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 86
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In June, 1907, John Charles McAlarney married Bessie L. Allen, of Forty Fort, Penn- sylvania, daughter of Nelson B. and Eliza- beth Allen. They had one son, John C., Jr., born November 19, 1908, a graduate of the Plymouth High School and Wyoming Semi- nary and now a student at Lehigh University. Mrs. McAlarney died on October 29, 1926.
WILLIAM E. SMITH-The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania probably numbers among its citizens more natives of Wales or descend- ants of Welshmen than any other State in the Union. They are a sturdy race possessed of moral as well as physical stamina. Up- right, industrious, thrifty, possessing the same ideals of liberty that are the founda- tion stones of this Republic, they fit right into American economic, political and so- cial life, which explains why the Welsh im- migrant does not have to be "Americanized." Of such stock comes William E. Smith, the well-known Burgess of Plymouth.
He was born in Wales, March 29, 1880, son of Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Dobbs) Smith. The father, who was born in Wales in 1854, was a carpenter by trade. He died in 1918. His wife was born in Wales in 1855 and died in 1885. The son, William E. Smith, was but a small child when his parents came to America and located in Plymouth. There he attended the grammar and high schools. His business life began as a clerk in a cigar and stationery store, and he continued thus employed until 1907. Besides improving every opportunity to learn every detail of the husi- ness during these years, he also practiced thrift and saved his earnings; for he had confidence in his ability to conduct a business of his own and the courage to make the ven- ture. So from 1907 until 1912 he owned and operated such a store on his own account. Mr. Smith is fortunate in possessing that kind of a personality that wins and holds friends. He is just naturally fair and straightforward in all his dealings inspiring confidence in all with whom he comes into contact. He has always taken an active
part in local affairs and since his majority has heen allied with the Republican party. In 1913 he was the party's candidate for justice of the peace and was elected, and at the end of that term in 1919 was reelected. In 1918 he became assistant clerk of the Orphans' Court and has been continued in that office to the present time. So efficiently and acceptably has he performed the duties of these varlous offices that in 1926 he was nominated for the office of Burgess of Plym- outh and was elected. As far as lies within his power Mr. Smith is seeking to give the borough an economical administration, free from favoritism, and in which every im- portant phase of the general welfare receives careful and competent consideration.
In 1912 William E. Smith married Edith Reese, daughter of George and Priscilla Reese, of Plymouth. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have adopted a son, Douglas. They are members of the Welsh Congregational Church, in which Mr. Smith is an active worker.
CLARK WRIGHT EVANS was born in Waverly Place, New York City, September 1, 1857, son of John Henry and Maria Louise Evans, his father having been of Welsh de- scent and his mother of Dutch parentage, the daughter of Leah Van Houten and Adrian Onderdonk.
Early in life he displayed marked talent for music and art and his earliest education was of private character at the hands of tutors. After about five years of private tuition, during which time his talent for music and art was encouraged, he entered private schools in New York, Later the family moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, where he entered the Plainfield High School, followed later by study in Boston and Balti- more, He spent several years abroad study- ing music and art in Paris and Berlin where he was a private piano pupil of Kullak. Re- turning to New York, he became associated with his father in the firm of Wing & Evans, chemical importers. Later he was identified with his brother in the grain business in Baltimore. Meanwhile his purposes had gone through several transitions; although tal- ented in art, he relinquished this in favor of music, and almost decided to follow music professionally. His favorite instrument is the piano and he has appeared many times on the concert stage. A number of his com- positions have been published. Architecture, however, appealed to him so deeply that he later decided to make it his profession. He was associated with two architectural firms in New York, but after his marriage in June, 1892, to Marion Edith Wells of Wilkes- Barre, the daughter of Annette and Charles D. Wells, he determined to make his home in this city; and a few years later decided to take up the profession of architecture in Wilkes-Barre.
Many local buildings may be cited as indic- ative of his talent. Other examples of his work are in New York, New England and Maryland. In professional identifications he is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Philadelphia Chapter of the A. I. A., the American Society for Testing Materials and the American Specification In- stitute. He is also a member of the New York Produce Exchange. His club and other affiliations include Anchor Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Plainfield, New Jersey, Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, Westmoreland Club, life member of Wyoming Historical and Geological So- ciety, Wyoming Valley Motor Club, Concordia
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Society, Kiwanis and the Young Men's Chris- tian Association. He is a member of St. Stephen's Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Evans have one daughter, Marion Annette. The family residence is No. I17 West River Street. Mr. Evans' offices are in the Coal Exchange Building, Wilkes- Barre.
ALVA CLINTON KELLY-The several com- munities in which Alva C. Kelly has resided during his mature years have benefited ma- terially through his sojourn therein, in va- rious capacities, he having been connected with business, manufacturing, fraternal and religious activities, as well as those of pub- lic life. Now a resident of Trucksville, where, in association with his son, he operates a modern undertaking establishment, Mr. Kelly also is serving as deputy coroner of Luzerne County.
Mr. Kelly was horn at Lemon, Wyoming County, March 21, 1881, son of James Henry and Kate (Garrison) Kelly, and grandson of Dr. James W. Kelly, who served as Wyoming County's first sheriff. James Henry Kelly, born in 1831, at Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, and died in 1925, was a farmer, and one of the early settlers of Wyoming County. Kate (Garrison) Kelly was born at Lymanville, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, in 1841. She has heen deceased since 1882.
Alva Clinton Kelly attended public schools in Lemon, and for a period of four years after his graduation therefrom was employed with the undertaking concern operated by Peter W. Tague, located at No. 113 South Main Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania. It was while he was thus engaged that Mr. Kelly decided that, in order to fully equip himself as a mortician he needed further institutional training, and he thereupon entered the Pitts- burgh College of Embalming, completing his studies there in January, 1903. After gradua- tion he purchased the undertaking business of G. H. Stroh, at Center Moreland, Pennsyl- vania, and was thus occupied until 1922. Con- ducting his establishment with a sympathetic regard for those desiring his services, and exercising the natural tact and foresight so necessary to his calling, Mr. Kelly soon won the regard of his fellow-citizens, and, as a consequence, his concern gained a high rat- ing in Center Moreland and vicinity. In the meantime, in 1911, Mr. Kelly had enlarged his interests by purchasing the planing mill, re- tail furniture store and hardware business owned by Mr. Stroh. These, too, he conducted under his own name until 1922, in which year he disposed of his holdings at Center More- land, and came to Trucksville, where he since has been in the mortician's profession. Here Mr. Kelly has one of the most modern and complete establishments in Luzerne County, his equipment comprising everything re- quired in a first class undertaking business, and ambulance service being a department thereof.
As additional pursuits, aside from his husi- ness, Mr. Kelly has devoted liberally of his time and talents to public service. For eight years he served as Master of the Poor in Wyoming, and in 1928 he was chosen as deputy coroner of Luzerne County, his term in this office to expire in 1931. A loyal Re- publican, Mr. Kelly has been consistent in his support of this party's issues and candidates, and is an influence in Republican councils in his community. Among his fraternal connec- tions may be listed Tobyscreek Lodge, No. 1078, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Center Moreland Lodge, Improved Order of
Red Men. He is a valued worker in the ses- sions of the Kiwanis Club, and especially devoted to the Methodist Episcopal Church, wherein he serves as president of the Men's Bible Class and president of the Men's Club.
Alva Clinton Kelly married, January 20, 1904, Bessie Amelia Decker, of West Nichol- son, Wyoming County, daughter of George WV. and Ida Amelia Decker. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly: I. Kenneth, who died at the age of two years. 2. Theron Decker, born February 3, 1907; graduate of Center Moreland public schools and of Wyo- ming Seminary, class of 1925. Theron Decker Kelly died at Grace Memorial Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, on October 28, 1928, from injuries sustained in a football accident which occurred on October 26, 1928.
ADAM IFFERT -- The name of Iffert has long been favorably known in business, so- cial and religious circles of Hazleton. A widely known member of this family, Adam Iffert, senior member of the firm of Iffert and Iffert, dealers in meats and provisions, is a director of a leading local financial institu- tion and prominent in the civic affairs of the city.
Henry Iffert, father of Adam, was born in West Pittston, and at the age of fourteen years came to Hazleton to learn the meat trade. In 1880 he established the market on Wyoming Avenue, now operated by his sons, and which is the oldest business of its kind in the city. Upon his retirement from the meat trade, he gave all his attention to his real estate affairs, since he had accumu- lated large property holdings. He built the New Washington (now the Winfield) Hotel, which he managed for some time. He also erected many business buildings and dwell- ings. He is rated as one of Hazleton's largest property-owners and heaviest taxpayers. He has played an important part in the local government, having served three terms in the City Council as a member of the Common and then of the Select councils. He continues active in his affairs and deeply interested in the progress of the community. He is identi- fied with the German Lutheran Church. Henry Iffert married Elizabeth Bachman, daughter of one of the old families of this part of the State. Children: 1. Adam, of whom further. 2. Harry, lives in New York City. 3. Clayton, a partner of Adam in the meat business. 4. Walter, engaged in the automobile business in Hazleton. 5. Florence, married Henry Reinhardt, of Hazleton. 6. Irene. 7. Helen.
Adam Iffert received his education in the Hazleton school, and when a boy learned the meat business while working with his father. About the year 1908 he took over the owner- ship of the market, his father retiring to enter the real estate field, and has since been engaged with cumulative success in that line. He has built up the business on an enviable reputation for high quality offerings and per- sonal integrity. The market is the oldest meat establishment in Hazleton. About the year 1923, Adam Iffert received his brother Clayton into the business as a partner and the style was changed to Iffert and Iffert. On January 1, 1929, Clayton Iffert located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Adam Iffert's son, Henry, taking his interest in the business. Therefore, now the third generation remains in the same business, established in 1880.
As director in the City Bank and Trust Company, Adam Iffert's counsel in the board's . meetings is contributory to the standing and success of that institution, of which he was
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one of the organizers. He is active In civic movements in Hazleton, and is a member of the Hazleton Motor Club and the German Lutheran Church.
Adam Iffert married, in 1909, Emma C. Pippert, of Hazleton, and daughter of John Pippert. Their children: Henry, Emily, Catharine, Walter, Martha, and Anna. The Iffert family residence is No. 151 South Laurel Street, Hazleton.
FRANKLIN PIERCE OLIVER-Recognized as one of the leading business men of Sweet Valley and Kingston, Franklin Pierce Oliver plays a significant part in the civic life of the two communities for, in addition to being connected with a half dozen business con- cerns, he is a member of the Kingston Busi- ness Men's Association and through that organization works for the various com- munity betterment projects that it furthers. He is also a life member of the Columbian Fire Department, and a member of notable attainments in the Masonic order.
Mr. Oliver was born in Wilkes-Barre on November 19, 1872, the son of Benjamin Franklin and Elizabeth Ann (Payne) Oliver. The father was a carpenter and served with a Scranton regiment in the Civil War. His son attended the public schools and, at an early age, embarked upon a business career that eventually made him proprietor of a mercantile business with stores in both Sweet Valley and Kingston. For sixteen years he maintained this concern, prospering in the field of retail trade, but during that period he was establishing other business connections that eventually required so much of his time, he was forced to dispose of the stores and now he devotes himself entirely to his other interests. Mr. Oliver is first vice- president of the West Side Mortgage Com- pany of Kingston, a director of the Dorrance Realty Company, and a director of the Val- mont Development Company, and a member of the directorate of the West Side Building and Loan Association. The latter three con- cerns also operate mainly in Kingston. He is also vice-president and a member of the board of directors of the Kingston Bank and Trust Company. Mr. Oliver belongs to the Sweet Valley Christian Church and he is fraternally affiliated with Sylvania Lodge No. 354, Free and Accepted Masons, of Shickshinny; Keystone Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, of Scranton, and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Wilkes-Barre. He is a member of Irem Temple Country Club.
At Sweet Valley on August 3, 1894, Mr. Oliver married Lillian Elizabeth (Bronson) Oliver, daughter of Daniel W. and Martha A. (Edwards) Bronson. They became the par- ents of two children: Ralph Arden, born May 6, 1895, and Durward Deane, born No- vember 8, 1896.
CHARLES F. YETTER-As one of the pub- lishers of the "Courier Herald," Charles F. Yetter is well-known in civic affairs of Wilkes-Barre, and his opinions have much influence upon the determination of questions of community import. But in addition to his newspaper work Mr. Yetter has, from time to time, held a number of clerkships in Lu- zerne County offices which have kept him in direct contact with public affairs.
Mr. Yetter was born October 12, 1881, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Bogert) Yetter, both of whom were natives of Monroe County. The father, a farmer, was born in 1846 and died
in June, 1907; the mother, born in 1847, died in 1893.
Their son attended the public schools of Wilkes-Barre and was graduated from the high school in 1898. He did clerical work until 1904, when he and his brother, Harry W. Vetter, purchased, from the Central Labor Union, the "Courier Herald," a weekly news- paper of Wilkes-Barre, which the brothers have since continued to publish under the same name. The paper, which appears on Thursdays, has a 5,000 weekly circulation and enjoys a considerable following, particularly among Wilkes-Barre citizens sympathetic with the Republican political tenets of the publishers. In connection with their news- paper printing plant the brothers conduct a job printing business. Charles F. Yetter has held a number of positions in the Court- house. Between 1906 and 1912 he was a clerk in the county commissioner's office and in 1924 he was appointed by his brother, Stan- ley M. Yetter, as chief deputy register of wills and second assistant clerk of the Or- phans' Court, offices he has since held as he is now serving a second term. Mr. Yetter is a faithful and active member of St. John's Lutheran Church and a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics.
On April 19, 1905, Mr. Yetter married Bes- sie Swank, daughter of Alfred C. and Emma Swank of Wilkes-Barre. To this union was born, on July 23, 1906, a son, Gordon S. Yetter, who completed a preparatory course at Wilkes-Barre High School in 1925 and, after taking a husiness course at Wyoming Seminary the following year, became mar- riage license clerk of Luzerne County.
ERNEST E. WATKINS-Prominent in the building trade of Kingston, in and about which he has been responsible for the erec- tion of many of our most important edifices, Ernest E. Watkins followed successfully in his father's footsteps, who was a mason- contractor here in the Wyoming Valley for many years prior to his death in 1917. From his young manhood Mr. Watkins, who is at present secretary and treasurer of the Wat- kins Construction, Incorporated, was asso- ciated in business with his father, learning from that past master the fundamental prin- ciples of the business and developing his knowledge as time went on, all the while building a reputation for good work and honesty in every activity in which he en- gaged. Sound in his business principles, keen in his judgments, fair in all his dealings, the public has responded to the unsolicited- invi- tation to test his work and has been liberal in its attitude because of the high reputation of the company. Creative forces are of great value to a community and in this respect Mr. Watkins stands high on the rolls of good citizenship, with a host of friends and possessed of the good will of the community.
He was horn in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1889, a son of Charles and Mary (Coombs) Watkins, his father having been born in Wales in 1863 and emigrating to the United States in 1880. His wife, mother of Ernest E. and Mary L., was also born in Wales and at present lives in Kingston with her daughter, who is a graduate of West- chester Normal School and a teacher. The elder Wales died May 13, 1917. He was a mason-contractor and established himself in that business in Plymouth, taking his son into the business with him after he had con- pleted his educational work and attained his twenty-first year. They worked together in the firm of Charles Watkins & Son until the
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death of the founder, when the son continued alone for a time, operating under the title of the Watkins Construction Company until 1920, when Mr. Watkins admitted Charles Malpass to partnership and changed the name of the firm to Watkins and Malpass. They operated two branches, one each in Plymouth and Kingston, but in 1922 discon- tinued the Plymouth house and in 1924 the junior partner disposed of his interest to Mr. Watkins, whereupon the company was incorporated, with the following officers: Thomas A. Davis, president until his death in February, 1925, when Fred E. Brown assumed the presidency; Charles H. Heness, vice- president; Ernest E. Watkins, secretary and treasurer. The concern employs an average of twenty men and recently completed the erection of the Fernwood Methodist Episco- pal Church building in Wilkes-Barre, and the grand stand in Artillery Park, with a seating capacity of 6,000. Mr. Wilkins is a Republi- can in politics. He is a director of the Plym- outh Lumber Company, of the Shawnee Clothing Company of Plymouth, of the Wilkes-Barre Brick Company, of the West Side Building & Loan Association of King- ston, and of the West Side Mortgage Com- pany of Kingston. He attends the Dorrance- ton Methodist Episcopal Church of Kingston. He is a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Plymouth and is fraternally affiliated with the Masonic order, Free and Accepted Masons; Plymouth
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Dieu le Veut Commandery, Knights Templar; Cauldwell Consistory of Blooms- burg, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, and Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias of Plymouth, and to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 109.
Ernest E. Watkins married, July 7, 1914, Ethel Brown, of Dorranceton, Pennsylvania, daughter of Harry and Alice Brown. Their children are: I. Charles Robert, born June 15, 1918. 2. Ernest E., Jr., born August 21. 1919. 3. Irma Louise, born October 10, 1924.
DANIEL M. LITTS-A builder and contrac- tor for many years at Forty Fort, Pennsyl- vania, Daniel M. Litts took over the business first established here by his father in 1885, and has continued it .with much success. The importance to the community of high quality building work is of prime consideration, and the structures of Mr. Litts which embody both excellence of materials and excellence of design, are a distinct asset to Forty Fort as well as a credit to him.
Mr. Litts was born at White Haven, Penn- sylvania, on October 30, 1884, a son of Zacha- riah Litts, builder and contractor, who was born in Pike County, Pennsylvania, on August 2, 1848, and of Abbie (Kocher) Litts, born at White Haven, died in 1889. The father is still living in Forty Fort, having retired from active business.
Daniel M. Litts attended the public schools of Wilkes-Barre, after which he undertook and completed the construction course of the Scranton Correspondence School. Beginning his professional career, he became associated with his father in his building and contract- ing business at Forty Fort, gaining valuable experience under his father's direction, and revealing a talent for the work. Eventually, in 1912, Mr. Litts assumed full control of he husiness, his father's retirement coming in this year, and from that time he has car- ried on the enterprise under his own name in a very successful way, employing on the average about twelve men. Among other
important buildings he has designed and constructed the W. J. Phillips store, the Pic- cone Apartments, the largest building in Forty Fort, and the new addition to the Lu- zerne School Building.
Politically, Mr. Litts supports the prin- ciples and candidates of the Republican party, while he and his family worship in the faith of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Sons and Daughters of Liberty, and has always been vitally inter- ested in the growth and progress of the community, giving his complete support to worthy movements toward this end.
In September, 1913, Daniel M. Litts married Catharine Schoonover, daughter of Thomas G. and Rhoda (Smith) Schoonover, of Forty Fort. Mr. and Mrs. Litts are the parents of one son, Millard F. The family residence is situated at No. 84 Oak Street.
LOUIS MARINOS-The life of Louis Mari- nos, president of the West Side Amusement Company, is an interesting example of a suc- cessful career achieved by determination and ability in the face of adverse circumstances. The company of which Mr. Marinos is execu- tive head is well known throughout the Wyo- ming Valley, controlling four of the finest moving picture theaters in this section, but its original establishment in a very modest way was due entirely to Mr. Marinos' initia- tive while its continued expansion and pres- ent prosperous business have resulted from his able management of its affairs.
Mr. Marinos was born in Sparta, Greece, on March 10, 1884, a son of Peter Marinos, born in Greece in 1850, and of Stella (Ducas) Marinos, also born in Greece, in 1854. His father has been a merchant in his native country for many years.
Louis Marinos acquired only a rudimentary education in the Greek schools, although this training has proved very serviceable to him, and in 1896 he came to the United States. He was first employed in a candy kitchen in Brooklyn, where he remained for thirteen months, after which he was connected with a restaurant in New York City for three years. Desiring larger opportunities Mr. Marinos came to Wilkes-Barre in 1900, and for two years worked at the Boston Candy Kitchen in this city. In 1902, however, he began his independent business career, estab- lishing a small candy shop in Luzerne, which he operated under his own name until 1906. After a year spent working in the local mines, he entered the moving picture busi- ness in 1907 and his first small venture proved completely successful. Mr. Marinos was quick to see the future in this field and he worked diligently for several years, guid- ing his enterprise through the first critical period of expansion with the utmost care. He was rewarded by a remarkable growth in his business which was soon soundly established on a prosperous basis. Since that time he has gradually widened his interests, and now, as president of the West Side Amusement Company, he controls and oper- ates the following theaters: the Marinos Theater, in Luzerne, the Marinos Theater, in Wyoming, the Kingston Theater, at King- ston, Pennsylvania, and the Parsons Theater at Parsons. All these theaters are most modern in construction and equipment, with a seating capacity just under a thousand, and in each is installed a splendid organ, which is a feature of their excellent pro- grams. Their presence in these cities is a distinct credit to Mr. Marinos as it is also an asset in the community life.
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