Portrait and biographical record of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 89

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 89

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The entire life of Mr. Fadden has been passed in this county. He was born in the borough of Olyphant May 5, 1860, a son of Dominick and Bridget (O'Malley) Fadden, who were natives of County Mayo, Ireland, and are now living in Olyphant, the father at the age of seventy-four and the mother about seventy. Of their ten children Michael F. was the fifth in order of birth. In his boyhood years he had few ad- vantages. The family were poor, comforts were few and educational advantages impossible. In spite of disadvantages, he began for himself with a determination to succeed. Like so many boys of the county, his first work was in the break- ers, and he served his time in and around the mines in all the different grades. Unlike many boys, however, his leisure hours were not idled away or worse than wasted in the companionship of dissolute men, but were devoted industriously to the study of the English branches, which he mastered. Later he took up the study of book- keeping and soon gained such thoroughness in this line that for seven years he was the trusted head bookkeeper of a general mercantile store in Olyphant.

Finally resigning this position, Mr. Fadden moved to Dickson City, where for six years he

was proprietor of the Grove House. He next engaged in the cigar business in partnership with Mr. Gallagher, a former employer, and was one of the proprietors of the well known F. & G. cigar. With the capital thus secured, he built the Fadden House at Priceburg and here has since engaged in the hotel business. October 8, 1882, he married Miss Nellie Flynn, and seven children were born of their union, but two are deceased.

During his residence both in Dickson City and Priceburg, Mr. Fadden has taken a warm inter- est and active part in local politics. Three times elected to the boroughi council, in that body he has served as treasurer, secretary and chairman. He was his party's candidate, in 1896, for the position of representative of the fourth district in the legislature, and made a creditable cam- paign, though defeated with others of the ticket. Doubtless, in future years he will again be the party nominee for positions of trust, for other Democrats in the community appreciate his tried fidelity to party principles and his fitness for of- ficial positions. He possesses in an eminent de- gree determination of character, force of will and energy of purpose-qualities which will without doubt further enhance his success in the future.

W ILLIAM A. GRAY is the senior mem- ber of the firm of Gray & Co., of Scran- ton, dealers in wood, slate and marble mantels, grates and open fireplaces, tiling for floors, mantels and walls, marble and slate for interior decorations, with place of business at . No. 516 Lackawanna Avenue. Since coming to this city he has built up an extensive trade, which he first carried on alone, but since March, 1896, with James Flynn as his partner. The firm is the leading one in their line in the city and is known as a reliable concern.

In Liverpool, England, William A. Gray was born June 17, 1849, and there he was reared and educated. When fifteen years of age he accom- panied his parents to the United States and set- tled in New York City. His father was a seafar- ing man with the Pacific mail line steamers. In New York he served an apprenticeship of five

742

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years to the marble cutter's trade, and on the expiration of his term began as a salaried work- man, remaining in that city until he came to Scranton in August, 1890, for the purpose of es- tablishing his present business.

The marriage of Mr. Gray May 21, 1886, united him with Miss Elizabeth Barascale, who was born in London, England, and is, like him- self, a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Their family comprises three children, Florence, Jessie and William A. In politics Mr. Gray has been a Republican from the time of coming to this country to the present. Fraternally he is connected with Scranton Lodge No. 123, B. P. O. E., and Tecuphia Lodge No. 487, F. & A. M., of New York City. As a citizen, he is upright and consistent, always identifying himself with any progressive movement for the benefit of the city. His time has been given so closely to busi- ness affairs that it has been impossible for him to take an active part in politics or local matters, but his interest in the welfare of the community has been none the less on that account. A man of sterling worth and business ability, he is just- ly meeting with success in his enterprises.

A LBERT B. EYNON, cashier of the West Side Bank, of Scranton, was born in Car- bondale, Pa., September 4, 1847, and is of Welsh descent. His paternal grandfather, John Eynon, a native of Wales and a carpenter by trade, took his family to Canada in 1834, but the following year came to the States and began to work at his trade in Peckville, Pa. His last days, with the exception of a short time spent in Sus- quehanna County, were passed in Scranton, where he died at the age of nearly eighty years.

Thomas, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Wales in 1821 and was the eldest of six children. In 1835 he came with the family to Lackawanna County, being one of the early settlers of Carbondale, where he followed the oc- cupation of carpenter and builder. Afterward he came to Scranton, where he engaged in mining and was foreman in the work of sinking the Con- tinental shaft. His next venture was the open- ing of a mercantile establishment in Hyde Park,

which he sold later, and accepted the position of general inside foreman of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company at Summit Hill, Carbon County, Pa. After a time he went to Ohio and was foreman in a mine at Irondale, Jackson County, then engaged in merchandising at Al- liance, Ohio, and later was employed as foreman in coal operations at Steubenville. At this writ- ing he is owner of a mercantile store in North Main Avenue, Hyde Park. He married Jane Leyshon, a native of Wales, and daughter of John and Mary (Wood) Leyshon, the former of whom owned canal boats in Wales, but engaged in farming after his emigration to Pennsylvania.

Of three children now living, the subject of this sketch is the eldest, the others being Jennie, wife of Dr. B. G. Beddoe of Hyde Park, and George F., who is in partnership with his father and brother under the firm name of G. F. Eynon & Co. When four years of age, our subject was brought to Scranton and reared in Hyde Park, attending the public schools here. For three years, when a young man, he followed the car- penter's trade, and when twenty became a mem- ber of the firm of Eynon & Jones, merchants of Hyde Park. In 1869 he went to Irondale, Ohio, where he was employed as clerk in a store. Later he was a member of the mercantile house of Ey- non & Son at Alliance, that state, but after a tine went back to Irondale. In 1873 he re- turned to Scranton, where he began merchan- dising on Main Avenue, continuing there until the year 1877, when he was chosen cashier of the West Side Bank, a position since held by him. The bank had been organized in 1874, he being one of the stockholders, and a year later he was . made a director, which position he held until his election as cashier. Upon the organization of the bank George B. Sanderson was elected president and Benjamin Hughes vice-president. The first cashier served a short time only, and his suc- cessor dying in 1877 left the position vacant. About 1881 Mr. Hughes was made president and he has since held that office, the vice-president being Reese T. Brooks. The first location of the bank was at No. III North Main Avenue, after which it was at No. 106 South Main until 1883, since which time it has been at No. 109 North

743

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Main, where a general banking business is car- ried on. For the convenience of depositors, among whom are many working people, the bank is open Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

At Scranton, May 6, 1874, Mr. Eynon mar- ried Miss Annie Hughes, daughter of Hon. Ben- jamin Hughes. They are the parents of four sons: T. Albert, member of the class of 1897, dental department of the University of Pennsyl- vania; B. G .; H. B. and Paul. Fraternally Mr. Eynon is a charter member of Hyde Park Lodge, Knights of Honor, in which he is reporter. While in Ohio he united with the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders. Politically he is a Republican and has served as delegate to various local con- ventions. In the Plymouth Congregational Church he has been president of the board of trustees and has served as superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is known as a man of strict integrity, one who, by fair business dealings with all, has gained an enviable reputation for probity and honor.

the youngest son of J. M. and Kathrina (Buck) Durr. His father, who was a farmer and shoe- maker, died at the age of seventy-one years; his maternal grandfather was a soldier in the Ger- man army during the Napoleonic wars. Of the family of six children, three came to America, two of whom died in Philadelphia.

At the age of thirteen years and six months, the subject of this sketch left home to begin an apprenticeship to the cabinet-maker's trade in Ilshoffen, Wurtemberg, where he remained for three years, later traveling as a journeyman. In 1866 he went to Bremen and took passage on the steamer "Herman," which after a voyage of two weeks landed in New York City. April 29, of that year, he arrived in Philadelphia, where he worked at the cabinet-maker's trade for eight months. Later he was with a brother, John, who had a restaurant at Sixteenth Street and

Rich Avenue, that city. January 1, 1870, he went to Pittston as clerk in a hotel, remaining until August of that year, when he came to Scranton as clerk in the hotel of John Zeidler. In the fall of 1872 he returned to Philadelphia and spent the winter.

Returning to Scranton, Mr. Durr accepted a clerkship in the Union Restaurant at No. 313 Lackawanna Avenue, afterward bought the place and in 1876 established what has since been known as Durr's Hotel. He is interested in various enterprises, and is president of the Tay- lor Electric Light Company. Since coming to Scranton he has married, his wife having been Mrs. Adeline Graeber, a native of Baden, Ger- many. A firm Republican in politics, in 1880 he was elected to represent the eighth ward in the select council, and was re-elected in 1883, serv- ing six years at that time, and in 1894 was again chosen to the same position. He is now chair- man of the fire department committee and a member of a number of important committees. All improvements receive his support and his connection with many of these has been quite important. He aided in securing the new house for the Nay-Aug Engine Company of the eighth ward and in the paving of Spruce Street, Penn and Franklin Avenues. For years he has been a

F RED) DURR, proprietor of Durr's Hotel, at No. 313 Lackawanna Avenue, Scran- ton, and member of the select council from the eighth ward, was born in Dunsbach, Wur- temberg, Germany, November 1, 1844, and is . member of the city and county committees.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Durr is a mem- ber of the Liederkranz, for years has been pres- ident of the Turn Verein; in 1875 joined Schiller Lodge No. 345, F. & A. M., in which he has been past master and representative; is a member of Lackawanna Chapter No. 185, R. A. M., and is a demitted member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is not connected with any denomination, but aids in the support of Zion Lutheran Church, to which his wife belongs. At this writing he is president of the Scranton Hook & Ladder Company.

R EV. J. IGNATIUS DUNN. Since enter- ing the priesthood of the Catholic Church, Father Dunn has labored tirelessly and zealously to promote the cause to which he is devotedly attached. Throughout the diocese of

744

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Scranton he is held in esteem as a gentleman possessing many estimable qualities of head and heart, and one who may be relied upon to assist in every enterprise for the advancement of the church. For some years he has held the posi- tion of assistant to Rev. P. J. McManus of St. Paul's Church, Scranton, and his intelligent and able co-operation with the rector has greatly aided in the promotion of the work in this lo- cality.

The Dunn family originated in Ireland. The father of our subject, William, was born in Kings County, and was orphaned when quite young. At the age of fifteen he came to America and learned the carpenter's trade in Mystic, Conn., going from that place to New London, the same county and state. In the fall of 1863 he removed to Wilmington, Del., and there worked at his trade until 1892, when he retired from active labors. He died December 25, 1896. During the Civil War he served for nine months as a member of Company E, Twenty-sixth Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, and at the expiration of that tinte he was honorably discharged. He was in several battles, in one of which he was severely wounded. By his marriage to Catherine Sexton, a native of County Cavan, Ireland, he became the father of three children, but Ignatius, the youngest, is the only one now living.

The childhood years of our subject were passed partly in Mystic, Conn., where he was born De- cember 27, 1857, and partly in New London, Conn. When six years of age he removed with his parents to Wilmington, Del. His education was begun in public schools and continued in the parochial schools. In 1872 he entered Mount St. Mary's College at Emmitsburg, Md., where he remained but one year. He afterward stayed at home and continued his studies under private tutors for a few years, and then concluded to learn the carriage trade. At this he served but a year, when he determined to again take up his studies. In 1878 he entered St. Charles College, at Ellicott City, Howard County, Md., and con- tinued his studies there until graduating three years later. He afterward spent two years in Wilmington, recuperating his health which had been somewhat impaired by overwork in school.

Meantime he was employed as clerk and book- keeper. However, it was not his intention to enter upon a business life, and his work in that line was only preparatory to his chosen profes- sion. In 1883 he entered St. Bonaventure's Seminary at Allegany, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and after four years' study of philosophy and theology he completed his studies in 1887. On the 22d of August, the same year, he was or- dained to the holy priesthood by the Rt .- Rev. Bishop O'Hara, in St. Peter's Cathedral, Scran- ton, and immediately received the appointment of assistant to the rector, Rev. D. O'Haran of St. Mary's Church at Wilkesbarre, where he re- mained for two years. His next appointment was that of assistant to the rector at St. John's Church on the south side, Scranton, and he aided Father E. J. Melley there for three and one-half years, after* which, in 1892, he was transferred to St. Paul's Church, where he still remains. In the work here he is deeply interested, and his active assistance in every department has materially advanced the cause.

A SA EUGENE COBB. The family of which this gentleman is a representative, was one of the earliest established in Jef- ferson Township, John, who came from New York in the early part of the century, being the first of the name to locate here. He was well known among the pioneer residents of this local- ity and was an energetic, hard-working man. His son, Asa, our subject's father, was born on the old homestead in 1818 and assisted, in youth, in the clearing of the land, a portion of which fell to him as his inheritance. In the old homestead he was considerably annoyed by the swinging doors that were fanned by the wind. Later he erected the house now occupied by our sub- ject. It is a very substantial structure and is peculiar in the fact that the doors do not swing on hinges, but are sliding, he having resorted to this method of obviating the annoyance of pre- vious years. His death occurred when he was seventy-six.

The mother of our subject, Elizabeth C. Enzel- in, was born in Wayne County and is still living,

JAMES M. EVERHART.

747

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a resident on the old home farm. Her eight children are named as follows: Mary E., wife of W. G. Doud, of Scranton; J. Eliza, Mrs. George Rozell, of Spring Brook Township; Asa Eugene; Ida, a teacher in Spring Brook Town- ship; William Jasper, who is engaged in the lum- ber business in Bradford County; Lillian, a mis- sionary in China; John, a farmer of Spring Brook Township; and Luella, who lives in Scranton. On the home farm, where he was born January 8, 1853, our subject was reared to manhood. In April of 1874, at the age of twenty-one, he went to Saunders County, Neb., and spent the sum- mer there. Returning home in November, he took a commercial course in one of the business colleges of Scranton. In 1879 he went to Kan- sas, where he stayed a little while, then drove by team to San Juan, Col., spending six weeks on the road. On arriving at his destination, he en- gaged in mining and prospecting for gold and silver. Finally returning to the old homestead in the winter of 1888, he has since devoted himself to its cultivation.

In former years Mr. Cobb was a Democrat, but now affiliates with the Prohibitionists. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Patriotic Order Sons of America. In August, 1896, he married Adaline Snyder, daughter of Jesse Snyder, and a lady who is quite popular in this community.

J AMES MARION EVERHART, a manu- facturer, coal operator and capitalist, of Scranton, is a lineal descendant of a royal German family, the record of which is traceable directly back to the thirteenth century. At that time the name was spelled Eberhard, but the grandfather of our subject changed it to its pres- ent form. Eberhard "the Noble," was born March 13, 1265, and was a Wurtemberger by birth, his parents belonging to the royal family. He was one of the most daring and successful warriors Wurtemberg ever had. In appearance he was large and dignified, erect and well pro- portioned. As a military man he was stern and rather arbitrary. He was very liberally educated for the times and was more than ordinarily in- telligent even in childhood. At the early age of

fifteen years he conceived the idea of establish- ing the kingdom of Wurtemberg. A few years later, after consultation with his friends and some of the surrounding leaders, he actually set up his throne. This was ridiculed by the surrounding dukes and kings, but it was not long until he succeeded in gathering around him an army not only strong enough to defend himself, but able to assist him in acquiring new territory. He was eminently fitted for a leader and carried on an almost continuous warfare for forty years, until he fully established the still flourishing kingdom of Wurtemberg, with the grand city of Stuttgart for its capital. He reigned nearly forty-six years and died June 5, 1325, in the sixty-first year of his age.

Of his three sons, only the youngest, Ulrich, survived him, and he succeeded to the throne. His reign was short and he was succeeded by his son Eberhard "the Groaner," or as he was sometimes called, "the Rushing Beard," who was a great and good man and accomplished as much for Wurtemberg as any of her rulers. In his family he was kind and affectionate; as a mili- tary man, heroic, brave and daring. His armies he always led in person. In those days the weapons used were the saber, lance and spear, and he always claimed to be able to contend with "five of the best warriors they could bring," which, too, he fully demonstrated. He died quite suddenly, March 15; 1392, in the sixty-seventh year of his age.

Ulrich, a son of Eberhard "the Groaner," fell in love with a sister of a young duke who at the time was engaged in war with Eberhard. He spent much time in her company and in the ene- my's land, which so enraged the father that he crossed his name off the family record and de- cided to disinherit hin. Finally, however, Ul- rich decided to return to his father's assistance and took charge of a division of the army in the battle of Reuttingen, where he was repulsed and slightly wounded. His father did not think he had done his duty and, when they were seated at table, took his sword and cut the tablecloth in two between them to indicate complete separa- tion. Ulrich determined to redeem himself and as soon as his wounds were healed, again went to

748

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

war and in a fierce battle at Doffingen gained a glorious victory against great odds. Just as vic- tory was won he was slain by three cowards, who crept up behind him. His father was greatly grieved and when found alone in his tent was weeping and would not be comforted. Of this sad scene there is a large picture in the Corcoran Art Gallery at Washington, in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and in the museum at Rotterdam, where there is also one representing the cutting in two of the tablecloth.

Eberhard "the Mild" commenced to reign about A. D. 1392, and held the throne about twenty-five years. He did much to raise his kingdom to a high state of culture and refine- ment, and was well liked all over Germany. He died May 16, 1417, and was succeeded by his son Eberhard "the Younger," born August 23, 1388. At about twenty years of age he married a wealthy young woman named Henrietta, of the royal line of King Sigesmund. Duke Eberhard died July 2, 1419, and left two sons, Ludwig and Ulrich, and a daughter Anna. Upon his death his widow, Henrietta, claimed the right to reign in his stead and took possession. This aroused great opposition, but she continued to hold the throne until her self-will and domineering spirit made her so unpopular, even among her own people, that in the seventh year of her reign it was found necessary to abdicate in favor of her elder son, Ludwig.

The throne next passed in succession to Duke Eberhard "with the Beard," who was born De- cember II, 1445, and died February 24, 1496. He was succeeded by his nephew, Count Eberhard "the Young," born February 1, 1447, and died in 1504. Duke Eberhard III commenced to reign in 1633 and held the throne for forty-one years. He had great difficulties to encounter, as his reign began during the noted Thirty Years War, when almost the whole of Germany was laid waste by the army. Though he made a vigorous defense, he was not successful. His army of thirty-one thousand was defeated by a superior force in 1634. He left twelve thousand dead on the field and four thousand were taken prisoners. After four years' banishment he was allowed to return, but found nothing except dev-

astation and ruin. Forty thousand vineyards and two hundred and eighty-eight thousand farms and meadows had been destroyed, and even four years after the close of the war there were still missing several cities, villages, churches, public buildings and dwellings. With commendable spirit and energy he at once went to work and gradually rebuilt the waste places and restored the country, establishing good laws and the wor- ship of God. His death occurred July 2, 1674, and he was succeeded by his son, William Lud- wig.

Duke Leopold Eberhard was the next ruler and it was during his time that the Eberhards ceased to reign in Wurtemberg. He agreed to relinquish all claims, both for himself and family, in favor of Duke Eberhard Ludwig, who was considered the next legal heir, for a certain pay- ment per annum. This was agreed to, but the plan was frustrated by a still more distant rel- ative, Duke Charles Augen. There was strife at that time between the Protestants and Catholics, and the Catholics were victorious. By marrying into a Catholic family of the royal line and join- ing that church, Duke Charles Augen was en- abled to get favors at headquarters and in that way was made Duke of Wurtemberg. Substan- tiation of the above will be found in the history of Germany.

The religious war caused many families to leave the country and come to America, and among others was Frederick Eberhard, who land- ed in Philadelphia March 30, 1737. It is believed he came direct from Wurtemberg, where he be- longed to the nobility, as he was often heard to say that he "was next to the prince." He settled in Chester County, Pa. His son, Christian, who was born in 1728, and died in 1777, was a man of prominence and held a royal commission under the crown. Of his nine children seven at- tained maturity. Of these James Everhart (as he spelled the name), the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Chester County, Pa., in 1760, and engaged in farming. During the Revolu- tionary War he served under General Washing- ton and passed the memorable winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge. He was remarkable for activity, strength and a robust constitution. He was one

749

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the foremost men of his community and his judgment was often sought in the settlement of disputes that arose. He died in 1852, in his ninety-third year.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical record of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 89

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