Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 110

Author: Chapman Publishing Company (NY)
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: New York ; Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1068

USA > Pennsylvania > Lackawanna County > Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties > Part 110
USA > Pennsylvania > Wyoming County > Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties > Part 110

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).

M ICHAEL F. WYMBS. Success in busi- ness can be secured by tireless energy and unwearied industry, and it is to these qualities that Mr. Wymbs owes the large measure of prosperity which has come to him. In 1897 he located his present undertaking and livery es-

tablishment at No. 1112 Jackson Street, Scran- ton, where he has three stories and basement, 25X 150 feet in dimensions, and a barn 55x85 feet, both of brick. In 1894 he located a branch of his undertaking establishment at No. 226 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, where he has three stories and basement, 50x49 feet in dimensions, and a barn erected by himself in the rear. His show and stock room is among the best equipped in the city, and he carries on the largest business of its kind in the city. In everything pertaining to his business he maintains a warm interest. He took a course in Professor Renard's school at Phila- delphia, from which he graduated. He is well fitted by study and experience for his chosen oc- cupation, and his strict attention to business has brought him a good share of worldly prosperity.

S TEPHEN E. AKERLEY, deceased, was one of the deservedly successful business men of Scranton. He was born in Justus, Scott Township, this county, June 28, 1864, and was a son of Levi and Sarah (Slocum) Akerley, natives of the same township as himself. His maternal grandfather, Ebenezer Slocum, was born in the old village of Slocum's Hollow, and was a great-nephew of a lady who was captured by the Indians during the wars with the savages in the early history of Pennsylvania. The pa- ternal grandfather, Justus Akerley, a native of Rhode Island, settled in the Lackawanna Valley when all around there was but a bare wilderness. There he built a log house and reared a large family. In his honor the postoffice established there was named Justus, and one of his sons, Loran, acted as the first postmaster. On arriv- ing at manhood, Levi Akerley bought a farm near the old homestead, but afterward removed to Wallsville, this county, where he spent three years. His next home was in South Abington Township, where he bought a farm and resided for thirteen years. Later he settled near Clarks Green. In March, 1882, at the age of forty-four, he died from the effects of a stroke of paralysis. During the Civil War he responded to the emer- gency call and served in a Pennsylvania regi- ment. His widow is now living in Oregon.

906

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The subject of this sketch was next to the eldest of four children. In boyhood he attended the district schools and Keystone Academy. At the age of seventeen he came to Providence and was employed by William Pearce at the old Pearce market. In 1882 he started in the meat business for himself, hauling the meat by wagon from South Abington Township. The following year he moved to Scott Township and drove a wagon from there to Scranton. In 1883 he bought a forty-acre farm in Justus, which is the best in the locality. In 1890 he established a market in Olyphant, in July of the following year opened a market in Scranton, and these he afterward con- ducted, besides having a slaughter house in Oly- phant. He carried on a large wholesale business, and cattle were shipped here direct from the west.

While Mr. Akerley met with much success, he had some reverses, the principal one being by fire. January 3, 1895, a cold, blustery night, when the ground was covered with snow, a fire broke out about 3 a. m. The family were then living above the store, and awakened in time to escape with their lives, but without clothing or any of the household belongings. Some money was lost in the fire, but $93 in silver was saved. The family ran, barefooted, to the nearest shelter and were made as comfortable as possible. In the morning Mr. Akerley looked up another place of business, bought a right of lease, issued circu- lars stating his new location, and at 9:30 the next morning was at the new stand selling meat. On the Ist of April he began to build at the old place and moved to the market on its completion. He was always a hard-working man, and during his first years in business never put in less than eigh- teen hours of work per day. During his lifetime the business was put upon a sound financial basis so that, in his latter years, it was no longer necessary for him to over-exert himself in its be- half.

In Scott Township Mr. Akerley married Au- gusta C., daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Brit- ton) Fike, who lived upon a farm there for many years. In the Fike family there were three daughters, Augusta C., Effie (de- ceased), and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Ak- erley were the parents of three children,

Mabel, who died at the age of six years; Lena and Pearl. In the Primitive Baptist Church Mr. Akerley was a member of the board of trustees. Politically he favored protection of home inter- ests and sound money, and therefore gave his al- legiance to the Republican party. He died Janu- ary 5, 1897. In his death the city lost one of her best citizens, and the family a devoted husband and loving father. His widow now resides in . Olyphant.

R ENSSELAER H. PAGE has for some ' time held the responsible position of fore- man of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western foundry at Scranton, and is one of the trusted employes of the great corporation. A business man of this city since 1866, he has gained a large acquaintance among the people here and is known as a reliable workman, good neighbor, public-spirited citizen and accommo- dating friend. He is a brother of Enoch Page, the contractor, to whose sketch upon another page the reader is referred for particulars re- garding the family history.

The youngest child of his parents, the subject of this article was born in Chatham, Columbia County, N. Y., July 7, 1842, and in that place the first eight years of his life were passed. The family removing to Albany, he was placed in the public schools of that city, where he was a pupil for some years. Later he attended Chatham Seminary. In boyhood, under the supervision of his father, he learned the moulder's trade, of which he early gained a thorough knowledge that made him an excellent workman. In 1866 he came to Scranton, where his brother, Enoch, had settled about six months previous to his ar- rival. For about twenty-four years he worked industriously at his trade, meantime accumulat- ing a competency through the judicious invest- ment of his earnings. Since 1892 he has been foreman of the foundry of the Delaware, Lacka- wanna & Western Company. Some years ago he built a residence at Clarks Summit, and there he has since made his home, though always en- gaging in business in Scranton.

The marriage of Mr. Page was solemnized in

CHARLES W. ROESLER.

909

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

Hoboken, N. J., and united him with Lizzie Nor- ton, who was born in Scranton, the daughter of Thomas Norton, a blacksmith here in former years. While the demands of his position leave him little time for outside matters, yet Mr. Page keeps well posted concerning current events and is an advocate of the Republican party, while in his fraternal relations he is connected with the Heptasophs. He is not a member of any de- nomination, but contributes to the Methodist Episcopal Church and is an attendant at its ser- vices.

C HARLES W. ROESLER. In order to better preserve the history of one who bore a very important part in laying the solid foundation of Scranton's prosperity, a rec- ord of the life of C. W. Roesler is placed upon the pages of this volume. One of the early resi- dents of the city, for many years he has been prominently identified with its growth, and by his efforts to advance its commercial, educational and civic interests, he has done much to bring it to its present standing as one of the foremost cities of the state. To him belongs the credit of having originated the fire department and ren- dered the police service more effective. His character may be viewed from two aspects, one presenting him as an aggressive, enterprising man, carefully weighing grave commercial prob- lems, the other showing him as a lover of birds and plants and bright blooming flowers, lavish- ing upon them the greatest care and giving them sunny quarters in his home in Franklin Avenue.

In Dertingen oberaut Maulbronn, Wurtem- berg, the subject of this sketch was born April 9, 1822, to Charles W. and Katherine (Heimber- ger) Roesler, natives of Dertingen and Poffen- hofen, Wurtemberg. His father, who was a clas- sical scholar and theologian, received the ap- pointment of chief forester to the king and was very successful in his official capacity. Upon his death at the age of eighty-seven, a son-in-law, Frederick Heisler, succeeded to the place. The paternal grandfather, Rev. Gottlieb Roesler, was a minister in the Lutheran Church and was pas-

tor at Brockenheim until he was retired as a pensioner in old age. The maternal grandfather, Jacob Heimberger, was a justice and notary at Dertingen until his death at eighty years.

The parental family consisted of five children, namely: Mrs. Caroline Heimberger; Charles W .; August, who joined the Mexican army from New York, but never returned home; Adolph, who is living retired in Athens, Ala .; and Paul- ina, Mrs. Heisler. Our subject was reared in his father's home and received his education in a Latin school, after which he was employed as clerk in a general store for two years. In 1838 he came to America on the sailer "Constitution," which made the voyage from Bremenhaven to New York in fifty days. In vain endeavoring to secure work, he was finally advised to learn the barber's trade, and as there seemed no other open- ing, he apprenticed himself for four years to Mr. Harrison, a barber in Pearl Street. At the ex- piration of his term of service, he opened a shop in Christopher Street, which he carried on for two years. In 1846 he went to Carbondale, Pa., where he opened a barber shop, and in 1852 re- moved from there to Scranton, opening a shop in the Wyoming House, and building a house on the present site of Elk's Hotel. He was the first white barber in this city, and was successful from the first, having all the business he could attend to.

In 1856 Mr. Roesler was elected high constable for the borough of Scranton and held that posi- tion until the city was incorporated, being espe- cially busy during the period of the Rebellion. He was the first chief of police here, and held the position until the incorporation of the city. A few years later he was appointed by Governor Hartranft to fill out the unexpired term of Mr. Loomis, after which he continued to serve for three terms by re-election, holding the office un- til 1890. Meantime he also served for four years as chief of the fire department, which he origin- ated. He organized the first company, Neptune Hook & Ladder No. I, of which he was fore- man during and after the war, and with which he is still connected. The citizens of Scranton elect- ed him city marshal and he filled the office for

910

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

two years. At one time he was chosen to serve as a member of the city council, but resigned to accept the appointment of chief of police. Since 1890 he has been a notary public and con- veyancer.

In New York City Mr. Roesler married Miss Mary J. Bell, who was born in County Armagh, Ireland, of Scotch descent, and accompanied her father, John Bell, to America, the latter becom- ing a jeweler in New York City; her mother was a Miss Fulton, a relative of Robert Fulton. Mrs. Roesler passed away in 1887, having become the mother of five children: Washington W., a ma- chinist, died in Scranton, leaving a daughter, Mrs. Lillie J. Frankland, of Seattle, Wash .; Jef- ferson L., a constable, died in this city in 1895, leaving two children, Charles W., who died in June, 1896, and Mary J., who resides with our subject; Caroline, Mrs. Stebler, died in Wash- ington, D. C .; Robert J. J., who was a machinist, died here, as did also Charles William, Jr.

Fraternally Mr. Roesler is a member in good standing of Alliance Lodge No. 540, I. O. O. F., and is very, prominent in Masonry, being con- nected with P. M. Schiller Lodge No. 345, F. & A. M., in which he is treasurer and next to the oldest member; Lackawanna Chapter No. 185, H. R. A. M .: Coeur de Lion Commandery No. 17, K. T .; Keystone Consistory, Thirty-second Degree, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, in which he is illustrious treasurer; and Lu-Lu Temple, A. A. O. N. of M. S. of Philadelphia. While not a member of any denomination, his inclinations are in the direction of the Lutheran Church, in which faith he was reared. Politically a Repub- lican, he has served on county and city commit- tees, and upon that ticket has been elected to the various local offices which at different times he has held.

father, Nicholas Decker, having immigrated to this country from Amsterdam and settled at Co- pake, N. Y., shortly afterward with three of his sons participating in the War of 1812. One of these sons, Gideon, was killed in the gunpowder plot; another, George, was a commissioned offi- cer and was always called "colonel;" and the third, Abraham, was our subject's grandfather. The last-named married the daughter of William Moore, of German descent, and in 1821 settled in Pittston Township, Luzerne County, Pa., where he purchased and improved a farm. In advanced years he came to Hyde Park and here died.

The father of our subject, George, was born near Hillsdale, on the Hudson River, in New York, May 25, 1814, and in 1821 accompanied his parents to Pennsylvania. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to D. Brown, of Priceburg, with whom he learned the blacksmith's trade. For a time he had a shop there, then removed to what is now Jermyn and engaged in business there for four years. April 1, 1839, he settled in Hyde Park before the Lackawanna Iron & Coal Company's furnace was started. His first shop was in what is now North Main Avenue, but later he was on South Main Avenue for a year, returning thence to his former place. In 1849 he built in Main Avenue and in 1856 put up a shop in Lafayette Street, where he continued in busi- ness until he retired. At different times he was school and poor director in Hyde Park and was also a member of the old borough council. In June, 1857, he joined Capouse Lodge, I. O. O. F., and later became identified with the encamp- ment. Politically he has always been a Demo- crat. Notwithstanding his advanced age, he is quite strong, retaining to a large degree the pos- session of his physical and mental activities.

Catherine Snyder, mother of our subject, was born in Columbia County, N. Y., and died in July, 1891, at the age of seventy-five. She was of W ILLIAM HENRY DECKER, a life- long resident of Lackawanna County, with residence and place of business at No. 311 North Hyde Park Avenue, Scranton, was German descent and a daughter of John I. Sny- der, who served in the War of 1812, came to Pennsylvania about 1831 and settled at Blakely, where he engaged in farming until his death at born in what is now Priceburg, in the borough of . eighty-one years. Eleven children were born to Dickson City, Pa., January 14, 1836. He is of George and Catherine Decker, of whom the fol- direct Holland-Dutch descent, his great-grand- lowing attained mature years: William Henry;

9II

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Catherine, Mrs. Evan S. Jones, of Scranton; Mar- tin M., a blacksmith in this city; Harriet, Mrs. A. P. Vining, of Broome County, N. Y .; Mary, Mrs. Henry Earley, who died in Scranton; Mrs. Eliza Goble, who died in this city; George W., an engineer on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western road; and Ella, widow of Thomas Tague, of Scranton.

When our subject was a boy there were only a few houses in Hyde Park and very little busi- ness was done. Teaming was extensive, as every- thing was hauled by wagon from Kingston to Carbondale. For a time he attended school in a building occupying the present site of the Simp- son Methodist Episcopal Church, and this build- ing still stands, having been removed to another place and remodeled for a residence. From boy- hood he was accustomed to assist his father in the blacksmith shop and early gained a thorough knowledge of the business. He still has, as a prized possession, the first anvil his father used on going into business for himself. In July, 1851, he became connected with the business and five years later was made his father's partner, contin- uing in that connection until 1868, when he gave his interest to a brother. For two years he was connected with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western road. In January, 1886, he built his present place at No. 311 North Hyde Park Ave- nue and is the principal horse-shoer in this local- ity. He assisted in starting the first building and loan association in Hyde Park and in other ways has promoted local enterprises.

porated as a city, but by act of legislature the borough was continued. In 1872 he was made secretary of the council, and continued to serve in that capacity until December, 1896, when it ceased to exist. Fraternally he is connected with Hiram Lodge, F. & A. M., and was a member of Capouse Lodge, I. O. O. F., until 1880, when it surrendered its charter. This lodge he represent- ed in the grand lodge in 1864-65, and he was also a member of the encampment. Reared in the Democratic faith, he voted that ticket many years, but for some time has been independent in poli- tics; at recent presidential elections, instead of supporting Grover Cleveland, he voted the Pro- hibition ticket. He assisted in the organization of the Franklin Hose Company. One of the most remarkable characteristics of Mr. Decker is his memory, which is extraordinary, enabling him to recall events long past with an accuracy and min- uteness of detail seldom found. Owing to the fact that he has lived in this locality for so many years, this trait makes him an especially interest- ing companion for one who is desirous of learn- ing the early history of the city.

J OHN NELSON. Of the public positions connected with the management of munic- ipal affairs there are few more responsible than that of building inspector, for to this official must be submitted for approval all plans and specifications for buildings, both public and pri- vate. During the period in which he has served in this capacity, Mr. Nelson has granted three thousand one hundred and sixty permits for the erection of buildings in Scranton and has per- sonally investigated all work of this kind done in the city. The result is that the buildings are substantial in character and constructed of excel- lent material.

In Brewerton, N. Y., February 16, 1856, Mr. Decker was united in marriage with Miss Fan- nie Shafer, who was born in Rome, that state. Her father, David Shafer, M. D., was born in Dutchess County, and engaged in practice in Syracuse, N. Y., but finally retired from the pro- fession and came to Scranton, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Decker are the parents of four chil- The Nelson (or Neilson, as the name was orig- inally spelled) family originated in the north of Scotland, though the last few generations have resided in southern shires. Thomas, father of our subject, was born at Leadhills, Lanarkshire, place and for many years connected with the lead mining interests there. He also became inter- dren: Frank L., who is with the New Jersey Central Railroad; Charles, who died at the age of twenty-eight; Addie, Mrs. B. E. Clark, of this city; and W. H., Jr., who assists his father in the shop. In March, 1866, Mr. Decker was made a . and was the son of Richard, a native of the same member of the council of Hyde Park borough. In June of the same year Scranton was incor-

912

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ested in mining and settled in the shire of Dum- fries, where he married Margaret Morton, daugh- ter of William Morton, a merchant. About 1853 he emigrated with his family to Canada, landing in Quebec after a voyage of seven weeks from Glasgow in a sailing vessel. On reaching his destination, he secured work in the Bruce cop- per mines, and there remained until his death a year later. His widow then returned with her children to the old home in Scotland, where she has since resided, respected by all who know her, and a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church. She was born in 1826 and is still in full possession of all her faculties, in spite of her ad- vanced age. Of her four children, all sons, three are living, John being the eldest of the family and the only one in America.

Born in Moniaive, a little village situated in the mountainous shire of Dumfries, May 4, 1846, the subject of this sketch was educated in the local schools, and at the age of sixteen began a five years' apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. On the conclusion of that time, he was engaged in journeyman work in his native shire, but be- lieving he would be better able to succeed in America, early in the spring of 1870 he took passage on a steamer bound for New York City. Arriving there, he spent eighteen days in the city and then came to Scranton, beginning work at his trade. Soon he commenced as a contrac- tor and builder, having his shop and office in Hyde Park until he was appointed to the position of building inspector. Among the buildings for which he had the contract were the Hyde Park Catholic Church, a church in Plymouth, and the residences of Richard O'Brien, J. Wilson Peck, John Simpson and ex-Mayor Connell.

May 10, 1889, Mr. Nelson was appointed by Mayor Col. Ezra H. Ripple to the position of building inspector, having passed the required examination for the office, which had just been created. After two years he was again appoint- ed by Mayor Fellows, and two years later again succeeded himself, under appointment of Mayor Connell early in that gentleman's term. He passed another examination creditably to him- self, and was afterward reappointed by Mayor Connell. In addition to his work for others, he

built the residence which he occupies at No. 627 Clay Avenue.

In New York City Mr. Nelson married Miss Ellen Carlyle Grierson, daughter of James Grier- son, a farmer of Dumfries-shire, where she was born. Her mother, a native of the same place, was in maidenhood Janet Carlyle, and is an own cousin of the famous Scotchman, Thomas Car- lyle. Three children complete the family circle: John A., now in Grand Rapids, Mich .; Margaret, a member of the class of 1899, Scranton high school; and Fred A. Fraternally Mr. Nelson is connected with the Knights of Honor and Hep- tasophs; politically adheres to Republican princi- ples, and in religious connections is a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

W H. OLMSTEAD, M. D., of Taylor, was born in Dundaff, Susquehanna County, Pa., August 22, 1862, the son of Dr. Johnson C. and Dency (Woodworth) Olmstead. In the village where he was born the rudiments of his education were obtained, and upon completing his primary schooling he en- tered Keystone Academy at Factoryville, where his knowledge was broadened. Later he was a student in Sprague's Business College in King- ston, where he finished his literary education at the age of eighteen years. Shortly afterward he began to read medicine, but his plans for obtain- ing a medical education were frustrated tempor- arily, and in 1883 he returned to the home farm, where the four succeeding years were passed, mainly in agricultural labor. However, his aspi- rations for professional knowledge were only slumbering, not by any means dead. As soon as the way opened, he carried out his cherished ob- ject, and in 1887-88 was a student in a medical college in New York. Next he continued his studies in the Long Island Medical College and finally entered Jefferson Medical College of Phil- adelphia, where he took a course of lectures. In 1890 he graduated from the Columbus Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio.

At once upon the completion of his medical studies, Dr. Olmstead opened an office in Dal- ton, Pa., where he remained two years, building up a good practice. The place, however, was

WALTER DAWSON.

915

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

not entirely satisfactory, and with a view to im- proving his prospects he removed to Fleetville, where he remained four years. In March, 1896, he came to Taylor and at once began professional practice. During the short period that has since elapsed he has become known as a reliable, effi- cient physician, whose diagnosis of disease and accuracy of treatment place him among the best physicians of this locality.

In 1883 Dr. Olmstead married Miss Sallie Brownell, an estimable lady, who is well liked by all who know her and is an active member of the Episcopal Church. They are the parents of three children, Kate, Nina and Hawley. Fraternally the Doctor is identified with the Masonic order and Royal Arcanum. Notwithstanding the fact that in youth he had few advantages, but was hindered by adverse circumstances, he has achieved success, and will undoubtedly soon es- tablish a practice not limited to Taylor, but that will extend throughout all the surrounding coun- try.

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 Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 110

Author: Chapman Publishing Company (NY) Publication date: 1897 Publisher: New York ; Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1068

Author: Chapman Publishing Company (NY)
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: New York ; Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1068