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 78
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Mr. Parry's father, John Parry, was a sol- dier in the Union Army in the Civil War, serving with the 129th Pennsylvania Volun- teer, and later wtih the 39th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He married Mary Jones and they were the parents of seven children, as follows: 1. William J., of Luzerne Borough. 2. John A., of this record. 3. Miss Helen G., of Kingston. 4. Mrs. Esther Parry Moore, wife of Guy W. Moore, of Kingston. 5. Ben- jamin F., of Kingston. 6. Frederick H., of Kingston. And one daughter who died in infancy.
When John A. Parry was about two years of age he was brought to Wilkes-Barre by his parents. He received his education in the Luzerne Borough public schools and in the Wyoming Seminary, and after leaving school he went on the road as traveling salesman for a Philadelphia dry goods and notion house. Later he became traveling salesman for the wholesale grocery firm operated by the William Stoddart Company, of Wilkes- Barre. In October. 1917, he was appointed to a post in the office of the State treasurer at Harrisburg and in 1922 Mr. Parry was appointed division chief of Wilkes-Barre Di- vision, Twelfth District Internal Revenue Department, located at Wilkes-Barre, where he served until January, 1927, when he was appointed a member of the board of assessors of Luzerne County, which post he holds at the time of this writing, 1930.
Mr. Parry for many years has been an active worker in the ranks of the Repub- lican party. He has served as treasurer of the Republican County Committee and in numerous civic and political committees. He was at one time a member of the School Board of the borough of Forty Fort where he resides.
Mr. Parry was twice married. On February IS, 1892, he married Lizzie B. Welter, of Kingston, who died December 16, 1894, and on June 6, 1900 he married (second) Grace L. Pettebone, a daughter of George and Helen (Space) Pettebone, both members of pioneer families of Luzerne County.
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WILLIAM S. NORTON-Having learned the coal-mining business in the anthracite region, from the headings to the point of shipment, William S. Norton has risen to the high position of superintendent of all the mines of the Alden Coal Company at Alden Sta- tion. He is a product of the mining region and of the mines themselves, starting as a breaker-hoy and mounting by steady grades in the favor of the company, while adding to his experience and efficiency in the different deparments until installed in the responsible position second only to the executive man- agement in importance.
William S. Norton was born in Wilkes- Barre. November 24, 1874, the son of Henry and Margaret (Lloyd) Norton, his father, born in England, and for many years a farmer. died in 1925; and his mother, a native of Wales, died in 1876, about two years after her son was born. His education was received in the public schools of Wilkes-Barre, and at the tender age of eleven years he went to work in the coal-breaker. where he was employed for several years. It was a humble beginning, to be sure, but he had his eye to the future, which he fully believed had something better in store. For the follow- ing six years he assisted his father on the home farm. Then he returned to his old occupation, and four years worked in the mines of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company. He had done something more, in the mean- time, than mere drudgery work in the mines, and had enlarged his capacity for usefulness by learning the details of mine engineer. In the latter position he went with the Alden Coal Company at Alden Station, and he proved his worth to the concern, which showed his appreciation by advancing him to the superintendency of all its mines, in 1925, and he has fully measured up to the expectations of his superiors and fellow- officials.
Other business associations of Mr. Norton comprise the Nanticoke National Bank, Sus- onehanna Lumber Company and Nanticoke Construction Company, of each of which he is a director. The Republican party's local organization is strengthened by his mem- bership and activity. For many years he served the Newport Township as its civil engineer. He is affiliated with Wilkes-Barre Lodge, No. 61, Free and Accepted Masons, and has his religious connection with the Chris- tian Science Church.
William S. Norton married, in March, 1912, Bessie Millington, of Richmond, Virginia, daughter of Richard Millington, of an old family of that State.
REVEREND LOUIS M. LEVITSKY-Rabbi in charge of Temple Israel, No. 239 South River Street, Wilkes-Barre, Rev. Louis M. Levitsky is one of the most excellently edu- cated of citizens residing in this community, and the synagogue under his care is known widely as the finest and most modern of huildings of its character outside the city of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania, with one other possible exception, that in Pittsburgh.
The congregation was organized in 1922, by Rev. Levitsky, and the Temple was built under his supervision. It was dedicated on September 13, 1925, and in building cost some $250,000. The synagogue has a membership of more than 1,500 souls. In it is maintained a fine library numbering three hundred and fifty volumes in Hebrew and 1,200 in English. In contains twenty-two rooms, and its ex- terior is executed in Byzantine design, faced with buff tapestry brick and trimmed with granite and polychrome terra cotta. The
building is sixty-four feet wide and is super- imposed by a large copper covered dome ris- ing seventy feet above the finished grade, and flanked on either side by two lesser domes. The entrance into the edifice, which is set back considerably from the building line of the street, is reached by an approach of granite steps thirty-six feet in width. The vestry rooms contain class rooms, one wall in each room heing given over to window space. There is a general cloak room for the pupils. The Beth Hamidrash, which is also the Junior Congregation, has a seating capacity of one hundred and twenty-five, and is reached by two separate entrances from without. The kitchen is equipped to serve three hundred guests. The auditorium seats four hundred, and its stage is propped for all dramatic presentations, having the necessary lights and adjustments as well as two dress- ing rooms. Upon entering the synagogue floor one is ushered into the vestibule forty-five feet wide and fifteen deep, at each end of which there is a cloak room. The main syna- gogue seats six hundred on its ground floor, which is a square space measuring sixty- two feet on a side. Two groups of three windows each contain in their artistic stained glass designs the symbols of the twelve tribes of Israel, centered around a seven-hranch Menorah. Rising forty-two feet above the floor in the center is the dome, thirty feet in diameter, with its stained glass design giving the effect of a bursting sun. The dome is lighted from the inside. Interior decora- tion is carried out in an ivory shade, with oil painted and sand finished walls. Around the dome are suspended eight lanterns, and there
are ten auxiliary wall brackets around the walls. The Ark, built of stained brown wood, is topped by two tablets on which are en- graved in gilt Hebrew characters the Ten Commandments. On either side of the Ark are two arm chairs for the Rabbi, Cantor and other officials. The two Menorahs are placed on the ends of the pulpit platform, which is lighted by a battery of powerful concealed lights. The whole lighting system in the main synagogue is controlled by a rheostat. On the same floor are found the library, the Rabbi's and Cantor's dressing rooms, and the office of the Rabbi's secretary. Above the Ark at one end of the main synagogue floor is the choir loft. On one side of it is Rabbi Levitsky's study, and on the other is a music room and trustee's meeting room. Directly across, in the rear of the main syna- gogue, is a balcony with a seating capacity for one hundred persons. Directly across the street from the Temple building, at Nos. 236-38 South River Street, is located the Temple Israel Religious School. It is a three- story building, forming externally a unit with the Temple building. It is built on a lot forty feet by one hundred and ten feet deep, going in depth from River Street to Wright Street. It contains on the ground floor an office for the Rabbi and his secretary, an assembly hall, a study room, and two class rooms in addition to a wash room. On the second floor are to be found four large classrooms, a faculty room and another study room. The third floor is given over partly to living quarters for the janitor and partly to storage space. The building is erected on forty by sixty feet, the remainder of the ground devoted to playground space for the children. The building accommodates four hundred pupils. It is in charge of the Rabbi as supervisor and a staff of six teachers giv- ing instruction in the Jewish religion after school hours each day.
Rev. Levitsky was born in Russia, May 12, 1897, and is a son of Samuel and Freda
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(Valovick) Levitsky, natives of Russia, now of Montreal, Canada, residents of Montreal since 1903, when they migrated to Canada from Russia. Samuel Levitsky is a merchant. By his wife, Freda, he is father of five chil- dren: Rev. Louis, of Wilkes-Barre, of whom further; Leah, wife of Boris Naturnman, of Montreal; Boris, of Wilkes-Barre; Lucian, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; and Nathan, a student in McGill University, Montreal.
Rev. Levitsky was only six years of age when his parents left Russia to establish their home in Montreal, and in Montreal he received instruction in both French and Eng- lish. Upon completion of his preparatory courses he matriculated in McGill University, Montreal, but immediately left to continue college studies in New York. He graduated from the College of the City of New York with the class of 1920, at the age of twenty- three years. He then continued his studies at Columbia University. From Columbia he went to Harvard University, following gradu- ate studies at the Andover Theological School. His professional work he took at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, and here graduated in 1923. He was ordained a Rabbi in New York City that year. Mean- while, the year preceding, he had organized the Temple Israel congregation in Wilkes- Barre, and upon being ordained Rabbi he at once located here in charge.
In Wilkes-Barre Rev. Levitsky is not alone devoted to the Temple and his people, hut gives a large portion of his time and effort to general enterprises for development of the community. He is a member of King Hiram Lodge, No. 721, of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, of the Royal Arch Masons; the Wilkes- Barre Rotary Club; in 1928 and 1929 chair- man of the character building division of the Community Welfare Federation; and he is a member of the executive council of the Rabinical Assembly of America. He is a member of the National Committee on Jewish Education of the United Synagogues of America, and was one of the organizers of the Young People's League of the United Synagogues of America.
Now (1929), at the age of thirty years, ir charge of one of the principal synagogues of Pennsylvania, the progress of Rev. Levitsky seems remarkable and should be an inspira- tion to youth. Finding it necessary at the age of six to learn and use thenceonward a for- eign language, then, mounting ever upward In education in that language, he made his own advancement, for his parents could not send him away to school. Rev. Levitsky se- cured money with which to educate himself by teaching in and organizing synagogues and religious schools in the United States and Canada. He is unmarried.
GARRICK MALLARY MILLER-In bank - ing circles in Wilkes-Barre and throughout the Wyoming Valley, one of the best known men is Garrick M. Miller, trust officer of the Wyoming Valley Trust Company, of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Miller has been identified with this concern since 1898, and in this connection has filled practically every office except those of president and vice-president.
Stephen H. Miller, father of Mr. Miller, was born in that part of the old Luzerne County which is now Lackawanna County. He re- ceived the education which the rural schools of his time afforded and then learned the trade of the blacksmith. This trade he fol- lowed for many years, becoming well known also as a plow maker. He married Mary A. Stark, a descendant of John Stark, pioneer settler in Plains, near Wilkes-Barre, Penn-
sylvania (see Stark Family History.) Stephen H. and Mary A. (Stark) Miller were the par- ents of five children: Jennie C., wife of Charles S. Crane, who is now deceased and was for forty years connected with the First Na- tional Bank of Pittston; Fremont S., of West Pittston, Pennsylvania; Mabel, who died in 1908; Martha Stark, who died in 1925; and Garrick M., of further mention.
Garrick M. Miller, son of Stephen H. and Mary A. (Stark) Miller, was born at Old Forge, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, November 14, 1877, and began his education in the public schools of Old Forge. When he was ten years of age his parents removed to Wilkes-Barre, and here he grew to man- hood, attending the public schools of the city. In 1898, when he was twenty-one years of age, he entered the employ of the Wyoming Valley Trust Company in the capacity of messenger boy, and his connection with that financial institution has been continuous since that time. He has held practically every office in the bank with the exception of those of president and vice-president, and it is prob- ably true that no other man in the employ of the bank is more thoroughly familiar with every detail of its business. Mr. Miller is a Republican in his political faith. Frater- nally, he is identified with Lodge No. 61, Free and Accepted Masons; with Keystone Consistory, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, in which he holds the thirty-second degree; and he is a member of all of the Scottish Rite bodies. He is also a member of Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and of Irem Country Club. He like- wisc holds membership in Wyoming Lodge, No. 39, Independent Order of Old Fellows. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal Church.
Garrick M. Miller was married, November 16, 1914, to Florence E. Search, of Wilkes- Barre, and they are the parents of two chil- dren: Mary Stark, and Garrick Mallary, Jr.
IGNATIUS MARTIN STADULIS, M. D.,- Engaged in the general practice of medicine in Wilkes-Barre, Ignatius Martin Stadulis, M. D., has for a number of years played an important part in the affairs of this com- munity, and here he is highly esteemed among his fellowmen. He is especially fitted for work in Wilkes-Barre and this part of Pennsylvania, in view of the fact that this is the region of his birth and he is thor- oughly acquainted with the people and indus- trial conditions here.
Dr. Stadulis was born at Plymouth, Penn- sylvania, on October 6, 1898, son of Ignatius and Frances Stadulis. His father, who was born in Russia, in 1869, came to the United States and here took up mining for his life's work; he is now living retired. The mother, Frances Stadulis, is also a native of Russia. Dr. Ignatius Martin Stadulis received his early education in the public schools and the high school of Plymouth, his birthplace, and was graduated from high school here in 1917. He then studied at Bucknell University, from which he was graduated in the class of 1921 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. For his professional studies he attended Jeffer- son Medical College, in Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in the class of 1924 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine; and he then studied as an interne at St. Mary's Hospital, in Philadelphia, where he acquired a practical knowledge of medical science. After he had completed that period of train- ing, he came to Bresleau, and since that time has been a practitioner of his profes- sion in Wilkes-Barre. His gentle qualities
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of character and his amiable personality have constantly been an asset to him in his work, while his professional skill is regarded here as placing him high in the ranks of Luzerne County medical men.
In addition to his work as physician, Dr. Stadulis takes a leading part in the affairs of his profession, being a member of the medical staff of Mercy Hospital, Wilkes- Barre, member of the Luzerne County Med- ical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American Medical Associa- tion. He is also deeply interested in the pub- lic and civic life of Wilkes-Barre and his State, especially in political affairs, his own alignment being with the Republican party, whose policies and candidates he regularly supports. In his fraternal affiliations he is a member of the Lithuanian Catholic Alliance of America, the Lithuanian Alliance of America, and the Knights of Columbus. Dr. Stadulis belongs to the Tatra Club, as well as to the Phi Chi medical fraternity, which he joined while at Jefferson Medical College. His religious faith is that of the Catholic Church, he being a member of St. Casimir's Lithuanian Church, of Plymouth, Pennsyl- vania.
Dr. Stadulis married, in June, 1926, Mary Magdalene Sincavage, of Sugar Notch, Penn- sylvania, daughter of Anthony and Rose Sin- cavage. By this marriage there has been one son, Ignatius Jerry, born on March 23, 1927, and one daughter, Alma Margaret, born on June 19, 1929.
ALFRED D. THOMAS-The field of educa- tion has called with undeniable appeal to our greatest minds. In Pennsylvania are counted many of the most celebrated educators in the United States. Prominent among them is Alfred D. Thomas, president (1928) of the District Superintendents' Section of the Penn- sylvania State Educational Association, and active in its workings. He is also a mem- ber of the National Education Association, taking a progressive interest in all new and worthwhile theories of pedagogy. For many years he has been identified with the public school system of Hazleton, Luzerne County. As superintendent of the Hazleton schools he is in a position to effect lasting good, through the agency of perfected instruction. Nor has he failed to take advantage of this great opportunity for public service. The system of schools in Hazleton never at any other time has been so admirable as under his control.
Alfred D. Thomas has a deeply rooted interest in Hazleton and the Wilkes-Barre area, as he is a native of Hazleton. He was born July 4, 1875, son of Francis and Jane (Bowlden) Thomas, both of whom were natives of Cornwall, England. They came to the United States in 1869, located first in Morris County, New Jersey, later in Port Oram, still later at Mount Hope, and finally, in 1875, the year of Alfred D. Thomas' birth, came to Hazleton. Francis Thomas worked in the iron mines of Port Oram and Mount Hope, and in Hazleton engaged in local min- ing. He died in 1898, at the age of fifty-eight years, one of the most respected mem- bers of the community, whose loss was mourned sincerely. Francis and Jane (Bowl- den) Thomas had five children: 1. Richard, who began his career as a worker in the coal mines, became a dealer in coal, and died in 1923. 2. William F., a contractor, of Hazleton. 3. Alfred D., of whom follows. 4. John, a teacher in Central High School, Washington, District of Columbia. 5. Charles, a merchant, at Bradley Beach, New Jersey, formerly a teacher, having held various posts
in separated schools. John, Charles and Alfred D. Thomas had college and univer- sity educations. Frank Thomas had training in a normal school, and Richard Thomas only a short educational experience in the pub- lic schools, as he went to work at the age of only eight years.
In the Hazleton Township schools, Alfred D. Thomas secured his elementary and sec- ondary academic training. Thereafter he at- tended normal school at Bloomsburg, and for eight years taught in night and graded schools. In 1901, at the age of twenty-six years, he entered Lafayette College, and from it, 1905, took the degree of Bachelor of Arts, graduating as valedictorian, with Phi Beta Kappa honors. Later, in 1918,.he took the degree of Master of Arts from Columbia University, and in 1927 was conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Pedagogy, by Muhlenburg College. Meanwhile, directly after his graduation from Lafayette, Mr. Thomas was appointed to the staff of Hazle- ton High School as teacher of history. Two years later, 1907, he was made assistant prin- cipal; nine years later, 1916, he became prin- cipal; and in 1920, at the death of D. A. Har- man, succeeded to the superintendency, which he has held uninterruptedly, and to the great appreciation of the townspeople.
Aside from his career, Mr. Thomas has been active diversely. He is a member of Azalia Lodge, No. 687, Free and Accepted Masons; Hazleton Chapter, No. 277, Royal Arch Ma- sons; is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the Craftsman's Club, Hazle- ton Rotary Club, and Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. A communicant of the Presby- terian Church, he is a moving figure in under- takings and the guidance of the Sunday school.
Mr. Thomas married on June 27, 1906, Hat- tie M. Corby of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Thomas was formerly a teacher in the public schools of Nesquehoning. Educated in the public schools she graduated from Nes- quehoning High School in 1893 and later at- tended East Stroudsburg State Teachers' Col- lege, graduating from that institution in 1894, and has continued her live interest in the advance of contemporary education. She is president of the Women's Missionary Society of the First Presbyterian Church of Hazle- ton, secretary of the Tuberculosis Society of the Middle Coal Field District, trustee of the Hazleton State Hospital, member of the board of directors of the Young Women's Christian Association, former president of the Women's Civic Club, and Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Hazleton Chapter, No. 248. The family residence is at No. 585 James Street, Hazleton, Pennsylvanla.
JOSEPH BECKER-Associated throughout his career in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with the coal industry, Joseph Becker is now an outside foreman for the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, with which he has been connected in this capacity since 1902. At all times he has taken a lively inter- est in the affairs of community and State, and he is now especially active in the civic and social life of Plymouth, the city of his residence.
Mr. Becker was born in Jeddo, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on August 3, 1865, a son of Thomas and Lavinia (Evans) Becker. His father was born in Germany in 1820, came to America in '1844, became a miner, was mine foreman for years for the George B. Markel Company, the owner of the Jeddo mines, and died in February, 1885. The mother, Lavinia (Evans) Becker, was born
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in Columbia County in 1830, and died in 1904. She was a granddaughter of James Evans, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who served under Washington. Mr. Becker has in his possession several volumes of his great-grand- father's library, which goes back to the early years of the nineteenth century including a family Bible printed in 1828 and Franklin's Autobiography, printed in 1831. The Becker family has been living in the Wyoming Val- ley region of Pennsylvania since 1869.
Joseph Becker received his preliminary education in the public schools, and while he was still less than ten years old started to work in a coal breaker. Working on the outside of the mines, he began as a young man to take un the blacksmith's trade. Since 1902, however, he has been doing his present work as an outside foreman for the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company.
In addition to his own work, which keeps him constantly a busy man, he has taken a lively part in the political and civic affairs of Luzerne County. He is a Republican in his political views, and is affiliated prominently with several fraternal organizations. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which his affiliation is with Lodge No. 332; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is a member of the Plymouth lodge; and the Patriotic Order Sons of America, in which he is identified with Lodge No. 137. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is one of the trustees.
THEODORE STERLING ELLIS-Manager of the foreign and travel department of the Miners' Bank, Wilkes-Barre, Theodore Ster- ling Ellis was born at Owego, New York, July 6, 1878. On his paternal side he is a nephew of the late Addison A. Sterling of Wilkes-Barre, who for many years was well known here as cashier of the People's Bank and a prominent citizen of the community.
Theodore Sterling Ellis received his educa- tion in the public schools of Meshoppen, Pennsylvania, and came to Wilkes-Barre when nineteen years of age, in 1897. He took a situation in the People's Bank, and served in various capacities until 1912, when he resigned as paying teller to enter business independently, opening a foreign exchange and travel bureau. In 1916 this business had reached a goodly proportion, and he disposed of it to the Miners' Bank, though continuing with it as manager. Mr. Ellis is a Repub- lican, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is president of the Franklin Club, and a director and treasurer of the Oak Lawn Cemetery Association of Wilkes- Barre.
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