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 73
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Father Korman is a man of unusual culture 'nd of pleasing personality, and he has spent some months in travel, visiting the Holy Land, where he was engaged in archaeolog- ical research, and also going to Africa, whence he returned through Italy to Ger- many. into Czecho-Slovakia. his native land, and thence to France. While in the Holy Land he secured some much prized relics which now have a place upon the altar in his church. Father Korman also said Mass at Calvary, in the Garden of Gethsemane, and at the place of Christ's nativity. Father Korman speaks and writes six languages: Hebrew, Slovak, English, Latin, Polish and Bohemian. He has the affection of his parishioners, as well as their deep respect, and in addition to the material achievements mentioned has also greatly developed the spiritual life of his parish. The community at large, as well as the four hundred fam- ilies of his parish hold Father Korman in high esteem.
RALPH H. ROOD-One of the pioneer fam- ilies of Luzerne County was that of the Roods, of which Ralph H. Rood, cashier of the Dime Bank Title & Trust Company of Wilkes- Barre and a resident of Dallas, Luzerne County, is a representative. The first of the family came to Luzerne County in 1800 from Scotland, when the section in which the mem- bers settled was practically a wilderness, in- fested with wild animals and Indians.
Mr. Rood was born in Bloomingdale, Lu- zerne County, July 9, 1877, the son of Craw- ford and Hulda (Wiant) Rood, the former born in Ross Township, Luzerne County, Octo- ber 8, 1842, died October 2, 1927. His wife, the mother of Ralph H. Rood, was born in Fairmount Township, Luzerne County, De- cember 4, 1847. The early education of Mr. Rood was acquired in the public schools of Bloomingdale and in the Pleasantdale Acad- emy. He afterwards took a course in Woods Business College, at Wilkes-Barre, and later attended the State Normal School at Strouds- burg, Monroe County, from which he gradu- ated in 1899. Returning to Luzerne County, between his courses at Woods Business Col- lege and the State Normal School, Mr. Rood taught in the schools here, and in 1903 he was appointed to the charge of the school in Dal- las. This post he retained until 1906, when he resigned in order to enter the First National Bank of Dallas, as teller. In July, 1917, Mr. Rood became cashier of the First National Bank, remaining with that institution until August, 1924, when he resigned in order to take his present important and responsible office with the Dime Bank Title & Trust Com- pany of Wilkes-Barre. Politically, Mr. Rood is a Republican. He is a member of the School Board of Dallas, with which body he officiates as secretary. He is affiliated with Oneida Lodge, No. 388, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Dal-
las, with which he has been general superin- tendent of the Sunday school for over a score of years. He is also choir leader with that church.
On August 15, 1900, Mr. Rood married Eliz- abeth Williams, of Lake Township, Luzerne County, daughter of David M. and Rachael Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Rood are the parents of three children: 1. Ralph Harold, born Au- gust 9, 1901. 2. Graydon L., horn January 23. 1905, died October 7, 1924. 3. Lillian Frances, born November 14, 1911.
FREDERICK R. PRITCHARD-In the mer- cantile, community and civic affairs of Lu- zerne, Frederick R. Pritchard holds a fore- most position. Mr. Pritchard is owner of one ยท of the largest drug stores in Luzerne, and also has a branch establishment at Forty Fort, Luzerne County. He is prominent in fraternal circles, and his popularity with all classes has given him an assured position in commercial and social life of Luzerne County.
Mr. Pritchard was born in Edwardsville, Luzerne County, August 21, 1897, the son of Samuel and Esther (Leakey) Pritchard, the former a native of Wales who came to Lu- zerne County in his youth and attained the post of foreman of the Glenn Alden Coal Company. The mother of Frederick R. Prit- chard was a native of Edwardsville.
The latter's early education was acquired in the public and high schools of Edwards- ville, and he later attended the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, graduating from the science class in 1918 with the degree of Grad- uate in Pharmacy. He then became assistant manager for the Liggett, Riker & Hegeman drug store in Wilkes-Barre, where he re- mained for two years. He then came to Lu- zerne and for a year managed the drug store of George H. Ross, at the end of which time he purchased a half interest in the establish- ment. Three years later, on the death of Mr. Ross, he purchased the entire business, which he has since continued to operate under his own name. In May, 1926, Mr. Pritchard opened his branch establishment at Forty Fort. He employs a total of thirteen people in the two establishments and in both places has a steadily increasing clientele. In poli- tics Mr. Pritchard is a Republican but he has never sought for nor held office. In fra- ternal circles he is affiliated with Kingston Lodge, No. 395, Free and Accepted Masons; with Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, Royal Arch Masons; with Dieu Ie Veut Commandery, Knights Templar, and with Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He is an active member of the Reciprocity Club, and belongs to the Fire Company of Luzerne. His religious affiliations are with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.
On February 25, 1920, Mr. Pritchard mar- ried Jane Davis, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. E. M. Davis, of Glenlyon, Luzerne County. Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard are the parents of two children: 1. Louise Hazel, born July 22, 1921. 2. Ruth Esther, born June 4, 1927.
FRED J. WILLIAMS-Interrupted in his professional career by the World War, in which he served with distinction, Fred J. Wil- liams, of Wyoming, Luzerne County, returned to the scene of his early efforts and con- tinued his work to such purpose that today he has firmly established himself as one of the representative business men of the com- munity. He comes of sturdy stock, both par- ents being natives of Wales, and is the for- tunate possessor of a natural industry that
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brings its reward. His education for the work he has undertaken was complete in its fundamentals and he has added to it by con- stant study of the practical side during his daily labors. He is thus equipped in full measure to administer to the wants of the community in his special line and has built up a clientele that is both friendly and valu- able. His citizenship has been shown to be of the highest quality, while his professional and moral codes leave nothing to be added, for they have been attested to their full meaning and found complete in their defini- tion of honorable dealing.
Mr. Williams was born in Meeker, Luzerne County, Pennyslvania, October 17, 1887, a son of Dr. R. J. Williams. a native of Wales, and a practicing physician of Plymouth until his death, November 1, 1907, at the age of fifty-one years, and of Mary Bertha Williams, who was born in Wales, September 19, IS58.
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Fred J. Williams received his early educa- tion in the elementary public schools of Plymouth and then attended Hillman Acad- emy, at Wilkes-Barre, from which institu- tion he was graduated with the class of 1907. This preliminary education was followed by a course at the Medico-Chirurgical College at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the class of 1916 with the degree of Pharmaceutical Graduate. He then became a clerk in various drug stores in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and Pittston prior to taking his last course of instruction and upon completion of that and obtaining his degree came to Wyo- ming, where he worked until October, 1917, when he entered the service of the United States. During the World War he was at- tached to Battery B, 311th Field Artillery, 79th Division, and served with distinction, be- ing discharged at the conclusion of hostilities in 1918. Returning to Wyoming, he became associated with H. T. Gregory, with whom he established a retail pharmacy at No. 340 Wyoming Avenue, the partnership continu- ing until May 28, 1921, when he purchased the share of Mr. Gregory and has since continued the work independently. In politics he is a Republican and he attends the First Baptist Church. He is a member of John D. Stark Post, No. 542, American Legion, and is affili- ated with the Masonic Order, having the thir- ty-second degree. His memberships in this fraternal organization include Blue Lodge No. 468, of Wyoming; Wyoming Valley Com- mandery, No. 57, Knights Templar, and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Fred J. Williams married, in 1918, Salina Williams, daughter of Alfred and Margaret Williams, of Wyoming. They have one child, Fred, Jr., born July 20, 1919.
JOSEPHI F. SEELY-Progressiveness is the watchword that has brought success to Jos- eph F. Seely, of Wyoming, who grasped the opportunity that knocked at his door and today is firmly established in a growing busi- ness, recognized as one of the leaders of motor car distribution in this section of Pennsylvania.
He was born in Shickshinny, Pennsylvania, June 11, 1894, a son of J. Frank Seely, born in Beach Haven, Luzerne County, in 1868, a blacksmith by trade, and Lydia (Banks) Seely, of Shickshinny, both still living. He was educated in the public schools of Plym- outh and went to work first with the Plym- outh Water Company, Wilkes-Barre, where he remained for three years, then engaging with the City Auto Company, of Wilkes-Barre, where he remained for eleven years as fore-
man. In 1921 he secured the agency for Ford and Lincoln cars in Wyoming, organized the Seely Motor Company and has since con- tinued that work, being distributor of the cars named for this district. He employs four men and carries a complete line of parts, do- ing his own repairing. He is a Republican in politics and attends the Plymouth Christian Church. He is affiliated with the order of Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 395, of Wyoming; Caldwell Consistory, Ancient Ac- cepted Scottish Rite Masons, and Irem Tem- ple, Ancient Arabic Order Nohles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of Plymouth Lodge, No. 137, Patriotic Order Sons of America.
Joseph F. Seely married, in 1916, Mabel Lamoreaux, of Plymouth, daughter of Owen and Lillian Lamoreaux. Their children are: 1. Dorothy, born October 2, 1917. 2. Jeane, horn June 18, 1923. 3. Josephine, born Decem- ber 23, 1925.
WILLIAM L. DAVIS-Division superintend- ent of the Hollenback Empire and Stanton Collieries, at Wilkes-Barre, for the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, William L. Davis has spent his whole career to the present time in Luzerne County. He was born at Jonesville, November 21, 1880, son of Ed- ward and Elizabeth (Thomas) Davis. Edward Davis was by trade a coal miner, and both he and his wife were born in Wales. They came to the United States when young in years. about 1875, lived for a period at Jonesville, and later removed to Plymouth. Edward Davis died at the age of fifty-two years; his wife at thirty-five. They had two children: 1. Anna, wife of William Buckley, of Sunhury, Pennsylvania. 2. William L., of whom follows.
William L. Davis was a child when his par- ents moved from Jonesville to Plymouth, and in the latter community attended the public schools until he was eleven years of age. At that time he started to work in the mines, as breaker boy, for the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, working in their holdings at Plymouth. When he was twelve he became a door boy in the mines, and later a miner. From such beginnings he advanced steadily to the honorable and responsible position that is his today, as division superintendent. In Wilkes-Barre he is interested in diverse af- fairs directed toward the common welfare of the people. He is a Republican, loyal in sup- port of the party, and fraternally is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, as member of Plymouth Lodge, No. 178. He is a communi- cant of the Plymouth Congregational Church.
When the United States entered the World War Mr. Davis was of valued assistance in campaigns of the Liberty Loan, War Savings Stamps, and Red Cross, while he assisted also in the works of various committees and boards charged with wartime duties. He did all things within his power for the speedy culmination of the conflict, serving as only possible for a citizen whose patriotism is true.
Mr. Davis married, Thanksgiving day, No- vember 26, 1903, Edith Pearce, of Plymouth, daughter of John and Maria (Duncan) Pearce, both deceased. Of this union were born four children: 1. Anna, wife of Malcolm Scott, and they have two children: Malcolm, Jr., and Lenora. 2. Edith Maria, who died July 26, 1926, having been the wife of Preston Scott and the mother of a son, Preston Scott, Jr. 3. Edward William. 4. John Pearce. Both sons are students in Wilkes-Barre High School. The family residence is at No. 247 Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre.
Kas. a. f. Aud rence,
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REV. ANTHONY J. DUDKIEWICZ-Among the clergy of Plains and of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, the Rev. Anthony J. Dudkie- wicz stands out as a leader, being pastor of the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, in Plains, where he takes an important part in the spiritual affairs of his community. Esteemed and loved, not only by the members of his own flock but by all whose privilege it is to know him, Father Dudklewicz has grown to be a gentle and kindly influence among the pecple of Plains as his length of residence here has increased; and, although he came to this church as recently as 1919, he has done much to build it up until it is one of the foremost parishes in this part of the State. The new church home was completed in 1926, three decades after the establishment of the parish of Sts. Peter and Paul. The church itself was founded in 1898, when it had only fifty families. The first priest was Father Jacob Chalcarz, who administered the affairs of the church until January 29, 1899, when Father Constance Brzoska took charge; he continued the work until December 10, 1903, and in February, 1904, the Rev. B. Walter assumed charge of the church of which he was pastor until August 14, of that year; then, from 1904 until August 15, 1919, the pastor was Father Joseph Kloss. It was in 1919 that Father Dudkiewicz became pastor; and since that time the church has grown until today it has eight hundred families as its members, as well as its own school with six hundred children and twelve sisters as teachers. This school is a graded institution, and takes an important part in the educa- tional development of the town of Plains and nearby communities. The church also has excellent facilities for social work, including its own club rooms, with bowling alleys, pool tables and provisions for recreations of all sorts.
Its pastor, the Rev. Father Anthony J. Dudkiewicz, was born in Poland on January 1, 1890, and there attended the public schools until 1904. In 1904 he came to the United States, settling first in Dixon City, and here he received further schooling in St. Mary's School, Detroit, Michigan, where he also went to high school and then to college. His grad- uation from college took place in 1910, and he received first the Bachelor of Science de- gree and then that of Master of Arts. Becom- ing thereupon a student at St. Cyrillus and Methodius Seminary, at Orchard Lake, Michi- gan, he studied both philosophy and theol- ogy, and was graduated in the class of 1915. On July 15, 1915, he was ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Church by the Right Rev. Michael J. Hoban, of Scranton. Then he served for one year as curate at St. Mary's Visitation Church, Dixon City, and for two and one-half years was pastor at St. Joseph's Church, in Wyoming, Pennsylvania. OnAugust 15, 1919, as recorded above in connection with the history of the Church, he came to Plains to take charge of the work of the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul. Here he has been constantly active in every movement designed to advance the church that he repre- sents, and has succeeded in increasing the size of the parish and its number of com- municants, as well as in improving and extending the value of its activities. Also active in local civic work, Father Dudkie- wicz is keenly interested in politics, being a staunch supporter of the Republican party and a man whose opinions are sought on questions of local importance. During the late World War, he was in Wyoming, and there rendered valuable service to his coun- try and its cause. In addition to his mem-
bership in several Polish fraternal organiza- tions, he belongs to the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, in which his affiliation is with Lodge No. 109. His value to the community is especially great because of his influence among the foreign population of Plains and Luzerne County; for Father Dud- kiewicz is a linguist of considerable note, speaking five different languages.
Descended from an important family in Poland, Father Dudkiewicz is a son of John Dudkiewicz, who was born in that country in 1848 and who still lives there, a landowner widely known and respected in his commun- ity, and of Frances (Siciarska) Dudkiewicz, also a native of Poland, who died on Decem- ber 19, 1912.
REV. WILLIAM H. LITTEHRANDT, D. D .- Assistant rector of St. Stephen's Protestant Episcopal Church of Wilkes-Barre, largest in the Diocese of Bethlehem, Rev. Dr. William H. Littebrandt was born in Yonkers, New York, on November 12, 1874, a son of John J. and Mary (Morris) Littebrandt, deceased, the only son and child of this union.
Dr. Littebrandt received his early educa- tion in the public schools of Yonkers, and matriculated in Wesleyan University, at Mid- dletown, Connecticut, whence he graduated with the class of 1899, holder of the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He had planned his course for the ministry while in Wesleyan, and upon completion of studies there entered the Union Theological Seminary, New York City, and took his degree as Doctor of Divinity in 1902, having established for himself an irreproach- able and temperate conduct befitting the min- istry and distinguished himself for the bril- liance with which he performed original re- search into questions of theology, winning alike the warm esteem of professors and classmates, who admired him for his high character and intellect. In 1902, then, Dr. Littebrandt was ordained a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in this church served five years; but in 1908 he was ordained into the Protestant Episcopal Church by Bishop Burgess of Garden City, New York, and became assistant rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Brooklyn, New York. Here, as assistant, he remained but one year, after which period he was elevated to full pastorship of the Church of the Redeemer, in Merrick, Long Island, where he served for sixteen years. In this time Dr. Littebrandt became a figure in the community of Merrick and was constantly allied in works for the spiritual and material welfare of its inhabit- ants, beloved by his parishioners, who were reluctant to see him leave, when he heard the call from Wilkes-Barre. Thus did Dr. Litte- brandt consider it his duty and his privilege, notwithstanding the affection in which he bore the Merrick parishioners, to depart that post for the newer one, leaving the office of rector for that of assistant in a larger church. During the comparatively brief period in which he has been in St. Stephen's Church of Wilkes-Barre, he has accomplished much, purveying His word and works in a divine faith that has brought him close indeed to the parish.
While his whole devotion lies in theology, Dr. Littebrandt has taken part in many of the public enterprises launched for the material progress of Wilkes-Barre, and has contrib- uted liberally of ideas and time to these pro- jects. He is, therefore, accounted one of the forward-looking citizens of the common- wealth. Fraternally, too, he is active. He is a member of Keystone Consistory at Scranton of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Ma-
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sons of the thirty-second degree, and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Dr. Littebrandt has never married.
THOMAS J. CALLAHAN-Through his ex- tensive connections in the business and gen- eral affairs of the Wyoming Valley, Thomas J. Callahan has become a prominent citizen of Wilkes-Barre. In addition to his own per- sonal business as real estate operator and insurance agent, with offices at Suite 104 in the Second National Bank Building, he is a contractor and builder, a member of the board of directors of the West Side Bank and Trust Company, at Kingston, Pennsylvania; director of the West Side Building and Loan Association, president of the West Side Mort- gage Company, of Kingston, and tax col- lector for Swoyersville, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
Thomas J. Callahan was born at Forty Fort, Luzerne County, September 23, 1884, son of Anthony and Belinda (Devers) Callahan, de- ceased, the father having died at the age of fifty-two and the mother at the age of seven- ty-one years. Anthony and Belinda Callahan were of Irish stock, and the parents of three children: Thomas J., of whom later; Anna, wife of Joseph Yale, of Forty Fort; and Mary, wife of Eugene Boyle, of Swoyersville.
Thomas J. Callahan grew to maturity at Forty Fort, there attending the public schools and the Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, and upon graduation from the seminary matric- ulated in St. Michael's College at Toronto, Canada, where he studied for three years. He then returned to Swoyersville and took a place with the American Car and Foundry Company, in the mechanical and drafting de- partment; and after a year of this became a teacher in Swoyersville, retaining the in- structorship for two years, when he was em- powered as agent of the Prudential Life In- surance Company, at Wilkes-Barre. He wrote insurance for four years, and in 1909 started in the real estate business, maintaining an insurance office in conjunction, and also en- gaging in contracting and building. In his varied enterprises Mr. Callahan has been suc- cessful, has made for himself a respected place among the more prominent members of the community, and is high in the estimation of those with whom he has come in contact. At the age of nine years Mr. Callahan went to work as breaker hoy in the mines, picking slate from the coal, grading it, and laying the foundation for his future; member of a fam- ily not endowed with an abundance of worldly goods, but inheriting that more priceless possession, character, he went courageously ahead, and has done for himself honorably. Mr. Callahan is a Republican, member of the Catholic Church, and is affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Fox Hill Country Club.
Thomas J. Callahan married, in 1905, Edith Boyle, daughter of James and Helen Boyle, and is the father of Thomas J., Jr., teacher in the schools of Swoyersville; Agnes, teacher at Swoyersville; Anthony; Margaret; Marie; Edith; Leonard; Grace; and Jule.
FRED H. GATES-For more than forty years Fred H. Gates, now city clerk of Wilkes-Barre, has served as assistant and clerk, and thus enjoys the distinction of hav- ing been in public office longer than any other man in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, September 20, 1866, son of H. C. and Jane A. Gates, deceased, and a member of one of the fine old families in
Luzerne County. The American progenitor of the Gates family came from England in Colo- nial days and settled in Connecticut. The father of City Clerk Gates was a foundry man. His children were: Grizzie, widow of James M. Norris, of Wilkes-Barre; Fred H., subject of this record, of further mention; Estella G., wife of Phillip Stauffer, of Wilkes- Barre, a mining engineer associated with the Hudson Coal Company; Mary Carlisle Gates, residing in Wilkes-Barre; and Charles, who died in childhood.
The education of Fred H. Gates was ac- quired in the public schools of Wilkes-Barre. While still a boy, he found employment in the office of the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company at Wanamie, Luzerne County, under the management of James M. Norris. When Mr. Norris was elected prothonotary for Luzerne County, he made Mr. Gates a clerk in his office. This served as Mr. Gates' introduction to public service, for while still a prothonotary's clerk, he was elected assist- ant city clerk of Wilkes-Barre, May 3, 1887. Fourteen years later, in 1901, he was chosen city clerk of Wilkes-Barre by the City Coun- cil and has since remained in office. His is a unique record in the county and one char- acterized hy sincere devotion to the public welfare. In politics he is a Republican. He is a communicant of St. Clement's Episcopal Church of Wilkes-Barre and for many years has been vestryman. His fraternal affilia- tions are with Lodge No. 61, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, Royal Arch Masons; Dieu le Veut Command- ery, No. 45, Knights Templar; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Irem Temple Country Club and to the Franklin Club. A self-made man, of broad public interests and engaging personality, Mr. Gates is one of the leading citizens of Wilkes-Barre, where he is highly respected.
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