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 7
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Ralph Davenport Worthington acquired his education in the local public schools, grad- uating from high school in 1899 and then attending the Harry Hillman Academy for one year, after some years he became a stu- dent at the extension school of the Penn- sylvania State College. In 1901 he entered the service of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, rising step by step until he was appointed to the position he now oc- cupies, with his headquarters in Wilkes- Barre. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Plymouth Fire Company No. 1, also of the Kiwanis Club. His church is the Presbyterian.
Ralph Davenport Worthington married, in 1919, Flossie Phillips Bragg.
WILLIAM JOSEPH FAHEY-An important figure in Wilkes-Barre legal circles, William Joseph Fahey has come rapidly to the front in his profession since he began practice in this city in 1924. Possessing a wide knowl- edge of legal principles, together with their application in modern court procedure, he has scored many notable victories for the causes which he has espoused, and in addi- tion has been very active in civic affairs and the general life of the community.
Mr. Fahey was born in Kingston, Pennsyl- vania, on September 14, 1896, a son of John Fahey, who was born in Pringle, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and has been a con- ductor on the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad for some years, and of Mary (Joyce) Fahey, who was born at Ashley, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and who died on May 26, 1915.
William Joseph Fahey attended the public schools of his birthplace, and was graduated from the Kingston High School in 1915, being president of his class. Thereafter he spent one year at Valparaiso University, in Indiana, where he began the study of law. With the entry of the United States into the World War, Mr. Fahey volunteered in his country's cause, and was commissioned lieutenant of infantry, commanding Company C, 407th
Labor Battalion, stationed in the South. He served in this capacity for eighteen months, receiving his final discharge on January 31, 1919. Mr. Fahey was also captain in the American Red Cross at Newport News, Vir- ginia, representing several southern States for five months on the States Welcome Home Project.
With his return to civil life, Mr. Fahey entered Holy Cross College where he pursued his studies from 1919 until 1922, and then transferred to Georgetown University from which he was graduated in 1923 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, cum laude. He had already determined upon a legal career some years earlier, and so with a further year of study at Duquesne University in Pitts- burgh, he was awarded the degree of Bache- lor of Laws. On September 29, 1924, he was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Western District, and then coming to Wilkes-Barre, was admitted to the bar here in October of that year. He began the general practice of his profession immediately afterwards, opening offices in the Bennet Building in this city where he is still to be found. In the few years which have elapsed since he came to Wilkes-Barre, Mr. Fahey has come to be regarded as one of the leaders of the local bar, a clever attor- ney, and a sound advisor in all legal ques- tions.
In spite of the demands made upon him by his profession, Mr. Fahey has found time to maintain an interest in the civic and social life of the community. In politics he is a supporter of Democratic principles and can- didates, standing high in party councils in this part of the State. In 1926 he was a mem- ber of the Democratic Executive Committee of Wilkes-Barre, while in the recent Presi- dential campaign, he served as a member of the Speakers' Bureau of the Smith-Robinson Club. He has also been for some time a member of the Zoning and Planning Com- mission of the Borough of Kingston. Mr. Fahey is affiliated fraternally with the Black Diamond Post of the American Legion, and with the local council of the Knights of Columbus, of which he is Advocate. He is also a member of the Holy Cross Alumni Club of Eastern Pennsylvania, while with his family he worships in the Roman Catholic faith, attending St. Ignatius Church of this denomination at Wilkes-Barre. He has con- tributed liberally to the support of church work, and to many worthy movements, whether civic or benevolent in nature.
On September 10, 1923, William Joseph Fahey married Beatrice Fagan of Hopedale, Massachusetts, a daughter of William F. and Anna (Dean) Fagan of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Fahey are the parents of two children: Eleanor Ann, who was born at Hopedale, Massachusetts, on August 13, 1925, and Pa- tricia Marie, born at Wilkes-Barre, May 18, 1929. The family residence is situated at No. 428 Schuyler Avenue, Kingston, Pennsylvania.
JAMES ROBESON
BRYANT-In 1919, James R. Bryant, a druggist of thorough training and long experience, established the store in Hudson, which he has operated since that time. Mr. Bryant's obvious skill as a pharmacist, together with the progres- sive policies which he initiated and his execu- tive ability, have brought him a prosperous trade and much success. Among his fellow- townsmen he is highly esteemed as a public- spirited citizen, active in civic and social life.
Mr. Bryant was born in Stroudsburg, Penn- sylvania, May 24, 1883, a son of Charles M. Bryant, a druggist of that place, who was
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born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1859, and died in 1907, and of Emma (Robeson) Bryant, who was born in Stroudsburg, in 1862, and died in 1903. The son attended the public schools and the high school of his birthplace, from which latter institution he was grad- uated in 1898, and later entered the Phila- delphia College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1902, with the degree in pharmacy. Returning to Stroudsburg, he became associated with his father in the drug business there, this arrangement con- tinuing until the year 1905. Thereafter, for several years, he was employed in the Swain- bank drug store in Wilkes-Barre, and later in the Merritt Drug Store at Plains. In 1916, however, he became connected with the Internal Revenue Service, continuing their work until 1920. In August, 1919, he opened the drug store at Nos. 1-3 Miner Street, in Hudson, which he has operated under his own name, devoting all his time and attention to this enterprise since 1920. Politically Mr. Bryant supports the principles and candi- dates of the Democratic party. He is affil- iated fraternally with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which organiza- tion he is a member of Lodge No. 109. He is a member and a liberal supporter of the local Lutheran Church.
In 1905, James Robeson Bryant married Amy C. Engle, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsyl- vania, daughter of Christopher and Christina Engle of that place. Mrs. Bryant has been of great assistance to her husband in his various business ventures.
LOUIS N. JACOBS-Few residents of Exeter have a record that has comprised the experiences encompassed in the life of Louis N. Jacobs of Exeter, one of the organ- izers of the First National Bank of Exeter, of which he is now director and president. Starting his career as a breaker-boy in the coal mines of Luzerne County, Mr. Jacobs since has engaged in diverse callings, includ- ing experience as a barber, hotel-keeper, real estate dealer, and public official, in addition to his present occupation of banking. To this varied life may be credited, in part, the success attained by this man in finance, for thus he became familiar with the details of commerce and trade that are so necessary to one in his position.
Mr. Jacobs was born February 23, 1872, at Wilkes-Barre, both his parents having been natives of Germany. The father, Conrad Jacobs, was born in 1856, migrated to America, and for many years was a hotel- owner in Wilkes-Barre. He died in 1918, and his wife, Magdeline (Conrad) Jacobs, born in 1858, passed away two years later, in 1920.
Louis N. Jacobs attended the public schools of Wilkes-Barre for a time, but early in life entered the mines as a breaker-boy, which was to occupy him for a five-year period. Dissatisfied with his lot in the mining indus- try, Mr. Jacobs purchased a barber shop in Wilkes-Barre, and subsequently operated similar establishments in Exeter and other towns of the section, following this occupa- tion for about twenty-five years. There- after he was owner and operator of a hotel in Exeter bearing his name, his tenure therein continuing for ten years, or until 1920, when he became interested in real estate. Since that time he has operated a real estate firm under his own name in Exeter, although he has assumed numerous other interests.
When the First National Bank of Exeter was being organized, Mr. Jacobs assumed the lead in the organization work, and upon the
completion of this task, became president of the institution, also serving as a director. The other officials of the First National Bank of Exeter are: W. A. Clark, vice-president, Edward A. Bedner, cashier, and George Busha, secretary, while the directorate is composed of many prominent citizens of the community. They are: B. Berkovitz, retired; G. Busha, real estate and contracting; W. A. Clark, captain of the Pennsylvania State Police; Rev. Father Jurica, priest; Frank Pinola, attorney and president of the Liberty Bank of Pittsburgh; A. Petrillo, Pitts Sporting Goods Company; J. Schwartz, meat dealer; S. Schrinock, miner and school director, and Y. Yuchins, merchant. This bank is a mem- ber of the Federal Reserve System, and the best materials, equipment and furnishings were used in its home. The directors' room was finished in red oak, and the bank room and officers' space in birch. All modern improvements are provided In this structure, and the scheme of decoration is in extremely good taste. This, the only bank in Exeter, opened its doors on February 11, 1928, and is located at No. 1137 Wyoming Avenue.
Mr. Jacobs also has other financial hold- ings, including the Kingston Bank & Trust Company, of which he is a director. Recogni- tion by his fellowmen, of this public-spirited citizen, has caused him to be called upon to serve in various offices of public trust. His political connections are with the Repub- lican party, and he has been councilman here for about fifteen years, and burgess of Exeter since 1925. In both these offices he has given generously of those talents and of the experience gained in business to for- ward the interests of his community. Further demonstrating Mr. Jacobs' inexhaustible energy are the many fraternal organiza- tions which have his name on their rolls, and in which he takes active part, includ- ing the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Loyal Order of Moose, and Lodge No. 381, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, all of Pittston. Following the religious faith of his parents, Mr. Jacobs attends the German Lutheran Church.
Louis N. Jacobs was married, in 1889, to Catharine McAllister of Swoyersville, Penn- sylvania, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McAllister, and they have one child: Mar- guerite R. The family residence is located at No. 963 Exeter Street, Exeter.
CHARLES JAMES HIGGS, M. D .- In the ranks of the physicians and surgeons of Luzerne County, Dr. Charles J. Higgs, of Wilkes-Barre, holds a prominent place by reason of his learning and ability. A member of the younger group of the medical frater- nity, he has exemplified during the period of his practice the highest traditions of the pro- fession. He enjoys good standing in the learned bodies of the associated physicians and surgeons of county, State and the Na- tion, and is a veteran of the Mexican Border campaign, holding also the confidence of the people of Wilkes-Barre, to a large number of whom he has rendered professional service.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, August 4, 1889, Dr. Charles James Higgs is the son of William L. and Susie (Larish) Higgs, and has two sisters, the Misses Hazel and Margaret Higgs. His father, born in Wilkes-Barre, December 5, 1867, was city assessor of that city for fifteen years, and is now a well-known and successful real estate operator there. The mother was born in New Columbus, Luzerne County, June 9, 1872. Dr. Higgs attended the grade schools of Wilkes-Barre and was grad- uated from the high school of that city in 1908, taking his preparatory course of one
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year at Bellefonte Academy, Bellefonte, which he left in 1909 to enter Pennsylvania State College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1913 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He took his professional course at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1915. His interneship of one year was served at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes- Barre, and this was followed by the service of an enlistment of one year on the Mexican Border as a member of the Pennsylvania Field Artillery.
Dr. Higgs entered practice at Wilkes- Barre and has been successfully engaged in his profession there for the entire period since. His ministrations to his clientage are of that quality which have won him a large and desirable following in the city and its environs. Further attest of his professional ability is had in the fact of his election to fellowship in the American Medical Associa- tion, and membership in the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the Luzerne County Medical Society.
In the various activities of the people of Wilkes-Barre, Dr. Higgs enters with an en- thusiasm and a cooperative spirit which give impetus to the movements for betterment of the different community departments. In politics he is a Republican, and in fraternal life he is affiliated with Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 128, Loyal Order of Moose; the Moose- heart Legion, Phi Chi (medical) fraternity, and the Patriotic Orders Sons of America, the Sons of Veterans, and is a Past Dictator of the Wilkes-Barre Moose Lodge. He is also a member of the American Legion. His relig- jous connection is with the Methodist Epis- copal Church, of which he is a consistently liberal supporter.
Dr. Charles J. Higgs was married, in 1913, to Eva Brown, of Wilkes-Barre, daughter of Charles and Callie Brown, and they have a son, Robert Donald, born November 15, 1916.
MATTHEW FRANCIS KELLY-Handi- capped by a meagre education, having been forced to enter the coal mines as a breaker- boy at the tender age of nine years, Matthew Francis Kelly, through his untiring efforts and unquenchable determination, has, never- theless, overcome those and many other ob- stacles to attain his present position in life, and in his native town of Plains he is both honored and respected. His undertaking establishment, under his tactful and sym- pathetic guidance, has been serving the needs of this neighborhood for more than thirty years, having been established in 1889. While Mr. Kelly has devoted himself most assi- duously to his duties as mortician, he has. proved a valuable member of his town in other respects, heing especially devoted to the good works of his church. While he has at times assumed public office, he has preferred the quiet life of his home to out- side social affiliations. Born October 30, 1869, Mr. Kelly is the son of James and Sarah (Cavanaugh) Kelly. His father was a native of Ireland, and until the time of his death, in 1887, was a coal miner. His mother, also a native of Ireland, passed away in 1917.
Matthew Francis Kelly attended the public schools in Plains for only two years, at the end of that time, when only nine years of age, going to work as a breaker-boy in the coal mines. Here he remained for six years, and realizing that there was little promise for the future in such employment, he entered a grocery store as a clerk. This occupa- tion he followed for sixteen years, but once more decided that he had not made the proper choice for his life's work. He then
came to New York City, and there matricu- lated at Renouard Training School of Embalming. After completing his studies in this institution, he then entered Eckles School in Philadelphia, and also was grad- uated therefrom. At this time he believed himself thoroughly qualified to enter the undertaking business, and returning to Plains in 1899, established the firm he has since conducted. When this concern was first founded, Mr. Kelly operated it under his own name, but since 1906, at which time his son assumed a partnership therein, it has borne the title of M. F. Kelly & Son. In this, the most trying of occupations, one which requires the utmost understanding of human nature and a sympathetic spirit, Mr. Kelly has made many friends, not alone through his business operations, but in other circles. Democratic in political beliefs, for six years he served as tax collector of Plains Township, and in the conduct of this office proved himself a highly qualified public of- ficial. A communicant of the Catholic faith, Mr. Kelly has for many years devoted him- self to assisting in the deeds and work of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, of Plains. His only other affiliation is membership in the Knights of Columbus, with fourth degree.
Matthew Francis Kelly married, October 26, 1897, Julia Ruddy of Miners Mills, Penn- sylvania, daughter of Michael and Bridget Ruddy. Twelve children have been born to this marriage, eight of them are now (1928) living: 1. Mary, educated at St. Mary's High School, Wilkes-Barre, and State Normal School, Stroudsburg; taught school in Plains for seven years; she married John Carragher, and they reside in Newark, New Jersey. 2. Thomas A., graduate of St. Mary's High School, Wilkes-Barre, and Eckles' School of Embalming, Philadelphia; now associated with his father in business. 3. Francis M., educated at St. Mary's High School, Wilkes- Barre, St. Mary's School, Emmitsburg, Mary- land, for two years, and finished at St. Thomas. 4. Joseph P., graduated from St. Mary's High School, and Rutgers School of Pharmacy. 5. James, graduated, 1929, from Sacred Heart, Plains. 6. Margaret M., now a student at Sacred Heart, Plains. 7. Rita. 8. Matthew, Jr. Thomas A. Kelly is associated in business with his father. Mr. Kelly has one grandchild, John Matthew Carragher.
ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG, M. D .- One of White Haven's foremost physicians, Dr. Alex- ander Armstrong has followed this profession for more than three decades, and during that time has become one of the best informed authorities on the ravages of the great white plague in the State of Pennsylvania. To this disease and its cure, Dr. Armstrong has devoted himself most earnestly, and to such an extent that he, perhaps, has sacrificed much of the material things of this life. Although he devotes much time to this one depart- inent of his profession, he does not neglect other associations and problems confronting health officials in this country. He is enrolled with many of the local, State, and national groups organized for the advancement of their calling and for the welfare of their fellow-citizens, some of which he was instru- mental in organizing. Non-professional af- fairs, too, are helped substantially by his participation therein, and he is a foremost worker in the circles of the Masonic Order. Born November 20, 1873, at Trenton, New Jersey, Dr. Armstrong is the son of Hugh and Ann (Robinson) Armstrong, both natives of Ireland, and both now deceased. Hugh Armstrong, who was born in 1830, attained to considerable prominence as a manufact-
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urer of packing boxes and for many years operated a planing mill, previous to his death in 1899. Ann (Robinson) Armstrong, who was born in 1839, lived to the rare old age of eighty-three years, having passed away in 1922.
Dr. Alexander Armstrong received from the public schools of Trenton, New Jersey, a sound, preliminary education, having grad- uated from the high school there in 1889. He was next found at the University of Penn- sylvania, and during his studies at this insti- tution, devoted himself to obtaining all pos- sible knowledge of the medical profession. At the time of his graduation from this university in 1895, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, he spent two years as an interne in the Philadelphia General Hospital. This proved most valuable experience to Dr. Arm- strong and, when, at the expiration of this period he came to Trenton and began prac- tice, he was most thoroughly qualified there- for. After practicing in Trenton for eleven years, or until 1908, Dr. Armstrong came to White Haven, when he began his work in White Haven Sanitarium, and here he has remained since, specializing in the treatment of tuberculosis. He has not gone into this department half-heartedly, but has given every possible moment of his time toward eradicating this plague. For four years he was superintendent of the White Haven Sanitarium, and now (1929) is visiting physi- cian and member of the board of directors of that institution. He also is visiting physician to Sunny Rest and Clair Mont, private sanitarium.
Dr. Armstrong's qualifications can be under - stood easily through looking over his affil- iations with the various organizations con- cerning his profession. He is a member of the Luzerne County Medical Association, Pennsylvania State Medical Association, American Medical Association, the National Tuberculosis Association, the International Tuberculosis Association, and the Lehigh Valley Medical Association. Of this last- named organization Dr. Armstrong is sec- retary. It has been in existence for almost half a century. Attesting to the distinction in which he is held in White Haven among his colleagues and fellow-citizens, is his membership on the Board of Health, of which he is president. A Republican in political beliefs, he has never participated in politics to a great extent, although he does take part in the local organization of this party. Many years ago Dr. Armstrong became a Mason and has obtained high rank in that fraternity. Among his affiliations with this order may be mentioned his membership in Lodge No. 466, Free and Accepted Masons; Lehigh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, of Allentown, and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association. Dr. Armstrong is a good citizen to the full extent in which that designation may be given, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an elder in that denomination. Among his numerous writings are the following: "Present Status of Therapeutic Pneumosthorax in Pulmonary Tuberculosis," "Heliotherapy in the Treat- ment of Tuberculosis," "Pulmonary Tubercu- losis and Tonsillectomy," "Therapeutic Pneu- mosthorax," "Value of Roentgen Rays and other Rays in Tuberculosis," "Thoracic Sur- gery," and many others.
Dr. Alexander Armstrong married, in 1901, Louise Carhart Weir, of Trenton, daughter of Elbridge Gerry and Matilda (Carhart) Weir. The doctor and his wife have one son: Alexander E., born July 12, 1902. In
1925 he graduated from Syracuse Univer- sity with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Dr. Armstrong and his wife reside at No. 330 Towanda Street, White Haven.
The Free Hospital for Poor Consumptives and White Haven Sanatorium Association, in which Dr. Armstrong has taken so deep an interest, was organized in 1895, but it was not until the beginning of the twentieth century that the association constructed its own sanatorium at White Haven, the build- ings being located at a height of 1,650 feet above sea level. White Haven is on both the Lehigh Valley and the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and is, therefore, very con- venient of access. The sanatorium has a capacity for two hundred and sixty patients, and the board of directors of the association is composed of: Lawrence W. Flick, M. D., of Philadelphia, president: Joseph Walsh, M. D., Philadelphia, vice-president; M. S. Kem- merer, Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, vice- president; Edward A. Millar, Philadelphia, treasurer; Miss Mary G. Marren, Philadel- phia, secretary; in addition to a number of other prominent doctors and laymen of Penn- sylvania. Dr. Armstrong is one of the nine visiting physicians to the institution, and is also one of the directors. As its title indicates, the White Haven Sanatorium treats many victims of tuberculosis, at a minimum charge, the institution being maintained through the generosity of contributors, and the magnitude of its operations is attested by the financial report showing expenditures of over $200,000 for the year 1928.
D. M. BOBBES-His relationships with the legal life and activity of Luzerne County have constituted a considerable proportion of the interesting career of D. M. Hobbes, general law practitioner and very able pleader at the bar; yet it may very aptly be stated that the earlier educational chapter of his life, that of teacher and principal of pub- lic schools, was to a considerable degree a preparation for the profession of which he has made the latter choice. In both vocations, Mr. Hobbes has performed a useful and memor- able part; and as an attorney-at-law he holds a place of decided prominence, his activities therein bearing witness to a mind of training and cultivation.
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