USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 17
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After completing his schooling in Erie, Edward Schmelzer enlisted in the U. S. Army at Columbus, Ohio, and served as a member of the first infantry during the Spanish American War. He was wounded dur- ing the battle of Santiago, July 3, 1898. He was transferred to Company F, 202nd New York Volunteers about Sept. 1, 1898, returning to Cuba with the Army of Occupation Dec. 15, 1898, and back to the United States March 15, 1899, and mustered out of service as a corporal, April 15, 1899. After leaving the army he learned the boilermaker's trade at the Union Iron Works, Erie, with whom he remained until 1907. He then went to Lima, Ohio, where he was connected with the Lima Locomotive Machine
EDWARD SCHMELZER
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Works as foreman of the boiler shops. Later he returned to Erie and in 1912 entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as fireman.
In 1901 Mr. Schmelzer enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a member of Company G, 16th Regiment. After several promotions he was made first lieutenant, Oct. 1, 1915, and in 1916 served on the Mexican border with Company G, 16th Regiment, P. N. G. Seventh Divi- sion. During the World War he was a member of Company G, 112th Regiment, 28th Division. His company arrived in France, May 18, 1918, and on Sept. 4th of that year he was promoted to captain of his com- pany. He took part in the following important engagements: The Fifth German Offensive from July 14th to 18, 1918; advance on the Ourqu River Heights, July 24, 1918; Aisne-Marne defensive; and the advance on the Vesle River. On Aug. 27th he was captured by the Germans at Fis- mette and remained a prisoner until Nov. 29, 1918. On Dec. 24th he returned to his company and assumed command. He returned to the United States, April 30, 1919, and was discharged May 27, 1919. Mr. Schmelzer is now a captain in the U. S. Reserve Corps.
On May 28, 1902, Mr. Schmelzer was married to Miss Caroline Schmitt of Erie, born Aug. 1, 1881. To them have been born five children: Ray G., born March 3, 1903, engaged in business with his father; Emil J., born Jan. 10, 1904, an electrician in the employ of the General Electric Com- pany, Erie; Margaret, born Dec. 1, 1907, died May 6, 1908; Lucille L., born Jan. 6, 1913, died June 21, 1921; and Leo W., born Jan. 14, 1914.
Mr. Schmelzer owns and operates a gasoline filling station at 2401 State Street.
Mr. Schmelzer is a Republican and in November, 1919, was elected director of public safety. He is a member of the Disabled American Vet- erans and belongs to the Eagle and Moose and Elk lodges. He is an enter- prising citizen and stands high in his community.
Joseph Otto, a reliable and successful business man of North East, en- gaged in the flour and feed business at 47 Wall Street, was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 31, 1876, and is the son of Joseph and Barbara (Mann) Otto.
The Otto family have been millers for over 200 years in Germany. Joseph Otto, deceased, spent his entire life in Germany and died in 1885. His wife lives there and is 70 years of age. There were eight children in their family, three of whom are residents of North East, Joseph, George,
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and Fred. One sister, Mary, the wife of Charles Sauer, of New York. George is also interested in the flour and feed business.
At the age of 16 years, Joseph Otto came to America and immediately settled in North East, where he worked at his trade as miller. Later he lived in Sandusky, Ohio, and Erie, Pa. Since 1908 he has been located at North East and for a number of years was associated in business with his brother. Mr. Otto has a well established business and deals exclusively in fine flours, feed and grain.
In 1916 Mr. Otto married Miss Mary A. Schlindwein, a native of Erie, and they have two children: Elizabeth, born in 1917; and Joseph, Jr., born in 1920.
In politics Mr. Otto is identified with the Republican party. He is well and favorably known in his community.
Donald L. Mackay, a veteran of the World War, is among Erie County's prominent young business men. He has the Dodge automobile agency at North East. He was born here, June 1, 1895, and is the son of George N. and Mary (Shaw) Mackay.
George N. Mackay, deceased, was a native of Ontario, Canada. At an early age he settled in North East, where he died in 1925. There are three children in the Mackay family: Gladys, married Walter Lick, lives at North East; Donald L., the subject of this sketch; and Blaine, now taking a course in milling at Minneapolis, Minn.
Donald L. Mackay spent his boyhood at North East and was educated in the public and high schools and at Swarthmore, Pa. He also attended the Hackley School, Tarrytown, N. Y., and Pennsylvania State College, after which he became interested in the milling business. In May, 1917, Mr. Mackay volunteered for service in the World War and served as an ambulance driver, later being attached to the Italian Army. He was dis- charged from service in April, 1919, after which he engaged in his present business at North East. Mr. Mackay has a well equipped garage and up- to-date salesroom and ranks among the progressive automobile men of this section.
On Sept. 18, 1923, Mr. Mackay was united in marriage with Miss Kathryn Gallup, a native of Youngsville, Pa., and the daughter of Arnold and Mabel (Horner) Gallup.
Mr. Mackay is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian church, and belongs to the Masonic and Elk lodges.
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Vernon K. Edwards, who ranks among the leading citizens of North East, was born at Riceville, Crawford County, Pa., Oct. 21, 1887, and is a son of R. F. and Edith (King) Edwards.
R. F. Edwards, retired, is a substantial citizen of Crawford County. He has held many township offices and during his active career was a successful farmer. His wife is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Edwards three children were born: Vernon K., the subject of this sketch; Zoe Stafford, lives at Lincolnville, Pa .; and G. L., a farmer, lives at Lincolnville, Pa.
Vernon K. Edwards grew up on his father's farm and received his education in the public and high schools of Lincolnville. He is also a graduate of Edinboro State Normal School, and taught school for several years. In 1918 Mr. Edwards came to North East and accepted his present position with the General Electric Company as salary payroll clerk.
In 1908 Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Lena Fosburgh, of Lincoln- ville, Pa. They have a daughter, Thelma.
Mr. Edwards holds membership in the Methodist church and is an active worker in all church activities. He is well known and representa- tive of the best citizenship of Erie County.
George H. Newton is among the prosperous and well known young fruit farmers of Erie County. He was born in North East Township, July 3, 1893, and is the son of Monroe D. and Sophia (Senger) Newton.
The Newton family, after whom Newton Road in North East Town- ship is named, settled in Erie County in 1836. Monroe D. Newton was born in this township, Jan. 18, 1861, the son of John L. and Harriett (Welch) Newton, pioneers of Erie County. The father was born at Os- wego, N. Y., in 1830, the son of Elias and Laura Ann (Gay) Newton, both natives of New York. They moved to Erie County and settled at North East when John L. was six years old. Their children were: Warren, Julia, William, Eveline, and J. L., all deceased. John L. Newton married April 19, 1855, to Miss Harriet Welch, of Onondaga County, N. Y., and they had three children: Loran E., deceased; Monroe D., father of the subject of this sketch; and U. G. Mr. John L. Newton held several politi- cal offices, was road commissioner, school director, and assessor. He was a staunch Republican.
Monroe D. Newton was reared and educated in North East Township and always made farming his chief occupation. He died in 1912. He was married March 25, 1885, to Miss Sophia Senger, of North East. They had
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four children: William John, assistant postmaster at North East; Bertha Marie Ross Kocher, lives on the Lake Road, North East; Orpha Deloss, lives on the old home place; George H., the subject of this sketch; and Lorenzo, lives at home.
George H. Newton received his education in the public schools of North East and has lived on the same farm all his life. He specializes in the growing of fruit and has 14 acres of grapes. He is a member of the Keystone Grape Co-operative Association.
Politically Mr. Newton is a Republican and he is affiliated with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows. He is unmarried.
George K. Frank, successful and widely known real estate operator of Erie, with offices in the Masonic Temple Building, is a native of Penn- sylvania. She was born at Middletown, Dauphin County, July 8, 1873, and is a son of P. W. and Mary (Schultz) Frank.
P. W. Frank, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania. He was a carpenter and bridge builder and helped build the Centenial buildings in Philadelphia in 1873-4. He died Jan. 6, 1914, and his wife died March 12, 1913. They had four children: William H., lives in Chicago; Edward P., a contractor and builder, lives at Miami, Fla .; George K., the subject of this sketch; and J. M., associated in business with George K.
George K. Frank was obliged to leave school at an early age, In 1884 he had settled in Erie with his parents and his first position was with Walker & Gallagher. Later he was associated with Cronin-Bloser Com- pany, shoe dealers, and while there Mr. Frank attended night school. His next position was as a stenographer in the real estate firm of J. Spencer VanCleve, with whom he became associated with on March 1, 1894. After several years a partnership was formed with Floyd Hill, the firm being known as Frank & Hill, and purchasing the interests of Mr. VanCleve. This partnership existed for 12 years, and since 1912 Mr. Frank has been in business alone, dealing in real estate, general insurance and surety bonds.
On Sept. 15, 1917, Mr. Frank was married to Miss Pauline Blakely, the daughter of Christian and Caroline Blakely. They had three chil- dren: Charles Robert, born June 2, 1919; George K., Jr., born Jan. 13, 1921 and died April 10, 1921; and David Philips, born July 3, 1922.
Mr. Frank helped organize the local Anti-Tuberculosis Society in 1912 and has since served as treasurer, having charge of the sale of seals
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Goos Frank
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yearly. He was appointed by the city council as a member of the State Park and Harbor Commission in charge of the new Peninsula Park, and after having served as secretary of the commission from 1921 until 1924 he was reappointed for a second term of four years. He was also ap- pointed a member of the commission in charge of the erection of the Erie County Tuberculosis Hospital in 1923.
Mr. Frank is a 32nd degree Mason, Knights Templar and a Shriner, a member of the Elks Lodge, and a charter member of the Kiwanis Club and served as president of this organization in 1921. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He was one of the organizers of the Erie Motor Club. He has held membership in the Park Presbyterian Church for 25 years and served as deacon several years ago. He is also con- nected with the Real Estate Board, having served as president, and was president of the Fire & Casualty Underwriters Association. Mr. Frank has always been interested in all activities concerning the welfare of Erie and Erie County. He is a Republican.
William T. Crawford, who is successfully engaged in farming and fruit growing in North East Township, is a member of one of the county's oldest and most honored families. He was born in the Township of North East, Feb. 7, 1860, the son of Thomas Childs and Ruth A. (Wilcox) Crawford, both also from this township, and a grandson of William and Nancy (Blaine) Crawford. Thomas C. Crawford was a farmer throughout life. He was born here, Dec. 27, 1842, and died Jan. 27, 1923. His wife was born in Silver County, N. Y., July 16, 1847, and died March 25, 1900. They had five children: Ella M., died in infancy ; Mary Josephine, born in 1857, died in 1911; William T., the subject of this sketch; Albert W., born Jan. 8, 1862, died in 1885; and F. B., born June 3, 1865, a fruit farmer, lives at North East.
The Crawford farm on Lake road has been owned by the Crawford family for three generations, Thomas Crawford having settled here in 1796. Thomas Crawford settled on a farm about one mile west of this place where his son, William was born Dec. 25, 1798, and died Aug. 19, 1850. His son, Thomas C., was the father of the subject of this sketch.
William T. Crawford was educated in the district schools of North East Township and has been interested in fruit farming his entire life. In company with his brother, Frank B., he took charge of the old Craw- ford farm of 98 acres in 1880 and about five years later set out six acres
(56)
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of vineyard. They added to their vineyard until it covered 155 acres and they became leading buyers and shippers of grapes in this section. At the present time Mr. Crawford owns 100 acres of well improved land on Lake road.
On Nov. 21, 1907, Mr. Crawford was married to Miss Helen Moorhead, of Moorheadville, Pa., and the daughter of James A. and Julia (Baldwin) Moorhead, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have three children: Ruth Elizabeth, born March 9, 1911; Julia Moorhead, born June 16, 1912; and Jean, born Dec. 3, 1913.
Mr. Crawford is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a substantial citizen and merits the esteem in which he is held by the community.
Jesse P. Trivett, who lives retired at North East, has for many years been a prominent citizen of Erie County. He was born at Russell, War- ren County, Pa., July 1, 1839, and is the son of Channing and Nancy (Love) Trivett.
Channing Trivett was a native of Boston, Mass., born in 1809. Many years ago he settled at Ripley, N. Y., where he engaged in general farm- ing. He died in 1891 and his wife died in 1873. They had seven children: Susan, John Mercelina, deceased, J. P., the subject of this sketch, Emily, lives at Sherman, N. Y .; James, deceased; and Ida, married Stephen Abbey, lives at Sherman, N. Y.
J. P. Trivett was educated at Jamestown, N. Y., and Russell, Pa. In early life he was interested in prairie freighting between New York and California. Six oxen were used to each wagon and for a number of years Mr. Trivett operated a fleet of 28 wagons. Indians were always encountered on these trips, but Mr. Trivett claims his only hardships were the possible shortages of food and supplies. He was engaged in this work continously for 34 years, after which he returned to Ripley, N. Y., and followed general farming. In 1902 he purchased his present home at North East and conducted a real estate and building business here until 1916, when he retired. His residence is at 30 Clinton Street.
On April 8, 1875, Mr. Trivett was united in marriage with Miss Lida Louisa Hannum, a native of North East, born March 1, 1854, and a daugh- ter of Jerome and Sarah (Roberts) Hannum. Mrs. Trivett has two broth- ers: Frank W., lives retired at Bradford, Pa .; and Fred J., lives at May- ville, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Trivett have a son, Jesse Guy, born Oct. 6,
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1891. He was educated in the public and high schools of Ripley and North East, and for several years was connected with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. He is now engaged in the automobile business there. He was married to Miss Lois Chamberlain.
Mr. Trivett and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian church and he and his son are affiliated with the Masonic lodge.
William H. Bemiss, a well known citizen of North East, highly esteemed for his integrity and industry, was born in Greenfield Township, Erie County, June 21, 1885, and is the son of George E. and Anna (Hartley) Bemiss.
George E. Bemiss, deceased, was a native of Greenfield Township, Erie County, and a prominent merchant of that vicinity. He was also a farmer. He died in 1908 and is buried in North East Cemetery. His wife, also a native of Greenfield Township, was born Nov. 1, 1861, and lives at North East. They had two sons: W. H., the subject of this sketch; and George, who lives on the old home place in Greenfield Township.
After attending the public and high schools of Erie County, W. H. Bemiss entered Cornell University. He became interested in the dairy business and for a number of years was manager of a butter and cheese business in Greenfield. He then engaged in business with his father as manager of his store and in 1911 removed to North East, where with Mr. Kimball, the present business was established. Early in 1925 Mr. Kimball sold his interest and it is now owned by Bemiss & Stetson, and is the only general merchandise store in North East.
On April 6, 1908, Mr. Bemiss was united in marriage with Miss Edna M. Kimball, a native of North East and the daughter of Fred I. and Anna (Evans) Kimball, residents of North East. They have a son, Meryl Kim- ball Bemiss, born Aug. 10, 1910.
George A. Halloran, manager of the McQuitty Farm, North East, is a leading farmer of Erie County. He was born at Ripley, N. Y., July 27, 1886, and is a son of James and Eva (Webster) Halloran.
James Halloran, deceased, was a prosperous farmer of North East Township. He was born at Lock Haven, Pa., in 1851, and settled in Erie County in 1887. In early life he engaged in the lumber business and later operated a farm. He died in 1923 and is buried in North East cemetery. His wife, a native of Illinois, now resides with her daughter, Sarah Hal-
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loran, in North East. There were six children in the Halloran family: Lee, lives at Moorheadville, Pa .; Sarah; G. A., the subject of this sketch; Frank; Roy; and Er, all of whom live in North East.
After completing his schooling in the public schools of North East, G. A. Halloran became interested in farming and since 1906 has been manager of the McQuitty farm, which is one of the largest and best im- proved farms in Erie County. It contains 162 acres.
On Feb. 25, 1922, Mr. Halloran was married to Miss Ruby Briggs, a native of Cambridge, England. They have two daughters: Beatrice, born in 1923; and Jean, born Sept. 29, 1924.
Politically, Mr. Halloran is a Republican and he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a substantial citizen and stands high in the community and county.
Harry Swenson, a veteran of the World War, is among Erie County's prominent and successful young business men. He was born at Wellsville, N. Y., Sept. 25, 1893, and is the son of Alexander and Josephine (Ander- son) Swenson.
Alexander Swenson, deceased, was a native of Sweden. He was born in 1856 and at the age of 32 years came to this country and located at Wellsville, N. Y., where he married. In March, 1900, he removed his family to Erie and later became associated with the Erie Stove Works, in whose employ he remained ten years. He was later connected with the Erie Tool Works. He died in 1922, and his wife resides at Erie. To Mr. and Mrs. Swenson seven children were born, as follows: Josephine, deceased; Harry, the subject of this sketch; Anna and Harold, both de- ceased; Erland, lives at Erie; Walter, deceased; and Lillian Ruth, a stu- dent at East High School, Erie.
Harry Swenson received his education in the public and high schools of Erie, from which he was graduated in 1911. During that year he became associated with the real estate firm of William P. Hayes & Son. After four years with this firm he become associated for one year with Samuel Landis. On Jan. 1, 1917, Mr. Swenson engaged in business for himself but the following September answered the call to the World War. He received a commission of lieutenant at Camp Lee, and was later sta- tioned at Camp Meade, where he remained until the close of the war. Since that time he has been actively engaged in the real estate business at Erie, and has offices at 610 Marine Bank Buiidlng. In July, 1923, Mr.
HARRY SWENSON
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Swenson handled the sale of the Reed House, one of Erie's old landmarks. It was among the notable real estate transactions in Erie during the last few years.
On July 6, 1918, Mr. Swenson was united in marriage with Miss Helen Love Douglas, of Erie, and the daughter of Harry G. and Flora (Love) Douglas, residents of Erie. To this union a son has been born, Douglas Roger, Aug. 8, 1919.
In politics Mr. Swenson is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church of Erie, is a 32nd degree Mason, and belongs to the Elks, American Legion, and was the first presi- dent of Lions Club of Erie and first deputy district governor of Lions Club of Western Pennsylvania. He is treasurer of the Erie Real Estate Board, one of the organizers of the Union Trust Company of Erie and served as secretary and director, director of the Central Savings & Loan Company, and a member of the Board of Commerce. Mr. Swenson is well and favor- ably known in Erie and ranks among the representative citizens of the county.
Francis R. Madden is among the successful and representative young business men of Albion, where he is a member of the firm of Madden & Hoover, local agents for the Chevrolet, Hudson and Essex automobiles. He was born at Crossingville, Crawford County, Pa., June 23, 1892, and is the son of Cornelius S. and Electa (Steward) Madden.
Cornelius S. Madden was born at Pageville, Erie County, Jan. 10, 1858. He has followed general farming during his entire life and met with marked success. He has held various township offices and is at present serving as tax collector. Mr. Madden is a member of the Catholic church at Crossingville. His wife, also a native of Erie County, was born Jan. 14, 1854. To Mr. and Mrs. Madden the following children were born : Mary, married Harvey Knickerbocker, deceased, and she is now the wife of Floyd Moses, lives at Crossingville, Pa .; Martha, a twin sister of Mary, died at the age of 14 years; Flora, married Andrew Mclaughlin, lives in Erie County ; Cornelius Sylvester, a farmer, lives at Crossingville, Pa .; Fran- cis R., the subject of this sketch; Urban, a farmer, lives at Pageville, Pa .; and Leonard, a farmer, lives at Pageville, Pa.
Francis R. Madden spent his boyhood at Pageville and received his education in the public schools and at Edinboro State Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1914. He completed a course of study
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at Meadville Commercial College in 1920, after which he spent two years in Erie. Since 1922 he has been associated in business at Albion with Mr. R. S. Hoover and W. J. Hoover and they have a well established busi- ness. They are expert repair men and have a well equipped grage, and also deal in automobile accessories and tires.
On Dec. 27, 1922, Mr. Madden was united in marriage with Miss Fran- ces M. Fuller, of Edinboro, who was graduated from Edinboro State Nor- mal School and taught in Washington Township, Erie County, for four years before her marriage. She is the daughter of George H. and Julia (Coughlin) Fuller. Mr. Fuller lives at Edinboro. His wife is deceased. A daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Madden, Margaret Julia, died in infancy.
Politically, Mr. Madden is a Republican. He is a member of the Catho- lic church and is highly esteemed in his community.
Asa S. Morrison, who is successfully engaged in the lumber business at Albion, is a native of Erie County. He was born on a farm in Conneaut Township, Aug. 22, 1883, and is the son of George and Sally (Hewitt) Morrison.
George Morrison, for many years a well known resident of Erie County, was born in Conneaut Township. He now lives in Kingsville Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio, where with his two sons, he is engaged in gen- eral farming. They are owners of 350 acres of well improved land. Sally Hewitt Morrison, also a native of Conneaut Township, Erie County, died Dec. 16, 1913, and is buried in Albion cemetery. There were four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Morrison: Mrs. Belle Knapp, lives at Albion; Fred and Lavern, who live with their father; and Asa S., the subject of this sketch.
Asa S. Morrison was educated in the schools of Albion and Wellsburg. For several years he engaged in farming with his father and was later employed by the Bessemer Railroad Company until 1910, when he became interested in the lumber business. In 1918 Mr. Morrison became part owner and manager of the business which is known as the Aibion Lumber Company, and which was established by A. W. Sergeant in 1907. The com- pany carries a complete line of building materials and supplies and has an extensive trade throughout Erie County.
On July 7, 1909, Mr. Morrison was married to Miss Ethel V. Keep, a native of Albion, and a daughter of Willie O. and Eliza J. (McArthur) Keep, natives of Erie County. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have two children:
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Jack, born in July, 1910, a student at Albion High School; and Belle Louise, born March 11, 1919.
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