USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 51
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Archie Salisbury, a progressive and enterprising business man of Al- bion, is one of the well known and substantial citizens of Erie County. He was born here, May 4, 1875, and is the son of Lawrence H. and Adelaide (Morris) Salisbury.
Lawrence H. Salisbury, deceased, was a pioneer business man of this section. He was born in Girard Township, Erie County, in 1841, the son of Sanford and Sarah (Sawdey) Salisbury, natives of New York. Mr. Salisbury established the hardware business at Albion, which is now con- ducted by his son, in 1870. He died Aug. 30, 1917. He was one of the organizers of the Albion Telephone Company, the Citizens Bank, and was an active member of the school board for 21 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Salis- bury, who were married in 1862, the following children were born: Clar- ence, who is associated with the L. H. Salisbury Company, lives at Albion; Leslie, engaged in the hardware business at Mason, Mich .; Earl, died in 1888; Ada, married Dr. H. C. Sturdevant, lives at Linesville, Pa .; Archie, the subject of this sketch; Ora, married Dr. G. P. Spaulding, lives in Al- bion; and Grace, deceased, was married to V. P. Lyman.
Archie Salisbury has always lived in Albion. When a young man he became interested in the hardware business with his father and since the latter's death has had complete charge of the business. Mr. Salisbury has an excellent trade and carries a fine grade of hardware and supplies.
Mr. Salisbury was married June 12, 1901, to Miss Katherine Reilley, a native of Girard and the daughter of George and Emma (Godfrey) Reilley, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury were born three daugh-
L. H. SALISBURY
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ters: Dortha, a graduate of Oberlin College, now teaches in the Albion schools; Frances, a student at Allegheny College; and Adelaide, at home.
In politics Mr. Salisbury is identified with the Republican party and he has served as a member of the Albion school board for 15 years and as a member of the city council for two years. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
John J. Mead, Jr., vice president, secretary and general manager of the Times Publishing Company, is among Erie's enterprising and success- ful young business men. He was born in this city, June 11, 1896, and is the son of John J. and Mary (Boland) Mead, Sr. John J. Mead, Sr., is president of The Times Publishing Company.
John J. Mead, Jr., attended the public schools of Erie and Cathedral High School. He was graduated from Georgetown University, Wash- ington, D. C., in 1919, and during the years 1920 and 1921 took post- graduate work at Columbia University. After a year in the offices of the New York Times, Mr. Mead returned to Erie, where he is now as- sociated with The Times Publishing Company.
On Jan. 3, 1923, Mr. Mead was married to Miss Grace Mathews Fin- erty of Buffalo, N. Y. They have a son, John J. Mead, III, born April 13, 1924.
Mr. Mead is a Republican, a member of the Catholic church and be- longs to the University club, Kahkwa club, the New York Advertising club, and the Knights of Columbus. During the World War Mr. Mead was a member of the U. S. Naval Reserves.
C. R. Cummins, amusement engineer, is well and favorably known in Erie, where he has engaged in business since 1908. He was born in this city Dec. 11, 1882, and is the son of John M. and Mary E. Cummins. Mr. Cummins died in 1889 and his wife resides in Erie.
After attending the public and high schools of Erie, C. R. Cummins was graduated from Case School of Applied Science in 1900. He then spent the following four years in Philadelphia as a chemical engineer with Queen & Company, after which he returned to Erie and engaged in the real estate business with Andrew Weschler. He later built and managed the Colonial Theater for Mr. Weschler for four years. From 1918 until 1921 he managed the Erie Exposition, the annual food shows, and has conducted the annual automobile show since 1919. He operated (78)
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the first motion picture machine in the state of Pennsylvania in 1897 and has also conducted exhibition airplane flights in Erie. Mr. Cummins is well known throughout this section of the country as he conducts sport- ing events and expositions of all kinds throughout Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia, as well as Ohio.
In 1901 Mr. Cummins was united in marriage with Miss Catherine M. Jordan of Erie, and they have a son, C. M., who was born May 3, 1902. He is engaged in business with his father.
Mr. Cummins is identified with the Elks and Masonic lodges.
Joseph H. Brennan, district traffic superintendent of the Bell Tele- phone Company, was born Feb. 11, 1897, and is the son of Robert and Jane (Pennington) Brennan, residents of State College, Pa.
Joseph H. Brennan spent his boyhood at home and was graduated from high school in 1916 and from Pennsylvania State College in 1920, where he studied commerce and financing. He then became connected with the Bell Telephone Company at Pittsburgh and after a year there was transferred to New Castle, Pa., as assistant traffic superintendent. Later he was located at Greensburg as acting superintendent and then sent to Pittsburgh. Since Jan. 1, 1924, he has been in Erie, where he is district traffic superintendent, handling all long distance service.
Mr. Brennan is a Republican, a member of the Methodist church, and belongs to the Masonic lodge, Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Chamber of Commerce, and the University Club, where he lives. He is an ambi- tious and progressive young business man, whose success in life is prac- tically assured.
Claude Montague, district manager of the Bell Telephone Company, is well and favorably known in Erie. He was born at Ripley, Tenn., July 5, 1881, and is a son of A. W. and Hettie (Cherry) Montague.
A. W. Montague was a native of Tennessee, where he spent his entire life. He was a successful business man of Ripley and was also active in public life. He is now deceased.
Claude Montague was educated in the schools of Ripley, Tenn., and attended private schools at Union City and Nashville. In 1900 he became connected with the telephone business at Ripley as assistant wire chief, and the following year was transferred to Memphis, Tenn., as an in- spector, where he remained three years. He then spent two years at
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Nashville where he took a complete course in telephone work. From there he went to Madisonville, Ky., as assistant manager of the Cumberland Telephone & Telegraph Company of the Bell system. Later Mr. Mon- tague went to Terre Haute, Ind., where he was identified with the Central Union Telephone Company. After a year as chief inspector at Shelby- ville, Ind., he became associated with the Bell Telephone Company at Cambridge, Ohio. Before coming to Erie in May, 1922, Mr. Montague served as manager of the Bell Telephone Company at Parkersburg, W. Va., from 1908 to 1913, manager at Washington, Pa., from 1913 until 1920, and as sales supervisor in Pittsburgh from 1920 until 1922.
On Jan. 9, 1904, Mr. Montague was married to Miss Leora Sugg of Madisonville, Ky., and a daughter of J. W. and Frances Sugg. They have three children: Adolphus Wiley, Frances Virginia, and Homer Ross.
Mr. Montague is a member of the Erie Club, Knights of Pythias and Chamber of Commerce. He is esteemed throughout the community as a substantial and reliable business man.
Harold D. Gorman, a prosperous and well known young business man of Erie, is a member of a family that settled in Erie County during the early days. He is a member of the firm of McClelland-Gorman Motor Sales, Inc., Oldsmobile dealers. Mr. Gorman was born in LeBoeuf Town- ship, Erie County, July 16, 1895, and is the son of William M. and Clara (Hadley) Gorman.
William M. Gorman, a leading farmer of LeBoeuf Township, was born in that township and is the son of Michael Gorman, who settled in Penn- sylvania in 1859 and improved 140 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. William M. Gorman, who still reside on their farm, have four children: Harold D., the subject of this sketch; Rexford; Gladys; and Francis.
Harold D. Gorman was educated in the public schools and attended Union City High School and Edinboro State Normal School. When a young man he became interested in the automobile business and con- ducted a garage at 28th and Parade streets, Erie. Later he engaged in business at Girard, Pa., and two years later purchased the West End Service Station at 26th and Washington streets. He also built a gaso- line station at 26th and State Streets, which was later sold to the Penn Oil Company. He then purchased the business and lease of John F. Bieber, agency for the Oldsmobile automobile at 10th and Peach streets. Mr. Gorman sold out this business to W. E. McClelland, who then located
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at 10th and Holland streets. Later, however, Mr. Gorman formed his present partnership with Mr. McClelland, and they rank among the lead- ing automobile men of this section.
On March 27, 1920, Mr. Gorman was united in marriage with Miss Delia Roberts, of Waterford, Pa., and the daughter of Benjamin and Margaret Roberts, residents of Waterford.
Politically Mr. Gorman is a Republican. He holds membership in the United Brethren Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Gorman owns a fine farm of 125 acres in LeBoeuf Township. He is accounted an alert business man and is favorably known.
Charles R. Campbell is a prominent citizen of Erie, where he is iden- tified with the Campbell School of Music. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born at Arnot, April 5, 1884, and the son of Edwin J. and Flora (Mour- hess) Campbell.
Mr. Campbell was educated in the schools of Mansfield, Edinboro and Indiana, Pa., and in early life manifested a keen interest in the study of music. After serving as conductor of the Blossburg Marine Band, Bloss- burg, Pa., he was connected with the Westfield (Pa.) Military Band, and during the years 1909 and 1910 he was in charge of the music department of Bingham School, Mebane, N. C. From 1915 until 1919 he conducted the Losey Military Band School and from 1919 until the present time has been identified with the Campbell School of Music as principal. In 1917, Mr. Campbell organized the Campbell Concert Band, which is widely known through their municipal concerts.
The Campbell School of Music succeeded the Losey Military Band School in Erie and occupies the entire third floor of the Erie Trust Com- pany Building. The present enrollment is 285 pupils. Branches of music taught are, all band and orchestral instruments, piano, voice, violin, cello, saxaphone and pipe organ.
On Sept. 11, 1910, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage with Miss J. Lydia Williams, a native of Wilkes Barre, Pa., and they have an adopted daughter, Charlotte Roberta Campbell.
Mr. Campbell and his wife are identified with the Presbyterian Church. He is a 32d degree Mason and a member of the Shrine and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Elks, Eagles and Orientals. He has an extensive acquaintance in Erie, is highly esteemed and recognized as a master of his art.
CHARLES R. CAMPBELL
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W. P. Merritt, Jr., who is identified with the police department of the Pennsylvania Railroad, at Warren, Pa., is a member of a family that has been prominent in Erie County for a number of years. He was born at Corry, Pa., July 24, 1888, and is the son of W. P. and Emma M. (Whit- ney) Merritt.
W. P. Merritt, who has engaged in general farming during his entire life, is a native of Pennsylvania, born July 20, 1863. His wife was born at French Creek, N. Y., April 20, 1858. To Mr. and Mrs. Merritt, who live near Corry, the following children were born: Bert, lives at Corry ; Bertha, married Ray Laurie, lives at Corry ; Rollin, lives at Warren, Pa .; Roy, lives near Corry ; Russell, lives at home; and W. P., Jr., the subject of this sketch.
W. P. Merritt, Jr., spent his boyhood at Corry and was educated in the Wayne Township schools, Corry High School and Edinboro State Normal School. After completing his schooling he followed farming for four years, after which he became a member of the Corry police force. Four years later he became connected with the police department of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He resides at 615 Fourth Avenue, Warren, Pa.
On Sept. 13, 1913, Mr. Merritt was united in marriage with Miss Bessie F. Marts, who was born on Carter Hill, near Corry. She is the daughter of Loren T. and Adda (Cushing) Marts, residents of Corry. Mr. and Mrs. Merritt have a son, Kenneth O., born Feb. 22, 1915.
Politically, Mr. Merritt is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Elks lodge and the Knights of Pythias.
Andrew P. Weschler, president and manager of the Colonial Enter- prises Company, Inc., is one of Erie's most active business men and sub- stantial citizens. He was born in this city in 1873 and is the son of Jacob and Frances Weschler, both of whom are deceased.
A. P. Weschler has two sisters and a brother living, as follows: Mrs. Bena Leary, Erie, Pa .; Mrs. George W. Brown, Los Angeles, Calif .; and Joseph J. Weschler, Erie, Pa.
Mr. Weschler was educated in the public schools of Erie and when a young man became interested in real estate, in which he has been suc- cessfully engaged for a number of years. Among his noteworthy achieve- ments is the opening of the Boulevard Park addition, which was annexed to the city of Erie through Mr. Weschler's untiring efforts. He spent
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thousands of dollars improving this section, which is now one of the city's finest suburban sections. This addition was made part of Erie in 1907.
On Feb. 8, 1909, Mr. Weschler purchased the Tabernacle Church property which he converted into a modern vaudeville house, known as the Colonial Theatre. It is located on the west side of Peach Street between Ninth and Tenth streets, and is among Erie's attractive theatres.
William Robert Epp, sales manager of the Eriez Stove & Manufactur- ing Company, is a prominent business man of Erie. He was born at Fair- view, Pa., Sept. 26, 1879, and is the son of Conrad and Pauline (Herbst) Epp.
Conrad Epp was born in Erie and his wife is a native of Witten- berg, Germany. He is a retired farmer and resides at 1132 West 26th Street. To Mr. and Mrs. Epp were born the following children: Fred- erick W., deceased; George S., lives at 1257 West 8th Street; Edward M., lives at 1046 West 26th Street; Mrs. J. S. Hutchings, lives at 1132 West 26th Street; Albert S., lives at 1151 West 27th Street; Arthur D., lives at 902 West 26th Street; and William Robert, the subject of this sketch.
William Robert Epp received his education in the schools of Fairview Township and in early life engaged in farming. He served an apprentice- ship at the blacksmith trade and spent six months harvesting and thresh- ing in western Kansas. He then engaged with the firm of Epp Brothers for eight years and for the past 18 years has been connected with the Eriez Stove & Manufacturing Company.
On Dec. 17, 1903, Mr. Epp was united in marriage with Miss Nellie G. Dickson, a native of Erie, and a daughter of Thomas H. and Eliza- beth U. (McCrea) Dickson, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Erie. Mr. Dickson died July 23, 1908, and his wife resides at San Diego, Cal.
Mr. and Mrs. Epp have a daughter, Ruth A., now a student at Fair- fax Hall, Waynesboro, Va.
Mr. Epp is a Republican, a member of the Park Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with the following lodges: Keystone lodge No. 455, Lodge of Perfection, Pittsburgh Consistory, 32nd degree, Temple Royal Arch Chapter No. 215, Erie, Mt. Olivet Commandery No. 30 K. T., Zem Zem Temple and U. C. T. No. 216.
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Mrs. Harriet (Bowen) Fincken, of Erie, was born at Bryn Mawr, Wales, Jan. 19, 1888, and is the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Williams) Bowen.
William Bowen was born in Wales in 1847 and has spent his entire life there. His wife was born there in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Bowen, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1914, are the parents of the following children: Catherine, Anna, Sarah, Elizabeth, Jack, all of whom reside in Wales; Keturah, married William Harding, and they have a son, William T., lives in Erie; Annie, lives in Wales; Lottie, mar- ried William D. Bowen, lives at Kingston, Pa .; Lilly and Rose, who live in Wales; and Harriet, the subject of this sketch.
Harriet Bowen spent her girlhood in England and was educated in the schools there. At an early age she came to the United States and settled in Erie, where she has since resided. In May, 1908, she was mar- ried to Percy Fincken, a native of London, England, born Dec. 9, 1889, and the son of Henry and Emma (Humphreys) Fincken, natives of Eng- land. Mr. Fincken is deceased and his widow lives in London. They had a daughter, Jessie, who lives in London also. Mrs. Fincken has a nephew, Oliver, born in England, and a niece, Ivy Bowen, born in 1914. They live at Kingston, Pa.
Mrs. Fincken is a member of the Church of Wales. She has a wide acquaintance in Erie and is highly esteemed. Her home is at 234 West 5th Street.
James F. Anthony is a progressive and enterprising young business man of Erie, where he is engaged in the dry cleaning business. He was born at Elmira, N. Y., Nov. 14, 1894, and is the son of John and Mary (Becker) Anthony.
John Anthony came to this country from Germany and settled in Erie, where he operated an electric crane at the Burke Electric Com- pany. His wife is deceased. They had eight children, as follows: John W., lives in Cleveland; Hugh, lives in Cleveland; Edward, lives in Erie, is a World War veteran, having served with the 2nd Engineers; Margaret, married Adolph Dimelfelt, lives in Erie; Caroline, married Walter Shu- macker, lives in Erie; Emma, married Harry Cray, lives in Erie; Rose, lives in Erie; and James F., the subject of this sketch.
James F. Anthony attended the public schools of Erie and when a boy worked in a grocery store. He learned the core making trade and
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for three years was employed at the Erie Engine Works, after which he became interested in the dry cleaning and dyeing business. He was em- ployed by the Erie Cleaning & Dyeing Company until 1920, then with Van's Dry Cleaning Company until October, 1922, when he established his present business at 2431 Peach Street. Mr. Anthony does high grade work and has established an excellent trade in Erie and the surrounding territory.
In 1915 Mr. Anthony was united in marriage with Miss Mabel Ken- nerknecht, who was born in this city, July 11, 1896. They have a son, Charles J., born May 24, 1916.
Politically, Mr. Anthony is a Republican.
Walter L. Blossom, general agent for the Connecticut Mutual Life In- surance Company, is a leading business man of Erie. He was born at Shel- byville, Mich., Jan. 9, 1880, and is the son of Chauncey E. and Abigail (Whitney) Blossom.
Chauncey E. Blossom was born at Wausau, Wis., Feb. 5, 1843. He served throughout the Civil War with Company E, 13th Michigan Volun- teer Infantry, and died in 1922, at Big Rapids, Mich. In early life he worked at the carpenter trade but later engaged in general farming in Michigan. His wife, who was born at Piqua, Ohio, Aug. 23, 1848, resides at Big Rapids, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Blossom were the parents of seven children.
Walter L. Blossom received his education in the public schools of Big Rapids, Mich., and began his business career as private secretary to the general manager of the Munising (Mich.) Paper Company. He later was manager of the Insurance Department of the First National Bank at Negaunee, Mich., where he remained until 1910. From there he went to Traverse City, Mich., where he engaged in the insurance businss until 1916, at which time he removed to Erie and accepted his present position. Mr. Blossom employs a force of 18 men, besides his office force, and deals in life insurance exclusively.
On July 18, 1905, Mr. Blossom was united in marriage with Miss Amy G. Lang, the daughter of John and Patience (Powell) Lang, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Blossom have no children.
Mr. Blossom is a Republican, a member of the First Methodist Episco- pal Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. He is esteemed as one of the progressive citizens of Erie.
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Mrs. Helen (Davidson) Chaffee, the capable and well known post- master of Wesleyville, was born at Graham, N. C., and is the daughter of C. A. and Isabella (Richmond) Davidson.
C. A. Davidson was born in 1848 and died in June, 1912. He was a farmer during his life and his widow now resides on the Davidson farm near Harbor Creek, Pa. They had four children: John R., lives retired in Erie; George C., lives in Pittsburgh, Pa .; Walter, lives at Harbor Creek, Pa .; and Mrs. Chaffee.
Helen Davidson grew up in Kingsville, Ohio, and attended the public and high schools there. She is a graduate of Fredonia Normal School and Edinboro Normal School and taught school in Erie County for 10 years before her marriage. She was appointed postmaster of Wesleyville in 1914 and has since served in that capacity.
In 1902 Miss Davidson was united in marriage with William E. Chaf- fee, of Stewart's Run, Pa., and the son of Henry and Catherine (Jamison) Chaffee, natives of Vermont and Scotland, respectively. Mr. Chaffee was killed in action during the Civil War and his wife is also deceased. Will- iam E. Chaffee is a prominent citizen of Wesleyville, where he conducts a grocery business and floral shop. He is also a director of the Bank of Wesleyville. Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee have a daughter, Isabel F., who was born Oct. 7, 1904. She is now a student at the Southern College, Peters- burg, Va.
Mrs. Chaffee holds membership in the Presbyterian church. She has a wide circle of friends in Erie County and is favorably known ..
Frank J. Schmid, secretary and manager of the Nickel Plate Milling Company, is among the successful and well known business men of Erie. He was born at Bradys Bend, Pa., Jan. 21, 1873, and is a son of J. H. and Josephine (Kramer) Schmid.
J. H. Schmid was born in Germany in 1842 and came to this country at the age of 26 years and located in Butler County, Pa. For a number of years he was a building contractor at Meadville, Pa., and later engaged in general farming. The last 25 years of his active career were spent in the lumber business. He now lives retired at Franklin, Pa. His wife died in 1922 at the age of 76 years. Mr. and Mrs. Schmid were the parents of eight children, two of whom are deceased.
Frank J. Schmid was educated in the district schools and at the age of 21 years engaged in the lumber business at Huntington, W. Va. Six
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years later he went to Seattle, Wash., where he became foreman of the White River Lumber Company. After three years in that capacity he returned to West Virginia, where he was engaged in the oil business three years. In 1909 Mr. Schmid came to Erie, where in 1913 he organ- ized the Erie Milling & Supply Company, which was sold in 1918. He then purchased an interest in the Nickel Plate Milling Company and since 1921 has served as secretary and manager. The Nickel Plate Milling Company is among the largest enterprises of its kind in Erie County and handles flour, feed, hay and grain. There is a branch office located at Wesleyville.
Philip Schmid, a brother of Frank J. Schmid, is president of the Nickel Plate Milling Company, and also resides in Erie. He was married to Miss Maud L. Wightman of Meadville, Pa.
In 1903 Frank J. Schmid was united in marriage with Miss Edna S. Smith, of Meadville, Pa., and they have three children: Ruth, married Marion Zurn, manager of the Zurn Manufacturing Company, lives at Erie; Dorothy Elizabeth, a student at Central High School, Erie; and John Henry, also a student.
Mr. Schmid is a Republican and belongs to the Elks lodge. He is an enterprising citizen of his community.
Alexander McFayden, proprietor of the Erie Milling & Supply Com- pany, ranks among Erie's enterprising and successful business men. He was born at Waterford, Pa., June 20, 1859, the son of Alexander and Em- meline (Woodford) McFayden.
Alexander McFayden came to this country from Scotland with his parents when he was 13 years old. They settled on a farm in Waterford Township, Erie County. Mr. McFayden sailed the lakes for 20 years, after which he engaged in farming on the home place. He died in 1889 at the age of 74 years, and his wife, a native of Massachusetts, died at the age of 54 years. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Isabel Thomas, lives on the old homestead; William A., a druggist, lives in Erie; Alexander, the subject of this sketch; and Elizabeth, married Leon Sherwood, lives in Waterford Township; Finley, lives retired, in Erie; and John.
Alexander McFayden spent his boyhood on his father's farm and was educated in the schools at Waterford. After several years on the farm he engaged in the lumber business and in February, 1894, came to
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