USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 41
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Politically, Mr. Dunn is a Republican. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Eagles Lodge and the Loyal Order of Moose. Mr. Dunn has always been an energetic and industrious man and a highly esteemed citizen.
Fred S. Skelton, a leading business man of Edinboro, who is success- fully engaged in the grocery business, was born in Venango Township, Crawford County, Pa., Feb. 21, 1867, and is the son of Isaac W. and Jane (Harned) Skelton, natives of Pennsylvania.
Fred S. Skelton attended the district schools of Venango Township and in 1885 attended the Edinboro State Normal School. He taught school for several terms in Crawford County and later followed the car- penter trade. In 1913 Mr. Skelton removed to Edinboro, where he became
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identified with the Keystone Flour Mills until 1923. He has since been in- terested in the grocery business and as a merchant has met with success The business is known as Fred S. Skelton & Son.
Mr. Skelton was married first on Dec. 30, 1878, to Miss Hattie Baker, of Edinboro, who died in 1912. To them were born seven children, as fol- lows: Rose, Sadie, Florence, Edna, Asa, mention of whom is made below, Ruby, and Floyd, mention of whom is also made below. Mr. Skelton was later married, Feb. 19, 1920, to Mrs. Flora Lick, a native of this place.
Politically, Mr. Skelton is identified with the Republican party, and he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Moose Lodge and the Grange.
Floyd Skelton was born in Venango Township, Crawford County, Pa., Dec. 9, 1900. He attended the public and high schools of Edinboro and was graduated from the latter in 1919 and from Edinboro State Normal School in 1921. Mr. Skelton always took an active part in college ath- letics and for the past several years has coached the basketball teams of Edinboro High School. He is associated in business with his father and is a popular young business man. He lives at home.
Asa Skelton is a World War veteran. He was born Nov. 2, 1894, and was educated in the public schools. In 1913 he became connected with the First National Bank of Edinboro as bookkeeper and is now serving as assistant cashier. He was married June 11, 1921, to Miss Eleanor K. Mauser, a native of New Hampshire. They have a son, Robert Seldon Skelton. Mr. Skelton enlisted for service during the World War, Feb. 11, 1918. and was sent to Camp Lee, Virginia. He sailed from Norfolk, Va., in 1918 as a member of the 80th Division and saw active service in the most important battles of the war, including St. Mihiel, Meuse Argonne, and Chaumont. He was discharged June 11, 1919, at Camp Dix, N. J.
The Skelton family are representative citizens of Erie County and have a wide acquaintance in the community in which they have spent so many years.
P. M. Skelton, authorized Ford agent at Edinboro, is among the cap- able and farsighted business men of Erie County. He was born in Craw- ford County, Pa., Sept. 7, 1879, and is the son of Chester and Nancy (Mee) Skelton. Mr. Skelton lives retired with his son in Edinboro and is 81 years of age. His wife died in 1918.
P. M. Skelton received his education in the public schools of Edinboro and after his graduation from Edinboro State Normal School in 1900 he
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taught school in Erie County for three years. He then became connected with the Erie Street Railway Company and remained with them for 14 years as superintendent of transportation. Mr. Skelton has had the agency for the Ford automobile since 1915, and sells about 75 cars an- nually. He carries a complete line of accessories and has one of the lead- ing business enterprises in the community.
On June 21, 1906, Mr. Skelton was married to Miss Maud Wade of Albion, Pa., and the daughter of D. D. and Phoebe Wade. Mr. and Mrs. Skelton have three children, Helen, Wade, and Frances.
Mr. Skelton is a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. He is a Republican.
J. A. Schroeck, a prominent building contractor, who is associated with his brothers, Peter A., Fred J. and George C., is one of the enter- prising and successful business men of Erie. He was born in this city, May 23, 1884, and is the son of Adolph and Mary Eva (Boehm) Schroeck.
Adolph Schroeck, who died in 1913, was one of Erie's leading pioneer builders. He was born in Rheinpfalz, Germany, Oct. 20, 1854, the son of John Conrad and Mary Anna (Moser) Schroeck. In 1872 he came to the United States and located in Erie, where he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1880 he returned to Germany for a visit of six months, and in 1884 engaged in business for himself, in which he was highly successful. The fine residences and other buildings which he erected in Erie are too numerous to mention. Mr. Schroeck was married April 15, 1880, to Mary Eva Boehm, also a native of Germany, and to them eleven children were born: Mrs. Mary Garmonito, lives at Warren, Pa .; Mrs. Catherine Erst- feld, lives in Erie; J. A., the subject of this sketch; Anna, deceased; Peter A., lives at Erie; Mrs. Elizabeth Schnable, deceased; Fred J., lives in Erie; Mrs. Bertha Baldi, lives in Cleveland, Ohio; George C., lives in Erie; Ida Clara, and Rose Mary, both deceased. Mr. Schroeck was a life long Re- publican and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. His wife, who was born in 1857, resides with her son, J. A. Schroeck.
J. A. Schroeck was reared and educated in Erie and after completing a civil engineering course at St. Vincent's College, he became associated in the building business with his father, and at death of the father his sons took up the business and are conducting it at the present time. They have erected some of Erie's finest homes, schools and public buildings.
On July 17, 1913, J. A. Schroeck was united in marriage with Miss Rose Bauschard, the daughter of George and Frances (Lichtinger)
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Bauschard, natives of France and Pennsylvania, respectively. Mr. Baus- chard is deceased and his wife resides with the Schroeck family. To Mr. and Mrs. Schroeck have been born six children as follows: John Adolph, died in infancy ; Rose Mary, died June 15, 1923, at the age of eight years ; Theodore Adolph, born Feb. 4, 1917; Raymond Adolph, born Dec. 31, 1918; Joseph Adolph, born Oct. 15, 1920; and Lawrence Adolph, born Sept. 28, 1922.
Mr. Schroeck and his family are members of the Catholic church and have a wide acquaintance in Erie.
R. R. Stuart is among the widely known educators of Erie, where he is principal of Perry School. He is a native of Clarion County, Pa., born Aug. 31, 1869, and the son of John and Belinda (McKee) Stuart.
John Stuart was born in Ireland and came to America when a young boy. He attended the public schools of Clarion County, Pa., and after com- pleting his schooling was a teacher. During the summer months he worked at his trade as stone mason and contractor. He died Feb. 3, 1874, at the age of 55 years and his wife died Dec. 11, 1913, at the age of 75 years. Mr. Stuart was a Republican and a member of the United Presbyterian church. To Mr. and Mrs. Stuart four children were born: Margaret, died at the age of 20 years ; Thomas Scott, lives at Parkers Landing, Pa .; R. R., the subject of this sketch; and Alvin Cooper, died Dec. 4, 1904, at the age of 33 years.
R. R. Stuart attended the district schools of Clarion County and was graduated from Edinboro Normal and Clarion Normal School in 1892. He graduated from Bethany College, W. Va., in 1910, and received his degree in A. M. in 1915. He then taught school in Clarion County until 1906. After serving as principal of various schools in Pennsylvania Mr. Stuart was principal of the Harbor Creek, Pa., schools from 1913 until 1914, at which time he was transferred to Central High School, Erie. He has held his present position since 1919.
On April 3, 1894, Mr. Stuart was united in marriage with Miss Ida Mary Craig, of Clarion County, Pa., and the daughter of Washington and Eliza (Young) Craig, both deceased. They have five children: Ida Belle, a graduate of Columbia University, and teacher at East High School, Erie, married W. H. Morlidge, lives at Columbus, Ohio; Florence E., a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Columbia University, now teaches school at East High School; John A., a graduate of Grove City College and
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at present a student in Western Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, Pa., . lives in Erie; Mildred Grace, a teacher in Erie; and Jean Craig, a high school student.
Mr. Stuart and his family hold membership in the Central Presby- terian Church; he is a 32nd degree Mason, and belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a citizen who holds the high regard of the entire community.
Walker Brothers, well known garage owners of Edinboro, and agents for the Buick Automobile, are leading business men of that section. Rus- sell and Floyd Walker, natives of Edinboro, are the sons of F. F. and Elizabeth (Campbell) Walker.
F. F. Walker, a prosperous farmer of Erie County, is the son of D. H. Walker, who was born at Edinboro, July 1, 1840, and who is among the honored pioneers of Erie County.
Russell Walker was born April 10, 1891, and was married Sept. 26, 1914, to Miss Velma Austin, the daughter of A. B. Austin of Edinboro. They have a son, Philip Austin Walker, born June 1, 1923.
Floyd Walker was born June 23, 1893.
Messrs. Walker engaged in their present business enterprise in Edin- boro in 1921. They are first class mechanics and do general repair work, and also carry a complete line of accessories and tires.
Russell Walker is also interested in the Edinboro Silver Fox Company, which was organized in 1923 for the purpose of breeding silver foxes. The company owns 18 pairs of foxes which they hope to increase to 50 pairs in the near future. The officers of the company are: B. B. Baldwin, presi- dent; Floyd Walker, business manager; Russell Walker, secretary; and E. P. Campbell, treasurer.
Messrs. Walker are Republicans, members of the Presbyterian Church and are identified with the Masonic Lodge.
R. E. Kane is an enterprising young merchant of Erie. He is engaged in the grocery and confectionery business at 26th and Hampton Streets. Mr. Kane was born at Mill Village, Pa., March 24, 1885, and is the son of Samuel and Estella (Kerr) Kane.
Samuel Kane is a well known grocer of Erie, located at 26th and French Streets. He is a native of Erie County, born at Mill Village in 1865. During his early life he was a farmer. His wife died in 1895 and is
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buried at Mill Village. To Mr. and Mrs. Kane were born four children, as follows: R. E., the subject of this sketch; Wallace M., deceased; Or- ville B., died at the age of 20 years; and William H., lives at Lorain, Ohio.
After attending the public schools of Mill Village, R. E. Kane engaged in farming for several years, after which he became interested in the fish business. He worked for the Erie Fish Company for 23 years, and in 1921 engaged in his present business. On Oct. 8, 1910, Mr. Kane was united in marriage with Miss Lillian H. Duddenhoffer, a native of Erie, and the daughter of Anthony and Tillie Staugh Duddenhoffer. Mr and Mrs. Kane have no children.
Mr. Kane is a Republican. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed residents of their community.
Fred Hermann. Prominent among the pioneer business men of Erie is Fred Hermann, who has engaged in the floral business continuously for 32 years. He was born in Baden-Munheim, Germany, Nov. 3, 1848.
At the age of six years Mr. Hermann left his native land and settled in Quebec, removing to Erie during the same year. His first occupation in Erie was driving horses for barges on the old Meadville Canal. After being employed as a stationary engineer for two years he went to Green Bay, Wis., and later to St. Paul, Minn. Upon his return to Erie, after several years, he entered the employ of the Erie Car Works, and later the Lake Shore Railroad. He was also employed by the Fuzee Match Company, and in 1893 established his present business. Mr. Hermann is an extensive grower and retailer of flowers and plants, and his green- house, which is located at 2208 Liberty Street, covers 7,000 square feet.
On May 28, 1872, Mr. Hermann was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Stough of Erie. Mrs. Hermann was born in Erie County in 1853, and educated in the schools of Erie. She is a daughter of Joseph Stough and Margaret Rhuhl Stough. The father was a farmer and he and his wife are both deceased and buried in the Erie Cemetery. Mrs. Hermann was one of seven children born to her parents. The others are as follows: Daniel, Sarah, Sophia, all of whom are deceased; Margaret, widow of Wesley Crider, lives in Erie; and Martin, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hermann have eight children: Ida, Bertha, Minnie, John V., Margaret, Anna, Loretta, and Eleanor.
In politics Mr. Hermann is identified with the Democratic party. He served as a member of the city council from 1888 until 1894, and also as a
BEGONIA ROOM IN HERMANN'S GREENHOUSE
MR. AND MRS. FRED HERMANN
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member of the board of tax revision and appeals, and was county district chairman of the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Hermann hold member- ship in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and he belongs to the Knights of St. John, Knights of St. George, and the Moose and Eagle lodges. He is one of the dependable and highly respected citizens of his community.
Henry F. Keim ranks among the leading and successful grocers of Lawrence Park, Erie. He was born in Erie, June 22, 1886, and is the son of Henry and Frances (Einhellig) Keim.
Henry Keim, deceased, was a native of Meadville, Pa., born in 1859. He died at the age of 30 years and is buried in Trinity Cemetery, Erie. His wife, who was born in Erie, died in 1916 at the age of 56 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Keim four children were born: Joseph, lives in Los Angeles, Calif .; Carl, lives in Erie; Henry F., the subject of this sketch; and An- thony E., lives in Erie.
Henry F. Keim has always lived in Erie. After completing his school- ing in the parochial schools, he entered the employ of the Lovell Manu- facturing Company, with whom he remained for several years. At the age of 15 years he became interested in the grocery business and at 19 in the butcher business and since 1913 has conducted his present business in Lawrence Park. He carries a splendid line of high grade groceries and meats and has an extensive trade.
Mr. Keim was married to Miss Ida R. Kissell, of Erie, and the daugh- ter of Henry and Kate Kissell, residents of Erie. They have three chil- dren: Vincent, born in 1907, a graduate of East High School, Erie, now employed in his father's store; Edward, born in 1909; and Dorothy, born in 1912.
Mr. Keim and his family hold membership in the Catholic Church and he belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a citizen who holds the high regard of the entire community.
Harry G. Hartline is well and favorably known in Erie, where he is associated with Hartline & Sons, roofing contractors. He was born in this city, Jan. 10, 1885, and is the son of John and Henrietta (Steiner) Hartline.
John Hartline, deceased, was a pioneer business man of Erie, where he was born in 1856. When a boy he learned the tinner's trade, which he followed his entire life. He was connected with the Flickenger Roofing & Furnace Works for 35 years and in 1904 established the business now
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conducted by his sons. Mr. Hartline was an expert in his line of work and his work numbers some of the city's public buildings. He died in 1911 and is buried in Erie Cemetery. Henrietta (Steiner) Hartline, his wife, was born in Germany, in 1855 and was married in Erie. She now lives at 919 West 20th Street. To Mr. and Mrs. Hartline the following children were born: Fred, was killed in a railroad accident at the age of 30 years while in the employ of the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad; Wil- liam E., a partner in the Hartline & Sons business; Fred, superintendent of the Lincoln Storage Company, Cleveland; Harry G., the subject of this sketch ; and E. J., also a partner in the Hartline & Sons business.
Harry G. Hartline grew up in Erie and attended the public schools. When he was 20 years of age he learned the tinner's trade while in his father's employ. He has since been identified with this business, which is located at 920 West 21st Street. Among the recent important roofing contracts of this company are the Zion Lutheran Church, Park Presby- terian Church, the Lawrence Park Methodist Episcopal Church and The Glennwood United Brethren Church.
In June, 1908, Mr. Hartline was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Z. Hood, of Erie, and the daughter of Eliah and Elizabeth (Burger) Hood. Mr. Hood is deceased and his wife lives in Erie. To Mr. and Mrs. Hartline have been born two children: Harrison, born March 18, 1909, was graduated from Erie Academy in 1925; and Melvin, born June 30, 1912.
In politics Mr. Hartline is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Elks.
A. K. Acheson, retired, is a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Erie. He was born in this city, July 1, 1853, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (McKinistry) Acheson.
James Acheson was a native of Ireland, as was also his wife. After their marriage they came to this country and settled near Erie, where Mr. Acheson engaged in farming. Later, he worked in a local foundry. He died in 1886 and his wife died in 1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Acheson the following chidren were born: Mary, deceased, was the wife of David Miller, Erie; James, deceased; William, died in infancy ; A. K., the subject of this sketch; William, deceased; and Elizabeth, married Edward Smith, lives in Erie.
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A. K. Acheson attended the schools of Erie and when a young boy learned the moulder's trade, at which he was employed for a period of 40 years. At the time of his retirement in 1920 he was foreman of the wood working department of the Lovell Manufacturing Company, Erie. Mr. Acheson lives at 254 West 22nd Street.
On Oct. 27, 1874, Mr. Acheson was united in marriage with Miss Martha Robinson, of Warren, Ohio, and the daughter of John and Jennie (Oliver) Robinson, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were the par- ents of the following children: Jennie, deceased; James, lives in Youngs- town, Ohio; Joseph, lives in Erie; Mary, deceased; William and John, both deceased; Mrs. Acheson ; and Lucy, deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Acheson were born two children: Ruth, mar- ried Harold Reniff, deceased, and she lives at Warren, Pa., and has one daughter, Allene, born in 1903, is the wife of Harry Maas, lives near Westminster; and Ralph, died at the age of 27 years.
Politically, Mr. Acheson is a Democrat. He served on the Erie School Board for a number of years. He is a member of the Simpson Methodist Church, and has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for 45 years. Mr. Acheson is one of the interesting pioneers of Erie, where he has spent his entire life.
James E. Speed is a substantial citizen of Erie and favorably known. He is a native of Pittsburgh, born June 4, 1881, and the son of John T. and Nancy J. (Swoger) Speed.
John T. Speed was born in England and after coming to this country settled in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he worked at his trade as a machinist. He died in 1888 and his wife, a native of Pennsylvania, died in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Speed had five children: Ella, married Milo Kellogg, and she is now deceased; John T., lives in Erie; Maude, deceased; James E., the subject of this sketch; and Emmett, lives in Erie.
James E. Speed spent his boyhood in Erie and was educated in the public schools. At the age of 17 years he worked on the lakes and in con- struction work and remained in that line of work until 1915, when he was appointed city and state boiler inspector, in which capacity he has since served. Mr. Speed has proven capable and trustworthy in his work and is a reliable citizen.
On June 28, 1905, Mr. Speed was united in marriage with Miss Lulu Viola Stone, of Erie, and the daughter of Richard C. and Lena (Aicner)
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Stone, residents of this city. They have two children: Ruth E., a student at Gridley High School; and J. E., Jr., born in 1919.
In politics Mr. Speed is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Elks Lodge.
Mr. Speed resides at 711 Plum Street, Erie, Pa.
Alpha J. Fisk is a progressive and enterprising business man of Wattsburg, where he is local manager of the Union Coal & Supply Com- pany. He was born in Crawford County, Pa., Nov. 25, 1878, and is the son of Elisha J. and Lovina Amy Fisk.
Elisha J. Fisk was born in Crawford County in 1851 and his wife was born there in 1854. He died in 1894 and his wife died in Feb. 16, 1925. They had three children: A. R. Willis, lives in Warren County, Pa .; Alpha J., the subject of this sketch ; and Alva A., lives at Union City.
Alpha J. Fisk received his education in the district school and spent a number of years in West Virginia where he engaged in the saw mill busi- ness. Since 1916 he has been identified with the Union Coal & Supply Company and in 1921 was transferred to Wattsburg as manager of this branch. They are wholesale dealers in flour, feed, grain, coal and build- ing supplies.
On July 2, 1902, Mr. Fisk was married to Miss Jessie J. Dodge, who was born near Cambridge Springs, Pa., the daughter of Butler T. and E. J. (Hovey) Dodge. Mr. Dodge died in February, 1923, and his wife resides at Jamestown, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Fisk were born two chil- dren: Gladys E., married Floyd W. Dougherty, and they have a son, Gerald E., born in October, 1923; and Gerald E., a student in the Watts- burg schools.
Mr. Fisk is a Republican, a member of the United Brethren Church of Union City, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a man esteemed for his reliability and industry.
Frank Henry Kelso is a substantial citizen of Erie County and a member of a family that has long been identified with the history of this section. He was born on a farm in West Mill Creek Township, Erie County, Nov. 15, 1877, and is the son of Albert C, and Livonia P. (Green) Kelso.
Albert C. Kelso was born in Erie County, Sept. 23, 1848, and died April 17, 1918. He was a successful farmer during his life and was a
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prominent citizen of his community. On Sept. 10, 1873, he was married to Miss Livonia P. Green, of Harbor Creek, Pa., and to this union five chil- dren were born, namely: Philo A., born Dec. 20, 1875, died May 5, 1921, and is buried at New Lexington, Ohio; Frank Henry, the subject of this sketch ; Ellen Elizabeth, born March 15, 1879, is the wife of H. S. Cooper and resides on West Eighth Street, Erie, Pa .; Harry William, born Nov. 5, 1882, resides in Erie, Pa., and Bessie Clarinda, born Aug. 9, 1885, died March 7, 1920, and is buried in Erie Cemetery. Mrs. Albert C. Kelso died Dec. 3, 1917, and is also buried in Erie Cemetery.
Frank Henry Kelso was reared on the farm. He attended the public schools, being a student at Scott's School No. 2, West Mill Creek. He also attended Central High School, Erie, after which he served four years as a machinist's apprentice at the Ball Engine Company. He has been in the employ of this concern for 25 years continuously.
On Oct. 26, 1904, Mr. Kelso was married to Miss Hazel E. Tompkins, of Wesleyville. They have two children: James Franklin, born April 20, 1906; and Elizabeth Livonia, born Dec. 23, 1907.
Mr. Kelso and his family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church and have a wide acquaintance in Erie County.
Edward H. Cook, an enterprising and well known farmer of Mill Creek Township, was born on the farm where he resides, March 28, 1868, and is the son of John and Mary (Hilborn) Cook.
John Cook, deceased, was a native of Erie County and a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Mckean Township and was the son of John Cook, who came to this section from Connecticut in 1845 and settled on the Cook farm in Mill Creek Township. It was originally owned by the Russell family that came here in 1820. John Cook died in 1870 and his wife died in 1916 at the age of 75 years. She was a native of Green Township, Erie County. Only one child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Cook, Edward H., the subject of this sketch.
Edward H. Cook received his education in the district schools and at an early age owned and operated a farm in Mckean Township, Erie County, which he sold in 1901. Three years later he purchased the old homestead in Mill Creek Township, where he now lives. He specializes in dairy and fruit farming and has a well improved farm.
On Oct. 18, 1892, Mr. Cook was married to Miss Mima Morrow, the daughter of Thomas and Esther (Alchorn) Morrow, both deceased. They
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