USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 16
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Dr. Burton Hill Putnam received his early education in the schools of Westfield and from 1869 until 1873 taught school. He then entered the Buffalo Medical College, from which he received his degree in 1876. On April 1st of that year he established himself in practice at North East, locating where George Lee now lives. In 1889 he purchased his present location and built his present home in 1892, which is among the city's finest and most hospitable homes. From 1876 until 1921 Doctor Putnam was actively engaged in practice here and during this long period of serv- ice to the community he endeared himself to the entire community.
On April 18, 1876, Doctor Putnam was united in marriage at Westfield, N. Y., with Miss Flora D. Blowers, a native of that state, born Oct. 11, 1852, and the daughter of Harvey A. and DeAnna (Inghram) Blowers. She died Oct. 21, 1908, and is buried in the North East cemetery. Doctor Putnam was later married to Mrs. Lillian Holden, of Cortland, N. Y., who was born Aug. 27, 1852. By his first marriage he has two children: Cleo E., born April 3, 1877, mention of whom is made below; and George W., born May 7, 1878, married Dec. 25, 1902, to Miss Edith Clark of Pitts- burgh, and lives retired in Dover, N. H. He was graduated from the public schools of North East, Grove City College, and after teaching school for three years took a post graduate course at Harvard University, where he received his degree in 1901. After teaching school one year at Beloit, Wis., he taught for 14 years in Pittsburgh and later engaged in business with his brother-in-law, Mr. Clark, as secretary and treasurer of the Cold Rolled Steel Company of Pittsburgh. He retired from active business in 1921. Mr. Putnam has made three trips to Europe. He studied at Oxford University, England, and Hanover, Germany.
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Miss Cleo E. Putnam was educated in the public and high schools of North East, attended Grove City College, and after. teaching school for three years at Tidioute, Pa., she studied in Hanover, Germany, for one year, and also spent a year in Paris, France, where she specialized in the study of French. Upon her return to this country, Miss Putnam taught school at Brockton, Mass., until her marriage, Dec. 26, 1906, to Frank B. Neal. They live at Vandergrift, Pa., and have two children: Elizabeth, born in 1913; and Catherine, born in 1915.
Doctor Putnam is a Republican, a member of the Masonic lodge, and has held every office in the city of North East, except that of mayor.
Fred B. Heath is among the most prominent business men of North East, where he is manager and secretary of the Burnley Battery Manu- facturing Company. He was born in this city, Aug. 18, 1874, and is the son of Horace and Jane (McCord) Heath.
Horace Heath was a native of Sherman, N. Y., where he was born in 1814. He was an early settler of Erie County and lived at North East. During the "gold rush" to California he made the trip with a party of local men, but returned after a few months. He died in 1890 and his wife died in 1922 at the age of 81 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Heath four children were born: Frank, William, and Flora, all deceased; and F. B., the subject of this sketch.
After completing his early education in the district schools, F. B. Heath attended Davis Business College in Erie from 1885 until 1887. He was associated in business with the Kaufman Buggy Company of Dayton, Ohio, and then entered the employ of the Short Manufacturing Company of North East as shipping clerk. His next position was as manager of the Burnley Battery Manufacturing Company of Painesville, Ohio, which was founded in 1899 by William Burnley, and removed to North East in 1907. Since his association with the business Mr. Heath has served as manager and secretary. He is also one of the largest stock- holders. The products of the Burnley Battery Manufacturing Company are sold throughout the world and it ranks among the leading industries of North East.
On Dec. 4, 1895, Mr. Heath was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Burnley, of North East, and the daughter of William and Annie (Hitch- cock) Burnley, both deceased. It was Mrs. Heath's father who invented the Burnley batteries. Mr. and Mrs. Heath have a son, Sheldon, born Nov.
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27, 1897. He was graduated from the public and high schools of North East and Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland, and is now a chemical engineer at Midland, Mich. He was married Sept. 3,1923, to Miss Mary Hildegard Soderburg, of Pittsburgh, and they have a son, Sheldon Burn- ley Heath, Jr.
Politically, Mr. Heath is a Republican and he has served as a member of the city council for five years and as a member of the fire department for 15 years. He was also a member of the school board and served six years. He is affiliated with the Masonic order and belongs to the North East Club. Mr. Heath is among the successful and dependable business men of his community.
William W. Macleod, well known funeral director of Erie, located at 930 East Sixth Street, is a native of Canada. He was born at Wood- stock, Ontario, Jan. 7, 1877, and is a son of Roderick and Isabel (Arm- strong) Macleod.
Roderick Macleod was born in Scotland in 1832. When a young man he went to Canada and for many years was superintendent of a tan- nery at Woodstock. He died in 1890, and his wife, a native of England, is also deceased. They were the parents of 14 children as follows: Anna, deceased; Catherine Waters, lives in Washington, D. C .; Roderick, de- ceased; Mary, deceased; Andrew, deceased; Margaret, lives in Ontario, Canada ; Belle Arens, lives at Erie ; James, lives at Toronto, Canada ; John, deceased; Henrietta, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Eierman, lives at Little Rock, Ark .; William W., the subject of this sketch; Thomas, deceased; and Laura, deceased.
William W. Macleod spent his boyhood in Canada and at an early age learned the machinist's trade. After working at various occupations he enlisted in the navy, where he served four years. Since 1908 Mr. Mac- Leod has engaged in the undertaking business at Erie, and has been in his present location since 1915. The Macleod Funeral Home is modern in all its appointments and is among the leading establishments of its kind in the state.
On Nov. 4, 1901, Mr. Macleod was married in Chicago to Miss Lillian M. Baldwin. They have no children.
In politics Mr. Macleod is identified with the Republican party. He and his wife are members of St. Paul's United Evangelical Church, and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Felows, the Elks, the Loyal
.
Jillian Sr. Mac Leod
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Order of Moose, the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and is a 32nd degree Mason, belongs to the Zem Zem Shrine. of Erie, the K. of P., Knights of Malta and Knights of Golden Eagle. Mrs. Macleod is active in the order of the Eastern Star, having served as worthy matron, dis- trict deputy grand matron, and now holds a prominent state office. She is also sovereign protector, Dames of Malta. Mr. Macleod is a man esteemed in his community for his integrity and spirit of cooperation in all civic affairs.
Victor Moorhead is a prosperous farmer of North East Township and a member of one of the most prominent and oldest families of Erie County. He was born at North East, Feb. 4, 1870, the son of Barnett and Cornelia (Harvey) Moorhead.
Thomas Moorhead settled in Erie County in 1800 and was one of the founders of the Presbyterian church of North East, which was built in 1805. Barnett Moorhead was born just across the road from the present Moorhead home, in 1822, and was the son of George and Matilda (Barnett) Moorhead. When George Moorhead came to Erie County in 1800 he pur- chased 150 acres of land from the government and settled on a spot now known as Moorheadville. His son Barnett, became a prominent farmer and landowner and died in 1891. His wife died in 1897. They had three children: George Harvey, deceased; Rose E., lives with her brother; and Victor, the subject of this sketch.
Victor Moorhead has spent his entire life in this section of Erie County and has always been interested in general farming and fruit growing.
On September 12, 1893, Mr. Moorhead was married in Iowa City, Iowa, to Miss Anna Slemmons, and to them nine children were born, as follows: John B., born Jan. 24, 1896, connected with the Mitchell & Dill Com- pany, Ford dealers of North East; George, died in infancy; Agnes Mary, born March 1, 1903, married Emmett Nichols, lives near Philadelphia; Ruth Anna, born in February, 1905, lives at home; Cyrus William, born Sept. 24, 1906, at home; William Frank, deceased; Margaret, born June 11, 1911; James Isaac and Robert Slemmons, twins, born March 8, 1914.
John B. Moorehead is a veteran of the World War, having served in the aviation from July, 1917, until June, 1919. He served in France and after the armistice was stationed in Germany as a member of the air- craft department.
Victor Moorhead is a Republican and he and his family hold member- ship in the Presbyterian church.
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Max H. Reid, a prominent citizen of Erie County, engaged in the lum- ber business at North East, was born at North East, Nov. 7, 1891, and is the son of Richard and Saphronia (Huntley) Reid.
Richard Reid was a native of Ireland who came to this country when a young man and settled at North East. He was a cabinet maker by trade and for a number of years conducted a furniture and lumber business at North East. He also operated a flax mill here. Mr. Reid died at the age of 70 years and his wife at the age of 68 years. They had 10 children, of whom Max H., the subject of this sketch, was the youngest.
Max H. Reid has always been interested in the lumber business. After completing his schooling here he entered the employ of a lumber com- pany and in 1921 established his present business, which is one of the largest of its kind in the county. Mr. Reid makes a specialty of white and yellow pine and is also an extensive dealer in building materials and supplies.
Mr. Reid was married to Miss Elizabeth Heath, of North East, a mem- ber of one of the county's well known pioneer families, and the daughter of Charles T. and Nina (Smith) Heath. They have a son, Charles, born May 9, 1920.
Mr. Reid is affiliated with the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Republican and is accounted one of the alert young business men of the community.
Gustavus C. Graham, justice of the peace of North East, is among the representative citizens of Erie County. He was born at Elgin, Erie County, March 18, 1865, and is the son of James and Hattie M. (Pierce) Graham.
James Graham, deceased, was a Civil War veteran. He was born of Scotch-Irish parentage, in 1835. At an early age he settled in Erie County and engaged in the hotel business, conducting the Erie Hotel in 1865. Later, he removed to Minnesota, where he followed mercantile pursuits until his death in 1880. His wife, who was born at Hamburg, N. Y., died in 1910 at the age of 76 years. G. C., the subject of this sketch, was their only child.
G. C. Graham attended the schools of Minnesota, where his family had settled, and when a young man learned the carpenter trade, which he followed successfully for 18 years. He then was employed as a pattern maker. Mr. Graham was elected justice of the peace in 1907, which office
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he has since filled in a most capable and trustworthy manner. He has been Deputy County Controller since 1914. During his long period of office he has married 915 couples in North East. Mr. Graham is also ex- tensively interested in business and is a real estate and insurance operator. He owns a well improved farm at Greenfield, Erie County.
On July 12, 1911, Mr. Graham was united in marriage with Miss Mary D. Orton, of Harbor Creek, Pa., and the daughter of Ashbell and Amy (Raymond) Orton. Mr. Orton served throughout the Civil War and lives with his daughter, Mrs. Graham. His wife died in 1918 and is buried in the North East Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Graham four children have been born: John, born July 16, 1913; Stanley, born March 1, 1915; Dorcas Elaine, born Feb. 5, 1917; and Harriet Ruth, born Jan. 12, 1919.
Mr. Graham is a Republican and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Louis H. Parker is known as an enterprising and progressive citizen of North East. He was born near Corry, Pa., Nov. 3, 1869, and is the son of Washington and Sarah L. (Goodrich) Parker.
Washington Parker, deceased, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1829. At an early age he located in Erie County and engaged in farming in Amity Township. He was the first postmaster of Lake Pleasant, Pa., and served in this capacity during the Civil War. He died in 1906 and is buried at Sherman, New York. His wife was born at Cassadaga, N. Y., and died in 1920 at the age of 87 years. Mr. and Mrs. Parker had three children, of whom Louis H., the subject of this sketch, was the youngest.
Louis H. Parker was reared on his father's farm and educated in the district school. For several years he taught school in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and later engaged in farming. He is also a carpenter by trade. Mr. Parker has been identified with the North East High School as custodian since 1915, and is also caretaker of the Public Library and post office.
On March 13, 1890, Mr. Parker was married to Miss Alice Rice, a native of New York, and they have three children: Vinton Rice, manager of the Winters Piano Company, Erie, married Miss Rose Bear, and they have a son, Jack; Clayton W., lives at home; and Frances A., a student at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio.
Mr. Parker is identified with the Republican party in politics, is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, a 32nd degree Mason and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
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Dr. S. Warren Reichard is a leading physician and surgeon of Erie and a veteran of the World War. He was born at Mauch Chunk, Pa., June 8, 1878, and is the son of William H. and Annie E. (Williams) Reichard.
William H. Reichard was also a native of Mauch Chunk, Pa., born May 6, 1851. At the age of 15 years he became associated with the Hazard Manufacturing Company of Wilkes Barre, in whose employ he remained for many years, serving as superintendent for 30 years. He died in 1914. His wife was born at Odessa, Del., May 10, 1852, and resides at Wilkes Barre, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Reichard, who were married in 1871, two children were born: Nettie E. Craig, lives at Wilkes Barre, Pa .; and Dr. S. Warren, the subject of this sketch.
Dr. S. Warren Reichard was reared and educated in Wilkes Barre and after completing his high school course in 1895 he attended the Harry Hilman Academy for two years. In 1901 he received his degree from the University of Pennsylvania as Doctor of Medicine and spent the following year as an interne in Mercy Hospital, Wilkes Barre, Pa. In 1902 he began the practice of his profession in that city and was con- nected with the city as physician to the police and fire departments also and physician to the poor of that city. He was also physician for the Hazard Manufacturing Company and the Electric Traction Company. He served for three days each week at the Pennsylvania State Tuberculosis Dispensary and was also connected with the staff of Mercy Hospital and the Kilcoyne Private Hospital.
Doctor Reichard was the first physician to be called from Wilkes Barre during the World War, April 6, 1917. He went to Fort Benjamin Harrison and later to Camp Custer, Battle Creek, Mich. In June, 1918, he was sent overseas with the rank of major in the Medical Corps, and was commanding medical officer of the 337th Infantry, 85th Division. Doctor Reichard took part in many important battles of the war, including the Argonne, Verdun and the Meuse-Argonne. At the outbreak of the influ- enza epidemic he had complete charge of contagious hospital No. 68 and was made commander of field ambulances of the 85th Division. At the close of the war Doctor Reichard was serving as sanitary inspector of the Third District of the Toule Sector. He was discharged April 2, 1919, and during that month was appointed surgeon at the Pierce-Arrow Auto- mobile Works, Buffalo, N. Y. After eight months he came to Erie where he accepted a similar position at the General Electric Company. Seven
DR. S. WARREN REICHARD
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
months later he engaged in private practice at 1201 West 8th Street. He was district manager of the United States Veterans' Bureau for two years and when the same was moved to Pittsburgh, was made surgeon to United States Veterans' Bureau in care of disabled World War veterans, and still retains that position.
On July 10, 1900, Doctor Reichard was united in marriage with Miss Anna P. Burns, of Pittston, Pa., and the daughter of P. J. and Belinda Burns. To this union were born four children: William H., mention of whom is made below; Helen Marie, born Jan. 12, 1908; Antoinette E., born Feb. 23, 1913; and Louise G., born Feb. 22, 1911.
William H. Reichard was born April 8, 1902. In April, 1919, he enlisted in the United States Navy and while stationed at Pensacola, Fla., as an aviation mechanic he met his death, April 10, 1920, in a gasoline explosion.
Doctor Reichard is a Republican, a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Erie, and belongs to the Veterans of Foreigns Wars and American Legion. He is a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Shrine. Doctor Reichard is identified with the Erie County Medical So- ciety, the Pennsylvania State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He is a capable, energetic and public spirited man, one whose life means much to his community.
Joseph Warren Loomis, deceased, was a member of one of the first families to establish their home in Erie County, and from those early days to the present they have been prominent representatives of its business and public life. Dyer Loomis, Sr., his grandfather, was born in Connecti- cut but came to Erie County in 1796, to join his brother, Henry, who had come here years previously, and they secured together 400 acres of land just east of North East. Dyer Loomis was prominent in the early history of his community and held many offices. He was the first deputy sheriff of the county and died in 1842. He married a Miss Nancy Woods from Rhode Island. Among their children was Dyer Loomis, Jr., who was born Oct. 1, 1810, and died Dec. 3, 1901. He received his education in the Worth- ington and Milan, Ohio, Academies, and was one of the first school teachers of this county. He married Eliza M. Robinson. In their family was Joseph Warren Loomis, the subject of this sketch.
Joseph Warren Loomis was born at North East, Oct. 4, 1844. In 1862, during the Civil War, he enlisted in Company F, 111th Pennsylvania Vol-
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unteer Infantry, with which he served for three years and was finally dis- charged for disability Nov. 29, 1865. Returning to North East he was identified with the business interests of this community as a farmer and as the proprietor of a brick yard. During a term of six years he served as a prothonatory of Erie County and was also a deputy in that office. His death occurred very suddenly at the court house in Erie, Jan. 20, 1896.
On April 15, 1872, Mr. Loomis was married to Miss Lydia Almeda Wells, a native of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., born July 20, 1846, and the daughter of Daniel J. and Lydia L. (Whitney) Wells, also from New York. They settled in Erie County in 1852, where Mr. Wells was a blacksmith, and from there they moved to Greenfield, thence to Wesleyville, and finally to North East. He died here in 1886 and his wife died in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Loomis had no children, and she now resides in North East. Her pretty home on Robinson Street is ever ready to welcome her friends.
C. E. Force, retired, is a substantial and highly esteemed citizen of North East and a member of one of Erie County's pioneer families. He was born in North East Township, Dec. 15, 1860, and is a son of William J. and Nancy (Burwell) Force.
William J. Force was born in this township in 1816 and died in 1898. His father, Joseph Force, settled in Erie County in 1814, having come here from Freehold, N. J., where he was born in 1776. He became a promi- nent citizen of this section and died in 1868. William J. Force was a cooper by trade and also followed general farming. He died in Erie in 1898. He was a life long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and held many township offices. His wife was a native of Bridgeport, Conn., and also a member of a pioneer family of Chautauqua County, N. Y. She died in 1880. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Force the following children were born: Sarah, Abraham, Samuel, Prudence, Rebecca, and Thankful. To Mr. and Mrs. William J. Force were born Albert, former district attorney of Erie County ; Joseph M., an Erie lawyer; Mrs. W. W. Ross, Mrs. N. W. Lowell, William, and C. E., the subject of this sketch. All are deceased except C. E. Force.
C. E. Force grew up on his father's farm in North East Township and attended the district school and later the Lake Shore Seminary. At the age of 20 years he entered the employ of the American Express Company in the office at Erie. He was later transferred to their New York city office, where he remained for 43 years. In October, 1923, Mr. Force re-
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tired from active business and returned to North East where he lives on the North Lake Road, near Shorewood Beach. Mr. Force's home contains three acres, all of which is in fruit, and it is among the most attractive spots in this section.
On Oct. 7, 1886, Mr. Force was united in marriage with Miss Georgia E. Loomis, whose home was just across the road from the present Force home. She is the daughter of Joel and Susan (Hall) Loomis, both de- ceased. Mrs. Force's grand-parents came from New England to New York State and founded the city of Westfield, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Force have no children.
Mr. Force is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Masonic lodge. He is one of the interesting men of the county, where he holds the esteem of all who know him.
Robert J. Dill is a prosperous and widely known horticulturist of Erie County. He was born at Erie, Sept. 23, 1877, and is a son of Robert and May J. (Mount) Dill.
Robert Dill, deceased, was born at Toronto, Canada, July 8, 1841, the son of Alexander and Jane (McCormick) Dill, both natives of Canada, who came to Toronto in 1830 and were married in that city. Robert Dill went to New York city when a young man and in 1871 removed to Buffalo. After one year at the latter place he located at Erie, his first employment being in connection with the decoration of the mansion owned by Gen. C. M. Reed. Subsequently he established himself as a contractor in Erie and continued in that line until 1889 when he disposed of his business and purchased 145 acres of land in North East Township. He devoted many years to the raising of fruits, 60 acres being grown to grapes alone. Mr. Dill served as president of the Keystone Co-operative Grape Asso- ciation for many years and was vice president of the First National Bank of North East from the time of its organization. He died in 1924 and is buried in North East cemetery. His wife, a native of New York city, died in 1907, at the age of 71 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Dill five children were born, of whom Robert J., the subject of this sketch, is the only survivor.
Robert J. Dill was reared and educated in North East and has fol- lowed fruit farming his entire life. In 1924 he purchased his present farm of 120 acres, which is among the finest fruit farms in this section of the state. It contains 25 acres of grapes, 15 acres of apples, 17 acres
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of peaches, 8 acres of pears, and 2 acres of plums. Harry D. Short is his partner.
On Jan. 31, 1900, Mr. Dill was married to Miss Blanche L. Butt, the daughter of G. W. and Lillian L. (Fullerton) Butt. They have a daughter, Mildred L., who was married July 12, 1924, to Harry D. Short. He is the son of C. M. and Martha B. (Donaldson) Short, residents of North East.
Mr. Dill is identified with the Republican party in politics, is a member of the Presbyterian church, and belongs to the Masonic lodge. He has inherited the stability and genius of his father and is one of the progres- sive and successful men of the county.
Edward Schmelzer is a veteran of the World War and a well known and successful business man of Erie. He was born in this city, Sept. 27, 1880, and is a son of Emil and Mary (Storer) Schmelzer.
Emil Schmelzer was a native of Switzerland and his wife was born in Erie. After a number of years residence in this city they removed to Buffalo, N. Y., where Mr. Schmelzer became a well known clothing manu- facturer. He and his wife are now deceased. They were the parents of the following children: Jacob Fred, deceased; Minnie, married Frank Maurer, clothing manufacturer, lives in Buffalo, N. Y .; Julia, the widow of William Guenther, lives in Buffalo; Lillian, married Peter Klumpp, chief clerk of the Pennsylvania Railroad, lives in Buffalo; Barbara, married Arthur Dunn, lives in Buffalo; John, a sergeant in the detective force in Buffalo, married Daisy Fay; Catherine, married William Baldwin, road construction superintendent of the Austin Steam Roller Company, Buffalo; Joseph, shipping clerk with the Pierce Arrow Automobile Co., Buffalo, married Florence Cray; and Edward, the subject of this sketch.
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