History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 101

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc > Part 101

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COL. DAVID S. CLARK, retired merchant, Erie, was born near Shippensburg, Cum- berland Co., Penn., June 10, 1816; son of George and Anna (Sterrett) Clark, natives of Penn., of Scotch-Irish descent, both deceased. Our subject worked on his father's farm until fifteen years of age. In 1831, he came to Erie City, and lived with his brother, James S. Clark, four years, and then followed mercantile business until 1852, in which year he retired, and soon after occupied himself in the building of the First Presbyterian Church. From 1860 to 1864, he devoted himself to oil refining in partnership withi George Seldon and John

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H. Bliss. For two years following, he operated the oil refinery by himself. In 1840, Mr. Clark was elected Maj. of the 104th Reg. Penn. Militia, and in 1842 was elected by the votes of the regiment, and commissioned by Gov. Porter to the Colonelcy. Our subject, in 1839, was united in marriage with Jane Ann, daughter of Robert T. Sterrett, a prom- inent pioneer farmer of this county. The Colonel and wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church (he since 1842); he was Pres. of the Board of Trustees three years, and in 1857 was elected Elder ; was also Manager of the Erie Cemetery several years. In pol- itics, is a Democrat.

WILLIAM CLARK, Capt. of U. S. Life Saving Service, Erie Station, was born in Denmark Feb. 15, 1838, son of Andrew Clark, a millwright. Our subject was educated in his native land, and, when a boy, was brought to N. Y. by an uncle. At the age of fifteen he went to sea, and was on the ocean fifteen years, eight of which he acted as second officer. In 1867, he came to Erie City, and sailed on the lakes for six years, and in 1877 was appointed to his present position. Capt. Clark has had frequent occasions of displaying his bravery, and that of his crew, in rescuing lives from drowning. In 1880, three vessels were foundering during the same dark night near Erie, and the life-saving crew, headed by their Captain, at imminent risk of their lives, succeeded in saving many nearly perished mariners. For this our subject received many complimentary notices, and a handsome Bible from the President of the Bible Society. Capt. Clark was married in Liverpool, England, in 1869, to Lucy Downing, who bore him two children-Edward William and Dawson. Mrs. Clark is a member of the Catholic Church, and Capt. Clark of the Lutheran Church.

H. V. CLAUS, grocer and wholesale liquor dealer, Erie, was born in Germany, Nov. 6, 1840, son of John and Hedwig (Kuestner) Claus, natives of Germany. The former was a school teacher who came to America in 1852. Our subject was fifth in a family of seven children, and received his education in Germany. He was on a farm for several years after coming to America ; clerked six years in Philip A. Becker's grocery, and one year for F. L. Siegel. In 1863. he embarked in business for himself, and by industry and enterprise suc- ceeded in building up a trade amounting to $150,000 per annum. Mr. Claus enlisted in 1865, in Co. K, 98th Reg. P. V. I., and served till the close of the war. He was united in marriage, in 1870, with Frances, daughter of Squire F. Curtze, who bore him the fol- lowing-named children-Frederick, Adolph, Anna and Herman. Mrs. Claus is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

JOHN CLEMENS, manufacturer, Erie. Prominent among the enterprising men who have metamorphosed this once "sleepy borough " into the brisk, ambitious city of to-day, is John Clemens, Esq., President of the Erie Malleable Iron Works. Like a score of others who are now conspicuous for their identification with the leading business enterprises, his chief capital on starting in life was pluck and a progressive spirit, and his capital he put at the best interest. Mr. Clemens has realized practical results from a practical experience. He remained with his parents upon the farm until he attained his full majority, when he began business on his own account in Fairview as hotel-keeper and country merchant; here he remained eight years; thence he migrated to Girard Township, and engaged in general merchandise for four years, and in 1854 opened up as wholesale grocer in this city, which he continued for fifteen years, after which he became a prominent dealer in lumber, and finally, in 1880, concentrated his capital and energies toward the establishment and build- ing up of the large manufacturing establishment over which he presides. Self-reliance and quiet determination, together with close application and steadiness of purpose, are leading characteristics belonging to Mr. Clemens. Our subject's father, John Clemens, born in 1760, was married, in 1801. to Mary Irwin, who was born in 1782, and died in 1870; he preceded her in 1822. Their family consisted of Letitia, deceased; William I., deceased; Sally; Robert, deceased; Mary Ann, deceased; Elizabeth, Amelia, Sophia R. and John Clemens, Jr., who was born Aug. 16, 1819, and married, in Dec. 1842, Lydia Hutchinson, born Oct. 18, 1822, by whom he had two children-Rinaldo Eugene, born Oct. 9, 1844, and Frances Eliza, died in 1862. Rinaldo Eugene was married, in 1874, to Anna Hayes, hy whom he has John Hayes, born Feb. 6, 1875, and Hays Hutchinson, born Jan. 13, 1884.

F. A. CLEMENS, proprietor of the Fulton Market, Erie, was born in Germany Nov. 14, 1847; son of Nicholas Clemens, a weaver by trade. Our subject's parents came to America in 1856; settled in Erie and reared three children. F. A. Clemens, the eld- est, received a common school education, and commenced life for himself, first at printing and then in the fruit and oyster trade, then adding groceries to his fruit and oyster trade at his place, 908 State St., Clemens Block. He was married, in Erie, early in 1868, to Eva, daughter of Joel Barnhard, who is connected with the Star Oil Co., and a native of Vt., of English descent, by whom he has one child-Lena. He is doing a successful business, supplying the wants of his many customers at reasonable rates.

WASHINGTON LA FAYETTE CLEVELAND, of the firm of Cleveland & Co., manufacturers of mill and machinery castings, Erie, was born in the State of N. Y. Dec. 21, 1825; son of Israel and Sally (Tuttle) Cleveland, of English descent, the former a native of R. I., the latter of Conn. Our subject was brought up on a farm, and received his early education in the old log schoolhouse. At the age of seventeen he received a certificate ena- bling him to teach country schools, a vocation he followed for eight winters from the time

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he was seventeen years old. In the summer months he worked on the farm. At the age of twenty-one he learned the carpenter trade, serving a regular apprenticeship, and worked at it till he was thirty-five years of age. While he was a resident of Steuben Co., N. Y., he acted in the capacity of Deputy Sheriff. When the oil excitement broke out in Penn. our subject started an oil refinery in Erie City, which business he followed six years; he after- ward invested in oil lands, with moderate success, and then embarked in his present man- ufacturing interests. In 1851, Mr. Cleveland was married to Julia, daughter of Jonathan O. Stidd, a native of Penn. To this union were born three children-F. F. (of the firm of Cleveland & Hardwick, Erie City), Della F. and Jennie R. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Church, of which he has been Steward, Trustee and Sabbath School Superintendent. In politics, he is a Republican. Residence, corner Peach and 8th. FRANK F. CLEVELAND, Cleveland & Hardwick, manufacturers, Erie, was born in the State of New York Jan. 11, 1853; son of W. L. and Julia (Stidd) Cleveland, whose sketch appears above. Our subject is the only son, and was reared in Erie City. For a time he acted as clerk in the Marine National Bank, and in 1880 embarked in his present business, under the existing firm name. In 1874, he married Catharine Maus, daughter of Louis Maus, who bore him two children-Gertrude and Robert Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Cleve- land are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Erie City. He is a member of the K. of H .: is a Knight Templar ; in politics, is a Republican.

JOHN COATES, proprietor of the Hydraulic Iron and Engine-repairing Works, Erie, is a native of England, born Jan. 11, 1829, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Bernley) Coates, natives of England, who came to America, settling in Erie Co. in 1832. Benjamin was a mechanic and pattern-maker, and was at one time foreman of Johnson & Sen- nett's foundry, the first in Erie Co .; and was foreman for Vincent, Himrod & Co. when he died in 1850. He made the first pattern for a casting in this couuty. They were par- ents of five children, three living-John, Samuel and Benjamin, all of whom reside in Erie City. Our subject completed his education in this county ; is a practical mechanic, and, having devoted his whole life to his trade, thoroughly understands its fullest details. He was in the employment of Vincent, Himrod & Co. fifteen years; also worked for Sennett & Barr for a short time; he founded his present business twenty-five years ago, and has met with reasonable success. Mr. Coates manufactures water motors, and has two patents of his own, employing from four to six men. One of his inventions is "The Little Giant Organ Blower," a most perfect water power for operating the bellows of church organs. Our subject was married in Erie Co., May 28. 1863, to Lucinda, daughter of Joel Weigel, a pioneer farmer of this county. To this union were born five children-Clara, Gertrude Howard, Florence and Della. Mrs. Coates is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, as also are Clara. Gertrude and Howard.

ROBERT COCHRAN (deceased) son of John and Sarah (Lattimore) Cochran, was born at Milton, Northumberland Co., Penn., Aug. 10, 1798, and removed with his father's fam- ily to Erie in 1809, and lived the greater part of his life in Erie and its immediate vicinity- In his youth he was employed as a clerk in the Land Office of the State, when the seat of government was at Lancaster, and, on its removal to Harrisburg, he continued in that posi- tion, his father being the head of that office under the administration of Gov. Snyder. He was thus early in life brought in contact with the leading men of the State, and in after life received from them proofs of their appreciation of his capacity and fidelity in public position, by having conferred on him important posts of honor and profit. He was Postmaster at Erie twelve years, being appointed through the friendship and influence of Pres. Buchanan, who, living in the same city with him in his youth, was an early observer of his fitness for public position. Mr. Cochran was a man of decided and honest charac- ter, and never encountered meanness and dishonesty without denouncing them in terms consistent with his own honorable impulses ; he was a man of more than ordinary clear- ness of mind and business capacity, and in the various positions held by him-the post office at Erie, and the several useful local offices of his neighborhood-he always proved himself a capable and accommodating officer. He married Eliza Justice, a native of N. J., Oct. 20, 1822, and had nine children-Sarah and Rebecca, twins: Mary, Matilda, Mar- tha, Eliza, John, Harriett and Henrietta; of these, Eliza and Matilda are now deceased. Rebecca married Dr. A. Thayer, and had threechildren -- Frank. Hattie and Jessie (deceased). Martha married Edwin Willis (deceased): has two children-John C. and Edwin B., who married Miss Minnie Welden, of Battle Creek, Mich., and has two children-Jessie Thayer and Vera. Mrs. Cochran died April 19, 1863, and he died Dec. 9, 1869. The Hon. John Cochran was Associate Judge of Erie Co., and built and operated some of the first mills erected in the county ; he had, besides our subject. one other son-George Cochran, who was born Feb. 4. 1792, and died on the Erie homestead when about thirty-six years of age.

J. R. COCHRAN, deceased, was among the hrst bankers of Erie City, Penn .; he was born in N. H. March 30, 1814, son of John and Mary (Butler) Cochran; his parents were both natives of N. H. He came himself in 1840 to Erie, where for a time he was engaged in the marble business; he afterward engaged in banking business in Erie City; he was a successful business man, of great energy and force of character, and was highly respected for his good morals and sound sense. At his death he left many friends and but few, if any,

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enemies; he took a great interest in schools, and was Director of Erie Academy for many years. For two terms he represented Erie County in the State Legislature, with honor to himself and credit to his constituents; he was in full sympathy with the Union cause in the late war, and after the battle at Gettysburg he left his business for the battle-field to take care of the wounded, to which many Erie soldiers can testify; he succeeded in accumu- lating a handsome fortune; his religious belief was with the Universalist Church; in poli- tics was a Republican. He was united in marriage, May 5, 1839, to Sophia Curtis, daugh- ter of P. Curtis, and of English descent-an amiable, Christian lady. This union was blessed with a family of five children, all are now living, viz .: Vinne M., wife of Henry D. Young; Laura, wife of James Bliss; Ella M., at home; George R., in the West; and Clara E., at home. Mr. Cochran died in 1878 in Erie City, where his widow still resides.

JUDAH COLT, deceased. This worthy pioneer, one of the 1795 men who ventured to Erie in that year to see what inducements the country offered, cast his anchor and spent the remainder of his life in Erie. Mr. Colt was born in Lynn, Conn., but his early life was spent in ceutral N. Y., where, in 1789, he was engaged as a surveyor. In 1795, lie was appointed Sheriff of Ontario Co., on its organization, by Gov. Clinton. In the sum- mer of that year he was so much pleased with Erie Co., that he proposed to purchase a large amount of land in the triangle. The Penn. Population Company selected him as general agent for all their lands in the triangle, and in 1796 he made his location in what is now Greenfield Township. He opened a land office which has ever since been known as "Colt's Station." In following year, he opened a road from Lake Erie at the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek (now Freeport), to his station, over which to convey supplies for the settlers. In 1802, Mr. Colt removed to Erie, where for thirty years, to the day of his death, he was an active leading spirit in building up the place. At his decease, he was the larg- est real estate owner of any resident in Erie. He and his worthy lady were earnest sup- porters of religion. At the organization of the First Presbyterian Church of Erie in 1815, Mr. and Mrs. Colt were among the most vigorous workers in that society. While there was no place of worship, Mr. Colt erected a frame building with a pulpit and pews, which was long known as the Yellow Meeting House, ou Sassafras street. He was one of the first elders elected to that church, and this office lie filled until his death, whichi occurred in Oct., 1832, after a residence in this county of thirty-seven years, and a residence in Erie of thirty years.

GEORGE P. COLT, of the firm of Ball & Colt, bankers, No. 720 State St., Erie, was born in Erie City, Penn., March 7, 1834; son of Thomas G. and Catherine A. (Kelogg) Colt, natives of Mass., of English extraction. Thomas G., a merchant, was brought up by Judah Colt, and received a good English education. He reared two children -George, our subject, and Marion E., wife of A. T. Loomis, a brick manufacturer of Erie City. Our sub- ject acquired his education in Erie Academy and private schools. He commenced life as a clerk, in the private bank of Wm. C. Curry, of Erie City, at the age of twenty years, and continued with him four years. He then weut to Chicago, Ill., where he was engaged in a bank four years. At the expiration of that time he embarked in the grain business, in Chicago, in which he continued six years. Iu 1857, he returned to Erie City, and associated himself with P. H. Ball, as the firm of Ball & Colt, bankers. He was married. in 1861, to Nancy I., daughter of Rev. Bennett Glover, formerly rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Erie City. Mrs. Colt was born in Eric City, and of English descent. Mr. Colt has been a member of the School Board six years. He and his wife are members of St. Paul's Church. He is Supt. of Grace Mission Sabbath school. Our sub- ject's father was a prominent man in Erie City, and one of the first settlers. He was the first ruling officer when Erie changed from a borough to a city, and was immediately elected Mayor of Erie City. He was also a member of Council of Erie City many years. He was a regular attendant of the Episcopal Church. He died in Erie, in 1861, honored and respected by all.

GEORGE W. COLTON, Gov. Supt. of Pub. Bldgs., Post Office, Custom House, etc., for Erie City, Erie, Penn., was born in Elk Creek Township, this county, Dec. 3, 1819, son of Eli and Elizabeth (Deitz) Colton. The former, a farmer, was a native of Conn., of English descent; the latter of Maryland, of German lineage. They were parents of fifteen children, twelve of whom are living. Our subject, the eleventh, was reared on a farm, received a good education in the English branches, and followed farming till nearly thirty years old. He was appointed Clerk of County Commissioners, Erie Co., in 1852, remain- ing as such till 1863, when he was elected Prothonotary of same county; after serving in this capacity three years, he went to Washington, D. C., aud clerked in the House of Representatives till 1868, when he was elected Secretary and Treasurer of Erie Dime Sav- ing and Loan Co. (Bank) then went to Harrisburg, Penn., as clerk in the State Treasurer's Office and office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth till 1883, when he was appointed to his present position by President Arthur. Mr. Colton was married, in 1852, in Erie Co., to Mrs. Benedict, whose maiden name was Adelia Shepard. They have a pleasant home in Erie City, where they have been residing since their marriage, until Feb. 8, 1878, when Mrs. Colton died. In early life, Mr. Colton was a Whig, but has voted with the Republican party since its organization.

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C. M. CONRAD, brewer and maltster, Erie, was born in Germany, Feb. 26, 1841. His father was at one time a Protestant clergyman in Germany, but concluded to join the Catholic Church. This being distasteful to his wife, a divorce ensued. The latter having a brother for some years a book-keeper in Erie City, came to America and to this city with hier two sons in 1849. Our subject at that time was eight years of age. He had but three months' schooling in the common schools of Erie City; learned the brewing business and was engaged the greater part of his life in it. He took possession of the brewery in 1863. (In that year his step-father, Jacob Fuess, died), and since that time the business has been con- tinually increasing, so that he is about to extend the brewery buildings. Mr. Conrad was married in 1867, in this city, to Dora Dieffenbach, a native of Erie City; eight children were born to this union, of whom Kate, Eda, Dora, Flora and Clara are living. Our sub- ject and wife were members of the German St. Paul's Protestant Church. She died Jan. 29, 1882, in her thirty-fourth year, greatly heloved and respected by all who knew her. Mr. Conrad has been a member of Erie City Council; in politics, is a Republican.

JOHN CONSTABLE, retired contractor, Erie, was born in England Jan. 11, 1811, son of Robert and Harriet (Perkins) Constable. He came to America in 1833, remaining in Buffalo, N. Y., four years, and from there went to Fla., where he was engaged in the arsenal. At the expiration of a year, he returned to Buffalo, and in 1840 cameto Erie. He at once contracted for the building of the Park Presbyterian Church, and along with Mr. Ramsey built also the "Scott Block." These buildings are among the most prominent of our subject's many contracts. Mr. Constable was twice married, on first occasion, in 1829, to Elizabeth Pettit, by whom he had five children, two now living-Thomas and Washington. George was drowned in the Ohio in 1874. Mrs. Constable dying in 1835, our subject mar- ried, in 1838, Mrs. Eliza (Culp) Reinhardt, a widow lady who had, by her first husband, one son named William. To this union were born four children. all living-Edward, Charles, Louise and Herbert. Mr. and Mrs. Constable are members of the Baptist Church, of which he has been Trustee. He was a City Councilor for several years; is the oldest member of the I. O. O. F. and Encampment. He is not at present engaged in active business, but assists his sons who are extensively engaged in their sash, door and blind factory. Mr. Constable had five sons in the late war. Thomas, one year in the navy, then in the 83d P. V. I .; John died from disease contracted in service; William, also in the 83d P. V. I .; Washington, in the 145th P. V. I., was taken prisoner and confined in Libby Prison.

MILTON COURTRIGHT was born in Susquehanna Co., Penn., in 1811. He came to Erie in 1846, with his wife and two children, riding in a carriage the entire distance. He at that time occupied the position of assistant resident engineer of the Erie Extension Canal, then building. After its completion, he occupied the position of its Superintendent, which he filled for several years. About 1850, he formed a partnership with John A. Tracy, and the firm became heavy contractors both in the U. S. and Canada. They built the Erie & North East R. R., and were interested in a number of mammoth enterprises. The firm existed about ten years. Mr. Courtright was one of the original and most active workers in building the Chesapeake & Albemarle Canal, and was for some years consult- ing engineer of the N. Y. elevated railroads. In 1862, he was the Democratic candidate for Congress, lacking but 500 votes of being elected, the district being at that time about 1,750 Republican. While in Virginia engaged in constructing a railroad from Norfolk to the Atlantic coast, where he contemplated building up a watering place, he was attacked with pneumonia, which resulted in his death Apr. 25, 1883. Mr. Courtright was educated at Gambier College, Ohio, and was by profession a civil engineer, ranking among the best in the country. He was one of the leading and most prominent citizens of Erie for many years, and his name was a synonym for honest integrity and square dealing. Among the older residents of Erie he was a leading spirit and his death caused a deep feeling of re- gret. The surviving family consists of Mrs. Courtright, Mrs. Eben Brewer and Mrs. Dr. R. K. Valentine, of Brooklyn, N. Y.

A. W. COVELL, attorney at law. Erie, was born in N. Y. Nov. 23, 1847, son of Will- iam W. and Ellen E. (Barber) Covell, the former a farmer and carpenter, the latter a native of N. Y. and of English descent. They came to Erie Co. in Jan., 1852. settling in Concord Township. They were parents of eight children, four boys and four girls. Our sub- ject, who was oldest in the family, acquired his education in Westfield College, from which he graduated in 1864. At one time he followed farming pursuits and learned the carpenter trade, but preferring the profession of law, he commenced study with Hon. C. O. Bowman & Baker, Corry, this county. In 1870, he was admitted to the practice of law in Erie Co .; in 1877, to the U. S. Court and the Supreme Court. His examiners were Col. Grant, J. Ross Thompson, C. B. Curtis and Wm. Benson. In 1871, Mr. Covell was married to Mabel H., of English extraction, daughter of J. H. Rathburn, Warden of Erie County Prison. Mrs. Covell is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

MAJ. JOHN CRAINE, wholesale and retail crockery merchant of Erie, was born in County Cork, Ireland, on June 6, 1842 ; when ten years old he came to America with his people, who settled in Vermont, where he learnt the wood and marble finishing trade. In 1857, he went to Milwaukee, Wis., following the same business there until 1863, when he removed to Chicago, Ill., where he remained until 1871. In consequence of the great

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fire, the Burdett Organ Co. removed to Erie, and he came with them, and has since been prominently identified with different industries here. In 1880, he ceased working at his trade, and engaged in the crockery business ; he has also successfully speculated in real estate, both here and in Chicago. Mr. Craine was united in marriage in Milwaukee, in 1863, with Margarette Hayes, a well-educated lady, born in Limerick, Ireland, but reared in this country. This union has been blessed with a family of four sons and two daughters, viz., C. George, manager of the firm of Hanlon & Craine ; William, in mercantile business; Mary Frances, a student at Chestnut Hill College ; Julia, John, Jr., and Owen. Mr. and Mrs. Craine are members and regular communicants of the Roman Catholic Church. Since locating here, our subject has been actively engaged in developing the public, social and industrial life of Erie ; he has also taken an active part in military affairs, and was com- missioned Capt. of the Sheridan Guards by Gov. Hartranft in 1876, serving in that capacity until the Pittsburgh riots, when he was promoted to the position of Major of the Guards. C. G. CRAINE, of the firm of Hannon & Craine. dealers in china, glassware and cut- lery, Erie, was born Dec. 27, 1863, in Milwaukee, Wis .; son of Maj. John and Margaret (Hayes) Craine, natives of Wis., of Irish descent. Our subject received a good English education, and in 1881 embarked in his present business. Mr. Hannon, our subject's part- ner, has been a resident of Erie for many years ; the firm are doing a good trade, and have been successful in business. Mr. Craine is a member of the Catholic Church, and one of the rising young men of the city.

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History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 101

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1280

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1280