USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Volume Two > Part 9
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C. N. Lochner received his education in the public schools of Erie and when a young man entered the employ of his father. He now manages the business established by his father, which is located at 2601 Parade Street. The A. C. Lochner estate carries a fine line of groceries.
During the World War Mr. Lochner served in France with the 318th Infantry, 80th Division.
Mr. Lochner is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church and the Elks lodge. He is unmarried. He has been successful in his work and is considered among Erie's efficient citizens.
Joseph A. Kneib, a well known and substantial citizen of Erie, engaged in the dry goods business, at 904 Parade Street, is a member of one of Erie County's prominent pioneer families. He was born in Erie, March 19, 1877, and is the son of Anthony and Frances (Sanner) Kneib.
Anthony Kneib was a native of Erie, born in 1844 and the son of Mathias Kneib, who came to this country from Germany when a youth and settled at Erie. Anthony Kneib was a pioneer merchant of Erie, where he operated a dry goods business for 55 years. At the age of 72 years he retired and in April, 1921, died at San Diego, Calif. He is buried
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in Trinity cemetery, Erie. Mr. Kneib held membership in St. John's Catholic Church and was highly esteemed in Erie. His wife was born in Delaware County, Iowa, and also died in 1921. Mr. and Mrs. Kneib were the parents of five children.
Joseph A. Kneib has always lived in Erie. After attending the public and high school he began as a clerk in his father's store, where he re- mained continuously until 1919, at which time he purchased the business. Mr. Kneib has an up to date store and carries a complete line of dry goods and notions. He lives at 351 East 26th Street.
Mr. Kneib was married to Miss Claire E. Etter, of Erie, the daughter of John and Sophia (Fryer) Etter, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kneib have no children.
Mr. Kneib is a Democrat, a member of St. John's Catholic Church and belongs to the Elks lodge. He has many friends in Erie County, where the name of his family has been known and respected for many years.
George B. Nelson is a progressive and enterprising citizen of Erie, where he is engaged in the sheet metal and roofing business at 523 East 18th Street. He was born in Wisconsin, Sept. 3, 1886, and is a son of Charles and Caroline (Anderson) Nelson.
Charles Nelson was reared in Wisconsin where he became a prosperous farmer and lumberman. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson now live retired at Nicker- son, Minn. They are the parents of the following children: George B., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Florence McDonald, lives in North Da- kota; Viola, married John Burg, lives in North Dakota; Charles Howard, lives at Duluth, Minn .; Hazel, married James Woodard, lives at Duluth; Arthur, lives in Idaho; Lester, lives at Duluth; James, and Floyd, both at home.
George B. Nelson received his education in the schools of Duluth and Superior, Wis. When a young boy he was employed in the lumber camps during the summer and in later years worked in the mines of Minnesota. Several years later he became interested in a roofing business and located in Erie in 1919, where he opened a shop at 1317 Parade Street. In 1923 he built his present building, at 523 East 18th Street, which is of three story brick construction, 40x72 feet. Mr. Nelson also sells furnaces and stoves.
On May 26, 1918, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage with Mrs. Anna Nelson of Cleveland, daughter of John Lister and Mary Thompson. By
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her former marriage Mrs. Nelson had four children: Richard, deceased; Margaret, married Timothy J. Conway, lives in Cleveland; John, lives in Detroit, Mich .; and Donald, now in the employ of Mr. Nelson.
In politics Mr. Nelson is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and belongs to the Elks lodge. He also holds membership in the Erie Chamber of Commerce and the Builders Exchange. He is a substantial citizen and stands high in the community.
Eugene H. Blethen, a progressive and enterprising merchant of Erie, located at 1807 State Street, was born at Portland, Maine, July 28, 1878. He is a son of James L. and Ellen M. (Woods) Blethen.
James L. Blethen, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Portland, Maine, and was 16 years old at the time of his enlist- ment. After the close of the war he served as a member of the Portland police force until 1881, at which time he brought his family to Erie. After his arrival here he established a grocery business now owned by his son. Mr. Blethen died in 1899 at the age of 64 years, and his wife died in 1908, at the age of 65 years. Mr. and Mrs. Blethen were members of the Methodist Episcopal Simpson Church of Erie. They were the parents of six children: Francis E., Edith and Charles E., all deceased ; Eugene H., the subject of this sketch; Arthur E., lives at San Diego, Cal., where he is engaged in the poultry business; and Coral E., lives at Spar- tansburg, Pa.
Eugene H. Blethen attended district school No. 7 at Erie and in April, 1898, volunteered in the service of the Spanish American War and served in Company C, 15th Pennsylvania division. He was discharged in March, 1899, and returned to his business at Erie. Mr. Blethen moved to his present location at 1807 State Street in 1921. He carries a good grade of groceries and meats.
On Dec. 12, 1899, Mr. Blethen was married to Miss Emma L. Adams, of Wesleyville, Pa., the daughter of Jeremiah and Diana (Roberts) Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Adams, deceased, are buried in North East cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Blethen have no children.
Politically, Mr. Blethen is a Republican. He is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Simpson Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Spanish American Veterans. He is held in high regard throughout the community and is an excellent citizen of Erie County.
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David W. Harper, the well known senior member of the firm of Harper & Russell Company, real estate and general insurance, Erie, Pa., was born Feb. 13, 1872, at Toronto, Canada, a son of William W. and Mary Martin (Tweed) Harper.
William M. Harper was born in Campsie Glen, Scotland, Aug. 29, 1844. In 1868 he came to the United States, locating first at Lynn, Mass., where he married Mary Martin Tweed, a native of Glascow, Scot- land. Later they removed to Toronto, Canada, where they lived for ten years, and in 1880 came to Erie, Pa., where Mr. Harper became connected with the old Stearns Manufacturing Company and later engaged in the insurance business, in which he has been actively engaged since 1890. He is still a very active man in his profession. Mr. and Mrs. Harper were the parents of six children, as follows: William Rae, an instructor in the public schools of New York City; James L., died in Chicago in 1892, but is buried in Erie; David W., the subject of this sketch; Mar- garet Martin, the wife of Milton Rowley, a manufacturer, lives in Erie; Eva Hay, married Jay D. Cudney, lives at Houston, Tex .; and Ruth D., married Robert Lee Sale, president of the Sale Lithograph Company, Buf- falo, N. Y. Mrs. Harper died Feb. 15, 1898, at the age of 52 years, and is buried at Erie.
David W. Harper was educated in the public schools of Toronto and Erie, and at the age of 13 years learned the moulder's trade with the Stearns Manufacturing Company. After completing his trade he went to high school for two years, and from there to the office of the Water Works Company, as cashier. Later he was a stamp clerk in the Erie postoffice for three years. He then entered the railway mail service for a short time, and after having resigned from that position he went into the insurance business in 1893, where he was associated with his father, in the Exchange building on North Park Road and State Street until 1907. In that year he formed a partnership with James Russell under the firm name of Harper & Russell Company. Their offices are located in the Ariel building, of which Mr. Harper is president. While handling a gen- eral line of insurance, the firm specializes in industrial real estate.
On June 30, 1904, Mr. Harper was married at Erie, Pa., to Miss Pearl Critchfield, a native of Erie, and the daughter of John Dawson and Hattie (Henderson) Critchfield, both now deceased. Mr. Critchfield was an attorney at law in Mount Vernon, Ohio, where he practiced his profession for 35 years. He is buried at Mount Vernon and Mrs. Critch-
Very Cordially yours
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field is buried at Erie. They were the parents of two children: Mrs. Harper, and one child who died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Harper five children have been born: David Dawson, born in 1905, a student at Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland; William Tweed, born in 1907; James Critchfield, born in 1908; Robena Pearl, born in 1913; and John Rae, born in 1918, the latter four attending the Erie public schools. The family are members of the First Baptist Church.
In national politics Mr. Harper votes the Republican ticket. He be- longs to the Masonic fraternity, the Shrine, the Elks, the Kahkwa Club, the Erie Club, University Club, and Yacht Club. He is also a member of the Rotary Club, being one of its charter members. He is vice presi- dent of the Chamber of Commerce, and is serving his second term as water commissioner of Erie. Mr. Harper was the first president of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Association, and has served as president of the Erie Real Estate Board, and was a member of the common council in 1901-02. He is a stockholder and is financially interested in a number of Erie's financial institutions. Mr. Harper is general chairman of the Erie Industrial Board of the Chamber of Commerce. The industrial board was organized for the purpose of bringing new industrial plants to the city. To this work Mr. Harper is devoting much time and effort. He is an enterprising and far sighted business man who has achieved marked success by virtue of hard work and integrity.
James Russell, a member of the firm of Harper & Russell, ranks among the prominent brokers and real estate operators of Erie. He was born in Baltimore, Md., March 12, 1871, and is a son of James and Maria (Wilkins) Russell.
James Russell, Sr., was born in Baltimore in 1841. He held an im- portant position with the Eutaw Savings bank there for many years and died in 1888. His wife died in 1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Russell the following children were born: Edward, died at the age of seven years; James, the subject of this sketch; Olive, the widow of Elliott Gilpin, lives at Baltimore; May W., lives at Catonsville, Md .; and one child died in infancy.
James Russell resided in Baltimore until 1899. At an early age he became interested in the telephone business and was one of the organizers of the Baltimore Telephone Company. After coming to Erie he served as treasurer of the Union Telephone Company, which operated throughout
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the northwestern part of Pennsylvania. In 1907, Mr. Russell became asso- ciated in business with D. W. Harper, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. Harper & Russell, besides their brokerage business, deal in real estate and insurance. Their offices are at 306 Ariel Building.
In 1902, Mr. Russell was married to Miss Dorothy M. MacIntosh, of Erie, who died in 1911. He was later married to Mrs. Gertrude O. Dens- more, who died in 1921. Mr. Russell was later married to Miss Kathryn Langdon. He has no children.
Mr. Russell is a Democrat, a 32nd degree Mason, and belongs to the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, University Club, and the Real Estate Board of Erie. He is one of the substantial business men of Erie.
Otto E. Becker, one of the proprietors of the P. A. Becker Company, is a substantial citizen and a member of one of Erie's oldest and most prominent families. He was born in Erie, Jan. 5, 1865, and is a son of Philip A. and Eugena (Jung) Becker.
Philip A. Becker was born in Germany and came to the United States when he was 18 years of age. He located in Erie where he established the retail grocery business in 1852, now owned by his son. He died Jall. 12, 1888, at the age of 52 years, and is buried in Erie cemetery. Mr. Becker served as mayor of Erie for several years and was a highly re- spected citizen of his community. His wife, also a native of Germany. came to this country with her parents when she was four years old and settled in Baltimore, Md. She died in 1896 at the age of 56 years. Mr. and Mrs. Becker had four children: Eugenia, died in 1876, at the age of 18 years; Emil A., born in January, 1861, died at the age of 50 years; Arman, died in infancy ; and Otto E., the subject of this sketch.
Otto E. Becker received his education in the Erie schools and in 1884 engaged in business with his father and brother, Emil Becker, until the father's death in 1888. The brothers then became owners of the store until the time of Emil's demise, when his widow, Mrs. Becker, became a stockholder in the company. The business is now conducted under the name of P. A. Becker, and is located at 531 French Street and Mr. Becker deals in high grade products exclusively.
On March 3, 1903, Mr. Becker was united in marriage with Miss Salona A. Smith, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. B. A. Smith, of Erie. Dr. Smith has been a leading physician of Erie for over 50 years and is widely known. His wife died in June, 1924. To Mr. and Mrs. Becker a son was
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born, Philip Smith Becker. After attending the public and high schools of Erie, he was graduated from a preparatory school at Lawrenceville, N. J., and is now a junior at Princeton University.
In politics Mr. Becker is identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Mt. Olivet Commandery and the Zem Zem Shrine and belongs to the Erie Club. He is an enthusiastic golfer.
L. W. Guild, proprietor of the Keystone Toilet Supply Company, is an enterprising and successful business man of Erie. He was born in Spring- field, Mass., and is a son of Dr. E. H. and L. M. (Maslen) Guild.
Dr. E. H. Guild, who now lives retired at Springfield, Mass., has for many years been a prominent physician of that section. He was educated at John Hopkins University and is now at the head of the Springfield Board of Health, in which he has been actively interested since the time of his retirement, 15 years ago. Dr. and Mrs. Guild have two children: Edgar M., who resides in Boston, Mass. and L. W., the subject of this sketch.
L. W. Guild spent his boyhood at Springfield, Mass., and is a graduate of New York University. After completing his schooling he traveled for several years representing the Victor Hack Saw Works of Springfield. He served two years during the World War with the Red Cross and afterward spent several years in Philadelphia. In April, 1921, he came to Erie, where he established the Keystone Toilet Supply Company. This has developed into the leading towel supply company of the city, and also does business within a radius of 50 miles of Erie. Mr. Guild furnishes coats and aprons as well as linens to his numerous customers.
Mr. Guild has a daughter, Helen, who resides in New York.
Mr. Guild is a member of the Episcopal Church and belongs to the Kiwanis Club and the Delta Upsilon fraternity.
John E. Zeiser is a reliable and substantial business man of Erie, where he is engaged in the grocery business at 7th and Peach avenue. He was born in New York, Oct. 16, 1870, and is the son of John and Barbara (Jerge) Zeiser.
John Zeiser was a native of Germany as was also his wife. He was a mason by trade and died in 1895 at the age of 54 years. His wife died in 1892. They were the parents of 11 children.
John E. Zeiser received his education in the schools at Fairview, Pa., and at the age of 15 years was employed as a clerk in a local grocery
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store. In 1900 he purchased a store at 712 State Street, which he con- ducted until 1911 when he moved to his present location. Mr. Zeiser owns one of the finest grocery stores in Erie, and carries a high grade line of domestic and imported goods. About six men are employed in his store.
In 1891, Mr. Zeiser was united in marriage with Miss Barbara Heidt of Erie, now deceased. To this union one son was born, Lawrence Ed- ward, who now owns a half interest in his father's business. Mr. Zeiser was later married to Miss Anna Sponer of St. Mary's Pa.
In politics Mr. Zeiser is identified with the Democratic party. He-is a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Elks lodge, as well as the Chamber of Commerce.
Franklin B. Hosbach is among the prominent young attorneys of Erie. He was born on a farm in McKean Township, Erie County, Oct. 27, 1891, and is the son of George C. and Mary C. (Bausch) Hosbach.
George C. Hosbach, deceased, was a native of Forest County, Pa. He settled in Erie County over 50 years ago and engaged in general farming in Mckean Township until 1912, at which time he removed to Erie. There he became interested in the contracting and building business until his death, April 14, 1925. He is buried in Erie Cemetery. His wife, a native of Mckean Township, lives with her son at 720 West 23rd Street, Erie. To Mr. and Mrs. Hosbach two children were born: Bertha F., born Aug. 19, 1882, married Willis W. Williams; and Franklin B., the subject of this sketch.
Franklin B. Hosbach spent his boyhood on his father's farm and after his graduation from West Mill Creek High School he studied law at Valparaiso University. He has practiced law since 1915 and has offices in the Masonic Building.
On July 7, 1917, Mr. Hosbach was married to Miss Mildred E. Chif- man, a native of Kankakee County, Ill., and a daughter of A. B. and Laura (Kelsey) Chifman, residents of Crown Point, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Hosbach have no children.
Mr. Hosbach is a Republican, a member of the Methodist church, and is identified with the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Elks, Moose, Knights of Malta, Knights of Pythias, Erie Maennerchor, and the Erie County Bar Association. He is capable in his profession and is a citizen of high ideals.
FRANKLIN B. HOSBACH
..
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William Irwin Arbuckle is a well known and substantial business man of Erie and a member of one of the county's leading pioneer families. He was born in Mill Creek Township, May 26, 1871, and is a son of Richard H. and Julia Antoinette (Burton) Arbuckle.
Richard H. Arbuckle was born in Erie in 1835, a son of William Arbuckle, who was the son of Adam Arbuckle. William Arbuckle became a prominent politician of his time and served as a member of the school board for 25 years. He was a member of the city council during the rail- road war. He was a carpenter by trade and among the many contracting jobs was that of the Erie County farm buildings. He died at the age of 91 years and is buried in Erie cemetery. His son, Richard H., the father of the subject of this sketch, now lives retired with his wife at 941 East 21st Street. He has been a prominent Democrat for many years and was the first commissioner of his party to be elected in Erie County. He also served as customs collector under President Grover Cleveland's administration. Mr. Arbuckle helped to organize the Erie County Milk Association and served as president for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Arbuckle, who have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary, are the parents of the following children: Janette, married John C. Wolf, lives in Erie; John Burton, lives in Erie; Laura, died in infancy ; Charlotte, died in 1915; William Irwin, the subject of this sketch; and Richard C., general agent for the Federal Bond & Mortgage Company of Detroit, lives in Erie.
William Irwin Arbuckle was educated in the district schools of Mill Creek Township, and also attended Erie Academy. At an early age he became interested in the mercantile business and was employed by a local wholesale house for ten years, and later he was with another wholesale house for five years. In 1903 he engaged in his present business on Peach Street. In 1923 he removed to his present location at 144 West 13th Street. Mr. Arbuckle deals in household goods and furnishings and has an extensive wholesale trade throughout northwestern Pennsylvania, east- ern Ohio, and western New York.
On Sept. 28, 1893, Mr. Arbuckle was married to Miss Leonora Clemens, the daughter of Fred and Eva (Barnard) Clemens. Mr. Clemens lives retired in Erie. His wife is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Arbuckle the following children have been born: William Humphrey, vice-president and general manager of his father's business, married Esther Cardot, and they have one son, William Irwin; Priscilla, a graduate of Ward-Belmont
(51)
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school, married Paul N. Berner, lives in Buffalo, N. Y., where he repre- sents the Federal Bond & Mortgage Company of Detroit; and Antoinette Burton, a student at Smith College.
Mr. Arbuckle is identified with the Republican party in politics and he belongs to the Masonic lodge. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of the city.
W. B. Pohle is a progressive and enterprising merchant of Erie. He was born at St. Joseph, Mo., Oct. 13, 1900, and is the son of Christopher J. and Mary H. (Fraser) Pohle.
Christopher J. Pohle was born in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1860. For many years he was interested in the sugar refining business in Ontario, Canada, and later in Buffalo. After retiring from that business he engaged in the. grocery business at St. Joseph Mo., where he remained 20 years. In 1906 he removed his family to Erie where he conducted a grocery store at 1921 Myrtle Street until the time of his death, in 1923. His wife, who was born in Canada, resides at Erie. Mr. and Mrs. Pohle had two children: W. D., the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Mary Lyle, who lives in Erie.
After completing his schooling, W. B. Pohle engaged in the grocery business with his father. He now owns and operates the business estab- lished by his father and has an extensive trade.
Mr. Pohle is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Simp- son Church, and belongs to the Masonic lodge. He is unmarried.
Louis Phillips, president of American State Bank, is one of Erie's enterprising and successful business men. He was born in Italy, June 18, 1865, and is a son of Gesualdo and Philomena (Guisti) Phillips.
Gesualdo Phillips was born in Italy in 1826 and died there in 1911. His wife was born in 1844 and died in 1903. They were the parents of the following children: Louis, the subject of this sketch; Alameno, de- ceased; Fulvia, deceased; Fortunato, lives in Cleveland; Fuldio, deceased; Crolinda, lives in Erie and three children died in infancy.
Louis Phillips was reared and educated in his native land and came to this country in 1890. He worked at his trade of carpenter for four years and then opened a small fruit stand on West 12th Street. In 1895 he established an office on West 16th Street, where he dealt in the remit- tance of steamship and foreign money orders. He also maintained a fruit store and became one of the leading wholesale fruit dealers of the
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city. The business which is now owned by his son is located at 16th and State streets.
The bank was organized by Mr. Phillips as a private bank in 1921, and on March 10, 1924, was incorporated as American State Bank. The officers are as follows: Louis Phillips, president; Angelo Phillips, vice- president; Jennie Phillips, cashier; and Joseph Phillips, secretary. The directors are: Louis, Joseph, Angelo, Mary and Elizabeth Phillips.
On Jan. 13, 1894, Mr. Phillips was married to Miss Eliza Casciani, a native of Italy, born Aug. 28, 1867. To this union the following children were born: John, a general contractor, lives at Erie, married Nardina Petrucella, and they have two children, Elizabeth and Mary; Mary, at home; Joseph, engaged in the fruit business at Erie; Jennie, cashier in her father's bank; Angelo, general manager and part owner of the fruit business, married Amelia Bevilacqua, and they have one son, Robert; Gemma, Marreno, and Albert, all students, and three children died in infancy.
Mr. Phillips is a Republican and has been a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church since 1892. He belongs to the Sons of Italy and the Italian National Club. Mr. Phillips is an energetic man who stands well in the esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens.
William T. MeFayden, prominent druggist of Erie, is among the en- terprising and successful business men of the county. He was born at Waterford, Pa., Oct. 23, 1857, and is the son of Alexander and Emmeline (Woodford) McFayden.
Alexander McFayden came to this country from Scotland with his parents in 1832. He was the son of Neil McFayden who became a pros- perous farmer. Alexander McFayden was engaged in farming on the home place. He died in 1888 at the age of 71 years and his wife, who was born in Connecticut, died at the age of 54 years. Her parents settled in Erie County in 1814. Her grand-father, Capt. Case, served during the Revolution and her father, Rufus Woodford, fought in the War of 1812. To Alexander and Emmeline (Woodford) McFayden the following children were born: Mrs. Isabel Thomas, lives on the old homestead; William T., the subject of this sketch; Alexander, a sketch of whom appears else- where in this history; Elizabeth, married Leon Sherwood, lives in Water- ford Township; Finley, lives retired in Erie; and John.
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