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 99
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Mr. Oliver married (first) Carrie Hufford, of Berwick, and of this union there were four children: Kenneth, Margaret, Madge, and James Richard, Jr. Mrs. Oliver passed away in April, 1921, and in 1924 Mr. Oliver married (second) Ethel Yaple, of Dallas, daughter of M. Lowery and Amanda Yaple. Of this union there was one child, Richard Yaple Oliver.
ZIGMUND A. MROZIEWSKI has since 1916 been engaged in the undertaking business in
Ashley, Pennsylvania, in association with his father, with offices also in Sugar Notch. Mr. Mroziewski is thoroughly trained In his work and his company carries a complete line of the most modern equipment obtainable. He was born on April 24, 1895, at Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania, a son of Jacob Mroziewski, who was born in Poland in 1863 and came to the United States in 1880, and of Louise (Conniff) Mroziewski, who was born in Poland in 1870, and who died in 1908.
Zigmund A. Mroziewski attended the pub- lic schools of his birthplace, and later entered the Eckels School of Embalming, in Phila- delphia, from which he was graduated in 1916. Returning to Sugar Notch, he joined his father in the undertaking and embalming business, the latter having begun this work in Sugar Notch in 1906, and offices were main- tained both in Ashley and in Sugar Notch under the firm name of Jacob Morris and Son. This arrangement has continued since that time. Mr. Mroziewski has always been interested in the progress and growth of his community and he is now president of the School Board of Ashley, having served In that capacity for two years. Politically, he is a member of the Republican party, and he is affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He and his family attend the Holy Family Polish Catholic Church.
On April 24, 1917, Zigmund A. Mroziewski married Sophia Perlowski of Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Mary Perlowski of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Mroziewski are the parents of two children: 1. Marion Louise, born August 4, 1922. 2. Eunice Lorraine, born July 3, 1926.
ADAM W. OLSZEWSKI-Numbered promi- nently among the men of Polish birth resid- ing in Nanticoke, and here engaged exten- sively in business as baker and grocer, Adam W. Olszewski is one of the public-spirited citizens of the community, active in its com- mercial, political and general affairs, and sincerely respected by all who know him for his character and what he has done.
Mr. Olszewski was born in Poland on No- vember 28, 1889, a son of Stanley and Wanda Olszewski. He attended the schools of his native community until he had reached the age of fourteen years, when, in 1903, he came to the United States, with his parents, locat- ing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His first business connection in the country of his adoption was with the Ward Baking Com- pany, with whom he was employed during eighteen months. In this time he acquired proficiency in baking; and, intelligent, quick to learn the language, as well as the methods of his chosen work, he transferred to a bak- ing concern in Nanticoke. Here he was employed for several years. He was indus- trious, saved his money, mastered all details of the business that he had not learned with the Ward organization, and in 1911 opened a bakery of his own. Suddenly faced with the responsibility of meeting the weekly wage obligations of two employees, not to speak of rent and the ramified expenses to be found in any commercial venture, Mr. Olszewski went through the most difficult experiences of his independent enterprise during the first year. But at the end of the fiscal period his books showed a fair profit; his staff of employees had increased in num- ber, and the routine of business had become fixed, therefore certain in function. At the time of this writing there were employed in the bakery and grocery store at No. 36 East Ridge Street under his direction twenty- four workers, and the Olszewski company is
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one of the largest of its category in Nanti- coke, comparing with the more prosperous concerns of Wilkes-Barre.
Meanwhile Mr. Olszewski has given of his energies in other directions, not alone con- tenting himself with the development of the business under his name. He is a director of the People's Savings and Trust Company of Nanticoke, and associates on the hoard welcome his advice on numerons matters financial, having found it invariably sound in times past. A Democrat and loyal to the party's principles of government, he exer- cises a broad influence in local politics, not- ably among persons of Polish antecedents, and constantly for the good of the commun- ity as a whole. He was elected in November, 1929, city treasurer and tax collector of Nanticoke, for a term of four years. He is a member of the Sons of Poland, the Kiwanis Club, the Polish Union, and the Polish Fal- cons. He is chairman of the Polish Roman Catholic Death Beneficial Association for the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Olszewski is a communicant of St. Stanislaus Roman Cath- olic Church, is devoted to its service, and is an influence for good among younger members.
On May 9, 1914, Mr. Olszewski was united in marriage with Josephine Kana, who was born in Nanticoke and they are the parents of four children: Wanda, Stanley, Henry, and Teddie. They family reside at No. 34 East Ridge Street.
GEORGE K. SWARTZ, M. D .- Although but a few years in the practice of medicine in Luzerne County, Dr. George K. Swartz, of Dallas, has already gathered around him an influential and extensive clientele. Dr. Swartz is a member of the staff of one of the leading hospitals of the county, and as a Rotarian and churchman is one of the foremost men in the community.
Dr. Swartz was born in Center County, April 23, 1897, the son of Charles W. and Emma ( Krumrine) Schwartz, both natives of Center County, where Charles W. Schwartz was born in 1868, and his wife, the mother of Dr. Swartz, was also born in that county the same year. The father of Dr. Swartz is occupying the post of trust officer in the First National Bank of State College, Center County. Dr. Swartz obtained his early edu- cation in the public schools of Center County, after which he attended Susquehanna Uni- versity Academy, at Selinsgrove, Snyder County, graduating in 1916. He then entered the Susquehanna University, and in 1920 received his degree of Bachelor of Arts. He took his medical course at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and in 1924 was granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For a year he acted as interne at the Geisen- ger Hospital, at Danville, Montour County, and in 1925 he located in Dallas. He is an active member of the County and State Med- ical societies, and of the American Medical Association. He is one of the prominent physicians on the staff of the Nesbitt West Side Hospital, and an active member of the Dallas Rotary Club. His religious affiliations are with the Lutheran Church.
In 1925, Dr. Swartz married Clementu Mil- ler, of Collinswood, New Jersey, daughter of Charles and Anna Miller, of that town. Dr. and Mrs. Swartz are the parents of one child, a girl, Nancy Lou, born April 13, 1927.
ALBERT G. GROBLEWSKI, 2d - Well known among the business men of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, is Albert G. Groblewski, 2d,
secretary and treasurer of the concern which manufactures proprietary medicines under the name of Albert G. Groblewski, Incor- porated, and which is especially known for the famous Rattle Snake Brand Liniment which it ships to all parts of the United States and the Orient. The business was founded by Mr. Groblewski's father, who bore the same name, and the son has been identified with the concern since the com- pletion of his academic training, and has held his present offices in the company since the death of the father in 1925.
Albert G. Groblewski, Sr., was born in Poland, but came to this country many years ago and settled in Plymouth, where he en- gaged in business for himself as a manu- facturer of various proprietary medicines and drugs, under the name of Albert G. Grob- lewski. He had the characteristic ability and persistence which is possessed by so many of the natives of Poland (he was born in German Poland) and he became famous for the manufacture of the widely known remedy for rattle snake bites which was sold under the name of Rattle Snake Brand Liniment, and which created for itself a market not only throughout this country but abroad, wherever the services of such a liniment are necessary. In 1921 the business was in- corporated under the name of Albert G. Groblewski, Incorporated, and the founder continued to be the active head of the con- cern to the time of his death, which occurred in April, 1925. He served in many civic ca- pacities and served on the Exemption Board.
Albert G. Groblewski, 2d, son of Albert G. and Helen Groblewski, the latter a native of Germany (Poland), was born in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, April 19, 1898, and after at- tending the public schools here, including the high school, continued study in Chest- nut Hill Academy, from which he was grad- uated with the class of 1917. After gradua- tion he became associated with his father in the business of manufacturing medicines, but the entrance of the United States into the World War changed plans somewhat for he soon enlisted and was stationed at Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania, until the time of the signing of the Armistice. When the war was over, he returned to Plymouth and to his father's business, which had been founded in 1892 and which had prospered steadily, and in 1921 the concern was incorporated as Albert G. Groblewski, Incorporated, with Albert G. Groblewski, Sr., as president. After the death of the father the son was made secretary and treasurer of the company, both of which official positions he has continued to fill to the present time (1928), His office is located at No. 241 East Main Street, Plym- outh, and the business has grown to propor- tions which require the services of fifty- two employees in the plant. The famous Rattlesnake Brand Liniment is still manu- factured and sent to all parts of the world, and in addition to this remedy there are sixty other patented medicines made. Mr. Grob- lewski is a member of the Plymouth Cham- ber of Commerce, and is one of the public- spirited business men of the place. Frater- nally, he is identified with Lodge No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks: and with Phi Sigma Delta Greek letter fraternity; and he is also a member of Post No. 463, American Legion. His club is the Kiwanis Club.
Albert G. Groblewski, 2d., was married, in February, 1920, to Mercedes Snyder, of Wilkes-Barre, daughter of Peter C. and Katherine Snyder, and they have one son: Albert G. (3d), who was born March 29, 1927. Mr. and Mrs. Groblewski make their home
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at No. 189 New Alexander Street, in Wilkes- Barre. They are attendants of the Episcopal Church.
JOHN JEROME ZAWADZKI, D. D. S .- In the profession of dentistry with which Plym- outh is favored by a skilled number of prac- titioners, John Jerome Zawadzki holds a good position among the younger element. He entered the profession in command of a substantial preparation and is building up a good practice, enlarging his circle of friends as he advances. He takes a deep interest in the civic, social, religious and fraternal activities of the community and is held to be a citizen of value to his fellows in all walks of life.
He was born in Sugar Notch, Pennsyl- vania, June 27, 1901, a son of John J. and Josephine (Kramnitz) Zawadzki, both natives of Poland and both living (1928). He ac- quired his early education in the public schools of Sugar Notch, being graduated from the Hanover Township High School in the class of 1920. This was followed by a course in the dental college of Georgetown Uni- versity, from which he was graduated in the class of 1925 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He then came to Plym- outh and established himself in practice here. His offices are at No. 32 West Main Street, Plymouth, his residence at No. 343 Pierce Street, Kingston. He is a member of the American Dental Association and of the Penn- sylvania State and the local county societies. In politics he is a Republican, his church is the St. Mary's Roman Catholic. He belongs to the Xi Psi Phi college fraternity, Tatra Club of Wilkes-Barre, Knights of Columbus, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
SIMON J. TISDEL-At the early age of ten years Simon J. Tisdel began earning his way at the laborious work of the coal breaker. Today (1928) at the age of forty years, he is half owner of the Shawnee Supply Com- pany, of Plymouth, a wholesale and retail hardware business, of which he is the man- ager; and part owner of the Plymouth Lum- ber Company, a wholesale and retail lum- ber company, of which he is secretary and a member of the board of directors. He and Joseph R. Hooper, an account of whose life appears elsewhere in this work, have been business associates since 1919, and both men are well known for their ability and for their honest dealing. Mr. Tisdel is affil- iated with the Masonic Order and with the Junior Order United American Mechanics, and is active in the Kiwanis Club.
Simon J. Tisdel was born in Larksville, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, September 23, 1888. Both parents are living. His father, James Tisdel, born in Centre Moreland, Penn- sylvania, in 1861, is a stationary engineer, and his mother, Rebecca (James) Tisdel, was born in Wales, British Isles, in 1863. Simon J. Tisdel attended the public schools of the district in which he was born, but his ad- vantages were limited, for by the time he was ten years of age he was hard at work as a coal hreaker. That he was not afraid of hard work, even as a boy, is evidenced hy the fact that he continued at his first job for a period of seven years. At the end of that time, being then seventeen years old, he secured a position as shipping clerk in the employ of a hardware concern in Wilkes- Barre, and in this connection he made the most of such opportunities as came within his reach, always keeping a sharp "weather eye" out for the right time to make an advantageous change. In 1910 he went on the road as traveling representative for the
Shawnee Supply Company, of Plymouth, and four years later he was recalled to the Shaw- nee Company's store at Plymouth, as man- ager. In 1919, in partnership with Joseph R. Hooper, he purchased the interests of the Shawnee Supply Company from Ambrose West, and since that time he and Mr. Hooper have continued to be the successful owners of the business. Mr. Tisdel is manager, and is handling a large and steadily growing wholesale and retail hardware and plumbing business. His establishment, located at Nos. 106-08 Main Street in Plymouth, has long been known as the leading concern of its kind in Plymouth, and Mr. Tisdel has for many years been known as a dependable and capable business man who possesses vision and foresight and also the ability to put into practical operation his best business ideas. In 1922, having placed the business which he and Mr. Hooper had purchased on a firm foundation, the partners extended their inter- ests by the organization of the Plymouth Lumber Company, of which Mr. Tisdel has been secretary and a member of the board of directors to the present time (1928). Mr. Hooper is vice-president and general man- ager of the Plymouth Lumber Company, and both men have continued their association in both business enterprises. Mr. Tisdel gives his support to the principles and the candi- dates of the Republican party. He is a mem- her of Kingston Lodge, No. 395, Free and Accepted Masons; of Plymouth Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Wilkes-Barre; and is a Knight Templar. He is also identified with the Junior Order United American Mechanics. His club is the Kiwanis Club, in the affairs of which he is very active, and which he has served as president for four years. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian Church.
Simon J. Tisdel was married, November 23, 1910, to Janet Hodder, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, daughter of Harry and Mar- garet Hodder, and they have five children: Eleanor Marian, Elizabeth Mary, Leona Mar- jorie, James, Jr., and Janet Jane. The fam- ily home is located at No. 40 Church Street, in Plymouth.
CASIMIR CHARLES GROBLEWSKI, M. D .- Born in West Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, of Polish parentage, Casimir Charles Grob- lewski, practicing physician of Plymouth, forged steadily ahead from his school days, until today he has reared for himself a sub- stantial structure in the medical world and won the highest regard of the citizens of the community in which he lives and works. He is a man of culture and high profes- sional attainments, friendly and gregarious in his instincts, staunch in his civic pride, a citizen of laudable character and an orna- ment to the citizenry of which he is a valu- able unit.
His birth occurred, September 15, 1886, the son of Albert G. and Helen Groblewski, the father born in Poland in 1859, emigrated to America, settled in Plymouth and here be- canie a manufacturing druggist, in which he was engaged at the time of his demise, in 1925, the mother a native of Poland (Ger- many), and still living (1928). Casimir ac- quired his education in the Plymouth public schools and was graduated from high school in 1904. He then attended the Harry Hill- man Academy, in Wilkes-Barre, from which he was graduated in 1907. This was followed by a course at the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the class of 1911 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He at once established himself in practice in Plym-
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outh and has since been so engaged. He is a Republican in politics and a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, of Plymonth. He is a member of the advisory committee of the Republican party of Plym- outh and president of the school board; is a director in the First National Bank of Plymouth and of the Plymouth Lumber Com- pany. His fraternal memberships include the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 109, and the Knights of Pythias.
Casimir Charles Groblewski married Octo- ber 7, 1912, Lucy Butkiewicz, daughter of Thomas and Anna Butkiewicz. They are the parents of two children: Lucia K. and Harry J.
JOSEPH S. WURMAN-An outstanding ex- ample of what may be accomplished through undeviating devotion to duty and unquench- able ambition is provided through a résumé of the career of Joseph S. Wurman, King- ston, who came to the New World from Poland, and attained a position of honor and respect that well might be the envy of any native resident of this community. Perhaps the most important factor in Mr. Wurman's success has been his continued association with the vocation he chose before attaining to manhood. Although now (1928) practi- cally retired from business pursuits, Mr. Wur- man is by no means inactive in his works as a citizen, if his many associations with diversified organizations may be taken into consideration.
Mr. Wurman was born April 14, 1871, in Poland, son of Lonis M. and Sophia (Hoff- man) Wurman. Louis M. Wurman, native of Poland, was a prominent commission mer- chant in that country previous to coming to America, and he died in 1906, at New York City. Sophia (Hoffman) Wurman, also born in Poland, passed away in 1905 in New York City.
Joseph S. Wurman was educated in the public schools of his native land, his training including that similar to the high schools in the United States. At the age of eighteen years Mr. Wurman came to New York City and took up the trade of cigar maker. He was so employed in various capacities and with several companies until 1904. In that year he became associated with the United Cigar Manufacturing Company, which later changed its name to the General Cigar Manufacturing Company. Mr. Wurman main- tained his allegiance to this concern until 1912, when he affiliated with Boudy & Lederer, which was later absorbed by the General Cigar Company, and he was sent to Nanti- coke by his firm as manager of the Nanti- coke plant. Later, in 1924, he was trans- ferred to Kingston and here was district manager for the General Cigar Company, which included various factories in the anthracite region, where he remained until his retirement in January, 1928. Various other enterprises have interested Mr. Wur- man since he came to Pennsylvania, and while a resident of Nanticoke he assisted in organizing the Peoples Trust Company of that place, and served as a director of that institution until 1924, his resignation being brought about through his removal to King- ston. Soon after coming to Kingston Mr. Wurman became a director of the West Side Trust Company. Later, this company was merged with the Kingston Bank and Trust Company, and he now (1928) is a director of this institution. He holds a similar office with the West Side Mortgage Company and is interested in several other commercial con- cerns here.
Mr. Wurman has been deeply concerned
with the conduct of Hebrew organizations in this county and is a recognized leader therein. He is vice-president of the Young Men's Hebrew Association, of Wilkes-Barre; president of the Wilkes-Barre Hebrew In- stitute, and a member of B'nai B'rith Re- formed Congregation. The Republican party receives Mr. Wurman's support, although he has not consented to the use of his name for public office. Other organizations with which he is affiliated include Lodge No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Fox Hill Country Club.
Joseph S. Wurman married (first), in 1894, Fannie Berg, a native of New York City; and they had five children: Harry P., who is general manager of the Bayuk Cigar Cor- poration of Philadelphia: Morris L., Lawrence M., Della, and Harriett S. Fannie (Berg) Wurman died in 1924, and Mr. Wurman mar- ried (second), in 1927, Sadie Brandenburg, of New York City, who has one daughter by a former marriage: Helen Goldstein. The Wurman family home is located at No. 21 First Avenue, Kingston.
CALVIN MORRIS KELLER-The proprie- tor of a retail meat market at No. 43 North Main Street, Ashley, Pennsylvania, Calvin Morris Keller is one of the successful busi- ness men of the community. His large and prosperous trade is the result of the excel- lence of his merchandise and the efficiency of his business operation. He is a member of many fraternal organizations and promi- nent in local civic affairs. Mr. Keller was born September 22, 1876, at Hazleton, Penn- sylvania, a son of Henry Francis Keller, a harness maker by trade, who was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1850 and who died in 1895, and of Caroline (Womer) Kel- ler, who was born in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, in 1852, and who died in 1917.
Calvin Morris Keller attended the public schools at Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre, and when he completed his education worked as a clerk in various local meat markets until 1902. In that year, he entered the business for himself in Ashley, where he has remained since that time.
Politically, Mr. Keller is a member of the Republican party, and for two years he served as school director in Ashley. He is a director and vice-president of the Peoples' State Bank of Newtown, in Wilkes-Barre, having been one of the organizers of this institution, and he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 109, a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics, and of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He and his family attend the local Presbyterian Church.
In 1900, Calvin Morris Keller married Ella Johnson, a daughter of David Johnson, of Ashley. Mr. and Mrs. Keller are the parents of three children: 1. Anna, who is now Mrs. Ichter. 2. Margaret, now Mrs. Koons. 3. Donald, a student in Columbia University, in New York City. They also have four grandchildren.
FRANCIS B. GRYCZKA, M. D .- One of the very useful members of the Polish race engaged in the practice of medicine in King- ston, Pennsylvania, where he does a great deal toward promoting the welfare of the residents of his own nationality and the gen- eral health of the community, is Francis B. Gryczka, M. D., who for many years has been a prominent physician and surgeon here. Dr. Gryczka brought with him to Luzerne County and the Wyoming Valley an experience somewhat broader than that
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of the ordinary medical doctor, having spent a number of years Immediately following the termination of the World War in fight- ing typhus and fever epidemics in his father's land and in Western Russia. Active also in the civic and social affairs of his community, he holds a high place in the estimation of his fellowmen in Kingston, Wilkes-Barre, Lu- zerne and the surrounding cities and towns of this region. He was born in Blossburg, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1890, a son of Martin and Katherine (Kam- inski) Gryczka. His father was born in Poland, was for many years a tanner by trade, and died March 5, 1905. The mother, Katherine (Kaminski) Gryczka, a native of Poland, is a highly respected citizen of King- ston.
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