USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 5
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Edwin W. Hatch was educated in a log school house in Hatch Hollow and was graduated from Waterford Academy in 1851. He began life as a farmer and in 1864 removed to Union City where he engaged in the manufacture of staves for several years. He then became interested in the real estate business. He allotted 25 acres which he sold at what is known as Hatch Hill subdivision. In 1872 he and his brother George began the manufacture of brooms, and operated the first broom factory in the state of Pennsylvania. The partnership continued for three years when Edwin W. purchased his brother's interest in the business, which has since been known as E. W. Hatch & Sons. Mr. Hatch has been promi- nent in the business affairs of his city and for many years served as president of the National Bank of Union City.
MR. AND MRS. E. W. HATCH
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Mr. Hatch was married first Dec. 10, 1856, to Miss Nancy Chaffee, who was born in Amity Township, Erie County, July 24, 1836, and died in March, 1905. To them were born four children: Leon W., born Nov. 9, 1857, associated in business with his father; Francis T., born Jan. 9, 1861, manager of the E. W. Hatch & Sons; Dr. Philip Luther, born Oct. 13, 1871, a veteran of the World War, and a prominent physician and surgeon of Union City; and Augustus Edwin, born Nov. 2, 1874, a ranch owner of Montana, where he has a section of land of 640 acres.
On July 26, 1906, Mr. Hatch was married to Miss Martha L. Fuller, who was born at Richmondville, Schoharie County, N. Y., June 2, 1845, the daughter of Leroy and Ann Janet (Dennis) Fuller, natives of New York and parents of the following children: Nicholas, born Aug. 29, 1831, died Aug. 2, 1901; Dolly, born June 9, 1834, died in infancy; Elias, born July 18, 1835, died in infancy ; Sarah A., born Oct. 29, 1836, died May 13, 1888; Hannah M., born Dec. 15, 1839, died in infancy ; Levi, born in 1841, died in 1914; Mrs. Hatch; Tirzah, born Jan. 10, 1849, married Levi Van- Voorhis, lives in South Dakota. Mr. Fuller died March 30, 1893, and his wife died May 13, 1882.
Mr. Hatch and his wife are members of the Methodist church and have a wide acquaintance in Erie County.
Dr. B. Swayne Putts, who ranks among the leading and successful physicians and surgeons of Erie, was born in Baltimore, Md., Feb. 26, 1882, and is the son of J. W. and Mary L. (Meredith) Putts.
J. W. Putts was a native of Virginia and his wife was born in Mary- land. He engaged in the mercantile business in Baltimore for 44 years and became prosperous. Mr. and Mrs. Putts, now deceased, were the parents of four children: A. C., lives in Baltimore; W. E., deceased; Dr. B. Swayne, the subject of this sketch; and Mabel Gardner, lives in Baltimore.
Dr. B. Swayne Putts attended the public schools of Baltimore. In 1902 he received his A. B. degree and in 1906 his M. D. degree at John Hopkins University, after which he spent a year as an interne in Alle- gheny Hospital, Pittsburgh. After practicing his profession in that city for some time he served as physician at the Massachusetts State Sani- tarium for one year, and the next two years was physician at the Penn- sylvania State Sanitarium. He began the practice of medicine in Erie in 1911 and in 1917 returned to John Hopkins University where he spe-
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cialized in the study of Roentgenology. He has since specialized in X-ray work and is Roentgenologist at both Hamot and St. Vincent's Hospitals.
On May 25, 1910, Doctor Putts was united in marriage with Miss Edna B. Buhl, a native of Butler County, Pa., and they have one child, Christine D., born Jan. 17, 1912.
Doctor Putts is a member of the American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State Medical Association, the Erie County Medical Society, the Radiological Society, and the American Roentgenray Society. He is identified with the Masonic lodge and is a member of the University and Kahkwa Club. He is a member of the Park Presbyterian Church and he and his wife are favorably known in Erie, where they have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
Dr. J. W. Schilling ranks among the successful and well known young physicians and surgeons of Erie. He was born in this city, April 1, 1895, and is the son of William J. and Jane (Gills) Schilling.
William J. Schilling was born in Pittsburgh in 1865 and is a pioneer resident of Erie, where he is engaged in business. His wife was born in New England. To Mr. and Mrs. Schilling were born seven children: Roy C., lives in Chicago; Florence Kent, lives in Los Angeles, Cal .; Dr. J. W., the subject of this sketch; Leona, lives in Erie; Julius C., student at the University of Pittsburgh; Jennie; and William J., Jr., both at home.
Dr. J. W. Schilling received his early education in the public schools of Erie and was graduated from high school in 1915. After attending Muhlenberg College at Allentown, Pa., he entered the University of Mary- land at Baltimore, where he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1921. The next year was spent in St. Vincent's Hospital, Erie, and on Oct. 1, 1922, Doctor Schilling began the practice of his profession at 1818 Chestnut Street, where he has met with success.
On Aug. 5, 1924, Doctor Schilling was united in marriage with Miss Lois Johnston, the daughter of Frank and Flora (Coleburg) Johnston, residents of Erie.
Doctor Schilling is a member of St. Vincent's and Hamot Hospital staff, and is connected with the Erie General Dispensary. He is identified with the Erie County Medical Society, the Erie Clinical Society, the Penn- sylvania State Medical Association, and the American Medical Associa- tion. He belongs to the University Club. During the World War Doctor Schilling served as a first-class hospital apprentice for a period of six months.
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Dr. James H. Kelsey has been a successful and well known dentist of Erie since 1901. He is a native of England, born July 3, 1877, and the son of George and Margaret (Stubbs) Kelsey.
George Kelsey and his wife were natives of England and settled in Toronto, Canada, in 1882, where he was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey, both of whom are now deceased, had five children.
After attending the public schools of Toronto, Dr. Kelsey matricu- lated into Trinity University. He then entered the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and in 1900 was graduated from that college with the title of L. D. S. and received the degree of D. D. S. from the University of Toronto. In 1913 he took post graduate work there, re- ceiving the degree of Master of Dental Surgery and has since taken post graduate work in many of the large centers of learning both in America and Europe. In 1917 he was appointed Oral Surgeon on the staff of Hamot Hospital. Since 1901 he has engaged in the practice of his pro- fession in Erie, where he has a well established practice, with offices at 714 Sassafras Street.
On June 27, 1906, Doctor Kelsey was married to Miss Kathleen Cor- son, and they have two children: Patience, born in 1907, and Arthur, born in 1912.
Dr. Kelsey is identified with the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, State and local dental societies. He is a Republican, a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic lodge, the Shrine, Rotary Club, University Club, Delta Sigma Delta fraternity, Kahkwa Club and various other organizations.
Dr. F. H. Paul, a popular and successful dentist of Erie, was born at Titusville, Pa., Aug. 21, 1875, and is the son of A. O. and Electa (Sargent) Paul.
A. O. Paul, who lives at Girard, Pa., has been the proprietor of the Girard Hotel for the past 16 years. His wife was born in Crawford County, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Paul were born two children: Elnora, died at the age of eight years; and Dr. F. H., the subject of this sketch.
Dr. F. H. Paul received his early education in the schools of Spring- boro, Pa., and in 1899 was graduated from the Philadelphia Dental Col- lege. After practicing his profession at Springboro for three years, he spent five years in Pittsburgh, and in 1907 established his practice at
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Erie. With the exception of five years, during which time Doctor Paul engaged in the manufacturing business in Erie, he has practiced his pro- fession in Erie. His office is located at 520-21-22 Commerce Building.
Doctor Paul was married on Sept. 9, 1907, to Miss Margaret Schusler, a native of Pittsburgh, and the daughter of John and Louise Schusler, both deceased.
Doctor Paul is identified with the Republican party and he ranks among the substantial citizens of his community.
John Melhorn Hirt, who is successfully engaged in the automobile insurance business in Erie with offices in the Commerce Building, is a native of Erie. He was born Aug. 15, 1879, and is the son of Frank W. and Sarah Melhorn Hirt.
Frank W. Hirt is also a native of Erie and throughout his life has been interested in the business activities of the city. In 1895 he with his son John M. founded the Erie Mantel and Tile Company, today one of the leading industries of its kind in Pennsylvania. About 1920 Frank W. Hirt retired from active business and now resides at his family residence, 1016 Wayne Street. His wife died in 1921 at the age of 68 years. To Frank W. Hirt and wife were born two sons and three daughters, all of whom are now living.
The ancestors of John M. Hirt played an intimate part in the early activities of both the county and city of Erie. His grandfather on his mother's side, the late Rev. J. K. Melhorn, at the beginning of the Nine- teenth Century came to Erie County with his parents in their covered wagons, driving with all their earthly possessions from Lancaster County. They bought large tracts of land on the bank of Lake Erie in Fairview Township. Several hundred acres of what is now the most valuable lake front property belonged to the Melhorns and was only disposed of in recent years.
The original log house, built of logs cut and put together while the family lived in their wagons, still stands where it was built more than a hundred years ago. The Lutheran church at Fairview was built largely through the efforts of the Melhorns. The old church moved from its original location is today the Fairview town hall and is in a perfect state of preservation.
Rev. J. K. Melhorn was educated in the old Erie Academy and for a number of years was a teacher in that institution.
JOHN M. HIRT
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John M. Hirt received his education in the public schools here and after leaving school was for 20 years associated with the Metric Metal Works of Erie. In 1918 Mr. Hirt was appointed manager of the Erie branch office of the Pennsylvania Indemnity Company, which business has prospered under Mr. Hirt's direction from a small beginning until today in the Erie office a force of 12 persons are engaged and about 44 more report to the Erie office from outlying territory supervised by this office. The business represented by Mr. Hirt is today one of the largest of its kind in the world.
In 1903 Mr. Hirt was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Offerle, of Warren, Pa., a daughter of Daniel and Nancy Offerle, residents of Warren. Rev. J. K. Melhorn, grandfather of Mr. Hirt, officiated. To Mr. and Mrs. Hirt have been born three children: John O., born in 1912; Willard Frederick, born in 1920; and Nancy Elizabeth, born in 1922.
Mr. Hirt in addition to being a substantial citizen is widely and favorably known.
Dr. P. P. Parsons, who ranks among the leading and successful of the younger physicians and surgeons of Erie, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born at Kane, Dec. 17, 1885, and is the son of Rev. J. A. and Josephine (Peters) Parsons.
Reverend Parsons was born in Ontario, Canada, July 16, 1853, and was a prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church during his life and served in the Erie Conference. He died Feb. 26, 1913, and his wife resides at 1249 West 9th Street, Erie. She was born at London, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 7, 1858, and was married to Reverend Parsons in 1883. To them three children were born: Dr. P. P., the subject of this sketch; Mary V. Whitmarsh, lives at Mckeesport, Pa .; and Joseph H., deceased, mention of whom is made below.
Dr. Joseph H. Parsons was killed while in service during the World War. He was a dentist in Erie and at the time of his enlistment was commissioned a first lieutenant with the 313th Machine Gun Battalion. He was killed during the Meuse-Argonne Drive, Nov. 4, 1918. He left a widow, Rosella (Wilson) Parsons.
Dr. P. P. Parsons received his education in the public schools of Reyn- oldsville, Pa., and after completing his high school course in 1905, he took a course at Allegheny College, which he completed in 1909, receiving the A. B. degree. He then entered the Medical School of the University of
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Pennsylvania, from which he received his degree as Doctor of Medicine in 1913. His interne work was done at the Methodist Episcopal Hospital of Philadelphia and in 1914 Doctor Parsons began the practice of his profession in Erie at 1017 West 10th Street. Since 1920 he has been located at 1022 West 8th Street. He has built up a large practice and is widely known as an able physician. Doctor Parsons specializes in obste- trical work and internal medicine. He is a member of the staff of St. Vincent's Hospital.
Doctor Parsons was married Sept. 14, 1910, to Miss Lillian Harries of Reynoldsville, Pa., and they have three children: Miriam, born Nov. 22, 1916; William H., born June 28, 1919; and Louise, born Jan. 31, 1922.
In politics Doctor Parsons is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Kingsley Methodist Episcopal Church of Erie, and be- longs to the American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State Medi- cal Society, and the Erie County Medical Society. He is also a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the Phi Betta Kappa honorary frater- nity, the Phi Alpha Sigma medical fraternity, and belongs to the Elks lodge. Doctor Parsons is an excellent citizen and merits the high esteem in which he is held by the community.
Dr. Robert L. Gibbons is a prominent young physician and surgeon of Erie. He was born at Greenville, Pa., Oct. 13, 1892, and is the son of P. C. and Henrietta (McMahon) Gibbons.
P. C. Gibbons was born in England and came to this country with his parents when a small boy. He was a successful merchant at Sharon, Pa., for many years and now lives retired there. His wife, a native of Penn- sylvania, is deceased. They had nine children, as follows: Clarie Mink, lives at Sharon, Pa .; Augusta, lives at Sharon, Pa .; Paul, lives at Sharon, Pa .; Dr. Robert L., the subject of this sketch; Stanley, lives at Sharon; Florence Lyman, lives at Sharon; Gertrude Deforest, lives at Sharon; Marion, lives at Sharon; and one child died in infancy. Mr. Gibbons was married the second time to Miss Rose Kahl, of Sharon.
Dr. Robert L. Gibbons was graduated from the public schools of Sharon in 1911, after which he entered Pittsburgh University. After receiving his degree in 1914 he entered the Medical School of the same university, from which he was graduated in 1918. The following year he spent at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. He began the practice of his profession in Erie in 1919 and is located at 420 East 11th Street. Doctor
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Gibbons is examining physician for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Com- pany and the Indiana State Life Insurance Company. He is identified with the Erie, State and American Medical Associations and is a progres- sive man in his profession.
On Nov. 27, 1923, Doctor Gibbons was united in marriage with Miss Irene Kuhn, a native of Erie and the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Conrath) Kuhn. They have one child, Robert L., Jr.
Doctor Gibbons is a Republican, a member of the Catholic church and belongs to the University Club and the Knights of Columbus.
Dr. F. E. Avery, a prominent osteopathic physician of Erie, with offices at 343 West 8th Street, was born in Greene County, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1872, and is the son of Henry A. and Rosella (Whitcomb) Avery.
Henry A. Avery was a native of New York, and is now deceased. His wife resides at Westfield, Mass. They were the parents of four chil- dren: Nettie Harwig, lives in New York city; Mary Shephard, lives at Westfield, Mass .; Dr. F. E., the subject of this sketch ; and John, born in 1874, died in 1904.
Dr. F. E. Avery received his early education in the schools of Massa- chusetts and in 1910 received his degree as Doctor of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Mo. He immediately began the practice of his profession in Erie, where he has a well established reputation.
In September, 1907, Doctor Avery was united in marriage with Miss Anna Chittenden, of Syracuse, N. Y., and they have three children: F. E., Jr., born Feb. 15, 1911; Lewis C., born May 22, 1913; and Ralph Whit- comb, born April 18, 1918.
Doctor Avery has always been progressive, public spirited, and is a citizen of real worth.
Dr. E. J. Dear, a successful dentist of Erie, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession in this city for 16 years, is a native of New York. He was born at Rochester, Jan. 31, 1885, and is the son of John and Margaret (Moon) Dear.
John Dear was born in Ontario, Canada, and for many years has lived in Rochester, N. Y., where he is a building contractor. In 1882 he was married to Miss Margaret Moon, a daughter of Joseph and Margaret L. (Berry) Moon, natives of New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Dear one son was born, Dr. E. J., the subject of this sketch.
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Dr. E. J. Dear was graduated from East High School, Rochester, N. Y., in 1905, and three years later received his degree of Doctor of Dentistry at the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery. After being located in the Rochester Dispensary for one and one-half years, Doctor Dear estab- lished his practice in Erie. He has a well equipped office at 405 Commerce Building and is efficient and successful in his work.
On May 15, 1913, Doctor Dear was married to Miss Mildred E. Man- ning, of Lockport, N. Y., and they have two sons: John R., born Nov. 5, 1917; and William E., born March 10, 1919.
Doctor Dear is a member of the Erie County, State and American Dental Associations, and he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Elks lodge, and Psi Omega. He is a member of the Sanford Presbyterian Church.
George J. Abbey is a substantial and widely known citizen of Erie County. He was born on a farm in Girard Township, Jan. 5, 1850, and is the son of John J. and Jane (Dempsey) Abbey.
John J. Abbey was born near Syracuse, N. Y., and in 1825 removed to Erie County and settled on a farm in Girard Township, where he re- mained until 1861. He then lived in Springfield Township until his death. There were four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Abbey; George J., the sub- ject of this sketch; William, who died in 1925; Frank, who died in 1924; and John, who died in 1924. The grandfather of George J. Abbey was David Abbey and the grandmother was Phoeba Abbey; they were the parents of 13 children, all of whom are deceased.
George J. Abbey was educated in the schools of Springfield Town- ship and in early life engaged in farming on 70 acres of land in this town- ship. In 1923 he retired from farming, and now devotes his entire time to his business interests. Mr. Abbey is president and manager of the West Springfield Telephone Company, and has served in this capacity since 1910.
On March 31, 1875, Mr. Abbey was married to Miss Melissa Harris, a native of Springfield Township, and a daughter of Luke and Rebecca (Craven) Harris, early settlers of Springfield Township. Mr. and Mrs. Harris, deceased, were the parents of the following children: Jane, mar- ried George Silverthorn, both deceased; Priscilla, married Minor Cole, both deceased; Sylvanius; Sarah, married George Howard, both deceased; Mrs. Abbey; Elizabeth and John, both deceased. Mrs. Abbey died March 5,
GEORGE J. ABBEY
MRS. GEORGE J. ABBEY
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1920, and is buried in the East Springfield Cemetery. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Abbey, two of whom died in infancy. A daughter, Imogene H., is a trained nurse and lives in Illinois. During the World War she served at Washington, D. C.
Mr. Abbey has been a member of the Lake Erie Lodge, No. 416, I. O. O. F., for 35 years; he is also a member of the Encampment. He has been a member of the local state police for 45 years and is past grand captain. He is trustee of East Springfield Cemetery. Politically Mr. Abbey is a Republican. He is a member of the Universalist church and is highly esteemed in the community in which he lives.
Dr. W. H. Everhart is a successful young dentist of Erie and a veteran of the World War. He was born at Staples, Minn., Dec. 3, 1891, and is the son of J. B. and Rachael (Long) Everhart.
J. B. Everhart is a native of Germany and has lived in this country since he was a small child. He is an engineer and resides in Erie. His wife was born at New Castle, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Everhart were born five children, as follows: Mary Brainard, lives in Pittsburgh; Albert J., lives at Uniontown, Pa .; Dr. W. H., the subject of this sketch; William J., lived at Connellsville, Pa., and is now deceased; and Florence, deceased.
Dr. W. H. Everhart received his education in the public schools and was graduated from Allegheny High School, after which he entered Pitts- burgh University. In 1914 he received his degree as Doctor of Dentistry from that institution and began the practice of his profession at Far- rell, Pa., where he remained almost two years. From there he went to Connellsville and after three years volunteered for service in the World War. He served as a first lieutenant for seven months and was stationed at Camp Coppee, Bethlehem, Pa. After his discharge from the army, Dec. 23, 1918, Doctor Everhart established his practice in Erie in the Lawrence Park district. He is now located at 1015 State Street, where he has an excellent practice.
On Sept. 4, 1917, Doctor Everhart was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Swarmer, a native of Connellsville, Pa., and the daughter of Daniel and Edith (Eicker) Swarmer. To Dr. and Mrs. Everhart have been born two sons: Watson H., born June 5, 1918; and Robert James, born June 11, 1921.
Politically, Doctor Everhart is a Republican. He is a member of the First United Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Knights of Pythias
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and the Knights of Malta. He is also identified with the Erie County Dental Society, the State, and American Dental Associations. He and his wife are well known in Erie and have a host of friends.
Dr. Carlton F. Cantor, a competent dentist and progressive citizen of Erie, who is a veteran of the World War, was born in this city, Nov. 24, 1893, and is the son of Frank C. and Helen (Fritz) Cantor.
Frank C. Cantor was born in Erie in 1861 and for the past 40 years has been connected with the Jarecki Manufacturing Company as a time keeper. In 1891 he was married to Miss Helen Fritz, a native of Erie, and a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Fritz. Mr. and Mrs. Cantor have only one child, Dr. Carlton F., the subject of this sketch.
Dr. Carlton F. Cantor attended the public schools of Erie and was graduated from Erie High School in 1912. He then entered the Uni- versity of Michigan where he received his degree of Doctor of Dentistry in 1915. After two year's practice in Flint, Mich., Doctor Cantor re- turned to Erie and established his office at 1204 Palace Hardware Build- ing, where he remained until his enlistment in the World War. He served as a first lieutenant in the dental corps at Camp Wheeler, Macon, Ga., for four months and was discharged Dec. 18, 1918: He returned to his former location in Erie where he has a large practice.
Doctor Cantor is identified with the Republican party in politics, is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Uni- versity Club, Kahkwa Club, and the Masonic and Elks lodges. He is supervisor of clinics in the Erie schools in which work he has been en- gaged for seven years. He is also president of the local dental association of Erie County, and is a member of the staff at the Erie Boy's Club.
Dr. Edwin J. Reichel, who ranks among the leading young dentists of Erie, is a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, June 1, 1893, and is the son of William F. and Anna (Freidman) Reichel.
William F. Reichel was born in Erie, Aug. 10, 1867, and has spent his entire life here. His wife was born in this city, Jan. 7, 1873, and is the daughter of John B. Freidman. To Mr. and Mrs. Reichel, who were married. in 1892, were born two children: Dr. Edwin J., the subject of this sketch ; and William Freidman Reichel, lives in Erie.
Dr. Edwin J. Reichel was graduated from high school in Erie in 1911 and in 1914 entered the dental school of the University of Pittsburgh,
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