USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 49
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In 1866 an acre of land was purchased from William and Harry Stur- geon for $600, and the contract for the new so-called Academy was given to Robert Holliday. The old school houses were sold. The first was bought by Mrs. M. Heidler, moved and remodeled for a dwelling house now occupied by Ralph McCray. The second was bought by Nicko- las Myers and is the present barn on the lot owned by Lorenzo Neihouse. School opened in the fall of 1866. Lyman Knight, the principal, with Miss Vine Luther and Miss Thompson as assistants. Then came R. P. Holliday, D. C. Thomas, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Clinton, Mr. Freeman, M. L. Davis, Viola Eaton, Mrs. Adalaide Holliday, Mr. Billings, Mr. Curry, who gave way to Lillian Eaton on account of ill health, Mr. Jones and Joseph Rossiter. In 1891 the school house burned but was rebuilt about the same model as before. Mr. Swaney was first principal in the new build- ing. He also began grading the pupils. Until this time every one went to school to get what he could and no grades or promotions were used.
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Next in line were Mr. LeFever, Mr. Proudfit, Edward Tate, Mr. Lingo, Mr. Fox, who gave way to Mr. Shallenburger, Charles Carr, John Timmons, E. Frantz, A. Whittaker, and H. C. Herbolsheimer. In 1892 was the first graduating class for a one-year high school. Since that time additional work has been added until the spring of 1910 found the first graduating class from a four-year high school.
Earl R. Cornell, of the firm of P. R. Cornell & Son, widely known in- terior decorators of Erie, is a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, Aug. 30, 1894, and is the son of P. R. and Elizabeth (Snell) Cor- nell, residents of Erie.
Earl R. Cornell received his early education in the public schools of Erie, attended St. John's Military Academy, Delafield, Wis., and Carnegie Institute of Technology. In 1917 he was graduated from Western Reserve University, Cleveland, and then enlisted in the army for service during the World War. He was stationed at Camp Lee with the 319th Infantry and served in France with the 305th Sanitary Train and 320th Ambulance Hos- pital Corps. He also served with the A. E. F. in Italy and was discharged at Camp Dix, June 13, 1919. Mr. Cornell then returned to Erie, where he is engaged in business with his father at 111 West Ninth Street. This business was established in January, 1920, and is among the fine shops of the city.
On Oct. 11, 1924, Mr. Cornell was married to Miss Charlotte Richard- son of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Cornell is a Republican, a member of the Episcopal Church and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Viorus Club, American Legion, Erie Yacht Club and Chamber of Commerce. He is among the representative and suc- cessful young business men of Erie County.
The Viorus Club, of Erie, was organized in 1908 and its present roster contains names of many of the young professional and business men of Erie, numbering 68 members. The original 13 members were in the Sun- day school class of C. E. Zinram, at Trinity Memorial Church, and their ages were from 15 to 18 years. Charter members included William Hug, Carleton Hug, Daniel Regan, John Humble, Charles Humble, Millard Mehl, Edward Kent, Kenneth Decker, Harry Kent, Archie LeJeal, Earl Olberg, and Earl Cornell.
William Knox was connected with the Viorus Club of Cincinnati, and the Erie boys adopted the name, derived from the Greek and Latin, and
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signifying the violet rays of the rising sun. Purple and gold naturally fol- lowed as the club's colors and their motto is "Not by might nor by strength, but by example". Meetings were at first conducted in the mem- bers' homes. The first club rooms were occupied in 1914 at 210 West 8th Street. Small dances were given in the chapter house of St. Paul's Cathedral. In 1912 the club sponsored the appearance in Erie of Harry Burleigh, world famed singer and composer, a native of Erie, in one of the most distinguished concerts of that season. Its first public dance was given Friday, Oct. 13, 1919, and each year since the club has sponsored many elaborate parties, including the "Oriental Ball", the "Black and White", etc. In 1922 the club published its first magazine, "The Mascot", now named the Viorian.
Entertainment alone is not the chief aim of the club. At Christmas- tide, many homes that would otherwise have been devoid of cheer, have received baskets of food from the club. No story of the Viorus Club would be complete without telling of its war service. All the boys were in ser- vice, most of them overseas, among the many thousands who were enact- ing America's brave role in the thrilling and terrible days of '17 and '18.
Earl Cornell, of the firm of P. R. Cornell & Son, West Ninth Street, is now the only active charter member of the club. Officers for 1924-25 are: Robert C. Robison, president; Wilfred L. Kennedy, vice president; Frederick D. Breter, financial secretary ; Paul C. Wagner, recording secre- tary ; Harold E. Adams, William F. Lewis, Max H. Morrison, house com- mittee; William F. Liljenberg, Samuel R. Mason, Claude H. Miller, trustees.
After several moves, in accord with business changes, the club is now located at 719 State Street, with the entire third floor, 24 x 100 feet, ar- ranged for club rooms and a dance floor of equal proportions for its so- cial functions.
Mrs. Myrtle Ramsey is among the successful and highly esteemed business women of Erie, where she is proprietor of Blue Bird Inn. She was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., May 1, 1870, and is a daughter of William and Susan (Williams) Travis, both of whom are deceased.
On Jan 18, 1894, Myrtle Travis was married to H. B. Ramsey of New Wilmington, Pa., who was born Feb. 18, 1872, the son of James Elliott and Iva (Anderson) Ramsey, residents of New Wilmington, Pa. During the Civil War Mr. Ramsey's grandfather, who was an undertaker, lived at North East, Pa., and took part in the smuggling of slaves to Canada.
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When they arrived at North East he brought them to Erie to the old Perry House, at the foot of French Street, in "rough boxes" in the hearse, and during the night they were sent to Canada.
Robert Travis, brother of Mrs. Myrtle Ramsey, was born in 1862, and now lives retired at Dunkirk, N. Y. He was first married to Mary Singleton of Bellefonte, Pa. Three children were born to this union, two daughters and a son. The mother and son passed on, within a month of each other in 1888. In 1896 he again married Minnie E. Smith of Patron Station, Pa. Myrtle Belle Dunn, one of the daughters of the first union, was born at Ft. Scott, Kans., in November, 1886. She was married to O. V. Dunn of Dunkirk, N. Y., in 1903, coming to Erie shortly after. They have two children, Myrtle Belle Dunn, born May 28, 1905, and Aleethe Mae Dunn, born in 1907. Both of these girls are graduates of Academy High School of Erie and are also musicians of ability.
In 1902 Mrs. Ramsey came to Erie where she has since been success- fully engaged in the restaurant business. She served as manager of the Y. W. C. A. cafeteria for two years, and also operated a restaurant at 815 State Street. Since 1919 she has conducted her present business at 119 West Seventh Street, which is known as Blue Bird Inn. It is widely known for its good food and excellent service.
Mrs. Ramsey, formerly a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, where she was a member of the choir for nine years, is now affiliated with the Christian Science Church. She is a member of the Chamber of Com- merce, and the Business and Professional Women's Club.
Dr. G. J. Parker, doctor of Chiropractic, is recognized as one of the representative citizens of Erie. He was born in Concord Township, near Corry, Pa., Jan. 7, 1873, and is a son of Dr. H. D. and Alice J. (Perkins) Parker.
Dr. H. D. Parker, retired, was born in Warren County, Pa., and for many years was a prominent physician and druggist of Corry. Later he practiced his profession in Syracuse and Jamestown, N. Y., and now lives retired in the latter city. His wife, a native of Concord Township, Erie County, is deceased.
Dr. G. J. Parker was educated in the public and high schools of Corry, from which he was graduated in 1892. The following two years were spent in the Corry Business College, after which he engaged in business with his father until 1907. He received his degree as Doctor of Chiro-
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practic from the Palmer-Gregory College, Oklahoma City, in 1909, and two years later was graduated from the Mechano-Therapy Institute of Chicago. Since that time Doctor Parker has been located in Erie, where he has a well established practice.
On July 4, 1892, Doctor Parker was united in marriage with Miss Cora B. Crosby, who was born Nov. 22, 1873, and died Nov. 18, 1921. To this union were born two children: Renca May Westman, born May 1, 1893, lives in Erie; and D. Lloyd, born Aug. 27, 1900, lives in Erie. On March 8, 1923, Doctor Parker was married to Mrs. Grace (Whitney) Stafford, a native of Waterford, Pa. By her former marriage Mrs. Parker has two children: Marjorie, born in 1911; and Melvin, born in 1914.
Doctor Parker is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and Shrine and is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Daniel E. Butt, who lives retired on his farm near Erie, has been prominently identified with Erie County for many years and is a mem- ber of one of the county's oldest families. He was born on this farm, Aug. 9, 1859, and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Giest) Butt.
Jacob Butt was born in York County, Pa., in 1815, and was the son of John Butt. He followed general farming during his entire life and owned a well improved farm near West Mill Creek. He died in 1902 and is buried in Erie Cemetery. He was a member of the Lutheran Memorial Church of Erie and was an honored pioneer of this section. His wife was born at Lancaster, Pa., and died at the age of 43 years. She had moved here with her parents when she was a child of three years. Mr. and Mrs. Butt were the parents of the following children: Lavina, mar- lied Charles F. Buseck, deceased; John, died at the age of 13 years; Isaac M., died in 1922 at the age of 66 years; Charles Edward, lives retired at West Mill Creek, Pa .; and Daniel E., the subject of this sketch.
Daniel E. Butt has always lived in this county. He attended the district schools of West Mill Creek and at the age of 27 years engaged in farming on 65 acres of land. He has lived retired since 1918.
On Oct. 13, 1887, Mr. Butt was united in marriage with Miss Ida Rebecca McKee, a native of West Mill Creek, born July 23, 1861, and the daughter of John and Mary Ann (Pherin) McKee, both deceased. He was a native of Allegheny County and his wife was born in Cumberland County, Pa. He was also a prominent farmer and died in 1868. To Mr. and Mrs. Butt were born three children: Stella Elizabeth, the widow of
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George Nicholson, lives with her parents, and has two children, Rebecca Isabel and George Elliott Nicholson; H. Eleanor, born March 21, 1900, lives at home; and H. Frank, a twin brother of H. Eleanor, died at the age of two years.
Mr. Butt is a Republican and a member of the Ashbury Methodist Episcopal Church. He is one of Erie County's most highly respected citizens.
Charles H. Fry is recognized as one of the successful business men of Erie, where he is extensively engaged in the construction business. He was born at Greenville, Mercer County, Pa., June 10, 1889, and is the son of William H. and Emma E. (Slater) Fry.
William H. Fry and his wife are natives of Mercer County, Pa. He was connected with the Bessemer Railroad as a conductor for 41 years and now lives retired in Erie. Mr. and Mrs. Fry have two children: Edna E., and Charles H., both of whom reside in Erie.
Charles H. Fry attended the public schools of Erie and after a year in the Erie Dry Goods Company he engaged in the contracting business. The Charles H. Fry Construction Company is among the leading enter- prises of its kind in the city and during the year 1924 its volume of busi- ness amounted to over a million dollars.
Mr. Fry was married on June 29, 1915, to Miss Isabel H. Reed, of Erie, and a daughter of H. E. and Cora (MacDonald) Reed, who reside at 2125 Sassafrass Street, Erie. To Mr. and Mrs. Fry have been born two sons : William Reed and Robert MacDonald Fry.
In politics Mr. Fry is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Erie Club.
William H. Fry, retired, is among the honored and well known pioneer citizens of Erie. He was born at Sharon, Pa., March 13, 1859, and is the son of Lewis and Hannah M. (Miller) Fry.
Lewis Fry was a native of Pennsylvania, as was also his wife. When he was 28 years of age he settled at Sharon, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Fry are deceased. They had two children : Settira, the wife of J. C. Grove, lives on West Ninth Street, Erie; and William H., the subject of this sketch.
William H. Fry spent his boyhood in Sharon and was educated in the schools there and at Fredonia, N. Y. At the age of 12 years he began his
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railroad career as a water carrier for a construction company. He later became a brakeman and in 1881 had charge of a freight train. Two years later he entered the employ of the Bessemer Railroad, in whose employ he remained 45 years, being promoted to passenger conductor in 1888. In 1924 Mr. Fry retired. He resides at 263 West 18th Street.
In 1880, Mr. Fry was united in marriage with Miss Emma E. Slater, a native of Mercer County, Pa., and the daughter of George I. and Elmira (Block) Slater, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Fry were born two chil- dren: Edna E., and Charles H., a sketch of whom appears in this volume.
Edna E. Fry is a graduate of Columbia University and of the State Normal School. She taught in a mission school at Mexico City one year, and is now a teacher in Academy High School, Erie. She resides at home.
Mr. Fry is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the Masonic lodge and Shrine.
John B. Farver, retired, has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Erie County for many years, and is also a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Erie, Feb. 25, 1843, and is the son of John and Catherine (Butt) Farver.
John Farver, deceased, was born at York, Pa., in 1813, and his wife was also a native of the same place. He was a cooper by trade but in later life engaged in general farming on the old Butt farm in Erie County. Mr. and Mrs. Farver were the parents of the following children: Dan, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War, having served with the 145th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and was wounded at Fredericksburg; Susanna, married Gilson Stone of North East, both deceased; Sarah E., married Conrad Ort, of West Mill Creek, Pa., both deceased; Mary, the widow of Thomas McKee, lives at West Mill Creek; Edward, deceased; and John B., the subject of this sketch.
John B. Farver attended the schools of Erie and when a young man became interested in farming, in which occupation he was successfully engaged until the time of his retirement in 1917, when he sold his farm of 125 acres. On Sept. 6, 1864, Mr. Farver volunteered for service during the Civil War and served with Battery H, Independent Light Artillery. He took part in the engagements at Alexandria, Va., Fairfax, Va., and Washington, D. C., and was discharged in July, 1865.
On Feb. 25, 1868, Mr. Farver was united in marriage with Miss Lyda M. Buseck, a native of Erie, born April 13, 1845, and a daughter of (77)
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Clemens E. and Catherine (Zimmerman) Buseck. Mr. Buseck was born in Germany in 1808 and his wife was a native of East Mill Creek, Pa., born in 1813. They were married in 1840, and were the parents of the following children: John C., born in 1842, died in 1919; Mrs. Farver; Edward E., born in 1851, died in 1921; Clemens, born in 1859, lives at Fairview, Pa .; Clarence W., twin brother of Clemens, died in 1871; George C., born in 1862, lives retired in Erie; and Cassie, the widow of John Sparling, lives at 358 West Seventh Street, Erie.
To Mr. and Mrs. Farver, who celebrated their golden wedding an- niversary in 1918, seven children were born, as follows: (1) Harley W., born Dec. 20, 1868, a grape-grower, lives at North East, Pa., married in March, 1895, to Emma Parker of North East, Pa., and they have four children ; H. Parker, born Dec. 24, 1900, married in June, 1923, to Anna Adler, and they have two children, Betty Jane and Harley Parker; Ruth Mary, born Dec. 20, 1902, married in November, 1923, to Haskell Miller, and they have a son, Elwood Miller; Helen Jane, born March 25, 1914; and Richard C., born Aug. 6, 1917. (2) S. Iona, born March 2, 1876, married May 1, 1902, to Edward M. Epp, furniture dealer of Erie, and they have two children: Herbert Verne Epp, born Nov. 26, 1903, a student at the University of West Virginia; and Bert E. Epp, born May 2, 1910, a stu- dent at Roosevelt, Jr., High School, Erie. (3) John, born Oct. 29, 1877, connected with the Continental Rubber Company, Erie, married in 1906 to Sadie Butt of Erie, and they have four children: Alice Marie, born March 4, 1907; Norman, born Jan. 28, 1910; Marion L., born May 17, 1919; and Elwood Butt, born Nov. 26, 1923, died in June, 1924. (4) Katie A., born June 14, 1871, died April 17, 1875, buried in Erie cemetery. (5) Estella, born Oct. 4, 1883, married June 11, 1921, to George T. Bur- ger of Erie, and they reside with Mr. and Mrs. Farver. (6) Bert B., born Aug. 14, 1885, lives at Fairview, Pa., married in June, 1912, to Edith Pickett, of Erie, and they have three children: Clemens B. born March 21, 1913; L. Ione, born June 24, 1914; and John Burton, born Oct. 9, 1923. (7) Roy E., born April 7, 1889, lives in Erie, married May 29, 1910, to Edith Miller, of West Mill Creek, Pa., born July 8, 1888, and she died July 4, 1911, leaving a daughter, Evelyn L., born May 2, 1911, a student at Roosevelt, Jr., High School.
Mr. Farver has been a life long Republican. He served as treasurer of Mill Creek Township for three years, as a member of the West Mill Creek School Board for 12 years, and as tax collector for West Mill Creek
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Township for six years. He is a charter member of the Lutheran Me- morial Church, Erie, and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, Colonel Brown Post. Mr. Farver has always been known as an upright and honorable citizen of Erie County.
Laverne H. Raymond, representative in the Pennsylvania State Leg- islature from the Third District of Erie County, is a prominent and influ- ential citizen of the county. He was born in Venango Township, Erie County, Dec. 29, 1867, the son of Elbridge and Mary (Yost) Raymond. His parents removed with him when he was about three months of age to Greenfield Township, where he has continuously resided since.
A native of New York, Elbridge Raymond was born Aug. 19, 1807, coming from New England ancestry, the Raymond family having removed from Rhode Island to Albany County, N. Y., in colonial days, where Mr. Raymond was born. When 17 years of age Elbridge Raymond came to Allegany County, N. Y., and for 20 years engaged in milling and assisted in building the Genesee canal. While there he met Almira Benedict of Norwich, N. Y., and married her. After the birth of three children in 1844 they removed to Erie County, where two other children were born, and in 1853 the mother died. Of this union only one daughter, Alice M., is living. Two sons served in the Civil War, Edwin, dying in service at Jefferson City, Mo., and Charles, dying at home in 1871, after serving the entire term of war. Elbridge Raymond served as postmaster of Greenfield from 1875 until 1885 and died there Feb. 4, 1890. After com- ing to Erie County he engaged in milling for a number of years, first operating a grist mill at Wattsburg, and later in Greenfield Township. He married Mary Yost Ensign in 1860. She was born in Venango Town- ship, Erie County, Dec. 14, 1825, and died Dec. 19, 1915. To this union was born George E., born in 1861, died Oct. 9, 1878; and Laverne H., the subject of this sketch. He attended the township public school until 17 years of age when he entered Clark's Business College, Erie, and in 1887 he entered Edinboro State Normal School for one term only. He then taught school for several years in Greenfield and Venango Townships, and in October, 1890, entered upon a business career at Greenfield with the limited capital of $450. He opened a general store, a venture in which other men had previously failed. Succeeding from the first he gradually increased both his stock and his operations until it became the largest country store in the United States owned by an individual. Mr. Ray-
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mond sold his business in 1919 to C. F. Sweet of Greenfield. He owns a modern dairy farm of 180 acres in Greenfield Township and his home is among the most beautiful in Erie County. Mr. Raymond is a director in the Standard Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, the Union Trust Com. pany of Erie, and a stockholder in the First National Bank of North East.
Mr. Raymond is a Republican and in 1922 was elected a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature from the Third District of Erie County, and reelected in 1924 without an opposing vote. As this district was formed in 1920 he has been the first man to represent it. He has served as justice of the peace of Greenfield for six years, as township treasurer for two terms and as auditor one term.
On Oct. 1, 1890, Mr. Raymond was married to Miss Bertha A. Lewis, who was born at Mina, N. Y., March 13, 1869, the daughter of Elisha G. and Mary J. (Ridell) Lewis. She died at Cannes, France, Dec. 6, 1923, and is buried at Lowville, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond two children were born: Agnes M., born Oct. 1, 1891, married Dec. 31, 1924, to Lyle E. Markham, who is connected with the Winters Piano Company of Erie; and Harold L., born Sept. 28, 1896, is a World War veteran. He is an accomplished musician, has studied at Essen, Germany, Paris, France, and is at present studying at Lyons, France.
Mr. Raymond was married Dec. 29, 1924, to Frances Barney Volk, a native of Erie County, and at the time a teacher in the Wesleyville pub- lic schools.
Mr. Raymond is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Greenfield and is a 32nd degree Mason.
Walter A. Skellie is a substantial and well known citizen of Albion, where he is connected with the Bessemer Railroad as trainmaster. He was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., Feb. 15, 1880, and is the son of W. R. and Jennie A. (Mattison) Skellie.
W. R. Skellie, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Sherman, N. Y., in March, 1844, and died at North East, in August, 1922. He served during the Civil War with Company D, 112th New York Volunteer Infantry. His wife, also a native of New York, lives at North East. To Mr. and Mrs. Skellie two children were born: Verna, born in 1877, married E. R. Hewit; and Walter A., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Hewit died at Albion in 1918. Mr. Hewit is still engaged in the drug business at Binghamton, N. Y.
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Walter A. Skellie was educated in the public schools of North East and after completing his high school course he entered the employ of the Eureka Copper Works at North East, with whom he remained until May, 1899. He then came to Albion and became identified with the Besse- mer Railroad as a freight trainman. On May 17, 1892, he was promoted to freight conductor and in July, 1917, was made assistant trainmaster. On Aug. 14, 1920, he was promoted to his present position as local train- master. His district covers territory between Conneaut Harbor and Greenville and the M. & L. Branch between Meadville and Linesville, Pa.
On June 6, 1905, Mr. Skellie was united in marriage with Miss Bess Barnes, a native of Albion, and the daughter of R. A. and Lucy (Har- rington) Barnes, both deceased. Mr. Barnes was a prosperous and well known Albion merchant for 40 years and served as a member of the school board and city council. Mr. and Mrs. Skellie have two sons: Ray- mond Barnes, born Oct. 28, 1906, was graduated from the Albion High School in 1925; and Robert Harrington, born in January, 1908, was grad- uated in 1924 from the naval department of Culver Military Academy, Culver, Ind. He is now a student at Albion High School.
Mr. Skellie is esteemed throughout the community as a man of in- tegrity and uprightness of character.
Raymond A. Johnson, vice president of the American Accountants Corporation, ranks among the representative and public spirited citizens of Erie. He was born at Lincolnville, Pa., May 27, 1888, and is the son of Damon E. and Alice L. Johnson.
Damon E. Johnson is a substantial business man of Erie, where he is engaged in the grocery and hardware business at 2927 Buffalo Rd.
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