civic progress and growth, he has heartily supported many worthy movements toward this end, contrib- uting liberally, also, to charitable enterprises. He is a member and president of the Italian- American Club at Wilkes-Barre, and is affili- ated fraternally with the Knights of Colum- bus. Dr. Marinaro and his family worship in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, at- tending Holy Rosary Church, at Wilkes- Barre.
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