F159 .N52 S8 i e?-^ ''S ^j o "W^ - ^-t. c°\*i.:^^/°o ..*''\.^;^.v /*:^^%^- ./.-^i^'X < y ,.{?■ £1°^ ^^ •'•• **' ~a. ?6. ^^ * %:'^:^*j^ v*'^!v*\/ -o. '* el»9. "^ftl l/a« 'e^^ «?«§ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/historydirectoryOOstep HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF NEWTON AND RANSOM TOWNSHIPS, LACKAWANNA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Including a History of the Wyoming Valley, and a Brief History of Pennsylvania and Lackawanna County. A Js. Also many Biographical Sketches. COMPILED BY J. B. STEPHENS PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED 1754-1912 MONTROSK, PA. J. B. STEPHENS, Pubwsher, 1912 Copyright, 1912, by ,1. B. Stephens ©CI,A328474 IjNTRODUCTION One custom of the Indians is worthy of perpetuation by all civilized people. Each tribe, through their chiefs and aged Kaehenis, care- fully related to the children all the history and achievements of their deceased ancestors. Every brave and warrior knew that his deeds of skill, endurance and \-alor would be carefully relat- ed to his children aiid descendants as long as the tribe existed. The custom fostered a spirit of patriotism and loyalty which has been the marvel of civilized man. The printed page now takes the place of tra- dition and camp fire lore of tribal geneology. This book is designed to present in accurate de- tail and connected order the story of the fami- lies and citizens of these townships from pioneer days to the present time. The hardships, self- denials, ideals, ambitions and achievements of these people are worthy of the pages of a book to be owned and frequently perused by their descendants. Surely and rapidly the sons and daughters of the great and brave pioneers, who entered the wilderness and cleared the unbroken forest, are passing to their graves. Only a few remain who can relate the incidents of the early days of settlement, so that an actual necessity exis.ts for the collection and preservation of events without delay, before all the early settlers are called to their reAA'ard. In gathering the material for this book in- formatii.in has been sought from every available source. Many of the facts herein recorded have been saved from oblivion by being rescued from the memories of those avIio will soon pass ema,y. Several old histories, with pages yelloAv with age, have been consulted. These have long been out of print and only a few copies can now be found, Avhich are carefully preserved in the reference rooms of the libraries in the differ- ent cities of this locality. OAving to the failing memory of some, and the fact that others Avere but partially informed on matters I Avished to record, their" statements Avere often contradictory. lu such cases a third version, and sometimes a fourth, Avere needed to furnish a. solution, and, AA'hen this was not obtainable, the disputed points have been omit- ted. I have been very careful to publish no statement that Avas not founded on facts and came from a reliable source, and believe that the common saying, "history abounds Avith false facts," Avill not prove true in this case. First of all, the compiler and publisher de- sires to acknoAvledge his appreciation to all Avho have aided financially by subscribing to this work and placing generous orders for space and cuts several months in advance of publica- tion, thus making it a grand success. Also to acknowledge the kindness and courtesy Avith Avhich his efforts to obtain the information re- corded herein have been almost unanimously met. Every home in each toAvnship has been visited for information, Avhich in nearly every instance, was cheerfully given. I desire to acknoAvledge Avith thanks my in- debtedness to James F. Day, editor of the Wyoming Democrat, published at Tunkhan- nock, and other publishers for free access to the files of their papers; to Rev. Horace E. Hayden, Librarian and Corresponding Secre- tary of the Wyoming Historcal Society, Wilkes- Barre, for the use of several cuts of the early forts and historical places and buildings of Wyoming ^'alley, and for much useful knoAvl- edge and data furnished from the large and valuable store of histoi'ical matter that has been collected by the Society; to Edson W. Saf- ford, Esq., of Montrose, for the article, "Upper Susquehanna Valley;'' to the Prothonotary and Recorder of both, Luzerne and LackaAvanna counties, for assistance in examining their records. .\mong other persons visited and to Avhom I am indebted for information are D. W. Rich- ards for articles furnished and valuable infor- mation pertaining to the early church history of NcAvton; to P. K. Richards of West Pittston, for the article, "Mihvaukie Sixty Years Ago ;" to L. B. Ayers, Mrs. Elizabeth Roloson, A. S. Collum, George W. Beemer, Adam Thompson, Alvy Krouse and many others for valuable in- formation pertaining to the early settlement of the tAvo toAvnships. More than Iavo years have been spent compil- ing and publishing this work. The publisher has not spared any effort to make the book worthy of the people. Able and experienced Avriters and historians have contributed to the Avork. The labor of Avriting and compiling this volume has been greater than I expected, but of this ,T have no regret, believing the people of these toAvnships Avill appreciate the effort. The Avork is much larger and better than first l)lanned, but this I know Avill meet the approval of a generous and progressiA'C. community. J. B. STEPHENS. INDEX Note — ChaiJter headings printed in lidldlace tyiK'. Address, Rev. James May's. . . 5 4 Agreement, Capitulation .5 2 Animals, Wild 37 Ark, Susquehanna River 61 Asserughney, Indian Village of IS Battle Begins 51 Block-house, Stewart's 45 Bloodshed, The First 26 IJi'ief History of Pennsylvania 9 Burying the Slain 53 Business, How Conducted.... 3 6 Butler and His Indians Leave the Valley 53 Campaign, Sullivan's 23 Canal, North Branch 61 Capitol, The State 11 Capitulation Agreement 52 Capouse Meadows 18 Captain Ogden's Bold Escape. 27 Capt. Ogden Returns to Valley 27 Chapman's Grist-mill 59 Character, Indian's True 18 Chevalier De la Luzerne 6 4 Children Gathered to Places of Safety 48 Cheap Fuel 7 3 Cheap Land 72 Church Privileges 7 4 Ci>'il Government 2 8 Climate 73 Clothing, The Pioneer's 34 Commercial Orcharding 72 Constitution of Pennsylvania. . 10 Court-house, Luzerne County 65 Crops 7 3 Crops Yielded Abundantly. ... 36 Dairying 72 Defenders, First of the Union 13 Delaware Company 2 4 Delaware Indians 17, 18 Dreadful Hour 51 Durkee, Fort 38 Early History of Pennsylvania 9 l<]ai'Iy TniiJi'ovenients in Wy- oming' 58 Marly Settles along Susque- hanna 69 Educational and Social Ad- vantages 73 Elm, The Famous 10 Factories, Pioneer 36 Facts, Historical 15 Famous Elm 10 Farming, Pioneer 35 Fell, .Jesse 63 Finding and Opening Grave After Fifty Years 5 3 First Bloodshed 26 First Civil Government 28 First Defenders of the Union. . 13 First Houses Built in Wyoming 2 First Massacre of Whites in Wyoming 21 First Mills in Wyoming 58 First Newspaper in Wyoming .62 First Pennamite War 2 9 First Settlers in Pennsylvania 9 First Settlement in Wyoming. 2 4 Food, How Pioneers Prepared 3 5 Fort Durkee 38 Forty Fort 42 .Jenkins' 43 Mill Creek 39 Pittston 44 Wilkes-Barre 40 Wintermoot's 41 Wyoming 39 Fort, Indians Plunder the.... 5 2 Forts, Number Occupying the 4 6 Forty Fort 4 2 Forty Pioneers 2 5 Frances Slocum 2 2 Friday, July 3, 1778 48 Friends, Society of 12 Frontier Forts 37 Fruit Culture 71 Furniture, The Pioneer's .... 34 Gardners of Gardner's Ferry. . 69 Gardner, John 69, 70 Glimpse of an Indian Village. . 20 Good Grazing Land 71 Government, The First Civil. . 2 8 Governors of Pennsylvania... . 14 Grasshopper War 21 Grave, Finding and Opening After Fifty Years 5 3 Grist-mill, The Chapman 59 Grist-mill, Sutton's 60 Historical Facts 15 Hominy Block or Corn Pounder 58 How the Pioneers Came 31 How Business Was Conducted 3 6 Improvements Made Later. ... 33 Indians, Delaware . .17, 18, 20, 21 Five Nations 17 Lenni Lenape 17 Mohican 18 Monsey 18, 74 Nanticoke 17, 18 Shawanese 17, 21 Six Nations 17 Wanamese 18 Indian Amusements 19 Indians Have no Schools 19 Indian History of Wyoming. . 17 Indians' Mode of Life 19 Indian Occupations 19 Indians Plunder the Fort 52 Indian and Tory Hostilities. . . 47 Indian Troubles 2 5 Indians' True Character 18 Indian Village, Glimpse of an. 20 Jenkins' Fort 43 Jesse Fell 63 John Sergeant 21 Lancaster Turnpike 13 Lehigh Valley Railroad 62 Log Cabin, The Pioneer's 34 Luzerne, Chevalier De la 64 Luzerne County 6 4 Luzerne County Court-houses 65 Map of Wyoming Valley 8 Massacre, First Indian 21 Massacre, The Wyoming 4 6 Matches 7 Maughwauwame 2 Meeting of July 3, 1832 54 Mill Creek Fort 3 9 Mills, First in Wyoming 5 8 Mohican Indians 18 Monsey Indians 18,7 4 Monument, The Wyoming. . . . 5 5 Moravian Missionaries ... .17, IS Names of Those Slain in Wy- oming Massacre 57 Nanticoke Indians 17,18 Newspaper, First in Wyoming 02 North Branch Canal 61 Number Occupying the Forts 4 Ogden's Bold Escape 2 7 Ogden Returns to Valley 2 7 Outfit, Pioneer's Rude 3 2 Peace Restored 30 Pennamites Fired Upon 28 Pennamites Surprised 2 7 Pennamite War, The First. . . 29 Pennamite War, The Second. 2 9 Penn, William 11 Penn's Arrival 10 Penn's Charter 9 Penn's father and mother. ... 12 Penn's Treaty 10 Pennsylvania, Early History of 9 Pennsylvania, First Settlers in 9 Pennsylvanians Expelled .... 26 Philadelphia 12 Pioneer's Clothing 34 Pioneers' Crops Yielded Abundantly 36 Pioneer Factories 36 Pioneer Farming 35 Pioneer's Furniture 34 Pioneers, How Prepared Food 35 Pioneer's Log Cabin 34 Pioneer's Rude Outfit 32 Pioneers Return to Connecti- cut for Winter 32 Pioneer Settlers 31 Pioneer's Ways of Living. ... 33 Pittston Port 44 Population of Pennsylvania Since 1790 14 Portion of Remarks Made by Rev. Murray 5 5 Postal Sei-vice, United States. . 15 Postoffice and Mail Facilities in Wyoming 6 Preparing For Battle 51 Proprietary Government Ends 29 Prosperity of the Pioneers. . . 33 Quakers or Friends 12 Queen Esther's Rock 53 Railroad, Lehigh Valley 62 Redoubt, The 45 Rev. James May's Address... 54 Rev. Nicholas Murray's Re- marks 55 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY Rock, Queen Esther's 53 Rural Free Delivery 15 Scenery and History of Wy- oming 6 7 Settlers, The Pioneer 31 Shawanese Indians 17 Slain in Wyoming Massacre. . 57 Social Advantages 73 Society of Friends 12 Soil Fertility 73 State Capitol 11 Stewart's Block-house 45 Sulky Plow 72 Sullivan's Campaign 23 Susquehanna Company 24 Susquehanna, Settlers Along. . 69 Susquehanna River Ark 61 Survivors of Wyoming Massa- cre 57 Sutton's Mill 60 Teedyuscung 18 Treaty Elm ' 10 Turnpike, The Lancaster. ... 13 United States Postal Service. Upper Susquehanna Valley. . 15 70 Wanamese Indians 18 War, The Grasshopper 21 War, The First Pennamite... 29 War, The Second Pennamite. . 29 Wild Animals 37 Wilkes-Barre 64 Wilkes-Barre Fort 40 William Penn 11 Wintermoot's Fort 41 Women Gathered to Places of Safety 48 Wyomng Fort 39 Wyoming Slassacre 46 Wyoming Massacre, Slain in . . 5 7 Wyoming Massacre, Survivors of 57 Wycniing Monument 55 Wyoming Valley 23 Yankees Again Imprisoned. . . 27 Yankees Forced to Return to Connecticut 2 6 Yankees Imprisoned 25, 27 Zinzendorf 17, IS ijackawanna County, A Brief History of 74 First Settlement 74 Monsey Indians 74 Pioneer's Experience, A. . . . 7 5 Pioneer Industries of the County . 75 Population of Lackawanna County by Townships and Boroughs Since 1890 8 Value of Agricultural Pro- perty 8 Urief History of Each Town- ship 75 Benton Township 75 Carbondale Township 7 6 Clifton Township 76 Covington Township 7 6 Fell Township 7fi Greenfield Township 7 6 Jefferson Township 7 6 Lackawanna Township .... 77 Lehigh Township 77 Madison Township 7 7 Newton Township 7 7 North Abington Township. . 7 7 Roaring Brook Township.. 7 8 Scott Township 78 South Abingtou Township. . 7 8 Spring Brook Township ... 78 West Abington Township.. 7 8 Townships Which Have Be- come Extinct 78 Blakely Township 79 Old Forge Township 7 9 Providence Township 7 8 NEWTON TOWNSHIP Newton Township, History of 81 Academy, Newton Hall. ... 88 Bald Mount 101 Bald Mount Lodge No. 731, I. O. of G. T 94 Blacksmith Shops 8 8 Cemeteries in Newton 164 Change of Style 164 Church, Bald Mount M. E. . 90 Church, Newton Baptist. . . 91 Church, Presbyterian. . .91, 228 Church, Schultzville M. E. . . 95 Cloud Burst and Flood of 1909 99 Deputy U. S. Marshal Shot 100 Early History of Newton. . . 81 Extracts From Old Minute Book 97 Early Settlers of Newton. . 8 6 Farming and Dairying 103 First Sunday School 8 7 Good People 104 Hillside Home 102 Homes and People of New- ton 104 Indian Gold Spring 102 Keystone Tannery 95 Lake View Poor Farm 100 McClusky Apple 85 • Mail Routes, Newton and Ransom lOl Nathaniel and Peter Rich- ards 85 Newton Centre 89 Officers of Newton 228 Oldest Inhabitants of New- ton 103 Old Houses of Newton 228 Physicians of Newton 94 Pioneer Saw-mill 88 Pioneer School— house .... 88 Pioneer Store 88 Population of Newton Since 1850 101 PostofRces, Newton and Ransom 101 P. O. S. of A. Camp No. 52 8 93 Reminiscences of an Old Teacher 98 Richard Gardner, the Pion- eer Settler 81 Saw-mills 88 School, Cosner 96 School, Fire Proof 96 School, Lacoe 96 School, Newton 89 School, Port Royal 96 School, Schultzville 95 School, Shook 97 Schultzville 94 Scranton and Newton Turn- pike Company 99, 247* Seventy-fifth Anniversary of Presbyterian Church.. 9 2 State Militia 89 Subsequent Settlers 82 Villages, Churches and Schools of Newton 8 9 Map of Newton Townsihp .... 1 65 Directory of Newton Township 229 RANSOM TOWNSHIP Ransom Township, History of 167 Agriculture igg Benny Gardner, the Pioneer Grocer igy Blacksmith Shop 170 Blacksmith Shops, Milwau- kee 173 Boundaries and Surface. . . .168 Burning of the Schmidt Residence 179 Cemeteries in Ransom 164 Church, Lutheran 170 Church, Milwaukie M. E...174 Church, Mountain Valley Evangelical 177 Church, Ransom Evangel.. .170 Early History of Ransom.. 167 Foundry, Milwaukie 173 Homes and People of Ran- som 179 Hotel, Mountain Valley. . . .176 I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 267. .175 .lohn Gardner, The Pioneer Settler 167, 69 Live Stock and Dairying. . .169 Mail Routes, Ransom 101 Milwaukie 172 Milwaukie Sixty Years Ago 175 Mountain Valley 176 Mountain Valley Hotel 176 Mountain Valley Postoffice.176 Mount Dewey 177 Pioneer Mills at Milwaukie 173 Pioneer Taverns 168 Officers of RansomTownship 228 Old Houses of Ransom 228 Oldest Inhabitants of Ran- som . 169 Population of Ransom 101 Postoffices, Ransom 101 Ransom Coal Storage Plant 172 Ransom Home 171 Ransom Valley Turnpike Co 168 Ransom Village 169 River and Creeks 168 Saw-mill 170 School, Milwaukie 175 School, Mountain Valley... 177 School, Mount Dewey 178 School, Ransom 171 School, Ransom Valley . . . .171 Stores, The Early 169 Sunday School, Milwaukie. .175 Villages, Churches and Schools 169 West Mountain Sanatorium . 1 78 Map of Ransom Townshi 165 ■ Dii'octoi'y ot RansomTownship 238 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY biographicaij sketches Note — ^All titles to sketches indi- cated by boldface, and subhead- ings by lightface type. An aster- isle (*) preceding a name indicates that same is neither a title nor a subheading, but is mentioned in some article on page indicated. Ace, Edward E 179 Ace, George AV 180 Ace, George 181 Ace, Jacob ISO Ace, Moses 179 Alger, Abner 122 Alger, Perserved 123 Annemans, John 199 Avery, Solomon 161 Ayers, Jacob 106 Ayers, Lewis B 104 Ayers, Peter 105 Ayers, William D 106 Bardwell, Miss Vivian 109 Baumgardner, John 167 Bedell, Abram H 181 Bedell, David H 181 Bedell, Peter 164 Beemer, Beemer, Beemer, Beemer, Behlke, Bellike, Beyrent Coon, Coon. Coon, Coon, Coon. Coon, Cooper, Cooper 116 N 117 Judson C 117 Peleg 167 Zebulon S3 Zebulon, Jr 117 Jolmson B 190 Nelson 190 llverett Grant 118 Frank H 187 George C 1S8 George Ijevi 117 John 118 Joseph 83 Levi 118 Friend HoUister ... .118 John 119 CoUum, William C^onistock, Giles Conistock, Comstock, Comstock, Comstock, Ooolbangh Coolbaugh Coon, Elias 106 George W 106 Henry 82 Jesse and Adam. ... 83 Frederick 182 Theodore G 181 John 183 Biesecker, Charles H 113 Biesecker Family 110 Biesecker, George W 110 118 189 189 189 193 William 193 David '120 Lewis 119 Lewis 83 S. Howard 130 Seldon Scranton 119 Benjamin 180 Harry A 193 Cornell, Charles F. Corselins, Harry . . Corselius, Peter, Jr Corselins, Peter Sr. Coslett, Lewis W. Coslett, Cosner, Cosner, Cosner, Cosner, Cosner, Courtright Courtriglit Biesecker, Jacob 110 Biesecker, Jacob H 110 Biesecker, John 110 Biesecker, William J 113 Blackwell, Charles W 185 Blackwell, Elmer W 187 Blackwell, John JVI 186 Blackwell, Mathias 121, 186 Blackwell, William 209 Blewitt, William 132 Bowen, William 187 Bowman, Francis Edward .... 109 Bowman, George 110 Bowman Gershom 110 Brezee, Joseph 179 Brink, William 83 Britton, Oscar 113 Butterfleld, Benjamin 113 Buttertleld, Benjamin S 113 Butterfleld, Charles 113 Butterfleld, Charles 113 Butterfleld, Charles, Jr 113 Butterfleld Family 113 Butterfleld, John S 114 Butterfields in War, The 114 Cahoon, Judson J 114 Canterbury, George W 189 Canterbury, William F 188 Carpenter, Porter 115 Carpenter, William L 114 Chambers, James 214 Clark, John 191 Collum, Andrew S 115 CoUum, Henry R 116 Collum, Horace 8 3 Collum, Jesse 116 Courtright, Horace 191 Courtright, Oliver 201 Courtright, Mrs. Phebe 193 Davies, Albert R 195 Davies, George 195 Davies, George Henry 19 5 Davis, Ira E 194 Davis, John P 193 Davis, Robert D 19 4 Decker, Charles V 131 Hice, John 125 Mice, William A 135 Hoffman, John 199 HoUenhack, Arthur R 136 Holmes, John G 136 Holmes, Lewis 127 Hopkins, Mrs. Ruth M 128 Hopkins, Solomon 12S Hough. Thomas 146 Huthmaker, David M 201 Huthmaker, Jacob 200 Huthmaker, Roy H 301 Huthmaker, Thomas J 300 Ives, Francis Marion 301 Ives, William L 202 Jacoby, Arthur 137 Jacoby, Benjamin 138 Jacoby, Jacob 84,128 *Kern, Charles C 144 Kern, Edward A 138 Kern, Henry 12S Kern, Jacob 131 Kircher, Edward 131 Kircher, Joseph N 131 Kline, Peter 182 Knapp, Truman 112 Kuapp, Zephaniah 112 Krauss, Michael G 303 Kresge, Charles H 133 Krege, David 131 Ki'esge, Thomas M 131 Krouse, Alvy 203 Krouse, Joseph 204 Drake, Benjamin 105 Drake, Elizabeth 106 Drake, Ira 131 Drake, Jacob L 121 Drake, Timothy 84 Dunlap, Edgar B 123 Duulap, A. Perriugton 122 Engleman, Louis 195 Engleman, John 196 Pern, Mrs. Catherine 19 S Pinkler, Michael 185 Pinkler, Peter 182 Pulkerson, Mortimer 162 Gardner, Benny 167 Gardner, Elias A 196 Gardner, George 196 (Jardner, James S 196 Gardner, John 69, 167 Gardner, Richard 81 Gardner, Samuel 197 Garrison, Eder 123 Garrison, Lewis D 133 (Jai'rison, William 134 r. William H 138 Nett, Andrew 167 Petty Family 211 Petty, Milton Wagner 212 Petty, Oswald Ward 213 Petty, Peter 211 Petty, William C 212 Powell, Lewis E 312 Powell, Watkin J 213 Kader, George W 214 Rader, John 167 Reed, B. P 112 Keed, James 139 Resler, Charles 167 Richards, Daniel W 140 Kiohards, Elmer B 139 Richards, .Jacob B 139 Uiohards, Jeptha C 31.5 Richards, Lieslie Fi-ank 215 Richards, Nathaniel 85 Richards, Ostrander 216 Richards, Peter 8 5 Richards, Peter K 215 Richter, Charles F 216 Richter, Frederick 216 Rifenbary, Benjamin P 146 Rilenbary, George H 316 Rodney, BaiTonet 82 Itoloson, Mrs. Elizabeth 140 *Roloson, Johnson 140, 142 Roseiikrans, Amos 144 Rosenkrans, Amzi 143 Rosenkrans, Brittian 143 Rosenkrans, Johnson 217 Rosenkrans, Laten 144 Rosenkrans, Levi 143, 144 Ross, John Wesley 144 Roth, Thad 144 Rozelle, Amzi 147 Rozelle, Giles B 145 Rozelle, Israel 145 Rozelle, Joshua 145 Rozelle, Lewis R 146 Ruger, Robert E 147 *Ruger, Washington 147 Sanies, Charley •. . .217 Sandway, Fred 167 Scheuer Brothers 218 Schmidt, John 220 Schmidt, Stephen 319 Schultheis, Anthony 218 Schultheis. Conrad 219 Sa.ve, Mrs. Elizabeth 147 Seese, William S 148 Shellenberger. Philip 167 Shook, David 148 Shook, John 148 Shotwell, William 114 Singer, Bert W 220 Slate, Adam 148 Slate, Frank A 148 Smith, Mrs. Catherine 220 Smith, Curtis P 148 Smith. Elias 8 5 Smith, Elias A 148 Smith, Elias J 151 Smith, Marcus J 151 Smith, Richard 223 Smith, William H 151 Smith, William N 151 Snover, Edwin 152 Snover, George S 152 Stevens, Arthur C 152 Stewart, Hiley Wenzel 221 Stewart, Willard L . .221 Swartwood, Martin 204 Sweet, Jacob 195 Sweet, William 152 Sweet, William, Sr 152 Stine, Abraham 222 Stine, Abraham 222 Stine, Charles A 222 Stine Family 222 Stine. Frederick 222 Thonijjson, Adam 152 Thompson, Adam 85, 157 Thompson, Andrew 152 Thompson. Andrew 157 Thompson, Frank C 223 Thompson, P. L 157 Thompson, Isaac 162 Taft, William J 323 VanCampen, Anson Henry .... 158 Vaughn, Benjamin R 159 Vaughn, Horton B 158 Vosburg. Joseph B 159 Vosburg, Peter P 159 Walter, Henry 160 Walter, Hiram 224 Walter, James B 223 Walter, Samuel 160 Ward, John Edward 160 Ward, John J 160 Ware, Jesse 160 Weisenfluh. John 187 White, James M 161 Williams, Horace 161 Williams, John C 22 5 Wilson, Mrs. Catherine 224 Winter, Merritt 162 Winter, Peter C 162 Winters, Bainbridge 225 Winters, Daniel 161 Winters, Manley 161 Winters, Samuel J 225 Witzal, Andrew 225 Witzal, John 225 Wolcott, Rev. Wallace C 163 Wood, Mrs. Elnora 197 Zeiss, Roy AV 336 Zilk, Henry 227 Zilk, John 228 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY MAP OF WYOMING VALLEV IN THE EARLiY BAYS The above map shows the location of the first five original townships laid out in the Wyoming Valley in 176S by the Susquehanna Company (Wilkes-Barre or Wyoming, Hanover, Plymouth, Kings-town and Pittstown) and the position of the Ports, Indian villages, and other historical places of the early days and settlement of Wyoming. The Ports are indicated on the Map with figures, and the Indian villages, battle fields, islands, etc., are marked with letters as follows: (1), marks the site of Shawnee Fort, where a garrison composed of old men, with the women and children of the neighboi'hood were stationed before and during the Wyoming Massacre; (2), Stewart's Block-house; (3), Fort Durkee; (4), Fort Wyoming; (5), Wilkes-Barre Fort; (6), Og- den's Port, and later the site of Mill Creek Fort. The first settlement in Wyoming Valley was made here; (7), Forty Port; (8), Wintermoot's Fort, i'he Wyoming Massacre was near this spot; (9) .lenkins' Port; (10), Pittston Fort; (11), Fort Defense. '(A), Plunkett's Battle, Dec. 24, 1775; (li), Nauticoke Indian village; (C), Shawanese In- dian village; (D), Indian village of Maughwau- wame (Wyoming); (E), Mohican Indian village; (P), Wanamese Indian village (Jacob's Plains); (H), Delaware Indian village, Asserughney; (I), Fish Island; (K), Kingston; (L), Monocacy Island;. (M), Wyoming Monument; (N), Queen Esther's Rock; (O), Fuller's Island, the largest island in the Susquehanna in the Wyoming Valley. As early as 17S7 it contained about fifty acres. Later it was known as Richards' Island. (P), Monsey In- dian village; (R), Indian burying ground; (S), where John Gardner settled in 1769 in what is now Ransom township; (T), place where John Gardner was captured by Indians, July 1, 1778. The townships contained 16,000 acres each. The name Wilkes-Barre, in the early days was written with but one capital and without a hyphen. See "Indian History of Wyoming Valley," page 17-18; "Frontier Forts," page 37-46, and "Wyom- ing Massacre," page 46-55. CHAPTER ONE A BRIEF HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA The First Settlers and Early History The first European settlement in Pennsylva- nia of which there is positive knowledge, was made by the Swedes in 1643, when Governor Printz, the third governor of New Sweden, set- tled on the Island of Tinicum, now Tinicum township, Delaware county, a few miles below Philadelphia, for a place of residence and de- fense. He called it New Gottenberg. Here the governor erected a handsome brick mansion, bringing the brick from Sweden. This build- ing stood for more than one hundred and fifty years, when it was destroyed by fire. The first marriage between Europeans in Pennsylvania was in 1644, when Governor Printz's daughter was married. The first church was built on Tinicum is- land, and was dedicated in 1646. The Swedes established the first court in the State at Upland, Delaware county, which furn- ished the first case of marriage disagreement in Pennsylvania in 1661 ; the first criminal was convicted and whipped in 1669 ; the first high- way laid out in 1677 ; the first guardian ap- pointed; the first lunatic committed and the first jury impaneled in 1678. The Swedes were a religious people. They are proudly remembered in Delaware, Philadel- phia, Bucks and Montgomery counties, as the first white men to cultivate the virgin soil. The firet permanent English settlement in Pennsylvania was made in Bucks county by Quakers in 1674, when Governor Andros, the Duke of York's deputy in America, made num- erous grants of land in the territory soon to be- come "Penn's Woods." Penn's Charter In 1680, William Penn petitioned King Charles II. for a grant of land in America. The king was willing at once to grant the request, because he could in this way pay the debt he owed Penn, which was 16,000 pounds due Penn's father as an oflricer in the British navy. Some of the king's counsellors objected, claim- ing that it would be ridiculous to send people to promote the interests of the British nation in a new colony, who would neither fight nor would have nothing to do with gin and gunpow- der in dealing with the Indians. Nevertheless on the 4th 'day of March, 1681, William Penn was granted a charter, making him proprietor and governor of the province of Pennsylvania. The following year he secured a grant from the Duke of York for the region forming the present State of Delaware. The two colonies were so joined till the Revolution of 1776. Penn's charter hangs in a frame in the State Library at Harrisburg. It consists of three sheets of parchment (sheep's skin prepared for writing upon). At the top of the first page is a picture of the king. The writing is all under- scored in red ink. Penn desired to have the new province named New Wales, but the king insisted on calling it Pennsylvania, in honor to Penn's father. Penn did not approve of the name, thinking the pre- fix Penn would appear like vanity on his part, instead of showing respect for his father. He next proposed the name Sylvania, but the- king would not compromise. Penn drew up a form of government and a code of laws, and sent his cousin, William Mark- ham, to take possession of the colony and act as deputy governor. The code of laws pre- pared by Penn was exalted in aim and compre- hensive in scope; yet with few exceptions, its details were marvelously practical, and if Penn had not the genius of the ruler, he had, as few have had, the genius of the legislator. Markham arrived in Delaware Bay about July 1, 1681. Later in the year, three ships sailed for Pennsylvania, two from London and one from Bristol. Several sessions of court were held at Upland while Markham had charge of the colony. The first entry was a case of as- sault and battery, and was dated September 13, 1681. Markham was joined by three commissioners soon after his arrival, to form an alliance of peace with the Indians, and to consult with them about the sale of land. The first purchase was made July 15, 1682. This tract extended along the Delaware river as far north as the mouth of the Neshaminy (near Bristol, in Bucks county) , and eastward to the Blue moun- tains. For this vast tract the Indians received the following: 10 A BRIEF HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA "350 ffathoms of Wampum, 20 white Blaukits, 2 ffathoms of Strawed waters, 6 ffathoms of Duf- fields, 2 Kettles, 4 whereof large, 2 giinns, 2 Coates, 4 shirts, 40 iiayre of Stockings, 40 Howes, 4 Axes, 2 Barrels of Powder, 2 00 Barres of Lead, 200 Knives, 200 small Glasses, 12 Payres of Shoes, 40 Copper Boxes, 4 Tobacco Tonngs, 2 small Bar- rels of Pipes, 40 pay re of Scissors, 4 Combs, 2 4 pounds Red Lead, 100 Aules, 2 handfulls of ffisli- hooks, 2 handfuls of Needles, 40 pounds of Shott, 10 Bundles of Beads, 10 small Saws, 12 Drawing Knives, 4 anchers of Tobacco, 2 anohers of Rumme, 2 anchers of Syder, 2 anchors of Beere and 300 Gilders." Markham received' a letter from Penn, for the Indians, which he read to them, as follows : "I have great love and regard for you, and de- sire to win and gain your love and friendship by a kind, just and peaceable life; and the people I send are of the same mind, and shall in all things behave themselves accordingly." Penn's Arrival Penn, after making every arrangement for his departure, bade his wife and children an affectionate good-bye. With about one hundred other passengers, mostly Quakers who had been his friends and neighbors in Sussex, England, he sailed September 1, 1682, on the ship Wel- come. About thirty died of small-pox, and were buried in the sea. Otherwise the voyage was uneventful. After six weeks they came in sight of land on the coast of New Jersey, near Egg Harbor. They landed at New Castle, Dela- ware, October 27. Two days later Penn went to Upland to call the first general assembly. Upland was the home of most of the immigrants from England who had preceded the Welcome. The Dutch and Swedes received him with great joy. Penn changed the name of Upland to Chester, in honor of his friend Pearson, a companion on the Welcome, who had lived in Chester, Eng- land. Penn's Treaty Early in November, Penn, with a few others, traveled from Chester, up the Delaware in an open boat. His motive was to publicly meet the Indians and confirm the Treaty, which Mark- ham and his associates had previously made. When he arrived at Shackamaxon, the Indians had already filled the woods as far as the eye could see. The chiefs arranged themselves in the form of a half-moon, and Penn addressed them with the following words: "We meet on the broad pathway of good faith and good will; no advantage shall be taken on either side, but all shall be openness and love. I will not call you children, tor parents chide their children too severely; nor brother only, for broth- ers differ. The friendship between me and you I will not compare to a chain; for that the rains might rust or the falling tree might break. We aie the same as if one man's body were to be di- vided into two parts; we are all one flesh and blood." ''After receiving some prei-'cnts from Penn, the Indians gave the belt of Wampum and Mjlemnly pledged themselves to live iu love with him and his children as long as the sun and moon should endure." As Voltaire said, "This was the only treaty between these people and the Christians that was made without an oath, and that was never broken." The Famous Elm The Elm Tree under which the treaty was made became celebrated in after years. It stood until 1810, when a storm blew it down. It wa^ found to have been two hundred and eighty- three years old. In 1827, a large monument was erected upon its site, which is now sur- rounded by a beautiful park in Kensington. At one time during the Revolutionary War, the British were camping near this Elm Tree, which was much respected by General Simcoe. While his soldiers were cutting down trees for fire- wood, he placed a guard beneath its spreading branches to protect it from their blows. Penn had several conferences with the In- dians, and for many years afterward he Avas kindly remembered by them. Not a drop of Quaker blood was shed by them while he lived. Penn, by the industry and high character of the Society of Friends, by cultivating peace with the Indians, and encouraging immigration, founded a fiourishing State, which long before the Revolution became the seat of learning, wealth and refinement. The Constitution The first constitution of Pennsylvania was framed in 1776. Eight representatives were ap- pointed from each county, who met for the first time July 15, and chose Benjamin Franklin president, and George Ross vice-president. Af- ter a session of over two months, a constitution was completed September 28. It went into effect at once, without being submitted to the people for ratification. Under the first constitution the members of the General Assembly were elected annually, and consisted of only one house. The laws en- acted were called the Acts of AssemVjly, the same as our present laws. The poi^ulation of Pennsylvania was about 300,000 at that time. The first constitution of Pennsylvania was not changed till 1790, when an upper house was created, and the Assembly deprived of the sole right to make laws. The veto 250wer was given to the Governor. The constituliou was again changed in 1838. Under the constitution of 1790 the colored man A BRIEF HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 11 could vote, but the constitution as amended in 1838 deprived hini of this i^rivilege. Only white freemen having paid a state or county tax were entitled to the right of suffrage. Governors were allowed but two terms of three years each in any nine years. The constitution of Pennsylvania was revised the third time in 1873, when the number of senators and representatives were increased. The judges and certain other officers were to be elected by the people instead of being appointed by the Governor. The office of Lieutenant- Governor was created, and biennial sessions of the Legislature. The right of suffrage was re- stored to the colored man. The State Capitol The State Capitol was first located in Phila- delphia. It was moved to Lancaster the first Monday of November, 1799. It was moved to Harrisburg (Harris' Ferry) in 1812. John Har- ris gave four acres and William McClay appro- priated ten acres, in addition, for the govern- ment buildings. The corner-stone of the capitol was laid May 31, 1819. The building was com- pleted in 1821, and first occupied January 3, 1822. Before the new building was completed the sessions of the Legislature were held in the old Dauphin county court house. The capitol was destroyed by fire on Tuesday afternoon, February 2, 1897. Many valuable books and records were destroyed. A new Capitol building was authorized to be erected at a cost not to exceed $550,000. The comer-stone was laid on the 10th of August. 1898. The building was occupied by the Legis- lature January 3, 1899. After the fire, the Legislature held its sessions in the Grace M. E. Church, of Harrisburg. William Penn, founder of the State of Pennsylvania, born in London, October 13, 1644. He received a good education, which was completed at Christ Church, Oxford. He disappointed his father's (Sir Williain Penn) exjDectations by turning Quaker, and was discarded by him. Sir William afterward relented, and sent his son abroad. Young Penn visited France and Italy, returning to his native country in 1664. He spent two years in the study of law at Lincoln's Inn, and was then sent to Ireland to manage his father's estate; but, happening to hear a discourse at Cork, by Thomas Loe, a leading Quaker, he reverted to his former opin- ions, and traveled to propagate his new faith. He was arrested for preaching, and sent to prison ; but was released through the interest of his father. After his return to England, he was sent to the Tower, on accoimt of a book which he had written ; and while there he com- posed hia principal work entitled "No Cross, No Crown," intended to show the benefit of suffer- ing. On his release, he resumed his former labors, and was apprehended, with some others, and tried for preaching at a conventicle in Gracechurch Street. Penn himself, had been tried for preaching to "an unlawful, seditious and riotous assembly." The first verdict was, "Guilty of speaking in Gracechurch Street." This verdict was brought in repeatedly, in spite of threats from the .judge that he would starve the jury if they did not say "Guilty," or "Not Guilty." Finally the verdict of "Not Guilty" was rendered, whereupon the judge fiired each of the jurors forty marks (about $129.60) and imprisonment till paid, because they had fol- lowed their own judgment rather than the good advice given them by him. Penn also was fined for having his hat on in the presence of the court. Admiral Penn was reconciled to his son be- fore his death, and left him all his property. Penn continued firn:i in his attachment to the Society of Friends, and, in 1677, went on a mission to Holland and Germany, with Fox and Barclay. Penn had three motives for planting a colony in the New World, namely: "First, he would get payment for the debt of 16,000 pounds (nearly $80,000) due his father as an oilicer of the British navy; secondly, he would find a l^lace for his brethren, the Quakers, or Fiicnds, where they would not be openly insulted in ihe streets, dragged from their meeting-houses to loathsome jails, and robbed of the last bed or cow to pay the fines for not attending the established church ; and thirdly, he would satis- fy the desire which the glow^ing account of the brethren in West Jersey had created in him. The second of these motives was by fai- the strongest." Penn and his people enjoyed neither reli- gious nor civil liberty in England. "In Europe, church and state, as a rule, are not separate. In most countries, a certain church, called the established church, or state church, is a part of the government." Durmg the reign of James II. Penn was fre- quently at the king's palace, yet for no selfish reasons. James II. had always been his fa- ther's friend, and he had always been glad and prompt to help Penn himself. Penn, therefore, entered the palace that he might aid the king and give him wise counsels. The overthrow of James was in more than one respect a misfortune for Penn. In the spring of 1690 he was arrested on the_ charge of holding treasonable correspondence with the de- throned monarch. The absurdity of the charge 12 A BEIEF HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA being absolutely evident, Penn was set at li- berty. Yet, though his conduct continued to be blameless, he was, by an order in council, stripped, March 14, 1692, of his title to the Pennsylvania government, which was restored two years later. In 1701 he returned to England, and being encumbered with debts, endeavored to negotiate the sale of Pennsylvania to the crown for $60,- 000. This negotiation was interrupted in 1712, through his being attacked by an apopletic fit, which, happening twice afterward within a year, greatly impaired his mental faculties. He lived six years longer, but with a constitution much shattered and quite unfitted for any ser- ious employment. Penn died July 29, 1718. He was buried in the village of Jordan, Buck- inghamshire, near London. Of Penn's mother very little is known, ex- cept that she was a Dutch woman, the daughter of John Jasper, a merchant of Rotterdam. Her son has left no description of her. There is no portrait, no anecdotes or sayings, nothing that would reveal her character. Very likely she was a plain, ordinary person. Penn showed few if any Dutch traits. Penn's father. Sir William Penn, was an English admiral who greatly distinguished him- self against the Dutch in the 17th century. Born in Bristol in 1621, a son of John ; entered the navy at an early age, and was captain at the age of twenty-three. After the accession of King Charles II. to the throne in 1660, he was elevated to the rank of knight, and died in Essex in 1670. Society of Friends The organization, commonly called Quakers, was founded in the middle of the 17th century by George Fox. They are distinguished from other Christian bodies by the special stress they lay on the immediate teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and their belief that no one should be paid or appointed by human author- ity for the exercise of the gift of the ministry. In obedience to this belief tliey hold their meet- ings without any prearranged service or sermon, and sometimes in total silence. The Friends be- lieve that the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper are to be taken spiritually, and not in an outward form. Their protests against the use of oaths and against the exaction of tithes and church rates caused them much suffering and frequent im- prisonment during the first fifty years of their existence. The simplified dress which Friends adopted from conviction over two hundred years ago became stereotyped into a uniform. This dress has generally been given up, as have the "testimony" against music and singing in its rigid application, and the peculiarities of speech, such as the use of "thee" and "thou" ir stead of "you" (though many of the Fren.ls retain this custom among themselves'), and the a oidance of all titles of courtesy. Of late years there has been a very decided evangelical movement among Friends, under the influence of which the quietism is dying out. As a result of this change the influence of the Society beyond its own borders, through home and foreign missions and Sunday Schools, has developed to a remarkable extent. There is in the United States a numerous body of Friends called Hicksites (from their founder, Elias Hicks), who separated from the orthodox community. The Hicksites allowed more freedom of opinion in matters pertaining to their religious belief. George Fox, the founder of the Society of Friends; born in Drayton, in Leicestershire, England, in July, 1624. M'^hen twenty years of age, and for some two or three years afterward. Fox describes himself as having been in a very distressed state of mind, from which the various professors and clergymen to whom he applied for counsel were unable to relieve him. From this condition he was at length delivered by that which he regarded the voice of God in his soul, directing him to Christ as alone able "to speak to his condition." Very soon after this he commenced his public ministrations at Duk- infield, Manchester, and the neighborhood. From the first his preaching made many con- verts and excited much opposition. He was first imprisoned in 1648 for opposing a preacher on a point of doctrine. In 1650 he was imprisoned at Derby under a false charge of blasphemy. One of the committing justices, Bennet, acted with great violence on this occa- sion, and it was he, who on Fox's bidding him, "tremble at the word of the Lord," first applied to Fox and his followers the name of "Quak- ers." Fox died in London, January 13, 1690. There are nearly 120,000 members of the different branches of Friends in the United States, having about 1,100 churches and 1,500 ministers. Philadelphia The first city in the State, was laid out and named in 1682, by William Penn. Philadel- phia signifies "brotherly love." It was built at the junction of the Delaware and the Schuyl- kill rivers, and is the best planned city in the United States, there being no other city in which a stranger can so easily find his way. With few exceptions, the streets cross each other at right angles. The first nine original streets running east and west were all named after the various kmds of trees in the forest A BRIEF HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 13 around, as Vine, Spruce, Pine, Sassafras, Wil- low, Chestnut, Walnut, etc. There were also twenty-three streets running north and south. Many of the settlers, during the first winter, lived in caves dug in the high bluff on the river-front between Vine and Walnut streets. The next year, in 1683, nearly one hundred houses were erected, which were inhabited by more than five hundred persons. Two years later six hundred houses were built upon ground which was covered with forest three years be- fore. Penn furnished the general plan for the construction of the houses, viz., size 18x30 feet, partitioned in the middle, covered and lined with clapboards and the intervening space filled with earth. The ground floor was of clay and the upper of wood. The roof was also of clap- boards. Some of the settlers who were financially able had brought with them houses in the flat, tools, implements, furniture, food, clothing, etc., to last them for several months. The poorer clas- ses were compelled to erect small huts, made from freshly cut timber. Philadelphia con- tinued to grow, and in 1700 over two thousand homes had been erected. Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsyl- vania and the third largest in the United States. It has an area of 132 square miles; extending north and south about twenty-two miles, and is from five to ten miles in width. Population in 1890, 1,046,964; 1900, 1,293,697; 1910, 1,549,008. Philadelphia was incorporated in 1691, but its charter was not received till 1701. The city was active in resisting British aggression in 1763 and 1764. The first Continental Congress met here September 5, 1774, and the second May 10, 1775. George Washington was ap- pointed General and Commander-in-Chief of the American Army in the State House on June 15, 1775. Here also the Declaration of Inde- pendence was adopted July 4, and proclaimed July 8, 1776. The city was occupied by the British from September, 1777 to June, 1778. A battle was fought at Germantown on October 4, 1777. In the summer of 1787 delegates from the various States met in the State House, and framed the Constitution. The State House was commenced in 1732 and the building com- pleted in 1741. Among the attractions of the city is Fair- mount park, one of the largest public parks in the world. It extends more than seven miles on both banks of the Schulykill river, and more than six miles on both banks of Wissahickon creek, giving it an area of over 3,000 acres, traversed by 321/2 miles of driveways. In 1876 the Centennial Exposition was held here. Me- morial Hall, erected at a cost of $1,500,000, which was used for the art gallery of the Expo- sition, now contains a permanent industrial and art collection. Here, also, is the Horticul- tural Building filled with tropical plants, and surrounded by thirty-five acres of ground de- voted to horticulture. In the heart of the city, at the intersection of Market and Broad streets, stands the City Hall, on a piece of ground which was formerly Penn Square. This great structure, usually called the Public Building, is said to be the largest building in the United States. The corner-stone was laid July 4, 1874, the same day that ground was broken for the Centennial Exposition buildings. It is built of white mar- ble and granite, in the renaissance style; is 4861/2 feet long by 470 wide; contains 520 rooms, and including a court yard 200 feet square in the center, covers an area of nearly four and one-half acres, having a floor space of nearly fifteen acres. The central tower rises to a height of 5471/4 feet, which is surmounted by a colossal statue of William Penn, 37 feet high and facing northeast in the direction of the famous "Treaty Elm," is the highest in the world. The total cost of the building was over $22,000,000. The city owns a water works system which cost about $35,000,000. The reservoirs have a storage capacity of 1,417,966,400 gallons, and the water is distributed through 1,338 miles of mains. There are in all 1,494 miles of streets, of which 1,067 are paved. The sewer system covers 844 miles. The city is lighted by elec- tricity at a cost of $929,667 per annum. The annual cost of the police department is $2,951,- 242, and that of the fire department, $1,072,- 378. The annual death rate averages 19.38 per 1000. The cost of maintaining the city govern- ment in 1900 was $27,732,208! Street car lines (nearly all electric) traverse the principal streets and extend to the various suburbs. The Lancaster Turnpike The first turnpike in the LTnited States was built between Philadelphia and Lancaster, which was the beginning of the chief highway to the West. The Lancaster turnpike was be- gun in 1790. It was extended until it reached Pittsburg in 1806. "It went through Chester and Lancaster counties, crossed the Susque- hanna at Wright's Ferry, passed through York, Carlisle, Shippensburg and Bedford, thence across the Alleghenies to Pittsburg — the me- tropolis of the West after the Revolution. On this historic road thousands of emigrants travel- ed in the summer months to Pittsburg." The First Defenders of the Union On April 15, 1865, the day after the evacua- 14 A BRIEF HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA tion of Fort Sumter, President Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to serve for three months, Pennsylvania's quota being 14,000. Governor Curtin telegraphed the call all over the State. The news created wild excitement. The Key- stone State has the distinction of sending the first five companies to the front, which" now wear the proud badge of the "First Defenders." They were the Ringgold Light Artillery, of Reading ; the Logan Guards, of Lewistown ; the Washington Artillery and the National Light Infantry of Pottsville and the Allen Rifles of Allentown, making a total of 530 soldiers. The Ringgold company was the first to reach Llarrisburg, only one day after the President's call. The "First Defenders" were attacked by a mob in the streets of Baltimore, "but they never wavered under the constant fire of bricks, clubs, stones and earth. They reached Wash- ington at seven o'clock on the evening of the 18th, where they defended the National Capi- tal." Governors of Pennsylvania The following is a list of the governors of the colony, province and State of Pennsylvania, with the year of the appointment or election of each: Under the Swedes Peter Minuit 1638 Peter Hollandare 1641 John Prlntz 1643 .Tohn Pappegoya 1653 John Claudius Rysingh 1654 Under the Dntch Peter Stuyvesant (Deryck Schmidt, pro tern) 16 5 5 John Paul Jaquet 1655 Jacob Alrichs 1657 Alexander D. Hinyossa 1659 William Beekman 1662 Alexander D. Hinyossa 1663 Anthony Colve (Peter Alrichs' deputy) 1663 Under the Duke of York Colonel Richard Nichols (Robert Carr, deputy) 1664 Colonel Francis Lovelace 1667 Under the English Sir Edmund Andross . 1674 Under the Proprietary Government (Under the proprietary government, when there was no deputy governor the president of the coun- cil acted as such.) William Markham, Deputy 1681 William Penn, Proprietor and Governor 1682 Thomas Lloyd, President 1684 John Blackwell, Deputy Governor 1688 Benjamin Fletcher, Governor 1693 William Markham, Governor 1695 William Penn, Governor 1699 Andrevi' Hamilton, Deputy Governor 1701 Edward Shippen, President 1703 John Evans, Deputy Governor 1704 Charles Gookin, Deputy Governor 17 09 Sir William Keith, Deputy Governor 1717 Patrick Gordon, Deputy Governor 1726 James Logan, Pi'esident 1736 George Thomas, Deputy Governor 1738 Anthony Palmer, President 1747 James Hamilton, Deputy Governor 1748 Robert H. Morris, Deputy Governor 1754 William Denny, Deputy Governor 1756 James Hamilton, Deputy Governor 1759 John Penn, Governor 1763 James Hamilton, President 1771 Richard Penn, Governor 1771 John Penn, Governor 1773 The proprietory government ended by the Con- stitution ot 1776. The representatives of the Penn family were paid for the surrender ot their rights, and a government by the people established. STATE GOVERNORS Under the Constitution of 1776 Thomas Wharton, President (died in office 1778) 1777 George Bryan, Acting Joseph Reed, President 1778 William Moore, President 1781 John Dickinson, President 1782 Benjamin Franklin, President 1785 Thomas Mifflin, President 1788 From 1790, under the new State constitution, the executive officer has been termed governor in- stead of president. General Mifflin was the last president of the State under the old, and the first governor elected under the new constitution. Under the Constitution of 1790 Thomas Mifflin Dec. 21, 1790 — Dec. 17, 1799 Thomas McKean ... .Dec. 17, 1799 — Dec. 20, 1808 Simon Snyder Dec. 20, 1808 — Dec. 16, 1817 William Findlay Dec. 16, 1817 — Dec. 19, 1820 Joseph Heister Dec. 19, 1820 — Dec. 16, 1823 J. A. Shulse Dec. 16, 1823 — Dec. 15, 1829 George Wolfe Dec. 15, 1829 — Dec. 15, 1835 Joseph Ritner Dec. 15, 1835 — Dec. 15, 1839 Under the Constitution of 1838 D. R. Porter Jan. 15, 1839 — Jan. 21, 1845 Francis R. Shunk . . . .Jan. 21, 1845 — July 9, 1848 (Resigned July 9, 1848) Wm. F. Johnson, Acting July, 1848 — Jan. 20, 1852 William Bigler Jan. 20, 1852 — Jan. 16, 1855 James Pollock Jan. 16, 1855 — Jan. 19, 1858 William F. Packer . . .Jan. 19, 18 5 8 — Jan 15, 1861 Andrew G. Curtin. .. .Jan. 15, 1861 — Jan. 15, 1867 John W. Geary Jan. 15, 1867 — Jan. 21, 1873 Under the Constitution of 1873 John F. Hartranft. . . .Jan. 21, 1873 — Jan. 18, 1879 Henry M. Hoyt Jan. 18, 1879 — Jan. 16, 1883 Robert E. Pattison. . .Jan. 16, 1883 — Jan. IS, 1887 James A. Beaver Jan. 18, 1887 — Jan. 20, 1891 Robert E. Pattison. . .Jan. 20, 1891 — Jan. 15, 1895 Daniel H. Hastings. . .Jan. 15, 1895 — Jan. 14, 1899 William A. Stone . . . .Jan. 17, 1899 — .Tan. 20, 1903 Sam'l W. Pennypacker Jan. 20, 1903 — Jan. 21, 1907 Edwin S. Stuart Jan. 21, 1907 — Jan. 16, 1911 John K. Tener Jan. 16, 1911 — Population of Pennsylvania Since the First Census in 1790 1790 434,373 1800 602,265 1810 810,091 1820 1,049,458 1830 1,348,233 1840 1,724,033 1850 2,311,786 1860 2,906,215 1870 3,521,951 1880 4,282,891 1890 5,258,014 1900 6,302,115 1910 7,665,111 A BRIEF HISTORY OF RENNSYLVANIA 15 United States Postal Service Postal Service is the regulation of Communi- cation between different parts of a country, or different countries, including especially the for- warding and delivering of letters, newspapers and small packages, and the establishment of a registry system for the transfer of money and the transaction of other financial business. In some countries the use of the telephone and the telegraph forms a part of the postal service. The word "post" has its particular applica- tion from the posts, or stages, at which on the roads of the Roman empire, couriers were maintained for the purpose of conveying news and dispatches. The beginning of a postal service in the United States dates from 1639, when the house of Richard Fairbanks in Boston was employed for the receipt and dehvery of letters for or from beyond the seas. He was allowed for every letter a penny, and was obliged to answer all miscarriages through his own neglect. In 1672 the government of New York colony es- tablished a "post to go monthly from JSTew York to Boston;" in 1702 it was changed to once in every two weeks. A general post^ofRce was es- tablished and erected in Virginia in 1692, and in Philadelphia in 1693. A deputy postmaster- general for America was appointed in 1692 ; and by Act of Parliament in 1710 he was di- rected to keep his principal office in New York, "and other chief offices in some convenient place or places in other of Her Majesty's pro- vinces or colonies in America." A monopoly was established which included also the trans- port of travelers, and a tariff was fixed. The system, however, proved a failure, till 1753, when JBenjamin Franklin became post-master- general. When he was removed from office in 1774, the net revenue exceeded $15,000. In 1757, Franklin received $1,000 salary as postmaster-general. In 1789, when the post-office was transferred to the new federal government, the number of offices in the thirteen States was only about seventy-five. In 1846, was the negotiation of a postal treaty with England. Postage stamps were introduced in 1847, stamped envelopes in 1852, and the system of registering letters in 1855. The free-delivery and the traveling- post-office systems were established in 1863. The money order system was mtroduced in 1864 and postal cards in 1873, and, between the last two dates stamped newspaper wrappers and envelopes bearing request for the return of the enclosed letter to the writer in case of non- delivery. The Universal Postal Service was formed in 1873, and ten years later the issue of "postal note?" payable to bearer. The sp?- cial-deliverv svstem was established in 1885. after which letters bearing an extra 10-cent stamp are delivered by special messenger im- mediately on arrival. At the present time the postal establishment of the United States is the greatest business con- cern in the world. It handles more pieces, em- ploys more men, spends more money, brings more revenue, uses more agencies, reaches more homes, involves more details and touches more interests than any other human organization, public or private, governmental or corporate. Though the postal service of England, France and Germany, includes the telegraph, the pos- tal business of the United States surpasses the service of any of these countries. The free delivery system in cities serves about 33,000,000 patrons at a cost of 50 cents a year each. The receipts of the Post-office Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1909, were $203,562,383, as comjDared with the fiscal year previous, of receipts of $191,478,663. The Rural Free Delivery Service is a late adjunct to the postal service, but notwithstand- ing its youth, it promises to out grow some of the older branches of the department. It was established under President McKrnley in 1897. That year forty-four routes were put in opera- tion. The service has grown to such an extent that for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1909, 40.628 rural routes were in operation, and the expenditures for the year on account of the rural service were $35,661,034. Compared with the previous year there was an increase of 1351 routes and $1,289,095 in expenses. The rural carriers handled in 1909 approximately 2,723,- 262,000 pieces of mail and the average monthly number of pieces handled per route" was 5608. The rapid growth of the rural service has no precedent in the history of the postal establish- ment. It has grown from 82 routes in 1897 to 40,628 in 1909, a period of twelve years, with an increase in annual expenditures from $1480 to $35,661,034. The loss to the Post-office De- partment from rural delivery reaches nearly $28,000,000 a year. Historical Facts ■ The first mill in Pennsylvania was erected on Chester creek, near Philadelphia, about 1682, by Richard Townsend. He brought it ready framed from London. It served for the grind- ing of corn and the sawing of boards. In 1685, three years after Penn's landing, a printing press was running in Philadelphia. One of the earliest publications was an almanac, ]irinted in the year 1685. Vrilliam Bradford broudit from England a 16 A BRIEF HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA printing outfit, including paper and ink, which was used for printing Friends' books. ■ The first newspaper in Pennsylvania was started in Philadelphia, December 22, 1719. It was named The American Weekly Murcury, which was the third paper in the colonies. The other two were published in Boston, namely, Publick Occurrences both Foreign and Domes- tick, first published September 25, 1690, by Benjamin Harris: and The Boston Newsletter, appearing in 1702. The second newspaper in Pennsylvania was the Pennsylvania Gazette, published in 1729 by Benjamin Franklin. Ghristoph Saur, published a German paper in Germantown prior to 1740 and later, which circulated among the Germans from New York to Georgia. He published the first magazine in America. About 1743 he printed the German Bible, and about forty years later an English Bible was printed. Saur made his own type, paper and ink and bound his own books. The first daily newspaper was the Pennsylva- nia Packet, published by John Dunlap in 1784, and afterwards called the Daily Advertiser. In 1775 there were only thirty-four newspa- pers in the United States, with a total weekly circulation of 5,000 copies. The first bank in America was established in Philadelphia in 1780. In 1803, there were twenty-five banks in the United States, with an aggregate capital of $26,- 707,000. The first post office in Pennsylvania was established by Penn, at Philadelphia, in 1683 ; but the first general post office was established ten years later. In 1717, there was a settled post route from Virginia and Maryland to Phil- adelphia and to all northern colonies. The Mennonites of Germantown were the first people in America to suggest the abolition of slavery. This was in 1688, when they sent a petition to the yearly meeting of the Friends, which stated, "that it was not Christian-like to buy and keep negroes." The first paper mill in America was built in 1690, on a branch of the Wissahickon, by Wil- liam Rittenhuysen, a minister from Holland. The first public library in the State was pro- jected in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, and was incorporated in 1742. Large numbers of Germans came to Penn- sylvania, and by 1750 they numbered about 90,000 people, settling entire counties. They naturally had their own language and customs. Stephen Girard was the richest man in the United States before the War of 1812, being worth $10,000,000. Among other bequests he left $2,000,000 for the erection and mainten- ance in Philadelphia, of a college for male white orphans. He was born near Bordeaux, France, May 24, 1750 and died in Philadel- phia, December 26, 1831. By order of Congress, Peter Miller, one of the best learned men at his time, translated the Declaration of Independence into seven langu- ages. In colonial days governors, congressmen, lawmakers, and even presidents and framers of the constitution were farmers. The first militia law in the State was pre- pared by Benjamin Franklin, and was passed in 1775. A volimteer company of about five hundred men was soon organized. Franklin was made commander. Pie became so popular as a soldier that he was promoted to colonel. The Susquehanna valley was first settled by John Harris, father of John Harris, Jr., the founder of Harrisburg. He came from Eng- land, and in 1705 got permission as a licensed trader to trade with the Indians along the Sus- quehanna river and Conois creek. Harrisburg was founded by John Harris, Jr. in 1785 ; was incorporated as a borough in 1791 ; became the State capital in 1812 ; and re- ceived its charter as a city in 1860. The city is well laid out, lighted with electricity, and surrounded by magnificent scenery. The State capitol buildings are located in the midst of a beautiful park of ten acres on a gentle rise of ground. The State Library comprises 118,000 volumes. The first penny paper was issued in New York by Benjamin H. Day. It was called the Sun, and immediately acquired a large circula- tion. It Avas at first less than a foot square. In 1849, the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society was organized, and the first State Fair held in the following year at Harrisburg. Since then societies have been organized in every county in the Commonwealth. In 1827 a railroad, nine miles in lengih, the longest then in existence in America, was con- structed from Mauch Chunk to some coal mines. Only two had preceeded this — one, with a wood- en track, at a stone quarry in the county of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and another, having a length of three miles, at a quarry in Quincy, Mass. Since that time the railroad system of this country has developed to its present mag- nitude. CHAPTER TWO INDIAN HISTORY OF WYOMING VALLEY W3'oming is a valley brimming full of his- tory. Between its eastern and western slopes some of the most stirring scenes of frontier war- fare and struggle were enacted. For more than half a century the valley has developed and ex- panded, and with this growth the old land- marks and their histories are gradually becom- ing destroyed and forgotten. It is our purpose here to portray a few of the many interesting scenes of the early days. A few years over a century ago large and powerful tribes of Indians inhabited the valley. The Iroquois is the name given to the alli- ance of the five tribes of Indians: Mohawks, Onedias, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas, which were called the Five iNations. The Tus- caroras, the sixth and last tribe to join the league, about one hundred years after its for- mation, after which they were called the Six Nations. The alliance of the five tribes was proposed by the Mohaioks. It has been said that the Iroquois were the most enterprising, as well as the most warlike people in America. "The Six Nations had great power in the ter- ritory of Pennsylvania, until they sold to the white people. The fishing and hunting grounds in these wilds were unequaled. The shad, the bass and the trout, the bear, the stately elk, and herds of deer gave them business, food and clothing, and with their variety of corn dishes, their fare was good and wholesome. Their councils were numerous, where they repeated their legends, and handed down the traditions of former ages, to be again repeated to those who should come after them. At these coun- cils their women were not only allowed to be present, but their opinions were consulted in war debates ; and strange to say of heathen, their women often acted as mediators, and when they advised to lay down the hatchet, their argu- ments often prevailed."- — Early Times on the Susquehanna. The Wyoming valley, before purchased and settled by the Connecticut Susquehanna Com- pany, was claimed by the Iroquois, but was occupied by the Delaware or Lenni Lenape In- dians. Their Indian name signifies the origi- nal people. "Nearly forty tribes acknowledged them as 'great grandfathers.' " They consisted of several tribes, three of which were the most important, namely: the Turtle, Turkey and Wolf. The first two lived between the Atlan- tic ocean and the Blue mountains. The last named occupied the mountainous country west of the Blue mountains, including both branches of the Susquehanna. The Delaware? were once a powerful tribe, but had been subdued by the Iroquois, hj whom they were made vassals early in the 18th cen- tury, and were compelled to vacate the country along the Delaware, east of the Blue Ridge, and move to the Wyoming valley. The Nanticokes and the Shawanese occupied the lower end of the valley, the former on the east side of the Susquehanna and the latter on the opposite side. Later the Nanticokes moved up the river and the Shawanese to Ohio. When the Moravian missionaries first visited Wyoming Valley in 1742, its Indian residents were Delawares, Monseys, Shawanese, Nanti- cokes, Mohicans and Wanamese, all of whom were vassals of the Iroquois by virtue of con- quest. They were practically prisoners. They could not change their abode without consent, and they were liable to be sent elsewhere when- ever their imperious masters demande(i. Prob- ably_ the reason Wyoming was chosen as the abiding place of these vassal people, was that it lay on the great Iroquois highway between the north and the south, where they could be kept under constant supervision of their masters. The earliest to occupy Wyoming Valley, so far as appears, were the Shawanese, whom Con- rad Weiser found there in 1737, who were foes of the English. By permission of John Penn they had first located in Wyoming in 1701. Reichel believes that "they were placed at Wy- oming by the Six Nations, who were confident that they could place no custodian more reli- able than the ferocious Shawanese in charge of that lovely valley, which they designed to keep for themselves and their children forever." In 1728. when about 500 in number, the Six Nationshad ordered them to move to the Ohio, and their empty cabins at Wyoming were taken by another contingent of the Shawanese, who were transferred from near Lancaster. They had for their leader Kakowatchie (or Gacha- watschiqua) , and it was these Shawanese whom Zinzendorf (the Moravian missionary) found at Wyoming in 1742. Beside their village where Plymouth stands, the Shawanese had an- other between Plvmouth and Kingston, back of what is called Ross Hill, present Blindtown. There were also Shawanese villages at Fishing Oeek and Brier Creek. The Delawares called themselves Lenni Le- nape, signifying "orioinal people." The Mon- sies (or Minsies) and the Wanamese belonged to them. The Delawares had their council fires at Minisink, near the Delaware Water Gap, fifty miles southeast of Wilkes-Barre, and their hunting grounds extended from Easton, Pa., to the sea. They had a village near Scranton as early as 1728. They were vassals of the Iroquois, by whom they were ordered away 18 IIISTOliY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY from the Forks of the Delaware (the name then given to the lands lying within the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers; at that time the Lehigh was called the west branch of the Delaware) and given the option of locating either at Shamokin or at Wyoming. Nearly all went to Wyoming, but some chose Shamo- kin. So it happened that they had become occupants of the valley of the Susquehanna in the same j^ear that Zinzendorf and his follow- ers first visited the region in 1742. The leader of the Delawares was Teedyus- cung, who was born about 1700 near Trenton, N. J., a locality in which his ancestors had been seated from time immemorial. They were gradually pushed northwardly by the settle- ments, and about 1730 located in Pennsylvania above the confluence of the Delaware and Le- high rivers, and finding no white men, they wandered wherever they found good hunting or fishing. But in a very few years the wilderness in the Forks began to be encroached upon by Scoth-Irish immigrants. The Delaware Indians had been defrauded of their hunting gromids in the Forks by means of such unscrupulous measures as the "walking purchase of 1737," and it was only by appeal- ing to their masters, the Six Nations, to expel them, that the Penns could obtain possession. The Six Nations treated them in the most in- sulting manner, and aroused in the breasts of the Delawares an animosity that never slum- bered. Then the Delawares removed to the Susquehanna Valley. They built a town just below Wilkes-Barre. At Nescopeck, thirty miles below Wilkes- Barre, was an important Delaware town, on the east bank of the Susquehanna. On the same stream, a little above the mouth of the Lackawanna, was the Delaware town of Asserughney, under the chieftainship of Kind- assowa. They came here about 1728. There was also a Delaware village at Tunkhannock and another at Wyalusing. The Wanamese, (or Wanamie tribe of the Delawares, whose chief was named Jacob) , came from the Forks of the Delaware in 1842, and occupied the level, elevated land about two miles north of Wilkes-Barre, near the Borough of Parsons, in Plains township. This they named Jacob's Plains, in honor of their chief, but upon the formation of the township, Nov. 10. 1851, the old chief's name was left off. The Monseys occupied the Lackawanna Val- ley, and their chief was Capouse, from whom "Capouse Meadows" (now Providence) was named. They had their village on the west side of the Lackawanna, where Providence is now located. They came here sometime before 1730. HoUister says in his History: "The do- mestic habits of the Monsey tribe when not en- gaged in warfare were extremely simple and lazy. Patches of open land or 'Indian clear- ings' early were found in the valley, where on- ions, cantaloupes, beans and corn, and their favorite weed, tobacco, were half cultivated by the obedient squaw." Their burying ground was located on the east bank of the Lackawanna, above the mouth of Nay Aug Creek. The Monseys accompanied the Delawares to Ohio, and subsequently were merged in the latter tribe. The Mohicans came -with the Delawares m 1742 and built a village on the east bank of Abraham's creek, near its confluence with the Susquehanna. Their chief's name was Abra- ham, from whom the creek received its name. Rising in Dallas township, it crosses Kingston township, runs through Wyoming borough, and flows into the Susquehanna at Forty Fort. The Nanticokes had their village on the west bank of Nanticoke creek, near the river, where the borough of the same name is now located. The Nanticokes were a dependency of the Iro- quois, living along Chesapeake Bay. Their name in the several languages signified tidewa- ter or sea-shore people. They passed up to Wy- oming in 1748, either under the orders of the Iroquois or by their permission. Zeisberger says they were adverse to the Gospel, and surpassed all other Indians in their heathenism and sor- cery. However, several became Moravian con- verts. The entire population of the Nanticoke village removed to the Province of New York in May, 1753, and from there to Ohio. Smallpox and ardent spirits carried off the greater part of the Nanticokes, so that in 1785 (then in Ohio) there were scarcely fifty of them. They sided with the British, and ulti- mately settled in Canada, alongside the Shawa- nese, who had invited them. The ilndians occupied the valley in greater or less numbers until 1763, when, after the death of their chief, Teedyuscimg, they depart- ed. However, a few of them continued to visit the fertile plaiiis of Wyoming for some j^ears later, as shown by references in the diary of the Moravian Indian village at Wyalusing. (1765- 1772). A little before the abandonment of the \Vyalusing mission by the Moravians in 1772, the ConnecticTit migration had set in, and with it disappeared all Indians from the valley of the Susquehanna. Their Teue Character. "The Indians of our country have ever been looked upon with interest by every lover of his- tory. They have .iustly been charged with savage cruelties, such as make the blood chill, when called to mind. But when we look ivpon (hem as natives of tlie soil, and we the invndevs : when we consider how all nations are affected HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 19 by intrusion and oppression, and what excesses of barbarity the most civilized nations have al- lowed and practiced; we might do well to ex- tend charity to the less cultivated and refined, who have not had the advantages with which we have been favored. "Those who have taken an interest in them, and studied their character, instructing them in civilization and Christianity, claim that many of them make the most humane, sensible and reliable men. "The original Indians were not beasts of prey, but have become such by provocation. In por- traying the character of the Indians of Pennsyl- vania we will go back to the time when it had not yet become changed by associating with the Europeans. They were very hospitable, and expected hospitality in return. Courtesy was a distinct trait in their character. A "good morning, father," "grandfather," "uncle," and so on, down to a small grandchild, was the common form of address. Even the children saluted one another affectionatelv and respect- fully. Quarrels were avoided. Fighting, they said, is only for dogs and beasts. It was a rare thing to hear of murders among them in the days before the settlement of Pennsylvania. This we loiow from the testimony of reliable and well-informed Indians, who helped to build the first houses in Philadelphia." Colum- bus, the first white man to know the red men, pays them this high compliment: "They love their neighbors as themselves." "The character of the Indians was greatly changed after the white men came to this coun- try. They were the oriainal inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere. They were driven from their hunting groimds, their camps were broken up, and they suffered cruel treatment from the white men who settled in this countrjr. One of the early missionaries among the Indians said: "Often I have listened to these descriptions of their hard sufferings, until I felt ashamed of being a white man." It is not surprising that the Indians are cruel and avengeful. Their Mode op Life. "The Indians had no code of laws, except a few unwritten rules of justice and courtesy, which were enforced by the chiefs and their counsellors. The wampum, or Indian money, necessary to carry an order of the chief into effect, was freely given. Important transac- tions were ratified by strings and belts of wam- pum. Black wampum signified war ; white, peace, friendship, good-will. The pipe of peace, which was made of black or red stone, had to be whitened before it was used for such a pur- pose. To kee]T treaties fresh in the memory, the chiefs met occasionally at some chosen spot in the forest and rehearsed them. Thus, between the years 1770 and 1780, the Delawares could relate very minutely what had passed between William Penn and their forefathers. On such occasions, the Indians sat around a chest, took out one string or belt after another, handed it to every person present, and repeated the words spoken at its delivery." No Schools "The Indians had no schools. The parents taught the children. The first lessons were about the Great Spirit and about the duties to parents and elders. PLcading and writing were unknown arts to them. The Iroquois and Dela- wares understood a little counting. The pr^si- tion of the sun served to show the time of day ; and the stages of the corn, the season of the year. The marriage tie was weak, and poly- gamy was permitted. The children followed the mother in case of separation. The name, as a rule, was given by the father, who gener- ally selected that of some animal. Other names were frequently added. Thus, one who wore torn or patched shoes was called Bad Shoes: one who had large eyes, Great Eye. To the white men the Indians gave suggestive names of their own. When the Delawares had learned the meaning of Penn's name, they at once called him Miquon, feather or quill. The Iroquois called him Onas, for the same reason. Ingen- ious compounds were invented. Thus, the name for Philadelphia was Quequenaku, 'the grove of the long pine trees.' " Occupations "Hunting was considered the most honorable occupation. The Delawares early trained their boys to run so fast as to o\ertake a deer, and to shoot small fishes with their bows and arrows. The oyster, the land-tortoise and the locus.t were also in demand for food. Vegetables of various kinds were raised; but maize, (corn) aside from meat and fish, was the chief food. They planted it after the hazelnut was in bloom, as a precau- tion against frost. The shoulder-blade of a deer or a tortoise shell was used to hoe — a work that fell to the women." The Indians considered it disgraceful for a man to work, and labor was principally confin- ed to the squa\\'s. An Indian would go three or four miles to shoot a deer or bear, which he would carry on his shoulders until perhaps with- in a mile or less from home, where he would leave his game and proceed to the wigwam. His wife would then go for the prize and carry it into camp. The Indian thought this perfectly proper. InDI.^N AjrirSEMENTS "Dancing and singing were the Indian's 20 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY amusements, though he indulged in them for other purposes. This grotesque performance ended in a disagreeable yell, which resembled the mewing of the cat-bird at the close of its pretty song. The war dance was to terrify, not to please. It was performed around a painted post, and the dancers went through all the mo- tions and actions of the battle. After a victory, a dance of thanksgiving was in order. It was religious in its nature." — History of Pennsylva- nia. A Glimpse of an Indian Village It is late afternoon of a hazy day in October in the small Indian village of Maughwauwame, or Wyoming, on the banks, of the winding Sus- quehanna. Here and there among the great forest trees stand peaked wigwams of white deer-skin fantastically painted with the sym- bols of the tribe. Groups of children are merrily playing along the banks of the river; at one place an imaginary battle is being fought be- tween young braves decorated with feathers, berry-juice and daubs of gayly colored paint. The little Indian girls are busily keeping "wig- wam" with small wooden images for children. Further up the river the older boys are having a diving and swimming contest. Already the sun is setting in the west ; a soft, grey mist is slowly rising from the river and from the deep forests where it is gradually blot- ting out the gray autumn foliage. Soon, thin columns of smoke, twisting upwards from the wigwams to meet the thickening mist, warn the young Delawares that it is nearly time for the evening meal and for their fathers to re- turn from the hunt. The little girls hurry home to help their mothers and the boys eager- ly await the arrival of the great men of the tribe. In a very short time they appear; some of the younger braves have pheasants and quail slung over their shoulders and here and there the beautiful bronze plumage of the wild turkey is conspicuous. Last of all, the older warriors emerge from the fast-gathering gloom of the forest. Proudly one of their number bears a young deer on his back. A small stream of blood is trickling from the breast of the animal, where a poisoned arrow has pierced his heart. Joyfully, but in a subdued manner, the wo- men and children welcome the warriors. After the game has been sufficiently admired, and the prowess of the hunters praised, the families withdraw to their wigwams^ Soon the Indian village is hidden in darkness, with the exception of a bright fire which has been kindled, where, later the warriors will assemble to talk of the hunt and to make plans for the coming winter. Darker and darker it grows; the tepees become uncertain silhouettes against the western sky: the council fire is dead save for an occasional ember fanned to a glow by the night breeze; Maughwauwame is asleep. First Houses Built in Wyoming Valley Teedyuscung, the King of the Delawares, wished to settle down with his tribe in the Wyoming valley. He sent a petition to the Assembly and asked that a settlement be given them in the valley and protection by the Gov- ernment. They did not wish a fort, but simply some houses so that they might have a home where all would be peace and where men might be sent to teach them and their posterity the doctrines of the Christian religion. The Assembly petitioned the Governor and recommended that a favorable answer be given. He consented to this, and held a meeting with a council selected for that purpose, as to the best way to build the houses and the choice of men to send to do the work. It was decided that Captain Hughes with Shippen and Galbraith should take charge of the building of the houses. These men, with a guard of about one hun- dred and fifty members of the provincial troops, set out for Wyoming in October, 1757. Teedy- uscung and some of his warriors accompanied them. When they arrived in the valley, the chief pointed out the spot which he had selected for the building of the houses. This site was within the precincts of the Tenth Ward of the present city of Wilkes-Barre. Work was begun and, by the middle of iNovember, when the first snows whitened the ground, two houses were finished and six more were started. Teedyus- cung then told the company, that as long as he did not intend to spend the winter there, they could leave their work as it was until the spring and go back to Philadelphia. Advantage was taken at once of this permission. When spring came, Shippen and some others could not accompany the Indians to Wyoming. Henry Pawling was therefore appointed to aid Hughes in carrying out the Governor's orders. This time they were joined by the Delaware chief and about one hundred Indians. They followed the old Indian trail over the moun- tains to the Winding River and the valley of Wyoming. In the midst of their labor one of the white men was killed by some strange Indians from the North, thus adding fear to the many trials of the little band. Finally, the houses were fin- ished. They were simple log huts, most of them fourteen by twenty feet, while one, pre- sumably for the chief, was sixteen by twenty- four feet. These had been erected for the In- dians by the proprietary government of Penn- sylvania at an expense of eighteen hundred Spanish milled dollars. HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 21 These houses were built of squared logs and dove-tailed. Eleven were built at this time, but there must have been more erected later, for "on the night of April 19, 1763, the dwelling of Teedyuscung and twenty others around it were set on fire by a party of Iroquois who had visited the valley under the guise of friendship, and the chief, under the influence of liquor, perished in the flames. This was an act of savage vengeance for the death of an Iroquois warrior at the hand of Teedyuscung in 1758." Thus the little settlement known as Maugh- wauwame was established June 7, 1758, by a tribe of Delaware Indians under the leadership of Teedyuscung. The Grasshopper "War "While the warriors of the Delawares were engaged upon the moimtains in a hunting ex- pedition, a number of squaws from Maughwau- wame, were gathering wild fruits along the margin of the river, about a mile below their village, near the line between Wilkes-Barre and Hanover townships, where they found a number of Shawanese squaws and their chil- dren, who had crossed the river in their canoes upon the same business. A child belonging to the Shawanese, having captured a large grasshopper, a quarrel arose among the chil- dren for the possession of it, in which their mothers soon took a part. The Delaware squaws contending that the Shawanese had no privi- leges upon that side of the river, the quarrel soon became general; but the Delawares, being the most numerous, soon drove the Shawanese to their canoes and to their own bank, a few having been killed upon both sides. Upon the return of the warriors, both tribes prepared for battle to revenge the wrongs which they consid- ered their wives had sustained. "The Shawanese, upon crossing the river, foimd the Delawares ready to receive them and oppose their landing. A dreadful conflict took place between the Shawanese in their canoes and the Delawares on the bank. At length, after great numbers had been killed, the Shawa- nese effected a landing, and a battle took place about a mile below Maughwauwame, in which many hundred warriors are said to have been killed on both sides; but the Shawanese were so much weakened in landing that they were not able to sustain the conflict, and after the loss of about half their tribe, the remainder were forced to flee to their own side of the river, shortly after which they abandoned their town and removed to Ohio." — Chapman's His- tory of Wyoming. John Sergeant. John Seargeant, the first Christian missionary to the Wyoming valley, was the son of Jona- than Sergeant, whose earlier home had been in New England, but who, at the time of the birth of his son, was living in iNewark, New Jersey. John was educated in the best schools of the day, and in 1729, at the early age of nineteen years, was graduated from Yale College. For some years after he remained there as a tutor, but was at the same time pursuing his theological studies. It is said that he was one of the most successful tutors that the college has ever known. Later he declared : "I feel I have been called to become a missionary to the Indians. I would rather be that than have the best parish England can offer." A mission had been established in Stock- bridge, Mass., which was meeting with great success, and Mr. Sergeant became a teacher there. In June, 1741, accompanied by several Stock- bridge Indians, this young man came to Wyom- ing in order to teach the Gospel to the Indian tribes, the Mohegans and the Shawanese, who lived in the valley. They were kindly received and well treated, but the Indians did not seem to be very enthusiastic about the doctrine which was being preached to them. Mr. Sergeant preached one sermon in which he called them brothers, and offered to instruct them in the principles of Christianity. This they refused, because of a promise, that "they never would receive Christianity from the English." This they had made to the Senecas, from whom they had bought their land. Another reasonfor re- fusing the doctrine was the way in which the white traders had acted toward their squaws. Finally, discouraged and down-hearted, he re- turned to Massachusetts. Still he had hope that some day a way would be opened by which the Indians would become converted to Christian- ity. He died at Stockbridge in July, 1749, be- lieving that some day, some more successfuJ man would accomplish the fulfillment of his plans. The First Massacre of the Whites in Wyoming. That Saturday, October 15, 1763, which dawned so bright and clear in the Wyoming valley and set amid bloodshed and conflagra- tion, is,, perhaps, not so well known as that day of the great massacre of 1778, but, nevertheless, it shows only too well the cruelty and treachery of the redmen. The settlers at Mill Creek, pro- fiting by the fair weather, were busily engaged in their various occupations, unprepared for danger. Some were at work in the saw-miH, others were on the flats caring for their crops; some were felling trees along the edges of the forest, now glorious in its gay autumnal colors, others were erecting more log-cabins which were necessary for the comfort and accommodation 22 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY of the rapidly growing colony. The women were perforunng their simple household duties ia their rough homes, while the children were merrily playing around the block-house. It was near the hour of noon in this happy, peaceful settlement, when suddenly the blood- curdling warwhoop of Indians rang through the depths of the surrounding forest, striking fear and dread into hearts of old and young. "Captain Bull." the son of Teedyuscung, to avenge his father's death (caused by the burn- ing of the Indian village, Maughivauwame, by the Iroquois Indians, on the night of April 19, 1763, which was charged upon the settlers), swooped down on the terrified people, with one hundred and thirty-five brave warriors. Blood- shed and destruction resulted. Some of the panic-stricken inhabitants, haviag no time to flee, were quickly scalped and murdered. Eigh- teen or twenty persons lost their lives m this way and many others were taken prisoners. One man is said to have escaped the keen eyes of the Indians by hiding in the tall grass, be- ing almost the only one who was at work on the open flats, who survived the dreadful massacre. The settlers who were at the mill, the block- house and some of the more remote cabins, hear- ing the cries and gunshots on the flats near the river, fled, without provisions or sufficient cloth- ing, through the woods to the mountains on the east. As they looked back at the valley during their ascent, they saw the savages plun- dering their former peaceful homes and driving their cattle away. When darkness fell, the merciless red man set fire to the cabins and soon the weary fugitives beheld the sky lighted with the flames of their own dwellings. The settlers, almost starved and chilled with the keen au- tumn winds, were forced to flee through the forest, over rivers and morasses, sixty miles to the nearest settlement on the Delaware and thence back to their friends in Connecticut. Many, in spite of the dangers they encountered and the hardships they were forced to endure, accomplished this journey in safety, while others, lost in the swamps and worn out with want and fatigue, died alone in the desolate wilderness. Frances Slocum "The Lost Sister of Wyoming." The history of Frances Slocum, the child of Jonathan and Ruth (Tripp) Slocum of Wilkes- Barre, has been for nearly one hundred and thirty-five years one of the most pathetic and fascinating romances of American history. Frances was captured by the Delaware In- dians when nearly five years of age, November 2, 1778, near the south-west corner of North Pennsylvania avenue and East North street, where the North Street School is located. After fifty-nine years of ceaseless searching by her brothers and relatives, she was found Septem- ber 22, 1837, hving near Peru, Indiana, the widow of a Miami Indian chief and the mother of two married daughters. Her Indian name was Ma-con-a-quah. Her relatives endeavored to persuade her to return to the home of her birth, but she would not consent. She said she had become ac- custom to the Indian habits and method of liv- ing, and at her advanced age did not care to leave her daughters and Indian friends and re- turn to the East. PRANCES SLOCUM Made from a portrait painted from Ufe in 1839, wlien 66 years of age. (Courtesy of Wyoming Historical Society) On December 16th, about six weeks after her capture, her father, with Isaac Tripp (Mrs. Slo- cum's father) and William, a youth, Avere fod- dering cattle from a stack near the fort when they were fired upon by the Indians. Mr. Slo- cum was shot dead ; Mr. Tripp was speared and tomahawked, and both were scalped; William, wounded by a ball in the heel, escaped and gave the alarm. Thvrs in a very shoi-t time Mrs. Slo- cum lost her child, husband and father at the hands of the cruel and merciless savages. Mrs. Slocum died May 6, 1807, aged 72 years. No monument has ever been erected to the memory of Frances Slocum in the Wyoming Valley where she was born. But a very hand- some one was placed over her remains near Re- HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 23 serve, Indiana, where she died March 9, 1847. This monument was erected in 1900, by a com- mittee of thirteen descendants of Jonathan Slo- cum. In the family of her father's descend- ants various interesting relics of her person, her home, and her history are presei-ved with great care and reverence. On the 2nd day of November, 1906, the spot of her capture was marked by the erection of a bronze tablet on the wall of the North Street Public School in Wilkes-Barre, the school-house being within a few feet of the actual spot where Frances Slocum was captured. At the same time another, a larger tablet, was erected on the wall of the Wyoming Historical Society ■ build- ing. These tablets were erected by the same committee that erected the monument. Sullivan's Campaign After the Wyoming Massacre, Gen. Washing- ton . placed Gen. Sullivan, the hero of Long Island and Chad's Ford, in command of a large force of regulars with a full equipment of ar- tillery and cavalry, to make an invasion of the Indian strongholds. A similar force, from the vicinity of the Mohawk valley, tmder General James Clinton was ordered to co-operate. Early in the summer of 1779 three thousand men under Gen. Sullivan assembled in the up- per Susquehanna valley, in the lately deserted region , and moved up the river, clearing a road through the vast original forest sufficient to move heavy aitillery and army supplies. "Sul- livan's road" is still traced along the river, es-. pecially at Wilkes-Barre and Meshoppen. While on the way, Sullivan was joined by Gen. Clinton's force who had come by the way of Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna. The united forces amounted to about five thousand men, of which Sullivan had general command. At just Avhat point on the river this union of forces took place is not known, but probably at Chenango Point, now Binghamton, N. Y. The Indians and their allies, the Tories, had received information of the intended invasion, and appeared in arms to oppose them. They were much inferior in force, however, being about fifteen hmidred Indians and tM'o hundred Tories. A battle took place at Newtown on the 29th of Aug-ust, in which the enemy was easily defeated. Sullivan then pushed forward into the heart of the Indian country, penetrating as far as the Genesee I'iver, laying everything waste, setting fire to deserted dwellings, destroying corn fields, orchards, gardens, everything that could give sustenance to a Tory or a savage ; the design be- ing to exterminate the Indians and starve them out of the country. The latter retreated before him with their families, and, at length took refuge under the protection of the British Garrison at Niagara. Having completed his purpose Sullivan return- ed to Easton, in Pennsylvania. The thanks of Congress was voted to him and his army. As has been stated, the expedition was the result of Washington's broad generalship, and forever cleared the Wyoming and Mohawk val- leys of hostile Indian tribes. CHAPTER THREE THE WYOMING VALLEY The name Wyoming is a corruption of the Indian name Maughwauwame, composed of the words maughwau, large, and luame, plains. The name, then signifies The Large Plains. The early settlers, finding it difficult to pronounce the word correctly, spoke it, Wamvaumie, then Wiaivwme, then Wiomic, and finnally Wyom- ing, which name the valley has born for over one hundred and fifty years. "This is, of course, the original Wyoming — all other lo- calities, places and objects in North America which bear the same i:iame having derived it either primarily or secondarily from that of the fair vale 'on Susquehanna's side.' " This beau- tiful and historic valley of Wyoming is a long oval or elliptical basin, some sixteen miles in length, with an average breadth of three miles, situated in north-eastern Pennsylvania on ei- ther side of the winding Susquehanna. "On both sides of the river, for nearly this whole distance, lie rich and fertile alluvial bottom- lands, forming plains, or flats; at some points narrow and restricted in breadth, but at others stretching out towards the hills or mountains for at least a mile. These fiats contain several thousand acres, nearly all of which are well cultivated, and have been for more than a hun- dred years." While the Wyoming Valley in its limited meaning, now gives a name to a valley unsur- passed for its beautiful scenery and the romance of its history, it was formerly used in a more enlarged sense, and included all the country purchased by the Susquehanna Company from the ilroquois Indians (Six Nations) July 11, 1754. 24 HISTOllY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY The Susquehanna Company L1I753 an association was formed in Connec- ticut, called the Susquehanna Company, for the purpose of forming a settlement in the fertile and beautiful valley of Wyoming, and during the same year agents were sent to explore the country and to establish a friendly intercourse with the Indian tribes that should be found in possession of it. They found the valley occu- pied by the Delaware Indians, but was claimed by the Six Nations. Soon after the agents of the Susquehanna Company arrived, "Indian scouts and interpre- ters carried the news to Philadelphia, and alarmed the Proprietary Government of Penn- sylvania, which also claimed this wild tract yet unlocked by any Indian treaty, grant, or title to any party. Daniel Broadhead and William Parsons, two justices of the peace in Northamp- ton county, on the war-path from Connecticut to Wyoming Valley, were instructed by Penn- sylvania to watch all persons and parties going hither, either to explore or begin a settlement." — HoUister's History, p 71. In fact, no inland point within the province was watched with greater care or devotion for many years, than was Wyoming. James Hamiltion, who was Governor of Pennsylva- nia under the Proprietaries, having been in- formed of the intentions of the Susquehanna Company, it not being kept a secret, imme- diately adopted measures to defeat the plans of this company, and endeavor to purchase the land for the use of the Proprietaries of Pennsyl- vania. "It should be understood by the general reader, that all lands claimed by the English in America were sold or granted to one or more persons with an understanding that the right or rather the necessity still existed of repurchas- ing the same territory of the Indian tribes hav- ing ownership, before it could safely be occu- pied by the whites. Thus a portion of the land granted to William Penn by King Charles 11. March 11, 1681, was repurchased by him of the native tribes, in a manner so explicit and satisfactory to them, that ever afterwards his intercourse with all the aborigines was marked by a constant and unvarying friendship, un- known in modern times." — HoUister's History. The Attorney General of Pennsylvania, to whom the matter had been referred, decided that "the Wyoming valley had not yet been purchased from the Six Nations, but had been reserved, and used by them for their hunting grounds." John and Richard Penn, Isaac Nor- ris and Benjamin Franklin were appointed by Governor Hamilton as commissioners, who were sent to Albany in June, 1754, to meet the great council of the Six Nations, which had assembl- ed there to meet the delegates sent from Con- necticut to represent the Susquehanna Com- pany, who were William Pitkin, Roger Wol- cott and Elisha Williams. The agents or delegates of the Susquehanna Company were sent to purchase this much coveted valley from the Indians if possible, and Governor Hamilton and his agents devised every known scheme to thwart the Connecticut enterprise, holding several private councils with the chiefs of the Six Nations, and endeav- oring to purchase the same land themselves. Notwithstanding this opposition, strengthened as it was by the influence of Sir William. John- son, the purchase was made by the agents of the Susquehanna Company, July 11, 1754. The sum paid was two thousand pounds of current money of the province of New York, and the tract purchased extended about seventy miles south from New York State line, and from a parallel line ten miles east of the Sus- quehanna river, and extending westward about 120 miles. This purchase included the whole valley of Wyoming, and the coimtry westward to the sources of the Alleghany river, which included the territory now known as Luzerne, Wyoming, Sullivan, Bradford, Tioga, Lycoming, Potter and Clinton counties^ and portions of Clearfield, Centre, Union, Montour, Columbia, Lacka- wanna and Susquehanna counties. The Delaware Company Another association was later formed in Con- necticut called the "Delaivare Company," which purchased all the land of the Indians, lying east of the Susquehanna Company tract to the Delaware river. This company commenced a settlement on the Delaware river at a place called Coshutunk (Cochecton, Sullivan county, N. Y.), in 1757, which was the first settlement founded by the people of Connecticut within the territory claimed by them west of New York. In 1758 the Susquehanna Company again made preparations for making a settlement in Wyoming, but the unsettled condition of the frontier seemed to render it inexpedient, if not hazardous, for those intending to settle, to ven- ture so far into the wilderness at that time. First Settlement in the Wyoming Valley In 1760 the cabin of no white man had broken the Wyoming forest. The first settle- ment in this picturesque valley was made in August, 1762, when about two hundred of the Susquehanna Company came from Connecti- cut, and settled upon the eastern shore of the beautiful Susquehanna river, in Plains town- ship (then called Jacob's Plains), just above HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 25 the mouth of a small stream, celebrated afar by the name of Mill Creek (formerly Beaver brook), just north of the present boundary of the city of Wilkes-Barre. Here they erected a village of rude log cabins, at a sufficient dis- tance from the Indian towns, Wyoming (Maughwauwame) and Shawanese, located on the flats just below the present city of Wilkes- Barre, to prevent any immediate collision of their agricultural interest?.. The greater part of the valley was yet covered with forest, excepting for short dis- tances surrounding the Indian towns, where the trees had been cut away in the slow pro- gress of Indian husbandry. But the new col- onists set themselves vigorously at work. They felled the timber and erected a sufficient num- ber of log houses and cabins for their accommo- dation, and before the arrival of winter, had cleared and sown large fields of wheat and rye upon lands covered with forest trees in August. Having now made so favorable beginning, they concealed their rude agricultural implements in the ground and returned in November to their families in Connecticut for the winter. Early the next spring they returned to their Wyoming settlement with their families, and others, bringing some live stock, furniture, pro- visions, etc., but little meditating the dreadful fate which awaited them. The summer of 1763 had been favorable for the pioneers. Their various crops on the fer- tile plains had proved abundant, and they were looking forward with hope to scenes of pros- perity and happiness. They extended their settlement to the west side of the river, which is now Fortj' Fort. Indian Troubles On the night of April 19, 1763, a number of the Iroquois came among the Delaware Indians in the garb of friendship, and fired the dwelling of Teedyuscung, which was consumed, and the venerable Delaware chieftain perished in the flames. The culprits charged the crime upon the colonists, and the aggrieved Delawares re- solved to avenge themselves. On the 15th of October they fell upon the unsuspecting pio- neers in the fields, killed twenty or thirty of them, took several prisoners, and drove off their live stock. The following are a few of the number killed: Rev. William Marsh, Thomas Marsh, Timothy HoUister, Timothy Hollister, Jr., Nathan Terry, Wright Smith, Daniel Bald- win and wife, Jesse Wiggins, Zeruah Whitney, and ilsaac Hollister. Among the prisoners were a Mr. Shepherd and Daniel Baldwin's son. The survivors who were not captured fled to the mountains, while the savages burned their hoiTses. The fugitives, destitute of every pre- paration for a journey, had no alternative but to strike out into the wilderness for a trip of two hundred and fifty miles to their old homes in New England. For several succeeding years the history of the Susquehanna Company settlement is a blank. The Forty Pioneers. Early in the year 1769, the Susquehanna Company decided to again take possession of the valley. They called a meeting in January at Hartford, and regulations for the govern- ment of the colony were drawn up, and a com- mittee appointed to carry them into effect. This committee consisted of Isaac Tripp, Benjamin Follet, John Jenkins, William Buck and Ben- jamin Shoemaker. The association, in order to strengthen their claims, and to expand their settlements now appropriated five townships, each five miles square, and divided into forty shares, as free gifts to the first forty settlers in each township. An appropriation of two hun- dred pounds (nearly $600.00) was made for the purchase of agricultural implements. The names of the five original townships laid out in the valley were "Wilkes-Barre," "Hanover," "Plymouth," "Kings-town" and "Pitts-town." In January forty pioneers were sent by the Susquehanna Company to the Wyoming valley, so long the object of their keen desire, to be followed by about two hundred more in the spring. On the 8th day of February, 1769, they arrived at the place where they had made a settlement in 1763, where they found Ogden and his men in possession. The forty pioneers not willing to use any force to regain possession, erected a fort on the west side of the river, op- posite Fort Ogden, which was called Fort Forty, in honor to the forty sturdy pioneers, and several years later was changed to Forty Fort. The Yankees Imprisoned. Stewart and Ogden had but ten men in their blockhouse, who despatched a messenger to Governor Penn, requesting assistance. But after waiting a sufficient length of time without receiving reinforcements, decided to recourse to stratagem to accomplish what they could not effect by power. The Yankees were outwitted by the Ogden party, who under the pretext of a desire to consult and arrange their difficulties, three of the leaders of the Connecticut party, viz. : Isaac Tripp, Vine Elderkin and Benjamin Follet were induced to enter the garrison, where they were arrested by John Jennings, who was sheriff of Northampton county, and carried to Easton jail, seventy miles away. The prisoners were accompanied to Easton by the whole of both parties, where they were promptly released on bail, and returned to Wyoming. In March Jennings made another effort to arrest the Yan- 26 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY kees, and with a posse of the county, together with several magistrates, again marched upon Wyoming in an imposing array. The doors to the blockhouse, which had been hastily pre- pared by the Connecticut people, for defense, were broken by Jennings, who succeeded in arresting thirty-one persons, all of whom, ex- cepting a few who escaped while marching through a swamp, were taken to Easton, and cast into prison as before. They were again released on bail, just in time to be accompanied to their Wyoming cabins by the two hundred recruits who were arriving from Connecticut. Soon after the arrival of the two hundred Yankees, they moved to the east side of the river, nearly two miles below, and constructed a fort near the bend in the river (below the bridge at Wilkes-Barre) , which they named Fort Durkee, in honor of its commander. Near the fort they erected about thirty log houses, with loopholes through which to fire if they were attacked. Jennings and Ogden again raised forces and on the 24th of May marched to Fort Durkee, but the works of the settlers appeared too strong to justify an attack by so small a number of men, and they returned to Easton and reported to the Governor that their numbers were insufficient to dispossess the Con- necticut boys, who now numbered three hun- dred able-bodied men. The Yankees were left for a short period without being molested, and during this interval commissioned Colonel Dyer and Major Elderkin to proceed to Phila- delphia and endeavor to effect a compromise on the question, but Governor Penn refused to negotiate, and an armed force, under the com- mand of Colonel Francis' was sent to Wyoming with orders to demand a surrender of the fort and garrison. The summon^ was not obeyed and the Colonel, like Sheriff Jennings had done before, retreated after surveying the works, and presented the facts to the Governor. The Yankees Forced to Return to , Connecticut Early in September, Sheriff Jennings with a larg'e force of men, well supplied with small arms, a four-pounder and an abundant supply of ammunition, after being carefully instructed by Governor Penn, to avoid, if possible, the shedding of blood, dashed upon the garrison with two hundred men, and took Colonel Dur- kee and several others prisoners, and drove off their cattle and horses found grazing in the fields. The settlers were weakened, and becom- ing discouraged because of the arrest of their leader and loss of their property, they agreed to surrender the fort and adjoining buildings, and that all should return to Connecticut except seventeen and their families, who were to be al- lowed to remain and harvest the crops upon the ground. The articles of capitulation drawn out in due form, were faithfully carried out by the settlers, but Ogden, regardless of a solemn pledge to respect the rights of property, plun- dered the settlement as soon as the settlers had departed for Connecticut, leaving the seventeen and their families alone. All their live stock was seized and driven away, and their houses were stripped, depriving the few remaining of food and necessary clothing, who were com- pelled to wend their way back to Connecticut. Thus the year 1769 closed with the Pennsylva- nians in possession of the valley. The First Blood Shed "At last this fair valley was to be made the scene of civil war; and in contending for the rich prize, the blood of one white man was to be spilled by the hand of another white man. The parties had exhausted their diplomatic skill ; each had sent deputations to the mother country, and in turn obtained the most respec- table legal decisions in their favor. Nothing, seemed left to them but to maintain their claims by force." The Pennsylvanians Expelled In February, 1770, the Connecticut boys, to- gether with a number of men from Lancaster in Pennsylvania, who were also share holders of the Susquehanna Company, again appeared in this valley of beauty and trouble, and dispos- sessed the Pennsji-lvanians. The Yankees were led by Lazarus Stewart from Lancaster, and they were all well armed, and Fort Durkee, garrisoned by only eight or ten men, was easily taken. Ogden was away at the time, and the Yankees proceeded to his house and cai> tured a piece of ordinance. After hearing of the return of the Yankees, Ogden hastened back to Wyoming, accompanied by about fifty men, by whom he garrisoned his own house, which was a strong blockhouse. On the 28th of Feb- ruary, the Yankees with fifty men marched to, Ogden's stockade and attempted to take him prisoner. Ogden had a deputy sheriff with him, who, at the head of several men rushed out to arrest the assailants, which resulted in a skirm- ish, during which several of the Connecticut people were wounded and one killed. Find- ing that Ogden's men could fire upon them from his house, without exposing themselves to danger, the Connecticut people retreated. Colonel Durkee had returned from Philadel- IDhia where he had been imprisoned since he \vas captured the September before. Three breastworks were rapidly constructed, from which the Yankees again commenced firing, which was briskly returned. After several HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 27 days of firing on both sides, the Ogden party surrendered upon terms similar to those which had been granted to the Connecticut party the season before. Ogden had no crops to harvest or land to protect, but the agreement was that he and all his party should leave the valley, ex- cepting six men, who were to remain to guard his house and preserve his property. After Ogden and his men had left the valley, the Yankees seized his property and burned his house, remembering the mischief which he had done the people from Connecticut the season before. Settlers came again, crops were plant- ed, and during the summer the Yankees were not disturbed. The Yankees Again Imprisoned After the expulsion of Captain Ogden and his men from the valley in the spring of 1770, Governor Penn called on General Gage to furn- ish regular troops to reinstate him in possession of the valley. General Gage quite properly declined to allow the use of the king's troops in a mere dispute concerning the title to property, and Governor Penn was compelled to raise forces ,by his personal exertions, which he final- ly succeeded in doing. In September his forces numbering 140, under Captain Ogden, marched to the valley. They entered the valley by an unusual route, divided in detachmente and surprised the Yankees while at work, capturing a portion, and put the others to flight. At night they made a sudden assault on the fort, which was confusedly filled with men, women and children ; and after killing a few made prisoners of the rest, and soon after- wards sent them to prison at Easton except a few who were taken to Philadelphia. The Pennsylvanians then plundered the settlement and withdrew, leaving a small garrison in Fort Durkee. The Pennamites Surprised In the following December this garrison was surprised and the fort retaken by the Connecti- cut Company led by Captain Lazarus Stewart. "Although the Pennamites were in possession of Fort Durkee and were the sole occupants of "Wyoming Valley, and John Durkee, Zebulon Butler and other New Englanders were being restrained of their liberty by the Pennsylvania authorities, the Susquehanna Company was not yet defeated. On the 18th of December, 1770, at Fort Durkee, When all the doors were fastened, And all the windows shut. There was yet one little window, And that one was forgot." "Without the slightest warning the sleeping garrison — too confidently secure, even, to keep a sentinel on duty — was aroused about three o'clock in the morning by a 'Huzza for King George!' and Captain Lazarus Stewart, with twenty-eight men, took possession of the fort 'in behalf of the colony of Connecticut.' Six of the Pennamite garrison, leaping nearly naked from the parapet of the fort, escaped to the mountains, while the others were as un- ceremoniously expelled — after their firearms had been taken from them — as had been the previous Yankee occupants." Captain Ogden Returns to the Valley A month later, or in January, 1771, Captain Ogden again appeared in the valley with the Sheriff of Northampton county and a posse for the arrest of Captain Stewart. "This 'posse' consisting fully of one hundred well-armed and equipped men, arrived in Wyoming Valley Jan. 18, 1771, and immediately began the erec- tion of a strong wooden fort, subsequently call- ed Fort Wyoming." Captain Lazarus Stewart still _ commanded at Fort Durkee, which was garrisoned with about forty or fifty men and a few women and children. "Ogden demanded the surrender of Fort Durkee. Stewart replied that he had taken possession in the name and behalf of the Colony of Connecticut, in whose jurisdiction they were, and by that authority he would defend it." The fort was finally fired on by Captain Og- den, which was returned, killing Nathan Ogden, his brother, and wounding several of his men. During that night the fort was evacuated by Captain Stewart, and the next day was occupied by Captain Ogden. For six months the valley remained in the possession of the Pennsylva- nians, during which time their number was in- creased to eighty-three persons including wo- men and children. Fort Wyoming was en- larged and strengthened, and all the Penna- mites dwelt therein. During this time the Yankees were not idle, for in March, April and June, 1771, largely- attended meetings of the company's sharehold- ers were held at Windham, Conn., and plans were made for retaking possession of their set- tlement at Wyoming. Over one hundred men (nearly every one a shareholder in the com- pany, and had been at Wyoming at some time previously) were enrolled to proceed to the much-coveted valley. Each man wa? well armed and equipped. They were under the command of Captain Zebulon Butler and Capt. Lazarus Stewart. Captain Ogden's Bold Escape. On July 6th of the same year Captain Zebu- lon Butler and Lazarus Stewart, with the brave 28 HISTORY OF THE AVYOxMING VALLEY Connecticut men, entered the valley and at once took measures to regain possession. They besieged Fort Wyoming, which had been built and occupied by Captain Ogden, about sixty rods above Fort Durkee. Notwithstanding the close and vigligant investment of the fort by the besiegers, whose number was constantly be- ing increased by recruits from Connecticut, Captain Ogden by a bold and cunning strata- gem escaped alone and went to Philadelphia for assistance, instructing his troops in any event to retain the post until his return. "His plan was executed with equal courage and skill. On the night of July 12th he made up a light bundle to float upon the surface of the river upon which he secured his hat. Con- necting this bundle with his body with a cord of several yards in length, he dropped gently into the stream and floated down with the cur- rent, and the bundle, which presented much the most conspicuous object, being intended to draw the bullets should it be discovered. It was soon discovered by the sentinels, and a brisk fire directed upon it from three redoubts. But as it appeared to hold the even tenor of its ^yay without interruption from the bullets, the firing ceased, and the bundle and its owner escaped — the latter untouched, but the former and less sensitive object pierced with several bullets." — Colonel Stone's History, p 176. Ogden arrived at Philadelphia without de- lay, and presented the situation of the Wyom- ing affairs to the Honorable James Hamilton, President of the Council, who was again the executive officer of the Pehnsylvanians during the absence of Governor John Penn, who had retired from the colony for a time. A detach- ment of one hundred men was ordered to be raised to be divided into two companies, one under the command of Captain Joseph Morris, and the other by Captain John Dick. They were to march' to the scene of action by different routes, and at different times. Great difficulty was experienced in raising the men as before, and Captain' Dick, who was to raise the first detachment, was compelled to advance with only thirty-six men, encumbered by pack horses and provisions for the relief of the besieg'ed. The Pennamites Fired Upon The Yankees were aware of Ogden's escape and movements, and every needful preparation for the arrival of Capt. Dick and his men, who were suddenly fired upon as they were ap- proaching the fort, and sixteen of the men, to- gether with the entire stock of provisions were captured by the Connecticut forces on the 30th day of July. Ogden, with twenty of the men succeeded in entering the fort. The Yankees, elated by their success, kept up a daily firmq whenever any person of the garrison appeared in view, until the 11th of August, when Cap- tain Butler sent a flag to the Pennsylvanians, demanding a sun-ender, but they had con- trived to send another messenger to Philadel- phia, with an account of Dick's misfortune, and requesting more assistance. The Government was endeavoring to send another body of one hundred men, with more .supplies, which gave the besieged new courage, and they refused the summons. Consequently the Connecticut forces resumed firing until Augnist 14th, when the garrison surrendered, having been for sev- eral days upon short allowance, and being dis- appointed in not receiving the promised rein- forcements, and their provisions had become entirely exhausted. Captain Amos Ogden was severely wounded, also several others of the garrison were killed and wounded. A detach- ment of sixty men under Captain Ledlie had arrived within ten miles of the fort at the time of the surrender. The Pennsylvania forces left the valley, and during the remainder of the sunnner and au- tumn the Connecticut settlers increased largely and made ample ]jreparations for defense, but during the succeeding four years they were not disturbed, and were left in the quiet possession of the valley. At no period until 1772, were there more than three hundred Connecticut men in the valley at one time. The First Civil Government "By the rapid increase of the population, it soon became necessary that some form of civil government should be adopted, and the inhabi- tants of the valley proceeded to elect a govern- ment of their own, which, without doubt, was the most thoroughly democratic (supreme power vested in the peojsle collectively) that has ever existed elsewhere among civilized men. They laid out townships, founded settlements, erected fortifications, levied and collected taxes, passed laws for the direction of civil suits, and for the punishment of crimes and misdemean- ors, established a militia, and provided for the general welfare of the colony." December 24, 1775, the valley was again a scene of civil war, when Colonel Plunkett, un- der orders of Governor John Penn, with seven hundred men, well armed and furnished with supplies, made an attack upon the Connecticut settlers, but they found the vigilant Yankees posted in an advantageous position and pro- tected by breastworks, and though inferior in numbers they gave Colonel Plunkett and his forces a warm reception with a loss of some killed and several wounded, after which they returned to their homes. The Revolutionary War having broken out on the 19th of April, 1775, the contest for the HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 29 possession of the valley was suspended until after the surrender of Cornwallis, October 19, 1781. Nearly three hundred men from the valley enlisted foi' service in the Revolutionary War, two companies being organized in the vicinity of Wilkes-Barre and sent on the first call. It was this drain upon the new settlement that left it so unprotected at the time of the Wyommg Massacre by Indians and Tories on the memor- able 3d of July, 1778. The First Pennamite War The Pennamite Wars comprised the struggles of the Yankees to retain possession of the Wyoming lands which had been purchased by the Susquehanna Company from the Indians in 1754; but which were claimed also by the Pro- prietaries of Pennsylvania, who were bent upon securing the recognition of their own claim, or the ejection of the settlers. "The first Pennamite War extended over a per- iod of three years — from February, 1769 to Sep- tember, 1771 ; during which the 'Yankees' had been expelled five times, but as often renewed the contest, and with ultimate victorj^ The close of 1771 found the Susquehanna Company ui full possession. In 1772, Wilkes-Barre was laid out near Fort Wyoming, which the settlers had taken under Col. Durkee, who had com- mand in 1769." — Miss Blackman's History of Susquehanna County. In January, 1769, Amos Ogden, John Jen- nings, and Charles Stewart leased of the Pro- prietaries of Pennsylvania 100 acres of land, and came on and took possession of the im- provements made by the Connecticut settlers who were driven away by the Indians in 1763. Ogden and his party had leased the land for seven years, on condition that they should es- tablish a trading-house for the accommodation of the Indians, and adopt the necessary meas- ures for defending themselves, and those who might settle under their lease. Thej^ built a blockhouse near the mouth of Mill Creek, which was called Fort Ogden. The Connecticut people returned in the spring of 1769, and from that time till the final adjustment of the difficulties between the Sus- quehanna Company and the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, there was an almost continuous series of victories and defeats for each claim- ant. "It must not be supposed that peaceful meas- ures were not first resorted to by the settlers, be- fore pitting themselves against a superior force. In May, 1769, Col. Dyer and Major Elderkin went to Philadelphia and submitted to Benja- min Chew, agent for the Proprietaries — a pro- position to have the matter in dispute between the Susquehanna Company and the Proprie- taries, referred either to a court of law or to referees to be mutually chosen by the parties, and in either case the decision to be conclusive. But Pennsylvania would in no wise recognize the Connecticut claim. Thirteen years later sVich a court ivas convened; but, had the first proposition been acted upon, how much blood- shed and misery would have been avoided." — Miss Blackman's History. The Proprietaby Government Ends In September, 1776, the Proprietary Gover;i- ment of Pennsylvania was superseded by that of the State. The Second Pennamite War Soon afterward magistrates and troops were sent into the valley, and measures were taken to dispossess the settlers of their lands and im- provements. The settlers claimed that only the jurisdiction of the territory had been de- cided by the decree at Trenton, and that the titles of individuals to the soil were not affected thereby. The conduct of the soldiers and magistrates was from the first exceedingly arro- gant and oppressive, and as time went on the people came to regard endurance as no longer a virtue, and resolved on forcible resistance. Upon this they were treated as insurgents, and on the 12th of May, 1784, they were plundered of their property, and one hundred and fifty families were driven from the valley. Such was the cruelity with which they were treated that the sympathies and indigiration of the peo- ple in other parts of the State were aroused, and soon the soldiers were discharged, and the set- tlers invited to return. Many of the discharged soldiers lingered in the vallej^, living by plun- der, and on the 20th of July a party of them attacked some of the settlers, killing two and wounding several. This was followed by hos- tilities toward the Yankees, which were resisted by them. In the course, of the summer and autumn several engagements took place between the settlers and the military forces which were sent against them, in which several were killed and wounded. The people of the State became very weary of this contest, and their sympathies became more actively enlisted in behalf of the Yankees. By the middle of October the hostile force in the valley numbered only forty men, and so unpopular, and even disgusting had the i^ro- ceedings against the settlers become, that not a recruit could be induced to join them. On the approach of winter the commander of these forces, finding himself unable to. procure either supplies or recruits, discharged his men and abandoned the valley. Thus (in 1784) ended 30 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY the second Pennamite War, which fortunately lasted only about one year, and also ended the last military demonstration against the people of Wyoming, which resulted in the restoration to the Yankees of the lands from which they had been cruelly driven during the spring of that year. Pkace Restored. During the succeeding two years the people were prosperous and happy, and the population rapidly increased by the influx of immigrants, not only to the valley but to the circumjacent regions. Col. John Franklin being the leading spirit among them; while on the other side, Colonel Timothy Pickering had been appointed by Pennsylvania to introduce her laws and sup- port her claims in Wyoming. Colonel Picker- ing had executed with fidelity and approbation, the office of Quartermaster-General of the army, and was a native of Massachusetts, and after the peace he had settled at Philadelphia. The County of Luzerne was erected from Northumberland in 1786, and Colonel Picker- ing was appointed Prothonotary, Clerk of the Peace, Clerk of the Orphans' Court, Register and Recorder for the county. The people were satislied with the government, and a more kindly feeling was springing up between the inhabitants of the valley and the citizens else- where. We copy the following from "Miss Black- man's History of Susquehanna County," which gives the dates of both, the Connecticut and Pennsylvania claims for ownership of the land in dispute: CONNECTICUT. 1662. Charter from Charles II. 1754. Purchase from the Indians. 1762. Settlement at Wyoming. PENNSYLVANIA. 1681. Charter from Charles II. 1768. Purchase from the Indians. 176 9. Settlement at Wyoming. There is no dispute as to the above facts and figures ; and, to the casual reader, nothing more would seem necessary to make clear the validity of the Connecticut claim. To explain how Pennsylvania claimed to prove her right to the land above the Blue Mountains, a few more dates must be given : CONNECTICUT. 1662. Pre-emption rights with charter, the grant extending "from the Narragansett river to the South Sea." 1753. Formation of the "Con- necticut Susquehanna Company" (and soon after, of the Connecticut Delaware Company), with a view to purchase the Indian title. 1775. The Assembly of Connecti- cut "manifest their ready acquies- cence" in the purchase made by the Susquehanna Company, and "gave their consent for an application to His Majesty to ereot them into a new colony." Surveyors sent out, but obliged to return because the Indians were at war with the French against ithe English. 1769. Second settlement ait Wy- oming, by people of Connecticut, which, after varying success, at last became permanent. 1782. The Decree of Trenton had reference solely ito jurisdiction, and not to right of soil, which had passed from the government of Con- necticut to the Susquehanna and Delaware Companies. PENNSYLVANIA. 1681. Charter to William Penn not given until "the eastern bounds of New York had been decided to be the western bounds of Connecticut, which restored the land beyond those settlements westward, to the Crown, and laid them open to a new grant.'' 1736. Deed of the Indians which conveyed to Thomas and Richard Penn the then proprietaries of Penn- sylvania, ithe right of pre-emption of and in all the lands not before sold by them to the said proprietaries within the limits of their charter. "Said lands bounded on the north by the beginning of the 43 degrees of north latitude," or where the fig- ures 42 are marked on the map. 1779. By an act of Legislature, the rig'ht of soil and estate of the late Proprietaries of Pennsylvania was vested in the Commonwealth. 1782. The Decree of Trenton in favor of Pennsylvania. The publisher has endeavored to give an un- prejudiced account of the controversy between the Susquehanna Company of Connecticut and the Pennsylvanians, and leave it for the reader to judge "for himself, which side was in the wrong, or the one the most at fault. HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 31 '"On the 3rd day of November, 1781, only fif- teen days after the surrender of Cornwallis, the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania sent a petition to Congress, requesting a deci- sion on the question of jurisdiction of the land in dispute. Arrang-ements to this effect were made, and one year later, November 12, 1782, a court composed of five commissioners con- vened at. Trenton, who, after a sitting of forty- one judicial days, in which the parties, repre- sented by their counsel (four gentlemen on be- half of Pennsylvania, and three agents from Connecticut), had proceeded with their pleas, they gave their decision that the territory in dispute belongs to the State of Pennsylvania, and that Connecticut has no right to the lands in controversy." — Blackman's History of Sus- quehanna County. The Yankees endured many hardships and privations during the years intervening be- tween 1762 and 1784. They were three times driven back to Connecticut, through the wilder- ness, a distance of over two hundred miles, but they were undaunted, and each time returned with renewed courage. Every New England settler was driven from the valley five different times within twelve years, to find a home in the vacant wilderness with their perishing children and wives, and during this time nearly every male member was carried to the Easton jail, where they were fed on bread and water. They were chai'ged with no crime that could -be sus- tained and were I'eleased to return to their de- solated homes. Today the "Angel of Peace" hovers over this beautiful valley of Wyoming, and one can hardly realize that a few years over a century ago the soil was reddened by the blood of the slain, and long strings of scalps were dripping from the belts of the Indians, and their toma- haAvks stained with the blood of innocent chil- dren and women, and the brave men who fought to protect their homes. Now the forest is cleared, the dweller in wig wants has bid a long farewell to this region so full of. song and beauty, beautiful homes have been built where once tlae log cabin of the early settlers stood, and the fertile fields are producing bountiful crops. Wyoming valley, taken as a whole, compen- sates the tourist in the highest degree for the trouble of visiting it. The grand beauty of the old Susquehanna river and the sparkling current of its blue waters nowhere along its en- tire course appears to better advantage than here, where on the broad acres of Wyoming, humanity wears a smile nowhere more sweet or lovely. CHAPTER FOUR THE PIONEER SETTLERS How They Came, Settled and Developed THE Resources of the Country The first settlement of the Wyoming valley was commenced, as elsewhere stated, under the auspices of ttie Susquehanna Company in 1762, near the mouth of Mill Creek in Luzerne county. Then about two hundred, mostly from Connecticut, came and began their preparations for homes in this region, which was then sixty miles distant from any settlement of civilized people. They were not the effeminate sons of wealthy parents, who had been reared in the lap of luxury. From their infancy they had by precept and example been taught the in- dustry and economy which had enabled their fathers to thrive among the rocks and hills of their native country. They were the hardy, active and ambitious sons of New Englanders, and in the exercise of the independent, self-re- liant spirit which they had inherited from their sires, they left their paternal roofs and sought homes in this valley, far away in the untamed wilderness of what was then the West. Hovsf They Came A few brought with them their wives and children, and came with oxen and carts, bring- ing a few indispensable articles of household furniture and driving domestic animals. Most of them, however, came on foot, with knapsacks on their backs, rifles on their shoulders, and axes in their hands. Thus equipped they bade adieu for a time to fhe loved ones at home, and turned their faces westward to make for them- selves homes and fortunes. For a time they followed the trail of emi- grants who had settled' in other regions, but finally they abandoned this, left the borders of civilization and struck into the forest. They followed Indian trails through forests and swamps, and climbed over mountains, camping in squads along the roads by night, till ' at length they reached the valley, and having se- lected their locations commenced preparations for the future. Shanties for temporary shelter were constructed, clearings were begun ,and preparations made for the erection of rude log 32 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY houses for the shelter of those whom they were to bring with them on their return the next year. While this work was in progress they sub- sisted largeljf on the game with which the sur- rounding forests abounded, and the fish which were taken in great numbers from the river. Their neighbors were making similar prepara- tions at different points m the valley, and with these they often exchanged visits, to talk of home and to discuss their plans for the future, to anticipate the pleasure which they would de- rive from such visits the next year, when they would be accompanied by their partners who were to share their fortunes and their priva- tions. They frequently "changed works" in order to accomplish some of their various tasks with greater facility, and to dissipate the sense of loneliness which haunted them as they pursued their solitary labors. In this way they occa- sionally hired, from those who had brought teams, a yoke of oxen, with which to draw to their building sites the logs which they had cut for their houses, and to "log up" the timber which they desired to bum on their clearings. Thus passed their first summer in the valley. By night they lay in their shanties on their beds of boughs and dreamed of the homes they had left, or of the future homes which their fancies pictured; or in their waking intervals listened to the distant howling of the wolf on the moun- tain side, and the nearer hooting of the owl. Day after day they toiled on, sustained and cheered by their hopes of future hanpiness with their chosen companions and chilclren in the midst of the surroundings which they were creating. They Retiirn to Connecticut for the Winter By early autumn their rude houses were erected, and partially prepared for their recep- tion on their return. Small areas had been burned off, and here they "brushed in" their first wheat. Larger areas had been cut over and made ready for burning and planting the next spring. When these preparations were completed they deposited in places of safety their axes and few other implements, and with light hearts turned their faces toward their paternal mansions. Thus terminated the first summer with many a pioneer in the Wyoming valley. As he journeyed homeward the sky above him was brighter, and the songs of the birds in the forest through which he passed were more melodious than ever before, for he was returning to the haunts of his early life from the scenes of his prospective manhood. In due time he arrived among the scenes of his childhood and wended his way to the old home where parents, brothers and sisters wel- comed him warmly, and listened with eager attention to the story of his experience in the wilderness. He received a still more hearty welcome from another, who during his long absence had not ceased to think of him by day and dream of him by night. She listened to the recital of his doings with a deeper interest, for to her and him they were matters of equal importance. A wedding soon occurred, and the last winter of the pair in their native State was a season of busy preparation for removal to their western home, interspersed with social gatherings and merry-makings among the scenes and compan- ions of their childhood. They sat down to their last Thanksgiving dinner with their parents, brothers and sisters; attended their last Christ- mas and New Year's festivals wdth their former playmates and school fellows, and on the ap- proach of spring bade all these scenes and friends a tearful adieu, and departed for their new home, followed by the good wishes of their friends, and the benedictions and prayers of their parents. Their Rude Outfit Their outfit consisted of a yoke of oxen and a cart, loaded with a few utensils and necessary articles of household furniture. They brought with them a cow or two and a few sheep, the latter to serve as the nuclus of a flock, which, if spared by the wolves, was to furnish wool for their future clothing. Thus equipped they pursued their toilsome journey till at length their destination was reached, and they entered at once on the realities of pioneer life. Their house was made tenable by the few preparations which pioneers found necessary for their comfort, though open holes in the walls at first served as windows and one in the roof for a chimney, and a blanket was the door. A small spot was prepared for the garden seeds which they had brought, their corn field was burned off' and planted in due season, and a large area prepared for other wheat and corn fields. In this the labor of the husband was lightened by the presence and encouraging smiles, and sometimes by the assistance of his young wife. In their solitude they were sus- tained by their buoyant hopes of the future, and they ever after referred to this summer as the happiest period of their lives. Their wheat fields gave good returns. The few acres which they cleared and planted with corn yielded abundantly, and early in the win- ter they secured a sufficient supply of venison. Their wheat and corn were ground in a "pioneer mill" — a mortar hollowed in a stump or in the end of a log. A hovel had been constructed of HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 33 lOgs, and roofed with brush or straw, for the protection of their animals against the inclem- ency of the weather and the attacks of wild beasts. No hay was provided for the cattle, but from day to day trees were cut on ground that was to be cleared the next summer, and they lived on the brouse which these afforded. A couple of pigs and a few fowls were fed each morning at the door of the house with corn from the wife's folded apron. Thus passed their first winter in the woods. The soimd of the husband's ax echoed through the forest during the day, and the wife plied "her evening care" in the cheerful glow of the "blazing hearth" at night. Their simple fare and active exercise in the open air gave them robust health, and though their surroundings were quite different from those in the midst of which they had been reared, this was the home which they had made for themselves, and they were happy in the enjoyment of it. During the summer other settlers had come in, some singly, others in companies, with their families; and neighbors were more numerous and less distant, and the monotony of their life was varied by occasional exchanges of evening visits among these. This social intercourse among the pioneers had none of the bad fea- tures which characterized that of later times. There were among them no conventionalities, no unmeaning expressions of civility, no un- kind criticism of each others' dress or surround- ings, no rivalries and jealousies, and no hypo- critical manifestations of interest in each others welfare. Each rejoiced with his neighbor in his prosperity or sympathized with him in his adversity. "These visits were anticipated with pleasure and remembered without regret. Prosperity of the Pioneers The happy life which the pioneers had com- menced was darkened by many shadows, but notwithstanding these interruptions a few years brought evidence of increasing prosperity. The clearing had been enlarged, and a portion of it fenced. A stick chimney, plastered with mud, filled the hole in the roof; glass had taken the place of greased paper in the window ; a plank door swung on wooden hinges where formerly hung the blanket, and some flowering shrub- bery was growing at the side of it. A more capa- cious and comfortable stable had been erected for the animals. A "worm" rail fence appeared around the house and garden, and a log bridge had been built across the stream which ran near the house. Near the edge of the clearing the crackling fire was consuming the trees that the men of a logging bee were piling together for that purpose. The corn, potatoes, pump- kins, etc., which had been planted among the stumps had attained sufficient growth to be visi- ble from some distance. A calf frolicked at the side of its mother, and a litter of grunting young porkers asserted their right to life, liber- ty, etc. Every thing wore an air of thrift. The solitude of the wife was enlivened by the prattle of her children, and their playful caresses sweetened the labor and lessened the fatigue of the husband and father. The tide of immigration, the first wave of which had borne them hither, continued with increasing flow. Settlers came more rapidly, the smoke from their hearths curled upward at shorter intervals, and clearings encroached more and more on the surromiding wilderness. The hissing and rushing of the whirlwinds of flame were oftener heard as the trees that had been felled and had become dry were consumed. Small fields of waivmg corn, and here and there a verdant meadow were to be seen. The "mu- sic" of numerous cow bells was heard and "drowsy tinklings lulled the distant folds" where sheep were herded to protect them from the wolves at night. The hum of spinning wheels might be heard in almost every house, and the merry laughter and shouts of frolic- some children resounded as they gamboled through the woods. Improvements Made a Few Years Later The lapse of time brought with it many changes. The old log' cabin, which had sur- vived the winds of several winters, had come to be only the wing of a new house, that had been built of squared logs, covered with a shingled roof, lighted by glazed windows, and closed by a paneled door. A lawn appeared in front, tastefully ornamented with flowers, and fruit trees were growing on the former site of the garden. An apiary stood on the margin of the lawn, which was bounded by a straight fence, where the b^isy bees were carrying stores of honey. A commodious frame barn had been built to replace the old log barn, and where forests once stood were fields of waiving grain. Beyond the grove of sugar maples could be seen the log school-house where, "in her noisy man- sion skilled to rule, the comely mistress taught her little school." The stream that ran by was spanned by a newer bridge, and the ding-donging of a saw- mill that had been built on its bank could be heard in the distance. Horses had taken the place of the oxen that had for many years con- stituted the pioneer's only team. The land- scape has greatly changed. The Pioneer's Ways and Means of Living Over a century has passed since the first set- tlement was made in this region, and changing 34 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY circumstauces liavo brought with them such changes in many of tlie customs of the people that one t)f the present generation can form only an imperfect conception of what some of those customs were, and the hardships endured by the pioneers. The rude implements and appHances that were in use when the coimtry was new were in- ventions which grew out of the necessities of the times, and were adapted to the circumstances in which people found themselves. Time wore on, and those circumstances gave place to others. Inventions followed these changes; but in many cases, as in those of the cast iron plow, the grain-cradle and the horse-rake, the inventors only lived to see their improved implements scoifed at and derided a few years later. Thus have people always done, and thus they will to a greater or less extent continue to do. The first settlers in this region came when the primitive forest was growing not only here, but in the country through which they had passed for many miles. The first roads, which were simply widened Indian trails, were then barely passable. Of course they could bring with them only those articles of household fur- niture or those agricultural implements that were indispensable. The Pioneee's Log Cabin The first work of the pioneer was to prepare a house, or dwelling place for his family. There were no mills for the manufacture of lumber, and the first houses were necessarily built of logs, fastened by notching at the corners, and the cracks filled up with mud. ' They were usu- ally from fifteen to eighteen feet square, and about seven feet in height, or high enough to just clear the head of a tall man. Often no floor was at first laid. A fire place was prepared at one end by erecting a back of stones, laid m mud instead of mortar, and a hole was left in the bark or slab roof for the escape of the smoke. A chimney of sticks plastered with mud was afterward erected in this opening. A space of width suitable for a door was cut on one side, and this was closed first by hanging up a blan- ket, and afterward by a door made with split plank and hung on wooden hinges. This door was fastened by a wooden latch that could be raised from the outside by a string, which was passed through a hole above it. When the latch string was "pulled in" the door was ef- fectually fastened. The expression used of a hospitable man — "his latch string is always out" — had its origin from this primitive method of fastening a log house door. A hole was usually cut in each side of this house to let in light, and when glazed sash could not be pro- cured, greased paper was used to keep out the blasts and snows of autumn and winter. The Pioneer's Furniture Holes were bored at the proper height in the logs at one corner of the room, and into these the ends of poles were fitted, the opposite ends where they crossed being supported by a crotch, or a block of the proper height. Across these poles others were laid, and these were covered by a thick mattress of hemlock or other boughs, over which blankets were spread. Thus were pioneer bedsteads constructed ; and on such a bed many a pioneer couple reposed as sweetly as though "sunk in beds of down." In the absence of chairs rude seats were made with an ax and auger by boring holes in "piincheons" or planks split from basswood logs and hewn smooth on one side. Tables were often made in the same way, and after a time a floor was constructed of these "puncheons," with a bare space in lieu of a hearth about the fire place. A few necessary pieces of crockery, or sometimes wooden trenchers, were kept on rude shelves till, after a few years, lumber could be procured of which to make a cupboard. A dinner pot, a dish kettle, a frying pan and a bake kettle constituted the entire stock of iron ware. The bake kettle — a utensil that is now never seen — was a shallow vessel with legs some six inches in length, so that it could be set over coals on the hearth. It had a cover with the edges turned up so that coals could be heaped on it. This was used at first for all the baking of many a pioneer family. The fire-place had instead of the iron crane with which it was afterward furnished, a transverse pole, called a lug pole, laid across two others so that it could be moved backwards and forwards at a sufficient height to prevent burning. On this at first hooks cut from beech saplings, or limbs, were fastened by withes (flexible twigs), but after blacksmiths' shops were established these were replaced by "trammels" or hooks so constructed that their length could be adjusted. This room, thus furnished, served all the pur- poses of kitchen, drawing-room, sitting-room, parlor and bed-room; and not unfrequently workshop also, for temporary benches were erected, and sleds, ox yokes, and many other farming utensils were made and repaired there during stormy days or evenings. The light for such evening woric was furnished by the blazing fire of pine knots which had been gathered and stored away for the purpose, or sometimes by a "slut," which was made by placing a rag for a wick in a dish of "coon's oil," or the fat of some other wild animal. The Pioneer's Clothing Here also, as time went on, were heard the raking of the hand cards and the whir of the spinning wheel; for in those days the cloth for HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 35 both the summer and winter clothing of the family was homemade, and all the technicali- ties of the process from picking the wool to "taking out the piece," were as familiar to every member of the family as any household word. At first, before the establishment of cloth dressing mills, the dyeing or coloring, even of all the woolen cloth, was done by the pioneer wives; and after clothieries made their appear- ance everything except "fulled cloth" was color- ed at home. The properties and the proper method for compounding for different colors of Nicaraugua or Nic. wood, logwood, fustic, in- digo, madder, copperas, alum, vitriol, etc., as well as all the various indigenous barks and plants were known to every housewife. The old dye tub, which is still remembered by the older inhabitants had its place at the side of every hearth, where it was frequently used as a seat for children in cases of emergency, or when the increase of the family was more rapid than that of chairs. Peter Parley (Mr. Goodrich) called it "the institution of the dye tub, which, when the night had waned and the family had retired, frequently became the anxious seat of the lover, who was permitted to carry on his courtship, the object of his addresses sitting de- murely in the opposite corner." The flax brake, swingling knife and board, and hatchel are never seen now, and one of the present generation would be utterly unable to guess their uses were they shown to him. Then the pulling and rotting and all the details of dressing flax were known to every child; and the process of spinning the flax and tow, weav- ing and bleaching the dififerent qualities of cloth, and making the thread for all the family sewing, was a part of the education of every girl. Wild nettles were at first used instead of the flax that was afterwards cultivated. The process of rotting, dressing, etc., was the same as in the case of the flax. Then cotton cloth was not manufactured in this country, and it was prac- tically beyond the reach of most farmers. Woolen goods, other than those of domestic manufacture, were seldom seen. A "broad- cloth coat" was an evidence either of unpardon- able vanity or of unusual prosperity. Even the skins of animals were thus utilized for cloth- ing. Fawn skin vests, doeskin coats and buck- skin breeches were not uncommon. How THE Pioneers Prepared their Food. It is hardly necessary to speak of the ordinary food of the first settlers, such as hasty puddings, johnny cake, or corn pones, the meal for which was ground in a pioneer mill or a wooden mor- tar ; or of the dainties, such as shortcakes, mixed with the lye of cob ashes and baked in ashes on the hearth, that were set before company. The simple and substantial diet of the people then was adopted because circumstances would per- mit no other. They were too poor to pamper their children with sweetmeats, or to stimulate them with tea and coffee ; and the incidental re- sult was a degree of robust health such as the children in later times do not acquire. It must not be inferred that all the settlers in this region were subjected to severe priva- tions. The kind of fare spoken of was not looked upon as hard, for it was the best the country then afforded. There were instances where people were compelled to resort to wild roots or greens for a dinner, but these were per- haps as rare as are cases of extreme destitution now. The condition of the country was such that these habits and methods of living were necessary, and they were not regarded as hard- ships. Pioneer Farming The agriculture of those times, if agricul- ture it may be termed, was such as is never seen now. Very few at the present day have witnessed the process of preparing the virgin soil for the first crop. The timber was often girdled in advance, so that when felled, as it often was, in what were termed windrows, much of it would burn as it lay, being partially or wholly dried, by kindling the fire at the wind- ward end of these rows. After the first burn some of the remaining fragments were "nigger- ed" into pieces that could be easily moved, and the whole was drawn together with oxen and "logged up" for the final burning. Many in the neighborhood usually joined in this work, and the "logging bees," or "logging frolics," were at the same time occasions when work was done and social intercourse enjoyed. When the burning was completed and the ashes collected, the ground was sometimes made ready for the seed by harrowing with a three-cornered har- row, which was often hewed from a crotched tree, with either large wooden pins set at inter- vals, or very large and strong iron teeth. Such a harrow was drawn over the ground among the stumps to fit the soil for its first crop when the roots were not sufficiently decayed to permit the use of a plow. In using this primitive harrow in these clearings the driver found it necessary to keep always at a respectful distance, for it often bounded from side to side in a manner not compatible with safety at close quarters. In cases where plowing could be done the old bull plow was used. This was an uncouth imple- ment, with wrought iron share and a wooden moldboard, such as is now scarcely ever seen, even among relics of the past. In rare cases a wooden plow, hewn out of a crotched tree, was used. 36 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY Their Crops Yielded Abundantly The wheat sown or corn jjlanted in ground prepared in this rude way often gave good re- turns, such was the fertility of the soil before it was exhausted by repeated cropping. When the crop was grown and ripened, it was cut with sickles, a handful at a time. Sickles may oc- casionally be seen at the present day ; but there are few who ever saw them used. For harvest- ing grain among the stumps of the first clear- ings the sickle was best adapted of all instru- ments, and no other was known ; but when these stumps had decayed, and the grain cradle had been introduced, many looked upon it as a per- nicious invention, claiming that by the use of which more than sufficient grain would be wasted to pay for the labor of harvesting, and some insisted that more could be harvested in the same time with the sickle — so strongly are people attached to old customs. The grain was first threshed with the fiail on the ground, and partially separated from the cnaff by pouring it from a height in the wind and afterwards dextrously manipulating it in a "corn fan," a description of which would be quite difficult. For many years after barns were erected on all farms the flail and the feet of horses were the only threshing machines, but fanning-mills superseded the old corn fan. Hay was cut with the old fashioned scythe, which has changed but very little, and the hand rake only, was used to gather it. Among the stumps and stones in early times these were the most available tools, but their use continued long after improved implements were available, and after such implements had been invented. In those days the conveyance most in use was the ox-cart. It was made available for almost everything, from hauling manure to going to meeting or to balls and weddings. Its use was thus universal because it was, like the other tools spoken of, adapted to existing conditions. The rough and stumpy roads almost forbade the use of four-wheeled conveyances. It seems hardly necessary to call attention to the wagons, plows, harrows, threshing machines, harvesters, mowers, wheel rakes, etc. of the present day, and contrast them with the awk- ward and uncouth implements of former times ; but if this is done the adaptation of these to their existing circumstances should be remem- bered, and the additional fact should be borne in mind that the improved tools of the present day would not then have been available. How Business Was Conducted During some years after the first settlement of this region trade was carried on in a manner quite different from the way in which it is now conducted. Now all produce has a cash market and a cash value; and all the necessaries or su- perfluities that are purchased are reckoned ac- cording to the same standard. Then there was not sufficient money in the country to be made the medium of exchange, and trade was carried on almost wholly by what was termed barter. By reason of this nearly exclusive exchange trade, mercantile establishments were quite un- like those of the present time. Then every store was a commercial microcosm. In it was kept everything that the inhabitants required. As one who lived in those times says: "Every mer- chant kept dry goods, groceries, crockery, glass- ware, hardware, dye stuffs, iron, nails, paints, oil, window glass, school books, stationery, rum, brandy, gin, whiskey, drugs and medicines, end- ing with a string of etceteras, or every other arti- cle usually kept in a country store. Things were sometimes curiously grouped; as, for ex- ample, silks and irons, laces and fish, pins and crowbars, pork and tea, molasses and tar, cotton yarn and log chains, wheel heads and hoes, cards and pitchforks, scythes and fur hats." In exchange for these the pioneer merchants re- ceived almost every article of country produce. Coarse grain was converted into spirits at his distillery, or that of some one in the vicinity, for distilleries sprung up early. Pork was "packed," and other kinds of produce were re- ceived for goods and sent by teams over the turnpike to Easton, and thus to Philadelphia, where they were exchanged for the goods that were brought back by the same route; and so the barter trade was kept up. Some heavy articles, such as iron, salt, etc., were brought up by boats on the river. Expensive methods of transportation necessarily rendered the price of goods high and that of produce low, and this condition of things continued till better facili-- ties for transportation cheapened merchandise and increased the price of produce. Gradually since that time has trade changed till it has reached a cash basis, and along with this change has come another important one — the "division of business." Now dry goods, groceries, hardware, books, drugs, liquors, etc., are separate branches of business, and produce dealing is separated from all of them. Pioneer Factories A no less marked contrast is to be seen m the manufactures of those articles and the pres- ent. Then almost every article and utensil that was used was either home made or manufac- tured at the shops which sprung up to supply the wants of the early settlers. Then, as has been stated, the cloth in which every one was clad was of domestic manufacture. The spinning wheel and the loom were portions of the furni- ture of almost every house, and clothieries, or wool-carding or cloth-dressing establishments, HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 37 were as common as grist-mills. Almost every hamlet had its tailor's shop, where the knight of the shears cut the clothing for the people in the vicinity, and, to avoid the responsibility of misfits, warranted "to fit if properly made up." This clothing was made up by tailoresses, or, as the tailors sometimes termed them "she tail- ors." The trade of a tailoress was reckoned a very good one; for she received for her skilled labor two shillings (as currency was then talk- ed) per day ; while the price of housework help was only four shillings per week. Shoemaker shops were abundant also, though there were traveling shoemakers who "whipped the cat," as going from house to house with their "kits" was termed. After the establish- ment of tanneries the people were in the habit of having the hides of their slaughtered animals tanned on shares, and the leather thus obtained was worked up by these circulating disciples of St. Crispin. The ubiquitous tailor shop has disappeared, and only here and there is to be seen a solitary cobbler's sign. Every village has its shoe and clothing stores. "Very early it was a portion of the blacksmith business to make the nails that were required where wooden pins could not be used. Now an old fashioned wrought nail is a curious relic of the past; and even the rivets, bolts and horse- shoe nails that were formerly made upon every anvil, are now made by machinery, and furn- ished more cheaply and better than they can be hammered out Ijy the village blacksmith. So of almost everything. Where carpenters formerly took lumber "in the rough" and did all the work of building a house, now houses are almost "ready made," for little is required but to put together the parts that are made by machinery. The wheelbarrows, carts and wagons, and even the cradles and cofRns, that were formerly made in the shops that sprang up when the country was first settled are now made by ma- chinery, and sold at rates far lower than those at which handmade work can be afforded, and the old hand manufactories have gone to decay or degenerated into simple repair shops. Wild Animals In early times wild animals, especially beai-s and wolves, and to some extent panthers, were sources of great annoyance. It is not known that any person ever became a victim to the rapacity of these animals, but instances are re- corded of terrible frights. Many swine that were permitted to roam and feed in the woods were killed by bears, and great care was neces- sary to protect sheep against wolves. For years the slumbers of people were interrupted and night was made hideous by the howling of the latter. It is recorded that during twelve years fol- lowing 1808 the aggregate bounty paid for the scalps of panthers in Luzerne county was $1,822, and during the same time $2,872 for those of wolves. Of course during the years that preceeded that time these animals were more abundant. The howl of the wolf and the screech of the panther are not now heard in this region. Occasionally a bear is captured in the mountains, but the time is not far distant when bruin will no more be seen here. CHAPTER FIVE THE FRONTIER FORTS (See Page 7 For Map, Showing Location of Forts, Indian Villages, Etc.) This is part of an article written by Sheldon Reynolds, M. A., a short time before his death, February 8, 1895. He was president of the Wyom- ing Historical and Geological Society of Wilkes- Barre. Mr. Reynolds died after a long illness, dur- ing which this article was written. How well the work was done the article speaks for itself, and no one could know from its perusal that the hand which wrote it could at the last scarce clasp a pen, and that the calm and judicial tone which pervades the account of the early trials and hardships of our forefathers was the expression of one whose life was fast ebbing away and who felt himself urged by the most pressing necessity to complete a work which he knew too well to delay at all would be to leave unended. Mr. Reynold's ancestors came from Litohfield, Conn., and were among the first settlers in the Wyoming Valley. Nothing can be found showing that these several fortifications were ever subject to attack in any warfare with the Indians; though they undoubtedly fall within the sense of the desig- nation "forts erected as a defense against the Indians, etc." ,Tn the years 1772 and 1773 a general feeling of alarm and apprehension per- vaded the Wyoming settlement. The people lived in forts ; they went about their daily work with arms in their hands, they strictly enforced the law in respect to military duty, and required guard mount in each towTiship. This condition of affairs was probably owing to two causes: The isolated and exposed position of the settle- 38 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY ment made it liable to attack and at the same time deprived it of the hope of assistance from any quarter. The warlike Six Nations were their neighbors on the north, and, although they professed to be friendly, the knowledge of their treacherous character and the recollection of the massacre in 1763, the act of Indians claiming to be friendly, were still fresh in the minds of the settlers. Secondly, the likelihood of a renewal of the hostilities with the Proprie- tary government was nowise remote. The with- drawal of their men from the disputed ter- ritory since August, 1771, held out no assurance of future inactivity. The settlers were liable to attacks from either source without warning, and they made the best disposition of the means at hand for their protection. At a meeting of the settlers in November, 1772, it was ordered that every man who holds a settling right shall provide himself with a good firelock and ammunition according to the laws of Connecticut, "by the first Monday of December next, and then to appear complete in arms, at ye fort, in Wilkes-Barre, at twelve o'clock on said day for drilling as ye law di- rects." It was further provided that each town- ship shall elect a muster officer and inspector and they shall choose two sergeants and a clerk. The inhabitants shall meet every fourteen days armed and equipped, and in case of alarms or appearance of an enemy, they shall stand for defense of the town without further orders. In October, 1772, it was ordered "that every man of the settlers shall do their duty both for guard- ing and scouting, or lose their settling right." The requirement of keeping guard night and day in the fortified places applied to all the townships, under the penalty, in case of failure or neglect, of losing their settling rights. It was in force in 1772 and 1773, and probably longer. At this time a stockade was built in Plymouth (the location not known), a block- house in Hanover, and the fort in Kingston, known as Forty Fort was put in a state of re- pair. In addition to these nearly every dwell- ing was loop-holed and made a place of defense. A community so well prepared and alert prob- ably escaped an open attack by the Indians solely by reason of their readiness to repel it. Fort Dukkee In April, 1769, soon after their arrival in the disputed territory, the Connecticut people set about the building of a fort for their better pro- tection. They chose a site now within the limits of the city of Wilkes-Barre, on the river bank between the present streets, South and Ross. Here they built of hewn logs a strong block- hoixse surrounded by a rampart (an elevation or mound of earth) and intrenchment. It was protected on two sides by natural barriers; having on one side the Susquehanna river, and on the other, the southwest side, a morass with a brook flowing through it and emptjdng into the river near by the fort at a place called Fish's Eddy. The size of the enclosure is not known, but it was probably of one-half an acre in ex- tent, as any place of shelter in time of danger of less space would be of little use. The fort was looked upon as a strong military defense, both from its manner of construction and the natural advantages of its position. Near to it were built also twenty or more log-houses, each provided with loop-holes through which to de- liver the fire in case of sudden attack. It was named Fort Durkee in honor of Capt. John Durkee, one of the leaders of the Yankee forces, and who had seen service in the late war with France, and afterwards, as a colonel of the Con- necticut line on the continental establishment, served with merit throughout the Revolutionary War. While this fort was erected as a defense against the Indians, and doubtless served that purpose, there is no evidence that it ever sus- tained an attack from that quarter. It was, however, one of the strong-holds that played a very important part in the contest with the Pro- prietary government over the disputed jurisdic- tion and title to the Wyoming lands, known as the first Pennamite war, beginning in 1769 and continuing two years. Shortly after this period the name of the fort disappears from the rec- ords. Whether it was dismantled or suffered to fall into decay is not known. Miner's History of Wyoming, page 265, makes a last reference to it in these words: "The whole army (General Sullivan's) was encamped on the river flats be- low Wilkes-Barre, a portion of them occupying old Fort Durkee." (This was June 23, 1779.) If the fort was at that time in a condition to serve any useful purpose, it is difficult to under- stand why the people of the town were at such pains to build in 1776 a fort for their protection on the Public Square, inasmuch as Durkee was a much stronger place and quite as convenient, or how a work o'f this importance escaped de- stmction at the hands of the enemy after the battle of Wyoming. The brook mentioned above as forming one of the safeguards of the fort, has long since disappeared. One branch of it had its rise near the place known as the Five Points, and the other branch in the Court House Square; the later flowed in a southerly direction, emptying into a marsh at a point near the Lehigh Valley railroad. The stream leaving the marsh crossed Main street near Wood street, and took a northerly course to Academy and River streets, where it was spann- ed by a bridge, thence it flowed into the river at Fish's Eddy. There has been some question HISTORY OF THE AVYOMING VALLEY 39 in respect to the location of this fort. Hon. Charles Miner, whose recollection of events hap- pening prior to the beginning of this century- was clear, says in his History of Wyoming, page 126, that Durkee was located sixty rods south- west of Fort Wyoming, and that the remains of the latter were in a tolerable state of preserva- tion in the year 1800. The site of Fort Wyom- ing is well known and the distance of sixty rods in the direction indicated, fixes the location of Durkee as given above. Mill Creek Fort This fort was situated on the river bank on the north side of the stream of the same name, which now forms the northern boundary line along the inner walls of the fort which pro- vided sufficient room for all who came. The community continued to occupy the fort as a dwelling place for a considerable period, and until the alarm, from whatever source it came, had subsided. This place was the scene of the first settle- ment by the Connecticut people, as well as of the tragedy of October 15th, 1763. _ The im- provements of the first settlers, consisting of a log-house and a few small cabins, were erected here. Upon their return in the year 1769,_ they made their way thither in hopes of finding a place of shelter and defense. The improve- ments, however, had fallen into the hands of the Pennamites who were secured in a sftrongly THE PRESENT SITE OP FORT WYOMING, RIVER COMMON, V^ILKES-BARRB, PA. of the city of Wilkes-Bar re. It was built in the year 1772, after the cessation of hostilities be- tween the Connecticut settlers and the Penna- mites. It occupied the site of the Pennamite stronghold known as Ogden's Fort, named in honor of Captain Ogden, which had been cap- tured and burned in 1770. The position was a strong one, standing on the high bank of the river, protected on two sides by the river and the creek. It was designed to guard and con- trol the mills upon that stream, as well as to furnish a safe retreat to the people of the neighborhood. The necessity of the times seems to have been pressing, for we are in- fonned that the settlers in and about Willces- Barre moved into the fort the same year, taking Uieir household goods and other personal ef- fects along witli them. Huts were erected fortified block-house, known as Ogden's Fort, and prepared to resist any steps looking to a settlement. This historic spot was covered in part by a culm heap of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company. The tracks of the Lehigh Val- ley railroad cross it in one direction, while a bridge of the Wilkes-Barre and Eastern spans it in another. The pumping station and mains of the Wilkes-Barre Water Company and the mains of an oil pipe line complete the occupa- tion.* Fort Wyoming This fort was located in the present city of Wilkes-Barre, on the river common, about eight rods southwest of the junction of Northampton and River streets. It was built in .lanuary, 1771, by Captain Amos Ogden, the able leader 40 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY of the Proprietary forces, and one hundred men under his command. The purpose of its erec- tion was the reduction of Fort Durkee, the stronghold of the Yankees, and hke Durkee it became an important factor in carrying forward to an issue the controversy alluded to. In 1771 it fell into the hands of the Connecticut people, lit was not built, as is apparent from the state- ment just made, as a defense against the In- dians, but seems to have been used for that purpose in 1772 and 1773 and later. It was this fort doubtless that is mentioned in the records of those years, as "the fort in Wilkes- Barre" where constant guard was required to be kept. After this time, it passes out of notice ; no account has come down to us of the manner of its destruction or other disposition. It is reasonable to suppose that it was not standing in 1776, as the people would have made_ use of it instead of building a fort in that time of need. This fort gave its name to a successor built on the same site in 1778, and which be- came an important post during the period of the war. On the 4th of August, 1778, a month after the battle, Colonel Zebulon Butler, ordered to the command of this post by the Board of War, returned to Wyoming with Captain Spaulding's Company, being the two Independent West- moreland Companies now reduced to seventy- eight officers and men, and Captain Smith's militia of thirty-four officers and men, and find- ing the Wilkes-Barre fort destroyed, and no other defensive work capable of sheltering his men, and the region still invested by Indians, immediately took measures to maintain his po- sition. He took posession of a log-hou^ on what is now South Main street, near the Picker- ing or Ross house and set up around it a strong paling built of posts set into the ground about three feet and standing ten or twelve feet high, provided with loop-holes for firing. This served as quarters for the small force until they could rebuild Fort Wyoming. The presence of this company in the valley gave some sense of se- curity to the returning fugitives, a number of whom joined the soldiers in the work of build- ing the fort. The fort was built of logs, on the site of the old Fort Wyoming on the river bank. Two parallel walls seven feet high and four feet apart were placed horizontally and framed to each other at proper distances; the space be- tween the two was filled with well tamped earth. The walls were protected by a ditch, and beyond the ditch tops of trees with branches carefully sharpened were set in the ground, forming a kind of Cheval-de-frise. Within the inclosure a low platform was erected along the walls on all sides, standing upon which the men were able to fire their guns over the top. A single four-pound gun was mounted in the works and in order to insure its greatest efficiency in time of need, openings were made in each of the walls, thus enabling the defenders by changing the location of the piece to turn its fire in any direction. The walls were rounded at the cor- ners so as to flank on all sides, and a gate opened toward the west. Access to a copious spring at the margin of the river was had by a protected way; the inclosure contained about half an acre of land, and barracks were provided for the garrison. The fort was enlarged and strengthened afterwards. The garrison was in- creased as appears (Sept. 1, 1778) by Captain Bush and company of eighty-five men and Lieutenant Gore's company of eight, and was thereby enabled to send a company of men, the Wyoming Volunteers, to the West Branch to reinforce the battalions imder Colonel Hartley, of the Pennsylvania line, in his expedition to Sheshequin, in September, 1778, to destroy the Indian settlement, which had served as a base of supplies for the savages in their frequent attacks on Wyoming. The expedition having accomplished its purpose, returned to Sunbury by way of Wyoming, when the garrison was in- creased by the Wyoming Company and a small detail from Col. Hartley's regiment, making m all about one hundred and forty men on Oct. 3, 1778. Included in this number were the remnants of a company under Lieutenant Gore, and Captain Smith's militia. This expedition marched three hundred miles in two weeks, de- vastated Queen Esther's country, and defeated the Indians in several skirmishes. Wilkes-Bakre Fort Wilkes-Barre Fort was located in the south- west comer of the Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. (occupied the ground covered in part by the old court house which was torn down in 1909, after the completion of the new edifice of jus- tice, erected on the river common. The stone recently erected in the public square to mark the four points of the compass stands upon the site of this fort.) This fort was built in pur- suance of the vote of the town meeting of Au- gust 24, 1776, but it was not finished until 1778. The court house and jail of Westmore- land county were also located here, and this place seems to have been selected for the build- ing of the fort with the view of protecting these buildings by enclosing them within its walls. The walls were of a double row of logs set up- right in a trench, in the same manner as those of Forty Fort were constructed, and reached to the height of sixteen feet above the ground. The structure contained an area of about one- half an acre, and was in the form of a parallelo- HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 41 gram, with flanking towers at the angles, and was provided with a single gateway opening to- ward the river, northwest. The sides were pierced with loop-holes to enuble the garrison to deliver its fire without exposure; and one four- pound gun was mounted on the rampart, but, inasmuch as there happened to be no suitable ammunition, it served as an alarm gun only. Barracks or huts were built along the walls within the works, which, together with the room afforded by the public buildings, were suf- ficient to shelter the occupants. The work was surrounded by a ditch. The water supply was taken from a spring either within the enclosure or near at hand. A large number of women and children were crowded into this shelter on the eve of the bat- tle, with but a handful of men for their protec- tion. The necessity of a large garrison was not so pressing in this case, perhaps, as in some others, owing to the muster of the militia at Forty Fort, three miles north, on the opposite side of the river, and directly in the line of the advance movement of the enemy. A few of the survivors of the battle made their escape to the Wilkes-Barre fort, bringing word of the battle. During the night plans were made for flight; and on the morning of the 4th many of the occupants of the fort set out, empty handed, on their long and perilous journey through the wilderness. On the same day the savages were in possession of the fort. There seems to have been no formal surrender, as the articles of capitulation of Forty Fort included this also. During the day the fort was abandoned, and a band of savages seeking plunder entered it and set it on fire, reducing to ashes both the fort and public buildings. Winteemoot's Fort This fort was situated in Exeter township, be- tween Wyoming avenue, in the present bor- ough of Exeter, (Sturmerville) and the Susque- hanna, about eight rods from the river. It consisted of a stockade surrounding a dwelling house, and was built prior to the time of hold- ing the town meeting in August, 1776, by the Wintermoots, a numerous family who had lived in that neighborhood for some time. They had fallen under the suspicion of their neighbors by reason of various circumstances, which led to the belief that the family were Tories and in communication with the enemy. The building of the fort had not been sanctioned by any one in authority and this circumstance deepened the distrust with which they were looked upon; though no facts were at hand that might con- firm the suspicion or serve as groimds to support charges against them. This state of affairs, however, was enough to put the inhabitants on their guard, and led to the town meeting of Au- gust, 1776, which required that all forts should be located by the committee, in order that there- after, no one who was under suspicion should be permitted to build a fort. The fort was un- der command of Lieutenant Elisha Scovell, and at the approach of the enemy it sheltered a few families of the neighborhood. At the command to surrender a feeble show of resistance was made, but all serious efforts of defense were op- posed by the Wintermoots who said that Major John Butler, the commander of the enemy, would find a welcome there. On the evening of July 1, the enemy en- camped on the mountain nearly opposite this fort and within two miles of it. Parties of the enemy passed in and out of the fort during the night; the next morning the gates were thrown open and possession given up. It is probable that the enemy here learned the number and disposition of our forces, our defensive works, locations and the quantity of plunder that would fall to the lot of the savage ally. This fort became the headquarters of Major Butler. The capitulation was made on the following terms : "Wintermoot's Fort, July 1, 1778. "Art. 1st. That Lieutenant Elisha Scovell surrender the fort, with all the stores, arms and ammunition that are in said fort, as well pub- lic as private, to Major John Butler. 2d. That the garrison shall not bear arms during the present contest, and Major Butler promises that the men, women and children shall not be hurt, either by Indians or rangers." On the 3d of July at about the time our troops were forming their line of battle, the fort was seton fire and consumed. No motive has been assigned for the act; wheher it was by design or accident is not known. It seems probable that Major Butler studied to have it appear that the Wintermoots were looked upon by him as belonging to our side ; it might be of service to them in the future. This view would account for the unnecessary formality of articles of ca- pitulation _ in the surrender of their fort and also for its destruction. The Wintermoots joined the enemy and in their company with- drew from the valley a few days later, and re- ceived the reward due them for this treachery. Colonel Zebulon Butler, in his report of the battle refers to this fort in the following words : "In the meantime (July 1-3) the enemy had got possession of two forts, one of which we had reason to believe was designed for them, though they burnt both." All the authorities concur in the belief that the Wintermoots were in secret communication with the enemv, and that the fort was built with the ultimate pur- 42 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY pose of giving it up to them and to aid and abet their cause. Forty Fort The site of this stronghold is in the borougli of the same name on the southerly side of the line of the junction of River street with Fort street. Standing on the high western bank of the Susquehanna it was admirably situated to command the river at this point. It derived its name from the forty pioneers who, having been sent forward from Connecticut in 1769 by the Susquehanna Company to take possession of the mensions. Opinions differ as to its size, the better authority seems to be that it enclosed an acre or more of ground; indeed, excavations made a few years ago disclosed the remains of the timbers in place, extending in one direction two hundred and twenty feet, indicating in con- nection with other circumstances an inclosure of at least an acre. The walls of this fort were of logs, the material generally used in such de- fenses. These were set upright in a trench five feet in depth, extending twelve feet above the surface of the ground, and were sharpened at the tops. The joints or crevices between the FORTY FORT, 1778 Drawn by Judge Dana from description. Courtesy of Vl^yoming- Historical Society land in its behalf, were rewarded for their ser- vices by a grant of the township of Kingston, and from this circumstance known likewise as the township of the Forty, and the Forty town, within which the fort was located. The build- ing of the fort was begun in the year 1770, and served as a place of security in time of danger and alarm. At a later period it seems to have been partly destroyed, or at least left in a con- dition not fitted for guarding as the law^at the time required, for we learn that in 1772 and 1773 the Kingston men were ordered to mount guard in the" fort at Wilkes-Barre until they shall build fortifications of their own. (From Westmo7rJand Records.) In 1777, under di- rection of the committee it was partly rebuilt, adding much to the i-trength, as well as its di- upright logs were protected by another tier of logs planted and secured in like manner, thus forming a double wall. Barracks or huts were built along the walls within the fort for the shelter of the occupants. The roof of these buildings served as a platform from which the garrison could defend the works, and the space in the centre, surrounded by the barracks, was used as a parade. The inclosure was rectan- gular in shape, having a gateway opening to- wards the north and another towards the south, and small sentry towers at the four corners rising a few feet above the walls. A cold flowing spring at the margin of the river, below the structure, supplied water to the fort. Access to the spring was rendered safe by means of a sunken passageway, having the top protect- HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 43 ed by timber work, leading down from the fort. A water supply was always one of the controll- ing influences in the location of a work of this character. This was true in the case of the several forts in Wyoming ; some contained with- in their walls running water, others had springs near at hand as in the present instance. During the last days of June, 1778, when it became known that the enemy in great force was approaching Wyoming, the inhabitants generally sought the protection afforded by the several forts. Probably the largest number gathered at Forty Fort, owing to its larger di- mensions and promise of greater security. Here nearly four hundred, made up of six companies of militia, the train bands, and old men and the encroachment of the current. Through the laps of years a large part of the bluff has been washed away, and a considerable part of the site is now the river's bed. The structure was a stockade built around and in connection with the dwelling house of John Jenkins, (a Yankee) hence its name. The stockade part was built in the usual man- ner by planting upright timbers in a trench of proper depth; these uprights were sharpened at the tops, and in this case, owing to their small size doubtless., "were fastened together by pins of wood and stiffened with two rows of timbers put on horizontally and pinned to the uprights inside, thus stiffening and uniting the whole into a sustantial structure." RIVER AND FORT STREETS, FORTY FORT. Showing the Location of the Old Fort. boys, "chiefly the undisciplined, the youthful, and the aged, spared by inefficiency from the distant ranks of the Republic." This fort was not demolished, and a few years later was put in repair and garrisoned for a short time. Jenkins' Fort This site was fixed by the committee before mentioned under resolution of the town meet- ing of August, 1776, and the building was be- gun soon after that date. Being in the neigh- borhood of Wintermoot's Fort it was looked upon as a counter-check to that structure — and this may have been the reason it was speedily finished. It was situated in Exeter towniship, within the present limits of the borough of West Pittston, near the Pittston Ferry bridge. Standing upon the top of the high bank, and overlooking the river, the place was subject to Several families were gathered within this inclosure on the evening of July 1st for the pro- tection it seemed to promise. Immediately after the surrender of Wintermoot's Fort a de- tachment of the enemy under command of Cap- tain Caldwell of the Royal Greens was sent to reduce the place. The garrison consisted of but eight available men, and no effectual resistance being possible, surrendered the fort under the following terms: Fort Jenkins, July 1, 1778. "Between Major John Butler, on behalf of his Majesty King George the Third, and John Jenkins. "Art. 1st. That the fort with all the stores, arms and ammunition be delivered up imme- diately. "2d. That Major John Butler shall preserve to them, entire, the lives of the men, women and 44 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY children." Like Wintermoot's Fort, it was burned dur- ing the battle two days later. PiTTSTON Fort Pittston Fort was situated in the township of the same name on the east bank of the Susque- hanna river, now within the limits of the city of Pittston, between Main street and the river. It is nearly opposite the site of Jenkins' Fort. The original defensive works that occupied this space were built imder the authority of the pro- prietors. At a meeting of the proprietors and settlers, held in Wilkes-Barre, May 20, 1772, it was voted: "That ye Proprietors belonging to ye Town of Pittston have ye liberty to go into their Town, and there to forty-fie and keep in a body near together, and Guard by themselves until further notice from this Committee." (from Westmoreland Records.) In accordance with this vote the proprietors of the township laid out the lot mentioned, for the purpose of a fort. Each proprietor seems to have had the right of building a house upon the lot suited for, his defense in case of attack, and following a general plan in respect to size and location, which, when completed would form a fortifica- tion of quite large dimensions, and that might- withstand the assaults of a large force. The fort was composed of thirty-five houses of uni- form size, built of logs, the houses "standing in. the form of a pyramid or triangle, the base of which was formed by the river ; each one being placed three feet within the other, on the upper side, so that the rear of every successive house could be defended from the preceeding one. There was a space betwen the houses which formed the base and those which formed the sides of the pyramid, with a large gateway which was flanked wth pickets at each end. The houses on the upper side faced toward the river, and those on the river side faced toward the hill or the inclosed area. Those that were next to the river were constructed so as to guard against an attack from the Indians creeping along the bank. The house at the apex of the triangle was situated on the highest ground and overlooked not only the fort but the river and surrounding countrJ^ On the top of this house was a promenade for sentries. The houses were so constructed as to communicate from the one to the other in the upper story. Along the north corner there was a stream of water from which the inhabitants of the fort received their supply." — Proc. & Coll. Wyoming Hist, and Geolog. Society, 11, 78. There is some doubt as to the time the fort was finished in accordance with this plan. Tt was begun in 1772 as before stated; in 1774 several of its houses were finished. The tri- angle, however, was not completed until 1779, or perhaps later. It is certain the fort was fin- ished in the manner described soon after 1779, and remained in use a number of years.. In 1778 the people of the neighboi-hood were shel- tered in three block-houses surrounded by a stockade built in the usual way — this being a portion only of the fort with the stockade added as a temporary defense. By this disposition it would be capable of being defended by a smaller garrison, and also furnish enough room during the emergency. All the families living in Pittston and its neighborhood were assembled within this en- closure during the battle of Wyoming. The gar- rison consisted of about forty men under the command of Captain Jeremiah Blanchard, and comprised one of the companies of the 24th regiment that did not take part in the battle. The responsibility of protecting the women and children under their charge outweighed every other consideration. It is said also that Major Butler immediately upon his arrival gave orders for the collection and guarding of all craft upon the river thereabouts, making com- munication with the opposite bank impossible. From their station in the fort the people could '.see the enemy on the other side, and were witr 1, nesses to the battle and flight from the field, as ' well as to the unspeakable methods of torture practiced on the prisoners the night following the battle.. On the 4th of July the fort was surrendered on the same terms granted to the other forts, and assurance of the safety of the lives of the occupants. The Indians placed a mark of black paint on the faces of the prisoners, in order that they might be known and saved from harm, as the savages asserted; and telling them fur- ther, in case they went outside the fort, each should carry a piece of white cloth for like pur- pose. The scenes that were enacted at Forty Fort were repeated here ; the savages plundered the people of all they possessed. As soon as possible after the surrender most of the inmates of the fort fled to the settlement on the Dela- ware, and made their way thence to their former homes in New England. A few, however, as happened at Forty Fort, detained by sickness, or other causes, remained in the fort two weeks after the battle, subject to the constant terror and molestation of the hordes of savages that infested every place. After the fort was deserted it was partly burnt by the vagrant Indians ; but within two years thereafter it was restored and the plan before described was carried out, mak- ing an extensive and strong defensive work. The houses of the forts being the dwellings o.f the proprietors, the garrison therefore comprised HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 45 most of the inhabitants of the township. The fort remained standing until some years after the close of the war, when the buildings were removed and the fort lot became a common, and was used for several years as a public parade. The Redoubt This was the name given to a rocky spur that projected at right angles across the river common from the main hill about ten rods above Union street, near the new court house (in Wilkes-Barre) . ,Its precipitous sides reach- ed nearly to the edge of the river bank. Stand- ing some seventy feet above the water it was a prominent land-mark, and an advantageous po- sition in the local military operations. On the occasion of siege of Fort Wyoming in 1771 a gun was mounted here by the Yankees; and of the rest of the common and down to the city grade. The name, however, has always adhered to it, and although no vestige of the eminence remains, the "Redoubt" is a familiar name that still marks the spot. Stewart's Block House The Stewart block-house was situated in Han- over township, a few rods from the bank of the Susquehanna river, on a slight rise of ground, on lot No. 3, First Division. It was built by Captain Lazarus Stewart in the year 1771, and is said to have been the first building in the township. It was built of logs and was one and a half stories high. It contained four rooms on the first and ample space in the floor above for convenience of its defenders. The part above the second floor projected beyond the STEWART'S BLOCKHOUSE (Courtesy of Wyoming Historical Society) though no execution seems to have been done, the practice was doubtless of benefit. Again, in 1784, during the second Pennamite war, a like use was made of the eminence by the Con- necticut people. They took possession of the Re- doubt, which lay between the fort and the grist mills on Mill Creek that were also in the hands of the Pennamites, and thereby cut ofi" the sup- plies of the fort. However well the Redoubt was situated for the uses mentioned, its location in respect to the march of modem improve- ments was quite unfortunate; it seems to have been planted directly in its path. The North Branch canal, by a sweeping turn at this point, sheared off of the rocky faces of the barrier. The extension of River street cut a deep channei through it in another direction, severing it from the main hill. The Lehigh Valley railroad, successor to the canal, to obtain room for its tracks, took off another portion, and the city deported the remainder, bringing it to the level walls of the first story; this overshoot, as it was called, enabled the occupants of the house to protect the walls from assault of an attack- ing party, in a manner as effective as from flanking towers. A number of families were gathered there on the 3d and 4th of July, 1778. After the battle, they, in common with all the inhabitants, departed from the valley. This block-house was occupied by the people of Hanover upon their return, and afterward, un- til peace was proclaimed. It afforded a safe retreat for the families of the place in time of alarm. A band of Indians made an attack upon it in June, 1781. The house was defend- ed with great spirit, the women taking an active part in the defense. The attacking party was repulsed with some loss and were pursued by a detachment sent from the fort at Wilkes-Barre. There was another block-house in this town- ship, some distance south of Stewart's on lot seventeen or eighteen, occupied as a dwelling 46 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY by Roswell Franklin. Its exact location is not known. It was several times the object of attack by the savages, and in April, 1782, Franklin's wife and several of the younger children were earned away. A third block-house was situated in the pres- ent limits of Plains township, called Rosen- cran's block-house. On the approach of the enemy prior to the battle of Wyoming, the in- habitants of the neighborhood gathered at this house. Owing to the weakness of the work and the lack of means of defense, it was deemed unsafe to remain there, and the people sought other places of refuge, part of them crossed the river to Forty Fort and others went to Wilkes- Barre Fort. The Number Occupying the Forts There is no record of the number of the peo- ple who were gathered within the forts and block-houses. One intelligent witness who was in Forty Fort, says of that place "the settlers generally moved into the fort, it was crowded full." From the circumstances it is reasonable to conclude that the other forts were also crowd- ed full. The population of the valley may he ascer- tained by taking the original list of taxables in the central townships for 1777, and multiplying by six. This figure is selected in making the cal- culations, because of its, general use at that day for similar estimates under like conditions. Kingston had 9 2 taxable, multiplied by six is 552 Wilkes-Barre had 99 taxables, by six is 594 Pittston (and Exeter) had 99 taxable, by sdx is 59 4 Plymouth had 113 taxable, by six is 678 Hanover had 82 taxables, by six is 492 A total of 2,910 Deducting 200 absent in the Continental Army, and nearly 300 engaged in the Wyoming Massacre, we have over 2,400 non-combatants in the valley. Much of the greater part of the residents of Plymouth, and probably all of Hanover sought shelter in their own block-houses. All the others, more than 1,400 gathered into the three forts at Wilkes-Barre, Forty Forty and Pitts- ton. Of these, from the evidence adduced, it is believed there were 700 in Forty Fort, 400 in Wilkes-Barre and 300 in Pittston. In ascertaining the number of fugitives after the disaster, it is necessary to include the people in the outlying townships, Capouse, Hunting- ton and Salem, who seemed so far removed from danger that they did not seek the forts, but joined in the exodus, thus swelling the total to over 3,000. Most of the fugitives turning from the desolated valley plunged into the wilder- ness, wandering in the marshes as chance or fear directed, without clothing, or food or guide, seeking their way to the Delaware and thence to Connecticut. So great a number perished from hunger and exhaustion, that these swamps have since been called the "Shades of Death." CHAPTER SIX -,.«; THE WYOMING MASSACRE The year 1778 brought great distrust and fear to the frontiers generally, but particularly to Wyoming. The defeat and surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga (Oct. 17, 1777) had left the British without sufficient available force in America to carry on a regular campaign for that year, and, as the war was to be continued, the only resource left to the British government and her commanders, was to employ the In- dians and Tories almost exclusively, in carry- ing on a war of desolation on the frontier. This was their declared policy, and it was at once suspected and feared that Wyoming would be among the first to be attacked, for none were so hated and exposed as the people on the Sus- quehanna. They had been among the first to declare against British usurpations, and had been the most active and earnest in supplying men and means to support that declaration. As early as May, 1778, it was expected from the appearance of Indian scouts in the vicinity that an attack on the Wyoming valley was meditated, and these suspicions were confirmed when, on the 2nd of June, Lieutenant John Jenkins, who was captured by the Tories a few months before, and turned over to the Indians, who had taken him to Niagara and afterward to Montreal, where he escaped and returned. He informed the settlers that the plan had been formed at Niagara to invade the frontier. At about the same time an Indian spy who came into the settlement was made drunk, and while in that condition revealed the fact that an attack on the valley was soon to be made. In the later part of June it became known that the forces of the enemy were concentrating at Newtown and Tioga, preparatory to a descent on the valley. These forces consisted of about 400 British and Tories, under Major John Butler, and 400 or 500 Indians, largely com- HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 47 posed of Senecas. They descended the Susque- hanna and landed not far from the mouth of Bowman's creek, where they remained until they were joined by about 200 more Senecas, who had been to tlie west branch of the Sus- quehanna river. They left their large boats here and passed with the smaller ones down to the "Three Islands," fifteen miles above the valley. They marched thence to the mouth of Sutton's creek (Corey creek), where they en- camped by a spring. Indian and Tory Hostilities During the month of June several acts of hostility by the Indians and Tories occurred. On the 5th there was an alarm from Indians and six Tories coming in the neighborhood of Tunkhannock, and taking Elisha Wilcox, Pierce and some others prisoners, and robbing and plundering the inhabitants of the neigh- borhood. News of this incursion was brought to the Valley on the night of the 6th, and on the 7th, although Sunday, the inhabitants completed and strengthened their fortifications. On the 7th there was an alarm form Shawnee. On the 12th William Crooks and Asa Budd went up the river to a place some two miles above Tunk- hannock, on the west side of the river, formerly occupied by a Tory named John Secord, one of the committee of inspection appointed Aug. 8, 1875, who had been absent at Niagara since the fall before. Crooks was fired upon by a party of Indians and killed. On the 17th, a party of six men, from Jenkins' Fort, in two canoes, went up the river to observe the move- ments of the enemy. The party in the forward canoe landed about six miles below Tunkhan- nock, on the west side of the river, opposite LaGrange, or Osterhout, and ascended the bank. They saw an armed force of Indians and Tories running toward them. They gave the alarm, returned to their canoe, and endeavored to get behind an island to escape the fire of the enemy, which was being poured in upon them. The canoe, in which were Miner Robbins, Joel Phelps and Stephen Jenkins, was fired upon and Robbins killed and Phelps wounded. Jen- kins escaped unhurt, although his paddle was shot through and shivered to pieces in his hands. In the party that fired upon the canoe was Elijah Phelps, the brother of Joel and brother-in-law of Robbins. Captain Hewitt, with a second party, went up the river on the 26th, and returned on the 30th of June with news that there was a large party of Indians and Tories up the river. Unfortunately, Captain Hewitt did not re- turn to Jenkins' Fort to warn the occupants of the impending danger until after the Hard- ings and Hadsalls had left the fort that morn- ing and gone up the river to their work. In this gToup were Benjamin Harding, Stukley Harding, Stephen Harding, Jr., John Gardner and a boy named Rogers (about eleven years of age), James Hadsall and his sons, Janies and John (the later a boy), with his sons-in- law, Ebenezer Reynolds and Daniel Carr, to- gether with Daniel Wallen and a negro, named Quocko (twelve in all), went up the river about five or six miles (above Sutton's creek), to their work, some of them, particularly Benjamin and Stukley Harding, taking their guns. The Harding?, with Gardner and the boy Rogers, worked in the cornfield of Stephen Harding, Jr., the Hadsalls and the others, part in Hadsall's cornfield, on an island, part in his tanyard, close at hand, on the main land. "Towards evening, Michael Showers, or Shores, and Jacob Anguish, or Ankers, two well-known Tories, came to Stephen Harding's cornfield, and told them they might call in their sentries and they would stand guard for tnem. Suspecting them of treachery, and that danger threatened, Stephen went at once to get the horses and make for home. When the Tories saw what Stephen was doing, they left to give information to the Indians and TorieSj who were not far off in a large body." "When Stephen returned with the horses, he saw that his brothers had quit work and passed down the river. On the way down was a deep, narrow ravine, through which a small brook found its way to the "river. In this ravine, a body of Indians and Tories had concealed them- selves, waiting their coming. This spot is m the neighborhood of the Baptist church, be- tween that and the river. As the party was passing this point, the savages fired upon them, wounding both Benjamin and Stukley Hard- ing. They returned the fire, and then quite a contest ensued. The Indians rushed upon them with spears and tomahawks. They resist- ed until they were pierced through with spears and hacked' and cut to pieces with the toma- hawks. John Gardner was taken prisoner. Having no gun, he took no part in the fight. In the meantime, a party of Indians had cap- tured the elder James Hadsall, Carr and the negro, at the tannery, which was situated just above the mouth of Sutton's creek. "Those on the island came off in their canoes, and as they were ascending the bank, a party of savages," lying in wait, fired upon them, shooting Jaines Hadsall down and wounding Reynolds, who fled with Wallen, to the woods. John Hadsall, the boy, remained behind fast- ening the canoe. Upon hearing the firing he plunged into a thicket of willows and drift that overhung the waters near by. The Indians, missing one from the party in the canoe, went 48 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY to the river to search for him. One of them walked out on a log just over where he was hid, but did not discover him. He could see the Indian's eyes as he peered about to find him. After night set in, he ventured out of his hid- ing place, and made his way back to the fort, arriving after midnight. He was the first to arrive and bring news of the fate of his com- panions to their waiting, anxious friends. "The elder Hadsall, Gardner, Carr and the negro were taken up Sutton's creek about a mile or two, to what is known as the Bailey farm, where the enemy were camping for the night. Here Hadsall and the negro were put to death by the most insulting, lingering and excruciat- ing tortures, giving a most delightful evening's entertainment to Major Butler and his demon- iac crew; the Indians and Tories being the ac- tors in the horrible drama, the Tories in par- ticular displaying a lively relish in the per- formance of their several parts." Stephen Harding, Jr., with the boy Rogers, Reynolds and Wallen, fled through the woods, and after wandering all night, succeeded in reaching the fort next morning. Reynolds took his wife and children, departed, and has never been heard from. Carr returned after a captivity of seven years. His wife, supposing him to be dead and thinking she had waited a proper time, had engaged herself to be married to another man, and was preparing for the wedding. One day she heard some one come into the house; she went to see who it was, and met her husband face to face. She was so overcome she fainted. Of course the new match was never completed. Major John Butler and his army of Tories and Indians, then entered the head of the val- ley, and took possession of Fort Wintermoot without opposition. While the settlers were marching on that day (July 1st), under the command of Colonel Zebulon Butler, of the Continental army, and Colonel Denison and Lieutenant-Colonel Dor- rance, to bring down the bodies of their slain neighbors, the enemy were marching toward the valley on the northwestern side of the mountain, on the eastern side of which they encamped, in full view of the valley. Women and Children Gathered to Places or Safety On the morning of the 2nd, Fort Winter- moot was opened to the enemy by its Tory occu- pants, and on the evening of the same day the garrison of Fort Jenkins capitulated. The day was spent by the settlers in gathering the wo- men, children and aged in places of safety, mostly in Forty Fort, which was about four miles below Fort Wintermoot, and in making preparations for defense. "Colonel Zebulon Butler, who was at that time an officer of the Continental army, know- ing the perilous condition of the people, and desirous to give his personal aid in any way possible, had obtained leave to visit the valley, and now, by common consent, assumed the command of the little army. The whole con- sisted of two hundred and thirty (230) enrolled men, and seventy (70) old people, boys, civil magistrates, and other volunteers; the whole embracing six companies, which were mustered at Forty Fort, where the families of the set- tlers on the east side of the river had taken refuge. "Indian Butler," as he was called, summoned the Connecticut people to surrender Forty Fort and the valley. A council of war was called on the 3rd of July, and though it was the opinion of iColonel Butler,. Colonel Denison and Lieutenant-Colonel Dorrance, and others, that a "little delay would be best," in hopes of the arrival of re-inforcements, which was thought might be on the way, yet a large majority were for marching at once upon the enemy and giving them battle. "Colonel Butler mounted his horse, saying, "I tell you we go into great danger, but I can go as far as any of you," and "the column, con- sisting of about three hundred men, old men and boys, marched from the fort," at about three o'clock in the afternoon, with drums beat- ing and colors flying. The devoted little band marched up the plain, with the river on the right and a marsh upon the left, until they reached Fort Wintermoot, which was on fire — fired to make the impression upon the minds of the patriots that the enemy was retiring from the valley." — Peck's History of Wyoming. Friday, July 3, 1778 This is a small portion of the historical ad- dress delivered by Steuben Jenkins, at the Wy- oming Monument, July 3, 1878 on the one hun- dredth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming : "Let us look at the position of affairs as they existed on the 3rd of July, 1778. "The upper part of the Valley, on the west side of the river, was in the hands of the enemy, num- bering 1,100 men, well armed and equipped, thirst- ing for conquest and blood. So complete and ef- fective was their possession, that no person had been able to pass their lines to give information of either their numbers, position or purpose. "Jenkins' Fort, on the Susquehanna, just above the west end of the Bittston Ferry Bridge, was in their possession, having capitulated the day before, but possession had not been taken until this morn- ing. "Wintermoot Fort, situate on the bank of the plain, about a mile and a half below and about half a mile from the river, had been in their possession all the day before, and was used as their head- quarters. HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 49 "Forty Port, some four miles further down the river, situate on the west bank of the Susque- hanna river, was the largest and strongest fort in the valley. Thither had fled all the people on the west side of the river, on the 1st and 2nd, and this was to be the gathering point of the patriot band. The Wilkes-Barre and Pittston Forts were the gathering points for the people in their Immediate neighborhood. "The forces such as they were, were distributed throughout the Valley somewhat as follows: "The Kingston company, commanded by Captain Aholiab Buck, numbering about forty men, was at Forty Fort. "The Shawnee company, commanded by Captain Asaph Whittlesey, numbering about forty-four men, was at Forty Fort. "The Hanover company, commanded by Captain Wm. McKarrachen, numbering about thirty, was at home in Hanover. "The upper Wilkes-Barre company, commanded by Captain Rezin Geer, numbering about thirty men, was at Wilkes-Barre. "The lower Wilkes-Barre company, commanded by Captain James Bidlack, Jr., numbering about thirty-eight men, was at Wilkes-Barre. "The Pittston company, commanded by Captain Jeremiah Blanchard, numbering about forty men, was at Pittston Fort. "The Huntington and Salem company, command- ed by Captain John Franklin, numbering about thirty-five men, was at home. "These were the militia, or train-bands, of the settlement, and included all who were able to bear arms, without regard to age. Old men and boys were enrolled in them. "Then there was Captain Detrick Hewitt's com- pany, formed and kept together under the resolu- tion of Congress, passed March 16, 1778. This company enlisted to serve for one year, unless sooner discharged by Congress, and that the said company find their o^vn arms, accoutrements and blankets. "Besides these, there were a number who were not enrolled in any of the companies, numbering about one hundred; and in addition, there were a number in the Valley who had been driven from the settlements up the river. Making altogether in the Valley, a force of men of all ages and boys, numbering about four hundred. "Colonel Zebulon Butler was at Wilkes-Barre, putting everything in that neighborhood in a de- fensible position, and awaiting developments. "On the 2nd, Colonel Denison had sent a mes- senger express to Captain John Franklin and Lieu- tenant Stoddard Bowen, to hurry forward to the scene of danger, with their Huntington and Salem company, without delay. "Such was the situation, when, on the morning of Friday, the 3rd of July, Major John Butler sent a flag to Forty Fort, demanding an unconditional surrender of that fort, the public stores, and Cap- tain Hewitt's company, with a promise that he would, when in possession, give them good terms of capitulation, and with a threat that in case of refusal, he would move upon them at once in full force. The demand was refused by Colonel Deni- son, then in command, but the refusal was accom- panied with a suggestion that he would like time and opportunity to consult with Colonel Zebulon Butler and other officers, who were not then pre- sent. The flag was born by Daniel Ingersoll, a prisoner, taken at Wintermoot Fort, who was ac- companied by a Tory and an Indian, to serve both as guards and spies. They returned, bearing the refusal of surrender, and it was supposed that upon their return and report to Major John Butler, he would immediately march upon them. "A messenger was forthwith despatched to Col. Butler, at Wilkes-Barre, informing him of the situa- tion, and requesting his immediate presence with all the available force at command. "Colonel Butler at once ordered the two Wilkes- Barre companies and the Hanover company, to march directly to Forty Fort. They promptly re- sponded, and at one o'clock they were all at the place of rendezvous. Information had been sent to other parts of the Valley, for every man to hasten to Forty Fort, as an attack was hourly expected. "Immediately upon Colonel Butler's arrival, a consultation of the officers was held, in which the situation was fully discussed. It was decided not to surrender, but to hold the fort at all hazards. "For the purpose of securing, by delays in nego^ tiations, sufficient time to permit the arrival of Franklin and Spalding's companies, and possibly Clingman's, a flag was sent to Major Butler, for a conference with him, upon the subject of his de- mand of the morning. At the same time scouts were sent out to make reconnoisance, and learn, if possible, the strength and situation of the enemy, and watch his movements. In fact, such scouts had been out all the morning. The flag had not proceeded half way to Major Butler's camp, when it was fired upon by prowling Indians and Tories, probably out as spies, and compelled to return. After consultation, another flag was sent out. It was also fired upon and compelled to return. "The scouts sent out returned with the news that they had not been able to get near enough to the British camp to ascertain more than that they were still occupying the neighborhorhood of Winter- moot Fort, and that the Indians were prowling about in every direction, many of them moving down the Valley, capturing horses and cattle which were roaming about in the woods. "Other scouts were sent out, and it was resolved to try another flag. This had not proceeded far, when it was fired upon and compelled to return. Scouts that had been out returned with reports that the enemy were moving down toward the fort, and that their number was not greater than that in the fort. "It was at once resolved to go out and meet them, and, if possible, beat and drive them back, at least stay their progress of destruction down the Valley. "Accordingly, the force gathered at Forty Fort, numbering about four hundred, including old men and boys, marched out, at about three o'clock in the afternoon, to defend their homes and harvests against the invaders, leaving the fort with a few old men and young boys, women and children, many of them sick, under the command of Lieutenant John Jenkins. They marched from the fort in martial array, with the Stars and Stripes at their head to the tune of 'St. Patrick's Day In the Morning,' play- ed on the fife by a true son of Erin, and drums beating, and proceeded as far as Abraham's creek, at the point where the road now crosses it at the stone bridge, a little over a mile from the fort. Here on the hill a halt was made, and the party properly disposed to resist an attack. "The position was well chosen. The creek at this point makes a complete elbow, round a hill 50 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY which rises, abruptly, about twenty feet above the stream, largely protecting their right and front, while a branch of the stream and a marsh, on the left, covered that part of their force, and their rear was open for retreat to the fort, should that be- come necessary. The position was well calculated to be successfully held against a largely superior force, at least it gave them a great advantage in case of an attack upon them. "From this point a flag was again sent out, and other sccmts, and their return awaited. This flag was also flred upon and returned. Scouts that had been previously sent out, had, by great skill and energy, succeeded in making a reconnoisance of the enemy, by passing along the foot of the moun- tains on the west of the Valley; but on their re- turn, when in Western Wyoming, near the present site of Shoemaker's Mills, were shot, one fatally; the other slightly wounded, made his way back to headquarters. The information brought was to the effect that the enemy were in commotion, but what their design or which way they were moving, could not be told, but the supposition was they were pre- paring to leave the Valley. All the information gained was too indeflnite and too slight to be of any use in judging of either the number or design of the enemy. All was doubt and uncertainty. "Speculation and discussion now began to arise as to the intent of the enemy. The march upon Forty Fort, which had been threatened by Major Butler in the morning, unless a surrender was made, had not taken place. What did it mean? Had the threat any meaning, or was it mere brag- gadocio? It was suggested that the invading force had been over estimated by the timid; that if Ma- jor Butler had the overwhelming force pretended, he would, long ere this, have put his threat in execution, instead of breaking camp and leaving the Valley, as now appeared most probable. In the heat of the discussion, scouts returned reporting that the enemy were burning all the settlements above, and collecting all the cattle within their reach, and, from appearances, it was supposed they would not risk an immediate attack on Forty Fort, at least, did not Intend to do so, but would burn, plunder and destroy all the upper settlements, pro- bably cross the river to Pittston, take possession of that fort, destroy that and the neighboring settle- ments, massacre the people or make them prisoners, and then return back with their booty from whence they came. * * * "At this point in the debate, Lieutenant Timothy Pierce arrived with information that the company of Spalding was on its way, and would probably arrive on Sunday, for their assistance. This news did not, however, calm the troubled waters. It was contended that Sunday would be too late. That the enemy by that time could prowl through the Valley, rob and burn their homes, kill or take cap- tive the women and children, drive oft their horses and cattle, and destroy their harvests, while they like base cowards, were standing by with arms in their hands, without making an attempt to prevent it. * * * "The discussion became heated and personal. Charges of cowardice were made by Captain Laza- rus Stewart, then a private in Captain McKarra- chen's Hanover company, against all who opposed advancing, particularly against Colonel Butler, the principal commander, who was against an advance, and he threatened to report him as such to head- quarters. Stewart was ordered under arrest by Colonel Denison. "The Hanover company became mutinous. Cap- tain McKarrachen resigned, and the company Im- mediately elected Stewart in his place. They now threatened a revolt, unless a march should be im- mediately made against the enemy. "Colonel Denison, a cool and quiet man, who had taken little or no part in the discussion, as yet, urged the propriety of careful and considerate ac- tion, and the impropriety and danger of hasty and inconsiderate action. That It would be far better to wait until more was known of the number and movements of the enemy, and in the meantime, Spalding's and Franklin's companies would arrive, the latter certainly. But, these suggestions did not meet the feelings and views of the men generally. They had been warmed up by the fiery words of Captain Stewart. "When it was decided to advance and attack the enemy. Colonel Butler discharged Captain Stew- art from arrest, saying: 'We will march and meet the enemy, if he is to be found, and I will show the men that I dare lead where they dare follow.' "The order to march was immediately given, and they proceeded cautiously on their way as far as the hill, just below the monument, where another halt was made. * * * After a short time they moved on toward Wintermoot Fort, making another halt about a mile below the fort, on the plain. Here the companies lined up. "Yellow and pitch-pine trees, with scrub-oaks about breast high, were everywhere over the plain. There were very few trees of any size. The Indians were accustomed to burn the plain over every year, to make pasture for deer and other game, and thus destroyed the growth of trees of large size. "After the settlers had formed their line of bat- tle, they marched, in single line as formed, nearly a mile, and to within forty or fifty rods of Winter- moot Fort, their right still resting on the hill, and their left extending about 1600 feet toward the marsh, and to within 400 feet of it, where they halted and sent forward scouts for further recon- noisance. On the advance of the scouts, Indians would pop up, fire at them and fiee, some in one direction, some in another. "The line at this point was counted off into odds and evens, from right to left. The advance was made by the odds marching forward five steps and halting, and then the evens marching ten steps and halting, and so on, alternately, each division or section marching ten steps, halting, firing and load- ing, while the other was going through the same exercise, until more than half the distance to what finally became the field of battle had been gone over. "As they advanced in this manner, a number of Indians, here and there over the field, would arise, deliver their fire and fiee before them. The fire would be returned and our people would continue to advance. Soon a squad of British arose, de- livered their fire and fell back. Our commander cries out, 'See! the British retreat! Stand firm and the day is ours!' They continued to advance and soon another squad of British arose, delivered their fire and fell back. Again the cry, 'The British re- treat! The day is ours!' "Our men had now arrived at a point just oppo- site Wintermoot Fort, on their right, and on the edge, in front, of the only cleared space on the plain, which was an open field of three or four acres. They continued their advance slowly and cautiously, when they soon found the British in full force in front, standing up to the work, though apparently yielding ground. The flring now became general along the lines on both sides. Our people felt they were gaining ground and driving the enemy before them." HISTORY OF THE AVYOMING VALLEY 51 Pkepaeing for Battle "Colonel Zebulon Butler, on approaching the enemy, sent forward Captains Ransom and Dur- kee, Lieutenants Ross and Wells, as officers whose skill he most relied on, to select the spot, and mark off the ground on which to form the order of battle. On coming up, the column deployed to the left, and under those officers every company took its station, and then ad- vanced in line to the proper position, where it halted, the right resting on the steep hank noted, the left extending across the gravel flat to a morass, thick with timber and brush, that separated the bottom-land from the mountain. Yellow and pitch-pine trees, with oak shrubs, were scattered all over the plain. On the American right was Captain Bidlack's com- pany. Next was Captain Hewitt's, Daniel Gore being one of his lieutenants. On the extreme left was Captain Whittlesey's. Colonel Butler, supported by Major John Garret, commanded the right wing. Colonel Denison, supported by Lieutenant-Colonel George Dorrance, com- manded the left. Such was the ground, and such the order of battle. Everything was ju- diciously disposed, and constructed in a strictly military and prudent manner. Captains Dur- kee and Ransom, as experienced officers, in whom great confidence was placed, were sta- tioned, Durkee with Bidlack on the right wing, Ransom with Whittlesey on the left. Colonel Butler made a very brief address just before he ordered the column to deploy: 'Men, yonder is the enemy. The fate of the Hardings tells us what we have to expect if defeated. We come out to fight, not only for liberty, but for life itself, and, what is dearer, to preserve our homes from conflagration, our women and children from the tomahawk. Stand firm the first shock, and the Indians will give way. Every man to his duty.' "The column had marched up the road run- ning near the bank on which our right rested. On its display, as Denison led off his men, he repeated the expression of Colonel Butler, 'Be firm; every thing depends on resisting the first shock.' The Battle Begins "About four in the afternoon the battle be- gan; Colonel Zebulon Butler ordered his men to fire, and at each discharge to advance a step. Along the whole line the discharges were rapid and steady. It was evident that on the more open ground the Yankees were doing most exe- cution. As our men advanced pouring in their platoon fires with great vivacity, the British line gave way, in spite of all their officers' efforts to prevent it. The Indian flanking party on our right kept up from their hiding- places a galling fire. Lieutenant Daniel Gore received a ball through the left arm. 'Captain Durkee,' said he, 'look sharp for the Indians in those bushes.' Captain Durkee stepped to the bank to look, preparatory to making a charge and dislodging them, when he fell. "On the British Butler's right his Indian warrioi-s were sharply engaged. They seemed to be divided into six bands, for a yell would be raised at one end of their line, taken up, and carried through six distinct bodies appearing at each time to repeat the cry. As the battle waxed warmer, that fearful yell was renewed again and again with more and more spirit. It appeared to be at once their animating shout and their signal of communication. As several fell near Colonel Dorrance, one of his men gave way: 'Stand to your work sir,' said he firmly, but coolly, and the soldier resumed his place. "For half an hour a hot fire had been given and sustained, when the vastly superior num- bers of the enemy began to develop their power. The Indians had thrown into the swamps a large force, which now completely outflanked our left. It was impossible it should be other- wise: that wing was thrown into confusion. Colonel Denison gave orders that the company of Whittlesey should wheel back, so as to form an angle with the main line, and thus present his front, instead of flank, to the enemy. The difficulty of performing evolutions by the brav- est militia on the field under a hot fire is well known. On the attempt, the savages rushed in with horrid yells. Some had mistaken the or- der to fall back as one to retreat, and that word, that fatal word, ran along the line. Utter con- fusion now prevailed on the left. Seeing the disorder, and his own men beginning to give way. Colonel Z. Butler threw himself between the fires of the opposing ranks and rode up and down the line in the most reckless exposure. 'Don't leave me, my children, and the victory is ours.' But it was too late. "Every captain that led a company into ac- tion was slain, and in every instance fell on or near the line. As was said of Bidlack, so of Hewitt, Whittlesey, and the others: 'they died at the head of their men.' They fought bravely; every man and officer did his duty; but they were overpowered by threefold their force. In point of numbers the enemy was overwhelmingly superior." — Miner's History. A Dreadful Hour It was a dreadful hour. The few old men who were left in the fort, and the women and children, lined the bank of the river with throbbing hearts, listening to the noise of the pattle; and as the firing became more scatter- ing, and advanced down the plain towards the 52 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY fort, the fearful reality of a defeat was but too plainly indicated. "The boys are beat. — they are retreating — they will be all cut to pieces," exclaimed one who had been pacing the bank, and catching every indication borne upon the breeze from the scene of action. A portion of the numerous, strange, and fearful scenes which followed the battle are upon record, for which we must refer the reader to the historians. Mr. Miner says, "About one hundred and sixty of the Connec- ticut people were killed that day, and one hun- dred and forty escaped. The loss of the enemy was never known ; probably from forty to eighty fell." According to the best information which we have been able to gain, more than two hun- dred of the patriots fell in this fearful conflict, while about sixty of the British and Indians were slain. Many were first made prisoners, and then massacred in the most cruel and bar- barous manner by the savages. Colonels But- ler and Denison, being mounted, first came to Forty Fort, and confirmed the apprehensions of the poor defenseless people, then waiting in a most fearful state of anxiety and suspense. They sat down by a table in Thomas Bennett's cabin, and adjusted the terms of capitulation which were to be proposed to the enemy. Col- onel Butler then crossed over to Wilkes-Barre, and the next day, throwing a feather-bed across his horse, and seating his wife upon the animal behind him, left the valley. He was a brave officer, and having distinguished himself in several gallant enterprises in the Revolutionary struggle, had reason enough for not wishing to be made a prisoner of war. At nightfall the fugitives came into the fort, exhausted with the toils and terrors of the day. But oh, how many husbands and sons came not! The sadness of that night will never be adequately sketched. The people in the fort at Wilkes-Barre, on the east side of the river, early on the 4th, commenced their fight, but in such haste as not to furnish themselves with provisions for a long and toilsome journey through the wilder- ness. A large number of women and children, with a few men, took the old war-path toward the Delaware, some perishing on the way through fatigue and hunger in a dense pine forest which has ever since been called "The Shades of Death." The few regular soldiers who had escaped, knowing that they, if taken, would be doomed to exemplary punishment, made a hasty escape, under the orders of Col- onel Butler. On the evening of the fatal 3rd, Captain John Franklin arrived at Forty Fort, with a company of militia from Huntington and Salem, which gave a little strength to the rem- nant which were left. On the morning of the 4th, Major John Butler summoned Colonel Denison to surrender Forty Fort, inviting him to head-quartei's to agree upon the terms. After some negotiations, the following articles of ca- pitulation were duly executed: Capitulation Agreement Westmoreland, July 4, 1778. "Capitulation Agreement made and com- pleted between John Butler, in behalf of his Majesty King George the Third, and Colonel Nathan Denison of the United States of America : "Art. 1. It is agreed that the settlement lay down their arms, and their garrison be demolished. "Art. 2. That the inhabitants are to occupy their farms peaceably, and the lives of the in- habitants be preserved entire and unhurt. "Art. 3. That the Continental stores are to be given up. "Art. 4. That Major Butler will use his utmost influence that the private property of the inhabitants shall be preserved entire to them. "Art. 5. That the prisoners in Forty Fort be delivered up, and that Samuel Finch, now in Major Butler's possession be delivered up, also. "Art. 6. That the property taken from the people called Tories be made good; and that they remain in peaceable possession of their farms, and unmolested in a free trade through- out the settlement. "Art. 7. That the inhabitants, which Col- onel Denison captiulated for, together with him- self, do not take up arms during the contest. (Signed) John Butler, Nathan Denison. Indians Plunder the Fort "Accordingly, on the 5th of July, the gates of the fort were thrown open, and Butler, at the head of his rangers, and a Seneca chief by the name of G — n, at the head of the Indians, marched in. The arms of the men were stack- ed, and given as a present by Butler to the Indians, with these words: "See what a present the Yankees have made you." _ The Indians went about sneakingly peeping into the doors of the cabins, but for that day molested no one. On the next day, however, they began to plunder the people. Colonel Denison remained in Mr. Bennet's cabin, a place formerly occu- pied as a horse-shed. When Butler came into the fort. Colonel Denison sent for him, and remonstrated with him upon the conduct of the Indians, alleging that it was a breach of a most solemn engagement. Butler said, "My men HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 53 shall not molest the people; I will put a stop to it." But he was no sooner gone than the plundering was resumed. Colonel Denison again sent for Butler, and again -he came into the shed and gave assurances that "the plunder- ing should cease." Toward night a company of Indians came in, some of them drunk, and commenced ransacking the houses and rifling them of their movables. Colonel Denison had another conversation with Butler, who now said, "To tell the truth, I can do nothing with them." Colonel Denison chided with him severely, but, waving his hand, he repeated the same words, and finally left the fort no more to return." — Peck's History of Wyoming. Queen Esther's Rock On the evening of the battle, (July 3, 1778) sixteen of the prisoners taken on the field of battle and in the flight, under promise of quar- ter, were collected together by their savage cap- tors around a rock, near the brow of the hill, about a half mile above the monument, and a little more than a mile from the field of action. The rock at that time was about two feet high on its eastern front, with a surface of four or five feet square, running back to a level with the ground and beneath it at its western ex- tremity. It is now surrounded by an iron fence. The prisoners were arranged in a ring aroimd this rock, and were surrounded with a body of about two hundred savages, under the leader- ship and inspiration of Queen Esther, a fury in the form of woman, who assumed the office of executioner. The victims, one at a time, were taken from the devoted circle and led to the east front of the rock, where they were made to sit down. They were then taken by the hair and their heads pulled back on the rock, when the bloody Queen Esther, with a death-maul would dash out their brains. The savages, as each victim was in this manner immolated, would dance around in a ring, holding each others' hands, shouting and hallooing, closing with the death-whoop. In this manner fourteen of the party had been put to death. The fury of the savage Queen increased with the work of blood. Seeing there was no other way or hope of de- liverance, Lebbens Hammond, one of the pris- oners, in a fit of desperation, with a sudden spring, broke through the circle of Indians and fled toward the mountain. Riflles cracked! Tomahawks flew! Indians yelled! But Ham- mond held on his course for about fifty rods, when he stumbled and fell, but sprang up again. Stopping for a moment to listen, he found his pursuers on each side of him, or a little ahead, running and yelling like demons. He stepped behind a large pine tree to take breath, when, reflecting that his pursurers be- ing already ahead of him, he would gain noth- ing by going on in that direction, he turned and ran for the river in such a course as to avoid the party ai-ound the fatal rock, and yet to keep an eye on them. He passed by with- out being seen, went down and plunged into the high grass in the swampy ground at the foot of the hill, where he remained concealed for about two hours, watching the movements and listen- ing to the yells of his savage pursuers. He fi- nally crawled out of his concealment, cautious- ly made his way to the river, and thence down to the fort. Butler and His Indians Leave the Valley "Indian Butler" soon made his exit from the valley. The following is a picture of the de- parture : "With Butler a large portion of the Indians withdrew, and their march presented a picture at once melancholy and ludicrous. Squaws, to a considerable number, brought up the rear, a belt of scalps stretched on small hoops around the waist for a girdle, having on, some four, some six, and even more, dresses of chints or silk, one over the other ; being mounted astride on horses (of course all stolen), and on their heads three, four, or five bonnets, one within another, worn wrong side before," — Miner's History, p. 237. Burying the Slain. From Peck's History of Wyoming ''Colonel Zebulon Butler returned to the Valley in August (after the massacre), but no attempt was made to gather up the remains of those who fell upon the battle-field until October. On the 21st of October he issued an order "that there be a party consisting of a lieutenant, two sergeants, two cor- porals, and twenty-five men, to parade to-morrow morning, with arms, as a guard to those who will go to bury the remains of the men who were killed at the late battle at and near the place called Wintermoot s Fort." On that day the settlers, who had returned to the valley, assembled and pro- ceeded, protected by the military escort provided by Colonel Butler, to perform the melancholy duty of interring what remained of their comrades re- lations and neighbors in as decent a manner as possible. The late General William Ross, who was present, informed Professor Silliman, when he was m the valley in 1829, that, 'owing to the intense heat of the weather, and probably the dryness of the air, the bodies were shriveled, dried, and inof- fensive, but, with a single exception, their features could not be recognized.' "The bodies were taken up with pitchforks and carried upon a cart to the place of sepulture, where they were buried in a common grave." Finding and Opening the Grave After Fifty Years From Peck's History of Wyoming "Strange as it may seem, the grave of the patriots who fell in the fatal 'Indian battle' was for years wholly lost. It was known to be located not far 54 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY from the main road, in a field belonging to Fisher Gay, Esq. This had long been cultivaited, the plow and the scythe alternately passing over the remains of the relatives and friends of nearly every leading family in the valley, and yet there was none to rise up and claim for Wyoming's heroes the respect ac- corded in all civilized countries to the ashes of the common dead. Public sentiment was finally di- rected to the subject, and there was an awakening of the feelings of virtuous shame for a delinquency so strange and unnatural. A suitable monument over the bones of the patriotic band finally came to be talked of as a matter of decency, to say nothing of the gratitude to which their memory was entitled. So early as 1809, Hon. Charles Miner published several essays upon the subject dn a Wilkes-Barre paper, but iit was not until 1832 that anything like a decided movement was made to carry out the project. "Several leading citizens of the valley becoming deeply interested in the question of the proposed monument, the first thing which it was thought necessary to settle was the precise spot where the bones of the patriots lay. The ground was origin- ally owned by 'the widow Lee,' and she subsequent- ly married Philip Jackson, long after her death a resident art Forty Fort. Jackson remembered the mound which indicated the place of interment, and was employed to identify it. But little effort was necessary to effect the object. The comomn grave, where were mingled together the bones of brothers and neighbors, officers and common soldiers, in close contact, was opened in the presence of several of the citizens residing in the vicinity. "Some of the most interesting specimens of the remains were deposited in a box, and were kept for examination by curious visitors, until most of them finally disappeared. We saw them before any of them had been conveyed by sacrilegious hands to parts unknown. The skulls exhibited the marks of the tomahawks and scalping-knife. Some of them had been broken in with the head or spike of the tomahawk, and others chipped with the edge by a glancing stroke. One had been broken in with the rim of ithe pipe of a smoking-tomahawk. We can Imagine with what gusto the murderous wretch tastied the fumes of 'the weed' itaken in from the bowl of his favorite smoking hatchet while it was yet stained with the blood of his victim. One skull was perforated by a bullet, and a thigh-bone had a bullet hole in the centre, which was made without effecting a lateral fracture, leaving the bone en- tirely sound with the exception of the smooth per- foration. "What awful associations did these memorials of the fatal 3d of July, 1778, bring up! ■* ■* * These sacred relics were now objecits of universal curiosity and no ordinary veneration, and increased the tendency of the public mind in the direction of the monument which had been commenced. The time for action had come, and a meeting of a number of the early settlers of Wyoming Valley, who had relatives and acquaintances in ithe Wyom- ing massacre, and other citizens of Luzerne county, convened at the house of Major O. Helme, in Kingston, on the 16th day of June, 1832, to take into consideration the subject of erecting a monu- ment ito the memory of those who fell in that dis- asterous conflict. General William Ross was ap- pointed chairman, and Charles D. Shoemaker sec- retary. After the object of the meeting had been stated by the chair, the following persons were ap- pointed a committee to draft resolutions: John Carey, Colonel Benjamin Dorrance, Rev. Benjamin Bidlack, Colonel George P. Ransom, Calvin Wad- hams, John Gore, Sen., Anderson Dana, Sen., Jo- seph Wright and Benjamin Reynolds. "One of the resolutions proposed and passed was, 'That we request the citizens of the valley to meet at the house of F. Gay, in Kingston, on ithe 3d of July next, at ten o'clock, for the purpose of adopt- ing such measures as may be thought necessary to insure the erection of the monument.' It was also 'Resolved, That we invite our fellow-citizens to unite with us in paying a tribute of respect to the remains of those patriots on that day, it being the anniversary of the day of their massacre, by visiting the spot where rest their ashes.' "The committee immediately arranged the fol- lowing program for the proposed meeting: "The procession will be formed at twelve o'clock, in the following order: "Those who may be present who were in the battle. '"The soldiers of the Revolution. "The connections and descendants of those who fell in the battle. "The orator of the day and the committee of superintendence. "The early settlers who were not in the battle. "The citizens. "The procession will march in silence, or with suitable music, to the place where those who were massacred were interred." The Meeting of July 3, 1832. From Peck's History of Wyoming. "The meeting was one of great public interest, and, as might be expected, a vast concourse of peo- ple attended. Rev. James May of the Protestant Episcopal Church, was the orator. Associated with him in the services were Rev. Nicholas Mur- ray, of the Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Charles Nash, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, then all pastors in the borough of Wilkes-Barre. The ora- tion of Mr. May and the remarks of Mr. Murray were published in the papers, and are now before us. Rev. James May^s Address Mr. May's address consisted of a brief sketch of the objects of the meeting, the battle, and the consequences which followed. Toward its close we take the following beautiful paragraphs: "When upward of fifty years have gone, we are in quiet possession of this valley. The sun in his daily journey looks upon few spots on which the Creator has combined more of the materials neces- sary for earthly happiness. No object of price in general can be gained without painstaking and sacrifice. The independence of our common coun- try was not secured without a long and toilsome struggle. This valley, so rich in soil, so lovely in scenery, could not be possessed securely till the sacrifice was made, and that, too, of blood. The hands that more than half a century ago first struck the axe into the forests that had for ages shadowed these plains, lie mingled with the dust. The troubles of those times, when the Indians de- scended upon this valley, were borne by heads that are pillowed beneath the soil. See, fellow-citizens, the sacrifice which was made by the first civilized tenants of this valley. The grave containing their bones is uncovered before you. You see for your- self the marks of the tomahawk and scalping-knife HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 55 on the heads which are here uncovered, after hav- ing rested for more than fifty years. Peace be in this grave — sacred be the memory of them that sleep here. "A few who were themselves sharers in the tolls and diffioulties of those times yet survive, and are here this day to bear witness for us. Venerable citizens we respect you for your years; we honor you for the part you bore in the doings and suffer- ings of those days; we love and cherish the princi- ples of liberty which animaited you; we owe you a debt of gratitude for the happy inheritance which you did your part to preserve unimpaired for your children. You have passed within the lines of the second half century since you opened a grave here for your brothers whom the Indians slaughtered on these plains. This valley, which you saw as it was when buit a frontier, you survive to see in the midst of a population of many hundreds of thousands overspreading the country beyond you. But on this day, and where you now are, you can not but think of what you once saw in this place. We would stand aside while you look into this grave, and see the bones of your brothers, which fifty years ago you assisted in sadly laying here. We would not in- trude while, as you stand beside these bones, you think how you stood beside your friends when they lived. For your sakes we are glad that this day has come. We rejoice to think that you may yet see a stone raised here, on which the names of those you laid in this spot shall be engraven" A Portion of the Remarks Made by Rev. Nicholas Murray "You see these bleached heads and bending forms around me. These worthies have come down to us from the last century, and are the companions of the heroes to whose manly frames these moulder- ing bones belonged. Could the breath of life be breathed into these bones — could ithey rise in the possession of living energy; they would find, even among this small remnant, a few brothers and sons. As the gentleman on my right was narrating the incidents of the horrible massacre, I saw the tear stealing down the furrowed cheeks of these fathers of our community. That tear told me that they felt — that they deeply felt; and methinks that there is noit a heart in this vast converse that does not sympathize with them. They desire that a monu- ment should be erected over the common grave of their fathers, and brothers, and companions. And do you not sympathize with them? I know you do. I feel persuaded that you are anxious to place a liberal subscription on this paper before you re- tire from this place. You court the honor of con- tributing to the erection of the Wyoming Monu- menit. My great fear is that we shall not all have the privilege of giving. I would therefore caution the rich not to indulge their patriotic feelings too freely, lest the poor should be debarred. We all want to have our stone in ithe Wyoming Monu- ment." The necessary amount was not raised, and the subscription was so small that the enterprise rested for seven years. In 1839, an able com- mittee was sent to Harford to solicit aid from the Legislature of Connecticut, to the amount of three thousand dollars, to aid in the erection of the i^roposed monument. Two j'^ears later another petition and another committee were sent, and for a time they thought they would succeed. The lower house voted the appropria- tion by a large majority, but the Senate did not agree. The amount was never granted. CHAPTER SEVEN THE WYOMING MONUMENT A meeting was convened at the house of James Scovel, in Exeter township, on the 25th of November, 1809, to adopt measures for erecting a monument to the memory of those who perished in the battle and massacre of Wyoming on the 3d of July, 1778. A com- mittee was appointed for each township in the county to collect funds. In about two months only $300 was collected, and here ended the matter for upwards of twenty-two years. In June, 1832, the bones of the victims of the battle and massacre were discovered in one common grave, on the farm of Fisher Gay. On the 3d of July, the same year a meeting was held on the monument ground, and among the resolutions adopted was one thanking Fisher Gay "for his liberality in bestowing the ground necessary for the erection of a monument, and for his attention at the meeting." July 3d, 1833, the corner stone of the monument was laid by Elisha Blackman, a veteran, who was in the battle. A box was deposited in the stone by Samuel Carey, another survivor of the en- gagement. It contained a history of the early settlement of the valley, an account of the ba^ tie, a list of the names of those who fell in the engagement, a copy of the ofhcial report of the battle by Colonel Z. Butler, a copy of the ad- dress delivered at the laying of the corner stone, by Chester Butler ; the muster roll of a company commanded by Cajatain Samuel Ransom, made out September 17, 177?; copies of the addresses made by the Rev. James May and the Rev. Nicholas Murray at a former meeting; a piece of each denomination of United States, coin ; a copy of President Jackson's proclamation to the people of the United States in reference to the hostile attitude of South Carolina towards the Federal Government, mid a cojiy of each news- paper then published in the county. The bones of the slain were deposited in the ground, and prayer offered by Rev. John Dorrance. 56 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY In 1839 and 1841 the general assembly of Connecticut refused an appropriation of $3,000 to complete the monument. In 1841, patriotic ladies of Luzerne formed a society called the Ijuzerne Monumental Association. Mrs. C. But- ler was made president, Mrs. HoUenback and Mrs. Carey, vice-presidents, Mrs. Harrison Wright, treasurer, and Mrs. R. D. Carey, secre- tary. They obtained donations at home and abroad, held a fair at Wilkes-Barre and raised a fund of $2,508. In order to raise funds the ladies spread a monumental dinner in Kmgs- ton on the 24th of June, 1841. It was largely attended and the association realized a hand- some return. Rev. T. P. Hunt, Colonel H. B. Wright and Dr. T. W. Miner delivered appro- priate addresses. But the most united and gen- eral effort to secure the money needed to com- plete the monument was made at the fair held in Wilkes-Barre on the 1st, 2d and 3d of July following. By this fair the ladies obtained $2,200. "This sum was expended, and a monu- ment sixty-two and a half feet in height was raised. In 1856 Fisher Gay sold his farm to Payne Pettebone. The deed contained provisions se- curing the monumental site to the association. Mr. Pettebone sold the property to Moses Wood- ward, and he to Mr. Kesler and others, and their several deeds reiterated the same provi- sions. At a meeting of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, January 16, 1864, Payne Pettebone, Hon. W. S. Ross and Colonel Charles Dorrance were named as a committee to collect funds for enclosing and improving the monu- mental grounds, which contains one-half acre of land The fence was built and trees planted in the Spring of 1864 by the Wyoming Monu- mental Association, which was incorporated by an Act approved April 3, 1860. The monument proper cost about $6,500. In- cluding grounds, fencing, trees and shrubbery the cost was about $8,000. The monument is a plain obelisk, of the dark gray stone of the valley, cut on the face and laid m blocks of from twelve to fifteen inches in thickness, and of convenient lengths. It is sixty-two and one-half feet in height from the surface of the ground, rectangular in form, and of proper proportions to render_ it graceful and of architectural propriety, with four equal sides. The base rises three steps from the foundation. Within this is a chamber con- taining the bones of the victims of the massa- cre, as'^far as they could be recovered. Resting on the base is a square die with a tablet of mar- ble set into each face. The monument was erected over a mile south of the battle field, near the present southern boundary of Wyoming borough, on the east side of the road leading into Forty Fort. |||j ff!! lliiMiniMi 11iffi#l't«fl'l riiitftiiiiiitfi WYOMING MONUMENT. The north-west or front tablet of the monu- ment contains the following appropriate in- scription by Edward G. Mallery, great grandson of Colonel Butler: "Near this spot was fought, on the afternoon of Friday, the 3d of July, 1778, the battle of Wyom- ing; in which a small body of patriotic Americans, chiefly the undisciplined, the youthful and the aged, spared, by inefficiency, from the distant ranks of the republic, led by Colonel Zebulon Butler and Col- onel Nathan Denison, with a courage that deserved success, boldly met and bravely fought a combined British, Tory and Indian force of thrice their num- ber. Numericial superiority alone gave success to the invader, and wide-spread havoc, desolation and ruin marlied his savage and bloody footsteps through the valley. This monument, commemor- ative of these events and of the actors in them, has been erected over the bones of the slain by their descendents and others who gratefully appreciate the services and sacrifices of their patriotic ances- tors.'' The tablets on the south-west and north-east sides contain the names of the slain as far as was known at the time of the building; a few since have been added to the list which is now as follows: HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 57 Slain in Battle 'Dulce et decorum est patria mori" FIELD OFFICERS Lieu. Col. George Dorrance Major Jonathan Waite Garrett. James Bidlack, Aholiab Buck Robert Durkee Rezin Geer Dethick Hewitt CAPTAINS Jr. William McKarrachen ■ Samuel Ransom Lazarus Stewart James Wigdon Asaph Whittlesey LIEUTENANTS A. Atherton Aaron Gaylord Perrin Ross Lazarus Stewart, Jr. Flavins Waterman Jeremiah Bigord Silas Gore Jonathan Otis Timothy Pierce Stoddart Bowen Elijah Shoemaker Asa Stevens James Wells ENSIGNS Asa Gore Titus Hinman William White PRIVATES Jabez Atherton Christopher Avery Ackke A. Benedict Jabez Beers Samuel Bigford David Bixby Elias Bixby John Boyd John Brown Thomas Brown William Buck Joseph Budd Amos Bullock Asa Bullock Henry Bush Eson Bockway John Caldwell Josiah Carman Joseph Gary Joel Church William Cofferin James Cofferin Samuel Cole Isaac Campbel — Campbell Robert Com&tock Kingsley Comstock ( Cook Brothers \ Cook I Cook Christopher Courtright John Courtright Anson Corey Jenks Corey Rufus Corey Joseph Crocker D. Denton Anderson Dana Conrad Davenport George Downing James Devine Levi Dunn William Dunn — Ducher Benjamin Finch Daniel Finch John Finch Elisha Fish Joshua Landou Daniel Lawrence William Lawrence Francis Ledyard James Lock Conrad Lowe Jacob Lowe William Lester C. McCartee Nicholas Manville Nero Matthewson Alexander McMillan Job Marshall Andrew Millard John Murphy Robert Mclntire Joseph Ogden Abel Palmer Silas Parker William Parker John Pierce Henry Pencil Noah Pettebone, Jr. Jeremiah Ross, Jr. Elisha Richards William Reynolds Elias Roberts Timothy Rose Abram Shaw James Shaw Joseph Shaw Constant Searle Abel Seeley Levi Spencer Jabez Darling Darius Spofford James Spencer Joseph Staples Reuben Staples Rufus Stevens James Stevenson Nailer Sweed Gamaliel Truesdale Ichabod Tuttle Abram Vangorder Joseph Jennings Henry Johnson John Van Wie Cornelius Fitchett Eliphalet Follett Thomas Faxon John Franklin Stephen Fuller Thomas Fuller George Gore — Gardner — Green Benjamin Hatch William Hammon . Silas Harvey Samuel Hutchinson Cyprian Hebard Levi Hicks John Hutcliins James Hopkins Nathaniel Howard Zipporah Hibbard Elijah Inman Israel Inman Samuel Jackson Lieutenant Boyd, killed Blihu Waters Jonathan Weeks Bartholomew Weeks Philip Weeks Peter Wheeler Stephen Whiton Eben Wilcox Elihu Williams, Jr. Rufus Williams Aaron Stark Daniel Stark Josiah Spencer Eson Wilcox John Williams John Ward John Wilson Parker Wilson William Woodring Aziba Williams — Wade Ozias Yale Gershom Prince (colored! at PoDty Fort, after the Battle. On the south-east side over the door lofidin.o; to the vault is a slab containing; a list of the survivors as follows: Zebulon Butler Daniel Gore Daniel Downing COLONELS Nathan Denison LBEUTBNANTS Timothy Howe ENSIGNS Matthias Hollenback Jabez Fish SERGEANTS Phineas Spafford PRH'ATES Gates John Abbott Gideon Baldwin Zera Beach Rufus Bennett Solomon Bennett Elisha Blackman Nathan Carey Samuel Carey George Cooper Joseph Elliott Samuel Finch Roswell Franklin Hugh Forsman Thomas Fuller John Garrett Samuel Gore Lemuel Gustin James Green Lebbeus Hammond Jacob Haldron Daniel Elisha Harris Ebenezer Heberd Wlliiam Heberd Richard Inman David Inman John Jamison Henry Lickers Joseph Morse Thomas Neill Josiah Pell Phineas Peirce Abraham Pike John N. Skinner Giles Slocum Walter Spencer Edward Spencer Amos Stafford Roger Searle Cherrick Westbrook Eleazer West Washburn PKISONKRS TAKEN FROM WYOMING John Gardner Daniel Wallen Daniel Carr Daniel Rosencrans Samuel Carey Elisha Wilcox — Pierce KILLED ON APPROACH TO WYOMING William Crooks James Hadsall Miner Robbins James Hadsall, Jr. Benjamin Harding Wm. Martin Stukeley Harding — Quocko (colored! 58 1118T011Y OF THE WYOMING VALLEY Above the die is a projecting cornice of some two feet in thicknes-s, the whole supporting the obehsk proper which tapers upwards, terminat- ing in one soHd cap-stone in the form of a flat- tened pyramid at the apex. The monument contains the names of one hundred and seventy killed, seven prisoners and eight who were killed Ijefore the battle, making a total of one hundred and eighty-five. It was imijossible to get a complete list, because many fell in line of battle at the last moment, not having time to enroll. The monument, also, contains the names of the fifty survivors. CHAPTER EIOHT EARLY IMPROVEMENTS IN WYOMING The First Mills in Wyoming As mentioned elsewhere, the 'first settlement by white people in the Wyoming A^alley was begun in 1762, at Mill Creek. The number of settlers was small, and before they could do much more than clear some land for cultivat- tration. "Males and females alike were found grinding at these hominy mills. They could be lieard ]iounding night and day, in all direction- in Wilkes-l>arre." In 1769 the ;N'ew England settlers returned to the valley. In a petition to the Connecticut HOMINY BLOCK OR CORN POUNDER A Type ot the First Mills Used in Vi'yoming Valley. (Courtesy of Wyoming Society) ing, and erect necessary log huls for dwellings, they were all either massacred by the Indians, carried away into captivity, or driven back to their old homes in New England. No attempt was made by these settlers to erect a grist-mill. In the absence of such a mill a corn-pounder or hominy block was used. This was a section of a tree trunk, with one end hol- lowed out like a bowl. In this bowl the corn was placed, and then pounded with a pestle hung upon a spring-pole, as shown in the illus- Assembly, dated at Wilkes-Barre, August 29, 1769, and signed by a nuo'^er of settlers, it set forth that they had been at great expense "erect- ing houses, mills, and other necessary build- ings." In the New York Journal of December 28, 1769, there was published an account of the troubles at Wyoming between the Pennamites and Yankees, and reference was made to the capture of Major John Durkee while "going from the block-house to view some onills they were erecting." At a town-meeting held in HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 59 Wilkes-Barre iii Sejatember, 1771, Captain War- ner was appointed to live in the block-house near the mills, "in order to guard ye mills;" and he was granted liberty to select nine men to assist him as guards. These mills — or, more properly, this mill, for there was but one structure — was the mill erect- ed on Mill Creek by the New England settlers in the autumn of 1769, and it was, without doubt, a saw-mill. No steps had been taken, up to the autumn of 1771 towards the erection in Wyoming of a grist-mill. According to Miner's "History of Wyoming" (Appendix, 23age 47) there were no grist-mills in Wj'oming MORTAR AND PESTLE USED IN FORTY FORT IN 177S. Now in Wyoming Historical Building-. Wilkes-Barre in 1771. "For bread the settlers used pounded corn. Dr. Sprague, who kept a boarding-house, would take his horse, with as much wheat as he could carry, and go out to the Delaware (to Coshutunk) and get it ground. Seventy or eighty miles was no trifling distance. The flour was kept for cakes and to be used only on ex- traordinary occasions." By 1772 the settlers were in full and complete possession of AVyoming Valley, and then one of the first matters of general interest that was acted upon in town meeting was with reference to the erection of a grist-mill. During the pei'iod that Wyoming was under the jurisdiction of Connecticut, and the laws of that Province and State prevailed and were en- forced here, the statute relating to grist-mills provided that each miller in the Colony or the owner of a grist-mill, "shall be allowed three quarts out of each bushel of Indian corn he grinds, and for other grain two quarts out of each bushel; except malt, out of which one quart." Should the miller presume to take or receive greater toll, he was liable to a penalty of ten shillings for each conviction. The mill- er was also allowed for bolting, one pint out of each bushel he should bolt. It was also pro- vided by statute that "one miller to each grists mill" be exempted from liability to do duty in the militia of the Colony. The Chapman Grist-Mill Early in 1772 a grant was made to Nathan Chapman (who is said to have come from Goshen, N. Y.), by the proprietors of Wilkes- Barre township, of a site of forty acres of land at Mill Creek ; thirty acres on the north side of the creek and ten on the south .side, just east of the road (known later as the "middle road," and now as the continuation of Main street) running from Wilkes-Barre to Pittston. The same year a grist-mill and a saw-mill were built by Mr. Chapman on the north side of the creek. This was the fir.st grist-mill erected in Wyom- ing. It was a log structure with one run of stones. These were run by a slow-moving but powerful over-shot waterwheel. The mill irons were brought by Matthias Hollenback in his boat up the Susquehanna river from Wright's Ferry, and Charles Miner says the voyage "was rendered memorable by the loss of Lazarus Young, who was drowned on the way up." Chairman ran his grist-mill from 1772 till October 24, 1774, when he sold the mill, forty acres of land, dwelling-house, etc., to Adonijah Stanljurrough (who came from Orange county. New York) for £400. Stanburrough ran the grist-mill until some time after the Revolution- ary War had begun, when, being a Loyalist or Tory, he was forced by the inhabitants to leave Wyoming. Before going away he placed the i\Iill Creek property in charge of his father, Jo- siah Stanburrough, then in the valley, and who was not a Tory. Adonijah having failed to pay Chapman the consideration money for the property, the latter sold the same November 16, 1777, to Josiah the father, w-ho was in posses- sion. The mill was destroyed by the invading ene- my in July, 1778. About 1781 or '82 new mills were built on the Mill Creek site by Jo- siah Stanburrough. The new grist-mill was taken possession of by the Pennamites in the autumn of 1783 and given to a man friendly to the Pennsylvania cause. Repossession of the mill was gained by the Yankees a few months later, but May 1. 1784, it was again "taken by force from the inhabitants by the soldiers with large clubs." Soon thereafter the settlers toot possession of the mill by force, and "kept it 60 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY running night and day to provide flour for themselves for future emergencies, as well as for their present wants." {Miner's Histpry, page 348.) After that Josiah Stanburrough continued to rvin the mill until Februarv, 1787, when, for £300 (about $1,000)* he conveyed the whole property to his daughter Elizabeth, wife of John Plollenback of Wilkes-Barre. Early in the last century the old mills were removed, and a new grist-mill was erected by Mrs. Hollen- baclv on the smith side of the creek. John ITollenback had died in 1797. Upon the death of Mrs. Hollenback in 1808 or 1809 the grist- mill became the property of her son, Matthias, site, and in 1848 E. A. Coray having become the owner of the site, erected a third mill, which is still standing, but has not been in use for the last few years. Post Office and Mail Facilities In 1777 a post route was established between Hartford, Conn, and the Wyoming valley, Wilkes-Barre being the chief settlement. Pre- vious to that date what little mail passed be- tween that point and the outside world had been carried )iy private messengers. The post- rider was Priucc l^)ryant, who made the trip once in. two weeks. During the period of the continued struggle between Pennsylvania and THE SUTTON MILL, 1776. (Courtesy of Wyoming Historical Society) Jr. In 1860 or'61 the mill was converted into a distillery, and two years later the building was turned into a dwelling-house. The build- ing was destroyed by fire about 1885. . . Sutton's Mill In 1776 James Sutton, in partnership with James Hadsall; put up the first grist-mill in the upper end' of Exeter township. It M^as located on the north side of Sutton's creek (now Coray's creek) near its confluence with the Susque- hanna river. Hadsall was murdered, and the mill Avas destroyed by the Indians and Tories just before the massacre of 1778, and the mill irons were carried away, except the crank, which is now preserved in the collections of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, Wilkes-Barre, as a relic of one of the earliest mills in the Wyoming Valley. Several years later Samuel Sutton, a sou of James, built a second grist-mill on the same *A "£'' in Connecticut currency was equal to $3.33. Connecticut for supremacy over Wyoming regular mail communication was interruiDted, and messages were carried to and fro by men employed by the settlers for that purpose. A post ofhce was established at Wilkes-Barre in 1794, with Lord Butler as postmaster, at the corner of River and Northampton streets. It was not until the organization of Luzerne county in 1786, that provision was made for a weekly mail between Wilkes-Barre and Easton. Clark Behee was the post-rider in 1797 (but we haA'e no proof that he wa,s the first over the route), during which year weekly mails were carried from Wilkes-Barre to Berwick, via Nan- ticoke, Newport and Nescopeck, the return route being via. lluiitinglon and Plymouth. At this time Wilkes-Barre was the only regularly es- tablished post-town in the county, and mail f(ir rcsidenis of llic tnwnsliips mentioned was left at certain hnuses within their limits cho.'^en by the ]30stmaster at Wilkes-Barre. A mail route was established between Wilkes- HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 61 Barre and Great Bend in 1798, and another IxHwcea ^Vilke^i-lian-e and Owego, N. Y. The mails were received by the former route once a fortnight and by the latter once a week. Both were sustained by private contributions chiefly, if not entirely, like those of the early settlers before the Revolutionary War. It is said that subscribers to newspapers had to pay at the rate of $2 a year to the mail carrier for the privilege of receiving them. In 1800 Jonathan Hancock was a post-rider between Wilkes- Barre and Berwick. In 1803 Charles Mowery and a man named Peck carried the mails on foot between Wikes-Barre and Tioga, N. Y., making the trip oiice in two weeks. In 1810 there were only two post offices in the valley, Wilkes-Barre and King-ston. In 1811 four Susquehanna River Akk A hundred years ago the only method they had of transporting in the Wyoming Valley was by the old-fashioned Susquehanna River Ark, which was floated down the river loaded with all sorts of things. They used arks for trans- porting common produce of all kinds — hay, grain,' apples, potatoes, coal, etc. These arks were about eighty or ninety feet long, thirty or forty feet wide, and four feet deep. They were made of rough timber at the place where the shipment started, and after they had reached their destination and were unloaded, the lumber was sold for whatever price they could get for it. In this way, for over t-Aventy years, the coal trade of the valley continued until the canals were built. A SUSQUEHANNA RIVER ARK, 1S08 (Courtesy of AVyoming Historical Society) were established, viz.: at Pittston, Nescopeck, Abington and Providence. The Providence office was located in Slocum PIoUow, and Benj. Slocum appointed postmaster. In 1824 another was established in Blakely, and the same year the office at Slocum Hollow was moved to Pro- vidence, and John Vaughn apiaointed postmas- ter, and William ]\Ierrifield commissioned post- master of a new offlce at Hyde Park. The mail was carried once a week on horseback by Ze- phaniah Knapp, from Easton to Bethany, via. Wilkes-Barre and Providence. Later four and six-horse stage routes were established, and with the first railroad came added mail facilities, which have increased from year to year. As can be seen from the illustration, they were floated down the river by two men, who occupied the small hut erected u]3on the top of the ark. North Branch Canal The North Branch Canal was commenced in 1828 and by 1830 completed to Nanticoke. The first boat was the "Wyoming," built at Shickshinny. This was the first canal boat coming to Luzerne countj^ The second boat, the "Luzerne," came in 1831. This was built on the bank opposite Wilkes-Barre, and that year made a successful trip to Philadelphia and return to Nanticoke dam. In 1834 the canal 62 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY was completed as far as Lackawanna. The boats were kept busy from the Lackawanna to Philadelphia from the day of it>s oi^ening. It was the great outlet for the vast wealth rapidly developing in the valley. After 1834 the pro- gress of the canal was slow. In 1856, twenty- two years after its completion through the val- ley, the entire line was completed to Elmira. Here it connected with the New York canal. The North Branch division of the canal, from Northumberland to Elmira, cost the Common- wealth of Pennsylvania $4,658,491.12. Ground was first broken July 4, 1828, at Berwick. A great multitude assembled. The State officials were present, colors were flying and cannons booming. "Nathan Beach held the plow, and the yoke of red oxen were owned and driven by Alexander Jameson." "July 14, 1858, S. T. Lippincott left Pittston with five boats of coal and reached Elmira, and from there by New York canals to Buffalo, thence by steamboat to Cleveland, which he reached August 8, the first cargo of coal that ever passed beyond the mountains from Luzerne county." In 1858, only two years after its completion, the State sold the canal to the Sunbury & Erie Eailroad company. This was the beginning of the end. Abram May was captain of the first canal- boat running "between Pittston and Falls. He was a descendant of Cornelius Jacobus May who came to this country with the Puritans in 1620, and who was governor of the Mayflower colony. The Lehigh Valley Railroad. This great road was incorporated in 1846, under the name of the Delaware, Lehigh, Schuylkill and Susquehanna Railroad. A bare organization of officers of the contemplated road existed from 1846 until 1851. Up to this time only $444,371/2 had been expended for both surveying the route and building a frac- tion of a mile of the road merely for the pro- tection of its charter. October 81, 1851, Asa Packer, who was born in Connecticut in 1805, became the purchaser of a large amount of the stock which had been subscribed, and commenced efforts to get ad- ditional stock subscribed and the road con- structed. Robert H. Sayre was appointed chief engineer for the construction of the road, September 13, 1852. On January 7, 1853, the name of the company was changed by Act of Assembly to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, and on the 10th of the month James M. Porter was re- elected president, and John N. Hutchinson, secretary and treasurer. On February 12, 1853, a contract with Judge Asa Packer for the construction of the road was signed. But a formal agreement was made on the 27th of November, 1852, and Judge Packer inmicdiately connnenced on the deep rock cut at Easton. Judge Packer made some of the hardest cuts, and by sub-letting part of the work to other contractors who worked at other places, the work was completed in September, 1855, trains running over it between Easton and Mauch Chunk. In 1865 measures were adopt- ed to extend the road to White Haven, and in 1867 it was extended to Wilkes-Barre. An ex- cursion was run from Tunkhannock to Lacey- ville, July 4, 1869, and by the end of the year the road was finished as far as the New York State line. The second track was laid alxiut 1883. JESSE FELL'S SILHOUETTE This SiHiouette of Judge Fell, the only likeness ex- tant, is given by the courtesy of Oscar J. Harvey, Esq., from his "History of Lodge No. 61, F. and A. M., Wilkes-Barre." First Newspaper in Wyoming In 1795, two young men, whose names are unknown, came to Wilkes-Barre from Philadel- phia with a small jsress and a few cases of type. HISTOEY OF THE WYOMING A^ALLEY (53 They printed The Herald of the Times, which was the first newspaper pubhshed in Luzerne county. Prior to this date, all notices, adver- tisements, etc., were posted up on the town sign-posts, the first of which was erected in Wilkes-Barre, in 1774. vU the second town meeting, held April 11th and 12th, 1774, it was voted "that for ye present ye tree that now stands northerly from Captain Butler's house shall be ye town sign-post. This house stood on the corner of Northampton and River streets in the town-plot, and the tree stood on the river bank. Without a newspaj^er, these sign-posts were very important. It was enacted that a sign-post be established in each town, on which notices of public sales, stray animals taken up, and other notices, should he posted to render them legal. Jesse Fell Jesse Fell, whose parents were members of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, was born in Bucks countv, Pennsylvania, April 16, 1751, and died at Wilkes-Barre August 11, 1830. With his wife and four children he settled in Wilkes-Barre in the latter part of 1785, and from 1788 rmtil his death he kept an inn at the sign of the "Buck," at the north-east cor- ner of the present Northampton and Washing- ton streets. For many years after his death the building — then considered modernized — was known as the "Old Fell House." Jesse Fell was Sheriff of Luzerne county from October, 1789 till January, 1792, when he was apijointed and commissioned Lieutenant of county to succeed Col. Zebulon Butler. ,In this office he served till April, 1793, when he was JESSE FELL'S INN, VS^ILKES-BARRB Corner of Washington and Northampton Streets (Courtesy of Wyoming- Historical Society) After a short period 7 he Herald of the Times was sold to Thomas Wright, and published by Josiah Wright under the name of the Wilkes- Barre Gazette. The first number was dated Nov. 29, 1797. 7 he Gazette was a well-edited paper, size 10x16 inches. It was sustained bv about 300 subscribers, at $2 per annum. In 1801 it ceased to be published. Asher Miner established The Luzerne Fed- eralist, at Wilkes-Barre, Jan. 5, 1801. The press on which it was printed was brought from Norwich, Conn., on a sled, by Charles Miner and S. Howard. In 1809, it was purchased by Steuben Butler and Sidney Tracy. They en- larged the paper in 1811, and changed its name to The Gleaner. In a few months Mr. Tracy withdrew and was succeeded by Charles Miner. The Gleaner was discontinued "in 1818. commissioned Brigade Inspector of the "Lu- zerne Militia Brigade." In February, 1798, he was commis.sioned by Governor Mifflin one of the Associate Judges of the Courts of Lu- zerne County, and this office he filled with dig- nity and credit for a period of thirty-two and a half years, terminated only by his death. In 1806 he was elected the first Burgess of the borough of Wilkes-Barre. Subsequently he served five consecutive terms as Burgess, from Mav, 1814 to May, 1819. Lie was a member of the Town Council for man}' vears, and served as its Pre,sident from May, 1809 to Mav, 1810; May, 1811 to May, 1814 and May, 1820" to May, 1823. He held various other offices of trust and importance in the community. Jesse Fell was the first person to burn anthra- cite coal in a grate for fuel. This was on Feb. 64 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 11, 1808. He made the experiment in the bar room of hi.s hotel at the corner of Washington and Northampton streets. He made a grate of small iron rods, ten inches in depth and ten inches in height, and set it up in the fireplace. After lighting the fire he found it worked very satisfactory. Such was the effect of this pleas- ing discovery, that in a few days there were a number of grates put in operation. This brought the stone coal into popular notice. Luzerne County Near the close of the year 1682, William Penn divided the province of Pennsylvania into the three counties of Philadelphia, Chester and Bucks. Northampton, with the county seat at Sunbury. 'rhc Coimecticut settlers were then within the limits of this county. jVs the population in- creased, it was thought advisable to form a new county from the northern portion of Northum- berland. Accordingly, Luzerne county was or- ganized by the Act of September 25, 1786, and was named in honor of the Chevalier De la Lu- zerne, minister from Prance to the United States. He was born in 1741 at Paris. Then Luzerne county included parts of Bradford, Sul- livan and Carbon, and all of Susquehanna, Wy- oming and Lackawanna counties. Bradford county (called Ontario till March 24, 1812) was formed of parts of Luzerne and Lycoming counties, Feb. 21, 1810, and the same THE OLD FELL, HOUSE ROOM AND FIRE PLACE The first and only picture of tlie room where Jesse Pell made his experiment, burning- anthracite coal in a grate, Feb. .11, 180S. From a pen and ink drawing by J. H. Parrott, made in 1895, now in the Historical Society Building, Wilkes-Barre. (Courtesy of W^yoming Historical Society) Bucks embraced all the north-eastern portion of the province. The "Walking Purchase" of September, 1737, placed the heirs of Penn in possession of the lands along the Delaware. The settlements rapidly extended northward, along the river. On March 11, 1752, Bucks county was divided, and Northampton county organiz- ed, with the seat of justice at Easton. This act placed the Wyoming Valley within the limits of the new county, from which all legal pro- cesses were issued. Prisoners taken in Wyom- ing were conveyed across the mountain to the Easton jail. By the Act of March 21, 1772, the county of Northumberland was organized from a part of day Susquehanna was organized from a part of Luzerne; Wyoming, April 4, 1842 and Lack- awanna vlugust 13, 1878. ■ The original terri- tory of Luzerne embraced five thousand square miles, exceeding in extent the state of Connec- ticut. In 1800 the poimlation was 12,838, and 18,109 in 1810. Wilkes-Baere Wilkes-Barre was planned and laid out early in June, 1770, by Colonel .John Durkee. The plot, containing about two hmidred acres, was laid out on the level land lying just north-east of Fort Durkee. In the centre of this plot was laid out a diamond-shaped space, containing HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 65 about four acres, which was called the "Centre Square," but for several years has been known as "Public Square." The land between River street and the river, containing some thirty-five acres, also remained as public property, and is now known as the "River Common." _ Wilkes- Barre was named in honor of John Wilkes and ijXK ui' JESSE FELL'S GRATES The only one now extant, and now in Historical Society Building. C(jl(inel Isaac Barre, members of the British Parliament, and warm friends of the American colonies during the Revolution. The first dwelling within this plot was a log-cabin built in 1769, by John Abliott, on the south-west cor- ner of Main and Northampton streets. In 1772, there were only five white women in Wilkes- Bari'e, but, several others came that summer. In 1784, the whole number of buildings amounteci to twenty-six, of which twenty-three were burnt by the Pennamites. Wilke,?-Barre Avas incorporated a borough, March 17, 1806, and Jes.se Fell was elected the first burgess. The population at that time was about 500. The city of Wilkes-Barre was incorporated by an Act of Assembly, approved May 24, 1871, and included the borough of Wilkes-Barre and all of the township of Wilkes-Barre lying west of the old Empire road, projecting northerly to the township line of Plains and southerly to the township line of Hanover. The population was then (1870) 10,174. In August, 1898, Wilkes-Barre became a third class city. It is divided into sixteen wards, containing about five square miles or 3,682 acres. The population in 1900, was 51,721 and 67,105 in 1910. Luzerne County Court Houses "The Act of Assembly forming Luzerne coun- ty, named Zebulon Butler, Jonah Rogers, Simon Spaulding, Nathaniel Landon and John Phil- ips, as trustees to locate and to erect a court- house and jail. This they did, on the silo of the old fori in the puljlic sc[uare in Wilkes-Bar- re. This building was about 25x50 feet, con- structed of hewn logs, two stories high, with outside steps leading to the court room on the second floor. The first story was used as a jail and the jailor's residence. This primitive tem- ple of justice was comi^leted in 1791, and Ste- phen Tuttle, whose good wife placed her cake and beer sign over the door of the first story, was appointed first jailor. "On one occasion, during the sitting of the Supreme Court, an unusual noise disturbed his Honor, Judge McKean, who, in a stern voice, commanded .silence. The noise, however, con- tinued, when the court sent for Mr. Tuttle, who evidently much incensed, informed his honor that the d — d hogs had got at his corn in the CHEVALIER DB LA LUZERNE (Courtesy of Wyoming Historical Society) garret by coming up the outside steps in the morning. Mr. Tuttle was ordered to eject the intruders forthwith. There proved to be but one hog, which rushed forth with a tremendous grunt, capsizing Mr. Tuttle, together with the gravity of the court. After a few years it was resolved to erect a new building for the courts. THE SECOND COURT-HOUSE "In 1801, Lawrence Myers, Eleazer Black- man and Thomas Wright, county commission- ers, procured the plan of a court-house in Fred- ericksburg, Maryland, for which they paid $17.07. The old log court-house was removed m HTSTOHY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY THE PUBLIC SQUARE, WILKES-BARRE. 1845 (From "Day's Historical Collection of Pennsylvania" by Joseph Hitchcock, the contractor for the con- struction of the new edifice, but it continued to be occupied by the courts until 1804, when the new building was completed, and the old one was converted into the Wilkes-Barre Academy. The new structure, in the form of a cross, de- clared by the commissioners to be 'most elegant and convenient,' was erected on the site of the old log court-house. Including furniture and fixtures, it cost $9,356. 06. There were thirty- two and one-half gallons of whiskej' used at the raising of this building; a fact which demon- THE THIRD COURT-HOUSE "Jn 1855, a bill authorizing the erection of a new court-house passed the General Assembly, and became a law. The commissioners_of Lu- zerene county invited Lodge No. 61, Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons to lay the cor- ner-stone of the third court-house, August 12, 1856 in the public square in Wilkes-Barre, upon the site of the former building. Hon. John N. Conyngham was invited by the lodge to deliver an address appropriate for the occasion. A SOUTH. MAIN STREET, WILKES-BARRE PROM THE PUBLIC SQUARE. 19C 8. (From "Board of Trade Journal") strates either the great capacity of the people of that day for ardent spirits, or else the pres- ence of a large number of consumers. "The bell, the tones of which have quickened the pulsations of the hearts of so many i^rison- ers, of plaintiffs and of defendants, was cast in Philadeliahia, by George Hedderly, in 1805. "The judges of the Supreme Court, who .sat in this court-house and in the original log-build- ing, were McKean, Tilghman, Breckenridge, Smith and Yeates. large concourse of citizens, including a number of ladies, were in attendance to witness the pro- ceedings. The main building, used for county offices, was 100 feet in front by 55 feet in depth. The court-room was 50x75 feet. The rear building, 30x65 feet, was occupied by the .judges, lawyers and jury rooms. The tower was 118 feet in height. The architect was J. C. Wells of New York. It cost about $85,000, including furniture, etc." — Annals of Luzerne County. HISTORY OF THE WYOMINO VALLEY 67 THE FOURTH COUKT-HOUSE The present court-house was completed in 1909, at a cost of nearly $1,00().0()0. This is a handsome building, erected at the northern end of the River Common, near the Luzerne Countj' Jail. The jail was erected hi 1869. It is an expensive and substantial building of stone and brick. The old court-house was torn down in 1909. Matches Friction matches are a comparatively modern invention. They were first made in the United States in 1836 by L. C. Alhu, of Springfield, Mass. Before this time a chimsv form of match Scenery and History of Wyoming Written by E. I. Wolfe. Various Indian villages were located here as recently as one hundred and fifty years ago. Two of the most important are known to have been at Forty Fort and at Firwood, South Wilkes-Barre. Aside from a few handfuls of relics, almost the only remaining vestige of the inhaljitants here at that time, appears in the word Wyoming. The first white settlers here found an oval- shaped embankment resembling the work of the Mound Builders of the Ohio ^^alley, and located a few rods northwest of where the D. L. & W. Depot at Kingston now stands. This and THE SECOND COURT-liUL'SE IN LUZERNE COUNTY, 1804. (Courtesy of Wyoming Historical Society) -was imported from France, which had to be dipped into a bottle of sulphuric acid before it was lighted. This took a great deal of time and trouble, and Allin, seeing the necessity of friction matches set about to make them, andsucceeded. He neglected to patent them, however, and on finally applying for a patent, found that a man named Phillips, who was a peddler, had dis- covered through a third person the secret of making the matches and had already obtained a patent. Allin, though the real inventor, was forced to become a mere manufacturer under another man's patent. other similar mounds leave little doubt that at least two races before our own have found and occupied "Fair Wyoming." But those earlier people, who may have been prosperous and powerful here many years ago, have left us not even a word to remember them by. Of the aboriginal inhabitants then, we have few facts and almost no monuments. On the other hand, this valley fairly bristles with points that became historically interesting dur- ing those strenuous first years of white settle- ment. One hundred and fifty years — only two lifetimes-ago, there was not a single white man living in Wyoming ^^alley. With the settle- 68 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY mpiit, began the stmoglo ; and tlie tra.c'edy of Wy()ii)in<>' is one of (lie uiosl (lirilliii.Li, as well as one of the most hearl-rendint;- in all liis(t)i'y. All northern Pennsylvania was included in a grant made by the King to Connecticut several years before the same land was granted in mis- take, to William Penn. The Connecticut peo- ple also were first to purchase the land from the Indians, and first to take possession; so that this section, when first settled, was understood to be located in Litchfield (afterwards West- moreland) county in the State of Connecticut. The authorities of Pennsylvania disputed the claims of the Connecticut settlers as to both ownership and jurisdiction ; which resulted in of the Connecticut settlers at that time. Twenty miles from Tilbury Knob, and at the op])osile end of the valley, stands Camp- bell's Ledge, so named in lionor of Thomas Campbell, English poet and author of "Ger- trude of Wyoming." From the summit of Campbell's Ledge, you may gaze over the en- tire area of Wyoming Valley and a vast terri- tory besides. Or you may look several hun- dred feet straight down to where at the base of the cliff ran the great Indian highway of com- munication between the Long House of the Iroquois and their tributary people on the Le- high and Delaware rivers. This path came down the river past the Ledge, crossed the OLD FORTY FORT CHURCH The Oldest Church in Wyoming Valley, 1807 a series of persistent and often bloody strug- gles, beginning in 1769, continuing for nearly twenty years. These are known in history as the Pennamite Wars. Two simple monuments on the Elver Com- mon in Wilkes-Barre show the location of two forts that ligured prominently in the Penna- mite Wars. Fierce fights occurred in the neighborhood of these and several other small forts; but perhaps the most famous of these wars was known as the Battle of Nanticoke Falls. This spot, the site of the present Nanti- coke Dam, is at the extreme southwestern end of the valley and at the foot of the beautiful ledge called Tilbury Knob — a place well w^orth \-isiting either for its natural beauty or for its historical interest. Here on Christmas Eve. 1775, Colonel Plunket with seven hundred milita, mostly from Northumberland, was met and utterly defeated by the three hundred men and boys constituting the total effective force Lackawanna, and struck over the mountain to- ward where Easton now is. Nearly midway between these famous and beautiful ledges, and three or four miles east of the Wyoming Seminary, is Prospect Rock, which richly deserves its name. Just beyond the Rock, on the road to Laurel Run, a tasteful marker shows where on April 20, 1779, a com- pany of soldiers marching to Wyoming to pro- tect what was left of the settlements here was ambushed and six, including two officers w-ere killed. And so all through the valley, beautiful scen- ery and thrilling history await the observer. You may stand on the very spot where Frances Slocnm stood when she was seized and carried off by the Indians despite the pleadings of her mother, and to be next heard from after nearly sixty years. You may study Colonial church architecture in the old Forty Fort Church, and a few rods away, on the river bank a small HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 69 monument will show you the location of Forty Fort, the principal refuge of the white settlers at the time of the Battle and massacre of Wyom- ing, iln connection with your visits to this marker and to the great Wyoming Monument, Queen Esther's Rock, and other points con- nected with the history of this valley, you will. of course, want to review for yourself the his- tory of those times. You are always welcome at the Wyoming Historical Rooms in the rear of the Osterhout Library in Wilkes-Barre ; and there in addition to a very interesting display of relics, you will find one of the finest histori- cal libraries in the country. CHAPTER NINE EARLY SETTLERS ALONG THE SUSQUEHANNA The fdllowiug inlorcsliiig account of .Tolui Gardner appeared in The Wyoming Democrat, published at Tunkhannock, under date of .Janu- ary 12, 1876: THE GARDNEES OF GARDNER'S FERRY John Gardner settled in E.xeter (now Ransom township), six miles above the mouth ot the Lacka- wanna river in 1769. He was chosen a town offi- cer at the first election in 1774, and was a promi- nent and patriotic citizen. Three days before the great Wyoming Massacre, he was one of the Hard- ing and Hadsall company, and was surprised while in a cornfield and captured. Although aged and lame no mercy was shown him. Esq. Harding and Mr. .Jenkins state that his heart-broken wife was allowed to make him a brief visit. Mr. Gardner, feeling that he would return no more gave her his best advices as to family affairs. Both were fore- warned against manifesting any feeling under the terrible scenes surrounding them, and parted hope- less of seeing each otlier again. Dr. Peck says in his history of Wyoming, that "Mrs. Jenkins, wife of Lieutenant Jenkins, was witli Mrs. Gardner at Fort Jenkins, after its capitu- lation. The husband of Mrs. Gardner was a pris- oner in the hands of the Indians and Tories, and she wished much to see him once more and asked Mrs. Jenkins to accompany her. Having consented and obtained a leave, they started under escort of young Wintermoot, a Tory, who offered to go with them upon the condition tliat they would manifest no surprise or sorrow at the sight they might see, telling them at the same time, that they would be- hold many strange and heartrending scenes." "They, therefore, scliooled themselves to appear indifferent, and entered the camp as coolly as pos- sible. Mrs. Gardner obtained an interview with her husband, who told her that he was well aware they would never meet again. He was lame and knowing that if unable to keep pace with his cap- tors when on the march, they would kill him. He advised her to take their children and go to Con- necticut and remain there with her friends, until the trouble being over in Wyoming, it would be safe to return and live upon the farm he had pur- chased, bidding her a final farewell. During all the time she had such possession of herself as to exhibit no outward sign of sorrow. Mrs. Jen- kins also told us that the Indians were at that time busily engaged in burning their victims. They had thrown down an old dry pine fence, and piled upon it the dead, wounded, and some unhurt white men added more conbustible matter, and set it on fire; and' that the whole line of the fence was filled with the charred bones and flesh of the poor crea- tures and men still burning; an awful sight, and I do not doubt her statement ot the facts." Mr. Miner gives the following account of Mr. Gardner's captivity and death: "One taken at Exeter the first of July, 1778, when the Hardings and Hadsalls were killed, deserve our special no- tice. Mr. John Gardner was a husband and father, a highly respectable man, against whom an unap- peasable spirit of enmity is supposed to have ex- isted. On the morning of the Fourth, his wife and child were permitted to see and take leave of him. Blisha Harding, Esq., then a boy, was present, and represents the scene as extremely affecting. When the last adieu was exchanged, an Indian placed a grievous load upon his shoulders, which he could scarcely raibe, then put a halter around his neck and led him off as he would a beast. The fare- well expressed the sentiment — I go to return no more. Exhausted with fatigue, before he arrived at his captor's home (James Hadsall says, he fell at Standing Stone, Pa., crushed by the weight of his load when he was handed over to the squaws for torture, who stuck his body full ot the slivers of pine knots and tortured him to death by fire. Daniel Carr, a fellow-prisoner (who later escaped), saw the remains the following day, and represented it as a sight to awaken to deepest pity." "John Gardner was the son of Perigreen Gard- ner of East Greenwich, R. I., who married Susan- nah Robinson of South Kingston, R. I., in April, 1731. John was the second son, and was born May 9, 17 3 7, and was consequently a little over 41 years of age at the time he was captured by the Indians and Tories. His wife's name was Elizabeth Mumford, and they had five children to wit: Rich- ard, Thankful, John, Benjamin and Betsy. Eliza- beth, the wife or widow, died August 24, 1834, aged 91 years, 5 months and 2 5 days. Richard, the oldest son, was born July 8, 1767, and married in 1788 to Lydia Chapman, she died May 23, 1828, aged 61 years. Thankful was born in 1770; John, born January 9, 1773, and died March 30, 183 6;^ Benjamin was born in 177.5, and Betsy in 1778." "John Gardner had two brothers, Stephen and Perigreen, who came and settled at Wyoming about the same time with him, and were active partici- pants in all the struggles of the settlers against the forays of the British, Indians, Tories and Penna- mites. His father, Perigreen, removed to and lived in New London, Conn., as early as 1747. "There was a Thomas Gardner in Exeter, on the west side of the Susquehanna river, who was a cousin of John. The elder Stephen Harding, married his sister. He v/as a son of Stephen Gard- ner, brother of Perigreen. Stephen moved to Col- 70 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY Chester, Conn., as early as 1743, and settled at the north end of a small lake, called Gardner's Lake, where he kept a public house in connection with a large dairy farm." John Gardner was a man of large size and com- manding appearance, the noblest and finest looking man of his time. His wife (Elizabeth Mumford before marriage) carried out the instructions given her by her hus- band at their last farewell interview, as best she could, before leaving for Connecticut in 177S. She buried her household goods, not knowing but she might return for them after the trouble was over in Wyoming* What fearful times these were. The strength of the settlement was gone. The husbands, sons and brothers, who were expected to clear the farms and raise the bread, had perished upon the battle- field or been led away into hopeless bondage. A few old men leaning upon their staves, mothers with infants at their breasts, and boys and girls of tender age, were left in a country overrun by mur- derous savages, without food, and often stripped of their clothing, until not enough was left to screen their bodies from the extremities of the weather; and in this condition obliged to imdertake a long journey through the wilderness on foot. Mrs. Gardner having arranged matters and things as best as she could made her way back to Connec- ticut with her four children: Richard, John, Jr., Thankful and Benjamin M. The last named then a nursing infant in her arms, the others walking with her the long weary way, suffering indescrib- ably from hunger and weakness, yet all surviving. Why did she not faint, or give herself up to incon- solable grief or to utter despair? Ah! the wo- men of those times were made of stern stuff. How nobly thoy bore themselves when the storm beat furiously upon them. There was a religious ele- ment in their character, says Dr. Peck in his His- tory, that went to their relief in that terrible day of need. The following was printed in the Wyoming Democrat of Tunkhaiinock, January 26, 1876; "At Fort Jenkins, the uppermost in the valley, and only a mile above Wintermoots, there were gathered the families of the old patriots, John Jen- kins, Esq., the Hardings and Gardners distinguished for zeal, with others. The fort consisted of a house built of hewed logs, and surrounded by a stockade. "Not apprised of the contiguity of the savages, on the morning of June 30th, 177S, Benjamin Hard- ing, Stukley Harding, John Hadsall, a boy, James Hadsall, James Hadsall, Jr., Daniel Wallen, John ■'•About 1846, John Stout, tlien owner of the John Gardner farm, plowed up neai' a mulberry tree, in front of the old tavern house, .some crockery, pew- tei' platters, cliinaware and several articles of hard- ware, such as pots, kettles, spiders, axes, augers, etc., supposed to h;ive been those buried by the Gardner family after the massacre, before they left for Connecticut. If so, the goods buried were not found on their return to the valley, and were a total loss to them. Christopher Taylor, who then lived in Newton, was present at the time they were plowed up, and took some of the articles home which he kept as relics of the olden time along the Susquehanna. Gardner and Daniel Carr, eight in all, took their arms and went up the river about six miles into Exeter township (opposite what is now Ransom), to their labor. Toward evening, at an hour when aid could not be expected, they were attacked. That they had fought bravely was admitted by the enemy. Wallen, Gardner and Carr were taken prisoners. James Hadsall and his son, James, Jr., Benjamin and Stukley Harding were killed. John Hadsall, the boy, threw himself into the river, and lay under the willows, with his mouth just above the surface. He heard with anguish the dying groans of his friends. Knowing he was near, the Indians searched carefully for him. At one time they were so close that he could have touched them. Two Indians, who were watching the dead, expecting that friends might come to take away the bodies, and they might obtain other vic- tims, were shot, one where he sat, the other in the river to which he had fled. "It is said that one of the Indians wau shot by Zebulon Marcy, and a brother of the Indun killed hunted for Marcy for several years, and finally found and waylaid him, swearing he would have revenge." THE UPPER SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY Copyright, 1912, by Edson W. Safford Great rivers are always prominent factors in the development and history of a people. They are always interesting to the geologist and scien- tist, as well as the historian. Poets and orators have exhausted their imagination and powers of speech to describe the beauties and import- ance of the great rivers of all civilized countries. But the Susquehanna almost defies description. Always it is referred to as the "beautiful Sus- quehanna." It drains the central part of the State of Pennsylvania and flows southward to the Chesa- peake Bay. One historian well describes it in a sentence as "A broad, rapid, shallow, moun- tain stream, famous for its varied and romantic views." It would take a book of hundreds of pages to describe this picturesque river and the land through which it flows. From pioneer days to the close of the Rebel- lion its history forms the most important pages of the story of the Republic. Her people have produced pioneers, heroes, statesmen, philoso- 13hers and financiers who have contributed to the poi^ulation of the western states. Its vast, original foi'ests of white oak, hick- ory, M'alnut, maple, cherry, birch, beech, ash, chestnut, basswood, white pine and hemlock have furnished unnumbered fortunes to the lumberman and tanner. Her coal and mineral wealth, since the first rude forge was built on her banks in the seventeenth century, has been and still is a national resource. All these things have been accepted as a matter of course, and have gone without special notice or comment. In fact the boomer for other sections has been prone to disparage and discouot this great val- ley in order to more rapidly draw from her HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY 71 population and wealth. Nevertheless, the Upper Susquehanna Valley has steadily increased in both population and wealth, as well as to constantly advance in social and educational advantages. The future holds great opportunities for this region. Good Grazing Land The uj^per valley is like an elevated plateau, through which the beautiful Susquehanna winds in graceful, sweeping curves. Her num- erous tributaries are supplied by a regular rain- fall, which is marvelously stored among the lit- tle hills and dales in innumerable small lakes and underground veins which break out at the surface in springs of clear, pure, cold water. County, Pennsylvania, about seventy miles; at Pittston the stream turns again sharply back to its course toward the Chesapeake Bay. Thus the river has traveled a course of about 200 miles to gain a distance of 65 miles. Within this loop formed by the beautiful Susquehanna, is the countj^ of Susquehanna, a great part of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming and Bradford in Pennsylvania, and a part of Tioga and Broome counties in the State of New York. It has been asserted by travelers and observ- ing people that the natural verdure, especially the grass of this region, is different from any other section of the two states. That it is the same as the blue grass region of Kentucky. THE STARRUCCA VIADUCT, LANESBORO. PA. These springs and lakes are the fountain head of many streams which make their way in every direction through the plains and banks of the ever increasing river. Many of these tributary creeks have excellent natural Avater power, which have in the past, and will more in the future, when enterprise becomes disinthralled from monopoly, turn the wheels of industrial manufacture. Owing to the annual rainfall and the marvel- ous natural system of water storage, the pastur- age of this region is rich and ahundant. The upper valley of the river here described is sometimes called the "great bend' of the Sus- quehanna. Beginning at Lanesboro, Susque- hanna County, Pennsylvania, the river turns from its general course and flows westward about twenty miles; thence northwest to Bing- hamton. New York, about twenty-five miles: thence nearly due west to Sayre, Pennsylvania, about sixty miles; thence south to Towanda, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, about twenty- five miles ; thence southeast to Pittston, Luzerne Be that as it may, certain it is that verdant pasturage of rich nutritious grass grows natu- rally in this section. Experience shows that if land is plowed here and left without seeding, it will come back to natural grass and sod in due time. The soil in this section is diversified. On the river and creek bottoms it is a sandy loam ; on the hillsides a clay loam ; on the upper jjleateaus and hilltops, in places red shale, (always very rich, productive grain land) mostly clay loam. It produces abundant crops under thorough tillage; and increases in fertility and retains its strength under modern methods of cropping and fertilization. Fruit Culture The land and climate is well adapted to the apple, pear, plum, cherry and grape. While in some localities, peaches in the perfection of flavor are raised successfully. The strawberry, blackberry and raspberry grow spontaneous, and when cultivated the yield is very abundant 72 HISTORY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY and of the highest qualitj' of fruit. Dr. J. li. Funk of Boyerstown, Pennsylva- nia, lecturing on connnercial orcharding before a Farmer's Institute at Montrose, declared that this section of the state was well adapted to fruit. He pointed out that this latitude, be- tween 39 degrees and 43 degrees was the best. That the altitude— about 1,500 feet— was suf- ficient to secure air drainage, which is now known to be important for all vinous and tree fruits. That the natural land drainage and right soil existed to pnjduce vigorcjus trees. But horticulture for the Ujjper Susquehanna Valley does not depend upon theory, dt is an esta))lished success. The first settlers planted oi'chards; the trees grew and fruited so abun- dantly that choice fruit, csjiecially apples, Avere annually harvested without any effort of culti- vation. As the land was cleared of the original for- ests, small fruits, such as the blackberry, red and black raspberry and strawberry grew spon- taneously. The enormous quantities of these fruits growing in the cleared fields helped sub- stantially in supplying the table of the early settlers. Every thrifty housewife laid by a gen- erous supply of dried blackberries for winter use. . . .. Nature has thus demonstrated that this. valley is well adapted to fruit. The people for.. genera- tions, having gathered fruits produced by' na- ture's bounty, have for this reason been slow to develop the industry of systematic and improv- ed horticulture. But the rapid and continuous growth of population in the manufacturing and mining districts of New York and Pennsylvania has created an enormous demand for apples and small fruits, which is not half supplied. Therefore, progressive farmers are now turning their attention to modern horticulture and com- mercial orcharding. There are already a few small orchards which have become famous in their abundant and pro- fitable yield of choice market fruit. Commercial Orcharding While in the past fruit growing in the upper Susquehanna valley has been conducted in a sort of haphazard way, it is now quite evident that a change is taking place, and some of the keen visioned, progressive citizens are planting large orchards. It is no experiment. The thorough cultiva- tion and systematic marketing of the apple, pear and even the pcacb, accdrding to modern methods, will niakr this valley rich and famous. Dairying Another important indu,stry in this region is dairying.. The .natural pasturage of the Sus- quehanna plateau has been for years a prime source of her wealth. Along the broad eleva- tions of land between the numerous tributaries to the Susquehanna, is sprinkled numerous lit- tle lakes, covering from one to two hundred acres; having a depth of from fifteen to fifty feet, of clear, sparkling water. These lakes really consist of several great springs, cropping out in a basin formation of the surface. The water is held back until it overflows the edge of the basin at the lowest point, and goes gurgling down through ever widening dales to the great river. Along the sides and over the crests of these small valleys other springs crop out every- where. Clear, sparkling, cokl, soft water. It is needless to say that this wonderful na- tural system of water fountains furnishes a never failing water supply for stock not surpass- ed anywhere in the world. Rich, nutritious grasses grow naturally in the Upper Susque- hanna Valley. Recently, under the auspices of the Agricul- tural Department of the Lehigh Valley Rail- road Company, dairymen's associations are be- ing formed for the s.ystematic feeding and test- ing of milch cows. Through these associations the "robber cow." will be eliminated, and the whole dairy business of this section will be brought to a basis of systematic business, which will begin a new era for eastern dairymen and stock breeders. The Sulky Plq-w Modern method of agriculture is already hav- ing its effect to improve the conditions of the eastern farmer. A whole chapter might be writ- ten on the sulky plow, which is a practical tool in the valley of the Susquehanna. Farmers are finding out that it will do good work on our roughest and stoniest fields. One man with a modern sulky plow and a pair of heavy horses, will turn over more than twice the acres that could be plowed by hand and do it much better. Thus the drudgery of the eastern farmer disap- pears. Cheap Land AVhy then, with all these advantages, does Pennsylvania land continue so cheap? This cjuestion can be easily answered. First. Free land under the homestead law, has caused a constant drain on our population and resources. Second. The boomer has always existed in every section of the United States except the iinrtheastern, for the reason that land here al- ways commanded a price, and of course, could not compete against free land. Third. It must be admitted that tne eastern HISTORY OF TliE WYOMING VALLEY 73 fariner has been slow to adopt modern methods of agriculture. But the lure of nearby cities, with their glim- mer of high wages and big salaries, together with a thirst for a more thorough education, has been the chief factor in drawing our young men from the farms. The enactment of the homestead law and the discovery of gold in California were almost sim- ultaneous. Under all these conditions the rural counties of many of the eastern states have shown a decrease in population, and have now become the district of cheap lands in the United States. Good machine tilled farms, fenced, improved with small orchards, big dairy barns, horse barns, chickeries, hog houses, graneries, silos, wagon sheds, tool houses, ice-houses and good comfortable dwellings, all built with a lavish use of lumber from the very farm upon which they stand, can now be bought for less than the cost of erecting the buildings and fences at the present time. Most of the farms have running- spring water to the buildings and in the pas- tures. Of course, the land is not smooth and level like a prairie, but its nearness to the market more than makes up for the cost of tillage. Soil Fertility Some of the land is rough and stony; some of the side hills are steep, but comparatively few acres are steep or rough enough to prevent the use of sulky plows, mowing machines, reapers and binders. If a man wants a level farm he can find it in the creek and river valleys. Some prefer the sloping side hill. Some of our very best farms are on the top of the hills. The soil on the creek and river bottoms is a sandy loam, generally free from stones; on the uplands it is clay loam, with now and then a formation of red shale, which is always con- sidered especially good grain land. The soil of the upland being mixed with small stones, is free and loose. It readily absorbs the regular rainfalls, and resists drought to a remarkable degree. It retains applied stable manure and lime, and under improved and scientific meth- ods of agriculture increases in fertility and pro- duction. It is proven by U. S. Agricultural statistics that Pennsylvania farms produce as much pev acre of corn, oats, wheat, rye and timothy hay, as the prairie land. Cheap Fuel Most of the farms in this section have a small piece of woods left, from ten to thirty or forty acres, which furnishes a constant supply of fuel, and lumber to repair buildings. iln the past our land owners have been care- less and wasteful of their forest trees. But now they are more careful, and realize that a few acres of woodland adds substantial value to a farm property. Climate All tourists and travelers are enthusiastic in their praise of the Upper Susquehanna Valley in the summer time. The days are glorious, and usually comfortable for the labor of both man and bea.st; no malaria; no miasina;_no blasting desert winds or blizzards; no sizzling enervating torrid heat ; no mosquitoes or poison- ous insects. The long days of bright sunshine; copious showers; the early and latter rains all combine to bring abundant crops and a salubrious dim- ate. The four distinct seasons, viz.: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, are plainly marked by actual weather conditions. There are no ex- tremes of heat or cold, wet or dry. In winter the ground is usually covered with snow through January and February, with sufficient quantity to make good sleighing most of the time. The approach of winter is generally very gradual, warm, pleasant weather continuing through the months of October and November. The average temperature of the month of De- cember in northeast Pennsylvania during the l^ast forty-seven years, as kept by Mr. Theodore Dav, of 'Dyberry, Pa., was 25.4 degrees. In mid-summer, during June, July and August, there are many very hot days, relieved, how- ever, by a good breeze. Crops Corn has been the standard crop here since the country was first settled by the Connecticut pioneer. Rye, oats, buckwheat, potatoes and timothy hay are the regular and profitable crops. Educational and Social Advantages The Pennsylvania common school system is excellent. Many of the modern high schools prepare for college entrance ; and the graduates of the county high schools are fully ]irepared to take up the regular courses of all colleges and universities of "the eastern states, except about three. Some of the famous and well established col- leges of this country are within a day's .journey of the Upper Susquehanna Valley. Some of the very best are within the valley. Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pa., is situate on the west branch of the Susquehanna, and conven- ient to northeast Pennsylvania. Its campus, formed by nature as well as art, slopes steep and high above the river, protected by the grateful 74 HISTORY OF LAOKAWAiNNA COUNTY shade of fine clni, maple, oak and other native trees. Beyond and below the campus is an ex- tensive athletic field, all commanding a most surpassing view of tlie great river valley at the point of confluence of the two branches. Nature surely provided the site for Bucknell University. This great institution is engaged in the work of character building, as well as higher education, and well earns and deserves the success she attains. Church Pkivileges ^VU the leading Christian denominations arc represented in the many cities, towns, hamlets and country districts all through the valley. Most of their pulpits are supplied with able, educated pa.stors and prcacliers, and the religi- ous influence is strong and uncompromising. CHAPTER TEN A BRIEF HISTORY OF LACKAWANNA COUNTY The name, Lackawannock or Lackawanna, is derived from the Delaware Indian language, and it has come to its present form through many corruptions. One historian has written, "Lackawanna is a corruption of the .Indian Lee-ha-ugh-hunt or Lee-haw-hanna. The pre- fix Lee ha or Lee haw, signifies the point of intersection; hanna, as in Susquelianna, Toby- hanna, Toppahannock, Rappahannock, Tunk- hannock, and Tunkhanna, implies, in Indian language, a stream of water." Hence, the original meaning of the word Lackawanna, is the place where two streams meet, and it was applied to the locality at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Lackawanna rivers. From this the river took its name, as did also the val- ley through which it runs, and ultimately the county which includes it. The Monsby Indians. AA^hen the Lackawanna valley was settled by the whites there were two Indian settlements or villages within its limits. One of these was Asserughney , at the confluence of the Susque- hanna and Lackawanna rivers, under Camp- bell's Ledge. The other was about ten miles up the Lackawanna, near the mouth of the Nay Aug (Roaring Brook). It was called Capoose Meadows after a chief of that name, who came from iNew Jersey about the year 1700 and who was partly civilized, and noted for his peaceful character. Trails ran from this village to Wyoming, to Cochecton and to Oqua- go, (now Windsor) Broome county, N. Y. The Indians inhabiting these villages were Monseys. They left the village after the Wyoming Mas- sacre. In addition to these, traces were found of five other Indian villages that had long pre- viously been inhabited and abandoned, all lo- cated on the west bank of the river. Count Zinzendorf visited the village of Ca- poose in 1742, and the date of its first occu- pancy by the Monseys mu.st have been at least thirty years before. A quarter of a mile up the river, on the high bank of the Lackawanna, was the Indian burying ground, long since ob- literated by the cultivation of the spot by the whites. Here in 1795 were discovered a num- ber of Indian graves, which were oijened, ac- cording to Hollister, "by a party of settlers in search of antiquarian spoils." He continues: "As one of the mounds seemed to have been pre- pared Avitli especial attention, and contained, with the bones of the warrior, a great quantity of the implements of the deceased, it was sup- posed, erroneously, no doubt, to have been the grave of the chieftain Capoose. These graves, few in numl^er, perhaps pointed to the last of the group of Mousey warriors who had ofl'ered incence and sacrifice to the great spirit of 'Ca- poose.' " Several apple trees were found in Pro- vidence by the whites who first visited the val- ley. One of these trees was felled in 1801 hav- ing one hundred and fifty concentric circles, being one hundred and fifty years old. "The domestic habits of the Mousey tribe," says Hol- lister, "when not engaged in Avarfare were ex- tremely simple and lazy. Patches of open land or 'Indian clearings' early were found in the valley, where onions, cantaloupes, beans, and corn, and their favorite weed tobacco, were half cultivated by the obedient squaw." The Mon- seys accompanied the Delawares to Ohio, and subsequently were merged in the latter tribe. The FipST Settlement. The first settlement in the territory which is now included in Lackawanna county, was made by John Gardner in 1769 in Ransom township near the mouth of Gardner's creek. For a detailed account of this settlement see Ransom fownship. About the same time Topez AVilliams, Silas Parks and Prince Aldeu settled in Lackawanna tfiwnship. They were dispossessed by the Pen- namites in 1770. HISTORY OF LACKAWAJ^NA COUNTY 75 Pioneer Industries of the County The first grist- and saw-mills in the county were l^uilt bj' the town (then Pittston but now Lackawanna township) in 1774, just below the falls on the Lackawanna river. In 1775 they were sold to Solomon Strong, and soon after- ward were destroyed by a ilood. Another grist-mill was built by Philip Ab- bott on Roaring Brook in 1788. The construc- tion of this establishment was very simple. In October of the same year his brother, James, joined him in the enterprise, and in the spring of 1789 the firm was further strengthened by the admission of Reuben Taylor, when the mill was enlarged. Later they sold to John and Seth Howe, who in July, 1798, sold the same with improvements, to Ebenezer Slocum and James Duwain. It is recorded that James Van Fleet (from whom Fleetville was named) made and sold nearly all the plows used in the first agriculture of the valley. He made plow-shares of gnarled knots of trees for a score of years or more. He lived to an extreme- old age. Large numbers of sheep were raised in the early days of Providence township, and the inhabitants, depending wholly upon their own woolen goods for raiment, early gave attention to carding and fulling-mills.* The hardy pion- eer women were ever busy in dealing out their warp and filling for frocks, coats, trowsers and flannel petticoats. These mills were regarded as equally important for the prosperity of the neighborhood as the grist-mill and the saw-mill. A carding and fulling-mill was built a little above Providence in 1808 by John Watres, which passed into the hands of Carter & Miller in 1841. The earlier exports of Providence were grain, lumber and whiskey. Of the lat- ter a large quantity was manufactured at Tripp's still, half a mile below the village. During 1826 Colonel Henry W. Drinker, of "Drinker's Beech" gave a brisk impulse to the village when he, with trifling State aid, crossed the valley with the Philadelphia and Great Bend turnpike, and opened communication with New York city by a tri-weekly stage. Pas- sengers could then go from Providence to New York by way of Stroudsburg in three days. The Lackawanna was first bridged here bv Drinker in 1826. A Pioneer's Experience The locality of the thriving borough of Dun- more was often explored by passers between Connecticut and "Wyoming in the early days; *A fulling-mill, for fulling or thickening cloth by means of pestles or stampers, which alternately fall into or rise from troughs where the cloth is put with fuller's-earth or other cleansing material. but no settlers made an opening in the forest at this point imtil the advent of William Alls- worth, from New York State, in 1783. Doctor Hollister gives the following incidents in the conflict of this pioneer family with the wild beasts which everywhere abounded in the prim- itive wilderness: "From the Lackawa settlement, on the Paupack, some four and twenty miles from the cabin of Allsworth, there stood but two habitations in 1783, one at Little Meadows, the other at Cobb's, both kept as houses of entertainment. The need of more places of rest to cheer the emigrants toiling toward Wyoming with heavy burdens, drawn by the sober team of oxen, induced Mr. Allsworth to fix his abode at this spot. While he was building his cabin from trees felled for the purpose of gaining space and material, his covered wagon furnished a home for his family. At night heaps of logs were kept burn- ing until long after midnight to intimidate wolves, bears, wildcats and panthers inhabiting the chapar- ral toward Roaring brook and Capoose. Deer and bears were so abundant tor many years within sight of his clearing that his family never trusted to his rifle in vain for a supply of venison or the substan- tial haunches of the bear. In tall and winter months wild beasts made incursions with such fre- quency that domestic animals at night could be safely kept only in palisaded inclosures. These were a strong stockade made from a well driven sapling, and generally built contiguous to the dwelling, into which all kinds of live stock were driven for protection after nightfall. Every farm- er in the tov/nship of Providence, unwilling to see his home invaded and occupied by the common enemy at the dead of night took this precaution less than a hundred years ago. And even then they were not exempt from depredation at Mr. Allsworth's. At one time, just at the edge of evening, a bear grouped his way into the pen where some of his pigs were slumbering, seized the sow in his brawny paws and bore the noisy porker hurriedly into the woods, where it was seen no more. The affrighted pigs were left un- harmed in the pen. At another time, during the absence from home of Mr. Allsworth, a large pan- ther came to his place before sundown dn search of food. This animal is as partial to veal as the bear is to pork. A calf lay in the unguarded in- closure at the time. Upon this the panther sprang, when Mrs. Allsworth, alarmed by the bleating of the calf, seized a pair of heavy tongs from the fire- place, with a heroism distinguishing most of the women of that day, drove the yellow intruder away without its intended meal. The same night, how- ever, the calf was killed by the panther, which in return was captured in a trap the same week, and slain." A Brief History op Each Township. Benton. This township was formed from Nicholson in 1838, and was named in honor of the late Hon. Thomas PI. Benton, a United States senator from Missouri. This townshiij was first settled in 1810 or 1811 by a Mr. Bas- sett, after whom Bassett pond is named. He lo- cated at the mouth of Bassett creek near Walls- ville. At the head of Finn pond was the old caiuping ground of the Indians. It lay on the trail from the head waters of the Lehigh to 76 HISTORY OF LACKAWA^NNA COUNTY Great Beurl, on the Susquehanna. Here have been found large quantities of arrow-heads, slone hatchets, and other rehos. Tlie pioneer nurserymen were Isaac Doiid and Parrnenus Brundage, who set out orchards as early as 1820 in the northeastei'n part of the towaiship. The pioneer school-house was built of logs about 1S20, in the northeast corner of the townshin. The population of the township was 1,055 in 1S70; 1,14S in 1880; 1,052 in 1890: 1,042 in 1900; 807 in 1910. Carbondale was formed in April, 1831 from a part of Blakely and Greenfield township*. The wild land of this township -was originally owned by an Englishman named Russell, liv- ing at Sunbury. ,Tt was named Oai-bondale bv William and Maurice Wurts, of Philadel- phia, who came into possession of it in 1812. Including the city of Carbondale it contains about twenty-three square miles. The pioneer settler was David Ailsworth, who came from Rhode Island in 1802. and located on the side of the mountain. Mrs. Ailsworth was the pioneer weaver. Peter Wedeman located on "Ragged Island" in 1807. where he raised a large family. His attire was very imposing. He wore a bear-skin for a coat, the fore legs serving for -sleeves ; a fawn-skin vest, buckskin pants,, and a raccoon skin cap with the tail hanging behind Mdien worn. Christopher E. Wilbur came from Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1810, to manufacture the old fashioned wooden spinning-wheels used at that time. Nearly every fireside in the vallej' was soon gladdened bv the hum of his wheels. The population was 721 in 1870: 1.163 in 1880; 1.784 in 1890: 1,440 in 1900: 1.635 in 1910. Clifton. This to\\'Tiship was formed from Covington, December 14. 1875. .lacob Gress, the first settler, located here in 1840. He open- ed the first tavern in a log-house in the most ]-)rimitive style. He was a. brave hunter, and was the proud owner of seventy-three bear skins. ITe also killed over seven hunderd deer and a large number of panthers and wolves, and much small game. The first store was built in 1863 or 1864 bv ITerbine, Baum & Co.. at Clif- ton. The population was 282 in 1880: 172 in 1890; 200 in 1900; 203 in 1910. Covington. The township of Covington was formed in 1818 from the townshi]^ of Wilkes- Bari-e, and embraced at that time the whole of Henry Drinker's possessions in the south part of old Luzerne county. It was named Coving- ton at the suggestion of H. W. Drinker, Cson of Henry Drinker) in honor of Brigadier Gen- eral Covington, who fell at the battle of Wil- liamsburg, in upper Canada. In 1787, Plenrv Drinker purchased about 25,000 acres, includ- ing this township, of the Stale. Avhich has since been known as "Drinker's Beech," from the timber that covered it. In the summer of 1814 this land was resurveyed by Jackson Torrey of Bethany, Wayne, county, into lots averaging one hundred acres each. Lots were sold at $5 per acre on five years credit, the first two years without interest: payment to be made in lum- ber, shingles, labor, produce, or anything the farmer had to spare. The first settlement was made in 1815, by II. W. Drinker. The cele- brated "Drinker Turnpike" was built through this township in 1828, its cour.se being due north and south. The charter fo.r this road was obtained in 1819. Its terminal points were Philadelphia and Great Bend. ,Tii 1827. when EdAvard Wardell, Jr., was township collector, the duplicate amounted to onlv $96. The terri- tory embraced in the township at that time covered the present to-rniships of Covington. Lehigh, Clifton, Spring Brook, Madison, and Buck township of Luzerne counter. The popu- lation was 1,182 in 1870: 881 in 1880; 884 in 1 890 : 794 in 1900 : 641 in 1910. Fell. This township was first 'settled in 1818 by Peter F. Ball who came from the State of New York, building a los-house in the north- western part of the township. This township was formed from Carbondale township, in No- vember. 1845, and named in honor of Judge •Jesse Fell, who acquired considerable fame in the Wyoming valley durinq- its earlv history. A coal mine was opened on Elk creek in Decem- ber, 1864 bv J. W. and J. P. Williams, and the breaker built in 1874, bavins- a capacity of one hundred tons per dav. The Elk creek mine was opened and the breaker built in 1873 bv Clarkson & Brennan. The population was 343 in 1870: 441 in 1880: 1.154 in 1890; 2,- 404 in 1900: 4.353 in 1910. Greenfield. This township covers about twenty square niiles. and was formed from Abington in January, 1816. Among the pion- eer settlers were Elijah Ilobb and James Sac- kett, from "\''ermont, the latter locating in the western part of the township about 1800. Charles Berrv opened the first tavern about 1820 near Carey's Corners, which was a log- house one-and-a-half stories high, with one low room below for the guests and a little lower room above for the family. The floor between as well a= the roof was made of bark. Meals were served for 121/2 cents, and lodging was only 6 cents. Rum was 3 cents and gin or brandy 4 cents a glass. The pioneer school- bouse was built in 1820. The population was 819 in 1870: 821 in 1880; 673 in 1890: 681 in 1900; 590 in 1910. Jefferson, Although Jefferson township HISTORY OF LACKAWANNA COUNTY 77 was only formed iu 1836, from Providence township, its settlement dates back to 1781 or 1782,, wlien Jolm Somers made a clearing at the foot of Cobb's momitaiu. In 1784 he sold to Asa Cobb, who became the first permanent set- tler. For many years his cabin ^vas the only habitation between Dunmore and the Little ]\leadows, in Wayne county, which offered hos- pitality to all passing be'tAveen Connecticut and tne Wyoming valley, and became one of the most popular sto^jpiug j^iaces on the whole route. The population was 776 in 1870; 794 in 1880; 696 in 1890; 750 in 1900; 633 in 1910. , Lackawanna. This township was formed in January, 1839, from portions of Pittston and Providence townships. It was settled as early as 1769 or 1770 by Topaz Williams, Silas Parks and Prince Alden, Connecticut Yankees, who were dispossessed by the Pennamites in 1770. Barnabas Carey built the first log-cabin erected by a white man above the falls of the Lackawanna. The first saw and grist mills in Lackawanna ce)unty Avere built by the town (then Pittston) in 1774, just below the falls on the Lackawanna river. In 1775 they were pur- chased by Solomon Strong and soon afterward were destroyed by a flood. The population was 5,822 in 1880; 8,061 in 1890; 5,623 in 1900; 2,756 in 1910. floosie and part of Taylor boroughs were formed from Lackawanna town- ship since 1890. Lehigh. When Lackawanna county was formed of Luzerne county, August 13, 1878, the line ran through Buck township, dividing it in nearly equal parts, and that portion lying east of the new line in Lackawanna county was formed in a new township and named Lehigh, from the river. The pioneer settler Avas Isaac Lewis, Avho came in 1842 and purchased land of Charles Terwilliger along the Lehigh river. The first year he cleared thirty acres, planted it all to corn, and raised the first crop in Lehigh. He was the first man married in the township. Gouldsboro is the only village in the township, which was made a borough May 12, 1871. The pojjulation of the township was 193 in 1880 ; 146 in 1890; 129 in 1900; 119 in 1910. It is settled only along the Lehigh river. Madison. This township Avas formed Aug. 7, 1849 from parts of Covington and Jefferson, and was named in honor of James Madison. The pioneer settlers,. Thomas Biesecker and Richard EdAA'ards, located in the northwest part of the toAA'nship, in the fall of 1824, Avhere they built log cabins, moving their families into them in January, 1825. The population Avas 1,530 in 1870; 1,041 in 1880; 1.257 in 1890; 1, 242 m 1900; 640 in 1910. The borough of Mos- cow has been organized from a part of Madison toAA-nship since 1900, Avith a population of 650. Newton. Until 1842 this township was a part of Falls toAA'nship. In that year Wy- oming comity was formed from Luzerne, the easterly line of the ucav comity running through Falls township, leavmg the eastern por- tion Avithout a name or an organization. _ This AA'as organized into a township in 1844, and named NeAvton, after a town of that name Avliich is the county seat of Sussex county, Nbav Jersey, from AA'here many of the early settlers came. Richard Gardner was the pioneer set- tler, making a clearing and building a log-house near the Ransom tOAvnship line in 1803. The population Avas 1,057 in 1870; 1,027 in 1880; 1,059 in 1890; 1,281 in 1900; 1,417 in 1910. The inmates of the Hillside Home are included in the above. NoETH Abington. Iu 1867 this toAvnship Avas formed from Abington. In the Connecti- cut claim and survey this township was called Ebbington, in honor of Col. Ebbmgs, an ex- tensive land agent of Connecticut, through Avhom titles to these lands AA'ere obtained on very reasonable terms; but these titles proved illegal and hence valueless, under the Pennsylvania laAA's AA'hich finally obtained, and the land hold- ers,, being indignant, changed the name to Ab- ington. Under the Pennsylvania laAvs this was included in a large tract called Tunkhannock. ■ In 1806 a new toAvnship was formed 'rfrom Tunkhannock including this tract, and the name Abington Avas restored. This included several of the surrounding toAvnships. In 1814 a part of Abington Avas annexed to Nicholson, and in 1816 Greenfield tOAvnshijj AA'as taken off. The toAvnship Avas divided in 1867 into North and South Abington. The contention of the "Yankees" and "Pennaniites" retarded the early settlement of Abington, as did the large and almost impassible mountains on the south. The toAA-nship remained an unbroken and miknown AA-ilderuess until about 1796, when it was sui'veyed by a party form Rhode Island mider the Connecticut claim. In 1799, Deacon William Clark and family (including his three sons, William. Jtremiah and John), Thomas Smith and Ephriaui Leach came from Connecticut. Their outfit consisted of one poor horse, a drag made of poles fastened at the back of the horse for a conveyance. On this drag were placed a sap kettle, their axes, and a few clothes and i^rovisions. They crossed the Leggett niountain, at a gaj? westerly from Avhere the road iioaa' passes. They made their camp in Abington, March 15, 1799. Daring the summer and fall they made clearings in several places and opened a patli tlu'ough 78 HISTORY OF LACKAWANNA COUNTY Leggett's gap. Deacon Clark settled at what is now Clark's Green, a name given in his honor. The first teacher, preacher and postmaster was Elder John Miller. The popnlation of North Abington township was 1,072 in 1880 ; 1,090 in 1890; 362 in 1900; 319 in 1910. Dalton borough and A¥est Abington township were organized from parts of iNorth Abington town- ship since 1890. Ransom. This township was formed in 1849, from parts of Exeter and Newton. It was named in honor of Captain Samuel Ran- som, who raised a company in 1777 for the de- fense of Wyoming valley, and fell in the Wy- oming Massacre, July 3, 1778. The pioneer settler, John Gardner (also first settler in Lack- awanna county), came from Colchester, Conn., in 1769, and built a log cabin along the Sus- quehanna, near the mouth of Gardner's creek. The population was 646 in 1880; 650 in 1890; 894 in 1900; 849 in 1910. The above figures include the inmates of the Ransom Home. Roaring Brook township was formed May 24, 1871, out of parts of the borough of Dun- more and the townshii3s of Jefferson and Madi- son, and named from the stream passing through it. Before and after the construction of the Drinker turnpike through the township there had been no settlement, unless we count Barney Carey, who kept the toll-gate on the turnpike about a mile below Dmming. Gilbert Dunning located at that village in 1847. He raised the first crops in the township. A few years later he erected the first framed house in the township. The first school-house was built in 1855. The population was 769 in 1880; 335 in 1890; 213 in 1900; 235 in 1910. Scott. This township was formed from Greenfield in 1846, and named in honor of Hon. David Scott, one of the associate judges of Luzerne county. This is one of the town- ships across which the Indians traveled from the Susquehanna to the head waters of the Dela- ware. One of their camping grounds was near Scott village. Roger Orvis, from Vermont, lo- cated in 1802 at Orvis Corners. He made the first clearing and huilt the pioneer log cabin. The first grist-mill was built of logs by Seth Howe, in 1800, at the outlet of Chapman's Lake. It had but one run of rock stones. The water was conveyed from the outlet through troughs of logs to an overshot wheel. The township had a population of 1,132 in 1870; 1,263 in 1880; 1,213 in 1890; 1,255 in 1900; 1,296 in 1910. South Abington. At a special meeting held in the southern district of Abington, Oct. 8, 1867, 100 votes were cast in favor of a divi- sion of the township, and 24 against. A ma- jority being in favor of division in Ijoth dis- tricts, it was carried into effect on the 25th day of November, 1867. The population was 923 in 1880; 1,083 in 1890; 1,612 in 1900; 1,987 in 1910. (See North Abington toivnship). Spring Brook. This township was formed from Covington, Nov. 22, 1853. The north half was originally owned by Dr. Hoosic- and the south half by a Mr. Fisher, except 800 acres at Yostville, owned by H. W. Drinker. The first settlement was made in 1832 by Abraham Turner, near the centre of the township. The pioneer school-house was built in 1832. It was a framed building, and the first teacher was Miss Emeline Griffin. The population was 426 in 1870; 658 in 1880; 756 in 1890; 458 in 1900; 439 in 1910. West Abington township was formed from a part of North Abington January 24, 1895. At a special election, held Tuesday, January 22, 1895, at the regular polling place of North Abington township ; 81 voted for and 4 against the clivision of the township. Two days later the court apjiointed the following persons elec- tors of the said township : George H. Colvin, judge of elections; W. S. Ross, majority inspec- tor of elections; H. E. Capwell, minority in- si^ector of elections, and George F. Gethman, constable. The population was 219 in 1900, and 216 in 1910. Townships Which Have Become Extinct The following townships have been merged into boroughs, and are now extinct: Providence township was formed in 1770. It was named from Providence, R. I., and was the sixth of the townships alloted by the Sus- quehanna Company to the Connecticut settlers. It originally contained twenty-five square miles. After the decree of Trenton, in 1782, Provi- dence .became one of the townships of North- umberland county which had been organized in 1772, and embraced the territory in dispute between Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Upon the erection of Luzerne county four years later, it was included within its boundaries ; but it was not organized into a township of said coun- ty until 1792, when it was separated from Pitts- ton. As a township Providence has become extinct. In April, 1819, a portion was set off as a part of Blakely; Jan. 4, 1829, the western portion Avas reannexed to Pittston township; March 14, 1849, Providenc-e borough was erect- ed from its territory ; Hyde Park borough, May 4, 1852; Scranton borough, Feb. 14, 1856; Dunmore borough, April 10, 1862. The city of Scranton was incorporated April 23, 1866, which embraced within its limits all that then HISTORY OF LACKAWAiNNA COUNTY 79 remained of the ancient township of Providence and the boroughs of Providence, Hyde Park and Scranton. The first whites who settled in Providence, as originally bounded, were Timothy Keyes, Andrew flickman and Solomon liocksey. They erected a cabin in 1771, where Taylorville now is, on the bank of the creek which has since been named in honor of Mr. Kej^es. Mrs. Hickman was one of the first five women in Wyoming. The same year Isaac Tripp, one of the proprietors of the Susquehanna company, built his log cabin near the vacated wigwams of the Mousey Indians at "Capoose Meadows," and without clearing a foot of land planted and raised a crop of corn the first season, on the Blakbly township waS first settled by Tim- otlry Stevens in 1786, near what is now Dick- son City. This township was formed from parts of Providence and Greenfield townships in 1818, and is uoav merged into the boroughs of Blakely (1867), Jermvn (1870), Dickson City (1875), Olyphant (1877), Archbald (1877) and Win ton (1877). Old Forge. This township was formed from Lackawanna township. May 26, 1871, and con- tained nearly nine square miles. Among the pioneers none were more prominent in business affairs and in the development of the town- ship's resources, than Dr. William Hooker Smith, who came here in 1789, after having CENTRE OF SCRANTON, SHOVS^ING COURT HOUSE, 190S Courtesy of Wyoming Historical Society, Wilkes-Barre . plantation deserted by the Indians a sliort time before. There were more than a score of other purchasers of land in the township between 1772 and 1775. In 1775 -lames Leggett emi- grated from New Yorlc and located at the mouth of the creek now bearing his name. He was the first to make an improvement above Provi- dence village. In the Connecticut Susquehan- na Company's original plat of the township this tract had been allotted to Abraham Stan- ton,, in 1772. The next year it was transferred by Stanton to .Jolm Staples. On account of some dereliction of duty. Staple's claim was de- clared forfeited, and in 1774 it was granted to Davis Thayer. When he sold it to Leggett, in June, 1775, this, with several other tracts of land in the vicinity were covered with unbroken forest. lived in the Wilkes-Barre clearing from 1772. He was a competent surgeon and physician, and, excepting Dr. Sprague, he was the only physician in 1772 between Cocliecton and Sun- bury, a distance of 150 miles. He was a plain, practical man, with all the old-fashioned faith in the virtues of bleeding. In tlie Spring of 1789 Dr. Smith and -lames Sutton built a forge just above the mouth of Ascension ,brook, on the rocky edge of the Lackawanna and just be- low the rapicls or falls. This was the only con- cern of the kind in all old Westmoreland, ex- cept one at Newport, built in 1777. From it the township derived its name. Its population was 1,408 in 1880 ; 4,422 in 1890. Since 1890 the township has become extinct, being merged into Old Forge borough and part of Taylor borough- 80 HISTORY OF LACKAWANNA COUNTY Value of Agricultural Property In 1910 there were 1,692 farms in Lacka- wanna county, a decrease of 163 since 1900 ; but the vahie of the property has increased more than a million dollars. The area of the county is 288,640 acres, of Avhich 134,000, or forty-six and one-half per cent., are farm lands. The value of the farm property is distributed as follows: Land, $4,517,971; buildings, $2,- 291,295; implements and machinery, $501,- 073 ; domestic animals, poultry and bees, $994- 343. The following table shows the number of domestic animals, including poultry and bees, and the value of each: Number Value Cattle 13,339 $403,437 Horses 3,675 470,015 8,371 1,562 . . 37,866 .. 11,279 104 . . 58,010 3,699 Mules 87. Asses 45 . Swine 4,218. Sheep 2,373. Goats 10. Poultry Bees (colonies) 930 . The following crop production for the census year was shown : Acres Bushels Corn 1,250 39,014 Oats 4,651 101,440 Wheat 19 315 Buckwheat 2,152 37,077 Rye 1,037 14,309 Potatoes 2,763 263,917 Population of Lackawanna County by Townships and Boroughs Since 1890 1910 1900 1890 Archbald borough 7,194 5,396 4,032 Benton township 807 1,024 1,052 Blakely borough 5,345 3,915 2,452 Carbondale city 17,040 13,536 10,883 Carbondale township... 1,635 1,440 1,784 Clifton township 203 200 172 Covington township.... 641 794 884 Dalton borough (a)... 767 681 Dickson City borough (b) 9,331 4,948 3,110 Dunmore borough 17,615 12,583 8,315 Elmhurst borough(c).. 379 444 443 Fell township (d) 4,353 2,404 1,154 307 290 93 141 681 673 750 696 2,567 2,650 5,623 8,061 274 253 129 146 1,242 1,257 2,300 1,695 1,227 ' 1,281 1,059 362 1,090 5,630 6,180 4,083 894 650 213 335 1,255 1,213 102,026 75,215 1,612 1,083 458 756 4,215 2,204 765 489 292 219 3,425 1,787 193,831 142,088 Glenburn borough 319 Gouldsboro borough... 84 Greenfield township. . . . 590 .Jefferson township 633 .Termyn borough 3,158 Lackawanna town'p (e) 2,756 LaPlume borough 258 Lehigh township 119 Madison township (h) . . 640 Mayfield borough (f ) . . 3,662 Moosic borough (g) .... 3,964 Moscow borough (h) . . . 650 Newton township (i)... 1,417 North Abington twp. (a) 319 Old Forge borough (j). 11, 324 Olyphant borough 8,505 Ransom township (k) . . 849 Roaring Brook township 235 Scott township 1,296 Scranton city 129,867 South Abington twp.. . . 1,987 Spring Brook township. 439 Taylor borough (j).... 9,060 Throop borough (b) . . . 5,133 Vandling borough (d) . . 985 Waverly borough 515 West Abington twp (a) 216 Winton borough 5,280 259,570 (a) Dalton borough and West Abington town- ship organized from parts of North Abington town- ship since 1890. (b) Throop borough organized from part of Dickson borough since 1890. (c) Formerly Dunning. (cl) Vandling borough organized from part of Fell township since 1890. (e) Parts taken to form Moosic borough and part of Taylor borough since 1S90. (f) Formerly Mayville. (g) Moosic borough organized from part of Lackawanna township since 1890. (h) Moscow borough organized from part of Madison township since 1900. (i) The inmates of the Hillside Home are in- cluded in the population of Newton township. (j) Old Forge borough organized from part of Old Forge township since 1890. (j) Taylor borough organized from part of Lackawanna and Old Forge townships since 1890. (k) The inmates of the Ransom Home are in- cluded in the population of Ransom township. Clarks Summit was formed from a part of South Abington township and incorporated into a borough August 30, 1911. CHA.PTER ELEVEIV EARLY HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP The history of Newton township dates bade of the time when Newton became the name of this township, because mitil April 4, 1842, when Wyoming county was formed from a part of Luzerne county, this part of the country was known as Falls township, Luzerne county. The easterly line of the new county ran through Falls township, leaving the southeast- ern part of the township without an organiza- tion or a name. This wan organized into a town- ship in 1844_, and aa a large per cent, of the first settlers of this section came from Sussex county, New Jersey, the comnty seat of which is Newton, they named it Newton, in honor to their home town. fy. RiciiAED Gardner, the Pioneer Settijee The first white man to' settle in what is now known as Newton township was Richard Gard- ner, who came to this towusliip in 1803 ; made a clearing and built a log house on the farm now owned by Peter Corseliiis. This house stood near where the road now runs, only a few feet south of the gate in front, of the present house. Later he owned the farm now'.^.wned by George A. B^ck. '•'■,; /• Li 1807 he sold out to Jesse Harding and returned to what is now Ransom township. Then, and for a long time afterwards, elk, panthers, bears, wolves and wild cats held full sway. The woods were-irlsa full of deer, -and the -creeks were lined with many kinds of fish. Gardner's Creek was a trout stream, which swarmed with the speckled beauties. Richard Gardner was born in Colchester, Conn., February 8, 1767. He was the oldest, child of John Gardner, the first settler in Ran- som township. (See Ransom toiunship). Rich- ard was only two years old when his parents came to Ransom township, and settled at the mouth of Gardner's Creek in 1769, and eleven years of age at the time his father was captured by the Indians, when he and his mother, with three smaller children, accompanied by other survivors of the horrible Wyoming Massacre, returned to their old homes and friends in Con- necticut, i At the time of the Indian massacre and when; his father was captured, Richard was with his! mother in Fort Jenkins, across the river from^ where Pittston is now located, at the end of thei- river bridge. j In 1788, when twenty-one years of age, Mr.!- Gardner was married to Miss Lydia Chapman,! who was born in 1767 and died May 23, 1826, aged 61 years. Shortlj^ after his marriage, Richard and his brother John, with their mother, returned to the farm settled by their father in 1769, opposite from where the Lehigh Valley Coal Storage Plant is now located. Jolin was chiefly engaged in farming. He was the father of four children, and died March 30, 1836, aged 63 years, 2 months and 21 days. Richard Gardner established Gardner's Ferry at Ransom about 1795. Lie was often subjected to much labor, and exposed to gxeat danger on the river. Richard Gardner was twice married, and was blessed with thirteen children, two of whom died in childhood, (Richard, Jr. died March 3, 1797, aged 3 years, 1 month and 22 days, being the first person buried in the old bury- ing ground on the bank of the river) while the remaining eleven lived to mature years, name- ly: ■John, Elisha, Anna, Benjamin, Mumford, Samuel, Malinda, Lydia, Elizabeth, Harriet, and another whose name i|; unknown. Two of the number were crippl&^from early youth. Benjamin was pei^anentfy paralyzed in the lower liinbS at the age of, "eleven, which made him un'^ie to walk, nevertheless he became an active 'business mail, -. hlling the positions of merchant, tavern keeper and postmaster for many years, and was known throughout the counlryas "Uncle Benny_ Gardner." He died October 24, 1879, at the age of 85 years. Ma- linda walked upon crutches in consequence of having lost the use of one of her limbs by a fever-sore. Mr. Gardner always enjoyed good health, and when nearly ninety years old he would walk to Wilkes-Barre and back again the same day, a distance of fourteen miles each way or twenty- eight miles both ways. A couple of summers before he died he laid thirty rods of stone wall. Mr. Gardner was a truly religious man, and a member of the Baptist church for many years. "Soon after Mr. Gardner settled in this sec- tion he was accidentally shot by a companion, in one of his elbows, which was ever afterwards a source of trouble to him, although it did not make him a cripple. In a bear hunt, one of his companions, not perceiving that Mr. Gard- ner was in range between him and a ferocious old dam with two cubs, drew up his rifle and fired just as his friend was in the same act. Unfortunately, the ball struck his elbow. "I've .hit her," exclaimed the delighted hunter. 8^ HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP "You've hit me," answered Gardner, while the blood was streaming from his arm, and the bear escaped unhurt. They were in the woods some miles east of the settlement. One of Mr. Gardner's companions accompanied him home, while the other took a straight cour.se through the woods to Lackawanna to procure the services of Dr. Hooker -Smith. It was two days after the wound was inflicted before Dr. Smith could be on hand. When he came the arm was much inflamed and swollen, and the probing, cutting and picking out splinters of bone was a most terrible operation, but it had to be endured. The wound was some time in healing, and the injury of the joint was such that the conse- farm, near the Hillside Home. He erected his log-hoiLse about thirty rods south from the pre- sent residence, on the west side of the road leading from Schultzville to Kern's Comers, near the ledge. The farm is now owned by Thomas McDonald of Scranton, and occupied by Mrs. Catherine McNay and son. Subsequent Settlers. Among the settlers who came soon after Mr. Gardner, we find a Mr. Lutz, Zebulon Corn- stock, John McMillan, Charles McClusky, Par- ley Von Cleveland, Henry Walters, .Jacob Bic- secker, and inanv others followed. RICHARD GARDNER AND HIS SON, SAMUEL Richard Gardner was the first settler in Newton township. This picture was copied from an old Daguerreotype, taken only a few years before his death, which is his only likeness in e.xistence. quences were permanently troublesome. AVhen eighty-eight years of age he received an injury to his spine hj a fall in the barn, which mvich increased his stooping position." — Peck's His- t/irij of Wyoming. Mr. Gardner lived to a ripe old age, and died on Independence Day, -July 4, 1859, aged 92 years. Barronet Eodney The second settlement in the township wa? made by Barronet Rodney. He was born in New .Jersey, and married Miss Elizabeth Drake, June 13, 1801. She was a daughter of Benja- min Drake. (See Benjamin Drake, also Eli- zabeth Drake). Rodney came to Newton town- ship in 1803 (a short time after Gardner), set- tling on what is knowil as the Theodore Stone Henry Beemer was of German descent and was born in what is now called Beemerville, Sussex county, New Jersey, January 2, 1781. He was married to Mary Spangenburg (b. July 4, 1783), to whom ten children were ,bom : Elias, the oldest ; Mattie, Jane, Alexander, Jesse, Adam, Lusetta, Sidney, Lydia and Arazi. The last four mentioned were born in Newton town- ship. They all lived to the age of maturity, and married and raised large families. Lydia is the only one now living, who married Allen Fitch for her first husband (died in 1858), and Benjamin Place for her second husband, and is living near Mill City. EHas, the oldest, was born in 1806, and married Phoebe Albright, a native of New York. Adam built a log house on the farm where Amzi Rosenkrans now lives. Henry Beemer came to Newton in the sum- HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP 83 mer of 1818, when about thirty-seven years of age, and cleared about ten acres, which he sowed to wheat, on the farm now owned by Mrs. Katharine Vanderburg, one mile north of Newton Centre, where he built a double log house. The remains of the old fire-place may yet be seen on the east side of the road leading from Newton Centre to Clark's Summit. He returned to Sussex county in the fall, where he spent the winter with his family. March 1st, 1819, he returned to iNewton, bringing his family. The trip was made through the woods by marked trees, arriving at their new home safely, excepting Adam, the baby, who was nearly killed during the trip by being kicked by a sharp shod horse, but provi- dentially escaped death. The country was new, and they endured many hardships. They lived in the old log house until about 1838, when Mr. Beemer built a frame house, across the road from the log house. Only the fire-place and stone chimney remain to mark the spot where this pioneer home stood. Mr. Beemer was a blacksmith, wagon maker, carpenter and shoemaker; making and repair- ing all his farm implements, etc. He had a machine for making rope. The nearest mill was at Slocum Hollow (now Scranton), where the early settlers took their grain to be ground, not in an automobile over macadamized roads, but horseback through the woods. His home was headquarters in Newton and surrounding country for the Whig party. Here they would have their ox roasts, which usually lasted for two or three days. He and his sons and sons-in-law belonged to this party. The parents of Mr. and Mrs. Beemer were born in Germany. Mrs. Beemer was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, July 4, 1783. She was a very neat housekeei^er, and always was noted for being spry and the easy manner in which she did her work. Mr. and Mrs. Beemer lived on the old farm until death, Mrs. Beemer dying August 1, 1862, aged 79 years, 1 month, 7 days. Mr. Beemer died about a year later, September 24, 1862. Jesse and Adam Beemer owned the farm where Amzi Rosenkrans now lives, and in 1848 moved to JUinois, making the trip with two teams. William Brink took up a large tract on the mountain. He died in 1858 at an advanced age. Horace Collum was born December 31, 1809, and died in Newton, September 2, 1867. He was a son of Richard Collum and a grand- son of William. His wife, Sarah Schelenger, was bom August 21, 1813, and died March 10, 1897. They raised a large family. Horace Collum came from Sussex county, New Jersey, in iNovember, 1832 and settled on the farm now owned by Dennis Michaels. He has two chil- dren living at this writing: Martha, living in Honesdale, and married Peter Collum for her second husband. George Collum is living near Elmira, New York. Zebulon Comstock, one of the early settlers of Newton, was a bold and experienced hunter, and spent a good part of his time in hunting and trapping. On his return one evening from whtit is now Hyde Park, a hugh panther sprang out of the thicket just behind him. He quickly turned around, faced the savage beast, and thus walked backward about half a mile, keeping his eye steadily fixed upon the panther, when thi-^ animal finally turned and left him the victo. . Early the next morning Comstock shouldend his rifle and, accompanied by his faithful log, returned to the spot wheri; the .panther sprang from the thicket. Here he found the remains of a deer the panther had killed and carefully covered with leaves. The dog followed the track of the panther about three miles, and treed him, where he was shot by Mr. Comstock. He came from near Forty Fort, about 1812. and .settled upon and cleared the farm now owned by Mrs. Daniel W. LaRue, He has two grandsons living in the township, Judson and Giles. (See Judson C. Com,stock.) Joseph Coons came from Sussex county, New Jersey, in 1816 and located on the fine farm now owned by his grancbon, George L. Coon, about one mile north of Newton Center. Mr. Coons, like other pioneers, endured many hardships. He carried a grist of rye on his back to Slocum Hollow (Scranton). On his return he dared not take the flour from his shoulders, for fear he would not have strength to shoulder it again, and he rested by leaning against a tree whenever his strength began to fail him. Lewis Cosner (formerly spelled Casner) came from Sussex county. New Jersey, in 1816, and took out a patent on 248 acres of land, being the farm now owned by his grandson, Seldon S. Cosner. He was born January 4, 1791, and died in Newton township, November 18, 1818, when about twenty-eight years of age. He was a carpenter by trade. He married Rachel Knapp, who was born July 20, 1794, and died March 24, 1867, aged 72 years. After Mr. Cosner's death she married Abram Wil- liams, who died December 4, 1854, aged 55 years, 9 months and 24 days. Lewis Cosner was the father of three sons, John, born April 28, 1816 and died August 4, 1822; Lewis, born 84 lilSTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP March 14, 1818 and died July 31st the same died in 1844. He came to Newton in 1850 year. David, born September 11, 1813 and with his sou's family, where he died March 9, died May 4, 1899. 1883, aged 108 years. Timothy Drake came from Sussex county, New Jersey, about 1832 and settled on the 'farm now owned by Christopher Richards. |i.ere he built three log-houses and the house where Mr. Richards is living. The first log-house was Iniilt about thirty rods ea.st from , the .present house, near the creek. Here the first, road was built. A few years later the road was, changed to its present location, and as the fi,rsj. log cabin, which was small, containing only one rooi:f|, be- low and an attic above, would not accommofiate the increasing family, a larger .building,, was erected on the new road, about fifty yards south frpm the present residence. Later, the, tl!i|ird log-house was built on, the east side of'the r,oad abov^t opposite the preseii,t site of Mr. Richard's tenant house, now occupied by John Snover. ,'t'his was built for fhe'' hired help. He built , the present framed house about 1846. In April, '1865^, Mr. Drake^ and his family moved to Gil- man, 111. (81 uiiJes from Chicago), where he died in, 1876. He was born in May, 1804. He married Miss Anna, daughter of Tliomas and Christian (Bedell) Hougli, Ijv whom he had nine children: Ruth (Mrs. Larnce A^anBus- kirk, Shay, Francis, Stephen, Mary (Mrs. Clin- ton Brink), Esther .(Mrs. Fred Beemer) ,.,rSu- san (died, aged 3 years), Phebe (died, figed 14 years) and Jolin. Only Ruth and John are living. Ruth is. living in King•ston,,,^yit]:| her daughter, Mrt^., Etta Switzer. John neyer„mar- ried", He is now living in West Nanti(?pke„.... .Jacob .Jacoby was born October 14, XBlo, in New Jersey and died in Newton January../;^, 1892. lie was married, April 29, 1844 to Miss Celinda Walter (b. March 19, 1824— d., Felsru- ary 10, 1902), daughter of Henry and Cath- erine AValter. Mr. and Mrs. Jacoby, had, seven children: Catherine, bofu February 19, 1845, and married Noah Smith: Reuben, born Sep- tember 6, 1848 and died November 11, 1862; Ellen, born September 29, 1850 and died Au- gust 18, 1852; Mahala,. born May 3, 1855 and died November 24, 1872; Arthur,. born, May 19, 1857; Benjamin, born May 31, 1863 and Har- lan, born December 26, 1866. These last three are living in Newton. Jacob came to Newton about 1836 and settled on a lot containing about five acres that he ]:iurchased of Henry Walter, and built a frame house. He was a .stone ma- son by trade. Anthony Lacoe Avas liorn in France, March 11th, 11780. He came to Philadelphia in 1792, and to Wilkes-Barrc in 1810, and was married in 1812 to Miss Amelia DuPuy, who Jacob C. Lesh came from Shawnee township, jNionroe county, about 1835 and located near where Henry Sunmierhill is now living, Avliere he conducted a wag<.>n shop for about fifteen years.. This Avas the first wagon shop in the township. In 1850 he moved to Newton Cen- tre where he conducted a shoja until about 1855, when he located in Milwaukie. He was born in 1812 and died Nov. 18, 1892 in Scran- ton where he had lived since 1864. His pa- rents came from Germany. About 1831 he married Miss Christina Berry. Her parents came from Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Lesh were the parents of thirteen children, only three of whom are living, namely: Mrs. Jesse Hunt and J. B. Lesh of Falls townshij), and Mrs. Cather- ine Bullard of Ncav York citj'. Henry Litts moved from Montague, Sussex county, N. J., in February, 1821, to Newton, settling on the farm now owned by Charles Bie- secker. ' 'He' came to Newton the previous i?um- met'; purchased a tract of land, built a log- house, containing only one room, about two rods north of the present residence of Charles Biesecker,' cut a road to' it through the wilder- ness from the Adam Thompson place (now George Biesecker), and returned to New .Jersey for hii3 family, iri the fall. He hired William Havetis;' a brother of Zephaniah Havens, to bring his wife and children with a horse team and sleigh. Mr? Litts folloAved with an ox team and sled, loaded with their laide furniture and farm implements, and drove two cows and five sheep. He had only ten cents in money when he arrived in Newton. His family consisted of ftve sons and two daughters. In 1842 he built a framed house, now owned by Charles Bie- secker, which was moved just above where Adam Thompson lives when the new house was built by Mr. Biesecker. Mr. Litts was ap- pointed postmaster in 1844, and kept the post- office for several years at his home. He mar- ried Miss Catherine Hoyt, a relative of ex-gov- ernor Henry M. Hoyt. Mrs. Litts was one of the first members of the Newton Baptist church. She Avas loved for her acts of kindness, and Christian benevolence. Mrs. Jane Thomp- son, mother of Adam Thomp.son, who is living in Newton Centre, was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Litts. Mr. Litts died May 23, 1864, aged 77 years, 2 months and 18 days. His wife died .July 10, 1861, aged 69 years, 1 month and 4 days. Mr. Lutz located on the Henry .Jacobs farm, which is now owned by William E. LaRue. PIISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP 85 Charles McClxtsky and his family came from New Jersey in 1818, and purchased the farm now ownecl by Peter Corsehus, which was the farm settled by Richard Gardner, the first settler in the town?hiiT. He lived in the log- cabin built by Gardner several years before. His nearest neighbor was Elias kSmith. Pie brought from New Jersey an apple, and from its seed, he propagated the "McClusky apple." Timothy McClusky in his 3'outhful days would go down on the river flats and work for farmers, taking his pay in grain, and at niaht carry the grain on liis back to the mill at Pitts- ton, wait for it to be sromid, and take the flour home the same night. One night, while re- turning over the mountain, he was overtaken by a storm: and, it being to dark to find his way, he had to spend the night in the forest, frightening off the wolves. He carried bnttei- from Newton to Wilkes-Barre and traded it off at six cents per pound for groceries. Elias Smith came from Sussex county, New Jer.sey. in 1816, and purchased 400 acres for $1043.00 from Samuel Baird, of Stowe, Mont- gomery county, the patentee. He built a log house on the part now owned by his grandson, Curtis P. Smith, and built a wagon road from it to Ransom, which was the first road in this section, there being no foot path, not even a marked tree to guide him to this place. About 1822 he built the first framed house in Newton town.ship. Pie also built the first saw-mill in Newton in 1816. Mr. Smith was born Decem- ber 28, 1788, and was a son of George Smith who came from Germany. Pie was twice mar- ried, first to Miss Harriet. Ayers, to whom four children were born, namely: Harriet, born August 7, 1811 and married John Thompson: Jacob, born March 29, 1813, and died in Iowa: David M., born March 5, 1815; Peter A., born February 5. 1817, and married Miss Sarah Compton. Elias Smith was married the sec- ond time to Catherine Adams, March 27, 1818, who was born February 5, 1789. To this union three children were born, namely: Sally, born December 17, 1820: Margaret, born April 22, 1821 and married Samuel Gardner; Elias A., born March 27, 1827, and married Ann Mc- Geever for his first wife, who died November 28, 1895. He was again married October 1, 1898, to Amy Barton.^ Elias Smith was a soldier in the War of 1812. He died August 8, 1867. Adam Thompson came from Sus.sex county,. New Jersey, in 1819, and located on the farm now owned by George Biesecker, which con- tained 109 acres and cost $405.87. Mr. Thomp- son purchased the farm from Thomas Ashley, who "patented" a large tract of land in this section. Mr. Thompson was a fine penman, writing a vertical hand (the writer saw an In- ventory that he wrote November 9, 1833). He was born July 8, 1786. He was the father of five children: John, born April 24, 1808; Jane, born June 16, 1810; Andrew, born Februarv 11, 1813; Helen, born July' 27, 1815, and Adam, born February 22, 1822. 'Parley '\''on Cleveland settled on the farm now owned by Anthon^r McAndrews of Scran- toii, near the home of W. E. LaRue. Morgan J. -Jones, a brother-in-law of ^''011 Cleveland, lo- cated on the farm now owned by J. F. Lacoe. Parley- "\'on Cleveland was the first tencher in the t6wnship. Nathaniel and Peter Richards Written by P. K. Richards, West Pittston, Pa. Nathaniel and Peter Richards were branches of a family tree planted in Sussex county. New Jersey, in the latter part of the Seventeenth CenturJ^ Thej^ immigrated to eastern Penn- sylvania, which was at that time called ".going west," malving the trip in large covered wagons. Nathaniel came in the Spring of 1829, and Peter in the Spring of 1832. A brief history of their lives in the commu- nity in which they lived would make interest- ing reading. They were certainly strong branches from a sturdy stock. ' Both were staunch temperance men, called at that; tiu;i,c "teetotalers." One incident will illustratu' what a man can do who possesses both grace and grit. "When Nathaniel told my father that he did not think he could raise his log house -^vithout furnishing four or five gallons of rye whiskey, his reply to him was: "I cannot furnish the dangerous stuff to others when I will not touch it myself." But instead, he furnished them a royal supper, including- chicken pot pie, made in a large iron kettle, and all prepared by my mother and aunt and served on a rude taljle constrticted in the woods, everyone going home sober, and not a man ever mentioned the word whiskey in my father's jiresence. "And he had the distinction of being the first man in all tluit section of the country to raise a buiding without whiskey, and thereby avoiding accidents, sev- eral drunks, and a few fights. Both men were active, earnest Christians, ever ready and willing to help a weaker brother, either financially or spiritually, hence they were a power for good which did much to mold the character of the community in which they lived. Ma.j we ever strive to emulate their ex- ample, making ourselves worthy to wear their mantle. ' .~ 86 HISTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP This part of Pennsylvania was then largely a. forest, only a few scattering settlers, so that my father said it was necessary to send out at least five miles in different directions in order to get men enough together to raise his log house. There were a few more settlers along the Sus- quehanna at Buttermilk Falls, Gardner's (now Ransom), and also at Brushy Ridge (now New- ton Centre or Bald Mount), and Flickersville (now Mihvaukie). Nathaniel Richard's home was located at the western base of Bald Mountain, being the farms now owned by B. F. Reed and C. V. Decker, and his brother Peter's home was made about two miles farther west on the farm now owned by his son, Daniel "W. Richards. Both men then located in Falls township, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, which then included Falls, New- ton, Ransom and a part of Exeter. My father built a log house for a home, such as his brother and neighbors were then occupy- ing. Your narrator was born September 13, 1882, in his father's log house, which had been l)artially built the previous April and not com- pleted until late in November, when chimney, windows, door, clinking, etc., were added. The only means of making fire at that date was by flint and steel, the spark igniting a piece of punk or decayed wood which was held near. A few years later, I well remember, being sent to our nearest neighbor, nearly a mile away, to borrow fire, carrying it home on a small shovel. The first advance in this direction was a prepa- ration in liquid form kept in a small bottle and hung up on the side of the chimney. It pleased me greatly to see father stick a pine sliver in this bottle and bring it out on fire. Later the matches came, together with many other ad- vancements, which were not only a great curi- osity, but hailed with delight. Nathaniel Richards was born Nov. 4, 1802 in Sussex county. New Jersey, and died Sept. 9, 1852 in Newton on the old homestead, now owned by B. F. Reed and Chas. V. Decker. His first wife was Miss Catherine Roloson. She was born Aug. 12, 1800 and died Sept. 11, 1832. She had one daughter, Harriet, born April 16, 1823 and died about 1900. {See Brittian Rosenkrans.) She married Brittian Rosen- krans. Mr. Richards second wife was Miss Sarah Ostrander, born June 20, 1801 and died March 27, 1836. She had one son, Os- trander, born March 20, 1836. He is living in Ransom. After the decease of his second wife, Nathaniel was married Nov. 12, 1836 to Miss Sarah Michaels, daughter of Frederick Mi- chaels. She was born Feb. 1, 1814 and died April 19, 1891. She had two sons: George, bom Nov. 20, 1838. He died about 1910; Allen, born Nov. 21, 1849 and died about 1902. Peter Richards was born March 1, 1805 in Sussex county, New Jersey, and died Oct. 1, 1850 on the old homestead owned until 1911 by his son, D. W. Richards, but now owned by Christopher Richards. He was married Dec. 21, 1825 to Miss Fanny, daughter of Jacob and Susan (Wyker) Beemer. Fanny was born May 29, 1802 and died Nov. 8, 1837. She had five children: (1) David, born March 31, 1826 and died May 11, 1831 (2) Jacob B., born Dec. 15, 1829 and died Feb. 27, 1897. (3) Peter K., born Sept. 13, 1832 and living in West Pittst-on. (4) Susannah, born Aug. 18, 1834 and died Oct. 4, 1888. (5) Isaac, born March 16, 1836 and died Oct. 17, 1840. Peter Richards' second wife was Miss Mary, daughter of Frederick Michaels, whom he mar- ried Feb. 13, 1838. To this union five sons were born: (1) Daniel W., born Feb. 22, 1839 and is living in Newton. (2) John, born Nov. 9, 1840 and" died July 10, 1864. (3) Oren B., born April 20, 1843 and died April 24, 1908. (4) Cornelius, born Nov. 20, 1845 and died Dec. 27, 1905. (5) Jesse P., born May 21, 1848 and is living in Pittston. THE EARLY SETTLERS OF NEWTON. Written by D. W. Richards. In writing the history of Newton township it is necessary to go back of the time when Newton became the name of this township, and speak of the pioneer settlers who first came to this part of the country, known then as Falls township, Luzerne county, and in doing so we find that a large per cent, of the early settlers came from Sussex county. New Jersey. Dur- ing the years intervening between 1815 and 1835 the following persons and their families left their homes in old "Sussex" to try their fortunes in this part of the old Keystone State: Samuel Clark, Isaac Rozelle, Benjamin Rozelle, Phineas Carman, James Comstock, Peter Ayers, Peter Corselius, Peter Richards, Elias Smith, Adam Thompson, Levi Rosenkrans, Rev. Hig- gins, Henry Beemer, Henry Lifts, Nathaniel Richards, H. S. Decker, Horace Collum, Si- meon Cole, Henry R. Collum, Johnson Roloson, Jonas Fuller, William Brink, Abram Williams, Lewis Cosner, Zephaniah Havens, James Van Sickle and Joseph Coon. Samuel Clark and Isaac Rozelle, after endur- ing the hardships and privations that are inci- dent to the settling of a new country, became discouraged after a stay of two or three years, returned to their old homes. Benjamin Ro- zelle thought the outlook for him here was rather blue, and he moved to Columbia county, where he purchased a home and continued, to HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP 87 live until death claimed him. All of the other families remained for many years, and some are still represented by children and grand- children. Peter Ayers has one son. Lewis B., .still living in the township, hale and hearty at the age of eighty-three years. Peter Corselius has four sons and one daughter, Mrs. P. K. Richards, living. Peter Richards has three sons living; one of them, D. W. Richards, owns and lives on the old homestead. Adam Thomjj- .son's children have all passed away; two grand- sons are living in the township, Adam and William E. Henry Beemer's children are dead, but two grandsons, George and Samuel, are living in the town. George is filling a very important position as superintendent of the Hillside Home, a large and well appointed institution for the care of the poor and the insane for the city of Scranton. The buildings are fine and up-to-date structures, erected at a cost of about half a million dollars. Samuel Bcemer is store keeper at the same institution. Of Plenry R. Collum's family two are still liv- ing in this town, Phebe A., wife of I^ewis B. Ayers and A. S. Collum, the postma.ster at Bald Mount. Solomon Van Sickle, son of James Van Sickle, is living in Newton Center, where his father lived. All of the old pioneers have long since died, except Mrs. Elizabeth Roloson, who at the age of ninety-seven, retains her physical and men- tal faculties to a wonderful degree. Other pioneers from other places were Amos Learn, David Shook, George Myers and John Shelly from Monroe county, Pa. It is hard for those who are living here now to realize that when these people came and settled here, that where there are now fertile fields and beautiful residences, it was then one vast Malderness filled with wild and savage animals. Not a rod of land was cleared, and when they succeeded in felling trees to make a log house it was a com- mon thing for the wolves to surround the house at night, and make the night hideous with their howling; but undaunted, the pioneers cleared up the land, burning the timber to get it out of the way. Thus they toiled and labor- ed to make the farms that are so much admired in this town. The First Sunday School. As soon as their families were fairly settled in their little log huts the pioneers began to think of the future of their children. About the year 1830, a Sunday School was organized by Rev. Higgins, the farmer preacher, in a log house that stood near where Amzi Rosenkrans now lives. The Baptist were first to organize a church in this township, in the Spring of 1828, with only four members, holding meetings in school- houses and at the homes of the members. In 1871 they built a church edifice. The Presby- terian church was organized in 1835, and erected a building for worship in 1848. The Methodist church was constituted in 1846 and one year later erected a church. The old red school-house at Newton Centre had been used for the regular place for preaching and prayer meetings for nearly twenty years. There were regular services in all three of the chiu-ches, and all were well attended : peo- ple from the neighboring hills and valleys gathered to hear the Gospel preached. Strange to SHV, there is regular services in but one of the churches now (the Methodist), and the congregation there is often very meagre. School-houses were erected of rough hewn logs, and the boys and girls were sent through the woods to school where the "masters" taught their j^oung ideas how to shoot and the lessons found in the few books of those days. There were no mail facilities, not a post- office for miles, and not a road anywhere only as the people "blazed" their way through the thinest portions of the forest. To Henry Lifts belongs the honor of having a post-office estab- lished in Newton. While the people worked hard and endured many privations, they were in the main contented and happy. As the years rolled by and the country be- came more densely populated, and with the increase of business, Luzerne county was found to be too large, and a portion was taken from the northwestern corner, April 4th, 1842, which made a new countj'^, called Wyoming, and in fixing the line of its eastern boundary it passed through the township of Falls leaving the east- ern part of that township in Luzerne county, and without a name or an organization. As a large per cent, of the settlers of this section came from Sussex county, New Jersey, the county seat of which is Newton, and having a great love for their home town, they had it christened .Newton, in honor to their old town. The growth of the township, like all agri- cultural towns, has been slow but steady. Its seven schools, its fine farms and good houses and barns, two telephone systems, rural free delivery and good roads are all hand boards along the road of progress and improvement. But for a number of years past, like many another rural section, the younger generation has drifted to the towns and cities, and people from other places are rapidly filling their places until comparatively few of the decendants of the original pioneers are to be found here to- day. _ 88 HISTORY OF NE^\'TO,N TOWNSHIP The Pioneer ScHoor,-HousE. Ahout 1814 a' lo^' schoiil-housc was built. l)u( the coiii]nler has been unable to learn the loca- tion. The first teacher was Parley ^^on Cleve- land, who was succeeded by .John Mott and Anthony Brigg^. Some years later a larger and more convenient school-house was built of hewn logs, near where Thomas A'^eety's residence now stands. Anthonv Briggs and others taught in it. Newton Hall Academy, on Presbyterian hill, was built in 1847, and the first terni was taught bv Rev. j\Ir. Osmond. None but the higher branches were taught. The academy building was later occupied by the Good Templars. The building is standing at this writing. The Pioneer Store The pioneer store and ashery of Newton town- ship was kept by Elias Smith. He bought ashes of the settlers and made from them pota.=h, which he traded in Wilkes-Barre for such dry goods and groceries as the jiioneers needed, and took more ashes from his neighbors in i)ay for the goods. He aso built and operated the first cider mill. The first regular store was kept by Solomon Strong, where the Van Sickle hotel was later located, and where Solomon A^an Sickle now lives. Dr. Charles Kelly succeeded Strong, but in a short time returned to Tunkhannock. ,In 1842 E. A. and George Corey and Thomas vVtherton purchased a barn of Chauncey Sher- wood and converted it into a store, which they kept about twelve years. This building is now u.^ed by Mr. Cooper for a barn. They were succeeded by L. H. Lifts, who subsequently built a store on the site where William Hice's residence now stands. This was burned in 1861, and Mr. Lifts moved his goods in the building purchased from Chauncey Sherwood, which he occupied until his appointment as warden of Pittston poor-hou.se about 1866, when he sold his goods to Chauncey Sherwood, who continued in the business several years. Henry Sham kept a clothing store at iNewton Centre three different times. The old Sherwood store was liiti-r occupied by L. B. Ayers as a dwelling. In ^ 18fil or 1882 Ira Lifts built the store building on Presbyterian Hill, opposite where M'illiam Hice now lives, and a few years later sold to John Hice, who kept a store there until a short time before his death in 1907. The building remains standing, but is unoccupied. The Pioneer Sa^v-Mill Elias Smith built the first saw-mill in Newton township. In 1816 he brought two men from New Jersey and built a mill on Gardner's Creek about forty rods above the ."he of the present mill. This mill would not work until remodeled ;ibout 1821. This mill was run for several \'ears. A.bout 1852 it was moved to the present site. The old gate mill Avas taken out in 1866 and replaced bv a new Aluley mill patented bv Cliuton Gibbs of Fleetville, Pa. In 1883 it wa's replaced by a circular mill, manufactured by the Susquehanna County Agricultural Works of Montrose, Pa., which is doing first-class work at this writing, and is now owned and operated by Curtis Smith, grandson of Elias Smith. Part of the old dam of the first mill is standing firm and sound. Air. Smith has several old irons of the first mill. In 1868 Solomon Hopkins & Son built the first steam saw-mill, one and a half miles north of Newton Centre, on the road to Schultzville. The Hartley saM'-mill, near Schultzville, was built Ijy Esquire Hartley about 1850. McKins- tiy & Childs converted it into a steam mill, and later it burned down. John Shook erected a steam saw-mill on his farm in 1893. It is equipped with a circular saw, planer and matcher, run by a 25 h. p. eng- ine and a 30 h. p. boiler. In 1892 Mr. Shook installed a feed mill, also a hydraulic cider mill, with a capacity of 125 barrels per day. About 1890, Levi Coon erected the steam cir- cular saw-mill on the farm now owned by his son, Everett G. Coon. It is run by a 20 h. p. engine. In 1841 L. H. Lifts and Chauncey Sherwood built a saw-mill on the farm now owned by Joseph Lacoe. About 1881 the machinery was .sold to Levi Coon for $100.00, which he moved to a building that he erected on his farm. Blacksmith Shops. Edward Rozelle carried on blacksmithing for several years from 1821, on the farm wher?, Charles E. Lacoe now lives. Christopher A/^an Buskirk commenced black- srnithing in January, 1854, at Newton Centre, where he ran a shop mi til about 1906, excepting about seven years when he rented his shop. His shop is now iim by Charles H. Mitteer. Levi Rosenkrans built a blacksmith shop m 1833 on the farm now owned by Amiz Rosen- krans, which he ran for several years. Eder Garrison built a blacksmith shoj^ about 1836 on the farm now owned by George Reed near Sumnnt Lake, where he carried on black- smithing for about thirty years. In 1866 he moved his shop to the farm now owued by his son, Lewis. I-IISTORY OF NEWTOJSF TOWNSHIP 89 Isaac Whale n started a blacksmith shop at Newton Centre about 1848, which he ran for about six years. Eli Benedict had a shop pre- vious to Mr. Whalen. The first wagon shop in the township was established about 1835 by -Jacob C. Lesh, near the present home of Henry Summerhill. State Militia .Vbout 1845 the men and boys of Newton and siu'roundins country met at Newton Centre, and drilled in the field south of the orchard on llu; old Thompson farm (settled in 1819 by Adam Thom])son), now owned by George Biesecker. Drill daj's were known as vacation days, when the entire connnunity turned out, coming in wagon loads, many drawn by oxteams, bringing (heir dinners with them, having a good supply of gingerbread. Schools were closed for a half- day that the scholars and teachers might attend these gatherings. These days were the only recreation the children, men and women had at that time. A colored man, commonly called "Black Sam," came with a baker's wagon from Wilkes- Barre with a supply of gingerbread (sweet cake highly seasoned with ginger) and other eatables for the drillers and other persons attending. Stewart Pearce, in his Annals of Luzerne County, says: "Sam Wright emigrated from New Jersey to Wilkes-Barre in 1822. Sam was a negro 4 feet 6 inches in height, and measured 9 feet in circumference. He was proficient in the art of cookery, and on his arrival opened an oyster saloon for the accommodation of the lov- ers of the bivalve. Oysters had been kept and sold for many years before in the cellar of the old court-house, at Arndt's Tavern, and at one or two other places, but there had never been an eating-house established in the place and conducted by a competent artist like Sam. Here good bread was baked and .«old, and gin- ger cakes besides, together with mince pies and tarts of a most delicious flavor and taste." There also were companies organized at Ab- ington Centre (now Waverly), and Clark's Green. Their rifles were supplied by the State, and when the Civil War broke out they were all gathered up. They were the old-fashioned flint lock type. There were not enough to go around, several of the drillers using a stick in- stead of a rifle. Olney Bailey, father of Andrew Bailey of Dimock, was the Colonel appoined to drill the companies. About 1859 another company was organized in Milwaukie known as the "Ransom Invinci- bles." This company was also drilled by Col- onel Bailey. CHAPTER TTVELVE VILLAGES, CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS OF NEWTON Neavton Centre or Bald Mount post-office, a small village located in the northwestern part of Newton townshij:), nearly two miles northwest of Bald Mountain. It was known for many years by the name of Brushy Ridge, and later it was called Newton Centre, until the establishment of the post-office in 1835, when it was named Bald Mountain and a few years later shortened to Bald Mount. iNewton Centre contains about 100 inhabit- ants, but by counting every person living within the school district the number is increa'^'ed tn about 192. This village contains a post-office, and A. S. CoUum has been the accomodating postmaster since April 1, 1905; a small grocery, keijt by Solomon Van Sickle ; a blacksmith shop, with Charles H. Mitteer, a first-class black- smith, at the anvil ; a school-house, three churches — Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist, but services are held only in the Methodist, and Rev. Wallace C. Wolcott has been the pastor since April 1912. Dr. WiUiam H. Newman, the popular physician, came to this place De- cember 31, 1896. Newton Centre is the largest village in the township. The polls are located at the house of Solomon Van Sickle, where the voters of the township meet on election day to cast their votes for their favorite candidates. Neavton School Elias Smith and Joseph Coon were the first settlers in this district. They came from New Jersey in 1816; Henry Beemer in 1818; Adam Thompson in 1819; Henry Lifts in 1821, and several others a little later. Mr. Milot, one of the land agents, gave the land for the first school-house at Newton Centre, with the understanding that it should be used for both school and church purposes. This school-house was erected in 1830, and was the first frame school-house in the township, and 90 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP was built in front of where the Baptist church now stands. It was then called the Brushy Ridge school-house, and also the red school- house. The new school-house was built in 1867, and Seely Rosenkrans of Flat Brook, N. J., was the first teacher. This is the largest school in the township. Frank A. Whitlock is the present teacher. ker in the evening. $1,100.00 was raised on this day to coiiiplele paying for the church. It was the first church with a bell in Newton township. It was re- paired in 1892 and again in 1904 when the steeple Avas made lower and an addition erected for a kitchen. The parsonage was purcha.sed of Lewis Litts. lit was repaired and enlarged in 1882 and again in 1896. BALI) MOUNT METHODIST CHUiiClI Bald Mount Methodist Church The M. E. Church at Newton Centre was organized in November, 1846. The first trus- tees were Jacob Smith, Nathaniel Richards, Tniiothy Drake, Peter Bedell, Jesse Beemer', Alexander Beemer, George Albright, Noah Pa- trick and John Meiss. In 1847,' Peter Bedell, Jacob Smith, James VanSickle, Nathaniel Richards and Peter Rutan were appointed the building committee who had a church erected at a cost of $600.00, which was dedicated the same year. After holding occasional revivals, with a steady increase of membership for twenty-eight years, the old house of worship was abandoned on the 8th of December, 1875. This building is standing beside the Baptist church at Newton Centre in a delapidated con- dition. The present site was purchased of William C. Ayers in 1875. The church is 32x44 feet, has a class room 18x28 feet, a vestibule 8x16 feet, and its steeple was 80 feet high. It cost $4,204.00 and was dedicated Dec. '"O, 1875 by Rev. Dr. Reuben Nelson during the pastorate of Rev. Isaac Austm, Rev. R. L. Dashiell preaching iri the morning and Rev. I. T- Wal- Pastoeates Prior to 1851 this charge was witli Abiugtou and the names of the pastors are not available. 1851, E. F. Roberts; 1852, J. D. Safford; 1853, C. L. Rice; 1854-55, J. LaBar; 1856, P. Hol- brook; 1857, J. W. Munger: 1858, C. Perkins; 1859, D. Personens; 1860-61, J. LaBar; 1862- 63, G. W. Leach; 1864-65, I. N. Pardee; 1866, A. J. VanCleft; 1867-68, I. Austin; 1869-70, R. S. Rose; 1871-73, A. Brigham; 1874, A. J. Arnold; 1875-77, I. Austin; 1878-80, Wm. Shelp; 1881-83, F. Gendall: 1884-85, H. G. Harned; 18§6-88.. J. R. Angell; 1889-90, A. II. Maryott; 1891-95, J. C. Johnson; 1896-98, G. C. Jacobs; 1899-1901, A. Wrigley: 1902-03, E. .McMillan; 1904, I. J. Smith: 1904, C. W. Smith: 1905, C. li. Woolev; 1906, C. W. Smith, 1907-09, H. W. Thomas; 1910-11, W. S. Wilcox; 1912, W. C. AVolcott. Newton charge was in the Wyoming Dis- trict until 1891, when it was changed to the Binghamton District, and in 1910 it was added to the ^Vilkes-Barre District. H. C. McDermott is District Superintendent. The name of this charge was changed from HISTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP 91 Newton to Bald Mount in 1904. The Newton circuit was taken from part of Abington circuit at its formation in 1851 with nine places of worship, namely: Newton Cen- tre, jMilwaukie, Falls, Mill City, Lake Winola, Shock's School-house, West Abington, Schultz- ville and LaOrange. In 1888 the charge was divided, Falls charge being formed out of some of the ai>pointments of Newton charge. Shook's appointment was dropped about 1875. Since 1888 Newton charge has embraced Newton, Schultzville and Milwaukie. school-houses and wherever most convenient. January 18, 1868, Dr. H. S. Cooper, Rev. J. 0. Sherman, Johnson Roloson, Jacob Biesecker and E. Taylor were appointed a building com- mittee. The church building was dedicated Nov. 28, 1871, by Rev. W. P. HeUing of Scran- ton. It is built of wood, size 36x50 feet and was neatly finished and furnished. The church l^ropertj' was valued at $5,000. After Mr. Sherman, Rev. George Lukins preached a year and Rev. Newell Callender three years; Rev. W. G. Comstock, 1880-'85; OLD M. E. CHURCH AND BAPTIST CHURCH, BALD MOUNT Baptist Church. The Newton Baptist church is an outgrowth (if the Falls Bajjtist church, and was constituted in the spring of 1828, in the eastern part of Falls, now Newton township, with four raem- l)ers: Elias Smith, Samuel Mittan, Catherine Litts and ilrs. Fritchell. Rev. Isaac D. Jones, a licentiate of the church at Exeter, was the preacher until 1833. Rev. .John Miller preach- ed occasionally from 1836 to 1839, and Rev. James Clark part of 1840. February 2, 1845, the Falls Baptist church was formallj' disbanded, and the Newton Bap- *'st church organized. Rev. Silas Finn preach- ed half the time during the next three years, and in 1853 Rev. John Miller accepted a call to preach half the time. February 9, 1857, he be- came pastor, and H. S. Cooper and Benjamin Ro,«enkrans were elected deacons. Rev. Charles Parker succeeded Mr. Miller, and preached till March. 1859. Rev. J. C. Sherman till December, 1861, and in the summer of 1862, when he entered the army as chaplain. Till Ai^ril, 1867, the church was without a pa.stor. Then Rev. J. C. Sherman preached a year. All this time the church had been meeting in Newald Colender, 1885-'89 : Mark Park, 1889- '92 ; Thomas Baker, 1892-1904. There has been no pastor since 1904. Thirty members were enrolled at that time. • The Sunday school- was organized in 1872. John Coon w'as the first superintendent. Presbyterian Church On Oct. 29, 1833, the Presbyterian church of Newton Centre was organized by Rev. J. Rhoades and Rev. J. Dorrance with fourteen charter membei-s, namely: Samuel Clark and Elizabeth, his wdfe ; Isaac Rozelle and Margaret, his wife ; Peter Ayers and Maria, his wife ; Pe- ter Corselius and wdfe, Peter Richards and wife, Mrs. Matilda Rozelle, Mrs. Mary Carman, Sarah Comstock and Mrs. Harriet Thompson. Although they w-ere poor, and their families were getting along with the hare necessities of life, they erected a comfortable house of wor- ship in 1848, on a lot donated by W. C. Ayres This was a neat church edifice, built of wood, being the one now standing, which is in a di- lapidated condition. It is a sad reflection upon those who are now occupying the places of 92 HISTORY OF NEWTO.N TOWNSHIP those sturdy pioneers, aud eujoyiiig the fruits of their labors, and have not energy tuid interest enough to keep the church in decent repair. Horace CoUum was the first Sunday School superintendent. The first deacons were Peter Richards and Samuel Clark and the first elders were Peter Corselius and Peter Ayers. The first meetings were held in school-houses, and Rev. .J. Rhoades was the first minister after the organization, who filled the pulpit two years. Rev. N. G. Parke of Pittstou then supplied the church every four weeks. Rev. Owen Brown jjreached once every two Aveeks for about two years; Rev. .Jonathan Osmond was pastor from 1848 for about ten vears; Rev. Wm. C. Holmes came in the latter The Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Organization of the Church During the pastorate of Rev. Henry Cardew, the Presbyterian church celebrated the se\cnty- fifth anniversary of its organization, October 29, 1908. By request of the pa,stor, D. W. Richards delivered the following address: As a people we are in the liabit of meeting to- gether at certain times to celebrate great events. Some of these are of national importance and are participated in by all people in all parts of our great country. Such is the 4th of .July, which commemorates the declaration of our independence as a nation. Such is the 2 2d of February, the birthday of George Washington. But today we meet to celebrate the seventy-flfth anniversary of the organization of the Presbyterian church of New- PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND THE OLD ACADEMY HALL, Bald Mount, part of 1857 and filled the pulpit until April, 1859: Rev. J. B. Adams from May, 1859 to Feb. 7, 1864; Rev. John H. Sargent from May, 1864 to September, 1869; Rev. A. G. Harned from March 6, 1870 to May, 1876 ; Rev. John S. Hanna from December, 1877 to January, 1879. Revs. J. M. Phillips, J. A. Muir, G. G. Smith, A. M. Higgins, T. S Bagranoff and H. Cardew were the ministers .since .January, 1879. Rev. li. Cardew remained two years, until 1909 Since then the church has been without a pas- tor. In 1901, during the pastorate of Rev. A. M. Higgings, the church was repaired. A bell Avas purchased at a cost of $125. The donori were D. W. Richards, .John Hice, Charles II. Biesecker, Adam Thompson, (now living in Scranton) and George W. Beemer. Each gave $25.00. ton, an event that perhaps only a few now living in this vicinity are particularly laterested, and yet, who will dare to say that it is or less importance than any of the events we celebrate. Who can understand and fully realize just what it means, or how far reaching the influence of a church of Al- mighty God is? Not until the last trumpet shall sound shall we know what a power for good New- ton church has been in this community. I hold in my hand a slip of paper upon which are writies the names of the charter members who composed this church at the time of its organization seventy- five years ago, fourteen in all, nine women and five men. (See names in preceding article.) All have passed away from earth and gone to their reward, but they have left an inheritance to us, that to me is very dear. I love Newton church as I could love no other. You may ask me why my affections are so strong tor this church? I answer it was the church of my father, and as 1 love, honor and re- vere his memory, so I love his church. Some of you perhaps may never know the heart pangs I have suffered, when some who bear the name of my father have deserted his church. Some of you HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP 93 know the historj' of Newton church; her days of sunshine and shadows, (as I had almost said, her successes and failures ) but how little we know what constitutes success or failure in God's arrange- ments here. It is true there have been times of deep depression and gloom when we were without a pastor, an under shepherd to go out and in be- fore this people; and worse still when some within the fold to whom this church ought to be as dear as it is to me, have sought to merge her with an- other, and thus close her doors and abandon her courts. But I thank God today that Newton church still lives, Aye, and will live when the names of those who sought to disrupt her shall have passed into obiivion. And I am thinking just now the Rev. Jonathan Osmond, and supporting him on either side I see Elders Ayers, Collum, Richards and Dersheimer; but, oh! what a mighty host are following them whose faces I do not know. I ask, who are all these and what does it all mean? The answer comes to me, these are they who have come up through Newton Presbyterian church. And now I begin to realize something of the magnitude of the work that has been done by this church; and as I see them marching upward to Zion, bring- ing their sheaves with them, I indulge the hope that in all coming time at least nine women and five men may be found here to perpetuate the organization that was effected seventy-five years ago, and which today we celebrate. NEWTON CENTRE SCHOOI^- HOUSE AND THE P. O. S. OF A. BUILDING if my father can look down upon this celebration, (and who will dare to say he cannot, for are they not all ministering spirits) and if I could hear his voice, what do you think he would say? I imagine it would be something like this: My son bear aloft the banner of Newton church; unfurl it to the breeze of heaven; transmit to coming generations what we have bequeathed to you. Yes, my friends, this is one of the happiest days of my life. I am so thankful that my life has been spared, and I permitted to partioipate in this celebration; and as I stand here today within these sacred walls on Presbyterian Hill, my thoughts go on before me, and my feelings and vision are akin to those John had when on the isle of Patmos. I seem to see a great throng gathering from North, South, East and West, and they are all coming toward this hill, and as they come nearer 1 recognize some of the faces. In advance of all the rest are nine women and five men arrayed in white and crowns upon their heads, and closely following them I recognize P. 0. S. OF A. Camp No. 528 The local camp, No. 528, Patriotic Order Sons of America was organized at Bald Mount, March 24, 1893 in the old Academy Hall near the Prcsbj^terian church, with forty-seven char- ter members. Rev. .1. C. Johnson, minister of the Methodist church at that time, was elected the fir.-^t president. ^Ym. A. Hice and a few others were instrumental in having the camp instituted. Four years later the camp purchased a lot adjoitiing the Newton Centre school-house, and in the fall of 1897 erected a two-story and base- ment building, size 26x46 feet, the upjier floor being used for a hall where the members meet twice a month. The first floor has a large front room furnished with tables, and a smaller room 94 HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP in the rear for a kitchen, equipped with a stove, dishes and every necessary article for preparing and serving a first-class dinner. The camp is in a flourishing condition, hav- ing over $1,000 in the bank. There were sev- enty-seven members April 1, 1912. The camp has been running over nineteen years, and has lost by death only one beneficiary member and one honorarj"- member. ticed for a few months after 1850, and was fol- lowed by Dr. J. Keeney, from Laceyville. He died in the Spring of 1852. Dr. James Decker was the next physician. He died here in 1860. Dr. J. A. Hann came to Newton Centre in 1860 and practiced about twenty-five years. Dr. P. F. Hubler, of Huntington, Pa., gradu- ated from the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, in 1877, and located in Newton M. E. CHURCH AND SCHOOL-HOUSE, SCHULTZVILLE Bald Mount Lodge, No. 731, I. 0. or G. T. An Independent Order of Good Templars was organized at Newton Centre, July 30, 1869 with fifty charter members. For several years it was in a flourishing condition, holding regular meetings on Friday evening of each week in Good Templars' Hall. (The old Academy Building. ) It enrolled over 300 members and had a full treasury. Miss Jennie Petty, a sister of Mil- ton Petty, was an active member of this lodge, and an earnest advocate and worker in the tem- perance cause. December 26, 1884 the Newton Division Sons of Templai-s, No. 31 was organized in Good Templars' Hall. They ran for about five years. The Physicians of Newton. Dr. Andrew Bedford was the first practicing physician in Newton, and was succeeded by Dr. Hiram Nichols, who lived in Abington. Dr. H. S. Cooper, who studied medicine with B. A. Benton, M. D., of Tunkhannock, and graduated from the Pennsylvania Medical College at Phil- adelphia, located at Newton Centre in 1842; left in 1850; came back in 1858 and remained until his death, June 28, 1902, excepting a year he spent in the army. Dr. S. M. Wheeler prac- the same year, where he practiced for about ten years, when he moved to West Pittston, where he is now practicing. Dr. Charles D. Mackey practiced here for about six months, coming from Montrose about 1886. Dr. C. E. Richards located here about 1885 and practiced about five years, when he moved to Scran ton. In October, 1891, Dr. F. I. Smith came from Clifford and remained until January, 1897. Dr. Richard and Dr. Smith graduated from Jefferson Medical College. William H. Newman, graduated from the Jefferson Medical College in 1896, and came to Newton December 31, 1896, practicing here ever since. SCHULTZVILLE This hamlet was founded and named in 1858 by John B. Schultz, who then owned all the land and other property here. Thirty years ago Schultzville was a thriving village of nearly 200 inhabitants, but since the removal of the tan- nery about 1882, the people were not able to find employment and moved to other localities, and today not over thirty persons are found. Schultzville contains a school-house, two small stores, a blacksmith shop and one church, the Methodist, being on the Bald Mount charge, having services every Sunday, One store is HISTORY OF NEWTO.N TOWNSHIP 95 owned by George Sherman, keeping a stock of groceries and a line of dry goods usually kept in a small countrj'- store. Philip Harlos keeps a small stock of groceries and a stock of the different kinds of feed and grain. The black- smith shop is owned and operated by Wesley A. Winter. SCHULTZVILLE SCHOOL The first log school-house was built about 1845 about a rod south of the present building. I). W. Richards was one of the early teachers. This was known for many years as the "Hog- lion Scliodl-house."' Patrick Kelly taught school in Ibis building about 1860. The Schultzville Church The Chapel at Schultzville was built by John B. Schultz in 1861, and was for several years used jointly for school and religious purposes. Since the building of a school-house the chapel is used exclusively for religious meetings. It was bought by the society in 1885 for $250.00, and it is now valued at $700.00. Be- fore the erection of this building the Methodists worshiped in the school-house at Weiss' Cornel's. In 1908 the building was remodeled. The Keystone Tannery was a thriving industry of Schultzville about thirty years ago. It was established by John FIRE-PROOF SCHOOL-HOUSE In those days the scliool-house was used for ontertainments and church services. One even- ing after an entertainment the door was not fastened shut, and during the night an old sow belonging to Solomon Hojjkins, who lived near, entered the building, after which the door was closed, either by the hog or the wind. Three or four days later she was found with a litter of young jjorkers. After that time it was called the "Hog-pen School-house" by every one in the community. The second school-house was built in 1862, near Judson D. Hopkins' residence. This building was sold to Solomon Hopkins. The present school-house was built in 1868. Jliss Mary jNIorrow of Schultzville taught this school in 1910-'ll. Twenty-three scholars were enrolled. B. Schultz, who moved into Pennsylvania in the Spring of 1858, from Illinois. 'The same year in Tuly, he began the erection of the large tannery, together with the necessary buildings for carrying on the tannery business, such as shop, storage building, store, tenements, etc., which was called the Keystone Tannery. Mr. Schultz carried on the business until January, 1866, when he sold the property to A. B. Mc- Kinstry and Nial T. Childs of Ulster county, New York. They carried on the business for about ten years, until May 4, 1876, at which time Mr. I\IcKinstry purcha.sed Mr. Childs' in- terest, and from that time the business was con- ducted under the name of Jackson S. Schultz & Co., of New York, until about 1882. when the tannery was moved to New York and nearly all the tenement houses and other buildings were torn down. The Keystone Tannery employed about fifty 96 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP men, and had a capacity for tanning 40,000 hides a year, vahied at $175,000. A large farm of 500 acres was run in connection with the tannery. At that time this farm was considered the largest and most productive in the county, producing 300 tons of hay annually, and other crops. About twelve to fifteen men were em- ployed on the farm and about twenty more were employed in the woods, cutting timber and pealing bark, making a total of over eighty men employed in the tannerj^^ on the farm and in the woods. terms (1910-'ll and 1911-'12). In 1911-12 fifteen scholars were enrolled, namely: Carl Beck, Norma .Beck, Leah Beck, Lloyd Beck, Esther Berry, Olive Fenton, Harry Franey, Thomas Franey, Wendall Lacoe, Wallace La- coe, Helen Lacoe, Nicholas Reed, Marjorie Reed, Gertrude Sweet and Plubert Sweet. OosNER School This school was named in honor of Lewis Cosner, who came from Sussex county, N. J., in 1816 and settled upon the farm now owned by LACOE SCHOOL- HOUSE Fire-Peoof School Barronet Rodney made the first settlement in this district in 1803, on the old Theodore Stone farm. This was the second settlement in the township. The first school-house was built about 1840. It was a framed building. The present build- ing was erected about 1860. It was named "Fire Proof" several years ago, when it was set on fire two or three times, and each time went out, Avithout doing but slight damage. Miss Leona E. Winter, Bald Mount, was the teacher in 1910-'ll. Twenty-one scholars were enrolled. Lacoe School. The first settlement in the township was made in this district in 1803, by Richard Gardner, upon the farm now owned by Peter Corselius. The first and only school-house was built about_1860. Albert CorseHus, Emily and Hat- tie Litts, Jessie Hunt and Lewis Rosenkrans were among the first teachers. Miss Vivian Bardwell, Tunkhannock, taught the last two his grandson, Seldon S. Cosner. The first set- tlement in this district was made about 1812, or before, by Zebulon Comstock, upon the farm now owned by Mrs. Daniel W. La Rue. About the same time Parley Von Cleveland located on the farm now owned by Anthony McAndrews of Scranton (occupied by Elmer G. Swartz), and later a Mr. Lutz on the Henry Jacobs' farm, recently jjurchased by W. E. LaRue. The first school-house in this district was built about 1820 on the main road from Newton to Scranton, near the present residence of Thomas Veety. It was built of hewn logs, and was known as the "Morgan School-house." The first teachers were Parley Von Cleveland, Anthony Briggs and Nancy Ackerly. Another school- house was built about 1845, near the present site. This was a framed building. It is now used for a corn house on Seldon S. Cosner 's farm. Daniel Blatchley was the first teacher in this building. The third school-house was built about 1875." Port Royal School The first settlers in this district all came from HISTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP 97 New Jei-sey. About 1815 John Walter aud his brother, Jacob, settled on the farms now owned by Andrew Veety. John built his log-house where Mr. "\'eety's tenant house is now located, and Jacob erected his rude house opposite Mr. Veety's residence. Jonas Fuller located on the farm now owned by Fred Eckel, and built his cabin across the road from the .spring, about fifteen rods south of Mr. Eckel'.'^ home. .Vndrew Compton settled and cleared the farm now owned by L. B. Ayers, Sr., which included the farms owned by Lewis Phillipsky and Peter C. Winter. Jeptha ^littau settled on the Richard Busteed farm. John K. Reed, a school teacher, located on the Kircher farm. The first school-house (the present building) house, upon which a log school-house was built in 1838. The first .school was held without door or windows, and the first teacher was j\Iiss Harmina F. Olmstead (born Feb. 19, 1816 and died Aug. 6, 1886). She married Gideon P. ilcMillam Among the first scholars were Peter Sutton, P. K. Richards, J. B. Richards, Abram Agnew, Albert ^'andeBorgert, B. S. Drake and Amzi Decker. The present school- house was built about 1861, upon the site of the first. Miss Nora F. Biesecker, Bald Mount, was the teacher in 1911-'12. Eighteen scholars were enrolled, seven boys and eleven girls, namely: Marjorie Coon, Eliza Coon, Laura Coon, Edyth Cooii, Raymond Coon, Ralph Kresge, Bertha SHOOK SCHOOL-HOUSE was built about 1876, when George Snover was director. His adopted daughter, Mahala Sno- ver, Avas the first teacher. This is the smallest school in the township, only about ten families living in the district, with a present population of less than fifty. Israel Vosburg, Jr., was teacher in 1911-'12, with about fourteen schol- ars enrolled. Richard Busteed is the oldest in- habitant, 85 years, and L. B. Ayers is next, be- ing 82 years of age. Shook School Adam Taylor was the first settler in this dis- trict, on the farm now owned by Ira Drake. This was about 1825. He made a clearing and built his log-house near the spring, above the house where Philip Winters is living. Christo- pher Taylor, (his brother), Silas Sutton, Wil- liam Brink, David Shook and others came later. David Shook donated the land for the school- iNafus, Ira Nafus, Florence Newman, Mary iNewman, Charles Newman, Edith Ferguson. Henry Pedrick, ]Merritt Pedrick, Sara Saxe, Leota Shook, Ella "\'aughn and Arthur Wins- ton. Extracts Copied from ax Old Minute Book OF THE School Directors of Newton Township. The Board of School Directors of Newton township met at the house of Chauncey Sher- wood (where Andrew S. Collum is now living) Oct. 18, 1856, and agreed that there be six schools ill the District of three months' dura- tion each for the coming winter. Teacher's salary not to exceed $16.00 per month. Directors met at the house of C. Sherwood. March 28, 1857 and organized by electing John Shook, President; Henry Kern, Secretary, and Peter Bedell, Treasurer. 98 HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP Directors met at the house of C. Sherwood, Saturday, April 11, 1857 at 2 o'clock P. M., aud agreed that a School Tax of three mills on each dollar on the last adjusted valuation be levied for school purposes for the ensuing year, and that the schools be kept open four months during the summer. Teacher's salary not to exceed $9.00 per moutli; the president and secretary to issue orders therefor at the expira- tion of the term ; and that the secretary of the board receive $1.00 for services rendered. Directors met at the house of C. Sherwood June 13, ISoT, and Henry R. CoUum was ap- pointed collector of school taxes for the year ISoV. He having accepted the appointment look the Du]iiicate, amounting to $242.71. .\ mount of school tax levied in 1859 wa." $568.89 at SV^ mills on the dollar. Total val- uation of ]3ropertv taxed in Newton in the year 1859, $175,043.00 and 197 persons taxed. Reminiscences of an Old Teacher In November, 1856, I commenced to teach. I was engaged to teach the school that is now known as the Sehultzville school. The school- house was built of logs, and chinked between the logs with stick.s and mud. In size it was about sixteen by twenty feet. Inside, on three sides, a board was placed along the .=ides at an angle of about forty-five degrees which served as a writing desk. A row of ]danks, or slabs with holes bored in them and sticks driven in, were placed along the desk for the lai'ger schol- ars, and a second row made in the same way but not so high for the smaller children. The house stood on the same plot of ground where the i3re,«ent house of more modern construction now stands. Within this little log hut, with sixty-four pupils huddled together, I spent my first winter as a country pedagogue. I had always been ambitious to become a teacher, and now that my ambitions were to be realized I commenced my work with high hopes and lofty ideas. Among my pupils were many who were niuch larger, and some of them sev- eral years older than myself, for I was but a boy, not quite eighteen years old, and small for my age. I had not taken my examination when I commenced the school, but a few days after I began work, Mr. John L. Richardson, the coun- tv superintendent, called at the school and con- ducted the examination orally before the school, which was customary at that time, and I re- ceived mj' first certificate. I think I felt laraer then, than I had ever before or since. Mr. Richardson. I think, was the first county super- intendent elected in Luzerne county, which at that time included the territory that is nf)w Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, his prede- cessor having been appointed by the Governor. The first thing that impressed me was that with so large a family it would be necessary to have thorough discipline, and I started to fight it out along that line. Among the large boys that I have mentioned, there was one over- grown fellow over six feet tall who seemed de- termined to be disagreeable to the small schol- ars. I had spoken to him about it, but he gave no heed. One day ,1 told him if he did not stop it I would whij) him, but he continued. Fin- ally I sent one of the boys for a whip ; he brought a fine birch, and I gave him s.uch a thrashing as I think he had never had before. It never occurred to me at the time that he could have picked me up and thrown me out of the door easily. Some of the other large boys told me later that they expected him to fight, and they had planned to take care of me and give him what he needed if necessary, but he took his medicine like a man, and did not mo- lest the little ones after that. Teaching in those days was very different from now. There was no uniformity of text books, consequently it wa.s impos.sible to classify the pupils, and we were forced to adopt the per- sonal method as they do in Conunercial Schools. While there has been many changes in our .'chools since tho.^e days, and many so called ad- vanced methods introduced, yet I question whether we are getting anv better results in many ways. I was talking a short time ago with a teacher who had fourteen scholars. She said she had so many classes she could not get around to all of them, and some had to be neg- lected. In my first school of sixty-four pu- pils, there was not a day that the little ones did not get four lessons. I call to mind a little girl of nine years to whom I taught the A B C's and at the closing of the term she could read fluently in Sanders' Third Reader. How does this compare with the progress made by your advanced methods? I know of no way to .judge of methods except by the results obtained. In those days one of the requirements of a teacher was to be able to make a good quill pen ; he was also required to board around, and while there were things about this custom that were unpleasant, and at times embarrassing, yet there were many pleasant features about it; you formed many acquaintances that in after life you look back to with pleasure. I was al- ways well fed and always slept in the spare bed. As a rule I like to sleep in the spare bed, but there are exceptions. I recall an instance; I was invited to the home of a very pleasant family, but the weather was extremely cold, twenty below zero. I was put in the spare bed far from the fire, and between a pair of snowy white linen sheets. Oh, the shivers I exper- HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP 99 ienced when I got into that bed. I can ahnost feel them yet. I would have ,been glad to have exchanged places with the dog and slept under the stove. I often think of that winter and my first school, and now, at the age of seventy-three, it would be interesting to me could I follow the historjr of my pupils in their after life, but I cannot. Many, I pre.sume are dead, othere have gone to other places. A few, I have been able to keep in touch with ; among them are George S. Snover, a retired farmer living at Mill City; Horace Rozelle, who was county commissioner of Wyoming county, and George W. Beemer, who. is occupying a very responsible po.sition as superintendent of the Hillside Home. While this was my initial school, I very much doubt if I ever taught a better one. I know I worked hard to make it a success, and I only wish now that I had some of the compositions that were written for the closing exercises that you might see how my pupils regarded it. .1 know that I did not get fat in doing the work, either in body or jjocketbook. At the close of school T tipped the .scales at one hundred and twenty pounds. I received $16 per month and my board while teaching, so after paying $2 a month for Sunday' board and washing it did not leave me enough to take a trip to Europe. In giving the account of the school-house I forgot to mention its name. It was known as the "hog-pen school-house." I do not know who gave it that name or just why it was called that, but I do know, that some who attended that school have much better houses in which to feed their hogs. I soon had a reputation for keeping order. and my services were in demand where they had trouble in the schools. I remember after I had married and had decided to not teach any more, Squire Ferguson, from the Falls, came to my house and said that "the school above the Falls had broken up," and he wanted me to take charge of it and complete the term. I did so, taking a good whip with me. I gave them but few rules, but gave them to understand that I expected them to be obeyed to the letter. One morning when I entered the school-house quite earl J', as my custom was, to make fire and write copies before the scholars came, I noticed some writing on one of the slates. I picked it up and read it. It proved to be an effort to write poetry about the teacher. After looking it over I thought to answer it in as near the .=ame strain as I was able. The spelling was bad, and I had intended to strike at everj' word misspelled, but did not have time before the pupils began to arrive. I herewith give his effort and my answer. We have a teacher in this hous (house) He sometimes looks quite l^ros; (cross) He has some hair about his mouth That malces him look a good deal wurs (worse). Yes, and he has a great long arm, And in it carries a ten-foot pole. And if a child does anj' harm He cuts him to the sole, (soul) ANSWER. We have a boy within our school Who sets up for a poec; And though I'll not stoop to call him fool. I'm sure his poetry will do it. His brain, I'm sure, is very small. Like any ordinary mouse. For when in poetry he tries to spell, "H-o-u-s," he thinks, spells house. Now a word of caution I would give Unto this upshot poet: 'Tis when he feels like writing verse. He'd better never do it. Lest in hopes of sudden gain That narrow mind of his he strain. And burst the prison wall that bind The simple powers of a sickly mind. I finished the school all right, and did nol have to dig any graves either. All of which is respectfully submitted by ye olden school-master. I). W. Richards. SCRANTON AND NeWTON TuRNPIKE CoMPANY This road was completed Sept. 1, 1869, and was owned and managed by the company till February. 1891. when it was purcha.'^ed by tlie county. David Cosner was the first president. Joseph Melhbaum was the gate keeper. The toll charged for a horse and buggy was 10 cents; horse and buckboard, 8 cents; horse and rider, 5 cents; two horses and wagon, 15 cents. Cloud Burst and Flood of 1909. On Friday, .June 25, 1909 the most disastrous flood ever known in this section swept through Newton and Ransom townships. It began rainmg about one o'clock in the afternoon, and the water fell in torrents for over three hours. Every bridge along Gardner's creek was wa.shed out. On the main road between Newton Cen- tre and Scranton, near the residence of Thomas ^^eety, the road was washed out to a depth of from six to ten feet for a distance of nearly one- fourth mile. Deep ditches were washed through valuable meadow land and large trees were up- rooted and carried to the river. Many of the houses and other buildings were flooded. Part of Curtis P. Smith's saw-mill, contain- ing valuable lumber, was carried over a quarter of a mile and wrecked, and several hundred dol- 100 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP lars worth of lumber lost. The mill-dain at iVIihvaukie was washed out, and the null dam- aged, ilrthur Jacoby had five acres of pota- toes entirely washed out. A smoke house, with about 250 pounds of meat, belonging to Henry Summerhill were carried away by the stream and lost. Lake View Poor Farm This institution was incorporated under an .Vet of Assembly approved April 4, 1868, under the name of "Luzerne Poor Farm," for the townships of Newton, South Abington and iNorth Aldington. About 1904 the name was changed to Lake Mew Poor Farm. The Lake View Poor Di.strict now includes eleven town.ships and boroughs, namely: North of the farm and buildings is $16,000 and the personal ])roperty, $3,000. The building is heated with hot water, and is equipped with hot and cold water. There were fifteen inmates .lune 7, 1912; the youngest ten years and the oldest eightj^- four years of age. Deputy U. S. Marshal Shot There are many conflicting rumors about the shooting of Hosey by Noah Smith, whicli has made it very diflScult to prepare this short narration. It is claimed by a few persons tliat the Deputy Mar- shal was James Hosey; others claim his name was Hosey Phillips. Noah Smith enlisted as a drummer boy at the beginning of the Rebellion, when only T.AKB VIEW ALMSHOUSE Abington, South Abington, West Abington, Benton, (ireenfield, Newton and Scott town- sliips, and Dalton, Glenburn, LaPlume and Waverly boroughs. The first farm, containing 126 acres, was pur- chased in 18(>8 from Olney Bailey, and in De- cember, 1910, 28 acres more were purchased from the iVlfred Reed estate, making a total of 154 acres, of which 120 acres are cleared. The first steward was A. M. Pelham. Burton Vande Bogert has been the Steward since .July 1, 1907, and Mrs. VandeBogert, Matron. A. -T. Thomp- son was Steward for eleven years, from Febru- ary 10, 1896 to July 1, 1907. The building is a wooden structure, two stories and basement, size 28x71 feet for the inmates, with an addition on the front, size 2(1x36 feet, for the Steward and his family. This new part was built in 1893, during the Stewardship of George Vosburgh. The value twenty years of age. It is asserted that after he enlisted, the .suj^erior officers insisted that he should enter active service as a private and not as a drummer. Smith was a bold and courage- ous young man, and took advantage of the first yoiuig man, and took advantage of the first opportunity he had for escaj)ing, which was a daring feat. He ran pass the guards who were stationed on all sides. After making his escape he went to a farm house, where the family was away. A card was tacked on the door contain- ing these words: "Visiting at Uncle John's." The door was unlocked, and Smith improved the opportunity by entering the house and ex- changing his "suit of blue" for a .=uit of citizen's clothes which he found hanging in one of the rooms. He then started on his journey reach- ing his home in Ransom with very little diffi- culty. He was captured several times after de- serting, and each time escaped. He lived in a HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP 101 cave in the rocks in the woods back of his fa- ther's liouse for several weeks. One daj' in Februarj^, I860, Smith and John Raife, anotlier deserter, were invited to spend the day and night with Levi Rosenkrans, in Newton (where Amzi Rosenkrans is now liv- ing), and while there about three o'clock in the afternoon, Hosey Phillips, a Dejxrty U. S. ^lar- shal, Avith a sleigh load of other men, came to the Rosenkrans home to capture the deserters. Smith and Raife went upstairs when they saw the officers coming. Hosey entered and began searching the house. He opened the stair door swearing that he would take Smith either dead or alive. Smith met Hosej- at the tojj of the stairs warning him to stop or he would shoot. Ho.sey advanced farther, when Smith shot and killed him, then turning to the window he shot and injured one of the men standing outside the house. Smith and Raife then tied, going to Falls through the snow in their stocking feet. Here Amos Beemer, a merchant, gave each a l^air of boots; then they went to Ransom and hid in John Stout's barn for about two weeks, and then went West. Later the}' returned to Ransom where Smith was married March 23, 1866 to Miss Catherine E. Jacoby. About two j'ears later, one Sunday in Feliruary or ^larch. a Mr. Casey and another man from Scranton, drove to the Smith home, arrest-ed Smith, and took him to Scranton without hat or coat. The .=ame day he was taken to the Wilkes-Barre jail. About six months later he was tried before Judge John M. Cunningham for the murder of Hosey. G. M. Harding was his attorney. The jury brought in a verdict of not guilty, that Smith fired the fatal shot in self defense. Noah Smith was born March 13. 1841 and died June 4, 1900. He was a son of Peter and Sarah (Compton) Smith of Ransom. (See Mrs. Catherine Smith of Ransom.) Newton" and Ransom Mail Routes In the early days a mail route was established between Wilkes-Barre and Tuukhannock, via of Pittston and Falls. John Pruner was one of the first mail carriers. The postage was five cents for each letter, to be paid when the letter was delivered. Po,stage stamps were not intro- duced until 1847. The first post-office in Newton townshi]) was established in 1835, at Bald ]\lount. The mail was carried on horse baclc from Old Forge to Falls, making a trip once a week. About 1857, Chauncey Sherwood, and a few others, made an effort to have it changed to twice a week, in which they were successful. The mail is now carried daily by Solomon VanSickle, over a "star route," from Clarks Sunnnit, via of Schultzville. Three rural de- livery routes complete the system, two starting from Ransom, and one from Clarks Summit. Route No. 1, from Ransom, wag established Felj. 1. 1907, with Peter Bedell, Jr., mail car- rier. This route serves about one hmidred and twelve families in Newton, Ran.=om, and Falls townships, traversing about eighteen and a half miles of road. Route No. 2, from Ransom, was started Mar. 16, 1907, and David H. Bedell was appointed carrier. This route serves over one hundred families in Ransom and Newton to\niships. Route No. 2, from Clarks Summit, was es- tablished April 1, 1908 and .serves the families along twenty-four and a half miles of road in South ^Vbington and Newton townships. Orrin S. Sharpe is the mail carrier. Six post-offices have been established in the two townships, as follows: Office Ransom, Bald Mount, Milwaukie, Moosic, Schultzville, Mountain Vallev Date Estab. First Post Master Apr. 9, 1850 Isaac D. Gulick Dec. 23, 1835 Solomon C. Strong .July 16, 1855 Nicholas G. Reed Office discontinued Mar. 30, 1907 About 1860 Henry Kern Office discontinued about 1866 ,Iune 2, 1864 .John B. Schultz , Aug. 7, 1868 Edward B. Trivley Office discontinued June 2 5, 189 4 The Moosic ]>ost-office was located at Kern's Corners, where P. P. "N'^o.sburg now lives. There are now three post-offices, as follow-s: Bald Mount, Andrew Collum, postmaster. Schultzville, Cieorge Sherman, po.stmaster. Ransom, .Tames P. VanOstrand, postmaster. Population of Newtox and Ransom Townships Since 1850 Year 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 The above figures include the inmates at the Hillside Home and the Ransom Home BALD MOUNT. The highe.st point in Ransom and Newton town.ships, and surrounding countrj^ for many miles is Bald iNIount, being 2,223 feet above the sea level. The "pinnacle" or highest point is located in Ransom township, a short distance east of the Newton line, and about five miles westward from Scranton. At its western base lies the village of Milwaukie. The top of the mount is shorn of its larger trees by the force of the wind, which many Newton Kansoiii 819 797 916 509 1,057 603 1,027 646 1,059 650 1,281 894 1,417 849 102 ITT8T0RY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP limes sweeps over it with great furj', niakiuti; it coiiiparatively bald, tluis tiiving it tlic name. When the day is elear a wide "view of field, forest and lake is offered, and ten or twelve towns and villages ean be seen from its high allitnde. One large rock, prominently located on the pinnaele, is jierforatod with several holes of the caiiaeity of from a quart to a gallon. These were proba.bly used by the Indian women i'or pounding their corn into samp. This theory i.-^ substantiated by flic large number of stone pesllcs found near it many years ago. Maid JMounl lia^ lieconn' :i popular resort during the hot sumnn'r monlbs for persons IVom (be (■ro\\-d{'(l cily lo\-iiig Ibc romance of luiumlain life. Il is rcncbcd by a long, steeji, zigzag road. A sliorl distance below the ]iinna- c!e emerges a si)ring, cool and sparkling, where many wt'ary and thirsty pedestrians have been refreshed by its pure and never-failing waters. 1x1)1. \x ({(ii.n Si'RiNCJ. n'bere is a, tradition of an Indian gold spring in Ibis locality where the red man obtained Ibc precious metal. 10.\])lorers have searched npon every side of Bald Mount for the hidden treasure, which has never been found. "in 1778, a young man who had been cap- lured by the savages in Wyoming ^'alley, was carried to the top of a mountain where the Wilkes-Barre settlement could be seen in. the distance. Here they built their camp fire. A transaction took place at this time which, from its novel character, excited the surprise and ever afterward impressed the mind of the young, unharmed captive. A venerable chief, lo whom the young man owed his safety, and suhsequently his release, removed a large flat stone covering the spring. The waters of this were so conveyed by a subterranean conduit, constructed for the purpose, as regard to the real source of the spring. At its mouth a roll of bark, forming a spout, was placed in such a manner as to direct the current into a hander- cliief held under it by two of the Indians. For some moments the chief, reverently attended by tlK> warriors, arrayed with bow and arrow, and forming a circle around him, stirred up the .-|iring with a conscious knowledge of its gainful icsults. After an h(nu' had elapsed, eveiy stone "reviouslv disturbed was restored to its former condition ; earth and leaves were left as if never touched, and no one, without ocular knowledge, would susnect the existence of a water-course. 'I'he handkerchief, covered with yellow sedi- ment, was now lifted from the spout. The glittering ijroduct thus gathered by the chief was placed in a stone vessel with great care. .\fter the fire was extinguished, and certain in- cantations performed with ceremonial exactness, the Indians left the spot in charge of the wild rocks surrounding it, and resumed their march toward their land of maize among the lakes. 'VSix days' walk led the party to Kingston, New York, ^vhere the treasures of the moun- tain, thus artfully obtained, were exchanged \\ith the whites, for such articles as want or ca- price suggested to the occupants of the forest. "In after years the returned hero often re- lated the incident to his family and friends, some of whom thoroughly traversed every por- tion of Bald Mount and Campbell's Ledge with- out discovering the secret channel or the golden spring." — Ilollister's History. Hillside HoiLE On April 9th, 1862, a law was enacted by the legislature "to authorize the erection of a poor- house by the borough of Dunmore, borough of Scranton and township of Providence." The corporators and first commissioners were Ed- ward Spencer, of Dunmore ; Joseph Slocum and David K. Kressler, of Scranton ; and Henry Griffin of Providence. On June 30, 1862, the district purchased a farm of 127 acres from Abraham Polhemus, for $6,730.50. This property is located in Newton township (part of farm in South Abington), Ijackawanna county, nine miles from Scranton, on the old turnpike from Clark's Green to New- ton Centre. It is also two miles west from Clark's Summit station on the Lackawanna Railroad, and the Binghamton and Scranton Electric Railway. No better location could have been selected. The wide and extended view of the landscape for many miles westward, toward the mountains along the Susquehanna river is a never ceasing source of joy and admiration to all inmates and visitors. Since the purchase of the first farm in 1862, there has been added by purchase, 873 acres, making a total of 500 acres, and '28 buildings have been erected, including the large concrete dairy barn now being built. This building is 38x184 feet, one-story high, built of concrete and steel. The window-sash are made of steel, no wood being used in the entire structure. It will accommodate 100 cows, and will be equip- ped with all modern improvements for scientific dairying. No hay nor feed will be kept in this barn. Another concrete barn, for fodder and grain, is being built near. The first almshouse was built in 1863. This was a wooden structure, size 30x60 feet, two stories high. It cost $1,800. This building now stands just west of the msane asylum, with a basement added, and is used for epileptics. Jn 1878 another almshouse was erected. This is a three-story and basement brick building, and. HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP 103 fince the erection of the new ahnshouse, com- pleted in 1906, it is used for the insane inmates. The rapid increase of insane patients made it necessary to vacate all the buildings formerly occupied by sane inmates, within the eleven acres inclosed, and devote them to the use of the insane. The Directors were unanimous in the belief that the sane and insane inmates should be kept separate and apart from each other. This could only be affected by the erection of a new building, outside of the fenced enclosure. This was finally decided upon, and a site was selected about one thousand feet from the asy- lum. E. 11. Davis was chosen as the architect to prei^are plans and specifications, which were adopted by the Board in the spring of 1903. The building was completed and occupied iu the fall of 1906. Its capacity will ]5rovide for four hundred inmates. The frontage is about 500 feet, two stories high, besides ba.sement and attic; is fireproof and thoroughly equipped with the latest and best known modern improve- ments, the male and female departments being entirely separate. The entire cost of the build- ing, including foundations, plumbing, electric work, heating system, etc.. was $262,946. 59. In 1910, a fine brick residence for the Super- intendent was erected directlj' in front of the new almshouse, near the road, at a cost of about $10,000. The Asylum and Hospital for Insane con- sists of a group of buildings enclosed l)y an iron fence eight feet high, under lock and key. The space thus enclosed, comprises eleven acres of ground, within which are the following build- ings: Administration Building, with wings, for in- sane wards. The basement under each wing, formerly used as wards for insane patients, have been converted into dining rooms with connect- ing corridors to other buildings occupied by pa- tients, thus permitting all to enter the same without going out of doors. There are two other large buildings separate from the Admin- istration Building, also connected by corridors to the dining rooms. These dining rooms are a model in every respect, each having a seating capacity of 200, heing 90x50 feet in size, total capacity 400. The old dining room was located on the "second floor of the Administrtion Build- ing. Within this enclo.mire is the Epileptic Building (formerly the old Almshouse), also the cold storage plant, large play grounds (en- closed) , store house (from which all goods, gro- ceries and supplies are furnished), laundry, bakery, chapel, conservatory and morgue, a base ball diamond and tennis court. The capacity of the asylum and hospital for the insane will provide for 500 patients. The male and female departments are entirely sep- arate from each other, and the patients classified and graded as to wards, as far as possible, ac- cording to their mental condition, whether of a mild, chronic or violent form. Too much credit and praise cannot be given George W. Beerner, the present Superintendent, for the excellent management of this institu- tion, and the manner in which he has carried out the various improvements at the Home, the work having been done by the inmates, under his supervision. The Superintendents since the beginning of the institution in 1S62, follow: William Cole, from Julv 1, 1862 to January, 1864; R. Ileflle- Hnger. from .lanuarv to April, 1864. He died Ajiril 8th; .1. Y. Decker, from April 12, 1864 to .lanuarv 1, 1877; J. W. Boice, from January, 1877 to April, 1883 ; G. W. Beemer, from April 6. 1883 to April 1. 1888; Charles S. Fowler, from April 1, 1888 to January, 1891; G. W. Beemer, Januarv, 1891 to present time. The value of the real estate is $761, 950. iind of the personal jiroperty, $108,172.85, making a tfital valuation of $870,122.85. There are (July 10, 1912) 686 inmates, of which, 483 are in the Asylum and 203 in the almshouse. Oldest Ixhabitants of Newton Township The following persons, forty-seven in all, are seventv vears of age or over: Mrs. Eliz. Roloson 97 Mrs. Mary Cornell 87 Geo. W. Biesecker 87 Richard Busted 8 5 John Cooper 8 4 William H. Scutt S3 Mrs. Angeline Coon S3 Mrs. Nancy Spencer S3 Lewis B. Ayers 8 2 Chris. VanBuskirk 81 George Perigo 81 Mrs. Ruth Hopkins 80 Mrs. Abigail LaRue 79 Mrs. L. B. Ayers 7 9 John K. Goodwin 79 J. Sterling Ross 78 Judson J. Cahoon 78 Mrs. C. VanBuskirk 77 Judson C. Comstock 76 Mrs.Frederlca Smith 76 John W. Ross 75 Mrs. Lena Flnkler 7 5 John Roach 7 5 Mrs. Jno. K. Goodwin 75 William Garrison 7 4 Catherine McNay 7 4 John Ford 73 Mrs. A. S. Collum 7 3 D. W. Richards 7 3 Gould Whitlock 7 3 Thomas Veety 73 Mrs. John Shook 72 Adam Thompson 7 2 John Cook 7 2 F. E. Bowman 7 2 Mrs. John Cook 7 2 Mrs. William Sealey 71 Israel Vosburg 71 Lewis D. Garrison 71 David Smith 71 John Shook 71 Dennis Michaels 70 Mrs, Thomas "Veety 7 James E. Roche 7 Chris Fahs 7 William Sealey 7 Wm. E. Thompson 7 Farming and Dairying. The plow and the cow are the ruling uieans of livelihood in Newton township. All kinds of grain, such as oats, corn, buckwheat, rye, wlieat, etc., are raised. Many varieties of fruits, in- cluding peaches and plums, are raised in nearly every part of the township. Several of the 104 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSPIIP fanners are devotiu.t;' iniicli (if tlieiv liiiiL' In .H'rowing strawberries, and lari^e quantities ) George, married Miss Emma Plunter and resides at Clarks Summit. (4) iNellie, also liv- ing at Clarks Summit. Pbrserved Alger was born Aug. 30, 1802 in Massachusetts and when a small boy came with his parents to Cooperstown, N. Y. He was a tanner Ijy trade. He married Miss Sa- brina Southworth. Her mother was a Butter- field, who came from '\^ermont. Perserved Al- ger died in April, 1882. Lewis D. Garrison obtained a common school education, and has always lived on a farm, ex- cepting about five years when living in Scran- ton. Mr. and Mrs. Garrison have two children liv- ing, Cora and Albert. Two other children died in infancy, namely: Gertie E., born Feb. 10, 1879 and died from accidental death June 3, 1882; Edna A., born May 13, 1884, died Aug. 25th, the same year. Cora M'as married Aug. 21, 1901, to Isaac Ayers. They separated April 8, 1907, and she returned to her father's home with her two small children, namely: Violet and Ada. Mrs. Garrison is the youngest daughter of William and Mary (White) LaRue, who were the parents of four children : Olive, Myron N., r n§p w HpTii- % ^mt. Milk ^^H 1 h * '■^^^SSm '^ i VrzK pJUl p. w ' "'^1 uwS ' ' '^^^^ w ^IB L ■i wHm He M I^HI ^ ^SBH^ii "t** % ^ LEWIS D. GARRISON'S RESIDENCE LEWIS D. GARRISON Mr. Garrison is the son of Eder (b. Feb. 9, 1814— d. Sept. 26, 1898) and Sarah (Griffin) Garrison (b. Oct. 18, 1812— d. Jan. 11, 1888) who were married Feb. 11, 1835, aird w^ere the l»arents of seven children: Cordeha, born Jan. 2, 1836, married Abner Alger and lives at Clark's Summit; William, born Feb. 4, 1838 and is living in Newton township ; George, born Aug. 8, 1839 and died May 15, 1899; Lewis born Sept. 16, 1841 and married Miss Violet LaRue Aug. 11, 1877: Thomas, born Nov. 3, 1844, married David Smith and is living m Newton township; Ruth Ann, born Aug. 27, 1846, married Laten Rosenkrans and li,ves in Newton township; John A., born Dec. 30, 1848 and died Sept. 4, 1852. Violet A. and George W. Mr. LaRue. also had five children by his first wife, namely: Mary J., Lydia, Amanda, Sarah E. and Joseph. Sarah died about 1891; Joseph died in the army and Lydia died May 5, 1902. Mrs. Mary LaRue died in December, 1860 and her husband died Jan. 2, 1862. Eder Garrison came from York State to Ra- zorville (now Providence) in 1835, and about one year later moved to Newton on the farm now owned by George Reed near Summit Lake, where he built a log house and cleared the farm. In 1866 he moved to the farm where his son, Lewis, now lives. Here he died. He was a blacksmith by trade, 124 HISTORY or NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP WILLIAM GARRISON Mr. Garrison is the oldest son of Eder (1812- 1896) and Sarah (1809-1887) (Griffin) Gar- rison, who came to Newton from Providence, near Seranlon, in the sprin.tj,' of 1839. He pur- chased 57 acres from Elias lloyt of "Wilkes-Bar- re. This land is now owned by Geo. Reed, near Summit Lake (Mud Pond). The land was co^•ered with woods, which was cleared by Mr. Garrison, and he built a lo^' house. He had a family of seven children : Mrs. Cordelia Alger, William, George, Lewis, Mrs. Thena Smith, Mrs. Ruth Rosenkrans, and John who teen yeai's of age, when he came to Newton, about 1861, and worked eight months for James Decker. He continued working by the month until married Aug. 22, 1865, to Miss Mary A. ITowey, daughter of Peter and ]\hu-garet (Hari- nas) Howey. She was born in Monroe countv, March 18, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Harlos had .-ix children: George, Floyd and Minnie died in youth. Annie E. married Peter Sonsky and are living in Glenburn ; Christina is living with her father; William E. is living in Falls town- ship. Philip Harlos purchased a farm near Ford's RESIDENCE OF PHILIP HARLOS .died when about four jea,vs old. George died in 1898. Wm. Garrison attended school until fourteen years old, which completed his school days ex- cept one term when 20 years of age. In 1864 he went to Illinois for a short time. In 1873 he purchased the home where he now lives. He was elected road supervisor for one term. PHILIP HARLOS Mr. Harlos Avas born in Ransfinr township, near Mountain A'alley, March 11, 1848, on the farm settled by his father, Philip Harlos, Sr., about 1846. Philip Harlos lived with his father until fif- Lake, about the time he was married. Tlie farm A\'as then a wilderness with only a foot path. (This farm is now owned by Peter Sons- key). In 1902 he purchased a part of the old tannery farm, containing the fine residence where A. B. McKinstry lived. Mr. Harlos and his daughter are living in this residence at the present time. The first part of this residence was built in 1858 by John B. Schnltz. About 1880 it was remodeled and enlarged by A. B. McKinstrv, at a cost of over $4,000. It is 48x58 feet, con- taining thirteen large rooms and three large halls. ' Mr. McKinstry died in the fall of 1881, only a short time after his beautiful home was IILSTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP 125 Ihiished. Mrs. Ilarlus died Uay 20, 1906, and is buried in iNewton cemetery. Philip Harlos, Sr. was born in Germany and came to this country about 1838, settling in Ransom, where he kept a shoe shoiD for about eight years before he moved on the farm. He was married to Christena Miller, daughter of Geo. Miller, a local preacher of Monroe county, about 1840. They had ten children: George, Jacob, Philip, Elizabeth, John, Samuel, Wil- liam, Charlie, Henry and Annie. Only five are living, Samuel, Philip, William, Henry and Elizabeth. Clarence W., born Oct. 6, 1900. Mrs. Wilda Hice died Sept. 12, 1908. Mr. Plice married his second wife, Winifred Swartz, Oct. 19, 1909. She was born July 2, 1881, and is a daughter of William P. and Cyn- thia (Sickler) Swartz. She (Mrs. Hice) was married June 29, 1896 to Edmond Swartz, (her first husband) by whom four children were born, namely: Alfred E., Rexford C, Cynthia Carolj'n and Edmond F. Mr. Hice was elected assessor in Feljruary, 1907 and re-elected in. 1910. He was auditor for twelve years. John Hice was born Aug. 21, 1825 and died '^^^M^c- WILLIAM A. HICE AND HIS RESIDENCE WILLIAM A. HICE AV. A. Hice (born in Newton, Sept. 2, 1865), is the only sou of John and Dorcas P. (Corse- lius) Hice and a grandson of Henry and Edith (Sharps) Hice, who were the parents of eleven children, five boys and six girls. He was a fanner and lived near Forty Fort, where John was born. Henry Hiee's father was born in Germany. William A. Hice was married Oct. 3, 1888 to Miss Wilda J. Kern (b. Sept. 5, 1867), daughter of William A. and Roanna (Rosen- krans) Kern. To this union two sons were born : — Burson J., born June 13, 1896 and Jan. 20, 1907, aged 81 years. His first wife was Dorcas P. Corselius, daughter of Peter Corse- lius, one of the pioneer settlers of Newton. They were married Jan. 23, 1851, having a family of three children : — Viola, born Mav 29, 1852 and died June, 23, 1853. Mattie,"born Oct. 22, 1854 and died April 14, 1862 after much suffer- ing as the result of an accident at school; and William A., the subject of this sketch. An adopted daughter, Annie, was born Dec. , 18, 1859 and died April 18, 1882, only sixteen days after her foster mother's death. Mrs. Hice was born iVpril 16, 1831 and died April 2, 1882. Mr. tlice was married again, 126 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP May 2, 1883 to Mrs. Roanna (Rosenkrans) Kern, widow of William A. Kern, who was killed Jan. 22, 1867, by a tree falling on him while working in the woods. She was born March 8, 1841, and was the daughter of Levi and Rebecca (Williams) Ro.senkrans, being one of a family of fourteen children. She died Feb. 16, 1907, four weeks after the death of her husband, Mr. Hice. In 1857, John Hice engaged in the mercan- tile business at Newton Centre, and was post- master for over 25 years. He was a member of the Presbyterian church at Newton. Mr. Plice helped build a section of the canal along the Miss Lydia E. Trauger. They have one soi'i, Lovell L., born Apriri2, 1896. JOHN G. HOLMES Mr. Holmes was born Sept. 22, 1851 in Cher- ry township, Sullivan county, and is the oldest of a family of eight children. He attended school in one .of the first plank school-houses in Cherry township. He helped his father on the farm during the spring, summer and autumn months, attending school only three or four months during the Avinter. In 1865 his father moved from the farm to Laporte, Sullivan county, to give his childi'en better school ad- RESIDENCE OP A. R. HOLLBNBACK Built in 1S41 by Amos Learn Susquehanna, near McKunes. He was honest. capable, energetic, and built up a large mer- ehantile business, which he conducted until a short time before his death. He was liberal in his contributions, and his name was at the head of nearly every subscription paper. He was one of five men who gave the bell to the Presbyter- ian church when it was repaired in 1901. ARTHUR R. HOLLENBAOK Mr. IToUenback, the third son of Dr. Urias and Margaret (Weiss) HoUenbaok was born Feb. 8, 1859, in Falls township, Wyoming county. Plere he lived until twenty-one years of age, when he went to Springfield, Ohio, where he learned the carpenter's trade. He lived in Nebraska and Colorado about two years. In 1887 he moved to Scranton, working at his trade. In March, 1898, he came to Newton toAATiship, and purchased the farm he now owns. Mr. liollenback was married Jan. 8, 1881, to vantages ^ , bat John being the oldest, attended the Laporte school only four terms of four months each. . When eighteen years of age he began clerk- ing in a general store for C. M. King of Laporte, where he worked about two years. In 1871 he returned to Cherry township. Here he worked in the lumber woods, which has since been his employment a greater part of the time. Mr. Holmes, was married Dec. 22, 1877 to JMiss Lillie P., the oldest daughter of Samuel A. and Phalinda (Thompson) Morton of Luzerne. Soon after his marriage he purchased a farm in Cherry township, where he lived eighteen years. During this time he owned three and four teams, and employed several men on the farm and in the lumber woods. In June, 1895 he moved to Port Bowkley (near WilkesrBarre) , where he ran a milk wagon for a dairy farm till April, 1898. Then he moved to Luzerne. December 4th, the same year, he Avent with a ]")arty to Scranton, Menefee county, Kentucky, where he was employed by a large lumber com- HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP 127 pany until the mill burned two years later. In November, 1900 he returned to Pennsylvania, and the next February moved on a dairy farm at Keelersburg, Wj^oming county, where he lived for one year. April 1, 1902 he moved to Jjuzerne, where he worked in a machine shop. In June, 1903 he purchased the Peter Sutton farm where he is now living. In 1904, he built the house illustrated on this page, and since has made many more improvements. While living in Newton he has devoted much of his time to lumbering until the last year. Four children complete the family circle, namely: (1) Allen, born Sept. 4, 1879, and 1854; Mrs. Elizabeth Vaughn, born May 18, 1856; Walter K., born June 22, 1858; Henry L., born July 21, 1860; Mrs. Martha A. Sch- woerer, horn Oct. 28, 1862; Mrs. Augusta O'Neill, born Nov. 19, 1865. Samuel A. Morton, born in Bangor, Maine, May 1, 1835 and died in 1901 at Onset, Mass. He married Miss Phalinda Thompson of Wy- oming county. They had a family of three children, namely: Lillie P., born Jan. 25, 1858 and married .John G. Holmes;' Flora, bom Dec. 4, 1865, died in February, 1887; Effie M., (Dr. Effie _M. Pace, 0. D.), born Sept. 21, 1867. She is living in Luzerne. RESIDENCE OP JOHN G. HOLMES married Oct. 10, 1902 to Miss Cora Brungess. He is employed by the Commonwealth Tele- phone Company at Centremoreland. They have two children, Russell and Edward. (2) Lewis M., born April 9, 1881, and has been employed at the Baltimore Steel Works several years. (3) Ray v., born March 5, 1892, is clerking in Kingston. (4) Hazel ^NI., horn Aug. 23, 1894, is a stude]:it at the East Stroudsburg Normal School. Mrs. Plolmes is a descendant (eight genera- tions) of Acquilla Chase, who came to this coun- trj' in 1620 with the Mayflower company. Her grandmother Morton's maiden name was Chase. Lewis Holmes, the father of our subject was born Dec. 26, 1821 in Sheffield, Mass., and died in April, 1883 in Bradford county. He mar- ried Miss MuTv M. Green, who was born April 10, 1824 and died March, 1882. Their family of eight children were born as follows: .John G., our subject; William S., born Feb. 4, 1853 and died in June, 1883; Edmund, born October 4, ARTPIUR JACOBY Mr. Jacoby was born on the farm now owned by his brother, Harlan Jacoby, about one-half mile north of Bald Mount postoffice. This farm was settled IMarch 25, 1832, by Peter Ayers, (grandfather of Mrs. Arthur Jacoby). The same year he sold out his claim to Henry Wal- ter (grandfather of Arthur Jacoby) for a year- ling heifer. He is a son of Jacob and Lucinda (Water) Jacoby. Arthur Jacoby was married Jan. 17, 1881 to j\Iiss Ida, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Mali- gan) Ayers. Mrs. Jacoby 's mother died when Ida was only nine years of age. Then she be- gan working out by the week. She has one sister, Kate, (Mrs. Benjamin Jacoby) and two brothers, William and Isaac Ayers, all living in Newton. Mr. Jacoby moved to the farm where he is now living, April 1, 1884. He erected all the buildings and set out an apple orchard and other fruit trees. 128 HISTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP Mr. and Mrs. Jacoby are the parents of four children, one daughter Katie, and three sons: Rali3h, Ernest and Jacob {See Directory). Jacob Jacoby^ father of our subject, was born in New Jersey. He was a mason by trade, which he followed until a shon time before his death in 1892. He married Miss Lucinda Wal- ter, daughter of Henry Walter, one of the pion- eer settlers of Newton, coming here from New Jersey about 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Jacoby were the parents of seven children, four of whom, are living, namely: Kate (Mrs. Noah Smith), of Ransom; and Arthur, Benjamin and Harlen who are living in Newton. BENJAMIN JACOBY Mr. Jacoby, born May 31, 1863 in Newton on the homestead farm now owned by his l^ro- ther, Harlan. He was married Aug. 6, 1885 to Miss Catherine, daughter of Jacob and Polly (Milligan) Ayers. {See William D. Ayers.) Mr. and Mrs. Jacoby have a family of three children, namely: (1) Howard, .born May 25, 1886. He is a carpenter by trade. (2) Lil- lian B., born July 18, 1890. She married Wes- ley H. Lacoe, son of Frank and Minnie (Wil- liams) Lacoe of Newton. They have two chil- dren living: Roy H. and Donald W. (3) Helen E., born Feb. 19, 1908. About 1895, Mr. Jacoby purchased a farm of Richard Busteed, which he sold in 1910 to Abram Peters. In 1909 he purchased the Lewis Jennings farm, which he sold in 1912 to Wm. Scutt. Mr. Jacoby is a son of Jacob and Cclin- da (Walter) Jacoby. {See Jacob Jacoby.) MRS. RUTH M. HOPKINS Mrs. Llopkins was born at Waverly, North Abington township, July 12, 1832. She is the youngest child of Nehemiah and Catherine (Clark) Tinkham, who were the parents of nine children, one son and eight daughters. IMrs. Hopkins is the onlv one living. She was mar- ried Feb. 2, 1852 "to Williarn Clay, who was drowned in Gravel Pond, May 27, 1868. Three years later (January 2, 1871) she married Solomon Hopkins. The same year they came to the farm where she is living. Solomon Hopkins was born in 1808 in Sus- sex county, New Jersey, and died in Newton township Aug. 17, 1884, after a lingering ill- ness of Bright's disease, Mr. Hopkins married the first time, June 7, 1829 to Miss Mariah Sturr, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Demorest) Sturr. She died May 26, 1870. Mr. Hopkins came to Newton about 1832 and settled the farm now owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Saxe near Milwaukie where he lived several years, and then mo^'ed to the farm near Schultz- vilie now owned by his second wife, Mrs. Ruth M. Hopkins. EDWARD A. KERN Mr. Kern was born Julj^ 9, 1864 in Newton on the farm now owned by Jesse Ware. He is the youngest of nine children of Henry and Samantha (Williams) Kern. Edward A. Kern attended the Fire Proof and Cosner schools until about fifteen years of age. He was only fourteen when his father was killed, and when only eighteen years old began working the farm on .shares, which he worked for thirteen years till the farm was divided in 1895. He selected sixty acres of woodland for his part, and soon began cutting the timber and clearing the land. In 1898 he built a ten- room house, which they occupied on the last day of October. Mr. Kern was married Aug. 6, 1888 to Miss Arena Lesh, the oldest daughter of J. B. and IMary (Marlatt) Lesh. Mr. and Mi-3. Kern have three children living, two died in infancy and Margaret J. died March 10, 1910, aged 20 years. ' Mrs. Kern was born in Scranton and when five years old she moved with her parents to Caledonia, Elk county, in 1875. In Dec, 187(i they moved to Dallas county, Texas. The first night in Texas they slept under cedar trees and used cedar boughs for beds, and Arena, who is now Mrs. Kern, slept in a large trunk which contained the bedding during the journey. They lived in Texas seven years, part of the time living in tents. Her father worked several farms on .shares. The chief -crops were cotton, corn and sugar cane. On July 17, 1883 they left Dallas City for the East, with a small pair of Texas ponies and a heavy covered wagon, containing about 2,200 lbs of bedding, clothing, provisions and cooking utensils, and seven members of the family and the collie dog. They drove on an average, about 27 miles a day, stopping for a few days at several places. The}^ reached Cleveland, 0., Sept. 27th, where they remained during the winter, leaving there April 19, 1884 and arrived at Falls, Pa., on the 12th day of May, making a drive of 2,247 miles from Dallas, Texas. Henry Kern was born Dec. 8, 1817, and a .?on of Jacob and Mary (Winter) Kern. He married Miss Samantha Williams. They were the parents of nine children, namely-: William A., Henry Baldwin, Abram W., Susan (Mrs. Joseph Kircher), David C, Albert P., Mrs. Kate Berlew, Edward A. and Jacob, who died when two years of age. Henry Baldwin Kern died in the army Aug. 15, 1863 and William A. was killed by'a tree Jan. 22, 1867. Henrj'^ Kern owned 332 acres of land which - £, h9»^^- ''^'***»»&r4iaa*j!«f-^»«ia'i' ••'*' -U.jS£^i >-?i- a T. M. KRBSGB'S TWO HESIDENCES AND BARNS T. M. KRESGE'S HEltp OF HOLSTEIN COW^ HISTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP 131 was divided between liis six surviving children after his death. lie was killed Dec. 19, 1877 by falling from an oat mow in the loft of the barn while threshing, striking on the machine, breaking his back. Jacob Kern, grandfather of our subject, was born Nov. 8, 1792 and died June 6, 1858. _ lie was married Dec. 25, 1814 to Miss Mary Winter. He came to Newton from Pittston in 1842 and settled on the farm now owned by P. P. Vos- burg, Avhere he built a log-house. EDWARD KIRCIiER Mr.. Kircher is the youngest son of Joseph N. and Susan (Kern) Kircher. He was born in Newton township, Sept. 10, 1884. PTe at- tended school at Newton Centre until sixteen, then he entered Keystone Academy in Septem- ber, 1900, from which he graduated with hon- ors, June 12, 1902. lie married Sept. 24, 1908 to Miss Zida E., oldest daughter of George H. and Eva (Bunnell) Rifenbary. Mr. Rifen- bary has been superintendent of the Ransom Home since March, 1898 {See Ransom town- xJiip). Mrs. Kircher attended the district school and later Keystone Academy and Bloomsburg Nor- mal School. She has one sister, Gladys Oelo, who married Truman K. Biesecker of Newton. Mr. and Mrs. Kircher have one daughter. Dorothy Arline, born Feb. 20, 1910. Joseph N. Kircher was born in Fulda, Ger- many, Jan. 12, 1840. He came to Ransom township a poor boy when twelve years of age. He attended school in this country only six months. For about nine years he worked for some of the farmers in Ransom township, where he got his start in life. Nov. 2, 1862, he enlisted as a corporal in Company G, 177th Regiment "Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving faithfully until the com- pany was mustered out, Aug. 5, 1863. Pie was married in January, 1872 to Miss Susan Kern (born Jan. 29, 1847). To them were born three children, namely: (1) Henry K., born Feb. 10, 1873j now a prominent physician of .Joplin, Mo. (2) Maye, born Oct. 7, 1874, mar- ried P. P. Vosburg. They are living on a farm in iNewton. (3) Edward, the subject of this sketch. About 1870, Mr. Kircher purchased a farm from Thomas Kresge, containing fifty-two acres, and later purchased two or three smaller tracts, until he had accumulated nmety-seven acres. This farm is now owned by his son, Edward. lie also saved considerable money. lie died Aug. 15, 1908. His wife resides with her daughter, IMrs. Vosburg. Mv. Kircher was elected school director and poor master of Newton there times. He was also road supervisor and assessor. THOMAS MORGAN KRESGE Mr. Kresge is one of the leading agriculturists and dairymen of Newton township, owning two hundred acres of productive land and a fine herd of eighteen holstein cows, shipping the milk to Pittston. In 1911 he produced 1000 bushels of oats, raised thirty-two acres of rye and cut about seventy-five tons of hay. Mr. Kresge is a prominent member of New- ton Grange, No. 251,, being Master for the last three years. He is Sunday School superinten- dent of the Falls M. E. Sunday School, also sup- erintendent of the Wyoming County Sunday School Association. He united with the Falls M. E. Church when only fourteen years of age. He is a loyal temperance worker. In October, 1911, he attended the State Sunday School Con- vention at New Castle, Pa., being sent as a delegate by the Wyoming County S. S. Asso- ciation. Mr. Kresge was born May 11, 1872 in Falls township. He is a son of David and Lydia (Fitch) Kresge. lie attended the Port Royal and Pine Grove district schools until seventeen years of age when he entered Keystone Aca- demy, after which he attended the East Strouds- burg iSTormal School. lie lived with his parents until twenty-nine years of age, when he was married June 12, 1901 to Miss Georgiana, daughter of Jesse 'and Hannah (Lesh) Hunt of Falls township. Mr. and Mrs. Kresge began housekeeping on his father's farm, where they have since lived. lie purchased the farm in April, 1911. Mrs. Kresge was born Jan. 1, 1873. She attended Keystone Academy four terms. She taught school eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Kresge have a family of three children: Ralph D., born Dec. 29, 1904; Don- ald T., born Dec. 11, 1906; Elsie Marie, born Aug. 2, 1911. Thomas Kresge, like his father, enjoys travel- ing. Nearly every year he and his wife plan some vacation trip, including the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo, and "a trip to Philadel- phia, liarrisburg and Washington, D. C. On their way they visited the magnificent estate of Senator DuPont, at Wilmington, Del. In November, 1909, Mr. Kresge installed an acetylene lighting plant, which furnishes light for both, his resiclence and barn. They are both equipped with running water and all mod- ern improvements, including individual water buckets in the co>v stalls. David Kresge, born Dec. 19. 1845 in Monroe county. He is a son of Thomas and Lydia 132 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP (Gregorj') Kresge who were born in ]\Ionroe county, and came to Lackawanna in 1846 and to Newton in 1854. Then they purchased the farm now owned by the Joseph Kircher estate, from Peter Rutan. Here they hved ten years, then selhng to Joseph Kircher and purchasing the Timothy Drake farm, which is now owned by Christopher Richards. Tliey Hved here about twenty years then sold the farm to tlieir son, Jolm Kresge. They (Mr. and Mrs. Tho- mas Kresge, Sr.) had a family of ten children; Mary, George, Henry, David, Amy and Kate (twins), William, John, Lydia and Sarah. George and Lydia died in childhood. Henry died in 1905, and Mary in 1908. David Kresge was married July 3, 1866 to Miss Lydia, daughter of Morgan and Mary Ann (Williams) Fitch. She was born Jan. 5, 1847 in Overfield township, Wyoming county, and died Dec. 12, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Kresge were the parents of three children, namely: (1) Elizabeth M., born April 25, 1869 and mar- ried Sept. 24, 1901 to Harry A. Odell of Falls township, and have one child, Thomas Foster, born Dec. 15, 1902 (2) Thomas M., our sub- ject. (3) F. Leslie, born June 30, 1884 and was married April 3, 1905 to Miss Myrtle M. Hillock of Detroit, Mich. They are living in Indianapolis, Ind. Mrs. David Kresge united with the M. E. Church at Newton in 1878 and was ever after a faithful and devoted member of that denomi- nation. Later she joined the Falls M. E. Church, and for more than thirty years was superintendent of the primary department of Falls M. E. Sunday School, doing a wonderful work, always being a faithful and devoted friend and teacher, seldom being absent unless from illness. She was an ideal wife and mother. Her daily life was marked with cheerfulness, good sense and great piety, for which she was generally respected and loved. David Kresge traveled through the west dur- ing the winter of 1904-05, visiting his son, F. Leslie, at Chicago, who, at that time, was mana- ger of one of the many five-and ten-cent stores owned by his cousin, S. S. Kresge, now the larg- est independent owner of such stores in the world. He spent several weeks with his cou- sin, John B. Swarts, in Moniton, Oklahoma. He made another trip to Oklahoma in 1907, visiting on the way, relatives in San Jose, Mo. and Indianapolis, Ind. CHARLES H. KRESGE C. H. Kresge, born in Newton, is the oldest son of" John and Emorgene (Van Campen) Kresge, and a grandson of Thomas Kresge. C. H. Kresge has one sister, Stella. She mar- ried Daniel Raife, and lives in Scranton; a half brother, Arthur V., a general merchant and undertaker in Carlisle, Ind. ; another bro- ther, Walter F., died Sept. 8, 1894, aged 15 years. Mr. Kresge has a common school education. When eighteen years old he began clerking in a grocery store in Pittston, working there over five years. In January, 1899, he began work- ing at the Hillside Home as an attendant, where he remained over three years. While there he became acquainted with Miss Fannie E. Blew- ett, who was also an attendant at the Home. They were married June 12, 1901. They re- mained at the Home until April 1, 1902, when they rented a farm for six years of Geo. W. Beemer, the superintendent of the Hillside Home. April 1, 1908, he moved to the farm where he now lives, which he purchased two years before. Mrs. Kresge is a daughter of William and Betsey Blewett of Wayne County. C. IT. Kresge is one of Newton's most pro- gressive farmers. He has a large dairy of twenty cows, producing both summer and wiii- ter milk, which he deliveres to a dealer in Scranton. He also hauls milk for several of his neighbors. He is an extensive pro- ducer of cabbage, tomatoes, sweet corn, po- tatoes, etc., which he also sells in Scranton at profitable prices. In February, 1909, he was elected school director, and held the office of treasurer for one year. Two children complete the family circle, namely: Emorgene, born Jan. 17, 1904; William B., born Feb. 21, 1906. William Blewitt was born in England, Aug. 14, 1839, and came to this country Avhen ten years of age. He was married Dec. 31, 1859 to Miss Betsey Cruse. She was born Oct. 31, 1835 and died February 28, 1907. Mr, and Mrs. Blewett had a family of twelve children, but only eight are living, namely: Mary Ann, born Feb. 27, 1861 ; Wm. Henry, born May 2, 1862; Fannie Ellen, born Oct. 22, 1863; Eliza Jane, born Feb. 25, 1865: John James, born Feb. 2, 1867 : Lillie Marie, born Jan. 31, 1869 ; Ezra Frankhn, born April 17, 1871; Lillie, born Mar. 21, 1873; Amanda L., born Jan. 7, 1875 ; Elias, born Nov. 23, 1876 ; Bessie, born May 28, 1879; Clarence, born Mar. 17, 1881. Four more died , several years ago : Mary, aged 31 years; WiUiam, aged 27 years; Lillie Marie, aged 18 months and Bessie, aged 6 months. JOHN FRANCIS LACOE Mr. Lacoe Avas born on the farm where he now lives, July 18, 1858. He is a son of Wil- liam A. and Sybil (Ash) Lacoe. -J. F. Lacoe was married Jan. 21, 1882 to Miss Arminta L. Williams of Ransom, who was born March 30, 1860 and died May 25, 1901. m 'f- -•' '«! ' «IJ!.lJ.il,,i .1-.. jk. >__^_;?,^***v'; C. H. KRp:SGEr8 RI'^SIDWXCE ANIi ( '( )XC'R]':TI'; MlMv IKjl'Sl': MRS. ABIGAII, LaRUB'S RESIDENCE HISTORY OF NEWTOK TOWNSHIP 135 She was a daughter of Brittam (b. July 7, 1823 — d. Feb. 24, 1891) and Martha (Blackman) Wilhams. To Mr. and Mrs. Lacoe four chil- dren were born : Jesse M., born Oct. 23, 1882, and married Miss jNIaeme Vaughn, in Septem- ber, 1904. They have two daughters, Jean D., born Sept. 28, 1906 and Marion E., born Nov. 28, 1908. Jesse is a Real Estate Broker in Clark's Summit. Nelson S., born Sept. 4, 1884 and is a carpenter. Martha L., born June 16, 1886 and is a teacher. Wesley H., born March 31, 1889 and is a carpenter. He was married SeDt. 12, 1909 to Miss Lillian Jacoby, daughter of Benjamin Jacoby. They have two sons, Roy and Ray (twins'), born Jan. 26, 1910. J. F. LACOE J. F. Lacoe was elected School Director about tAventy-five years ago, serving four years. In February, 1900 he was elected Justice-of-the- Peace, was re-elected in 1905, and in 1910 was elected for the third term. Mr. Lacoe is a progressive farmer. For sev- eral j^ears he has raised about 2,000 baskets of tomatoes which he sells in the Scranton mar- kets. He has four green houses and raises over 200,000 cabbage and tomato plants each year. Anthony Lacoe, grandfather of J. F. Lacoe, was born in Garville, France, March 11, 1780. He came to this country in 1792, and to Wilkes- Barre in 1810, and was married April 19, 1812 to Amelia DuPuy of French descent. In 1814 Mr. Lacoe settled on the farm in Pittston, which then consisted of a tavern and four dwell- ing houses. His wife died in 1844, and in 1850 he sold his farm to the Pennsylvania Coal Co., and went to live with his son, William. He died March 9, 1883 at the age of 103 years. CHAS. E. LACOE C. E. Lacoe is the fifth son of Wm. Anthony Lacoe. He was born in Nicholson and came to Newton with his father when alDOut four year's old. When a boy he selected farming for his life vocation. For several j'ears he has run a threshing machine and ensilage cutter every fall. He produces a large quantity of cabbage, .sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, apples, etc., ^^lrich he retails in Scranton. For several years he owned a large dairy of twenty-five or more cows, selling the milk to Scranton dealers, but for last five years has kept only a few cows. jMr. Lacoe was married June 22, 1878 to Huldah C, the oldest daughter of Brittain and Llarriet (Richards) Rosenkrans. i\Ir. and Mrs. Lacoe have five children living. Two children died in infancy. JOSEPH ALLEN LACOE ^Ir. Lacoe is the youngest son of William Anthony Lacoe. He received a common school education, remaining on the farm with his pa- rents until twenty-one years of age. He was married June 18, L884, to Miss Jennie S. Ma^', (lie youngest of a family of five children of Abram and Leali (Shellabarger) May. She is a descendant of Cornelius Jacobson May, who canio to this coinilry with the Puritans in 1620 and was elected governor of the Mayflower col- ony. Mrs. Lacoe was born Feb. 8, 1862. She taught school three j'^ears in Kansas, and four j'ears after she came to Newton in 1880. Mr. Lacoe is a prominent farmer of this sec- tion. In March, 1885 he moved to the farm where he now resides. ilr. and Mrs. Lacoe have a family of seven children living, namely: (1) Blanche, born April 28, 1885. She married John Thompson, Dec. 28, 1907. They are living in Newton. (2) William A., born' Jan. 7, 1887. (3) Archie Gav, born July 13, 1891. (4) Ralph D., born March 1, 1895.^ (5) Harry S., born Sept. 23, 1898. (6 and 7) James Wallace and Joseph Wendell, the twins, born June 7, 1904. One daughter, Esther (l.oni Oct. 7, 1900) died April 19, 190L William Anthony Lacoe, born Jan. 30, 1820 at Inkerman, in the Wyoming valley, and died in Newton Feb. 23, 1910. He was a son of Anthony and Amelia (Duprey) Lacoe. (See Anthoni/ Lacoe). He was married Jan. 3, 1843 to Mi.ss Sybil Ash. They were the parents of eleven children. Mrs. Sybil Lacoe died Octo- ber 7, 1901. WILLIE E. LaRUE Willie Erastus LaRue (born on the LaRue homestead in Newton, Jan. 28, 1870), is a 136 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP son of Daniel W. and Abigail ( Warren) LaRue, and grandson of Joseph and Mary (Miller) La- Rue. Mr. LaRue received a common school edu- cation. He helped his father on the farm un- til twenty-three years of age, and April Ist, l The LaRues are of French descent. MRS. ABIGAIL, LaRUE SAMUEL LASHER Mr. Lasher, born in Falls township, Wyom- ing county, June 23, 1867. He is a sou of Arnold and Margaret (Van Wye) Lasher, and a grandson of Peter Lasher. Mr. Lasher Avas born and reared on a farm. He received a common school education at the Post Hill and Falls schools. He lived with his parents until nearly twenty-one yeare of age, then he hired out to Jolui Kresge of Newton for eight months. In 1889 he was employed at the Ransom Plome as teamster, working under Jacob Place, who was superintendent at that HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP 137 time. Plere he worked four years. May 6, 1893, Mr. Lasher was employed as keeper at the Hillside Home, where he worked mitil March 1, 1900. For the next six years he worked at farming. Sept. 24, 1906, he returned to the Hjllside Honie, working as night watchman un- til April 1, 1912, when he was promoted to farm foreman. Arnold Lasher, born June 28, 1832 in the State of New York and died April 28, 1904 in Falls township. He married Miss Margaret Van Wye. She was born March 17, 1833 in M. JMotzgar. Mr. Metzgar died Dec. 28, 1897. leaving J\Irs. Metzgar with two small children. Their daughter, Lulu E., born April 25, 1886 and married Garfield White, September 15, 1910, and resides in ({lenburn. Ira M., lives with his mother. He owns a fly shuttle cai'pet loom, and docs first-class wea.ving. DENNIS MICHAELS Mr. ilichaels was born in Luzerne county, and oldest son of .John ^Michaels, who was. born in Monroe county, Januar^^ 16, 1818 (died in SAMUEL LASHER'S RESIDENCE Jlonroe county. They had a family of ten children, two sons and eight daughters, namely; Mary, Peter, Helen, Dean, Lucinda, Samuel, Ida, Minnie, Carrie and Margaret. MRS. ELIZABETH METZGAR Mi's. Metzgar is a daughter of Win. and ^lar- garet (Ace) Blackwell, who were the parents of eight children, one son and seven daughters, five of whom are living: ]\Irs Sarah Breezie, Mrs. Elizabeth Metzgar, jMrs. Emily Landsidle, Mrs. Ada Metzgar and John. Mrs. Metzgar was born near Pittston. Her father had a large family, and she began working out at house work when only twelve years old, which she followed until married Jan. 12, 1884 to Edward Ransom Nov. 21, 1854), and moved to Luzerne county about 1838. He was married February 13, 1841 to Miss Sarali AI. Drake (born in New Jersejr March 18, 1817 and died in Ransom Feb. 4, 1894) , the oldest daughter of Jacob L. Drake. Dennis Michaels helped his mother on the home farm until twenty-one years old. In April, 1862, he went to Michigan and other ..western states, and returned to Ransom in Au- gust, 1864. He worked at the carpenter's trade for about twenty-five years. April 1, 1890, rented a farm at Schultzville, and has since fol- lowed farming. Jan 5, 1903 he moved to the farm in Newton township that he purchased froui Paul Aten. Mr. Michaels was married 138 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP Dec. 30, 1865. He has one son, George W.. who was nianicd Nov. 29, 1905 to Sadie, dangh- lei- of Thomas Benedict. Dennis Michaels has (iiit> lii'dllier, .lacob, born Sept. 11, 1852 and is living in A(h'ian, Micli. (See page 142). JOHN 0. NEWMAN •I. G. Newman was born on the old homestead farm, April 25, 1865, Avhere he has since lived. He attended the Shook school, where he re- ceived a connnon school edncation. Mr. New- man is a son of Charles H. and Mary (Lan- terman) NcAvman. 1834. She attended school at Wyoming Semi- nary, and later taught school about three years. There were born to the union of Mr. and I\[rs. Charles H. Newman two sons and one (laughter, namely: Eleanor, born Oct. 11, 1863 and was married Oct. 16, 1889 to J. C. Richards of IJunsom township. She died Feb. 15, 1911; John, the subject of this sketch and William H., born Aug. 13, 1871, and is a prominent physician, living at Bald Mount. (See History of 'Newton Township) . Mrs. Newman is now living with her son-in-law, J. G. Richards, of Ransom. JOHN C. NEWMAN'S RESIDENCE John C. Newman is twice married. His first inarriage being June 12, 1894 to Miss Minnie J., daughter of Samuel and Phebe (Bogert) Decker," who was born in Newton township, .June 17, 1866 and died May 19, 1909. To this union were born three children, one son and two daughters, namely: Charles li., born Dec. 5, 1898 ; Mary E., born Aug. 12, 1901 and Flor- ence D,. born May 17, 1905. Mr. Newman was married again, June 7, 1910, to Miss Estella Frisbie, daughter of Dan and Emma (Spangenburg) Frisbie. She was ])orn July 6, 1885. One child, Lester, was born to them, June 5th, 1911. Mr. Newman was elected school director in I'ebruary, 1908. Charles H. Newman was born near Kings- ton, April 29, 1822 and died in Newton on the homestead farm, ]\Iarch. 20, 1897. He was a son of Henry and Susanna (Harris) Newman. Charles H. was married March 2, 1859 to Miss iNfarv, daughter of John and Sarah vVnn (A'aughan)' Lanterman. Mrs. Newman was born in Sussex county. New Jersey, April 19, WILLIAM HARRIS NEWMAN, M. D. For miles in every direction from Newton the people are acquainted with Dr. iNewman and can testify as to his skill in the practice of his profession, his upright character as a man, and that by his genial disposition he has made many friends. Mr. Newman was born on the homestead in Newton, Aug. 13, 1871, and is a son of Charles and Mary (Lanterman) Newman. He attended the Shook district school until sixteen years of age. In 1887 he entered Wyoming Seminary where he attended three years during the winter sessions, helping his father on the farm during the spring and summer months. He taught school at Milwankie during the winter of 1900- '01. In September, 1901. when twenty years of age, he entered the Lackawanna (now State) Hospital in Scranton, as a nurse, where he be- gan studying medicine. Two years later he entered Jefferson Medical College in Philadel- ])hia, from which he graduated in the spring of 1896, and on the 20th day of July, the sape year, he received his license to practice medicine HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP 139 and surgery from the State Medical Council at Harrisburg. Dr. Newman first located in Mill City where he practiced for about six months. Then he l^urchased the practice and residence of Dr. F. 1. Smith of Newton, locating here Dec. 31, 1896. He has an extensive practice in Newton, Falls and Ransom townships and the surround- ing countrj'. Dr. Newman is Medical Examiner for several of the most prominent Life Insurance Compa- nies. In February, 1904, he Avas elected school director, and has been re-elected twice, and is now secretary of the board in which capacity he lias s.erved for about four years. W. H. NEWMAN, M. D. Dr. Newman has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Eva M. Coon, daughter of Levi and Eliza (Hopkins) Coon, to whom he was married Dec. 30, 1896. She was born Sept. 15, 1873 and died -Jan. 11, 1903. Dr. Newman was married again, -July 20, 1904, to Miss Alice B. Coon, daughter of George C. and Jane (Moore) Coon of Ransom townshii3. To them three children were born, namely : George C, born Aug. 16, 1905; Marion J., born Nov. 9, 1906 ; William H., born Nov. 15, 1907, JAMES REED _ Mr. Reed was born July 29, 1864 at Schultz- ville, and a son of Moses and Sarah (Ross) Reed. He was married April 13, 1895 to Ida M., youngest daughter of James B. and Eliza- beth E. (Blakslee) Mack. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have a family of four children, namely: Roy A., born March 21, 1897; Maud E., born Aug. 12, 1899: Lucy, born Sept. 16, 1903; Bennie J., born Sept. 4, 1905. Mr. Reed does an extensive business weaving cari^ets and rugs, which have secured first prem- iums for the last two years at the Lackawanna County Fair and Grange Poultry Association, which is held at Clark's Summit. ELjMER ELLSWORTH RICHARDS E. E. Richards Avas born June 13, 1861 in NeA\'ton, on the farm now owned by D. W. Richards. He is a grandson of Peter Richards, who was born March 1, 1805 and died October 1, 1850, aged 45 yeai-s, 7 months. He came to Xewton about 1832 settling on the farm Avhere his .son, Daniel W., noAv lives. Peter was tAvice married. His first Avife Avas Fanny Beenier, daughter of Jacob Beemer of Ncav -Tersey, Avho died NoA^ 8, 1837, aged 35 years, 5 months, 9 days. His second wife Avas Jlary Michael-', daughter of Frederick Michaels, avIio died June 25. 1853, aged 36 years, 7 months, 28 daysi. Elmer E. Richards Avas married Dec. 22, 188(3 to Miss Alice Harris (born in Wales), daughter of William P. (b 1819— d 1889) and Dorulliy Jane Harris (who Avas a daughter of .loliu Thornton of Bath, England). "Mr. and Mrs. Richards have tAvo children: Egbert E., born in NeAvton, Sept. 28, 1889 and is Avorking for Frank .lennings of Chinchilla. Maud E,. Ixirn in Pittston, AiTg. 20, 1893. is living at hmne. Jacob B. Richards, born in Sussex comity, Ncav -Jersey, Dec. 15, 1829 and died in Falls toAvnship, Wyommg county, Feb. 27, 1897. He came to NcAvton with his parents, Peter and Fanny Richards, about 1832. He Avas married about 1851 to Mary Elizabeth Collum, daughter of Horace and Sarah (Skellenger) Coilum. She Avas born iNov. 4, 1832 and died April 25, 1898. Jacob B. and his Avife had a family of seven children, three boys and four girls: — Horace, born about 1852 and died in California, March 15, 1908. He was tAvice married. His first Avife, Clara Austin, of Benton, died about 1881. His second wife Avas Lola Snyder of AA'oca. Sarah, born about 1854 and died April 22, 1903. Alice, born about 1856 and married EdAA'in Felts. They are living in Santa Anna, Cal., Egbert A., born about"l858, and is Iia^- ing in Pasadena, Cal. His fir.st wife, Lizzie Aten, died in August, 1907. He married his second Avife, Anna Vail of Pasadena, Cal., .Tan. 1, 1910. Elmer E., born .June 13, 1861. Susie E., l:)orn in March, 1869. and married Arthur Aten. ThcA' are noAv living in Pasedena, Cal. Libbie, born .July 10, 1871 and died March 13, 1878, aged 6 years, 8 months, 3 days. 140 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSIITI DANIEL W. RICI-IARDS j\Ir. Richards lias filled go promiiienl. a. place iiiiioug the citizens of Newton as to deserve more than a passing;' mention. He was born Feb. 2"2, liS;')!) in a loo-h(ai.se on the farm .nettled by his father in 18o2. Mr. Richards pnrchased tliis farm April 6, 1900, which he owned until April, 1911, when he sold to Christopher Rich- ards. He purchased the farm where he is now hving May 2.1, 18G8. This is part of the farm originally settled by his father. i). \V. Richards is a son of Peter and ^lary (Michaels) Richards, and a grandson of Abram, and a great grandson of Nathaniel Richards. October 18, 1860 to Miss Almnin, daughter of Anids and Margaret (Shook) Learn. She was born .Jnly 21, 1841 and died Sept. 28, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Richards were the parents of two sons: (1) Amos Clyde, born June 17, 1861. Fie married Miss Mary Hoover of Duryea. lie died Oct. 2o, 1.S92, leaving a danghter, E.stcUa, and a son, Clvde. (2) Willie Parke, born Aug. 9, bSd.") and died Dec. 23, 1872. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Richards married (Sept. 17, 1867) Miss Marietta, daugh- ter of .hihn and Harriet (Smith) Thompson. She was Ijorn May 27, 1837 and died June 10, 1901. Mr. Richards had one son, John Wes- ley, Ijy his second wife. He was Ijorn Jan. 26, .MM - ! 4^^ L '•"' p # Ma I^M r^^KV' •iri^i?'*'^fe i^^S^^liFr '•''^yiJ!!^ '^^^:^ Wll^^^^kSm r ^^t ■__21 %^S^- :.. ''i$^ ^w^r . ^ ■ ,..i:'?ap ^^! ■■; ..22 pBMH^;-- [■''■^«f4-iBa IP »?«-3£sSiti^!S.Ss!4'srr' " . . -. .Tl', D. W, RICHARDS ANrj HIS RESIDENCE Mr. Richards' father died when he (Daniel) was only eleven years of age, and his mother died nearly three years later. Mr. Richards is a self-made man. His school- days were limited to the winter months, work- ing by the month during the spring and sum- mer. When fifteen years of age he entered Newton Hall Academy. Here he attended two winter terms of three months each. At eighteen he taught his first term of school in the old log school-house at Schnltzville. For several years he worked on the farm .summers and taught .school winters. When twenty years of age he clerked one year for John Flice. About 1863 he purchased the store at Mihvaukie. In 1868 he was elected Justice-of-the-Peace, and re-elect- ed five years later. He has been elected to serve the people of Newton in nearly every township office. Mr. Richards chose farming for his life employment in early life which has since been his chief occupation. Mr. Richards has been thrice married. First, 18159, and married April 28, 1896 to Miss Mar- garet Ellen Lane. He died June 3, 1906, leav- ing one son, W^eslej' Daniel. Mr. Richards was again married Feb. 9, 1907 to Mrs. Annie Richards, of Oklahoma. MRS. ELIZABETH ROLOSON. Only one of the early settlers of Newton town- ship is living at this writing, and her name is knoAvn throughout Newton township and sur- rounding country. "Aunt Betsy," as she is better known among her many friends, Avas born February 26, 1815, in Lib'ertyville, Wan- tage townshiij, Sussex county, New Jersey, be- 'ing 97 years of age her last birthday. Aunt l^etsv was the fifth child of Jesse CoUum (b. March 13, 1786— d. June 29, 1877) and Anna (Roloson) (b. Mar. 1, 1789— d. May 21, 1852) Collnm. Jesse Collum was the father of twenty children, fourteen by his first wife and six by his second. Mrs. Roloson became the bride of Johnson HISTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP 141 Eoloson, March 16, 1S37. They Uvecl in Sus- sex county, N. J. for a couple of years after their marriage, until March 28, 1839, when they left their old home and friends in old Sus- sex county and started on their journey for the old Keystone State, arriving in Newton March ol. at il o'clock in the forenoon. They went to the home of Samuel Mittan, who came here six years before and settled on the farm now owned by George Biesecker. Thej^ were enter- tained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mittan until the next morning, April Ist, when they went into a littlo log cabin, only a few feet from the one now ftanding, which they had purchased in February from Clayfoss La Tier. This log house had Ijeen built, and for some years occu- iiied bv a man named Blair. farther on, stood until a few years ago. Directly across the way from the house stands the spring house — fallen into dilapidation, through which flowed a broad stream of clear, jjure, spring water emanating from a spring walled up and moss covered, about five feet from the spring house door. The sweet yellow butter, cream and milk con- tained within that sjaring house will be for all time a pleasant memory to all those who have been privileged to enjoy them, not to mention cookies kept in stone jars, and preserved wild strawberry and blackberry jam, a delight to favored children. Two or three large trees threw a refreshing shade over both the spring and spring house. Just back of the log house was the apple tree nursery, where were grown MRS. ELIZABETH ROLOSON AND HER LOG-CABIN. The trip from New Jersey was long and tire- some. The snow was deej) and the roads were poor, and part of the way very muddy, and for several miles large snow banks were prominent. They brought all their household goods and farm implements from New Jersey with three teams, ]Mrs. Roloson walking nmch of the way. A turn to the left just before entering the village of Bald Jlouut or Newton Centre as it is better known, as you drive across the West Mountain, brings you to the site of this old home near which Johnson Roloson brought his bride over seventy-four years ago. This old home is only a ruin now, but for many years the neat, cosy home of the "oldest inhabitant" now living in Newton townshiiJ. A log barn built by Mr. Roloson across the way a few rods The Oldest Inhabitant of Newton Township. from seeds buried in the Autumn and dug up in the Spring to be sown. From these seed sown by Mrs. Roloson were the trees grown constituting the orchard that stands there, bear- ing fine fruit today. The trees later were grafted with greenings and pippins, the sprouts being brought from her father's farm in Sussex county, New Jersey, where she was born. The quince trees she brought also from her old home. At the end of the house was the peach nursery, where the trees were raised from seeds. When Mrs. Roloson came to her new home it was a clearing in a wilderness; heavy Avood- land all around, even up to the spring house. The only cleared land being the field back of the house, the front yard and the field around the barn. Her husband cleared the remainder 142 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP of llic fiiriii and now liiit lilllc wood land I'C- 1 mains. i. Coming towaul tlio villai!,e you pass a most ] lifluresqiie little wood, and just on the farther i)order of the wood is the ruin of another jiion- eer home — known the eonnly over as the Ross house, the early home of ^Irs. .Tohn Van Bus- kirk, deceased, and wJio with her husband, also formerly of Newton Centre, was among the pioneer settlers of Northfield, Minn., now a flourishing city. John \^an Buskirk was a brother of Christopher "\'au Buskirk, whose pro- ))erty adjoins the Ross lot. Across the way from the Ross house is .'Standing a tree worthy of note. It forms an arch across the road, many of its branches growing up right from the arch loine in time to get dinner, which was a walk of about twenty miles. Where is there a girl today who would care to do that? She says that when a girl, working in Hamburg, New Jersey, she would many times walk up home after finishing her day's work a distance of eleven miles and then walk back in time to get breakfast by daylight the next morning. The Bible which she holds in the picture accompanying this sketch has been her treasur- ed possession since she was eighteen years of age, having purchased it with five weeks' labor at $1 per w'eelc. She has read it through aljout thirty times, and it is in excellent condition. At her advanced age, she reads her Bible and other books and papers without si^ectacles. Mrs. RESir)ENCE OF DENNIS MICHAELS See page 137. good-sized trees in themselves. Mrs. Roloson knows its story. In the; winter of 1836 this tree was a sapling. A very heavy fall of snow which lay on the ground until well into April weighed the slender tree until today it stands a monu- ment to the truth of the proverb, "Just as the hvig is bent the tree is inclined." Mr. Roloson, who came to the farm before bringing his wife, sowed timothy seed upon the snow that spring. The Ross projierty had for many years been a part of the Roloson farm until purchased with the original a few years ago. Mr. Roloson died JNIarch IS, 1872, and for years after her husband's death, Mrs. Roloson did much of the farming, many times carrying the hay into the barn upon her back. Her but- ter-making abilities were known all over the country, and her butter always demanded a good price. She was accustomed to carry her butter in pails to Scranton to sell and return Roloson experienced religion when eighteen years old, and joined the Baptist churcli. Mrs. Roloson was the fiftli child in a family of fourteen, and her sister, Mrs. Julia A. Ayers, of Bradford county, was the twelfth. Mrs. Ayers, alert and active as a girl, will be eighty- six years of age her next birthday (October 31, 1912). Perhaps one of the secrets of Mrs. Roloson's jierjjetual youth is her active life. You would find it almost impossible to believe that she had worked as she has, or attained tlie age that she has, could you see how few lines mark her face. Her memory is good, remembering incidents happening over eighty-five years ago, she furn- ishing the writer with much valuable data of tlie pioneer days. She does her own work, which is remarkable for a person of her age. Her hearing is quite defective, but that is by no means an indication of old age. Mrs. Rolo- HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP 14;:! Hon's gTandfather, William Collum, was a sol- dier in the lievolutionary War. Mrs. Roloson left the old log house in the Spring of 1885, and is now living in a part of her nephew's house, Andrew S. Collum, the postmaster of Bald Mount. She has continu- ally deplored the fact and still grieves over leaving her old home where she lived so many years after the death of her husband. It is the earnest hope of her many friends that she may reach the century mark. AMZI ROSENKRANS Mr. Rosenkraus is a son of Brittian and Har- riet (Richards) Rosenkraus, and was born -Tune 10, 1847 in Milwaukie. Brittian Rosexkraxs was born Sept. 15, 1822, and died Jan. 24, 1883. He was a son of Levi and Rebecca (Williams) Rosenkraus. Brittian Rosenkrans was married April 5, 1845 to Miss I-Iarriet, daughter of Nathaniel and Catherine (Roloson) Richards. They settled on the farm no^v owned by William Zeiss, in Milwaukie, and about 1825 moved to the farm now owned by Amos Rosenkrans in Newton. Mr. and Mrs. Brittian Rosenkrans were the parents of eight children, six of whom are liv- ing: Amzi, born June 10, 1847; Amos, born yiay 28, 1850; Johnson R.. born March 3, 1853 and died in infancy: Johnson, born Mar. 22, 1855; Huldah C, born Oct. 26, 1857 and married Charles Laeoe: Lydia A., born May 16, AMZI ROSENKRANS' RESIDENCE. Built in 1825 by Adam Beemer Tlie oldest occupied house in Newton township, Mr. Rosenkrans attended school in the old Lacoe school-house. He was married Nov. 21, 1887 to Miss Mary M., daughter of Solomon and Ellen J. (Vosburg) Van Sickle of Newton Centre. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Rosen- krans three children were born, namely: (1) Earl B., born Sept. 23, 1888. He was married Aug. 11, 1909 to Miss Belva L., daughter of John C. and Jennie (Dailey) Stark of Clarks Summit. (2). Jennie M., born Nov. 21, 1890. (3) Roana C, born June 12, 1895 and died July 11, the same year. Mr. Rosenkrans was born and reared on a farm. By occupation he has always been a far- mer. He has been constable of Newton town- ship for nearly twenty j^ears. He Avas one of the first directors of the Newton and Ransom Telephone Company. 1861 and married Dr. Theodore Senderling; Alice R., born Jan. 28, 1864; Amanda, born Feb. 16, 1866.. All are living in Newton and Ransom townships except Mi-s. Senderling, who is living in Scranton. Levi Rosenkrans was born March 10, 1800 in Sussex county, Ncav Jersey and died Aug. 25, 1879. He married Miss Rebecca Williams, born Jime 16, 1806 and died Oct. 22, 1877. To them fourteen children were born, namely: Brittian. Ixnii Sept. 15, 1822 and died Jan. 24, 1883 ; Lydia Jane, bom May 19, 1824 and died April 5, 1897. Amanda, born .Tune 24, 1826 and died May 8, 1888; Selah A., born Feb. 25. 1828 and died Feb. 19, 1897; William, bom April 3, 1830 and died about 1886 in Iowa; Benjamin, born Aug. 2, 1832 and died March 2, 1887 ; Margaret A., born Oct. 16, 1835 and 144 HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP (lied Oct. 8, 1892 ; Teres^.a, bom Feb. 12, 1837 and died about 1892; Martha C, bom Feb. 16, 1839 and died in 1910; Roanna C, bom Mar. 8, 1841 and died Feb. 16, 1907; Laton and Levi (twins) were bom Feb. 26, 1843. La- ton is living in Newton, and Levi died about 1890; Judson, born March 28, 1845 and is liv- iuo- in Newton; Mallery .J., born Mar. 26, 1847. He went west and has not been heard from for several years. Levi Rosenkrans came froui Sussex county. New .Jersey, about 1827, and settled on the farm now owned by J. F. Lacoe. A few years later he moved to the farm now owned by Harry Corselius in Milwaukie, wliere he lived until 1847, when he purchased the farm now owned by his grandson, Amzi, wliere he died. AMOS ROSENKRANS Amos Rosenkrans is the third son of Brittian (1822-1883) and Harriet (Richards) Rosen- krans (1823-1900) Avho were bom in Sussex county. New Jersey. Amos Rosenkrans has two brothel's and four sisters living: iVmzi, •Tohnson, Huldah 0. Lacoe, Lydia A, Sender- ling, Alice R. and Amanda. Two brothers died in infancy. Amos, Alice R. and Amanda are living on the old homestead. Mr. Rosenkrans has been an extensive grower of cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, car- rots, onions,, etc. In 1890 he began growing red raspberries, and for nearly fifteen years was one of the largest producers in this section, some years selling over $1000 worth. LATEN ROSENKRANS Mr. Rosenkrans was born in Ransoni town- ship on the farm now owned by Harry Corse- lius, just over the Newton line. His father, Levi Rosenkrans, moved fronr Ransom to New- ton township on the farm now owned by Amzi Rosenkrans, in the spring of 1848, when Laten was five years old. Laten Rosenkrans received a common school education. He lived with his father until twenty-four 3^ears of age, when he was married Nov. 16, 1866 to Miss Ruth Ann Garrison, daughter of Eder Garrison. (See Lewis D. Gar- rison.) In 1875 Mr. Rosenkrans purchased the farm Avhere he now resides from the Thomas Milligan estate. Mr. Rosenkrans keeps a dairy of ten cows, selling the milk to the Abinglon Dairy Co. of Scranton. Each year he raises nearly $700 worth of cabbage, tomatoes, SAveet corn, cucumbers, etc., which he markets in Scranton. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenkrans have four children living: — Gusten, who is deaf and dumb, caused by l:>lack (oxev. when about two years of age; Eva S., born April 13, 1871 and married Llar- len Jacoby of Newton, Jan. 27, 1892; Emerson, born March 9, 1876 and married Miss Dora Rozler, Nov. 6, 1894. They are living in Ran- som. Elmer, was married July 12, 1899 to Miss Ethel G. Singer. They are living on the farm with his father. One daughter, Rebecca, was born Jan. 25, 1868 and died March 24, 1872. Levi Rosenkrans was a son of Benjamin (See Amzi Rosenkrans) and married Rebecca Williams. They had fourteen children : — Brittian, Jane, Sealey, Amanda, William, Ben- jamin, Margaret, Thersa, Martha, Roanna, Levi and Laten (the twins), Judson and Mal- lery. JOHN WESLEY ROSS. Mr. Ross was born in Falls township, Feb. 24, 1837 and is a son of James and Olive (Hall) Ross, and a grandson of William and Lya- rents of nine children, namely: 01k >. ijinii March 16. 1847; George, born Jul v 23, 1,S4.S: EHzabeth, born Oct. 5, 1850: Thomas, horn April 6, 1853 and died Ana;. 6, 1900: Catheni. born March 24, 1856 and died Jn-.e :]0, 1872: Leshe, born Sept. 3, 1862; Frank, born April 2, 1865; Cora, born Ajiril 14. 1867 and died ■Time 4, 1893: Lewis, born Sei)t. 15, 1872. iMr. Rifenbary was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in Company B, 177th Regiment. Thomas HouGir, grandfather of Mrs. Ro- zelle, was born Oct. 4, 1784 in New -Jersey and died Sept. 5, 1859 at I^ake Winola. He luarried Miss Christian Bedell. She was born Hec. 14. 1787 and died Sept. 11, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Hough came from New .Jersey to visU their children in Newton and Falls townships. Both were taken sick and died within a week at the home of their daughter, Mrs. B. F. Rifenbary at Lake Winola (tlaen Breeches Pond). Mv. and ilrs. Hough were the parents of eigliteen children, namelv: (1) Deborah, born July 29, 1808 and died March 16, 1843. She married Jonas Courtriglit. Their children were Isaac, Peter, Crocker, Stejihen, Elizabeth and Christian. (2) Anna Maria, born Oct. 26, 1809 and died Aug. 2, 1871. She married Timothy l)ralril 4, 1824. (14) Seanea, born Feb. 13, 1825 and died April 22, 1910. She married Benjamin F. Rifenliary (father of Mrs. Ro- zelle). Their children appear above. (15) Mary, born July 6, 1826 and died March lO, 1872. She never married. (16) Samuel, born June 31, 1828 and died Am^. 9, 1895. He mar- ried J\liss .Jane DeWitt. Their children were Laura, Ella, Gussie, Carrie, Maggie, Austin and ■ Ernest. (17) Ilenrv, born April 23, 1829 ami died .hm. 16, 1890. He married Miss Adelia Heller. They had one daughter, Florence. (18) .Jacob I).. Iioni .Vi)ril 9, 1831 and died Jan. 2, 19(17. Tie married Miss Elizabeth Roloson. Their (liildrcn were Edward, Charles, Jjizzie and Alice. jMr. and ]\Irs. TInugli have had sevenly-fivc grandchildren, LEWIS R. ROZELLE :\[r. Rozelle was born March 23, 1878 on the farm now owned by Giles B. Rozelle. near ScJudtzville. He is a son of Anizi and Sarah (Leonard) Rozelle. Lewis Rozelle attended the Schultzville HISTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP 147 school until nineteen years of age. He lived with his father until twenty-four years old. Then he hired out liy the month. He was mar- ried Dec. 6, 1911 to ]Miss Eva M., daughter of li. .1. and Elizabeth (Huntsman) Glancey of Scrautou. She wa.s liorn Dec. 30, 1890. ' He moved to his father's farm, Jan. 6, 1912, where lie has lived since his father's death. Amzi Rozelle was born July 26, 1842 in Schultzville oji the farm now owned by Charles Kresge, and died March 11, 1912. ' He was married June 24, 1866 to Miss Sarah, daughter of .John and Caroline (Ostrander) Leonard of bert S. Lewis, who came to Newton in March, 1856. Washington Ruger lived in Bingham- ton, N. Y., and Avas a first-class artist, his pic- tures adorning many homes in Newton. He had three children, Emma, who died w^hen about three years old : Robert L. and May E. (b. Ajjril 14, 1868) wife of Hayden Hoover of Clark's Summit. Robert L. Ruger was married May 19, 1879 to Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of James E. Beebe of Binghamton, N. Y. Nine children were born to this union, but the five oldest died in earlv life: Albert, born March 2, 1881 and died RKSIDBNCE OF LE\A'IS It. UOZELLB \^'est ^'Vbington township. She was born April :•>, 1846 and died July 21, 1895. ]\ir. and Mrs. Rozelle were the parents of five (liildren, namely: (1) Gertie, died several years ago. (2) Alice, married Alonzo L. Newhart. She died Jan 30, 1910. (3) Carrie, married Oscar Britton of Newton. (4) Effie, married Charles Fahs. He died October 4, 1908. (5) Lewis, the subject of this sketch. Amzi Rozelle wa> a son of Israel and Esther (Britton) Rozelle. He was honest and in- dusli'ious. His entire life was devoted to farm- ing, and always lived in Schultzville. ROBERT L. RUGER. lloberl L. Ruger is a son of Washington and Lydia A. (Lewis) Ruger, and grandson of Ro- .Vug. 7, 1888; Bennie, born Feb. 26, 1883 and died July 20, 1888; Amy F. born Sept. 23, 1SS4 nnd died Jan. 21, ]886; Jav, born Oct. 23, ISN.S :ind died Oct. 11. 1902: Ruth B., l)orn Oct. 22, 1S9() and died .\pril 8, 1904. The funi- living are Lydia .\. Helen M., I'^leainir .M. ami Alice. MRS. ELIZABETH SAXE Mrs. Saxe is the lliird of five cliildi'en of -John and Mary (Raeder) Beck. John Beck was born in Saxony, Germany, May 10, 1815, and came to this country when about fifteen years old. He devoted much of his time in traveling over a large portion of the Ignited States unlil al.)ont thirty years old, when he came to Ran- som, Pa., where he s(.ion niarried. Here he 148 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP conducted a wagon shop for about fifteen years. About 1860, he bought a farm in Newton town- ship, from Daniel W. Richards (now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Saxe), where he hved until a short time before his death. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Saxe, in Ransom, Feb. 19, 1895. His wife died on the farm in Newton township, July 24, 1888. WILLIAM S. SEESE Mr. Seese was born in Monroe comity and is a son of William P. and Emiline (Price) Seese, who were the parents of thirteen chil- dren. Eight are living at this writing; Albert, William, George, Charles, Peter, Anna (Mrs. Chas. Dubler), Edward and Clinton. William S. Seese worked several years in the lumber woods in West A'^irginia and Pennsylva- nia, and later worked in a stoue quarry for two or three years. Since April, 1906 he has been working on a farm in Newton for ihrson Van Campen. He was married on Christmas, Dec. 25, 1890 to Miss Margaret A., daughter of Ferd- inand and Sarah (Sebring) Teel of Monroe county, who have eight children: Clarence, Samuel, Margaret (Mrs. Wm. S. Seese), Ida (Mrs. j-Vndrew Betcheloff) Edward, George, Martha (Mrs. Wm. Tripp) and Emmet. Mr. and Mrs. Seese have seven children liv- ing. One son, Ehas, died Oct. 17, 1898, aged six years (See Directory). JOHJ^ SHOOK The Shocks formerly came from Germany. Mr. and Mrs. John Shook have three chil- dren, namely: David A., born Aug. 30, 1866, and was mar- ried Oct. 4, 1887 to"" Miss Mary E. Smith, a daughter of Noah P. and Catherine (.Jacoby) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Shook have one daugh- ter, Leota E., born Dec. 9, 1900. Catherine Elizabeth, born Oct. 14, 1871, and was married Oct. 31, 1893 to Edwm Snover, son of George and Mavj (Kresge) Snover. Ed- win Snover and wife are working Mr. Shock's farm. They have one daughter, Beatrice M., born Sept. 20, 1907. Emma, was born May 4, 1878 and was mar- ried May 3, 1902 to William Harder of Ran- som. John Shook is a dealer in farm implements. David Shook, the father of John, born in Monroe coimty, Oct. 23, 1809 and died in Newton township April 23, 1899. He was married Nov. 29, 1835, to Miss Catherine Kintz, who was born Feb. 14, 1816 and died Aug. 25, 1893. She was a daughter of Milton Kintz. David Shook came to Newton in 1837 and pur- chased the farm now owned by his son, .John Shook, The winter of 1837 will be remember- ed for years, as the long winter; the ground freezing up on the 8th of November and not thawing out imtil the next spring. Mr. and Mrs. David Shook were the parents of three children : Lucy, born Nov. 8, 1837 and married Christian Kunsmann, and are living in Tunkhannock. They have two children liv- ing: Matilda aritl Ida. One son died in in- fancy. Henry, born May 10, 1840 and died in Danville in Sept., 1909. He was never married. .John, born Dec. 27, 1841, and was married Aug. 22, 1863 to Miss Maria Swartwood, daugh- ter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Sickler) Swart- wood of Wyoming county. FRANK A. SLATE Mr. Slate is the only son of Alfred T. (b. Aug. 29, 1830— d. June 6, 1903) and Susanna (Kunsman) (b. Aug. 6, 1839— d. March 23, 1910) Slate. One daughter died in infancy. Frank A., like his father, has always lived on the old homestead. He received a common school education. He has been a successful farmer, and keeps a dairy of about twentj^ cows, selling the milk to a Scranton dealer. He also hauls milk for his neighbors. Mr. Slate was married Dec. 7, 1895 to Miss Ida M., daughter of Harrington and Amanda (Hunter) Dunlap. They have one daughter, Naomi A., born Oct. 12, 1901. Adam Slate, the grandfather of Frank A., was one of early settlers of Newton, moving here from Northampton county in 1837 with his wife and two sons, Levi and Alfred T., and one daughter, Ellen. Another daughter, Cath- erine, was born soon after they came to Newton. Pie built a log house, which is standing at this writing, and cleared the farm, where he en- dured the hardships of pioneer life and died about eight years later. After his death the two boys remained on the farm, and finished clearing the land, and in 1892 built a large frame house to replace the old log cabin. Al- fred T. was married Oct. 20, 1859 to Susanna C. Kunsman. CURTIS P. SMITH is a son of Elias A. and Ann J. (McGeever) Smith, and a grandson of Elias, the first settler of the Smith family in Newton township. Mr. Smith was married Nov. 20, 1894 to Miss Margaret (Johns) Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one son, Ralph M., born Sept. 2, 1898. Three other children died in infancy. Elias A. Smith, a son of Elias, born March 27, 1827, on the farm settled by his father. Plis wife, Ann J. McGeever, born in August, 1842 in Liverpool, England. To this union six chil- dren were born, viz.: (1) George F., residing near Mill City, was bom July 20, 1857, and X K o fa O H O z H Q M P3 HISTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP 151 married Miss Clara Course. ' She died Aug. 30, 1907. (2) Melvin, born Oct. 9, 1859 and died Nov. 7, 1862. (3) Curtis P., born July 23, 1863. (4) Bertha E., bom March 22, '1866 and married Horace B. Ross. Thej^ are living at 1918 Price Street, Scranton. (5) William H., born Aug. 9, 1869. (6) Elias J., born Sept. 17, 1875. William and EUas are living in Newton. Elias A. Smith remained home with his father; he was a man of great energy and in- dustry. He took a contract to deliver 100,- 000 feet of hemlock lumber in Wilkes-Barre at $4.00 per thousand feet. This lumber was sawed in the first mill (the slow-up-and-down type) erected by his father, and was hauled to Ransom, a distance of six miles, thence rafted on the river from Ransom to Wilkes-Barre. The $400 received for the lumber was applied on the debt against his father's farm, which was about to be sold. ■ He was sober, honest and upright; always ready to help a friend in need. He accumulat- ed a large property, and at the time of his death owned about 470 acres of land, a store properly on West Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton, val- ued at $9,000, and a double house on Price Street, Scranton, and about $3,000 worth of lumber and personal property. Mr. Smith in- herited 206 acres of land from his father. This same tract is now owned by his heirs, 102 acre? being owned by his son, Curtis P. Smith. ELIAS J. SMITH Mr. Smith was l)oni in Newton township. Sept. 17, 1875, being the youngest son of Elias A. and Ann (McGeever) Smith. He was mar- ried Nov. 24, 1893 to Miss Carrie Roeszler, daughter of John and IMargaret (Lore) Roesz- ler of Ransom township. Mr. Smith worked for his father in the lum- ber woods during the Avinter months for several years, and after his father's death in 1900, he came in possession of the farm where he now lives. Nov. 6, 1907 he moved to Scranton, and worked for Fred Post, the drayman, for one year, and for .J. D. Williams & Bros, for six months. In June, 1909 he returned to his farm. Mrs. Smith has two brothers and three sis- ters living, namely: Andrew, .John, Lizzie (Mrs. Jacob Naugie), Rose (Mrs. Wm. Kiever), and Dora (Mrs. Emerson Rosenkrans). Hattie and Charles are not living. Mv. and Mrs. Smith have five children. WILLIAM LI. SMITIi Mr. Smith is a son of Elias A. Smith, and was born in Newton township Aug. 9, 1869. Mr. Smith attended school at the Cosuer school house until about nineteen years old. He re- mained home working for his father until 1900, when he was thirty-one years of age. He was married April 3, 1901 to Miss "Eva, oldest daughter of James and Eliza (Brown) Cooper of Newton. Mr. Smith has a farm of 123 acres, being a part of his father's tract. In 1904 he set out 250 apple trees, 40 peach and 25 pear trees. One year later he set out 600 plum trees, which are beginning to bear at this writing, 1911. Mr. Smith had about 60 acres of fine timber (hemlock,- pine, chestnut and oak), and for nearly ten years has been in the lumber busi- ness; has also cut and sold several hundred thousand mine props. ■ Mrs. Smith has one .brother, Edward Cooper and two sisters, Anna and Laura. Anna mar- ried LaA^erne Johnson of Clark's Green. Laura - married Lance Luvender of Factoryville MARCUS J. SMITH Marcus J. Smith was born in Newton toAvn- ship, and a son of Willianr N. and Maeoie Smith. ' ^^ Marcus J. Smith received a common school education. Lie was married Dec. 6, 1896 to Miss Rebecca M., daughter of Frederick M. and Alverda (Birth) Westcott. Mrs. Smith was only five years old Avhen her mother died (Jan. 1, 1887) and Mr. Smith's mother died Avhen he Avas nine years old. They Avere both mar- ried in their "teens," Mrs. Smith being only fifteen and Mv. Smith eighteen years of age. They have two children. 'After Mr. and Mi-s. Smith Avere married they came to his father's farm Avhich they Avorked for nine years. On Dec. 6, 1905 (their ninth Avedding annivers- ary), they moved to Pittston, and work being scarce, they moved to Scranton three month's later, March 1, 1906, when Mr. Smith learned the carpenter's trade, Avhich he has followed since. He returned to the old homestead in Newton Jan. 29, 1910. Mrs. Smith's • father was a soldier, enlisting in 1864, serving nine months until the close of the Avar. William N. Smith enlisted in the fall of 1861 and served in the Civil AVar Avith Co. li, 52nd Reg. Pa. Vol. for three years, until he lo^t his leg near Charleston, S. C. August 24, 1864. He Avas a faithful soldier, and is uoav drawing a pension of $40.00 a month. In 1867 he married Maggie Neary, who died May 7, 1887. They had two children, Blanche, born May 24, 1876, and married in December, 1893 to Chas. Searles, and resides in Scranton: l\lar- cus J., born Aug. 22, 1878. 152 HISTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP EDWIN SNOVER Mr. Snover was born May 15, 1869 in iNew- tou toi^iiship. He is a son of George S. and Mary (Kresge) Snover of Mill City. He mar- ried Oct. 31, 1898 to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Maria (Swartwood) Shook of New- ton (See John Shook). Mr. and Mrs. Snover have one daughter, Bea- trice M., born Sept. 20, 1907. George S. Snover^ a son of James Snover; born April 18, 1838 in Blairstown, New Jersey. He canre to Newton where he was married about 1857 to Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas and Lydia (Gregory) Ivresge. (See Thonms M. Kresge). She was born Dec. 24, 1841 and died Jan. 28, 1909. To Mr. and Mrs. George S. Snover Avere born eight children, namely: (1) Mahala, born May 3, 1859. She married H. F. Bender, and they are living at Falls. (2) Jane, born August 9, 1861, who married C. S. Richards of Newton. (3) William PL, born July 23, 1865, and mar- ried Thirzah AVrigley. (4) Edwin, our sub- ject. (5) John S., born May 4, 1871, who married Jennie Weir. (6) Jesse, born May 12, 1874, and married Cora Raif. (7) Clarence, born May 27, 1876, and married Ada Bedell. (8) Eugene, born July 19, 1881, and married Tempie Bedell. George S. Snover enlisted March 9, 1863, in Company B, 143d Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was discharged .June 20, 1865. He was a farmer in Newton for several years, and was elected school director about 1879. He married Mrs. Sarah Rought for his second wife. He is now living in Mill City. ARTHUR C. STEVENS Mr. Stevens was born in Jenningsville, Wy- oming county, Pa., March 18, 1884. He is a son of Benjamin and Lucy (Pewterbaugh) Stevens, to whom nine children were born : Nettie was the oldest and died about 1892. The following are living: Cynthia, maijried William Peters and is living in Allenhurst, Ga. Nora," married George Myers and is living in Mehoopany. Flora, married Jonah Farr and is also living in Allenhurst, Ga. Lucy, married Otis Mace and is living in Medix Run, Pa. Benjamin, married Marion A^andcrburg and is living in Edgewood, N. Y. Arthur, the sub- ject of this sketch. Howard, married l]niiii:i Parker and lives at Eldred, N. Y. Cora, llic youngest, married Clias. Wandall ^vll(l arc liv- ing in Jenningsville, Pa. Arthur G. Stevens was married Sejst. 24, 1903 to Miss Esther P. Mead of Newton, daughter of William (b. .June 30, 1861— d. Aug. 30, 1906) . and Abbie (Moran) Mead. Mrs. Stevens has one sister (Elvira) and one brother (William) liv- ing. Two sisters (Myrtle and Leachen) and one brother (John) are dead. Mr. and JNIrs,. Slevens have one son, Clarence A., born March 10, 1908. WILLIAM SWEET Mr. Sweet was born in Somersetshire, Eng- land, April 23, 1877. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Fear) Sweet, and a grandson of Sandy Sweet. \\^illiam Sweet, our subject, was married x^pril 27, 1896 to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Albert and Ann (Norton) Rice of Somerset- shire, England. Mrs. Sweet was born Jmre 5, 1875. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sweet three children were horn, namely : Hubert, born Sept. 15, 1897; Gertrude M., born Feb. 10. 1902; Margaret A., born .July 29, 1906. Mr. Sweet and family came to this country Feb. 26, 1909, sailing from England February 17th. Pie is working for Wm. J. Biesecker of Newton Centre. ]\Irs. Sweet is a sister of Mrs. Jesse Ware of NcAvton township. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Rice, the parents of Mrs. Sweet, are the ijarents of twelve children, all of whom are living, namely: Mary, Alice, Lilly, George, Elizabeth, Frank, Fanny, Robert, Wil- liam, Jime, Bessie and Kate. William Sweet, Sr. was born Dec. 23, 1847 in Somersetshire, England, where he died -Jan. 26, 1889. His wife was born Dec. 21, 1847 in Somersetshire, England, where she is now liv- ing. She was a daughter of John and Ann (Hembry) Fear. jNlr. and Mrs. Sweet were the parents of nine children: Sandy, Edwin, Ar- thur, Emma, AVilliam,, Mary, Albert, Gilbert and Mabel. Sandy and Edwin died in child- hood. ADAM THOMPSON Our subject is a son of Andrew and .Jane (Lifts) Thompson. He was born Jan. 14, 1840, and was married Nov. 14, 1861, to Miss Cather- ine E. Smith, daughter of D. Madison and Sus- anna Smith. She was born Dec. 7, 1841 and died Dec. 30, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were the parents of four children, namelv: (1) Estella M, bom April 20, 1863 and died March 12, 1880. (2) Frank Leslie, born March 31, 1866, is living near Schultzville. (3) Elmer, born Feb. 1, 1871, is married and living near Philadelphia. (4) Edith Gertrude, born' Oct. 20, 1881, mar- ried Henry Freeman and they are living in Benton township. They have one daughter. Ruth iMildred, born in November, 1902. Andrew Thompson, a son of Adam and Sarah (Cosner) Thompson, born Feb. 11, 1811, in New Jersey, and died October 19, 1850 "^ y t> i^ ?^ D ^-5 ^ CD o - H ■^ '^ m ^ ;^ O p - g ■" h* ►TI so 3 CD Ul O ^^ m P O « ri W (D O W ^ S r/; HH V. B H fD M i^^ Si m B' O o H a- ° m a> pa .- S S R: ■^ 3 c aMii4 1 WHBB^^^M|r°~^^T RESIDENCE OF HORTON B. VAUGHN brothers, Amzi and Theron, and one sister, Mrs. Emorgene Kresge, have been dead for several years." Mr. A'anCampen received a common school education, and when sixteen years of age came to Newton townshi]) where he worked for John Kresge, his brother-in-laAV, for nearly two years. In 1885 he began working at the Hill- side Home, where he remained for nearly seven years, leaving the Home in June, 1892, going to Old Forge, where he held the position of barn boss Avitli the Council Coal Company tor ten years until they sold out to the Lehigh Val- ley Coal Company. Here he continued work- ing four years longer. While at Old Forge Mr. VanCampen was elected School Director for two terms, and served as treasurer of the board for two years. In March, 1906 he came hack to Newton and rented the farm where he now reside:-. lie education, and Avhen about twenty-tAvo j^ears of age Aveat to Avork in the lumber avoo(Is in Tioga coimty. Pa., Avhere he Avorked until tlie fall of 1893, AA'hen he returned to SulliviUi county. In 1898 he entered the coal mines at Bernice, Avorking there for six years. Mr. Vaughn moved to his present home in NcAvton toAA'uship (part of the Peter Sutton farm) in 1904, and since then lias been engaged in farming. Mr. Vaughn Avas married June 7, 1890 to i\liss Elizabeth Holmes, the oldest daughter of LcAvis and Mary (Green) Holmes. (See Jolin G. Holmes). Mrs. Vaughn Avas born in Cherry toAvnship, Sullivan county, Pa., May 18, 1856. She taught elcA-en lerms of school, teaching her first tcim when seventeen years of age "and continued teaching until tAventy-seven years old. Mr. and Mrs. Vaugiui have Iavo diildren. HISTORY OF NEWTO.N TOWNSHIP 15% namely: Claud B., born Juno 28, 1891, and Ella W., bom May 2, 1897. Both are living at home Benjamin R. Vaughn was a son of William L. and Martha (Ross) A^aughn and was born Sept. 1, 1832 in Vermont, moving to Sullivan county with his parents when four years of age. He was married April 17, 1862 to Miss Sybil P. Redfield, who was born in Chemung county, N. Y., Oct. 25, 1842 and was a daugh- ter of Levi Redfield. Captain John Geeen, grandfather of Mrs. Vaughn, was captured during the Revolution by the English and confined in Mill Pris- on in England. Later he was paroled and sent to France, whence still later he brought to this owned by the State and not by the U. S. Gov- ernment. -^ Mrs. Vaughn's grandfather, John Sims Green, fought in the War of 1812, being a member of the State Fencibles, a crack regi- ment of Philadelphia. PETER P. VOSBURG Peter P. A^osburg attended the graded school at Wyoming and nearly one term at Blooms- burg, and from there was taken to the hospital where he underwent an operation. He was married Dec. 24, 1896 to Miss Maye, daughter of Joseph and Susan (Kern) Kircher. (Sec Edward A. Kern). They have one daughter, .\lta Mae. bom Aug. 21, 1909. p. p. VOSBURG'S RESIDENCE county the "Due du Lausan," a French battle- ship, purchased from the French Government, which he later named the "Empress of China." In 1784, Capt. Green, having left the navy to engage in private business, first carried the American flag in Chinese waters on the ship, the "Empress of China." Upon returning from this voyage he brought the first set of china- ware imported direct from China, and also the first Shanghai chickens. Dr. Harvey of Phila- delphia is the proud owner of three pieces of the chinaware. Capt. Green was one of the founders of the "Society of the Cincinnati," and both Captain Green and Captain Craig were charter members. The "Sons of the Cincinnati" is one of the old- est organizations in this country. Mrs. Vaughn is also a descendant of Capt. James Craig, Jr. of the Pennsylvania navy. Before the Revolutionary War the navv was In 1897 he purchased the middle tract of the old Kern homestead where he now lives. Mr. A'osburg is an extensive grower of potatoes, hav- ing jjurchased all up-to-date machinery for planting, cultivating and harvesting the crop, producing from 1000 to 2000 bushels a year. He i^roduces different kinds of vegetables which he sells in Scranton. He is also much interest- ed in the modern methods of growing fruit un- der scientific principles. Mr. A^osburg is equipping his home with hot and cold water, bath and modern imi^rovements. He is installing an acetylene gas plant. Mr. A^osburg's parents moved to North Caro- lina in 1888, where he lived seven years. Lie was born Aug. 31, 1873. Mrs. A^osburg was born Oct. 7, 1874. Mr. A^osburg is a srai of Joseph B. A^osburg. Jos. B. VoSBURG enlisted in the army when j'oung and lost his left arm in tlic Battle of the 160 HISTORY OF NEWTO.N TOWNSHIP WildtTiioss. Since his marriage in has hved in Ihirteen different stales. 1S67 he He was l)()rn April 13, 184.1 and died Feb. 13, 1904. He niarrien who was born July 24, 1831 near Tunkhannock and died in Newton March 6, 1908. He M^as a soldier in the Civil War, enlisting in June, 1864, serving eleven months in Co. K, 203 Reg. Pa. XiA. ^^'as also a sharpshooter. After contract- ing ty])hoid fever, he was discharged July 3, 18(55, He was a moulder by trade and worked about seven years in Gerhart's Foundry at Tunkhannock. He moved from Tunhannock to Scrauton in j\pril, 1861, and to Old Forge HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP 161 about 186S, and five years later came to Newton. Mr. and Mrs. John .J. \\"ard were the parent.* of four children, namely: Flora, John Edward, Bertha and Ernest R. Flora is a waitress at the Keystone Academy: Bertha, born July 23, 1863 and died Sept/ 21, 1886; Ernest, 'born in Old Forge. Aug. 4, 1869. and was married Noy. 28, 1894 to ]\Iiss Anna Van Buskirk. They are hying in Newton. JESSE AVARE Je>.'^e ^^^arc was born in Somerset county, I'^ngland, Feb. 28, 1871, and came to this coun- try \\-hen about seycnteen years old. He is the ."^on of Thomas and Salena Ware, who liye in England and ha^■e fiye children, three sons and two daughters: Frederick, Je.-^se, Ernest E., Mrs. Emma White and Mrs. Darcas Carey. •Jesse Ware had only 75 cents when he came from England. He worked in mines in Scran- ton for two years, after which he hired out to Freeman Leach at Cliinchilla, where he worked five years. He returned to England Dec. 11. 1895, where he was married to ]\Iiss Alice Rice, March 10, 1896. He returned to this comitry with his wife, ]March 25, the same year. He ])urchased the farm where he now liyes of David Kern in April, 1906. Mr. Ware, with his Avifo and son, made another trip to England Dec. 3. 1908, returning three months later. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. "Ware four children were born, namely, Arthur J.. l)orn March 9, 1898 and died four months later; Walter J., born Aug. 7, 1899 and died in Sep- tember, the same year: Floyd -I., born -Tune 28. 1903 : Leta, born Dec. 6, 1910. JAMES M. WHITE Mr. White is the son of Jolin (born in Scot- land in April, 1834 and killed in Colorado in 1876) and Ehzabeth (Thompson) White, to whom seven- children were born, five of whom are living: xVnna (Mrs. Henry Burrough) Jolin, .James, Robert and Agnes (Mrs. Leslie Thompson). .James White was only nine 3'ears old when his father was killed. Then he began living with .John Coon, where he lived until twenty- one years of age. He was married Dec. 27. 1887, to Miss Edith P.. daughter of Harry (1822-1905) and Lucy (Snover) Smith of Newton township. In 1911 j\Ir. "\A^hite purchased and moved to the farm where he now resides. He was elected school director for one term, and in February. 1900 was elected tax collector, serving for six years. In 1906 he was elected supervisor and sei"yed two years, jMrs. White has three brothers and three sis- ters living: ^Irs. jMaggie Sarles, Ziba S., Sey- mour, Marilla (Mrs. Paul Heidt), Harry and Alice (Mrs. AVm. Langenbach) . Two brothers died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. White ha\'e one son, J. Van Noy, born Feb. 3, 1895. HORACE AVILLTAMS Mr. AAalliams Avas born in Ransom tdwnshiii, Feb. 22, 1846, and was the son of James and Anna (Roloson) AA^illiams, who were the par- ents of twelve children : Perry, Isaiah, Lydia, Maria, Britton, Catherine, Eveline, Harriet, Andrew, Sarah, Amanda and Plorace. Only three are now living: Harriet, married Benj. Relph. and lives in Dalton; Amanda, married Jepthie Dady and lives in Bradford county; and Horace. Horace AA^illiams was married Jan. 21, 1,i'o;uid iu Ransoiu is lo- .(•aled near the Ransdui Home, on the bank of the river. The fir^t interment was that of Riehard Gardner, Jr., a son of Richard Gard- ner, who died March 3, 1797, aged 3 years, 1 month and 22 days. Mrs. John Gardner is bni'- ried here. It was fenced in 1901 by the descend- ants of John Gardner, and placed in charge of Dial Roclc Chapter, D. A. R. The cemetery at the Lntlieran church near Ihc village of Ran.^^om, was donated in 1846, Ijy .hiciib and John Dersheinier. The first inter- ment was that of Conrad Shafer, a .soldier of the Uevohition, who died in 1840. The first burial in the cemetery at Milwaukie was that of Ar- thur M. Skinner, an infant .son of Daniel S. and Rebecca M. Skinner, who died Marcli 30. IS.'jO, aged 1 year, 1 month and 3 days. .Margaret Ann Lifts, daughter of Henry Lifts., died Aug. 30, 1824 and was the first per.son buried in the cemetery at Newton Centre. In the fall of the same year an infant child of James Williams was buried. Peter I^edeli, Peter Bedell was born in Sus,sex county. N.J. iVpril 9, 1803 and died in Milwaukie June 9, 1874. He came to Newton about 1826, and .-ettled on the farm where Charles Finkler now lives. His wife was Susannah Cans, who was born April 9, 1801, and was nmrdered in her home on the night of June 28, 1876. Peter Bedell, when a young boy, was bound out to John Wyker of Wykertown, Sussex coun- ty, N. J., who was an applejack distiller. Young Bedell received a suit of clothes and $60.00 in money when he was twenty-one years of age. He purchased a yoke of .steers and worked on a farm in New Jersey for about two years. He was advised by Llenry Lifts, wdio had come to Newton in 1816, who gave such glowing ac- counts of this section, and the grand opportuni- ties awaiting a j'oung man, that he decided to move to Newton. He traded his steers -for a hor.se and a oue-liorse wagon, on which he load- ed his earthly belongings, and he and his wife >tarted on their journey. They purcha.sed 100 acres from John Bell, who had about hve acres cleared and a log-house erected. Mr. Bedell paid what money he had and was trusted for the balance. He .sold the farm in 1867 to Peter Finkler for $10,000. and moved to Milwaukie. Peter Bedell started in life a poor boy, with a limited education, but by industry and eco- nomy, he was worth over $46,000 when he died, which was made olf the farm and accunmlatcd interest on money loaned, aird not by s}iecula- tion. His Avidow received $22,000 for her share. She was murdered and robbed about two years later. A Change of Style When this old hat was new, The railroad was a stage; And a six-mule team made jilenty of steam For the broadest kind of gauge. You caught a goose when you wanted a pen, The ink you used was blue; And the women you loved didn't want to be men When this old hat was new. A spade was only a spade. And Jennie was just plain "Jane." For this impudent lip a boy would skip, At the end ot a rattan cane. There were sixteen ounces in every pound, Four quarts made a gallon true; But things don't seem like they use to been When this old hat was new. But we've shortened the time since then, And we're running a faster heat; And the boys of ten are full-blown men, Who run the store and the street. We blush to giggle, and we should smile; We're cute, and we never say die. We're up to snuff, and we're full of gu'.le; And we're just too awfully fly. And father is governor, old man, dad; And his old day is gone, We run things fast, and a little bad, Since we put this new hat on. Scs/e, MAP OF NKWTON AND RANSOM TOWNSHIPS — This map shows the location of the villages, roads, school districts, creeks, and the altitude of several places, which is indicated by figures, viz.: Milwaukie, 900 feet above sea level; Mountain Valley, 1660 ft., etc. Ransom Valley is No. 1 School, and Mount Dewey, No, 5 School. Ransom and Ransom Valley school districts are divided by Gardner Creek. CHAPTER FOURTEEN EARLY HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP Tliis towii.^hip was iiaiiied in liouur of Cap- tain Samuel Eaiisom, who in 1777 raised a com- ]:)any for tlie defense of the Wyoming Valley. lie was killed in the Wyoming massacre, July ;3, 1778, The history of liausoni township, extends far Ijack of its t)tHcial organization. It was formed from parts of Exeter and Newton, and was or- ganized into a township in 1849. •hmx Gaku.nkk, thk Pioneer Settler The first white inhahitant of Ransom town- ship was -lohn Gardner, the father of Richard (lardner, the first settler in Newton tow'nship. John Gardner came from Colchester, Conn., in 1769, and settled on a farm at the mouth of (iardner's creek (heing the farm later owned by .h)hn Stout, but now by the Lehigh A^'alley (Jiial Storage Plant), where he lived until cap- tured by the Indians and tories, July 1, 1778, (wo days before the ^^'yon^ing• Massacre. Before Gardner's departure he advised his wife to take their live children to Connecticut, and remain with her friends until it would be safe to return. He then Ijade his wife and chil- dren a final farewell, and soon an Indian placed a load upon his shoulders which he could scarce- ly raise, put a halter around his neck, and led him away as he would a beast. Mr. Gardner . became exhausted before reaching what is now Geneva, N. Y., and was given over to the squaws, who tortured him to death by driving his body full of pine sticks and setting them on fii-e. Mrs. Gardner returned with her five children to Connecticut. In due time she came hack to Hansom, and lived with her son -John, till her death, which occurred .August 24, 1834, being 91 years old. She was buried in the old gr(.)und at Ransom. John and Richard Gardner settled on the farm purchased by their father in 1769, at the mouth of Gardner's creek, John continued working the farm, but Richard established Gardner's" Ferry at Ransom, which he ran fcjr several years. In 1803, he moved to what is now Newton township, being the first settler there. He remained here until 1807, when he returned to Ransom. (See page 69.) Thankful Gardner, daughter of John Gard- ner, w^as the first white child born in Ransom township. She was born in 1770. Peleg Comstock came from Coiuiecticut about the same time with the Gardjiers, and settled on a tract of land which he "patented," near Gardner's creek, containing 175 acres. This farm was later ow'ned by John H. Cun- ningham. Ill 1869 it was purchased by P. K. Richards. The farm is now divided and is owned by Jessie P. Richards and Amos C. Learn. Mr. Comstock died at an advanced age, and is buried in the old burying ground at Ran- som. •TmiN McMillan came from Ireland, located (111 the farm owned for several years by David M. Huthmaker, and now owned by W. A, Hantz. He was a school teacher and physi- cian. He had eleven children. His son, Alex- ander, married iNancy Montanye, and the names of "LTncle Aleck" and "Aunt Nancy" were sy- nonyms for good in every household. He died November 25, 1869, at an advanced age. Freu Sandway, John Baumgaednee, John Rader, Andrew Nett, Philip Shellenber- GER and Charles Resler came to Ransom in 1841. from Germany, and settled on what has since been known as "German Hill." Conrad Maas came from Germany in 1840 and purchased the farm settled in 1841 l^y J(4in Baurngardner. This farm was purchased in 1910 by Charles Richster. Conrad Maas mar- ried Miss Catherine Hines. They were the pa- rents of four children, namely: John, -Julia (Mrs. Fred Weiscarger), Conrad and Wentzel. They were all born in Germany. Benny Gardner, the Pioneer Grocer. The first store in Ransom townshij) was start- ed in 1810 by Benjamin Gardner, son of Rich- ard Gardner. He was born at Gardner's Ferry (now Ransom), Sept. 27, 1795. His lower limbs Avere isaralyzed when a child. He hitched about on his hands and hips, but was cheerful. Lie was an honest man in all his dealings. At the age of fifteen, the neighbors assisted him to build a small log-house where he could sell pea- nuts, candy, etc. This building was only twelve feet square, hut it answered his purpose for man}' years. The people sympathised with him in his helpless condition, which had the effect to help him on in his business. Elisha Harris, a neighbor, purchased for him some whiskey, and gave it to him. With this 168 Il.TSTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP he started a tavern, aiul after this he was always able to purehase his own whiskey. The travel- ers were sure to call on him and purehase some- thing in his line. His name and business be- came known everywhere along the river. His business increased, and in a few years he was able to purchase from the Butler heirs, a lot of seven acres of land, and soon after erected a much better and larger tavei'u, where he was able to lodge .strangers and travelers, and ac- commodate them with something to eat in the ■shape of crackers, pies, cakes, candy, etc. In this way, things went on smoothly, until hnally some of his neighbors found considerable fault with him for selling whiskey without a license, and to prevent a prosecution, he procured the service of Christopher Taylor to take him to "Wllkes-Barre at court time when court was in session. .Judge Scott was presiding. Mr. Taylor took Benny on his back and walked into the court room. When the Judge made inquiries as to his lamenei-s, he discharged him, remark- ing that if so great a crip]ile could make his living in that line of business be should lie al- low^ed to do so. Ijater he Avas married to a. widow lady by the name of Owen and for a time kept quite a re- spectable tavern, furnishing meals and lodging to customers, but it was of short duratif)u. His wife soon tired of tavern keeping and advised him to sell out, which he did, and piu'chasod a few acres of land of a Mr. Jones, on the oppo- site side of the river in Exeter. His wife soon tired of this and advised him to sell oul. Mr. Gardner, finding that his wife was loo e.\])ensive a luxury for him to maintain (she having daughters that she was lu'oviding for at the same time secretly), and his father seeing how things were going, advised him to sell his little prop'erty, set the old lady adrift, and come home, which he did. Soon after, his father gave him an ancient little building on the bank of tlie river, a few rods above the ferry, Avhere he again started in the confectionery business, doing an honorable business, having left off the whiskey trade. The Pioneer Taverns The first tavern was estaVjIished at Ransom in 1S12, by Benj. Gardner, which he kept for about twenty-five years. It Avas opened in a small log cabin. Al)out 1837, he was succeeded by Benjamin Smith and Philip Drear, who made many im- provements. J'he property was next owned Ijv A. W. Clark, who sold to' I. D. Gulick. This building was burned in March, 1855. (lulick then kept tavern a year in another house. Fred Sandway purchased the ])ro])erty and kept a tavtn'u a few years, and later sold to Jacob IJertels. The l.iuiiding is now a [)rivate dwell- ing, owned by the John Crowell estate. In 1846 a tavern was built at the head of the first narrows on the road from Pittston to Ran- .som by George Saxe, and later was kept bv J. Nafus.' In liSTO, a hotel was built by John Crowell. The Ransom Valley Turnpike Company was incorporated February 18, 1871, and the following persons were appointed connnission- ers: L. H. JJtts, P. K. Richards, Peter Bedell, George Damon, Chauncey Sherwood, D. M. Huthmaker and Amos Saxe. Boundaries and Surface Ransom is one of the eastern townshijis of Lackawanna county; bounded on the north l)y Newton townshi]); east and south by the city of Scranton, and Lackawanna and Old Forge townships; west by Marcy township and the Su.squehanna river. Tlie surface of the township is more hilly than that of Newton. A. large portion is tra- versed by the West Mountain, in which the highest elevation is Bald Mount, reaching an altitude of 2,22;] feet. The lowest j)ortion, along the Susquebainui near the village of Ran- som, is only 000 feet. Milwaukie is 900 feet, and Mountain Valley l,6ti0 feet above sea level. Ran.soin townshi]) is triangular in .shape, its western border being about five miles, and ex- tending northeastward over eight miles, taper- ing to a i)oint. It has an area of twenty-one square nnles, with forty-two miles of roads. Newtf)n township contains twenty-four square miles. It has fifty-one miles and sixty-one rods of roada. Rivers and Creeks This township is everywhere well watered with creeks, which are formed by numerous s]n'ings. The Susquehanna river forms about t-wo-thirds of the w'estern boundary. The larg- est stream flowing through the township is (lardner's creek. This creek has its source in the mountain above the Cosner school-house, in iNewton township (near the Ransom line), flow- ing nearly directly west, to a short distance be- low Curtis P. Smith's saw-mill. Here it turns aln-uptly to the south, flowing thrtargh Milwau- kie, where it takes a south-westerlj^ course, en- tering the Susquehanna river near Ransom. High Falls Creek rises in Mountain "\'al- ley, flowing north into Gardner's creer at Milwaukie. On this creek is located High Falls, on the farm of Lewis E. Powell. The water falls from a height of nearljr seventy-five feet, from which it derived its name. HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 169 Miiyier Pond creek has its source near Aloun- (ain A'alley on the old Mosier farm (now owned by Edwin S. Miller) and Hows south-west into the Susquehanna near the Coal Storage Plant. Falling Sirring creek rises near Mountain \"alley. taking a southern course through Marcy township, flowing into the Susquehanna near Campbell's Ledge. Two large reservoirs are located on this creek, near the line between Ransom and Jlarcy townships. The.se reser- voirs were built by the Spring Brook Water Supjily Co., and furnish the water supply for the boroughs of Taylor and Austin. The larg- est reservoir was finished in 1905 at a cost of $285,000. lit covers seventy-one acres, of land. Two large concrete dams were binlt for its con- struction, one about (idO feet and the other about 750 feet long. There are several smaller streams in the town- ship. Agriculture .Vgrieulture is the chief occupation of the citizens of Ransom township. There are about eighty farms in the town.shi]), containing near- ly 5,SO0 acres, of which 4,500 acres are cleared and im]:)roved. Tlie township covers an area (if ^,889 acres, including cleared, timber and unimproved land, (-)nly four farms contain 150 acres or more; seven, 125 acres or more; fifteen, 100 acres or more; fourteen, 75 acres or more; ■eventeen, 50 acres or more; ten, 25 acres or more; and ten of 10 acres or more each. The Ransom T-Tome farm is the largest, containing 267 acres. .Tames Lacoc owns 187 acres. The land is hilly, Init productive. It is kept fertile l:)y thousands of tons of manure, which is hauled from Scranton and Pittston each year. Some grain is raised, but the principal crops are cabbage, sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, pota- toes, etc. Llve Stock and Dairying. The land in Ransom is too valuable for stock raising. Much more money can be realized from an acre planted to garden truck, which brings good prices in Scranton, an unlimited market. There are only 314 cows in the town- ship. J. B. Coolbaugh and E. S. Miller, both of ^lountain Valley, keep forty cows each, the largest dairies in the township. Mr. Coolbaugh runs a retail milk wagon to Scranton and Mr. Miller has a milk route in Moosic and Avoca. The Ransom Home has the next largest dairy, twenty cows. Horace Courtright ha.s sixteen cows and .Tohn Beyrent, twelve. Both have re- tail milk routes in Scranton. The township has 211 horses, 9 mules, 64 sheep and 285 pigs and hogs. Oldest Inhabitants ov Ransom Twenty-six person, seventy years of age or over, are' living in Ransom township, namely: Dorothy Scliultheis 90 Mrs. Ella D. Park 75 Martin Hoffman 86 Jacob Bedell 74 Nicholas G. Reed 8.5 Tobias Stine 74 Margaret Blacliwell 80 Mrs. Alvy Krouse 73 Irwin Miller 79 Mrs. Regina B. Klaile 7 3 .John Munson 79 Mrs. N. G. Reed 73 Mrs. Mary L. Newman 78 Mrs. Tobias Stine 72 Mrs. Dorinda Setzer 77 Mrs. Irwin Miller 72 Ostrander Richards 76 James Taylor 72 Sarah Kunsman 76 Martin Sickler 71 Mrs. .John Williams 76 Mrs. Geo. W. Ace 71 Mrs. Jacob Bedell 75 George W. Ace 71 John Wilson 7 5 John Williams 70 CHAPTER FIFTEEN VILLAGES, CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS IN RANSOM Thi. RANSOiM VILLAGE villatie was first settled sometime before 1800. It contains only twenty- four houses, and has a population of about 100. The ferry was first built about 1795, by Richard Gardner, who ran it for several years. It A^•as next owned by his son, Samuel, and grandson, George ^Y. Later it was owned by Mrs. Mary A. Ives, and since Nov. 1, 1910, by her son, Francis M. Ives. The postofiice was established Ajiril 9, 1850, and Isaac I). Gulick was appointed the fir.st post- master, but the ofiiee was kept by Benny Gard- ner. This was the first postofiice in the town- .sliip. The Early Stores The first general store in Ransom township was kept by Benjamin Smith and Ira Gardner, which was opened in 1835. The building was built in 1832, by Sanmel Gardner for a clwell- ing. It was used for a stable a few years later. There was no other store here, excepting "Uncle Benny" Gardner's grocery, till 1846, when Abel and .James Thompson built and opened one. which was l)urned in 1855. In 1864, .Jacoli Bertels built and opened a store near tlie depot 170 IlLSTORY OF RAN80M TOWNHIllP at llansoiu, and in 1866 sold it to Fred Saud- way. Tliis property was purchased in ID 10 by Mrs. l)a\i(l M. Ilufhmaker. It has been used as a residence for several years, until April, li)12, when it was purchased by James P. Van Ostrand, and is now used again for a store. Charles (!etz, from Pittston, rented the buildint!; vacated by Mr. A'anOstrand, where he ()])ened a store on the first day of JMa.y, 1912. S.VAV-MiLL A saw-mill was erected in Ransom village in IcST."), b>' .hiseiih (1. Osborn, and Avas later own- ed by F. P. ()sborn. There has been no mill here for .several years. l(irale of S. 1. Charters, a framed churcli was buill on a lot dcniated by Sebastian Dersliimer. it was dedicated in 1872. Thiis church was burned Nov. 26, 1898. The ])resent church was Iniilt in 1899, and the pasonage Avas built alxiut the same time, l^hey cost about $?>.OO0. The followhig ministers have served this church siirce its organization: J. Hartzlen, 1859 to March, 1860; Samuel Smith, March 29, 18(i0 to March. 1862: S. E. Davis,, jMarch 30, 1862 to }ilarch, 1864: 1. H. Dietrick, :\hirch, 1864 to March, 1S6(); Solomon Buck, March, 1866 (o Ahu'ch, 1868- I. :\P Pines, 1868 to 1869: J. M. Price, 1869; William Crawman. 1869 to 1870: THE RANSOM FERRY. EstabUshed about 1795 by Ricliai-a Gai-flner. Blacksmith Shop The first blacksmith shop in this village was built in 1847, by Benjamin and Warren Smith. There is no shop here at the present time. Lutheran Church The Lutheran church at Ransom was bnilt in 1845 and dedicated in 1847, during the pas- torate of Rev. John Lescher. For several years the pulpit was supplied by ijreachera from other jilaces. This was the first church built in the township. No regular services have been held in this church for several years. Evangelical Church at Ransom A religious society was organized in the vi- cinity of Ransom in 1859, by the Rev. i\Ir. ^[ay and ReA'. Jacob Hartzlen. Services were held regularly at the home of Miss jMalinda Gard- ner for .several years. In 1871, during the pas- S. I. Sharters, 1870 to 1873 ; P. S. Oring, 1873 to 1875 ; W. W. Rhoades, 1875 to 1876 ; J A HoUanbaugh, 1876 to 1879 ; G. L. Burson, 1879 to 1880; H. H. Douty, 1880 to 1882; G. M. Currin, 1882 to 1883; J. M. Longsdorf, 1883 to 1885; J. M. Brader, 1885 to 1888; C. J. Dick, 1888 to 1891; H. A. Stokes, 1891 to 1893; E. K. Shaff'er, 1893 to 1896; F. F. Mayer, 1896 to 1901 : P>. F. Keller, 1901 to 1905: JH. W. Tho- ma.s 1905 to 1907; L. Dice, 1907 to 1911; AY. E. Smith, 1911 to the present time. In its beginning, the Ransom church was a jiart of the Wilkes-Barre Mission, which was or- ganized in March, 1853, and included Wilkes- Barre, Pittston and Ransom townships. At the Annual Conference held at Glen Rock, York comity. Pa., in ^Nlarch, 1861 its name was changed to Wyoming Mission. Since 1891, il has been known as the Ransom Mission, wliicli includes the church at ^lountain Valley. HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 171 In 1867 a union Sundaj' School was organ- ized at the home of Miss MaHnda Gardner, which was removed to the church after its com- pletion. Ransom School-house Until 1852, the children at Ransom attended the Ransom \"alley school. In that year the district was divided, and a school-house was built at Ransom. Gardner's creek is the divid- ing line between the two schools. Miss Susan Neyhart was the first teacher at Ransom, who taught four terms in succession. Miss Martha Lacoe taught this school in 1911- '12. Fifteen scholars were enrolled, namelv: John McCabe, Francis McGabe, Ellen :\IcCabe, Ilarrv :McCabe, Fred Taft, Mildred Taft, .Mar- tha taft, Ralph Bedell, Grace Bedell, Matilda Ransom Home The Home is an institution for the care of the poor and homeless of the city of Pittston, and Pittston and Jenkins townships.. It is a large and substantial brick building, located in Ransom township, nearly three-fourths of a mile south from the Lehigh Valley Railroad station, and about six miles north of Pittston, on the east bank of the Susquehanna river. The first directors were D. Stark, David S. Coon, Leonard Everitt and Joseph Schooley. The first farm was purchased in 18.58 from Ennnanuel Dersheimer, who had charge until the following .spring. The old farm-house was used for the inmates until the first brick build- ing was erected. It was located across the I'oad from the jiresent building, and was torn down SCHOOL-HOUSE AND EVANGELICAL CHURCH. Ransor Euglemau, Luzon Gardner, William Richards, Jim Serene, Alfred Stark and Alctor ;\Iu-sel- man. John ilcCabe was the youngest, aged 4, and Victor Musselman, the oldest, aged ll'years RANSOiM A'ALLEY SCHOOL The first school-hou.-e in Ran-om township was l)uilt alxiut 18;i() on the fiat iifar ({arduer creek, which was undermined l)y a flood aljont LSoO. The building was then n'loved to its pre- sent location. P. K. Ricliards, who is now liv- ing in West Pittston. taught this school in Lsr)."i. 1856 and 1857. He had aljont seven tv-five scholars. Miss Sarah E. Klip]>le i- tiie iiresent teacher (19n-"12), with thirteen scholar.-- as follows: Nicholas Basalyga, Anna Bookier, .Ten- nie Hantz, Eva Krynislur- chased in April, 1852, by Nathan and .bicob Keim. Later it was owned bv Tims. .Johnson. Blacksmith Shops The pi(.)neer blacksmith shop in this town- ship was built in the early days at Milwaukie, and stood where the church sheds now stand. It was Avashed away by a fiood, and rebuilt in 18;)5, near the old site, by Abraham Michaels, who worked in it for several years. It was Ixaight and rebuilt by Daniel Skinner and L. II. Winters. Later it was owned by ^^■i\- liam Meyer, and the business carried on by E. jM. Winters. Abram and Jacob Bedell had a shop here for about five years. The jjresent shop is owned by John C. Kuns- man, who ran the business a few years. Since Sept. 1, 1910 the business has been carried on l)y Harry A. Courtriglit. The up-to-date wa'j,(in .shop is conducted bv Ira E. Davis & Sons. On JIarch 1, 188;], Duii- 174 mSTOEY OF 1;A.N,S0.AI TOWNSHIP ifl \\. aud Ira E. Davis, under Uie firm uanie of J ^avis Brothers, bought the wagon making .sho]) of 'William ?iloyer, near the site where John Kmisaiairs blacksiuith shop now stands, where they eondneted the business until Sept. 24, 1890, when the building and contents were de- stroyed by fire. During the spring of 1891, they erected a two-story and basement building on Gardner's creek, which they equipped with circular saws, planer and other wagon-making machinery which is run bv water-power. Dan- iel vv. Davis died May 24, 1898, aud the com- ing autumn Ira E. Davis purchased the half-in- terest from his brother's estate and ran the busi- Peck. fU was repaired in 187"), at a cost of •foOO. The site for this dnu'ch was purchased of Zachariah Bedell in 18r,9 for $100. Tliis building was torn down in 1903. In 1902 ijreparations were made for the erec- tion of a new church edifice. The trustees ap- ]iointed the following building committee, Aug. 8, 1902: William Zeiss, J. F. Lacoe and lienry Zilk. In 1W3, a lot was purchased across the street, and south of the old church. This lot was bought of "William Zeiss for $145. The old cliurch lot is no-\v part of the cemetery. The corner-stone for the new church was laid •lune 18, 1903, by the presiding elder. Rev. M. E. CHITRCH AT MILWAUKIB. ness until Jan. 1, 1911, when he formed a part- nership with his two sons, Robert and Clarence. Davis Brothers purchased the Avater ]iowcr privilege from the "William Tompkins estate for $500, which included the site of the present shop. MiLWAUKlE M, E. GllURCH The Methodists of Milwaukie held services in the school-houi^e for several years, the following ministers from the iNewton Circuit preaching: Samuel Griffin, Rev. White, J. M. Munger, Lu- ther Ellis, J. D. Safford, Miner Swallow, Phili]? Holbrook, .1. W. Wilbur and John LaBar. In the summer of 1859 the Society built a framed chiu'ch at a cost of $4,500, which was dedicated in Januarv, 18fi0, bv Rev. George J. B. SM-eet, D. D., assisted by Rev. A. J Van Cleft, The contract was given to the lowest bidder, John A. Johnson of Pittstiju, and Benjamin A. Crowther of the same citv was the architect. The contract price was $2,988, less $300 for the material in the old church, after which Mr. Johnson donated $50. The total co.-t of the building, including seats and all inside fixtures was $5,000. The church was erected during the pastorate of Rev. Edward McMillan. It was dedicated in September, 1904, during the pastorate of Rev C. W. Smith. I'he Milwaukie church is part of the Bald Mount charge. For a complete list of minis- ters since 1851, see Bald Mount M. E. Church, Ii,I8T0RY OF RANSOM TOWNSIilP 175 Sunday-School A Sunday-school was organized in the school- house in 1852, and removed to the church upon its comjjletion. Henry Barker was the first superintendent. Ezekiel Bennett was the next, and later N. G. Reed. Plenry Zilks is the pre- sent superintendent. Milwaukee I. 0. 0. F. Lodge, No. 267 This Lodge was instituted Feb. 28, 1883, with twenty charter members which follow: Jacob Bedell, Peter Bedell, Charles V. Decker, Joseph Geary, Rev. Francis Gendall, P. K. Richards. Gen. W. Ace, Moses Ace, E. K. Townsend, John Roszler, William Mover, Lester Griffin, first teachers. Later he went to California, where he was twice elected State Senator. The present school buildius was erected about 1861. MiLWAUKiE Sixty Years Ago Written by P. K. Richards, West Pdttston, Pa. At the western base of old Bald Mount, nestl- ed in a quiet little valley through which the ( Gardner creek flows in all its beauty, the pleas- ant little hamlet, known to our readers as Mil- waukie, is located. Not unlike many other eountrj' towns, it is considered by the farmers in the immediate vicinity as "headquarters," because here are located the blacksmith and MILV^'AUKIE SCHOOL-HOUSE AND SCHOLARS. John Wilson, John Hoffman, Jacob Courtright, Charles W. Blackwell, William Zeiss, I. H. Sax, Thomas Huthmaker and Andrew Hopkins. The following officers were elected : Jacob Be- dell, noble grand; P. K. Richards, vice-grand; C. V. Decker, .secretary; I. H. Sax, financial secretary ; William Zeiss, treasurer. Ninty-eight members have been admitted by initiation, and five by card. The present mem- ber-ihip (Jan. 4, 1912) is fiftj^-six members. The original charter was issued to Aljington Lodge, No. 267, Oct. 8, 1847, which wasVir- renclered hj them in 1859. School-houses The second school-house in the territory now known as Ransom township, was built at Mil- waukie about 1835. This building was built of logs, a short distance above the present resi- dence of William Zeiss, near the corner of. and on the south side of the road leading to Moun- tain Valley. Judson CaiiDenter was one of the wheelwright shop, store ana church, together with mills for manufacturing logs into lnml)er and grain into flour and feed. 1 have known this town for more than sixty years, and remember ^vell when it was called Flickerville. One of the first grist-mills in northern Luzerne was located here, owned and operated by Absolom Youngs. Subsequently an industrious and enterprising farmer and me- chanic of Ransom Valley, by the name of Dor- shimer, purchased the old mill and water ]irivi- lege. He at once began the erection of a, new mill on a much larger and improved plan. This, in connection with other enterprises, such as shops, store and post-office about to be in- augurated, raised the pride of the citizens to such an extent that they resolved that with the erection of the new mill, the nanie of the town must be changed. G. J. Carpenter, the village school-master (the only man in those days sup- posed competent for such things), was invited to he present at the raising, and from the top of 7(! II.TSTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP the frame, loudly proclaimed the new chosen name. By special request I reproduce from memory, as near as I can, the little speech wdvon info rhyme and spoken at the time: On 'butment and sill. We've raised the new mill, Now we've hoisted the frame, Why not give it a name? To silence all clamor — By the choice of Dorshimer — I'm called to proclaim, MILWAUKIE is thy name. Oh, Flickerville, here! While blushing, draw near, Thou backsliding shrew — I'm sponser to you. To seas thy conversion, I must favor aspersion — A baptismal bond As deep as yon pond. MILWAUKIE'S thy name. Thou new christened Dame, Thou art born of a flood. From the mouth of "Priest" Jud.* Behold now your mills, O'ershadowed with hills. And hoof-beaten streets Intersect at their seats. We've heard, moreover, Of time-honored Dover, Where Kokeko falls Off her forty-foot walls. Of mills she can boast. And of factories a host, With her far-famed bangers, While mill engines clan,gor. Forty-five years ago. No mill boy did go, Penobscot's dark wave Her wild sides did lave, As damless and free. She flowed to the sea. Then urge to new life, The commercial strife, 'i And enter the lists, With your toil-torn fists, 'Mid storms and embargoes. With tariff-taxed cargoes, Rich argosies court. And the city's i)roud port. But winds may not track, Nor armed pirates sack, Or Congress invade, Our overland trade. By a second-hand lease Of the rich golden fleece. The grain grower's hand, Holds the wealth of the strand. Old Scotia is gasping, Sad Erin is clasping Her rude rustic arms For the grain on your farms. Famine broke on the wheel — Dies belching corn meal — Dies cursing good millers And thrifty land-tillers. You have no need of steam, With so noble a stream, .lust dig down these mountains. And dam up the fountains. Then go on, Dorshimer, With hand-saw and hammer. And finish Milwaukie, Or we'll call you a great gawky. Oh! now clear the course, For the twenty-horse force That impatiently waits To leap through yon gates. If it rain to Milwaukie, She'll never get balky But like a gallant steed Will continue her speed. The might of her breast, The roar will attest With her wheel-strajjped trace. As she leaps from the race. Then let her wheels roll. And your babies sop toll Till the Gardner ceases to flow. And the sound of the grinder is low. Jt is needless to add that the christening was done quite to the satisfaction of the hundred or more sturdy men present, who with willing- hands and strong arnts had put the frame in po.sition. P. K. R. MOUNTAIN VALLEY The first settlement in what is known as Moimtaiu "\^alley, was .made about 18o5 by Frederick Stiue on the farm now owned bv Charles W. Blackwell. About 1840, .Joseph Krouse, father of A Ivy Krouse, settled upon the farm now owned by Horace Gonrtright, and the same year built the log-house now standing on the place. About the same year .Jacob Ace settled the farm now owned by Edward E. Ace ; Alfred Aten made a clearing and built a log- house upon the farm now owned by George C. Coon ; Fritz Mitchael settled the farm where Edwin S. Miller owns and lives; Scott Carey settled upon the farm now owned by AA'^illiam Legg, and Philip Harlos, Sr. settled the farm where Emil Huggler is living. About 1842 the Mosier farm was settled by Jacob Drake, and George M. Trivley came to the farm now owned by Alvy Krovtse. Hotel and Postoffice About 1866, Edward B. Trivley erected a building, ,-ize 26x54 feet, for a hotel, which was abandoned about 1870. This building stood on the site of Lewis E. Powell's residence, and Avas destroyed by fire June 5, 1898. The Mountain Valley post-office was estab- lished in this building, Aug. 7, 1868, and dis- continued .June 25, 1894. Edward B. Trivley *In the expression, "Priest Jud," the author re- ferred to himself, his name being G. Judson Car- penter. He was assisted to an elevated position on the frame, where he was supported by a workman on each side, while speaking, being unable to stand alone at such a height. He taught district school in Newton and Ransom for several years. HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 177 was appointed the first postmaster about 1870. He was succeeded by M. Trivley. This hamlet was named "Mountain Valley" in 1868, by Edward B. Trivley, when the flag pole was raised at the hotel. School-houses The first- school-house in Mountain Valley was built of logs, sometime before 1840, on the farm now owned by Horace Courtright (across the road from where Lewis E. Powell's barn is erected) . Eliza Hallstead, Cyrus Marcy and a .Mr. Swarts were among the first teachers. About 1861 a framed school-house was erect- ed on the William Mosier farm (now owned by Evangelical Church The church at Mountain Valley was erected in 1884, during the pastorate of J. M. Longs- dorf. In 1882, Alvy Krou.se, E. S. Miller and -J. B. Coolbaugli were appointed a building com- ndttee. A lot was purchased in 1883 of David Z. Michael for $25. A building was erected the following year, at a cost of $1,000. It was dedi- cated Sept. 7, 1884 by Rev. N. Young. The church was remodeled in 1906, at a cost of near- ly $2,000, and was rededicated the same year by Rev. W. F. Swengel, during the pastorate of Rev. H. W. Thomas. This church belongs to the Ransom circuit. Rev. W. E. Smith is the present minister. MOUNTAIN VALLEY SCHOOL-HOUSE AND CHURCH. E. 8. Miller), near where Ostrander Richards' barn now stands. Edward Ayers was the first teacher. The Misses Emily Litts and Susan Nejdiart were among the early teachers. Among the later teachers were William Shelley, Miss Amy Petty, Reuben Lesli, Miss Maggie Robert- son, Augustus Michael and others. This school building was purchased by William Mosier and torn down, and the lumber used in the erection of his house in 1884. The present school-house was Iniilt about 1879, and Joseph Moore was the first teacher. Other teachers were Mame Miller. William Brodhead, Marjoria -Jones, Mamie Zeiss, Marie Corseliiis, Bessie Evans, Dora Huthmaker, Rhea ■■^'illiams, Anna O'Malley, Porter Michael, Mis-i Roloson, Sara Klipple, Lillian Decker, and others. Miss Maude Hinckley of Dalton. is the teacher at this writing. MOUNT DEWEY This portion of Ransom township was a wilderness twenty-five years ago, except two or three clearings. The first settlement was made in 1832 by a Mr. Woolsey, who purchased 160 acres and the same year erected part of the house now owned by John Witzal. This farm has since been divided into lots containing from one to ten acres each, except the farm, contain- ing twenty-eight acres, now owned by George Kelloii of Green Ridge. The house on this farm was built about 1880 by Andrew Witzal. The farm now owned by Alonzo J. Wickizer (on the Newton turnpike) was settled about 1869 bv William Canterbury, father of William F. Canterbury. About 1880 WiUiam Lloyd settled the farm now owned by William T. Jones. About 1886 Frederick Biere erected a house on the property now owned by Stephen 178 1MS1X)1!,Y OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP Schmidt. The growth of tlie .settlement was sU)W until about 1889. During the next ten years sev- eral houses were erected. There are now thirty- hve houses in Mount Dewey school district, con- taining about 180 inhabitants. The name, "ihiunt Dewey," was suggested by Mrs. Catherine Wilson at an entertainment given at the school-house, Feb. 22, 1899, for the benefit of the school library. Prior to that time it was called the "West Monntain School." It is also called Little Ransom. An election board was established in 1899 through the efforts of Charles Mayer and Frank riildebrnnl. i>efore this time the voters of this part of tlic lownshi]) went to Mihvaukie to vote. Scranton. There are no factories or industries. The citizens find employment in Scranton. SCHOOL-HOtlSE iln 1889, George Witzal (brother of .John), called a meeting to plan for the erection of a .school-hou.se. Congressman .lohn Farr was in- strumental in getting a.n appropriation of $700 from the State, and the township paid $150. The .same year a. building was erected at a cost of $850. Andrew Wit'zal, -Jr., was the first ; chool director and Edward Parker the second. The following are the teachers: 1889, Miss Munson, 1890, '"Miss Dora linthmakcr; 1891, Miss Bartal: 1892, Mr. Richards; 1893-97 (5 terms), Frank Ililderbrant ; 1898, Laverne Tay- lor; 1899 and 1900, Miss Stella Price; 1901 and MOUNT DEWEY SCHOOL-HOUSE AND SCHOLARS. The public road from the corner at the Con- tinental Aline Othce to the old "Blindman's Road" was built in 1890. This road follows the Continental creek to near its source where it crosses the creek, and oxtends eastward by the school-house. Mt. Dewey has no ])(isl-oIhce or rural route. West Scranton is the nearest post-office. .V large portion of the mail is delivered at 914 Keyser Avenue, Scranton. Better mail service is needed in this hamlet. Mt. Dewey has no regularly laid out streets. The different homes are built among the trees, some are nestled in the valleys, while other are on the hill-tops. It is a very plea.-^ant place in summer, where many peo]ile of Scranton go for a day's outing. Here they find alnmdance of pure air and cold spring water. The nearest stores and churches are in West 1902, Miss Anna P. Reed; 1903 and 1904, IMiss Nellie I. Gal'rett ; 1905 and 1906, Mrs. Edward Wint (sister-iu-la-w of General Wint) ; 1907, Miss Ruon; 1908 and 1909, Mrs. Martha No- lan; 1910, Miss Margaret -Jones; 1911, Miss Sara D. O'Malley. West Mountain Sanatorium The Scranton Society for the Prevention and Cure of Consumption was incorporated -Jan. 26, 1903. The incorporators were J. M. Wahi- wright, M. D., A. .J. Connell, M. D., M. J. Ho- ban, Rogers Israel, J. Benj. Dimmick, Reese G. Brooks and Henry A. Knapp. On the 15th of ■July, 1903, the Society purchased of -lohn Heim, a farm on the West Mountain, in Ran- som township, containing thirty acres, for $6,- 000. Upon this property a pavilion and several shacks have been erected for the accommoda- HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 179 tion of the patients. The i^atients are kept in open shacks, both suunner and winter. Fifty- two patients were treated in 1911, and fifteen were di.scharged cured. Tlie hirgest number of l)atient.« at any one time during the year was thirty, and the smallest number was nineteen. The business address of tl:ie Sanatorium is 436 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, Pa. PilRNING OF THE SCHMIDT RESIDENCE One of the sad events of Ransom townshija was the Ijurning of tlie residence of Ferdinand Schmidt, Sept. 9, 1906. Shortly after the noon liour, on a pleasant autumn Sunday, the quiet settlement of jNh.iunt Dewey \\-as aroused by the alarm of lire, sounded 1)\' .Airs. lohn Moor, who lived near the Schmidt home, which was soon a mass of flames. Mr. Schmidt and his two daughters, iNettie and .Vmelia, aged seven and twelve years, were fa- tally burned. They were taken to the Moses Taylor Hospital, where the children died the following morning, and the father two days la- ter. ■ ' RESIDENCE OF EDWARD B. ACE. CHAPTER SIXTEEIV HOMES AND PEOPLE OF RANSOM EDWARD E. ACE Mr. Ace is a son of Moses and Anna (Barrier) Ace. He was born Jan. 31, 1869 on the home- stead farm where now living, which has always been his home. Farming has been his lifelong occupation. Mr. Ace was married Dec. 24, 1891 to j\Iiss Mary Ellen, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Blackwell) Brezee. Mr. and Mrs. Ace have a family of five children, namelj': Closes E., Maggie A., Wilda J., Sarah T. and Abrani W. They are all living at home. Moses Ace, father of our subject, was born May 29, 1839 in Newton township, and died Aug. 24, 1906 on the farm now owned by his son, Edward. He was a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Walter) Ace (See George W. Ace). Moses Ace was married Oct. 6, 1866 to Miss Anna, daughter of Philip and Susan (Dershie- mer) Barrier. Mrs. Moses Ace was born Dec. 13, 1844 in Milwaukie, and is living with her son, Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Moses Ace were the parents of five children, namely; Jennie, born Aug. 15, 1867 and married Wm. Cosier, and living in Taylor; Jacob, twin brother of ■Jennie, died Jan. 3, the following year; Ed- ward E., our subject; Bertha, born^Tuly 31, 1874 and married Wade Clark, and living on a farm near Falls; and Maggie, Ixirn Sept. 2o, 1878, and died Feb. 22, 1883. Moses Ace was a farmer, a carpenter and a blacksmith. Joseph Brezee was born Sept. 6, 1853, near the home of Chas. Stine, and died Feb. 13, 1906. He was married May 13, 1871 to Miss Sarah J., ISO JIISTOUY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP da.u.t;liiei' of William and Margaret (Ace) BlackwL'll {See Peter S. Mctzgur). Mrs. Brezee Avas born Aug. 12, lH'i?>, and is living in ^lonn- tain Valley. She had a. fannly of twelve chil- dren, namely: Mary E., Lncy A,, Maggie E., Ilaltie J., Ida M., Ennna D., William A., the .twins, Cora and Carrie, John M., Bertha B., and Pearl E. Fonr of the above are dead: Hattie, Ida, Carrie and John. GEORGE W. ACE. The iVce's were among the early settlers of Ran.som township. Our subject, George W. Ace, was born Dee. 6, 1841. i-Ie enlisted October 18, 1864 in Co. was a son of George and Barbary Ace, and was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George and Elizaljcth Walters. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ace moved from Monroe county to Newton township in April, 1839 and rented the old Peter Corselius farm, near where .Jennings Drake now lives. In 1840 they moved to Ran- som township and settled on the farm now owned by his grandson, Edward Ace, and erected the framed house, which was rebuilt about 1887 by his son, Moses. Their farm and adjoining land was then a wilderness. Mr. and iNIrs. Ace were the parents of eleven chil- dren, three sons and eight daughters, namely: Elizal)eth. married Mathias H. Black well : Solo- RESII'KNCE OF GEORGE W. AGE G, 52nd Regiment Pa. Vol., and served until after the close of the War. He was married January 4, 1866 to Miss Susanna, daughter of Benjaujin and Sarah (Ace) Courtright. Mrs. Ace was born November 10, 1841 in Middle Smithfield township, Monroe county. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Ace four children were born, namely: (1) ^^"illia^n, born June 29, 1864 and married about 1887 to Miss Jennie Ace. They are living in Taylor and have six children: Elmer, Ethel, Millie, George, Berlo and Acea; (2) Jacob, born July 8, 1866 and died six days later; (3) Stella, born April 1, 1879 and died Ai>ril 28, the same year; (4) Elwood Laverne, born June 20, 1880, and married March 13, 1907 to Miss Lizzie L. Davis of Taylor. They have two children: George E., born December 5, 1907, and Pearl E., born October 18. 1910. Laverne is working his father's farm. J.VGoi! Age, the father of our subject, was born October 9, 1797 in Monroe county. He mon, married Marrier Williams and second wife iwas Catherine Prentzman ; Mary Ann, married Peter Williams; Sarah, married Henry Leader; Harriet, married Charles Wagner, who was killed about 1854 when tearing down the old rolling mill at Wilkes-Barre. Her second husband was Nicholas Overender; Margaret, married Wiliam Blackwell; Lavina, died when about tAventy-six years of age ; Emaline, married John M. Williams; Moses, married Anna Bar- rier; George W., the subject of this sketch; Samantha, married Dennis Michaels. Jacob Ace died May 5, 1870. His wife was born November 1, 1801, and died February 16, 1884. They both died on the old home- stead. Benjamin Courtright was born October 15, 1806 and died June 18, 1864 in Monroe county. His wife was born July 12, 1812 and died December 13, 1879. Both Avere born in Middle Smithfield toAA'nship, Monroe county. Their family consisted of eleven .children, seven HtSTORY OF RANSOM T0WN8IIIP 1,^1 sous and four daughters, namely: George, Katlierine, Anna, Oliver, Moses, Susanna, Mary, John, William, Sanuiel and Jacob. George Ace, our subject's grandfather, was born November 8, 1759 and died February 1, 1849. His wife, Barbary, was born April 20, 1769 and died August 9, 1840. DAVID H. BEDELL. Mr. Bedell is a son of Abram H. and Ellen (Swartz) Bedell of Milwaukie. He was born Sept. 9, 1872. When about five years of age his father purchased and moved to a farm at Square Top, in Falls township. When about seventeen he attended Kev.^toue Academv one term. He was married Julv IS, 189:1 to ]»Iiss son. Mr. Bedell was married April lo, 1804 to Miss Ellen A., daughter of Henry and Ma- lissa (Miller) Swartz ol' Newton township. To this union eleven children were born, namely: Caroline, Gertrude, Eva, Kate, David, Arthur, Adalade, Temple, Brice, Robert and Dolly. Eva and Dolly died in youth. THEODORE G. BEHLKE Mr, Behlke was born Sept. 7, 1854 in roni- ern, Prussia, Germany, where he lived until eighteen years of age, sailing for this country in May, 1872, arriving in New York .Tunc 2, l)eing about thirty days on the water. He went to Oxford, N. J., where he worked in the iron mills for twcl\-c years. In October, 1884 he moved DAVID H. BEDELL AND FAMILY Mary C, daughter of Nicholas and Alzaua (Dailey) Klingle of Abington. She was born Nov. 21, 1873. Mr. Bedell has devoted much of his life to farming, excepting a few months while employ- ed in the Dickson boiler shop at Scran ton. When Rural Route No. 2 was established at Ransom, March 16, 1907, Mr. Bedell was ap- pointed mail carrier. Mr. and Mr,«. Bedell have one son, Walter A., born Feb. 5, 1894. Abram H. Bedell, the father of our subject, was born April 28, 1844 in Milwaukie. He is a son of Zachariah Bedell. Mr. Bedell is a blacksmith by trade. He and Jacob Bedell con- ducted a shop in Milwaukie for several years. Later Mr. Bedell kept a store in the same vil- lage. About 1877 he purchased a farm at Square Top, where he lived several years. In August, 1900 he sold his farm to Ehner Thomp- to Scranton, working nearly three years in a stone quarry, and September, 1887 he began working in the D. L. & W. car shops, where he was employed for nearly nineteen years. He moved to his present home, May 17, 1892, Mr. Behlke is a son of Frederick and Hannah ( I'^ri- day) Behlke. Theodore G. Behike was married Sept. 15, 1876 to Miss Catherine Isabel, daughter of Peter and Barbary (Wholeb) Kline. " To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Behlke twelve children were born, namely: (1) George, born Feb. 10, 1878 in Oxford, N. J., and married Nov. 28, 1903 to Miss Annie Louise Pobgee. They have two children, George and Russell. They are living in Scranton. (2) Peter T., born April 11, 1880 and died Feb. 3, 1SS2. (3) John H., born Aj^ril 29, 1882 and died twelve days later. (4) Ainia B., born Jniu> 9, 1883 and died Dec. 28, the same year, (5) Louise G., born Feb, 182 ITJSTORY OF TRANSOM OX)WNSIIIP 1, 1885, and is a lailoress. (6) Herman E., born j\Iay 4, 1887, and is a carpenter. (7) Jacob A., born Jnlv 5, 1889, and is a plasterer. (8) Elizabeth M., born July 10, 1891, and is a seamstress. (9) Christine C, born Aug. (i. 1893, and working at home. (10) Rose ^1.. born Mav 2."), 1895 and died Feb. 7. 189(3. (11 ) ^\'illiam G., horn Dec. IS, 1896. He is learn- ing the tiling trade. (12) Elmer R.. born Sept. 21. 1899 and died ^hireh 2:^., 1900. FREnEEicK Beiii.kb was Ijorn in i\Iarch, 1819 in Germany, and died in November, 1903 in Oxford, N. J. He was a farmer while living in the old country, but worked in the iron works after he came to ;New Jersey in 1.S72. His wife, Mi.^^s Hann;ih Fridnv, was born in leyrent came to this country in Novem- ber. 1880, li^•ing in Scrauton for ten years, where he worked in Finch's boiler sho]i. He was married Sept. 21, 1887 to ^liss Mary Eli- zabeth, daughter of Peter and Lena (MiUen- berger) Finklcr. To the union of ^Ir. and ^Irs. Beyreut nine children were liorn, uamelv: (1) Peter, born .July 17, 1.S88 and married July 19, 1911 to Miss Freida, daughter of John and j\hn-y (Kie- fer) ^liller of Scrauton. They reside in Scran- l(in. where Mr. Beyreut i~- engaged ui the auto- mobile business, corner Linden St. and Webster .JOHN BEYRENT'S RESIDENCE. Geru)any, and died July 1, 1901 in Oxford, N. J. They were married about 1848. Their family consisted of six children, namely: Her- man k., Augusta, who died in 1888: Theodore, our subject; iVuna, married Albert Pohl and living in Michigan City, Tud. : Edward, who died hi infancy; William, also living in Michi- gan City. PisTEit Ki>iNK, father of Mrs. Behlke, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept.. 18, 1833 and died in Oxford, N. J., Nov.' 5, 1894. His wife, P>arl)ary AAlioleb, born in Switzerland, Sept. 17, 1839 and living on the old homestead, in Ox- ford, N. J. They were -the ])areuts of twelve children. JOHN BEYRENT ^Ir. Beyreut was ])orn May 30, 1805, in Alsace-Loraiue, Germany. This country, un- til 1870 belonged to France, and after the French and German wa.r it was ceded to Ger- Ave. (2) Nicholas J., horn Dec. 9, 1890, is a farmer, helping on the home farm. (8) John, born iNov. 14, 1892, is running his father's milk wagon. (4) Mary E., born Oct. 5, 1894. (5) Charles, born Aug. 19, 1898. (6) Christian, born Sept. 12, 1900 and died Jan. 30, 1905. (7) Anna, born Sept. 16, 1902. (8) August, born Sept. 9, 1905. (9) Joseph A.,, born Nov. 29. 1908. Mr. Beyreut has run a retail milk wagon to Scrauton since March 15, 1908, and his son, John, has missed only two days on the wagon since May 1, 1908, excepting a few Sundays. Pktek Finkler, born in Germany, July 11, 1830, and died in Newton January 13, 1908. He came to this country in 1839, when a boy nine years of age, with his mother and two younger sisters, being thirty-six days on the water. His father came the previous year and was seventy days making the journey. The trip can now be made in .six days or less. Then ,^ > o o o 2i CO W H en d HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 185 the old sail ships were the only means of trav- eling by sea, and many times they would be drifted by the wind in the opposite direction for several miles. Michael Finkler, the father of Peter, as stated above, came to this country about a j^ear before his family, and settled on a farm near ^Vilkes- Barrc. He met his family in New York city at the wharf in December, driving a one-horse wagon. 0\-er two feet of snow fell and they were seven days driving from New York to Wilkes-Barre and Michael froze his feet, dis- abling him the remainder of the winter. He died in April, 1868, aged sixty-six years. Peter Finkler was twice married, first in 1849 to Miss Margaret Herold. He was a poor boy. daughter, Mrs. John Bey rent is now living, for which he paid $5,500.00. Mr. Finkler was the first person this side of the mountain to raise garden truck for market- ing, which wasi in 1867, the year he came to this townshii). At first his neighbors told him it would be impossible to make a success of truck- ing in this section, and ridiculed the undertak- ing. But today nearly every farmer in Newton and adjacent country are raising all kinds of vegetables adapted to this section. CHARLES W. BLACKWELL. Mr. Blackwellwas born Nov. 22, 1853 on the Homestead Farm Avhere he is now living. He is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth (Ace) Black- (■h.miJjES w. blackwkj^l's residence. having only $-3.00 when married, and after giv- ing the "Squire" one-half of that amount for "tying the knot" he had only $1,50 left to be- gin housekeeping. They moved to a farm on the mountain above Olyphant. Later they moved to a farm at what is now Priceburg, where his wife died about 1855, leaving four children: Mary, Charlotte, Katherine and Henry. All are dead but Katherine. Mr. Finkler was again married in 1856 to Miss Lena Mittenberger, and to this uni(jn twelve children were born : Annie, Christian, Margaret, -John, Joseph, Elizabeth, Peter, Em- ma, Lena, Charles and a pair of twins, living- only a day. Only four are living, namely: Margaret, Elizabeth, Peter and Charles. Mr. Finkler moved to Newton township in 1867 and purchased the Peter Bedell farm for $10,000.00. In 1890 lie jnu'chascd the Lewis Drake farm in Ransom township, where his well. Charles W. BlackwelL was married Feb. IB, ](S78 to Miss Christina, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Rupp) Scherer of Mountain ^'alley, who were the parents of thirteen chil- dren. ^Ir. and Mrs. Blackwell are the parents of live children, namely: Lizzie, born Oct. 15, 1879 and was married in March, 1901 to Jacob Sehwitzer. He died Nov. 8, 1908, leaving two children, Anna May, born Feb. 23, 1902 and Charles W., born Feb. 22, 1905. Lizzie was married again in March, 1910 to Sterling Evans and living near Dalton; .y^ram, born Feb. 23, 1882: .Tosephine, born Feb, 19. 1884; William, l)orn Sept. 13. 1888 and Mary, born .July 1, 1891. Mr. Blackwell was elected constable of l\an- >om townshij) in February, 1906 and rc-c]('cliUle Ran- som or Mount Dewey. He was bora June 14, 198 HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 1854 in DuniiKiiv, iuul a sou (if William and Oatlierine (Sliafer Fern) ({aul. lie attended school only about two terms, and before eight years of age he began pieking slate in the Seran- ton Coal Drifts Breaker, where the coal wan .-■(•reencd in the old-fashioned way. with a gin and a imilc. Pie advanced lo mule driver, working until about fourteen. Then he began learning the woodworking trade in Joseph Ans- ley"s Planing Mill in Serantou. When about elexen years of age he entered a ])rivate night school in Serantou, attending about two years. \lv. ({aul was twice married. Pie was firrt mar- ried Oct. 10, 1S74 to Miss Kate D. Wolcott of Ahidsic. She was born Jan. 10, 1850 in Scrau- l(iu and died Sept. 4, 1882. She was a daughter ter of Squires and Hannah (Hines) Wolcott. father's house. (2) Charles, born May Ki, 1886, is a traveling salesman for the Rumford Baking Powder Company. (8) Leland S.. born April 1. 1888, is a car inspector for the Lehigh \'alley R. R. Company at Savre. (4) Rav W., l)orn Jan. 24, 1890 and died Aug. 23, 1894. Wji. (jAvi., Sr., the father of our subject, was born in Frankfort-on-the-Meiue, France. He came to this country about 1830. When the war l)r()ke out between the North and the South, he enlisted as a private in Co. E 1st Pa. iVrtillery in the .spring of 1861 and was killed May 31, 18(52 in the battle of Fair Oaks. He was mar- ried .soon after coming to this country to Mrs. Catherine Fern, to whom four children were born, namely: (1) William A., our subject, (2) Charles PL, born -Tuly 13, 1833 and married RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM A. GAUL Mr. and Jlrs. Gaul -were the parents of three children, namely : Jessie May, ,boru Jan. 12, 1875 and died Jan. 10, 1882; WiUiam J., born Jan. 21, 1875 and married Anna Giles, and living in Scran ton. They have six children living and two buried; John T., born June 14, 1879 and died May 21, 1883. Mr. Gaul married his second wife Oct. 10, 1883 (nine years to the day from his first mar- riage) to Miss Sophia Annemans. She was born May 15, 1838 in Hazleton, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth C. (Stine) Annemans. Mr. Gaul had four sons born to his second wife: (1) Frank W., born July 31, 1884, and married Sept. 22, 190S to Miss Emma, daughter of John and Annie (Tannler) Moore of Scran- ton. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gaul have one son. Howard Frank, born Oct. 13, 1909. Frank Gaul is a carpenter. He is living in part of his Miss Lizzie James, having four children, Ezra R., Pearl, Mabel and ^Vrchie. They are living in Taylor. (3) Lizzie A., bom March 5, 1859 and married George Stevens of Madisonville. They have four sons, Eugene, Leroy, ITarold and Donald, They are living in Pittsburg. (4) Tracy, who died in infancy. AIrs. Catiierike Fern was born Feb. 9, 1818 in Hesson, Germany, and came to this country about 1841. Her maiden name was Catherine Shafer. She married Peter Fern about 1840. To this union three children were born: Julius, John and p]lizabeth. Peter Fern went to Cali- fornia in 1849 to search for gold, and about one year later sent for his wife. LTpon arriving there she found that her husband was dead and buried. She was in a strange, and at that time a wild country, over three thousand miles PIISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 199 from her frieiid.s. She made the trip in a. r^ail- iug vessel from New York to the Isthmus ot Panama, crossiii,£>- the I.-^thiims with pack mule?:, and from there, by water to San Franeif^eo She was several m(.)nths making the trip. ^Vftei retnrninsj- to Pennsyh'ania. she soon married William Ganl, Sr. Ijy whom she had four chil- dren, namely: William A., born June 14, 1854: Charles H., horn Aug. lo, 1855, and died in August, 1907; Elizabeth A., born March 5, 1850 and married Oeo. ^\^ Stevens. She i^ living in Pittsl>urg. '^I'iie foinlh cliild died in infancy'. John Annemaxs was born Sept. ■21. 1S27 in Belgium, France. His ]5arents died when he was only thirteen years of age. Then he began working on a sailing vessel as a sailor bov. Plere 18(55, at liichmond, \'a. lie died Jan. 20, 1900. His wife was born July 7, 1828 and died March 19, 1880. Mr. Aunemans was a charter member of Ezra S. Griffin Post, No. 189, Scranton. Mr. and Mrs. Annemans had a family of ten children. •JOHN HOFFMAN Mr. Holl'man was born in (lermany, Oct. 28, 1S51. and when eight years of age came to (liif- (Mjunlrv with In's ])arents arriving in Scranton .May 2'S. ISOO. 14iey were sixty-eight days on the water, landing in ISallimore. At lb;il linu no railroads were built l)etween BaUimori' and Philadelpliia, and they came in a stage, and from Philadelphia to Scranton by railroad. Mr. Hoffman ])urcliased the farm in Ransom town- JOHN HOFFMAN'S RESIDENCE. he was employed for thirteen years, and during this time met with many thrilling experiences, barely escaping death many times. He made liis last trip in 1852, meeting Miss Elizabeth C. Stine on the vessel, where they became ac- quainted. After reaching New York City the ship was condemned and never returned to the old coun- try. A few weeks later he walked. from New York to Hazleton, Pa., where Miss Stine was living. She became his wife in July, the same year. He lived in ITazleton until the beginning of the Civil War, when he was one of the first to enlist for nine months' service. After the ex- l)iratiou of nine months he returned to his family in Hazleton, and a few months later moved his family to Hyde Park. He re-enlisted ^larch 15, 1864 for three years in Co. A, 11th Reg. Pa. Cavalry, Ijut was dis- charged after the close of the Avar, on Aug. 13, ship, where he is now living, from Thomas Huthmaker in 187o, \\bere thev moved Sept, 28, 1874. John Ilotlman was married Feb. 28, 187r) to Miss Elizabeth, daugliter of John ( b, Oct. 4, 1826— d. Nov. 29, 1891) and Catherine (Barth) Maas of Ransom. Mrs. Maas \vas born Nov. ;>, 1825 in (lermany and died Sept. 22, 1909. John Maas came to tliis country about 1846. ]\Irs. Hoffman was b(jrn in Ransom Feb. 12. 1.S5S, John Hoffman is the only son of Martin and (.'atherine (Getz) Hoffman. When a boy he decided to make fariiiiug his occupation which he has always followed. He and his falhei cleared the farm, Avhich was a wilderness when they came, and erected the buildings, built the fences, pulled tlie stumps and set out fruit trees. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman are the parents of 200 ILISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP eight children, namely: Fredericlc, born Dec 24, 1876 and married in .March, 1901 to Mist Margaret, daughter of Joseph ancl Sarah (Black- well) Breeze, and have one sou, Josei^h ; Cath- erine, born July 9, 1880, and married in Nov.. lOOo to Lewis Evans and ha\'e three children: Walter, Lelaud and Louise : Charles, born May 9, 1882 and married April 25, 1905 to Miss Irene, daughter of Stephen and Georgia Ami J^akc, and have one son, Norman; .Tohn J. born Julv 30, 1884; Elnora, born Mav 26, 1886 . i\Iildred, bom Aug. 11, 1888; William, born Dec. 13, 1890; Ruth II. . born March 29. 1904 lii-st husijaud was James V. Townseud, son of Oltadiah and Susan (Van Auken) Townseud, who died July 28, 1878. To the union of Mr. and j\Irs. James V. Townseud one daughter wa,s born: Elizabeth C, born Aug. 10, 1878. She married June 27, 1896 to William F. Misson, who was born Feb. 6, 1872, and a son of Peter and Helena (Newhart) Mission. Mr. and Mrs. William F. Mis.sion have one daughter, Helen E., born June 26, 1911. Their home is in Scranton, at 519 Harrison Avenue. Thomas J. Iluthmaker has four children Ijorn to liis second wife, namelv: Idella, born THOMAS J. HUTI-IMAKER'S RESIDENCE THOMAS J. HUTHMAKER Mr. Huthmaker is the only son of Jacob and Dolly (Siglin) Huthmaker, and was born near Ransom, Aug. 1, 1847. Thomas J. Huthmaker has been twice mar- ried. His lirst marriage was April 19, 1874 to Miss Julia, daughter of Philip and Catherine (Soricks) Shellenburger, (Peter Bedell and Miss Emma Rader were married at the same time and place, by the same minister. Rev. Compton.) Mr. Huthmaker has one daughter by his first wife, Catherine, born Sept. 18, 1875' and mar- ried Feb. 1, 1894 to Warren Dornblazer. They have three children : Ray, born Sept. 14, 1896 • Blanche, born Aug. 7, 1899 and Russell. Mrs. Julia Huthmaker died Dec. 6, 1881. jMr. Huthmaker was again married April 26, 1882 to Mr.s Eliza (Courtright) Townseud. Mrs. Eliza Huthmaker was born in Monroe county. May 17, 1857. She is a daughter of Oliver and Caroline (Treible) Courtright. Her June 15, 1883 and married Nov. 18, 1903 to Edwin Stout, who have two daughters, Alma, born June 2, 1905 and Dorothy, born March 10, 1910. They are living at 298 Baltimore Ave., West Pittston; Edna G., born July 2, 1886 and married Nov, 28, 1906 to Adam B'. Miller, and have two sons, Edwin S., born Nov. ,2, 1907 and Norman E., born Aug. 29, IFIO. 'i hey are living on a farm in Ransom ; Thomas E., born .June 4, 1892 and Rhalda R., born Feb. 26, 1899. Jacob Huthmaker was a son of David, and was born in Monroe county, March 11, 1816 and died May 8, 1900 in Ransom. He was married in Monroe county, Feb. 8, 1835 moving to Ransom the same year. His wife. Miss Dolly Siglin, was born in Monroe county, IMarch 20. 1814 and died in Ransom Oct. 12', 1877, ILer parents were Jacob and Susan (Singer) Siglin. To the union of Jacob and Dolly Huthmakei four children were horn, namely: Susan, Cath- erine, Mary and Thomas J. HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 201 Oliver Oourtright was born May 30, 1837 and a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Ace) Court- right. He was married Feb. 15, 1855 to Miss Caroline (b. Nov. 15, 1835— d. May 9, 1871), daughter of John and Eliza (Ace) Treible. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Courtright were the parents of three children : H. Eliza, born May 17, 1857 and married Thomas J. Huthmaker. Horace, born June 26, 1860 and married Miss Minnie Clark and is living in Ransom ; Celeste, born June 9, 1862 and married I. T. Sinister and are living in West Pittston. Oliver Courtright is living with his daughter, Mrs. Thomas J. Huth- maker. moved the first day of April, 1910. His mother died August 20th the same year. Mr. Huthmaker has nine acres of flat land along the Susquehanna River where he raises tomatoes, cabbage, cucumber?, corn, etc., which he sells to Scranton dealers, making three and four trips a week during the summer months. David M. Huthmaker was born Sept. 24, 1833 on the Cunningham farm, now owned by Louis Seible, above "the Ransom Home._ He taught school in his younger days. His first wife was Miss Barbara Dershiemer, who died several years ago. She was the mother of four children, namely: Frank, Mrs. Ada Hopkins, ROY H. HUTHMAKER'S RESIDENCE, TEAM AND WAGON. Tins picture was taken in September, 1911, just after Mr. Hutliraaker had finislied loading his ivagon with tomatoes, sweet corn and cabbage for Scranton. Tliis is a fair specimen of the thousands of loads of produce that are taken from Newton and Ransom townships to Scranton and Pitts- ton This house was built in ISC! bv Jacob Bertels for a store, which was purchased bv Fred Sandwaj- in 1S66. who kept a store and postoffice here for fifteen years or more. It has been used for a private dwelling for several vears, until purchased from Mr. Huthmaker by .1. P. VanOstrand in April,' 1912. Since then it has been occupied by Mr. VanOstrand for a store and postoilice. ROY HARLOS HUTHMAKER Mv. Huthmaker is a son of David M. and Anna (Harlos) Huthmaker. He was born June 22, 1889 in Ransom, on the farm now owned by W. A. Hantz. He attended the Ran- som ^"alley school until fourteen years of age. In September, 1904, he entered the West Pitts- ton High School for one term. On September 20, 1905, he entered Wyoming Seminary, where he attended three years, the first two years taking a college preparatory course and the last year a commercial course. After his scliool days he returned to the old farin where he heljied his aged father until his death. After his father's death, Roy and his mother pur- chased the property known as the Sandway l^lace, opposite the Ransom depot, where they Mrs. Alice Jenkins and Mrs. Dora Maas, all liv- ing in West Pittston. His second wife was Miss Anna Harlos, daughter of Philip Harlos, Sr., of ilountain Valley. She was born Nov. 30, 1861 and died Aug. 20, 1910. She had one son, Roy H., the subject of this sketch. David M. Huthmaker was elected justice of the peace in 1867, Avhich office he held until his death, Dec. 22, 1909. He had the honor of holding office longer (over 42 years) than any other person in "Lackawanna and adjoining counties. FRANCIS MARION IVES Mr. Ives is a son of William L. and Mary A. (Kern) Ives. He was born Oct. 9, 1854, in Ransom township, on the farm now owned by 202 I11S1T)RY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP RESIDENCE OP FRANCIS M. IVES. Jupllui C. RiohaiTls. He received ii eoimmm school education, his early .school davs being spent in the old log school house near the Puur- soui Thniie. and his first teacher was Peter K. Richards. He learned the carpenter's trade when about twenty-two years of age. About 1894 he purcha.^^ed the "Plymouth Star," which William L. Ives, father of our subject, was born in Plymouth, Dec. 28, 1821 and died at Ransom, May 19, 1897. He was a cabinet maker by trade, whicli occupation he followed until abiiut 18(51. lie then purchased the ferry at Ransom, which he operated until his death. His wife was Miss Marv A. Kern, daughter of RESIDENCE OF MICHAEJ^ G. KRAUSS he published for about six years. He now owns and operates the Ransom Ferrv. He was mar- ried July 24, 1901 to Miss Manila, daughter of ■John and Anna Akens of Wyoming. Mrs. F. M. Ives was horn in Canada, Aug. 12, 1857 and came to the United States with lier l^arents when about eighteen months old. (ieorge and ELsie Kern. She was born in West Pittston Sept. 28, 1828. She is the mother of six children, three of whom are living: Mrs. Alma Stamback and Mrs. Flora Gardner of Pittston and Francis M. Mrs. Ives died in Ransom, Jan. 11, 1912, of injuries received from a fall a iew days before. HISTORY OF RANSOai TOWNSHIP 203 MICHAEL G. KRAUSS Mr. Kraus,"' was l:)orii in Baverien, Germany, July 11, 1868 and came to this country in May, 1884 to the home of his parents in Scranton, on Cedar Avenue, who came to this country about a year earher. He began working in ]\Iay for the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company, where he worked for nearly ten years. In September, 1893 he Ijegan working for the D., L. & AV. ('ompany in the Hampton Breaker as outside laborer. Here he worked about thirteen years, and in December. 190() he changed to the Con- tinental Lumber Yards, which belong to the same company, where he has since worked. Michael Krauss was married January 24, 1891 to Miss Margaret Metzner. She was born Michael, Lawrence, -John and Margaret. Mm.- ({eorge Krauss died iNov. 22, 1904, and Mr. Krauts is living in Cedar Ave., Scranton. ALA' Y KROUSE Air. Krouse is a prosperous farmer and car- penter of Alountain A^dley. He was appren- ticed to the carpenter's trade when eighteen years of age, working the first year for sixt>- cents a day for E. B. Trivley, a fir.st-class car- jienter. Mr. Krouse soon gained a thorough knowledge of the occupation which he followed for fiver forty years. Since 1907 he has de- voted his time to farming, and for several years has been road supervisor, which has taken much of his time. UB-SIUENCE OF ALVY KROUSE July G, 1871 in (Tcrmany, near the birthplace of her husband, and came to this country in April, 1.S88, when nearly seventeen years of age. She luis one sister living, Catherine, who married John Krauss, brother of our subject. Her bro- ther, Conrad, died when ten years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Krauss are the parents of eight children, namelv: (1) John A, born Dec. 20, 1891. He is a cabinet maker. (2) Kath- ervn JI., born Alay 28, 1894. (3) Leonard AA\. born Feb. 2, 1896. He was caught hi the ma- chinery at the Hampton AA^ishery, where he was eniployed, and fatally injured, Oct. 17. 1912, and died the same' day. (4) Henry J., born Nov. 18, 1898. (5) George F., born Apr. 19, 1901. (6) Margaret E., born Aug. 27, 1906. (7) Louise G., born June 15, 1908. (8) Ruth M., born Oct. 13, 1911. Our .•subject is a son of George and Margaret (Reuther) Krauss. They are the parents of six children, four of whom are living, namely: Air. Krouse is a scai of Joseph and Catherine ( Huthmaker) Krouse and was bora Aug. 14, 1849 in the log house on the farm now owned by Horace Courtright. With the exception of four years spent in AVilkes-Barre, fcom 1869 to 1873, he has lived continuously in Ransom townshii). His early years were full of sad and trying experiences. At the age of eight he lost his mother by death, and two years later his father. After his mother's death he went to live with Peter Petty, but two years later his guardian, Geo. M. Trivley, took him to his iiome, where he lived until eighteen years old. Here he was treated as their own child. In 18TB he iiurchased part of the Geo. AI. Trivley farm, Mr. Krouse was married Alay 1, 1875 to Miss Alary Etta, daughter of Saumel and Alary (Ace) Michael of Alonroe county. Air. and Airs. Kr(nise united with the Evangelical Church in 1877, and have since been active in church and Sundav-scliool work. 204 HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP Joseph Krouse, our subject's father, was boru in 1813 and 'died Aug. 15, 1859. His wife, Catherine PTuthniaker, was born in 1821 and died Sept. 1, 1857, aged 36 years, 8 raontlis and 26 days. They settled on the farm now- owned by Horace Courtright, about 1840. •TAjMES M. LACOE Mr. Lacoe is one of the progressive far- niers of Ransom townshi]). Pie is a son of William A. and Sybil (Ash) Lacoo and a grandson of Anthony Lacoe. (See Newk)ii). Mr. Ijacoe was born June 6, 1856, in Newton township, on the "homestead farm," now owned by J. F. Lacoe. He came to Ransoni township in March, 1880, moving on the farm now own- coc moved from near Pittston to iNicholson township about 1851. Here he lived five years. He owned and ran a saw-mill on the Tunk- liannoek creek. He moved from here to New- ton April 1, 1856. ^Ir. and jMrs. William A. Lacoe had a large family of eleven children, namely: (1) Ame- lia, married Ostrander Richards of Mountain Valley. (2) Lewis S. is living in Michigan.' (3) Ira. (4) Wilham A., Jr. (5) Henry 0. (Ira, William A. and Henry 0. are living in Kansas). (6) Charles E. (7) James M. (8) John F. (!)) Mary A., married Milton W. Petty and living in ]\Iilwaukie. (10) Joseph A. (11) Ada, died when ten years of age. Charles, John and Joseph are living in Newton RESIDENCE OF JAMBS M. LACOE ed by Joseph B. Munson. He moved to his present home Feb. 19, 1887. Mr. Lacoe was married March 2, 1878 to jMiss Barbara M., daughter of Philip and Susan (Dersheimer) Barrier of Ransom. Mr. and Mrs. Lacoe have a family of two children, namely: Clarence D. and Grace M. Mr. Lacoe produces from 8,000 to 15,000 heads of cabbage, 900 to 1,500 bushels of po- tatoes, 400 to 1,000 bushels of apples a year. This last year he raised about 600 bushels of oats. He also sets from 4,000 to 6,000 tomato plants each year. Mr. Lacoe is the largest pro- ducer of apples in the township, having an orchard of 350 trees. He is assessor of Raii- .som township, being elected in Februarv, 1909. He has held several other township offices. "William A. Lacoe was born Jan. 30, 1820 and died Feb. 23, 1910. He was a son of An- thony Lacoe, of Newton township. He mar- ried Sybil Ash, daughter of Ira Ash. Mr. La- CLARENCE D. LACOE jMr. Lacoe was born Sept. 1, 1878 in Ran.som township. He is a son of James M. and Bar- bara (Barrier) Lacoe. Mr. Lacoe entered Scranton Business College when seventeen years of age (November, 1896). Llere he attended four winter terms of four months each, taking a commercial course. He lived with his parents until twentj^six years of age, when he was married March 9, 1904 to Miss Elizabeth May, daughter of Martin and Polly (Keeler) Swartwood of Falls township. Since his marriage he has continued working for his father. Mrs. Lacoe was born May 6, 1883 in PitMon. Mr. and Mrs. Lacoe have a family of three chil- dren : Ellsworth A., born .Jan. 10, 1905: De Witt J., born April 17, 1906 and Gladvs M.. born Oct. 29, 1908. Martin Swartavood. born in Exeter, Lu- zerne county, June 28, 1857; a son of Alexan- HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 205 del- and liulli Swai-twood. He manied Aliss PoUj' Keeler, daughter of Steam and Lydia Keeler. Mrs. Swartwood was born Nov. 15, 1857. LEWIS A. LANDSIEDEL Mr. Landsiedel wa.s born near the Ransom Ihinie, Jan. 20, 1878, and has been a Hfelong resident of this township. His farther died wlien Lewis was seven years of age, and when (inly thirteen began working out on a farm. He "was married Jan. 28, 1902 to Miss Emma, daughter of Conrad and Carohne (Stermer) Ahias of Mountain Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Land- ^i^■del have three children. [See Directory .) ton. He is a carpenter. (2) Jacob F., born July 14, 1861 and married Miss Hattie Black- well. She died Jlarch 2, 1900, leaving one son, Willard F., born May 8, 1898. He is living with his uncle, Lewis Landsiedel. (3) George I-L, born Oct. 10, 1871. (4) Emma, born Ajiril 29, 1873 and married our subject. Con- rad Maas i-ettled on the farm now owned by Lewis Landsiedel in 1861, purchasing seventy- two acres for $800.00, which was then a wilder- ness. He died Nov. 17, 1892. His wife died April 24, 1905. LIexry L.\ndsiedel, the father of our sub- ject, was born in 1847 in German}- and came to this country about 1870. He was married in RESIDENCE OF LEV^aS A. LANDSIEDEL. CuxRAD Maas, Jr., was born in Hesendarm- staat, Germany, Sept. 22, 1832, and came to this country about LS46, with his parents, Con- rad and Catherine (Hines) IMaas. Conrad and Catherine jMaas were the parents of four chil- dren: John, Julia (Mrs. Fred Weiscarger) Con- rad, Jr. and "\A^eutzel. Conrad Maas, Jr. was married March 8, 1862 to Miss Caroline Ster- mer, who was born Jan. 27, 1840 and came from Baden, Germany in 1860 to West Pitts- ton. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Maas, .Jr. four children were born, namelv: (1) William F., born Dec. 8, 1862 and married Miss Dora Huthmaker and living in West Pitts- LS*.") to Miss "Gertrude Brookhouse. She was burn in Gernjany, Oct. 30, 1848 and came to this country about 1870. Their family con- sisted of three children: Andrew, born in Feb., 1877 and died in May the same year; Lewis A., our subject, and John, born in September, 1875 and died when aljout six months old. Henry Landsiedel died Jan. 27, 1885. Llis widow is living with her son. THOMAS li. LEWIS ilr. Lewis was born in Baglan, South Wales, ■Tan. 2, 1869. He is a son of Henry and Eleanor (Evans) Lewis of South Wales. Henry 206 HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP Lewis iri li\-iiig iu Sdulh Wales, aged 77 years. His wife died Nov. 6, 1897, ttged 66 years. Our subject received a couuxioiTi school educa- tiou iu liis native couutr}\ In 1899 lie took a uiiuiug course iu the luteruatioual Correspon- dence Schools. He was married Jan. 23, 1890 to Miss IMary .Jane, daughter of David and Margaret (Thomas) Rowlands. Mrs. Lewis was born Oct. 12, 1870 in Glyinieath, South Wales. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis came lo this country Oct. 18, 1894, and lived iu Scrauton until Nov. 1, 1904, when they moved to Spring Brook, nidviug from there to Ransom township No^•. 1, 1907. Mr. Lewis is a miner by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, have a family of eight children living. (Sre Dirt'ctory). One daugh- ter, Maria Jane, ])orn Dec. 25, 1892, died Sept. .•;0. LS94, and is buried in South Wales. Charles Mayer was a Civil Engineer, working over twenty years for the D., L. & W. Coal Co. where he worked until liis death, March 11, 1905.. He was instrumental iu getting a school- liou.se and an election board on this side of the mountaiu, and one (jf the proniolers of the jiulj- lic road from the corner at the Continental to the old "blind man's road" in Ransom town- .ship, in 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Mayer's family consisted of fif- teen children, and all are living excepting four, namely: Julia and Julius (twins), born Feb. 13, 1882 and died al)out a week later. ^Nhu'v and Charlie (twins), born Jan. 26, 1880 and died a few days later. Eleven children arc liv- ing, the two oldest being born in Germauv, namely: (1) Anthony, born Sept. 5, 1878. In 1896 he enUsted in the loth Regiment at the time of the Sjianish-American War. lift- rc- RKSilDENCE OF MRS. MARY MAYER MRS. MARIA MAYER Mrs. Mayer and her husband were among the early settlers of Mount Dewey, this portion of Ransom township being a wilderness when they moved here in 1889, and only five families were living here (John Moor, Frederick Biere, John Jones, Adam Rach, and Geo. ■\yitzel). Mr. Mayer cleared the farm and erected the build- ings. Mrs. Mayer was born May 7, 1859 iu Austria. She is a daughter of Andrew and lo- se] )hine (Hartens.chinder) Scheuster. Charles oNIayer, her husband, was born Aug. 11. 1854 in Austria. They were married in the old country Oct. 29, 1877 ; came to this country in May, 1882, to Pittsburg, and moved to Dur- yea the same year, and one year later to Scran- ton, where they lived until 1889, when they moved to their present home. turned in 1898 and was married in June, the same year, to Miss Emily James. He is a fore- man in, the National mines. (2) Victor, born yii\y 19, 1880, and is working the home farm. He Avas ap]iointed Census Enumerator in 1900, and again iu 1910. (3) Charles, born Dec. 17. 1884 in Duryea', and was married June 5, 1907 to i\Iiss Anna Jones. He is a brick laver, living iu Hyde Park. (4) Erne.-t, born' Nov. 28, 1886 in Scrauton, and married June 8, 1907 to Mi.'s Veronia Sheridan. He is a conductor, working for the Scranton Railway Co. (5) •losephine, born Feb. 23, 1888. '(6) August, born Dec. 4, 1890 and is weigh ma.ster at Na- tional mines. (7) Rol)ert, born Nov. 5, 1892 and is a carpenter. (8) Pauline, born Jan. 23, 1895. (9) Grace, born Sept. 18, 1896. (10) Joseph, born Nov. 29, 1898. (11) Otto, born Jan. 6, 1911. HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 207 JOHN P. MAAS. The JNIaas' were among the early settlers of Rausoin township. Our subject, John P. JMaas, was born on the old homestead. March 25, 1868. He was mar- ried October 30, 1890 to Miss Mary, daughter of Philip and Adiliah Stoft, of Ransom. To this union two children were born : .John, who died in infancy, and David, born June 7, 1893. Mr. Maas wa.^ again married September 10, 1907, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Charles and Anna (Merrihew) Grose of Laceyville. By this marriage two children were born, namely: Lucy, born August 3, 1909 and Truman B., and was exceeding jjopular. ^Ir. and Mrs. John Maas were the parents of nine children : Mrs. Julia Schultheis, Mrs. Elizabeth Hoffman, ^lary, who died when aljout nine years old, Mrs. Catherine Avers, Mrs. Rose Coolbaugh, AA^ntzel, who died November 12, 1909, Mrs. Anna Desky, John, our subject, and Mrs. Mar- garet Harlos. Charles Grose was born October 18, 1834, and died December 12, 1907. His wife, Anna Merrihew, was born August 1, 1847, in Jlil- ford, N. J., and is living with her daughter, Mrs. John P. Maas. She has been an invalid for eleven vears. RESIDENCE OF JOHN P. MAAS. born October 2, 1910. John ^Iaas came to Ransom with his parents about 1846, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject. John ilaas was born in Nei- derweisel, Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, Octo- ber 4, 1826 and died in Mountain A^illev, Oct. 13, 1892. He was married about 1853 to Miss Catherine Barth, who was born in Germany November 3rd, 1825 and died Sep- tember 22, 1909. She came to this country when about seventeen years of age. John Maas was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was honest, industrious and frugal, JAMES McCABE Mr. ^IcCabe is the oldest of a family of ten children, six of whom are living. He was born in Longford county, Ireland, June 3, 1860. When seven years old he came to this country with his mother, landing in New York City, ^lay 23, 1867. His father came two years earlier. They came to Black Walnut, Wyom- ing county, in June the same year. When only nine yeai-s of age he carried water to the labor- ers, who were building the Lehigh A^alley Rail- road at that time where he earned $165.00 at $1.00 per day, which was no small sum for a boy of his age. In ilarcli, 1874, before he was 208 HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP fourteen j^ears of age, he was employed by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Oouipany as a laborer on the section. Here lie worked for six years, after which he was jjrornoted to section bossi, July 1, 1888. He has held this position for over thirty-one j'ears. Mr. McCabe has been twice married. His first wife, Miss Ellen Foley of Wyalusing, was born Sept. 11, 1850 and died May 13, ''1894. They were married Sept. 21, 1881, and to this union five children were born, namely: Mary, born May 21, 1883 and married June 19, 1910 to Joseph IMulhern, a prominent young lawyer was born in New York City, June 7, 1870, and came to Wyalusing township with her parents when about seven years of age. She attended school in ^^'yalusing until 1880 when she enter- ed the Catholic School at Towanda, from whicli she graduated two years later. To this union six children, four sons and two daughters were born. Their names and date of birth may Ix' found in the Directory. Both, Mr. jMcCabc's father and grandfather, were named James, and Mr. McCabe has a son having the same name, keeping the name in the family for four suc- cessive generations. RANSOM STORE. Occupied by .T. P. VanOstrand when picture was taken, but since May 1, 1912, by Charles Getz. of Wilkes-Barre, and they have one daughter, jMarion, born in May, 1911; Alice, born June 14, 1884, and is a trained nurse at Clifton Springs, N. Y. ; James, Jr., born Jan. 15, 1886, and enlisted in the U. S. Navy in October, 1909. He is a machinist on the U. S. Ship Panther; David, born May 22, 1887 and died in Febru- ary, 1901; Leo, born Oct. 19, 1888 and is a machinist at Kingston, N. Y. I\Ir. jMcCabe was married again, July 19, 1901 to Miss Anna Burk, daughter of Michael and Ellen (Phinney) Burke of Hornet's Ferry, she living on the same place where Mr. McCabe's first wife lived when they were married. She J.VMES McCabe, SR.was born in Ireland, Aug. 15, 1840, being the only child. He was mar- ried in May, 1859 to Miss Catherine Daley (born Nov. 19, 1842) to whom ten children were born, six of whom are living, namely: James, the subject of this .sketch; Marv, born Feb. 14, 1863'; Jane, born March 30, 1868; Dennis, born Oct. 19, 1870; Michael, born Sept. 1, 1872 ; Margaret, born July 12, 1879. JNIr. McCabe came to this country in April, 1865, when James, (the .subject of this sketch) was only five years of age, and two years later his family followed. They were thirty-eight days making the voyage in a sailing vessel. HISTORY OF RyVNSOM TOWNSHIP 209 ilr. McCabe was a section bose on the Lehigh Valley R. R. at Skinner's Eddy for twenty-six j^ears. He died in Sayre, Jan. 22, 1907 and his wife died Jnne 14, 1911, and both are bnried in Sayre. PETER S. METZGAR Mr. Metzu;ar was Ixirn in Monroe county Dec. 16, 1847. He came to Lackawanna county when nineteen years of age. He is a son of Bar- nett D. Metzgar. He was married Dec. 24, 1885 to Miss Ada, daughter of ^^^illiam and Margaret (Ace) Blackwell. Mr. and Mrs. Metzgar have only one sxm living; William II., born Sept. 14, 188(), and is living with his parents. Two chil- dren died when small, namelv: John C, born the close of the Rebellion. His family consisted of seven children, namely: Peter S., Edward M., George L., Mary Ann, Henrj^, Joseph and Cy- rus. Only three are living: Peter, George and Joseph. William Blackwell was born in Wilkes- Barre Jan. 17, 1830. He was a son of Israel and Sarah (Bates) Blackwell, who were the pa- rents of eight children, only one of whom is living, Charles of Avoca. William Blackwell M'as married Dec. 25, 1852 to Miss Margaret, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Walter) Ace. {See Geo. W. Ace.) Mr. and Mrs. William Blackwell were the pa- rents of eight children, namely: (1) Sarah, born Aug. 12, 1853 and married -Toseph Brezee. (2) RESIDENCE OF PETER S. METZGAR, Aug. 12, 1888 and died Feb. 19, 1902 : Nellie May, born May 12, 1897 and died Feb. 22, 1901, The ]\letzgar's formerly came from Germany. Our subject's greatgrandfather, Joseph jMetzgar, was born in Germany about 1741 and came to ]\Ionroe county. His family consisted of six children. Our subject's grandfather, Peter Metzgar, was born in Monroe county. He married ^liss Hannah Sobers, to whom seven children were born : Timothy, Maria, Hannah, Isaac, Ferdin- ando, Barnett and Joseph. Barnett-D. jMetzgar, father of our subject, l)orn in Monroe county about 1825 and died in Wyoming county in 1894. He married Miss Eleanor, daughter of Samuel and Marj^ Ann (Felker) Evans of Monroe county. Mr. Metz- gar enlisted the first time in October, 1861, serv- ing for one year. He re-enlisted and served to -Mary E., jjuru Se])t. 24. 1854 and married Ed- ward M. ^letzgar. (:]) John i\I., born ^larch 20, 1857 and nuu'ried Miss Ellen N. Miller. (4) (Georgia Ann, born July 5, 1859 and married Stephen Lake. (5) Emma D., born Oct. 4, 1861 and married Christopher Landsidle. (6) Ada, born April 25, 1864 and married Peter S. Metzgar. (7) Matilda, born March 4, 1867 and died April 10, 1879. (8) Llarriet G.. born Aug. 4, 1870 and married Jacob Maas. About 1868, :\Ir. and Mrs. Blackwell settled on the farm now owned by Frederick Hoffman, above Milwaukie. Mr. Blackwell died Julv 19, 1906_. Mrs. Blackwell was born Sept. 24, 1882, and is living with her daughter, ^Irs, Peter S. Metzgar. EDWIN S. MILLER ]\Ir. jMiller is one of Ransom's most progres- sive agriculturists, owning a productive farm 210 HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP ill Mouulaiu \'alley. He i;^ tmu i)f the large.. Their familv consists of three children, namely: Kathrvn C'born -Tnlv 21, 1907; Helen .1., liorn RESIDENCE OP CHARLES MUSSEI.MAN. ADA-M B. MILLER Mr. Miller is a son of Edwin S. and Sarah (Michaels) Miller of Mountain Valley. Adam B. was born Sept. 21, 1884. Lie has a common school education. He was married Nov. 28, 190G to Miss Edna, (iracc, daughter of Thomas •I. and Eliza Huthmaker of Milwankie. (See Tlioinas J. Iluth maker) . Mr.-'.. Miller was born -Inly 2, 1886 on the homestead farm. Mr. and i\Irs. Miller have two children: Edwin S., born Nov. 5, 1907, and Norman Earl, born Aug. 29, 1910. Mr. Miller is working for his father on the Ikiiiic farm. •JOSEPH B. MHNSON Mr. Alunson was born Dec. H, 1881 in West Pittstoii. flerc he lived until iive years of age, wlieii his i>arents,, John and Pcrnilla Munson, born June 17, 1909, and Mildred, horn Mav 23, 1912, CHARLES MUSSELMAN Mr. Mussehnan is the only son of Charles, Sr. and Hannah (Mussehnan) Mussehnan. He was born in Hamilton, Monroe county, Dec. 13, 1857. His father was born in Germany, and was one of the best shoemakers in Monroe county. He died in 1858, and his wife was married twice again. Her second husband was Edward Setzer, and her third marriage was to Henry Able. She died in Monroe county. March 12, 1909. She wa.s the mother of two children, one by her first husband, who is the subject of this .sketch, and Edward Setzer, Jr., who is living in Bangor. Our subject received a common school educa- tion in Monroe county. His father died when Charles was only six months old. He was HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 211 brought up by his maternal grandijarents, who like many others of their day, had a large fami- ly of fourteen children, and Charles began working out ^vhen only ten years of age. When nineteen years of age, he left Monroe county and came to Exeter townrihi2J, Luzerne county. Here he worked for E. A. Corey (across the river from Ransom ) about four years. He was married May 12, 1879 to Miss Matilda Gard- ner, daughter of Sanu^el and Margaret (Smith) Gardner of Ransom. {See EUas A. Gard- ner) . Mrs. Matilda Mussehnan was born in Ran- som, Sept. 7, 1862. She received her educa- tion in the district schools. moved 1(1 Pittston, where he rented a large farm. Aljout 184;-5 he moved to South Wilkes-Barre and purchased a grist mill which he ran until about four years before hia death, when he returned to Wilkes-Barre. Ilere he died about l(S()(i, aged 82 years. While he was living in Monroe county, he was married to Miss Lydia Stroh. She died in 188o, aged 86 years. Her l)areuts came from Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Pettv had four children: Peter, born April 1, 1816 and died Nov. 16, 1874; Levi, born 1818 and died in Colorado ; Naomi Wagner, born in 1821 and died 1904 ; Mathias. born in Wilkesv Barre in 1880 and died at P)erwick in February, 1908. RESIDENCE OB" MILTON W. PETTY. Mr. and Mrs. Mussehnan are the parents of seven children, namely: Edgar, born Sept. 26, 1877 and married Miss Laura Ewing. and have one daughter, Grace. They are living in Phil- adelphia; Eva, born Dec. 22, 1880 and married Peter Bedell and have four children, and living in Ran.som ; James, born May 22, 1883 and married Agnes Bloser and living in Wilkes- l^arre; Florence B., born March 20, 1890 and died July 26, 1890: Viola and Jola, the twins, born .Inly 28, 1892. Jola died Aug. 2, 1892 and "\^iola died Aug. 8, 1893 ; Victor Dewey, born Aug. 16, 1897, is living at home. Mr. Musselman has been employed by the Lehigh A'^alley Railroad Co. for over twenty years. THE PETTY FAMILY The Petty's are of French ancestry. William Petty came from Connecticut about 1804 and settled in Monroe county, Pennsylvania. Sev- eral years later he moved to Luzerne county and lived on a farm near Wilkes-Barre. Later he Peter Petty was born in Monroe county, iVpril 1, 1816 and came to Luzerne county when a boy with his parents. He was married in 1837 to IMiss Sarah, daughter of Christian and Sarah (Stoekel) Nagle of Northampton county. ;\Irs. Petty was born March 7, 1819 in Hanover township 'and died Nov. 19, 1896 in Milwaukie. jNlr. and Mrs. Petty moved from Pittston to Milwaukie in 1852, where the}'' purchased the farm now owned by their son, Milton. They were the parents of eight children, namely: •Tennie, born Sept. 17, 1838 and died Nov. 1, 1882; Sarah Ann, born Dec. 29, 1839 and mar- ried N. G. Reed and lives in JMilwaukie; Wil- liam J., born Feb. 20, 1841 and died in August, 1845 at four years of age ; Leander, born March 8, 1843 and died in August, 1845, only two or three days after the death of William; Amy A., born Feb. 3, 1846 and married Samuel Decker, and is living in iNicholson with her son. Dr. Y. C. Decker; Lydia E., born March 11, 1849 and married Samuel Rose and is liv- ing in Worthington, Minn.; Mildred N. and 212 HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP Milton W., (twins), were born June 29, 1859. Mildred married William Klipijle and is li\'iiig in ]\lihvaukie. Milton is living on the old homestead in Milwaukie. MILTON WAGNER PETTY Mr. Petty is one of the largest truck and fruil growers ia Ransom and Newton townships, and about the tirst to produce berries this side of the mountain. About 1880 he started with raspberries, and a few years later produced over four hundred Ijushels of strawberries in a sea- son. He has a vineyard of about three hun- dred fine grape vinesi and over one hundred and fifty 2^ear and plum trees. Mr. Petty was born .Tune 29, 1859 on the farm where he now lives, which has always been his home. He is a son of Peter and Sarah (Nagle) I'elty. {Sec I'efcr I'dtij). He was married Sept. 20, 1880 to i\liss .Mary, daughter of WiUiam A. and Sybil (Ash) Lacoe of New- tun townshiji. (See Newton Iliafonj). Mr. and Mrs. Petty have a family of six chil- dren living, namely: Oswald W., William ('., Frank, Mildred N., Sybil R. and (ieorge Iv Two sons and one daughter died in infancy, namely; Ray, Homer and Minnie. OSWALD WARD PETTY 0. W. Petty is a popular nn'rchant in the vil- lage of Milwaukie, keeping a full line of gro- ceries and general merchandise for a small town. In May, 1905, he was employed as clerk by J. C. Biesecker, and in March, 190B purcha^ed a half interest and the business was conduclcd for about a year under the firm name of Biesecker & Petty. In April, 1907, Mr. Biesecker sold his interest to William Petty, and for three years the store was run by Petty Brothers. On April 1, 1910 the partnership was dis.solved and since that time, 0. W. Petty has been the ,^ole owner. Mr. Pettv is a i^on of JMilton W. and Mary (Lacoe) Petty, and was Ijorn Feb. 7, 1883. He attended school at Milwaid^ie until about seven- teen j^ears of age; and in September, 1904 he entered the East Stroudsburg Normal School. Here he attended t)ne term. He was married March 3, 1909 to Miss Mary, V. and Margaret (Klipple! township. Airs. Petty was born in Flatbrook. Sussex county, iN. J., Jan. 26, 1881, and came to Mil- waukie with her j^arents when less than two years of age. She attended school at Alilwan- kie until ten years, of age, when her parents moved to Newton township on the farm where they now live, where she attended the Lacoe school until about sixteen. In September, 1898 she entered East Stroudsburg Normal School, daughter of Chas. Decker of Newton where she attended one year. In September, 1899 she commenced leaching at the Co.s- ner School, and after teaching one year she re- turned to the Normal School where she gradu- ated in June, 1901. She then taught seven terms in Newton and Ran.som. Mr. and Mrs. Pettv have one son, Charles M., born Alarch 8, 1!)09. A daughter was born Dec. 10, 1911. n. \V. PIOTTV WHj;i.VM 0. PETTY Mr. Petty was born Nov. 5, 1884 on the home- stead farm. He attended school at Milwaukie uiitil about seventeen years of age. In Sep- tember, 1906 he connuenced a commercial course at the Scrauton Business College, where he remained for three months. In January, 1907 he engaged in the mercantile business in l.)artnershi]i with his brother, , Oswald. Hei'e he remained for three vears. He was married June 25, 1908 to Mi.'^s Elizabeth, daughter of George Rader. Thev have two children, Ruth, born Sept. 12, 1909 and William M., born June 29, 1911. LEWIS E. POWELL. Lewis E. Powell was born May 22, 1867 in Oxford, N. J., and when six months old his parents moved to Sci'anton. When eight years of age he began working in the Hampton coal l^reaker (one of the oldest breakers in Scran- ton ) , picking slate. When ten years of age his ]iarents moved to Taylor, where he worked in the Taylor breaker for two years. AVhen only twelve years of age he began working in the mines as door boy. Two years later he ad- \anced to mule driver, and gradually worked his way up to the different stations of the worlc in the mines, until 1889, when twenty-two years of age he began mining coal. Twenty- HISTORY OF RANSOM TOAVNSHIP 213 five years of his life were spent workiag in and ai-ound the mines. He moved to his present liome April 5, 1898. where he is a prominent truck grower. He was elected tax collector in February, 1898 and reelected in 1896. Mr. Powell attended day school only one term, when seven years old. AMien seventeen yeai-s of age he entered Woods Business Col- lege in Scranton, where he attended nights for nearly five years, where he finished his educa- tion. ' He was married to iliss Gertrude Cham- bers, daughter of James and :\Iartha (Williams) Chambers of Scranton. :Mrs. Powell was born February 9, 1869 in Pittston. Pier parent^ moved to Scranton when she was about two years of age, where she attended school until sixteen. Mr. and Uiv. ^V. J. Powell were the parents of thirteen children, seven sous and six daugh- ters, namely: (1) Lewis E., our subject; (2) William H'., born August 14, 1868 and mar- ried Miss Anna Mav Bennett, and have one child. Waher. They are living in Taylor: (3) David D., born INlay 2. 1870 and married ?*Iiss Hattie Fralev. daughter of William and Caroline (Baker) 'Fraley. They have three children: Hazel. William and Norman. They also live in Taylor; (4) Ida, born June 2, 1872, and is living in Hvde Park; (5) John, born ()ctol>er 30.' 1874.' and married Miss Anna \Mnte, and have two children living and re- side in Taylor. She is a daughter of -James White of Moosic: (6) Lizzie, born Dccemljer IS. 1876, and is living in Michigan; (7) RESIDENCE OF LEWIS E. POWELL Mr. and Mrs. Powell have one son and a daughter, namely : Eugene C. born Decemljer 30, 1889; Myrtle J., born July 4, 1897. Watkin J. Powell, our subject's father, was born in Wales, February 22. 1844, and came to this country when about eight years of age, with his parents. He was married September 1, 1866 to Miss Margaret, daughter of David D. and Rachel (Davis) Evans of Wales. Mrs. Watkiu Powell Avas born Augu.st 17, 1848 in Scranton, and died as stated above, October 31. 1890. Her father. David D. Evans, was bt>rn in 1822 and died in Michigan in 1909, and his wife, Miss Rachel Davis, was born in 1825 and died in 1910. Mr. and ]\Irs. David D. Evans' family consisted of five daughters and three .sons, namely: Margaret, John, Jemmima. Evan, Mamie, Sarah, Priscilla and William, all being born in Scranton. Fanny, born April 30, 1879. and married Thomas Robinson and have three children : Edward, Elmer and Helen. They also live in Hyde Park. Thomas is a sou of Isaac Robin- .son: (8) Arthur, born in September, 1881. and died in October. 1882. The five young- est, (9) Walter, (10) Rachel, (11) Martha, (12) Mamie and (13) Margaret, and the mother died within five months, from June 5 to October 31, 1890. The mother died of a broken heart after the death of her five chil- dren, and the father and husband was nearly driven frantic with grief. Martha died June 5th of black diptheria. aged eight years. Rachel, aged ten, after the death of her sister, pined away, and died two weeks later, June 21st. ^Margaret, aged four- teen months, died in July of membraneous croup, and three weeks later Mamie, aged six years, died with the same disease. The first 214 HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP (if S('|i|('iiilier, \\'al(or. ;i,t2,ed fnini :i loiid (if liay. caiisinti,' llif luu.ti;.-, (lyiii^- (w(i wet'ks luivv. ell. the nidther, (iied October olsl. |iicllliv ediild lie |iaiiited. Jamks OiiAMisEKy, father of .Mr- ell, was b(ini February '27. l.SKi and eaiiie Id this eduiitry with when a small child, and settled where Scraiitdii is iidw Idcaled. born ill Ireland, he and his parents were not Irish, and were staunch .Melhddists. lie was barn l)(iss at the Archibald iiiiiie hir ^everal yeai-s before his death. lie was a man with many friends, and was hdiiest and n|iriu,ht in all his dealings. eleven, juiiijied heomorrhaji;e of Mrs. Pow- No sadder Lewis PdW- iu Ireland. his parents. (Ill a farm Although giisl 2JS, the fdlldwiiig year, (lied Octolier 25, 11)00.' Airs. iiig Avitli lu'r dautihter. .Mrs. Mr. Chambers Chambers is liv- *owell. GEORCE W. i;.\l)ER Mr. Rader was born on (ierman Hill in Paii- som. October 2(5, IS.IO. He is a son of John Kader, who was bom in (Tcrmany April 2, ISPS and .sailed across the ocean about 1836 and came to Puzeriie county. He worked in Exeter tdwiislii]i, near Harding, about three years. Pie then came to Ransdiii and bought a farm on (Ierman Hill, where he built a log house in the wilderness. Later he was married to ^lis- Catherine Walters, daughter of Henrv ;md Catherine (Kress) Walters. She (.Mrs.. Rader) UKyiUENCK OF C^KOrKiE W. RADER. Mr. Chambers enlisted March 15, PSGI. in Irwin Bacon's Company M, 11th Pa. Cavalry. and participated in the following battles: .lar- rett's Station, Va.. May 7, PStil; City Point, ^'a.. Mav 17,PS(>4: Petersburg, ^^a., June 9 and June lo,'l8(i4; Staunton Bridge, Ya., .Tune 27. 1864: Fair Oaks, ^"a.. Septemlier 20. lS(i4: Reams Station, Y-a.. ,\ugnst 25. 1864: .James River, y-d., October 8, 1864; Darlivtown Road, Octo- ber 7, 1864; Richmond, Vn.'. October ;'.0, 1864; New Market Heights, Ya., December 10. 1864: Five Forks, Va.^ April 1, 1865: Deep Creek. Ya.. April 3, 1865. Discharged -Tuly 16 1865. He was never wounded in battle. He was mar- ried .Inly :!. 1866, to Miss :Martha Williams. She was liorn in iMilwaukie, Se]itember 15. 1848. and a daughter of Peter and ^lary (Ace) A\'illiams of Scranton. ^Ir. and ^Irs. James Chambers were the parents of l^^■(l children: (lertrude. the wife of oiu' subject, Mr. Powell, and -Jennie, born August 6, 1871, and died \i\- was liorn Oct. 21, 1818 in New Jersey and died .\]m\ 17, 1892 on Cerman Hill. Mr. Rader died April 9, 1899. They had a family oi eight children, namelv: Phillip, born Nov. 3, 1840 and died -Jan. 27, 1002; Mary,, born -July 27, 1851 and married Horace Holcomb ilay 10, 1893; Henry, born May 23, 1853; Emma, born •June 10, 1855 and married Peter Bedell, April 19, 1874 and died Mav 31, 1901; Rosanna, born Nov. 12, 1856 ; .John, born March 7, 1858 and died April 2, 1865; George W., born Oct. 26, 1859; William, born Dec. 18, 1862 and died Dec. 30, 1906. (leorge W. Rader received a conunon school education. He has always followed farming. He was married Sept. 23, 1885 to Miss Catli- erine, daughter of Chri.stopher and Elizabeth (Klipple) Zeiss of JMilwankie. Mr. and Mrs. Zeiss were born in Germanv and were mari'ied Ajjril 30, 1848 and -Tuly 6th' the same year, they sailed for this country. HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 215 ;Mi-, and ^hv. Rader have three daughleis: Elizabeth, boni Aug. 16, 1886 and was uiarried June 25, 1908 to WiUiani C. Petty of Mihvau- kie; Catherine M., born Aug. 29. 1887 and Marion R., born may 20, 1896. One «in, Christopher, born April 11, 1891 and died May 11, 1893. Two daughters died in infancy. .TEPTHA C. RICHARDS Mr. Richards is one of the leading agricul- turalists of Ransom township, owning one (>f the best producing farms in this section. His main crops are hay, potatoes and cabljage; cut- ting over fifty tons of hay, and producing from 90() to 1,200' bushels of potatoes a year. Thi-^ Husiness College, is working on the farm with his father. .James L., a student at Wyounug Senunarv, prei)aring for a physician; and Wil- liam N." Peter K. Richards was born Septeml)er 13. 1,S;')2. He was the first steward of the Ransom Home. His wife was born March 10, 1838. She was a daughter of Peter Corselius, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Richards' family consists of four sons and two daughters, namely: Floyd P.; -leptha C . the subject of this sketch; -Jessie (Mrs. Na- than Sutton), Dorcas (Mrs. Earl Decker); Charles G., a Presbyterian minister in Auburn, N. Y.; Parke K., also a Presbyterian minister, is located in AVaverly, N. Y. -m- '^ ■ HijMli; OF .JEPTHA 0. RICHARDS. year he raised about 1(),00() heads of cabbage, and former vears from 10,000 to 12,000 heads. He also raises about 2tt0 bushels of rye and from 300 to 400 bushels of oats a year. His farm is in first-class state of cultivation, and is increasing in fertility by the addition ofabout 200 loads of manure, which he buys in Pittstou each vear. Our subject is, a st)n of Peter K. and Rosma (Corselius) Richards, who are now livuig m West Pittston, but for luany years lived in Ran- som on the farm now owned by Amos Learn. ^ Jeptha G. Richards was born March 30, 1861 in Ransom, and has always lived on a farm. He was married Oct. 16, 1889 to MisK Eleanor M., daughter of Charles and Mary (Lanter- man) Newman of .Newton township. IMrs. Richards was born Oct. 11, 1863 and died Feb. 15, 1911. Mr. Richards' family consists of three sons, namely: Russell C, a graduate of Wyoming grower of Mountain VaUey. yard which produced nearly ba-kets of grapes this V ' ' LESLIE FRANK RICHARDS .Mr. Richards is a progressive truck and fruit He has a vhie- 300 half-bushel „ ...., ... ..^--.i-^. easou, the three leading arieties being the Niagara, Wardon and Con- cord. He is 'the largest grower of grapes and currants in Ransom township, producing oy_er 300 quarts of currents in 1911, and setting 350 more plants. He is an extensive grower of strawberries, picking 1,300 quarts, and setting over 4,000 plants this year. He has 100 plum trees, which are beginning to bear. He has 150 prune trees, set in 1906. He jn-oduces from 600 to 900 bushels of iiotatoes. and from 150 to 200 bushels of onions a ycai-. He also raises a quantity of tomatoes, cabbage, sweet corn, etc. Mr. Richards was born Aug. 22. 1881. and is a sou of Ostrander and Ameha IM. (Lacoe) Richards. He attended school at Mountain 216 HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP N'alley until sixloeu years of age. Siiiet' then lie has been working liia father's farm. OsTRANDKK Ri<;nAKTis, horn ^hireh 20, ISUtj in Newton township, on the farm n(.)\v owned by B. F. Reed. He is a son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Ostrander) Riehards. He was married Dec. :H. 1S(i1 to Miss Amelia M., daughter of \\'illiam A. and Syl)il (Ash) Laeoe. {Sec .liiKcpli A. Litvoe (if Ncirtfin). Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander Riehards had a fami- ly of seven ehildrcn, namely: (1) Ella S., l)orn Dee. IS. lSf)"2, and married Charles Williams. •Tuly 28, 1SS2, and are living on a farm near Dalton.. Thev have live cliildren. namelv: Pearl, Isahell, Walter. ^lyrtle and -himes.. (2) Mary A., born Sept. 1, 1867 and died Oet. 14. Lizzie, daughter of John and Catherine (Kurtz) Herman of West Scranton. Mv. Richter, our subject, began picking slate in the coal breakers wlien only eight years of age. lie worked in the mines for several years, until 1909, when he moved to the .Tohn koster farm at Mountain Valley. Mr. and JNIrs. Richter have five children. {See Directnri/) . FiiKDERicK RicnruK was born in Germany March 22, 1853. After coming to this count;ry he worked in the mines in Scranton and vicin- ity for over twenty years. and_ the last ten years he has been emi)loved in Klutz Silk Mill in Green Ridge. His wife, (^Nliss Sophie Pecker) Avas born March 7, 1858. They have RESIDKNCB OF OSTRANDER RICHARDS. 1878. (3) William 0., born July 9, 1870 and died Jan. 30, 1883. (4) Addie L., .born Nov. 30, 1873 and married Dec. 31, 1891 to Eugene Miller, son of Peter Miller. They are li\iug on a farm near Falls and have three children living: Willard P., Raymond M. and Eugene. (5)"0ra N., born Aug. 26, 1876 and died Aug. 2, 1893. (6) Leslie F., born Aug. 22, 1881 and living with his parents, working the home farm. (7) Jennie A., born January 15, 1884 and married Sept. 21, 1910 to John Poston and living in Pittston. They have one son, Leslie J. Mr. Poston is a carpenter. CHARLES F. RICHTER ^Ir. Richter was born iNov. 17, 1878 in Ger- many, where he lived until about one year of age, when his parents sailed for this country. He if. a son of Frederick and Sophie (Becker) Riclitor. He was married Dec. 8, 1896 to Miss a family of eight children, naniely: Charles, Anna, Fred, Lizzie, Minnie, William, Emma and John. John Herman was borir in 1831 in France and died Oct. 18, 1896 in Scranton. His wife, Jliss Catherine Kurtz, was born in 1845 in Germany and died in July, 1886. They had a family of eight children, namely: Baltz, Lena, ^lary, George, Margaret, Lizzie, Louis and Emma. GEORGE H. RIFENBARY Mr. Rifenbary has been superintendent of the Ransom Home since April 1, 1897. He was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, and is a son of Benjamhi and Seanea (Hough) Rifen- bary. He was married June 22. 1876 to Miss Ijva, daughter of Isaac 0. and Marilla (Place) Bunnell of Meshoppen. Mr. and Mrs. Rifenbary have a family of two HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 217 (laiighloir, namely: Zida E., married Sept. 24, 1908 to Edward Kirciier of Newton; Oelo, mar ried May 18, 1911 to Truman K. Biesecker of Newton . Mr. Kifenbary owned and lived on a farm at Lake Winola several years, which he sold abont 189o. JOHNSON ROSENKRANS Johnson Rosenkrans was born ilarch 22, 18.'.") in Newlon township, on the farm now owned by his brothei', Amos. He obtained a fair educ^ation at the Lacoe school After he be- came of age, until thirty-two years old he work- ed l)v the month for several farmers. Then he grandson of Levi Rosenkrans. {See Amzi RosenJcruns of Netvton). CHARLEY SAMES Mr. Sames is a son of Henry C. and Frances (Lewert) Sames. He was born Feb. 14, 1876 at 1005 Cedar Ave., Scranton. tie was married June 22, 1904 to Miss Catherine A., daughter of Andrew and ilargaret (Roeszler) Landsie- del of Rxin.soni township. Mv. Sames lived in Scranton until March 29, 1910 when he moved to his mother's farm on German Hill, Mliere he is now living. -Mr. and Airs. (Charley Sames are the parents of three children. (See Directory). niOSlDKNClO l)F .JOHNSON ii( ISKNKRANS was married, j\Iarcli 1, 1887 to Miss Emma Taylor, daughter of James and ^lartlia (French) Taylor. After his marriage, Mr. Rosenkrans worked out seven years. April 1, 1894, he purchased the farm where he now re- sides of Mrs. Eliza Williams, widow of Andrew Williams. Mrs. Rosenkrans Avas born in England, Feb. 13, 18(3(3. She came to this country with her parents when about tw(j years of age. She at- tended school at Scranton, Old Forge and the Pine school-house. She learned dressmaking, which she followed before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. R(jsenkrans have had a family of seven children, namely: Harriet and ]\hu'- tha (twins), born July 15, 1889; Agar James, born A].>ril 26, 1895; .Norvison .Johnson, born Dec. 1, 1897; Jennie, born April 24, 1900 and died Jan. 1, 1901; William TaA'lor, born .June 1, 1902 and died Feb. 15. 1903; .Tenuio Corin- nie, born ^larch 5, 1904. Mr. lv(]senkrans is a son of Brittian and a Hexry C. Sames, father of our subject, was born April 30, 1842 in Wardorf, Germany and died April 16, 1907 in Scrantoi:i. He came to this country when about twenty-five years of age and married two years later to IMiss Frances, daughter of Godfred Lewert of Scranton. She was born May 10,. 1849 in Germany, and came to this country about 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Sames were the parents of seven children, name- Iv: Elizabeth and Lena died in infancv; Henry, born July 26, 1873 ; Charley, our subject ; Cath- erine (Mrs. David Morris), born Feb. 24, 1880; Frances, died Avhen fifteen months old; John, born Dec. 10, 1887. In 1870 Henry' Sames purchased a lot and erected a residence at 1005 Cedar Ave., Scranton. In 1882 he remodeled the first floor of his residence for a store where he kept groceries and provisions, and June 8, 1889 he added the milk business. In 1901 he enlarged this '.building to niake room for the increasing milk business, having three wagons for delivering the milk. It was then named 218 ILUSTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSUIl' the "Maple Dairy,'' which name it now bears. Since Mr. Sanies deatli in 1907, Mrs. Sanies and her tliree sons liave conducted the business. They now have live milk wagons io deliver milk and an extra wagon for delivering grocer- ies. SCIIEUER BROTHERS "SuxNY SiDK Farm," Moixt Dkwey .John Sclieuer, Sr., the father of the o\vners of the ajjove farm, was one of the pioneers of Scranton. He came from Germany in 1849 with his father, Conrad Scheuer. They settled in Slocum Hollow. -lohn procured employ- ment Avith Scranton ct Co., later the Lackawan- na Iron & Goal Co. hater he rented the Slocum drive to and from tlieir place of business in Scranton, nigbl and nioruiug, it only taking forty-Jive minutes to drive to the farm. This is (he linesl summer residence section so near Scranton. All parts of the city and valley can be ,'-een from the farm. ANTHONY SCHULTHEIS ^Ir. Schultheis is a son of Conrad and Dor- othy (Engel) Schultheis. He was liorn Nov. 22, 1853, in Pittston, and when tw(j years of age his parents moved to a farm near Taylor, where he obtained his education. In 187;> he came with his ])arcnts to JNIilwaukie to tlie farm where Ik' is now living, where be has since lived. He was married -lanuarv :'>(), •SITNXY SIDE FARM," SCHKUElt BROS.. THE BAKERS. SUMMER HOME. MC)UNT UEWEV. Farm, on the banks of the Stafford MeadoAV Brook, wliere he conducted a dairy and milk busine.ss. ^Ir. Scheuer has the distinction of be- ing the Ih'st milkman in Scranton, and was the first man to receive milk shipments over the D.. ]j. & \Y. R. R. This milk was shipped about 1860 by a Mr. Morrow from Ilnmphreysville, now Glenburn, Pa. Mr. Scheuer always had a desire for farming, which was the reason for the purcha>e of "Sun- ny Side Farm" by his suns. After ^Ir. Scheuer retired from the Baking busine.ss, which he es- taljlished in 1874, being succeeded by his sons, he took charge of and develo])ed the farm to its l)resent high .state of cultivation. Mr. Scheuer died in April, 1911, ;iged 82 years. Since then, his son, Henry, is manag- ing the farm, and the other brothers, Cxeorge and -Tohn, have their sunmier residence there, each oceuiiying cottages on the farm. They 187J. to ]\Iiss -Julia Maas, a daughter of .John Maas of Mountain \'alley. She was born Oc- tober 20, 18o4, in ^\'ilkes-Barre and died Mav 7, 190(). Anlhony Schultheis was elected school di- rector about 189lj, holding the ofhce for nine years, and assistant assessor one term. To Mv. and ^Irs. Schulthies were born ten children, namely: (1) Rose, born Febru- ary 12, 187() and was married iVugust 1, 1899 lo iVrthur Snover, and living in Scranton: (2) Lewis A., born February l9, 1877 and is a carpenter, working at Taylor; (o) .John G., born Augu.st 7, 1878 and was married October 25, 1905', to Miss j\Iary E. Courtright of Mil- waukie. They have one daughter, Luella, born in October, 190(). They arc living in Taylor: (4) Dorothv E., born April 10, 1880 and mar- ried Septen'iber 29, 1909 to AVesley J. Lewis and living in Exeter; (5) Llenry, born Novem- H,I>STORY OF RANSOai TOWNSHIP 219 iIMp .■ 5 l^'i' ^' '• ' *'■- ^P^ 1825 and died Septem- SCHEUER'S ISREAl) BAKERY. Pittston Avenue, Hemlock and Front Sti'eets. Gennauv, November ber 22, 1909. CoxEAD ScHULTHiEs, (lur Subject's fatlier,\Yas 1)1 >ni ill Germany ]Marcli 25, 1819 and was maiTied in 1843 to Miss Dorothy Engel, (laughter of Anthony and iNhiggie (Ott) En- geb Mr. and ilrs. SchuUheis came to this country in 1851, being sixty-nine days on the water. Tliey were the ])arents of six cliilch'en, four being hovn in (lermany, ^hu-y, the old- est, married Casper Oberdofer: Lewis, living in Pittston ; Catherine, married Adam Rein- liardt, and died in June, 1907 ; Eliza, married Ncnry Schultheis and died -Tune 30, 1907; Anthony, our subject: .loliu. who died when nine years of age. Conrad iSchultheis died May 3, 1890. His wife was Ijoru December l(i. 1822, and is living on the old homestead, with her son, Anthony. She is the oldest resi- dent of Ivansom towniship. aged 90 years. RESIDEXCE OF ANTHONY SCHULTHEIS AND HIS MOTHER. MRS. CONRAD SCHULTHBIS. ber 19, 1881 and married September 18. 1907 to Miss Martha Whitlock of Newton; ((3) Au- gusta, born August 19, 1883 and married Jan. 23, 1907 to Charles Stiue of Milwaukie. They have two children, Mamie E. and Rose ^I. ; (7) Elizabeth, born January 12, 1887 and is living at home; (8) Frank, l)orn January (3. 1889, and is working on the farm for his fa- ther; (9) Catherine,' Ijorn July 11, 1891, and is a stenographer and bookkeeper in Scranton : (10) Charles A., l.oru August 21. 1894. John Maas was born in tiermany October 4, 1826, and died in ^lountaiu ^'alley. October 13, 1892. He came to this c(nmtry with his parents ab.-fli) and Aut;usl. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Friedman were the parents (if (inc dau.i;;liter, Emily M., liorn Dee. (1, ISSd and married June 2i). 19(14 U> Henry Leutlmld a veterinary surgeon, livinu; at Taylor. They have three children, namely : Helen, He'nrv and Clifford. ^Ir. and Mrs. Schmidt are the parents of nine children: Hedwig S., horn Sept. ofl. ISSS. and married Sept. 11, 1907 to William A. .Mhrecht. a Jiookkeeper in Scranton. The other eight children are living at home , and their names may he found in the Directory. Hedwig and Frank are twins. Frank is a bricklayer and August, a carpenter. Ernestine, Pauline and 1;!, 1841 on the farm now owned liy j\lrs. Smith,, where he died June 4. liJOO. lie was a son of Peter A. and Sarah (Compton) Snnth. I'etek a. Smith was born Feb. 5, 1816 and died in January, 1892, and a son of Elias and llaniet (Ayers) Smith, Avho were among the pioneer settlers of Newton township. Mr. Smith married Miss Sarah Compton, who was horn March 11, ISOS and died Oct. 27, 1887. Mrs. Catherine Smith is the mother of eight children, namely: (1) Mary E., born Feb. 17, 1867, and married Da^ld Shook and living in Newton township. (2) Clara, born jNhiy 31, 1869 and married Patrick Lowler, and living in Pittston. (8) Elnora, born Oct. 20, 1871, RESIDENCE OF STEPHEN SCHMIDT. Mary are -working for The.o. A. AVhite Mfg. Co., an overall factory in Linden street, Scran- ton. Mr. Schmidt is a son of John and Dorothy (Sipple) Schmidt. John Schmidt was born j\hiy 15, 1831 in Austria and died July 5, 1902. He was a miner. His wife was born in February, 1837 in Austria, and is living at the old home in Duryea. Their family consisted of four sons and two daughters, namely: Andrew, John, Stephen, Ferdinand, Mary and Elizabeth. Only Elizabeth and Stephen are living, MRS. CATHERINE SMITH Mrs. Smith was born Feb. 19, 1845 in New- ton townshiiJ, and is a daughter of Jacob and Salinda (Walters) Jacoby. (See Artlmr Ju- cohy of Newton). She was married March 13, 1866 to Noah P. Smith, who was born March and died Sept. 25, 1883. (4) William T., born April 15, 1874 and married Miss Anna Stevenson and living in Pittston. (5) Sarah, born Nov. 3, 1876 and died Aug. 22, 1877. (6) Peter A., born July 4, 1878. (7) Jennie, born July 22, 1881 and died Sept. 21, 1884. (8) Jacois, born Dec. 7, 1885. Peter and Jacob are living with their mother, working the farm. BERT W. SINGER ■ Mr. Singer was born Jan. 31, 1874 in New- ton township. He is a son of George and Julia (Smith) Singer. George Singer died in Sep- lember, 1909. Bert W. Singer attended school at Newton Centre until about nineteen years of age. Then he entered Scranton Business College, attend- ing two winter terms. He was married Dec. 15, 1897 to Miss Mamie E., daughter of Abra- ham and Mary (Huthmaker) Stine of Milwau- kie. {See Stine Family). HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 221 liKSIDENCE OF BERT W. SINGEU Mr. Singer L- a truck farmer, i^elliuio' liis pro- ?ilrs. Stewart have two children liviag, Willard (hiee at retail in Scranton. ' L., born Jan. t), 1909, and Letitia, born March Mr. and Mrs. Singer have two children. 22, 1912. Another son, William, was born namely: Mary .).. b..rn Oct.iber 24. 1901 and Jan. 20, 1911 and died Feb. 8, the same year. TharJcs S.. l)orii Ocl. 2."). 1904. (,SV, ]]-;iIi,nii Boirpii). HOME OF HILEY W. STEWART Owned by Mrs. SteTs-art's mother, Mrs. WHliam Bowen. HILEY WENZEL STEWART Mr. Stewart was born April 25, 1883 in Hyde Park. He is a son of Willard L. and Lanra L. (Snow) Stewart. Onr subject was married Sept. 30, 1907 to Miss JIartha G., daughter of William and Le- titia (Gilbert) Bowen of Mt. Dewey. JNIr. and Willard L. Stewart was bora in Hobart, N. Y., -July 4, 186.5. liis wife was Miss Laura L., daughter of Johiel Snow of Great Bend. She was born June H, 1865 and died Jan. 25, 1911 near Jerniyn. To the union of Mr. and ilrs. Stewart six children were born, namely : Frank, Nettie. Ilarvy, Charlie, Tiiley and Nel- 222 HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP lie. Only Uie thnr yduiigvst aiv liviii.t;,: Cluir- lie, born in 18(S1 iuid niarried Mis.< Bertha Wal- lace of Scranton. Hilev, our :snbiect. Nellie, boru .Ian. 1. 1891. THE STINE FAMILY The Stines were anHintj (he early settlers of Ransom lownshiji. They are of ({erman de- scent. Abraham Stixk was born in .New .Jersey, Aug. 4, 1777 and a son of .hihn and Phelje Stine. FIc came to Ransom township about 1825 and settled on the farm where Charles A. Stine is now living, which he purchased from William Brink, who setlled the farm about (langhler of William and Eleanor l>rezee. She was born Dec. 1.1, 181.") and died Nov. 1. 1887. To the union of I'rederick and Mary A. Stine eight children were born, namely: 'i'obias, ]']li- zabeth, Aliraham. Martha. Frederick, Ellen. Sarah and Harriet. Ahraham Stei.v, a son of Frederick and Mary A. Stein, was born on the old homestead farm near Milwankie, April 11, 1842, where he lived until his death, .Ian. 12, 1907. He was married Nov. 7, ISHo to Miss Jlary, daughter of Jacol) and Foi'otby (Siglin) ITuthmaker. Mr. Stein was a prominent Odd Fellow, and attended lodge every Saturday night, not nnss- ing a meeting iov thirteen years. He was a kind father and husband, and a man with CHARLES STINE'S RESIDENCE 1820, and built a log-house. Abraham Stine was married Jan. 29, 1804 to Elizabeth Picket. She was born Aug. 18, 1773 in Roxbeary, [Mor- ris conntv, N. J., and a daughter of Frederick (died April fi, 1820) and Elizabeth (died Dec. 9, 1821) Pickel. To the union of Abraham and Elizal)eth Stine .d Augusta Schultheis. CHARLES A. STINE Mr. Stine is a son of Abraham and Mary Stine. Fie was born Sept. 17, 1880 on the homestead farm. He attended .school at Mil- wankie until about fifteen years of age. He was married Jan. 23, 1907 to Mis,s Augusta, daughter of Anthony and .Tulia (Maas) Schul- HIsfoRY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 223 theis of Ransoin township. Mr. and Mrs. Stine are the jjarents of two daughters: Mamie, born Feb. 29, 190;-! and Rosa, born March 7, 19] 0. WILLIAM J. TAFT Mr. Taft was born in South Gibson, Pa., Jiuie 20, 1876, and came to Ransom in 1898. He is a car inspector for the Lehigh A/'alley Railroad Co. at the Coxton yard. Mr. Taft was married Nov. 21, 1900 to Miss Sarah Stout, daughter of John and Lydia J. (Harris) Stout of Ransoin. Mrs. Taft was born Aug. 28, 1880. Mr. and Mrs, Taft are tlie ]va- rents of four children, namelv: Martha Ah, born Oct. l;L 1901: Mildred AL, iKirn June 30, 190;l: Freddie J., born Nov. 14, lOO,! and AVilliam R., liorn July 7, 1908. Mrs. Thompson was born in Pittston and is one of seven children of Richard and Maria (Bates) Smith. Mrs. Thompson taught five successive terms r()motod to engineer. and for over n year has been electrician. and was born in Tunkhannock, Feb. 12, 1857 and died ui Scranton Aug. 22, 1887. Mr. Smith was again married in April, 1902 to Miss Mira Hockaclay of Decatur, 111. JAMES B. WALTER Air. AValler is a prominent carpenter living in Mountain A'alley. He was born Oct. 8, 1857 in Smithfield township, Monroe county, and came to Ransom March 17, 1880. He worked for Jacob Bedell on the farm two years. In 1882 he began learning the carpenter's trade with (Jeorge Davis, which occupation he has since followed. Mr. Walter is a son of Hiram and Sarah (Lee) Waher. Our sul).iect, James B. Walter, was married Oct. 7, 1882 to ALss Lydia A., daughter of Robert and Ahirv (Michaels) Davis. (iS'ee Ira E.Daris). 224 HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP Mrs. James B. Walter was born June 10, 1800 ill Milwanlcio on tlio IVirni ndw owned by Wib liam Reed. lAIr. and Mrs. A\' alter are the parents of four children: (1) Robert 1)., born Dec. 1, 188(3 and married June 22, 1909 to Miss Florence Denithorne of Old Forge, who was born in October, 1889. He is a carpenter hv trade. They have one daughter, Mildred Ann, born Nov. 5, 1911. (2) Earl II., born Aug. 9, 1893. (3) Benjamin F., born Aug. 31, 1895! (4) Leah A., born July 22, 1897. Earl and Benja- oini are both learning the carpenter's trade. IIiR.VM Walter was born in April. 1829 in Smithfield township, and since 1908 has lived in Pike county. His wife was born in April. she uioved to AVilkcs-Barre with her parents. In bS.-jT they moved to Newton town.shij) and three years later to i\Iihvaukie. Mrs, Wil.-^ou was married Feb. 20, 1864 to David Williams, sou of Pennington and Adah (Stage) Williams, and a. grandson of John 0. Williams. David Williams was born Feb, 25, 1838 and died December 5, 1875. JMrs. Wilson had five children liy her first lm.-;band. namely; (1) Adah E., born Sept. 12, 18(35. Siie was married June 11, 1884 to Royal II. Holbert. They have a family of seven chil- dren : Archie E., born .Jan. 21, i88(>, and mar- ried Miss Bessie Wheeler of Scranton : Mattie E,, born Julv 15, 1889 ; Ethel E., born June 28. 1895; Robert C, born Feb. 2. 1900; Roval H.' born .lulv 17, 1901; Melba C, born April 20, RESIDENCE OF JAMES B. WALTER 1828 and died in .July, 1898. Their family consists of ten children : Susan, John, Ellen, JMichael, James. Abraham, Josephine, Henry^ Eliza and Edward. Only iive are living, name- ly: James B., our subject; Abraham, born in 1859 and married Miss Emma Miller and liv- ing in WilkesrBarre : Henry, born in 1861 and married Mrs. Mary Waldron for his last wife. They are living in Hyde Park. Eliza, married Fred Hudfccker. and living in Pike county: Edward, married iliss Sarah Plattenburg, and living in AA^'ilkes-Barre. MRS. CATHERINE WILSON Mrs. Wilson is a daughter of David F. and Helen (Kivler) Thatcher. She was born Mar. 3, 1845 in Newport township. Luzerne county, where she lived until seven years of age, when 1004 and .Joseph David, born May 8, 1907. Royal H, Holbert was born in Mast Hopt, Pike county, Sept. 25, 1861. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Stoutenburgh) Holbert. Royal IT, Holbert is a painter by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Holbert have lived in Scranton, at 515 North ({arfield avenue, since 1890, (2) John L., born July 25. 1867 and died Aug. 9, 1875. (3) Daniel L,, born in February, 'l869 and died in January. 1870. (4) ^lartha JI., born Oct. 21. 1872. and married .John T. Evans of Pittston. lie is a graduate from Chaltingham Militarv Academy. She died Mar. 22. 1907. (5) Bertha E.. born .Jan. 11, 1875 and married Thos, .Ten- kins, She died March 21, 1902. ATrs, Wilson was married the second time, June 5. 1884 to Jacob Wilson, son of Charles and Susan Wilson of Ransom. He was born June 15, 1848 and died Jan. 9, 1905. HISTOEY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 225 John C Williams was born in Pliiladelplna, lie look out a patent for Breeches Pond (now Lake AVinoki) and the surrounding land. Here he built a log-house, and then returned to Phil- adeli)hia, where he married ^liss Martha M. Pennington. After their marriage they loaded their household goods on a cart, drawn by a yoke of oxen, and came to their new home. Thus, they made their wedding trip from Phil- adeli^hia to Lake Winola. He died in LSfif*. The Williams formerly came from Llolland. in April 1870 came to Ransom and later pur- chased the farm where they now live. Mr. and i\Irs. Winters are the parents of five children, namely: Willard ^L, born April 12, 1S68 and married Miss Elsie Bennett and liv- ing in Pittston; Philip B., born Aug. 26, 1871 and married Aliss Bessie Drake and living in Newton township. They have three daugliters. Alma, Zida and Helen ; Frank A., Ijorn June 5, 1873 and married Miss Margaret Hopkins and died Aug. 20, 1900 : Harry B., born April LOG- HOUSE BUILT BY .JOSEPH KItOUSB ABOUT 1S40 Now owned by Horace Courtriglit. samu]<:l j. winters Mr, Winters Avas burn Dec. 2;!, ISl;? in New- ton township, near the Ransom line, where Frank Petty is now living. He is a son of Bahibridge and Eliza (Brink) Winters to whom four children were born : Terris^-a, born Feb. 12, 1840 and married Enos Beemer and living in Kansas; Harriet, born March H, 1842; and married Alva Thompson and died Feb. 24, 1890. Samuel J., the subject of our sketch and Marv E., born .Ian. 17, 1850 and died Oct. 18, 1865'. Bainbridge Winters was born Oct, 13, 1817 in Orange county, N, Y., and died March 21, 1900. His wife, Eliza Brink, was born Dec. 11, 1817 in New Jersey and died Dec. 4. 1897 in Newton. Bainbridge Winters was a .son of Jacob Winters. Our subject, Samuel J. Winters, was born and reared on a farm. Lie was married July 6, 1867 to Miss Catherine, daughter of Philij? and Susan (Dersheimer) Barrier. After their marriage they lived three years on the farm where Ed. Ward now lives in Newton township, 12, 1881, married Miss Nellie Fahs and hving on his father's farm. They have two sons, Frank L. and Ralph: Blanche M., l)orn July 19, 1884, married Joseph B. Munson and living They have two daughters, m Ransom, crine and Helen. ^ My. Winters enlisted in Co. B, 143 Regt. Vol. and served until the close of the war. He Avas twice elected assessor in Ransom, was elected supervisor for one term. atn- Pa. and JOHN WTTZAL ]\Ir. Witzal was born April 8, 1855, near Stroud,sburg. He lived at home, helping his father on the farm, until twenty-four years of age. When ten years of age his parents moved to Scranton (Providence) and in May, 1877 they purchased the farm in Mount Dewey, now owned by George Kellou. Mr. Witzal is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Knauser) Witzal. Andrbav Witzal was born in Germany, and came to this country when twenty-seven years of age. He was a stone ma.son by trade. Lie was twice married, the first time soon after he came to this country, to Miss Margaret Knauser. ■2.-H\ ILISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP Slio was li(ini in ( u'niiaiiy, when.' slu> Ijecanic afciuainted with Mr.Witzal. Tliey were married ill Ilawley, Wa>-|ie cDiuily, and were the parents of live eliildreii: Kiizalieth, Marv, .hihii. Min- nie and Polly. :\Irs. Witzal died in ISCri in Creseo. .Mr. \\'it/,al was married a,t;aiii. raisin.in a family of six ehildreu by liis second wife, naiiielv: LouisP, Nora, ({eorftc, Andrew, -fr., William and lielle. (ieoro;e died in -Iniie. liJO.S. Mr. Witzal died a few years a.i2;o. Mrs. Witzal is livin.u with her dantihter, l>elle. in New -Terse \-. ■Tohn Witzal. (), 1895 and died a year later. ((>) I':inier'A., horn July 'ir^, 1897 and died when nine months of aye. i;()Y W. ZEhSS Mr, Zeiss is a son of \\'illiani and Catherine (Frenhan) Zeiss, and horn Dec. 18, 1880 in Milwankie . To Mr. and Mrs. Witzal a family of six chil- dren were born, namely: (1) Frank, born Feb. 27, 1880 and died July 6, the same year. (2) Emma S.. born June 8, 1882 and married Feb. 22. 1906 to Burton Hartnian of Scranton. Thev have one son, John E., l)orn i\lay 9, 1911. (8) William ^M., born March 5, 1884 and mar- ried ^Ii.-\s Eunna Boswater. They have one daughter, Lillian. (4) Karl A., bom March (irace A., daughter of Charles H. and .Tennie (^'andeburg) Biesecker of Bald Mount. (S^c Nniio'ii History). Mr. and Mrs. Zeiss lived in Bald Mount the first year after their marriage. In April, 1904 they uioved to Milwankie. He worked nearly a year for John Holmes in the lumber woods. In' April, 1905 he began workmg for his father on the farm, by whom he was employed^ for two years. A]iril 1, 1907, Mr. Zeiss rented his father's farm on shares, in partnership with his brother. Christopher J., wliich they have continued to work until the present time. They are exten- HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 227 RESIDENCE OF ROY W. ZEISS ,-ivL' truck ami hay ,ti,T(i\vci-s. ami the hirye.-l jii'i)- (Uu-fi> (if swrct «irn in Ransom and Newton to\vnshi]is. their crop in Iflll amonnting to over TO.OOO ears, wliieh were gro\\ii on seven acres of land. The same year they ])rodnced oxer HENRY ZILK Mr. Zilk was horn near Cumherland. ^[d.. Oct. is. 18H0. When twentv-two years of age he came to Durvea, where he lived for thirteen years. In 1S!I4 he iiurehased the farm where ■£ n "J-: [_i3 1 ■fefS RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM ZEISS 2,000 haskets of tomatoes, 26,000 heads of cah- he hage and 6-3 tons of Iiay. also a qnantity of en- cumbers and potatoes. In 1007 Mr. Zeiss iiurehased an acre of land from liis father and erected a nine-room resi- dence, which they occupied Sept. 2, 1907. ^Ir. and ^Irs. Zeiss have one daughter, Mary L., born May 23, 1904. ... is now living. In June. 1905 he sold his farm and moved his family to California, liv- ing in Oakland at the time of the earthquake. April 18, 190(^. Nine days after the earth- quake he and his family returned to Pennsyl- x'ania, and in August repurclia.sed the farm which he owned before going West. While iu the West, Mr. Zilk traveled through 228 I-LISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP and visitt'tl several .stale;^, apeuding iiiiifh liiiic in California, Oregon and AVashingtdn. Mr. Zilk, being a survivor of the terrible earthquake, can give a very interesting account of the de- .-trnelion of San I*'rancisco and the sufi'ering of (hose who escaped death and were left Iiomeless and pennyiess. Mr. Zilk worked in tlu' coal mines in Mary- land and Dni'yea. lie never did farm work unlii he came to liansoni township. He was married in Duryea, Jan. 21, 1884 to Miss Sally \'., ilaughtor of Henry and Mary Rutledge of ()ld l'"oi'ge, Slie was born Sejjt. 25, 1858 in Haiti ri'. Mr. liutledgc fought for the Union, ('nlisting at the beginning of the war and serving mitil the close, Mr. Zilk is a son of .lohn and Harriet (Rice) Zilk. JoHX Zii.K was born in April, 18l)(i in (Jer- niany and died in Noveudjer, 1901. He came to tliis country in 1856. Idis wife was Ijorn in April, 1840 in Bedford county, Md., and died in July, 1889 in Duryea. They had a family of five children, namely: Henry, Joseph, Eliza- beth, Frances and George. Mr. and jMrs. Henry Zilk have a fannly (d' six children. (See Directonj) . Two children. Nettie and Frank died in infancy. There are only eighteen i)ersons in the I.^iiled Stale? by the name of "Zilk." District No. 3 — Mt. Dewey Judge of Election — William Bowen. Inspectors — William Gaul and Arnold Busch. OIKICRRS OF NEWiON TOWNSHII> Justices-of-the-Peace — Gould Whitlock and .]. F, Lacoe. As.sessor — William A Hice. Collector — Charles V. Decker. Koad Supervisors — Geo. W. Beenier, Chas. H. Bie- secker and Ira Drake. School Directors — Chas. H. Kresge, president; VVui. H. Newman, secretary; W. E. Larue, treasurer; B, F. Reed, vice-president, and Paul Aten. Auditors — Wm. D. Ayers, Geo. L. Coon, William .1. Biesecker. Judj-e of Election — Oscar O. Britton. InspectoKs — Sam'l W. Beemer and Harlan .lacoby. t'on.stablc — Amzi Rosenkrans. Treasurer — Chas. H. Biesecker. Health Officer — Horace Holcomb. (LI) HOrSES OF KANSO.M AND VEAU UUII.T .John Witzal 1832 Edward E. Ace 18 40 Mrs. Margaret Ott 18 42 Charley Sanies (owned by his mother) about 18 44 Anthony Schultheis about 3 845 .John Crowell, est ,. .about 1845 Mrs. Sarah Kunsman 1 8 4S Edwin S. Miller (occupied by Adam MilleDabt 1848 OFFICERS OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP Justice-of-the-Peace — Horace Holcomb. Constable — Chas W. Blackwell, .Assessor — James Lacoe. Collectcr — Horaf e Holcomb. lload Supervisors — Peter Bedell, Sr., ,James M. Liieoe and Chas. W. Blackwell. School Directors — Clarence D. Lacoe, ijresident; I-larry S. Corselins, secretary; Albert R. Davies, treasurer; Peter Bedell, Jr., and Willis L. Reed. Auditors — Martin Sickler, Geo. C. Coon and Wil- liam W. Ricketts. Health OHicer — Horace Holcomb. Ti-easurer — Roy W. Zeiss. District No. 1 Judfie of EI<'ctiou — Harry A. Coin'tright. Inspectors — William Blackwell and Harry B. Winters. OIjD HOUSES OF NEWTON AND YEAR BUILT Amzi Rosenkrans 1825 Thaddeus M. Roth 1839 J.^ewis Phillipsky 1840 Arthur R. Hollenback 1841 Lewis B. Ayers, Sr about 18 44 Andrew S. Colluni 18 48 Peter C Winters 1853 Adam Thompson 1856 NEWTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Presbyterian church at Newton Centre was torn down in October, 1912 (since the article on page 91 was printed), and has been moved to Old Forge and rebuilt. DIRECTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP EXPLANATION — The head of the family is printed in boldface type, which is followed with his postoffice address, school district in which he lives, a brief history of the farm or house, and the name and date of birth of each member of the family, who are living at home. An asterisk (*» preceding head of the family indicates that the farm or property is owned by either the husband or wife, and not rented. The following abbreviations are used: a, acres: I), born: bro, brother; c, cow; dau, daughter; h, horse. *Ateii, Mrs. Eliz, (Bates). Bald Mt., Newton School; b. in Tunk- hannock Oct. 12, 18.5 9; came to N. about 1SS.5; taught 16 terms of school in Luzerne and Lacka- wanna counties, until married Aug. 6. 189 2 to Chas. Aten. who died April 29, 1894. Mrs. Aten served as postmistress at Bald Mount for ten years, from 189-5 to 1905, and attended the local telephone exchange for about five years. Her daughter Mable is attending the East Strouds- burg State Normal School, pre- paring for a teacher. — Mable I,, dau., b. Jan. 6, 1891. *Ateii, Paul AV., general farmer Ransom, RDl, Shook School, b April 6, '52; 70a, 5c, 3h, 3 hogs. — Hattie (Bates), wife, b. July 20, 1861. — Paul R, son, b Aug 22, 1888. — Helen M. dau, b Nov 28, 1891. *Ateu, Win., farm laborer. Ran- som, R. D. 1, Newton School, b. Jan. 5, 1879; 6a. — Rhoda (Dorsheimer) , wife, b. Dec. 31, 1883. — Hazel G, dau, b Dec 4, 1904. *Ayers, Lewis B, farmer and car- penter; Ransom, R. D. 1 ; Port Royal School; b Nov 25, 1830. Part of house built about 1844 by Andrew Compton. 21a, Ic, Ih, 1 pig. — Phebe A (Collum), wife; b July 6, 1833. Note — Mr. Ayers sold farm June 2 6, 1912 to Lewis Phillipsky. Ayers, \Vm. D; laborer; Clarks Summit, R.D.2; Newton School; b in Newton April 20, 1869; son of Jacob; rents from Mrs. Julia A. Singer. 22a. — Matilda L (Munson), wife; b July 25, 1875. — Emma, dau, b Aug. 23, 1897. — Elmer, son, b Mar 2, 1899. — Katherine, dau, b Oct 26, 1900. — Arthur, son, b Feb 18, 1903. — John, son, b Nov 15, 1909. B •■•Beck, Geo A, carpenter and far- mer, Ransom, R. D. 2, Lacoe School; b Oct 2, 18 66. Sou of John. 8 5a, 2c. — Dora (Foss), wife, b Aijril IS, 1S75. — Lloyd, son, b June 17, 1898. — Leah, dau, b Nov. 14, 1900. — Norma, dau. b Nov. 13, 1902. — Carl, son, b Feb 6, 1905. — Jessie, dau, b Sei)t 14, 1907. — Earl, son, b April 6, 1910. IJecnier, Geo. W., sujierintendenl of Hillside Home, Clarks Sum- mit, Fire Proof School; b Ai)ri] 14, 1848 in Newton, on the farm he now owns, which is part of the farm settled in 1819, by Henry Beemer. First house built abt 185 6 by Elias Beem- er, a son of Henry and father of George W. This hou.'-re burn- ed about 1882, which was re- built in 1884 by the present owner. Arthur C. Stevens is living on the farm and working for Mr. Beemer. 19a, 10c, 5h, 29 sheep. — Jennie ( Young ) .wife, b July 24, 1854. — Floyd D, sou, b Aug 5, ISSS. Beenier, Samuel AV, store keeper at Hillside Home, Clarks Sum- mit, Fire Proof School; b Nov 18, 1855; son of Elias and grandson of Henry Beemer. Married Jennie Thomas, who died in 1895. Bellerslieim, Charles teamster, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; b in Scranton, Jan 19, 18 79; came to Newton in 191... Rents of John Collins. 18a, Ih. — Jennie (Perigo), wife; b Aug 8, 1869. — Edna, dau, b Feb 3, 1901. — Hazel, dau. b July 3, 1902. — Verna, dau, b Nov 13,1904. — Frances, dau, b Feb 20, 1909. Perigo, George, father-in-law; b July 3, 1831. ■•■Biesecker, Chas H, retired far- mer. Bald Mt, Newton School: b Oct 3, 1850; 15 0a, rented to Wm. J. Biesecker; Ih. — Elsie J. (Stevens), wife, b Feb 2, 1857. — Carl H, son, b Jan 22, 1892. — Nora F, dau, b Sept 4, 1886. '■•Biesecker, George W,, farmer, Clarks Summit, RD2, Newton School; b in Newton Feb 2, 1855. 155a, 15c. 51io. — Gertrude R (Knapp), wife, b Dec. 24, 1856. — Truman K, son, b Feb 4, 1889. Ijiese<'ker, George AV, Ransom, R. D.l, Shook School; b Oct 1, 1825: living with his daughter, Mrs. David Nafus. Biesecker, AVni J, general farmer. Bald Mount, Newton School; b in Newton Mar. 7, 1881; son of Chas. H. — Mable (Reed), wife, b Jan 17, 1885. — Helen M, dau, b Jan 2, 1908. — Zida E, dau, b Mar 25, 1909. *BTi;i':rroi!Y of newtcn township tied about 1815 by Zeptha Mit- tan, it has been cleared by the present owner, who i)urchased farm in 1S6S and built house. 42a, Ic, 2h, 2 pigs. — Mary (Toomey), wife, b Aug 16, 1S73. — William, son, b .Jan 17, 1897. — Margaret, dau, b .June 17, 1S9S. — Richard G, son, b Mar :>. 1900. — Bessie, dau, b Nov 21, 1902. — Thomas A, son, b Apr 2 4, 1904. — Francis ,J, son, b May 14, 1906. — Robert N, son, b Nov. 16, 19 08. — Ruth, dau. b Aug 27, 1911. *HiitterfleI(l, John .S, dairy far- mer, Schultzville, Sehul'tzville School; b in Newton Nov 2 1859. 106a, 17c, 4 ho. — Bertha (Winter), wife. C *Calioon, Jiidsoii ,J, butcher, Clarks Summit R.D.2, Newton School: b in Abington' June 26, 1834; came to Newton about 1860. Married Caroline McClos- key Dec 14, 1870, who died .Jan. 31, 1902. 2a. — Amanda J (Smith-Avers), wife b .July 16, 1S4S. Avers, Isaac, stepson; b March IS 1SS2. Ciii-penter, Jolin L, general farmer, Schultzville, Schultzville School; b Aug 21, 18 72 in Factory ville and came to Newton April 1 , 1912; son of Porter and Rosetta ( Shaw ) Carjjenter. Farm set by- Sidney Beemer about 1844 and built framed house across road from present house, which was built about 1870 by Mr. Beemer Mr. Carpenter was married March 2S, 189 4 to Miss Carrie M Swartz, dau of Wil- liam P. and Cynthia A. (Sick- ler) Swarts. Farm owned by Samuel Lasher. 5 0a, lie, 2h, 2 hogs. — Carrie M, wife, b May 1, 1873. — Aimee A, dau, b Jan 12, 1895. — George L, son, b June 28, 1897. — Elmer G, son, b May 5, 1905. — Doris B, dau, b March 12, 1911, Carpenter, Win Ij, general farmer, Schultzville, Schultzville Sc; b in Pittston June June 4, ISSO; came to New Apr 1, 1911; son of Porter. Rents farm of Philip Harlos. 6 0a, 12c, 2h, 2 pigs. — Myrtle (Shotwell), wife, b Dec 4, 1890. — Addaline, dau, b Oct 26, 1910. *('<)lluni, Andrew S, postmaster at Bald Mount since April 1, 19 05, Newton School ; b in Newton July 2 4, 1843. The first, or post- ofRce part of house, built in 18 48 by Chauncey Sherwood, and new part in 1856. — Eliza (Follett), wife, b Apr 17, 1839. Conistock, Jiulson C, retired car- jjenter, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Newton School; b in Carbondale Nov 2 3, 1836; came to Newton with his father, Zebulon (about 1840), who was a son of Zebu- lon Conistock, Sr., one of the Ijioneer settlers of Newton. — Giles N, brother, b Mar 9, 18 46. '■■Cook, John, farmer, Schultzville, Schultzville School; b in Ger. many Mar 10, 1840, and came to U. S. in 1872 and to Newton about 1888. 52a, 5c, 2h, 2 hogs. — Dorothy (Chonbech), wife, b Dec 19, 1840. ■■■Coon, Kverett G, general farmer. Ransom, RDl, Shook School; b in Newton Feb. 1, 1865; son of Levi; married Miss Minnie Lasher June 4, 1896, who died Dec 20, 1909. 115a, 4c, 2h. — Inez M, dau, b April 25, 1897. — Edith V, dau, b Nov 14, 1898. — Eliza H, dau, b May 17, 1902. — Marjory, dau, b June 2, 1905. — Genevieve, dan, b May 28, 19 09. *Coon, (Jalusha A, general farmer. Ransom, R.D.I, Shook School; b in Newton Sept 19, 1868; son of Levi. 115a, 2c, 3h, 2 hogs. — Minnie H. ( Fenstermaker) .wife, b April 9, 1873. — Raymond G, son, b March 17. 1899. — Laura G, dau, b Oct 11, 1900. — Harold A, son, b Oct 7, 1910. ■■Coon, George Ijester, farmer, Clarks Summit R. D. 2 ; Cosner School; b July V, 1861, son of Merritt Coon. 90a, 4c,2h,l hog. — Ella A (Bailey), wife, b Feb IS, 1864. — Etha E, dau, b Jan 30, 1890. — Ernest W, son, b Aug 9, 1S97. •■'Coon, Geo. Lievi, general farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Newton School, son of John; b in Virgi- nia Sept. 2 2, 1S5S; came to Newton in 1860. 161a, 15c, 3h, 2 mules. This farm was set- tled by Joseph Coon. — Margaret (Smith), wife, b Feb 6, 1864. ■ — Bessie, dau, b Feb. 7, 1893. — Winifred, dau, b Mar 13, 1898. — Angeline (B^assett), stepmother, b Aug 11, 1829. Coon, Oscar J), farm laborer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Newton School; b Oct 26, 1890 on the farm owned by his father, Geo. L. Coon. Oscar D. was married .June S, 1911 to Miss Lillian G, daughter of Charles V. and Mar- garet (Klipple) Decker of New- ton, Mr. Coon is working for his father. House owned by George L. Coon. — Lillian G, wife, b July 22, 1887. *("oo|)cr. Friend H, wheelwright. Bald Mount, Newton School; b in Newton July 14, 1S55. House and lot. Ih. — Hattie ( Vanderburg) , wife, b Aug 10, 1854. — Frank, son, b June 25, 189 3. — John, father, b Dec 4, 1S2S. ''Cornell, Chas 'F, general farmer. Ransom, RDl, Schultzville Sc; b in Wyoming Co, Feb 2S, 1858; came to Newton April, 1864; son of William and grandson of Clark, 12 5a, 17c, 4h, 2 pigs. — Mary, mother, b Sept 25, 1825. '■'C'or.'-ielins, Peter, farmer. Ransom, R.D.2, Lacoe School; b in New- ton Feb 2, 18 43; son of Peter Corselius, one of the early set- tlers from Sussex county, N. J. 13 0a, oc, 2h, 4 mules; married Octavia E Fitch, May 14, 1S69, who died Feb 7. 1905. '■'Cosner, Ijewis, farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; b Nov 15, 1849. 112a, 9c, 3h. — Lillian (Bennett), wife, b April 6, 1871. — Lewis, Jr, son, b Aug 20, 1892. Cosner, S. Howard, farmer. Scran- ton, West Branch, P.O.Box 424, Cosner School: son of Seldon S: b in Newton June 22, 1884: farm owned by Seldon S and worked by his two sons, Howard and Arthur. 235a, 5c, Ih, 4 mules, 3 hogs. — Maud E (Lacoe), wife, b April 20, 1886. — Kermit Quintin, son, b April 14, 1905. — Charles S, son, b May 29, 1806. — Arthur D, son, b Mar 26, 1908. — Carl W, son, b Jan 2 3, 1910, Cosner. Seldon S, farmer. Scran- ton, West Branch, P.O.Box 424, Cosner School: son of David and Grandson of Lewis, one of the pioneer settlers: b Jan 2 2, 185 3. 110a: owned by Martha L. Cos- ner. 9c, 1 h, 2 mules, 2 hogs. Farm settled by Lewis Cosner in 1816. — Martha L (Reed), wife, b Oct 30, 1852. — D Arthur, son, b Dec 22, 1881. — Edna R, dau, b Mar 23, 1892. D Oecker, Andrew, truck farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Newton School; b in Overfleld township, Wyoming Co, Jan 27, 1S64; came to Newton about 19 00; son of Isaac. 7 0a; owned by Thos. Veety, 4c, 2h. — Esther (Mead), wife; b March 31, 1867. — Frances, dau, b Aug 2 4, 1895. Mead, Elvira, stepdau, b March 6, 1897. — Willie, stepson, b Feb 4, 1900. '■'Decker, Chas V, truck and berry grower. Ransom, R.D.2, Lacoe School; b in Sussex co, N.J, Nov 25, 1852; came to Newton in 1856. 3 4a, 4c, 2h, 3 l)igs. — Margaret (Klipple), wife, b Dec 11, 1853. — I-Catherine, dau, student, b June 17, 1890. Del Melia, Michael, laborer. Bald Mount, Newton School; b in France, May 11, 1867; came to this country about 1890 and to Newton in July, 189 7. His first wife, Mary Genor, died Oct 3, 1909. DIRECTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP 231 — Florence (Cethcart), wife, b Oct 30, 1885. — Mary Frances, dau, b Feb 12, 1898. — Anna Louise, dau, b Nov 14, '11 Cethcart, Charlie, stepson, b Mar 6, 1909. * Drake, Ira, dairy and truck far- mer. Ransom, R. D. 1, Shook School, b in Ransom May 13, 18.5 2; came to Newton about 1880, and in April, 1892 moved to his present home, which he purchased from Amzi Myers. Farm settled by Adam Taylor about 1825, who built a log- house near the spring, above house now occupied by Philip Winter. Farm was purchased by Joseph Rozelle and his wife, Hettie, in Dec, 1838, and May 4, 18 40 was sold to Geo. Myers for $1,164. 190a, 24c, 5h, 5 hogs. — Mary A (Blackwelll, wife, b May 24, 1850. •'Drake, Jeiining.s L, carpenter. Bald Mount, Xewton School; b •July 5, 1873 in Ransom; son of Ira. House and lot. — Dean (Lasher), wife, b June 10, 1866. — Ira A, son, b July 4, 1900. •■■■Duiilap, A I'errington, dairy far- mer, Clarks Summit, R.2, Fire Proof School; b Feb 10, 1843 in Falls township; came to Newton about 1875: purchased farm in 1893 from Andrew Singer; farm settled by Mr. Singer's father. 2 0a, 10c, 2h, 4 pigs. — Eva, dau, b Feb 10, 1864. •■■Diiulap, Kdjiai' B, general farmer, Clarks Summit, R.2, Fire Proof School; b Aug 4, 1864 in Falls township, Wyoming Co; farm settled by Edward Rozelle and was purchased by John Rings- dori)h in 1860, who willed the same to his sons, William and Adam. William Ringsdori)h sold farm to Frank W. Tennant about 1906, who sold to present owner June 21, 1911. Mr. Dun- lap moved to farm Feb 15, 1912. House built about 1845 by Ed. Rozelle. 9 3a, 12c, 4h, 4 pigs. — Emma R (Alger), wife, b May 28, 1865, — Earl A, son, b June 26, 1893. — F. Howard, son, b Mar 5, 1907. K •■'Eckel, Fred, Jr, farmer. Ransom, R.D.I, Port Royal School; b Sept 13. 1873; moved to Newton in 1906. 91a, 7c, 2h, 1 mule. 2 pigs. Farm settled about 18 2 by Jonas Fuller. — Lena (Schaffer), wife, b Nov 11, 1877. — Clara, dau, b Feb 24, 1904. — Phennie, dau, b Nov 11, 1906. — Carolina A, dau, b Apr 3, 1908. "■■ Kdwai'ds, Chas S, general farmer, Schultzville, Schultzville School; b in Dalton Oct 10, 1S59; came to Newton in War, 19 08. 24a, 3c, 111, 1 hog. -Jessie C (Hiorns), wife, b July 2, 1870. -Richard S, sou, b Nov 16, 1898. -Christine W, dau b Dec 13, '02. •■"Falls, Cliris, farmer, Clarks Sum- mit, R.D. 2, Schultzville School; b in Germany Oct 23, 1842. 22a. 4c, 2h. — Dora ( Fauldenhaust) , wife, b Feb 26, 1844. Falls, John, attendant at Hillside Home, Clarks Summit, Schultz- ville School ; b in Newton Oct 25, 1888; son of Christopher; living in part of Philip Harlos' house. — Helen ( Bardwell ) , wife. — Fariiaiii, Walter, teamster. Clarks Summit, R2, Cosner Sc: b Feb 8, 1887 in Wyoming co; came to Newton in May, 1909; driving team for Geo Alger, and living in his house. ^Nettie M ) Swarts ) , wife, b Aug 7, 1887. — Dana, son, b Apr 17, 1911. '•'Finkler, Jlr.s. Lena (Milteiiher- S'er), Ransom, R. D. 2, Lacoe School; b in New York city Apr 15, 1837; came to Newton in 1867; widow of Peter Finkler. 252a, 6c, 4h, 3 hogs. — Charles A, son, b Jan 2 0, 1882. — Agnes ( Siraonson ) , daughter-in- law, b Feb 20, 1887. '■ Kitzsiiiinions, Mary (Riley), Schultzville, Schultzville School, b in Ireland Dec 20, 1848; came to Newton in 1867; married Patrick Fitzsimmous June 16, 1867, who died Oct 17, 1898. ]]3a, 20c, 3h, — Philip V, son, farmer, b April 20, 1879. — Nellie R, dau, b Jan 10, 1886. — Matilda R, dau, b Oct 28, 1890. Taylor, Isabela M, grand dau, b Nov 5, 1898. — Gertrude, granddau, b May 5, '00 ••■Ford, John, farmer, Schultzville, Schultzville School; b in Ireland Jan 6, 1839 and came to U. S. in 1860 and to Newton in 1866. 135a, 2c, 2h. — John, son, b in Newton. Manning, Mrs. Elizabeth, dau. — Joseph, grandson, b Mar 22, 'OS. ■•Franney, Anthony J, miner. Ran. som, R.D. 2, Lacoe School; b in Scranton Mar 31, 18 79; came to Newton Mav 10, 1906. 17y2a, 2c, Ih. — Nora (O'Malley), wife, b Jan 17, 1879. — Thomas, son, b May 23, 1903. — Harry, son, b June 29, 1904. — Dorothy, dau, b Mar 5, 1906. — James, son, b Feb 4, 1908. — Kathryn, dau, b Oct 2, 1909. — James, father, b in Ireland Apr 14. 1849. ■■■FuHer, A D, farmer, Bald Mount, Newton School; b Aug 2 0, 18 44 in Newton near Christopher Van Buskirk's residence; son of Ed- ward and Lucinda (Ayers) Ful- ler and a grandson of Jonas, who settled in Newton about 1820 on the farm now owned by Fred Eckel. A D Fuller married Miss Mary M, daughter of Chas and Susan Wilson. 12a, Ih. — Mary M, wife, b in Ransom. *Fuller, John, farmer. Bald Mt, Newton School; b in Newton May 2 0, 18 48; son of Aaron A. One son living. Dr. E. A. Ful- ler, a dentist, living in Dalton. 25a, 2c, 2h. — Lucinda (wife), b May 24, 1852. Fnller, Cora H, Bald Mount. New- ton School; b Nov 8, 1870; liv- ing with her mother, Mrs. Phebe ■Vanderburg. (; *(iiarrisoii, Ijcwis D, general far, Clarks Summit, R. D. 2, Cosner School; b in Newton Sept 16, 1841 ; son of Eder. 25a, 3c, 3h. — 'Violet (LaRue), wife, b Apr 10, 1858. — Albert E, son, b Jan. 31, 1893. Ayers, Cora M, dau, b Oct 4, 1885. ^Violet J, granddau, b .fune 15, 1902. — Ada H, granddau, b Oct 20, '03. ■•■Garri.son, Win, farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D. 2, Cosner School, b near Scranton Feb 4, 1838; came to Newton with his father, Eder Garrison, when only one year old. 2 3a, 2c, Ih. Griffin, Martin, cousin, carpenter; b July 21, 1805. *(iood\viii, John K, farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D. 2, Cosner School; b Oct 3, '33. 78a, 2c, lb, 4 pigs. (ireen, Mis.s Elizabeth M, Ransom, R.D.I, Shook School; b Apr 1, 1857 near Dushore and came to Newton in 1910 and living with her cousin, Mrs. Horton 'Vaughn. Daughter of Edmund and Anna (Heisz) Green. ''Grittin, John 15, general farmer, Schultzville. Schultzville School, b June 30, 1853; son of Pelham Griffin. 69a, 12c, 3h. — Louisa (White), second wife, b Aug 8, 1872, — Stanley R, son, b July IS, 1890. — John E, son, b Sept 12, 1908. White, Wm, stepson, b Jan 27, 1890. Grittin, Walter, carpenter, Schultz- ville, Schultzville School; b Sept 27, 1885; son of J B Griffin. 3c. — Grace ( Brower) , wife, b Sept 26, 1882. — Chas B, son, b April 19, 19 09. H *Harlos, I'hilip, farmer and mer- chant, Schultzville, Schultzville School; b in Ransom Mar 11, 1848 and came to Newton about 1861; son of Philip, Sr; married Mary A Howey Aug 22, 1865, who died May 20, 1906. Mr. 232 DtKECTOin' OF N1-:WT(>N TOWNSIIIT Harlos owns (he J B Schultz farm. 113a, 2ric. 3h, Z hogs. — Christina, clau, b Sept 1, 1S79. •■■Harris, Thomas, farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner Schol; b in Morris Run, Nov 1.5, 1S63. 73a, 2c, 2h, — Louisa (Sealer), wife, b ,Iune 17, 1868, — Sarah, dau, b Oct 24, 1900. — Sylvia, dau, b Dec 8, 1902. •■■Hicc, Win A, truck farmer. Ran- som, R.D.2, Newton School; b in Newton Sept 2, 1865; son of John. lOSa, 4c, 4h., 5 pigs. — Winifred (Swartz), wife, b ,Tulv 2, 1881. — Burson J, son, b ,Tune 13, 1896. — Clarence W, son, b Oct 6, 1900. Swartz, Alfred E, ste|)son, b ,Jan 4, 1898, — Rextord C, stepson, b Sept 2 4, 1900. Hiorns, Emily P(Ueei'her)Schultz- ville, Schultzville School; widow of Rev Richard Hiorns, a M E minister, who died Oct 2 4, 1901. Mrs. Hiorns was b Feb 2, 1844 in Tioga Co, N Y; now living with her son-in-law, Charles S. Edwards, Schultzville. Hopkins, Harry W, general far- mer, Schultzville, Schultzville School; b Nov 17, 1884 in New- ton. oOa, owned by his father, .Judson D. 6c, 3h, 1 pig. — Avis (Dorsheimer) , wife, b Oct 20, 1887. — .Judson D, father, farmer. * Hopkins, Rntli M, far'r, Schultz- ville, Schultzville Sc; born ,)uly 12, 18 32; widow of Solomon Hopkins, who died Aug 17, '8 4. 16a, 2c, 1 pig. Zimmerman, William, hired man, b Dec 12, 1S4S. •■■Hopkins, Mrs Nettie, widow of Peter Hopkins, who died Oct 25, 1898; Schultzville; Schultzville School; b May S, 18 46; dau of Philetus Havens, of Bradford CO. 50a, 4c. — Ida E, stepdau, b Sept 15, 1866. •■'Hollenback, Arthur R, gen far- mer, Ransom, R. D.l ; Shook School; b Feb S, 1859 in Falls township and came to Newton in March, 1898. Farm settled by William Lane and William Brink about 1825; house built in 18 41 by Amos Learn. 13 0a, 3c, 4h, 3 hogs. — Lydia E (Traugerl, wife, b .Ian 8, 1864, — Lovell L, son, b April 12, 1896. Hollister, Amos G, dairy farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Schultz- ville School; b in Bath, Pa, Sept 7, 1879; came to Newton in 1900. 100a, 30c, 3h. — Ruth( Lower), wife, b .luly 26, 1S89. — Bonno, son, b Aug 4, 1905. ••■Holmes, John (J, general farmer. Ransom, R.D.I, Shook School; b Sept 22, 1852 in Sullivan co, and came to Newton in .June, 1904. Farm settled by Silas Sutton, and originally was part of the farm now owned by Hor- ton Vaughn. House built by Mr. Holmes in 1905. 100a, 15c, 2 mules, 3 hogs. — Lillie P (Morton), wife, b .Ian 25, 1858. — Ray V, son, b March 5, 1892. — Hazel M, dau, b Aug 23, 1S94. J ■'Jacoby, Arthur, truck farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Newton School; b in Newton May, 18 44. Son of .lacob. House built about ■40 by Mr Albright. 26a, 3c, 2h. — Ida ( Ayers) , wife, b Nov 8, 1862. — Ralph, son, b ,Iune 5, 1882. — Ernest, son, b April 9, 1886. — Kate, dau, b Dec IS, 1893. — .Jacob, son, b Dec 31, 1897. Jacohy, Hen.j, farmer. Bald Mount, Newton School; b May 31, 1863. — Catherine (Ayers), wife, b Dec 19, 1867. — Howard, son, carjjenter, b Mav 25, 1886. — Helen, dau, b Feb 19, 1908. •■Jacohy, Harlan, truck farmer, Clarks Summer, R.D.2, Newton School; b in Newton Dec 2 6, 1866; son of Jacob; farm settl- ed in 1832 by Henry Walter; house built in 1900 by Mr. Ja- cohy. 4Sa, 3 h, 2c. — Eva ( Rosenkrans) , wife, 13, 1871. — George E, son, b Nov — Ruth M, dau, b April — Gertrude E, dau, b 1896. — Eric H, son, b Dec I'i K *Kellcr, Ohas, farmer, Clarks Sum- mit, R.D.2, Fire Proof School; b in Moscow May 9, 1848; son of John. 5 0a, lie, 3h, 2 hogs. — Martha (Decker), wife, b June 22, 1849. Keller, James, farmer; son of Charles, and living in i)art of his fathers house, b Mar 22, '76. — Gertrude ( Goodwin), wife, b Oct 6, 1876. — Charlie, sou. b Nov 10, 1902. — Clara M, dau, b Sept 2, 1905. — Ruth E, dau, b April 28, 1907. — Martha H, dau, b Dec 19, 1909. ■•■Kern, Kdward A, far, Clarks Sum- mit, R. D. 2, Cosner School, b July 9, 1864. 60a, 4c, 3h. — Arena A (Lesli), wife, b Dec 27, 1869. — Alfred B, son, b Feb 16. 1893. — Mable C, dau, b Jan 9, 189 5. — A Laurence, son, b Dec 6, 1896. Kintzel, Jolm, [arm lab'r, Schultz- ville, Schultzville School; b in Germany March, 1879; came to Newton about 1905. — Etta (Freeman) wife, b June 26, 1883. — Edna, dau, b Mar 17, 1906. '■■Kircher, Kdwai'd, general farmer. Bald Mount, Port Royal School; Apr 392. 14 29, 1894 June 1 7 , 1897. b Seijt 10, 1884, Farm settled by Jno K Reed about 1820; h'e built by Peter Rutan about 1850. 97a, 3c, 3h, 3 hogs, — Zida E(Rifenbary),wife, b May 12, 18S3. — D Arline, dau, b Feb 21, 1910. *Koi'rner, Chas H, brakeman on D., L. & W. R. R., Clarks Sum- mit, RD2, Newton School; son of George; b in Monroe co. Sept 12, 1869; came to Newton Mar 1 1, 1908. 37a, 4c, 3h, — Katie (Shaller), -wife, b May 6, 1S72. — Clara Mae, dau, b Aug 27, 1895. — George S, son, b Aug 11, 1897. — Emma E, dau, b Mar 27, 1903. Shaller, Jacob, brother-in-law, b May 21, 1882. *Kresse, ('has II, dairy and truck farmer, Schultzville, Schultz- ville School; b Oct 24, 1875 House built in '63 by Israel Ro- zelle. 100a, 20c. 9h, 3 hogs. — Fannie E (Blewitt), wife, b Oct 22, 1863. -. — Emorgene, dau, b Jan 17, 1904. — William B, son, b Feb 21, 1906. "'Kresfje, Thomas M, general far- mer, Ransom. R. D. 1 , Shook School; b May 11, 1872 in Falls township, and came to Newton with his parents in April, 1893. This farm is part of a 500 acre tract owned several years ago by Eli.1ah Rosenkrans and about 18(30 it was jiurehased by Ben- jamin Young, and later it was divided into smaller farms. The first house was built in 1869 by Thomas Kresge, Sr, grandfather of the present owner. In 1900, David Kresge built the house across the road. The farm was purchased by present OAvner in 1911, and same year he pur- chased part of the Vanderburg farm. 200a, 18c, 3 h, 2 mules. — Georgiana, wile, b Jan 1, 1873. — Ralph D, son, b Dec 29, 1904. — Donald T, son, b Dec 11, 1906. — Elsie M, dau, b Aug 2, 1911, — David, father, b Dec 19, 1845. *ljacoe, Chas E, farmer. Ransom, R.D.2, Lacoe School; b in Nich- olson May 18,1854. 100a, 6c, 4h, 4 pigs. — Huldah C (Rosenkrans), wife, b Oct 26, 1857. ' — Bert B, sou, b Sept. 9, 1888. — Hice J, son, b Aug 6, 1890. — Helen V, dau, b Feb. 16, 19 00. Lacoe, Tra A, farm laborer, Ran- som, R.D.2, Newton School; b July 23, 1881 in Newton town- shiii; son of Charles E and Hul- dah (Rosenkrans)) Lacoe; mar- ried Dec 2, 1902 to Miss Sadie B, dau of Christopher H and Rachel (Roth) Klipple of Mil- waukie; living in Presbyterian parsonage. — Sadie B, wife, b Oct 25, 1882. — Christoi)her C, son, b July 4, DIRECTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP 233 1904/ — Gustavus R, son, b Maj' 9, '06. — Chester B, son, b Sept 9, 1907. — John H, son, b Dec 2, 1909. -— Elwood I, son, b Sept 3, 1911. *Ijacoe, John P, general farmer. Ransom. R.D.2. Lacoe School; b in Newton July 18, 1858. 130 acres in Newton and 5 0a wood- land in Ransom. 10c, 4h, 8 pigs. — Nelson S. son, carpenter, b Sept 4, 1884. — Martha L, dau, teacher, b June 16. 1886. "■Lacoe, Joseph A, farmer, BaTd Mount, Lacoe School; b in New- ton Oct 1, 1S62. 203a, ISc, 6 horses, 4 pigs. ■ — Jennie S (wife), b Feb 8, 1862. — William A, son, b Jan 7, 1887. — Archie G, son, b July 13, 1891. — Ralph D, son, b Mar 1, 1895. — Harry S, son, b Sept 23, 1S98. — James Wallace, son, b June 7, 1904. — Joseph Wendell, son b June 7, 1904. LaGiange, Grace ( Biitteifielcl ) , Schultzville, Schultzville School — b in Newton. 12a. — Mary J, dau, b Aug 12, 1895. *LaRue, iMis Abigail A (Waiien) Clarks Summit, RD2, Cosner School; widow of Daniel W, b June 15, 183 3. Farm settled about 1812 by Zebulon Corn- stock. 248a; worked by Wm. E. Larue. — L, May, dau, b Aug 2 4, 18 72. *LaBue, Willie E, general farmer and Contractor, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; son of Daniel W; b in Newton Jan 28, 1870. 128a, 6c, 6h, 18 pigs. — Nellie (Dailey), b June 8, 1875. — Harry A, son, b Oct 4, 1895. — Walter E, son, b Oct 31, 1904. — Emily A, dau, b Aug 8, 1906. Learn, Trac.v, photographer. Bald Mount. Newton School; b in Ransom May 2 5, 1873; came to Newton June 27, 1908 from Forty Port; had scarlet fever when 3 years old, which left him deaf and dumb; on Oct 22, 1SS3 he entered Pennsylvania Institu- tion for the Deaf, corner Pine and Broad Sts. in Philadelphia, where he remained until June 10, 1893. He is a son of Har- vey Learn. M Bla.ior Chas. E, farmer, Schultz- ville, Schultzville School; b in 1856; came to New frim Scran- ton March, 1910. 65a, Ic, 2h, 2 pigs. Purchased farm from L. J. Stonier. — Eliza (Ware), wife, b Aug 17, 1856. — George J, son, b June 20, 1889. — Fred C, son, b Sept 14, 1894. McPfanaiiKin, Patrick J, engineer, Clarks Summit, Fire Proof School; b March 10, 18 7 8 in Providence and came to .Newton July 16, 1905; son of James and Bessie (Gaffney) McNanamon; married Oct 17, 1905 to Miss Mildred, daughter of Peter and Amelia (Knopf) Sherrer of Moosic. Blr. McNanamon has been engineer at Hillside Home since July, 1905. House owned by Hillside Home, and built about 1855 by Jolm Seeley. Part of farm settled by Edward Ro- zelle. — Mildred, wife, b Jan 22, 1887. — Mildred, dau, b Aug 12, 1906. — William, son, b Oct 5, 1910. Maimino-, Mrs. Elizabeth, Schultz_ ville; living with her father, John Ford; b in Newton. — Joseph, son, b Mar 22, 1908. McNay, Mrs. Catherine, Clarks Summit, R. D 2, Fire Proof School; b Nov 27, 1838 in Ire- land and came to this country in 186 0, and to Newton in Mar, 1911. This farm was first set- tled in 18 03 by Barronet Rod- ney, which was the second farm settled in the township. House built about 1855 by Theodore Stone, who owned the farm fif- ty-two years, This place has been known as "Stone's Cor- ners'' for several years. Farm owned by Thomas McDonald of Scranton. 3 7a, Ic, 2h. — Thomas F, son, b Feb 6, 1877. Metzgar, Elizabeth (Blackwell), Bald Mount, Newton School; b Sept 2 4, 1854; married Edward Metzgar (b Mar 17, 18 48), Jan 12, 1884, who d. Dec 28, 1897. — Ira M, son, carpet weaver, b Oct 14, 1892. *Michaels, Dennis, general farmer, Newton School; b in Exeter twp. Jan. 1, 184 2, and came to New- ton about 1892. Farm settled in Nov, 1832 by Horace Collum. Mr Michaels married Miss Sa- mantha, dau of Jacob and Eli- zabeth (Walters) Ace. 96a, 7c, 4h, 5 pigs. — Samantha, wife, b Mar 21, 18 44. — George W, son, b Dec 10, 1877. — Sadie (Benedict), daughterJn- law. Mitteer, Chas H, blacksmith. Bald Mount, Newton School; b near LaPlume, June 7, 1889; came to Newton Jan 16, 1911; son of ,Tohn L. House and lot, belongs to John Fuller. Ih. — Stella (Brown), wife, b Aug 28, 1885. ■■•Morrow, Frank N, dairy farmer, Schultzville, Schultzville School; b in Abington twp May 6, 18 60; came to Newton in 1885; son of Solomon, who came from Sus- sex CO, N J about 1830 with Peter Richards.. 90a, 15c, 2h. — Louisa (Beck), wife, b June 25, 1860. — Mary L, dau, Sept 16, 1888. ■•■Miinsoii, John H, piano tuner, Clarks Summit, R2, Fire Proof School; b May 3, 1874 in Dal- ton; came to Newton in 1907, when he purchased farm of Jes- se Ware; son of John B and Minerva (Brooks) Munson of Dalton; married Miss Anna, dau of William H and Mary J (HauL deman) Fry. 8a, 2c, Ih, 2 hogs. — Anna, wife, b Deo 2, 1878. — Horace S, son, b Sept 15, 1899. — J. Gray, son, b Mar 9, 19 02 — Ezra B, son, b Feb 2, 1906. — Minerva, dau, b Oct 24, 1907. — Florence A, dau, b Jan 16, 1909. — Nevada, dau, b April 2, 1911. N '■'■Nafus, David, farmer and carpen- ter. Ransom, Rl, Shook Sc; b Sept 16, 1866. 20a, 3c, Ih. — Annie (Biesecker), wife, b Mar 9, 1866. — Ira E, son, b Jan 25, 1901. — Bertha, dau, b Jan 20, 1903. Biesecker, George W, father-in- law, b Oct 1, 1825. '••Newman, Jolm C, general farmer. Ransom, R.D.I, Shook School; b in Newton April 2 5, 1865; son of Chas H, who settled farm and built house in 1859. 112a, 2c, 2h, 49 sheep. — Estella (Frisbie), wife, b July 6, 1885. — Charles H, son, b Dec 5, 1898. — Mary E, dau, b Aug 12, 1901. — Florence D, dau, b Maf 17, 1905. — Lester, son, b June 5, 1911. '•'Newman, Wm H, physician. Bald Mount, Newton School; b in Newton Aug 13, 18 71; son of Chas H; house and lot. 3h. — Alice B (Coon), wife, b June 1, 1877. — George C, son, b Aug 16, 1905. — Marion J, dau, b Nov 9, 1906. — William H, son, b Nov 15, 1907. O '■'Osterhout, Erastiis F, truck far- mer, Schultzville, Schultzville School; b in Monroe co, Aug 30, 1858 and came to Newton about 1891. 20a, 2c, Ih. — Laura (Kittle), wife, b May 29, 1867. — Nora May, dau, b Sept 12, 1901. — Pearl, dau, b July 7, 1906. "^Padden, Patrick, farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; b in Ireland. 60a, 12c, 3h. — Hannah (Plynn), b Nov, 1843. — Thomas, son, b Dec, 1880. — Anna L, dau, bookkeeper, b Feb, 1876. Parker, Archabald, laborer, Clarks Summit, R. D. 2, Fire Proof School: b in Orange co, N Y Dec 26, 1845; house owned by Frank Slate. Mr. Parker, on the morning of Oct 20, 1910, while liunting, shot himself above the right ankle, and the same day his leg was amputat- ed .iust below the knee. — Dora (Rogers), wife, b Aug 5, 1876. 234 DIRECTOKY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSHIP — James, sou, b Mar 2 3, 189 6. — Archie, son, b Aug 2 5, IS 08. — Lavern. son, b .Tan 14, 1901. *Peter.s, Abniiii, farmer, Bald Mt, Port Royal School; b Jan 18, 1870; came to Newton from Scranton in 1892; purchased farm in 1910 of Benjamin Ja- coby. 50a, 2c, 2h. — Rosanna (Tucker), wife, b Apr 10, 1873. — EIer,y T, son, b Oct 16, 1894. — Henritta, dau, b Nov 20, 1895. — Byron .J, son, b March 7, 1907. '■•Petli'ick, Forrest- M, farmer. Ran- som, R.D.I, Shook School; b .June 21, 1871. 46a, 2h. — Anna M, (Hines), wife, b March 24, 1871. — Merritt W, son, b Mar 3 0, 1896. — Henry W, son, b .June 11, 1900. Petty, J. Francis, farm laborer. Ransom, R.D.2, Newton School; b in Milwaukie Jan 3, 18 87 and came to Newton in April, 1910; son of Milton, of Ransom; work- ing for his father. — Hannah M (Decker), wife, b Aug 2, 1886. — Mary, dau, b Nov 2 6, 19 09. — Florence M, dau, b March 26, 1911. '■■l^liiiUipsky, Lewis, farmer. Ran- som, R.D.I, Port Royal School; b in 1862. 94a, 14c, 4h, (Pol- ish family. House built in 1840 by Andrew Compton; settled by Andrew Com])ton In 1815. — Lizzie, wife, born in 1865. — Agnes, dau, b Oct 15, 1891. — Peter, son, b Sept, 1895. — Victoria, dau, b Dec 25, 1900. — Mike, son, b Sept, 1902. — Helen, dau, b April 6, 1904. — Stella, dau, b Sept, 1906. — John, son, b Dec 8, 1909. R Racht, John S, farm laborer, Clarks Summit. R.D.2, Newton School; b March 25, 1879 in Canaan township, Wayne coun_ ty, and came to Newton Apr 2 0, 1912, Son of Sebastian and Catherine Racht, who were born in Germany; married Sept 9, 19 08 to Miss Clara M, daughter of John and Catherine (Bub- ser) Rose of Cherry Ridge twp., Wayne co. Farm owned by Mrs. Hattie Lesh of Bald Mount. ISa. — Clara M, wife, b Dec 3, 1881. — Paul J, son, b Aug 7, 1909. — Robert A, son, b Jan 31, 1911. *Reeil, B. Frank, farmer and ber- ry grower. Ransom, R.D.2. La- coe School; b in Milwaukie Mar 13, 1859. 89a, 6c, 3h, 3 pigs. — Mary (Klipple), wife, b Sept 5, 1859. — Ethel H, dau. b June 5, 1888. — Anna E. dau. b Sept 10. 1891. — Pauline E, dau, b Aug. 29, 1893. — Mariorie, dau, b Apr 16, 1896. — Nicholas E. son, b Aug 27, 189 9 Reed, Janie.s, carpet and rug "wea- ver, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cos- ner School; house owned by Lewis Oosner, b July 29, 1864. — Cora (Mack), wife, b Nov 2, 1879. — Roy A. son, b Mar 21, 1897. — Maud E, dau, b Aug 12, 1899. — Lucy, dau, b Sept 16, 19 03. — Benjamin J, son, b Sept 4, 1905. •■■Reed, George Jr., dairy farmer, Clarks Summit, R. D. 2, Cosner School; b Oct 10, 1876. 50a, 13c, 3h, 3 hogs. — Anna (Walsh), wife, b Jan 13, 1877. — Geo. J, son, b June 16, 1908. — Eugene, son, b .July 12, 1910. *Reg'an, Peter, farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; b in Ireland. 15 a. Riohartls, Aseneath (VanSiekle), Ransom, R. D.l, Shook School; b Sept 6, 1843; widow of Orin B Richards; daughter of Wm. and Rachel (Beemer) VanSiekle of N J; house owned by her son, C. S. Richards. *Ric)iarcls, Christopher S, truck and dairy farmer. Ransom, R. D.l, Shook School; b Nov 23, 1861 in Wantage twp, Sussex CO, N J; came to Newton in Apr, ISSl; son of Orin B and Ase- neath Richards; purchased farm containing 120 acres from John Kresge, in Dec, 1895. This farm was settled in 18 32 by Timothy Drake. In May, 1911, Mr. Richards iiurchased 100 acres of D. W. Richards, which is part of farm settled in 18 3 2 by Peter Richards. Mr. Rich- ards has a peach orchard con- taining 650 trees, — Sarah Jane (Snover), wife, b Aug 9, 1861. — Frank E, son, b July 10, 1893. ■■■Ricliards, Daniel W, retired far- mer. Ransom, R. D. 1, Shook School; b Feb 22, 1839; part of farm settled in 18 32 by his fa- ther, Peter Richards; house built about 1860 by Jacob B. Richards. 80a, Ih. — Anna (Mahoney-Richards) .wife b Sept 13, 1857. '■'Richards, Elmer E, laborer. Bald Mount, Newton School; b in N. June 13, 1861; son of Jacob B; house and lot purchased in 1894 — Alice (Harris), wife, b in Wales, April 5, 18 — . — Maud B, dau, b Aug 20, 1893. *Roach, John, far, Schultzville, Schultzville School; b in Ireland June 25, 18 37; came to Newton in 1872, 63a, Sc, 2h, 2 hogs. — Julia (Gilmore), wife, b June 6, 1855. — James A, son, b June 28, 1892. — Celia V, dau, b May 13, 1882. *Roche, James E, dairy farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Schultz- ville School; b in Ireland June 22, 1842; came to Newton about 1868. 90a, 22c, 4h. — Margaret (Walsh), wife, b Sept IS, 1865. — Martin C, son, b Oct 29, 1873. — Katherine E, dau, b April 14, ISSO. Koloson, Mrs. EHzabeth, Bald Mt, Newton School; b Feb 26, 1815 in Sussex co, N J, and came to Newton Mar 31, 1839. She is living in part of A. S. Collum's house. Mrs. Roloson is the old- est inhabitant of Newton twp. ••' Rosen krans, Amos, farmer. Ran- som, R.D.2, Lacoe School; b May 28, 1S50. 103 a (owned by Amos, Alice and Amanda), 3c, 2h, 5 pigs, 2 yearlings. — Alice, sister, b Jan 28, 1864. — Amanda, sister, b Feb 16, 186 6. •'■Rosenkrans, Amzi, general far- mer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, N. School; b June 10, 1S47 in Mil- waukie on the farm now owned by William Zeiss and came to Newton with his parents about three years later. Farm settled by a Mr. Bazzle in 1818. House built in 1825 by Adam Beemer. This is the oldest house in the township, that is now occu- pied by a family. In this house, Hosey Phillips, deputy U. S. Marshal, was shot and killed by Noah Smith in February, 1865. This farm was purchased from Adam Beemer by Levi Ro- senkrans, grandfather of the present owner, in 18 47. Amzi Rosenkrans purchased farm about 187 8. This farm produc- ed the tallest and best quality timothy grass exhibited at the World's Columbian Exposition, held at Chicago in 189 3. This grass was 7 feet and 21/2 inches high. 42a, 2c, Ih, 5 pigs. — Earl B, son, b Sept 23, 1SS8. — Belva (Stark), daughter-in-law, b July 28, 1889. — Jennie M, dau, b Nov 21, 1890. Rosenkrans, Elmer A, living on farm with his father. Laten; b Dec 17, 1881. — Ethel (Singer), wife, b Oct 11, logo — Mable, dau, b Aug 7, 1906. — Willard, son, b Mar 11, 1910. Ro.senkrans, Judson, stone mason. Ransom, R.D.I, Newton School; b Mar, 1846; son of Levi Rosen- krans, who was one of the early settlers in Newton from New Jersey; married Emma Castlin for first wife, who died Aug 10, 1901, aged 5 6 years; married Mrs. Susan Johnson April 29, 1903. 3a. — Susan (Walters-Johnson), wife, b Oct 13, 1850. *Rosenkrans, Laten, farmer. Ran- som, R.D.2, Lacoe School; b in Ransom Feb 2, 1843; came to Newton with his father, Levi, in 1848. 85a, 10c, 5h, 2 hogs. — Ruth Ann (Garrison), wife, b Aug 27, 1846. — Gusten, son, b Oct 12, 1869. *Ross, John W, farmer. Ransom, R.D.I, Schultzville School; b in Wyoming co, Feb 24, 18 37; son of James; came to New'n 1906. DIEECTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP 235 2 0a, 2c, 21i, 2 hogs. Married Margaret Hallstead for first wife. 10 eliildren, ■ — Lrdia A (Ruland), wife, b Dec 29. 1S.55, — Nellie, dau, b April 3, 1887. — Lena, dau. b .June 12, 1891. — Robert R, .son, b Aug 6, 1895. *Koss, J. Sterling, farmer, Clarks Summit, R. D. No. 2, Fire Proof School: b Mar G, 1834; son of John Ross. 8 3a, 5c, 2 pigs. — Harriet (Casterline) , wife, b March 13, 1834. — .Joteph, son, b Sept 17, 18 68. *Roth, Thaddeus M, general far- mer, Bald Mt, Newton School; b in jyionroe co, Nov 15, 1867; came to Newton Mar 17, 189 0. 103a, 12c. 4 h, 2 hogs; married Anna Kern Winter. — Anna M(Kern), wife, b Sept 21, 1857. Winter, Claud G, stepson, b .Tune 8, 1S86. — Leona E, stepdau, teacher, b Nov 21, 1889. *Rozelle, Giles B, farmer, Clarks Summit, R. D. 2, Schultzville School; b in Newton Aug 14, 1853; son of Israel. 51a, which is part of the tract settled by Henry Beemer in 1818. House built by Israel Rozelle about 1872. — Lizzie (Rifenbary), wife, b Oct 5, 1850. — Celia S, dau, b April 18, 1892. Ilozelle, Lewis R, general farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2. Schultz- ville School; b March 2 3, 1878 near Schultzville. where Giles B. Rozelle is now living. Farm owned by Amzi Rozelle estate, which is part of the tract set- tled by Henry Beemer in 1818. House built in 188 5 by Amzi Rozelle. 67a, 3c, 3h, 2 hogs. — Eva M (Clancy), wife, b Dec 30. 1890. *Riiger, Robert L, carpenter, Clarks Summit, Newton School; b Sept 16, 18 60; house and lot. 1 c, 1 h, 1 pig. — Elizabeth M (Beebe), wife, b May 16, 1864. — Lydia A. dau, b May 7, 1892. — Helen M, dau, b June 9, 1895. — Eleanor M, dau, b June 30. 1903. — Alice, dau, b Oct 9, 1906. S *,Saxe, Elizabeth (Beck) Ransom, RDl, Newton School; b Oct 14, 1859; widow of Irwin H Saxe. 96a, 14c, 2h, 2 pigs. — A Boyd, son b Sept 23, 1891. — Harry I, son, b Oct 10, 1895. —Sara E, dau, b July 24, 1899. -Scutt, William H, general farmer. Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Newton School; b April 10, 1871 and came to Newton with his pa- rent when about seven years of age. Purchased farm in Febru- ary, 1912, of Benjamin Jacoby. Son of Wm H and Mary (Hus- man) Scutt. Married May 12, 19 03 to Miss Esther, daughter of Allen and Rachel (Bewig- house) Crothamel of Scranton. 61a, 2c, 2h, 2 pigs. — Esther, wife, b Dec 27, 1870. — Mary E, dau, b Mar 3, 1904. — William H, father, b Mar 7, '2 9. *SeaIey, William, farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; b in England Nov, 1842; came to U. S. in 18 70 and to Newton in May, 1901. 110a, 5c, 2h, 2 pigs. — Sylvia (Pipperel), wife, b April 10, 1841. — George H, son, b Sept 16, 1870. Seamoii, Augustus, miner, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; b in Dunmore Sept 11, 18 48. Came to Newton in April, 1910. 107a, owned by Ellas Smith est., 2ho. — John, son, farmer, b Oct 6, 1872 — William, son, farmer, b in 1883. .Seese, Wm S, farm laborer, Clarks Summit. R. D. 2, Fire Proof School: b in Monroe co Sept 16, 186 — ; came to Newton in Apr. 19 06. la, owned by Lester Van Cam pen. — Margaret A (Teel), wife, b Apr 19, 1872. — Evelyn, dau, b Apr 2, 189 5. — Nettie, dau, b Dec 4, 1896. — Clarence, son, b July 17, 1899. — Margaret, dau, b Dec 29, 1901. — Ina. dau, b Aug 11, 1905. — Samuel, son, b Sept 28, 1907. — Wayne, son. b Oct 4, 1909. — Edgar son, b Nov 3 0, 1911. — Emaline, dau, b Nov 30, 1911. ••■•Shelley, George M, general far- mer. Ransom, R. D. 1, Shook School; b .Ian 11, 185 5 on the farm where now living; son of William and Matilda (Corey) Shelley. Farm settled about 1830 by William Brink (moving from farm now owned by Ar- thur Hollenback), who built a log-house. John Shelley, grand- father of the present owner, purchased farm about 1S40, and built a framed house near site of the i)resent residence. Wm Shellev purchased farm about 18 5 0, built the barn about 1867, residence about 1870. Mr. Shel- ley was married Nov 15, 18 77 to Miss Sarah M, daughter of Dr. H. S. Cooper of Newton. 131a. 2c, 4h, 38 sheep, 21 hogs. — Sarah M, wife, b July 29, 1855. — Kenneth G, son, b Apr 11, 1891. •'Sherman, Geo, merchant, Schultz- ville, Schultzville School: b May 17, 18 45: son of John C. — Mary E (Snyder), wife, b Nov 22, 1852. — Louis, son, clerk, b June 4, ISSO — Myrtle (Drake), daughter-in. law, b Aug 20, 1884. — Leo, grandson, b Feb 10, 1908. Shoolv, ])avid A, general farmer. Ransom. R.D.I, Shook School; b Aug 31, 1866. 79a, owned by John Shook. 4c, 2h, 4 pigs. — Mary B (Smith), wife, b Feb 17, 1867. — Leota B, dau, b Dec 9, 19 00. -.Shook, Jolm, implement dealer. Ransom, R.D.I, Shook School; b Dec 27, 1841. Farm worked by his son, David. 100a, lb. — Maria (Swartswood) , wife, b Jan 1, 1840. *Singer, Mrs. Julia A, Clarks Sum- mft, R.D.2, Newton School; b in Newton Oct 2 8, 1847. Daughter of David M. Smith and widow of Geo. W. Singer, who died Sept 19, 19 09, aged 6 3 years. Pa- rents of five children, Lloyd, Cora, Bert, John and Ethel. *Slate, Frank A, general farmer, Clarks Summit, R. D. 2, Fire Proof School; b Oct 10, 187 3. 135a, 18c, 6h. — Ida M (Dunlap), wife, b Jan 15, 1874. — Naomi A, dau, b Oct 12, 1901. Madden, John, farm laborer, b Mar 24, 1867. *Smith, Curtis P, farmer and lum- ber dealer, Clarks Summit, R. D.2, Newton School; b in New- ton July 23, 186 3. Grandson of Blias. the pioneer settler. House built in 1905: farm settled in 1816 by Elias Smith. 10 2a, 3h. — Margaret (Jones), wife, b Sept 24, 1867. — Ralph M, son, b Sept 2, 1898. Smith, David, farmer. Bald Mount, Newton School; b in Newton Oct 19, 1841. Son of Blias Smith, who came to Newton from New Jersey, and a nephew of Elias, the pioneer settler. Rents from Albert Klines of Scranton. 2 0a, lb. — Thena (Garrison), wife, b Nov 3, 1844. *Smitli, Elias J. farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; son of Blias A: b Sept 17, 1875. 42a, Ih. — Carrie (Roesler), wife, b March 7, 1876. —John, son, b Sept 16, 1894. — Freda A, dau, b Dec 3, 1897. —Elias J, son, b Feb 3, 1899. — Andrew, son, b Nov 18, 1901. — Daniel, son, b Oct 14, 1905. *Smith, Jolm B, painter. Bald Mt Newton School; b in Falls twp April 2 0, 1874; son of Henry. House and lot. — Mrs Frederica, mother, b Dec 7, 1836. Smith, Marcus J, c a r p en t e r , Schultzville, Schultzville School : son of Wm N Smith; b Aug 2 2, 1878. 65a, owned by William N Smith. — Rebecca M (Westcott), wife, b June 23, 1881. — Alverda M, dau, b Sept 24, 1899 — William F. son. b Apr 27, 19 02 -■Smith, Wm N, an old soldier. Schultzville, Schultzville School : son of Madison Smith, and grandson of Elias Smith, one of early settlers of Newton: b Mar 6, 1844, Married Maggie 2?.G DIRECTORY OF NEWTOiN TOWNSHIP Neary in 1867, who died May 7, 1SS7. G5a. Mr. Smith also has a home at 9 67 Providence Road, Scranton, where he lives part of the time. '■■Smith, Will H, farmer and fruit grower, Clarks Summit, Cosner School; son of Elias A; b in Newton Aug 9, 1S69. 123a. — Eva (Cooper), wife, b Dec 2, 1879. — Victor P, son. b July 8, 1898. — Helen B, dau, b Feb 10, 1902. — Anna M, dau, b .July 13, 1903. — William, son, b Feb 4, 1905. — Raymond, son, b July 17, 19 06. Snover, Edwin, farmer, Ransom, R.D.I Shook School: b in New- ton May 15, 1869; son of Geo S. Living on and working John Shock's farm. 4c, 3h. — C. Lizzie (Shook), wife, b Oct 14, 1871. — Beatrice M, dau. b Sept 20, 1907 Snovei', John S, farm laborer, working for C S Richards, Ran- som, R.D.I, Shook School; son of George Snover, Living in C S Richards tenant house. — Jennie (Weir), wife, b Jan 6, 1885. — Ruth, dau, b Nov 3, 1901. — Dorothy H, dau, b Aug 23, 1906 Spencer, Miles, laborer, Clarks Summit, Sehultzville School; b July 14, 1856. — Nancy, mother, b Nov 27, 1829. *Spencer, AVni H, general farmer, Sehultzville, Sehultzville School ; b in Wyoming co Feb 19, 1864; son of Wm Spencer, Sr. 130a, 26c, 4h; came to New in 1900. — Bridget (Kelly), wife, b 1864. — Robert J, son, b June 13, 1893. — Harry S, son, b Aug 11, 1895. — Leo, son, b Aug 12, 1897. — Mary E, dau, b July 21, 1908. Stevens, Arthur C, farm laborer, working for Geo W Beemer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Sehultz- ville School; son of Benj.; b in .Jenningsville, Mar 18, 1884; came to Newton in May, 1908. — Esther (Mead), wife, b Nov 13, 1886. — Clarence, son, b Mar 10, 1908. '■■Siininierhill, Henry, truck far, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; b in England Dec 19, 185 4. Came to Newton in 1888 from Scranton. Farm settled about 1835 by Jacob C. Lesh. 37a, Ic, 3h, 3 mules. — Bertha (Roth), wife, b Dec 6, 1852. — Ben.iamin G, son, b Nov 11, 1882. — William J, son, b Oct 12, 1884. — Gertrude (Harris), wife of Wil- liam J, b Feb 14, 1888. Swart/,, Elmer G, truck and dairy farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; b in Old Forge July 13, 1862; came to Newton in April, 1910. Farm settled about 1812 by Parley VonCleve- land. 7 6a, owned Ijy Anthony McArthur of Scranton, Sc, 3h. — Edith (Shaw), wife, b Feb 21, 1863. — Jasper, son, b Aug 9, 1889. — Lelan, son, b Feb 1, 1897. — Ivan, son, b July 3, 1900. — Abram, son, b Nov 5, 19 05. — William, son, b Feb 5, 1911. Sweet, Wm, farm laborer, Bald Mount, Lacoe School; b in Eng- land April 2 3, 1878; came to Newton Feb 27, 1909. working for Wm. J. Biesecker, — Elizabeth (Rice), wife, b June 5. 1876. — Hubert, son, b Sept 15, 1897. — Gertrude M, dau, b Feb 10, '02. — Margaret A, dau, b July 29,'06. T *Thonipson, Adam, laborer. Bald Mount, Newton School; b Jan 14, 1840 on the farm now own- ed by his son, Leslie. House built in 185 6 by Mrs. Jane Thompson. la. ''■Thompson, F. Leslie, dairy and truck farmer, Sehultzville, Sehultzville School; b Mar 31, 1866 on farm where now living. Son of Adam and Kate (Smith) Thompson. Farm cleared by Andrew Thompson, grandfather of present owner, which origin- ally included the farm now own- ed "by William N Smith. The first log-house was built in 1825, about twenty-five rods in the field above the present house where the road ran at that time. In 18 44 a large framed house was erected by Andrew Thompson across the road from the present residence. This was the first framed house between Buttermilk Falls and Abington (now Glenburn). Af- ter the death of Andrew Thomp- son, the farm was owned by his son, Adam. It was purchas- ed by the present owner in 1890 who erected the present resi- dence in 1910 and the barn in 1907. 167a, 25c, 5h. — Agnes B (White), wife, b Sept 8, 1869. — Maurice H, son, b Aug 15, 1893. — Robert J, son, b Mar 14, 1897. , Thompson, Georsje E, farm labor, er, Sehultzville; b Sept 11, 18 45 in New Milford and came to Newton about 1902. Son of Jas. and Almira (Betts) Thomjison. Thompson, Jesse H, chief engineer at Hillside Home, Clarks Sum- mit, Fire Proof School; b March 2 8, 1874 in Newton. Son of Alva and Harriet (Winters) Thompson. Married June 17, 1903 to Miss Henrietta, daugh- ter of William and Elizabeth (Rupp) Scherer of Mountain Valley. Mr. Thompson has been employed at the Hillside Home since 1891. House built by Abraham Polhamus about 1858, and is now owned by Hillside Home. — Henrietta, wife, b Feb 20, 1871. — Harold L, son, b Feb 21, 1906. — Anette, dau, b April 22, 1908. *Thonii)son, John 1, truck farmer, Ransom. RD2, Newton School; b in the house where he now lives July 22, 1880. Son of William E. 50a, 2c, 2h, 2 hogs. — Blanche (Lacoe), wife, b April 2 S 1885 — J Ivan, son, b Dec 10, 1908. — Clara M, dau, b May 18, 1910. *Thomp.son, Wm E, farmer. Ran- som, R.D.2, Newton School; b in Newton. Son of John, and grandson of Adam, one of the pioneer settlers. 12 6a. — Lizzie (Klipple), wife. *Van Buskirk, Christopher, dealer. Bald Mount, Newton School ; b in Forty Fort Mar 1, 1831. Came to Newton in 1854. Son of Christopher, Sr. 38a, 2c, Ih. — Asenath (Williams), wife, b May 2, 1835. VaiiBnskirk, Oscai', dealer in wag- ons and machinery, Bald Mount, Newton School; b in Newton June 3, 1859. Living in house with his father, Christopher. — Anna J (Fowler), wife, b Dee 8, 1866. *Vanderbnro, Mrs Katharine (Noone), Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Sehultzville School; b in Scran- ton Oct 10, 1883; came to New- ton in 1902; married Eugene McCarthy June 2 9, 1904, who died Mar 31, 1908. Married Harry Vanderburg May 4, 1909, who died Nov 20, 1910. 15a, le, 1 pig. — Eugene J, son, b April 11, 1905. — J Raymond, son, b May 7, 1906. — Lester L, son, b June 23, 1910. *Vanderburg, Mrs. Phebe E, dress- maker. Bald Mount. Newton School, b Feb 17, 1844. House and lot. Fuller, Cora H, dau, b Nov S, 1870 VanCampen, Anson H, general far- mer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Fire Proof School; b in Falls township Dec 2 7, 1865. Farm owned by his brother, Lester VanCampen, 12 0a, 3h. — Ida (Johnson), wife, b Mar 2, 1 S R fi — Mabel, dau, b Mar 29, 1898. — Orla B, dau, Feb 4, 1903. VanPleet, Hayden, farmer, Ran- som. R.D.2, Newton School; b in Fleetville, June 8, 1878, and came to Newton in April, 1910. Living with his father-in-law, Wm. E. Thompson. — Katherine (Thompson), wife, b Mar 16, 1877. — Olin, son, b Jan 12, 1911. *YanSickle, Solomon, mail carrier. Bald Mt, Newton School; son of James; b May 13, 1844. 2 5a, Ic, Ih. — Ellen J (Vosburg), wife, b June — Mary M, dau, b July 16, 1867. *Vavighn, Horton B, general far- mer, Ransom, R.D.I, Shook DIRECTORY OF NEWTO,N TOWNSIilP 237 School; b Apr 17, 1863. 108a, 12c, 2 mules, 3 hogs, 21 sheep. — Elizabeth (Holmes), wife, b May 18, 1856. — Claud B, son, b .June 28, 1891. — Ella W, dau, b May 2, 1897. *\'eety, Andrew, dairy and truck farmer. Ransom, R.D.I, Port Royal School; came to Newton when 3 years old; b Oct 20, 'SO. 8 0a, 14c, 8h, 3 pigs. — Anna K (Eckle), wife, b Sept 28, 1882. — Bessie M, dau. Sept 12, 1904, — Laura A, dau, b Sept 20, 1906. — Andrew P, son, b Mar 12, 1909. — William, brother, laborer, b Mar 4, 1885. *\'eety, Thomas, farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Cosner School; b in Ireland July 12, 1839; came to U S in 18 67, and to Newton about 1880 from Scran- ton, where he worked in the mines. Married Bessie Smith for first wife, who died April 19, 1896, to whom seven children were born. 21a, Ic, Ih. — Sarah (Dudley), wife, b Mar 5, 1842. — Catherine, dau. b May 7, 1889. ■'■Vosbui'g, Peter P, truck farmer, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Fire Proof School; b in Luzerne co, Aug 31, 1873; came to Newton in 1897. 51a, 3c, 3 h. — Maye (Kircher), wife, b Oct 7, 1874. — Alta Mae, dau, b Aug 21, 1909. Kircher, Susan, mother-in-law, b .Jan 29, 1847. .Jones, Chas W, b Jan 31, 188 8. "Vosburg, Israel, farmer. Bald Mt, Newton School; b in Hyde Pk, May, 1841; came to Newton about 1889. 22a, Ic, 2h. — Mary (Bates), wife, b Mar 10, 1855. — Israel, Jr, son, b Nov 1, 1890. W ■'Wall, Joseph A, farmer, Schultz. ville, Schultzville School; b Nov 8, 1863; son of Joseph B; came to Newton April, 1908. 125a, 7c 2 h, 17 pigs. — Elizabeth (Cornell), wife, b Apr 13, 1862. — Helen E, dau, b Sept 1, 1893. — Herald H, son, b Jan 30, 1897. ■■•Walter, Samuel, farmer. Ransom, R.D.2, Lacoe School; b in New- ton March 11, 1854. Son of John and grandson of Henry, who settled in Newton about 1832. 30a, 3c, 2h, 4 hogs. — Elizabeth (Scherer), wife, b Feb 5, 1857. — William, son, carpenter, b Oct 28, 1876. — Arthur, son, farm laborer, b March 28, 1878. — Wesley, son, b May 10, 1S88. — Malvern, son, b Aug 22, 189L — Bert, son, b Feb 26, 1S93. — Jennie May, dau, b May 14, 1895. *Wartl, Ernest R, truck farmer. Ransom, R.D.2, Newton School; b in Old Forge Aug 4, 18 69 and came to Newton in 1873. Son of John J. 48a, Ic, 2h. — Anna (VanBuskirk), wife, b Aug 24, 1873. — Merle E, son, b July 16, 1903. — Leah, dau, b April 18, 1911. — Florence, sister. *Ward, John E, general farmer, Ransom, R.D.2, Newton School; b in Tunkhannock Aug 12, 1857 and came to Newton in April, 1873. Son of John J. 72a, 2c, 2h, 4 hogs. — Minnie (LaRue), wife, b Feb 17, 1868, — John D, son, b June 18, 189 5. — Charlie E, son, b May 3. 19 03. *Ware, Jesse, farmer, Clarks Sum- mit, R.D.2, Cosner School; b in England Feb 28, 1871. 5 0a, 2c. 2h. — Alice (Rice), wife, b July 19, 1871. — Floyd J, son, b June 28, 19 03. — Leta, dau, b Dec 6, 1910. Weichel, Chas P, farm laborer. Ransom, R.D.I; b in Germany, Sept 2 0, 1864 and came to this country in 1871 and to Newton in July, 19 08. Working since July, 1908, for Galusha A Coon. *White, James M, truck and berry grower, Clarks Summit, R.D.2, Fire Proof School; b near Moo- sic, April 27, 1867; came to Newton in April, 1873. 149a, 16c, 3h. — Edith P (Smith), wife, b Sept 9, 1863. — J VanNoy, son, b Feb 3, 1895. •'Williams, Horace, general far- mer. Ransom, R. D. 2, Lacoe School; b in Ransom Feb 22, 1846; came to' Newton in 187 4. Son of James Williams, one of the pioneer settlers. 5 4a, Ic. — Mallie (Milligan), wife, b Aug 19, 1849. ■•'Whitlock, Gould, fruit grower. Bald Mount, Port Royal School; b Mar 27, 1839 In Luzerne co; came to Newton about 1878, Son of Enoch and Mary ( Sick- ler) Whitlock. Married in May, 1869 to Miss Samantha, daugh- ter of Horace and Sarah Collum of Newton, who died July 2 7, 189 3. House built in 189 by present owner. Mr. Whitlock has been Justice of the Peace in Newton since 1879. 40a, 2c, 2h, 2 hogs. — Frank A, son, school teacher, b Sept 8, 1869. -AVinston, Sarah, farmer. Ransom, R.D.I, Shook School; b in Wales Mar 2 0, 1857 and came to this country when about four years old, and purchased the farm in Newton in April, 1900, where she has lived part of the time since. Her husband was Tho- mas J. Winston, who died Nov 21, 1906. 74a, Ic, Ih. — Arthur M, son, b Sept 2, 1896. Winters, Daniel, blacksmith, Clarks Summit, Fire Proof School; b Dec 15, 1880 in MIL waukie and came to Hillside Home about 19 02, where he is employed as blacksmith. Son of Manley and Minnie (Ace) Winters. Married Sept 18, 1907 to Miss Belle, daughter of Solo- mon and Amelda (Decker) Avery ot Mill City. House owned and built by Hillside Home about 189 7. — Belle, wife, b Feb 2 4, 1886. — Harold W, son, b Aug 13, 1908. — Gwendolin A, dau, b Sept 24, '10 -■■Winter, Peter C, farmer. Bald Mount, Newton School; b on the farm where he is now living Feb 9, 1863. Son of Merritt. 90a, 3c, 3h. — Georgia A (Fulkerson), wife, b June 22, 1870. Winters, Philip B, farm laborer. Ransom, R.D.I, Shook School; b Aug 26, 1870. Ic. ^Bessie M (Drake), wife, b Mar 27, 1883. — Alma, dau, b Dec 18. 19 05. — Zida, dau, b April 27, 1907. — Helen, dau, b Aug 13, 19 08. Winter, We.sley A, blacksmith, Schultzville, Schultzville School ; b in Milwaukie Jan 7, 1875. Came to Newton July 17, 1900. Son of Manley. House and lot and shop. — Mary (Fahs), wife, b Nov 3, 1877. — Gertrude, dau, b Mar 2 0, 19 01. — Stella, dau, b Nov 25. 1902. — Dorothy, dau, b Dec 28, 1907. Wolcott, R^v Wallace C, minister. Bald Mount, Newton School; b May 19, 1875 in Delphi, N Y, and came to Newton in April. 1912. Pastor of Bald Mount charge of the Methodist Episco- pal church, preaching at Bald Mount, Schultzville and Milwau- kie. Ih. — Anna B (Snyder), wife, b May 19, 1875. — Harold, son, b Mar 21, 1907. — Mildred, dau, b April 14, 1911. Wood, Otis, farm laborer, Schultz- ville, Schultzville School; b Feb 2 5, 1872 in Glenwood, Susque- hanna CO. Son of George and Lucinda (Ayers) Wood. House owned by Leslie Thompson. Mr. Wood came to Newton with his parents when a small boy. Young, Wm, dairy and truck far- mer, Schultzville, Schultzville School; b in England March 16, 1877, and came to U S about 1881, and to Newton April 1, 1910. Rents farm of Frank Dickson of Falls township. 98a, 10c, 3h. — Isabelle (Ross), wife, b June 14. 1881. — Lucy, dau, b Mar 2 4, 1902. — Martha, dau, b Dec 5, 1908. — Baby, dau, b Mar 23, 1911.- DIRECTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP EXPLANATION — The head of the family is printed in boldface type, which is followed with , his postofflce address, school district in which he lives, a brief history of the farm or house, and the name and date of birth of each member of the family, who are living at home. An asterisk (*) preceding head of the family indicates that the farm or property is owned by either the husband or wife, and not rented. The following abbreviations are used: a, acres; abt, about; b, born; bvo, brother; c, cow; car, carpenter; con, contractor; d, died; dai, dairy; dau, daughter; far, farmer; gen, general; h, horse; lab, laborer; nuu-, married; pres, present; pnr, purchased; set, settled; sis, sister; tr, truck; Mil, Milwaukie; Mt Dew, Mount Dewey; Mt Val, Mountain Valley; R, Ransom; R Val, Ransom Valley; Sc, school. A *Ace, Edward E, truck farmer. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Jan 31, 1869 on the farm where now living. Farm settled and first house built in IS 40 by Jacob Ace, grandfather of Edward B. Moses Ace rebuilt the house in IS 8 6. Purchased by present owner Feb 14, 19 08, which then contained 100 a, who sold 29a to Chas Blackwell. 71a, 6e, 5h, 2hogs. — Mary E, wife, b June 27, 1871. — Moses E, son, b July 27, 1893. — Maggie A, dau, b Sept 28, 1897. — Wilda J, dau, b Jan 12, 1900. — Sarah I, dau, b Oct 3, 1905. — Abram W, son, b Mar 9, 19 08. Ace, Elwood Laverne, general farmer, working his father's farm on shares. b in house where now living, June 20,1880. Son of George W. Ace. Married Mar 13, 1907 to Miss Lizzie L, daughter of Edward and Eliza- beth (Davis) Davis of Taylor. — Lizzie L, wife, b Feb. 6, 1882. — George E, son, b Dec 5, 1907. — Pearl E, dau, b Oct IS, 1910. *Ace, George W, general farmer. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Dec 6, 1841 in R twp in the house where Edward Ace now lives. Farm settled about 18 40 by Ja- cob Ace. House built about 18 71 by the present owner. 5 4a, 2c, 3h, 8 hogs. — Susanna (Ace), b Nov. 10,1841. ••■Ace, Geo C, car repairer for Le- high Valley R R at the Goxton yard. Ransom, R Sc; b Mar 18, 1868 in Milwaukie; son of Solo- mon and Catherine (Prentzman) Ace; married July 4, 1884 to Miss Etta, dau of John and Ku- tura (Milligan) Weiss of Pitts- ton. House built about 1876 by Fred Sandway. — Etta A, wife, b Oct 7, 1868. — Helen G, dau, b April 11, 1894. B Baumgartner, Walter E. station agt for L V R R at Ransom, R Sc; b Oct 2 0, 189 2 in Mildred, Sul- livan co; came to R May 2 6, '10. Son of Edwin S and Matilda (Walters) Baumgartner, Board- ing with H G Burgess. *Bedell, Abrani, retired far. Ran- som, R2, Mil Sc; b April 28, 18 44 in Milwaukie. Son of Za- chariah. Married April 13, 1S64 to Miss Ellen A Swartz, dau of Henry and Malissa (Miller) Swartz of New twp. Mr. Bedell moved to his present home in April, 1903, and built house the same winter and spring. Mr. and Mrs. Bedell have nine chil- dren living: Carrie. Gertie, Da- vid, Kate, Arthur, Brice, Addle, Temple, Robert. Two, Dolly and Eva, died when young. 2 1/2 a. —Malissa (Miller), b Mar 8, '48. Bedell, David H, rural mail car- rier, Ransom, R2, R Val Sc; b Sept 9, 1872 in Milwaukie; farm settled about 1S70 by John Shorber, who built house, which was enlarged by M Bowin of Pittston, the present owner. Mr, Bedell is mail carrier on Ru- ral Route No 2, starting from Ransom, which was established Mar 16, 1907. He was the first carrier on this route. 70a, 3c, 4h, 5 hogs. — Mary C, wife, b Nov 21, 1873. — Walter A, son, b Feb 5, 1894. ■■■Bedell, Jacob, retired far. Ran- som, R2, Mil Sc; b Mar 6, 1838 in Ransom twp, where he has always lived except three years when in Michigan. Son of Za- cheriah and Margaret (Drake) Bedell. Married Feb 23, 1868 to Miss Ellen, dau of William and Anna (Smith) Ayers of Bald Mt. House built about 1850. 3 children born, 2 died in infancy and Zacheriah died when 22 yrs of age. Ih. — Ellen (Ayers), b Feb. 18, 1837. ■■Bedell, Beter, farmer. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b in R Dec 7, 1854 and was married April 19, 1874 to Miss Emma Rader who died May 31, 19 01. Son of Zachariah 60a, 2c, 2h. — John, son, b Oct 22, 1888. — Hazel, dau, b Aug 23, 1896. — Howard, son, b April 25, 1898. '■■Bedell, Peter, Jr, rural mail car- rier on route No 1 from Ran- som, R Sc; b Sept 14, 1876 in Milwaukie. Son of Peter. Mar- ried Mar 2 5, 19 03 to Miss Eva, dau of Chas Musselman. Mr, Bedell was the first rural mail carrier in the twp, commencing Feb 1, 1907. 5a, Ic, Ih, 2 hogs. — Eva (Musselman), b Dec 22, '80. — Grace, dau, b Jan 13, 1904. — Ralph, son, b Nov 18, 1906. — Charles, son, b Sept 19, 1907. — Margaret, dau, b Jan 8, 1910. 'SBehlke, Theo G, lab, 2767 Frink st, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b Sept 7, 1854 in Germany, and came to this country in 1873; came to Ransom to his present home. May 17, 1892. House built by Andrew Butterworth abt 1889, who sold to present owner in May, 1S92 for $1,000.00. Mr. Behlke remodeled and enlarged house in fall of 1903. 6a, 2c, 4 hogs. — Catherine I, wife, b Nov30,1860 — Louise G, dau, tailoress, b Feb 1, 1885. — Herman E, son, carpenter, b May 4, 1SS7. — Jacob A, son, plasterer, b July 5, 1889. — Elizabeth M, dau, seamstress, b July 10, 1891. — Christine C, dau, Aug 6, 1893. — William G, son, tiler, b Dec 18, 1896. Bender, Robert, mine lab, Scran- ton, care Continental Mine of- fice, Mt Dew Sc; b Jan 23, 1872 in Ohio and came to Ransom abt 1901; property belongs to Mrs. Bender's mother, Mrs. Rose Pin- nock of Taylor. 5a. — Mercie S, wife, b Dec 1, 188 2. — Robert R, son, b Jan 6, 1909. *Beyrent, John, truck and dairy far. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b in, Alsace-Loraine, Germany, May 30, IS 65; came to this country in 1880 and to R in April, 1S90. House built in 1854 by Jacob Drake. Set in 1S25 by Joseph LeTier. 70a, 12c, 4h. — M Elizabeth (Finkler), b Aug 18, 1867. — Nicholas J, son, b Dec 9, 1890. — John, son b Nov 14, 1892. — Mary E, son, b Oct 5, 1S94. — Charles, son, b Aug 19, 1898. — Anna, dau, b Sept 16, 1902. — August, son b Sept 9, 1905. — .Joseph A, son, b Nov 29. 19 08. ''Blackwell, Charles W, truck and dairy farmer. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Nov 22, 1853 on farm where now living. Son of Ma- thias, who came from New Jer- sey and settled on the farm in 1842, which he purchased April 2, 1S51 of Samuel Bell, contain, ing 154 acres, for ,|450.00. A log house was erected by Fred- erick Stine before 1838, and in DIRECTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 239 18 42 Mathias Blackwell built a log house across the road from the present house, near where the watering trough now stands. A plank house was built where the present house stands in 1S53 by Mathias Blackwell, which was torn down and an eight-room residence erected in 19 09 by the present owner. 155 acres, 10c, 5 h, 3 hogs. — Christina, wife, b Dec 5, 1S5S. — Abram, son, b Feb 23, 1882. — Josephine, dau. b Feb 19, 1884. — William, son, b Sept 13, 1888. — Mary, dau, b .July 1, 1891. IJIaokxvell, Elniei- W, carpenter. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b June 19. 1884 in the house where Adam B. Miller is living. Liv- ing in part of Mrs Susanna Mo- sier"s house. 1 horse. — Louise, wife, b July 13, 18 86. — Helen L, dau, b Mar 16, 1910. Blackwell, John M, farm laborer, Ransom, R 2, Mil Sc; b Mar 2 0, 1857 near Pittston, and came to Ransom with his parents, about 1868. House and lot owned by Mrs. Susannah Mosier. House built abt 1881 by Jacob Court- right. 1 acre. — Ellen N, wife, b Nov 30. 1862. — Layton, son, b Oct 4, 1888. — Alice, dau, b Dee 22, 1890. — John C, son, b Oct 23, 1892. — Harry, son. b Jan 13, 1895. — Delia M, dau, b Jan 9, 1897. Blackwell, Mrs. Margaret,Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b in Monroe co. Sept 2 4, 1832; came to Newton in 18 39, and two years later to R. Dau of Jacob Ace. Married Dec 2 5, 185 2 to Wm Blackwell. Living with her son-in-law, Pe- ter S Metzgar. •■■Blislviak, Mrs. Anna, Scranton, care Continental Mine Office, Mt. Dew Sc; b in 1861 in Austria and came to this country in 188 3 and purchased present home about 1895. — Anna, dau, b Feb, 1895. — John, son. b Nov, 1902. — Michael, son b Oct, 189 2. *Bonetto, William T, farmer, Ran- som, R2, Mil Sc; b in England Sept 26, 18 63 and came to this country with his parents in 1866, and to Ransom April 1, 1903, when he purchased farm of Ignatz Bosker. Farm settled by Ethan Scott about 1840. Married Jan 6, 1897 to Miss Mary, dau of John and Elizabeth Pearce. 101a, 2c, 2 mules, 2 pigs. — Mary, wife, b May 2 9, 1866. — William T, son, b July 12, 1899. — Beatrice M, dau, b Nov 2 8, 1900. — Bessie E, dau, b June 12, 19 03. — Margaret J, dau, b Sept 22,1905 *I5owen, William, mine lab, 2767 Frink st, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b Nov 13. 185 7 in S Wales, and came to this country abt March 2 0, 1887 and purchased present home in 1892 from Wm, P. Can- terbury, who built a two-room house a short time before. Mr. Bowen erected residence about 1902. 2a, Ic. Ih, 1 hog, 12 pigs. — Letitia, wife, b Mar 10, 1855. — Margaret, dau, b Jan 6, 1885. — Ada, dau, b July 8, 1889. — Charles, son, b Nov 12, 1890. — Polly, dau, b June 9, 1892. — Letitia, dau, June 23, 1894. — Agnes, dau, b Aug 13, 1895. — Susan, dau. b Aug 11, 1896. — Winifred, dau, b Apr 25, 1898. — Annie, dau, b Aug 1, 1899. *Brezee, Mrs, Sarah J, Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Aug 12, 1853 in Pittston, and came to Ran- som about 18 68. Dau of Wm and Margaret (Ace) Blackwell. Married May 13,1871 to Joseph, son of Tobias and Mary (Black- well) Brezee, who died Feb 13, 1906. Twelve children, eight of whom are living (See Edward Ace). House built about 1886 by Joseph Brezee. 3 acres. — William A, son carpenter, born Sept 21, 1884. — Bertha B. dau, b July 11, 1891. — Pearl E, dau, b Oct 22, 1893. * Burgess, Henderson G, truck far and road sup, Ransom, R Sc; b Aug 3, 186 7 in Porkston, and came to Ransom in Mar, 1899. Son of Elmer and Lena (Bur- gess) Burgess of Forkston. Married Sept 13. 1888 to Miss Maud, dau of Eber and Saman- tha (Garey) Inmau of Jennings- ville. House built by Samuel Gardner in 187 8. Mr. Burgess was elected road supervisor in Feb. 1908. 75a, 4c, 3h,2 mules, 3 hogs. — Maud, wife, b Nov 25, 1868. — Beryl H, son, b Mar 29, 1891. •■'Buscli, Arnold, miner,914 Key^r Ave, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b May 23, 1865 in Austria and came to this country in August, 19 01, and came to Ransom in 1902 and purchased present home Aug 8, 1904 from Valen- tine Erbauch, who built house in 1899. Married Apr 21, 1890 to Miss Pauline Starobetzky. — Pauline, wife b Aug 31, 1865. —Anna, dau, b Feb 14, 1891. —Elsie, dau, b Oct 20, 1892. — Paul, son, b June 23, 1900. C '■■Canterbury, Wm F, miner, 112 S Keyser ave, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b Oct 21, 1867 in Scranton and came to Ransom abt 18 96. Lot purchased Oct 2 7,18 88 from Thomas Edwards by Wm. Gil- bert for ,$50.00, who built house same fall. Mr. Canterbury, the jiresent owner, purchased the property Nov IS, 1896 for $800, and enlarged the house about 1899. Mr. Canterbury purchas- ed two acres from Richard Strauch, Sept 24, 1897 for ,$300. 1 cow, 1 horse. — Mary Ann, wife, b Jan 13, 1872. — William A, son b Mar 27, 1891. — Ruth, dau, b Aug 27, 1897. — Edith M, dau, b Nov 1, 1897. — Verna, dau, b June 25, 1900. — George E, son, b June 5, 19 02. — Helen, dau, b Nov 7, 19 04. — Anna May, dau, b Feb 4, 1907. — Ralph, son, b Feb 2, 1910. — Claude, son, b Mar 24, 1912. — Clayton, son, b Mar 24, 1912. •■■Coolbaugli, Johnson B, truck and dairy farmer. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Sept 22, 1854 on a farm where Duryea is now lo- cated, and came to Ransom in 18 65, with his parents, who set- tled on the farm where he is now living, and built part of the house now standing about six years earlier, About 1902 the present owner remodeled and enlarged the house. — Rosa, wife, b Aug 4, 1861. — Elmer, son, b Nov. 2 4, 1882. — Archie, son, b June 10, 1887. — William W, son, b Sept 10, 1889 — Nelson J, son, b Aug 21, 1899, •■■Coon, Frank H, gen far. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Mar 16, 1873 where now living. Farm settl- ed about 1840 by Alfred Aten. who built a log-house. John Coon pur farm in 186 6, who sold to his brother, Geo C Coon, Apr 1. 1869. It was pur by Frank H Coon in the spring of 1912. House built about 1873 by Geo C Coon. About 19 03, the barn and contents were burned. The barn was rebuilt the same year. 106 a, 7c, 5h. — Marie F, wife, b Sept 13, 1872, — Samuel, son, b Dec 26, 1900. — Ruth, dau, b Dec 22, 1906. — George C, father, b Mar 6, 1848. ■'■Corselius, Harry S, truck and da- iry far. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b on farm where he now lives Feb 7. 1877. Son of Peter, who built house abt 1886. 126a, 8c, 4h, 2 hogs. — Maud E (Bedell), b July 22,1879. — Mary H, dau, b Sept 23. 1900. — George B, son, b April 25, 1907. — Floyd S, son, b June 9, 1909. '•■Coslett, Lewis AV, mine track layer, W Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b Sept 24, 1871 in Taylor and came to Ransom Dec 2, 1909, and pur present home in Sept. 1909 from Mrs. Thos. Harris. The first house was built about 1889 by Isaac Sidebottom, and burned Aug 5, 19 09. The new house was built in 1910 by Mr. Coslett. 1 acre. — Sarah J, wife, b June 6, 1870. — William T, son, b Dec 4, 1895. — George P, son, b June 5, 1899. — Arthur L, son, b Sept 2, 1903. — Grace I, dau, b Oct 14, 1905. Courtright, Harry A, blacksmith in Milwaukie, Ransom. R2, Mil Sc; b May 14, 1886 at Keyser Val- ley; came to Ransom April 1, 1895. Rented John C. Kunsman blacksmith shop Sept 1. 1910. House owned by Horace Hoi- 240 DIRECTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP comb, and was built about 1850 bj- Peter Bedell. — Margaret ( Bedell ), b Jan 20, '87. ■'■Oourti'ight, Horace, truck and da- iry far, Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b June 6, 1860 in Monroe coun- ty and came to Ransom in Mar, 1887 and Nov 28, 1904 he pur- chased his present home from Jacob Bedell for ,$4,000. Farm settled about 18 40 bp Joseph Krouse, who built the log-house now standing on the place. It was purchased by Jacob Bedell, Mar 30, 1875. House built by Jacob Bedell in 1884. 110a, 16c, 5 h, 8 hogs. — Willard H, son, b Nov 24, 1887. — Mabel B, dau, b Aug 29, 1889. — Anna S, dau, b May 28, 1891. — Laura B, dau, b Sept 20, 1893. — Howard L, son, b June 20, 1895. — Walter, son, b Oct 3, 1896. — Christian K, son, b Feb 16,1899 — Albert W, son, b Dec 20, 1901. *Oourti'ight, Mi-s. Phebe, Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b Oct 13, 1850 in R twp. House built about 1850 by Seeley Rosenkrans. — Pearl L, dau, b Aug 6, 1893. D *Davles, Albert R, truck far. Ran- som, R2, Mil Sc; b at Russell Hill,Wyoming co July 29, 1872; came to R Apr 1, 1902. House built abt 18 84 by Brittian Wil- liams. 44a, 2c, 3h. — Arminda B. (Sweet), b Aug 26, 1874. — Horace H, son, b Aug 30, 1897. — Albert F, son, b May 22, 1902 *Davis, Ira E, blacksmith and wheelwright, Ransom, R2; Mil Sc; b in Columbia co Oct 7, 1857 and came to R in 1858 with his father,Robert D. House built in 1894 by present owner. 7a, 3c. — Hattie B(Rozelle), b Nov 6, '54. — Robert J, son b April 11, 1884. — Mary I, dau, b Oct 10, 1887. — Clarence I, son, b June 9, 1892. — Frances W, dau, b June 18, '98. — Arthur Z, bro, carpenter, b July 16, 1878. *Depeake, George, lab, Scranton, care Con. Mine Office, Mt Dew Sc; b Oct, 1882 in Austria, and came to this country in 1906, pur present home June 22, 1911 — Anna, wife, b Aug 25, 1887. — Mary, dau, b Feb 28, 1908. — Helen, dau, b Oct. 12, 1910. E Edwards, John, mine bratticeman, W Side Sta, Box 394, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b July 15, 1872 in Wales and came to this country Oct 31, 1910 and to R one day later. Brother of Thomas Bd- wards. Married Dec 2 6, 1895 to Miss Annie Dimmick, who was born in Frome, Somersetshire, England. House owned by Wm. Canterbury and built abt 1898 by John Holcom. 2 acres. — Annie, wife, b Aug 7, 1875. *Edwards, Thos E, 2d asst mine foreman, Box 394, W Side Sta, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b Nov 23, IS 58 in Wales and came to this country April 29, 1882. Pur- chased lot abt 1888 from Rich- ard Strouch, and built house 2 years later. Son of Edward and Elizabeth (Williams) Edwards. Thos. Edwards' first wife was Sarah Gilbert, who died Mar 17, 1897. She was the mother of nine children. Mr. Edwards was married again Oct 13, 19 04 to Mrs. Isabella (Mead) Murray of Oxford, N.Y. iy2 acres. — Isabella, wife, b Apr 15, 185 4. — Clarence, son, b Nov 21, 1894. — Emily, dau, b Nov 18, 1897. *Englenian, Louis, car insp, Ran- som, R Sc; b Mar 12, 1868 in Pittston and came to R in Mar, 1890. Working for L Val R R Co in the Coxton yard. House built by Sterling Griffin about 1875. la, Ih. — Charlottie A(Stout),b Oct 23'7 — Matilda May, dau, b Aug 6, '02. F *Pabrie, Julius, mine lab, 914 Keyser ave, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b April 12, 1869 in Aus- tria and came to this country in July, 1898. Pur house and lot of Valentine Erbauch in 1904. House built in 1899 by Mr. Er- bauch. Mr. Frabie was marri- ed May 23, 1891 to Miss Sophia Gardner, who was b in Austria. 1 acre. — Sophia, wife, b May 10, 1871. Charlie, son, slate picker, b April 3, 1894. — Catherine, dau, b Nov 1, 1896. — Matilda, dau, b Jan 30, 1899. — William, son, b June 2, 1904. — Pauline, dau, b Mar 7, 1907. — Frank, son, b Oct 6, 19 09. *Felker, Howard L, car repairer, Ransom, R Sc; b Feb 14, 1879 in Monroe co, and came to R about IS 89 with his parents, Louis and Lydia (Featherman) Felker. Married Aug 10,1905 to Miss Anna, dau of Anthony and Barbara (Ferris) Richards of Pittston. House built about 1872 by I D. Willis. Ih. — Anna V, wife, b Apr 21, 1S77. — Lewis W, son, b Sept 22, 1907. G *Gardner, Elias A, far, Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b in R near the fer- ry April IS, 184 7 and a son of Samuel and a greatgrandson of John, the first settler in Ran- som. Farm settled by Chas. Wil- son, House built by Elias Gardner in April. 1SS7. 97a, Ic, lb, 1 hog. — Martha (Cooper), b Mar 11, '51. Gardner, Jas, stone mas. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b Mar 2, 1852 in R. Son of Samuel and Marga- ret (Smith) Gardner. Married ,Iuly 3, 18 78 to Miss Rosa, dau of Daniel Garey of Silver Lake. Susquehanna co. She died in Aug, 1890. Living with his'^jro, Elias. Gardner, Jas S, lab. Ransom, R Sc; b Nov 5, 1866 in Newton twp, and came to R in 1891. House owned by the Granhan est of Pittston, and built by Samuel Vanderburg, Jr, about 1893. — Stella, wife, b Mar 14, 1861. — Vivian D, son, b Dec 25, 1894. — Luzon O, son, b Sept 29, 1899. — Faith, adop dau, b Mar 31, '07. Gaul, Frank W, carpenter, Scran- ton gen del, W Side.Mt Dew Sc; b .July 31, 1884 in Hyde Park, and came to R July 15, 1901. Living in part of father's house. — Emma, wife, b Nov 22, 1886. — Howard F, son, b Oct 13, 1909. *Gaul, Wm A, car and con, Scran- ton, W Side P O, Mt Dew Sc; b June 14, 1854 in Dunmore. In 1901 he pur present home from Geo R Wandel for $600, where they moved July 15, the same year. The first house, a small 3-room bldg, was erected about 1891 by Geo R Wandel, and in 19 02 it was remodeled and enlarged by the pres owner. ■ This property contains 2 famous never failing springs, one known as the old "Indian Spring." When the typhoid fever epide- mic broke out in Scranton in the winter of 1906 and 1907, Mr. Gaul began bottling and selling the water in Scranton, doing quite an extensive business. 4a. — Sophia, wife, b May 15, 1858. •■■Geary, Joseph, stone mason and tar. Ransom, R2, R Sc; b April 3, 1846 in Jessup twp, Susque- hanna CO. and came to R about 1867. House built in 1873 by Mr. Geary. Enlisted Mar 19, 1864 in Co H, 141st Pa Vol and served until war closed. Mar- ried Apr 2 3, IS 67 to Miss Har- riet Smith, dau of Peter A and granddau of Elias Smith, one of the pioneer settlers of Newton twp. Mr and Mrs Geary have five children living and two dead; Charles W was killed by lightning June 29, 1906. 50a, 2c, 2h, 1 hog. — Harriet (Smith, b Aug 2, 184S. — Geo W, son, b Feb 23, 1889. Grose, Mrs. Anna, Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Aug 1, 1847 in Mil- ford, N J. Living with her son- in-law, John P Maas. Married Charles Grose, who died Dec 12. 1907. H •■■Hantz, Anthony, gen far. Ran- som, R2, R Val Sc; b June 1,'6S in Germany, and came to this country in April, 1884. He moved to his present home Apr 1, 1911. Farm settled by John McMillan abt 1800. About 1840 it was pur by Jacob Dershimer. and later by David M Huth- DIRECTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 241 maker, who built residence 1890. S5a, 2c, 2h, 3 hogs. Mary, wife, b Feb 1, 1866. — William, son, b Jan 22, 1891. — Mary, dau, b Feb 2, 1893. — Leo, son, b April 5, 1895. — Jennie, dau, b July 14, 19 01. — Helen, dau, b Sept 3, 1902. — Anthony, son, b Oct 29, 1906, — Stanley, son, b April 8, 1909. — Margaret, dau, b July 9, 1911. '•Harder, Arthur, far. Ransom, R Sc. House built about 1876 by Joseph Osborn. — Ella, wife. — William, son. — Emma (Shook), dau-in-law. ■■■Hoffman, Frederick, tr farmer. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Dec 2 4, 18 76 in Mil. Purchased farm May 28, 19 07 from Wm. Blackwell est. Farm set and house built by Mr. Blackwell abt 186 8. Mr Hoffman was married Mar 26, 1892 to Miss Maggie E, dau of Joseph and Sarah (Black- well) Brezee. Mr Hoffman is a son of John and Elizabeth (Maas) Hoffman of R. 25a, 2c, Ih, 3 hogs, 7 pigs. — Maggie E, wife, b Sept 27, 1875. — Joseph J, son b March 2 8, 19 04. ■'Hoffman, Jolin, tr far, Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b Oct 28, 1851 in Germany, and came to Scranton with his parents. May 28, 1860, and in the autumn of the same year to R twp, and to the farm where he now lives, Sept 2 8, '7 4. This was the last farm set in R twp, which was set by Martin Hoffman in 1874, who built the house and barn the same year, which have since been enlarged. 84a, 4c, 5h, 4 hogs. — Elizabeth (Maas), b Feb 12, '58, — John J, son, b .July 30, 1884. — Elnora C, dau b May 26, 1886. — Mildred, dau, b Aug 11, 1888. — William, son, b Dec 13, 1890. — Ruth M, dau, b Mar 29, 1904. — Martin, father, b Feb 10, 1826. ■'HolcoiTib Horace, justice-of-the-p. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc, b Dec 13, 18 44 in Great Falls, N H; came to Wilkes-Barre in 1886 and to R in '04. Married May 10, 1893 to Miss Mary, dau of John Ra- der of R. House built in 1904 by Mr Holcomb. Elec Justice- of-the-p in Feb, 1908. 3a, lb. — Mary (Rader), b July 27, 1851. Howells, Moses, moterman, 2 767 Frink st, Scranton. Boarding with Hiley W. Stewart; b Mar 18, 1891 on Winton Mountain. Son of David B and Jemmia (Erobison) Howells. '•'Huft'ord, Henry, lab. Ransom, R Sc; b in Monroe co. Mar 7, 1854 and came to R in 1877. Son of Nathan and Eliizabeth (Decue) Hufford. House built in 1874 by Corridon Barber. Mr. Hut- ford was mar Jan 18, 18 79 to Miss Amanda, dau of Abraham and Julia Ann (Miller) Neyhart of Monroe co. Mr. and Mrs. Hufford have three children: Grace, b April 22, 1882 and mar Ulysses Kresge and living in Dunmore; Walter H, b June 26, 1884 and mar Mabel Mc- Neal and living in Montana, la. — Amanda, wife, b Aug 29, 1854. — Edna, dau, b April 2, 1889. Huggler, Emil, tr far. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b April 6, 1862 in Switzerland and came to this country about 1863. Mar Sept 4, 188i to Miss Emma Eggler of Liberty, N Y. Moved to R in Oct, 19 09. Farm set by Philip Harlos, Sr about 1840, who built the stone house about '61. 100a, 4c, 2h, 4hogs, 7 pigs. — Emma, wife, b Feb, 22, 1864. — Charles, son, b April 4, 1891. — Fred, son, b June 20, 1893. — William, son, b June 10, 1895. — Leona, son, b July 30, 1897. — Walter, son, b Feb 15, 1899. — Oscar, son, b Oct 6, 1903. — Emil, son, b Nov 27, 1905. '■'Huthmaker, Roy H, tr tar. Ran- som, R Sc; b June 22, 1889 in R near R Home. House built about 1864 by Jacob Bertels for a store, which has been enlarg- ed several times. 14a, 3h. '•'Huthmaker, Thos J, tr far. Ran- som, R2, Mil Sc; b Aug 1, 1847 in Ransom. Farm set by David Huthmaker, who built barn abt 1840, and the house was built about '6 by Jacob Huthmaker. 160a, 5c, 4h, 2 hogs. — H. Eliza, wife, b May 17, 1857. — Thomas E, son b June 4, 1892. — Rhalda R, dau, b Feb 26, 1899. Dornblazer, Blanche E, granddau, b Aug 7, 1899. '•'Ives, Francis M, car and wood worker, Ransom, R Sc; b Oct 9, 1854 in R on the farm now own- ed by Jeptha C Richards. Mr. Ives owns the old Gardner Per- ry property, which was built about 1795 by Richard Gardner and deeded to his son, Samuel and grandson, Geo W, May 24, 1851; to Mrs Mary A Ives Aug 13, 1866 and to Francis M Ives Nov 1, 1910. House built about 18 78 by Wm L Ives. 1 acre. — Marilla E(Akens), b Aug 12, '57 K KlaHe, Mrs Regina B, Mt Dew Sc; living with her dau, Mrs Joseph Long; b Oct 3, 1839 in Germ'y. — Gottlieb, son b April 3, 1870. *Klipple, Christopher H, truck far. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b July 17, 1851 in Wilkes-Barre; came to farm where now living with his parents, when nine months old. House built in Aug, 185 6, by his father, Wenzel Klipple. Mar- ried Nov 25,1880 to Miss Rachel Roth of Scranton. They have three children: Sadie, mar Dec 2, 1902 to Ira Lacoe. She was born Oct 25, 1882. 85a, 2c, 4h, 3 hogs. — Rachel(Roth), b Mar 20, 1854. — Theresa, dau, b May 10, 1885. — John W, son, b Aug 25, ISSS. Klipple, Walter M, farm lab. Ran- som, R2, Mil Sc; b Jan 5, 1885 in Milwaukie. Son of William; married April 2 2, 19 09 to Miss Sadie M, dau of Mrs Phebe Courtright. Home built about 18 40 by Peter Petty, and re- modeled in 1909 by Wm Klip- ple, the present owner. Ic, 2h, 2 hogs. — Sadie M, wife, b Feb 26, 1888. ■^'Klipple, Wm, tr far, Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b Aug 20,1856 in R twp. Son of Wenzel; married Feb 2 7, 1883 to Miss Mildred Petty, dau of Peter Petty of Milwaukie; two dau and one son. Walter is married and living in Milwau- kie. House built in 1881 by Wenzel Klipple. Barn built abt 1840 by Jacob Dersheimer. Wm Klipple moved on farm in Mar. 1889. 52a, 3c, Ih, 3 hogs. — Mildred (Petty), b June 29, '59. — Sarah E, dau, teacher, b Sept 6, 1887. — Mary I, dau, b June 20, 1891. "Korischar, Stephen, miner, 914 S Keyser ave, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b Aug 14, 1854 in Austria and came to this country May 30, 1S87 and to R July 6, 1898. Pur 41/2 a of Chas Mayer for $3 00 and built house in 1898. Son of John and Mary Korishar. Married Sept 4, 187 7 to Miss Mary Starobetzky,who was born in Austria. Five children, two of whom are married: William, born May 2, 188 5 and married Jan. 21, 1908 to Miss Minnie Riske and living in Scranton; John, born June 22, 1889 and married Aug 3, 1910 to Miss Agnes Worbliska. 4 V2 acres. — Mary, wife, b June 15, 1859. — George, son, b Aug 3, 1893. — Helen, dau, b June 8, 1897. — Mary, dau, b June 6, 1879. '■'Krauss, Michael G, lab, Scranton, care of Continental Mine Office, Mt Dew Sc; b July 11, 1868 in Germ'y; came to this country in 188 4, and to R in Dec, 1893. Pur land at $80 per acre, from John Mayer, Sept 2, 1893 and built house same year. 7% a, Ic, 2 hogs. — Margaret, wife, b July 6, 1871. — John A, son, b Dec 20, 1891. — Katheryn M, dau, b May 28,'9 4. — Leonard W, son, b Feb 2, 1896. — Henry J, son, b Nov 18, 1898. — George F, son, b April 19, 1901. — Margaret E, dau, b Aug 27, '06. — Louise G, dau, b June 15, 1908. — Ruth M, dau, b Oct 13, 1911. '■'Krouse, AIvy, car and far, Ran- som, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Aug 14, '49 in the log-house now stand- ing on farm of Horace Court- right. Farm set by Geo M Triv- ley about 18 42, who built a log- house across the road.and about 242 DIRECTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP five rods down the hill from the present house. About 185 5 Mr. Trivley built the present home. In 187 6 the farm was divided. Alvy Krouse pur 40a for $3- 700. InlS97 Lewis Powell pur the other part for $2,500. 40a, 1 horse. — Marietta, wife, b .July 2, 18 39. *Kryiiisky, Victor S, far. Ransom, R2, R Val Sc;. A Polish family of five or six, but the writer could obtain no information, ■•'Kunsnian, John C, blacksmith, Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b Nov 27, 1871 in Georgetown, Del, and came to R April 13, 1883 with his uncle, Tobias Stine. Son of John M and Elizabeth (Stine) Kunsman. Married Feb 15, '9t! to Miss Lulu M, dau of Peter and Emma (Rader) Bedell. House built about 1891 by L. M. McCluskey. — Lulu, wife, b Jan 31, 1875. — Albert B, son, b Dec 26, 1896. — Peter J, son, b April 21, 1906. — Karl P, son, b Dec 18, 1910. •'■Kiinsnian, Mr.s. Sarah, Ransom. R2, Mil Sc: b Oct 3, 1836 in New Jersey; came to Mil March 1, 189 9. .Widow of Jacob Kuns- man who died in 1878, House built in 18 48 by Henry Barker. 5a, 1 h. — Jacob B, son, b May 5, 1869. Finkley, Charles, grandson, b Mar 23, 1896. Lacoe, Chirence D, far lab. Ran. som, Rl, R Sc; b Sept 1, 1878 in R. Working for his father, James M. House and farm own- ed by James M. Lacoe, being the David Learn farm which was IMirchased by Mr Lacoe in spring of 1910. 71a, Ic, 2 pigs, — EHzabeth M (Swartwood), b May 6, 1SS3. — Ellsworth A, son, b Jan 10, '05. — DeWitt, J, son, b April 17, 1906. — Gladys M, dau, b Oct 29, 1908. *Lacoe, James M, tr and gen far. Ransom, Rl , R Sc; b June 6, 185 6 in Newton twp, where J P Lacoe is living; moved to R twp in Mar, 1S80, and to pres- ent home, Peb 19, 1887, which he pur Nov 4, 1886. D M Huth- maker pur this farm May 1, '6 5 of Jno N Conyngham of Wilkes- Barre. Mr Huthmaker cleared abt 15 acres, and sold to Amos Learn, Mar 25, 1868. His son, Harvey Learn, built the first buildings, the house in 1878 and the barn in 1SS2. Mr Lacoe enlarged barn in 1890, and the house in 1901 and 1908. 116a in this farm and ila in the David Learn farm, making a to- tal of 187a, 4c, oh, 5 hogs. — Barbara M (Barrier), b July 28, 1857. — Grace M, dau, b Nov 27, 1882. *TjaiKlsitIIe, Christopher, tr far. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b in Germany Got 2 0, 1858 and came to this country in May, 187 3. Pur this farm in April, 1904, of Mrs Jacob Courtright. Son of Henry and Margaret Landsidle of German.y. Married Mar 3 0, 1884 to Miss Emma D, dau of Wm and Margaret (Ace ) Black- well. Farm set about 1851 by Solomon Ace, who built part of house in 1865. The main part was built about 1870 by Mathias Blackwell. 65a, 3c, 2h, 4 hogs. — Emma D, wife, b Oct 4, 1861. — Plosse J, dau, b July 18, 1891. — Wm H, son, b July 22, 1893. — Bessie M, dau, b Oct 3, 1895. — Grace Agnes, dau,b April 20, '98 — George C, son, b April 5, 19 04. •■■■L/antlsietlel, Lewis A, tr far. Ran- som, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Jan 20, 1878 in R twp. Farm set in 1861 by Conrad Maas( father of Mrs. Landsiedel), who built a log-house, and during summer of 1871 he built the present re- sidence, and the barn in IS 68. Farm pur by present owner Dec 3, 1906 for $3,600. 72a, 3c, 3h, 3 hogs. — Emma, wife, b April 29, 187 3. — Gertrude C, dau, b Sept 18, '02. — Clarence W, son, b Aug 14, '04. — Edna M, dau, b May 19, 1910. — Gertrude (Brookhouse) , mother, b Oct 30, 1848. '■■Landsiedel, Mrs Margaret, Ran- som, R2, R Val Sc; b June 24, 1847 on the farm now owned by John Roeszler. Dau of Chas. and Elizabeth ( Rader ) Roeszler. Married Ajjr 9, 1864 to Andrew Landsiedel, who was b Jan 1, 1839 in Germany and died Aug 26, 1900. They had a family of five children: Elizabeth, Chas, Emma, Harry and Catherine. Charles died in infancy. Farm set by John Shallenberger abt 18 42, and the house built in 1865 by Andrew Landsiedel, and was enlarged in 1884, 8 0a, Ic. — Elizabeth, dau, b July 5, 1866. ■■■Learn, Amos C, far. Ransom Rl, R Val Sc; b Aug 5, 1S55 in N twp on the farm now owned by Arthur Hollenback, and came to R in 19 00. He was mar Apr 23, 1885 to Miss Mary E, dau of Theron and Miranda (Miller) Brown of Falls twp. Mr. Learn is a son of Amos and Margaret (Shook) Learn, who came from Monroe co; set in Newton twp about 1834. Farm set about 17 70 by Peleg Comstock. Later it was owned by John M Cun. ningham, who sold to P. K. Richards in June, 18 69. Mr. Learn jjur farm in 19 07 and en- larged house same year, which was first built by P K Richards. This farm, when first settled, was a part of the farm now own- ed by Jesse P Richards. The farm was divided when owned by P K Richards. 7 5a, 2c, 3h, 1 mule, 7 sheep, 2 hogs. — Mary E, wife, b June 13, 1856. Learn, T Thos, far, Ransom, Rl, R Val Sc; living with his father, Amos C Learn; b in Newton, May S, '88; came to R in 1900. Married Miss Kathryn, dau of Geo and Etta(Wiess) Ace of R. — Kathryn, wife, b June 9, 18 89. — Louise, dau. b July 19, 1907. '-Legs, AVni, far. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Aug 27, 186 in York- shire, England and came to this country in 1894 and moved to R in May, 1910. Son of James and Anna (Hutchinson) Legg. Married Oct 4,'85 to Miss Mag- gie, dau Geo and Mary (Ryan) Jackson. Farm set abt 18 40 by Scott Carey. 35a, 3c, 2 mules, 4 hogs. — Maggie, wife, b March 11, 1867. — Tessie, dau, b June 19, 1894, — William, son, b Oct 23, 1896, — George, son, b Dec 13, 1902. — Helen, dau, b Oct 8, 1905. — John, son, b Jan 4, 1911. Lewis, Tlio-s H, miner. Box 43 4 W Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b Jan 2, 1869 in S Wales and came to this country in Oct, 1894, and to R Nov 1, 19 07. Farm set and house built by Wm Lloyd about 1880. Pur by Wm T Jones, the present owner, about 1904. 45a, 5c, 2h, 1 hog, 1 sheep — Mary Jane, wife, b Oct 12, 1870. — Margaret E, dau, b Dec 26, '90. — John T, son, b March 15, 1895. — Hannah M, dau, b June 7, 1897. — Henry E, son, b Jan 1, 1900. — Elizabeth, dau, b June 11, 1902. — Ethel J, dau, b April 25, 1905. — Thomas D, son, b Feb 15, 1908. — Emlyn, son, b Aug 25, 1910. *Long, Joseph, lab in brewery, ad- dress in care of E Robinson's Brewery, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b June 22, 1879 in Germany and came to this country with his parents when three years of age. Farm set and house built in 18 88 by John Moor. Pur by present owner Nov 7, '10. Mar Miss Anna M Klaile, who was b in Germany and came to this country in 1890. 2 0a, Ic, Ih, 2 hogs. — Anna M, wife, b Oct 4, 1881. — Frank J, son, b July 2, 19 03. — Irene M, dau, b April 21, 1905. M ••■Maas, Jolm P, tr far. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Mar 25, '68 in the house where he now resides, where he has always lived. Farm set about 1846 by Conrad Maas; house built about 185 by John Maas, Sr. 12 0a, 3c, 2h, 3 hogs. — Elizabeth, wife, b Mar 25, 1870. — David, son, b June 7, 1893, — Lucy, dau, b Aug 3, 1909. — Truman B, son, b Oct 2, 1910. *Maas, AVesIey, far. Ransom, R2, R Val Sc ; b Dec 21, 1884 on the farm now owned by Chas Rich- ter. Farm set by John Thurber, DIRECTORY OF RANSOM TOAVNSHIP 243 who built the stone house. The farm was later pur by Oscar En- glebrick. About 1891 it was sold to Rudolph Troub, and one year later pur by Mrs. Wenzel Maas, and in Fel3, 1911 it was sold to Wesley Maas, son o( Wenzel and Mary (Swai'tz) Maas. Wesley Maas was mar Dec 2 4, 19 08 to Miss Susie, dau of John and Ellen (Miller) Blackwell. 50a, 2c, 2h, 2 hogs. — Susie, wife, b Oct 17, 1886. — Albert W, son, b Jan 14, 1910. Note — Mr. Maas sold farm Dec S, 1911 to Wm Toczko, of Pittston. *Ma.jor, Thos P, engineer at the Lehigh Val Coal Storage Plant at R, R Sc; b Nov 18, 1871 in . Hull-upon-Humber, England, and came to this country when four years of age and to R in 1901. Son of Thomas P, Sr, of Pittston. Mar Oct 2 4, 1893 to Miss Susan, dau of Wm and Ann Polly of Pittston, House built about 1S79 by Theo Hatten. 2a. — Susan (Polly), b Mar 5, 1875. *Mayei', Mrs Mary, far, 914 Keyser ave, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b May 7, 18 59 in Germany and came to this country in 188 2. and to R in 1889. Her husband, Chas Mayer, pur land from Ellis Freeman & Snyder in the spring of 1889, and erected house in May, which was enlarged by Mrs. Mayer in 1909. 2 0a, 2c, Ih, 3 hogs. — Victor, son, b May 19, 1880. — Josephine, dau, b Feb 23, 1888. — August, son, b Dec 4, 1890. — Robert, son, b Nov 5, 1892. — Pauline, dau. b Jan 23, 1895. — Grace, dau, b Sept IS, 1896. — Joseph, son, b Nov 29, 1898. — Otto, son, b Jan 6, 1900. SIcCabe, James, sec foreman for L V R R Co at R, Ransom, R Sc; b June 3, 1860 in Ireland, and came to this country in Wy- oming CO in June, 1867 and to R in Mar, 1908. House belongs to Martin Myers of Barbertown, and was built about 187 by Rev S I Sharters. — Anna (Burk), b June 7, 1870. — Harry, son, b Mar 2 5, 19 02. — Ellen, dau, b Feb 18, 1904. — Francis, son, b Oct 6, 1905. — John, son, b Feb 23, 1906. — Katherine, dau, b May 21, 1909. — Charles, son, b Oct 20, 1910. *Metzg-ar, Peter S, tr far, Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Dec 16, 1847 in Monroe co and came to R in 1892 and pur house and lot from Wade Clark; pur present home May 16, 1911 of Mrs. J Koster and Geo Hartman of Scranton. Farm settled by John Koster about 1870, who built present house about 1879. 50a. Ic, 2h, 4 hogs. — Ada, wife, b April 25, 1864. — William H, son, b Sept 14, 1886. Blackwell, Mrs. Margaret, mother- in-law, b Sept 24, 1832. Michael, Mrs Elizabeth, Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b in Middle Smithfleld twp, Monroe co and came to R in April, 1873. She is a dau of Samuel Michael. She mar David J Michael, who died a few years ago. She is living with her dau, Mrs Edwin S Mil- ler. Miller, Adam B, far lab, Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Sept 21, 188 4 in R twp. Farm first pur by Jacob Drake about 1842 and later was settled by Wm Mosier, who built the present residence about 18 48. Adam B is work- ing for his father, Edwin S. Mil- ler, who pur farm of Mrs, Sus- annah Mosier, May 13, 1902. This farm contains 100 acres. — Edna G (Huthmaker), b July 2, 1886. — Edwin S, son, b Nov 5, 1907. — Norman E, son, b Aug 29, 1910. -'Miller, Edwin S, tr and da far, Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Sept 8, 1861 in Jackson twp, Monroe CO, and came to Ransom in Apr. 1872, and to present home April 1, 1894. Pur farm of David Z Michaels. Farm set about 1840 by Fritz Michael, who built first house, which was burned Sept 29, 1882, and was rebuilt the next year by David Z Michael. Mr. Miller remodel- ed and enlarged house in 1907. Mar Miss Sarah M, dau of David and Elizabeth Michaels, 16 5a, 40c, 9h, — Sarah M, wife, b Dec 1, 1865, Michael, Mrs. Elizabeth, mother- in-law. *Miller, Irwin, farmer. Ransom, R Sc; b May 9, 18 33 in Tunk- hannock and came to R March 25, 1911. He owned and lived on a large farm in Exeter twp, for over forty years, until he moved to R, Son of George and Polly (Jenkins) Miller, Mar- ried Jan 28. 18 62 to Miss Falla Shari)s, dau of Peter and Eliza- beth (Breese) Sharps of Exeter. Four children, two sons and two daughters. — Falla, wife, b Aug 22, 1840. — George S, son, b Jan 5, 1870. *Mosier, Mrs Susannah, Ransom. R2, Mt Val Sc; b July 6, 1849 in Jackson twp, Monroe co, and came to R in 1870. Dau of Peter and Sarah (Bieshline) Mil- ler. Married Nov 12 ,'71 to Wm Mosier, who was b Feb 18,1822 in Smithiield twp, Monroe co, and died Aug 11, 18 93. Farm first owned about 1842 by Jacob Drake and was pur about 1847 by Mr Mosier, who built the present house in 188 4. The farm contained 104a until 1902, when Edwin S Miller ijurchased 100 acres, 4a. -Moss, Henry, farmer, 912 Keyser ave, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b Oct 25, 1848 in Cheshire, Eng, and came to this country June 25, 1872, and pur present home in Nov, 19 04 of John Jones. who built house abt 1899. Married July 1, 1896 to Miss Rushia.dau of Milton and Angeline (Bart- low) Swingle of Wayne co. 2 5a, Ih, 3 hogs, 11 pigs. — Rushia, wife, b Aug 9, 1869. ■■■■Munson, John, tr far, Ransom, Rl, Mil Sc; b Dec 9, 1833 in Sweden, and came to this coun- try about 187 and to R in 186 6 and three years later mov- ed to Newton twp on Kern farm, where Peter Corselius now lives, and in June, 1905, returned to R. His son, Peter B, pur the farm where he now lives of Andrew Hopkins. Son of Mun Munson. In Aug, 1911, Peter B Munson erected a cider mill on the place and installed the press and mill owned and operated for several years by Ellas Smith of Newton twp. 100a, 2c, 4h. 2 hogs. — Pernilla (Nelson), b May 2, '43. — Peter B, son, b Feb 23, 1870. — John A, son, b June 9, 1879. — Archie, son, b Jan 17, 188 5. ■■Munson, Jos B, tr far, Ransom, Rl, Mil Sc; b Dec 6, 1881 in W Pittston and came to R with his parents in 188 6. Son of John and Pernilla (Nelson) Munson, of Mil. Farm set about 1840 by Alex Beemer, and in 18 58 it was pur by Philip Barrier. Mr Munson moved to his present home Nov 17, 19 05, which he pur from the Lewis McClusky est. 79a, 6c, 2h, 2 hogs. — Blanche M, wfe, b July 19, '83. — Kathryn C, dau, b July 21, '07. — Helen J, dau, b June 17, 1909. — Mildred, dau, b May 23, 1912. NOTE — Mr Munson sold this farm Nov 8, 1911 to John Stevenson of Pittston. *SIusseIman, Chas, car repairer, Ransom, R Sc; b Dec 13, 1857 in Hamilton, Monroe co, and came to R about 1880. House built in 1889 by present owner. — Matilda, wife, b Sept 7, 1862. — Victor D, son, b Aug 16, 1897. N Newman, Mrs Mary L, Ransom, Rl, lives with her son-in-law, Jeptha C Richards; b in Decker- town, N J, April 19, 183 4 and came to Wyoming co,when three years old and to Newton twp in 1859. Married Mar 2, 1859 to Chas H Newman, who died Mar 20, 1897. *Neyhart, Miss Amanda, Ransom, R Sc; dau of David and Sarah Neyhart; house built by David Neyhart about 18 68. — Miss Susan, sister. ■'Nicholas, Harry,miner, 1 1 2 S Key- ser ave, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b May 7, 1870 in Wales and came to this country in Jan, 1888 and pur present home in Feb, 1903 from Thos Howells, who built 244 DIREOTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP house about 18 97. Mr Nicholas was mar Aug 17, 1890 to Miss Catherine Roberts of Wales. Son of Ira and Eliza (Davis) Nicholas. 3 % acres. — Catherine, wife, b April 8, 1874. — Edward, son, b Dec 14, 1893. — Margaret, dau. b Sept 18, 1893. — Ira, son, b April 18, 1896. — Albert, son, b July 24, 1S9S. O *Ott, Margaret, Ransom, R2, R Val Sc; b Jan 8, 1844 on the farm where now living. Dau of Andrew and Anna (Harold) Ott, who set farm and built log- house In 18 42, which is the only log-house in the twp occupied by a family. Andrew Ott was b in Germany in 180 2 and died Sept 19, 1853. 100a, Ic, 2h. P Park, Mrs Ellen T), h keeper. Ran- som, R2, Mil Sc; b in Bradford CO Dec 4, 1837 and came to R April 1, 1906. Married John B Park who died Mar 7, 1903. Dau of Andrew J Hunt. Mrs Park is living with Martin Sick- ler. * Parker, Edward P, miner, 303 Quay ave, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b Oct 10, 1861 in Hastings, Eng, and came to this country in 'SO. Moved to present home Oct 15, 1894. Pur land of Mrs Andrew Wltzal, and built house in 1894. Mr Parker is a son of Philip and Sarah (Cook) Parker of Eng. Married Aug 29, 1887 to Miss Alice Mills. l%a, 1 horse. — Alice, wife, b May 20, 1863. — Fred, son, b Jan 5, 1894. — Prank, son, b May 20, 1899. *Petty, Milton W, tr far and fruit grower. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b June 2 9, 18 59 on the farm where living. First house built about 1840 by -Barney Dershei- nier. During the summer of 1908 Mr Petty tore down most of old house and built the pres- ent home, containing ten large rooms. 90a, 2c, 3h, 2 hogs. — Mary A (Lacoe), b Aug 18, '60. — Mildred , dau, b Mar 5, 1893. —Sybil R, dau, b July 21, 1897. — George E. son, b June 27, 1899. Petty, Oswald W, merchant in Mil- waukle. Ransom. R2, Mil Sc; b Feb 7, 1883 in Mil. House own- ed by Wm Klipple,and was built by Jacob Courtright in 1907. 3h. — Mary B, wife, b Jan. 26, 1881. — Charles M, son, b Mar 8, 1909. — Baby, dau, b Dec 10, 1911. Petty, William C, tr far. Ransom, r'2. Mil Sc; b Nov 5, 1884 in Mil. Living with George W Ra- der, and working farm in part- nership. — Elizabeth (Rader),b Aug 16,'8 6. — Ruth, dau. Sept 12, 1909. — William M, son, b June 29, '11. *PoweIl. Tjewis E, tr far. Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b May 22, 1867 in Oxford, N J, and came to R April 5, 1898 from Scranton, where he worked in the mines for 2 4 years. Farm set about 18 42 by George M Trivley, be- ing part of the farm now owned by Alvy Krouse until 1876, when Mr Krouse purchased 4 0a for .$3,700. The first house was built on the part now owned by Mr Powell abt 1860 by Edward B Trivley, size about 16x22 ft. About 1866 it was enlarged to 2 6x54 feet for a hotel, which was kept by Mr Trivley until abt 1870; he moved to Wilkes- Barre. The post office at Mt Val was established in this bldg Aug 7, '68; discontinued June 25, '94. This building was consumed by fire June 5, 1898. The present home was built by Mr Powell, and first occupied Nov 1, 1898. Mathias Trivley owned the farm from 1870 to 1897, when it was pur by Mr Powell for $2,500. 75a, 3c, 4h, '2 hogs. — Gertrude, wife, b Feb 9, 1869. — Eugene C, son, b Dec 30, 1889. — Myrtle J, dau, b July 4, 1897. Pulver, Andrus P, lab, W Scran- ton, Mt Dew Sc; b June, 1862. Came to R Oct 28, 1908. House built in 1877 by Andrew Wltzal. This farm is part of the tract set in 1832 by Mr Woolsey, and is now owned by Geo Kellou of Green Ridge. 28a, Ih, Ic, 2 hogs, 7 pigs. — Mary, wife, b June 17, 18 58. R *Radev, Geo W, tr far, Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b in R on German Hill Oct 26, 1859. House built about 1860 by Ed Clark. 60a, 3c 2h 2 lioR's. — Catherine (Zeiss), b Mar 7, '60. — Catherine, dau, b Aug 29, 1887. — Marion R, dau, b May 20, 1896. — Rosanna, sister, b Nov 12, 1856. *Raife, Levi, gen far. Ransom, Rl, R Val Sc; b Jan 30, 1846 on the farm where now lives. Son of Conrad and Margaret (Rader) Married Dec 29, 1872 to Miss Caroline, dau of Daniel and Ju- lia (Willis) Honeywell. House built 1890 by pres owner. 60a. 4c, 2h. — Lydia, Caroline, w, b June 15, 1849. Ransom Home (Pittston Poor Farm), Ransom, R2, R Val Sc; — Geo H Rlfenbary, supt. — Mrs Geo H Rlfenbary, matron. — Frank Avery, foreman. — Mrs Frank Avery, asst matron. Reed, Willis L, far. Ransom R2, Mil Sc; b Jan IS, 1863 in Mil. Living in part of his father's house and working the farm. Son of N G Reed. Married Feb 2 0, 189 5 to Miss Minnie E, dau of Zlba and Bethana(Hallstead) Ross of Lenoxville. 3c, 3h, 5 hogs. — Minnie E, wife, b Sept 17, 1868. — Mildred A, dau, b Nov 19, 1896. — Ralph L, son, b Feb 22, 1906. *Reed, Nicholas G, far. Ransom, R2,Mil Sc; b Dec 15, '27 in what is now Glenburn, and came to Mil in May, 1852. Son of Benj W. Married Jan 27, 1857 to Miss Sarah Ann, dau of Peter and Sarah (Naugle) Petty. Three living children: Frank, Willis L and Mrs. Mary E Hop- kins. Roscoe died when two years old. Mr Reed was appoint- ed the first postmaster at Mil. July 16, 1855. He was Justice- of.the-peace in R for 4 years. House built in spring of 1883 by Mr Reed. 70a. — Sarah Ann ( Petty ),b Dec 2 9,'39. '•'Regan, Mrs Mary, Ransom, R Sc; b in Ireland and came to this country about 185 5. Dau of Cornelius Hartnett. Married Daniel Regan who died July 25, 1900. House built in 1870 by Daniel Regan. Seven children living. 2a. — Kate, dau, b in Ransom. Richards, H AVells, gen far. Ran- som, Rl, R Val Sc; b Mar 22, 1881 in the house where now living. Mr Richards is a son of Jesse P and Margaret (Mar- shall) Richards of Pittston, and a grandson of Peter Richards. Mr Richards was mar Oct 18, 19 05 to Miss Harriet E, dau of Theron and Miranda (Miller) Brown of Falls twp. Farm set by Peleg Comstock about 1770, when it was part of the farm now owned by Amos C Learn. It was later owned by John H Cunningham. In June, 1869 it was sold to P K Richards. A few years later it was purchased by Jesse P Richards, the present owner. House built by Jesse P Richards in 1880 and remodel- ed about 1900. 100a, Ic, 2h, 2 mules, 4 6 sheep. — Harriet E, wife. •■•Richards, Jeptha C, gen far. Ran- som, Rl, R Sc; b in R Mar 30, 1861. Farm set in 1853 by Wm L Ives, who bought the farm for the taxes, the whole tract con- taining 28 acres. About ten years later Mr Ives sold, and after being sold two or three times, it was pur in 18 67 by Abram Polhamus, who cleared and sowed 8 acres to wheat the first year. He built the house in 18 68, and in the fall of the same year sold to Horace Lifts, who built the barn. About 1871,Jas Wilbur pur the farm, and about seventeen years later sold to John Maas, who sold it to the present owner in March, 1894. 125a, 4c, 4h, 3 hogs. — Russell C, son, b Jan 25, 1S91. — James L, son, b Aug 10, 1892. — William N, son, b Aug 28, 1902. Newman, Mrs Mary L, mother-in- law, b April 19, 1834. DIRECTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP 245 *Ivit'Iiar(ls, Osti'aiicler, far and frt grower, Ransom, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Mar 20, 1S36 in Newton twp, on the farm where B F Reed Is living; came to R in 187S. Pur- chased farm of Dennis Micliaels, April 2 9, 18 78. The farm is part of the tract settled about 1840 by Joseph Krouse, but now owned by Hor Court- right. The 2.5 acres owned by Mr Richards was sold to Dennis Michaels April 6, 1876, it being pur from .Jacob Bedell. House built in 1876 by Dennis Mich- aels. Farm is now worked by Mr. Richards' son, Leslie F. 2 5a, 2c, 3h, 3 hogs. — Amelia M, wife, b Dec 15, 1843. — Leslie F, son b Aug 22, 1881. *Bichter, Clias F, tr far. Ransom, R2, R Val Sc; b Nov 17, 1878 in Germany; came to this country with his parents when about one year old. Came to R in Apr, 1 909 Purchased farm March 1, 1911 from Wentzel Maas estate. Farm settled in 18 41 by John Baumgardner and purchased in 1846 by Conrad Maas. 129a. 4c, 2h, 3 hogs. — Lizzie, wife, b Mar 10, 1877. — William C, son, b May 1, 189 8. — Sophie M, dau, b Sept 16, 1901. — Carl F, son, b May 31, 1904. — Leroy, son, b July 17, 1906. — Bertha H, dau, b June 27, 1911. Ricketts, Win AV, clerk at the Coal Storage Plant, Ransom, R Sc. Rifeiibary, Geo H, supt of the Ran- som Home, Ransom, R2, R Val Sc; b in Sussex co, N J; came to R April 1, 1897. — Eva (Bunnell), b in Meshoppen. Rizzo, John, fireman, Pittston, R Val Sc; b in Italy. — Mary, wife. Robinson, George M, far lab. Ran- som, R Val Sc; b Sept 25, 1862 in Bradford co and came to R April ], 1911 and working for Louis Seibel of Pittston, the owner of the farm. Son of Eli- kam and Mary (Wandall) Rob- inson. Married July 4, 1883 to Miss Sarah, dau of John and Rhoda (Morey) Northrup of Me- hoopany. Three child'n. House built in 1868 by Sebastian Der- sheimer. 120a, 5c, 2h, 4 pigs. — Sarah M, wife, b July 19, 1863. — Pearl M, dau, b Mar 15, 1890. *Roeszlcr, John, gen far. Ransom, R2, R Val Sc; b Feb 24, 1844 in R twp on the farm now own- ed by Victor S Krynisky. In April, the same year, his parents set on the farm where he is now living, when a log-house was built by his father, Chas Roesz- ler. About 1863 Chas Roeszler built the house where his son, John, is now living. Abt 1873 John Roeszler built another house on the farm near tlie road. He was married Jan 6, 18 67 to Miss Margaret Lore, who died April 1, 1905. 60a, Ic, 2h. — Andrew, son, b Jan 31, 1878. — John, son, b Nov 4, 1881, Rosenkrans, Emerson, lumberman. Ransom, R2, R Val Sc; b March 9, 1875 in Newton twp; came to R about 1900. Son of Laten Rosenkrans. Married Nov 7, 1894 to Miss Dora, dau of John and Margaret (Lore) Roesler. Living with John Roesler. — Dora, wife, b April 26, 1872. — Margaret M, dau, b Aug 6, 1895 — Tresia, dau, b .June 18, 1897. — Mamie, dau, b Nov 11, 1899. — Elmer, son, b April 13, 19 04. — Laten, son, b Aug 15, 1906. — Emerson, son, b Mar 31, 1908. — Lester, son, b Nov 7, 19 09. — E valine Dorthie, dau, b May 3. 1912. •■'Rosenkrans, Johnson, far. Ran- som, R2, Mil Sc; b in Newton twp Mar 2 2, 1855; came to R in 1890. House built by Andrew Williams about 185 0. Farm set by James Williams. 5Sa, 4c, 2h. — Emma (Taylor), b Feb 13,1866. — Harriet, dau, b July 15, 1889. — Martha, dau, b July 15, 1889. — Agar, son, b Apr 2 4, 1895. ^Norvison, son, b Dec 1, 1897. — Corinne, dau, b Mar 5, 190 4. Sanies, Charley, far and milk deal- er. Ransom, R2, R Val Sc; b Feb 14, 1876 at 1005 Cedar ave, Scranton ; came to R on the farm where now living Mar 29, '1 0. Farm owned by his mother, Mrs Frances Sanies, 414 Maple st, Scranton. Farm settled and house built abt 1844 by Philip Shallenberger, and about 1881 it was pur by Andrew Landsie- del, and Dec 6, 1909 it was pur by Mrs Frances Sames. Mr Sames and his three brothers own the Maple Dairy in Scran- ton. 44a, Ic, 2h, 6 hogs. — Catherine A, wife, b Mar 9, '77. — Carl H, son, b Aug 31, 19 06. — Alfred A, son, b Aug 19, 1909. — Robert G, son, b May 21, 1911. *Schener Brothers Farm, Mt Dew Sc. Farm pur in 1890 from Ellis & Co for $1,700, by Geo, John, Jr, Henry, Philip and Peter Scheuer. They built the house the following year. The whole farm was then a wilder- ness. In 1905 they built "Sha- dy Side" cottage and a year lat- er "Sunny Side.'' The barn was erected about 1892. The farm is the summer home of the Scheuer Bros, who are the own- ers of the Pennsylvania Baking Co, located at 341-347 Brook st, Scranton and proprietors of Scheuer's Bread Bakery, corner Hemlock st and Pittston ave, Scranton. 6 8a, 2c, 4h. * Schmidt, Mrs EHzabeth, Luzerne st, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b Dec 2 9, 187 in Pittston; came to R in 1897. Dau of Peter and Net- tie (Conrad) Coon. Married Sept 20, 1891 to Ferdinand, son of John Schmidt. Mrs Schmidt's husband and two little girls, aged 7 and 12 years, were burn- ed with the house and contents. Sept 9, 1906. Her oldest son died June 10, 1908. The first house was built in 1897 by Mr Schmidt, and the present house in 1906 by Mrs Schmidt. 4a. — Anna M, dau, b July 20, 1895. — Stephen F, son, b Oct 4, 1897. — Walter G, son, b Dec 9, 1902. — Julius H, son, b Jan 22, 1906. ■-Sclimidt, Stephen, surveyor, 914 Keyser ave, Scranton; b Dec 25, 18 60 in Austria; came to this country into Taylor in October, 1882, and to his present home Sept 12, 1889. First part of house built in 188 6 by Fred- erick Biere, and enlarged by present owner in 189 4, and porch added in 19 05. When Mr Schmidt moved here in 1889 there was a log road to his home, and it was necessary to cut trees to make this road wid- er for the wagon. Mr Schmidt pur nearly 2 acres, but in '9 3, sold 10 acres to John Bartosch, being the place now owned by Charles Wroblisky. 10a, 2c, Ih, 5 hogs. — Julia, wife, b May 17, 1867. — Frank C, son brick layer, b Sep 30, 1888. — August F. son, carpenter, b Aug 28, 1890. — Ernestine M, dau, garment w'kr, b April 9, 1892. — Paupline E, dau, garment w'kr, b May 28, 1894. — Mary L, dau, garment w'kr, b Mar 26, 1896. — Julia J, dau, b May 2, 1898. — William S, son, b Feb 12, 1906. — Arthur A, son, b Aug 28, 19 09. *Schultheis, Anthony, tr far. Ran. som, R2, Mil Sc; b Nov 22, 1853 in Pittston; came to R with his parents in 1873. Farm settled and house built about 18 45 by Peter Hufford. 145a, 4c, 4h, 2 hogs. — Elizabeth, dau, b Jan 12, 1887. — Frank, son, b Jan 6, 1889. — Catherine, dau, b July 11, 1891. — Charles A, son, b Aug 21, 1894. — Dorothy, mother, b Dec 16, '2 2. Serene, Umberto, sec lab. Ransom. R Sc; b in Italy and came to this country about 1910. — Maria, wife. — Jim, son. — Arbine. dau. *Setzer, Mrs Dorinda, Ransom, R Sc; b Mar 4, 1835 near Clarks Green; came to R about 18 69; dau of James and Olive (Hall) Ross. Mrs Setzer's first husband was Isaac Reed, who died sev- eral years ago. Her second hus- band was Ezra Setzer who died Dec 16, 19 07. House built abt 1870 by the present owner. 3a. ■'Sharps, Freeman B, Ransom, R Sc; b July 15, 1844 in W Pitts- ton; came to R the last time in 1906. Son of Peter and Eliza- beth (Breese) Sharps. Married in Oct, 189 4 to Mrs Mary Ste- |)henson, dau of Wm Martin. House built about 1870 by John 240, \)\\{]<:C'Ton.Y OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP Oyster. 2 1/2 a, Ih, 2 pigs. — Mary, wife, b October, 1851. •■■Sicklei-, Martin, miller, Ransom. R2, Mil Sc; b in Falls twp. Mar 2 0, 1841; came to R April 1, 189 7, and was married Sept 21, 1863 to Miss Savannah Place of Falls twp, who died Feb 14, '03. Son of John. 10a, Ic, 2h. — Theresa, dau, b April 13, 1868. *Siiigei', Bei't W, tr far. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b in Newton, .Tan 31, 1874; came to R in Dec, 1897. House built in 19 08 by present owner. 3 0a, 2c, Ih. — Mamie E (Stine), b Nov 18, '7 7. — Mary .J, dau, b Oct 24, 1901. — Charles S, son, b Oct 25, 1904. Smith, AValtcr E, pastor of the United Evangelical Church, Ran- som, R Sc; b ,Tuly 4, 188 2 in Hagerstown, Md; came to R In Mar, 1911. Son of Joseph and Margaret (Walls) Smith. Mar- ried Dec 3, 19 08 to Miss Stella, dau of John and Mary (Asper) Delp of Goodyear, Pa. Parson- age built about 1900, during the pastorate of Rev F F Mayer. — Stella, wife, b Aug 12, 1882. — Mildred E. dau, b April 16, '10. *Sniitli, Sirs Catherine, farmeress. Ransom, R2, R Val Sc; b Feb 19, 18 45 in Newton and came to R in March, 18 66. House built about 1884 by Noah Smith. 75a. 3c, 3h, 3 hogs. — Peter A, son, b July 4, 1878. — Jacob J, son, b Dec 7, 18S5. Stark, Isaac, sta engine fireman, Ransom, R Sc; b in Newton Aug 28, 1863; came to R in Mai'ch, 1900; son of Daniel and Noyma (Hoover) Stark. Married April 13, 1886 to Miss Anna E, dau of Gailen and Mary (Berew) Haupt. House owned by M Bo- lin of Pittston, which was built by Richard Gardner, and where he died. This house was used for several years by the Evan- gelical Church society for ser- vices. — Anna E. wife, b May 24, 1870. — Clarence E, son, b Nov 18, 1895. — Alfred G, son, b Nov 23, 1900. — Blanche E, dau, b Dec 10, 1904. — Russell E, son, b July 11, 1910. •■'Stephens, John, miner, P O ad- dress, Scranton, Pa, care Conti- nental mine Office, Mt Dew Sc; b March 19, 185S in Cornwall, Eng; came to Canada in 1876 and to this country three years later, and to R Oct 26, 1911. Land pur from Richard Strauch in 1909, and house built 1911 by present owner. Son of Rich- ard and Mary (Penny) Stephens. Married April 2 3. 1881 to Miss Rachel, dau of John and Mary (Evans) Reynolds of Drifton, Luzerne co. Nine children liv- ing: John, b July 11, 1884 and mar Miss Margaret Reed. 10a. — Rachel, wife, b July 26, 18 62. — Mary, dau, b Dec 19, 1881. — Benjamin H, son, b Jan 2, 1889. Raymond, son b July 5, 1891. — William, son, b Sept 4, 1893. — Anna, dau, b Dec 18, 1895. — Reynold, son, b Apr 18, 1898. — Earl, son, b Sept 5, 1900. — Norvin, son, b May 25, 1906. Stewart, Hiley W, teamster, 2767 Frink st, Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b April 2 5, 1883 in Hyde Park; came to R in Oct, 19 07. House owned by Mrs Stewart's mother, Mrs Wm Bowen, and built by Mrs Henry Carter about 1900. Purchased by present owner in Aug, 1906 for |600. 1 1/2 acres. — Martha G, wife, b Oct 28, 188 4. — Willard L, son, b Jan 9, 1909. — Letitia. dau, b Mar 22, 1912. ■'Stnie, Cha,s, tr far. Ransom R2, Mil Sc; b in house where now living Sept 17, 1880. House built in 1863 by Frederick Stine. grandfather of present owner. This place and the one where Tobias Stine lives were set before 1820 by Wm Brink, who sold to Abraham Stine, then to his son Frederick, then to his son Abraham, Jr, then to his son, the present owner. 5 3a 2c, 2h. — Augusta ( Schultheis) , b Aug 19, 188'"* — Mamie, dau, b Feb 29, 19 03. — Rosa, dau. b Mar 7, 1910. *Stine, Tobias, truck far, Ransom, R2. Mil Sc; b on the farm where C W Blackwell now lives, Oct 30, 1838. Son of Frederick. House built in 1868 by iiresent owner. Part of farm set by Wm Brink sometime before 1820. 50a, 2c, 2h. — Harriet (Carey), b Mar 16, '4 0. -Stoft, Mrs Adiliah, Ransom, Rl, R Sc; b in Germany Jan 3. '4 4; came to this country June 6, '68 and to R April 1, 1SS4. Widow of Philip Stoft. Sr.who died Nov 6, 1899. 105 acres; worked by her son, Philip. House built abt 186 3 by John Smith. Stoft, Philip, tar. Ransom, Rl, R Sc; b in Pittston Feb 27, 1878; came to R with his parents in April, 1884. Son of Philip, Sr. Married Mar 8, 1905 to Miss El- sie, dau of Theodore Ace of R. Living on his mother's farm. 10 5a, 3c, 2h, 10 sheep, 3 hogs. — Elsie (Ace), b Dec 15, 1872. Stout, Albert, lab. Ransom, R Sc; b in R Jan 21, 1875. Son of John. Living with his brother- in-law, Louis Engleman. — Wesley R, air brake inspector, b Sept 1, 1877. Son of John. Living with Louis Engleman. T -Taft, Wni J, car inspector for L V R R Co at the Coxton yard. Ransom, R Sc ; b in S Gibson. Pa, June 20, 1876; came to R in 1898. 5a, Ic, Ih, 2 hogs. — Sarah R (Stout), b Aug 28, .'80 — Martha M, dau, b Oct 13, 1901. — Mildred M, dau, b June 30,1903. — Freddie, son, b Nov 14, 19 05. — William R, son, b July 7, 1908. *Taylor, James, far. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b in Eng Oct 1, 1840; came to tliis country in 1S6S. Mar Miss Martha, dau of Daniel and Harriet (Jenkins) French, Farm set by James Williams, be- ing part of farm now owned by Johnson Rosenkrans. House built in 1909 by Geo Richard- son and Frank Sweet. James Taylor purchased farm in Feb, 1910. 71a, 2c, 2h, 3 hogs. — Martha, wife, b Sept 3, 1843. — William, son, b Sept 19, 1870. — Richard, son, b July 2 6, 1875. Thompson, Frank 0, electrician. Ransom, R2, R Val Sc; b Sept 3, 1872 in Newton. Mr Thomp- son owns a small farm in New- ton twp, but since Mar 27, 1906 he has been employed by the L V Coal Co at their Storage Plant in Ransom. — Minnie W (Smith), b Mar 20, '76 — William E, son, b Mar 22, 1902. — Alta F, dau, b Oct 19, 1909. Turner, Mrs Ijillie, clerk at J P VanOstrand's store. Ransom, R Sc; b in Pittston; came to R abt 1875 with her parents, John B and Mary Ann (Jones) Crowell. Married Nov 13, 189 to George Turner who died July 20, 1900. House built about 1885 by John B Crowell, and is now owned by his estate. — Mary Elizabeth, dau b Nov 19, 1891. — George C, son, b Oct 24, 1893. V Vollcer, Henry, far lab, 912 Keyser ave, Scranton; b Feb 11, 1861 in Germany; came to this coun- try in 1883; moved to R Nov 4, 1910. House owned by Nels Persson, 118 N Grant avenue, Scranton, who pur place from Henry Borgison in Jan, 1911. House built about 1897 by John Auer and remodeled and enlarg- ed in 1911 by present owner. Mr. Volker married Miss Mada- line Messner, Mar 3, 18 87. la. — Madaline, wife, b Oct 9, 1863. — Henry F, son, b .Tan 2, 1893. — Lillian, dau, b Feb 24, 1898. — Clara, dau, b Jan 9, 19 01. A^auderl)urg', Samuel, lab. Ransom. R Sc; b June 18, 1852 in Pitts- ton and came to R about 1SS2. Son of Samuel and Hannah Van- derburg. Married Mar 16, 188 2 to Miss Minerva A, dau of Cor- ridon and Hettie (Rozelle) Barber of Ransom. Three chil- dren dead, namely: Jessie, John and Lizzie, and two living; Me- riam, b June 28, 188, married Bennie Stephens and living near Mehoopany; and Charles, living at home. House owned bv John Crowell est, and was built about 1845. Fred San- way kept a hotel in this build- ing for several years; then he sold to Jacob Bertels. 2 pigs. — Minerva A, wife, b Dec 31,1862. —Charles H, son, b Mar 13, 1890. '•■A'^anOstrand, James P, merchant. Ransom, R Sc; b June 22, 1877 in W Danby, N Y; came to R W 97 ^ DIRECTORY OF RANSOjM TOWNSHIP 247 July 17, 1901. Son of Peter J and Luclnda (Davenport) yan Ostrand. Has conducted the store in R since 1904, being in partnership witli W W Ricl?etts for about four years; since .Jan 2 7, 19 OS has run the business alone. Has been postmaster at R since Mar 7, 19 04. 2 horses. W Wallace, James W, pig and poul raiser, 910 S Keyser ave, Scran- ton, Mt Dew Sc; b Oct, 18.55 in England: came to tliis country Jan 3, 1869; to R Jan 3, 1910. He was married in IS 78 to Miss Jennie Webber, who died Dec 25. 1905. Three sons, namely: William H,Ira W and Herold V. Prop belongs to Thos. Lewis. 4a, Ih, 22 pigs, 12 hogs. ••■Walter, James B, carpenter. Ran- som, R2, Mt Val Sc; b Oct 8, 1857 in Smithfleld twp, Monroe co: came to R Mar 17, 1880. Farm settled by Robert Davis in 18.58, who built part of the house about 18 68, which was enlarged in 1908 by present owner. 19a, Ic, 2h, 5 hogs. — Lydia A (Davis), b June 10, '60. — Earl H, son, b Aug 9, 1893. — Ben.iamin F. son b Aug 31, '95. — Leah A, dau, b July 22, 1897. Walter, Lorey W, far lab. Ransom. R2, Mt Val Sc; b Aug 13, 1865 in Overfield twp, Wyoming co; came to R in July, 1910, work- ing for P H Coon, Son of B E and Sarah (Cannon) Walter. *Wickizer, Aloiizo J, far and team, W Scranton, Mt Dew Sc; b June 3, 1854 near Auburn 4 Corners; came to his present home with his parents in April, 1881. First house built by Wm Canterbury (father of Wm Canterbury, Jr of Mt Dew) about IS 69. Pres- ent home built about 1900 by Mr. Wickizer, who purchased farm in 1880. This farm is lo- cated on tlie old Newton Turn- pike, which was built in 1869 from Scranton to Kern's Cor- ners in Newton twp, where P P Vosburg is living. The road was built by Plum Page, a con- tractor. A toUgate was located at the cor of Jackson st and Crisp ave; Jos. Mehlbaum was gatekeeper. Mr. Wickizer was married Dec 25, 1S8 to Miss Nettie Stewart, dau of Thomas and Abbie (McGowtey) Stewart. SOa, Ic, 2h , 2 mules. — Nettie, wife, b May 1, 1861. — Sadie, dau, b Aug 17, 1SS7. — Harry, son, b June 27, 1889. — John, son, b April 5, 1890. — Lulu, dau. b Sept 8, 1891. — Ruth, dau, b Sept 13, 1896 . — ^Bdith, dau. b April 11, 1901. — Helen, dau, b April 25, 19 02. *Williams, John M, tr far. Ran- som, R2, Mt Val Sc; b in Sussex CO, N J Aug 1, 1842; came to R in 1860; purchased his present home in the spring of '1876 of John Michaels est. Son of Mat- thew and Sarah (Bllot) Wil- liams. Married Mar 9, 1865 to Miss Emaline, dau of Jacob and Elizabeth (Walter) Ace of Mt Valley. Mr and Mrs Williams have three children living: Ida M, b Mar 17, 1869 and married Wm Ames and living in Hyde Park; Cora I, b Aug 5, 1871 and married Wentzel Maas,who died in Dec, 19 09. She is living in Taylor: Elizabeth, b Feb 2 3, '7 4 and married John Richards and living in Ohio. Farm set about 1842 by John Michaels. SOa. 2c, 3h, 4 hogs. — Emeline, wife, b in Monroe co, Oct 30, 1S36. •■■Wilson, John, laborer. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b Oct 14, 1837 in R twp. Son of Charles. Mar- ried Deo 21, 1859 to Miss Mar_ garet Hartzel of Wilkes-Barre, who died in 1S72. Mr Wilson married again in Feb, 1S74 to Miss Emma Khuns of Milwau- kie, who died in Feb. 1875. Mr Wilson has one dau, Florence. She was married Nov 14. 1890 to E W Davis of Milwaukie, whi died May 2 4, 1898. Mrs Davis and dau, Lydia W are living with Mr Wilson. House built in 1879 by Mr Wilson. 11/2 a. Davis, Mrs Florence, dau, b July 26, 1866. — Lydia W, dau, b Nov 21, 1894. *WiI,son, Mrs Catherine A, 914 S Keyser ave, Mt Dew Sc; b Mar 3, 1845 in Newport twp, Lu- zerne co; came to Mil with her parents in 1860. House built in 1890 by lier husband, Jacob Wilson. 6 acres. Winters, Harry B, gen far. Ran- som, R2, Mil Sc: b April 12, 1880 in house where now living. Son of Samuel J. Married June 2 2, 1904 to Miss Nellie, dau of Christian and Dora (Faden- holtz ) Fahs of Newton. Living in part of his father's house — Nellie M, wife, b Dec 12, 1885. — Frank L, son, b May 14, 1905. — Ralph, son, b Jan 5, 1910. ■■AVinters, Samuel J, far. Ransom, Rl, Mil Sc; b Dec 23, 1S43 in Newton twp: came to R in 1870. Son of Bainbrldge. Married July 6, 1867 to Miss Catherine Barrier, dau of Philip and Su- san (Dershiemer) Barrier, H'se built in 18 72 by present owner. Farm worked by his son, Harry B. 126a, 6c, 2h. — Catherine, wife, b Mar 22, 1847. •■■\\'intei-s, Sirs Margaret, Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b May 9, 1S6S in R twp. Dau of David and Mar- tha (Bedell) Hopkins. Married Mar 22, 1900 to Frank Winters, who died Aug 20, 19 00. House built by Ezekiel Bennett about 1850. 100a, Ih. *Witzal, John, mine lab. P O ad- dress. Scranton, Pa, care Conti- nental Mine Office, Mt Dew Sc; b April S, 1855 near Strouds- burg: came to Scranton in 1865 and to R with his parents in May, 1877. Part of house built in 18 32 by a Mr Woolsey, who was the first settler on the east side of R twp, owning 160 acres. Woolsey owned the farm for abt twenty years and sold to Kirby Fellers. About 1880 it was sold at Sheriff's sale to Matthew Dale for $1600. The same year it was divided in three tracts, An- drew Witzal, 40 acres; Adam Rach, 6 acres and Geo Swit- clier, 6 acres. The lot now owned by John Witzal is part of the Adam Rach tract. Adam Shrack sold his 60 acres to Otto and Richard Strauch, Sept 22, 1SS3, and Otto Strauch sold his ])art to his brother, Richard, Feb 14, 1888, and later it was divid- ed in smaller lots, and now own- ed by John Witzal, Thomas Ed- wards, Wm Canterbury, Harry Nicholas, Michael Krauss, Nets Persson, John Stephens. Rich- ard Strauch and others. John Witzal purchased five acres con- taining the house and barn, Nov 8, 1892, and enlarged and re- modeled the house in 1906. 5a, Ic, lb, 2 hogs. —Margaret, wife, b Dec 11, 1851. *AVrol)lisky, Charles, mine laborer, Scranton, care Continental Mine Office, Mt Dew Sc: b in 1852 in Poland and came to this country about 1880. Land purchased in 1893 from Stephen Schmidt, by John Bartosch, who built house same year. Purchased by present owner in April, 19 05. 10a, Ih. — Mary, wife, born in 18 49. Z -Zeiss, William, far, Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b in Wilkes-Barre Jan 18, 1851; came to R with his father, Christopher, in April, 1852, who purchased the farm where Christopher Klipple is now living. 75a, Ic, lb. — Katherine (Freuhan), b Jan 2 2, 1S56. — Elizabeth, dau. b July 29, 1875. — Christopher, son, b May 18, '83. ■•■■Zeiss, Roy W, tr far. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc: b Dec 18, 1880 in Mil, where his father, Wm Zeiss, now lives. House built by Roy Zeiss in 19 07. Working his father's farm in partnership with his brother, Christopher, la, Ic, 2h. — Grace A (Biesecker), b Dec 31, 18 8 3 — Mary L, dau, b May 23, 1904. *Zllk, Henry, tr far. Ransom, R2, Mil Sc; b Oct IS, 1S60 near Cumberland. Md: came to R in 189 4, when he purchased farm from Geo Chamberlain, built house and cleared the land. Mr Zilk was the first settler on the farm. 108a, 2c, 2h, 1 hog. — Sally, wife, b Sept 2 5, 1858. — Alice, dau, b June 24, 1SS7. — John, son, b June 19, 1889. — Elizabeth, dau, b Dec 4, 1893. — Jessie, dau, b Jan 30, 1896. — Harry, son, b Dec 28, 1898. — Helen, dau, b Jan 31, 19 02. DEC 30 1912 i& ^ o » » 'o A^ p*,.l^. .^^•/ \*^'^\/.. "o^^?^-/ V^^> V^^V ^ ^*^fe' - /o'i^-X ^^^^^ii'X /^;^-X y^*^^\ / '**^*^-*\i>'*^ %''^l???^*,g,o^ "^*.**'^rr^*\**'' «^ •.-.•- «P' ^ ''^i^*\ ^^^i^^'^'^ /^'^t***^ ^^^.^^*' °^ Z^^'^^***^ ^° l^^^^J" ^'^o^^-'j^^ '^'\^^^^J' ^V^^V^ \/*'^^V^^ % ^""-"t. '• ««- 4?%. ".^ .^o* ••€^-\ ,'°.t:5^-.% /--^-X .'''.•}^-> y.-^'% '' ^9^ "w^ .s^"-. ! '.^1'