USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume One > Part 60
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Dr. Durbin served throughout the World War as a member of the Medical Corps. He is a member of St. Vincent's Hospital staff, Erie, and is identified with the Erie County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. Dr. Durbin is a Republican, is burgess of Fairview, and a member of the local school board. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Masonic and Elk lodges, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, American Legion, "40 and 8," and is vice president of the Optimist Club of Girard.
Albert Wallace Ferguson is a reliable and substantial citizen of Fair- view, Erie County. He was born here May 15, 1874, and is the son of Oliver H. and Emily (Carmack) Ferguson.
Oliver H. P. Ferguson was born in Erie, Sept. 10, 1827, the son of Hans H. and Nancy Agnes (Bone) Ferguson. Hans H. Ferguson was a native of Winchester, Va., born Aug. 20, 1797, the son of James Fergu- son, a native of Humphrey County, Scotland, who settled in Virginia in 1745, where he became an extensive land owner. His son, Hans H., re- moved to Jefferson County, Ohio, at an early date, later to Mercer County, Pa., and finally to Fairview, where he died in November, 1873. The Fer- guson family is descended from Alexander F. Ferguson, owner of the famous Craig Darrach estate in Humphrey County, Scotland, who mar- ried Annie Laurie of ballad fame. It was on this estate that Robert Burns wrote many of his poems, and it is still owned by the Ferguson clan. which is among the oldest in Scotland. Alexander Ferguson died Cet. 16, 1789, and his wife died in 1761.
Oliver H. P. Ferguson served throughout the Civil War and was a prosperous merchant of Fairview. His wife was also a native of Erie, born April 19, 1837.
Albert Wallace Ferguson was educated in the schools of Fairview and Erie and at an early age entered the employ of the Watson Paper Com- pany, with whom he remained seven years. He was then associated with
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the Johnson-Brevillier Grocery Company for three years, after which he removed to West Virginia. He returned to Fairview in 1903 where he was successfully engaged in the general merchandise business until 1918.
On Sept. 24, 1901, Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage with Miss Anna Margaret Rain, of Empire, Pa., a daughter of Thomas Willian and Mary (Carrier) Rain, early settlers of Pennsylvania; died March 20, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson have four children: Perry Rain, born Aug. 5, 1903, employed by the Pennsylvania State Highway Department; Mary Catherine, born Feb. 16, 1905; Thomas Wallace, born July 11, 1911; and James Albert, born March 10, 1914.
Mr. Ferguson has served as secretary of the township schools for 16 years. He and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian church and he belongs to the Masonic and Elk lodges. He is a Republican and an excellent citizen of his community.
Thomas J. Fordham, manager of the Strand Theatre, Erie, Pa., is among the well known and highly esteemed young business men of Erie. He was born in Pittsburgh, June 25, 1892, and is the son of Jack and Helen (Hughes) Fordham, both deceased.
Thomas J. Fordham was reared and educated in Pittsburgh and after completing his schooling entered the theatrical business with the Harry Davis Enterprises Company. Since 1919 he has been connected with the Strand Theatre, which is one of Erie's leading motion picture houses.
The Strand Theatre was erected in 1915 at a cost of $250,000. It has a seating capacity of 1,300. Paramount and First National Pictures are shown exclusively, and Mr. Fordham has an excellent orchestra of nine pieces. The theatre is owned by the Rowland & Clark Company of Pittsburgh.
On Ang. 16, 1922, Mr. Fordham was married to Miss Anna Gagne, of Erie, and a daughter of Victor and Elizabeth (Leach) Gagne. A son, Jack, died in infancy.
During the World War Mr. Fordham was a member of the Intelligence Service Sixth Division, A. E. F. He enlisted as a private in the infantry a' Fort Thomas, Ky., and was later transferred to Camp Forrest, Ga. Mr. Fordham was overseas 17 months and saw much active service in the following sectors and fronts: Vosges, Toul and the Meuse-Argonne.
Politically Mr. Fordham is a Republican. He is a member of St. An- drew's Catholic Church and belongs to the Elks, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Chamber of Commerce.
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Charles E. Weislogel, who established the business of Charles E. Weislogel & Son, well known meat dealers of Fairview, was born in this county, March 15, 1857, the son of Jacob W. and Barbara (Austmud) Weislogel, natives of Germany, who came to Erie County in 1854 and settled on a farm in Fairview Township. Charles E. Weislogel was mar- ried in 1879 to Miss Carrie Simmons, a daughter of Andrew Simmons of Erie. They have a son, Roy E., the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Weislogel established his present business in March, 1905, which was at first known as Weislogel & Geist. The following year he became sole owner. On the present site of this business Jacob Weislogel, a brother of Charles E., established a meat business in 1883, which was destroyed by fire in 1885, and later rebuilt by Jacob Weislogel.
Roy E. Weislogel is a progressive and enterprising business man of Fairview and a member of one of Erie County's pioneer families. He was born in Fairview Township, Oct. 30, 1884, and is the son of Charles E. and Carrie (Simmons) Weislogel.
Roy E. Weislogel was educated in the schools of Fairview Township and attended Walnut Creek High School. He farmed with his father until 1901, at which time he assisted in the management of the Fairview Hotel, which at that time was owned by his father. The business of Charles E. Weislogel & Son is one of the well established firms of this section and they are dealers in high grade meats exclusively.
On Sept. 27, 1904, Mr. Weislogel was united in marriage with Miss Anna S. Kreider, daughter of Levi and Sarena Kreider, both deceased. They have six children: Charles L., a student at Oberlin College; May, Lucille, Anna, Eleanor, and Leroy Carl.
Mr. Weislogel is a Republican, a member of the Lutheran Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Moose and Elk lodges.
Frank J. Illig is a well known resident of Erie, where he is associated in business with Charles S. Marks & Company, leading clothiers. He was born in this city, Dec. 18, 1864, and is the son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Schultz) Illig, early settlers of Erie.
Frank J. Illig attended the parochial schools of Erie and was gradu- ated from St. Canisius College, Buffalo, N. Y. He was associated in busi- ness with his father until 1895 and from that date until 1916 engaged in
CHARLES E. WEISLOGEL
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the tailoring and furnishing business with his brother. He has since been identified with the Charles S. Marks & Company, as manager of the merchant tailoring department.
On Oct. 19, 1887, Mr. Illig was united in marriage with Miss Frances M. Haas, of Erie, and a daughter of John and Magdalene Haas, both de- ceased. To them was born a daughter, Irene, who died in October, 1913, at the age of 25 years. She was the wife of Otto A. Knoll.
Mr. Illig is treasurer of the Merchant Tailors Exchange of Erie. He is a member of the Catholic church and belongs to the Elks Lodge. He has always been an enterprising citizen of Erie and stands high in his community.
Dr. A. H. Roth, a physician and surgeon of Erie, is well known through- out the community, both as a successful man in his profession, and as an excellent citizen. He was born here in November, 1879, and is the son of Fred and Elizabeth Ellen (Locken) Roth, both of whom are deceased.
After attending the public schools and Central High School in Erie, Doctor Roth entered the Medical Department of the University of Michi- gan, from which he was graduated in 1904. The following year was spent as an interne in the university hospital there, and the next two years Doctor Roth was an instructor in the surgical department of the univer- sity. He then came to Erie and established an office at 234 West Eighth Street, and three years later removed to 264 West 10th Street, where he remained five years. In 1914 he practiced in partnership with Dr. J. J. Bell, who died in 1923 and since that time Doctor Roth has practiced alone. His office is located at 110 West Ninth Street.
Doctor Roth spent several years abroad in the study of medicine and is a specialist in surgery. He has been a physician on St. Vincent's Hos- pital staff since 1909 and in 1921 was appointed consulting surgeon. He is also a member of the staff of Hamot Hospital, is surgeon of the Infants' Home and chief surgeon of the New York Central Railroad in this district.
In 1909 Doctor Roth was married to Miss Florence Burton, a native of Erie and the daughter of James E. and Ella (Russell) Burton, of Erie. They have a son, Russell Burton Roth, who was born Nov. 6, 1913. He is now a student at Gridley High School.
Doctor Roth has served as president of the Erie County Medical Society and is a member of the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church and a 32nd degree Mason.
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Clarence L. Doolittle, local manager of the Real Silk Hosiery Mills, is among the enterprising young business men of Erie. He was born in Chicago, May 2, 1900, and is a son of Rev. Charles H. and Augusta (Nelson) Doolittle. Reverend Doolittle is a minister of the Presbyterian church and has filled several prominent pulpits. He is now located at Dellroy, Ohio.
C. L. Doolittle was educated in the public schools of Chicago and attended Moorhead (Minn.) Normal School. In 1923 he became asso- ciated with the Real Silk Hosiery Mills as field manager at Dayton, Ohio.
The Real Silk Hosiery Mills of Indianapolis is the largest manufacturer of hosiery in the world, and has an annual business of 30 million dollars a year. It was established in 1920 and now has 260 branches in the United States, and a sales force of 6,000 people, and an additional summer force of 5,000 school and college people. A branch factory is located at Fort Wayne, Ind., and Philadelphia, Pa. The local branch, which com- prises Erie and Crawford County, is managed by Mr. Doolittle, and there is also an assistant manager, six field managers, and 30 salesmen. This territory does an annual business of $250,000, and sells 300,000 pairs of hosiery.
Mr. Doolittle is a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
George Berg, Division Freight Agent, Pennsylvania Railroad System, is a representative business man and substantial citizen of Erie. He was born at Pittsburgh, May 2, 1883, and is a son of Charles B. and Mary E. (Hessler) Berg.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Charles Berg were natives of France. They came to this country in 1875 and settled in Pittsburgh, where Mr. Berg became a successful manufacturer of art goods. He died in 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Berg had two sons: George, the subject of this sketch; and Charles E., engaged in the real estate business at Niagara Falls, N. Y.
George Berg was educated in the public and high schools of Buffalo and entered the service as junior clerk in the office of Superintendent of Motive Power at Buffalo, March 13, 1901, and occupied various clerical positions in the Operating Department until Dec. 1, 1911, when he was appointed Dock Master at Buffalo, having supervision of the ore docks at that point. On Jan. 1, 1912, Mr. Berg was appointed Material Agent, B. & A. V. Division, and held this position until May 1, 1913, when he was reappointed Dock Master. On May 1, 1916, he entered the Traffic Depart-
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ment in the office of Division Freight Agent at Erie, for the purpose of soliciting iron ore for the docks at Erie and Buffalo, and also to keep in touch with the dock operations. On May 1, 1920, he was transferred to the office of Division Freight Agent at Cleveland, Ohio, with the title of "Representative," and specialized in the solicitation of lake coal and Iron ore traffic for the Central Region. On Sept. 15, 1921, Mr. Berg was appointed Division Freight Agent at Erie.
Mr. Berg was married to Miss Frances L. Miller of Buffalo, the daugh- ter of B. Griffin and Edna May Miller.
Mr. Berg is affiliated with the Masonic lodge, the Erie, Rotary, and Lawrence Park Golf Clubs. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. William M. Dill, roentgenologist, is widely and favorably known throughout this section of the state. He has offices in the Marine Bank Building, Erie. Dr. Dill was born in Delaware County, Pa., June 3, 1879, son of Walter J. and Jennie P. (Super) Dill, natives of Pennsylvania, now residing in West Philadelphia, Pa.
Doctor Dill was graduated from the Medical Department of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania in 1909 and the following year was an interne at Hamot Hospital, Erie. He specialized in X-ray work and began the practice of his profession in the Downing Building and in April, 1911, removed to the Marine Bank Building.
On June 17, 1914 Doctor Dill was married to Miss Carlotta Russell, the daughter of Thomas J. and Amy Russell, of Erie.
Doctor Dill was an active member of the staff of Hamot Hospital from 1910 until 1921 and served on St. Vincent's Hospital staff from 1910 until 1915. Doctor Dill is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Erie and superintendent of the Sabbath School, for the past 11 years. He is Scout Commissioner of Boy Scouts of Erie and treasurer of Erie Young Men's Christian Association.
Dr. Peter Barkey, who has practiced his profession in Erie for many years with unusual success and ability, is a native of Canada. He was born in Ontario, March 17, 1848, and after attending the public schools in his home town, he entered Albert University, from which he was grad- uated in 1868. He then studied medicine at Queen's College in Toronto, Canada, and rceived his degree, Doctor of Medicine, in 1870. The fol- lowing year was spent in post graduate work, after which Doctor Barkey
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came to Erie and engaged in the practice of his profession. He was first located at 624 State Street and 15 years later removed to 12 West Sev- enth Street. His present location is 130 West Ninth Street.
On March 19, 1885, Doctor Barkey was united in marriage with Miss Susie A. Morse, a native of Erie, and the daughter of Thomas G. Morse.
Doctor Barkey is identified with the Republican party and served as city physician for one year. He has been a 33rd degree Mason for more than 30 years and helped to organize the local Masonic bodies. He has held many offices and is commander-in-chief of the Erie Consistory and has served as Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Penn- sylvania for the past 35 years. He is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and is identified with the local, State and National Medical Societies.
Hiram Spencer Hopkins, who is successfully engaged in the poultry business at Union City, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., Feb. 23, 1855, and is the son of Moses and Elizabeth (Wilcox) Hopkins.
Moses Hopkins was born near Albany, N. Y., and in 1856 settled in Chautauqua County, where he owned a well improved farm of 300 acres. He was an extensive grain farmer and a successful breeder of sheep. He was a stanch Democrat and served as justice of the peace for many years. Mr. Hopkins died in November, 1879, and his wife died March, 1890. They were the parents of six children: Perry, deceased; Careful C., mar- ried Andrew Davids, both deceased, and they had two children, Delbert and Jay Davids; John, lives at Ripley, N. Y .; Charles, deceased; Hiram Spencer, the subject of this sketch; and William, lives in Union City.
Hiram Spencer Hopkins spent his boyhood on his father's farm and was educated in the district schools. When a boy he learned the black- smith's trade and after following that five years was employed in the oil fields of Clarion County, Pa. Later he went to Colorado as a gold miner and in 1905 went on an expedition to Alaska, as a gold dredging engineer. He remained there until 1918, at which time he returned to this country and settled in Union City. Mr. Hopkins and his wife are successful poultry raisers, and at the present time have 800 chickens on their place. They deal direct with the Erie markets.
On Oct. 18, 1910, Mr. Hopkins was united in marriage with Catherine Marlborough, a native of Paris, France, born Dec. 9, 1856, and the daugh- ter of Cornelius and Gertrude (Balmus) Marlborough. Mrs. Hop-
H. S. HOPKINS
MRS. H. S. HOPKINS
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kins' mother died when she was two months old, and she was brought to this country where she was reared and educated by her aunt, in De- troit, Mich. By a former marriage Mrs. Hopkins had two children: Jose- phine, who died at the age of 16 years; and William, a ranch owner, lives at Dayton, Mont. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have an adopted daughter, Eliza- beth, who was born July 21, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are members of the Christian Scientist Church and he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Republican and a progressive citizen of Erie County.
William J. Lumbard, who is connected with the State Highway Depart- ment as an engineer, is a member of a prominent pioneer family of Erie County. He was born in Erie, April 7, 1889, and is the son of William T. and Mary (Gerbracht) Lumbard.
William T. Lumbard is a native of Erie and ranks among the leading building contractors of the city. There are four children in the Lumbard famliy: Gertrude, Marie, William J., the subject of this sketch, and Robert.
William J. Lumbard attended St. Patrick's School and was graduated from Central High School in 1918. He was connected with the General Electric Company for three years, as a member of the purchasing depart- ment, and was also identified with the Erie Forge Company for one year. He then entered the employ of the U. S. Government and at the time the Brake Shoe Company was taken over by the government, Mr. Lum- bard had complete charge of the steel department, keeping an invoice of all steel on hand. He was then identified with the Erie Specialty Com- pany manufacturers of automobile parts, and in 1924 entered the employ of the State Highway Department as an engineer.
Mr. Lumbard is a Republican, a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus.
Dr. Harrison A. Dunn, a capable and well known physician and sur- geon, who is engaged in the practice of his profession at 230 West Eighth Street, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born at Tidioute and is the son of Albert and Mary E. (Brothers) Dunn.
Albert Dunn, retired, is a Civil War veteran. He was born in Penn- sylvania, the son of Robert, whose father, John Dunn, came to this country from Ireland many years ago. Albert Dunn served throughout the Civil
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War with the 154th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and for many years was a successful merchant at Tidioute, Pa., where he still resides. His wife died in 1923 at the age of 79 years. There were three children in the Dunn family: Dr. Harrison A., the subject of this sketch; Robert L., engaged in the milling business at Tidioute, Pa .; and Clara, an instructor of piano in Philadelphia, where she has been engaged for 15 years.
Dr. Harrison A. Dunn received his early education in the schools of Tidioute and after attending preparatory school he entered Jefferson Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1905. He served as an interne in a Phaledelphia hospital and remained there on the staff until 1909, at which time he located in Erie at 132 West Ninth Street. In 1915 he removed to his present location. Doctor Dunn is on the staff of Hamot Hospital and is associate surgeon at St. Vincent's Hospital, as well as attendant physician at the Florence Crittenton Home and the Lutheran Home for the Aged.
On April 30, 1912, Doctor Dunn was united in marriage with Miss Dorothy Dennis, the daughter of Dr. David N. and Mary C. (Loder) Den- nis. Dr. David Dennis is now living at 221 West Ninth Street, Erie; his first wife, Mary C. Dennis, is deceased. Doctor Dennis was a leading physician of Erie for a number of years. There were three childrn in the Dennis family: Dr. Edward P. Dennis, lives in Erie, where he prac- tices medicine; Mrs. Dunn; and Camilla Dennis. To Doctor and Mrs. Dunn have been born four children. David D., Robert E., Harrison A., Jr., and Dorothy Mary Dunn.
Doctor Dunn is affiliated with the State Medical Society and is a mem- ber of the American College of Surgeons, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Consistory of Erie, Zem Zem Temple, Tyrian Lodge and the Elks No. 67, Erie. Doctor Dunn is a highly esteemed member of the com- munity and has many friends.
Dr. G. C. Boughton, a prominent and successful surgeon of Erie, with offices at 810 Peach Street, is a veteran of the World War.
After attending a private school in Buffalo, N. Y., Doctor Boughton entered New York University in 1896. After receiving his degree in 1900 he served as interne at Bellevue Hospital, New York City. The fol- lowing year he was connected with the Laboratory, State of Vermont for six months before coming to Erie where he located in the offices of the late Dr. Brandis at 124 East Eighth Street. Two years later he removed
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to West Seventh Street and in 1910 located in his present office. He has built up an extensive practice and is a capable and progressive man in his profession.
Doctor Boughton is chief of the surgical staff of Hamot Hospital and is a member of St. Vincent's Hospital staff, the Infants' Home and B'nai B'rith Orphange. He is also chief surgeon for the General Electric Com- pany in Erie and surgeon for the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad Company. For 10 years he served as surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad.
During the World War, Dr. Boughton was one of the first to leave Erie for duty and was assigned to the Surgeon General's office in Wash- ington, D. C., and the Army Medical School, where he taught until Janu- ary, 1918, and was then sent to the Port of Embarkation, Newport News, Va., as chief of the orthopedic department, later transferred to Rich- mond, Va., as chief surgeon of the U. S. A. General Hospital, No. 22, later transferred to U. S. A. General Hospital, No. 2, at Fort McHenry, Md., as chief surgeon and last assignment a chief surgeon in the U. S. General Hospital, No. 36, Detroit, Mich. He was honorably discharged April, 1919.
Doctor Boughton is identified with numerous medical societies and is a member of the American College of Surgeons. He served as presi- dent of the Medical Society of Erie County, and is affiliated with the Erie Club, Kahkwa Club, is a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Shrine and Elks Lodge. He holds membership in St. Paul's Cathedral.
Thomas Woods Sterrett, of the borough of Fairview, Erie County, is of the seventh generation of Sterretts of Pennsylvania, born at Sterret- tania, in Mckean Township, this county, and, like his father before him, is engaged in conveyancing and land surveying.
Mr. Sterrett was born March 14, 1873. His father, Thomas Sterrett, was a son of David and Mary (Sterrett) Sterrett, and a grandson of James and Anna (McKnight) Sterrett; and James was a son of William and Jane (Morrow) Sterrett, who was a son of Robert and Mary (Ram- sey) Sterrett; and Robert was a son of Benjamin and Isabella Sterrett. Robert and Isabella Sterrett moved from Scotland, their native land, dur- ing the religious persecutions there, and took refuge in Donegal County, Ireland, then the home of persecuted Scots, to evade those opposed to their religious belief, and this was their home until about 1719 when they and their children, Thomas, John, Robert, Benjamin and Isabella, to-
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gether with their families, emigrated to Pennsylvania, then the asylum for the harrassed and depressed sons and daughters of the relics of the Reformation; and whither William Penn invited the persecuted of every creed and religious opinion. John and Benjamin participated in Cresop's War and were among others who captured and took Cresop a prisoner to Philadelphia. They settled in what is now Lancaster County where one died in 1739; their numerous descendants are widely dispersed through- out the land, and their influence contributed greatly to the progress of the community enlightened by their presence. Robert and Mary (Ram- sey) Sterrett were married and their oldest son was three years of age at the time of their migration to America, and they settled in what is now Dauphin County, at Lower Paxtown Township, on Swatara Creek, where they resided until his death, April 1777, and where they reared a family of seven. children as follows: William, who we will refer to; James, who was born in 1723, settled near Mount Joy, Pa., where he died in 1808. He married Sarah Montgommery, who survived him and died at the extreme age of nearly 100 years. He had many descendants among whom were the Hon. James Patterson Sterrett, chief justice of the supreme court at Philadelphia for many years, and Dr. John Patter- son Sterrett of Pittsburgh; Agnes, the wife of Samuel Hanna; Mary, the wife of John Bowman; David, who was born in 1746, removed to Cumberland County in 1762, where he built a grist mill which he operated until his death, Nov. 2, 1790; and Robert Sterrett. William and Jane (Morrow) Sterrett removed to Cumberland County about 1750 and set- tled on the Barrens north of Big Springs, where he acquired considerable land. He held the office of sheriff and overseer of the poor for several terms and reared a family of seven children; Robert, who married Mar- garet McComb, and came to Erie County in 1804 and settled on 400 acres of land in the northwest corner of McKean Township, 200 acres of which has ever since remained as the Sterrett homestead; James, whom we will refer to again; William; Thomas; Jane, who became the wife of William Trimble; Mary, the wife of James McKnight; and Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Laird.
James Sterrett, born in 1755, married Anna McKnight, who was born in 1760, and engaged in farming in Cumberland County until 1807, when he sold his fine farm of 400 acres there and came to Erie County in June of that year; they came across the mountains with two four-horse wagons
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and one two-horse wagon for grandma and the children to ride in; they cut their way through the forests and camped out at night. The village of Sterrettania was named after the wife of James "Sterrett Anna," who died March 30, 1815; he died Oct. 15, 1822, and they are buried in the Sterrett cemetery. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Their children were: Ann, who married George Clark, who are the parents of Robert, James, Samuel, David, Ann Eliza, and Jane Clark; William, who married Martha Chambers, and had the following children: Chambers, James C., William, Benjamin, Ruth Anna, Louisa, Mary Jane, Martha R., and Ezekiel; James M., the tanner, who married Jane Spesser and they are the parents of James B., David, Joseph, William, Samuel, John Q. A., George L., of Erie, Caroline, Mary Jane, and Elizabeth; Jane, who became the wife of Sheldon Ball, and is the mother of Gideon, Ann, Maria C., Hermian, James, and Eliza; David, who we will refer to; Robert T., who married Mary Woods Stewart, and they are the parents of Woods, Jane, wife of David Clark, Eliza, wife of Hon. Samuel E. Woodruff, James S., Martha, Sophia, David, Joseph, Harriet, and Robert; Thomas, who married Sibby Jenkins, and whose children are Mariah, Fanny Lucinda, Harriet Jane, Eliza, Charlie J., Clementine, and Rose; Samuel, who mar- ried Lydia Kitsmiller, and has James, Joseph, Mary, Anna Levia, and Samuel; Hon. Joseph M. Sterrett, who married Catherine Riblet, the founder of the Erie Gazette, established Jan. 15, 1820, associate judge for several years, postmaster of Erie from March 27, 1861, to April 8, 1869, county commissioner in 1829, was captain of the Erie Guards in 1823, was elected to the state senate in 1837, the parents of Mary Ann, Jane, Elizabeth, David, Catherine, Joseph, Henryetta and John Sterrett.
David Sterrett, born March 30, 1789, returned to his native place and on March 23, 1815, married Mary Sterrett, born March 10, 1794, a daugh- ter of Robert and Martha (Woods) Sterrett, a granddaughter of David and Rachel (Innis) Sterrett, and a great-granddaughter of the Robert and Mary (Ramsey) Sterrett above noted. He and his bride returned to the old farm on horseback by way of Pittsburgh, it taking them three weeks to make the journey; he built a saw mill and grist mill in 1839. He cut down the timber in the primeval forest, which he sawed and seasoned, from which he built a large log house in 1817, which still stands on the old farm. In 1828 he and his brother, Thomas, built a distillery which they operated for not more than six or seven years,
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as according to his own statement, "it was a hard proposition to make money trusting out whiskey." He donated the land for the graveyard, a school house and the church; the church was built by contract, he hav- ing subscribed $100 and advanced most of the other subscriptions, only a small portion of which was ever paid him; the use of the church land contained a clause designating that the church was to be used by any denomination but that the Presbyterians were to be given the first prefer- ence. During the War of 1812 he was an ensign in the state militia and bore a part in that war. He brought the first cook stove into the county which he carted from Pittsburgh by teams. He died on the old farm Dec. 22, 1865, and his widow died Jan. 13, 1873. Their children in order of birth are as follows: Ann M., who became the wife of Rev. Hiram Norton, and had two children, Lysander and Mary Norton; Brice Innes; Martha J., who married Peter Wright; James L .; Rachel R., the wife of Charles Brockway, parents of Mary, Fred B., and Charles; Mary E .; Andrew J., who was the county commissioner's clerk for 17 years, he married Helen Brecht, they were the parents of Ralph B., Reid G., Scott, Lysander N., Mack M., Andrew J., Thomas G., and Ruth Ann; Robert Woods, who married Mary Ann Sturgeon, has one son, David Innis; Thomas, of whom further mention is made; Isabel, wife of Rev. A. Hall; and David Brice Innis, who was a prominent attorney.
Thomas, father of T. Woods, was born March 20, 1830, in the old log house above referred to, and passed his life on the old farm which came into his possession. In 1868 he built a modern house opposite the old one. He was justice of the peace for nearly 24 years in succession, and it is said of him that he settled nearly every case brought before him. For many years he was a private banker for his neighbors, who went to him with their financial matters. He was one of the best known men in the county, as thoroughly posted regarding the financial standing of nearly every man within a radius of many miles, had no desire to hold office yet held all the important offices in the township, was well posted in law mat- ters and did considerable legal writing; one could scarcely go by his door without seeing teams hitched there. He was one who dearly loved his home and his family, a feeling which was reciprocal. Our readers need not be reminded of the manner in which he performed his work, there was a method in his business; a patience and affability in official intercourse; and unobtrusive civility and endurance of labor, a courtesy
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
of penmanship, and a vigilant interest in the public weal which were of manner, and tenacity of memory, accuracy in figures, and neatness strikingly manifest, which especially fitted him for his work. His home like that of his parents and grandparents was one of liberal hospitality. In all his long and eventful career no breath of suspicion ever sullied his fair name. He died Feb. 20, 1898, respected by all.
His widow, whose maiden name was Nancy C. Sturgeon, was born Nov. 3, 1838, and was the eldest child of Samuel C. and Martha C. (Eaton) Sturgeon, a granddaughter of Jeremiah and Jane (Moorehead) Sturgeon, and Jeremiah was the son of Samuel and Margaret Sturgeon. From early childhood she was instructed in the doctrines and duties of the Christian faith, and in early life became a member of the Fairview Presbyterian Church. On June 7, 1864, she was married, and always cheerfully shared with her husband the toils, sacrifices and joys of his eventful life. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Sterrett we record that Mollie M., wife of Samuel E. Persons, resides at Ripley, N. Y .; Anna B., wife of Lorin Benjamin Cushman, both deceased; Theodore Samuel David, married Min- nie M. Garver, and they are the parents of Esther, Thomas, Barbara and Emma, and Anna. He owns and occupies the old homestead. He has filled the office of justice of the peace ever since the death of his father and is following the same work that his father laid down, which he is well prepared to perform; Charles James Johnson, deceased; Thomas Woods, subject of this sketch; and Fred Earl, who died in early life.
T. Woods Sterrett received his education in the district schools and at an early age gave his attention to the study of architecture. For 15 years he engaged in general contracting. As already stated at the be- ginning of this sketch, he is doing a conveyancing and land surveying business, and since 1902 has filled the office of justice of the peace. Thus, in a measure, he has taken up the work of his honored father and is carrying it on in a manner that entitles him to the representative place he holds in the community.
Mr. Sterrett is a Mason, Odd Fellow and an Elk, being a member of the Masonic Lodge at Girard, the Chapter, Commandery, and Shrine at Erie, and Consistory at Pittsburgh.
On Nov. 14, 1899, Mr. Sterrett was married to Miss Sarena May Kreider, a native of Sterrettania, born Feb. 26, 1876, on the old Kreider farm which joins the Sterrett farm on the north. She is a daughter
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
of Levi H. and Sarena Frances (Weidler) Kreider, granddaughter of John and Susan (Heidler) Kreider, and a great-granddaughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Rohrer) Kreider, who came to Erie County in 1829 from Lancaster County. She is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, also of the Eastern Star and Rebekahs.
Mr. Sterrett in his researches has collected many relics, one of which he prizes the most being a piece of silk embroidered cloth which was a piece of the coat which his great-great -- great-grandfather wore at the time of his migration to America.
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