USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume One > Part 56
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Politically Mr. Lowe is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Harper G. Rusterholtz, proprietor of the Rusterholtz Electric Studios, is a representative business man of Erie. He was born in Mckean Town- ship, Erie County, June 24, 1882, and is the son of Levi and Mary E. (Smith) Rusterholtz. The farm on which Harper G. Rusterholtz was born was homesteaded in 1819 by his great grandfather, and it has remained in the family for four succeeding generations. To Mr. and Mrs. Levi Rusterholtz were born five children: Edna, Harper G., John, Mildred and Jerome.
After attending the country schools until he was 13 years of age, Harper G. Rusterholtz engaged in farming with his father for a year, after which he came to Erie and entered the grocery business with his uncle, Amos J. Rusterholtz, as a partner, at 18th and Cascade Streets, which was conducted by them until 1901. He then operated a poultry
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farm until 1905, at which time he entered the employ of the Erie Hard- ware Company at 1220 State Street, as a delivery clerk. When he left the employ of this company in 1913 he was assistant general manager. He then organized his present business, and is one of the leading electrical contractors and dealers in this section of the state. He is a manufacturer and designer of electrical fixtures and his factory covers 12,000 square feet. Mr. Rusterholtz employs about 50 people and has representatives throughout western New York and Pennsylvania.
In politics Mr. Rusterholtz is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was president of the Lions Club, a member of the Real Estate Board, the Builder's Exchange, the National Society of Lighting Fixture Dealers, the National Elec- trical Contractors & Dealers Association, and the Society of Electrical Development. Mr. Rusterholtz has an extensive acquaintance in Erie County and is highly esteemed in the community.
Charles Porter McGeary is a prominent citizen of Erie, where he is identified with the Erie Business College. He was born at Brookville, Jef- ferson County, Pa., July 15, 1882, and is a son of Hiram Thompson and Katherine Alice (Servey) McGeary.
Hiram Thompson McGeary was a native of Stanton, Pa. He engaged in farming throughout his life and died Oct. 9, 1923. His wife, who was born at Knoxdale, Pa., died Aug. 10, 1922. They are buried in Riverside Cemetery, Grove City, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. McGeary were born five chil- dren: Ernest A., lives in Philadelphia; Elizabeth A., lives at Greenville, Pa .; Lester E., lives at Wellsville, Ohio; Pearl I., lives at Mercer, Pa .; and Charles Porter, the subject of this sketch.
Charles Porter McGeary was reared at Stanton, Pa., and was edu- cated in the public schools, Coolspring Academy, and Muskingum College. After completing his college course he was employed by the U. S. Steel Corporation in Pittsburgh for five years, and the following two years was connected with the Duff's Schools, Pittsburgh. He then traveled in Penn- sylvania and West Virginia for the Oliver Typewriter Company and in May, 1917, came to Erie, where he took up his present work with the Erie Business College.
On June 30, 1916, Mr. McGeary was married at New Kensington, Pa., to Miss Chelsie Adelia Schenck, a native of Minerva, Ohio, and a daughter of Philip and Margaret Matilda (Dambach) Schenck, residents
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of New Kensington, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. McGeary have a son, Charles Por- ter McGeary, Jr., born April 30, 1924.
Politically Mr. McGeary is a Republican. He is a member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Erie, and is president of the Erie Inter-Church Federation and a member of the board of directors of the Y. M. C. A. He belongs to the Rotary Club, the Erie Advertising Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. McGeary is an excellent citizen and an asset to his community.
ONE OF THE COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENTS, ERIE BUSINESS COLLEGE.
The Erie Business College was founded in 1888 by Mr. H. C. Clark. There were associated with him Messrs. S. A. Drake, Clarence McClena- than, Fletcher, and Albert Schiede. In 1890 Messrs. C. D. Higby, Benja- min Van Wye ,and Albert M. Wood joined the faculty.
The school was very progressive and splendid work was accomplished. Enrollment was large. In 1896 Mr. Clark sold the school to Mr. J. M.
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Bloeser. About 1907 Mr. A. M. Cassel purchased the school from Mr. J. M. Bloeser and a few years later, in 1910, Mr. B. L. Stringer became associated with Mr. Cassel. In 1916 Mr. Cassel gave up his work in the school to become associated with his father in business. In 1917 Mr. C. P. McGeary entered the employ of the school and purchased Mr. Cassel's interest. In September, 1922, Mr. Stringer left the school and took up work with the "Kardex" Company in Tonawanda, N. Y., Mr. McGeary took over Mr. Stringer's interest.
The Erie Business College has always maintained a good standard and has been awake to any progressive movement in commercial education. Standards have been raised from time to time and in 1924 the manage- ment adopted the requirement that all instructors must have college or university degrees. The adoption of this plan has enabled the school to bring together a faculty of very earnest and efficient instructors. One essential part of the equipment of each instructor is that some time must have been spent in actual business life in addition to their college or uni- versity training. This enables the instructors to maintain the proper objective in their work-that of properly training the young people who come under their care for business positions.
By adopting this plan the work accomplished has been very satis- factory both to the school and to the patrons of the school.
The annual enrollment of the school is 300 students.
The management feels that the Erie Business College is a factor in stabilizing the civic life of the city and gives an opportunity to young people who are not able to secure a college or university training to prepare for their life work without being compelled to go out of Erie to secure their education.
Henry C. Trost, a member of the firm of Trost & Lacey, shoe dealers, is one of the well known and highly respected business men of Erie. He was born in Boddin, Germany, Nov. 30, 1871, and is a son of Henry and Christina (Stein) Trost.
Henry Trost emigrated to this country with his family in 1878 and settled in Erie, where he was successfully engaged in the florist business with his son, John, for a number of years. He died in 1910, and his wife died in 1896.
Henry C. Trost was educated in the Erie public schools and attended Gridley Park School, No. 10, and Clark's Business College. At the age
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of 14 years he entered the employ of J. A. Eichenlaub, shoe dealer, and this business was later known as Eichenlaub & Trost. In 1904 Mr. Lacey became a member of the firm, which is now known as Trost & Lacey. The business which is one of the most extensive of its kind in the city occupies three floors and Messrs. Trost & Lacey have won a reputation for fairness both to their customers and employes.
On April 22, 1896, Mr. Trost was married to Miss Carrie L. Schaffer, of Erie, and the daughter of George H. and Mary (Rindernecht) Schaffer. Mr. Schaffer was a member of the Erie police force for 22 years. Mr. and Mrs. Trost have a son, Frederick, born Sept. 27, 1900. He is a graduate of Erie High School, the University of Pittsburgh, and during the World War was a member of the student army for nine months. He is now associated in business with his father. Mrs. Trost died Dec. 13, 1924, and is buried in the family lot Erie Cemetery.
Mr. Trost is a member of the Lutheran Memorial Church, a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Shrine, and belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Elks Lodge, Kahkwa Club, the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. He is a Republican.
Harry A. Weindorff is among Erie's enterprising and substantial business men, where he is engaged in the real estate business with offices at 704 State Street. He was born in this city, June 9, 1884, and is the son of Martin and Josephine (Straub) Weindorff.
Martin Weindorff was a native of this city and died in 1906. He was associated with the P. A. Meyer Clothing Company for a number of years and later with the Erie Brewing Company. There were three children in the Weindorff family: Harry A., the subject of this sketch ; Gertrude ; and Ruth, deceased.
Harry A. Weindorff grew up in Erie and attended the public schools, Westfield Academy, and Central State College at Lock Haven, Pa. He was employed by the Lock Haven Express Company from 1902 until 1905 and during the years 1906-7 was manager of the Clinton Bottling Company at Lock Haven. He represented the C. B. Wuenschel Company of Erie and from 1909 until 1919 was identified with the Rochester Dis- tilling Company. He has since devoted his entire time to the real estate business.
On Oct. 1, 1912, Mr. Weindorff was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Henry, of East Brady, Pa. They have six children: Audrey Mae,
.
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Harry Andrew, Jr., John Henry, Virginia Lee, Mary Ann, and Lorna Jean.
Politically Mr. Weindorff is a Republican. He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and belongs to the Elks Lodge, the Maennerchor and United Commercial Travelers.
Maude S. Millar, city treasurer of Erie, is widely known through- out the county as a woman well versed in civic affairs. Se was born at Cameron, Pa., April 15, 1872, and is the daughter of John H. and Emma (Horton) Collins.
John H. Collins was a native of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and engaged in the railroad business most of his life, being freight agent at St. Mary's, Pa., for 13 years. He died March 7, 1912, and his wife, who was a native of Ridgeway, Pa., died Dec. 18, 1898. They are buried at North East, Pa. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Collins: Maude S., the subject of this sketch; and Helen M. Collins, a nurse, who resides with her sister at 316 West 31st Street, Erie.
Maude S. Millar attended the schools of North East, and Corry, and began life as a stenographer with Joseph M. Force, attorney, and with the Erie Oil Company, in whose employ she remained for seven years. After 19 years as a clerk with the city treasurer, she was elected to this office, Nov. 7, 1923, and sworn in, Jan. 6, 1924, for a term of four years.
On Feb. 2, 1898, Maude S. Millar was married at Erie, Pa. A son, Ward Horton Millar, is deceased.
Mrs. Millar is a member of the Episcopal Church and belongs to the Zonta and the Business and Professional Women's clubs and Erie Ad Club. She is a Republican and is the first woman elected to fill a municipal office in the City of Erie.
Rev. Gerald G. Dugan, rector of St. Peter's Catholic Church, is among Erie's most prominent and highly esteemed citizens. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born at Osceola Mills, Feb. 19, 1892, and the son of Thomas and Anna (Campbell) Dugan. Thomas Dugan is a coal operator and resides at Osceola, Pa.
Rev. Gerald G. Dugan was educated in the public and high schools of his native town, from which he was graduated in 1907. The following two years were spent at Villa Nova and in 1912 he was graduated from St. Bonaventure College. In 1915 he was ordained to the priesthood
2
MAUDE S. MILLAR
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and he was sent to Erie, as an assistant at St. Andrew's Church. He served as secretary to Bishop Gannon, during which time he taught mathematics and history. In 1921 Reverend Dugan was sent to St. Peter's Church as an assistant and the following year was made rector.
J. J. Brown, of the J. J. Brown Audit Company, is a highly esteemed and prominent citizen of Erie. He was born in Mckean Township, Erie County, May 21, 1879, and is the son of Henry B. and Catherine (Delanty) Brown.
Henry B. Brown engaged in farming during his active career and now lives retired at 2430 State Street, Erie. There were four children in the Brown family: J. J., the subject of this sketch; John R .; Lucinda, married E. F. Dillebar; and Frank C.
J. J. Brown attended the district schools of Erie County and was a student at the Modern Business College, at that time recognized as a leading school of Erie. From 1897 until 1907 he was employed as book- keeper by the South Erie Iron Works, after which he entered the employ of the McKeefrey Company at Latonia, Ohio, as chief accountant and auditor, remaining with this concern until 1910. The following two years Mr. Brown was a certified public accountant in Cleveland, and in 1915 he organized his present company. The J. J. Brown Audit Company is widely known throughout New York and Pennsylvania.
On June 29, 1922, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Louise G. Gunther of Erie.
Mr. Brown is a Republican, a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is identified with the National Association of Certified Public Accountants, and the Erie Cham- ber of Commerce.
E. J. R. Kastner, familiarly known in Erie as "Jack," is the able and popular sports editor of the Dispatch-Herald. He is a native of Rochester, N. Y., born March 13, 1897, and the son of Maxmillian and Anna (Oehmke) Kastner.
Maxmillian Kastner lives in Rochester, N. Y., where for many years he has been a shoe last pattern maker in one of the city's large shoe plants.
Jack Kastner was reared and educated in Rochester, and at the age of fourteen and a half years was graduated from East High School
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(Rochester). He always took an active interest in school athletics and was captain of the basket ball team, captain and catcher of the baseball team, and halfback of the football team. He was graduated in 1912 and immediately became connected with the Rochester Times. Later he was identified with Ithaca, Syracuse, Troy and Buffalo (N. Y.) papers. Since March 17, 1917, he has served in his present capacity as sports editor of the Dispatch-Herald.
During the World War, Mr. Kastner served with the Heavy Coast Artillery, having enlisted for service shortly after the outbreak of the war. He was stationed at Ft. Caswell, N. C., for 13 months and held the rank of sergeant. He was discharged on April 1, 1918, and returned to Erie in April, 1918.
On Oct. 17, 1921, Mr. Kastner was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Albrecht, of Erie.
Mr. Kastner holds membership in the Lutheran Memorial Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, the Y. M. C. A. and the Lions Club. He maintains a keen interest in all that pertains to the development of athletics in the city of Erie and has a wide acquaintance.
Herbert L. Munger, president of the Erie Taxicab Company, is a well known and successful business man of this city. He was born at School- craft, Mich., Feb. 8, 1872, and is the son of George M. and Pamille M. Munger, both of whom are deceased.
Herbert L. Munger was educated in the schools of his native town and in 1897 located in Erie, where he was made city ticket agent for the New York Central Railroad. He served in this capacity until 1917, at which time he became identified with the Erie Taxicab Company, which was established in 1912. From a beginning of five cabs this corporation has had a steady growth and now operates 20 taxicabs and five trucks. The officers are: Herbert L. Munger, president; T. H. Talcott, vice president; R. V. Canon, secretary ; and C. L. Cole, treasurer.
On April 25, 1912, Mr. Munger was married to Miss Nellie M. Missi- mer, of Erie, and a daughter of Prof. H. C. Missimer, widely known edu- cator of this section. Professor Missimer is a graduate of Yale Univer- sity and has served as superintendent of schools in Erie for a number of years.
Mr. Munger is a Republican, a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Shrine, Elks, Kahkwa Club,
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and the Chamber of Commerce. His wife is a devoted church worker and has been a member of St. Paul's choir for many years. Mr. Mun- ger is esteemed throughout the community as a substantial and reliable citizen.
Mrs. Katherine Brown Blake is among the well known and highly esteemed women of Erie, where she is connected with the public library as curator of the museum. She is a native of this city and the daughter of Conrad J. and Lydia (Wright) Brown, residents of Erie and mem- bers of early pioneer families of Erie County.
Katherine Blake attended the public and high schools of Erie and after completing a course in the state normal school she taught school in Erie for a number of years. She was married to Harry Knapp Blake, a native of Erie, who died in 1917. He was educated in the public and high schools in this city and studied law under the preceptorship of Judge Carroll F. Brewster, one of the foremost jurists of Pennsylvania. Mr. Blake became a successful attorney and was a member of the Philadelphia and Erie bars. To Mr. and Mrs. Blake were born two children: James Campbell, a graduate of Central High School, Erie, and the U. S. Naval Academy in the class of 1922, now an ensign on the U. S. S. California, which is the flagship of the Pacific fleet; and Daphne Elizabeth, a grad- uate of Erie High School and the state normal school, now a teacher in the Erie public schools.
Mrs. Blake is a member of the American Association of Museums, the American Federation of Arts, the Monday Club, the Art Club of Erie, and the Perry Library Club. During the World War she served as chief clerk at local board No. 1. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
The Erie Museum of Science, History and Natural History has for its object the preservation of historical specimens of Erie and Erie County. It has also a circulating museum. Various articles being avail- able for use in schools, clubs and churches. Erie was the first city to take advantage of the state law of 1895, which aided in the establish- ment of museums. Among the larger collections in this museum are the following: Frances L. Spencer's Historic Objects; Babylonian tablet pre- sented by the Erie Kiwanis Club; the Stratton collection of paintings of all wild berries found in Erie County; the Frank E. Lowry collection of Mexican pottery ; the Peterson African collection; the old Anthony Wayne kettle; Lancaster County paintings; Henry P. Westcott's mounted wild
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animals; many relics of Indian and early American wars; many Perry relics and Indian curios. Not the least of the museum collections is the Herbarium personally assembled by the late John Miller, historian of Erie County.
The Citizens National Bank of Corry is among the dependable bank- ing institutions of Erie County. It was organized Nov. 24, 1890, by 30 prominent Corry citizens. The first board of directors consisted of the following members: W. C. Culbertson, R. S. Battles, Eli Barlow, D. L. Bracken, R. P. Dawson, H. L. Heineman, H. L. Spiesman, Martin Stark, and J. D. Bentley. They elected W. C. Culbertson, president; Martin Stark, vice president, and R. S. Battles, cashier.
A great many changes have been made in the organization since it was started. D. L. Bracken is the only member of the original board remaining. In January, 1911, the present president, Mr. J. J. Desmond, was elected. Under his guidance the bank has had a wonderful growth. Deposits have increased over one million dollars. About three years ago the bank purchased the building in which they are now located, and remodeled it at a cost of $70,000. It has fine banking quarters and the best location in the city.
The present officers of the Citizens National Bank of Corry are: J. J. Desmond, president; S. G. Sweet, vice president; H. W. Parker, cashier; and M. H. McCarthy, assistant cashier. The present board of directors is: G. H. Barlow, J. J. Desmond, F. A. Loveland, D. L. Bracken, O. E. Doane, C. F. Brown, Don F. Smith, S. G. Sweet, and H. W. Parker.
Daniel B. Rost is an enterprising and progressive young business man of Erie, where he is connected with Feltman & Curme, as local mana- ger. He was born at Richmond, Ind., Feb. 6, 1899, and is the son of Albert F. and Louise (Bartel) Rost.
Albert F. Rost engaged in the tailoring business for a number of years in Indiana and is now deceased. His wife resides at Richmond, Ind. They had three children: Benjamin B., lives at Richmond, Ind .; David, lives in Chicago; and Daniel B., the subject of this sketch.
Daniel B. Rost attended the public and high schools of Richmond, Ind., from which he was graduated in 1920. He was then connected with the shoe business of Teeple & Wessel, and later with Thomas & Wessel, which finally became known as the Wessel Shoe Company, all of Rich-
CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK OF CORRY.
INTERIOR: CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK OF CORRY.
.
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mond. After representing the Feltman & Curme Company there for a short time he was transferred to Dayton, Ohio ,for six months, and on July 12, 1924, was sent to Erie as manager of the local store. This firm handles high-grade shoes exclusively and carries a stock approximately valued at $50,000. It is located at 923-25 State Street.
Gale H. Ross is well and favorably known in Erie, where he is con- nected with the police department as traffic lieutenant. He was born in this city, Aug. 22, 1891, and is the son of George F. and Rose (Hart) Ross.
George F. Ross was a paving inspector in Erie for a number of years and now resides in Chicago. His wife lives in Erie. They have five chil- dren: William, who is connected with the Erie Forge & Steel Company ; George, died Oct. 11, 1919, was a member of the Erie police department; Gale H., the subject of this sketch; and Hazel, who lives with her mother.
Gale H. Ross spent his boyhood in Erie and attended the parochial school. After three years spent in sailing on the lakes he became a mem- ber of the police force, with which he has been identified for 11 years. For three years he has served as sergeant and was promoted to lieutenant in February, 1925.
On Oct. 11, 1919, Mr. Ross was married to Miss Josephine Deter, of Conemaugh, Pa.
Nr. Ross is a Democrat, a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and 's a member of the Erie Safety Council. He also belongs to the Police Relief and Pension Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.
C. A. Rice, local manager of the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, is an enterprising and successful business man of Erie. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 7, 1874, and is the son of John J. and Sarah (Reed) Rice, natives of Cleveland and both now deceased. There are three childrn in the Rice family: William L., resides in Erie; John J., resides at Akron, Ohio; and C. A., the subject of this sketch.
C. A. Rice attended the Cleveland public schools and when a boy worked as a street lamp lighter. After several years in the employ of the rolling mills at Cleveland, Mr. Rice became associated in the plumbing supply business. He has been identified with the Standard Sanitary Man- ufacturing Company since 1913, and has been located in Erie since 1915. He came here as assistant manager for the local branch which was estab- lished in 1915, and has served in his present position since 1918. The (42)
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Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company are dealers in wholesale plumbing supplies and the local firm does business in Eastern Ohio, West- ern Pennsylvania, and Western New York State.
On April 5, 1919, Mr. Rice was married to Miss Ida M. Maddux, of Cleveland, Ohio.
In politics Mr. Rice is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, U. C. T., and the T. P. A.
A. E. Keim, the capable and well known cashier of the Second Na- tional Bank of Erie, was born in this city, Dec. 23, 1887, and is the son of Henry and Frances (Einhellig) Keim.
Henry Keim was a native of Erie and served as a member of the city police force for six years. He died in 1890 at the age of 30 years, and his wife died in 1916. They had four children: Joseph, lives in Los Angeles, Cal .; Carl and Henry, live in Erie; and A. E., the subject of this sketch.
A. E. Keim received his education in the schools of Erie and began his business career in the Boston Store where he remained three years. He was then associated with Trask, Prescott & Richardson, for one and one-half years. In 1906 he was employed by the Second National Bank as messenger, and in 1921 he became cashier of that institution.
On Sept. 25, 1913, Mr. Keim was united in marriage with Miss Alice McQuade of Union City, Pa., and a daughter of James and Nellie (Crow- ley) McQuade, residents of that city. They have five children: Robert, Mary, James, Eileen, and Alice.
Mr. Keim is a Republican, a member of the Catholic church and be- longs to the Elks Lodge and the Knights of Columbus. He is an alert business man and is accounted one of the substantial citizens of Erie County.
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