USA > Pennsylvania > The Wyoming Valley in the nineteenth century > Part 11
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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 Farn- ham of the city of Wilkes-Barre, and was admitted to the Bar in 1885. Assistant District Attorney in 1892.
WILLIAM GLASSELL ENO, born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Educated at the pub- lic 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.
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THE WYOMING VALLEY.
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 be taught in every department of school work, first in the public schools, then in select schools, after he was Principal of New Columbus Academy. He was the first Principal of the Bennett Grammar School at Luzerne. While teaching in Kingston he was elected Superintendent of the Schools of Luzerne county, and held the position for four terms (twelve years). During his career as County Superintendent he became recognized 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 I891 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 hoids.
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 Wyo- ming 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 Lafay- ette 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 de- gree of M. D. in 1866, coming immediately to Kingston, where he has since practiced his profession.
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 iSgt 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 be due to his pluck, energy and business tact. Mr. Long is one of our most popular citizens, and is inter- ested in a number of enterprises; he is also Vice President of the Electric Light Company and President of the Board of Trade.
P. M. CARHART, Cashier of the First National Bank of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was born at Belvidere, New Jersey. His father, well known as a merchant, is still living. Mr. Carhart's experience as a banker covers a period of twenty-seven years-thirteen years with Messrs. Bennett, Phelps & Company, five years at the Wyoming National Bank, and nine years with the First National, of which he is now the Cashier. As a banker, Mr. Carhart is enterprising and progressive, yet careful and prudent. Under his management the business of the First National has steadily grown in volume, and its methods in favor with business men. With Mr. Carhart at its head we predict for this good old institution continued growth and increased prosperity.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
FREDERICK C. JOHNSON, born at Marquette, Wisconsin, 1853. Son of Wesley John- son and great-grandson 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 contri- butions to the local papers and doing special correspondence 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 con- ducted every department of the paper in turn -local, editorial and business 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 Chris- tian Association, a member of the Luzerne County Medical Society and of the State Society, a member of the Masonic fraternity, the American Legion of Honor and the Hep- tasophs, 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 Associa- tion and was one of its Vice Presidents.
The Record was established in 1853 by William P Miner, who in 1873 began the publi- cation 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.
J. C. POWELL was born in 1854. at Lansford, Carbon county. Moved to Shenandoah at an carly age. Taught in the public schools of Schuylkill county for seven years. At- tended the Millersville State Normal School, Chittenden College of Philadelphia, and Bloomsburg State Normal School. Was employed on the Shenandoah Herald for eight years, and helped to establish the Colliery Engineer, now published in Scranton. Came to Wilkes-Barre in 1883, and ever since has been one of the editors and proprietors of the Record.
WILIAM P. RIEG was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, March 1. 1872. Son of Prof. Jacob. Rieg. Educated in public schools of Wilkes. Barre. Began the study of Music in his sixth year, and appeared before the public in his fourteenth year. One of the foun- ders of the Raff Quartette. In 1892-3, Musical Director of Music Hall Orchestra, and the season of 1893 Musical Director of Humphrey's Comedians. Mr. Rieg is one of the lead- ing violinists of this section.
CHARLES VINCENT EDWARDS was born in Salem township, Luzerne county, Pennsyl- vania, in 186o. Went to school in Salem township and at Wilkes-Barre; was at home until his twenty-first-year. Learned the carpenter trade with E. T. ,Long, Wilkes-Barre. Was foreman for Contracter Leng for four years. In 1899 began as a contractor and now resitks in Kingston, and is carrying on the business of carpenter and builder. Married in 1286 to Euphemia Hutchison.
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THE WYOMING VALLEY.
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.
WILLIAM C. SHEPHERD, eldest son of W. II. and Lydia A. Shepherd, was born in the city of Philadelphia, August 16, 1862. He resided in that city until April, 1868, when he with his family removed to Wilkes-Barre. 'He received all of his general education in the public schools of this city. In April, 1879, he was compelled to leave the High School on account of failing eyesight. He then learned the carpenter trade with his father. After graduating in the Commercial Course of the Wyoming Seminary in June, 1883, he has been successively foreman, book-keeper and assistant superintendent of his father's business. During the past few years he has given his attention also to the study of Architecture. On November 1, 1891, he became a member of the firm of W. H. Shepherd & Sons, which is well established with most favorable auspices for the future. April 24, 1890, he was married to Alice M., eldest daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Maris Gibson of this city. They have two children, Harold and Miriam.
GEORGE HENRY Ross was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1862. Educated in the public schools; learned the trade of blacksmith. In 1886, entered the drug business with his brother, E. E. Ross, in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, where he is now employed. President of the Borough Council in 1890. Assessor at the present time.
MARTIN POOLEY, born in Michigan, August, 1863. His parents moved to Buckhorn, Columbia county, two years later, where he received a common school education. In 18SI went to Nanticoke to learn the printing trade. Came to Kingston in 1886, where he has since resided, and at present proprietor of a Job Printing Establishment in that placc.
GEORGE A. PENILE was born at White Haven, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1852. Educated in Wilkes-Barre and took the commercial course at Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, and also one year at the Ilarry Hillman Academy. In 1871 entered the drug store of Peacock, Lafferty & Company, of Wilkes-Barre, and learned the drug business. In 1874 assumed charge of Dr. Lape's drug store at Nanticoke. In 1874 established his present drugs and general merchandise business at Warrior Run. Postmaster in 1880. An Elder in the Nan- ticoke Presbyterian Church. At the present time a Deacon and Superintendent of the Baptist Church, of Warrior Run. A member of the Good Templars and an active Prohi- bitionist since ISSO. In ISSo married Miss Herda Myers, a niece of Reuben J. Flick. Mrs. Pehle is president of the Young People's Union. Mr. Pehle is a member of the Pro- hibition County Committee.
CHARLES S. GABEL was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1839. Went to school in that city. Went in the manufacturing of cigars in Wilkes-Barre in 1861. In 1862 enlisted in the 143d Pennsylvania Volunteers and served through the war; was taken prisoner at the battle of Gettysburg in the first day's fight ; took parole on the field. Married in 1866 to Mary H. Zaun, of Wilkes-Barre. In 1870 became proprietor of the Old Fell House, corner of Washington and Northampton streets. For six years he kept a cafe on the south side of South Main street and two years on Northampton street. On the first of April, 1893, moved into the Engel Block and opened the Delmar House, 61 South Main street. He was a prominent man in the secret societies; Brigadier General of the National Chieftians' League of Red Men. Mr. Gabel died July 12, 1894.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
W. H. ROTHERMEL, Dentist, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1869. Educated in the Philadelphia Dental College. Graduated in 1893. Located at No. 33. West Market street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, his present location.
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IRA C. GEORGE was born in Nanticoke. Educated in that borough. Assumed at his father's death the management of his business. In 1891 engaged as Book-keeper for W. J. Rees, where he is now employed.
H. C. BRODHEAD, born at Mauch Chunk and educated in Philadelphia. Began his mining career at Wanamie in the early 70's for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. Upon their purchase of the Red Ash collieries in Plymouth, he was made engineer in charge and served in such capacity for several years. When the same collieries were absorbed into the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, he was made a Division Superin- tendent of said Company, and after a time was transferred to Sugar Notch, at that time the most difficult division in the company's possession. After several years service there he was in 1883, promoted to the Assistant General Outside Superintendency, which place he held till his resignation in 1888. His large experience obtained in early life he has been able to utilize profitably in the care of his individual interests in several collieries, all of which have been successful.
REV. JONATHAN K. PECK came from New England ancestry. His father, Rev. Luther Hoyt Peck, was born in Connecticut, and his mother, Mary Kinyon, was born in Rhode Island. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Pitcher, New York, December 3Ist, 1824. Ilis father was a hard working farmer and mechanic and he was early schooled in both kinds of work. At the age of seventeen he came into Pennsylvania and found a home with relatives and friends in fair Wyoming Valley. He prepared for college in Wyo- ming Seminary; taught several terms of school and went to Dickinson College in 1849; graduated in 1852. He taught a select school for one year in Maryland and joined the Wyoming Conference in the summer of 1853, and preached in regular charges for thirty years including four years as Presiding Elder of the Honesdale District. He was married to Mary Searle, of Plains, in April, 1857. During two years of superannuation, viz .: 1884- 85 he had the post of Librarian of the Assembly of the State of New York. He was once a candidate for the Assembly of Pennsylvania from Wayne and Pike counties, but was not elected. Mr. Peck's ministry covers a period of forty years. His book entitled, "The Seven Wonders of the New World," is pronounced a very fascinating book and is having quite an extensive sale. He is called a preacher of "Original" Sermons and is said to wield a versatile pen. His historical papers are pronounced vivid and reliable. He is happy in his retirement and a friend to the whole people and a lover of God.
GEORGE J. STEGMAIER was born in Wilkes-Barre, 1858. Son of Charles Stegmaier. Educated in the German and English schools of this city and one year at St. Vincent College, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Learned the machinist trade and followed it for several years. Mr. Stegmaier is an athlete, and a great lover of out-door exercise and patron of all field sports. In 1888 was elected to the Legislature, having the largest vote ever given to a candidate for that office in this district. Was defeated for Sheriff in 1889. Is public spirited and is also a member of many societies. Assistant Chief of the Wilkes- Barre Fire Department, has been a member fifteen years. Married May G. Costello, May, 1889. Has three children.
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THE WYOMING VALLEY.
A. GOTTHOLD was born in Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, 1844. Educated in his native city. Came to the United States in his seventeenth year, settled in New York City and followed the trade of wig maker and hair dresser. Came to Wilkes-Barre in 1868. Member of the Saengerbund and Liedertafel singing societies, being secretary of the first named. Mr. Gotthold is an honorary member of several singing societics in New York City, and Reading, Pennsylvania.
ISAAC E. Ross, M. D., was born 1832, in Bradford county, Pennsylvania. Educated in the Lewisburg University. Graduated from the Geneva Medical College 1867. Camc to this valley in 1883, and has been in continuous practice in Wilkes-Barre ever since. Joined the Luzerne County Medical Society in 1883. The last male descendant of the name of original Ross family in the valley. There were three Rosses who came here as original settlers. * His great grandmother, Mrs. General Ross, carried her son, Jesse Ross, across to Connecticut when driven out by the Pennamites.
MORRIS SULLIVAN was born April, 1847, in Ireland. Came to this country in 1859. Went to school in Wyoming Valley where he has lived most of his life. Went into the United States service on the 19th of April, 1861; served three years and was discharged and enlisted again ; was wounded and taken prisoner at Georgetown, South Carolina ; made his escape and was recaptured again after nine days, and was released at the close of the war. Chairman of the Master Painters' Association of Pennsylvania, Vice Superior Chief- tian of the State League of the Red Men, also Past Sachem ; member of the Grand Army and Heptasophs.
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ROBERT BAUR, born December 25, 1825, in Ulm, Kingdom Wurtemburg. After pass- ing the high school learned the trade of a book-binder, and after participating in the Revo- lution in 1848 emigrated to America, arriving in December, '48. After working for three years at his trade in Philadelphia he came to Wilkes-Barre in June, 1851, became proprietor of the Democratic Wachter the July following and has edited and published it to date. In 1868 he established the Samstag Abend (Saturday Evening), a paper mainly devoted to literature, both papers being alive to-day.
GUSTAVE ADOLPH BAUR, only son of Robert Baur, born December 1, 1860. After passing Wyoming Seminary and Commercial College learned the printing business in his father's office. Worked in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and returned after a three years' absence from home and entered into partnership with his father under firm nanie of Robert Baur & Son. To his energy, management and popularity the firm owes the greater part of its success, having grown from three presses to six, and from eight employes to twenty-five. The business is located since 1862 at No. 3 South Main street, Wilkes-Barre.
GEORGE L. WEITZEL was born in Weilenburg, Germany, August 28, 1849. Came to the United States at four years of age. Went to school in Paterson, New Jersey, in the Ger- man Acadciny for three years. Lived in New York until 1859, then moved with his parents to Paterson, New Jersey, and there learned the business of Decorator and Scene Artist. Came to Wilkes-Barre in 1870 and established business on the old Bowman's corner on the south side of Square. In 1884 established his business consisting of paints and wall paper at No. 51 Hazle street. Mr. Weitzel has finished up most of the finest residences in Wilkes-Barre. Was School Director in the Eleventh Ward. Connected with various singing and other societies. Charter member of 1: O. F., 704.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
PETER SCHAPPERT was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 28, 1840. Came to Wilkes- Barre in 1854. At the present time is proprietor of the Schappert House, South Main street. Is a trustee of the Sangerbund.
B. J. COBLEIGH, M. D., was born near Pottsville, Schuylkill county, January 10, 1863. Educated in the public schools of Plymouth, Luzerne county, and Wilkes-Barre Academy and Bloomsburg Normal School. Studied medicine and graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, class of 1883. Took a special course in eye and ear surgery, which branch of the profession he has practiced since. Married Miss Margaret Edwards, youngest daughter of Daniel Edwards, Kingston, and is now located on Market street in that town.
J. MILTON NICHOLSON was born in Salem, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, August 29, 1828. Remained on the homestead engaged in farming and school teaching until 1860, when he entered the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company as agent at Hopbottom, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, at which place he was Post- master during Abraham Lincoln's first term, his commission bearing date of April 10, 1861. Came to Kingston June 6, 1865, as telegraph train dispatcher, which position he occupied until January 1, 1881, since which time he has been ticket agent at that station.
CHESTER WILCOX was born in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. Attended the public schools of Pittston. Has followed manufacturing of brick and building all his life, and built many of the brick buildings of Plymouth, where he lived for sixteen years. Has lived for a num- ber of years in Kingston. His father was one of the first brick makers in the valley. Mr. Wilcox is a fine musician and gives his services free for church and local entertainments.
LEWIS LEONIDAS ROGERS, M. D., born at Huntsville, Pennsylvania. Eldest son of Dr. J. J. Rogers. Educated at the public schools, Wyoming Seminary, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Maryland ; Philadelphia Lying-in Hospital, and Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he graduated March 12, 1881. Took a postgraduate course in Gynecology under Professors Baer and Goodell at the University of Pennsylvania. Located at Kingston in the fall of ISS1, where he has been engaged in general practice ever since. He is a member of the Luzerne County, Lehigh Valley, and Pennsylvania State Medical Societies; an official member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; Lecturer on Physiology and Hygiene at Wyoming Seminary; one of the organizers of the Kingston Young Men's Christian Association and its Vice-President for two years. Dr. Rogers is a self-educated man, having taught in the public and graded schools for six years previous to his studying medicine.
EDWARD E. Ross, born at Tuscarora, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1855. On arriving at legal age, was sent to the public schools; attended regularly until old enough to pick slate in the breaker, after which attended school during idle time and in the coldest part of the winter. Commenced teaching at the age of fifteen years, and followed the profession until 1885, teaching in the counties of Schuylkill, Northumberland, Union and Luzerne. From 1885 to 1887 established a lucrative drug business at Luzerne. Was then appointed Outside Foreman for the Northwest Coal Company, Limited, at Carbon- dale, Pennsylvania. Resigned this position in 1889; returned to Luzerne county and re- entered the profession of teaching. Was a candidate for the County Superintendency of Public Schools in 1890. Is now Principal of the Public Schools of Luzerne.
THE WYOMING VALLEY.
ISAAC GERHARD ECKERT, son of George J. Eckert, was born at Reading, Pennsylvania, August 21, 1858. Pennsylvania German descent on both father's and mother's side. Grad- uate of Reading High School and Reading Business College. Student at Lafayette College in civil engineering course. Graduate of State School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, as an assayer. Married in Denver, Colorado, June, 1879, to Miss Lizzie Ella Smith. daughter of Levi M. Smith, formerly of Kingston. Book-keeper and assistant cashier in the banking-house of L. J. Smith & Co. Secretary Golden City Republican Committee. Member Jefferson county, Colorado, Republican Committee. Assistant Chief Fire Depart- ment. Secretary and Treasurer Library and Reading Room Association. Manager of Golden Opera House. Returned East in the fall of ISS1. Manager of George J. Eckert's Fire Brick Works, Reading, until the fall of 1883, when he moved to Kingston. Outside Foreman of Harry E. and Forty Fort Collieries; at present book-keeper for both collieries. Secretary Forty Fort School Board. Secretary Second Legislative District Committee. Assistant Chairman Republican County Committee for Second District.
A. J. ROAT was born April 20, 1833, at Light Street, Columbia county, Pennsylvania. Moved to Forty Fort in 1841 and to Kingston in 1845. Learned the Blacksmithing trade in 1856. Married in 1856 to Mary Ann Gabriel. Carried on blacksmith and wagon work until 1878. Started in the hardware business, which he still continues. From a small business it has grown to be one of the largest in the valley, occupying four buildings. Has three sons who assist him in the business, besides employing six assistants. Has served as Shool Director, Councilman and Chief of Fire Department.
W. H. SHAVER, born in Dallas township, September 20, 1847. Received a common school education. Was mustered into the United States service August 20, 1862, as a member of Battery M, Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Artillery. Followed the fortunes of the Army of the Potomac until May 25, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Took the occupation of a locomotive engineer from 1867 to March, 1887, when he went into the grocery business, where he is at present employed.
ALFRED H. COON was born in Luzerne county. Educated in the public schools. Lived in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and became a partner with his father in building public works. Came to Kingston in 1854. Mr. Coon has filled as many contracts for public works as any man in the State, and has never left a contract unfinished. Organized and built the Wilkes-Barre and Kingston street car line, the first T rail used on a street railroad. This was the first street car line in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Coon and his brother put the first steamboat on the Susquehanna at Wilkes-Barre, and through his influence secured an appropiation to dredge the river below Wilkes-Barre.
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