USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 25
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Ralph B. McCord spent his boyhood on his father's farm and is a graduate of North East High School and of Cornell University, class of 1913. From that time until he entered the army, he engaged in the practice of his profession as a veterinary surgeon at North East.
On July 12, 1917, Mr. McCord was commissioned a second lieutenant and was stationed at Front Royal, Virginia. He served in a number of camps on this side and on May 14, 1918, he was ordered overseas from Camp Mills and was attached to the Fourth Division regular army. Short- ly before being ordered overseas, Mr. McCord was married to Mary Eliza- beth Lyons of Corry, Pa., who is the daughter of Cornelius W. and Eva
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(Williams) Lyons, residents of Corry. Mr. and Mrs. McCord have no children. Mr. McCord participated in all the major engagements over- seas and was commissioned a captain while in France. He served for several months with the Army of Occupation in Germany.
Politically, Mr. McCord is a Republican. He is a member of the Pres- byterian Church and belongs to the Masonic lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Erie lodge B. P. O. E. He has been very active among the ex-service men in this section and is past commander of Lake Shore Post 105, American Legion and last year served as commander of Erie County Post 40/8, which is affiliated with the Legion.
On Sept. 15, 1924, Mr. McCord was appointed postmaster and is now serving in that capacity.
William G. Biebel, of Kearsage, is a successful and well known mer- chant of Erie County. He was born here in Mill Creek Township, July 31, 1875, and is the son of George and Mary (Schuwerk) Biebel.
George Biebel, deceased, was a native of Mill Creek Township, born Jan. 1, 1846, and the son of Daniel and Charlotte (Gintz) Biebel. Daniel Biebel was born in 1817 and in August, 1836, came to this country and settled in Erie. He died at Kearsage in 1909. George Biebel engaged in the mercantile business at Kearsage in 1872 and died in 1900. His wife, a native of Mckean, Pa., was born in 1851 and died in 1913. The fol- lowing children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Biebel: A. J., lives in Mill Creek Township, was for a number of years connected with the National Cash Register Company as a salesman; Edward D., deceased, was a mem- ber of the firm of Biebel Brothers, Kearsage, married in 1903 to Rose McDowell, of Crawford County, and they have four children: Mary C., married Raymond Sawdey, lives at Kearsage; George J., Rose E., and John J., students; W. G., the subject of this sketch; and Amelia, married H. S. Countryman, lives in Erie.
W. G. Biebel was educated in the schools of Kearsage where he has spent his entire life, with the exception of a year spent in the south. He is engaged in the general merchandise business and conducts an up- to-date general store. He is also local agent for the Chevrolet automo- bile. For many years Mr. Biebel has been widely known throughout Erie County as a successful auctioneer.
On Jan. 1, 1915, Mr. Biebel was united in marriage with Miss Thora E. Wolf, a native of Mill Creek Township, and a daughter of L. W. and
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Mary Wolf, residents of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Biebel have a daughter, Marian E.
Mr. Biebel is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church and be- longs to the Elks lodge. He has many friends throughout Erie County and the Biebel family has always stood high in the community.
Dr. M. M. Mszanowski, a prominent young physician and surgeon of Erie, was born in this city, Jan. 6, 1892, and is a son of Thomas and Eliz- abeth Mszanowski, natives of Poland. Thomas Mszanowski came to Corry, Pa., about 1885 and later returned to Europe and brought his wife back to America and settled in Erie where he spent the remainder of his life. His widow now resides in Erie.
After attending school in Erie, M. M. Mszanowski entered college at St. Mary's, Mich., from which he was graduated in the class of 1912. Four years later he received his degree as Doctor of Medicine at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. The following year was spent as an interne at St. Margaret's Hospital, Pittsburgh, after which Doctor Mszanowski established his practice in Erie. His office is located at 510 East 12th Street. He has been a member of the Hamot Hospital staff for five years.
On Sept. 28, 1921, Doctor Mszanowski was united in marriage with Miss Stephania Zywicka, and they have two children, Edwin and Irene.
Doctor Mszanowski is identified with the Erie County Medical So- ciety, the Pennsylvania State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. He is a member of the Catholic Church, a director of the Lincoln Bank and Stanley Brothers' Furniture Company of Erie, Pa. He is an enterprising young man whose success in life is already assured.
St. Mary's College, North East. The congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (C. Ss. R.), whose members are called Redemptorists, is a re- ligious order of Missionaries, founded at Scala, in the Kingdom of Naples, in 1732, by Saint Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri, Bishop of St. Agatha and Doctor of the Church. The Redemptorists came to this country in 1832, and up to the present year, 1925, have founded 60 houses in the United States, Canada and Porto Rico. For many years the congregation in America had no institution to prepare new members for the order. The means taken to supply this want gave origin to the Preparatory College,
DR. M. M. MSZANOWSKI
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now known as St. Mary's College at North East. In 1847 at Baltimore, the Redemptorists fathers sought to provide future members for the order by instructing a small class of boys, whose inclinations seemed to indicate a calling to the priesthood, and to the religious life. In 1856 this class developed into a day school for boys who felt inspired to be- come Redemptorists. In 1867 this day school was in turn formed into St. Alphonsus' Academy by the Very Rev. Provincial J. Helmpraecht. Rev. J. N. Berger was the first director of this academy.
In May, 1868, Rev. Joseph Firle succeeded Father Berger, and in the following July, Rev. Jos. Wuest was appointed Director. The latter is considered the real founder of St. Mary's Preparatory College. His energetic coadjutor was Rev. Thaddeus Anwander. They introduced a complete classical course of a regular college. For this purpose the garret of St. James' School at Baltimore was fitted up and opened on April 29, 1869, under the name of St. James College. In September, 1869, 48 pupils were present; the faculty was increased by the addition of Prof. August Messler, who taught at the college for 35 years, when death came unex- pectedly, Aug. 18, 1904. In September, 1871, there were over 80 pupils on the roll. The next step in the progress of the college was its removal to Ilchester, Md., near Baltimore, where a large stone house had become the property of the Redemptorists. A frame building was added and both became known as St. Clement's College. In 1873 Father Wuest was relieved of the heavy burden as director of the college and was succeeded by Rev. Father Stuhl. The latter served to July, 1875, his successor being Rev. George J. Dusold. Rev. Joseph M. Schwartz became director in December, 1877, and during his term the college was removed to North East in 1881.
During the sixties there had been established at North East under the auspices of the Methodist Church, a seminary for the education of young people. The site chosen was on a part of the property of an old North East family named Hall, and lay on the northern limits of the borough. The building was begun in 1867, and the corner stone was laid in October, 1868. The erection of the institution cost $70,000.00, a sum too large for the Methodists to carry. The Presbyterians, therefore, joined them in the undertaking and for some years prosperity seemed to attend the institution. The Lake Shore Seminary was chartered as "a literary institution of high grade at which males and females may pursue and complete a course of study embracing English branches, (61)
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ancient and modern languages, mathematics, metaphysics, music, draw- ing, painting and the science and art of teaching." The Presbyterians soon became dissatisfied with the joint management and withdrew, after which the Seminary was so harassed by debt that it finally closed. The trustees at one time tried to get the United States government to take over the property and use it for an Indian school. Finally, the ground and buildings were sold, in satisfaction of the debts, to the North East Savings Banks. Meanwhile, the Preparatory College at Ilchester had reached the point where it demanded larger and better accommodations. The removal of the institution having been decided upon, a chance visit to Erie by one of the Redemptorists Missionaries, Rev. A. J. McInerney, brought the news about the desirable property at North East. The pa- pers which concluded the sale of the buildings and five acres of land to the Redemptorist Fathers were signed Jan. 31, 1881.
With the opening of the first term at North East in August, 1881, the Preparatory College entered upon a new period of existence. This new period was inaugurated on Aug. 2nd by the solemn dedication of the building, the Lake Shore Seminary, henceforth to be known as St. Mary's College. The Preparatory College was no longer an idea, an experiment; it was an institution that had been taken up into the life and activity of the congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, of which it was now recognized as a necessary part. The nature and ideals of the institution had been stated by Father Helmpraecht, some ten years before and the objects and principles then laid down had been faithfully pursued. "The institute is to be of such a nature as to impart both moral and scientific training. The moral training is to imbue the schol- ars thoroughly with the spirit of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. The scientific training shall embrace the usual classical course and must be formally completed before a student can enter the novitiate. The first and most essential requirements for admission of students to the college are: that they have a sincere desire to become Redemptorists and that they give promise of future usefulness. The pupils shall be made to understand that all their learning, however necessary is little better than useless, if it goes not hand in hand with virtue."
The old seminary building was a two story brick structure, 168 feet long by 60 feet wide, with mansard roof and twin towers. The edifice presents practically the same external appearance that it did in 1881.
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In the interior, however, the changes have been so extensive that scarcely a vestige of the old building remains. The surrounding grounds have also been greatly changed and extended. The original property of the College was increased in 1887, by the purchase of the Hall property some 12 acres, on the west side of Pearl Street, formerly the campus. A little later, during the same year, the Hitchcock property, east of the College, containing 21/2 acres with a residence in the midst of a pretty grove was added to the ground. From 1887 to 1891, two lower classes of St. Mary's College formed St. Clement's College at Saratoga Springs, N. Y. When they returned to North East the accommodations became limited and in 1893 plans were made for the erection of a faculty building. The corner stone was laid Nov. 19, 1893, and in August, 1894, the new building was dedicated. In June, 1896, the Mills property, fronting on Lake and Seminary streets, was purchased. In 1900 an electric power house was erected. On June 25, 1901, the corner stone was laid for the College Chapel, a beautiful Gothic structure, built of granite with sandstone trimmings. The altars, statuary, windows, and the decorative work of the interior are products of the best artistic taste and work, and a source of constant inspiration to ecclesiastical students.
In 1884 the Superior of St. Mary's was raised to the rank of Rector and Father Schwartz, whose labors as Superior of the College, both be- fore and after its removal to North East, entitled him to highest praise, was appointed its first Rector. He continued in this office during two terms until July, 1890, when he was transferred to take charge of a similar college in the Western Province of the Redemptorist Fathers at Kirkwood, Mo. Rev. August Dooper was the second Rector at the College and was succeeded in 1898 by Rev. Caspar Ritter. In May, 1901, Rev. John G. Schneider became Rector. Rev. Francis Auth was appointed Rector in May, 1904, and it was during his term that the Silver Jubilee of St. Mary's was celebrated. Scarcely had the Silver Jubilee of 1906 been celebrated when Superiors were again confronted with the necessity of enlarging the College. Plans were proposed to increase the capacity of the institution, from 140 to 250 students. These plans were finally realized in 1912 when two spacious wings, the height of the College, were added to the rear of the central building. These additions were made possible by previous purchase in 1911 of the field, some 50 acres to the rear and north of the College. This purchase, however, did not include
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the Sam Irving property, some five acres, fronting on Lake Street, which land however finally came into the possession of St. Mary's College in 1924.
The Rev. Francis Auth was succeeded to the Rectorship by Rev. Henry Jung in 1912, the Rev. Richard Donohoe being appointed Director of the College. In 1915 Rev. Donohoe was vested with the double office of Rector and Director. In the spring of 1918 the Rectorship and Director- ship devolved upon the Rev. John Beierschmidt, during whose triennium plans were matured for the erection of a spacious, commodious, up-to- date infirmary. It was, however, left to his successors to bring the project to completion. In the summer of 1922 Rev. Lawrence Jung was appointed Rector and Director, but owing to ill health resigned, and was succeeded in October, 1922, by the Rev. Louis Smith under whose first term of three years the infirmary, a structure of gray granite, was erected to the rear of the Chapel. It was also during this term that, Feb. 17, 1923, six Sisters of the Order of St. Elizabeth arrived from Germany, having generously offered themselves to care for the sick and to do the housework of the College. In May, 1924, Rev. Louis N. Smith was reappointed Rector and Director, and under his able guidance St. Mary's College still holds aloft on her hills the torch of learning and the Cross of Religion.
Cassius L. Alexander, mayor of Corry, is a leading citizen of Erie County. He was born in Wayne Township, Erie County, Jan. 24, 1875, and is a son of Robert Alexander. His grandfather, James Alexander, was born in Mercer County, where his parents located as pioneers.
Learning the carpenter's trade in Mercer County, James Alexander came to Erie County when a young man and after working there a few years as a carpenter settled in Wayne Township, where he was employed as a tiller of the soil until his death, while yet in manhood's vigor, in 1849. He married Clarissa Yeager, who was born in Wayne Township, Erie County, a daughter of Daniel Yeager. A native of Chenango County, N. Y., Mr. Yeager removed from there to Erie County, going with teams through the forests, part of the way following the path by means of blazed trees. Buying a tract of land in the timber he took possession of the cabin built by the former owner and at once began the herculean task of redeeming a farm from the forest. Industrious and enterprising, he succeeded well and in the course of a few years built a commodious frame
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house on the turnpike leading from Waterford to Columbus, which al- though but a small village was the nearest market for farm produce. In addition to farming, he made shaved shingles, which he sold at prices ranging from $1.121/5 to $2 per thousand. He lived on his homestead, esteemed and respected by his neighbors and friends until his death at the venerable age of 90 years. Mr. Yeager married Polly Pole, a native of Chenango County, N. Y., and she too lived to a good old age. Mrs. Clarissa (Yeager) Alexander died when 55 years of age, leaving six children as follows: Mary Jane, Robert, Daniel, Nancy, Clara and Alice.
Left fatherless when a boy, Robert Alexander began when young to assist his mother in supporting the family, and when 12 years old began working out as a farm hand, receiving at first three dollars a month wages, and continued thus employed until 25 years of age. Embarking then in business on his own account he at first rented land for farming purposes, meeting with all of the success that he had anticipated, he soon bought a tract of 50 acres of land, nearly one-half of which was under cultivation, and began its further improvement. He erected frame buildings, cleared the greater part of the land, and at the end of 15 years sold at an advance. He subsequently purchased another farm in Wayne Township, not far from his first purchase, and there resided 23 years, until 1905, when he moved to Corry. During that time he made improve- ments of an excellent character, building a brick house and a frame barn, his estate ranking as one of the best and most valuable in the county, his land being unsurpassed for richness and fertility. Robert Alexander married in 1862 Sarah M. Dutton, who was born at Otselic, Chenango County, N. Y., April 5, 1846, a daughter of John Dutton, a native of the same town. Richard Dutton, the great grandfather of Mr. Alexander, was born as far as is known, in Otselic, and was there reared and mar-
ried. Later in life he removed with his family to Chautauqua County, N. Y., traveling in true pioneer style with teams, taking all of his house- hold effects with him. One of the original settlers of Clymer, he bought a tract of heavily timbered land, and on the farm that he wrested from the wilderness, he spent his remaining years. In 1847 John Dutton, who was reared and educated in Chenango County, and there married, came to Erie County, bringing with him his wife and children and settled in Wayne Township. He bought land on which a small patch had been cleared and a log house erected, and began the arduous task of improving a farm. He began life there with a pair of oxen and one cow and but
,
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little of anything else. Ambitious and courageous he prospered in his undertakings, clearing a good farm, and in the course of a few years replaced the humble log buildings with substantial frame ones. After occupying the farm a number of years he removed to Corry where he lived retired until his death at the age of 61 years. The maiden name of the wife of John Dutton was Mary Ann Raymond. She was born at Otselic, N. Y., a daughter of Lewis and Annia (Whitford) Raymond, and died at the age of 44 years. Four of her children grew to mature life, namely: Marcia, Laurancy, Darwin, and Sarah M. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alexander reared seven children, namely: Mary A., John, Daniel J., Flor- ence, Ward, Cassius L., the subject of this sketch, and Harry. Mr. Alexander, who was born Aug. 11. 1837, died May 9, 1923, and is buried in Corry cemetery. His wife died in February, 1925.
Cassius L. Alexander was reared and educated in Corry. In the fall of 1904 he was elected to the common council of the city of Corry and took office in January, 1905. In 1906 he was elected to the council at large and in 1909 was elected mayor of Corry, serving four years and nine months. In 1914 he was elected to the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania in the General Assembly, Third District. Mr. Alexander was again elected mayor of Corry in 1917 and re-elected in 1921. Like his father, he has always been a staunch Republican.
Mr. Alexander has a daughter, Margaret, who was born in Corry, Dec. 21, 1895. On June 16, 1920, she was married to Sydney B. Elston, a native of Corry, born Dec. 24, 1888, and they have a daughter, Martha Eleanor Elston, born Jan. 7, 1923. Mr. Elston is a draftsman in the employ of the Climax Manufacturing Company at Corry.
Mr. Alexander is a 32nd degree Mason and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Elks and Eagles. He has a wide acquaint- ance and has always been regarded both socially and in his business rela- tions as a valuable citizen of Erie County.
Frank A. Shutts is a member of the firm of Shutts & Morrison, well known architects of Erie. He was born in this city, Jan. 9, 1887, and is a son of Charles A. and Barbara (Hanselman) Shutts.
Charles A. Shutts was born at Westfield, N. Y., and his wife was a native of Germany. He was an early settler of Erie and for a number of years was a foreman in the Pennsylvania car shops in this city. He died in 1894 and his wife resides in Erie. They had two children: Frank
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A., the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Blanch Thompson, lives at 2108 East Avenue, Erie.
Frank A. Shutts has spent his entire life in this city. After com- pleting his schooling he engaged in the building business to fit himself for the profession of architecture. Since 1909 he has engaged in the architectural profession. The offices of Shutts & Morrison are in the Marine Bank Building.
On June 8, 1911, Mr. Shutts was united in marriage with Miss Hazel Rettman, of Erie, and a daughter of John and May (Brower) Rettman, who live at 227 Scott Street, Erie. Mr. and Mrs. Shutts have two daugh- ters, Violet M., and Beatrice H., both students.
Mr. Shutts is a Republican and belongs to the Elks, Moose, Lions, and Eagle lodges, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard for three years. Mr. Shutts stands high in the community.
Frank Laurie, president of the National Bank of Corry, is a prom- inent citizen of Erie County. He was born in this city, March 12, 1863, and is the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Gregory) Laurie.
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Laurie, deceased, were natives of Scotland and early settlers of Corry. He was a farmer during his active career. There were three children in the Laurie family: George M., lives at Orchard Park, N. Y .; Mary, who lives with her brother in Corry; and Frank, the subject of this sketch.
Frank Laurie received his education in the schools of Corry and when a young man became interested in the hotel business. He was proprietor of the old Depot Hotel until it was destroyed by fire and later conducted the European Hotel, Corry. When the National Bank of Corry was organized Mr. Laurie was a member of the Board of Directors and later elected vice president. He has served as president since January, 1925.
In 1887 Mr. Laurie was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Work- man of Canisteo, N. Y. She died in 1923 and is buried in Pine Grove cemetery, Corry. To Mr. and Mrs. Laurie were born three children: Frank A., Jr., a graduate of Corry High School and the University of Pennsylvania, where he is now a professor of languages, was married to Miss Ebbert of Philadelphia, and they have two children, Francis and Jene; Anna, a graduate of Corry High School, Pratt Institute, Columbia University and Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Mo., now superin-
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tendent of the Nurses Association, Erie; and Raymond A., connected with the Ajax Iron Works, Corry, married Miss Merritt of Corry, and they have three children, Frank, Alton, and Mary.
Mr. Laurie is a Republican and has served as a member of the City Council at various times for 16 years. He belongs to the Elks lodge, Knights of Pythias and Rotary Club. The Laurie family is well known throughout Erie County and representative of the best citizenship of the community.
Frederick W. Sapper, president of the Bank of Wesleyville, is a substantial business man of Erie. He was born in this city, Oct 5, 1879, and is the son of John N. and Minnie (Miller) Sapper.
John N. Sapper, deceased, was for many years one of the leading business men and citizens of Erie. He was born here, Nov. 16, 1848, the son of Veit and Anna Dora (Kroph) Sapper, natives of Germany. In 1848 the Sapper family emigrated to the United States and settled in Erie. John N. Sapper was educated in Erie and when a boy learned the tinner's trade. He was employed by one firm for 25 years and in 1887 became a member of the firm of Mehl & Sapper, hardware dealers, at 1114 State Street. Mr. Sapper died in 1916 and his wife resides in Erie. They had one son, Frederick W., the subject of this sketch.
Frederick W. Sapper attended the public and high schools of Erie and his first business connection was as clerk for the R. G. Dun Company's local office. He later became interested in banking and served in various positions with the Marine National Bank of Erie, for eight and one- half years, after which he engaged in the manufacturing business. He then served as cashier of the Home National Bank, Union City, Pa., for several years, when he was appointed a traveling auditor of the Auditor General's Department of Pennsylvania, which position he now holds. In March, 1920, Mr. Sapper organized the Bank of Wesleyville, of which he is president. The other officers are: Benjamin F. Chambers, vice president; and John A. Carlson, cashier. Mr. Sapper is one of the direc- tors of the Penn Art Steel Works of Erie.
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