USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania biography : illustrated, Vol. III > Part 23
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Dr. Albert Kolb's education was acquired at various institutions in the principal cities of the east. He attended German Wallace College, Berea, Ohio, and Boston Latin School. He then entered the Homeopathic Medical College in New York City, where he remained for two years, after which he passed another two years at the Medico- Chirurgical College in Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in April, 1884. He then entered upon a general practice of medicine at Scranton and has remained here ever since. From 1903 until 1906 he was superintendent of the Board of Health in this city, and it was during this time that he was instrumental in suppressing the out- break of small-pox previously alluded to. He has won a high place in the esteem of the community, and is a leading spirit in all that concerns the general welfare and health. He is interested in fraternal mat- ters, and is a Blue Lodge and Chapter Mason.
Dr. Kolb was married, in the year 1885, the year following his graduation, to Miss Della M. Weinschenk, daughter of An- thony Weinschenk, who was at the time of his daughter's marriage superintendent of the foundry of the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company. They have three children- two sons and a daughter: Stella May, the eldest, is a graduate of "Rust Hall," Washington, D. C. Henry Arthur, the eldest son, graduated at Scranton High School, in 1907; he then entered the law offices of Watson, Deihl and Watson, as registered student. He is now a senior stu- dent at the Dickinson Law College, and is a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. Fred
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L. Kolb, the youngest son of Dr. and Mrs. Kolb, is a graduate of the Central High School of Scranton; he is now taking an electrical course at Lafayette College, and is in his senior year. He is a member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, and, like his elder brother, is very popular among his classmates. All of Dr. Kolb's children are making an excellent start in life, having had the best possible educational advan- tages; and bid fair to establish for them- selves as fine a record for efficiency and good citizenship as their distinguished father has already acquired.
Dr. Kolb has a most comfortable and well appointed home at No. 428 Cedar ave- nue, where he resides with his family. In November, 1913, the voters of Scranton elected Dr. Kolb as a director of the public schools by the largest majority given to any city candidate.
DENNEY, Harland Alexander, Lawyer, Public Official.
Harland A. Denney, who has attained notable success as a member of the Susque- hanna county bar, also a representative cit- izen of Montrose, was born May 9, 1867, at Equinunk, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, son of Jacob and Rhoda ( Williams) Den- ney. Harland A. Denney was a student at the Keystone Academy and Bucknell University, thus acquiring an excellent edu- cation which thoroughly laid the foundation for a career of usefulness. Having de- cided on the law for his life work, he placed himself under the competent instruction of the late Chief Justice McCullem and Mr. Smith, of Montrose, and on August, 1893, after a successful competitive examination, was admitted to the Susquehanna county bar.
He began the active practice of his pro- fession in 1895 in Montrose, since which time he has continued in general practice there with a success that is pronounced.
His clientele is of an extended and in- fluential type that speaks in itself for his ability and standing at the bar, and his skill and knowledge of law have brought him enviable prestige as a thoroughly quali- fied lawyer. His prominence as a citizen of Montrose is shown by the fact that he was elected district attorney in 1905, serv- ing acceptably and creditably for two terms, and for six years served in the position of county chairman of the Republican party, in the welfare of which he has taken an active interest since attaining his majority. He is president of the local Historical So- ciety, which has been in existence for two decades, and holds membership in Warren Lodge, No. 240, Free and Accepted Masons ; Warren Chapter, No. 180, Royal Arch Masons; Great Bend Commandery, No. 29, Knights Templar; Irene Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Wilkes- Barre; Lodge No. 151, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Improved Order of Red Men. As a citizen Mr. Denney is public-spirited to a marked degree, his personality is pleasing, and he is a gentle- man of thorough culture and high intel- lectual attainments.
Mr. Denney married, November 2, 1893, Rose E. Jones, born May 4, 1870, daugh- ter of Byron Jones, of Wayne county, Pennsylvania.
BERGER, William Henry, Manufacturer, Financier.
Never should it be forgotten that, long before the steel industry dazzled the world by its magnitude and magnificence, fortunes were amassed in Pittsburgh by men who were the sires of the present-day autocra- cies. Masterful and impressive figures they were, these business men of the old time, and prominent among them, as they rise be- fore our retrospective vision, is the form of the late William Henry Berger, for thirty years head of the widely-known Ber-
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ger Manufacturing Company and long closely associated with the most vital in- terests of his adopted city.
Jacob Berger, father of William Henry Berger, was born August 25, 1788, and in 1836 removed from Philadelphia to Pitts- burgh, where he established a well known contracting company. He married Lydia Gardner, daughter of - and Sarah Ann (Gardner) Wellington. Sarah Ann Gardner was a daughter of a Gardner, another of whose daughters married a Wil- liam Appleton, of the Appleton family of New England. The arms of the Gardner family are: Azure. On a chevron argent, between three griffin's heads erased or, as many martlets sable. These arms are very ancient and honorable. Jacob Berger died February 8, 1861, leaving an honorable record both as a business man and a citizen.
William Henry, son of Jacob and Lydia Gardner (Wellington) Berger, was born August 7, 1835, in Philadelphia, and was an infant when the family removed to Pitts- burgh. He was educated in the public schools of that city, and on leaving school began his business career as a messenger boy in the service of the Western Union Telegraph Company. As companions in this employment he had Andrew Carnegie and the late David McCargo, and as the three boys raced the streets of Pittsburgh, bearing messages and executing commis- sions little did they or any one else dream of the future which awaited them. Mr. McCargo attained success through the rail- roads, the story of the achievements of Mr. Carnegie, last survivor of the trio, is known to the world, and William Henry Berger became the founder of a manufacturing company which was under his direct and active management for over thirty years.
It was not long before Jacob Berger re- moved his son from the messenger service and made him his associate in the contract- ing business. In this new sphere the youth rapidly developed those remarkable talents by which he was distinguished throughout
his after life and as time went on the father and son were numbered among the fore- most contractors of the city. Working side by side, they constructed the barracks with- in the old Pittsburgh arsenal, and later, entering upon a new line of business, be- came proprietors of the first shovel-handle manufacturing house west of the Alle- ghenies, their works being situated at Dia- mond and Smithfield streets.
After the death of his father, Mr. Berger disposed of his interests in the shovel- handle factory and engaged in the wooden- ware and sawed lumber business, having works at Twenty-eight street and the Alle- gheny railroad station. Possessing a large degree that intense energy which vitalizes all with which it comes in contact, his rise to a commanding position in the business circles of the Iron City was rapid and main- tained with constantly angmenting strength and security. Respected by his associates and served with loyal zeal by his subor- dinates whose best interests he ever sought to promote, he was recognized as a clear- headed manufacturer of broad views and superior business methods, in the inmost circle of those closest to the interests which most largely conserved the growth and progress of the city. In 1893 he retired from business.
Despite the engrossing nature of his duties as head of the Berger Manufacturing Company, Mr. Berger's superabundant energy and systematic habits enabled him to give time and attention to other interests. He was vice-president of the New York and Cleveland Gas and Coal Company, and a director of the Second National Bank, also of Homewood Cemetery, of which he had been one of the organizers. In all concerns relative to the city's welfare, Mr. Berger's interest was deep and sincere, and wherever substantial aid would further public pro- gress it was freely given. In politics he was a Republican, and close observation of men and measures, combined with rapidity of judgment, enabled him, in the midst of in-
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William A. Burger
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cessant business activity, to give to the affairs of the community effort and counsel of genuine value. On many occasions his penetrating thought added wisdom to public movements. Ever ready to respond to any deserving call made upon him, he was widely but unostentatiously charitable, and in his work of this character he brought to bear the same discrimination and thoroughness that were manifest in his business life. He was one of the organizers and a charter member of the Point Breeze Presbyterian Church.
The countenance and bearing of Mr. Ber- ger were indicative of the energy and per- severance which, combined with unimpeach- able integrity, laid the foundation of his ex- traordinary success, while at the same time his face and manner were expressive of the geniality of nature and benevolence of dis- position which drew men to him and sur- rounded him with friends. He was soft- spoken, gentle-mannered, and of unruffled serenity and poise-suave without ostenta- tion, and breathing a self-respect in sim- plicity and charm. His mature judgment and ripe experience caused him to be much sought as an astute and capable adviser, his conservatism making him a factor of safety in business interests.
Mr. Berger married, May 29, 1861, Jane, daughter of John and Jane (Asdale) Mc- Glone, the former a representative of a prominent Pittsburgh family, and they be- came the parents of the following children : William A .; John Franklin ; Mrs. Winfield Scott Arter; Mrs. Charles Arbuthnot, junior, and Elizabeth, wife of Will Knox Dunlap. Mrs. Berger, a thinking woman, gifted with foresight and business acumen of a high order and withal possessed of much individuality and distinction, proved herself in all respects an ideal helpmate for the man who had chosen her to be the con- panion of his life. An accomplished home- maker, she caused him to find at his own fireside a refuge from the storm and stress of the business arena. Devotion to his
wife and children was the ruling motive of his existence and his home was the abode of domestic joy and serenity.
The death of Mr. Berger, which occurred April 13, 1903, removed from our city a man of stainless character in every relation of life, one whose motives were never ques- tioned and who exerted in the business world an influence as salutary as it was potent. Honorable in purpose and fear- less in conduct he stood for many years as one of the most eminent and valued citizens of Pittsburgh and the entire community mourned his loss and offered to his memory tributes of affection and respect.
There is one class of her citizens whom Pittsburgh, irrespective of race, creed or party, delights to honor-the pioneers. Political antagonisms, social distinctions and religious differences are all forgotten in the contemplation of the indomitable ag- gressiveness and steadfast determination of the men who laid deep and sure the founda- tions on which their successors have reared the noble and wonderful city of the present time. The Pittsburgh of To-day salutes her creators and none among them does she hold in greater honor than that true Pitts- burgher of the old time-William Henry Berger.
SEIP, Harry G.,
Business Man, Public Official.
Harry G. Seip, a widely known politician and successful business man of Easton, is a good example of the able, reliable and pub- lic-spirited citizen, whose presence is a con- serving force, and a bulwark of justice and truth for his native city, where his entire life has been spent. He was born No- vember 28, 1870, son of Roseberry and Emma Seip.
Roseberry Seip was a native of Easton, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, born March 30, 1843, died April 22, 1913, at the age of three-score years and ten. During the Civil War he served in the 129th Regiment
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Pennsylvania Volunteers, re-enlisted in the Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served through- out the entire conflict, having an excellent record for bravery in the most trying mo- ments. In 1886 he moved to Brooklyn, New York, and while a resident of that city became a member of Ford Post, Grand Army of the Republic. At the expiration of eighteen years he returned to his native city, Easton. In 1873, when the govern- ment began the free delivery of mail in Eas- ton, Mr. Seip was appointed the second carrier, filling that position for many years. He also served as a constable of the First Ward for three years, and in the days of the old volunteer fire department Mr. Seip was a member of the old Humane Fire Company and the Southwark Hook and Ladder Company. He was always active in Republican politics in the First Ward, where he acted as party leader many years ago. He married Emma Glessner, and among their children was Harry G., of whom further.
In early boyhood Harry G. Seip began work by selling newspapers in his native city, then clerked in stores and drove wagons, and in 1888 entered the employ of Mr. Garren, who conducted a restau- rant in a two-story frame structure, his task being the opening of oysters. In 1902, upon the death of Mr. Garren, who pre- viously became his father-in-law, Mr. Seip became the proprietor of the business, and it is a noteworthy fact, highly creditable to the executive business ability of Mr. Seip, that the business has grown rapidly and is now widely known as one of the high class restaurants of the Lehigh Valley. During these years the modest frame structure was replaced by a brick building, commodious and well-appointed in every respect, which the numerous patrons have thoroughly en- joyed, but the proprietor, not being satis- fied with this, started the erection of a mag- nificent, modern, fire-proof building, rep- resenting an investment of $100,000, now (1914) completed. This accommodates
over five hundred people, who have all the advantages of the most modern improve- ments and service, even to water drawn from an artesian well on the premises, and the entire structure is conspicuous for its beauty and usefulness. Mr. Seip is a strik- ing example of a selfmade man, winning his way to success through laborious work, persistency and perseverance, and his career should prove an incentive to many a boy at the threshold of life.
Politically, Mr. Seip has been prominent for many years. In the days when the late General Reeder was Republican county chairman, Mr. Seip was one of his trusty lieutenants. In 1900 Mr. Seip was ap- pointed Supervisor of the Census, including Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties, and in 1910 he was appointed Supervisor of Census under President Taft for the Con- gressional District composing Northampton, Carbon, Pike and Monroe counties, by the Hon. Boise Penrose. He served on the City Council of Easton for ten consecutive years, and was the originator and instrumental in having several city ordinances passed, namely: The taking in of projecting signs and awnings; no bay windows; no more brick pavements. Mr. Seip is now serving in the capacity of Republican county chairman, and member of the Republican State Committee, and during his tenure of office has sought to serve his fellow-citizens and benefit his native city. He advocated the site for the new Post Office, and was instrumental in securing an appropriation of $100,000.
Mr. Seip affiliates with St. John's Luth- eran Church of Easton, and fraternally he belongs to the following organizations and clubs: Easton Board of Trade; Northamp- ton County Law, Order and License Lea- gue ; Sons of Veterans ; Dallas Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, in which he holds a life membership, joining in December, 1892; Easton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, in which he holds a life membership, joining at the same time; Hugh DePayen Command-
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ery, Knights Templar, in which he holds a life membership, joining at the same time ; Caldwell Consistory, thirty-second degree, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania ; Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in which he holds a life membership, 1910; Lehicton Lodge, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows; Easton Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Saranac Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men; Fraternal Order of Eagles ; Loyal Legion, Triple City Council; Im- proved Order of Heptasophs ; Humane Fire Company, of Easton; Franklin Fire Com- pany ; the A. A. A. Club of America ; Op- timistic Club, of New York: the Manu- facturers Club, of Philadelphia ; Pen Argyl Republican Club; Lincoln Republican Club, of Bethlehem; Northampton Republican Club, of Easton ; Mckinley Club, of Easton.
Mr. Seip married, May 12, 1909, Helen M. Garren, born October 6, 1886, daughter of Philip H. and Emma Garren. Children : Raymond J., Jacob G., Harry G. Jr.
BRUNNER, Morris Winfield, D. O., Osteopathic Physician,
Dr. Morris Winfield Brunner, a de- scendant of one of the oldest and most prominent families of this locality, whose ancestors emigrated to this country and in- troduced the thrifty and industrious habits of the old world in all trades, professions and vocations that they followed, was born November 7, 1872, in Perry county, Penn- sylvania, about two miles south of New Bloomfield. His father, William Brunner, was the owner of lands and other property in his native county, and became a well known and prominent farmer ; he was also a brick-maker, having his own brick yards, and doing a lucrative business. He grew to be a man of eminence in the locality in which he lived, and for twenty years was a director of the public schools. He was the son of Abraham Brunner, and was closely related to other families of note in Lebanon
and Perry counties, all of whom were de- scendants of the same original stock. Wil- liam Brunner married Sarah Brindle, and they had eleven sons and three daughters, namely: George, William, Mary, Ithamer, Abraham, David, Margaret, Charles S., John F., Jacob R., Morris Winfield, Eliza- beth, and two sons who died at an early age. The family grew up in the faith of their ancestors and were members of the United Brethren Church.
Dr. Morris Winfield Brunner, who has now a large and growing practice in Le- banon county, was, like his brothers and sisters, born on the old farm near New Bloomfield that was the scene of his father's industry for so many years, and for the first nineteen years of his life rendered his due share of assistance in cultivating the land and contributing to the support of the family. He was in the meantime acquiring the foundation of a good practical edu- cation at the public schools of the county, of which his father was one of the directors. After finishing his course in the county schools and learning all that could be taught there, he attended the Academy at New Bloomfield for three terms. He then en- tered the Cumberland Valley State Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1895, going from there to the Lebanon Val- lev College and continuing his studies until his graduation in the year 1901. His atten- tion being then turned to osteopathy, he took a subsequent course in the Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy, from which he obtained his degree in 1904. In the meantime he had been teaching and can- vassing in order to supply the means for the thorough education which he had been determined to acquire. After his nineteenth year he discontinued his agricultural work on the farm and turned his attention to teaching, being for four years an instructor in the schools of his native county. Turn- ing from this work in Perry county, he then taught for an additional year in Lebanon county, accumulating sufficient funds to
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continue his studies, which he pursued with unabated zeal, and winning the final success which his ambition and industry had well justified. He has become one of the best known citizens of Lebanon, and is a rising man in his profession, to which he con- tinnes to give his undivided and enthusiastic attention. In social and religious circles he is well known and influential, maintaining his membership in the United Brethren church, and belonging to a number of fra- ternal organizations, namely : Lebanon Lodge, No. 121, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Lebanon Lodge, Knights and Ladies of Honor ; Lebanon Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Brunner married, March 28, 1906, at Reading, Pennsylvania, Ivanora Light, daughter of Solomon Riegel and Catherine Ann (Gockley) Light, and a descendant of one of the oldest and most respected families in this section. Dr. and Mrs. Brunner have one child, Dorothy Light Brunner, born March 11, 1907.
the old Light Fort on the old Union Canal, just east of Eleventh street, in the city of Lebanon. This was during the reign of the English Queen Anne. John Peter Light purchased a large tract of land embracing in its boundaries most of the site of what is now the city of Lebanon, and erected the usual log house, a structure which was later replaced by a substantial stone one. He married, in 1723, Maria Kreider. He was the father of four sons-Henry, Jacob, Martin, and John Jr. John Jr. married, in 1750, Anna Landis, and they had six sons and three daughters. Abraham, sixth son of John Jr., was born in 1770, and married Barbara Landis in 1790. Their son, Abra- ham (2d), married, in 1816, Salma Riegel, and their fourth child, Solomon, was father of Ivanora Light, who became the wife of Dr. Morris W. Brunner. The various branches passed through the vicissitudes to which the early settlers were subjected, privation, hard work, and wars with the In- dians, but emerged triumphant through all, and have become the aristocracy and landed gentry of this section.
The Light family in its various branches in this and adjoining counties is one of the most cultured and esteemed families of Pennsylvania, contributing to the citizenship KIRK, David, of the State public-spirited men in every rank and department-lawyers, justices of Pioneer in Oil Industry. the peace, instructors, physicians, merchants, The oil hierarchy was founded in Pitts- burgh. Pittsburgh men it was who devel- oped the first oil fields, made the first oil markets and inaugurated the system of transporting the invaluable fluid. Prom- inent among the pioneers of this mighty industry was the late David Kirk, President of the Pure Oil Company and an authority in regard to everything pertaining to the production and operation of one of the greatest of Pittsburgh's natural resources. For nearly half a century Mr. Kirk was conspicuously identified not only with the industrial interests but with the political and social life of his home city and also with her philanthropic institutions. farmers, school directors, postmasters, and trustees and officers in an endless vari- ety of commercial and industrial enterprises. For many years the name has represented the highest standard of public service, and its representatives have taken conspicnous positions in all political, business and re- ligious affairs in North and South Lebanon townships. There are a great many mem- bers of this family in Lebanon, all of whom are more or less close relationships, and all descendants from the original immigrant, John Peter Light, the first of the name of whom we have any authentic record. He came over from the Palatinate in Germany in 1719, and located in what is now Le- David Kirk was born February 15, 1831, banon county, then Lancaster, where stands in Lesmohagow, Lanarkshire, Scotland,
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David Alik
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and was a son of Arthur and Marian (Smith) Kirk, both of whom were natives of that country and scions of staunch old Presbyterian stock. In 1839 they emigrated to the United States, living for some time in Butler county, Pennsylvania, and later removing to Allegheny. About 1861 David Kirk engaged in the grocery business in partnership with Joseph Allen, under the firm name of Kirk & Allen, their store be- ing situated in what is now South Diamond street, North Side.
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