History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 116

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 116

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).

A. J. STERRETT (deceased). The following from the Erie Gazette of Feb. 20, 1881, written by a life-long acquaintance of the subject whose name heads these notes, men- tions some of the varied scenes that made up his useful life: "It is with deep regret we an- nounce the death of one of our best known, most valucd and estimable citizens, Andrew Jackson Sterrett, who expired at his residence on Holland Street, in this city, on Wednes- day evening last, after a short but painful illness; his disease was pneumonia. Connected as he had been for many years with the affairs of Erie Co., and identified with the admin- istration of the County Commissioner's office. with an acquaintance through the county probably unequalled by that of any other citizen, our readers will be interested in some of the particulars of his life. He was born Oct. 5, 1826, in Mckean Township, Erie Co. He was a son of David Sterrett, who was himself one of the oldest and best known citizens of the county. At about the age of fifteen he entered the office of the Gazette to learn the art of printing with his Uncle, Hon. Joseph M. Sterrett, the veteran publisher of that pa- per. Gen. Hiram L. Brown, Sidney Kelsey, Joseph R. Sterrett, and George W. Riblet

958

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

were among his associates during the period of his connection with that office. Desiring more active business, upon the completion of his term in the office, aud having acquired the art, he engaged in the milling business at Sterrettania, where he continued for some time. In view of the great inducements presented in the State of Iowa, he removed to Fort Dodge about the year 1854, embarking in the land business and investing considera- bly in the lands then open for settlement in that locality. the movement in which he was augmented by the Bounty Land Act of March 3, 1855. The closing of the land offices, which speedily followed the passage of the railroad grants of 1856, as announced by proc- lamation in May of that year, and the failure of some business ventures, caused him to abandon his intention of remaining there, and he returned to Erie Co. During this period his health had been precarious, and his strength, not always equal to the exactions of business for which his abilities and attainments so well fitted him. It was in the midst of the war of the rebellion, when the long clerkship of Mr. Colton in the Commissioner's office had terminated by his election as Prothonotary, that the Commissioners, Messrs. Washburn, Palmer and Boyd, staggering under the heavy load caused by the effort to fill one quota by the payment of county bounties, and supplying the need of a local currency by the issue of what was known as county scrip, and after a trial of one or two others, persuaded Mr. Sterrett to accept the position of Clerk, the duties of which, under the exi- gencies of the war, had become thus complicated and onerous. Accepting the office thus conferred he entered upon the discharge of his duties, mastering all their details, and per- formed them with credit to himself and acceptability to the people, and for seventeen years remained in the position to the satisfaction of everyone. Our readers need not to be reminded of the manner in which his duties were performed. Familiar with all the de- tails and routine of the office, studious of the county's interest, courteous to all who had business in the office, it might be said that he had become a part of it, and as we write it is difficult to understand how the vacancy so suddenly made can be supplied. There was a method in his business; a patience and affability in official intercourse; an unobtrusive civility and endurance of labor; a courtesy of manner, and teuacity of memory, accuracy in figures and neatness of penmanship, and a vigilant interest in the public weal which were strikingly manifest, which especially fitted him for this position. All of our readers who have during the last seventeen years done business at the Commissioner's office, will corroborate us in our estimate of the ability with which his duties were performed during his extended term. In no way was his tact and fitness for the position better evinced than in his entire abstention from interference in any of the contests for official position, with which, in the distribution of the county patronage, those attached to the office are so apt to be connected." He was married, 1865, to Helen M. Brecht, and the result was eight children, viz., Ralph B., Reid G., Scott S., Lee Norton, Carl M., Andrew J., Thomas G. and Ruth A. Such is a brief notice of one whose demise will he sincerely deplored, while his exemplary career will long cause his name to be respected hy those who for the last quarter of a century have known and respected the subject of this sketch.

JAMES L. STEWART, physician and surgeon, office and house 610 Peach Street, Erie City, was born near Pittsburgh, Aug. 1, 1825; he is of Scotch-Irish extraction. He was a graduate of the medical department of University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, grad- uating in 1848. He commenced the practice of his profession in Waterford, Penn., where he remained until 1850, when he removed to Erie City, where he has since remained, with the exception of four years' service during the war of the rebellion, as Surgeon of Volun- teers, having charge a portion of the time of one of the large hospitals in the vicinity of Washington. His specialty is surgery; he is a bold and successful operator, and has made many operations requiring great skill and courage, amongst the most noticeable and diffi- cult of which was the removal of four inches of the median nerve from a patient who had been suffering intense pain for six years from a gunshot wound. The operation was com- pletely successful, pain ceasing immediately after, without return. For note of this case see "A Century of American Medicine," page 198; the operation is also noted by Dr. S. Weir Mitchell, of Philadelphia, in his work on "Nerve Injuries," as one of the most suc- cessful operations in surgery. The Doctor performed the operation of removal of lower jaw three different times during the year of 1882-83. From January, 1883, to July, in the same year, he made seventeen capital operations. As an evidence of his skill and ability as an operator, is the fact that during the many years he has practiced his profession, he has never had a patient die upon the table, or within forty-eight hours after the operation, nor has a patient ever expired under an anasthetic administered by him. He has been connected with the Erie County Medical Society since 1849, acting successively as Secre- tary aud Treasurer, and repeatedly as President; was Vice President of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society in 1867-68, and President 1878-79, and for six years senior member of the Judicial Council of the Medical Society, State of Pennsylvania, member of the American Medical Association, member of the Executive Council of the International Medical Congress, which met in Philadelphia in 1876. He also held the position of Examining Surgeon for the Pension-Bureau from 1865 to 1876, and for seven years of that time was President of the Board of Examining Surgeons. He was Attending Physician to Erie County Almshouse from Oct., 1850, to Jan., 1859, and Physician to Erie County Jail

959

CITY OF ERIE.

the greater portion of the time from 1851 to 1876, and has been Surgeon-in-chief of St. Vincent's Hospital since its opening in 1875. He is also Medical Referee for the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co. In June, 1849, he married Anna D., daughter of Augustine Bartholomew, Esq., of Philadelphia. Their only son, Reid T. Stewart, graduated at the Military Academy at West Point, in the class of 1871 (standing eighth iu a class of thirty- nine), was assigned as Second Lieutenant to Co. G, 5th U. S. Cav., and was murdered by the Apache Indians, near Tucson, Arizona Territory, Aug. 27, 1872.

JACOB STRAUS, of Straus Bro. & Beck, merchant tailors, Erie City, was born in Germany, Dec., 1837, son of A. Straus, who was a merchant, and reared a family of six children. Our subject, who was the eldest, received a common school education, and at an early age learned tailoring in his native land. Coming to America in 1854, he settled in Erie City, and after elerking for four years, went South, but after a year returned to Erie; clerked in a clothing store for two years, then embarked in business, in which he has since successfully continued. During this time he has had different partners, the name of the firm being changed several times. Mr. Straus was married, in 1865, to Miss L. Straus, a native of France, but of German desceut. To this union were born six children: Albert (a clerk), Tillie, Gustave, Minnie, Eddie and Emil. Mr. and Mrs. Straus are members of the Jewish Synagogue; he is a Republican in politics.

ALEX. L. STRAUS, manager of the Erie Malting Co., corner of Eighteenth and Pa- rade Streets, Erie, was born in Baltimore, Md., Feb. 3, 1858, son of Levi Straus, an exten- sive maltster in Baltimore, Md. Our subject graduated from college in 1876, and in 1878 came here and took charge of the Erie branch of the' Baltimore house. Mr. Straus was married, in 1883, to Clara, daughter of Jacob Ostheimer, of the firm Ostheimer & Baker.

WILLIAM STRICKER, grocer, corner of Twenty-first and French streets, Erie, was born in Germany, Sept. 24, 1821, whose parents were natives of Germany, who came to Amer- ica in 1841, and after living eight years in New York, came to Erie City in 1849. They had two children. Our subject, the younger, acquired his education in Germany, and learned the baker's trade; is one of Erie's old business men, having been here since 1841. He was married, in 1844, to Catherine C. Scherer, a native of Germany, by whom he has had five children: J. W., late Deputy Sheriff of Erie Co., died May 17, 1880; Minnie, wife of George Hull, farmer of this county; Charles P., member of fire department, this city; Henry H., in store with his father; and Joseph M., attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Stricker are mein- bers of the Lutheran Church. The former is a member of the Common Council of Erie; in politics he is a Republican.

WM. F. STRIEBEL, senior member of the firm of Striebel & Wallhouser, importers and dealers in bottled and keg beer, Erie, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 26, 1845. He learned the barber's trade in his native country, and followed this occupation there until 1873, when he came to America. He located in New York City for a year, then came to Erie City, and followed his trade for nine years. He subsequently engaged in the wholesale beer business, which he has since conducted successfully. Mr. Striebel was married in Switzerland, in 1873, to Lizette Betahman, a native of same, who has borne him one son-Daniel. Our subject is an active member in the A. O. U. W. society.

MARTIN STRONG, born in East Windsor, Conn., in the year 1770, having for that day received a good common school education, and full of energy, left his native place early in the spring of 1795 to seek and make a home for himself for life. His outfit was a compass and chain, being determined to be ready for a new country in any capacity, and on foot he first directed his course to the Wyoming Valley, on the North Branch of the Susquehanna, in this State, where his native State at that time claimed a large amount of territory; but not being satisfied with the prospects of surveying or procuring land there, he resolved to foot it to Presque Isle, and got to the Indian village at the mouth of Buffalo Creek (where the city of Buffalo now stands) in July, 1795. But one white man was then living there, and nothing inviting him to remain, he pushed on, and arrived at Presque Isle the last of July, 1795. On his arrival here, he found Thomas Rees, Esq., land agent, and Col. Seth Reed and family, living here in self-made habitations. Those two tents were the only habitations. A company of United States troops were cutting down the forest on Garrison Hill to build a stockade fort, under Capt. Russell Bissell. Gens. Elli- cott and Irvine, with a corps of surveyors and engineers, were here to lay out the town of Erie, escorted and protected by a company of State militia commanded by Capt. John Grubb.

The Rutledges having been shot but a few days before, by the Indians, as was alleged, it was deemed unsafe to be out much except when prepared for defense. Mr. Strong hired out at once to one of the residents at 50 cents a day, and was set at work to go into the woods to cut and hew planks (puncheons they were then called) to make a floor for a house, which he continued at several days until finished, and then found he must pay for his board, which was 75 cents per day, leaving him in debt 25 cents per day! He refused to pay the difference, and his compass and chain were taken and secreted until he would pay his bill, which soon brought him to terms, and he redeemed them. He then changed to the Holland Land Co.'s surveys, south of the old State Line, since known as the "trian- gle line," where he soon got into employment as a surveyor. A misunderstanding existed

960

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

between the population and the Holland Company as to their rights adjoining the said line. He was assured by Maj. Alden that to locate a tract in that district would be safe (which proved correct). He located there for life, made a rude habitation, and be- came a resident on the Summit, 840 feet above the level of Lake Erie, ten miles south of Presque Isle. There were not half a dozen families then living in what is now Erie County, and none near his location. He determined uot to winter there alone. In the month of November, he left his rude home and started in a log canoe, made by himself at LeBœuf Creek (now Waterford), and went down with the current to French Creek, and down that to the Allegheny to Pittsburgh, and, nothing offering to suit him, he offered himself at auction to the highest bidder to work faithfully, and he assured them he knew how to work, and asked who would give him the highest wages and board him? A good, honest yeoman was declared the highest bidder, at $3 per month and board for three months, which he cheerfully accepted, and served so well that his employer kindly offered him 50 cents a month more to remain six months longer. But he declined the advance in wages, and returned by the way he had gone to his rude hut, where, in the spring of 1796, he commenced his pioneer life again, and in surveying and clearing land was unceasing in his efforts to procure a home for himself. In 1810, he purchased the tract north of him adjoining. and removed on to that, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Mr. Huidekoper, the agent of the Holland Land Company, always employed Capt. Strong to survey, subdivide and set off, or designate old lines among their lands in this county as long as he was able to attend to it, and ever to his death had entire confidence in his ability and judgment and knowledge of the original lines and surveys. The early opening of the salt trade, and vast amount of hauling and travel incident thereto, made his location a sort of depot on the Summit, which made a public house of entertainment desirable and necessary. The locating and making the Erie & Waterford Turnpike past his door greatly added to the business, and during the war of 1812 his location had a suc- cessful amount of business there. His never-tiring industry and unceasing energy ex- tended his domains, and cleared land far ahead of all others. His intelligence and social qualities made him friends with all who had intercourse with him. Such industry and management are always rewarded, and as early as 1830 he had some 800 acres of land paid for, with a very large improvement, good buildings, and more money at interest than any other farmer in Erie Co.

When the First Presbyterian Church of Erie was built, Capt. Strong was the only man in Erie Co. that could leud the necessary money, $800.

Capt. Strong was married to a Miss Trask in 1805, who died a few years after, leaving one daughter, who lived until May, 1823. He again married, and at his death left three sons and two daughters, all married and settled in life-Mrs. B. B. Vincent, Mrs. T. B. Vincent, Martin Strong, F. D. Strong and Landaff Strong. He was always a great reader, and always ready to impart from his well-stored mind in conversation. He had a regular system of industry, economy and leisure in their proper places, and though his body long suffered and became impaired, the mind continued clear, bright and undisturbed to the end. After a residence of sixty-three years on the same farm where he located when there were not ten families living in this county, he died March 24, 1858, in his eighty-eighth year. He had lived to see the population increase to over 50.000 inhabitants, and all prosperous, and died respected and esteemed by a very large and extensive circle of friends and acquaintances.

Capt. Strong, in conversation in a circle of friends ten years before his death remarked: "That any person would think him a fool to make the selection he did, when the whole county was open to him." He said, "That was a mistake; he was not a fool, but he mis- judged in his selection, like many others, and spent the prime of his life in making him a home, and he thought it folly at that time of life to pull up and begin anew somewhere else."

J. C. STURGEON, attorney at law, Erie, was born in Fairview Township, in 1841. After receiving a good common school education he entered Allegheny College at nineteen years of age, and took a literary course. In 1863 he left college and enlisted in the U. S. Navy, where he remained in active duty until the end of the war when he was honorably discharged, and subsequently in 1876, Allegheny College conferred upon him the degree of A. M. honoris causa. After the war he attended Harvard Law School, where he grad- uated in 1868. Having been admitted to the bar he located here (in 1868) and practiced his profession. He was soon after elected to the office of District Attorney of Erie Co., and was actively engaged in his profession until 1877, when, becoming interested in the oil business, he removed to Bradford, McKean Co., Penn., remaining there until 1881, when he returned to Erie. He has always engaged in public life, and in 1880 was a candidate before the Republican Convention of Mckean Co., Penn., for the State Senate. He is a Knight Templar, and has always been an active member of the Republican party.

ABRAHAM SULLIVAN, dairyman and general farmer, P. O. box 358, Erie, was born Feb. 3, 1831. in New York State; son of Noah and Harriet (Charlock) Sullivan, na- tives of New York. Noah located in Erie Co. about 1842, on the farm where our subject now lives. He was a clergyman in the Methodist Church, and until thirty-five

961

CITY OF ERIE.

years of age was active in the ministry, but after locating in this county applied himself to farming, quitting active preaching on account of failing health. He first located and resided several years on the farm upon which Ahrabam Sullivan now lives. He afterward removed to Harbor Creek Township. Throughout life he was an industrious, honest and popular man; he was earnest and conscientious, and until his death remained true to his Christian faith; always taking an active interest in religious affairs, occasionally filling the pulpit until the time of his death, which occurred in April, 1880. Mr. Sullivan had a large circle of acquaintances and with all people was a welcome visitor. He had seven children : John J., deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Catherine, widow of Isaiah Carter, of Harbor Creek; Mary, wife of Archibald Stewart, in Iowa; Samuel B., deceased; James, residing at Scranton, Penn .; Abraham, our subject, and William Henry, deceased. Abra- ham Sullivan remained with his father until he was married, March 1, 1853, to Miss Jane, daughter of John Dodsworth, Esq., a native of England. Mr. Sullivan has continually resided upon the present premises for about thirty-six years, devoting himself to general and dairy farming. He is, like his father, a man of popular manners, and capable of form- ing warm attachments among his fellow men. To himself and wife have been horn the following children: Samuel C., born March 4, 1854, at home; Elizabeth, born Dec. 28, 1855, married to John Hay, residing in Erie; Jennie L., born June 28, 1859, at home; Har- riet B., born Nov. 5, 1861, at home; Frederick W., born Sept. 13, 1865, at home; Ettie B., deceased, born Feb. 14, 1867; Jessie M., born March 9, 1873, at home.

JOHN P. SULLIVAN, county detective, Erie, was born in Erie City, Sept. 7, 1845, son of John and Bridget (Mahoney) Sullivan, natives of Cork, Ireland, and parents of six children of whom John P. is the fifth. John Sullivan Sr. came from Canada to Erie in 1837, where he died in 1856. He was at one time in the United States Navy. Our subject was educated in Erie City. In early life he served on the lakes and was subsequently a contractor for submarine blasting. From 1878 to 1883 he was a member of the police force of the city of Erie, and in the latter year was appointed county detective. He was married in 1879, to Margaret Shanahan, a native of County Galway, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan are members of the Catholic Church.

JOHN SULTER, Car Inspector and Wreck Master of the L. S. & M. S. Ry., Erie, was born near Strasburg, France (now Germany) Aug. 19, 1835. He was reared in Bavaria where he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1853 he came to America with his parents, John and Eva Sulter, who settled here and are buried in Erie. Our subject continued in his work here, soon engaging as a bridge builder in connection with railroading. This he followed successfully for nine years when he was appointed to his present position. He was united in marriage, in Erie, in May, 1859, with Marie Anna, daughter of Boniface and Mary Brandt, who came from Alsace, Germany, and settled here about forty-five years ago. To this union have been born two sons and six daughters: Mary, John, Jr., Anna, Emma, Minnie, Frank, Kittie and Harry. He and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. He is an active member of the German Benevolent Association and of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Sulter served for seven years in Common Council, two years as President, for one year as License Commissioner, and has filled minor offices.

MATTHEW H. TAYLOR, Secretary and Treasurer Youghiogheny River Coal Com- pany, was born in Huntington, Penn., May 2, 1847, son of George Taylor, late presiding Judge of the Twenty-fourth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Our subject acquired his school training in Huntingdon Academy, Penn., and followed railroad life in various capacities from 1864 till 1882. On the organization of the coal company our subject re- ceived the appointment of Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Taylor was married in Pitts- burgh, Penn., in 1872, to Clara A., daughter of John H. Burton. To this union were born George B., attending Erie Academy, and Clara M. Mrs. Taylor is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Taylor is a Republican.

JOHN TEEL second, son of John Teel first, who died in Erie early in the century at the age of ninety-seven; was born near Hartford, Conn., March 3, 1779; came to Erie in 1796; carried on the business of carpenter and joiner all of his life; located about 1798, at the corner of Ninth and Peach streets, where he built a house, which, with additions, contin- ued his home ever after; married Esther, daughter of Geo. Moore, in 1807; served a short time in the war of 1812; accumulated considerable property; raised a large family; died April 21, 1872, aged ninety-three, leaving an enviable reputation for honesty, industry and skill as a builder.

ALVIN THAYER, physician and surgeon, Erie, was born in Erie City, Oct. 1, 1823; son of Albert and Almira (Glazier) Thayer, natives of Vermont and of Scotch descent; the former a physician of great repute. Our subject was married, June 5, 1852, to Rebec- ca, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Cochran. Their children are: Frank, studying medicine with his father; Hattie and Jessie (deceased wife of William Rix). Our subject can trace his family genealogy hack to 1540. In Scotland one of his ancestors was physi- cian to Mary, Queen of Scots; several were generals in the American army, and many of the family connections are professional men holding eminent positions. Dr. Thayer, our subject, attended lectures in New Orleans, and in 1840 commenced the practice of his pro- fession in Erie City, which he has continued with marked success. He has occupied the

962

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

position of physician on the Lake Shore Railroad ten years; was Acting Surgeon of the 145th Reg. P. V. I., and volunteered as an "Independent" at the battle of Antie- tam. He is a member of the State Medical Society, and served in capacity of President of Erie County Medical Society; is a member of the United States Medical Association. He is a Master Mason; in politics, a Democrat.

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 116

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