James V. Brown Library - Lycoming County Digital Photo Archive

August Belmont Jr., New York

Gallery of Mayors--No. 1: James M. Wood. Caption reads: "Major James M. Wood, first mayor of Williamsport, 1866–1867. He had been a resident of the community but four years when it was incorporated as a city and he was chosen its first chief executive. He served one year. A lawyer by profession, he was born in New York State and educated in the law there. He was a member of council several years."

Gallery of Mayors--No. 3: Peter Herdic, 1869–1870. Caption reads: "Peter Herdic, the man who had most to do with making Williamsport a City became its third mayor. He was elected in an exciting campaign in the Fall of 1869."

Gallery of Mayors--No.05: S. W. Starkweather, 1876–1878. Caption reads: "S. W. Starkweather, a lumberman, became Williamsport's fifth chief magistrate. He was elected in 1872 and re-elected in 1873. It was during his administration that there occurred the 'Lumber Riots', a strike of mill workmen led by labor organizers, which resulted in serious disorders and the subjection of the community to a period of martial law. Mayor Starkweather was again elected to the office in 1876, for a two-year term."

Gallery of Mayors--No. 07: Frederick H. Keller, 1890–1893. Caption reads: "Frederick H. Keller became mayor in 1880, serving two years. He was again elected to the office for the 1890-92 term. He was in the hardware business for a number of years, first as a member of the firm of Kline and Heller, later by himself. He came to Williamsport in 1866 from his native Lancaster County."

Gallery of Mayors--No. 09: Samuel M. Crans, 1884–1886. Caption reads: "Ninth in the list of Williamsport's mayors was Samuel M. Crans. Elected to a two-year term, he was chief magistrate in 1884-1885. He was a merchant tailor by trade."

Gallery of Mayors--No. 11: James S. Foresman. Caption reads: "James S. Foresman, mayor [of Williamsport] from 1888 to 1890, met the test of directing the municipal affairs of the city during one of the most trying times in its history, for it was during his term of office that there occurred the June 1 flood of 1889, with its vast destruction and disaster to the lumber industry."

Gallery of Mayors--No. 13: James Mansel, 1896–1899. Caption reads: "Thirteenth position on the list of those who have served as mayors of Williamsport was held by James Mansel. A native of Lycoming County, he won for himself an established place in the lumber industry, going into business for himself and becoming successful. His election for the term extending from 1896 to 1899 was due to his standing as a Prohibition advocate."

Gallery of Mayors--No. 15: John F. Laedlein, 1902–1905. Caption reads: "John F. Laedlein, who served as Williamsport's mayor from 1902-1905 was engaged in the real estate and insurance businees, He was active in civic affairs and was especially prominent in fraternal circles."

Gallery of Mayors--No. 17: Charles D. Wolfe, first term, 1908–1911. Caption reads: "Charles D. Wolfe was one of four men who served Williamsport as mayors in terms separated by a period of years. He holds the record for length of the interval between terms. First elected to a term from 1908 to 1911, he returned to City Hall as chief executive 24 years after the conclusion of his first term, serving again from 1936 to 1940. A broker at the time of his first election, Mr. Wolfe spent a number of years in the service of the commonwealth as a fire marshal before his second successful bid for the endorsement of Williamsport voters."