L.H. Raymond General store, Greenfield Township (1900)
The largest country store in the United States owned by an individual. In October, 1890, Mr. Raymond entered upon a business career at Greenfield with the limited capital of $450. He opened a general store, a venture in which other men had previously failed. Succeeding from the first he gradually increased both his stock and his operations until it became the largest country store in the United States owned by an individual, Mr. Raymond sold his business in 1919 to C. F. Sweet of Greenfield.
http://www.onlinebiographies.info/pa/erie/raymond-lh.htm :
Laverne H. Raymond, representative in the Pennsylvania State Legislature from the Third District of Erie County, is a prominent and influential citizen of the county. He was born in Venango Township Erie County, Dec. 29, 1867, the son of Elbridge and Mary (Yost) Raymond. His parents removed with him when he was about three months of age to Greenfield Township, where he has continuously resided since. A native of New York, Elbridge Raymond was born Aug. 19, 1807, coming from New England ancestry, the Raymond family having removed from Rhode Island to Albany County, N. Y., in colonial days, where Mr. Raymond was born. When 17 years of age Elbridge Raymond came to Allegany County, N. Y., and for 20 years engaged in milling and assisted in building the Genesee canal. While there he met Almira Benedict of Norwich, N. Y., and married her. After the birth of three children in 1844 they removed to Erie County, where two other children were born, and in 1853 the mother died. Of this union only one daughter, Alice M., is living. Two sons served in the Civil War, Edwin, dying in service at Jefferson City, Mo., and Charles, dying at home in 1871, after serving the entire term of war. Elbridge Raymond served as postmaster of Greenfield from 1875 until 1885 and died there Feb. 4, 1890. After coming to Erie County he engaged in milling for a number of years, first operating a grist mill at Wattsburg, and later in Greenfield Township. He married Mary Yost Ensign in 1860. She was born in Venango Township, Erie County, Dec. 14, 1825, and died Dec. 19, 1915. To this union was born George E., born in 1861, died Oct. 9, 1878; and Laverne H., the subject of this sketch. He attended the township public school until 17 years of age when he entered Clark's Business College, Erie, and in 1887 he entered Edinboro State Normal School for one term only, He then taught school for several years in Greenfield and Venango Townships, and in October, 1890, entered upon a business career at Greenfield with the limited capital of $450. He opened a general store, a venture in which other men had previously failed. Succeeding from the first he gradually increased both his stock and his operations until it became the largest country store in the United States owned by an individual, Mr. Raymond sold his business in 1919 to C. F. Sweet of Greenfield. He owns a modern dairy farm of 180 acres in Greenfield Township and his home is among the most beautiful in Erie County. Mr. Raymond is a director in the Standard Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, the Union Trust Cormpany of Erie, and a stockholder in the First National Bank of North East. Mr. Raymond is a Republican and in 1922 was elected a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature from the Third District of Erie County, and reelected in 1924 without an opposing vote. As this district was formed in 1920 he has been the first man to represent it. He has served as justice of the peace of Greenfield for six years, as township treasurer for two terms and as auditor one term. On Oct. 1, 1890, Mr. Raymond was married to Miss Bertha A. Lewis, who was born at Mina, N. Y., March 13, 1869, the daughter of Elisha G. and Mary J. (Ridell) Lewis. She died at Cannes, France, Dec. 6, 1923, and is buried at Lowville, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond two children were born: Agnes M., born Oct. 1, 1891, married Dec. 31, 1924, to Lyle E. Markham, who is connected with the Winters Piano Company of Erie; and Harold L., born Sept. 28, 1896, is a World War veteran. He is an accomplished musician, has studied at Essen, Germany; Paris, France, and is at present studying at Lyons, France. Mr. Raymond was married Dec. 29, 1924, to Frances Barney Voik, a native of Erie County, and at the time a teacher in the Wesleyvilie public schools. Mr. Raymond is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Greenfleld and is a 32nd degree Mason.
From: History of Erie County, Pennsylvania By: John Elmer Reed Historical Publishing Company Topeka-Indianapolis 1925
RAYMOND - Laverne H., age 67, at Hamot Hospital, Aug. 23, 1935, husband of Mrs. Francis A. Raymond, of 334 E. 28th St. The body will lie in state at the Nelson Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St.., where friends may call at any time until Monday at which time removal will be made to the Nelson Funeral Home at North East, 54 So. Lake St., where services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Standard Time, in charge of Rev. R.P. Howe, assisted by Re. Mills, of Westfield, N.Y. Interment in the family plot at Lowville with graveside services in charge of the Masonic Lodge. Friends invited. Handwritten 1935.
The largest country store in the United States owned by an individual. In October, 1890, Mr. Raymond entered upon a business career at Greenfield with the limited capital of $450. He opened a general store, a venture in which other men had previously failed. Succeeding from the first he gradually increased both his stock and his operations until it became the largest country store in the United States owned by an individual, Mr. Raymond sold his business in 1919 to C. F. Sweet of Greenfield.
http://www.onlinebiographies.info/pa/erie/raymond-lh.htm :
Laverne H. Raymond, representative in the Pennsylvania State Legislature from the Third District of Erie County, is a prominent and influential citizen of the county. He was born in Venango Township Erie County, Dec. 29, 1867, the son of Elbridge and Mary (Yost) Raymond. His parents removed with him when he was about three months of age to Greenfield Township, where he has continuously resided since. A native of New York, Elbridge Raymond was born Aug. 19, 1807, coming from New England ancestry, the Raymond family having removed from Rhode Island to Albany County, N. Y., in colonial days, where Mr. Raymond was born. When 17 years of age Elbridge Raymond came to Allegany County, N. Y., and for 20 years engaged in milling and assisted in building the Genesee canal. While there he met Almira Benedict of Norwich, N. Y., and married her. After the birth of three children in 1844 they removed to Erie County, where two other children were born, and in 1853 the mother died. Of this union only one daughter, Alice M., is living. Two sons served in the Civil War, Edwin, dying in service at Jefferson City, Mo., and Charles, dying at home in 1871, after serving the entire term of war. Elbridge Raymond served as postmaster of Greenfield from 1875 until 1885 and died there Feb. 4, 1890. After coming to Erie County he engaged in milling for a number of years, first operating a grist mill at Wattsburg, and later in Greenfield Township. He married Mary Yost Ensign in 1860. She was born in Venango Township, Erie County, Dec. 14, 1825, and died Dec. 19, 1915. To this union was born George E., born in 1861, died Oct. 9, 1878; and Laverne H., the subject of this sketch. He attended the township public school until 17 years of age when he entered Clark's Business College, Erie, and in 1887 he entered Edinboro State Normal School for one term only, He then taught school for several years in Greenfield and Venango Townships, and in October, 1890, entered upon a business career at Greenfield with the limited capital of $450. He opened a general store, a venture in which other men had previously failed. Succeeding from the first he gradually increased both his stock and his operations until it became the largest country store in the United States owned by an individual, Mr. Raymond sold his business in 1919 to C. F. Sweet of Greenfield. He owns a modern dairy farm of 180 acres in Greenfield Township and his home is among the most beautiful in Erie County. Mr. Raymond is a director in the Standard Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, the Union Trust Cormpany of Erie, and a stockholder in the First National Bank of North East. Mr. Raymond is a Republican and in 1922 was elected a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature from the Third District of Erie County, and reelected in 1924 without an opposing vote. As this district was formed in 1920 he has been the first man to represent it. He has served as justice of the peace of Greenfield for six years, as township treasurer for two terms and as auditor one term. On Oct. 1, 1890, Mr. Raymond was married to Miss Bertha A. Lewis, who was born at Mina, N. Y., March 13, 1869, the daughter of Elisha G. and Mary J. (Ridell) Lewis. She died at Cannes, France, Dec. 6, 1923, and is buried at Lowville, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond two children were born: Agnes M., born Oct. 1, 1891, married Dec. 31, 1924, to Lyle E. Markham, who is connected with the Winters Piano Company of Erie; and Harold L., born Sept. 28, 1896, is a World War veteran. He is an accomplished musician, has studied at Essen, Germany; Paris, France, and is at present studying at Lyons, France. Mr. Raymond was married Dec. 29, 1924, to Frances Barney Voik, a native of Erie County, and at the time a teacher in the Wesleyvilie public schools. Mr. Raymond is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Greenfleld and is a 32nd degree Mason.
From: History of Erie County, Pennsylvania By: John Elmer Reed Historical Publishing Company Topeka-Indianapolis 1925
RAYMOND - Laverne H., age 67, at Hamot Hospital, Aug. 23, 1935, husband of Mrs. Francis A. Raymond, of 334 E. 28th St. The body will lie in state at the Nelson Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St.., where friends may call at any time until Monday at which time removal will be made to the Nelson Funeral Home at North East, 54 So. Lake St., where services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Standard Time, in charge of Rev. R.P. Howe, assisted by Re. Mills, of Westfield, N.Y. Interment in the family plot at Lowville with graveside services in charge of the Masonic Lodge. Friends invited. Handwritten 1935.
L.H. Raymond General store, Greenfield Township (1900)
The largest country store in the United States owned by an individual. In October, 1890, Mr. Raymond entered upon a business career at Greenfield with the limited capital of $450. He opened a general store, a venture in which other men had previously failed. Succeeding from the first he gradually increased both his stock and his operations until it became the largest country store in the United States owned by an individual, Mr. Raymond sold his business in 1919 to C. F. Sweet of Greenfield.
http://www.onlinebiographies.info/pa/erie/raymond-lh.htm :
Laverne H. Raymond, representative in the Pennsylvania State Legislature from the Third District of Erie County, is a prominent and influential citizen of the county. He was born in Venango Township Erie County, Dec. 29, 1867, the son of Elbridge and Mary (Yost) Raymond. His parents removed with him when he was about three months of age to Greenfield Township, where he has continuously resided since. A native of New York, Elbridge Raymond was born Aug. 19, 1807, coming from New England ancestry, the Raymond family having removed from Rhode Island to Albany County, N. Y., in colonial days, where Mr. Raymond was born. When 17 years of age Elbridge Raymond came to Allegany County, N. Y., and for 20 years engaged in milling and assisted in building the Genesee canal. While there he met Almira Benedict of Norwich, N. Y., and married her. After the birth of three children in 1844 they removed to Erie County, where two other children were born, and in 1853 the mother died. Of this union only one daughter, Alice M., is living. Two sons served in the Civil War, Edwin, dying in service at Jefferson City, Mo., and Charles, dying at home in 1871, after serving the entire term of war. Elbridge Raymond served as postmaster of Greenfield from 1875 until 1885 and died there Feb. 4, 1890. After coming to Erie County he engaged in milling for a number of years, first operating a grist mill at Wattsburg, and later in Greenfield Township. He married Mary Yost Ensign in 1860. She was born in Venango Township, Erie County, Dec. 14, 1825, and died Dec. 19, 1915. To this union was born George E., born in 1861, died Oct. 9, 1878; and Laverne H., the subject of this sketch. He attended the township public school until 17 years of age when he entered Clark's Business College, Erie, and in 1887 he entered Edinboro State Normal School for one term only, He then taught school for several years in Greenfield and Venango Townships, and in October, 1890, entered upon a business career at Greenfield with the limited capital of $450. He opened a general store, a venture in which other men had previously failed. Succeeding from the first he gradually increased both his stock and his operations until it became the largest country store in the United States owned by an individual, Mr. Raymond sold his business in 1919 to C. F. Sweet of Greenfield. He owns a modern dairy farm of 180 acres in Greenfield Township and his home is among the most beautiful in Erie County. Mr. Raymond is a director in the Standard Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, the Union Trust Cormpany of Erie, and a stockholder in the First National Bank of North East. Mr. Raymond is a Republican and in 1922 was elected a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature from the Third District of Erie County, and reelected in 1924 without an opposing vote. As this district was formed in 1920 he has been the first man to represent it. He has served as justice of the peace of Greenfield for six years, as township treasurer for two terms and as auditor one term. On Oct. 1, 1890, Mr. Raymond was married to Miss Bertha A. Lewis, who was born at Mina, N. Y., March 13, 1869, the daughter of Elisha G. and Mary J. (Ridell) Lewis. She died at Cannes, France, Dec. 6, 1923, and is buried at Lowville, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond two children were born: Agnes M., born Oct. 1, 1891, married Dec. 31, 1924, to Lyle E. Markham, who is connected with the Winters Piano Company of Erie; and Harold L., born Sept. 28, 1896, is a World War veteran. He is an accomplished musician, has studied at Essen, Germany; Paris, France, and is at present studying at Lyons, France. Mr. Raymond was married Dec. 29, 1924, to Frances Barney Voik, a native of Erie County, and at the time a teacher in the Wesleyvilie public schools. Mr. Raymond is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Greenfleld and is a 32nd degree Mason.
From: History of Erie County, Pennsylvania By: John Elmer Reed Historical Publishing Company Topeka-Indianapolis 1925
RAYMOND - Laverne H., age 67, at Hamot Hospital, Aug. 23, 1935, husband of Mrs. Francis A. Raymond, of 334 E. 28th St. The body will lie in state at the Nelson Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St.., where friends may call at any time until Monday at which time removal will be made to the Nelson Funeral Home at North East, 54 So. Lake St., where services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Standard Time, in charge of Rev. R.P. Howe, assisted by Re. Mills, of Westfield, N.Y. Interment in the family plot at Lowville with graveside services in charge of the Masonic Lodge. Friends invited. Handwritten 1935.
The largest country store in the United States owned by an individual. In October, 1890, Mr. Raymond entered upon a business career at Greenfield with the limited capital of $450. He opened a general store, a venture in which other men had previously failed. Succeeding from the first he gradually increased both his stock and his operations until it became the largest country store in the United States owned by an individual, Mr. Raymond sold his business in 1919 to C. F. Sweet of Greenfield.
http://www.onlinebiographies.info/pa/erie/raymond-lh.htm :
Laverne H. Raymond, representative in the Pennsylvania State Legislature from the Third District of Erie County, is a prominent and influential citizen of the county. He was born in Venango Township Erie County, Dec. 29, 1867, the son of Elbridge and Mary (Yost) Raymond. His parents removed with him when he was about three months of age to Greenfield Township, where he has continuously resided since. A native of New York, Elbridge Raymond was born Aug. 19, 1807, coming from New England ancestry, the Raymond family having removed from Rhode Island to Albany County, N. Y., in colonial days, where Mr. Raymond was born. When 17 years of age Elbridge Raymond came to Allegany County, N. Y., and for 20 years engaged in milling and assisted in building the Genesee canal. While there he met Almira Benedict of Norwich, N. Y., and married her. After the birth of three children in 1844 they removed to Erie County, where two other children were born, and in 1853 the mother died. Of this union only one daughter, Alice M., is living. Two sons served in the Civil War, Edwin, dying in service at Jefferson City, Mo., and Charles, dying at home in 1871, after serving the entire term of war. Elbridge Raymond served as postmaster of Greenfield from 1875 until 1885 and died there Feb. 4, 1890. After coming to Erie County he engaged in milling for a number of years, first operating a grist mill at Wattsburg, and later in Greenfield Township. He married Mary Yost Ensign in 1860. She was born in Venango Township, Erie County, Dec. 14, 1825, and died Dec. 19, 1915. To this union was born George E., born in 1861, died Oct. 9, 1878; and Laverne H., the subject of this sketch. He attended the township public school until 17 years of age when he entered Clark's Business College, Erie, and in 1887 he entered Edinboro State Normal School for one term only, He then taught school for several years in Greenfield and Venango Townships, and in October, 1890, entered upon a business career at Greenfield with the limited capital of $450. He opened a general store, a venture in which other men had previously failed. Succeeding from the first he gradually increased both his stock and his operations until it became the largest country store in the United States owned by an individual, Mr. Raymond sold his business in 1919 to C. F. Sweet of Greenfield. He owns a modern dairy farm of 180 acres in Greenfield Township and his home is among the most beautiful in Erie County. Mr. Raymond is a director in the Standard Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, the Union Trust Cormpany of Erie, and a stockholder in the First National Bank of North East. Mr. Raymond is a Republican and in 1922 was elected a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature from the Third District of Erie County, and reelected in 1924 without an opposing vote. As this district was formed in 1920 he has been the first man to represent it. He has served as justice of the peace of Greenfield for six years, as township treasurer for two terms and as auditor one term. On Oct. 1, 1890, Mr. Raymond was married to Miss Bertha A. Lewis, who was born at Mina, N. Y., March 13, 1869, the daughter of Elisha G. and Mary J. (Ridell) Lewis. She died at Cannes, France, Dec. 6, 1923, and is buried at Lowville, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond two children were born: Agnes M., born Oct. 1, 1891, married Dec. 31, 1924, to Lyle E. Markham, who is connected with the Winters Piano Company of Erie; and Harold L., born Sept. 28, 1896, is a World War veteran. He is an accomplished musician, has studied at Essen, Germany; Paris, France, and is at present studying at Lyons, France. Mr. Raymond was married Dec. 29, 1924, to Frances Barney Voik, a native of Erie County, and at the time a teacher in the Wesleyvilie public schools. Mr. Raymond is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Greenfleld and is a 32nd degree Mason.
From: History of Erie County, Pennsylvania By: John Elmer Reed Historical Publishing Company Topeka-Indianapolis 1925
RAYMOND - Laverne H., age 67, at Hamot Hospital, Aug. 23, 1935, husband of Mrs. Francis A. Raymond, of 334 E. 28th St. The body will lie in state at the Nelson Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St.., where friends may call at any time until Monday at which time removal will be made to the Nelson Funeral Home at North East, 54 So. Lake St., where services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Standard Time, in charge of Rev. R.P. Howe, assisted by Re. Mills, of Westfield, N.Y. Interment in the family plot at Lowville with graveside services in charge of the Masonic Lodge. Friends invited. Handwritten 1935.
Family Members
Half Siblings
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James Edwin Raymond
1838–1861
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Helen Eliza Raymond Yost
1840–1922
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Charles H Raymond
1843–1872
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Elizabeth E. "Eliza" Ensign
1846–1848
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M. Alice Raymond
1849–1933
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Mary Ellen Ensign Fross
1850–1913
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George W Raymond
1852–1854
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Ada Anna Raymond Rowland
1853–1872
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Elizabeth Lucretia Ensign Morrison
1855–1913
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George E Raymond
1861–1878
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Robert Lewis Ensign
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