Portrait and biographical record of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 11

Author:
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: New York : Chapman Publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1068

USA > Pennsylvania > Lackawanna County > Portrait and biographical record of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Volume I > Part 11

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Born at Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Septeniber 10, 1827, the subject of this sketch is a son of James and Susan (Melville) Connell, natives re- spectively of Scotland and Nova Scotia; the lat- ter being of Irish-American descent. In 1844 the parents moved to Luzerne County, Pa., and late in life came to Scranton, where their death oc- curred. The early opportunities of William were extremely meagre, but he utilized them to the utmost and by self-culture gained a knowl- edge of the English branches sufficient to form a reliable foundation for business ventures in later years. He knows full well the meaning of poverty, for the family had little beyond the ac- tual necessities of existence, and he was obliged to win his own way in the world from an early age. This, instead of having a detrimental ef- fect, was doubtless of advantage to him, for it taught him habits of industry, perseverance and prudence that later were of inestimable value to him. Beginning as a driver in a coal mine, he worked his way through the various grades of employment and became a practical miner.

It has been said that "there is a tide in the af- fairs of men that, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune," In the life of William Connell this op-

portunity came in 1856, when he was called to Scranton and placed in charge of mines, operated by a company of capitalists known as the Sus- quehanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad & Coal Company. When the charter of the company expired in 1870, he purchased the property with his savings. Having been long with the com- · pany they reposed confidence in his integrity and business capacity and trusted him for the bal- ance, which in a few years he paid. In the years that have since passed the business has steadily increased in importance. As founder of the firm of William Connell & Co., he still retains the principal interest in the concern. With others, in 1872, he founded the Third National Bank of Scranton, in which he first served as director and was chosen president in 1879. In 1887 he was an active factor in the organization of the Scranton Safe Deposit & Trust Company, in- corporated with a capital of $250,000, and of it he became a director.

January 2, 1852, Mr. Connell married Miss Annie Lawrence, of Llewellyn, Schuylkill Coun- ty, Pa., and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom all but two are living. In religious belief he is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a delegate to the gen- eral conference of the denomination that met in Philadelphia in 1884. Educational matters, es- pecially when appertaining to the church of his choice, receive his attention and support, and he has served efficiently as trustee in Syracuse and Wesleyan Universities and Drew Theological Seminary.

When, in 1896, the Republicans sought to nominate for congress one who would worthily represent their principles and the interests of the people, their choice fell upon Mr. Connell. The speech of nomination, delivered by Roland Thomas, was a merited tribute to the ability and citizenship of the nominee, containing among other words, the following: "It is my privilege and pleasure to present to this convention as a candidate for congress the name of a man who is known from one end of this county to the other and far beyond its confines as the friend of the laboring classes. Having begun life at the lowest rung of the ladder, he has, by his industry,

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ability and sterling integrity, attained the posi- tion which he now occupies, as one of the lead- ing citizens of the great state of Pennsylvania. The wealth he has amassed he has not hoarded up or allowed to lie idle, but has gone into build- ing up of the varied industries of our valley, thus giving employment to the laboring man and his children." The campaign that followed is too fresh in the minds of the people today to need especial mention; suffice it to say that Mr. Con- nell won the election by the largest Republican majority ever given in the county.

It will be seen, from the foregoing, that Mr. Connell is in some respects a remarkable man, ---- a striking example of what may be accomplished by industry, economy, perseverance and good judgment. Without the aid of factitious helps, by his own unassisted energies, he has secured a reasonable share of fame and fortune. The early part of his biography does not differ ma- terially from that of thousands of young men who started with him upon life's journey. But the sequel of his history is different from that of many. While they, with perhaps equal oppor- tunities, sank to rise no more, he, by the force of his determination, has utilized even his obstacles to subserve his best interests, and has advanced step by step until he has attained to his present honorable position, and can hand down to pos- terity that noblest of legacies,-a successful life.

A UGUSTUS F. GEBHARDT. The active business life of Mr. Gebhardt has been passed principally in Jermyn, of which village he has been a resident since 1880. Thor- oughly identified with the growing interests of the community, he has contributed his quota to the development of its commercial interests and has taken a warm concern in its welfare. Since 1891 he has been superintendent of the Moosic powder mills at Jermyn, and in addition to this responsible position he assists in the manage- ment of the water works plant and for a num- ber of years has served as superintendent of the Electric Light Company.

As the name indicates, the Gebhardt family originated in Germany. Our subject's father,

Frederick, was born in Bavaria, and at the age of twenty-two emigrated to the United States. Previously he had learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked in Milwaukee, Wis., New- burgh and Poughkeepsie, N. Y. His death oc- curred when he was forty-nine years of age. While living in Newburgh he married Catharine John, a native of Bavaria, and now occupying a house near that of our subject. For one of her years, three score and ten, she is well preserved, retaining the use of her physical and mental fac- ulties. Of her children, Louisa M., the only daughter, married Charles F. Olcott, and both are deceased. The youngest child, George C., is employed in the office of the powder mills.

Augustus F., who is second in order of birth in the family, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Feb- ruary 25, 1855, and at the age of two years was taken by his parents to Newburgh, N. Y. Thence the family rcmoved to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., when he was six, and there, during the five ensuing years, he attended the common schools. His advantages, however, were limited, and his edu- cation has been acquired principally by personal endeavor, observation and contact with business men. When seven years of age he began to as- sist his father in the cooper shop and started out in the world for himself at the age of only four- teen. Working industriously and economically saving his earnings, he was prospered from the first, though he met with his share of adversity and reverses in trying to place his affairs upon a substantial basis.

When seventeen years of age Mr. Gebhardt went to Moosic, Pa., and, in addition to follow- ing the cooper's trade, he also worked at house painting in that place and Scranton. His first work with the powder company was as an out- side laborer, after which he resumed the cooper's trade. On coming to Jermyn he was employed as an assistant in the mills until 1892, since which time he has been the superintendent. He married Miss Hannah C. Patten, of Olyphant, Pa., and they are the parents of four children, namely: Walter, who died at the age of eight months; George A., Florence H. and Walter Patten, who are at home. While he has never identified himself prominently with political af-

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fairs nor desired to occupy local offices, yet he is informed concerning the issues of the age and advocates the principles for which the Republican party stands. In religious belief he is a Presby- terian and belongs to the church of that denomi- nation in Avoca, formerly Pleasant Valley.

I SAAC S. GRAVES, M. D. The villages and cities of Lackawanna County are the homes of a number of physicians, graduates of es- tablished schools, men of broad general and scientific information, who, in the management of a general practice, have built up excellent rep- utations and gained a fair proportion of this world's goods. Such a one is Dr. Graves, of Jermyn, who during the period of his residence in this place has become family physician to many of the best people here. He justly de- serves whatever success is now or in the future may be his, as he worked tirelessly to gain an education and by his unaided exertions acquired a broad fund of professional knowledge.

The Doctor's parents, Albert and Margaret (Miller) Graves, were born in Greenfield Town- ship, this county, and there the latter died at the age of sixty-one. The former, who through- out his active life has followed the occupation of an agriculturist, still makes his home in Tomp- kinsville, Scott Township, but is living some- what retired from the busy round of duties that formerly engaged his attention. His children, six in number, are named as follows: Clarence, who follows his father's occupation of farming; Hobart and Elmira, deceased; Isaac S .; Mary, wife of Charles Harned, of Peckville, Pa .; and Alice, who is with her father.

On the home farm in Scott Township the sub- ject of this article was born December 1, 1859, and there the years of his boyhood were unevent- fully passed in mingled play and work. Being of a studious disposition, he became well in- formed and was able to secure a teacher's cer- tificate from the county superintendent of schools, after which he taught for two years. The money thus earned he saved, until he had a sufficient amount to pay his way through the state normal school at Mansfield, He entered

that institution and continued there until his graduation at the completion of the regular course. Resuming his work as a teacher, he suc- cessfully engaged in that profession for three years, as before, diligently economizing his means in order that he might further improve himself.

From an early age, even while following the plow on his father's farm and while instruct- ing boys and girls in the intricacies of the three R's, it had been our subject's ambition to be- come a physician, and finally, through his per- severance and economy, the way was opened. He entered the medical department of the Uni- versity of the City of New York, from which he graduated in 1888, having taken the regular course of lectures. On the completion of his studies he opened an office in the borough of Peckville, where he carried on a general prac- tice for three years. He then came to Jermyn in 1891, purchased the residence of Dr. Church and established his permanent home here. While living in Peckville, he married Miss Edith Page, of that place. Politically he believes in the meas- ures and principles for which the Republican party stands, and fraternally he is associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

H UGH W. POWDERLY, of Carbondale, was born in this city February 8, 1837. A record of his parents and a history of the family, which was one of the first to settle here, will be found in the sketch of his brother, P. A. Powderly. The name is one that is espe- cially prominent in labor circles throughout the United States, his brother, Hon. T. V. Powderly, ex-mayor of Scranton, having gained a national reputation through his long leadership of the Knights of Labor.

At the age of fourteen the subject of this ar- ticle left school and entered the employ of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, with whom he has since remained, being engaged in differ- ent capacities until 1864, but since then he has held the position of inspector of ropes. During this time he was for some years connected with a mercantile house in Carbondale, but the venture

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proved disastrous and he lost the accumulation of many years of hard work and economy. Un- daunted by the misfortune, he at once went to work to regain his lost possessions and has since been prospered.

While on a business trip to Dushore, Sullivan County, Pa., where his father had real estate in- terests, Mr. Powderly met Miss Nora Ellen Mur- phy, and they were made husband and wife in 1860. Eleven months later she died, leaving a child that soon passed from earth. In 1865 Mr. Powderly was united in marriage with Mrs. Pat- rick Henry, a widow, and they became the par- ents of nine children, of whom seven are living, all energetic and capable, and like their parents, members of the Catholic Church. They are named as follows: P. F., who spent six years in the west, but is now in Carbondale; Annie, a saleslady in Scranton; Christopher, who is in the employ of the Delaware & Hudson at Carbondale; Liz- zie, a dressmaker in this city; Mary Gertrude, who is at home; Hugh J., an employe of the Delaware & Hudson; and Eugene. In his polit- ical views Mr. Powderly is independent, support- ing in every instance the men whom he believes best qualified for the office in question. At one time he was a member of the city council.

M AJ. W. S. MILLAR. The family repre- sented by this well known citizen of Scranton traces its origin to England, with the history of which its members were long associated. The Major's grandfather, James Millar, was born there, but after his marriage removed to Ireland, becoming a tea merchant in County Antrim. His son, James, Jr., was born in the north of Ireland, whence in boyhood he accompanied a brother to the United States, set- tling in Philadelphia, where he received his edu- cation. Later he became superintendent of a large wholesale business, in which position he remained until his death at forty-six years of age. His wife, who was also of English descent, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., bore the maiden name of Sybilla C. Jackson and died at the age of sixty-two; her father, James Jackson, was also

a native of Lancaster County, with the early his- tory of which he was identified.

The family of James Millar, Jr., consisted of eight children that attained years of maturity, but only two are now living, William S. and Joseph H., superintendent of a union news com- pany at Cleveland, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was born in Philadelphia in 1852 and was reared in Cherry Street, receiving a fair education in the schools of the city. While still a mere boy he began in the news business with his brother, and for several years ran on the trains from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. Later his route was between Philadelphia and Bethlehem and then on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western from New York to Scranton. On leaving the road he secured a position as mailing clerk in the Scranton postoffice, where he remained for fif- teen years, the number of employes having mean- while increased from four to about seventy-five. In 1888 he resigned this position and engaged in the life insurance business for the Pennsyl- vania Mutual of Philadelphia.

In February, 1895, Major Millar was elected to represent the eighth ward in the position of alder- man. This ward, which is the "hub" of the city, is closely divided politically, but he gained the election by a majority of eighty-seven, upon the Republican ticket. In May of the same year he took the oath of office, being commissioned by Governor Hastings for a term of five years. He established his office in the Gas Company Build- ing at No. 115 Wyoming Avenue, where he has a court room and private office, and to assist in detail work he has a secretary and stenog- rapher.

Scranton has very few Republicans who are more active in political affairs or whose judg- ment is more relied upon in party matters than Major Millar. He has filled the position of chair- man of the county Republican central commit- tee and at this writing is secretary of the Central Republican Club, with which he has been asso- ciated since its organization in 1887. At different times he has served as delegate to county and state conventions, where he has been active in working for the success of important measures. Fraternally he is connected with Union Lodge,

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F. & A. M., of which he is past master, and is a member of Lackawanna Chapter and the com- mandery at Scranton. August 14, 1877, he be- came a charter member of Company B, Thir- teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard, in which he worked his way from a private to the rank of second lieutenant, and in 1887 he was appointed adjutant. In 1895 he was placed on the staff of General Gobin with the rank of major and was made inspector of the third brigade. In religious belief he is connected with the First Presbyterian Church. His time and influence are always given in behalf of those measures which will be helpful to the people of the city. When new plans are formulated for the benefit of the place and the upbuilding of its in- dustries, his co-operation may be relied upon, for he is an enthusiastic advocate of everything tending to advance the interests of the city.

C URTIS E. HELMES. During the period of his residence in Jermyn Mr. Helmes has become well known as one of the re- liable business men of the place and has made a large number of friends among his fellow-citi- zens. In addition to discharging the duties of the office of justice of the peace, he has a large business as insurance agent and holds the posi- tion of manager of the Jermyn Ice Company. This concern was established November 20, 1895, and has already been placed upon a solid finan- cial basis, nine hundred tons of ice having been sold during the present year (1896).

The family of which our subject is a member consisted of six children, namely: Emily A., de- ceased; Minerva, wife of Luther Carpenter of Peckville; Fidelia, Mrs. James W. Potter, of Al- legany, N. Y .; Jennie, who married Lewis Car- penter of Dickson City; Curtis E .; and Nellie, deceased. The father, Council D., who for some years was proprietor of a general store in Jermyn, was killed on the Ontario & Western Railroad here; his wife, who bore the maiden name of Esther A. Cordner, still lives in this place.

In Greenfield Township, this county, the sub- ject of this sketch was born April 5, 1862. At the age of four years he was taken by his parents

to Ellenton, Lycoming County, this state, where he grew to manhood, meantime attending the common schools and spending two years each in the Canton high school and state normal school at Mansfield. Until seventeen years of age he resided on a farm, after which he taught school for a number of terms, and then assisted his father in a store at Ellenton. After a time he became his father's partner in the lumber business, though not in the store. The latter was the post- master and had the postoffice in his store for four years. On leaving Ellenton the family came to Jermyn, where a general store was opened under the firm title of C. D. Helmes & Son. One year later, on the 29th of September, 1893, the senior member of the firm was killed by accident, and afterward the business was carried on by the junior member until he sold out in March, 1895.

In July, 1895, Mr. Helmes became interested in the fire insurance business, in which line he has since been quite successful. He was elected justice of the peace and entered upon the duties of the office in May, 1896. As an official he is careful, sound in judgment and faithful to the interests of the people. He was happily married to Emma Helmes, his third cousin, and they are the parents of three sons, Council D., Carlyle H. and Alfred.

The political affiliations of Mr. Helmes are represented by the Democratic party, of which he has been a lifelong adherent. The campaign of 1896 found him stanch in his advocacy of free silver, and the free coinage of that metal he be- lieved would solve the financial difficulties beset- ting the people. Upon this national issue, as upon the various problems before the nation to- day, he is thoroughly informed, and can give an intelligent reason for the opinions he holds. In former years he was actively identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but does not retain his membership in that fraternity.

J JAMES BARRETT. The sixty-three years of Mr. Barrett's life have not been years of idleness or ease, but years of hard work, unwearied effort and persevering toil. Born in Carbondale September 25, 1833, he is still a resi-

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dent of this place, the growth of which he has witnessed from a straggling village to an im- portant, thriving city. As the life of every in- dustrious, honorable man is of aid to a city, so of him it may be said that by his upright char- acter and energy he has promoted the interests of his liome town.

The father of our subject, James Barrett, Sr., emigrated from Ireland to America in 1832 and at once settled in Carbondale, where he was a pioneer miner. He engaged in work in the mines until old age prevented the continuance of active labors. At the advanced age of eighty-six he de- parted this life. His wife, whose maiden name was Honora Barrett, died at eighty-five. Of their ten children, five are living, our subject be- ing the third in order of birth. His education was very limited and was obtained principally in the night schools, for it was necessary for him to work during the days. At the age of twelve he secured employment in the mines, where he remained until twenty-four. The work there was very hard, but he left it not on that account so much as with the hope he could better his final- cial condition elsewhere.

In 1858 Mr. Barrett opened a store in which he had a smail stock of goods. Proving to be well adapted to the business, he worked up a good trade, increasing his stock as necessary, and now has a fair share of the public patronage. In 1864 he enlisted in the service of the Union as a men- ber of the fire department of the navy and con- tinued for three years, his brother conducting the business during his absence. With that ex- ception he has devoted himself closely to busi- ness matters, working early and late in order to gain success. He has never identified himself with political affairs, but is a Democrat and al- ways votes that ticket.

P ATRICK H. McANDREW, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Scranton, was born in Haw- ley, Wayne County, this state. His father, John R. McAndrew, was born in the west of Ireland and is the only survivor of three brothers who came to America, they being the sons of Richard, a

miller in the west of Ireland, who remained there until his death. John R., who graduated in civil engineering prior to coming to the United States in 1851, followed his profession a year in New York, but his eyesight became defective to a certain extent, rendering it necessary for him to seek another occupation. In 1852 he went to Hawley and has since been coal agent at that place for the Pennsylvania Coal Company. In local and national politics he votes the Demo- cratic ticket, upon which he has frequently been elected a member of the council and the school board. He is an active member of the Catholic Church and a liberal contributor to its work.

By his marriage in Ireland to Eliza Kane, who was born in County Mayo, John R. McAndrew had eight children, five daughters and three sons, all but one of whom are living. Richard is pastor of St. Mary's Church at Wilkesbarre, and James, a graduate of West Point, is first lieutenant of the Third United States Infantry, stationed at Fort Snelling. The Doctor, who is the youngest of the sons, was reared in Hawley, beginning his education in the public schools there, continuing in Manhattan College, New York, where he com- pleted the scientific course. In 1887 he became bookkeeper for Kelley & Healey, wholesale dry- goods merchants of Scranton, with whom he re -- mained for three years. Then, having deter- mined to become a physician, he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsyl- vania in 1890, graduating in 1893, with the de- gree of M. D. Afterward for eighteen months lie was house surgeon for Lackawanna Hospital. In January, 1895, he went abroad, and spent about four months in London, Dublin, Paris and Rome, visiting hospitals, attending lectures and perfecting himself in his profession.

On his return to the United States, Dr. Mc- Andrew began the practice of his profession in Scranton, where he opened an office, May I, 1895, in the Williams Building, corner of Waslı- ington Avenue and Linden Street. Here he has since remained, having by his accuracy and painstaking skill in treatment, gained a reputa- tion as an excellent physician. In addition to his general practice, he is medical examiner of Branch 35 of the Catholic Mutual Benevolent

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Portrait and biographical record of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 11

Author: Publication date: 1897 Publisher: New York : Chapman Publishing co. Number of Pages: 1068

Author:
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: New York : Chapman Publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1068