USA > Pennsylvania > The Wyoming Valley in 1892 > Part 6
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CHARLES JONAS LONG,
The oldest son of the late lamented and esteemed citizen, Jonas Long, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1859. After a brief residence in Philadel- phia, his parents removed to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where, in 1860, were laid the foundations of the present great dry-goods establishmeut. At an early age he attended the Wilkes-Barre public schools and Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, Pennsylvania. Solicitous for the attainment of a liberal and higher education, he was sent to Philadelphia, where he entered the Philadelphia Central High
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School, after which, in a course of two years of private instruction and study under the celebrated teacher and author, Professor George Stuart of Philadel- phia, he fitted himself for Vale College, New Haven, Connecticut, which he entered in 1878. After a classical course of four years, he graduated from Yale College in 1882. After graduation, his professional career, owing to his father's illness, merged into the cares of the growing and extensive dry-goods business in which he is now engaged, associated with his mother and brothers. Although immersed in the pursuits of a large commercial business, yet he finds time to . devote himself to the cultivation of literary work; and, in the liberal encourage- ment of local improvements, lends responsive voice and effort to enterprises that promise benefit to the city. His addresses are characterized by graceful thought and eloquent inspiration, particularly those before the Young Men's Hebrew Association, the Board of Trade of which he is a Trustee, and before the mass meeting at Music Hall for Hospital endowment. He is President of the Young Men's Hebrew Association, a member of Wyoming Historical Society, Yale Alumni Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Trustee of the Board of Trade, and numerous other Societies of the community. His close observation, force of character, and genial disposition, fit him truly well for the development and success that so auspiciously heralds a useful career.
WILLIAM H. DEAN
Was born in Illinois. Educated at Lehigh University, taking the degrees of Analytical Chemist and Engineer of Mines. Occupation, Analytical and Con- sulting Chemist; Professor of Physics and Chemistry in the Harry Hillman Academy.
ISAAC LONG;
The well known Dry-Goods and Carpet Merchant, was born in Pretzfeld, Bavaria, in the year 1834. When a boy of fourteen he left his home and came to America to seek his fortune, and arrived in Wilkes-Barre in 1848, where he remained until he was twenty years old; he then went to Philadelphia, and was engaged in the manufacturing business for a number of years. In 1873, Mr. Long returned to Wilkes-Barre and embarked in his present business, which has been a most wonderful success. Starting with a couple of clerks in a small store in 1873, and in 1891 to be the occupant of the mammoth double store-room and two other floors in the Welles Building, where he gives steady employment to forty-three people, is certainly a remarkable business showing, and can only
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN.
be due to his pluck, energy and business tact. Mr. Long is one of our most popular citizens, and is interested in a number of enterprises; he is also Vice- President of the Electric Light Company and the Board of Trade.
J. C. POWELL
Was born in 1854, at Lansford, Carbon county. Moved to Shenandoah at an early age. Taught in the public schools of Schuylkill county for seven years. Attended the Millersville State Normal School, Chittenden College of Philallel- phia, and Bloomsburg State Normal School. Was employed on the Shenandoah Herald for eight years, and helped to establish the Colliery Engineer, now pub- lished in Scranton. Came to Wilkes-Barre in 1883, and ever since has been one of the editors and proprietors of the Record.
FREDERICK C. JOHNSON,
Born at Marquette, Wisconsin, 1853. Son of Wesley Johnson and great-grand- son of Rev. Jacob Johnson, one of the original settlers of Wilkes-Barre in 1772. F. C. was taught at the public schools of Wilkes-Barre and at Ripon College, Wisconsin. Beginning with 1871, he had a business training of about ten years in the banking-house of Bennett, Phelps & Company, the coal office of F. J. Leavenworth and the Wilkes-Barre Gas Company, meanwhile engaging at odd moments in voluntary contributions to the local papers and doing special cor- respondence from the coal region for the Chicago Tribune. He also spent a year on reportorial work in Chicago for that paper. He studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating therefrom in 1883. Instead of engaging in practice he embraced an opportunity for entering journalism and purchased an interest in the Wilkes-Barre Record, the oldest daily paper in the city. He has conducted every department of the paper in turn-local, editorial and busi- ness manager. Mr. Johnson married in 1885, his wife also being a native of Wisconsin. Two children have been born to them. Mr. Johnson has actively identified himself with the local life of the community in the different ways that were congenial to his tastes. He is a member of the Board of Trade, an officer of the Historical Society, a Trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association, a member of the Luzerne County Medical Society and of the State Society, a mem- ber of the Republican County Committee, a member of the Masonic fraternity, the American Legion of Honor and the Heptasophs, and is one of the committee appointed by the State Board of Charities to inspect the public institutions of Luzerne county. He is a member of the State Editorial Association and was one of its Vice-Presidents.
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The Record was established in 1853 by William P. Miner, who in 1873 began the publication of the daily. In 1883 the plant was sold to C. B. Snyder, F. C. Johnson and J. C. Powell, Mr. Snyder retiring in 1888, the Record continuing since under the management of the firm of Johnson & Powell.
FREDERIC CORSS, M. D.,
The son of the Rev. Charles C. Corss, who was one "stated preacher " of the Congregational Churches of Kingston, Forty Fort and Exeter in 1836, was born at Athens in Bradford county, January 16, 1842. Attended school one term at Wyoming Seminary and one term at Susquehanna Collegiate Institute. With these exceptions his preparation for college was carried on at home. Entered the sophomore class at Lafayette College in 1859. receiving the degree of A. B. at that institution in 1862 and the degree of A. M. in 1865. Studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, receiving the degree of M. D. in 1866, coming immediately to Kingston, where he has since practiced his profession.
JOHNSON R. COOLBAUGH,
The subject of this sketch, is a native of Bradford county, this State. Spent the first sixteen years of his life on his father's farm. Early in life manifested a love for trade; came to Pittston and spent two years clerking; then came to Wilkes-Barre and secured a position with the late Andrew Kesler, where he remained two years. Taking the advice of Horace Greeley, to "go West, young man," went to Beloit, Wisconsin, remained there nearly four years, fill- ing responsible positions with leading mercantile houses. In January, 1860, returned to Wilkes-Barre on a visit. Noting the old fogy manner of doing busi- ness here compared with the West, determined to establish an exclusive dry- goods business. Wilkes-Barre was at this time a borough of about four thousand people, bounded by the river, North, South and Canal streets. Among the leading merchants were Hon. Ziba Bennett, R. J. Flick, John B. Wood and Charles F. Reets. With little capital he determined that if honesty and enter- prise could succeed he would. Continuing until the fall, and being desirous of enlarging the business, associated with him D. H. Frantz, and moved into the new store now occupied by Jonas Long. The War was now in progress, goods advancing in price, and their business proved a grand success, theirs becoming the leading dry-goods house. About 1868, Mr. Frantz retired, and Mr. Cool- baugh continued until 1872. Selling out to Mr. Bossler, he, with the late William M. Bennett, established the well known shoe house and continued with
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN.
marked success until 1880. In the meantime, other business claiming his atten- tion, he sold his interest to Mr. Walter. In 1872 formed the firm of Miller, Bertels & Coolbaugh, the object being real estate. From 1872 to 1883 was the trusted assistant to G. M. Miller, Tax Receiver. In 1878 bought out his part- ners in the real estate business, which he has continued until the present time with success. During the past twenty-five years Mr. Coolbaugh has done much to develop the city-Franklin street from Academy street down, Sullivan street, Dana Place, Church and Barney streets, were projected by him. He is the trusted agent of several large estates and enjoys the distinction of being the leading real estate dealer. Has never sought public office, excepting serving three years as Councilman-at-large. His has been a busy life, marked by strict integrity, reasonable success and good citizenship.
P. A. O'BOYLE, EsQ.,
Born in Ireland, November 10, 1861, and emigrated from there in 1864 with his parents, who settled in Pittston, where they have since lived. Educated in the public schools of Pittston borough. He began the study of law with Alexander Farnham of the city of Wilkes-Barre, and was admitted to the Bar in 1885. Assistant District Attorney in 1892.
WILLIAM GLASSELL ENO,
Born Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Educated at the public schools of Wilkes- Barre. Son of Josiah W. Eno. In 1870, shipping agent at the coal mines of J. C. Fuller at Plymouth; from 1871 to 1874 with South Mountain Mining and Iron Company, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania; 1874 to 1876 member of the firm of J. W. Eno & Son, Insurance Agents at Plymouth; since 1876 of the insurance firm of Biddle & Eno, Wilkes-Barre.
JAMES M. COUGHLIN
Was born in Fairmount township, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and received his education mainly in the public schools. He has been engaged in educa- tional work for the past twenty years. During this time he taught in every depart- ment of school work, first in the public school, then in select schools, after he was Principal of New Columbia Academy. He was the first Principal of the Bennett Grammar School at Luzerne. He was next Principal of the schools in the borough of Kingston. While teaching in Kingston he was elected Superin- tendent of the Schools of Luzerne county, and held the position for four terms
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(twelve years). During his career as County Superintendent he became recog- nized as among the leading educators of the State. He placed the schools of the county in excellent shape, and became very popular as an Institute instructor. He has been called to lecture on educational subjects in nearly every city in this State, and has been frequently invited to address educational gatherings in other States. In the fall of 1891 he was elected Vice-Principal of the Bloomsburg State Normal School, and was called from there to take charge of the public schools of Wilkes-Barre city, which position he now holds.
J. C. BELL
Was born in York county in 1850. Attended the public schools a short time and the State Normal School at Millersville, from which place he graduated. He taught in the public schools ten years, and served as City Clerk one year. In 1881 he commenced banking as clerk in the First National Bank of Wilkes- Barre. Was elected to his present position in 1887, Cashier of the Wilkes-Barre Savings and Deposit Bank.
HENDRICK WRIGHT SEARCH
Was born in Salem township, Luzerne county, June 30, 1855. He was educated in the public schools at Shickshinny, which is still his home. He has been a prominent man in public affairs, having filled the offices of Deputy Register of Wills, Commissioners' Clerk, and was High Sheriff of Luzerne county during 1887-8-9. He was also a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention that nominated Cleveland for President in 1888.
W. L. RAEDER, EsQ.,
Has been President of the Pittston Pressed Brick Company; Trustee of Lodge No. 61, F. & A. M., two years, one of the oldest lodges in Pennsylvania; mem - ber of the Young Men's Christian Association; represented his Ward in the Democratic Convention; served four years in the National Guard of Wilkes- Barre as Second Sergeant.
JOHN THOMSON
Was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. Came to America with his parents in 1842, they settling in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, in 1845. He received his education in the public schools of the State. Served apprenticeship to the trade
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN.
of machinist in the Pennsylvania Coal Company's Shops at Hawley, Pennsylva- nia. In 1863 entered the employ of the Dickson Manufacturing Company at: Scranton, and has remained with them until the present, serving them in the- capacity of Journeyman, Foreman and Superintendent of their works in Wilkes- Barre, Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM J. HARVEY
Was born in Plymouth in 1837. Educated at Wyoming Seminary, Middletown, Connecticut, and finished his education at Princeton, New Jersey. Began life. as manager of a coal mine for his father at Plymouth. Served in the United States army in the Second Pennsylvania Reserves; mustered out as Adjutant. Went into partnership with his father, H. H. Harvey, as miner and shipper of coal, and later in real estate. President of the Wilkes-Barre and Kingston Street. Car Company until sold to a syndicate.
THOMAS J. WHEATON,
Dentist, was born in Jackson, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania. Educated at Franklin Academy and Leroyville Academy; took a course in the Rochester Medical College. Came to Wilkes-Barre in 1873, and since that time has been one of the leading dentists of that city. Served in the United States navy during the War. Dr. Wheaton began to practice medicine, but after a few years. abandoned it for dentistry, and has followed that profession for thirty years.
HON. MORGAN B. WILLIAMS
Was born in Wales, September 17, 1831. Educated in the English branches. Learned mining in England, Australia and in the United States. Is at the present time a coal operator in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Elected to the Senate in 1884. Has served as School Director and Councilman-at-Large in Wilkes-Barre.
SAMUEL W. BOYD.
If the old saying, "You can always tell the characteristics of a man by his. writings," is true, then Editor S. W. Boyd of The News Dealer must be both fearless and independent. He was born in Carbon county thirty-eight years. ago, and in early life removed with his family to this city. He finally drifted to New York, where in business pursuits he accumulated considerable money .. Returning to this city, he embarked in the grocery business, at the same time:
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distinguishing himself in the political world as a leader in many hard fought campaigns. Elected to the office of Register of Wills of the county, he filled the important position with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Retiring from the office four years ago, he purchased, in conjunction with John J. Maloney, the Daily and Sunday News Dealer, which under their management has rapidly risen to the front rank of Northeastern Pennsylvania journalism. Nature has eminently qualified Mr. Boyd for the journalistic world. Being a close student for many. years, he possesses an unlimited supply of knowledge and information, and being a versatile writer, with a field peculiarly his own, and a commendable independence and fearlessness, his articles are easily recog- nized and widely read and quoted. Of late he has permitted his graceful pen to wander into the fields of poetry, and many rythmic flowers glistening with the dew-drops of genius is the result. The song charmingly entitled " I'll be Back Some Day to You," is from his versatile pen, and will no doubt achieve well merited popularity.
R. A. SPALDING
Was born at Albany, New York. Educated in that city. Became a member of Spalding, Oler, Alger & Osborne Music Store. Came to Wilkes-Barre from Troy, New York, in 1884. Was the first Secretary of the Wilkes-Barre Oratorio Society and one of its organizers. Has charge of the singing in Sunday Schools in the city. Is Second Lieutenant in the Ninth Regiment.
GEORGE P. LOOMIS, EsQ.,
Was born in Wilkes-Barre, May 1, 1860. Graduated at Wyoming Seminary in 1878 and Syracuse University in 1882. He was cashier in John S. Loomis's large Planing Mills, Brooklyn, for two years. Studied law with Agib Ricketts and Herry A. Fuller, and was admitted to the Bar in 1886. Mr. Loomis's prac- tice is that of a Counselor, and his advice and counsel are sought and highly regarded for one so young. It is seldom he appears in Court. Mr. Loomis has been instrumental in establishing many of the industries in our city.
DAVID P. AYERS
Was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania. Came to Wilkes-Barre as a book- keeper for Haggerty & O'Donnell, railroad contractors, in 1867; afterwards entered the Collector's office of Internal Revenue under Hon. J. B. Stark, con- tinuing in this service as a Deputy during the consecutive terms of Hon. C. E.
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Wright and Hon. H. M. Hoyt, till 1873, when he was elected City Clerk and served in that office till December, 1875, when he was offered and accepted the position of Cashier of the Miners' Savings Bank, in place of Mr. J. A. Rippard, resigned, in which position he continues at the present time. He is also a member of the City Council and represents the Eleventh, Thirteenth and Four- teenth Wards and serves on some of the important committees of that body. Of the Finance Committee he is chairman, and is also one of the Sinking Fund Commissioners.
WILLIAM HARRISON CAPWELL,
Publisher of the Plymouth Tribune, was born in Clinton township, Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1843. His descent is from Rhode Island stock, though the name is from the French. He was educated in the common schools, and at the age of seventeen commenced teaching, which he continued with varying success for a number of years. His health becoming impaired, he worked at carpentering for a number of years. In 1876 his first newspaper work was done for the Wyoming Democrat at Tunkhannock. In 1885 he purchased the Nanticoke Tribune of M. C. Andreas, and conducted the same quite success- fully for several years. In July, 1891, he moved the office to Plymouth, and established the Plymouth Tribune, which he still owns and manages.
BENJ. F. STARK
Was born at Spring Brook (now Moosic), Luzerne county, in the year 1845, on July 15. His father, Cornelius Stark, and mother, Louisa Wagner, were born at Plains, Luzerne county. B. F. Stark came to Wilkes-Barre in the year 1873, where he began the Livery business and is still carrying it on. He became identified with the Ninth Regiment in the year 1879, and is now the Lieutenant- Colonel. He married Mary F. Warner, a daughter of Hon. D. D. Warner, of Montrose, Pennsylvania.
JESSE T. MORGAN,
The subject of this sketch, was born in Wilkes-Barre in 1843, and was educated in our public schools. His business career commenced when but a boy as a clerk in his father's shoe store on Market street, in the year 1869. When but twenty-one years of age he became a partner with his father, and took the full management of the business, which was conducted with moderate success. In the year 1876, W. P. Morgan, a younger brother, became a partner-his father
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retiring. A jobbing department was added to the retail business, and later the business was changed to manufacturing and jobbing, Mr. D. Davis of Worces- ter, Massachusetts, becoming a member of the firm. The business was run suc- cessfully under the firm name of Morgan Bros. & Company for about eight years, when Mr. Davis retired, he having purchased the manufacturing plant. J. T. & W. P. Morgan continued the jobbing business. Mr. Morgan is also engaged in real estate largely, being connected with his brother, W. P., in developing the Lee Park addition to the city of Wilkes-Barre.
LUTHER CURRAN DARTE
Was born in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and was one of four children of the late Judge Alfred Darte of Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the common schools at Carbondale and Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York. Served in the late War when but a lad, in the same regiment with his father and brother. Mr. Darte is a resident of Kingston, Pennsylvania, where he has lived since 1865. He was for a number of years the general pas- senger agent and general accountant of the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg Rail- road Company, leaving the employ of the Company when the road was merged into the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company. Was Cashier of the Ashley Savings Bank at one time. Was elected County Commissioner of Luzerne county on the Republican ticket, and served creditably three years as such. Mr. Darte is an active and influential Republican, and is well known throughout the State. He was a delegate to the Republican National Conven- tion, which nominated President Harrison, and in the Convention warmly espoused the cause of General Russell A. Alger's candidacy for President. He has served both on the Republican State Committee and as one of the chairmen of the Luzerne Republican County Committee a number of times. He is at present largely engaged in the business of Real Estate and Insurance in Wilkes- Barre.
CHRISTIAN WALTER
Was born in the Grand Dutchy of Baden, Germany, in 1848. Came to this country in 1854; has lived nearly all that time in Luzerne county. Received very little schooling, only seven terms of four months each in the country dis- tricts of Luzerne county. When nineteen years old took clerkship in country store in Conyngham; remained five years, then came to Wilkes-Barre as Book- keeper for Baer & Stegmaier; from there to W. Stoddart & Company as sales- man, remaining with them five years, when in 1879 entered into partnership
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN.
with W. M. Bennett, when the firm of Bennett & Walter, Boot and Shoe Mer- chants, was established.
EDWIN SHORTS, EsQ.,
Was born in Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania. Educated in the public schools and Mauch Chunk Academy. Became a successful business man, then studied law with Stanley Woodward, and admitted to the Luzerne Bar in 1880. Was a. candidate for State Senator.
HON. WILLIAM H. HINES
Was born in Brooklyn, New York, March 16, 1854. Educated in public schools and Wyoming Seminary. Read law with John Lynch and G. M. Harding, and admitted to the Luzerne Bar in 1881. Elected by the Labor Reform Party to the State Legislature in 1878, and to the same office in 1882. Elected to the Senate in 1888.
C. BOW. DOUGHERTY,
Born in Wilkes-Barre, September, 1860. Educated in the public schools of that city and Emerson Institute, Washington, District of Columbia. Entered the office of the Susquehanna Coal Company in 1879, and is now Chief Clerk of the Coal Companies of Pennsylvania Railroad. Married Anne W. Posten, February 6, 1883. Enlisted in the Ninth Regiment, National Guards of Pennsylvania, August 1, 1881; appointed Regimental Clerk, 1881; Sergeant-Major, 1883, and First Lieutenant and Inspector of Rifle Practice, 1887. Secretary Wilkes-Barre Musical Association (Ninth Regiment Band). Member Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution.
ROBERT LEE AVRES
Is probably, with the single exception of F. V. Rockafellow, the longest in con- tinuous bank service of any man in Wilkes-Barre. P. M. Carhart, Cashier of the First National Bank, was here before Mr. Ayres, but his service has not been continuous. Mr. Ayres came to Wilkes-Barre in May, 1871, and entered the Banking-House of F. V. Rockafellow & Company, and has remained with them ever since. He has held every clerical position in the bank, and has for several years been the Teller. Mr. Ayres is a brother of Mrs. F. V. Rockafellow of this city; Mrs. A. V. Nelson, Newark, New Jersey; Eugene B. Ayres, Audenreid; William H. Ayres and S. Ayres, Jr., Bound Brook, New Jersey.
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He has been closely identified with the religious life of the community ever since his coming here; is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church; was for a number of years connected with the Grant Street Mission, and ahout twenty years a member of the Young Men's Christian Association-of the latter, he has been elected President several terms, and is the present incumbent of the office. Mr. Ayres was born at Bound Brook, New Jersey. Three of his great-grand- fathers served in the Revolutionary War. His great great-grandfather was President of the important Provincial Congress which met at Trenton in May, 1775; was Chairman of the Committee of Safety, and he represented New Jersey in the Congress which met in New York from 1765 until the Declaration of Inde- pendence was issued, July 4, 1776.
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