History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 106

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 106

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

LAWRENCE HAIBACH, of the firm Haibach Bros., meat market, etc., 918 Parade St., Erie, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1850, and came to America with his people, who settled in Erie. When twenty-one years of age, our subject began his present busi- ness with his father, taking entire charge of same when twenty-one, and which he has conducted successfully. He was united in marriage, in 1873, with Mary Haas, of Erie, and has one son and four daughters-Lawrence, Jr., Mary, Tillie, Lizzie and Lena. He and wife are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Besides his extensive meat market and slaughtering business, Mr. Haibach is also interested in milling, carrying on three large factories, with an annual business of over $100,000.

903

CITY OF ERIE.

DR. PETER HALL, successor to Hall & Warfel, druggists, 630 State St., Erie, was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. 4, 1820, son of Harvey (a farmer) and Sarah (Hull) Hall, natives of New Haven, Conn., of English extraction, dating back to the landing of the pilgrim fathers. They were parents of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity, our subject being the youngest. The father came to Crawford Co .. Penn., in 1821, remaining a few months, then went to Erie Co., Penn., where he resided till 1831, then moved to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he resided till 1851, in which latter year he came to Erie City, Penn., where he spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1863, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His widow died in 1868, at the patriarchal age of ninety-one. Our subject received his education in the Waterford Academy and the Geneva Medical School, N. Y., where he took two full courses. He came to Erie in 1843, where, ever since 1844, he has been actively engaged in the drug business, making him the oldest representative of continuous trade now in actual business in Erie. In 1861, Martin Warfel became associ- ated with him, and until 1882 the firm was known as Hall & Warfel. Since then Dr. Hall has conducted the business in his own name. The Doctor has made a close study of human ailments, which has resulted in his discovering and manufacturing some well known and highly prized remedies, among which may be named Dr. P. Hall's cough remedy, discov- ered by him in 1848, and Dr. P. Hall's catarrh remedy, in 1876, which reaches the seat of disease by absorption. The Doctor was married, in Erie City, in 1852, to Catharine A., daughter of Martin Warfel, an early settler of this county. To this union were born seven children, three living-Alice, wife of Walter Scott, of Erie City; Edward P. and Charles B., both with their father. Dr. Hall's reputation as a business man is of the most correct type. and his integrity is rigid and of sterling quality.

JACOB HALLER, merchant, Erie, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1845, and came to America in 1856 with his mother, Magdalena Haller, who settled in Canada, and is now buried in Roseville Cemetery, near Paris, Ontario. Our subject, when fifteen years old, came to Erie Co. and followed farming for three years. He then took up merchandising, and for nine years was a clerk in a wholesale business. He subsequently established himself in the business which he has since successfully conducted. Mr. Haller was united in mar- riage, in Erie, in 1867, with Mary Eberhardt, who departed this life in 1870, leaving no issue, and is buried in the Erie Cemetery. Our subject's second marriage in Oct., 1871, was with Sophia P. Schiller, of Erie Co., who dying Nov. 20, 1880, left three sons-Chas. J., Frank A. and Eddie. He was then united in matrimony in Canada with Mary Otto, of Waterloo, Ontario, who has borne him one daughter-Cora A. The family are members of the German Evangelical Church. He is an active member of the K. of H. society.

P. S. V. HAMOT, deceased, was born in Paris, France, November 28, 1784. His father was a Captain in the French Army and a Royalist, and left France for Russia, where he resided during the "reign of terror." Returning to France, after the establishment of the "Republic," he offered to procure for his son a Lieutenancy in the army, but such a position not being in accordance with his tastes, his attention having been turned to the New Re- public of the west, he preferred to come to America and try his fortune in a new and strange land. His father consenting, he came to Philadelphia, in 1802, with the French Consul, as "L'Homme de Confiance," as expressed in his passport. The Consul died soon after his arrival, leaving Mr. Hamot, a friendless youth, and among a people in whose language he was little versed. His self-reliance, peculiarly a trait of his character, did not allow him to despond. A mercantile situation offering, he started for the West, as the clerk of a French house, in charge of a stock of merchandise. The vessel on the route was wrecked on Lake Ontario, but. with the goods recovered, he opened a store at Niagara, Canada, and from thence removed to Lewistown, and in 1805 to Erie. In 1810, he formed a partnership with Messrs. E. & D. Alvord, of Salina, who dealt largely in salt. This busi- ness connection continued many years. He was also engaged in general mercantile busi- ness on his own account, and was one of the first and most successful merchants of the place. Mr. Hamot held responsible and honorable offices under the Government; being at one time Canal Commissioner of the State, and at another, Superintendent of U. S. Public Works at Erie. He was the first Cashier of the Erie Bank, and one of the principal Stock- holders. As a business man he was fortunate and noted for his activity and energy in the prosecution of his plans, and for sound judgment. He engaged warmly in politics, his sym- pathies and feelings being with the Democratic party, being one of the founders and prin- cipal stock-holders in the Erie Observer. His politeness and hearty hospitality won for him mapy attached friends. Mr. Hamot was twice married; to Adeline Woodruff of Lew- iston, N. Y., in 1818, who died in 1821; and to Elizabeth Coltrin, widow of Dr. Asa Col- trin and daughter of George Keefer of Thorold, Canada, in 1825. Mr. Hamot died in Erie, Oct. 17, 1846.

JOHN HANLEY, foreman of Erie Gas Works, Erie, was born in Cork, Ireland, May 1, 1830, and reared and educated there. At twenty-three he came to America, and, after spending two years in N. Y. State, came here in 1855, engaging in railroading for a year. He then obtained his present position where he has been ever since. He was married in Buffalo in 1856, to Mary Lane, born in 1837, and reared in Ireland. To this marriage have been born 14 children- Julia; Minnie, wife of Jno. Burgoyne, of Erie Co .; James, Asst.

904

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Ticket Agt. L. S. Ry .; Daniel, Wm. (deceased); Kate, wife of J. Dillon, a machinist of this city; Rose, John (a plumber); Joseph, Daniel, Eddie, Jennie, Nellie, Aggie and Clara. Mr. and Mrs. Hanley are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Since his coming, Mr. Hanley has always been interested in the social and industrial life of Erie.

THOMAS HANLON, City Clerk, Erie, born in Otonabee, Peterborough Co., Canada, June 2, 1844 ; son of Michael and Margaret (Sullivan) Hanlon, natives of Ireland. They were pioneer settlers of Peterborough, Outario, arriving there in 1825, and experiencing all the hardships and privations incident to forest life ; his mother, brother and sister are still re- siding there. The Hanlon family has, from the beginning, been identified with all the important public improvements of that now prosperous city, and their history embraces the history of Peterborough. Our subject had a common and separate (Catholic) school edu- cation in Canada, and a commercial college training in this city. In Canada, he was sales- man in a grocery store in 1865 and 1866. On coming to Erie, he embarked in the grocery business in company with his brother, which was carried on till the death of the latter, in 1874, and subsequently until 1876. He was elected City Clerk in 1871, which office he creditably fills up to the present time, having been elected fourteen times in succession. He has been a Notary Public for eight years. In 1876, Mr. Hanlon married, in Erie City, Jennie A., daughter of J. E. Hawk, and a native of Canada; her parents were of American and Irish descent. To this union were born Loretta, Beatrice and Mary Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. Hanlon are members of the Catholic Church.

WILLIAM HARDWICK, of the firm Cleveland & Hardwick, Erie Engine Works, Erie, was born in England, Dec. 1, 1847 ; son of John and Ann Hardwick, natives of En- gland, who emigrated to America in 1852. Our subject acquired a common school educa- tion, and chose the trade of machinist, which he commenced to learn at eleven years of age. At one time he had charge of the Bay State Iron Works, and was for nine years fore- man of the shop. In 1879, he inaugurated his present business in Erie City. The firm employ about sixty hands, and are doing a successful business. Our subject is a thoroughly practical and experienced mechanic, and is eminently qualified to fill his position as super- intendent of the Engine Works. Mr. Hardwick was married in West Mill Creek, to Mary A., daughter of John H. Carter, a farmer of West Mill Creek Township. Two children were born to this union-John W. and Luanna May. Our subject and wife are members of the First M. E. Church, of which he has held the office of Steward, and is Trustee. He has been a member of Erie City Common and Select Council four years. In politics, he is a Republican.

JOHN HARLOW, dealer in fish, etc., Erie, is a native of Ireland, born in County Wicklow, Nov. 9, 1832, and came to America with his parents-James and Catherine Har- low (the former a painter) who settled here in 1837. They had five children, viz., James and Wm. in Erie ; Edward, out West ; a daughter and John, our subject. Our subject started in life at an early day as a sailor, which occupation he followed for several years ; he then embarked in merchandising here, in which he has continued to the present. Mr. Harlow was united in marriage in 1874 to Helena Allen, one of the Allens of Erie County. This union has been blessed with one son and two daughters-E. John, Mabel and Edith. The family are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Harlow is a member of the A. O. U. W. and K. of P. societies.

MATHIAS HARTLEB, merchant. Among Erie's most respected citizens is Mathias Hartleb, Esq .; he was born in Albig, Germany, Dec. 4, 1823. While in Germany, he mas- tered his trade (shoemaker), and married Magdalena Fisher, his present wife. At twenty- four years of age, he had crossed the ocean, and located at Erie. With youth, and health and a determined purpose to push him along, he at once engaged at his trade, and for six years pegged away on his march toward success; he accumulated enough to open a store, and for more than thirty years Mr. Hartleb's credit and standing in commercial circles has been in the highest degree reputable; he was the senior member of Hartleb, Metz & Co., the firm that established the Steam Bending Works, and operated them with success for seven years, when the interest was disposed of to H. G. Fink, Esq., the present propri- etor. Our subject early manifested an intelligent interest in American politics; he has always been a Republican of the Fremont school; his first suffrage was cast with that party, and he has persistently allied himself 'with it to this day. In the war of the rebel- lion, he served the country of his adoption by sending to the front a substitute in arms. This was simply an act of patriotism, as Mr. H. had not been drafted; he has had many evidences that he is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. For twelve years, he was a member of the City Council, and while a member of that body most of the important public improvements of Erie have been made; he was conspicuously identified with the erection of the magnificent reservoir that supplies the city with its water. From 1865 to 1868, he was Auditor of the County, and four years, from 1876 to 1880, was the custodian of the city's funds. Mr. Hartleb's immediate predecessor in the Treasury was a defaulter for a large amount, and his successor likewise abused luis trust. Under Mr. H., the office was administered with fidelity and ability. He was also for considerable time an active mem- ber of the School Board, and in many other capacities has been, and is at this writing, an active, reliable, useful and progressive citizen; his life presents a record which conclusively

905

CITY OF ERIE.

shows that success is surely achieved by unceasing application, and undeviating integrity. Daniel Hartleb, the only child of our subject, was born in Erie Nov. 17, 1848; he is well prepared by education and practical home training to succeed his father in usefulness; he is a graduate of Iron City College, Pittsburgh, also of the Union Business College, Philadelphia; he kept books at the Erie Dime Savings Bank seven years before embarking in business on his own account. At present, he is one of the leading grocers of the city; he was mar- ried, Sept. 9, 1873, to Elizabeth Guckes, daughter of Philip Guckes, Esq., of Philadelphia. They have one child, Elizabeth Margerette, born Aug. 12, 1882. Like his father, Daniel is respected for his sagacity, integrity, energy, and under all circumstances his gentlemanly demeanor.

C. H. HARVEY, Doctor of dental surgery, Erie, was born in Ames, Montgomery Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 1849 ; son of Rev. C. H. Harvey, a prominent minister in the Baptist Church in Penn. The subject of this sketch early developed a talent for dentistry, begin- ning its study when ten years old ; he obtained a good literary education at Maysville Academy, Chautauqua Co., N. Y .; he subsequently graduated from the Penn. College of Dental Surgery at Philadelphia. After practicing in Sharon for a time, he located here, and has since followed his profession. Mr. Harvey, since coming here, has taken an act- ive part in developing the social, industrial and musical interests of the city. During the war, he served as a drummer boy in the 36th N. Y. Reg. He has obtained a reputable prominence here as a cornet soloist, and is connected with the Governor's Guard Band, and with other musical interests of Erie. Mr. Harvey has also taken part in athletic amusements, and his many well earned medals testify as to his skill as an oarsman. He was united in marriage in 1872, in Erie, with Alliene V., daughter of Capt. James Dunlap, of Erie. She departed this life in 1879, and is buried in Erie Cemetery. She left one daughter-Lulu. Our subject next married Jan. 1, 1883, Georgia Strauss, of Meadville. He is an active member of the A. O. U. W., and of the State Dental Association.

IRA G. HATCH, tallow oil refiner, Erie, was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1820, and is descended from a Conn. pioneer family ; he began life for himself at seventeen, engag- ing in woolen manufacturing until 1845; he then, until 1859, distilled liquors in Wayne Co., N. Y .; then came to Penn., and in 1860 located here, and has been principally in the oil business since, establishing his present business in 1881. Mr. Hatch was married in Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1842, to Mary C. Stewart, a descendant of one of the pioneer families of her native State. Of their family, the following children are living-Albert, in the oil business ; Frances, wife of David Kennedy, in Erie; Horace, a telegraph operator and stenographer. Catherine E., wife of Moses Parsons, is deceased ; her daughter-Winifred -- is residing with her grandparents. Mrs. Hatch is a member of the Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM E. HAYES, of the firm of Patterson & Hayes, merchants, Erie, was born in Greene Township, Erie Co., Penn., April 22, 1846 ; son of Lester and Mary (Graham) Hayes ; the former, a farmer, a native of Conn .; the latter of Erie Co., Penn. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Wm. E. is the youngest. Lester Hayes was born in 1800, and in 1815 walked from Conn. to Erie Co. Our subject received his education in this county, and followed farming pursuits till 1879, when he came to Erie City and em- barked in his present business. He was married in 1870 to Adella, daughter of Thomas Perrin, for many years a lake captain. To this union were born Clemnia B., Arba W. and Gertie A. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes are members of the Central Presbyterian Church. He has been Justice of the Peace five years, and auditor of Erie County several years.

VALENTINE HEIDT, undertaker, No. 1711 Peach St., Erie, Penn., was born in Germany, Oct. 30, 1830; son of Francis and Maria E. (Malthaner) Heidt, natives of Ger- many, who came to America in 1851, settling in Erie. The former was a lumber dealer, and reared five children. Our subject, who was the fourth, acquired his education in his native land, and learned cabinet making, at which he worked from 1847 till 1852. In the latter year he came to this city, where he has since carried on his trade in connection with undertaking; being also, at one time engaged in the manufacture of oil cloth. Mr. Heidt was married March 30, 1854, to Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas Stritzinger. They have five children-Anna C., Francis J., Frederick W., Katie and Julia. The family are mem- bers of the Roman Catholic Church.

JOSEPH HENDERSON (deceased), was born near what was long known as " Brad- dock," in Allegheny Co., Peun., near the Monongahela River, in 1798. His father moved to Erie Co. early in the commencement of this century, and resided some years at Wa- terford, where Joseph went to school. They then returned to Allegheny Co., where Joseph learned the carpenter trade, of which he became a master. He returned to Erie Co., and was married in the spring of 1821. For a number of years he was the leading carpenter and joiner of Erie. In 1823, after the Court House was burnt, the contract to rebuild it was let to Mehaffey & Henderson, and a most excellent job they made of it, creditable to themselves and to the county. He had charge of the public works at the piers, at this place, at Cleveland and other points on the lake, for the U. S. Government. Mr. Henderson was strictly honest in every sense of the word, and always did his duty con- scientiously toward God and man. No one ever lost a dollar by him, for "strict justice" was his motto. In politics, he was a Whig and Republican, always ready to give rea-

906

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

sons therefor and always ready to cast his vote for what he thought right. He was elected County Commissioner in 1842, and again in 1859, creditably filling the office for six years. For over thirty years, he resided in the Walnut Creek Valley, where Kearsarge is now located, and there he died in the eighty-sixth year of his age. He reared a family of eight children-viz., Nancy, wife of E. Goodrich, Esq .; Wm., residing on the homestead; George (deceased): Charles (deceased); Anna, wife of H. C. Dunn: Joseph, Jane and James. Three of them reside in Erie City. Joseph, the fifth child, was born in Erie City, Oct. 31, 1837, and there received his education. He was in the employ of the Lake Shore R. R. for ten years; was in the American Express Co. also. In June, 1879, he was elected as one of the Directors of the Poor, which office he still fills. He was united in marriage in Erie Co., with Catherine, daughter of Cyrus and Mary Wolf, the former a farmer in Mill Creek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have four children-Edgar, plumber in Erie City: Ross Clinton, learning plumbing trade; George William and Margie Irinee. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson are members of the Chestnut St. Presbyterian Church. He has been, and is at present Trustee of that denomination.

PROF. ROBERT HENKLER, teacher of vocal and instrumental music and har- mony, Erie, was born in Dantzic, Germany, Jan. 8, 1852. When nine years old, he showed evidence of musical talent, and made a study of music. When eighteen years old, he en- tered the military service of his country in the Franco-Prussian war, and continued in reputable connection with it for fourteen months: he then retired, and after recuperating his health, which had been depleted by constant study and war service, entered the Berlin Conservatory of Music when twenty-one. After a year of hard study. he came to America, locating in New York, and took an active part in the musical profession there for two years. In 1877 Mr. Henkler came to Erie in the interests of a music journal, and subsequently engaged in his profession. He is the present leader of the Erie "Liedertafel" and of the "Teutonia Maennerchor," and is also actively engaged in class-teaching.

P. HENRICHS, of Henrichs & Churchill Exhibition Show Case Co., Erie, was born in Prussia, Germany, Feb. 16, 1839, son of Joseph and Margaret (Armbruster) Henrichs, natives of Germany, who were parents of five children. They came to America in 1845, and located for three years in Cincinnati, Ohio, thence moved to Covington, Ky. Our subject, their eldest child, acquired his education in these two towns, and in 1852 came to Erie City, and was engaged as salesman for six years. He then, together with Mr. Jacob Gabel, em- barked in the dry goods business. After six years, he bought out his partner, and con- tinued the business successfully until 1872, when he patented a combination baby chair, formed a company for its manufacture, to which he subsequently sold his interest, and who are manufacturing it, paying him a royalty; then for two years Mr. Henrichs manufactured cloaks. In 1877, he patented the exhibition and sectional show case, and embarked in its manufacture in this city. In politics, he is a Republican. Our subject was married, Jan. 12, 1860, to Catherine Preuss, a native of Prussia, by whom he had ten children, nine liv- ing-Edward N., Amelia, Rosa, Cornelia, Virginia, William, Eugene and Nora (twins), Katie and Edith. They are members of the Catholic Church.

JOHN S. HENRY, division operator and assistant train master Penn. Ry. Co., Phil- adelphia & Erie Div., Erie, was born in York Co., Penn., Jan. 31, 1850, his ancestors be- ing pioneers of the same. At thirteen, he took up telegraphing at Hanover Junction, on the N. C. Ry., and completed learning his profession there, and subsequently joined a literary class at York Academy. He came here when seventeen years old, and accepted a position as telegraph operator for two years; was then promoted to train dispatcher, hold- ing same reputably for twelve years; was then appointed to his present incumbency. Mr. Henry was married in Erie, Sept. 9, 1879, to Ella J. Hughes, a daughter of Thomas and Caroline Hughes, pioneers of Erie Co.

BENJAMIN HERSHEY was born in Mill Creek Township, Erie Co., Penn., June 15, 1827, and is a son of John and Salome Hershey, natives of Eastern Penn., and of Swiss descent, their ancestry having come to this country about 1700. Our subject grew up and received his education in Erie Co., subsequently following farming ; he also studied and practiced medicine a short time. "Just enough," says Mr. Hershey, "to know that exer- cise, good nursing and cheerfulness of disposition are far more efficacious than medicines of any sort." Since giving up practice, he has carried a fair share of the burdens com- mon to inventors, and in that field has work enough laid out to last him the remainder of his days. He says: "In choosing Mary J., youngest daughter of Jacob and Mary Miller, for a wife, I did one of the few sensible acts of my life, as she has been a true helpmeet in the walk and work of life." Mrs. Hershey is a native of Erie Co., and was married April 10. 1852; three daughters-Celestia J., Susan I. and Mary A. are the fruits of this union. Mr. Hershey says: "Theologically, we are Christiaus ; denominationally, Method- ists; and politically, Republicans; and do not care to change them for anything not so good."

PETER C. HEYDRICK, oil dealer, Erie, born Sept. 12, 1834, in the Keystone State; son of Charles H. and Mary (Adams) Heydrick. The first of this family to take up bis home on American soil was Balthasar Heydrick, who came from Silesia. Germany, in 1734, and settled in Penn. Que sou-Abraham, was a merchant in Chestnut Hill, now a part of

P.S. Stinson

909

CITY OF ERIE.

Philadelphia. Another son (the eldest) named Christopher, was a doctor, and his son- Charles H., was our subject's father. Peter C. Heydrick received his education in Alle- gheny College, and early in life entered the oil business; he lived in Oil City five years, and in 1866 bought a farm in Crawford Co., Penn., where he resided until 1874, in which year he came to Erie City. He has been engaged in the oil business uninterruptedly, and is now owner of several productive wells. Mr. Heydrick was married in Meadville, Penn., to Margaret A., daughter of James Doughty, and a native of Crawford Co., Penn., of En- glish descent. To this union were born three children-Charles, studying law, James D. and Kate E. at school. Our subject and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. He has served two years as member of Erie City Council ; in politics, is an extreme Democrat of the Jefferson school.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 106

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