USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume One > Part 49
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Jessamine S. Jiuliante attended the public schools of Erie and was a student at "old No. 10." At the age of 12 years he had completed the elementary course and at 15 years was a high school graduate. He then entered Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated at the age of 18 years with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Economics. On June 13, 1917, Mr. Jiuliante enlisted for service in the World war and was with the Ordnance Corps stationed at Augusta, Ga., and later at Camp McClelland, Anniston, Ala., and Camp Hancock, Georgia. He was discharged from Camp Dix, N. J., Feb. 7, 1919, with the rank of ordnance sergeant, and in the fall of that year entered the law school of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in
JESSAMINE S. JIULIANTE
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1922 and received the degre of LL. B. During that summer he was one of 25 Italian-American students chosen from all the universities in the United States and sent to Italy to study economic conditions. This oppor- tunity for study abroad was offered by the Italian Chamber of Commerce of New York City and the Sons of Italy. He then returned to Erie and was admitted to the bar, and has since engaged in the practice of his profession in partnership with Miles R. Kitts and M. C. Cornell. Mr. Jiuliante's offices were in the Palace Building, until March, 1925, when he moved to 16 East Eighth Street.
On Dec. 27, 1922, Mr. Jiuliante was united in marriage with Miss Rose Alfonso, a native of Philadelphia and before her marriage a teacher in the schools of that city.
Mr. Jiuliante is a member of the University Club, the Elks, Eagles, and Moose, and belongs to the Sons of Italy, the Italian National Club, the Nuova Aurora, the American Legion, and the Forty and Eight, Cham- ber of Commerce, Erie Motor Club, Erie County Historical Society, Erie County Bar Association and is secretary of the United Professional and Business Men's Association. Mr. Jiuliante is a progressive citizen of Erie with high standards of civic pride.
Edward Heuer-Prominent among the business men of Erie is Edward Heuer, who during his connection with the city's interests has proven himself one of the leaders in business circles, his labors being attended by successful accomplishment in the development and management of important commercial and industrial enterprises. He is secretary and treasurer of the Vulcan Rubber Company.
Mr. Heuer was born at Brugg, Canton Berne, Switzerland, Sept. 17, 1863, and is the son of John and Eliza (Siegenthaler) Heuer. The father was a watchmaker by trade and engaged in business for many years at Brugg, where he was born. He died in 1875 and his wife died in 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Heuer had the following children: Lena Schneider, born in 1860, lives at 144 East 21st Street, Erie; Edward, the subject of this sketch; Adolf, born in 1865, lives in Switzerland; Arnold, born in 1867, lives at 449 East 5th Street, Erie; and Caesar, born in 1869, lives at the Hoffman House, Erie.
Edward Heuer was educated in the public and high schools of Brugg and in 1880 took a course in bookkeeping. In 1885 he emigrated to the United States and entered upon his business career in Erie by accepting a clerkship in the confectionery store of John Kalvelage. In 1886 he entered the wholesale grocery and liquor store owned by H. V. Claus and (37)
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C. B. Wuenschel, where he remained until September, 1888, when he be- came bookkeeper for the Eagle brewery, owned by Jackson Koehler. In 1899 he became general manager of the Erie Brewing Company, in which capacity he served until 1914. He then engaged in the wholesale liquor business at 1020-22 State Street, and in 1917 was elected secretary and treasurer of the Vulcan Rubber Company. From 1903 until 1910 Mr. Heuer was identified with the Cascade Foundry Company as president.
On Sept. 4, 1888, Mr. Heuer was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Coyle, of Erie, and a daughter of Charles D. and Sarah J. (Long) Coyle, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Coyle died in May, 1914, and his wife died in January, 1920. To Mr. and Mrs. Heuer a son was born, Charles Ed- ward. He has a half interest in the A. & A. Motor Company of Erie, and lives at 907 Chestnut Street.
In politics Mr. Heuer is identified with the Republican party. He served as fire commissioner from 1900 until 1905 and is now water com- missioner, having been appointed to that office in 1922. He is a member of the Masonic, Elks, Eagle and Odd Fellows lodges, and belongs to the Maccabees and the Maennerchor.
Emanuel W. Roland, who has been identified with the business devel- opment of Erie for a number of years, is a native of Erie County. He was born on a farm in West Mill Creek Township, Dec. 19, 1858, and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Garloch) Roland. The father was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Sept. 4, 1829, and the mother in Summit Town- ship, Erie County, on Aug. 15, 1836. He was the son of William Roland, also a native of Lancaster County, who married Mary Garber, born in the same county. Both the Rolands and the Garbers are of English stock, the first American forefathers emigrating to this country two centuries ago.
Jacob Roland left Lancaster County when a young man and located in Mill Creek Township, Erie County, where he married and engaged successively in farming and mercantile pursuits. Four years before the Civil War he removed to Michigan, from which state he entered the Union ranks and served until the close of hostilities. He died Aug. 15, 1905.
Emanuel W. Roland was reared on the family homestead, received a district school education, and followed farming in different parts of Erie County until his marriage in 1888. He then established a home-
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stead on Lake Road in Fairview Township, and for three years engaged in agricultural pursuits. On March 15, 1891, he became a resident of Erie and engaged in the retail grocery business at 18th and Cherry Streets, associating himself with his brother, Levi, under the firm name of Roland Brothers. In 1896 they erected a store on West 17th Street and remained in partnership until the following year when E. W. pur- chased his brother's interest. He was one of the promoters of the Erie Wholesale Grocery Company.
On Feb. 21, 1888, Mr. Roland was married to Miss Minnie H. Bochner, of West Mill Creek Township, and the daughter of Henry and Hannah (Sherman) Bochner, the former a native of Lancaster County, Pa., and the latter of Germany. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Roland: Harrison L., born Dec. 28, 1889, died Dec. 25, 1900; and Elsie Elizabeth, born June 1, 1893, married Carl P. Levine, who is engaged in the under- taking and furniture business at Cambridge Springs, Pa. They have two children: Jean Elizabeth, born in 1921; and Carl Roland, born in 1924.
Mr. Roland is a Republican, and he is identified with the Presby- terian Church. He is known as a progressive citizen and a man of enter- prise and ability.
W. A. Crawford, treasurer of the Griffin Manufacturing Company, is well known in Erie as a substantial and reliable business man. He was born at Holliday's Cove, W. Va., Jan. 12, 1862, and is the son of John C. and Mary (Porter) Crawford.
John C. Crawford, deceased, was a native of Pittsburgh, and his wife was born in Hancock County, W. Va. He engaged in general farming and stock raising during his life and met with success. He and his wife, deceased, are buried at Holliday's Cove, W. Va. They were the parents of the following children: James P., deceased, was an attorney; Mrs. Elizabeth C. Hinley, lives at Coventry, England; Amanda M., deceased; George M., wholesale druggist, Steubenville, Ohio; and W. A., the subject of this sketch.
W. A. Crawford grew up in West Virginia and was educated in the country schools. He was later graduated from Steubenville (Ohio) High School and attended Ohio State University. He was then engaged as a bookkeeper in a steel mill and in 1899 he organized the Griffin Manu-
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facturing Company with J. C. Griffin. He has since given his entire time and attention to this business. He came to Erie in 1901.
In 1892 Mr. Crawford was united in marriage with Miss Mary Lee, a native of Washington County, Pa., and the daughter of William M. and Caroline (Patterson) Lee, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Crawford four children have been born: William Lee, secretary of the Griffin Manu- facturing Company, Erie; John C., who travels for the same concern; Robert P., a bookkeeper for the company; and James Porter, a student.
In politics Mr. Crawford is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and is identified with the Kahkwa, University and Erie Yacht clubs.
Miles R. Miller, known as "Erie's Exclusive Florist," is a native of this city. He was born Feb. 24, 1882, and is the son of William and Henrietta (Ralph) Miller.
William Miller was a well known dairyman of Erie for many years and is now deceased. His widow resides in Erie.
After attending the public and high schools in his native city, Miles R. Miller was engaged in the florist business for the Scott estate for five years, after which he spent a year in Cleveland with the J. M. Gasser Com- pany. Upon his return to Erie he was identified with the Schluraff Floral Company, later becoming manager of the Offerle-Shaw Company store. In September, 1913, Mr. Miller established his present business at 924 Peach Street, which is among the attractive floral shops of the city. He does not operate a greenhouse, but contracts from other growers.
On Jan. 4, 1912, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Henrietta E. Werner, of Erie, and a daughter of Gustave G. and Barbara (Kerney) Werner. Mr. Werner was a native of Germany and for a number of years a leading chemist of Erie.
Mr. Miller is a Republican, a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, a 32nd degree Knights Templar Mason and Shriner, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Elks, Eagles, Moose, the Erie Maennerchor, Optimist Club, Yacht, Motor, and Chamber of Commerce. He is identified with the Society of American Florists and the Florist Deal- ers Telegraph Association. During the World War, Mr. Miller was a mem- ber of the Temple Guards, and was active in the various Liberty Loan drives. He is a reliable citizen of his community, and a man who believes in progressive movement both in his work and in civic affairs.
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Philes R Shiller
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
Col. John Horace Bliss, of Buffalo, N. Y., and Erie, Pa., was the son of Col. John Bliss and Letitia M. Ellicott. He was born at Fort Howard, Green Bay, in what is now Wisconsin, being the first white male child born in the Northwest territory. He was born Oct. 4, 1823. Colonel Bliss was educated principally at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he fitted himself for the profession of a civil engineer. He subsequently studied law and was admitted to the bar Jan. 1, 1847. In 1855 he came to Erie where he soon formed a partnership with Mr. George Selden, and established a fellow factory, which they operated for three years, when they also began the manufacture of oil barrels, then in great demand, continuing until 1864. In that year in company with W. J. F. Liddell, under the firm name of Liddell, Selden & Bliss, another change of importance was made. This firm purchased the Erie City Iron Works, of which Mr. Bliss was the president for a number of years. He remained actively engaged in busi- ness until 1901 when he went to live in Honolulu, Hawaii. There he died Oct. 16, 1907. Colonel Bliss was treasurer and vestryman for many years of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, now St. Paul's Cathedral.
Colonel Bliss was married at Buffalo Sept. 13, 1848, to Mary Lovering, formerly of Boston, Mass. She died at Mammoth Cave, Ky., on Nov. 7, 1848. On Oct. 1, 1850, he married Ellen, the daughter of Peter Christie, Surgeon, U. S. N., at Erie, Pa. She died in Philadelphia in 1893. To them were born four children, namely, (1) Anna, born at Buffalo, Dec. 5, 1851, died at Watch Hill, R. I., Aug. 3, 1920.
On Sept. 3, 1875, she married Rev. S. D. McConnell, an Episcopal clergyman and at that time rector of St. John's Church, Erie. Very soon after they moved to New England.
(2) Horace John, born at Buffalo, April 11, 1854, died at Erie, Oct. 6, 1871.
(3) Louisa, born at Erie, Jan. 7, 1858. On Sept. 10, 1885, she mar- ried Wallace DeWitt, a lawyer, living in Harrisburgh, Pa. At the death of Mr. DeWitt, Mrs. DeWitt returned to Erie to the home of her father, Col. John H. Bliss. She had two children: Ellen, born at Erie, July 18, 1886; and Wallace, Jr., born at Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. 29, 1889. He was educated at Morristown (N. J.) School, and graduated from Princeton University in the class of 1912. He served in the navy during the World War and resigned with the rank of lieutenant, junior grade. Since the close of the war he has been connected with the Erie City Iron Works. He was married at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Erie, Nov. 5, 1919, to Miss
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Catherine Clark, who was born at Bellevue, Pa., Jan. 13, 1899, the daugh- ter of T. Sherman and Mary Grimshaw Clark. They have two children: Wallace, 3d, born at Erie, Oct. 6, 1920; and John Sherman, born at Erie, May 25, 1922.
(4) George Truscott Bliss, born at Erie, May 21, 1864, and died Nov. 2, 1924. His early boyhood was spent in Erie, where he attended a private school. When about 11 years of age he went with the family to Charlotte, N. C., for a year or more. There he attended a military school. Upon the return to Erie he studied at the Erie Academy and later spent a year at DeVaux College, and two years at Harcourt Academy, in Ohio, follow- ing this by a course in the well known Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy, N. Y. Upon his return to Erie he went to work in the shops of the Erie City Iron Works, where his father had long been one of the man- aging directors associated with Mr. George Selden, his life long partner. Mr. Bliss' connection with the iron works continued until the time of his death, serving in various capacities in the shops and office, and for years as secretary of the corporation.
In January, 1894, Mr. Bliss was married to Miss Grace Forman, the daughter of John A. Forman of this city. Their two children are: (1) Miriam, born at Erie, Nov. 23, 1894, married Joseph George Mayer, Feb. 26, 1917, and they have three children: Franklin Bliss, born Feb. 18, 1918; Joseph George, Jr., born July 11, 1919; and Barbara Bliss, born July 16, 1923.
(2) John Horace Bliss, born at Erie, July 22, 1898. He was educated at Hill School, Pottstown, Pa., and Columbia University. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy and attended an officers' training school during the World War.
On Oct. 20, 1910, George Truscott Bliss married Louise Lynch, the daughter of Charles and Clara Lynch of Erie.
Mr. Bliss was a great lover of outdoor sports, a skillful navigator, and on his own craft spent many a pleasant outing on the lakes, always ready to share the pleasures of the voyage with his friends. He was prominent as a member of the Erie Yacht Club, and for a time the commander of the home fleet. He was interested in matters of welfare in the city and as a member of the board of managers of Elmwood Home, he did valuable service for that worthy institution. In his church relations he was identi- fied with St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
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Mr. Bliss had a happy, genial disposition, and his cordial, courteous manner brought him a host of devoted friends. He was fond of reading good books and having traveled extensively through our own country and in Europe, his mind was stored with a great fund of interesting and en- tertaining information. He was a lover of art and was himself an artist of no mean ability.
T. V. Law, superintendent of the Erie Cemetery, is among the city's substantial citizens. He was born on a farm two miles north of Polk, in Venango County, Pa., Dec. 4, 1881, and is the son of Thomas M. and Elizabeth (Grove) Law.
Thomas M. Law was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born near Raymilton, Pa., Aug. 15, 1839, and his wife was a native of New Lebanon, Pa., born Sept. 30, 1840. He was a farmer and died April 9, 1921, and is buried in the old Millcreek cemetery near Utica, Pa. During the Civil War Mr. Law enlisted as a volunteer in the Union army in 1861 and was honorably discharged in 1863 on account of sickness. Mr. and Mrs. Law were married in December, 1864, and were the parents of the following children: Alletta C., married R. S. Gilliland, R. F. D. No. 2, Utica, Pa .; Oren B., lives at Sharpsville, Pa .; Maude J., married D. M. Williams, R. F. D. No. 2, Polk, Pa .; Minnie G., married W. H. Bennett, now deceased, Rosemont Farm, Franklin, Pa .; Meade G., lives in Oakland, Cal .; Earl E., lives at 617 Wallace Street, Erie; Albert O., lives at 417 May Avenue, Titusville, Pa .; and T. V., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Law was a member of the Waterloo Presbyterian Church at Polk, Pa., for many years and served as elder. His wife now resides at Franklin, Pa.
T. V. Law grew up on his father's farm and attended the country schools and later school at Sandy Lake, Pa. In early life he engaged in farming and teaching, taking up the latter profession when a boy of 18 years. In the summer of 1901 he was employed as clerk in the grocery store of Frank Yahres at Sharon, Pa., and the following year worked in the woods, cutting timber. On July 1, 1903, Mr. Law came to Erie and was employed by the Bessemer Railroad at the freight depot, where he remained until 1906, at which time he and his brother, Earl Law, engaged in the grocery business at 158 East Eighth Street. As the busi- ness did not provide a sufficient living for two families, Mr. Law sold his interest and was connected with the Erie Wholesale Grocery Company at 20th and Holland Streets until March, 1909, when he was employed as a
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clerk for the Erie City Iron Works. In October, 1910, he went to Titus- ville, Pa., where he worked in the employ of the same man, but in June, 1912, Mr. Law was obliged to give up this work on account of his health. He then entered the accounting department of the General Electric Com- pany, where he remained until June, 1914. He became associated at this time with the Lawrence Park Realty Company, as resident agent, and in May, 1916, Mr. Law was appointed superintendent of Erie Ceme- tery, in which capacity he has since served.
On Oct. 10, 1907, Mr. Law was united in marriage with Miss Martha Binning of Erie, and the daughter of Henry and Jane (Gleave) Binning, the former a native of Bavaria, Germany, and the latter of Philadelphia. He died Aug. 16, 1904, and his widow resides with the Law family. To Mr. and Mrs. Law were born two children: Thomas Henry, deceased; and Jane Elizabeth, a student.
Mr. Law is a Republican, a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. He has a wide acquaintance in Erie, where he has spent so many years.
Robert J. Rosswog, deceased, was a leading business man of Erie and the founder of the Rosswog Cleaning & Dyeing Works. He was born in Baden, Germany, May 7, 1879, and was the son of Julius and Amelia (Brucker) Rosswog.
Julius Rosswog was also a native of Germany, where his father fol- lowed his trade and business as a dyer for many years. He was succeeded by his son, Julius, who emigrated to the United States with his family in 1888 and the same year he established his cleaning and dyeing busi- ness in Erie and in 1902 sold it to his son, Robert J., the subject of this sketch. He died in 1905 at the age of 74 years and his wife died in 1895, aged fifty.
Robert J. Rosswog was nine years of age when his family came to Erie. He attended St. Mary's Catholic school and at an early age engaged in business with his father. In 1902 he came into complete control of the business, which is one of the leading dry cleaning and dyeing establish- ments of the city. It is located at 1401 Peach Street. Mr. Rosswog died in 1914 at the age of 35 years. He is buried in Trinity Cemetery. His wife continued in the management of the business and has been most successful.
In 1901 Mr. Rosswog was united in marriage with Miss Otillia Hai- bach, a native of Erie and the daughter of Lorenz and Mary Haibach.
ROBERT J. ROSSWOG
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
She died April 9, 1908, leaving three sons: Robert E., born Oct. 2, 1903, engaged in the business established by his father; Anthony J., born May 11, 1906, also engaged in that business; and Bernard, born March 30, 1908, died in infancy. On Nov. 10, 1909, Mr. Rosswog was married to his wife's sister, Elizabeth Haibach, and to them were born two sons: Ber- nard L. and Louis J., both students. Mrs. Rosswog was born April 9, 1879. Her father, a prominent merchant of Erie, died in 1908 and his widow lives in Erie.
Mr. Rosswog was identified with the Republican party and with his family held membership in the Catholic Church. He was well known in this community and had many friends and acquaintances.
Edward Perkins Selden, retired, has for many years been prominently identified with the manufacturing interests of Erie. He was born at Mayside, Fairview Township, Erie County, April 27, 1858, and is the son of Samuel and Caroline M. (Perkins) Selden.
Samuel Selden was born in Erie, July 9, 1821. When a young man he spent five years in Cuba as financial agent for a large estate and sugar plantation. Returning home, he married, and after two or three years moved to Manchester, Erie County, where he engaged with his brother- in-law, R. L. Perkins, in the manufacture of paper. Later he moved with his family to Erie and with Mr. Mathew Griswold established the Selden & Griswold Mfg. Company, now the Griswold Mfg. Company. Mr. Selden took an active interest in all that made for a better city. He was an officer in the First Presbyterian Church, an active member of the Y. M. C. A., and was instrumental in establishing night schools for those who could not attend the day sessions. He died June 25, 1882, and his wife, a native of Athens, Ohio, died Jan. 26, 1918. They are buried in Erie cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Selden the following children were born: Mary Lydia Selden, lives in Erie; Caroline Elizabeth, married F. B. Brewer, lives at Westfield, N. Y .; Edward P., the subject of this sketch ; Dr. Charles C., Ph. D., M. D., Canton, China, where he is at the head of the John G. Kerr Hospital; and Samuel Fellowes, a manufacturer, who died Feb. 22, 1897.
Edward Perkins Selden received his education in a private school at Mayside and the Erie public schools, and at the age of 14 years secured employment in the hardware store of his uncle, John C. Selden. From the hardware store he went to work in his father's shop, The Selden &
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Griswold Mfg. Company, and at the age of 16 years was office boy in the Erie City Iron Works, with which great industrial institution he was identified continuously until the time of his retirement in 1924, having served as bookkeeper, time keeper, manager of sales, treasurer, vice-pres- ident, general manager, and president.
On Dec. 31, 1885, Mr. Selden was united in marriage with Miss Blanche McCreary, the daughter of Jackson and Rebecca Josephine (Love) Mc- Creary, of West Mill Creek, Erie County. Mr. McCreary died in 1893 and his widow resides at St. John's, Mich., with her daughters, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Woodworth. To Mr. and Mrs. Selden were born two children: Edward P., Jr., born Aug. 26, 1902, lives in Erie and is employed in the First National Bank; and Caroline McCreary Selden, born May 4, 1907, a student at Central High School.
Mr. Selden is a Republican and a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder. He is president of the Erie County Anti- Tuberculosis Society and Louise Home; president of the Harvey Club (Foreign department of Erie Y. M. C. A.); vice-president of the Elm- wood Home; first vice-president of the Pennsylvania State Sabbath School Association; member of World's Sunday School Association; member of Pennsylvania Tuberculosis Society; member of the Board of Managers of Hamot Hospital; first vice-president Pennsylvania State Y. M. C. A .; member of Board of Managers of Erie Y. M. C. A .; member of Board of Managers of Erie County Sunday School Association; and chairman of the advisory board of Erie Community Chest ; and a member of the Board of the Mutual Telephone Company of Erie. Mr. Selden is one of Erie's representative citizens and the Selden family stands high in the com- munity.
Rickert-Shafer Company. The Rickert-Shafer Company was organized in March, 1914, under the laws of Pennsylvania with a capital stock of $10,000. The company embarked in the manufacture of soda fountain and hardware specialties and when the World War broke out they found it necessary to confine themselves to the manufacture of precision ma- chinery and tools.
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