USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 21
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GEORGE CORDONNA, M. D .- In the group of progressive young men who have become identified with the professional world of Norris- town since the recent war, Dr. Cordonna is a well known figure. A native of this city, and a member of an old Norristown family, Dr. Cor- donna is a son of Peter and Marie Louise (Elmo) Cordonna, well known residents here for many years.
Dr. Cordonna was born in Norristown, August 12, 1895. His early education in the public schools was followed by the usual high school course, from which he was graduated in 1914. He took his pre-medical work at the University of Pennsylvania, and also at Jefferson College, and in 1915 entered the medical department of Jefferson College, Phila- delphia, from which he was graduated in the class of 1919. He spent an interneship of six months at the Pittsburgh South Side Hospital, then for fourteen months was chief resident physician at the Chester County Hospital, at West Chester, Pennsylvania. Thereafter passing the State Board, Dr. Cordonna began the practice of medicine and sur- gery in Norristown. With offices in the Penn Trust building, he has since made an auspicious beginning in his chosen profession, and is looked upon as one of the coming men of the city in this line of activity.
The World War found Dr. Cordonna still in medical college, but he enlisted in the United States army in July, 1917, joining the Medical Corps. He was assigned to the Reserve Officers' Training Quarters, in medical training, but was not called to active service. In 1922 he was appointed police surgeon for the Norristown Police Department, and in the same year was made chief of the State of Pennsylvania Genito-Uri- nary Clinic, at Norristown.
Dr. Cordonna is a member of the American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the Montgomery County Medical Society. He is a member of the Phi Sigma Rho fraternity, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically a staunch sup-
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porter of the Republican party, and a fearless advocate of its principles, he was brought forward into prominence in the Pinchot campaign as a member of the executive committee for Montgomery county.
HARRY EDMUND BRUNNER-The men who make and edit our newspapers yield an influence beyond most others, and sway our minds and effect our lives more than is realized. Harry Edmund Brunner, of Hatfield, after long years of experience in the handling of news sheets and printing, was a purchaser of the "Hatfield Times," and in the short period that has followed has helped to inject new life and power into the paper, and conducts a printing establishment on most modern and suc- cessful lines.
Harry E. Brunner was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 26, 1887, the son of Harry C. and Catherine (Morgan) Brunner, the former of whom was a printer by trade and a linotype operator. Harry Edmund, following in the footsteps of his father, after completing his education became a printer. After a number of years spent in his trade, he became owner of the "Hatfield Times," on March 25, 1921. He is an Independent Republican in his political views and fraternally associates with the Knights of Malta, the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. His club is the Tuxedo Camp Fire, and his church the Baptist.
At Lansdale, June 28, 1911, he was married to Agnes Camilla, daugh- ter of Amos O. and Camilla (Kratz) Allebach.
MAX GRUHLE-A wide and greatly varied experience has been that of Max Gruhle, proprietor of an auto repair shop and agent for Goodyear tires in Green Lane, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, who gives good service to his patrons, and has made for himself a reputation for efficiency and prompt service.
Mr. Gruhle was born in Saxony, Germany, May 27, 1868, son of Julius and Augusta (Gearge) Gruhle, the former a superintendent of No. 2 Kliekoff Coal Mine, in Saxony, Germany. Both parents remained in Germany. Their children were: Minnie (Mrs. Charles Sommers) ; Selma (Mrs. Charles Ott) ; Hammond ; Otto; Emil; Paul; and Max, of whom further.
Max Gruhle received his education in the local schools and in Stud- burg University, and then learned the mechanic's trade, which he fol- lowed in Germany until 1887, when he came to South America. There he traveled extensively, being variously employed in Valparaiso, in Chili, Argentina, and Colombia, and for some time engaged in install- ing ice machines in those countries. He then came to Milwaukee, Wis- consin, where for two years he was engaged as engineer in the employ of the Pabst Brewing Company. At the end of that time he returned to Germany, but in 1897 again came to America, where he traveled exten- sively. In 1900 he came to Pennsylvania, where for a time he settled in Green Lane. Nine years later, in 1909, he went to Hagerstown, Mary- land, as engineer for the Hagerstown Brewery, and this connection he
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maintained for a period of seven years. Having by the end of that time accumulated sufficient capital and a vast fund of experience, he went to Green Lane, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and established an auto repair shop, which he has continued to successfully conduct to the present time (1923). He does vulcanizing and all kinds of repair work and holds the agency for Goodyear tires. Thoroughly trained as a mechanic and having had a very wide experience in the mechanical field, he is an expert in his line, and his patrons have learned that there are no automobile mechanical problems which he cannot readily solve. Prompt- ness and efficiency are valuable assets in the business of automobile repairing, as elsewhere, and satisfied patrons are Mr. Gruhle's best advertisements.
Politically Mr. Gruhle gives his support to the principles and the candidates of the Republican party in a general way, but reserves to himself the right to cast his vote on the merit of the case, when those merits are known to him. Fraternally he is a member of Lodge No. 39, Improved Order of Red Men, of Green Lane, and his religious affiliation is with the Lutheran church, of Sumneytown.
In Saxony, Germany, on February 10, 1899, Mr. Gruhle married Selma Reissig, daughter of George and Selma Reissig, and they are the parents of four children: Ella, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Anthony, born in Red Hill; Gertrude, born in Red Hill; and Johanna, born in Hagerstown, Maryland.
JOHN M. MOYER-The Moyer family have been conspicuous in the annals of Eastern Pennsylvania for many generations. Originally German, where the religious reformation of the sixteenth and seven- teenth century freed men's souls from the oppression of one church, there came an impulse for a complete religious freedom that gave birth to many sects and much migration. This desire was back of the Moyers coming to Pennsylvania, where thy became wise tillers of the earth and solid capable citizens of their adopted State. Agriculture and its allied industries have engaged many of the family, and John M. Moyer, of Souderton, conducts a grain business that has come to him through five generations.
His parents were Enos and Mary (Moyer) Moyer, the former of whom on his death in 1896 willed his establishment to his son, John M., who was born in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, June 17, 1882. He attended the local schools, but early became associated with his father in business. The fact that his father and forefathers laid the foundation has been an inspiration to John M. Moyer to build upon it a modern, well equipped business of which he may be justly proud. Grain, hay, feed and other kindred supplies are handled, and the recognized integrity and care for the interest of his customers has brought a large clientele. He is polit- ically an Independent in his views, and his religious affiliation is with the Mennonite church.
At Souderton, Pennsylvania, September 20, 1905, Mr. Moyer was
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married to Ella M. Heinz, daughter of David and Catherine (Landis) Heinz. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are the parents of two children: Mildred, born December 12, 1906; and Stewart, born September 26, 1910.
AUGUST LISCHKE-One of the older men who has retired from active business and has found Lansdale, Pennsylvania, a pleasant city in which to spend the sunset days of life is August Lischke. He has given more than half a century in labor and service, the most of this to one railroad, and is now taking his ease with his family and his friends. His father, Casper Lischke, was born in 1807, and his mother, Helena (Rother) Lischke, some eight years later; both remembered the coming of Napoleon to their native land.
August Lischke was born June 6, 1844, at Pilsch Kreis Glatz, Ger- many, and received the education of the public schools of his natal place. He went to work when quite young and traveled throughout the most of Germany from 1866 to 1870. During this period he served the required time in the German army. In 1870 he emigrated to America, and fol- lowing his father's trade, became a farmer. Five years of this was enough, and in seeking another occupation took up railroading in 1875. He started with the Philadelphia & Reading railroad and continued with the same road until he retired. For thirty-two years he was a foreman. He came to Lansdale in 1914 and has been a quiet, home-loving resident for the last nine years (1923). He belongs to the Building and Loan Association, is a Democrat in political faith, and fraternizes with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is one of its oldest mem- bers. Mr. Lischke has always been a liberal supporter of the Lutheran church.
In 1879, at Doylestown, August Lischke was joined in marriage with Christianna Mosh, and they are the parents of a son, Charles, who mar- ried Ann F. Ledrock, and they are the parents of the following children : Raymond, May F., and Anna.
EUGENE MARTIN DAVIS, a descendant of an old Pennsylvania family, was widely known as a mason and general contractor at Penl- lyn, Pennsylvania, where he lived for many years. He was born at Norristown, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1847, son of Isaiah W. and Harriett Porter (Farra) Davis. His grandfather was Samuel Davis, a farmer and the owner of extensive holdings at Plymouth, Pennsylvania. Mr. Davis' father was also a school teacher and the later part of his life was devoted to clerical work at the court house for Montgomery county.
Mr. Davis received his education in the public school of Norristown and after having completed his grammar school studies was graduated from the Norristown High School. After his graduation Mr. Davis associated himself with his half-brother, Charles Y. Fisher, assisting him in the work of managing the family property. He did not find agricul- tural work entirely to his taste, however, and decided to learn the brick- layer's trade and become an independent business man. Accordingly he moved to Norristown, where he remained for two years. From Norris-
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town he went to Philadelphia and spent a year and a half in that city. At the end of this period he came to the conclusion that he would find in contracting and masonry work an ideal field for the exercise of his abilities. He believed that he would meet with success as an independ- ent contractor at Penllyn, and accordingly, taking his capital and moving to Penllyn, established a general contracting business, specializing in brick laying. He met with immediate success and his business pros- pered to such an extent that he presently purchased a fine old dwelling in one of the most attractive parts of the town and remodeled it for his own use. The house which is still in the possession of the family is an old Colonial dwelling and is widely known as a landmark and as an unusually fine example of Colonial architecture. The alterations were completed in 1911 and during the same year Mr. Davis and his family moved into the house where he lived until his death in 1922, at the great age of seventy-five years. An influential and public-spirited cit- izen, his death was deeply regretted by all classes of the community for which he worked so long and faithfully, using all his energies for the business and civic advancement of the town. His business is now car- ried on by his son, Eugene, and as the founder of one of the leading enterprises at Penllyn and having helped build many of the finest buildings in town, he will always be held in grateful remembrance by his fellow-citizens. In politics Mr. Davis was an Independent, support- ing the most progressive and enlightened policies of government. He served for twelve years as a member of the school board of Lower Gwynedd township, and was largely instrumental in securing more ade- quate equipment and better accommodation for the school children of that place. In religious faith he belonged to the Friends' Meeting.
On November 11, 1877, Mr. Davis married, at Norristown, Bertha Shaeff, daughter of George F. and Catherine (Stern) Shaeff. Mrs. Davis survives her husband and makes her home with her son, Eugene, in the old family residence. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of four children : 1. Walter, who died in infancy. 2. George S., born at Norris- town ; at present employed as a signal engineer on the Reading railroad ; he married Carrie Buckman, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, and they have five children: Catherine, Robert Crawford, Alice Buckman, Elizabeth Carrie, and Emilie Gray. 3. Russell Lowell, district manager for the Monotype Company, of Philadelphia ; he married Hattie Gerow, of Nor- folk, Virginia, and they have one son, Russell Gerow. 4. Eugene, who is named for his father, is unmarried, and is the present proprietor of his father's business.
F. EDWARD MALMBERG, son of August B. and Maria L. (Carl- son) Malmberg, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1895, his father formerly a merchant tailor, now living retired, in California. F. Edward Malmberg was educated in the public schools and Norristown High School, finishing with graduation from the University of Pennsyl- vania, Wharton Evening School, Philadelphia, class of 1916. On January 10, 1914, he entered the employ of the James Lees & Sons Company, at
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Bridgeport, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, as junior clerk, and during the years which have since intervened he has made his way to the responsible position of office manager (1920). He is also purchasing agent for this prosperous corporation, and was elected assistant secretary in 1923. Mr. Malmberg is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic order, affiliated with Norristown lodge and chapter, and Phila- delphia Consistory ; a Noble of Lu Lu Temple, Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and in religious affiliation is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Mr. Malmberg married, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1923, Helen Marie Ganser, daughter of Hiram and Ella (Oberholtzer) Ganser. Mr. and Mrs. Malmberg reside at No. 1321 Markley street, Bridgeport, Pennsylvania.
ROBERT JAMES CRAWFORD-Probably Robert James Craw- ford, the successful merchant of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, is best known and will be remembered longest because of his efforts in estab- lishing the community playground and athletic field that takes up the whole square in the city between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues and Harry and Hollowell streets. It was a thing much needed, but it did not come until the foresight and energy of men like Mr. Crawford brought it about. He is the son of Joseph and Margaret Crawford, the former of whom was in business for years in Conshohocken. Joseph and Margaret Crawford are the parents of the following children : Emma W., deceased ; William G., Rebecca, Joseph, Agnes, Anna, Samuel, Margaret, Robert J., Mary, and John.
Robert J. Crawford was born in Conshohocken, June 17, 1876. His education was gained in the public and high schools of Conshohocken, from both of which he graduated. His first efforts at self support were in the Alan Wood Iron & Steel Works, in which he was busy for five years, leaving to set up a store as a merchant at No. 113 Fayette street. After a varied career he in 1910 again established himself on Fayette street, this time as a cigar and tobacco dealer. In 1914 he was a member of a new athletic association founded on the few members who remained of an old organization, who managed to secure an old brush field cover- ing a city block, clearing it up for use in various sports. Mr. Crawford was the first president of this club, with J. Howard Borke, vice-presi- dent, John P. Herron, treasurer, Reynold W. Twaite, recording secre- tary, and Carl Meyers, financial secretary. The control of the affairs of the club was in the hands of a Board of Governors consisting of Silas A. Dair, Edmund K. Williams, Edward G. Hyde, and Mr. Crawford. Dur- ing this régime the association improved their property remarkably and in 1918, at a cost of $10,000, erected grandstands, placed equipment, and all necessary things to make an up-to-date community play field for the city. It is supported by popular subscription and is filling a greatly felt need of Conshohocken. Its present (1922) officers are John Kearns, Dr. Roth, William Ambler, and R. N. Campbell, and its Board of Governors consist of G. F. Guild, George Cohey, J. Russell Hamilton, and Charles
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S. Hottenstein ; the trustees are: Matthew Verkoe, F. R. Lobb and J. L. Holland. Mr. Crawford is an independent in politics, a director of the Fayette Building and Loan Association, and is a communicant of the Calvary Episcopal Church.
At Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, on June 16, 1911, he was married to Emma Wilt, daughter of William Wilt, who is the father of three children.
SAMUEL S. CONVER-In architectural and engineering activities in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Conver is handling an exten- sive and constantly growing practice, his long experience and marked success placing him among the leaders in his line. Mr. Conver is a native of Pennsylvania and a son of William B. and Amanda Conver, his father prominent as a builder for many years in this section.
Samuel S. Conver was born at Hatfield township, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1877. His education was acquired in the public schools of Lansdale, and Drexel Institute, from which he was graduated in 1896. During the last one and one-half years of his student days he was employed by M. B. Bean, of Lansdale, then after his graduation in 1896 became identified with the Dull & Peterson Company, of Philadel- phia, as draftsman, where he was active for eighteen months. Early in 1898 Mr. Conver established his own office in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, where he continued for upwards of six years, then went to Camden, New Jersey, where he conducted a similar business for two years. Thereafter returning to Lansdale, Mr. Conver has since resided here, conducting offices both in Lansdale and in Philadelphia, his city office being at No. II South Sixteenth street. He has been identified with many of the more important architectural and engineering projects in and about Philadelphia during his experience, and is considered an authority in his field of activity. Mr. Conver has few interests outside his professional work. He is a Republican by political affiliation, and is a member of Shiloh Lodge, No. 558, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a mem- ber of the Reformed church.
Mr. Conver married, at Camden, New Jersey, October 18, 1898, Laura Boyer, daughter of George E. and Sarah Boyer, and they have one son, S. Russel, born July 12, 1903.
JOSEPH A. McELHATTON-The town of West Conshohocken is indebted to Joseph A. McElhatton for much that has made its life pleasurable and the place an attractive locality in which to live. He is not only successful in his vocation, but in recent years has branched out in business with his sister, Rose, and conducts one of the most modern cafeterias in the town. He is the son of Francis and Rose McElhatton, who were the parents of eight children: I. Francis. 2. Catherine, who married L. Jackson. 3. John. 4. Patrick. 5. Peter. 6. Rose, now Mrs. Thomas McLernon. 7. Michael. 8. Joseph A., of whom further.
Joseph A. McElhatton was born at Gulph Mills, November 13, 1883, and came with his parents when one year of age to West Conshohocken,
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Pennsylvania. He first attended the public schools, but completed his education in St. Gertrude's and St. Matthew's parochial institutions. He early began to contribute to his own support, and eventually became an engineer at the Ivy Rock Steel Plant, where he remained for sixteen years, and had been six years a fireman with the Reading railroad.
In 1920 he started with his sister, Rose, an up-to-date cafeteria and candy store, which was a successful venture from the start. It is housed in a modern cement building, and with its complete equipment and splendid service, is one of the most popular eating places in East Conshohocken.
Mr. McElhatton is a Republican and a county committeeman from 1919 to date, and has been president of the West Conshohocken Council for four years, and at present is burgess of his town. One of the most interesting of his outside activities is as president of the Industrial Baseball League. His fraternal associations are with the Knights of Columbus, of Conshohocken, the Foresters of the same city, the Wash- ington Fire Company, of East Conshohocken, and George Clay Associa- tion, of West Conshohocken. He is a communicant of the St. Ger- trude's Roman Catholic Church, of Conshohocken.
J. LE ROY SCHWEYER-A keen minded and progressive man of affairs, Mr. Schweyer was born at King of Prussia, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1889. His parents were Henry A. and Maria S. (Bittenbender) Schweyer, both of whom were born and brought up in Montgomery county. Mr. Schweyer's father was connected with the King of Prussia marble quarries until 1916, when he retired from active participation in business affairs. He died on September 27, 1919, at the age of fifty-four, and was survived by Mr. Schweyer's mother, who still maintains her residence at Norristown.
Mr. Schweyer received his preliminary education in the public schools of Upper Merion township. After completing the grammar grades, he was entered as a pupil at Ursinus College, where he spent three years in college preparatory and college work. While he was a student at Ursinus, Mr. Schweyer took great interest in the athletic affairs of the school. He played on the football team and established himself as one of the best all-around athletes in his class. From Ursinus College, Mr. Schweyer proceeded to Pennsylvania State College, where he spent one year and a half and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1907.
Mr. Schweyer entered the field of business as an associate of his father at the King of Prussia quarries. He maintained this connection until 1912, when he entered the service of James Lees and Sons Company at Bridgeport. He began his work for this firm as a clerk in the shipping department and spent two years familiarizing himself with as much of the business as he could learn from the vantage ground of the delivery room. In 1914 he became a salesman for the firm in Philadelphia and the vicinity. In this capacity, he sold yarns for manufacturing purposes to factory buyers and others. His success in this field was very gratify-
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ing to the company and in 1915 they sent him to the Middle West as a salesman of yarns designed to meet the requirements of the manufac- turing trade. A close student and an indefatigable investigator, Mr. Schweyer had by this time become something of a yarn expert and was able to conduct his sales as an acknowledged authority on the market. In July, 1916, he established a branch office of James Lees and Sons Company at Chicago. This branch has been rendered necessary by the ever-increasing western business of the company. It provided an outlet for the firm's yarns for manufacturing purposes and also met the needs of the western market for the beautiful Minerva yarns designed by the firm for hand knitting purposes. So successful was Mr. Schweyer in coordinating his company's business interests in the West, and in estab- lishing the Chicago branch, that in September, 1917, the company sent him to New York City to open a branch office for the sale of Minerva yarns in the metropolitan district. In October of the same year, while still remaining in charge of the New York office, Mr. Schweyer became head of the hand knitting yarn department of the company's plant at Bridgeport and also head sales manager and general advertising man- ager of hand knitting yarn department for the firm. He has held this comprehensive position and has likewise continued in charge of the New York office at 220 Fifth avenue ever since. Widely known to the trade for the integrity and efficiency of his business methods and highly respected by everyone who has ever had the pleasure of doing business with him, Mr. Schweyer is a conspicuous example of the man who carves out his own career and removes the obstacles that lie in his path by sheer determination and force of will. His success and the character upon which he built it have brought him many friends in various parts of the country and he is extremely popular among all classes of the com- munity in Montgomery county.
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