Portrait and biographical record of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 14

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

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In 1884 Mr. Loftus married Miss Maggie R., sister of Rev. James A. Moffitt, of Scranton, and daughter of the late Patrick Moffitt, one of the early settlers of Carbondale, having come here from Ireland in 1828. They and their two chil- dren, Joseph P. and Lydia, occupy a comfortable residence on Seventh Avenue.

J I OSEPH H. GUNSTER. The man who gains success is always worthy of praise, but especially so when he has battled against adversity, surmounted hardships and conquered

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misfortune. To the one who comes to this coun- try without means or friends, the road to pros- perity is not rose-crowned but thorny, and only the most untiring patience will bring success. Of Mr. Gunster it may be said that he owes his present standing among the business men of Scranton to his determination and energy, com- bined with sound judgment and executive ability.

The Gunster family originated in Germany. Peter, our subject's father, was born in War- dern, Prussia, and was a cabinetmaker by trade. With his wife and eight sons he emigrated to America, landing March 12, 1853, and at once came to Lackawanna County, joining our sub- ject here. He worked at his trade with the lat- ter, until his death, at the age of sixty-five, in 1869, the result of having been accidentally in- jured. In early life he served in the German army. His wife, Maria Birtel, was born in Prussia, and died in Lackawanna County in 1892, aged eighty-one. Their nine sons were named as follows: Joseph H .; Henry, a builder at Carter- ville, Jackson County, Ill .; Edward, who is en- gaged in the wholesale sugar business at Wilkes- barre; Peter, who is with Hill & Connell, of Scranton; Leopold, who enlisted in the Eleventh Connecticut Infantry, went south and took part in the charge on Petersburg, since which he has never been heard of, but it is supposed that his body rests in a nameless grave; Nicholas, who died in Scranton in early manhood; Frederick, an attorney, and judge of the Lackawanna courts; Peter Francis, a practicing physician of Scran- ton; and John, a boat builder in Jamestown, N. Y.

A native of Lockweiler, Prussia, born August 22, 1831, our subject was educated in the schools of his native place and at the age of twelve began to cultivate his father's farm. To escape from military oppression he resolved to seek a home in America, and accordingly took passage at Antwerp, making the voyage alone. While on the ocean he became acquainted with William Becker, of Blakely, Lackawanna County, and in that way he decided to come here, reaching Hyde Park in May, 1851. His new acquaintance saw that he secured work, thus placing him above want, though the amount he received was very

small. He was apprenticed to the cabinet- maker's trade under Gessner & Harrington in Wyoming Avenue and gave his closest attention to his work, his education being limited to three months' attendance at Wyoming Seminary.

In the fall of 1856 Mr. Gunster started in busi- ness for himself, building a store in Penn Ave- nue, where he began in the manufacture and sale of furniture, making the various articles from the rough lumber. After a time he added the undertaking business, and his trade grew so rapidly that at times he gave employment to seventeen men. In 1866 he sold out, on account of his eyes being disabled by inflammation, and for some time he was confined in the Philadel- phia Hospital, but after eight years he finally recovered, to the surprise of all who knew the serious nature of the disease.

As soon as able, Mr. Gunster again became interested in business affairs. He aided in the organization of the Scranton City Bank, of which he was the first cashier, continuing in that ca- pacity until April 1, 1882, when he resigned. During the same month he went to the Pacific Coast and traveled through the west, spending six months there. In January, 1883, he was made deputy county treasurer under George Kinback, and served until January, 1886. At that time he went abroad, visiting his old German home, also traveling through Switzerland, Italy, France, Austria, the Netherlands and Denmark. When returning, after six months, during a storm at sea he was knocked down by the force of the wind and his shoulder was dislocated by the fall. He returned to Scranton with his arm in a sling and was unable to attend to business for six weeks afterward. In 1887-88 he built three stores, Nos. 323-327 Penn Avenue, three stories in height, and in 1889 erected a brick shop in the rear. May 25, 1889, he was appointed by the directors and court as assignee of the Scranton City Bank, to the affairs of which he has given his attention since. For some years he was a director in the Merchants & Mechanics Bank, in which he has been a stockholder since its or- ganization.

In this city Mr. Gunster married Miss Lucina Luts, who was born in Green Ridge, a daugh-

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ter of Michael Luts, also a native of that place and a lifelong farmer there. Her grandfather was one of the pioneer settlers of the neighbor- hood, having come there from the Lehigh Val- ley. The five sons of Mr. and Mrs. Gunster are Henry J., a graduate of the Newton (N. J.) Academy and member of the firm of Gunster & Forsyth, dealers in hardware at Scranton; Charles W., a graduate of an academy in New Haven, Conn., now cashier of the Merchants & Mechanics Bank; George N., who is with Guns- ter & Forsyth; Walter E., a graduate of Princeton College, class of 1894, and an attorney of Scran- ton; and Arthur, a graduate of Princeton Col- lege, class of 1896.

In national issues Mr. Gunster is a Democrat and during the memorable campaign of 1896 was a supporter of the gold standard. He was the first president of the common council of the city of Scranton and was a member of the board of school control here, being its treasurer for one term. Fraternally he is past master of Schiller Lodge, F. & A. M., belongs to Lackawanna Chapter, No. 185, R. A. M .; Coeur de Lion Com- mandery, No. 17, K. T., is past noble grand of Alliance Lodge, I. O. O. F., past officer in the encampment, and a member of the Liederkranz.

C APT. JAMES MOIR gained the title by which he is usually called through his service in the Thirteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard. In 1877 he was one of the original members of Company C, then known as the Scranton City Guard, and was com- missioned from time to time until he became captain in 1884, in which capacity he served two terms of five years cach. At the expiration of that time he resigned, in October, 1894, and was honorably discharged. In 1871 he came to Scranton, his present placc of residence, where he worked at his trade for five years, and then opencd a merchant tailoring establishment at Nos. 406-408 Lackawanna Avenue, two doors above his present location. In 1877 hc removed to Nos. 400 and 402, where he has since rc- mained, having a large and elegant stock of goods and carrying on a good business.

The Moir family is of Scotch origin. The Captain's paternal grandfather, John Moir, was a fisherman and hotel keeper on the Orkney Islands, off the north coast of Scotland, and his maternal grandfather, James Robertson, was a farmer of Aberdeenshire. His parents, John and Elspath (Robertson) Moir, were natives respect- ivcly of Orkney Islands and Aberdeenshire. Thc former, who was in the employ of the Hudson Bay Fur Company, spent many years as a fur trapper on the Saskatchewan River in British America. He could speak fluently the different Indian dialects and always evinced a friendly feel- ing toward the red men. He returned to Scot- land, where he was employed as a tailor until his death.

Of seven children in the parental family, all attained years of maturity, but only two are liv- ing. The Captain, who was the eldest of the fam- ily, was early obliged to earn his own livelihood, and went from Scotland to London, where he worked at the tailor's trade. In 1867 he crossed the Atlantic and worked at his trade in Phila- delphia until 1871, since which time he has re- sided in Scranton. Here he married Miss Frances Flint, a native of London, England. They are the parents of ten children: James S., a tailor; John W., who is a police officer in this city; Helen, Robert B., Wallace W., Franklin, Wilfrid, Flora, Elsie and Fannie. Robert, who was appointed a military cadet by the member of congress from Scranton, remained one year at West Point, but on account of having been poi- soned by a poison ivy he was confined in a hos- pital for three months, and finally was honorably discharged. Returning home, on his recovery he was appointed on the city engineer's force and continued in that capacity until his death in February, 1896.

Captain Moir's popularity may be shown by the fact that he was elected six times in succes- sion to represent the ninth ward in the common council, and for two years was president of the council, and at different times he has served on important committees and is chairman of the jil- diciary committee. In his political affiliations he is a firm Republican, always voting the party ticket. He is a member of the Second Presby-

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terian Church, has been president of the Scran- ton Caledonian Club, is identified with the Peter Williamson Lodge, F. & A. M., the Scranton Consistory, the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and is treasurer of the encampment and identified with the Patriarchs Militant.

H ON. JOHN P. QUINNAN. As an influ- ential member of the Democratic party the name of Mr. Quinnan is well and fa- vorably known throughout Lackawanna County. A man of progressive spirit, his fellow-citizens in Scranton are justly proud of his success. Those of opposite political views, while combating his opinions, recognize his talents and respect the fidelity with which he supports his party prin- ciples. In January, 1896, at the close of his term in the assembly, he formed a partnership with an- other attorney under the firm name of Quinnan & Donahoe, and now carries on a general prac- tice in the Mears Building.

James and Catherine (Moyles) Quinnan, par- ents of our subject, were natives of County Sligo, Ireland, where they were reared. About 1854 the father came to Scranton, where he was em- ployed as an iron worker with the Lackawanna Coal Company until he retired from active labors. He is still living and makes his home on the south side. After coming here he mar- ried Miss Moyles, by whom he has five chil- dren. John P., who is the eldest of the family, was born in the twelfth ward of Scranton, April 18, 1859. When only five years of age he lost one limb in a railroad accident. On this account he was perhaps given better educational advan- tages than might otherwise have fallen to his lot. He graduated from the high school in 1877 with the first honors and valedictory, after which he was employed as principal of school No. 2, the first school he had ever attended. He was actively connected with the local teachers' organ- ization and was very successful in the work. His leisure hours were given to the study of law under Hon. W. H. Stanton and in the office of Stokes & Hoban, and while there he was admit- ted to the bar in 1894.

member of the executive committee of the city committee, has been a member of the county central committee, chairman of county conven- tions and delegate to state conventions. He was formerly a member of the board of health and for twelve years belonged to the certificate com- mittee of Lackawanna County, having been elected to this office by the teachers. In 1892 he was elected to represent the second district of Lackawanna County in the assembly, his op- ponent being F. T. Okell, Republican. He took his seat in 1893 and served with fidelity to the interests of his constituents. Among the com- mittees of which he was a member were those on vice and immorality, judicial apportionment, re- trenchment and reform. He assisted in the pas- sage of the anti-Pinkerton bill and also supported the firemen's bill, which passed both houses, but was vetoed by the governor. Fraternally he is identified with the Royal Arcanum, being a mem- ber of the South Side Council.

F RANK M. MOYER. Business men of Scranton, as of all enterprising cities, are a potent element in the development of its industries and draw to it such citizens as will enhance its prosperity. Among the contractors and builders of the city, to whose energy and skill is due the substantial appearance of our public buildings and private homes, mention properly belongs to Frank M. Moyer, who re- sides at No. 935 Capouse Avenue and has his shop in the rear of No. 320 North Washington Avenue. Being endowed by nature with excel- lent judgment and common sense, he has added to these qualities an enviable reputation for in- tegrity and honorable dealing, and his excep- tional business ability is recognized by his asso- ciates.

The father of our subject, Stephen Moyer, is a member of an old family of Northampton County and was born in Easton. For a time he was employed as a gunsmith in Tannersville, but in 1860 he came to Scranton, where he was em- ployed by the Lackawanna Iron & Coal Com- pany. Upon the first call for volunteers at the

A Democrat in politics, Mr. Quinnan is a opening of the Civil War he promptly re-

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sponded, and in February, 1861, his name was enrolled as a member of Company A, One Hun- dred and Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. He served faithfully until the close of the conflict, returning to his home March 15, 1865. After- ward he removed to Wyoming County, but eleven years later returned to Scranton, where he is still living. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Neyhart, was born in Nazareth, Pa., of an old family in that locality. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom six are living.

The eldest member of the family, Frank M., was born in Easton, Pa., in 1858, and from the age of ten has been practically self-supporting. When nineteen he learned the carpenter's trade in Scranton, and in 1888 began contracting on his own account. He has continued in this occu- pation ever since, having contracts throughout the entire valley. Among those in other places may be mentioned the Anthracite Hotel and the Ontario & Western depot at Carbondale. His business place is in the rear of No. 320 Washing- ton Avenue. During the busy season he em- ploys from eighty-five to one hundred men, all skilled workmen, by which means he is enabled to execute his contracts promptly, efficiently and accurately. He has been twice married and has two children, Elsie and Edgar. His present wife was in maidenhood Isabelle Fassold and was born in Scranton. Fraternally Mr. Moyer is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Peter Williamson Lodge, F. & A. M., Lackawanna Chapter No. 185, R. A. M., and Coeur de Lion Commandery No. 17, K. T. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

J AMES RUTHERFORD, one of the lead- ing dry-goods merchants of Carbondale, is of Scotch birth and lineage. He was born September 28, 1848, in the beautiful old city of Kelso, on the Tweed, near the border of Eng- land. His parents, Thomas and Isabel (Young) Rutherford, spent their entire lives in Scotland, where the former was an extensive woolen man- ufacturer in Kelso. The family consisted of sev-

eral children, of whom Thomas still resides in Kelso, where he is engaged in the mercantile business; William is the gardener to Lord Holmes at Weybridge, England.

Educated in his native place, as a young man Mr. Rutherford became a traveling salesman for the firm of I. J. & G. Cooper of Manchester, England. In 1869 he crossed the Atlantic to Canada and for a time was engaged in the dry- goods business in London, after which he went to Chicago and for one year was employed in the dry-goods house of A. E. Thomas & Co. Going back to Canada, he had charge of the branch store of a London (Ont.) firm, near that city in the village of Strathroy. After having been the proprietor of this establishment for about three years, he embarked in business for himself at Watford, Canada, and remained some years in that place. His next venture was the purchase of the Strathroy store from his former employers, and two years were spent in the management of the enterprise there.

On selling out, Mr. Rutherford went to Buf- falo, N. Y., where he clerked in a store for two years. Then coming to Pennsylvania, he was employed by the dry-goods firm of Clelland, Simpson & Taylor, in Scranton, for two years. When they established a branch at Carbondale called the Globe warehouse, he was taken into the firm as a partner and was put in charge of the business here. His energetic method of doing business has put new life into the dry-goods trade in Carbondale and from the first he has been successful. In 1890 he bought the interest of his partners in the Carbondale store, since which time he has been sole proprietor and has carried on a large and profitable trade. He has recently completed one of the finest residences in Carbondale and expects to here make his per- inanent home.

September 15, 1875, Mr. Rutherford was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth J. Bailey, a na- tive of London, Ont., and they are the parents of four children, three sons and a daughter, namely : Albert, who is a student at Blair's Hall, in Blairs- town, N. J .; Thomas Arthur, Beatrice May and Jamies Bailey, who are students in the Carbon- dale schools. In religious belief Mr. Rutherford

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is identified with the First Presbyterian Church, and politically is independent, supporting the men whom he deems best qualified to represent the people. While he started in life unaided ex- cept by his strong constitution and willing hands, he has met with success, which is attributed to his energy and industry, backed by a good share of common sense. In his manners he is plain and straightforward, in deportment affable and pleasing, and as a citizen he has the respect of his acquaintances.

G EORGE G. WINANS. Not only in the immediate locality where he resides, but throughout the entire city of Scranton, Mr. Winans is known as an energetic and capable business man, who by long experience is espe- cially qualified for the work of which he makes a specialty. Since 1860 he has made his home here, coming to the city at that time and begin- ning in business as a sign and house painter. In that capacity he gave employment, during busy seasons, to about twenty-five hands. Since 1886 he has, however, given his attention exclusively to sign painting, and has the largest business of anyone in that line here.

A native of New Jersey, Mr. Winans was born in Belvidere, Warren County, June 28, 1838. His father, Elihu M., who was born in Elizabeth, N. J., became an early settler of Belvidere, where he was engaged as a tinsmith and dealer in hardware and stoves. Thence he went to Philadelphia and worked in that city for fourteen years. In 1860 he came to Scranton and estab- lished his home in Hyde Park, where he re- mained until his death. He married Charlotte Randolphı, who was born in Belvidere, N. J., where her father, Abraham F., a veteran of the War of 1812, was for some years a shoemaker. She died in New Jersey, having become the mother of four children, three now living.

Educated in the public and high schools of Belvidere and Philadelphia, at the age of four- teen Mr. Winans began to learn the trade of a sign painter in Philadelphia, and five years later, on the completion of his apprenticeship, he began for himself in that city. In 1860 he came to

Scranton and settled where he now resides at No. 521 North Main Avenue, Hyde Park. Since 1896 the firm has been Winans & Son. He built the Marble Block, three stories high and con- taining three stores, one of which he still owns. At the time of the organization of the Bonta Glass Company at Moosic, he was one of its promoters, and in 1893 was sent to Europe with a working model. While his business was chiefly in Vienna, he visited London and Paris and points of interest on the continent, spending nearly two months abroad.

In Scranton Mr. Winans married Mrs. Anna (Hughes) Howell, who was born in England, being a member of an old family of Wales. They are the parents of two children, George H., and Mrs. Minnie J. Richart, of Scranton. The for- mer, who was born here, is an energetic young business man and is in partnership with his father at No. 317 Lackawanna Avenue. Though not active in public affairs, Mr. Winans is well in- formed regarding national issues and uni- formly supports the Democratic ticket. Having made a careful study of Christian science, he has become a convert to that belief and a firm sup- porter of its teachings. In Masonry he belongs to Lackawanna Chapter No. 185, R. A. M., Coeur de Lion Commandery No. 17, K. T., and the Consistory.

C HARLES L. THOUROT, D. D. S. Al- though still in the dawn of his profes- sional career, Dr. Thourot has already given evidence of his ability that qualifies him for a high place in the dental profession. Ener- getic, ambitious and persevering, there seems no reason why his unquestioned ability should not find full scope in the discharge of professional du- ties. He is well informed in every department of the profession, to which he has conscientiously given careful thought and earnest study, in order that he might prepare himself for successful work.

The Doctor's father, C. L. Thourot, was born near Paris, France, and was a son of George Thourot, a machinist, who spent two years in Scranton, but then returned to France. The father, who was also a machinist by trade, came

HON. LEMUEL AMERMAN.

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to America in 1863 and settled in Scranton, where he was employed in the Dickson Works, first as machinist, then as draughtsman. In 1893 he retired from active labors and has since resided in Dalton. He married Miss Zilpha M. Heller, who was born in Scranton, of an old Pennsylvania-German family, being a daughter of Samuel and a sister of Captain Heller. They were the parents of four children, three of whom are living, one son, George F., being a dental student under his brother.

The subject of this sketch, who was next to the eldest of the family, was born and reared in Scranton, where he attended the public and high schools. While still in school, he devoted his evenings and Saturdays to the study of dentistry under Dr. Wheaton, continuing for eighteen months. In 1886 he entered the Penn- sylvania Dental College, from which he gradu- ated two years later with the degree of D. D. S. He began the practice of his profession in Arch Street, Philadelphia, and in 1896 settled in Scran- ton, opening an office at No. 421 Lackawanna Avenue, where he had gained his first knowledge of the profession. He has every convenience for his work and the latest improvements for crown and bridge work, so that with the. painstaking skill he gives to every detail, he cannot fail of success. He makes his home with his parents in Dalton. He is a member of the Methodist Church. While in Philadelphia he united with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is also associated with the Knights of the Golden Eagle.

H ON. LEMUEL AMERMAN, ex-M. C., has been practicing law in Scranton since 1876, and is a prominent member of the bar. His practice is very extensive in all the courts, though his preference is for civil law, and he has been engaged in some of the most im- portant cases connected with coal mining and corporations. He was born near Danville, Mon- tour County, Pa., October 29, 1846, and is a son of Jesse C. and Caroline (Strohm) Amerman. The first of the Amerman family to settle in America was his great-great-great-grandfather,

who resided near Amsterdam, Holland, and came over to New York with the Dutch colon- ists. For a number of years from 1695 Derick Amerman owned and ran the ferries between New York and Hoboken.

Albert Amerman, great-grandfather of Lem- uel, came to Pennsylvania from New Jersey and settled in Northumberland County in 1800, pur- chasing a tract of land and remaining there until his death, which occurred in 1821. Prior to the Revolution he was a farmer, but upon the break- ing out of the war he gave up his horses, cattle and other stock, a sacrifice upon the altar of his country's liberty. Entering the service of the colonies, he participated in various engagements and lost his knee-cap at the battle of Monmouth. Henry, son of Albert Amerman, was a native of New Jersey, and when a small boy accompanied his father to Pennsylvania. He married Susan- na Cook, a native of Montgomery County, this state.

Jesse C. Amerman, son of Henry and father of Lemuel, is a resident of Cooper Township, Mon- tour County, where he is engaged in farming and merchandising. In 1873-74 he represented Montour County in the state legislature. De- cember 2, 1845, he married Caroline, daughter of Abraham Strohm, and a descendant of an- cestors who emigrated from Germany and set- tled in Pennsylvania about 1765. She died April 19, 1869. Born and reared on a farm, in youth the subject of this sketch followed the work in- cident to such a life, and thus acquired habits of industry and thrift and much practical experi- ence. Possessing by birth and training a good constitution, he has stored up such health as has given him much physical endurance. For a while he worked in repairing the canal owned by the Pennsylvania Canal Company, and drove team and clerked in a store. He acquired his education in the public schools and prepared for college at Danville Academy. Two years were spent in teaching school, and in 1866 he entered Bucknell University at Lewisburg, Pa., from which institution he graduated with honor in the class of 1870. For three years he was professor of ancient languages and English literature in the state normal school at Mansfield, Pa.

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Portrait and biographical record of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 14

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