USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume One > Part 47
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Reverend Rochelle enlisted in the United States army during the World War, on May 4, 1917, and on May 14th of the same year sailed for overseas and was assigned for service with the British Expeditionary forces, with whom he served until the close of the war. He was dis- charged Feb. 17, 1919.
Clyde C. Hill, county engineer, is an enterprising and progressive citi- zen of Erie. He was born at Clymer, Chautauqua County, N. Y., Jan. 16, 1865, and is the son of James and Aurelia S. (Green) Hill.
James Hill was a native of Brookfield, Madison County, N. Y., as was also his wife. He engaged in general farming during his life and was a breeder of pure bred Durham cattle. He died in August, 1889, and his wife died December, 1915. They are buried at Clymer, N. Y. Clyde C., the subject of this sketch, is their only child.
Clyde C. Hill spent his boyhood at Clymer and was a student at Clymer Union School and Fredonia Normal School. After teaching in the district schools from 1883 until 1885, he was appointed principal of Ellington (N. Y.) Academy, and in 1891 he was elected school commissioner of the first Chautauqua district in which capacity he served until 1897. He has followed his profession as civil engineer from 1895 until the present time, and was elected county engineer of Erie County in 1919. From 1897 until 1914 he successfully conducted a fire insurance business at North East, Pa.
On Dec. 24, 1890, Mr. Hill was united in marriage with Miss Cora E. Case, of Ellington, N. Y., and the daughter of Theodore A. and Lucy (Bagg) Case, natives of Chautauqua County, N. Y. Mr. Case died Oct. 23, 1923. His wife resides in the old homestead at Ellington, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill have been born three children: Theodore C., lives at North East, Pa .;
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James R., Marine Bank Building, Erie; and Lucy A. Hill Norris, lives at Dundalk, Md.
Theodore C. Hill is a World War veteran, having served two years with the A. E. F., one year of which was spent in France.
James R. Hill attempted to enlist in the army during the World War but was rejected on account of a slight physical disability. However, he was employed in the construction of concrete ships for war purposes, at Long Island, N. Y.
Clyde C. Hill is identified with the Republican party, is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of North East, and is identified with the following Masonic bodies: Blue Lodge, No. 399, North East; Temple Chap- ter Royal Arch Masons, No. 215, Erie; Olivet Commandery Knights Tem- plars, No. 30, Erie; and Zem Zem Temple, Mystic Shrine, Erie. He is a director in the National Bank of North East, and has been president of the board of trustees of the Edinboro State Normal School since that insti- tution was taken over by the state.
George O. Moore, the capable assistant superintendent of city schools of Erie, is one of the well known educators of this section and has many years of successful experience to his credit in school work. He was born at Russia, N. Y., Oct. 28, 1877, and is the son of Milo and Mary C. (Buck) Moore.
Milo Moore, deceased, was a native of Russia, N. Y., as was also his wife. He was a farmer and served as justice of the peace for 36 years in 1909 and they are buried at Poland, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore and as county supervisor two terms. He died in 1907 and his wife died were born three children: William B., vice president of the Garfield Real Estate Company, lives at 215 Rugby Avenue, Rochester, N. Y .; Jen- nie Moore Fenner, wife of John G. Fenner, lives at Herkimer, N. Y .; and George O., the subject of this sketch.
George O. Moore spent his boyhood on his father's farm and was edu- cated in the schools of Russia and Poland, N. Y. He was graduated from Cortland State Normal School in 1900 and from Syracuse University in 1904 and also received another degree at that institution in 1909. In 1904 he was appointed vice principal of Fulton High School, Fulton, N. Y. Two years later he became principal of Cortland (N. Y.) State Normal Training School, and in 1910 was appointed a teacher of history at Cen- tral High School, Erie. Since that date Mr. Moore has held the vice
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principalship of that high school and in 1922 he became assistant super- intendent of city schools.
On Aug. 15, 1906, Mr. Moore was united in marriage with Miss Lina C. Jennings, a native of Phoenix, N. Y., and the daughter of William H. and Harriett Jennings, residents of Phoenix, N. Y.
Mr. Moore is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, the Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, National Education Association, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the Department of Superintendents, the N. E. A., the Erie County His- torical Society, the Chamber of Commerce, and is chairman of Court of Honor, Boy Scouts of America. During the World War he served as a member of the Four Minute Bureau, being a Four Minute Speaker. Mr. Moore is identified with the Republican party in politics, and although not a seeker of public office, he claims he has always "tried to be a good private."
Rev. Robert George Ramsay, D. D., pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, is a worthy member of his community and highly esteemed throughout Erie. He was born at Oakdale, Washington County, Ill., and is the son of Robert L. and Mary Miller (McAfee) Ramsay, the former a native of Mercer County, Pa., and the latter of Philadelphia.
Robert L. Ramsay was a successful farmer from early manhood until his death in southern Illinois. He was of Scotch descent, was an elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church for many years, and was generally respected for his soundness of judgment, his broad intelligence and his willingness to help others in time of distress. His wife was a woman widely read in the best literature, taught school in her earlier days, and always took a deep interest in the education of her children. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay are deceased and are buried in a rural cemetery near Oak- dale, Ill. Seven children were born to Robert and Mary Ramsay, two dying in infancy, and the others, three daughters and two sons, surviving till lately when two daughters, the eldest and the second in the family, passed away. The surviving and youngest daughter, Elizabeth Carson lives near the old homestead in Illinois, the elder brother, James Arthur Ramsay lives at Topeka, Kan.
Robert George Ramsay was reared in southern Illinois and lived on a farm near Oakdale until he was somewhat past his majority. After leav- ing the public school he was graduated from Coultersville Academy, then
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from Monmouth College, and took his theological training in the Pitts- burgh Theological Seminary, a United Presbyterian institution.
Since graduating from the theological seminary the principal pastor- ates of Dr. Ramsay have been at Xenia and Columbus, Ohio, and in Sharon and Erie, Pa. Doctor Ramsay's main strength as a minister appears to be in the pulpit. Men prominent in professional life have been among his parishioners and evidently the appeal of his ministry is to the intellect as well as to the heart. On the social side, however, he is not lacking and rejoices both in number and steadfastness of his friends.
Doctor Ramsay was married to Miss Clara Lee Dallas, a native of Cadiz, Ohio, and the daughter of Henry Clay and Jane (Adams) Dallas, natives of Ohio. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dallas were popular in the society of the little city above named. They were people of keen mind, readers of the best books, and gave their daughter, Clara Lee Dallas, the best pos- sible educational advantages both in high school and college. Mrs. Ram- say's intellectual growth, however, did not cease with her college train- ing for she has kept up her studies in the years following and believes that the mind should be kept alert as long as life is granted. In every community where she has lived Mrs. Ramsay has been a social favorite and finds it easy to win and keep a multitude of friends.
Doctor and Mrs. Ramsay have three children. The eldest, Janet, is a resident of New York and devoted to both music and literature. Teaching music is her profession, but lately she wrote a book entitled, "High Road," which has met with instant success. Another book is in course of prepa- ration and will soon be in the hands of the publishers. The second daugh- ter, Mrs. David Adams, Jr., is a resident of Sharon, Pa. She is a grad- uate of Ohio State University and at the time of her graduation not only took the honors of her class, but made the best record as a student, among all the thousands attending that institution for 18 years previous to her graduation. The son, George Dallas Ramsay, is a graduate of Massachu- setts Institute of Technology and at present holds a responsible position with the Illinois Steel Company in Chicago.
In politics Doctor Ramsay has always been a Republican. He has held only such offices as are common in the church and open to the min- istry. The only exception is that in civil life and before he entered the ministry he held a treasurership for a short time in the county where he was born. Perhaps the most distinguished honor that ever came to him in a literary way was election to membership in the Danville (Ky.) Scien-
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tific and Literary Club, a club which has been in existence more than three quarters of a century and whose membership must not at any time exceed 16. Doctor Ramsay is a Mason, being a member of Sharon Lodge, No. 250, and of Rebecca Commandery, No. 50, Sharon, Pa. Both Doctor and Mrs. Ramsay have always been affiliated with some branch of the Presbyterian Church.
Emmett L. Burch, a well known citizen of Erie, who is engaged in the manufacturing business, was born at Portland, Chautauqua County, N. Y., Nov. 3, 1858. He is a son of Ransom and Miriam A. (Hulbert) Burch.
Ransom Burch was a native of Portland, N. Y., and his wife was born at Westfield, N. Y. He was a carpenter contractor during his life and died at Corry, Pa. His wife is also deceased. They were the parents of the following children: Bertha F. Blowens, lives at Mayville, N. Y .; Emmett L., the subject of this sketch; George E., lives at Oakland, Cal .; and Mattie E. Thomas, lives at Corry, Pa.
Emmett L. Burch removed to Erie County with his parents when he was six years of age and was educated in the schools of Corry. He began life as a machinist and followed that trade for 50 years, and for the past 25 years has operated the Bay State Iron Works of Erie.
In 1886 Mr. Burch was united in marriage with Miss Marie L. Sher- man, a native of Portland, N. Y., and the daughter of Leonard and Miriam E. (Granger) Sherman, natives of New York, now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Burch were born three children: Bertha M. Davies, lives in Cleveland; Rollin L., secretary of the Bay State Iron Works, lives in Erie; and Katherine E. Hunter, lives at Minneapolis, Minn.
Mr. Burch is a member of the Wayne Park Baptist Church. He is a Republican, and a substantial and highly respected citizen of Erie County.
Rev. Francis B. Blodgett, Dean of St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, is a prominent and influential citizen of Erie. He was born at Oakfield, N. Y., and is a son of Alva John and Catherine Cordelia (Burt) Blodgett, both deceased.
Reverend Blodgett attended Cary Seminary at Oakfield, N. Y., and was later a student at Hobart College. After receiving degrees at Har- vard and Columbia universities, he was made Rector of the Church of Our Redeemer, Lexington, Mass., in 1902. Two years later he was ap-
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pointed Canon of the Cathedral of All Saints, Albany, N. Y., and the following year was made a professor of O. T. Literature, at the General Theological Seminary, New York City. He served in this capacity from 1905 until 1921, at which time he was appointed Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral, Erie.
In 1909 Mr. Blodgett was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Gove, the daughter of C. C. and Frisbie Gove, natives of Massachusetts and Ver- mont, respectively. They now reside at Batavia, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Blodgett have been born two daughters: Catherine, born in 1910; and Betty, born in 1916.
Edward Clarke Moore, who ranks among the leading manufacturers of Erie, was born in this city, March 9, 1868, and is the son of George William and Charlotte Florence (Rowley) Moore.
George William Moore, deceased, was a native of Erie and a veteran of the Civil War. He was educated in Erie Academy and later attended business college at Buffalo, where he was graduated as an expert account- ant. He was a volunteer in the Civil War, served in the Third Pennsyl- vania Cavalry, and was wounded. When he had partially recovered he was transferred to the Quartermasters Department at Washington. Mr. Moore died Aug. 10, 1890, and is buried in Erie cemetery. His wife, a native of Girard, Pa., resides in Erie. There were five children in the Moore family as follows: George Rowley, lives in New York; John Mor- timer, died May 1, 1891; Florence I. Moore, now Mrs. Fred J. Littell, lives in Chicago; Winifred Elvira Moore, lives in Erie; and Edward Clarke, the subject of this sketch.
Edward Clarke Moore was reared and educated in Erie and was grad- uated from Erie High School in 1887. He began his business career as an office boy on Jan. 1, 1885, in the employ of the Erie City Iron Works. Later he was made cashier of the foundry branch of the company and in 1889 was transferred to the main office in the accounting department. Mr. Moore was made cashier and chief accountant in 1893 and has had charge of the company's finances ever since. He was elected treasurer in 1904 and in 1923 was made president of the Erie City Iron Works, which is among Erie's largest manufacturing plants.
On Aug. 20, 1896, Mr. Moore was united in marriage with Miss Sara Isabel Pressly, a native of Erie, and the daughter of Rev. Joseph Hearst and Ann Eliza (Smith) Pressly, the former a native of North Carolina (36)
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and the latter of Pittsburgh. Doctor Pressly was pastor of the United Presbyterian Church for a number of years and died in Erie, Nov. 3, 1874. His wife died Jan. 6, 1920. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore were born four children as follows: Martha Pressly Moore, married Donald Lohse Thomas, lives at Oakland, Cal .; Charlotte Weir Moore, a graduate of Smith College, now doing secretarial work for the Red Cross; Edward Pressly and Margaret Louise, twins, born July 7, 1906, died in infancy.
Mr. Moore is a Republican, a member of the Park Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee and is identified with the following clubs and lodges: Royal Arcanum, Erie Club, Kahkwa Club, one of the founders of the Erie Yacht Club, Erie Light Infantry, Country Club, and Manu- facturers Association, of which he is now serving as president. Mr. Moore is an alert business man and is accounted one of the substantial citizens of Erie.
Moses Koch, deceased, was among the prominent business men of Erie who early took an active part in the development of this city. He was born in Bavaria, Dec. 26, 1811, and was one of four brothers who came to this country with their father and mother at an early age. His father, David Koch, served with distinction in the wars against Napoleon in 1814, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant for his gallantry after the battle of Leipsig. He was the owner of large soap works and Moses Koch spent a few years in his father's factory before their re- moval to this country.
Mr. Koch lived in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, for a time and en- gaged in mercantile pursuits. He finally came to Erie in the early forties and opened a dry goods store in what was then known as the Hughes block, corner of Seventh and State streets. Later he purchased the prop- erty at the southeast corner of Fifth and French streets, erecting thereon a large and substantial brick block, in which he carried on an extensive business for many years. One store being devoted to dry goods, was the largest dry goods store in Erie at that time, and the other store was for men's clothing and furnishing goods. Mr. Koch remained in business there until about 1854, when he sold the building and stock of goods to the Hon. Morrow B. Lowry.
That corner was the scene of considerable hospitality during and prior to the War of 1812, Colonel Foster, a prominent citizen of that day, residing there with his family. In tearing down the old structure, a large
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log house, preparatory to building, many were the relics found there. Mr. Koch also erected several other large and expensive buildings and in many other ways contributed to the improvement and advancement of the city, subscribing liberally whenever called upon. The large colonial house which stood at the corner of Eighth and Peach streets, now the site of the Masonic Temple, was erected by Mr. Koch and was the family residence for many years. Mr. Koch was in active business until 1878 when failing health obliged him to retire, and he spent the remaining years of his life promoting the pleasure of his family.
Mr. Koch was a member of the Masonic fraternity and served several consecutive terms in the city council. He was a Democrat and although not a politician was extremely loyal to the party, always voting the "straight ticket" to the day of his death. He died Sept. 2, 1881, and is buried in the Erie cemetery. He left many monuments to testify to his usefulness and worth. He was conspicuous for his enterprise, persever- ance and excellent judgment.
Shortly before coming to Erie, Mr. Koch was married in Philadelphia to Matilda Marshall Ulman, who was of English descent through her mother. To Mr. and Mrs. Koch were born seven children, one of whom died in infancy. His remains rest beside his father and mother in the Erie cemetery.
Hubert E. Coburn is among the prominent young business men of Erie, where he is connected with the Skinner Engine Company. He was born in Greene Township, Erie County, Pa., Jan. 24, 1890, and is the son of Edwin J. and Mary Adella (Urch) Coburn.
Edwin J. Coburn was born at Findley Lake, N. Y., and his wife is a native of Erie County. He was the founder of the Erie Business College and the Jamestown (N. Y.) Business College, and was engaged in teach- ing and commercial enterprises until the time of his death, Nov. 19, 1915. His wife resides with their only son, Hubert E., the subject of this sketch.
Hubert E. Coburn was educated in the public schools of Sugar Grove, Warren County, Pa., and after completing a preparatory course at Sugar Grove Seminary, he entered Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio. Mr. Coburn began his business career with the Y. M. C. A., doing office and membership work. He has been associated with the Skinner Engine Company since Sept. 1, 1911, with whom he holds a responsible position.
On Oct. 13, 1916, Mr. Coburn was married at Buffalo, N. Y., to Miss
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Olga Louise Haas, a native of St. Louis, Mo., and a daughter of Rev. C. G. and Rose (Nolte) Haas, natives of Missouri. Reverend Haas is pastor of St. Paul's United Evangelical Church at Buffalo and resides at 562 Ellicott Street, Buffalo. To Mr. and Mrs. Coburn have been born three children: Hubert E., Jr., born Aug. 13, 1918; Doris Louise, born May 3, 1922; and Janith Grace, born Aug. 4, 1924.
Mr. Coburn is a Republican, a member of Central Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Keystone Lodge No. 455, F. & A. M., the Erie Club, Lions Club, and the Y. M. C. A. He resides at 2016 Union Avenue, Wesleyville.
William C. Illig, senior member of the Jones Furniture Company, Inc., is a highly esteemed and progressive citizen of Erie. He was born Dec. 31, 1875, and is the son of Daniel and Mary (Schultz) Illig.
The late Daniel Illig, who was a native of Germany, located in Erie in 1847, where he built up a very successful clothing and tailoring business. This establishment he maintained until his death in 1914. His wife is the only surviving member of the pioneer Schultz family of Erie, and resides at 2016 Peach Street.
The Illig homestead was built in 1876, and has always been pointed out as one of the first fine old homes in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Illig are the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom are living.
William C. Illig received his early education at Saint Mary's School, Erie. Later he entered Canisius College, Buffalo, N. Y., where he was graduated in 1894. He started his business career with the Black Man- ufacturing Company; and remained with this concern until 1900, when he became a member of the firm of Illig Brothers. Here he engaged in the clothing and tailoring business until in 1914 he was appointed executor of the estate of Frank J. Kelsch. After closing this estate in 1921, he pur- chased a half interest in the Jones Furniture Company, one of the most enterprising concerns in the city.
Mr. Illig has always taken a keen interest in the political affairs of Erie, and has been an active member of several civic organizations. To him belongs the distinction of being the youngest person ever elected to the City Council and the Board of Education. He also served the best interests of the city as a member of the Board of Health, and held this office with a creditable record for a period of sixteen years.
Mr. Illig was married on Nov. 23, 1904, to Miss Teresa Messler, daugh- ter of the late Prof. Aug. Messler of North East, Pa. They have six
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children: William, a graduate of Central High School, Erie, and now a junior at Georgetown University, Washington, D. C .; Robert, Adele, James, Virginia and Mary, all at home.
The Illig family reside at 516 West Tenth Street, and are members of St. Peter's Cathedral. Mr. Illig holds a membership in the Board of Commerce, the Erie, Kahkwa, Elks, Knights of Columbus and other social clubs of the city. He belongs to the Furniture Club of America, and through his executive ability has become well known as one of the most prominent merchants in Erie County.
Edwin William Nick, president of the Northern Equipment Company, is among the progressive and successful business men of Erie. He was born in this city, March 10, 1885, and is the son of Fred and Anna (Brevillier) Nick.
Fred Nick is a native of Erie, where he now lives retired. He is a graduate of the Erie public schools, a school of pharmacy in Philadelphia, and for 37 years was successfully engaged in the drug business here. He later served as secretary of the Northern Equipment Company for several years. His wife, who was born in Erie, died April 21, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Nick were the parents of the following children: Fred G., 3002 Glenwood Park Avenue, Erie; Mrs. Louise Nick Fiero, 925 Plum Street, Erie; Charlotte, deceased; Mrs. Elsie Nick Norton, 3004 Glenwood Park Avenue, Erie; and Edwin William, the subject of this sketch.
Edwin William Nick received his early education in the public schools of Erie and after his graduation from Erie High School in 1903, he was graduated from Pennsylvania State College in 1907, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Two years later he received his degree as electrical engineer at the latter institution, and in 1912 took post graduate work in the School of Business Administration, Harvard University. His busi- ness career began as an apprentice with the Buffalo & Lake Erie Traction Company at Erie in 1907, and during the years 1907-8-9 he was a student engineer with The General Electric Company, Schenectady, N. Y., and in 1909 was an electrical engineer for Dodge & Day, Gatum, Canal Zone. In 1909-10-11 Mr. Nick was an electrical engineer in the employ of the Isthmian Canal Commission, Panama, and in 1912 was appointed manager of the Northern Equipment Company of Chicago. In 1912 he was elected vice-president of the Chicago branch and in June, 1913, was elected presi- dent of the company.
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On Jan. 1, 1914, Mr. Nick was united in marriage with Miss Mildred C. Scholes, a native of Chicago, and the daughter of Parker and Catherine (Chapel) Scholes. Mr. Scholes resides in Chicago. His wife died in February, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Nick have a son, Robert Edwin, born Oct. 7, 1924.
Mr. Nick is a director of the Citizens Mortgage Company; director of the Peoples Bank & Trust Co .; director and president of the Northern Equipment Company ; director and president of the Lakeview Drop Forge Co .; director of the Community Savings & Loan Company; president and director of the Eaglehurst Association; director of the West Side Civic Improvement Organization; director of the Chamber of Commerce; direc- tor of the Associated Charities; and secretary of the Penn State Alumni Association. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge, and the University, Kahkwa and Rotary Clubs.
The Northern Equipment Company was organized in 1906 as the American Boiler Economy Company, and in 1909 was reorganized as the Northern Equipment Company. The plant operated in Chicago until June, 1913, at which time control passed into the hands of E. W. Nick and his associate, V. V. Veenschoten, and the business was immediately moved to Erie.
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