USA > Pennsylvania > The Wyoming Valley in 1892 > Part 7
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EDWARD E. CAMP
Was born in Camptown, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1851. He followed farming until about 1876, when he went to Tunkhannock and engaged in newspaper work, which he has since continued, making advertising a special study. He entered into partnership with his brother, Cyrus, and established Camp Brothers' News and Advertising Bureau in Wilkes-Barre in 1885.
AUGUSTUS L. LEGRAND,
Born in Wilkes-Barre, August 16, 1856. Educated in the public schools of Wilkes-Barre. Entered in the employ of the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company at Empire Shops, to learn the machinist's trade, in 1870, Accepted a position as Machinist with the Dickson Manufacturing Company in Wilkes- Barre in 1875. Returned to the Empire Shops in 1878. Studied mechanical engineering during leisure hours. Accepted a position as Mechanical Draughts- man with the Dickson Manufacturing Company of Wilkes-Barre in 1880, which position he still holds. Rnling Elder of the Grant Street Presbyterian Church and Superintendent of the Sunday School, succeeding the late Dr. J. L. Miner in above position.
S. M. BARD,
Born on a farm in Trumbull county, of the old Western Reserve, Ohio. Was educated in the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio. Began life as a teacher in home district school. Taught a number of terms in country and town, then spent three years on the road. Entered Young Men's Christian
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Association work at Harrisburg, as Assistant Secretary. Was General Secretary at Pittston for six months, and has been General Secretary for six years in this city.
LEWIS B. LANDMESSER, Eso.,
Was born in Hanover township, now the borough of Ashley, Luzerne county Pennsylvania, March 5, 1850. He was educated at the Wilkes-Barre Institute, Hopkins Grammar School, New Haven, Connecticut, and at Yale College, graduating from the latter institution in the class of 1871. He is the son of Lewis Landmesser, who was among the earliest, most enterprising, and most successful of the German settlers of the valley, having emigrated in 1836 from Prussia, and who by continuous and well directed effort soon managed to place himself among the most prosperous and conspicuous citizens. The subject of our sketch, after graduation, spent a year in Germany attending lectures at Heidelberg and the University at Perlin, dividing the time equally between them. He then returned to Wilkes-Barre and entered the law office of Hon. L. D. Shoemaker as a student at law. He subsequently read law with Hon. H. B. Payne and Hon. Stanley Woodward, and was admitted to the Luzerne county Bar April 5, 1875. Mr. Landmesser has made a specialty of Orphans' Court practice, in which he has been very successful. He was for three years Exam- iner of the Orphans' Court, and in 1888, at the request of Hon. D. L. Rhone, Judge of the Orphans' Court, he revised and arranged the present Rules of the Orphans' Court. He is a Republican in politics; has always taken an active part in political affairs of the county, and for the last three years has been Chair- man of the Republican County Committee. He is also a prominent Mason, being Past Master of Lodge No. 61, F. & A. M., one of the oldest lodges in the State, having been constituted in 1794, and Past High Priest of Shekinah Chapter, No. 182, R. A. M. Appointed Postmaster of Wilkes-Barre in 1892.
DARRYL LAPORTE CREVELING. EsQ.,
The second son of Alfred T. Creveling, was born on the 7th day of October, 1869, in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. During his early life he attended public school, and when old enough assisted in doing work on the farm. At the age of seventeen he entered a private school at the New Columbus Academy and attended there nearly three years. While in attendance at this academy he became an active member, and afterward the President, of the Custos Morum Society, one of two rival societies maintained by students of this school. It was here that his first literary work was done, by contributing small articles to the
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Society Journal, a paper issued every two weeks. After quitting school here he began to teach public school, and taught several years, beginning at Pond Hill and ending at Plymouth, where he now resides. In 1885 he attended school at Kingston Seminary, during the fall and winter terms. Returning from Ohio in 1886, where he was spending the summer, he married Kate J. Hice, a daughter of Jacob S. Hice, in February, 1887, and in June, 1888, was admitted to practice law at the Bar of the Luzerne County Courts. He early evinced a taste for reading, beginning when quite young to read and study an old book he found in the garret, called " Chambers's Information for the People," "Don Quixote " and "Poor Richard's Almanac." The first book he ever purchased was a copy of "Byron's Poetical Works." While he has written a number of small poems and prose articles, he has never attempted to publish but very few of them. His best publications are "The Wheel of Fortune " and the "Field of Music."
C. W. LAYCOCK,
Born October 3, 1860. Educated in public schools of Shickshinny and Wyoming Seminary, Kingston. Entered the Second National Bank of Wilkes-Barre as Book-keeper, February, 1880. Elected Cashier of the Anthracite Savings Bank of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, May, 1890.
TORRENCE BARNHART HARRISON
Was born in Union township, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1858. Attending the public schools of his native township until seventeen years of age, when he began teaching. Taught first term in Union; for next two years taught during winter and attended a term of school during the fall at New Columbus Academy ; in 1877, 1878 and 1879, taught in Plymouth township. Graduated from State Normal School in 1881, taking the highest honors of his class. Taught in public schools of Kingston borough for two years, the last year as Principal; resigned to accept Principalship of High School at Hazleton, a posi- tion he held for two years, and then resigned to accept the Principalship of the schools of what was then the Second District of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Harrison held this position until his election as Superintendent of Schools of Luzerne county in 1890.
J. B. WOODWARD, EsQ.,
Born at Wilkes-Barre, April 3, 1861. Educated at public schools, St. Paul's School, Wilkes-Barre Academy, and Yale College; graduated from Yale in the
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class of 1883. Studied law with A. T. McClintock, W. S. McLean and Univer- sity of Pennsylvania Law School. Admitted to the Bar September 7, 1885. Married June 6, 1888, to Marian Hillard, daughter of T. S. Hillard.
GEORGE A. EDWARDS
Is a native of Cardiff, Wales, where he was born in 1846. He came to Wilkes- Barre in 1881, and ever since has been one of its most industrious citizens. He founded the Eagle Iron Works in 1882, and it is now an important industry. Although Mr. Edwards has filled no public office, he is a very busy public man, having his hands full of social duties. He is an able platform speaker and wields the pen with equal ability. In business, in the church, and in philan- thropic enterprises he a very active citizen. The Cambro-American Society, an important organization amongst the Welsh residents, owes its present position to Mr. Edwards's zeal and interest in his nationality.
JOHN T. LENEHAN, EsQ.,
Born at Port Griffith. Educated under the care of the Fathers of St. Augustine, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1870. Studied in the law depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania. Admitted to the Luzerne Bar in 1873.
STEUBEN JENKINS, EsQ.,
Was born in Wyoming, Luzerne county, in 1819. Educated at Oxford Academy and at the Academy at Bethany, Pennsylvania. Studied law with the Hon. Hendrick B. Wright, and admitted to the Bar in 1847. Was a partner with Colonel Wright for eight years. Served two years in a government appointment in Washington. Served two terms in the State Legislature, namely, in 1856 and 1857. In 1863 was chosen Clerk and Counsel to the County Commissioners of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Died in 1889. He left a valuable collection of historical data, Indian relics, fossils, minerals. Mr. Jenkins was a poet, his- torian and antiquarian.
WILLIAM DRAKE LOOMIS,
Born in Wilkes-Barre, where Loomis Building now stands, August 18, 1844. Son of ex-Mayor W. W. Loomis. Was educated at the Wyoming Seminary and at the Preparatory School of W. S. Parsons, and is a graduate of Crittenden Commercial College. He is now one of the Directors and Secretary of the
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Wilkes-Barre Heat, Light and Motor Company. Served during the War on the United States Gunboat "Granite." He has spent a large amount of money in buildings in the city, having built the store at the corner of Northampton and Washington streets, occupied by Conyngham, Schrage & Company, and the Loomis Building on North Main street, and several blocks of tenement houses.
JAMES L. LENEHAN, EsQ.,
Was born in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. Educated in the public schools ; com- pleted his education at the Holy Cross College, Massachusetts. Read law with his brother John T., and was admitted to the Bar of Luzerne county in 1879. Elected District Attorney in 1885.
GEORGE M. REICHARD
Was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1834. Graduated from the Dana Academy. Went in the Brewing business with his father. Went out at the first call for troops as Captain of Company C, 143d Pennsylvania Infantry ; was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel; served until the close of the War. Went in partnership with his father and organized the firm of Reichard & Sons; later it was changed to Reichard & Company. Mr. Reichard has served as a member of the City Council.
GEORGE A. WELLS,
Born at Dundaff, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Resident of Wilkes-Barre since 1865. Engaged in Real Estate, Collection and Insurance business; resi- dence, 66 South street. Original Secretary of the Wilkes-Barre Board of Trade ; also Secretary of Wyoming Building and Loan Association, No. I and No. 2, for full term of both. Precentor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church for ten years. Treasurer of Wyoming Camp-Ground Association for ten years.
G. W. ZEIGLER
Was born in Lambertville, New Jersey, in 1855. Educated in that place. Entered the telegraph office of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Trenton, New Jer- sey; took charge of the distribution of the Company's coal for three divisions of that road, the Belvidere, New York and Amboy divisions; resigned after serving the Company for eleven years. In 1880 became proprietor of the Glenwood House at the Delaware Water Gap, one of the largest hotels in the country.
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In 1886 became proprietor of the Luzerne House in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsyl- vania, and under his management it has secured the largest commercial trade of any hotel in the city. Mr. Zeigler holds the position of Volunteer Paymaster in the Ninth Regiment with the rank of Captain. He managed the Band Fair of the Ninth Regiment. A member of the Elks and Royal Society of Good Fellows and a Master Mason.
ASHER MINER
Was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, November 4, 1860. Son of Hon. Charles A. Miner. Educated at the Wilkes-Barre Academy and at East Hamp- ton, Massachusetts. Director of the Millers' Fire Insurance Company, and has served as Captain of Company D of the Ninth Regiment of the National Guards.
GEORGE H. FLANAGAN,
Cashier of the Wyoming Bank, was born at Lehman Center, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1854. Educated in the public schools; spent three years at Wyoming Seminary, and graduated from the Commercial College in 1871. Entered the bank of J. B Wood, Flanagan & Company, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsyl- vania. In 1876 was elected Cashier of the Ashley Savings Bank, and in 1882 Cashier of the Wyoming Bank, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, which position he he now holds. Served as a member of the Town Council of Kingston borough for three years. Mr. Flanagan resides in Kingston.
GEORGE MORTIMER LEWIS, EsQ.,
Was born in Merryal, Bradford county, Pennsylvania. Graduated from La- fayette College in 1873. Studied law with E. P. Darling. Is a member of the Luzerne Bar. Is interested in the Electric Railroads of the valley.
EUGENE C. FRANK,
Artist, was born at Stuttgart, Germany. Educated in that city. Studied art at Munich and Karlsomh. Served in the Russian navy; came to this country in 1861 and served in the Confederate army; came North and became an Engraver for the Heliograph Engraving Company of New York city. Came to Wilkes- Barre in 1868 and edited the German Republican Co. paper. Later on engaged in the music business. Studied art under A. C. Howland and A. H. Wyant. Went to Munich and studied art under Professor A. Lier and other German
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masters. Opened a studio in Wilkes-Barre after his return. Mr. Frank has traveled extensively, and has paid considerable attention to the study and col- lecting of insects.
WESLEY ELLSWORTH WOODRUFF
Was born in Salem, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, in 1865. Son of the Rev. J. O. Woodruff. Graduated at Wyoming Seminary in 1883 and Wesleyan Uni- versity in the class of 1887; received a degree from Wesleyan in 1890 for a special course in history and political science. Served on the Record of the Times staff from 1887 until 1890, when he left the Record on account of night work, when he became City Editor of the Evening Leader. He was during his college days connected with the college publications, and has at various times written for the New York and Philadelphia papers. Mr. Woodruff is an honor to his profession, and has fine literary taste. His account of the Mud Run disaster was an event in journalism.
DR. W. S. STEWART
Was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, in 1855. Educated in the public schools and in the State Normal School; taught school for several years; grad- uated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1885. Located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1884. Member of Luzerne county and State Medical Societies and the Lehigh Valley Medical Society.
THOMAS H. ATHERTON,
Born at Wyoming, July 14, 1853. Attended school at Wyoming and Wilkes- Barre until 1870. Entered Princeton University in the fall of 1870, and grad- uated in June, 1864. Entered the law office of Hon. Charles E. Rice in Septem- ber, 1874, and was admitted to the Bar in September, 1876.
L. E. STEARNS
Was born in Ohio, October 2, 1845. Removed from there with his parents when four years of age to Binghamton, New York, where he received a good common school education. At the age of nineteen he entered his father's photographic studio as a student, and made such rapid progress in the art that in a few years he was qualified to conduct successfully the large gallery in Wilkes-Barre that has borne his name for nearly twenty years. He is an elder in the First Pres-
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byterian Church of this city. He has also been an active member of the Young Men's Christian Association since its organization in Wilkes-Barre, and served one year as President of the Association. Mr. Stearns's gallery is now located in the new and beautiful Osterhout Block, Public square and East Market street.
W. D. WHITE
Was born in Wilkes-Barre in 1849; son of John White of Ashley. Educated in Ashley and Wilkes-Barre and graduated at Wyoming Commereial College. Kept books for Conyngham & Paine in Ashley. Bought out Millard Cyphers and organized the drug firm of W. D. White & Co. in 1870. Bought out William Tuck in 1877 and conducted both places successfully. Mr. White has the confi- dence of the medical profession and is esteemed as a competent pharmacist.
FRANK DEITRICK,
Born in Carbondole, Pennsylvania, April 19, 1867. Removed with his parents to Wilkes-Barre when thirteen years of age. Was educated at Carbondale public Schools. Appointed Assistant City Clerk in 1880; served as such until January, 1887, when he was elected City Clerk, to fill vacancy caused by resig- nation of J. C. Bell, and has held that position since then.
WILLIAM E. DORON
Was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey, in the year 1843, where he resided until the breaking out of the Rebellion. He was at that time nineteen years of age, and was serving an apprenticeship at the cabinet-making and undertaking busi - ness with the firm of Thomas F. Keeler & Son. He enlisted in the Twenty- Third New Jersey Infantry and was attached to the First New Jersey Brigade, Sixth Army Corps. His regiment was commanded by Colonel E. Bird Grubb, the present Minister to Spain. After serving out the time of enlistment, he came to Pennsylvania and located in Wilkes-Barre; worked at his trade as cab- inet-maker with Blackman & Laning, also at the carpenter business. In 1871 he went to Plains, in the Company Store, on the river road from Wilkes-Barre to Pittston. After serving as book-keeper for four years with Amsbry & Com- pany, Crane & Leonard and Tozer, Crane & Leonard, he started business for himself at Plains, in the furniture and undertaking business, where he was suc- cessful for ten years. During his residence at Plains he was always closely identified with the interests of the town. A member of the Methodist Episcopal
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Church, and for ten successive years Superintendent of its Sunday-School. In 1883 he came to Wilkes-Barre, leased the store in the Commercial Block, 25 West Market street, where he remained eight years in the undertaking and music business. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the present Commander of Conyngham Post of this city.
HENRY EVANS,
Born in Wales, January 6, 1857. Came with his parents to this county the same year. Was educated in the common schools. Worked in coal breakers and coal mines. Attended night school and graduated in Wyoming Commercial College. Elected County Commissioner in November, 1887, and re-elected November, 1890.
C. BEN. JOHNSON
Was born in Philadelphia in 1846. Was educated at the public schools of that city, Served four years during the Civil War in the 104th Pennsylvania Volun- teers and Seventh United States Veteran Volunteers. Entered journalism at the close of the War. Edited the organs of the Miners' Union 1868-75. Came to Wilkes-Barre in the latter year. Was Reading Clerk of the House of Repre- sentatives in 1883, and Secretary of the Board of Trade 1897-91. Member of the House of Representatives in the latter year. During the time not here accounted for, was on the editorial staff of the Wilkes-Barre Leader.
CYRUS STRAW,
Born in Hazleton, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, October 1, 1837. Lived all his life in this county. Educated at Wyoming Seminary. Lived on a farm. Taught school. Been in the grain and lumber business and taken an active part in politics. Served in the War of the Rebellion, Company K, Eighty-First Pennsylvania Volunteers. Wounded at battle of Antietam. Discharged for disability from wound, May, 1863. Elected Commissioner of Luzerne in 1885, for a period of three years. Always active in public school interests.
D. K. SPRY
Was born in Honesdale, Pa. Educated in the public schools, and served in the War of the Rebellion in the Pennsylvania Cavalry. Studied pharmacy with D. W. Wells and George Wells of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Was for many
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years the leading druggist of Plymouth, and has been identified with nearly every interest of that place. He is a successful business man and deals largely in real estate. Holds stock in most of our large industries. He resides in Wilkes-Barre at the present time.
THOMAS SMITH,
County Commissioner, was born in England. Came to this country in 1863. Followed mining for fifty years. Was an officer at different times in the Miners' Union. Elected as Commissioner of Luzerne county in 1891.
ANDREW R. BACON
Was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Educated in Tioga county. Was the boy soprano with the old Hutchison Family (singers). Studied music with the celebrated Barrella of Philadelphia. Established the well known music house in Wilkes-Barre. Was the originator and leader of the Oratorio Society.
WILLIAM BURNS DOW
Was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, January 12, 1850. Son of the late J. B. Dow, a teacher in the valley for half a century. The subject of this sketch followed the insurance business in Wilkes-Barre for twenty years, until three years ago, when he became proprietor of the City Steam Laundry, on West Market street, and at the same time having some dealings in the real estate and insurance business.
GEORGE H. PARRISH
Was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1820. Educated in that city, and has been connected with the coal interest of the valley from early life. Was Superintendent of the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company for many years.
JOSEPH J. McGINTY
Was born in Durham, England, forty-one years ago. He came, when a boy, to this country, and located with his parents near Hazleton, in this State, where he remained until he was elected to the office he now enjoys. In 1874 he was chosen School Director, and during one year of the term was Treasurer of the Board. He was elected Delegate to the Democratic State Convention which was
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held in Harrisburg in 1883, and was again sent by his fellow workingmen to represent them in the National Convention of the Knights of Labor at Hamilton, Canada, in 1885, and also at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1886. In 1886 he was elected Recorder of Deeds for his adopted county, by an overwhelming majority, and re-elected to the same office in 1889, when the rest of the Democratic ticket was defeated.
ROBERT P. ROBINSON,
Sheriff of Luzerne county, was born in Fairmount township, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Taught school and farmed until 1882, when he was appointed County Auditor by the Court ; served three years, and as Clerk of the County Commissioners five years. Elected Sheriff of Luzerne county in 1889 by a plurality of 1292 votes-the first Republican Sheriff of Luzerne county.
EDWARD GUNSTER
Was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1860. Educated in public and private schools and graduated from Nazareth Hall in 1876. Took a special course in accounting in New York city. Took charge of the books of several business houses in Wilkes-Barre, and in 1888 opened an office for type-writing, collecting, accounting and general office work, that has become the leading office in these lines in the State. His present offices are in the Coal Exchange, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
S. L. HAGENBAUGH,
Born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Educated at the public schools, and at an early age began farming. In 1861 he enlisted in the Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, and was taken prisoner in May, 1864, and was in Andersonville and other Southern prisons for ten months. . Mustered out of service in April, 1865. In 1868 he came to Wilkes-Barre, and in 1884 opened an art store in that city. He has the largest and the best trade in the county. He is a member of the Grand Army.
ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH
Has had an organized existence of seventy-five years. Rev. Bernard Page, of Eng- land, was the first Protestant Episcopal minister to officiate in this section, 1792. In 1814 Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, D. D., held services in the old Wilkes-Barre Academy. A charter was applied for and granted on October 7, 1817, and the
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services of Rev. Richard Sharpe Ward, D. D., were secured. He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Phinney. In 1819 Rev. Manning R. Roche became missionary at St. Stephen's, and the Sunday-School was organized by Hon. David Scott, then President Judge of this District (1818), he being the only male communi- cant of the church. During 1821-22 the services were conducted by a lay mem- ber, Mr. Samuel Bowman. On May 2, 1821, St. Stephen's parish was admitted to the Convocation of Pennsylvania. In 1821 the "Old Ship Zion," an old frame building erected by the contributions of the various church bodies of the town, was sold, and the present site was purchased, and by the aid of Judge Scott a church was erected, and in 1824 the church was consecrated by Bishop White, Rev. Samuel Sitgrove being the rector at the time. He was succeeded by Rev. Enoch Huntingdon, who remained until 1826. He was succeeded by Rev. James May, D. D., who remained ten years. In 1836 Dr. McCloskey be- came rector, and during his ministry Hon. John N. Conyngham and Hon. George W. Woodward were influential communicants. He was succeeded by Rev. William James Clark in 1837, and in 1840 he was succeeded by Rev. Robert Bethel Claxton, S. T. D. He resigned in 1846. Rev. Charles DeKay Cooper served for a few months. The next rector was Rev. George David Miles, who served until 1848. In 1853 Bishop Alonzo Potter laid the corner-stone of a new edifice, and was consecrated by Bishop Potter, April 19, 1855. Mr. Miles was succeeded by Rev. Robert Henry Williamson, who remained until 1874. In 1874 the Vestry elected as rector Rev. Henry L. Jones, the present incumbent. In 1886 the increased attendance necessitated the enlargement of the building. On the vacant lot in the rear of the church was built a commodious and con- venient parish building. The old tower and the whole front having been torn down, the new front was built up of hard, dark brick, in a style similar to some of the Lombard buildings of Northern Italy. The church has now a seating capacity of over eight hundred. The attractiveness of St. Stephen's has been largely increased by the addition of loving memorials representing many of the leading families of this historic valley. The activity of the parish is sufficiently indicated by the support of six mission chapels, and the interest manifested in all of our local charities.
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