USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 35
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On April 28, 1915, Mr. Bowman was married to Miss Gladys Tarr, of Crawford County, Pa., and the daughter of John and Maude (O'Dell) Tarr,
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residents of Crawford County. They have a son, John Joseph, born May 23, 1924.
Politically Mr. Bowman is a Republican, and he is identified with the Masonic Lodge. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have a wide acquaintance in Erie County and are highly esteemed.
Samuel G. Williams, the well known and capable postmaster of Girard, was born in Warren County, Pa., Feb. 5, 1861.
Mr. Williams received his education in the public schools of his native county and at an early age engaged in the mercantile business there. A number of years ago he removed to Erie County and settled at Girard, where he continued as a merchant until 1918, when he retired from active business. He was appointed postmaster of Girard in April, 1923, during President Harding's administration.
Samuel G. Williams was married to Miss Rosa Green, a native of For- est County, Pa., and the daughter of James and Mary (Brown) Green, natives of Pennsylvania, and both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Wil- liams four children were born: James Lawrence, a jeweler, Girard; Ray- mond, lives in New Jersey ; Rose, married Everett S. Waidle, lives in Cleve- land; and Frances, lives at home, was a nurse during the World War and in service.
In politics Mr. Williams is identified with the Republican party and he is a member of the Methodist Church. He is an industrious and capable man, and has the esteem of his fellow citizens throughout the county. He served as postmaster in Venango County, Pa., 14 years.
Carl M. Drury, well known as the efficient assistant cashier of the National Bank of Girard, is a native of Erie County. He was born in Girard Township, July 13, 1883, and is the son of Elijah L. and Kittie A. (Wood) Drury.
Elijah L. Drury, who lives retired at Girard, is a highly esteemed citizen of his community. He was born in this township and during his active career engaged in general farming. His wife is also a native of Erie County. Mr. Drury is a Republican and has held many township offices. He holds membership in the Universalist church. To Mr. and Mrs. Drury three children were born. Carl M., the subject of this sketch ; Mary A., a teacher, lives at home; and Helen, was graduated from the State Normal School in 1925.
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After attending the public and high schools of Girard, Carl M. Drury entered Edinboro State Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1902. He then taught school for one year, after which he became as- sociated with the Packard Automobile Company. The next year he came to Girard as secretary to W. C. Culbertson. In 1904 Mr. Drury became connected with the National Bank of Girard as assistant cashier, in which capacity he has since served. He is also treasurer of the Girard Develop- ment Company.
On June 26, 1907, Mr. Drury was married to Miss Grace L. McCluer, of Meadville, Pa., and the daughter of George E. and Anna B. (Scowden) McCluer, residents of Pittsburgh and the parents of two daughters: Mrs. Drury; and Kathryn, the widow of Stanley Coleman, lives in Pittsburgh. To Mr. and Mrs. Drury have been born two children: C. McCluer, born May 5, 1914; and Kathryn A., born Feb. 3, 1916.
Mr. Drury is a stanch Republican and has served as president of the city council for a number of years and is treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce. He is affiliated with the Masonic lodge and has always taken an active interest in all community affairs.
The National Bank of Girard was organized Aug. 22, 1904, with the following officers: H. G. Harvey, president; J. C. Murphy, first vice presi- dent; Oliver M. Sloan, cashier; and Carl M. Drury, assistant cashier. The directors were: H. G. Harvey, J. C. Murphy, J. L. Rawson, John F. Knowles, S. G. Williams, C. Ziesenheim, James R. Andrews, James N. Dunbar, and F. L. Andrews. The present officers are: W. F. Andrews, president; J. C. Murphy, vice president; Oliver M. Sloan, cashier; and Carl M. Drury, assistant cashier.
Guenther G. Von der Groben, who now lives retired at Girard, was for many years connected with Central High School at Erie as professor of modern languages. He was born at Koenigsberg, East Prussia, Nov. 18, 1854, the son of Gustave and Therese (Von Wegnern) Von der Groben.
Gustave Von der Groben served in the German army for years as a major. He was born at Ludwigsdorf, Prussia, in 1800, and died in 1880. His wife died in 1860. There were two children: Guenther G., the sub- ject of this sketch; and Elimar, a major in the German army who died in 1900.
Guenther G. Von der Groben received his education in the schools of his native land and in 1889 went to St. John, N. B., and later to Halifax,
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N. S. In 1895 he came to this country and located in Erie where he was connected with Central High School as a professor of French and German until the time of his retirement in 1921. He has since lived retired in Girard. Mr. Von der Groben owns 250 acres of forest land near Kane, Pa., as well as city property in Girard, Wesleyville and Erie.
On July 15, 1896, Mr. Von der Groben was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Caroline Oellers, a native of Mainz, Germany. Mrs. Von der Groben died Jan. 23, 1923, and is buried in the Girard Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Von der Groben a son was born, Guenther Jr., born May 6, 1897. He is connected with the Carnegie Steel Company at Youngstown, Ohio. He was married to Miss Anna May Henry, a native of Waterford, Pa., and they have a son, Donald Henry, born Jan. 1, 1925.
Mr. Von der Groben is a Republican and a member of the Lutheran church. He is highly esteemed and widely known.
Dr. Carl Blaine Lininger, who ranks among the capable physicians and surgeons of Erie, is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Beaver Center, Pa., Jan. 8, 1884, and is the son of Evi and Dora (Mowery) Lininger.
Evi Lininger was born at Greenville, Pa., Dec. 11, 1853, and has fol- lowed general farming during his entire life. His wife is also a native of that place, born July 31, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Lininger were the parents of five children, as follows: Bessie Maloney, lives at Hollywood, Cal .; Edna McGuire, lives in California; Dr. Carl Blaine, the subject of this sketch; Ward J., lives in Missouri; and Ethel Nichols, lives at Spring- boro, Pa.
Dr. Carl Blaine Lininger attended the public and high schools of Beaver Center, Pa., and after his graduation in 1901 he entered Edinboro College, where he remained two years. He received his degree of Doctor of Medicine at the Cleveland Homeopathic College in 1911, and was located in the Rochester (N. Y.) Homeopathic Hospital the following year. In October, 1912, Doctor Lininger began the practice of his profes- sion in Erie, where he has since been located with the exception of the period of the World War. He was commissioned a first lieutenant in the medical corps and stationed at Fort Oglethorpe for six weeks, after which he was transferred to Camp Meade for one year. He went overseas with the Seventy-ninth Division and was in active service at the front until the close of the war, and later was with the Army of Occupation. Doctor
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Lininger was honorably discharged June 10, 1919, and returned to Erie, where he has an excellent practice. He is located at 517 East Avenue.
On Oct. 28, 1914, Doctor Lininger was united in marriage with Miss Florence Fries, of Erie, and the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Luke) Fries. Mrs. Lininger was born Oct. 15, 1893, and died Dec. 15, 1918, leaving a daughter, Florence Lininger, who was born Dec. 8, 1918.
Doctor Lininger is identified with the American Institute of Home- opathy and the Pennsylvania State Homeopathic Medical Society. He is a member of the University Club and belongs to the Knights of Pythias and Elks Lodge. He is one of Erie's representative citizens and is a progressive man in his profession.
Clifton R. Kirkland is among the leading and dependable business men of Girard. He is a native of Girard Township, Erie County, born Nov. 17, 1874, and the son of Carlton C. and Sophia (Graves) Kirkland.
Carlton C. Kirkland and his wife were natives of Girard Township and spent their entire lives in this vicinity. He was an extensive grain farmer and owned 55 acres of well improved land. Mr. Kirkland served during the Civil War with Company H, 99th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He died Dec. 24, 1909, and his wife died in 1913. They had four children : Nellie, married Frank Switzer, both deceased; Lou M., the widow of Myron Silverthorn, lives at Aiken, S. C .; Clifton R., the subject of this sketch; and W. Reid, lives at Aiken, S. C.
Clifton R. Kirkland was educated in the schools of Girard Township and when a young man engaged in the lumber business for six years. He was later connected with the Westinghouse Electric Company at Alle- gheny, Pa., and in 1907 removed to Girard where he established his pres- ent business. Mr. Kirkland handles a complete line of builders supplies, lumber, and coal, and has an extensive business throughout Erie County. J. D. Murphy of Erie is Mr. Kirkland's business partner.
On April 14, 1897, Mr. Kirkland was united in marriage with Miss Mattie O. Sawdey, a native of West Mill Creek, born Oct. 8, 1875, and the daughter of Garrison and Mary (Spicer) Sawdey, natives of Erie County and both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland have two children: Flor- ence S., a graduate nurse connected with Hamot Hospital, Erie; and Carl- ton G., who was graduated from Girard High School in 1925.
Mr. Kirkland is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Republican.
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Christopher H. Rilling, who lives retired at Girard, is a prominent citizen of Erie County and for many years was identified with the agri- cultural interests of Pennsylvania. He was born in Mill Creek Township, Erie County, April 3, 1851, and is the son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Ackerman) Rilling.
Both Christopher Rilling and his wife were natives of Germany. He was born Feb. 7, 1820. In 1834 when his son was 14 years of age, Stephen Rilling, grandfather of C. H., emigrated with his family to the United States, coming direct to Erie County and locating on a farm just south of Erie. Stephen Rilling was a millwright by trade and erected many of the old mills of Erie County. He died in 1866 and his wife died a number of years before him. Christopher Rilling became a leading citizen of Mill Creek Township and farmed 200 acres of land. He died July 11, 1909, and his wife died July 18th of the same year. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, deceased; Mary, deceased; C. H., the subject of this sketch; Susan, the widow of Fred Porsch, lives in Erie; John S., a prominent attorney of Erie; Charles, engaged in the insurance business in Chicago; William, deceased; Frank, deceased; Clara, married Percy Meyers, lives in Erie; Lillian, lives in Erie; Emil, lives in Erie; Alice, deceased; and Harriet, deceased.
C. H. Rilling received his education in the schools of Mill Creek Town- ship, and remained on the home farm for six years, after which he pur- chased 112 acres of land in Girard Township. He became an extensive grain farmer and remained on the same place in Girard Township until 1908, when he removed to his fine home in Girard, where he has since lived.
On March 25, 1875, Mr. Rilling was united in marriage with Miss Cassie Wolf, of Mill Creek Township, born Sept. 19, 1852, and the daugh- ter of Elam and Leah (Heidler) Wolf. Mr. Wolf was born in Erie County, July 24, 1830, and died Feb. 24, 1868. His wife was born March 23, 1834, and died Aug. 6, 1880. They were both natives of Erie County and the parents of the following children: Mrs. Rilling; Matilda, married George Wagner, both deceased; Jacob, a farmer, Fairview Township, Erie County ; Ida, married Lee Milner, lives retired in Erie; Eva Anna, married George Stark, lives in Erie; Etta, deceased; Levi, lives on the old home place; Frank E., lives at Union City, Pa .; and Elmo, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Rilling five children were born: Harriet Elizabeth, lives at home; Harvey, a farmer, lives on his father's farm; Irvin, at home;
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Mae Esther, married Grover C. Beckman, lives in Erie; and Gale Chester, lives at Elk Park, Pa. He served throughout the World War and spent more than a year at the front in France.
Mr. Rilling has been a life long Democrat. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and has a wide acquaintance in Erie County.
Harry Foye, secretary of the Lake Erie Foundry Company, is a promi- nent business man of Girard. He was born at Renovo, Pa., Oct. 30, 1874, and is the son of Charles and Zorah (Boyle) Foye.
Charles Foye, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was a na- tive of Philadelphia and at an early date removed to Renovo, Clinton County, where he worked at his trade as a carpenter. Later he went to Nebraska where he engaged in general farming until his death in March, 1922. He was buried at Girard and his wife resides in Cleveland with her daughter. Mr. Foye enlisted for service during the Civil War in Philadelphia and served with the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. After his term of three years expired he reenlisted and served until the close of the war. Mr. Foye enlisted as a drummer boy but soon traded his drum for a musket. A piece of the regimental flag which was saved at the battle of Cedar Creek is now in his son's possession. Mr. Foye was a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian church and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. There were five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Foye as follows: Edward, a fruit farmer, lives at North East, Pa .; George, lives in Erie; Harry, the subject of this sketch; Mary, died in infancy; and Cora, married Allen Blee, who is connected with the Amer- ican Shipbuilding Company, Cleveland.
Harry Foye spent his boyhood at Renovo and after completing his early education attended a business college in Erie. He came to Girard in 1900 and in 1904 became associated with the Lake Erie Foundry Com- pany as a shipping clerk. He has served as secretary since the reorganiza- tion of the company in 1920.
The Lake Erie Foundry Company is among the leading industries of Girard. Its officers are: John A. Zurn, Erie, president; John Schneider, Erie, vice president; William C. Schaffer, Girard, treasurer and manager; Harry Foye, secretary; and William Kohler, Girard, superintendent.
On Sept. 20, 1897, Mr. Foye was married to Miss Mary Vesber, a native of Erie, born Sept. 9, 1879, and the daughter of Charles and Fran- ces Vesber. Mr. Vesber is deceased and his widow resides in Erie. Mr.
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and Mrs. Foye have two sons: Ralph, born July 3, 1898, engaged in the automobile business at Toledo, Ohio, is a veteran of the World War; and Frank, born Jan. 11, 1909, a student.
Mr. Foye is a Republican and has served as the secretary of the borough of Girard for 18 years. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and during the World War was identified with the local draft board. He is a highly respected citizen and the Foye family is repre- sentative of the best citizenship of Erie County.
James M. Morrison, who lives retired at Girard, is among the promi- nent and highly esteemed citizens of Erie County. He was born in Wash- ington Township, Erie County, April 3, 1849, and is the son of Robert and Jane (Dodds) Morrison.
Robert Morrison was born in Belfast, Ireland, and his wife was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland. He studied law and medicine in his native land and in 1835 came to this country and settled near Edinboro, Pa. Later, he became a land agent at Meadville, surveying and platting out large sections of land in that section. He died in 1850 and his wife died in 1891. They were the parents of the following children: James, Mary, Ann, Margaret, Jane, John, all deceased; Walter, lives retired at Edin- boro, Pa .; and James M., the subject of this sketch.
James M. Morrison was educated in the public schools of Edinboro and attended Edinboro State Normal School, from which he was gradu- ated in 1876. He began life working as a farm hand and received five dollars per month for his services. Later he engaged in teaching and for 42 years was a widely known educator of Pennsylvania. Mr. Morri- son was a member of the faculty of Edinboro State Normal School for 17 years, was principal of the Girard schools for five years, and for six years served as superintendent of Erie County schools. Since his retirement, Mr. Morrison has made his home in Girard.
On June 24, 1884, Mr. Morrison was married to Miss Ada Thomp- son, born at Girard, March 9, 1858, and the daughter of J. C. and Caro- line Thompson, natives of New Hampshire. Mr. Thompson died Jan. 5, 1900, and his wife died in 1891. They had seven children: Mary, the widow of M. N. Cutter, lives at Girard; Henry A., lives retired at Omaha, Neb .; Ella, deceased; A. J., lives at Bancroft, Neb .; Mrs. Morrison; and Chandler, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were born two sons: Guy C., born in 1887, a manufacturer, lives at North Girard; and J.
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Marcus, born in 1898, engaged in the insurance business, North Girard. There are two grandchildren: Esther Jean, born in 1918; and James Marcus, born in 1921.
Mr. Morrison is identified with the Republican party in politics, is a member of the Presbyterian church, and belongs to the Masonic lodge. He is a citizen of material worth to his community.
Allen C. Van Camp, retired, is among the prominent pioneer citizens of Girard, where he has spent his entire life. He was born Jan. 16, 1852, and is the son of Mortimer and Harriet (Anderson) Van Camp.
The Van Camp family settled in Erie County at an early date, having come here from New York. Mortimer Van Camp owned and operated a saw mill at Girard for a number of years and died in 1854. His wife died in 1869. Allen C., the subject of this sketch, was their only child.
After completing his schooling in the district schools, Allen C. Van Camp learned the harness making trade. He conducted a shop in Girard for 36 years and was a reliable and successful business man.
On June 11, 1880, Mr. Van Camp was married to Miss Stella Cooper, of Girard, Pa., born June 9, 1858, and the daughter of William J. and Mary A. (White) Cooper, natives of New York and both now deceased. Mr. Cooper served during the Civil War and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He died in 1911 and his wife died Nov. 23, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Van Camp had no children.
Mr. Van Camp is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church.
Eben J. Gunnison is a successful young business man of Erie County and is identified with Gunnison Bros. Inc., of Girard. He was born in Erie, Jan. 21, 1890, and is the son of Rolla and Anne (Sisson) Gunnison.
The Gunnison family ranks among the prominent pioneer families of this section of Pennsylvania. Rolla Gunnison, a native of Erie, became interested in the tannery at Girard many years ago, which was owned by Judge U. P. Rossiter's father and later by George Plumber. He was successful in his business venture and became one of the prosperous busi- ness men of Girard. He died July 24, 1916, and is buried in the Erie
. Cemetery. His widow, a native of Erie County, resides at Girard. There were three sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Gunnison: Boyd, Eben J., and Gor-
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don, all of whom are associated together in business at Girard. Gordon Gunnison is a veteran of the World War. He served as a member of the transport service and made many trips to France during the war period.
Eben J. Gunnison was educated in the public schools of Erie and at- tended Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1910 he became associated in business with his father and since the latter's death the sons have been sole owners of the business, which is among the leading tanneries of Pennsylvania.
On Oct. 10, 1914, Mr. Gunnison was united in marriage with Miss Julia VanDeusen, a native of New York, and a daughter of J. E. and Ella (Hooker) Van Deusen, residents of Gowanda, N. Y., and the parents of the following children: Harry and George, who live in Buffalo, N. Y .; Ward, lives in Los Angeles, Cal .; Mrs. Gunnison; and Doris, who lives at home. To Mr. and Mrs. Gunnison have been born two children: Doris Betsy, born Nov. 9, 1915; and Rolla Harry, born March 4, 1918.
Mr. Gunnison is a Republican and has held several public offices. He is a member of the Universalist church and belongs to the Masonic lodge. The Gunnison family stands high in the community and have many friends and acquaintances.
James Lawrence Williams is a veteran of the World War and one of Girard's enterprising and successful business men. He was born at East Hickory, Pa., Aug. 4, 1884, and is the son of Samuel G. and Rose (Green) Williams.
Samuel G. Williams, well known postmaster of Girard, was born in Warren County, Pa., Feb. 5, 1861, and is a son of Otis Williams. He was appointed postmaster at Girard in April, 1923. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams four children were born: James Lawrence, the subject of this sketch; Raymond, lives in New Jersey ; Rose, married Everett S. Widlar, lives in Cleveland; and Frances, living at home, was a nurse during the World War.
James Lawrence Williams attended the public schools of Girard. In April, 1924, he established his present jewelry business here, after be- ing in the employ of several business firms.
In September, 1918, Mr. Williams became connected with the Y. M. C. A. and served throughout the World War in that branch of the service. He was sent to Springfield, Mass., and later to New York City and Wash- ington, D. C. He served at Camp Humphries, Va., and Washington Bar-
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racks, Washington, D. C. He was instructor of auto mechanics for two years with the Veterans' Bureau. He was connected with the Walter Reed Hospital. He was discharged Jan. 1, 1920.
On Aug. 7, 1920, Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Miss Freida C. Eggers, who was born at Chippewa Falls, Pa., in 1894, and the daughter of Herman and Sophia (Schmidt) Eggers, natives of Germany and residents of Wisconsin.
Mr. Williams is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belongs to the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has many friends and acquaintances in Erie County and is well liked.
James Miller Smith, superintendent of the Northwestern Electric Ser- vice Company, is among the substantial and well known citizens of Girard. He was born here, Jan. 15, 1883, and is the son of Eugene and Caroline (Miller) Smith.
Eugene Smith, deceased, settled in Erie County in 1840 and engaged in farming in Girard Township. Later, he was interested in the coal business in Girard. He was a Republican and a member of the Presby- terian church. He died in 1919. Mr. Smith was married first to Jessie Coughey, a native of Fairview Township, Erie County, who died in 1874. To them the following children were born: Margaret, the widow of C. B. Willis, a farmer, and she lives in Girard; Mary, the widow of Thomas Morehead, lives in Cleveland; George C., lives in Girard; and Frank, de- ceased. Later, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Caroline Miller, and to them four children were born: Maude, lives in Girard; James Miller, the subject of this sketch; B. H., deceased; and Marie, married William Yeager, who is connected with the Dispatch Printing & Engraving Com- pany, Erie.
James Miller Smith was reared and educated in Girard and after at- tending the schools here took a business course in the Erie Business Col- lege. He was employed by the Cleveland & Erie Railroad Company for sixteen years and since 1920 has been connected with the Northwestern Electric Service Company as local superintendent.
On Sept. 3, 1908, Mr. Smith was married to Miss May Haddock, a native of Pittsburgh, born March 17, 1889, and a daughter of Theophilus and Alice (Greenhouse) Haddock, natives of England, and early settlers of Girard. Mr. Haddock died in 1910 and his widow resides in Cleveland.
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They had five children: Mrs. Smith ; Gertrude, married A. W. Miller, lives in Cleveland; Irene, married B. L. Peterson, lives in Cleveland; John, and Theophilus, both residents of Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a son, Robert, born Oct. 7, 1914.
Mr. Smith is a Republican, a member of the Universalist church and belongs to the Masonic lodge.
Henry M. Riblet, deceased, was a prominent and highly esteemed citizen of Erie. He was born in this city, at the corner of 11th and Holland streets, Nov. 6, 1845, and was the son of Jonathan and Sophia (Fluke) Riblet. He was the grandson of Michael and Elizabeth (Eber- sole) Riblet and John and Elizabeth (Fluke) Fluke.
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