USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 53
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On June 27, 1907, Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage with Miss Edna Farrell, and they have two children: Marie, and Lee.
Mr. Montgomery is an independent voter. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and takes an active interest in the affairs of his community.
Alois Nagorski, who successfully conducts a tire repair shop at 1026 Parade Street, is favorably known in Erie. He was born in Poland, Nov. 29, 1883, and is the son of John and Frances Nagorski.
John Nagorski brought his family from Poland to this country in 1888 and settled in Erie, where he became a successful building contractor. He was a mason by trade and did a great deal of stone work in this city, including St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. After a serious illness, Mr. Nagorski was forced to give up his contracting work and then engaged in the grocery business for 13 years. He died in 1916 and his wife now resides in Erie with her children. Mr. and Mrs. Nagorski had 11 chil- dren, as follows: Francis, a prominent attorney of Erie; John, a merchant, lives in Erie; Alois, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Josephine Maserk, lives in Erie; Joseph, engaged in the automobile business, Erie; Herbert, deceased; Susanne, lives with her mother; Carl, lives in Erie; one child died in infancy; and Cassimer, who is studying for the priesthood; and Julia, at home.
Alois Nagorski spent his boyhood in this city and attended the pa- rochial schools. At the age of 14 years he sought employment to help in the education of his younger brothers and sisters. He was a machinist.
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Later, he conducted the Kearsage Inn, a hotel purchased by his father. After 11 years in this work, he returned to his trade as machinist and after the World War engaged in the tire business at 319 East 12th Street for one year and in 1918 purchased his present place of business. Mr. Nagorski has a very complete tire shop and specializes in re-treading and vulcanizing.
On Nov. 28, 1915, Mr. Nagorski was united in marriage with Miss Constance Stegelske, of Dunkirk, N. Y. They have three children: Dor- othea, Constance, and Reta.
Mr. Nagorski and his family hold membership in the Catholic church and he belongs to the Eagles lodge.
Manuel Cochanides, owner and proprietor of the Perry Lunch Room, is a progressive business man of Erie. He was born in Greece, Aug. 15, 1883, and is a son of George and Lyola Cochanides, residents of Greece.
Manuel Cochanides came to this country in 1906 and settled in Buffalo, N. Y., where he remained until 1915. His brother, Mello, is engaged in the restaurant business with him. The Perry Lunch Room which is located at 30 West 12th Street, is widely known for its good food.
On Sept. 28, 1912, Manuel Cochanides was married to Miss Helen Junnidy, and they have two children, Catherine and Francis.
Mello Cochanides was married to Miss Cecelia Kathoske, of Buffalo, and they have four children, Francis, Dorothy, Irene and Mary.
Messrs. Cochanides are members of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Harry Billingsley, a successful business man and highly esteemed citizen of Erie, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in California, Pa., Aug. 1, 1873, and is the son of Jacob and Margaret (McCain) Bill- ingsley.
Jacob Billingsley, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at California, Pa., and spent his entire life on a farm. He died in 1903, and his wife also died in that year. Mr. and Mrs. Billingsley had three children: Harry, the subject of this sketch; Mary, married Louis Cornell, lives at California, Pa .; and Warren, lives at Pittsburgh, Pa.
Harry Billingsley spent his boyhood on his father's farm and was educated in the district schools. When a young man he became inter- ested in the sign business and for 16 years conducted a shop at Mckees-
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port, Pa. In 1911 he removed to Erie where he has since conducted Billingsley's Sign Shop.
On July 18, 1893, Mr. Billingsley was married to Miss Halania Queen, a native of Centerville, Pa. They have nine children, as follows: Ralph, Hobart, James, Borland, Margaret, Virginia, deceased, Charles, Ruth, and Harrison, deceased.
Mr. Billingsley is a member of the Methodist church and belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
0. W. Bracken is a veteran of the World War and a prominent young business man of Corry, where he is engaged in the wholesale grocery business. He was born in Corry, Nov. 18, 1892, and is the son of Charles H. and Florence (Williams) Bracken.
Charles H. Bracken, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Columbus, Pa., and at an early date removed to Corry, where in 1871 he established the present grocery business with his brother, DeWitt L. Bracken. During the Civil War he enlisted from Warren County, Pa., and served with the First New York Engineers. He was a Democrat and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bracken died April 28, 1919, and his wife died Aug. 15, 1920. They were the parents of four children: Herbert, engaged in the wholesale tobacco business at Seattle, Wash .; Angeline, married G. M. Simmons, lives at Corry; Bernice, married L. A. Davis, general manager of the American Radiator Company, Buffalo, N. Y .; and O. W., the subject of this sketch.
O. W. Bracken received his education in the public and high schools of Corry and also attended the University of Pennsylvania. After com- pleting his schooling he engaged in business with his father, and at the latter's death, became part owner of the business. Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Simmons are partners in the business.
On July 25, 1918, Mr. Bracken volunteered for service in the World War and was stationed with the navy at the Great Lakes Training Sta- tion in Chicago, and later was transferred to Hampton Roads, Va. He was discharged Dec. 23, 1918.
On Nov. 27, 1917, Mr. Bracken was united in marriage with Miss Vellah B. Morgan, who was born at Corry, April 15, 1892, and the daugh- ter of A. R. and Estelle (Dean) Morgan. Mr. Morgan was a well known business man of Corry for many years and now lives retired at North East. His wife died in January, 1915. Mrs. Bracken was their only
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child. To O. W. and Vellah B. (Morgan) Bracken have been born three children: Robert, born Nov. 1, 1919; Charles, born June 5, 1921; and Olan, born Nov. 9, 1923.
Mr. Bracken is a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Masonic lodge and the Chamber of Commerce.
P. Gustave Schaper, a well-known citizen of Erie, who is connected with the Charles H. Fry Construction Company as vice-president, is a member of a family that has long been identified with Erie County. He was born in Mill Creek Township, in 1887, and is a son of August Henry and Mary (Schneider) Schaper.
August Henry Schaper, deceased, was a leading building contractor of Erie. He was born in Hanover, Germany, Dec. 1, 1849. It was during this year that his father, George Schaper, died, and soon after his mother emi- grated to America, bringing two sons, August Henry and Ferdinand. In 1871 he engaged at his trade in Erie and soon after formed a partnership with George Buhl in the milling business, and in 1881 erected Schaper Mills. This firm existed until 1892, when Mr. Buhl's interest was pur- chased by Mr. Schaper, who became an extensive building contractor. He died in December, 1921, and his wife resides on West 25th Street, Erie. Mr. and Mrs. Schaper were the parents of 13 children, nine of whom are now living. Christ, Thomas, and Urban Schaper are also identified with the Fry Construction Company.
P. Gustave Schaper was reared and educated in Erie County and in 1903 removed to the City of Erie with his parents, where he attended high school. In 1905 he became connected with the U. S. Horseshoe plant, and in 1909 went west to North Dakota, where he remained two years. Upon his return to Erie he became associated in the contracting business with his brother, Charles, and in December, 1917, formed a partnership with Mr. Fry. They are extensive contractors, specializing in road building and do a million dollars' worth of business a year. Between 300 and 400 men are employed.
Mr. Schaper was married to Miss Florence Miller, the daughter of Gustave and Luella Miller, residents of Erie. They have two children: Robert, born in 1918; and David, born in 1920.
Mr. and Mrs. Schaper are members of the Lutheran Church and he is a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Elks' Lodge.
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Michael A. Martin is among the highly esteemed and prominent busi- ness men of Erie. He was born in Rochester N. Y., Aug. 31, 1891, and is the son of Louis J. and Lucille (Valentine) Martin.
Louis J. Martin is a native of Schenectady, N. Y., born in 1864, and his wife was born at Rochester, N. Y., in 1868. He has engaged in the general contracting business practically his entire life, and lives in Roch- ester. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have five children, as follows: Michael A., the subject of this sketch; Susan May, lives in Rochester, N. Y .; John, lives in Rochester; and Frank and Raymond, twins, live in Rochester.
Michael A. Martin attended the public schools of Rochester. At an early age he became interested in the plumbing business and in 1918 established his present business, which is located at 1701 State Street.
The Martin Company are wholesale and retail dealers in plumbing and electrical goods, as well as pumps, water softeners, etc. Their ter- ritory covers Pennsylvania, Western New York and Eastern Ohio. Mr. Martin employs 40 people, including 18 salesmen.
On March 17, 1921, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Marguerite E. McEvoy, of Forestville, N. Y., and a daughter of Thomas and Grace (Moss) McEvoy. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have a son, Thomas, born May 1, 1922.
Mr. Martin is identified with the Engineering Society of America, is a member of the Catholic church and belongs to the Elks lodge, the Erie Maennerchor, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Raymond W. Nelson, chief of the fire department and well known business man of North East, is a veteran of the World War. He was born here, Oct. 2, 1888, and is a son of Alfred T. and Gustavia (Jackson) Nelson.
Alfred T. Nelson was born in Sweden in 1859 and his wife was born there in 1861. They were married at Mayville, N. Y., in 1882, located at North East, where Mr. Nelson has since been a substantial business man. He is a cement contractor and is still actively engaged in business. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson five children were born, of whom Raymond W., the subject of this sketch, is the oldest.
Raymond W. Nelson was reared in North East and educated in the public schools. At an early age he engaged in the livery and ice business and is still interested in the latter. He was appointed fire chief in 1919.
During the World War Mr. Nelson served with the 315th Field
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Artillery, 80th Division, and spent a year in active service in France. He was discharged in May, 1919.
On Dec. 10, 1924, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Klinger, a native of Erie.
Mr. Nelson is a Republican, a member of the English Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Elks and Eagles lodges and the American Legion. He is a progressive young man and well liked throughout the community.
Dr. J. William Janniere is well and favorably known in Erie where he is engaged in the practice of Naturopathy. He was born in Jamaica, West Indies, July 4, 1881, and is the son of Joseph and Mary Janniere, both deceased.
J. William Janniere attended the schools of Kingston and was grad- uated from St. George's College, a Jesuit college. After completing his hospital work in his native land, Doctor Janniere came to the United States in 1906 and established a practice in New York City, where he re- mained for eight years. He was graduated from the National College of Therapeutics in 1921 and then located in Erie, where he has a well es- tablished practice. Doctor Janniere specializes in electro-physio-thera- peutics. His office is at 228 East 11th Street.
On June 4, 1919, Doctor Janniere was married to Miss Ruth I. Stew- art, of New Haven, Conn., and they have two children: Marie E. and William James.
Doctor Janniere is a Republican, a member of the Catholic Church and belongs to the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World.
Francis A. Loveland, vice-president and treasurer of the J. W. & A. P. Howard Leather Company, is a highly respected and well known citizen of Corry. He was born at Wellsville, N. Y., Nov. 10, 1859, and is the son of William and Polly N. (Wear) Loveland.
William Loveland was born in England and when a young man came to America, locating at Wellsville, N. Y. Later he removed to Corry with the J. W. & A. P. Howard Company. He was superintendent of the local plant for a number of years and died in 1904. Mr. Loveland was a Demo- crat and held many township offices. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. His wife died in 1894. To Mr. and Mrs. Loveland ten children
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were born as follows: Melissa, married Daniel Howles, lives in Illinois; Amanda, married Thomas Burdick, lives at Alfred, N. Y .; James, lives in New York; Walter, deceased; Francis A., the subject of this sketch; George, deceased; Lillian, married Thomas Lamma, lives in California; Mary Jane, married Daniel Currier, lives in Corry ; Ellen, married James Hall, lives at Columbus, Pa .; and Anna, an army nurse, lives at Denver. Colo.
Francis A. Loveland was educated in the Corry schools and when a young boy entered the employ of the J. W. & A. P. Howard Leather Company, which was organized in 1867. He has served as vice-president and treasurer since 1898. The products of this company were awarded first prizes at the Centennial Exposition, the World's Fair, and the St. Louis Exposition. It is among the leading industries of the county.
On Nov. 10, 1881, Mr. Loveland was united in marriage with Miss Sarah B. Schultz, a native of New York, and to this union four children were born as follows: Frank M., superintendent and chemist in the How- ard plant; Clarence C., who has charge of the shipping department in the Howard plant; Howard, a foreman in the plant; and Eva, married Edwin Schwenrich, tariff commissioner, at Washington, D. C. Mr. and Mrs. Loveland have five grand-children.
Mr. Loveland is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episco- pal church. He has served as a member of the school board for a number of years and as trustee of Edinboro Normal School for eight years. Mr. Loveland has always been an energetic man and stands well in the esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens.
Arthur D. Colegrove, editor of the Corry Evening Journal, is widely and favorably known in Erie County. He was born in Corry in 1891 and is the son of A. D. and Nettie (Smutz) Colegrove.
A. D. Colegrove, deceased, was a leading citizen of Corry during his life. He was born here in 1854 and died Dec. 17, 1919. In 1902 he established the Corry Evening Journal and became well known in news- paper circles. He was a life long Democrat and served as local postmas- ter from 1914 until the time of his death, being appointed during Presi- dent Wilson's administration. He also served as superintendent of schools for 21 years. On Dec. 31, 1883, Mr. Colegrove was married to Miss Nettie Smutz, who was born at Ridgeway, Pa., in 1860. She lives at 341 Euclid Street, Corry. To Mr. and Mrs. Colegrove two sons were born: Walter
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E., who was killed in a hunting accident in 1900; and Arthur D., the subject of this sketch.
Arthur D. Colegrove received his education in the public and high schools of Corry and has always been interested in the publishing busi- ness. Since his father's death in 1919 he has been publisher and editor of the Corry Evening Journal, one of the live daily newspapers of the county. The plant was built in 1913 and is equipped throughout with modern printing machinery and the latest newspaper telegraphic system.
On Nov. 26, 1913, Mr. Colegrove was united in marriage with Miss Mary Woodring, who was born in Erie, July 3, 1890, the daughter of James A. Woodring. They have three children: Jeanette, born Oct. 1, 1914; Catherine, born Jan. 30, 1916; and Harriet, born Feb. 1, 1918.
Mr. Colegrove is a Democrat.
Waters George Moffatt, president of the American Accountants Cor- poration, is recognized as one of the representative business men of Erie. He was born at Sherbrooke, Quebec, March 8, 1878, and is the son of Eleazer and Emmeline A. (Woodrow) Moffatt.
Eleazer Moffatt was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and was a chartered accountant. When a young man he removed to Canada, where he died in 1890. His wife died in 1920, and they are buried at Lenoxville, Quebec. To Mr. and Mrs. Moffatt were born three children: Walter J., an account- ant, lives in New York City; Waters George, the subject of this sketch; and Winifred, married Herbert C. King, assistant secretary and treasurer of the city of Sherbrooke, Quebec.
Waters George Moffatt was educated in the schools of his home town and before coming to Erie in December, 1919, held many responsible posi- tions. He was chief of staff of the well known firm of certified public ac- countants, Searle, Nicholson, Okey & Hill, 52 Broadway, New York City; was office manager and assistant treasurer of Clark Brothers Company of Olean, N. Y., manufacturers of saw mill machinery and engines; office manager and chief accountant for Griscom-Spencer Company, New York City, for three years; assistant auditor for the International Steam Pump Company, New York City; and manager of the archive department of the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company of Boston.
The American Accountants Corporation was organized July 1, 1923, with the following officers : Waters George Moffatt, president; Raymond A. Johnson, vice-president ; H. C. Walford, secretary ; and S. R. Root treasurer.
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They specialize in public accounting, cost accounting, auditing, install book- keeping systems, and do general appraisal work. The territory covered by the company includes Pennsylvania, western New York and eastern Ohio.
On March 18, 1909, Mr. Moffatt was united in marriage with Miss Lois G. Davis, a daughter of Harry E. and Nellie (Butts) Davis. She was born at Cuba, N. Y., Sept. 28, 1888, and educated in the schools of Belmont, N. Y., and St. Elizabeth's Academy at Allegany, N. Y.
Politically, Mr. Moffatt is a Republican. He is a member of the Park Presbyterian Church, a 32nd degree Mason, belongs to the Erie Advertis- ing Club, the Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the National As- sociation of Cost Accountants. In 1924 he was president of the Kiwanis Club. Mr. Moffatt stands high in the community and has many friends and acquaintances.
E. A. Wheeler is a substantial and well known citizen of Union City, where he is engaged in business. He was born in Crawford County, Pa., June 20, 1869, and is the son of J. W. and Ada (Clark) Wheeler.
J. W. Wheeler, deceased, was a native of Crawford County, and a son of Lorenzo Wheeler, who was the son of Abraham Wheeler, one of Crawford County's earliest and most prominent citizens. J. W. Wheeler was a blacksmith and also followed general farming. He died Dec. 21, 1923, and his wife died in January, 1918. They had ten children, as follows: William, lives at Titusville, Pa .; Elmer, deceased; E. A., the subject of this sketch; Frank, Albert, and Marietta, all deceased; Jessie, married Edward Murdock, lives in Crawford County; Lena, deceased; Myrtle, lives at Meadville, Pa .; and Bishop, died in infancy.
After completing his schooling in Crawford County, E. A. Wheeler learned the trade of plasterer, which he has followed since 1889. He has lived in Erie County since 1908 and is engaged in the contracting business at Union City.
Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Shreve, born in Bloomfield Township, Crawford County, Nov. 11, 1876, and the daugh- ter of Seth and Alma (Burge) Shreve, both deceased. Mr. Shreve served during the Civil War in Company A, 16th Regiment, Pennsylvania In- fantry, and died May 31, 1901. His wife died in September, 1899. They were the parents of the following children: Solan, deceased; Florence, married Charles Moore, lives in Texas ; Smith, lives in Illinois ; Helen May, lives in Crawford County, married Oscar Lawrence; Albert, lives in
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Canada; Jane, the widow of John Lyman, lives in Union City ; Susie, mar- ried William Fossett, lives in Conneaut, Ohio; and Mrs. Wheeler. To Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were born three children: Ruth, married Barrett Bar- stow, lives in Union City; Clarence, engaged in business with his father; and Gertrude, born Oct. 7, 1904, died in 1908.
Mr. Wheeler is identified with the Republican party in politics. He is one of the community's reliable and dependable business men.
Harvey L. Walter, of the firm of Stork & Walter, agents for the Chrysler and Maxwell automobiles at Fairview, is among the enterpris- ing and successful young business men of Erie County. He was born in West Mill Creek Township, Erie County, Feb. 26, 1891, and is the son of Charles and Nancy (Pinney) Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Walter, who are res- idents of West Mill Creek Township, have four children: Harrison, Harvey L., Ralph and Laura.
Harvey L. Walter attended the public and high schools of Fairview Township and before taking his college work was employed by M. H. Taylor, of Erie. He spent two years at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied horticulture, and in 1913 returned to the employ of Mr. Taylor, with whom he remained until 1917. He then enlisted in the army for service during the World War and spent 16 months in the motor transport service at Camp Merritt. In 1920 Mr. Walter established his present business at Fairview.
The Stork & Walter Company own and operate one of the finest gar- ages between Erie and Cleveland, and are located on the main highway. They are dealers in high grade automobile accessories and tires and have storage space for 40 cars. The building which is of modern fireproof construction, is 60 x 100 feet.
Mr. Walter is a Republican and is affiliated with the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Carl F. Stork is well and favorably known among the successful busi- ness men of Erie County, and is identified with the firm of Stork & Walter, agents for the Chrysler and Maxwell automobiles at Fairview. He was born at Manchester, Erie County, April 27, 1887, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Schumacher) Stork.
George Stork, deceased, was a native of Erie County. He was a well known mason contractor at Manchester until his death in 1923. His
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widow lives at Manchester. They were the parents of eight children: Elizabeth, Emma, Sophia, George, Carl F., Edward, Louis and Herman.
Carl F. Stork was educated in the public schools of Manchester and after completing his schooling he went to Erie, where he was employed by the Kohlmiller Dye Works for six and one-half years; for five and one-half years was chauffeur for Mrs. F. L. Chapin. Since 1920 he has engaged in the automobile business at Fairview and with Harvey L. Walter conducts an up-to-date garage.
Mr. Stork served throughout the World War as a member of the motor transport corps and spent almost two years in France. He was discharged June 19, 1919.
On June 17, 1922, Mr. Stork was married to Mrs. Bertha Ruhl Maguire, of Girard, Pa. They have a daughter, Eloise, born April 21, 1923.
Mr. Stork is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Moose and Elk lodges. He is a Republican.
William H. Yeager is a veteran of the World War and a successful young business man of Girard. He was born here, March 22, 1892, and is the son of Lewis and Anna (Wirtz) Yeager.
Lewis Yeager was a native of Germany and a pioneer settler of Girard, where he followed his trade as a shoemaker. He was a Demo- crat, a member of the Lutheran Church, and a charter member of the Masonic lodge. He died Jan. 29, 1915, and is buried in the Girard Cem- etery. To Mr. and Mrs. Yeager three children were born: William H., the subject of this sketch; Fred C., lives in Girard; and Louise, a high school teacher in Girard.
After completing his education in the public schools of Girard, Wil- liam H. Yeager learned the printer's trade. He is associated with the Dispatch Printing & Engraving Company, Erie. During the World War, Mr. Yeager served overseas for 14 months with the 42nd Division and saw active service in many important battles and drives of the war. He was discharged in May, 1919.
On Nov. 23, 1920, Mr. Yeager was united in marriage with Miss Marie Smith, a native of Girard, born Aug. 11, 1891, and the daughter of Eugene and Caroline (Miller) Smith. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith died in 1920, leaving the following children: Maude, assistant superintendent of
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