History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 108

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 108


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).


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HENRY S. JONES, Superintendent of Schools, etc., Erie, was born in Rochester, N. Y., July 9, 1832. His parents, Smith and Nancy (McGinley) Jones, were natives of the same State, and in their genealogy represented on the father's side Welch and Pilgrim stock, and on the mother's, Irish and German. They bad seven children-Webster H., Sarah M., Henry S., Celeste A., Arthur T., Homer C. and Emma E., four of whom (Webster, Henry, Celeste and Emma) at this writing are living. Homer fell before Atlanta in the war for the Union. In 1834. the family moved to Michigan, the father engaging in mercantile pursuits and farming. Formerly a teacher, as was his father, he took a great interest in the education of his children and the development of the educational system of the State, serving on Boards of Education, as Town Clerk, and as School Inspector or Examiner of Teachers and Schools, for a number of years. Hence, at an early age, the attention of the subject of this sketch was often turned toward educational questions concerning school systems, qualifications of teachers, etc., and after passing through the best schools of his own vicinity, and teaching district school two terms, he entered the Michigan Normal School, and began the work of studying teaching as a profession. Besides the advantages of the professional and the classical course of the institution, Mr. Jones in his student days en- joyed the instruction and lectures of Dr. Bugbee, an English naturalist and microscopist of considerable note; Dr. Zoelger, a Prussian refugee, celebrated as well for his rare schol- arship in the history of the growth of nations as for his prominence in opposing despotic measures of the rulers of the fatherland; and Dr. Charles Davie, the well-known author, and the leading teacher of mathematics at West Point for over twenty years. After serving as Principal of the Schools of Three Rivers, Mich., for nearly two years, and of Dowagiac, of the same State, for one year, he was called in July, 1858, to take charge of the West Ward Schools of Erie. This position he filled until July, 1865, when he was chosen as principal teacher of the East Ward and the West Ward Schools, embracing the whole city. In 1867, under the new law enabling board of school directors in cities of 10,000 inhabitants or over to elect a Supt. of Schools, Mr. Jones was elected as Supt., and duly commis- sioned by the State Dept. This office he has held continuously, making twenty-six years of service up to July, 1884, as an educator in the schools of Erie. Our subject is known through- out the State as an educational lecturer of force and originality. He has served as Pres. of the State Teachers' Association; as Sec. for several years of the National Association of Supts .; and is a member of the U. S. Council of Education, a society composed of the leading educators of the country. In 1881, Mr. Jones received from La Fayette College, Penn., the degree Ph. D. Mr. Jones is connected with the Park Presbyterian Church, having been a member of its session for a number of years. He has been an active mem- ber of the Young Men's Christian Association from the time of its organization, serving as Supt. of its Mission Schools, and has held the office of Librarian of the City Library


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for sixteen years. He was one of the organizers of the Natural Historical Society, and is one of its working members. In Aug., 1862, he married one of his teachers, Miss Caroline A. Ames, daughter of Enos J. and Jane Ames, of Erie. This union has been blessed with ten children, eight of whom are living, viz., Jessie Lincoln, Byra Belle, Bertha Celeste, Ruby Jane, Mary Ames, Emma Mansfield, Arthur Kelley and Esther Abbott.


JACOB KALTENBACH, proprietor of Farmer's Restaurant, Erie, was born in Erie March 23, 1849. His parents, Egnetz and Catharine Kaltenbach, settled here about forty years ago. The former was a native of Baden, and the latter of Prussia. They were married here and reared a family of three daughters and one son-Barbara, wife of Joseph Einhillig, a tinsmith of Erie; Elizabeth, wife of Louis Mack, a blacksmith and farmer at Geneva, Ohio (both Barbara and Elizabeth were children of his first wife); Jacob, and Mary, wife of John Siegrist, of Erie. The subject of our sketch learned har- ness-making when fourteen, and followed this occupation for twenty-one years, when he retired from it and took up his present business. He was married in 1876 to Barbara Schloss, who was born and reared in Bavaria, Germany. They have two sons and two daughters-Rosa, Anna, Frank and George. They are members and regular communicants of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Kaltenbach is at present a member of the City Council, and has filled other official positions.


JOHN M. KALVELAGE, manager of the Eagle Brewery, Erie, was born in Erie City Dee. 17, 1858, and is a son of J. H. and Josephine (Felix) Kalvelage, natives of Germany, who were married in New York, whence they came to Erie City in 1846, and were parents of ten children, seven of whom are living. J. H. Kalvelage is a prominent citizen of this city. For many years after coming to America he sold goods for a New York firm. He has been a member of the City Council for several years, and member of St. Joseph's So- ciety, Reform Association, Sangerbund and Erie Maennerchor, and National Brewing As- sociation. Our subject was educated at St. Benedict Academy, Erie, and was married in 1878 to Rosalea, daughter of Michael Oberkirch, and of German descent, by whom there are three children-George J., Robert J. and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. Kalvelage are members of St. Joseph's Church, and the former is a member of St. Alphonsius and C. M. B. A. so- cieties; is a Democrat in politics; was a delegate to the County Convention in 1881; is a member of the City Executive Committee, Judge of Elections in Sixth Ward, and was Collector of taxes in Second Ward in 1880. Adam B. Kalvelage, brother of our subject, was educated in Canacius College, Buffalo; was book-keeper to brewery for oue year, and then took charge of the brewery as foreman. Iu Jan., 1881, he was taken ill with quick consum ption, and died the following March.


JOSIAH KELLOGG (deceased) was born in Trcy, N. Y., Dec. 16, 1792, son of Josiah and Affia (Holcomb) Kellogg, the former of whom departed this life in 1808, aged forty- five; the latter, who was born in 1767, died aged ninety years. Our subject was born while Washington was serving his first term as President, and had therefore lived under the ad- ministration of every President of the U. S. He remembered when there was not a canal, no steam power (therefore no steamboats or railroads), telegraphs, telephones, elec- tric lights or oil used in this country, and also when Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated at Waterloo. Our subject spent his early life as clerk in N. Y. City; was drafted during the latter part of the war of 1812, but as his mother and sister were dependent on him, a com- panion went as his substitute. Mr. Kellogg came to Erie in 1818, embarked in mercantile trade, in which he was very successful; his competitors in this business were Seth Reed and P. S. V. Hamot. He was married, May 10, 1832, to Catherine Ramsey, by whom he had four children, viz., Josiah H., a resident of Chicago, Ill., who was a graduate of West Point, Col. 17th Reg. P. V. I., now on the retired list; Albert R., with J. B. Lyon & Co., grain dealers in Chicago; and Wainwright, a Lieut. in the U. S. Navy; William R., the oldest, departed this life in 1843, and Mrs. Kellogg in 1875; she was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as is also our subject. Josiah Kellogg, our subject, died March 21, 1884, in full possession of his faculties.


SIDNEY M. KELLOGG, Assistant Postmaster, Erie, was born in Sheffield, Mass., July 29, 1820, son of George and Cynthia (Merrill) Kellogg, the latter a native of Mass. of English descent. George Kellogg was a merchant, and came to Erie Co. with his family in 1827. Our subject is one of eight children. five of whom are still living, George H. Kellogg and Charles W. Kellogg in San Francisco, Cal .; Mrs. C. H. De Forest and Emily A. Kel- logg in Birmingham, Conn. He was educated in Erie Academy, worked on a farm four years; afterward clerked in a store in Erie City, where he remained several years; he was in the South two years, and served as salesmau in a warehouse in Mich. two years. Returning to Erie City, he was employed in the post office in 1849 as clerk, and appointed Assistant Postmaster in 1850; he has been under Postmasters Robert Cochran, Sill, Sloan, Judge Sterrett, I. B. Gara, Thomas Walker, Isaac Moorhead and E. W. Read. Mr. Kellogg was married in Erie City to Rachel McCarter, by whom are three children: Nellie, wife of David P. Jones, Engineer in the U. S. Army; Sidney, a salesman, and Harry. Mrs. Kellogg died in 1871; she was a member of the Presbyterian Church.


GEN. JOHN KELSO, deceased, was horn in Cumberland Co., Penn., in 1766, son of William Kelso, of the same county. He was reared on a farm, attended the common


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schools of his native county, and came to Erie Co. in 1798, settling in Erie about 1800. He was a land agent, and for many years Associate Judge; also occupied the position of Pro- thonotary of Erie Co. During the war of 1812, he was Brigadier General and officer in charge at Erie. The General was married in Dauphin Co., Penn., to Sarah Willis Carson, born in 1776, died in Fairview, Erie Co., in 1842. To this union were born seven children, three now living -- Albert J., a farmer in Mill Creek Township, this county; Caroline E., wife of Hon. Elijah Babbitt, of Erie, and William C., an influential Attorney-at-law in Erie. The General, who died in 1819, left a name truly honored and highly respected. He was free and upright in all his duties, and bore a character well worthy of emulation.


E. J. KELSO, deceased, second son of Gen. Kelso, was born April 10, 1800, in Fair- view Township, this county. He was brought to Erie a boy, and as his father was in the discharge of public trusts, he was early instructed in the modes and duties of official rou- tine. It was with experience thus in advance acquired, that he accepted the position of Prothonotary and Register and Recorder, to which he was appointed by Gov. Shultze in 1824, upon the death of Thos. Wilson. These duties were ably and satisfactorily performed for about twelve years, when relieved by a change of administration in 1835. In 1836, he was appointed by President Jackson Collector of the port at Erie, to succeed Col. Thomas Forster, who then died, after filling the position of Collector for thirty-five years. Mr. Kelso thus made the second Collector of the port, and having been re-appointed by Pres- ident Van Buren, held the office till 1841, when displaced by a change of parties. Since then he has held uo office. For some years he was engaged in the forwarding business at Erie, wherein his large and early acquaintance was utilized. Mr. Kelso was married, in 1828, to Miss Malvina Atkins, of Buffalo, whose elegant tastes and genial manners, as evinced in her surroundings, will be kindly remembered by our readers. Mrs. Kelso died in 1871. The inheritor of a large landed property in and near Erie, and connected, as we have stated, with its public business, prominent as a citizen, and a leading politician, Mr. Kelso became widely known and was largely trusted. He was an earnest and conspicuous member of the Democratic party, shared in its triumphs, yet was as loyal to its teachings under adversity, as in its palmier days. To have filled his public positions satisfactorily, to the appointing power and to the people, to have been faithful to all these trusts; and to have laid down his functions without a stain upon his record, was the pleasing contempla- tion of Mr. Kelso during the evening of his life. He died Feb. 10, 1879, leaving two daughters-Emma S., married in 1865 to C. C. Eddy, a resident of Erie Co., Penn., they live on the old homestead; and Mary, at home, an intelligent young lady, and out of re- spect to her father and grandfather, this volume finds a place in her library. C. C. Eddy, Emma's husband, was born in R. I., Jan. 27, 1829. son of Sylvester and Thamer H. (Luther) Eddy, natives of R. I., of English extraction. Mr. Eddy enlisted in the U. S. Navy in N. Y. in 1862, and in the same year was appointed Second Lieut. He served five years and six months on the U. S. steamer Michigan during the civil war. In 1878, he re- signed his position, and embarked in the lumber business; is a Democrat in politics.


ELI KENDIG, commercial traveler, Erie, was born in Lancaster, Penn., Feb. 12, 1831, son of Henry and Sarah (White) Kendig, natives of Penn., of German descent, and parents of ten children. Henry Kendig was a farmer and came to Erie Co. with his family in 1831, dying in 1882. Our subject was brought up on a farm, receiving a common school education, and at the age of nineteen commenced the milling business, which he followed eight years. Subsequently he entered the wholesale grocery business in company with C. Siegel & Co., in which he remained three years, chiefly in the capacity of traveler for the firm. He was also engaged in the retail trade for several years in Erie. He was married in Erie, in 1860, to Mary L., daughter of G. W. Colton of this city. By this union were born-George C., Anna G., J. F. and F. W. Mrs. Kendig is a member of the Universalist Church, he of the I. O. O. F. and Knights of Pythias.


S. B. KENNEDY, Depot Master, Erie, was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Feb. 8, 1837, son of Hugh and Harriet (Bell) Kennedy, natives of Penn. The former a steamboat cap- tain, was of Irish descent, the latter of Scotch extraction. Our subject received his education in Brownsville, Penn., and at the age of sixteen, entered the service of the Penn. ; R. R. Co., in capacity of brakeman, one year; freight train conductor, three years; pas- senger train conductor, one year; afterward promoted to yard master at Pittsburgh, Penn. was train master for the Cumberland Valley R. R. Co. in 1862, and subsequently train master of the Mountain Division P. R. R., where he remained till 1863, when he was ap- pointed by Thomas A. Scott to take charge of a prospecting party in the West. This terminated in 1865, in which year he was appointed yard master for the P. & E. and Oil Creek R. R. at Corry, Penn. In Oct., of same year, he was assigned to the position of depot master of the Union Station, Erie. And in addition to these duties was appointed general yard master at Erie, Penn., in 1879, which position he is now filling for the L. S. & M. S. R. R. Co. Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage, Feb. 12, 1856, with Martha, daughter of Daniel Eicher, merchant of Pittsburgh, Penn. To this union were born: William, Samuel B. and Kate Luella. Our subject and wife are members of the first Methodist Episcopal Church of Erie, of which he has been Trustee ten years. Mr. Kennedy has been U. S. Mail Agent at this point since 1870.


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BALTHASAR KERN, saloon and restaurant, 2420 Peach street, Erie, was born in Rhinepfalz, Germany, June 2, 1829, and learned weaving there. He came to America in 1856, locating here and engaging in merchandising until 1862, when he went to Ohio, and continued in the same business until 1870. He then returned to Erie and established his present occupation, which he has carried on successfully. He was united in marriage, Oct. 19, 1861, with Lovina Brown, of Summit Co., Ohio, whose parents were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Kern have a family of four sons and three daughters living, viz .. John Henry, Mary S., Ida, Frank, Clara, Michael and Frederick. The family are mem- bers of the Roman Catholic Church.


CHRISTIAN KESSLER, grocer, wholesale liquor dealer and ship chandler, 401 and 403, corner State and 4th sts., Erie, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 21, 1842; son of Henry and Elizabeth (Backfish) Kessler, natives of Germany. Henry was engaged in the stone quarries in Germany. On coming to this country was a farmer. He was father of six children, four living and residents of Erie Co. Our subject, the youngest, obtained his education in Germany, and in Greene Township, Erie County; then for six years clerked here: subsequently engaging in the grocery business, in which he has since continued very successfully. Mr. Kessler was married here. in 1863 to Helen Bloeser, a native of Erie City; he had eight children, seven surviving, viz., Elizabeth, Helen D., Anna K., Mary J., Clara L., Christian H. and Florence E. Mrs. Kessler was a member of the Lutheran Church; she died May 4, 1883. Our subject belongs to the same denomination; is a Dem- ocrat in politics; has served two years in Common Council; and for four years was a mem- ber of the Select Council of Erie City; also on License Board in 1875, the only liquor man ever appointed in the City of Erie.


HENRY KESSLER, grocer, W. 18th street, Erie, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Aug. 12, 1856; son of Henry Kessler, a stone cutter by trade, and father of six children. Our subject, who was the eldest, came to America in 1872 ; he acquired his education in his native land, and at the Erie High School ; he then clerked for C. Kessler in the grocery business till 1878, when he entered into partnership with his employer. This continued till 1882, since which time he has been alone. Our subject married in Erie City, in 1880, Juditha, daughter of Martin Riedinger. Mr. and Mrs. Kessler are members of St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church, 23d and Peach street. Mr. Kessler has been remarkably successful, and by his own unaided efforts has made all he now pos- sesses; he is a Republican in politics.


L. KESTER, liveryman, Erie, was born in Erie Co., N. Y. In 1851, when twenty-one years old. he left his native place and went to Meadville, Penn., where he engaged in the dry goods business ; he then for eleven years was connected with the N. Y. Central R. R., and subsequently with the L. S. & M. S. R. R. at Erie. He retired from railroading in 1881, and engaged in his present business, which he had previously established. Mr. Kester was married at Meadville in 1854, to Betsy E. Sharp, who has borne him two sons and two daughters-F. J .. Clara E., Minnie and Charles.


CAPT. ROBERT KING (deceased), grandfather of Alfred King, whose sketch follows this, was one of the early pioneers, and the first actual settler of Erie Co., Penn., having come here in July, 1794, by way of the West branch of the Susquehanna and over the mountains, nearly on the route of the P. & E. R. R. to the Tionesta River, near Sheffield, in Warren Co. The following is taken from Mr. B. Whitman's History of Le Bœuf Town- ship, Erie, Penn. "First land was selected in Le Bœuf, in 1794, by Capt. Robert King, who took up 400 acres at the present Ford Bridge." "Capt. King retiring to his home in


Lycoming Co., he brought his family along in the spring of 1795." * *


* * "Capt. Robert King, the pioneer of the township, had heen an officer in the Revolutionary war, and also rendered the State important service in securing treaties with the Indians: as a reward for which the Legislature of Penn. voted him 400 acres of land, west of the Allegheny River. It was to take advantage of this bounty that he first visited the town- ship. In company with his hired man he crossed the mountains from Lycoming Co. through an almost impenetrable forest to the present site of Sheffield, Warren Co., Penn., where he built a canoe in which they descended the Tionesta and Allegheny, to where Franklin now stands. From there, they poled the canoe up French Creek 80 miles, to the site of the Captain's future home. On returning to Lycoming Co .. they took a different route eastward from the Allegheny, and when they came back with Capt. King's family, of five sons and six daughters, it was by way of Pittsburgh." He and his family arrived at their new home May 15, 1795, and here the grand old patriot and soldier remained until the day of his death. which occurred about 1826. The Captain was a brave and accom- plished soldier and officer, and served his country with honor and credit throughout the Revolutionary war. He was personally acquainted with Gen. La Fayette. "When La Fayette," says Mr. Whitman in his History of Le Bœuf Township, "returned to visit this county, and was at Waterford, the Captain, who had a personal acquaintance with him, during the struggles and hardships of the Revolutionary war, called to pay his respects to the eminent and patriotic Frenchman. Gen. La Fayette saw him when several rods away, and speaking out said: 'There comes Capt. King,' and advanced eagerly to meet the veteran."


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ALFRED KING, U. S. Customs, Erie, was born in Waterford, Erie Co., Penn., son of Thos. King, of same township, and a grandson of Capt. Robert King, of Revolutionary war fame, and one of the early settlers of Erie Co. Our subject was educated at the Academies of Waterford and Erie, graduating from the latter. He then taught for a few years, in the meantime reading law with a view of adopting that profession. Subse- quently he was appointed Deputy Prothonotary and Clerk of the courts of the county, and remained as such for six years; he was then elected Treasurer of the county, and filled that office for three years; after this was elected Mayor, and served two consecutive terms. During his last term was elected Prothonotary and Clerk of the Courts, filling this incum- bency three years. During his public life he engaged extensively in manufacturing here, and also dealt largely in grain (particularly in barley), and was instrumental in giving Erie a prominence as a grain depot. His connection with the above industries has extended over thirty-five years. He has also been interested in real estate, both here and in the West, evidences of which can be seen in the place known as King Town, which he planted and has built up. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and has been connected with the order for over thirty years. and is also an active member of the K. of P. society. He married in Living- ston Co., N. Y., in 1845, Mary Kenedy, a lady of fine literary attainments, a sister of the Hon. Archabald Kenedy, of that county. They have three sons-Kenedy, in railway business at Minneapolis, Minn .: Josiah Holdship, First Lieut. in the Eighth U. S. Cav .; and A. H., commission merchant of Erie. The family are members of the U. P. Church.


MOSES KOCH (deceased), born in the Palatinate of Bavaria, Dec., 1811. At twenty years of age he came to America, learning the language of his adopted country very quickly. He engaged in mercantile pursuits immediately on his arrival, living in Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co. March 9. 1837, Mr. Koch was married at Philadelphia to Miss Matilda Ulman, eldest daughter of Simon Ulman. The young couple settled in Rome. Lancaster Co., Penn., where Mr. K. first embarked in business on his own account. After residing there about a year, they went to Pittsburgh, living with Mrs. Koch's parents a short time, but finding the smoky atmosphere of that city detrimental to his health. he subsequently located in Franklin, Venango Co., Penn., remaining three years. Mr. Koch was one of the principal merchants there; was a great favorite, and his departure was universally regretted. In 1842 he came to Erie, bringing his wife and young son with him: he opened a dry goods store in the Hughe's Block. Later he occupied a store in the Reed House Block for a short time, after which he purchased the property on the southeast corner of Fifth and French streets, erecting thereon a large and substantial brick block, in which he carried on an extensive business for many years. The building burned down several years ago, and was never rebuilt. It had formerly been the site of Col. Forster's family mansion during the war of 1812. The original building, a log house, was standing at the time Mr. Koch purchased the property, and in tearing it down numerous letters and relics were found. Mr. K. also erected several other substantial buildings, he always taking a great interest in the general development of the city. Immediately on his arrival he took a leading place in business and social circles, and his cheerful disposition made him many warm friends, who clung to him during life. Jan., 1865, Mr. Koch removed with his family to Philadelphia, but not liking city life, returned to Erie, April, 1871, and resumed business. He retired from active pursuits in the year 1878, his health having failed in the meantime, and died Sept. 2. 1881, after an illness of four days' duration. Mr. Koch was the pioneer Israelite of Erie, and one of the founders of the Jewish synagogue; he was also one of the corporators and most liberal subscriber to a fund for purchasing land for the Jewish Cemetery, in which his remains are deposited. His was the leading spirit of the Jewish Church, and to his energy and perseverance it owes its present growth and prosperity. He was an active member of the Masonic fraternity, served several consecutive terms in the councils of the city. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat, voting that ticket to the day of his death. As a man, Mr. Koch was kind hearted, generous to a fault and extremely charitable. He was con- spicuous for his enterprise, perseverance, excellent judgment and strict honor and integrity in business dealings. Possessed of a vigorous constitution, with an active mind and body, he earnestly engaged in extensive business undertakings, leaving many monuments to testify to his usefulness and worth. As a husband, he was attentive and affectionate, as a father, kind and indulgent, as a neighbor, generous and sympathizing, as a citizen. active, honest and true. In short, in all the relations of life, whether as a friend, neighbor or citizen, he exhibited a commendable spirit of interest in the welfare alike of his people, family and city. Mr. Koch leaves a family consisting of his esteemed widow, four sons and two daughters and two grand-daughters-Simon C., broker in Calcutta, India; Jacob and Cauffman, of Erie, and Mark, also a broker in Calcutta; Lillie, now Mrs. Albert Doeblin, of Philadelphia, and Emma Augusta, residing at home. Herman, second son, is buried with his father in the cemetery at Erie. The children of Mrs. Albert Doeblin consist of two daughters-Eva and Matilda.




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