USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > A twentieth century history of Erie County, Pennsylvania : a narrative account of its historic progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume II > Part 7
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
common schools, supplementing his preliminary training by a commercial course, at Clarks College and, being prominent in the locality in which he resides, has held the offices of register and treasurer of Mill Creek town- ship. Hattie J., born March 12, 1859, married Frank B. Foot, the couple residing in this city, and to them were born two children, Maude M. and Marshall. Seth H. who was born December 10, 1864, wedded Anna Mil- ler and to this union were born two children, Harold Isaac and Florence.
Mr. and Mrs. Wolf have led a wonderfully active life, having been reared amid the primitive conditions and surroundings of this county, which required stern and insistent application in order to make an inroad into the forests and thereby make the region habitable and to him, as to other pioneers, is due the credit for laying the foundation for the present development of the city of Erie and environs. He has always been deeply interested in the welfare of the community in which he lived and while actively engaged on his farm in Mill Creek township was honored with every political office within the gift of his fellow townsmen. The family are members of the Lutheran church, in which during his early days he was an active worker and, having always endeavored to live in obedience to the teachings of his faith, he may now, as he has progressed on the journey of life beyond the eightieth milestone, look forward to a still happier one when, in answer to the promise of the faith he has long followed, he shall have been graced with the earnest of his hope of a blissful immor- tality.
CHARLES A. CURTZE. The business career of the late Charles August Curtze was significantly characterized by courage, confidence, progressive- ness and impregnable integrity of purpose. He long held precedence as one of the representative citizens and influential business men of his native city of Erie, and he contributed much to the civic and commercial ad- vancement of the city. He was signally loyal and public-spirited as a citizen, was a member of one of the old and honored families of Erie county, and his life counted for good in all its relations.
Charles August Curtze, who was a scion of that stanch German stock which has played so important a part in the upbuilding of the old Key- stone state, was born in the city of Erie, on the 6th of April, 1849, and was a son of Frederick and Mary A. (Beckman) Curtze, both natives of Germany, where they passed their entire lives and where the father was long identified with the business interests of Erie county. Charles A. Curtze attended the public schools of Erie until he had at- tained to the age of fifteen years, when he identified him- self with farming interests in this vicinity. Three years later, however, he returned to Erie and assumed position in the employ of the firm of Johnston & Brevillier, wholesale dealers in grocer- ies. Within a period of six months he was advanced to the position of traveling salesman for the concern, and he was thus engaged in suc- cessful work throughout his assigned trade territory for a period of more than ten years. In 1875, however, he had formed a partnership alliance with John W. Swalley and engaged in the manufacturing of soap, under the firm name of Swalley & Curtze. With this enterprise he was identified for one year, while still acting as traveling representa- tive for the firm previously mentioned. In 1878 he associated himself with Mr. Rice in the wholesale grocery business in Erie, under the firm title of Curtze & Rice. The enterprise was thus continued until 1883, when he purchased the interest of his partner, after which he remained
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
sole proprietor of the business until his death. He was a man of much initiative power and distinctive administrative ability, and he so directed the affairs of his business as to make its success constantly cumulative. The enterprise expanded in scope and importance from year to year and under his able management assumed precedence as one of the leading wholesale concerns of this section of the state. The trade territory was expanded through the excellent service and fair dealing accorded and the house has long controlled a large and substantial business through- out the region tributary to the city of Erie as a commercial supply center. In the same year that the business was founded a spice mill was added to the plant, and from that time forward a specialty was made of handling spices and coffees. The general grocery department has been kept up to the highest standard, and its facilities remain to-day unexcelled by those of any other house of the kind in Erie. In the fire which de- stroyed the Mayer block, September 28, 1908, the entire stock of the Curtze wholesale grocery was likewise wiped out by the flames, but with- in the same week temporary quarters were secured at the corner of Twelfth and French streets, where the business was resumed with but slight interruption. The fine quarters of the concern are now located at Twelfth and Sassafrass streets. Since the death of Mr. Curtze the business has been continued by the estate and his policies are being car- ried out under effective management, so that the reputation of the house still continues as a tribute to his business sagacity and integrity.
In all that tended to conserve the progress and material and civic prosperity of his native city Mr. Curtze maintained a deep and loyal interest, and this interest was one of definite helpfulness and co-opera- tion. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party, but he was essentially a business man and had no desire for office or for the turmoil of the political arena. He was an appreciative and valued mem- ber of the Erie Board of Trade, of which he served one term as presi- dent. His administration was signally progressive and did much to further the commercial interests of the city. He was affiliated with the time-honored Masonic fraternity and was an active and zealous member of St. Paul's Lutheran church, to the various departments of whose work he was a liberal contributor. Mr. Curtze was summoned to the life eternal on the 1st of October, 1901, and in his death Erie suffered the loss of one of its most honored citizens and most valued business men. He commanded at all times the unqualified confidence and esteem of the community in which his entire life was passed, and thus set at naught any application of the scriptural aphorism that "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country." In personality he was not demonstra- tive but he was ever courteous and kindly, tolerant in his judgment and altruistic in his viewpoint. He won and retained inviolable friendships and his life record is one that offers both lesson and incentive.
On the 3d of July, 1879,was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Curtze to Miss Amanda Emma Jarecki, daughter of the late August Jarecki, who was one of the important jewelers of Erie and representing the most important industrial enterprise in Erie of its kind and who was one of the honored and influential citizens of this city. Mrs. Curtze died on the 22d of January, 1890, and of the four children three are living : Julia is the wife of Dr. R. A. Kern, of Erie; Arthur and Edwin are associated in the management of the wholesale business so long conducted by their honored father ; and Adelheidt Caroline died at the age of eleven months. On the 25th of May, 1893, Mr. Curtze contracted
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
a second marriage, being then united to Miss Antonie Jarecki, a sister of his first wife. Mrs. Curtze survives her husband and resides in the at- tractive family homestead, where she dispenses a gracious hospitality to a wide circle of friends. She is a devoted member of Christ church and has long been prominent in the representative social affairs of Erie.
JOHN DANIEL WILLIAM SWENDSEN. Among the prominent com- mercial factors of Erie engaged in the hat manufacturing business is John Daniel William Swendsen, who owns the distinction of being the only Danish tradesman in this city. As a practical hatter he thoroughly understands every detail and particular of the industry and, as to the class of goods he turns out, he stands on a par with any in the same under- taking in this part of the state. His business standing, from every point of view, is unassailable and it has been on the strength of his own merits that, from year to year, he has so augmented his trade that he today conducts one of the leading enterprises in the Bay city. A native of Copenhagen, Denmark, he was born January 8, 1877, a son of Carl William and Josephine (Carlson) Swendsen. The father, also a native of that city, was born in 1837 and he applied himself to general con- tracting and building lines until he departed this life in 1889, while the mother, who was a native of Smoland, Sweden, now resides with her son of this review.
It was in 1889, when in his twelfth year, that John Daniel William Swendsen came to the United States and went to work for his brother, Rudolph, who was engaged in the manufacture of hats in this city. It was not without being hampered that he engaged in the business circles of this country, by reason of the fact that he was unfamiliar with the En- glish language, which obviously constituted a considerable impediment to his progress. However, he continued in the employ of his brother, with whom he completed his trade as a hatter, in the meantime acquiring conversant intelligence of the English tongue. In 1893 he went to Chi- cago, Illinois, where he opened up an establishment for himself on Lincoln avenue and for a period of two years manufactured hats of all kinds. He met with wonderful success, inasmuch as he produces a high class quality of goods which won him a wide reputation, his product finding ready sale in the market. At the expiration of that period returning to this city, he opened a liat manufactory at No. 1313 State street, of which he was proprietor for a brief period when he disposed of the business and repaired to Cleveland, Ohio. In that place he established a hat manufactory and on a very large scale continued to turn out all kinds of that commodity, remaining proprietor of the establishment for about four years, when he sold out his interests and again took up his abode in Erie. Here he founded his present business at No. 1215 State street, where he engages in the manufacture of his own brands of goods, including silk, soft and stiff hats and of all descriptions. Through con- stant application to his trade he has gradually built up an extensive and prosperous enterprise and, as proprietor of the establishment, he now conducts, he is one of the most successful and reliable business men of the city, whose extensive business interests have enabled him to ac- cumulate considerable valuable property. Aside from owning the site upon which he conducts his enterprise he also owns his elegant residence on West Ninth street. the edifice costing in the neighborhood of five thousand dollars. It has been through the straightforward business methods which he has observed, reinforced by hard work and incessant
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application, which have enabled Mr. Swendsen to attain to his present position of prominence in the commercial life of the city and here he is not only numbered among the successful business men but is also highly esteemed and respected for his social qualities and as a representative citizen.
On the 24th of April, 1901. Mr. Swendsen wedded Miss Nina E. Ward, who was born on Kelley's Island, Ohio, and was a daughter of Bert Ward. To this union have been born two children: Ward William and Laura Belle Ruth. Master Ward from childhood has been noted for his brilliancy and when but three years of age was awarded three amateur money prizes at various theatres in the city while at the age of four years he sang at the Princes Theater for a salary of thirty dollars per week. In 1908 he won the third prize, amounting to eighty-five dol- lars, in the Erie Times baby contest.
Mr. Swendsen is well known throughout fraternal organizations, his relations being with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is also a member of the encampment, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World. His business conduct has always been such as to give him high standing in the commercial circles of the city, while socially he is highly respected and as a man of means is a prominent factor in Erie's industrial life.
HON. WILLIAM AYERS GALBRAITH. The specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments but rather to leave the perpetual record establish- ing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his fellow- men. Throughout Pennsylvania Judge Galbraith was spoken of in terms of admiration and respect. His life has been so varied in its activity, so honorable in its purposes and so far reaching and beneficial in its effects that it has become an integral part of the history of Erie and also left an impress upon the annals of the state. A native of Franklin, Venango county, Pennsylvania, William Ayers Galbraith was born May 29, 1823, and came of a family honored and conspicuous in the early history of the nation and particularly in the state of Pennsyl- vania. Of this family no less than four members served on the bench. The father of Judge Galbraith was the late Judge John Galbraith who. in 1837, came with his family to Erie county.
The son, Judge William Ayers Galbraith acquired his literary educa- tion in Allegheny College and at the old Erie Academy. Whether in- herited tendency, natural predilection or environment had most to do with his choice of a profession it is impossible to determine, but at all events the choice was a wise one for in the practice of law he gained distinc- tion and honor, his record reflecting credit upon the judicial history of the state. He read law under the direction of his father and was admitted to the bar in 1844 on the twenty-first anniversary of his birth. In September of that year he became a student in the Dane Law School, a department of Harvard University, and was graduated from that institu- tion as a member of the class of 1845.
Returning to Erie Mr. Galbraith entered upon the active practice of his profession in partnership with his brother-in-law, William S. Lane, and in 1846 he was appointed deputy attorney-general, which posi- tion he filled through appointment of the attorney-general of Pennsyl- vania until 1850. Re-entering the general practice of law his clientage became so extensive that it overtaxed his strength and on the advice of
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
his physician he temporarily abandoned his law work. About that time he became interested with General Herman Haupt in the building of the Hoosac tunnel and gave to that historic and gigantic enterprise the major part of his attention for a period of two years. Returning to Erie he was appointed attorney for the Sunbury & Erie Railroad, a division of what is now the Pennsylvania & Erie system. In business as well as in professional relations he displayed marked ability and that enterprise which is always a factor in the success of any undertaking. His analytical mind enabled him to clearly judge of the possibilities of every business situation while his energy constituted a factor in co- ordinating forces and bringing them into a harmonious and unified whole. Thus the various business undertakings with which he became connected were carried forward to successful completion and his co-operation was therefore eagerly sought. He not only became one of the directors of the Sunbury & Erie Railroad but was also a director of the Cleveland & Erie, now the Lake Shore Railroad. He contributed freely from his ample means to the development of Erie's industrial resources, becoming one of the heavy investors in the Erie Car Works, the Erie Car Wheel Works and the Burdett Organ Company. He was also one of the in- corporators of the Erie Dime Savings & Loan Company and was its president at the time of his death. He likewise made large investments in real estate, particularly in Chicago where, among other properties held by him at the time of his death was the so called "Galbraith Building" at the corner of Madison and Franklin streets. His judgment was seldom if ever at fault and while his interests were extensive he displayed none of the erratic movements of the speculator, for his judgment was at all times tempered by a safe conservatism that made his efforts at all times productive of substantial results.
While his business affairs made heavy demands upon his time, Judge Galbraith, by reason of the resourcefulness of his nature and his unlimited energy, became an active and effective force in matters of citizenship. He was recognized as one of the prominent leaders of the Democratic party in this section of the state and was a delegate to the Democratic national convention at Charleston, South Carolina, in 1860 and at Chicago in 1864. In the spring of 1861 he was nominated as a union candidate for the state senate and such was his personal popularity that he received strong support and failed but little of election. In 1876 he was nominated by the independent voters of Erie county for president judge and was chosen for a full term of ten years. His course upon the bench was such as reflected the highest credit and honor upon the peo- ple of the county. He was clear in his exposition of the law and few of his rulings were reversed by the higher courts. He possessed a well balanced intellect, was thoroughly familiar with the science of juris- prudence, and possessed moreover an analytical mind and a self con- trol that enabled him to lose his individuality, personal feelings and pre- judice in the dignity, impartiality and equity of the office to which life, property, right and liberty must look for protection. While Judge Gal- braith was long an ardent and zealous advocate of the Democracy, he left the party in 1896 upon the adoption of the money plank in its platform of that year, being opposed to the unlimited coinage of silver and the ratio of sixteen to one. He took an active part in the campaign in favor of the gold standard of the Democratic party, delivering many strong campaign addresses and rendering valuable aid to the cause which he espoused. After leaving the bench he resumed the practice of law in
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
Erie in partnership with his two sons, Davenport and John W. continu- ing an active member of the bar until his death which occurred January 3, 1898.
Judge Galbraith left a widow and his two sons who had been his law partners. On the 25th of May, 1846, he had wedded Miss Fanny Davenport, a daughter of the late Captain William Davenport and a sister of the Hon. S. A. Davenport of Erie. Her birth occurred De- cember 11, 1826. Of the two sons, both became active members of the bar and the younger, Davenport, is now vice president of the Erie Trust Company. The home life of Judge Galbraith was largely ideal for his devotion to the welfare of wife and children led him to put forth a most earnest effort to promote their interests and happiness. He possessed moreover a spirit of broad humanitarianism that was manifest in many tangible ways. At a time when colored children were not admitted to the public schools he rented a room, employed a teacher and paid all the expenses for a school that the negro children of the city might be edu- cated. He also established the first night school in Erie for white pupils and provided the money for its support until the board of education took it over with his consent. He contributed liberally to other charities in this city and was ever active in support of the Central Presbyterian church. He lives in the memory of his friends enshrined in a halo of a gracious presence and a name which in all of his varied relations, was never sullied by any dishonorable act. At all times he held to high ideals of manhood and of citizenship and was honored and respected wherever known.
CHARLES FREDRICK LOESEL is president of the Bay City Forge Company, and engaged in sheet and metal work at No. 211 East Eigh- teenth street, this city. He is a representative type of the energetic and enterprising business man of Erie who, through years of stern and un- wearied application to the various phases of commercial life, has estab- lished an industrial concern which has not only enabled him to attain an honorable station in the business world but also thereby to contribute considerably to the financial worth of the city. His rise to his present post of honor and responsibility as a leader of finances is due solely to
his own innate resources and perseverance, for he began his industrial career simply as an iron worker and has since brought to bear such faculties for managing affairs and ingenuity relative to his craft as made it possible for him, step by step, to enlarge the borders of his enterprise and develop the business, of which he is the executive head, to its present gratifying proportions.
Born in this city June 17, 1868, Mr. Loesel is a son of Michael and Emma (Stickel) Loesel. highly respected German residents of Erie, whose nativity occurred in the fatherland in the years 1836 and 1848, respectively. Here, where was celebrated their marriage, they have spent their entire lives since arriving in America and for thirty-five years continuously the father, a carpenter by trade, was prominent in the indus- trial circles of the city as a contractor and builder. He took an active part in the upbuilding of the residence portions of the municipality and by his efforts and industry, as well as by those of others, the city has been developed to its present prosperous condition. His long season of unremitting application, aided by excellent business judgment and careful management, had placed him in circumstances enabling him to withdraw from active life in 1891. Of a family of nine children born to him and his
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
wife the following survive : Lisetta, the wifeof Henry Housmann, resident of Erie : Ida, who married W. R. Baker ; the couple living in Lewistown, Pennsylvania ; Mabel, who resides in Erie with her husband, Dan'l G. Baldwin ; and Charles Fredrick. Five sons passed away in childhood within ten days of each other during an epidemic.
Reared in the city of his birth Charles Fredrick Loesel was at the usual age enrolled as a pupil at the public schools, pursuing his studies there until the age of fifteen years. Inheriting the industry of his father and also a desire to become associated with the building trades, at that early age, he became an apprentice to the carpenter's trade under his parent and plied his craft until he was nineteen years old. At this period of his life, however, with every opportunity before him in the pursuit of the occupation, his desire turned toward railroading and for two and a half years he was employed as a fireman on the Erie & Pittsburg Railroad, which vocation not only added to his physical vigor but also in some respects supplemented his experience in a department of work akin to that in which he is now engaged. Upon leaving the railroad Mr. Loesel opened up a shop on his own account and engaged in the sheet metal and tinning business, in which he has since continued successfully. Being naturally apt at mechanical work and entering upon the undertaking with determination to succeed, at the same time bringing to bear upon his daily tasks a conscientious desire to produce the highest class workmanship and thereby establish a worthy reputation in his department of industry, his business gradually grew until now he conducts one of the most extensive metal industries in the city. In 1907 he established the Bay City Forge Company, of which he is the president and which is at present located at the corner of Eighteenth and Cranberry streets. Mr. Loesel has exercised executive control over the company since its organization and his practical experience in the various phases of the industry, together with his keen business discernment ably qualify him for his responsible office, while his just and fair business methods assure the industry steady growth.
Mr. Loesel wedded Miss Lou Baker, a native of Erie city and a daughter of John O. and Mary Baker. To this union have been born : Fred M., George O., Charles G. and Agnes E. Aside from the duties incumbent upon him as a business man Mr. Loesel finds time to enter into municipal affairs and from 1904 until 1908 was a member of the city council, his services for the public as a constituent of that honorable body having shared the interest and administrative ability he brings to bear in his own private business concerns. In 1908 he was elected a member of the board of poor directors of Erie county, taking his seat on January 1, 1909, for a term of three years. Mr. Loesel is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias while further his social nature finds gratification as a member of the Shrine Club. He belongs to the Chamber of Com- merce and Builder's Exchange, both of which he assisted in organizing and his individuality is a strong feature both in the city's industrial and municipal life.
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