USA > Pennsylvania > McKean County > Bradford > Illustrated history of Bradford, McKean County, Pa. > Part 14
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As chief executive of the municipality he was called upon to decide many important questions. Public improvements projected on a large scale required
217
great care and attention. Conflicting interests between the people and the corporations demanded the exercise of sound and conservative judgment and so well did he discharge all these duties that when he retired in 1899, he had the good will and respect of the people irrespective of party or faction.
The personal chronology of Mr. Fagnan may be summarized in a few short sentences. He was born in Buffalo, October 10, 1852, educated in the Buffalo public schools, went to work on the railroad when a mere lad, removed to Bradford in 1877 and has resided there ever since. He is a
HON. GEO. C. FAGNAN'S BUILDING.
Taken from the plans.
member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges and a man whose genial personality has made for him many friends.
OTTO KOCH,
Undertaker and funeral director, commenced his business career in Dunkirk, Chautauqua county, N. Y., in 1880, when he became associated with his father in the undertaking and furniture business. Attaining his majority in 1887. he struck out for himself by removing to Bradford and opening a fine undertaking establishment, which he conducted in connection with an art
218
OTTO KOCH.
ALEX. SILBERBERG.
OTTO KOCH'S BUILDING.
219
store and picture frame business. He now owns the large and commodious brick block, divided into two stores at Nos. 139-141 Mechanic street. One store is used exclusively for undertaking business and the other for display of art pictures and frames. In the rear of this building is a large stable, where teams are kept and an ambulance and two elegant funeral cars are stored. Being thoroughly familiar with all the details of his profession, Mr. Koch has an extensive business.
Mr. Koch was born at Dunkirk in 1866, educated in the public schools of Dunkirk, finishing his course of study in 1887. Immediately thereafter,
CREENEWALD'S
124
e4 BEENEWALD'S
D. C. GREENEWALD.
GREENEWALD & COMPANY'S STORE.
as stated above, he went into his father's undertaking establishment where he remained until he removed to Bradford.
GREENEWALD & COMPANY.
The clothing store of Greenewald and Co., located at No 24 Main street, is one of the oldest established houses in the city of Bradford. Its found- ers were Mayor Greenewald and one of the present proprietors, David C. Greenewald, who conducted the business until 1893, when Mr. Alex Silberberg became a member of the firm.
The house carries a large line of fine ready made clothing, furnishing goods and liats, and the place is one of the most popular and best known in Brad- ford.
220
*
A. McALPINE.
A. McALPINE'S BUILDING.
David C. Greenewald, senior member of the firm, is a Philadelphian by birth and was educated in the Philadelphia schools. He was for a time in the clothing business in the lower oil country at Edenburg, Clairon county, and came to Bradford in 1878. He is a capable business man and public spirited citizen. He is a prominent member of several fraternal organizations, the
WM. T. BELL.
ROBERT JOHNSTON.
221
treasurer of the Carnegie library and one of the organizers and present treas- urer of the Bradford Board of Trade.
Alex Silberburg, junior member of the firm, is a native of Buffalo and at- tended schools in Clarion County, Pa. He became connected with the Greene- wald store in 1880 as a clerk and subsequently became a partner.
BELL DRY GOODS CO.
proplig
furniture
STORES
BERRY & MELVIN BUILDING.
A. McALPIN
Was born in Welland county, Ontario, July 21, 1854, and lived there during his boyhood days. Deciding to follow a professional career he entered the dental college at Baltimore, Md., from which institution he graduated in due time. He practiced his profession for a time in Oil City and also at Petrolia, Pa., and in 1879 located in Bradford. For five years he served as second lieutenant of the local military company.
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62
AUERHAIM 62.
WILLIAM T. BELL.
Mr. Bell is a dealer in dry goods. His store, which contains general and fancy dry goods, car- pets, cloaks, etc., is lo- cated at No. 18 Main st. The business is conduct- ed by the Bell Dry Goods Co., of which Mr. Bell is the proprietor. He was born in England, in 1848 and came to Amer- ica in 1873. Locating at Cleveland, Ohio, he had charge of several dry goods stores there. In 1897 he came to Brad- ford and opened his present store which has a lucritive business.
ROBERT B. JOHNSTON.
No business man in Bradford is more worthy of the term enterprising
J. KREINSON
A. T. NEWELL BUILDINGS.
FRANK ROBBINS.
L. V. ROBBINS.
than Robert Johnston, born in Lockport, N. Y. in 1864. After receiving a good common school education he struck out for some of the oily coin, land- ing in Bradford in 1878. He soon engaged his services with Mr. Samuel's in the dry goods business, remaining there a number of years, gaining a thorough knowledge of this business. Mr. Johnston started out for himself
A. W. NEWELL BUILDING.
224
in 1891, opening a store in the St. James hotel block. After four years suc- cessful business there, he removed into larger quarters at 53 Main street, where the fair sex now find everything in the line of dry goods, millinery and ladies' fine furnishings.
S. AURHEIM,
Dealer in dry goods, millinery, etc., Aurheim building, was born Novem- ber 28, 1838, and came to America in 1850, removing to Bradford in 1879, where he has since been engaged in the mercantile business and with signal success as the magnificent new block recently erected on Main street bears effective testimony. Mr. Aurheim carries a fine stock of millinery and dry goods and is prepared to please all purchasers.
141
COL. J. A. VERA.
C. M. BRENNAN. See article, page 226.
THE ROBBINS STUDIO,
Located at No. 83 Main street, is headquarters for all kinds of photograph supplies, kodaks, etc. The Studio is conducted by Frank Robbins and his son, Leon V. Robbins, both of whom are skillful photographers. The busi- ness was established in 1879, and is therefore one of the oldest in the city. With the exception of a few portraits, all the photographs in this edition were made by Messrs. Robbins. Comment on the artistic excellence in the work is unnecessary. It shows for itself and requires no further criticism.
Messrs. Robbins make all styles and sizes of photographs and are noted for their skill in making views.
COL. J. ADAMS VERA.
Colonel J. Adams Vera of Custer City, one of the pioneer producers of the Tuna Valley, is a genial gentleman well known in the city of Bradford. His rank and title was earned in the stern school of war. The son of an
225
army officer, Col. Antonio Frances Joseph Vera of Brussels, Belgium, he was not long in deciding to offer his services to his country, when the news that Sumpter had been fired upon was flashed across the land. Recruiting a com- pany at New Brighton, Pa., he was commissioned a captain August 14, 1862. With his company, Co. E, 134th Pennsylvania Volunteers, he saw active ser- vice and in 1863 was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the regiment.
Just before the close of the war he removed to Petroleum Center and engaged in oil production, a business he has since followed. He has a beautiful little home at Custer City. In this home is stored many interesting momentoes of his busy life and here with his worthy wife he spends his time pleasantly attending to his various interests.
Col. Vera has contributed numerous interesting sketches to the news- papers, besides making speeches on various public occasions.
FRANK P. BEAMER
FRANK R. BEAMER'S LIVERY STABLE.
Col. Vera was born in Beaver, Beaver county, Pa., in 1834. He was a student at Beaver academy and has studied law. He is also a graduate of Duff's commercial college and a member of the C. L. S. C. class of '83. For many years he was a resident of Bridgewater, Beaver county, Pa.
C. M. BRENNAN.
Mr. Brennan is of the firm of Brennan & Davis, jewelers, booksellers and stationers. He was born in Belleville, Ont., and came to Bradford in 1878. He received his academic education at Titusville, Pa.
Since 1884, when he associated himself with Mr. F. G. Davis in the above named business the firm has enjoyed a lucrative lead and is the popular place to satisfy purchasers of anything in their line.
226
FRED G. DAVIS
Was born in Bradford, August 8, 1851, the son of R. W. and Sarah Moore Davis and the youngest of three children, of which one is F. W. Davis, pres- ident of the Bradford National Bank. He was educated in the public schools of Bradford and in 1883 became established in his present business, that of jeweler and bookseller, No. 21 Main street, as a member of the firm of Bren- nan & Davis. This firm has a very complete stock of jewelry of superior quality and also a large stock of books, etc.
Mr. Davis was married at Fredonia, N. Y., in 1876, to Miss Eva Cowdrey and has one son, Clyde H. Davis. Mrs. Davis died in 1882.
H. M. PLAGUE. See article, page 228.
W. L. FIELD. See article, page 228.
FRANK P. BEAMER,
Owner and proprietor of the large livery, sale and boarding stable on Ken- nedy street. The stable has accommodations for 54 horses, having 26 box- stalls. Mr. Beamer makes a specialty of caring for horses having about 30 boarders at present, which is about the capacity of the stable. He has now 25 livery horses and a full line of the latest rigs, including all sorts of rubber- tired vehicles. Mr. Beamer purchased the stable from Walter Grubb last September and hardly a day passes but what he makes a purchase of some sort to improve his facilities for pleasing the public. He is an excellent judge of horse flesh and consequently has some good ones both for livery and for sale. Mr. Beamer was born in Northumberland, Pa. He came to Brad- ford about a year ago and has made many friends in that short time.
227
.
H. M. PLAGUE,
Wholesale liquor dealer, came to Bradford in 1875, having three years pre- vious engaged in the lumber business in Michigan, and entered the employ of N. R. Collins & Co. He was with this firm a period of 18 years. He then purchased the stock of J. L. Anderson, wholesale liquor dealer, located at No. 108 Mechanic street and went into business for himself. He has remained in that location ever since. He carries in his store a stock of liquors and
choice cigars. The liquors are for the wholesale trade only. Mr. Plague was born in Germany in 1859 and came to America with his parents when only four years old. He was educated in the public schools of Boston, Mass., and as stated above, engaged in the lumber busi- ness in Michigan in 1872, from whence he went to Bradford. He is a member of Pot- ter Hose Company, and has been presi- dent, foreman and trustee of that organi- zation. In 1889 he was elected a member of the council and in this year his consti- tuents endorsed his public record by hon- oring him with a re- election.
.
SMITH BRO'S
SMITH BROTHERS' STORE.
W. F. FIELD,
Dealer in books and stationery, and jew-
eler, No. 110 Main street, has been a a resident of Bradford since 1877. He was born in Jamestown, N Y., in 1860, educated in the Jamestown schools and in 1877 located in Bradford, two years later went to what was then known as Kendall Creek, where he opened a book and stationery store. In 1884 he removed to his present location. He deals in books and stationery of all descriptions and in the other department of his store, has a stock of jewelry, etc., and is able to satisfy the demands of the most exacting.
228
SMITH BROTHERS,
Wholesale and retail grocers. This is the oldest grocery firm doing business in Bradford today, being established in 1878. They carry a large and com- plete stock of everything in the grocery line, and besides their extensive retail trade a large business is done in their wholesale department all over this sec- tion. They operate a feed mill which is kept running at its greatest capacity to satisfy its patronage. Smith Brothers occupy the ground floor of the large building on Main street, built by Mr. S. H. Smith in 1895, which, by the way, is one of the finest looking buildings in Bradford. Mr. I. H. Smith was born in North East, Pa. He came to Bradford in 1878, starting immed- ately in the grocery line. His brother, F. L. Smith followed him in 1885 and they have remained together in business since that date.
S. G. COFFIN.
S. G. COFFIN
Was born in New Hampshire, October 17. 1847. After re- ceiving a good common school education he embarked in the flour and feed business at Bradys Run, Pa. He remained there eighteen months and then disposing of his property removed to Butler, where he engaged in the livery business. In 1880 he removed to Brad- ford and engaged in the same business. He now owns three stables and at all times keeps fully fifty horses to supply the demand for rigs.
Besides this extensive livery business Mr. Coffin is also ex- tensively engaged in oil production. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and Kniglits of Honor.
F. J. JOHNSON.
F. J. Johnson was born in Whitby, Ont., and educated in the Collegiate Institute of that place. He came to Bradford in 1889, and nine years later purchased the jewelry store of M. A. DeGoliers at 83 Main street, which place he still maintains. Mr. Johnson is a practical watchmaker, having learned the trade in 1887. He carries an extensive line of jewelry, optical goods, etc., and has a large trade. He is an ex member of Co. C., a member of the Knights of Columbus and the I. O. F.
229
A. FRANK FISHER.
The familiar face of A. Frank Fisher, the western Pennsylvania agent for the Smith-Premier Typewriter, will be readily recognized by a majority of Bradford business men. Mr. Fisher makes his headquarters in James- town, N . Y., from which point he covers a large territory in western New
C. H. DuBOIS BLOCK.
A. FRANK FISHER.
M. J. COSTELLO.
York and western Pennsylvania, visiting Bradford each week, where he has been signally successful in selling the Smith-l'remier machines.
Mr. Fisher was born in Dunkirk, N. Y., May 6, 1871. He became the agent for the Smith-Premier people three years ago, and his thorough famil- larity with the details of the business, has materially increased the sale of their typewriters in this section. He is a member of Jamestown lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
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MARTIN J. COSTELLO
Was born in Corry, Pa., and his education was received in the public schools of that city. Obtaining employment of a cigar manufacturing firm at Warren, Pa., he learned the cigar makers trade, and coming to Bradford in 1900, he engaged in business for himself. His factory is located at No. 78 Mechanic street, where Mr. Costello manufactures a very superior quality of cigars. His specialties are the "American Rose," a ten cent cigar and the "M. J. C.," an excellent five cent cigar.
W. J. O'NEIL
Was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1852 and educated in the public schools of Ontario and Wayne county. He came to Bradford during the oil excitement of 1876 and entered the employ of Whitney & Wheeler, who were then conducting an extensive oil business. That his services were satisfactory to his employers, is evinced by the fact that he remained with them eleven years. Having by that time acquired a pret- ty thorough knowledge of oil production, he en- gaged in business for himself for a period of seven years. Retiring, he purchased ground at No. 24 Washington street and erected thereon a substantial and commo- dious block, in which he started a bakery. This bakery, one of the lead- W. J. O'NEIL BUILDING. ing establishments of the kind in the city, is equipped with all the modern labor saving appliances and is first class in every respect.
THE BRADFORD STEAM LAUNDRY.
The oldest laundry in Bradford is the Bradford Steam Laundry, located at Nos. 11-19 Bishop street. The business was started in 1878, and contin- ued under various managements until purchased by J. J. Freeman and L. N. Kathan.
In the early days the laundry was known as the American Steam Laundry. Fire destroyed the old plant in 1887 and the new plant when completed was christened the Bradford Steam Laundry.
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The machinery equipment of the laundry is modern and up to date in every particular. There is also a steam carpet cleaning works.
J J. Freeman, born March 29, 1853, at Corrinth, Saratoga county. N. Y. He was educated in the common schools and went to work when but twelve years of age. He engaged in the manufacture of furniture from 1870 to 1877. Then he removed to Bradford and in 1878 opened a furniture store, remaining in this business until 1895 when he purchased an interest in this laundry.
Luke N. Kathan was born in Sarotoga county, N. Y., in 1853, and edu- cated in the public and normal schools of the state. From 1875 to 1879 he taught school. In 1880 he engaged in the photograph business. In 1881 he located in Bradford and engaged in the furniture business until 1893 when he purchased a one half interest in the Bradford Steam Laundry.
BRADFORD STEAM
LAUNDRY
BRADFORD STEAM LAUNDRY.'
FOX & TRONSTEIN,
Merchant tailors, located at 109 Main street. The building occupied is 30x125. They carry the finer grades of imported and domestic fabrics and as both of these gentlemen have had over 20 years' experience as tailors and cutters both here and in New York City, they naturally turn out work of a superior quality. The firm was originally Joseph Tronstein, Mr. Fox enter- ing with Mr. Tronstein in March, 1900.
Mr. John J Fox was born in Newburg, N. Y., in 1864, at which place he served seven years, serving at the tailoring trade. He went to New York City in 1884, where he was employed as a cutter with well known tailors. He came to Bradford in 1896 and was the first to introduce high grade tailoring in this city. Mr. Fox has made many friends here and is deserv- ing of his success.
Mr. Joseph Tronstein was born in Austria, Hungary, in 1867. He came to Bradford 21 years ago and shortly after his arrival entered into the tailor- ing business and has followed it ever since. He started in serving as did Mr. Fox, and has gradually advanced until attaining his present position.
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CAPTAIN ANDREW D. BURNS.
Andrew D. Burns, Commanding officer of company C, of Bradford, began his military career as a private, September 4. 1880. Promotion came slowly. March 17, 1881, he received his commission as corporal. Working his way along he was promoted to a sergeantcy May 1, 1884. From this to a commission was a short step. October 26, 1885, he was commissioned as second lieutenant of the company, October 22, 1890, as first lieutenant and October 13, 1893, as captain.
The events of the past few years are familiar to all readers. He, with his company, was mustered into the service of the United States in May 1898 and as related elsewhere, went to Porto Rico and participated in several battles and skirmishes, returning in the course of time to Bradford.
JOHN J. FOX.
JOSEPH TRONSTEIN.
Upon the re-organization of the company, June 2, 1899, Mr. Burns was again elected captain, which position he now holds, although it is whispered he is scheduled for further promotion.
Captain Burns was born in Ontario, Wayne county, N. Y., August 20, 1850, and spent his early life on an Ontario County farm. He was an engineer for a time in a blast furnace at Ontario, subsequently fired a locomotive on a railroad and finally removing to Rochester, spent fifteen years in an art gallery. In 1878 he came to Bradford and worked on oil wells and was also a producer. Fourteen years ago he opened his plumbing supply store at 14 Main street and has since been engaged in that business, which has grown to such an extent that he now employs twenty-eight men and does practically all the plumbing business in Bradford. Among the buildings that have been fitted by him may be noted the residence of C. P. Collins, David Phillips, W. R Weaver, C. V. Merrick, Hambleton Gaffney, the Riddell House, Carnegie Library and Aurheim Block.
233
EMPLOYEES A. D. BURNS.
A.D.
-
PIT
234
E. L. Rhone, Wm. Hanley, J. A. Lindsey, M. B. McMahan, Wm. Dempsey, A. W. Newell, Jr., Wm. Fizzell, Wm. Bouchard, Wm. Quigley, F. Neis, G. Mabb, T. Green, G. Bratton, W. Little, R. A. Casey, J. O' Brien. B. Horigan, A. D. Burnes, E. J. Little, H. Borradaile, T. O'Brien, J. Grainger, R. S. Kneer.
CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
.
The Carnegie Public Library is an out-growth of two older libraries com- bined under donation from Mr. Andrew Carnegie, by means of which a new building has been erected at a cost of $25,000. In the year 1879, a Frec Reading Room was established on Congress street, designed to promote temper- ance. It was organized by L G. Peck, P. T. Kennedy and J. H. Norris, none of whom are now living, who purchased a lot at the southwest corner of Main and Congress streets, of which they sold a portion and with the fund realized, a building was erected of sufficient dimensions to afford a coffee house on the first floor from the rent of which the Reading Room on the second floor was chiefly supported. An association was incorporated to receive title to the real estate and a few books were purchased to which others were added from
CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
year to year until the number reached about 3,000, but having insufficient re- venues, this library did not keep pace with the growth of the city and led a struggling existence. Meanwhile, George F. Stone, then City Superintendent of Public Instruction, solicited a subscription fund for the purchase of a small school library and this was maintained and somewhat increased through taxa- tion and finally under statutory amendments it was opened to the public. Both libraries contained nearly 7,000 volumes but they lacked room and were quite unequal to the public needs.
The offer of Mr. Carnegie required a site which would insure good light and a guarantee from the city that the library should be maintained at an annual minimum cost of $3,000. The lot at the north-east corner of Congress and Corydon streets, formerly occupied by the city hall, destroyed by fire, be-
235
-
HON. LEWIS EMERY, Jr., RESIDENCE.
AUGUSTUS W. NEWELL, RESIDENCE.
INTERIOR OF HON. LEWIS EMERY, Jr., RESIDENCE.
237
.
Art Gallery. Parlor.
Music Room. Miss Grace Emery's Sitting Room.
C. P. COLLINS RESIDENCE.
-
DAVID PHILLIPS RESIDENCE.
238
INTERIOR OF C. P. COLLINS RESIDENCE.
239
Library. Reception Hall.
Dining Room. Parlor.
ing unoccupied, was deemed available and desirable as a location. Accord- ingly a compact was e fected between the Bradford Library Association, Board of School Controllers and the Mayor and Councils of the city, by agreement and ordinance under which the two libraries were combined, the lot dedicated and the amount to be derived from the rent of the building of the association and of the library tax authorized by law were devoted to maintenance. The form of organization adopt d provided for a board of nine managers, three to be chosen by the Association, three by the School Controllers and three by the Mayor. The following persons were accordingly appointed: By the Mayor, F. P. Schoonmaker, D. C. Greenewald, T. E. McCray, (deceased)
LEWIS E. MALLORY'S RESIDENCE.
succeeded by S. R. Dresser; by the School Board, George Paton, J. E. McEvoy, A. C. Hawkins; by the Library Association, Mrs. Sara G. Hamsher, R. B. Stone, E. V. Cody.
The board organized March 7th, 1900, by the election of the following officers: President, Rufus B. Stone, vice-president, Mrs. Sara G. Hamsher, secretary, E. V. Cody, treasurer, T. E. McCray, (deceased) succeeded by D. C. Greenewald.
The contract for building was awarded to William Hanley of Bradford, for $23,587.95. Mr Carnegie's offer was received on or about the 1st day of February 1900, and the building was under roof in less than ten months there- after. It is of fire-proof construction and designed to accommodate ultimately
240
INTERIOR OF LEWIS E. MALLORY'S RESIDENCE.
E
H
TH
241
Music Room. Dining Room.
Den. Reception Hall.
INTERIOR OF MYRON MATSON'S RESIDENCE.
242
Sitting Room. Parlor.
Library. Parlor.
.
FRANK W. DAVIS' RESIDENCE.
W. R. WEAVER'S RESIDENCE.
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30,000 volumes. The necessary furniture, manufactured to order, is being supplied by the Library Bureau, illuminating fixtures (both gas and electric) by L. Emery & Co., and the plumbing has been done by A. D. Burns.
Meanwhile the books of the two old libraries are being catalogued and classified under the direction of Robert S. Fletcher, librarian, (late of the Buffalo Public Library) assisted by Miss Kathryn Fizzell, (a graduate of the Amherst Library School) Miss M. C. Gunn, the first assistant is pursuing a course of instruction in library economy at Detroit. A fund for cost of furni- ture and new books is being raised by popular subscription.
In raised letters upon the stone tablets over its principal entrance are in- scribed the words: "Carnegie Public Library Free to the People."
BRADFORD HOSPITAL.
BRADFORD HOSPITAL.
The parent organization of the Bradford Hospital was incorporated April 14, 1881, as the Mckean County Relief Association. Its eighteen directors, included citizens of such character and standing as to insure in some form the ultimate success of the enterprise. Seven members of this board are no longer living: Gen. Thomas L. Kane, Hon. Henry W. Williams, late justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; C. L. Wheeler, formerly president of the Bradford Oil Exchange, the New York Consolidated Exchange and other ins- titutions; Hon. W. F. Jordan, a former mayor of this city; L. G. Peck, a pioneer of the Bradford oil producers; N. B. Smiley, Esq., a leading member of the bar of this judical district, recommended by this county as its candidate for judge; and Hon. James Broder, also a former mayor of this city.
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