Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 55

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 55
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 55

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S. · W.L'AMOREAUX, M. B., M. D., C. M., of Scranton, is a descendant of French Huguenot ancestors, who, at the time of the revocation of the edict of Nantes, were forced to flee, exiles, from their native land and seek homes among strangers. Three brothers bear- ing this name fled to America, one of whom set- tled in New York, the others in Nova Scotia. Of these James, the Doctor's great-grandfather, who was born in France, became one of the first set- tlers of Canada, where he engaged in agricul- tural pursuits.

Thomas L'Amoreaux, the Doctor's father, was a son of Christopher, both natives of Toronto and of Protestant religious belief. The former, who for many years was engaged as an under- taker in Toronto, is now living retired in that city. His wife, who died in Toronto, bore the maiden name of Charity Woodruff, and was born

in Canada, her father, Powell Woodruff, a native of New Hampshire and of English extraction, having settled in Canada, where he became inter- ested in the hotel business.

Of three children comprising the parental fan- ily, the Doctor is second in point of age, and is the only one residing in the States. He was born in Toronto in 1858 and received an excellent ed- ucation in the high school there, graduating from that institution; also a graduate of Pick- ering College of Canada. In 1878 he entered the medical department of Trinity University, from which he graduated in 1880, with the degree of M. B., later receiving the degrees of M. D. and C. M. He was granted a fellowship, F. T. M. S., and graduated with the highest honors of his class. During his university course he served as the class president. For one year he carried on his studies in hospitals, after which he was asso- ciated with Dr. Wood, of the college, for about four years.

Coming to the States, Dr. L'Amoreaux opened an office at Moscow, Lackawanna County, Pa., in 1884, and in addition to a general practice, acted as local physician for the Delaware, Lack- awanna & Western Railroad. In December, 1895, he came to Scranton, succeeding to the practice of Dr. Roos, who removed to Phila- delphia. He carries on a general practice of medicine, with office at No. 232 Adams Avenue, and makes a specialty of the treatment of con- sumption and diseases of the liver, heart and kid- neys, in which he has been very successful. While in Toronto he took a post-graduate course in the University, for the purpose of studying more closely the various pulmonary diseases, and in that way he gained a thorough knowledge of that department of medicine, the treatment of which he has since conducted with success.

In religious belief Dr. L'Amoreaux is con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married, in Moscow, Miss M. Yeager, daughter of Henry H. Yeager, a lumber dealer of Mos- cow, by whom he has two daughters, Margaret and Angelica. Though he has been a resident of Scranton for a comparatively brief period only, he has already established a good practice, and is regarded as one of the skilled physicians of

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the place. His time is so closely taken up by pro- fessional work that he has not identified himself with fraternal or political organizations, but nev- ertheless may be relied upon to aid in the ad- vancement of movements for the welfare of the people.

R EUEL HANKS, D. D. There is no one trait of human nature that so endears a man to others as does his interest in their welfare. Throughout his long and active life as a minister of the Gospel, Dr. Hanks has main- tained the deepest concern in the welfare-tem- poral and spiritual-of his fellowmen. He has rejoiced in their successes and sympathized with them in sorrow, and unceasingly, by example and precept, has led them toward a higher and truer life. The approach of old age, with its at- tendant infirmities, caused him to retire from the ministry, though he still officiates at weddings and funerals, and occasionally preaches. His home is in Daleville, Covington Township.

The birth of Dr. Hanks occurred in Augusta, Me., July 8, 1823, his parents being Reuel and Sophia (Brackett) Hanks, both natives of Maine. His father, who was a merchant and farmer, died at fifty-six years, and his mother when sixty-one. In youtlı he attended Oberlin College, and also took private lessons under Professor Whiting in Brooklyn. It was first his intention to enter the legal profession, and with that aim in view he read law in Vermont and Maine and practiced in the former state for a short time. When about twenty-five years of age he entered the ministry, and his first charge was in Shelburne, Vt., after which he spent two years in Washington County, N. Y. While there he was offered and accepted the position of president of a Methodist Protest- ant school, known as Hebron Academy, in Wash- ington County, N. Y., and there he remained for four years, rendering efficient service as the head of the institution. From 1852 until 1854 he was pastor of a church in New York City, after which he held a pastorate in Brooklyn for two years, later returned to New York City, and remained three years, and then spent seven years in Tarry- town, N. Y. Afterward he went west to accept

the presidency of Adrian (Mich.) College, but after a year returned to the east, and spent four more years at Tarrytown, N. Y.

Returning to Washington County, he took charge of the New York Conference Academy for two years, when failing health obliged him to resign. For the nine ensuing years he preached in Granville. In the fall of 1882 he came to Dale- ville and took charge of the church here for seven years, after which he was located in Pittston one year. He then retired from the ministry, and returned to his Daleville home.

In 1850, Dr. Hanks married Miss Harriet Smith, of Washington County, N. Y., and they became the parents of seven children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: Rev. W. S., a clergyman in Pittsburg; Viola, Reuella, George S., Harriet and Herbert. Mrs. Harriet Hanks died in 1880, and in March, 1884, Dr. Hanks was again married, his wife being Miss Mary Dale, sister of David Dale, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Politically our subject is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in politics. Since uniting with the church at the age of fourteen years, his life has been that of a consistent, earnest Christian, who feels that no work is more important than that of preach- ing the Gospel and winning men and women from a worldly life to faithful work for the Christ.

G EORGE E. FAIRCHILD, proprietor of the Fairchild House in Scranton and one of the most popular and successful hotel men in the city, is a native of England, born in Lehigh, county of Essex, December 24, 1826. The family of which he is a member has been con- nected with the hotel business for several succes- sive generations. Many years ago his paternal great-grandfather built a tavern called "The Ship," which was afterward owned and conducted by his son, Samuel, our subject's grandfather. This old stone structure may still be seen, stand- ing in the heart of Leigh, a relic of bygone days.

The father of our subject, George Fairchild, was born in Leigh, and at one time was proprie- tor of "The Ship," but later turned his attention to the mercantile business in the square .where

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the hotel stands. After some years he bought "The Plow and Sail" in Picklesome, Essex, where he engaged in the hotel business for six years. On his return to Leigh, he resumed his mercantile enterprises and was thus engaged until the build- ing of the railroad affected trade, when he re- tired. He was a man of energy and more than ordinary intelligence. At one time he bored about two thousand feet for water, and as a re- sult secured the first and finest artesian well in the locality. His last years were spent in London, where he died at ninety-five years.

The mother of our subject was Emma Benton, a native of Vauge, Essex, and the member of an old family of that vicinity. Her father, John Ben- ton, was at one time a large barge owner and wharf owner. She died at the age of forty-two years. Of her seven sons and two daughters who attained years of maturity, three are living: George E .; Albert, formerly a large ranchman of Australia, but now living retired; and Richard, a merchant in London. The Fairchild family originated in Denmark, and the first of the name who went to England settled at Hadley Castle, Essex, of which they were the owners.

In the private and national schools of Hadley House our subject gained his education. In early manhood he went to London, and after engaging in merchandising for a time, entered the hotel business, being at different times proprietor of "Ordnance Arms," "New Found Out," "Queen's Head," "Bee Hive," "Crown and Anchor," and others. On retiring temporarily from the hotel business, he became connected with the detective department of the London police force, where he was employed for two and one-half years. Afterward he again became proprietor of the "Ordnance Arms." In 1867 he sold out and came to America, arriving in this country in July, and afterward remaining in New York for a short time in the employ of Plum Page, the contractor. In 1869 he came to Scranton, and for three and one-half years was employed by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Company as foreman of the barn in the mine.

In March of 1874 Mr. Fairchild became pro- prietor of Mckeever's House in North Main Avenue. Five years later he leased his present

hotel from Heermans, and afterward bought and improved the property. In addition to this, which is the finest hotel on the west side, he owns valuable residence and business property and his realty embraces some centrally located lots. In 1891 he returned to England to visit his old home, and while there dined with the Prince of Wales. He also traveled extensively on the continent. A Republican in politics, he has served his party as delegate and has been a member of local committees. While in London he was a Master Mason, and still has his member- ship in Sidney Lodge No. 829, in Kent. He is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

In Essex Mr. Fairchild married Miss Emma Howard, who was born there, daughter of Wil- liam Howard, a gardener and florist, who had considerable local celebrity in his special line of work. Eight children were born to the union, of whoni six are living, namely: Alice, Mrs. Ed- ward Evans; Rosanna, Mrs. James Bevis; Flor- ence, wife of Dr. Francis P. Moylan; Minnie, Mrs. H. Fritz; Mrs. Kate Lack, a widow; and Ada, wife of Eugene Reed, all of whom reside in Lackawanna County, except Mrs. Fritz, whose home is in Chicago.

E DWIN A. CLARK. The history of every community is made up, so far as its most interesting features are concerned, of the record of the lives of prominent citizens. Cer- tainly a history of Scranton would be incomplete without reference to the Clark family, as the father of the gentleman who forms the subject of this article was one of the early and influential merchants of Hyde Park, also held the office of postmaster, and in many important respects con- tributed to the advancement of this part of the city. Nor lias Edwin A. been less enterprising and public-spirited. His interests are many and important. He is treasurer and manager of The Clark Store Company of Scranton, and secretary, treasurer and manager of the West Ridge Coal Company, both of which are large concerns with many employes.

Referring to the history of Oliver P., father of

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Edwin A. Clark, we find that he was born in Wurtsboro, Ulster County, N. Y., of an old Con- necticut family, and was orphaned at an early age, thus being obliged to earn his own livelihood when young. His first position was on a canal, after which he clerked in a store in Honesdale, Wayne County, Pa., and thence removed to Way- mart, engaging in the mercantile business. About 1845 he came to Hyde Park, and, forming a part- nership with Mr. Black, opened a store on the corner of Luzerne Street and South Main Ave- nue. Shortly after, however, he bought out his partner and continued in the same place alone 11ntil 1847, when he moved to No. 120 South Main Avenue. In 1871 he retired from business, and thereafter lived quietly, at his home until 1889, when he died at the age of seventy-two. For some time he was a member of the board of trustees of the borough of Hyde Park. He was a trustee in the Presbyterian Church, and frater- nally was a charter member of Hyde Park Lodge, F. & A. M. A man of great energy and un- flinching integrity, he held the esteem of his as- sociates in every place where he resided, and was recognized by all who knew him as a man of pub- lic spirit and noble character. He originated the mercantile company in Hyde Park, and for some years had the postoffice in his store.

The mother of our subject, Sarah A. Barton, was born in Washington, N. J., and died in Scranton in 1886. Her father, Joseph Barton, who was of English descent, was born in New Jersey, and removed thence to Honesdale, Wayne County, Pa., where he engaged in the hotel busi- ness. The parental family consisted of seven chil- dren, all but two of whom attained years of ma- turity, and four are now living, Edwin A. be- ing the youngest. He was born at No. 120 South Main Avenue, Scranton, July 2, 1855, and re- ceived his primary education in the grammar schools, later graduated from the high school of Hyde Park, and then entered Claverack Col- lege near Hudson, N. Y., where he prosecuted his studies for one term. On his return home he secured a clerkship in Hyde Park.

In 1884 Mr. Clark embarked in the coal busi- ness as a member of the Union Coal Company, and operated the Dickson shaft for two years,

aftcer which he opened a dry-goods store in Dur- yea, Luzerne County, but continued his resi- dence in Scranton. After two years he sold out there and then for two years was connected with the mercantile house of Judge & Co., at Taylor- ville. Selling out in 1892, he began the organi- zation of the West Ridge Coal Company, and six months later was chosen secretary, treasurer and manager. The company has one breaker and employs nearly five hundred hands, the plant hav- ing a capacity of two hundred thousand tons of coal per annum. Both a wholesale and retail business is carried on with profit. In February, 1894, The Clark Store Company opened an estab- lishment on the corner of North Main Avenue and Green Ridge Street, where they own a build- ing, 40x100, three stories high with basement. The entire building is occupied by the company, who carry a large and choice selection of general merchandise, groceries and meats, the latter be- ing in the basement.

In Scranton Mr. Clark married Miss Kate A. Tanner, who was born and educated at Promp- ton, Wayne County, and is a daughter of Alonzo Tanner, for many years with the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company. They have two sons, Fred A. and Edwin H., who are being given the best educational advantages the country affords. The family residence is the old homestead, No. 120 South Main Avenue. Mr. Clark is identified with the Washburn Street Presbyterian Church, and since 1891 has been secretary of its board of trustees. In political faith he is a loyal Repub- lican. He takes an intelligent interest in com- mercial matters, holds membership in the Scran- ton and Hyde Park boards of trade, and at all times has done whatever was within his power to promote the welfare of the people and the finan- cial prosperity of the city.

H OWARD W. HULL, of the firm of Hull & Co., general commission merchants at No. 15 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, was born in this city March 3, 1867, the son of John L. and Susan A. (Windsor) Hull. The rudi- ments of his education were obtained in the pub- lic schools, after which he prosecuted his studies

GEN. ED. C. DEANS.

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in Keystone Academy, and later took the regular course in Eastman's Business College at Pough- keepsie, from which he graduated. For a time he was a student in the Maryland Military and Naval Academy at Oxford, Md., after which he completed his preparatory collegiate course in the School of the Lackawanna. In 1888 he en- tered Cornell University and there took the en- gineering course, graduating in 1892, with the degree of M. E.

Meantime, Mr. Hull had given his leisure hours and vacation seasons to assisting his father in business, and also for four seasons, beginning in 1884, was associated with A. D. Pierson. In 1892, immediately upon the close of his collegiate course, he embarked in the produce business and afterwards, in April, 1896, W. H. Chandler be- came a partner in the concern, the firm name becoming Hull & Co. They are doing an ex- tensive business, the foundation of which was laid on a sound basis by Howard W. Hull. The location of the firm is at No. 15 Lackawanna Avenue, where they occupy four floors, 25x60 feet. All kinds of fruit and produce may be found here, and among the specialties are fresh and salt fish, shell and shucked oysters, dressed pork, poultry and game. Shipments are received from every point in the United States during the winter season, and a salesman is kept on the road, taking orders for the firm. They have built up a business that extends from Hancock to Wilkes- barre, and from Delaware Water Gap to Bath.

In Buffalo, N. Y., Mr. Hull married Miss Frances, daughter of W. H. Wolfe, of Scranton, and they, with their daughter, Edith, reside at No. 1205 Marion Street. In national politics Mr. Hull is a Republican, and is well informed re- garding events of public interest. With his wife he attends tlie Grace Reformed Church in Wyom- ing Avenue. Fraternally, he is connected with Green Ridge Lodge, F. & A. M., Lackawanna Chapter and Melita Commandery, K. T. While at Cornell he was for one year editor of the "'92 Cornellian," member of the Phi Kappa Psi, Theta N. E., and Sphinx Head Societies. When thir- teen years of age he joined the old Scranton Guards as a member of the drum corps, and after six years became a private of Company C,

Thirteenth Regiment, N. G. P., where he re- mained for four years. He is one of the popular and active business men of the city, and has already attained a success that speaks well for fu- ture years.

G EN. ED. C. DEANS. The prominence which General Deans has attained in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his genial personal qualities, entitle him to rank among the leading citizens of Scranton, where he has resided since 1890. He was born in Montrose, Susquehanna County, Pa., October 2, 1853, the son of Horace A. and Frances Eliza- beth (Stroud) Deans, also natives of that county. His grandfather, James Deans, the son of a Rev- olutionary hero, inherited a spirit of loyal devo- tion to country and a love of freedom, not only for himself, but for every person in this republic. Impelled by this feeling, when he moved from Stonington, Conn., to Montrose, Pa., he made his home a place of refuge for fleeing slaves and never ceased his warfare against slavery until his earth life closed.

In 1854 Horace A. Deans moved to Hyde Park, Scranton, and secured the contract for the erection of the first miners' houses at Bellevue. Afterward he had the contract for the interior of the Presbyterian Church in Washburn Street, re- cently torn down. Later he became freight agent for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Rail- road at this point. The breaking out of the Re- bellion found him, like his ancestors, anxious to serve his country and protect her welfare. Enlisting in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, he served until wounded in the battle of Antietam and after his recovery he was made hospital steward. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he was honorably discharged, but soon re-enlisted with the signal service corps at Georgetown Heights, then a recruiting office. Afterward he was de- tailed in hospital service, to look after the sick. On the close of the war he returned to Montrose, where his family had moved at the time of his re-enlistment.

Both in the Grand Army and the Order of Odd

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Fellows, Horace A. Deans was active. In 1877 he collected most of the data and assisted in the erection of the soldiers' monument. While thus engaged, he started one day on horseback into territory where a buggy could not be driven, in- tending to secure facts for the project in which he was so deeply interested. While on the way, his horse became frightened, reared and fell upon him, inflicting fatal injuries. His two sons, Frank A., agent of the Bingham estate at Wells- boro, Pa., and Ed. C., were born of his union with the daughter of John Stroud, who was born in New London, Conn., and became an early settler of Montrose, the present home of our sub- ject's mother.

Educated in Montrose Academy, in 1873 our subject went to Wellsboro, Pa., where he was employed as bookkeeper and assistant in the postoffice, and later was engaged in the insur- ance business, then became partner in the Grand Master's Cigar Company. After a time he drifted back to the life and fire insurance business, and at the same time served as borough clerk. In 1890 he came to Scranton, and in September he originated and organized the Perseverance Club, the first instituted here. Here he has his head- quarters and home office. In the organization of the Traders & Bankers Mutual Life Association he took part and is a director and temporary manager.

While in Wellsboro General Deans married Miss Flora, daughter of Henry S. Archer, ex- county surveyor and register of wills. The fam- ily was from Maryland. Her grandfather, John Archer, was the first to receive a medical diploma granted by any college in the United States and was one of a class of twelve in Baltimore, after- ward practicing in Cecil and Harford counties. Her sister is the wife of Hon. John I. Mitchell, of Wellsboro, United States senator from Penn- sylvania in former years and now president judge of Tioga County. General and Mrs. Deans are the parents of two children, Horace Archer and Mabel.

Politically our subject is a Republican. No- vember 25, 1874, he was made a member of Tyoga Lodge No. 230, I. O. O. F. In 1883 he passed the chairs of his lodge, and was representative to

the grand lodge in 1884, 1885 and 1886, and has attended every session of the grand lodge since 1884. He was admitted to Wellsboro Encamp- ment No. 78, October 17, 1881, passed the chairs in 1883, was admitted to the Grand Encampment of Pennsylvania in 1884, was elected grand junior warden in 1888 and in 1890 became grand patri- arch. On retiring from the grand patriarch's chair, in 1891, he reported thirteen new encamp- ments instituted that year and four reorganized, the largest increase known in years. He was a charter member of Wellsboro Uniformed De- gree Camp No. 5, instituted October 31, 1883, and was its first and only commander. March 13, 1886, the degree camp was merged into Can- ton Keystone No. 5 and he was elected its first captain; was promoted May 8, 1886, to be major of the Second Battalion, First Regiment, Depart- ment of Pennsylvania; and in August, 1888, he was commissioned colonel of the regiment. Later he was assigned to command the Second Regi- ment. February 25, 1892, he was elected and commissioned brigadier of the Second Brigade, Division of the Delaware, and Department of the Pennsylvania. In 1895 he was re-elected department commander for three years. In 1896 he was elected grand representative to the Sov- ereign Grand Lodge, to represent the Grand Encampment of Pennsylvania in that body, and attended the first session at Dallas, Texas, in 1896.

J OHN E. REGAN, who is engaged in the undertaking and livery business at No. 434 Railroad Avenue, Scranton, was born in Staffordshire, England, Saturday, May II, 1861, and is a son of Edward and Catherine (Rogers) Regan. His father emigrated to the United States in 1864 and made a sojourn of one year in Hanover, N. J., after which he came to Scran- ton and secured employment in the coal depart- ment of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company, remaining with them until liis death, October 10, 1894, at the age of sixty- six. His wife is still living in Scranton.

The parental family consisted of four sons and three daughters, and all are still living.

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John E., who is the eldest, was three years of age when the family crossed the ocean, and has spent his life principally in Scranton, receiving a common-school education here, in the intervals when not employed in the mines. His parents being poor, he was obliged to become self-sup- porting at an early age. In May, 1868, he se- cured work as a slate picker in the Dodge mines and there remained until 1872, when he was transferred to the mines as doorboy. Afterward he was foreman of the driver boys.

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Portrait and biographical record of Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, Pennsylvania : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, Part 55

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