Histories

Joseph Ansley -- Planing Mills, and Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Lumber.

The planing mills and lumber yards of Mr. Joseph Ansley excel all similar establishments in Scranton. His yards are situated on the Hyde Park side near the railroad, and the buildings, yards and sheds used by him cover over an acre and a half of ground. The planing mill is built of stone, and is a five-story building, 70 x 80 feet in size. The yards and buildings are constantly kept filled with all kinds of lumber, sash, doors, flooring, siding, and mouldings, which are sold at wholesale and retail, in any quantity to meet purchasers. Thirty hands are employed in the business, and the trade done makes the establishment one of the leading concerns in the city.

Mr. Ansley was born in Hawley, Wayne County, Pa., and was engaged in the lumber business there before coming to Scranton.

The lumber yards now owned by him were established in 1848, and purchased by him in 1866, and it is his energy that has brought the business to the front, as one of the most important industries in Scranton.

In the planing mill can be seen all the necessary machines for dressing lumber, and they are driven by a fine 75-horsepower engine, recently put in by Mr. Ansley. Everything about the mill and yard is conducted in the most systematic manner, all orders are filled promptly and with the greatest care, and persons needing anything in Mr. Ansley's line will find it both pleasant and profitable to deal with him. He is an energetic business man, and sustains an excellent reputation as a merchant and citizen.

-- WilkesBarre, Scranton Statistical and Trade Review, 1881, p. 291