USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume One > Part 45
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
Mr. McBrier is a member of the Park Presbyterian Church, of which he has served as Elder since 1890, and he is a member of the University Club, Kahkwa Club, Lehigh Alumni Association and the Chamber of Com- merce. He is a Republican and served as a member of the Perry Memorial State Commission.
Frederick Bell McBrier, vice president and general manager of the Erie Steam Shovel Company, ranks among the prominent and influential business men of Erie. He was born at Allegheny, Pa., May 7, 1873, and ' is the son of James and Mary Elizabeth (White) McBrier. A complete sketch of the life and business career of the late James McBrier appears in the sketch of David Nye MeBrier.
Frederick Bell McBrier received his education in the public schools of Erie and after his graduation from Cornell University engaged in the manufacturing business with his father, who was the founder of the Ball Engine Company. He has since been connected with this concern and its successor, the Erie Steam Shovel Company, and is now serving as vice president and general manager. He is a director of the Erie Trust Company.
On May 30, 1913, Mr. MeBrier was united in marriage with Miss Grace Parker Richardson, a native of Winchester, Mass., and the daughter of J. H. and Lydia (Thompson) Parker, natives of Massachusetts, who now reside at 337 West 6th Street, Erie. To Mr. and Mrs. McBrier were born two children: Lydia Mary and James Richardson McBrier, both students.
Mr. McBrier is a Republican, a member of the Park Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Erie Club, the Kahkwa Club, Lake Placid Club and the Zeta Psi fraternity. He is a representative citizen of the com- munity and the McBrier family is one of the well established and well known families of this section.
E. P. Alberstadt, alderman, was born in Erie, May 1, 1886, and is a he is held in the community.
Tobias S. Alberstadt was born at Hessen Dormstadt, Lombertheim, Germany. After coming to this country he located in Erie where he be- came a prosperous wholesale liquor merchant. He was a member of the select council and died July 7, 1899. He is buried in Trinity cemetery, Erie. His wife, who was born in Erie, resides with her son, E. P. Alder- stadt. There were six children in the Alberstadt family: W. A., lives
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
at 120 East 26th Street, Erie; J. T., lives at 1139 West 30th Street, Erie; Mrs .John Selinger, lives on West Lake Road, R. F. D. No. 1, Erie; Bar- bara, lives at 141 West 25th Street, Erie; Catherine, deceased; and E. P., the subject of this sketch.
E. P. Alberstadt received his education in the schools of Erie and began life as a bookkeeper. After serving as constable he was elected city alderman on common council of Erie on Jan. 1, 1920.
Mr. Alberstadt is a Republican, a member of the Catholic church, and belongs to the Elks and Eagle lodges, the Maennerchor, the South Erie Turnverin and the South Side Benefit Association. Mr. Alberstadt ranks among the substantial citizens of Erie and merits the approval in which son of Tobias S. and Catherine (Metz) Alberstadt.
Burton Lewis Delack, who is connected with the Erie Works of the General Electric Company as assistant manager, is a representative citi- zen of his community. He was born at Morristown, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., Jan. 7, 1882, and is the son of John and Rosette (Scofield) Delack.
John Delack was a native of Ogdensburg, N. Y., and a Civil War veteran. He engaged in general farming at Morristotwn, N. Y., for many years, and died at Schenectady, N. Y., in January, 1912. During the Civil War he served with the Northern Army four years and six months. His wife resides at Alexandria Bay, N. Y. There were six children in the Delack family : Effie and Hermon, deceased; John Howard, lives at Brook- lyn, N. Y .; Gertrude Houghton, lives at Alexandria Bay, N. Y .; Joseph Harold Howland, lives at East Orange, N. J .; and Burton Lewis, the sub- ject of this sketch.
After attending the public school of Morristown and receiving a de- gree of B. S. in electrical engineering from the Thomas S. Clarkson Memo- rial College of Engineering at Potsdam, N. Y., Burton Lewis Delack be- came interested in electrical engineering with the General Electric Com- pany at Schenectady, N. Y. After two years in the testing department, he spent 16 years with the Railway Motor Engineering Department, and in January, 1920, became manufacturing engineer of the motor depart- ment, Erie Works, and in July, 1923, was appointed assistant manager.
On April 20, 1910, Mr. Delack was married at Schenectady, N. Y., to Miss Ruth M. Waite, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., and a daughter of Benjamin Clayton and Ellen Elizabeth Waite, natives of New York. Ellen Elizabeth Waite died Dec. 31, 1886. Mr. Waite is now a resident of
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B. L. Delack
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
Schenectady, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Delack have three children: Burton Benjamin, David Scofield, and Esther Delack, all at home.
Mr. Delack is a Republican, a member of the Methodist church, Erie Chamber of Commerce, and belongs to the Masonic lodge, University Club, and the Lawrence Park Golf Club. He is also a member of the school board, and takes an active interest in the affairs of his community.
Dougald Angus Currie, vice president and general manager of the Erie Foundry Company, is among the prominent and successful business men of this section. He was born at Midland, Mich., Nov. 14, 1886, and is the son of Dougald and Flora Currie. There were six children in the Currie family, as follows: Mary E., lives at Lansing, Mich .; Gilbert A., lives at Midland, Mich .; John J .; Flora, lives at Midland, Mich .; Donald; and Dougald Angus, the subject of this sketch.
Dougald Angus Currie was educated in the public and high schools of his native state and began life teaching school. In 1906 he came to Erie and became associated with the Erie Foundry Company as a clerk. In 1914 he was promoted to secretary and assistant general manager of the concern, and was promoted to his present position as vice president and general manager in 1923. Mr. Currie has many other local interests, and is vice president of the Erie Metal Furniture Company and a director in the Hogan Spencer Whitley Company.
On April 29, 1911, Mr. Currie was united in marriage with Miss Ann M. Quinn, a native of Erie. They have two children, Mary Frances and James Angus.
Mr. Currie is a Republican, a member of the Erie, Kahkwa, Rotary Clubs of Erie; the Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh; the Cleveland Athletic Club; the Aviation, Town and Country Club of Detroit; and the Masonic lodge and Shrine. He is widely known and is representative of the best citizenship in Erie County.
Marvin E. Griswold, president of the Griswold Manufacturing Company, is a member of a family that has long been prominent in the industrial activities of Erie. He was born at Erie, Nov. 18, 1868, and is the son of the late Matthew Griswold, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history.
Marvin E. Griswold received his early education in the public schools of Erie, and after attending Erie Academy he entered Yale University,
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
from which he was graduated. He spent two years with the H. S. Ely & Co., of New York City, real estate operators, and was later treasurer of the Shaw Piano Company until 1897. He then became connected with the Griswold Manufacturing Company at Erie, which was established by his well known father in 1865. Mr. Griswold served as treasurer of the company for some time and was later elected president, which office he now holds.
On Sept. 24, 1895, Mr. Griswold was united in marriage with Miss Leila Lee, who was born in New Castle, Pa., the daughter of Ambrose R. and Mary (Stephens) Lee, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Griswold have a son, Lee, who was born Feb. 16, 1899. He is now a student in the law school of Yale University.
In politics, Mr. Griswold is identified with the Republican party and in 1920 was a delegate to the Republican National Convention. He has also served as state senator. Mr. Griswold is a member of the Park Pres- byterian Church and belongs to the Erie Club, University Club, Kahkwa Club, Erie Yacht Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. He has inherited the stability and genius of his father and is one of the progressive and successful men of the county.
Alexander Jarecki, president of the Jarecki Manufacturing Company of Erie, was born in this city April 19, 1866. He is the son of Charles and Louise (Becker) Jarecki. Charles Jarecki was of Polish ancestry and was president of the company up to the time of his death. His wife was of German descent.
Alexander Jarecki was educated at Erie Academy and later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Boston, Mass., where he studied mechanical engineering. His first occupation after completing his collegiate course was in 1888 as superintendent of the foundry of the Jarecki Manufacturing Company, and he has remained continually with the company in various positions. For several years he was secretary of the company and after the demise of his father became president, which position he now holds. He is also vice president and director of the Lakeside Forge Company, director of the Perry Iron Company, direc- tor of the Second National Bank, vice president and director of the Con- tinental Rubber Works, director of the H. F. Watkins Company, treasurer and member of the board of managers of Hamot Hospital, a member of
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
the board of managers of the Community Chest of Erie, director and mem- ber of the executive committee of the North Western Electric Service Company, a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Testing Materials, the National Foundrymen's Association, president of the Pipe Fittings and Valve Exchange, and a member of the executive committee of the National Founders Association.
Mr. Jarecki was married on Jan. 22, 1891, to Miss Lucy McBrier of Erie, and they are the parents of Frances Jarecki (now Mrs. Collins) of Erie, and Carl A. Jarecki, who is secretary of the Jarecki Manufacturing Company.
Mr. Jarecki is a member of the American Iron & Steel Institute, the Engineers Club of New York, the Erie Club, Erie Yacht Club, Univer- sity Club, Kahwka Club, all of Erie, and the Technology Club of New York.
During the World war, Mr. Jarecki served on the War Service Com- mittee and on the Erie County Council of National Defence. The Jarecki Manufacturing Company was engaged in war work for the United States government during the war.
Albert E. Rose, secretary and treasurer of the Skinner Engine Com- pany, is among the enterprising and successful business men of Erie. He was born in this city in November, 1868, and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Doll) Rose.
Jacob Rose was a native of Wurttemberg, Germany, and his wife was born in Mckean Township, Erie County. After coming to Erie Mr. Roseentered the employ of the Erie Pail factory. He met an accidental death in June, 1873. His wife died in November, 1912, and they are buried in Erie cemetery. Albert E., the subject of this sketch, was their only child.
Albert E. Rose was graduated from the old Erie High School at 7th and Holland Streets, in the class of 1888, and began his business career as a bookkeeper for Henry G. Fink, in the Erie Steam Bending Works, in whose employ he remained seven years. He entered the em- ploy of the Skinner Engine Company as a bookkeeper in May, 1897. He was later promoted to cashier and in 1917 elected secretary. Mr. Rose has served as secretary and treasurer of the company since 1922.
In December, 1901, Mr. Rose was married to Miss Henrietta S. Horn- aman, who was born near Cambridge Springs, Pa., the daughter of E. C.
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
and Mary (Kanengeiser) Hornaman, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Horn- aman died in 1917 and his wife died in 1900. To Mr. and Mrs. Rose were born three children: Chester E., Elizabeth L., and Frederick A., all students.
In politics Mr. Rose is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Salem Evangelical Church and belongs to the Masonic (Keystone) lodge. He and his family are favorably known in Erie and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
Daniel G. Curtis, who is connected with the Erie Lumber Company, wholesale lumber dealers, ranks among Erie's foremost business men and representative citizens. He was born at Warren, Pa., April 19, 1871, and is the son of John Gould and Mary Antoinette (Chambers) Curtis.
John Gould Curtis was a native of Newtown, Conn., and his wife was born at Dundee, N. Y. In 1850 he came to Steuben County, N. Y., and engaged in the lumber and tanning business with two uncles and three brothers. Later, he took the management of a tannery at Emporium, Pa., where he was married and where he lived for about three years. He then moved to Warren, Pa., where he spent about a year, during which time he and his brother, David, purchased timber lands in and about Ludlow and established a saw mill there. A few years later he started tanning rough leather and established what is now the J. G. Curtis Leather Company plant, the largest of its kind in the world. Mr. Curtis died at Erie, March 23, 1918, and his wife died Jan. 14, 1923. They had . three children: Maymie, born at Emporium, Pa., died in infancy ; John Simeon, lives in Erie; and Daniel G., the subject of this sketch.
Daniel G. Curtis spent his youth at Ludlow, Pa., and attended War- ren (Pa.) High School. He began life in his father's saw mill and engaged in the lumber and leather manufacturing business. He spent five years supervising several of their saw mill operations in Alabama and Missis- sippi and then went to California, where he assembled two large tracts of sugar and white pine timber and one redwood operation and timber tract near Eureka in Humboldt County. He later purchased several tracts of fir and cedar timber in British Columbia and in 1909, with Mr. Z. T. Brindley of Erie, established the present Erie Lumber Company.
On Dec. 9, 1896, Mr. Curtis was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Allan Eldred at Buffalo, N. Y. She is a native of Lottsville, Pa., and the daughter of Byron and Harriet (Allan) Eldred, natives of Pennsylvania.
Daniel S. Contra
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There were two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis: John Gould Curtis, born at Erie, at present a third year student at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Mass .; and Harriet Eldred Curtis, born at Erie, at present a senior at Radcliffe College, Cambridge, Mass.
Mr. Curtis is a Republican and he and his family hold membership in St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Cathedral of Erie. He is affiliated with the following clubs and lodges: Tyrian Lodge No. 362, F. & A. M., Erie Chapter ; Mt. Olivet Commandery ; Presque Isle Lodge of Perfection; Erie Consistory, 32nd degree; Zem Zem Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; Kahkwa Club; Erie Yacht Club; Erie Chamber of Commerce; and the Erie Rotary Club.
Dr. John W. Wright, Health Officer of the city of Erie, was born in Richmond Township, Crawford County, Pa., Sept. 24, 1868, the eldest son of D. A. and Virginia (White) Wright. His father, D. A. Wright, was born at Busti, Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1840, the son of William and Elizabeth (Kelso) Wright, who were natives, respectively, of Massa- chusetts and New York. His death occurred in 1921 at Jamestown, N. Y. Virginia White, the daughter of David and Polly (Lyon) White, was a native of Crawford County, Pa., where she died in 1871. The Wright's, Kelso's, Lyon's and White's were all American born, prior to the Revo- lution. D. A. Wright and Virginia White were married in 1865 and lived in Crawford County until Mrs. Wright's death. During this period two children were born to them, John William and Robert Lyon, the latter of whom now resides in Dunkirk, N. Y.
Following the death of his mother, Dr. Wright lived with his aunt, Mrs. Brian Hill, and his grandfather, William Wright, in Richmond Town- ship, where he attended school for a number of years, later removing to Union City, Erie County, where he attended high school.
In 1887 he entered the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, grad- uating therefrom in 1890. He began the practice of his profession in Wattsburg, Erie County, in 1891, removing to Erie in 1895, since which time he has been a resident of that city.
In 1896 he was appointed health officer of Erie by the Hon. Robert J. Saltsman, at which time he was also designated as Deputy Inspector to the State Board of Health for the Erie District and later, in 1900, succeeded Dr. Charles B. Kibler, of Corry, as County Medical Inspector, holding that position until the year 1921.
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
In 1908, when Dr. Samuel G. Dixon, State Health Commissioner, established a series of tuberculosis dispensaries throughout the state, Dr. Wright, owing to the fact that he had devoted a great part of his life to work of this character, was appointed physician in charge, since which time he has held that position. He is a member of the Erie County and Pennsylvania State Medical Societies, and the American Public Health Association.
In 1897 Dr. Wright entered the Pennsylvania National Guard, suc- ceeding Dr. Wallace R. Hunter, as Assistant Surgeon in the Fifteenth Regiment. When the war with Spain was declared he volunteered with that organization, leaving the United States service with the rank of major. When the Pennsylvania Naval Division was organized in Erie, Dr. Wright was appointed assistant surgeon to assist in its establishment and served for a short period with them.
In 1900 Dr. Wright was united in marriage with Clara Katharine Keller, a native of Erie. As the result of this union, two children were born, Eduard, who died in early infancy, and Elizabeth Keller-Wright, who still survives. Mrs. Wright died in Erie in 1911. Later Dr. Wright was married to Dr. Katherine Law, also a native of Erie, following which union there has been one child, Virginia Law-Wright, now living.
Otto George Hitchcock, vice president and secretary of the Hays Man- ufacturing Company, with which he has been identified since boyhood, is a native of Erie, born Oct. 14, 1874. He is the son of Andrew J. and Katrina (Wuertz) Hitchcock, natives respectively of Connecticut and Germany, the former being born in 1850 and the latter in 1845.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Hitchcock were married at Titusville, Pa., where for many years the father was engaged in railroad work. He removed to Erie in 1874 and was for some time a foreman for the Hays Manufacturing Company. He died in 1912 and his wife died in 1916.
Otto George Hitchcock received his elementary education in the public schools of Erie and Completed it under various private tutors. In 1893 he entered the employ of the Hays Manufacturing Company, as an office boy, and gradually advanced to his present responsible position as vice presi- dent and secretary to which he was elected when the business was reor- ganized in 1900, under its present name of the Hays Manufacturing Company.
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
On Dec. 19, 1901, Mr. Hitchcock was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta VanCleve, a native of Sewickley, Pa., and a daughter of Dr. R. S. and Catherine (Spencer) VanCleve, natives of Erie. Dr. VanCleve was a distinguished Presbyterian minister of Erie for many years and died in 1920. His wife died in 1897. To Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock were born three children: Frances, a student at Radcliffe Colege, Cambridge, Mass .; Katrina, attending preparatory school; and Otto G., Jr., a junior high school student.
In November, 1923, Mr. Hitchcock was elected school director. He served as president of the Manufacturer's Association during the years 1916-17-18-19, as president of the Chamber of Commerce 1921-22, as a director of the Y. M. C. A. and the Community Chest. During the World War he served as chairman of the Industrial Committee on Liberty Loan drives. Mr. Hitchcock is a member of the first Presbyterian Church of Erie, and belongs to the Erie and Kahkwa Clubs. He is held in high regard throughout the community and is an excellent citizen.
Edmund W. Sheldon, president of the National Foundry Company, ranks among Erie's progressive and enterprising business men. He was born at Geneva, N. Y., Jan. 28, 1857, and is the son of Philo Burt and Mary Esther (Waldo) Sheldon.
Philo Burt Sheldon was a native of Huron, Wayne County, N. Y., and his wife was born at Prattsburgh, Steuben County, N. Y. They are both deceased and buried in Erie. There were two children in the Sheldon family: E. W., the subject of this sketch; and Mary Honor Sheldon. deceased.
Edmund W. Sheldon lived at Prattsburgh, N. Y., until he was 11 years old, his family having settled there when he was a small child. He then lived at Rochester N. Y., until 1875, when he removed to Erie. Mr. Sheldon began his business career as a bank clerk with the Erie Dime Savings & Loan Company, now the Erie Trust Company. In 1881 he became associated with the Erie Car Works, Ltd., and in 1898 organized the National Foundry Company with C. W. Davenport, of which concern Mr. Sheldon is now president.
On Oct. 12, 1882, Mr. Sheldon was united in marriage with Miss Mary Elizabeth Davenport, a native of Erie, and the daughter of William R. and Elizabeth W. (Shirk) Davenport, the former a native of New York and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr. Davenport died in 1888 and his wife died in 1894. To. E. W. and Mary (Davenport) Sheldon two daughters were born: Elizabeth S., the wife of A. Hunter Willis, treasurer and
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works manager of the National Foundry Company; and Helen S., the wife of Jack G. Osborne, who is engaged in real estate in Erie.
Politically Mr. Sheldon is a Republican. He is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Kahkwa Club. He is well and favorably known in Erie and takes an active interest in the affairs of the community.
E. L. Rilling, who is successfully engaged in the manufacturing busi- ness, is among the progressive business men of Erie, where he was born in 1872. He is a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Ackerman) Rilling.
Christopher Rilling was a native of Germany, as was also his wife. He was a millwright by trade and engaged in the manufacturing business, and later engaged in farming until he retired. He and his wife died in 1909. They were the parents of 13 children, of whom the following are now living: C. H., lives at Girard, Pa .; C. W., lives at Chicago, Ill .; John S., lives in Erie; Mrs. Susan R. Porsch, lives in Erie; Mrs. P. Myers, lives in Erie; and E. L., the subject of this sketch.
E. L. Rilling was educated in the public and high schools of Erie and began his business career as a time clerk. In 1908 he was elected treas- urer and general manager of the Hollands Manufacturing Company, in which capacity he has since served.
In 1906 Mr. Rilling was married at Guelph, Canada, to Miss Henrietta Isabel Cameron, a native of Glencoe, Canada, and the daughter of Duncan and Roxanna (Shanks) Cameron, residents of Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Rilling have been born two daughters: Helen Elizabeth, and Emily Louise Rilling.
Mr. Rilling is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a 32nd degree Mason, and Shriner, and belongs to the Erie Club. He is a representative and dependable citizen of Erie and has many friends.
Fred C. Schmidt, is a veteran of the World War and a well known citizen of Erie. He was born in Cleveland, July 15, 1888, and is the son of Frederick and Margaret (Winfield) Schmidt.
Frederick Schmidt was born in Germany and his wife is a native of Erie County. He is a machinist by trade, at which he has been employed since his arrival here in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt live at 356 East 12th Street, Erie. They have three children: Fred C., the subject of this sketch; Frances, twin sister of Fred C., lives in New York City, where
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
she is employed as a buyer by the firm of Lord & Taylor; and Louise, born July 12, 1896, married Frank Raid, lives at 412 West 19th Street, Erie.
Fred C. Schmidt's parents came to Erie when he was two months old. Here he was reared and attended the parochial and public schools of Erie and began life as an apprentice in a local boiler shop. He served as a member of the Erie police department for nine years, being appointed by Hon. Michael Liebel, Jr. Mr. Schmidt was then elected constable of the second ward for two terms but before completing his second term was elected alderman, in which capacity he is now serving.
On April 24, 1918, Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss Charlotte Jan- kowska, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Bosacka) Jankowska, natives of Poland. Mr. Jankowska lives at 413 William Street, Buffalo. His wife died in 1900.
Mr. Schmidt is a Democrat, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and belongs to the East Erie Turnverin, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Erie Maennerchor Society.
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