USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 52
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Erie, where he became interested in the threshing business. In 1913, Mr. McFayden organized the Erie Milling & Supply Company, with W. G. Carroll and Frank Schmid. Four years later he purchased Mr. Carroll's interest in the business and the following year became sole owner. In connection with the milling business he operates a feed store. He ships his products in car load lots to New York city and other eastern points.
In 1916, Mr. McFayden was united in marriage with Miss Delcia Moore, a native of Erie. They have one child, Florence Ellen, born Jan. 6, 1921.
In politics, Mr. McFayden is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife are highly esteemed members of their community.
George Godding, manager of the Presque Isle Electrical Manufactur- ing Company, is well known throughout Erie as an enterprising business man. He was born in England, Aug. 23, 1880, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Lyford) Godding.
George Godding, deceased, spent his entire life in England, where he was engaged in the breeding of pheasants. He and his wife died in 1922, both being 63 years of age. They were the parents of the following chil- dren: Elizabeth, died in 1922; George, the subject of this sketch; Charles, an invalid, lives retired in England; Redverse, who is engaged in the busi- ness established by his father in England; Mrs. Eliza Peach, lives in England; and Henrietta, who also resides in England.
George Godding spent his boyhood in his native land and came to this country in 1901, locating in Baltimore, where he was employed as an electrician, which trade he had learned in London. He served in the Brit- ish army during the Boer War, after which he returned to Baltimore. While in the employ of Theodore Marbury, who was secretary to Presi- dent Taft, Mr. Godding visited England every six months for a period of five years. He later came to Erie where he engaged in electrical work, repairing motors and generators. He has been manager of the Presque Isle Electrical Manufacturing Company since 1922. This company spe- cializes in the manufacture of electric motors, and are located at 833 East 7th Street.
Mr. Godding was married in Erie to Miss Anna Christoph, the daugh- ter of John Christoph. He died in 1918. Mrs. Godding's mother died
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when she was three years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Godding two sons have been born: George John, born in July, 1912; and Frank Louis, born in March, 1916.
Mr. Godding and his family hold membership in the Catholic church and he belongs to the Elks lodge. Their home is at 2222 West 8th Street.
E. H. Scott, proprietor of the E. H. Scott Transportation Company, is widely known as a successful business man. He was born in Chicago, Dec. 14, 1874, and is a son of John H. and Alice (Smith) Scott.
John H. Scott was a native of Utica, N. Y., born in 1840. He died in 1923, at Beloit, Wis., and his wife, who was born in 1856, died at the age of 26 years, when E. H., the subject of this sketch, was eight years old. He was their only child.
E. H. Scott was reared and educated in Chicago. After several years spent with the Ringling Bros. circus, he entered the employ of the Down- ing Insurance Company of Erie. Later he enlisted in the navy and after four years' service he returned to his former employment at Erie. In 1902 Mr. Scott engaged in the livery business, beginning with only one horse. He has established one of the largest transfer businesses in this part of the country and specializes in long distance moving and freighting, his route being from Cleveland to Buffalo. He operates 108 automobile trucks.
On July 7, 1896, Mr. Scott was united in marriage with Miss Hen- rietta Hain, the daughter of Michael and Mary Hain, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have no children.
Politically Mr. Scott is a Republican. He is a member of the Baptist Church, a 32nd degree Mason, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Elks Lodge. He is a reliable and excellent citizen of his community.
0. E. Olsen is a well known and substantial business man of Erie. He was born in Sweden Feb. 23, 1886, and is the son of Junner and Inge- lorg (Thomson) Olsen.
Junner Olsen spent his entire life in Sweden and is now deceased. His wife is also deceased. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are now living.
O. E. Olsen came to the United States when he was 16 years of age and settled in New York, where he was employed by the Brooklyn Cooper-
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
age Company in their lumber camp in the Adirondack mountains. He later farmed for a short time in New York state, after which he engaged in paper manufacturing. After varied experiences in business, Mr. Olsen became associated with the Flickenger Company of Jamestown, N. Y., in June, 1920. This company operates a chain system of grocery stores and Mr. Olsen has been proprietor of the Erie store since July, 1923. The business is located at 2101-09 Wallace Street.
In 1913, Mr. Olsen was married at Jamestown, N. Y., to Miss Hilda Lindblom, a native of that place, and to this union two children have been born: Eleanor, born in 1917; and Lawrence, born in 1919.
Mr. Olsen is a Republican and a member of the Swedish Missionary Church of Jamestown, N. Y.
F. R. Wright, who represents the Metropolitan Life Insurance Com- pany in Erie, ranks among the prominent and successful business men of this section. He was born in Virginia, March 16, 1884, and is the son of William T. and Virginia (Hottel) Wright.
William T. Wright, deceased, was a native of Virginia, as was also his wife. He was a well known politician and teacher. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are now living.
F. R. Wright lived in Virginia until he was 13 years of age and from there went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he became associated with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1905. Mr. Wright was later located at East Liberty, Connellsville, and Oil City, Pa., and in January, 1920, was appointed manager of the local branch, with offices in the Com- merce building. This is one of the leading insurance agencies in the city and employs 34 people.
On Feb. 6, 1907, Mr. Wright was married at Pittsburgh to Miss Janet P. Gray, a native of that place, and a daughter of Andrew and Sarah Gray, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Wright have been born five chil- dren, as follows: Sarah, died at Connellsville, Pa., at the age of eight years; Catherine, died in Oil City, Pa., at the age of 12 years; Lillian, born in 1918; Jack, born in 1921; and Wanda, born in 1923.
In politics Mr. Wright is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, a 32nd degree Mason, and be- longs to the Consistory and Shrine. He also belongs to the Kiwanis club, the Erie Motor club and the Y. M. C. A. Mr. Wright is a leading and representative citizen of his community.
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
C. S. McGavern is esteemed throughout the community as a promi- nent and successful business man. He is engaged in the insurance busi- ness with offices in the Commerce building, Erie. Mr. McGavern was born at Cambridge, N. Y., Nov. 20, 1878, and is a son of Rev. William and Mary L. (Welch) McGavern.
Rev. William McGavern was of Scotch-Irish descent. After coming to this country he settled in New York, where he died in 1922 at the age of 84 years. He was a minister of the Methodist church and was active until a short time before his death. His wife, a native of Wisconsin, now resides with her son, C. S. McGavern, and is now 74 years of age. There were eight children in the MeGavern family, of whom C. S. was the oldest.
After attending the common schools, C. S. McGavern was graduated from Syracuse University. However, before attending college, he spent several years farming and teaching and was also employed in the clothing store of J. A. Adams in Buffalo. He was thus enabled to pay his own through college. In 1907 Mr. McGavern organized the Mercantile Sand Company of Erie, in which he was actively interested until 1918. He then went to Pittsburgh where he became associated with the Standard Life Insurance Company in their home office. In October, 1921, he was ap- pointed general manager of the branch office in Erie. He has an exten- sive business and employs a large force of men.
Mr. McGavern was married to Miss Ada Lewis of Erie and the daugh- ter of O. J. and Ollie (McNaul) Lewis. To this union have been born three children: Rosmer L., Merle L., and Ralph A., all students.
Mr. McGavern and his family are affiliated with the Methodist church, of which he has been Sunday School superintendent since coming to Erie. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, Consistory and Shrine, and belongs to the University club.
John Bannister, who is engaged in the grocery business at 2802 Ash Street, is among the enterprising and successful merchants of Erie. He was born in Erie County, July 4, 1892, and is a son of Joshua and Anna (Carr) Bannister.
Joshua Bannister was born in England in 1857 and was the son of J. J. Bannister, who brought his family to this country in 1859 and settled . on a farm of 75 acres in Erie County. He died at the age of 76 years and is buried in the old Wales cemetery in East Green Township. His son, Joshua, engaged in farming on the home place and died in 1922, at the
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
age of 65 years. He was a prominent politician of his time and served as township commissioner and as school director. He was a member of the Wales Presbyterian church. His wife is a native of Ireland and now resides in Erie County. Mr. and Mrs. Bannister were the parents of the following children: Fred, resides at North East, Pa., where he is a mem- ber of the firm of Mead & Bannister, grain dealers; John, the subject of this sketch; H. G., twin brother of John, operates the home place; Mrs. Elizabeth Mead, lives at North East, Pa .; Nellie, married Herbert Nomo- maque, lives at Harbor Creek, Pa .; and Ralph, a farmer, lives in Penn- sylvania.
John Bannister grew up on his father's farm and attended the public schools of Venango Township. At the age of 21 years he purchased a farm in Green Township, Erie County, which he operated until 1922. The following eight months he spent in taking a trip south and in November of that year Mr. Bannister purchased his present place of business, where he carries a fine line of groceries and meats.
On May 24, 1914, Mr. Bannister was married to Miss Flora Dawley, a daughter of Andrew and Susan (Perry) Dawley, residents of Erie. Mrs. Bannister is a graduate of Edinboro College and taught school for several years before her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Bannister have been born three children: Winifred, born Feb. 4, 1916; Dorothy, born May 29, 1919; and Marion, born June 10, 1924.
Mr. Bannister is a Republican, a member of the Emmanuel Presby- terian Church and belongs to the Elks lodge. He is a dependable citizen and the Bannister family stand high in the community.
Henry J. Depinet, a reliable and successful business man of Erie, was born there Nov. 1, 1874, and is the son of Michael and Mary (Stroh- manger) Depinet.
Michael Depinet was a native of Erie County. He was a brick mason by trade and became a well known contractor in the city. He died in 1881 at the age of 57 years and his wife, who was born in Alsace-Lorraine, died in 1883, at the age of 47 years. They were the parents of nine chil- dren, eight of whom are now living.
Henry J. Depinet was an orphan at the age of nine years and lived at St. Joseph's orphans' home for a number of years. When a young man he learned the barber's trade and later engaged in brick mason work until 1900. He then engaged in the contracting business with his brother
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
Joseph, and they established the present mantel and tile business, which is located at 1707 Peach Street. After several years Mr. Depinet pur- chased his brother's interest in the business and continued as sole owner until 1912, at which time the Mehorn Brothers purchased a half interest in the business. They have an extensive trade and deal in all kinds of tile, marble, mantel pieces, and various building specialties.
In 1900 Mr. Depinet was married to Miss Lena Bohm, of Fairview, Pa. They have two children, Viola, a graduate of Erie High School and Erie Business College and now a bookkeeper for her father, and Mar- jorie, a high school student.
Mr. Depinet is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and belongs to the Elks lodge, the Kiwanis club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Erie Builders Exchange. He is a highly esteemed citizen of his com- munity.
Arthur Charles Vicary. No record of Erie County would be complete without an adequate reference to the life and work of Arthur Charles Vicary, vice-president of the Erie Steam Shovel Company. Mr. Vicary was born at LeRoy, Genesee County, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1882, and is a son of Charles N. and Louise Haskins (Bailey) Vicary.
Charles N. Vicary was born at Morganville, N. Y., and moved his fam- ily from LeRoy, N. Y., to Canton, Ohio, in 1891. He was engaged in the mercantile and banking business during his life and met with considerable success. He was a public spirited citizen and was interested in practically every welfare movement in the community. He served as president of the Canton, Ohio, Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Red Cross, and for many years was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church. On May 18, 1921, he died and was buried at Westlawn Cemetery, Canton, Ohio. His widow, a native of Bailey's Mills, N. Y., resides at Canton, Ohio. The fol- lowing children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Vicary, in addition to Arthur C. Vicary, the subject of this sketch: Grace Louise, who was the wife of John L. Pottorf, principal of Mckinley High School, Canton, Ohio, she died Oct. 18, 1920; Marguerite Bailey Vicary, who lives at Can- ton, Ohio; Carolyn Charlotte, a graduate of LaSalle Seminary, Auburndale, Mass., and now a student at the Women's College, Western Reserve Uni- versity, Cleveland, Ohio.
Arthur Charles Vicary spent his boyhood at LeRoy, N. Y., and when nine years old went to Canton, Ohio, with his family, where he remained
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
until 1902, when he entered Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland, O. He graduated from this institution in the mechanical engineering course in 1906. For a little over a year after his graduation he was connected with the Dean Electric Company, Elyria, Ohio, now the Garford Manufacturing Company, and then joined the forces of the Thew Shovel Company of Lor- ain, Ohio, with whom he was connected until Sept. 1, 1913. Mr. Vicary then located in Erie where he had interested the Ball Engine Company, now the Erie Steam Shovel Company, in the manufacture of Steam Shovels, which was a new line for this old and successful concern, which had been manufacturing steam engines for about 30 years.
At the time that Mr. Vicary's idea for the manufacture of steam shov- els was accepted, only a small portion of the Ball Engine Company's plant was allotted to this work. Later the engine business was sold to a Pitts- burgh concern, and the entire productive capacity of the plant, which has trebled in size since 1913, is devoted to the manufacture of power shovels.
The Erie Steam Shovel Company now produces as many of the small 1/2 yd. and 34 yd. power shovels as all other manufacturers of this type of machines combined. There are today over 3,400 Erie shovels and cranes in operation, working in all parts of the world, but most numerous in the United States. The success of the Erie shovel is due to an efficient organ- ization throughout all departments of the business, which is well financed.
Mr. Vicary's ability to follow the trend of the times in the power shovel industry, coupled with the financial strength and courage and the sound common sense of the officers of the Erie Steam Shovel Company, has made the development of this concern read like a romance in the industrial world.
Oct. 6, 1908, Mr. Vicary was married to Miss Mary DeWolfe Wilmarth, a native of Glens Falls, N. Y., a daughter of Clarence M. and Katherine F. (DeWolfe) Wilmarth, who were descendants of early settlers in that coun- try. Mr. Wilmarth was of Welch and Holland Dutch descent and his wife is of French and North of Ireland descent. Mr. Wilmarth died Feb. 29, 1924, and his wife resides at Glens Falls, N. Y.
To Mr. and Mrs. Vicary have been born two children: James Wil- marth Vicary, a student at Choate School, Wallingford, Conn .; and Louise DeWolfe Vicary, who resides with her parents.
Mr. Vicary is a Republican, a member of the Park Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Masonic Order, and the Erie Kahkwa and University Clubs.
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
George J. Kaltenback is a substantial citizen of Erie and a member of one of the county's well known pioneer families. He was born in Erie, Jan. 25, 1882, and is the son of Jacob and Barbara (Schloss) Kaltenback.
Jacob Kaltenback, deceased, was born in Erie in 1849 and his wife is a native of Germany. He learned the harness making trade when a young man, but later became a merchant. He was a prominent politician of his time and served as fire commissioner for several years. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and died in 1917. His wife resides at 25 West 26th Street. To Mr. and Mrs. Kaltenback six children were born, as follows: Rose, at home; Anna, a dressmaker, lives at home; Frank, foreman of the Frye Construction Company of Erie; George, the subject of this sketch; Charles, plumbing inspector of Erie; and Edward, employed by the Erie Brewing Company.
George Kaltenback grew up in Erie and at the age of 16 years learned the plumber's trade, which he followed for several years. He then spent ten years in the employ of his father, after which he went back to his former trade. He is now employed by James Purcell, one of Erie's leading plumbers.
On June 23, 1908, Mr. Kaltenback was married in Pittsburgh to Miss Margaret Rothers, the daughter of Peter and Anna (Werner) Roth- ers. Mr. Rothers died in 1902 and his widow resides in Pittsburgh. To Mr. and Mrs. Kaltenback four children were born, as follows: Margaret, born Aug. 18, 1910; Marie, born Jan. 27, 1913; George Jr., born April 29, 1918; and one child died in infancy.
·Mr. Kaltenback is a Republican, a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and a reliable citizen of his community.
Gustave Askownes, a progressive and enterprising merchant of Erie, engaged in the confectionery business, was born in Greece, Jan. 9, 1881, and is the son of Anthony and Bessie (Melonakos) Askownes.
Anthony Askownes is a native of Greece, as is his wife. He was a prominent politician of his native town and served as mayor for several years. In 1911 he came to this country, but returned to Greece in three years, where he lived retired. In 1921, however, he returned to Erie, where he now resides with his son. His wife also lives here. Mr. and Mrs. Askownes were the parents of eight children, of whom Gustave, the sub- ject of this sketch, is the oldest.
Gustave Askownes spent his boyhood in his native land and re-
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
ceived his education there. In 1904 he came to this country and lived in Chicago four years, where he was engaged in the candy business. Upon his arrival in Erie he became a business partner with Harry Granakos, who owned confectionery stores at 702 State Street, 1102 State Street, and 624 State Street. In 1912 Mr. Askownes purchased the business and became sole owner. He ranks among Erie's leading candy makers and also manufactures ice cream.
In 1910 Mr. Askownes was united in marriage with Miss Hazel Sal- burg, of Ridgeway, Pa., who died the following year. On June 19, 1912, he was married to Miss Sarah Metgar, of Erie, and to this union one daughter was born, Virginia. Mrs. Askownes died Jan. 4, 1924, and is buried in Erie Cemetery.
Politically Mr. Askownes is a Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. As- kownes is held in high regard throughout the entire community and is a reliable citizen.
Otto J. Mayo is well and favorably known in Erie, where he is pro- prietor of the Blue Ribbon Billiard and Bowling alleys, at 1018 State Street. He was born in this city Oct. 3, 1875, and is a son of F. Charles and Apollyanna (Martz) Mayo.
F. Charles Mayo was a native of Germany. At the age of 20 years he came to the United States and settled in Erie, where he successfully conducted a cafe for 40 years. He died in 1906 and is buried in Trinity cemetery. His wife, also a native of Germany, resides in Erie, and is 88 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Mayo were the parents of six children.
Otto J. Mayo spent his boyhood in Erie and attended the public schools. He became a professional bicycle rider and participated in many races throughout the country. In 1902 he took part in a six day race at Madison Square Garden, New York. Later, Mr. Mayo engaged in business with his father in Erie and after his father's death became an automobile dealer. On Aug. 1, 1923, he engaged in his present business, which is one of the oldest and most popular amusement places in the city.
On April 21, 1911, Mr. Mayo was married to Miss Louise Shoemaker, of Erie, and they have three children: Otto, born in 1912; Carl, born in 1914; and Helen Louise, born in 1916.
Mr. Mayo is a Republican, a member of the Catholic church and be- longs to the Elks, Moose, and Eagle lodges.
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
Arthur F. Youngs is numbered among the most prominent of Erie County's fruit farmers, and is a member of an honored pioneer family of North East, where he has spent his entire life. He was born on a farm in North East Township, now owned by William Scouller, May 17, 1875, and is the son of Leonard G. and Mary (Covey) Youngs.
Leonard G. Youngs, also a native of North East Township, was born in 1851. He was a teacher in early life and later a railway mail clerk from Syracuse, N. Y., to Cleveland, Ohio, and from Cleveland to Chicago. For many years he has engaged in fruit farming and has met with marked success. He owns 53 acres of fine fruit land and in connection with this work he also is interested in nursery work. His wife, who was born in this township, died in 1913 and is buried in North East Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Youngs had four children: A. F., the subject of this sketch ; Leonard N., unmarried, lives at home; Alfred J., a fruit farmer, lives on Gulf Road, North East Township; and Anna M., a teacher, lives in Idaho.
A. F. Youngs grew up on his father's farm and attended the district schools. He has always been intensely interested in fruit growing and is a member of the Keystone Fruit Growers' Association. He also conducts a vegetable and fruit stand and makes a specialty of catering to the home consumer.
Mr. Youngs was united in marriage with Miss Hattie T. Finn, a native of North East Township, who died Feb. 21, 1907, at the age of 36 years, leaving the following children: Ralph A., married Miss Dorotha Raymond, lives in North East Township; Richard Harland, married Miss Sarah Thompson, has a daughter, Martha Evangeline, and they live in North East Township; Mary Florence, was graduated from Pennsylvania State College in 1922, and married to Donald Huber, lives in Philadelphia, where she is a teacher, and her husband an engineer with the Bell Telephone Com- pany of Philadelphia; Theodore Mark, married Miss Neva Swoap, lives at North East; and Harriet Maude, lives at home.
On Jan. 3, 1912, Mr. Youngs married Miss Jessie Farnsworth, a native of Greenfield Township, Erie County, and to this union a son has been born, James Rufus, born Oct. 20, 1921.
Politically, Mr. Youngs is a Republican. He is a member of the Meth- odist church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family have a wide acquaintance in Erie County and are highly esteemed.
...
L. G. YOUNGS
WILLARD FARNSWORTH
RICHARD S. FINN
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
F. L. Montgomery is well known in Erie, where he owns a tire shop at 1718 State Street. He was born at Wellsburg, Erie County, and is the son of Elmer and May (Wood) Montgomery.
Elmer Montgomery is a native of Wellsburg, as is also his wife. He has been connected with the Union Ice Company of Erie for the past 35 years and lives at 721 East 24th Street. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery have two children: Forrest, the subject of this sketch; and E. W., lives at home.
After attending the public schools of Erie, F. L. Montgomery learned his present business and for a number of years conducted a bicycle shop at 1922 Peach Street. After various locations in the city, he established his present shop in 1918. He does first class tire repair work and handles a complete line of automobile accessories. In the near future Mr. Mont- gomery intends to deal in used cars.
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