USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume One > Part 57
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William C. Norman, who is vice president and general manager of the Osborne-Norman Company, ranks among the leading and successful mer- chants of Erie. He was born at Galt, Ontario, Canada, Aug. 6, 1877, and is the son of Christopher and Mary (Hood) Norman.
Christopher Norman was an early settler of Galt, Ontario, which is famous as the "garden of Canada." He farmed 115 acres of land and became prosperous. To Mr. and Mrs. Norman two sons were born: Wil-
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liam C., the subject of this sketch; and Thomas, who resides on the old homestead at Galt.
William C. Norman grew up on his father's farm and received his education at Pleasant Grove and the Collegiate Institute at Galt. In 1898 he came to Erie and being desirous of entering the mercantile busi- ness, became connected with the Erie Dry Goods Company as a clerk in the men's department. He received many promotions and in 1910 with George S. Osborne founded the Osborne-Norman Company, which is one of the finest department stores in the city. It is located at 1024 State Street and has a well established trade. The officers are: George S. Os- borne, president; Mr. Norman, vice president and general manager; and H. L. Wilson, secretary and treasurer.
On Oct. 11, 1902, Mr. Norman was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Howard, the daughter of Albert E. and Eliza (Miller) Howard, of Edin- boro, Pa.
Mr. Norman is a member of the Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, a 32nd degree Mason, and belongs to the Shrine, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Kahkwa Club, and University Club. He is active in the Erie Board of Commerce, of which he is a director, and he also is identified with the Retail Merchants Board. He is a Republican.
George W. Stevens, secretary of the Erie Motor Club, is among Erie's prominent citizens. He was born at Alliance, Ohio, Dec. 21, 1875, and is the son of Joseph and Eleanor Stevens, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Stevens was a successful merchant of Alliance, Ohio, for a number of years and engaged in the furniture business.
George W. Stevens attended the public and high schools of Youngs- town, Ohio, and after completing his schooling came to Erie in 1898, where he became connected with the Wells-Fargo Express Company, re- maining with that concern until 1917 as local agent. During the World War Mr. Stevens did war work with the Erie Specialty Company and in 1921 was appointed secretary of the Erie Motor Club.
The Erie Motor Club was established in 1906 and had a membership of 25 at that time. It was reorganized in 1912 and since Mr. Stevens has been identified with the club the membership has increased from 600 to 3,000 in 1925. Emergency road service is maintained, and good road campaigns are promoted by the club. A monthly magazine is a fea- ture of the local club, with Mr. Stevens as editor, and first-hand and up-
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to-date information concerning automobile roads and conditions are avail- able to all members. Headquarters of the club are in the Lawrence Hotel with a branch office in the Reed House.
On Feb. 10, 1901, Mr. Stevens was united in marriage with Miss Ger- trude Zink, of Erie, and the daughter of C. M. and Elizabeth Zink. They have two children: Zenaide, born Dec. 7, 1904; and Charles J., born Oct. 15, 1906, a student at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Mr. Stevens is a Republican, a member of the Park Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge and Rifle Club. He is a public spirited citizen, who holds the high regard of all who know him.
Gustave C. Krack is among the successful business men of Erie, where he is a member of the firm of Gustave Krack & Son, Inc., the leading sheet metal workers of the city. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Oct. 20, 1868, and is the son of Gustave and Matilda (Bausch) Krack. The father died April 19, 1918, and the mother is 85 years old and lives in Erie.
The family came direct to Erie in 1884. Both Gustave C. and his father learned the tinner's trade in the old country, where for at least six generations the oldest son of the family followed the same occupation. Upon coming to Erie, the father worked first at the car works and then with Conrad Flickinger, continuing with the latter until 1900. The son, however, not having thoroughly mastered his trade in Germany, com- pleted it after coming to Erie. He then worked as a journeyman in var- ious large cities of the country, returning to Erie in 1895. In 1900 he and his father formed the firm of Gustave Krack & Son, and engaged in business in a small shop at the rear of their residence, 1025 West 18th Street. The business devoloped so rapidly that it became necessary to occupy larger quarters and in 1906 they erected their larger plant at 1018 West Eighteenth Street. The business is now located at West 19th Street, where they operate the largest factory in their line in the city and besides their specialty of sheet metal, manufacture warm air furnaces; ventila- tion, exhaust, blast and blow pipings; skylights, metal ceilings, cornices, slate, tin and steel roofing and gutters.
On account of the rapid growth of this business, G. C. Krack decided to incorporate this firm under the name, Gust. Krack & Son, Inc., doing an extensive business, both retail and jobbing, having 24 dealers distri- buted throughout four counties in Pennsylvania and New York. The
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BACK ROW: ALBERT KRACK, WM. KRACK, MISS BERTHA KRACK, MRS. F. LICHTENWALTER.
FRONT ROW: MRS. G. C. KRACK, GUST. C. KRACK, MRS. GEO, NETH, G. C. KRACK.
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officers of this firm are G. C. Krack, president and treasurer, his brother Wm. Krack, vice president, and his nephew Harold G. Neth, secretary.
Gustave C. Krack is an active member of the Erie Builders' Exchange and a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Men's Exchange. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Erie Maennerchor, and various other organizations, in fact he has been very active in all civic affairs.
In 1910 G. C. Krack married Miss Ida J. Gorenflo, daughter of F. G. Gorenflo. After Mr. Gorenflo's death in 1914, he took over the business of the Erie Tageblatt Company, of which he is now president. Besides Gustave C., the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Krack were: Matilda, who married George Neth of Erie; William, connected with Gustave Krack & Son; Amelia, married Frederick Licklenwalter, lives at home with the mother; Albert E., died Nov. 22, 1919; and Bertha, a trained nurse, em- ployed in the public school.
The members of the Krack family are all identified with the Lutheran Church and are highly esteemed citizens of Erie.
William E. Rindernecht, the efficient and well known cashier of the Marine National Bank, Erie, was born in this city, June 16, 1881, and is a son of William F. and Ida J. (Welshman) Rindernecht, of Erie.
William E. Rindernecht was educated in the Erie schools and attended School No. 16, now Longfellow School. After his graduation from Erie High School he entered the employ of the Marine National Bank as a messenger in May, 1901, and has since remained with this institution. In January, 1920, he was made cashier, which office he has filled in a most trustworthy manner.
In 1911, Mr. Rindernecht was united in marriage with Miss Mabel G. Entley, of Erie.
Mr. Rindernecht is a Republican, and belongs to the Lions Club.
C. Otto Birkland, who is engaged in the automobile business in Erie, as vice president of the Kellam Motor Company, was born at Warsaw, N. Y., Oct. 21, 1888, and is the son of Albert and Ida (Redlund) Birk- land, residents of Warsaw. Mr. Birkland is a well known farmer of that section.
C. Otto Birkland grew up in Warsaw and attended the public schools there. He engaged in the dry goods business for 18 years at Detroit,
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Mich., Oil City, Pa., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Erie, where he was connected with the Erie Dry Goods Company and the Osborne-Norman Company.
On Feb. 1, 1924, the Kellam Motor Company was organized with the following officers: W. R. Kellam, president; C. Otto Birkland, vice presi- dent; and Harry Swenson, secretary. They are the agents in this city for the Willys-Knight and Overland automobiles and have already estab- lished an excellent reputation in their field of work.
During the World War Mr. Birkland enlisted in the navy and within a year was promoted to ensign. He was stationed at Newport, R. I.
On August 9, 1919, Mr. Birkland was married to Miss Ruth E. North- rup, of Erie, and they have a daughter, Elizabeth G., born May 21, 1921.
Mr. Birkland is an independent voter. He is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Keystone Chapter of the Masonic Lodge. He is a member of the Erie Used Car Exchange and the Auto- motive Dealers Association. Mr. Birkland is widely known in Erie County and is one of the capable and far sighted business men in Erie.
Roger Wolcott Griswold, president and founder of the Great Lakes Airways, Inc., is well known in Erie. He was born in this city, Oct. 22, 1899, and is a son of Mathew and Jessie (Black) Griswold. Mathew Griswold is manager of the Erie Works of the General Electric Company.
R. W. Griswold attended the public and high schools of Erie and in 1921 was graduated from Yale University. During the World War he served with the aviation branch of service and was located at New Haven, Conn. In 1924 Mr. Griswold established the Great Lakes Air- ways, Inc., with the following officers: R. W. Griswold, president; W. F. Sullivan, vice president; and C. D. Scales, manager. The landing field is located on West Lake Road, and the company owns three sea planes, two Curtiss "Sea Gulls," each of which carries three passengers, and a Loening flying yacht, which carries five passengers. They are also local dealers for the Curtiss Aero Motor Company.
When the seaplane "Erie" made its sensational appearance on the streets of Erie, in connection with the Stadium dedication ceremony, the roar of its propeller was its swan song for 1924. In the spring of 1925, the graceful flying boat, which has become a familiar sight to thousands of Erieites during the past summer, thoroughly refinished and overhauled, will be seen in and over the waters of Presque Isle Bay. With flights ag- gregating over 15,000 miles and the carrying of 786 passengers, without a
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forced landing, or a single mishap, the "Erie" has demonstrated that trans- portation on a seaplane is as safe and comfortable as on a street car, and a great deal safer than automobile driving in a crowded city street. It has shown that the City of Erie with its matchless Presque Isle Bay is fitted by nature to become the finest and safest air port on the Great Lakes. With 75 successful round trips across Lake Erie, it has brought Canada within 35 minutes of Pennsylvania.
The establishment of a school for fliers, a natural result of the en- thusiasm excited the young men of this vicinity by the performances of the "Erie," will bring to Erie hundreds of students of aviation from all parts of the country. The school is located at 124 East 11th Street, which is also the headquarters of the Great Lakes Airways. The master in- structor is Capt. W. F. Sullivan, to whose skillful pilotage the unblen- ished record of the noted seaplane is mainly due. Captain Sullivan is one of the most accomplished aviators in the United States. His experi- ence during the World War fits him in an exceptional degree for the role of instructor. An officer, first in the flying service of Great Britain, and afterwards of the United States, Captain Sullivan trained hundreds of aviators for the military service of both nations. Not a single accident mars a record which covers more than 11 years of active devotion to his chosen profession.
On Sept. 27, 1924, Mr. Griswold was married to Miss Elizabeth Marsh, of Sandusky, Ohio, and the daughter of E. L. and Elizabeth (Moss) Marsh.
Mr. Griswold is a member of the Park Presbyterian Church and be- longs to the Kahkwa Club, Yacht Club and Aero Club of Erie, and the Erie Advertising Club. He is a progressive and enterprising young busi- ness man whose success in life is practically assured.
Harry E. Moomy is a well known and highly esteemed business man of Erie, where he is connected with the Keystone Rubber Manufacturing Company as secretary and treasurer. He was born in this city, Feb. 25, 1889, and is the son of Joseph G. and Mary (Hinkler) Moomy, residents of Erie.
Harry E. Moomy was educated in the public and high schools of Erie and in early life engaged in business with his father. In 1906 the Key- stone Rubber Manufacturing Company was organized by Joseph G., Joseph H. and Harry E. Moomy. It was reorganized in February, 1924, and is
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incorporated at $40,000. Tubes and all kinds of mechanical rubber goods are manufactured and 60 people are employed in the plant, which is located at 135 East 11th Street.
On July 9, 1912, Mr. Moomy was united in marriage with Miss Florence Esser, of Erie, and the daughter of Peter and Kate (Nellis) Esser. They have three children: Josephine, Howard and Betty Jane.
In politics Mr. Moomy is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic and Elk lodges, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the U. C. T. Mr. Moomy is known for his integrity and the Moomy family is among the representative citizens of Erie County.
James Dunwoody, superintendent of the water department, is among Erie's well known and substantial citizens. He was born at Waterford, N. Y., April 2, 1891, and is the son of Samuel and Mary Louise (Smith) Dunwoody.
Samuel Dunwoody is a native of Ireland, having been born at Bel- fast. When a young man he came to this country and settled at Water- ford, N. Y., where he has spent the greater part of his life as a tool maker and in the manufacture of wrought iron pipe. His wife was born at Malta, N. Y. They now reside at Waterford, N. Y., and are the parents of two children: Joseph, lives at Troy, N. Y .; and James, the subject of this sketch.
James Dunwoody was reared and educated at Waterford, N. Y., and is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He began his business career as a drug clerk and his entire professional career has been spent with the Erie Water Department. From 1911 until 1914 he was employed as chemist; from 1914 until 1919 as superintendent of filteration; and from 1919 until the present time as general superintendent of the plant.
Mr. Dunwoody held a commission of first lieutenant in the United States Army, Construction Division, during the World War and was stationed at Camp Forest, Ga., as officer in charge of the water supply for Camp Forest, Camp Greenleaf, and Fort Oglethorpe. He was dis- charged from the army at Washington, D. C., in March, 1919, and returned to Erie, having been on a leave of absence granted by the Commissioners of the Water Works while in army service.
On Sept. 9, 1914, Mr. Dunwoody was united in marriage with Miss Elvira Gingenbach, a native of Erie, and the daughter of John F. and
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Elizabeth (Dieter) Gingenbach. Mr. Gingenbach lives at 345 East 12th Street, Erie. His wife died March 7, 1918. To Mr. and Mrs. Dunwoody have been born two children: Mary Elizabeth, born Sept. 1, 1918; and James, Jr., born Nov. 14, 1921.
Mr. Dunwoody is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the University Club and the Rotary Club. He is a progressive man and is held in high esteem throughout the community.
Alfred D. Anderson, a member of the firm of Anderson & Nelson, agents for the Studebaker automobile, is a veteran of the World War and a popular young business man of Erie. He was born in this city, May 4, 1898, and is the son of Charles and Johanna (Peterson) Anderson.
Charles Anderson, who is identified with the Skinner Engine Com- pany, resides in Erie.
After completing his preliminary education at Emerson grade school, Alfred D. Anderson was graduated from East High School in 1917 and from Thiel College, Greenville, Pa., in 1921. On Sept. 27, 1918, he volun- teered for service during the World War and served with the 112th Engineers, 13th Division.
In April, 1924, the firm of Anderson & Nelson was organized and is composed of Alfred D. Anderson, P. M. Nelson, and Amy E. Anderson. Mr. Anderson was connected with the Murphy Automobile Company of Erie for two years. The firm is located at 136-138 East 9th Street, and has a good salesroom and garage in connection.
On Oct. 20, 1921, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Esther Olds, the daughter of Herbert L. and Marie Olds. Mr. Olds is chief inspector of the local plant of the General Electric Company. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have a son, Douglas, born March 13, 1923.
Mr. Anderson is a Republican, a member of the First Methodist Church, a 32nd degree Mason, and belongs to the American Legion and Elks Lodge.
Miss Amy Anderson, a member of the firm of Anderson & Nelson, attended Longfellow School and Central High School, Erie. She was associated with the Murphy Automobile Company as office manager for 14 years, and is thoroughly capable in that line of work. She is a mem- ber of the Lutheran Memorial Church and president of the Agnes Schade Missionary Society. During the World War she took an active interest in Red Cross work. Miss Anderson is also a member of the Eastern Star.
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Peter Hartleb is a representative business man of Erie, where he is engaged in the automobile business as a member of the firm of Hartleb Bros. & Smith. He was born in this city, and is a son of Anton and' Barbara (Hammer) Hartleb.
Anton Hartleb was born in Hessen, Germany, and in 1866 settled in Erie. His wife was a native of Rhinephaltz, Germany. They were mar- ried in Erie in 1870 and were the parents of the following children: Catherine, deceased; Philip, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history; Anna; Frank, deceased; Peter, the subject of this sketch; and Jacob, deceased. Mr. Hartleb died in 1915, and his wife died in 1911.
Peter Hartleb received his education in St. Joseph's School, Erie, and has been identified with the following business enterprises: Lovell Mfg. Co., Brown Folding Machine Company, Erie Pump & Engine Company, the A. H. Murphy Automobile Company, E. H. Scott, H. B. Schlosser, and Al Nelson. The firm of Hartleb Bros. & Smith was established Nov. 20, 1913, and since 1919 have been the dealers for the Nash automobile in Erie and Crawford counties. They have an attractive salesroom at 117- 21 East 12th Street, and are among the leading automobile dealers of this section. A high-grade service garage is also maintained and automobile accessories of all kinds are handled.
On Oct. 18, 1906, Mr. Hartleb was united in marriage with Miss Frances Elber, of Erie, and the daughter of John F. and Louisa (Karle) Elber. They have four children: Angela, Frederick, Dorothy and Robert.
Mr. Hartleb is a member of the National Automobile Dealers Associa- tion, the Erie Used Car Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce. He is also affiliated with the Elks Lodge and the Erie Maennerchor and is a member of St. Peter's Catholic Cathedral and has a wide acquaintance in Erie and the surrounding country.
Phillip Hartleb, a member of the firm of Hartleb Bros. & Smith, Nash dealers, ranks among the leading automobile men of this section of the state. He is a native of Erie and the son of Anton and Barbara (Ham- mer) Hartleb.
Anton Hartleb came to this country from Germany in 1866 and set- tled in Erie, where he worked at his trade as a wood turner. He died in 1915 and his wife died in 1911. To Mr. and Mrs. Hartleb were born the following children: Catherine, deceased; Phillip, the subject of this sketch; Anna; Frank, deceased; Peter, a sketch of whom appears else- where in this history; and Jacob, deceased.
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Phillip Hartleb attended St. Joseph's School and when a young man entered the employ of the Erie Malleable Iron Works, where he remained five years. He was then connected with the Lovell Company two years, the Walker Foundry six months, the Brown Folding Machine Company five years, the Erie Malleable Iron Works for another year, the Brown Folding Machine Company another year, the Erie Malleable Iron Works for two more years, the Erie Pump Company for one year, the Burry Comp. Works for ten years, and Al Nelson for six months. In 1913, with his brother, Peter, he engaged in the automobile business, and since 1919 they have represented the Nash automobile in Erie and Crawford counties.
On June 10, 1902, Mr. Hartleb was united in marriage with Miss Emma L. Schick, of Erie, and the daughter of William Schick. They have three children: Alfred John, Gilbert Peter, and William Theodore.
Mr. Hartleb is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He has been successful and is one of Erie's efficient citizens.
Sumner E. Nichols, cashier of the Peoples Bank & Trust Company, Erie, is esteemed throughout the community as a prominent and success- ful business man. He was born at Girard, Pa., March 30, 1891, and is the son of Harry H. and Jennie (Ely) Nichols, natives of Girard.
Harry H. Nichols, who resides at Girard, was born there March 31, 1869, and is the son of J. H. and Mary (Hay) Nichols. He was educated in the Girard High School and in 1884 went to Meadville and commenced an apprenticeship in the office of the Meadville Messenger. Later he went to Bradford, Pa., and engaged in the oil business, which he followed a short time, when he again took up printing in the Star office of that city and remained one and one-half years. While in Bradford he took a course in the Bradford Business College. In 1889 he came to Girard and bought a half interest in the Cosmopolite, forming the partnership of Murphy & Nichols. Mr. Nichols was married March 20, 1890, to Miss Jennie Ely of Girard. She died a little over a year after her marriage, leaving a son, Sumner E., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Nichols was married again on Sept. 8, 1895, to Miss Lillian A. Whitaker, of Girard.
Sumner E. Nichols spent his boyhood in Girard and attended the pub- lic schools there. He was graduated from Allegheny College in 1912 and the following year engaged in the mercantile business at Shrevesport, La. From 1914 until 1919 he was connected with the National Bank of Girard, and in the latter year he was made cashier of the First National
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Bank, Albion, Pa., where he remained until February, 1924, when he accepted his present position.
On July 22, 1916, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage with Miss Bessey Hart, of Girard, a daughter of W. W. and Ida (Rockwell) Hart. They have three children: James H., born May 14, 1917; Robert E., born Dec. 1, 1919; and Richard H., born May 20, 1921.
Mr. Nichols is a member of the Universalist Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, the University Club, the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, the Chamber of Commerce and the Y. M. C. A. He is an alert business man and a citizen of high ideals.
The Peoples Bank & Trust Company was organized in 1905 with a capital stock of $200,000. It carries on a general banking and trust busi- ness and is among the leading banking institutions of Erie County. The officers are: W. S. Calderwood, president; Sumner E. Nichols, cashier ; William W. Smith, assistant cashier; and O. A. Koenig, auditor.
Samuel Blair, deceased, was for many years identified with the agri- cultural interests of Erie County. He was born in Girard Township, May 6, 1821, the son of James and Mary (Wallace) Blair.
Coming to Girard Township, Erie County, in 1803, James Blair se- cured a piece of land located about three miles south of Girard, which was heavily covered with timber. He cleared the land and placed it under cultivation, and spent the remainder of his life in the log house which he erected thereon. He died in 1855 and his wife in 1873. Mr. Blair was a member of the Presbyterian Church and helped organize the church of that denomination at Girard and was one of its first elders.
Samuel Blair, the youngest of eight children, obtained his educational training in the pioneer schools of Girard Township and remained on the home farm until 1878, when he purchased a farm of 120 acres in Fair- view Township, where he died Dec. 18, 1913. He is buried in the Girard Cemetery. His widow still retains the home place, but lives in Girard.
On June 22, 1865, Mr. Blair was united in marriage with Miss Har- riet Wells, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, born June 13, 1843, and the daughter of Samuel H. and Hannah (Culbertson) Wells. Samuel Wells was born at Connelsville, Pa., in 1781, on March 15, the son of Benjamin Wells, who took an active part in the suppression of the whiskey insurrection under Washington. He came to Fayette County, Pa., in 1794, and was a store keeper there for many years. Samuel Wells served as
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