USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 23
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DeWitt C. Bostwick. One of the most prominent of the successful business men of North East is DeWitt C. Bostwick, president of the Key- stone Co-operative Grape Association. He was born at Vernon, Oneida County, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1847, and is the son of John and Harriet (Butler) Bostwick, both natives of Utica, N. Y.
John Bostwick was a cabinet maker by trade and in 1867 removed to State Line, where he engaged in the mercantile business, which he fol- lowed until within four years of his death, Feb. 21, 1880. He was born July 20, 1807. His wife died Sept. 14, 1893. They were the parents of four children: Rachael, born Jan. 1, 1845, married Doctor Strong, West- field, N. Y .; DeWitt C., the subject of this sketch; Marcia, born July 26, 1851, married Levi Miller, Canton, Ohio; and Carrie, born March 29, 1860, married George Bartoo, St. Angars, Iowa.
DeWitt C. Bostwick is of the seventh generation from John Bostwick who came from England with his three brothers, Robert, Ebenezer, and Joseph, about 1688, and moved to Stamford, Conn., in the year 1707, and was the second person settling in that town. He was of Scotch extraction. DeWitt C. Bostwick was educated in the private school and in Bryant & Stratton's College, graduating in 1866. He then came to State Line and engaged in business with his father until 1871, when he went to Ohio and engaged in the construction of the Painesville & Youngstown Railroad, in the capacity of superintendent of construction. Mr. Bostwick has been interested in the grape industry for many years and in 1910-1911 was manager of the Keystone Grape Company, and elected president in 1912. He served in this capacity until the liquidation of the company in 1921, in which year the Keystone Co-Operative Grape Association was formed.
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Jan. 1, 1922, he was elected chairman of the executive board and Jan. 1, 1925, was elected president of the company. Mr. Bostwick is a director of the North East National Bank and chairman of the auditing committee. He is also interested in the Electric Materials Company of North East.
Sept. 4, 1872, Mr. Bostwick was married to Miss Ottilia A. Hall, the daughter of George Hall. They have a son, George H., who was born Dec. 18, 1879.
George H. Bostwick attended the public schools of Ripley, N. Y., and is a graduate of Cornell University, where he specialized in the study of horticulture. He is superintendent of the Bostwick & Son Farms. Mr. Bostwick was married to Miss Gertrude McCord, a native of North East, born Aug. 7, 1884, and the daughter of William and Florence (Bemis) Mc- Cord. They have three children: Kenneth McCord, Florence Ottilia, and Catherine Hall Bostwick. Geo. H. Bostwick is a Knight Templar Mason.
DeWitt C. Bostwick is a member of the Masonic order and is a Re- publican.
N. P. Fuller, president of the First National Bank of North East, is a member of one of the early pioneer families of Erie County. He was born in North East, Sept. 5, 1875, and is a son of Elisha N. and Eliza (Shankland) Fuller.
Elisha N. Fuller was a native of North East, born May 4, 1845. He engaged in the oil business at Bradford, Pa., for a number of years and later became a leading business man of North East. He built and man- aged the Earl Hotel here as well as other business blocks in the city. Mr. Fuller died in 1901 and his widow, who was born at Ellicottville, N. Y., Nov. 4, 1847, resides at North East. They had two children: N. P., the subject of this sketch; and Emma K., born at North East, Sept. 20, 1884. She married Frank M. Baldwin, a druggist of North East, where they live.
N. P. Fuller attended the public schools of North East and at the age of 16 years began his business career in the bank of W. A. Ensign & Son, of North East, with whom he remained until 1893. He has since been identified with the First National Bank and has risen to his present posi- tion as president from messenger boy. He was elected to this office in January, 1925.
In 1897 Mr. Fuller was united in marriage with Miss Anna E. Loop, who was born at North East. They have a son, Blair M. Fuller, who was born Aug. 18, 1898. He was educated in the public and high schools of
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North East and in 1921 was graduated from Annapolis Naval Academy with the rank of ensign. He has since been promoted to lieutenant and is at present on the U. S. S. "Pope".
Mr. Fuller is a member of the Episcopal church and his wife holds membership in the Baptist church. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and the North East Golf Club. He has many friends throughout Erie County and is highly esteemed.
George W. Blaine, retired, is one of North East's oldest business men and ranks among the substantial citizens of Erie County. He was born at North East, March 6, 1849, and is the son of A. W. and Sarah A. (Platt) Blaine, also natives of North East.
James Blaine, paternal grandfather of George W. Blaine, was born in Juniata County, Pa., and Jeremiah Platt, maternal grandfather, was a native of Connecticut. Both became residents of North East Township about 1800 and purchased land from the Holland Land Company.
A. W. Blaine and Sarah A. Platt were married in North East and were prominent and well known residents there. He was actively and success- fully engaged in the banking business for a number of years. In 1864 he organized the First National Bank in association with Amos Gould, John McCord, and William Griffith and was elected its first cashier, in which capacity he controlled its interests and made it one of the substantial in- stitutions of that locality. He also did much towards shaping the public policy of that district, his ability and fitness for leadership resulting in his election to various offices. For some time he filled the position as jus- tice of the peace and three times was called upon to represent his district in the general assembly. He died Jan. 10, 1879, and his wife died in May, 1867. Their children were: Alice E., deceased, was the wife of Col. W. A. Robinson, a banker of Pittsburgh, and they had three children, Alice Blaine, A. Blaine, and W. A. Robinson; George W., the subject of this sketch; and Mary R., married Joseph T. McCord, both deceased, and they had two children, Florence B., and Ruth M. McCord, who reside in Erie.
George W. Blaine acquired his education in the public schools of North East and in 1870, when 21 years of age, he began business as proprietor of a grocery store, but a year later sold out and went on his father's farm, which he rented until the father's death. He then purchased the place which he developed into a fine 50 acre vineyard. In 1893 Mr. Blaine
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turned his attention to banking and with several other leading business men organized the First National Bank of North East. He was elected its president and served in that capacity until his resignation in 1925. He then accepted the chairmanship of the Board of Directors. Mr. Blaine is president of the Blaine, MacKay, Lee Company, flour, feed and coal deal- ers, and he is also president of the North East Cider Works, one of the oldest cider and vinegar works in this part of the country, being estab- lished in 1859. He is past president of the American Beauty Stove Works of Erie. Since the time of the organization of the North East Club in 1905 he has served as its president, and he has been president of the Horti- culture Society of North East for many years.
On Sept. 25, 1872, Mr. Blaine was married to Miss Anna M. Hampson, of North East, Pa., and the daughter of James and Matilda (Porter) Hampson, natives of North East and Scotland, respectively. Mr. Hampson died in 1898 and his wife died in 1896. They had four children: George A., engaged in the real estate and insurance business at North East ; Harriet J., died in 1876; Alice, married J. S. Towne, deceased, and she lives in Erie. To Mr. and Mrs. Blaine one child was born, Ruth M., de- ceased.
Mr. Blaine is a Republican and has served as a member of the city council for 13 years. He has been president of Oak Hill Cemetery at North East for 25 years. He is a member of the Presbyterian church of which he has been trustee for many years. Mr. Blaine has a wide acquaintance and the Blaine family ranks among the representative citizens of the county.
Richard L. Nash is a prominent young man of Erie where he is engaged in the practice of law. He was born at Crossingville, Pa., April 20, 1897, and is a son of Michael H. and Mary (Mclaughlin) Nash.
Michael H. Nash was born in Erie County, in April, 1860, and his wife was born here in 1865. He was a carpenter by trade and for a num- ber of years was superintendent of the Erie Car Works. He died in 1913 and his wife died in 1901. They are buried in Trinity Cemetery, Erie. There were four children in the Nash family: Carlton, born in 1891, lives in Erie; Richard L., the subject of this sketch; and Marie and Eunice, both of whom live in Erie.
Richard L. Nash attended St. Patrick's school and was graduated from Erie High School in 1914. He received his education in law at George-
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town University, Washington, D. C., and was admitted to the District of Columbia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals in 1923. After practicing his profession in Washington for a year, Mr. Nash established his office in Erie in 1924. His offices are in the Marine Bank building.
During the World War Mr. Nash volunteered for service in the U. S. Army, in April, 1918, and was a member of the 71st Coast Artillery. He served in France from October, 1918, until February, 1919, and was dis- charged March 15, 1919. He now holds a commission as second lieutenant in the Coast Artillery Officers Reserve Corps.
Mr. Nash is a member of the Catholic church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.
Dr. Thomas A. Beal, a prominent and successful dentist of North East, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born at Clark's Mills, Mercer County, Oct. 3, 1862, and is a son of George and Margaret Jane (Findley) Beal.
George Beal was born near London, England, and came to this coun- try in 1852. He was a gardener and after coming here engaged in farm- ing on 106 acres of land in Mercer County, which he improved from timber land. He was a leading citizen of his community and served as school director, road commissioner, and borough director. Mr. and Mrs. Beal are buried at Clark's Mills, Pa. They were the parents of the following children: Anna M., the widow of John Pears, lives at Cochran- ton, Pa .; Nettie I., deceased, was the wife of R. P. McClure, lives at Jamestown, Pa .; Russell F., a farmer, lives at Hadley, Pa., married Al- bertina Dean; George E., a dentist, married Margaret Deming, lives at St. Louis, Mo .; William L., a dentist, married Carrie Jordon, lives at New Castle, Pa .; Morley J., a dentist, married Amelia Stoltzing, deceased, and later Jennie Haglund, lives at Jamestown, N. Y .; Mary, deceased; and Thomas A., the subject of this sketch.
Thomas A. Beal was educated in the public schools of Clark's Mills, Sheakleyville (Pa.) High School, McElwain Institute at New Lebanon, Pa., and the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Mo., win- ning a gold medal for proficiency in college work. He completed his dental course at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, March 20, 1890, and in 1898 took a post graduate course at the Northwestern Uni- versity Dental College, Chicago. From 1890 until 1898 Dr. Beal prac- ticed his profession at Fredonia, Pa., and after his post graduate work
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located at Cochranton, Pa., where he remained until 1901, after which he practiced dentistry with his brother in St. Louis. In 1908 he opened offices at Oil City, Pa., and three years later went to Jamestown, N. Y., where he remained until 1919. He has since been located at North East, where he has a well established practice with offices in the First National Bank Building.
In 1900 Dr. Beal was united in marriage with Miss Eva J. Findley, born at Findley Lake, N. Y., March 23, 1879, the daughter of James D. and Sarah J. (Hazlett) Findley, the former a native of Findley Lake, and the latter of Ireland. Mr. Findley was a Civil War veteran and a direct descendent of Alexander Findley, a surgeon in the Revolutionary War. Alexander Findley settled in New York state and built a large dam which was later named Findley Lake. He also established large flour and saw mills there. To Dr. and Mrs. Beal two daughters were born: Winifred J., born in St. Louis, March 22, 1906, a student at Allegheny College; and Ina Mae, born at Jamestown, N. Y., March 25, 1919.
Dr. Beal is identified with the Lake Erie Dental Association, the Erie County Dental Association, and the Eighth District Society of New York, the Dental Society of the State of New York and the American Dental Association. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Masonic lodge. His wife is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Colonists, Order of Eastern Star, and Rebecca lodge. Dr. Beal has a wide acquaintance in Western Pennsylvania and is a progressive man and very popular in his profession as shown by his recent election to the secretaryship of the Lake Erie Dental Association.
Fred Grimshaw is one of the leading citizens of North East where he is identified with the Electric Materials Company. He was born here July 6, 1871, and is the son of Benjamin and Sarah Ann (Pullen) Grimshaw.
Benjamin Grimshaw was born at Leeds, England, in 1832, and his wife was born there in 1833. They were married in England in 1853 and came to this country six years later. They established their home at Harbor Creek, Pa., where he was employed by the Cass Woolen Mills, which are now extinct. In 1861 they removed to North East where he founded the Cass & Grimshaw Woolen Mills. Mr. Grimshaw became a prominent citi- zen of this section and died in 1877. His wife died in 1898 and they are buried in the North East Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Grimshaw two chil-
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dren were born: Jane, born at Leeds, Eng., married William Grimshaw, and they live retired at North East; and Fred, the subject of this sketch.
After attending the district schools, Fred Grimshaw engaged in farm- ing for four years and in 1890 became associated with the Eureka Tem- pered Copper Company of North East, with whom he remained until 1915. In that year he was one of the organizers of the Electric Materials Company of which he is superintendent of foundries.
Mr. Grimshaw was married to Miss Nellie Grace, who was born at North East, May 24, 1873, a daughter of Michael and Helen (Lynch) Grace, natives of North East, and both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Grimshaw have no children.
Mr. Grimshaw is a Republican and has served as a member of the city council continuously since January, 1913. He is a member of the Episco- pal church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Arold Albert Freeman stands as a splendid representative of the legal profession in Erie County and is among the most prominent citizens of Erie. He was born on the old Freeman farm in Crawford County, Pa., July 4, 1850, and is the son of Arold and Mary (Davis) Freeman.
Arold Freeman was born near Metuchen, N. J., July 26, 1807, and was a son of Arold Freeman, who was born in the same neighborhood in 1770. His father, Thomas Freeman, was born in New Jersey in 1748, and was the son of Henry Freeman, Jr., born in Woodbridge, N. J., in 1717. The last named was of the first generation of American born members of the family. His father, Henry Freeman, Sr., was born in England in 1670 and emigrated to America in 1683, landing at Philadelphia.
Arold Freeman, father of the subject of this sketch, followed the occupation of farming throughout his entire life and died in Crawford County, Sept. 11, 1888. His wife was born in that county in September, 1810, and was a daughter of Isaac Davis, of Welsh descent and a pioneer of Crawford County. She died Jan. 10, 1877, after having reared a family of seven children.
Arold Freeman, whose name introduces this review, remained on the old home farm of the Freeman family in Crawford County until he at- tained the age of 19 years. Leaving the district schools, he entered the state normal school at Edinboro, and was there graduated with the class of 1872. He afterward engaged in teaching school for a few terms in order to obtain money with which to complete his education and after
lemon
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acquiring his literary course he entered the medical department of the Buffalo University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1876, winning his M. D. degree. The same year he located in Erie, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for five years until his health became impaired and he was forced to put aside the duties of his chosen calling. About that time he was elected to the office of alderman and while filling that position he also read law familiarizing himself with the lead- ing textbooks and commentaries during his five years' aldermanic term. In 1886 he was admitted to the bar and at once entered upon the practice of law, in which he has continued successfully to the present time. His ablity at the bar is evidenced by the large clientage accorded him.
While his professional duties make heavy demand upon his time, Mr. Freeman has also been recognized as an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party and in 1888 was made its candidate for assemblyman, being defeated by only 72 votes. The same year he was elected a mem- ber of the Erie School Board and served for three years, while for one year he was president of the board. During that period he agitated the subject of building a free school library, earnestly advocating this work and is conceded to be the originator and chief promoter of the project, a report of the secretary of the board giving him credit in this way.
Concerning the beginning of the Public School Library in Erie the fol- lowing is taken from the report of Prof. H. C. Missimer for the years of 1897-99. "The final realization of a public library is the work of the Board of Education of the City of Erie. The library idea was first pre- sented to the board by its text book and rules committee, of which A. A. Freeman was a member. In July, 1890, it recommended that $100 for the purchase of books of reference as the foundation of a school library and that all fines collected by city aldermen coming to the school board be used for library purposes. This motion was also made by Mr. Freeman as a member of this committee. In his inaugural address as president of the board in June, 1891, Mr. Freeman still further developed his ideas of a library, and in a letter to the Evening Herald of May 31, 1894, he advocated the establishment of a free non-sectarian public library under the supervision of the board of education. He pointed out the provisions of the law by which a library might be established and he argued that the board of education should therefore establish and maintain such a library. The honor of originating such a library for our city, under the control of the board of education clearly belongs to A. A. Freeman." This
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is perhaps quoting enough of this report, enough to say that a law was drawn by Mr. Freeman and submitted to a committee by the board, of which Benjamin Whitman, H. C. Missimer, and A. A. Freeman were invited members, in February, 1894, and adopted. Largely through the efforts of Gen. D. B. McCreary, member of the senate, and Col. E. P. Gould, member of the house, the bill became a law June 28, 1895. The library grounds were bought and building provided for during the years 1896 and 1897. Such in brief is the history of the origin of the public school library of Erie."
Mr. Freeman has at all times been interested in matters of general improvement, reform and advancement, and wherever the opportunity has presented for a good work or for assistance in any worthy movement he has not been found wanting. He was one of the incorporators of St. Vincent's Hospital, drafted the plans for its organization and for many years its attorney. He is also attorney for the Sisters of St. Joseph, representing them in legal interests since his admission to the bar.
The following is from a speech delivered by Mr. Freeman on the occa- sion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of St. Vincent's Hospital: "I am very glad to meet with the members of the Corporation at the beginning of the 50th year of the establishment of the St. Vincent's Hos- pital. The first building was erected in the year of 1875 on the south side of 24th, about midway between Sassafras Street and Myrtle Street. The building was in size 60x90 feet and cost about $7,000. The hospital was placed in charge of seven Sisters of St. Joseph, under the super- vision of Mother Agnes, assisted by Sister Ambrosia, who afterward be- came the Mother Superior of the order, and Sisters Clotilda, Anastatia, Jerome, Agatha and Mary. These seven sisters devoted their whole time to the hospital. There was no mention of the hospital in the city directory of 1875, but in the issue of 1876 we find this note: 'St. Vincent's Hospital -In charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Open to all nationalities and creeds. Dr. J. L. Stewart, Physician.' This announcement continued to 1889, Doctor Stewart being mentioned in each directory down to 1889 and he continued in charge until his death in 1890. I was called many times to assist Doctor Stewart from 1876 until 1881 and I have no recol- lection of meeting any other physician at the hospital during that time. After the death of Doctor Stewart, Dr. C. W. Stranahan was at the head of the physicians in charge, assisted by other members of the profession. A few years prior to the establishment of the hospital, Mother Agnes
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Spencer came to Erie and organized a small band of women pledged to Chastity and Poverty into the Order of the Sisters of St. Joseph, objects of this organization being 'the relief and support of the sick, destitute and disabled persons, the maintenance of orphans, the care and education of youth and other works of charity.' For many years St. Vincent's was the only hospital in the City of Erie. Sole credit must be given to this small band of women, who without money, maintained and developed this hospital by their work and prayers, aided by such voluntary contributions as they might receive from the community. In order that they might be better able to carry on their work in the City of Erie a charter was granted by the Erie County Court, May 2, 1882, to the Sisters of St. Joseph by the corporate name of "Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania." But the time came when this institution could no longer be supported by voluntary contributions and the work of the devoted Sis- ters and the medical profession. On Dec. 14, 1894, a charter was granted to the St. Vincent's Hospital Association, to establish and maintain in the City of Erie a hospital in which medical and surgical attention and nursing may be given to all who may need and desire it without regard or distinction of race, color or religion, and under that charter St. Vin- cent's Hospital has been conducted and maintained, and the history of which can be better given by those who have been in closer touch than I have. But never let it be forgotten that this work and success was made possible by that little band of devoted women, led by Mother Agnes, followed by Mother Ambrosia Powers and turned over to this association. At the time Mother Ambrosia Powers was appointed superintendent of the hospital a medical staff was appointed consisting of Dr. C. W. Strana- han, chief of staff, assistants, Dr. Wallace Hunter and Dr. H. H. For- ringer, specialist, Dr. J. H. Delaney. You will pardon me if I add here that owing to the well known principle universally adhered to in the medical profession, that no patient that came to this hospital ever lacked for the best of professional care and treatment, regardless of their abil- ity to pay."
Mr. Freeman was married to Miss Josephine Finn, who was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., but was reared in Erie County, a daughter of Nehemiah L. and Lucina (Weaver) Finn. She is a descendant in the fourth generation of William Finn, who came as a stowaway from Ire- land and when the vessel reached Castle Garden was sold for his pas- sage to a Doctor Carpenter, of Long Island. He afterward married the
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doctor's daughter, Helen. Their son, Anthony Finn, removed to Orange County, N. Y., while Nehemiah Finn, the grandfather of Mrs. Freeman, located in Greenfield Township, Erie County, and was one of the first to make and ship butter from this town to New York City, shipping by lake to Buffalo and thence to the Erie Canal to the Hudson and on to the metropolis. His son, Nehemiah Finn, Jr., became a well known and repre- sentative farmer of North East Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Freeman were born the following children: Arold R., born March 3, 1878, mar- ried Alice Blickinderfer, of Lancaster, Pa., and they have a daughter, Elinor Jane, born Oct. 2, 1907; and William Arold, born March 31, 1915, in the Isle of Pines; Robert T., born Jan. 19, 1881, has two children, Al- bert S., born Aug. 5, 1916, and Robert L., born July 14, 1918; Hortense, born Dec. 20, 1883; and Gladys, born July 19, 1889, married C. Harrison Lund, a sketch of whom appears in this history. Mrs. Freeman died March 2, 1921.
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