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 83
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HOYT E. HELLER-AS assistant county superintendent of schools in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Hoyt E. Heller fills an office whose usefulness to the community is greater than would at first glance appear. For in this position, he handles practically all the details of school administration here, and thus plays an important rôle in the work of educating the youth.
Mr. Heller was born on November 2, 1891, in Wapwallopen, Pennsylvania, the town in which he now resides, a son of Wesley and Flora E. (Swank) Heller, who came from fam- ilies that have been prominent in Luzerne County. The father, Wesley Heller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Absolem Heller, was born at Wapwallopen on July 11, 1854; served as a hardware, lumber and coal merchant in Wap- wallopen for about thirty years, at the end of which time he sold his business to C. M. Harter; was a justice of the peace there; was a school director of Conyngham Township at one time, president of the Hollenback Tele- phone Company, president of the Citizens' Water Company, and an active worker in many local activities. He is a member of the Reformed Church, having served for sev- eral years on the official board of this insti- tution. Wesley Heller married Flora E. Swank, of Hollenback Township, Luzerne County, daughter of Reuben Swank, and by this marriage there were three children: 1. Clark W., who was graduated from Gettys- burg College, as well as from the Reformed Theological Seminary of Lancaster, Pennsyl- vania, and is now active in the ministry in Danville, Pennsylvania: he was born January 23, 1889, and married Jeanette Ritter, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ritter, and by this marriage there were four children: Mary Louise, Adam Wesley, Dorcthy Jane, and Richard Eugene. 2. Ruth Adeline, who died in infancy. 3. Hoyt E., of further mention.
Hoyt E. Heller received his early education in the public schools and the high school at Wapwallopen, Pennsylvania, and later be- came a student at Gettysburg College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1912 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. After his graduation, he taught school in Luzerne County and at other places, including Frank- lin and Marshall Academy, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he taught for a year, and also schools in New Jersey.
His career was temporarily interrupted in 1917 by the entrance of the United States into the World War. When that conflict af- fected this country, Mr. Heller became affili- ated with the air service, and was stationed at a number of different air bases, as well as in the aerial gunnery schools, in which he held the position of a classified instructor. After the war, he taught again for two years, and then became associated with his father in business in Wapwallopen. For a number of years he remained in business, until, in May, 1926, he took his present position as assistant county superintendent of schools, which he has held since that time. In this work, he has won the esteem of the teachers and of his colleagues in Luzerne County's educational system, and holds a place of esteem in the hearts of his fellow-citizens throughout the county.
Although his business and school duties have kept him constantly busy, Mr. Heller has found it possible to devote considerable time to the affairs of his community. He al- ways has carefully observed political develop- ments, and is himself affiliated with the Democratic party. Mr. Heller also is a mem-
ber of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America and the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. For one term he served as school director in Conyngham Township. His religious affilia- ticn is with the Reformed Church.
In September, 1923, Hoyt E. Heller married Miriam La Wall, of Wapwallopen, Pennsyl- vania, daughter of Thomas A. and Mary Alice La Wall. By this marriage there have been two children: 1. Elinor June, born July 4, 1924. 2. Quentin Eugene, born May 27, 1928.
JOHN J. MEEHAN-In the building indus- try of Freeland John J. Meehan occupies an important position. Specializing in several branches of the trade, he has erected many works that bear testimony to the high char- acter of his material and the skilled labor utilized. Recognizing the value of a reputa- tion for honesty of effort and skill in con- struction, Mr. Meehan has followed the prin- ciples of all successful business enterprises in extending to all patrons the same fairness that he exacts in exchange. Operations on this line bring friends and win the esteem of the public, finely illustrated in this instance by his prosperous business and his army of friends. He is, in short, one of the important citizens of this district and a distinct addition to the community's activities.
He was born in Luzerne County, Pennsyl- vania, January 20, 1883, a son of Patrick and Bridget (Gallagher) Meehan. His father be- fore his retirement was a successful con- tractor, who had been a miner, and erected many of the church edifices and schools in this district. He was a native of County Don- egal, Ireland, who came to America in his youth and amassed considerable property. He and his wife were the parents of twelve chil- dren, John J. being the eldest, all but five now deceased. The elder Meehan was some- what active in the local political affairs and served several terms as a member of the Council, elected by the Democratic party. He was a Roman Catholic in religion and a member of the congregation of St. Ann's Church.
His son, John J. Meehan, was educated in the public schools and St. Ann's parochial school of Freeland, and when nine years of age was taken under the guidance of his father in learning structural brick and cement work. He eventually established himself in this trade and engaged in general contracting, later adding a marble and granite business and cement construction. He has always been aotive in politics and has served as a member of the horough council. He is a member of the Tiger Athletic Club of Free- land and attends St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church.
John J. Meehan married, November 25, 1920, Margaret Boyle, daughter of William F. Boyle, who had been a school teacher in Freeland Borough and Foster Township. They are the parents of John, Jr., and reside at No. 712 Front Street, Freeland, Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM BULFORD-Member of a pioneer Pennsylvania family, William Bulford was a native and life-long resident of this State. From his earliest years he was interested in horses and throughout his career was known chiefly for his activity in buying and breed- ing the finer strains. Every horseman of prominence in the State was a friend of Mr. Bulford and indeed his reputation extended beyond Pennsylvania borders to the Nation at large. In other phases of life in his com- munity he was equally active, winning the admiration and respect of all who knew him
William Butfordy
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by the sterling integrity of his character and the great kindness which he always dis- played.
Mr. Bulford was born on March 12, 1874, at Penfield, Pennsylvania, on the West Branch, a son of Samuel and Jeanette (Hoover) Bulford. His grandfather, John J. Bulford, was an early settler at Dallas, Pennsylvania, and built the first two-story house in that town. This is an old pioneer family of the State, and the grandfather, father and son were all blacksmiths by occu- pation.
William Bulford received his education in the county schools and early determined to follow the example of his father in seeking an occupation in life. He became a black- smith, continuing this trade for a number of years as a youth and young man. Mr. Bul- ford was always a great lover of horses and before he was twenty-one was engaging in their purchase and sale in a small way. Eventually he became the owner of many fast track horses and extended his interests to all the great horseracing sections of the East and Middle West. In the course of time he became associated with David Robertson, of Moosic, Pennsylvania, joining with him in a horse and mule business which soon reached prosperous proportions. At his sales stables in Wilkes-Barre, an enormous volume of trade was carried on, and the headquarters of the business there became a gathering place for horsemen and horse lovers of the entire State. The fine qualities of Mr. Bul- ford's character, his soundness of judgment and breadth of vision would have brought him success no matter in what occupation he chose to engage. Thus it was natural that he should become one of the greatest author- ities on horses in the State and should be known in this capacity through many parts of the country. Mr. Bulford continued his association with Mr. Robertson in their joint business enterprise for eighteen years, and their connection was severed only by death.
Through all phases of his career Mr. Bul- ford was a great lover of the outdoor life and of athletic sports. In his younger days he was an athlete himself of considerable renown, engaging in many amateur boxing bouts, in which he was invariably successful. As it was said of him at the time of his death: "In this line of sport, as well as ir the racing game, he had the respect and con- fidence of everybody. His happy considerate disposition and his reputation of being strictly on the level attracted to him hun- dreds of friends who always stood ready to risk their all on his integrity and straight- forwardness."
Mr. Bulford achieved success, as it is meas- ured in this life, "But with all his financial successes he was always the same 'Billy' to everybody who knew him. Kind, tender- hearted, smiling 'Billy' Bulford will never be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to know him. The radiance of his pleasant smile and his cheery words fairly warmed the souls of the downcast and un- fortunate and the warm clasp of his rugged hand seemed to melt pessimism and despair. Take it from one who knew him from a poor, struggling boy-who watched his struggles and successes with the interest of a true friend-the world may have men on a parity with William Bulford, but it has none better. Fear was one of the things he knew little about. And this trait stayed with him to the end."
On January 18, 1895, William Bulford mar- ried Minnie Hunsinger of Noxen, Pennsyl-
vania, daughter of William and Jemina (Mc- Call) Hunsinger. Mrs. Bulford, who survives her husband, continues her residence in the old family home at Wilkes-Barre. She has been active in various phases of the com- munity life here, and is a member of the Wyoming Valley Women's Club.
Mr. Bulford died on April 27, 1930. His passing, though following an operation, was entirely unexpected and brought the deepest sorrow to his many friends everywhere. Mr. Bulford was the soul of honor and integrity. He gave himself to the duties of this life with determination and great fidelity, never shirking any task which was his to do, how- ever difficult it might seem. His opinion and his judgment were frequently consulted by important interests. With all the other af- fairs of life, he was a financier of some prominence, and his association with the First National Bank of Dallas, Pennsylvania, was an important factor in the success of that institution. Mr. Bulford's home was his club. Although the most companionable of men, he had little time for club activities or fraternal association, preferring to spend his leisure moments with his wife-his true com- panion through the years. As an indication of the high respect in which he was held, the following resolution adopted by the board of directors of the First National Bank of Dallas is quoted:
Whereas the Creator of all things, animate and inanimate, has in His wisdom and mercy, seen proper to remove by death our com- panion and friend, William Bulford, we here desire to express our appreciation of his character, ability and accomplishments, as well as reveal our sorrow over the loss of one highly respected by the members of this Board, and,
Whereas Mr. Bulford was an original sup- porter in the establishment of this institu- tion, and for many years a director and who was in many ways instrumental in the growth and prosperity of the bank where his honesty and judgment were essential to progress, and,
Whereas he was endowed with that intui- tive comprehension of men and projects as to enable him to quickly visualize the basic principle involved and so resulting in a prompt decision advantageous to the wel- fare of our corporation, and as he also pos- sessed a characteristic geniality and fairness in all discussions which materially promoted harmony in the ultimate conclusions of the Board, we recognize our loss and sorrowfully realize that death precludes our further affiliation with him. Therefore be it,
Resolved; That this testimonal to our de- ceased associate and friend be inscribed in the minutes of the Bank.
Resolved; That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the widow of deceased, with whom we sympathize in her bereavement.
Resolved; That the Board of Directors, col- lectively, attend the funeral.
Resolved; That this expressed action of your committee be published in the Wilkes- Barre "Record" and Dallas "Post."
To this may be added the tribute of a local paper which well expressed the universal sentiment of all those who knew him:
And so we must say a sad farewell of this noble, worthwhile character. Good bye, Billy, and may the breezes which sweep that beau- tiful isle of somewhere unceasingly fan the brow which for weary months never flinched under the ravages of earthly pain. And may the love and prayers of those you have left behind entwine themselves into a garland of roses, ever to mingle with the flowers of reward in the sun-kissed gardens of a joy- ons eternity.
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GEORGE H. HARRIS-In a survey of the legal field of Northeastern Pennsylvania the name of George H. Harris, of Hazleton, stands out conspicuously. Although satisfied with a prosperous general practice in his native dis- trict, Mr. Harris has been recognized as a valuable counsellor in public corporate affairs and has been called upon to act for the bene- fit of the administrators of these activities, as well as to assume the duties of elective office. In such work he has displayed an abil- ity that has highly commended him to the whole body politic, achieving for himself an enviable reputation as an attorney with an intimate knowledge of his profession and a comprehensive grasp of its details. He is a man of pleasing personality, of consociational inclinations and of great civic spirit, a com- bination of traits and qualities that com- mends him to the approval of the community, while his ability in his profession places him in an eminent position among the many prom- inent and erudite attorneys of the district in which he lives and labors.
Mr. Harris was born in Wilkes-Barre, Penn- sylvania, December 30, 1880, a son of James Davis and Sarah (Hughes) Harris, the last named being a daughter of George H. Hughes. The father was born in May's Landing, New Jersey, a son of John Harris, was educated in the common schools and for many years was a caretaker on the extensive estates of the late Senator Don Cameron. He came to Wyo- ming, Pennsylvania, in the early days of the Civil War and enlisted for service, being at- tached to the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He remained in the Northern Army during the period of the War and was a witness of inti- mate operations of the troops as they were commanded by such general officers as Meade, Hooker, and Sheridan, whom he served as orderly. With the surrender of General Rob- ert E. Lee, he was honorably mustered out of the service and returned to civil life, first working in the flour and feed mills of George Hughes and later establishing a business appealing to wealthy sportsmen at Mountain Lake, where he propagated trout and devel- oped a fine resort. His active nature cansed him to abandon this enterprise and to engage with the Valley Railroad as storekeeper at Penobscot. Here he was elected on the Greenback ticket to be county commissioner, in which office he served one term and in which he proved himself of value to the peo- ple by his efficient work and in raising the valuations of property throughout the county. He was an unsuccessful candidate for county treasurer and after that defeat went to Ohio for a short period, helping in that State to build the Hocking Valley Railroad. He be- came a widower in 1880 and married (second) Mary Teots, of Wilkes-Barre. Governor For- aker, of Ohio, appointed him caretaker of the State House grounds in Columbus, in which office he again proved his efficiency. He later returned to Luzerne County, but kept in close touch with the Ohio Governor and later went with him to Washington, when he became United States Senator, where he was active in his work of securing pensions for deserving old soldiers. He also acted, while in Ohio, as. a writer of life insurance and wrote policies for Mark Hanna, William McKinley and other prominent men. He was a man of self-educa- tion, a great reader and a fine orator, inter- ested in the cause of labor and with a hand ever ready to help an honest cause. In Wash- ington he was employed at the Capitol and lived on a farm he had purchased near the city, where he frequently entertained men of political prominence. His death occurred in
Luzerne County in his eighty-first year. His children were: 1. James D., deceased at the age of twelve years. 2. Grace, married War- ren Distelhurst. 3. George H. By his second wife he had a son, Foraker J.
George H. Harris was educated in Hazleton, where he was graduated from high school in 1903 and then attended the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907 and the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the bar in the following year and then went to Oklahoma, where he established himself in practice in Elk City, remaining for four years and then returning to Hazleton. Here he became solicitor for the Hazleton school board and for the boards of Sugar Loaf, Con- yngham Borough and Butler Township as well as solicitor for Conyngham Borough. For the last ten years he has been deputy register of wills of Luzerne County, under William E. Morgan and Stanley M. Yetter. He is a Republican in politics and has been a candidate on that ticket for the State Legis- lature and Senate. He is fraternally affili- ated with Hazel Lodge, No. 227, order of Free and Accepted Masons, and with Hazel Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons; Royal Arcanum, Grand Fraternity. He attends the English Lutheran Trinity Church.
George H. Harris married, March 6, 1908, Emily May Beck, daughter of William H. Beck. Their children are: 1. Nancy May, a sophomore at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 2. Jean Lucile. The family residence is at No. 622 Grant Street, Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
JOHN JAY HUBBARD-The son of Welsh immigrants, John Jay Hibbard, of Wanamie, has largely through his own efforts become one of the leading legal-lights of Luzerne County, in the comparatively brief period that he has practiced. Like many of the younger generation of legal practitioners, Mr. Hibbard was hampered in his life's career through devotion to his country during the World War, when he served with the rank of first lieutenant. Mr. Hibbard was on the verge of launching his practice in 1917, and after serving with the Government forces, returned to Luzerne County where he has since carried on a general practice with offices in Nanticoke. His training and innate ability have combined to create a large and steadily increasing clientele here, and he also has been further recognized by being ap- pointed attorney for various school systems in this community. As befits a public-spirited citizen, he devotes liberally of his time toward outside interests, including political affairs, fraternal organizations and the church.
Mr. Hibbard was born September 24, 1890, at Wanamie, son of John and Margaret (Price) Hibbard. John Hibbard was born in Monmouthshire, Wales, and is a miner. Margaret (Price) Hibbard also was a na- tive of Monmouthshire, and died in May, 1908. John Jay Hibbard gleaned his earliest education from the courses prescribed by the local public school system and graduated from Newport Township High School in 1906. Thence he entered Stroudsburg Normal School, was graduated therefrom with the class of 1909, and this was followed by a period of four years' teaching in the New- port Township schools. With the money thus earned he matriculated at Dickinson Law School, and by close devotion to his studies was graduated from this school with the class of 1916, having won the degree of
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Bachelor of Laws. In the autumn of this same year he was admitted to the bar, but had little opportunity to practice his profes- sion before the entry of the United States into the World War. At the commencement of this crisis he volunteered for service in the United States Army, and was commis- sioned a first lieutenant. During his period of military service he was stationed in vari- ous training camps, engaged in instruction work. In January, 1919, Mr. Hibbard received his honorable discharge and returned to Lu- zerne County, where he launched his law practice, which has continued to occupy him. His offices are in Nanticoke, and he was selected attorney and school solicitor for the township schools at Newport, Plymouth, and Slocum. He was appointed solicitor to the county comptroller January 1, 1929, which position he resigned and was appointed county solicitor on November 15, 1929, an office he holds at present. As county solicitor he has participated in many important cases such as the appeals by the coal companies from their assessed coal valuations, and the litigation affecting the New Market Street Bridge. He handles the details of this work most satisfactorily, while at the same time gradually is building up a large general practice. His clients find him ever faithful and devoted to their cause, and his skill and talent in pleading cases has brought pros- perity and success. What is more important, however, he has won the trust and confidence of his fellow-citizens and is often called upon to aid in projects planned for the public weal. Mr. Hibbard is a Republican and is ever faithful in his support of the candidates and issues of this party. His fraternal asso- ciations include membershin in Nanticoke Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Keystone Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, of Scranton; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Wanamie Lodge, No. 867, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Junior Order United American Mechanics, and the Loyal Order of Moose. A devout Christian, Mr. Hibbard is a most help- ful member in the ranks of the Methodist Episcopal Church, serving this congregation as trustee and member of the official board.
John Jay Hibhard married, May 29, 1919, Kathryn George Phillips, of Wanamie, daugh- ter of John D. and Kathryn (George) Phillips. Previous to her marriage Mrs. Hibbard was a teacher, and for ten years served as in- structor of the Newport Township schools. She is a graduate of the Newport public schools, including high school, and of East Stroudsburg Normal School. Her father, John D. Phillips, was born in Aberdare, Wales, was a miner, and died in 1925, sur- vived by his wife, also a native of Aberdare. The children of John Jay and Kathryn George (Phillips) Hibbard: 1. John Humphrey, born June 13, 1920. 2. Kathryn Margaret, born January 10, 1924.
PIERCE RUTLER was a member of one of the oldest and finest families of Wyoming Valley and one whose history is closely allied with the growth and early pioneer history of the county. The first of the name to come to the State was Colonel Zebulon Butler, born in Connecticut, but migrating to Wyoming Valley prior to the Revolution and purchas- ing a large tract of land, which included part of the present site of Kingston. Four of this city's streets are named for the family: But- ler, Pierce, James and Reynolds, the latter from the wife of one of the pioneers and all
commemorating the activities of this family in the annals of the town. Colonel Zebulon Butler had a son, Colonel Lort Butler, who In turn had a son, Pierce, who was the grand- father of Mr. Pierce Butler, of further men- tion.
Pierce Butler was born in the old Butler homestead, the third generation of Butlers to see the light of day in this old mansion, on March 21, 1854. He was the son of James M. and Martha (Lazarus) Butler. lis earliest education was received in the local public schools, but when his studies there were completed, he continued his courses at Wyo- ming Seminary, where he graduated. He be- gan his active business career with the Payne Coal Company, severing his connection with that organization to affiliate himself with the Wyoming Valley Traction Company, which later was organized as the Wilkes- Barre Railroad Company. Mr. Butler was chosen as cashier upon this re-organization, and was eventually promoted to the post of paymaster, which position he retained up to a couple of years before his death. A man greatly appreciated for his able, efficient services and one whose high ideals of probity and strict sense of honor, made him a greatly esteemed individual in his community. His demise at the age of fifty-eight, on Septem- ber 13, 1913, seemed sadly premature to a sorrowing family and to the social and busi- ness associates who had felt his influence as a stimulating force exerted always for the best. Always ready to render service where he felt that service to be due, he served as horough president for a year. He gave his support to the Republican party, and was a consistent promoter of the interests of the community, aiding in those quiet ways which the loyal citizen can best serve in private capacity. He was a man of refined and culti- vated tastes, deeply interested in history and proud, in the best sense, of the history of his own family, A member of the Sons of the Revolution, he was a typical American of our best stock. Mr. Butler found healthful recreation in fishing and in the ideally happy social life of his home, giving to his family that simple devotion and affection which is the treasure and inspiration of its members.
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