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F 148 By University Library

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Overs
BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

THIS VOLUME CONTAINS

Biographical Sketches

OF

LEADING CITIZENS

OF THE

Seventeenth Congressional District

PENNSYLVANIA,

‘“‘Biography .is the only true history.’’—Emerson.

BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY,
BUFFALO, N.Y.
CHICAGO, ILL.
1899.
PREFACE.

AVING brought to a successful termination our labors in the Seventeenth Con-

 

[i gressional District in compiling and editing the sketches herein contained,

we desire, in presenting this Book of Biographies to our patrons, to make

a few remarks, necessarily brief, in regard to the value and importance of
local works of this nature. We agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson that ‘Biography
is the only true history,” and also are of the opinion that a collection of the biogra-
phies of the leading men of a nation would give a more interesting, as well as authen-
tic, history of their country than any other that could be written. The
value of such a production as this cannot be too highly estimated. With each
succeeding year the haze of Obscurity removes more and more from our view the fast
disappearing landmarks of the past; Oblivion sprinkles her dust of foregetfulness on
men and their deeds, effectually concealing them from the public eye; and because of
the many living objects which claim our attention, few of those who have been
removed from the busy world linger long in our memory. Even the glorious achieve-
ments of the present age may not insure it from being lost in the glare of greater
things to come, and so it is manifestly a duty to posterity for the men at the
present time to preserve a record of their lives and a story of their progress from
low and humble beginnings to great and noble deeds, in order that future genera-
tions may read the account of their successful struggles, and profit by their ex-
ample. A _ local history affords the best means of preserving ancestral history, and
it also becomes, immediately upon its publication, a ready book of reference for
those who have occasion to seek biographical data of the leading and early settled
families. Names, dates and events are not easily remembered by the average
man, so it behooves the generations now living, who wish to live in the memory
of their descendants, to write their own records, making them full and broad in
scope, and minute in detail, and insure their preservation by having them put in
printed form. We firmly believe that in these collated personal memoirs will be

found as true and as faithful a record of the Seventeenth Congressional District
iv PREFACE

ee

 

 

as may be obtained anywhere, for the very sufficient reason that its growth and
development are identified with that of the men who have made it what it is to-day

—the representative leading men, whose personal sketches it has been a pleasure

to us to write and give a place in this volume. From the time when the hand of
civilized man had not yet violated the virgin soil with desecrating plow, nor with
the ever-ready frontiersman’s ax felled the noble, almost limitless, forests, to the
present period of activity in all branches of industry, we may read in the histories
of the district’s leading men, and of their ancestors, the steady growth and develop-
ment which has been going on here for a century and a half, and bids fair to continue
for centuries to come. A hundred years from now, whatever records of the
present time are then extant, having withstood the ravages of time and the cease-
less war of the elements, will be viewed with an absorbing interest, equaling, if

not surpassing, that which is taken to-day in the history of the early settlements

-

of America.

It has been our purpose in the preparation of this work to pass over no
phase or portion of it slightingly, but to give attention to the smallest points,
and thus invest it with an air of accuracy, to be obtained in no other way. The
result has amply justified the care that has been taken, for it is our honest belief
that no more reliable production, under the circumstances, could have been com-
piled. ;
One feature of this work, to which we have given special prominence, and
which we are sure el prove of extraordinary interest, is the collection of
portraits of the representative and leading citizens which appear throughout the
volume. We have tried to represent the different spheres of industrial and _ pro-
fessional activity as well as we might. To those who have been so uniformly
obliging and have kindly interested themselves in the success of this work, volun-
teering information and data which have been very helpful to us in preparing
this Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District, we desire to express
our grateful and profound acknowledgment of their valued services.

CuicaGo, ILL., May, 1899. THE PUBLISHERS
N O T E-—_——

ALL the biographical sketches published in this volume were sub-
mitted to their respective subjects, or to the subscribers from whom
the facts were primarily obtained, for their approval or correction
before going to press; and a reasonable time was allowed in each
case for the return of the type-written copies. Most of them were
returned to us within the time alloted, or before the work was printed,
after being corrected or revised; and these may therefore be regarded
as reasonably accurate.

A few, however, were not returned to us; and, as we have no
means of knowing whether they contained errors or not, we cannot
vouch for their accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to render this
work more valuable for reference purposes, we have indicated these
uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*), placed immediately after
the name of the subject. They will all be found on the last pages of

the book.
BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING CO.
 

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES

SEVENTEENTH
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT,
PENNSYLVANIA.
 

 

KNAPP.

ICK

>

HRISTIAN FREDE

c
Book of Biographies

 

Seventeenth Congressional District.

—__~+-« > ___

HRISTIAN FREDERICK KNAPP,
one of the most widely known resi-
dents of the state of Pennsylvania,
is one of the oldest and most highly esteemed
citizens of Bloomsburg. He was born in the
city of Besigheim, Wurtemberg, Germany,
October 12, 1822, and is a son of John Baltas
and Sophia Dorothea (Kontzman) Knapp.
John B. Knapp was born in the city of
Besigheim, Wurtemberg, Germany, in March,
1784, and was a vine-dresser until April, 1831,
when, with his wife and six sons, he came
to this country, landing in the city of Phila-
delphia August 9, 1831. Later he moved to
Kensington, Pa., where he worked twelve
years as a glassblower; he then moved to
Pottsgrove township, Montgomery County,
Pa., where he spent the remainder of his active
days, engaged in the cultivation of the soil.
He died at the age of eighty-seven years. He
was united in marriage with Sophia Dorothea
Kontzman, who was born in Stadten, Ger-
many, August 9, 1791, the nuptials occurring
in April, 1814. Asa result of this union the
_ following children were born to them: Chris-
tian G., born August 7, 1819; Louisa Clara,

 

born May 7, 1821; Christian F., our subject;
Gottleib Ernst, born February 6, 1825;
Charles August, born December 16, 1826;
Gottleib, born September 17, 1828; William
Frederick, born January 11, 1830; Caroline
Dorothea, born February 3, 1834, who is the
wife of J. E. Van Natta; John George, born
May 4, 1836; and Jacob, born May 11, 1838.
The mother of our subject passed from this
life at the age of fifty years.

Christian Frederick Knapp was educated
principally by his father, who was a good Lat-
in scholar and took great pride in assisting his
children to acquire a good education. Our
subject inherited many of the good traits of
character of his father, who was aide-de-camp
on Napoleon’s staff during the Russian cam-
paign, at the burning of Moscow, and at the
battle of Berdine. Our subject’s first active
labor was to drive a team on the canal, and
while a mere lad he passed through various
degrees of a boatman’s life to captain; he then
became a teamster during the construction of
the first furnace erected there; he then chose
the trade of a mason and, after serving an ap-
prenticeship for three years, became a skilled
12 “BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

workman. While working at his trade he fell
through a furnace, which fall nearly cost him
his life; upon recovering his health he was
appointed assistant revenue assessor and
served as such through Lincoln's administra-
tion. Subsequently he turned his attention to
the fire insurance business and represented six
of the leading insurance companies as agent,
and was also special agent and adjuster
throughout the state for the companies he
represented. Mr. Knapp erected a fine house
at No. 346 East Main street, where he now
resides.

Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance
with Maria Elizabeth Van Natta, a daughter
of Peter Van Natta of Bloomsburg, and they
were wedded October 13, 1846. She was born
in Bloomsburg, October 18, 1825, and died
December 21, 1891. To our subject and wife
were born the following children: Caroline
Margaret, born July 18, 1847, who is the wife
of William F. Bodine, a painter and paper dec-
orator; Sophia Amelia, born February 3,
1849, wife of John Harvey Long of Madera,
Cal., and they have reared two children, Chris-
tian T'rederick and Carrie, another, Harold,
having died in infancy; John Ellis, born
March 10, 1850, died in 1856; Peter Ernst,
born September 23, 1853, wedded Clara
Wicht, and they are the parents of two chil-
dren,—Mary Smith and Jennie Stowell; and
Mary Catherine, born October 14, 1859, who
is the wife of George Sloan Robbins of
Bloomsburg, who had one child, Katherine
Marie, who died May 26, 1897, at the age of
nine years.

Mr. Knapp joined the I. O. O. F. in 1846;
was secretary of Van Camp Lodge, No. 140,
and for thirty-two years district deputy grand
master; a member of Susquehanna Encamp-
ment, No. 60; and district deputy grand patri-
arch seven years. Mr. Knapp is a fine.speak-

 

er. Certainly there is not another man in
the state of Pennsylvania, if in the United
States, who is as well posted in Masonry as
is Mr. Knapp. He has traveled all over th‘s
state and has been given many banquets; a’so
been presented with many valuable and hand-
some presents in token of his services in the
Masonic fraternity. On September 23, 1851,
he received his first degree in Free Masonry,
in Danville Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M.; in
October of the same year he received the sec-
ond degree and in November the third de-
gree. In January, 1852, he resigned his mem-
bership in the Danville Lodge for the purpose
of starting a lodge in Bloomsburg, and in Au-
gust a charter was granted by the R. W. G.
Lodge of Pennsylvania to Washington
Lodge, No. 265, to be held in Bloomsburg,
and C. F. Knapp was named in the warrant
as its first Junior Warden. In December he
was elected W M. of the lodge and served
until December, 1854, when he was elected
secretary, having served as such up to the
present time. He was appointed by the R. W.
G. M. as D. D. G. M. for the counties of Un-
ion, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour, Co-

Jumbia and Wyoming, and served as such for

eight years, when he resigned. He received
the Mark Master Degree in Girard Mark
Lodge, No. 214, at Philadelphia, from Har-
man Bauch, Grand High Priest; November
21, 1855, he received the Most Excellent and
R. A. degrees in Catawissa Chapter, No. 178;
passed the chairs of said chapter and was ap-
pointed and served as D. D. G. High Priest
for six years; in 1869 he resigned from the
Chapter and obtained a charter for Blooms-
burg Chapter, No. 218, R. A. M., and has
since served as secretary of the same. On
March 6, 1856, he was Knighted in Park En-
campment, No. rr, K. T., and appendant or-
ders by Char'es Blumenthal, Grand Master;
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 13

 

 

in May, 1856, received a charter for Crusade
Commandery, No. 12, K. T., and was named
in the same as the first Eminent Commander,
and served as such for three years; also served
as recorder since. In May, 1857, our subject
was elected G. Captain General; in 1858, G.
Generallissimo; in 1859, G. Deputy G. Com-
mander; and in 1860, G. Right Eminent G.
Commander of the Grand Commandery of
Pennsylvania. In May, 1861, he was elected
G. Lecturer of the Knights Templar of the
state and served in 1862-63; and in 1864 was
elected G. Division Commander of the state
of Pennsylvania and served as such in 1864
and 1865.

On November 21, 1856, Mr. Knapp took
the council degrees in Palestine Council, No.
9, of R. & S. Masters, at Pottstown, Pa., and
resigned for the purpose of starting a Council
of S. M. at Bloomsburg; was made, by Alfred
Creigh, L. L. D., M. P. G. Master of Penn-
sylvania; obtained a charter for Mt. Moriah
Council, No. 10, in the same year, being men-
tioned in the warrant as the Second Officer;
in December, 1857, was elected as T. I. G. M.
and served four years; in December, 1861,
was elected recorder of same and has since
served in that capacity; in May, 1868, was
elected M. P. G. M. of Pennsylvania, and was
re-elected until he retired, in 1876.

In May, 1856, he received the degrees A. A.
S. Rite from the 4th to the 18th, inclusive, in
Harrisburg at the hands of R. H. Van Ren-
salier, G. Commander, N. M. Jurisdiction, and
during the same year received the degrees
from the 18th to the 32d, inclusive, Harris-
burg Consistory, S. P. R. S.; in May, 1857,
received a charter for Enoch Lodge of Perfec-
tion, 14th Degree, and the charter for Zerrub-
babel Council, P. of Jer., 16th Degree, and
Evergreen Chapter of Rose Croix, 18th De-
gree, serving as first officer in each of the

 

three bodies for one year, and then as secre-
tary of each body up to 1879. In May, 1858,
he received the charter for Caldwell Consis-
tory, S. P. R. S., 32d Degree, and was named
as its first Ill. Com.-in-Chief, serving as such
twenty-six years; in May, 1868, was elected
an honorary member of the Supreme Council
and received the 33d Degree at Cincinnati,
O.; in 1870 he was elected to the active 33d
Degree in Supreme Council and was crowned
as such in New York City. In September,
1879, he resigned his active membership and
returned to the honorary rank; December 7,
1870, he received the order of Knights of the
Red Cross of Rome and Constantine, Knights
St. John, Viceroy Eusebeus Prince Mason and
Holy Sepulchre, at the hands of Sir Alfred
Creigh, L. L. D., in the city of Philadelphia,
he being the Chief Intendant General for the
U. S. of A., by authority of the Imperial
Council of England, and from him obtained a
charter for Orient Conclave, No. 2, to be held
in Bloomsburg, his name being enrolled on
the book of the Imperial Council in London,
England.

On December 16, 1876, the number, 15, of
Orient Conclave was changed to No. 2, as
above, C. F. Knapp being the first Sovereign
of the same. In 1872 he retired from that
position, having served during the years 1871
and 1872. In December, 1872, the Grand
Council of Pennsylvania being formed at
Reading (independent of England), he was
elected as G. Viceroy and served three years.
In February, 1875, he was elected G. Sover-
eign of the Grand Council of Pennsylvania,
in Harrisburg, and served as such one year.
June 1, 1875, the G. Imperial Council of the
U. S. was formed and Mr. Knapp was elected
Grand Senior General of that body; was
elected Deputy G. Master of the G. Imperial
Council for the U. S. in the city of New York;
14 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

in 1877 he was elected Grand Master of that
body in Rochester, N. Y.

In February, 1874, he received the order of
Grand Cross at the hands of C. L. Stowell, G.
Sovereign of Pennsylvania, at the age of fifty-
two years. No nation can have more than
fifty living members of this order. In June,
1877, at a Grand Chapter of Grand Crosses,
he was elected a second time as the second
grand officer of that body for the United
States. In June, 1879, at a Grand Chapter
of Grand Crosses, he was elected as Grand
Master of the U.S. In June 1880, Mr. Knapp
retired from that office.

The publishers of this work take pleasure
in afinouncing that a portrait of Mr. Knapp
is presented on a preceding page.

 

OHN R. FLEMING, who is promi-
nently known as the proprietor of the
old Rogers Woolen Mills near Forks-
ville, Sullivan County, Pa., is also en-

gaged in farming, owning a fine farm adjoin-
ing the mill. He is a man of great industry
and his success has been due to his own ef-
forts. He was born in Elkland township, Sul-
livan County, November 10, 1862, and he is
a son of Daniel and Catherine M. (Osler)
Fleming.

Daniel Fleming, the father of our subject,
was a prosperous farmer of Elkland township
at the beginning of the Civil War and in 1864,
when the duration of the war was uncertain
and the successes of the South had cast deep
gloom over the loyal states, he, like many
another brave man, willed that his country
should live, and he immediately offered his
services. He enlisted in Company D, Heavy
Artillery, leaving a happy home, a family and

many friends. At the battle of the Wilder-

 

ness, on June 17th, he was wounded and three
days later passed into the unknown world. He
was united in marriage with Catherine M.
Osler, by whom he had one son, John R., our
subject. She is a daughter of John H. and
Jane (Myers) Osler, and her grandfather was
qa soldier in the War of 1812, in which he was

killed. After the latter's death his wife mar-

ried a Mr. Bryan and settled in Sullivan Coun-
ty, Pa., where John H. Osler was reared.
After reaching manhood he moved to Elkland
township and engaged in farming; later he
moved to what is now Forksville and engaged
in woolen manufacturing, purchasing the
mills our subject now owns. These he con-
ducted for a period of thirty-five years. He
died at the age of eighty-four years and his :
wife at seventy-nine. The children born to
them were: Jeremiah M., of Elkland town-
ship; Sarah Jane, deceased; Catherine M.,
our subject’s mother; John S. of Elkland
township; Clay M. of Forks township; Ly-
dia, who married Perry Benfield of Forksville;
David W. of Lycoming County; and Edwin
R. of Halestown, Md. The widow of Daniel
Fleming formed a second alliance with Daniel
T. Huckell, deceased, a record of whose life
appears elsewhere in this Book of Biog-
raphies.

John R. Fleming was reared on a farm and
obtained a good common school education,
after which he took up the occupation of a
farmer and followed it until 1884. He then,
in association with D. W. Osler, Esq., bought
the old Rogers Woolen Mills in Forksville of
J. H. Osler and purchased a tract of fifty
acres adjoining. In 1887 the firm dissolved
partnership, our subject retaining the farm and
Mr. Osler the mill. Since then Mr. Fleming
has leased the mill and is engaged in the man-
ufacture of woolen yarns and doing general
custom work. THe has a full set of cards and
 

HON. SIMON P. WOLVERTON.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 17

 

 

the capacity of his factory is seventy-five
pounds per day. The Rogers mills were es-
tablished early in the Nineteenth Century, and
are widely known throughout the county, as
they were for a time the only woolen mills
in that section. Mr. Fleming still owns the
farm, with the exception of one lot, which he
disposed of to his wife’s mother, Mrs. F. B.
Glidwell!, on which she has erected a handsome
residence. He is a man of thorough business
habits, enterprising and industrious, and has
led an exemplary life.

Mr. Fleming was united in marriage on
June 6, 1888, with Della Glidwell, a daughter
of Franklin B. and Malinda (Boyle) Glidwell,
and a granddaughter of William and Mary
(Little) Gidwetl. James Glidwell was the
earliest ancestor in this country and came
from England, locating in Sullivan County,
_Pa., where he was among the early settlers.
He married a Miss King and six children
blessed their home: John; Thomas; Betsey;
Sally; David; and William.

William Glidwell was born in Northumber-
land County, Pa., where his parents stopped
a short time prior to locating in Sullivan
County. He grew to manhood and purchased
a farm in Elkland township where he followed
farming and ran a threshing machine for some
years. Then, selling out, he bought the stone
gristmill with Dr. Randall as a partner and
was engaged in operating the mill during the
remainder of his days. He married Mary Lit-
tle, and their children were: Daniel; Sarah
Ann; Sarah Ann; Esther; Daniel; Elizabeth;
George; William K.; Franklin B.; and Sa-
linda B. The first three named died in their
infancy.

Franklin B. Glidwell took up agricultural
pursuits at an early age, purchasing a farm
in Elkland township, but later operated a
mill at Forksville for twenty years, owning it

 

for seventeen years of that time. Having sold
that, he engaged in market gardening in part-
nership with our subject, taking produce to
Forksville and Eagles Mere, principally to
the latter place. He was united in marriage
to Malinda Boyte, a daughter of John Boyle
of Elkland township, and they have two, chil-
dren: Della; and Ivy, who died at the age
of twenty-four years.

Our subject and his wife have one daughter,
Grace, who was born August 11, 1889. Polit-
ically he is a firm Republican. He is a school
director, and for the past nine years has been
a member of the town council.

ON. SIMON P. WOLVERTON of
Sunbury, Northumber'and County,
N— Pa., whose portrait is presented on
the opposite page, is one of the foremost at-
torneys and one of the most successful and
formidable corporation lawyers in this state,
and ex-Representative in Congress from the
Seventeenth Congressional District. He is a
son of Joseph and Charity (Kase) Wolverton,
and was born in Rush township, Northumber-
land County, January 28, 1837.

Our subject truly is a self-made man. Start-
ing out to make his way in youth he had
as his resources an unusually brilliant intellect,
a sturdy physique and a constitution which
seems to have been built as of iron. From
comparative obscurity, by his untiring indus-
try and his personal merit and effort, he has
risen to a position in the front rank of Penn-
sylvania’s men of great attainments, and all
who know him and realize his worth as a man
and a citizen rejoice that he has won the hon-
ors and the success to which he is so justly
entitled. In his youth Mr. Wolverton, who
had secured a fairly good schooling, taught

 
18 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

school, receiving a meager salary, determined
to earn enough to pay his expenses through
college. Subsequently, when he began the
study of law, he read Blackstone day and
night so eager was he to adopt the profession
to which he was attracted and for which his
strong and logical intellect seemed so well
to fit him. As in his youth, Mr. Wolverton
-in his young manhood continued to be a dili-
gent student and a hard worker, and the same
traits of character have well served him
through the remarkably successful career he
has enjoyed as a lawyer and as a statesman.
A man of even temper, of indomitable will and
possessing the best of health, he has known no
such thing as failure, nor has he encountered
defeat. As a lawyer, Mr. Wolverton is very
thorough in the preparation of his cases and
in the courts he handles them with masterly
skill.

In his young manhood Mr. Wolverton
completed his education at Danville Academy
and Lewisburg University, in this state. In
the university he doubled his studies and by
hard work and persistent effort accomplished
the work of the Junior and Senior courses in
one year, doing that which ordinarily requires
two years’ study in the single year, and grad-
uated from the institution in 1860. Following
his graduation from the university our sub-
ject entered the office of Hon. Alexander Jor-
dan in Sunbury, Mr. Jordan then being the
presiding judge in the Eighth Judicial District
as then constituted. Mr. Wolverton was ad-
mitted to the bar in April, 1862, and imme-
diately entered upon the practice of law. His
practice was interrupted when Gen. Stuart,
the great Rebel commander, made his raid
into this state, our subject raising a company
of emergency men, of which he was captain,
who did effective service. When a second in-
vasion of this state was threatened by Lee’s

 

army, Mr. Wolverton again went out with the
emergency company, which was known as
Co. F, 36th Pa. The company was mustered
into the service July 4, 1863, and mus-
tered out August 11 of the same year. While
in the military service Mr. Wolverton kept in
touch with his law business, and on his dis-
charge from the army immediately resumed
it, and he has since followed it, to the exclu-
sion of all else, and has built up a very large
and lucrative clientage, excepting those pe-
riods during which he has given his services
to the people.

Political honors have been forced upon Mr.
Wolverton, the demand for his services being
of such nature as to be imperative. In the
fall of 1878 he was elected, as a Democrat, to
fill out the unexpired term of State Senator
A. H. Dill, Senator Dill having resigned to
be a candidate for governor. Twice Mr. Wol-
verton was re-elected, and he served ten years
in the State Senate. He declined a re-nomi-
nation in 1888 because he preferred to resume
the more active practice of his profession.
During his term in the State Senate our sub-
ject was prominent in securing the enactment
of many of the most important laws. For the
ten years he was in the legislature he was a
member of the committee on judiciary. He
introduced and secured the passage of what,
is known as the ‘Married Woman’s Act” in
1887. Mr. Wolverton’s great popularity with
the people of the Twenty-seventh Senatorial
District may be estimated by his election to
the Senate for three successive terms in a dis-
trict which had a normal Republican plurality
of over 1,000. For two years after his retire-
ment from the State Senate Mr. Wolverton
devoted his entire time to his profession.
Then he was again compelled to respond to
the popular demands of his friends and neigh-
hors, and in 1890 he was elected representa-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 19

 

 

tive in Congress from the Seventeenth Dis-
trict, which includes Northumberland, Co-
lumbia, Montour and Sullivan Counties. He
served in the 52d Congress and in 1892 was
re-etected to the 53d Congress. As repre-
sentative he was an untiring worker in the
interest of his district, faithfully and most ably
representing those who had so strenuously
insisted upon again .bestowing upon him po-
litical honors. At the expiration of his second
term in Congress our subject’s legal business
had attained such magnitude that he realized
he either must abandon law and its practice
or give up political position. He decided to
abandon politics, except as he might partici-
pate in political affairs as a citizen, and to
devote his entire time and energy to the prac-
tice of his profession.

No better endorsement of the great ability
of Mr. Wolverton as a lawyer could be put
forward than the statement that he is attorney
for a number of very large corporations, in-
cluding the following: Philadelphia & Read-
ing Railroad; Philadelphia & Reading Coal
& Iron Company; Lehigh Valley Railroad
Company; Lehigh Valley Coal Com-
pany; Cox Bros. & Company, the larg-
est coal operators in Pennsylvania; the Dela-
ware, Sunbury & Schuylkill Railroad Com-
pany, and many other corporations of less
magnitude. Our subject was among those
prominent in organizing and constructing the
Sunbury, Hazleton & Wilkesbarre Railroad
and the Shamokin, Sunbury & Lewisburg
Railroad, of which he was president, and
which is now a part of the Reading system.
Mr. Wolverton built the Sunbury & North-
umberiand Electric Railway and is now inter-
ested in it. He also is interested in the Sun-
bury Electric Light & Power Company, the
Northumberland Illuminating Company, and

other local enterprises which are of a semi- ,

 

public and beneficial character as greatly aid-
ing in the development and growth of Sun-
bury.

On March 23, 1865, Mr. Wolverton was
united in marriage with Elizabeth D. Hen-
dricks, daughter of Benjamin Hendricks of
Sunbury. They have reared a family of three
charming children: Mary G., wife of Biddte
Arthurs of Pittsburg, Pa.; Elizabeth K.; and
Simon P. Jr., who is a student of law in his
father’s office.

This review of the interesting and wonder-
fully successful career of Simon P. Wolverton
would be somewhat incomplete without suit-
able reference to his ancestry. The Wolver-
ton family is of English-Quaker origin. Ac-
cording to well authenticated tradition three
brothers emigrated from Wolverhampton,
England, about 1700 and settled on Long Is-
land, N. Y. The family was then, as now,
one of distinction, and its coat of arms bore
the wolf's head. The descendants are scat-
tered over nearly every state in the Union,
and many are residents of Canada. Many
members of the family have attained promi-
nence in business, political and professional
circles. Of the three brothers who originally
came to this country Charles Wolverton, the
lineal ancestor of the subject of our review,
Simon P. Wolverton, in 1714 removed to
Hunterdon County, N. J., where the family
resided for several generations.

Charles Wolverton, a lineal descendant of
the Charles Wolverton who was one of the
original immigrants, was the great-grand-
father of our subject. He served in the War
of the Revolution. He owned a large tract of
land in Hunterdon County, N. J., which he
granted to his son, Isaac, grandfather of our
subject, on February 12, 1816. Isaac Wolver-
ton was born in Hunterdon County, N. J.,
August II, 1777, and came with his father
 

VERY REVEREND JOHN JOSEPH KOCH.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 23

 

 

up of his own community, and is considered
one of its mainstays.

ERY REVEREND JOHN JOSEPH
KOCH, whose portrait appears on
the preceding page, is the beloved

pastor of St. Edward’s Roman Catholic
Church, the oldest religious organization in
Shamokin and the first to build a church in
the town. He is a man of sterling character
and has for many years been identified with
everything which has been for the spiritual
and moral advancement of the people with
whom he has been so closely associated for
over thirty-two years. Father Koch in his
priesthood, he has also been father in material
ways, and countless families revere him and
love him for his fatherly interest and assist-
ance which he has bestowed in times of need,
with that unostentatious Christian spirit which
marks all his labors and which, with his many
manly qualities, has won to him the ever-
lasting love of the Catholics of his parish and
the admiration and respect of all citizens: of
the borough. His high Christian character
and the grand work he has accomplished for
the people over whom he has charge, stand
as fitting and ever-living monuments to his
energy, his faithfulness and his untiring labors
as priest and as citizen.

Our subject is a son of John and Elizabeth
(Francois) Koch. He was born February 5,
1840,in Lorraine, France, part of the Province
of Alsace-Lorraine which was ceded by France
to Germany in 1871 after the war which ended
in the triumphant march of the Germans to
Paris. At the age of eight and a half years
our subject entered the University of Pont-a-
Mousson, from which he was graduated Aug-
ust 5,1857,at the early age of seventeen years.

 

He then entered the Seminary at Nancy, hav-
ing determined to study for the priesthood.
He remained in the seminary for about five
years, leaving the institution within four
months of the time required to complete the
requisite course. The cessation of his studies
was owing to the fact that because of his
youth he could not be ordained a priest for
two years, he being two years under the age
fixed by the church for ordination in the
priesthood. This circumstance rendered it
inadvisable for our subject to remain in
France and await the time when he might
enter the priesthood there. In 1861 this
studious and energetic young man, in re-
sponse to an invitation from Bishop Wood of
Philadelphia, came to the United States,
priests at that period being comparatively
few as compared with the extensive fields in
which the work of the church was being en-
ergetically prosecuted. After spending two
weeks in Paris he sailed for this country, and
after a brief stay in New York City joined
Bishop Wood in Phi'adelphia. He was then
twenty-two years of age, too young to be
ordained unless by special dispensation, the
age of ordination to the priesthood being
twenty-four years. In order that his services
might be utilized and that he might imme-
diately enter upon the duties he had chosen
for- his life-work, a dispensation was granted
by Bishop Wood and our subject was or-
dained and admitted to the priesthood in
February, 1863. He was first installed as an
assistant at St. Patrick’s Church, Philadelphia.
Two months later he was appointed assistant
chaplain for the hospitals in the Quaker City,
an honor which was bestowed upon him be-
cause of his special fitness for the work and
his knowledge of. Latin, French, German,
Italian and English.

Father Koch’s abilities as a priest quickly

\
~

24 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

demonstrated themselves and he was trans-
ferred to this section to take charge of import-
ant territory. He located in Milton, Northum-
beriand County, December 1, 1863, assuming
the charge of the church there and also of the
churches and missions in five counties, in-
cluding one at Cascade, Lycoming County,
where there was an Irish settlement number-
ing seventy families; a German congregation
at Danville, where he built a church; at Trev-
orton, where he took up and zealously pushed
to completion a church which was unfinished
when the priest died who formerly had been in
charge of the congregation; the churches at
Sunbury and Lewisburg; and the missions at
Herndon, Ralston and Trout Run. For three
years our subject made his headquarters at
Milton, vigorously performing the mu‘titude
of duties incumbent upon him as the shepherd
of so many flocks of the faithful in the adjacent
country. On September 2, 1866, Father Koch
removed to Shamokin, in obedience of orders
transferring him to the larger sphere of use-
fulness and placing upon him the important
responsibility of enlarging and perfecting the
organization in behalf of his church in the
coal region of Northumberland County. He
was then appointed the first resident pastor
of St. Edward’s Church in Shamokin, having
charge also of missions at Trevorton, Locust
Gap and Mount Carmel.

A brief review of the history of St. Ed-
ward’s Church is necessary to a clear and sat-
isfactory understanding of the conditions
which existed when Father Koch assumed
charge of the church and the remarkable en-
ergy he displayed and the most satisfactory
achievements he accomplished in the years
which he has devoted to the church and the
Catholics of Shamokin and vicinity. Many
Catholics were employed in the construction
of the Danville & Pottsville Railroad, and as

 

early as 1838 Catholic services were held in
Shamokin by the priests of Pottsville and
Minersville. An acre of land in the west end
of the village was secured for a church and
cemetery and in 1839 sufficient money had
been raised to erect a frame edifice, 20 by 32
feet in dimensions, unplastered and very plain,
on the southwest corner of the site. The
leaders in this enterprise were Patrick Reilly,
master mechanic in the railroad shops, and
Matthew Brannigan, and the small church
was built by Stephen Bittenbender. It was
dedicated as St. Edward’s Church, October
11, 1840, by Bishop Kenrick of Philadelphia.
These early Catholics of the little village of
Shamokin were administered to by priests of
Pottsville, Minersville, Danville and Milton,
and occasionally by a missionary, and thus
their faith was kept fittingly before them and
they rejoiced in their worship, though in a
most humble and scantily-furnished church.
Rev. Michael Sheridan, pastor of St. Joseph’s
Church, Danville, had charge of the congre-
gation from 1854 to October, 1857, when he
was succeeded by Rev. Edward Murray, who
served as pastor for nearly nine years, giving
way to the subject of this review in Septem-
ber, 1866.

Upon taking control of the Shamokin par-
ish Father Koch immediately set out to infuse
new life into the congregation and to build up
the church. Early in his administration of
the affairs of the church he bought the site,
upon which the present handsome edifice
stands, for $3,400. The old frame building
was demolished and a considerably larger
edifice built upon the new site which was
opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1866. So
rapidly did the congregation of St. Edward's
increase under the able guidance of Father
Koch that in the following spring of 1867 it
was necessary to further enlarge the church
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 25

 

 

that the people might comfortably be accom-
modated and that none might be deprived of
the privilege which they so greatly desired, of
attending the services over which our subject
presided with graceful dignity and earnest-
ness which are two of his personal charms
which have won him respect and love
throughout his active and successful career in
the priesthood. In the spring of 1869 a
parochial residence was erected on a lot ad-
joining the church at an expenditure of $8,-
500. In 1870 were purchased the lands at
Springfield which have since been used as a
burial place for the members of the Catholic
faith. :

Constamtly the attendance upon the church
increased and within a short period of time
the congregation had grown so large that a
new p!ace of worship was an imperative ne-
cessity. Ground was broken in the summer of
1872, the foundations were put in, and in
September following Father Koch laid the
first stone in the wall of the church which is
to-day the pride of the Catholics of Shamo-
kin. The corner-stone was laid with impres-
sive ceremonies May 23, 1873, by Bishop
O'Hara of Scranton. A contract had been let
for the entire stonework, but the contractor
abandoned the work, an act which would ut-
terly have discouraged a less energetic, less
persevering man than our subject. Deter-
mined that there should be no unnecessary
delay, Father Koch for the time acted as his
own contractor, and, hiring masons, superin-
tended the construction of the walls until
they were ready for the roof, at the same time
keeping up with his many pastoral duties. In
December, 1873, the roof was on, the tower
was built and walks had been laid about the
structure. On Christmas morning the first
mass was celebrated in the basement of the
new church, in.which the services were held

 

until June, 1880, when the church was fin-
ished. The edifice is of white cut sandstone,
quarried from the mountain side about a mile
from Shamokin; its interior is 64 feet wide
and 125 feet long, and the tower is 207 feet
high. The completion of the building was
detayed by the lack of funds, but Father Koch
hopefully and energetically kept at work and
finally was enabled to see the church finished
in reasonable time. In November, 1876, a
chime of four large bells was hung in the
tower, weighing, with the fittings, 8,500
pounds. The frescoing in the interior was
done in four months under the direction of a
well-known Philadelphia artist. Over the
nain altar are paintings representing the Cru-
cifixion, St. Patrick, and the patron of the
church, St. Edward, the figures being life-size.
In the center of the ceiling a beautiful fresco
twenty-two feet in diameter portrays the
“Resurrection of Christ” and is surrounded by
figures of the four Evangelists, and around
the walls are paintings of the twelve Apostles.
Especially noticeable are two beautiful pieces
of statuary standing on either side of the altar,
one representing “Christ meeting His Mother
on His way to Calvary,” and the other “The
Descent of the Cross,”’ both of which were im-
ported from France by Father Koch. The
building is lighted with electricity and heated
by steam and has a seating capacity of over
I,0co and as many as 1,400 persons have gath-
ered within its walls.

Especial attention has been paid to educa-
tional facilities by Father Koch since he as-
sumed charge of St. Edward’s Church. In
1874 he organized a parochial school, using
the old church as a school building. The
school was for the first year of its existence
in charge of lay teachers. In 1875 the school
was placed under the supervision of four Sis-
ters of Charity from Mount St. Vincent, Md.,
26 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

 

 

 

and in 1877 a convent was erected for them.
Subsequently a lot was purchased opposite
the church and the present parochial school
was built, being completed in 1883-84. The
school is now conducted by eleven Sisters of
Charity and has from 500 to 600 pupils.

The congregation of St. Edward’s now
numbers about 3,500 souls, and of these 2,650
are communicants. Its Sunday School is very
large and the rector takes great pride in it.

For ten years, from 1888 to 1898, Father
Koch was vicar-general of the Diocese of
Harrisburg. On the death of Bishop McGov-
ern, in 1898, he was appointed administrator
of the diocese.

Catholics and Protestants alike unite in be-
speaking for Father Koch a long continuance
in his worthy and beneficial station and long
life which shall be crowned with the rewards
which come of well doing, rightly living, and
faithful performance of the duties in this life
laid upon His servants by Him who ruleth all.

OSEPH M. LILLEY, a member of the
firm of Lilley & Smith, proprietors of
the Berwick Manufacturing Company,

and one of the most reliable and enterprising
business men of the town of Berwick, was
born at Limeridge, Columbia County, Pa.,
and is a son of Joseph and Lucinda (Evans)
Lilley.

Joseph Lilley, the father of our subject, was
born at Black Hole Valley, Lycoming Coun-
ty, Pa., and during his manhood came to Co-
lumbia County, where he accepted a position
as lock-tender at Limeridge. Later he em-
barked in the mercantile business, in which he
was more than ordinarily successful. He was
very prominent in his community and served

 

his fellow-citizens as justice of the peace for
many years. He formed a matrimonial al-
liance with Lucinda Evans, a daughter of
Ephraim Evans, a well-to-do farmer of Co-
lumbia County. Five children were the result
of this union, namely: William, an Evangel-
ical minister residing in Glenrock, Pa.; Mary,
united in wedlock with L. M. Sleppy; Etta,
wife of Harry Towsend; James, who is pros-
pecting in the West; and Lizzie, who wedded
Dr. A. S. Stoddard. Mr. Lilley died in 1867
at the age of sixty-eight years; his wife passed
from this life, aged sixty-nine years.

Our subject possesses a good education,
which he acquired in the public schools of his
native town. For some time he was station
agent and operator at Wyoming; later he
worked as an extra at Bloomsburg, Espy,
Shickshinny and other places on the D., L. &
W. R. R., but in 1872 he was appointed to a
regular station and was sent to Berwick,
where he remained until 1893, honestly and
faithfully discharging the duties to which he
had been assigned. In 1896 the Berwick Man-
ufacturing Company was established, and in
1897 our subject and James E. Smith became
the proprietors. They erected a large two-
story building 30 by go feet, with an engine
room 15 by 20 feet, on the corner of Ninth
and Pine streets, and employ about seventy
hands, who are constantly kept busy in the
making of men’s shirts and ladies’ shirtwaists.
The proprietors of this establishment are
thoroughly acquainted with this line of busi-
ness, and by their honest methods of dealing
have built up a large and paying patronage.

Mr. Lilley was united in marriage to Emily
Dietrich, a daughter of Jacob Dietrich, a resi-
cent of Berwick, and as a result of this happy
union one child was born to them, Harriet
W.. who is a graduate of the Baltimore Wa-
men’s College, Neff's College of Oratory at
 

HARTER.

DR. THEODORE C.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 29

 

 

Philadelphia, and Mrs. Kirk’s Kindergarten
School at Philadelphia. She conducted a kin-
dergarten school in Berwick and met with the
greatest of success until appointed model in-
structor of the model department of the State
Normal School at Bloomsburg, Pa.

Our subject strongly advocates the prin-
ciples of the Republican party and has repre-
sented his fellow-citizens two terms in the
town council. He is a member of Knapp
Lodge, No. 461, F. & A. M., of Berwick. In
1887 our subject built a neat residence on Sec-
ond street, which he has since made his home.

 

R. THEODORE C. HARTER. We
have the pleasure to present to our
readers the biography of one of
Bloomsburg’s foremost physicians and sur-
geons, whose excellent reputation for profes-
sional honor and skill has been acquired
through a general practice in Bloomsburg, ex-
tending from 1880 until the present time. He
was born in Nescopeck, Pa., November 10,

 

 

 

 

1850, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret
(Dietrich) Harter, and a grandson of Martin
Harter.

Martin Harter was a farmer who resided
near the village of Nescopeck; he was also
engaged in hauling produce to the markets
of Philadelphia, as that was the only meanis
of transportation, and in return he brought
back merchandise. He reared a family of chil-
dren, one of whom was Jacob, the father of
our subject.

Jacob Harter’s chief occupation throughout
life was farming. He purchased a farm when
he grew to manhood and in addition to farm-
ing operated a saw-mill and was extensively
engaged in the lumber business. Later he
learned the brick mason’s trade, which he
worked at for a short time, when he purchased

 

a farm in Mifflin township, Columbia County,
Pa. In 1862 Mr. Harter enlisted in Company
A, Pa. Vol. Inf., and after serving nine months
was wounded in the battle of Yorktown,
which rendered him unfit for further duty
and finally resulted in his discharge. He was
joined in marriage to Margaret Dietrich and
they were the parents of the following chi'-
dren: Martin; Jacob; Lucinda; Aaron;
John; A. Luther; Theodore C., our subject;
and Delilah, Catherine, Nathan and Sarah, all
deceased. Mr. Harter died at the age of six-
ty-four years. The mother of our subject died
aged sixty-seven.

Dr. Harter received his primary education
in the public schools, which was later sup-
plemented by a course in Dickinson’s Acad-
emy and the Bloomsburg State Normal
School. He then studied medicine under Dr.
B. F. Gardner, one of Columbia County's
most noted physicians and surgeons, and then
entered the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons at Baltimore, Md., graduating from
that institution in 1880. He then settled in
Nescopeck, where he practiced a short time,

| and finally selected Bloomsburg as an eligible
| field for his future operations. There he has
- prospered and has become a successful physi-

cian and a popular member of the community.
Our subject’s office is located on the corner
of East and Main streets; he makes a speciaity

of throat, heart and lung diseases, and for
several years was jail physician and surgeon
for the county. He is also engaged extensive-
ly in the real estate business, having built
“nineteen tenement houses located on Seventh

and Eighth streets. He also owns a handsome
brick block adjoining his office and residence.
Dr. Harter formed a matrimonial alliance

with Martha Alice Snyder, a daughter of

Daniel Snyder, who was born in Northamp-
ton County, Pa., and was a son of John Sny-
30 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

der. Daniel Snyder and his brother were en-
gaged in farming on the old homestead and
later Mr. Snyder learned the tanner’s trade.
In 1810 he removed to Columbia County,
where he purchased ten acres of land and en-
gaged in farming; the house in which he
lived was an old log cabin and stood where
our subject’s office is now. He also built a
two-story brick building, which was known as
the Forks Hotel, on the corner of East and
Main streets. He owned several farms in Co-
lumbia County, and was one of the progres-
sive men of his community. He was a mem-
ber of the state legislature several years. He
wedded Mary Magdalene Mickley, a daughter
of Peter Mickley of Allentown, and a family of
ten children was the result of the union, name-
ly: William; Sarah A.; Melvina; Polly; Dan-

iel; Mary B.; Annie; Matilda; Mary; and

Martha Alice, the wife of our subject.

Dr. Harter is a member and past master
of Washington Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 265,
of Bloomsburg; of the R. A. M.; I. O. H.;
P. O. S. of A.; Sons of Veterans; and Jr.
O. of U. A. M., and an ex-member of the K.
of M. and I. O. O. F.

It is with pleasure that we present an ex-
cellent portrait of Dr. Harter on another page.
Dr. Harter’s resemblance to Gen. U. S. Grant
is remarkable and has quickly been noted
wherever he has been, particularly by veterans
who served under Grant.

 

OHN MULLEN, head of the firm of
John Mullen & Son, manufacturers of
engines and machinery, at Shamokin,
Pa., is one of the most substantial, en-

terprising and public-spirited citizens of that
city. He is another of the citizens of North-
umberland County who have worked their

 

 

way up unaided from comparative obscurity.
Possessing unbounded energy and being a
practical machinist, Mr. Mullen has placed
himself in the first rank of the representative
men of the county, and is to-day interested in
several of the largest and principal industries
and corporations of Shamokin.

Our subject was born February 27, 1838,
in Port Carbon, Schuylkill County, Pa., and

is a son of Thomas and Mary (Monguey) Mul-

len, who came from Ireland to this country in
1831 and settled in Port Carbon. Circum-
stances made it necessary for our subject to
begin to earn a living early in his youth, and
at the age of ten years he entered the shops
of T. H. Winterstein at Port Carbon and
learned his trade as a machinist, remaining
in the shop until he was twenty-five years old.
During this period young Mullen  supple-
mented his hard work every day by attending
night schools and studying at home those
things which were of the best advantage to
him in preparing himself to be something be-
sides an employee. When he reached the age
of twenty-five years he was an expert machin-
ist and mechanical engineer, and the ability
which he acquired and which is due to his
study and his diligence in mastering details
has since been admirably demonstrated in the
character of work done by the firms of which
he has been a member, and the large business
which he has built up. Leaving Mr. Winter-
stein, Mr. Mullen took an interest in the firm
of Robert Allison & Co., general machinists
and manufacturers of machinery. Two
months after he joined the firm its shops in
Port Carbon were destroyed by fire, and our
subject lost the hard-earned savings which he
had invested. The shops were subsequently
rebuilt by Allison & Bannan and Mr. Mullen
was installed as foreman, holding the position
until 1870, when he removed to Shamokin,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 3l

 

 

formed a copartnership with David Huffman,
and the firm of Mullen & Huffman leased and
conducted the Shamokin Iron Works, a busi-
ness which was started in 1838 by the late S.
Bittenbender. In 1876, on the death of Mr.
Huffman, his interest was purchased by his co-
partners and the business continued by
Messrs. Mullen and Bittenbender, under the
firm name of John Mullen & Co. In 1880 Mr.
Bittenbender retired from the firm, Mr. Mul-
len buying his interest, and the business was
continued by Mr. Mullen until 1889, when
he admitted his eldest son, Thomas, the firm
becoming John Mullen & Son, as it is to-day.
The junior member of the firm is a practical
master machinist and a man of marked exec-
utive ability, energy and sound judgment. The
extensive plant of the firm contains the most
modern machinery and appliances, and in-
cludes a foundry 50 by 8o feet in dimensions,
a machine-shop 40 by 100 feet, and a boiler-
shop 30 by 50 feet, the whole constituting
what is declared to be the finest plant in
Northumberland County for the manufacture
of high-class engines, boilers, general and spe-
cial machinery. The firm has built many of
the large stationary engines in use at coal
mines in Pennsylvania, also many engines for
mills and factories; also is the sole manufac-
turer of Allison’s cataract steam pump, having
the largest capacity for heavy mine work.
This pump is said to be the most perfect in
action and ease of any in the world when fitted
with the isochronal valve movement. The
firm employs upwards of one hundred men in
its works.

When the First National Bank of Shamo-
kin was organized, in 1883, Mr. Mullen was
one of its charter members, and he has been
its president since 1889. He is also treasurer
of the Edison Electric Light Co., which office
he has held since the organization of the cor-

 

poration. He was one of the prime movers
in forming. the company, which was the first
company ~furnishing incandescent  etectric
lights organized Gutside of New York City.
It is notable, too, that the church of which
Mr. Mullen is a faithful and active member,
St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church of Sha-
mokin, was the first church in the United
States to be lighted with the incandescent
light. Our subject is vice-president of the
Shamokin Gas Co.; a trustee of the Vega
Silk Co.; treasurer of the Shamokin Arc
Light Co.; president of the Shamokin Coal
& Coke Co., which is mining 15,000 tons of
coal every month, has 150. coke ovens, pro-
ducing 1,co0 tons of coke per month, has
1,350 acres of coal lands under lease and em-
ploys 3co hands; president of the Shamokin
Powder Co.; a charter member of the Shamo-
kin Steam Heating Co.; a director in the
Shamokin Manufacturing Co.; vice-presi-
dent of the Shamokin Building & Loan Asso-
ciation; a stockholder in the West Ward
Building & Loan Association; and a member
of the Home Building & Loan Association.
A veteran of the Rebellion, Mr. Mullen is a
leading member of Lincoln Post, G. A. R.
He served three months in the gth Reg., Pa.,
Vol. Inf. The Post some time ago erected a
fine monument in Shamokin commemorating

‘the deeds of the soldiers and sailors and the

raising of the fund to erect it, amounting to
several thousand dollars, was most energeti-
cally and successfully directed by our subject,
who was treasurer of the committee which had
the matter in charge. Our subject is a Repub-
lican and was a member of the borough coun-
cil in 1884 and 188s.

Miss Mary B. O’Brien, now deceased, of
Herkimer County, N. Y., was united to Mr.
Mullen in marriage September 3, 1861. Ten
children were the fruit of the happy union, as
382 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

 

follows: Thomas J., who is his father’s co-
partner and mainstay in the business of which
our subject is the head; Mary B., who was the
wife of Cornelius J. McCarthy of Shenandoah,
Pa., and is deceased; William A., superintend-
ent of the Shamokin Powder Co.; and Nellie
E., Clara G., Edward F., Charles R., Lettie
A.; and Joseph and John, who died in in-
fancy.

 

AMES McFARLANE, who is familiar
to every family in Sullivan County as
one who has done more to promote the
public welfare of Laporte and the county at
large than any other man, is proprietor of the

largest general merchandise store in that bor-
ough and is an extensive lumber merchant,

owning about 6,000 acres of land, nearly all of
which is covered with a rich growth of hem-
lock timber. He was born in Arbroath, Scot-
land, and is a son of the Rev. James and Eliz-
abeth (Anderson) McFarlane.

Rev. James McFarlane emigrated from his
native land, Scotland, and settled in what was
known as the “English Neighborhood” in
New Jersey. He was a devout Christian anda
faithful minister, and during the remainder of
his life preached in the Presbyterian Church.
He was joined in wedlock with Elizabeth An-
derson, who was born at Ratho, near Edin-
burgh, Scotland, and their union was blessed
by the birth of the following children: James,
the subject of this personal history; John, who
is engaged in the lumber business in New
York City; Kate, who married H. J. Tappan,
who also resides in New York City; Eliza-
beth, deceased; and William, a dry goods
merchant in Hoboken, N. J.

James McFarlane, after obtaining a good
education in a private school and attaining his
majority, became a member of the firm Thorn,

 

McFarlane & Co., composed of himself, Jona-
than and William Thorn, dealers in hides and
leather, with headquarters at No. 76 Gold
street, New York City. Being men of ambi-
tion and energy the firm soon grew to be one
of influence and bought many tracts of land
in Pennsylvania and erected a number of tan-
neries, owning at one time as much as 40,000
acres of valuable land. The firm purchased
the Laporte tannery, which at the time was a
very small concern, at a sheriff's sale and im-
mediately rebuilt it, and subsequently added
to it from time to time until at the present day
it covers many acres of land and ranks among
the foremost tanneries of the state. Much of
the land which the firm owned was covered
with hemlock forest and our subject moved to
Laporte in order to superintend its clearing,
and at the same time built many tenement
houses. He established the Thorndale tan-
nery, which he operated very successfully for
fifteen years, established a small general store,
and in all gave employment to several hun-
dred men. In 1893 the firm disposed of its
entire estate to the Union Tanning Company,
and Mr. McFarlane, who owned a private es-
tate of four hundred acres and a store in La-
porte, remained in the latter borough and has
since conducted the store and operated the
farm, which he improved to such an extent
that it is now considered one of the best es-
tates in that vicinity. The store building was
a two-story affair, the second floor being used
as a Sabbath School room and the first floor
as the store, which was operated on a small
scale. Upon assuming the management of
the latter our subject re-stocked it with a new
and complete line of general merchandise, util-
izing both floors, and made many improve-
ments. Business increased with great rapid-
ity, and the building has since been enlarged
and he now handles almost every article that
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 33

 

 

may be demanded by his customers, carrying
a complete line of dry goods, ready-made
clothing, groceries, crockery, hardware,
drugs, hats and caps, boots and shoes, oils
and paints, and many other useful articles. He
built a saw-mill near the railroad station which
he operates extensively, as he obtains the tim-
ber from his land in Forks township. Mr. Mc-
Farlane is a man of public spirit and he has
done all within his power to elevate the stand-
ing of the town of Laporte. While the tan-
nery was under his superintendence he built
the depot at that point, in which he permitted
the Roman Catholics to hold services, and
also allowed it to be used as a school-house
until the new building was built, the latter
being erected upon land which he liberally
donated. In politics our subject jis a stanch
Democrat and has served as councilman and
superintendent of schools. He has ever per-
formed the obligations of a dutiful citizen and
is held in high esteem by a large circle of ac-
quaintances throughout the section.

Mr. McFarlane was joined in hymeneal
bonds to Augusta L. Lovett, daughter of
John Lovett, a retired merchant of New York
City, by whom he is the father of three chil-
dren: James, Jr., who is associated in busi-
ness with Austin, Nicholas & Co., of New
York City; Ada, who resides at home; and
William, whose sad death at the age of twenty
years, just prior to the time of his graduation
from the Stephens College of Hoboken, re-
sulted from too close confinement to his
studies.

 

TOT A8RY CLARK WALLIZE, who
eS stands foremost among the business
> Amen of Upper Augusta township,
Northumberland County, Pa., now res:des on
a fine farm of one hundred and forty-seven

 

 

 

 

acres and is engaged in huckstering. He is a
man of integrity, and is accorded the esteem
of all with whom he has been in any way con-
nected. He is a son of Samuel H. and Re-
becca (Clark) Wallize, and was born in Lewis
township, Northumberland County, July 14,
1844.

John Wallize, the grandfather of our sub-
ject on the paternal side, was a native of Berks
County, Pa., and was the first of his family
to settle in Northumberland County, where he
followed his occupation as a farmer. He and
his wife Sarah were the parents of the follow-
ing children: Michael, a carpenter by trade;
Samuel; John, a farmer; Noah, a carpenter
living in Illinois; Silas; Charles, a stock-
dealer residing in Decatur, Ill.; Catherine, the
wife of John Speck; Hannah, the wife of Sol-
omon Eshbach; Sarah, the wife of Samuel
Watson; Abbie, who married John Grey;
Elizabeth, wife of Rev. George Billman;
Mary, the wife of Jerry Raker; and Rebecca,
who married Joseph Moyers, and resides in
Grundy County, Ill.

Samuel Wallize, the father of our subject,
was born in Lewis township, March 12, 1812,
and learned the trade of a miller in Lycoming
County, where he lived for some time. ‘He
then went to Jersey Shore, Pa., where for four
years he plied his trade as a miller on his own
account and then entered upon agricultural
pursuits in Derby township, Montour County.
Two years later he moved to Liberty township
of that county, where he purchased a farm and
lived from 1847 to 1855, when he returned to
Lewis township, Northumberland County, to
care for his parents in their old age and con-
duct the affairs of the two farms owned by his
father. “He lived there for a period of twelve
years and was a large land owner and pros-
perous farmer. Shortly after the death of
his parents he moved to Watsontown, where
34 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

he lived a retired life. In his latter days, how-
ever, he lived with his son, John I., in Rush
township, and his death occurred January 30,
1892. Throughout his active career he was
engaged in droving and huckstering to a cer-
tain extent, and in all lines of business met
with success. Religiously he was a member
of the Lutheran Church. He married Rebecca
Clark, who was born in Upper Augusta town-
ship, November 3, 1811, a daughter of John
Clark, a farmer who came from Scotland and
located in Upper Augusta township, North-
umberland County. Mr. Clark was the father
of the following children: Elizabeth, the wife
of William Cooner; Mary, the wife of Solo-
mon Starner; William; John; Jonathan;
George; Wesley; Samuel; Rebecca, the
mother of our subject; and Margaret. Mr.
Wallize and his wife reared the following chil-
dren: Emma, the wife of Martin Gillinger of
Rush township; William E., who died young;
John I.; Sarah E., the wife of Thomas H.
Kissner; Harry C., subject of this sketch;
Annie, the wife of William Bly; Silas, a clerk
in the railway shops at Grand Rapids, Michi-
gan; and George, a liveryman of Watson-
town, Pa. Mrs. Wallize at the present time
resides with a daughter in Watsontown.
Harry Clark Wallize was reared on the farm
and attended the public schools and Warren
Institute at Warrenville, Ill., living at home
until he was twenty-two years of age, when
he located at Huntley Station, McHenry
County, Ill. He was employed there as over-
seer on a dairy-farm at first, but he was sub-
sequently called upon to act in the capacity
of superintendent, continuing for a period of
one and one-half years. He then returned
home and counted lumber in a saw-mill for
a like period, after which he lived with his
brother in Rush township for three years. In
1871 he was married and then engaged in

 

 

 

 

farming in Upper Augusta township, near his
present home, for a period of six years, but
later conducted a store in East Buffalo Val-
ley, Union County, Pa., for two years. He
then sold out and returned to Upper Augusta
township, where he engaged in the manufac-
ture of brick and operated a flagstone quarry.
After a period of three years spent at that bus-
iness he bought his present farm of one hun-
dred and forty-seven acres, known as the old
H. G. Kline homestead, and has since lived
there. He rents a major portion of the land,
but carries on market gardening himself, mak-
ing on anaverage of three trips a week to Sha-
mokin to dispose of his produce. He has also
dealt in fertilizers for some years, and his
success has been great in whatsoever line of
business he has undertaken, owing to his nat-
ural industry and general business capacity.
On March 16, 1871, Mr. Wallize was joined
in hymeneal bonds with Elizabeth C. Kline, a
daughter of Harmon G. and Mary Kline of
Upper Augusta township. Her father was a
farmer and a school teacher and is now living
in retirement in Sunbury. This union re-
sulted in the birth of two children, namey:
Arthur B., a promising young man who is
now in attendance at Easton College; and
Bertha Estella, who died at the age of five
years. Politically our subject has always been
an unswerving supporter of the Republican
party, and has at various times been called
into public office. He served as auditor of the
township at the time East Sunbury was taken
from the township; school director for six
years, and was secretary of the board during
the entire period. At the present time he is a
director of the Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany, operating in Upper and Lower Augus-
ta, Rockefeller and Mahanoy townships. In
religious attachments he is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and is very act-
HON.

 

GRANT HERRING.
ive in its workings. He is a class-!eader in the
Sunday School and is now acting as superin-
tendent of that body. He is also an active
worker of the Epworth League. He is a
prominent member of the Farmers’ Alliance.

Somes gcdieencerecex.

ON. GRANT HERRING, who has

attained much prominence as a practi-
\X tioner of law and in politics in the
town of Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pa.,
was formerly collector of internal revenue for
the Twelfth District of Pennsylvania and re-
cently served as president law judge of the
Twenty-sixth Judicial District. He repre-
sented the Twenty-fourth Senatorial District
in the State Senate for a term of four years.
He is a son of George A. and Mary A. (Hess)
Herring, and was born at Centerville, now
known as Limeridge, Columbia Céunty, May
19, 1862.

The Herrings were originally a family of
German peasants, and Christopher Herring,
his wife, and their eight children were brought
to this country prior to the Revolutionary
War as “redemptioners,” their services being
sold to pay their passage. Of these children
two were killed in the battle of Brandywine
and another, Ludwick, who was the great-
grandfather of our subject, settled in Orange-
ville, Columbia County, Pa., in 1800. He was
a teamster and was engaged in hauling pro-
duce and goods from Orangeville and Potts-
ville to Reading before the introduction of the
railroad system in that section.

‘John Herring, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Orangeville, Pa., in 1808 and
there resided throughout his active life. He
was a carpenter by occupation and for twenty
years was foreman of carpentering on the
Pennsylvania Canal, between Nanticoke and

 

 

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 37

 

Democrat, casting his first vote for Jackson,
and adhered to the Democratic party until his
demise. For ten years he was justice of the
peace at Orangeville. He moved to Blooms-
burg in 1889 and during the following years
lived in retirement, dying in 1893. He mar-
ried Rebecca Snyder, a sister of the late Sher-
iff John Snyder of Orangeville, and they had
eight children, six sons and two daughters.
George A. Herring, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Orangeville, December 24,
1833, and obtained his education in the acad-
emy at that place. At the age of twenty years
he moved to Bloomsburg and learned the
trade of a molder, which he followed for a
period of four years in Bloomsburg, Ill., and
in Michigan. He then returned home and en-
gaged in carpentering with his father, build-
ing canalboats at Limeridge, Columbia
County. He continued carpenter work and
boat building until 1864, when he purchased a
colliery, now known as No. 3, at Shenandoah,
Schuylkill County, Pa., in connection with J.
W. Williams, Esq., operating it for a few years
under the firm name of Williams & Herring.
He then met with a serious accident which
nearly resulted in his death and which termi-
nated his connection with the mine. He dis-
posed of his interest and engaged in merchan-
dising in Shenandoah up to the year 1876,
when he sold out. During this period he was
elected treasurer of Schuylkill County, serving
from 1870 to 1873. He was one of the organ-
izers and a director of the Shenandoah Water
Company; also a director of the Shenandoah
Valley Bank. In 1876, owing to poor health,
he sold his store and moved to Bloomsburg,
purchasing a farm two miles from there and
also renting a tannery, which he operated un-
til 1882. He then disposed of the tannery, but
has since owned the farm. From 1881 to 1887
38 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

he served as deputy treasurer of Columbia
County and for the fo‘lowing three years as
treasurer. In 1894 he was made deputy col-
lector of internal revenue for the Twelfth Dis-
trict of Pennsylvania, with office at Scranton,
under his son Grant, and he has since held that
office. Politically Mr. Herring is a firm sup-
porter of Democratic principles and has fre-
quently served as delegate to state conven-
tions from Columbia and Schuylkill Counties.
He was a delegate to the convention which
nominated Pattison for governor, and the
delegation from Columbia County, being the
last to cast its vote, had the distinction of
naming the Democratic candidate, as the vote
was very close. Mr. Herring married Mary
A. Hess, who died in 1893 at the age of fifty-
seven years, and they became the parents of
three children: Grant, the subject of this bio-
graphical record; Ida, who resides with her
father at Bloomsburg; and John, who died in
March, 1890, at the age of twenty-two years.
The latter was graduated from Lafayette Col-
lege in June, 1889, and during his Junior year
in college he received-three honors in orator-
ical contests. Upon leaving school he began
the study of law-with our subject and contin-
ued it until his death.

Grant Herring attended the common
schools of Shenandoah until 1876, when he
entered the Bloomsburg State Normal School
to prepare for college, remaining there until
1879. He then took a classical course in La-
fayette College, graduating therefrom in June,
1883. He is an excellent speaker and a fluent
writer, and in his Junior year took first hon-
ors in the oratorical contest. In September,
1883, he began the study of law with E. R.
Ikeler, Esq., afterwards president judge of
the Twenty-sixth Judicial District of Pennsyl-
vania, being the immediate predecessor of our
subject in that office at Bloomsburg, being ad-

 

mitted to the bar in February, 1885. He
formed a partnership with Mr. Ikeler on the
same day under the firm name Ikeler & Her-
ring, and they continued together for four
years, until Mr. Herring was elected to the
bench. He has since practiced alone, and has
admission to the County, United States, State
and District Supreme Courts. He had.a good
corporation practice, being solicitor for the
Farmers’ National Bank, attorney for the
Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, for The
Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company
of Berwick, and a number of other
prominent firms. He possesses essentially
a legal mind and is indefatigable in
the prosecution of cases which he under-
takes, and has met with unusual success.
Politically he has been quite active in the af-
fairs of the Democratic party, and represented
the Twenty-fourth Senatorial District of
Pennsylvania in the State Senate from 1890 to
1894, being in the extra session called by Gov.
Pattison in 1893 for the investigation of state
officers. He was delegate-at-large from
Pennsylvania to the Democratic National
Convention in 1892 which chose Cleveland as
the party candidate, and was also a delegate
from his district in 1896 to the Chicago Con-
vention. He was appointed collector of inter-
nal revenue for the Twelfth District of Penn-
sylvania, assuming the duties of office on Feb-
ruary 3, 1894. He was appointed judge of the
Twenty-sixth Judicial District August 12,
1898, but was not a candidate for election at
the polls in November. He resumed the prac-
tice of his profession in January, 1899.

On September 4, 1885, Mr. Herring was
united in marriage to Emma Jones of Blooms-
burg, and they are the parents of three chil-
dren, as follows: Donald, born September 25,
1886, who attends the Bloomsburg High
School; Laura, born December 24, 1887;
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 39

 

and Mildred, born September 24, 1893. Our
subject is a man of strong personality and
has a large following in Eastern Pennsylvania,
and it is with pleasure that we announce that
his portrait is presented on another page of
this work.

 

UVAL DICKSON, station agent of
-theD., L.& W R.R., also agent for
the United States Express Company
at Berwick, one of the popular and energetic
business men of that town, was born in
Northumberland County, Pa., and is a son of
Rev. James and Jeanette (Duval) Dickson,
grandson of Archibald and Elizabeth (Waite)
Dickson, and great-grandson of Archibald
Dickson.

Archibaid Dickson, Sr., was a native of
Ke'so, Roxburyshire, Scotland, and during
his boyhood learned the trade of a shoemaker,
and, attaining manhood, engaged in the shoe
business, following that line of business the
rest of his active days. He was the father of
four children, namely: Robert; Jane; Eliza-
beth; and Archibald. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson
each lived to the age of seventy years.

Archibald Dickson, Jr., the grandfather of
our subject, was born in Kelso, Roxburyshire,
Scotland, and from his father he learned the
trade of a shoemaker and conducted a shoe
store all his life. He was joined in marriage
to Elizabeth Waite, also a native of Kelso, and
to their union the following children were
born: James, the father of our subject; Mar-
garet; Robert; Jessie; John; and three who
died in infancy. Mr. Dickson died at the age
of fifty years.

James Dickson, the father of our subject,
received his intellectual training in the Nor-
mal School at Glasgow, Scotland, and in 1843

 

 

 

 

 

went to the West Indies, where he was en-
gaged in missionary work for ten years. In
1853 Mr. Dickson immigrated to the United
States, and located in Philadelphia, and, hav-
ing prepared himself for the ministry in the
meantime, he was ordained to preach on Sep-
tember 13, 1854, in the Fourth Presbyterian
Church of that city. While in that city he
served as secretary for Albert Burns for sev-
eral months. Since that time he has preached
in the following churches: at Camden, N. J.,
in 1854; Rausch Gap and Gold Mine, Pa., in
1854-55; Birmingham, Pa., in 1854; Mt. Pleas-
ant, Pa., in 1859; Northumberland, from
1860 to ’67; Berwick, Pa., from 1868 to ’79;
McIntyre, Pa., 1880; Penndale, S'ack’s Run
and Baden, from 1881 to ’89; Dayas Mines, in
1890; and did missionary work to 1892. Thus
he has spent thirty-eight years and six months
in the pulpit, and his salary has been contin-
ued at the same rate. for the remainder of h’s
lifetime. He is now living in retirement in
the town of Berwick, Columbia County. Mr.
Dickson has been twice married. He was
united to his first wife, Mary Carlisle, a daugh-
ter of Warren Carlisle of Brownville, Pa., June
9, 1844, and the following children were born
to them: Elizabeth Agnes, born June 29,
1847; Mary Carlisle, born February 1, 1849,
who is the wife of C. N. Farrer; Agnes D.,
born July 8, 1850; Warrand C., born January
7, 1852; and James Irving, born January 1,
1853, and died young. Rev. Mr. Dickson's
wife died at the age of twenty-six years, and
he subsequently married Jeanette Duval, a
daughter of Michael and Eleanor (Hatfield)
Duval, both natives of Normandy, France.
Michael Duval served under Napoleon the
First; he came to the United States and lo-
cated in Dauphin County, Pa., where he spent
the rest of his life, passing away at the age of
sixty-six years. His wife died aged seventy
40 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

years. They were the parents of three chil-
dren, namely: William E.; Jeanette; and
Enoch S. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson reared the
following children: William Sterling, born
August 18, 1858, is paymaster at The Jackson
& Woodin Manufacturing Company and mar-
ried Lillie Baucher, who bore him two chil-
dren, Conway and David. William S. formed
a second marriage with Martha Helenrich.
Alexander Whilden, born December 12, 1859,
is a commercial traveler, and married Sally
Freece, now deceased, and five children
blessed their union, namely: Edna J.; James
H.; Freece; Pauline; and Alexander W. Con-
way, born December 20, 1862, is a preacher
in the Methodist Church at Marysville, Pa.
James, born October 7, 1865, wedded Annie
B. Low, who bore him one child, Myron Low.
Archibald, born March 19, 1867, is a sten-
ographer and had charge of the Columbia
Business College for five years.

Duval Dickson, the subject of this personal
history, began business life as a foreman in
the lumber yards of The Jackson & Woodin
Manufacturing Company and remained in the
company’s employ for three years. In 1885
he began learning telegraphy and was soon
appointed operator on the D., L. & W.R.R.,
and was given charge of the station at Ber-
wick, a position he still holds to the satisfac-
tion of the public, as well as to his superiors.
He is also engaged in the wholesale and retail
coal business, and is United States Express
agent. He is popular and is held in high es-
teem by his fellow-citizens, who know him to
be an honest, straightforward business man.
Our subject also owns a farm of eighty-five
acres located at the foot of Berwick Heights,
which is known as the old S. E. Smith prop-
erty. He has made many improvements and
spends many of his leisure hours working
upon the farm.

 

 

Mr. Dickson was wedded to Amelia Long,
a daughter of C. C. Long of Danville, Pa., and
one child has blessed their home: Clark L.,
born July 20, 1892. Our subject is a member
of the Methodist Church; and is also a mem-
ber of the Knights of Malta.

EV. DANIEL THOMAS HUCK-
ELL, deceased, who throughout his
entire life resided on the old Huck-
ell homestead near the town of Forksville,
in Sullivan County, was a minister of the Gos-
pel and held charges in Forksville and vicinity
for many years. He was a true Christian in
every respect and his life was an exemplary
one. He lived for others and his many kind
acts and charitable deeds will long be recalled
by those who knew and loved him.

Rev. Mr. Huckell was born on the home
farm in Forks township, Sullivan County, Pa.,
June 25, 1833, and was a son of John and El-
len (Little) Huckell, and a grandson of Thom-
as Huckell. The lattér was a native of Eng-
land, who came to America, where we first
find him located in Northumberland County,
Pa. He there became acquainted with Dr.
Priestly, a land agent, and also a_ na-
tive of England, and of him he purchased for
one dollar per acre a tract of 300 acres of land
in Forks township, Sullivan County. Prior
to coming to this country his vocation was
that of a merchant and he intended following
that line of business here, bringing with him
many things which he found to be utterly use-
less in the wilderness in which he made his
home. In that section there were no roads
and only the Indian trails along the creeks
afforded passage to civilization. He chose a
tract of well covered timberiand and also flat-
land, on which he built his first house, a rude

 

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 41

 

 

affair of logs and in the rear of where the
beautiful home stands.  Ably as-
sisted by his wife and children, he cleared a
good farm, and there they lived happily, al-
though they had few neighbors within a radius
of many miles. This hardy pioneer lived to
reach the age of seventy years before passing
into the realms of the unknown. He married
Sarah Ann Lambert, a native of England, who
died at the age of seventy-seven years, and
their children were: Benjamin, who died in
Engtand; Sarah, the wife of G. Lyon; Wil-
liam; Ann, the wife of J. Ball; Catherine, the
wife of Thomas Raper; John; Mary, wife of
J. Rogers; and Harriet, who married Wil-
liam Bowen.

John Huckell, the father of our subject, was
born in England and came to this country
with his parents. He assisted his father on
the farm and upon his father’s death succeeded
to the ownership thereof, residing upon it un-
til his death. He was past seventy years of
age when he died and his wife was near
eighty. His wife’s maiden name was Ellen
Little, and four children blessed their union:
Benjamin, who died young; Sarah Ann, the
wife of J. L. Snyder; Daniel T., the subject
of this biographical record; and Elizabeth,
wife of Thomas Molyneux.

Daniel Thomas Huckell was reared on the
family homestead and obtained a good edu-
cation in the district schools, as he was a boy
of more than ordinary diligence and always
displayed great fondness for reading and
study. He determined to enter the ministry
and teach his fellowmen the word of God and
thereby aid them in their various walks of life,
and as a result of this resolve he directed his
studies toward that’end. His father, however,
persuaded him to remain at home and assist
him for a time and this he did, but in 1882 he
entered upon his first charge and officiated in

now

 

the pulpit until his demise. His pastoral
work was principally in Forksville and vicin-
ity, and he worked faithfully in the interest
of the church and for the cause of Christianity.
He continued as proprietor of the homestead
and sold fifty acres which were laid out in
town lots, on which many fine buildings now
stand. In 1885 he erected one of the hand-
somest residences in Forks township and im-
proved the grounds, setting out fine shrubs
and trees, and doing what he cou'd to add to
the general appearance of the place. Rev. Mr.
Huckell was fond of good horses and always
drove spirited animals. At one time he was
drawing wood with a fine span of blacks and
upon unloading he stood at the front end of
the wagon. The horses, taking fright at some-
thing, started up, and he became tangied in
the whiffle-tree and was thrown into the air,
alighting on his back and side. Upon exami-
nation it was found that three ribs had been
broken and his death finally resu‘ted, Novem-
ber 7, 1896. His death was greatly mourned,
not only by his loving wife and children, but
by a large circle of acquaintances throughout
Stillivan County.

September 23, 1870, Rev. Mr. Huckell was
united in marriage with Mrs. Catherine M.
Fleming, nee Osler, and they had one child,
Sarah Ann, a teacher and student of Lock-
haven State Normal School. For more than
thirty years he served in an official capacity as
justice of the peace and was also a member
of the State Board of Agricultural Commis-
sioners.

Mrs. Huckell is a daughter of John H. and
Jane (Myers) Osler, and was born in Sullivan
County. John H. Osler was reared in Sul.i-
van County, where his mother settled after
forming a second union with a Mr. Bryan, her
first husband having been killed in the War
of 1812. After reaching manhood he engaged
42 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

in the woolen manufacturing business for a
period of thirty-five years in Elkland town-
ship. There he died at the age of eiglity-four
years and his wife at the age of seventy-nine.
Their children were as follows: Jeremiah of
Elkland township; Sarah Jane, deceased;
Catherine M., the widow of our subject; John
S. of Elkland township; Clay M. of Forks
township; Lydia; David W. of Lycoming
County; Henry W., who died young; and
Edwin R. of Galestown, Md. Catherine M.
Osler formed a matrimonial alliance with Dan-
iel Fleming, who was engaged in agricultural
pursuits in Elkland township. In the Civil
War he enlisted in Co. D of the heavy artil-
lery, and was wounded in the battle of the
Wilderness, June 17, 1864, and his death re-
sulted on June 2oth, three days later. This
union resulted in the birth of one son, John
‘R. Fleming, a prosperous woolen manufac-
turer of Forksville, a record of whose life ap-
pears elsewhere in this Book of Biographies.
Mrs. Huckell is now living in the home built
by her husband and is surrounded by scores
of friends, in whose midst she has lived these
many years, who hold her in high esteem for
her many excellent traits of character. She
was a worthy helpmeet in the good works
accomplished by her husband, being of a
sympathetic and charitable nature, and she
can never stand by and see others in distress
without doing her utmost to relieve them.

OHN G. KIMBLE. This expert miller
has been successfully engaged in that
occupation more or less all his life, and
is now senior member of the firm of Kimble
& Jones, manufacturers of White Rose flour
and buckwheat flour, corn-meal, ete. He was

born in Loyalsock township, Lycoming

 

County, Pa., six miles above the village of
Montoursville, October 7, 1845, and is a son
of Jacob and Mary (McClarin) Kimble.

Peter Kimble, grandfather of our subject,
was a native of New Jersey and was of Ger,
man descent. He was a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary War and after independence had been
gained he moved to Lycoming County, Pa.,
where he followed his trade as a b!acksmith.
He passed from this life at his home in Fair-
field in 1845, at the advanced age of ninety-six
years.

Jacob Kimble, our subject’s father, was
born in Lycoming County, Pa., in 1806. He
attended the district school a short time and
spent the major part of his leisure hours work-
ing in the blacksmith-shop owned by his fath-
er and soon became quite proficient in that
trade. Attaining his majority, Peter moved
to Loyalsock, where he pursued the occupa-
tion of a blacksmith for thirty-five years. In
1857 he purchased a mill in Columbia County,
Pa., located two miles above Benton, on West

Creek, now the property of our subject. He .

successfully operated that mill until 1869,
when he returned to his native county and
settled in Hughesville, where he spent his re-
maining days in retirement. His death oc-
curred in 1884. Religiously he was a member
of the Christian Church. He was united in
marriage to Mary McClarin, by whom he
reared four sons and three daughters, namely:
Lucinda, wife of Samuel Wilson of Clinton,
Ill.; Peter F., a merchant residing at Spring-
field, Ill.; Smith W., a well-known inventor
residing in New York City; Asher, a miller
by trade, who died in 1864; Jennie, a resi-
dent of Hughesville, Pa.; Annie, wife of Ira
J. Thomas, proprietor of the old Kimble mills
in Benton township; and John G., our sub-
ject.

john G. Kimble was educated in the public

 

 
 

HON. THOMAS CHALFANT,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 45

 

 

schcols of Benton township and then worked
with his father, learning the miller’s trade, at
the West Creek Mill. He remained in the em-
ploy of his father until 1876, when he moved
to Springfield, Ill.; there he continued his
former occupation for three years and then
went to Mechanicsburg in the same county
and engaged in the milling business four
years. After spending eight years in Blue
Earth County, Minnesota, where he followed
his trade, he returned to Mechanicsburg, IIL,
and followed milling two years. In 1894 our
subject returned to Columbia County and in
partnership with his brother-in-law, Ira J.
Thomas, he purchased the Jonestown Mills.
Mr. Thomas sold his interest in this property,
and on January 1, 1899, Mr. A. W. Jones was
admitted into partnership with our subject and
they are operating under the firm name of
Kimble & Jones. The mill is a four-story
frame building, 40 by 50 feet, is operated by
water-power, and has a capacity of 100 bar-
rels per day. The firm’s favorite flour is the
White Rose, which is made from select winter
wheat, and commands a ready sale in the
market.

In the spring of 1898 our subject and J. W.
Mathews purchased, under the firm name of
Kimble & Mathews, the Benton Flouring
Mills, which they propose to remodel and

equip with the latest and most improved ma- |

chinery. This mill is also operated by water-
power.

Mr. Kimble chose for his life companion
Stella Jones, a daughter of James N. Jones,
a descendant of one of the pioneer families
of the section, and they were united in mar-
riage December 29, 1869. Two children have
blessed their home, namely: Lawrence, a
miller by trade, residing at Amboy, Minne-
sota; and Clinton, a miller, living at home.
Mr. Kimble casts his vote in support of the
Democratic party.

 

ON. THOMAS CHALFANT, the
present popular postmaster of Dan-
ville, Pa., and one of the honored
and influential citizens of Montour County,
whose portrait is shown on the opposite page,
was born in the city of Philadelphia in 18109.
Our subject traces his ancestral history back
to Robert Chalfant, a member of the Society
of Friends, who, with William Penn, emi-
grated from Stoke Pogis, England, to Amer-
ica and settled on land at Doe Run, Chester
County, Pa., which is still in the family name.
He is also a descendant of John Peden on
the maternal side, a Scotch-Irish Covenanter,
who immigrated to the American Continent
and settled in Pennsylvania in 1732. He was
one of the founders of the Covenanters
Church in Philadelphia, which is located on
Spruce street.

Hon. Thomas Chalfant was reared and edu-
cated in the city of Philadelphia, and when
a young man he learned the trade of a carpen-
ter and patternmaker, which occupation he
followed in his native city until 1840. He then
moved to Danville, Pa., and in 1847 went
South and. located in the state of Georgia,
where he assisted in the erection of a number
of sugar and cotton mills. Returning to his
native state he became a resident of Danville,
where, in partnership with his brother-in-law,
Dr. Isaac Hughes, he opened and conducted
a drug-store for many years, meeting with the
greatest of success. On October 1, 1853, our
subject was commissioned postmaster of Dan-
ville and held that position until July 15,
1861, when he took charge of the Danville
Intelligencer, one of the leading papers of
Montour County. June 28, 1863, he enlisted
in the Union Army for a term of three months
and was commissioned as captain of Co. D,
53rd Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., October 6, 1866,
Mr. Chalfant was elected a member of the
46 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

State Legislature as a representative of Co-
lumbia and Montour Counties, and was re-
elected to the same office in the following
year. During his latter term he was largeiy
instrumental in passing the bill appointing
commissioners to select a site for the erection
of a state hospital for the insane, and the se-
lection of a site in Danville was also due to
the efforts of our subject. In 1872 Mr. Chal-
fant was again honored with a seat in the State
Senate, representing Columbia, Montour, Ly-
coming and Sullivan Counties. In 1883 he
was appointed one of the trustees of the Dan-
ville State Hospital, which position he still re-
tains. Mr. Chalfant was elected president of
the Pennsylvania State Editorial Association
in 1881; and in 1885 he was appointed post-
master of Danville under Cleveland’s admin-
istration, and has held that position to the
present time, filling it with great credit to
himself and entire satisfaction of the citizens
of Danville.

In 1842 Mr. Chalfant married Eliza
Hughes, a daughter of Ellis Hughes of Dan-
ville, and two sons and two daughters blessed
this union, of whom none survive but Charles,
ex-publisher of the Danville Daily Sun, and
now a prominent attorney of Danville. In
politics our subject is strongly Democratic
and endorses the views of his party conscien-
fiously. Mr, Chalfant is one of the repre-
sentative men in this section of the state and
his opinions are sought and valued as those of
_ aman of deliberate and temperate judgment
and intelligent thought.

 

APT. JAMES BOYD ROBISON, who
served with great credit as a captain in

the Union Army during the Civil

War, ‘is a man who has attained particular

 

prominence as an attorney-at-law in Blooms-
burg, Columbia County, Pa. He resides ina
handsome home at Espy, but every day finds
him in his office in Bloomsburg looking after
his extensive practice. He was born in
loomsburg, January 3, 1838, and is a son of
William and Betsey (Barton) Robison.
" His great-grandfather was William Robi-
son, who was born in the North of Ireland
and was of Scotch-Irish parentage. He was
unmarried when he came to America, but sub-
sequently was joined in wedlock with Martha
Huston, a native of this country. They re-
sided in the beginning of the last century in
the Juniata region, where he was engaged in
agricultural pursuits the remainder of his life.
In religious attachments he was a strict be-
liever in the Presbyterian faith. He was the
progenitor of the following children: James;
Hugh; John; Alexander; David; William;
Joseph; Margaret; Agnes; Elizabeth; Jane;
and Rebecca.

Alexander Robison, grandfather of our sub-
ject, also took to agricultural pursuits at Mc-
Veytown, Pa., where he was born and lived all
his life. He married Elizabeth McKee and
among the children who blessed that union
was William, the father of our subject.

William Robison was born in McVeytown,
Pa., January 19, 1789, and was reared upon
his father’s farm, obtaining his intellectual ed-
ucation in the district schools. In 1810 he
located near Orangeville, Columbia County,
where he opened and conducted a_ general
store for four or five years, and then moved
to Bloomsburg with his brother John. They
operated a tannery at the corner of Third
street and Miller’s alley with much success
until 1826. In connection with the tannery
they built the stone house, corner of Third
street and Miller’s alley. It was first occupied
by William and his wife on their marriage,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 47

 

 

January 30, 1816, and is now the oldest house
in town. In 1822 William Robison was ap-
pointed sheriff of Columbia County, serving in
that capacity for a short time. From 1826
to 1840 he conducted a first-class hotel at the
corner of Second and Center streets, where
Moyer's drugstore is now located. During
this period he was also extensively engaged in
staging,—providing the only transportation
from Bloomsburg to many points, and he did
a very large business. In 1840 he rented his
hotel and became interested in farming, pur-
chasing a large farm in Hemlock township,
which is now owned by J. Trout, Esq., and
continuing there until 1846, when he again
returned to Bloomsburg and carried on a
mercantile business in the hotel buiiding for
eight-years. Being-past sixty-six years of aze,
in 1855 he retired from active life and lived
happily until his demise, in 1866. Politicatly
he was originally a Democrat and then a Clay
Whig, but later became a Republican, remain-
ing so the rest of his life. He owned one-third
of the lot on which the court-house stands and
presented it to the county. In religious views
he was a Presbyterian. Socially, he was a
member of the Masonic fraternity. January
30, 1816, he married Betsey Barton, who was
born in Bloomsburg, January 30, 1799, and
was a daughter of Elisha Barton, one of the
early prominent men of Bloomsburg, and this
union resulted in the following issue: Alex-
ander, deceased, who married Mary E.
Thompson; Jane McKee, wife of Lynd El-
liott; Anna Maria, wife of Ariovistus Pardee;
Martha Elizabeth, who married Andrew M.
Rupert; Harriet, wife of Charles E. Frazer;
Ellen Boone, wife of Dr. William B. Hawkins;
Emily A., wife of George B. Markle; Isabelle,
wife of Nathaniel L. Campbell; William Bar-
ton, who died at the age of four years; Mary
Augusta, deceased; James Boyd, the subject

 

of this biographical record; Isaiah B., a sol-
dier in the Civil War who gave up his life for
the cause of his country at the battle of Peach
Tree Creek in 1864; and Hannah Amelia, wife
of Fred E. Barber.

James Boyd Robison attended the public
schools and the Bloomsburg Academy and ap-
plied himself with such diligence that he was
considered qualified to teach and received an
appointment in Mifflin township, Columbia
County, January ro, 1854, just one week after
his sixteenth birthday. On August 19, of that
year, he was awarded the first permanent cer-
tificate issued by Carbon County. He taught
at Summit Hill for seven months and then
served for two months on a corps of engineers
who laid out the Yeddo Branch of the Hazle-
ton Railroad. In 1855 he entered Lafayette
College at Easton, Pa., from which he re-
ceived the degree of A. M. in 1867, but in
1857 he went to Washington, D. C., where he
was engaged in writing patents for the land
office for five months. He held a position as
bookkeeper at Mauch Chunk, Carbon Coun-
ty, for three months, when he went to Illi-
nois, where he engaged in teaching school and
selling books from 1858 to 1859. In August,
1859, he began to prepare himself for the legal
profession, entering the office of Jason T.
Giebner, a well-known lawyer of Mercer, Mer-
cer County, Pa., in the imeantime making
enough as a clerk in the sheriff's office to sup-
port himself. When the first shot, which
startled the world, was fired at Fort Sumtcr
in 1861, opening the real hostilities between
the Union Army and the Secessionists, our
subject was one of the first to offer his aid to
his country. On the day after receiving intel-
ligence of the first encounter he drew up an
enlistment paper and headed it with his own
name. This was the first enlistment in Mer-
cer County. The company was soon organ-
48 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

ized and was at first known as the Mercer
Rifles, but was mustered in June 17, 1861, as
Company G, 1oth Regt. Pa. Vol. Reserves,
under Capt. A. J. Warner, for a period of
three years. Mr. Robison was a sergeant of
the company and remained in the service until
he received a severe wound in the left hand at
the second battle of Bull Run, when he was
sent to the hospital, receiving his discharge
December 18, 1862. In June of the year fol-
lowing he was elected captain of Company H,
of the 35th Regiment, at Harrisburg, Pa.,
with which he served until August, 1863,
when he returned home and thence to Mercer
and resumed his studies, being admitted to the
bar in November, 1863. During the follow-
ing winter he taught school at Sandy Lake,
Mercer County. On June 1, 1864, he went
to Washington, D. C., as a clerk under Capt.
J. T. Giebner in the commissary department,
who was assigned to the 19th Army Corps
under Gen. Sheridan in the Shenandoah Val-
ley. It was his misfortune to be captured by
the Rebels on September 26, and on October
17 he was cast into Libby Prison, where the
Union men received the treatment commonly
accorded Union prisoners of war. On Febru-
ary 17, 1865, he secured his release and re-
turned to Mercer, Pa., where he shortly after
was e‘ected district attorney. Serving only a
short time, he resigned and moved to St. Louis,
Mo., at the beginning of the year, and with
two others engaged in the real estate business
until 1867. Owing to the weakness of the
leading member of the firm in the use of liq-
uor, the business was not a success and had
to be abandoned. Removing to Bloomsburg
he entered upon the practice of law and was
subsequently appointed United States Com-
missioner. From 1872 to 1875 he served as
notary public, and for several years as corpor-
ation counsel. The greater part of his life he

 

has been a Republican, and in 1870 he was
the party nominee for the State Legislature.
In 1880 he was nominated by the Greenback
party for Congress, receiving a larger vote
than any other on his ticket, but, of course,
was défeated. In 1896 he took sides with the
Democracy, on the silver issue. In 1881 he
purchased a farm near Bloomsburg and con-
ducted it until 1885; he purchased a fine resi-
dence in Espy in 1893 and now resides there,
but his office and place of business is in
Bloomsburg. Capt. Robison is widely known
throughout his section as a man of great
worth and integrity, and there are none but
what hold him in the highest esteem and ac-
cord him their confidence.

On October 16, 1873, he was joined in Hy-
men’s bonds with Mary Jane Breece, a daugh-
ter of Daniel Breece, and the following chil-
dren bless their home; Martha Elizabeth, a
teacher, a graduate of the Bloomsburg State
Normal School; James Boyd, a graduate of
the Bloomsburg State Normal School, now in
Illinois; Bessie Mary, a graduate of the
Bloomsburg State Normal School, resides at
home; Isaiah Barton, died in infancy; Wil-
liam Daniel, now attending school; Jennie
Breece; Emily; Andrew Horace; and Irving
Alexander, all attending school. Socially our
subject is a member of the following orders:
Odd Fellows; Patrons of Husbandry; Grand
Army of the Republic; and of Masonic bod-
ies, being a Knight Templar and a member
in the Thirty-second Degree, Scottish Rite.

 

 

APT. JOHN M. BUCKALEW, a pro-
gressive business man of Fishing Creek
township, Columbia County, has

been extensively engaged in the lumber busi-
ness for many years and was a captain in the
~~ at was still a Dutch province.

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 49

 

Civil War. He is a son of John M. and Mar-
tha (Funston) Buckalew, and was born near
his present homestead October 17, 1826.

The Buckalew family originated in Scot-
land, but many centuries ago removed to
France, the native land of Francis Buckalew.
who immigrated to Long Island, N. Y., while
Later Francis
moved to South Amboy, Middlesex County,
N. J., where he became a landowner and re-
sided the remainder of his days. He was a
large man, of powerful strength, which has
ever been a characteristic of the family, our
subject being six feet tall and weighing con-
siderably over two hundred pounds. This
sturdy old pioneer lived to reach the remark-
able age of 110 years before overtaken by the
Silent Reaper some time between 1752 and
1755. Samuel Buckalew, his son and the
great-grandfather of our subject, was born in
South Amboy, N. J., in 1698, where he lived
all his life, dying August 4, 1796, at the ripe
old age of ninety-six years. He was the pro-
genitor of a family of five children, three
daughters and two sons, one of whom was
John, the grandfather of our subject.

John Buckalew was born in Middlesex
County, N. J., in 1743, and at an early age
was united in matrimonial bonds to Mary
MacKinney, a daughter of Mordecai Mac-
Kinney of Hunterdon County, N. J., and a sis-
ter of Capt. John MacKinney, who made an
enviable record in the service during the Rev-
olutionary War. He had a command in the
gth Regiment of Pennsylvania in the battles
of Brandywine and Germantown, but subse-
quently was transferred to the 3d Regiment,
and later to the 5th. He was at the surrender
of Cornwallis and accompanied Gen. Wayne
on his southern campaign. He served with
distinction throughout the entire war, after
which he moved to Kentucky, where he re-

 

sided until his death. About the year 1775,
John Buckalew, with his wife's father, move:
to Muncy, Lycoming County, Pa., where they
purchased a tract of 300 acres of land and en-
gaged in its cultivation. He was associated
with Capt. Brady in the war on the borders
during the Revolution, and was a member of
the first Committee of Safety in 1776, at the
outbreak of the Revolutionary War. He was
aimember of the militia and took his turn in
scouting duty, as his brother-in-law was away
fighting and it fell to his lot to remain at home
for the protection of the two families. After
the war had been in progress for some time
Indian depredations became so frequent in
their neighborhood that the families sought
safety in other localities. Mr. MacKinney
moved to Harrisburg, Pa., but Mr. Buckalew
moved to Harford County, Md., where he en-
gaged in the milling business, which was his
trade formerly. Hetooka contract from the
Continental Congress and there still remains
an unpaid bill for from £700 to £800. After
the close of the war and in the latter part of
1785 John Buckalew settled on the Chillis-
quaque Creek, in Northumberland County,
where he remained until 1796, when he moved
to Little Fishing Creek and erected a grist-
mill a short distance below Ives Grove. He
remained there until 1816, when he decided to
move to a smaller farm on Huntington
Creek, Fishing Creek township, as he was
growing old and was in need of a rest and
his children were nearly all married and had
left home. As a result he purchased a farm
adjoining the one upon which our subject now
resides and lived there until his death in 1833,
at the age of ninety-one years. His family
consisted of the following children: Sarah,
who married William Collins of Chester
County, Pa., and moved to the Mississippi
Valley in Illinois, where she died in 1843;
50 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

 

Nancy, deceased; Rachel, who married Sam-
uel Earl of Huntington, Luzerne County;
Rebecca, whose first husband was Daniel
Woodward, and who also married Rev. Epa-
phras Wadsworth, a descendant of Capt.
Wadsworth of Charter Oak fame; Elizabeth,
who married Jacob Ogden and resided in Lu-
zerne County, Pa.; Amos, who was a lumber-
man and died in Middletown, Pa., at a com-
paratively early age; John M., the father of
our subject; and James, from whom Russell
C. Buckalew of Bloomsburg, whose sketch
aiso appears in this Book of Biographies, is
descended.

John M. Buckalew, father of our subject,
was born on Chillisquaque Creek, December
17, 1786, and early in life learned the trade
of a millwright, which he followed all of his
life. He was also engaged extensively in lum-
bering and farming and was decidedly suc-
cessful in all of his business ventures. He was
united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Martha
Funston, who was born near Bethlehem, Pa.,
in 1789, and-died in Luzerne County, January
1, 1840, and their happy union was blessed
by the birth of nine children, five of whom
grew to maturity, namely: William, who was
born November 11, 1816, and died September
6, 1864, was a millwright by trade, also a sur-
veyor, and resided in Fishing Creek town-
ship, Columbia County; Perry, a farmer of
Fishing Creek township, born January 30,
1820, and died January 4, 1888; Charles R.,
who was born December 28, 1821, attained
distinction as an attorney-at-law in Blooms-
burg and was elected to the United States
Senate; Mahala, who was born September 17,
1823, married Benjamin C. Hess, and resides
in Fishing Creek; and Capt. John M., the
gentleman whose name heads these lines.

Capt. John M. Buckalew attended the pub-
lic schools of his native town and after attain-

 

ing manhood engaged in the lumbering busi-
ness, which he has always followed, with the
exception of the time spent in the army dur-
ing the Civil War. He was captain of Com-
pany A, 178th Pa. Reg., being mustered into
service October 30, 1862, and receiving his
honorable discharge in July, 1863, when his
term of enlistment expired. Mr. Buckatew is
a man of excellent judgment and has been
very successful in his business ventures. Al-
though he obtained but little education in the
common school he is a man of scholarly at-
tainments and has been a life-long student.
He has an excellent memory and few if any
are as well posted as he on the early history
of his section of the county. He is recog-
nized as an authority upon local historical
events, and when the legislature authorized
the compilation and publication of the ‘“His-
tory of the Frontier Forts of Pennsylvania’
Gov. Pattison appointed him as one of the
corps to do the work, assigning him the terri-

‘tory between the North and West Branches of

the Susquehanna River, inciuding Sunbury.
He set about getting the desired data, and the
manner in which he wrote his part,of the book
proved entirely satisfactory to everybody con-
cerned and gained many favorable comments
for him.

In 1861 our subject was united in marriage
to Miss D. K. Creveling, a daughter of An-
drew S. Creveling, late a farmer of Fishing
Creek township. Politically Capt. Buckalew
is a stanch supporter of the Republican party.
Socially he is a member of Ent Post No. 250,
G. A. R., of Bloomsburg; a member of Lodge
No. 234, I. O. O. F., of New Columbus, Pa.,
of which he is past noble grand; Wash-
ington Lodge No. 265, F. & A. M., of
Bloomsburg; Bloomsburg Chapter, No. 218,
R. A. M.; Mt. Moriah Council, No. 10, R. &
S. M.: Crusade Commandery, No. 12, K. T.;
 

N

Y

a
Zz

   

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DR. WILLIAM J.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 53

Orient Conclave, No. 2, Red Cross of Con-
stantine; and Caldwell Consistory, S. P. R. S
32d Degree N. M. J., Bloomsburg, Pa.

2g

RK, WILLIAM J. HANLON, a sue-
6 cessful and popular physician of

Mount Carmel, whose portrait is pre-
sented on the preceding page, is another of
the residents of Northumberland County who
have worked their way upward and have won
success and honor by their perseverance,
ability and energy. One of a family of ten
children, our subject, as an engine-wiper, at
the age of ten vears, began a career which has
been active and full of variety. He was for a
time a slate-picker, and graduated from the
coal breaker to the railroad and worked his
way upward to the dispatcher’s office and,
while working hard every day, studied medi-
cine and crowned his labors by graduating
from one of the leading colleges of this state
with high honors and taking up the practice
of the profession he had chosen for his life-
work. A self-made man in every respect, Dr.
Hanlon looks back over his earlier struggles
with much satisfaction and with the kindliest
remembrances of his father who persistently

 

 

 

 

urged him to go to school and to try to edu-.

cate himself so as to be fitted to win success.

Our subject is a son of Thomas and Mar-
garet (McClellan) Hanlon and was born at
Port Carbon, Schuylkill County, Pa., August
5, 1862. His father was a native of County
Donegal, Ireland, where he was born in 1829.
He came to the United States in 1847 and
found employment as a driver on the old
Lehigh Canal. Meeting some friends whom
he had known theretofore he subsequently
went to work as a laborer, unloading boats at
Mauch Chunk. Later he secured employ-

 

ment as a brakeman on the Lehigh Valley
Railroad, continuing in that occupation until
the spring of 1851 when he caught the go'd
fever and decided to go to California. He got
as far as Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pa.,
where something caused him to abandon his
proposed journey to the Pacific Coast, and he
secured work as a brakeman on the Phila-
delphia & Reading Railroad, on which he
worked for many years. He was a brakeman
on the construction train when the line run-
ning from Pottsville to Frackville, Schuy?kill
County, was built. In 1871 he was given an
engine, having by painstaking and diligent
application to his duties won promotions
gradually until he was thoroughly competent
to run an engine, and was transferred in July,
1872, to Mahanoy Plane where he hauled coal

‘trains until 1883. He was then given a regu-

lar passenger run, handling a train which ran
between Mahanoy Plane and Shenandoah; he
continued on that line until age made it ad-
visable that he be given lighter work and he
was placed in charge of a smaller engine which
he ran until his death, February 20, 1897. Mr.
Hanlon married Margaret McClellan, who
was born March 29, 1841, and died March 25,
1897. Their family numbered ten children.
For a brief period the subject of this review,
William J. Hanlon, attended pubtic schools at.

‘Mahanoy Plane and Port Carbon. When ten

years old he went to work as an engine-wiper,
then he was water-boy for the railroad track-
men for a year and a half, and next he picked
slate in a breaker and did many odd jobs, go-
ing to school in winter. His father, while ap-
preciating the boy’s energy and desire to be
earning something, constantly urged William
to attend school, but the son kept at work,
laboring for a time on a gravel train. He
finally yielded to his father’s solicitations and
in the fall of 1879 resumed his studies, making
+

54 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

excellent progress and attaining a high stand-
ing. ‘He obtained a certificate as a teacher,
but he preferred to work about the railroad
and he greased pulleys for a month on the
Mahanoy piane. Next he took a clerkship
in the station at Mahanoy Plane, working in
that capacity from April, 1881, to December,
1883. In the meantime he had learned tele-
graphy and he was transferred to Paxinos,
where he opened a new station for the
Reading Railroad, remaining there until
March 12, 1887, when he was sent back to
Mahanoy Plane as timekeeper for the same
road. He subsequently was stationed as a
clerk at Shamokin Scales on the Philadelphia
& Reading and as night operator on the Penn-
sylvania Railroad at Morris Junction, near
Pottsville. After working at several places
on the latter road, in December, 1888, our
subject was promoted to the position of copier
and operator in the office of the train dis-
patcher at Sunbury, where he remained until
September, 1892. He had meanwhile taken
up the study of medicine with Dr. Daniel W.
Shindel of Sunbury and, resigning his position
with the railroad, on October 1, 1892, he
matriculated at the Medico-Chirurgical Col-
lege of Philadelphia. He pursued his studies
assiduously and between terms at college
worked as an operator on the Philadelphia &
Reading and the Pennsylvania roads, thus
adding to the fund which he had saved for the
purpose of going through the college. He
was graduated May 10, 1895, and removed to
Philadelphia, but he soon abandoned the idea
of practicing in that city owing to the large
expenditures he would have been under while
acquiring a practice. He located at Port
Carbon, Schuylkill County,’ where he prac-
ticed his profession until April 29, 1896, when
he removed to Mount Carmel where he now
has a large and profitable general practice.

 

On January 3, 1889, our subject was joined
in wedlock to Mary E. Farley. Their home
has been brightened by two children: Thomas
F., born October 16, 1889; and William A.,
born September 4, 1896. .

ne

EV. MARTIN L. SHINDEL, a gen-
tleman of scholarly attainments and
a devout Christian worker, has
served faithfully and most efficiently as pastor
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dan-
ville since March, 1874. He has devoted his
time and energy to the cause of Christianity
with a zeal and a love for his work which could
not but result in the accomplishment of much
good to his charge and his fellow citizens, and
there is not a member of his church who does
not love and respect him. He is a son of
Rev. J. P. and Susanna (McCollough) Shin-.
del, and was born in Sunbury, Northumber-
land County, Pa.

Rey. J. P. Shindel, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Lebanon County, Pa., and
when young decided that his life’s work lay
in the ministerial field. He became pastor of
the Lutheran Church of Sunbury and served
as such for a period of forty-five years, when
he retired owing to his advanced age, five
years prior to his death. He married Susan-
na McCollough of Lebanon County and they
were the parents of a family of e'even child-
ren, as follows: Jeremiah, a minister; Rev.
John P.; Jacob J. G.; Solomon; Newton, a
physician, deceased; Dr. Daniel W., deceaseu;
Martin L., our subject; Philip M.; Louise,
the wife of Gideon Leisenring; Maria, the
wife of Benjamin Hendricks; Susanna, the
wife of Samuel Gobin, is the mother of Lieut.-
Gov. J. P. S. Gobin of Pennsylvania.

Martin L. Shindel received a good educa-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 55

 

 

tion, graduating from the Susquehanna Uni-
versity, after which he studied for the ministry
and was ordained to preach in 1861. His first
charge was at Mc.Alisterville, Pa., where he
remained for three years, after which he had
three congregations at Selinsgrove, Pa., for a
period of seven years. He then removed to
Danville, Montour County, as the successor
to Rev. U. Graves as pastor of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church, of which he is pastor at
the present time.

This church was originally a part of St.
John’s German Lutheran Church of Danville,
which was established in 1820 by Rev. Peter
Kessler, who for some years was the only
pastor of that denomination in that section
of the state. He had charge of all the congre-
gations in Montour and adjoining counties.
In 1830 the Lutherans and Episcopalians
joined in building a house of worship in which
each was to hold its services, but after a year
or two dissatisfaction arose, and the Luther-
ans erected a church of their own in 1844.
The congregation assumed large proportions
in a remarkably short time and it became ap-
parent that the size of the church was insuf-
ficient to comfortably accommodate all who
wished to attend. Many of the members
again became dissatisfied and the English-
speaking members withdrew, resulting in the
incorporation of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church on April 29, 1852. They erected a
handsome brick church on Pine Street in
1858, a building 45 by 72 feet in size, with
a large basement for a Sunday School room,
and Rev. P. P. Lane was installed as the first
pastor. He in turn was succeeded by the fol-
lowing in their respective order: Rev. M. J.
Stover, Rev. E. A. Sharretts, Rev. George M.
Rhoads, Rev. U. Graves, and Rev. Martin L.
Shindel, our subject. The trustees of the
church at present are: Jacob Fish, William E.

 

Case, Charles Pusey, and Charles Werkheiser.
Adjoining the church, but facing on Mubberry
street, is the parsonage which is in every way
in keeping with the church edifice.

Under the successful guidance of its present
pastor the church has increased in member-
ship to an enrollment of two hundred, and is
in good financial condition. Rev. Mr. Shindel
during his long pastorate and faithful devotion
to his duty toward God and man, has won a
high place in the affections of the people.

Our subject was united in the holy bonds
of matrimony with Catherine Young, a
daughter of John Young, and they reared a
daughter, Elizabeth B., now the wife of Sam-
uel McCoy, town clerk of Danville, Pa. Mrs.
Shindel died at the age of fifty-five years, and
our subject formed a second marital union
with Mary O. Tillson, a daughter of Darius
and Mary Tillson of Danville, and they have
one daughter, Susan Mary, born October 23,
1889.

ANIEL McHENRY, for many years
a prominent lumberman of Columbia
and adjoining counties, is now living

in his fine old residence at Stillwater,*Fishing

Creek township, Columbia County, Pa., which

was the first property his grandfather ac-

quired after coming to this country, and he is
extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits,
being a large land owner in that section. He
is a son of Moses and Martha (Edgar) Mc-

Henry, and was born at Stillwater, May 15,

1827.

Daniel McHenry, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in the North of Ire'and and
was of Scotch-Irish parentage. Coming to
Ameri¢a prior to the struggle for independ-
ence, he enlisted in the Colonial Army and
fought valiantly for his adopted country. He

 

 

 

 
56 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

settled in Columbia County, Pa., where he
bought a tract of land where the village of
Stillwater is now located and there built a
log house, the first building erected in the
county, north of Orangeville. Soon after his
wife followed him to their new home where
their nearest neighbor was at Orangeville,
six miles distant, and their nearest market,
Northumberland, thirty-four miles distant.
There they lived and labored in happiness,
and, dying, their property descended to their
children, most of it now being owned by our
subject. Daniel joined in wedlock with Mary
Stevens, a sister of Col. William Stevens, a
distinguished officer of the War of 1812, and
a well-known horseman of Steuben County,
N. Y., and their children were: Benjamin,
who owned a part of the old homestead, fol-
lowed farming and lumbering and died of
the yellow fever while going down the Sus-
quehanna River with a raft; Daniel, a farmer
and lumberman on the old home estate, who
was widely known as a man of upright char-
acter and as a devout Christian; John, the
grandfather of John G. McHenry, whose

sketch appears elsewhere; Uriah, who was a |

shoemaker by trade; Moses, the father of our
subject; Elias, a farmer and lumberman, who
was also a colonel in the state militia and a
very active man; Mrs. Martha Colley; and
Mrs. Susan Edgar. Daniel McHenry lies
buried at St. Gabriel’s Church in Sugarloaf
township, and his wife in the Stillwater cem-
etery.

Moses McHenry, the father of our subject,
was born on the old homestead in 1791, and
he was a farmer and lumber dealer. He owned
about 300 acres of the original family estate
and an additional tract of 200 acres which he
purchased. He rafted logs down Fishing
Creek to the Susquehanna, thence down to
tidewater, and did a very large business for

 

many years. He was one of the greatest hunt-
ers of his time and to him hunting was not
only a pleasant pastime but a very profitable
one. His brother John was likewise fond of
the sport and in the proper season they took
jaunts up into the mountains, always return-
ing with many deer, numbering close to one
hundred, which they disposed of at the Phila-
delphia markets. Moses was a strong Demo-
crat in his political affiliations, and was also
a captain in the state militia. He was a man
of marked religious character and was the
founder of the Christian Church at Stillwater,
where he was the first man baptized by im-
mersion. He passed to his final rest in 1855.
He married Martha Edgar, a daughter of
James Edgar, a record of whose life will be
found in the biography of T. H. Edgar, Esq.,
and they became the parents of six sons and
five daughters: Cynthia, deceased, who was
the wife of Samuel McHenry of Benton town-
ship; Isabella, deceased, wife of Tunis Karns;
Elias, deceased, who was at one time a farmer,
but during the latter years of his life was en-
gaged in the insurance business; Mary, widow
of Samuel Appleman of Stillwater; James,
deceased, a merchant of Cambra, Luzerne
County, who twice represented that county in
the State Legislature; John J., a merchant of
Benton, Pa.; Ellen, deceased, who was the
wife of the late John Evans of Madison, Lack-
awanna County; Daniel, the subject of this
personal history; Cyrus B., deceased, a farmer
who resided near Stillwater, and was at his
death, in 1890, associate judge of Columbia
County; Martha, widow of Hiram McHenry,
a farmer of Fishing Creek township; and Si-
las, deceased, who was a farmer on the old
homestead.

Daniel McHenry was brought up on his
father’s farm and received his education in the
old “subscription” schools. As a youth he
 

Ree Vie:

R S. BREWSTI

V. PHILANDE

RE
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

59

 

 

was ambitious and energetic and before he
attained his majority he embarked in the mer-
cantile business as a partner with his brother
James, and they continued as partners for five
years, when our subject became sole proprie-
tor. His efforts in this direction met with the
best of success and he conducted the store for
ten years, when he disposed of it to his
nephew, Moses McHenry, who now runs it.
In the meantime Mr. McHenry had become
much interested in the lumber business in Co-
lumbia and neighboring counties, and upon
retiring from the mercantile business he de-
voted his attention mainly to the lumber busi-
ness. His operations were very extensive and
he continued with good results until 1890,
when he retired in favor of his son, O. D. Mc-
Henry, who had been assisting him for sev-
eral years. Being the owner of large interests
in land, he has since given his attention to
their cultivation and he is now an extensive
agriculturist. Besides owning a part of the
old home property, in 1856 he purchased a
tract of fifty-two acres of his uncle, Elias Mc-
Henry, and also a tract of 200 acres oi fine
bottomland. He owns three good building
sites in Stillwater and in 1878 he built upoa
the land, which descended from his grand-
father, a large and commodious residence in
which he has since resided. Our subject is a

man of high principles and sterling integrity

and stands high among the leading citizens
of the county.

On November 17, 1862, Mr. McHenry was
joined in the holy bonds of matrimony to
Mary McHenry, a daughter of the late J. D.
McHenry, a farmer of Fishing Creek town-
ship, who was a son of Benjamin McHenry,
and a grandson of the founder of the family
in this country. This union was blessed by
two children: Orvis Dell, a lumber dealer who
resides at home; and May. Politically our

subject is an unswerving Democrat and in
1860 was elected county treasurer. He is
a consistent member of the Christian Church,
of which he is an elder.

EV. PHILANDER S. BREWSTER,
M. D., after preparing himself for the
medical profession in his youth,
served in the Union Army during the Rebel-
lion and upon returning home entered the
ministry, filling the pulpits of many churches
until 1894, when he decided to follow the pro-
fession of his first choice. He. has a large
practice in and about the borough of Ber-
wick and has been particularly successful in
«the treatment of chronic cases. He is a son
of Daniel and Roxanna (Beeman) Brewster,
and was born in Wyalusing township, Brad-
ford County, Pa., October 4, 1830.

The Brewsters are of English extraction
and are probably descendants of Elder Brew-
ster who came over in the Mayflower. James
Brewster, the grandfather of our subject, was
a native of Long Island, N. Y., where he re-
sided until 1800, when he and his family,
which consisted of a wife, two sons and a
daughter, moved to Susquehanna County,

| where he spent the remainder of his days. His
occupation was that of a shoemaker, which he
' followed with success. He was the progenitor
| of a family of three children, namely: Daniel,
the father of our subject; Eldad, who was a
weaver in Susquehanna County and died at a
comparatively young age; and Abigail, who
married David Vergason of Bradford County,
Pa.

Daniel Brewster was born on Long Island,
N. Y., but moved to Bradford County, Pa.,
| with his parents. Early in life he learned the

 

trade of tailor, but soon after moving
60 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

to Wyalusing township he turned his atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits, operating a farm
of one hundred and twenty-four acres. He
was a natural student and was well-posted on
all current topics of the day. He was a Jack-
son Democrat and served under Gen. Jackson
during the War of 1812. Although not a
member of any church he was a strict adherent
to the Presbyterian faith. He was united in
matrimonial bonds to Roxanna Beeman and
they reared a large family of twelve children,
all of whom reached maturity before a death
occurred. Their record is as follows: John,
deceased, was a farmer and located near Chi-
cago, IIl., at an early day, but spent the latter
years of his life at New Lisbon, Wis.; Hannah,
deceased, married Joseph Lee, a farmer of
New Albany, Bradford County; Nelson, de-*
ceased, who was an agriculturist in Susque-
hanna County; Pamelia, deceased, who mar-
ried Nathan Coleman, a resident of Herrick
township, Bradford County; Sally, who mar-
ried William S. Lee of New Albany, Bradford
County; Jane, deceased, who was the wife of
Samuel Woodruff of Ohio; Jesse, deceased,
who was a member of Company D, r4ist
Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and served until the
winter of 1862, when he. died at Falmouth,
Va., as a result of exposure; Eldad, who re-
sides in New York State; Caroline, deceased,
who was the wife of John Kissle of Bradford
County; Angeline, who married a Mr. Bee-
man of New York State; Rev. Philander S.,
in whom the interest of this sketch centers;
and Davis D., deceased, who was a mechanic
and operated a planing-mill in the mountains
of California. Daniel Brewster died in Or-
well township, Bradford County, Pa., aged
ninety-three years, two months and twenty-
three days.

Rev. Philander S. Brewster was reared on
his father’s farm and after obtaining a good

 

common-school education learned the trade of
a blacksmith, which he followed a short time.
At the age of twenty-two he began teaching
school, and, as he proved an able instructor,
taught for six terms, during which time he
also studied medicine. In October, 1862, he
was drafted into Company D, 171st Reg.,
Pa. Vol. Inf. for nine months’ service. He
served in the Army of the Potomac for eleven
months when he received his discharge and
upon returning home entered the ministry of
the Baptist Church, being ordained in Wyalu-
sing township. His first charge was at Leh-
man, Luzerne County, where he remained for
four years; then he held a pastorate for one
year in Lackawanna County; then at West
Liberty Church, Susquehanna County, where
he remained for a period of seven years. His
next charges were at Lehman Lake and
Union Churches of Luzerne County, where he
filled the pulpits until 1889 when he was called
to Berwick and officiated as pastor of the
Baptist Church for five years. He had been
practicing medicine also during this time, and
in 1894 he left the ministry to care for his
rapidly increasing patronage. He is a homeo-
pathic physician and his success in treating
chronic diseases has been exceptional, as
some of his patients, who were pronounced
incurable by the leading physicians of
the county were placed upon their feet
and are still enjoying good health. He is
kind and sympathetic and wins his way to the
hearts of his patients, who regard him in the
light of a friend as well as a physician.

Our subject was united in the holy bonds
of wedlock to Nancy M. Hines, April s, 1852,
and was bereaved of her companionship by
death in the same year. In 1854 he formed a
second matrimonial alliance with Jane V. Mid-
daugh, a native of Wyalusing township, Brad-
ford County, who died in 1885. He was sub-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 61

 

 

sequently married to Mrs. Mary (Bouse) But-
ler, relict of James Butler of Wyoming
County,

We are pleased to announce that an ex-
cellent portrait of Rev. Mr. Brewster appears
on a page in proximity to this.

7 fe] [ ON. MAYNARD J. PHILLIPS, ex-

iS associate judge of Sullivan County,
a is a prominent and influential citi-
zen of Davidson township, where he is en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits on the old fam-
ily estate. He was botn July 14, 1854, and
is a son of Griffith and Mary A. (Rogers) Phil-
lips.

Our subject’s grandfather, Griffith Phillips,
was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., in
1778, and was a son of David Phillips. He
had three brothers, Daniel, John, and William,
all of whom moved to Madison township, Co-
lumbia County, Pa. Griffith Phillips lived in
Jerseytown, Columbia County, until twenty-
one years of age and then moved to Chester
County, where he learned the trade of a black-
smith. Subsequently he moved to Danville
and there followed his trade until 1809, when
he went to Davidson township, Sullivan
County, where he cleared a farm near Hem-
lock School and followed agricultural pursuits
and his trade until his death, He married
Mary Hughes, who was born near Danville
Pa., and they became the parents of eight chil-
dren: John, born August 10, 1812, who lived
on a farm near Sonestown at his death in Oc-
tober, 1893, and who married Susan Sones,
who survives him; Rachael, deceased, born
April 3, 1811, married Samuel Livergood,
who operated a saw-mill in Hughesville and
who served for three years in the Union Army
under Maj. Bryan, dying in 1895; Hannah,

 

 

 

 

born December 12, 1814, was the wife of John
Robbins, deceased, who went west in 1860,
locating in Iowa,—she too is now deceased
and is survived by a large family of children;
Evan H., born February 14, 1816, who lived*
on the old Spearman farm in Davidson town-
ship until he sold out to the Lancaster Lum-
ber Company, when he moved to Franklin
township, Lycoming County, and lived upon
a farm until his death,—he was the first sheriff
of Sullivan County, his wife was Mary Jane
Laird; Thomas, who resides on a part of the
old Phillips homestead, was born November
30, 1817, and married Hannah Low, who died
in 1889; Mary, deceased, born May 15, 1819,
was the wife of Alexander Colley, a farmer of
Columbia County; Griffith, the father of our
subject; and David, deceased, born May 19,
1822, married Elizabeth Taylor, who lives on
the old Phillips homestead in Davidson
township.

Griffith Phillips, the father of the sicitieinens
whose name heads this sketch, was born in
Davidson township, December 6, 1820, and
was reared to agricultural pursuits. He lo-
cated upon the farm which our subject now
possesses in 1863, but prior to that was en-
gaged in the lumbering business. While liv-
ing upon that farm he became convinced that
there must be copper ore in the land and
throughout his life-time searched in vain for
it. Asa farmer he was very successful. Po-
litically he was a Democrat and served as a
commissioner of Sullivan County and also as
deputy sheriff under Evan H. Phillips, Esq.,
the first sheriff of the county. He was serving
as commissioner when the first court-house of
Sullivan County was under construction at
Laporte. He was united in marriage with
Mary A. Rogers, a native of Kingston town-
ship, Luzerne County, and they were the par-
ents of seven children: David Wheeler, born

w
62 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

April 13, 1853, died in infancy; Maynard Jo-
siah; Hugh G., a farmer of Wolf township,
Lycoming County, born October 1, 1856,
who married Sarah Kahler; Willard I., born
May 30, 1859, died September 13, 1863; Flor-
ence H., born April 11, 1861, is the wife of
William J. Yocum of Benton township, Co-
lumbia County; McClellan A., born February
27, 1864, married Mattie L. Taylor, May
13, 1886, and she died December 1, 1886,—he
now resides with our subject; and Hester A.,
born September 3, 1866, died November
4, 1886. Mrs. Phillips was sickly for many
years and died of consumption, March 3,
1885. For several years prior to his death,
November 4, 1886, Griffith Phillips was an in-
valid and resided with his son Maynard, where
he received such treatment as only a loving
son can bestow upon a worthy father.
Maynard J. Phillips, being the eldest son,
was at the age of twelve years obliged to leave
school and assist his father upon the farm.
When the father was stricken with palsy the
great responsibility of looking after the family
affairs was shifted to Maynard’s young
shoulders, but he did not falter under the
weight. He set about his work with a grim
determination that he would succeed and be a
comfort to his parents in their declining years.
His life was one of continuous labor on the
farm and in the woods, but better times were
in store for him. Although deprived of the
privilege of attending the schools, he ob-
tained an excellent practical education by pri-
vate study and by contact with men of educa-
tional attainment whom he met in the busi-
ness world., When quite young he sold school
books and school supplies, which vocation he
made a success that he has every reason to feel
proud of, and at the present time, he is the
representative of the American School Book
Company of New York City. He now owns

 

123 acres of the old homestead, all well-im-
proved land, and carries on general farming.

On December 20, 1887, Mr. Phillips mar-
ried Mary C. Pennington, who was born at
Fairmont Springs, Luzerne County, Pa.,
March 7, 1862, and is a daughter of James
N. and Elizabeth (Laubach) Pennington. Mr.
Pennington is a farmer of Fairmont Springs;
his wife is now deceased. Our subject and -
his wife have three children: Murl G., born
July 23, 1889; Mary V., born February 11,
1892; and Helen B., born July 23, 1895. Mr.

‘Phillips always has been a firm supporter of

the Democratic party, and in December, 1891,
he was elected associate judge of Sullivan
County, serving faithfully in that capacity ,
until the expiration of his term; he has sev-
eral times been chosen congressional and sen-
atorial conferee from Sullivan County; he
was elected school director in Davidson town-
ship for three consecutive terms, also has been
elected delegate by the school directors of
Sullivan County to the state convention of
school directors, held at Harrisburg, Pa., and
is at the present time secretary of the school
board. Our subject is a gentleman of rare
mental power, pleasant and honorable in his
dealings, and is deservedly popular with all.
During his eventful public career he has
shown a spirit of enterprise and determination
which is worthy of emulation, while his suc-
cess is a credit and honor to both himself and
his legion of friends. Socially, Mr. Phillips
is a member of Sonestown Lodge, No. 221,
I. O. O. F.; the Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F.;
Washington Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M. of
Bloomsburg; and a member of the Farmer’s
Alliance. Religiously he and his worthy wife
are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church of Muncy Valley and he has been
superintendent of the Sunday School near his
home for several years. A few years ago Mr.

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 63

 

Phillips presented a lot to the congregation
on which to erect a church and contributed
liberally to the building fund and toward fur-
nishing the church.

 

 

ONHAM R. GEARHART, Jr., who

had been cashier of the First National

Bank of Danville, Pa., until March,

1870, when he became president, is one of the

most prominent and highly-esteemed citizens

of that town. He was born at Turbotville,

Northumberland County, Pa., May 20, 1843,

and is a son of Bonham R. and Elizabeth
(Boyd) Gearhart.

Our subject's great-grandfather was Jacob
Gearhart, a native of Strangsberg, Germany,
who came to this country prior to the Revo-
lutionary War; he located in the state of New
Jersey, in what is now Hunterdon County.
He served throughout the Revolutionary War
and was captain in a New Jersey regiment.
After independence had been gained he moved
to Northumberland County, Pa., where he
had friends. With his family he made his way
over the uncultivated land by means of horses
and wagons; at an old log house which had
been deserted they stopped to rest, and, find-
ing the land very fertile and well adapted for
farming, decided to make a settlement there.
Mr. Gearhart purchased a large tract of the
land, which he cleared with the aid of his sons,
and erected one of the first frame houses in the
county, the one in which William F. Gearhart
now resides; the house is still in good condi-
tion and is one of the old landmarks. The
great-grandfather purchased land from time
to time and was soon the owner of 500 acres,
of which he cleared 200 acres and set out a
large orchard, which was destroyed by a hail-
storm in 1846. He married Catherine Kline

 

and they were the parents of the following
children: John, born in 1758; Jacob, born in
1763 and died in 1778; Herman, born in
1765, died in 1770; William died in 1854, at
the age of seventy-eight years; George;
Tunis; Charles, born in 1783 and died in
1863; Isaac; Catherine; Mary; and Betsey.

George Gearhart, our subject’s grandfather,
was born in what is now Hunterdon County,
N. J., and removed to Northumberland Coun-
ty with his parents. When George attained
his majority, his father gave him a large tract
of land, which was situated one mile south of
the bridge that crosses the Susquehanna. He
erected many buildings upon the land and
successfully followed the occupation of a
farmer all his life; he also purchased land at
different times and at his death he was the
owner of some 300 or 400 acres along the
banks of the Susquehanna. His farm is now
a portion of South Danville, and has been laid
out in town lots. His wife was Achsah kun-
yon, who bore him four children, namely:
Bonham R., our subject’s father; Benjamin;
Eliza; and Rebecca. Mr. Gearhart, upon the
death of his first wife, married Phoebe Lott,
and this union resulted in the birth of three
children, as follows: Achsah; George; and
Herman.

Bonham R. Gearhart, Sr., father of our sub-
ject, was born in Rush township, Northum-
berland County, Pa., was educated in the dis-
trict school, and, entering Jefferson Medical
College was graduated before he attained his
majority. He pursued his chosen profession
at Sunbury, Washingtonville, later at Turbot-
ville, and then moved to Danville, Montour
County, Pa. He was considered one of the
foremost physicians and surgeons of the
county, and built up a large and lucrative
practice. He passed from this life at the age
of forty-two years, the cause of his death be-
64

ing an attack of pneumonia. He was wedded
to Elizabeth Boyd, a daughter of William
Boyd, and the following children blessed their
happy home: Bonham R., Jr., our subject;
Jasper B.; James B.; Alexander M.; and M.
Grier. Our subject’s mother still resides in
Danville and has passed her eighty-fourth
year.

Our subject attended the public school, and
during his boyhood days was a clerk in a store
at Wrightsville, York County, Pa. After
serving five years as clerk he learned teleg-
raphy, in which he soon became quite profi-
cient, and was employed as operator and
agent at Catawissa, Pa., serving in that posi-
tion until 1865. In October, 1865, he became
teller of the First National Bank of Danville,
remaining in that position but a short time,
when he was promoted to cashier. The bank
is one of the most substantial financial insti-
tutions in this section of the state and was
established January 25, 1864, when a charter
was obtained from the Government by the
first board of directors, who were as follows:
Samuel Yorks; George F. Geisinger; C. Lau-
bach; Charles Fenstermacher; William
Yorks; Fred Piper; and G. H. Fowler. At
their first meeting Samuel Yorks was chosen
president and W. A. M. Grier cashier. The
bank is located in what is known as the A. F.
Russell store, on the corner of Mill and Bloom
streets. The second floor is used as a dwell-
ing and the first floor consists of the bank
and offices, which are large and well furnished.
The vault is quite safe against burglary, the
sides being twenty-four inches in thickness:
it is made of solid steel railroad rails bolted
together, two inches of steel plate, and the
inner space is filled in with cement and emery
from top to bottom; the door weighs 8,000
pounds, and has one of the best locks made,
a Yale automatic time-lock. The present offi-

 

 

 

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

cers of this bank are: B. R. Gearhart, our
subject, president; S. A. Yorks, cashier; and
William L. McClure, assistant cashier.

Mr. Gearhart was married in 1870 to Mary
Louise Yorks, a daughter of Samuel and Mary
Ann (West) Yorks, and this union was b'essed
by the birth of two children, namely: Anna
M.; and Robert Y., a student. Anna M. is
the wife of M. Grier Youngman, cashier of the
Danville National Bank of Danville, who.is'a
son of John C. Youngman, and they are the
parents of two children, Mary Louise and
John Bonham. Mr. Gearhart is a strong Re-
publican in politics. He has served in the city
council, as treasurer of the State Hospital of
Danville; and treasurer of The Thomas Beav-
er Free Library. He is a trustee of the Grove
Presbyterian Church and served as treasurer
of the building committee when the church
was erected. Socially he is a member of the
Masonic fraternity and is a Knight Templar.
In the Civil War he enlisted in Company D,
under Col. Ramsey, in 1863, and served a full
term of enlistment. Our subject owns a hand-
some home on Bloom street.

a

ROF. MOSES R. BLACK, principal
of the graded schools of Forksville,
Sullivan County, Pa., is a man of rec-
ognized ability as a teacher and has been one
of the leading business men of the borough
for a number of years. He is a son of James
and Mary J. (Rogers) Black, and was born
in Forksville, August 6, 1858. His grand-
father was James Black, who was the progen-
itor of two sons: James, the father of our sub-
ject; and Henry F., who resides in the state
of Illinois.
James Black was born October 26, 1820,
and early in life learned the trade of a miller.
 

HON. C. R. SAVIDGE.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 67

 

 

He built the first grist-mill at Forksville in
1856 and operated it until his death, having a
very large patronage, as it was the only mill
in that section for many years. He was called
to his final rest in 1862. Mr. Black was orig-
inally a Whig in politics, but later became a
Republican. Religiously he was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was
united in marriage three times, his first union
being with Margaret Bryan, by whom he had
five children: Henry F.; Martha; Julia;
Catherine; and James. He was again mar-
ried to Salome Hoppis, but their union was
without issue. He formed a third alliance with
Mary J. Rogers and their children were:
Moses R., our subject; Jennie, wife of J. D.
Seely of Osceola, Pa.; Della, wife of F. W.
Peale of Eagles Mere, Pa.; and Freddie, who
died young. , Our subject’s mother now re-
sides at Nelson, Pa.

Moses R. Black obtained his intellectual
training by attending the public schools of
Elkland, Tioga County, Pa., the Genesee
Wesleyan Academy, and the Normal School
of Mansfield. At the age of nineteen years
he began teaching in the district schoo!s and
in 1886 he was elected superintendent of
schools of Sullivan County. His work in that
capacity was of the highest order and he was
re-elected in 1887. He subsequently pur-
chased a furniture and undertaking business
and planing mill at Forksville and operated it
with good results until 1898, displaying excel-
lent general business qualifications. In 1898
he disposed of his plant to Messrs. Wright &
Haight and accepted the position as principal
of the graded schools of Forksville, one for
which he is eminently qualified. These schools
were established in 1887, employ two teachets,
and are considered the best in that section
of the county. Prof. Black stands high in
public esteem and has the hearty co-operation

 

of the school board and the citizens in his
work.

Prof. Black was joined in marriage with
Ada Shaffer, a daughter of Jesse Shaffer of
Forksville, and they have two children: James,
born in March, 1896; and Beatrice, born June
I, 1897.

Our subject is a Republican and has served
three terms in the common council, one term
as school director, and was again called upon
to accept the latter office, but declined. Fra-
ternally, he is a Mason; past grandmaster of
the Odd Fellows lodge; a member of the
Patriotic Order Sons of America; and of the
Grange. In religious attachments he is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Black resides in one of the finest homes
in the borough.

to >@_—

Eighth Judicial District of Pennsyl-

vania, residing in Sunbury, North-
umberland County, is an indefatigable worker
and possesses a legal turn of mind which,
coupled with superior executive ability, made
him a successful attorney and now make him
an excellent judge. He carries with him into
the chamber of justice the energy and business
push so characteristic of the man, which en-
able him to dispose of as much legal business,
perhaps, as any judge in the state, in the same
length of time. He is pleasant and affable, a
good conversationalist, was an able advocate,
and is now a distinguished jurist.

Judge Savidge was born January 19, 1851,
in Trevorton, Northumberland County, Pa.,
and is a son of Samuel K. and Ellen (Camp-
bell) Savidge. He is of Scotch-Irish descent.

Samuel K. Savidge, father of our subject,
was born in Rush township, Northumberland

A’: C. R. SAVIDGE, judge of the

 
68 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

 

County, and was a mason and bricklayer by
trade. He was united in marriage with Ellen
Campbell and to them were born the follow-
ing children: C. R., subject of this sketch;
Harmon C., manager of Whitmer & Sons’
lumber business in West Virginia; and Lizzie
A., wife of Willard Robinson of West Vir-
ginia. Our subject’s father and mother were
both devout members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and died, respectively, in 1853
and 1882.

Judge Savidge obtained his early education
in the public schools and by self tuition, hav-
ing from early childhood evinced a fondness
for books and study. At the age of fourteen
years he began teaching in the district schools
of Northumberland County and taught for
four years. In 1867-70 he taught in the pub-
lic schools of Danville after which he entered
college at Princeton, N. J., graduating there-
from in 1874. He was a classmate of Henry
M. Hinckley and James Scarlett, well known
citizens of Riverside and Danville, respective-
ly. Subsequently, in 1874, he read law with
Hon. S. P. Wolverton of Sunbury, and in
February, 1877, he was admitted to the bar
of Northumberland County. Immediately
after his admission, he actively and energeti-
cally entered upon the practice of his profes-
sion and soon took a high rank as an able and
thorough-going lawyer.

In his political affiliations our subject is a
Democrat and in 1880 was elected by tl.at
party to the office of district attorney by a
majority of 1,066 votes. In 1891 he was
elected judge of the Eighth Judicial District
and is now filling that office very acceptably
to the people.

December 31, 1875, Judge Savidge was
united in marriage with Louise Essick of
Montour County, Pa., and to this union seven
children were born: Harry W., a graduate of

 

Dickinson Law School at Carlisle, Pa.; Albert
C.; Ralph W. E.; Preston M.; Louise; Lucile;
and one, deceased. The Judge’s family are wil-
ling workers in the Baptist faith. Socially
the Judge is a valued member of the -blue
lodge, F. & A. M., the Conclave; and
Knights of the Golden Eagle. <A portrait of
the subject of this sketch is shown on a pre-
ceding page.

ILLIAM E. MILLER, one of
Forksville’s most enterprising busi-

ness-men, conducts a blacksmith shop at the
end of Bridge street and is proprietor of the
old stone grist-mill, which was built by Mr.
Black many years ago. He is a son of
Francis and Elizabeth (Davidson) Miller, and
was born in Monroe township, Bradford
County, Pa., December 12, 1855.

Francis Miller, father of our subject, was
born in Germany and after learning the trade
of a blacksmith, he came to America, locating
in Towanda, Pa., where he worked at his trade
for several years. Removing to Forksville
he purchased a blacksmith shop and remained
in that business about thirty years. He then
bought a farm now known as the Burgess
farm, upon which he built a new house, barns,
and made other improvements, and became
one of the leading agriculturists of that sec-
tion. He was without means when he started
out on his own account, but through his
industry he accumulated a comfortable prop-
erty. He died in 1889, aged sixty-one years,
but his wife survives him, residing at Overton,
Pa. They became the parents of seven child-
ren, namely: Orvilla Jane, the wife of W. H.
Denorl of Waverly, N. Y.; William E., the
subject of this record; Charles, a resident of
Hoytville, who married Ella Brewer; Moses
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL .DISTRICT. 69

 

C., who married Kate Cadden and resides in
Ringdale; Mary, the wife of G. W. Collins of
Waverly, N. Y.; John of Elkland township,
who married Marion White; and Henry of
Forksville, who married Nellie Warren. Mr.
Miller was a Democrat and after moving to
Forksville served in the town council and held
minor township offices.

William E. Miller attended the public
schools after which he learned the trade of a
blacksmith with his father and has followed it
ever since, with the exception of a period of
four years, when he took the farm and con-
ducted it until it was sold. He was for sev-
eral years located at the Laporte tannery, hav-
ing charge of the blacksmithing department,
and later moved to Forksville, where he built
his present shop and has since been engaged
in business. He is a skilled mechanic and be-
sides the various branches of his business in
which he is engaged he is the only dealer in
agricultural implements, wagons, etc., in the
borough, and has a large trade. In 1897 he
purchased of O. W. Mather the old grist-mill
and carries on a large business. He is a thor-
ough business man, of shrewd and unerring
judgment, and has been very successful. He
resides in the old Brown residence which he
bought and he is one of the hustling men of
the borough.

Our subject was united in marriage with
Alma Bird, a daughter of George C. Bird,
and they are the parents of three children:
Jennie May; George Francis; and Clarence
Lamont. Politically he is a Republican and
has served as member of the town council,
and school director, and is treasurer of the
borough. In religious belief he and his family
are adherents of the Methodist Church. He

is a member and past master of Sullivan,

Lodge, No. 522, I. O. O. F.; anda member
of the Patriotic Order Sons of America.

 

HARLES C. LEADER, proprietor of
the finest dry goods business in Sha-
mokin, Pa., conducted in one of the

largest and handsomest stores in the state of
Pennsylvania, is a son of Edward and Kathar-
ine (Snyder) Leader, and was born in Alsace
township, Berks County, Pa., July 13, 1843.
Our subject’s grandfather was a native of
Montgomery County, Pa., as was his father,
Edward, but both died in Berks County. The
father of our subject was a farmer by occupa-
tion.

Our subject was reared on his father’s farm
and received such education as the neighbor-
ing schools offered. When fifteen years of
age he went to Schuylkill County, where he
attended a school for a year, and then took a

| position as a clerk in the general store of A. J.

Medlar, in Schuylkill Haven, Pa., where he
was employed three years. He then removed
to Pottsville, Pa., with the same employer,
where he was clerk in a store for three years.
His six years’ experience as a clerk gave him
an excellent insight into the general-store bus-
iness, and in 1865 he returned to Schuylkill
Haven, where he opened a store, doing a gen-
eral business, which he conducted with
marked success for ten years. Never content
to remain in a small town, however stuccess-
ful he might be, and seeking greater and more
promising opportunities for his abilities, Mr.
Leader migrated to Shamokin in 1875 and
for three years conducted a general store,
being the head of the firm of Leader, Muir &
Company, which did business at Liberty and
Independence streets. The firm was dissolved
by mutual consent in 1878 and Mr. Leader
again went into business on his own account,
opening a dry goods store at Shamokin and
Sunbury streets, which he conducted for two
years. In 1880 the business was removed to
Independence street and in the following year
70 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Mr. Leader formed a union with R. G. Eisen-
hart, the firm name being Leader & Eisen-
hart, and a clothing denartment was added
to the store. This partnership successfully
continued for three years, when Mr. Leader
bought Mr. Eisenhart’s interest and associ-
ated his brother, Edward M. Leader, with
him, under the firm name, Leader & Brother.
The store now occupied by our subject was
built in 1889, when the business was divided
by the brothers, our subject retaining the
dry goods branch in the new building, and
Edward continuing the clothing business at
the old stand in Independence street. One of
the largest, handsomest and most commodi-
ous to be found in this state, the store now
owned by our subject is regarded as one of
the most attractive as well as important mer-
cantile features of Shamokin. The store has
a frontage of 48 feet and a depth of 125 feet
and is fitted with every modern appliance
which is calculated to make trading pleasant
for the customer and to expedite business.
In addition to the store on the ground floor
a basement and the two upper floors are util-
ized to accommodate the large stock of the
newest and most desirable dry goods, etc.,
which is constantly kept on hand. The store
is equipped with several electric elevators, by
which the patrons of Mr. Leader are quick-
ly and comfortably conveyed to the various
departments on the upper floors; also with the
cable cash-carrier system.

In addition to his store and to his numer-
ous other commercial and manufacturing in-
trests in Shamokin, Mr. Leader, in conjunc-
tion with his son, Edward R., conducts a
dry goods store in Mount Carmel, Pa., which,
practically, is a counterpart of the Shamokin
store in size and in the quality of goods and
the extensive business which is done.

The large and successful business which Mr.

 

Leader has built up forms the most substan-
tial monument to his energy, his remarkab!e
talent for correctly judging the needs of peo-
ple, and to his equally remarkable executive
ability and tact in organizing his forces and in
catering to his fellow-citizens. Industry,
hard work, constant labor, added to great
natural ability and energy, account for the
success of our subject, who to-day is recog-
nized among those who know him best as a
man of great personal enterprise and ability
and of commendable and most helpful public
spirit. Mr. Leader has connected himself in
various capacities with several of the more
important corporations of Shamokin and to
his wise counsel and energetic management
is due much of the success they have attained.
He is president of the Guarantee Trust &
Safe Deposit Company, which was organized
and began business in March, 1896, and of
which he has been president since its organiza-
tion; a stockholder and president of the Sha-
mokin Banking Company; a director in the
Shamokin Iluminating Company; a director
in the Shamokin Arc Light Company; a direc-
tor in the Anthracite Mutual Insurance Com-
pany, of Shamokin; and a director in the Sha-
mokin Manufacturing Company.

Our subject was one of the loyal Pennsyl-
vanians who quickly responded when the in-
vasion of this state was threatened by the
rebels, and he served in an emergency regi-
ment of volunteers at Chambersburg and also
at Gettysburg. Mr. Leader is an elder in St.
John’s Reformed Church. In politics Mr.
Leader formerly was a Democrat, but he is
now an independent voter, with strong Pro-
hibition tendencies.

In May, 1867, Mr. Leader was united in
marriage to Amanda R., daughter of Benja-
min Ketner, of Schuylkill Haven, Pa., and to
them have been born five children: Emma
 
 

 

SEILER.

EMANUEL G.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 73

 

 

May, Charles F., William C., Harry K., and
Edward R.

The brother of our subject, Edward M.
Leader, was born in Berks County, Pa., in
June, 1859. He now conducts the clothing
business which he acquired when he and our
subject separated their business ventures in
1889. Mr. Leader is treasurer of the board of
trustees of the local Presbyterian Church. He
is a Democrat, but not active as a politician.
Mr. Leader married Carrie, daughter of
George Hamilton, of Pottsville, Pa., October
10, 1888.

William C. Leader, who was formerly em-

ployed at Mount Carmel, was killed in the ter-

rible wreck at Dunellen, on the Lehigh Valley

-Railroad, in January, 1898. He was succeed-
ed in the management of the Mount Carmel
store by his brother, Edward R. Leader.

 

MANUEL G. SEILER, a thoroughly |

representative citizen and the

head of one of the largest wholesale houses

in the state, was born in Mahanoy township,

Northumberland County, June 21, .1847:. He
is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Geist) Seiler.

The Seiler family has been prominently

identified with the growth, progress and his- |
| grove, Snyder County, Pa., and is the repre-

tory of Northumberland County for several
decades. The founder of the family in the
county was John Jacob Seiler, the grand-
father of the older members of the family now
residing in Shamokin, who was a native of
Eastern Pennsylvania and of German extrac-
tion. He was reared in the Mahanoy Valley,
this county, and settled in what is now known
as Lower Mahanoy township. He was born
May 22, 1780, 4nd died March 12, 1866,
aged eighty-five years, nine months and twen-
ty days. He was a farmer, a man of unusually

 

sturdy physique, and had the reputation of
being one*of the hardiest and strongest men
in the valley. John Jacob was twice married.
His first wife was a Miss Kuntzman, and to
them was born Daniel Seiler, father of our
subject, on May 15, 1820, on the homestead
where he was reared.

Daniel Seiler was a wheelwright by trade
and actively engaged in his chosen occupa-
tion until 1845 when he bought a farm in the
Mahantaneo Valley on which he resided until
his death on August 27, 1877. Our subject's
father was one of the five men who first es-
poused the cause of the new Republican party
in the ‘township in which he resided. He al-
ways was active in politics but never sought
office. He was a member of the Reformed
Church in which he was prominent and served
as a deacon and an elder. His wife was Sarah
Geist and to them were born eight children,
six sons and two daughters, as follows: Jacob,
born on the old homestead where he has al-
ways resided and pursued farming; Emanuel
G., our subject; Mary Magdalene, widow of
the late Join K. Haas of Shamokin; Daniel
G., a sketch of whom appears herein; Sarah
Ann, the wife of Aaron H. Haupt of Shamo-
kin;’ Aarom of: Shamokin, Pa.; Felix G., a

‘sketch of whom is also included in this re-

view; and Isaac. G.,’ who resides at Selins-

sentative there of Seiler, Zimmerman, Otto &
Company of Shamokin.

Our subject, Emanuel G. Seiler, was reared
on his father’s farm where he worked until he
was eighteen years old and where he attended
the schools in the township. He learned the
trade of carpenter which he followed for sev-
eral years both at his home and in Shamo-
kin. In 1869 Mr. Seiler, being ambitious and
determined to engage in something more
profitable than carpentry, removed to Shamo-
74 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

kin. He opened a small store in which he did
a meager business for some time, yet, remark-
able and almost incredible as it may seem,
with a capital of but $50.00 he laid the founda-
tions on which in after years he built the ex-
tensive and prosperous business of which he
is now and for some years has been the ac-
tive, energetic, successful head. He con-
tinued his little store, persevering, and by
frugality and strict attention to every detail
of a general store prepared to branch out.
It may be said that Mr. Seiler laid the corner-
stone of his mercantile success in 1871 when
he formed a copartnership with J. K. Haas
and the firm opened a small store at Pine and
Second streets, Shamokin, doing a dry goods,
grocery and confectionery business. Five
years later Mr. Haas retired from the firm,
taking the dry goods department, and Mr.
Seiler continuing the grocery and con-
fectionery trade. Our subject prospered and

gradually enlarged the business until it was

on a good footing and success was assured.
In 1879 Henry S. Zimmerman joined our sub-
ject, the firm becoming E. G. Seiler & Com-
pany. The wholesale jobbing trade had by
this time so grown that the new firm soon
found it advantageous to drop the retail trade
and to devote their energies entirely to the
wholesale business, and the retail branch of
the business was sold to Zimmerman, Haas &
Company, Messrs. Seiler and Zimmerman tak-
ing in as junior partner, Felix G. Seiler, broth-
er of our subject, and continuing the whole-
sale fancy grocery and candy business under
the firm name of Seiler, Zimmerman & Co.
Careful management and the untiring indus-
try of our subject increased the trade of the
firm to such proportions that enlarged quar-
ters were an absolute necessity. Consequently
in 1886 the three-story brick building was
erected at Independence and Cleaver streets

 

and was occupied by the new firm of which
Felix G. Seiler had just become the junior
member. The business was pushed with
characteristic energy and the firm, which now
occupies the handsome store erected in 1886,
enjoys an inland trade as large as that of any
wholesale house in Central Pennsylvania. The
firm’s agents traverse all parts of Northum-
berland, Schuylkill, Montour, Juniata, Dau-
phin, Union, Snyder and Columbia counties
every week, and, as the house enjoys an ex-
cellent reputation for enterprise, fair dealing,
and the excellent quality of its goods, which
reputation has been well earned and is de-
served, the sales are large and constantly in-
crease in quantities. In addition to the large
building occupied as the store the firm a'so
utilizes two large warehouses situated on the
line of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad,
between Market and Sixth streets, the storage
capacity being an important feature of the
business and enabling the firm to compete
with the similar wholesale houses in the larger
cities. The firm employs thirteen men, in-
cluding three traveling salesmen whose routes
cover territory within a radius of 300 miles of
Shamokin. The business is constantly being
extended into new territory and promises to
become within a few years one of the largest
and most successful commercial enterprises in
this state. In 1896 the firm was enlarged, Mr.
W. H. H. Otto taking an interest and the
firm name being changed to Seiler, Zimmer-
man, Otto & Company. The senior member
of the firm, our subject, has partly laid aside
his active work as a member of the company
and now acts as the consulting partner, giving
the benefit of his experience and his knowl-
edge of the trade to the business. This gives
Mr Seiler opportunity to’ more fully look
after many individual interests which he has
acquired because he is and always has been,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 75

 

 

since becoming a resident of Shamokin, an ac-
tive participant in every commercial and pub-
lic movement which is calculated to advance
the interests of the town.

Long respected as one of the most enter-
prising and public spirited men of Shamokin,
Emanuel G. Seiler has in every way fully jus-
tified the good opinion in which he is held by
his fellow citizens. He is at present vice-pres-
ident of the Guarantee Trust & Safe Deposit
Company, of which he was one of the or-
ganizers and was its first treasurer; he is pres-
ident of the Shamokin Street Railway Com-
pany, of which he was one of the organizers
and original stockholders; he is president of
the Board of Trade; was one of the organizers
of the Anthracite Fire Insurance Company
and has been one of its vice-presidents since
its organization; is treasurer of the West
Ward Building & Loan Association, one of
the most successful and largest in the state;
he is also treasurer of the Black Diamond
Building & Loan Association of which he was
an organizer; and is also a leading member
of the Anthracite Association, which was or-
ganized in 1898 to promote the sale of anthra-
cite coal and to secure reasonable and popular
prices.

Our subject is a member of St. John’s Re-
formed Church of which he has been an elder
for many years. In politics Mr. Seiler is an
earnest and active Republican and has served
as a member of the council.

In 1869 Mr. Seiler was united in marriage
with Caroline Bower, daughter of Michael
Bower of Lower Mahanoy township, and to
them have been born three children, one dy-
ing in infancy; and two surviving, as follows:
Cora, who is the wife of Dr. R. H. Sim-
mons of Shamokin, and Lula, who resides
with her parents.

Felix G. Seiler, brother of our subject, was

 

born June 9, 1859, on the old homestead in
Mahantango township, Schuylkill County,

.Pa., was reared on the farm and attended the

common school there until, at the age of six-
teen years, he removed to Shamokin where
he worked in the store of his brother and also
attended the Shamokin High School. Re-
turning to his home subsequently he attended
a subscription school and also taught a school
in the township for six terms. He then at-
tended Gratz Academy for two summers,
teaching in the winters, and finally entered the
State Normal School at Kutztown, Pa., from
which he graduated in 1881. He then taught
schools in Quakeke, Schuylkill County, and in
Barry township in the same county, return-
ing to the Keystone State Normal School at
Kutztown in the spring of 1883 where for
one term he was professor of mathematics.
Mr. Seiler then removed to Shamokin and
took a position in his brother’s store and in
1886 he became the junior partner of the firm
and he is now very active in the management
of the large business. Mr. Seiler is also a
member of the firm of D. G. Seiler & Co.,
commission merchants of Shamokin. In poli-
tics he is a Republican and has served on the
Shamokin school board, representing the
Third Ward. He is a member of St. John’s
Reformed Church and for ten years has been
secretary of its consistory. Mr. Seiler mar-
ried Fietta Herb on July 6, 1886, and to them
have been born three children: Grace Viola,
born April 4, 1888; Lottie Pearl, born Sep-
tember 11, 1889; and Lloyd Russell, born
May 17, 1895.

Daniel G. Seiler, also a brother of our sub-
ject, was born on the Seiler homestead in Ma-
hantango township, Schuylkill County, Pa.,
September 30, 1851. He was educated in the
common schools of the township and at the
State Normal School in Kutztown, entering
76 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

 

the latter institution when eighteen years of
age. Subsequently he taught school in winter,
working during summer at his trade as a
plasterer, having learned the trade while
striving to educate himself. In 1879 Mr.
Seiler purchased the interest of W. K. Erd-
man, the junior member of the firm of Haas
& Erdman, general merchants in Shamokin,
and joined J. K. Haas in the business under
the firm name of Haas & Seiler, which co-
partnership successfully continued for several
years. Mr. Seiler in 1889 embarked in the
produce and commission business in which he
is now engaged, being at the head of one of
the largest commission houses in Central
Pennsylvania, conducted under the firm name,
D. G. Seiler & Company. The commission
house is admirably situated along the Penn-
sylvania and Lehigh Valley railroads at
Cleaver street. This produce and fruit busi-
ness has increased wonderfully since it was
established. The firm has consigned to it
fruits and general produce from all of the
Southern and Northwestern States, and also
from California, Mexico, Cuba and the repub-
lics of South America. A specialty is made
of tropical fruits, but local produce is handled
the entire year. Five assistants are kept busy
at the big, four-story produce-house and two
salesmen are on the road constantly visiting
dealers throughout this section of the state.
The firm receives shipments of melons as early
as June from Georgia, in July from South
Carolina and Virginia, and in August from
Maryland and New Jersey. Delicious Dela-
ware and Maryland peaches are received in
carloads in the season. Mr. Seiler devotes
much attention to the buying and attends the
fruit and produce auctions in New York City,
Baltimore and Philadelphia, which places him
on equal footing with commission men in the
larger cities and enables him to give his cus-

 

tomers the best fruits and vegetables the mar-
kets in the big cities afford. He makes a
specialty of bananas, receiving the fruit direct
from the steamers, thus saving much expense
which would otherwise be incurred, and, con-
sequently, the people with whom he deals reap
corresponding benefit. The bananas are
shipped direct to Shamokin in carlots and
placed in the produce-house which is fitted
with an elevator and well equipped ripening
rooms, allowing the firm to provide ripe, half-
ripe or green fruit, as the customer may de-
sire. The firm always carries a complete line
of butter, eggs, fruits, and country produce,
making a specialty of potatoes, of which over
25,000 bushels were sold in a recent season.

In politics Mr. Daniel G. Seiler is a Repub-
lican. Religiously he is a member of the
Lutheran Church. On October 19, 1876, Mr.
Seiler married Jemima, daughter of Rev. H.
Weicksel, who organized and for some time
was pastor of Grace Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Shamokin. To them have been
born six children, as follows: Victor, who is
a clerk for his father; Walter; Herbert; S'an-
ley; Alma; and Mabel.

A portrait of Emanuel G. Seiler is shown
on another page, in proximity to this.

 

ILLIAM W. RYON, a promi-
nent and successful attorney of
Shamokin, who is interested in sev-

eral of that town’s most important commer-
cial and manufacturing enterprises, was born
in Lawrence township, Tioga County, this
state, April 29, 1857. He is a son of George
L. and Hannah (Hammond) Ryon, and a
brother of George W. Ryon, also a prominent
attorney of Shamokin, whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this volume.
 

JOHN LLOYD DILLON.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 79

 

 

Our subject was reared in the township in
which he was born and was educated in the
common schools of Tioga County and at the
Mansfield (Pa.) State Normal School, from
which he graduated in June, 1874. Soon after
his graduation Mr. Ryon entered the office of
his brother George W., in Shamokin, and read
law, being admitted to the bar of Northum-
berland County in March, 1878. For a short
time he practiced his profession, which he
practically abandoned to accept an appoint-
ment as a deputy sheriff by Sheriff William M.
Weaver, under whom he served three years,
continuing in the position for three months
longer under Mr. \Weaver’s successor in office,
John C. Morgan. Retiring from the sheriff's
office Mr. Ryon resumed the practice of his
profession and subsequently was admitted to
practice in the Supreme and the Superior
courts of this state.

Mr. Ryon is a director in the Shamokin
Street Railway Company, of which he was
one of the original holders of stock. He is
president of the Shamokin Valley Telephone
Company, of which he was one of the organ-
izers. He also is a director in the Shamokin
Silk Throwing Company, which was incorpor-
ated in December, 1898. Our subject is at-
torney for the First National Bank of Shamo-
kin and also attorney for the Union and Home
Building & Loan Associations, of which he
was one of the original promoters. He is a
leading member of the Shamokin Board of
Trade, having been connected with the or-
ganization since its inception.

In 1892 Mr. Ryon was united in matrimony
to Sue May, daughter of Isaac May, of Sha-
mokin, and to them have been born two chil-
‘dren, Charles A., born November 10, 1884,
and now attending the Georgetown College,
at Georgetown, D. C., and Mary M., born
June 29, 1892.

 

Politically Mr. Ryon is an active and influ-
ential Democrat. He is a leading member
of St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church, of
Shamokin.

 

 

OHN LLOYD DILLON, whose repu-
tation as a florist extends not only
throughout the vicinity of Blooms-

burg, where he has the largest greenhouses in
Central Pennsylvania, but throughout the
United States, is a son of Patrick and Mary
(Emmerson) Dillon, and was born in Blooms-
burg July 7, 1851.

Patrick Dillon was born near Dublin, Ire-
land, and when eighteen years of age came to
America. Later he located in Bloomsburg
and became a clerk in the Irondale Company
store, where he remained for eighteen years.
He was united in marriage with Mary Em-
merson, a daughter of John Emmerson and

-a native of England. After leaving the store

he bought the Dimm farm of twenty acres on
the hill north of the Normal School, where he
successfully engaged in farming and trucking,
having quite an extensive market in Blooms-
burg and surrounding towns. The last two
years of his life were spent in retirement and
he died at the age of seventy-three years. He
was the progenitor of two sons: John Lloyd,
the subject of this biographical sketch, and
Thomas Emmerson, a photographer, of

’ Scranton, Pa.

John Lloyd Dillon attended the public
schools of Bloomsburg and also the Blooms-
burg Literary Institute, and at the age of
twenty-one years became a partner with his
father in the gardening business. He was an
active young business man, and after a period
of three years started in business for himself.
He built a greenhouse, 20 by 60 feet, tltis
being the first to be built in Bloomsburg,
80 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

and in a short time acquired a_ large local
trade. During the winter months he raised let-
tuce, which found a large and ready sale. His
success in this direction prompted him to cul-
tivate flowers, which he did on a very small
scale at first, selling potted plants and cut
flowers. He eventually turned his whole at-
tention to flowers, and in 1879 bought a tract
of ten acres adjoining his father’s land on the
north side of the Normal School of Miss Alice
Snyder, and there he has since conducted the
Normal Hill Greenhouse. He removed his
greenhouse to the new property and built
others, and in 1887 he had 12,000 square feet
of glass. He erected a windmill and used the
power to drill a well, drilling 150 feet through
solid rock, in order to get water to supply the
plants. On September 18, 1897, a very severe
hailstorm traversed that section of the country
and, Mr. Dillon’s greenhouses being in its
track, the glass was nearly all broken and it
took 1,300 boxes of glass to repair the dam-
age. His loss on bots plants and glass
amounted to nearly $6,000. The greenhouses
at the present time contain about 90,000
square feet of glass and are all heated
by steam in the most approved manner.
The houses contain all of the modern im-
provements suitable to carry on the work
successfully. The business as now conducted
is largely wholesale and the product is
shipped to all parts of the United States and
Canada. The specialties are plants and rooted
cuttings of verbenas and carnations, plants of
roses (grafted and on their own roots) for
winter flowering, and cut blooms of roses and
carnations. In 1898 there were sold 219,000
verbenas, 30,000 roses for winter flowering
and 40,000 field-grown carnation plants. Dur-
ing the month of December, 1808, there were
cut 26,500 rosebuds. In addition to the ten
acres on which his greenhouses were first

 

built, Mr. Dillon has purchased considerable
land and now has ninety acres of the most
valuable farming land in the town of Blooms-
burg, situated on Normal Hill, overlooking
the built-up portion of the town of Blooms-
burg and the beautiful valley of the Susque-
hanna. He has had it divided into lots and it
will no doubt soon contain some of the finest
residences of the town. The success with
which Mr. Dillon’s career has been marked is
wholly due to his own efforts, as he began in a
lowly way, with little means, and epee
worked his way to the top.

In May, 1873, Mr. Dillon was united in
hymeneal bonds with Eliza J. Barkle, a daugh-
ter of William Barkle, a native of England,
by whom he had three children. Alice M.
married Boyd Wells Furman, the assistant at
the greenhouses, and they are the parents of
two daughters: Josephine D. and Helen H.
Max Grant is a student. J. Lloyd died in
infancy. Mrs. Dillon died July 30, 1893. He
formed a second alliance with Louise Glassell
Hutchison, a daughter of Charles Hutch-
ison, of Kingston, in 1895. By this union
there has been born a son, Charles Hutch-
ison. Socially, our subject is a member
of the American Florists’ Society of Philadel-
phia; the American Carnation Society; the
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; and the
Bloomsburg Club. He is also a Knight Tem-
plar and a thirty-second degree Mason. Mr.
Dillon and family are members of St. Paul’s
Episcopal Church of Bloomsburg.

In connection with the above sketch of his
life, a portrait of Mr. Dillon is presented ona
previous page, in proximity to this.

ot —_——

LINTON S. SMITH. Prominent
among the leading business men of

South Danville, is the gentleman

whose name heads this sketch. He conducts
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 81

 

 

a large and well-stocked general store on
Sunbury street and also owns considerable
property in that vicinity. He is a son of

Samuel S. and Sarah (Reed) Smith, and was
born in Irish Valley, Shamokin township,
Northumberland County, March 2, 1861.

His grandfather, who was a well-known
resident of that section of the county, was
Morris Smith, whose occupation was that of
a miller. Dr. Samuel S. Smith, the father, was
born in Northumberland County and early
in life decided upon a medical career, study-
ing under the direction of Dr. Joseph Rob-
bins of Elysburg, Pa. He subsequently took
a course of study in the University of Penn-
sylvania of two years’ duration, and was grad-
uated from that institution, after which he
entered upon his first practice at Hartleton,
Union County. After a time he moved to
Trevorton, Northumberland County, where
he was successfully engaged in practice until
his demise, which resulted from a complica-
tion of diseases in 1862, at the early age of
thirty-four years. He was a man of high
principles and ambitions, and his death was a
sad blow to his family and many friends. He
formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah
Reed, a daughter of Mathias Reed of Irish
Valley, Northumberland County, which union
resulted in the following issue: Galen, a
farmer of Northumberland County; William,
an agriculturist and canner; Nelson M., a rec-
ord of whose life appears elsewhere in this
Book of Biographies; Clinton S., the subject
of this personal history; Laura, the wife of
Dr. Kline, a well-known physician of Read-
ing; and Clara, who married Lafayette Lech-
ler, a farmer of Gearhart township.

Clinton S. Smith, after attending the public
school at Kipps Run and the academy of Dan-
ville, taught school for two terms with good
results, proving himself an able instructor. He

 

then turned his attention to farming in Gear-
hart township, at which he continued for a
period of seven years on the old homestead
farm. He then removed to South Danville,
Pa., where he purchased the general store
owned by D. R. Eckman on Sunbury street,
which he has since conducted. The building
was erected some thirty years ago by Jordan
Sober, and is now the property of Peter Gear-
hart. Mr. Smith has a complete and high-
grade stock, and the manner in which he
caters to the wishes of his customers has not
only added greatly to his patronage but made
him many personal and lasting friends as well.
In connection with the store, he was deputy
postmaster for many years, and in May, 1897,
was appointed postmaster and is still serving
in that capacity. He owns considerable prop-
erty in South Danville, including a double
house just below Railroad street, and another
fine double house on Sunbury street.

Mr. Smith was joined in marriage to Cath-
erine M. Wilson, a daughter of David Wilsor,
a prominent farmer of Valley township, Mon-
tour County, and five children have blessed
their union, namely: Viola G.; Nora M.;
Nellie; Reed N.; and Bertha. In religious
views Mr. and Mrs. Smith are faithful mem-
bers of the Baptist Church. In politics our
subject is a Republican and has always taken
an active part in local affairs.

——e

ILLIAM C. WILLIAMS, the genial

and popular proprietor of the Ho-

tel Baldy.of Danville, has established an en-
viable reputation throughout Montour and
adjoining counties and his hostelry is widely
known as a “haven of rest” for the weary
traveler. Mr. Williams was born in the town
of Danville, July 7, 1856, and is a son. of

William M. and Martha (Phillip) Williams.
2 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

William M. Williams, the father of our sub-
iect, was born in Wales where he was reared
and received his education after which he took
up the occupation of a farmer and also con-
ducted a hotel. By strict application to busi-
ness and the practice of economy he accumu-
lated money and in 1847 he possessed the
snug sum of six thousand dollars in gold.
With commendable foresight he realized the
advantages offered on the American Conti-
nent and in the year stated immigrated to this
country, locating in Pottsville, Pa. Remaining
there but a short time, he migrated to Dan-
ville, Montour County, where he was em-
ployed in a blast-furnace, but seeing that
there was no opportunity to better his posi-
tion, he gave up the work and purchased the
Washington House in Danville. He remod-
eled and enlarged the building and conducted
it very successfully for about fifteen years,
when he decided to retire from public life,
and as a result purchased the Crosley farm
in West Hancock township upon which he
erected a large barn, rebuilt other buildings,
and made many other improvements. He
conducted the farm with fair results for two
years, at the expiration of which time he
rented it and bought a residence in Danville.
He next bought the White Horse Hotel, built
a large two-story brick addition on an ad-
joining lot, and there conducted the hotel un-
til his death two years later, aged seventy-two
years. He was a man of sterling qualities and
might rightfully be termed the architect of his
own fortune, as he began life in humble cir-
cumstances and at the time of his demise
owned considerable property and was we'l to
do. He was united in marriage to Mrs. Mar-
tha Phillip, relict of John Phillip who died in
England, and a daughter of James and Mary
(Evens) Phillip. They reared a family of four
children, of whom but two are now living,

 

namely: Elizabeth, the wife of Lewis Tittle,
the proprietor of the White Horse Hotel of
Danville; and William C., the subject of this
personal history. By her first marriage Mrs.
Williams had one daughter, Mary, who is the
widow of Charles Green of Danville.

William C. Williams, our subject, after com-
pleting a course in the public schools of Dan-
ville, engaged in the huckstering business
which he followed for a period of five years.
Like his father he was of an ambitious nature
and was dissatisfied until some advancement
marked his career. He was a very industrious
worker and was successful from the start. In
1879 he took charge of the White Horse Ho-
tel and conducted it until 1891 when he pur-
chased the Hotel Baldy, a handsome four-
story brick structure on Mill street, contain-
ing twenty-three finely furnished rooms, The
rooms are all large, with high ceilings, well-
lighted and ventilated, and equipped with
steam heat, baths and all modern conven-
iences for the pleasure of the traveling public.
This hostelry under the efficient guidance of
Mr. Williams immediately sprang into popu-
larity, which has constantly increased as he
became better known throughout this section
of the state. One of the pleasantest features
of this house is the unexcelled table, upon
which appear viands that would satisfy the
wants of a king. The culinary department is
under the supervision of the landlord’s hos-
pitable wife, and much of the popularity of
the hotel is due to her efficiency in this depart-
ment. Mr. Williams is genial and good na-
tured, wideawake as to his interests and the
comfort of his patrons, and is held in high
esteem by his fellow-citizens.

Mr. Williams was united in marriage to
Caroline Shultz in 1877 and they are the
proud parents of two sons, as follows: Prof.
William Joseph, a musician of merit who is
 

WILLIAM CLAYTON MASON,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 85

 

 

organist in Christ’s Episcopal Church, born
November 29, 1878; and Lewis Perry, who
first saw the light of day September 25, 1894.
Mrs. Williams is a daughter of Joseph and
Josephine (Houk) Shultz, and a grand-
daughter of Martin and Barbara (Brown)
Shultz. Martin Shultz, who was a shoemaker
by trade, passed to his eternal reward in 1848,
aged sixty-four years, and his worthy wife
died at the age of fifty-four years. Their
union resulted in the following issue: Cres-
sence; Magdalene; Catherine; and Joseph.

Joseph Shultz, who has charge of the
Beaver estate of Danville, has always been a
gardener, receiving excellent training in that
line of work in the garden of a large castle
in Germany, when a young man. After his
marriage to Josephine Houk, a daughter of
Joseph Houk, they saited for America on the
“Trumble,” landing in New York City in
1853. They settled at Marietta, Lancaster
County, Pa., where he was employed in a
furnace for seven years, after which they
moved to Baltimore, Md., where he followed
gardening until 1863. In that year he moved
to Danville and became manager of the
grounds and hot-house of the Beaver man-
sion, which responsible position he has since
held, with the exception of brief intervals
when he resigned his position, but each time
was persuaded to again take up the manage-
ment of the place. The grounds have al-
ways presented a beautiful appearance and
show the excellent character of his work.
Upon the death of Mr. Beaver, the entire es-
tate was placed under his management. Mr.
Shultz is the father of the following children:
Joseph, who died young; Clara C., the wife
of our subject; Lena, who married R. Det-
rick; and William, a mechanic, who married
Jennie Burns.

Mr. Williams is a member of Lotus Con-

 

clave, No. 127, I. O. H.; and of the Elks.
Politically he supports the principles of the
Republican party.

 

ILLIAM CLAYTON MASON.
Prominent among the civil engi-
neers and surveyors of this section of the
state, is the gentleman whose name appears at
the head of this narrative and whom we repre-
sent with a portrait on the opposite page, who
is pursuing that profession in Sullivan Coun-
ty, making his headquarters in the town of
Laporte. Our subject has followed this pro-
fession nearly all his life, having learned it
during his boyhood days by working with his
father who was also a civil engineer and sur-
veyor. This highly esteemed citizen was born
on the site of his present home, July 11, 1853,
and is a son of William A. and Mary A.
(Cheney) Mason, and grandson of pipe
and Roxy (Fowler) Mason.

This prosperous family is supposed to have
originated from one of three brothers, John,
Robert and Nathaniel, who emigrated from
England during Cromwell’s war. These three
brothers settled in Ashford, Windham Coun-
ty, Conn., where they purchased farms and
engaged in farming; it is thought that this
branch of the family sprang from Robert Ma-
son, whose farm remained in possession of
his descendants until after the time of Eben-
ezer Mason, the great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, after whose death the farm passed
through many different hands. Ebenezer
married Mary Hastings and they reared seven
sons and three daughters; three of the sons,
David, William and Alva settled in Philadel-
phia; Eliphalet, Ebenezer and Chester lo-
cated in Monroetown, Bradford County, Pa.,
and the remaining son, Rufus, settled in New
York State, near Johnstown.
8&6 BOOK OF. BIOGRAPHIES. |

 

Eliphalet Mason, our subject’s grandfather,
was born June 23, 1780, and was named after
his uncle, Eliphalet, who was a Revolutionary
soldier and died in a prison-ship in New York
harbor. Our subject’s grandfather prepared
himself for the ministry but later took up sur-
veying and followed that profession the great-
er part of his active days. He resided in Brad-
ford County, Pa., during his early life and in
connection with his profession he taught pen-
manship, being an expert with the quill, and
also taught singing, during the years 1822
and 1823. Later he moved to Monroetown,
Pa., near which place he built a grist-mill
which he operated until his death; the mill
is now situated within the limits of the town
called Masontown, named in honor of our
subject’s grandfather. Eliphalet was wedded
June 22, 1802, to Zilpah Coburn, who
passed from this life shortly after their mar-
riage; he was again married October 22, 1804,
with Roxy Fowler, who was born July 16,
1786, and who died February 15, 1851. Our
subject’s grandfather died March 11, 1855.
He was the father of the following children:
Zilpah, born June 26, 1806; Roxy, born De-
cember 10, 1807; Gordon, born January 19,
1810; Rufus, born January 31, 1812; Elipha-
let H., born April 28, 1815; Wilham A., the
father of our subject; Samuel A., born March
22, 1821; and Mary, born August 13, 1824.

William A. Mason, father of our subject,
was born in Towanda, Pa., September 29,
1818, and his boyhood days were spent at-
tending the district schools and working with
his father learning the profession of a civil
engineer and surveyor, which profession he
made his life’s work and so thoroughly mas-
tered it that his surveys and charts are of great
value to-day. In 1848, when the town of
Laporte originated, Mr. Mason located in
that little village where he laid out the town;

 

he also did much surveying throughout Sul-
livan and adjoining counties. He erected a
frame house on the site where our subject re-
sides; it was the third house built in the vil-
lage and is now standing on an adjoining lot.
He continued in his profession all his life, with
the exception of one year when he was en-
gaged in the photograph business at Towan-
da. At the expiration of that time he re-
turned to Laporte, where he followed his pro-
fession until 1868 when he removed to Mon-
tour and was resident engineer for the S. L.
& S. R. R. for about three years, when he
returned to Laporte. Mr. Mason was widely
known throughout the county as-a man of
sterling worth, and he was a man of much
weight as his opinion and judgment was often
sought by his fellow-citizens. He served as
associate judge of Sullivan County; was the
first justice of the peace of Laporte, in which
capacity he remained many years; was county
treasurer, and also held the office of postmast-
er. Mr. Mason was called from this earth Jan-
uary 7, 1892, and his demise was deeply la-
mented by a large circle of friends and ac-
quaintances, who held him in high esteem.
He was united in marriage with Mary A.
Cheney, a daughter of Abel and Priscilla
Cheney, who was born in Cortland, N. Y.,
October 28, 1820. Her parents removed to
the state of Pennsylvania when she was a
small girl. Her father was a bricklayer by
vocation. The mother of our subject resides
in her beautiful home in Laporte and is a
lady well preserved for one of her years, not
having a single gray hair in her head, and
looks much younger than her age signifies.
She was a faithful wife, is a kind and loving
mother and a good neighbor, and is highly
respected by a host of friends and acquaint-
ances. She is the mother of the following
children: Ethlen M., a teacher, born No-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, 87

 

 

vember 17, 1842; Ida Adel, born July 11,
1845, was the wife of Warren T. Waters, and
died September 26, 1891; Mary Ellen, born
November 22, 1847, and died in 1874; Will
E., born May 18, 1850, and died two years
later; William Clayton, the subject of this
personal history; and Gordon Hastings, born
June 22, 1861, and died in 1863.

William Clayton Mason, our subject, ac-
quired a good education in the public and
private schools of his native town and at the
Mannsville Normal School. His leisure
hours were spent working with his father,
learning the profession of a civil engineer and
surveyor, and he continued to work with him
throughout his early life and upon his father’s
death he succeedéd him in the work. Our
subject also studied under Rev. H. Arm-
strong, a prominent Presbyterian clergyman
and an excellent instructor.

Mr. Mason has been very successful in his
chosen profession and is the possessor of many
valuable maps and charts; he has all the fie!d
notes of the late Michael Meylert who made
surveys of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming,
Bradford, Pike, Wayne, Tioga and Sullivan
counties; he has the field notes. of his father
of the above counties and of Columbia, Ly-
coming, Northumberland, Union and other
counties; has Baird’s book of maps on the
lands of the Asylum Company; and notes and
maps of the late Gordon F. Mason of To-
wanda, Pa. Our subject is chief engineer for
the W. & N. B. R. R. and is also chief engi-
neer for the Eagles Mere R. R., and is the
most prominent civil engineer and surveyor
‘in Sullivan County. It was under his super-
vision that the W. & N. B. R. R. was con-
structed from Halls to Nordmont; he also
located the line from the latter place to Satter-
field, the eastern terminal. The road was
built, practically, on his location.

 

On December 20, 1881, Mr. Mason was
wedded to Eliza Stormont, a daughter of Rob-
ert Stormont of Laporte, Pa., who was born
May 31, 1860, and died October 15, 1895,
leaving the following children: Mary Irene,
born December 2, 1882; William Robert,
born August 24, 1885; Ethelyn Ione, born
January 9, 1889; and Marjorie Ida, born
August 14, 1894. Our subject in politics, as
was his father, is an ardent Republican and
has served fifteen years as justice of the peace.
Fraternally he is a member and past chief
patriarch of the Encampment, I. O. O. F.,
and district deputy grand patriarch of Sulli-
van County.

 

ON. SAMUEL Y. THOMPSON,
M. D., who: has ably attended the
Ns citizens of Danville in his medical
practice-more years than any other physician
and surgeon now residing in that borough,
and who is now serving his second term as
associate judge of Montour County, was born
in Danville, October 29, 1843, and is a son of
John G. and Hannah (Yorks) Thompson,
William Thompson, the grandfather of our
subject, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was
a native of Ireland. With his brother Hugh
he bade farewell to his native country and
came to the United States, locating in Ber-
wick, Pa. Later he settled in Espy, Columbia
County, Pa., and, having learned the trade of
potter during his boyhood days, established a
plant and began the manufacture of pottery,
which business he continued until his death,
which occurred at the age of sixty years. He
was twice married and was the progenitor of
three sons: John G., William, and Hugh.
John G. Thompson, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Espy where he spent his
younger days, attending school and assisting

 
88 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

his father in his work. Attaining his man-
hood he went to Bloomsburg, and learning
the tailor’s trade he worked as a journeyman
several years. Locating in Danville he con-
ducted a merchant tailor-shop on Bloom
street for ten years, when he sold his shop
to his son-in-law, J. B. Crawford, and retired
from active life. He purchased the J. K.
West residence and resided there until his
death. He was united in marriage to Hannah
Yorks, a daughter of Samuel Yorks who was
an early settler of Danville. Three children
blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson:
Dr. Samuel York Thompson, the subject of
this narrative; Margaret E., the wife of J. B.
Gearhart; and John P., a druggist of Stock-
ton, Colo. The father of our subject passed
from this life aged eighty years; his wife en-
tered the unknown beyond at the age of sixty-
three years.

Dr. Samuel York Thompson acquired a
good education in the schools of his native
town and then studied medicine under Dr.
P. H. Long of Mechanicsburg, Pa. Entering
the Long Island Hospital of Brooklyn he was
graduated in 1866, and one year later he com-
menced practicing his chosen profession at
Danville where he soon established a large
and lucrative practice. In connection with
his medical practice he owns and operates a
drug-store which alone yields him a hand-
some income. Had he not been blessed with
Nature’s best gift, a large and finely-developed
body, a strong constitution and a disposition
to make the best of all things, he never could
have stood the enormous practice he has ac-
quired, but to-day finds him in the best. of
health. At No. 345 Mill street the Doctor
owns a large two-story block, and upon the
first floor is located his drug-store, which is
the finest in Danville, and on the second floor
are his parlors and examining rooms.

 

Dr. Thompson is now serving his second
term as associate judge of Montour County,
and has served two terms as burgess. He was
united in the bonds of matrimony with Annie
E. Ege, a daughter of Rev. Oliver Ege of
Mechanicsburg, Pa., and they are the parents
of two children, Margaret Florence, the wife
of Dr. C. Shultz of Danville, and Kate Olive.
Our subject is a member of Danville Lodge,
No. 780, I. O. O. F., and past sachem of
Mahoning Tribe, No. 77, I. O. R. M.

 

UDGE HENRY DIVEL. Prominent
among the progressive and energetic
business men of the town of Danville

is the above-named gentleman who is a mem-
ber of the frm Hoffman & Divel, the largest
meat dealers in Montour County. He was
born in Milton, Pa., December 26, 1839, and
is a son of Joseph and Maria (Bowers) Divel,
and a grandson of Joseph Divel.

Joseph Divel, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a native of Germany, and was a
butcher and marketman of Wurtemberg, Ger-
many, all his life. Joseph Divel, the father of
our subject, was also born in Germany, and
followed the trade of a butcher all his active
days. In 1839 Joseph immigrated to the
United States and settled in New York City; .
later he moved to Milton, Pa., where some of
his relatives resided. He next went to Har-
risburg where he worked as a journeyman for
a short time and then returned to Milton,
where he formed a partnership with Jacob
Bowers and opened a butcher shop. They
continued that business for two years and
then dissolved partnership, and Mr. Divel
moved to Danville, where he remained but a
short time, when he went to Mooresburg;
there he engaged in the meat business and
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 89

 

 

carried on that line until his death, which oc-
curred in 1885 at the age of seventy-five years.
Our subject's father was twice united in mar-
riage, his first wife was Maria Bowers, a na-
tive of Germany, and they reared two child-
ren: Henry, the subject of this personal his-
tory; and Mary, the wife of John Moyer of
Milton, Pa. Mr. Divel chose for his second
wife, Catherine Griff, who bore him the fol-
lowing children: Sophia, wife of Robert
Mills of Lockhaven, Pa.; Joanna, who wedded
Simon L. Ritter of Mooresburg, Pa.; Joseph
F., a veteran of the Rebellion; and three who
died in their-infancy.

Henry Divel received a liberal education in
the common schools of his native town and at
the age of sixteen years worked with his fath-
er, learning the trade of a butcher, which busi-
ness he has since followed to the present time.
In 1859 he removed to Danville and worked
as a journeyman for Moyer & Lyon for six
years and seven months, and during his em-
ployment with this firm, he never lost but one
week’s work and that was owing to a felon on
one of his fingers. July 4, 1865, in company
with John Rockfellow, he opened and con-
ducted a butcher shop at No. 334 Mill street.
April 1, 1875, Theodore Hoffman, whose
sketch may also be found in this Book of
Biographies, purchased the interest of Mr.
Rockfellow, and the firm has since been
known as Hoffman & Divel. The firm has
since erected new stables and built a large
slaughter-house 50 by 80 feet on Montgom-
ery street; also has a stock-yard 200 by 80
feet, and as the firm makes large shipments to
the western part of the state, the D., L. & W.
‘R. R. laid a side-track to its yards.

Mr. Divel was united in Hymen’s bonds to
Barbara Fleckenstein, a daughter of Peter
Fleckenstein, and their home has been blessed
by the following children: Emma, wife of

 

S. G. Johnson, a large real estate dealer of
Carthage, Mo.; Elizabeth, who was wedded
to W. L. Sidler, register and recorder of Mon-
tour County, Pa.; Lilly May, united in mar-
riage to Henry Woolheater, a farmer of Union
County, Pa.; Charlotte; Maggie; Laura; E!-
la; Minnie; Joseph; and Annie. Our sub-
ject owns a handsome residence, No. 404
Church street, which he makes his home; also
two large tenement houses. He and his fami-
ly are members of the Lutheran Church of
Danville; politically he is an earnest adherent
of Democratic principles and lends the weight
of influence to the support of his party. He
enjoys the confidence and respect of his
townsmen, and has served one term in the
town council, and was associate judge from
1890 to 1895, and was re-elected in 1895 for
his second term. Socially Judge Divel is a
member of Danville Lodge, No. 516, F. & A.
M., and is past master of the same.

ETER S. KASHNER, one of the most
energetic and progressive farmers of
Montour township, Columbia Coun-

ty, is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Strohm)
Kashner, and was born in Cooper township,
Montour County, August 29, 1835. The
Kashner family originally came from Ger-
many and its members were among the early
settlers of Berks County, with whose growth
and advancement they have been closely con-
nected for many years.

The paternal grandfather of our subject
was one of the pioneer settlers of Montour
County, locating at the head of Stony Run
Hollow, Cooper township, when that country
was one vast timberland; he spent his entire
life in clearing and cultivating his farm and
many of his descendants are still residents of
that vicinity. Before leaving Berks County he
90 : BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

was united in marriage and reared a large
family of children, one of whom was Daniel,
the father of our subject.

Daniel Kashner was born on the old home-
stead in Cooper township, and at an early
age learned the trade of a carpenter. He fol-
lowed that occupation for a few years but
finally turned his attention to agricultural pur-
suits in Montour township, Columbia County,
near the town of Catawissa. He owned
sixty acres of fine land and was one of the
substantial men of that community. He was
a stanch supporter of the Democratic party.
Religiously he was an active member of the
Lutheran Church which he liberally sup-
ported financially and otherwise. He was
overtaken by the silent reaper, Death, in
1875, at the age of sixty-six years. He was
united in the holy.bonds of matrimony to
Elizabeth Strohm, a daughter of Abraham
Strohm, a farmer in what is now Mahoning
township, Montour County, and this happy
union was blessed by the birth of nine child-
ren: Peter S., the subject of this sketch; Caro-
line, wife of Nathaniel Krum of Catawissa;
Elizabeth, relict of Lloyd Miller of Catawissa;
Harriet, the wife of John Peifer of Blooms-
burg; William, who is a superintendent in
the blacksmithing department of the Blooms-
burg Car Shops; Amos, a laborer of Cata-
wissa; and three who died.

Peter S. Kashner was reared on the farm
where he remained for several years, and re-
ceived his education in the common schools.
Upon leaving the parental homestead he en-
gaged in boating for a couple of seasons, after
which he engaged in burning lime in Mon-
tour township for about eight years, or until
1872, when he located upon his present farm.
For the first ten years he not only cultivated
his own farm but also a large farm, lying along
the banks of the river, which he rented. He

 

was a hard, industrious worker and, being a
successful manager, he soon accumulated a
handsome competency. In 1882 he gave up
the large farm and has since conducted the
one which he now owns, consisting of forty
acres of good land and well supplied with all
the necessary buildings for successful farming.
He is now leading a quiet life devoting most
of his time to dairy work. He also owns
another tract of ten acres which he rents.

In 1856 our subject led to the altar Eliza
Breisch, a daughter of Samuel Breisch, late
a farmer of Cooper township, Montour Coun-
ty, and one child was born to their union, who
died in infancy. They have always had a‘
marked fondness for children, however, and
have reared two orphans, Mrs. George Shaf-
fer and I. W. Baylor, a well-to-do farmer of
Montour township. Politically Mr. Kashner
takes an active interest in the Democratic
party, and has held the offices of school di-
rector, supervisor, constable, collector, aud-
itor, and judge of elections, all of which he has
filled in a highly satisfactory manner. .

SSS

R. LOUIS J. ADAMS, one of the
most prominent and skilful phy-
sicians and surgeons of the village

of Evansville, Briarcreek township, Columbia

County, Pa., and a highly esteemed citizen of

that town, was born on his present homestead,

March 5, 1849, and is a son of Stephen and

Julia Ann (Hutchins) Adams, and grandson

of Anthony Adams.

The Adams family is of English descent
and Anthony Adams and his three brothers
were the first of that name to locate in Briar-
creek township. Anthony was the progenitor
of one son and five daughters.

Stephen Adams, the father of our subject
and his parents’ only son, was born in 1818

 

 

 

 
t
 

L MONTGOMERY BOYD,

E

DANI

~

A
A

S

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 93

 

 

and passed from this life on the old home-
stead in 1860. He was a shoemaker by trade
and followed that occupation mostly through-
out his active days. Politically he was an ar-
dent Democrat and firmly supported the prin-
ciples of his chosen party; he has also repre-
sented his fellow-townsmen in many town-
ship offices. He was a member of the old
state militia. Mr. Adams was united in mar-
riage to Julia Ann Hutchins, a native of Briar-
creek township, and to this union six children
were born, namely: Louis J., the subject of
this narrative; Alice S., the wife of Milton
Williams of Nescopeck, Luzerne County, Pa.;
and four who died in infancy. Our subject’s
father was one of the progressive citizens of
his community, and was held in high esteem
by his neighbors and acquaintances.

Dr. Louis J. Adams was educated in the
public schools of New Columbus and Orange-

ville, and at the Bloomsburg Seminary. At
the age of seventeen years he began teaching °

and taught some eight years. In 1874, having

determined upon a medical career, he began .
studying medicine with Dr. J. J. Brown then -

of Miffinville, now of Bloomsburg; then, go-
ing to Cleveland he entered the Cleveland
Medical College where he remained one year.
He then entered the Jefferson Medical Col-
lege of Philadelphia from which he was grad-
uated March 10, 1877, after taking a two-
years’ course. Upon leaving school he re-
turned home, proposing to rest prior to his
locating, but he received so many calls that he
concluded to remain there and has since built
up a very large and lucrative practice. Our
-subject’s practice extends over much of Co-
lumbia and Montour counties, and while he
has not made any one branch of the profession
a specialty, he has been most remarkably suc-
cessful in the treatment of diphtheria.

Dr. Adams formed a matrimonial alliance

 

with Clara V. Smith and they were happily
wedded June 15, 1882. She is a daughter of
the late Isaac Smith who was formerly a farm-
er of Nescopeck township, but later a retired
citizen of Berwick. To Dr. and Mrs. Adams
has been born one child, Edna A. Our sub-
ject is a member of Knapp Lodge, No. 462,
F. & A. M. In religious views he is an active
member of the United Evangelical Church.
In politics he strongly supports the Demo-
cratic party, has served as school director, was
secretary of the school board for nine years,
and has held several other township offices.
Dr. Adams is already recognized as the lead-
ing physician of Evansville; he is well read,
and takes a worthy pride in striving to become
a master of the profession through which dis-
ease is made to yield to the ingenuity and the
intelligence of man.

—___+ ++

[ \ANIEL MONTGOMERY BOYD,
president of the First National Bank
and a gentleman closely identified
with many industries of Danville, Montour
County, Pa., whose portrait appears on the
opposite page, is now retired from active busi-
ness, owing to ill health, and resides with his
family in his handsome home, No. 5 Bloom
street.

The Boyd family for many years past has
been connected with all of the important busi-
ness projects in the vicinity of Danville and is
accredited with having done much toward
elevating the borough to its present standing
among the industrial communities in Penn-
sylvania. The annals of history accord the
family due credit for establishing one of the
first railroads in that section, thus making
possible communication with other markets
and indirectly promoting all business enter-
prises. Our subject is recognized the county

 

 

 

 
94 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

over as a man of sterling worth to the com-
munity and his friends are without number.
He is a son of John C. and Hannah (Mont-
gomery) Boyd, and was born in Rush town-
ship, Northumberland County, Pa., April 23,
1826.

The family was established in this country
by our subject’s great-grandfather, William
Boyd, who with his brother, Thomas, left his
native home at Armagh, Ireland, and came to
the United States in 1732. He was of Scotch-
Irish parentage and was an adherent to the
faith of the Protestants. He settled near the
Half-Way House in New Garden township,
Chester County, Pa., and on March 26, 1773,
was appointed justice of the peace under King
George and served in that capacity during the
remainder of his life. He was also a member
of the provincial council and his name ap-
peared for the last time upon the records in
1761. He was a faithful member and officer
of the Presbyterian Church at Fagg’s Manor,
Chester County. Late in life he moved to the
village of Oxford where he resided until his
death in 1767. He reared the following child-
ren: James; John; William; Jane; Mary;
and Hannah. :

John Boyd, the grandfather of our subject,
served an apprenticeship to the tanner’s trade,
but upon the breaking out of the Revolution-
ary War he enlisted in the army and served
until he received his honorable discharge in
1782, proving himself a man of valor and one
in whom his country could place dependence.
He was subsequently appointed generat of the
First Brigade, Third Division, of the Penn-
sylvania State Militia by the governor of the
state. After his marriage on December 18,
1782, he established a tannery at West Fal-
lowfield, Chester County, Pa., which he con-
ducted with much success. He served in the
legislature many years. He wasa ruling elder

 

in the Presbyterian Church at Fagg’s Manor
for a period of twenty years. He married
Mary Cowan, a daughter of James Cowan of
Octoraro, Chester County, and they reared
the following children: Jane; Joseph; Wil-
liam; James; John C.; Mary; Hannah; and
Eliza.

John C. Boyd, father of the subject of this
biography, was joined in marriage, on May
18, 1820, with Hannah Montgomery, a
daughter of Gen. Daniel Montgomery, after
whom the borough of Danvillewas named. He
then settled in Danville and conducted a store,
where his wife’s father had previously lived,
until 1824 when he sold out and removed to
what is now known as the Boyd farm, a gift
to Mrs. Boyd from her father at the time of
her marriage. There he erected a largé man-
sion and continually added to the land until
he possessed a farm of nine hundred acres,
nearly all of which was under cultivation.
Ably supported by his sons and Gen. Mont-
gomery, Mr. Boyd planned many projects to
promote the interests of the town and aid
in its growth, the most important of these
being for the construction of the Danville &
Pottsville Railroad. It was he who first con-
ceived the idea of using wooden rails. It is
not to be imagined however that he did not
encounter many difficulties in this enterprise,
but with renewed energy and characteristic
good judgment he finally obtained the desired
results. He also built a furnace on a tract of
land at Shamokin, Northumberland County,
and this he operated with good success. He
was a man of irreproachable character, digni-
fied, and at all times courteous, and there were
few who could boast of more friends or who
were accorded a higher degree of confidence
by their fellow citizens. His useful life was ter-
minated August 18, 1849, at the age of fifty-
six years, as the result of an attack of dysen-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 95

 

tery. .Mr. Boyd and his wife becaine the
proud parents of seven children: Mary L.,
the wife of William Neal, proprietor of the
Neal Furnace of Bloomsburg; Daniel Mont-
gomery, the subject of this biographical rec-
ord; H. Eliza, deceased; James, who mar-
ried Louise Yeomans, a daughter of Rev. J.
W. Yeomans; J. Alexander, who married a
Miss Titus and resides in Philadelphia; Christ-
ianna, the wife of Col. William McClure; and
Joseph C., who married Anna Butler, a
daughter of William Butler of Danville.

Daniel Montgomery Boyd received a good
education in the Danville Academy and short-
ly after leaving school he became a coal dealer
at Pottsville, Pa., and also engaged in opening
and developing mines in the Shamokin Coal
Basin. He and his partner in business were
among the first to introduce the improved
coal-breakers in that section. In 1862 he went
to Havre-de-Grace and conducted business
under the name of Hilles, Boyd & Company,
selling coal and shipping it by vessel-to vari-
ous points in the South and West; as this
proved a very remunerative occupation he
continued it until 1881 when he was obliged
to relinquish it owing to ill health. Our sub-
ject lived in retirement for some time in Dan-
ville, but as soon as his health permitted he
associated in many important business ven-
tures. He became president of the First Na-
tional Bank of Danville, president of the Dan-
ville Nail Manufacturing Company, and is a
liberal supporter financially of all worthy en-
terprises. He was also president of the board
of trustees of the State Hospital for the In-
sane, but recently resigned that office. He
continued to improve in health until the win-
ter of 1897-98, when he took to his bed, owing
to an attack of la grippe which left him in a
very weak condition.

Mr. Boyd has twice married, his first wife

 

being Caroline A. Bockius, a daughter of Sam-
uel Bockius of Germantown, Pa., to whom he
was united in 1869. After her death in 1876
he formed a second matrimonial alliance with
Ida Cottrell, a daughter of Joseph W. and
Esther A. (Sloan) Cottrell, he being a pros-
perous hardware merchant of Columbia, Pa.
This union resulted in the birth of two child-
ren: Daniel Montgomery, deceased; and El-
sie M. Mr. Boyd and his family are con-
sistent members of the Presbyterian Church,
of which he is a trustee.

SSS SS

EORGE E. MOOREHEAD. Among
the prosperous and enterprising citi-
zens of the town of Berwick, a man highly
respected for his many sterling qualities, is
the subject of this narrative, who is foreman
of the pipe foundry of The Jackson & Woodin
Manufacturing Company. He was born at
Pine Grove, Cumberland County, Pa., Sep-
tember 29, 1835, and is a son of William B.
and Susan (Deemer) Moorehead, and grand-
son of Edward Moorehead.

Edward Moorehead the grandfather of our
subject, was the father of a large family of
children, one of whom was William B., the
father of our subject, who learned the trade
of a molder and followed it all his life. Mr.
Moorehead, with Mr. Samuel Henry, moved
to:the town of Foundryville, Pa., and there
engaged in the making of stoves, bells, plows,
etc. They carried on that business for two
years when they dissolved partnership and
our stibject’s father moved to York, Pa,
where he again took up with his former busi-
ness. He passed from this life at the age of
fifty-seven years. He was united in wedlock
to Susan Deemer, a daughter of Peter Deem-
er, a prominent man of York Springs, Pa.,
and a shoemaker by trade. Mr. Deemer re-
96 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

tired from active life at the age of seventy-
two years, and died aged ninety-two years.
Mr. and Mrs. Moorehead reared a family of
seven children, namely: Amanda L.; George
‘E.; Samuel J., who died in his childhogd
days; William T., a veteran of the Civil War;
John M.; James H., also a veteran of the
Rebellion; and Elizabeth.

George E. Moorehead attended the primary
schools during his boyhood and at the age of
fifteen years he began to learn the trade of a
molder from his father. He served an ap-
prenticeship to the molder’s trade for three
years and then worked at Philadelphia,
Foundryville, Scranton and Wyoming as a
journeyman until 1857, when he removed to
Berwick and worked in the moulding depart-
ment of The Jackson & Woodin Manufactur-
ing Company for about one year. He then
found employment in York, Riceville, Pa.,
and Baltimore, Md., for several years, and in
1864 he returned to Berwick and took up his
former position. In 1884 our subject was
made foreman of the pipe foundry, which is
one of the largest industries of its kind in the
state. He has as high as too men under his
management and they cast from three to six-
teen-inch water pipes, and four to sixteen-
inch flange or mining pipes, which are from
one-half to two inches in thickness, and these
pipes are put under 300 pounds’ hydraulic
pressure before shipping. The foundry also
turns out Jamp and hitching posts.

Mr. Moorehead chose for his life companion
Falla B. Garney, a daughter of Barney Gar-
ney who was a resident of Wyoming, Pa. Mrs.
Moorehead entered the unknown beyond at
the age of fifty-five years, leaving a large
family of children, a kind husband, and a large
number of friends to mourn her death. Their
children were as follows: John, a molder
of Berwick, who married Priscilla Shea who

 

bore him four children, namely,—Nellie,
Ruth, Frank, and Philip; Ella, who is the wife
of Joseph Sherwood and the mother of two
children, Florence, and Austin; Bernard, who
wedded Catherine Krull, and one child blesses
their home, Ernest; George, a molder by
trade, united in wedlock to Annie Furman,
and they are the parents of four children,—
Olive, Elizabeth, Richard, and Curtis; Mary,
wife of William Lynville, having one child,
Lettie M.; and Harriet. Our subject is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
of Berwick. He is also a member of the
Knights of the Golden Eagle.

] HEODORE HOFFMAN, of the firm
Hoffman & Divel, the largest meat

- dealers of Montour County, who conduct a

shop on the corner of Mill and Mulberry
streets, Danville, Pa., is one of the wide-awake
and energetic business man of the borough.
He was born in Rheinpfalz, Kingdom of Ba-
varia, Germany, January 28, 1834, and is a
son of Frank and Rosanna (Ederitch) Hoff-
man.

Frank Hoffman was a native of Germany
and was a butcher by trade, as were his an-
cestors. He wedded Rosanna Ederitch and
they reared a family of children, one of whom
is the subject of this personal history. Our
subject possesses a liberal education. During
his younger days he worked in the meat-shop
owned by his father, and has since followed
the trade of a butcher. In 1855 he immigrated
to America and for a short time worked as
a butcher in New York, Philadelphia and
Lewisburg, Pa., and finally, located in the
town of Danville in 1856, and has since been
engaged at his occupation. April 1, 1875,.he
bought out John Rockfellow, of the firm of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 97

 

Rockfellow & Divel. The present proprietors
are both popular and highly respected citizens
of Danville and by their honest methods of
dealing have succeeded in establishing a large
patronage. They kill on an average of twelve
head of cattle per week and always keep a
fresh supply of meat in their shop. They have
a slaughter-house 50 by 8o feet and a stock-
yard 80 by 200 feet, located on Montgomery
street, and ship extensively to the- western
part of the state.

Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage to
Elizabeth Gouchu, a daughter of Frederick
Gouchu. She passed from this life at the age
of fifty-two years, leaving the following child-
ren: Henry, who died at the age of five years;
Theodore, a butcher; Frank, who is pros-
pecting in the Western States; George, a
teamster residing in Danville; Simon, a but-
cher by trade and a resident of Danville;
John, who is also prospecting in the West;
Louise; Lena; Lizzie; Caroline; Mary; and
Clara. Our subject owns a handsome resi-
dence, No. 200 Mulberry street, which he has
acquired by his own industry and economy.
He has served one year as a policeman, and is
now overseer of the poor of Montour County.
Mr. Hoffman is a self-made man, and has
made a bright mark in the community of
which he is a member. His energy and
enterprise have already been productive of the
best results, and a natural and inherited perse-
verance insures for him unlimited success in
the future.

 

J] IRAM R. BOWER. This highly re-
spected citizen of the town of Ber-
\ So wick is a retired merchant, now
enjoying the fruits of his early toil and living
quietly in his comfortable home on West
He was born in Center town-

 

Second street.

 

ship, Columbia County, Pa., October 30,
1831, and is a son of Abraham and Ellen
(Remley) Bower, and a grandson of Michael
Bower.

Michael Bower was a native of Germany,

‘and at the age of thirteen years he left his

home in Saxony, Germany, and came to
America, and located in Kutztown, Berks
County, Pa. After his marriage to a Miss
Hill he moved to Columbia County and pur-
chased a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres of Mr. Desser, which is now the prop-
erty of John Fester. He successfully carried
on the pursuits of an agriculturist and was
one of the prominent men of Berks County.
He was the father of the following children:
Jacob; Michael; Solomon; Daniel; Philena;
Catherine; and Abraham.

Abraham Bower, the father of our subject,
was born in Kutztown, Berks County, Pa.,
and during his early manhood he moved to
Center township, Columbia County, where he
purchased a farm of fifty acres, which is now
the property of Mr. Wolverton. He imme-
diately erected’a set of new buildings and
successfully carried on general farming. He
also followed the occupation of a stonemason,
which trade he had learned in his youth. He
was joined in wedlock to Ellen Remley, a
daughter of Michael and Susan Remley, both
natives of Berks County, Pa. Later they
moved to Columbia County and located in
Center township where they spent the re-
mainder of their days. Mrs. Bower's father
died at the age of eighty-nine years and her
mother passed from this earth at the advanced
age of ninety-six years. To Mr. and Mrs.
Bower were born the following children:
Samuel, deceased; Phoebe, deceased, who
was the wife of Daniel Miller; Rachel, who
wedded John Sloan; Elizabeth, deceased, was
the wife of Caleb Fowler; William, deceased;
98 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Abraham and Susanna, deceased, who reached
maturity; Lavina, deceased, who was united
in marriage to George Johnson; Catherine,
deceased, who was the wife of Thomas Evans;
Ellen, deceased; Aaron, a Methodist minister

residing at Mattamora, Ill.; Hiram R., the.

subject of this sketch; Matilda, deceased, who
twice married,—her first husband was George
Johnson and after his death she was wedded
to Daniel Bahr. Mr. Bower died at the age
of seventy-eight years. The mother of our
subject died aged sixty-four years. Mr. Bow-
er was an unwavering Democrat and served
his fellow-citizens as supervisor and as a
school director.

Our subject was educated in the common
schools and remained under the parental roof
until he attained the age of twenty-two years,
during which time he was preparing himself
for the ministry, but, on account of poor
health, he was obliged to give up his studies.
Later he entered a mercantile store and was
engaged as a clerk for ten years. In 1864
he associated with Isaiah Bower and M. E.
Jackson, and under the name of I. & H. R.
Bower they conducted a mercantile store on
the corner of Front and Mulberry streets. The
firm conducted the business under the above
name until 1870 when Mr. Jackson retired.
In 1880 our subject became sole proprietor
and successfully carried on the business until
1891 when he wisely concluded to retire from
active labor and care and leave the field open
to younger and more vigorous men. Mr.
Bower has bought arid sold considerable prop-
erty and is still the owner of several fine tene-
ment houses; he also owns a handsome resi-
dence on West Second street which he makes
his home.

Mr. Bower has served in the town coun-
cil a number of years and has been secre-
tary of the council for six years; president of

 

the board of health; and secretary of the Ber-
wick Cemetery Association twelve years. He
chose for his life companion Rebecca Martz,
a daughter of John Martz, a resident of Briar-
creek township, Columbia County. As a re-
sult of this union five children were born to
them, namely: Layman F., treasurer of the
Dickson Locomotive Works of Scranton, Pa.,
who united in marriage to Gertrude Hen-
ninger who bore him four children,—Flor-
ence, Russell, Harold,and Layman, Jr.; Aaron
B., a Methodist minister residing at Scranton,
Pa., who wedded Harriet Garney and three
children were born to them, namely,—Helen,
Harriet, and Wallace; Frank, who died aged
three years; Minnie, who is the wife of Wil-
liam C. Smith of Tarrytown, N. Y., and has
one child, Lenora; and Elizabeth, who wedded
Luther W. Mendenhall of Pittsburg, Pa., and
is the mother of one child, Luther W.

Our subject is a member of the Berwick
Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F., and is also past
grandmaster of the same. Mr. Bower and
family are all members in good standing of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our sub-
ject occupies an enviable position in his com-
munity as a good citizen, and is held in high
esteem by his neighbors and acquaintances.
Mr. Bower has served one year as president
of the County Sunday School Association and
is now holding the office of county fieldsman.
At the State Sunday School Convention of
1898 he was elected president of the Sixth
District, comprising Columbia, Luzerne and
Wyoming counties.

So —____—_—

HILIP PETERMAN is one of the
leading and enterprising business
men of Sullivan County, Pa., and

has for the past two years been successfully
engaged in merchandising in the village of
 

ENT

NERAL JOHN KAY CLEM

GE
 

COLONEL CHARLES M. CLEMENT.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 103

 

 

Nordmont. He is a native of Laporte town-
ship, that county, his birth occurring Febru-
ary, 11, 1870, and is a son of James and Han-
nah J. (Hunter) Peterman.

James Peterman was born and reared in
Sugarloaf township, Columbia County, Pa.,
and was a son of Benjamin Peterman, who was
a well-to-do farmer of Columbia County.
James received a common-school education
and in early life purchased a farm in his native
township and carried on agricultural pursuits.
In 1861 our subject’s father was offered a pro-
fitable price for his farm; accepting the same
he moved to Sullivan County and purchased a
new and uncultivated tract of land; he cleared
a portion of his purchase and carried on both
farming and lumbering with marked success.
He passed to the unknown beyond at the age
of fifty-nine years. He was joined in the bonds
of wedlock with Hannah J. Hunter, a daugh-
ter of John Hunter, a well-to-do and prosper-
ous citizen of Sullivan County. As a result of
this happy union ten children were born, as
follows: Jennie; Carrie; Minard; Philip, the
subject of this biography; Susie; Shadrach;
Glen, who is operating the homestead; Alice;
Chester; and Harry. Our subject’s mother re-
sides on the homestead with her son and is
surrounded by many friends, who hold her in
high esteem. Mr. Peterman was well known
and took an active interest in local politics,
giving his support in favor of the principles
of the Democratic party. He served as super-
visor, tax collector, overseer of the poor, and
school director. Religiously, he and his fam-
ily were members of the Methodist Church.

Philip Peterman, the subject of this sketch,
was reared’ to manhood on his father’s farm

-and acquired a liberal education in the public
schools of his native township. In 1896 he re-
moved to the village of Nordmont and bought

out the mercantile store of M. W. Botsford. |

 

On September 11, 1897, the store was de-
stroyed by fire, and, although our subject met
with a severe loss, he immediately rebuilt and
has greatly increased his stock, now owning
and conducting one of the best general stores
in his section of the country. Our subject also
owned a part interest in the Temperance
Hotel, conducted by his brother Minard,
which was also destroyed by fire. He is now
erecting a modern hotel, 30 by 40 feet, three
stories high, and when completed it will be
one of the finest hotels in the village. Mr.
Peterman is recognized as one of the valued
members of the community and lends his in-
fluence toward all enterprises that tend to ad-
vance the interests of his adopted village. He
is an honest, upright citizen, and enjoys the
confidence and respect of a host of acquain-
tances. In his political views he upholds the
principles of the Democratic party, both by
acts and ballot. Socially, he is a member of
the P. O. S. of A., whilst religiously he is 4
member of the Evangelical Church.

 

ENERAL JOHN KAY CLE-

MENT, deceased, was one of the

most prominent criminal lawyers of

the state of Pennsylvania and participated in
many of the most famous cases tried in the
section in which he lived. He lived at Sun-
bury, Northumberland County, Pa., where
he acquired a very extensive practice, mainly
criminal, and was for many years a well-
known figure in the public eye. He was a son
of Evan C. and Hannah (Kay) Clement, and
was born in Philadelphia, Pa., January 1, 1820.
Gen. Clement descended from a prominent
family of Quakers in England, the earliest an-
cestor of whom we have any record being

Gregory Clement, who was one of the famous

body of Regicides and with four others was
104 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

 

hanged. When Gregory was arrested in 1660,
his son James escaped and emigrated from his
native country to America, landing on Long
Island. He subsequently located in Camden
County, N. J., near Camden, where he found-
ed the village of Clementon nearly 150 years
ago. He became a large landowner and sur-
veyor and his descendants continued at that
occupation for a number of generations fol-
lowing. His companion in the pathway of
life was Sarah Field and among the children
who blessed their union was one Jacob. Jacob
Clement married Ann Harrison and they were
the parents of Samuel Clement, the great-
grandfather of our subject.

Samuel Clement, the great-grandfather,
married Rebecca Collins, a grand-daughter of
Francis Collins, who came to America in 1688,
locating in New Jersey, where he became a
man of distinction. He served for a time in
the capacity of a judge and was a member of
the Provincial Legislature of New Jersey.

Samuel Clement, the grandfather of -our
subject, married Mary Foster and they reared
Evan C., the father of our subject, who was
born in Camden County, N. J. In connection
with his father, Evan engaged in the manufac-
ture of glass and became a man of consider-
able means. He was a soldier of the War of
1812, serving with the rank of sergeant-major.
He was a life-long resident of Camden
County, dying there in 1827, at the age of
thirty-seven years. He was united in mar-
riage with Hannah Kay, a daughter of John
Kay, who was a great-grandson of John Kay,
the first settler of the name, who was several
years speaker of the Provincial Assembly of
New Jersey. John Kay, the father of Mrs.
Clement, married Kesiah Thorne, a daughter
of Capt. Joseph Thorne, a soldier of the Revo-
lutionary War.

Gen. John Kay Clement, the subject of this

 

biography, was but seven years of age when
his father died and, as the latter had failed a
short time previous to death, John was thrown
upon his own resources at that youthful age.
He received his early education in the
Friends’ School at Philadelphia, and at the
age of eighteen years entered upon the study
of law, a profession for which he proved him-
self eminently fitted. He studied in the office
of his cousin, Richard Howell, of Camden,
N. J., and at the age of twenty-one years was
admitted to the bar at Trenton, N. J., in 1841.
Shortly thereafter he removed to Schuylkill
County, Pa., making his home first at Miners-
ville and subsequently at Pottsville. While
residing in that county he was made briga-
dier-general of the state militia, and he also
practiced law there until 1854, when he moved
to Sunbury,- Northumberland County. Being
a man of unusual power and eloquence as a
speaker and pleader, he had by this time at-
tracted considerable attention as a lawyer,
and in 1859 he was elected district attorney of
Northumberland County. He was re-elected
to that office in 1871, and received an appoint-
ment to the same office in 1877. He practiced
law to the exclusion of everything else, mak-
ing a specialty of criminal law, up to the time
of his death, and he took rank among the lead-
ing criminal lawyers of this state. From 1871
to 1878 he was engaged as counsel for the
prosecution or defense in every important
case brought to trial and his efforts in almost
every instance were attended by success.
“Bear” Dolan, the first “Molly Maguire” con-
victed, was prosecuted by him in 1872; and
Peter McMannes, the last one tried, was de-
fended by him. Besides being an eloquent
speaker, Gen. Clement excelled as a man of
great reasoning power and his knowledge of
the law was almost unlimited. Politically he
was a Democrat prior to the Civil War, but
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 105

 

 

subsequently he stanchly supported the prin-
ciples of the Republican party, and for some
years was a member of the Sunbury Council.
Gen. Clement took an active part in the Civil
War, showing great patriotism and devotion
to the cause for which the government was
fighting. He was captain of the Pottsville
Light Artillery, which organization still exists
as Company F, 4th Reg., N. G. P., and he
served in the First Battle of Bull Run as aide
to Col. Cameron. In 1862 he was made pro-
vost marshal of the Fourteenth District of
Pennsylvania and served efficiently until 1864.
During the war he also served as a private
in Company D of the 4th Pennsylvania Emer-
gency Troop.: '

On May 18, 1854, Gen. Clement formed a
matrimonial alliance with Mary S. Zeigler, of
Sunbury, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Eyer)
Zeigler. She is now living in Sunbury at the
advanced age of seventy-two years. Five chil-
dren blessed their home, only one of whom
survives. Gen. Clement passed to his eternal
reward on October 15, 1882.

COLONEL CHARLES M. CLEMENT,
a prominent and influential lawyer of Sun-
bury, is a son of Gen. John Kay Clement,
whose biographical sketch immediately pre-
cedes this, and was born in Sunbury, North-
umberland County, Pa., October 28, 1855.
He acquired a good education in the acad-
emies at Sunbury, Pa. and Burlington,
N. J. Leaving school at the age of seven-
teen years he accepted a position as a clerk
in the prothonotary’s office and continued
as such for six years. He then read law
in the office of his father and after his admis-
sion to the bar, on March 11, 1878, he began
practice, being associated with his father until
the latter’s death. He made a thorough study
of legal principles and had the happy faculty

 

of applying them to practical every-day busi-
ness affairs. He soon acquired a good client-
age, and has also succeeded to that of his
father. His practice is general, but is in the
main corporation law. He is attorney for the
Central Railroad of Pennsylvania, of which he
is also president; attorney for the Shamokin
Valley Telephone Company, and for the Sha-
mokin & Mount Carmel Electric Railway.
From April, 1891, to April, 1898, he was asso-
ciated in practice with the Hon. S. P. Wolver-
ton,a gentleman of distinction, whose life is re-
corded elsewhere in this Book of Biographies.
Col. Clement is a firm supporter of the Re-
publican party and has frequently been called
upon to serve in official capacity. For several
years he was a member of the council of Sun-
bury and was assistant burgess for one term.
He was also borough solicitor and solicitor for
the school board for several years, and is so-
licitor for the overseers of the poor. On Octo-
ber 1, 1887, he was appointed corporation
clerk of the State Department by Charles W.
Stone, and on November 29, 1890, was ap-
pointed Deputy Secretary of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania, in which capacity he
served with credit. From 1879 to 1883 he
served as secretary of the county committee
of the Republican party, and from 1883 to
1888 was chairman of the committee. He was
one of the organizers of the Sunbury Guards,
Company E, 12th Reg., N. G. P., in 1877,
entering the service as a private, and was pro-
moted in regular order to a captaincy, an
office to which he was three times elected—in
1882, 1887, and in 1892. In 1896 he was elect-
ed Major of the 12th Regiment and in 1898
was elected Lieutenant-Colonel. Volunteering
for service against Spain, he was commissioned
Lieutenant-Colonel of the 12th Reg., Pa. Vol.
Inf., which was mustered out of service Octo-
ber 28, 1898. Col. Clement’s eldest son, John
106 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Kay Clement, seventeen years old, was a cor-
poral in Company E of the same regiment.

On November 19, 1879, Col. Clement was
united in marriage to Alice Withington, a
daughter of Martin J. D. Withington, and
they are the parents of four sons, John Kay,
Martin W., Charles Frances and Theron Ball.

Socially, Col. Clement is a member of the
Sons of Veterans, Sons of the Revolution and
the Society of the War of 1812. He also is a
trustee of the Mary M. Packer Hospital at
Sunbury.

The publishers of this work take pleasure in
announcing that portraits of Gen. John K.
and Col. Charles M. Clement are presented
on preceding pages in connection with the
above life histories.

—

 

ILLIAM A. KENNEDY, a thrifty

and enterprising business man of

Laporte, Pa., is foreman of the

Union Tanning Company, of Laporte, a

position for which he is well qualified,

as he has been engaged in the tanning

business nearly all his life, having learned the

trade during his boyhood days. The gentle-

man whose biography we write was born at

Camden, N. Y., August 21, 1857, and is a son

‘of Jeremiah and Bridget (Luby) Kennedy and
a grandson of Edward Kennedy.

Jeremiah Kennedy, the father of our sub-
ject, was born and reared in Turbal, County
Roscommon, Ireland, and was the first of this
branch of the Kennedy family to locate in the
United States, coming here when a young
man. He first settled in Schoharie County,
N. Y., where he pursued his trade as a tanner
and at different times was foreman for the
tanning companies at Camden, N. Y.; Moose
River, N. Y.; Port Leyden, N. Y.; Ledgedale,
Pa.; Thorndale, Pa., and at Laporte, where

 

he resided until his death. In 1889 our sub-
ject’s father purchased the building used by
Dr. Fleshet as a drug-store and also his dwell-
ing and remodeled and enlarged the same
into a hotel and conducted what is known to-
day as the Commercial Hotel, which is now
managed by his son, Thomas E., who took
charge of it in September, 1894, Mr. Ken-
nedy retiring on accourit of poor health. He
passed from this life September 21, 1894, at
the age of seventy-nine years. Mr. Kennedy
was united in marriage to Bridget Luby, who
was born in St. Charles, County Roscommon,
Ireland. Her father came to America and set-
tled on Staten Island, where he resided at the
time of his death. The following children
were the result of this marriage: Edward, a
tanner by trade, wedded Maria Brown, and
they are the parents of seven children, Ray-
mond, Edward, Nellie, Robert, Donald, John,
and Percy James, deceased; Mary, wife of Dr.
E. S. C. Foster, with two children, Jeremiah
and Solon; William A., the subject of this
brief notice; Jerry, a tanner, of Titusville, Pa.,
joined in marriage with Lizzie Scanlon, with
two children blessing their home, Genevieve
and James Francis; Maggie, wife of George
Nortz, and the following children have been
reared by them, Lena, Ray, Ebe, Vincent, and
Mary; John M., engaged in the laundry busi-
ness; Thomas E., a prominent hotelkeeper,
whose sketch may also be found in this Book
of Biographies; and Annie, at home.

Our subject was educated in the common
schools and when a lad he began to learn the
tanner’s trade, serving an apprenticeship with
his father; under the instructions of his father
he soon became quite proficient in that line
and upon attaining his manhood he was made
foreman of the Shaw Bros.’ tannery at Grand
Lake, Me. He then accepted a position for
the same firm at Lincoln, Me.; worked a short
 

WILLIAM H. M. ORAM.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 109

time for Ferdinand A. Wyman, of Kingman,
Me.; then for Henry Poor & Son; later went
to Brace Bridge, Ontario, Can., where he was
foreman for the D. W. Alexander Company;
he then returned to Maine, where he accepted
the foremanship of the E. Church Tanning
Company at Beddington. As the winters
were very cold in Maine, Mr. Kennedy formed
the habit of visiting his father during the cold
months, and while on one of his visits, in 1893,
he secured the foremanship of the Laporte
Tanning Company, and has occupied that po-
sition to the present time, although the La-
porte Tanning Company has been succeeded
by the Union Tanning Company. This tan-
nery is one of the best and largest in the state
and gives employment to over two hundred
hands; sixty hands are employed in the tan-
nery and also over 150 woodsmen, who cut
and bring to the tannery about 600 tons

of bark every year. Thirty teams are
also. constantly in use. The tanning
buildings cover about eighty acres of

land and the tannery is operated by steam
power and has one hundred and fifty boiters
and seventy engines. The hides all come from
South America and are tanned and finished
by the best of skilled labor and marketed at
Boston, New York and Philadelphia. Mr.
Kennedy has established an excellent and en-
viable reputation as a foreman, giving entire
satisfaction to the company, and is a favorite
with the employees. He is also recognized as
one of the valued members of the community
and always supports enterprises that tend to
advance the interests of his borough and
county.

Mr. Kennedy was united in matrimonial
alliance with Rosanna Stubbs, a daughter of
Bruce Stubbs, of Ontario, Can., and four chil-
dren brighten and beautify the home of our
subject and wife, namely: Roy, Thomas, Vin-

 

cent and Mary. Politically, Mr. Kennedy is a
solid Democrat and has served in the town
council and as overseer of the poor. Reli-
giously, he and his family are members of the
Roman Catholic Church.

ILLIAM H. M. ORAM, attor-

ney-at-law, of Shamokin, whose re-

cent portrait is presented on the op-
posite page, was the first lawyer to practice in
Shamokin, opening his office there when it
was a town of but 2,500 population. His
brilliant attainments and his ability as a
pleader have placed him in the first rank of
the attorneys not only in Shamokin but in this
state. He is recognized as a fluent and adept
pleader, and so carefully and fully does he
prepare his cases that he is admitted to be
one of the most formidable men in the profes-
sion in the state. Mr. Oram is a son of John
F. and Louisa (Farr) Oram and was born in
Philadelphia, Pa., April 6, 1842.

The ancestors of our subject on the paternal
side were of Scotch stock and on the maternal
side of Irish extraction. His paternal ances-
tors came to the United States prior to the
War of the Revolution, but on the breaking
out of that great struggle returned to Scot-
land. The great-grandfather of our subject,
Thomas Cooper Oram, remained in Philadel-
phia and served during the Revolution in
‘Mad Anthony” Wayne’s division in the New
Jersey line as an officer. He was for some
years a resident near Bristol, Bucks County,
Pa., where he had charge of farms owned by
Nicholas Biddle, who was a prominent
banker, being president of the United States
Bank, located where the custom house now
stands, in Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Oram lived
many years after the Revolution ended and
110 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

*

 

took part in the parade and the reception ten-
dered Gen. Lafayette in Philadelphia.

William Oram, grandfather of the subject of
this review, was a native of Philadelphia, Pa.,
where he was reared. He was a soldier in the
War of 1812 and died in camp at Richmond,
Va. He was a silversmith by trade.

The father of our subject, John F. Oram,
was born in the city of Philadelphia July 2,
1810, and was reared by his grandfather,
Thomas Cooper Oram, in Bucks County. He
engaged in the wholesale shoe business in
Philadelphia, which he followed nearly his en-
tire business career, retiring in 1877. Subse-
quently he migrated to Shamokin, Northum-
berland County. He was a notary public and
a'so an insurance agent. He passed to his final
rest in 1895. Mr. Oram was a man of positive
religious beliefs and for many years an ardent
church member, serving some time as a dea-
con in the church of which he was a member.

Our subject’s mother was born February
14, 1815, and was a member of the old Jack-
son family. She traced her ancestry to those
of the Revolutionary period, who were among
the earliest settlers and Quaker stock of Ches-
ter County, this state. Her grandfather
fought at Brandywine and one of his brothers
was taken prisoner by the British and sent to
England, where he was confined in Ports-
mouth Prison until the war ended. Mrs.
Oram’s father, Joseph Farr, was a tailor by
trade and resided near Kennett Square. To
the couple were born three sons and three
daughters, as follows: Josephine, who is the
wife of Thomas M. Helm, of Shamokin; Wil-
liam H. M., the subject of this sketch; James
R., who is a resident of Philadelphia and is
head clerk for the John Hancock Ice Com-
pany, served in the Rebellion for a year as
a member of the Keystone Battery; John A.,
now of Newport News, Va.; Clara, widow of

 

Theodore F. Nields, who is now a public
school teacher in Shamokin; and Frances V.,
who died in infancy.

Our subject received his primary education
in the public schools of Philadelphia and grad-
uated from the high school in that city at the
age of twenty years, receiving the degree of
B. A., and subsequently the degree of M. A.,
from that institution. He then entered the
law office of Daniel Dougherty, the distin-
guished attorney and remarkably eloquent
orator, in the Quaker City, and studied under
his guidance for two years. He pursued his
third year of study of law in the office of John
Hanna, also a leading lawyer of that city,
at the same time attending the law depart-
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, from
which he graduated. He was admitted to the
bar April 15, 1865. Mr.,Oram immediately
removed to Shamokin, where he opened
an office, the first lawyer to locate in the
town. He has since practiced his profession
continuously in Shamokin, a period of thirty-
four years. He was admitted to practice
in the United States Court in 1867 and to
practice in the Supreme Court of this state
in 1871. An indefatigable student and a
hard worker, Mr. Oram soon acquired an
excellent reputation and a lucrative busi-
ness, being unusually successful from the be-
ginning of his practice. Gifted rarely with elo-
quent speech, a keen analyst of human pas-
sions and motives, Mr. Oram powerfully and

‘convincingly sways jurors in presenting an

argument. He is constantly engaged and has
a very large general practice. In March, 1877,
our subject was appointed receiver of the
Northumberland County National Bank by
John J. Knox, then Comptroller of Currency
of the United States, and he successfully
wound up the affairs of the institution. Since
1871 Mr. Oram has been attorney for the Min-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 111

 

eral Railroad & Mining Company; he has for
a number of years acted as attorney for the
well-know firm, J. Langdon & Company, and
for seventeen years he was attorney for the
borough of Shamokin.

In his youth Mr. Oram identified himself

with the Republican party and for years his

time and efforts have been devoted to ad-
vancing the interests of that -party and de-
fending its principles and measures. He has
been prominent in party councils and as a
speaker has a reputation of being one of the
most eloquent and forceful ever heard in cam-
paigns in this state. Several times he has been
honored by his party in being a nominee for
office. He was the Republican candidate for
the judgeship in his district in 1891; in 1876
he was a candidate for senator from his dis-
trict, but was defeated for nomination by a
combination of the sort which is common in
politics; in 1881 he was an aspirant for the
position of president judge, but, by agreement
with two other candidates, withdrew from the
contest for nomination; he frequently has
served as a delegate to conventions.

On March 4, 1866, Mr. Oram was united in
marriage to Lavinia E., daughter of Joseph
W. Jones, of Pottsville, Pa. To them seven
children were born, as follows: Katharine,
deceased, who was the wife of Charles E.
Byers; Frances Virginia; Lavinia E., the wife
of Joseph H. Wheat, who is connected with
the Geological Survey, a bureau of the De-
partment of the Interior at Washington, D.
C.; Clara W., who is at home; John F., a stu-
dent in the University of Michigan, where
he is studying law; and Louisa and William,
the youngest son, who both died in infancy.
Our subject adopted a grandson, William,
who assumed his grandfather’s name, Oram.
The family are members of the Episcopal
Church of Shamokin. Mr. Oram is one of the

 

leading and most active members of the Penn-
sylvania State Bar Association and is presi-
dent of the Northumberland County Bar As-
sociation.

Mr. Oram is unusually well versed in liter-
ary matters, being an eager reader and a deep
thinker. He possesses an uncommonly fine
miscellaneous library, which is one of the lar-
gest, if not the largest, private libraries in this
section of the state. He also owns a very ex-
tensive and complete law library. Mr. Oram
is thoroughly equipped, owing to his wide
range of reading, upon all subjects upon which
full and accurate knowledge is of great value
in the successful practice of his profession.
His store of apt and forcible anecdote is in-
exhaustible and he is ever ready with quota-
tions from standard works, which frequently
serve most effectively to powerfully clinch an
argument. In his library, after the labor of
his daily office and court work, our subject
spends much of his time—his books, with his
charming family, being his most intimate
friends.

 

ACOB R. KEISER, one or the most
prominent pioneers of Northumber-
land County, Pa., retired from active

‘business in 1893 after an unusually successful

career, beginning to earn his livelihood as a
teamster, subsequently engaging in the groc-
ery business and finally winning profitab'e
success as a coal operator. He is a member of
a very prominent family and is looked upon
as a self-made man who is an honor to his
family, to himself and to Shamokin where he
has long resided. Our subject is a son of
Henry and Catherine (Reaker) Keiser, and
was born in Coal township, Northumberland
County, Pa., May 1, 1845.

The grandfather of our subject, Henry
112 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

 

Keiser, was of German origin and was born
June 25, 1784. He came into Northumber-
land County from Union, to which he mi-
grated from Berks County, and finally settled
in the Irish Valley, spending the remainder of
his days as a farmer until his demise, Novem-
ber 13, 1864. His wife, grandmother of our
subject, was born August 5, 1781, and passed
to her rest October 11, 1852.

Henry Keiser, father of the subject of this
sketch, was born in 1811 and resided all his

lifetime in Northumberland County, being a.

resident of Shamokin at his demise in 1873.
He located in Shamokin some time before the
birth of Jacob R., and for years was engaged
in business asa general merchant. Religious-
ly he was a member of the Evangelical
Church. He married Catherine Reaker and
their union was blessed by six children.

Our subject was able to obtain but limited
primary education and early in life started out
to win his way by engaging in teaming, which
business he followed for several years. He
then engaged in coal operating in Coal town-
ship, his first operations being at the Lancas-
ter Colliery with William C. Smith as co-
partner under the firm name, Smith & Keiser.
This colliery subsequently was named the Col-
bert Colliery and it was operated continuous-
ly by Smith & Keiser until the latter retired
from active business in 1893, a period of twen-
ty-three years of successful and profitabte
operation. Prior to entering the field as a
coal operator Mr. Keiser engaged in the
grocery business with his brother, Henry H.,
in which he yet retains his interest. On Sep-
tember 7, 1866, our subject married Emma E.
Smith, daughter of William C. Smith, his co-
partner in the coal business. To them have
been born five children as follows: William
H., who is an engineer by occupation; Frank
M., also an engineer, residing in Michigan;

 

Warren M., who is at the family home in
Shamokin; and Malcolm and Ray, who died
when quite young. In politics our subject
is a Republican, but has never sought office.

Henry H. Keiser, brother of the subject
written of above and one of the leading busi-
ness men of Shamokin, was born in Coal
township, Northumberland County, Pa., Sep-
tember 30, 1849. He obtained such common
school education as he could by attending
school three months in each year and when
about seventeen years of age he, as had his
brother Jacob, began to earn a living as a
teamster. He was in the employ of Charles
D. Hammer and Daniel Weaver of Shamo-
kin as a driver for about ‘wo years. In 1868
Henry branched out for himself, engaging in
the green grocery business in Shamokin,
which business he has continued until the
present time and has developed until it has
become large, prosperous and the longest-
established of its kind in the town. Politically
Mr. Keiser is a Republican and has served
creditably two terms as a member of the’ bor-
ough council. He is a member of Shamokin
Lodge, No. 255, F. & A. M., and also of In-
dependence Fire Company of which he is
treasurer. When our subject abandoned
“single blessedness” he took as his life-partner
Elizabeth Gilger, daughter of Jonas L. Gilger,
one of the pioneers of Northumberland Coun-
ty. Five children have been the fruit of their
union: Katie, Harry, Claude, Howard and
Rena.

—____+« »_____

‘1 ON. RUSSELL KARNS, a retired
je citizen of Benton, Columbia County,
~~ NN  Pa., formerly of Laporte, Sullivan
County, Pa., was for many years one of the
leading business men of Laporte township
and was proprietor of the Laporte Hotel,

 

 

 

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 113

 

 

which was recently burned, it being the most
popular hotel in the county. He is a son of
Peter and Mary (Singer) Karns, and was born
at Benton, Benton township, Columbia
County, Pa., March 17, 1842.

John Karns, the grandfather of our subject,
was an early settler in Benton township, Co-
lumbia County, where he purchased a tract
of uncultivated land, which he cleared. He
later disposed of this estate, now owned by
Charles Ash, Esq., and moved to Steuben
County, N. Y., following farming the rest of
his active life and spending the last few years
of his life in retirement with his son Peter.
He lived to reach an advanced age and was
thrice married, having the following children:
Peter, Jacob, Daniel and John by his first wife;
he also reared Isaac, Henry, Tunis, William
and two daughters by his second wife.

Peter Karns, the father of our subject, was
born in Columbia County, Pa., and at an early
age took to agricultural pursuits. His wife
had an uncultivated tract of land left to her by
her father, which he cleared and then built
a log-house, in which his family was reared.
This land is now owned by Daniel Karns, a
brother of our subject. Peter Karns married
Mary Singer, a daughter of William Singer,
and they both lived to reach an old age.

Russell Karns, the subject of this review,
was reared on a farm and attended the public
schools, receiving a good education mainly
through his individual efforts in taking advan-
tage of every opportunity which presented it-
self for his advancement. Starting out for him-
self he learned the trade of a painter, at first
confining his work simply to house painting,
but he later entered the employ of The Jack-
son & Woodin Manufacturing Company, at
Berwick, as a car painter. He next accepted
contracts for boat painting at Espytown, Co-
lumbia County, and while there assisted in re-

 

cruiting Company E of the 209th Reg., Pa.
Vol. Inf., enlisting himself as second lieuten-
ant. He served as sueh to the close of the war
and was mustered out in June, 1865. He re-
turned to Benton and followed his trade in
connection with farming, purchasing a farm,
which he has since owned. He erected a com-
plete set of new buildings and so improved it
otherwise that it became one of the best farms
in Columbia County. In 1879 Mr. Karns rent-
ed the Benton Hotel, then known as the Ike-
ler House, and conducted it for one year. His
success during that time was such as to war-
rant him in leasing the large Laporte Hotel at
Laporte, Sullivan County. There his success
continued and after a period of two years he
purchased it and made many improvements.
It was a handsome structure, three stories
high and contained forty-seven large and well-
furnished bedrooms, and was fitted with every
convenience that could be arranged for the
convenience of his guests. It was a very pop-
ular place with transients and during terms of
court he had more patrons than he could well
accommodate. His business continued to
prosper and he conducted it until 1884 when,
owing to the great strain which his many
duties devolving upon him, he went to Hot
Springs, Ark., to recuperate. The hotel in
Laporte was rented, after he gave up the busi-
ness, until it was destroyed by fire on March
25, 1898. He then disposed of the lot to F.
W. Gallagher, Esq. In private life our subject
is held in as high esteem as in business circles
and has many friends throughout Sullivan
and Columbia counties.

Our subject was united in matrimonial
bonds to Elmira Cole, who was born April 4,
1848, and is a daughter of William Cole, of
Benton township. Their union has been
blessed by six children: Sedgwick B., an
attorney at Benton, born November 14, 1868,
114 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

married Carrie Keeler, by whom he has two
children,— Helen and Ruth; Nora Bell, born
September 11, 1870, died in infancy; Corene
A., born April 22, 1878, widow of R. M. Stor-
mont; Harry Allen, a student, born Septem-
ber 9, 1874; Florence A., deceased, born De-
cember 1, 1875; and Hazel P., deceased, born
January 10, 1887. Politically, Mr. Karns is
an enthusiastic Democrat and has served as
school director of Benton, and as burgess,
school director and member of the council
at Laporte. In 1890 he was honored by a seat
in the State Legislature and served during
1891 and 1892. Religiously, he is a member
of the Christian Church, whilst his wife is af-
filiated with the Episcopal Church.

——_—~F 2 —____-

AMUEL HOUCK is one of the enter-
prising and successful farmers of
Briarcreek township, Columbia

County, Pa., who makes a specialty of raising
poultry. He was born in Easton, North-
ampton County, Pa., June 6, 1838, and is a
son of John and Julia (Stair) Houck, and a
grandson of John Houck.

John Houck, grandfather of our subject,
was of German descent and was one of the
well-to-do agriculturists of Northampton
County. He was the progenitor of a large
family of children and two of his sons, Samuel
and Jeremiah, were veterans of the Rebellion.
John Houck, the father of our subject, was
born in Northampton County, Pa., and dur-
ing his younger days learned the trade of a
carpenter. Among his first efforts at his trade
was the erection of a Methodist church which
he, in conjunction with six others, undertook
to build without resources other than their
own hands and a determination to succeed.
Attaining his majority he moved to Luzerne
County, Pa., and in addition to following his

 

trade, he successfully carried on farming. In
1872 he moved to Briarcreek township, Co-
lumbia County, where he spent the remainder
of his life, passing away July 1, 1885, at the
age of seventy-six years. In politics he was
formerly a Whig, but being a strong Abol-
itionist, when the Whig party was abandoned,
he joined the ranks of the Republican party.
He was an ardent supporter of the free school
system, and secured the appointment, by the
court of Luzerne County, of a school board in
his township. He himself served on this
board, which forced the levy of a school tax

against a then common prejudice. Mr. Houck

was joined in the bonds of wedlock to Julia
Stair, a daughter of George Stair, who was
a stone-mason and farmer residing in North-
ampton County, Pa. To this happy union the
following children were born: Mary Ann,
who died at the age of fifteen years; Julia;
our subject, Samuel; Sarah, a resident of
Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Florence Elizabeth, de-
ceased, who taught school twenty-one years
and at the age of thirty-seven years passed
from this life; and John W., who is in the
employ of The Jackson & Woodin Manufac-
turing Company of Berwick.

Samuel Houck was brought up on his
father’s farm and received his early schooling
in his native town. He has been engaged in
farming and lumbering all his life and for some
years was engaged in merchandising and huck-
stering in Slocum township, Luzerne County.
In 1874 our subject came to Briarcreek town-
ship where he purchased a fine and productive
farm consisting of one hundred acres. He has
made many improvements since it came into
his possession, and it now ranks among the
best farms in the township. Mr. Houck makes
a specialty of raising poultry, small fruit grow-
ing, and dairying, and is considered to be
one of the leading farmers of his community.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 115

 

 

Our subject takes an active part in local
politics and is a firm supporter of the Repub-
lican party; he was the first Republican judge
of elections of Briarcreek township and also
serve as a school director in Luzerne and
also in Columbia counties, for many years.
On July 12, 1862, Mr. Houck was wedded to
Jane J. Lutsey, a daughter of the late William
Lutsey, who was one of the leading farmers
and business men of Slocum township, Lu-
zerne County. To Mr. and Mrs. Houck was
born a family of four children, as follows:
Ulysses Grant, William Lutsey, John Wesley,
and Harry M. Ulysses was graduated from
the Dickinson Seminary and, entering upon
his life’s work, was engaged as a school teach-
er for four years. He then took a course in
the Veterinary Department of the University
of Pennsylvania, and since 1895 has been a
government meat inspector, now located at
Sioux City, Iowa. William L. is a graduate
from the Berwick High School and from the
Dickinson Seminary, class of ’93; he is now
vice-principal of the Berwick High School.
John Wesley and Harry M. are both gradu-
ates of the Berwick High School, and are
teachers and also students of dentistry in the
University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Houck has
won an excellent reputation for square deal-
ing, unswerving integrity, and for the many
qualities which are component parts of true
manhood. His neighbors testify to his repu-
tation and he is thoroughly respected and
liked by all of them. His excellent judgment
and his sound common sense have made him
prominent in the community in which he re-
sides.

—_—_—_+ 2 »>__
ALPH R. JOHN, a well-equipped and
promising young attorney and a
worthy and esteemed citizen of
the town of Bloomsburg, was born in Maine

 

township, Columbia County, Pa., December
20, 1870, and is a son of Jonas Wesley and
Sarah C. (Brown) John, a grandson of Stacy
and Mary (Yocum) John, great-grandson of
Abraham John, and great-great-grandson of
Isaac John.

Isaac John was one of the pioneer settlers
of Columbia County, having located in Maine
township in 1778. He purchased a large tract
of land, which was covered by a dense forest,
and felled trees and built a log cabin. He
cleared a part of his farm and engaged in the
cultivation of the soil the rest of his active
days. *He was united in marriage to Margaret
Brong and they reared the following children :
Jacob, Abraham, Isaac, David, George, and
five daughters.

Abraham John was reared on his father’s
farm in Maine township and assisted his father
in the labors about the old homestead. He
was joined in wedlock to Mary Flick, who
bore him a family of seven children, namely :
Stacy, the grandfather of our subject;
George; Hiram; Lovina; Angeline; Mary
A.; and Sarah J.

Stacy John, the grandfather of our subject,
was born on the old homestead in Maine
township in 1813, was reared to agricultural
pursuits and successfully followed the calling
of a farmer all his life. After a life of industry
he passed from this earth in 1870, leaving a
large estate, which he bequeathed to his chil-
dren. He was wedded to Mary Yocum, a
daughter of John Yocum, a prominent farmer
of Roaring Creek township, Columbia
County. Asa result of this union the follow-
ing children were born: William, who died
in his childhood days; J. Wesley, the father of
our subject; Sarah, deceased; Frease, de-
ceased; Britton, also deceased; and Minerva,
who is the wife of Aaron Goover.

Jonas Wesley John, the father of our sub-
116 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

ject, was born on the old homestead Septem-
ber 12, 1840, and during his boyhood days at-
tended the district school and assisted his
father in the cultivation of the soil. Attaining

his majority he purchased a farm in Maine

township and has devoted his entire attention
to agricultural pursuits. He also owns consid-
erable property in the town of Bloomsburg.
Mr. John formed a matrimonial alliance with
Sarah C. Brown, a daughter of Jacob Brown,
a resident of Maine township, and to this
union were born eight children, namely: Bes-
sie; Ida; David; Ralph R., the subject of this
biographical sketch; Jacob; Daisy, the Wife of
L. B. Zimmerman; Wilson; and Sally. Mr.
and Mrs. John are active members of the
Methodist Church; politically, our subject’s
father is a strong temperance man and firmly
upholds the principles of the Prohibition
party.

Ralph R. John received his primary educa-
tion in the public schools of his native town
and at the age of seventeen years entered the
Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, Pa., tak-
ing a scientific course, and was graduated
from that institution in 1890. He then taught
school at Elysburg Academy in Northumber-
land County until 1893 and then removed to
Bloomsburg and began the study of law in
the office of L. S. Winterstein. He faithfully
pursued his legal studies and was admitted to
the bar September 30, 1895. He opened an
office on the corner of Second and Market
streets, where he entered upon the practice of
his profession. He is a thorough student, is
methodical and industrious in all the detail of
his business, both public and private, and has
won an enviable position in the front ranks
of his profession.

Mr. John chose for his life-companion Sally
C. Schweppenheiser, a daughter of Eleazer
Schweppenheiser, and they were happily wed-

 

ded November 10, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. John
are popular members of the Methodist
Church.

—_ so >—__—__

W. MOODY, M. D., who for over

a quarter of a century has been

a leading and successful practitioner of medi-

cine in Sunbury and adjacent towns, is a son

of Capt. Robert and Mary (Wilson) Moody,

and was born in Dauphin County, Pa., August
31, 1834.

The family is of Irish descent and the name
was originally spelled Moodey, but in latter
years the “‘e” has been omitted by most of the
family. The paternal grandfather of Dr.
Moody was Robert Moody, who was for many
years a resident of South Hanover township,
Dauphin County, where he owned and culti-
vated a large farm. He remained upon the
farm until his death on December 13, 1838, at
the age of eighty-six years. After his demise
the farm was divided between his three sons,
Joseph, Robert, and John, the latter of whom
is pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Ship-
peusburg, Pa.

Capt. Robert Moody, the father of our sub-
ject, was born on the o!d homestead and re-
sided there all of his life, engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits in which he attained more than
an ordinary degree of success. He passed
away May 26, 1850, in the sixty-fifth year of
his age, and now lies buried in the southeast
corner of the Derry Churchyard, east of Har-
risburg, Pa. He served through the War of
1812 with the rank of captain. Religiously
he was a member of the Presbyterian Church
at Derry and filled many of the offices of that
organization, taking an active part in every
movement for the advancement and upbuild-
ing of the church. He married Mrs. Morri-
son, nee Wilson, and they were the parents
 

WSKI

ANTHONY GOLEMBIE
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 119

 

 

of four children, two sons and two daughters.

Dr. Moody obtained a good academic edu-
cation in Tuscarora Academy at Port Royal,
and in 1857 entered upon the study of medi-
cine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. R.
Umberger of Dauphin, Pa. After completing
the required course of reading, he matricu-
lated in the Medical Department of Pennsyl-
vania College of Philadelphia, from which
institution he was graduated in 1861. Dur-
ing the same year he located at McAlister-
ville, Juniata County, and there practiced until
the fall of 1862. After his marriage he moved
to Washingtonville, Montour County, where
he successfully practiced until the spring of
1870 when he moved to Sunbury, his present
abode and field of practice. He is a member
of the Northumberland County Medical So-
ciety of which he is treasurer. Dr. Moody

has been a close student of the leading medi- ,

cal literature of his time and has kept him-
self abreast of the advancement and progress
of medical science. Careful and conscientious
in his practice, accurate and skilful in the
diagnosis and treatment of diseases, he easily
takes rank among the leading physicians of
Northumberland and adjoining counties.

On January 14, 1862, Dr. Moody and

Louisa Sharon of Juniata County were hap-.
pily wedded and to their union two child-
ren were born: Jane A., the wife of Frank:
Harkins of Sunbury; and Sarah S., who died"

September 25, 1894. Religiously Dr. Moody

is a member of the Presbyterian Church of

which he has been elder for many years. Mrs.
Moody died February 25, 1889, aged fifty-

seven years.
+ + +—____

NTHONY GOLEMBIEWSKI, a re-

cent portrait of whom we take pleas-

ure in presenting on the opposite

page, is manager and stockholder of the Po-

 

lish Lithuanian Brewing Company of Dan-
ville, Pa., which is one of the largest brew-
ing companies in Central Pennsylvania and
has a reputation for turning out first-class
lager beer, porter and the purest of ale. Our
subject was born in Jejsorki, Potand, May. 12,
1863, and is ason of Thomas Golembiewski.

Thomas Golembiewski, the father of our
subject was born in Poland and resided in his
native country all his life, engaged in the pur-
suits of an agriculturist. He was the pro-
genitor of a large family of children, one of
whom was Anthony, the subject of this bio-
graphical sketch.

Anthony Golembiewski was reared and ed-
ucated in his native country and at the age
of nineteen years immigrated to the United
States and located in New York City. He
moved to Hazleton, Pa., a short time later and
engaged in the brick-making business, and
later in mining in the same town. Moving to
Luzerne County, Pa., he located in Nanticoke,
where he embarked in the hotel business,
which he continued until June 12, 1895, when
he removed to Danville and with P. H. Coyne,
Thomas Butkiewicz, president, John Zukoski,
treasurer, and Simon Savage, charter mem-
bers, purchased the above-named brewing
company of P. P. Smith, assignee of the Po-
lish-American Brewing Company. The plant
is located at Nos. 16 to 34 Spring street; the
main building is a four-story structure; the

machinery in this building is set in motion by

a large engine which has two boilers, one a
100 horse-power and the other a 60 horse-
power; in the ice plant is stored’a large
quantity of barley and hops; the cold-storage
room contains the cooling vats, twelve in all,
which have a capacity of 150 barrels each.
The company manufactures about eighteen
thousand barrels of beer per annum; has a
large supply-house at Scranton, Pa., where
120 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

there is a great demand for its beer; and gives
employment to forty hands, and has sixteen
fine teams which are kept constantly busy de-
livering throughout the city.

Mr. Golembiewski was united in marriage
to Julia Uszinski, a daughter of Simon Uszin-
ski of Nanticoke, Pa., and they are the par-
ents of ten children, as follows: Stanley,
Anthony, Annie, Victoria, Charles, Vincent,
and Mary; and Adam, Joseph, and Frank,
deceased. Our subject and his family are
popular members of the German Catholic
Church of Danville. Mr. Golembiewski is one
of the most prominent and hustling business
men of Danville, and is held in high esteem by
his fellow-citizens and acquaintances.

SSS

ENERAL GEORGE B. CADWAL-
LADER, who made a brilliant and
interesting record in the Civil War,

is one of the most progressive and promi-
nent business men of Sunbury, being super-
intendent of the Sunbury Water Company,
one of the foremost industries of the borough.
He is ason of Dr. Peter and Hannah (Magill)
Cadwallader, and was born in Doylestown,
Bucks County, Pa., October 20, 1830.

Our subject’s parents were both natives of
Bucks County and were of Scotch ancestry.
Dr. Peter Cadwallader died in 1832 and his
wife survived him to the ripe age of eighty
years. Their happy union resulted in the birth
of four children, three sons and one daughter,
our subject, George B., being the only one
now living.

George B. Cadwallader was reared in Bucks
County and there received his preliminary ed-
ucational training, but subsequently attended
the Danville Academy in Danville, Montour
County, Pa. He later decided to follow the

 

profession of a druggist and, entering the
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, graduated
from that institution and engaged in the drug
business at Danville. He followed that busi-
ness there until 1857, when he established a
drug-store at Shamokin and continued with
much success until the outbreak of the Civil
War. In April, 1861, he enlisted as Ist lieu-
tenant of Company A, 8th Reg., Pa. Vol.
Inf. He served for three months and then re-
enlisted, with the same rank, in Company K,
46th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf. He was ever a
willing and conscientious soldiew and his rise
in the ranks was steady. On September 17,
2861, he was Ist lieutenant and quartermas-
ter of his regiment, and served in that capacity
until July, 1863, when he was advanced to
captain and assistant-quartermaster, U. S. A.
Ia March, 1865, he was brevetted major and
lieutenant-colonel, and afterwards was brey-
etted colonel for his meritorious services
throughout the war. In November, 186s, for
faithful and efficient services in the quarter-
master’s department, he was brevetted briga-
dier-general, which rank he held until his dis-
charge. During this period he was quarter-
master of Williams’ Brigade, Army of Vir-
ginia; quartermaster of the 1st Brigade, 2d
Corps, Army of Virginia; quartermaster of
the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 12th Corps,
Army of the Potomac; _post-quartermaster
at Dechert, Tenn., and Atlanta, Ga.; was in
charge of transportation on Sherman’s mem-
orable march to the Atlantic Coast; in charge
of the quartermaster’s depots at Cleveland,
Ohio, and Richmond, Va.; and in charge of
the national cemeteries at Seven Pines, Fair
Oaks, and Hollywood. He was finally mus-
tered out of service, September 10, 1866, at
Richmond, Va.

After the close of the war Gen. Cadwalla-
der located at Sunbury and entered the flour
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 121

 

 

and feed business in association with his
brother, John, the frm name being John M.
Cadwallader & Company. They operated
three mills in different sections of the county
and did a large and paying business. In 1869
our subject purchased the drug-store con-
ducted by Dr. John G. Markle & Company in
Sunbury .and followed that business with
good results until 1884. He then became con-
nected with the Sunbury Nail, Bar & Guide
Iron Manufacturing Company, in the capacity
of general superintendent, and faithfully
served as such until 1891. In that year he
accepted a position as superintendent of the
Sunbury Water Company, and the success
which has attended his efforts as such is clear-
ly evidenced by the prosperous condition of
the company to-day. He is a man of keen
intellect, a shrewd manager of business affairs,
and is ever faithful to the best interests of the
firm which he represents. In the private walks
of life he is equally popular as in business cir-
cles, and his friends and acquaintances
throughout the county are numerous.

' In 1870 Gen. Cadwallader was united in
marriage with Mrs. Georgiana (Markle) Wol-
verton, and they became the parents of two
daughters: Mary and Anna. He was bereaved
of the companionship of his beloved wife by
death on May 9, 1885. Socially our subject
is a member of Sunbury Lodge, No. 22, F. &
A. M.; Northumberland Chapter, No. 174,
H. R. A.; the Loyal Legion of the United
States; and is prominent in the G. A. R. He
assisted in. organizing the first G. A. R. post
in Sunbury and was chosen its first command-
er. Religiously the General is a believer in
the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church.

 

H. FURMANN is recognized as a

public spirited citizen of Shamokin.

* progressive, highly educated and

He is at the head of one of the largest and

 

most important pursuits which have so great-
ly contributed to the prosperity and advance-
ment of the town as a commercial and manu-
facturing center.

Our subject was born in Bavaria in 1863,
received a thorough education and graduated
from a college at Frankenthal, Germany.
After leaving college he assumed a responsible
position with Kline, Shanzlein & Becker of
Frankenthal, manufacturers of brewing ma-
chinery, thus gaining extensive and valuab'e
knowledge of the machinery used in and of
the brewing business which he has well util-
ized. In 1880 Mr. Furmann came to this coun-
try and accepted the responsible position of

superintendent for the Charles D. Kaie Brew-

ing Co., at Mahanoy City. So efficiently did
he apply his knowledge of brewing and so
wisely did he manage the affairs of the con-
cern that the business was surprisingly in-
creased and he was rewarded by being taken
into the firm in 1892, remaining a member un-
til his removal to Shamokin.

Mr. Furmann was married to Caroline B.
Hahn of Philadelphia on November 3, 1896,
and to them has been born one son, Harry,
born October 3, 1897. Mr. Furmann is a
prominent member of the Benevolent Order
of Protective Elks.

Our subject is to-day at the head of one of
the most modern and most complete brewing
plants in the state which is regarded as a great
credit to the commercial progress of Shamo-
kin, as well as a fitting monument to the en-
ergy, skill and integrity of Mr. Furmann.
Away back in 1855, when beer was a new
beverage in Shamokin, the brewery was
founded by Gottleib Fritz, being a compara-
tively insignificant concern with a small out-
put. Not until 1871, when Martin Markle
secured control of the plant, were improve-
ments made which were of significance and
122 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

then the capacity was so increased as to afford
an output of 10,000 barrels per annum. On
March 1, 1895, our subject became the pro-
prietor of the brewery by purchase and he im-
mediately added improved machinery and
modern methods and infused new life into the
enterprise, doubling the output of beer in a
brief time. Being an astute and progressive
man Mr. Furmann determined to meet the
demands of the lower anthracite coal fields
and added to his already large business the
manufacture of ale and porter, the output of
which averages about 5,000 barrels per an-
num. Our subject remained sole proprietor
of the business until October 1, 1896, when
Mr. Max Schmidt joined him. The brewery
since has been conducted under the firm
name Furmann & Schmidt. The new firm
erected at Washington and Commerce
streets a fine two-story, brick, cold storage
house and bottling works which is 75 feet
square and architecturally handsome. In this
building also are the finely finished offices of
the firm, and adjacent to it the large stables.

EVIN U. FUNK, one of the leading
barristers of Columbia County, is one
of the most prominent men of
Bloomsburg. He has been closely identified
with many enterprises which have added to
the growth and wealth of the town and given
it a prestige as a thriving business center. He
is a son of Rev. Henry and Matilda (Snyder)
Funk, and was born in Bloomsburg in 1852.
Rev. Henry Funk, the deeds of whose short
life remain fresh in the memory of those for
whom he labored, was born near Hagerstown,
Md., May 7, 1816, and was reared under reli-
gious influences in his youth, the foundation
then being laid for his subsequent work in the
cause of humanity. Endowed by nature with

 

*

a superior intellect, he improved every op-
portunity and received a high edugation. He
was eighteen years of age when he entered
Marshall College at Mercersburg, Pa., and he
was graduated in 1841, immediately afterward
entering the Theological Seminary of the Re-
formed Church. Having spent a period of
nine years in these two institutions he was
licensed to preach, and for the first six months
occupied the pulpit of the Bloomsburg charge
during the absence of the regular pastor. In
the fall of 1844 he was called to Bloomsburg
as assistant English pastor to Rev. D. L. To-
bias, and on December 8th, of the same year,
he was ordained to the ministry and installed
in his charge at Orangeville, Pa., by Rev. E.
Keiffer and Rev. H. Harbough, who were a
committee appointed by the Susquehanna
Classis. His field was a large one, but with
unflagging zeal and devotion he faithfully dis-
charged his pastoral duties for a period of
ten years, or until the dread usurper in the
form of slow consumption deprived him of his
strength. He died April 16, 1855, and was
buried in the grounds of the Reformed
Church of Hagerstown, Md. He lived a life
of self-sacrifice, wholly for others, and his ac-
complishments were but the foundation which
made possible greater deeds in the hands of
his successor. His devotion to the cause of
Christianity was always evident and it is said
that he prepared a sermon for each day of the
year. The church relied upon him, the town
respected him, and his friends loved him. His
pleasant face, kind manner and good heart
endeared him to all with whom he came in
contact. His maxim was that of the old Earl
of Devonshire: “I shall pass this way but
once; if, therefore, there be any good I can
do, or any kindness I can show to any fellow-
being, let me do it now.” And many a neigh-
bor and friend can bear witness to his kindly
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 123

 

 

words and deeds. He was united in marriage
with Matilda Snyder, a daughter of Daniel
Snyder of Bloomsburg, and they had one son,
Nevin U., our subject.

Nevin U. Funk was educated in the Liter-
ary Institute and the State Normal School at
Bloomsburg. He then went to Princeton
College, where he diligently pursued his stud-
ies until 1874, when he graduated with the de-
gree of B. A. In the succeeding year he took
up the study of law, attending the lectures at
the Columbia Law School, and subsequently
studying under the direction of Hon. Charles
R. Buckalew, being admitted to the Columbia
County Bar in the year following. He has
since been engaged in practice, and has ob-
tained a large and paying clientage. He isa
keen man of business and always devotes his
whole energy to the success of his client. He
has always had the interests of his native bor-
ough at heart and has been associated with
several business enterprises. He is one of the
original stockholders and a director of the
Farmers’ National Bank of Bloomsburg. In
1890 he, with others, organized the Blooms-
burg Land Improvement Company, which has
laid out the eastern end of the borough in lots,
streets and walks, and has_built forty fine
houses. He is a director of the School Fur-
nishing Manufacturing Company and also its
treasurer. He is also a trustee of the Blooms-
burg State Normal School.

In 1881 Mr. Funk was joined in hymeneal
bonds with Mary L. Elwell, a daughter of
Judge William and Mary L. (Thayer) Elwell;
they have three children: Elwell N.; Marie
E. and Harry E. Religiously he is a member
and elder of the Reformed Church. Politi-
cally he is a Democrat and has served as dele-
gate to state conventions, besides standing
high in the councils of his party.

 

engaged in agricultural pursuits in

Madison township, Columbia County,
where he owns an excellent farm of 20g acres,
is now a resident of Jerseytown, where he is
living in retirement. He is a son of Elisha B.
and Mary (Miller) Smith, and was born on
the Smith homestead, near Jerseytown, March
8, 1826.

John Smith, the grandfather of our subject,
was a native of New Jersey, who located in
Briarcreek township, Columbia County,
where he remained a few years before remov-
ing to Madison township. In the latter place
he purchased a tract of 400 acres of land and
followed farming until his death. He and his
wife Eleanor reared the following children:
Henry; John; Francis; Hugh; Alexandria;
Elisha B., the father of our subject; Eliza-
beth; Margaret; and Ann.

Elisha B. Smith, after reaching manhood,
succeeded his father on the old homestead in
Madison township, where he was successfully
engaged in cultivating the soil all of his life.
He was called to his final rest in 1844, at the
age of fifty-one years. In his political affil-
iations he was a Democrat and voted uniform-
ly for that party. Religiously he was a mem-
ber of the Reformed Church. He was united
in the holy bonds of wedlock to Mary Miller,
a daughter of Joseph Miller, a farmer of Mon-
tour County, Pa., by whom he had three sons
and two daughters: John M., the subject of
this biographical record; Joseph, deceased,
who was a farmer in Michigan; Margaret, de-
ceased, who was the wife of George F. Fague
of Muncy, Pa.; Elizabeth J., a maiden lady
who resides with our subject; and Wilson W.,
a well-known business man of Hazleton, Pa.

John M. Smith was reared on the farm and
obtained his education in the common schools
of his native town, after which he took up the

J OHN M. SMITH, who formerly was
124 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

 

occupation of a farmer. He resided on the
old homestead, where he owned 200 acres of
land and followed farming with excellent re-
sults until 1897, when he was enabled to retire
from active labors and spend his declining
years in the enjoyment of well-earned rest. He
is now residing in the village of Jerseytown,
where he has a large circle of acquaintances
who hold him in high esteem as an estimable
citizen and a true friend. During the Civil
War he was unable to enter the service and
consequently paid $600 for a substitute. Mr.
Smith is a musician of considerable ability and
for twenty-five years was teacher of a singing
school.

In 1862 our subject was joined in hymeneal
bonds to Mary Pursel of Frosty Valley, Hem-
lock township, and they are the parents of
three children: Elizabeth; Herman D., a
bookkeeper of Williamsport, Pa.; and Ger-
trude. Mrs. Smith was called to her final rest
in 1885, at the age of fifty-four years.

ONRAD KREAMER, one of the rep-
resentative farmers of Madison town-
ship, Columbia County, lives in a
beautiful residence near Jerseytown, where he
owns a large tract of 400 acres of land which
embodies the fruits of many years of indus-
trious toil. He is a son of Conrad and Cath-
erine (Bowman) Kreamer, and was born in
Philadelphia, Pa., November 28, 1824.
Conrad Kreamer, Sr., the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and
was young when he came to America, locating
in Philadelphia. There he followed the trade
of a baker for several years, but finally moved
to Columbia County, near White Hall, Mon-
tour County, where he purchased a farm of
130 acres and followed agricultural pursuits

 

until his death, which occurred while he was
yet in the prime of life. In religious attach-
ments he was a member of the Lutheran
Church. He formed a matrimonial alliance
with Catherine Bowman, who was also a na-
tive of Wurtemberg, Germany, and they be-
came the parents of ten children, seven sons
and three daughters, as follows: Conrad;
Catherine; John, deceased; Margaret, de-
ceased; Charles; Joseph; William; Freder-
ick; Christian, deceased; and Jacob.

Conrad Kreamer, the subject of this bio-
graphical record and the first child born to
his parents, received a limited school train-
ing, but is well-read and posted on the current
topics of the day. He has always been en-
gaged in tilling the soil, and during his young-
er days was also engaged in buying and selling
lumber. In 1857 he embarked in the mercan-
tile business in Jerseytown and also in the
lumbering business, which he continued with
marked success until 1893, a period of thirty-
six years. He is a man of superior business
propensities and untiring industry, and he has
accumulated a handsome competency. In
March, 1855, he moved to his present home,
which lies in the outskirts of a beautiful valley
near Jerseytown, and comprises 400 acres of
fertile land suitably adapted to stock raising,
of which Mr. Kreamer has always made a
specialty. He is a man of intelligence and
high ideas and occupies a prominent place in
the estimation of his fellow-citizens.

On January 28, 1855, our subject was
united in matrimonial bonds to Mary Hender-
shot, a daughter of Edwin Hendershot, for-
merly of Jerseytown, Pa., but now a resident
of Michigan, and this happy union has been
blessed by the birth of the following children:
Margaret Jane, deceased; William, a collector
and clerk in Milton, Pa.; Ida, the wife of
Charles Carey of Madison township, Colum-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. , 125

 

 

bia County; George Frederick, a clerk
in a wholesale house at Naugatuck, Conn.;
John Jacob, of Jerseytown, Pa.; Charles A.,
a farmer; Anna, the wife of E. F. Johnson of
Harrisburg, Pa.; Evan H., who follows the
occupation of a farmer; Florence B.; and
Lewis. Mr. Kreamer was bereaved of his be-
loved wife’s companionship by death, March
25, 1898, she being aged sixty-three years
three months and eleven days. She was a
loving wife, a kind mother and a true friend.
Religiously she was a consistent member of
the Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr.
Kreamer is a firm Democrat and has served
as poor director for several years, and former-
ly served as school director.

 

 

 

 

R. JESSE E. SHUMAN, who has a

(5 thorough knowledge of the medical

profession, has been actively engaged

in practice in the village of Jerseytown since

1891 and is patronized by the leading citizens

of that vicinity. He is a son of John W. and

Harriet (John) Shuman, and was born July 30,
1869, in Mairiville, Columbia County.

The Shuman family is of German descent
and has been connected with the history of
Columbia County for many years back. Jacob
Shuman located where the village of Main-
ville now is about the year 1802, being one
of the early settlers of that community. He
settled upon the farm on which his son, John
W., now resides, and there conducted an inn
and followed the occupation of a farmer the
remainder of his life. He also engaged in
lumbering. Religiously he was a faithful
member of the Lutheran Church. He was
united in marriage to Mary Miller of Lime-
ridge, Columbia County, by whom he had
four children: Abraham, a farmer of Morris

 

County, Kans.; John W., our subject’s father;
Erastus, a broker of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and
Lloyd, a farmer of Catawissa township.

John W. Shuman was born on the old
homestead at Mainville, April 30, 1847, where
he is now residing and is engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits. For a time he was engaged
in lumbering and in lime-burning at Lime-
ridge, but later turned his attention to farm-
ing. He owns 204 acres of land under a high
state of cultivation, upon which is a good
home and fine buildings. Mr. Shuman is a
man of high ideals, is well informed on sub-
jects of current interest, and stands high in
the estimation of his fellow-citizens. At the
age of sixteen years he displayed his patriot-
ism by volunteering his services to the cause
of the Union, and served for a period of nine
months. Politically he is a Democrat and
has served as justice of the peace about thir-
teen years. In religious attachments he is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
of which he is a trustee and an active worker.
Socially he is a member of Catawissa Lodge,
F. & A. M.; and of the Patriotic Order
Sons of America of Mainville. He was joined
in wedlock to Harriet John, a daughter of
Jesse John, who was formerly a farmer of
Catawissa township, but now resides with Mr.
Shuman. This happy union resulted in the
following issue: Dr. Jesse E., in whom the
interest of this sketch centers; Warren, a stu-
dent of Dickinson College; Myron, a student
of the Bloomsburg State Normal School;
Howard; and Edith.

Dr. Jesse E. Shuman, after completing the
prescribed course in the Bloomsburg State
Normal School, taught for three terms, and
in 1888 began the study of medicine with Dr.
J. J. Brown of Bloomsburg. He then took a
course in the University of Pennsylvania, from
which he graduated in May, 1891. Imme-
126 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

diately thereafter he took up his practice at
Jerseytown, Madison township, where he has
remained from that time to this. He acquired
a large and lucrative practice and quickly won
his way to the good-will of the citizens of that
section, establishing an enduring reputation
as a skilful physician and surgeon. He is of
genial and good-natured disposition and has
many friends among his patients. He is vice-
president of the Columbia County Medical
Society and of the State Medical Society of
Pennsylvania.

January 1, 1892, Dr. Shuman was joined in
hymeneal bonds to Mary John, a daughter of
the late Briton and Hannah (Fetterolf) John.
Mr. John was killed by being kicked by a
horse at a comparatively young age. One
daughter, Harriet John, has blessed our
subject’s home. Fraternally our subject is
a Mason and belongs to Washington Lodge
No. 265 of Bloomsburg. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Shuman are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church of Jerseytown, Pa.

Ho

EDGWICK B. KARNS, a promising
young attorney residing at Benton,
Pa., who has been practicing before
the Columbia County Bar since the spring of
1898, was born in Benton township, Columbia
County, Pa., November 14, 1868, and is a son
of Hon. Russell and Elmira (Cole) Karns.
Peter Karns, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was of German origin and was a resident
of Columbia County all his life; he resided
in Benton township, where he successfully
pursued the vocation of an agriculturist.
Hon. Russell Karns, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Benton township, March 17,
1842. He carried on general farming in his
native township until 1880, when he became

 

a resident of Laporte, Sullivan County, Pa,
where he has since been proprietor of the La-
porte Hotel; he is a very popular citizen and
landlord and his hotel is made the headquar-
ters of all traveling men who make that town
on their route. He is a veteran of the Civil
War and served as lieutenant of Company E,
209th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf. Politically he is a
stanch Democrat, and is an active and consis-
tent worker in his party. He represented Sul-
livan County in the State Legislature from
1891 to 1893. Mr. Karns was united in the
bonds of wedlock to Elmira Cole, a daughter
of William Cole, a prominent citizen of Ben-
ton township, Columbia County, and they are
the parents of six children, three of whom are
now living, namely: Sedgwick B., the subject
of this sketch; Mrs. Cora Stomont, widow of
the late Robert M. Stomont of Laporte, Pa.;
and Harry A., a law student ef Laporte and
an active worker of the P. O. S. of A.

Sedgwick B. Karns acquired a liberal edu-
cation in the public schools of his native town
and then attended the Susquehanna Colle-
giate Institute, graduating in 1891; he then
took a one-year course in the Law Depart-
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, and
returning to Laporte he completed his law
studies in the office of T. J. and F. H. Ingham,
the leading attorneys of that borough. Decem-
ber 17, 1896, he was admitted to the Sullivan
County Bar and practiced in Laporte one year
and three months. In the spring of 1898 our
subject was admitted to the Columbia County
Bar and has since practiced in the town of
Benton, where he is winning hosts of friends
and bids fair to become one of the leaders
of his community.

Mr. Karns is a member of Russell Karns
Camp No. 319, Sons of Veterans, of Benton;
and a member of Washington Camp No. 123,
P.O. S. of A., of Benton. In politics our
 

EDGAR.

THOMAS H
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

129

 

 

subject is a solid Democrat. In November,
1890, Mr. Karns was united in the bonds of
matrimony to Carrie S. Keeler of Laporte,
and they are the parents of two children,
Helen Corinne and Ruth Louise.

 

J HOMAS H. EDGAR, a prominent and

highly respected citizen of Stillwater,
Fishing Creek township, Pa., whose portrait
is shown on the opposite page, is successfully
engaged in operating a planing-mill in that
village. He is a son of James and Sarah
(McHenry) Edgar, and was born in Fishing
Creek township, Columbia County, Pa., near
the village of Stillwater, February 15, 1845. :

The Edgar family is of Scotch extraction.
James Edgar, the grandfather of our subject,
was a native of New York state, but resided
in Columbia County, Pa., nearly all of his
active days. He resided in Fishing Creek and
Benton townships for many years and was en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits, and his latter
days were spent in the state of Ohio, where
he died at an advanced age. His wife was a
Miss Buchanan, a native of Long Island, N.
Y., and a relative of President Buchanan.
These children were born to the couple as
follows: John, who married Hester Zimmer-
man; Robert, who wedded Susanna McHen-
ry; Martha, who was the wife of Moses Mc-
Henry and resided in Fishing Creek township,
Columbia County; Ellen, who was the wife of
Elias McHenry; Elizabeth, who was united
in marriage to John Jackson; Edward, who
resided in the state of Ohio; Christina, who
was the wife of Silas McHenry and resided
in the state of Ohio; and James, the youngest,
the father of our subject.

James Edgar was born on his father’s farm

 

in Fishing Creek township, August 22, 1806,
where he was engaged in farming and lumber-
ing a number of years; later he sold his farm
ing that township and became a resident of
Benton township, where he remained a short
time, when he returned to his native place.
Mr. Edgar took an active part in public
affairs and was one of the leading and pro-
gressive men of his community. He served
as constable for many years. In 1828 he was
joined in marriage to Sarah McHenry, a
daughter of Daniel McHenry, a son of one of
the pioneer settlers of that section. She was

‘born April 28, 1810, and died in Fishing

Creek township, September 10, 1882. This
union resulted in the birth of nine sons and
one daughter, namely: Daniel, who died

* October 23, 1890, was a miller by trade, and

his wife was Louise Stoker of Luzerne Coun-
ty, Pa.; Robert died February 25, 1897, aged
sixty-four years; Emanuel, a stonemason by
trade who wedded Martha McHenry; George
W., a farmer residing in Clay County, Neb.,
and was united in marriage to Nellie Smith of
Pittston, Pa.; William E., late a farmer of
Fishing Creek township; Hiram R., who is
a farmer and stockraiser of Loup County,
Neb.; James C., who married Rose Smith and
is aresident of Pittston, Pa.; Thomas H., our
subject; Benjamin Franklin, who died April
22, 1898; and a daughter who died in infancy.
Our subject’s father passed from this life April
16, 1883.
Thomas H. Edgar, our subject, was edu-
cated in the district school and at New Co-
lumbia Academy and remained under the pa-
rental roof until he attained the age of eigh-
teen years, assisting his father in his labors
about the farm. He then went to Cambria
where he learned the trade of a cabinet-maker,
which trade he followed in that village until
1867; he then spent two years at Rohrsburg,
130 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

Pa., and one year at Centralia, engaged in the
mercantile, business. He also kept a store at
Mount Carmel, Pa., which was destroyed
by fire. Moving to Benton  towriship
he worked in a planing-mill, and later oper-
ated a mill at North Mountain; in 1877 he
returned to Stillwater, where he erected a
planing-mill 51 by 72 feet and has since car-
ried on that business to the present time; he
also built a chopping-mill 30 by 36 feet. He
manufactures all kinds of building material,
including sashes, doors, windows, staircases,
and mantel pieces.
gaged in general building and contracting and
has erected eighteen houses in Bloomsburg,
and many ofthe finest residences in Stillwater.

Mr. Edgar is a stanch Democrat. He is a
member of the P. O. S. of A. of Stillwater,
and in religious views he is a Christian. On
December 26, 1867, he was united in marriage
to Cecilia Alice McHenry, who was born July
26, 1848, a daughter of James D. McHenry.
Three children have blessed the home of our
subject and wife, namely: Harry O., born
April 16, 1869, died February 18, 1888; Lelia
I., born June 11, 1871, who is the wife of W.
L. McHenry, a farmer of Fishing Creek town-
ship; and Orvis Roy, born February 8, 1883,
who is attending school.

 

ARTIN L. BROBST, a prominent

and prosperous farmer of Columbia

County, Pa., who resides on a fine

farm of 240 acres in Hemlock township, is one

of the highly respected farmers of his com-

munity. He was born in Columbia County,

Pa., August 1, 1861, and is a son of Daniel

and Rebecca (Johnson) Brobst, and a grand-
son of Jacob Brobst.

Jacob Brobst, the grandfather of our sub-

Our subject is also en-

 

ject, and his brother immigrated to America
about one hundred years ago and located in
the state of New York, and in some way they
became separated and never heard of each
other afterwards. Our subject’s grandfather

located in Valley township, Montour County,

Pa., and was classed among the pioneer set-
tlers of that.county. He was a man of great
force of character, sturdy and independent in
views, and possessed all the characteristics re-
quired by a man in order to make his way suc-
cessfully in those rugged days. At that time
the country was covered by a dense forest,
and Mr. Brobst’s neighbors were the Indians
and wild animals that roved through the
woods. He purchased a large tract of land
and in due time cleared a farm from the wilder-
ness and established a comfortable homestead,
upon which he remained until he passed to
the silent land. His home was used as a trad-
ing-post between the Indians and the white
settlers, who would journey there from many
miles distant; our subject’s grandfather had
many skirmishes with the Indians, who would
burn his hay-stacks and commit other depre-
dations. He was a member of the Lutheran
Church; his wife was a Miss Mowery, a de-
scendant of one of the early families of Mon-
tour County. The following children were
the result of this union: Jonathan, formerly
a blacksmith of Valley township, Montour
County; Elizabeth, widow of a Mr. Miller,
who now resides in Frosty Valley, Montour
County; Daniel M., our subject’s father;
David, a retired wagonmaker of Bloomsburg,
Pa.; Jacob, a farmer of Valley township;
John, a shoemaker of Bloomsburg, Pa.;
Adam, a farmer of Valley township; Kate, the
wife of Nicholas Fish of Danville, Pa.; Lydia,
the wife of John Stoffer of Hemlock town-
ship, Columbia County; and Michael, a farm-
er of Valley township, Montour County.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 131

 

Daniel Brobst, father of our subject, was
born in Valley township, Montour County,
Pa., July 8, 1833, and was a shoemaker by
trade, which occupation he followed all his
life; he also conducted a store many years
in connection with his shoe business. In 1886

he moved to Columbia County, where he has

since lived in retirement, enjoying a well-
earned competency. In religious views our
subject’s father is a devoted member of the
Lutheran Church. He formed a matrimonial
alliance with Rebecca Johnson, and they are
the parents of the following children: Stinson
L., one of the well-to-do farmers of Hemlock
township, Columbia County; Edward D., who
spent fourteen years in the Colorado gold
fields, where he was employed as an engineer,
and, returning to Bloomsburg, operated the

pumps at the Bloomsburg Water Company,—
~ he and our subject own a large farm in Hem-
lock township; Benjamin F., also a prosper-
ous farmer of Hemlock township, Columbia
County; Martin L., the subject of this sketch;
Mary E., the wife of John Guliver, a success-
ful farmer residing in Valley township, Mon-
tour County; and three children who died in
their infancy.

Martin L. Brobst acquired a limited educa-
tion in the public schools of his native town
and in 1884 went to Blackhawk, Colo., and
for six years worked in the gold fields of
that section. He operated the machinery in
the mills for a short time and later operated
the mine pumps at a depth of 1,100 feet below
the surface. In 1891 our subject and his
brother, Edward D., returned home and pur-
chased a farm in the central part of Hemlock
township, Columbia County. The farm con-
sists of 240 acres of highly cultivated land,
and they have made many improvements upon
the same, built new outhouses and a fine resi-
dence, and the farm now ranks second to none

 

in the county. In connection with farming,
the brothers conduct a dairy and have a large
milk route in Bloomsburg.

Martin L. Brobst was united in marriage in
1891 to Olive Flint of Blackhawk, Colo., and
their home has been blessed by two children,
Edith C. and Nettie May. Mr. Brobst has
been very successful in his undertakings, and
as a man of wise judgment, of great industry,
and honorable dealings he is held in high es-
teem in the community of which he is a
prominent and worthy member.

ANIEL L. MILLER, the efficient
postmaster and merchant of Eldreds-
9 ville, Sullivan County, Pa., was born
in Point township, Northumberland County,
Pa., April 4, 1848, and is the youngest son
of Leonard and Elizabeth (Cline) Miller and a
grandson of Jacob Miller of New Jersey.

Our subject’s grandfather, Jacob Miller,
served as a private soldier in the Revolution-
ary War under the illustrious Washington and
had an honorable military record of which his
descendants speak with just pride. He fought
bravely in the struggle for liberty and after
the successful termination of the conflict he
purchased a farm near Riverside, Pa., and en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits. On this ex-
cellent property he lived a peaceful and happy
life to an advanced age. Only one shadow
was cast upon his happiness; his wife never
enjoyed vigorous health, but suffered much in
her declining years till called to lay down life’s
burden and enter into her deserved rest. Three
children were born to them: Sarah, who was
twice married, her first husband being Suel
Gibbs, who served in the Mexican War, and
ber second husband, John Schwarts; Peter;
and Leonard.

 

 

 

 
132 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Leonard Miller, father of our subject, was,
practically, a farmer all his life. He enjoyed
the enviable reputation of being a just, fair-
minded and honorable man. By conducting
his business with ability and success he pro-
vided very comfortably for his family and
thus opened splendid opportunities for them.
He died at the age of sixty-seven years, and
his life was considered well and nobly spent,
and he was mourned by all who knew him.
Elizabeth Cline, daughter of Godfrey Cline,
became his wife and lived peacefully by his
side until she attained the age of sixty years,
having borne him eight children: William;
Clarkson; Jacob, who now resides at Dan-
ville; Thomas; Mary; Charles, who is lo-
cated at Turbutville, Pa.; a daughter, who
died in infancy; and Daniel L., our subject.

Daniel L. Miller obtained a good education
in the public schools of Point township,
Northumberland County, Pa. In early life he
learned the carpenter’s trade and being handy
with all kinds of tools, he soon became an ex-
pert workman, and for some time worked suc-
cessfully at his trade in his native county.
Looking about for a location he settled in
Elkland township, Sullivan County, where he
purchased fifty acres of land in 1876 from Jo-
seph Pardoe, whose daughter, Jane Pardoe,
became his wife and was a willing helper in
making the many improvements needed on
his farm, which is now well improved and in a
high state of cultivation. Mr. Miller is as-
sisted on the farm by his two sons, Charles
and Howard, who are learning all the rural
arts and successful schemes of the shrewd
granger. About two and a half years ago Mr.
Miller leased the G. A. MclIlwain house and
store, directly adjoining his farm. There he
resides and carries on a general country store,
also the postoffice, which has been in his
charge since 1896.

 

Some time ago Mr. Miller was called upon
to bear the loss of his wife; this loss was a
severe blow to him, also to her bereaved
children and to her many devoted friends.
She died leaving three children: Rena, a lov-
able young lady, who has learned to wield the
birch and who is “teaching young ideas how
to shoot” in a way to command success;
Charles; and Howard.

Mr. Miller is a man of very decided political
views, favoring Democracy, but is gentleman-
ly in his expression of them. He is intensely
interested in local matters pertaining to the
welfare of his community. He has been jus-
tice of the peace fourteen consecutive years;
school director for three years; town clerk
one year; assessor for three years; and a
member of the election board for nine years.

Quite recently Mr. Miller sought and won
the heart and hand of Lydia Norton, daugh-
ter of Thomas Norton. She is well and favor-
ably known in the social and religious circles
of Elkland township, being a consistent mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

inent in public affairs in and about

Bloomsburg, is the proprietor and edi-
tor of the Columbia County Republican, a
well-edited and influential paper of the coun-
ty. He is a civil engineer by profession and
for the past six years or more has been acting
in that capacity for the borough of Blooms-
burg. He is a son of William N. and Loretta
(Yonker) Brown, and was born in Mifflin
township, Columbia County, Pa., April 29,
1848. He comes of a prominent old English
family and is descended from John Brown,
who. emigrated from England prior to our

einen C. BROWN, a gentleman prom-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 133

 

 

struggle for independence and located on
Long Island.

John Brown subsequently moved to War-
ren County, N. J., and later located with his
family in Mifflin township, in what was then
Northumberland County, now Columbia
County, in the year 1794. He followed his
trade, that of a blacksmith, there during the
remainder of his life; he served in that capac-
ity for the American Army during the Revo-
lutionary War. For many years he served as
justice of the peace. His son, Samuel Brown,
grandfather of our subject, was born in War-
ren County, N. J., and moved to Mifflin town-
ship, with the rest of the family, making that
his home throughout life. His father having
purchased 600 acres of land there, upon his
death divided it among four of his children,
Samuel receiving the old homestead. This he
cultivated until his death in 1823, at the age
of forty-five years. He married Dorothy Nice,
by whom he had a family of nine children, as
~ follows: John, deceased; Margaret, deceased,
was the wife of Samuel Creasy, now deceased;
Sarah, wife of George A. Bowman; William
N.; Mathew; James; Elizabeth, who became
the wife of Alexander Thompson; George B.;
and Elisha B., all of whom’‘are deceased.

William N. Brown was born in Mifflin
township, Columbia County, on the old home-
stead, February 15, 1807, and took up the
vocation of a farmer. He continued in that
line of work with good results until 1870,
when he moved to the village of Mifflinville,
renting his farm. He built a house and tived
in peaceful retirement until his demise, Sep-
tember 16, 1876. For many years he also con-
ducted a grist and flouring mill. Religiously
he was an active member in the Methodist
Episcopal Church, holding various offices,
among them steward and trustee. He mar-
ried Nancy Freas, a daughter of John Freas

 

of Center township, Columbia County, and
they had five children: George A., deceased;
Albert, a farmer of Ottawa County, Kans.;
John F., who lived on the old homestead in
Mifflin township until 1898, when he, because
of ill health, retired from farming and moved
to Mifflinville; Almira, of Mifflinville; and
Dorcas, deceased. Mrs. Brown died in 1845
and he formed a second alliance in 1847 with
Loretta Yonker, a daughter of Henry Yonk-
er, a.native of Germany, who, upon coming
to this country, located in Mifflinville, Pa.
This marriage resulted in the following off-
spring: James C., the subject of this. personal
history; Martha, deceased; Samuel C., em-
ployed in the Railway Postal Service between
New York and Pittsburg; Malissa J., de-
ceased; and Victoria, the wife of George W.
Hess of Bloomsburg, Pa.

James C. Brown received his preparatory
education in the public and select schools of
Mifflinville, after which he entered the Dick-
inson Seminary at Williamsport, Pa., gradua-
ting therefrom in 1868. He then began teach-
ing, accepting a position as professor in the
State Normal School at Bloomsburg, which
he held for three and one-half years, the last
half year of which he was principal. In the
spring of 1872 he engaged as civil engineer
in locating the N. & W. Branch Railroad and
was associated with the enterprise until its
completion in 1882 as a member of the board
of directors, as well as engineer. He also did
work in that line for other railroad companies
during that time and since has followed that
as his profession. He has been engineer of
the borough of Bloomsburg for six or eight
years and has frequently rendered service to
other boroughs in the vicinity. Being a man
of much experience, he is frequently called
into court to give expert testimony on civil
engineering in damage suits. In September,
134 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

1875, he purchased the plant of the Columbia
County Republican, a four-page, eight-col-
umn publication, which makes its appearance
weekly, and has since edited it. It is Repub-
lican in politics and has a large following,
having a good circulation throughout the
county, and also in adjoining counties.

Mr. Brown is one of the Republican leaders
in his section and is indefatigable in his ef-
forts to bring success to the party. He is
frequently a delegate to state conventions, and
was a delegate from what was then the Eley-
enth Congressional District of Pennsylvania
to the Republican National Convention at
Chicago in 1884. He also speaks for the state
committee during the campaigns. He made
a tour of the state as a member of Gen. Has-
tings’ staff during the gubernatorial contest
in which Gen. Hastings was a candidate. He
is a fluent and convincing speaker and is well
versed on all subjects of interest to the people.
He is now president of the board of school
directors and has been a member of that body
for almost twenty years. He is also a director
of the Bloomsburg School Furnishing Com-
pany and of the Bloomsburg Steam Heating
Company, and a trustee of the State Normal
School, being vice-president of the board. He
is a member and treasurer of the Columbia
County Agricultural Society. Religiously he
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and is very active in church work.
For some fifteen or twenty years he has been
secretary of the board of trustees. Mr.
Brown is a man of high character, and no oth-
er in the county is held in higher esteem.

as ig ass
OWELL NORTON, who is located
at Campbellville, Sullivan County, is

one of the most enterprising busi-
ness men of Forks township. He was born

 

January 31, 1841, in Forks township, being

| a son of Thomas and Mary (Bird) Norton.

Thomas Norton, the father of our subject,
was born in England, May 6, 1808, and in
1830 immigrated to America with his brother
Charles. Both bought tracts of wild and un-
cultivated land of Dr. Priestly, Thomas buy-
ing one hundred acres on what is now known
as Norton’s Ridge in the northwest part of
Forks township. After clearing a small part
of the land which was heavily covered with
timber, Mr. Norton built a small log cabin
and began life there with small resources, but
a most resolute determination to succeed.
Mr. Norton married Mary Bird, born No-
vember 8, 1816, and a daughter of Powell
Bird. As the years passed they cleared the
farm and made many new improvements
thereon. Mr. Norton was a blacksmith by
trade. In his younger days he worked some at
Eagles Mere; later in life he did all of his
own blacksmithing and most of that of his
neighbors. He was a stanch member of the
Democratic party, and served the township as
supervisor, collector, etc. Mr. Norton died
February 2, 1884, at the age of seventy-six
years, and was buried in the Bird cemetery.
He and his good wife were the parents of
eight children, as follows: Esther, wife of
George Schill of Elkland township; William,
a farmer in Forks township; Powell, our sub-
ject; Emeline, who died at the age of fifteen;
Ira, who died at the age of one year; Lydia,
wife of Daniel Miller; Maria, who married W.
S. Pieffenbauch; Washington, who died at
the age of twenty-five; George B., who mar-
ried Jennie Campbell of Estella, Pa.; and
James, who died at the age of fourteen.

Powell Norton married Mary B. Bedford,
daughter of Rev. Richard and Arvilla (Wheat)
Bedford. Rev. Richard Bedford was a son of
Richard Bedford, and was born in England.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 185

 

 

His father immigrated to this country when he
was about twelve years of age and two years
later his mother died. His father then mar-
ried Laurena Waller. He moved to Forks
township, Sullivan County, Pa., where he set-
tled on the estate now owned and lived upon
by Mrs. Watson Fawcett. His children by his
first wife were named Richard, Hannah and
Franklin. By his second union he had two
children: Varley and Alice, both deceased.
Rev. Richard Bedford studied theology and
was ordained a Methodist minister, which
profession he followed many years, settling in
his later life on the old Bedford homestead in
Forks township, where he spent the remainder
of his days. He was one of the most active
and prominent men in his district. He was a
man of superior education and fine intellect
and, although books in his day were high-
priced, he gathered the largest and most up-
to-date library in Sullivan County. A portion
of the library is now in the possession of Mr.
Norton and he has added many valuable vol-
umes. Mr. Bedford was the first superintend-
ent of schools in Sullivan County and served
as one of the first associate judges of the coun-
ty, filling the judgeship for two terms. He
also represented Sullivan County two terms in
the State Legislature. Rev. Mr. Bedford's
useful life was closed at the age of seventy-one
years, his wife departing this life at the age of
sixty. Their children were: Mary B., wife of
our subject; Ada, who married Watson Faw-
cett; and three who died in infancy.

Powell Norton, the subject of this biog-
raphy, attended the public schools of his na-
tive place where he received a good funda-
mental education. When a young man he
started as a farmer for himself, buying the
Rogers farm in Forks township which con-
sisted of 140 acres. Besides making many
improvements on the land he built a new

 

house and barns. Together with John W.
Norton he bought the Campbell flour and
feed mill. John W. Norton was succeeded as
our subject's partner by S. M. Hotteinstein,
the firm now being Norton & Hotteinstein.
They do a large custom trade, dealing exten-
sively in flour, feed, meal and grain, and also
handle all kinds of agricultural implements
necessary in that section. They own a trac-
tion engine and do threshing, silo-work and
the like.

Mr. Norton erected at Campbellville a
house and store which he rented for a period
of years to Mr. Merithew, but now he con-
ducts a country store in the place. He is a'so
postmaster, having served in that capacity for
fifteen years. This post office was established
in 1843 by the father of our subject’s wife
and John Campbell was the first postmaster.
Mr. Norton owns his father’s homestead
which is conducted by his only son now living,
Richard W., who married Lizzie Hotteinstein.
George I., a second son, died at the age of
seven years.

 

EORGE K. FAGELY, ex-sheriff of
Northumberland County, is one of
the enterprising and energetic business men
of Shamokin and a prominent and prosperous
citizen. He was born in Shamokin township,
Northumberland County, November 24, 1845,
and is a son of Solomon and Mary E. (Klase)
Fagely, and grandson of Christian Fagely.
The Fagelys are of German descent, and
have been residents of this state for the past
two centuries. Christian Fagely, the grand-
father of our subject, who was a native of
Maiden Creek township, Berks County, Pa.,
in 1808 with his family moved to Shamokin
township, Northumberland County, where he
spent the rest of his life engaged in the culti-
136 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

vation of the soil. He purchased a large tract
of uncultivated land which he cleared and
greatly improved, and was one of the fore-
most agriculturists of his community, who not
only thoroughly understood the occupation in
which he was engaged, but was one of those
who attained success in following the same.
He was the progenitor of seven children all of
whom are now deceased. Religiously, Mr.
Fagely was an earnest and consistent member
of the Lutheran Church. He passed from this
earth December 31, 1845, at the advanced age
of eighty-one years, three months and twenty-

eight days; his wife died June 19, 1843, aged.

seventy years, two months and one day.
Solomon Fagely, the father of our subject,
was born in Maiden Creek township, Berks
County, in 1802. He was but six years of
age when his parents moved to Northumber-
land County and settled in Shamokin town-
ship. He received a liberal education in the
common schools and was reared to agricul-
ture which was his chief occupation through-
out his entire life. He also conducted a hotel at
Mount Carmel for two years, and later oper-
ated a mill at Paxinos for several years. He
then returned to the old homestead and con-
tinued farming until his death. He was one
of the prominent men of his township and by
the exercise of his natural energy, industry,
and all those qualities which constitute a good
citizen and business man, he became a useful
and valued member of his community. Mr.
Fagely was originally a Douglas Democrat,
but after the Civil War broke out he affiliated
with the Republican party. He formed a mat-
rimonial alliance with Mary E. Klase and a
family of eleven children was born to them,
nameiy: Valentine, a retired citizen residing
in Shamokin township, Northumberland
County; William, who died August 5, 1856,
aged twenty-two years, eight months, and fif-

 

teen days; Henry K., a resident of Sunbury,
is the proprietor of the Standard Wire Nail
Works and a general merchandise store;
George K.,the subject of this personal history;
Elizabeth, now deceased, who married Solo-
mon Weaver of Sunbury, Pa.; Caroline, who

married W. Haas of Shamokin township;

Catherine, deceased, who married Scott Mc-
Williams of Shamokin, Pa.; Rosanna, de-
ceased, who married Henry Tricellis of Sun-
bury, Pa.; Harriet, who died in infancy; Ella,
who married Scott McWilliams, who is now
deceased; and Mary, who died unmarried.
Mr. and Mrs. Fagely and family were mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Fagely
entered the world of rest September 6, 1883,
aged eighty-one years, two months and seven-
teen days. The mother of our subject joined
her husband February 13, 1887, at the age of
eighty-three years, two months and ten days.

Our subject received what education he
possesses in the common schools. His early
life was passed on the old homestead in as-
sisting his father in the labors on the farm
until he was sixteen years of age; he then
engaged as a clerk in his brother’s store and
remained there two years, and then clerked
in a store at Ashland, Pa., for a short time.
During the Rebellion, when President Lin-
coln issued a call for troops, our subject laid
aside all plans for the future, and enlisted
June 16, 1863, in Company A, 28th Reg., Pa.
Vol. Inf., and was honorably discharged July
27, 1863. March 13, 1865, our subject re-
enlisted for three years or during the war, in
Company E, 103d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and
was mustered out at Newbern, N. C., June
25, 1865. Returning home to his native state
he settled in Snyder County where he con-
ducted a mercantile store for four years. At
the expiration of that time he returned to
Shamokin, Northumberland County, and en-
 

LINCOLN H. BOODY,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 139

 

 

gaged in huckstering and ran an individual
car on the railroad. The next-ten years were
spent in Snyder County, and in 1880 he re-
turned to Shamokin, where he again took up
merchandising and carried on that line of bus-
iness until January 1, 1896. He was one of
the enterprising and progressive merchants of
Shamokin and by his straightforward meth-
ods of dealing he succeeded in establishing a
large and enviable patronage. In the fall of
1895 Mr. Fagely was a candidate for sheriff
of Northumberland County and was elected
by a majority of 1,227 votes, which shows his
popularity and the esteem and respect in
which he is held by his fellow-citizens. He is
a strong Republican and has contributed
much toward the success of his chosen party.
He has also served as a councilman and as a
school director of Shamokin.

Our subject is now conducting a wholesale
flour and feed store on Independence street
and also operates a roller process flour mill in
Snyder County. Mr. Fagely is a member of
Lafayette Lodge, No. 194, F. & A. M., of
Selinsgrove; Shamokin Chapter, No. 264, R.
A. M.; Shamokin Commandery, No. 77, K.

T.; Calvary Commandery, No. 123, Knights:

of Malta; Washington Camp, No. 149, P. O.

S. of A.; and Lincoln Post, No. 140, G. A. R., |

of Shamokin. He was a director in the post,
which is probably worth $70,000, and is one of
the richest G. A. R. posts in the state of Penn-
sylvania. *

Qur subject was joined in the bonds of mar-
riage November 17, 1867, with Mary A. Yo-
der of Snyder County, and one child was born
to them, Mary N., now deceased. Mrs. Fag-
ely passed from this life September 1, 1869.
Our subject formed a second marriage with
Anna Keeler January 6, 1871, and one child
blesses their home, namely: Solomon Grant,
who is now deputy sheriff under his father.

 

INCOLN H. BOODY. Among the
prosperous business men of Columbia
County who have succeeded in life
mainly on account of their energy, persever-
ance and economy, coupled with the fact that
success in life depends considerably upon at-
tending. to one’s business and not mixing in
the affairs of neighbors, is the subject of this
biographical sketch, whose portrait is shown
on a preceding page. Mr. Boody is one of the
hustling business men of the town of Rupert
and is the proprietor of the Rupert Granite
& Marble Works. He was born at Mullica
Hill, N. J., September 28, 1860, and is a son
of David and Elizabeth (Looper) Boody.

‘The Boody family is of English origin, and
the first of that name to locate in this country
settled in the state of New Jersey, where they
were engaged in tilling the soil. George
Boody, the grandfather of our subject, owned
a large farm where the village of Vineland,
N. J., now stands.

David Boody, the father of our subject, was
a millwright, carpenter and cabinetmaker by
trade, and followed those occupations at inter-
vals throughout his entire life. He also con-
tracted for building and erected many large
manufacturing plants throughout the country.
Mr. Boody was an author of considerable note
and his most valuable work was a history
of the Civil War, which was not completed by
him on account of his death. When the Civil
War broke out he assisted in forming the first
company that left the state of New Jersey in
response to the call issued by President Lin-
coln. After three years’ gallant service he fell
a martyr to the Union cause. He was united
in the bonds pf matrimony to Elizabeth Loop-
er, a daughter of John Looper, a well-to-do
resident of Gloucester, N. J. Asa result of
this union three sons and three daughters
were born, namely: R. H., a hotelkeeper re-
140 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

siding at Tivoli, Pa.; David, who is employed
in the iron mills; Rachael, who was drowned
at the age of eighteen years; Amy, wife of
William Camm of Bridgeton, N. J.; Lincoln
H., our subject; and Hattie, wife of John
Fletcher of Fairton, N. J.

Upon the death of Mr. Boody our subject’s
mother, after losing considerable property,
moved to Mullica Hill with her family and our
subject at a very early age was compelled,
at the age of nine years, to go to work ina
nail factory. After remaining there a short
time he was employed as a cabinboy and as-
sistant cook aboard several vessels, continuing
that line of business a number of years. In
1876 he moved to Philadelphia, where he
worked in a market at No. 12 Market street.
His next move was to Rupert, Columbia
County, Pa., where he served an apprentice-
ship to the stonecutting trade. After learning
the trade he became a salesman and later he
was taken as a partner in the works owned
bv his brother, R. H. Boody. They success-
fully carried on that business and later started
another granite and marble works at Hughes-
ville, Columbia County. In 1888 the firm dis-
solved partnership and our subject became
sole proprietor of the Rupert works, and in
1896 he purchased the works at Hughesville.
Mr. Boody is now carrying on a successful
business and is evidently on the high road to
prosperity. He is a fair-and-square business
man, and, though young in years, has made
his mark in the community where he resides.
He has a large and increasing trade and is
esteemed throughout the county for his strict
business principles and upright character. He
is at present carrying a stock worth twelve
thousand dollars and also owns considerable
property in and about Rupert, including a
fine farm. Our subject was one of the first
in this section to engage in the bicycle busi-

 

ness, and besides he is an expert rider and has
won many prizes for both speed and trick rid-
ing. Mr. Boody is an unwavering Democrat.

On December 21, 1887, Sarah L. Nichols
of Bridgeton, N. J., and our subject were
united in marriage, and as a result of this
union three children blessed their home:
Mary Catherine; Porter Rupert, who died in
infancy; and Letitia Morgan.

As one of the esteemed citizens of Columbia
County, Lincoln Boody occupies an enviable
position. He possesses more than ordinary
intelligence, is truly a self-made man, of high
principles, upright and honorable in all his
dealings, and is a citizen whose worth is ap-
preciated at its full value.

oo

EW C. FOSNOT, the subject of this

short sketch, the able editor of the

Watsontown Record and Star,

was born February 8, 1848, in Cumber-

land County, Pa., and is a son of Jacob and
Mary (Vanderbilt) Fosnot.

Jacob Fosnot, our subject’s father, was born
in 1804, and died in 1850. He was a weaver
by trade. He married Mary Vanderbilt, who
was born in 1804, and died in 1872, surviving
her husband twenty-two years. Their family
consisted of twelve children, eight of whom
grew to maturity, as follows: William C.;
Mary Jane; Martha M.; John C.; Joshua V.;
Edward W.; Lew C.; and Henry J.

Lew C. Fosnot, our subject, received a
good education in the public schools and then
learned the printer’s trade. Feeling it his duty
to serve his country in her hour of need he
enlisted as a private on January 30, 1864, in
Battery G, 2d Reg., Pa. Artillery, and served
until January 29, 1866, going with the armies
of the Potomac and James. He was also em-
ployed in the United States Weather Bureau

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 141

 

 

for three months. In 1877 he became the
- editor of the Watsontown Record, and in 1882
began the publication of the West Branch
Star, which he has continued to edit with
marked success until the present time. In
1884 the Record was consolidated with the
Star under the name of the Record and Star.
In politics the paper is independent, always
championing that which is best for the town
and county.

Mr. Fosnot has ever upheld the principles
of the Democratic party, and is a member of
the G. A. R. and I. O. O. F. On January
23, 1871, he was united in marriage with
Belle Westafer of Newville, Pa., and three
children blessed this union, but only one son,
John Clyde, survives, the two daughters, Lu-
lu Maud and Bessie Irene, having gone to a
better world.

4-2 +

RIAS BLOOM of Sunbury, North-

umberland County, formerly was

register of wills, recorder of deeds

and clerk of the Orphans’ Court of the coun-

ty. He is a son of Hiram and Maria (Hile-

man) Bloom, and was born in Lower Augusta,

now Rockefeller township, Northumberland
County, April 1, 1854.

Our subject’s ancestors were pioneers of
Northumberland County and for five gener-
ations the family has been prominent and in-
timately connected with the growth and his-
tory of the county. The first of the family to
locate in the county, Stephen Bloom, settled
there prior to 1795 as is demonstrated by his
will. A son of Stephen, Samuel Bloom, was
the father of Jacob Bloom, and Jacob was
the parent of Hiram Bloom, the father of our
subject. Samuel Bloom was commissioned a
justice of the peace in February, 1809, was
county commissioner from 1813 to 1815, and

 

was county treasurer in 1834-36. He bought
the farm on which he long resided from Mar-
tin Raker and wife in 1797 and the property,
which is near the old stone church in Rocke-
feller township, is now owned by the subject
of our sketch who prizes it highly. Hiram
Bloom, father of our subject, was born in what
is now Rockefeller township, October 22,
1831, and was a son of Jacob and Julia Ann
(Bartholomew) Bloom. He was a carpenter
by trade, also was a farmer, and for some years
ran a saw-mill. He married Maria Hileman,
mother of our subject, in 1852. She was a
daughter of Daniel Hileman of Rockefeller
township.

The subject of this sketch, Urias Bloom, is
the eldest of nine children, eight of whom are
living. He was educated in the common
schools and when sixteen years old began
work as a school teacher, which he continued
for four years when he accepted a clerkship in
the office of Lemuel Shipman, then recorder.
He served also under the successor of Mr.
Shipman, George D. Bucher, remaining a
clerk in the recorder’s office until 1886 when
he assumed his duties as register of wills and
recorder of deeds to which office he was
elected in 1885 asa Democrat. In 1885, when
he first stood for the office, Mr. Bloom’s popu-
larity was well demonstrated by the fact that
he ran 250 votes ahead of the other candi-
dates on the Democratic ticket. He was re-
elected in 1888, when he surprised even his
closest friends and all of his admirers by run-
ning over 1,200 votes ahead of his ticket.

Mr. Bloom was married in Lower Augusta
township, November 25, 1879, to Anna M.
Wintersteen and their union has been blessed
with four children, Essie Uarda, Grace Imo-
gene, Goldie Edna, and an infant son. Mr.
Bloom is a Mason, also an Odd Fellow, and
is a member of the M. E. Church.
142 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

)[ ORACE BREECE, who has been the

efficient secretary of the Y. M.C. A.
is of Berwick since October, 1893,
is a son of Daniel and Mary (Case) Breece,
and was born in Columbia County, Pa., in
1857.

Daniel Breece, father of our subject, was
born in Lycoming County, where he learned
the trade of a mechanical engineer which he
followed for many years at Irondale. He
then moved to Bloomsburg, where he resided
the remainder of his life. He was united in

 

marriage to Mary Case, a daughter of Wil- ,

liam Case, and they were the parents of nine
children: Jane, wife of J. B. Robinson; Mar-
garet, deceased; George, deceased; Horace,
in whom the interest of this sketch centers;
Eliza, deceased; Hannah, a teacher of Blooms-
burg; William H., who was born October 3,
1863, in Bloomsburg and learned the trade of
a mechanic; he entered the employ of The
Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company
in 1886, and later-held a position in the boiler-
room. In 1893 he was promoted to the posi-
tion of engineer, and has since had charge of
the wonderful Porter-Allen cut-off engine
with a horse power of 900, which furnishes
power by Manila cables to the machine shops,
foundry, framing-shop, and other departments
of the plant. He was united in marriage to
Emma Lundey, a daughter of Pierce, Lundy
of Berwick, and they have an adopted daugh-
ter, D. Ollie, who was born July 17, 1890. The
remainder of the children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Breece were: Dr. Ervin, deceased; and
Dora, a teacher. Mr. Breece was called to his
eternal resting place at the age of seventy
years. His wife survives him and lives in the
old homestead at Bloomsburg.

Horace Breece attended the public schools
of Bloomsburg, after which he learned the
trade of steam engineering which he followed

 

for three years. In 1879 he removed to Ber-
wick and became an engineer for The Jackson
& Woodin Manufacturing Company, and
faithfully acted in that capacity for fourteen
years, when he was appointed secretary of the
Berwick Y. M. C. A. The association was
organized in 1878 in the basement of the M.
E. Church by C. H. Zehnder, who was as-
sisted by George S. Bennett and George Lep-
pard. They elected the following officers:
C. G. Jackson, president; Isaiah Bower, vice-
president; and C. H. Zehnder, secretary,
without pay. It was established in rooms
donated by The Jackson & Woodin Manu-
facturing Company which also furnished the
light and heat free of cost to the association.
As the institution flourished and the member-
ship increased rapidly, the rooms were found
to be too small, and the erection of a more
adequate building was planned, the following
donations having been generously offered:
$6,000 and the light by Mr. C. R. Woodin;
a three-story dwelling house and $3,000 by
Mrs. E. S. Jackson; and liberal subscriptions
by many of the prominent business men. This
enabled the association to begin work on the
present building in 1884 and it was dedicated
April 7, 1885 with suitable services. It is a
handsome brick building, 45 by 66 feet, con-
taining two stories and a basement; has a
beautiful library containing 5,000 volumes; a
large and spacious reading room; two social
rooms on the first floor; an auditorium with a
seating capacity of 350 people; parlors; and
in the basement a large gymnasium for the
accommodation of athletic young men; and
also good baths. The building is well sup-
plied with electric lights and gas and is heated
by a hot-air system. There has been an ever-
increasing membership under the faithful
guidance of Mr. Breece and preceding secre-
taries, and there are now over three hundred
 

ULYSSES BIRD.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 145

 

 

members enrolled. Mr. Breece is a man of
purpose and it has ever been his aim to ele-
vate the social and moral standing of the com-
munity.

Our subject was joined in the bonds of mat-
rimony to Sadie Van Horn, a daughter of
Abraham and Susan Van Horn of Blooms-
burg, Pa., and they became the parents of the
following children: George, who died in in-
fancy; May L.; Fred N.; and Horace Wil-
lard. Mr. Breece is past commander of the
Knights of Malta, a member of the Knights
of the Golden Eagle, and a member of the
Junior Order of United American Mechanics.

LYSSES BIRD, a representative

farmer and surveyor of Elkland

township, is descended from one of

the oldest families of Sullivan County. He is

a son of George C. and Harriet (Kaye) Bird,

and was born on the farm on which he now
resides, October 3, 1856.

The great-grandfather of our subject, Pow-
ell Bird, was born in Norfolk, England, and
came to, this country in 1792, locating in
Northumberland County, Pa. He made the
acquaintance of Dr. Joseph Priestly, who
owned extensive landed interests in what is
now Sullivan County, and offered choice
tracts of land as an inducement to the early
settlers to make that their home. In 1794
Mr. Bird located on a tract of 150 acres, all of
which was located in Forks township on the
Little Loyalsock Creek, upon which J. K.
‘Bird now resides, and, with William Moly-
neux and John Warren, was the first to locate
in the county. They all lived within a few
miles of each other, each having cleared a
piece of land on which to erect log cabins and
then been joined by their families. The cen-

 

tennial of the settlement of these three old
pioneer families was celebrated at the Forks-
ville Fair, October 5, 1894, and excited much
favorable comment. This hardy old ancestor
of our subject devoted the remainder of his
life to clearing up the place. Being a weaver.
by trade he built a loom and wove all of the
cloth for his own family and neighbors. Liv-
ing as they did out in the forest far from civili-
zation with none but the wild animals for
friends, these pioneers met with many thrill-
ing experiences and at times narrowly averted
death. Mr. Bird was a man of education and
during the last years of his life acted as local
Baptist minister. It may indeed be said that
his was an exemplary life, one of which his
descendants are justly proud. He married
Lydia Hannant and they became the parents
of twenty-one children, nineteen daughters
and two sons, the following being the only
ones of whom there is any record: Mrs. Mary
Jones; George; Mrs. Rebecca Molyneux,
the first white child born in Sullivan
County, who was born June 1, 1797; Mrs.
Sarah Bennett; Mrs. Ruth Bennett; Mrs.
Lydia Yours; Mrs. Eleanor Bull; Esther;
Philip I.; Mrs. Elizabeth Summers; and Iona.
Powell Bird lived to the age of eighty years,
dying April 13, 1829; his wife died June 29,
1832, both being buried in the Bird family
cemetery, a portion of the original purchase.

George Bird, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in 1790 and after reaching man-
hood inherited the old homestead upon which
he built the frame house, which is still stand-
ing and in good condition. He followed
farming all of his life and, as his sons grew up,
with their aid built and operated a saw-mill,
the lumber from which he floated down the
river on rafts to market. He was a Whig in
politics. Mr. Bird was famous as a hunter
and killed many panthers and wolves. and
146 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

bears without limit. He once saved the life
of his nephew, Job Summers, by despatching
a panther which held Mr. Summers in its em-
brace. Mr. Bird married Sarah King and

their children were as follows: Phoebe, who

married John Fawcett; Powell, who married
Sarah Molyneux; Mary, who married Thomas
Norton; Thomas, who died in early youth;
Esther, who married Richard Biddle; Lydia,
who inarried Joseph Fawcett; Charles, who
married Harrjet Molyneux; William, who
died at an early age; George C.; Ann; and
John K., who married Carrie Yonkin. Mr.
Bird died on July 14, 1872, and his wife passed
away in 1867 at the age of seventy-nine years.

George C. Bird, our subject’s father, was
born on the old homestead February 14, 1829.
He assisted his father in the duties about the
farm until 1855 when he purchased a tract of
106 acres on the Strong Run Creek. At the
time of his purchase the tract was a wilder-
ness untouched by the hand of man, and after
clearing fifteen acres he erected a board cabin,
the lumber for which was obtained with great
difficulty, a portion of it being carried by
hand, as there were no wagon roads. There
he located with his bride, and they have lived
there to this day, clearing away the forest and
converting the land into rich and cultivated
fields. After a time the cabin became unsuited
to the marked advancement which had been
made in other particulars and in 1857 it was
replaced by a commodious house. Mr. Bird
took great pleasure in hunting and fishing.
He killed several bears, about 300 deer and
scores of small game. Game became scarce
in his locality and he rfiade several trips up the
West Branch of the Susquehanna River on
most successful hunting expeditions. Al-
though Mr. Bird is now almost three-score
and ten he is hale and hearty and his business
transactions are extensive, he being a large

 

dealer in lumber. Politically he is a stanch
Republican and has served as jury commis-
sioner and assessor, and has filled a number of
township offices. He is a man of marked abil-
ity and is well known to the citizens through-
out his section of the county. His union with
Harriet Kaye resulted in the following off-
spring: Ulysses; Alma, who is the wife of
W. E. Miller; Mary, the wife of G. C. Bird-
sall; Jennie, wife of J. P. Rogers; Nellie, who
married Charles Clark; and Isadore, who mar-
ried B. R. Plotts. ;
Ulysses Bird, the subject of this biograph-
ical record, attended the public schools and
the Normal National University of Lebanon,
Ohio, where he took a special course in sur-
veying and bookkeeping, graduating with
high honors in the class of 1885. Our subject
has a permanent certificate from the state for
teaching and has already taught twelve terms.
He has since devoted his time principally to
farming and surveying in Sullivan and Brad-
ford counties, being highly successful. In
1885 he purchased fifty-six acres of the old
homestead farm, upon which he built a fine
modern home, and has since bought an addi-
tional tract of one hundred and fifty acres of
timberland, engaging in lumbering to a great
extent. He is a man of exceptional business
ability, honest and energetic, and he occupies
a high place in the estimation of his fellow-
citizens. Mr. Bird has held all the offices in
the Sullivan County Agricultural Society and
at this date is president of the organization.
Mr. Bird was united in marriage with
Emma McCadden, a daughter of Thomas and
Hannah (Lockwood) McCadden Thomas
McCadden was born in England in 1832 and
came to the United States in 1868, locating in
Philadelphia. At the time of his death, in
1898, he was living in the city of Brooklyn.
He was the father of the following children:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 147

 

 

Joseph; Mary; Joseph; Alfred; George;
Emma; Herbert; Mary H.; Selina; James;
Earnest; Lillie; Dora; Delbert; and Arthur.
Our subject and his wife are the happy par-
ents of five children :sCarl Orlando, born April
28, 1886; LaRue, born April 5, 1887; Victor,
born January 18, 1889; Lloyd Vernon, born
September 7, 1890; and Myra, born October
29, 1894. Mr. Bird has been a life-long Re-
publican and he has served as school director,
county auditor for six years, for ten years as
justice of the peace, and in 1890 he was census
enumerator. In religious views he is a Wes-
leyan Methodist. He is a member of the Pa-
triotic Order Sons of America and of the
Grange. His portrait is shown on another
page of this work.

7 IRAM H. BROWN is one of the hon-
ored and prominenc farmers of Scott
_ township, Columbia County, Pa.,
and is also successfully engaged in raising and
selling the Italian honey bee. He was born
in Mifflin township, Columbia County, June
29, 1837, and is a son of John and Jane
(Hutchison) Brown.

There is in the Brown family an old Bible
and on a fly-leaf the following lines were
written by James Brown, the great-great-
great-grandfather of our subject: “England
is my native land and Long Island my home,”
and dated 1716. He probably moved to
Hainesburg, N. J., and there spent his re-
maining days, at least his son John, the great-
great-grandfather of our subject, resided there
and was the owner of considerable property.
The latter built an old stone house and above
the door appears the date 1789; this ancient
building is still being used and is owned by a
Mr. Brugler, one of his descendants. John

 

 

Brown disposed of his property in the state
of New Jersey and moved to Mifflin town-
ship, Columbia County, Pa., and purchased
a large tract of land four miles east of the town
of Mifflin. Finding his purchase unsuitable
for farming land he sold the property and
bought what is now known as the Rosebud
farm, which is in Mifflin township. In addi-
tion to farming he was a gunsmith and black-
smith by trade; he served throughout the Rev-
olutionary War, and besides doing the duties
of a regular soldier, he shod the horses in camp
and repaired guns. He was treasurer of the
Nescopeck Bridge Company at Berwick, Pa.,
as is shown by a share of stock, No. 105, now
in possession of his great-grandson, the sub-
ject of this sketch, which share is dated Aug-
ust 6, 1814. He was twice married and was
the father of five children, namely: James,
Samuel, Mary, Elizabeth, and Sarah.

Samuel Brown, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was reared on his father’s farm, and was
a farmer and miller. He operated what is
now known as the Brown Mills which were
supposed to have been erected by his father.
He was wedded to Dortha Nice of Philadel-
phia, and they reared the following children:
John, the father of our subject; Mary Mar-
garet, who was the wife of Samuel Creasy of
Mifflin township, both now deceased;
Sarah, deceased, was the wife of George A.
Bowman, also of Scott township; William N.,
deceased, was formerly a farmer of Mifflin
township, but later owned the Brown Mills,—
he is the father of James C. Brown, editor of
one of Bloomsburg’s most flourishing papers;
Mathew, late a farmer of Mifflin township;
James, deceased, who was a boatman on the
Schuylkill Canal; Elizabeth, who wedded
Alexander Thompson of Berwick, Columbia
County; George B., deceased, who was a den-
tist and book and stationery dealer of Dan-
148 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

ville, Pa.; and Elisha, late a merchant of
Mifflin.

John Brown, the father of our subject, car-
ried on farming and operated the Brown Mi'ls
during his early manhood, and was also en-
gaged in the mercantile business at Mifflin.
He was a very prominent member of his
community and took much interest in public
affairs. Politically he was an old line Whig.
He passed from this life February 21, 1855.
He was twice married and by his first wife,
Mary Freas, a family of three children was
reared, namely: Samuel, deceased, who was
engaged in farming on the homestead; Freas,
deceased, who started in life as a miller but
later embarked in the mercantile business at
Columbus, Pa.; and William, who died in his
infancy. “His second marriage was to Jane
Hutchison, whose father was a well-to-do
farmer of Center township, Columbia County.
As a result of this union two sons and two
daughters were born, namely: Margaret M.,
the wife of Hiram B. Freas, who reside in
Chicago, Ill.; our subject; Elizabeth, wife of
William Hill, a farmer of Center township,
Columbia County; and Mark, who died in his
boyhood days.

Hiram H. Brown was reared upon the farm
until he was eleven years of age, when his
father moved to Mifflin. Our subject was
educated in the public and select schools of
Bloomsburg, commenced teaching at the age
of seventeen years, and taught twelve winters;
during the summers: of 1855-56 he attended
the Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, Pa.
In 1857 he located at Limeridge, Columbia
County, where he was engaged in the lumber
business until 1865. In the spring of 1866
he moved upon the old Britton homestead and
has since been engaged in the cultivation of
the soil; he also deals extensively in Italian
bees, and in bee colonies, combs, foundations
and extractors.

‘tion of the state.

 

Mr. Brown was one of the chief organizers
of the Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Company,
which entered upon its business career De-
cember 29, 1874, and on January 11, 1875,
he was elected vice-president of the company,
and has held that office fourteen years. Jan-
uary 11, 1892, he was elected secretary, which
office he still holds. During the time when
the Farmers’ Grange flourished in this section,
he was one of its most active supporters; was
deputy grand master of Columbia and Lu-
zerne counties from 1873 to 1880, and during
that period he assisted in organizing twenty-
seven local Granges. In 1860 he joined
Mountain Lodge, I. O. O. F., and in 1870
withdrew to become a charter member of the
Espy Lodge, No. 681, of which he is now
past grand master; in 1863 he was elected
to membership in Washington Lodge, No.
265, F. & A. M., of Bloomsburg; is a charter
member of Camp No. 17, P. O. S. of A., of
Light Street, and was district president of the
same in 1895. In religious views Mr. Brown
is an active member of the Methodist Church.
He was school director three years and asses-
sor of the township eighteen years. On March
21, 1861, Mr. Brown and Elizabeth Conner
were united in the bonds of matrimony, and
they are the parents of three children, namely:
Eber A., a mechanic of Light Street, who
married Anna E. Beers of Bloomsburg, Pa.,
and they have a son, Claude C., born October
7, 1898; Morse, who died in infancy; and
Hannah J., who married H. W. Black of
White Hall, Pa., and they have one child,
Edith. The Conner family is of Irish de-
scent. John Conner, the grandfather of Mrs.
Hiram Brown, was a well known tanner and
farmer of Center township, Columbia County,
and was one of the wealthiest men in that sec-
He was a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Conner was twice
 

JUDGE ROBERT TAYLOR, JR.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 151

 

 

married; his first wife was Miss Hill who bore
him the following children: Mary; Thomas;
Samuel; Isaiah; John; and Charles. His
second wife was Elizabeth Nyer and two
children resulted from this union, Joseph P.
and Rebecca. Thomas Conner, the father of
our subject’s wife, was born in Center town-
ship where he was engaged in farming all his
life. He died in September, 1862, at the age
of fifty-four years. He was a member of the
Presbyterian Church. He formed a matri-
monial alliance with Hannah Laubach, a
daughter of Frederick Laubach, a farmer of
Benton township, Columbia County. To this
union three sons and two daughters were
born: John Freas, a farmer residing in Kan-
sas; George, a farmer of Scott township; Eliz-
abeth, the wife of our subject; Alfred, de-
ceased, who worked.in a supply house and fur-
niture store at Cape May, N. J.; and Mary
Catherine, wife of W. S. Conner, a resident of

Trenton, N. J.

———___+ + >

UDGE ROBERT TAYLOR, Jr., who

for five years faithfully served in the

capacity of associate judge of Sullivan
County, Pa., is now extensively engaged in
farming and lumbering on his estate of 370
acres in Davidson township. He is a son of
Frederick and Margaret (Edkin) Taylor, and
was born in Shrewsbury township, Sullivan
County, October 2, 1832.

Our subject comes from one of the oldest
and a leading family of the county, and is a
grandson of Robert Taylor, who was the first
of the family to locate in Sullivan County. He
came from Lewistown, Pa., and took up a
tract of Jand, thickly covered with timber,
which he cleared. He next built a house and
carried on farming in connection with oper-
ating a grist-mill and a distillery. Thus he

 

continued until his death at the age of sixty-
two years, and became quite wealthy, owning
at one time some 600 acres of land. He formed
a marital union with Elizabeth Mayhue, and
among their children was Frederick, the fath-
er of our subject.

Frederick Taylor was born in Shrewsbury
township, Sullivan County, where he lived
most of his life, and became a prominent citi-
zen of Muncy Valley. He was a Democrat in
politics and served as supervisor in the town-
ship and as school director for many years.
He was united in marriage with Margaret
Edkin, a native of England, who came to this
country with her father, George Edkin, who
settled in Shrewsbury township, where he
lived the remainder of his life, dying at the
advanced age of eighty years. Mrs. Taylor’s
mother lived to reach the ripe old age of nine-
ty-three. This union was blessed by the birth
of eight children, namely: Sarah, deceased,
who was the wife of Beaver Kitchen, who re-
sides at Montgomery Station, Pa.; William,
deceased, who married Mary Anderson, who
now resides in Shrewsbury township; Robert,
Jr., the subject of this personal history;
George E., a record of whose life appears else-
where in this Book of Biographies; Sophia,
the widow of John Foust, resides in Muncy,
Lycoming County; Deborah, deceased, was
the wife of John Roach, who is also deceased;
Margaret, deceased; and Theodore, who lost
his life in 1865, while serving in the Union
Army. Mr. Taylor died on March 13, 1886,
and his wife joined him beyond the river of
Death in February, 1891.

Robert Taylor, Jr., after receiving intel-
lectual training in the common schools, at the
age of eighteen years began working on the
farm for his father and also engaged in lum-
bering, continuing with his. father until after
his marriage. He then moved to his present
152 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

farm, which consists of 370 acres of good land,
and there has since carried on general farming
and lumbering, besides dealing extensively in
cattle. He has improved the land to such an
extent that it is one of the most valuable
pieces of property in the section. He isa man
of great energy and enterprise and has been
decidedly successful in his various lines of
business. In private life he is a good neigh-
bor and a kind friend, and possesses the es-
teem of a large circle of acquaintances.

In 1868 our subject married Sarah Sellers
of Lycoming County, a daughter of Joseph
and Elizabeth Sellers. The former was a
blacksmith by trade, and both are now de-
ceased. This union resulted in the following
offspring: Ocy, the wife of A. T. Armstrong,
a merchant, lumber dealer, and the proprietor
of a grist-mill at Sonestown,—they have four
children, Rita, Taylor, Erma and Mary;
Harry, born October 30, 1871; and Edna,
who lives at home. In political affiliations
Mr. Taylor is an unswerving supporter of the
Democratic party, and for five years served
the county as associate judge. He has been
tax collector and supervisor, and has held
many township offices of minor importance.
Mrs. Taylor is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

A recent portrait of Mr. Taylor is shown
on a preceding page, in connection with the
above sketch of his life.

Alaska Colliery at Mount Carmel, Pa:
has been actively engaged in the min-
ing business for many years, and by honest
labor and untiring energy has worked his way
from a lowly position to a well paying and
prominent one. He enjoys the respect and

ys JEFFERSON, foreman in the

 

esteem of his many friends and is ranked
among the substantial citizens of the borough.
He is a son of Joseph Jefferson and Elizabeth
(Wilkinson) Jefferson, and was born in Potts-
ville, Pa., May 9, 1840.

Joseph Jefferson, the father of our subject,
was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1805, and
about 1832 immigrated to this country with
his wife and two children, locating at Potts-
vilie, Pa. He was a miner by occupation and
followed mining in that vicinity for a time. He
first operated the Young’s Landing Colliery
under a contract, but had the misfortune to
lose three thousand dollars in the venture
owing to the absconding of the man of whom
the mine.was leased. He later was injured in
the mines and was compelled to give up that
line of work, but he soon took to agricultural
pursuits at which he was more successful. He
was a man of much natural ability and com-
manded the good-will of all with whom he
was acquainted. He was united in marriage
with Elizabeth Wilkinson, and their union re-
sulted in the birth of eight children, as follows:
Mary, deceased; Robert, deceased; William,
deceased; Joseph, deceased; Ellen, who died.
in infancy; Charles and Henry, twins; and
John, the subject of this biographical record.

John Jefferson was educated in the public
schools of Schuylkill County and in Green-
wood Seminary. At the age of seventeen
years he was apprenticed to the trade of a
machinist under William H. DeHavers and
served for fourteen months, when he became
dissatisfied, during the panic which prevailed
in 1857, and gave up his position. He then
went into the mines as a laborer where he
worked with a faithfulness to be rewarded at *
the expiration of five years by promotion toa
position as fire-boss: He continued in that
capacity until 1874 when he was again given
an advance, becoming a foreman, and as such
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 153

 

 

he has been serving up to the present time,
with the exception of six years when he was
superintending the Shamokin collieries. He
has been in the employ of the Reading Com-
pany for many years and is now inside-fore-
man of the Alaska Colliery. He has ever been
faithful to the best interests of his employers,
who place high value on his services.

Mr. Jefferson was united in marriage with
Mary James, by whom he had the following
children: Jane; Elizabeth; John E., a rail-
road man in the employ of the Lehigh Valley
Railroad; William, deceased; Mary; Laura;
Elizabeth; Joseph; Margaret; and Garfeld.
Our subject formed a second matrimonial al-
liance with Ellen Six Smith, and two children
blessed their union, one of whom, Carrie, is
now living.

Politically our subject is a Republican, but
‘is rather inclined to be independent, always
supporting the man who in his opinion is best
deserving of the office and will best serve the
people. Socially he is a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic post at Mount Carmel;
the Odd Fellows Lodge at Shamokin; and of
the Patriotic Order Sons of America at Mount
Carmel. He is aiso a member of the Mount
Carmel school board.

 

ASHINGTON MADISON MON-
ROE. This honored citizen of
Rupert, Pa., is successfully engaged in the
manufacture of powder kegs and is agent
for the Dupont Powder Company. He was
born in Muncy, Lycoming County, Pa., Sep-
tember 3, 1838 and is a son of Isaac S. and
Elizabeth (Davis) Monroe, grandson of Ben-
nett and Lucy (Sprague) Monroe, and great-
grandson of Bennett Monroe.
Bennett Monroe, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was a native of Scotland and with

 

his brothers, Joseph and Nathan, immigrated
to this country. One brother located in the
state of Virginia and among his descendants
was President James Monroe; another set-
tled in the state of Rhode Island; and Bennett
settled near the village of Woodstock, Vt.,
where some of his descendants yet reside.
Bennett Monroe, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Woodstock, Vt., and died at
his home in Bridgewater, Mass., in 1845. His
wife was Lucy Sprague, a member of the hon-
ored Sprague family, of which Gov. Sprague.
was a descendant.

Isaac S. Monroe, the father of our subject,
was born in Woodstock, Vt., in 1804. He
possessed a good education and during his
early life was engaged in contracting and pub-
lic work; in 1833 he moved to Catawissa, Co-
lumbia County, where he built one and one-
half miles of the Pennsylvania Canal. He
took one of the first boats loaded with coal
down the Schuylkill Canal from Pottsville to
Philadelphia; he also took a boatload of pig
iron from Catawissa to Harrisburg, Pa., over
the Susquehanna River, which was probabty
the only successful trip ever made over that
route. Later he engaged in the distilling bus-
iness at Muncy, Lycoming County, and from
there he moved to Columbia County where,
from 1847 to 1863, he was extensively en-
gaged in the lumber business. In 1863 he
erected a building at Rupert and began the
manufacture of powder kegs, which business
he followed until his death, on February 4,
1879. Mr. Monroe was internal revenue as-
sessor of what was then the Thirteenth Con-
gressional District but is now the Seventeenth
Congressional District, from May, 1863, until
November, 1865. From 1861 until his death
he was general agent for the Dupont Powder
Company, and the following seven counties
were assigned as his territory: Columbia,
154 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

Montour, Snyder, Lycoming, Sullivan, North-
umberland and Schuylkill. On February 1,
1870, he was appointed by the governor as
associate judge of Columbia County, and on
November 9, 1870, he was elected to the same
office efor a term of five years. Politically
Mr. Monroe was a stanch Democrat until the
breaking out of the Rebellion when he joined
the ranks of the Republican party. He was a
member of Gov. Porter’s staff with the rank
of major. Socially our subject’s father was a
member of Catawissa Chapter, No. 178; past
grand master of Catawissa Lodge, No. 349,
F.& A. M.; and a member of Catawissa, now
Danville, Commandery, No. 37. He was
united in marriage to Elizabeth Davis, a
daughter of John Davis who was formerly a
farmer of Montgomery County, but later of
Franklin township, Columbia County. Seven
children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Monroe, three of whom died in their infancy.
Those who grew to maturity were as follows:
Sarah, deceased, who was the wife of Peter
R. Baldy of Catawissa; Lucy S., died aged
seventeen years; our subject; and Mary, de-
ceased, who was the wife of Austin H. Church
of Wyoming County, Pa.

Washington M. Monroe, the only member
of the family living, was educated in the public
schools of Catawissa and in the Hill School of
Pottstown, Pa. He was then employed by
the Catawissa Railroad Company as operator
and ticket-agent at Catawissa and after re-
maining in the road’s employ three years,
in 1865 became a partner with his father in
the manufacture of powder kegs; upon his
father’s death our subject succeeded him in
the business, and has since been agent for the
Dupont Powder Company. The keg factory
is a building 40 by 6o feet, has a capacity of
1,000 kegs per day and gives employment to
fifteen men.

 

In politics Mr. Monroe is an unwavering

‘Republican and has contributed much toward

the success of his party in his community; his
first vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas.
Religiously he and his family hold member-
ship in the Episcopal Church; socially he is a
member and past master of Catawissa Lodge,
No. 349, F. & A. M.; Catawissa Chapter, No.
178; and Danville Commandery, No. 37.
February 19, 1861, Mr. Monroe and Ellen B.
Leonard, daughter of George T. Leonard of
Amity township, Berks County, were united
in marriage, and to this union the following
children have been given: George T., who
was drowned in the Pennsylvania Canal in
his boyhood days; Elizabeth, who is the
wife of H. H. Royce, a cotton broker of New
York City, whose home is at Crawford, N. J.;
Mary E., who wedded William E. Johnston a
telegraph operator at Rupert; and Ellen and’
Irene, both of whom are at home.

SSS He

OSEPH PARDOE is extensively en-
gaged in general farming and lumber-
ing in Elkland township, Sullivan

County, and is one of the most reliable citizens
of that community. He comes of an old Sul-
livan County family, and was born to William
and Jane (McCarty) Pardoe, March.30, 1845.

His grandfather was Joseph Pardoe, who
came to this country from his native land,
England, locating at Northumberland, North-
umberland County, Pa., where he became a

neighbor of Dr. Priestly, an extensive land-
owner in Sullivan County, whom he knew

previously in England. From him he pur-
chased 200 acres of uncleared land at two dol-
lars per acre, and after clearing sufficient
ground he erected a little log cabin into which
he moved with his wife. Together they la-
bored zealously and in time converted the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 155

 

 

wild timberland through which the wild ani-
mals roamed at will into beautiful fields, now
under a high state of cultivation. In this little
log cabin their children first saw the light of
day and there grew to maturity. He lived
a long and useful life, spending the last few
years in retirement at the home of a daughter,
having disposed of the old homestead to Wat-
son Wright, Esq. He lived to reach the age
of ninety years and his wife also reached a ripe
old age, both now lying buried in the Pardoe
burying-ground, a small tract set off from his
farm for that purpose. Subsequent to settling
in America, he married Sarah Roberts, and
eight children blessed their home: William;
Joseph; John; George; Richard; Thomas;
Elizabeth; and Sarah. ;

William Pardoe, the father of our subject,
also took to agricultural pursuits and, upon
reaching manhood, purchased a tract of land
three miles south of the old homestead, which
consisted of eighty acres of timberland. He
made a clearing and built a log house, follow-
ing farming there the remainder of his days.
During the forty-third year of his age, white
engaged in clearing some land, he severely cut
his foot, and before receiving medical assist-
ance almost bled to death. This wound finally
resulted fatally. He married Jane McCarty,
a daughter of Joel McCarty, and they reared
five children: John, a resident of Forksville;
Albert, deceased; Joseph, our subject; Joel,
deceased; and Mary, the wife of Frank Barnes
of Elkland township. Mrs. Pardoe was fifty-
four years of age at the time of her demise.
Politically Mr. Pardoe was originally a Whig,
but became a Republican upon the organiza-
tion of that party, serving in a number of
township offices. Religiously he was a mem-
ber of the Society of Friends.

Joseph Pardoe received his intellectual
training in the district schools and was reared

 

on a farm. Upon leaving the parental roof
he bought the Henry Huckell farm of one-
hundred and_ thirty-six and one-half acres,
and there he has since lived, following a life
of consistent industry and great happiness.
In 1888 he built a new and handsome house
for a residence and also erected a new barn.
Surrounding the house are beautifully-laid-
out-grounds which, with their large trees and
hedges, present a striking appearance. He
has not only engaged in general farming, but
in lumbering to an extent, leasing portable
saw-mills, and sending his lumber to market
at New Albany, Pa., and at Wilkesbarre. He
has not only attained the highest success in
the business world but in private life is es-
teemed by all who know him.

Mr. Pardoe married Lizzie Molyneux, a
daughter of John and Martha Molyneux, and
she passed away in 1883, aged forty-three
years. Our subject formed a second marital
union with Mrs. Mary Kelder, widow of Les-
ter Kelder and a daughter of Edwin Saben,
by whom he had one son, Thaddeus, a book-
keeper of New Albany. In 1895 William
Emery of Forksville, who at that time lost his
wife, leaving him with three children, being in
straitened circumstances he gave the sec-
ond child, Gracie, to our subject and wife, with
whom she has since lived. Politically Mr.
Pardoe is a firm Republican and has served as
auditor of the township.

+2 > —_—

uable piece of land along Elk Creek,
Elkland township, Sullivan County,
where he is engaged in farming and lumber-
ing, his life-long vocations. He is promi-
nently known throughout the county as a
man of untiring energy in any business ven-

lees M. OSLER ‘owns a val-
156 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

ture he undertakes and his home and sur-
roundings are of a character showing him to
be a careful, conscientious worker. He was
born in Hillsgrove township, Sullivan Coun-
ty, Pa., June 25, 1833, and is a son of John
H. and Jane (Myers) Osler.

The grandfather of our subject, Jeremiah
Osler, was a native of New Jersey. When a
young man he settled in Philadelphia where
he was known to be one of the best carpenters
in that city. He left a wife and two children,
John H., and Lydia, deceased. Our subject’s
grandmother was Catherine Hinkle Osler and
she was again wedded to Samuel Bryan who
in 1810 moved to Muncy township where he
worked at his trade as a carder and cloth-
dresser; later he removed to Elkland town-
ship and bought the farm now owned by
Charles Bryan.

John H. Osler, father of our subject,
started in life as an apprentice in the woolen
factories at Muncy and being an economical
man he saved enough of his hard-earned
money with which to purchase a factory;
after running a woolen factory from 1835 to
1841 he gave up that business and purchased
the property now owned by Clay Osler. He
died in Forksville in 1888 at the age of eighty-
eight years. His wife was Jane Myers and
they became the parents of the following
children: Jeremiah M.; Sarah Jane, de-
ceased; Catherine, now Mrs. Huckell; John
S., who resides in Elkland township and mar-
ried Gertrude Ketchum; Julia Ann; Clay M.,
who wedded Alice Corson and resides in
Forks township; Lydia S.; David W., who
resides in Lycoming County; H. Wilson, who
died young; and Edwin R., who lives in Mary-
land where he practices medicine. Mr. Osler
was an old line Whig, later a Republican, and
held many township offices; religiously he
was a member of the Methodist Church.

 

Jeremiah M. Osler attended the schoo!s in
his native township where he attained a good
business education. The first two years spent
on his own account were passed in farming
and lumbering on his father’s farm. He then
came to his present farm, which consists of
one hundred and eighty-five acres, and is sit-
uated in one of the best farming districts in
Sullivan County. Our subject built a saw-mill
and rafted his lumber down the river to the
markets below doing a large business. He
also owns a large tract of timber land and
takes contracts for bark-peeling, giving em-
ployment to hundreds of men. Mr. Ostler is
liberal with the poor and among his fellow-
citizens he is esteemed and respected by all;
like his father and mother he is a good
neighbor and an excellent citizen. In 1892
he erected a handsome frame dwelling and a
large barn and has one of the best farms in
Elkland township.

Mr. Osler formed a matrimonial alliance
with Julia A. Brown, who has been of great
assistance to him, and who has ably borne her
share of the burden in accumulating their
present fine property and rearing and educat-
ing their family. She is a daughter of George
W. and Mary (Snyder) Brown. Her father
was a son of John and Mary (Watson) Brown,
who reared a family of six children, namely:
William, George W., John, Thomas, Ann and
Elizabeth. John Brown settled where Henry
Brown now resides and died there aged eigh-
George W. Brown purchased
land in Forks township upon which he built
a saw-mill and carried on farming and lumber-
ing all his active days. He died in 1889 aged
eighty-six years, while his wife departed from
this earth in 1892 aged eighty-eight years.
They reared the following children: Charles;
Elizabeth; William W.; Mary; Julia Ann, our

ty-four years.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 157

 

 

subject’s wife; John S.; George W.; Effie;
and Margaret J.

Mr. and Mrs. Osler are the proud parents of
the following children: Hiram W., of Elk-
land township, who wedded Sadie King by
whom he reared five children, Ina, Sidney,
Marion, John, and Annie,—he was sheriff of
Sullivan County in 1898; Horace Newton a
prominent dentist of Dushore, Pa., formerly
a veterinary surgeon, a graduate of the To-
ronto (Ont.) Veterinary College, who was
joined in marriage with Catherine Rogers,—
two children have been born to them, Lena
and Donald; Charles W., died aged two years;
John G., died aged twenty-six years; Joseph
W., wedded Effie Jones and they reside in
Tioga County, Pa.; Mary Jane, deceased, who
was the wife of D. F. McCarty; Irvin, died
aged four years; Lillie, wife of Grant Little
and the mother of three children, Fanny M.,
Julia, and Otto G.; Fanny W., died aged
sixteen years; Nellie J., joined in the bonds of
wedlock with Moses Randall and two child-
ren, Jeremiah M. and Ransom W., have been
born to them; and Boyd L., who is a student.

In politics our subject is independent and
has served in minor township offices; relig-
iously he and his wife are members of the
Christian Church.

++ +

: | R. JOHN CG RUTTER, one of the
6 oldest and highly-respected citizens

of Bloomsburg, located in the town

in 1858 and began the practice of his profes-
sion. Not only his own success depended on
his efforts in this field, but that of the Homeo-
pathic School as well, for he was the first
Homeopathic physician in Columbia County
and the only one in the town of Bloomsburg
for a period of twenty-five years following.
He was a faithful student of his profession

 

 

 

 

 

and prosperity has been his reward, as no
physician in the community ever handled so
large a practice.

Our subject was born near the city of Wil-
mington, Del., December 12, 1826, and is a
son of Thomas and Sarah (Baker) Rutter.
His grandfather was Joshua Rutter who with
his brother, Thomas, came from England to
this country previous to 1790. Thomas he-
came a merchant of Baltimore, Md. Joshua
Rutter bought a farm near the city of Baiti-
more where he spent the remainger of his
days in agricultural pursuits.

Thomas Rutter, the father of our subject,
was born on the old homestead farm in 1792
and followed the occupation of a farmer his
entire life. Later in life he settled near Ches-
ter, Pa., where his latter days were spent, dy-
ing in the year 1848. He formed a matri-
monial alliance with Sarah Baker, a daughter
of John and Lydia :(Marks) Baker of Wil-
mington, New Castle County, Del. This union
resulted in the following issue: John C., a
record of whose life is here given; Elizabeth,
widow of Daniel Crowther; Margery, widow
of a Mr. Holt; Mary, wife of a Mr. Taylor;
William, who died at an early age; Joshua,
who is interested in cotton works in the state
of Delaware; and Thomas, whose death oc-
curred in youth. Mrs. Rutter is yet living at
the age of eighty-seven years.

‘Dr. John C. Rutter attended the public
schools until he was fourteen years of age.
Three years later he went to Wilmington,
Del., where he accepted a clerical position.
At the age of twenty years he took up the
study of medicine under the tutelage of Dr.
Caleb Harlan of Wilmington and later at-
tended the Homeopathic Medical College of
Philadelphia, which is now known as the
Hahnemann Medical College. In the month
of May, following his graduation from the
158 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

above-mentioned institution on March 3,
1855, he removed to Bloomsburg where he
has since practiced medicine.

Dr. Rutter and Jane Clayton, a daughter of
John and Ann (Perkins) Clayton, were mar-
ried August 26, 1848, and a record of their
children is as follows: Lamartine, who mar-
ried Lydia Rodemoyer, and who resides near
Bellefonte, Pa.; Henry Harlan, proprietor of
the Muncy Democrat of Luzerne County, was
a member of the State Legislature from that
county in 1894 and 1895, and chose Eva
Cloud as his companion in life; Dr. Everett
Webster, a practicing physician of Freeland,
Luzerne County; Mary Ellen, widow of Dr.
D. W. Conners of Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Adah
Louisa, who married Newton W. Barton;
Margaret, who is at home; Rachel M., de-
ceased, who was the wife of Dr. C. B. Frantz;
and John C., who married Hattie McKelvy,
and is connected with the editorial depart-
ment of The Democratic Sentinel of Blooms-
burg. Politically our subject is a member of
the Democratic party and has served for many
years on the board of pension examiners. He
attends the Episcopal Church, of which his
family are members.

—_———_~+-e »_______

APTAIN HARRISON J. CONNER.
There is, perhaps, nothing of which

a man may be more excusably

proud than of gallant service in the cause of
his country, nor is there any service which
lives longer in the grateful, memory of a peo-
ple. Capt. Conner was among those who
early offered their services to their country in
its hour of peril and who never deserted their
post until a peace crowned their efforts. He
is one of the highly respected citizens of
Orangeville, Pa., and was born in that town
December 9, 1841, and is a son of Isaiah and

 

Catherine R. (Millard) Conner, and a grand-
son of John Conner.

The Conner family is of Irish origin, and
John Conner, the grandfather of our subject,
located in Center township, Columbia Coun-
ty, Pa. and, building a large tannery, he
engaged in tanning, which business he con-
ducted in connection with farming. He passed
from this life in 1862 at the age of eighty
years. He was the progenitor of a large fam-
ily of children.

Isaiah Conner, the father of our subject,
was born in Center township, Columbia Coun-
ty, Pa., in 1812, and his younger days were
spent working in the tannery owned by his
father. Upon attaining his manhood he
moved to Orangeville, Columbia County,
where he successfully engaged in the tannery
business until his death, which occurred in
1855 at the age of forty-two years. Mr. Con-
ner was married to Catherine R. Millard, a
daughter of Reece Millard, late a farmer of
Briarcreek, now Center township. To this
union the following children were born: Har-
rison J., the subject of this sketch; Anna
Rebecca, deceased; Clara, deceased; Millard,
a prominent resident of Orangeville; and
William T., who died aged thirty years.

Capt. Conner received his intellectual train-
ing in the public schools of his native town
and at Millville Academy at Millville, Pa., and
after his father’s death he became connected
with the tannery industry and continued that
line of business until the breaking out of-the
Civil War. Being inspired by patriotic feel-
ing, he offered his services in defense of the
Union, and April 22, 1861, enlisted as a pri-
vate in Company A, 6th Reg., Pa. Reserves.
His patriotic ardor found full vent on many a
hard-contested field of battle where he was
eager to discharge his full duty. Our subject
took part in all the engagements of the Army

‘
 

 

HON. MONROE H. KULP.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 161

 

 

of the Potomac, the most prominent of which
were the battles at Dranesville, Va., Decem-
ber 20, 1861; Second Bull Run, August 29-
30-31, 1862; South Mountain, Md., Septem-
ber 14, 1862; Antietam, September 17, 1862;
Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862;
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3, 1863; New Hope
Church; Wilderness; Cold Harbor; and
Bethesda Church. On September 25, 1862,
he was appointed second lieutenant, in which
position he served until his discharge. He re-
ceived an honorable discharge at Harrisburg,
Pa., June 11, 1864. In January, 1865, he was
appointed first lieutenant of Company G, 3d
Reg., U. S. Vet. Vol., Hancock’s 1st Army
Corps, but was later promoted to captain, and
was connected with Hancock’s Corps which
was retained at Washington after the close of
the war. At the close of his military career he
spent two years traveling through the West
and then returned to Orangeville, where he
has since been engaged in various kinds of
business. He was one of the organizers of the
Bloomsburg & Sullivan Railroad, and is a
member and secretary of the board of direc-
tors.

In politics Capt. Conner is a stanch Repub-
lican and in 1881 he was elected justice of the
peace and has held that office to the present
time. He is a past commander of Ent Post,
G. A. R., of Bloomsburg, and is now a mem-
ber of Pealer Post, No. 435, G. A. R., of
Orangeville; and is past master of Orange-
ville Lodge, No. 460, F. & A. M.

 

ON. MONROE H. KULP, ex-Con-
gressman from the Seventeenth
Congressional District of Penn-

sylvania, and a man of large and varied busi-
ness interests throughout the state, is a son
of the late Darlington R. and Elizabeth (Gil-

of Holland origin, and

 

bert) Kulp, and was born October 23, 1858,
in Barto, Berks County, Pa.

Darlington R. Kulp was one of the most
successful lumber dealers:in Northumberland
County. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa.,
November 29, 1826, and was a son of Christian
and Catharine (Renninger) Kulp, natives of
Pennsylvania, the former of Montgomery and
the latter of Berks County. Both spent their
lives in Eastern Pennsylvania, where they
lived to the ages of seventy-three and eighty-
three years, respectively. The Kulp family is
were among the
early settlers of Pennsylvania, whose thrifty,
frugal and industrial habits are so vividly out-
lined in the history of the early growth of the
state. D: R. Kulp was reared near Potts-
town, Montgomery County, where he at-
tended the district schools at intervals, receiv-
ing a very limited education. He learned the
carpenter’s trade, and early engaged in the
lumber business. On October 5, 1851, he
was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gil-
bert, daughter of George and Sallie (Houck)
Gilbert of Montgomery County. She was
born in New Hanover, Montgomery County,
and bore her husband twelve children, eight
of whom were living but a short time ago, as
follows: Zipporah, wife of Chester B. Thomas -
of Shamokin; Joanna Catharine, widow of
Edwin Shuman; Monroe H.; Clayton A.;
Ella J.; Chester G.; Howard C.; and Gilbert
G., all residents of Shamokin. In October,
1867, Mr. Kulp removed to Shamokin and
continued the lumber business in partnership
with D. S. Shultz and William R. Bechtel,
under the style of Shultz, Bechtel & Com-
pany. In 1869-70 he operated Ben Franklin
Colliery under the name of Kulp, Bechtel &
Company. In July, 1871, he joined in part-
nership with Matthias Emes and the firm of
Kulp & Emes continued about six years when
162 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

the latter was succeeded by Isaac F. Stetler.
May 1, 1878, C. Q. McWilliams purchased
Mr. Stetler’s interest and the firm name be-
came Kulp & McWilliams. In 1879 they
added ice and brick to their lumber business,
and carried on all three until January 1, 1882,
when W. C. McConnell became a member of
the firm, and Kulp, McWilliams & Company
conducted the business until August 15,+1886,
when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Kulp
retaining the lumber interest in the business,
which he afterwards continued and in con-
nection with which he bought large tracts of
forest land, cut the timber, and converted the
property into productive farms, owning at the
time of his death some ten farms in Northum-
berland and adjoining counties. In the spring
of 1886 Mr. Kulp and his eldest son, Monroe
H., the subject of this historical review,
opened a mercantile store under the firm
name of D. R. Kulp & Son, which they con-
ducted three years and then sold to J. O.
Keeler. D. R. Kulp was first president of the
Roaring Creek Water Company and a di-
rector of the Shamokin Water Company, Po-
litically he was a Whig and later a Republican.
He was an emergency man during Gen. Lee’s
invasion of Pennsylvania. He served in the
borough council and as supervisor of the poor
in Coal township. Though reared in the Ger-
man Reformed Church, Mr. Kulp affiliated
with the Lutheran Church after locating in
Shamokin. He was a member of Elysburg
Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M., and Shamokin
Chapter, No. 264, F. & A. M. He died Jan-
uary 29, 1893, having earned for himself a
splendid reputation as a progressive, enter-
prising citizen, and an honest, upright man.
Monroe H. Kulp was seven years old when
his parents removed to Shamokin and at-
tended a public school there during the winter
months, and, when not. engaged with school

 

duties, worked about the collieries, so that at
the age of seventeen years he had worked in
nearly every branch of the coal industry. He
entered the store of his father and worked
there until the frm of Kulp & McWilliams
was formed, in 1878, when he entered their
employ and began studying the business in
which he has since become so successful.
Having a desire for a more liberal and ex-
tended education, our subject entered the
State Normal College at Lebanon, O., in 1879,
and for two years pursued such studies as he

‘thought would best adapt him for an active

business life; and in 1881 he completed his
school life by graduating from Eastman’s
Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
where he made a decidedly creditable record,
graduating from the business course of that
institution in a shorter time than any other
student had completed the course, and his
work being highly complimented by the fac-
ulty.

On his return from Poughkeepsie, Mr.
Kulp took charge of the books of Kulp, Mc-
Williams & Company, and filled the position
of bookkeeper and cashier in a most satis-
factory manner until the dissolution of the
firm in 1886, when his father assumed the en-
tire lumber business formerly operated by the
firm, and from the above date until 1892 he
was active in the management of the business
conjointly with his father. During 1892 his
father was stricken with the disease which re-
sulted in his death and the entire responsi-
bility of the management of the business de-
volved upon the son. The undertaking was a
big one as it included the supervision of busi-
ness operations in timber in nine counties of
Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the timber
tracts aggregating 20,000 acres and giving
employment to 300 men. The executive
ability which our subject displayed and the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 163

 

 

business-like manner in which he discharged
every duty in his new capacity attracted the
attention of his friends and has contributed
much to his subsequent success following the
death of his father in 1893. Becoming one of
the executors of his father’s will, he managed
the estate until October 5, 1895, when the
firm of Monroe H. Kulp & Company was
formed. This company soon began an investi-
gation of some timber lands in Union Coun-
ty, Pa., with the result that a company was
formed and incorporated in 1897 for the pur-
pose of purchasing and developing this large
tract of timber land. ‘The company was
formed under the title of M. H. Kulp & Com-
pany, incorporated, and consisted of M. H.
Kulp, president and general manager; G.
Gilbert Kulp, vice-president; and D. C. Kase-
man, secretary and treasurer. This company
purchased a tract of timber land aggregating
25,000 acres and immediately set about de-
veloping it with the characteristic energy of
its head officer. It soon became apparent that
in order to develop the lands a railroad must
be built and a company, of which Mr. Kulp
was president and general manager, was in-
corporated for this purpose under the title of
the Lewisburg & Buffalo Valley Railway
Company. The company built a road eigh-
teen miles in length connecting with the
Pennsylvania and Reading roads at Lewis-
burg and extending into this timber field. It
is a well-equipped road for the transportation
of timber products to Lewisburg, where the
company operates a large steam saw-mill.
This industry, which is perhaps the largest
of its kind in the state, is devoted to the man-
ufacture and shipment of lumber.

Prior to the death of Darlington R. Kulp, —

the firm of Kulp, Thomas & Company had
been formed, consisting of Darlington R.
Kulp, Chester B. Thomas, and Monroe H.

 

Kulp. This firm which operated at Milroy,
Mifflin County, Pa., continued until the death
of Mr. Kulp. When the estate was settled,
Monroe H. purchased the landed interests of
this firm and the style of the firm has con-.
tinued the same to the present time. This
firm has also a large tract of timber land
which adds considerable to the already exten-
sive lumbering enterprises and includes about
5,000 acres of white pine, yellow pine and
oak forests, which is rapidly being converted
into lumber through the agency of their big
saw-mills, being reached by the means of a
fifteen-mile railroad.

In addition to the above lumbering enter-
prises of great magnitude and far-reaching
consequences in the development of the in-
dustries of the respective sections in which

‘they are located, Mr. Kulp is largely inter-

ested in a number of business corporations in
the town of his residence. He is a director in
Shamokin Water Company; Shamokin Street
Railway Company; Shamokin Steam Heat &
Power Company; Vega Silk Company of
Shamokin; and the Salt Lick Oil & Gas Com-
pany. Mr. Kulp has always been an ardent
Republican and in 1894, when the protective
interests of the business men demanded fair
representation within the halls of Congress,
Mr. Kulp, without any solicitation on his part,
was nominated for representative from the
Seventeenth Congressional District of Penn-
sylvania. against Hon. Charles R. Buckalew,
and, notwithstanding the usual adverse ma-
jority, was elected the first Republican rep-
resentative in the history of the district. At
the end of his first term he was re-elected by
an increased majority, a fitting reward for his
earnest efforts in behalf of his constituents.
At the end of his second term, owing to his
increased business, he declined a renomina-
tion preferring to give his entire time to his
164 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

business interests. Socially and fraternally
our subject stands deservedly high; he is a
member of several branches of the Masonic
fraternity, and was one of the organizers of
the Cresco Club of Shamokin; is a member
of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks; Pottsville Club; Harrisburg Club; Sun-
bury Club; Ross Club of Williamsport; The
Turf Club of Philadelphia; and Union League
of Philadelphia. June 8, 1897, he was united
in marriage with Sarah Detweiler, a sister of
Col. W. C. McConnell of Shamokin, Pa.

As one of the most widely known men in
the Seventeenth Congressional District, we
take pleasure in presenting Mr. Kulp’s port-
rait on a preceding page, in connection with
the foregoing sketch of his lifes

——__4-«-»—______

GEORGE BENNETT, a highly re-
spected citizen and successful busi-

ness man of Shamokin, North-
umberland County, Pa., was born January

31, 1837, in Warwickshire, England. He
is a son of George and Harriet (Lane)
Bennett, of England. He _ received his

early education in the schools of England but
was thrown upon his own resources at an
early age. At the age of thirteen or fourteen
years he left the home of his father, who was a
wood-sawyer by trade, and became appren-
ticed to a shoemaker, which trade he mastered
in about three years.

Soon after reaching his majority, Mr. Ben-
nett was united in marriage with Martha Ed-
wards, on January 11, 1859. Their home was
blessed by one daughter, Martha Elizabeth,
who was born June 1, 1860. Our subject
came to America in 1865. He first located at
Cumbola, Pa., where he remained for about
nine years, a portion of which time he
was engaged in mining; but subsequently, at

 

the urgent request of a number of his friends,
principally miners, he changed his business:
plans and worked at his trade. He made shoe-
making his sole vocation thereafter, and soon
enjoyed an excellent trade, supplying not only
miners and their families with footwear, but
also many others who heard of the excellence
of his work and the material he used, and trav-
eled from miles around to patronize him. At
first he carried on business on a very small
scale, but, as his patronage increased and the
demand for his goos became greater, he im-
proved and enlarged his p!ace of business, and
made ready to meet all demands for shoes. At
the end of-eight or nine years, by careful man-
agement and strict economy, he had accumu-
lated the neat sum of three thousand dollars.
Wishing to still further enlarge and extend
his business he felt the necessity of going to a
larger place, where the demand for footwear
would be greater; accordingly he removed
to the borough of Shamokin in 1873,
leased a house, and continued the same
business on a larger scale. Again suc-
cess crowned his efforts, and in 1878 he pur-
chased the grounds adjoining his place of bus-
iness and erected thereon a handsome and
commodious brick building three stories high,
24 by 150 feet, which has a large basement,
upper floor, hall, and middle floor. This ele-
gant structure is on North Market street, and
in this building Mr. Bennett has enjoyed a
successful business for the past twenty years.
Mr. Bennett carries a large and well-as-
sorted stock, not only of shoes, but of general
merchandise. In another part of the city, on
Shamokin street, he also has a branch shoe
store. By industry and frugality, he has built
up a large and exceedingly profitable business,
the fruits of which he is now enjoying.
Martha Elizabeth Bennett, daughter of our
subject, was first united in marriage with Rev.
 

DR. WILLIAM McCLELLAN REBER.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 167

 

 

Thomas Philip, a Methodist minister now de-
ceased, and a native of Cornwall, England.
Mrs. Philip was deeply attached to her first
husband and mourned his demise for seven
years when she entered a second union with
Rev. William Opie, also of Cornwall, Eng-
land. Again death deprived her of her com-
panion. Rev. Opie died in July, 1897, having
led an exemplary and useful life as a Metho-
dist minister for a period of thirty-five years.

Mr. Bennett enjoys the confidence of the
people of Shamokin and occupies several posi-
tions of trust. He is treasurer of the Anglo-
American Building & Loan Association; also
treasurer of the Guarantee Building & Loan
Association of Philadelphia, for the Shamo-
kin district. He has executed the trusts that
have devolved upon him faithfully and ef-
ficiently, and is deserving of the high reputa-
tion he enjoys for uprightness and fair deal-
ing.

He is a devout Episcopalian. Fraternally
he is a member of Black Diamond Lodge,
I. O. O. F.; also a member of the Knights
of the Mystic Chain.

R. WILLIAM McCLELLAN RE-

E BER, who is closely identified with
many of the business interests of
Bloomsburg and is a physician by profession,
is a gentleman whose trained abilities and
skilled resources have brought him into public
notice and have won for him the regard, es-
teem and respect justly due a man of his use-
fulness in the community. The work of a
physician from its innate nature is of the kind
which brings him into the closest relationship
with the people. The way in which he car-
ries his responsibilities is ever to the public a
matter of the most vital importance. That
Dr. Reber fully knows the ethics of his pro-

 

 

 

 

 

 

fession as well as the teachings, and every day
of his life lives up to them, admits of no dis-
cussion. His high standing everywhere
proves his fidelity to his patients and his suc-
cess demonstrates his talents. He is a son of
David and Margaret (Musser) Reber, and was
born in Lewisburg, Pa., March 4, 1842.

The family is of German origin and the
parents of John Reber, the grandfather of our
subject, came to this country prior to the
Revolutionary War, locating in Berks County,
Pa. John Reber was born in Berks County,
but in 1803 moved to Union County, where
he purchased a farm in Buffalo Valley and fol-
lowed farming. Having acquired a compe-
tency, in 1831 he moved to Lewisburg Pa.,
where he died in June, 1852, at the age of
eighty-two years. He was the progenitor of
the following children: John, deceased;
James, deceased; Thomas; Samuel, deceased;
David, deceased; Susan (Kleckner); Elizabeth
(Vorse); Leah (Heisler); Margaret, deceased;
and Mary (Dunkle), deceased.

David Reber, the father of our subject,
was born in Buffalo Valley, near Lewisburg,
June 19, 1817, and spent his entire life in that
locality. He was reared on a farm and re-
ceived his education in the public schools, but
he was not fifteen years old when his parents
moved to the village of Lewisburg. There,
after clerking a few years, he engaged in the
general merchandise business on his own ac-
count and continued it until 1854, when he
entered the Lewisburg Savings Bank, which
was subsequently merged into a state bank
and finally into the Lewisburg National Bank.
With such good faith did he discharge his
duties he was promoted to cashier of the bank
on May 4, 1859, continuing in that capacity
until his death on September 11, 1894. He
was also engaged in the manufacture of bricks
for a period of forty years and attained the
168 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

highest success. He was a Republican in pol-
tics and took an active interest in all matters
of local prominence, filling some of the town
offices. Religiously he was a member and a
regular attendant of the Presbyterian Church.
He was joined in wedlock with Margaret
Musser, who died June 14, 1897, at the age
of eighty years, and their union resulted in
the birth of two children:
lan, the subject of this biographical record,
and John Musser, who has been engaged in
merchandising in Boston for more than
twenty years.

Dr. Reber obtained a good mental training,
attending the Lewisburg Academy and Lew-
isburg University up to the Junior year, when
he took up the study of medicine with Dr.
William Hayes of Lewisburg. His second
year of study was under the direction of Dr.
William H. Pancoast of Philadelphia, and he
applied himself with such diligence that he

-was enabled to graduate from the Jefferson
Medical College in March, 1863. He then en-
tered the United States Navy as assistant-sur-
geon, being stationed at the naval hospital at
Norfolk, Va., and subsequently at the naval
hospital in Brooklyn, N. Y. He next saw ser-
vice on a gun-boat fleet for one and one-half
years on the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennes-
see rivers, being division surgeon of the roth
District of the Mississippi Squadron, and then
on the U. S. S. Lackawanna, which went on a
cruise to the Sandwich Islands, stopping at
Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, passing through
the Strait of Magellan, and then stopping at
Valparaiso. While at Valparaiso he with other
officers visited the beautiful city of Santiago,
capital of Chile. He left the service in De-
cember, 1868, and in the following February
located at Bloomsburg, where he has since
practiced, having acquired a large general
clientage. He is a member of the National,

William McClel-.

 

State and County Medical associations, and
has served as president, and also as secretary
and treasurer of the last named organization
almost continuously for nearly thirty years.
Besides the attention devoted to his practice
and his profession he has identified himself
with many business enterprises, among them:
as director of the Bloomsburg School Fur-
nishing Company; director of the Blooms-
burg Water Company; director of the North
Branch Furnishing Company of Bloomsburg,
of which he is president; and is financially in-
terested in the Bloomsburg Steam Heating
Company; the Bloomsburg Elevator Works;
the Bloomsburg Land Improvement Com-
pany; the Bloomsburg Silk Mill; and the
Bloomsburg Carpet Mill. He is a trustee of
the Bloomsburg State Normal School.

On September 12, 1871, Dr. Reber was
united in marriage with Elizabeth McKinney,
a daughter of David L. and Martha H. Mc-
Kinney, and they are the parents of two
children: Edith McKinney and William Me-
Kelvy. He is a Republican, but only takes
that interest in politics shown by all dutiful
and intelligent citizens, having never sought
office. He has been secretary of the board
of health of Bloomsburg since its organiza-
tion. Socially he is a member of Blooms-
burg Council, No. 957, Royal -Arcanum, be-
ing a charter member and its medical
examiner since its incorporation. He served
as U. S. Examining Surgeon from 1879 to
1889, when a board of examining surgeons
was appointed and he was made president
of this board and served until 1893, when he
and the other Republican members were
removed,

The publishers of this volume take pleasure
in announcing that Dr. Reber’s portrait ap-
pears on a preceding page in connection with
the above account of his life.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 169

 

 

OHN H. VINCENT, Esq., one of
Northumberland’s most estimable
citizens, is a leading attorney-at-law

who enjoys a large and lucrative practice. He
is a son of Isaac and Rebecca (Comly) Vin-
cent, and was born in Delaware township,
Northumberland County, Pa., December 2,
1826.

Our subject is of Dutch descent and traces
his lineage back to his great-grandfather,
John Vincent, who came to this country as
early as 1772 and became one of the pioneers
of Northumberland County. One of his sons,
Daniel, became the owner of about 400 acres
of land near Fort Freeland, lying along War-
rior Run Creek, and in the year 1790 he built
the first mill in that vicinity. This was re-
modeled in 1818 and is now standing; he did
the work for the farms for many miles dis-
tant and was a very prominent man. He was
at Fort Freeland when it was attacked by the
Indians and he and his wife were taken prison-
ers, but, as she was in a delicate condition, she
was sent back to her friends on horse-back.
Mr. Vincent was taken up into Canada where
he was held in bondage for four years, during
which time he acted as butcher for his captors.
During his fights with the Indians he sus-
tained an injury in the side which gradually
grew worse and finally resulted in his death.
He and many members of his family now lie
buried in the Warrior Run Cemetery. His
wife’s maiden name was Angeline Huff and
their children were as follows: Phoebe; Isaac,
the father of the gentleman whose name heads
these lines; John; and Elizabeth. The old
family property was divided equally between
the two sons, John and Isaac.

Isaac Vincent was born on the old home-
stead in Northumberland County and early
in life took to agricultural pursuits. He fell
héir to one-half of his father’s estate, and

 

lived on it throughout his entire life. He was
united in marriage with Rebecca Comly, a na-
tive of Philadelphia, Pa., and the following
children were born to bless their home: Ezra
C.; a child who died in infancy; Nancy;
Daniel; Charles; Caroline; Isaac; John H.,
the subject of this biographical record; Re-
becca; Hannah M.; Elizabeth; and Henry
Clay.

John H. Vincent attended the public
schools and the McEwensville Academy after
which he taught school for some time; saving
his earnings he was enabled to enter Lafayette
College at Easton, Pa., and there remained
until he had passed the junior year, when he
enrolled at Williams College, Mass. He
graduated from the latter institution in 1849
and then went to Charlestown, S. C., where
he engaged as a school teacher. He later re-
moved to Alabama where he also taught
school until he returned home and began his
preparation for the legal profession, entering
the law office of Gov. James Pollock. One
year later he took up his study in the Mc-
Carty Law School, and was admitted to the
bar in 1854, immediately thereafter beginning
practice at Easton. He displayed much abil-
ity as a practitioner and remained in Easton
until 1857 and then located at Milford, Pike
County, where he resided when the Civil War
broke out. In 1862 our subject enlisted as a

private in Company B, 151st Reg., Pa. Vol.

Inf., but was made 2d lieutenant before the
company saw service. He was later promoted
to Ist lieutenant and served as such in the bat-
tle of Chancellorsville, and in many skir-
mishes, receiving his discharge in 1863. Re-
turning then to: Milford, Pike County, he took
up his practice of law and remained there un-
til 1867, since which time he has been located
in Northumberland. He has a large practice,
being patronized by an influential class of
170 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

citizens and he is regarded as one of the fore-
most business men of the borough. In 1877 he
built a large and handsome brick residence
and office on Queen street, where he has
since been located.

Mr. Vincent has twice been joined in hy-
meneal bonds, first with Mary C. Davis, a
daughter of John Davis of Easton, and they
had two children: Julia, who died at an early
age; and May, the wife of J. W. Elliott of
Renova, Pa. Mrs. Vincent died young and
our subject formed a second matrimonial al-
liance with Caroline M. Montgomery, who
comes of a very prominent family of this sec-
tion. She isa daughter of William Montgom-
ery and traces her ancestry back to Robert
Montgomery, who, at the age of thirty-two
yéars emigrated to this country from County
Armagh, Ireland, settling in Dauphin Coun-
ty, Pa. He located on the site of the present
city of Harrisburg and served as one of the
first grand jurors of Dauphin County. He
died in 1776 at the age of seventy-one years.
He and his wife Sarah became the parents of
five children, namely:- William; Thomas;
Hugh; David; and John. John Montgomery
was born in Ireland, and was four years of
age when brought to this country by his par-
ents. He grew to manhood in Dauphin
County, Pa., and became a farmer by occupa-
tion. In 1773 he exchanged an improved
farm in that county for a wild tract of land
in Turbot township, Northumberland Coun-
ty, the other party to the exchange being
William Patterson. It proved to be a good
transaction on John’s part, and he realized
a good advantage and started his career there
under better conditions than did most of the
pioneers. After getting his affairs straight-
ened out and in a prosperous condition, his
home was attacked by a band of Indians and
he was obliged to flee with his family to Fort

 

Freeland for safety. It was while at that fort
that, on July 28, 1779, they were attacked
by a party of over 300 Indians and British
soldiers; then John sought refuge at his old
home in Dauphin County, settling near Har-
risburg. When peace had finally been de-
clared, in 1783, he returned to his home in
Northumberland County, rebuilt the build-
ings which had been destroyed, and erected a
limestone house which still remains standing.
He continued in his work about the farm until
November 8, 1792, when he was killed by a
falling tree while building the Derry road.
He was fifty-eight years old. His wife died on
March 2, 1821, aged eighty years; both lie
buried in the Chillisquaque burying-ground.
Religiously they were both members of the
Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Montgomery's
maiden name was Christianna Foster. To
them were born the following children: Rob-
ert; John; William; David; Jane; and
Sarah. William Montgomery, the grand-
father of Mrs. Vincent, was born at what is
now Paradise, Turbot township, Northumber-
land County, and succeeded to the ownership
of the old homestead on which he followed
farming all of his life. He died August 22,
1853, at the age of seventy-six years and his
wife died in 1806, at the age of twenty-six
years. He married Rachael Simpson, by
whom he had three children: Nancy, the wife
of Robert Van Valzah, M. D.; John T., who
married Hannah Hower; and William, the
father of the wife of our subject. William was
born on the old homestead on March 7, 1805,
and early in life settled at Limestone Ridge,
but later bought a fine property at McEwens-
ville, where he engaged in farming. He was
very successful and at his demise owned a
fine estate. He died in February, 1875, as a
result of small-pox. He was united in mar-
riage with Molly Caldwell, a daughter of John
 

 

 

 

 

P. C. NEWBAKER.

HON.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 173

 

 

Caldwell, and their children were: William
C., who married Hadassa G. Dearmond; Mary
Jane, who resides with our subject and who
married John M. Thatcher, a hot-water fur-
nace manufacturer of New York, now dead;
Caroline M.; and Sarah E., the wife of Val-
entine S. Truckermiller of Truckermiller’s
Mills.

Our subject and his wife had four children,
two of whom are now living: John, a law stu-
dent living at home; and Caroline, who is al-
so at home. Those deceased were: William
M., and Ella. Mr. Vincent is a Democrat in
politics. He has held the office of justice of
the peace since 1889, with the exception of
one year; he also has been a school director
and has filled minor offices for several years.

 

ON. P. C. NEWBAKER, one of the

oldest and most prominent physt-

cians and surgeons of Montour

County, Pa., whose portrait we take pleasure
in presenting on the foregoing page, is a resi-
dent of Danville, and is held in high esteem
by the citizens of that place. He was born
near the village of Halifax, Dauphin County,
Pa., August 13, 1843, and is a son of Dr. John
B. and Caroline Elizabeth (Maize) Newbaker,
and a grandson of Philip Newbaker. The
great-great-grandfather of our subject was
Martin Newbaker who emigrated from Ger-
many to America prior to the Revolutionary
War. The family name was originally spelled
Neubecker. His son Philip, our subject's
great-grandfather, was a lieutenant in a Co-
lonial regiment and after Independence was
won settled: at the mouth of Powell’s Creek,
Dauphin County, Pa., on the banks of the
Susquehanna River and there carried on agri-
cultural pursuits the remainder of his active

 

days. His son, Philip second, our subject's
grandfather, then became the owner of the
property and lived there until the time of his
death in 1865.  Inglenook Station on the
Northern Central R. R. is located upon the
farm, and Inglenook Club House, where the
business men of Harrisburg spend many of
their leisure hours fishing and otherwise en-
joying themselves, is built upon the river
bank near the old homestead. Our subject’s
father, Dr. John B. Newbaker, was born and
reared upon his father’s farm and received a
good education in the district schools after
which he studied medicine and graduated
from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadel-
phia, in the class of 1852, subsequently re-
moved to Northumberland County, Pa., and
at present resides at Trevorton, in the same
county. where he still successfully practices
his profession. He was asst.-surgeon in the
56th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., in the Civil War and
represented the Northumberland-Montour
District in the H. R. Pa., in 1872.

Our subject acquired a good academic edu-
cation in the West Branch High School at
Jersey Shore, Pa., and at Missionary Institute
at Selinsgrove, Pa.; after teaching several
months he entered the office of his father and
commenced the study of medicine. On April
23, 1861, at the beginning of the Civil War,
he enlisted in Company F, rith Reg., Pa.
Vol. Inf., first three months’ call, was in one
of the first engagements of the war at Hokes
Run, W. Va., and was discharged at Harris-
burg, Pa., July 31, 1865, by reason of expira-
tion of term of service. On August 12, 1862,
he re-enlisted in Company K, 15th Reg., Pa.
Vol. Cav., at Philadelphia for a term of three
years and his regiment was assigned to duty
under General Rosecrans, where he saw hard
service and was in a number of engagements
in the Army of the Cumberland. On account
174 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

of continued sickness and debility, induced by
exposure in active service in the campaign
in Kentucky and Tennessee, during the win-
ter and spring of 1863, he was transferred to
Company D, 2d Reg., Veteran Reserve
Corps, in which he continued to serve as clerk
of his company until the close of the war,
when he received an honorable discharge July
5, 1865. Returning home he again took up
the study of medicine under his father’s direc-
tion, and later-entered Jefferson Medical Col-
lege from which he graduated March 12,
1869. Shortly afterward he located in Wash-
ingtonville, Montour County (Feb. 6, 1870),
where he soon built up a large and lucrative
practice. He continued his practice in that
village sixteen years, when he removed to
Danville, in 1886, where he has since followed
the practice of his profession, being already
well and favorably known throughout the
county. He has been remarkably successful
in his profession.

Hon. P. C. Newbaker is an ardent sup-
porter of the Democratic party and in 1878
was nominated and elected to represent Mon-
tour County in the State Legislature; in 1880
he was again honored with a seat in that body,
which shows his popularity throughout the
county. At the general election, held Novem-
ber 8, 1898, Dr. Newbaker was elected treas-
urer of Montour County for a term of three
years, commencing January 1, 1899. He is
president of the Danville School Board, hav-
ing held that office since June, 1897; is a
member of the State and County Medical So-
cieties; a member of Goodrich Post, No. 22,
G. A. R.; Union Veteran Legion; Danville
Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M., of which he is
past master; and has been secretary of the
Board of United States Examining Surgeons
at Danville, Pa., since 1886. He purchased
a residence at No. 105 West Mahoning street

 

in 1886, to which he has made many improve-
ments and has added an office. He was united
in the bonds of matrimony with Amelia A.
Koons, a daughter of Benjamin Koons of
Weissport, Pa., and their union has been
blessed by five children: Winifred M., a grad-
uate of the Pittsburg Musical Conservatory,
who afterward completed her musical educa-
tion at New York, and at Berlin, Germany,
and is one of the most talented musicians in
Central Pennsylvania; Charles A., a graduate
of Lehigh University, is an electrical engineer;
Bertha, a graduate of the Danville High
School; Edward J., who attended West Point
and Lehigh University, is now a mining engi-
neer; and Francis W., at present a student in
the Danville High School.

 

ceased. The annals of the bench and
NX bar of Pennsylvania record no
worthier, nobler life than that of the gentle-
man named above. For twenty-six consecu-
tive years he was president judge of the
Twenty-sixth Judicial District of Pennsylva-
nia, being the representative of no political
party, but of the people, and during that time
he meted out justice with strict and impartial
hand, showing mercy to the oppressed and
handling the oppressor with severity. None
could cope with him intellectually and his rec-
ord as judge will bear the closest scrutiny, as
in every case but one, in which his decision
was appealed to a higher court, the supreme _
judges respected his learned reasoning and ac-
cordingly sustained his rulings. His home
was at Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pa.,
for many years prior to his death, but he en-
joyed a state-wide reputation.
Judge Elwell was ason of Daniel and Nancy.

Ae WILLIAM ELWELL, de-

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 175

 

 

(Prentice) Elwell, and was born at Athens,
Bradford County, Pa., October 9, 1808. He
was a. descendant of a prominent old family
of Staffordshire, England. The first of the
family to come to America was Robert El-
well, who, it is thought, came over in 1633 in
the ship “Griffin” with Gov. Haynes and Rev.
Thomas Hooker. Robert-located at Sa'em,
Mass., prior to 1635, but later purchased land
and settled at Eastern Point, Mass., where he
resided at his death in 1683, owning consider-
able property in that section.

Jabez Elwell, great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a soldier of the Revolutionary War,
serving in the Dutchess County Militia under
Col. Henry Ludenton. His son, John Elwell,
grandfather of our subject, was also an active
participant in the struggle of our forefathers
for freedom; he was among the brave men
who, in answer to the ‘Lexington Alarm,”
marched from Connecticut towns to the relief
of the city of Boston in April, 1775.

Daniel Elwell, our subject’s father, married
Nancy Prentice, a daughter of Dr. Amos
Prentice, who traced her lineage back through
nine generations to Capt. Thomas Prentice,
the time being about 1620. He lived at New-
ton Center, Mass., and was formerly a soldier
in the Army of Cromwell. His death resulted
at the age of ninety-one years as a result of
injuries sustained by a fall from his horse
while going to church. Dr. Amos Prentice
was a soldier of the Revolution and when the
city of New London, Conn., was destroyed by
fire he was forced to flee for his life. He re-
moved to Milltown, Pa., and there resided un-
til his demise, being buried in the cemetery
at Sayre, Pa. Daniel Elwell and his wife
were the parents of six children, William, the
subject of this sketch, being the second born.

William Elwell’s early career was spent in
the town of his nativity, where he received a

 

good English education in the Athens Acad-
emy, attending that institution until he was
nineteen years of age, when we find him acting
in the capacity of assistant to Chief-Engineer
Randall in running exploring lines on both
sides of the Susquehanna River, the object of
their efforts being to locate a canal southward
from the New York State line. Upon leav-
ing the engineering corps he engaged as a
school teacher for a period of three years and
then entered upon the study of law in the
office of Horace Williston. Possessing all of
the qualifications essential to a successful
practitioner of the legal profession, he made
rapid advancement and was admitted to the
bar in February, 1833. During the succeed-
ing sixteen years he was engaged in practice
with his legal preceptor in the northern coun-
ties of the state until Mr. Williston was ap-
pointed president judge of the Thirteenth
Judicial District. He was a Democrat in poli-
tics and in 1842 and 1843 was elected to rep-
resent his district in the State Legislature.

During his first term at Harrisburg he was

honored with the chairmanship of the judi-
ciary committee, which was composed of such
men of distinction as Judges Sharswood, Gam-
bie, Barrett, Hendrick B. Wright, and
Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, and his reputation
is made brilliant by comparison with these
men of recognized ability. As chairman of
this committee, he prepared and reported the
bill providing for the abolishment of imprison-
ment for debt, which custom is now univer-
sally recognized as one of-the cruelest ever
supported by the law. This bill stands to-day
as originally reported by him. During the
term of 1843 he served faithfully as chairman
of the committee of ways and means. In 1844
he declined the proffered nomination for
member of Congress, as the practice of law
possessed greater attractions for him than the
176 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

field of politics. Nevertheless, in 1866, he
yielded to the demands of his party with great
reluctance, and consented to be a candidate

for a seat in Congress, and in the election he
polled a vote far in excess of the remainder

of his party ticket, but failed to overcome the
Republican majority.

As a lawyer Judge Elwell was without a
peer, and that his practice grew to vast pro-
portions is evidenced by the Supreme Court
reports, in which are recorded more than one
hundred cases which he argued. In 1862 his
career on the bench began, when he was
elected to the president judgeship of the
Twenty-sixth Judicial District, comprising the
counties of Columbia, Sullivan and Wyoming.
He served his term with credit to himself, his
rulings being characterized throughout by the
greatest fairness, and in 1872 he was re-elected
to fill the same office, the opposing party re-
fusing to place a candidate in the field. In
May, 1874, Wyoming and Sullivan counties
were created the Forty-fourth Judicial Dis-
trict, and Columbia and Montour counties
were designated as the Twenty-sixth Judicial
District. Upon his first election Judge Elwell
removed to Bloomsburg, which continued to
be his home until his demise. In April, 1871,
he was chosen as umpire to decide the disputes
of the miners and operators of the anthracite
coal region, and so impartially did he dis-
charge his duties as such that both parties
were satisfied that his decision was a just one.
Frequently he was urged to become a candi-
date for the Supreme bench, and although he
refused to allow a canvass to be made, his
name was placed before the convention and
he received many votes. Likewise, he was
often spoken of as a candidate for governor
of the Commonwealth, but, deeming it incon-
sonant with judicial propriety to make a per-
sonal canvass, he refused to allow any elec-

*

 

tioneering to be done in his favor. His second
term having expired, the bar of the Twenty-
sixth Judicial District met and, sweeping aside
all party feelings, unanimously requested him
to accept a third term as judge, and Judge
Elwell having consented, the political organi-
zations followed the lead of the bar and named
him as their choice for the office. To take ad-
vantage of trying a case before him, cases were
transferred to Columbia County from other
districts and it is estimated that up to the time
of his resignation he held more special courts
than any judge who ever sat upon the bench
in that district. He reasoned a case out to its
fullest extent and when a party to a suit left
his court it was always with the satisfaction of
knowing just why the case had been decided
against him or in his favor. In placing an
interpretation on the statutes and deciding
their general purview, he was unexcelled, and
his decisions never failed to meet with ap-
proval at the hands of the Supreme Court.
Many celebrated cases were brought before
him for hearing, each involving the right of
parties to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Among these were the Williamsport bond
case; Fisher vs. the City of Philadelphia;
Tryon and Dull vs. Munson; and _ the cele-
brated Cameron will case from Union County,
in which an elaborate argument was prepared
by eminent counsel for the appellant, but the
Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the
lower court, as it did in all of these cases. He
also tried the “Mollie Maguire” case, which
grew out of the murder of Alexander Rea,
and in it decided many important and doubt-
ful questions on the law of homicide, the re-
port of the case constituting a large volume
of itself; again he was upheld by the higher
court. Numerous cases of equity were
brought to a hearing before him and in the
exercise of his discretion as to justice and
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 177

 

 

moral rights he proved as competent as in the
interpretation of legal rights, for but one de-
cision was reversed. The wonderful record of
not a reversal in the cases of his district
brought before him in the courts of Oyer and
Terminer, Quarter Sessions, and Orphan’s
Court makes his opinions, which appeared in
state reports, weekly notes of cases, and’ other
legal publications, valuable additions to the
legal authorities of the state.

Judge Elwell, after spending twenty-six

years on the bench, began to decline in health’

as a result of his long and active business
life, and in 1888 he lost his hearing. He spent
the following winter in Florida but without
the relief hoped for, and in July, 1889, six
months after his illness began, he tendered his
resignation to the governor of the state, this
being the only known instance in the state of
a judge resigning before the expiration of his
term owing to illness, but his extreme honesty
and independence would not permit him to
draw a salary from the state for duties which
he had ceased to perform. He then lived in
retirement in Bloomsburg without showing
any signs of improvement, finally passing
away October 15, 1895, leaving to his child-
ren the legacy of a noble life well spent. Few
men ever possessed the confidence and es-
teem of the public to a higher degree, and
when intelligence of his death reached pub-
licity there was universal expression of regret,
and upon the day of his funeral all places of
business were closed as a token of the regard
in which the people held him. The funeral
services, prior to removing his body to To-
wanda, Bradford County, Pa., for interment
in the family burial-lot, were conducted in St.
Paul’s Church, and the citizens who turned
out to pay a final tribute to a beloved friend
filled the church to the doors. The boards of
trustees of the Bloomsburg Literary Institute

 

and State Normal School, the town council,
and the vestry of St. Paul’s Church, all passed
resolutions of respect to his memory.

Judge Elwell always was regarded as one of
the foremost citizens of Bloomsburg and Co-
lumbia County. In 1881 he was appointed
on the bi-centennial committee by Gov.
Hoyt, but his official duties prevented him
from taking a very active part in that cele-
bration. In 1868 he was elected trustee of the
Bloomsburg Literary Institute and State
Normal School, serving as president of that
body from 1873 until 1891, and in its darkest
days he did much toward guiding it through;
it is to-day a flourishing institution and its
sound financial standing is largely due to his
untiring efforts in its behalf. Religiously he
was a devout member of St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church.

Judge Elwell was twice united in the holy
bonds of matrimony, his first union being with
Clemana Shaw of Towanda, Pa., by whom
he had three children, as follows: William El-
well, Jr., deceased, who went to Plymouth,
Wis., in early manhood and engaged in mer-
chandising for a number of years, but subse-
quently removed to Sheboygan, Wis., where
he was clerk of the county courts for several
years and finally became superintendent of
construction of a railroad from Milwaukee to
Sheboygan, and also served as superintendent
of the road after its completion; Clemana, the
relict of the late P. H. Smith, who was en-
gaged in merchandising and served one term
as a state senator of Wisconsin,—she now re-
sides with her family in Plymouth, Wis.; and
one child who died in infancy. Mrs. Elwell
died and he was again married, September 19,
1844, to Mary Louise Thayer, a daughter of
Col. Ebenezer and Martha (Ager) Thayer.

Col. Ebenezer Thayer was born in Wil-
liamstown, Mass., August 28, 1788, and de-
178 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

scended from Ebenezer Thayer, who emi-
grated from England in the sixteenth cen-
tury and settled near Boston, Mass., where
his son Ebenezer was born. The latter was
the progenitor of a family of five children, as
follows: Baruch, grandfather of Mrs. Elwell;
Daniel, who moved to Shelburne, Vt., and
married a daughter of Capt. Clark, who at-
tained distinction in the Revolutionary War;
Eli, who also settled in Shelburne, Vt., and
married a niece of Gen. Montgomery, who
was killed at Quebec during the Revolution-
ary War; Reuben; and Rachel, who died in
early womanhood.

Baruch Thayer was born in Mendon, Mass.,
September 19, 1764, and was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War, being stationed at West
Point where he witnessed the execution of the
British spy, Maj. Andre. In 1783 he married
Mary Bingham who was of Scotch descent
and lived at Windham, Conn., and then moved
to Williamstown, Mass. In 1804 he removed
to Shelburne, Vt., and seven years later to
Batavia, N. Y., where he died in January,
1826. Mrs. Mary Bingham Thayer died at
Batavia, N. Y., June 14, 1860, at the remark-
able age of ninety-eight years. Their union
was blessed by thirteen children, one of whom
was Col. Ebenezer Thayer, the father of the
wife of our subject

In December, 1808, Col. Thayer moved to
Ithaca, N. Y., and soon after his marriage two
years later, he removed to New York City
and there enlisted in the service of his coun-
try during the War of 1812. He subsequently
moved to Watkins, N. Y., where he was en-
gaged in dealing in shoes, and during the ad-
ministration of Buchanan, 1856 to 1860, he
served as postmaster of that village. In 1870
he retired from business and moved to Troy,
Pa., but a few years later moved with his fam-
ily to Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pa.,

 

where he and his wife lived the remainder of
their lives. She died at the age of seventy-
six years, and he passed away on the 20th of
August, 1880, aged ninety-four years. While
a resident of Ithaca, N. Y., on September 12,
1810, he was joined in hymeneal bonds with
Martha Ager, who was of Scotch descent on
the paternal side of the family and French on
the maternal, and they. reared six children,
one of whom is the relict of our subject, Mary
Louise. She was born in Ithaca, N. Y., Jan-
uary 14, 1824, and now resides in Blooms-
burg, Pa.

Judge and Mrs. Elwell became the parents
of six children, a record of whom follows: E.
W. Elwell, freight agent and in charge of the
State line and Sullivan Branch of the Lehigh
Valley Railroad, born in Towanda, Bradford
County, and still resides there, having been in
the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad for
more than thirty years. He married Harriet
M., a daughter of William Neal of Blooms-
burg, and they had two children: Catharine,
who died at the age of eighteen years, and
William, who died at the age of sixteen years.
George E. Elwell, the second son of Judge
Elwell by his second marriage, resides in
Bloomsburg, a record of whose life fol-
laws. Marie Louise, who was born in To-
wanda, Pa., in 1853, is the wife of N. U. Funk,
Esq., of Bloomsburg, whose sketch appears
e'sewhere in this Book of Biographies. Mar-
tha died in April, 1864, aged five years.
Robert died in December, 1863, aged
three years. Charles Prentice, whose pro-
fession if that of a musician, was born in
January, 1868, was educated in the Blooms-
burg State Normal School and in the Dio-
cesan School at Reading, Pa. From the lat-
ter institution, he entered the New England
Conservatory of Music at Boston, and spent
four years there. He has proved a talented

a
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 179

 

 

and accomplished musician, and has estab-
lished a good reputation as an instructor of
instrumental music.

GEORGE EDWARD ELWELL, who
since 1893 has been sole owner and proprietor
of The Columbian, the oldest paper published
in Columbia County, is a gentleman of high
intellectual attainments and through the me-
dium of his paper has materially assisted in
promoting all of the worthy enterprises and
undertakings which have made the town of
Bloomsburg what it is at the present time.
He is a son of Judge William Elwell, the sub-
ject of the foregoing sketch, and was born in
Towanda, Pa., October 16, 1848. His early
mental training was obtained in the Susque-
hanna Collegiate Institute of Towanda, at
George R. Barker’s preparatory school at
Philadelphia, and in the Bloomsburg Literary

_Institute. He then took a complete course
of study in Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.,
and was graduated in 1870, after which he
was appointed assistant principal of the Fifth
Street School in Bloomsburg, Pa., in which
capacity he served until January, 1871. Being
elected a member of the faculty of the Blooms-
burg Literary Institute and State Normal
School, he became professor of English liter-
ature, French and German, and was instruct-
tor in these subjects until July, 1873. He
then pursued the study of law with his father
and in the office of C. B. Brockway, Esq., and
was admitted to the bar September 4, 1874,
upon the same day forming a partnership with
Mr. Brockway under the firm name of Brock-
way & Elwell. They enjoyed a very successful
practice. On October 1, 1875, they entered
the field of journalism, purchasing The Co-
lumbian. This publication they edited togeth-
er until October 1, 1879, when J. K. Bitten-
bender succeeded to Mr. Brockway’s interest,

 

and on February 23, 1893, our subject became
the sole owner and has since conducted the
journal alone. “The Cotumbian,” a large
three-story brick building on Main street, is
the largest and oldest printing establishment
in its section of the state. Democratic in
politics, the newspaper’s influence makes it a
controlling factor in the affairs of the party
throughout the district. At present Mr. EI-
well is not engaged in the practice of law but
devotes his entire time to editing the paper
and looking after his private business.

On October 26, 1876, Mr. Elwell was
united in marriage to Mary A. McKelvy, a
daughter of I. W. McKelvy of Bloomsburg,
and they have one son, George Edward, Jr.,
who was born April 19, 1886. Mr. Elwell
is a member of the board of trustees of the
Bloomsburg State Normal School; is a di-
rector of the Industrial Building & Loan
Association; formerly was a director of the
Bloomsburg Gas Company, and the Blooms-
burg Water Company; and was vice-president
of the Board of Trade. Politically he is a
Democrat, served several years as a member
of the Democratic State Central Committee,
and served four years as a member of the town
council of the borough. In religious attach-
ments he is a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church, and has always been active in the
church work. He has been a vestryman for
more than twenty years and a deputy to the
diocesan convention a greater part of that
period. He also has had charge of the music
of the church as organist and choirmaster for
thirty years. In 1874 with the assistance of
the rector, Rev. John Hewitt, he succeeded
in raising $1,200, with which a pipe organ was
purchased. In 1897 he assisted in raising
subscriptions amounting to $3,000, with the
assistance of several church guilds, for the
purchase of a new organ, which was placed
180 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

in the church in time for the Easter services
of 1808.

—____+ + >—__—_

ILLIAM KRICKBAUM, editor and

proprietor of The Democratic Sen-

tinel and The Bloomsburg Daily, Blooms-

burg, Pa., is a native of Catawissa township,

Colitmbia County, Pa., and was born Sep-
tember 18, 1835.

The Krickbaums are of German extraction,
and the first of the family to settle in the
United States located in Montgomery Coun-
ty, Pa. The first to settle in Catawissa town-
ship was Philip Krickbaum who located there
in the spring of 1794. His wife’s maiden
name was Susannah Trexler of Hickorytown,
near Philadelphia. He died in 1822, aged
sixty-three years; his wife also died in Cata-
wissa township, and both are buried in the
Catawissa Cemetery.

Henry Krickbaum, father of our subject,
was a farmer owning some two hundred acres
of land in Catawissa township, and he died
when our subject was but a year old, and his
widow, Susan (Breisch) Krickbaum, married
for her second husband Benjamin Miller. Wil-
liam remained on the farm with his mother
and stepfather until he reached his majority,
and in the meantime attended the common
schools of the vicinity several years; also for
two terms at Millville, Pa., Seminary; and
subsequently spent two terms at Dickinson
Seminary, Williamsport, Pa., and one more
term at Millville. Previous to his last school
term at Millville, in March, 1857, he married
Judith Miller, daughter of George Miller of
Maine township, Columbia County. During
his student days he had taught school and he
followed that vocation, all told, about twelve
terms. From his majority he had always tak-
en an active part in politics, and worked in the

 

interest of the Democratic party, to which he
is now and always has been an adherent, and
in 1866, while still teaching, he was appointed
clerk to the commissioners of Columbia Coun-
ty, a position he filled with rare ability for
twelve consecutive years; during a greater
part of that time he acted as deputy treasurer
and as sheriff's clerk. In 1878 he resigned
the clerkship to accept the office of prothono-
tary and clerk of the courts, to which he had
been elected the same year. In this office he
served two terms and in 1889 was a candidate
for a third term, but, although having a ma-
jority of 175 of the popular vote, under the
limited system of voting in choosing delegates
(which system has since been done away with),
was defeated.

April 12, 1885, Mr. Krickbaum purchased
the office and plant of The Democratic Senti-
nel in Bloomsburg. The paper was then 24
by 36 inches, of seven columns per page, had.
a circulation of 600 and was printed on an old
Washington hand press. Since then he has
enlarged the paper to a nine-column, 28 by
44 inches, and has a circulation of 2,500, the
edition being printed on a two-revolution,
four-roller, job and book press. In Novem-
ber, 1888, our subject was elected a member
of the State Legislature, and was re-elected
in November, 1890, serving two full terms
with credit to himself and constituents. In
February, 1892, he started The Bloomsburg
Daily, an independent journal which, together
with the Sentinel, he is still publishing, and it
is the only daily paper printed in Columbia
County. In 1896 our subject was prevailed
upon to again enter politics, and in November
of that year was elected one of the board of
county commissioners, which office he hoids
at present, the term being for three years.
In addition to the above responsible positions
he has also held township offices, served as a
 

JAMES M. SHEW.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 183

 

 

delegate in state and national conventions,
and in fact for upward of thirty-six years Mr.
Krickbaum has been officially and otherwise
prominently and influentially identified with
the Democratic politics of Columbia County.

Probably no man ever held a public posi-
tion in the county who worked with truer
regard for the interest of the tax-payers and
their public welfare than did Mr. Krickbaum
through his exceptional long service to the
county as an official anda newspaper man.
It is proverbial that in his taking charge of
the prothonotary office, and indeed, from the
first years of his service as county commis-
sioner’s clerk, many fees in the sheriff's and
prothonotary’s office and bills in the commis-
sioner’s office, which he thought exorbitant
and an injustice to the tax-payers, were re-
duced through him to a lower and more con-
siderate figure and remained so during his
official occupancy.

—_——__—+-2 > __—_

AMES M. SHEW, proprietor of the
Bloomsburg Paper Company, manu-
facturing waterproof paper for cart-

ridges and blasting, also for mining, packing,
etc., and one of the highly esteemed residents
of the town, was born in Baltimore County,
Md., September 9, 1831, and is a son of Jos-
eph and Mary (Shew) Shew.

Joseph Shew, the father of our subject, was
born in London, England, and during his boy-
hood days came to the United States and lo-
cated in Baltimore County, Md. He was a
man of more than ordinary intelligence, was
a farmer by vocation, and also followed sur-
veying. He acted as constable for several
years, and when the War of 1812 broke out
offered his services in defense of his country
and was probably an emergency man in the

 

protection of Baltimore. He was wedded to
Mary Shew, of Scottish origin but a native of
Virginia, and a family of four children was
born to this union, namely: Our subject;
Henry, who died while en route for Denver,
Col., on business in behalf of the Order of
Railway Conductors, he having been a con-
ductor on the Baltimore Central R. R. a num-
ber of years; Jacob, a machinist and engineer
at Port Deposit, Md.; and Mary, wife of
Charles Heiser of Baltimore, Md.

James M. Shew, the subject of this bio-
graphical sketch, was but seven years of age
when he began to serve an apprenticeship in
the paper mills of Baltimore County, which
were owned by William H. Hoffman who is
now deceased. He remained in the mills for
forty-four years, during which time he was
promoted several times; in 1858 he was
promoted to manager of the entire plant
of four mills, Gunpowder, Marble Vale, Clip-
per, and Rockdale, all of which are located in
Baltimore County, Md. Upon the death of

‘William H. Hoffman, the proprietor of the

mills, his sons fell heirs to the entire plant,
and, wishing to reduce the expenses of the
mills they lowered ‘the salaries of the em-
ployees, and our subject was one who refused
to accept a reduction in his pay and accord-
ingly quit. He came to Scott township, Co-
lumbia County, Pa., and purchased a half in-
terest in the Trench Paper Mills located in
Fishing Creek township, and the firm name
became Trench & Shew; later Mr. Trench
sold his interest to J. H. Maize and the firm
name was changed to Maize & Shew. After
being connected with this paper company
nearly two years, his former employers, the
Hoffmans, wishing him to return to them, of-
fered an increase over his former salary, and
bought J. H. Maize’s interest in the paper
mills of Fishing Creek township, thus reliev-
184 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

ing our subject of the obligation of partner-
ship, and Mr. Shew returned to Baltimore.
After managing the Baltimore mills three and
one-half years, he returned to Bloomsburg,
and in 1892 became sole owner of the paper
mills of that town. The mills are operated by
‘the magnificent water power of the Fishing
Creek. The mills have a capacity of two
thousand pounds of paper per day and give
steady employment to nine men. A few years
ago our subject bought the Hulshiser shops
near his home and does all kinds of black-
smithing and repairing.

In politics Mr. Shew is a strong Republi-
can, and his party gave him the nomination
for associate judge and, although not elected,
he received more votes than any other Re-
publican that ran on the same ticket.

On February 6, 1852, Mr. Shew was united
in marriage to Anna Mary Fisher, a daughter
of Lewis Fisher of York County, Pa., and to
this union eleven children were born, namely:
Sarah, deceased; Margaret J.; Lydia, wife of
Robert J. Ruhl; Rebecca, who wedded
John B. Kidd of Baltimore, Md.; Mary, wife
of D. S. Richards, also of Baltimore, Md.;
James U. M., whose sketch may also be found
in this work; Josephine, united in the bonds
of wedlock to George B. Smith of Scott town-
ship, Columbia County; Irene, wife of Wil-
liam M. Ent of Light Street, Pa.; Phoebe;
and John W., a paper manufacturer of
Bloomsburg. Mr. Shew is a member of the
following fraternal orders: | Washington
Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M., of Bloomsburg;
Bloomsburg Chapter, No. 218, R. A. M.; Mt.
Moriah Council, No. 10, R. & S. M.; Crusade
Commandery, No. 12, K. T.; Orient Con-
clave, No. 2, Red Cross of Constantine; and
Caldwell Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32° N. M. J.
Mr. Shew’s portrait accompanies this sketch,
being presented on a previous page.

 

home in the town of Forksville, Sul-

livan County, Pa., is now retired, but
for many years was one of the progressive
farmers of Elkland township. He is a son of
William and Jane (McCarty) Pardoe, and was
born in Elkland township, April 6, 1839.

Our subject is of English descent, his
grandfather, Joseph Pardoe, coming from
England at an early day and locating in
Northumberland, Northumberland County,
Pa. At the time he was a single man, but he
subsequently married Sarah Williams and
they became neighbors of Dr. Priestly, a
well-known land-agent and a native of Eng-
land. Joseph Pardoe purchased a tract of
200 acres of land from Dr. Priestly at two dol-
lars per acre in the timber section of Elk-
land, Sullivan County, and there he erected a
little log cabin. In this rude structure they
lived and, although it required much hard
labor to clear the land and they met with
many rough experiences, they were happy and
theirs was the pleasure of seeing a veritable
wilderness transformed into rich fields of
growing crops by their own industry. Under
their log cabin roof, their children were born
and reared and Mr. Pardoe continued to re-
side upon that property until he retired from
active work, when he disposed of it to his
youngest son, Thomas, and went to reside
with a daughter. The place is now owned by
Watson Wright, Esq. He lived to reach the
advanced age of almost ninety years and his
wife also attained a ripe old age before pass-
ing away. They lie buried in the Pardoe bury-
ing ground, which he set off from his farm for
that purpose. Their children were: William;
Joseph; John; George; Richard; Thomas;
Elizabeth; and Sarah.

William Pardoe, father of our subject, after
reaching maturity purchased a tract of land

dl PARDOE, who resides in a fine
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 185

 

 

about three miles southsof the o!d homestead
which consisted of eighty acres of thickly-
covered timber land. He made a clearing and
erected a substantial log house in which he
lived the remainder of his life, and there he
followed farming. He was but forty-three
years of age when, in clearing the land, he
received a severe cut on his foot, from which
he almost bled to death at the time and which
finally proved fatal. He married Jane Mc-
Carty, a daughter of Joel McCarty, and they
had five children: John, the subject of this
sketch; Albert, deceased; Joseph of Elkland
township; Joel, deceased; and Mary, the wife
of Frank Barnes of Elkland township. Mrs.
Pardoe died at the age of fifty-four years. Mr.
Pardoe was originally a Whig in politics but
‘became a Republican in after years and held a
number of township offices. He was affiliated
with the Friends in his religious views.

John Pardoe attended the common schools
but at the age of fourteen years, because of the
‘death of his father, he was called upon to take
charge of the farm and aid his mother in car-
ing for the younger children. The responsi-
bility was heavy for his young shoulders, but
he bore it well and proved equal to the occa-
sion. He cleared the remainder of the land
rapidly and farmed it very successfully. By
the exercise of thrift and economy he saved
the money whereby he was enabled to pur-
chase the land from the heir after the death
of his mother. He greatly improved the old
log house, by building an addition to it, and in
1876 tore down the log barn erected by his
father and in its place erected a large frame
barn. He purchased an adjoining piece of
property of eighty acres and after making
some valuable improvements sold it to advan-
tage. In 1889 his wife’s health became poor
and, thinking that a lower and warmer cli-
_mate would prove beneficial to her, he moved

 

to Forksville, although he still owns the farm.
He purchased three valuable lots there and
erected a fine residence in which he has since
resided, devoting his leisure hours to the culti-
vation of small fruits and berries. He is aman
of high principles and good character, and has
many friends wherever known. ,

In 1871 Mr. Pardoe married Celinda R.
Glidwell, a daughter of William Glidwell of
Etkland township, and later of Forksville, and
they reared two children: Laura M., aged
seventeen years; and Mary E., who is fifteen
years of age. Mrs. Pardoe was called to rest
in 1895 at the age of forty-seven years. :

Mr. Pardoe is a Republican and has held
numerous township offices such as commis-
sioner and tax collector. Religiously he is a
Friend and his wife was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.

———+4+-- >

RANK HANNAN, one of the most
enterprising and influential business

men of Forksville, Sullivan County, Pa., has
efficiently served as postmaster of the bor-
ough since July 7, 1897. Heé is a son of Fran-
cis and Abigail (Ely) Hannan, and was born
in Bath, Steuben County, N. Y., August 29,
1838.

Francis Hannan, father of our subject, was
born in 1798 and was forty-two years of age
when he met with a sad accident, in 1839,
being killed by a falling tree. But little is
known concerning his life. His union with
Abigail Ely resulted in the following issue:
Lucretia; Harriet; Mary; Jane; Louisa;
Helen; and Frank, the subject of this bio-
graphical record. Mrs. Hannan attained the
advanced age of seventy-nine years.

Frank Hannan was reared in Bradford
County, Pa., and obtained his mental training
186 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

in the Collegiate Institute at Towanda, after
which he engaged as a teacher for four years,
three years in the schools of Forksville. Upon
the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 he en-
listed in Company I, 6th Pa. Reserves, on
April 22, just ten days after the declaration
of war. He served gallantly for three years
and was promoted from private to the rank of
sergeant, which rank he held at the time of
his discharge in 1864, at Harrisburg, Pa. In
all he participated in seventeen important en-
gagements, and established a good record as
a true and brave soldier. At the close of the
war he returned to Asylum, Bradford County,
Pa., where he remained a year. He then lo-
cated in Millview.where he engaged in lum-
bering with much success for twenty years.
He then engaged in the insurance business
which he continued until he received his ap-
pointment as postmaster of the borough of
Forksville. Since his occupancy of that of-
fice he has erected a fine postoffice on Bridge
street, and the manner in which he has dis-
charged his official duties has won for him
the highest esteem and good will of the citi-
zens throughout that section. Mr. Hannan
owns considerable property, including a hand-
some residence on Main street and a farm of
two hundred and forty acres which is partly
timber land. Upon the latter he has made
many improvements, built new barns, remod-
eled the other buildings, and erected a saw-
mill, which he conducted during the period he
was engaged in lumbering.

Mr. Hannan was united in marriage to Vic-
toria Wood, daughter of George Wood of
Bradford County, Pa., and they are the proud
parents of two children, namely: Richard G.,
a conductor on the Lehigh Valley Railroad,
who married Anna Mahaffey and has one
child, Murrell; and Dora, who is a dress-
maker by occupation. Politically Mr. Han-

 

nan is an ardent Republican. He served as
auditor for fourteen years. Socially he is past
grand master of the Odd Fellows Lodge; and
past commander of the G. A. R. Post of
Forksville.

 

LVIN P. MILLER, the efficient fore-
man of the Trust Company Tannery
at Muncy Valley, Pa., formeriy
known as the Stephens tannery, has been en-
gaged in that line of business nearly all his
life and is held in high esteem by both his
superior officers and his fellow-workmen. He
was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., June
8, 1859, and is a son of Hiram and Malinda
(Bailey) Miller, both of whom are living in
retirement in Schoharie County. To the
parents the following children were born:
Charles A., who married Miss Bernice Ben-
nett, a sister of our subject’s wife—they re-
side in Muncy Valley and have two children,
Ruth and Buela; our subject; George, who
married and resides in Hudson, N. Y.; Carrie,
who married John Striker and resides in Gil-
boa, Schoharie County, N. Y.; William, re-
cently married and resides in Schoharie
County, N. Y.; and Jennie, who resides with
her parents.

Alvin P. Miller was educated in the dis-
trict schools of his native township and then
began to serve an apprenticeship to the tan-
ner’s trade in the Stephens tannery; he soon
became proficient and was one of the most
skilled mechanics in the shop. When the
Stephens tannery was moved to Muncy Val-
ley, Sullivan County, Pa., our subject was
offered a good position if he would accom-
pany it to the new field of operation and he
accepted. He gradually worked his way up
until 1897, when he was given his present
position as inside foreman in this mammoth
 

HON. ROBERT R. LITTLE.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 189

 

 

tannery. He has charge of sixty skilled me-
chanics who work in the leather department,
dressing hides, which are known as buffalo
hides of South America. These are of the
best quality and much depends upon Mr. Mil-
ler in their tanning. Our subject some time
ago purchased a small tract of land which he
is fast developing into a good farm on which
he has erected a fine home and has built a
large barn. Mr. Miller is an intelligent and
public-spirited citizen and is respected by all
who know him.

Mr. Miller was joined in matrimonial bonds
with Libbie Bennett, a daughter of George W.
Bennett of Shrewsbury township, Lycoming
County, Pa., and this happy union has been
blessed by three children, as follows: Arthur
O.; George B.; and Edna M. In politics
our subject is a firm supporter of the Repub-
lican party; religiously he and his family are
prominent members of the Methodist Church.

 

dent judge of the Twenty-sixth Ju-

dicial District, to which position
he was elected on November 8, 1898, stands
among the foremost practitioners in the legal
profession at Bloomsburg. He is a son of
Ephraim H. and Eliza (Seibert) Little, and
was born in Berwick, Columbia County, Pa.,
May 30, 1852.

Our subject’s great-grandfather, George
Little, who was a native and life-long resident
of Connecticut, from which state he entered
the Continental Army during the Revolution-
ary War, served throughout that memorable
conflict. His son, George Little, the grand-
father of our subject, when a young man left
his native state and located in Delaware Coun-
ty, N. Y., subsequently removed to Wayne

Ac ROBERT R. LITTLE, presi-

 

 

County, Pa., and finally settled at Montrose,
Susquehanna County, Pa., where he died in
1851, aged seventy years. He was a tanner
and furrier by trade, but during the latter
years of his life was a merchant. He married
Mary Esterbrook, by whom he had six child-
ren, as follows: George A.; Ralph B.; Wil-
liam E.; Ephraim H.; and Mrs. Mary L.
Grover, who resides at Jacksonville, Fla.
Ephraim H. Little, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Delaware County, N. Y.,
March 23, 1823, and soon after his birth his

family moved to Montrose, Susquehanna
County, Pa., where he grew to manhood. He

read law with his brother, Ralph B. Little,
who was an eminent lawyer and the preceptor
of Justice J. B. McCollum, a distinguished
jurist. At the age of twenty years he took
what money he possessed and started West
with the intention of going to Chicago by the
way of the Great Lakes. By good fortune he
managed to catch the last boat to make the
trip that season, and the journey was a long
and tedious one as the boat was greatly de-
layed by the roughness of the water which
caused a number of accidents. Upon arriving
in Chicago, which was then a mere hamlet, he
found himself with but twenty-five cents in
his pocket, and forty miles from his destina-
tion, Joliet, Ill. The latter part of his journey
had to be made by stage and realizing that

/he did not have enough money to pay his

fare, he offered the quarter to the stageman
in consideration that he haul the trunk to the
desired place. This the stagedriver refused to
do, saying: “No, I will carry you and your
baggage and you can pay me at another
time.” Landing in Joliet, Mr. Little again
took up the study of law and in 1845 was ad-
mitted to the bar. Soon after he purchased
the Joliet Sentinel on credit and conducted
it for six or eight months. He then sold out
190 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

 

and removed to Morris, Grundy County, II1.,
which a short time previous had been made
the county seat, and he was the first lawyer to
locate there. He continued his law practice
with much success a few years, when he met
with an accident which caused him the loss of
anarm. The knowledge of surgery at the time
was very limited and he was confined to his
bed for six or eight months, finally being com-
pelled to submit to amputation of the injured
arm. This reduced his physical strength
greatly and he determined to get out of that
malarial section of the country, acting on his
physician’s advice. He returned East, locat-
ing at Beach Haven, Luzerne County, Pa.,
where he acted as weigh-master at Weigh
Lock on the Pennsylvania Canal. The canal
was under the control of the state and it had
been customary for boats to be run on Sun-
day, but Mr. Little, true to the Christian in-
fluences under which he had been reared, re-
fused outright to perform his labors on the
Sabbath. The boatmen were wroth and pe-
titioned for his removal, but the governor of
the state refused to remove him and the canal
was thereafter closed on Sundays. While there
Mr. Little made the acquaintance of Eliza
Seibert, whom he married December 10, 1850,
and soon after they moved to Berwick, Co-
lumbia County, Pa., where he lived until
April, 1860, when he removed to Blooms-
burg. He there engaged in the practice of his
profession and continued with the best of suc-
cess until 1893 when he retired and moved
upon his farm, just outside the corporate lim-
its of Bloomsburg. As a lawyer he was unex-
celled and his opinion was frequently sought
by other prominent attorneys on intricate
legal problems. He is a Democrat in his po-
litical affiliations, and has served three terms
as district attorney. Rising to a place of
prominence in the professional world, he com-

 

manded the respect and esteem of the entire
community, and in his retired life he has been
surrounded by many friends. Religiously he
is an active and consistent member of the
Baptist Church and has held many of the
church offices. His marriage resulted in the
birth of a son, Robert R., the subject of this
personal history.

Robert R. Little was eight years of age
when his parents moved from Berwick to
Bloomsburg, and there he was reared, receiv-
ing a good education in the Bloomsburg State
Normal School from which he was gradu-
ated in 1872. He subsequently entered the
University of Rochester at Rochester, N. Y.,
and then attended Hamilton College at Clin-
ton, N. Y. In 1873 he entered his father’s
office and applied himself with such diligence
as to be able to pass the bar examination two
years later. He immediately became his fath-
er’s partner and they practiced under the firm
name E. H. & R. R. Little until the former’s
retirement. Our subject has since practiced
alone and is patronized by a leading class of
citizens and business men, having a large and
profitable clientage. He is a man of great
energy and indomitable will, and is untiring in
the prosecution of every case he undertakes.
He served as district attorney form 1875 to
1881, two terms in all, and filled out two
terms as county solicitor. He was also solic-
itor for the borough one term.

October 15, 1878, Judge Little was united
in marriage with Deborah T. Tustin of
Bloomsburg, and they are the happy parents
of three children: Henry J.; Josiah T.; and
Catharine T. Socially he is a member of
Washington Lodge, No. 265, F. & A.M. In
religious attachments he is a faithful member
of the Baptist Church. Judge Little’s por-
trait accompanies this sketch, being presented
on a previous page.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 191

 

 

LBERT KAY is one of the progres-

sive and enterprising farmers of Elk-

land township, Sullivan County,

Pa., where he has resided since childhood.

He is a son of William and Ann (Bedford)

Kay, and was born in Yorkshire, England,

March 18, 1847. His grandparents were
George and Sarah A. Kay.

William Kay, our subject’s father, was born
in Yorkshire, England, in 1801, and in 1849
immigrated to the United States and obtained
employment in the Barclay mines in Bradford
County, Pa. He subsequently purchased a
farm of ninety-two acres in Elkland township,
now owned by Albert Kay, of a Mr. Bedford,
and upon this he built a frame house, clearing
the entire land and following farming the re-
mainder of his life. He was a man of good
business principles and attained a high degree
of success in the pursuance of his occupation.
Religiously he was a member of the Evangeli-
cal Church. He married Ann Bedford, who
was born in 1807, and their children were:
Joseph; Henry; Elizabeth; Harriet; Wil-
liam; Sarah Ann; Mary Ann; Caroline; and
Albert.

Albert Kay, whose name heads these lines,
attended the public schools after coming to
this country and followed farming and lum-
bering up to the time of his father’s demise.
During his younger days many difficulties
were encountered in transporting lumber
from the great timber-lands of Sullivan Coun-
ty to the markets owing to the narrow but
swift streams down which timber had to be
floated. It required a man of great skill to
safely conduct timber down the Loyalsock
Creek to the West Branch of the Susquehanna
River, and the trips had to be made during
the freshets in the spring and fall. Mr. Kay
was unexcelled as a raftsman and made three
or four trips every year, always returning by

 

foot. He entered into this line of business as
a steersman, but his services were soon sought
as a pilot and he followed that occupation for
twelve years, during which time but once was
his raft caught and held fast. Upon his fath-
er’s death he purchased the homestead and
later bought land adjoining and has followed
farming and teaming up to the present. He
built an elegant modern house, which is well
furnished and is supplied with many conven-
iences; he also erected new barns and out-
buildings, and everything about the place is
in first-class order for successfully carrying on
farming. He is very industrious and his busi-
ness enterprises have not only turned out well,
but in private life he occupies a high place in
the esteem of his fellowmen.

Our subject was united in marriage with
Susie King, a daughter of Job L. and Jane
(Converse) King. Mr. King was a farmer
of Sullivan County and for’many years was
county surveyor. He later settled at Columbia
Cross Roads, where he died at the age of
sixty-nine years. He married Jane Converse,
and they reared six children, namely: Orlan-
do; Rufus; Septor; Alice; Susie, wife of our
subject; and Sadie. Upon the death of his
first wife he married Lucinda Brenchley and
they had one daughter, Lillian. Our subject
is a stanch Republican and has served as com-
missioner of the township and school director.
He is liberal in his religious views. Frater-
nally he is a member and grand past master

of Lodge No. 522, I. O. O. F., of Forksville.

——___—_<-e-

ILLIAM FAUST, a representative
and progressive citizen of the town

of Berwick and superintendent of the erecting
car-shops of The Jackson & Woodin Manufac-
turing Company, was born in Locust Valley,
192 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Schuylkill County, Pa., July 3, 1845, and is a
son of William and Rebecca (Lindenmouth)
Faust and a grandson of John and Rosena
(Hungsinger) Faust.

John Faust, the grandfather of our subject,
was a farmer and lived to a ripe old age. He
was wedded to Rosena Hungsinger who bore

him the following children: John, George, °

William, Henry, Jameson, Phoebe, Betsey,
Jacob, and Rosena.

William Faust, the father of our subject,
was born in this state and when he grew to
manhood he moved to Locust Valley, Schuyl-
kill County, where he purchased four hundred
acres of timberland. He built a saw-mill,
cleared part of the property and carried on
farming the remainder of his active days. Mr.
Faust was one of the progressive and success-
ful farmers of his community and took an
active part in all measures which tended to
benefit the conditions of his fellow-country-
men. He entered the world of rest at the age
of fifty-two years; his wife passed from this
earth July 17, 1897. Mrs. Lucetta Thomp-
son, sister of our subject, now owns part of the
original homestead. Mr. Faust was united in
the bonds of wedlock to Rebecca Linden-
mouth, and a family of fourteen children were
born to them, namely: Israel, deceased; John,
deceased; Joseph, a contractor residing in the
town of Berwick; Henry and Eli, deceased;
William, our subject; George, a resident of
St. Nicholas, Pa.; Amos, who resides in Ma-
hanoy City, Pa.; Eliza, deceased, who was
the wife of D. S. Scheipe; Ann, wife of J. J.
Walborn, Mahanoy City, Pa.; Catherine, who
was united in marriage to William Allen; Ro-
sanna, who wedded J. B. Koppenhaffer; Lu-
cetta, wife of J. R. Thompson; and Rebecca,
who married H. R. Manger of New Boston,
Pa.

William Faust, the subject of this review,

 

remained under the parental roof and at-
tended the public schools until he was four-
teen years of age. He then moved to Mid-
dleport, Pa., where he learned the trade of a
cabinetmaker. When President Lincoln is-
sued a call for men to put down the Rebellion,
our subject being sixteen years of age and
too young to enlist as a regular, enlisted as a
musician August 14, 1861, in Company I,
48th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and remained in the
service throughout the war. He _ served
through all the battles with his company,
which belonged to the Ninth Army Corps
under the command of Gen. Burnside.
Among the most notable battles in which our
subject took part were Second Bull Run;
South Mountain; Antietam; and Fredericks-
burg. He then returned to his home on a
furlough of thirty days and when he returned
to the front he joined Gen. Grant’s Army, and
was in the battles of the Wilderness; Spott-
sylvania; Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. Our
subject received an honorable discharge June
17, 1865. .Returning home, in 1867 he moved
to Berwick and for eleven years he worked in
the car-building department and did general
carpenter work for The Jackson & Woodin
Manufacturing Company, or until 1878 when
he was promoted to be foreman of the same
department. He has eighty men under his
charge and they turn out fifteen cars per day.
Mr. Faust is a self-made man in every respect
and has succeeded in life by his own industry
and perseverance. He is an honest and faith-
ful workman and is considered by his employ-
ers one of the company’s most reliable fore-
men. As a citizen he is one of the valued
members of his community, and is held in
high esteem by all his acquaintances.

Mr. Faust has served as a member of the
town council several times, and is a member
of the I. O. O. F. Lodge of Berwick. Our
 

. GEISINGER.

GEORGE F
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 195

 

subject was joined in the bonds of matrimony
to Mary J. Smith, a daughter of John Smith,
a resident of Black Creek, Luzerne County,
Pa. Three children have blessed the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Faust, as follows: Frank, who
is employed by The Jackson & Woodin Manu-
facturing Company; Emma, the wife of W.
S. Johnson, who is the mother of two child-
ren, Clark and Frederick; and Charles, who
died in infancy.

—+ o> —___

RS. ABIGAIL A. GEISINGER,

nee CORNELISON, who resides in

a handsome residence on Center

street, is the relict of George F. Geisinger and
a descendant of an early and prominent family
of fhe borough of Danville, Montour County,
Pa. When her grandfather, Joseph Corneli-
son, first located there, Danville was but a
small settlement and presented an appearance
in striking contrast with the now thriving
business center which is widely known
throughout the state. This sturdy o'd ances-
tor and his family became identified with
many of its first industrial enterprises, and to
such of her early residents as these does Dan-

ville owe its present standing. With wonder-’

ful foresight and pride did they predict the
success which she would attain, and none who
have had the good fortune to see Danville in
recent years can doubt the correctness of their
predictions.

Joseph Cornelison was born in Holland and
upon coming to this country settled in the
state of New Jersey, but soon after moved to
Danville, Montour County, Pa., where he es-
tablished the first blacksmith shop and fol-
lowed that line of business the remainder of
his life. He died in that town and was laid
to rest in Grove Cemetery. His wife’s maiden

 

name was Martin, and she was also buried in
Grove Cemetery. Their marriage resulted in
the following issue: Joseph, who was the first
male white child born in Danville; William;
Jacob; Isaac, the father of our subject; Cor-
nelius; James; Massey; Mary (Yorks); and
Anna (Best).

Isaac Cornelison was born in Danville, and
at an early day learned the trade of a wagon-
maker, carrying on his business on Mill street.
There he followed that line of work until his
death, at the age of forty-three years. He
married Abigail Pancoast, a daughter of Mor-
decai and Mary (Mears) Pancoast, who were
strict adherents of the Quaker faith. Mrs.
Cornelison died at the age of twenty-four

years and six months, leaving. two children:

Mary E., the wife of D. Rice, both now de-
ceased; and Abigail A., the subject of this
personal history.

Our subject was first united in marriage

_with Jacob Cornelison, who was for some

years proprietor of the hotel known as the
White Swan. He was ason of Joseph Cornel-
ison, who, in 1820, purchased the ground on

which the City Hotel is now situated, and ten

years later erected a building in which he con-
ducted a fine hotel. This establishment be-
came well-known throughout that section as
the White Swan; a very appropriate sign was
hung over the door, being an artistically-
painted white swan. He continued at the head
of this establishment until 1852, when his son,
Jacob, succeeded him as proprietor. The lat-
ter conducted the business with success until
his death, in 1865, at the age of thirty-five
years. The building was large and substan-
tial. In 1872 it was purchased by Adam
Geringer and he erected the present structure
known as the City Hotel.

Our subject formed a second matrimonial
alliance with George F. Geisinger, who was
196 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

born in Hingham, Mass., in 1821, and was a
son of Commodore David Geisinger. At the
age of sixteen years he was sent to Boston
for the completion of his education, and upon
leaving college he went to Baltimore, Md.,
and accepted a position in a mercantile busi-
ness. He remained there until 1844, when he
accompanied his father on a pleasure trip
abroad, returning to Baltimore two years
later. In 1847 he went to South America and
spent two years in prospecting, and upon re-
turning, in 1849, he went to California. Sub-
sequently he went to Philadelphia, where he
acted as his father’s secretary at the Naval
Asylum until 1854. In June, 1855, he ac-
cepted the position of bookkeeper for Grove
& Bro., a prominent iron manufacturing firm
of Danville. This firm was succeeded by
Thomas Beaver & Co., but Mr. Geisinger still
retained the position of head bookkeeper, act-
ing in that capacity for a period of twenty-
four years, when he became a member of the
firm. He possessed unexcelled business pro-
pensities and proved a valuable man to have
at the head of this industry. However, he later
disposed of his interest in order that he might
spend the remainder of an unusually active
life in quiet retirement, his only business for
the remainder of his life being an interest
which he acquired with Daniel Edwards in
mining and dealing in coal at Kingston, Pa.
After his death, in 1883, his worthy wife as-
sumed his interest in the business and has
continued as a member of the firm up
to the present time, conducting her affairs
with characteristic ability and good judg-
ment.

Mrs. Geisinger purchased the old Shelhart
residence on Center street, remodeled it, and
greatly improved the lawn by the addition
of shrubs and trees, making it a model home,
and one of the finest residences in the county.

 

Religiously she is a liberal supporter of the
Mahoning Presbyterian Church, of which her
husband was also a faithful member. She is a
woman possessing many excellent qualities
and occupies a high place in the estimation of
her many friends.

On a preceding page, in connection with
the foregoing sketch, we take pleasure in pre-
senting a portrait of George F. Geisinger.

—__ __# o »—--___

RANK C. ANGLE is a lawyer of much
prominence in Montour County, but
he is better known to the public as the
proprietor and publisher of the Montour
American, a weekly paper of high standing,
and the Morning News, a daily containing the
latest telegraphic news, abounding in items
of local interest, and sensible and entertaining
editorials which are well and carefully written
and show the result of deep thought. Mr.
Angle has been connected with the growth
of Danville in many ways and has done more
for the advancement of its interests than any
other single individual in the same period. He
is a native of Danville, having been born Feb-
ruary 25, 1854, and is a son of William and
Henrietta (Pursel) Angle.

The grandfather of our subject was a lead-
ing agriculturist of Greenwood township, Co-
lumbia County, where he lived a long and
useful life. William Angle, the father of our
subject, was born in Greenwood township,
Columbia County, and when a young man
removed to Danville and established a general
merchandise store opposite the Danville Pub-
lic Library, which building has since been torn
down. He was engaged in that business for
over twenty years, and at the expiration of
that period he had accumulated enough
wealth to enable him to retire and spend his
declining days in ease and comfort. He owned
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 197

 

many valuable pieces of property in Danville
-and built a block of dwelling-houses on
Church street. He served in the town coun-
cil for several terms and was also a commis-
sioner of water works. He was joined in
hymeneal bonds to Henrietta Pursel, a
daughter of William Pursel of Jersey Shore,
Pa., and their happy union was blessed by the
birth of the following children: Frank C., in
whom the interest of this sketch centers; Liz-
zie H., the wife of J. E. Bruley of Syracuse,
N. Y.; and William P., a well known dentist
and business man of Danville. In political
views William Angle faithfully supported the
principles of the Republican party. He was
liberal in his religious views. He closed his
eyes in final sleep at the age of sixty-three
years, and his worthy wife now resides in Dan-
ville.

Frank C. Angle, after completing the re-
quired course in the common schools, at-
tended Lehigh University from which he
graduated with the class of 1876. He then
took up the study of law with Thomas Gal-
breth, a learned lawyer of Danville, and was
admitted to the Montour County Bar in
1879, after which he formed a partnership
with James Scarlet and began practice. Sub-
sequently the partnership was dissolved and
Mr. Angle has since been engaged in practice
alone. He is a man of high principles, shrewd
and energetic, and he makes the case of a
client a personal matter, putting forth his
greatest efforts. In debates he is cool and
collected, presents the facts clearly and argues
forcibly. He has not only been engaged in
the work of his profession, but has been close-
ly connected with many public enterprises, es-
pecially where the welfare of the borough of
Danville has been concerned. He is a mem-
ber of the board of water commissioners of
Danville; manager of the Danville Opera

 

House; and is proprietor of the Atlas Manu-
facturing Company which was established in
1875. He erected the building, in which he
manufactures all kinds of wooden household
novelties, and the company does an enormous
business, also conducting a branch house in
Williamsport. In 1878 our subject purchased
the Montour American, which was founded
December 11, 1855, by D. H. B. Brower, who
was succeeded by Joel S. Bailey and Charles
Cork in 1864. Mr. Brower again became the
owner in 1871 and disposed of it to W. H.
Bradley and Lewis Gordon. They conducted
the paper for a few years, and were succeeded
by Edward C. Baldy, William B. Baldy, and
finally by Bennett & Frick, of whom our sub-
ject purchased the plant. Under his ‘success-
ful guidance it has prospered and become one
of the best weekly papers in the county, hav-
ing a circulation of 800 copies per week. In
September, 1897, he established the Morning
News, which has had an exceedingly rapid
growth and has a circulation of 700 copies
per day. Mr. Angle is a man of medium
stature, of fine personal appearance, and by
the pleasant and courteous manner which he
manifests toward every one has become very
popular and has made many friends through-
out his section of the country.

Mr. Angle and Sue Robison, a daughter
of Theodore Robison of Easton, Pa., took
the marriage vows and they are the proud
parents of two sons, namely: Theodore and
Frank Purcel. In religious views our subject
is an Episcopalian, and a member of Christ
Memorial Church, of which he is senior war-

den.
—__—__—$_4-« -—___—_—__

ILLIAM W. BLACK, the popular
and efficient sheriff of Columbia

County, resides in the county jail at Blooms-
burg, which is one of the finest and best
198 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

equipped in the state. He is a son of John
and Ann (Lemons) Black, and was born in
Eyers Grove, Columbia County, November
19, 1845.

Jeremiah Black, grandfather of our subject,
who was born in Londonderry, Ireland, and
came to America about the year 1800, first
located in Lewisburg, Northumberland
County, and later moved to Columbia Coun-
ty. He was naturally a mechanic and fol-
lowed the trade of a miller and millwright.
In Northumberland County he operated a
large flour mill until 1822, the tinte of his re-
moval to Columbia County, and the remain-
der of his life was spent in operating a mill
owned by James Heberman. He was drowned
in attempting to ford a stream below the mills
on December 7, 1827. His wife survived him
many years, dying January 27, 1865. Their

union was blessed by the birth of the following |

children: James, who was born in 1806, was
a miller and inventor by trade and died in
Philadelphta at the age of eighty years; John,
the father of our subject; Mary, who married
Theodore Pinkerton, a resident of Indiana;
Jeremiah, who died at an early age; William,
a retired jeweler of Tioga County; Caroline,
deceased, who married a Mr. Pearsall, an act-
or; Lovina, who died at an early age; and
Horatio Nelson, who, like his father, is of a
mechanical turn of mind, and resides in Phil-
adelphia.

John Black, the father of our subject, was
born October 26, 1809, and in due time
learned the trade of a miller with his father
and after the latter’s death assisted in sup-
porting the family and rearing his younger
brothers and sisters. He was first employed
in Hoffman’s mill near Light Street, Pa., and
later at Bowman’s and other mills in that lo-
cality. He was finally obliged to give up his
trade on account of failing health and for

 

some time he was engaged in burr dressing,
after which he purchased a tavern at Rohrs-
burg, which he conducted in connection with
a general merchandise store. He built a new
hotel which is still standing and is known as
the Rohrsburg House. His son, Perry D.,
succeeded him as proprietor of the store, but
Mr. Black assisted him until 1898, when he
removed to Bloomsburg, where he has since
lived in retirement at the home of our subject.
He is enjoying excellent health for one of his
years, being now passed eighty-nine years of
age, and has a large number of friends
throughout the county who wish him many
more years of health and happiness. Mr.
Black was united in marriage to Ann Lemon,
a daughter of Jonathan Lemon, January 31,
1833, and they reared seven children, as fol-
lows: Lemon J., who is a farmer near Rohrs-
burg; Isaac F., a retired citizen of Morris, Ti-
oga County, Pa., where he was formerly a very
popular hotelkeeper; Perry D., a merchant of
Rohrsburg; Mary C., deceased; Alfred B.,
who died in 1866 from diseases contracted in
the War of the Rebellion; William W., the
subject of this personal history; and Eliza-
beth, who married J. W. Fortner of Centralia,
Pa.

William W. Black was reared in his native
township where he attended the common
schools. He then engaged in huckstering
which business he continued until he pur-
chased his father’s hotel, which he managed
for over fifteen years with good results. He
then followed farming in connection with the
hotel business but for the past three years has
rented his hotel property. In 1894 he was a
candidate for the office of sheriff, but was
beaten for the nomination. In 1897 he re-
ceived the nomination, was elected by a com-
fortable majority, and has since performed the
duties of that office in such a manner as to
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 199

gain the highest approval of all concerned.
On January 1, 1897, Mr. Black moved into
the residence part of the jail, which is fitted
with all modern improvements and is in keep-
ing with the remainder of the building. It is
a massive and beautiful stone structure of two
stories and a basement, and has a large stone
tower from which an excellent view of the
town of Bloomsburg may be had. The in-
terior is divided into twenty-eight cells, four-
teen on each floor, each of which contains the
regulation furnishings. The jail is well venti-
lated and is lighted by three sky-lights and
glass-closed slots, which are too small to per-
mit a prisoner to escape through them. Every
possible precaution is taken to prevent the
escape of any of the prisoners, as the walls
are of heavy stone, lined with metal, and the
doors are also lined with metal. About the
building is a stone wall twenty-two and a half
feet in height with a smooth finish on the in-
side. Mr. Black appointed his son, A. Bruce
Black, deputy sheriff, and he has performed
his duties in a conscientious and straightfor-
word manner. Our subject has also served in
official capacity as constable and tax collector.

Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance
with Rachel A. Unger, a daughter of Lafay-
ette Unger of Unityville, and they became
the ‘proud parents of two children: Ella M.,
who married John W. Mather, by whom she
had two sons, Ray and Bruce; and A. Bruce,
who attended the high school of York, Pa.,
and the seminary at Williamsport, and is also
a graduate of Michael’s University of Logans-
port, Ind.,—he took a special course in nen-
manship in Zanerian Art College at Colum-
bus, O., and for a short time was a teacher
of penmanship. ;

In 1864, during the darkest period of the
Civil War, Mr. Black enlisted in 210th Reg.,
Pa. Vol. Inf., as a private and continued in

 

the service until the close of the war. Our
subject is well known throughout the district
as a man of sterling qualities and is respected
and esteemed by a large circle of friends.

+142

EY, ALOYSIUS MEUWESE, the
beloved pastor of the Church of Our
Lady of Mount Carmel, although
a resident of Mount Carmel for only a few
years has so endeared himself to the faithful
Roman Catholics of that borough, as well as to
his neighbors of all religious creeds, that his
departure would be looked upon as a misfor-
tune to the town. A man of strong character,
pleasant in his manner and forceful in his pul-
pit utterances, a devout follower of God,
Father Meuwese is popular and has done
much in a brief period of time to advance the
interests of both his church and the town in
which he so kindly and successfully presides
over his church and his people.

Father Meuwese is a son of Cornelius Fran-
cis and Petronilla (Coppens) Meuwese. He
was born December 5, 1859, in the city of
Bois le Duc (Woods of the Duke), the an-
cient capital of the province of North Bra-
bant, The Netherlands. He is the youngest of
a family of twelve children, ten sons and two
daughters. The oldest of his brothers, Lam-
bert, was also a priest and served the church
for a period of thirteen years faithfully in The
Netherlands, and died in 1883. Our subject
when quite young began his studies in the
school of the Christian Brothers and there

-completed his elementary course, then entered.

the Petit Seminary in his native diocese where
he applied himself to the classics, Latin and
Greek. Having determined to enter the
priesthood, he took the philosophical part of
his course in the diocesan seminary at Haaren
200 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

and completed his theology in the renowned
American College at Louvain, Belgium. On
April 14, 1884, he was ordained to the priest-
hood in the Episcopal chapel of Bois le Duc
by Rt. Rev. Adrian Godschalk, D. D. He
departed from the land of his birth in the fall
of 1884 and landed at Vancouver, Wash.,
at that time a territory. His first appointment
was as assistant in the cathedral in Vancouver,
a teacher of the primary class at Holy Angels’
College, and as rector in charge of seven mis-
sions in the vicinity of Vancouver. So well
were his duties performed that our subject
was within a year appointed resident rector of
the Church of Our Lady, Queen of Heaven,
in Sprague, Lincoln County, Wash., with a
mission-field comprising territory seventy-five
miles square, and which he was obliged to
cover on horseback in making his rounds and
administering to the people. In 1890, his
health having failed, on account of the ardu-
ous duties of his missionary life, he was trans-
ferred, at his own request, to Seattle, Wash.,
where he assumed the duties of assistant rec-
tor of the Church of Good Help. He then
took charge of many missions in the vicinity
of Seattle, frequently visiting the lumber
camps, the mining villages and the fertile val-
ley and hopfields between Seattle and Taco-
ma. In 1892 Father Meuwese visited his na-
tive land for rest and returning in the fall of
that year resumed his labors, giving up mis-
sionary work on the advice of his physician,
and removing to the diocese of Harrisburg,
Pa., in February, 1893, immediately locating
in Mount Carmel where he has been active
and successful since as a priest and pastor.
He began his work in Mount Carmel as as-
sistant to Father James O’Reilly and assumed
the rectorate upon the transfer of the former
priest to another parish in July, 1893.
During his pastorate of the Church of Our

 

Lady of Mount Carmel, our subject has been
energetic and assiduous in behalf of his peo-
ple and the religion of which he is a firm and
a consistent minister. He has organized sev-
eral church societies, all of which have flour-
ished and been productive of great good, in-
cluding the St. Aloysius C. T. A. Society,
Ladies’ Temperance Society, the Cadets of
Temperance, the St. Vincent de Paul’s So-
ciety, and the customary societies common in
the work of the Roman Catholic Church.
Over all of these Father Meuwese keeps
watchful eye and guides them with kindly,
firm, fatherly hand, each one being of large
membership and thoroughly alive and accom-
plishing much of the church work which con-
tributes to the growth‘and the spiritual wel-
fare of his parish. Especially devoted has
been our subject to the cause of sobriety and
to him many times have been paid the tearful,
yet joyful, tributes of mothers, wives, and
even sweethearts, because of his good in-
fluence with and his helpfulness towards their
loved ones. Quiet and unassuming, Father
Meuwese has a delightfully informal manner
which makes his visitations anxiously looked
forward to.

The parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
contains something over 400 families and it
has prospered finely considering that it is
comparatively young and that a period of de-
pression in the business world has added to
the difficulties which Father Meuwese and his
good people have had to contend against. As
related elsewhere in this Book of Biographies,
in a review of the life-work of Very Rev. J. J.
Koch, Mount Carmel was a mission attached
to the parish of St. Edward’s Church of Sham-
okin and was for a time presided over by
Father Koch. The mission grew and in 1871
Father Fields of Centralia, now deceased, was
placed in charge of it. Father Fields was suc-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 201

 

 

ceeded by Rev. John O’Reilly, who was the
first resident pastor, Mount Carmel having

been made a separate parish. Father O'Reilly |

was a priest of marked ability and under his
administration the new parish progressed suc-
cessfully. Ona visit to Marietta, on July 26,
1892, Father O’ Reilly was stricken down, dy-
ing in a short time, cut off in the midst of a
most useful and successful career. His burial
at St. Joseph, Susquehanna County, was at-
tended by a large delegation of his Mount
Carmel parishioners, sorrowing greatly at the
sudden taking away of one whom they so
dearly loved and respected. The succeeding
pastor of the church was Rev. Mark A.
O’Neil who finished the construction of the
church which Father O’Reilly had begun.
Father O’Neil lived to see the edifice dedi-
cated in May, 1888, by Bishop McGovern of
Harrisburg, soon after passing to his final
reward. Rev. James O’Reilly was the next
pastor of the church. He organized the paro-
chial school and on September 25, 1892, was
gratified by installing as instructors five Sis-
ters of the Immaculate Heart from West
Chester. The work so well begun by Father
O’Reilly has been as well carried to its termi-
nation by Father Meuwese. Nearly 300
children are enrolled in the parochial school
and the pastor hopes soon to be able to pro-
vide for a new and more adequate school
building.

ARTIN I. HENNESSY. Promi-

nent among the influential and
enterprising business men of the

town of Bloomsburg, is the gentleman whose
name heads this narrative, who is pro-
prietor of the Bloomsburg Bottling Works.
He was born in Centralia, Columbia County,

 

Pa., September 17, 1868, and is a son of John
and Catherine (Larkin) Hennessy.

John Hennessy was a native of County Gal-
way, Ireland, and at the age of twenty-one
years he left his native country, came to the
United States and engaged in mining until
his death. His latter days were spent in Cen-
tralia, Columbia County. Mr. Hennessy was
united in the bonds of wedlock to Catherine
Larkin and a family of five children was born
to them, namely: Martin L., the subject of
this personal history; John; Mary; Thomas;
and Catherine. His widow now resides in
Bloomsburg.

Our subject received his intellectual train-
ing in the public schools of Centralia and at
the age of nine years he began work in the
breakers of that town; at the age of sixteen
years he went with his father and engaged in
mining for four years. He then learned the
trade of a plasterer and bricklayer, which oc-
cupation he followed five years. At the age of
twenty-five years he purchased the Blooms-
burg Bottling Works, which was established
by Mr. O’Blosser who was succeeded by his
wife, she by Peter Gross and he upon his
death by E. P. Cameron, who was succeeded
by our subject in 1894. When Mr. Hennessy
took possession of the establishment it had a
small trade, but by the closest attention and
honest dealings he has succeeded in building
up a large and paying patronage. He handles
over 2,000 barrels of beer and various kinds of
carbonated drinks and has an extensive pat-
ronage in Bloomsburg and the surrounding
villages.

Mr. Hennessy formed a matrimonial al-
liance with Clara Gross, a daughter of Peter
and Philopina (Young) Gross. Peter Gross
was born in Swarton, Rheinpfalz, Bavaria,
Germany, June 20, 1825, and during his
youthful days he learned the trade of a stone-
202 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

mason. In 1860 he came with his family to the
United States and located in Kingston, Pa.,
and later moved to Danville, Pa., where he
followed the puddler’s trade. In 1871 he mi-
grated to Bloomsburg and purchased the
O’Blosser Bottling Works, which he rebuilt
and enlarged, carrying on the business until
his death, November 21, 1890. He wedded
Philopina Young and they reared a large
family of children, namely: Jacob, deceased;
Philip, deceased; David; Margaret, the wife
of Charles Ball; Lena, who married John Den-
niker; Daniel, deceased; William, a resident
of Bloomsburg; Clara, the wife of our sub-
ject; Peter; Elizabeth; and John.

To our subject and wife were born two chil-
dren: John, born in Bloomsburg, June 22,
1894; and Frances Clara, born in Blooms-
burg, November 26, 1897. Mrs. Hennessy
departed this life January 3, 1899. Our sub-
ject is interested in local and general matters
and politically votes the straight Democratic
ticket. He is a valued member of the com-
munity and by his upright dealings and habits
of thrift and industry has secured the confi-
dence and esteem of his neighbors.

oo —__§|_—

citizen and manufacturer of the town
~ of Bloomsburg who is successfully en-
gaged in the manufacture of furniture, was
born in the city of Philadelphia November
21, 1856, and is a son of Henry William and
Caroline (Reimer) Redeker, and grandson of
William Redeker.
Henry W. Redeker, the father of our sub:
ject, was a native of Struken, Prussia, and his

 

of a cabinetmaker. In 1854 he left his native
country and came to the United States. He

/ al
J HEODORE REDEKER, a prominent |

 

located in Philadelphia, where he followed his
trade.

Our subject received a common school ed-
ucation and’ then worked with his father,
learning the trade of a cabinetmaker. Attain-
ing his manhood he became interested in the
manufacture of furniture and was made super-
intendent of the J. K. Rishel Furniture Works
at Hughesville, Lycoming County, Pa. In

1891 our subject removed to Bloomsburg and

organized the Bloomsburg Furniture Com-
pany, the officers of which are as follows:
Theodore Redeker, president; and W. H.
Schuyler, secretary and treasurer. They

erected a large brick factory 50 by 100 feet
on the corner of East Seventh and Spruce
‘streets, near the tracks of the D., L. & W.

R. R., and have successfully engaged in the
manufacture of bedroom sets, sideboards, and
all other furniture. The proprietors are both
thoroughly reliable business men and by their

_honest business methods and excellent work

they have established a large and paying pa-
tronage. In 1897 our subject organized the
North Branch Furniture Company, formerly

the Bloomsburg Furniture Company, whose

officers are: W. M. Reber, president; F. W.

_ Redeker, secretary; Theodore Redeker, su-

perintendent; W. J. Correll, manager and
treasurer; and W. H. Slate, assistant mana-
ger. The company has two large factories,
one 60 by 80 feet and the other 50 by 100
feet; the machinery is operated by an en-
gine of one ‘hundred horse-power, and the

| plant has its own electric-light power. The

company employs upwards of seventy-five
men, who turn out a fine grade of work, and
makes large shipments throughout the East-

ern States.
younger days were spent in learning the trade |

Mr. Redeker was united in the bonds of
matrimony to Mary E. Van Buskirk of
Hughesville, Pa., and as a result of this union
 

 

 

WILLIAM HARTMAN WOODIN.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 205

 

 

four children bless their home, namely: .\n-
nie, Robert, Florence, and Marie. Mr. Red-
eker is now in the prime of life, enjoying the
comforts of a neat little home and surrounded
by a happy family. His strict attention to
business has secured him a fair share of this
world’s goods, while his uprightness in all his
dealings, combined with his genial deport-
ment, has won him the respect and affection

of all who know him. In politics he acts with »
While at Hughesville |
he served as borough auditor and school di- -

the Democratic party.

rector.

LEMUEL RICKETTS WOODIN is

too well-known throughout the Sev-
enteenth Congressional District

to need an extended introduction to the read-
ers of this volume.
respected throughout the United States wher-
ever any attention is paid to the rolling-stock
of railroads. His present and past connection
with car-manufacturing places him among the
most prominent men of the Keystone State.
For twenty-two years, until 1894, he served

as president of The Jackson & Woodin Manu- |
facturing Company, of which his father was

one of the founders, and of which his son,
William H. Woodin, is now vice-president.
He is now living a retired life, because of fail-
ing health brought on by business cares, and
resides in his palatial residence on Berwick
Heights, than which there is no finer nor
more completely-appointed home. in Central
Pennsylvania.

Mr. Woodin was born in Cambria, Luzerne
County, Pa., December 26, 1844, and is a son
of the late William Hartman Woodin, a
grandson of David Charles Woodin, and a
great-grandson of Milo Woodin, a native of

His name is known and >

 

Connecticut. Our subject’s grandfather was
an architect by profession who settled in
Pennsylvania; he died October 21, 1825, a
young man in years. He was married in 1819
to Sarah Hartman, who was born in Catawis-
sa, Columbia County, Pa., in 1792, and who
died the same year as her husband. Their
children numbered three, as follows: William
Hartman; Joseph B.; and a daughter.
William Hartman Woodin was born in
Salem, Luzerne County, Pa., November 4,
1821, and married Elizabeth Foster, daugh-
ter of John and Ellen Foster. Among the
first of his business ventures was the building
of a foundry at Foundryville, Briarcreek
township, Columbia County, where he manu-
factured pig iron, and, later, stoves and plows.
In 1849 he united his interests with those of
M. W. Jackson, who had in 1840 with George
Mack established a foundry at Berwick. Mr.
Jackson bought out Mr. Mack and the united
strength of the firm of Jackson & Woodin,
under which style they did business from the
start, was such as to assure full and complete
success. Both gentlemen possessed extraor-
dinary ability and shrewd business judgment
and each had a practical and thorough knowl-
edge of the iron industry. They started in
business in a building, 40 by 25 feet, at the
corner of Market and Third streets, where
they manufactured the Robb stove, with open
grate, and a round stove with a bake-oven on
top; also plows, a specialty in this line being
the old Bull plow. The stoves and plows were
among the best of that time, but would be
considered crude at the present day, because
of the many improvements that have been
made. In 1850 they began the manufacture
of iron pipes; in 1858 they commenced mak-
ing bridge castings for the Philadelphia &
Erie Railroad. In 1861 the firm of Jackson
& Woodin received a large contract from
206 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Mr. Creveling, a large lime manufacturer of
Espy, Columbia County; the order was for
sixteen four-wheeled cars, which they con-
structed in a shed; when the cars were fin-
ished the sides of the shed were torn down,
and the cars drawn to the railroad by horses.
In this work the two partners demonstrated
that they were men of exceptional ability,
whom no obstacles could overcome or drive
from their original purpose. The result was
that from that time forward they never lacked
orders and their business grew pleasingly,
many new departments being added to the
rapidly growing plant. One of the specialties
that Messrs. Jackson and Woodin developed
was the manufacture of mine cars and mine
castings, and in this branch of work they have
held their own with many competitors to the
present time. The partners were greatly
aided in their work by their mutual friend,
A. C. Whitney of Philadelphia, who gave
them timely advice and lent them patterns and
chills for the mouldings of car wheels. It
may also be said that the man who mixed the
iron for the wheels made at that time is still
in the employ of the company and serves in
the same capacity as then. In 1872 the D.,
L. & W. R. R. built a switch in Second street
and connected it with all parts of the Jackson
& Woodin plant, and so from that time on the
firm’s goods were loaded on cars in its own
yards. On March 1, 1872, The Jackson &
Woodin Manufacturing Company was or-
ganized, with C. R. Woodin, our subject,
president, his father retiring.

William Hartman Woodin was a man be-
loved by all. He was strict and exact in busi-
ness affairs and had little patience with those
who were disposed to shirk obligations or to
slight their work. But, with all his adherence
to the sterling rules of business, he never lost
sight of the fact that he had been blessed

 

abundantly and that it was his duty to make
bright and happy the lives of those whose lot,
otherwise, might have been wretchedness and
want. He gave liberally as a friend and not
as one dispensing alms. In his life there was
nothing artificial, nothing out of harmony.
He was loved and respected by all who knew
him and his death on November 10, 1886,
was mourned as a public calamity. The mem-
ory of his nobly spent life is still green in the
minds of all with whom he was associated in
varied walks of life. His wife, who is now
aged seventy-seven years, is living in Ber-
wick, Pa. Their children were as follows:
Joseph B., deceased; Sarah A., deceased; C.
R., our subject; Eudora W., widow of the
late S. P. Hanly of Berwick; Mary, deceased;
John Foster, of Arkansas; and Elizabeth, de-
ceased.

C. R. Woodin, at the age of sixteen years;
left Kingston Seminary on account of his
eyes, and began work under his father. In
1863 he served one year in the Pennsylvania
Emergency Reserves, Company C, 28th Reg-
iment. Upon his return to Berwick he ap-
plied himself to learning and becoming fa-
miliar with every detail and development of
the business. He was made president of the
company upon its organization, March 1,
1872, and filled that office until 1894, when,
his health having been overtaxed by business,
he resigned. The company is now officered
by the following men: Fred'k H. Eaton, a
nephew of the subject of this sketch, presi-
dent; William H. Woodin, vice-president; W.
F. Lowery, secretary; W. M. Hager, treasur-
er; and H. F. Glenn, general manager. It has
a capital of $1,100,000. The business has in-
creased yearly until now the Jackson &
Woodin cars are seen on nearly all railroads
of the United States and Canada. Employ-
ment is given to 1,500 workmen, most of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 207

 

 

them skilled in their department of work.
Descriptions of the various departments, such
as the car-wheel foundry, pipe foundry, rolling
mills, and car, casting, paint, car-building, and
forging departments, are on other pages of
this work in the biographical sketches of the
different foremen and superintendents.

Mr. Woodin has lived the greater part of
his life in Berwick, only making his home at
Hazleton for a short time for the benefit of
his health, as a high elevation was required.
In 1890 he bought the Van Pelt and other
farms located on an elevation north of the
town of Berwick. A few acres having been
cleared on the highest part of an elevation of
1,200 feet above the sea, and 700 feet above
the railroad track at Berwick, Mr. Woodin
decided to build residences for himself and
son there. A fine graded road 2 8-10 miles
in length leads to the summit from which a
broad, open view of the Susquehanna Valley
may be had, with mountain after mountain
piled up for a background and with the fer-
tile valley in which Berwick is located for an
immediate foreground. Besides Berwick,
which is one of the most progressive boroughs
in the state, several small villages may be seen.
To the southwest is a magnificent scene of for-
est-covered peaks and cuts and ravines, that
is scarcely surpassed in beauty and grandeur.
To the north on a clear day can be seen the
Glen Summit Hotel, 30 miles distant, and still
farther the Pocono Mountains. In the sum-
mer, one escapes the sultry valley air and en-
joys the mountain breezes, receiving health
and invigoration the year around. In 1891
Mr. Woodin built his beautiful home on this
charming spot, constructing it of stone and
wood, with spacious verandas. His son also
built a residence near by, and both are of
Queen Anne style. The houses are furnished
with all the conveniences that minister to the

 

comfort of its occupants, both in summer and
in winter. Three cottages were erected for
his employees, and a water tower 50 feet high
was built of stone and timber, stone being
used for the first story; this tower is supplied
With pure spring water which is forced to it
by pumps located at the spring 1,600 feet
below at the foot of the hill. Also attached
to the tower, and located on its first floor, is
a chemical engine and hose-cart, for emer-
gency use in case of fire. A large barn was
also built for each house; one of them’ burn-
ing recently, it was rebuilt into a handsome
structure, 33 by 40 feet, finished throughout
with Norway pine. The borough of Berwick
supplies the necessary means of illuminating
the premises. Sixteen arc lights disposed
about the house and on the walks and drives
are lit every night, and give to one, who may
be miles away, the impression that a city is
located there. As many trees of the natural
forest growth were left standing, the grounds
do not lack for abundant shade. Beautiful
lawns, tennis courts, flower gardens, fruit or-
chards and gardens make up the rest of the
prospect, which is truly a delightful one. Mr.
Woodin lives quite closely at home through-
out the year, except during the severest
weather, when he makes a trip to the South
to avoid the chilling blasts of winter. Mr.
Woodin married Mary Dickerman, daughter
of Dr. Charles and Adelia Dickerman of Hart-
ford, Pa., and to them was born one son, Wil-
liam Hartman, named after his noble grand-
father.

William Hartman Woodin, the only child
of our subject, was born May 27, 1868, in
Berwick, where he received his early educa-
tion in the public schools. At the age of
fourteen years he entered the preparatory de-
partment of the Woodbridge School of
Mines, New York City, and completed his
208 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

technical education in the School of Mines
of Columbia College. Returning to Berwick,
he made himself master of the practical work-
ings of the great institution of which his fath-
er was then president and acquainted himself
with every detail, so that now he is the best
informed of the stockholders. He was made
a member of the executive committee, and,
after two years in that position, became gen-
eral superintendent of the plant and a director
of the company. In 1896 he was chosen vice-
president, and is most efficiently filling his
father’s place. He has won the highest es-
teem of his employees and the residents of
Berwick. On August 25, 1898, Mr. Woodin
was made the nominee of the Republicans of
the Seventeenth Congressional District for
Congress, Representative Monroe H. Kulp
retiring at his own request. At the ensuing
election in November, Mr. Woodin was de-
feated. He represents the young element of
his party, and also the business interests of
Berwick, in which he figures both modestly
‘and prominently. He was married October
9, 1889, to Annie Jessup, daughter of Judge
William H. Jessup of Montrose, Pa., and to
them two children have come, namely: Mary,
Louise, born in Scranton, Pa., October 31,
1891; and Annie Jessup, born in New York
City on April 10, 1894.

William Hartman Woodin is a director of
the Berwick Water Company, is secretary and
director of the Berwick Electric Light Com-
pany, and takes an active interest in every
public-spirited movement directed toward the
benefit of Berwick and its commercial devel-
opment. It has been a pleasure to him to

stitutions and schools in Berwick, and no
worthy cause need lack in him a friend in
need and a friend indeed.

On March 1, 1899, the entire plant of The

 

Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company
was sold to the American Car & Foundry
Company, an organization with $60,000,000
capital, practically embracing all the car man-
ufacturing companies in the United States.
The new company took possession on that
date, and is now operating the business.
Fred’k H. Eaton, Esq., nephew of C. R.
Woodin, and former president of The Jackson
& Woodin Manufacturing Company, was
elected vice-president of the new company
with headquarters at New York City, and

William H. Woodin was elected district man-

ager to operate the plant at Berwick. Thus
the ‘great organization, founded by William
Hartman Woodin and M. W. Jackson in
1842, passes out of existence, and C. R.
Woodin, after an active and successful busi-
ness career, permanently retires from car man-
ufacturing.

The publishers of this work take pleasure in
announcing that a portrait of William Hart-
mat Woodin, the founder of The Jackson &
Wocdin Manufacturing Company, appears on
a preceding page, in connection with the
above sketch.

——_+4-e»_______

ILLIAM H. SLATE, a progressive
and energetic business. man of
Bloomsburg, is a member of -the

Hawley-Slate Furniture Company. He was
born at Williamsport, Pa., March 13, 1866,
and is a son of George Slate, now deceased,
who was the proprietor of a large tannery and

_ was also engaged in the manufacture of leath-
“er belts.
support liberally all churches, charitable in- |

The father of our subject was a self-made

-man and after accumulating a fortune he re-

tired from active life in 1885. He entered the
world of rest at the age of seventy-five years.
Our subject was educated in the public
-

 

|
!
1
}
|
j
|

 

HON JOHN B. PACKER.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 211

 

 

schools of Williamsport. He was a dutiful son
and remained at home during his younger
days. Starting out to battle against the tide
of life, he engaged as a clerk for the Penn-
sylvania Railroad, and after clerking for four
years he worked in the engineer’s department,
where he remained three years. In November
1893 our subject moved to Bloomsburg and
purchased an interest in the book and station-
ery store on Main street owned by W. H.
Brook & Co. He continued in that line of
business until September, 1897. When the
North Branch Furniture Company was or-
ganized he sold his interest in the book-store
and became assistant manager of that com-
pany.

July 1, 1898, the Hawley-Slate Furniture
Company was organized and succeeded the
North Branch Furniture Company. The com-
pany employs over 100 skilled workmen, who
turn out fine work, and ships its goods all
through the Eastern States. It operates two
plants, one 60 by 80 feet and the other 50
by 100 feet; the machinery is operated by an
engine of one hundred horse-power, and the
company also supplies its own power for the
electric lights by which the buildings are
lighted.

Mr. Slate was united in the bonds of mat-
rimony to Nellie C. Packer, a daughter of
John B. Packer of Sunbury, Pa. They reside
in a neat little home at No. 27 Fifth street.

Ft o>

ON. JOHN B. PACKER, deceased,
whose portrait is shown on the oppo-

site page, was at his death the

Nestor of the Northumberland County Bar.
During the period of forty-seven years in
which he was actively engaged in practice
there was scarcely a case of any prominence
in that section of the state in which he was

 

not retained as counsel for one party to the:
suit. His knowledge of law was comprehen-
sive and, being a man of commanding appear-
ance and pleasing personality, he always cre-
ated a favorable impression on court and jury.
As a speaker he was both argumentative and
eloquent in style, and he entered upon a case
with enthustasm and energy which could but
bear good results to the cause of his client.
He gained renown as a lawyer and financier
and at his demise he was counsel for several
prominent railroad corporations, and was also
president of the First National Bank of Sun-
bury. It has been well said that no man pos-
sessed the respect and confidence of the citi-
zens of Sunbury to a greater extent than did
John B. Packer.

Mr. Packer was a son oi Samuel J. and
Rachel (Black) Packer, and was born at Sun-
bury, Northumberland County, Pa., March
21, 1824. He received a high classical educa-
tion under the excellent tutorship of Cale Pel-
ton and Frederick Lebrun in the Sunbury
Academy, which had been established but a
short time previously. In 1839 he was ap-
pointed a member of a corps of engineers em-
ployed in the survey and construction of pub-
lic improvements for the state, continuing in
that capacity until 1842, when he entered
upon the study of law under the direction of
Ebenezer Greenough. He made rapid ad-
vancement, being admitted to the bar of
Northumberland County August 6, 1844; and
then began his practice. . He received an ap-
pointment as deputy attorney general and
served as such for a period of three years, the
position giving prominence to his ability. His
clientage soon grew to large proportions and
he practiced not only in his native county but
in various counties in the state and also before
the Supreme Court. He was one of the or-
ganizers and a director of the Susquehanna
212 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

-Railroad (now known as the Northern Cen-
tral), and during the remainder of his life
served as its counsel. He served in a like ca-
pacity for many years prior to his death for
the Philadelphia & Erie, the Pennsylvania and
other railroad companies. He was also con-
cerned in the sale and reorganization of the
railroad properties of the Shamokin Valley &
Pottsville Railroad. In 1855 he identified
himself with the Bank of Northumberland, be-
coming president of the samé in 1857, and
continued as president until his demise, al-
though in 1864 the bank was merged into the
First National Bank of Sunbury. He was
connected with banking interests at Selins-
grove and Lewisburg, Pa. He was also a very
large landowner, in fact one of the largest
landowners in this section of Pennsylvania.

Politics entered largely into Mr. Packer’s
career and he was called upon to fill many
offices of trust. He was originally a Tariff
Democrat; he represented his party in the
State Legislature two terms, 1849 and 1850.
He was actively connected with that organi-
zation until 1856, when he allied himself with
the newly-organized Republican party, and in
1868 was elected to Congress from the Four-
teenth District of Pennsylvania. He served
four terms which were marked by the greatest
activity on his part, being a member of many
committees, among them being the commit-
tees on banking and currency; railways and
canals, of which he was chairman; postoffices
and post-roads, of which he was also chair-
man; and the committee on foreign affairs.
He declined a nomination for a fifth term as
representative.

On May 22, 1851, Mr. Packer was joined

‘ in hymeneal bonds with Mary M. Cameron, a
daughter of the late William Cameron of
Lewisburg, and they became the happy par-
ents of five children: William C., who died

 

June 4, 1886, was born May 1, 1852, and be-
came one of the leading young barristers of
the county; Rachel, who is the wife of F. K.
Hill of Sunbury; James C., an attorney-at-law
at Sunbury; Mary; and Nellie C. Although
much of his life was given to business affairs,
Mr. Packer found his greatest pleasure in the
companionship of his family; he was a true
husband and a kind father. He had many
friends, and at his death, on July 7, 1891, Sun-
bury mourned the loss of a public benefactor.

Samuel J. Packer, a brother of the late Hon.
John B. Packer, is president of the First Na-
tional Bank of Sunbury and also one of the
first citizens of the borough. He was’ born
on June 19, 1831, and is a son of Samuel J.
and Rachel (Black) Packer. He obtained his
education in the public schools and in Sun-
bury Academy, acquiring a good intellectual
training. Subsequently he read law under the
preceptorship of his brother, John B. Packer,
deceased, and was admitted to the bar of
Northumberland County on April 4, 1860.
Immediately thereafter he entered actively
upon the practice of his profession and con-
tinued until his election as cashier of the Bank
of Northumberland, November 19, 1863.
When the bank was merged into the First Na-
tional Bank of Sunbury in 1864 he accepted a
similar position with the new organization,
and continued until his brother’s death, in
1891, when he was elected to succeed him as
president. He continues in that capacity, and
conducts the affairs of the bank with the judg-
ment and foresight which have always char-
acterized his business transactions.

——_~+---»____

E RANCIS P. DRINKER, one of the

honored and highly respected citizens
of Bloomsburg, who is spending his latter
days in enjoying the labors of his past, was
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

213

 

 

born in Covington township, Luzerne Coun-
ty, now Lackawanna County, Pa., November
16, 1832, and is a son of Richard and Lydia
E. (Wragg) Drinker, and grandson of Henry
Drinker.

Edward Drinker, the great-great-grand-
father of our subject, was the first white child
born where the city of Philadelphia now
stands. His ancestors were natives of Eng-
land who came to America about the time of
William Penn.

Our subject’s great-grandfather, Henry
Drinker, resided in Philadelphia all his life and
was cashier of the Bank of North America of
that city. He was united in marriage to Mary
Howell and they reared a large family of
children. He passed from this life about
1830. Henry Drinker, Jr., grandfather of our
subject, purchased a tract of 25,000 acres of
land in Luzerne County, which was taken care
of by his two sons, Henry W., and Richard,
the father of our subject.

Richard Drinker studied law and was ad-
mitted to the bar at Philadelphia; he and
his brother Henry received a charter for the
railroad from Great Bend to the Delaware
River, now known as the D., L. & W. R. R.
They also built fifty miles of turnpike in Lu-
zerne County. Richard served over twenty
years as justice of the peace; he was a large
landowner and in 1846 bought a farm near
the town of Bloomsburg, now known as the
Troup farm. In 1854 he moved to Scranton,
Pa., where he remained until his death, which
occurred in November, 1861. He was wedded
to Lydia E. Wragg, a daughter of John
Wragg, a native of England who came to
America about the time of the French Revo-
lution; he was captured and was thrown into
prison for a long time and upon his release
located in Luzerne County, Pa. Later he
moved west to Beloit, Wis., where he died at

 

the age of ninety years. To Mr. and Mrs.
Drinker were born the following children:
Richard W., Eliza M., Edward R., Francis P.,
Alfred C., Rebecca H., Charles N., and Mary
A.

Francis P. Drinker was educated in the
Bloomsburg Academy. In 1846 he accepted
a position as bookkeeper and superintendent
of the Bloomsburg Iron Company; he re-
mained in the employ of that company
until 1888 when he retired from active life.
In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, 6th Reg.,
Pa. Vol. Inf., for a term of three years. Later
he was attached to Anderson’s Cavalry, and
at the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn., he was
taken a prisoner by Wheeler’s Cavalry; after
being in their hands a short time, and being
stripped of his uniform, he was paroled and
turned loose to do the best he could. He
was stricken by typhoid fever after being in
Nashville, Tenn., and was in a hospital for
some time. He finally reached his regiment
and was discharged in 1863; he re-enlisted
in the Emergency Militia, served a short time
and was discharged in 1863. Mr. Drinker was
united in the bonds of matrimony to Mary
Chamberlin, a daughter of John M. Chamber-
lin of Bloomsburg. Four children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Drinker, as follows: Martha
C., who is the wife of E. N. Perrin and they
have one child, Edwin O.; William W., a
civil engineer in the employ of the D., L. & W.
R. R., who resides at Scranton; Margaret,
wife of W. P. Meigs of Bloomsburg, and they
are the parents of one child, Margaret; and
Francis P., Jr., a draftsman in the car-shops
of Bloomsburg.

Our subject resides in his beautiful home at
No. 211 Main street, which he built in 1886.
In politics he is independent; in 1892 he was
elected president of the town of Bloomsburg,
and was re-elected to the same office at the
214 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

following two elections. Religiously Mr.
Drinker is a member of the Episcopal Church,
although he was reared a Quaker: Socially
he is a member of the P. O. S. of A.

NDREW D. ROBERTSON, a busi-

ness man who is of high standing

among his fellow-citizens of Sha-

mokin, is a son of Andrew Robertson, a

sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this

work, and Phoebe (Barlow) Robertson, and

was born July 31, 1853, in New Philadelphia,
Schuylkill County, Pa.

Up to the age of ten years our subject at-
tended the public schools at his birthplace,
and at that age he started out to earn some-
thing on his own account, going to work at
the Eagle Hill Colliery near Port Carbon,
which was then conducted by his father and
Thomas Beddall. Our subject worked as a
slate-picker for some time until his father re-
moved to Pottsville. Young Andrew at-
tended the public schools in Pottsville for a
short time and then went to Mill Creek where
he worked in and about the mines in the
summer and later attended the select schools
in West Chester until he reached the age of
seventeen years. He then returned to Potts-
ville and entered the Washington Iron Works
in which he worked for three years, learning
the machinist’s trade under the direction of
James Wren. After learning his trade Mr.
Robertson migrated to Mahanoy City where

he entered the employ of his uncle, Daniel.

Barlow, who ran a wholesale flour and feed
business, remaining with Mr. Barlow until
1875 when he removed to Ralston. At Ral-
ston he was in the employ of his father and
Alexander Fulton, who then were mining coal
under a large contract with the McIntyre

 

Coal Company, our subject being bookkeeper
for the firm. Subsequently our subject re-
turned to Mahanoy City and engaged in the
flour and feed business in which he was very
successful and which he continued until April,
1880. He then removed to Excelsior where
he became assistant superintendent of the Ex-
celsior Colliery, of which his father, Andrew
Robertson, was part owner and superintend-
ent. He subsequently took an interest in the
company and continued as its assistant su-
perintendent. He is also assistant superin-
tendent of the Corbin Colliery which has long
been operated in connection with the Excel-
sior Colliery.

In 1882 Mr. Robertson purchased the in-
terest of Nathan J. Robertson, now deceased,
who owned a flour mill in Shamokin and
conducted the business successfully for about
a year when the firm became Robertson &
Parmley. This firm occupied the present mill
property, a three-story brick structure, 40 by
75 feet, which was erected by our subject’s
father. The firm also has a grain elevator in
the rear of the flour mill which is 100 by 36
feet. The capacity of the mill is 100 barre's
of flour per day. In 1887 the firm became
Robertson, Parmley & Co., and a year later
became Robertson & Osler as it is to-day,
Mr. Parmley retiring.

An active man of great energy, our subject
has devoted much of his time and talents to
local enterprises to which his business ability
and energetic direction have been of great
benefit. Mr. Robertson is secretary and treas-
urer of the Elkhorn Coal & Coke Company
of Mayberry, W. Va., of which he was one
of the incorporators, and has held those of-
fices since the organization of the company.
The company operates mines in the famous
Flat Top or Pocahontas region of West Vir-
ginia, which were opened in 1888. The
 

MATTHIAS CRONINGER.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 217

 

 

company was one of the first operators to ship
coal through the Mill Creek Tunnel. The
Pocahontas coal is known as the best steam-
producing coal mined and it is used by the
Cramps, the noted shipbuilders, on all vessels
\hich are being tested or are tried for speed.
Our subject is a director of the Shamokin
Coal & Coke Co.; a stockholder in the
Booth-Bowen Coal & Coke Co. of West Vir-
ginia; vice-president of the Shamokin Pow-
der Co.; a stockholder in the Edison Electric
Illuminating Co. of Shamokin; and a stock-
holder in and vice-president of the First Na-
tional Bank of Shamokin.

Mr. Robertson is a trustee of the First
Presbyterian Church of Shamokin of which
he is an active member.

In May, 1882, Mr. Robertson took as his
life-partner Clara A. Heffner, daughter of
Charles Heffner of Pottsville, Pa., and to them
have been born two children: Chester Kings-
ley, who is at home; and Mary Margaret, de-
ceased.

 

ATTHIAS CRONINGER, who is
recognized and greatly admired by
his fellow-citizens as one of the
most enterprising men in Shamokin, is a son
of Jacob and Magdalena (Kretz) Croninger,
and was born January 18, 1846, in Germany.
With a common school education Mr. Cronin-
ger started out to win success and fortune,
beginning his active career at an early age as
a slatepicker in a coal-breaker, then working
as a miner of coal, and by assiduous effort and
perseverance he worked to the top and to-day
is one of Shamokin’s most prosperous and en-
ergetic leaders in business.
The father of our subject, Jacob Croninger,
was a native of Germany, who came to the
United States when a young man, located at

 

Tremont, Schuylkill County, and subsequent-
ly resided at Trevorton, Northumberland
County. He responded promptly to the call
for troops soon after the breaking out of the
Rebellion and was killed at Reams Station,
Va. His family subsequently moved to the
vicinity of Shamokin, and his mother is a resi-
dent of that town.

After attending the public schools our sub-
ject, when quite young in years, obtained em-
ployment as a slatepicker and later as a miner,
working in the mines in the vicinity of Sha-
mokin for about sixteen years. Determined
to be something more than a miner, Mr. Cro-
ninger abandoned the work beneath the hills
and learned the trade of butchering, and
eventually went into business on his own ac-
count as a butcher. Then he again followed
the bent of his ambition and became a drover,
buying cattle and shipping them to the East-
ern markets, continuing as a buyer and seler
of cattle for about thirteen years. In 1892 our
subject resumed business as a butcher and re-
established his individual market, which has
so grown in proportions and trade that it is
now one of the largest and leading commer-
cial interests of Shamokin. In 1893 Mr. Cro-
ninger associated himself with the Shamokin
Packing Company, and the firm now consists
of Holden Chester and our subject, who man-
ages the live-stock branch of the immense
business. It is estimated that the business of
the company averages about $1,000 per day.
In addition to looking after his department of
the packing concern, our subject also con-
ducts his personal business, which occupies
an extensive plant on West Walnut street,
consisting of a slaughter-house, shop and a
modern equipment with which is manufac-
tured artificial ice.

Our subject is a Democrat and has been
active in the interests of the party in whose
we

218

principles he is an enthusiastic believer. His
popularity was forcibly demonstrated in 1884
when he was the nominee of his party for
county treasurer and was defeated by a ma-
jority of 300 votes. Mr. Croninger frequently
has served as delegate to local conventions
and he has been overseer of the poor and a
councilman. He is a member of Shamokin
Lodge, No. 664, I. O. O. F., and also is prom-
inent as a member of the local tribe of the
Improved Order of Red Men and of the
Knights of the Mystic Chain.

Twice has our subject entered the matri-
monial relation. He first was united to Aman-
da Leahmy, who bore him five children, one
dying when young. The surviving children
are: Frederick, who is with his father, and
three daughters, each happily married and re-
siding in Shamokin, as follows: Jennie, the
wife of Lewis Erieg; Annie, wife of Roy
Bixler; and Sadie, wife of Jesse Bird. Mr.
Croninger’s second marriage was to Mrs.
Mary Rausch, nee Mary Herrold, and to them
have been born two children, Rosa and Jesse.

Mr. Croninger’s portrait, executed from a
recent. photograph, taken expressly for this
work, appears on a preceding page.

—\!——+-o>___—_

HARLES E. HAZEN is section fore-

man on the Eagles Mere Railroad

and performs his work in such

manner as to win the respect and confidence

of his superior officers. Our subject is truly

one of the self-made men of the village of

Sonestown, and his worldly possessions are

the result of his own perseverance and untir-

ing energy. He was born near his present

home in Sullivan County, January 25, 1868,

and is a son of William C. and Lydia (Whit-

aker) Hazen, a grandson of John F, Hazen,
and a great-grandson of Thomas Hazen.

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

John F. Hazen was a millwright by trade
in Davidson township, Sullivan County, and
was the founder of this well-known family in
the county. He was the father of the follow-
ing children: Jacob A.; George; William
C., the father of our subject; Charles; Han-
nah; Lucinda; and Mary Ann. John F.
Hazen learned the trade of a mill-wright and
carpenter of his father and he erected nearly
all the mills in the vicinity at that time, and
many of them are still in operation. He spent
his latter days at Hughesville, Pa., and died
there at an advanced age. He was the pro-
genitor of nine children, namely: Elizabeth;
Catherine; Leah; Sally; Jane Ann; William
C.; John N.; and George and James, de-
ceased.

William C. Hazen is a retired and much re-
spected citizen-of Sonestown and has pursued
various vocations throughout his active days,
and was born at. Hughesville, March 16, 1838.
He was united in marriage with Sarah Whit-
aker, a daughter of William and Lydia (Little)
Whitaker; her father was a large land-owner
of Sullivan County and was a farmer; his farm
is now the property of A. T. Armstrong. A
family of eight children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Hazen, namely: George B., who mar-
tied Minnie Weed by whom he reared a family
of five children: Stella Belle, who is the wife
of Thomas Houseknecht, and five children
blessed their home, Pearl, Blanche, Cressie,
Amy, and Emmens; Charles and Thomas, de-
ceased; John Franklin; William B.; Walter;
and Harry.

Charles E. Hazen attended the public
schools of his native town and his remaining
boyhood days were spent in assisting his
father about the homestead thus acquiring a
good education in the art of farming. Leav-
ing home after attaining manhood he entered
the employ of the W. & N. B. R. R. as fore-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 219

 

man of this section of the railroad and occu-
pied that position some three months, but was
in the road’s employ eight years, when in
July, 1898, he accepted a like position on the
Eagles Mere Railroad. Our subject com-
mands the respect both of the men of whom
he has charge and of the citizens of the com-
munity who recognize him as a man of sterl-
ing worth. He purchased the Robert Whit-
aker property, which ‘consists of a good house
and one acre of land, and has remode‘ed the
house into a handsome home.

Mr. Hazen was joined in hymeneal bonds to
Carrie B. Phillips, a daughter of Griffin Phil-
lips, a prominent farmer of Davidson town-
ship, and to this happy union one son has been
born, Kenneth George, born March 28, 1898.
Fraternally Mr. Hazen is a member and past
president of the P. O. S. of A.; religiously he
and his wife are prominent members of the
Methodist Church. Politically our subject is
an unwavering Democrat and although he
takes an active part in local politics he has
never sought a public office, but in 1897 he
served as supervisor.

om ————

a ATTHEW KEAR WATKINS,
cashier of the First National Bank of
Mount Carmel, is a man of much
business ability and energy, ever ready to give
encouragement and his best efforts to an en-
terprise which has for its purpose the general
advancement of the town which he adopted
as his home and in which he is recognized as
an energetic and public-spirited leader. Few
enterprises have been inaugurated in Mount
Carmel which have not had the benefit of Mr.
Watkins’ rare business ability and have not
profited by his influence and guidance.
Our subject is a son of James and Mary A.

 

(Kear) Watkins, natives of Wales, and was
born June 11, 1851, in Minersville, Schu'ykill
County, Pa., soon after thé emigration of
his parents from Wales to this country. His
ancestors on the paternal side may be traced
back to Welsh origin and those on the mater-
nal side to English root. The father of our
subject was born in South Wales in 1793 and
was reared in that country. He came to the
United States in 1851 and located in Miners-
ville, Pa., where he resided until his death in
1861. The grandfather of Mr. Watkins on
the maternal side, Matthew Kear, was a native
of England, where he remained during his life-
time. The Kear family were among the early
settlers in Minersville, where they were coal
operators. James and Mary Watkins reared
five children, as follows: Ann; Mrs. Robert
Wilson; William; Lizzie; and Matthew Kear,
the subject of our sketch.

After attending the public schools of Mi-
nersville, our subject, at the age of fourteen
years, started out to earn a living and to make
his way through the world. He began as a
messenger boy for the Philadelphia & Read-
ing Railroad, and while working in that ca-
pacity for a year he studied hard and a!so
learned to operate and rapidly, acquired the
art of telegraphy. He was appointed oper-
ator at the Philadelphia & Reading station at
Ashland and subsequently, in 1871, was trans-
ferred to Mount Carmel as station and ticket
agent of the railroad, which position he suc-
cessfully and satisfactorily filled for five years.
In 1875 he engaged in business as a stationer,
dealing also in books, newspapers, etc.,
and doing a good business, in which he con-
tinued until November, 1878. Determined to
remain active and to make headway, Mr. Wat-
kins, in 1879, added to his business as a sta-
tioner that of newspaper publisher, purchasing
the Mount Carmel Progress, which was
220 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

founded in December, 1877, by Owen Fow-
ler, and was the pioneer newspaper of Mount
Carmel borough. He altered the name of the
journal, renaming it the Mount Carmel News,
and also enlarging it. In 1881 the paper was
further enlarged and E. E. White assumed the
editorship, thus relieving Mr. Watkins of
many duties to which he scarcely could give
the attention he desired because of the in-
crease in his original business as well as the
gratifying prosperity of his venture as a news-
paper publisher. In 1882 Mr. Watkins pur-
chased the entire plant of the Gloucester City
Tribune of Gloucester, N. J., and removed it
to Mount Carmel, thus materially increasing
his facilities and demonstrating his enterprise.
Mr. White bought an interest in the paper in
1883, and for four years the News was pub-
lished by Watkins & White. In 1887 Mr.
Watkins retired from the firm, his place being
taken by R. J. Wilson, who was associated in
the publication of the News with Prof. White
for some time, and finally bought the business,
which he yet controls. Mr. Watkins con-
ducted his stationery business until 18809,
when he sold it and took an active part in or-
ganizing the First National Bank of Mount
Carmel, which opened its doors for business
on April 8, 1889, with a capital of $50,000 and
seventy-four stockholders, embracing the
principal business men of the borough. Mr.
Watkins was elected cashier of the bank and
he has ever since occupied the position, so
ably managing the affairs of the institution
that the directors have insisted that he con-
tinue to preside over the very important du-
ties which fall to him as the active executive
of the bank. Upon its organization the offi-
cers of the bank were as follows: President,
E. C. Tier; vice-president, John T. B. Gould;
cashier, M. K. Watkins, our subject; direc-
tors, William A. Phillips, George W. Davis,

 

John T. B. Gould, M. K. Watkins, E. C. Tier,
Bernard Harvey, S. E. Bergstresser, L. W.
Johnson, E. C. Herb, William McFee, Sr.,
and William H. Heaton. The present offi-
cers of the bank are: President, E. C. Tier;
vice-president, George W. Davis; cashier, M.
K. Watkins; directors, E. C. Tier, M. K.
Watkins, George W. Davis, S. E. Bergstres-
ser, William McFee, Sr., William Kiefer, J. H.
Smith and H. T. John.

Mount Carmel is notable as the first town
in the world to have electricity as artificial
light. This was brought about by the or-
ganization of the Edison Electric Illuminating
Company, in the formation of which Mr. Wat-
kins was very active. The company was in-
corporated November 17, 1883, with a capital
of $16,000. In 1890 the company was reor-
ganized and its capital increased to $25,000,

-and Mr. Watkins, who was its secretary upon

its organization, was elected president. Un-
der his vigorous management the piant was
removed to its present site and its capacity
considerably increased within a brief period.
Originally the plant had a capacity of 500
lights, which has been constantly increased
until the present capacity is something over
2,500 lights. Our subject was the first secre-
tary of the Mount Carmel Water Company,
which also was incorporated on the same day
as the Electric Illuminating Company, and he
is now its treasurer. He was one of the or-
ganizers of the Citizens’ Building & Loan
Association, of which he has been secretary
since its formation, a period of about nineteen
years.

Religiously, our subject is an attendant of
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mount —
Carmel, of which he is a trustee. Politically
Mr. Watkins is a Republican and has served
as a member of the board of school directors
and he was president of the borough council
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 221

 

 

for three years. He is an influential Repub-
lican and always takes an active-part in fur-
thering the interests of his party and his
friends. Our subject is a member of Ashland
Lodge, No. 294, F. & A. M., of the Chapter,
R. A. M.; a Knight Templar; a member of
Mount Carmel Lodge, No. 630, I. O. O. F.,
and of the Royal Arcanum,

Twice has Mr. Watkins entered the mar-
riage relation. He was first united to Sarah
J., daughter of the late Richard Curnow, a
pioneer coal operator of Mount Carmel. Four
children were the fruit of the union: James

Marshall; Shirley S.; Matthew K.; and Rich-—

ard Vivian. Mrs. Watkins was a most lovable
woman, was prominent in the M. E. Church
of Mount Carmel, and was beloved for her
many excellent qualities of mind and heart by
all who knew her. She died December 27,
1889. As his second wife Mr. Watkins mar-
ried Helen M. White of Baltimore, Md., and
to them has been born one child, Genevieve
Elizabeth.

Mr. Watkins is an extensive owner of real
estate. He is the largest stockholder in the
electric light and other corporations with
which he is connected.

———_4+ 2 >
AMES P. MILLER, superintendent of
thé Trust Company Tannery at Mun-
cy Valley, Sullivan County, was born
in Bradford County, Pa., in 1847. He is a
son of William and Huldah (Wells) Miller
who lived in Bradford County, Pa.

William Miller, father of the subject of this
sketch, was a progressive and well-to-do farm-
er, and James P. was given the advantages of
the public schools at Newville, Cumberland
County. Being naturally a studious boy, by
diligent application to his studies he built a
good foundation for the busy life which has
since marked his progress.

 

Upon completing the course of studies pre-
scribed at the Newville schools he engaged in
teaching, which calling he zealously followed
for six years. He then engaged in clerking at
Williamsport and Chamounf, after which he
located in Muncy Valley to take up the duties
of the important position of superintendent of
the L. A. Robinson tannery at that place.
This manufacturing enterprise was organized
by L. R. Bump who was succeeded by L. A.
Robinson of Middle Valley, N. Y., in 1876,
who in turn sold the business to D. T.
Stephens & Son in 1877; later the U. S.
Leather Company or Union Tanning Com-
pany, as the firm was known at different pe-
riods, assumed control, and the business is di-
rected now by the Trust Company estate.

The tannery is known as the Muncy Valley
Tannery all over the state and is one of the
largest of its kind in this section, employing
upwards of one hundred men and using twen-
ty-one leaches per week with ten tons of bark
to the leach. Mr. Miller’s duties include the
keeping of the books and the general super-
vision of the men and teams employed and
the many hundred tons of bark that are used
in tanning the yearly output of leather.

So well has our subject performed his va-
rious duties that he has kept his position
through all’the changes which have taken
place, giving entire satisfaction to the various
owners and employees; thus the merit of his
work has secured for him his position and is
the most powerful factor in helping him to
maintain it.

Our subject was joined in the holy bonds
of wedlock to Elizabeth Johnson, daughter of
Perry O. Johnson of Sullivan County, ‘Pa
Eight children blessed this union, as follows:
Maud; Myrtle; Ernest; Blanche; Ralph;
Jamie; and Donald. Thrice has the Grim
Messenger entered our subject’s home and
222 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

robbed it of a cherished jewel. The summons
came to Mabel when ten years old; then to
Ernest, aged five; and last, to Ralph at the
age of four.

Politically ottr subject is an Independent
Democrat. He is postmaster, which position
he has held since Cleveland’s first administra-
tion. He is a devout Christian and worships
in the M. E. Church in which he is steward.

—__++-+—__

R. JOHN W. BEALOR, a successful
practitioner of Shamokin, Coal town-
ship, who has reached the pinnacle of

fame in his profession, is the distinguished

subject of this personal history. He was born

March 19, 1854, in Perry County, Pa., and is

a son of Benjamin F. and Elizabeth (Weibley)

Bealor, and grandson of John Bealor of Berks

County, whose sole vocation was farming, and

who removed to Perry County with his father,

Mark Bealor, great-grandfather of our sub-

ject.

Mark Bealor was formerly a resident of
Germany, but immigrated to America and lo-
cated in Berks County, afterward in Perry
County, where he spent the remainder of his
life in agricultural pursuits. He is credited
with having rendered valuable service to our
country in the Mexican War.

Benjamin F. Bealor, father of our subject,
was born in Perry County, Pa., and the great-
er part of his life was spent in pursuing the
same occupation followed by his father and
grandfather before him, but his health failed
and caused him to quit farming and remove
to Virginia in the hope of benefiting his health
by the change. This change, however, did
not restore his health, and later on he returned
to Philadelphia, where he lived a retired life
until the autumn of 1897, when he laid down
the burden of life and entered into eternal rest.
He was a firm believer in the doctrines of the

 

 

 

 

 

Reformed Church and took an active interest
in all church affairs, serving as a deacon of the
church for a number of years. He advocated
the principles of Democracy and took an act-
ive part in local politics; was deeply interested
in all work of his party, and served as overseer
of the poor for two terms.

Our subject is one of a family of twelve
children, seven girls and five boys; he was
educated in the public schools and in the
Bloomfield Academy, from which he grad-
uated in 1873. He then began the study of
medicine under G. A. Richardson, as precep-
tor, in Newport, Perry County, after which he
entered the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons at Baltimore, from which he graduated
with high honors in 1876, and at once pro-
ceeded to Elliottsburg, Perry County, where
he opened an office and entered into the prac-
tice of his profession. He soon was enjoying.
a lucrative practice, which he continued for
four years, when he removed to Shamokin,
where he is engaged in active and successful
practice. In connection with his office he
owns a large drug-store and handles not only
his own drugs, but sells pure drugs to the
public and fills prescriptions for other less for-
tunate physicians. His years of medicinal and
surgical experience have made him cool, col-
lected and practical in treating critical cases,
and have given him an enviable record as one
of the leading physicians of the town.

Dr. Bealor was united in marriage with
Mary C. Albert and six children have been
added to their home, namely: Benjamin;
Florence E.; Quilla E.; Henry Mark; Helen
Mary; and John Watt, who died when only
two years old. Our subject is a valued mem-
ber of the Northumberland Medical Society;
also belongs to Washington Carp, No. 178,
P. O. S. of America, and to the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 223

 

 

ACOB H. REED, justice of the peace
in Mount Carmel and one of its best
known and most popular residents, is

a member of one of the pioneer families of
Eastern Pennsylvania. He is a son of John
B. and Catharine (De Freighn) Reed, and was

born June 21, 1857, in St. Clair, Schuylkill

County, Pa.

The grandfather of our subject, Jacob Reed,
.was a son of Thomas Reed, a native of Schuyl-
kill County, but early removed to Pottsville,
being among the first settlers in that town.
He was a Whig politically, and soon after
settling in Pottsville was elected a justice of
the peace. He was twice re-elected and, hav-
ing served three terms, was entitled according
to the law which then prevailed to the office
for his lifetime. He held the office for about
fifty-five years, performing the duties thereof
up to within ten days of his death. When he
located at Pottsville the hamlet was in the
midst of wild country, and family tradition
has handed down a very interesting story of
an encounter, which Jacob had with a panther,
in which he narrowly escaped being killed.
The grandfather took an active part in the
construction of the Schuylkill Canal, and for
a number of years ran a line of boats on it.
His wife was Rebecca Bittle, and to them
were born these children: Rebecca, who mar-
ried Jacob Bittle, a widower, now living in
Ashland at the age of about eighty years;
Mary Ann, who was the wife of Quill Marsh,
now deceased, and who now resides in North-

ampton County; Morgan, deceased, who was.

a justice of the peace in Pottsville for several
years; George H., who was a breaker con-
tractor and who died when a comparatively
young man; and Tillie, deceased. Jacob Reel
spent the latter part of his life in Wi:liamsport,
Pa., where he served as alderman for twenty-

 

five years, and was quite prominent in poli-
tics and business.

John B. Reed, father of the subject of this
sketch, was a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Bit-
tle) Reed, and was born in what is now Mi-
nersville, Schuytkill County, April 16, 1819.
He was reared and educated in his native
county and went into the mines when quite
young and followed mining ‘in its various
branches for forty years as miner and superin-
tendent of collieries. He resided at St. Clair,
Schuylkill County, for fifteen years, during
ten of which he was justice of the peace. On
the breaking out of the Rebellion Mr. Reef
enlisted, in July, 1861, in Company A, 7th
Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was commissioned
by Gov. Curtin as quartermaster, ranking as
lieutenant. He had served eighteen months
in that capacity when he was informed by a
superior officer that no such rank in the army
discipline existed and that, in reality, he had
no official title. Mr. Reed returned to his
home, and after a few days’ rest returned to
his troop with a bona fide commission as regi-
mental quartermaster, acting in that capacity
until the troop re-enlisted in 1864, when he
was detailed as chief clerk in the quartermas-
ter-general’s department. Mr. Reed was cap-
tured by the Rebels and was held a prisoner
for twenty days in the celebrated Anderson-
ville Prison, escaping from it and returning
to his headquarters. He was never wounded,
but his nose was broken by a sabre cut. He
was a thorough business man and excellent
penman and during his service in the army
was detailed much of the time-to important
clerical work. He was clerk in the commis-
sary department under Gen. Thomas of Ohio,
and after the close of the great struggle re-
mained with that officer for a year at Nash-
ville, Tenn., winding up the accounts of the
department. During the war, vouchers re-
224 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

ceived by Thomas H. Rickert, a quartermaster
now residing at Pottsville, Pa., which showed
that $25,000 had been disbursed properly,
were captured by the enemy. The loss was of
vital importance, as subsequently developed,
for twenty-five years after the war ended the
government sought to recover the sum from
Mr. Rickert, alleging that no vouchers existed
showing that he had disbursed the money.
Fortunately Mr. Reed was alive and Mr. Rick-
ert was able to communicate with him. Mr.
Reed was a witness in behalf of Mr. Rickert
and he testified to having made out the re-
ports of the disbursing of the large sum and
forwarded them to the secretary of war, thus
substantiating the claims of his former su-
perior officer. Upon the testimony of Mr.
Reed, the case was dismissed by the judge be-
fore whom it was heard without being given
to the jury.

Upon his discharge from the army, in Sep-
tember, 1865, and after his service in Nash-
ville, Tenn., Mr. Reed returned to Mount Car-
mel and resumed mining operations. He was
superintendent at several mines in the vicinity
of Mount Carmel. In 1879 he removed to Ma-
hanoy City, where he was actively engaged
as mine superintendent for over three years.
He then returned to Mount Carmel, where he
continued mining operations until his death,
on Feb. 18, 1890. In politics Mr. Reed was
a Republican. He was a candidate for clerk
of the quarter sessions at Schuylkill early in
the 50’s and was defeated by but one vote.
He served as a justice of the peace in Mount
Carmel at different periods, about twenty
years in all. He was the first secretary of
Mount Carmel Lodge No. 378, F. & A. M.,
and was once vice-president of the supreme
body of the P. O. S. of A. of this state. He was
an ardent member of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Reed was the first free-school teacher in

 

Schuylkill County, and second burgess of
Mount Carmel. The father of our subject was
twice married. His first wife was Catharine
De Freighn, who bore him eight children, as
follows: Emma Eliza, who is Mrs. David
Huffman of Shamokin, Pa.; Sarah Jane, un-
married; Mary, wife of John Stahl of Phila-
delphia; George H., who died in infancy;
Rebecca E., the wife of William Curnow of
Mount Carmel, and who survives him; Carrie,,
deceased, who was the wife of William Umple-
by; John Edgar, general manager for Collins
& Co., railroad contractors; and Kate Irene,
who is Mrs. H. P. Helwig and resides in Alex-
andria, Va. His second wife, Eleanor F.
(Teague) Adams, survives him.

The subject of this review, Jacob H. Reed,
was educated in the public schools of Mount
Carmel. At the age of eleven years he went
to work as a slatepicker at a mine with which
his father was connected, working steadily ex-
cept in winter, when he pursued his studies
in school. When nineteen years old Jacob de-
termined to seek his fortune and he worked
in the mines for some time... Then he secured
a position with the Adams Express Company,
which he‘held for about nine years. In 1896
he was elected justice of the peace, which po-
sition he now fills with ability and dignity.
In politics he is a Republican and has been
variously honored by his party. He has fre-
quently been a delegate to county conven-
tions, has served two terms as director of the
poor and has held other minor offices.

Mr. Reed is prominent in the Masonic fra-

‘ternity, being a leading member of Mount

Carmel Lodge, No. 378, F. & A. M. He also is
a member of Washington Camp No. 116, P.
O.S. of A., of Mount Carmel.

On June 21, 1889, our subject married
Mary E. Wightman, daughter of Charles
Wightman of Mount Carmel. She was for
 

 

 

 

WILLIAM H. R. SMINK.

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 227

 

 

several years a teacher in the public schools of
Mount Carmel. Their children are: Edith,
Estelle, Miriam, John Edgar, and Charles W.,
Katharine, a younger child, having died in
infancy.

 

ILLIAM H. R. SMINK, a popular

and respected citizen of Shamokin,

Pa., a portrait of whom is shown on
the preceding page, has the distinction of be-
ing proprietor of the largest drug-store in this
state, and his retail trade is said to be among
the largest of its character in Pennsylvania.
Our subject is a son of Daniel C. and Eva
Ann (Kaseman) Smink, and was born April
29, 1852, in Shamokin township, near what is
known as Blue Church. Mr. Smink’s career
strikingly illustrates the old belief that perse-
verance, energy and careful attention to the
“little things” win success déspite most for-
midable obstacles.

The grandfather of our subject on the pa-
ternal side, Jacob Smink, settled about 1830
in the vicinity of Shamokin or Mahanoy town-
ship. He built many of the saw-mills which

were erected and operated in the early days”

when the wilds were s!owly but surely cleared
for the use of the white settlers.

Daniel C. Smink, father of the subject of
this review, was born in Northumberland
County, in one of the saw-mills which his
father had built. He was reared in the envi-
rons of Shamokin, in the woods, and followed
carpentry and blacksmithing for many years.
He has been for the past forty-five years a resi-
dent of Shamokin, where he is a dealer in
paints and wall-paper. Mr. Smink was origi-
nally a Whig and subsequently allied himself
with the Republican party. He served one
term as a justice of the peace. The mother of
our: subject is a granddaughter of Joseph

‘when President Lincoln was

 

\Kaseman, a native of Germany, who came to
this country when eighteen or nineteen years
of age. He located near Blue Church and
passed his days on a farm. He passed to his:
final rest in 1866, having reached the rare age
of 107 years.

Our subject, W. H. R. Smink, is one of four
children, two of whom, Rosalie and Elizabeth,
are dead, and the fourth child, Albert H., is a
physician in Shamokin. When eight years old
the subject of this sketch went into a coal-
breaker as a slatepicker. At the age of eleven
years he entered the office of the Shamokin
Herald to learn the printer’s trade, working
in the newspaper office until April 14, 1865,
assassinated,
when he was thrown out of work by the clos-
ing of the office. After working at odd jobs
for some time young Smink went into the

. general store of Ryer Bros. & Company as a

cellar-boy. He worked for the firm five years,
during the final two years of his service acting
as bookkeeper, which was quite an achieve-
ment for one so young, as the store was a
large one and the principal business house
in the town. For two years William slept in

‘the store, and, being fond of reading, he

sought to educate himself by so doing at night
after he had finished his labors of the day. His
hea!th failed and he was compelled to give up
his position. Subsequently, with his father,
he put up the first planing-mill in Shamokin
and they operated it for a year, when it was
burned, wiping out the entire capital possessed
by father and son. Compelled again to seek
employment, Mr. Smink went to Chambers-
burg, Pa., where for a year he conducted a
toy and confectionery store. He then returned
to Shamokin and entered the dry goods store
of Leader, Muir & Company, after trying the
toy and candy business for a short time, and
for two years he was the only clerk in the em-
228 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

ploy of the firm. In 1877, on the breaking out
of the great strike of railroad men which ex-
tended to ten states, including Pennsylvania,
Mr. Smink went to Berks County and took
chatge of a general store in Seisholtzville
owned by his father-in-law, Henry Guiterman.
He had entire charge of his father-in-law’s
books, as Mr. Guiterman was principally oc-
cupied in looking after iron ore mines in
which he was interested. After running the
store for six years, upon the death of Mr.
Guiterman, our subject was appointed super-
intendent of the iron ore mines, which posi-
tion he filled to the satisfaction of the execu-
tors of the estate for three years. He then
returned to Shamokin in 1883, having studied
medicine and pharmacy with Dr. Roth of
Seisholtzville, and established a drug-store.
He began business as a druggist in a room
9 by 14 feet at the corner of Market and
Chestnut streets, and nine months later re-
moved to North Market street, where he oc-
cupied a store 16 by 28 feet, which has been
replaced by his present large and elegant place
of business. In January, 1896, Mr. Smink
took into partnership his son, Henry G., and
the business is now conducted under the firm
name, W. H. R. Smink & Son.

Twice Mr. Smink has entered the marital
relation. His first marriage was to Annie L.,
daughter of Henry Guiterman of Port Carbon,
Pa., and to them were born three children:
Henry G., Eva K., and Annie L. Mrs. Smink
died September 8, 1879. Mrs. Smink’s second
marriage was on December 24, 1880, to Ella,
daughter of Charles Knappenberger of Allen-
town, Pa., and to them have been born three
children: Rosalie; Marion, deceased; and
Daniel.

Our subject always has been an active Re-
publican. For two. years he served as coun-
cilman from the Third Ward, 1891-92, and in

 

1893 he was elected burgess for a one-year
term. The State Assembly then made the term
of the office three years and Mr. Smink was
again elected and served the term, giving four
years of efficient and beneficial labor to his
fellow-citizens. During his service as bur-
gess Mr. Smink incessantly worked to secure
the paving of streets and he was rewarded by
the putting down of three blocks of asphalt
pavement. The street improvement urged and
started by him has been continued by succeed-
ing administrations: He also was instru-
mental in bringing about the vote upon the
proposition to organize the borough into a
city; he also labored zealously to secure prop-
er sewerage facilities and the result was that.
several miles of sewers were laid in the bor-
ough,

Our subject is a member of the American
Pharmaceutical Association, also of the Penn-
sylvania Pharmaceutical Association. He is
a Mason of high rank, being a member of
Shamokin Lodge No. 255, F. & A. M.; of
Shamokin Chapter No. 264, R. A. M.; Mount
Moriah Council No. 10, R. S. Ex. and S. M.;
and Caldwell Consistory, S. P. R. S. 32d De-
gree, A. A. S. R. Since 1869 he has been a
member of Camp No. 30, P. O. S. of A., and
he also is a member of the Knights of the
Mystic Chain. He was one of the organizers
of the West End Fire Company and has been
its treasurer since its organization. He also
was a director of the West End Building &
Loan Association for many years. Mr. Smink
is a member of St. John’s Reformed Church
of Shamokin.

i a —__—_

EUBEN S. AUCKER, who has been

for thirty-four years a resident of Sha-

mokin, Northumberland County,

Pa., and is one of the county's most pro-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 229

 

 

gressive and wealthy citizens, comes of one
of the pioneer families of Snyder County, this
state. He is a son of Emanuel and Hannah
(Snyder) Aucker, and was born July 6, 1837,
in what formerly was Union County and now
is Snyder County. By hard work, energy, en-
terprise and thrift Mr. Aucker built up a busi-
ness which is one of the best in this county,
and he also has been a heavy dealer in real
estate and has carefully managed all his busi-
ness interests.

Emanuel Aucker, father of the subject of
this review, was born near Richfield, Pa., in
1805 and was reared there. He removed to
Selinsgrove, Snyder County, in 1839 and re-
sided there until his demise in 1892. His act-
ive life was spent in farming and in lumber-
ing, he being active in the early deve!opment
of the lumber industry in his native county.
Politically Mr. Aucker was a Democrat and
he was a firm believer in the principles of his
party, but he never sought or held office. Re-
ligiously he was an adherent of the Mennonite
faith, and in his character and his career were
strongly marked the sturdy, uncompromising
traits of the believers in that faith. He was
a man of strictest moral habits, honesty and
conduct, was temperate, and proudly declared
that he never had tasted tobacco.

The grandfather of our subject, on the ma-
ternal side, John Snyder, was born about 1787
and was a first cousin to Gov. Snyder of this
state, after whom Snyder County was named.
The Snyders formed one of the sturdy pioneer
families whose influence and activity was fe't
in many ways in the early stages of the growth
and progress of Pennsylvania. The maternal
grandmother was also born about 1787, and
she died about fifteen years previous to her
husband.

Our subject’s parents reared a family of
thirteen children, two of whom died young.

 

Curiously enough, for forty years following
the demise of the two young children no death
record was preserved in the family. Of the
survivors of the children Reuben S., our sub-
ject, and his brother, Jacob S. Aucker, are the
on'y ones who have been identified with the
history and the progress of Shamokin and
Northumberland County. The children were
as follows: Henry, deceased; Catharine, wid-
ow of Samuel Zeigler; Peter and Barbara, de-
ceased; our subject, Reuben S.; Leah, de-
ceased; Annie, widow of Jacob Longaker;
Susan; Emanuel, who is a farmer in Snyder
County; John, also a farmer in Snyder Coun-
ty: Jacob, a resident of Shamokin and a car-
penter by trade, also an undertaker; Malinda,
who died young; and Enos, the youngest,
who resides in Snyder County, and is a farmer.

In his youth Reuben, our subject, did not
have many advantages for securing an edu-
cation and he was reared on his father’s farm.
He attended a subscription school for about
three months and a free school for twenty-one
months, at the same time working in the
woods and doing dutifully his part toward
supporting the large family and also mana-
ging to attend the New Berlin Academy for
two months. Reuben also succeeded in learn-
ing a trade as a carpenter and a millwright,

and, thus reinforced for his struggle with the

world, he started out to win his way and re-
moved to Shamokin in 1865, working for
some time as a carpenter and builder. A year
after reaching Shamokin he started a lumber
yard, and his business finally increased so that
he built fifty houses in one year. In 1872 Mr.
Aucker established a furniture and undertak-
ing business. He carried on that branch of
his enterprise until 1888, when he sold it to his
brother, Jacob S., and T. H. Paul, both having
for some time been in his employ. In Feb-
ruary, 1882 our subject organized the firm of
2380,

Aucker, Slayman & Co., taking into partner- |,

ship two of his former workmen, C. J. Slay-
man and Joseph W. Kesslers This firm erected
many of the most substantial and handsome
structures in Shamokin, including the Gar-
field School, the Globe building, St. John’s
Reformed Church, the large block in which is
the dry goods store of its owner, Charles C.
Leader, and a large number of private resi-
dences, among them those of George O. Martz
and C. Q. McWilliams. Mr. Slayman retired
from the firm in 1897 owing to poor health.

Well versed in farming and the needs of the
prosperous farmer, Mr. Aucker for several
years made a study of fertilizers and the best
methods of producing good ground, with the
result that in April, 1891, he established an
individual enterprise, the Shamokin Fertil-
izing Works, which has a large factory in
North Shamokin. This business is growing
rapidly and already the trade of the works is
very extensive. Mr. Aucker owns three large
farms, two in Snyder County and one in
Northumberland County, and several smaller
farms, and his real estate holdings in Shamo-
kin are very large.

Our subject has given much time and work
to some of the important interests of Shamo-
kin. He was one of the organizers of the
West Ward Building & Loan Association and
has been its president for twenty years. He
also was an organizer of the Shamokin Elec-
tric Light & Power Company, of which he
is a director; an organizer of the Shamokin
Electric Street Railway; a director of the
Guarantee Safe Deposit & Trust Company;
and is interested in several other business en-
terprises.

Mr. Aucker served as a councilman for
four years, from 1866 to 1870, and as a mem-
ber of the school board for six years. Our
subject is an honored member of St. John’s

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Reformed Church, of which he has been a
deacon and elder for twenty-five years, and a
teacher in the Sunday School for thirty-
three years.

Our subject most appropriately celebrated
Christmas Day, 1863, by wedding Mary Wand
at Georgetown. Their children have been as
follows: Ida M., wife of M. G. Reager, a mer-
chant in Shamokin; Mary Magdalen, Carrie
and Kate May, deceased; and Emma Eva
and Mary Ellen, who are at the family home.

—— ee

JJ ENRY F. GLENN. The Jackson &
Woodin Manufacturing Company of
NN Berwick is one of the largest and

best known concerns of its kind in this coun-

 

‘try and much credit for its success is due its

present manager, the subject of this biog-
raphy. He is a son of Robert and Sarah
(Thomas) Glenn, and was born in Philadel-
phia.

Robert Glenn, father of our subject, died in
1854, and Henry F. is the only surviving
member of the family. He was reared and
educated in the public schools of Philadelphia.
Being of a mechanical turn of mind he took
a course of study in mechanical engineering,

‘but later gave up the study and became a

clerk in a drygoods store, at which calling he
continued until 1870. He then removed to
Berwick and entered the employ of Jackson
& Woodin as clerk. Two years later the firm
was merged into The Jackson & Woodin
Manufacturing Company, and our subject was
promoted to the position of secretary, the du-
ties of which he performed in a manner as
to gain the approval of his employers. He
was soon after rewarded for his faithfulness
and the interest he took in the welfare of the
company by being made manager. He was
 

 

ANDREW M. LOWRY,

REV.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 233

 

 

also general manager of the Berwick Rolling
Mills until it was consolidated with The Jack-
son & Woodin Company, and served as its
treasurer for one year. He possesses not only
the respect of the men under his supervision,
but is held in high eSteem by all with whom
he is acquainted, both in business and private
life. He is also deeply interested in the
growth and development of Berwick and ac-
tively supports all enterprises which will in
any way be of benefit to the town. He uses
his influence to elevate the standard of educa-
tion and has served on the board of educa-
tion for six years. He is also one of the
directors of the Nescopeck Bridge Company.

Mr. Glenn was united in marriage to Mary
B. Young, a daughter of Rev. Jared Young,
and their happy union has been blessed by the
birth of six children: Jesse, a mechanical en-
gineer and a graduate of Cornell University;
Elizabeth, who is in attendance at a college
for young ladies at Baltimore, Md.; Edwin,
a student of Cornell University; Annie, who
is attending school at home; Robert, also a
student at Berwick; and Mary, who died in
infancy. In religious views the family ad-
heres to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.

———S—

EV. ANDREW M. LOWRY. To be

able to look back to a quarter of a
century spent in good works is in-

deed an enviable record, and such is the priv-
ilege of the subject of this sketch, Rev. An-
drew M. Lowry, a retired minister of the
Presbyterian Church, residing in Watson-
town, who was born in Turbot township,
Northumberland County, Pa., June 21, 1820.
He attended the public schools of his native
town and then took a classical course at Mc-
Ewensville Academy, under the able ministra-

 

tions of Dr. Shedden. He afterwards attended*
Lafayette College of Easton, Pa., which was
presided over by Dr. Junken, who was so
highly thought of by his pupils that upon his
resignation of the presidency of Lafayette, to
accept the same office in Washington College
now known as Lee University of Lexington,
Va., he was accompanied to that institution
by several of his scholars, among whom was
our subject, who was graduated from that col-
lege in June, 1850. He then took a three-
years’ course in theology at Princeton Semi-
nary and afterwards spent one year in evan-
gelistic work. He was ordained by the Pres-
bytery of Northumberland and received his
first call from Port Carbon, Schuylkill County,
Pa. He accepted the call and for twenty-one
years and six months labored faithfully in the
“vineyard of our Lord.” He was most suc-
cessful in his work, and not only remodeled
the church, but enlarged its membership: most
materially during his years of occupancy.
Though the spirit was willing the flesh was
weak, and much against his own and _ his
parishioners’ wishes our subject was obliged,
reluctantly, to retire from active work on ac-
count of his health, which had failed him
from the arduous labor performed in the faith-
ful discharge of his duties.

Remembering fondly the lovely spot in
which he was born, the beautiful valley of the
West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Rev.
Mr. Lowry decided to spend his declining
years in that vicinity, and built a fine residence
in Watsontown at the corner of Main and
Fifth streets, where he and his two sisters now
reside.

Our subject’s grandfather, Samuel Lowry,
was born in Ireland, and was, as is his grand-
son, a devout Presbyterian. He came to Am-
erica and married Elizabeth McClenathan;
they settled in Columbia County, Pa., where
234

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

they successfully followed farming life until
they died, each being eighty years of
age. They were the parents of five chil-
dren: Margaret, who married a Mr. Maxwell;
Sarah, wife of James Sheep; Ellen; James
M.; and Samuel, who inherited the home-
stead.

James M. Lowry, the father of our subject,
worked on the homestead until he had laid by
enough money to start in for himself. This
he did by purchasing a tract of land near
Dewart, Turbot township, Pa., which is still
owned by the Lowry family. There our sub-
ject’s father cleared the land and built a fine

set of buildings, which, remodeled for present.

requirements, will stand contrast with more
recent buildings very creditably, thus showing
the substantial, honest manner in which they
were built, and also the trait of character in
both father and son, which caused all their
work to be done-thoroughly and well. James
M. Lowry was a practical and successful farm-
er and reaped the reward of his hard work in
plenty of well-tilled land and a comfortable
bank account. Still, all of his life was not
passed in the peaceful pursuits of a farmer, for
he served honorably toward the close of the
War of 1812 at Black Rock, near Buffalo, N.
Y., on the Niagara Frontier. He was an act-
ive member of the Presbyterian Church and
served as trustee of same. He married Sarah
Laird, daughter of Matthew Laird of Union
County, Pa. Their marriage was blessed with
the following children: Elizabeth, the widow
of Samuel McKean; Andrew M.; Margaret,
who married Joseph G. Durham, both now de-
ceased; Samuel, who married Nancy Nesbit,
both now deceased; Sarah, the wife of David
McGuire, both now deceased; Matthew, who
married Catherine Gauger, both now de-
ceased; Jane and Mary (twins), the forme;
of whom makes her home with our subject,

 

and the latter of whom is dead; Mary E.,
who also lives with her brother; and two
infants, deceased.

Although our subject has retired from act-
ive labors he still carries on the work of the
Master in many ways, being always ready to
fill a vacancy or to do anything in the line of
his profession. Rev. Mr. Lowry is one of
whom it may truly be said, “Well done, thou
good and faithful servant.” The publishers
of this volume take pleasure in announcing
that a portrait of the subject of this biograph-
ical notice appears on a preceding page.

 

RANCIS W. GALLAGHER. A com-
modious, modernly-conducted hotel
is an absolute essential to the welfare of any
enterprising community. Regardless of what-
ever element of progress in other lines may
be possessed, if a village is devoid of ample
hotel accommodations for the traveling pub-
lic in charge of liberal-minded and public-
spirited landlords, no community can with
reason hope to attain its essential and proper
degree of success. In the above class of gen-
tlemen we believe we are justified in accord-
ing a prominent place to Mr. Gallagher, pro-
prietor of the well-known Gallagher Hotel,
which is prominently located in the town of
Laporte. This highly-esteemed resident of
Laporte is of the sturdy Irish race and was
born in Galvery, County Fermanagh, Ireland,
June 3, 1862, and is a son of Dennis Galla-
gher.

Dennis Gallagher was also born in County
Fermanagh, Ireland, and when a lad of ten
years he sailed for the United States, where
he hoped to find good fortune, and that he
succeeded may be attributed to his own perse-
verance and untiring energy. Mr. Gallagher
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 235

 

 

went to Jacksonville, Fla., where he entered
the employment of a Mr. Jackson, a large
fruit-grower of that city. He was very in-
dustrious and by the exercise of economy suc-
ceeded in acquiring a small fortune. He then
returned to his native land and soon after was
wedded to Ann Johnson, They concluded to
remain in Ireland and our subject’s father pur-
chased a small tract of land and carried on
agricultural pursuits; he lived to the age of
fifty-nine years. His wife who is yet living is
the mother of the following children, most of
whom came to the United States during their
early years: James, who resides in his native
land; Mary Ann, deceased; Sally, also de-
ceased; John, a resident of Potter County,
Pa.; William, who resides in the state of

Texas; Hugh, who lives in Boston, Mass.;

Francis W., our subject; Catherine and Den-
nis, also in Boston; Patrick, a prominent
resident of Laporte; and Thomas, who lives
in Scotland.

Our subject attended the district schoo's
and while a lad served an apprenticeship to
the glass-making trade. In 1879 he came to
the United States, found employment in a
tanyard, and followed tanning until 1893; he
worked at that vocation in the following
places: Stoneham, Brookton, Sterling Run,
Muncy Valley, Hillsgrove, and Laporte, Pa.
In 1893 he purchased the King property,
which was then a large frame building used
for store purposes and rebuilt it into a res-
taurant and hotel, where he immediately won
the respect and confidence of the people.
After the burning of the Laporte Hotel in
1898 our subject purchased the ground and
barns, and has erected a handsome three-story
hotel, 50 by 52 feet; on two sides of the
building is a large veranda; when all improve-
ments have been completed the hotel will have
both hot and cold water and all other mod-

 

ern improvements, including steam heat. Mr.
Gallagher, in his new hostelry, is able to ac-
commodate the traveling public and also the
many families seeking a mountainous resort;
the hotel commands a beautiful view of the
surrounding mountain scenery.

Mr. Gallagher is a most popular landlord,
and has succeeded in building up a trade that
is excelled by few others in his section of the
county. Our subject is also popular in both
social and business circles and takes a great
interest in municipal matters, being an ideal
public-spirited citizen. He firmly upholds the
principles of the Democratic party, has served
two terms as burgess, and two terms as chair-
man of the Democratic county committee.
Mr. Gallagher was wedded to Tresa Breaker,
a daughter of Charles Breaker of Laporte,
and they are the parents of four children:
Mary Ann; Emma; William, who passed
from this life in 1898, aged four years, and
who was one of the favorite children of the
borough, his death being deeply mourned by
ail; and Francis. Religiously Mr. Gallagher
and family are prominent members of the
Church of Rome.

—_——_—+t-o >_____

LONZO J. SULT is the well-known
proprietor of the Berwick Steam
Laundry at No. 318 East Front
street, Berwick, one of the most successful
in Central Pennsylvania. He has not only a
large patronage in Berwick, but an established
reputation in the principal cities in this section
of the state, having a good custom in Scran-
ton, Wilkesbarre, Catawissa, Pittston, North-
umberland, and many smaller villages. He is
a son of Daniel and Catherine (Geddes) Sult,
and was born in Berwick, April 4, 1845.
He is a grandson of Peter Sult, who was
born in Northampton County, where he fol-
»

236

lowed the trade of a cooper until 1823 when
he moved to Berwick, Columbia County.
There he followed his trade until his death
and was a very prosperous man. -He served
in the borough council and was supervisor
for a number of terms. He was united in
marriage to Magdalena Kester, and_ they
reared the following children: James; Ste-
phen, of Lockport, N. Y.; Julia, wife of John
Switzer; Mary, wife of David Wagoner;
Daniel; Charles of Peoria, IIL; Sarah, wife
of C. A. Becker; Eliza, who married James
Hover; and William, a resident of Peoria,
Il. Mr. Sult died at the age of seventy-four
years, and his worthy wife was sixty-nine
years of age when she closed her eyes in final
sleep.

Daniel Sult, father of our subject, was born
in Northampton County, Pa., and came to
Berwick with his father when young. He
was employed as a mechanic by The Jackson
& Woodin Manufacturing Company, after
which he was track manager for the Tg Ts 82
W. R.R. from Kingston to Northumberland.
He then worked at the carpenter's trade until
1863, when he was employed in the pattern
shop of The Jackson & Woodin Manufactur-
ing Company, continuing until his death, at
the age of seventy-four years. He was united
in marriage to Catherine Geddes, a daughter
of Thomas Geddes, and they were the happy
parents of four children: Sarah, who mar-
ried a Mr. Reichard; Adelia E., deceased;
Alonzo J., the subject of this personal history;
and Jessie P., deceased.

Alonzo J. Sult received his intellectual
training in the public schools of Berwick, af-
ter which he learned the trade of a stationary
engineer. He was then in the employ of
The Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Com-
pany for thirty years after which, on January
1, 1893, he became proprietor of the steam

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

laundry which he has since conducted. The
laundry occupies a two-story building, 35 by
43 feet, and is supplied with the latest-im-
proved machinery which enables him to do
first-class work in every respect. The plant
is heated throughout by steam, and lighted .
by gas and electric lights. By his courteous
and straightforward manner of dealing with
every one, Mr. Sult has worked up a good
patronage which will compare favorably with
any in this section of the state. He employs
only skilled workmen and the work turned out
is always satisfactory to his customers. He
has a comfortable home on the same lot with
the laundry, which he has remodeled and ‘sup-
plied with all modern conveniences.

Mr. Sult was united in matrimonial bonds

_to Nancy J. Boyles, a daughter of James

Boyles of Berwick, and they are the happy
parents of six children, namely: Walter M.,
bookkeeper for the Lehigh Valley Coal Co.
at Wilkesbarre, Pa., who married Elizabeth
Campbell, and they have one daughter, Mar-
garet; Daniel, assistant to his father, who
married Ella Brown, by whom he had one son,
Alonzo; Lloyd F., a bookkeeper and stenog-
rapher for the P. & R. R. R. at Wilkesbarre,
who wedded Elizabeth Stifnagle; William B.,
a laundryman, who married Ida Berkheimer;
Robert E. P., who is a student; and Mar-
garet, the first born, who died at the age of
two years. On July 2, 1862, Mr. Sult enlisted
in Company H, 84th Reg., Pa. Vol.' Int,
but was discharged October 3, of the same
year, owing to an attack of typhoid fever.
He again enlisted with Company B, 194th
Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and received his dis-
charge November 5, 1864. February 7, 1865,
he re-enlisted in Company A, 74th Reg., Pa.
Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the
war, receiving his discharge August 29, 1865.
In political views, he classes himself as an
 

ALEM BRITTON WHITE.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 239

Independent. Socially he is a member of the
P.O. S. of A., and the Knights of the Golden
Eagle of which he is past chief.

 

LEM BRITTON WHITE, whose por-

trait is shown on the opposite page,

was successfully engaged in the

mercantile business in Light Street, Scott

township, Columbia County, Pa., for many

years, and is now agent for the Bloomsburg

& Sullivan Railroad at Light Street. He isa

son of Joseph and Lydia Ann (Robbins)

White, and was born in Fishing Creek town-
ship, Columbia County, May 9, 1833.

The White family is of German extraction.
Peter White, the grandfather of our subject,
was a prominent agriculturist of Scott town-
ship where he resided on a farm near Light
Street which is now owned by the widow of
H. C. Hartman. He passed to his eternal
resting place in 1815 while yet a young man.
He formed a matrimonial alliance with Eliza-
beth Britton by whom he had eight sons and
five daughters, a record of whom is’ here
given: Harry, the only surviving member of
the family, is a farmer residing in Indiana;
Mary Maud married a Mr. Garrison, a farm-
er of Salem township, Luzerne County; Ze-
beth, who was a farmer and resided in Michi-
gan: John, who was a farmer and resident
of Richland County, Ohio; Joseph; William,
who was a farmer on the old homestead; Sam-
uel followed agricultural pursuits in Rich-
land County, Ohio; Peter, who also made his
home in Richland County, Ohio; Catherine,
who was the wife of Samuel Oman, who was a
farmer in Mt. Pleasant township, Columbia
County; Sarah, who was the wife of Andrew
Melick, also a farmer of Mt. Pleasant town-
ship; Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Emerson,
a farmer of Indiana; Isaac, who was a farmer

 

and lime-burner of- Scott township; and Hen-
ry, who was a resident of Indiana.

Joseph White, the father of our subject,
was born on the old homestead March 15,
1800, and after attaining man’s estate went to
Pine township where he engaged in tilling
the soil and was a very well-to-do farmer. He
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church of which he was steward and trustee.
He passed into the unknown beyond at Iola,
Greenwood township, December 2, 1858,
aged fifty-eight years. He took the marriage
vows twice, his first union being with Lydia

-Ann Robbins, a daughter of John Robbins,

a farmer of Greenwood township, and they
became the happy parents of eight children,
namely: Sarah C., the wife of John Johnson,
a farmer of Greenwood township; Alem Brit-
ton, the subject of this biographical sketch:
Melissa J., deceased, who married Henry Mil-
ler of Watsontown, Northumberiand County;
John A., a carpenter and mechanic of Rich-
land County, Ohio; Mary E., deceased, who
married David Oman of Mt. Pleasant town-
ship, Columbia County; Anna A., widow of
Samuel White of Fairmont township, Luzerne
County; Harriet M., wife of Thomas Wright,
a carpenter by trade and a farmer, of Green-
wood township; and Eliza R., the wife of
S. B. Fornwald of Washington, Ind. Mrs.
White died December 7, 1835, at the age of
thirty-eight years. Joseph’s second wife was
Deborah Fowler and they reared’ two child-
ren,—Florence P., the wife of N. H. White of

Imedia, Columbia County; and Joseph, a
merchant of Light Street.

Alem Britton White was reared on the
farm and obtained his mental training in the
public schools and Greenwood Seminary at
Millville, Pa., after which he began teaching
school at the age of fifteen years. He taught
in the public schools, then for three terms was
240 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

assistant in the Bloomsburg High School, and
finally, for six months, taught in the Green-
wood Seminary. In the spring of 1865 he
accepted a clerkship in a store at Blooms-
burg where he remained until August when
he entered upon the duties of a similar posi-
tion for H. W. Creasy, a merchant of Light
Street, where he remained until April, 1866,
when he engaged in the mercantile business
on his own account at Ashland, Schuylkill
County. He continued in business there un-
til August, 1868, when he returned to Light
Street and again clerked for Mr. Creasy until
April, 1871, when that gentleman died. Our
subject then purchased the general merchan-
dise store of Peter Ent of Light Street and
successfully conducted it until 1895 when he
retired in favor of his brother Joseph, who has
since managed it. Upon the death of Mr.
Ent he purchased the property upon which
the store is situated and has since owned it.
He was also engaged in the lumber, coal and
fertilizer business which he still conducts. He
was made agent of the Bloomsburg & Sulli-
van Railroad, when it was opened in 1888 and
served as agent for the United States Express
Company since it opened business in Light
Street in 1892 until June, 1898. He isa man
of superior business ability, and has been de-
cidedly successful in all of his business ven-
tures.

On March 23, 1869, our subject was united
in marriage to Esther E. Geisinger, a native of
Luzerne County and a daughter of the late
Samuel Geisinger, by whom he had one
daughter who was called home in infancy.
They have since adopted a daughter, Bessie,
who is living at home. Politically he is a
stanch supporter of the Prohibition party. He
isa member of Locust Mountain Lodge, I. O.
O. F., of Ashland, Pa., and of Washington
Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M., of Bloomsburg.

 

Religiously he is a member and trustee of the
Methodist Church, also superintendent of the
Sunday School.

2 >

HE BLOOMSBURG STATE NOR-
MAL SCHOOL at Bloomsburg,
Columbia County, Pa., is one of the largest
and most flourishing schools of its kind in the
United States. It catalogues each year some-
thing over 600 students and has a faculty of
about twenty-eight ladies and gentlemen,
graduates of leading colleges, universities and
training schools. Each year about 150 young
men and women are graduated in the different
departments of the school. Its alumni num-
bers nearly 1,500, and, as may be seen by ref-
erence to this list in the catalogue, a remark-
ably large number of them occupy positions
of influence and responsibility in Pennsylvania
and other states. The school is one of the
best disciplined in the country, while the edu-
cational work has been so carefully supervised
that a strong corps of university and college-
trained teachers has been brought together
to forma faculty. Asa result, the young men
and women graduated in the professional and
college preparatory courses are taking high
rank among their fellows, and reflecting great
credit on their Alma Mater.

The school property attracts much atten-
tion, being situated at an elevation of over
150 feet above the Susquehanna. The view
from this elevation is almost unrivaled. The
river, like a ribbon, edges the plain on the
south, and disappears through a bold gorge
three miles to the southwest. Rising imme-
diately beyond the river is a precipitous ridge
400 feet high, backed by the majestic Cata-
wissa Mountain. The town lies at the feet
of the spectator. Hill and plain, land and
water, field and forest, town and country,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. ei 241

 

manufacture and agriculture, are combined
in the varied scene. Fourteen acres of campus
afford ample space for lawns and _ athletic
grounds, and include a large and beautiful
oak grove, while six large buildings are ad-
mirably adapted to their different uses. There
is not space here for a complete description
of these buildings. Institute Hall is the oldest
building (built in 1867), and contains six
spacious class-rooms and a beautiful audi-
torium which occupies the entire second floor.
The Model School Building is a handsome
two-story building, and is next to Institute
Hall. It covers about eighty feet by ninety
feet, and contains about twenty-six study and
recitation rooms, well ventilated and supplied
with light, blackboard surface, and the most
improved furniture. The Dormitory is four
stories high and was originally in the form of
an inverted T, having a frontage of 162 feet
and an extension of seventy-five feet. Ex-
tending toward the river from the | is a
wing 104 by 40 feet in dimensions, thus: L.
The North End Addition, while connected
with the dormitory described above, is a dis-
tinct four-story building, 130 by 50 feet in size.

The Gymnasium is 90 by 45 feet in size, and

is one of the handsomest and best to be found.
The Employees’ Dormitory is about 40 by 70
feet, three stories high, with a basement which
contains the laundry. The top floor is fitted
up as an infirmary.

The school was originally called the
Bloomsburg Literary Institute and was
opened and dedicated in 1867. In 1868 a

proposition was made to the board of trustees
by the State Superintendent of Public Instruc-
tion, Hon. J. P. Wickersham, to organize the
school into a state normal school. After much
heated discussion, the board of trustees passed
the following resolution: ‘Resolved that the
trustees of the Bloomsburg Literary Institute

 

agree to establish in connection with the same
a state normal school under the Act of the
2d of May, 1857, and to procure the grounds
and put up the necessary buildings, etc.” It
will be seen by this resolution that none of
the functions of the Literary Institute were
canceled when it became a normal school.
The charter name is “The Bloomsburg Liter-
ary Institute and State Normal School,” and
the courses of study originally provided for
the Institute are still maintained, according
to the terms of the original agreement with
the Commonwealth. As a consequence of
this action the school is perhaps different from
other normal schools in that it prepares more
students for college, and maintains courses in
both vocal and instrumental music. The work
of the Institute has not in any way interfered
with the training of teachers. In fact, the
necessity of keeping well-trained instructors
in the sciences, languages, mathematics, his-
tory, and literature to comply with the ad-
vanced requirements of the Literary Institute,
has provided better instruction in the elements
of these branches for students in the normal
department. The school at all times has at
least 125 representatives in the various col-
leges and universities.

The first principal of the school was Prof.
Henry Carver, who held the position until
1871. He was an excellent disciplinarian and
organizer and had the happy faculty of in-
spiring young people to make the most of
themselves. After his withdrawal from the
principalship, the school passed through a
financial struggle that is best described in the
words of Col. John G. Freeze, in his “History
of Columbia County,” as follows:

“The very large amount of money required,
the falling off of subscribers, the want of
prompt payment of those which were good,
the talk of those who were not in sympathy
242 . BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

with the movement, were all discouraging cir-
cumstances. The trustees were therefore ob-
liged to assume personally the cost of carry-
ing on the work. They have had upon them-
selves at one time, as a personal obligation,
more than $20,000. Repairs, expenditures,
and deficiencies to the amount of from $1,000
to $3,000 annually, have been provided for
by them, on their personal responsibility.
They have given days and nights to the busi-
ness of the school, they have borne, for the
public and general good, burdens which no
man in the town has struggled under in his
own business. When state aid came slowly
or not at all, when subscriptions failed, when
the daily pressure of debts was almost un-
bearable, the trustees shouldered the work and
accepted the responsibility.”

The second principal of the school was the
well-known lawyer, Charles G. Barkley, Esq.,
who accepted the position temporarily and
on condition that he would be relieved as soon
~as possible. His principalship extended only
from December 20, 1871, to March 27, 1872,
but a marked improvement in the school in all
respects was apparent at the time of his resig-
nation, and the trustees would have been glad
to retain him at the head of the institution.
He is at present, and has been for years, one
of the leading trustees of the school, being
chairman of the committee on instruction
and discipline.

Mr. Barkley’s successor was Rev. John
Hewitt, rector of the Episcopal Church of
Bloomsburg, who held the position until the
end of the school year in June, 1873. Im-
provement continued, but still the income did
not meet expenses and the struggles of the
board of trustees continued. Mr. Hewitt was
succeeded by Rev. T. L. Griswold, who con-
tinued as principal until June, 1877. Under
his administration the school first paid ex-

 

penses. In the fall of 1877, Rev. David J.
Waller, Jr., assumed the duties of principal
and his administration was very successful.
It was during his administration that the
Model School Building and the east wing of
the Dormitory were erected. Throughout the
thirteen years of his connection with the
school there was a constant growth in.the ma-
terial equipment, size, and efficiency of the
school; and when, in 1890, Rev. Waller was
appointed State Superintendent of Public In-
struction the school was in a most prosperous
condition.

In July, 1890, the present principal, Judson
P. Welsh, Ph. D., assumed the duties of the
position. The National Educator in its issue
of March 18, 1896, says of the prosperity of
the school under his administration:
“Through the influence of Dr. Welsh, the
growth and prosperity of the school have been
phenomenal. We will briefly enumerate some
of the material changes which have gone
hand-in-hand with the educational improve-
ment. New furniture came first, then the
beautiful auditorium was modeled. Next the
large four-story dormitory and the gymna-
sium were built. Electric lights, the new li-
brary, the elevator, and the servants’ dormi-
tory soon followed. The new athletic field
is another remarkable feature of this growth.
In short, the school has grown so wonder-
fully that those who have not visited it in
five years would be astonished to see the
transformation.”

The State Normal School is under the care
of a board of trustees of eighteen members.
Six of these represent the Commonwealth
and twelve represent the stockholders. The
stockholders are the contributors of the origi-
nal $30,000 which the state requires to be
furnished by the community in which a nor-
mal school is established. They are not stock-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 243

 

 

holders in the sense of being participators in
the earnings of the school, but they elect the
trustees annually and suggest to the Com-
monwealth those who may be appointed to
represent the state. The trustees of this
school have upon more than one occasion fur-
nished funds to the institution from their pri-
vate means, and have frequently compromised
their personal estates by placing their names
on paper to help the school out of financial
embarrassment, when the state failed to ap-
propriate sufficient funds, or withheld pay-
ment of funds appropriated. The annual ap-
propriation of the state to the school at pres-
ent is $7,500, a sum not large enough to pay
one-half the sum paid in salaries to the in-
structors.

The state also makes an appropriation of
fifty cents per week to students of the school,
to aid them in defraying their expenses. This
aid is given to students seventeen years old,
who take the teacher’s course of instruction
and declare their intention to become teachers
in the public schools of the Commonwealth.
At graduation, those who promise to teach
two years in the Commonwealth receive fifty
dollars additional. This aid to the students is
of no direct value to the school, as it does not
furnish any additional funds.

The following well-known business and
professional men constitute the present board
of trustees: A. Z. Schoch, president; John H.
Clark, secretary; William Neal; John Wolf;
L. E. Waller; F. P. Billmeyer; George E.
Elwell; N. U. Funk; James C. Brown; W.
M. Reber; Paul HE. Wirt; A. L. Fritz; Hon.
Robert R. Little (state); C. G. Barkley (state);
Charles W. Miller (state); G. Herring
(state); John A. Funston (state); and C. C.
Peacock (state). Of these Mr. William Neal
and Mr. John Wolf have been members of the
board almost continuously since the organiza-
tion of the school.

 

The value of the school to Bloomsburg in a
business way is probably not realized even by
the most sagacious business men. During
the scholastic year of 1896-97, $56,000 of
the income of the school was spent in the town
and immediate neighborhood of the school.
This is about four-fifths of the entire yearly
income of the school. In addition to this,
it is estimated that the students of the school
in their personal expenditures bring from
$12,000 to $15,000 into the town each year.
During the seven years preceding the school
year of 1897-98, the annual income of the
school increased from $42,000 to over $69,-
000, or nearly 65 per cent. During those
seven years the school has expended of its in-
come in the town, for running expenses,
$346,000. Add to this (according to the
above estimate of the amount spent by stu-
dents), the sum of $85,000 for the seven years,
and the total is $431,000. But this is not all:
During this time $70,000 was expended in
buildings, which amount is not included ‘in
foregoing amounts, which represent only the
running expenses of the school. The grand
total, therefore, of over $500,000 (a half mil-
lion dollars, in other words) has been spent in
the town during the seven years mentioned.
It is no wonder that Bloomsburg is a pros-
perous town, since she has such an institution,

pouring $70,000 per annum into her business
life.

 

ILLIAM R. KOCHER. There are

few who would recognize the beauti-
ful and thrifty town of Bloomsburg, with its
many factories, business houses, and other
plants, as the little village which was founded
in 1810 and then contained a postoffice, a
store, and a few dwelling houses. The steady
growth and rapid development of the town
244 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

reflects great credit upon the men who have
had charge of its affairs, but none deserve
greater praise than William R. Kocher, who
is at this date president of the town council.
Since assuming the duties of that office in
1897 he has instituted many reforms, and has
been instrumental in bringing a number of
important enterprises to the town. He is also
general freight agent for the D., L. & W. R.
R. at Bloomsburg, and operates a large
coal yard and a retail store. He was born in
Luzerne County and is a son of Thomas T.
Kocher, a millwright and farmer of Harvey
Lake, Luzerne County.

Our subject was reared on a farm, but when
young left his parental roof and entered the
employ of the railroad. He became assistant
station, freight and baggage agent on the
D., L. & W.R. R., from Scranton to Blooms-
burg, and served in that capacity for two
years, performing his duties in such a manner
as to gain the approval of his superior officers;
his faithfulness to the interests of the company
was rewarded by promotion to the office of
general freight agent at Bloomsburg, which
is one of the largest shipping points of the
division. He also conducted a retail coal sup-
ply-house for the company for several years,
but in 1889 he embarked in the coal business
on his own account, forming the firm, W. R.
Kocher & Company. He built an office anda
coal yard on Seventh street, between Iron and
Catherine streets, and a large coal-house on
the corner of East Sixth and Iron streets. The
latter has a capacity of 300 tons, twenty shutes
for quick loading, and has an elevated track
leading up to it which is connected with the
main line by a switch, and the facilities for
shipping are of the best. This business has
been under the management of David M.
Sheep, who by giving his prompt attention to
all orders received, and by his courteous treat-

 

ment of customers has established a large re-
tail trade. The firm is one of the largest in
Columbia County and its members are de-
serving of the success with which they are
meeting. Mr. Kocher was one of the or-
ganizers of the Bloomsburg Creamery, formed
in 1896, and is its treasurer. He is also sec-
retary of the Bloomsburg Ice Company, an-
other of the leading enterprises of the town.

Mr. Kocher formed a matrimonial alliance
with Geraldine Benscoter, a daughter of Jos-
eph R. Benscoter of Luzerne County, Pa.,
and they are the proud parents of two child-
ren, Hazel and Myron, both of whom are
attending school. He is a stanch Prohibition-
ist in his political belief; in 1896 he was elected
to the council and in 1897 was made president
of that body. Many noted improvements have
been made since Mr. Kocher entered the
council, chief of which is the general mail de-
livery for the entire town of Bloomsburg. So-
cially our subject is a member of the Knights
of Malta, and the Heptasophs. Mr. Kocher
lives in a fine residence at No. 15 East Sixth
street, and also owns two tenement houses
on Eighth street. He is a man well and fav-
orably known throughout Columbia County.

 

OSEPH RATTI, whose name is well-
known throughout the states of Penn-
sylvania and New Jersey, and in New

York City, where he has been associated in
business since his residence in this country,
is the treasurer and manager of the Blooms-
burg Silk Mills, one of the leading industries
of the thriving town of Bloomsburg.

The subject of this biographical review was
born in Como, Italy, and after reaching ma-
turity he began his career in the employ of
Ceriana Bros., one of the largest banking
firms and silk-reelers of Italy. After becom-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, 245

 

 

ing a skilled workman at his trade he came to
America and was employed to throw raw silk
for the weaving looms at Hoboken, N. J.,
where he worked up a good patronage. He
moved to Bloomsburg in 1888, taking his ma-
chinery with him, and built a large three-story
brick factory, 150 by 50 feet, where he man-
ufactured silk.

In 1891 Mr. Ratti began the manufacture
of dress-goods, making a specialty of black
silk dress-goods, and the business increased
so rapidly that it was necessary to build an
additional building, equal in size to the struct-
ure first used. The mills are heated by steam
and lighted throughout by gas and electric
lights. Four hundred men are employed, all
being skilled workmen, many of whom learned
the trade under our subject. The mill is one
of the best equipped mills in the state, being
well-lighted and having the latest improved
machinery and other modern facilities for the
convenience of the employees and for the man-
ufacture of a perfect product. Our subject is
a man of sterling worth and integrity and al-
ways has the interests of his employees at
heart, as he has built twenty handsome brick
houses about the factory, in which many of
them reside.

Mr. Ratti is assisted in the management of
the business by Frederick G. York, whose
hame is also familiar to the people of Colum-
bia County. He is a native of Paterson, N. J.,
and since he was eighteen years of age has
been connected with the manufacture of silk.
He was general superintendent of the Meding
Manufacturing Company of Paterson, N. J.,
for many years, and in 1893 removed to
Bloomsburg to accept his present position
with the Bloomsburg Manufacturing Com-
pany, of which he is also a stockholder and
director. He is also a partner in the firm,
the Elkland & Graystone Company.

 

Mr. Ratti is closely connected with all pub-
lic movements and takes an active part in all
measures which tend to ameliorate or to im-

prove the condition of mankind.

 

 

eel
g HOMAS W. BEAHEN, a popular and

YE = genial landlord of Laporte, Sullivan
County, Pa., is the owner and proprietor of
the hotel well known in the county as “The
Maine.” The hotel is handsomely situated,
affording its patrons a beautiful view of the
surrounding mountains and it is regarded as
one of the best summer hotels in the Alle-
gheny Mountains in its section of the coun-
ty. Our subject is one of the most prominent
and enterprising business men of the town,
and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citi-
zens. He was born in Troy, N. Y.,.May 1,
1850, and is a son of John and Ann (Roe)
Beahen.

John Beahen is descended from the sturdy
Irish race and was born three miles from the
city of Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland. Be-
ing unsuited with the position he had attained
in his native country, he decided to immigrate
to the United States to seek a fortune and
better home; he accordingly sailed for this
country at an early age and upon his arrival
he went to work in a tannery in Troy, N. Y.
Later he engaged in the same occupation at
Binghamton, N. Y. Mr. Beahen labored dili-
gently for a number of years and by the exer-
cise of economy succeeded in accumulating
enough money to purchase a farm, and after
his marriage he bought a farm near the village
of Montrose, Pa., and there carried on agri-
cultural pursuits until his death, at the age of
seventy-three years. He was joined in mar-
riage to Ann Roe, a daughter of James Roe;
she was born in County Westmeath, Ireland.
246 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

To this happy union a family of two children
was born: Mary, who resides on the home-
stead, and Thomas W., the subject of this
personal history. The mother of our subject
entered the final rest at the age of sixty-nine
years.

Thomas W. Beahen remained under the
parental roof until he attained his majority,
attending the district school and assisting his
father about the farm. He chose the vocation
of a carpenter as a means of obtaining a live-
lihood and pursued that trade for twenty-five
years. In 1880 he became a resident of La-
porte, where he was employed by the Laporte
Tanning Company as a carpenter and woods-
man. Later he rented the Commercial Hotel
at Laporte, succeeding Mr. McKibbens. One
year later he took charge of the Laporte Ho-
tel, succeeded in establishing an excellent rep-
utation as a host, and soon built up a large
patronage. Our subject conducted the La-
porte Hotel until March 25, 1898, when it was
burned to the ground, our. subject meeting
with a heavy loss. Upon the advice of his
friends Mr. Beahen decided to continue the
hotel business and purchasing the Lambert
property he erected his present hotel, “The
Maine;” he also built a large barn, 36 by 50
feet. “The Maine” is a handsome structure,
contains seventeen rooms which are elegantly
furnished, and has a large dining hall capable
of seating many people; it is situated on a
high elevation commanding a view of the sur-
rounding mountains; the water is pure and
the mountain air which is very healthy
and invigorating makes “The Maine” a typi-
cal summer resort. The proprietor of this
popular resort commands the respect and
good-will of the entire community, and takes
an active interest in any measure which tends
to benefit his fellow-citizens.

Mr. Beahen was united in the bonds of

 

matrimony to Ella Readding, a daughter of
Hugh Readding of Rush township, Susque-
hanna County, Pa., and this union has been
blessed by three children, as follows: Annie;
John, who has been engaged in teaching dur-
ing the past three years; and Catherine. Re-
ligiously Mr. Beahen and family are active
members of the Roman Catholic Church. Po-
litically our subject is a solid Democrat, has
held the office of school director five years,
and has been a representative in the town
council five years.

 

HARLES H. DORR, the popular
editor and proprietor of the Berwick
Independent, should feel proud of
his success in the field of journalism. When
the Independent passed into his management
it was a four-page sheet and made its ap-
pearance weekly, but under his capable guid-
ance it has increased wonderfully in circula-
tion and has been increased to an eight-page
sheet. It has passed safely over the troubled
waters and now has a smooth sea in which
to sail. Mr. Dorr has a thorough understand-
ing of the newspaper business and knows how
to conduct a journal successfully. The read-
ing matter of the Independent is selected
with the greatest care, its editorials are good,
and its local news is crisp, fresh and entertain-
ing. The growth and success of this journal
reflects great credit upon the ability of its
editor and manager.
Charles H. Dorr is a son of Jesse A. Dorr,
a lumberman and native of Wyoming County,
Pa., and was born in Williamsport, Pa. He
was educated in the public schools of Balti-
more, Md., and the seminary at Williamsport,
after which he entered journalism, his first
position being that of manager of the Morn-
ing Record of Haltzdale. He was next em-
 

FREDERICK J. RICHARD.
4

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

249

 

ployed in the same capacity for the Courier
at Osceola, where he remained until 1889,
when he removed to Berwick and accepted
the management of the Berwick Independent
for the proprietor, R. S. Bowman. Three

years later our subject purchased the plant.
and has since been its proprietor and editor. |

Mr. Dorr was united in marriage to Annie

Reedy, a daughter of Peter Reedy of Berwick, |

and they have been blessed with three child-

ren, namely: Marian and Margaret, deceased;

and Herbert. Mr. Dorr is a prominent Ma-
son, being a member of the Knapp Lodge,
No. 462, F. & A. M.

—————+ 2>—_———

REDERICK J. RICHARD. Among

the principal industries of the remark-

ably industrious town of Bloomsburg is the
Bloomsburg. Manufacturing Company,

lines is president. He is well qualified to di-

rect the affairs of that well-known concern, |
as he has had twenty-three years’ experience |
and is a man of the highest mechanical skill. |
He has been connected with numerous similar .
enterprises, and has done more to promote the
mechanical industry in Bloomsburg than any.

one individual during the equivalent number
of years. He was born in Scranton, Pa., De-
cember 19, 1857, and is a son of Jacob F. and
Josephine (Robert) Richard.

Jacob F. Richard, the father of our subject,
a mechanic of renowned skill, was a native of
France where he learned the trade of a me-
chanic. He came to the United States and
followed his trade in Scranton, Pa., New York
City, and Waterbury, Conn., and was very
prosperous. He died in Waterbury and his
worthy wife has since resided in New York
City. Asa result of his marriage with Jo-

of |
which the gentleman whose name heads these ~

 

sephine Robert, four sons and one daughter
were born, namely: Frederick J., in whom the
interest of this sketch centers; Henry J.;
George J.; Jacob J.; and Elizabeth, who was
united in marriage to E. Hosbach of Wood
Haven.

Frederick J. Richard was reared in New
York City and received his education in the
public schools. He inherited his father’s me-
chanical ability and love for mechanics, and
eatly in life begged his father to allow him to
choose the trade of machinist as his life occu-
pation. His father would not consent until
he had tried other lines of work, and met with
disappointment, when he was finally allowed
to enter the employ of Bliss & Williams of
Brooklyn. He served an apprenticeship of
five years during which time he became thor-
oughly acquainted with the trade and was
thoroughly qualified to undertake the duties
of the next position offered him. He was ap-
pointed foreman of the Manhattan Brass
Company and, as his work proved very satis-
factory, he was soon after appointed super-
intendent. He later took charge of the Brass
Tube Works of Holmes, Booth & Haven of
Waterbury, Conn:, which is known far and
wide as the Brass City, and:held that position
for three years. For the following two years
he was superintendent for Randolph & Clauss,
manufacturers of seamless brass and copper
tubing. In 1891 he removed to the thriving
town of Bloomsburg. and, im association with
J. L. Richardson, built the Brass & Copper
Company’s plant, manufacturers of seamless
brass and copper tubing. The factory is a
two-story brick structure, 175 by 75 feet, and
is fitted throughout with machinery of the
company’s own manufacture. Our subject
was made the manager and superintendent
and under his careful guidance the venture

successful. In 1892 the

was eminently
250 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Bloomsburg Brass & Copper Company was
formed and he was made superintendent. In
1893 he built the plant of the Shickshinny
Tube Company, of which he is a director and
stockholder. He was also a director and
stockholder in the Bloomsburg Elevator Com-
pany, builders and makers of machinery. In
partnership with J. L. Richardson, he built
the Bloomsburg Manufacturing Company’s
plant in 1893; the building was 60 by 40 feet,
and the boiler-room was 30 by 30 feet, both
being made of brick. The company manu-
factures a large variety of articles, cuspidors,
oil-cans, currycombs, ete. In 1894 a stock
company was formed with the following of-
ficers: F. J. Richard, president; George J.
Richard, vice-president; and L. E. Waller, di-
rector. As the growth of the business had
been so rapid it was found necessary to en-
large the building. Another story was added
to it, the length increased to 110 feet and an
L, 50 by 25 feet, added. Machinery was put
in for the manufacture of carpet looms for
the Bloomsburg Carpet Manufactory, and al-
so six cutting and stamping machines. Mr.
Richard is the most experienced and skilled
mechanic in this section of the state, and de-
signed and made most of the machinery now
in use in the factory. An average of fifty
competent workmen is regularly employed,
and their output is the finest on the market
and finds a ready sale in the larger cities. Our
subject’s sterling qualities are a source of
admiration and respect among his fellow-citi-
zens who regard him as a man of great worth
and influence in the community.

Our subject was joined in hymeneal bonds
to Catherine Cook, a daughter of Andrew
Cook of Wood Haven, and they became the
happy parents of the following children: Wil-
liam, deceased; Catherine: Julia; Lizzie, Lil-
lia and Fred J., deceased; and Jennie. Mr.

 

Richard was deprived of his beloved wife’s
companionship by death in 1897, aged thirty-
seven years. In November, 1808, he joined in
marriage with Hannah S. Christ of Blooms-
burg, Pa., daughter of George T. and Mar-
garet Christ of Bloomsburg. He has been a
member of the town council several terms
and his great popularity is shown by the fact
that at a recent election he received the larg-
est vote ever cast for a candidate for council-
man. Socially our subject is a member of
Harmony Lodge, No. 42, F. & A. M., of
Waterbury, Conn. He resides in a fine resi-
dence on Normal Hill and is also the owner
of a large tenement house on Light Street
road, and one on Fourth street.

As a representative and prominent citizen
of Bloomsburg we show on a previous page a
recent portrait of Mr. Richard.

 

OSEPH S. NEWMAN, an enterpris-

ing and progressive citizen of Nord-

mont, Sullivan County, Pa., is general
station agent on the W. & N. B. R. R. and
express agent at that point, where he has
faithfully served the company’s interests since
1890. He is a son of George Newman, and
was born in Prince, Williams County, Va.,
March 7, 1866. He is of English descent and
is a great-grandson of Thomas Newman, who
was one of the early settlers of Lycoming
County, Pa., where he was known far and
wide as a man of integrity and honesty in his
every business transaction. He now lies bur-
ied in the Newman cemetery of that county.
He was the progenitor of one son, Joseph,
who became the owner of the o!d homestead
in Lycoming County. He disposed of that
property and settled at Tivoli, in the same
county, where he followed lumbering and
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 251

 

 

farming. He closed his eyes in final steep at
the age of seventy-four years.

George Newman, the father of our subject,
was born near Hughesville, Lycoming Coun-
ty, but moved to Tivoli with his father, where
he resides at the present time. He is a man
of great industry and, as a dealer in lumber
and a farmer, success has attended his every
effort, and he is now one of the substantial
men of that section.

Joseph S. Newman, the subject of this bio-
graphical record, obtained his mental training
in the public schools and in the high schools
of Williamsport and Tivoli. In 1884 he was
offered the position of station agent at that
town, which he accepted and retained for one
and one-half years, serving in Sonestown for
a time subsequent to 1886. He was the first
and is the only member of the Newman family
whose lot has been cast within the bounds
of the Seventeenth Congressional District of
Pennsylvania. From Sonestown he went to
Muncy Valley, where he remained until 1890,
when he accepted his present position at
Nordmont, Sullivan County. He has a thor-
ough understanding of the many responsible
duties of his position and has discharged them
to the entire satisfaction of the patrons of the
road, thereby gaining the approval of his em-
ployers. For some years he was financially
associated in the mercantile business in Nord-
mont, under the firm name of Botsford &
Newman, with M. W. Botsford, whose sketch
appears elsewhere in this book.

Mr. Newman was united in the holy bonds
of wedlock to Mary S. Sinclair, a daughter of
William and Martha J. Sinclair of Laporte
township, and their happy union is blessed
by two children: Hazel Martha and Lester S.
Politically our subject is a stanch Republican,
whilst in religious attachments he is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. So-

 

cially he is a member of the Patriotic Order
Sons of America and of the Odd Fellows. He
isa man of admirable character and habits and
has won many friends since his residence in
Nordmont.

EV. WILLIAM I. STEANS, pastor

of the Mahoning Presbyterian Church

of Danville, Pa., is an earnest and

conscientious laborer in the vineyard of the

Master and is held in high estimation by his
parishioners.

The church of which our subject is now
pastor dates back to 1778 or 1779, when Gen.
William Montgomery raised enough money
by subscription to have a minister journey to
and preach in the old log-house which stood
where the Grove Church now stands. In 1786

a congregation was organized and two ser-

mons were preached every Sunday, one in the
morning and the other in the afternoon. There
was neither stove nor fireplace in the old log
church, and, as there was a pit in the center
of the church, a charcoal fire was built to
heat it; the noon-hour was spent in lunching
and late in the afternoon the second sermon
was preached. The ground upon which this
log church stood consisted of three and seven-
tenths acres and was purchased September 8,
1775, ata cost of £5. In 1826 the church was
torn down and a brick building erected. The
following ministers had charge of this church
from 1826 to 1850: Rev. Hugh Morrison,
Rey. John Bryson, Rev. Asa Dunham, Rev.
John B. Patterson, Rev. David M. Holliday,
and Rev. John W. Yeomans, all of whom were
local preachers. In 1850 the congregation of
this church numbered 325, and, being so
large, its members decided to abandon the old
church and erect a new one. Accordingly, in
252 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

1853, the old church was sold and the present
one erected, and it was dedicated November
16, 1854, and sermons were preached by Rev.
William Plumer, Rev. Sinonton, and Rev. Da-
vid M. Holliday. A few of the members, who
resided near the old site, organized a new con-
gregation which is still in existence and is
called the Grove Presbyterian Church. The

Mahoning Presbyterian Church is located on °

Ferry street and is a handsome structure. The
society has the largest congregation of any
church in Danville. Since 1865 the following
ministers have successively been pastor of this

church: Rev. Dr. Yeomans; Rev. William E. |

I. james; Rev. Alexander B. Jackson; Rev.
Thomas R. Beeber; Rev. R. L. Stewart; and
the present pastor, W. I. Steans. The ruling
elders are: Josiah Reed, James Oglesby, H. M.
Hinckley, R. B. Voris, David Shelhart, Sam-
uel Bailey H. B. Schultz and H. H. Furman.

Our subject was born March 20, 1854, and
is a son of William Steans and a grandson of
John Steans, who came from Leicestershire,
Eng., to this country while a young man; he

‘located in Buffalo Valley, Northampton
County, Pa., and was one of the prominent
farmers of his day. He died at the age of
seventy-eight years. His wife was Agnes Bo-
vard and they were the parents of six chil-
dren, namely: William, the father of our sub-
ject; Catherine; Jane; Hannah; Nancy; and
Sarah.

William Steans followed the vocation of an
agriculturist all his life on the old homestead.
He married Caroline Irwin, a daughter of Wil-
liam Irwin, a native of North Ireland. Four
children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Steans, namely: John C., a practicing physi-
cian of Mifflinburg, Pa.; William I., our sub-
ject; Jennie R.; and Ralph, also a physician.

Rev. William I. Steans acquired a good ed-
ucation in the Columbia Seminary, was then

 

graduated from Lafayette College in 1879,
and later entered the Theological Seminary
of ‘Princeton, and was graduated with the class
of 1882. He immediately began his service
for God and humanity in his first field of labor,
the Washburn Street Presbyterian Church at
Scranton, Pa. On June 1, 1891, he took
charge of his present pastorate, in which he
has been very successful, and his zealous ef-
forts for the good and betterment of the com-
munity have been crowned with the best of re-
sults. His labors are well planned and he is
able to get through with a large amount of
work because of the several years of expe-
rience he has had in the religious field. Broad
in his views, sincere and outspoken in his atti-
tude on living questions that concern the lives
and welfare of the people, and zealous and
earnest in all that he sets his hand and his
heart to, Rev. Mr. Steans is a man whose in-
fluence is felt on all sides, one who will leave
a lasting impression on the community in
which he so zealously labors. Our subject,
some time ago, was united in marriage to Jen-
nie Wells, a daughter of C. H. Wells of Scran-
ton, Pa.

 

Se

q ENRY S. BETTS, a successful and ar-
| eS tistic photographer of Shamokin,

— ANN Northumberland County, Pa., was
born July 2, 1862, in Merthyr Tydvil, South
Wales. He isa son of Alfred and Zilpah
(Carr) Betts.

Our subject was educated in England. He
followed in the footsteps of his father, with
whom he learned the father’s trade, photog-
raphy. He also pursued his chosen vocation
in several London photographic houses, after
which he engaged in business in his native
country.

Coming to the United States in October,

 

 

 

 
 

ER

ISAIAH BOW
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 255

 

 

1887, Mr. Betts engaged in his business in
Mount Carmel, Northumberland County,
where he prospered and remained until April,
1898, when he removed to Shamokin, his pres-
ent home. Our subject, being of artistic tem-
perament and having had valuable experience
abroad, holds high rank as a photographer
and is well known because of the excellence of
his photographic work of all classes.

Mr. Betts was happily married to Margaret
Chambers of England. Their happiness has
been crowned by the issue of four lovable chil-
dren, Frank, Zilpah, Arthur and Ada.

SAIAH BOWER, one of the oldest and
most prominent merchants of Columbia
County, Pa., whose portrait is shown on

the opposite page, has been a resident of Ber-
wick for many years, and it is owing to the
efforts of such men as he that the borough,
as a business center and manufacturing point,
leads all other boroughs of equal size in the
state of Pennsylvania. When quite young he
engaged in business there and in a short time
was at the head of a large industry, which
added wealth to the town and aided in its
growth, as the success of his undertaking
served as an inducement for other enterprises
to locate there. Berwick steadily grew in
size, and we find that Mr. Bower, from the
time of making his home there, has been fore-
most in promoting its interests and has
erected more residences and business houses
than any other man. A gentleman in whom
the people have always reposed the greatest
confidence, we find in his advanced age a
large retinue of acquaintances throughout the
county who are pleased to be called his friends.
He was born at Evansville, Briarcreek town-
ship, Columbia County, March 19, 1829, and

 

is a son of Michael and Mary (Zahner)
Bower.

Our subject’s grandfather, George Michael
Bower, was born in Germany and came to
this country at the age of thirteen years, tak-
ing up the occupation of a farmer. He first
purchased a farm in the Lehigh Valley, but
later settled in Columbia County where ‘he
purchased a partially-improved farm in Briar-
creek township of a Mr. Disserand, a French-
man, At the time, prior to the Nineteenth
Century, that section was sparsely settled and
there was but a single house where Berwick
is now located. Mr. Bower cleared some one
hundred and twenty acres, which land is now
owned by Mr. John Fester, and there resided
the remainder of his life. His wife’s maiden
name was Hill, and their union resulted in
the following offspring: Jacob; Michael;
Solomon; Daniel; Phelina; and Catharine.

Michael Bower, the father of our subject,
as a youth was extremely precocious and al-
though little opportunity in the way of
schooling offered, he acquired a good edu-
cation as a result of his individual efforts and
became a teacher, a position for which he
proved well qualified, teaching in his own
home and in those of his neighbors. He
learned to weave wool and flax, and followed
weaving for some time, weaving for many
families in his locality. He came into pos-
session of a portion of the old home estate
on which he erected a log house, and there he
followed farming and reared a large family of
children. He was united in matrimonial bonds
with Mary Zahner, a daughter of George
Zahner, who was also an early settler in Briar-
creek township, and they had the following
children: Sarah, the wife of William Whit-
mire; Isaac; Reuben; Samuel C.; Daniel;
Hannah, wife of Henry Martz; George, who
lives in Briarcreek township; Catharine, the
256 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

wife of Charles Whitmire, who lives in Center
township; Enos, who died young; and Isaiah,
the subject of this personal history. Mrs.
Bower died at the age of sixty-eight years,
and her husband died six years later, in De-
cember, 1862, at the age of eighty-two years,
six months, both being buried at Evansville.

Isaiah Bower early in life learned the trades
of carpenter and machinist, following the
former occupation but one year, when he be-
came a machinist at the plant of The Jackson
& Woodin Manufacturing Company at Ber-
wick. After continuing in that capacity for
two and one-half years, he rented the plant
and manufactured plows with much success,
making the Bull plow, the Walker plow, and
the Bower plow, which he patterned himself.
The building in which his establishment was
located was situated where the casting and
pipe factory of the Jackson & Woodin com-
pany is now located, but has since been burned
to the ground. In 1864, in association with
Mr. M. E. Jackson and Mr. H. R. Bower,
and under the firm name of I. & H. R. Bower,
he established a general merchandise store
at the corner of Front and Mulberry streets.
In 1870 Mr. Jackson disposed of his interest
to the other members of the firm, who con-
ducted it with the best results and also bought
the Voke & Michael Agriculture Works,
which they conducted until 1880. In that
year they divided their business, H. R. Bower
taking the store and our subject the manu-
facturing plant which he operated until 1884.
In 1883 he built his present store, with dwell-
ing attached, located on the corner of Pine
and East Second streets, and since 1884 has
given his attention mainly to that business.
He has a fine store and enjoys a large patron-
age. He is a man of great enterprise and
good judgment and the success which he has
attained is due solely to his own efforts. He

 

“owns fifty-six acres of the original family

homestead on which he has erected substan-
tial buildings; a farm of ninety-two acres
which he bought from his brother; the Lay-
man Morse farm of one hundred and twenty
acres; and the Morteller farm. He has greatly
improved all the farms and hires men to cul-

| tivate them, being a wonderfully busy man for

his years. He has over twenty tenement
houses in Berwick and Nescopeck.

In 1850 Mr. Bower married Hannah Hag-
enbach, a daughter of Simeon Hagenbach of
Center township. They are faithful members
of the United Evangelical Church, in which
Mr. Bower has held a number of offices. He
has always lived an upright, honest, and tem-
perate life, being a strong advocate of tem-
perance. He has sympathy for the deserving
and is very liberal in his charity. In political
belief he was originally a Democrat, but for
some years has been a Prohibitionist; he has
served in official capacity as burgess of the
borough, and has held numerous minor of-
fices.

———+ o>—__

ILTON W. BOTSFORD, a promi-

inent merchant of Nordmont, Sul-

livan County, is the eldest son of

John C. and Martha (Pennington) Botsford,

and was born in Davidson township, Sullivan
County, Pa., August 17, 1840.

John Botsford, great-grandfather of our
subject, was the founder of the Botsford fam-
ily in America. He was born in England,
came to America, and served in the French
and Indian War. He was twice married and
had two sons, John and Levi; the latter was
accidentally killed at Utica, N. Y. The for-
mer, John, grandfather of the subject of this .
sketch, was born in Oxford Coun'ty, Conn.,
and early in life was a glassmaker at Utica,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 207

 

 

N. Y. He removed to Schuyler County, Pa.,
in 1844. Having saved some money he next
purchased sixty acres of forest land in David-
son township, Sullivan County, Pa., now
owned by William M. Stephens. He engaged
in clearing and cultivating the land, building
a dwelling house and other buildings and es-
tablishing a home for himself and family. He
died at the age of eighty-four; his wife, Louise
McEwen, lived to the good old age of ninety-
two. They were blessed with five children:

Louisa, Nancy, Emeline, Sarah, and John C.,.

the father of our subject.

John C. Botsford, father of Milton W.
Botsford, was born in Oneida County, N. Y.
Early in life he bought a tract of land in La-
porte township, cleared it, and there he has
lived ever since, enjoying the reputation and
success of a practical farmer. There he and
his wife are spending their declining years in
peace and in the same surroundings which
characterized their years of toil. Their ages
are, respectively, seventy-four and seventy-six
years. Six children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Botsford, viz.: Milton W., our subject;
Jesse, who is married and resides in Nebraska;
Mary, who married William Stanley and re-

“sides at the Botsford homestead; Arthur, who
married Ella Mosteller, and, together with
Judson, who married Minnie Kuner, reside in
Athens, Pa.; and Zenus.

At the district school Milton W. Botsford
obtained a good practical education, which he
found of value to him in after years. After
he left school he found employment in the
lumber business for seven years, when he went
into business for himself by starting a small
store at Unityville, Lycoming County, Pa. He
continued at this business for eight years, then
sold out and removed to Nordmont-and pur-
chased the C. W. Reeder store and engaged
again in the mercantile business. In this en-

 

terprise he was prospering when he received
an unwelcome visit from fire September 11,
1897. His store, also his house and barn, near
by, were destroyed by the fire; but, out of the
ruins rose a new building, typical country
store, with genial Mr. Botsford again behind
the counter.

Mr. Botsford was united in marriage with
Annie Hirleman, daughter of Henry Hirle-
man of Waller, Columbia County, Pa. Their
children: Rush, Ernest, Charles, who died at
the early age of four years, Harry and Frank.
The positions of honor and trust held by Mr.
Botsford are the best evidences of the high
esteem in which he is held by his friends and
neighbors. He has been elected at different
times overseer of the poor, inspector of elec-
tions, auditor and justice of the peace, and is
at present postmaster, which position he has
held at Nordmont and Unityville for a period
of twenty years. Our subject’s wife is a faith-
ful and willing worker in the United Evangel-
ical Church.

——___~<+-« > —____

AY H. DAVENPORT, although a

young man, is possessed of wonder-

ful business ability and holds the

responsible position of superintendent for the

Berwick Store Company, Ltd-, one of the

largest department stores in the state of
Pennsylvania.

The store is located in a handsome three-
story brick building which is heated by steam
and lighted throughout by electric lights.
The south side of the store is devoted to a
large stock of groceries, crockery, hardware,
confectionery, etc., while the north room on
the first floor is stocked with a complete line
of men’s furnishings in the front, and in tlie
rear is a meat and produce market. The

‘
258 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

second floor is equipped with everything in
the line of ready-made clothing, hats and
caps, boots and shoes, and bicycles. The third
floor is heavily stocked with a comprehensive
line of household furnishings, having a great
variety of the best furniture, carpets, curtains,
draperies, etc. In the near vicinity, the com-
pany has a large coal yard, also a store where
are sold feed, flour and grain. In fact, every-
thing that could be desired by the public is
kept in this establishment, and thirty-five
clerks, five delivery-men, and eight book-
keepers are constantly employed to care for
the ever increasing business. The store is
well arranged and everything is carefully
systematized; the clerks are polite and cour-
teous and it is a pleasure for customers to
trade there.

Ray H. Davenport, the subject of this re-
view, was born February 4, 1874, in Craw-
ford County, Pa., and is a son of Levi and
Civil (Hills) Davenport. He removed to Ber-
wick in 1891 and became entry clerk in the
store of Jackson & Woodin, serving in that
capacity for five years. At the expiration of
that time the firm was merged into the Ber-
wick Store Company, Ltd., when our subject,
on account of his thorough knowledge of the
affairs of the firm, was made superintendent
and has since faithfully performed the duties
of that position. He is a man of marked
ability and has won not only the approval of
his employers, but the confidence and respect
of those under his supervision.

Mr. Davenport formed a matrimonial al-
liance with Idella Bloss, a daughter of John
Bloss of Berwick, and they are the happy par-
ents of two children, namely: Donald H.,
and John B. Socially he is a member of the
Knights of Malta, and Lodge No. 246, I. O.
O. F., of Berwick. Politically Mr. Davenport
is a Republican.

 

name heads this review is a highly es-

teemed and respected citizen of Sutli-
van County, Pa., and stands foremost among
the representative agriculturists of Davidson
township. He is an ideal farmer, owning one
hundred and fifty-three acres of highly im-
proved land located near the village of Nord-
mont, and has been engaged in the prose-
cution of that independent calling, farming, all
his life. He was born in Sugarloaf township,
Columbia County, Pa., March 3, 1838, and is
a son of David and Hannah (Robbins) Lewis,
and a grandson of Daniel Lewis.

Daniel Lewis was a native of the state of
New Jersey and was a blacksmith by trade;
early in life he became a resident of Sugarloaf
township, Columbia County, locating on
Coles Creek; there he followed his chosen
occupation in connection with some farming.
He was the father of the following children:
David, Abraham, Aaron, Anna, John, Isaac,
Jacob, Sarah and Elizabeth.

David Lewis, the father of our subject, was
also born in New Jersey, and during his boy-
hood days he worked in his father’s black-
smith shop, serving an apprenticeship to the
trade. He continued at that trade all his life.
In 1838 he began the cultivation of the soil; he
erected a sawmill, which he also operated. His
homestead is now in possession of his son Jas-
per. He was prominently known in his com-
munity as a manof many sterling qualities and
he enjoyed the respect of a large circle of
friends. He departed from this life in 1890 at
the age of seventy-eight years. He was joined
in marriage with Hannah Robbins and as a re-
sult of the union ten children blessed their
home, namely: Catherine; Elizabeth; Mary;
Martha; Oscar; Clinton; Francis M.; Jasper;
and two who died in infancy. The mother of

Q SCAR LEWIS. The gentleman whose
 

 

2 Ve

5 Jal

A

ANDREW
 

MRS. HESTER K. HEIM.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 263

 

 

our subject passed from this earth at the age
of sixty-seven years.

Our subject acquired a liberal education in
the schools of his native township and left the
parental roof at the age of twenty-six, shortly
after his marriage, going to White Hall, Mon-
tour County, Pa., where he worked at farm-
ing. He soon returned to his native township,
but remained there but a short time, when he
removed to Davidson township, Sullivan
County, and rented the John Keeler farm for
five years. At the expiration of that time he

purchased his present property. Our subject |

has made many improvements upon the farm
since taking possession of it, such as building
a new house, new barns and outbuildings, and
to-day his farm ranks among the best in the
county. Mr. Lewis is enterprising, progres-

sive, and is interested in all measures that

tend to promote the welfare of the county;
he is an honest, upright citizen and neighbor,
and commands the respect and esteem of the
entire community of which he has so long
been a valuable member.

Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with
Catherine Haines, a daughter of Clark Haines

of Columbia County, and they are the proud

parents of two daughters, as follows: Lizzie,
wife of A. C. Shaw of Shickshinny, Pa., and
they. are the parents of one child, Ruth; and
Edna, wife of C. Turney, and they have been
blessed by two children, Myrtle and Grace.
In politics Mr. Lewis is an ardent Democrat
and served as supervisor during 1897-98; and
as tax collector during 18098.

 

NDREW A. HEIM, a capitalist and

' business promoter of Shamokin, who

has been actively and prominently

identified with the industrial and financial his-

 

tory of the Shamokin coal fields, is a son of
John Jacob and Mrs. Christiana (Weingarten)
Heim, nee Mannal, and was born in the city of
Philadelphia, October 11, 1828.

His father, John Jacob Heim, was born in
the Province of Alsace-Lorraine, France, now
of Germany, but later located in the Province
of Wurtemberg, Germany, where he lived un-
til 1826. He was one of Napoleon’s soldiers
and was one of the famous Reserve Corps at
the Battle of Waterloo. Seeking a wider field
for his industry and talents, in that year he
came to America, landing in the city of Balti-
more, Md. Remaining there but a short time
he removed to Philadelphia, Pa., where he
found employment at his trade, that of silk
weaver. He married while a resident of that
city and soon after located upon a farm near
Muncy, Pa., subsequently locating in Dan-
ville, Pa., where he followed various lines of
business. For some years he was superin-
tendent of a factory in Danville, but at the
time of his death in 1869 he was a resident
of Sullivan County. He was a man of pro-
gressive ideas, far in advance of the majority
of the people with whom he was thrown in
contact at that day. The common school
system met with decided opposition on the
part of a large proportion of the people in his
section, but in him it found one of its stanch-
est friends and strongest advocates. At one
time he was one of six in his township favor-
ing its adoption, but by strenuous efforts in
behalf of the institution the six carried the
day. So it was in all matters of public im-
provements, such as canals, roads, etc., he was
always among the most potent advocates of
their adoption and promotion. Politically, in
his early life, the father of our subject was
inclined toward the Jacksonian school of
Democracy, but the policy of the old line
Whigs on the subject of internal improve-
264 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

ments appealed to his spirit of progressive-
ness, and he affiliated with the party of Clay
and Harrison. Religiously he was a consist-
ent member of the Evangelical Church. He
married before coming to the United States
and had one son, Jacob, an agriculturist of
Freeport, Ill. His union with Mrs. Christiana
Weingarten, nee Mannal, resulted in the birth
of one son, the subject of this sketch.
Andrew A. Heim had few educational ad-
vantages as his was the day of the old “sub-
scription” schools, and when the public school
system was adopted he attended but a short
time, when he was called upon to fight his
own way in the world. However, he made the
best of his opportunities and obtained a fair
schooling, which has been supplemented by
careful study of the events which happened
from day to day and which have been re-
corded in newspapers and other publications.
At the age of sixteen Andrew was thrown
upon his own resources and he went to a vil-
lage of 500 inhabitants which has since grown
into the city of Scranton, and there he was
employed as a laborer in building the first
rolling-mill in that vicinity. We next find him
at Danville where he was similarly engaged
for about six months, when he became an
apprentice to learn the trade of carpenter. In
1850 the coal industry was just being opened
in the vicinity of Treverton, and realizing
that that section offered superior advantages
for the plying of his trade, our subject went
there and for two or three years was actively
engaged in contracting and building. Most
of the larger and more substantial buildings of
that place are yet standing as evidence of his
early enterprise and genius. In 1853 he
launched in another business enterprise, that
of building coal-breakers, but also continued
his former business as a contractor, carrying
it on under the direction of a foreman or su-

 

perintendent. Thus he continued until 1863
when he moved to Shamokin and constructed
the Burnside Colliery for Stephen Bittenbend-
er & Company. In the following year he re-
built the Bear Valley Colliery and subsequent-
ly operated it by contract; he also built and
operated another colliery, the George Fales
of the Bear Valley Company, operating it by
contract; he rented both in 1872, operating
them for several years in connection with
others. In 1869-70 he built the Monitor Col-
liery at Locust Gap but sold it the same year
to George W. Johns & Brother. During the
autumn of 1874, in association with a number
of others, he opened up a soft-coal mine at
Reynoldsville, Jefferson County, Pa., and suc-
cessfully operated it until 1884. In 1881 he
and Mr. Audenried built what is known as the
Black Ridge Colliery near Hazleton, Pa.,
which they operated until the fall of 1882,
when they disposed of the plant.

Recounting the facts of Mr. Heim’s life is
sufficient testimony to his activity and indus-
try as a business man and a general business
promotor. In addition to his identification
with the coal industry he has been active in
the promotion of other lines of business which
have resulted in material benefit to the town
of Shamokin. He has been prominently con-
nected with the Shamokin Banking Company
for years, having served as director, vice-presi-
dent and president. He also is a director of
the Shamokin Manufacturing Company; of
the Shamokin Industrial Company; is largely
interested in real estate; and always has been
active in the promotion of the town’s inter-
ests. In private life Mr. Heim is held in the
highest esteem and has many friends in the
several localities in which he has resided. Our
subject has been a member of the I. O. O. F.
since 1855, and he is a prominent Mason,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

being a member of Sunbury Lodge No. 22,
F. & A. M., and a Master Mason. :

When Lee attempted to invade Pennsyl-
vania, at the time the great battle of Antie-
tam was fought, Mr. Heim was elected a lieu-
tenant of a company of his fellow-citizens
which was hastily organized for the emergen-
cy, but he declined the position and went out
with the company as a sergeant. The com-
pany was Company Kk, 18th Regiment.

Mr. Heim was joined in marriage with Bar-
bara Kester and unto them were born seven
children, three of whom grew to maturity:
Arthur William, a merchant tailor of Read-
ing, Pa.; David W., assistant cashier of the
Shamokin Banking Company; and Charles
Franklin, who is engaged in the real estate
business in Philadelphia. Our subject’s first
wife, Barbara, suffered intensely, her health
having failed. She was for twelve years help-
less and died in March, 1897, at the age of
sixty-eight years. Mr. Heim married as his
second wife Mrs. Hester Eisenhart, nee Kulp,
who was born and reared on a farm three
miles southeast of Sunbury and was a daugh-
ter of Samuel Kulp.

Politically Mr. Heim is a Republican and
whilst he has never been an officeseeker in
any sense, although frequently importuned to
accept office, yet he always has taken a deep
interest in the cause of good government. He
was a Democrat up to 1856, but became a Re-
publican on the organization of the party
which succeeded the old Whigs. While in
‘Trevorton he served as a school director, as
poor director, and in 1858 was elected justice
of the peace and served one term.

Religiously Mr. Heim is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has
been an active worker since he was nineteen
years of age, having held various offices. At
the present time he is serving as trustee.

 

265

On preceding pages, in connection with the
above life history, the publishers of this work
present excellent portraits of Mr. and Mrs.
Heim. They will be viewed with interest by
all the friends and acquaintances of our sub-
ject and wife.

 

op

OHN T. COLT, one of Northumber-
land’s most esteemed retired mer-
chants, was born in that borough July

8, 1827, and is a son of Alexander and Mary
Ann (Taggart) Colt.

Alexander Colt, our subject’s father, was
born at Cross Roads, in the western part of
Chester County; his father was of Scotch-
Irish descent, was banished from Ireland dur-
ing the religious rebellion, came to this coun-
try and settled in Chester County. Alexander
Colt migrated to Northumberland, Northum-
berland County, about 1820, in search of a
place where he might settle and satisfy his
aspirations, which were those of a thoroughly
ambitious spirit. With no trade or capital he
entered the employ of his uncle, Alexander
Colt, a skilled blacksmith, and became him-
self an adept blacksmith; in those days all
wagon and carriage iron-work was done by
hand, and in that line of work he became a
skilled mechanic and succeeded his uncle, car-
rying on the business at the corner of Water
street and Weakley’s alley. His wife, Mary
Ann Taggart, who died in the prime of life,
was a daughter of David Taggart. To them
were born six children: Sarah, who married
John Brantigam; John T., our subject; Mary,
wife of A. B. Barrett; Susan, who married Dr.
McKey; Henry, who married a Miss Keefer
and is living in Philadelphia; and Deborah,
who married John Chesney. Our subject's
father was active in the politics of the bor-
266 ‘

ough, supporting the Whig party and later
becoming a Republican. He was a member
of the Presbyterian Church. He worked at
his trade for many years, accumulating a fine
property and spending in retirement the last
few years of his life, which came to a close
at the venerable age of eighty years.

John T. Colt, our subject, was educated in
the public schools and learned the black-
smith’s trade of his father and followed it for
about thirty years at the corner of Queen and
Front streets; then, selling out, he entered
the mercantile business and continued in it
until about 1889, keeping a general store, in
which he was very successful. He erected sev-
eral buildings, principally on Queen street,
and dealt in real estate. He has remodeled his
present residence, which is on Market street,
facing the beautiful Park Square. It was built
about 1800 by James Lee.

Our subject was united in marriage with
Catherine Harrison, a daughter of William
Harrison, who was a member of a prominent
family of the borough. Mr. and Mrs. Colt are
the proud parents of two sons: John E., a
much esteemed citizen, who carries on a large
insurance business, married Emma Kembell,
and has three children,—Margaret, John and
Catherine; and James, who assisted in his
father’s store, and died at twenty-eight years
of age. Mr. Colt served. many years as over-
seer of the poor, was a member of the borough
council, and was treasurer of the borough for
three years, and was also treasurer of the
school board several years. He has been a
member of the Knights of Pythias for twenty-
eight years, and during that time he has
served, without any opposition, as treasurer;
he is also a member of the Conclave. Our
subject is a firm Republican. In religious
views he is liberal.

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

YJ ORACE WILLIAM BURG, M. D.,
is not only a leading and skilful physi-
\_ cian and surgeon of Northumberland
County, but is also burgess of Northumber-
land borough, and is regarded as one of the
most active and energetic men of that place.
He was born May Io, 1852, in Lower Wind-
sor, York County, Pa., and is a son of Philip
William and Mary A. (Eckert) Burg.

Philip William Burg, our subject’s father,
was born in Amsterdam, Holland, and during
the early part of his life, after locating in this
country, carried on a very extensiye tobacco
business in Baltimore, Md., and amassed a
fortune. Selling out his business he pur-
chased a very fine farm and grist-mill in Low-
er Windsor township, York County, Pa.,
where he engaged in farming and milling for
several years, and lived at the time of his
death. He married Mary A. Eckert, a daugh-
ter of Jacob Eckert of Northumberland. To
them were born three children: Clinton, who
died young; Horace William, our subject;
and Somers, now deceased, who was engaged
in mercantile business. Our subject’s father
was a Whig in his political preferences, and
later a Republican. He served as justice of
peace, besides officiating in many other minor
offices,

Horace William Burg, our subject, was a
young lad when his mother, after the death
of his father, returned to Northumberland,
where she resided the remainder of her life.
He attended the public and high
schools there, and then attended the New Ber-
lin Academy and Dickinson’s Seminary at
Williamsport, Pa., and also graduated from
the Williamsport Commercial College in 1873.
He read medicine with his uncle, Simon W.
Burg, M. D., of New Berlin, and at a later
period with Joseph Priestly, M. D., of North-
umberland. He was graduated from Jefferson

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 267

 

 

Medical College in 1877, and at once located
in Northumberland and opened an office for
the practice of his profession. His success in
his chosen calling has been most gratifying,
and to-day he stands pre-eminent among the
best physicians and surgeons of the county.
He has a very extensive practice in the sur-
rounding country and is called upon to at-
tend many cases in Sunbury. In 1875 Dr.
Burg married Cora H. Simpson, a daughter
of Col. A. C. Simpson, an attorney at Selins-
grove, who formerly lived in Northumberland,
Pa. These children have blessed our subject’s
union: Edwin; Stoddard; Mary Blanche,
who died at the age of three years; one who
died in infancy; and Dorothy. Dr. Burg re-
cently enlarged his fine residence and bui't a
new barn; he has also erected on the same lot
a neat and commodious office with all modern
improvements. He isa very active Democrat;
he served one term as burgess some time ago
and is now filling out the second year of the
present term; he has also been assessor and
has held many other minor offices, and in so
doing he has contributed much to the prog-
ress and improvement of the borough.

Our subject, Dr. Burg, is of a social dispo-
sition, and so has considered it both pleasant
and profitable to become a member of the fol-
lowing societies, in which he has served as an
officer: Jr. O. U. A. M.; Knights of Pythias,
and Conclave of the same order; and Knights
of Malta. Professionally he is a member of the
Sunbury Medical Society and of the American
Medical Association. His wife is an Episco-
palian, while he is inclined to be liberal in his

religious views.
a oe

r AVID CAMP, who is interested in sev-
eral of the most important enterprises
in Mount Carmel and formerly was a
very prosperous merchant, is known as one of

 

 

 

 

 

the most enterprising and public-spirited resi-

dents of Mount Carmel, this county. Mr. Camp
is ason of Benjamin and Magdalena (Hink'‘e)
Camp and was born November 22, 1834, in
Elysburg, Northumberland County, Pa. His
paternal grandfather, Henry Camp, and ma-
ternal grandfather, Abram Hinkle, were pio-
neers who were farmers near Elysburg. Both
died near Bear Gap and were buried in the
Reed Church cemetery. Henry Camp and
his wife reared a family of seven children:
Benjamin, the father of our subject; Samue!;
David; Lambert; Mary, who became Mrs.
John Long; Sarah, who married Daniel Hill;
and a daughter who was the wife of Daniel
Bloom, all of whom are dead.

The father of our subject, Benjamin Camp,
was born in Northumberland County. He was
a carpenter and builder by trade, also a farm-
er, combining both occupations very success-
fully. In 1837 he removed from his farm near
Elysburg to the lower part of Columbia Coun-
ty, this state, where he died in 1870 at the age
of seventy-two years. In politics the father
was an ardent Republican, having formerly
been a Whig, but he never sought office. He
was an active and influential member of the
Lutheran Church. To him and his beloved
wife was born a family of twelve children, two
of whom died in infancy, and the others were
reared as follows: Abram; William, who was
killed in a coal-breaker August 8, 1854, at
Green Ridge, Pa.; Lavinia, widow of David
Everett; Samuel, a farmer residing at New
Media, Columbia County, Pa.; Benjamin, who
is in the employ of the Dupont Powder Com-
pany, at Ashland, Pa.; Daniel, who resides in
Mount Carmel; David, the subject of this
sketch; Mary, the wife of Jacob Culp of West
Shamokin; Hannah, wife of Joseph Boyer of:
Mount Carmel; Sarah, who is Mrs. Joel Cox
and resides near Millville, Columbia County,
Pa.
268

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

Our subject, David Camp, was reared in
Columbia County and he received a meagre
education. He attended a “subscription
school” and up to the age of twenty-one years
educated himself by reading and hard study,
at the same time learning his trade as a car-
penter with his father. When he reached his
majority, in 1854, David set out on his own
account and removed to Bear Gap, remaining
there two years; then moved to Mount Car-
mel, where he resided one year; he then went
to Centralia, in 1859, where he conducted a
drugstore for five years, doing unusually we’l
in that and in his trade, building many of the
largest coal-breakers. In 1872 Mr. Camp re-
moved to Mount Carmel and engaged in the
lumber business, in addition to following his
trade as a builder. For thirteen years he was
so engaged, building as many as thirty houses
in one year and putting up many of the most
substantial and modern residences and stores
erected in Mount Carmel during the period of
time referred to. He later engaged in the real
estate business and, being far-sighted and a
good judge of values, was very successful. In
November, 1866, he engaged in business as a
general merchant and for several years con-
ducted one of the largest and best general
stores in Mount Carmel. In 1894 he prac-
tically retired from active business operations
and has since devoted part of his time to the
interests he holds in some of the principal cor-
porations of Mount Carmel.

Mr. Camp was one of the organizers and is
president of the Mount Carmel Iron Works;
he was one of the organizers of the Mount
Carmel Banking Company and is its vice-pres-
ident, which position he has faithfully and sat-
isfactorily filled since the company began busi-
ness; he has been president of the People’s
Building & Loan Association since its forma-
tion in 1894.

 

In politics our subject is an enthusiastic and
active Republican. In 1890 he was the nom-
inee of his party for the legislature, but suf-
fered defeat with the rest of the ticket of his
party, making a run, however, which amply
demonstrated his great popularity with the
voters in the district. He has served as over-
seer of the poor for two terms, as a member
of the school board for two or three terms
and as a member of the borough council sev-
eral terms. Mr. Camp is.a prominent mem-
ber of Mount Carmel Commandery No. 22,
Knights of Malta; also of Mount Carmel
Lodge No. 378, F. & A. M., and Mount Car-
mel Lodge No. 630, I. O. O. F.

Twice has Mr. Camp been happily united in
the marriage felation. His first marriage was
to Lavinia Persing, daughter of Peter and
Mary (Taylor) Persing of Columbia County,
two children being born of the union: Ed-
ward A., who is engaged in business in the
Michigan copper region; and Robert E., who
resides in Mount Carmel. His second bride was
Phoebe, sister of his first wife, by whom he
has had a family of twelve children, seven of
whom are living, as follows: Ida, wife of Rob-
ert Davis, a merchant who does a prosperous
business in Mount Carmel: Joseph, a pattern-
maker, who resides in Mount Carmel; Stella,
May, Garfield and Carrie, who are at home;
and George W., who is in the employ of the
Mount Carmel Iron Works. The other chil-
dren died in their infancy.

———_+--»—_____

R. JOHN A. ELLIOTT, the oldest
leading physician and surgeon of
Northumberland, | Northumberland

County, Pa., was born in Union County, Pa.,

in 1842, and is a son of William and Christiana
(Knox) Elliott.

 

 

 

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 269

 

 

The paternal great-grandfather of our sub-
ject was of Scotch-Irish extraction, located in
Northumberland County when a young man,
and worked at the carpenter trade. He was
said to be a very large man, over six feet in
height and of powerful strength, but with a
quiet disposition. He married between the
ages of forty and forty-five; his wife died at
the birth of their only son, Alexander. After
this our subject’s great-grandfather formed a
second marriage with a lady near Pottsville
and resided there until his death.

Alexander Elliott, the paternal grandfather,
was born May 29, 1777, and at the age of four-
teen years he was apprenticed to a hatter in
Reading, Pa., where he remained until he was
twenty-one. He then went into business for
himself, and manufactured soft hats for several
years. He died February 5, 1835. He mar-
ried Mary Morrow and subsequently her sis-
ter, Florinda Morrow. By the first marriage
were born eight children, as fo'lows: Benja-
min J.; Mary; Thomas; Margaret; Sarah;
William; Ann; and Samuel. By the second
marriage were born three children: Simon,
James, and Isabelle.

Our subject’s father, William Elliott, was
born in Northumberland County, November
5, 1814, and was educated in the public
schools. He worked for his father and learned
the hatter’s trade, but, being dissatisfied and
not wishing to follow in his father’s footsteps,
at the age of fifteen he started out for himself.
He began at ditch digging, worked on the ca-
nal and also at farming. During the winters
he worked for his board and attended school,
paying for his own tuition. In this way, get-
ting a fair start, he carried on farming, and
also owned and conducted a canal grocery.
In company with Henry Wenck he bought a
half interest in a grocery business and carried
on a successful trade on the canal. This he

“at that time.

 

continued until the Philadelphia & Erie Rail-
road was opened, when he became the first
agent, and afterwards did railroad contract-
ing, building the Bennet’s Branch, Oil Creek,
Pa., and Erie, at Williamsport. Mr. Elliott was
then appointed state canal commissioner and
superintendent of the canal from Juniata Riv-
er to Northumberland, and later to Milton.
In 1880 he was elected to the State Legisla-
ture. This ambitious gentleman owned many
farms and several hundred acres of land which
he kept in the best possible condition. Among
the farms were those of C. Kohl; J. Heckard;
Kaler; Oscar Leighon; W. H. Deihl; C. M.
Stern; and also many others. He bought the
Rev. Smith property, on the corner of Water
and King streets, which was formerly owned
by J. Jenkins. This property Mr. Elliott en-
tirely remodeled into a large and modern four-
story brick building, the largest in the county
He was a member of the I. O.
O. F. and a stanch Democrat, holding many
borough offices and serving as school director
for twenty-five years. Mr. Elliott was a man
of noble character and lofty ambitions, and
became one of the most prominent and re-
spected men in his section of the state, and
when his death occurred in 1896 he was great-
ly mourned by all. He married Christiana
Knox in 1837, and her death occurred at the
age of sixty-one, in 1875. The children re-
sulting from this union were: Emily, who
married Charles Davis; Anna; May J., who
married A. Hartley; and John A., our sub-
ject.

John A. Elliott, the subject of this biog-
raphy, was educated in the public schools and
at Freebury College. He read medicine with
Dr. Beard and Dr. Kunca of New
York, and was graduated from Bellevue
College, New York, in 1874, practicing
there for five years. At the end of
270 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

that time he moved to Northumberland,
Northumberland County, his present location,
where, with his thorough knowledge of his
profession, he has built up one of the largest
practices in the county. Ifit were not for his
strong constitution and perfect health he
would be unable to answer the numerous calls
for his assistance. Dr. Elliott isa fine-looking
man, with the quiet manners and tastes of a
gentleman, and for his kindly, pleasant ways
he is greatly loved and respected. He mar-
ried Jennie Jackson, daughter of Mordecai
Jackson of Berwick, and she departed this
life at the age of twenty. Dr. Elliott resides
on his father’s homestead, where he also has
his office. For twenty years he has been a
Mason, being a member in all the degrees to
the K. T. He is also a chartet member of
the Scottish Rite of Bloomsburg.

———+-2 >—__—-

EV. JOHN CH. KONSTANKIE-
WICZ was born Juhe 10, 1859, and
received his education in Austria,
completing four lower normal classes in Przce-
mysl, and eight gymnasial classes in Lemberg
and, passing an examination of maturity, he
entered the theological department of the
University of Lemberg. He completed the
theological course in four years after which
he was ordained by the Bishop of Przcemysl.
After passing examination of maturity, he
served one year as a solicitor in the Austrian
Army according to the prescribed law of Aus-
tria.

After being ordained our subject assumed
the duties of an assistant in a church of Jaro-
slaw, where he was also appointed by the
minister of war to the office of army chaplain
with the 2oth Regiment, Infantry, which of-
fice he held for three years, after which he as-
sumed charge of a parish in the village of

 

Falin where he remained eight years. In 1893
he came to the United States and located in
Shamokin, Pa., and took permanent charge of
the Russian Catholic Church. His work here
and a brief history of the work of the church
is here set forth: Philip Murdza, John Glowa,
Mike Demczko, John Madzelan and Anthony
Luczkowec were the first Ruthenian immi-
grants who came to Shamokin from Galicia,
Austria, in 1880. Many others soon followed,
but owing to their small numbers and lack of
funds with which to build a church for them-
selves and maintain a priest, they at first af-
filiated with St. Stanislaus Kostki’s Polish
Catholic Church, which financially assisted
this church, and helped to maintain the priest
thereof. .

The Ruthenians were illy treated, however,
both by the priest and many of the Poles; the
chief cause of this lay in the difference be-
tween the Polish and Russian rites, although
both classes are Catholics, having the same
religious beliefs and the Holy Father for the
highest authority of the church. The Ruthen-
ians, nevertheless, use their mother tongue,
the ancient Slavonic language, in all their
church rites. This language is understood by
all Ruthenians; while the Poles use the Latin
language in all their church rites. The dis-
satisfaction thus created compelled the Ruth-
enians to erect their own church edifice. En-
ergetically setting to work and raising the
necessary funds in their own midst, they suc-
ceeded in seeing the desires of their souls com-
pleted in 1889, corner of Pearl and Pine
streets. The same year the church was con-
secrated by Rev. John Wolanski, the first Rus-
sian Catholic priest in America, holding at
that time the pastorate of the Russian Catho-
lic Church at Shenandoah, Pa. He adminis-
tered to this church until 1890 when, accord-
ing to the request of the parishioners, Rev.
 

IS.

Y EYRE DAV

HENR
+

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT,

Th. Obuszkiewicz came to Shamokin; he how-
ever remained only one year, when he moved
to Oliphant, Pa.

In accordance with the ardent desires of the
Russian parishioners, Rev. J. Ch. Konstankei-
wicz was sent here from Europe by superior
authority and took charge of the parish, May
1, 1893, and has since remained at the head of
the church. Thenceforth the parish increased
in property and grew in number of parish-
ioners until to-day the number in the congre-
gation reaches 1,300 and the value of church
property exceeds $15,000. The church prop-
erty includes the following: Church building,
the parsonage at Franklin and Pine streets,
cemetery, two lots located near the Catholic
Parochial School building between Shamo-
kin and Franklin streets,—these lots were pur-

_ chased from John Mullen for $8,o00 and upon
this will be built a church and parsonage -as
soon as sufficient funds are raised. Connected
with the church are four societies with a mem-
bership of 630, a reading department, a band,
a political club, anda school. Children attend
the parochial school for three years in order
to familiarize themselves with the native
tongue and subsequently enter the public
schools.

————_+-»>—__—_

 

i ENRY EYRE DAVIS. Judging by
i iE results there seems to be something

i Ain the atmosphere of Pennsylvania
which develops talent for practical affairs. In
every section of the Commonwealth there are
to be found young men who have disclosed
tact and capacity for business enterprises, and
without the class schooling, which is applied
elsewhere, they master the details and conquer
the intricacies of commercial life. Among
those who have conspicuously achieved this
distinction is Henry E. Davis, of Sunbury,

 

 

 

 

273

Pa., whose portrait precedes this sketch. He
was born in Selinsgrove, Snyder County, on
June 7, 1845, and is a son of James K. and
Agnes (Swineford) Davis. He was always a
bright and industrious boy. He received his
rudimentary education in the public schools,
and took a course in the Selinsgrove Mission-
ary Institute, a modest but efficient institution
of learning, which won deserved praise in the
state in its time.

At the age of twenty years young Davis be-
gan his business career and has been active
in affairs ever since. His first experience was
as clerk in a store in his native town, in
which position he served one year. Then he
removed to Meadville, Pa., where he obtained
a position in a large retail dry goods store
and remained a year. In 1867 he entered the
First National Bank of Sunbury, Pa., the most
extensive institution of its kind in that section.
He remained there some years and mastered
every detail of the business. But the arduous
nature of the work impaired his health and
he was compelled to relinquish the position
and seek employment of a less confining char-
acter.

In 1871 he became the representative of
Hall Brothers & Co., a Baltimore firm, which
was the sole agent for the sale of anthracite
coal mined by the Mineral Railroad & Mining

“Company and the Lykens Valley Coal Com-

pany, both companies being owned and con-
trolled by the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany. His district embraced Pennsylvania
and the West, and his office was located in
Sunbury. He held this important relation to
the business interests of his community for
ten years. At the expiration of that time he
severed his connection with the firm he served
so long, so faithfully and so well, and went
into the business of buying and shipping an-
thracite coal on his own account. The venture

3
(274 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

met with gratifying success from the outset,
and has been prosecuted with characteristic
energy ever since. Some years ago he added
to his business the industry of mining and
shipping bituminous coal from mines which
he acquired in Somerset County, Pa.

Mr. Davis has always been one of the most
progressive citizens of his adopted home, and
every enterprise which promises the promo-
tion of the business and the development of
the material interests of the community has
found in him a willing promoter. He was first
president of the Sunbury & Northumberland
Street Railway, which was built by Hon. S. P.
Wolverton, F. P. Abercombie and himself.
He is president and general manager of the
Bethel Coal Company, of Somerset County,
Pa.; a director of the First National Bank of
Sunbury, the institution in which he spent
several years of his early life; and a director
of the First National Bank of Selinsgrove.
He was also president and one of the foremost
promoters of the Sunbury Electric Light &
Power Company, which was among the first
and is now among the most perfectly equipped
electric plants in the Commonwealth. In ad-
dition to that he has always been among the
first and most active men in the community to
advocate progressive ideas and improvements
in the affairs of the town, and many of the
advanced steps which mark Sunbury as
among the leading towns in the interior of the
state are traceable to his enterprise and fore-
sight. He is a trustee of the Mary M. Packer
Hospital of Sunbury.

Mr. Davis is an active and earnest Demo-
crat. Naturally a man of his progressive
spirit would be called upon by his party to
serve in official capacity, and he has proved
himself not only useful, but faithful, in the
discharge of municipal functions imposed on
him in town council, the school board and

 

other honorary capacities. He has frequently
been delegate to state and county conven-
tions, and has discharged every trust which he
has accepted with scrupulous fidelity and not-
able intelligence. But he has never consented
to take an office of emolument, and to those
who have suggested such compliment his in-
variable answer has been that he had too much
business to attend to, to sacrifice his time in
the discharge of public duties, which there
were plenty of competent persons willing to
assume. But while he thus abstained from
political aspirations on his own account, he
has always been zealous and active in the ad-
vancement of his friends, and thus exercised
an important influence in the affairs of the
county.

Of honorary offices, however, he has had a
full share, and in 1876 the Democrats of.
Northumberland County named him for state
senator, but he readily yielded the district
nomination to his friend, Hon. A. H. Dill.
When Mr. Dill resigned to become the Demo-
cratic candidate for governor two years later,
the eyes of the party naturally turned to Mr.
Davis, but he was among the first earnest ad-
vocates of Hon. S. P. Wolverton. In 1878 he
was a member of the state committee, and in
1880, during the Hancock campaign for presi-
dency, was on the electoral ticket for: the
Twenty-seventh Congressional District. In
1886 he was one of the secretaries of the
Democratic State Convention, and was an
earnest advocate of the nomination of Hon.
William A. Wallace for governor. In 1898 he
received the Democratic nomination for Con-
gress. He has always been a liberal contribu-
tor to the party campaign funds and is regard-
ed by the Democratic leaders of the state as
one of the safest party counsellors and most
sagacious political advisers.

On October 18, 1869, Mr. Davis was mar-
“ SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 275

 

 

ried to Kate C. Haas, a member of one of the
most respected families of Sunbury. The fruits
of the union are two accomplished daughters,
Helen A. and Mary C. Mr. Davis lives with
his family in a beautiful and comfortable home
in Sunbury, the hospitalities of which he takes
delight in dispensing to strangers visiting the
town.

—— 3

o RS. ANNIE P. TAGGART, an es-
timable lady and esteemed resident
of Northumberland, Northum-
berland County, Pa., is the widow of Col.
David Taggart, both being descendants of the
pioneer settlers of Northumberland County.
The great-grandfather of our subject’s hus-
band was Thomas Taggart, who was united
in marriage with Mary Vanderbilt. Thomas
Taggart was born in Ire!and May 10, 1728,
and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He immi-

grated to the United States and settled, with

his brother Robert, in Philadelphia, where he
engaged in the mercantile business. In 1775,
when Northumberland was becoming a cen-
ter of this section, although there were but
few houses in the village, Mr. Taggart moved
there with his wife, who was a native of Phil-
adelphia, and entered the mercantile business.
His store was located on the corner of Queen
and Front streets, and, being a man of means,
he became the leading merchant of the place.
He died April 13;-1788, and his wife died in
1805. Their children were: Elizabeth, born
June 15, 1753, married William Bonham;
Christiana, born May 12, 1755, married Mr.
Staple; Robert, born February 13, 1757;
John, born June 30, 1759, died in infancy;
Catherine, born September 6, 1760, married
Capt. J. Painter; Thomas, born January 16,
1762; Mary, born January 19, 1765, married
Mr. Patterson; John, born July 11, 1767, died

 

young; David, born February 21, 1769; Wil-
liam, born October 3, 1771, died in infancy;
William, born August 6, 1773; M. James, born
January I, 1780.

David Taggart, the paternal grandfather,
was born in Philadelphia. He was a mer-
chant, very prominent in politics, being an
unswerving Democrat, and though a very
young man, was active in all business and
political affairs. He died at an early age, May
17, 1812. He married Mary McCalla of
Bucks County, Pa., who was born September
13, 1764, and attained a good age. Several
children resulted from this union, namely:
John, born April 12, 1796; James, who be-
came a prominent merchant and owner of
packets on the canal; Mary, who married
Alexander Colt; and Sarah, who married L.
C. McCormick.

*» John Taggart, our subject’s father-in-law,
was a well-educated man. One of his first
business enterprises was the large brewery
which was located near the steamboat land-
ing, but later was sold to give place to the
canal, and Mr. Taggart was appointed canal
commissioner by Gov. Joseph Ritner. He

-married Hannah Collon Huston, and their

children, all prominent men and women, are
as follows: Col. David; Matthew Hus-
ton, born February 18, 1824. teacher, at-
torney, merchant and nail manufacturer, who
married thrice, to Rebecca McCurly, Eliza-
beth McCurly and Ella G. Royer, respectively ;
Hannah, born September 10, 1827, married
Dr. Joseph Priestly; James, born February 4,
1827, who served in the Rebellion, and when
he received promotion to captain formed
Company B, 5th Pa., in his own store. The
elder John Taggart was charter member,
stockholder and director of the First National
Bank at Northumberland, and was a'so presi-
dent of the bank from April 30, 1840, to No-
276 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

vember 26, 1850, resigning at the end of that
_time. He married Hannah C. Huston of
Philadelphia, who was born in Berks County,
Pa., February 22, 1796, and was a daughter
of Matthew and Hannah (Cox) Huston. Their
children were: John K., born November 12,
1829, became clerk in the paymaster’s depart-
ment in the army; Mary, born June 13, 1831;
and Francis A., born February 26, 1833, who
for many years has been employed in the
office of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company
at Philadelphia.

Col. David Taggart, our subject’s husband,
attended the common schools and the acade-
mies at Dickinson and Milton, and then read
law with Ebenezer Greenough of Sunbury.
He began the practice of his chosen profession
in Northumberland, Northumberland County,
Pa., and later in life was appointed paymaster
in the regular army, serving many years
the West and South, and giving entire satis-
faction until he resigned. Col. Taggart was
very much interested in agricultural life, and
for some years was president of the Pennsyl-
vania State Agricultural Society. He was
nominated and ran for governor of the state,
but was defeated by A. G. Curtin. Col. Tag-
gart was elected to the State Senate before
the war and served three terms, the last three
years as speaker of that body. He was also
chairman of the Whig State Central Commit-
tee; also served as school director and held a
number of offices in the borough. His death
occurred on June 30, 1888, and he was much
mourned by all in the community. On May
5, 1848, he married Annie P. Cowden, a
daughter-of John H. and Hannah (Pleasants)
Gowden.

John H. Cowden, our subject’s father, was
born in Northumberland County, and was a
son of John Cowden, who was born in Ireland
and came to this country and settled in North-

 

umberland County, becoming one of the ear-
liest merchants in that section. He was post-
master from 1795 until January 12, 1837. His
store and residence was sold in 1836, when he
retired from business. He married Sarah
Hopewell, and they both lived to an old age.
Their children were: an infant son, unnamed;
Elizabeth, who married Dr. Wallace; Debor-
ah, who married a Scotch artist, William Mc-
Quhar, who painted a miniature portrait of
Robert Burns, the poet, from life; Sarah, who
married Judge Merrill of New Berlin, Pa.;
Mary, who married Judge Bradford; Rebecca,
who married James Hepburn; John, our sub-
ject’s father; and Anna M., who married
Judge Donaldson.

John H. Cowden, the father of our subject,
was a merchant, also president of the West
Branch Bank at Williamsport. He wasa very
successful business man and amassed a large
fortune. For some years he was owner of
the beautiful Packer Island. He departed this
life at the age of sixty-four; his wife, formerly
Hannah Pleasants, died at the age of twenty-
seven. They were blessed with four children,
as follows: John, who died at the age of forty-
six; Annie Pleasants, our subject; Sarah H.,
who married Capt. James Taggart; and Han-
nah P., who lives in West Virginia, and mar-
ried William Potter Withington.

Since Col. Taggart’s death, Mrs. Taggart
has bought the Martin property on Queen
street, where she now resides. Her children
are: Helen T., who married David H. Clark,
now deceased, and lives in New York
City; John C., who died at the age of six
years; Hannah C. H., of Northumberland,
Pa.; and James, a farmer of Northumberland,
Pa. Mrs. Taggart is a woman of great re-
finement and of admirable character and dis-
position. She has a taste for literary work
and is a splendid conversationalist. Through-
 

STANLEY S. MERITHEW.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 279

 

 

out the vicinity she is known and loved for her
kind and charitable deeds.

TANLEY S. MERITHEW, an en-
terprising and progressive farmer
and business man of Forks town-

ship, Sullivan County, Pa., whose portrait is
shown on the opposite page, is a veteran of
the Civil War, in which he participated in
many engagements and established an excel-
lent record for bravery and coolness in the
time of danger. He is a son of Merritt and
Polly (Northrup) Merithew, and was born in
Wysox township, Bradford County, Pa., in
1637.

Our subject is of English descent, his great-
grandfather, Merritt Merithew, having come
from England and located in Salem, Mass.,
early in the eighteenth century. His grand-
father was Samuel M. Merithew, who: was
born in Salem, Mass., in 1752, and removed
to Wysox township, Bradford County, Pa.,
in 1812, and purchased what is now known as
the Strickland farm. Though well advanced
in years, he continued to follow the occupa-
tion of a farmer until he was four-score-and-
five years of age. He then went to live with his
son-in-law, James English, at whose home he
died in 1849, having attained the rare age of
ninety-seven years. He was the progenitor
of the following children: Hiram; Samuel;
Lydia; Merritt; Lafayette; Lloyd; and Della.
Politically, he was a Democrat; his religious
opinions conformed with the doctrines of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.

Merritt Merithew, the father of our subject,
was born in Salem, Mass., in 1810, and was
but two years old when he moved to Pennsyl-
vania with his parents. He was reared on his
father’s farm and obtained what education

 

he could pick up, for the public-school system
was not then in existence. At an early age
he learned the trade of a whipmaker and also
that of a shoemaker and, although he was
practically a farmer by occupation, he fol-
lowed those trades off and on throughout life.
While in the prime of life he purchased what
was known as the William Hinman farm in
Monroe township, Bradford County, which
consisted, of one hundred acres on the Burling-
ton turnpike. This property he cultivated
until 1866, when he disposed of it to our sub-
ject. Politically, he was always a loyal and
unswerving Republican and always voted for
the principles and candidates of that party.
Religiously, he was a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church. He formed a matri-
monial alliance with Polly Northrup, by
whom he had the following children: Phoebe,
who married U. M. Cox; Wealthy Jane, the
wife of C. F. Yonkin, of Forks township;
Charlotte, who died in 1848; Rosanna, who
married A. R. Moe, of Tompkins County, N.
Y..—Mr. Moe is dead and his widow resides in
Rochester, N. Y.; Stanley S.; George, who
married Mary Goss, and now lives at Towan-
da; and John, who married Mary Williams,
and also lives at Towanda. Mr. Merithew was
called to his final rest in 1879.

Stanley S. Merithew obtained his education
in the common schools of Wysox township
and in the old academy at Towanda. Soon
after leaving school he learned the trade of a
miller, which he followed at different times for
many years. In 1863 he enlisted in the 34th
Reg., N. Y. Independent Battery, and ren-
dered distinguished service in the following
battles: Vicksburg, Miss., July 4, 1863; Siege
of Jackson, Miss.; Blue Springs, Tenn.; Len-
oir Station, Tenn.; Campbell Station; Siege of
Knoxville; Rutledge; Wilderness; Spottsyl-
vania; on the left of Spottsylvania; North
280 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Anna; Salem Church; Gaines’ Farm; Cold
Harbor; and before Petersburg, June 18,
1864, and remained there nine months and
sixteen days, until Lee’s surrender. He was
mustered out June 27, 1865, at Hart’s Is‘and,
N. Y., after which he returned to Bradford
County, Pa., locating at Monroeton, where
he was made postmaster. In 1873 he bought
a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of coal
and wood land in Westover township, Clear-
field County, Pa., which he still owns and
which is a valuable estate. In 1883 our subject
moved to Campbellville, Sullivan County, and

in the same year was appointed assistant.

postmaster there, which office he held for thir-
teen years, in connection with which he oper-
ated a flour and feed mill, which is now owned
by Norton & Hotteinstein. In 1896 he rented
the F. C. Weuck farm, consisting of one hun-
dred and twenty acres, in the northwest part
of Forks township, upon which he is now loca-
ted. Besides engaging in general farming he
conducts a general store, which is well patron-
ized. He is widely known throughout that
section and is highly respected by all with
whom he comes in contact.

Mr. Merithew was united in marriage with
Mary Ellen Rockwell, a daughter of Allen and
Catherine (Cole) Rockwell, who were the par-
ents of the following offspring: William:
Lemuel; Liza; Elizabeth; Franklin; Mary;
Ellen; Sally; and Reuben. Our subject and
his wife are the proud parents of three chil-
dren, namely: Portus L., who married Rose
Bullock; George N., deceased; and Hattie
Belle, whose union with Charles Phflaum is
blessed with three children,—Portus Leon,
Genevieve, and Wilhelmina. Politically Mr.
Merithew is strongly affiliated with the Re-
publican party, the principles of which he be-
lieves to be the foundation upon which rests
the future prosperity of our country. Socially

“

 

 

he is past grand-master of Burnside Lodge
No. 679, I. O. O. F., and a member of Swartz
Post, No. 72, G. A. R., of Albany, Pa.

 

EV. WILLIAM E. FISCHER, the
esteemed and honored pastor of Trin-
ity Lutheran Church of Shamokin,
Northumberland County, is a son of John
Henry and Eliza (Gilbert) Fischer. He was
born October 6, 1849, in Berlin, Somerset
County, Pa., and received a practical educa-
tion in the public schools of his native place.
After teaching a couple of years in Somerset
County he entered the preparatory depart-
ment of the Pennsylvania College, from
which he graduated in 1872. Having decided
to fit himself for the ministry he entered the
theological seminary, graduating in 1875. He
at once took charge of a congregation at
Center Hall, where he was so well liked by
his parishioners that they retained him for
eighteen years.

September 14, 1893, our subject accepted
the pastorate of Trinity Lutheran Church at
Shamokin, where his labors are fully appre-
ciated by his congregation. His labor in
Shamokin has been fruitful of much good,
both in his church and the community at
large. Being a man of more than ordinary
ability, of warm and generous heart, supple-
mented with deep convictions and Christian
fervor, he is the friend of all. In times of
trouble and deep distress he is with his people
in heart and full sympathy; on joyful occa-
sions no one adds more to the pleasant hour.
He has made many changes and improve-
ments in the church, having thoroughly re-
modeled the edifice. His popularity and suc-
cessful management are shown in the fact that
the membership of the church has been great-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 281

 

 

ly increased, having now 654 members en-
rolled. Rev. Mr. Fischer also enjoys the dis-
tinction of having rare literary talent and has
been a regular correspondent for two of the
church papers of his denomination for the past
seven years. He also has prepared a number
of Children’s Day services in music, and con-
tributes many articles to the Lutheran Quar-
terly. Since his connection with the ministry
he has served the church as delegate to the
general synod about twelve times. His serv-
ices are frequently sought to make addresses
on public occasions, such as commencements,
anniversaries, etc. In 1897 the Susquehanna
University conferred upon him the degree of
Doctor of Divinity. Our subject is one of a
family of twelve children, many of whom have
led remarkable careers and deserve a place in
this sketch, as does also his father, a man of
superior education and ability.

John Henry Fischer, father of our subject,
was a native of Germany, and was born at
Hessen Cassel, on the River Lahn, in 1812. At
the age of twenty he immigrated to America
and first located near Berlin, Somerset Coun-
ty, Pa., and afterward moved to Berlin. He
was a man of more than ordinary education
and for years was a correspondent for a Ger-

man paper published in Germany in the home |

of his boyhood. He was a shoemaker by trade
and when not occupied at his bench he pur-
sued his literary work. He was a close stu-
dent and a careful reader, thereby acquiring
much valuable information. Being a devout
member of the Lutheran Church he took
quite an active part in all church work. Eliza-
beth Gilbert became his wife; she also was
born in 1812, and survived her husband twen-
ty-one years, he having departed this life in
1872, while she lived until September 11, 1893,
having reached the advanced age of eighty-
five years. Our subject and the following

 

named are the most prominent of their nu-
merous family: Henry, who was a graduate
of the Millersville State Normal School, and
afterward held the important and respon-
sible office of county superintendent of
schools of Bedford County, Pa.,—he dis-
charged the duties of this office with rare abil-
ity for three terms and is now principal of the
Seventeenth Ward schools of Pittsburg; John,
who read law, published a paper for a number
of years in Bedford County, Pa., now resides
with a son, who is a very successful attorney
at Altoona, Pa.—he has been  promi-
nent in Bedford County politics and frequent-
ly mentioned for the legislature; Rev. A. H.
Frank, who took a college course at the
Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, after
which he prepared himself for the ministry by
taking a complete theological course at the
Gettysburg Seminary,—he graduated in 1883,
and since then has labored in the “vineyard
of our Master,” now being located at Easton,
Pa.; Tobias, whom the goddess of Fortune
guarded with a jealous arm, was a soldier in
the Union Army and passed through the en-
tire Civil War,—he was taken prisoner by the
Rebels and carried by them to the famous
Libby Prison, and to Salisbury, N. C., from
which he escaped; Philip, a popular editor of
an educational journal, resides in California,
and has served as county superintendent of
Alameda County, Cal., for three years.

Our subject was united in marriage with J.
Annie Philson, and their home has been made
happy by the presence of three children:
Marion L.; Ella P.; and William B.

—__+-+_——

ILLIAM F. JOHNSON, who has

been serving in the responsible po-

sition of inside-foreman at Buck Ridge Col-
liery since 1888, enjoys the distinction of hav-
282 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

 

ing traveled extensively throughout Europe,
Australia, and India. He is a son of
Matthew and Martha (Foster) Johnson, and
was born July 6, 1851, in Cramlington, North-
umberland County, England.

When two years old our subject was taken
to Australia by his parents where he was
reared and educated in the common schools.
In 1867 he returned to England, but shortly
afterward located in Westphalia, Germany,
where he was engaged in what was termed
“sinking” in connection with coal mining. He
remained in Germany until 1873, at that time
immigrating to this country and locating in
Bear Valley, Northumberland County, Pa. In
1875 he accepted a position at Reynoldsville,
Jefferson County, Pa., as foreman for Heim
& Goodwill, where he remained until 1876;

returning to Bear Valley, he continued to-

work there until the company sold out to the
Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Com-
pany, after which he was inside-foreman at
the same colliery until 1888, when he was
transferred to his present position at Buck
Ridge. Deeds speak louder than words, and
the fact that he has retained his position for
the past ten years is high tribute to his ability
and worth.

Matthew Johnson, father of our subject,
was never in America, but left England for
Australia in 1853, located in Ballarat, and en-
gaged in mining gold. He returned to Eng-
land in 1867 and remained there until his
death, which occurred in 1874, at the age of
forty-eight years. He had a family of five
children, whom he named: John, formerly a
miner, now a merchant in Shamokin, Pa.;
Matthew, now a gold miner in the mountains
of Colorado; Susan, wife of Thomas Graves,
and resides in England; Martha, who is a
head-nurse in an asylum in England;
William F., the subject of our sketch.

and

 

We now return to our subject, who was
united in marriage with Margaret Jane Good-
will, daughter of John Goodwill and niece of
Robert Goodwill, whose sketch appears else-
where in this volume. Our subject and his
estimable wife are blessed with a family of six
boys: Matthew, who married Elizabeth Jones,
resides in Shamokin, and is a water-tender in
the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading
Coal & Iron Co., at Buck Ridge Colliery;
John, who married Agnes Daniels and is a
miner at Buck Ridge; Robert, a pump engi-
neer at the same mines; Franklin, Sidney and
William, who are at home preparing them-
selves for the battle of life by getting a good
education. Politically our subject is an ear-
nest Republican and believes the principles of
that party will best advance the interests of
his country.

———_+ 2 -»>______—__

R. JOHN C. FAUGHNAN, a skilful
veterinary surgeon of Shamokin, Pa.,
was born April 17, 1865, in Lycom-
ing County, near Williamsport, Pa., and is a
son of Frank and Fanny (Crimmis) Faugh-
nan.

Frank Faughnan, the father of our subject,
was a native of Ireland, but came to the
United States about 1848, and died where our
subject was born and reared, at Bodines, Ly-
coming County, Pa.

Dr. John C. Faughnan, our subject, was
educated in the common schools of his native
place, worked upon the farm where he was
reared and then engaged in the lumber busi-
ness at the age of sixteen years, which he con-
tinued six years. At the age of twenty-two
he entered the veterinary department of the
University of Pennsylvania, remaining there
one year; then he entered the Ontario Veter-

 

 

 

 
 

ROBERT M. CUMMINGS.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 285

inary College of Toronto, Canada, from which
he was graduated in 1890. In the spring of
1891 he located in Shamokin, Pa., where he is
now practicing his profession. Since January
18, 1896, he has also engaged in the livery
business. Dr. Faughnan is a member of the
Veterinary Association of Schuylkill Valley,
Pa.

In the spring of 1891, just prior to our sub-
ject’s removal to Shamokin, he was appointed
assessor of Gamble township, Lycoming
County.

OBERT M. CUMMINGS, a promi-

nent and well-known attorney-at-law

of Montandon, Northumber‘and

County, Pa., a recent portrait of whom ap-

pears on the opposite page, was born in Chil-

lisquaque township November 21, 1833, and

is ason of William and Hannah (Erwin) Cum-
mings.

The paternal grandfather of our subject,
John Cummings, was of Scotch-Irish descent,
and was born in Londonderry, Ireland, immi-
grating to this country with his fifteen broth-
ers and settling in Chester County, Pa. He
was commissioned captain of a company ina
Chester County regiment and served in
the Revolutionary War until its close.
In 1794 he went to Chillisquaque town-
ship, Northumberland County. There he
bought between 300 and 400 acres
of land, which had been taken up by Peter
Boor in 1769. On this land Mr. Cummings
carried on farming, after it had been cleared
and improved generally, and also built and
conducted a distillery. Part of this land he
divided with our subject's father, and it was
on this farm that Mr. Cummings departed this
life, at the age of eighty years. His wife, whose

 

maiden name was Elizabeth Church, lies be-
side him in the Northumberland cemetery.
Their children were: Ann, born April 29,
1782, died November 29, 1821, married a Mr.
Fordsman; Thomas, born July 7, 1784; James,
born December 7, 1786, was a farmer of Chil-
lisquaque township; Elizabeth and Polly, born
January 10, 1790, died in infancy; William,
our subject’s father, who was born November
19, 1791; John, born October 5, 1793; and
Polly, born January 11, 1799.

William, the father of the subject of this
personal history, settled on a part of the
homestead and followed farming all his life.
He remodeled and enlarged the original
house; a part of the old house remains as it
was in former days, being made of logs with
weatherboard covering. William Cummings
married Hannah Erwin, daughter of William
and Mary Erwin. He died in 1865, and his
wife passed away in 1883. Several children
blessed their union. John Andrew Jackson,
who was born without hands, in spite of
the fact became an expert penman, received
an excellent education, taught school, and for
two terms served as register and recorder for
Northumberland County; he was also the
publisher of the latest maps of Northumber-
land, Montour and Columbia counties. He
married Helen M. Sisty. Robert M., our
subject, was the second child born to his par-
ents. Mary Ann, who resides at Montandon,
is the widow of Thomas T. Baker. Mr. Baker,
a son of Jacob Baker, was born in Hunting-
don County, Pa., and was one of the eight
sons who served in the Civil War. He wasa
member of Company I, 192d Reg., Pa. Vol.
Inf. He died at the age of sixty-one years.
He was the father of the following children:
Clara A.; Elmer E.; Ella J.; Carrie M. and
Hannah Mary, postmistress of Montandon.
Sarah Jane, who lives at Montandon, is the
286 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

widow of David Kingsberry, of Luzerne
County. Annie C., the fifth child of William
and Hannah Cummings, married Wesley
Auten and resides in Baltimore. Harriet J.,
deceased, married J. W. Taylor. Margaret
Agnes, who married Amandus Freize, resides
on the old homestead. Eliza T. died at
the age of seventeen years. William Cum-
mings was an unswerving Democrat; he was
a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Robert M. Cummings, the subject of this
biography, attended the common schools and
Lewisburg Academy, later studying law with
G. F. Miller, of Lewisburg. He was admitted
to the Northumberland County Bar in 1859.
In 1865, when there were only two buildings
on the site, Mr. Cummings and his brother,
John, purchased land and laid out what is now
known as the village of Montandon. There
our subject erected a large brick residence
and office, where he carries on his practice.
He has dealt extensively in real estate, and
has done much to further the progress of the
village. His practice has been mostly in the
Orphans’ Court and in cases involving real
estate, and he has established an excellent
reputation, his judgment being eagerly
sought by people for miles around Montan-
don.

Mr. Cummings married Mary E. Albright,
a daughter of John Albright, of Northumber-
land County, Pa., and late of Turbot town-
ship, that county. This marriage has been
blessed by seven children, as follows: Clara
Elizabeth, who married F. B. Irvin, of Brook-
lyn, N. Y., and has three children, Miriam,
Kathryn E. and Beulah E.; John W., who is
a teacher by vocation; Herbert W., who, in
partnership with Lewis Dewart, is engaged
in the practice of law at Sunbury; Mary A.
and Harriet J., both at home; and three who
died in infancy.

 

Mr. Cummings has served for ten years on
the school board. He has served officially in
the Methodist Church, materially assisting to
build the church edifice. Politically, he is a
stanch Democrat and takes an active interest
in the political affairs of the town. He is a
member of Lodge No. 623, I. O. O. F., of
Pottsgrove, and has served as district deputy
grand master of Northumberland County. By
all with whom he is acquainted Mr. Cum-
mings is spoken of only in the highest terms
and he is respected by every one.

oe ae egal

FE RANKLIN W. LUCKENBILL has

won an important place among min-~
ers of the Seventeenth Congressional District,
that of mine foreman of the North Franklin
Colliery of Trevorton, Zerbe township. He
began working in the mines as a slate-picker
at the age of fourteen years, after which he
began mining, worked his way up to pro-
motion as fire-boss and finally advanced to his
present position as mine foreman in 1893. He
fills his position exceptionaliy well; all his
success has been achieved by hard and well
directed efforts on his part. He was born on
Christmas Day, 1855, in Wayne township,
Schuylkill County, Pa., is a son of William
and Sarah (Yeich) Luckenbill, and grandson
of Henry Luckenbill, who was a practical
farmer and a valued resident of Schuylkill
County, who died when the father of our sub-
ject was very young.

William Luckenbill, our subject’s father,
was born in 1835. Since 1869 he has lived in
Branchdale and is still there spending his de-
clining years. He is a strong believer in the
principles of the Reformed Church and takes
quite an active part in all church affairs. In
his younger days he served as an officer of the
church. He is a carpenter by trade and has
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 287

 

worked continuously at that calling all his
lifetime. Our subject was one of a family of
twelve children; seven boys and five girls, as
follows: John, now deceased; Franklin W.,
our subject; William, engaged in the collieries
at Branchdale; Emma Rebecca, who died in
childhood; George, who is now a minister
of the German Reformed Church in Pough-
keepsie, N. Y..—he had exceptional educa-
tional advantages and made good use of them,
is a graduate of Ursinus College, also of
Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster,
Pa.; Alice, the wife of George Eisenburg, now
residing at Minersville, Schuylkill County;
Ida, wife of John Salem of Tremont, Pa.;
Harvey, a miner at Branchdale; Charles, also
a miner in his native town; Mary Ann, who is
at home; and Emma and Edmond, both de-
ceased.

Franklin W. Luckenbill was united in mar-
riage with Mary L. Brodt, March 13, 1880,
and their home is blessed with two bright and
attractive daughters: Edna May, born De-
cember 4, 1889, and Bertha Estella, born
March 9, 1891.

Our subject, just in the prime of his life,
is filling his position of trust and grave re-
sponsibility to the best of his ability. He is
an affable and congenial man and has a host
of friends and acquaintances who delight in
his prosperity.

Capt. Henry Brodt, father-in-law of our
subject, well deserves mention in this*sketch.
He was a native of France, immigrated to
America in 1850 at the age of seventeen years,
locating at Llewellyn and continued to reside
there until his death. He was a mason and
plasterer by trade. He rendered valiant ser-
vice to his country during the Civil War, en-
listing in the Union Army as a private in
Company A, 50th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., serv-

 

ing throughout the war, and was promoted to
2d and rst lieutenant and finally to captain.

4 eo >

OHN RAUP, one of the pioneer resi-
dents of Mount Carmel, Northumber-
land County, Pa., is now living a re-

tired life, having spent many years in unceas-
ing activity. He is a son of George and
Martha (Marks) Raup, and was born in Roar-
ing Creek township, Columbia County, Pa.,
November 23, 1830.

Mr. Raup is of German ancestry and is a
grandson of Leonard Raup, a native of Ger-
many, who, upon coming to the United
States located in Eastern Pennsylvania, finally
settling in Columbia County; during his en-
tire life he followed the occupation of a
farmer.

George Raup, the father of our subject,
was born in Columbia County, Pa., where he
made his home throughout his life. Like his
father, he took to agricultural pursuits, in the
prosecution of which he met with fair suc-
cess. In religious attachments he was a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church. He was joined
in the holy bonds of wedlock with Martha
Marks and their union was blessed by the
birth of the following children: Hannah, Ra-
chel, Elizabeth and Polly, deceased; Henry,
who lives in retirement in Columbia County;
John, the subject of this biographical record;
George, who resides at Elysburg, Northum-
berland County, and is a merchant; Jonas,
who resides near Catawissa; David, a farmer
who also resides near Catawissa, Columbia
County; William, a farmer residing in Kan-
sas; Solomon, who died young; and Charles,
who also died young.

John Raup was reared and educated in Co-
lumbia County, attending the common
schools in all but the summer months, when
288 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

he worked out. Just after attaining his ma-
jority he went to Danville, Montour County,
Pa., having no means whatever, and there he
worked at whatever employment he could get
until 1854, when he removed to Mount Car-
mel. He was among the first residents of
what is now a flourishing borough, but at the
time there were but two houses in the village.
He accepted a position in Schall’s Powder
Factory, remaining for a period of five years.
He then enlisted in Company G, 129th Reg.,
Pa. Vol. Inf.,served nine months and returned
home May 20, 1863. He became a boss in the
employ of the Coal Ridge Improvement &
Coal Company. He was always faithful to
the charge entrusted to him and remained in
that capacity for ten or twelve years and then
moved to Excelsior and accepted a similar
charge. He was an industrious and energetic
man and for the long period of nineteen years
and eight months he discharged his duties
in a manner above criticism, acquiring the
good will and approval of his employers and
the respect of his subordinates. In October,
1895, he returned to Mount Carmel, where
he has since lived in retirement, in the midst
of his family and a host of stanch friends.

Mr. Raup was united in marriage with
Sarah J. Treaher, and the following children
were born to them: Roland and Edward, de-
ceased; Aaron, who resides in Sunbury, Pa.;
Effie, deceased, who was the wife of George
Hough; Charles, who is emp'oyed at the col-
liery at Excelsior; Lottie May; Minnie; Mary,
the wife of Chester Williard: Harry, who lives
at Atlantic City, N. J.; and Ray, deceased.
Religiously our subject is a member of the
Lutheran Church, of which he is a deacon.
In politics our subject is a Republican. He
has served three years as a member of the
board of school directors and also three years
in the borough council of Mount Carmel.

 

OHN CARL, who by reason of his
years of experience in connection with
the mining interests, is widely known

throughout the vicinity of Mount Carmel,
Northumberland County, Pa., is superintend-
ent of the collieries of the Philadelphia &
Reading Coal & Iron Company. He isa son
of Henry and Catharine (Kline) Carl, and was
born in Prussia, October 2, 1835.

Henry Carl, the father of our subject, was
born in Germany, in which country he fol-
lowed the occupation of a farmer, also that
of a weaver for some time. In 1853 he immi-
grated to America and located at St. Clair,
Schuylkill County, Pa., where he took up the
trade of aweaver. He continued at that until
1881, when he removed to Shenandoah and
there spent the remaining years of his life,
dying in 1893, at the advanced age of eighty-
five years. He was joined in Hymen’s bonds
with Catharine Kline, to whom were born the.
following offspring: Philopena, the wife of
Peter Bauer; John, the subject of this per-
sonal history; Frederick; Anna, the wife of
Adam Bonnersborough; Conrad; Peter; and
Henry. In religious attachments Mr. Carl and
his family were members of the Lutheran
Church.

John Carl, our subject, was reared in his
native country and there obtained his intel-
lectual training in the public schools, after
which, at the age of eighteen years, he came
to this country with his parents. He began
work in the mines and continued at that until
the outbreak of the Civil War when he took
up arms for the cause of the Union. On April
27, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, goth
Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., but in the following
August, he re-enlisted in the 7th Pennsyl-
vania Cavalry. He remained in the service
until the termination of the terrible struggle.
He served with credit to himself and his regi-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 289

 

 

ment, was cool and collected at critical mo-
ments, and was ever eager to discharge his
full duty. After the close of the war he re-
turned to Schuylkill County and was em-
ployed in the capacity of a miner from 1865
to 1867, when he became a superintendent in
the colliery. He was three years later sent
to Berks County by the company by which
he was employed to look after ore mines in
that section, but he remained but seven
months. Returning to Schuylkill County he
again became colliery superintendent and
served as such for seven years, when he was
appointed to his present position with super-
vision over seven collieries. He moved to
Mount Carmel, Northumberland County, in
March, 1879, where he has since been one of
the most active and enterprising citizens. He
is a man of high character, thoroughly con-
versant with the ways of the world, and is
highly respected by his fellow-men. Politically
he iS a Republican and is a member of the
local school board.

On September 26, 1865, Mr. Carl was
united in marriage with Elizabeth Kline, who
was born in Bavaria, Germany, and was a
daughter of Leonard and Lena (Best) Kline.
Leonard Kline, a native of Germany came to
America with his family and located at St.
Clair, Schuylkill County, Pa., where he was
an ore-worker in the mines. His union with
Lena Best resulted in the birth of the follow-
ing children: Mary, who died in Germany;
Peter, who died in St. Clair; Christina, the
wife of John Schaffer of Delaware, Schuylkill
County; Helen, the wife of Frank Erb of
Mahanoy City; Mary, the wife of Michael
Hilbert, deceased, who resides in Mount Car-
mel; Lena, the widow of Joseph Tabold; John
of Mount Carmel; Nicholas, a resident of
Mahanoy City; and Elizabeth.

Our subject and his worthy wife are the

 

parents of eight children, as follows: John,
who married Polinda Kramer, and is a super-
intendent of collieries at Mount Carmel;
Peter, who married Carrie Philip, is also en-
gaged in the same line of business; Mary,
the wife of Charles Miller, who is engaged
in the hotel business at Fountain Springs;
Joseph; Lizzie; Millie; George; and Alice.
Socially our subject is a member of the Ma-
sonic Order, the Odd Fellows, and the Grand
Army of the Republic. Religiously he is con-
nected with the Lutheran Church.

OHN P. WILLIAMS, a very success-
ful, energetic and enterprising busi-
ness man of Mount Carmel, North-

umberland County, is a son of Abram and
Anna (Whitehead) Williams. He was born
near Centralia, Columbia County, Pa., De-
cember 7, 1859.

When twelve years of age, following in the
footsteps of his father, the subject of this re-
view, John P. Williams, began to earn his
living by working about the mines at Girard-.
ville. He worked his way up until he was
made loader-boss at the Shenandoah City Col-
liery which position he faithfully fufilled for
some time. He then removed to Strong, the
mining suburb of Mount Carmel, where on
September 7, 1892, he took the position of
assistant inside-boss at the Pennsylvania Co!-
liery. Mr. Williams is also engaged in the
ice business in Mount Carmel, being a mem-
ber of the firm of Cross & Company, extensive
dealers in ice, his son-in-law, Mark Cross,
being the active manager of the business.

In politics Mr. Williams is an active Repub-
lican. He was appointed postmaster at
Strong a year after removing to Mount Car-
mel and engaging in the mines at Strong.
290 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

Fraternally our subject is a member of Shen-
andoah Lodge, No. 112, P. O. S. of A,, of
Shenandoah.

Mr. Williams won as his wife Mrs. Mary
Williams, widow of Hector Williams, and
their family consists of four very bright and
interesting children: Ruth, who married Mark
Cross of Sunbury on June 17, 1896, and they
have one child, Stuart; Abram; Letitia, and
John. In mining and in general business our
subject has exhibited excellent ability and he
has pushed rapidly to the front. He is re-
garded as one of the most energetic and pro-
gressive of the younger business men of
Mount Carmel and his friends unite in pre-
dicting for him a very bright and prosperous
business career.

Abram Williams, father of our subject, was
a native of Wales where he was born in 1825.
He left his native home and came to the
United States when fourteen years of age. He
first settled at Minersville, Schuylkill County,
where he followed mining. Subsequently he
went to the bituminous coal fields but later
he returned to the anthracite fields and be-
came a boss for the Rippler Colliery between
Ashland and Centralia and he was a boss or
superintendent in mines during the remainder
of his active lifetime, excepting a brief period
when he was engaged in the grocery business
at Shenandoah. He was an earnest member
of the Methodist Church in which he was
very active. He died at the age of sixty-eight
years, leaving these children: Jennie, born in
1850, who first married Thomas Gibson of
Danville, Pa., and had one child, Anna, and
whose second marriage was with William
Wiest of Philadelphia; William, born in 1854;
Abraham, born in 1857; Lizzie; John P., the
subject of this review; and Adam. William is
an assistant inside-boss at the Strong Col-
liery and married Hattie Worthly who has

 

borne him a son, Lear. Abraham, who mar-
ried Mary Harris, is a fire-boss at the Shen-
andoah City Colliery and has three children:
Annette, Lizzie and Abraham. Lizzie is the
wife of Asbury Wilde, of West Pittston, Pa.,a
screen manufacturer, and they have five child-
ren: Harry, Kenneth, Harriet, Eugene and
Leon. Adam was born January 26, 1868,
worked about the mines in various capacities
and in 1894 removed to the Pennsylvania Col-
liery where he has since been a stable-boss.
He is a Republican and a member of the
Jr. O. U. A. M. He married Cora Moll on
January 28, 1893, and to them have been born
four children, as follows: Anna; Harold, who
died in infancy; Cora; and Addison.

 

TOT ENRY BEDFORD, a prominent and
= highly respected citizen of Elkland

 

 

 

d \ township, Sullivan County, Pa.,

was born in Yorkshire, England, September
22, 1822, and is a son of Henry and Sarah
(Secker) Bedford. Mr. Bedford has already
passed beyond his three-score years and ten,
the length of life allotted man; and, although
he has had two strokes of paralysis, he and
his friends still hope he may live at least to
see the dawn of a new century and, if it be
God's will, much longer.

Our subject’s father came to America in
1822 and landed in New York City. Soon
after he found employment in a starch factory
at Bull’s Head, New Jersey. He worked there
for several years and then sent for his wife
and children, who had remained in England.
About this time he moved to Sullivan County,
where he purchased a tract of land, now occu-
pied by Thomas King. He built a suitable
house and barns and busied himself clearing
the land and cultivating the soil. In those
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 291

 

 

primitive days the women were very strong,
able-bodied and accustomed to working out-
of-doors. It was so with our subject’s mother.
She was as handy with the axe as her husband
and assisted him in clearing and tilling the
land, besides rearing a family of children; thus
she accompanied him in a befitting manner
through all trials and tribulations to prosper-
ity. They had both attained the age of about
seventy when the final summons came for
them to lay down their earthly burdens and
enter into rest. Their children were all born
before coming to America. They were: John,
Ann, Richard, James, Harriet, Jonas and
Henry. Our subject’s father was a strong be-
liever in the principles taught in the old En-
glish Church. He was a sturdy, hard-working
man, and was well liked by all who knew
him,

Henry Bedford, our subject, lived the or-
dinary life of a boy on a farm in those pioneer
days, and when grown to manhood, purchased
Too acres of the Thomas B. Merritt tract and
laid the foundation of a fine farm. Later he
added another 100 acres to it, this last pur-
chase being off the Bishop White tract. All
this was heavy timberland and in those days
there was very little market for wood. Our
subject had before him the gigantic task of
clearing this land before he could cultivate the
rich soil. This he accomplished, little By lit-
tle, as by perseverance and patient effort he
expects to accomplish all he sets out to do.
He built a log house, like other pioneers of
his day, and in time had the lower 100 acres
cleared into fine fields, surrounded by wind-
breaks. These fields he cultivated and they
soon yielded him handsome returns; thus,
by inheritance and by his own exertions, he
became the owner of a fine farm of large di-
mensions, the greater part of which he cleared
in the subsequent years of his occupancy.

 

With the exception of the few years in which
he dealt in horse-rakes he has followed gen-
eral farming. He has been a hard worker and
of sterling worth to all. On September to,
1846, our subject was united in marriage to
Martha Ann Vaugh, who was born in 1825
and died in 1856, leaving four sons as a legacy
to her husband. Three of these sons are now
Methodist ministers. Her children were:
Rev. Sylvester, who married Elizabeth Rath-
bone and now has a family of four children,
Harry C., Dean, Anna, and Edna, located at
Houghton, N. Y.; Rev. John N., who is @
teacher in theology at Houghton, N. Y., where
he lives with his wife, who was a Nellie Rud-
duck, and has a bright little child named
Alpha; Rev. Oliver, whose wife’s name was
Bertha Wing,—their home is blessed with two
little ones, Clayton and Dena; and Sumner,
who now has charge of the homestead farm,—
he married Carrie Fields, and has the follow-
ing children, Bruce, Lynn, Grace, Nellie and
George, who died at the age of four. After the
death of his first wife our subject contracted a
second marriage, being united to Mary,
daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Brobst) Hun-
singer, in 1859. She was born June 2, 1831,
and has been a cheerful help-mate and com-
panion for more than forty years, and is still
a solace to Mr. Bedford in his old age. This
second union was blessed with three children,
namely: Cordelia, who died aged four years;
Ulysses, who married Sarah Brackman, and
was the father of twins, Edna and Edgar, now
deceased; Clara, wife of Frank Black, who
now reside in Delaware and have four child-
ren, Floyd, Mabel, Della, and Lulu Edna.
Mr. Bedford was for many years a strong
adherent to the principles of the Republican
party, but, believing that intemperance does
more to ruin our nation than anything else,

he became an ardent Prohibitionist. He never
292 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

sought office but was persuaded by his friends
to serve as supervisor for a short time. Mr.
Bedford was so firm in his belief in the doc-
trines of the Wesleyan Methodist Church
that his three oldest sons became Wesleyan
Methodist ministers as before-mentioned.
This church grew out of a separation from
the Methodist Church, the result of its con-
nection with slavery. Wesleyan Methodists
oppose all kinds of oppression, believing God
to be the governor of nations and that the
supreme authority of His revealed will should
be acknowledged by the constitutions of
states and nations. ?

———_s- oo

ILLIAM R. PAULES, M. D. The
subject of this narrative is one of the
foremost physicians of the Seven-

teenth Congressional District of Pennsylvania
and is a valued citizen of Danville, in which
town he owns and conducts a large drug
store. He was born in Marietta, Lancaster
County, Pa., November 24, 1863, and is a son
of David and Elizabeth (Rumbaugh) Pau'es

David Paules is of German descent and was
born in Lancaster County, Pa. His father

was one of the leading agriculturists of his |

community and, having been reared upon the
farm, it was but natural that David should
follow that occupation. Attaining his major-
ity he purchased a farm near the village of
Marietta and by his good management and
industrious efforts he has accumulated a
small fortune and has one of the best farms in
Lancaster County. In the spring of 1898 Mr.
Paules retired to the town of Marietta to en-
joy the emoluments of his past progressive
and honored life. He formed a matrimonial
alliance with Elizabeth Rumbaugh and a fam-
ily of eight children was born to them, all of

 

whom received a liberal education and are
popular and well-to-do citizens in the com-
munities in which they reside. .

Dr. Paules was reared upon his father’s
farm, attended the district school until he was
twelve years of age and then entered the high
school and was graduated four years later.
He then continued his studies at the Millers-
ville State Normal School, from which he
graduated with the class of 1883. He then
engaged as a teacher, but not being satisfied
with a position that afforded work only a few
months in the year, he decided upon a medical
career, and accordingly took up his studies
with Dr. Norris, a prominent physician of
Marietta. In 1886 he located in Danville and
clerked in the drug store owned by Dr. S. Y.
Thompson. He next entered the Jefferson
Medical College of Philadelphia and was grad-
uated with the class of 1890. He soon after
entered upon the practice of his profession at
Danville, and has since followed it continu-
ously with marked success. He also owns a
neat and well-kept drug store, which has
proven a profitable venture. He purchased
the Grier property on the corner of Bloom
and Ferry streets and has enlarged and re-
built the same into a handsome residence.

Our subject wedded Florence Peifer, a
daughter of George W. Peifer, and the follow-
ing children have blessed their happy home,
namely: Parvin Elwood, born July 24, 1892;
and Mary Elizabeth, born June 15, 1897.

Dr. Paules is a member of Danville Lodge
No. 780, I. O. O. F., and Lotus Conclave, I.
O. H. His wife is a member of the Lutheran
Church of Danville. Dr. Paules has labored
diligently and industriously to perfect himself
in his profession and has been remarkably suc-
cessful. He is a popular man, has built up an
extensive practice, and has won a place among
the foremost of his profession.

>
 

SAMUEL McKAMEY.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 295

 

 

AMUEL McKAMEY, who for many
years has efficiently served as fore-
man of the Pennsylvania Canal

yards at Espy, Columbia County, is a progres-
sive and enterprising citizen and is held in
high esteem. He is a son of Samuel and
Elizabeth (Caldwell) McKamey, and was born
in Espy, Scott township, Columbia County,
October 16, 1830.

The McKamey family is of Scotch-Irish or-
igin, and Samuel McKamiey, the father of our
subject, was born in the North of Ireland.
He emigrated from that country with his wife
and one daughter. They first located in New
York City, but soon after removed to Ply-
mouth, Pa., where he lived for a few years.
He then came to Espy, Scott township, where
he lived until his death, aged sixty-two years.
His trade was that of a weaver, which he fol-
lowed throughout his life with fair results.
During the War of 1812 he served as one of
the emergency men. He was united in matri-
monial bonds to Elizabeth Caldwell, by whom
he reared a family of nine children, all of whom
have passed away but our subject, as follows:
Mary, who married George Shuman, of Maine
township, Columbia County; Catherine, who
was the wife of Samuel Boone, of Catawissa
Valley; Dr. Alexander, who served as lieu-
tenant in the company commanded by his
uncle, Capt. James Caldwell, during the Civil
War,—his uncle having been killed in an en-
gagement, Alexander was made captain and
served in that capacity until the close of the
war,—prior to the war he had practiced medi-
cine and, after its close, he went to Williams-
burg, Blair County, where he practiced until
his death; Isaac, who was a boatbuilder and
justice of the peace at Espy; John, who was
a chairmaker and painter at Espy; the others

died in infancy. In religious attachments

 

Mr. McKamey was an adherent to the faith
of the Episcopal Church.

Samuel McKamey, the subject of this
sketch, was educated in the public schools of
his native town and early in life learned the
trades of a carpenter and stairbuilder, which
occupations he followed until 1873, when the
Pennsylvania Canal Company built a boat-
yard at Espy. He became one of the em-
ployees of that company, for whose interests
he worked faithfully and conscientiously, and
in 1883 he was promoted to the position of
foreman and general manager of the yard.
He has since conducted that business in a very
satisfactory manner, although the business
transacted now is but a shadow of that done in
former times, owing to the advent of railroads
in this vicinity, which have usurped a large
share of the traffic. About twenty-five men
are constantly under the supervision of Mr.
McKamey. By his excellent methods of hand-
ling his men he not only derives the best pos-
sib'e results from their labor, but also retains
their goodwill and respect. When Lee’s in-
vasion into Pennsylvania caused such a stir
among the residents of this state, he, with a
number of other patriotic citizens, volun-
teered his services and marched with them as
far as Hagerstown, Md.

Mr. McKamey has twice been united in
the holy bonds of wedlock, his first union be-
ing with Martha Hicks February 12, 1856, by
whom he had ten children, namely: Ella,
Elizabeth and Anna all died of scarlet fever
within four days; Lottie, who died at the age
of two years; Susie, who died at five; Sallie,
deceased, who was the wife of Seymour Phoe;
Jennie, who was the wife of J. M. Lehman, of
Espy; and Anna and Blanche, who are at
home. Mrs. McKamey was called to her eter-
nal resting place in March, 1875, aged forty-
five years. In May, 1876, our subject married
296

Mrs. Symantha Mordan, of Espy. Religious-
ly, husband and wife are members of the M.
E. Church, of which our subject is a trustee.
Politically, Mr. McKamey is a Republican and
has served as school director for three years.
We are pleased to announce that a portrait
of the subject of the foregoing biography ap-
pears on a preceding page.

——___+ «> ____—

[ \AVID FRED REICHERT, wholesale
(5 agent, is one of the representative
German-American citizens who are
so prominent and active in the ranks of the
responsible business men of America.  In-
deed, it is sometimes said that to be a Ger-
man-American means to be a better citizen
than the native-born American and in that re-
spect Mr. Reichert is one of whom any nation
might be proud. Honorable and upright in
every way, he takes a deep interest in the wel-
fare of his county and is ever ready to forward
its interests, either by personal service, or
financially, as seems most desirable. Mr.
Reichert was born in Trevorton, Pa., April
21, 1862. He is a son of John Charles and
Caroline (Yuengling) Reichert, and grandson
of Gottleib Reichert of Rohordorf, Germany,
who spent his entire life in that country.
Not so with the father of our subject who
was born in Rohordorf in 1819 and immi-
grated to this country when a lad, starting out
in life with less than one dollar, thus giving an
example of the courage and get-ahead spirit
which has so fully descended to his son, the
subject of our sketch. Before leaving his na-
tive country Mr. Reichert had learned the
brewer's trade; but not immediately succeed-
ing in getting work in that line he at once
began to earn his living by hewing timber in
and about the mines of Schuylkill County,

 

 

 

 

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Pa., and spent two years in the mines at West
Wood as a laborer. After a short time spent
at that occupation, working at Swatara, near
Tamaqua, Pa., he accepted the position of
brewer with the Yuengling Brewing Com-
pany of Pottsville, Pa., where he remained for
five years. At the expiration of that time he
removed to Northumberland County where
he, in company with Gottleib Fritz, founded a
brewery, now known as the Eagle Run Brew-
ery and operated by Furmann & Schmidt.
After three years of partnership, Messrs.
Reichert and Fritz decided to separate their
interests and that was done, the former selling
out to the latter. Mr. Reichert then removed
to Trevorton, Pa., where he accepted the po-
sition of wholesale agent for the Yuengling
Brewing Company in Shamokin and Trevor-
ton, this being in the year 1857; and at the
same time was united in the bonds of holy
matrimony to his present widow; he retained
this position until his death on September 29,
1883. His wife, who is a daughter of Jacob
Yuengling of Aldingen, Germany, and to
whom he was married in 1857, is still living.
Mr. Reichert was one of the founders of the
Lutheran Church in Trevorton, Pa., and a
regular attendant thereof. To his marriage
four children were born: Mary, who is mar-
ried to Clement Martz of Williamsport, Pa.;
Caroline, who lives at home; David Fred, our
subject; and Clara, the wife of Walter Grant
of Philadelphia, Pa.

David Fred Reichert was educated in the
public schools of his native town, Trevorton,
and remained at home with his father until
1880, when he began to work in the mines;
however, he only remained there for fifteen
months, when he was so seriously injured that
he was compelled to lay off for six months;
at the end of that period he again entered the
employ of his father and retained the position
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 297

 

 

until his father’s death. That event caused the
transfer of the business to his mother for one
year, during which time he remained as man-
ager. At the expiration of that period the
business was put entirely into Mr. Reichert’s
hands, his mother retaining a nominal interest
in it, As a wholesaler of beer and liquor,
Mr. Reichert has a large trade and in connec-
tion with that he carries on a bottling busi-
ness, putting up sodas, porters and beers. He
is also interested in real estate in the vicinity
of Trevorton. Politically Mr. Reichert is a
Democrat and has filled several offices, show-
ing the esteem in which he is held by his
fellow-townsmen, having been township audi-
tor for two terms, tax collector for one term,
township treasurer for one term, and at the
present writing he holds the position of town-
ship school director. Following in his fath-

er’s footsteps, Mr. Reichert is a devout Lu-.

theran, and was largely instrumental in ob-
taining the funds for the erection of the fine
church of the Lutheran congregation which
now adorns the town of Trevorton, and upon
which was expended nearly $6,000, a large
sum to be raised in a small town.

Mr. Reichert was married to Jane Dunkel-
berger, daughter of Simon S. Dunkelberger of
Trevorton, Pa., June 7, 1887, and their union
has been blessed with the birth of five child-
ren: Esther Mabel, born October 20, 1888;
Bertha Clara and Frederick William (twins),
born March 26, 1889; Charles S., born May
19, 1890; and Roy R., born September Io,
1896. Asa good citizen, husband and father,
Mr. Reichert stands among the first of Tre-
vorton’s influential men.

 

OHN H. BECK, a prominent farmer of
Rockefeller township, Northumber-
land County, was born in Fraley

township, Schuylkill County, Pa., August 30,

 

1850. He is a son of John Jacob and Eliza-
beth (Shadel) Beck, of Lykens Valley, Dau-
phin County, Pa.

John H. Beck, our subject’s paternal grand-
father, was born in Northampton County, Pa.,
and settled in Lykens Valley, Pa., where he
made a life-work of farming. He married Su-
san Greenswicht of Northampton County and
the following children blessed their union:
Daniel; John and David, twins; Jonathan;
George; John Jacob, our subject’s father;
Polly; Harriet; Susanna; and Christianna.

David Shadel, the maternal grandfather of
our subject, was a native of Northumberland
County. He married Polly Hoffey of Lykens
Valley and to them were born six children:
Elizabeth, our subject’s mother; Henry; Car-
oline; Sarah; Catherine; and Eve. He was
engaged in the lucrative business of hat man-
ufacturing and lived most of his life in Ly-
kens Valley.

John Jacob Beck, our subject’s father, was
born June 24, 1820, and died May 15, 1883.
He lived in Audenried, Pa., for several years
and was a coal miner; he resided near Hazle-
ton, Pa., three years. He was married in the
spring of 1848 to Elizabeth Shadel, who was
born in Schuylkill County, August 24, 1822,
and after his marriage he moved to Rockefel-
ler (then Lower Augusta) township, North-
umberland County, and bought a farm of
eighty acres of David Shipe, and there he
lived until his death. He carried on general
farming and later invested in more land and
added to his farm. He was a Republican in
politics, but preferred to advance his friends
in office rather than himself. He was an ac-
tive member of the Lutheran Church. Three
children were born to our subject’s parents,
namely: John H.; David, who died at the
age of seven years; and Louisa, who married
W. B. Eister, Esq., a merchant and post-
298 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

master of Seven Points, Pa. John H. and
Louisa were educated in the common schools
of the neighborhood and have lived all their
lives in Rockefeller township.

Our subject bought the old homestead and
has since added to it so that he has now 260
acres of valuable land upon which he has
raised a great deal of stock, but is now en-
gaged in general farming. He was united in
marriage January 2, 1868, to Abbie R. Zost-
man of Lower Augusta, a daughter of Daniel
and Esther (Raker) Zostman, both of that
township. Daniel Zostman, after the death
of his first wife, was married the second time
to Susanna Conrad of Lower Augusta. He
was a tanner by trade and died in 1890. The
children by his first union were: Sarah Ann;
one, who died in infancy; Alexander; Har-
riet; William; Mary Jane; Rebecca; Cath-
erine; Abbie R., our subject’s wife; one, who
died in infancy; Daniel; and Esther. Our
subject and wife have had thirteen children,
and do not consider the number unlucky, as
follows: William Edward, born January 13,
1868, died April 21, 1872; David Albert, born
May 6, 1871, married Alberta Dunkelberger,
and is a dairyman at Irish Valley, Shamokin
township, Northumberland County; Mary
Alice, born August 26, 1872, married Harvey
E. Miller, a butcher, at Sunbury, Pa.; Daniel
J., a farmer of Rockefeller township, born
December 13, 1873, married Emma J.
Maurer, and has two children, Laura V., and
Lloyd E.; George W., born June’ 18, 1875,
and works on a pipe line at Buffalo Valley,
Pa.; Harry Luther, born July 18, 1877, mar-
ried Susanna Dunkelberger, and lives in
Shamokin township; John Norman, born
June 26, 1881; Susan Elizabeth, born October
12, 1883, and married Theodore P. Bennett
of Columbia County; Franklin W., born Jan-
uary 20, 1886; Abbie M., born September 30,

 

1888; Kate F., born May 30, 1890; Esther
N., born September 13, 1892; and Orville E.,
born July 23, 1895. The seven younger
children live at home. Mr. and Mrs. Beck
are members of the Lutheran Church. He
has held many township offices; is a stanch
Republican; is a member of Lodge No. 414,
F. & A. M., at Elysburg, Pa., of which he is
past master; a member of Camp No. 139, P.
O. S. of A., of Seven Points. 7
Our subject is a good musician and has
contributed to his own and others’ enjoyment
by playing the B-flat cornet for seven years
in the Seven Points Band and tenor horn for
five years in the same band. His hard work
and sterling business qualities have brought
the success which he deserves, the improve-
ment of his property, and the respect and
favor of the community in which he lives.

——+-o >__

ILLIAM A. HARTZELL, the
popular proprietor of the City Hotel
and the Fashion Livery, is one of

the leading and enterprising business men of
the town of Bloomsburg. He is a son of Wil-
liam and Martha (Clark) Hartzell, and was
born in Danville, Montour County, January
8, 1851.. His gradfather is Solomon Hartzell,
a prosperous farmer of Northumberland
County.

William Hartzell, the father of our subject,
was born in Northumberland County, Pa.,
and his first work in his own interest was as a
rail-straightener in the shops at Danville. He
also owned a farm and was engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits. He was a stockholder in the
Danville Nail Manufacturing Company and
spent the latter years of his life in retirement.
He affiliated in marriage with Martha Clark,
a daughter of Rev. Clark, ef Northumberland
 

LLOYD T. ROHRBACH
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 301

 

 

County, and they reared the following chil-
dren: Mary; Alice; Amanda; Minnie; Isa-
bella, deceased; William A., the subject of this
sketch; George W., deceased; and Edward C.,
of Sunbury. Mr. Hartzell died at the age of
sixty-four years.

William A. Hartzell was reared on_ his
father’s farm and received his education in the
common schools in the vicinity. He spent the
early portion of his life in farming on the old
homestead and in 1876 he moved to Blooms-
burg and established a teaming and trucking
business and also opened a boarding and feed
stable at the Exchange Hotel barns. He con-
ducted his affairs in a successful manner and
remained in these businesses until he pur-
chased the Stearns Hotel, which is now
known as the City Hotel. He has made many
improvements in the hotel, which has seven-
teen well-furnished rooms. The landlord, by
the genial and courteous manner which he
manifests toward every one, has won a large
share of the patronage of the public and is
respected and esteemed as a man of real worth
to the community. The hotel is at No. 121
West Main street and is a handsome three-
story brick structure. In connection with the
hotel Mr. Hartzell conducts one of the finest
livery barns in the town, known as the Fashion
Livery. He is a good judge of horse flesh and
has about fourteen of the best roadsters to be
found in the vicinity of Bloomsburg. He also
owns several valuable trotting horses, which
he keeps merely for his own pleasure. His
vehicles are in keeping with the horses, being
very stylish turnouts of every kind. Mr.
Hartzell and his family reside at the hotel,
but he owns a large double tenement house
in Bloomsburg, which he rents.

Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance
with Hannah Brewer, a daughter of Henry
Brewer, of Danville, and they have been

 

blessed by eight children: Edward, Flora,
Harley, and Eugene, deceased; George W.,
who is clerk ip the hotel; Charles, who has
charge of the livery; Martha G.; and Mag-
gie E.

Politically, Mr. Hartzell stanchly supports
the principles of the Democratic party.

 

SS

LOYD T. ROHRBACH, ex-prothono-
tary and clerk of Northumberland
County Courts, treasurer of the
Sunbury Nail, Bar & Guide Iron Manufactur-
ing Company, treasurer of the Sunbury Water
Company, dealer in ice and coal, and manu-
facturer of brick, is also a lawyer by profes-
sion, and an active, all-around business man.
He was born in Upper Augusta township,
Northumberland County, Pa., January 22,
1839, and is a son of George and Mary C.
(Artley) Rohrbach.

The family is of German descent and was
among the earliest pioneers of Eastern Penn-
sylvania, where our subject’s grandfather was
engaged for many years in conducting a char-
coal furnace in conjunction with farming. He
was a sedate man who attended strictly to af-
fairs of his own concern; he was adverse to
praise or flattery, had no aspirations for pub-
lic life, and strictly adhered to his occupation
and was a very successful and influential busi-
ness man. He married Catherine Fenster-
macher and they reared a large family of
children, among them George Rohrbach,
father of our subject.

George Rohrbach was born in Columbia
County, Pa., in 1808. He became interested
in the iron industry and was engaged in the
foundry and furnace business all of his active
days. In 1838 he located in Upper Augusta
township where he resided a few years, then
removed to Sunbury, living there more than
*

302 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

 

half a century and passing from this life in
1894. He was an active member of the Lu-
theran Church and was one of the founders of
that church in Sunbury; he filled the office of
trustee for a long time and also served in other
offices of the church. He chose for his life
companion, Mary C. Artley. They had a
family of nine children, two of whom died in
infancy. The others were: Clinton, who mar-
ried Sarah Engle and was engaged in lumber-
ing, farming and the foundry business, mak-
ing a success of this trio of enterprises,—he
died in Upper Augusta township; Jacob, who
was also engaged in the foundry business, was
afterward appointed postmaster at Sunbury,
and is now living a life of retirement; Eliza:
beth, the widow of Thomas G. Cooper of Sun-
bury; Catherine, the widow of Harry Bourne,
also of Sunbury; Lloyd T., subject of this
sketch; Edward, who died at the age of eigh-
teen years; William, who engaged in foundry
work for many years, later was superintendent
of the Sunbury Water Works, and died Feb-
ruary 9; 1898. Our subject’s mother passed
to the life beyond in 1887, at the advanced age
of eighty-eight years.

Lloyd T. Rohrbach received his primary
education in the Sunbury public schools after
which he entered Pennsylvania College at
Gettysburg, passing through the freshman
class, and subsequently entered the Susque-
hanna University at Selinsgrove, Pa., and
was graduated therefrom in 1861. In April
of the same year he enlisted in the Union
Army and was assigned to Company F, rth
Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and served as clerk of the
company. He was in the battle of Falling
Waters, Va., and did army service for about
three months, when he returned home and
entered upon the study of law, reading in the
office of the late Horatio Wolverton, and

 

later in the office of Judge William M. Rocke-
feller of Sunbury, Pa.

In 1865 our subject was admitted to the
bar of Northumberland County and imme-
diately began the practice of his profession in
Sunbury and continued the same to the ex-
clusion of all else until 1872, meeting with
much success and bringing himself promi-
nently before the people. In 1868 he was ap-
pointed U. S. commissioner and filled that
office until 1872 when he resigned to accept
the office of prothonotary and clerk of the
Orphans’ Court. He was re-elected to the
same office in 1875, serving in all a period of
six years. Mr. Rohrbach has always been a
Republican, taking a leading part in the coun-
cils of his party, in county, state and national
politics. At the time of his first election the
county was conceded to be Democratic by a
majority ranging between 1,200 and 1,500, yet
Mr. Rohrbach was elected on the Republican
ticket by a majority of 600 votes, and was re-
elected by a majority of about 300 votes. In
1896 he was a prominent candidate for the
nomination for state treasurer and had a
strong following, but withdrew his name be-
fore the balloting began. In 1878 he engaged
in the manufacture of lime, also dealing in
coal and ice, which business he has since con-
tinued, excepting the manufacture of lime,
which he relinquished a few years ago. He
assisted in organizing the Sunbury Water
Works Company, which organization was ef-
fected in 1883, and has since been its secre-
tary and treasurer.

On December 20, 1866, our subject was
united in the bonds of wedlock with Jennie C.
Haas, daughter of John P. Haas of Sunbury,
whose biography appears elsewhere in this
volume. They are the parents of three chil-
dren, John Haas, deceased: George Edward;
and Wiiliam R. George Edward is a mem-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 303

 

 

ber of the firm of Rohrbach & Son, dealers
in coal and ice. He is also engaged exten-
sively in dealing in land and lumber, having
an interest in the firm of M. H. Kulp & Com-
pany. To reach a correct idea of the magni-
tude of the land and lumber speculations of
this enterprising firm, M. H. Kulp & Com-
pany, see personal history of M. H. Kulp, to
be found in another part of this volume.
George E. is also interested in the sand busi-
ness. William R. is attending Susquehanna
University.

For many years our subject has been elder
of the First Presbyterian Church of Sunbury
and is a prominent and leading church work-
er, contributing liberally to the support of
his favorite denomination. He has always
been an aggressive business man, and his suc-
cess is not surprising to those who know his
traits of character. He is a gentleman, pleas-
ant and genial in his manners, large-hearted
and liberal in his views, and thoroughly tem-
perate in all his habits; in fact, he is a model
citizen, one whose presence would be wel-
come in any community. Socially he is a
member of Sunbury Lodge, No. 22, F. & A.
M., also of the Chapter. His portrait is
shown on a page in proximity in connection
with the foregoing sketch.

R. CHARLES W. RABB, a young

and very popular dentist of Blooms-
© burg, has a well-éstablished patron-
age and his work in dentistry is unexcelled in
Columbia County. He was born in Blooms-
burg June 13, 1873, and is a son of William
and Abigail (Bell) Rabb.

His grandfather was Frederick Rabb, a
native of Lubeck, Prussia, who came to Amer-
ica with his family in 1839 and settled in Lit-

 

 

 

 

 

tle York, York County, Pa. In 1842 he came
to Bloomsburg and opened a bakery on Third
street, where Schuyler’s hardware store now
stands, and was later associated in business
with his son-in-law, John Rheam, who suc-
ceeded to the ownership of the business. He
was united in marriage to Caroline Young,
and they were the parents of the following
children: Augustus; William; Lewis, de-
ceased; twins who died in infancy; Hannah,
deceased; and Charles F., the only one of
whom was born in America. Mrs. Rabb
passed into the world of rest in 1870, at the
age of seventy years, and was followed by her
husband in 1872, aged seventy-three years.
William Rabb, father of our subject, was
born in Lubeck, Prussia, June 3, 1828, and
came to this country in 1839 with his parents.
He served an apprenticeship to the cabinet-
maker’s trade in Norristown. Upon attaining
man’s estate he came to Bloomsburg and
started in business where Ringler’s drug store
is at present, where he continued for thirty
years. In 1891 he built the building which
is now standing upon that site. At the expira-
tion of the period in which he followed cabi-
netmaking, he sold out and purchased a farm
of 116 acres in Madison township, Columbia
County, where he lived for three years, and
then, renting the farm, ‘returned to Blooms-
burg. He then conducted a grocery store
until 1890, with good results; but in that year
he retired and is spending his declining years
in the peaceful quiet of home life. He is a
shrewd business man and a successful mana-
ger, and during the active period of his life
he accumulated a comfortable competency.
He has owned as many as forty stores and
houses and at present owns fourteen, all of
which are very valuable and well located. He
takes great interest in educational matters
and for many years served as school director.
304 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

He was also a member of the town council for
eight years. In 1856 he was united in mar-
riage to Abigail Bell, a daughter of Abraham
Bell, a native of the county, and they are the
happy parents of the following children:
Luther Isaiah, a dentist, who married Camilla
E. DeSheppard and they have six children,—
Fredericka, William, May, Inez, Robert and
Arthur; Martha A., at home with her parents;
Clara E., wife of Charles Welliver, and they
“have three children, William, Walter and
Charlotte; Ida V., wife of George P. Ringler,
druggist; and Charles W., in whom the inter-
est of this sketch centers. Mr. and Mrs. Rabb
are enjoying the best of health and their many
friends join in wishing them many more years
of continued happiness.

Dr. Charles W. Rabb attended the public
schools of Bloomsburg and the Bloomsburg
State Normal School, after which he took up
the study of dentistry with his brother and
graduated from the University of Pennsyl-
vania in 1896. He then took a special course
in gold-crowning from that well-known in-
structor, Frederick Pesso, of Philadelphia,
and in that line of work he has no superior
in this section of the state. Immediately after
completing his course of study he came to
Bloomsburg and opened dental parlors at No.
6 East Main street; which are handsomely
furnished. He was successful from the start
and his patronage has ever been on the in-
crease. He has great fondness for his profes-
sion and he gives the strictest attention to his
work. He is a young man just entering the

prime of life and has a brilliant future before
him.
ppt

AMES VAN DYKE, proprietor of a
drug store, located on Third street,

Sunbury, Northumberland County,
Pa., and a leading and progressive citizen of

 

that borough, was born in Northumber‘and
County, Pa., in September, 1853, and is a son
of James and Hannah (Bell) Van Dyke, and
grandson of Joseph Van Dyke.

Joseph Van Dyke, the grandfather of our
subject, is of Hollandish extraction, and was
a native and life-long resident of Northum-
berland County. He was one of the greatest
pilots on the Susquehanna River and piloted
boats from Northumberland to Fort Deposit
to New York City; he pursued that line of
business many years prior to the building of
railroads in this section of the state. In later
years he conducted a hotel and was one of the
leading men of his community. He was united
in marriage to Miss Elsworth, an English
lady, and they were the parents of a large fam-
ily of children.

James Van Dyke, the father of our subject,
was also born in Northumberland County,
where he resided until 1857. In 1856 he was
elected high sheriff of Northumberland
County and January 1, 1857, moved to Sun-
bury, Northumberland County, Pa. In 1865
he returned to Northumberland borough, re-
maining there until 1869, when he again
moved to Sunbury, where he resided the rest
of his active days. He passed from this life
in 1880, at the age of fifty-five years. During
his younger days he was a pilot on the Susque-
hanna River, but later he embarked in the
hotel business, conducting the Washington
Hotel. After he was elected sheriff he discon-
tinued the hotel business to take up the duties
of sheriff. In 1860 he built the Central Hotel
at Sunbury and conducted it until 1865, when
he erected the Van Kirk House in Northum-
berland. Later he built the Keystone Hotel
at Sunbury and, after conducting it for two
years, it was destroyed by fire in 1870. Mr.
Van Dyke enlisted int the Civil War in 1862 as
quartermaster of the 47th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.
 

DANIEL A. WIEST.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 307

 

He also dealt extensively in horses, selling
them to the government during the Rebellion.
He was married to Hannah Bell and they
reared and educated a family of two sons and
two daughters.

James Van Dyke received his mental train-
ing in the public schools of his native town
and at New Berlin Academy. Leaving school
when young, he was employed in the drug
store owned by Dr. Haupt, of Sunbury, with
whom he remained six years, giving up his
position on account of ill health. He then
worked on the railroad for two years, after
which he returned to Sunbury, and in Decem-
ber, 1877, entered the drug store owned by
Dr. Charles M. Martin, remaining in his em-
ploy fifteen years. In 1893 he engaged in the
drug business on his own account and opened
a store on Third street, which he has since
managed, doing a large business. .

Politically, Mr. Van Dyke is an unwaver-
ing Republican and has served in the borough
council and as clerk. Socially, he is a member
of Sunbury Lodge No. 203, I. O. O. F.; Sun-
bury Lodge No. 267, B. P. O. E.; Col. James
Cameron Camp No. 160, Sons of Veterans
of Sunbury; the A. O. U. W.; also a member
of the Royal Blue.

In January, 1877, our subject was united in
the bonds of matrimony with Hannah Noth-
aker, of Sunbury, and two children bless
their home, namely: James P. and Mary L.

ANIEL A. WIEST, whose portrait,
executed from a recent photograph,
appears on the opposite page, is a

prominent citizen of Trevorton, Zerbe town-
ship, and is outside foreman of the North
Franklin Colliery; he accepted his present
situation in 1888 and realizes and fulfils to the

 

‘Veterans, at Trevorton.

 

tullest extent the responsibilities of his duties.
Mr. Wiest has led a varied and remarkable
career and is still in the prime of his life. He
was born March 1, 1849, in Sacramento,
Schuylkill County, Pa., and is the only son
of Edward F. and Elizabeth (Smeltz) Wiest.
He was highly educated, passing through the
high school of Pottstown, and afterward at-
tended Dickirson Seminary.

At the age of twenty years our subject
joined the engineer corps of the Philadel-
phia & Reading Railroad and continued at
that occupation for over a year. He subse-
quently took a trip West and combined busi-
ness with pleasure by clerking for nearly a
year at Denver, Colo., after which he drifted
back to Pennsylvania and at Mount Carmei
began railroading on the Sunbury Branch of

/ the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, re-

maining about one year and serving as fire-
man and brakeman. He next accepted a po-
sition as shipper for the Reading Company
at Locust Summit and worked there for sev-
en years, discontinuing the same only to
accept a similar and more lucrative positicn
at the North Franklin Colliery, where he was
also telegraph operator. He retained this
position also for seven years, after which he
was advanced to his present situation. Per-
severing, continuous and energetic efforts
are factors of his success.

On May 1, 1873, our subject was united in
marriage with Mary J. Evans, and they have
one son and three daughters, namely: An-
nie, Frank, Katie and Beulah. Mr. Wiest
takes an active interest in educational mat-
ters, being a member of the board of school
directors of Zerbe township. Fraternally he
is a member of Shamokin Lodge, No. 255,
F. & A. M.; Shamokin Chapter; Shamokin
Commandery; and Camp No. 124, Sons of
Religiously he is
308 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

an active member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and is president of the board of trus-
cees of that church and also superintendent
of the Sunday School. He has faithfully and
honestly performed the duties of every posi-
tion he has held and he has gained the confi-
dence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen to
the fullest extent.

Daniel Wiest, grandfather of our subject,
was a native of Berks County, but removed
to Klingerstown, Pa., and subsequently to
Sacramento. He was a drover and was also
engaged in the mercantile business. At one
time he was a large real estate owner, own-
ing the greater part of the land now in-
cluded in the Brookside Colliery at Tower
City. Later he operated a colliery at Rauch’'s
Gap.

Edward F. Wiest, father of our subject,
was born in January, 1828, and was reared
and educated in Schuylkill County, He be-
gan life as a farmer, but later went into the
hotel business at Tremont. He rendered
valuable service to his country in the Civil
War. He was among the first to enlist, first
serving in Company C, 25th Regiment, for
three months; he then re-enlisted in Com-
pany A, 50th Regiment, as first lieutenant,
and served three years four months and ten
days. After the war he engaged in the coal
operating business as foreman at Mahanoy
Valley for a short time, after which he again
adopted the calling of an agriculturist, and
is now spending his declining years in retreat
at his elegant country home at Gratz, Dau-
phin County. When Gen. Kossuth, the Po-
lish patriot, made his famous visit to America
in 1854, Mr. Wiest was on the staff of Gen.
Wyncoop. He holds four commissions from
different governors of the state of Pennsyl-
vania. He was a member of the old state guard
or militia and took a very prominent part in

 

the organization. He was aide-de-camp on
Gov. William Bigelow’s staff with rank of
lieutenant-colonel. He and his wife were
blessed with two children: Daniel A., the
subject of this sketch, and Katie, wife of Pu-
laski Gensel of Ashland, Pennsylvania.

AMES L. RIEHL, president of the
Agricultural Society of Danville, and
owner of the Montour Hotel, which he

conducted for many years, is one of the popu-
lar and esteemed residents of the town of Dan-
ville, and is spending his latter days in enjoy-
ing the fruits of the labors of his younger
years. He was born in Northampton County,
Pa., near the town of Easton, in July, 1829,
and is a son of John and Susanna (Shimer)
Riehl, and a grandson of John Riehl, Sr.
John Riehl, the father of our subject, was
born at Easton, Northampton County, Pa.,
and his early days were spent working in a
blacksmith shop; later he purchased a fine
farm and was one of the leading farmers of his
community. By the exercise of economy, he
succeeded in accumulating enough money to
purchase another farm, and now owns two of
the best farms in his section of the county.
Our subject was reared upon his father’s
farm, where he assisted him in his labors, but
in 1851 he became a hotelman, which proved
to be the calling to which he was best adapt-
ed, as he built up a reputation that will stand
as an example to the rising generation. His
first hotel was known as the American House,
at Easton, Pa., but a few years later he moved
to Bethlehem, Pa., where he opened the
American House and conducted that hotel for
some time, when he moved to Mauch Chunk,
Pa., and opened the Mansion Hotel. In 1860
he went to Danville and bought the Mon-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 309

 

tour House, which was a part of the Mont-
gomery estate, of Magill & Boyd. He en-
larged and remodeled his purchase into a
three-story building, which has fifty-six finely
furnished rooms and a large dining-room,
office and salesroom. The hotel is on the cor-
ner of Mill and Market streets, one of the best
locations in Danville for his business. In 1892
our subject retired from active life and has
leased his hotel to his nephews, Augustus L.
and Samuel B. Cressman, who have contin-
ued the business to the present time.

In 1888 Mr. Riehl was made president of
the Danville Agricultural Society. This asso-
ciation dates back to February 1, 1856, when
the first fair was held in Montour County,
then Columbia County. For many years
Danville held the largest fairs in this section
of the state; May 8, 1892, the name of the so-
ciety was changed to the Montour County
Agricultural Society of Danville. The society
owned a tract of land consisting of seventy-six
acres, well equipped for a fair ground. In 1896
the buildings on the grounds were destroyed
by a heavy wind and Mr. Riehl, being a large
stockholder, purchased the fair ground. For
some time our subject has contemplated put-
ting the fair ground into a farm, as the land is
well adapted to farming purposes, but as yet
the ground is still used for the fair. *

Mr. Riehl was united in marriage to Eliza-
beth Cressman, a daughter of Samuel B.
Cressman, of Bucks County, Pa., and our sub-
ject was called upon to mourn the loss of his
beloved companion, who passed from this life
in 1887, at the age of fifty-nine years. One
child was the result of their union, Lizzie, who
died, aged six months. Mr. Riehl purchased
of Mrs. Susan Woodside -the property at No.
9 East Front street; he has remodeled and en-
larged the same into a handsome residence.
He is a member of the Danville Lodge No.

 

224, fF. & A. M.; Danville Chapter No. 239,
R. A. M., and Calvary Commandery No. 37,
ik. T,

1
——_+-2 »—____

ORACE G. SUPPLEE, who efficient-

ly served as manager of the Farmers’

Produce Exchange from 1886 until

he purchased the establishment in 1898, is one

of the leading citizens of Bloomsburg. He

was born at White Hall, Pa., October 27,

1859, and is a son of George W. and Sarah
(Hamer) Supplee.

‘His grandfather was Samuel Supplee, who
was a prosperous farmer of Chester County,
and who married Catherine Reinwald, both of
whom lived to reach an advanced age. George
W. Supplee, the father of our subject, was
born near Phoenixville, Chester County, and
settled on a farm in Montour County in 1857,
and eight years later purchased a farm at
Jerseytown, upon which he made many im-
provements and followed agricultural pur-
suits for many years. Subsequently he sold
the estate, which is now owned by A. J. Zeis-
loft, and retired to Bloomsburg, where he re-
sided until his death, in October, 1896, aged
seventy-one years. His wife, whose maiden
name was Sarah Hamer, was born July 1,
1826, and is a daughter of Murphy and Mary
(White) Hamer, both of whom died at an
early age, and were survived by the following
children: Martha; Jane; William; James;
Sarah, our subject’s mother; Hannah; and
Robert. As a result of their union Mr. and
Mrs. Supplee became the.parents of the fol-
lowing children: Antoinette, wife of C. De
Mott; Gertrude, whose union with A. Girton
resulted in the following issue——Raymond,
Frederick, Otto, Robert and Archie; Horace
G., the subject of this personal history, Anna,
++

310

who married J. Nuss, and has two children,
Ruth and Preston; and George, who died at
the age of seventeen years.

Horace G. Supplee, after completing the
prescribed course in the public schools, at-
tended Greenwood Seminary and the Blooms-
burg State Normal School. He then engaged
in teaching for seven terms, or until 1886,
when he accepted his present position as man-
ager of the Farmers’ Produce Exchange, one
of the most enterprising concerns in the town.
It was established in 1882, in a large brick
building, three stories high, which was erect-
ed at a cost of $8,000 and was incorporated
with a capital of $10,000. In the fall of 1898
Mr. Supplee purchased the entire plant. He
carries a complete line of general merchan-
dise, grain, fertilizers, plaster, salt, groceries,
flour, feed, hay, wooden and_ willowware,
boots, shoes and all kinds of country produce;
in fact, everything that is needed by a house-
keeper, including furniture and carpets. The
store is well arranged, neat in appearance, and
everything about it has an air of prosperity,
which bespeaks the excellence of Mr. Sup-
plee’s management. The Exchange is very de-
sirably located, being situated at No. G6o1
Market street.

Mr. Supplee was united in matrimonial
bonds to Eleanora Bryfogle, a daughter of
Daniel and Emma (Gould) Bryfogle, and they
are the happy parents of two children: Mabel,
born in Bloomsburg November 4, 1889; and
George W., also born in Bloomsburg Febru-
ary 21, 1894. Mr. Supplee served in the town
council one term. He is a Republican in his
political views. He is a member of the Bap-
tist Church, of which he has been a deacon
for several years. Socially, he is a member of
Washington Lodge No. 265, F. & A. M.;
Chapter No. 218, R. A, M.; Crusade Com-
mandery No. 12, Knights Templar; and Cald-

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

well Consistory of Bloomsburg, of which he
is treasurer.

AMERON SHULTZ, M. D., is one of
(Os rising young physicians of the
town of Danville, Pa., and a highly
esteemed citizen of the community. He is a
son of Benjamin F. Shultz, one of the oldest
and most highly-respected physicians and
surgeons who ever practiced in the borough of
Danville.

Peter Shultz, grandfather of our subject,
was a resident of Plainfield, N. J., for a num-
ber of years, but later he became a resident of
Derry township, Montour County, Pa., and,
purchasing a large tract of land, he erected a
hotel, which he conducted for several years;
he also carried on general farming. During
his latter days he gave up his hotel business
and devoted his entire attention to agricul-
tural pursuits. He was joined in marriage to
Sarah Robbins and a family of nine children
was born to them.

Benjamin F. Shultz, the father of our sub-
ject, was born on the old homestead in Derry
township, Montour County, March 19, 1828.
He first attended the primary schools of his
native township. He taught school in the
borough of Danville and, while teaching,
studied medicine under Dr. James Straw-
bridge, A. M., M. D., of Danville. Subse-
quently he studied under Dr. Pancoast, of
Philadelphia, and then entered the Jefferson
Medical College of that city, and was gradu-
ated from that institution in 1852. He then
began practicing his chosen profession in
Danville, Pa., where his labors were crowned
with success and he soon won the confidence
and esteem of his community. He continued
in his profession with great success, but in
1877 he was obliged to retire from the medical

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. all

 

 

field because of poor health. He accordingly
purchased a farm of three hundred acres,
which is now the property of his daughter,
Mrs. Vincent, and there he quietly and happi-
ly spent the last six years of his active life. He
also owned a large block, No. 425 Mill street,
and one at No. 510 Bloom street. Politically,
Dr. Shultz was an unwavering Republican and
always lent his aid toward the success of his
chosen party. In religious views he was in-
clined to be liberal. He passed from this life
February 1, 1896, and left a good name, that
will stand as an incentive to the rising genera-
tion. In 1857 he was united in the bonds of
matrimony to Elizabeth Mower, a daughter
of John Mower, and two children blessed the
union: Dora Elizabeth, who is the wife of
O. R. Drumheller, who is proprietor of the
Windsor Hotel, at Shamokin, Pa.; and Clar-
rena, who died in infancy. Mrs. Shultz died
in 1861 and he formed a second marital union
with Mary Heckert, a daughter of John
Heckert. She died at the age of forty-eight
years, leaving the following children: Cam-
eron, our subject; Florence, wife of A. H.
Grone; Deborah, who wedded T. G. Vin-
cent; Arminda, a student at Irving College,
Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and Maggie. and Wil-
liam, who died in infancy.

Our subject acquired a good education in
the public schools of Danville and then read
medicine in his father’s office for some time.
He then entered the Jefferson Medical Col-
lege of Philadelphia, and was graduated with
the class of 1892. He immediately returned
to his home and opened a general practice,
which he continued until 1896, when he went
to New York City and took a special course
in the diseases of the stomach. He has since
built up a large and successful practice and is
the only specialist on diseases of the stomach
in this part of the state. Dr. Shultz pur-

 

chased the handsome mansion on Market
street, which was built by Peter Baldy at a
cost of forty-five thousand dollars, and in
which he has his offices and parlors. Dr.
Shultz’s mansion is located on a large lot 273
by 80 feet in dimensions and the house is sur-
rounded by a beautiful and well-kept lawn,
which greatly adds to the beauty of his home.

Dr. Shultz chose for his life-companion
Margaret Frances Thompson, a daughter of
Hon. S. Y. Thompson, M. D., of Danville,
and one child is the result of this happy union,
namely: Annie Mary, born in Danville, Pa.,
August 19, 1893. The Doctor is a member
and past grand master of Montour Lodge No.
109, I. O. O. F.; a member of Washington
Camp No. 364, P. O. S. of A., and of Lotus
Conclave No. 127, I. O. H.

was a prosperous farmer near Camp-

bell’s Mills, Forks township, Sullivan
County, Pa., is now living in happy retirement
in the town of Forksville, where he is held
in the highest esteem. He is a son of John
and Ann (Curl) Fleming, and was born in the
state of New Jersey, April 29, 1827.

John Fleming, the father of our subject, lo-
cated in Luzerne County, Pa., and there fol-
lowed his trade as mason during the remain-
der of his life, dying at the age of ‘fifty-five
years. He married Ann Curl, who died at
the age of about eighty years, and their child-
ren were as follows: Martha; Mary Ann;
Rebecca; Julia; Rosella; Daniel, who was
killed in war; John, the subject of this sketch;
Russell, a resident of California; and two who
died in infancy.

John Fleming upon reaching the age of
twelve years went to live with Joseph Warren

Jeo FLEMING, who for many years
312 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

of Forks township, a farmer by occupation,
and after attaining man’s estate, he purchased
a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of
timberland and immediately set about to clear
it. This land is located near Campbell’s Mills,
Forks township, Sullivan County. There he
erected a house and other substantial build-
ings necessary for carrying on his business.
He transformed the tract from a wilderness
to a beautiful farm, and beginning with little
or no means he applied himself with great
energy and accumulated sufficient wealth to
enable him to retire in 1889. He disposed of
his estate to Edward Bahl, and purchased a
valuable lot in Forksville at the corner of
Water and Main streets upon which he built
a handsome house and a good barn. He has
since resided there and has gained a large
number of friends who hold him in the high-
est esteem.

Mr. Fleming formed a marital union with
Zilpha Ann Rogers, who was born August 2,
1829, and is a daughter of Moses A. Rogers, a
record of whose life appears elsewhere in this
Book of Biographies. This union resulted in
the following issue: Isaac R., born October
25, 1854, a merchant of Picture Rock, and
who married Minerva Matthews, by whom he
has three children, Ora, Carl, and Bruce;
Annie J., born April 7, 1856, married Charles
Nye, and has one son, Claire; Clara B., born
October 7, 1860, married to O. H. Gardner
of the city of Minneapolis; Melvia A., born
December 15, 1861, married Barton Moly-
neux of Buffalo, N. Y., and they have three
children, Lee, Myrtle, and Chester; Mary S.,
born January 2, 1863, married George Snyder
of Forksville, and they have two children:
Marion, and Lou; Della J., born February 14,
1868, married Dr. William F. Randall, a resi-
dent of Dushore, and they haye a son, Ralph;
William R., born August 18, 1865, resides in

 

Grafton, N. D.; C. Q., born October 14, 1870,
who lives in Scranton, Pa.; Bertha, born Sep-
tember 21, 1872, lives at home with her par-
ents; and Blanche R., who was born March
28, 1875, and died January 17, 1897, aged
twenty-two years.

Politically Mr. Fleming is an independent
Republican and has held several minor offices
of the township, such as assessor and tax col-
lector. Religiously he is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.

——__—_—+-e-»—____

AJOR EMANUEL CLAY HAM-
ILTON. The subject of this re-
view is gratefully remembered
as one of the most energetic, progressive and
public-spirited citizens of Northumberland
County. He is survived by his widow, who
is now a beloved resident of Shamokin, and
by four children. Our subject was born in
the city of Lancaster, Pa., February 15, 1835,
and was a son of Peter Hamilton and a great-
grandson of a former governor of this state
who was reared in the Colonial days. Mr.
Hamilton traced his ancestry to an English-
Scotch origin, the family being one of the
earliest to settle in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Part of the site of the city of Lancaster is
ground which originally was deeded to our
subject’s ancestors by William Penn.

When quite young our subject evinced
a great fondness for study and he applied
himself diligently to obtaining an excellent
education, principally through his own effort,
and well equipped himself for the active and
uniformly successful career he subsequently
enjoyed. In 1852 Mr. Hamilton went to
Baltimore, Md., where he resided five years;
then he returned to this state and located in
Lewistown. When the daring Rebel leader,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, 313

 

 

Gen. Robert E. Lee, sought to invade Penn-
sylvania our subject was one of the first to
grasp a musket and assist in repulsing the
Confederates and driving them out of the
state. Early in 1865 Maj. Hamilton was ap-

pointed postmaster of Lewistown by Presi- -

dent Lincoln, which position he most accept-
ably filled for some time. He also was agent
for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Lewistown
borough, having entire charge of the com-
pany’s interests there. While at Selinsgrove
Maj. Hamilton did most effective service and
won an enviable reputation as a shrewd and
capable detector of criminals and acted as as-
sistant to Detective W. Y. Lyon of Reading,
Pa. With Detective Lyon our subject solved
the mystery and arrested the perpetrators of
one of the worst crimes ever committed in
this state, the murder of the aged Knistlers,
a case which was celebrated. Link by link
the chain of evidence was put together by
the sleepless and vigilant officers and the
crime fastened upon Uriah and Jonothan
Moyer, Emanuel Ettinger and Israel Erb.
The Moyer brothers were hanged, Ettinger
committed suicide in jail and Erb was sen-
tenced to life imprisonment in the peniten-
tiary in Philadelphia.

In 1877 Maj. Hamilton removed from
Lewistown to Adamsburg, Pa., where he con-
ducted the Merchants’ Hotel for three years,
then locating in Selinsgrove, where he a'so
engaged in the hotel business for six years.
He removed to Shamokin in 1887 and became
proprietor of the Exchange Hotel, which he
ran until 189q, when he retired from the busi-
ness and devoted his attention and his marked
ability to promoting and successfully insti-
tuting street railway enterprises. He was the
leading spirit in the formation of the Shamo-
kin Streét Railway Company in 1892 and he
was the first president of the company, hold-

 

ing the office for two years, when he sold his
stock in the corporation and immediately be-
gan to agitate the formation of the Shamokin
& Mount Carmel Street Railway Company,
which was quickly organized, the line being
built and put in operation in 1894. He was
made president of the company and subse-
quently was succeeded in that office by G. M.
Smith, remaining One of the directors until
his death.

Our subject was united in marriage to
Cornelia Beam of Lancaster, Pa., on July 26,
1860. Their happy union was blessed with
five children, as follows: John D., now dead,
who was station agent at Adamsburg when
fifteen years of age, and who married Cora
Earhart of Snyder County, Pa., who bore
him two children, E. C. and Mertie Irene;

‘Samuel A., who has been in the employ of

the Pennsylvania Railroad for eighteen years,
since he was fifteen years of age, and is now
a resident of Roaring Springs, Blair County,
Pa.; a daughter, the wife of Charles A.
Heintzman of Shamokin, who was one of the
first letter-carriers in that city and is now in
the postal service; Nellie, who is the wife of
Charles Lark, a leading attorney of Shamo-
kin; Bertie, who is with her mother. Maj.
Hamilton took great interest in fraternal so-
cieties and was a Mason, a Knight Templar
and Shriner; an Odd Fellow; and an enthu-
siastic member of the Benevolent Order of
Protective Elks. In politics he was a stanch
Republican and was very active in the coun-
cils of his party.

—______¢-e_—___—__

LISHA M. ECKMAN of Kline’s Grove

is postmaster and one of the most
prominent and active men in the
community. He was born in Upper Augus-
ta township, Northumberland County, Pa.,
314

May 10, 1847, and is a son of Charles and
Elizabeth J. (Kline) Eckman.

The paternal grandfather, Charles Eck-
man, was born in New Jersey and was the
first of the family to locate in Upper Augusta
township. He married a Miss DeWitt, and
they raised a large family of children. The
maternal grandfather was John Kline of Rush
township, who married Eleanor Campbell.
He was a shoemaker and always practiced his
trade in Rush township. His children were
as follows: Robert; Elizabeth; Caroline;
Elisha; David.

Our subject’s father, Charles Eckman, was
born in Upper Augusta township and lived
there all his life, following the trade of black-
smith, and later in life was a farmer. Mr.
Eckman was well known in politics, being
an active member of the Whig party, and
during the war held many township offices.
He was treasurer of the Bounty Fund and a
member of the Methodist Church, being
class-leader in the church for many years.
His death, which occurred in February, 1890,
was greatly mourned by all, for he was a man
. of kind deeds and warm heart, always willing
to lend a helping hand. His wife, Elizabeth
J. Kline Eckman, came from Upper Augusta
township and now lives on the old home-
stead. She bore him five children: John Ed-
gar, a soldier in the Rebellion, who died in
1868, and who married Theresa Forrester:
Elisha M., our subject; Margaret, deceased;
Clarissa Ann, deceased, who married H. C.
Savidge, and bore him two children, Grace
and Edgar; James D., who lives with his
mother on the old homestead and has been
a teacher for a number of years.

Elisha M. Eckman, the subject of this bi-
ography, was educated in the common
schools and lived at home until he was twen-
ty-eight years of age, working at the car-

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

penter trade for several years. On January
26, 1875, he married Mary Elizabeth (Reed)
Campbell, widow of Harmon K. Campbell of
Upper Augusta township, who died in 1871.
He was a miller and also a farmer at Kline’s
Grove, and had one son, Edward R. Camp-
bell, who was born January 18, 1865. Edward
R. is a farmer, merchant and assistant-post-
master at Kline’s Grove. He was married
March 30, 1886, to Mary E. Haupt of Sun-
bury, Pa., and they are blessed with two chil-
dren, Melville, born July 22, 1887; and Har-
mon E., born July 10, 1897.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Eckman, our sub-
ject’s wife, was born January 19, 1840, at
Reed’s Station, Shamokin township, and is a
daughter of Jacob G. and Maria (Hoffman)
Reed; the latter was born November 13,
1818; both, however, were born in Shamokin
township. Mr. Reed was a farmer and died
January 12, 1852; his wife still resides on the
old homestead. They were the parents of sev-
eral children, as follows: Elizabeth, the wife
of our subject; Sarah Jane, who died single;
John H., who also died single; Abraham H.,
a farmer in Shamokin township, who married
Lucy A. Bugner; Lydia Ann, deceased, who
was the wife of Peter Overdorf; Jacob G.,
wheelwright and blacksmith at Pottsgrove,
Pa., who married Elizabeth Teets, and who
has two daughters, Belle and Gertrude.

After his marriage our subject took up
farming in Rush township, also working at
his trade, continuing this until 1883, when he
bought the Kline’s Grove Mill property, a
flour and grist-mill. Mr. Eckman now runs
a chop and saw-mill. He is a firm upholder
of the Republican party and has always voted
its ticket. He has been postmaster at Kline’s
Grove for twenty-five years. He is known
all over the county as an honest, upright cit-
izen. Mr. Eckman is a'so known’ for his
WH
wy

]/

Uy

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 317

 

 

warm and generous heart, never refusing help
to a person in distress or in misfortune.
Religiously Mr. Eckman is an attendant of
the Methodist Church.

 

OLDEN CHESTER, a retired mine

operator of Shamokin, whose por-
KK trait is shown on the oppo-
site page, has won an enviable reputa-
tion among the best business men and is
recognized as the personification of honor
and integrity. He was born in the Green
Mountain state, near the Canadian line, Sep-
tember 30, 1833. He is a son of Joseph and
Hannah Chester. He went with his parents
to Schuylkill County, Pa., when quite young
and was reared in that county. As his father
died on a trip west when Holden was still a
lad, he received no education worthy the
name, but began life in the mines at the age
of nine years, first working as a slate-picker.
He continued working in and around the
mines in that capacity, also assisting miners
and driving horses and mules inside, until he
attained the age of fourteen years. At that
age he apprenticed himself to learn the trade
of a blacksmith at Tamaqua, serving six years
and working from Pottsville to Tamaqua, a
distance of sixteen miles. Having served the
full apprenticeship and completely mastered
the trade, at the age of twenty he began black-
smithing in the coal regions, working at var-
ious places, and continuing until about 1854,
when stationary engineering engaged his at-
tention for six years. He then served as out-
side mine boss in the Schuylkill coal region
until August, 1861.

Our subject, in August, 1861, enlisted in
the Union Army as a private in Company L,
3rd Reg., Pa. Vol. Cav., serving for three

 

 

years; his service during the last six months
was as a veterinary surgeon, acting under a
commission from the Secretary of War, and
as such he was mustered out of service,
after serving all three years in the Army of
the Potomac. After the war he again engaged
as mine boss, taking charge of the erecting of
a large colliery at Williamstown, Dauphin
County, remaining there for eight years as
foreman or boss. In 1873 he removed to Sha-
mokin, and has remained there ever since.
He engaged as superintendent of the Mineral
Railroad & Mining Company, comprising five
collieries, all in the vicinity of Shamokin, and
served in that capacity until the beginning of
1880, when the Lykens Valley and Williams-
town collieries, three in number, were added
to the five previously described, and Mr. Ches-
ter was appointed general superintendent of
all those collieries, which position he held un-
til 1886. About that time he purchased an in-
terest in the Union Coal Company, which op-
erated three collieries in the vicinity of, Sha-
mokin; after taking charge of the mines he
continued as superintendent of those collier-
ies until 1893, when he sold his interests and
withdrew. Since then he has looked after
other affairs and has been interested in the
bituminous coal fields of West Virginia, be-
sides other enterprises in Shamokin.

In 1883 Mr. Chester assisted in organizing
the Shamokin electric light companies and,
with the exception of one year has served as
president. He is also president of the Sha-
mokin Gas Company; is a director of the
Guarantee Trust & Safe Deposit Company; is
a director of the Shamokin Powder Com-
pany, and has been ever since its organiza-
tion; he is president and largest stockholder
of the Shamokin Packing Company.

In the autumn of 1857 Mr. Chester was
united in marriage with Christina C. Wilson,
318 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

a native of Scotland. He and his wife have
no children of their own, but have reared sev-
eral. Mr. Chester is actively interested in the
subject of education, having served as school
director for several years. He is a trustee of
the Presbyterian Church and, fraternally, is a

member of Lincoln Post No. 140, G. A. R.;.

Millersburg Lodge, F. & A. M.; Shamokin
Chapter No. 264, R. A. M., and Shamokin
Commandery, Knights Templar.

an cdi <i

ORBES H. VANNAN, a born mechanic
and a member of the firm of Curry &
Vannan, who operate a large foundry
and machine-shop, is one of the popular and
enterprising citizens of the town of Danville,
Pa. He descends from the sturdy Scotch
race, having been born in Glasgow, Scotland,
and is a son of James Vannan, who was also
a native of Scotland.

James Vannan, father of our subject, re-
sided in Scotland many years, where he was
engaged as a machinist. He departed from his
native country and settled in Carbondale,
Luzerne County, Pa., where he followed his
trade as a machinist. Later he moved to
Kingston, Luzerne County, Pa. then to
.Wilkesbarre, Pa., where he spent the
remainder of his life in retirement. He
died at the advanced age of eighty-two
years. He was joined in the bonds of wedlock
to Mary Binning, who passed from this life
aged forty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Vannan
were the parents of a family of five children,
as follows: Mary, who is the wife of James
Eaton; James, a machinist in the shops of the
D. & H.R. R. at Carbondale, Pa.; Joseph, a
foundryman, and also a resident of Carbon-
dale, Pa.; Forbes H., our subject; and
Thomas, a tinsmith and gasfitter, who resides
at Carbondale.

 

Forbes H. Vannan, our subject, came to
this country with his father and served an ap-
prenticeship to the machinist’s trade in the
D., L. & W. R. R. machine shops at Scranton
and, owing to his rapid progress, he was soon
made foreman of the D., L. & W. R. R. shops
at Kingston, Pa. He subsequently became
superintendent of the Wyoming Valley Manu-
facturing Company at Wilkesbarre, Pa., from
which place he removed to Danville in 1888
and accepted a position as master mechanic
in the rolling mills of that town. On Septem-
ber 10, 1895, in partnership with Daniel M.
Curry, he leased the Mahoning Foundry and’
Machine Shops and the firm has since been
doing a large and successful business. When
the rolling mill property went into the hands
of a receiver, Curry & Vannan purchased the
entire foundry and machine-shop plant. The
firm manufactures all kinds of machinery, has
the latest and most improved machinery in
the shops and employs from fifty to ninety
men continuously. They have also erected a
large three-story pattern-house and have one
of the best machine-shops in the town of Dan-
ville.

Mr. Vannan was united in marriage to
Emeline A. Parr, and three children have
blessed their home: Irvin, a mechanic;
George, who died in infancy; and Walter.
Mr. Vannan and family are highly esteemed
by their neighbors and acquaintances and are
amply filling their station as good citizens and
valuable members of their community. In
politics, our subject is a stanch Republican
and cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln.

 

OHN E. GALLAGHER, a young
and enterprising business man _ of
Muncy Valley, Sullivan County, holds
the responsible position of bookkeeper of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 319

 

the Union Tanning Company, the duties of
which he has performed faithfully and in a
manner stich as to gain the hearty approval
of his employers. He was born at Dushore,
Sullivan County, January 15, 1865, and isa
son of James and Mary (Brown) Gallagher.

His paternal grandfather was Michael Gal-
lagher, who was born in County Mayo, Ire-
land, and immigrated to America, locating on
a farm which he purchased at Dushore, Pa.
This he cleared and resided upon until his
death, at the age of sixty-five years. His
wife was Sarah Dougherty, who died at the
age of eighty years. Their union was blessed
by eight children: Michael; James; An-
thony; Sarah; Mary; Catherine; Bridget;
and Ellen. >

James Gallagher, father of our subject, was
also born in County Mayo, Ireland, and immi-
grated to this country with his father. He
succeeded to the ownershiv of the family es-
tate at Dushore and there has since followed
farming. He is one of the substantial citi-
zens of the community and is held in high
esteem by a large circle of acquaintances. He
was united in marriage with Mary Brown,
a daughter of Patrick and Mary (O’Donald)
Brown, by whom he had seven children:
Martin; Michael P.; John E.; James J.,
and William, deceased; Thomas H.; and
Mary E.

John E. Gallagher attended the public
schools of Dushore, after which he took a
course at the Mansfield Normal School, and
finally at Rochester University, from which
he graduated in 1889. Previous to that
time he taught for seven years in the public
schools. After leaving college he moved to
Sioux City, Iowa, where he was employed
as a bookkeeper for two years. He then re-
turned to his home at Dushore, where he
accepted the position of clerk to county

 

commissioner in 1894, and continued as such
for three years. In 1898 he accepted his
present position with the Trust or Union
Tanning Company, and is located at their
Muncy Valley office. He has had years of
experience in that line of work, and his rec-
ord since assuming the duties of bookkeeper
stamps him as a man well qualified to bear
its responsibilities. He is of a genial dispo-
sition, is a pleasant companion and is very
popular with his fellow-citizens.

Mr. Gallagher was joined in matrimonial
bonds with Catherine Kennedy, a daughter
of Jeremiah Kennedy of Laporte, Sullivan
County, whose biographical record appears
elsewhere in this volume, and they became
the parents of the following children: James
F.; Thomas E.; Margaret; and Agnes. Po-
litically our subject has always supported the
Democratic party and has held numerous
local offices. In religious faith he is a Ro-
man Catholic.

OSEPH KOPP, a veteran of the Civil
War, and inside-foreman at the Ster-
ling Colliery near Shamokin, North-

umberland County, was born : May 11,
1841, in Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill Coun-
ty, Pa. and is a son of Jacob and Harriet
(Hain) Kopp. :

Jacob Kopp, our subject's father, a native
of France, upon coming to the United States
located in Schuylkill Haven, where he was
engaged in mercantile business. He died
when our subject was about five years of age,
leaving two children: Joseph; and Mary, who,
when she grew to womanhood, married Wil-
liam Steinmetz, a boss at the Big Mountain
Colliery, Northumberland County,

Joseph Kopp, our subject, was reared in
320 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Schuylkill County and was employed in col-
lieries until he was eighteen years of age,
after which he traveled around the country
for about two years. In 1860 he located in
Shamokin, Pa., and became a coal miner,
working in various collieries about Shamokin
for several years. He then held the position
of assistant foreman for Patterson, Llewellyn
& Co. for about a year, after which he was
promoted to the position of inside-foreman
and remained with the company twelve years.
Mr. Kopp next entered the employ of the
Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Co., at
Burnside Colliery, as inside-foreman, and in
January, 1893, assumed that position at the
Sterling Colliery, where he has since remained.
During the progress of the Civil War, in
1862, he enlisted in Company K, 36th Reg.,
Pa. Vol. Inf., and served about three months,
but did not participate in any engagement,
arriving on the field just one day too late for
the battle of Gettysburg.

On Independence Day, 1861, Mr. Kopp
married Henrietta Yoder, a daughter of
Isaac and Catherine (Beisel) Yoder. Mrs.
Kopp was born August 3, 1841, in Mahan-
tango Valley, Schuylkill County, where her
father was born and reared, but when she was
two years old, he removed to Shamokin and
assisted in building the first railroad in that
section of the county. Our subject’s family
consists of the following children: William
and Mary, both deceased; Adam, who mar-
ried Susan Specht, is’a loader-boss at the
Sterling Colliery, and makes his home in the
Mahanoy Valley; Eva, the wife of Daniel
Phillips, a miner and resident of Shamokin;
Joseph D., a loader-boss at the Sterling Col-
liery, who married Annie Miller and resides
in Shamokin; Jacob, deceased; Nora, the
wife of William Bonser of Pottsville, a car-

 

penter by trade; and Sallie and Bertha, who
are both at home.

Socially our subject is a member of Lin-
coln Post, No. 140, G. A. R.; Schickalamy
Tribe, No. 148, I. O. R. M.; and also the De-
gree of Pocahontas, all of Shamokin.

EV. WILLIAM A. HOUCK, a prom-

inent clergyman of Mount Carmel,

Pa., is a man of superior mental
endowments and of excellent education and
character. He is a native of Huntingdon
County, Pa., was born January 25, 1837, and
is ason of Adams and Mary (Clark) Houck.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was
of German origin, and lived in Virginia; from
there he went to Maryland, and thence to
Huntingdon County, Pa., and was one of the
pioneers of that county. One of his brothers,
William Houck, served in the Revolutionary
War. Adams Houck, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Huntingdon County, and
followed farming and lumbering in that coun-
ty until his death. Our subject’s mother was
of English origin; her father was Thomas
Clark.

Rev. William A. Houck, the subject of this
biography, was reared and educated in Hunt-
ingdon County, attending the common
schools and also the seminary at Cassville,
Huntingdon County. He taught school
three winters, also taught in a select school,
and then began the study of theology. In
March, 1859, he joined the East Baltimore
Conference and since that time he has
preached continuously, most of his labors hav-
ing been in what is gow called the Central
Pennsylvania Conference. He entered the
Union Army in 1864 as chaplain of the 205th
Reg., Pa. Volunteers, and remained with that
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 321

 

 

regiment until it was mustered out, in June,
1865. He was presiding elder of the Harris-
burg district for four years. Among his more
prominent appointments have been Williams-
port, Danville, Lock Haven, Bellefonte, Mil-
ton, Hazleton, and Mount Carmel. Rev. Mr.
Houck has the largest congregation in Mount
Carmel, and the church has had continual
and substantial growth under his charge.

Our subject married Lydia M. Dorland of
Blair County, Pa., and several children have
resulted from this union, as follows: Gertrude,
the wife of W. B. Norris, an attorney of St.
Joseph, Mo., who at one time held the office
of district attorney; Florence N., the wife of
W. T. Hildrup, a manufacturer of Harrisburg,
Pa.; Evangeline M., the wife of Dr. H. M.
Stine of Harrisburg, Pa.; Charles A. B., an
electrician at Hazleton, Pa.; Grace B., living
at home; William Herbert S., in the Auditor-
General’s Department at Harrisburg, Pa.;
and Frank D., in the employ of the Pennsyl-
vania Telephone Company at Lebanon, Pa.

Rev. Mr. Houck is well known throughout
the eastern and central parts of the state, and
is a man of strict principles and splendid judg-
ment. He is highly respected, and is known
to be a man who thoroughly practices all that
he preaches. He is a man of much learning
and wide experience, and has done much to
advance the religious welfare of Mount Car-
mel.

| R. JAMES R. MONTGOMERY
5 has a large and lucrative practice in

and about the beautifully situated
and prosperous village of Buckhorn, Colum-
bia County, Pa. He.is a son of Hugh R.
and Sarah (Moll) Montgomery, and was born
in Liberty township, Montour County, May
15, 1858.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Montgomery family is of Scotch-Irish
origin, and James Montgomery, our subject’s
grandfather, was born in the North of Ire-
land, and after following his profession, that
of sea-captain, for some years he came to
America about 1760, locating on the banks of
the Chillisquaque Creek, in what is now Lib-
erty township, Montour County, when that
section was almost a wilderness and inhabited
only by Indians and wild beasts of the forest.
He was joined in wedlock with a Miss Shed-
den, and they reared a family of children, one
of whom was Hugh R., the father of our sub-
ject. He formed a second alliance with a Mrs.
Burns, nee Harvey, who was a native of that
section of the county.

Hugh R. Montgomery was born on the old
homestead in Liberty township, in 1819, was
one of the leading agriculturists of that sec-
tion, and followed farming in the fertile val-
ley of the lovely Susquehanna until his death
in 1881. In his political affiliations he was a
Democrat and served as justice of the peace
for many years. He was a consistent member
of and elder in the Presbyterian Church. As
a result of his union with Sarah S. Moll, a
daughter of Daniel F. and Mary (Seidel) Moll,
five sons and four daughters were born, name-
ly: James R., whose name heads these lines;
John S., a merchant of Pottsgrove, North-
umberland County; Mary E., the wife of
Charles N. Marsh of Milton, Northumber-
land County; Sarah A., the wife of William
H. Eckman, a farmer of Chillisquaque town-
ship, Northumberland County; Daniel M.,a
merchant of Pottsgrove; William A., a farm-
er who lives on, and owns, the old homestead;
H. Bryson, a photographer of Milton; Clara
B., who with her mother lives at Pottsgrove,
Pa.; and Alice J., the wife of William B.
Shedden, a theological student at Princeton,

N. J.
822 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Dr. James R. Montgomery was reared on
the farm, and received his education in the
public schools of his native town and at Mil-
lersville State Normal School. Upon leaving
school he began teaching at the age of seven-
teen years, during which time he also studied
for the medical profession in the office of Dr.
C. H. Dougal of Milton, Pa., and in 1880 he
graduated from the Jefferson Medical Col-
lege of Philadelphia, Pa. He also took a
number of special courses in surgery, anato-
my, etc. Immediately after graduation he en-
tered upon his first practice at Twelfth and
Mifflin streets, Philadelphia, where he con-
tinued for two years. In 1882 he removed to
Buckhorn, Pa., where he has since resided
and has acquired a large practice in the vi-
cinity. He is an active member of the Co-
lumbia County Medical Society; of the Penn-
sylvania State Medical Society; and of the
American Medical Association. He is a pub-
lic-spirited man and is much interested in the
advancement of his village and county, being
closely connected with the following business
enterprises; stockholder in the Columbia
County Agricultural Society and of the
Bloomsburg Desk Factory; and a_ stock-
holder and director of the North Branch Fur-
niture Factory of Bloomsburg.

Dr. Montgomery takes a lively interest in
the schools, churches and business enterprises
of his chosen home and is always ready to
encourage by word or act all, especially the
young, who are endeavoring to improve them-
selves and their surroundings. He is much
interested in politics and, not being a seeker
after office either present or prospective, can
fairly lay claim to the title of independent
voter. The Doctor thinks that the desire to
be a physician was “born and bred” in him,

and fairly proves it by the fact that two
uncles, two brothers-in-law anda nephew are

 

members of that arduous but noble profession.

In October, 1887, Dr. Montgomery was
united in hymeneal bonds with Daisy M. Har-
ris, a daughter of the late Jacob and Sarah A.
(Shoemaker) Harris, a merchant and general
business man of Buckhorn, by whom he has
two children, James R., Jr., and Maud.

————~¢-

HARLES L. KREMER. In the
whole of Northumberland County
there is no more popular or more
efficient public officer than ‘the gentleman
whose name appears above, who is now hold-
ing the county office of prothonotary. Six
years’ service as deputy sheriff and three
years’ faithful work as deputy county treas-
urer served to develop and perfect all his ad-
ministrative abilities and to render him a pow-
er in the politics of the Seventeenth Congres-
sional District. Although a veteran in po-
litical experience his career has been singu-
larly free from embitterments and rankling
enmities, for he considers friendship to be a
thing that should not count too much in poli-
tics, and tries to exclude the element in his
own struggles for political supremacy. We
mean by this that Mr. Kremer does not
choose his friends only from his own party,
for ofttimes his bitterest political antagonist
may be his warm personal friend. Our sub-
ject has a splendid record behind him and,
judging from the good-will extended toward
him and the good-will in which he is held
everywhere throughout the county, he is
destined to serve the best interests of his fel-
low-citizens for many years to come.
Mr. Kremer was born in Allenwood, Union
County, Pa., January 4, 1857, and is a son
of Jacob L. and Julia (Allen) Kremer. The

family originally was of German stock, but it
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 823

 

 

is now thoroughly Americanized by many
years’ residence in the United States. Our
subject’s grandfather, who was a native of
Oley township, Berks County, Pa. was a
weaver by trade. In 1829 he located at Mil-
ton, Northumberland County,:to pursue his
trade, but soon decided to engage in farming
also, and was a tenant successively of the Sit-
zel farm near McEwensville and the De Ar-
mond farm near the Warrior Run Church.
On each place he remained two years, follow-
ing the weaver’s trade for the most part, but
also doing some farming. In 1834 he en-
gaged in farming in White Deer Valley,
Union County, after which he kept hotel one
year in White Deer township. Later he re-
moved to Allenwood, Union County, and
kept a hotel the remainder of his life, dying
in 1845, aged forty-five years. He married
Sarah Levan, and their family consisted of
three sons and three daughters.

Jacob Kremer, the father of the subject of
these lines, was born in Albany township,
Berks County, Pa., April 30, 1837. He went
with the family into Northumberland County,
and then into Union. The common schools
of the localities where his boyhood days were
passed furnished him with the rudimental
principles of an education that was never fully
completed in the schools, but was gradually
built up by experience in varied walks of life.
Upon attaining his majority Jacob engaged
in dealing in live stock at Allenwood, contin-
uing to be thus employed until 1867, when he
removed to Armstrong township, Lycoming
County, Pa. Williamsport became his place
of residence in 1869 and there he continued
on an extensive scale his dealings in stock,
and also engaged in raising thoroughbred
horses. In the month of April, 1875, our sub-
ject’s father located at Dewart, Northumber-
land County, as proprietor of a hotel. Four

 

years later he became the proprietor of the
Mansion House at Watsontown, which he
successfully conducted during the remainder
of his life, his death occurring in that borough
in 1892. While the War of the Rebellion was
in progress Mr. Kremer dealt very extensive-
ly in horses, furnishing animals for all
branches of the army service.

For many years Jacob Kremer was a leader
in the Republican party of Northumberland
County and the present ascendancy of the Re-
publican organization in the county came in
great part from his own indefatigable exer-
tions. When he was first nominated for the
office of sheriff in 1881 by the Republican par-
ty he was defeated by a large Democratic ma-
jority, but nothing daunted, he allowed his
name to be used again in 1884 and threw him-
self with force and vim into the canvass, with
the result that he became the first Republican
sheriff the county had had: for many years by
the comfortable margin of 274 votes. He
gave the best of satisfaction throughout his
term of three years, which expired in 1887.
In that year, before the expiration of his
term, he received his party’s nomination for
the office of county treasurer, and was elected
to that position by a majority of 764 votes,
the largest gains having been made in his
own district, where he was better known, but
still the gains were not confined to the one
district, being spread over most of the coun-
ty. In 1890 he was again nominated for
sheriff, but he was defeated along with the
whole Republican ticket. It was one of those
reverses that come like a late frost in the
spring. On January 6, 1854, he married
Julia A. Allen, eldest daughter of Isaac and
Jane (Piatt) Allen of Allenwood, Union
County, Pa. Isaac Allen was of Scotch-Irish
descent; the village where he lived and of
which he was the most prominent resident
324 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

was named Allenwood in honor of him. In
the parental family were born nine children,
five of whom survive at this date, and these
last are as follows: Sarah A., wife of Charles
G. Pursell of Jersey City, N. J.; Allen I., one
of the proprietors of the Mansion House at
Watsontown, the successor of his father;
Daniel A., who is interested with Allen I.,
in conducting the Mansion House; Charles
L., the subject of this historical notice; and
Jennie Lee, who resides in Watsontown.
Charles L. Kremer, in whom the interest
of this sketch centers, was educated in the
Williamsport public schools. Leaving school
in 1872 he entered a country store in Allen-
wood as a clerk and remained there in faith-
ful, diligent service twelve years, until 1884.
In 1885 he removed to Sunbury as deputy
sheriff under his father and served three
years, until 1888, when he was made deputy
county treasurer under his father. In Jan-
uary, 1891, without the loss of a day’s time,
he became deputy sheriff under Robert Mont-
gomery, stepping from one office directly to
another. Mr. Montgomery was the man who
defeated our subject’s father in the last polit-
ical contest in which Jacob Kremer engaged
before his death; it is a decidedly singular
occurrence that a successful candidate for
office should choose as his assistant the son
of his political antagonist, but this graceful
act only goes to show the good feeling that
prevailed all through the campaign and made
defeat all the easier to bear, and victory the
better to enjoy. In the fall campaign of 1893
Charles L. Kremer was elected prothonotary,
taking possession of his office in 1894; he
was re-elected in 1896 and will continue to
serve until the expiration of his term in 1900.
The marriage ceremony that united the
lives of our subject and his wife, then Mrs,
Kate Van Horn, nee Finney, daughter of

 

Hamilton Finney of Kansas ‘City, Mo., was
performed February 25, 1897. Mr. Kremer
is a gentleman of noble instincts, congenial
and friendly, and always aims to please those
with whom he is thrown in contact. His
firmness, however, is a trait that should not
be overlooked. He has made an excellent
official for Northumberland County and is
regarded as a very influential citizen.

EV. GEORGE H. HEMINGWAY,
who was called to the pastorate of
the Presbyterian Church of
Bloomsburg February 19, 1897; has won his
way into the hearts of his parishioners by the
conscientious manner in which he labors to
elevate the moral and social condition of the
church and community at large. He is a na-
tive of England, having been born in York-
shire, February 4, 1858, and is a son of Jo-
seph and Sarah (Furniss) Hemingway. The
Hemingways are an old and well-known
family of West Riding, Yorkshire, England,
where for many years they have been chiefly
engaged in mining pursuits.

Joseph Hemingway, the father of our sub-
ject, who is now living in retirement, was en-
gaged in mining and the manufacture of
bricks. He formed a matrimonial alliance
with Sarah Furniss and they became the
proud parents of a son, George H., a record
of whose life is here given.

Rev. George H, Hemingway, after com-
pleting his academic education, took.up the-
ological studies under Drs. Milner and Ben-
nett of Huddersfield, and later passed the ex-
amination at the Sunderland Theological In-
stitute in England in 1880. In 1882 he left
his native soil and sought a home in freedom-
loving America. He went to Kansas and was
 

JOSEPH L. SHANNON.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 327

 

licensed to preach in the Wesleyan Methodist
Church at Beloit, Kans., September 20, 1884,
remaining there one year. He moved to Col-
lege Springs, Iowa, where he held a charge
for three and one-half years, and in October,
1889, he united with the Presbyterian
Church, in which he preached for one year
at Mapleton, N. D. Again returning to Iowa,
he became pastor of the Presbyterian Church
at West Branch for three years, and for one
year preached at Tipton. His next charge
was the First Church of Carthage, Mo., which
he held for three or four years, and on Feb-
ruary 19, 1897, he was called to his present
pastorate, that of the Presbyterian Church of
Bloomsburg. In June, 1897, the degree of
D. D. was conferred upon him by the Presby-
terian College at Hastings, N. D.

Dr. Hemingway is of a kind and sympa-
thetic disposition and has made friends rap~

idly in the various communities in which he.

has lived. On July 29, 1883, he and Sarah
Swift, a daughter of Dean Swift and a native
of Mirfield, Eng., took the marriage vows,
and they are the happy parents of four chil-
dren: Reginald S.; Vera E.; Rowland F.;
and Harold G.

 

OSEPH L. SHANNON. The largest
and best equipped meat market in
Danville is that conducted by Joseph

L. Shannon, the subject of this biographicat
sketch, and his son, under the firm name
Shannon & Company. The establishment is
located on Mill street, in Danville, but Mr.
Shannon makes his residence in Riverside,
Northumberland County, where he owns a
fine home at D avenue and Sixth street.

Mr. Shannon was born in Muncy township,
Lycoming County, September 14, 1832, and

 

is a son of Jesse and Rebecca (Lewis) Shan-
non. His grandfather was Daniel Shannon,
who was a native of New Jersey and a pioneer
farmer of Northumberland County, Pa.,
where he lived during his latter days. He was
the father of the following children: Daniel;
John; Jesse; Wesley; Susan; Mary; and
Hettie.

Jesse Shannon, the father of our subject,
was born in Milton and, after learning the
cooper’s trade, moved to Bloomsburg, Co-
lumbia County, in 1834. He followed his
trade in that town until 1843, when he moved
upon a farm and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits until he retired to spend his declining
years in ease. He passed into the unknown
beyond in 1884, at the advanced age of eighty
years. He served as constable of Blooms-
burg for three years, and was also tax collec-
tor for some time. He was one of the old
pioneers who established the Methodist Epis-
copal Church in Bloomsburg and vicinity and
helped to build two churches. He was an act-
ive worker in the Sunday School and was a
liberal supporter-of the church financially. He
was united in marriage with Rebecca Lewis,
a daughter of Joseph Lewis, and they were
the happy parents of the following children:
Samuel, who died at the age of forty-three,
was a Methodist minister; Joseph L., in
whom the interest of this sketch centers; John
W.; Jared Y., deceased; Jesse, deceased;
James, who died in childhood; and Mary J.,
the wife of H. F. Omens. Mrs. Shannon
passed to her eternal rest at the age of forty-
nine years, and Mr. Shannon formed a sec-
ond alliance with Annie E. Evans, and their
children were: Joshua A.; Sarah R.; and
one who died in infancy.

Joseph L. Shannon attended the public
schools and at the age of eighteen years he-
came an apprentice to the harnessmaker’s

£
328 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

trade with John Markle of Providence, Pa.
After a period of three years he moved to
Bloomsburg, Columbia County, where he en-
tered the employ of J. K. Grotz, remaining
with that gentleman until 1854, when he en-
gaged in the boating business for one year.
He then associated himself with a Mr. Bom-
boy, under the firm name Bomboy & Shan-
non, in the meat business at Bloomsburg,
which they followed with good results until
the spring of 1862, when the firm was dis-
solved by mutual consent. In October, 1862,
our subject was drafted to serve in the Union
Army during the Civil War, but sent a sub-
stitute. In 1865 he enlisted in Company B,
1o3d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., as a sergeant, serv-
ing faithfully to the close of the war. In 1866
he again opened a meat market in Blooms-
burg, to which he added a complete stock of
groceries, and conducted it with good results
until 1870, when he disposed of it and took
up his residence in Riverside, where he has
since resided. On market days he conducted
a curb market in Danville until October I,
1884, when, in partnership with his son, Jesse
H., he established a meat market on Mill
street in Danville, which they still conduct.
Mr. Shannon’s varied experience and com-
prehensive knowledge of the business has
given to him the skill by which he is enabled
to choose only the best meats for his custom-
ers. He not only handles beef, but deals in
pork, mutton, lamb, veal and poultry, as well

as cured and smoked meats and sausage. The

firm does a very large business and numbers
among its patrons the leading citizens of Dan-
ville. Our subject is a courteous and agree-
able gentleman, highly esteemed in business
circles as a man of strict integrity, and fully
deserves the success he is meeting.

On May 17, 1853, our subject was joined
in wedlock to Anna M. Hess, a daughter of

 

Jacob and Margaret Hess of Bloomsburg, Co-
lumbia County. To them have been born the
following children: John Lewis, deceased;
Anna Maria, deceased; Ralph C., a florist of
Riverside; Jesse H., who is in business with
his father, married Maggie Gulick, and they
have three children, Helen, Ethel and Clyde;
Charles L., deceased; Rebecca Jane, the wife
of William Kimble; Emma A., the wife of
R. B. Bird, a record of whose life appears else-
where in this Book of Biographies; Joseph
Wellington, Esq., a resident of Philadelphia,
with an office at 1414 South Penn Square;
Sophia Ann, a teacher in the public schools,
is one of twins born to her parents, the other
dying in infancy; Eva Mary, who is Mrs.
John Landua, also had a twin sister who died
young; and Catherine Elizabeth, a teacher.

Mr. Shannon has been very active in pub-
lic affairs and was chief burgess of Riverside
for four successive terms. Religiously he is
a Methodist and in 1871 organized the first
class in the Sunday School of the M. E.
Church, and the meetings were held in the
school house. In 1872 he assisted materially
in building a church edifice for that denomina-
tion, in which Grace Episcopal Church is now
located. In 1878 he aided in building the
present M. E. Church, of which Rev. F. S.
Vought is the present pastor, and has since
acted as steward, trustee and an active class
leader. Mr. Shannon's portrait is shown on
another page in connection with the above
sketch,

NTHONY GLOCKLER.. In the lit-

tle country village, Lake Run, the
gentleman whose name appears on

the above line is successfully engaged in con-
ducting a grocery store and is also the pro-
prietor of a farm in that vicinity. He was
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 329

born in Plufendirf, Baden, Germany, May 8,
1826, and is a son of Martin and Rosalia
(Glockler) Glockler, both of whom were na-
tive and life-long residents of Germany.
Anthony Glockler was brought up in his
native country and was apprenticed to the
cabinet-making trade, which he pursued many
years. Convinced that the United States af-
forded more opportunities for a young man
just starting out in life, in 1854 he left his
native country and shortly after his arrival in
New York City he learned of other German
families residing in Sullivan County, Pa., and
consequently he joined them. Having but
little capital he purchased fifty acres of land
north of his present home; there he cleared
the land and erected a house and, in addition
to carrying on farming, he also made chairs
and other household furniture for the settlers.
Our subject, who had been quite successful
up to that time, with many other settlers
found that his title to his purchase was worth-
less, which meant the loss of a home and con-
siderable money. By perseverance and cour-
age he bought his present homestead of fifty
acres of George Schill. He has erected a
house and substantial barns and outbuildings
and made many other improvements, putting
the land under a fine state of cultivation. He
has erected a small store, carries a good stock
of groceries and also keeps the postoffice for
the village. Mr. Glockler is a shrewd, sub-
stantial business man and is greatly respected
by his many friends for his sterling worth. He
has reared and educated a large family of chil-
dren, all of whom are highly esteemed and
classed among the prominent citizens of the
different communities in which they reside.
Mr. Glockler was wedded in Germany to
Margaret Banmunk, a daughter of Philip and
Elizabeth (Retig) Banmunk. Her parents
reared the following children: Margaret, Bar-

 

bara, Adam, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Louisa.
Mrs. Glockler was born in Reisenbach, Hes-
sen-Darmstadt, Germany, August 3, 1834,and
is the mother of the following family of chil-
dren: Josephine, born in New York City,
August 10, 1856, who is the wife of Frederick
Knepper, and they are the parents of three
children,—Annie, Carrie, and Mary; Rose,
born March 9, 1858, was wedded in 1878 to
Austin Brown and four children were born to
them, Carrie, deceased, Maggie, Julia, and
Myra; Elizabeth, born May 8, 1860, wedded
to E. J. Porter and their home has been
blessed by four children,—Rosalia, Georgia,
Orphelia, and Roy; David, born June 21,
1861, was united in marriage in 1889 to Mat-
tie Whiteleg, by whom he reared three chil-
dren,—Albert, Charles, and Roy; Caroline,
born August 18, 1862, was united in mar-
riage in 1882 to Charles Heinze, and three
children were born to this union,—Anthony,
Lillie, and Nora; Anthony, born May 26,
1864, and in 1884 wedded Annie Hugo,
who bore him two children,—Mamie and
Julia; Philip, born March 13, 1866, was
wedded in 1898 to Carrie Hess; Charles, born
March 24, 1868, wedded Rose Bowers in
January, 1896, and died March 31, 1896;
Adam was born February 19, 1870; Ada, born
June 27, 1872; Christina, born March 15,
1875, and died May 18, 1876; and Annie,
born July 13, 1877, the wife of Glen Warner,
and they are the parents of two children,—
Ruby P. and Ira. Religiously our subject is
a-Lutheran. In politics he is independent.

 

OHN K. GROTZ, who for many years
was engaged in the harnessmaking
trade and conducted a tannery, is now

living in retirement in the town of Blooms-
burg where he is held in high esteem and has
the confidence and respect of his fellow-citi-
330 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

zens among whom he has spent nearly his
entire life. He has a distinct recollection of
Bloomsburg when it was in its infancy and
there were but two frame houses in the town,
in one of which he was born October 22,
1810. He is the son of Abraham and Mary
(Kuhn) Grotz, who at his birth dwelt in a
frame house on the corner of Iron and Sec-
ond streets.

Abraham Grotz, father of our subject, was
born in Easton, Pa., and in 1806 removed to
Bloomsburg, where he built the first frame
housein the town. Therehewasengaged in the
manufacture of silk and fur hats by hand until
1832, when he moved to Ohio. He located
near Uniontown, Stark County, O., where he
purchased a farm and became a prosperous
farmer, remaining there until his death, which
occurred at the age of seventy-five years. He
was united in marriage to Mary Kuhn, a
daughter of John Kuhn, who also attained an
advanced age before overtaken by death, and
they became the parents of the following chil-
dren: Eliza; Julia Ann; David; Rachel; John
K., in whom the interest of this sketch cen-
ters; Maria; Rebecca; Susan; and Abraham.
These children were reared under religious in-
fluences and upon reaching maturity became
a credit to the various communities in which
they lived.

John K. Grotz learned the trade of a har-
nessmaker early in life and followed the trade
with Isaac Green until September, 1830, at
the head of Market street. In 1830 Mr. Green
went west and our subject succeeded to the
ownership of the establishment. He then pur-

chased the lot where he now resides and

erected a shop there and later a residence. He
continued to follow harnessmaking until 1866,
when he retired to devote his attention to a
tannery which he built in 1851 on a lot on
Hemlock street, which he purchased in 18s0.

 

He continued to operate his tannery with al-
most phenomenal success until 1870, when,
on account of his declining years, he decided
to retire. Our subject is a typical self-made
man, having had nothing but his own efforts,
industry and enterprise to aid him when he
started in business. He is an enterprising
man, ever having the interest of his native
town and county at heart. He has been iden-
tified with many other local business ven-
tures and has always been regarded as a valu-
able counselor, much respected for his excel-
lence of character, gentleness and kindness of
disposition, and politeness of manner. He
has an excellent memory and is almost daily
referred to in regard to some event which
transpired during his young manhood, and
he never fails to answer correctly and satis-
factorily all queries put to him. Mr. Grotz
is wonderfully preserved for one of his years,
his mental faculties being unimpaired, and
physically he is as strong and active as men
many years his junior.

Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance
with Elizabeth Fister, a daughter of Henry
Fister of Catawissa, Pa., and they became the
proud parents of five children: Mary M.,
widow of the late Norman J. Hendershot;
Hervey H., cashier of the Bloomsburg Bank-
ing Company; Henry C., who lives in a house
in Hemlock township, where the tannery for-
merly stood; and a daughter, who died in
infancy. In religious belief Mr. Grotz is a
faithful member of the Lutheran Church: So-
cially, he was formerly a member of the Odd
Fellows Lodge. He has been closely identi-
fied with numerous enterprises, and was one
of the original stockholders and directors of
the National Bank of Danville; was one of
the original organizers and stockholders of
the First National Bank of Bloomsburg, but
sold his interest in 1870 and became a director
 

REV. EDWARD A. SHARRETTS.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 333

 

 

of the Banking Company of Bloomsburg; he
is a director of the B.& L. R. R., and a stock-
holder in the D., L. & W. R. R. He is a
Democrat in his political belief and has served
many times as treasurer of the board of poor
directors for the district of Bloomsburg,
which office he has held for the past twenty
years, and has held many other minor offices.

 

>

EV. EDWARD A. SHARRETTS,

one of the oldest ministers of Colum-

bia County, who has had charge of

the Lutheran Church at Briarcreek, Colum-

bia County, for the past twelve years, was

born in Carlisle, Pa., October 8, 1825, and is

a son of Frederick and Catherine (Gaugier)
Sharretts.

Frederick Sharretts, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Beavertown, Snyder Coun-
ty, Pa., and in his early manhood learned the
trade of a harnessmaker, which business he
followed a number of years. When the War
of 1812 broke out he enlisted in the army and
at the close of the war held the rank of ma-
jor. Returning to that part of Union County
now known as Snyder County, he followed
farming a few years and then moved to Car-
lisle, Pa., and after residing there a short
time he became register and recorder of Cum-
- berland County, which office he filled several
years. In 1838 he moved to Johnstown, Pa.,
where he became collector of tolls on the
Pennsylvania Canal and the old Portage Rail-
road, having been appointed by Gov. Ritner.
Later he took up his trade as harnessmaker,
which he followed until his death. Politically
he was a stanch Whig. and served as justice
of the peace for a number of years, and up
to the time of his death. In religious views
he was a member of the Lutheran Church

 

and served as deacon and elder of that church
a number of years. He was united in mar-
riage with Catherine Gaugler, a native of
Snyder County, and as a result of the union
seven sons and six daughters were born to
them, namely: Rev. Nicholas G., deceased,
who was a Lutheran minister residing at In-
diana, Pa.; Elizabeth, deceased, who was
twice wedded,—first to John Rudisill, and
upon his death, to Moses Canon of Johns-
town, Pa.; John Frederick, a retired citizen
of Baltimore, Md., who was for many years
a clerk for the U. S. Government at Wash-
ington; Isabella, widow of the late William
Swartz of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Benjamin, ce-
ceased; William, deceased; Cordelia, de-
ceased, who was the wife of William Dysert
ol Gettysburg, Pa.; Jacob R., a soldier of the
Rebellion, who is a resident of Johnstown,
Pa.; Susanna, who married John K. Sheyock,
both now deceased; George E. W., a prom-
inent merchant of Smicksburg, Pa.; and Ed-

ward A., the subject of this sketch.

Edward A. Sharretts supplemented his pri-
mary education received in the common
schools by a thorough and complete course
of study at Pennsylvania College at Gettys-
burg, and graduated from that institution in
the class of 1851. He then entered the Luth-
eran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg,
where he remained one year. He then taught
school at Selinsgrove, Pa. for eighteen
months, and while there accepted an offer
made by John S. Crumbach, then principal of
the Lancaster High School, to assist him in
teaching his classes and to study theology at
the same time, and a short time later was
licensed to preach by the Lutheran Synod of
Pennsylvania, in 1853. Rev. Mr. Sharretts
was ordained at Bloomsburg in 1854 and re-
mained in charge of the Bloomsburg charge
six years, when, on account of his health, he
334 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

moved to Mount Pleasant, Pa. After a rest
of six months, he accepted a pastorate at
Orangeville, where he remained six years.
He next had charge of the Lutheran Church
at Danville, Pa., and then was called to Mun-
cy, Lycoming County. This charge was com-
posed of two churches, Muncy and Hughes-
ville. He remained there three years. He
then returned to Columbia County and ac-
cepted a call to the Briarcreek Church, re-
maining there eight years. He was then sent
to Espy to preach, and after nine years of
service there returned to Briarcreek, and has
retained his position as pastor of the church
for the past twelve years. Rev. Mr. Shar-
retts has been a minister of the Lutheran
Church for forty-five years.

Our subject is a member of the Masonic
fraternity; has been a member of the board
of directors of the Susquehanna University
for the past ten years; was one of the found-
ers of the Susquehanna Synod, and has been
a member since it was organized, in 1868. He
has been united in marriage three times; his
first wife was Sophia Strickhouser of Gettys-
burg. His second wife was Charity Creveling,
a daughter of the late Andrew Crey-
eling of Bloomsburg, and to this union
three children were born, namely: Luth-
er Keller, an employee of the B. & O.
R. R. at Brunswick, Md.; Andrew Fred-
erick, a machinist residing at Berwick, Co-
lumbia County; and Edward Lincoln, who
is employed by The Jackson & Woodin Man-
ufacturing Company of Berwick. He formed
a third matrimonial alliance with Eliza- A.
Kelchner, a daughter of Abraham Martz
Kelchner, deceased, who was a prominent
citizen of Briarcreek township, Columbia
County, Pa. Mrs. Sharretts died November

26, 1898, aged sixty-four years and three
months.

 

As one who has labored long and well in
the service of the Master, we take pleasure
in announcing that a portrait of Rev. Mr.
Sharretts appears on a preceding page in con-
nection with the above sketch of his life.

——qJ 20 >—__—_

AMES H. MERCER, postmaster and
proprietor of the leading drug-store
of Bloomsburg, Columbia County,

Pa., and one of the representative citizens of
that town, was born at Mt. Vernon, Otis
township, Knox County, Ohio, June 20, 1838,
and is a son of William and Nancy (Honey)
Mercer.

William Mercer is a son of Levi Mercer
and is a native of the state of Pennsylvania.
Ye lived the most of his life in Knox County,
where he was engaged in tilling the soil on
the old homestead; he was also local preacher
in the Baptist Church of his town for many
years. He was joined in marriage to Nancy
Honey, and the following children were born
to them: Alban R.; James H., the subject
of this sketch; Frank T.; Carrie E., deceased;
Clement L.; William C.; George S.; Susan
M.; and Lee D.

James H. Mercer attended the public
schools and remained under the parental roof
until he was eighteen years of age and then
hegan clerking in a store at Utica, Ohio.
Later he entered the College of Pharmacy at
Philadelphia and was graduated from that
institution in 1881; he immediately went to
Mt. Holly, N. J., where he was employed as
a clerk in a drug-store. In 1884 he removed
to Bloomsburg and purchased the drug-store
of J. H. Kinport, which he enlarged, and to-
day he conducts one of the best patronized
drug-stores in Bloomsburg. On February 8,
1893, our subject was appointed postmaster
of Bloomsburg, which position he still holds
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 335

 

 

and fills to the satisfaction of the public and
Post Office Department. .

Our subject was joined in the bonds of
matrimony to Annie Mary Brugler, a daugh-
ter of Peter Brugler, a granddaughter of
John Brugler and great-granddaughter of Pe-
ter Brugler. Peter Brugler, Sr., was a native
of Limestone, Montour County, Pa., and
about 1790 he moved to Jerseytown, Colum-
bia County, Pa., and later to Hemlock town-
ship, Columbia County, where he purchased
200 acres of uncultivated land. He cleared part
of his farm and engaged in farming, ana was
one of the pioneer settlers of that district.
He passed from this life aged ninety-four
years; his wife died at the age of seventy
years. They reared one son, John, who mar-
ried Mary A. King of New Jersey; they re-
sided upon the old homestead, and he pur-
chased a tract of 160 acres which adjoined
the original homestead. He retired to the
town of Bloomsburg, where he died, aged
sixty years; his wife died aged fifty-nine
years. They were the parents of three sons
and two daughters: Peter; James R.; Elisha;
Martha, wife of Layton Runyon of Blooms-
burg, and Mary, widow of Rev. Edward War-
din, formerly of Bloomsburg, who died in
Carthage, Mo., in 1897. Peter and Elisha
carried on agricultural pursuits until 1872,
when Peter Brugler moved to Bloomsburg
and retired from active life, with the excep-
tion of looking after his estate. He erected
on the corner of Third and Jefferson streets
a handsome residence and spent the remain-
der of his life there, living in happiness and
comfort. He entered the world of rest Jan-
uary 7, 1888. He was wedded July 16, 1862,
to Sue Billig, a daughter of Daniel and Mar-
tha (Talbert) Billig, and they reared five chil-
dren, namely: Anna May, the wife of our
subject; Lizzie J., deceased; John, deceased;

 

Elmer, a druggist residing in Philadelphia;
and Martha, a school teacher residing in
Bloomsburg. Mrs. Brugler survives her hus-
band and resides with our subject in Blooms-
burg. Peter Brugler, the father of our sub-
ject’s wife, was born in Hemlock township,
Columbia County, October 7, 1824, and was’
one of the foremost agriculturists of that
township. Mr. and Mrs. Mercer have been
blessed by the following children: James
Clyde, born September 20, 1887; Irene B.,
born January 4, 1889; one, who died in in-
fancy; and Robert Honey, born in May,
1896.

Since Mr. Mercer’s arrival in the town he
has been prominently identified with its in-
terests and is considered one of its most val-

ued citizens. He does all in his power to as-
sist in the building up of the community and

is considered one of its mainstays. He is an
esteemed citizen, carrying on his business in
a quiet and unostentatious manner, and is
honorable and upright in his transactions.

J ARVEY A. McKILLIP, a distin-
guished attorney-at-law and a highly

respected citizen of Bloomsburg,
was born in Martinsburg, Blair County, Pa.,
and is a son of Charles A. and Delilah
(Skyles) McKillip.

Our subject received his intellectual train-
ing in the common and high schools of his
native town, after which he was engaged in
clerking for some time. He then formed a
partnership with his brother, and they were
engaged as photographers in Bloomsburg.,
As our subject was of studious habits he put
in his spare moments reading law. By hard
and continuous study he mastered the pro-
fession and was admitted to the bar in 1891.

 
336 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

He immediately after entered practice and
was successful from the start. He is a fluent
and ready speaker and has the happy faculty
of being able to repeat a fact once learned,
and his wonderful memory stands him in good
stead in the practice of law, as he can readily
recall the statutes of the law without reference
to his books. His ability is well known and
he has a large practice, mainly private coun-
sel. He is a man of sound judgment, probity,
broad intelligence and many sterling quali-
ties, and has the respect and esteem of the
community at large. As a citizen Mr. Mc-
Killip is interested in everything that pro-
motes the good and welfare of the commu-
nity. He is an attendant at the Presbyterian
Church. Besides his law practice he is inter-
ested in some of the manufacturing indus-
tries of Bloomsburg and is a director in the
Bloomsburg Brass & Copper Company.

Mr. McKillip was united in matrimonial
bonds to Mary C. McKelvey, a daughter of
Dr. James Boyd McKelvey, who is one of the
oldest and most prominent physicians and
surgeons in Bloomsburg. Dr. James Boyd
McKelvey was educated in the common
schools of Bloomsburg and in Lenox Acad-
emy at Lenox, Mass. He also took a com-
plete course in Williams College, from which
institution he graduated in 1845. He then
read medicine under the preceptorship of the
late Dr. John Ramsay of Bloomsburg, Pa.,
and later attended the University of Penn-
sylvania, where he received a diploma as a
physician and surgeon in 1849. He imme-
diately after entered upon practice at Mif-
flinville, Pa., where he remained for some
{ime, and then moved to Kentucky, Pa., later
going to Arkadelphia, Ark. After engaging
in practice there for one year, he returned to
Bloomsburg, where he has since remained,
and has had a wonderfully successful practice.

 

December 25, 1851, he married Mary Eliza-
beth Abbett, a daughter of George and Mary
(Craig) Abbett.

Ardently American in his ideas, Mr. Mc-
Killip has taken a leading part in Republican
politics and has been honored by his party
in receiving the nomination for the State As-
sembly, and for two years has been chairman
of the county committee.

Mr. McKillip is very prominent in the Ma-
sonic fraternity in the state. He is a past
officer of the State Grand Council, Grand
Chapter, Grand Commandery, and A. C. of
Constantine, an active member of the Grand
Cross of the U. S., and is a Thirty-third De-
gree Mason. He is yet a young man, an un-
tiring worker, and, from the records of the
past, we do not: hesitate to predict a brilliant
future for him.

———_—+ 2 > —_

HARLES C. EVANS, attorney and
counselor-at-law, residing and prac-
ticing in the town of Berwick, was
Briarcreek township, Columbia
County, Pa., January 10, 1858.

His preparatory education was obtained in
the common schools of the district and at the
Bloomsburg State Normal School. During
the winter of 1876-77 he taught the Martz-
ville public school in Briarcreek township. In
the fall of 1877 he entered Lafayette College,
taking a four years’ course, and was grad-
uated therefrom in June, 1881. In July, 1881,
he entered the office of Hon. Simon P. Wol-
verton as a law student, and was admitted
to the Northumberland County Bar July 14,
1883. In August of the same year he opened
a law office in the borough of Berwick, Co-
lumbia County.

On February 23, 1888, our subject married

born in
 

JOSEPH D. THOMPSON.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 339

 

 

Annie Wendle Sloan, the youngest daughter
of Morris C. Sloan, of Bloomsburg, Pa.

Mr. Evans is president of the Berwick Wa-
ter Company and the Berwick School Board.
He enjoys a large and lucrative law practice.

Politically, Mr. Evans is a Republican. In
the fall of 1898 the judicial conferees of Co-
lumbia County were instructed for Mr. Evans
as a candidate for president judge of the
Twenty-sixth Judicial District.

 

OSEPH D. THOMPSON, one of the
prominent and well-to-do citizens of
the town of Berwick, Columbia Coun-

ty, Pa., whose portrait is shown on the oppo-
site page, is principally engaged in hauling
sand for The Jackson & Woodin Manufactur-
ing Company. He was born in Berwick No-
vember 7, 1821, and is a son of Hugh and
Ann (Dodson) Thompson and a grandson of
Paul Thompson.

The Thompsons are of Scotch-Irish des-
cent, and Paul Thompson, the grandfather
of our subject, was born in County Derry,
Ireland, March 1, 1754, and died at his home
in Berwick, Columbia County, Pa., July 8,
1807. His wife Nancy was born May 10,
1754, and passed from this life September 16,
1823. Mr. Thompson and family bade fare-
well to their native country July 9, 1792,
sailed for America and located in Dillsburg,
York County, Pa. Paul Thompson learned
the trade of a potter in his younger days and
followed that occupation throughout his en-
tire life. He remained in York County until
1798, when he and his family moved to Ber-
wick, Columbia County, and there he built
the first pottery that was erected in that sec-
tion of the county. His plant was located
where the Methodist Church now stands, and

 

the earthernware he made he sold to the set-
tlers along the Susquehanna River; he owned
a flatboat which he used to convey his goods
up and down the river. When the grandfather
of our subject took up his residence in Ber-
wick there were but few houses in the town,
and he lived to see a fair-sized and prosperous
community grow up around him. In reli-
gious views he was a member of the Presby-
terian Church. He was the progenitor of
two sons and three daughters, namely: Hugh,
the father of our subject; Jane, born in Ire-
land November 21, 1781, died April 14, 1807;
Margaret, born January 1, 1783, died April
15, 1855; ‘Alexander, born May 1, 1790, who
was engaged in the pottery business all his
life; and Ann, born Januaty 6, 1792, and died
November 29, 1856.

Hugh Thompson, the father of our subject,
was born in Ireland in 1780 and came to this
country with his parents in 1792. He spent
his boyhood days working with his father and

learning the pottery trade, which he contin-

ued to follow until within a few years of his
death. Upon his father’s death he succeeded

| him in his business, immediately enlarged the

plant and built up a large and paying
business. He was also engaged in the culti-
vation of the soil and was the proprietor of a
farm consisting of 150 acres of productive
land. A part of his farm is now in the town
of Berwick and a part is now the homestead
owned by our subject. He was an emergency
man during the War of 1812. Mr. Thompson
was one of the valued members of his com-
munity, and his home for many years was
made the stopping-place of the Methodist
ministers of the section. He was united in
the bonds of wedlock with Ann Dodson, and
to this union three sons and three daughters
were born, as follows: Paul, who died in in-
fancy; Richard, born June 14, 1811, died May
340 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

25, 1895, who was a farmer by occupation and
a partner with his brother in the pottery busi-
ness; Alexander, born October 6, 1813, died
December 12, 1881, was formerly engaged in
the pottery business and later in the foundry
at Tunkhannock, Luzerne County, Pa., and
also was justice of the peace many years; Su-
san, born February 22, 1816, died December
27, 1895, was the wife of Rev. Ege, a well-
known Methodist minister of the Baltimore
Conference; Jane; born December 5, 1818,
was the wife of Dr. Berket; our subject; and
Elizabeth Ann, born March 3, 1828, who is
the wife of P. C. Wadsworth, who was justice
of the peace of Townhill, Luzerne County,
Pa., many years.

Joseph D. Thompson, our subject, acquired
a good education in the common schools of
his native town and then worked in his fath-
er’s pottery, and when he attained the age of
twenty-one years he and his brother, Richard,
succeeded their father in the business and suc-
cessfully carried it on until 1853, when the
firm dissolved partnership and our subject be-
came sole proprietor. In 1863 Mr. Thomp-
son discontinued the business, as the demand
for earthernware became very light, moved
upon his present farm, where he has since re-
sided. Since 1870 he has been engaged in
hauling sand for The Jackson & Woodin
Manufacturing Company of Berwick, for
which work he requires the continual use of
from six to eight mules,

Mr. Thompson was wedded in 1846 to
Mary Bonham, and this union was blessed by
the birth of one child, Almira, who died in in-
fancy. Mrs. Thompson passed from this life
December 21, 1850, and on February 23,
1858, our subject was again united in mar-
riage to Mary Hull, and they are the parents
of two children, namely: Hugh, who is en-
gaged in hauling sand with his father; and

 

Annie E., the wife of J. S. Housneck, treas-
urer and bookkeeper for the Armour meat
market at Shenandoah, Pa.

Aaron Hull, father of our subject’s wife,
was a native of Easton, Pa., and was a mill-
wright by trade. He removed to Berwick in
1840 and served as toll collector on the Ber-
wick bridge a number of years. His death
occurred in 1867, at the age of sixty-nine
years.. Religiously he was a member of the
Methodist Church. He was married to Eliza-
beth McPherson, who passed from this earth
in 1858, aged fifty-six years. They reared a
family of two sons and three daughters, name-
ly: Esther, deceased, who was the wife of
Samuel E. Smith of Berwick; William, who
was a dispatch-bearer in the Civil War, and
passed from this life at Fort Schuyler, N. Y.,
in 1864; Edward, formerly a butcher residing
at Shickshinny, Pa.; Mary, the wife of our
subject; and Kate, widow of the late J. H.
Mears, a contractor and builder.

 

ELDAAH WILCOX, a prosper-
ous and progressive farmer of Fox
township, Sullivan County, Pa., is

a son of Gideon and Mary (Hoagland) Wil-
cox, and was born on what is known as the
F. Morgan farm, in that township, April 18,
1859.

Our subject’s great-grandfather was John
Wilcox, who was more familiarly known as
“Dr. John.” He was a native of New York
State, but at the time of his death resided
in Fox township. During the War of 1812
he shouldered a musket and marched to the
front, and in one of the battles was severely
wounded, but recovered and lived to reach a
ripe old age.

Our subject’s grandfather was John D.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 341

 

 

 

Wilcox, who moved to Fox township, Sulli-
van County, from New York State soon after
his marriage, taking up a tract of 400 acres
of land, for which he paid a nominal sum.
After erecting a log house he went back to
New York for’ his wife, and returning, they
settled in the wilderness, carving a home
out of the forest, and enduring many of the
hardships incident to pioneer life. In a few
years they cleared many acres and toward the
close of their lives were in comparatively
comfortable circumstances. His wife’s maid-
en name was Deborah Stewart, and they
reared-a family of eleven children, namely:
Deborah; John; Charles; Gideon; William;
Sally; Chloe; Nancy; Mary J.; Joseph; and
Rheuamy. Mr. Wilcox never carried on any
other business than farming, but he took a
part in politics, and was looked upon as one
of the most fair-minded as well as one of the
most just men in the county. He was one
of the commission appointed to decide the
location of the county seat, his choice being
Forksville, but as history and facts show he
was overborne by a majority. He was a
Whig in politics until that party met its death
in the great anti-slavery storm, and when the
Republican party was formed he used his in-
fluence in its favor until death called him
away. He lived to a good old age, and dying
was laid to rest in the cemetery at West
Franklin.

Gideon Wilcox, the father of our subject,
was born in Fox township, Sullivan County,
August 11, 1827, and was educated in its pub-
lic schools and lived there throughout his life,
engaged in agricultural pursuits, owning at
the time of our subject’s birth some 250 acres
of the best land in the township. He was
active in local politics, holding successively
many of the town offices and fulfilling his
duties to the entire satisfaction of his con-

 

 

stituents. In religion both he and his family
were members of the Society of Friends. He
was first united in marriage with Mary Hoag-
land, on January 27, 1853, and the following
offspring resulted: Sarah, the wife of Joseph
Henderson; Martin C., who is still unmar-
ried; G. Eldaah; and Maurice Ellis, who
married Nettie Hart. Mr. Wilcox formed a
second union with Lucy Lilly, on April 28,
1870, and their children are: Belle, who mar-
ried Enos Tremain; Lottie; Helen, the wife
of George Caseman; Seymour; Franklin;
and Eleanor A.

G, Eldaah Wilcox, whose name heads these
lines, was educated in the common schools of
his native township until he was fourteen
years of age, after which he attended the

Westtown Academy for two and_ one-half
years; being precocious by nature, his intel-

lectual development was above the average.
His bent of mind, however, was mechanical
and not caring to teach until he had learned
a trade, he served four years’ apprenticeship
at carpentering. He then entered upon a
successful career, teaching school during the
winter months and following his trade during
the milder seasons, for a period of eleven
years. He then turned his attention to farm-
ing, at which he has continued up to the pres-
ent time. He purchased a farm of 111 acres
of John H. Wilcox and Lorenzo Brown, and
he has never ceased to beautify and add im-
provements to this land, on whtch he still re-
sides. He is a very popular man and has
many friends throughout his section.

Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage with
Lizzie Cook, a daughter of William Cook, a
prominent farmer of Chester County, and
Margaret (McConomy) Cook, and they are
the parents of the following children: Lizzie;
William; John; Robert; Jennie, deceased;
George; James; Walter; Anna M.; Maria; Ma-
342 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

bel; Chester; and Bessie. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox
are the parents of the following children:
Jesse J., Clara M., Jennie B. and Edwin H.
Mr. Wilcox does not take an active interest
in politics, yet he has served his township
seven years as auditor, and has been school
director for two terms, being elected qn the
Republican ticket. Religiously he is a mem-
ber of the Society of Friends.

 

a

J ARRY W. WILSON, of the firm cf
R. F. Wilson & Co., manufacturers
XN of leather fly-nets, of Milton, Pa.,
is a son of William E. Wilson and a grandson
of Robert Wilson, who was the inventor of
leather fly-nets for horses.

Robert Wilson was born October 16, 1810,
at Williamsport, Pa., and early in life he
learned the saddler’s and harnessmaker’s
trade, at which he worked in his native town
and also in New York State. In 1850 he settled
in Milton, Pa., where he worked as a journey-
man at his trade, and six years later he de-
vised what has since been known all over the
United States as the Wilson Fly Net. In
1856 he commenced on a small scale, employ-
ing only three or four men, the manufacture
of leather fly-nets and placed them upon the
market. Their value was at once recognized
and the demand increased in one year from
400 to thousands. Mr. Wilson secured a
patent for the nets in 1858, and in 1870 sold
3,000, while in 1879 the sale had increased to
25,000. He began the manufacture of nets in
the Goodlander building, and in 1860 he

formed a partnership with Mr. Funk, who
"was with him five years, retiring in 1865.
During the Rebellion he felt it his duty to de-
fend his country’s honor and volunteered in
1863, serving three months and then return-

 

 

ing to his former business of manufacturing
fly-nets. After the partnership with Mr. Funk
was dissolved, Robert Wilson took his son,
William E. Wilson, as a partner; and one year
later he sold his interest to his second son,
Reuben F., retiring from business. He died
in 1870. He was united in marriage to Lu-
cretia Heinen, a daughter of Dr. Henry Hein-
en; she died in 1853, leaving three sons: Will-
iam E., our subject’s father; Henry H.; and
Reuben F., who married Mrs. Rebecca Over-
peck in 1860.

William E. Wilson, our subject’s father,
was born in Milton, October 9, 1837.. After
going through the public schools and Milton
Academy he learned the trade of harnessmak-
ing and worked as a journeyman for several
years. He then enlisted in the Navy and
was acting as master-mate on the Ironsides
at the beginning of the Civil War, in which
capacity he continued to serve until the close
of the war in 1865. He returned to Milton
and went into partnership for one year with
his father, Robert Wilson, the inventor, in
the manufacture of leather horse fly-nets.
When his father retired he took his brother,
Reuben F., in the business and they continued
under the firm name of Reuben F. Wilson &
Bro. until 1875, when he retired from the
business and died July 2, 1882. From 1875
to 1888 the business was conducted under
the firm name of R. F. Wilson. In that year
it was changed to R. F. Wilson & Co., which
style it retains up to the present year. Will-
iam E, Wilson firmly supported the Republi-
can party and held many minor township of-
fices. He married Mary H. Foreman and
reared a family of twelve children, namely:
Arrabella, deceased; Sally, now deceased;
Annie Lucretia; Harry W., our subject; Rob-
ert G.; Winfield S.; Robert F.; Grace G.;
Rebecca; Jacob V., now deceased; Lizzie,
 

DR. ISAIAH W. WILLITS.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 345

 

now deceased; and Kate. Mrs. Wilson is still
living and resides in Milton.

Harry W. Wilson, our subject, was born
December 17, 1865, in Milton, Pa. He at-
tended the public and high schools of his na-
tive town until 1880, when he began work in
the fly-net manufactory of his ancestors, and
continued there for twelve years, when his
faithful services were rewarded by his being
made a partner in the concern. The firm is
composed of Mrs. R. F. Wilson, Marshal
Reid, B. F. Vandegrift, and H. W. Wilson.
Mr. Marshal Reid is the general manager, and
H. W. Wilson and B. F. Vandegrift have
charge of the details of the business. The
firm manufactures 40,000 fly-nets annually,
for which are used fifty sides of leather per
day, making three grades, fine, extra fine, and
‘common, black. The firm has established a
fine reputation for first-class work all over
the United States and the goods are shipped
from Maine to California.

Our subject married Lizzie A. Trate, a
daughter of John Trate of New Columbus,
Pa. Two children have blessed this union:
Mary L., and Ruth, who died in infancy. Mr.
Wilson is a stanch Republican and although
he never aspired to public office, his many
friends have persuaded him to accept some
political honors.

 

oe

R. ISAIAH W. WILLITS. This
Book of Biographies would indeed be
incomplete if mention were not made
of one of Bloomsburg’s prominent and influ-
ential citizens, the gentleman whose name
appears above and whose portrait is pre-
sented on a preceding page. He has been

engaged in the practice of medicine there for

many years, and is at the head of the well-
known Dr. I. W. Willits’ Medicine Company.

 

 

 

 

 

He was born in Catawissa, Columbia County,
May 22, 1843, and is a son of George H. and
Jane (Clark) Willits.

The Willits family is of English extraction,
Richard Willits, who came from England
prior to 1650, being the first of that name
to locate in America. His son Thomas was
born in this country in 1650, and reared a son
Thomas, who was born in 1682 and located
in the state of Pennsylvania in 1738. He
was the progenitor of a large family of chil-
dren, one of whom was Isaiah, the grand-
father of our subject.

Isaiah Willits, our subject’s grandfather,
was born in 1732, and early in life learned
the trade of a-tanner, which he followed in
Catawissa, being one of the first business
men of that vicinity. He erected a large tan-
nery there, and resided on the corner of First
and South streets, which is now the property
of W. W. Perry. Isaiah Willits was united
in matrimonial bonds with Rachel Hughes,
and they became the happy parents.of the
following children George H.; Charles;
John; Matilda; Elizabeth; Clinton; and
Townsend.

George H. Willits, the father of our sub-
ject, was born at Catawissa and upon the re-
tirement of his father took charge of the tan-
nery, which he conducted until he was
obliged to give up the business on account
of failing health. It, was necessary for him
to obtain open-air work, so he accepted a
contract to build a half-mile of the Pennsyl-
vania Canal along the rocks of that vicinity.
One year later he engaged in coal mining
in Schuylkill County, shipping the product
of his mine to the city of Philadelphia. Sell-
ing out his interest in the boats, he pur-
chased some 300 acres of good farm land near
Catawissa, where he engaged in agricultural
pursuits until 1867. He then disposed of his
346 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

property and settled in Catawissa, where he
spent the remainder of his life in retirement,
dying in 1881, at the age of seventy-eight
years. He was an active politician, affiliating
with the Republican party. In 1851 he was
elected for a five years’ term as associate
judge, and later served as postmaster and in
other minor offices. He was united in mar-
riage with Jane Clark, a daughter of John
Clark, one of Catawissa’s early and promi-
nent merchants. She passed to her eternal
resting place in 1883, aged seventy-three
years. Their union resulted in the follow-
ing issue: twin daughters, who died ‘in in-
fancy; Isaiah W., a sketch of whose life is
here recorded; Jane Cordelia, who was born
in 1850, and was called Home in 1888; and
Charles Clark, who was for many years a
physician and druggist of Catawissa, but is
now the proprietor of the leading dry goods
store of Sunbury, Northumberland County.
Isaiah W. Willits was in attendance at the
public schools until he was twelve years of
age, after which he took a course of two
years’ study in the select school of Eaton &
Wells, and spent one year in the Greenwood
Seminary at Millville, Pa. Then, after spend-
ing a year in the Wyoming Seminary at
Kingston, he became a clerk in Bittenbender
& Co.’s store, of which firm his father was
a silent partner. He remained there one year,
and then for two years was engaged in a sim-
ilar capacity for D. G. Driesbach at Beach
Haven, Pa. In August, 1862, he enlisted in
Company H, 132d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., of
which he was made orderly sergeant. He
was but twenty years of age when he was
promoted to the position of lieutenant, in
December, 1862. He was struck in the knee
by a shell in the battle of Fredericksburg,
from the effects of which he has never fully
recovered. He was sent to the hospital to

 

recuperate at Georgetown and was dis-
charged May 24, 1863, with his regiment at
the expiration of term of service.. He re-
turned home and in a short time his strong
constitution asserted itself and his recovery
was sufficient to permit him to enlist as cap-
tain of Company E, 30th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.,
being one of the youngest officers in the ser-
He received his discharge after ninety
days of service. He was in a number of im-
portant engagements, and always showed a
willingness to perform his full share of the
duties, displaying bravery and coolness in the
thickest of the fight. Upon returning home
he took up the study of medicine with Dr.
John K. Robbins of Catawissa, after which he
attended Jefferson Medical College until
1866, when he took up a practice and con-
tinued until 1874, when he returned to col-
lege and completed his course. He contin-
ued to practice at Catawissa, where he re-
mained for seventeen years, and then went to
Roanoke, Va., in August, 1883. March 17,
1885, he took up his residence at Blooms-
burg, where his success was immediate. He
has remained there since and his patronage
has assumed large proportions, many of the
leading citizens being numbered among his
patients. In 1897 he formed a stock com-
pany, the Dr. I. W. Willits’ Medicine Co.,
which manufactures Willits’ Neuralgia Cure
and Willits’ Vitalizer for all stomach, liver and
kidney troubles. They have both been proven
excellent remedies, and have had a large sale
throughout the state. In 1893 he opened
and conducted a gold cure establishment at
Bloomsburg with splendid results. Dr. Wil-
lits has also dealt extensively in real estate,
owning a number of farms in Pennsylvania
and in West Virginia, where he has also
bought and built many houses. He is a pub-
lic-spirited man and takes an active interest
in the welfare of the town of Bloomsburg.

vice.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 5 347

 

 

In 1866 Dr. Willits formed a matrimonial
alliance with Marcilia R. Reifsnyder, a daugh-
ter of George and Harriet Reifsnyder of Cat-
awissa. She passed into the realms of the
unknown in 1877, and two years later our
subject was united in wedlock with Mrs. Kate
P. Reifsnyder, a daughter of George and
Mary Scott. In political belief the Doctor is
a Republican and has served as councilman
for one term. Socially he is a Mason, and
has received the degree of Knight Templar;
he is also a member of the G. A. R. post.

 

AMUEL C. CREASY, senior mem-
ber of the firm of Creasy & Wells, the
largest lumber merchants of Colum-

bia County, Pa., whose yards are located at
Bloomsburg, is one of the prosperous and
enterprising business men of the borough.
This highly esteemed citizen was born at
Light Street, Columbia County, Pa., Novem-
ber 21, 1860, and is a soni of Henry W. and
Martha E. (Sloan) Creasy, and a grandson of
Samuel and Mary (Brown) Creasy.

Our subject’s great-grandfather was Hen-
ry Creasy, who came from the state of New
Jersey and settled in Mifflin township, Colum-
bia County. His son Samuel, the grandfath-
er of our subject, was born in Mifflin town-
ship, Columbia County, and began life as a
farmer, which occupation he followed but a
short time, when, in partnership with George
and Elisha Brown, he embarked in the mer-
cantile business, which he carried on until
death claimed him, at the age of seventy-five
years. He married Mary Brown, who bore
him a family of eight children, namely: Hen-
ry W.; Nathan B.; Horace; Elizabeth; Dan-
iel B.; William; John J.; and Fanny. Our

 

subject’s grandmother passed from this life
aged eighty-six years.

Henry Wesley Creasy, the father of our
subject, was born at Mifflinville, Columbia
County, Pa., October 17, 1825. His  boy-
hood days were spent attending school and
when young he began clerking in a flouring
mill and later worked in a mercantile store
at Berwick, Pa. Having become thoroughly
acquainted with the mercantile business he
went to Lime Ridge, Pa., where he ran a store
on his own account; later he sold out and
went to Light Street, Pa., where he clerked
for James Melick, but was soon taken in as
a partner. William Creasy subsequently pur-
chased the interests of Mr. Melick, and for
three years the business was carried on under
the firm name of Creasy Bros. Upon the
death of William he was succeeded by his
brother Daniel, who is now a merchant of
Bloomsburg. The two brothers, Henry and
Daniel, in addition to carrying on a mercan-
tile store, conducted a lumber-yard until the
death of our subject’s father, which occurred
October 30, 1868. Mr. Creasy was an active
member of the Presbyterian Church and was
steward and superintendent of the Sunday
School. He was joined in marriage with
Martha Sloan, a daughter of George and Su-
san (Melick) Sloan, and granddaughter of
David Sloan, who came from Ireland and set-
tled at Summer Hill, Briarcreek township,
Columbia County. George Sloan was a farm-
er and started his son Samuel in the mercan-
tile business at Light Street, Pa.; while he
was en route to Philadelphia to purchase
goods Samuel was drowned and his father
took charge ‘of the store and conducted
it until his death. He died aged sixty-
three years. He was married to Susan Melick
and they had a family of five children, who
grew to maturity, as follows: Samuel; Susan-
348 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

na; Mary Jane; Margaret B.; and Martha E.,
the mother of our subject. Mr. and Mrs.
Creasy were the parents of five children, all of
whom died young except our subject. They
were as follows: Alice and Wilbur, deceased,
were twins and were born March 26, 1859:
Samuel, our subject; George Edwin, died
May 29, 1863; and Maggie A., died February
17, 1867.

Our subject, with his mother, moved to
Bloomsburg in 1871, where Samuel attended
the State Normal School and later the King-
ston Seminary. Upon leaving school he
clerked for a period of three years, and in
1883 he embarked in the lumber business on
a small scale. Later he took in Mr. Wells
as a partner and they now have their yard
located between Sixth and Seventh streets,
which is the largest lumber-yard in the coun-
ty. They also carry a complete line of sashes,
doors, blinds, and other house furnishings,
and give employment to a large force of men.
They own a mill and cut.and saw their own
lumber, and have purchased many hundred
acres of timberland in the vicinity. The pro-
prietors are men of hustling ability and have
established a trade second to none in the
county, and our subject has not only sold
many houses in the town but has erected
more houses than any other man in Blooms-
burg. Mr. Creasy is one of the most ener-
getic and active business men of Bloomsburg,
and has assisted in many of the most flour-
ishing enterprises in the borough. He is pop-
ular, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-
citizens.

Samuel C. Creasy was united in the bonds
of matrimony to May Wells, a daughter of
E. C. Wells, whose sketch also appears in
this Book of Biographies. Seven children
have blessed this happy union: Annie, Mar-
tha, Edward, Ruth and Ethel; and Clifton

 

and Clyde, deceased. Mr. Creasy has serve:
his fellow-citizens as president of the town
council and has held other public offices.

 

ILLIAM FIELD SHAY, an attor-
ney of Watsontown, is one of the
most prominent and active men of the bor-
ough, also a literary man who has com-
piled and contributed much historical data for
useful reference for the rising generation. He
was born in Northumberland, Pa., and is the
only son of Philip and Mary Elizabeth (Wal-
lis) Shay, the latter a daughter of Dr. Samuel
H. Wallis, and a granddaughter of Samuel
Wallis, the pioneer of the West Branch Val-
ley.

Philip Shay, our subject’s father, was born
in Pittston, Kennebec County, Maine, in
1813, and was a son of Michael and Anna
Shay, both of whom died in 1821. In his early
manhood Philip Shay went to Baltimore, Md.,
to assist his brother-in-law, Abiathar Field,
formerly of Brookline, Mass., to establish one
of the pioneer oyster packing houses at the
Monumental City, and in the interest of this
business Mr. Shay located at Northumber-
land, Pa., and at a later period became con-
nected with the packet company in which he
became “Captain” Shay. In 1854 he settled
in Muncy, Pa., where he engaged in the mer-
cantile and lumber business. In 1868 he re-
moved to Watsontown and again engaged in
mercantile business, and in 1871 he was
elected chief burgess and became very much
interested in many of the developments of
the early growth of the borough. He was
one’ of the corporators and charter members
of the Watsontown Bank, and was appointed
by Gov. Geary as notary public, and at the
close of his administration, re-appointed by
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 349

 

Gov. Hartranft. For eleven years he accept-
ably filled the position of postmaster of Wat-
sontown, and death alone removed him, on
February 2, 1885. After the death of his
first wife Mr. Shay married Priscilla M.
Llewellyn, who died in 1862. To them were
born four children: Charles P.; Edward E.;
Mary V.; and Priscilla L. He was married
the third time to Emma J. Stoughton, and
two children, Frank S. and Emma E., blessed
their home; Frank S. Shay died in 1898. Mr.
Shay was one of the corporators and influ-
ential. members of the First Presbyterian
Church of Watsontown, in which he held the
office of trustee for many years. He was a
kind and affectionate husband and father and
a man of sterling worth.

William Field Shay, our subject, after a
good preliminary education in the pubtic
schools became a law student under the in-
struction of Oscar Foust of Watsontown,
with whom he studied three years, when he
was admitted to the bar and began the prac-
tice of his profession at Watsontown. He
has been admitted to practice in all the courts
in this section of Pennsylvania, as well as the
Supreme Court and the District and Circuit
courts of the United States. He is fond of
literary work and has given considerable at-
tention to local historical matters, and a num-
ber of meritorious articles have appeared from
his pen. He is one of the leading and most
enterprising citizens of Watsontown, and has
done much to advance the best interests of the
borough, being one of the promoters of the
waterworks and he secured to the town the
terminus of the Central Pennsylvania &
Western Railroad and since its inception has
been solicitor for the road. In politics our
subject supports the principles advocated by
the Republican party.

Mr. Shay has an estimable wife in the per-

 

son of M. Alice Hower, only daughter of
Hon. Charles Hower of Selinsgrove, Snyder
County, Pa. Socially he is a member and
officer of the following societies: past-
master of Watsontown Lodge, No. 4o1, F. &
A. M.; past high priest of Warrior Run
Chapter, No. 246, R. A. M.; a member of
both the Grand Lodge and the Grand Holy
Royal Arch Chapter of-Pennsylvania, and in
the years 1885-86 was deputy to the grand
high priest for the counties of Lycoming,
Elk, Snyder, Union and Northumberland; he
is a'so a member of the A. and A. Rite, 32d
degree.

 

EORGE MATTHEW QUICK, at-
torney-at-law and ex-prothonotary

of Columbia County, is one of the

most prominent members of his profession in
the town of Bloomsburg. He is finely edu-
cated, well versed in the intricacies of his call-
ing and stands high among the members of

| the legal profession. Our subject was born in

Montour township, Columbia County, Pa.,
November 15, 1857, and is a son of William
Grier and Sarah (McBride) Quick, and a
erandson of John H. and Sarah (Moore)
Quick.

John H. Quick was a native of the state
of New Jersey and during his early days he
followed the trade of a shoemaker. Later he
settled in Rush township, Northumberland
County, but in 1831 he moved to Montour
township, where he purchased a farm of 155
acres and there carried on general farming
the rest of his life. Mr. Quick was one of
the progressive farmers of Montour township,
and the position Rush holds among her sister
townships is due to the efforts of such men
as Mr. Quick, who braved the hardships of

| pioneer life and, by persevering toil, subdued
350

the land and brought it to its present state.
He was united in marriage to Sarah Moore,
who bore him the following children: John
G., deceased; Charles, deceased; William G.,
deceased; Rosetta, who was the wife of Elias
Dietrich; Mahala, wife of Eddings Barkley;
Hettie, who wedded James Barton; Cather-
ine; and Sarah, who married Thomas Thorn-
ton, both of whom are now deceased. Mr.
Quick died aged sixty-five years.

William ‘Grier Quick, father of our subject,
was born in Rush township, Northumberland
County, Pa., September 4, 1815, and from
his father learned the trade of a shoemaker,
which he followed for a short time. Attain-
ing his manhood, he moved to Montour town-
ship and purchased a small farm and carried
on farming until he became lock-tender; later
he became foreman of the North Branch of
the Pennsylvania Canal between Danville and
Stonytown; he remained in charge of that
position for nineteen years and then was fore-
man of the Wyoming Valley Branch for ten
years. Later he was supervisor for the Penn-
sylvania Canal Company for eleven years,
thus making forty years’ service in the com-
pany’s employ. In 1868 Mr. Quick was
elected county commissioner for a term of
three years. He was joined in wedlock to
Sarah McBride, a daughter of Witliam Mc-
Bride of Hemlock township. To Mr. and
Mrs. Quick was born a family of six chil-
dren, namely: William M., a blacksmith by
trade; Hugh D., a resident of Rupert, Pa;
James, also a resident of Rupert; John B.,
who resides in Orangeville, Columbia County;

Samuel M., deceased; and George M., our |

subject.
Our subject received his primary training

in the public schools and the Bloomsburg °

State Normal School. Upon his father’s
death he became foreman on the Pennsyl-

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

vania Canal and remained in the position for
two years, when he resigned to accept the
office of deputy prothonotary, which he filled,
for ten years; he was then elected prothono-
tary by the largest vote ever cast for a candi-
date for that office. After serving six years
he was admitted to the bar January 2, 1897,
upon the following resolutions of which he
may be justly proud, a compliment never be-
fore given to any retiring prothonotarvy in the
Commonwealth:

“Now, January 2, 1897, at a meeting of the
Columbia County Bar Association, regularly
called and held at 9 a. m. this day, the fol-
lowing was, on motion,—‘Resolved, That the
rule of court as to the admission of attorneys
to the Bar of Columbia County be suspended
to permit the admission of G. M. Quick, Esq.,
as a member of said bar in recognition of his
sixteen years’ continuous and_ particularly
efficient service as Prothonotary and Clerk of
the several courts of said county; and that
the bar hereby join with the board of exam-
iners in recommending his admission’—
unanimously adopted.”

Upon opening his law office in Bloomsburg
Mr. Quick was given a reception by the attor-
neys of that town.

Mr. Quick chose for his life companion
Miss Eva Bidleman, a daughter of William
J. and Rebecca Bidleman of Bloomsburg, and
two children bless their home, William G.
and Eugene. In politics our subject is a
Democrat and wide-awake to the interests of
the party. He stands high in the estimation
of the people and is. one of the prominent
citizens of the community in which he resides.
Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F.
Mr. Quick has fine natural abilities, is a good
speaker, exceedingly diligent and careful and,
being a man of magnificent presence and fine-
manners, has risen rapidly to distinction.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 351

 

EORGE M. GEARHART, a scion
of one of the oldest and most prom-
inent families of Northumberland

County, is at present assistant cashier of the
Danville National Bank, with which he has
been connected since 1864. He is a son of
Bonham and Elizabeth S. (Boyd) Gearhart,
and was born in Rush township, Northum-
berland County, March 18, 1841.

The great-grandfather of our subject, Jacob
Gearhart, was a native of Strangsberg, Ger-
many, and came to America prior to the Rev-
olutionary War, locating in New Jersey, in
what is now Hunterdon County. He fought
throughout the Revolution as a captain in
the Jersey State Militia and rendered valu-
able aid to the cause of liberty. The war hav-
ing closed, and as he had friends residing in
what is now Northumberland County, Pa., he
migrated to that section with his family. By
means of horses and wagons they made their
way over uncultivated and almost pathless
land to their new home, stopping to rest on
the property now owned by William F. Gear-
hart, where they found a small and rude log
cabin which was vacant. They took a sur-
vey of the surrounding country, and, the land
upon examination proving very fertile and
well adapted for cultivation, decided to settle
there. Mr. Gearhart made purchase after pur-
chase, until he owned about 500 acres of good
but uncleared land, upon which he built one
of the first frame houses in the county, the
one in which William F. Gearhart now re-
sides, which is still in good condition and will
stand for many years. With the assistance
of his children he cleared some 200 acres and
set out a large orchard which was totally de-
stroyed by a hail-storm in 1846. This sturdy
old pioneer lived a long and useful life. His
worthy wife was Katherine Kline, by whom
he had the following offspring: Jacob, born

 

in 1763, died in 1841; Herman, born in 176s,
died in 1835; William, died in 1854, at the
age of seventy-eight years; George; Tunis;
John, died in 1858, aged seventy years;
Charles, born in 1783, died in 1863; Isaac;
Catherine; Mary; and Betsey.

George Gearhart, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in what is now Hunterdon
County, N. J., and after attaining man’s es-
tate his father transferred a tract of land to
him, which is situated about one mile from
the river bridge on the Susquehanna River.
He erected good substantial buildings and
was successfully engaged in the cultivation
of the soil all of his life. He added to his
property from time to time and at his death
owned some 300 or 400 acres lying along the
Susquehanna. The buildings upon this prop-
erty have long since been torn down and the
estate laid out in lots, now forming a portion
of the village of South Danville, adjoining
Riverside. George was joined in wedlock to
Achsah Reynon, who died at an early age,
and they became the parents of the following
children: Bonham R., the father of our sub-
ject; Benjamin; Eliza; and Rebecca. Mr.
Gearhart formed a second alliance, with
Phoebe Lott, which resulted in the birth of
three children: Achsah; George; and Her-
man.

Bonham R. Gearhart was born in the same
room, in the same month, and same day of
the month as our subject, and obtained his
schooling in the common schools. He was
a natural scholar, and at the age of twenty-
one years was graduated from the Jefferson
Medical College. He immediately after took
up practice at Sunbury, and later at Washing-
tonville, where he remained for a time before
locating in Turbotville, whence he moved to
Danville, Montour County. He was a skilled
physician and had a large practice through-
352 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

out the township, numbering among his pa-
tients many of the leadjng citizens of Dan-
ville. He-was well posted on all advances
made in medical sciences, and was up-to-date
in his treatment of complicated diseases. He
was very highly thought of by all classes of
people as he treated many cases for which
he knew he would never receive pay. He
was called to his final rest at the age of forty-
two years, as a result of an attack of pnet-
monia. He was united in hymeneal bonds
to Miss Elizabeth Boyd, a daughter of Will-
iam Boyd of Danville, and they became the
parents of the following children: Achsah;
William B. of Danville; George M., whose
name heads these lines, had a twin sister
whose death occurred in infancy; Bonham R.,
Jr., of Danville; Jasper B.; James B.; Alex-
ander M., a record of whose life appears else-
where in this Book of Biographies; and M.
Grier. Mrs. Gearhart is now past eighty-
four years of age and is enjoying life as a
resident of Danville, where she has many life-
long friends.

George M. Gearhart received a good edu-
cation in the public schools and in the high
school at Danville, from which he graduated.
He learned the drug trade with Michael C.
Grier, and, as the telegraph office was in the
same store, he learned telegraphy and subse-
quently was train dispatcher at Kingston, Pa.,
on the D., L. & W. Railroad, at which he con-
tinued until 1864, when he moved to Dan-
ville and became teller in the Danville Na-
tional Bank. He served in that capacity for
twenty-seven years, during which time he
thoroughly familiarized himself with banking
business and banking methods and was thus
well qualified for his next step in life, assum-
ing the duties of cashier of the bank, which
position he held in a satisfactory manner until
1896, when he was obliged to give up work

 

on account of ill health. Mr. Gearhart spent
some time in retirement and has now recuper-
ated to such an extent that he can do work
about the office and is now acting as assistant
cashier. He is a man of excellent business
ability, is shrewd and calculating, and has
been decidedly successful in his business af-
fairs. He has many excellent traits of char-
acter and we may safely assert, without fear
of contradiction, that no citizen of Danville
ever had more friends or was held in higher
esteem than Mr. Gearhart. He lives in a
beautiful residence on Market streét and owns
considerable other property in the town.
He is treasurer and secretary of the Danville
Bridge Company, and has served on the
school board for three years.

Our subject was united in marriage to Cor-
delia Clark, a daughter of David Clark, de-
ceased, who was cashier of the Danville Na-
tional Bank from 1850 to 1893, and was also
president of that institution. This happy
union has been blessed by the birth of the fol-
lowing children: David Clark, who died at
the age of three years and six months; Charles
Willits, a graduate of Lehigh University, who
is electrical engineer at the power-house of
the Brooklyn Bridge, New York City; and
Eleanor Clark, the wife of Frederick C. Kirk-
endall, by whom she has one son, Charles F.
Religiously Mr. Gearhart is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder.

OE A. LOGAN. We are pleased to
give a short sketch of the popular and
talented editor of the Miltonian. This

is one of the best weekly papers of the Sev-
enteenth Congressional District; it was es-
tablished in 1816 as a strong Whig paper by
Gen. Henry Frick. The first number was is-
 

HON. JENNINGS U. KURTZ
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 305

 

sued September 21, 1816, and the paper has
continued since under the same name. Since
Fremont’s campaign it has advocated the
principles of the Republican party and has
been owned and published by the following
persons: Gen. Henry Frick; Robert Frick;
Robbins & Brown; L. H. Funk; Morton &
Mervine, with whom F. Bound was later as-
sociated; P. L. Hackenberg; L. B. Housel;
and in 1880 Strine & Logan. Our subject
succeeded his partner in 1882. The paper has
been enlarged and its circulation has been
increased to 1,200. It is a fact worthy of spe-
cial mention that the office and printing es-
tablishment has always been located within
half a square of the present location.

Joe A. Logan, our subject, was born in
Milton, Pa., January 12, 1846, and is a son
of Samuel and Rose (Sties) Logan. The for-
mer was born in Philadelphia and there mar-
ried his wife, who was a native of Germany.
They settled in Wilkesbarre, but in 1840 re-
moved to Milton.

Our subject attended Milton Academy
until he was fifteen years of age, when he
enlisted in Company E, 131st Reg., Pa. Vol.
Inf., and later in Company E, sist Reg., Pa.
Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the
war. He is a past commander of Henry Wilson
Post, G. A. R.; and is a member of Milton
Lodge, F. & A. M. He is a stockholder in
the Milton Trust Company, the Milton Safe
Deposit Company and the Milton Driving
Park & Fair Association. He has taken such
an active interest in the general improvement
of his native town that he has gained much
prominence in the community. Since 1880
he has devoted most of his time to his paper
and his fellow-citizens show their appreciation
of his efforts by subscribing liberally. The
year 1882 marked an interesting event in his
history, i. e., the celebration of his marriage

 

with Lulu Tilden, a daughter of Enos and
Isabella Tilden, who were natives of Massa-
chusetts and Pennsylvania, respectively. Our
subject and wife are the happy parents of
three children: Bolton, Inez, and Joe A., Jr.
Mr. Logan was postmaster under President
Arthur and has served as a member of the
town council. He has ever been a stanch
supporter of the Republican party.

——_____+-e-»—_--___

\J ON. JENNINGS U. KURTZ, whose
portrait is shown on the opposite
page, is efficiently serving in the
capacity of associate judge of the Twenty-
sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, and is
a prominent business man of Berwick, being
proprietor of the Berwick Marble & Granite
Works, one of the largest establishments of
its kind in this section of the state. Heisa
son of Levi and Elizabeth (Schlabach) Kurtz,
and was born at Summer Hill, Briarcreek
township, Columbia County, July 3, 1856.

His grandfather was Henry Kurtz, who
was born in the state of Pennsylvania and
came of German parents. He took up the
occupation of a farmer and at an early day
located in Northampton. County, Pa., where
he died in 1830, at the age of sixty-five years.
He was also a soldier in the War of 1812.
He married Charity Snyder, and their union
resulted in the birth of ten children: Andrew;
Levi; Henry; Millie, the wife of Frederick
Ullmer; Jeremiah; William; Samuel; and
three who died in childhood.

‘Levi Kurtz, the father of our subject, was
born in Forks township, Northampton Coun-
ty, March 25, 1825, but in 1843, at the age
of nineteen years, he moved to Columbia
County, Pa., with his brother Andrew, who
is now deceased, and there he followed farin-
ing. After a time, he took up the cigar-

 
356 : BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

maker’s trade and followed it with consider-

able success at Washingtonville; while thus
engaged he saved a sufficient sum of money
to purchase a farm at Summer Hill, which
he did at about the time of his marriage. Fcl-
lowing farming a short term of years, he then
traded his farm for a store at Foundryvilie,
where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He
followed that line of business there and at
Evansville until 1863, when he relinquished it
to engage in the insurance business. In 1870
he purchased the Marble & Granite Works of
William Ruch, and started in business in a
very small way. He‘was an energetic mian
and as success attended his efforts, he en-
larged the business and in 1879 took his son,
our subject, into the firm as a partner. They
were located on Market street at first, but as
the enterprise grew in size, they moved to
larger quarters on Front street. He con-
tinued in business until his death in 1888,
at the age of sixty-two years. He was united
in marriage with Elizabeth Schlabach, a
daughter of Daniel and Annie (Moore) Schla-
bach, and they became the parents of twelve
children, six of whom are still living, namely:
C. Louise, the wife of S. H. Ruch; Jennings
U., the subject of this sketch; Daniel Morris,
who has charge of the reading notices of the
New York World; Annie S., a teacher in
the public schools of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Kittie
E., the wife of Arthur Lewis of Wilkesbarre,
Pa.; and S. Burton, an accomplished artist
of New York City. Levi Kurtz was original-
ly a Democrat in his political affiliations, but
from 1856 until his demise was a Republican.
In religious attachments he was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, whilst so-
cially he was a member of the Odd Fellows
Lodge. Mrs. Kurtz, who was born in 1830,
died in August, 1898, in Brooklyn, N. Y., and
was brought to Berwick and interred in the

 

family plot in Pine Grove Cemetery in that
town.

Jennings U. Kurtz attended the public
schools until he reached the age of fourteen
years, when he entered his father’s business,
and continued in his employ until twenty-
three years of age, when*he was taken in as
a partner, the frm becoming L. Kurtz &
Son, which has been the firm name up to the
present time. They established a reputation
for good reliable work and erected inany
handsome monuments throughout the coun-
ty. They acquired an extensive patronage
and the prestige, which the firm enjoyed prior
to the death of the senior Mr. Kurtz, is still
in evidence as our subject does work for the
leading men in this section of the state. He
has always labored for the best interests of
the borough and by his connection with many
worthy enterprises may be classed among its
first citizens. He has been a member of the
school board and was a trustee on building
at the time the beautiful addition to the Mar-
ket Street School was erected. He was also
on the building committee for the erection of
the present opera house. He served with
credit as school director for six years, three
years of which he was president of that body.
He was associated in building the block on
Market street now owned by C. C. Evans,
Esq. In 1889 he purchased of C. A. Becker
what was known as the Pottery, which was
one of the first industries of the place. This
property, located at Pine and Second streets,
he rebuilt for his business and there he has a
large spacious salesroom, office and yard,
necessary for his business. He is a man oi
excellent qualities and is respected and highly
esteemed by all with whom he is acquainted.

Mr. Kurtz was united in the holy bonds of
wedlock with Fanny M. Sult, a daughter of
Daniel Sult, who was a patternmaker by trade,

*
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 357

 

and they are the proud parents of five child-
ren: Pearl,Elizabeth; Ruth Sult; Claude
Morris; Nellie May; and Katherine, Politi-
cally he is a stanch Republican. In March,
1897, he was appointed associate judge to fill
the vacancy caused by the death of Hon.
Mordecai Millard, and was re-elected in 1897.
Socially he is a member of Knapp Lodge, No.
462, F. & A. M.; Berwick Castle, No. 249,
K. of G. E., of which he is past chief;
Washington Camp, No. 105, of which he is
a past president; and W. T. Sherman Com-
mandery, No. 23, P. O. S. of A., in which
he has held many of the offices.

——SSS

FE RANK R. KITCHEN. Prominent

among the business men of the town
of Berwick who have contributed largely to-
ward the growth and prosperity of that town,
is the subject of this sketch, who is justice of
the peace and secretary of the council of the
borough. He was born in Berwick and is a
son of Oliver H. and Evangeline (Johnson)
Kitchen, grandson of Amos and Margaret
(Campbell) Kitchen, and a great-grandson of
Enoch and Jerusha (Moore) Kitchen.

Enoch Kitchen’s father was a native of
England and of Quaker descent; he was the
first of the Kitchen family to immigrate to
America: Enoch Kitchen, the great-grand-
father of our subject, was a chairmaker by
trade and followed that occupation nearly all
his life. In those days furniture was made
principally by felling trees and making it up
into chairs and other furniture by hand. Later
in life Mr. Kitchen moved to Montour Coun-
ty, Pa., and located six miles from the town
of Danville, where he remained the remainder
of his active days, dying at the age of eighty
years. He was united in wedlock to Jerusha

 

Moore and four children were reared by
them: Andrew; Uriah; Amos; and Jerusha.

Amos Kitchen, grandfather of our subject,
during his early days learned the trade of a
tailor and conducted a tailoring establishment
in the town of Danville, Pa. In 1823 he
moved to Berwick, Columbia County, and for
many years conducted a tailor-shop where
Heller’s saloon is now located. He married
Margaret Campbell, a daughter of Alexander
Campbell, and the following children blessed
their home, namely: Matilda; Oliver H.;
Pemberton; Edwin; Permelia; John; Clinton;
William; Ely, who died young; and Ely. Mr.
Kitchen passed from this earth aged forty-
two years; his wife died at the age of eighty-
three years.

Oliver H. Kitchen, the father of our sub-
ject, when but a mere lad learned the trade
of tailor from his father and when his father
passed from this life he succeeded him in the
business; his workmanship was of first-
class order and he established a regular trade
and was the leading tailor of Berwick. His
establishment was located in the Seesholtz
property on Market street, and in 1892 the
building was burned down, and with his son,
our subject, immediately rebuilt the present
fine block. In 1868 he built a fine residence;
later he built another residence on the rear
end of the lot, facing the other street, and in
1898 our subject built another on the same
lot. Mr. Kitchen has been in the tailoring
business for fifty years and is now passing the
sunset of life in retirement. He is truly a
self-made man, having accumulated what he
has of this world’s goods through his own
energy and good judgment, and is one of
Berwick’s recognized business men of push
and tact. He has assisted in building up the
county and community, and has watched with
interest its progress. It has been an inter-
358 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

esting review in which he may justly feel
pride in having been a sharer. Mr. Kitchen
has served thirty-eight years as overseer of
the poor of Columbia County. He takes
great interest in the old cemetery, and he
formed a company and raised funds to put it
in good shape, and built a fence around it.
He was assisted by Leroy Thompson and E.
A. Wilson, and the three gentlemen had
charge of the cemetery until 1892. It al-
ways has been one of the best kept cemeteries
in Columbia County, and is such at the pres-
ent time. Mr. Kitchen formed a matrimonial
alliance with Mary Conyus and two children
are the result of this happy union, as follows:
Margaret, the devoted wife of E. Clinger, a
resident of Berwick; and Annie, who mar-

ried M. L. Thornton, and resides in
Huntington, West Va. Mr. Thornton
is general agent for the Ensign Car

Works of Huntington. Mr. Kitchen’s sec-
ond union was with Angeline Johnson,
daughter of Barter Johnson, of Briarcreek
township, and by this union two children
blessed their home: Frank R., the subject of
this sketch; and Jennie E., who resides at
home.

Frank R. Kitchen, the only son of his
parents; was born in the town of Berwick,
Pa., November 10, 1857, and received his in-
tellectual training in the public schools and
high school of Berwick; upon his graduation
from the latter institution he clerked in a gen-
eral merchandise store at Espy, Pa., for two
years. Our subject then learned the trade of
a molder which he followed until 1892, when
he was appointed justice of the peace, the
duties of which position he is honestly and
faithfully discharging. He has also served
as secretary of the town council. Mr. Kitchen
is the manager of the P. O. S. of A. opera-
house, a position he has held since the erec-

 

tion of that building. He has won the con-
fidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens and
is recognized as one of the solid citizens of
Berwick. He possesses force of character,
is decided in his opinions and fearless in the
expression of that which he believes to be
right. He is now attending to the care of
his be!oved parents.

 

OBERT D. LANCASTER, a highly

esteemed resident of Forksville,

Sullivan County, Pa., was for many

years a prosperous merchant there, but since

1894 he has been living in practical retire-

ment. He is a son of Richard and Fanny

(MclIlwain) Lancaster, and was born in South

Sterling, Wayne County, Pa., December 13,
1825.

His grandfather was William Lancaster, a
native of England, who immigrated to this
country and located in Philadelphia, where
he remained until 1821. In that year he
moved to South Sterling, Wayne County, Pa.,
and there followed his trade as a carpenter
until his death at the age of seventy-six years,
He was joined in marriage bonds to Margaret
Dunlevy, who also came of a well-known
English family, and they reared three chil-
dren: Richard, the father of our subject;
Americus; and Clara.

Richard Lancaster was born in England
and was nine years of age when he came to
America with his parents. At an early age
he and his brother Americus learned the jew-
eler’s trade and did job work for Mr. Duboys,
a well-known jeweler of Philadelphia. In
1833 Richard turned his attention to agri-
cultural pursuits and became one of the most
prominent citizens in Wayne County. He
was a man of more than ordinary ability and
Was well thought of by his fellowmen. In
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 309

 

1840 he was elected sheriff of Wayne County
and subsequently was chosen to represent his
district in the State Legislature. He was
also justice of the peace for many years and
held many minor offices. He was united
in marriage with Fanny McIlwain and the fol-
lowing children were born unto them: Rich-
ard; William; George; John; Franklin; Hugh
A.; Robert D., the gentleman whose name
heads these lines; Christopher C.; Margaret;
and Jane. Mr. Lancaster passed away at the
age of sixty-eight years and his wife at the
age of sixty-five years.

Robert D. Lancaster attended the public
schools and the Wayne Institute, receiving a
good intellectual training, and then taught
school for one year. He next went to Beth-
any, Wayne County, and accepted a clerk-
ship with E. W. Hamlin, Esq., with whom
he remained for four years. He then pur-
chased the store of his employer and _ suc-
cessfully conducted it for four years, when he
removed to Salt Rapids, Minn., as a land
surveyor for the government, remaining there
about three years. Upon returning East he
engaged in the mercantile business in con-
nection with his brother, William, at New
Albany, Pa., and also in the lumber business
at Cape Mills, from 1862 to 1867. In 1867
he moved to Forksville, Sullivan County, Pa.,
and purchased the store opposite what is now
the Forksville House, and conducted it for
two years alone. At the expiration of that
time he took in G. A. McIlwain and they con-
ducted the store for three years. His partner
then retired and the store was conducted un-
til 1875 by our subject. At that time he dis-
posed of his store and went to Bethany,
Wayne County, for one year. Upon return-
ing to Forksville at the expiration of that
time, he again took charge of his old store
and engaged in general merchandising until

 

he retired from business in 1894. He has
since assisted his son, Brenton S., who con-
ducts a drug store in Forksville, and is also
engaged in business in Towanda, Bradford
County. He resides in a handsome home in
Forksville and is surrounded by a large circle
of friends.

Mr. Lancaster was united in marriage with
Serenda Mathers, who died in 1890 at the
age of thirty-eight years, and they reared the
following children: Hammond D.; Brenton
S.; and Gertrude A. Our subject is a Demo-
crat and has served as school director, county
auditor and justice of the peace. In religious
attachments he is an attendant of the Episco-
pal Church, but his wife belonged to the
Methodist Episcopal Church.

————__+-+—___.

OHN B. ZIMMERMAN comes from

a family which has long been noted for

natural mechanical talents. At an early
age he entered his father’s shop to learn the
blacksmith’s trade. His father was a skilled
blacksmith, as also was his grandfather.

As our subject grew older he became a
skilled workman and displayed unusual apt-
ness in his chosen trade. He erected a large
and commodious shop in Shamokin, where
he manufactures wagons, carriages, and all
kinds of vehicles. Being sensible, upright and
shrewd in his business affairs, he has built up
a trade reaching over a wide expanse of ferri-
tory. New plans which promise any real ad-
vance in his business are readily added to his
present system, thus affording him facilities
for carrying on an enterprise second to none
of its kind in Shamokin. Mr. Zimmerman
employs a force of ten or twelve men to assist
him in furnishing his trade with celerity and
promptness, and his present prospects point
to a still greater expansion of the business.
360 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

In the spring of 1899 our subject changed
the location of his plant from the corner of
Independence and Market streets, where he
had carried on his business since 1868, to
West Sixth street, in the vicinity of the high
bridge.

Our subject is a son of Jeremiah and Har-
riet (Bright) Zimmerman, and was born in
Sunbury, Northumberland County, May 22,
1851, receiving his education in the public
schools of Shamokin. His paternal grand-
father, George H. Zimmerman, was a native
of Berks County, but subsequently located in
Sunbury, Northumberland County, where he
was a prominent blacksmith. He rendered
valuable service to his country during the
War of 1812. His maternal grandfather, Ja-
cob Bright, was a jeweler by trade; he, too,
fought bravely during the War of 1812, and
afterward died at Sunbury.

Jeremiah Zimmerman, father of our sub-
ject, was a man of such unusual prominence
that a brief sketch of his life deserves men-
tion here. He was born in Berks County,
Pa., in January, 1820, and was brought to
this county with his parents at the early age
of seven years. His advantages for securing
an education were of the poorest and he re-
ceived but three months’ schooling. In his
father’s shop he learned the blacksmith’s
trade, which business he followed in Sunbury
for many years, discontinuing it after being
elected justice of the peace, which position he
retained for several years. Later he moved
to the borough of Northumberland and was
collector for the Pennsylvania Canal, at which
time the management was under the control
of the state. He served in this capacity three
years, after which he engaged in business as
a coal operator, being a member of the firm
of Zimmerman & Purcell. This business was
carried on very successfully for a few years,

 

but the company met with reverses and finally
failed in 1856. While in the coal business Mr.
Zimmerman was elected a member of the
Pennsylvania Legislature and served two
terms; he was also president of a Shamokin
Banking Institute. After going out of the
coal business he was engaged by various firms
as bookkeeper, also as superintendent for
various coal operators, and in 1864 he located
permanently in Shamokin. He was a Demo-
crat of the most ardent type and was active
and untiring in the interests of his party. He
served as burgess for the town of Shamokin
for three terms, rounding out his closing years
as an efficient public servant whose record of-
fers a splendid example of what may be ac-
complished in the voyage through life with-
out educational advantages in youth. He
died in 1893. He had been a Mason for over
fifty years. Nine children blessed the union
of Jeremiah Zimmerman and his excellent
wife, two of whom died in infancy, and the
following grew to manhood and womanhood:
Ella Lucy, now deceased; Harriet, wife of
Paul Roth of Shamokin; John B., subject of
this sketch; George, a painter by trade, in
the employ of our subject, and lives in Shamo-
kin; Rosa, wife of Samuel Haas, also of Sha-
mokin; Milton, an attorney of note, residing
in Danville; and William Cameron, who is a
painter and resides in Philadelphia.

On April 5, 1874, our subject was united
in marriage with Jane Newberry of North-
umberland borough, and six children were
born to bless their home: Ida May; Edward
B., now his father’s able assistant as book-
keeper; Harriet M.; John; Clara; and Gro-
ver Cleveland. Mr, Zimmerman, like his fath-
er, is a strong believer in the principles of
Democracy, but has not sought political hon-
ors. He was persuaded to serve as assistant
burgess of Shamokin, which position he filled
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 361

 

 

with credit and distinction. He is a pleasant
gentleman and is a valued member of his com-
munity.

———_ o> —--

REDERICK GROSS, a successful
and prosperous general merchant
of Mount Carmel, Northumbertand

County, is a man who began life on a farm,
but worked his way up until now he is one
of Mount Carmel’s leading business men,
while at the same time retaining his fondness
for and interest in farming. He was born in
Union County, this state, January 9, 1846, and
is a sonof Charles and Annie (Forsyth) Gross.
The great-grandfather of our subject was a
native of Germany, and when he came to this
country settled in one of the eastern counties
of Pennsylvania, finally locating in Union
County, where he died.

The father of our subject wds born in Ly-
coming County, Pa., and when a young man
he removed to Union County, where he fol-
lowed his trade as a shoemaker and also en-
gaged in farming. He died in the spring of
1864, at the age of seventy-two years. Mr.
Gross’ mother was a native of Union County.
She died in 1891, at the age of nearly eighty-
five years. The family of Charles and Annie
Gross consisted of ten children, as follows:
Jackson, who resides in Union County, this
state; Margaret, who died young; Martha,
who is a resident of Fulton County, IIL;
Charles, Catharine and Mary, who reside in
Union County, Charles occupying the old
family homestead; two, who died in infancy;
Frederick, the subject of our sketch; and
Samuel, who resides in New Berlin, Union
County, Pa.

Our subject, Frederick Gross, was reared
on the homestead of his parents in Union
County and obtained a common school edu-

 

He remained on the farm until he
was eighteen years of age, when, having an
ambition to be something more than a farmer,
he set out on his own account. He learned
the trade of harness-maker, at which he
worked for some time. In 1865 he removed
to Mount Carmel, where he secured an ad-
vantageous opening as a clerk in a general
store. He remained in the store for several
years, mastering every detail of the general-
merchandise business, and finally engaged in
business for himself. By his energy, careful
attention to small details and his uniform
courtesy he immediately placed himself on a
popular basis with the purchasing community
and was very successful from his start in busi-
ness on his own account. He has since fol-
lowed the mercantile business and now has
one of the largest and principal stores in
Mount Carmel. In addition to his store, Mr.
Gross owns a farm in the Buffalo Valley,
Union County, which contains 130 acres and
to which he gives considerable attention.

In politics our subject always has been an
ardent Republican and, although he never
has cared for or sought office, he has been
called upon to fill the offices of school director
and councilman, in which he displayed the
same ability which has made his business so
successful and served to the entire satisfaction
of his friends and constituents. Religiously
Mr. Gross is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church of Mount Carmel, of which he
has been a member for twenty-five years and
in which he was for several years an active
leader and an ardent worker. Mr. Gross is a
member of Mount Carmel Lodge, No. 630,
I. O. O. F,, which he joined in 1868, and for
seventeen years he has been secretary of the
lodge.

_ In October, 1863, Mr. Gross was united in
marriage to Susan Heim, daughter of John

cation.
362 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Heim. To them have been born these chil-
dren: Charles S., who resides in Mount Car-
mel, and who married Hattie Fisher, and is
engaged in the mercantile business with his
father; Calvin E., who also resides in Mount
Carmel and married Della Klase, who died at
the birth of her first child; Agnes, unmarried;
Alice, who died at the age of eleven months;
and Annie, who is the wife of Frank Christ of
Mount Carmel.

 

J ON. HENRY M. HINCKLEY, one
of Danville’s most eminent and hon
NWN ored attorneys, and ex-judge of
Montour County, was born in Harrisburg,
Pa., June 2, 1850. He is a son of Joel and
Theodosia (Graydon) Hinckley, grandson of
Charles Hinckley, and great-grandson of Joel
and Hopestill (Brewster) Hinckley.

Hopestill (Brewster) Hinckley, the great-
grandmother of our subject, was born in Leb-
anon, Conn., May 27, 1760, and was a daugh-
ter of Ichabod Brewster. Ichabod Brewster
was born in Saxony, Mass., in 1710, and inis
wife was Lydia Barstow; he was a son of
William and Lydia (Partridge) Brewster, and
a grandson of Truelove Brewster. Truelove
Brewster was a son of Elder William Brewster,
who was born in Wales in 1560; he, with his
wife Mary, came to America on the May-
flower, in 1620, and he was the first minister
in the New England States. Joel Hinckley,
the great-grandfather of our subject, resided
at Lebanon, Conn., all his life. His- sou
Charles was born in Lebanon, Conn., April
26, 1786, and moved to Weathersfield, Vt.,
where he lived a number of years, then mi-
grated to Harrisburg, Pa., where he followed
his trade as a blacksmith the rest of his active
days. He retired from active labors, moving
to Danville, where he passed from this iife

 

 

 

at the age of eighty-seven years. His wife
was born: in 1788 and died in 1836. They
were the parents of the following children:
Joel; Lucretia, who died in infancy; Julia
Ann; Charles, who died in infancy; and
Lucretia.

Joel Hinckley, the father of our subject,
was born at Weathersfield, Vt., January 19,
1809, and moved to Danville, Pa., in 1860,
for many years being connected with the well-
known firm of Waterman & Beaver. His
latter days were spent in retirement. He was
united in marriage with Theodosia Graydon,
who was born November 1, 1812, and who
was the daughter of William and Eleanor
Graydon. Eight children blessed the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Hinckley, namely: Ellen; Wil-
liam, and Andrew, who died in infancy; Julia,
who died unmarried; Charles, deceased, who
married a Miss Travis; Alice and Helen, who
died in infancy; and Henry M., our subject.
The father of our subject entered the world of
rest at the age of eighty-four, and his wife
died at the age of forty-three years.

Henry M. Hinckley received his primary
education in the public schools of Harrisburg,
Pa., and then entered Princeton College, irom
which he was graduated in 1874. In addi-
tion to his regular course he studied law and
upon his graduation he returned to Danville
and became a student of law with Isaac N.
Grier. He was admitted to the bar of Mon-
tour County in 1875 and to the Supreme
Court in 1878; he immediately began prac-
ticing his chosen profession with I. X. Grier,
and continued with him until the latter re-
tired from business to pass the sunset of life
in quietude and peace. Hon. Henry M.
Hinckley has a fine suite of rooms at No. 350
Mill street, and also has one of the best pri-
vate libraries in Eastern Pennsylvania. He
is one of the foremost attorneys of Montour
 

ae

oe

 

 
 

WILSON U. JURY.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 365

 

 

County and has established a large practice;
he possesses a large fund of knowledge, is
fluent in speech and a pleasant talker. Our
subject was appointed judge of the Montour
courts in 1888 by Gov. James A. Beaver,
which evidenced his popularity in the com-
munity. He is president of the Danville Y.
Be Ge aks

Hon. Henry M. Hinckley was united in
marriage with Minnie S. Gearhart, a daugh-
ter of Maybury Gearhart of Roaring Creek,
and they have reared the following children:
Sarah G.; John M., a student at Lafayette
College; Eleanor; Edna, who attends Wilson
College at Chambersburg, Pa.; and Elizabeth
S. He is a member and elder of the Mahon-
ing Presbyterian Church and is superintend-
ent of the Sabbath School. Our subject has
a handsome residence at Riverside surrounded
by a beautiful lawn. In politics he is a stanch
Republican.

————4 © —___

ILSON U. JURY, whose work as an

architect is unexcelled in Columbia

County, has an established reputa-

tion and is one of the most enterprising and

progressive citizens of Bloomsburg. He is a

son of Benjamin W. and Susan (Wirt) Jury,

and was born in Millersburg, Dauphin Coun-
ty, Pa., August 1, 1866.

Benjamin W. Jury, the father of our subject,
was also born in Millersburg, but has resided
in Bloomsburg since 1891. He is well and
favorably known throughout the county as
a contractor and builder, and many of the
principal buildings of the vicinity were erected
by him. Among his first contracts was the
erection of the Bloomsburg Silk Mills, which
are the largest in Central Pennsylvania, and
he fulfilled his contract to the letter, thereby
winning not only the confidence of his em-

 

ployers but others who were in nowise finan-
cially concerned. He also built the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church of Bloomsburg, one of
the most beautiful edifices in this section of
the state. It is constructed of gray stone and
with its irregular and deeply-indented sides
presents a very attractive appearance, which
is in keeping with the handsomely finished in-
terior. He received contracts for many of
the principal residences in Bloomsburg, and
their beautiful appearance bespeaks the excel-
lence of his work. The following are among
the most important: the homes of W. H.
Slate, E. C. Wells, R. R. Little, Rev. Dona-
hue, Paul E. Wirt on Fifth street, J. H.
Maize, Mr. Frymire, and twenty houses
which were built for Joseph Ratti. He pur-
chased the former home of L. N. Moyer,
which he enlarged, remodeled and fitted up
with all modern conveniences, and in which
he has since resided. He is now living in:
practical retirement and enjoying the fruits of
his early industry, but he is still a large stock-
holder in many of the leading manufactories
of Bloomsburg.

Benjamin W. Jury twice took marriage
vows, his first wife being Susan Wirt, a native
of Dauphin County, and they became the par-
ents of nine children: Wilson U., the gentle-
man whose name appears at the head of these
lines; Alda, who married F. E. Enery; How-
ard, a carpenter of Bloomsburg; Israel, a
hatter of Philadelphia; Aaron, a carpenter of
Scranton, Pa.; Dora and Ira, students; and
Abner. His second union was with Mrs. Ka-
tie (Crist) McHenry, and they reared one son,
—Benjamin.

Wilson U. Jury received his mental train-
ing in the public schools of Millersburg and
Williamsport, Pa., and when a very small boy
began working with his father during vaca-
tions and spare moments, thus acquiring a
366

 

good knowledge of building. He was a nat-
ural mechanic and draughtsman and went to
Philadelphia, where for three years he served
an apprenticeship to an architect, after which
he engaged as an architect in Norristown for
four years. In July, 1892, he moved to
Bloomsburg and was decidedly successful
from the start. Most of the residences erected
by his father and many others were built from
plans prepared by him, and he is firmly es-
tablished in the confidence and good-will of
the citizens of Bloomsburg. As an architect
he has no superior, and his work gives gen-
eral satisfaction. He is not only efficient in
draughting but can aptly follow a descriptive
idea and draught it on block as a means of
illustration. He performed the architectural
work for a number of public structures,
among them the First National Bank of
Bloomsburg; Catawissa High School; Nes-
eopeck High School; and the residences of
C. B. Late, De. J. We Braner, Prot, FH.
Jenkins, and J. G. Harman. He has a large
and well-equipped office in the First National
Bank building on the corner of Main and
Market streets, and owns and lives in a
handsome residence on Jefferson street. Al-
though he is a young man just entering the
prime of life, Mr. Jury’s success has been lit-
tle short of phenomenal, and he has hosts of
friends who wish him continued prosperity
and happiness.
Mr. Jury was united in the holy bonds of
natrimony with Ida Shupe, a woman of many
virtues, who is a daughter of John K. Shupe
of Millersburg. This happy union has been
blessed by the birth of one daughter, Olive
A., who was born in Norristown, Pa., April
30, 1889. Socially Mr. Jury is a member of
Van Camp Lodge, No. 140, I. O. O. F. His
portrait is presented on a previous page in
proximity to this.

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

 

OHN McELIECE settled in Shamokin,
Coal township, in 1885, and was wel-
comed as a valuable acquisition to the
borough. He is a man of great personal
magnetism and his influence and energy is
felt in all public gatherings, where he is re-
garded ‘as an enterprising gentleman, well
qualified to fill any position with honor and
credit to himself and his employers. Thus we
introduce to our readers the able and efficient
superintendent of the Edison Electric Ilumi-
nating Company and also of the Shamokin
Arc Light Company of Shamokin.

John McEliece was born in Dauphin Coun-
ty, Pa., September 16, 1842, and is a son of
George and Mary (Woodside) McEliece, and
a grandson of John McEliece of Ireland. His
maternal grandfather, Jonathan Woodside,
was born at the old homestead in Dauphin
County, where he led the active life of the
early pioneers and was a very successful and
progressive farmer, besides being of great val-
ue to his country. He served throughout the
War of 1812, and was a participant in the last
great battle at New Orleans, where many lives
were needlessly sacrificed. Just fifteen days
after the making of the treaty at Ghent, De-
cember 24, 1814, and before the news had
reached this country that a treaty of peace
had been concluded, Gens. Packenham and
Gibbs made a desperate attack on New Or-
leans, on January 8, 1815. But we had a
Jackson at New Orleans, as previously we

| hada Washington at Yorktown, and later had

a Scott at Mexico, a Grant at Richmond and
a Dewey at Manila. With this signal victory
at New Orleans, Jackson’s name goes on the
pages of history as one of the American he-
roes and “fighting” generals.

George McEliece, father of our subject, was
born in Ireland, February 22, 1819, and im-
migrated to this country when nineteen years
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 367

 

 

old, locating in Lykens Valley at the time the
Lykens Valley R. R. was being constructed.
Later in life he removed to Shamokin, where
he soon became a citizen of much prominence.
He endorsed the principles of Democracy and
took a very active interest in politics. He
was elected treasurer of Northumber-
land County, which fact is sufficient proof of
the esteem in which he was held by the people
of his county. He served as county treasurer
for two years, 1869 and 1870, faithfully dis-
charging the duties incumbent on him. Sha-
mokin Lodge, F. & A. M., honors him as one
of its charter members. He was united in
marriage with Mary Woodside, who bore him
seven children, who were named as follows:
Elizabeth; John, our subject; Mary, who be-
came the wife of Anthony J. Gallagher of
Wilkesbarre, Pa., both now deceased; Annie,
wife of James J. Rigney, of Shamokin; Jane,
who is the wife of John O’Keefe, a large ranch
owner at Seattle, Washington; Isabella, wid-
ow of Bryan Jennings, deceased; and Mag-
gie, who died unmarried.
John McEliece, the subject of this sketch,
received a practical education in the public
schools of Shamokin and was among the first
to enlist in the Union Army. In 1861, when
but eighteen years old, he enlisted in Com-
pany K, 46th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and served
_in the Army of the Potomac and in the Army
of the West a little over two years. He par-
ticipated in the battle of Winchester, fought
May 26, 1862, in which the Union Army was
victorious; he was twice wounded in the bat-
tle of Cedar Mountain, Va., where an engage-
ment took place August 9, 1862, which re-
sulted in heavy Union losses, our subject be-
ing one of 400 taken prisoners by the Rebels.
He was placed in a Confederate hospital at
Staunton, Va., for about one month, after
which he was taken to Libby Prison. He was

 

confined there and at Belle Island for about
two months, when he was enabled to rejoin
his regiment. He enlisted as a private, but
received his discharge as a sergeant.

Returning from the war, Mr. McEliece en-
gaged as brakeman on the Shamokin division
of the Northern Central R. R. He received
rapid promotion, first to fireman, then to en-
gineer, all before the end of his first year of
service. At the end of one and a half years’
service on this road he resigned his position
and accepted the very important and lucrative
one, that of superintendent of Locust Gap
Colliery, which position he retained for many
years. Aside from the duties of superintend-
ent, which he performed with regularity and
exactness, he looked after many other inter-
ests, and was justice of the peace for fifteen
years,

There seemed to be a charm about military
life that won favor with Mr. McEliece. He
organized a military company in July, 1869,
which was known as the “Washington Rifles”
and was commissioned their captain, and
served in that capacity for six years. This
company was afterward merged into the State
National Guard as Company A, 7th Regi-
ment. His duties connected with the colliery
compelled him to sever his connection with
the company after he had completed its or-
ganization. He remained in Locust Gap un-
til 1885, at which time he accepted his present
important position in Shamokin.

Our subject sought and won Ann Ellen
Lukens, a daughter of Michael Lukens of
Philadelphia, and she became his bride in Au-
gust, 1866. Their family numbers seven chil-
dren, viz: George W., a machinist by trade,
who enlisted in Light Battery F., of the 5th
U. S. Artillery and served five years, seeing
active service during the Cuban War,—on
October 6, 1898, he was detached and is now
38 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

serving as clerk at the headquarters of Gen.
Leonard Wood, whose war record needs no
introduction to the people of the present day;
Fred, a locomotive engineer; Leo, who is a
member of Company K, 8th Reg., Pa. Vol.
Inf., and who also saw active service in the
Cuban War; Lloyd, a fireman for the electric
light company of Shamokin; Isabella; Lillian;
and Maggie. ,

Mr. McEliece is a devout Roman Catholic
and a liberal supporter of his church; he is
also a valued member of Lincoln Post, No.
140, G. A. R. His friends are unanimous in
their opinion, that his success has come from
steady purpose and constant industry, and no
one covets the position of true worth and es-
teem which he has obtained.

 

the active citizens of Shamokin was

John K. Haas, who recently died, a
successful business man, who since 1895 had
been proprietor of the Shamokin Marble &
Granite Works. Mr. Haas was born
in Upper Mahanoy township, Northum-
berland County, on the 66th anniver-
sary of the independence of our country,
July 4, 1842. He had exceptional educa-
tional advantages, received his primary edu-
cation in the public schools, after which he
attended the academies of Freeburg, Allen-
town, and Kutztown, also taking a course at
Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster,
Pa. After college life he followed -teaching
for eight or nine years, teaching in Lehigh,
Schuylkill and Northumberland counties. In
1871 Mr. Haas engaged in mercantile busj-
ness in Shamokin which he followed unin-
terruptedly for a period of twenty-four years.
In 1895 he sold out his mercantile interests

doe K. HAAS. Prominent among

 

and engaged in the marble and granite busi-
ness. Our subject was a son of Nathan and
Eliza (Knorr) Haas, and a grandson of
George and Elizabeth (Miller) Haas.

George Haas was a native of Oley, Pa., but
when a young married man removed to Up-
per Mahanoy township, Northumberland
County, where he followed the occupation of
a farmer and was one of the very early set-
tlers in that section. After many years of suc-
cessful farming he died there and his remains
le in the old churchyard in that vicinity. He
was a lifelong Democrat. He was an active
member of the Reformed Church. Elizabeth
Miller became his wife and among their fam-
ily were the following: Nathan, father of our
subject; Henry; George; Levi, who died
young; Hettie; Elizabeth; Salome; Kath-
erine; Lydia; and Caroline.

Nathan Haas, father of our subject, was
born in Lehigh County and was brought to
Northumberland County by his parents, at
the tender age of three years. He received
the ordinary education of a farmer’s boy and
was reared on his father’s farm. When grown
to manhood he very naturally became a farm-
er and followed that calling throughout his
life, passing away in 1890. He possessed the
same religious and political beliefs as his fath-
er. He was united in marriage with Eliza
Knorr, a native of Schttylkill County, Pa.,
and their family consisted of twelve children:
Catherine, now deceased, who was the wife of
Samuel Paul; Lydia, also deceased, who was

.the wife of J. Daniel, and after his death be-

came the wife of Nathan Stehle; Isaac, who
died at the age of four years; John K., sub-
ject of this review; Henry K., a prosperous
farmer of Schuylkill County, Pa.; Joel K.,
a progressive farmer of Northumberland
County; Mary, wife of A. A. Smith of Sham-
okin; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Dunkelberg-
 

HON. ANDREW LUCIUS FRITZ.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. o71

 

 

er, a farmer of Schuylkill County; Daniel Kk.,
a successful hotel-keeper in Snyder County,
Pa.; Amelia, wife of George Paul of North-
umberland County; Nathan and Milton, both
of whom died in early childhood.

On March 31, 1868, John K. Haas was
united in marriage with Mary Seiler, a sister
of E. G. Seiler of Shamokin, whose sketch al-
so appears in this book. Five daughters were
born to them: Rosa M., now the wife of A.
R. Brubacher, who graduated at Myerstown,
Andover and Yale colleges, and is now pro-
fessor of Greek and Latin in the seminary of
East Hampton, Mass.; Flora Ellen, now re-
siding at West Philadelphia, the wife of H. C.
Shultz, a telegraph operator for the Pennsyl-
vania Company; Sadie E., bookkeeper for
the Shamokin cracker factory; Anna, who re-
sides in Philadelphia and is engaged in clerk-
ing in the great mercantile establishment of
John Wanamaker; and Ruth Eveline. Our
subject and his family had long been members
of the Reformed Church; he had served in
the office of elder, deacon and treasurer for
many years. He enlisted in the Civil War,
August 8, 1862, being a member of Company
C, 131st Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and ‘served until
February, 1863.

Mr. Haas was a stanch Democrat and
served his party as delegate to county con-
ventions, as town councilman, and asses-
sor for a number of years. Socially he was a
member of Eureka Lodge, No. 125, I. O. O.
F,, and Lincoln Post, No. 140, G. A. R.

 

ON. ANDREW LUCIUS FRITZ,

of Bloomsburg, whose portrait is pre-

sented on the opposite page, was

born in Sugarloaf township, Columbia Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania. His ancestors lived on

 

Chestnut street, Philadelphia, during the
Revolutionary War. They took an active
part in the scenes incident to that time. His
great-grandfather, Philip Fritz, moved with
his son, our sttbject’s grandfather, to northern
Columbia County, and purchased a large tract
of land. Philip Fritz was the first school
teacher and justice of the peace of that part
of the county. According to history he was
“a great scholar and a local public charac-
ter of more than ordinary influence.”

Our subject’s father, Jesse Fritz, was a far-
mer and he purchased and lived upon the “old
homestead,’ where he was a justice of the
peace for a number of years. The subject of
this sketch worked on the farm in the sum-
mer and went to school in winter, for a num-
ber of years, and began teaching school at
the age of fifteen, following that profession for
a period of six years. He went to several

institutions of learning and acquired a thor-

ough academic education. He has always
been a laborious student. He studied law
with ex-United States Senator C. R. Bucka-
lew, and has been in active practice at
Bloomsburg since his admission to the bar.
He has a large practice in Columbia and ad-
joining counties, and has been called to try
cases before the Supreme and Superior Courts
of his state. When a student-at-law, he was
appointed as deputy by three sheriffs in suc-
cession, and had charge of the sheriff’s office
of Columbia County in the absence of the
sheriff until his practice compelled him to
give up the position. He has been receiver
of taxes, town auditor, solicitor of the
Bloomsburg Poor District, and counsel for a
number of municipalities, and he was secre-
tary of the town council for a number of years
until he resigned. Through these positions
and by his kind and obliging disposition, he
made many friends and became well-ac-
372 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

quainted with the people of his section of the
state.

In 1884, Mr. Fritz was elected to the Penn-
sylvania House of Representatives, receiving
the highest vote on the Democratic ticket.
In 1886, he was renominated without oppo-
sition and was elected, running ahead of his
ticket at the general election. In 1891, he
was elected as a member to the proposed con-
stitutional convention from the senatorial
district composed of the counties of Colum-

’ Dia, Montour, Lycoming, and Sullivan. He
was again elected a member of the House of
Representatives to the session of 1893, and
was renominated without opposition and re-
elected in November, 1894, for a fourth
term, which had never before been given
to a person in this section of the state. Dur-
ing his last term, he served on the ways and
means, appropriation, and judiciary general
committees, an honor given to no other mem-
ber of that session, that of serving on the
three most important committees of the
House. He was a member of the judiciary
general committee during his four terms of
office. In the session of 1895 he was the
Democratic caucus nominee for speaker of
the House. In 1896 and also in 1808, he re-
ceived the nomination for Congress from
Columbia County; but at the congressional
conference, composed of four counties, he was
defeated for the district nomination on the
claim that his county was not then entitled
tothe nomination.

Mr. Fritz is a good speaker and he carried
into public life the same indomitable will,
and honesty and industry that has character-
ized him in private life. As a member of
the Pennsylvania Legislature, he has made
a reputation that few have equaled. During
the session of 1887, on a bill to “equalize tax-
ation,” Mr. Fritz made a lengthy speech, from

‘estate.

 

which we quote the following: ‘Mr. Speak-
er, the equalization of taxation between all
classes of persons and all classes of property is
a subject worthy of the consideration of this
House. Session after session of the Legisla-
ture, petitions and memorials have been pre-
sented from all parts of the state, and per-
haps more requests have been made by the
people of this Commonwealth for a change in
our system of taxation than for any other ob-
ject. The farmers and real estate owners in
my section of the state are almost unani-
mously in favor of some measure that will
more equally divide the burdens of taxation.
I therefore ask the indulgence of the House
for a few minutes on this question. While
it will be admitted that it is impossible to
make an exact equalization of taxes upon
persons and property, no one will deny that
there should be a more equal division than
our present tax laws give us.

“There is no subject before the Legislature

that more directly and deeply interests the

It cannot be denied
The burden of

people than taxation.
that great inequalities exist.

local taxation for county, school, poor and

road purposes falls almost entirely upon real
Unequal taxation and other discrim-
inations, have greatly depreciated the value of
farm land and real estate in general in this
Commonwealth. I have heard it said that
if we do not exempt certain classes of per-
sonal property and certain industries from
taxation that they would be driven out of
the state—I might say out of existence. But
there is another class of taxpayers that these
burdens fall heavily upon—more heavily than
any other in the state, I mean the farmers and
teal estate owners. According to the Con-
stitution of the state “all taxes shall be uni-
form on the same class of subjects.” The
burdens of taxation should be equalized on
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 873

 

all classes of persons and all classes of prop-
erty. The high and low, the rich and poor,
should be taxed in proportion to the valua-
tion of their property.

“The capital of the farmer and real estate
owner is taxed four or five times as much
as the capital of corporations. This is cer-
tainly an unwarrantable and unjust discrimi-
nation, oppressive to real estate, and con-
trary to the spirit of the Constitution and na-
tural equity. It should seem, if any distinc-
tion were made, it would be in favor of
that form of capital that is most productive—
in favor of the hard working, laboring classes
of this Commonwealth. But all that we ask
is that there-should be an equalization, as near
as may be, of the burdens imposed on each
form of property. The farm lands and real
estate in general are suffering to-day from
the onerous burdens of taxation, and the cry
for its relief comes to us from a class in the
community whose appeals should be carefully
considered—the owners of homes and the til-
lers of the soil. The irregularity is too great
against the majority of tax-payers of this
Commonwealth—the farmers and laborers—
and a change must come sooner or later.

“Those who have made the subject a study
are almost unanimous in the opinion that
corporate and personal property has not and
does not bear a fair share of the burdens of
taxation. It is therefore our duty as rep-
resentatives of the people of this great Com-
monwealth, to give heed to the demand made
by the great majority of citizens of this state
—the largest class of property owners. They
have been knocking at the doors of this Leg-
islature, with petitions and memorials ever
since the sessian opened, and they are still
waiting to be heard on this question—hoping
and expecting that some relief, at least, will be
given them. Every unbiased student of our

‘thé actual interest of the owner in it.

 

financial policy will admit that there is an un-
fair division of our taxes at the present time.
This inequality is apparent to all. Now, sir,
knowing these facts, is it not our duty as
legislators to place upon the statute’ books
some law which will make a more equal divi-
sion of these burdens?

“The farm and the workshops should bear
their share of the public burden; so should the
corporations, the bonds, the stocks and other
moneyed capital and personal property of the
state. The practical operation of our pres-
ent law is that the corporations and personal
property pay but a small portion of our taxes,
which adds to the burdens on real estate,
while the latter is taxed without regard to
This
presents a proper subject for action, and the
suggestion that real and personal property
should be placed upon an equal footing, for all
purposes of taxation, is worthy of most seri-
ous consideration.

“Why, sir, Mr. Speaker, the farmers, the
mechanics, the laborers, who own small
homes, and all other classes who have the
bulk of their money invested in real estate
and who constitute more than four-fifths of
the citizens of this Commonwealth, are ask-
ing us to pass some law in reference to mak-
ing a more equal division of these burdens.
It cannot be denied that money owners do
not pay one-fourth as much in proportion to
the amount of property or income as the own-
ers of real estate, which, in the present as in
the past, bears the heavy burdens of munici-
pal taxation. The property of a corporation
is no more sacred than a farm or the small
home of a laborer. Both are property and
are protected by the laws which surround
them. Should not each bear its share of the
burdens of the state and local taxation in
proportion to their value and income? Shall
3874 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

we throw aside and refuse to listen to the re-
quests of three-fourths of the tax-payers of
this state? It is our duty as representatives
of the people, in passing laws, to treat all
classes alike. The corporations, the farmer,
the mechanic, the laborer, and all other classes
of citizens should be put on an equal footing.
Shall we throw the arms of protection around
the corporations and the wealthy moneyed
men, who constitute only a small portion of
the citizens, and not heed to the wishes of all
other classes? It is our duty to pass laws,
not for one particular class of men, but in
the interests of the whole people. Generally
the corporations and other personal property
make an annual net return of from five to
twenty per cent. The farm and other real
estate in Pennsylvania, after deducting insur-
ance, taxes, improvements, repairs and hired
labor incident to managing the same, does not
yield a net return of more than two and one-
half per cent, upon the amount invested.
“Now, Mr. Speaker, no one will deny that
great inequalities exist and that some change
should be made in our system of taxation,
so that the burdens upon real estate will be
somewhat removed. If the corporations and
other personal property are paying at the
present time one-fourth or one-fifth as much
tax as the real estate, according to the valu-
ation of each class of property, there should
be no objections to the passage of a law
that will make a more equal division. If
the real estate is paying four or five dollars
tax to every dollar paid by corporations and
other personal property, and the valuation of
the one class is about equal to the other, is
it reasonable to object to a change in the
system of taxation? Why, sir, some of our
corporations are almost entirely free from
taxation, while their net income is from two
to ten times as great as the income derived

‘

 

from real estate. Is it any wonder that real
estate has been depreciating in value, and
that the owners thereof are pressed down with
the burdens of overtaxation and other dis-
criminations? Where one class of property
is compelled to not only bear its own burdens,
but the burdens of all other classes, is it any
wonder that there is a great depreciation in
value?

“All classes of property should pay, as near
as may be, its share of the taxes for all pur-
poses of this Commonwealth; or, at least, our
present system of taxation should be changed
so that there will be, as near as possible, an
equal division according to the income or
value of the respective properties.

“I am not here to defend any particular
class of property or persons, but I wish to
treat all alike. When I see and know that
there are unreasonable discriminations against
certain classes, I feel it my duty to advocate
some measure that will have a tendency to-
ward removing the objectionable features
from our present tax laws.”

The following is an extract of a speech de-
livered by Mr, Fritz in the House of Repre-
sentatives in 1895, on the “Superior Court”
Bill:

“Mr. Speaker, this is one of the most im-
portant bills which has been before the Legis-
lature for consideration during this session.
Great changes are proposed in the judicial
system of this state, which should be care-
fully considered by every member of this
House before the final vote is taken. The
future rights of this great Commonwealth are
at stake. The rights of property are in-
volved. In taking this matter into consid-
eration various questions arise. Will this
change be for the best interests of the people
of this state? Has the Supreme Court be-
come so overburdened with work that it de-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 375

 

 

mands relief from the present Legislature? If
relief is necessary, is this the best method to
obtain it? WW ull the proposed court meet the
requirements of the suitors for which it is
intended? Will it not be cumbersome, dila-
tory, expensive ‘and not satisfactory?

“This bill provides that a court of interme-
diate appeals shall be established, to be called
the Superior Court, to be composed of judges
learned in the law, whose terms of office shall
be ten years. This court of appeals shall be
a new Supreme Court. A Supreme Court
for certain cases where the value of the real
or personal property, or the amount of money
in controversy, in any single action or claim
is not greater than one-thousand dollars. If
this bill should pass we would then have two
Supreme Courts. Two courts whose deci-
sions are intended to be final. ‘The one for
the poor suitors of this Commonwealth, which
will be much less perfect and inferior to our
present Supreme Court. Mr. Woodward, a
judge of the Supreme Court of this state, in
referring to this question said: ‘I do not
want to say to the poor man who has a five-
hundred dollar law suit that he is not to have
just as good a chance of litigation as the rich
corporation and the rich millionaires among
us. I do not want to include that in the law.
It is ungracious. There is nothing in me that
does not instinctively rebel against such sug-
gestion.’ The first question which we should
ask ourselves is, are the people demanding a
new court? Do they want it? Is it neces-
sary that they should have it? Since this bill
has been on the calendar I have been inquir-
ing as to whether or not it is necessary, and
whether it is the proper measure to relieve
the Supreme Court, and I have found very
few, not even among the judges themselves,
who think it is necessary and who favor its
passage. It would be expensive and would

 

not give the relief for which it was intended.
It is a bill, which if it becomes a law will
give a few men of this Commonwealth fat
positions, which with the expenses of putting
in operation the new court will take annually
from the pockets of tle people about one
hundred thousand dollars. I have been in-
formed that the present judges of the Su-
preme Court are not in favor of a law of this
kind. Some of the greatest legal minds
which this state has produced have heen op-
posed to an intermediate court. They be-
lieved and advocated the principles of our
present system, one of original jurisdiction,
such as we have in every county in the state
at the present time, and one of last resort
whose decisions are final—known as the Su-
preme Court. Chief Justice Gibson, than
whom there has been none more distin-
guished, declared that our system of courts in
Pennsylvania are the best in the world, and
that the principles which it contains can be
used and carried forward for centuries as the
most simple and easy method of establishing
justice and protecting the rights of the peo-
ple. Some of the greatest and best legal
lights of the state are opposed to the provis-
ions of this bill. A large number of able law-
yers of this state are now candidates for a
seat upon the bench of this superior court.
They with their friends have created a strong
sentiment among the legislators in favor of
this bill. But the people of this state are not
asking for it, and they are, as far as can be
learned, very much opposed to it. This court
would be expensive and useless and would not
relieve the Supreme Court, for which it is
intended. It would be injurious to the best
interests of the people of this Commonwealth,
and, as a distinguished jurist once said, would
be a ‘court of delay.’ It would be against
a prompt administration of justice. It has
376 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

been said that this intermediate court is nec-
essary for the relief of the judges of the Su-
preme Court. This was the talk twenty years
ago when the Constitution of this state was
adopted,—when the. able men of that conven-
tion decided against an intermediate court.
It was spoken of fifty, seventy and one hun-
dred years ago. It was tried under the name
of a circuit court and failed. It was estab-
lished in the early history of this state and
abolished, and again was re-established and
abolished. Other states look upon Pennsyl-
vania as having a good judicial system. A
system which stands entrenched in the public
confidence. It has been handed down to us
by our forefathers, as the best judicial sys-
tem which has yet been devised by man.
It has stood the test of a century. Shall we
now begih to tear it to pieces and try some
new method which will be unpopular with
the people, dilatory, and very expensive? It
has been the experience where systems simi-
lar to the one proposed by this bill prevails,
that after the cases have been tried by a
court of original jurisdiction and have gone
to an intermediate court, that very few cases
stop there. The parties interested are not sat-
ished until the court of last resort, or the
Supreme Court, has pronounced the final de-
cree. This new court is intended to be final
for all cases of less value than one-thousand
dollars, yet under its provisions any good law-
yer could carry any case to the Supreme
Court, no difference what the sum may be
which is involved. Thus you will see that it is a
bad law for the poor man who is determined
that the Supreme Court should decide his
case. He must first have the case decided
by the intermediate court and after the long
delay and expense he is compelled to carry
it up to the Supreme Court. Is it right that
we should pass a law which will discriminate

 

against the interests of the poor classes of
people of this Commonwealth? All the classes
should be on an equal footing. The small
case should be properly decided and carefully
considered as well as the large. The five hun-
dred dollar case of the poor man may involve
principles which if properly decided will do
more good than the five thousand dollar case
of the millionaire. It is not just and right that
we should limit the cases by a money stand-
ard. The most important principles may be
involved in the case in which the money value
is small. Any amount the Legislature may
fix in the bill is bad.

“Poverty has disadvantages enoughwithout
marking it in the laws of the state. Under
the provisions of this bill a poor man with a
small case would be unworthy to go to the
Supreme Court. No difference how impor-
tant the principles to be decided, the court
of final resort is prevented from giving its
opinion, because the money standard, as pro-
vided in this bill, declares it to be beneath
its dignity and not worthy of a hearing. I be-
lieve, sir, that some small cases have as good
tight to go to the Supreme Court as a case
involving fifty thousand or more. I do not
believe it is just or right for the Legislature
to pass a law which will discriminate between
the rich and poor. The poor man’s case may
be more precious and valuable to him than
the five million dollar case may be to the mil-
lionaire.

“Every man who wants to take a case from
the court of original jurisdiction to the high-
est judicial tribunal of the state should have
the right, and if we pass a law to deprive
him of this right we are taking away from
him that personal privilege which the found-
ers of this great government intended that all
should enjoy. The high and low, the rich and
poor, should all be treated alike.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 3TT

 

“Although it is intended by the projectors
of this new court that it shall be final, yet
every case which may be taken from the lower
courts to the intermediate court can be car-
ried from the intermediate court to the Su-
preme Court, no difference how small the
vase or what amount may be involved. This
can be brought around if so desired by the
parties, by any lawyer who handles his case
carefully. I am well satisfied that the people
of this great Commonwealth do not want this
new court. They are opposed to it. I be-
lieve that if a vote was taken to-day upon this
question by the people of this state that nine-
tenths would be found to be against it. One
of the great objections to this law will be the
delay which it will cause to suitors. A poor
man may have everything he owns involved
in a law suit. The case is tried in the common
pleas and one of the parties is not satisfied
with the decision and an appeal is taken to
the intermediate court and it is there delayed
a year, or perhaps two, and the case is de-
cided, but the party who loses is determined
to have his case tried by the highest judicial
tribunal and it is carried up, and after the
delay of a year or more a final opinion is given
and the poor suitor, whether he gains or loses,
has paid out by way of lawyer fees and ex-
penses as much or more than is involved in
the case. This bill also provides that when
an appeal is taken to an intermediate court
a bond must be given, conditioned to pay the
costs of the appeal, not only to the interme-
diate court but to the Supreme Court. The
suitor must prepare himself at once to go
through two courts, above the court of orig-
inal jurisdiction, doubling the expense and
doubling the delay. This great expense and
delay will generally have to be borne by a
class of citizens of this Commonwealth who
are the least able to bear the burden. It will

 

be a discrimination against the humble, law-
abiding citizen, the laborer, the farmer, the
mechanic and others who have small incomes
and limited means, and who have been forced
into court in order to secure certain rights to
which they believe they are justly entitled.
“Under our present system any lawyer can
draw up his precipe for a writ of error in the
Supreme Court, and there is not much delay,
unless one of the parties has taken and al-
lowed the case to go into court for the pur-
pose of delay. The only reason which has
been given or which can be given in favor
of this bill is that the Supreme Court is be-
hind, and that it has a vast amount of work
on hand. This has always been the case and
always will be so long as cases are taken and
held in court for the purpose of delay. Every
lawyer of this House knows that a list of cases
that is behind, whether in the Supreme Court
or in the lower courts, has a tendency to in-
crease its length. It is said that our judges
of the courts of common pleas, as well as the
judges of the Supreme Court, are over-
worked, but there is no evidence of this ex-
cept that there is a long list of untried cases.
What is the present cause of this long list
and of this delay? Why, sir, I know it to be
a fact that to-day there are thousands of cases
in the lower courts in this state which are
intentionally delayed by the parties. It is
the same in the Supreme Court. Cases are
taken into all courts for the purpose of delay.
Either one party or the other has some ex-
cuse which, under the present rules of the
court, entitle them to a continuance, and in
this manner the cases are sometimes delayed
for years. It is the fault of the parties and
the attorneys which cause this great delay and
long list of cases now before the Supreme
Court, as well as the common pleas, and then
we hear the cry of ‘overburdened courts’ and
378 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

‘worn-out judges.’ Let all of our courts
adopt more strict rules, which will stop the
intentional delay, and the lists will become
small. The courts will then not be over-
burdened with business, because a_ large
number of cases which now are taken into
court for delay would be settled by the par-
ties. Our courts would then not be over-
burdened and no one would think of estab-
lishing a new court.”

MAUSER & BRO. This well known

firm of carriage-makers at McEwens-

ville, Northumberland County, Pa.,

is the successor to the old-established business

conducted by William Hood, whose reputa-

tion for handiwork was known throughout
this state.

Nicholas Mauser, the paternal great-grand-
father, was born, as nearly as can be ascer-
tained, about the middle of the last century,
and was a native of Germany; immigrating to
this country in 1779, he settled in what is now
known as Montour County, but was then
known as Northumberland County. Nicholas
Mauser settled the farm where Aaron Mauser
now lives, clearing it from the forest, and
building a log-house, which is still kept as a
relic of past pioneer days. He served in the
Revolutionary War, and when he died he was
buried in the Ridgeville churchyard, Cooper
township. He had one son, Christian; and
two daughters, Mrs. Deaffenbaucher, and
Mrs. Kocher.

The old records give Christian Mauser’s
birth as occurring March 8, 1779, and he died
May 27, 1866. He married Catherine Sickler,
who was born April 21, 1786, and died De-
cember 20, 1862. They lived on the old home-
stead, where Mr. Mauser followed farming.

 

Their children were as follows: Joseph, who
married Lydia Frey; Betsey, the wife of John
Kriumm; Barbara, the wife of Michael Work-
man; John, who married Lydia Workman;
Michael, who married Catherine Workman;
Jacob, who married Catherine Krumm; Wil-
liam, who married Maria Frey; Maria, who
married Michael Workman; Fanny, who
married Thomas Cole; Molly, the wife of
Edmund White; Catherine, the wife of Thom-
as Cole.

Our subject’s father, Michael Mauser, was
born October 15, 1817, and died October 15,
1854. He learned the carpenter’s trade, but
followed farming on part of the old home-
stead, until his life ended at the early age of
thirty-seven years. His wife was a daughter
of Henry and Annie (Krumm) Workman.
Mr. Workman was born April 2, 1783, and
died December 6, 1867. His wife was born
December 11, 1785, and died November 16,
1859. Their children were: Gideon; Jacob;
Joseph; Esther; Lydia; Reuben; Catherine;
Eliza; Mary; and Henry.

Our subject’s father was the parent of five
children: Mary, who married Lewis Bayler;
Alem and Cain, our subjects; Emanuel, who
married Addie Wolf; Michael, who married
Sarah E. Wesner. Mrs. Mauser was married
a second time to Anthony Faust of Washing-
tonville, Pa., and they have one child, Peter,
who married Annie Patterson, and they reside
in Derry township.

Alem Mauser, our subject, and senior mem-
ber of the firm, was born July 20, 1846, on
the old homestead in Montour County. His
early life was devoted to education and farm-
ing, and as his father died at an early age,
our subject started at seventeen years as an
apprentice in McEwensville, learning the
wood-work of carriage building under the
excellent instruction of William Hood and
 

SSS ZO,

 

WILLIAM KASE WEST.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 381

 

 

becoming very proficient. After a few years
he took charge of the business, and in 1870
succeeded Mr. Hood, and with the exception
of a few months spent in the West, he has
carried on the business ever since. In 1875
he took in his brother, Cain, as partner, and
the firm name has since been .\. Mauser &
Bro. Alem. Mauser married Hannah M.
Hood, a niece of William Hood, and they have
been blessed with two children: Sarah H., the
wife of P. Detrich, a teacher in the schools
at Danville, Pa.; and Harry S., a student.
Mr. Mauser is a stanch Democrat, and has
been school director for the past twenty-four
years. He is a member of the borough coun-
cil; also a member of the Reformed Church.

When Mr. Hood first started the business
in 1836, it occupied a small building, which
now stands back of the present one; but as
the business increased he built the store which
the successors, A. Mauser & Bro., now occu-
py. He also built a large blacksmith-shop,
having four forges and employing upwards of
thirty men. He had orders from the East,
South, and West, for fine carriages, and the
present firm now makes top-buggies, Pitts-

burg Rockaways, and some heavy work—

spring wagons and busses; altogether, having
an output of about one thousand five hun-
dred vehicles a year.

Cain Mauser, the junior member of the.

firm, was born on the old homestead August
14, 1849, and attended the public schools and
the Orangeville Academy. While a young
man, he learned the harness-making trade in
Bloomsburg, but wishing to see a little of the
world, he accordingly set out, and spent sev-
eral years in the West. Returning, he clerked
in a general store for a short time, next learn-
ing to paint and trim carriages. In 1875 he
became a member of the firm with his brother.
He married Emma C. Wesner, a daughter of

_tilling the soil for many years.

 

Henry Wesner of McEwensville, Pa. Mr.
Mauser is a member of the Lutheran Church
and a member of the I. O. O. F. He also has
been a member of the school council for sev-
enteen years.

This reliable firm has made a reputation
which is known throughout the state, and too
much cannot be said in praise of these broth-
ers, for, in all of their dealings, honesty and
uprightness stand out prominently, as their
large patronage goes to prove.

4 « >

ILLIAM KASE WEST, whose
portrait we present on the preced-
ing page, has won distinction in
the legal profession and is one of the leading
attorneys of Danville, Montour County, Pa.
He was born in Danville March 8, 1860, and

“isa son of George Wileston West, and grand-

son of William West.

The paternal great-grandfather of our sub-
ject was Thomas West, who was of English-
German descent and was born in Schoharie
County, N. Y. He built a log house near
his father’s homestead and there engaged in
Upon the
outbreak of the Revolutionary War he left
a happy home and family to battle for in-
dependence. He had the misfortune to be
taken prisoner by the English forces, but af-
ter a short term of imprisonment effected his
escape and organized a company, of which
he was captain, and rendered valuable aid to
the American cause. In 1808, or soon after,
he and his children removed to Ararat, Sus-
quehanna County, Pa., where he took up land
and lived the remainder of his life. He died
at the age of sixty years, and his wife at-
tained the advanced age of eighty years. The
following issue resulted from their union:
382

Thomas; Hannah; Jones; Benjamin; William,
Nathaniel; Permelia; and Eunice.

William West, grandfather of our subject,
was born near Schenectady, Schoharie Coun-
ty, N. Y., and learned the trade of a black-
smith. After moving to Susquehanna Coun-
ty with his parents he cleared a farm and en-
gaged in farming. He later settled at Mason-
ville Delaware County, N. Y., where he con-
tinued at his trade as blacksmith until his
death at the age of seventy-five years. He
married Eliza Rogers, a daughter of Hobert
Rogers, who was for many years ‘a sea cap-
tain, but, tiring of that life and wishing to
establish an inland home, bought a farm in
Delaware County, N. Y.; he became an agri-
culturist, but later built a large boat and with
his family sailed down the river to Chesa-
peake Bay where he lived the remainder of
his life. Mr. West and his wife became the
parents of the following children: George
Wileston and Hobert Rogers. Mrs. Eliza
Rogers West died at the early age of twenty-
seven years, and William West was united in
marriage to Hannah Demenshaw, and they
reared three children, Milo, Philo, and Jabez.

George Wileston West the father of our
subject, began life on his own account at the
age of thirteen years with a farmer of Mount
Ararat, Pa., and by the practice of strict econ-
omy saved enough from his scanty wages to
enable him to attend school at the age of
nineteen years, entering Birch Academy. He
remained there for one term after which he
took a course in the Wyoming Academy,
being one of the first students of that insti-
tution, and there studied surveying. He then
taught school for six terms in what was then
Columbia County, now Montour. In 1845
he was appointed county surveyor and each
successive year since he has been elected to
that office. He is considered as an authority

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

on lines and boundaries in this section of the
state, his work not being confined to Mon-
tour County, as he is often called to different
counties in Northern and Central Pennsyl-
vania. He also served for twenty-four years
as county commissioner’s clerk. He is now
past eighty years of age, walks straight as
an arrow, and, being large of stature, is of
commanding appearance. Mr. West is a
prominent figure throughout his section and
is held in high esteem by a large circle of
friends. He ownsa fine modern home at No.
212 Pine street where he has resided for a
number of years and enjoys the best of health.
In 1854 he was united in matrimonial bonds
with Catherine A. Kase a daughter of John
Kase of Elysburg, Pa., and they reared eight
children, namely: Charles W., a carpenter
and painter of Danville; Eleanore Eliza, the
wife of Oliver Diehl of Marionville, Pa.; Will-
iam Kase, the subject of this review; George
M., the manager of the gas and electric light
plant of Danville; Louise M., who is at home
with her parents; Isaac Dewitt, whose bio-
graphical sketch appears elsewhere in this
book; and Catherine, who died in childhood.

William Kase West obtained his education
in the public schools of Danville and at the
Bloomsburg State Normal School, after which
he assisted his father in surveying for some
time, devoting his spare moments to study
and the completion of his education. He
then engaged in surveying in the West for
two years, and upon returning home read law
with Grier & Hinckley, being admitted to the
bar in 1886. He has since practiced in Dan-
ville, and has been successful, as the large
number of cases won testify. He has a very
large clientage and is very popular. Few
men of his age hold so prominent a position
in the public estimation, and from present
indications it is safe to predict a brilliant fu-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 383

ture for him and class him among the lead-
ing men of the county. From 1887 to 1&9g2
he served as district attorney and proved that
he was the right man in the right place.

In 1891 Mr. West was united in the holy
bonds of wedlock with Ella Patterson, a
daughter of John C. Patterson of Danville,
and they are the proud parents of three child-
ren, as follows: John Patterson, who was
born March 16, 1892; Mary Louise, born
October 12, 1893; and William K., whose
birth occurred October 16, 1895. Our sub-
ject is a member and past master of Dan-
ville Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M.; past high
priest of Danville Chapter, No. 239, H. R. A.;
eminent commander Calvary Commandery,
No. 37, K. T.; and an officer in Bloomsburg
Lodge No. 436, B. P. O. E.

2

R. ANSON A. LAY, a rising young
dentist of Shamokin, with abundant
promise of a brilliant future in his

profession and also in the literary field, is a

son of Smith W. and Martha (Earl) Lay, and

was born near Seneca Falls, N. Y., in 1869.
The ancestors of our subject were of Eng-

lish origin and may easily be traced back

over a hundred years, and have all been na-
tives of New York State. Nathaniel Lay,
great-grandfather of our subject, was united

in marriage with a Miss Minta, who was a

native of Denmark.

Both he and his son, David Lay, our sub-
ject’s grandfather, rendered distinguished
service in the Revolutionary War and fought
bravely throughout that struggle.

Smith W. Lay, father of our subject, was
a talented man and a machinist by trade. Our
subject received his primary education in the
common school of his native place, after
which he graduated with honors at the Se-

 

 

 

 

2)

 

neca Falls, N. Y., High School. He then
began the study of medicine under a pre-
ceptor, which study he pursued diligently for
about two years, after which he took a course
of lectures at the Jefferson Medical College
of Philadelphia. In 1890 he entered the Penn-
sylvania College of Dental Surgery, and af-
ter completing his studies there he imme-
diately began the practice of his profession,
which he continued to follow with much suc-
cess in the following cities: Waterloo, N. Y.;
Baltimore, Md.; Wilkesbarre, Pa.; and
Cleveland, Ohio; after which, in 1895, he
located at Shamokin, where he has splendid
facilities and a large field for dental work.

He at once proceeded to build up and ex-
tend his practice, and during the short time
he has been located in Shamokin he has de-
veloped a practice second to none in the
town.

Aside from the dental parlors in Shamokin,
of which he is sole proprietor, Dr. Lay is in-
terested in offices at Reading, Pa., Wilkes-
barre, Pa., Cleveland, Ohio, and Baltimore,
Md.

Dr. Lay was united in the holy bonds of
wedlock with Inez Haley, a most charming
and accomplished lady, and is the father of
one son, Victor. Our subject is well versed
in all the intricacies and details of the art
of dentistry and enjoys the confidence and
good will of a very desirable class of patrons.
He is a thorough gentleman, with pleasant,
agreeable manners, and bids fair to become
a very prominent citizen of Shamokin.

 

EORGE W. SEIBERT enjoys the
distinction of being a skilled me-

chanic, but is now, practically, a retired
farmer of Delaware township, Northumber-
land County, Pa. Heé was born at Milton,
384

 

Pa., April 14, 1828, and is the son of John
and Maggie (Truckermiller) Seibert.

Our subject boasts of being the descendant
of good, old Pennsylvania Germans, who
were noted for their industrious qualities and
upright dealings with all men. His grand-

father settled at Buffalo Valley, where he lived |

the quiet, unostentatious life of a farmer.
Both he and his good wife lived to old age,
he being eighty years old at the time of his
death. They reared a most remarkable family
of children, of whom seven lived to be over
sixty years of age; four over ninety, and three
nearly reached the century mark; below are
their respective names and ages: Andrew,
ninety-one years; John, our subject’s father,
sixty-six years; Joseph, who was ushered into
life with the present century, was born Janu-
ary I, 1800, and remained single all of his
ninety-six years; Rebecca, also single, sixty-
one years; Catherine (Rothroth), who died at
the age of ninety-six; Sarah, who married Mr.
Hammer and lived to the extreme old age of
ninety-nine; and lastly, Susan, whose hus-
band’s name was Rothroth, and who died at
seventy-seven. Our subject has many good
reasons why he should be extremely proud of
having such a record of long life among his
ancestry.

John Seibert, our subject’s father, was born
in Montgomery County, Pa., and early in life
‘settled at Milton, where he assisted in build-
ing many of the mills in that vicinity, being a
millwright by trade. He had the reputation
of being the most skilled man to dress mill-
stones in that part of the state. So proficient
was he that his services were sought far and
near. Working at his trade so unceasingly,
and inhaling so much dust, settled a throat
trouble on him which in time became a serious
affliction and increased with age, finally caus-
ing his death at the age of sixty-six years.

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

He was a strong believer in the Lutheran
Church. In his political opinions he was a sup-
porter of the Whig party. From Milton he
removed to Delaware township to the farm
where J. Lusher now resides. He cleared
about fifty acres of the land and built the sub-
stantial house and barns now there. His wife
was Maggié, daughter of Solomon Trucker-
miller. She died at the age of seventy-six
years, leaving eleven children, all grown, to
mourn her demise, namely: Jacob, John,
David, Joseph, George W., our subject,
Charles, Poily, Julia, Sarah, and Matilda.
George W. Seibert obtained his education
in the public schools, after which he learned
the mechanic’s trade, which was almost a
natural gift to him. He spent several years
working at his trade as a journeyman, attain-
ing a reputation for thorough and excellent
work. Having been saving and prudent, he
had a considerable sum of money with which
he purchased a home; this was one hundred
acres of land which contained, at that time,
only a log building. He then set about to
improve this farm in every possible way and
make a home worthy of the name. He built
a large brick house, planning and construct-
ing it himself. Many pet schemes of his were
unfolded and used advantageously to himself
in making his home attractive and convenient.
He also built large and commodious barns.
His whole farm is now in a state of high
cultivation and is one of the choicest grain
farms in Delaware township, located near Mc-
Ewensville. He was united in marriage to
Amelia A., daughter of Jacob Stitzel, and four
children were born to them. The eldest of
these were twins; Charles, a prominent farm-
er of Limestoneville, and Jacob, who died,
aged fourteen years; their third child, Han-
nah, wedded Arthur Gauger of Delaware
township; while George W., the fourth child,
 

JOHN L. WILLIAMS.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 3887

 

 

married Carrie Kriner and now has charge of
the home farm.

Mr. Seibert is a worthy citizen, such as all
-good men love to honor. He has always
taken an active interest in educational affairs
having served in the capacity of school di-
rector for eight years and has been overseer
‘of the poor for many years. In his political
affiliations Mr. Seibert is always found in the

Democratic camp, ever loyal to the principles.

espoused by Jefferson and Jackson. Both he
and his estimable wife are good Christian
workers, Mrs. Seibert being a strong believer
in the Reformed Church, and Mr. Seibert a
member of the Lutheran Church.

 

OHN L. WILLIAMS, who is well
known among mine operators as a
thoroughly equipped and very stuccess-

ful superintendent of coal mining, is one of
Mount Carmel’s most progressive and promi-
nent citizens. He is a son of Thomas L. and
Sarah (Lloyd) Williams, and was born May
4, 1840, in the County of Denbigh, North
Wales.

Our subject naturally took to mining, as
his father was a miner. The father, Thomas
Williams, was born in Wales about 1820, and
immigrated to this country in 1871. He had
followed mining since the early age of some-
thing over eight years. He located in She-
nandoah, Schuylkill County, where he fol-
lowed mining in all its branches until about
1895. He had had experience in Wales as an
assistant foreman and in this region he served
several years as fire-boss. To him and his
wife were born three sons: John L.; Thomas
L., who was an outside-foreman for the Read-
ing Company at the Maple Hill Colliery,
where he died in 1896; and Daniel, who re-
sides in Mount Carmel and is assistant out-

 

side-foreman of the Richards Colliery, and has
followed mining all his life.

John L. Williams attended the common
schools in and near his birthplace until, at the
age of thirteen years, he entered the employ
of the Great Western Railway, for which he
worked four and a half years. Then, at the
age of seventeen years, he took a position as
a fireman with a coal company, with the in-
tention of becoming a mechanic and engi-
neer. He remained in the company’s employ
about ten years, working as a fireman, engi-
neer, inspector of pumps and in various other
positions, obtaining a complete knowledge of
mining and mining machinery, which served
him well in his subsequent career in the min-
ing region of this state. Mr. Williams came
to the United States in December, 1869, lo-
cating at Shenandoah, a stranger, with will-
ingness to work and thorough knowledge of
mines and machinery as his only capital. At
that time work in the mines was suspended
and positions were scarce. Our subject ob-
tained employment, however, sinking the In-
dian Ridge shaft at Shenandoah and putting
in all the pumps. When the mine was opened
and operations began he was made assistant
inside-foreman, which position he held for
three years, when he was promoted to fore-
man, the mine having been absorbed by the
Reading Company, remaining foreman until
1880. In that year Mr. Williams was ap-
pointed superintendent of the Shenandoah
district, comprising six collieries, serving as
such for three years, when he was again pro-
moted and made superintendent of all the
collieries owned by the Reading Company
north of Broad Mountain and from Trevorton
to Mahanoy City. He visited the collieries
and carefully inspected them and the manner
in which they were worked, making reports
which were declared complete in essential de-
388 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

tails and very satisfactory. At the end of a
year the district was divided into two di-
visions, the Shamokin and the Shenandoah,
and our subject was appointed superintendent
of the latter division, extending from Girard-
ville to Mahanoy City and including 24 col-
lieries. He remained superintendent of that
division until 1892, when he resigned from the
service of the Reading Company and, remov-
ing to Mount Carmel, became superintendent
for the Union Coal Company on May 1, 1892,
and is now with that company. He has the
supervision of four collieries, the Hickory
Ridge, Hickory Swamp of Shamokin, Pa.,
and the Pennsylvania and Richards at Mount
Carmel. These collieries give employment to
4,000 men and boys, and‘their supervision is
a task which only a well-equipped and unu-
sually capable man, such as Mr. Williams,
could successfully undertake. Our subject
has been very successful and is regarded as an
expert in coal mining. He has won success
by his ability and because he possesses in
great degree the perseverance which makes
men successful.

In July, 1866, Mr. Williams was united in
marriage with Sarah E. Edwards, and to them
have been born the following children:
Thomas H., who for some time was an assist-
ant to his father and is unusually capable as
a business man, and has served as president
of the council in Mount Carmel; John, a
miner, who resides in Mount Carmel; Jennie,
wife of Thomas Sanger of Mount Carmel, a
draughtsman for the Mount Carmel Iron
Company and a graduate of Girard College,
Philadelphia; Harry L., a mechanic by occu-
pation; and Edwin S., also a mechanic, who
began at the bottom by serving a full appren-
ticeship. In politics Mr. Williams is a Re-
publican. We take pleasure in announcing
that his portrait is shown on a preceding page.

 

ARRY S. KNIGHT, who has been

very successful in the practice of the

legal profession in the town of

Sunbury. since May 1, 1894, is a son of Fred

H. and Annie (Schoc) Knight, and was born

in Watsontown, Northumberland County,
March 6, 1868.

The family is of Welsh descent, and, upon
coming to America during the colonial pe-
riod, located on Long Island. Albert Knight,
the great-grandfather of our subject, was born
on Long Island and was a soldier in the co-
lonial wars. His son, Richard Knight, our
subject’s grandfather, was also born there
and when eleven years of age enlisted in the
army during the Revolutionary War as
drummer-boy, serving in that capacity
throughout the struggle for liberty. He then
moved to Harrisburg, Pa., when that now
thriving city was but a small village, and en-
gaged in merchandising until the War of
i812. He then organized a company and
was mustered into service as captain and
served faithfully until the close of the war.
He then removed to Liverpool, Perry County,
where he operated packet boats on the Sus-
quehanna Canal until his death, which oc-
curred in 1848, aged sixty-eight years. Re-
ligiously he was a member of the Episcopal
Church. He was the father of five children,
two sons and three daughters, one of whom
was Fred H., the father of our subject.

Fred H. Knight was born in Liverpool,
Perry County, Pa., November 22, 1838, and
obtained his education in the public schools
and in Millersburg State Normal School of
which he is a graduate. Upon leaving school
he taught for a short period, but in 1861 en-
listed in Company G, 147th Reg., Pa. Vol.
Inf., as a private and served through the en-
tire war, acquitting himself with credit. From
time to time he was promoted and was fin-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 389

 

 

ally ranked as major. He was attached to
Sherman's Army during the memorable
March to the Sea and also participated in
the following important engagements: Look-
out Mountain; Chancellorsville; Chatta-
nooga; Vicksburg; Siege of Atlanta; and
was taken prisoner and incarcerated on Belle
Isle for a short time. After the close of
the war, he located at Selinsgrove and in 1866
moved to Watsontown, where he has since
resided and carried on a general merchandise
store with good results. He is superintendent
of the Watsontown Water Works, of which he
is the chief stockholder. Religiously he is a
member of the Lutheran Church, whilst in
political views he is a stanch Republican and
has held the office of chief burgess a number
of times. Socially he is a member of Bryson
Post, No. 225, G. A. R., of Watsontown.
December 13, 1866, he was united in marriage
to Annie Schoc, and they became the parents
of one son, Harry S.

Harry S. Knight is a gentleman of scholar-
ly attainments, being a graduate of Watson-
town High School in 1884; he also took a
three years’ course in Wyoming Seminary
and was graduated therefrom in the class of
1888. He then engaged in newspaper work
on the Wilkesbarre Record until the fall of
1889, when he took up the study of law under
the direction of H. C. McCormick, who is at
present an attorney of Williamsport, and was
admitted to the bar of Lycoming County in
the’ fall of 1891. He shortly afterwards
formed a partnership with N. N. Edwards,
Esq., and under the firm name, Edwards &
Knight, practiced for one year, when on ac-
count of poor health and failing eyesight he
was obliged to give up active work. Having
recovered sufficiently at the expiration of two
years, on May 1, 1894, he moved to Sunbury
where he was admitted to the bar and im-

 

mediately began practice. He has secured a
large clientage and has pleaded cases in the
State and United States courts with much
success. He organized the board of trade
soon after his arrival in Sunbury, and has
been secretary of the board ever since. He is
the leading spirit of the organization and has
secured for the city many large enterprises,
chief of which are the silk mills and knitting
mill. On May 1, 1897, he took Milton Loeb
into partnership, the firm now being Knight
& Loeb.

June 16, 1896, Mr. Knight was joined in
wedlock to Mary B. Martin of Williamsport,
and they are the happy parents of one son,
Frederick H. Politically he is a Republican

and takes an active interest in all affairs of a

political nature. In religious attachments he
is a member of the Episcopal Church and an
active worker in the Sunday school. Socially
he is a member of the James Cameron Camp,
No. 60, S. of V., and Pa. Div. S. of R.

BACH, who has been engaged exten-

sively in farming and lumbering for
many years, is one of the progressive business
men of Benton township, Columbia County.
He is a son of Peter and Susan Catherine
(Krickbaum) Laubach, and was born in Ben-
ton township October 28, 1849.

He is a descendant of sturdy Hollanders,
whose home was the native country of John
G. Laubach, the great-great-grandfather of
our subject, who immigrated to Philadelphia,
Pa., as early as 1736 and lived there the re-
mainder of his life. He was the progenitor of
the following children: Susan; John Mich-
ael; John; John Christian; Ann Mary; John
Conrad, who died in infancy; John Conrad,

Po KINNEY KRICKBAUM LAU-
390 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

second of that name; Anna Margaret; Cath-
erine; John George; Wilberg; and Elizabeth.
John Christian Laubach, the great-grand-
father of our subject, was born June 30, 1764,
in the city of Philadelphia, and was the first
to locate in Columbia County, settling there
in 1790. Three years later he moved to
Sugarloaf township, took up a tract of four
hundred acres of land on what is now known
as Fritz Hill and followed farming until his
death, on March 15, 1825. He was united
in marriage to Mary Frutchy, who was born
February 3, 1773, and was called to her final
rest July 8, 1823. They reared a large fam-
ily of children, namely: Susan, who mar-
ried John Moore, was the mother of eight
children, and withstood the vicissitudes of for-
tune for ninety-one years before succumbing
to the inevitable; George, who married Eliza-
beth Coleman, a daughter of Benjamin Cole-
man, was one of the early settlers of
Sugarloaf township, but during his later years
resided in Michigan; Frederick, who took as
his wife Mary Larish, by whom he had eight
children; Peter, who died in childhood; Han-
nah, who became the wife of Thomas Con-
ner of Bloomsburg and had three sons and
two daughters; Elizabeth, who was the wife of
William Cole and bore him nine children;
Anna Margaret, who married William Ikeler
and died in Fishing Creek township; Polly,
wife of John Ikeler, moved to Michigan;
Catherine, who married John R. Davis, was
the mother of nine children and resided in
Benton township, Columbia County; Chris-
tian, who was united in marriage with Hannah
Hefley and lived in Danville, Montour Coun-
ty: and John, the grandfather of our subject.

John Laubach followed the calling of a
farmer all of his life in Sugarloaf township,
and was a very prosperous: man. In connec-
tion with farming he carried on a distillery.

 

He was joined in wedlock to Ann Kline, a
daughter of Abraham Kline, Jr., and their
union resulted in the following issue: Abra-
ham, a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, who died in the state of
Washington; Rhoda Ann, who married J. H.
Harrison and died January 29, 1884, in Union
township, Luzerne County; Isaac, who mar-
ried Sarah Ash, a daughter of Christian Ash,
was a soldier of the Civil War, serving
for three years,—at the expiration of that
time he enlisted for three more years, but
the war came to a termination shortly after,—
At present he is conducting a farm and dairy
in Southeastern Iowa; Peter, our subject’s
father; George, who married Charlotte Mc-
Henry, a daughter of Henry McHenry, Jr.,
and served for one year in the 199th Reg.,
Pa. Vol. Inf., receiving an honorable dis-
charge; Christian, united in marriage to Sally
Ann Pennington, a daughter of Jonathan C.
Pennington; John Frutchy, whose wife was
Susan Tailor, died October 24, 1863; Dan-
iel S., who married Elizabeth Young and_now
resides in Bloomsburg; David Kline, who
married Mary Pennington, served in the
Iggth Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.; and Frederick,
who married Lucy Harrison, a daughter of
Rev. M. E. Harrison, enlisted in the army
during the Civil War for three years’ service
and again for a similar period, but received his
discharge before his time expired,—his death
occurred October 29, 1881.

Peter Laubach was born April 15, 1825, in
Sugarloaf township, on the old Laubach
homestead. At the age of eight years he went
with his parents to Benton township, where
he lived on the old John Laubach property.
After attaining his majority he conducted a
store in Benton for about nine months, and
in 1847 he purchased 100 acres of land in that
township. He improved it greatly and culti-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, 891

 

 

 

vated it with good results for many years,
buying more land from time to time until he
had 440 acres in all. He was a good citizen
and one of the leading farmers in the northern
section of Columbia County. Politically he
was a supporter of the Republican party,
whilst in his religious belief he was a member
of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was
trustee and elder, and was one of the building
committee for the erection of the present
church edifice. Socially he was a member
of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Laubach lived
a long and useful life and was called Home
May 28, 1890. Asa result of his union with
Susan Catherine Krickbaum, the following
-children were born: Isaac Kinney Krick-
baum, the subject of this biographical rec-
ord; John C., who died in childhood;
Rhoda Ann, wife of Henry C. Learn of Ber-
wick, and Margaret Ann, wife of Frank P.
Dildine of Benton, twins; Sarah E. Brown
and Freace Brown, also twins,—the former
died in infancy and the latter is married to
Alvin W. Dresher of Benton township; Win-
field Scott, who is farming on the old home-
stead, and married Elizabeth C. Roberts, a
daughter of Samuel Roberts; and Susan Ma-
tilda, who died in 1866.

Isaac Kinney Krickbaum Laubach was
reared on the farm and obtained his intel-
lectual training in the public schools of his na-
tive town and in the New Columbia Acad-
emy and the Bloomsburg State Normal

School. After receiving a good English edu-,

cation he left.school and turned his attention
to lumbering and farming, which vocations he
has followed since. He is one of the leading
and progressive business men of his section of
the county and stands high in the estimation
of the public. He is a man of high principles,
honest and straightforward, and numbers his
friends by the score.

 

July 3, 1875, he married Annie Gibbons, a
daughter of the late Thomas Gibbons, a farm-
er of Benton township, and their union re-
sulted in the following offspring: Laura L.,
the wife of P. E. Tubbs, a mason and plasterer
of Benton township; Susan, who died in in-
fancy; Peter Clyde; Sadie E.; and Letha M.
Mrs. Laubach was called to her eternal rest
May 27, 1897, aged forty-eight years and six
days. Politically Mr. Laubach is a Republi-
can. He was jury commissioner from 1895
to 1898, also school director for a number of
years. Socially he is past grand and an
active member of Benton Lodge, I. O. O.
F.; member of the Patrons of Husbandry;
aud secretary of the Grange, which of-
fice he has held for a number of years. Re-
ligiously our subject is allied with the Presby-
terian Church of Raven Creek, Pa., in which
he is trustee and elder, offices he has faithfully
filled for several years.

4-2 >___—_—__

OHN F. SCHAFFER, an attorney-at-
law of the town of Sunbury, North-
umberland County, where he enjoys a

large and lucrative patronage, is a son of John
F and Sarah A. (Houghton) Schaffer, and
was born in Sunbury, September 20, 1867.
The family originally came from Switzer-
land, John Schaffer, the great-grandfather of
our subject, being a native of that country.
He was a soldier in the Napoleon wars and
after receiving a serious wound in the chest
he left the army and came to this country, lo-
cating in the city of Reading, where he lived
until his death. He was the father of John
Schaffer, the grandfather of our subject, who
was born in Reading and early in life learned
the trade of a tailor, which trade he thereafter
followed. He took an active part in the po-
litical affairs of his day and was a member of
392 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

the Democratic party, spending time and
money in aiding his friends to office. He was
a member of the Reformed Church, in which
he was an active worker and was Sunday
School superintendent. He was twice before
the matrimonial altar, his first wife being
Louise Winckler, by whom he had four chil-
dren, including John F., the father of our sub-
ject.

John F. Schaffer was born in Reading, Au-
gust 3, 1834, where he grew to manhood and
learned the trade of a tailor with his father.
In 1855 he went to Lewisburg, Pa., where he
engaged in merchant tailoring until 1864,
when he returned to Reading and‘in the fol-
lowing spring removed to Sunbury, where he
remained until his death, on August 3, 1878.
He engaged in his trade at Sunbury with good
results. He was also an artist of more than
ordinary ability. He was united in marriage
to Sarah A. Houghton and they became the
parents of one son and one daughter.

John F. Schaffer, the subject of this bio-
graphical sketch, was reared in Sunbury and
obtained his education in the public schools,
graduating from the high school in the class
of 1884. He then was a clerk in the office of
the register and recorder and clerk of the
Orphans’ Court in Sunbury. In 1887 he went
West, spending three years in California, Co!-
orada, and Arizona, during the time of the
great boom. He was employed in an abstract
and title company’s office at Los Angeles, and
later by Fred Harvey, the proprietor of a
chain of -eating houses from Kansas City to
San Bernardino, Cal. Prior to his departure for
the West our subject passed the preliminary
examination and upon his return to Sunbury
in 1890 he read law under the direction of
Hon. John B. Packer, a distinguished lawyer
of that place, and upon the latter’s death in
1891, he continued to study under George B.

 

Reymonsnyder of Sunbury. He was admitted
to the bar in December, 1894, and has since
been successfully engaged in practice. From
1891 to 1894 he served as deputy prothono-
tary in a satisfactory manner.

Politically Mr. Schaffer is a member of the
Democratic party, but has never aspired to of-
fice, taking only the interest of a dutiful citi-
zen in politics. Religiously he is a member
of the Presbyterian Church. ;

ILLIAM HENRY SMALL, one of
the enterprising farmers of Laporte

township, Sullivan County, Pa.,
was born at Clifford Corners, Susquehanna
County, this state, the date of his birth being
August 8, 1835. He is a son of Bradner S. and
Harriet (Hunter) Small, and a grandson of
Matthew Small.

Matthew Small was born in Tompkins
County, N. Y., and died at Havana, N. Y., at
an advanced age. His wife died aged eighty
years. Little is now known of Matthew Small,
but that he was a soldier of the Revolutionary
War and saw active service on Staten Island,
N. Y. He was the father of Bradner S., our
subject’s father; Jane; Sarah Ann; Hannah;
Lydia Ann; and Elias. In politics our sub-
ject’s grandfather was an active Democrat;
in religious belief he was inclined to be lib-
eral.

Bradner S. Small was born in Orange Coun-
ty, N. Y., where-he grew to maturitv: he
learned the trade of a miller and wood-carver
and, practically, followed these lines of busi-
ness all his life. He passed from this world
at the age of sixty years. In politics he firmly
upheld the principles advocated by the Demo-
cratic party. He was the father of the follow-
ing children: Asneth, now deceased; our sub-

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT,

ject; John Thomas, deceased; Esther, who
married Henry White and resides in Virginia;
Mary married Elmer Shewmann, and they re-
side in Corning, N. Y.; Julia, who resides in
{thaca, N. Y.; Sarah Eliza, who married By-
ron Rogers, now deceased, and lives in El-
mira, N. Y.

William Henry Small was but seven years
of age when his parents became residents of
Ithaca, N. Y., and there he received his men-
tal training and grew to manhood. Leaving
home he went to Benton, Luzerne County,
Pa., where he apprenticed himself to the
blacksmith’s trade for three years. From
Benton he went to Laporte, his present
adopted town, and there carried on his trade
until 1861, the beginning of the most disas-
trous and bloody war of modern times. In
response to a call issued by President Lincoln
for troops to put down the Rebellion, our sub-
ject immediately enlisted in the 11th Reg.,
Pa. Vol. Inf., for a term of three months. He
took part in the skirmishes at Haines Run,
near Williamsport, Md., and later his regiment
camped within four miles of Martinsburg;
there our subject was ill a short time before
his term expired and was sent to the hospital
at Hagerstown, from which place he was hon-
orably discharged. He then went to Harris-
burg, Pa., where he was again taken sick, and
upon his recovery he returned to Laporte,
where he took up his former trade. In 1864 he
moved upon the farm owned by the father of
his wife, and upon Mr. Clark’s death she fell
heir to her present fine mountain-top or table-
land farm of eighty-eight acres. Mr. Small
has since purchased twenty acres of timber-
land adjoining the estate, and on the Clark
part of the farm has since been erected a fine
two-story, modern farm-house and a commo-

dious barn. He is a hard-working, careful

 

393

farmer and his home and surroundings show
that he is prosperous and progressive.

Mr. Small was united in marriage in 1863
with Florence Clark, a daughter of Edward
and Mary (Van Fleet) Clark of Laporte, Pa.,
and they are the proud parents of six chil-
dren, namely: Hattie, deceased; Andrew
married Millie Fritz and at present resides at
home; Emmet, deceased; Edward, Frank,
and Merlin, all single. Politically Mr. Small
is a Republican. In his religious views he is
liberal.

 

ILLIAM H. RHAWN, one of Co-

lumbia County’s most prominent

attorneys-at-law, was born in Catawissa, Oc-

tober 11, 1856, and is a son of Casper and
Catherine (Kruck) Rhawn.

The grandfather of our subject was Henry
Rhawn, a native of Montgomery County,
where he resided most of his life. He was
the father of a family of children, one of whom
was Casper, the father of our subject.

Casper Rhawn was born at Halifax, Pa., in
1814, where he obtained his intellectual train-
ing and learned the trade of a tailor. In
1835 he removed to Catawissa, Pa., where he
followed his trade until his death in 1882. He
formed a matrimonial alliance with Catherine
Kruck, a daughter of Jacob Kruck, a native
and resident of Berks County. Mrs. Rhawn,
who was born in 1818, survives her husband
and is enjoying good health for one of her
age. Their union was blessed by the birth of
the following children: Susan (Koslen-
bauder); George B.; Stephen; Catherine
(Haas); Jacob; William H.; and Jessie. Mr.
Rhawn was a firm supporter of the Demo-
cratic party and always took an active inter-
est in local affairs, serving as postmaster of
Catawissa for many years.
394 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

William H. Rhawn, a record of whose life
is here given, received his education in the
public schools of Catawissa and in Dickinson
Seminary, after which he took up the study
of law under the preceptorship of W. H. Ab-
bott of Catawissa. He was admitted to the
bar in May, 1879, and has since lived in
Catawissa, where he maintains his office, but
his largest practice is at the Columbia Cotinty
Bar. He is an active and energetic business

man and his great success can only be attrib-_

uted to his own superior natural abilities and
professional qualifications. He is a strong
worker and when he enters upon a case it is
with the firm determination of doing justice
to his client and to himself. He is attorney
for the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, the
Catawissa Fiber Company, Ltd., and for the
Catawissa First National Bank, of which he is
a stockholder.

In his political views Mr. Rhawn affiliates
with the Democratic party and has frequently
been spoken of as a senatorial candidate ow-
ing to his well-known executive ability and his
popularity.

——__+_~+.

 

R. MARTIN ELIAS PLUMSTEAD,

a successful practitioner of medicine
© of Hillsgrove, Hillsgrove township,
Sullivan County, is a man of good education
and has had much practical experience in the
performance of his professional duties. He is
a son of John and Lydia (Crayton) Plum-
stead, and was born in Bradford County, Pa.,
May 31, 1873.

John Plumstead, the father of our subject,
was born in Elmira, N. Y., where he resided
until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he
enlisted in the 161st Reg., N. Y. Vol. Inf.,
of Elmira. He'was injured on a boat on the
Hudson River while in the discharge of his

 

 

 

 

 

duty, and upon his discharge from the regi-

ment he returned to his home. There he
lived for some time and then moved to Frank-
lin, Bradford County, Pa., where he worked
at the carpenter's trade. He finally moved
to Sayre, Bradford County, in 1885, and is
now a resident of that place, being employed
in the locomotive works. He was united in
marriage with Lydia Crayton of Bradford
County, and they are the parents of five chil-
dren, as follows: William K., a mason by
trade and a resident of Sayre, Pa., who mar-
tied Florence Northrup; Minnie, the wife of
Frank L. Garrison, a car-inspector living at
Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Lewis, a laborer residing
in Sayre, Pa.; Martin Elias, the subject of
this sketch; and Norman, a youth of thirteen
years, living at Sayre, Pa.

Dr. Martin E. Plumstead received his edu-
cation in the common schools of Sayre, Pa.,
after which he entered the employ of the Le-
high Valley R. R., working as fireman for a
period of two and one-half years on the main
line. He then resigned that position and be-
gan the study of medicine in the Medical De-
partment of the University of Cleveland, at
Cleveland, Ohio. He attended school there
for one year, after which he took a two years’
course in the Chicago Homeopathic School.
As his means were limited, it was with great
difficulty that our subject was able to attend
school; it required labors outside of school
work, but he was equal to the demand, pay-
ing his tuition by aiding the janitor in his
duties. He was graduated and received a
certificate to practice on March 23, 1807,
immediately thereafter locating at Sayre, Pa.
He received his certificate to practice in Penn-
sylvania on June 24, 1897, and practiced in
Sayre until August, 1898, when he moved
to Hillsgrove, Sullivan County, where he has
acquired a good practice. He has met with
 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 397

 

 

pleasing success since his residence in Hills-
grove and as a result contemplates conduct-
ing a first-class drug-store there in the near
future. He has identified himself with all of
the interests of the township and has made
“many friends in that vicinity.

On June 5, 1898, Dr. Plumstead was mar-
ried to Hattie Brougham of Sayre; she was
born in January, 1873, and is a daughter of
Spencer and Lottie (Mills) Brougham. Her
father is a machinist by trade. The doctor
was on the board of health at Sayre, and was
also examiner of the Metropolitan Life In-
surance Company there. Socially he is a
member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Firemen. In politics he is a member of the
Republican «party. Religiously he is a faith-
ful member of the Baptist Church; his wife is
a member of the Episcopal Church.

———4 o>____

EORGE W RYON, attorney of
Shamokin, Pa., a portrait of whom is
shown on the opposite page, is wide-
ly known as one of the most thoroughly pro-
gressive citizens of the Keystone State. Com-
bining rare business ability and tact with a
thorough knowledge of law, he has been fore-
most in advancing the material interests of
the town in which he resides and practices his
profession. Mr. Ryon was born in Elkland,
Tioga County, Pa., April 30, 1839, and is
the oldest son of George L. and Hannah
(Hammond) Ryon, the latter a descendant of
a Connecticut family which early settled in
this state. The principal material for this
sketch is taken from “The Prominent and
Progressive Pennsylvanians of the 19th Cen-
tury,” published by the Record Publishing
Co., of Philadelphia, Pa.
Our subject's great-grandfathers on both
ancestral lines were soldiers in the Continental

 

Army and served throughout the Revolution,
one attaining the rank of colonel and com-
missary-of-subsistence in the division com-
manded by Gen. Anthony Wayne. John
Ryon, Jr., grandfather of our subject and a
son of one of the Continental warriors, re-
sided in the Wyoming Valley until about
eighteen years of age. He then settled in
Elkland where he quickly took a high place in
pubke affairs. He represented the Tioga-
Bradford district as state senator for eleven
years, being elected as a stanch Democrat.
He also was for fifteen years associate judge
in Tioga County, which position he filled with
dignity and honor. While a member of the
senate he introduced a resolution favoring the
election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency,
which resolution was passed by both houses
of the State Legislature. Seventy years ago
Mr. Ryon was superintendent of the Penn-
sylvania Canal, and carved in stone in the
western end of the Shamokin dam opposite
Sunbury his name as such under the date,
1829.

When our subject was ten years old his
parents removed from Elkland to Lawrence-
ville, in the same county. George W. grew
to manhood on his father’s farm, receiving
his education in the Lawrenceville Academy,
the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N.
Y., and at a commercial college in Roches-
ter, N.Y. After graduating from the Roch-
ester college he was employed for a year as
a civil engineer on the Kenosha, Rockford
& Rock Island Railroad, having his head-
quarters at Rockford, Il. In 1859 Mr. Ryon
went to Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, Pa.,
where he began the study of law in the office
of his uncle, Judge James Ryon. Two years
later he passed a very creditable examination
and was admitted to the practice of his pro-
fession at Pottsville, Pa. He soon afterwards
398 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

took up his practice in Lawrenceville, sub-
sequently seeking wider opportunities for his
talent, and in 1869 removing to Shamokin,
Pa., where he rapidly built up a good prac-
tice and where his greatest successes as a law-
yer have been made. Always among those
most prominent in working to advance the
prosperity and development of Shamokin, Mr.
Ryon’s efforts have been fully appreciated by
his fellow-citizens and he has frequently been
tendered public office. He was one of the
principal organizers and an incorporator of
the Shamokin Banking Company and was its
first president at the age of thirty-one years,
and he yet holds the office. He also was one
of the incorporators of the Shamokin Gas
Light Company; a promoter of the Shamo-
kin Manufacturing Company, of which he is
a director; a stockholder in the Shamokin
Water Company; a trustee of the Shamokin
Silk Mill, a new industry with a large mill
now nearing completion; and is a stockholder
in the Shamokin Silk Throwing Company,
which was incorporated in December, 1898.
For several terms our subject was borough
solicitor, and his services were of inestimable
value to the borough. In or out of public
office Mr. Ryon has been energetic and tire-
less in his endeavor to promote those things
which have been for the public benefit.

In politics, as were his ancestors, our sub-
ject is an unswerving Democrat. In 1876 he
was a delegate to the national convention in
St. Louis which nominated Tilden and Hen-
dricks as the national candidates of the Dem-
ocratic party. He also was a delegate to the
state conventions which placed in nomina-
tion for governor Heister Clymer and Judge
Pershing. In 1881 his party testified to its
appreciation of Mr. Ryon’s services in its
councils and in its behalf gave fitting recog-
nition to his eminence as a lawyer by nom-

 

inating him as its candidate for president:
judge of Northumberland County. His pop-
ularity with the people of his county was dem-
onstrated strikingly, for, although defeated,
his defeat was almost as flattering as would
have been a victory. Twelve thousand votes
were polled and Mr. Ryon was beaten by only
219 votes. In October, 1891, Gov. Pattison
appointed Mr. Ryon a member of the Board
of Commissioners of Public Charities of Penn-
sylvania and in November, 1896, he was re-
appointed by Gov. Hastings for another term
of five years. He has served with energy and
painstaking zeal, which have won him the ad-
miration of his fellow members on the board.

For many years Mr. Ryon has been a trus-
tee of the First Presbyterian Church of Sha-
mokin, and during the major part of his ser-
vice as trustee he has also been chairman of
the board, and yet occupies the important
office. He was a member of the committee
which supervised the construction of the
handsome edifice now occupied by the church
society, contributing much of his time and
means toward making the building what was
desired.

Our subject was married on April 29, 1869,
to Phoebe Huntzinger, daughter of the late
William Huntzinger of Schuylkill Haven,
Schuylkill County, Pa. To them have been
born three children,—Williani H., Lewis H.,
and Bessie.

 

etl

g HOMAS E. KENNEDY, one of the

qt proininent and genial hotel-keepers of
Laporte, Pa., who is the owner and proprietor
of the well-known Commercial Hotel and who
is one of the popular and highly esteemed
citizens of that community, was born June
13, 1871, and is a son of Jeremiah and Bridget
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 399

 

(Luby) Kennedy, and grandson of Edward
Kennedy.

Our subject’s father is of Irish extraction,
and was born and reared in Turbal, County
Roscommon, Ireland, and was founder of the
prominent and prosperous family in this coun-
try. While a young man he departed from
his native land and sailed for the United
States, locating in Schoharie County, N. Y.,
where he engaged in the tanning business.
He was foreman of tanneries at the following
places: Camden, Forrest Port, Moose River,
Port Leyden, N. Y.; Ledgedale, Pa.; Ca-
dosia Valley, N. Y.; Thorndale, Pa.; and
Laporte, Pa. He pursued his vocation in.the
latter place until 1889, when he purchased of
Dr. Fleshet the building used by him for a
drug-store and dwelling. This Mr. Kennedy
enlarged and remodeled into a hotel which
he conducted until September, 1894. This
hotel is now managed by our subject. He
was joined in the bonds of wedlock with
Bridget Luby, a native of St. Charles, County
Roscommon, Ireland, her father having come
to the United States when she was a young
girl, locating at Staten Island, N. Y. To this
happy marriage the following family of child-
ren was born: Edward, a tanner residing at
Buffalo, N. Y., was wedded to Maria Brown,
who bore him a family of five children,—Ray-
mond Ambrose, Robert, John, and Doratha;
James, deceased, married Kate McKenzie,
lived in Chicago, and they had the fol-
lowing  children,—Francis T., deceased,
James, Leo, and Clara; Mary, the wife of
Dr. E. S. C. Foster, and two children have
been born to them, Jeremiah and Walter;
William A., a well-to-do tanner of Sullivan
County, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this
biographical record; Jerry, a tanner of Titus-
ville, Pa., who married Lizzie Scanlon, and
they have reared two children, Regenia and

 

James Francis; Maggie, who was united in
marriage with George Nortz and the follow-
ing children were reared by them,—Eulena
May Raphael, Adah Philamenia Gabriel, Ray-
mond Severinus Alloysius, Mary Frances.
Vincent William, Emmitte George, Norbert
Anselm, Hillary Hyacinth, and Winnifred
Margaret; John P., who is a barber and is the
father of two children,—J. Howard and E.
James; Thomas E., the subject of this per-
sonal history; Annie, who remains at home;
and Kate, the wife of John E. Gallagher of
Muncy Valley, and the mother of five chil-
dren,—James, Thomas, Maggie, Agnes, and
John Anthony.

Thomas E. Kennedy acquired a liberal edu-
cation in the public schools of Laporte, Pa.,
and he started out in life as a clerk for James
McFarlane of that town; his services were
of such an order that he remained with Mr.
McFarlane for nearly seven years, and only
left his employ at the request of his father
who wished him to assist in conducting the
hotel. However, he did not remain in his
father’s hotel long, as he was offered a much
better position as head-clerk and overseer of
the company store at Jamison City, Pa., and
remained in that capacity a period of five
years. At the time the company was pur-
chased by the Union Tanning Company our
subject became bookkeeper and remained
with his new employers fifteen months. He
then returned to Laporte, where he remained
a short time and then accepted a position with
Trexler & Turrell, lumber dealers of Rick-
etts, Wyoming County, as manager of the
company store; he remained in their employ
until 1897 when he returned to Laporte and
succeeded Mr. T. W. Beahen in the hotel for-
merly conducted by his father. The Com-
mercial Hotel is very pleasantly situated, is
first-class in every particular, contains fifteen
400 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

large and elegantly furnished rooms, and our
subject has established quite a reputation as
a host.

Mr. Kennedy chose for his companion in
life Martha Coleman, a daughter of William
Coleman of Benton, Pa., and they are the
happy parents of four children, namely:
Charles, deceased; Alice; Samuel A.; and
Pauline Elizabeth. Politically our subject is
a firm supporter of the principles of the
Democratic party and has held several minor
offices; religiously he and his family are
prominent members of the Roman Catholic
Church.

SSS

OHN W. FLYNN, who has been en-
gaged in the tanning business more or
less all of his life, is at present super-

intendent of the Union Tanning Company of
Laporte, Pa., one of the largest industries of
its kind in Sullivan County, and he has proven
himself well worthy of a position of so great
responsibility. He is of Irish extraction, was
born in Sullivan County, N. Y., March 22,
1856, and is a son of Michael and Mary Agnes
(Nolan) Flynn, and a grandson of Roger
Flynn.

Roger Flynn was the founder of this well-
known family in this country. He was born
in Leansborough, County Roscommon, Ire-
land, immigrated to the United States about
1848, and settled in Sullivan County, N. Y.,
where he followed the pursuits of an agricul-

turist the remainder of his active days. He
was the father of the following children:

Bridget; James; Michael; Catherine; Mary
Ann; and Jane.

Michael Flynn, the father of our subject,
was also born in Ireland, and was a young
man when his parents came to America. He
engaged in the tanning business during his
early manhood and a few years later pur-

 

chased a farm in Sullivan County, N. Y., car-
rying on general farming until his death at the
age of eighty-four years. He was united in
the bonds of wedlock with Mary Agnes No-
lan, a native of Ireland, who died at the age
of sixty years, leaving the following children:
Joseph, who most of the time has been en-
gaged in the tanning. business, and married
Adelia Clark; John W., our subject; Busie;
Michael, who also is connected with the
Union Tanning Company; Thomas, a farmer
on the old homestead; and Edward J., a
woodsman.

Our subject acquired a liberal education in
the common schools of his native township,
attending school during the winter months
and working in a tannery during his spare
time. In 1882 he and his brothers, Joseph and
Michael, went to Thorndale, Pa., and took
contracts for finishing leather for the Laporte
Tanning Company. In the year following,
John went to Laporte for the same company
and two years later was advanced to book-.
keeper, remaining in that capacity for one
year, when he entered Warner’s Business Col-
lege at Elmira, N. Y., graduating from that
institution on January 16, 1888. He then
accepted a position as bookkeeper for Boak,
Woddrop & Co., of Hughesville, Pa., where
he remained until the following fall. He then
bought an interest in the Muncy Manufactur-
ing Company at Muncy, Pa., which he held
until July, 1889; in August, following, he
again entered the employ of James McFar-
lane & Co. of Laporte, as bookkeeper and
remained until June, 1890. Mr. Flynn then
went to Jamison, Pa., where he accepted a
position as bookkeeper and ‘manager of the
company store for Thomas E. Proctor, a well-
to-do tanner of that village. Remaining in
the latter's employ until he sold his tannery
to the Union Tanning Company, our subject
 

 

 

PROF. ELMER E. GARR.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 403

 

 

then engaged as bookkeeper for the new com-
pany until February, 1894, at Jamison, when
-he was transferred to Laporte as superin-
tendent of the company’s interests in that bor-
ough. Our subject has remained in this em-
ploy up to the present time and has won the
confidence and good-will of both his em-
ployers and the men under him. The Union
Tanning Company owns and operates several
tanneries in that section of the state and is
composed of the following officers: C. S.
Horton, president; M. F. Hammond, secre-
tary; W. H. Newton, treasurer; A. 5. Buck-
ley, general superintendent of the tanneries:
and C. B. Farr, general superintendent of
bark and timber. The officers are all promi-
nent residents of Williamsport, Pa., with the
exception of Mr. Buckley, who resides at
Athens, Pa.

Mr. Flynn, while a resident of Jamison, was
appointed postmaster of that village and held
that office until 1897. He was wedded Sep-
tember 25, 1894, to Mary A. Breiger, a
daughter of Charles and Frances Breiger of
Laporte. Two children bless their home,
namely: Joseph, born December 31, 1895;
and Charles, born June 6, 1898. Religiously
Mr. and Mrs. Flynn are prominent members
of the Catholic Church. He has served as a
member of the borough council, has been
member of the school board and board of
health for the past five years, and in his politi-
cal affiliations is a supporter of the Demo-
cratic party. He has been a member of the
Democratic standing committee for the past
three years; he served as delegate to the state
convention held at Altoona, Pa., in 18098.

—_—_—__<+-2-»—__—_

ROF. ELMER E. GARR, the super-
vising principal of the public schools
of Berwick and principal of the Ber-

wick High School, has served in those capaci-

 

ties, for which he has exhibited marked quali-
fications, since 1891. During his term of
office he has brought the schools to a standard
of efficiency that is unequalled by any in the
county, and, after a pupil has completed the
academic or high school course, the founda-
tion of a good English education has been
laid, and he is thoroughly prepared to enter
college or to enter upon a business career.
The method of instruction adopted is to in-
culcate the habit of research into the very
depths of a subject with as little assistance
from the teacher as possible. Large campuses
surround the schools and are well adapted for
all kinds of sports, and due attention is given
to the physical development of the pupils.
Prof. Garr is popular not only among the pu-
pils and his fellow-educators, but also with the
general public, which is ever ready to appre-
ciate honest endeavor and superior work.
Prof. Elmer E. Garr is a native of the state
of Pennsylvania, having been born at Easton,
Northampton County, and is a son of Hilarius
Garr, a resident of Edelman, Northampton
County. He received his primary education
in the Easton Academy, from which he grad-

uated in 1886, and immediately thereafter en-

tered Lafayette College. He took a full course
and graduated from that well-known institu-
tion in 1890. He is a man of scholarly attain-
ments and was well qualified to enter upon the
responsible duties attached to his present du-
ties when called in 1891. The high school
building is a pleasant two-story structure, well
fitted throughout with the apparatus neces-
sary to illustrate the subjects under study, and
furnished with comfortable desks. Works of
reference are provided for the use of the pu-
pils, who also have access to the library of the
Y. M. C. A., which comprises 4,000 volumes
of literary, scientific and historical works.
Upon the board of education are to be found
404 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

some of the leading citizens of Berwick, name-
ly: Charles C. Evans, president; H. E. Wal-
ton, secretary; S. W. Dickson, treasurer; F.
W. Bower; M. G. Smith; and John A.
Smethers. The faculty consists of the follow-
ing capable instructors: Elmer E. Garr, su-
pervising principal; W. L. Houck, vice-prin-
cipal; William E. Elmes; Eva D. Stiles; and
N. W. Bloss. Having made for himself a
place in the difficult life-work he has under-
taken, Prof. Garr commands the respect of the
entire community and is regarded as an au-
thority on matters educational.

Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance
with Laura Hester, a daughter of N elson Hes-
ter of South Bethlehem, Pa., and they are
the happy parents of three children: Florence
E., Ruth H., and Marion F. Socially our sub-
ject is connected with the following orders:
Master of Knapp Lodge, No. 462, F. & A.
M.; member of W. T. Sherman Commandery,
No. 23, P. O. S. of A., of Berwick; past com-
mander of Susquehanna Commandery, No.
18, Knights of Malta; and of the Royal Ar-
canum. In religious belief he adheres to the
doctrines of the Lutheran Church. Prof. Garr
purchased the property formerly owned by
Lyman Fowler, made many improvements
upon it, and’: now has a very comfortable
home. We present his portrait on a preceding

page.
$e

of Columbia County and one of the

valued citizens of Benton, who is
highly respected for his many sterling quali-
ties, was born in Greenwood township, Co-
lumbia County, Pa., February 8, 1851, and is
a son of Benjamin and Lovinia (Conner) Mc-
Henry, grandson of Daniel and Mary (Cole-
man) McHenry, and great-grandson of
Daniel and Mary (Stephen) McHenry.

aoc BOYD McHENRY, ex-sheriff

 

Daniel McHenry, great-grandfather of our
subject, was of sturdy Scotch-Irish descent
and was one of the pioneer settlers of Co-
lumbia County. With an ax and provisions
for six months he left his home and came to
the county and took up a claim of several
hundred acres of land in Fishing Creek town-
ship, which is now the property of his grand-
son, Daniel McHenry. He felled trees and
built a log cabin, and then returned to his for-
mer residence and brought his family to their
new home. He cleared a part of the farm and
then’ engaged in the tilling of the soil. He
was married to Mary Stephen, who bore him
the following children: Benjamin; Mattie;
Daniel; John, who was the first male child
born in his section of the county; Moses;
and Elias.

Daniel McHenry, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in Chillisquaque, Pa., and
when he grew to manhood he purchased of
his father one hundred acres of the original
homestead and there carried on farming the
rest of his active days. He passed from this
life on his birthday, aged seventy-nine years,
and was the grand-and great-grandfather of
seventy-two children. He was wedded to
Mary Coleman, a daughter of Benjamin Cole-
man, a native of New York State. Eleven:
children blessed their home, who were named
as follows: Betsey; Sally; Benjamin; Polly;
William; Adeline; Mary; Moses; Uriah;
Joseph; and Charlotte. Mrs. McHenry died
at the advanced age of seventy-nine years.

Benjamin McHenry, father of our subject,
was born in Fishing Creek township, May 13,
1812, and is the oldest McHenry living to-
day. He has been a farmer by occupation,
and has spent his whole life on the farm en-
gaged in agricultural labors. He was very
successful in his chosen occupation and was
aiways considered to be one of the leading
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 405

 

 

men of his community. He acquired a liberal
education in the common schools and then
purchased a farm in Greenwood township
consisting of sixty acres of well-improved
land, which he still owns. He also operated
a threshing machine for twenty-six years in
which he was very successful. A man of iron
constitution, it is said that he has whip-sawed
more timber than any one man who ever
resided in Columbia County. He chose for
his life-companion Lovinia Conner, a daugh-
ter of Thomas Conner, a well-to-do farmer
of Greenwood township. She passed from
this life February 14, 1885, aged seventy
years. To Mr. and Mrs. McHenry were born
the following children: Montville, a prac-
ticing physician of Exchange, Pa.; Alfred, a
blacksmith, residing in Cambria, Pa.; Nor-
man, a prominent farmer residing in Co-
lumbia County; Thomas C., deceased, who
was a physician; ‘Mary, deceased, who was
the wife of M. Smith, also deceased; James
Boyd, whose name heads the above lines;
Lloyd, deceased; and Alveretta, deceased.
Our subject’s father is grand-and great-grand-
father of fifty children, all of whom are still
living. Mr. McHenry, to whom an exceed-
ingly old age has come, and yet who lives with
as bright an eye and with faculties as clear
and unimpaired as in the days of yore, is one
of the most widely-known and_highly-re-
spected residents of Greenwood township.
He is now on the sunny western slope of
life, surrounded by friends of the present and
the dear memories of the past, and is filling
out a life that has been of use and advantage
to himself and everyone who has come within
the circle of his good influence.

James Boyd McHenry was educated in the
Greenwood Seminary and at the age of eigh-

teen years he went to Cambria, where he.

learned the trade of a blacksmith. He then

 

located in Roaring Creek; later in Benton,
where he continued to follow his trade until
1894, when he was elected sheriff of Colum-
bia County, serving until 1898. For eleven
years our subject was associated with William
Appleman in the manufacture of wagons.
Later, with his brother Thomas C., he built
the McHenry hotel, which was. destroyed by
fre in 1896. Our subject immediately re-
built the hotel into a handsome three-story
structure, 42 by 80 feet; he also built two
large diwellings, which he rents. He owns a
farm of one hundred and five acres near the
town of Benton.

Mr. McHenry formed a matrimonial al-
liance with Maria Moore, a daughter of
George Moore, a résident of Sugarloaf town-
ship, Columbia County. Four children have -
been born to our subject and his wife, as fol-
lows: Annetta, wife of W. N. Kline, and
having one child, Boyd; Rebecca and Lloyd
C., who are attending school; and T. C., who
died aged six and one-half years. Socially
our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F.
of Benton.

—_—_—_—_~+-e »>_____

OEL MORTON is the genial proprie-
tor of the Berwick House at Berwick,
Pa., which is a large brick structure,
partially surrounded by long, broad verandas,
overlooking the Susquehanna Valley with its
beautiful. mountain scenery in the back-
ground, and one of the best and most popular
hotels in this section of the state. He is a
son of Benjamin and Bessie (Morgan) Mor-
ton, and was born in Yorkshire, England,
December 6, 1839.

Benjamin Morton, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Yorkshire, England, where
he lived his entire life. He was a filemaker
by trade and, in connection with farming,
made that his occupation. He formed a mat-
406

rimonial alliance with Bessie, Morgan and
they reared a family of children, one of whom
was Joel, our subject.

Joel Morton was engaged in agricultural
pursuits in England until 1863, when, with
the good judgment and foresight that has
since characterized his every action, he de-
cided that America afforded better opportuni-
ties for a successful career. In that year he
came to this country and located in Mono-
cacy, Pa., where he conducted a hostelry for
seven years. He then moved to Rock Glen,
where he was the proprietor of a hotel for
ten years. July 24, 1890, he came to Ber-
wick and purchased the Berwick House on
the corner of Market and Front streets, to
which he added one story, making three in all.
large verandas were built, the rooms, forty-
two in number, were equipped with steam
heat, gas and many other conveniences,
which added greatly to the comfort of the
traveling public. Two bath-rooms are at the
disposal of the guests, and by no means the
least pleasant feature of the place is the
spacious and attractive dining hall. The
table, under the careful supervision of the
landlord’s hospitable wife, is all that could
be desired to satisfy the wants of the inner
man. He has two fine barns, one of which
he rents to W. F. Ruch, and the other is
occupied as a livery which he conducts in con-
nection with the hotel. He has some hand-
some turn-outs and his horses are as fine
roadsters as are to be found in the community.
Mr. Morton is a jovial and good-natured land-
lord, and the manner in which he caters to
the wants of his guests has made him so ex-
tremely popular that the patronage of his
hotel is constantly on the increase. He is
elated and encouraged by the success with
which he is meeting and never tires of doing
all in his power to increase the pleasure and

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

comfort of those stopping beneath ,his roof.
He is well known throughout his section of
Columbia County and has an enviable repu-
tation as an honest and straightforward busi-
ness man.

In 1862 our subject was united in matri-
taonial bonds to Mary Fisher, a native of
England, and they are the proud parents of
the following children: Sarah, who married
William Ungsinger of Sunbury, and who have
one son, Robert; Frank, the proprietor of
the Nescopeck Hotel, who married Lizzie
Oss; William, a fireman on the D., L. & W.
R. R., married to Emma Krail; Mary, wife
of John Tress of Riverside, Pa.; Lizzie, who
resides at home; Benjamin D., a hotelkeeper
who wedded Bessie Wright; George, who
holds a clerical position; Thomas, a clerk and
assistant to our subject; and Flossie, who is
attending school. Politically Mr. Morton
affiliates with the Republican party.

—_—_+ o-» —___

ILLIAM J. RAMSEY, an enterpris-
ing citizen of Sagon, Coal town-
ship, Northumberland County, Pa.,

and inside-foreman at the Hickory Ridge Col-
liery, has had a thorough mining career and,
through steadiness of character and conscien-
tiousness in his work, has won for himself a
splendid position, the duties of which he fills
to the entire satisfaction of the company. He
is a son of Cyrus and Margaret (Henry) Ram-
sey, and was born March 15, 1859, in Schuyl-
kill County, Pa.

Cyrus Ramsey, father of our subject, was
born near Lebanon, Pa. He was a teacher
in his younger days, but during his later life
was a colliery clerk in the region of the Hick-
ory Swamp Colliery. He lived in that region
thirty-five years prior to his death, which oc-
curred at Coal Run. He was a man of good,
practical education, and was widely known in
 

COL. ANDREW D. SEELY.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 409

 

 

that section. Our subject’s mother was born
in Schuylkill County, Pa., but is now living at
Coal Run.

William J. Ramsey, the subject of this biog-
raphy, spent his early life in the mining dis-
tricts and consequently followed the occupa-
tion of a miner. At the age of nine years he
went into the breaker as a picker of slate, and
remained there until he entered the mines as a
full-fledged miner. It was not long until he
was promoted to the position of assistant fore-
man at Hickory Swamp, where he remained
two and one-half years. At the end of that
period, in 1894, he accepted a similar position
at Hickory Ridge, and his work being satis-
factory, in April, 1898, he was promoted once
more, to the position of inside-foreman.

Politically Mr. Ramsey is a Republican and
is an active supporter of his party, having
served a number of times on the election
board, and has also been a delegate several
times to the county conventions. He is a
member of several fraternal organizations,
namely: Knights of the Golden Eagle; Jr. O.
U. A.M.; Knights of the Mystic Shrine; and
holding offices in the Jr. O. U. A. M. and the
Knights of the Golden Eagle. Mr. Ramsey,
on July 18, 1881, married Eliza Sands, daugh-
ter of Samuel Sands of Shamokin, Pa., and
they are the parents of five children, as fol-
lows: George A.; Cyrus R.; Joseph S.;. B.
Franklin; and Ethel Irene. Mr. Ramsey is
one of the most active workers in Sagon and
is a man of strictest integrity.

 

OL. ANDREW D. SEELY, whose
portrait is shown on the opposite
page, one of the valued citizens of

the town of Berwick and superintendent of
the paint department of The Jackson &
Woodin Manufacturing Company of that

1

 

town, was born in Berwick, May 5, 1842, and
is a son of Nathan and Catherine (Krisher)
Seely, and a grandson of Samuel and Marga-
ret (Cortright) Seely.

Samuel Seely’s birth-place is not known,
but he resided in Strasburg, Pa., nearly all
his life, engaged in farming and teamstering.
While hauling a load of goods from Philadel-
phia to his home town he was killed in a run-
away accident. He was united in marriage
with Margaret Cortright who bore him five
children, namely: John, Nathan, Hannah,
Huldah, and Andrew. Mrs. Seely formed a
second marriage union with Samuel Santee
and they were the parents of three children:
Samuel, Isaac and Robert.

The father of our subject was born in 1810,
and was a blacksmith by trade, having served
an apprenticeship to that trade in the shop of
Thomas Cole of Berwick. He moved to
Orangeville, Pa., where he embarked in busi-
ness on his own account, but later removed to
Berwick where he followed his trade the rest
of his active days. He served as major in
the state militia; as inspector of the Second
Brigade; and as captain of the Light Horse
Artillery. He also served as constable of the
town. He erected the house in which Lyman
Fowler now resides. His wife was Catherine
Krisher and they were the parents of two
children, namely: Andrew D., our subject;
and Fanny E. The latter became the wife of
G. D. Jacoby of Berwick, and they reared
the following children: Warren; Boyd; Kate,
the wife of H. S. Williams; Mary, deceased;
Sally, who is the wife of H. J. Sitler; Annie,
who is the wife of G. F. Vandoozer; and Etta.
The father of our subject died in 1865.

Andrew D. Seely acquired a good education
in the common schools and then learned the
trade of a stonecutter and worked for Capt.
A. H, Rush of Berwick until the breaking
410 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

out of the Rebellion. April 20, 1861, he en-
listed in Company C., 16th Reg., Penna.
Vol. Inf., which was one of the first companies
sworn into the Union service during the Civil
War. Three months later he re-enlisted in
the 84th Regiment, which, on account of the
loss of men, was later merged with the 57th
Regiment. When our subject was mustered
out, on July 25, 1865, he was sergeant of his
company. Returning home he was employed
at the works of The Jackson & Woodin Manu-
facturing Company, where he now has charge
of the paint department and has some twenty
men under his supervision.

August 27, 1870, our subject was made cap-
tain of the Jackson Guards, serving at Scran-
ton, Pa., in 1871; December 31, 1871, he was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 17th
Regiment and served during the riot at the
Susquehanna Depot in 1874; he saw active
service at Wilkesbarre and Hazleton, at which
places he was on Maj. Osbourne’s staff; in
1877, on the re-organization of the National
Guard of Pennsylvania, he was made aide-de-
camp of the Third Brigade under*Gen. Sieg-
fried; he was also made aide-de-camp on
Gov. Pattison’s staff with the rank of lieu-
tenant-colonel. Col. Seely did effective
service during the riots at Homestead, Pa.
He has assisted in quelling all the riots in
the state and has won the highest praise for
the good judgment he displayed.

Col. Seely on March 25, 1878, was joined in
the bonds of matrimony with Miranda C.
Stackhouse. Our subject is a member of the
Knights of Malta; G. A. R.; Society of the
Army of the Potomac; Knights of the Golden
Fagle; P. O. S. of A.; Camp No. 32, U, V.
L.; Lodge No. 436, B. P. O. E., of Blooms-
burg, Pa.; and Col. A. D. Seely Camp, No. 25,
Sons of Veterans. He has been a member
and chief of the fire department for the last

 

seven years; has served as burgess of the bur-
ough of Berwick; and as health officer eight
years. Mrs. Seely is a member of the Wom-
en’s Relief Corps, and is a very active worker
in the organization. Col. Seely occupies a
residence, No. 309 East Front street, which
is one of the finest in the borough and is
equipped with every modern improvement.
Col. Seely holds a commission on the retired
list of the National Guard of Pennsylvania
and is entitled to be the guest of the governor
of Pennsylvania upon all state occasions.

———_~+-- +»

of “Berwick Heights,” the home of
VN C. R. Woodin and son, is one of
the prominent citizens of Berwick, and was
born in Mifflin township, Columbia County,
Pa., November 10, 1850. He is a son of
Michael and Mary Ann (Hetler) Heller,
grandson of Christopher and Susanna (Lantz)
Heller, and great-grandson of Michael Heller.

Michael Heller, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was born in Berks County, Pa.,
and served throughout the - Revolutionary
War under Gen. George Washington. Dur-
ing his later days he engaged in farming in
Northampton County, Pa.

Christopher C. Heller was born in North-
ampton County in the village of Hellertown,
and when he grew to manhood he moved to
Columbia County and purchased a large tract
of iand in Mifflin township. He cleared a part
of the farm, built a saw-mill, and built the
house now standing there. He also built a
blacksmith-shop and did work for himself and
sometimes for his neighbors; he was naturally
a mechanic and made the first threshing ma-
chine ever used in Columbia County. He
died on his farm in Mifflin township in 1861
at the age of eighty-four years.

A IRAM W. HELLER, who has charge

 

He was
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

411

 

 

joined in wedlock to Susanna Lantz, who died
in 1872 aged eighty-four years. Four child-
ren were the results of this union, namely:
Michael; John; Mary M.; and Sarah A.

Michael Heller, the father of our subject,
was born on the old homestead in Mifflin
township, September 8, 1823, and carried on
farming the greater part of his life. He also
learned the trade of a blacksmith from his
father when he was a boy and carried on
blacksmithing to a large extent. He was
very successful in his chosen occupations and
added considerable land to the original home-
stead. Mr. Heller was widely known through-
out Columbia County and was held in high
esteem for his many sterling qualities which
stand as an example to the rising generation.
He was a strong Republican in politics, and,
in a Democratic town, he was elected three
times as poormaster, which tends to show his
popularity and the respect in which he was
held by Ris fellow-citizens. Religiously he
was a member and deacon of the German Re-
formed Church. Socially he was a member of
Lodge No. 246, I. O. O. F., of Mifflin. He
tormed a union with Mary Ann Hetler, a
daughter of Michael Hetler of Columbia
County, and the following children were born
to them: Francis Whitney; Hiram Westley,
the subject of this sketch; Christopher Co-
lumbus; Sarah Catherine; John Madison;
Harriet Alice; and Morris M. The last
three died in their infancy. Mrs. Heller
passed from this life in 1863. Our subject’s
father formed a second matrimonial alliance
with Elizabeth Smoyer, a daughter of Peter
Smoyer. Seven children were the results of
this union, namely: Alfred B.; Amanda, de-
ceased; Wilson A., deceased; Rush M.; Wil-
liam H.; Martha M.; and one who died in
infancy. The father of our subject died on
the old homestead in 1893.

 

The subject of this sketch was reared on
the old homestead and followed the pursuits
of an agriculturist until 1881, when he ac-
cepted a position as coachman for C. R.
Woodin, in which he proved himself honest,
faithful and reliable, and was rewarded by
being made general servant. When Mr.
Woodin purchased “Berwick Heights” and
built a magnificent residence, our subject was
given charge of the same, and has held that
position to the present. Mr. Heller has
crossed the Atlantic Ocean three times and
has traveled extensively through the Eastern
Hemisphere, and also through most of the
states of the Union. Mr. Heller devotes his
entire time and attention to the trust be-
stowed upon him; he is a gentleman of re-
fined principles, and has won hosts of friends
who hold him in high esteem.

4-0

EREMIAH JOHN BROWER. This
honored and esteemed pioneer citizen
of Columbia County, who resides in

the town of Bloomsburg, is passing his sun-
set days in ease and comfort, enjoying the
reward of his early industry and persever-
ance. He has been identified with the inter-
ests of Columbia County for more than a
half-century and has long been recognized as
one of its best citizens, aiding and maintain-
ing it in reaching its present position among
the first-class communities of the state. He
was born in Browertown, Union township,
Berks County, Pa., April 10, 1821, and is a
son of John and Fanny (Millard) Brower, and
a grandson of Abraham Brower.

John Brower, the father of our subject, was
a resident of Union township, Berks County,
where he was engaged in the manufacture of
grain-scoops, door-locks, and various other

specialties. He was wedded to Fanny Mil-
412

lard, who was of Quaker descent, and they
reared two children: Jeremiah J., the subject
of this sketch; and Matilda, the wife of Rich-
ard Jones.

Jeremiah J. Brower received a good educa-
tion in the public schools and before he was
seventeen years of age he was teaching in
Catawissa and was known as an excellent
teacher in penmanship. In 1848 he em-
barked in the mercantile business at Mifflin-
ville, Columbia County. In 1850 he sold his
store and moved to Bloomsburg, where he
opened and conducted a large store on the
corner of Main and Iron streets for a period of
nineteen years. He then erected the Paul E.
Wirt block and carried on his business in that
building until 1870, when he was elected jus-
tice of the peace and served in that position
for a term of ten years. In 1881 he began
dealing’in carpets and oil-cloth and remained
in that business until he retired from active
business. He was succeeded by his grandson,
William H. Brower, who is now successfully
carrying on the business.

In 1853-54 Mr. Brower built the beautiful
residence, No. 229 Market street, at a cost
of fifteen thousand dollars, one of the finest
brick residences in the town of Bloomsburg.
Our subject takes an active part in the growth
and welfare of his community and always
lends a helping hand toward any measure
that tends to benefit his fellow-citizens. He
has assisted in forming four building and loan
associations; has served as secretary and treas-
urer of the Mutual Building and Saving Fund
Association; and has served as treasurer of
the Masonic lodge about twenty-seven years.
He has also been a stockholder and officer in
many industries started in Bloomsburg, and
was one of the chief promoters of many indus-
tries that have led to the building up of the
community.

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

In 1841 Mr. Brower was united in marriage
to Eliza Brothwell, a daughter of Dr. Eleazer
Brothwell of Mifflinville. His wife departed
this life in 1893, at the age of seventy-six years
six months and two days, leaving the follow-
ing children: Fanny J., wife of James K.
Brugler; Eleazer B.; Ada Eveline, wife of
L. S. Wintersteen; and Mary Eliza, who mar-
ried J. H. Lingle.

Mr. Brower is one of the foremost citizens
of his county and is highly respected and hon-
ored for his sterling worth and integrity as a
neighbor, a gentleman and a citizen.

———_~+--»—___

OSEPH E. A. SOWERS, a substantial

and influential citizen of Shamokin,

Coal township, was born August 19,

1842, in Spring City, Chester County, Pa.,

and is the son of Abner and Elizabeth (Taney)

Sowers. Both his paternal and maternal an-

cestors were residents of Chester Céunty; the

former being of German and the latter of
French origin.

Abner Sowers, our subject’s father, was
born on his father’s farm in Chester County,
Pa., and spent the greater portion of his life
near Royer’s Ford, where he followed farm-
ing, but later in life worked in a mill. He
died leaving a widow and two children: Jo-
seph E. A., our subject, and Annie, now de-
ceased, formerly wife of Rey. Henry Chap-
man, an Episcopalian minister. After the
death of his father our subject’s mother was
again united in marriage, wedding William

“Wilcox, now deceased. One son was born to

them, and bears his father’s name, William
Wilcox, and is now a resident of Bethlehem,
Pa. His mother now resides in Philadelphia.

Joseph E. A. Sowers received a common
school education at Norristown, Montgomery
County, Pa., after which he entered the roll-
/

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

ing mills of that place. He subsequently left
Norristown and went to Pottsville and there
learned the molder’s trade, which occupation
he followed until he entered the Union Army
in the War of the Rebellion. In 1861 he en-
listed in Company I, 52d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.,
and served as sergeant for three years and five x
months. He was with Gen. McClellan and
took an active part in the Peninsular cam-
paign; was on duty in North Carolina, South
Carolina, on James Island in front of Fort
Sumter, at Yorktown, and was finally taken
prisoner July 3, 1864, at Fort Johnson, on
Morris Island.

After his capture at Fort Johnson he was
taken to Charleston, S. C., thence to Ander-
sonville, Sumter County Ga., where he re-
mained three months and shared with his fel-
low-comrades prison life in the “hell of all
hells” known to mankind on this earth. The
total of Union prisoners received at this noto-~
rious prison during the war was 49,845; of
this number 12,926 died. He was transferred
from Andersonville Prison to Florence, S. C.,
where he was imprisoned for two months and
then paroled. At the close of his military ser-
vice he returned to Pottsville, where he em-
ployed himself for one year, after which he
located at Port Carton, accepting charge of
the foundry for J. R. Boyer. Mr. Sowers con-
tinued working there for several years, oper-
ating the foundry with ability and success, and
discontinued the same only to accept the more
lucrative position of foreman of the molding
department with John Mullen & Son, at Sha-
mokin, December 21, 1875.

Our subject was united in marriage with
Ella Lord, October 25, 1866, and their home
was blessed with five children, one being now
dead. The living children are: Harry, who
married Katie Miller and has two bright chil-

rr

 

dren, Essie and Frank,—he is a machinist in

413

the employ of John Mullen & Son; Elizabeth;
Harvey B., who married Frances Burner, and
is a molder, also in the employ of John Mullen
& Son; and Ella May. The two daughters,
Elizabeth and Ella May, are still at home;
both are affable young ladies, and to their
presence is greatly due the sunshine and hap-
piness which gladdens the hearts of their par-
ents.

Mr. Sowers is a man who has rendered emi-
nent services in various fields of labor. He
has been faithful in all the relations of life and
is a most valued member of society. His in-
terests politically are identified with the Re-
publican party. Socially he is a member of the
following lodges? Shamokin’ Lodge No. 255,
F. & A. M.; Shamokin Chapter No. 264, R.
A. M.; Shamokin Commandery, K. T.; and
is also a member of Lincoln Post No. 140,
G. ALR.

—_———+ + >—_—_

HARLES H. CAMPBELL, who is a

veteran of the Civil War and was

for many years connected with the

many leading industries of Bloomsburg, is

now living in retirement in that town and re-

sides in a handsome and modern brick resi-

dence on Fifth street. He is a son of Joseph

W. Campbell, and was born in Luzerne Coun-
ty, Pa.

Joseph W. Campbell was born in York
County, Pa., in 1813 and was a good citizen
and a reliable business man, accumulating a
handsome competency during his active life.
For many years he was foreman of construc-
tion on the North Branch of the Pennsylvania
Canal, the duties of which position he per-
formed up to the time of his death in 1878,
at the age of sixty-five years.

Charles H. Campbell was reared and edu-
cated in his native county, after which he be-
414

came an instructor in the public schools as
a means of earning a livelihood, continuing as
such for three years. He was an able teacher
and was appointed to the position of principal
of the high school of White Haven, perform-
ing the duties of that office for about eight
years. He then engaged in the same line of
work as that of his father, following it until

1862 when, the Civil War assumed a very.

gloomy aspect, and, seeing that his services
were needed at the front, he enlisted in Com-
pany F, 143rd Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf. Enlisting
as a private he traveled the line of promotion
and was finally made adjutant. He partici-
pated in all of the battles of the Army of the
Potomac, including the battles of Fredericks-
burg, Gettysburg, Culpeper, Wilderness,
Petersburg, and many others of lesser import-
ance. He was at all times in command of
three companies of brave and daring ‘soldiers.
Never flinching in the hour of peril, always
faithful to his charge, and always to the front
he rendered valuable aid to the cause of the
Union and received praise on all sides for his
admirable conduct and coolness while under
the enemy’s fire. He continued in the army
until the close of the war and his enviable
record in the service has been continued
throughout his life. Upon returning from the
war he located at Bloomsburg where he be-
came identified with some of the leading in-
dustries of which he is still a stockholder.
From 1880 to 1887 he was superintendent of
what is now the Bloomsburg Car Mfg. Co.’s
store, but resigned in 1888 when he was elect-
ed register and recorder of Columbia County.
He served in the latter capacity for six con-
secutive years in a satisfactory manner. He
has since lived in retirement to enjoy a well
needed rest after so many years of activity.
He is a member of the company which built
and owns the beautiful Proctor’s Inn, one of

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

the finest summer hotels in the state of Penn-
sylvania. In 1880 he erected a residence on
Fifth street but it was burned to the ground
in the following year. Nothing daunted by
this misfortune, Mr. Campbell again built a
home, one of brick, which far eclipses the

‘former one in beauty and is supplied with all

conveniences of modern times.

Our subject is well and favorably known
throughout Columbia County, numbering his
friends almost by his acquaintances. He was
united in marriage to Sarah E. Rambach of
Columbia County, by whom he had one
daughter, Madge, whose beautiful young life
went out at the age of twenty-three years.
Mr. Campbell is a member of Sylvania Lodge,
No. 354, F. & A. M. of Shickshinny, Pa.; and
past colonel of the Union Veteran’s Legion.

————_<-e-»______

OHN M. BOGARDUS, superintendent
of the car department of the mam-
moth Jackson & Woodin Manufactur-

ing Company of Berwick, and one of the high-
ly esteemed citizens of that town, was born in
Troy, N. Y., April 4, 1851, and is a son of
Robert L. and Catherine (Harris) Bogardus.

Mr. Bogardus received his education in the
common schools of his native town and at the
age of seventeen years he served an appren-
ticeship as a car builder at Green Island, N.
Y., for the Delaware & Hudson R. R. Ow-
ing to his excellent workmanship he was pro-
moted to assistant master of the car-building
department and as draftsman. He remained
in the employ of the company for twenty-five
years when, in 1893, he resigned his position
to accept a situation as superintendent of The
Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company
of Berwick, Pa. Our subject has about one
hundred and seventy-five men under his su-
pervision whose duty it is to cut and fit tim-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 415

 

 

ber by the latest modernized machinery, so
that when it goes to the platform for building
every piece is sawed, holes bored, and is ready
to be put together in a short time. The shops
also make all kinds of freight cars for gen-
eral freight traffic and have a daily output of
twenty cars per day. Although our subject
is provided with the best of draftsmen he
performs much of his own drafting. Mr. Bo-
gardus occupies a handsome residence, No.
109 East Fifth street, Berwick.

Our subject chose for his life companion
Ella J. Sherman of Troy, N. Y., and two
daughters have blessed their happy home:
Elizabeth A., who is teaching in the public
school on Market street; and Bertha K.,
who resides with her parents. Mr. Bogardus
is a member of the Royal Arcanum of Ber-
wick. Our subject is truly a self-made man.
Being thoroughly acquainted with the condi-
tions that surround his workmen he is a fair
and good master and no complaint is made
by those under him of unjust dealings with
them. Perfectly familiar with his work, he
makes a faithful and reliable superintendent
tor his superiors. As a citizen and as a man
he is public-spirited and high minded. The
great respect in which he is held shows the
influence which he wields personally. He is
a kind father, a good neighbor, and a stanch
friend. He is an eminent, worthy, and useful
member of society in the locality which he
has chosen for his life work.

—__ 4-6 —$____—_

ANIEL YOST, deceased, was a con-
tractor and one of the most widely
known and highly respected citizens

of Shamokin, Coal township. He was a son

of Conrad and Sarah (Scholl) Yost. He was

born in the Shamokin Valley, April 22, 1822,

and died January 4, 1895.

 

 

 

 

 

Our subject’s father was born in Schuyl-
kill County, Pa., but removed at an early
date into Northumberland County, where he
followed agricultural pursuits throughout the
remainder of his life and was a popular, pro-
gressive and influential citizen.

It was on his father’s farm that our subject
spent his boyhood, received his primary edu-
cation, and when grown to manhood learned
the carpenter trade, passing through the dif-
ferent grades of apprenticeship, until he com-
pletely mastered the business. He remained
in Shamokin Valley for several years, con-
tracting and building with marked ability and
success. In 1852 he removed to Shamokin,
where he carried on his business more ex-
tensively and secured greater profits. Sha-
mokin at that time was in the midst of a
building boom, and Mr. Yost received the
contract for most of the large and substan-
tial business buildings now standing in that
town. In one building in particular he took
especial pride, the Polish Roman Catholic
Church, constructed by him, which is a superb
structure, noted for its architectural beauty,
and is one of the finest in design of the twenty
large church edifices in Shamokin.

On October 9, 1849, our subject was united
in marriage with Sarah Hoover, a daughter
of John and Mary (Harmon) Hoover, and
their home was blessed with nine children,
all of whom have grown to noble manhood
and womanhood: Francis, who had excep-
tional advantages, received a college educa-
tion, and studied for the ministry—for twen-
ty-seven years he has expounded the doctrines
of the Reformed Church, being now stationed
at York, Pa.; John Addison, of Shamokin,
a carpenter by trade; George, also a carpenter
of Shamokin; Mary, wife of E. W. Deifler,
of Shamokin; Lily, wife of Frank Nicolas
and resides in the Green Mountain State;
416 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Louisa, wife of W. Heckman, a prominent
contractor of Shamokin; Sally, wife of Rob-
ert Blair, of Johnstown, Pa.; Bertha and
Laura, who are at home. John Hoover, fath-
er-in-law of our subject, was born in Berks
County, Pa., September 9, 1792, and died
in 1856 at the age of seventy-four years.
Farming was his sole vocation. In early life
he removed from Berks County and settled
in Shamokin Valley where he owned one of
the finest and best improved farms in that fer-
tile district.

Our subject was a good man; he will long
be remembered as one who labored unceas-
ingly for the advancement of his township,
where his memory is revered by all who knew
him. He had been a member of the Re-
formed Church since he was a boy and always
took an active part in all church organiza-
tions; he served as deacon of the church for
many years and was justly considered one of
its main-stays.

ILLIAM O. HOLMES, mayor
and one of the highly respected
citizens of the town of Bloomsburg,

and senior member of the firm, W. O. Holmes
& Son, plumbers, gas and steamfitters at Nos.
232 and 234 Center street, was born in Pool-
ville, N. Y., June 20, 1842, and is a son of
Rev. William E. and Caroline (Olmstead)
Holmes.

Rev. William E. Holmes was a native of
the state of New Hampshire and was a Pres-
byterian minister all his life. He passed from
this life at his home in Newtown, Pa. He
formed a matrimonial alliance with Caroline
Olmstead, who is also deceased.

Our subject received his intellectual train-
ing in the Wyoming Seminary and then went
on a geological survey throughout the state

 

 

of New Jersey. He settled in Scranton, Pa.,
where he had resided but a short time when,
in 1863, he enlisted in the signal corps: and
served through the closing years of the Rebel-
lion. After the close of the war he returned to
Scranton, Pa., and worked for Hunt Bros. &
Blair, hardware merchants of that city for a
short time; he was then employed as freight
and baggage master at Kingston, Pa., for the
D., L. & W. R. R. In 1869 he removed to
Bloomsburg and acted as general freight, bag-
gage and depot agent for the same railroad
company for six years. He then entered into
partnership with E. K. Rollins and engaged
in the tin smithing, gas fitting and plumbing
business for eight years, the firm name being
known as Rollins & Holmes. Later. J. R.
Schuyler was admitted to the firm and a com-
plete stock of hardware was added to the busi-
ness. Our subject subsequently sold his in-
terest and for three years acted as commerce
agent for Shields Bros.’ hardware house. He
was next connected with Danville Stove
Works and later established a branch store
in Chicago, Il. In 1891 he bought out B.
F. Savitts’ plumbing shop, which is located
in the opera house block, and in 1898 his
son, Edwin Morton Holmes, was admitted to |
the firm which is now known as W. O.
Holmes & Son. The proprietors are well
known throughout the township and by their
honest methods of dealing have established a
large patronage. Mr. Holmes purchased the
Hartman residence and remodeled and en-
larged it into a handsome home.

Mr. Holmes was a member of the town
council from 1874 to 1882 and was again
elected to serve in that office in 1894-95 and
in 1896 he was elected president of the coun-
cil and mayor of the town. He was reelected
mayor in the spring of 1808.

Our subject was joined in marriage to
 

 

D. WEBSTER SHIPMAN
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 419

 

Christina Baumgardner, a daughter of John
and Catherine Baumgardner of Pittston, Pa.
Mrs. Holmes died in June, 1897, at the age
of fifty-four years and left a family of five
children, as follows: William D. C., station
agent at Catawissa, Pa., who united in mar-
riage with Cora Hagenbauch, and two child-
ren bless their home, William O. and D. FEd-
ward; Fred, teller of the Farmers’ National
Bank of Bloomsburg, wedded to Edith Ent;
Bessie, wife of A. N. Yost; Edwin M., the
junior member of the firm of W. O. Holmes
& Son; and Christina.

Mr. Holmes is a member of Washington
Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M., also past master
of the same; of Chapter No. 218, R. A. M.;
past commander of G. A. R. Post No. 250;
and a member of the Sons of Veterans Camp
No. 270.

—--- +4 > ___.

WEBSTER SHIPMAN. Conspicu-
6 ous among the young men of ster-

* ling worth of the Seventeenth Con-
gressional District of Pennsylvania, to whom
business and professional work have given a
wide acquaintance throughout the district,
and whose public services are highly esteemed,
is D. Webster Shipman, district attorney of
Northumberland County, Pa., a rising young
attorney with a good practice and excellent
prospects. He is a son of Lemuel and Maria

 

 

 

 

(Bloom) Shipman, and was born March TI, |

1863, in what was then Lower Augusta, now
Rockefeller, township.

Our subject's common school education
was finished with a course at Freeburg Acad-
emy, which he entered in 1876. He after-
ward spent three years at practical work in
the office of the register and recorder at Sun-
bury, after which he decided to choose a pro-
fession for his life work and entered the Lewis-

 

burg University in 1883, pursued the classi-
cal course and graduated with high honors in
1887, being a member of the first graduating
class after the institution had changed from
Lewisburg University to Bucknell Univer-
sity. After graduating at Bucknell Univer-
sity Mr. Shipman registered as a student of
law with P. A. Mahon, who at that time was
district attorney of Northumberland County.
He was admitted to the bar in 1890 and im-
mediately began the practice of his profes-
sion; being a polished scholar and an eloquent
speaker, he has met with flattering success
and has succeeded in building up a practice
which could be obtained only by a man of
his exceptional abilities. His eloquence has
attracted wide-spread attention and on espe-
cial occasions has excited many flattering
compliments and has been instrumental in se-
curing for him a place on the program of
many public occasions.

Mr. Shipman is a Democrat and was a can-
didate in 1892 for the office of district attor-
ney, but failed at the primary election. Our
subject was not frightened from the field, how-
ever, by this defeat and three years later was
put in nomination for the same office, being
duly elected by the handsome majority of
1,100 votes, which fact alone attests his ability
and worth. Again in 1898 he was renomi-
nated by acclamation and re-elected to the
same Office.

Our subject’s family is of Norman stock;
its founder having been knighted by Henry
III., of England in 1258, and granted a coat
of arms with the following motto: “Non Sibi
Sed Orbi.”” The family seat was at Sarring-
ton, Nottinghamshire, England. Edward
Shipman was the founder of the Shipman
family in America. In 1635 in company with
Hugh Peters, John Davenport, Theodore
Fenwick and others, he immigrated to Amer-
420 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

ica to escape religious persecution and set-
tled at Saybrook, Connecticut. Some of the
older members of the Shipman family ren-
dered valiant and distinguished services to
their country during the Revolutionary War.

John Shipman, great-grandfather of our
subject, was born October 13, 1783, in New
Jersey and died April 8, 1850; Early in life
he settled in Lower Augusta township, North-
umberland County, Pa., being one of the early
pioneers. He was united in marriage with
Mary McKinney, of Scotch descent, who was
born January 25, 1786.

Abraham Shipman, our subject’s grandfath-
er, was a most remarkable man, such as is
needed in the settlement of a new country.
He was born March 10, 1810, in Northum-
berland County, of which he was a resident
all his life, following agricultural pursuits, in
connection with which he owned and operated
a large grist-mill in Lower Augusta town-
ship. He also followed the profession of civil
engineer, at which he was quite an expert.
Politically he was a stanch Democrat and
wielded a large influencé in political circles;
he enjoyed to the fullest extent the confidence
of the people of his community; served as
justice of the peace for a long time; and was
also associate judge under Judge Jordan. Be-
ing a large, athletic man of military appear-
ance, his presence. was indispensable to mili-
tary organizations, and he served as a mem-
ber of the Jackson Rifles from 1829 to 1836.
He led a long, busy, and successful life which
won for him the love, esteem and admiration
of all who came within the magnetism of his
presence. He died at the old family home-
stead where he had passed so many useful
and happy years, mourned by a sympathetic
and appreciative community.

At this same homestead in Lower Augusta
township was born Lemuel Shipman, father

 

of our subject. He was reared and educated
in his native county, where he taught school
for a number of years; then he became a
merchant in the same township until he was
elected register and recorder in 1873. He
served two terms in succession and showed
great executive ability in the discharge of the
duties of that office. Railroad contracting
next engaged his attention for a number of
years in various localities, after which he pur-
chased an, interest in the Lewisburg Furni-
ture Works and became manager. He sub-
sequently went South and engaged in the lum-
ber business and is now manufacturing lum-
ber in Meridian, Mississippi. He was mar-
ried to Maria Bloom and four children sur-
vive as the results of this union, named, re-
spectively: William A., who is engaged in
the furniture and undertaking business at
Sunbury; D. Webster, subject of this personal
history; Edwin H., in the employ of the Sha-
mokin Street Railway Company; Augusta,
now the wife of S. C. Yocum, a teacher in
the public schools of Northumberland Coun-
ty.

Our subject is a man who is eminently fair
in all his dealings; he is active, energetic, and
talented, and the advances already made be-
speak for him a brilliant future in the profes-
sion he has chosen. His portrait appears
on another page of this work in proximity to
this.

——__—-e-»_____

NDREW B. CATHCART, ex-post-
master and an honored and highly
esteemed citizen of Bloomsburg, was
born in the house in which he now resides De-
cember 22, 1844. He is a son of Robert and
Sarah (Barkley) Cathcart, a grandson of An-
drew and Margaret (Russell) Cathcart, and
great-grandson of William Cathcart.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 421

 

 

William Cathcart was of Irish descent, and
was born in County Down, Ireland, May 2,
1728. In company with his brothers, Joseph
and John, he left his native country and im-
migrated to the American shores, landing July
11, 1749. Andrew Cathcart, a son of William
Catheart, was born April 21, 1774, and died in
1833. He resided in Washingtonville, Derby
township, Montour County, Pa., and was a
watchmaker by trade. In 1799 he was joined
in marriage to Margaret Russell, who bore
him the following children: Sally; Robert;
Mary, who died in infancy; Mary; Jane; and
John R.

Robert Cathcart, the father of our subject,
was born in Washingtonville, Montour Coun-
ty, Pa., in 1803. He learned the watchmaking
trade and worked with his father several years.
In 1832 he moved to Bloomsburg, where he
again took up his former trade. He pur-
chased of Henry Weaver an old log cabin,
remodeled and covered it with clapboards, and
lived there the remainder of his life. He and
William G. Hurley owned all the land between
Market and Fishing Creek streets north of
First street. They built a cocoonery, im-
ported silkworms and manufactured silk.
The process was all by hand and the old
building in which the cocoonery was located
is still standing and has since been rebuilt into
a dwelling house. Our subject has in his pos-
session many skeins of raw silk. Mr. Cathcart
was wedded to Sarah Barkley, who was born
in 1808. They reared a family of two chil-
dren: Margaret Jane was the wife of Calvin
Achenbach, who was a regular in Company
A, 6th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., during the Re-
bellion, and was wounded in the battle at
South Mountain, which wound later caused
his death; and Andrew B., our subject. Mr.
Cathcart entered the world of rest in 1884, at
the age of eighty-one years, and his wife

”

 

passed to the unknown in 1896, aged eighty-
eight years.

Andrew B. Cathcart attended the public
schools of his native town and during his
youthful days learned the profession of a
druggist, and subsequently worked for L. N.
Moyer of Bloomsburg for many years. From
1881 to 1888 our subject served as deputy
postmaster under Postmaster Beckley, and in
1889 he was appointed postmaster and served
four and one-half years. He has since lived
in comparative retirement, looking after his
business interests. For some time past he has
served as secretary of the Bloomsburg Water
Company. Known far and near for the ex-
cellence of his judgment, his unswerving in-
tegrity in business transactions, and his gener-
ous liberality, Mr. Cathcart cannot but have
the esteem and confidence of the community.
He has been first and foremost in all good
works and has taken a leading part in the
material development of the town and the
county, besides contributing largely to moral,
social and charitable objects.

EORGE SCHILL, a highly respected

citizen and prominent farmer of Elk-

jand township, Sullivan County, Pa., was born

in Eisenoch, Saxony, Germany, January 2,

1830, and is a son of Gottleib and Christiana
(Reindom) Schill.

George Schill, the subject of this biog-
raphy, was reared and educated in Germany,
immigrating in 1851 to New York City,
where he worked at the carpenter’s trade for
three years. He then moved to Fox township,
Sullivan County, Pa., where he bought 165
acres of new land; after clearing the land he
sold 50 acres and the remainder he still owns.
He built a plank house and later a complete
422 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

set of farm buildings. Mr. Schill married
Sarah McCarty, daughtér of Joel McCarty.
This estimable lady died in 1891 at the age of
seventy years, leaving .one child, Christiana,
who married John Cook. They live in Chester
County, and have three children: Blanche;
John Wesley; and Marshal. April 6, 1893.
Mr. Schill married Mrs. Esther Hart, widow
of the late Robert Hart, who was born in the
house now occupied by the subject of this
sketch. He was a son of William and Char-
lotte (Bullyon) Hart, natives of England,

who were among the earliest settlers of Elk-

Jand township, residing on the farm now
owned by Mrs. Schill. Mr. and Mrs. Hart
lived to be past sixty years of age and were
the parents of six children, as follows: Wil-
liam; George; Maria; Ellen; Robert; and
James. Robert Hart came into the posses-
sion of the old homestead and lived there until
he departed this life at the age of sixty, leav-
ing a number of children, namely: Ida, who
married Albin Wilcox, and is the mother of
three children,—Walter, Blanche E., and
George Robert; Nettie, who married M. E.
Wilcox, ,and they are the parents of two
children, Wilmer R., and Wardie M. ; Marilla,
who married E. Norton, and has one child,
Harry R.; and Clarence R., who resides with
our subject.

Mrs. George Schill is a daughter of Thomas
and Mary (Bird) Norton. Mr. Norton was
born May 6, 1808, and died February 2, 1884.
Mrs. Norton, who lives with Mr. and Mrs.
Schill, was born November 8, 1816, and is
the mother of ten children: Esther, the wife
of the subject of this sketch; William, who
resides in Fox township, has been three times
married and has two children, Perry and
Lydia; Powell, whose biography appears
elsewhere in this work; Emeline, who died
at the age of fifteen years; Ira, who died at

 

the age of eight months; Lydia, who married
Daniel Miller; Maria, who married W. S.
Dieffenbauch; Washington, who died at the
age of twenty-five; George B., who married
Jennie Campbell of Estella, Pa.; and James,
who died at the age of fourteen years.

————_+---»>______

INTHROP C. BRYFOGLE,
whose reputation as a florist is sec-
ond to none in this section of the

state, is proprietor of the Riverside Floral
Gardens and Hot House of Bloomsburg, Pa.
He is a son of Daniel and Emma (Gould)
Bryfogle, and was born April 10, 1863, at Bel-
bend, Luzerne County, Pa.

Our subject is a great-grandson of Dan-
iel Bryfogle, who was the first of his ances-
tors to come to this country. His son Jacob,
the grandfather of our subject, was born in
Berks County about the year 1803 and was
one of the substantial farmers of the com-
munity in which he lived. He was united
in matrimonial bonds to Elizabeth Keen, a
daughter of John Keen, by whom he had
eleven children, namely: Daniel, the father
of our subject; Philip; John; Mary; Elizabeth;
Maria; Amanda; Susanna; Catherine; Sarah;
and Hannah.

Daniel Bryfogle, father of the subject of this
personal history, was born in Schuylkill Coun-
ty where he began his active career as an
agriculturist. In 1873 he moved to Blooms-
burg and purchased a farm of 105 acres,
known as the Paxton farm, remodeled, and
enlarged the house, and lived there until his
death, which occurred in 1897. Healso made
many other improvements which are so nec-
essary for successful farming. He also bought
Mrs. Brown’s farm of thirty-five acres in Hem-
lock township and was one of the leading

~
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 423

 

 

agriculturists of Columbia County. He faith-
fully performed the duties af a good citizen
and stood very high in public esteem. He
formed a matrimonial alliance with Emma
Gould, a daughter of John Gould of Ply-
mouth, Pa., and she still survives him. They
reared and educated a family of children un-
der religious influences as follows: Jacob,
deceased; Sarah, deceased; Winthrop C., the
subject of this sketch; Eleanora, who mar-
ried H. G. Supplee of Bloomsburg; Estella, de-
ceased; Stanley G., who resides on the old
homestead; and Philip deceased.

Winthrop C. Bryfogle attended the public
schools and lived upon the farm during his
early days. Even in youth he had a deep
love for flowers and spent a great deal of his
spare time in their culture. At the age of
eighteen years he constructed a hot house,
10 by 45 feet, on the home farm in which
he began to cultivate roses, carnations, and
potted plants. Beginning in this small way
he paid the strictest attention to his favorite
occupation, enlarging from time to time when
his business justified and his pocketbook per-
mitted, until he now has one of the largest
fioral gardens in this section of the state.
The hot-house is inclosed by 12,000 square
feet of glass, and is supplied with three boil-
ers, one of sixty horse-power and the other
two of twenty horse-power each. Mr. Bry-
fogle makes a specialty of cut flowers and
has a very large patronage among the lead-
ing citizens in the county. He supplies flow-
ers for weddings, funerals, and social gather-
ings, having many unique and original de-
signs which take very well with his custom-
ers. He also has a large wholesale trade and
supplies many of the florists in the larger cities
of the state. He also is engaged in market
gardening and furnishes the town of Blooms-
burg with most of her vegetables. He is well

-

 

known for his honesty and integrity and is
firmly established in the good will of the peo-
ple.

Mr. Bryfogle was joined in Hymen’s bonds
to Clara Mensch, a daughter of John Mensch
of Rupert, Pa., and they are the happy pa-
rents of four children, as follows: Dora Ber-
nice; Hugh O.; Max W.; and John M. In
political belief Mr. Bryfogle is a firm supporter
of the principles of the Republican party.
Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of
Malta; and a former member of the I. O. O. F.

HARLES H. REIMARD, whose rep-
utation as a contractor and builder
extends throughout this section of
the state, is at present engaged in that-line of
work for the Philadelphia & Reading R. R.
He is a son of John and Matilda (Hildebrand)
Reimard and was born in the town of Blooms-
burg, September 29, 1862, which he has al-
ways made his home.

Our subject’s great-grandfather was Caleb
Reimard, who was born in Germany, and upon
coming to America settled in Northampton
County, Pa., where’ he was engaged in tilling
the soil. He lived a long and useful life, dy-
ing at the advanced age of eighty years. He
was the father of the following children: John;
George; Catherine; Isaac, the grandfather of
our subject; and several others who died in
infancy.

Isaac Reimard was born in Northampton
County in 1839, but early in life migrated to
Montour County, settling near Washington-
ville, where he engaged in agricultural pur-
suits the remainder of his life. He was united
in marriage to Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of
John Smith of Northampton County, by
whom he had the following issue: Daniel; Isa-
424 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

bella: Betsey; Sarah; John, the father of our
subject; Mary; Henry; Susan; Harriet; and
Isaac, George, and Hannah, who died in
childhood. Mr. Reimard died at the age of
forty-nine years and his worthy wife survived
him many years, dying at the advanced age
of eighty-nine years.

John Reimard, our subject’s father, was
born in Northampton County, March 2, 1837,
and was eighteen years of age when he moved
with his parents to Montour County, where he
learned the trade of a brick and stone mason.
He, practically, has followed that occupation
since and has been exceedingly successful. In
1859 he located in Bloomsburg and erected a
home on Sixth street, in which he lived for
many years. He finally sold that property
and built his present home on the corner of
Fourth and Railroad streets. He formed a
matrimonial alliance with Matilda Hilde-
brand, a daughter of David and Sophia (Pa-
den) Hildebrand. Her-grandfather was Wil-
liam Hildebrand, who was a miller by trade
and lived in Fishing Creek township, Colum-
bia County. His companion in life was Ade-
line Fausby and they reared a family of eight
children, namely: David, the father of Mrs.
Reimard; Polly; Nancy; Catherine; Betsey;
Susan; Martha; and Sally. David Hildebrand
was born in New Jersey, removed to Columbia
County, where he was engaged in farming in
Orange township. He died at the age of eigh-
ty-three years and his wife was ten years
younger when she passed into the eternal
realms. Mrs. Hildebrand’s maiden name was
Sophia Paden, and the following children
were born to them: William; Jacob; Lovina;
John; Catherine; Matilda, our subject’s
mother; Sarah; Elizabeth; Elmira; Samuel;
and David. Mr. and Mrs. Reimard’s union was
blessed by the birth of five children, whose rec-
ords are as follows: Harvey, a brickmason by

 

occupation, married Elizabeth Wolf, and they
are the parents of one daughter, Velma; Sa-
die, wife of C. E. Whitenight; Howard R., a
mason; Emma, a weaver; and Charles H.,
the record of whose life is here given.

Charles H. Reimard received his education
in the common schools and learned the trade
of a mason at the age of sixteen years. As he
gained rapidly in experience he decided to en-
gage in contracting, and accepted his first
contract on heavy jobs in 1886. He built the
foundations for many of the best residences in
the town of Bloomsburg, also for the silk mill,
public school, desk works, and other large
concerns. He always filled the contracts to
the letter, never cutting any part to meet ex-
penses, and by his honesty and straightfor-
wardness won the confidence and good will
of his fellow-townsmen, who never hesitated
to place a contract with him. His services were
in greater demand as his reputation grew, and
in 1889 he was called to the position of super-
intendent of masonry on the Philadelphia &
Reading R. R., from Catawissa to Miltonsand
has since served in that capacity. In 1894 he
was also made superintendent of the construc-
tion of the double track to Muncy River
bridge. He had charge of the Catawissa di-
vision for three years and was superintendent
of the building of the Belt Line R. R. of
Bloomsburg. At present he is acting as super-
intendent in building the iron bridge across
the Juniata River at Birmingham for the state.
It is the first river bridge ever built by the
state, and Mr. Reimard’s work is pronounced
first-class in every respect and fully meets the
requirements. By his kind, but strict, methods
of dealing with the men under his charge he
obtains the best results and retains their re-
spect and good will.

In 1893 Mr. Reimard built a handsome resi-
dence at No, 225 Fourth street, where he and
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 425

 

 

his family have since resided. He was united
in matrimonial bonds to Ella Madara, a
daughter of Charles Madara, a retired stone-
mason of Danville, Pa., and they are the hap-
py parents of four children: Clara, deceased,
who, was born at Danville, Pa; Cora Irene,
who was born in Williamsport July 9, 1888;
John C., who was born in Bloomsburg, Jan-
uary 15, 1892; and one who died in infancy.
In politics our subject is a stanch Democrat.

 

HRISTOPHER A. KLEIM is one of
the enterprising and influential citi-
zens of the town of Bloomsburg who

is held in high esteem by the citizens of that
community, and is proprietor of the leading
drug store of that town. He was born in the
city of Philadelphia August 30, 1847, and
is a son of Henry and Dorotha (Eicholtz)
Kleim.

Henry Kleim, the father of our subject, was
born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and during
his boyhood days learned the trade of a shoe-
maker which he followed until 1846 when he
and his family immigrated to the United
States and located in Philadelphia. In 1857 he
moved to Bloomsburg, Columbia County,
Pa., and for a short time followed his trade
but soon gave it up and conducted a grocery
store on East street; later he disposed of his
grocery store and put in a full line of hard-
ware at Mt. Carmel and carried on that busi-
ness until he retired from active life. Mr.
Kleim was united in the bonds of wedlock to
Dorotha Eicholtz, a native of Saxony, Ger-
many. Asa result of this union the follow-
ing children were born to them: Christopher
A., the subject of this sketch; Annie, the wife
of C. McArthur of Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Henry
F., a highly respected resident of Wilkesbarre;

 

and Lizzie, deceased, who was the wife of
C. .\. Prentiss and resided in New Brunswick,
N. J., at the time of her death. The father and
mother of our subject were both popular
members of the Lutheran Church of which

Mr. Kleim was treasurer for many years.

Our subject first attended the public schools
of Philadelphia and when his father moved to
Bloomsburg, he finished his education in the
classical schools conducted in that town by
Henry Carver. He then entered the drug
store of Moyer Brothers and remained in their
employ four years. In 1872 he embarked in
the drug business and bought out E. P. Lutz;
later he purchased the brick block where Salt-
zer’s music store is now located and there our
subject conducted his business until 1894
when he purchased a vacant lot on West Main
street and.erected a handsome brick store.
The store is a three-story structure, the first
floor being used for his drug store and the
second and third floors as a dwelling by our
subject and family. He carries a complete
line of drugs and conducts the largest and
best kept drug store in Bloomsburg. He is
popular with his fellow-citizens and by his
honest and straightforward dealings has suc-
ceeded in establishing a large patronage. He
also has done considerable building; in 1884
he bought the Buckalew house on West Main
street, which he enlarged and remodeled and
later sold; in 1885 he built the Reuben Hess
residence on Third street; in company with
C. W. Runyon he built on Pine alley a large
double house; he owns a tenement house at
No. 260 East Fifth street.

Mr. Kleim chose for his life-companion
Clara J. Seasholtz, a daughter of C. B. Sea-
sholtz, and they were wedded in 1872. She
passed from this life leaving one child, Harry
C., born in 1873, who is clerking in his father’s
store; he was a graduate from the public
426

schools and later graduated from the Blooms-
burg High School. Our subject formed a
second matrimonial alliance September 9,
1884, with Addie Johnson, a daughter of Wes-

ley Johnson, a resident of Jerseytown, Colum- ,

bia County. Two children blessed this union,
Helen D., born in October, 1891, and Flor-
ence, who died in infancy.

Mr. Kleim firmly advocates the principles
of the Democratic party and has served as
secretary of the Democratic county committee
two terms and as overseer of the poor and
school director. He is also vice-president of
the Farmers’ National Bank of Bloomsburg
and is a director of the Rosemont Cemetery.
Mr. Kleim and his family are members of St.
Matthew’s Lutheran Church of Bloomsburg.

eS

RS. CHRISTIANNA <.. BIRD,

who resides in a handsome home

in the borough of Northumberland,

is the widow of Joseph Bird, who for many

years was one of the foremost business men

in Northumberland County, Pa. He was a

son of Ziba and Hannah (Mentz) Bird, and

was born in 1814 on Little Roaring Creek in
Rush township, Northumberland County.

James Bird, grandfather of Joseph Bird,
was born in Warren County, N. J., and was
one of the pioneer settlers of Rush township,
Northumberland County, Pa., where he pur-
chased a large tract of wild and uncultivated
land on Little Roaring Creek. He was the
father of the following children: John; Ra-
chel; Sarah; Susanna; Ziba; James; Joseph;
William; and Sylvanus.

Ziba Bird, the father of our subject, was
born in Warren County, N. J., and, upon
moving to Rush township, Northumberland
County, with his father, he aided in clearing

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

the farm and later learned the trade of a car-
penter. He made the acquaintance of John
C. Boyd, a prominent citizen of Danville, by
whom he was engaged to superintend his
mining operations in Shamokin. Mr. Bird
erected the first two buildings in what is now
the borough of Shamokin and they are to-day
known as the National and Vanderbilt hotels.
He also erected many other buildings at that
place. He also was interested in coal opera-
tions for several years but retired when the
business relaxed, moving to Rush township,
where he followed farming. He subsequently
purchased a home at Red Point, on the Sus-
quehanna River, and there resided until his
death at the age of sixty-five years. He was
married three times, first to Hannah Mentz,
who died at an early age. Their children were
as follows: Annie; Joseph; Catherine; Sarah;
and Elizabeth. His second union was with a
Miss Farley and they reared three children:
John; Hannah; and Ziba. He next married
Margaret Muchler by whom he had the fol-
lowing offspring: Mary J.; William; Nel-
son; Montgomery; Eliza; Emma; Samuel;
Margaret M.; and three who died in infancy.
Joseph Bird acquired his intellectual train-
ing in the common and private schools and
assisted his father in the duties about the farm.
When his father became superintendent in
the coal fields at Shamokin and on the rail-
road established by Mr. Boyd, Joseph became
his assistant and in that capacity gained a wide
experience in the business world. He then
conducted a coal business in his own behalf
at Ashland for one year, and later formed a
partnership with J. J. John, M. D., and J. B.
Doutz, Esq., for the purpose of operating the
Big Mountain Colliery. This they did under
the firm name, Bird, Doutz & John, and it
proved to be a very valuable coal field. Our
subject soon became sole owner and con-_
 
 

GEO. W. MEARS.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 429

 

 

ducted the colliery for eight years with the
greatest success, when he sold out to the
Bird Coal & Iron Company, in which he was
a large stockholder. Having previously
bought the. magnificent building in which
the First National Bank of Northumberland
was located, he moved to Northumberland in
1866. The bank then moved to Sunbury and
a new bank was established which has since
been known as the First National Bank of
Northumberland Borough. This large brick
building, with massive pillars in the front, was
the finest and most costly building in the
county; in order to appreciate its grandeur
it must be seen. It is now furnished in
luxurious style and the parlor walls are
adorned with fine paintings. Mr. Bird also
was the owner of a number of choice farms in
that section, one being Packer Island, which
is considered one of the best farms in the
valley. He was identified with many of the
business enterprises of that borough and lived
there until his death on June 18, 1882. He
was a man of high character and one who
merited and enjoyed the respect of all. He
was sociable and a pleasant conversationalist,
and he acquired and retained the friendship of
many people in the various sections in which
he resided.

Mr. Bird was joined in hymeneal bonds
with Rebecca Kram, a daughter of Jacob
Kram, a pioneer hotel-keeper of Shamokin,
and they became the parents of three child-
ren: Susan, who first married William Sny-
der, and after his death married L. L. Haas;
Ejlzabeth, the wife of Patrick Gillespie; and
Wellington, who died at the age of fourteen
years. Mrs. Rebecca Bird died at an early
age some ten years after marriage, and he sub-
sequently formed a second alliance with Cath-
erine Hill, a daughter of George Hill of
Shamokin, and she died without issue. He

 

formed a third union with Christianna C.
Kram, the subject of this sketch, who is a
daughter of David Kram of Bethlehem, Pa.,
and a granddaughter of Joseph Kram. Mrs.
Bird has carried out the plans made by her
husband prior to his death with great ability,
having remodeled the house, built a mansard
roof, and made many other important im-
provements. She is a woman possessed of
many virtues and is held in the highest es-
teem by all who know her. Religiously Mrs.
Bird is a consistent member of the Presby-
terian Church, as was her husband. Socially
Mr. Bird was a member of the Masonic Order.

Seg es

EORGE W MEARS, whose por-
trait is presented on the opposite
page, made an enviable record as a
soldier in the Civil War, and is at present
serving efficiently as telegraph operator and
agent for the D., L. & W. R. R. at Rupert.
He is a son of Alexander and Phoebe
(Knouse) Mears, and was born in Blooms-
burg, Columbia County, January 3, 1843.
Our subject’s grandfather, Samuel Mears,
was one of the pioneer settlers of Roaring
Creek, Columbia County, where he followed
the trade of a shoemaker. He was united in
marriage with Sarah Evans and they reared a
family of six children, four sons and two
daughters, one of whom was Alexander
Mears, the father of our subject, who was born
in the Roaring Creek settlement and reared
under Quaker influences. Early in life he
learned the trades of wagonmaker and carpen-
ter, and also served an apprenticeship to the
trade of machinist. Although he died in the
prime of life, at the age of thirty-nine years,
he was a man of wide experience and consid-
erable mechanical skill. He was employed at
the old Irondale furnaces at Bloomsburg for

 
430

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

many years and also served as a patternmaker
for some time at the foundry of Lewis, Moss
& Co., of Bloomsburg. He also did some
contracting for the old Catawissa Railroad.
He was united in hymeneal bonds to Phoebe
Knouse, by whom he was the father of three
sons, namely: George W., in whom the in-,
terest of this sketch centers; Alfred M., who
was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in
Company M, 112th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and
met death at Petersburg, Va., after two
months’ service; John B., who was a molder
by trade and a soldier of the Civil War, be-
longing originally to Company H, 103d Reg.,
Pa. Vol. Inf., but later enlisted in another
company,—he is now a letter carrier in Chi-
cago, Il.

George W. Mears was __ intellectually
equipped for the battles of life in the public
schools of Bloomsburg and at the breaking
cut of the war enlisted in Company A, 6th
Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., July 4, 1861, and was con-
nected with the Army of the Potomac. He
enlisted as a private and was later promoted
to sergeant. He participated in many im-
portant battles, always displaying bravery and
an eagerness to do his full duty. He took
part in the battles of Dranesville; Grovetown;
Second Bull Run; South Mountain; Antie-
tam; Fredericksburg; Gettysburg; Rappahan-
nock Station; and Mine Run. At Fredericks-
burg he narrowly escaped death from a minie
ball, which, fortunately, hit his belt buckle and
only slightly injured him. During the battle
of Gettysburg he and a few of his comrades
charged on a log house filled with rebel sharp-
shooters who were playing on the Union lines
with deadly effect, and for this act of bravery
he was awarded a medal by Congress in Feb-
ruary, 1897. At Mine Run he was struck by
a piece of flying shell, which fractured his
left arm and necessitated its amputation at the

 

shoulder. The surgeons in attendance took
out so many pieces of the shoulder bone that
they gave up all hopes of his recovery, but
his wonderful constitution and vitality assert-
ed itself and in five weeks he was able to re-
turn to his home in Bloomsburg. A piece
of his shoulder bone is now in the Medical
Museum at Washington, D. C. After fully
recovering his health he learned telegraphy
and became an operator at Danville, where he
continued for five years, and then accepted his
present position as telegraph operator, station
agent, and express agent for the D:, L. & W.
R. R. at Rupert. He performs his duties in
a satisfactory manner and has the respect of
all with whom he is acquainted, both in busi-
ness and social relations. He is of a genial
disposition, and is a pleasant conversational-
ist, and his friends delight in hearing him re-
late war reminiscences.

On June 9, 1870, our subject was united in
marriage with Mary A. Appleman, a daughter
of Mathias Appleman, a retired farmer and
resident of Bloomsburg. This marriage has
been productive of seven children: Welling-

‘ton E., deceased; Elmer A., a car inspector

on the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad at

Rupert; H. Reber, who assists his father at

the depot; Othello, who died at the age of

eleven years; Ulysses Grant; George W., Jr.,

deceased; and Mathias K. He is past ser-

geant of Union Veteran’s Legion, No. 32, of

Bloomsburg; and was formerly a member of

the G. A. R.  Politicaly he is a firm supporter

of the principles of the Republican party

which party nominated him for the State Leg-
islature in 1890.

——__—+-«»—______

ORTEZ B. ROBBINS, a descendant of

one of the pioneer families of Green-

wood township, Columbia County,

late the proprietor of a large wholesale liquor
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 431

 

 

house of Bloomsburg, being an enterprising
and progressive citizen of that town. He is
a son of Daniel W. and Harriet (Ager) Rob-
bins, and was born in Greenwood township,
Columbia County, September 4, 1858.

Daniel W Robbins, father of our subject,
was a surveyor during his younger days hay-
ing learned the profession from his father
who also followed that occupation. Later he
became a teacher in the public schools in dif-
ferent sections of the county. In the early
50’s he moved to Lumber City, Clearfield
County, Pa., where he erected the first build-
ing in that town. Wishing to locate perma-
nently he came to Bloomsburg in 1860, and
established a wholesale liquor house which he
conducted the remainder of his life. He was
a man of noble impulses, kind and charitab’e,
and no man stood higher in public esteem.
He folded his hands in final rest May 20, 1880,
in the fifty-ninth year of his age. He was a
man of high educational attainments and was
thoroughly abreast of the times on matters of
current interest. He was united in hymeneal
bonds to Harriet Ager and they became the
happy parents of two children: Lizzie M.,
and Cortez B. Although Mr. Robbins took
an active interest in matters of a political na-
ture he never aspired to office being content
to live the life of a private citizen. He al-
ways voted uniformly and conscientiously for
the Democratic party. He was an Odd Fel-
low.

Cortez B. Robbins, in whom the interest
of this sketch centers, obtained his primary
education from private tutors, attended the
Bloomsburg State Normal School for a time
and completed his study at Clinton Seminary.
He then began clerking in a drug store at
Danville, Montour County, but owing to fail-
ing health he was compelled to relinquish
that occupation for one which afforded more

 

out-of-door exercise. After his father’s demise
he succeeded him as proprietor of the whole-
sale liquor business and conducted it from that
time to August, 1898, when he sold the busi-
ness to J. S. Bachman. He had enlarged the
establishment to some extent and carried a
comprehensive line of fine wines and liquors.
He has always been an active and energetic
citizen and the promoter of various indus-
trial enterprises. A somewhat remarkab‘e
and a highly commendable characteristic of
Mr. Robbins is that he has never tasted to-
bacco or used it in any form, nor liquors, to
which excellent habits he undoubtedly owes
his present excellent health. He has erected
a fine brick residence at No. 352 East Sec-
ond street, which is fitted with all modern im-
provements and is a very desirable piece of
property. His mother resided with him at
the time of her death, May 17, 1898. Mr.
Robbins being a single man, since his moth-
er’s death his only sister, Lizzie M., has had
charge of the household.

Mr. Robbins is a member of Washington
Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M. of Bloomsburg;
Bloomsburg Chapter, No. 218, R. A. M.;
is P. E. C. of Mount Moriah Council No. 10,
of Bloomsburg; a member of Crusade Com-
mandery, No. 12, K. T.; and a member of
the Mystic Shrine.

 

ICTOR A. LOTIER, publisher and
editor of the Daily Record and Week-

ly Record of Danville, Pa., is one of the prom-
inent journalists of Montour County, and a
highly respected citizen. He was born in the
city of New York, December 15, 1842, and is
a son of Benjamin and Anna (Ronk) Lotier.
Benjamin Lotier was of French descent
and was born in the city of New York, and
during his early days was a silver engraver,
432 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

which business he followed in New York City,
Boston, and Philadelphia. He wedded Anna
Ronk, a native of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Our
subject’s father passed from this life at the age
of sixty-nine years.

Victor A. Lotier acquired a liberal educa-
tion in the public schools of Philadelphia and
in 1854 moved to Danville where he found
employment in the rolling-mills of that
town. In 1862 he was in the state of Rhode
Island and shortly after his arrival there he
enlisted in Company E, 3d Reg., R. I. Cav.,
and served throughout the Civil War. He
was first elected commissary-sergeant but
was soon promoted to the rank of orderly
sergeant. He received an honorable discharge
at New Orleans, La., in 1865, and then spent
one year in traveling through the western
states. Returning to Danville, Pa., he as-
sumed the duties of his former position in
the rolling-mill, remaining until 1871, when
he purchased the Danville Marble Works; he
also became a stockholder in the Record Pub-
lishing Company of that town. April 1, 1878,
James Foster, Harry Vincent, and our sub-
ject purchased the Danville Record, which
was established by A. P. Fowler. The Dan-
ville Record was formerly edited by Mr. Brow-
er, and was an independent paper, the first
edition having been issued March 16, 1876.
When these gentlemen took possession of the
paper it was known as the Weekly National
Record; later our subject became sole pro-
prietor and the paper was then known as the
. Weekly Record. May 23, 1881, our subject
started the Daily Record which has a good
country from which to draw its patronage;
it has a circulation of 700 and the weekly
paper about goo circulation. Mr. Lotier has
thoroughly mastered the newspaper business
and understands how to conduct a paper. The
reading matter of the Daily and Weekly

 

Record is well selected, its editorials are good,
and its local news is admirably presented.

Mr. Lotier was united in marriage to Fanny
Hughes, a daughter of Peter Hughes, and a
family of two children blessed their home,
namely: Homer H., a resident of Camden,
N. J., who married Anna Murphy of Philadel-
phia; and Walter M., a printer on the Sport-
ing Life of Philadelphia, who is married and
has a son, Homer.

 

+ 2 > ——_——_

EORGE S. STERLING, foreman of
the Mount Carmel Iron Works, is an
esteemed and highly-respected citi-

zen of Mount Carmel, Pa., and has done
much to further the progress of the town. He
is a man of splendid abilities and good judg-
ment, his opinion being much sought after.
Mr. Sterling is a son of Clinton B. and Lucy
(Loreman) Sterling, and was born April 20,
1864, in Bloomsburg, Pa.

Clinton B. Sterling, father of our subject,
was born in October, 1837, in Columbia
County, where he spent most of his life, and
at present his home is in Bloomsburg, Pa.
His occupation, in his active life, was always
that of a teamster, and he was widely known
throughout the county. He has always been
a stanch Democrat and has taken a very act-
ive part in the town politics, having served
as councilman for his native town thirteen
consecutive years; then, after a year out of
office, he again served’ two years more, and
was urgently requested to continue to serve
but refused. In church affairs he has been
equally active, being a member of the Presby-
terian Church, and has served as elder in the
Reformed Church. Mr. Sterling married
Lucy Loreman, a daughter of Samuel Lore-
man, and they are the parents of nine chil-
dren, six of whom are living.
 

 

 

 

 

SAMUEL EDWARD DEARMOND,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 435

 

George S. Sterling, the subject of this biog-
raphy, was educated in the common schools
of Bloomsburg, and at the age of seventeen
entered the wood department of the Blooms-
burg Car Shops, where he remained one year,
leaving at the end of that period to attend
school. After one year’s schooling, on March
6 of the following year, he entered the em-
ploy of Harman & Hassert to learn the trade
of a molder. After six years in that business
he was ill for a year. When his health per-
mitted he began work in the Bloomsburg
Desk Factory, and remained with that com-
pany for five years, when he removed to
Mount Carmel and became one of the organ-
ivers of the Mount Carmel Iron Works. He
was one of the directors until 1897, when he
resigned.
abilities, and has always applied himself with
earnestness and diligence.
been an active worker in the town politics,
and is constantly looking after the interests
of his party. He is a member of the I. O. O.
F. lodge at Mount Carmel.

Mr. Sterling married Ellen Neyhard, a
daughter of Samuel Neyhard of Bloomsburg,
and they have been blessed with two children,
Myron and Francis. Mr. Sterling has a large
circle of warm friends in the county and is
well known.

Mr. Sterling has splendid business

He has atways

 

->—____—_

AMUEL EDWARD DeARMOND,

retired, and one of the most highly

esteemed citizens of Watsontown,
Northumberland County, Pa., was born in
Delaware township in the county in which
he now resides, first seeing the light of day
near the Warrior’s Run Church on June 9.
1855. He is a son of the late Samuel and
Rebecca G. (Ferguson) DeArmond, a grand-
son of Samuel and Esther (Wallace) DeAr-

 

mond, and a great-grandson of Thomas De-
Armond, whose wife’s name has not been
handed down in the family record.

Our subject comes.of a family whose found-
ers were among the earliest settlers in this
state and he possesses among other relics a
deed for.land purchased by his great-grand-
father, Thomas DeArmond, as far back as
1793. This deed, which is of great historical
interest, was given by John and Thomas Penn
to Frederick Watts and is dated June 22, 1775.
It conveyed a tract of 100 acres which subse-
quently was bought by Thomas DeArmond
and now forms part of the estate which finally
descended to the subject of this sketch.

Educated in the public schools and at the
Bloomsburg State Normal School, Samuel
Edward DeArmond has devoted his ability
and energy, substantially, to excellently car-
ing for his parents and successfully managing
the estate. He has been a large dealer in reai
estate and has been also foremost in pro-
moting the growth and progress of \Watson-
town, in which he always has taken an active
and most helpful interest. Our subject is a
stockholder in the Farmers’ National Bank of
Watsontown, which owes much of its pros-
perity and success to his energetic and wise
efforts. As have been his father, and mother
and the family back for generations, Mr. De-
Armond is a Presbyterian.
Democrat, but never has aspired to hold of-
fice.

Thomas DeArmond, great-grandfather of
our subject, with his wife and children, came
from County Donegal, Ireland, to this coun-
try and first located in Dauphin County, this
state. In 1793 the family removed to North-
umberland County, the head of the family
buying the tract of land heretofore referred to.
Thomas DeArmond partly cleared the land
and passed the remainder of his years upon

In politics he is a
436 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

the spot chosen as his final home. He and
his wife lived to “ripe old age” and both
peacefully lie in the cemetery at Warrior’s
Run Church. Their children, so far as the fam-
ily can state, were three sons,—Samuel, John
and Robert. Of these, Samuel was born in Ire-
land and was ten years old when his father
settled in Northumberland County. Samuel
assisted in clearing the tract of land, followed
farming all his life and died in 1842. His wife
survived him until 1851, when she, too, was
laid in the cemetery at Warrior's Run
Church. Their children were: John; Thom-
as; Samuel, father of our subject; William;
Hester; Martha; Margaret; and Mattie.

The father of our subject, Samuel DeAr-
mond, was born on the farm herein mentioned
on March 22, 1811. He received a common
school education. He and his brother Thom-
as were left the handsome estate to which
they added considerably until it became quite
a valuable property. Samuel was unusually
successful in his ventures and he retired from
active farming or other pursuits in 1873 and
built the handsome brick residence on the
southeast corner of Sixth and Mum streets in
Watsontown where he died April 3, 1898—
twenty-five years to a day since he arrived
in the township. This residence is now occu-
pied by our subject and his wife. Thomas re-
mained on the farm until his death. Samuel
was a Democrat and somewhat active in local
politics. He served as auditor of the town-
ship and a member of the school board in
Watsontown.

Mrs. DeArmond, mother of our subject,
passed from this life November 1, 1898. She
was born September 20, 1812, and was a
daughter of Andrew Ferguson of Northum-
berland County. These children were the re-
sults of the happy union of Samuel DeAr-
mond and Miss Ferguson: Hadasah G., Wil-

 

liam W., Andrew Woods, Thomas Dutton and
Samuel Edward. ;

Our subject was united in marriage on Jan-
uary 26, 1899, to Kate D. Ball of Philadel-
phia. <A portrait of Mr. DeArmond is shown
on a previous page.

—_————<+ 2 >_—_—_—_

HARLES W. MILLER, who is identi-

fied with many public enterprises and

who has the advancement of the in-

terests of the town of Bloomsburg at heart,

is an able attorney-at-law, who has been en-

gaged in the practice of his profession there

since 1867. He comes of an old and well-

known family of Columbia County, is a son

of Stephen H. and Lavina (Kline) Miller, and

was born in Mifflinville, Mifflin township, Co-
lumbia County, November 20, 1844.

Our subject’s grandfather was Charles Mil-
ler, of German descent, who at an early age
left his home in Lehigh County, Pa., and lo-
cated in Mifflin township, Columbia County.
He engaged in agricultural pursuits and
was a man of considerable prominence. He
was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with
Sarah Hann, who lived to the age of seven-
ty-two years.

Stephen H., the father of our subject, was
sheriff of Columbia County from 1855 to
1858, after which he was engaged in the mer-
cantile business. He was married to Lavina
Kline, of Scotch-Irish descent, whose grand-
parents were among the prominent early set-
tlers of Fishing Creek township, Columbia
County. Religiously they were of stanch
Presbyterian stock. Mr. Miller died on No-
vember 8, 1891, at the age of seventy-two
years, and his wife died September 12, 1883,
at the age of seventy years, leaving to sur-
vive them two children: Isaac K., a sales-
man; and Charles W.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 437

 

 

Charles W. Miller, in addition to completing
the required course in the common schools,
tcok a course in the Millersville State Normal
School, after which he read law with William
G. Hurly and E. H. Little. Since his ad-
mission to practice in 1867 he has resided in
Bloomsburg and has been engaged in the
practice of law. While he is of the Demo-
cratic school of politics he has never entered
actively into political affairs. He has em-
ployed himself continually in promoting the
general welfare of the town, especially by iden-
tifving himself with many enterprises, and
he is proud of the fact that the town has pros-
pered to a degree that is not only commend-
able, but leaves it without a rival in the state
for variety of industries, growth and gen-
eral appearances. What especial part he has
taken in forwarding the various enterprises
of which we have spoken will probably never
be known through him, as he is greatly op-
posed to speaking of his own accomplish-
ments. However it is well known that he
was one of the organizers and is now more
or less interested in the following business
ventures: Woolen mill, silk mill, carpet mill,
desk works, furniture factory, brass and cop-
per plant, novelty works, elevator works, elec-
tric light works, gas. works, steam _heat-
ing company, water company, artificial
ice company, cold storage company,
creamery, match factory and electric rai!-
way. He has been and is now exten-
sively engaged in real estate transactions.
As a lawyer he is engaged more especial’y in
efforts to keep people out of litigation, rather
than to relieve their difficulties by legal pro-
cess. Mr. Miller’s residence is on Centre
street, where he has lived since his marriage.

On October 11, 1866, our subject was
united in marriage with Cora L. Eshleman,
a daughter of Benjamin L. Eshleman of Port

 

Carbon, Schuylkill County, Pa., being a de-
scendant of the founder of Pottsville on her
mother’s side, and on the paternal side a
descendant’ of the Eshlemans and Martins
who were early residents of Lancaster Coun-
ty, Pa. This union is blessed with the fo!-
lowing children: Mrs. Annie Miller. Melick,
now residing’ in Philadelphia, Pa.; Vida;
Frank E., recently a private secretary and
clerk for the Cross Creek Coal Company of
Luzerne County and now a law student in the
office of his father; Charles W., Jr., now a
resident of Florida; Gertrude, who now re-
sides in Mexico; and Cora Imogene, a stud-
ent. Our subject is a member of the I. O.
O. O. F.; and is also a Mason.

OSEPH BUDDINGER, the leading
meat merchant of Mount Carmel,
Northumberland County, Pa., and a

prosperous and enterprising citizen, was born
in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 7, 1847,
and is a son of Anthony and Julia (Fricker)
Buddinger.

Anthony Buddinger, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Germany and came to Amer-
ica in 1849, locating in Mount Carmel, where
he lived until his death in 1898. He learned
the trade of carpentering in his native coun-
try, where he followed it some years; he also
followed it at Mount Carmel nearly all of the
years of his residence there. He was united
in marriage with Julia Fricker and they reared
four sons and two daughters: Conrad, who
was killed at the battle of Gettysburg in the
Civil War; E. William, formerly a machinist
by trade, who is now engaged in the butcher
business in Mount Carmel; Joseph, the sub-
ject of this sketch; Mathias, who follows the
trade of a carpenter; Julia, who died shortly
438 : BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

after landing in this country; and Teresa, the
wife of William Reamsnyder of Williamsport,
Pa.

Joseph Buddinger was about six years of
age when he was brought to Mount Carmel
by his parents, and soon after entered the pub-
lic schools, which he attended for the brief
period of three months. Although his school-
ing was limited, he has acquired a very ex-
tensive knowledge of the affairs of the world
by constant contact with business men and
men of high education. He early in life
learned the trade of a carpenter, which he
followed until 1873, when he went into the
butchering business, which he has since con-
tinued. He was first located on Fifth street,
but later moved to his present excellently lo-
cated establishment on Oak street, about
the year 1880. He carries the highest grades
of meats of all kinds and is patronized by the
leading citizens of Mount Carmel. He has
many friends and is highly esteemed.

Mr. Buddinger enlisted in the Civil War
in Company D of the 48th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.,
March 10, 1864, and served with great credit
until its close; he actively participated in the
following important engagements: Battle of
the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Weldon Rail-
road, Spottsylvania, Spottsylvania Court-
house, and before Petersburg. He was
wounded on June 17, 1864, at Weldon Rail-
road, slightly wounded in front of Petersburg
in 1865, and at the battle of Cold Harbor re-
ceived a wound which resulted in deafness in
one ear.

Our subject was first united in marriage
with Sarah Kutz of Schuylkill County, Pa., by
whom he had two children, namely: Carrie
E., the wife of William Straup of Mount Car-
mel; and Katie, the wife of George Clark of
Mount Carmel. His second union was with
Josephine Kreighbaum, and they have three

 

children: Sally; Julia; and Adam Lawson
Lee. Politically Mr. Buddinger is now a con-
sistent Prohibitionist, but formerly was affil-
iated with the Republican party. Fraternally
he is a member of Mount Carmel Lodge No.
630, I. O. O. F.; Mount Carmel Command-
ery No. 22, Knights of Malta; and Burnside
Post No. 92, G. A. R.

—_—+ eo

HOMAS J. BARTON, one of the
most enterprising and progressive cit-
izens of Bloomsburg, is proprietor of

the White Mill of that town and enjoys a large
and paying custom. He was born on the old
Barton homestead on West Main street, near
where the pottery now stands, September 28,
1840, and is a son of Caleb and Sarah (Ru-
pert) Barton.

Our subject comes from an old and promi-
nent family whose members have long been
connected with the growth and development
of Bloomsburg and Columbia County. His
great-grandfather was Elisha Barton, one of
the early settlers of Bloomsburg, who was the
son of Thomas Barton.

Thomas Barton, great-great-grandfather of
our subject, was of English birth and came
to the United States with two brothers early
in the eighteenth century, settling in Vir-
ginia. His companion in life was Hannah
Clark, a native of England, and they were the
parents of the following children: Daniel;
Elisha, the great-grandfather of our subject;
Theophilus; Roger; Undrel; Thomas;
Clark; Amelia; Sarah; and Isabella. Elisha
was born in Virginia, June 21, 1742, and lived
there until 1781, when he came to Columbia
County and located near the town of
Bloomsburg. He purchased land on Fishing
Creek and built what became known as the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 439

 

Red Mill at the foot of a hill and not far dis-
tant from the stream. It was one of the first
mills erected in this section of the country
and was on the site upon which our subject's
mill is now located. He put in a wheatstone
chopper and plaster grinders and did the cus-
tom work for the farmers for many miles dis-
tant. He also owned a large tract of land
on the opposite side of the creek which he
cleared, giving the lumber for the erection
of the First Episcopal Church. He was one
of the most prominent men of the county and
was held in high esteem by a large circle of
acquaintances. He was active and energetic
and served for a number of years as justice
of the peace. His first marriage was with
Mary Simonton, whose death occurred short-
ly after they moved to Northumberland Coun-
ty. They reared one son, Thomas. On July
10, 1771, he formed a second union with Ann
McCarty, who was born in New Jersey, March
20, 1754, and they were the parents of the
following children: Mary, who was born De-
cember 16, 1772, and married John Boone;
Amelia, born October 2, 1774; Elisha, born
September 2, 1777, and married Rachel Mil-
ler; Isaiah, born June 21, 1780, whose wife
was Mary Thornton; Hannah, the wife of
James Boone, born May 25, 1783; John, who
was born May 10, 1785, and married May C.
Kreider; Anna, the wife of Abraham Klotz,
was born January 6, 1778; Sarah, born May
2, 1790; Caleb, who married Mary Craig,
born November 26, 1792; one, who died in
infancy; Cyrus, whose birth occurred May 3,
1796, and who was united in marriage to
Catherine Brewer; and Betsey, wife of Wil-
liam Robinson, born January 30, 1799. After
living a long and useful life Mr. Barton passed
into the world of rest September 12, 1816, and
his beloved wife survived him seven years, dy-
ing January 11, 1823.

 

Isaiah Barton, grandfather of our subject,
followed farming until 1842, when he pur-
chased the mill property and, after tearing
down the mill erected by his father, built the
one which is now operated by our subject.
He conducted a custom mill and found it a
very remunerative occupation, as he was weil
patronized. He lived but a short time after
the completion of the mill. He was united
in marriage to Mary Thornton and _ they
reared a large family of children, one of whom
was Caleb, the father of our subject.

Caleb Barton was born August 30, 1812,
and lived upon the homestead farm during the
early part of his life. He took charge of the
farm, while his father conducted the affairs of
the mill, until the latter’s death, when he suc-
ceeded to the ownership of the mill. He suc-
cessfully operated the mill until his death. In
1855 he built the handsome residence in which
his son-in-law, Thomas Webb, now lives. In
February, 1836, he was united in marriage to
Sarah Rupert, a daughter of Peter Rupert,
a member of one of the oldest families of the
community, and they became the happy par-
ents of six children: Evelina B., the wife of
Dr. W. H. McReynolds; Mary, deceased;
Thomas J., the subject of this biography;
Catherine B., the wife of Alfred Ale; Emma
B., the wife of John Moore; and Anna B.,
the wife of Thomas Webb. In 1862 he formed
a second union with Delilah Creveling. Mr.
Barton folded his hands in final rest in
Bloomsburg in 1895, at the advanced age of
eighty-four years. In politics he was a Whig
until the death of that organization, when he
became a stanch supporter of the principles
of the Republican party. In religious attach-
ments he was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

Thomas J. Barton, our subject, was reared
an the farm and after attaining his majority
440

 

learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he
followed in Bloomsburg for eight years. He
then returned to the homestead farm, where
he carried on general farming for twenty
years, or until 1895, when he purchased the
old Barton Mill property, and after making
‘many improvements operated it. He has
fitted it up with improved machinery and op-
erates the mill in an up-to-date manner in
every respect. He turns out a high grade
of flour, the best brand being the White Lily,
and it finds a ready sale on the market. He
is a man in whom the people do not hesitate
to place their confidence and he has many
friends throughout Columbia County. In the
fall of 1897 he built a fine residence on West
Main street, where he has since resided. =

Mr. Barton served as a musician in
6th Pa. Reserves for thirteen months, and re-
ceived his honorable discharge in 1862. After
his return he was drafted and became a mem-
ber of Company A, 17Ist Reg., Pa. Militia,
and served about eleven months, his regiment
acting as scout during that time.

the

Mr. Barton formed a matrimonial alliance
with Henrietta Guild, a daughter of Aaron
Guild of Hemlock township, and six children
have blessed their happy union, namely: Ed-
ward, who married Annie Fowler, and has
two of four children living, Mable and James;
Catherine, deceased; Isaiah, a silk weaver,
who married Mary Oswell, and they have the
following children—May, Thomas, Leone,
Helen, Caleb, Fred, Ray, Francis, deceased,
and Frank; Caleb, a miller; Harry, a teacher;
and Maud, a graduate of the Bloomsburg
High School.

Mr. Barton is a Republican in his political
affiliations. In religious belief he is a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church.

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

AMES J. HARDING is a tiller of the
soil, having commenced that occupa-
tion in 1883, since which time he

has occupied a fine farm in Shrewsbury
township, Sullivan County, Pa.. He is of
sturdy English extraction and was born in
London, England, December 24, 1850. He
is a son of James and Elizabeth (Fremont)
Harding. .

James Harding, the father of our subject,
was also born in England, but in 1853 he
bade farewell to his native country and with
his family of two children immigrated to the
United States and settled in Montoursville,
Lycoming County, Pa., where he still resides.
He was in the army during the Civil War.
He has accumulated a fine estate and has re-
tired from active work. Mrs. Harding was
also born in England and is the mother of
the following children: James J., whose name
appears at the head of these lines; Elizabeth,
who is the wife of George Evenden, who is
a florist at Williamsport, Pa.; William, pas-
tor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wil-
liamsport, Pa.; Mary Bell, who was joined in
the bonds of wedlock with Robert E. Diet-
rich, a prominent merchant of Montoursville,
Pa.; and Charles, a prosperous gardener of
Montoursville, Pa. Mr. Harding gave all his
children a good education and all are well-to-
do members in the various communities in
which they reside.

James J. Harding started out in the saw-
mill business and continued the same until
1883, when he left Montoursville, Pa., and
moved to Sullivan County, where he pur-
chased the Edkins farm in Shrewsbury town-
ship. Our subject is an energetic and indus-
trious farmer, and has made many fine im-
provements on his homestead, which consists
of 112 acres of highly cultivated land. He
18 prominently known throughout the coun-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 441

 

ty, is a good neighbor and citizen, and pos-
sesses a multitude of friends.

Mr. Harding was wedded in 1876 to Annie
J. Feister of Shrewsbury township, a daugh-
ter of John and Margaret (Edkins) Feister,
both now deceased; upon the death of our
subject’s wife, which occurred in Septem-
ber, 1894, she left a family of three children,
namely: Clyde, a bockkeeper residing at
Montoursville, Pa.; Harry Chester; and John
Paxton. On December 26, 1895, Mr. Hard-
ing formed a second marriage with Alda Ed-
kins, a daughter of Warren and Rosalia Ed-
kins; her mother and father still reside in
Shrewsbury township. One child has been
born to this union, Sarah Rita. Mr. and Mrs.
Harding are members of the Methodist
Church. Politically Mr. Harding is a Repub-
lican and has served as school director sev-
eral years.

 

ATRICK F. BRENNAN, district su-
‘perintendent of the Philadelphia &
Reading Coal & Iron Company, is a
man of great prominence in the Seventeenth
Congressional District of Pennsylvania. His
position is one of vast importance not only to
his employers but to the thousands of labor-
ing men under his supervision. In 1895 he
was appointed district superintendent of the
Southern Coal & Iron Works and he has ex-
hibited much executive ability in his manage-
ment of the same. The district in his charge
includes the following collieries: Henry Clay,
Big Mountain, Sterling, Burnside, Bear Val-
ley, North Franklin and Buck Ridge. These
collieries furnish employment to about 3,800
men and boys and are all located in North-
umberland County.
Besides his varied duties in superintending

 

these collieries Mr. Brennan has been partia'ly
instrumental in bringing about important
changes in the mining laws. He was ap-
pointed by Gov. Robert Pattison a member
of a commission consisting of eleven to revise
the old mining law then in operation. The
commissioners gravely considered the situa-
tion and the present law is the result.

Our subject was born September 3, 1853,
in the southern part of Schuylkill County, Pa.
His father died when he was eleven years of
age, leaving a widow and four children, our
subject being one of them. Thus, early in
life, he was obliged to work hard to assist
in supporting the family. At the age of
eleven years he began his industrious career
by working as door-boy of Preston Mine No.
2, located at Girardville, operated at that time
by Eaton & Company. As he was active and
attentive to his duties he was soon promoted
from that position to a better one and finally
became a miner. On account of his superior
skill he was advanced to foreman of the Suf-
folk Colliery, near Mahanoy City, which posi-
tion he resigned to accept his present much
more important and lucrative situation, men-
tioned in the beginning of this sketch.

In 1886 Mr. Brennan was a prominent fig-
ure in the Knights of Labor and in that year
was a delegate to the Miners’ District Assem-
bly, which was held in Indianapolis, Ind. At
all times our subject has been ready and will-
ing to do all in his power to assist and help
those who are under his supervision.

Mr. Brennan sought and won Elizabeth
Murphy for his wife and their nuptials were
consummated July 1, 1880. The following
children have been born to them: Thomas;
Laura; Annie, Lizzie, Helen, and Joseph, all
deceased; James; Joseph; Eleanor; and Ida.
During his experience as a miner while work-
ing at Preston Mine No. 2 he received severe *
442

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

injuries, caused by a gas explosion, and has
never entirely recovered from them. Polit-
ically Mr. Brennan inclines to the party of
Jefferson and Jackson, but does not ally him-
self with it when its politics do not suit him.
He served one term as burgess of Girardville
and was also tax collector and chief of police
of the same town. Few men can boast of hav-
ing more friends and influence in the Seven-
teenth Congressional District than our worthy
subject.

——_—_—_<-0-»______

ILLIAM WEAVER EVERT of

Shamokin, Northumberland Coun-

ty, Pa., is widely and most favor-
ably known among railway men because of
the responsible position which he holds. He is
a son of Daniel and Mary E. (Weaver) Evert
and was born January 14, 1843, in what is
now the town of Shamokin. A successful man
in business, a veteran of the war with an ad-
mirable record, and a man of most estimabte
character, Mr. Evert is looked upon as one
of the leading citizens of Northumberland
County.

Daniel Evert, father of our subject, was a
man of whom his son and family are justly
proud. He was one of the pioneer tanners in
the eastern part of the state and his enter-
prise did much toward giving to the industrial
iuterests of Shamokin the impetus which
eventually produced the very satisfactory re-
sults which are to-day evident on every hand.
Mr. Evert was born in 1805 and passed to
his final rest at his home in Shamokin in
1868. A tanner by trade he erected the first
industry, aside from those connected with coal
operating, in Shamokin, building and operat-
ing a tannery on a site near that of the pres-
ent Pennsylvania Railroad station and on
which now stands the residence which he built

Danville, Pa.

 

and which is now occupied by the subject of
our sketch. The home is notable as the first
brick structure built in Shamokin. About
the time of the breaking out of the war Mr.
Evert abandoned the tanning business and en-
gaged in the manufacture of soap, following
the business for several years. He lived a
comparatively retired life for two years pre-
vious to his demise. Politically Mr. Evert
was not active and he never aspired to office,
although a man of positive and liberal opin-
ions. He wasa pioneer of Presbyterianism in
Northumberland County and long was an ar-
dent and most active supporter and advocate
of the doctrine in which he so firmly believed,
and he held numerous offices in the early
Presbyterian Church in Shanfokin. Mr.
Evert was married twice. To his estimabie
first wife were born seven children, one son,
the subject of this review, and six daughters.
Of the children who grew to maturity the
eldest daughter, Malinda W.. was the’ wife of
Daniel Felix of Schuylkill County, and re-
sided in Shamokin at the time of her death;
Catharine is the widow of B. F. Boughner;
and Sarah E. died at the age cf sixteen years.
The second wife was Mrs. Margaret Haas
(widow) whose maiden name was Lunger, of
By this union two children,
John L. Evert and Mrs. Burton B. Smith,
were born, both still residing in Shamokin.
The second wife, and second-time widow, de-
parted this life February 27, 1899, at the age
of eighty-three years.

Our subject was educated in the common
schoo's of Shamokin and at the age of seven-
teen he entered the employ of George B. Cad-
wallader, druggist, as clerk, remaining in the
drugstore in the town of Shamokin until the
proprietor retired from business. In response
to the call for men to serve in the army against
the Confederacy our subject enlisted in Com-
 

ROBERT GOODWILL.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 445

 

 

pany C., 131st. Penna. Vol. Inf. He was de-
tailed as hospital steward because of his
knowledge of drugs and served nine months
with great credit to himself. Returning to
his home he entered the employ of the North-
ern Central Railway, working for two years
as a clerk in the Shamokin office and then
being transferred to the weigh-scales, where
all the coal received from the east is weighed,
as weighmaster. Mr. Evert is an enthusiastic
Republican and has been a member of the
borough council and also treasurer of his
town. He is a prominent communicant of
the Lutheran Church.

On May 17, 1866, our subject was united
in marriage to Mary J. Kreigh of Catawissa.
To them have been born five children as fol-
lows: Clara, who is at home; Edward K. and
William K., who are general merchants in
Shamokin; and Harriet B., and Laura, who
also are at home.

i

OBERT GOODWILL, who, prior to

his death, was president of the Good-

will Coal & Coke Company of West

Virginia, was one of the most honored and
respected citizens of Shamokin, Northumber-
land County, Pa. The entire stock of the
company was owned by Mr. Goodwill and his
family and was directed by the following man-
agement: Robert Goodwill, president; An-
thony G. Goodwill, vice-president; Philip
Goodwill, general manager and treasurer;

William Goodwill, secretary. The firm was

organized in 1886 by our subject, after hav-
ing secured a lease of 800 acres of the famous
Flat-Top coal lands from the Flat-Top Coal
Land Association.

Preparatory work was immediately begun
by Mr. Goodwill in opening up the mines,
erecting the necessary machinery, buildings,

 

coke ovens, ete., and such other improve-
ments as are necessary for the shipment of
coal and coke. The business was conducted
as a firm until December, 1888, when it was
incorporated in accordance with the Jaws of
West Virginia as the Goodwill Coal & Coke
Company. The first shipment of coal was
made in September, 1887; since that time the
capacity of the mines has steadily increased
until at present the colliery is capable of
turning out 1,000 tons of coal daily. With the
present shipments, from ninety to one hun-
dred men are employed. The plant contains
50 Bee Hive coke ovens, erected in accord-
ance with the requirements of the lease, which
have a weekly capacity of from 300 to 350
tons.

The mines are systematically as well as ad-
vantageously laid out, and are thoroughly
ventilated with a 15-foot fan. There are four
main openings, with an excellent track system
connecting with two tipples, only one of which
is used in ordinary shipments. The company
is fully equipped in every particular, having a
number of comfortable and suitable dwelling
houses, a convenient and well-arranged store,
offices, etc., commodius stables, saw-mills,
mine cars, and a fine artesian well which fur-
nishes an excellent water-supply for all re-
quirements. Our subject continued as presi-
dent of this company until death called him
to final rest, December 17, 1898. He was a
man of high character, having led a pure and
moral life, and his loss was deeply felt by his
family and many friends.

Robert Goodwill was born October 7, 1827,
at Loan End, Northumberland County, Eng-
and. He was a son of Anthony Goodwill of
Northumberland, England, and was the tenth
in a family of twelve children. At the early
age of nine years he commenced work in the
mines of England and was engaged first in
446 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

removing coal from the mines in something
like a tub or sled. At the age of thirteen he
began mining coal, was identified more or less
in the business of coal mining up to the time
when death claimed him. His parents, al-
though they came of humble birth, were in-
dustrious and highly respected, being devout
members of the Church of England, and
through them the son inherited the religious
inclinations so characteristic of the man. He
was married July 27, 1847, to Catherine
Wake, and to them were born five children:
three boys and two girls. The girls died in
infancy, but the three boys are living. Mr.
and Mrs. Goodwill celebrated the fiftieth an-
niversary of their wedded life on July 27,
1897.

In the middle of May, 1852, our subject,
with his wife and son, sailed for America, ar-
riving in Philadelphia on June 30, 1852. From
there he went to Gold Mine Gap, Dauphin
County, Pa., where he worked three years at
nuning coal. From Gold Mine Gap he moved
his family to the Shamokin coal fields, where
he was employed at the Lancaster Colliery,
better known as the Coal. Run Colliery, about
three miles east of Shamokin. In 1857 he lo-
cated in Trevorton, Pa., about eight miles
west of Shamokin, working as a miner and
contractor. He remained there for eight
years, when, in 1865, he leased the tracts of
coal land known as the Greenough and Bear
Valley tracts, about three miles west of Sha-
mokin, and moved his family there. He op-
erated those two collieries very successfully
until 1877, when he sold out his interest to the
Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Com-
pany. Although well advanced in years, Mr.
Goodwill’s active spirit would not permit him
to remain idle and, accordingly, he leased a
tract of bituminous coal land at Reynoldsville,
Jefferson County, Pa., and operated it be-

 

tween four and five years, until the coal on
his lease was exhausted. He then leased what
is known as the Carson tract, just on the out-
skirts of Shamokin; that he operated for two
years, when he sold out to a New York firm.
From that time until 1883 he was engaged in
various mining enterprises and next secured
a lease in the now famous Flat-Top coal field
of West Virginia, being one of the early pio-
neers of the coal development, with Capt.
Welch, J. H. Bramwell, John Cooper, and
John Freeman, giving his personal attention
for two years to his interests there, when he
turned the management over to his son, who
is at present the general manager.

A. G. Goodwill, vice-president of the com-
pany and eldest son of our subject, was born
in Scotland in 1848, and accompanied his par-
ents to the United States in 1852. He at-
cended the public schools of Pennsylvania,
afterward graduating at Dickinson Seminary,
Williamsport, Pa. Returning to Shamokin
he accepted a position as bookkeeper, which
he held for sixteen years, resigning to engage
in the hardware business in Shamokin, which
he still carries on successfully. He became a
member of the Goodwill Coal & Coke Com-
pany at its incorporation, which business con-
nection he still retains. He married Miss R.
C. Klase of Ashland, Pa., in 1873, and has one
son, Robert, now twenty-one years old.

Philip Goodwill, second son of our subject,
was born in Dauphin County, Pa., received a
common school education and subsequently
pursued his studies for two years at Dickinson
Seminary. His father, being engaged in min-
ing and shipping coal, naturally brought
his sons in contact with every branch of the
business from the office to the more respon-
sible positions about the mines. In 1874 Philip
left Shamokin for Reynoldsville, Pa., where
he took charge of his father’s large bitumi-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 447

 

 

nous coal interests, and remained in that ca-
pacity until 1878, when he returned to Shamo-
kin and engaged with his father in the coal
business again. Subsequently he eutered the
law office of Hon. W. H. M. Oram, but never
entered upon the practice of his profession,
notwithstanding he was duly admitted to the
Northumberland County Bar in 1884. Some
time after being admitted to the bar he was
elected teller of the First National Bank of
Shamokin, which position he filled with satis-
faction until 1887, when he resigned to as-
sume the management of the Goodwill Coal
& Coke Company, which position he still re-
tains. In 1887 he married the eldest daughter
of W. H. Douty of Shamokin, and immediate-
ly thereafter located in Bramwell, W. Va.,
where he now resides, having one of the most
beautiful and comfortable homes in that pret-
ty little town. Mr. Goodwill is a past com-
mander of Ivanhoe Commandery No. Io,
Knights Templar, of Bramwell; also a mem-
ber of the blue lodge and chapter of that place,
as well as a member of Beni-Kedem Temple,
U. D., of Charlestown, W. Va. He is secre-
tary of the Pocahontas Company and is asso-
ciated with other business enterprises. He is
an influential member of the Presbyterian
Church of Bramwell and member of the board
of education of Rock district, in which capac-
ity he was largely instrumental in securing the
erection of the handsome new graded-school
building recently constructed in Bramwell.
W. F. Goodwill, youngest son of our sub-
ject, Robert Goodwill, was born in Dauphin
County, Pa., and attended the public schools,
after which he graduated at Dickinson Semi-
nary in 1875, taking a commercial course at
the same institution the following year. His
school vacations were spent in working about
his father’s mines in various capacities. After
completing his commercial course he returned

 

to Shamokin and was employed in his father's
office as bookkeeper, in which capacity he re-
mained until the colliery was sold to the Phil-
adelphia & Reading Coal & tron Company.
M. Shuman &
Company, grocers, for about one year; then
engaged in business at Shamokin as a member
of the firm of Derby & Goodwill, in which he
continued for some time; disposed of his in-
terest to enter the mail service, which occupa-
tion he followed for about three years, leaving
the service to accept a position as bookkeeper
with J. Langdon & Company, at Neilson Col-
liery, Shamokin, where he remained until
1889, when he went to Goodwill, W. Va., as
secretary and buyer for the Goodwill Coal &
Coke Company, the position he still holds. In
1879 Mr. Goodwill chose for his wife and life
companion Ida R. Klase of Ashland, Pa. His
home is in Shamokin, where his family resides.
Mr. Goodwill has never taken an active part
in politics, but was elected in 1888 to the Sha-
mokin borough council, and now holds the
position of notary public for Mercer County,
W. Va.

The publishers of this volume take pleasure
in announcing that a portrait of Robert Good-
will appears on a previous page, in connection
with the above life history.

[le was next employed by L.

HOMAS C. REESE is a well-known
and much respected citizen of Sha-
mokin, Pa. He superintends the ma-

chine and blacksmith department of the Sha-
mokin Iron Works. Mr. Reese is at present
also much interested in gold mining. He is
the owner of 154 acres of land in McDowell
County, North Carolina, which is being large-
ly developed under a lease. The firm which
is operating his territory is now erecting a
448 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

ten-stamp mill to be run by water power.
This field is rich not only in gold, but also
contains other precious metals and valuable
minerals. \Vithin a radius of five miles have
been found about one hundred and thirty-six
different minerals, the rarest of these being
diamonds. Mr. Reese reasonably expects to
realize in the future a fair profit on his invest-
ment.

John Reese, father of our subject, was a na-
tive of South Wales and immigrated to Amer-
ica in 1846, bringing his family with him; he
located in St. Clair, Schuylkill County, Pa.,
and at once accepted a position as mine super-
intendent in the employ of William H. John-
son. He continued in this business until he
departed this life in 1853. He was known as
an old-line Whig, but could not be prevailed
upon to accept office.

Thomas C. Reese was born in Monmouth-
shire, South Wales, July 9, 1837, and is a son
of John and Mary (Thomas) Reese. He was
brought to America by his parents when
about nine years of age, receiving his educa-
tion in St. Clair, Schuylkill County. When
quite young he learned the trade of a machin-
ist and when grown to manhood worked at
that occupation in Port Carbon, and also at
Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, Pa., subse-
quently removing to Luzerne County, and
thence to Northumberland County, contin-
uing to work at his chosen calling. After re-
maining in the latter county two years, he
spent one year prospecting in the Cumber-
land Mountains. “He was employed by the
Tonzwell Coal & Iron Co. of Virginia to pros-
pect for coal.

In 1856 our subject went South to Virginia
and engaged in mining for three years. He,
at the end of that time, returned North and
engaged his services with the Shamokin Iron
Works. In 1886 he again went South and

 

was located in Georgia for a short time, but
finally returned to Shamokin and accepted his
present responsible position, which he is very
creditably filling. He has the reputation of
being a skilled mechanic and consequently is
quite competent to oversee the departments
under his control.

On November 15, 1865, our subject was
united in marriage with Mary Henry. They
have merry gatherings at their home and both
Mr. and Mrs. Reese are well and favorably
known in social and religious circles through-
out the town.

4-2»

SHBEL B. LONGSHORE, D. D.§.,
a prosperous and popular dentist of
Mt. Carmel, with a large practice, is
a son of Evan J. and Mary (Segraves) Long-
shore, and was born April 2, 1869, in South
Easton, Northampton County, Pa. Our sub-
ject started on his active business career as
a messenger boy and has worked diligently
until he has raised himself to a prominent po-
sition in his chosen profession and is known
as one of the most capable and successful
practitioners of dentistry in the county.
After obtaining a comparatively meager
preliminary education in the common schools
of Scranton, Pa., our subject at the age of
fourteen years began to earn his living and
set out to make his own way with compara-
tively little assistance. He entered the em-
ploy of the Postal Telegraph Company and
served as a messenger for about two and a
half years. Next he was in the employ of
the Grand Union Tea Company and, deter-
mined to follow out his ambition, he entered
Wood’s Business College at Scranton, in
which he received a fairly good business edu-
cation. He then removed to Hazleton, Pa.,
where he was employed as bookkeeper for the
 

A. P. YOUNG.

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

451

 

 

Lehigh Coal Company. Our subject was for-
tunate in having access to the large library of
his uncle, Dr. W. R. Longshore, a prominent
physician at Hazleton, and he studied assidu-
ously while keeping the books of the coal
company. Having decided to take up den-
tistry as a profession, he entered the Pennsyl-
vania College of Dental Surgery at Philadel-
phia from which he graduated in 1895. He
immediately removed to Hazleton where he
practiced his profession for a year and then
removed to Mt. Carmel, where he has since
been an honored resident and a leader among
its professional men.

Dr. Longshore comes of a family of phy-
sicians, evidently inheriting the natural apti-
tude and liking for the profession in which he
has been so successful and in which he stands
so prominent. Tis grandfather, Ashbel
Longshore, was one of the first physicians to
locate at Hazleton and began his practice
there when the town was very small. The
father of our subject, Evan J. Longshore, also
was a physician and followed his profession in
Scranton, Pa., during the major part of his
life time. A brother of our subject, Eugene,
is now attending the dental college in Phila-
delphia.

Our subject is a member of the Mt. Carmel
Commandery No. 22, Knights of Malta. He
was united in marriage to Elizabeth Stager
and to them has been born one child, Jennie
W. :

 

P. YOUNG, whose portrait is shown
on the opposite page, is one of the
most prominent farmers of Green-

wood township, Columbia County, and is the
proprietor of a well-improved farm of 80 acres,
which is located in the fertile region of Green-
wood Valley. He was born near Benton, Co-

| Greenwood Seminary.

 

lumbia County, Pa., November 17, 1835, and
is a son of Abram and Ann (Peterman)
Young.

Abram Young, the father of our subject,
was born in New Jersey, and in 1812 moved
to Columbia County, Pa., working on the way
at different occupations. While en route he
worked on the river bridge at Harrisburg,
which was then being erected. Upon arriving
at Benton, Columbia County, he purchased a
tract of timberland consisting of 111 acres,
which is now the property of Washington
Krouse; he cleared part of his purchase and
engaged in farming the rest of his life. In
politics he was a strong Democrat and held
the office of county commissioner and also
was justice of the peace for thirty years. He
took an active part in the War of 1812, and
was a captain in the militia. He passed from
this life at his home in Benton at the age of
eighty-seven years. Huis wife was Ann Peter-
man, a daughter of James Peterman, who
came to where Benton now is from Bucks
County, Pa.; he was a blacksmith. Two sons
and two daughters were born to this union,
as follows: Mercy Ann, deceased, who was
the wife of Mathias Roberts; Aaron, deceased,
who was a well-to-do farmer of Round Grove,
Whiteside County, Ill; Sarah, who married
Eli McHenry of Benton, Columbia County;
and A. P., whose name heads these lines.

A. P. Young was reared on his father’s farm
near Benton and received his education in the
public schools and at Greenwood Seminary
at Millville, Pa. He then taught in the public
schools three years and two years in the
In 1861 he took pos-
session of the old farm where he now lives,
which consisted of 80 acres of very much worn
land, and he has made many improvements,
and his farm now ranks among the most pro-
ductive in Greenwood Valley. In addition to
452 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

carrying on general farming he also deals
somewhat in stock, his farm being well
stocked with thoroughbred registered Jersey
cattle. For the past twenty years he has been
breeding Brahma poultry, and later Bronze
turkeys were added. Our subject is one of the
stockholders of the Farmers’ Produce Ex-
change, Limited, of Bloomsburg,

Mr. Young is an active member of the Pa-
trons of Husbandry and has filled many of the
offices in that organization; has been a mem-
ber of the executive committee of the state
grange for two terms and county deputy for
fifteen years. Politically our subject is a Dem-
ocrat; is serving his closing term as justice
of the peace; and is a candidate for nomina-
tion for member of the Legislature. On Jan-
uary 10, 1861, Mr. Young and Rachael Wil-
son, daughter of Reuben Wilson, were united
in marriage, and to them have been born four
children, namely: Alice, the wife of A. H.
Potts of Parkesburg, Chester County, Pa.;
Ella; Emma; and Mary.

Mr. Young is an industrious and energetic
man, a good citizen, and is held in high es-
teem. He is adding his quota to the business
interests of the township and filling his posi-
tion with great credit. Mr. Young is on the
state list of lecturers for the Farmers’ Insti-
tutes of Pennsylvania and has ably held that
position for fifteen consecutive years. He has
visited many of the neighboring counties in
that capacity.

2 —__.

ANIEL FAUST is prominent among
the most successful contractors and
builders of Shamokin, Coal township,

and is a member of the well-known firm of

Reed & Faust. This firm is extensively and

favorably known for the excellent work done

by it in various parts of the town. The firm

 

 

 

 

 

makes a specialty of comfortable and hand-
some dwellings and enjoys the distinction of
having erected many of Shamokin’s model
residences. Messrs. Reed & Faust employ
from twenty-five to thirty competent journey-
men carpenters and supervise in person all
work entrusted to them. They have a large
lumber-yard and workshop well supplied with
all kinds of building material and are always
prepared to furnish estimates on all kinds of
new buildings, or for the remodeling of old
structures. Among their patrons are some
of the largest real estate owners in Shamokin,
and they are noted for doing strictly first-class
work at reasonable figures. A few of the
beautiful and cozy homes erected by the firm
are those of H. H. Keiser, T. B. Hertzog, Ja-
cob R. Keiser, Richard Deppen, and_ their
own handsome and modern residences.
Daniel Faust is a son of George and Re-
becca (Klingerman) Faust and was born at
East Mahanoy Junction, Schuylkill County,
Pa., March 15, 1841. He attended the public
schools until seventeen years old and then
moved to Mahanoy City, where he learned
the carpenter’s trade; he soon proved himself
to be an expert workman and labored indus-

‘triously at his trade in and about his native

section for many years. In 1876 he located in
Shamokin and continued to work in that town
and surrounding country until 1884, when he
formed a partnership with Francis T. Reed
and embarked in the contractirig and building
business under the firm name of Reed &
Faust. He is now reaping the rewards of his
industry and is enjoying a comfortable com-
petency in his closing years.

Daniel Faust, our subject, was united in
marriage with Susan Seward December 1,
1866, and to them have been born four chil-
dren, only two of whom are now living: Me-
linda, a charming young lady, and Edward E.,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

453

 

 

now attending the Pennsylvania Dental Col-
. lege of Philadelphia.

Our subject has a very creditable war rec-
ord. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the
Union Army in Company H, 96th Reg., Pa.
Vol. Inf., and was honorably discharged from
the service June 22, 1865, having served his
country nearly three years without missing a
single day’s duty. He served in the Army of
the Potomac and under Sheridan in the She-
nandoah Valley. Among the important bat-
tles in which he participated were Gettysburg,
Fredericksburg and Rappahannock Station,
where his gallantry was observed by Gen.
Henry Upton, who made him his orderly from
that time until the close of the war. Socially
our subject is a member of Gen. Grant Lodge,
No. 575, I. O. O. F.; also of Lincoln Post,
No. 140, G. A. R., of Shamokin. He is an
active member and liberal supporter of the
Methodist Church.

John Faust, grandfather of our subject, was
a native of Berks County, Pa., but early in life
located in Rush township, Schuylkill County,
where he was an ideal and practical farmer.
Later he removed to Mahanoy, which is now
Mahanoy City, and for some time was pro-
prietor of the Mahanoy Hotel, but still later
he returned to Rush township, where he
spent the remainder of his life.

George Faust, father of our subject, was
born on the site of Mahanoy City before the
town was built. He was educated, reared and
lived in that section all his life. He early
learned the carpenter’s trade and was also
very skilful in building wind-mills for cleaning
grain. A severe cold contracted by exposure
cut short his progress in life’s journey, just as
he was nearing its forty-second milestone,
leaving his widow and nine children to mourn
his premature demise,

 

RS. GEORGE HASSERT. The

subject of this sketch, a highly re-

spected lady, resides at her home

on the corner of Catherine and Fourth streets,

Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pa. She is

the widow of George Hassert, who was born

in Reichensachsen, Hesse-Cassel, Germany,

November 5, 1824, and was a son of George
and Elizabeth (Wagner) Hassert.

George Hassert, Sr., was a native of Ger-
many and made his native country his home
all his life.

George Hassert, Jr., was well educated in
the schools of his native town and his youth
was spent working in a mill and learning the
trade of millwright which he followed some
time. At the age of twenty years he enlisted as
a soldier in the German army and served six
years, during which time he participated in
the war between Denmark and Germany in
1848; during the storming of Dabbelar Fort,
in Denmark, he received a wound by a saber
in the forehead and chin. He was also in
the regular army at Baden, engaged in sup-
pressing the rebellion, and was stationed at
Carlsruhe. In 1851 he left the army and
came to the United States, locating in Phil-
adelphia, where he again took up his trade,
which he followed until 1856. In that year
he moved to Bloomsburg and follawed his
former occupation as millwright until 1875,
when he entered into partnership with Peter
S. Harman, a born mechanic, and began oper-
ating a foundry and machine shop. They
purchased the Barton farm upon which they
erected a building 50 by 60 feet and began
the making of Eclipse cooking stoves and
heaters, and the Montrose plough. Their
trade increased so rapidly that they were
obliged to enlarge their establishment and,
accordingly, in 1880 they built a large addi-
tion and began the manufacture of mining
454 ; BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

cats and castings, and machinery for con-
structing and operating mines, also a repair
shop. The shop is equipped with the latest
and most improved machinery; faces Last
street and is three hundred feet square; it
gives employment upward to sixty men whose
work is of the highest order. George Has-
sert was one of the energetic and industrious
business men of Bloomsburg and amassed a
fortune.

George Hassert on February 12, 1854, was
married to Magdalena Decker, who was born
July 15, 1829. Her parents were Joseph and
Christina (Pensal) Decker, both natives of
Germany, where her father operated a farm
and saw-mill until his death which occurred
at the age of fifty-three years. Her mother
died aged eighty-three years. They were the
parents of seven children, Jacob, deceased;
Joseph; Florein, deceased; Phillipena;
Charles; Christina; and Magdalena, our sub-
ject, who came to the United States in 1852.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hassert were born the fol-
lowing children: Charles W., a machinist in
the shops of Harman & Hassert, who wedded
Martha Hartman. They are the parents of
two children, Annie and Pearl; Henry, of
Bloomsburg, was first united in marriage to
Mary Echard, who died leaving two child-
ren, Ira and Ray,—his second marriage was
with Alice Earl and one child, Magdalena,
blessed the union; Annie; Lizzie, wife of Ed-
ward Sleppy of Kingston, Pa., and they had
two children, Grace and Madeline, Grace died
in 1889, aged fifteen years; Emma, the
wife of Charles Erath of Wilkesbarre, Pa.,—
to this union two children have been born,
Bertha and Stanley; Ella, wife of William
Armstrong of Bloomsburg, and they have one
child, Martha; George, a bookkeeper of the
frm of Harman & Hassert, wedded Carrie
Wilson who bore him three children,—Lee,

 

Eunice, who died aged three years, and
Martha, who died aged three years and eight
months.

The demise of George Hassert occurred at
Bloomsburg, October 26, 1889, the result of
neuralgia of the heart. He was greatty
mourned because he was loved and respected
by all who knew him and he was a man widely
known and esteemed for his integrity, hon-
esty and uprightness, both in social and pubtic
life. He ever strove for the suppression of

evil and the doing of good. He was a kind

father and husband, and the esteemed lady
whose name heads this sketch lost a dear com-
panion at his death,

 

ARRY W. KLINE, the efficient and.
accommodating yard-master of

the Northern Central R. R. at Shamokin,
Pa. stands prominent among railroad
men in his vicinity. He was born in
Halifax, Dauphin County, October 21, 1865,
and is a son of John F. and Elizabeth (Kris-
singer) Kline. He was educated in the public
schools of Halifax and at the Dauphin Acad-
emy. At the age of eighteen he was employed
by the Dauphin Bridge Company as time-
keeper, which position he held for three years,
and later on accepted a position with the
Northern Central Railroad as yard-clerk at
Sunbury, where he also remained three years,
discontinuing the same to accept a similar
position with the Philadelphia & Erie R. R.
Co., still remaining in Sunbury two years
more, at the close of which time he was again
promoted and became train-master’s clerk for
the Sunbury division of the Philadelphia &
Erie, and also the Northern Central Railroad,
for a period of two years. But he was not
content to rest here when there was “room

 
 

DR

MARCUS HOWARD HARPEL.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 457

 

 

at the top,” and fortune favored him; he was
promoted to assistant yard-master at Shamo-
kin, for the Northern Central R. R., Decem-
ber 9, 1897, and was still further promoted to
yard-master January 1, 1898, which position
he is now filling so acceptably to his employ-
ers,

Philip Kline, grandfather of our subject,
was a gunsmith by trade and a native of Hali-
fax, Dauphin County, where he followed his
chosen occupation for many years. In the
Revolutionary \War he rendered distinguished
service to his country during that struggle
for liberty and independence. He was united
in marriage with Margaret Schulz and _ six
children were the results of this union: John

F., father of our subject; Elizabeth; Susanna; |,

Clementine; Mary; and Alice. Politically
he was a strong believer in the principles of
Democracy, and was a prominent man in his
day and generation.

John F. Kline, father of our subject, was
born in 1825; he was also a native of Hatifax,
where he was reared and educated. He hasa
significant and very remarkable railroad ca-
reer. While still a young man he entered the
employ of the Northern Central R. R. Co.,
being given the charge of a coal and water
station, and was gradually advanced to the
position of conductor, which occupation he
followed for thirty-five years, and since that
time has been a watchman, having received
injuries while in tlre service. He has been a
good and faithful servant of his employers and
‘is highly esteemed and respected by them.
He enlisted in the Union Army in 1863 and
served throughout the Rebellion. He is a
member of the G. A. R. Post at Sunbury,
where he is now spending his declining years.
He married Elizabeth Krissinger, daughter of
John Krissinger of Derry Station, Westmore-
land County, Pa. She is now peacefully en-

 

joying life at the age of sixty-eight years.
Their family consisted of six daughters and
one son, our subject, as follows: Annie, wife
of John Bottomstone of Halifax; Ida, wife of
A. B. Milliken of Phoenixville, Pa.; Katie
and Alice, who are at the homestead in Sun-
bury; Ella, deceased; and Elizabeth, wife of
B. F. Bright of Sunbury.

Our subject is a valued member of Lodge
No. 21, F. & A. M., at Sunbury; and is also a.
member of-the Cresco Social Club and the
Sunbury Social Club.

+--+

R. MARCUS HOWARD HARPEL,
whose portrait appears on the preced-
ing page, is a physician of Shamokin,

with an extensive practice, and is one of the

oldest and most successful homeopathic physi-
cians of the Seventeenth Congressional Dis-
irict of Pennsylvania. He was born February

1, 1838, in Orwigsburg, county seat of

Schuylkill County, Pa., and is a son of Rey.

Mark and Martha Ann (Morgan) Harpel. He

was reared in Philadelphia, Northampton and

Lancaster counties, Pa., and received his early

education in the district schools. His prepar-

atory education was secured mainly through
his own efforts. In 1861 he entered the State

Normal School at Millersville, Pa., having ob-

tained the means to defray his expenses by

teaching in the public schools of Lancaster

County. After graduating at the State Nor-

mal, being a young man of spirit and enter-

prise, he aspired to fit himself for a profession-
al calling, and chose for his life-work the prac-
tice of medicine. He entered upon his prepar-
atory work in the office of Dr. Joshua Baker,

a prominent physician of Lancaster, Pa. After

faithfully pursuing his studies he completed

his preparatory course and entered the Home-
opathic College of Philadelphia, graduating

 

 

 

 
458

therefrom in 1867. After practicing his pro-
fession for a short time in Canton, Ohio, he
located in Shamokin, Northumberland Coun-
ty, in the fall of the same year, September 25,
1867. He has continued in the active practice
of his profession for more than thirty-one
years, making a specialty of diseases of women
and children, of the digestive organs and dis-
eases of the throat and chest, and has met with
marked success. He has noted with interest
the material progress of the town, and well re-
members when a greater part of the site of
prosperous Shamokin was nothing more than
a swamp.

Dr. Harpel is a man who has kept well
abreast with the times in his profession, and
his career has been that of a student not mere-
ly in becoming master of books but by obser-
vation and travel as well. His library is well
stocked, not only with medical books but with
many valuable works treating of science, trav-
els, literature and general information. He has
traveled extensively in the United States and
Canada and also throughout Europe, having
made two trips abroad and visited most of the
important countries and objects of interest.
During his active professional career he has
found time, in addition to keeping well versed
in his profession, to master the German lan-
guage.

The Harpel family, of which Dr. Marcus
Howard Harpel is a worthy scion, is one that
has been prominently identified with the pro-
fessional history of Eastern Pennsylvania for
about a century and a half. The founder of
the family in America was John Jeremiah Har-
pel, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany,
who, desiring wider range for the exercise of
his industry and talents, immigrated to Amer-
ica in 1750 and located in what was then
known as Faulkner’s Swamp, near the present
borough of Pottstown, in Montgomery Coun-

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

ty, Pa. He occupied himself in cultivating
his farm there and spent the remainder of his
life in that locality. David Harpel, the grand-
father of our subject, was born on that promi-
nent homestead and was reared there. When
a young man he went to Philadelphia and
built a hotel at the junction of Fifth street and
the old York road. He operated that hotel
very successfully for many years, when, hay-
ing accumulated a competency, he retired
from active life and spent the remainder of his
days with two of his sons, David and Jacob,
who were prominent tailors of Philadelphia.
Rev. Mark Harpel, our subject’s father, was
a man of more than ordinary linguistic pow-
ers, possessing an unusually complete knowl-
edge of Latin, Greek, French, and German.
He was born in Philadelphia, October 10,
1810. His early education was received in
church schools, and when quite young he as-
sisted his brother Jacob in conducting a pri-
vate academy for boys. Having been designed
for the ministry by his parents, he began the
study of theology in 1826, under Rev. Mr.
Waage, in Bucks County. Five years later he
was commissioned as a licentiate of the Penn-
sylvania Synod; at its meeting in 1832 both
he and his brother, Jeremiah, were ordained
to the work of the Lutheran ministry. More
than forty years of Mark Harpel’s life were
devoted to earnest, faithful work for the Mas-
ter in the states of New Jersey and Pennsyl-
vania. His first regular charge was Salem, N.
J., where he remained until 1836, when he re-
moved to Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, Pa.
There he met his future wife, Martha Ann
Morgan, a daughter of Joseph Morgan, and
in April, 1837, they were united in the holy
bonds of matrimony. Subsequently he served
congregations in the counties of Northamp-
ton, Berks and Lancaster, filling many of the
principal pulpits. His active ministerial la-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

oa

bors were brought to a close at Brickerville,
Lancaster County, some twenty years ago,
when he removed to the city of Reading.
While residing there, in 1872, death entered
his happy home and in the early springtime
removed his daughter, Emma M., who had
just reached the years of womanhood; and,
again, when the late October winds were sigh-
ing their farewell to the dying year, his be-
loved wife passed to her final rest in the beau-
tiful mansion above. The light and love of
home were now gone, and in the spring of
1873 Rev. Harpel went to Philadelphia and
made his home with his brother, David. Soon,
however, he desired to be with his children,
and the latter years of his life were spent in
visiting them, making his home with his son,
Dr. M. H. Harpel, of Shamokin. There he
passed the closing days of a noble, useful life,
and fell asleep in the early morning of No-
vember 16, 1892. He was laid to rest at the
Charles Evans Cemetery, in the city of Read-
ing.

Nine children, five sons and four daughters,
survived Rev. Mark Harpel and mourn the
loss of a kind and affectionate father: Dr.
Marcus Howard of Shamokin; Dr. E. New-
ton of Philadelphia, now deceased, who re-
sided at the corner of Broad and Morris
streets; Dr. Francis E. of Danville; Dr.
George W. of Mount Carmel; Prof. William
F., superintendent of the public schools of
Shamokin, a sketch of whose life will be found
elsewhere in this volume; Mrs. Amanda L.
Cornish; Mary A.; Mrs. Flora V. Thomas of
Philadelphia; and Mrs. Martha C. Studenroth
of Lexington, Pa. |

On July 2, 1868, Dr. Marcus Howard Har-
pel was united in marriage with Mary A.
Haas, and they are the parents of the follow-
ing children: Edward Francis, a practicing
physician of Shamokin; Flora L., who is at

 

459

home, being actively engaged as secretary for
her uncle, Prof. William F. Harpel, and who
took a full course of medicine, studying under
her father; William Luther, a graduate of
Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery at
Philadelphia; Frederick Theodore, who was
a member of the 8th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., dur-
ing the war between the United States and
Spain, and received an honorable discharge
November 10, 1898, and has resumed his
studies in Hahnemann Medical College, Phil-
adelphia, from which he will graduate in the
spring of 1900; and Howard Mark, a student
of law in the college at Carlisle, Pa.

Dr. Harpel also has two adopted children,
Lily and Nellie Haas, children of his wife’s
brother. Our subject is a man of broad and
liberal ideas, not bound by the edicts of any
sect, clan, or party in social, political or re-
ligious matters, and is very popular.

ILLIAM B. FAUST, an attorney-

at-law, who has built up a very lu-

crative practice in his chosen pro-
fession at Mount Carmel, Northumberland
County, Pa., was born in Reading, Berks
County, Pa., August 5, 1853. He is a son
of Samuel and Margaretta (Miller) Faust.

The father of our subject was a hatter by
trade. When the subject of this sketch was
ten years old his father moved to Philadel-
phia, and in August, 1863, removed to Sun-
bury, Northumberland County, where he died
in January, 1888.

William B. Faust received his primary edu-
cation in public and private schools. He en-
tered Mercersburg College, Franklin County,
in 1869, remaining there until 1873, success-
fully completing a preparatory course. In
1873 Mr. Faust entered the Franklin & Mar-
460

shall College at Lancaster, Pa., where he re-
mained for a year. In 1875 he began the
study of law, the profession he had deter-
mined to adopt, reading under the direction
of A. N. Brice, a well-known attorney of Sun-
bury, Pa., and he was admitted to the bar
of the county June 8, 1877. He remained
with Mr. Brice until September, 1878, when
he removed to Mount Carmel, which place he
has since made his home.

Mr. Faust is a member of the F. & A. M.,
and is also an active Odd Fellow. In politics
he is a Republican and was a delegate to the
National Convention of his party in 1896
which nominated William McKinley as its
candidate for president. So closely has our
subject devoted his energies to his profession
he has never been a seeker after office, al-
though he has been energetic in behalf of
those who have sought public honors. Per-
sonally Mr. Faust is a most genial companion,
a very energetic man in every movement
which is calculated to benefit either his pro-
fession or the borough in which he resides.

———__+ -+—____

OSEPH H. CATTERALL, superin-
tendent of the American Car & Foun-
dry Company’s Rolling Mills at Ber-

wick, Columbia County, Pa. a gentleman
who is held in the highest esteem by his fel-
low-workmen, was born in Bolton, England,
October 6, 1861, and is a son of Ralph C. H.
and Caroline (Reid) Catterall, and grandson
of Joseph and Alice (Kirkman) Catterall.
Joseph Catterall, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in Bolton, England. When
young he learned the trade of a machinist,
which he followed all of his life. He immi-
grated to this country and settled in Fall
River, Mass., where he spent the remainder
of his life. He passed from this life at the

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

age of seventy-six years. He was united in
marriage with Alice Kirkman, who was also
a native of England.

Ralph C. H. Catterall, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Bolton, England, and came
to the United States in 1869, locating at Fa‘l
River, Mass. He prepared himself for the
ministry in England, and preached in Fall
River for a number of years, but devoted the
greater part of his life to the ministry in this
state, where he is widely known. Retiring,
he moved to Wyoming, Pa., where he is now
spending the declining years of his life. He
chose for his life companion Caroline Reid,
and they reared a family of five children:
Joseph H., the subject of this review; Ralph
C. H., a professor in the University of Chi-
cago; William H:, an engineer and assistant
superintendent of the American Car and
Foundry Company’s Rolling Mill at Berwick;
Alfred H., a prominent physician residing in
Chicago, Ill.; and George H., who is now at-
tending college.

Joseph H. Catterall in 1880 moved to the
town of Berwick, Columbia County, and was
employed in the erecting shop of The Jackson
& Woodin Manufacturing Company; later
he was employed in the rolling mills, where
he afterwards acted as clerk. Having proved
himse‘f a reliable and competent workman, in
1890 he was promoted to the superintend-
ency of the rolling mills, and has retained that
position up to the present time. The mills
were built in 1872 and comprise four trains
ot rolls, one a nine-inch, one a twelve-inch,
and two eighteen-inch trains. The mill is lo-
cated at the corner of West Third and Oak
streets, and 325 men are employed in this de-
partment. The entire plant of The Jackson
& Woodin Manufacturing Company passed
into the hands of the American Car & Foun-
dry Company March 1, 1899.
 

ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY GEARHART.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

463

 

 

Mr. Catterall formed a matrimonial alliance
with Jennie Frantz, a daughter of manuel
Frantz, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany,
and they are the parents of two children:
Anha, born August 5, 1884; and Joseph H.,
born January 25, 1891. Our subject has pur-
chased the Opdike residence, which he has
remodeled and transformed into a handsome
home. Mr. and Mrs. Catterall are both regu-
lar members of the Baptist Church of Ber-
wick. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.;
the Knights of Malta; College of the An-
cients; and also of the Royal Arcanum. In
political views he is an adherent to Repub-
lican principles, and has served as auditor; in
the town council, of which body he was
elected president; and as a county commit-
teeman. Mr. Catterall is a valued citizen of
his community, is upright in his dealings, and
is faithful in the discharge of all duties de-
volving upon him.

——————+--»>—___

LEXANDER MONTGOMERY

GEARHEART, whose portrait ap-

pears on the opposite page, the pop-

ular station agent of the D., L. & W.R.R.,

and one of the most prominent and highly

respected citizens of Danville, was born in

Danville, July 26, 1846, and is a son of Bon-

ham R. and Elizabeth S: (Boyd) Gearheart,

grandson of George Gearheart, and great-
grandson of Capt. Jacob Gearheart.

The great-grandfather of our subject, born
in Germany, immigrated to this country prior
to the Revolutionary War, and located in the
state of New Jersey in what is now known
as Hunterdon County. As he had many
friends in Eastern Pennsylvania he sold his
property and with his family moved to North-
umberland County by means of horses and

 

wagons, encountering many difficulties and
hardships on the way. Upon reaching the
farm now owned by William F. Gearhart
the party stopped to rest in a deserted log-
cabin which stood there; upon examination
they found the land very fertile and at once
decided to locate there; Mr. Gearhart pur-
chased land and, being an industrious work-
er, made money rapidly and, as his means
justified, he purchased more land from time
to time until he owned 500 acres. With the
aid of his sons he set about clearing his pur-
chase and built the frame house in which Will-
iam F. Gearhart now resides, which was erect-
ed over one hundred years ago and the house
is still in good condition. He set out an or-
chard which was completely destroyed in 1846
by a hail storm. He was a man of strong
constitution which has been one of the char-
acteristics of the family up to the present
time. He lived to old age as did his wife,
Catherine Kline. He was the father of the
following children: Jacob, born in 1763, died
aged seventy-eight years; Herman, born in
1765, died aged seventy years; William, who
died in 1854 at the age of seventy-eight years;
George, the grandfather of our subject; Tunis;
John, died in 1858 aged seventy years;
Charles, born in 1783, died aged eighty years;
Isaac; Catherine; Mary; and Betsey.

The beautiful farm of 200 acres located one
mile from Riverside, along the bank of the
Susquehanna River, was the property of
George Gearhart, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, it being a present from his father. He
resided there throughout his entire life, fol-
lowing the pursuits of an agriculturist; his
farm is now a part of South Danville. He
was twice married, his first wife being Achie
Runyan, who died young, leaving the follow-
ing children: Bonham R.; Benjamin; Eliza;
and Rebecca. His second marriage was with
464 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

 

Phoebe Lutt, by whom he reared three chil-
dren, namely: Achie, George, and Herman.

Bonham R. Gearhart, our subject’s father,
was born on his father’s homestead, and, af-
ter attaining a liberal education in the com-
mon schools of that township, entered Jeffer-
son Medical College of Philadelphia, gradu-
ating therefrom before he attained his ma-
jority. Prior to his locating in Danville, he
practiced his profession at Washingtonville,
Turbotville, and Sunbury; he was regarded as
one of the most skilful and successful physi-

cians and surgeons of Montour County. He

passed from this life, aged forty-two years,
the cause of his death being pneumonia. His
wife was Elizabeth S. Boyd, a daughter of
William Boyd, a resident of Danville. She
is now past her eighty-second year and is en-
joying fairly good health. Her children were:
Achie, deceased; William B.; George Mc.; a
daughter who died in infancy; Bonham R.;
James B.; Jasper B.; our subject; and M.
Grier. .

Alexander Montgomery Gearhart attended
school until he was fourteen years of age and
then began his business career as a news-
boy on the railroad; later he became freight
agent on the Catawissa R. R. at Danville; sub-
sequently he was employed in the D., L. &
W. R. R. freight office of that borough, and
in 1869 became clerk, in which capacity he
remained four years, when he was promoted
to his present position, succeeding William
Rote.

Our subject served six years on the school
hoard and was its treasurer for thirteen years;
three years marked his service in the town
council, one year as president. He is now
treasurer of Danville Lodge, No. 127, I. O.
H. Mr. Gearhart was wedded to Martha Y.
McCoy, a daughter of Robert McCoy, a na-
tive of Northumberland County, Pa. Mr.

 

McCoy was a carpenter by trade who came
to Danville when a young man and carried on
contracting many years, building some of the
best business blocks and dwellings in the city.
He erected the G. M. Shoop mansion; Conk-
lin Block; Schultz Block; and many other
buildings in the surrounding towns. He died
in 1886 aged sixty-three years; his wife was
Eleanor Vorise, a daughter of James Vorise,
and she died in 1892 at an advanced age.
They were the parents of the following chil-
dren: Martha, the wife of our subject; Mar-
garet, the wife of B. F. Rumbaugh; John B.,
of Danville; Samuel A., also a resident of
Danville; Jennie, who married W. F. Jacobs;
Arthur, deceased; and James, William, Annie,
and Sally, who died in youth.

Our subject and wife have reared two chil-
dren: Nell Bonham married William L. Mc-
Clure, teller of the First National Bank of
Danville, and they are the parents of two
children, Harold Russell and Donald Arm-
strong; and Jasper Greenleaf, who died aged
four years. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart reside in
a handsome house on Market street, which
our subject purchased from Thomas Reaves.

HOMAS SANGER, one of the most
prominent men and highly respected
citizens of Mount Carmel, Pa., is a son

of Thomas and Sarah (Brown) Sanger, and
was born November 24, 1869, at Girardville,
Schuylkill County, Pa.

Thomas Sanger, the father of our subject,
as a native of the parish of Gernoe, Cornwall
County, England, and was born in 1842. He
was the only son and great care was taken
in bringing him up. His father was a Meth-
odist minister and he died when Thomas was
but five years old, leaving the family in
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 465

 

 

straitened circumstances. Therefore Thom-
as was obliged to begin work at an early age,
going into the Great Work tin mine, where
he remained until he was nineteen years. old.
He then decided to try his luck in the United
States, and set sail for this country in 1861,
landing in New York City. A miner by oc-
cupation, he immediately sought the mining
regions, and was successful in securing work
at Beaver Meadows, under the employ of T.
Gertz, remaining there a short time. His
next move was to Stockton, Schuylkill Coun-
ty, where he hired out with a man named Paul
Quick. They soon became firm friends and,
wishing to better their condition, decided to
move to Locust Gap, and later went to Dark
Corner, working at Anderson’s Colliery. In
May, 1866, they went to California, and then
Mr. Sanger worked his way to Virginia City,
Nevada, where he obtained the position of
overlooker in a gold mine, under the super-
vision of William Locke. After three years
in that city he returned East and located at
Waterloo, N. J., where, shortly after his ar-
rival there, he married a daughter of William
Brown of Belleville, N. J. After a few months
he went to Girardville, Schuylkill County,
Pa., and worked in the colliery of Beatty &
Garretson for five years, when he accepted
the position of inside-boss at the colliery of
the Messrs. Heaton, at Raven Run, Schuylkill
County, and continued there until he was
murdered, September 1, 1875, by Mollie Ma-
guires, who were afterward hung for the
crime at Pottsville, Pa. The murderers were
Thomas Monday, Friday O’Donnell, James
McAlister and Michael Doyle.

Mr. Sanger always gave the greatest satis-
faction to his employers and was highly re-
spected in the community. He was a man
of generosity and he never failed to remember
the mother across the sea, always sending her

 

part of his earnings. He was an Odd Fel-
low.and a Free Mason. Mr. Sanger’s wife
was married first to Pierce Oliver, and by him
were born two children, namely: Emma, the
wife of William Wragg, outside-foreman at
the Hickory Ridge Colliery; and Mary E.,
wife of William R. Pratt of Shenandoah. The
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sanger were
as follows: Thomas Sanger, the subject of
this biography; Annie, wife of David Bodine
of Plainfield, N. J.; Johanna, wife of John FE.
Pratt of Philadelphia; and Gertrude. Mrs.
Sanger’s third husband was Paul Quick, now
deceased. ‘

Thomas Sanger, the subject of this sketch,
was educated at Girard College, Philadelphia,
and after leaving college entered the employ
of J. B. Lippincott & Co., as stock-clerk, re-
maining with them for one and one-half years,
when he went to Delano and engaged as
draughtsman for six years for the Lehigh
Valley R. R. Co. He then became draughts-
man for Goyne Bros., manufacturers of
pumps at Ashland, and remained there two
years, when he entered the employ of the
Mount Carmel Iron “Works in 1897 as
draughtsman, and remained in that capacity
until February 11, 1899, when he was pro-
moted to the position of superintendent of
the works.

Politically Mr. Sanger is a firm Republican
and takes an active interest in the politics of
the county. He is chairman of the Repub-
lican standing committee of Mount Carmel.
Our subject is a member of several fraternal
orders, including the Knights of Malta at
Mount Carmel; Jr. O. U. A. M., Council No.
874 at Mount Carmel, also of the national.and
state body, being a delegate to the national
conventions, having served five years, attend-
ing the various meetings throughout the
country; also a member of the P. O. 5. of A.
466 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

He is president of the Citizens’ Hook & Lad-
der Company, having been one of the organ-
izers.

Mr. Sanger married, May 10, 1893, Jennie
Louisa Williams, a daughter of John L. Wil-
liams, and they have been blessed with two
children, Ethel Vivian and Thomas. Mr. San-
ger is a man of splendid principles and strict-
est integrity, and is always willing to assist in
anything which is for the good of the people.

LFRED NEVIN YOST stands fore-

most among the worthy men of Co-

lumbia County as an energetic, able

and upright attorney, a courteous gentleman,

and a kind neighbor and friend. He was

born in Fishing Creek township, Columbia

County, August 23, 1855, and is a son of

David and Sarah Catherine (Creveling) Yost,

grandson of Samuel and Esther (Winters)

Yost, great-grandson of Henry and Margaret

(Rickert) Yost, and great-great-grandson of
John and Molly (Krause) Yost.

The father of John was a native of Germany
who immigrated to America and located in
Chester County, Pa., where he was engaged
in the cultivation of the soil. John Yost,
the great-great-grandfather of our subject,
was born in Chester County and later settled
in Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pa, and
followed the vocation of an agriculturist all
his life. He was twice wedded; his first wife
was Molly Krause who bore him a family of
five children, namely: Henry, Philly, Sam-
uel, Elizabeth, and Mary; his second marriage
was to Miss Seivel and the following children
were born to them: John, Jacob, Catherine.
Rachel, and Sarah. Henry Yost, the great-
grandfather of our subject, was one of the

 

pioneer farmers of Roaring Creek township,
Columbia County; he was also engaged in
the tannery business for about seven years.
Later in life he moved to Conyngham town-
ship, Luzerne County, where he carried on
general farming the rest of his active days.
He was joined in wedlock to Margaret Rick-
ert and the following children blessed their
home: Susan, Elizabeth, John, Solomon,
Henry, Mary, and Samuel. Mr. Yost passed
from this life in 1862 at the age of eighty-
seven years; his wife died in 1862 aged eighty-
five years. .

Samuel Yost, grandfather of our subject,
was born in Roaring Creek township, Colum-
bia County, June 13, 1805, and during his
younger days he learned the trade of a car-
penter and cabinet-maker, which trade he
followed in the vicinity of Conyngham and
Hazleton until 1842, when he purchased a
farm in Fishing Creek township, Columbia
County, Pa., and successfully carried on gen-
eral farming until 1866; he then retired from
active work and spent the remainder of his
life quietly enjoying a well-earned compe-
tency. His demise occurred in 1894 at the
age of eighty-nine years. The old homestead
is Now in possession of his grandsons, George,
Clarence, and our subject. In December,
1826, Mr. Yost was united in marriage to
Esther Winters, who passed from this life
aged sixty years. She left the following
children: Margaret, wife of G. M. Howell;
Sarah, who married William Lunderbauch;
Mary, who was twice wedded,—her first hus-
hand was Nathan Pennington, and after his
death she married Nathan Dreisbach; and Da-
vid, the father of our subject. Mr. Yost mar-
ried for his second wife Mrs. Henrietta Hart-
man. He was a very prominent man of his
community and held many township offices; in
religious views he was a believer in and a
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

467

 

 

member of the Reformed Church and was
deacon and elder of that church for many
years.

David Yost, the father of our subject, was
born in Conyngham, Luzerne County, Pa.,
December 13, 1830, and was reared upon his
father’s farm in Fishing Creek township, and
when he attained his majority carried on farm-
ing for some years. Later he bought the John
Creveling farm, where he has_ successfully
carried on agricultural pursuits to the pres-
ent time. Mr. Yost always works for the
betterment of the community and is held in
high esteem throughout the county. In 1884
he was appointed justice of the peace to fill
a vacancy and was later elected to the same
office for a term of five years. He was the
' first superintendent of the Sabbath School of
the Reformed Church of Van Camp, of which
he is a member and is at present elder of the
same. In 1887 he represented his church at
the general synod held at Akron, Ohio. Our
subject’s father was united in marriage to
Sarah Catherine Creveling, a daughter of John
Creveling, a farmer of Columbia County.
The following children were born to Mr.-and
Mrs. Yost: Alfred N., born August 23, 1855;
Mary Alice, born September 17, 1857, was
the wife of Noah W. Hess; Clarence Wil-
bur, born September 9, 1859, wedded Ida De
Witt and they reside on the old homestead;
John C., born February 18, 1862; George
D., born August 14, 1864, united in wedlock
to Alice Hayman, and he is a blacksmith by
trade and resides in Benton, Pa.; Bruce C.,
born June 30, 1866, a lumberman residing
in the state of Washington; Dora Esther,
born February 2, 1870, resides at home; and
Samuel, born September 23, 1878.

Alfred Nevin Yost attended the primary
schools and then took an academic course in
the Orangeville Seminary; later he attended

 

the State Normal School at Bloomsburg.
He then taught in the high schools at Wilkes-
barre and Plymouth, Luzerne County, an
later becaine a law student under Judge Fe. R.
Ikeler and was admitted to the bar in 1884.
Since then he has been practicing Jaw at
Btoomsburg. He served as deputy sheriff in
1885-86; as treasurer of Bloomsburg; sec-
retary of the Columbia County Agricultural
Association for six years; and as seerctary
of the local building and loan association.
Mr. Yost is a man possessed of great energy
and will power, the elements of character
which have carried him to the front in busi-
ness circles.

Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance
with Bessie J. Holmes, a daughter of W. O.
Holmes of Bloomsburg. They were happily
wedded December 15, 1897, and now reside
in their new home, corner of Fourth and Jef-
ferson streets.

SS SS

E. STAGER, a much esteemed citizen

of Shamokin, Pa., and outside-fore-

man at the Luke Fidler Colliery, was

born May 28, 1853, in St. Clair, Schuylkill

County, Pa., and is a son of Abraham and

Jane (McQuay) Stager, and grandson , of

Henry Stager. Our subject’s grandfather, a

native of Chester County, Pa., removed to

Schuylkill County and settled near Schuylkill

Haven, at Orwigsburg, being one of the ear-
ly settlers of that locality.

Abraham Stager, our subject’s father, was
born July 10, 1822, near Schuylkill Haven,
and was educated in the schools of his native
place. At an early age he engaged in the
coal mining business near Schuylkill Haven
and in 1867 removed to Carbon County. He
was first in the employ of the Star Coal Com-
pany of Schuylkill County, and then went to
468 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Audenried, Carbon County. His first posi-
tion of prominence and responsibility was as
assistant outside-foreman at Audenried for
the Honey Brook Coal Company, which
shortly afterwards became a property of the
Lehigh & Wilkesbarre Coal Company; he
continued as foreman in the colliery for a
period of about thirty years, when he began
to feel the infirmities of age and decided to
retire from active labor. He has now been
living in retirement only two or three years.
His family consists of his wife and three chil-
dren.

kK. FE. Stager, our subject, received his ed-
ucation in the common schools and at the
early age of thirteen years made a beginning
in the work of supporting himself by picking
slate at Audenried, Carbon County, where he
worked about the mines and also ran a sta-
tionary engine until he was eighteen. He
first became an assistant outside-foreman at
Audenried, and then resigned, but soon re-
turned. In August, 1897, he became outside-
foreman of the Luke Fidler Colliery, under
the Mineral Railroad & Mining Company,
with which concern he has since remained,

Mr. Stager is a member of Washington
Camp, P. O. S. of A., at Audenried.

oe

[\ EWART FAMILY. The American

branch of this distinguished family,
Z which has furnished Northumber-
land County with some of its most illustrious
sons, 1s descended from William Dewart, a
native of Ireland who came to America in
early colonial times. He first located in Ches-
ter County, Pa., where he remained until
1775, when he removed to Sunbury and em-
barked in mercantile business. He was one
of the first merchants of what is now one of
the liveliest and most thrifty towns. of its size

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

inthe state. He continued in business in Sun-
bury until his death, November 14, 1814.

One of William Dewart’s sons, Lewis De-
wart, was born in Sunbury November 14,
1780, and during his youth assisted his father
in conducting his mercantile business. Al-
though he was very successful in business, it
was in political circles that he attained his
greatest prominence. He was one of the lead-
ing Democrats of this section of the state, and
figured conspicuously in the doings of the
Democratic party. At the age of thirty-six
years he was elected to the State Assembly,
and in 1823 he was elected to the State Sen-
ate; in 1834 he was again elected to the As-
sembly, serving as representative for three
terms, during the latter of which he acted as
Speaker of the House. He was also elected
to the 23d Congress from what is now the
Seventeenth Congressional District and ac-
quitted himself with credit. He formed a
matrimonial alliance with Elizabeth Liggett,
a native of Chester County, Pa., by whom he
had one son, William L. Dewart.

William L. Dewart was born in Sunbury,
June 21, 1820, and, after completing the re-
quired course in the common schools, at-
tended Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pa., and
later the New Jersey State College of Prince-
ton, N. J. He then took up the study of law
under the preceptorship of Charles G. Donald
of Sunbury and was admitted to the bar in
1843. Like his father, he attained distinction
in politics and several times served as a dele-
gate to national conventions of the Demo-
cratic party. He represented the Seventeenth
Congressional District in the 25th Congress
and served his constituents in a highly satis-
factory manner. He, as were his forefathers,
was an adherent of the doctrines as promul-
gated by the Presbyterian Church. He was a
director in the Northumberland National
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 469

 

 

Bank, now known as the First National Bank
of Sunbury. Socially he was well known in
the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Dewart was
united in the holy bonds of wedlock in 1848,
with Rosetta Espy Van Horn of Williams-
port, Pa., and they became the parents of
three sons and two daughters, three of whom
are living at the present time: Lewis, whose
personal history is herein recorded; William
L., the editor and proprietor of the Northum-
berland County Democrat and the Sunbury
Daily; and Bessie S., the wife of Edward L.
Brice, a resident of Washington, D. C. Mr.
Dewart closed his eyes in final sleep in the
town of Sunbury, April 19, 1888, at the age
of sixty-eight years.

LEWIS DEWART, a leading member of
the Northumberland County Bar, was born in
Sunbury May 6, 1849. He received all the
education that the common schools offered
and then took a preparatory course at Colum-
bia, Pa., and at Edge Hill. After this he en-
tered Princeton College and was graduated
in the class of 1872. Choosing the legal pro-
fession as his life work, he entered the law of-
fice of Judge Jordan, with whom he read law
until he was admitted to the bar in 1874. The
standing which the young attorney quickly
acquired may be appreciated by the fact that
in the following year he was made borough
clerk and in 1877 was elected to the responsi-
ble position of district attorney of Northum-
berland County. He has since been engaged
in active practice in Sunbury, and, having re-
ceived a thorough preparation and having
mental abilities and a natural bent of the kind
most useful to a successful lawyer, our sub-
ject has attained both prosperity and influ-
ence. Shrewd, alert, and farseeing, he is an
advocate in whom men trust and an antagon-
ist whom they combat with caution. He is a

 

gentleman of wide range of experience, and
in the financial field, in which he is an tm-
portant factor, he brings to bear the same
thorough and methodical ways which stand
him in such good stead in his profession. Po-
litically Mr. Dewart is an influential Demo-
He has been a delegate to county, dis-
trict, state and national conventions, having
been a delegate to the convention that nomi-
nated Grover Cleveland for the presidency in
1892. Socially he is a member of Sunbury
Lodge, No. 22, F. & A. M. Mr. Dewart is
one of the representative men of Sunbury
and takes an important part in the general
councils of the best citizens in matters per-
taining to the welfare of the community and
the general prosperity of the town.

crat.

40% —

AMES C. DEININGER, § assistant
chief clerk in the office of the Secre-
tary of the Commonwea‘th, is one of

the most respected citizens of the village of
Sonestown, Pa., and is a man of many sterling
qualities. The gentleman whose name ap-
pears at the head of this narrative is of Ger-
man origin and was born at Millheim, Center
County, Pa., May 7, 1873, and is a son of Au-
gustus O. and Hannah (Hoover) Deininger,
and a grandson of Emanuel Deininger.

Our subject’s grandfather was born in Ger-
many, and while a young man removed to
the United States, settling in Philadelphia,
where he remained a number of years, when
he became a resident of Center County, Pa.
While residing in his native country he was a
teacher of languages and pursued that pro-
fession to some extent in this country. He
was united in matrimonial bonds with Miss
Ovenland and they became the parents of five
children, who were named as follows: Chris-
tian F., who was a prominent minister and
470 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

presided in the pulpit of the Evangelical
Church for a period of nearly fifty years;
Mary, who was the wife of Jacob Keen; Ben-
jamin O., proprietor and editor of the Mill-
heim Journal, and one of the trustees of Penn-
sylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa.; Jonathan
Q.; and Augustus O. Our subject’s paternal
grandfather passed away at the age of nearly
eighty years, while his grandmother died aged
sixty-five years.

Augustus O. Deininger, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Philadelphia, and when he
reached manhood, as the Civil War was in
progress, he enlisted in Company A, 148th
Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and served until the close
of the war. After peace had been restored
he accepted a position in the War Depart-
ment at Washington, D. C., in which capacity
he remained about eighteen months; he then
entered the marble business at Millheim, Cen-
ter County, Pa., from which business he re-
tired to enter the revenue service. He was
joined in the bonds of wedlock with Hannah
Hoover, and to this union a family of seven
children was born.

James C. Deininger, our subject, received
his primary education in the public schools of
his native town, which was later supplemented
by a course in the high school at Hughesville,
Pa. Upon leaving school he accepted a posi-
tion with the W. & N. B. R. R., working in
the freight department; later he was promoted
to the’ passenger service as baggage-master
and conductor, and while working in that ca-
pacity made his home at Nordmont, Pa. In
1894 he severed his connection with the rail-
road company to engage with M. W. Botsford
in the manufacture of cigars, from which busi-
ness he retired a year later and removed to
Sonestown, Pa. In 1895 he accepted a clerk-
ship in the office of the Secretary of the Com-
monwealth, and in February, 1898, he was

 

promoted to his present position as assistant
chief-clerk. In June, 1898, he was appointed
one of the commissioners to represent Penn-
sylvania at the Trans-Mississippi and Interna-
tional Exposition, held at Omaha, Neb.

Our subject is a member of Masonic Lodge
No. 299 of Muncy, Pa., in which he takes
much interest. Mr. Deininger holds the in-
terests of Sullivan County much at heart and
is held in high esteem by a large circle of ac-
quaintances in every section of Sullivan
County.

OHN HOWELLS has for several
months held the responsible position
of inside-foreman at the Hickory

Ridge Colliery, and he has performed his du-
ties in such an able and commendable man-
ner that he has won the esteem and good
will of his employers as well as of his fellow
workmen. He has had a thorough training
in mining affairs, having followed that busi-
ness all his life. Mr. Howells is a native of
England, having been born in South Wales,
near the town of Tenby, September 28, 1861.
His parents, Thomas and Mary (Nicholas)
Howells, never cared to come to America,
and our subject made his home with them
until he was twenty-one years of age. They
had the following children: William, George,
John, Adah, Lewis, Thomas, Sarah, Benja-
min, and Elizabeth. In religious belief they
were faithful members of the Baptist Church.

At the age of ten years Mr. Howells began
working around the mines, continuing until
he immigrated to America in 1883, when he
located in Coal township and began work as
a laborer around the mines, later becoming a
miner. He was then promoted to the posi-
tion of fire-boss and so faithfully filled his po-
 

LL py

GEORGE E. BROWN.

 

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

473

 

 

sition that he was again promoted to assistant

inside foreman, and in March, 1898, he accept- |

ed the position of inside-foreman. His entire
attention is given to mining business in which
he has heen very successful.

Politically Mr. Howells is an unswerving
Republican and takes an active interest in all
of the affairs of that party. He is also ever
ready to assist in all matters which tend to
advance the welfare of the community. He
was joined in wedlock with Alice Thomas, a
daughter of William Thomas, and they are
the parents of six children, namely: Thom-
as; William, deceased; Edith May; Earl; Ben-
jamin Norman; and an infant. Socially our
subject is a member of Mount Tabor Lodge,
No. 125, I. O. O. F. of Shamokin, Pa.; and
Shamokin Lodge, No. 255, F. & A. M.

 

EORGE E. BROWN. Among the
well known residents of Elkland
township, Sullivan County, Pa., none
have met with greater success in the prosecu-
tion of that independent calling, farming, than
the gentleman whose name appears above,
and whose portrait appears on a preceding
page. He is a son of Archeless and Sarah
(Harris) Brown, and was born in Fox town-
ship, Sullivan County, November 4, 1846.
His great-grandfather Brown lived in Mas-
sachusetts all of his life. He reared a family
of two children, namely: Aaron and Samuel,
both of whom came to New Albany, Brad-
ford County, Pa., in the year 1812. Samuel
bought a farm there and lived upon it the
remainder of his life.
Aaron Brown, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, lived at New Albany until about 1824,
when he moved to Fox township, Sullivan

 

County, where he followed farming the re-
mainder of his life. He married Annie Luce,
a daughter of Archeless Luce, who came from
Massachusetts with him, and they were the
parents of the following children: Archeless;
John M., who married Debby Wilcox; Dency,
who married George Norton; Samuel, who
married Mary Wilcox; Sophrona, the wife of
Latney Porter; Allsbury, who married Sallie
Wilcox; William, who married Angeline War-
burton; Aaron, who married Nancy Wilcox;
and Harriet, who married Jewett Spencer.

Archeless Brown, the oldest child born to
his parents, was born near New Albany, Brad-
ford County, Pa., and came with his father to
what was called the William’s Settlement, Fox
township, Sullivan County, Pa., in the year
1824. Some years after he bought a farm in
Fox township, which is now owned by his
son, Murry, and there followed the pursuits
of an agriculturist throughout his life. Politi-
cally he was a firm supporter of the Demo-
cratic party. He was a man greatly esteemed
for his high character and had many friends.
His property consisted of a farm of 100 acres.
He was the progenitor of the following chil-
dren: Peter, who married Susan Mills; Han-
nah, who married Frederick Anderson; Will-
iam; George E.; Sylvester, who married Har-
riet Brown; Maria, who became the wife of
William Bagley; Reuben, who married Man-
thia Morgan; Chandler, who married Jane
Morgan; Rosette; Rosilla, who married
George Bryan; Almeda, who married James
Bagley; Saloma, the wife of Allen Rightmire;
Murry, who married Matilda Baltin; and Jud-
son.

George E. Brown, our subject, was also
reared to agricultural pursuits and about fif-
teen years ago bought 200 acres of land in
Elkland township, moving thereon with his
family a short time afterwards. He has since
474 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

made that his home and has been one of the
good substantial men of the community.
About seven years ago, he added 100 acres
to the original purchase, securing it of Mr.
F. Wells, but he later sold 40 acres of the
first purchase to John Bryan, Esq. At the
time of making the original purchase about
125 acres had been cleared, but only 40 acres
were in a fit state for cultivation. He has
not only greatly improved the soil, but the
buildings as well, having erected a fine, mod-
ern farm house, and large roomy barns, which
are always one of the main essentials of suc-
cessful farming. He also carries on lumber-
ing to a certain extent.

Mr. Brown was first united in marriage with
Lucretia A. Snell, a daughter of Thomas and
Catherine (Bryan) Snell, and they had two
children: Thomas, deceased; and Frank L.
He formed a second alliance with Emma A.
Little, a daughter of Daniel and Annie (Cay-
Jess) Little. Politically he is a Republican,
whilst in his religious views he is inclined to
be liberal.

 

J IRAM W BOWER, who is engaged

in contracting in masonry and plas-
NW tering work, is one of the enter-
prising and successful business men of the
borough of Berwick. He is a son of William
and Sarah (Stephens) Bower, and was born
in Center township, Columbia County, Pa.,
March 11, 1854.

Michael Bower, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was born in Saxony, Germany,
and came to this country at the age of thir-
teen years. After his marriage he located in
Kutztown, Berks County, but later came to
Columbia County, and the family has since
heen closely identified with the county’s
:rowth and development. It was in the latter

 

 

part of the last century that Michael came to,
Columbia County and purchased a small clear-
ing in Briarcreek township and became one of
the substantial agriculturists of that communi-
ty. He also cleared a 120 acre tract, which is
now owned by John Fester. His wife’s maiden
name was Hill and they reared the following
children: Jacob; Michael; Solomon; Dan-
iel, the father of Francis W. Bower, of Ber-
wick; Philena; Catherine; and Abraham, the
grandfather of our subject.

Abraham Bower was born in Kutztown,

_ Berks County, and was a young man when he

came with his father to Briarcreek township.
He learned the trade of a mason, but after
his marriage he bought a farm which he oper-
ated, although he still made masonry his chief
means of support. He was united in mar-
riage to Helen Remley, a daughter of Michael
and Susan Remley of Berks County, but later
of Columbia County, and they were the par-
ents of the following children: Samuel, de-
ceased; Phebe, whose first union was with
Daniel Miller, and second with Abraham
Culp; Elizabeth, who married Caleb Fow!er;
William, the father of our subject; Abraham,
who died young; Susanna, who also died in
infancy; Lavina, who married George John-
son; Catherine, the wife of Thomas Evans:
Ellen, deceased; Rev. Aaron, a minister of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, now retired;
Hiram, wlio is living in retirement at Ber-
wick; and Matilda, who also married George
Johnson, becoming his second wife. In po-
litical belief Mr. Bower was a stanch Demo-
crat and served his town as supervisor and
school director. He passed into the unknown
heyond at the age of seventy-eight years and
his worthy wife died at the advanced age of
eighty-four years.

William Bower, the father of our subject,
was born in Center township, Columbia
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 475

 

 

County, April 27, 1818, and with his father
learned the trade of a mason and plasterer.
He fol‘owed that trade for about forty years,
the latter of which were spent in Berwick
where he erected a fine home on Fifth street.
After passing a long and useful life he folded
his hands in final rest, April 12, 1897. Re-
ligiously he was an adherent to the doctrines
promulgated in the Union Evangelical
Church. He and Sarah Stephens took the
marriage vows and their union was blessed
by the birth of the following children: Flora
Delilah, who married Dr. M. E. Brown and
is a resident of Seattle, Wash.; John S., born
March 16, 1844, and died February 16, 1853;
Lavina, born April 19, 1846, is the wife of
G. P. Stiner of Orangeville; Emeline, born
February 5. 1848, is the wife of George
Herring of Orangeville; Catherine, the wife
of William F. Kline of Kansas, born Decem-
ber 30, 1849; Elizabeth, deceased, born March
9, 1852, and married A. Kisner; Hiram W..
the subject of this personal history; Mary N.,
who was born March 3, 1856, and died Aug-
ust 23, 1877; Elwood, born December 26,
1858; Ida, who died in infancy; Isaac Scott,
who was born February 12, 1862, and is a
resident of Salina, Kans.; Sarah M., born May
3, 1864; and Eva May, born August 5,
1867, who married Wesley Cool of Nantt-
coke, Pa. Mrs. Bower passed to her eternal
cest March 18, 1888, aged sixty-seven years,
ene month, and twenty-two days.

Hiram W. Bower attended the public
schools until he was nineteen years of age,
and then he learned the trade of a mason
and plasterer. In 1878 he moved to Ells-
worth, Kas., and after spending a year at his
trade there, returned home. He soon after
went to Nanticoke, where he clerked in the
grocery store conducted by George O. Wel-
liver, but being fond of travel and favorably

 

impressed with Kansas on his first trip there,
he decided to return to that state. After
clerking there for some time he received an
appointment as detective on the Union Pa-
cihe Railroad and during his service in that
capacity he had several narrow escapes and
thrilling experiences which were enough to
test the bravery of any man. He performed
the duties faithfully and was rewarded by a
position in the general offices at Wallace,
Kans., where he learned telegraphy. Later he
was advanced to foreman of the mason, con-
structing and building department of two di-
visions extending from Brookville to Denver,
a distance of some four hundred and thirty-
nine miles. In 1882 he returned to his home
in Berwick in order to enter the realms of
matrimony, and has since made that borough
hishome. He has since been engaged in con-
tracting in masonry and plastering. He has
had years of experience in that line of busi-
ness and has had the contract for many of the
largest buildings in his section of the county.
He has done the masonry and plastering on
the following buildings: The opera house of
Berwick, the beautiful residence of C. R.
Woodin of Berwick Heights, the wheel foun-
dry of the Jackson & Woodin Company, and
the residence of J. W. Evans, and many of the
residences of Berwick and vicinity. Mr.
Bower’s honesty in dealing with others has
never been questioned and he is firmly estab-
lished in the good-will and friendship of his
fellow-citizens.

On January 3, 1882, our subject formed a
matrimonial alliance with Hattie Sult, a
daughter of James Sult of Berwick, and their
happy union has been blessed by the birth of
the following children: Odell S., who was
born in Salem township, Luzerne County,
September 3, 1883; Randall, born in Berwick
in December, 1884; Blanche, born October
476 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

24, 1886; Ralph, born May 17, 1888; one
who died in infancy; Arthur, deceased, born
February 7, 1891; Martha, born June 24,
1892; and Lewis, born November 18, 1893.
In religious attachments, the family are Meth-
odists. Our subject is a stanch supporter of
the principles of the Democratic party. He is
a member of the P. O. S. of A.; past chief of
the Knights of the Golden Eagle; past com-
mander of the Knights of Malta; and a mem-
ber of Bloomsburg Lodge, No. 436, Elks.

——_——+ -e —______

YJ OWARD D. AVERY is prominently

identified with the cultivation of the
KN - soil in Sullivan County, Pa., and
is the owner of a handsome farm located near
Eagles Mere, in Shrewsbury township. He
was born in Sullivan County, N. Y., April 4,
1839, and is a son of John F. and Hannah
(Lukins) Avery.

John F. Avery was born in Plainfield Coun-
ty, Conn., from which place he moved to Sul-
livan County, N. Y., where for six years he
followed his trade as a watchmaker, jeweler
and silversmith; he then became a resident
of Wayne County, Pa., where he worked at
his trade several years, but was obliged to give
it up on account of his eyesight failing him.
Farming then became his occupation, which
he successfully continued until his death,
which was in the fall of 1872. He was mar-
ried to Hannah Lukins, a native of Phila-
delphia, and she passed from this life at Scran-
ton, Pa., in the fall of 1894. This union re-
sulted in the birth of eight children, as fol-
lows: Mary, who is the widow of H. W,.
Mitchell and resides in Americus, Kans.; John
T., who died in Minnesota in 1874; Addie,
the widow of Thomas Young, who now re-
sides in LeRoy, Minn.; Frank H., who died

 

 

in Minnesota in 1885; Howard D., our sub-
ject; Linnie, the wife of R. Y. Mitchell of
Findlay, Ohio; Nellie, joined in marriage with
H. P. Woodward, an editor residing at Scran-
ton, Pa.; and Richard L., who lives at Chi-
cago, Ill.

Howard D. Avery attended the district
schools and remained under the parental roof
until the breaking out of the Civil War, when,
cn September 6, 1862, he enlisted in Company
J, 84th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., serving under
Cols. Bowman and M. Opp and Capt. John R.
Ross of Wayne County. This company took
part in all the engagements of the Army of
the Potomac, which included the notable bat-
tles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wil-
derness, Spottsylvania, and Petersburg, Va.,
and was close to Gen. Lee when that famous
soldier surrendered. After peace had been
restored our subject received an honorable
discharge at Harrisburg, Pa., June 5, 1865.
Returning to his home in Wayne County he
began tilling the soil, remaining there. until
1873, when he removed to Sullivan County,
and located on his present farm; with the ex-
ception of four years which were spent in
farming in Morgan County, West Virginia,
cur subject has remained on his present farm
up to the present time. He owns fifty rich
and fertile acres of land and has made all the
improvements himself, as when he first took
possession of the land it was covered with a
dense forest, that has since been entirely
cleared away. Our subject is a hard-working
man, is enterprising and industrious, and his
duties to the public are performed in such a
manner as to make him hosts of friends.

Mr. Avery, on August 27, 1862, wedded
Victoria E. Mitchell, born in Wayne County,
Pa., June 7, 1841, and a daughter of Rev. John
T. and Elmira (Wheeler) Mitchell; her father
was a Baptist minister and he and his wife are
 

LINCOLN S. WALTER.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 479

 

 

now deceased. Our subject and wife were
blessed by the birth of four children, as fol-
lows: Howard E., who died aged twenty-
three years; Laura E., died aged twelve years;
Arthur L., a contractor, builder and painter
at Williamsport, Pa., who was joined in mar-
riage with Phoebe Roller; and Friend, who
assists his brother at Williamsport, and also
attends commercial school there. Politically
Mr. Avery is a strong Prohibitionist; socially,
he is a member of Simmons Post, G. A. R.,
of Sonestown; religiously, he and his wife
are members of the Baptist Church.

INCOLN S. WALTER, an influential
citizen of Mount Carmel, Northum-
berland County, Pa., whose recent
portrait is shown on the opposite page, is a
lawyer of recognized ability. He is a son of
Solomon B. and Catherine (Mark) Walter,
and was born in Chillisquaque township,
Northumberland County, July 1, 1862. He
is of Scotch descent and is a grandson of
George Walter, a native of Scotland, who,
upon coming to this country, located in Union
County, Pa., where he lived until his death.
Solomon B. Walter, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Union County in 1822 and
resided there until he was twenty-two or twen-
ty-three years of age, when he moved to Chil-
lisquaque township. He was a man of super-
ior educational attainments, being well versed
in both the English and German languages,
and taught school in Union County for a
number of years. At the outbreak of the
Civil War he offered his services in behalf of
the Union but they were rejected on the
ground of physical disability. He was deeply
interested in politics, being a supporter of
the Republican party, and he served for sev.

 

eral years as school director in his township.
In religious attachments he was a member of
the Evangelical Church. He was joined in
the holy bonds of wedlock with Catherine
Mark, who was born in 1827 and is now en-
joying life at an advanced age; her father
was of German ancestry and a well known
resident of Snyder County. The union re-
sulted in the following offspring: Cyrus F.,
a merchant of Lewisburg, Pa.; George M., a
farmer of Chillisquaque township; Lincoln S.,
the subject of this personal sketch; Chester
F., who is engaged in mercantile pursuits in
Chillisquaque township; Mary, the wife of
Abram Grove, a farmer of Union County;
Lillian, the wife of Dr. G. W. Furey of Sun-
bury; Joanna, the wife of Rev. F. H. Sher-
mer, a minister of the Baptist Church at Cape
May Courthouse, N. J.; Lavina, who resides
at home; and Maggie, deceased, who was the
wife of Wesley U. Herr of Clinton County, Pa.

Lincoln S. Walter received his primary edu-
cation in the public schools of Chillisquaque
township, after which he entered Bucknell
University, from which institution he was
graduated in 1886, having completed a
full classical course. After teaching school
for two years in Pottsgrove Academy, he be-
gan to prepare for his chosen profession, that
of law, entering the office of J. Nevin Hill of
Sunbury. He was admitted to the bar in
September, 1889, and at once located at
Mount Carmel, where in a short time he rose
to a position of prominence as a lawyer. Our
subject is shrewd and possessed of more than
an ordinary amount of energy and, having un-
dertaken a case for his client, he fights it
stubbornly to the end. His knowledge of the
principles of law is extensive and he has the
happy faculty of applying them to the intri-
cate questions which arise in every-day busi-

ness affairs. In politics Mr. Walter is affili-
480

ated with the Republican party and enters
actively into the workings of that organiza-
tion. He has been a delegate to state con-
ventions and has been frequently called upon
to place candidates in nomination.

On June 26, 1890, our subject was united
in marriage with Carrie R. McNinch, a daugh-
ter of Samuel McNinch, who for many years
was a leading citizen and tanner of Potts-
grove, and they are the parents of two sons:
Mark M., born December 21, 1891; and
Stuart M., born July 17, 1895. Fraternally
our subject is a member of Washington
Camp, No. 35, P. O. S. of A.; Lodge No.
256, B. P. O. E.; and the Commandery,
Knights of Malta, having passed through all
of the chairs, being at present past com-
mander.

Mr. Walter was a passenger on the train
which was wrecked on the Lehigh Valley
Railroad at Dunellen, N. J., on January 9,
1899, and was seriously injured. He sus-
tained a compound fracture of his left leg.
Seventeen persons in the car in which Mr.
Walter rode were killed, and Mr. \Walter’s
escape from death appears almost miraculous.

AMUEL E. BERGSTRESSER is rec-
ognized as one of Mount Carmel’s fore-
most and most progressive business

men, being proprietor of a large hardware
business and also being in the fire insurance
business, representing several of the leading
companies in the United States. He is a son
of Samuel A. and Elizabeth (Case) Bergstres-
ser, and was born in Elysburg, December tz,
1854.

Our subject was educated in the common
schools of Elysburg and in the academy at

 

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

that place and also took a course in an FEast-
man National Business College,- from which
he graduated in the spring of 1873. He then
worked as a clerk until the spring of 1875,
and in August of that year he engaged in busi-
ness with his father, the former having about
five years previous removed to Mount Carmel
and opened a hardware store. The business
was unusually successful and our subject con-
tinued in it with his parent until 1882, when
he branched out for himself, continuing the
hardware line. He has since been active'y
engaged in that business and has made it one
of the principal and largest mercantile inter-
ests of Mount Carmel. A handsome and sub-
stantial brick building on Oak street, 25x75
feet in dimensions and three stories high, is
devoted entirely to the very large and the
constantly increasing business which, under
Mr. Bergstresser’s able management, has
grown to be one of the most important and
one of the largest concerns in Northumber-
land County. In addition to his original busi-
hess our subject also is agent for nine of the
leading and most representative fire insurance
companies in the country, and he annually
places many thousands of dollars of fire in-
surance, so satisfactorily and promptly does
he adjust losses and so reliable are the com-
panies he represents. Mr. Bergstresser was
one of the organizers of and is now a director
in the First National Bank of Mount Carmel;
is a director in the Mount Carmel Water
Company, of which he was an original mem-
ber; was an organizer of the Edison Electric
Mluminating Company, of which he is treas-
urer; a director of the Citizens’ Building &
Loan Association of Mount Carme!: also a
director of the Mount Carmel Iron Works.
Politically our subject long has been an ar-
dent and an active Republican, although he
never has cared to relax his attention to busi-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

481

 

 

ness sufficiently to accept office, so frequently
as he might have done. He has served twelve
years continuously on the board of school di-
rectors of Mount Carmel, taking especial in-
terest in school work and doing much to ad-
vance the schools to their present high posi-
tion among the schools of this state.

Fraternally our stibject is a prominent
member of Mount Carmel Lodge, No. 378,
F. & A. M.; Griscomb Chapter No. 21g, R.
A. M., and Prince of Peace Commandery No.
39, Knights Templar, of Ashland, Pa.; and a
member of Washington Camp No. 231, P. O.
S. of A., of Mount Carmel.

On May 4, 1879, Mr. Bergstresser was
united in marriage to Clara Keeler, daughter
of Ralph Keeler of Northumberland County,
and to them have been born seven -children:
Elizabeth E.; James L.; Florence Ethel;
Clara B.; John Walter; Catharine K.; and
Samuel A.

The subject of this sketch, Samuel E. Berg-
stresser, comes of a family of pioneers in this
state who lived useful and honorable lives
in Eastern Pennsylvania, where they were
among the earliest settlers. Samuel A. Berg-
stresser, the father of our subject, was born
December 25, 1816, near Mifflinsburg, for-
merly in this county but now in Union Coun-
ty. He isa son of John and Ann (Auchmuty)
Bergstresser. His paternal great-grandfather
was John Jacob Bergstresser, a native of Ger-
many, who came to this country in 1731 and
settled in the eastern part of Pennsylvania.
Subsequently, with his three brothers, he re-
moved to Union County, where they were
among the earliest settlers. The paternal
grandfather of Samuel A. Bergstresser, Philip
Bergstresser, was a native of Montgomery
County, this state, was a farmer by avocation,
and died in Union County. The father of Mr.
Bergstresser and the paternal grandfather of

 

 

the subject of our sketch, John Bergstresser,
was born in‘ Union County, October 8, 1775,
and resided in that county for a number of
years. He removed to Dauphin County, Pa.,
where he died March 27, 1852. He was a
millwright by trade and ran several saw and
grist mills, building one at Fisher's Ferry in
1817, which he successfully operated for nine
years. He served as captain of a company of
American volunteers in the War of 1812. His
wife, Ann Auchmuty, was a daughter of Sam-
uel and Ann (McMahan) Auchmuty. Samuel
uchmuty was born near Selinsgrove, Pa.,
where he resided nearly all his life time. He
served with the patriots in the War of the
Revolution from 1776 to 1781. He was a
private in Capt. Stephen Chambers’ company
of the rath Regiment; was transferred to the
3d Regiment in July, 1778, and was dis-
charged from the American Army January 25,
1781. John Bergstresser was the father of ten
children, as follows: Jacob; William; Mary,
wife of Joseph Shipman; John; Lot; Phebe,
who became Mrs. Jonathan Hoffman; Sam-
uel A., the father of our subject; Hannah,
Mrs. Daniel Rumbarger; Asa; and Julia, Mrs.
A. B. Sprout, all of whom are deceased ex-
cepting Samuel A. and Asa.

Samuel A. Bergstresser, the esteemed fath-
er of the subject of this. review, came to
Northumberland County with his parents in
1817. He received some education in a sub-
scription school, but, as his father died when
he was quite young, he was obliged early in
his youth to “paddle his own canoe.” He
learned the trade of millwright of his father
and followed it for about twelve years in the
vicinity of his home. In 1847 he took his mod-
est savings and went to Elysburg, where he
entered into business, opening a general store,
which he conducted very successfully until
1870, a period of twenty-three years. He
482 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

removed to Mount Carmel in 1870 and there
engaged in general merchandising’, soon pos-
sessing a large and very successful business.
He continued as the active head of the busi-
ness until 1873, when he practically retired,
leaving the business in charge of his son, Sam-
uel E., the subject of our sketch. In poutics
the father of our subject was originally a
Whig, and naturally he was one of the organ-
izers of the Republican party, with which he
has been allied since its formation in 1856. In
1853-54 Mr. Bergstresser served as a member
of the State Legislature for Northumberland
County, and in 1860 he was a delegate in the
Republican national convention at Chicago
which nominated Lincoln for president. He
has frequently served the borough as_ school
director and councilman. He is an elder in
the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been
a member for over fifty years. He was one
of the organizers of ‘the First Presbyterian
Church of Mount Carmel, which was organ-
ized July 10, 1887, being one of the first board
of elders. He was a charter member of Elys-
burg Lodge No. 414, F. & A. M.; a member
of Griscomb Chapter No. 219, R. A. M.; and
Prince of Peace Commandery No. 39 of Ash-
land, Pa. The father of our subject has twice
married. He first won as his bride Elizabeth
Case, daughter of John Case of Montour
County, Pa. To them were born seven chil-
dren, four of whom died in infancy. These
survived to youth: Ella, who died at the age
of twenty-one years; James Calvin, who is the
editor and proprietor of the Insurance World
of Pittsburg; and Samuel E., the subject of
this review. Mr. Bergstresser’s second mar-
riage was to Anna M. Robins, sister of Dr.
Edwin S. Robins of Shamokin. To this mar-
riage has been born one daughter, Annie, who
died in her infancy.

 

ACOB H. SWENK, train-master of the
Sunbury and Shamokin division of the
Pennsylvania Railroad, stationed at

Sunbury, Pa., is a son of Justus and Hannah
(Harris) Swenk, and was born August 18,
1846, at Milton,. Northumberland County, Pa.

The family is of German origin and the
name was formerly spelled Schwenk. Prior
to the Revolutionary War the family settled
in Montgomery County, Pa., at or near “The
Trappe.” Jacob Swenk, the grandfather of
our subject, was born at “The Trappe,” grew
to manhood, married there and subsequentiy
moved to Milton, Northumberland County,
where he spent the remainder of his days, dy-
ing in 1870 at the age of seventy-four years.
He bought produce in large quantities and by
means of several canai-boats which he owned
transported it to various Eastern markets
on the Pennsylvania Canal, and on his return
brought goods for various merchants along
the route, as railroad facilities at that time
were few and inadequate.

One of Jacob’s sons, who was named Jus-
tus Swenk, and was our subject’s father, was
born at “The Trappe” and moved with his
parents to Milton, where he spent nearly all
his active career. He, however, moved a few
years prior to his death to Lock Haven, Pa.,
and died there in April, 1886, aged seventy-
six years. Early in life he engaged in the
manufacture of rope which business he con-
tinued successfully at Milton until 1867. He
was also associated for many years with his
father in buying and shipping produce. He
married Hannah Harris, who died in 1873,
aged fifty years. Their family consisted of
three sons and three daughters, as follows:
Mrs. C. C. Straub of Milton, now dead; Mrs.
Mary E. Frymier of Williamsport, Pa.; Mrs.
Anna Deffenbach of Brooklyn, N. Y., now
dead; R. H. Swenk, a prosperous farmer re-
 

 

 

 

 

JOHN H. GOESER.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 485

 

 

 

siding at Pleasant Valley, Pa.; Jacob H., our
subject; and Thomas G., a merchant of Mun-
cy, Pa., and also operator for the Western
Union Telegraph Company at that place.
Jacob H. Swenk, our subject, attended the
common schools of Milton until he attained
the age of fifteen years when he entered the
Miltonian printing office at Milton and re-
mained there five years, mastering the trade of
acompositor. While in that office he learned
telegraphy and in 1866 entered the employ of
the Pennsylvania Railroad as telegraph opera-
tor at Jersey Shore, Pa. He, however, re-
mained there but two weeks when he was
transferred to Sunbury, Northumberland
County, in January, 1867, as a telegraph oper-
ator for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
He worked in various capacities until 1870
when he was made train-despatcher and di-
vision operator, continuing thus thirteen
years. In the latter part of 1883 he was re-
lieved of the duties of train-despatcher; and,
in addition to his duties as division operator,
On May 1,
1891, he was promoted to the position of
train-master which he is now efficiently filling.
Our subject is a Republican and has been
elected to the borough council for two terms.
He has ‘been for many years an active and
prominent member of St. Matthew's Episco-
pal Church of which he is junior warden, and
is also treasurer of the parish house connected
with the church. On November 2, 1871, our
subject married Clara Haas, a daughter of
Daniel Haas of Sunbury. They have two
sons: Dr. Charles H., who was graduated

was made assistant train-master.

from the Sunbury High School and subse- .

quently spent three years in Bucknell Uni-
versity at Lewisburg, Pa., after which he
studied medicine and in 1897 was graduated
from the Medico-Chirurgical College, Phila-
delphia,—he then spent nine months in the

 

Miners’ State Hospital at Ashland, Pa., in
practical clinical work and is now located at
Shickshinny, Pa., where he is practicing his
profession and is also surgeon for the Penn-
sylvania Railroad Company; and Raymond,
who is attending school.

—~G ee

OHN H. GOESER, of the firm of J.
H. Goeser & Co., wholesale dealers
in groceries, is one of the most highly-
respected citizens of Danville, Pa., was born
in Danville January 1, 1852, and is a son
of Anthony and Catherine (Schumacher)
Goeser, and a grandson of John Goeser, who
was a farmer of Germany.
Anthony Goeser, the father of our subject,
was born on the river Rhine and was the
first of the family to come to America. He
was born and reared upon a farm, and, los-
ing his father when a lad, in 1812 began work-
ing to assist his mother in supporting her
large family. A short time later his mother
was united in marriage, and our subject's
father, at the age of nine years, was put out
with other relatives to seek a living for him-
self. Attaining his manhood with a strong
constitution and willing hands, he engaged in
farming; he was a man of untiring energy and
perseverance and by the exercise of economy,
he succeeded in laying aside most of his earn-
ings. His mother passed from this life at the
age of fifty-eight years, and Anthony and his
younger and only brother took possession of
their father’s farm and carried on general
farming until 1843, when Anthony sold his
interest in the farm to his brother. Leaving
his home and sweetheart, Anthony departed
from his native country, and on the ship
“Manchester,” sailed to the United States,
landing in the city of New York. He took
the steamer to Albany, N. Y., and went
486

thence by railroad to Buffalo. Later he went
west as far as Wisconsin, where he intended
locating, but being very much disappointed
with this country, he returned to his native
land. Shortly after arriving in Prussia, he re-
ceived a letter from a friend who resided in
Danville, Pa., and in 1842 again sailed for
the United States, then locating at Danville,
where he was employed in the rolling mills
as a rail straightener.. He remained in this
country some time and then returned to Prus-
sia, where he was united in marriage with
Catherine Schumacher, who lived in Muen-
stereifel Parish, on an estate called Hoespelt.
Mr. Goeser made her acquaintance while
working fer her father and much against her
parents’ will they were married. With his
bride he returned to the United States for
the third time to build a home, and to ac-
cumulate a fortune. They built a home on
York’s Hill, Montour County, and in 1857
erected a large house and kept boarders; the
hotel was known as the “Father Ryne
House;” in 1873, when the local option edict
was passed against the usage of liquor, our
subject’s father abandoned the sale of liquor
and only cider thereafter was sold, and the
hotel was then known as the “Cider Depot.”
The latter part of Anthony’s life was spent in
retirement and enjoying the fruits of his la-
bors. He entered the world of rest in 1880.
One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Goeser,
John H., our subject. Mr. Goeser was a Ger-
man Catholic; and in 1862 founded St. Hu-
bert’s German Catholic Church and school.
John H. Goeser was educated in the com-
mon schools of his native town, and_ his
younger days were spent working with his
father. His first business undertaking was in
tobacco; purchasing a horse and wagon he
engaged in the wholesale business, which was
successful from the start, and in later years

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

he engaged in the wholesale grocery business
at Pottsville, Pa., with Joseph Hummell. Two
years later he sold his interest, moved to Dan-
ville, and established his present business.
He formed a company with Joseph Fish and
Joseph Snyder, and they erected at No. 122
East Center street a large three-story brick
block; they also built a large warehouse.
Our subject also built a fine store at Mount
Carmel, Pa., at a cost of $8,000. The pro-
prietors are popular and highly esteemed citi-
zens, who have a good reputation for hon-
esty, and their establishment is one of the
largest of its kind in Central Pennsylvania.
Our subject was one of the promoters and
served as president of the Equitable Stocking
Company of Danville, now known as the Dan-
ville Knitting Mills Company, in which he
owns an interest. He was instrumental in se-
curing the silk mill.

Mr. Goeser has served three terms as alder-
man from the Third Ward, and is president of
the board of trade, of which he is in fact
the life and backbone. In 1878 he formed a
matrimonial alliance with Theresa Liebner, a
daughter of Joseph Liebner of Pottsville, Pa.,
and to this union five children have been
born: Coletta; Joseph; Carl; and Mary and
Augusta, both of whom died in infancy.
Mr. Goeser and family are members and regu-
lar supporters of the German Catholic Church
of Danville. Our subject has enlarged and
remodeled his father’s homestead into a fine
residence. He is a very energetic and suc-
cessful business man, and holds a prominent
position among his fellow-citizens. Mr. Goe-
ser’s portrait is shown on another page.

 

ILLIAM HEMINGRAY, Sr., a
worthy and esteemed citizen of
Shamokin, is purely of English de-

scent. He is a son of John and Ann (Ellis)
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 487

 

 

Hemingray and was born April 22, 1826, at
the family homestead in Derbyshire, England.

John Hemingray, father of our subject, was
born in the village of Heage, Derbyshire, Eng-
land, about 1783. He was reared and edu-
cated in the same village, where he followed
the occupation of a miner for many years, but
finally conceived the idea of trying to better
his condition in life by coming to America.
He brought with him his wife, formerly Ann
Ellis of Castle Dunington, England, and _ his
son William, and located at Mt. Laffer,
Schuylkill County, Pa., where he again turned
his attention to mining, but death overtook
him in 1846, just ten weeks after coming to
America. His widow fifteen years later
crossed to the unknown shore.

William Hemingray had very poor advan-
tages for obtaining an education during his
boyhood, which was spent in England. When
twenty years old he left England with his
parents and came to America. They reached
the mining districts of Pennsylvania and lo-
cated in Schuylkill County, where he engaged
in mining. After mining there about five
years he located at Yellow Springs, Dauphin
County, where he continued the same occu-
pation for one year, and was promoted to the
position of pit-boss, which position he re-
tained for three years, giving entire satisfac-
tion to his employers. His next move was to
the bituminous coal regions of Chesterfield
County, in Eastern Virginia, where he re-
mained for two years, and then returned to
Dauphin County. Pa., and took charge of the
outside workings of a colliery at Rauch’s Gap,
where he remained for some time. He was
afterwards located at the following places:
Kanawha Valley, W. Va., where he was em-
ployed as mine-foreman by Col. Garland, and
remained for three years; Lykens, Dauphin
County, where he continued to labor till the

 

outbreak of the Rebellion; Gilberton, Schuyl-
kill County, at which place he was foreman of
the South Side Colliery for one year and a
half; Ashland, where he had charge of Repp-
tier’s colliery for a term of three years, re-
signing his position to accept the more im-
portant position of mine inspector. He yielded
to the urgent solicitations of his friends and
became a candidate for this office in 1873, be-
ing elected by a majority of the examining
board. He served in that capacity five years,
making his headquarters at Shamokin.

Mr. Hemingray had made mining a life-
study, and, having worked about mines all his
life, he was thoroughly qualified to fill this
high office in an able manner and discharge
its duties most acceptably. He still makes
Shamokin his home. Of late vears he has
done no active work in the line of mining, ex-
cept locating mines in the anthracite region.
He has made a study of geological subjects,
especially iron ore and coal, and is considered

good authority on this subject. Rebecca
Chaundy became his wife. She is deceased,
having passed away May 30, 1895. But two

of their children grew to maturity: William,
Jr., born June, 1851, was united in marriage
with Ella Samuels, born in 1856. Their home
was blessed by the presence of one daughter,
Cora, born in 1876. She was reared in Sha-
mokin and is highly educated, being a grad-
uate of the Shamokin High School. She is
now a very successful teacher in her native
city. Lizzie, wife of William Morgan, died,
leaving two children as a legacy to her
husband: Lila, who lives with her father in
Shamokin, and is his joy and comfort; and
Derby, who now resides near Philadelphia.
Our subject has always taken an active part
in educational affairs in his community, and
has served a term of five years as school direc-
tor. He is an earnest Republican and zealously
488 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

advocates the principles of his party. Socially
he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and affil-
iates with the members of Shamokin Lodge.
He is a willing worker in the M. E. Church
and has lived an active and useful life.

ETER G. MILLER, a wholesale and
retail dealer in coal and wood located
at No. 861 Market street, Blooms-

burg, Columbia County, Pa., and one of the
most enterprising and prosperous citizens of
that town, was born at Pittston, Luzerne
County, Pa., October 11, 1863, and is a son
of Jacob Miller, also a native of Luzerne
County.

Our subject was educated in the public
schools of Pittston and in 1887 he removed
to Bloomsburg and engaged in the tobacco
and cigar business on Market street, where
J. Moyer now resides. He discontinued that
business one year later and rented the old
Jacoby coal yards which he conducted for two
years; at the expiration of that time he pur-
chased the yards and built new stables, ice-
houses, an office, and two dwellings, one of
which is a handsome brick structure and is
the home of our subject. Mr. Miller ope-
rates the largest coal and wood yards in Co-
lumbia County. His coal is delivered to him
by canal-boats and he owns a storage-dock
which has a capacity of four thousand tons. —

Mr. Miller was united in the bonds of mat-
rimony to Margaret Jacoby, a daughter of
Oliver and Eliza (Hartman) Jacoby, and
granddaughter of John and_ Elizabeth
(Weikle) Jacoby. John Jacoby was born in
Hillstown, Bucks County, Pa., and his wife
was a native of Coopersburg, Pa.; soon after
their marriage, they moved to Bloomsburg,
where he followed his trade as a Wheelwright.

 

They were the parents of the following child-
ren: Melvina; Maria; Oliver A.; Arminda;
Enos; and Martha M. He died young and his
wife passed from this life aged eighty-four
years. Oliver A. Jacoby, the father of our sub-
ject’s wife, was born near the city of Philadel-
phia, October 12, 1820, and died in 1890. He
Was a very successful man in business and suc-
ceeded in accumulating a comfortable fortune.
He was wedded to Eliza Hartman who bore
him the following children: Leonora, wife of
G. A. McKelvey; George, deceased; Jennie,
also deceased; and Margaret, wife of our sub-
ject. Mr. Jacoby was a strong Republican
in politics, was a member of the I. O. O. F,
of Bloomsburg, and served as a school direc-
tor several years. Religiously he was a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Miller has been born one
child, Edward J. In political views, our sub-
ject firmly supports the Republican party.
Mr. Miller is in the prime of life, prosperous,
and surrounded by many warm friends. He
is a wide-awake and energetic business man
and has given aid and comfort to numerous
enterprises other than business ones.

LBERT C. FISHER, a well-known

citizen of Trevorton, Northumber-

land County, Pa., is a son of Jacob

and Margaret (Bower) Fisher, and was born
September 25, 1859, in Trevorton, Pa.

The paternal grandfather, Christian Fisher,
was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and
never came to America. His son, Jacob, our
subject’s father, was born April 23, 1828, in
Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to Amer-
ica in 1856, locating at Trevorton, Pa. Al-
though he had learned the trade ‘of a sillk-
Weaver in Germany, he worked in the mines,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 489

 

being engaged there for a period of thirty
years, after that time assisting his son in the
store. He is a member of the Evangelical
Church. His wife has been dead several years.
Their children were: Bertha, whose first hus-
band was Albert Wetzel, and whose second
husband was Daniel Reitz of Bear Valley;
Albert C., our subject; Jacob, a laborer living
in Golden, Colo.; and Mary, the wife of
George B. Raker of Trevorton.

Albert C. Fisher, the subject of this biog-
raphy, was educated in the common schools
and learned the trade of a baker at Ashland,
Pa. He has since followed that business con-
stantly in Trevorton, Pa., also carrying on the
mercantile business. He does an extensive
business and is favorably known for his up-
right dealings with all.

Politically Mr, Fisher has always been an
unswerving Republican, but has never as-
pired to office. He is a member of the P. O.
S. of A. Mr. Fisher married Ella Fritz, an es-
teemed lady of Trevorton.

i

OLOMON SCHOENER, a highly

respected citizen of the borough of

Mount Carmel, who for many years
was employed in the collieries in that locality,
is a son of Jahn and Anna (Evans) Schoener,
and was born near Womelsdorf, Berks Coun-
ty, Pa.; May 15, 1830.

John Schoener, the father of our subject,
was born in Bucks County, Pa., but emigrated
to Berks County and settled near the village
of Rohrersburg, where he lived until his
death. His occupation was that of a black-
smith and he always followed it successfully.
He married Anna Evans, by whom he had a
family of eleven children, namely: Andrew,
deceased; Mary; William, deceased; Sarah;
Mahlon, a farmer living in Berks County;

 

John, also a resident of Berks County; Solo-
mon, our subject; Frank, a resident of Berks
County; and three others who died in in-
fancy.

Solomon Schoener was reared in Berks
County, where he resided until fifteen years
of age, when he removed to Union County,
and there learned the trade of a tobacconist.
He subsequently removed to Schuylkill Coun-
ty, where he resided until he removed to
Mount Carmel, in April, 1876, where he was
employed in the collieries several years as a
laborer in getting out timber for the mines.
He is a man of excellent judgment, is ener-
getic, and possesses the confidence of all with
whom he has any business or social relations.
In political attachments he is a firm supporter
of the Prohibition party, both by influence
and vote, but he was at one time a member
of the Republican party. He has served as a
councilman in the borough a number of times
to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.
In addition to his other business interests he
has always dealt quite extensively in real es-
tate in Mount Carmel, at one time owning
the Mount Carmel House. He was for some
time the largest real estate dealer in Mount
Carmel, but as the town grew and the demand
for building property increased he gradually
disposed of his holdings. At the present time
he owns three tenement houses and five va-
cant lots in Mount Carmel. He owns also
two tenements in Mahanoy City, and is also
interested in real estate in Lewisburg and
Wyomissing, the latter a suburb of Reading.

Mr. Schoener has been twice joined in
hymeneal bonds, his first union being with
Maria Womer, by whom he had three chil-
dren, as follows: Irvin, deceased; Franklin,
a confectioner at Mount Carmel; and Anna,
the wife of Harry Woodley of Mount Carmel.
He formed a second alliance with Catherine
490 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

 

 

Womer, now deceased, a sister of his first wife,
and they had fine children: John, deceased;
Charles, deceased; William, who holds a cler-
ical position; Delia, the wife of Elmer John,
an attorney-at-law of Mount Carmel; An-
drew, a resident of Mount Carmel, who was
admitted to the bar at Carlisle, Pa., in June,
1898; Ada; Catherine; and two others whose
deaths occurred in childhood. Religiously
our subject is a member and trustee of the
United Evangelical Church of Mount Carmel.

oo

REDERICK HAAS, a representative
and influential citizen of Sunbury, and
register of wills, recorder of deeds, and

clerk of the Orphans’ Court of Northumber-
land County, Pa., is a son of Capt. Jacob W.
and Eliza (Jones) Haas, and was born in
Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pa., May 3,
1858.

The Haas family is of German stock and
the original emigrant was Frederick Haas,
the great-great-grandfather of our subject,
who came from Germany and settled in East-
ern Pennsylvania during the early colonial
period. His son, also named Frederick, and
great-grandfather of our subject, was for many
years a resident of Sunbury.

Frederick Haas, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in Sunbury in 1800 and
died in Shamokin in 1860, having moved there
during his latter days. He was one of the
leading business men of the county, and in
early life was engaged in merchandising and
tanning. Politically, he was a Whig, and
served as treasurer of the county from 1824
until 1827. He was united in the bonds of
wedlock to Elizabeth Swartz, a daughter of
Michael Swartz, who came from Wurtemberg,
Germany, to America prior to the Revolu-
tion, in which war he was a soldier. In 1798

 

Mr. Swartz came to Sunbury and took tip 600
acres of land in Beaver Meadows, where he
remained the rest of his active days. He was
the father of Hon. John Swartz, who repre-
sented the Seventh Congressional District of
Pennsylvania in Congress. Mr. and Mrs.
Haas were the parents of six sons and four
daughters, one of whom was Jacob W., the
father of our subject, who was born in Potts-
ville, Pa., June 25, 1833, where he grew to
manhood. He was employed as clerk and
bookkeeper up-to the breaking out of the late
war, and on September 21, 1861, he enlisted
in Company G, 96th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and
served throughout the war as captain of his
company. He participated in all the battles
of the Army of the Potomac from 1861 to
1863. After the war he spent two years in
the oil fields of Western Pennsylvania. In
1867 he went to Shamokin, Pa., and was con-
nected with various collieries in that vicinity;
he was clerk and foreman until 1890, when
he took a tour through the Southern States,
prospecting in the interests of the Roanoke
Iron Company. In 1895 he became deputy
register and recorder of Northumberland
County, which office he still retains. Politi-
cally he is a strong Republican. He was mar-
ried to Eliza Jones, and they reared a family
of children. ;

Frederick Haas, the subject of this bio-
graphical sketch, at the age of nine years went
to Shamokin with his parents.
his primary education in the public schools
of his native town, and later attended the high
school at Shamokin, taking a regular course.
He then was admitted to the U. S. Military
Academy at West Point, N. Y., in 1878, and
after studying part of the course there he re-
signed on account of ill health and returned
home, and the next fourteen years were spent
clerking at the Luke Fidler Colliery at Sha-

He received ~~
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

mokin, Pa., and in the recorder’s office at
Sunbury. Entering politics as an active and
aggressive Republican in 1894 he was elected
register and recorder and clerk of Orphans’
Court of Northumberland County, which
was at that time a strong Democratic county.
In 1897 he was re-elected, and holds that po-
sition at the present time. In 1877 our sub-
ject became a member of Company B, 7th
Reg., N. G. Pa., and in 1880 he was pro-
moted to heutenant and four years later he
resigned from the company. He is a member
of Rescue Hose Company of Shamokin; also
a member of Mount Tabor Lodge No. 125,
I. O. O. F.; and Sunbury Lodge No. 22, F.
& A. M.

In 1892 Mr. Haas was united in marriage
to Nellie Murray of Shamokin; and two chil-

dren has blessed this union, namely: Frank
M., and Frederick, Jr.

——_—_+-«»___

AMES POLLOCK McCLEERY, M.
D., the oldest practicing physician and
surgeon of Milton, Northumberland
County, Pa., commands an extensive practice
throughout that section of the county. He
has a comprehensive knowledge of the med-
ical profession and he skilfully treats the most
complicated cases with promptness and de-
cis‘on, which give his patients the greatest
confidence in his ability. He is ever a kind
friend to his patient as well as the physician,
and it pleases his many acquaintances to be
called his friend. Dr. McCleery is a son of
William and Margaret (Pollock) McCleery,
and was born in Milton, Northumberland
County, November 13, 1832.
John McCleery, grandfather of our subject,
was born at the forks of the Conestoga, Lan-
caster County, Pa., October 13, 1767, and was

¥

 

491

a son of Michael and Janet McCleery. Michael
was born in County Carlow, Ireland, his an-
cestors having settled in that country at the
time of the early persecutions in Scotland.
John McCleery and Mary Lytle, who was
born at Lytle Ferry, Dauphin County, on
the Susquehanna, March 16, 1774, and a
daughter of Joseph and Sarah Lytle, were
united in marriage by Rev. Nathan Souden,
September 23, 1802. Her father was of Eng-
lish descent and her mother Irish. This union
was blessed by the following offspring: Wil-
ham; Sarah, the wife of John L. Watson,
born February 18, 1805; Joseph, born Janu-
ary 10, 1807; Jane, who became the wife of
Rev. David X. Junkin, was born February 4,
1809; Elizabeth, born September 10, 1811;
and Mary, born March 16, 1814, and married
Rev. Nathan Shotwell. Early in life John Mc-
Cleery was a merchant at Harrisburg, but sub-
sequently he moved to Milton, Northumber-
land County, where he was among the first
business men. He opened a general merchan-
dise store on South Front street, where Fol-
mer’s grocery store is now, and did a very
large business, buying produce and grain,
which he shipped down the river in arks to
the larger cities, receiving merchandise in ex-
change. He finally retired from this business
and purchased a farm, which is now a part of
the William Cameron estate, and there
erected good substantial buildings which are
still standing. He was always classed among
the leading citizens of his community, and
was very successftil in business affairs, leaving
a considerable estate at the time of his death.
He and his wife now lie in the Harmony Cem-
etery at Milton.

Dr. William McCleery, the father of our
subject, was born at Halifax, Dauphin Coun-
ty, Pa., July 31, 1803, and early in life was
brought to Milton by his parents, practically
492 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

growing up with that borough. He was a
very apt scholar and obtained a good mental
training in the public schools, after which he
began the study of medicine under the direc-
tion of Dr. James S. Dougal, and graduated
from the Jefferson Medical College at Phila-
delphia in 1827. He was a man of well-known
ability and established a very large practice,
possessing the respect and esteem of every
one. As his oldest son, our subject, grew to
manhood he directed him in the study of med-
icine and with great pride watched his marked
advancement. In 1857 he turned his entire
practice over to his son and retired for the
time being, but an active brain such as he pos-
sessed is never content unless in full operation,
and it was but a short time until he built the
first steam saw-mill ever erected on the West
Branch of the Susquehanna, at Milton. It
was situated where the car manufacturing es-
tablishment is now located, and Dr. McCleery
operated it until his death, on December 4,
1867, aged sixty-four years. He was origi-
nally a Whig in politics, as was his father be-
fore him, but he later became a Republican.
He erected and lived in the handsome brick
residence now owned by his son John. He
was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with
Margaret Pollock, a daughter of William Pol-
lock, and a sister of the late James Pollock,
ex-governor of Pennsylvania, and they were
the parents of the following children: Mary,
born September 9, 1830, who is the wife of
Joseph D. Potts of Philadelphia; James P.,
our subject; Sarah, deceased, who was born
November 5, 1834; John, born in 1837, mar-
ried Mary Helen Marr; William P., born
* April 27, 1834, lives at Troy, Pa.; and Julia J.,
deceased, who was born October 18, 1841,
and was the wife of Jesse Merrill. Mrs. Mc-
Cleery died in 1842, at the age of thirty-six
years,

 

Dr. James Pollock McCleery, the subject
of this personal history, acquired a high intel-
lectual training in the Milton Academy and
then studied medicine with his father. He dil-
igently applied himself to his work and was
graduated from the Jefferson Medical College
in March, 1857, immediately thereafter enter-
ing upon practice. He soon succeeded to his
father’s practice, and this he has extended to
such an extent that he has little time which he
may call his own. He is constantly on the go
and is obliged to make such trips as none but
the sturdiest constitutions can stand. He has
always been interested in public improve-
ments and is one of Milton’s most progressive
citizens. In 1871, at No. 45 North Front
street, he erected a handsome residence, in
which his office was located, but this building
was destroyed by fire in 1880. He imme-
diately built a handsome brick residence, with
all modern improvements and conveniences,
with. office attached. Politically he is a firm

‘Republican, but does not aspire to office.

On June 4, 1870, Dr. McCleery married
Margaret S. McCormick, a daughter of John
McCormick of Turbot township, and they are
the parents of five children: Anne M.; Mary
H., widow of Lawrence B. Fonda, by whom
she had one son, Henry L.; Martha; Jose-
phine; and William.

———___ =

AMES I. HIGBEE. We introduce to
our readers throughout the Seven-
teenth Congressional ‘District one of

the foremost men of Northumberland County,
the gentleman whose name appears above, a
prominent railroad contractor and a large real
estate owner of Watsontown, Pa. He is a
son of Philip Higbee and was born in Tioga
Center, Tioga County, N. Y., in 1856. He
moved to. Nerthumberland County, Pa., in
 

DR. WILL L. SHINDEL.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 495

 

1878. He purchased the Van Fleet farm near
Watsontown and for a couple of years devoted
his time entirely to agricultural pursuits.

During the flood of 1880 Mr. Higbee took
the contract from the West Branch Lumber-
men’s Exchange of gathering and cutting the
logs taken from the flood and manufacturing
them into lumber at the Pardee Mills in Wat-
sontown. In 1886 our subject began the im-
portant and lucrative business of railroad
building. He built sixteen miles of the Cen-
tral Pennsylvania & \Western Railroad from
Watsontown to Orangeville, and in 1893 built
the Central Railroad of Pennsylvania, thirty
miles, from Bellefont to Mill Hall, Pa. All
the stone and abutment work to the bridges
was entrusted to him and it has proved emi-
nently satisfactory to all concerned. 7

Mr. Higbee was united in marriage with
Mary D. Miller of Smithboro, Tioga County,
N. Y. Ira M. Higbee, their only child and
son, was given a thorough education, mas-
tered the profession of a civil engineer, and
was graduated from Lehigh University in
1895. In 1896 he accepted a position with the
Venezuelan government as assistant engineer
in constructing water works, in the state of
Miranda, towns of Maraca and Victoria, Ven-
ezuela, spending one year on the above work.
Soon after he was married to Mary M. Boon
of Williamsport, Pa., and is now assistant su-
pervisor of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Wat-
sontown.

After becoming a contractor our subject left
his farm and purchased a handsome modern
brick residence on South Main street, in Wat-
sontown. In this comfortable home he and
his estimable wife have since enjoyed life, and
they make it hospitable for their many friends.
In politics Mr. Higbee is a Republican, but
has never been prevailed upon to accept office,
except in a minor capacity in the borough.

 

R. WILL L. SHINDEL. Prominent
among the successful professional
men of Northumberland County

stands its present coroner, Dr. Will L. Shin-

del, a prominent physician and expert sur-
geon of Sunbury. His portrait is shown on

a preceding page. He is a son of Dr. Daniel

W. and Sarah E. (Irwin) Shindel, and was

born in Sunbury, January 7, 1867. Dr. Will

L. Shindel obtained part of his education in

the schools of his native place, but educated

himself mainly by self-tuition and newspaper
work. In early life he was employed on the
staff of the Sunbury Daily as reporter, and
subsequently was the city editor of the Shamo-
kin Daily Dispatch. During that time he
was also staff correspondent for several met-
ropolitan papers, anong them the New York

Sun, New York Press. While engaged in

newspaper work he also studied medicine un-

der his father, afterward taking a course at
the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadel-

phia from which he was graduated in 1893,

after three years of hard study and work, a

full-fledged M. D. He immediately began

the practice of his profession in Sunbury and
met with much success. In 1893 he was nom-
inated and elected coroner of the county by

his party, the county being at the fime a

Democratic stronghold, and was re-elected

to the same office in 1896.

The family is of German origin and the
name was originally “Von Schindel.” The first
of whom we have an account is one Conrad
Schindel who, with his wife, Barbara Schin-
del, lived at Gemmelshach, Germany, in 1678.
Their son, named Johanna Conrad Schindel,
was baptized October 18, 1685, and was mar-
ried January 22, 1710, to Susanna Trexler.
Subsequently the Schindel family removed
from Gemmelsbach, the home of the husband

 

 

 

 

‘and his ancestors, to Airsbach, the home of

»
496 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

the wife and her ancestors. From that time
on, Airsbach was the home of the Schindel
family’ The next and third in line of de-
scendants was Johanna Peter Schindel, born
at Airsbach February 28, 1732, and baptized
March 2, of the same year. He married
Maria Margaret Gebhart and in 1751 immi-
grated to the United States, settling in Leba-
non County, Pa., where his death occurred
May 29, 1784. He was one of the earliest
pioneers of Lebanon Valley.

Fourth in line of descent was also Johanna
Peter Shindel, born in Lebanon County, Pa.,
August 21, 1766, and died there September
17, 1829; he married Maria Menges and
reared a large family, one of whom, Rey. John
Peter Shindel, D. D., was the grandfather of
our subject. He was bora in Lebanon Coun-
ty, Pa., October 3, 1787. He obtained a
classical education, graduating and receiving
the degree of D. D. He was one of the ab-
lest and best known Lutheran ministers of
Pennsylvania; he went to Sunbury, June 4,
1812, and his death occurred there October
26, 1853. He preached from 1812 to 1851,
covering a period of forty years, in the ser-
vice of the Sunbury church and other con-
gregations in the vicinity. Rev. Mr. Shindel
was a fluent speaker and an effective organ-
izer of church work; he was the leader of the
New Church movement, which resulted in the
establishment of the East Pennsylvania Luth-
eran Synod, in the 4o0’s and’ was the first
president of the Synod. He married Susanna
McCullough, of Irish descent, by whom he
had eleven children, as follows: Rey. Jere-
miah, a Lutheran minister, who served in the
Assembly and two terms in the State Senate
as a Democrat, and resigned to become chap-
lain of the 110th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., in the
Civil War, serving three years; John Peter,
Jr, D. D., who was also a prominent Luth-

 

eran clergyman, spending his entire life in
the service of the church; Jacob, formerly as-
sociate judge of Snyder County, and a prom-
inent druggist of Selinsgrove, Snyder Coun-
ty, Pa.; Solomon, who was a civil engineer
by profession but did not follow it to any
great extent, was a Democrat, and served
several terms in the State Legislature; Dr.

-Newton, who was a graduate of Jefferson

Medical College, and practiced medicine at
Selinsgrove, Snyder County, Pa.; Dr. Daniel
W., father of our subject; Martin L., D. D.,
a Lutheran minister of Danville, Pa.; Philip
M., who was employed in the U. S. revenue
service most of his life; Louise, who married
Gideon Leisering; Mariah, intermarried with
Benjamin Hendricks; and Susanna, who
wedded Samuel Gobin, she becoming the
mother of Gen. John Peter Shindel Gobin,
the present lieutenant-governor of Pennsyl-
vania.

Dr. Daniel W. Shindel, father of our sub-
ject, was a worthy scion of this illustrious fam-
ily. He practiced medicine in Sunbury for
nearly half a century and was regarded as one
of the ablest and most skilful practitioners of
the day. He was regarded as the best authori-
ty on fevers in the West Branch Valley. He
was a close student not only of medical works
but also of general literature and twas a scholar
of recognized ability; he adhered strictly to his
profession and attained eminent success local-
ly. He, like all the family, was a member of
the Lutheran Church.

Dr. Daniel W. Shindel was born in Sun-
bury, Pa., November 17, 1822, and received
his primary education at Sunbury Academy,
beginning the study of medicine while he was
teaching school. He graduated from the
Pennsylvania Medical College in 1850; he
served in various local offices, as councilman,
assistant burgess, and school director. He
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 497

 

 

was a member of the school board for twenty-
one years; also was U. S. pension examiner
from 1865 to 1885. He was twice married;
first, in Sunbury, June 17, 1851, to Mary
Wharton, who the mother of three
daughters. Mrs. Shindel died in January,
1863, and a year later Dr. Shindel was united
in marriage with Elizabeth Irwin and six
children resulted; Will L., subject of this
sketch; Jane, deceased; Carrie, deceased; Min-
nie; Georgia A.; and Webster, also deceased.
Dr. Daniel W. Shindel’s death occurred, De-
cember 12, 1895.

Our subject is president of the Northum-
berland County Medical Society, a member
of the Pennsylvania State Medical Associa-
tion, and president of the Sunbury Board of
Health. He is also surgeon to the Mary M.
Packer Hospital and has done considerable
in that line. He does medico-legal work be-
fore courts and is, therefore, considered an ex-
pert witness. Dr. Shindel is a member of the
following lodges: Sunbury Lodge, No. 22,
F. & A. M., of which he is a past master;
Northumberland Chapter, No. 174, R. A. M.;
Calvary Commandery, No. 37, K. T.; Lulu
Temple, A. A. O. N. of the M. S. of Phila-
delphia; and the I. O. O. F. In political be-
lief he is a stanch supporter of the principles
advocated ber the Republican party.

Was

TLLIAM L. SIDLER is one of the
prominent attorneys-at-law  resid-
ing at Danville, Pa., and is register

of wills and recorder of deeds of Montour
County. He is a native of Danville, and is a
son of Franklin and Amanda (Gulick) Sidler,
a grandson of Jacob Sidler, and a great-
grandson of Jacob Sidler, Sr.

Jacob Sidler, the great-grandfather of our

 

subject, spelled his name Sittler; he was a na-
tive of Germany, who came to this country
and settled in New Jersey. He and his son
Jacob moved to Montour County, then a part
of Columbia County, and purchased a tract of
land in Valley township, which is now the
property*of Emanuel Sidler, and there carried
on general farming the remainder of his active
days. He passed from this life at an advanced
age and was buried in the old log-church
grounds in Mahoning township. He was the
progenitor of four children, as follows: Phil-
ip, David, Marcia, and Jacob. Jacob Sidler,
the grandfather of our subject, is supposed
to have been born in Allentown, Pa. He
learned the trade of a carpenter by the old
scribe rule, followed that vocation some time,
and then engaged in farming on the old home-
stead, which consisted of 140 acres of highly
cultivated land. At his death he also owned
another farm of 210 acres. He passed from
this life at the age of sixty-two years; his
wife, who was Elizabeth Benfield, a daughter
of John Benfield, entered the world of rest
at the age of fifty-two years. They were the
parents of the following children: John, Mary,
Sarah, Franklin, Emanuel, Elizabeth, and a
child who died in infancy. Mr. Sidler was a
strong Democrat in politics and served as su-
pervisor and school director many years; in
religious views he was a member of the Luth-
eran Church.

Franklin Sidler, the father of our subject,
was born on the old homestead, where he
spent his boyhood days. He and his brother
changed the name Sittler to Sidler, as it is now
spelled. In 1864 he enlisted in the 3rd Reg.,
Pa. Vol. Artillery, as a private and served
throughout the close of the war; returning
home at the close of the struggle, he was em-
ployed in the rolling mills until 1872, when
he purchased a farm in Valley township, Mon-
498 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

oe

tour County, and followed agricultural pur-
suits the rest of his active days, with the ex-
ception of 1874 and 1875, when he was a
stockholder and contractor in the Co-opera-
tive Iron Works at Danville, now known as
the North Branch Iron & Steel Company.
He was united in marriage to Amanda Gulick,
a daughter of Samuel Gulick of Montour
County, and as a result of this union four chil-
dren were born, namely: William L., the sub-
ject of this biographical sketch; Charles A.,
an attorney residing at Sunbury, Pa.; Horace
A., who is engaged in farming on the old
homestead; and Samuel G., who died in in-
fancy. The father of our subject died in 1891,
aged fifty-seven years. The mother of our
subject still resides on the homestead with
lier son Horace. Mr. Sidler was an unwaver-
ing Democrat, and was supervisor and tax
collector; religiously he was attached to the
Lutheran Church. He was a man greatly re-
spected for his many fine qualities and was
recognized as one of the active and progres-
sive men of his community.

William L. Sidler acquired a good educa-
tion in the public schools: he then taught
several years in the public and grammar
schools of Danville. Later he supplemented
his education by a course in Princeton Col-
lege, from which institution he was graduated
in 1888; he then began the study of law un-
der the direction of Edward S. Gearhart, and
was admitted to the bar in 1890. In 1891
he began practicing his chosen profession with
the above-named gentleman, and has been
meeting with the greatest of success. He ts
regarded as one of the promising young at-
torneys of his community. He was elected
register and recorder of Montour County,
which office he still holds, the duties of which
he is honestly and faithfully fulfilling.

Our subject was united in marriage to Mary

 

 

E. Divel, a daughter of Hon. Henry Divel, a
prominent citizen of Danville, whose sketch
may also be found in this Book of Biog-
raphies. Four children blessed the home of:
Mr. and Mrs. Sidler, namely: Margaret R.,
born August ro, 1891; Franklin Wiliam,
born August 1, 1894; Mildred, born Feb-
ruary 28, 1896; and a son born January 24,
i899. Mr. Sidler is a member and past mas-

ter of the Mahoning Lodge No. 516, F. & A.

M.; Danville Commandery, Knights Templar,
No. 37, of which he is captain general; Mon-
tour Lodge No. 109, I. O. O. F.; and Beaver
Lodge No. 132, K. of P. Religiously he is
a devoted member of the Lutheran Church.

—__——+-2-___—_

UGUST C. HERR, a worthy German-
American citizen of Shamokin, and
inside-foreman of the Luke Fidler
Colliery, was born May 8, 1858, in Bremen,
Germany, and is a son of Lewis and Sophia
(Willis) Herr. The father was a native of
Germany and lived there until his death in
1866, when only forty-five years of age.
August C. Herr attended the schools of
his native country until thirteen years old
when he went to sea on a vessel of the North
German Lloyd line, and remained with that
company until 1870, being in England when
war was declared between Germany and
France. From England he came to Hobok-
en, N. J., where he secured leave of absence
from the ship on which he was employed with
the understanding that he would go back as
soon as the ship returned. He did not re-
turn, however, but went to St. Mary’s, Elk
County, Pa., where he worked in the soft
coal mines until March, 1873, and then re-
moved to Shamokin Pa., where he worked
at the Luke Fid'er Colliery as a miner for a
 

JACOB H. VASTINE, M. D.
SEVENTEENTH CONGR

 

period of about three months. He then be-
came a miner at the Cameron Colliery and
after a term of fifteen years was promoted to
assistant foreman, in which capacity he was
employed five years, serving in all for a period
of twenty years, and was connected with the
Mineral Rai!road & Mining Company exactly
twenty-six years. In 1893 he became inside-
foreman at the Luke Fidler Colliery, in which
position he has since efficiently served.

On February 21, 1875, Mr. Herr married
Minerva Milbrand, whose parents were lost
at sea on the voyage from the Old World to
America, and to them have been born the
following children: Charles .\ugustus, born
August 10, 1875, who married Mary E. Ker-
stetter, and is living in Shamokin, Pa.; Min-
nie, who died when five or six days old and
was born April 19, 1877; Clara Wilhelmina,
born April 21, 1879, is the wife of Harvey
C. Kerstetter; Ludwig C., born June 16, 1880,
resides at home; William, born October 26,
1882; Ida, born December 21, 1884; Franklin
Monroe, born July 30, 1887; John Alfred,
born September 15, 1889; Edward Benjamin,
born March 22, 1892; and Annie May Allen,
the pet of all, who came to bless their home
on October 8, 1895. Socially our subject is
a member and past grand of Shamokin
Lodge, No. 664, I. O. O. F.; and a member
and past master of Lodge No. 225, F. & A.
M.; also a member of Shamokin Chapter No.
264, R. A. M.; and member of Shamokin
Commandery No. 77, K. T.

—_—___—<¢-2-»_____

ACOB H. VASTINE, M. D., one of
the influential and honored physicians
of Columbia County and a highly es-

teemed citizen of Catawissa, was born in Rush
township, Northumberland County, Pa., April
2, 1836.

 

ESSIONAL DISTRICT. 501

 

 

Our subject is a descendant of Amos Vas-
tine, who emigrated from Holland and set-
tled in Bucks County, Pa. His son,’ John,
Was a native of Bucks County, but with his
parents moved to Northumberland County,
where he engaged in farming and distilling
the rest of his active days. He was united
in the bonds of wedlock with Catherine Os-
man, a native of Hackettstown, N. J., and
they reared seven children, as follows: Eliza-
beth, William, Amos, Marguerite, Sarah,
Thomas, and John. Mr. Vastine died aged
sixty-two years; his wife passed from this life
at the age of eighty years.

William Vastine, the father of our subject,
was born in Rush township, Northumberland
County, Pa., in 1812, and his boyhood days
were spent working with his father. Attain-
ing his majority, he purchased a farm and suc-
cessfully carried on general farming all his
life. He was joined in marriage with Eliza-
beth Hursh, a daughter of John Hursh, a na-
tive of Rush township, Northumberland
County. The father of our subject entered
the world of rest in 1859. Mrs. Vastine passed
to the unknown beyond in 1890, aged eighty-
one years. The following children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Vastine: Amos, a retired
farmer of Danville, Pa.; Hugh, a farmer re-
siding near Riverside, Pa.; Simon, who re-
sides on the old homestead; Ezra, deceased,
who was a retired farmer and resided at Dan-
ville, Pa.; Elizabeth, the wife of Dr. James
Ogleby of Danville; Daniel, who died at the
age of eleven years; and Ellen, who also died
at the age of eleven years. Mr. Vastine was
a Whig; religiously he and his family favored
the Lutheran Church.

Dr. Jacob H. Vastine received his primary
education in the common schools of his native
town, which was later supplemented by an
academic course in Danville Academy and
502 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Shamokin Collegiate Institute. He then en-
tered Jefferson Medical College and was grad-
uated with the class of 1858. He immediately
began practicing his profession at Elysburg,
Pa., and after remaining there two years went
to Numidia, Columbia County, Pa., and suc-
cessfully followed his profession in that dis-
trict for a period of twenty-one years. In
1881 he removed to Catawissa, where he has
since resided. Dr. Vastine has always had a
large and lucrative practice, and during his
younger days he covered a field in which
three doctors now work. Until recently the
Doctor has been a strong, robust man, .never
refused a call, and for thirty-five years he was
not once compelled to take to his bed on ac-
count of sickness. He was a director of the
old Bank of Catawissa, and since the forma-
tion of the First National Bank he has been
its president.

Dr. Vastine was married in 1861 to Sarah
Hughs, a daughter of George Hughs of Cata-
wissa, and they are the parents of the follow-
ing children: Henrietta, wife of Asa Spencer
of Lansdale, Pa.; Elizabeth, deceased; Dr.
George H. Vastine, who was educated in the
University of Susquehanna and then took a
medical course in the University of Pennsyl-
vania,—after spending one year abroad he re-
turned and began practicing in Catawissa, and
has since been united in marriage with Nellie
Pfahler of Catawissa; William, cashier of the
First National Bank of Catawissa, who re-
ceived his education in the Susquehanna Uni-
versity and later graduated from Gettysburg
College in 1893; Marion, a medical student;
Harriet B.; Sarah; and Alder. During the
late Rebellion our subject served one year as
assistant surgeon in the 127th Reg., Pa. Vol.
Inf. Dr. Vastine is prominent among his pro-
fessional brethren and an influential member
of the Columbia County Medical Association,

 

of which he was one of the original members;
the State Medical Association, of which he has
been a member since 1875; American Medical
Association; in 1887 he attended the ninth
International Medical Congress at Washing-
ton, D. C., as a delegate from the state asso-
ciation; has been president of both.county
and state associations; has been physician for
the Pennsylvania Railroad for a number of
years; was the first president of the board of
health of Catawissa; is a member of the I. O.
O. F.; Catawissa Lodge, F. & A. M., and
the R. A. M., and is past high priest of the
same; and isa member and present command-
er of Hoagland Post, G. A. R. Politically Dr.
Vastine is a stanch Republican. We present
a recent portrait of our subject on a previous

page.

 

‘AMES M. DERBY, secretary and
treasurer of the Mount Carmel Iron
Works, is one of the most popular and

prominent men in Mount Carmel, where he
stands very high as a business man of unusual
ability who has been very successful. Mr.
Derby is a son of Chauncey H. and Esther P.
(Cary) Derby, and was born at Dunmore, near
Scranton, Pa., September 10, 1851.

Our subject was educated in the common
schools near Scranton and at an early age
learned the trade of tinsmith with his father
and also learned the details of the hardware
business. He followed both the trade and
business for a few years, when he engaged in
business as a general merchant, conducting a
very successful store until 1880, in which year
he branched out and sought a larger field and
more opportunities for his ability and his busi-
ness talent. He removed to Mount Carmel in
1880 and established a business as a general
merchant, having sold out a quite prosperous
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 503

 

 

general store which he had established a short
time previous in Shamokin. He conducted
his general store in Mount Carmel until Jan-
uary 1, 1896, when he was active in the forma-
tion of the Mount Carmel Iron Company,
which was chartered July 15, 1895. He re-
signed a clerkship with the Union Coal Com-
pany to form the Mount Carmel Iron Com-
pany. He was the first superintendent and
general manager, which position he filled
with great ability, and he was later made sec-
retary and treasurer. The works do a very
large business, manufacturing all sorts of iron
used in connection with mining machinery.

In politics Mr. Derby formerly was a Re-
publican, but he now is classed as a Prohi-
bitionist. He is prominent in fraternal circles,
being a member of Mount Carmel Lodge No.
378, F. & A. M., and of the R. A. M. Chap-
ter and Knights Templar; also a leading mem-
ber of Mount Carmel Lodge No. 630, I. O. O.
F. He is an active member of the Methodist
Church.

Mr. Derby was united in marriage on July
22, 1873, to Helen M. Clarkson of Ashland,
Pa., and to them have been born these chil-
dren: Archibald, who is employed in the
Mount Carmel Iron Works, and married Min-
nie, a daughter of F. M. Everett; Ethel M.;
Robert Wilson; Florence; Louella.
Through the efforts of Mr. Derby a post-

and
office was established two miles west of
Mount Carmel, which is called Strong, and
of which he was the first postmaster ap-
pointed. Mr. Derby always has taken great
interest in everything which has had a ten-
dency to advance the commercial and indus-
trial interests of Mount Carmel. He has been
prominent in every movement for the general
good of the public and is looked upon as one
of the most progressive, energetic and public-

¥

 

spirited citizens of the town in which he is so
popular, both in business and social circles.

The father of our subject, Chauncey H.
Derby, was a native of Lackawanna County;
so also were several other members of the fam-
ily on the paternal side. The family origina‘ly
came from Ireland and were the founders of
Derby, Conn. Many of its members have re-
sided in the state of Pennsylvania for gener-
ations. The grandfather of our subject, John
Derby, located in Lackawanna County, this
state. He was a Presbyterian clergyman and
followed the work of the church during his
life-time.

Mr. Derby’s father, Chauncey H. Derby,
was born in 1805. He was the first hardware
merchant in Scranton. He is also recalled as
the second Mason in Scranton, Joseph God-
frey having been the first citizen of the town
to enter the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Derby
was a man of great energy and was fond of
travel. He saw much of the world. He was
one of the organizers of the Republican party
and a colleague of that sturdy statesman,
Galusha A. Grow. He never sought office,
although he always was very active in party
politics. He was an active member of the
Presbyterian Church and a pronounced tem-
perance man.

The family from which the mother of our
subject descended, the Carys, may be traced
back for several generations. The family
originated in Somersetshire, England. The
ancestor from whom the Carys date was Sir
Lucius Cary, who was born in Somersetshire,
England, in 1504. He married a sister of the
celebrated Anne Boleyn, becoming by his
marriage an uncle to Queen Elizabeth. In
a direct line was the Earl of Hunsdon, a
cousin of the queen. The next was Sir Rob-
ert Cary, who was at the death-bed of Queen
Elizabeth and was the first to convey the
504

news of her expressed desire that her cousin,
James I., should succeed to the throne. The
oldest son became Lord Faulkner, who was
Chancellor of the Exchequer under Charles
II. One of the younger sons, John Cary,
the immediate ancestor, was sent to France to
complete his education. While he was in
France his father died and there followed
some difficulty in settling the estate. He
took a younger son’s part, £10, and in 1634
came to Connecticut where he joined the Pil-
grims. He was among the original settlers
and property holders at Duxbury and Bridge-
water, Conn. The first purchase of lands was
made from the native Indians in 1639 and the
deed was made to four distinguished men,
Miles Standish, Capt. Mayflower, Samuel
Nash, and Constant Southworth, as trustees
for William Bradford, John Cary and fifty-two
other settlers. The consideration named in
the deed is interesting reading in this age.
It was as follows: Seven coats, to contain
one and a half yards of cloth to each coat:
nine hatchets; eight hoes; twenty knives; four
mooseskins; and ten and a half yards of cot-
ton. John Cary married Elizabeth Godfrey
in 1644. Their second child, Francis, was
born in 1647 and he married Hannah Britt
in 1676. They reared a family of five child-
ren, the oldest, Samuel, born in 1667, married
Mary Poole in 1704. Samuel and Mary
(Poole) Cary came to this country after their
marriage and located in Dutchess County, N.
Y. They had eight children of whom the
eighth, Eleazer, was born in 1718 and was
a direct ancestor of the subject. Eleazer mi-
grated from Connecticut in 1769, whither he
had gone from New York, and located in the
Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania.
a Miss Sturtevant and they had a family of
six children. Their second child, John, was
born May 7, 1756, and was the great-grand-

He married

 

 

 

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

father of our subject. He was noted as a
man of herculean build and strength. He
served under Capt. Durkee in the War of the
Revolution and was at the memorable Wyom-
ing Massacre. He died in 1844 at the age of
eighty-eight years and was buried in Wilkes-
barre. One of his brothers, Samuel, a sma‘l,
active man, was also in the battle at Wyom-

‘ing and was captured by the Indians and

held by them for six years, and was supposed
by the family to have been killed. In 1744
Samuel returned to the Valley where he
passed the remainder of his days. The great-
grandfather of our subject had eleven child-
ren, the sixth being the maternal grandfather
of our subject, Miner Cary. He was one of
the earliest settlers in the vicinity of what is
now Scranton and owned a large part of the
land which is now occupied by the site of the
city of Scranton. He married Sarah Deans
and to them were born eleven children, of
whom Esther P. Cary, mother of our subject,
was born in Scranton, Pa., March 17, 1817.

 

——__+$__~+4.e..

HOMAS J. PRICE, superintendent

of the Mahoning Rolling Mill Com-

pany of Danville, and a highly re-
spected citizen of that town, was born at
Tredegar, Wales, February 26, 1855, and is
a son of Prof. John M. and Mary (Roberts)
Price, and a grandson of Thomas Price.

The father of our subject was born at
Rhymny, Wales, in 1828, and came to the
United States in 1854, locating in New York
City. In the same year he moved to Dan-
ville, Pa., where he became boss-roller of the
Montour Rolling Mills... In 1865 he was em-
ployed in the Rough and Ready Mills, now
the Mahoning Rolling Mill Company, and
two years later he went to Syracuse, N. Y.,
where he accepted a position as superintend-

4
 

RUFUS K. POLK.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 507

ent of the Syracuse Rolling Mill Company.
In 1881 he retired from that line of business
and devoted his time to music, having studied
music when young and also while working
at his trade. Mr. Price possessed a beautiful
voice. While a resident of Danville, Pa., he
organized a quartet composed of John A.
Jones, Robert James, Joseph Parry and him-
self. This quartet acquired an extended repu-
tation, and in 1865 they took a trip to Eng-
land, where they were cordially received. Mr.
Parry received numerous prizes for his excel-
lent compositions and was made professor of
music in the College of Swansea, Wales. Mr.
Price is now successfully engaged in follow-
ing the musical profession in New York City.
He was united in marriage with Mary Rob-
erts, a daughter of Thomas Roberts, a-native
of Wales: The following children resulted
from this union: John T., superintendent of
the Spuyten Duyvil Iron Foundry of New
York City; George T., assistant superintend-
ent of the Spuyten Duyvil Iron Foundry of
New York City; Ella J., wife of Thomas Hos-
kins of New York City; Frank S., a sergeant
of the New York City police; Mary A., a
teacher in music; Sarah, who died at the age
of three years; Jeannette, a music teacher and
stenographer residing at Rome, N. Y.; and
Thomas J., our subject. The mother of our
subject died in 1867 at the age of thirty-four
years.

Thomas J. Price came to the United States
with his mother in 1856 and settled in Dan-
ville, Pa., where he received his intellectual
training. At Syracuse he assisted his father
in the iron works, learning the iron and steel
trade. He then went to New York City in
1879 and was engaged with the Spuyten Duy-

vil Rolling Mill Company until 1883, when he

returned to Danville to accept the position of
boss-roller at the Glendower Rolling Mills.

 

In 1885 he went to Harrisburg, Pa., and en-
gaged as a boss-roller in the Lochiel Steel
Works until 1886, when he resigned his posi-
tion and returned to Danville to accept the
position of superintendent of the Mahoning
Rolling Mill Company, in which capacity he
has since served.

Mr. Price was married to Sarah Foley, a
daughter of Edward Foley of Danville, and
to this union three children were born, name-
ly: John, who died at the age of two years;
Annie Florence; and Edward F. Our sub-
ject served as chief burgess of Danville from
1890 to 1896, and was school director one
year. He is a supporter of the principles ad-
vocated by the Republican party. Socially
he is a member of Danville Lodge, No. 780,
I. O. O. F.; and of the Improved Order of
Heptasophs. He was appointed postmaster
of Danville, February 15, 1899, and took
possession of the postoffice April 1, 1899.

—————_+ -- >_—__—_

UFUS K. POLK, of Danville, Pa., is

general manager of the North

Branch Steel Company, Danville,

and one of the firm of Howe & Polk, manu-

facturers of structural tubing and _ special
shapes in iron and steel products.

Mr. Polk was born in Columbia, Maury
County, Tennessee, August 23, 1866, and re-
moved to Pennsylvania when sixteen years of
age; he was educated at Lehigh University,
where he graduated, taking first the degree of
B. S. and afterwards that of Mining Engineer.
Immediately after his graduation he located in
Danville, Montour County, where for many
years he was chemist of the Montour Iron &
Steel Company; he finally became assistant
superintendent of this company, and left there
to become the general manager of the North
508 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

Branch Steel Company. On February 17,
1808, the firm of Howe & Polk was organized,
after the purchase of the Mahoning Rolling
Mill Company property. This plant is busily
engaged in the manufacture of structural tub-
ing and special shapes, and gives employment
to several hundred men. Mr. Polk has taken
an active part in politics, and in 1898 was
elected to represent the Seventeenth Congres-
sional District in the Fifty-sixth Congress. He
has also taken an interest in the local affairs
of the town, having served for several years
as president of the board of water commis-
sioners.

In 1892 Mr. Polk married Isabella Mont-
gomery Grier, only daughter of Isaac X.
Grier, of Danyille. They have three children,
namely: Emma Grier; Porter Grier; and
Isabella Grier. Mr. Polk served as first lieu-
tenant in Company F, 12th Reg., Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, in the late war with Spain.
His portrait is presented on a preceding page.

 

PATTERSON MOORE, one of

» the progressive and substantial cit-

izens of the village of Buckhorn,

has been successfully engaged in wagon-mak-

ing there since 1862. He is a son of John

and Joanna (Appleman) Moore, and was born

in Madison township, Columbia County,
March 17, 1824.

The paternal great-grandfather of our sub-

ject was a native of England and came to

America prior to the War of the Revolution, 3

settling on the New Jersey side of the Dela-
ware River just above Philadelphia, where he
owned two farms. He reared a family, one
of his children being Samuel Moore, the
grandfather of our subject, who was a soldier

of the Revolutionary War. He was a great

 

champion of Washington, under whom he
served, and during his latter days would not
stand by and hear the Father of his Country
criticised. At the close of the war he settled
on a farm near Petersburg, Northumberland
County, and later in Madison township, Co-
lumbia County, where he owned two farms,
aggregating 224 acres. He was a member of
the Presbyterian Church, in which he served
as elder for many years.

John Moore, the father of our subject, the
youngest of a family of ten children, was born
in Northumberland County, Pa., in 1797. He
was one of the prosperous farmers of West
Hemlock township, Montour County, where
he owned a farm of 124 acres of good land.
During his early life he was for a short time
engaged in distilling. Religiously he was an
adherent to the faith of the Presbyterian
Church. In political views he sided with the
Democratic party. He was united in the holy
bonds of wedlock to Joanna Appleman, a
daughter of Mathias Appleman, a farmer of
Benton township, Columbia County, and they
are the happy parents of seven children: N.
Patterson, the gentleman whose name appears
at the head of these lines; Mathias; Samue'’;
John; William Boyd; Sarah Cox; and Mrs.
Mary Ellen Purcel.

N. Patterson Moore received his intellect-
ual training in the public schools and at
Bloomsburg Academy, after which he taught
school for one term. He then learned the
wagon-making trade, which he followed first
in Northumberland County and then in Hun-
terdon County, N. J., where he was employed
in a first-class shop. In 1848 he moved to
Benton, Columbia County, where he con-
ducted a shop in connection with agricultural

| pursuits until 1862, when he moved to Buck-

horn, and has since been engaged in the
wagon-making trade. During his many years
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 509

 

 

at his trade he has acquired great skill and
his services are always in demand. He is held
in high esteem by his fellow-citizens.

On June 6, 1840, our subject was united in
marriage to .\raminta Kline, a daughter of
Isaac Kline, who was for many years a justice
of the peace in Orange township, Columbia
County, and they are parents of three daugh-
ters and two sons, namely: Mary Joanna,
wife of John Shultz, a farmer of Madison
township, Columbia County; John, a wagon-
maker of Wilkesbarre; Lavina, who was for-
merly a teacher but is now a milliner; Char‘es
H., ex-county surveyor of Columbia County,
and now a teacher and principal of the Nesco-
peck schools; and Elizabeth, a graduate of
the State Normal School of Bloomsburg and
for seven years a successful teacher, who is
now the wife of John H. Wingert, a promi-
nent farmer and teacher of Lewisburg, Pa.
Politically Mr. Moore is a Democrat and was
elected justice of the peace in May, 1869,
which office he has since satisfactorily filled.
Socially he is a member of Catawissa Lodge,
No. 349, F. & A. M.: Catawissa Chapter, No.
168; Crusade Commandery, No. 12, Knights
Templar; and a member of the Masonic Con-
sistory, of which he is past high priest and
eminent commander.

 

-->—_____

EORGE A. ERIEG, the efficient
manager of J. M. Otto’s baking es-
tablishment at Shamokin, Northum-

berland County, Pa., is a son of John G. and
Catherine (Kiehl) Erieg, and was born in
April, 1859, at Williamsport, Pa. He received
his education in his native place and learned
the trade of a baker from his father. In 1875
he became a partner with his father, their
business being conducted under the firm name

 

 

of John G. Erieg & Son. This firm continued
until the death of his father, after which our
subject managed the business for his mother
until her death. The business was then sold
to settle the estate. Three days after the sale
Mr. Erieg engaged to work for George A.
Kiehl, who at that time purchased the Sha-
mokin Bakery of William Henry & Son. Not
desiring to continue the business longer, Mr.
Kiehl sold out at a very large profit to J. M.
Otto, the present owner, and Mr. Erieg was
retained as Under his splendid
management the business has increased in val-
ue and prospered until the present output is
enormous, being estimated at $100,000 worth
of stock sold a year. On December 27, 1898,
Mr. Erieg took a Southern trip, arriving on
the Island of Cuba on January 2, 1899, and
there he remained for five weeks. Imme-
diately after his arrival there he became a
member of the Casino Espanol, a very fash-
ionable club, and received the benefit of its
hospitality while in Havana. In connection
with this organization is a hospital of seven
wards, employing thirty-two physicians and
one hundred nurses, and the membership of
the club numbers 12,000. The grounds sur-
rounding the club-house are most beautiful,
being set out with trees and shrubbery of var-
ious kinds. Mr. Erieg combined business
with pleasure on this excursion and secured
an option on two of the finest tobacco planta-
tions in Cuba, one of which he has _ since
bought. This trip was one of greatest pleas-
ure and one to which our subject will always
look: back with enjoyment, as it was one of
the most interesting events in his life.

Bertha M. Hagenbouch, a daughter of Sam-
uel Hagenbouch of Bloomsburg, Columbia
County, Pa., became the wife of our subject
and their home has been blessed by one son,
Charles A. Mr. Erieg is a worthy member of

Manager.
510 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

the Lutheran Church and is quite liberal in
the support of the same. Socially he is a
member of the Cresco Club of Shamokin.

John G. Erieg, our subject’s father, was
born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, as was
also his father before him, and learned the
trade of a baker most thoroughly in his native
country by passing through the different
grades of apprenticeship. After immigrating
to this country he located in the city of Lan-
caster, Pa., but shortly after removed to Co-
lumbia, where he engaged in his chosen occu-
pation. He was subsequently at Sunbury,
then at Williamsport, where he enjoyed the
distinction of being the first baker in the city.
In 1865 he removed to York, Pa., where he
assisted in operating the mineral water estab-
lishment of his brother-in-law, George Kiehl.
After pursuing that occupation for a couple of
years he branched forth as a lumber and real
estate dealer in York, but subsequently re-
moved to Williamsport in 1870 and engaged
with the insurance firm of McVeigh & Sny-
der. But he was not satisfied to remain at
that, so he tried his luck at dealing in gro-
ceries and queensware for about three years,
but finally returned to his former trade as
baker. He added a new branch to the busi-
ness which greatly increased the magnitude
of his stock as well as his profit. He included
with bread-making the manufacture of crack-
ers and all kinds of fancy cakes. Previous to
that time both crackers and cakes were strict-
ly home-made articles and a bakery where
such edibles could be purchased was quite a
novelty. From that time on he followed this
occupation continuously until his death, after
which his widow operated the same business.
with the able assistance of our subject, until
she died. In order to settle the estate the es-
tablishment was sold to the United States
Baking Company.

 

Our subject’s father was a stanch Democrat
and was active in party affairs, being ‘always
pleased at the success of his party. He was
a member of the school board for a number of
years and served in the common and select
councils for about thirty years. At his death
he was a member of the select council. He
was a valued and consistent member of the
Lutheran Church and was for many years su-
perintendent of the Sabbath School of that
denomination. He and his worthy wife had
a family of seven children, four sons and ‘three
daughters, namely: William G., a resident of
Shamokin; George, subject of this sketch;
Mary; Kate S.; Louis E., of Shamokin; Eliz-
abeth, the wife of John M. Otto, proprietor
of the Shamokin Bakery; and Frank, who is
attending the University of Pennsylvania.

 

ARCUS D. HORN. This prominent

and enterprising young farmer is

successfully engaged in the culti-

vation of the soil in Davidson township, Sul-

livan County, Pa., where he owns a handsome

farm, which ranks among the foremost in the

township. He was born in Laporte township,

July 27, 1861, and is a son of Daniel Horn and
grandson of Andrew Horn.

Andrew Horn, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was one of the pioneer settlers of La-
porte and was the owner of the Rogers prop-
erty; shortly after purchasing the property he
set about clearing a portion of the farm, and
engaged in tilling the soil. Later in life he
moved to Waller, Columbia County, Pa., and
died there at the age of Sibhopiwe
years. He was joined in the bonds of matri-
mony with Eve Rorach, and a family of nine
children was born to them, namely: John;
SEVENTEENTH

 

Daniel; Freeman; Benjamin; William; Bet-
sy; Angeline; and Sarah.

Daniel Horn, the father of our subject, was
born in Columbia County, and lived in that
county until sixteen years of age, when his
parents removed to Laporte township. His
younger days were spent in assisting his father
in clearing the homestead and in attending
the common school. He was educated in ag-
ricultural pursuits and carried on that voca-
tion all his active career. He bought a farm
in Laporte township, which consisted mostly
of timber land, and cleared the same, making
it one of the best farms in his neighborhood.
He was well-known throughout his township
and possessed the confidence and esteem of
a host of acquaintances. He entered the world
of rest at the age of thirty-four years. He was
the father of a family of five children, as fol-
lows: Malinda; Alveretta; Keturah; Jean-
nette; and Marcus D., the subject of this per-
sonal history. The mother of our subject
formed a second matrimonial alliance with
Levi Hess, and they became the parents of
four children: Ella; Harvey; Hugh; and
Clarence.

Marcus D. Horn was intellectually trained
for the battles of life in the public schools of
his native township, and spent his leisure hours
aiding his father in the work about the farm,
thus acquiring a good education in farming.
Upon attaining his manhood he purchased a
tract of land in the wilderness of Davidson
township and began lumbering and farming,
in which occupations he has been very suc-
cessful. He has cleared a part of his pur-
chase and made many other improvements
upon it, such as erecting a new house, out-
buildings, and putting the land under a high
state of cultivation. When our subject’s time
is not occupied in clearing the farm or har-
vesting he is engaged in selling nursery

 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

511

 

 

products, being a salesman for the C. W.
Stewart & Company and the Perry & Com-
pany nurseries; he is also engaged in the in-
surance business, representing the New York
Life Insurance Company. Mr. Horn is widely
known throughout Sullivan County as an en-
terprising and progressive citizen and enjoys
the respect and good will of his many friends.
Mr. Horn formed a matrimonial alliance
with Eunice Foust, a daughter of Amos Foust
of Davidson township, Sullivan County. Two
sons blessed the happy home of our subject
and wife, namely: Roland, and Herbert. In po-
litical views our subject firmly supports the
Democratic party, and has served as school di-
rector and in minor township offices. Reli-
giously he and his family are devoted members
of the Evangelical Church. Socially he is a
member of the local lodge of the I. O. O. F.,
and the Encampment of Laporte. .

 

IEUTENANT ANDREW JACKSON
STROH, one of the oldest and most
energetic and progressive citizens
of Sunbury, Pa., was born on February 21,
1828, in Upper Augusta township, and also
was reared in that township. He is a son of
Philip and Margaret (Farrow) Stroh. A vet-
eran of the Civil War, Mr. Stroh has an ex-
cellent record as a soldier of which he and his
family are justly proud.

Seeking a suitable field for his energy and
industry, Philip Stroh, father of our subject,
removed from Canistoga Center, near Lan-
caster, in 1808 and settled in Upper Augusta
township where he engaged in farming, a
distilling enterprise, and also added to his
occupations that of butcher. A cooper by
trade he had practically abandoned the occu-
pation which he had followed in his youthful
512

days. In politics Mr. Stroh was allied with
the Whigs and he filled several local offices to
the entire satisfaction of his neighbors. At
the age of seventy-eight years he died in
Upper Augusta township on January 23,
1838. Our subject’s father twice entered the
‘bonds of matrimony, his first wife being Miss
Spindler and the union resulting in a family
of six children. His second marriage was to
Margaret, daughter of James Farrow who
migrated from “Jugtown,” now the “West
End,” in New Jersey near Eastern Pennsyl-
vania, and settled in Upper Augusta town-
ship where he followed blacksmithing all his
life. Mr. Farrow ended his earthly journey
in 1840 at the age of sixty-five years. His
wife was Miss Lacy and their family consisted
of nine children. Our subject’s mother was
born in Upper Augusta township, February
28, 1802, and died in the same township in
1867, leaving two sons, George W., and An-
drew J.

After receiving a public school education
the subject of our sketch, Andrew Jackson
Stroh, learned his trade as a harness and sad-
dle-maker at Danville, finishing his appren-
ticeship in three years. In the spring of 1849
he engaged in business for himself in Sun-
bury continuing there until the spring of 1857.
He then went to Bremer County, Ia., where
he followed farming and also his trade, mak-
ing saddles on the prairie. Internal strife
threatened the destiny of the nation and the
first drums of war had sounded their alarms.
Among the first to respond to his country’s
call was our subject who, in July, 1861, en-
listed in the 9th Iowa Vol. Inf., serving one
year as orderly sergeant of Company G. He
served in the Army of Southwest Missouri
under Gen. Samuel R. Curtis and participated
in the important and severe battle of Pea
Ridge which victory for the Union troops

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

had so important bearing upon the subsequent
movements of the Union forces; and subse-
quently our subject fought with Gen. Franz
Sigel when the threatened invasion of Wash-
ington by Gen. Lee’s army ‘was prevented.
At the expiration of his first year’s service
Mr. Stroh was discharged because of sickness
and returned to Sunbury. While the excite-
ment preceding the battle of Antietam was
greatest he assisted in raising an emergency
company of prominent citizens of Sunbury
of which he was first lieutenant under Capt.
Charles Bruner, the company being desig-
nated as Company D, 3d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.
The company did duty at Hagerstown, Md.,
witnessing the battle of Antietam within plain
hearing of the fearful cannonading, and was
on duty for eleven days. When the Confed-
erates made their raid which culminated in the
sanguinary struggle at Gettysburg our sub-
ject again promptly aided in raising an emer-
gency company which was known as Com-
pany F, 36th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., under ¢com-
mand of Col. H. C. Alleman. The company
went to Gettysburg and was in service from
July 5th to August 11th, 1863.

Returning to his home after the services
stated, Mr. Stroh engaged in business which
has grown constantly until it is now among
the most important in Sunbury. He acts as
an auctioneer, is proprietor of the “Eagle
Livery,” is a wholesale manufacturer of har-
ness and horse collars and jobber in wagons,
buggies and sleighs on East Market street,
doing an extensive and lucrative business.
He is an honored member of William A.
Bruner Post, No. 335, G. A. R., and of Fort
Augusta Lodge, No. 620, I. O. O. F., and
also is a past grand in the order named and
has served as representative in the grand lodge
of the state.

Our subject married Lavina Farnsworth of
”

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 013

 

 

Sunbury in 1850 and unto the happy couple
have been born four children: Mary C., wife
of F. B. Luce of Sunbury; Florence S., who
married A. W. Bradstreet of Rochester, a
relative of the originator of the Bradstreet
reports and who, upon her demise in April,
1895, left surviving her two children, Andrew
J., and Elsie, Florence and Floyd, twins, hav-
ing died in their infancy; John C., of Sun-
bury, who wedded Lillian McCaulay of Phil-
adeiphia, five children resulting from the
union, two of whom, [Elizabeth and Nellie,
are now living and two having died while in-
fants: and George A., who died when quite
young.

— + ep

ILLIAM F. HARPEL,  superin-
tendent of the public schools of
Shamokin, Northumberland Coun-

ty, Pa., was the youngest son of Rev. Mark
and Martha Ann (Morgan) Harpel, and was
born near Freemansburg, Northumberland
County, Pa. He was reared and educated in
the public schools of Lancaster County and
Reading, Pa., and subsequently at the State
Normal School at Millersville.

Our subject first entered the field as an act-
ive educator when quite young, teaching the
public school in Elizabeth township, Lancas-
ter County, one year, then receiving the ap-
pointment of principal of the second gram-
mar school of Shamokin; in 1877 he was ap-
pointed principal of the first grammar school;
September 2, 1880, was promoted to the re-
sponsible position of superintendent of the
local schools to fill the unexpired term of Prof.
F. M. Bates, resigned, which position he has
since occupied. Although he was but twenty-
four years old at that time, his remarkable
success in the school-room had already at-
tracted the attention of the directors, hence

 

his successive re-appointments, serving eight-
een years in this capacity, during which time
his educational methods have placed the local
educational system on a par with that of any
other town of its size in the country. His
career in the educational interests of Shamo-

kin is a conspicuous example of a high posi-

tion won by a man of learning and energy.

Supt. Harpel stands among the leaders in
the ranks of education, which place has been
universally accorded him by reason of success
achieved by him in the local public schools.
He is a diligent worker and has earned the
reputation of being one of Pennsylvania’s
most progressive educators; is an active mem-
ber of the National Teachers’ Association, the
Pennsylvania State Teachers’ Association, the
National Superintendents’ Association, the
City Superintendents’ Association of Pennsyl-
vania, the American Academy of Political and
Social Sciences, and is also a state councilor
of the American Institute of Civics. —

One of the priceless possessions of Supt.
Harpel is that happy faculty of giving to oth-
ers, in a clear manner, that knowledge and
information with which his own mind is so
richly stored. This endowment, or Nature’s
gift, if you so choose to call it, is the most
desirable factor in the make-up of a success-
ful educator; many of our earnest and pains-
taking teachers fail because of this lack of
ability to explain. ‘They know, and know
well, but cannot tell what they know.’ Supt.
Harpel possesses personal enthusiasm in a
marked degree, and the able papers prepared
and read by him at educational assemb!ages
invariably attract widespread attention. He
has personally visited and studied the systems
of education pursued in most of the leading
cities of our country and frequently spends
his vacation in attending summer institutes or
Chautauqua lectures. Being progressive in
514 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

every respect, he is not slow to adopt new
and advanced ideas, which is amply demon-
strated by the high standing of the schools
which he manages.

Traveling is Supt. Harpel’s favorite recre-
ation, and he has already visited nearly every
state and territory in the Union, as well as
most of the British provinces to the north of
us. In 1882 he made an extensive trip to the
Old World and toured Ireland, Scotland, En-
gland, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Switzer-
land and France, and spent the summer of
1888 in touring through our most northern
possession, Alaska.

On July 2, 1896, Supt. Harpel chose for
his bride Elizabeth May Stedman, a charm-
ing and cultured lady. She is a daughter of
James A. Stedman and is a native of New
York State. Despite his arduous school duties
our subject takes an active interest in church
work, and is at present a deacon of Trinity
Evangelical Lutheran congregation, and was
superintendent of its Sunday School for a

‘number of years. He is a tried and valued
adviser in the councils of the Republican par-
ty. Socially he is a member of the Masonic
Fraternity, and affiliates with Shamokin
Lodge No. 255, F. & A. M.; Shamokin Chap-
ter, No. 264, R. A. M.; Shamokin Command-
ery, No. 70, K. T.; Caldwell Consistory, S.
P. R. S., 32d Degree, of Bloomsburg, and
Rajah Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Reading, Pa.

0

RANCIS M. EVERETT, cashier of

the Mount Carmel Banking Com-

pany and one of the most prominent men in

the financial circles of Mount Carmel, is a son

of Elijah and Elizabeth (Stiner) Everett, and

was born May 11, 1850, in Orange township,
Columbia County, Pa.

 

The paternal grandfather of our subject,
James Everett, was a native of Northampton
County, this state, who removed to Blooms-
burg when young, being one of the pioneer
settlers in what is known as Orange town-
ship. He was engaged in agricultural pur-
suits in that township for many years. The
family on the maternal side was of German
origin and its members were among the ear-
liest settlers in Briarcreek township. The
father of the subject of this sketch, Elijah
Everett, was born in Briarcreek township and
resided in it until his death at a comparatively
early age.

Our subject was educated in the common
schools. His father dying when he was quite
young, his mother remarried and removed to
Muncy, Lycoming County, Pa., where Fran-
cis remained until he was seventeen years of
age when he forsook the farm and took a
position as a clerk in the general store of
I. W. Hartman & Son, in Bloomsburg. After
clerking for a short time he was made man-
ager of the grocery department of the store,
successfully conducting the firm’s large bus-
iness for a number of years. Subsequently,
from 1871 to 1874, Mr. Everett was employed
in the War Department at Washington, D.
C. In 1890 he connected himself with the
Bloomsburg Banking Company at Blooms-
burg, with which he remained until January,
1895, when he removed to Mount Carmel,
where he now resides and where he has been
very successful in managing banking busi-
ness. As cashier of the company of which
he now is one of the leading men, the Mount
Carmel Banking Company, Mr. Everett has
shown much ability as a financier ‘and to his
ability and careful direction is largely due the
prosperity of the company. The officers of
the company are: President, Thomas M.
Righter; vice-president, David Camp; cash-
 

CHARLES L. SANDS.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

517

 

 

ier, Francis M. Everett, our subject; direct-
ors, Thomas M. Righter, David Camp,
George E. Berner, H. S. Robins, D. D. Bo-
lich, Isaac Goldschmidt, Peter A. Stief, Ben-
jamin Wirt, Joseph Gould, John L. Williams,
O. B. Millard of Centralia, and Joseph S.
Nowakoski.

Mr. Everett is a member of the board of
directors of the Mount Carmel Iron Works,
the officers of which are: President, David
Camp; vice-president, S. E. Bergstresser;
treasurer and manager, J. M. Derby. He also
is president of the Miners’ & Laborers’ Build-

-ing & Loan Association. He is a trustee of
the M. E. Church in which he is an active
member.

Twice has our subject been united in mar-
riage, first to Anna Hartman, daughter of
I. W Hartman, and unto them were bern
two daughters: Minnie, wife of A. H. Derby
of Mount Carmel, and Mary, wife of E. F.
Carpenter of Bloomsburg who is one of the
clerical force of the First National Bank of
Bloomsburg. Mr. Everett’s second marriage
was to Amelia Neyhard of Bloomsburg and
their union has been blessed by three child-
ren, Robert, Frederick and Margaret.

HARLES L. SANDS, of the firm of
C. L. Sands & Company, proprietors
of the Mordansville Woolen Mills,
manufacturers of flannels, yarns, blankets and
skirts, and one of the highly esteemed citizens
of Mordansville, was born in Greenwood
township, Columbia County, Pa., December
16, 1849, and is a son of Joseph and Esther
(Lundy) Sands.
John Sands, the great-great-grandfather of
our subject, and his brother Samuel emigrated
from England prior to the Revolutionary

 

War. being driven from their native country,
as were many others, by religious persecution.
Samuel settled on Long Island, N. Y., where
many of his descendants now reside. John,
the progenitor of our subject's branch of the
family, located in Berks County, Pa. Among
his children was Daniel Sands, the great-
grandfather of our subject, who was a resident
of Berks County all his life; he was the father
of a family of children, one of whom was John,
our subject’s grandfather, who came to Co-
lumbia County about 1800. John Sands was
a miller by trade and first located at Brown’s
Mills, Mifflin township, where he followed his
trade a number of years, and later operated
what is now known as Coles Mills, in Pine
township. He worked these mills until death
claimed him, in June, 1856, aged seventy
years. His wife was Hannah Eck of Briar-
creek township, Columbia County, and they
were the parents of the following children:
Anna, widow of Baltis Girton of Hemlock
township, and now a resident of Aledo, Iil.;
Emma, who died young; Uzilla, widow of
James Strong, who was killed in the blowing-
up of Fort Fisher; Mary, who resides at Or-
angeville, Columbia County; Horace, a miller
of Wyalusing, Bradford County; and Joseph
E., the father of our subject.

Joseph E. Sands was born, March 11, 1811,
in Mifflin township, Columbia County, Pa.,
at Brown’s Mills; when but a boy he found
employment in the Briarcreek Woolen Mills.
Becoming thoroughly acquainted with the
manufacture of woolen goods, he erected a
factory one mile north of the village of Rohrs-
burg, Columbia County, and there engaged
in the manufacture of woolen goods on his
own account. His factory was operated by
water power and, in 1857, when the water sup-
ply gave out, he built the Sands Woolen Mills
at Mordansville, into which he moved his old
518

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

machinery and successfully followed his busi-
ness until his death, on February 24, 1881, at
Philadelphia; he and our subject, his son,
were in that city at the time purchasing goods
when the elder Mr. Sands succumbed to a
stroke of apoplexy. Originally Mr. Sands
was a Whig in politics, but later a Republican,
and in 1875 was elected county commissioner
over the opposing candidate by a majority of
2,800 votes. He was one of the commission-
ers who supervised the construction of the
present county jail. He was a member of the
Masonic Order and the I. O. O. F.; he joined
the state militia to repel the invasion of Gen.
Lee in 1863. Like his ancestors, he was a
member of the Society of Friends. He was
joined in marriage with Esther Lundy, a
daughter of Reuben Lundy, a farmer of Mill-
ville, Pa., and to this union eight children
were born, namely: John, a farmer of Rohrs-
burg, who died in 1880; Henry Harrison, a
soldier in the Civil War, was a member of the
132d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., nine months and
served one year in the 210th Pa. Regiment,
and took part in the battles of Antietam, Fred-
ericksburg, South Mountain, Chancellorsville,
Grand Forks, and many other notable engage-
ments; William E., also a veteran of the Civil
War, now engaged in farming in Mt. Pleasant
township, Columbia County, Pa.; Thomas E.,
a retired woolen manufacturer, who was also
a soldier in the Civil War; Annie Margaret,
deceased, who was the wife of Webster W.
Eves, a member of the firm of Ellis Eves &
Bros., merchants of Millville, Pa.; Charles Tx,
our subject; Joseph H., an oil producer and
president of the gas company. at Bowling
Green, Ohio; and James P., deceased.
Charles L. Sands received his elementary
education in the common schools and at
Greenwood Seminary. He then followed the
occupation of a farmer for two years, and in

 

1875 went to Millville, where he was engaged
in the livery business and ran a stage line from
that village to Bloomsburg. In 1880 he be-
came a resident of Mordansville, and in the
following year purchased the woolen mills,
which he conducted alone until 1886, when
he took W. R. Hagenbach and M. J. Elder
into the business. In 1898 Mr. Elder retired
from the business and the firm name has since
been C. L. Sands & Company.

Mr. Sands is an ardent Republican in poli-
tics, and in 1891 he was one of the county
commissioners who supervised the building of

the county court-house; he also served as mer- *

cantile appraiser in 1888, and he has served as
justice of the peace since 1884. He is a mem-
ber and past master of Washington Lodge
No. 265, F. & A. M., of Bloomsburg; and a
member of Camp No. 17, P.O. S. of A. He
belongs to the Society of Friends. Mr. Sands
was married May 13, 1871, to Mary Zeigler,
daughter of the late Daniel Zeigler of Mt.
Pleasant, and this union was blessed by three
children: Maude, the wife of Harry Johnson,
a farmer of Madison township; Maggie,
united in marriage to Allen Eves, a farmer;
and Joseph E., a merchant of Mordansville.
Mr. Sands’ portrait is shown on another page
in this work.

 

OHN CLIFFORD, a prosperous, en-

terprising merchant of Shamokin, was

born in Wierzchucin, Prussia, Febru-
ary 10, 1843, and is a son of Joseph and
Victoria (Kaczmarek) Clifford. Mr. Clif-
ford immigrated to America when about
eleven years of age in company with his moth-
er and the following sisters and brother: Con-
stance, the wife of Albert Hopper, North-
umberland County; Mary, deceased, who
married Arthur Balcer; and Peter, a whole-

y
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 519

 

 

sale liquor dealer, agent for beer, etc., who
resides in the Second Ward of Shamokin.

Our subject’s mother was born in 1818
in Poland and married as her second husband
John Stenk, and four children were the results
of their union: George, who is a prominent
hotel-keeper in Shamokin; Joseph, now de-
ceased; AJugust, residing in the suburbs of
Shamokin; and one who died at the age of
two years.

The Clifford family upon coming to Amer-
ica, in 1854, came directly to Northumber-
land County and located near Shamokin, at
the place then called Coal Run or Lancaster
Colliery, now known as Lancaster Switch.
After residing there about two years the fam-
ily removed to Trevorton where our subject
engaged in mining for about six months, sub-
sequently locating at Herndon one summer,
thence to Danville where he remained until
1861. In 1861 the family located perma-
nently in Shamokin. Our subject received his
early education in his native country, Prus-
sia, and for a number of years after coming
to Shamokin he found employment in and
about the mines, serving as supervisor and
at various other occupations in connection
with the mines. About 1874 he quit mining
and engaged inthe hotel business for about
twelve years, discontinuing that to engage in
the general mercantile business. He has fol-
lowed this business successfully until the pres-
ent time. He is now located at No. 703 Race
street, and enjoys the reputation of handling
only first-class goods and giving good, hon-
est bargains to his customers.

On December 27, 1864, Mr. Clifford was
united in marriage with Barbara Harris, and
their union was blessed with the following
large and numerous family “of children:
Cecilia, born June 30, 1866, wife of Enoch
Fongo, proprietor of the Franklin House in

 

Shamokin; John, born December 20, 1867, in
Shamokin, was reared and educated in Sha-
mokin, after which he also engaged in the
mercantile business and at present is his fath-
er’s very proficient bookkeeper,—he is agent
for the Holland American Steamship Line,
and has served as clerk of election board,—he
married Mary Jasielones of Shamokin; Jos-
eph A., who was born February 6, 1870, was
educated in the common schools of Shamokin
and is now in the employ of his father, but
was formerly a tailor by trade, and now is
employed as a cutter; Frank A., a prominent
plumber and tinsmith of Shamokin, was born
May 25, 1872, and was united in marriage
with Mary Mullen; Charles, a conductor for
the Shamokin Street Railway Company, was
born July 7, 1874, and chose for his wife Mary
Snyder; Mary Catherine, born August 20,
1876; Alfred J., born December 20, 1878;
Amelia, born November 16, 1880, and died
June 3, 1884; Gertrude, born January 27,
1883; Genevieve, born March 11, 1885; Leo,
born October 7, 1887; Marcella, born Octo-
ber 30, 1889, died December 16, 1889; Bar-
bara, born March 17, 1893, and died in in-
fancy.

Mr.
Guarantee Trust & Safe Deposit Company,

Clifford has been a director in the

and also of the Shamokin Street Railway
Company since the organization of those com-
panies. He is also director of the Shamokin
Electric Light & Power Company. He for-
merly interpreted in court, but of late has
given up that work. He still retains the
agency for several steamship companies. He
represents the Red Star Line, American Line,
and also the Hamburg and American Line.
Politically our subject is a Democrat and is
always pleased at the success of his party.

He has served one term as councilman,
520 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

HARLES FRITZ enjoys the distinc-
tion of being the most successful
hardware dealer in Trevorton,
Zerbe township. He began business in this
line in 1873, having then only a common tin
store but shortly afterward branched out in
the hardware business also, and for many
years owned the only hardware store in Tre-
vorton. He has gradually built up his busi-
ness until now he is supplied not only with all
kinds of tin and graniteware, but also with a
complete line of all kinds of hardware, stoves,
ete.

Our subject is a son of William and
Christiana (Schlatter) Fritz and was born
November 17, 1854, in Trevorton, North-
umberland County. He obtained the rudi-
ments of an education in the public schools
of his native town, but at the early age of
nine years began working in and around the
mines which work he continued until he at-
tained the age of fifteen years. In 1869 he
was apprenticed to a tinner in Sunbury, where
he continued to work until 1873, when he
went into business for himself in his native
town of Trevorton.

Dr. William Fritz, father of our subject,
was a man of prominence and was also one
of the most successful physicians in the Sev-
enteenth Congressional District. He was born
in Kircheim on the Sudetic Mountains, in
the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, Oc-
tober 28, 1813. He received a splendid edu-
cation in Germany, graduating as a druggist
and physician from the celebrated University
of Lubengin, April 8, 1836. He immediately
began to practice his profession in his native
country and continued with marked success
for a period of twelve years. In 1848 he immi-
grated to this country and practiced in Min-
ersville, Schuylkill County, Pa., until 1852
when he located permanently in Trevorton

 

where he practiced his chosen profession un-
til death overtook him. He was a Christian
man and was beloved by all. He attained
great skill in the practice of his profession
and it was such a pleasure to him to be able
to relieve pain that he did much charitable
work among the poor. In 1836 he was
united in marriage with Frederica Schlatter,
who departed this life in 1892 at the age of
eighty years. The following are the names
of their children, who grew to manhood and
womanhood: Wilhemina, born 1837 and died
1857; John William, born January 2, 1841,
died August 21, 1869, born in Germany and
lived in Trevorton after coming to America,
where he followed mining,—he married Cath-
erine Kastetter, who with three children, Wil-
ham, George and Ella, still survive him and
reside in Trevorton; Amelia, born September
4, 1856, and died in 1878, became the
wife of John Reichwine, and left two child-
ren, William and Mary, of Sagon, Northum-
berland County; Mary, born in 1844, wife of
John Schweitzer, is the mother of the follow-
ing ten children,—William, Emma, Kate,
John, Mary, Matilda, Charles, Fred, Frank,
and Andrew.

Charles Fritz, our subject, was united in
marriage November 19, 1882, with Jemima
Weiser, a daughter of George Weiser of Low-
er Augusta township, Northumberland Coun-
ty. To them have been born six children:
Mary Jane, born October 12, 1883; Sarah
Alice, born July 3, 1885, and died on Christ-
mas Day 1891; Charles William, born Octo-
ber 3, 1887; Emma Bertha, born March 8,
1890; Martin Luther, born October 9, 1893;
Irene Jemima, born January to, 1897.

George Weiser, father-in-law of our sub-
ject, deserves especial mention in this sketch.
He was born in 1812 and died in the autumn
of 1882. He was universally esteemed as a
 

DR. WILLIS H. PURMAN.
523

 

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

good citizen, faithful to every trust placed in
his hands; he was a man of character and
possessed more than ordinary intelligence,
which, joined to a large fund of common
sense, made him a man of prominence in his
community. He was a man of good judg-
ment, was stern in his views, yet he was kind-
hearted and charitable; as a neighbor, he was
peaceable and ever ready to lend a helping
hand. He was not indifferent to the great
questions of the day in religion or politics.
He was one of the founders of St. Peter’s
Lutheran Church at Hollow Run and one
of its most liberal supporters. His life was
considered well and nobly spent and his death
caused universal grief.

Our subject is a most valued member of the
Lutheran Church in which he served as dea-
con six years, after which he resigned. He is
class-leader and Sunday school superintend-
ent for the German department. Politically
he is a good Democrat, and has served one
term as auditor, during which he made a good
record. He was one of the organizers of the
Trevorton Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
has served as its vice-president, and is one of
its present directors.

—_—_—<+ 0» _—_-

r R. WILLIS H. PURMAN. Colum-
bia County enjoys the reputation of
2 having in her midst some of the most
skilled physicians of the state, and not by any
means the least of them is the gentleman
whose name appears above and whose portrait
precedes this sketch. Dr. Purman possesses
that peculiar insight into the hidden causes
of various forms of disease which will ever
be the greatest recommendation of a stuccess-
ful physician. A case once definitely diag-
nosed loses much of the dread that surrounds
it, and the mistakes that are occasionally made

 

 

 

 

 

by even the best practitioners result invariably
from an incorrect diagnosis. Our subject was
born in Clinton County, Pa., and is a son of
the distinguished physician, Dr. John K. Pur-
man, grandson of Rev. Dr. Melchior Purman,
and great-grandson of Dr. John Purman.

Dr. John Purman was a native of Germany
and was graduated from the Medical Science
University of Germany; he practiced his pro-
fession in that country for many years and
then immigrated to America with his family,
locating in New York City, where he gained
a wide reputation as a physician. Melchior
Purman, the grandfather of our subject, pre-
pared himself for the ministry, and occupied
a pulpit in Harrisburg for a number of years.
He was joined in the bonds of wedlock with
a Miss Kimble, and they reared a family of
four children, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of
Dr. Myers; Catherine, the wife of Mr. Bech-
tle; William, deceased, who was prepared for
the ministry; and John K., the father of our
subject.

Dr. John K. Purman graduated in medi-
cine and followed his chosen profession in
Harrisburg, Pa., but later retired to the vil-
lage of Dauphin, Pa. He passed from this
life at the age of seventy-four years. During
his latter days he spent many of his winters
in Jacksonville, Fla. He chose for his life
companion Sarah Harter, a daughter of John
Harter of Center County, Pa., and eight chil-
dren blessed their home, as follows: William
J., a graduate of medicine, and ex-Member of
Congress, now residing in Washington, D. C.,
where he is engaged in dealing in real estate;
Louis C., a prominent physician of Wash-
ington, D. C.; Willis H., whose name heads
these lines; Mary, wife of William Taylor;
Sadie, wife of John A. Williams; Susan, whose
first husband was M. Q. White, formed a sec-
ond matrimonial alliance with John Wolf;
i

524

Eliza, deceased; and Luella, wife of George
E. Tracy.

Dr. Willis H. Purman commenced study-
ing medicine with Dr. Ira M. Mitchell in
Jacksonville, Fla., after which he entered the
University of Harvard, from which he was
graduated in 1886. Later he completed his
education by taking a special course in the
University of Washington and the Medico-
Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, Pa. He
then began practice in the Providence Hos-
pital at Washington, D. C., but subsequently
removed to Northumberland, Pa., where he
was appointed physician and surgeon for the
Pennsylvania & Erie R. R., continuing in that
capacity until 1895. At the expiration of that
time he moved to Bloomsburg, Columbia
County, where, by the gentlemanly demeanor
which he has manifested toward every one,
he has won the good-will and respect of the
entire community.

Dr. Purman was united in marriage with
Anna E. Scheaffle, who also comes of a prom-
inent family of physicians, her father being
Dr. C. W. Sheaffle of Lewisburg, Pa. Her
great-grandfather, a native of Germany, was a
celebrated physician and chemist of his day,
and came to the United States with his son,
the grandfather of Mrs. Purman. Her broth-
ers are physicians and pharmacists in their
respective localities, as follows: Wilson W. of
Philadelphia; Ernest of Murphy, Cal.; and
Clarence C. of San Francisco, Cal. Her sis-
ters are as follows: Sarah, the wife of John
Packer Haas, whose biography appears else-
where in this work; Laura, wife of William
Sutton of Philadelphia, Pa.; and Nellie of
Washington, D. C.

In politics our subject is a stanch Repub-
lican. Socially he is a member and past grand
of the I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 196; a member

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

of the Knights of Malta; and Patriotic Order
Sons of America.

Dr. Purman has kept in step with the won-
derful advance made by his profession during
late years. He may be said to be wedded to
his profession, and as he is, by nature as well
as by education, eminently qualified for his the
most benevolent of all professions, he com-
mands and enjoys the respect and confidence
of his many patrons.

 

ILLIAM H. DEETER, justice of

the peace in Coal township, was

born in Hegins township, Schuylkill County,

Pa., December 13, 1861, and is a son of Peter

and Phoebe (Boyer) Deeter and.a grandson
of Andrew Deeter.

Andrew Deeter was of German parentage
and lived the greater part of his life in Schuyl-
kill County, Pa., where he followed the occu-
pation of a farmer. Later in life he removed
to Lykens, Dauphin County, where he died.

Peter Deeter, our subject’s father, first saw
the light of day in Hegins township, Schuyl-
kill County, Pa. He received the ordinary
education of a farmer's boy, and, like his
father, when grown to manhood followed that
eccupation for a livelihood. He was among
the first to respond to his country’s call for
troops in 1861, and enlisted in the 76th Reg.,
Pa. Vol. Inf. After his discharge from’ the
service he re-enlisted in Company K, 76th
Regiment, as a corporal and served three
years and ten months, taking an active part
in many engagements and in one battle was
wounded in the shoulder. He received an
honorable discharge, returned home and
again turned his attention to farming for a
short time, after which he found employment
about the public works in Schuylkill County
until 1870, when he located permanently in
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 525

 

Shamokin, and has since been engaged in
the transfer business, general teaming, etc.
Politically Mr. Deeter is an earnest Republi-
can and is always gratified at the success of his
party.

William H. Deeter, the subject of this per-
sonal history, received a common school edu-
cation in Shamokin, after which he was given
a finishing course in the high schools of Dau-
phin County. While a boy he spent his hours
not employed at school at the breaker as a
slate-picker. Having completed his educa-
tion he returned to Shamokin and taught
school for about one year; then he went into
the mercantile business in Shamokin and con-
tinued at that for about two years when he
disposed of his stock at a good profit and
began clerking in another store, following
this occupation for about two months. In
18g0 he was elected justice of the peace for
Coal township by a large majority. He at
once established an office and was so fair
and honorable in his legal dealings with the
people that he was re-elected at the close of
his first term by a still greater majority. Mr.
Deeter’s record stands clear and clean, he hav-
ing made an honorable and upright judge.

Our subject’s mother was born September
27, 1838, and is a daughter of Daniel Boyer,
a native of Orwigsburg, who removed late
in life to Hegins township, Schuylkill County,
where he passed the remainder of his days,
respected and honored by his pioneer neigh-
bors. Cinderella J. was the only daughter of
Peter and Phoebe Deeter; she died at the
age of five years and twenty-nine days.

April 26, 1894, our subject was joined in
the holy bonds of matrimony with Mary
Sophronia Taylor, a charming and accom-
plished lady; both are well and favorably
known.and have numerous friends in all parts
of the county. Politically our subject is a

 

Republican, never fails to take an active in-
terest in political matters in his township, and
has served a number of times as a member
of the election board.

 

\J ATTON A. PENSYL, Esq., of the

borough of Snydertown, Pa., was
XW bornin Danville, Pa., July 2, 1853.
He is a son of George and Mary A. (Vastine)
Pensyl, and grandson of John Pensyl, Sr., of
Shamokin township.

John Pensyl, Sr., the paternal grandfather
of our subject, was a native of Shamokin
township, but died in Rush township. He
was a follower of agricultural pursuits; he was
united in marriage with a Miss Kaseman, and
six children blessed their union: John, Jr., a
retired shoemaker and farmer, who now lives
in Rush township; George, our subject’s fath-
er; Daniel, who now lives in Danville, Pa.;
Hannah, who died in Philadelphia and was
the wife of John Hiney; Barbara, who mar-
ried Henry Hill, and lived in Shamokin town-
ship, died recently; and Catherine, who
married Joseph Matter, a blacksmith, now re-
tired, who lives in Scranton, Pa. After the
death of his first wife John married a Miss
Willett, and to them were born four children:
William, a tanner and farmer, who now lives
at Elysburg, Pa.; Samuel, who died in 1897
and was a retired farmer living in Rush town-
ship; Adam, a farmer, who now resides in
Rush township; and Francis, who is a mer-
chant, miller, postmaster and farmer at Pensyl,
Pa.

George Pensyl, our subject’s father, was
born and grew to manhood in Shamokin
township, but later lived in Danville ten years.
He was a carpenter and boss-heater. He
moved to Shamokin township about 1856 and

bought a farm, upon which he lived until his
7

 
526

death, July 7, 1880. He married Ann Vastine
of Rush township, who died in 1850; three
children resulted from their union: Thomas
V., a blacksmith, who responded to our
country’s call in the Civil War and died in
1870,—he was married to Malinda Read;
Helen M., who married John I. Miller, a tin-
ner at Mount Carmel, Pa., and they have
three children, William, Emma, and Olive;
and Ellis, chief engineer in the Philadelphia
Inquirer office.

Our subject’s father, after the death of his
first wife, married her cousin, Mary A. Vas-
tine, of Rush township, who died October 27,
1871. They were the parents of three chil-
dren: Hatton A., our subject; Clara H., who,
married G, A. Startzel, now living at Mount
Carmel, Pa., and has one son, Frank; and
William H., who deals in books, stationery,
wall paper, paint, etc., at Mount Carmel, Pa.,
who married Mary Morey, and they have one
child, Hazel. Mrs. Pensyl, our subject’s moth-
er, was a school teacher and followed her
chosen profession for several years. She found
her greatest pleasure in becoming acquainted
with the great minds of our country through
the books they have written, and consequently
was well informed upon all the subjects of the
time in which she lived. Mr. Pensyl was quite
active in politics and supported the Repub-
lican party, in which he firmly believed. AI-
though very well known in the county he nev-
er aspired to an official position.

Hatton A. Pensyl, our subject, was edu-
cated in the common schools, but feeling the
need of further advancement he attended the
academy at Elysburg, Pa., for about three
years, during which time he lived at home. At
the age of twenty-one he engaged in mercan-
tile trade at Snydertown, Pa., with William
and Francis Pensyl, and owned a half interest
in the business. They were together for about

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

five years and then sold out. He then en-
gaged in similar business in Berwick, Pa., for
one year, and also at Milton one year. On
June 23, 1881, our subject became connected
with one of the old families at Snydertown,
Pa., by marrying Lillie Farrow, a daughter of
William and Isabella (Wilkinson) Farrow, the
former being the genial proprietor of one of
the hotels of Snydertown. Mr. Farrow is now
eighty-five years old. Mr. and Mrs. Pensyl
have no children. After his marriage our sub-
ject located at Millheim, Pa., and had a store
for two years, also owned and operated a store
at Sunbury five years, and then engaged in
business as a dry goods merchant for three
years at Mount Carmel, Pa.; he then sold out .
and moved to Snydertown, Pa., where he
bought the store property, which he remod-
eled and improved. In 1898 he built a large
double house next to it, which he now rents.
He was elected justice of the peace in the
spring of 1895. He is also a real estate dealer
and makes a specialty of collections and the
settling of estates. Politically he is a stanch
Republican, but not an office seeker. Mrs.
Pensyl is a member of the Methodist Church.
Our subject belongs to a number of societies.
He has lived to realize the success of all his
undertakings, which is the result of his own
well-directed efforts and industry, and now
enjoys the fruit of his labors.

— —+ ¢ >

ILLIAM F FORRY, junior mem-

ber of the firm of I. W. Forry &

Son, was born in Womelsdorf, Pa.,

January 9, 1865. He is the son of Frank

Forry and grandson of George Forry, who

was a native of Lebanon County, Pa., where

he followed agricultural pursuits for many
years, and died.

Frank Forry, father of our subject, was
SS
SSS

 

MES E, SMITH.

JA
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 529

 

 

born in Lebanon County, Pa., and was reared
on his father’s farm, receiving a common
school education. He went to Sheridan when
quite a young man and learned the milling
business, which he followed until 1865. Sub-
sequently he started in the knitting business
for himself.

Mr. Forry was the proud possessor of the
first circular knitting machine ever brought
into the state of Pennsylvania. This machine
immediately was a source of wonder to the
inhabitants of Womelsdorf, where Mr. Forry
resided, and it was a pleasure to its owner,
who exhibited it with delight and enjoyed
showing the skill and rapidity with which he
turned out hosiery from it. Many circular
machines are now in use and it is impossible
for hand-work to compete with them in point
of economy and beauty of workmanship.

Our subject’s father is now senior member
of the firm of I. W. Forry & Son, who own
and operate a large knitting factory at Sha-
mokin, Coal township, the management of
which business is entrusted to William F.
Forry, our subject. Mr. Forry has a branch
factory at Myerstown, Lebanon County, hay-
ing been located there for the past thirteen
years. He is a scientific man and devotes
much of his time to the improvement of knit-
ting machinery.

William F. Forry, our subject, received the
rudiments of an education in the public
schools of Womelsdorf. At an early age he
learned the knitting business with his father,
which he thoroughly mastered when quite
young. He now has a thorough knowledge
of his vocation and is familiar with all the par-
ticular features of the business and daily puts
them into use. At the age of twenty-one
years he became a member of the firm of I. W.
Forry & Son, and at the present time has the
management of the business at Shamokin.

 

This factory, running on full time, employs
150 hands, and is engaged in manufacturing
half-hose, women’s, children’s and infants’
hosiery, besides many specialties. The yearly
output of this factory is about 100,000 dozen,
which is sold to jobbers in the different states.
The factory has an excellent reputation for the
fine quality of the yarn used and for the ex-
cellence of its goods. It is an interesting sight
to visit this factory, see the busy workers, hear
the click, click, of the machines, and witness
the rapidity with which articles are made.

December 24, 1889, our subject was united
in marriage with Amelia Adams, daughter of
Richard Adams of Bern township, Berks
County, Pa., and unto Mr. and Mrs. Forry
were born the following children: John and
Frank,-twins, born on the anniversary of the
birth of the Father of our Country, February
22, 1893; and Richard, the youngest, born
August 8, 1896.

Mr. Forry displays marked ability in the.
management of this industry, and it is fair to
predict a life of usefulness and prosperity for
him.

AMES E. SMITH. The thriving town
of Berwick-is well represented by a
thorough-going, wide-awake and ener-
getic class of business men, among whom J.
E. Smith is prominent. He has served two
years as president of the borough council. He
is senior member of the widely-known firm
of Smith Bros:, dealers in general merchan-
dise, and is a member of the firm of Lilley &
Smith, shirt manufacturers. Our subject was
born in Morris County, N. J., August 22,
1859, and is a son of Isaac S. Smith, a retired
merchant of Stephensburg, N. J.
The great-grandparents of our subject, on
both the paternal and maternal sides, were of
530 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Scotch-Irish origin and were born in the
North of Ireland. The paternal great-grand-
father, Isaac Smith, came to this country,and
located near Blairstown, N. J., where he fol-
lowed farming. He married Miss Wintermute
of Sussex County, N. J., and they reared the
following children: John; Charles; Enoch;
Isaac; Henry; Joshua; Nathan S.; and Sar-
ah A. (Cook).

John Smith, the grandfather of our subject,
resided near the old homestead all his lifetime,
was a farmer and was prosperous and prom1-
nent. He was united in marriage with Kath-
arine Kinney of New Jersey, and to them
were born the following children: Isaac S., the
father of the subject of this biographical
sketch; Margaret; Katharine; Sarah; and
Rachel. Religiously, John Smith was a Pres-
byterian. Isaac S. Smith, in October, 1857,
married Ann Elizabeth Beatty, eldest daugh-
ter of James and Sarah A. (Fritts) Beatty of
“Pleasant Grove, N. J. To them were born:
James E.; Florence; Willard; Mary F., de-
ceased; Bertha; and Katharine.

James E. Smith has been engaged in the
mercantile business ever since he attained his
majority. In 1887 he moved to Berwick, and
in March of that year he and his brother, Wil-
lard Smith, embarked in the mercantile busi-
ness, succeeding Freas Brothers. In 1889
they moved their store to the corner of Front
and Market streets, where they occupy a large
and commodious store-room. They enlarged
their already extensive stock, and now carry
a complete line of dry goods, groceries, crock-
ery, and all the other articles suited to the
wants of every household that go to make up
a general store. The store is one of the largest
of its kind in Columbia County, and such has
been the character of the proprietors, their
dealings being always honorable and upright,
and their manners genial and affable, they

 

have secured a large trade. In 1896 the Ber-
wick Manufacturing Company was established
with our subject and Mr. Lilley as proprietors.
They have erected a large two-story building,
30 by go ft., with an engine room 15 by 20
ft., on the corner of North and Pine streets.
They employ seventy hands, who are con-
stantly kept busy in the making of men’s
shirts and ladies’ shirt-waists. Mr. Smith has
purchased the \W. B. Freas residence, which is
a very handsome house, and makes it his
home. He also possesses other houses and is
the owner of a large tenement house on Rail-
road street.

Our subject is one of the leaders of his com-
munity and takes an active interest in the af-
fairs of Berwick. He has served on the school
board; has been a member of the town coun-
cil six years, and is active in Christian work,
having joined the church in childhood, of
which his father is an elder (Pleasant Grove,
N. J., Presbyterian); on removing to Penn-
sylvania he transferred his membership, and is
now serving as a ruling elder and trustee in
the First Presbyterian Church of Berwick. He
was united in the bonds of matrimony with
Hattie Petty, a daughter of M. H. Petty, a
prosperous farmer of Briarcreek township,
who was born in Wilkesbarre, Pa. His father,
William Petty, was born in Northampton
County, Pa., and was a son of John Petty,
who came from Connecticut to Northampton
County, and was one of the pioneer farmers °
of that section. William Petty was a farmer
and was extensively engaged in lumbering.
In 1827 he moved to Luzerne County, Pa.,
where he purchased a large tract of land in
Hanover township, and erected a grist-mill,
which he operated in connection with farm-
ing. He passed from this life in 1869, aged
eighty-three years. His wife was Lydia Stroh,
who was born in Berks County, Pa., and died
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 531

 

 

in 1883, at the age of eighty-six years, leaving
the following children: Peter; Levi; Amy;
and Mathias H. Mathias H. Petty, the father
of our subject’s wife, was born November 25,
1832, and on December 28, 1854, he wedded
Mary Pell, and left his father’s home to estab-
lish one of his own. He followed farming four-
teen years in his native township and six years
in Salem township; in 1876 he moved to
Briarcreek township, Columbia County, where
he has since been engaged in his chosen occu-
pation. He owns one of the best farms in
his section of the county and is recognized
as a leader in the community. He is the fath-
er of ten children, all of whom are well-to-do
citizens in the various localities in which they
reside. They were named as follows: Hattie,
the wife of our subject; Amy; Samuel; Wil-
liam; Charles M.; Margaret; Mary; Louise;
Edyth; and Emily. ,

Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of three
children, namely: Rose Lee, born in 1885;
James Howard, born in 1887; and Arthur
Mathias, born in 1893. Mr. Smith is a past
master of Knapp Lodge, No. 462, F. & A. M.;
a member of Berwick Lodge, No. 246, I. O.
O. F.; Washington Camp, No. 105, P. O. S.
of A.; and Royal Arcanum. His portrait is

shown on a preceding page.
B cian of Elysburg, Pa., was born July

12, 1843, near Millheim, Center Coun-
ty, Pa., and is a son of Jacob K. and Catherine
(Frank) Hubler.

The paternal grandfather, George Hubler,
was a miller and distiller, and married a Miss
Kepler. They lived in Rebersburg, Pa., and
reared four children: John; George; Jacob;
and Maggie. The maternal grandfather, Phil-
ip Frank, was a watchmaker who came from

 

>—_—

IMON HUBLER, a successful physi-

 

the banks of the Potomac and located in New
Berlin, Union County, where he married a
Miss Shreffler. Mr. Frank’s grandfather was
killed by Indians. Of twelve daughters born
to him four are now living, as follows: Jane;
Harriet; Ann; and Polly C.

Jacob K. Hubler, the father of our subject,
was born in Center County, Pa., at Millheim,
and subsequently lived in Rebersburg, Pa., la-
ter moving to Luzerne County, Pa. He mar-
ried Catherine Frank of New Berlin, Pa., and
located in Huntington Valley, living there
thirty-five years, when he moved to Mill City,
Wyoming County, Pa., and later to Pittston,
Pa., where he died in 1896, his wife following
him one year later. Mr. Hubler was a pros-
perous man and was well known throughout
the county. For several years he conducted a
grist-mill in connection with the manufacture
of woolen goods. At one time he manufac-
tured toys and owned and operated for sev-
eral years a general store. He was a member
of the Methodist Church. Politically he was
an active worker in'the Republican party. Mr.
and Mrs. Hubler were the parents of eight
children, namely: Elizabeth, who married M.
Benciter, and who lived in Muhlenberg, Pa.;
Perry, who died in 1862 in Maryland; Alfred,
a mill-man of New Albany, Pa., who married
Harriet Sober; Simon, our subject; Charles,
who died in 1867; Jennie, who married Wil-
liam Walters, a real estate dealer of West
Pittston, Pa.; Philip Frank, a physician of
West Pittston, Pa., who graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania in 1877, and mar-
ried Minnie McClusky; Jesse Robert, who is
engaged in the flour and planing-mill busi-
ness in Mill City, Pa., who married Lizzie

Keim.
Simon Hubler, the subject of this -biog-

‘raphy, received his early education in a com-

mon school and later at Lowell’s Academy,
532 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

 

 

 

Binghamton, N. Y. August 12, 1862, he en-
listed in Company I, 143rd Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.,
under Capt. C. K. Hughes, the regiment be-
ing commanded by Col. E. L. Dana. Mr.
Hubler’s first battle was Chancellorsville, and
he also fought in the battle of Gettysburg and
in the first two days’ fighting in the battle
of the Wilderness. On May 7, 1864, he had
the end of his left thumb shot off and he was
obliged to enter the hospital. After recov-
ering from his wound he joined the regiment
at Petersburg and took part in the three days’
conflict on the Weldon Railroad, and also
fought in the first and second battles of
Hatch’s Run. His next move was to New
York, whither he went by rail, and guarded
prisoners at Hart's Island, remaining there
until the close of the war. He was mustered
out at Harrisburg as a lieutenant, having re-
ceived his commission a short time before.

After being released from his military obli-
gations our subject assisted his father for two
years in the former's store, when they moved
the establishment to New Albany, Pa. After
one more year in the store Simon worked
two years in his father’s factory. At the end
of that time he moved to Wyoming, Pa.,
where he conducted a saw-mill for a short
time. He married, December 25, 1872, Julia
Bird of Cunningham, Pa., a daughter of Hen-
ry and Margaret (Davis) Bird. Mr. Bird was
born at Bear Gap, Pa., and departed this life
in 1884; his wife, who was born in Beaver,
Pa., died in 1875. They were the parents of
six children, as follows: Sarah; Jane C., de-
ceased; Julia, the wife of our subject; Isaac,
a commission merchant, who married Mary
Dungau; Esther, who married Charles Brash;
and H. A., a grain dealer at Mount Carroll,
_ Pa., who married Florence Vought.

After the summer of 1876 Dr. Hubler at-
tended the University of Pennsylvania and

 

was graduated in the spring of 1879, locating
first at Herrick, Susquehanna County, Pa.,
remaining there five years, when he moved
to Elysburg, where he has since resided. Dr.
Hubler has a large and lucrative practice, be-
ing very well known in the county of his pres-

| ent residence and in the adjoining counties.

He is honored and respected by all and has
many warm friends. Politically he is an un-
swerving Republican, and although he has
never accepted any political office, he is a well-
known figure in the township politics. He is
a member of the Methodist Church. Dr. Hub-
ler has one son, Harry Clark, who was born
January 16, 1876. He isa bright young man,
with a splendid future before him. He grad-
uated from Dickinson College and is now at-
tending the Dickinson Law School.

if

1

 

SAAC D. WEST, whose reputation as a
surveyor, civil and mining engineer ex-
tends throughout Central Pennsylvania,

is one of the progressive and enterprising
young business men of the town of Danville.
He is a son of George W. and Catherine A.
(Kase) West, and was born in Danville, Mon-
tour County, Pa., September 25, 1865.
Thomas West, the great-grandfather of our
subject, was of English-German descent, and
was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., where
he built a log house near the homestead of
his father, and carried on farming for many
years. He was a soldier of the Revolution-
ary War, and was captured and held for a
time by the British troops. However, he
made his escape and immediately thereafter
organized a foraging company of which he
was captain and served throughout the re-
mainder of the war, making an enviable rec-
ord as a soldier. In 1808, or soon after, he
and his family removed to Ararat, Susque-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 533°

 

 

hanna County, Pa., where he took up a tract
of land and resumed his occupation as a
farmer, continuing until his death. His
death occurred at the age of sixty years, his
wife surviving him many years and dying at
the age of eighty. Their union resulted in
the following issue: Thomas; Hannah;
Jones; Benjamin; William; Nathaniel; Per-
melia; and Eunice.

William West, our subject’s grandfather,
was born in the vicinity of Schnectady, Scho-
harie County, N. Y., where he followed the
occupation of a blacksmith during his younger
days. He moved to Susquehanna County,
Pa., with his parents, where he cleared a farm
and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
later moved to Masonville, Delaware County,
N. Y., where he continued at the trade of a
blacksmith until his death, aged seventy-five
years. He married Eliza Rogers, whose fath-
er, Robert Rogers, was for many years a
sea captain, but although he loved the water
he gave up his sea life in order that his family
might receive the benefits to be derived from
living on the land. He bought a farm in
Delaware County, and followed the life of a
farmer for some time, but at last built a large
boat in which he and his family sailed down
the river to Chesapeake Bay, where he re-
sided the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs.
West reared two sons—George Williston and
Hobert Rogers. The death of Mrs. West oc-
curred at the age of twenty-seven years, and
her husband formed a second alliance with
Hannah Demenstoy, by whom he had three
sons: Milo, Filo, and Jabez.

George Williston West, the father of our
subject, after the death of his mother, entered
the employ of a farmer of Ararat, Pa., when
but thirteen years of age. By saving what
_ he could from the small compensation which
he received for his services, he accumulated

 

enough to enable him to enter Beech Woods
\cademy at the age of nineteen years. After
remaining in that institution for one term,
he attended Wyoming Academy, which had
been established but a very short time pre-
vious, and there took up the study of sur-
veying. He taught school for the following
six years after leaving school in what is now
Montour County, formerly being included in
Columbia County. In 1850 -he received the
appointment as surveyor of Montour County,
and has continuously served in that capacity
since. He is considered an authority on
lines and boundaries in this section of the
state, his work not being confined to the lim-
its of Montour County, as he is often called
to different counties in Northern and Central
Pennsylvania. He is now past eighty years
of age, and enjoys the best of health. He
is a prominent figure throughout this section
and is held in high esteem by a large circle
of friends. He owns a residence at No. 212
Pine street, where he has resided for the past
few years. He has also served for twenty-
four years as clerk for the county commis-
sioners. In 1854 he formed a matrimonial al-
liance with Catherine A. Kase, a daughter of
John Kase of Elysburg, Pa., by whom he
had eight children: John, who died in in-
fancy; Charles W., a carpenter and painter of
Danville; Eleanore Eliza, the wife of Oliver
Deihl of Marionville, Pa.; William Kase, a
record of whose life appears elsewhere in this
Book of Biographies; George M., the man-
ager of the gas and electric light plant of Dan-
ville; Louise M., who is living at home with
her parents; Isaac D., the subject of this
personal history; and Catherine, who died in
infancy. ” :

Isaac D. West obtained his intellectual
training in the public schools of Danville, after
which he studied surveying and civil and min-
5384 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

ing engineering with his father. He began
teaching school in 1884 and continued for four
years, prior to and during which time he was
associated in business with his father, learning
every detail of such professions, soon building
up a fine patronage, making a specialty of
mining engineering. He is considered an ex-
pert in that line and has done work for most
of the prominent coal companies of Central
Pennsylvania. He has also made a specialty
of real estate and mining laws in both of
which he has met with equal success. He re-
sides just outside of the borough of Danville’s
limits, in a very comfortable and commodi-
ous residence.

Mr. West was united in marriage in 1890
to Miss M. Pauline Groff, a daughter of the
Rev. J. R. Groff of Doylestown, Pa., and they
are the happy parents of three children:
Elizabeth, deceased; Karl Groff, and Alan De-
witt. Socially he is a member of Danville
Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M.

 

 

 

ON JOSEPH GANSEL, who is now
Ee living in practical retirement on his
— NX farm just beyond the corporate lim-
its of the borough of Muncy Valley, has long
been a prominent figure in the business and
political circles in that section and at one time
served as associate judge of Sullivan County.
He was born in Mifflin township, Columbia
County, Pa., January 4, 1818, and is a son
of Gideon and Catherine (Fisher) Gansel.
Adam Gansel, our subject’s grandfather,
was born in Germany, where he learned the
trade of a weaver. He came to America a
single man and followed his trade in connec-
tion with farming until his death at the age
of eighty-seven years. He married Phoebe
Bubamoyer, who lived to reach the advanced

 

 

 

 

age of eighty-two years, and they had the
following offspring: John; Gideon; Daniel;
Jacob; Susanna; Mary (Polly); Lydia; and
Betsey. Mr. Gansel for many years was a
resident of Roaring Creek township, Colum-
bia County, Pa., where he lived at the time
of his death.

Gideon Gansel, the father of our subject,
was born in Roaring Creek township and at
an early age learned the trade of a shoe-
maker which he followed for a time, and then
engaged in the mercantile business at Cata-
wissa Forge. During the later years of his
life he followed the occupation of a farmer.
His union with Catherine Fisher resulted in
the following issue: Phoebe; John; Joseph;
Odadiah; Samuel; Peter; Jacob; David;
Sarah; and Rebecca. Mr. Gansel died in
1843 at the age of sixty-four years, and his
wife passed away at an age two years younger.

Joseph Gansel, the subject of this record,
first attended the German schools and subse-
quently the English schools, following farm-
ing during the summer months until he was
twenty-one years of age. After his matriage
at the age of twenty-two years, he learned
the trade of a shoemaker, but relinquished it
to accept the postmastership of Beaver Val-
ley. He was later elected constable and
served in that capacity until he engaged in
the manufacture of shoes at Foundryville, Pa.,
also clerking in a store while residing there.
He was elected assessor of Briarcreek town-

ship, Columbia County, and served as justice

of the peace for a period of five years. In
1851 he moved to Dushore, Sullivan County,
where he engaged in the general merchandise
business during the following nine years, or
until he was elected sheriff of the county in
1860, when he located at Laporte. He served
as sheriff for three years and three months, |
after which he bought a tract of land in La-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 535

 

porte township which he cleared and supplied
with new buildings. There he successfully
followed farming for several years, but dis-
posed of the farm to Mr. Phillip, its pres-
ent owner, when he was elected associate
judge. He filled that office in a highly satis-
factory manner for one term and_ three
months, when he moved to Muncy Valley
and accepted a position as superintendent of
the bark peeling business in connection with
D. T. Stevens & Son’s tannery. Four years
later he built the Pennington Hotel, a tem-
perance house, and conducted it with excel-
lent judgment until 1894, establishing a good
reputation as a landlord. He also owned and
conducted a stage line from Muncy Valley
to Eagle’s Mere, using four and five teams
daily during the summer season to convey
passengers. He also hauled provisions and
building materials, employing on an average
from ten to fourteen teams. Before the
establishment of a railroad system between
these points the thoroughfare was extensively
used and at all times presented a lively ap-
pearance. He disposed of his hotel in 1894
and purchased a house and three lots com-
prising six acres adjoining the borough. He
erected his present modern home on one of
the vacant lots and now lives practically re-
tired. He is well known throughout the
county and has many friends who esteem him
highly.

Mr. Gansel married Polly Michael, a daugh-
ter of Adam Michael of Beaver township, Co-
lumbia County, and they had two children:
Catherine, who died at the age of twelve
years; and Mary, whose union with Mathias
Trough has been blessed with three children,
Charles, Joseph, and Harvey. Mrs. Gansel
died three and one-half years after her mar-
riage, and Mr. Gansel formed a second mari-
tal union with Mary Anman, a daughter of

 

 

John Anman, of Catawissa township, and they

are the parents of nine children: Sarah Ma-
tilda, the wife of John Sperry, by whom she
has four children, Charles, William, Roy, and
Lizzie; Clementine D., the wife of Murray
Henry of Philadelphia; James, a mason by
trade, who married Emma Culley; John, a
mason of Laporte, whose wife was Annie
Keller; Charles D., who was a teacher, died
at the age of twenty-two years; Carrie, the
wife of Walter Pardo, who has four children,
Lee, Clarence, Lottie, and Opal; William, a
resident of Laporte, who married Effie Swich-
er; George L., a master of mathematics who
lives at home; and Jessie, the wife of Samuel
Eddy of Sonestown. Politically Mr. Gansel
has always been an active supporter of the
principles of the Republican party. He is a
good speaker; he has served as delegate to
the constitutional convention and has held
many minor offices. Religiously our subject
has always been a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and has served as trustee,
steward, superintendent of the Sunday School
and as a class-leader. Socially he is a char-
ter member of the Bushore and Laporte
lodges of the Odd Fellows and is past master.
In 1894 he was asked to serve in a very diffi-
cult capacity for the Trust Company tan-
neries, to estimate the amount of bark on
11,000 acres of timberland, having as assist-
ants in this undertaking a surveyor and an-
other. It took from October 2d to Decem-
ber 25th, and they covered from eight to
sixteen miles per day, besides the amount of
riding which they did. Mr. Gansel completed
the work to the satisfaction of the company.
—___+ + >—____
ZARIAH CAMPBELL, a most re-
spected resident of Shamokin, and a
member of one of the oldest families
in Northumberland County, is a son of John
586

K. and Catherine (\Wilhour) Campbell. He
was born June 11, 1842, at the family home-
stead in the Irish Valley, where his grand-
father settled when the section was wild and
comparatively uninhabited country, and was
only traversed by the Shamohokin tribe of In-
dians.

The grandfather of our subject, Daniel
Campbell, was a native of New Jersey in
which state he was born in 1775. He re-
moved to this state, making the journey from
New Jersey by wagon-train enduring cheer-
fully the severe experiences of the early set-
tlers of Pennsylvania who plunged through
the woods, fought Indians and tediously, but
hopefully, sought new and more inviting
fields. Mr. Campbell settled on what is
known as Shamokin Creek, purchasing a tract
of land for which he paid sixty-two cents an
acre and cleared a farm in the midst of the
woods. He followed farming and also his
trade as a wheelwright. He subsequently re-
moved to a site opposite Trevorton, where he
cleared a farm and also worked as a wheel-
wright. He died in 1862. Daniel Campbe'l
was known as an enthusiastic and intrepid
hunter, pursuit of game being his favorite
pastime when he could relinquish his work.
The section abounded in game and he de-
lighted in trailing the panther and bear, fac-
ing the vicious wildcat, cornering the foxy
wolf or entrapping the deer which were plen-
tiful.

It was on the homestead opposite Trevor-
ton that the father of our subject, John K.,
was born. He obtained the limited education
which was possible in the well-remembered
“subscription school” which was then in
vogue, consequently his educational resources
were confined within narrow limits when he
entered manhood and prepared to make his
own way in life. He worked on the home-

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

stead farm until about thirty-one years old
when he removed to Jefferson County where
he remained five years, then returning to
Shamokin, in April, 1855, where he since has
resided, following various occupations, prin-
cipally the building of coal-breakers in the
mining regions. Mr. Campbell was united in
matrimony to Catherine, a daughter of
George and Elizabeth (Miller) Wilhour, and
to them were born seven children, our subject
being the eldest. Of these the second, Eliza-
beth, is the wife of E. P. Foulke of Shamo-
kin; George W. was killed in 1873 while
employed on the Pennsylvania Railroad; Will-
iam R. is an engineer and resides at Van
Wert, Ohio; Samuel B. is in the employ of
the Pennsylvania Railroad in Shamokin and
has been in the service of the company for
thirteen years; Jane is the widow of Frank
Bickert and resides in Shamokin; and Harriet,
who is the wife of J. J. Gillespie of Shamokin.

Our subject, Azariah Campbell, followed
farming on the homestead practically all the
time until August 13, 1862, when he re-
sponded to the nine-months’ call and enlisted
in Company C, 131st Reg., Penna. Vol. Inf.
He re-enlisted in 1864 in Company C.; 103d
Reg., Penna. Vol. Inf., and served until the
end of the Rebellion. Our subject partici-
pated in many of the most important and
severe battles of the war, including Antietam
and Chancellorsville, and at the battle of
Fredericksburg he marvelously escaped death
—finding after the fight ended that thirteen
bullets had passed through his uniform, leav-
ing ragged holes as reminders that he had
been in the thickest of the scrimmage.

On his return to Shamokin at the close of
the war Mr. Campbell was variously employed
until 1880 when he engaged in the huckster-
ing business and subsequently opened a store
which he now conducts. Potitically our sub-
 

BEAVER.

ESSE L.

|
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

539

 

 

ject is a consistent Prohibitionist and has
served three years as a councilman and one
year as assistant burgess. Possessing strong
inclinations religiously, he is a valued mem-
ber of the First Methodist Church. On De-
cember 23, 1866, Mr. Campbell married .\me-
lia E. Hoover and to them have been born
several children, including Amy, deceased;
Bessie, who was the wife of J. J. Owen and
who left a son, Wilfred C.; John J., deceased;
and six others who died in their infancy.

ESSE L. BEAVER, superintendent of
the Thomas Beaver Free Library of
Danville, whose portrait appears on the

opposite page, was born in Newport, Perry
County, Pa., November 1, 1850, and is a son
of Jesse and Mary Ann (Swartz) Beaver, anda
grandson of Peter and Elizabeth (Gilbert)
Beaver.

Peter Beaver, the great-grandfather of our
subject, was a native of Germany, and was the
first of the Beaver family to locate in America,
having settled in Lebanon County, Pa., in
1755. Rev. Peter Beaver, Jr., the grandfather
of our subject, was born in Franklin County,
Pa., December 25, 1782, was ordained in 1809
by Bishop Asbury of the Methodist Church at
Elkton, Md., and served in the pulpit until his
death, which occurred in 1849. He was
united in marriage with Elizabeth Gilbert,
who died in 1818. They were the parents of
the following children: George; Samuel; Ja-
cob; James A.; Jesse, the father of our sub-
ject; Thomas; Peter; Sarah; Eliza; Cath-
erine; and Mary.

Thomas Beaver, our subject’s uncle, was
born in Pfout’s Valley, Perry County, Pa.,
November 16, 1814, and at the age of thirteen

 

years began working on a farm at a salary of
$2.50 per month; later he clerked in a store
until 1833, when, in partnership with Peter
Nevius, he began merchandising at Lewis-
burg, Pa. In 1835 he sold his interest in the
store and worked for J. & T. Beaver of Mil-
lerstown, Pa. In 1857 he moved to Danville
to take charge of the Montour Iron Works,
of which he was a large stockholder. He was
the owner of considerable property in Dan-
ville, including the Beaver Mansion, situated
at the foot of Baldhead Mound, which is one
of the most beautiful residences of Montour
County, and is surrounded by a beautiful and
well-kept lawn and shrubberies. In 1886 Mr.
Beaver donated to the town of Danville, as a
memorial to himself and wife, the handsome
Library and Y. M. C. A. building at the cor-
ner of Market and Ferry streets, where the
old Danville Hotel was situated. It is now
known as the Thomas Beaver Free Library
and Y. M. C. A., and was erected at a cost
of $195,000, and the corner-stone was laid
July 5, 1886. The building has forty-eight
feet frontage on Market street and seventy-
eight feet on Ferry street; it is built of Ohio
gray-stone, with granite trimmings and
Scotch granite columns. The first floor is
laid with marble tiling, and on this floor are
the ladies’ and men’s parlors and_ reading-
rooms, superintendent’s office and library
proper, an open two-story room with six al-
coves on each floor, and which is filled with
1,300 volumes of selected books. Miss Mollie
Wentzel is librarian, a position she probably
may hold as long as she chooses. On the sec-
ond floor is the reception room, game room
and the trustees’ room; and on the third floor
are the sewing and art rooms. The building
is of hard-wood finish, heated throughout by
steam heat, and lighted by gas. Mr. Beaver
also left an endowment of $50,000 for the
540 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

%
aa

maintenance of this handsome library and Y.
M. C. A. building. The officers are: Samuel
A. York, president; W. M. Gearhart, secre-
tary; B. R. Gearhart, treasurer; Miss Mollie
Wentzel, librarian; and Jesse L. Beaver, su-
perintendent. The trustees are: J. Sweisfort,
William J. Baldy, W. E. Gosh, F. M. Har-
rington, W. E. Lunger, Lewis Rodenhoper,
Capt. Joseph Johnson, Samuel Goldsmith,
Frank Derr, John Pesper, and W. F. McCor-
mick. Mr. Beaver also bequeathed $30,000
to the Dickinson College of Danville.

Jesse Beaver, the father of our subject, was
born March 8, 1811, and served an appren-
ticeship to the printer’s trade during his boy-
hood days, and later clerked in his father’s
store. He then opened a general store in
Perry County, which he conducted until 1857,
when he sold out and moved to Union Coun-
ty, where he conducted a like store. In 1863
he removed to Danville and successfully en-
gaged in the coal business for many years, and
then retired from the active duties of life. Mr.
Beaver was an active politician, a shrewd busi-
ness man, and was held in high esteem by his
fellow-citizens. He owned a handsome
double brick house on Market street, now the
property of D. Bright, and resided there until
his death, which occurred in 1891. In 1833
he was united in marriage with Mary Ann
Swartz, a daughter of Dr. Christian Swartz,
and she died in 1891, at the age of seventy-six
years. They reared and educated the follow-
ing children: Maggie, the wife of John Kra-
mer; Theodore, a prominent attorney-at-law,
residing at Niles, Mich.; Jennie, wife of Wil-
liam Gearhart; Charles, a resident of Jackson-
ville, Fla.; Marion, who is the wife of John
Gaskins; Thomas, who resides at Harrisburg,
Pa.; Clara; Jesse L., our subject; Emma,
who wedded John Roate; and John, a promi-
nent real estate man of Danville.

 

Jesse L. Beaver, upon completing his educa-
tion in the public schools, learned the trade of
a tinner, which business he followed some sev-
en years, and then engaged in agriculture with
his brother Thomas. In 1886 he was appointed
superintendent of the Thomas Beaver Free
Library and Y. M. C. A., which position he
has continued to hold up to the present time.
He was joined in marriage with Anna Thom-
son, a daughter of Egbert Thomson, and they
are the parents of five children: J. Belle,
Laura, Mary, Josephine, and Sarah. In po-
litical affiliations Mr. Beaver is a stanch Re-
publican and held the office of assessor of the
First Ward of Danville, Pa. In religious be-
lief Mrs. Beaver is a member of the Presby-
terian Church of Danville. J. Belle, the old-
est daughter of our subject, is a member of
the Episcopal Church.

REDERICK HENRY KNIGHT is
known throughout Northumberland

County as one who has grown up

with Watsontown, his present home, and’ who
has been the longest engaged in business in
that town of any of its residents. Beginning
to make his way in the world against odds and
under circumstances which would have dis-
couraged many with less will-power, the sub-
ject of our sketch, by “keeping everlastingly
at it,” has been very successful, and now is at
the head of one of the largest business firms
in the county. He comes of Revolutionary
fighting stock. He was born in Perry Coun-
ty, Pa., and is a son of Richard Knight and
a grandson of Richard Knight. His grand-
father came to this country from Germany,
but he was of Scotch-Irish descent. He first
settled on Long Island, subsequently remov-
ing to York County, Pa., with his family,

a
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 541

 

 

where he died upwards of eighty years of age.
He was a farmer. He served in the Revo-
lutionary War. His children were Richard,
Cornelius and George.

Richard Knight, father of our subject, was
born on Long Island, N. Y., in 1768. He be-
queathed to his family a record as a patriot,
of which his descendants are rightly proud. At
the age of eleven vears he was overflowing
with the stirring patriotism of the period and
he did such part as a boy could assume, serv-
ing through the War of the Revolution as a
drummer-boy. His services were stated in
the records detailing the memorable struggles
of our forefathers, and to his daughter, Mrs.
B. F. Gregory, was presented a handsome
medal by the Daughters of the Revolution,
commemorating the fact that she is the
youngest daughter living at present whose
father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Mr. Knight forsook his trade, that of tailor,
and engaged in business as a general merchant
in Harrisburg, Pa. While there he did excel-
lent service as a captain of a company of vol-
unteers in the War of 1812. He held a large
contract on the Pennsylvania Canal when it
was built, which contract was performed with
fidelity and to the satisfaction of the state. In
1832 Mr. Knight removed to Liverpool, Pa.,
where he built a hotel and also purchased a
large farm, conducting both until his demise,
in 1850, his iron constitution and exemplary
habits having spanned his lifetime to four
score years and over, he being eighty-two
years of age at his death. The hotel stood on
the site now occupied by the Ouns Hotel in
Liverpool. The father of our subject thrice
was united in marriage, first to Miss McIrwin,
who bore him one child, Abner, deceased.
His second marriage was to Sarah, daughter
of Henry Berry of Freeburg, Pa., who died
at about the age of forty-six years and left sur-

 

viving her Frederick Henry, the subject of this
sketch, and two daughters, Annie M., wife of
B. F. Gregory, and Sadie, who married F. A.
Reen, two of her children, Delilah and James,
being dead. Mrs. Mary Rumbach was the
third wife of Mr. Knight, the union resulting
in no issue.

Our subject’s father died when Frederick
was young and he, with the other children,
was placed under the care of a guardian, who
neglected his duties, in that he did not prop-
erly look after the interests of the little ones.
Realizing that he must shift for himself, Fred-
erick took advantage of every opportunity to
improve himself. Endowed with good judg-
ment and pluck, at the age of seventeen years
he had saved sufficient money to enable him
to attend the Freeburg Academy, which he
did for one term. Then he taught school for
two years, after which he applied his earnings
as teacher to paying for a special course of
instruction at the Millersville Normal School.
He again resumed teaching, which he aban-
doned on the breaking out of the Rebellion
to enlist in the Union Army, but he was re-
jected because he was of small stature. He
was determined, however, to serve his nation,
and in 1862 he enlisted in Company G, 147th
Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., as a private. He served to
the close of the war and was promoted to cor-
poral, sergeant and sergeant-major. At the
end of the war Mr. Knight entered business
on a small scale in Watsontown as a tinsmith,
making a specialty of tin roofing. He was
successful and has continuously added to the
business until he now is an extensive dealer in
general hardware, stoves, house-furnishing
goods, oils and paints. He has a fine resi-
dence and his store is large. He began busi-
ness when Watsontown scarcely was a bor-
ough. In politics our subject is a stanch Re-
publican. He has served as burgess for three
042 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

yeats and as a member of the school board
and town council.” He and his family are act-
ive members of the Lutheran Church. Mr.
Knight is a prominent member of the G. A.
R., a past master of the F. & A. M., past high
priest in the R. A. M., and a Knight Tem-
plar.

Mr. Knight was married to Annie, daughter
of Sim Schoch of New Berlin, Union County,
Pa., and to them has been born a son, Harry
S. Knight, who is a leading attorney in Sun-
bury, Pa.

 

R. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN GARD-
NER, whose equal as an expert
manipulator of the surgeon’s knife

has never been known in Columbia County,

has been engaged in the practice of medicine
and surgery in the town of Bloomsburg for
many years. He has also been in close touch
with many enterprises which have not only
proven remunerative to him, but have also
been of material aid in the advancement of

the interests of the town. He received a

good education in the schools of the South,

after which he took up the study of medicine
under the preceptorship of Dr. Paul H. Ot-

 

 

 

 

ley, a distinguished surgeon, and later grad-.

uated from the Medical College of Virginia.
Dr. Gardner received an appointment as
surgeon in the Confederate Army upon the
breaking out of the Civil War and served
faithfully until its close. In 1874, after the
country had sufficiently recovered from the
effects of the terrible war, he was appointed
surgeon in chief of the Alabama & Chat-
tanooga Railroad during its construction and
administration. He was a member of the
North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and
Pennsylvania medical societies, and of the
American Medical Association. He gained
greatly in skill while serving as railroad sur-

 

geon, and upon coming to Bloomsburg later
he soon acquired a large practice as a physi-
cian and surgeon. He is a man of wonderful
nerve and superior judgment, and his cool-
ness in the most trying cases inspires confi-
dence in the patient. He is widely known
throughout the eastern section of the state
and is often called to great distances to per-
form operations, which would otherwise be
performed in the hospitals of large cities, as
they require a thorough understanding of the
cases and a skill which is seldom found else-
where. He is a stockholder in many of the
leading industries of Bloomsburg and owns
considerable property. Our subject pur-
chased the Bittenbender property on Fast
Main street, upon which*he made many im-
provements and remodeled into a beautiful
residence. He owns many tenement houses
which he has enlarged and remodeled and
made other improvements. He _ purchased
the old Miller farm upon which he also built
new buildings and made various improve-
ments, which have made it a profitable invest-
ment.

Dr. Gardner was united in hymeneal bonds
to Ida Melissa Pennington, a daughter of

Henry Pennington, and a niece of the ex-

governor of North Dakota. This union re-
sulted in the following issue: Katherine P.,
who lives at home; Frank P., an electrician,
who is superintendent of the People’s Electric
Railroad of Nanticoke, Pa.; and Le Roy P.,

who is now in attendance at Nazareth Hall,
Pa.

0 _——_
HRISTIAN MOMLEY, who is a
most respected German-American cit-
izen of Shamokin, Pa., and a prom-
inent veteran of the Rebellion, is a son of
Christian Momiley, and was born June 4, 1841,
in the provincial state of Wurtemberg, Ger-
 

STAVER.

JAMES M.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 545

 

 

many. He was educated and learned his trade
as a butcher in his native country and was well
prepared to follow his chosen occupation
when he came to the United States at the age
of twenty-three years, locating in New York
City, where he remained but a short time.

Like thousands of his fellow Germans, the
subject of our sketch was greatly aroused by
the events of the Rebellion, which was then
nearing its end, and his patriotic spirit im-
mediately showed itself in his volunteering for
the service of the country which he intended
should adopt him as one of her foreign-born
sons. He enlisted in the 28th Reg., Pa.
Vol. Inf., in 1864, served in Company C, of
that reginrent, and was mustered out of ser-
vice in the following year.

After leaving the army Mr. Momley fol-
lowed his trade as butcher in Ashland, where
he was associated with an uncle, also in Ma-
hanoy City and at Mount Carmel, removing
to Shamokin in 1868, of which town he has

since been a resident, following butchering

continuously. His is the oldest butcher’s shop
in the town, and he has built up an extensive
and profitable business.

Our subject was united in the bonds of mat-
rimony to Mary Wetzl, and unto them have
been given four children, three of whom are
living: Susanna Katherine, born February
22, 1871, who is the wife of Carus Winn of
Shamokin; William Reuben, born October
26, 1874, who married Elizabeth Rouck of
Shamokin; and George Christian, born Feb-
ruary 26, 1876. The fourth child, Mahala
Wielhema, died when about twelve years of
age.

nn. 2. re!

AMES M. STAVER, who owns a ha'f
interest in the establishment of E. C.
Caswell & Company, one of Blooms-

burg’s most prominent industries, and a high-

 

ly respected cilizen of that town, was born in
Pine Creek township, Lycoming County, Pa.,
February 21, 1855, and is a son of John and
Mary (Nicely) Staver.

The father of our subject was also born
in Pine Creek township, Lycoming County,
Pa., and upon growing to manhood moved to
Jersey Shore, Pa., where he embarked in the
lumber business and became one of the valued
members of the community. He was united
in marriage with Mary Nicely, and they were
the parents of four children, named as follows:
Lizzie, deceased; Carrie, widow of A. J. Sy-
pher; Martin Luther, a prominent real estate
and insurance man residing in Jersey Shore,
Pa.; and James M., the subject of this sketch.
John Staver, who still resides at his home
in Jersey Shore, is now eighty-two years old.
In politics is a Prohibitionist, being greatly
opposed to the use of intoxicating liquors.

James M. Staver was reared and educated
in Jersey Shore, Pa., his father having moved
there while James was a mere lad; during his
early manhood he worked on his father’s farm
and at the age of seventeen engaged as a clerk
in the store owned by Howard & Staver, re-
maining there until 1876, when he engaged
in business with his father, under the firm
name John Staver & Sons. In 1882 he re-
moved to Bloomsburg and accepted a posi-
tion as bookkeeper-and cashier for Caswell
Brothers & Company. In 1888 he purchased
a one-third interest in the business and later
increased his share in the business to one-half
interest. The Bloomsburg Woolen Manufac-
turing Company was established in 1882 by
E. C. Caswell and S. A. Caswell; they erected
a three-story building, 54x124 ft., with a boil-
e1 and engine room 26x36 ft., at a cost of
$15,000; fitted the plant with 14 looms and
the latest improved machinery to manufac-
ture fancy dress goods, the factory and ma-
‘546 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

chinery costing in the neighborhood of $30,-
000; they use only XX fine merino wool, and
employ some 40 hands.
S. A. Caswell, E. C. Caswell bought out his
heirs, and the business was conducted under
the name of E. C. Caswell & Company. In
1888 our subject was taken in as partner, and
a dye house, 30x36 ft., added to the plant.
The building is heated throughout by steam
supplied by a 50 horse-power engine; they
have three sets of cards and 1,260 spindles.
At 1 o’clock, September 30, 1896, a tornado
passed over the town of Bloomsburg, com-
pletely destroying the upper floor of the mills,
by which the firm sustained a loss of $8,000.
Ten days previously a hail-storm had demol-
ished over 1,000 windows. The building was
immediately rebuilt and in two months busi-
ness was again in full sway. The goods man-
ufactured by this firm are of the finest quality
and are shipped directly to New York City,
where they own a large wholesale warehouse,
and from there they are shipped throughout
the United States. Mr. Staver is a stock-
holder in many other enterprises of Blooms-
burg, and is regarded as one of the most pro-
gressive business men of his community.

Mr. Staver is a member of La Belle Valley
Lodge, No. 232, F. & A. M., Jersey Shore,
Pa.; past high priest and treasurer of Blooms-
burg Chapter, No. 218, R. A. M.; past grand
master and treasurer of Mt. Moriah Council,
No. 10; past E. M. commander and treasurer
of Crusade Commandery, No. 12, K. T.; V.
J. G. W. of the Ancient and Accepted Order
of Scottish Rite; member of Enoch Grand
Lodge of Perfection; past E. S. P. G. master
of Zerrubabel Council, P. of J., 16th degree;
G. O. of Evergreen Chapter of Rose Croix,
18th degree; second Lt. Com. of Caldwell
Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32nd degree; past
junior general of Orient Conclave, No. 2; and

Upon the death of

-of his days.

 

member of Lu Lu Temple, A. A. O. N. M.S.
of Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Staver’s portrait is
shown on a preceding page.

———__——<¢-e-»-_______

YJ ARRY E. WALTON, one of the lead-

ing and enterprising business men of
XN the borough of Berwick, is an em-
balmer and funeral director and is proprietor
of one of the most attractive stores in the bor-
ough, dealing in pictures, picture frames,
mouldings, furniture, etc. He was born in
Salem township, Luzerne County, July 8,
1865, and is a son of Morris and Caroline
(Kline) Walton.

Morris Walton, the father of our subject,
was born in Luzerne County, where he was
educated and prepared for the ministry, but
owing to poor health was obliged to sacrifice
his plans. He then took up farming and fol-
lowed that occupation during the remainder
He died in August, 1870. He
was united in marriage to Caroline Kline and
they reared a family of children, one of whom
is Harry E., whose name heads these lines.
After her beloved husband’s death Mrs. Wal-
ton removed to Berwick, where she has since
resided,

Harry, E. Walton removed to Berwick with
his mother and was educated in the common
schools, after which he learned the trade of-a
carpenter and worked as a journeyman at
Nanticoke, Wilkesbarre, Pa., and Newark, N.
J. He then engaged in contracting in Ber-
wick, continuing from 1891 to 1893. He then
removed to Newark, N. J., and while there at-
tended the United States Embalming School
at New York City, from which he graduated
December 12, 1892. He returned to Berwick
in the spring of 1893 and purchased the pic-
ture and moulding business of W. W. Pursel.

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 547

 

In 1895 Mr. Walton bought out Klinetob
Bros.’ undertaking establishment, which he
has since conducted. He is thoroughly ac-
quainted with every detail of his profession,
and by his honest and straightforward meth-
ods he has won the confidence and respect of
his fellow-citizens as well as their patronage.
He is a young man, very popular, and has a
bright future before him.

Our subject was joined in matrimonial
bonds to Jennie Kingsbury, a daughter of
Daniel Kingsbury of Hardpan, Luzerne
County, and they are the happy parents of
five children, as follows: Fred M., born in
Berwick, Pa.; Eudora, born in Irvington, N.
J.; George W., born in Irvington, N. J.; Dan-
iel K., born in Berwick: and Lena E., born in

Berwick. Religiously Mr. \Walton and_ his
family are members of the [Evangelical
Church. He is a member of W. T. Sherman

Commandery, No. 23, K. T.; Camp No. i105,
P.O. S. of A.; and Berwick Lodge, No. 246,
I. O. O. F. He has served as assistant regis-
ter and as secretary of the school board of
Berwick.

——_—__<+-+—____

DWARD C. WELLS, a member of
the firm of Creasy & Wells, is a man
of tried ability who stands foremost
among the leading business men of Blooms-
burg. The planing mills conducted by him-
self and partner and operated in connection
with their extensive lumber yard between
Sixth and Seventh streets, are modern and
up-to-date in every particular, and are unex-
celled in point of size and quality of work
turned out, in Columbia County. Mr. Wells
is a son of Theodore and Martha (Clark)
Wells, and was born in Hughesville, Lycom-
ing County, Pa., September 4, 1832.
Our subject is a descendant of a very promi-

 

nent family, being a great-grandson of Lem-
uel Wells, a direct descendant of Hugh Wells,
who settled in Hartford, Conn., in 1636, one
of the earliest settlers of that state. He is
supposed to have been a cousin of Gov. Wells.
Lemuel Wells was a sergeant in the Revolu-
tionary War and after its close located at
Wethersfield, where he was a very prominent
man, his name being closely connected with
the history of that section.

Israel Wells, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born at Whately, Mass., June 16,
1774, and moved west with his family in June,
1817, locating at Bloomsburg, Columbia
County, Pa., where the residence of Dr. W.
M. Reber now stands. He was a wheelwright
by trade and attained distinction throughout
the state as the manufacturer of the old Dear-
borne wagons with wooden springs, whiclr
were at that time considered a great luxury.
He made large sales and did an extensive
business for many years before his death in
1853. On June 11, 1798, he was united in
marriage with Dolly Smith, a daughter of
Gad and Irene Smith, and they became the
parents of five children: Sedwick; Theodore;
Israel; Clarissa; and Mosely D.

Theodore Wells, our subject’s father, was
born in Whately, Mass., in 1804, and early
in life engaged in the mercantile business at
Hughesville, Lycoming County, Pa., where
he remained until 1832, when he located at
Catawissa. There he successfully pursued the
same line of business and in addition, with
others, he entered into a contract for the
construction of a bridge and one mile of track
on either side, near the village of Mainville,
Pa., for the Catawissa Railroad. In 1842 he
moved to Muncy, Lycoming County, where
he embarked in the hotel business, opening
what is now known as the City Hotel, a
large brick structure. This he conducted un-
548

til his death in 1861. In 1828 Mr. Wells
formed a matrimonial alliance with Martha
Clark, a daughter of John Clark of Catawissa;
she was born in 1808, and was called to her
final rest in 1880. This union was blessed
by the following offspring: Edward C., our
subject; Mary; John; Rufus; Israel; Joseph;
Jane; and Blanche.

Edward C. Wells at an early age took up
the business at which his father had made a
success, and in 1855 opened a mercantile
store at Muncy, Lycoming County, which
he conducted until 1861, when he sold out
and accepted the appointment of sutler with
the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves. He was lo-
cated at Washington, D. C., and continued
in that capacity for a period of eighteen
months. After the evacuation of Petersburg,
Va., he accepted a similar appointment, pur-
veyor to Gen. McKlever’s headquarters at
Petersburg, and served until September, 1865.
He then engaged as general traveling agent
for the Oil Creek Railroad, running from
Corry to Oil City, for the following seven
years. He then moved to Bloomsburg and
accepted the position of steward and superin-
tendent of the Bloomsburg State Normal
School, continuing as such for about eleven
years in a faithful and efficient manner. In
1885 the firm of Creasy & Wells was formed,
his partner being Samuel C. Creasy, Esq., a
record of whose life appears elsewhere in this
Book of Biographies. The latter established
the lumber business in 1883 on a very small
scale, but under successful management it
prospered and increased in size, and at the
present time has assumed vast proportions.
They have a large lumber yard between Sixth
and Seventh streets, all of which is under
cover. They purchased hundreds of acres of
timberland and run a number of stationary
and portable saw-mills, furnishing all of their

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

own lumber. Their planing mills are models
of completeness. They make sashes, blinds,
doors, screens, etc., employing a large force
of men the year around, all being skilled
workmen. They are men of energy and push
and it is due.to their own abilities that their
success has been such as it has. Our subject
in recent years built a beautiful home on
Fifth street; it is supplied with all modern con-
veniences, finely furnished, and is one of the
best in the borough.

Mr. Wells was joined in wedlock with Eliza-
beth Brunner, a daughter of Isaac Brun-
ner, who served in the state militia and was
also a member of the Legislature, and this
union has been blessed with four children,
namely: Jennie W., the wife of S. B. Hen-
derson, a lumber merchant; O. Bruce, de-
ceased; May, the wife of S. C. Creasy, who
is in business with our subject; and Joseph
G., who looks after his father’s business in-
terests and who married Lottie Kuhn. Mrs.
Wells died in 1897, aged sixty-eight years.
Politically Mr. Wells is a Republican, whilst
in social circles he is a member of the Masonic
order at Muncy; Bloomsburg Chapter; and
also Bloomsburg Commandery.

—~~2- »—___

ARTIN E, PURCELL is a son. of

Patrick and Mary (Purcell) Purcell,

and was born in 1858 at Heck-

scherville, Schuylkill County, Pa. His father,

Patrick Purcell, was a native of Ireland who

immigrated to America about 1840, locating

in the anthracite coal regions in Schuyikill

County, Pa., where he followed mining the
rest of his life.

Martin E. Purcell, our subject, was edu-
cated in the common schools of Cass town-
ship, and between the ages of eleven and
twelve years went into the breaker as a
 

DR. FRANCIS J. MEEK,
 

DR. J. FLORIAN MEEK.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 551

picker of slate, remaining in and around there
for about seven years. He then went into
the Oak Dale shaft at Glen Carbon, Pa., as
a laborer, and afterwards did rock work in
the turrets at the same place, continuing un-
til 1872. He then moved to the -Thomas-
ton Colliery in Schuylkill County, Pa., and
followed mining for seven years, working
some of the time as a miner and the rest of
the time as a fire-boss, holding the latter po-
sition from April, 1883, until January 6, 1888,
when he went to Bear Valley Colliery and
accepted the position of inside-foreman, which
position he still holds.

Mr. Purcell married Mary Shore, a daugh-
ter of Michael Shore, and they are the parents
of five children, as follows: Patrick; Robert;
Mary; Julia; and Ella.

R. FRANCIS J. MEEK is a son of
Martin and Agnes (Duszynski) Meek
and was born September 27, 1868, in

the Province of Posen, Prussian Poland. He

immigrated to this country with his parents at
the age of six vears, his parents coming direct
to Shamokin, and the boy entered the public
schools, working around the breakers during
the summer months. .\t the age of fifteen
years Francis had compieted his primary edu-
cation in the public schools in and about Sha-
mokin, and with private instruction, after
which he found employment as an appren-
tice in a drug store at Mount Carmel. Two
years later he successfully passed the exam-
ination of the pharmaceutical state board of
examiners and was qualified to act as a drug-
gist’s assistant. ;

In 1888 our subject entered the Jefferson

Medical College at Philadelphia, but the fol-

lowing term found him with a depieted bank

 

 

 

 

 

account, so that he was compelled to return
to the drug business in order to earn suffi-
cient funds to allow him to complete his med-
ical course, the next term. He was graduat-
ed from Jefferson Medical College in May,
1892, after having taken a full course in gen-
eral medicine and surgery. Dr. Meek then
returned to Shamokin and immediately began
the practice of his chosen profession. He was
successful to a marked degree in building
up a large practice and in 1896 took into
partnership his brother, Dr. J. Florian Meek,
who had just completed his medical course
and received his diploma; their business has
continued to prosper and they now enjoy a
practice second to none in the borough.

Dr. Francis J. Meek is an honored member
of the Northumberland County Medical So-
ciety. His practice consumes his time so com-
pletely that he often is obliged to further pur-
sue his studies at night in order to keep pace
with modern medical science. He is a pleasant
gentleman and has many friends who appre-
ciate his zeal and progressiveness.

Martin Meek, our subject’s father, was unit-
ed in the holy bonds of wedlock with Agnes
Duszynski and their family consisted of six
children, four of whom are still living, as fol-
lows: Francis J., subject of this sketch; J.
Florian, a brief sketch of whom is herein
given; Stanley, who is now a soldier in the
U. S. volunteer army in Cuba, serving in
Company E, t2th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and
after his time has expired and he has been
honorably discharged from this service, it is
his firm intention to join the regular army of
the United States; and Anna, a charming and
accomplished young lady.

Dr. J. Florian Meek, brother of our subject,
was born January 24, 1875, in Shamokin, Coal
township, Pa. At the age of eleven years he
began to pick slate in the breakers, and at
552 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES. -

 

 

 

the age of fourteen began to work in the
mines. He continued to work in the mines
in summer and to attend school in winter
until 1892; thus his early education was ob-
tained in the public schools in and about
Shamokin; subsequently he entered the Sha-
mokin Business College, graduating in 1892.
Soon after completing this business course he
entered a preparatory school in Philadelphia,
and in 1893 enrolled himself as a student at
Jefferson Medical College, where he took a
course of lectures. He completed his medi-
cal education at the Baltimore Medical Col-
lege, graduating therefrom in 1896, and at
once returned to Shamokin, where he suc-
cessfully passed the state board examination,
and became associated with his brother in the
practice of his profession.

The publishers of this volume take pleasure
in announcing that on preceding pages, in
connection with the above life account, ex-
cellent portraits of Drs. Francis J. and J.
Florian Meek are shown.

—+ 2 >—____"_

SAAC MOWREY, one of the successful
and enterprising farmers of Columbia
County, residing in the section of Mon-

tour township, known as Dutch Valley, where
he owns a tract of fifty-six acres of as fertile
land as the county affords, is a son of John and
Catherine (Wireman) Mowrey, and was born
near Danville, Montour County, Pa., March
17, 1832.

The paternal great-grandfather of our sub-
ject was a native of Germany and came to
America almost a century and a half ago, lo-
cating in Eastern Pennsylvania, probably in
Montgomery County. His son, Peter Mow-
rey, the grandfather of our subject, was a
farmer in Montgomery County for many
years, but during his latter days was engaged

 

 

in tilling the soil near Seneca Lake, N. Y. He
was the father of the following children: Pe-
ter; John; Jacob; Joseph; Isaac; Chris-
tianna; and Elizabeth. They all remained in
the state of Pennsylvania excepting Isaac,
who moved to Michigan, and Joseph, who
went to Brown County, Ohio.

John Mowrey, our subject’s father, was
born in Montgomery County and removed to
what is now Montour County, then Northum-
berland, about 1820. He learned the trade of
a stonemason, but after moving to Montour
County he purchased a farm one mile east of
Danville, which was but partially improved.
He built a stone and a brick house, which are
still standing on the property. He was also
engaged in mining ore to a considerable ex-
tent on his own farm and became a very pros-
perous man for those times. In religious be-
lief he was a member of the Reformed Church,
He was joined in wedlock to Catherine Wire-
man, a daughter of Jacob Wireman of Mont-
gomery County, and they became the parents
of nine sons and four daughters, a record of
whom is as follows: Jonas, Charles, Mary,
William, Henry, and Peter, all deceased; Ja-
cob, a resident of Michigan; Isaac, the sub-
ject of this personal history; John, who lives
in Northumberland County; Elizabeth, de-
ceased, who was the wife of Dr. B. F. Shultz;
Michael S., of Michigan; Sarah, the wife of
Otis Knapp of Montour County; and Cather-
ine, the wife of Michael Breckbill, an ex-sher-
iff of Montour County.

Isaac Mowrey was reared on the farm and
educated in the public schools of his native
town. As his ancestors were all members of
the agricultural class it was but natural that
he should also chose farming as his life occu-
pation. He was engaged in farming until
1851, when he began working in iron ore
mines in the vicinity, continuing until 1854,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 553

 

 

a period of three years. He then moved to
Columbia County and purchased his present
excellent farm, about a quarter of a mile dis-
tant from Grovania, which he has since been
engaged in cultivating. He is a very indus-
trious man, of careful habits, and during his
active life has accumulated considerable prop-
erty. He also owns another farm consisting
of 101 acres of good land in Dutch Valley.

In 1854 Mr. Mowrey chose as his life-com-
panion Eleanore Yost, a daughter of the late
John G. Yost of Bloomsburg, by whom he had
four children: George, a farmer of Montour
township, who married Elizabeth Lazarus and
has four children, Guy A., Ursa M., Dora S.,
Ruth E.; Olevia, who died at an early age;
Mary Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of
D. E. Heberling, by whom she had three chil-
dren, namely,—Elanora, Bertha May, and
Pearl E.; and Lloyd Franklin, a ticket agent
for the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Wilkes-
barre, who married Hattie R. Bidleman, and
has had two children, R. Blair, deceased, and
Lloyd Glenn:

—_+->—___.

ETER WENDLING, outside-foreman
of the Bear Valley Colliery, is a son
of Adam and Phoebe (\Wentz) Wend-

ling, and was born January 31, 1867, near
Patterson, Schuylkill County, Pa.

‘The grandfather on the maternal side was
Peter Wentz, a native of Germany, who never
came to America. The father of our subject,
Adam Wendling, was a coal miner, and a
resident of Schuylkill County, Pa. To him
and his wife were born ten children as fol-
lows: Mary, Emma, Louisa, Rose, Kate,
Phoebe, Sarah, Adam, Peter the subject of
this sketch, and George.

Peter Wendling, the subject of this sketch,
was educated in the common schools, and
began work in the factory at Manayunk at

 

the age of thirteen years and continued for
two years when he went to Shenandoah.
There he entered the breaker, picking slate
and, alternately, working in various stores for
about eight years. At the end of that time
he took up outside work around the collieries
near Shenandoah, remaining there until June
1, 1896. Prior to moving to Bear Valley
Colliery, he was foreman at Schuylkill Col-
liery, Mahanoy City, Pa.

On October 15, 1891, our subject married
Elizabeth Frost, and their union has been
blessed with two children: Thomas Nelson
and Phoebe Elizabeth. Mr. Wendling is
well known in Northumberland County and
has many warm friends. He is a member
of Council No. 367, Jr. O. U. A. M., of Shen-
andoah, Pa.

—_———+-«

EV. THOMAS MISICKI, D. D., was

born in Przeworsk, Galicia, Austria,
December 31, 1866. He attended

the schools of his native city and when ten
years of age further continued his education at
Cracow, where he attended high school for a
period of eight years, studying the Latin,
Greek, German, French and Polish languages,
together with mathematics, geography, his-
tory and the physics; after graduating there-
from he entered the Catholic Seminary, where
he began the study of theology. He com-
pleted his education and preparation for the
priesthood by a four years’ course at the Ja-
gellonic Austrian University, and was or-
dained a priest by the late Cardinal Albin
Dunajewski, Prime Bishop of Cracow, May
19, 1889, after which he visited Germany,
France and Spain. During his extensive trav-
els through these countries he prepared his
doctorate of theology, and the degree of D. D.
was conferred upon him February 1, 1892,
which degree in Austria is given only to can-

 
554 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

didates passing four rigorous examinations
showing proficiency not only in theology, his-
tory of the church and common law, but also
a thorough knowledge of the four Eastern lan-
guages, viz: Hebrew, Syriac, Chaldaic and
Arabic, as well as all Bible sciences. With the
permission of the Austrian University, after
four years of study in Latin and Greek, on
August 30, 1892, he was made eligible as a
teacher of these languages in Austria.

In 1893 our subject came to the United
States and first located in Winona, Minn.,
where he was connected with the clergy of the
St. Stanislaus Church for a brief period. His
next pastorate was in Berea, Ohio, where he
was appointed rector of St. Adalbert’s Church
in the Diocese of Cleveland, and, after a term
of service there, he went to Meriden, Conn.,
as pastor of the Polish church, and while there
enjoyed the distinction of being the only Po-
lish priest in the state. A few months later
he was transferred to Mount Carmel, where,
under Bishop Thomas McGovern of Harris-
burg (now deceased) he had supervision of
one of the largest parishes in the state. He
remained there until February 13, 1897, when
he was transferred by the Bishop to the pastor-
ate of St. Stanislaus Kostki’s Church at Sha-
mokin.

A brief history of the church is here ap-
pended. The Poles began to settle in and
around Shamokin about the year 1854, but
they worshiped with the members of St. Ed-
ward’s Parish until the members of St. Stanis-
laus Kostki’s Beneficial Society organized
what has since grown into this big and grow-
ing congregation. Rev. Emanuet Goch, the
first Polish priest sent to Shamokin, soon
erected a small frame church at Race and
Cherry streets, where the substantial rectory
now stands. Rev. Joseph Juszkiewicz was his
successor, and in 1874 he broke ground for

 

the construction of the present brick edifice.
There was a considerable number of Lithua-
nians here at that time and they joined with
the Poles in founding the parish, but it re-
quired several years before sufficient funds
could be raised for the completion of the edi-
fice. The Poles and Lithuanians have since
worked together harmoniously, just as their
ancestors had done before coming to America.
Bishop Shanahan dedicated the new church
on December 8, 1881, but Rev. Florian Klo-
nowski had been sent there on July 13, 1876.
Soon after the completion of the church a
parochial school was built; this has been
changed into the rectory; and a comfortable
home was also prepared for the Sisters of the
Order of St. Francis. In 1893 a handsome
three-story brick structure was added to the
parish and is devoted entirely to educational
purposes, and contains about 450 pupils,
taught by seven sisters and a layman. The
church membership includes about 2,800
souls in 650 families. Since Father Misicki
took charge of this parish he has’lifted $3,500
of the church debt and added to the inside ap-
pearance of the church by remodeling and re-
decorating. The decorator having charge of
the work is Francis Baraldi of Philadelphia,
one of the most famous decorators in Pennsyl-
vania. The windows are from Munich, Ba-
varia, and cost $225 each, and are works of
rare artistic merit. Father Misicki is assisted
in his labors by Rev. Francis \WWengrzynowski.

 

Op

OSEPH B. QUIRK, the genial super-
intendent of the Prudential Life Insur-
ance Company for the Shamokin dis-
trict, was born at Pottsville, Schuylkill Coun-
ty, Pa., June 4, 1867, and is a son of Thomas
and Alicia (McBarren) Quirk. Thomas Quirk
Was a native of Pottsville, the county-seat of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 598

 

Schuylkill County, and died when our subject
was very young.

Our subject received his education in the
schools of Pottsville and Frackville; and, al-
though these places could not then boast of
having such good schools as at the present
day, Mr. Quirk, by diligence and persever-
ance, made the most of his opportunities and
thus secured a thorough education, and so far
has thoroughly demonstrated that he can
make practical use of his schooling.

After leaving school, at the age of eighteen,
our subject began his career in life as a book
agent, which occupation he followed for two
years, discontinuing it then to engage with
the Prudential Life Insurance Company,
which he still represents. Myr. Quirk was sta-
tioned for one year at Tamaqua,a city of about
6,000 inhabitants. He proved himself to be
such a successful solicitor that he was pro-
moted by the company to the position of as-
sistant superintendent, and on June 27, 1892,
he was transferred to Shamokin, where he
ceased to do actual soliciting and assumed the
more important duty of putting out new
agents, instructing them and keeping them
at work. From time to time, as he learned
new things about the business, more impor-
tant work was entrusted to him by the com-
pany. For four years he continued to be as-
sistant at Shamokin. Step by step Mr. Quirk
succeeded in mastering all the particular
features and methods of the business, and, be-
ing an apt reader of human nature, he put into
execution many plans of his own for securing
and retaining new solicitors; so well pleased
was the company with his ability to organize
that he was still further promoted and made
superintendent of the Shamokin district May
11, 1896, which position he still retains. He
now has under his supervision, besides Sha-
mokin, the minor districts of Mount Carmel,

 

Sunbury, Milton, Danville and Bloomsburg.
At each of these towns he has an as-
sistant superintendent with a staff of men; the
latter do the actual soliciting and collecting
and turn over the money thus obtained to
their superior, the assistant superintendent in
charge of their town, who in turn reports to
Mr. Quirk, his superior. In this manner all
the business transacted in the district has to
pass through Mr. Quirk’s hands, and he alone
is responsible for the success of the business.

Under Mr. Quirk’s efficient management
the business in his district has increased so
rapidly that he now has a force of seven as-
sistant superintendents and thirty-three field
men, with a fine prospect for still greater in-
crease in force.

In April, 1890, our subject was united in
marriage with Emma Eveland, a most charm-
ing lady; their home has been made happy
by the presence of four beautiful children,
three sons and one daughter, namely: James,
Ethel, Norman, and Harry.

Our subject is an earnest Republican, of
firm views, and does much to further the in-
terests of his party. Mr. Quirk can truly be
called a self-made man, working his way from
a common book agent, going from house to
house to his present position, where he is liv-
irg in affluent circumstances. His manner of
discharging his duties reflects credit on his
ability and is a source of pride and gratifi-
cation to his employers. Mr. Quirk is a pleas-
ant gentleman and is respected and admired
by all who have the good fortune to know
him.

 

URTON B. SMITH, a prominent
hardware dealer, who is the junior
member of Boughner, Goodwill &

Company, in Shamokin, Coal township, was
556

born February 21, 1857, in Pottsville, Schuyl-
kill County, Pa., and is a son of William C.
and Diana (Cake) Smith, and a grandson of
Samuel Smith of Philadelphia. He received
a good practical education in the public
schools of Shamokin, after which he was ap-
prenticed and learned the printer’s trade, and
was the “devil” in the Shamokin Herald office.
He continued to work for the Herald as a
printer for a period of about seven years, and
for two years was an equal partner with D. L.
Sollenberger in the Shamokin Times. He
then entered the employ of his father, where
he remained for two years, and in 1884 en-
gaged in the hardjvare business, his present
occupation, from which he is reaping a neat
competency.

William C. Smith, father of our subject,
was a man of prominence and possessed in a
very large degree the esteem and respect of all
who knew him. He was born in Philadelphia,
November 1, 1820, and attended the public
schools of that city until he reached the age of
eighteen years. Early in life he learned the
trade of a machinist and entered the employ
of Heywood & Snyder at Pottsville, remain-
ing with them many years. He withdrew from
their employ and established a business of his
own in the same line in the same city, which
he carried on successfully until the close of the
Rebellion, in 1865, when he sold out. He
subsequently accepted the superintendency of
two collieries at Locust Gap, being employed
by the Mammoth Vein Coal Company. These
collieries are still in operation. He remained
with that company four years, when coal oper-
ating engaged his attention, and his next en-
terprise was a partnership with his son-in-law,
Jacob R. Keiser, at Lancaster Colliery, near
Shamokin. They operated the colliery with
much success until May, 1893, when they sold
out to. the Shipman Coal Company, realizing

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

a neat profit on their investment. At this
juncture Mr. Smith retired from active busi-
ness pursuits. A number of years prior to his
death he was a director of the First National
Bank of Shamokin. He married Diana Cake,
who was born at Pottsville, August 7, 1824,
and lived until January 22, 1897, surviving
her husband, who died November 21, 1895.
They were the progenitors of a family of five
children, who were: Francis H., who resides
at Pottsville, and carries on a truck business;
Emma E., now deceased, who was the wife of
Jacob R. Keiser; Ralph H., who died near
Reading, Pa.; Warren M., who died in 1890
in Australia, and was an engineer in the em-
ploy of the English government.

Our subject was united in marriage with
Lillian Evert, daughter of Daniel Evert of
Shamokin. This happy event was consum-
mated December 22, 1886, and their home is
blessed with the presence of five children:
Charles C.; William C.; Edwin F.; Martha
E.; and Harold H. Mr. Smith is a member
of Shamokin Lodge No. 255, F. & A. M., and
his presence is highly appreciated at the meet-
ings of the lodge.

pocee eee

OSEPH SHARPLESS, an honored and
highly respected citizen of the town of
Bloomsburg, was for many years pro-

prietor of a foundry on Center street and a
leading business man, being one of the sub-
stantial citizens who made the town what it
is to-day. Shrewd and energetic in his busi-
ness affairs, he accumulated a handsome com-
petency which enabled him to retire in 1879
and spend the declining years of his life in
the peace and quiet of private life. He is

/a son of Benjamin and Hannah (Bonsall)

Sharpless, and was born at Catawissa, Colum-
bia County, December 6, 1808.
Our subject is descended from John Sharp-
less, a native of England, who came to
America at about the same time as William
Penn, and located in Chester County, Pa.
There the family lived for many years, Ben-
jamin Sharpless, the father of our subject, be-
ing the first to settle in this district. He was
born August 7, 1764, and after reaching man’s
estate he learned the trade of miller. In 1795
he crossed the mountains and located in Sun-
bury, Northumberland County, where he
operated a mill for two years in partnership
with Robert Coburn, but later was associated
with Enos Sharpless. He also was employed
as a teacher in the schools for some time. In
1805 he disposed of his business and moved
to Catawissa where he purchased a farm ad-
joining the village, which is now laid out in
town lots, and carried on agricultural pur-
suits. Four years later he purchased a grist-
mill and conducted it with much success until
1812 when he built a paper mill in company
with John Clark on the site of the present
paper mill and manufactured paper by hand,
making it of rags as pulp paper was at that
time unknown. He lived a long and useful
life and passed to his final rest May 28, 1857.
He owned a fine home in Catawissa which
was erected by him in 1835. In Philadelphia
in 1782 he was united in marriage to Hannah
Bonsall, a daughter of Edward Bonsall, and
the following children blessed their union:
Mary Ann, who married a Dr. Wadsworth;
Eliza, who died at the advanced age of ninety-
four years; Edward; William; Joseph, the sub-
ject of this biographical sketch; Bonsall, who
died in infancy; John; Harriet, the wife of
George Reifsnyder; Sarah, the wife of Louis
Yetter; and Kersey J. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp-
less were faithful members of the Society of
Friends and liberally contributed to its sup-
port.

Joseph Sharpless, our subject, assisted his

 

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 557

 

father in the paper factory until he attained
his majority, when, in 1841, he went to Roar-
ing Creek and engaged in the general mer-
chandise business for five years. His next
business venture was at Berwick, Columbia
County, where he conducted a foundry for
two and one-half years. He then-became in-
terested in the manufacture of charcoal and
pig iron at Foundryville, at which he con-
tinued until 1849. He then moved to Blooms-
burg and purchased the Morse foundry on
Center street, where Mr. Rollin’s house now
stands, and there operated the Sharpless
Foundry for thirty years. He was extensive-
ly engaged in the manufacture of stoves, coal-
breakers, and other articles in that line and
by the use of good judgment in his manage-
ment met with almost unbounded success.
His rise to a place of prominence in the af-
fairs of the town was due entirely to his own
efforts, as he began life without capital and
step by step worked his way to the front rank
The career of this worthy gentleman is an
excellent example of thrift and industry and
the results thereof, and is well worthy of imi-
tation by the coming generation. Since re-
tiring from his foundry business in 1879 he
has not been actively identified with any busi-
ness although he is indirectly interested in
several enterprises. Characteristic of the fam-
ily, he has reached an advanced age and ap-
pears to be many years younger than the rec-
ord:shows. He is still active and light upon
his feet, making from one to three trips to
the postoffice every day regardless of the in-
clemency of the weather. His is a well known
figure upon the streets of Bloomsburg and
heartily enjoys paying his friends a visit at
their places of business. He is a man who
holds the esteem and respect of all for his
many noble traits of character. He resides
ina fine home on Main street which he erected
508 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

in 1854, and also owns considerable real es-
tate in the borough, having erected many
handsome residences.

On February 4, 1836, Mr. Sharpless was
joined in a marital union to Mary Ellen Fos-
ter, who was born July 7, 1817, and is a daugh-
ter of John F. and Eleanor (Hallingshead)
Foster. She has been a faithful and loving
wife and mother, and a true help-meet to her
husband in every sense of the word, adding
materially to his success in business. She is
enjoying the best of health and lives in the
midst of a large circle of old friends by whom
she is dearly loved for her true womanly char-
acter. This happy union has resulted in the
birth of nine children, namely: Harriet R.,
born February 23, 1837, resides at home,
adding to the comfort of her aged parents
in their declining years. Lloyd T., a grocer
by occupation, was born March 18, 18309,
and married Mattie Wagonseller. Benjamin
F., born May 22, 1841, was twenty years of
age when he enlisted in Company A, 6th Reg.
Pa. Reserves, in the Civil War, and contin-
ued in the service until mustered out in June,
1864. He then learned the trade of a moul-
der and in 1868 became a partner in the firm,
Sharpless & Harman, proprietors of the Eagie
Iron Works, and later succeeded to the own-
ership of his father’s establishment at Blooms-
burg, which he operated with good results
until 1893, when he remodeled the building,
which is located on the corner of Center and
Sixth streets, and fitted it up for stores and
dwellings. He now occupies a portion of it
with a well stocked shoe store which is prov-
ing a very remunerative business. He was
united in matrimonial bonds to Sophia Hart-
man, a daughter of Charles Hartman, by
whom he has had six children, namely: Jos-
eph L., a clerk, Charles H., a grocer, Ray F.,
Arthur, and two who died in infancy. He is

 

also president of the Bloomsburg Land and
Improvement Company and is one of the
good substantial citizens of the town. Loretta
\., born January 4, 1843, is the wife of Jeffer-
son Vanderslice; Clara, born November 12,
1844, died April 4, 1849. Elizabeth, born Sep-
tember 7, 1846, married Wesley Eyer. Ara-
minta E., born November 24, 1848, married
Jasper Wilson. Mary Ellen, born October 16,
1852, died September 9, 1853. Harry F.,
born October 4, 1863, is an extensive real es-
tate dealer of Pueblo, Col.

Politically Mr. Sharpless is an unswerving
Republican and has frequently served as coun-
cilman and school director. He and his be-
loved wife are liberal supporters of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, of which they have
been attendants for many years.

—_—__—_—~+-e »—______

ILLIAM ELLIS STARR has fol-
lowed the milling business ever
since starting out in active business

life, and is the lessee of the oldest mill in Sulli-
van County, Pa., the Lewis mill. He manu-
factures a high grade of buckwheat flour and
wheat-flour, also does a large amount of cus-
tom milling. He is a native of Lycoming
County, Pa., and is a son of Anthony and
Hannah (Berger) Starr.

Our subject was intellectually trained in the
schools of his native township and early in life
learned the trade of a miller, which he has
since pursued. In 1875 he located in Hills-
grove township, Sullivan County, and leased
the old Lewis mill on Loyalsock Creek; the
mill was erected by Charles Snell, our sub-
ject’s ancestor. Mr. Starr has placed a new
foundation under the mill and added another
story; it has three sets of stones used for
grinding. Our subject does all kinds of cus-
tom work and his flour always commands a
 

 

 

 

 

JOHN WATSON BUCK.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

561

 

 

good price on the markets, which tends to
demonstrate its high grade. Mr. Starr has
made many friends and customers by his strict
attention to business and honest dealings and
is performing all the duties of a good citizen.
Mr. Starr formed a matrimonial alliance
with Maria J. Green, a lady-of many excellent
virtues, and a daughter of Wheeler Green,
whose sketch also appears in this Book of Bi-
ographies. As a result of this happy union a
family of six children blessed their home, as
follows: Wheeler Lloyd, a miller by trade;
Florence and Leon Anthony, deceased; Hat-
tie Irene; Clyde Raymond; and John Sidney.
Mr. Starr is Republican in politics and has
served as school director for fifteen years; re-
ligiously he and his family are attendants and
liberal supporters of the Methodist Church.

 

 

OHN WATSON BUCK. Among the
prominent and energetic business men
of Sullivan County, Pa., is the gent'e-

man named above and whose portrait appears
on the opposite page, who is recognized as
one of the leading merchants of Sonestown,
where he owns a large general store. He is
exceedingly popular in both business and ‘so-
cial circles, and is ready to assist in all move-
ments that tend toward the advancement and
prosperity of his adopted township. He was
born in what is now Strawbridge, Lycoming
County, Pa., June 9, 1853, and is a son of
Jacob and Hannah (Rishel) Buck, and grand-
son of John and Magdalena (Springer) Buck.

Our subject traces his ancestral history back
to his great-grandfather John Buck, the
founder of this prosperous family in the Unit-
ed States, who emigrated from Germany to
America at an early date. He was the father
of three children: Benjamin, Polly,

 

and |

John. John Buck, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in Northampton County,
Pa., September 23, 1807. He learned the
trade of a gunsmith but engaged in farming
the most of his life; he first settled in White
Hall, Montour County, Pa., then removed to
Sullivan County. For about two years he
lived at North Mountain and then he pur-
chased the farm now owned by Robert Tay-
lor, Jr., at Muncy Creek; after residing there

for some years, he removed to the state of

Wisconsin, and later to Missouri, where he
passed from this life at the age of eighty years.
As a result of his marriage with Magdalena
Springer he had the following children: Ja-
cob, Lydia, Nancy, John, Mary, Phebe, and
Eliza. All of these grew to maturity. His
wife died at the age of about seventy-seven
years.

Jacob Buck our subject’s father, was born
November 2, 1829, and in his early manhood
worked in a saw mill until about 1860, when
he bought a farm on North Mountain and for
twenty-three years was engaged in farming,
with the exception of one year, which he and
his family spent in the West; but liking the
climate here so much better, he concluded to
return to his farm. At the expiration of that
time he accordingly settled in Muncy Creek,
Lycoming County, where he resided until his
death and was the owner of one of the finest
farms in that section of the county. He died
March 17, 1899. He was married July 22,
1852, to Hannah Rishel, a daughter of Jos-
eph and Martha (Phillips) Rishel, and grand-
daughter of Jacob Risliel. Joseph Rishel was
a carpenter by trade; he also followed weav-
ing and farming, pursuing the latter vocation
during the major portion of his active days.
He first settled in Bloomsburg, Pa., later in
Davidson township, Sullivan County, but fin-

‘
562 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

ally in Penn township, Lycoming County,
where he died at the age of eighty-one years;
his wife departed this life when aged eighty-
four years. They reared three children, name-
ly: George W., Hannah, and Martha. Our
subject’s mother was born June 2, 1833. Mr.
and Mrs. Buck are the parents of the follow-
John Watson, our subject;
Martha Jane, who was born April 1, 1856;
Lewis Harvey, born December 28, 1859, who
is clerking in our subject’s store, married
Sadie Derrick, by whom he has two children
—Harry and Clayton; James Leonard, born
November 27, 1861, is clerking at Williams-
port, and is married to Lizzie Hoffer, by
whom he has one child—Ethel; Lucy Alda,
born August 10, 1868, is the wife of Morgan
Gavitt of Laporte, Pa., and they have reared
‘three children,—Minicent, Blake, and Fred-
ericka; Carrie Adella, born September 19,
1869, died January 21, 1898; Laurette May,
born April 14, 1872, died June 9, 1898; Mary,
born June 27, 1873, resides with our subject;
and Annie Eliza, born June 27, 1875, who
is residing at home most of the time.

John Watson Buck possesses a fine educa-
tion and started out in life as a school teacher,
teaching for five years and working at car-
pentering during the summer vacations; he
then accepted a position with A. T. Arm-
strong of Sonestown. Remaining there a
little over one year, he resigned and took one
term at the Muncy Normal’ School and then
accepted a position as clerk and bookkeeper
with Jeremiah Kelly of Hughesville, Pa. Re-
maining there during the winter of 1881 and
1882, he then took a course at the Williams-
port Commercial College, graduating Decem-
ber 12, 1882. His next position was with Mr.
Armstrong of Sonestown, Pa., with whom he
remained a year and a half: he then became
bookkeeper and general assistant for the firm

ing children:

 

of Hicks & Burnley of Williamsport, Pa. In
1885 he returned to Sonestown, and again en-
gaged with Mr. Armstrong, with whom he
remained about two years. He then went to
work for Bodine & Warn in Sonestown and
for nine years acted as manager of their store.
At the expiration.of that time he bought out
the firm; he also purchased the two-story
building, in which the store was located,
which was built in 1876 by Robert Whitaker.
Mr. Buck immediately increased the stock,”
and now carries a complete line of dry goods,
groceries, boots and shoes, gents’ furnish-
ings, hardware, paints and oils, and all kinds
of farming implements; his store is one of the
most complete general stores in the county,
and by his honest and straightforward deal-
ings he has built up a large and enviable pat-
ronage. He is enterprising and public-spirit-
ed, and enjoys the respect and good will of a
large circle of acquaintances.

Mr. Buck was joined in the bonds of matri-
mony with Jennie Gavitt, a daughter of Peter
Gavitt of Laporte township, Sullivan County,
Pa., and they are the parents of five children,
namely: Lela, Vera, Mildred, Staunton G.,
who died at the age of seven months; and
Grant. Religiously he is a member of the
United Evangelical Church, and his wife is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal. In
politics he is a Republican and served as
school director five years. Socially he is a
member of Sonestown Lodge, I. O. O. F., of
which he is past grand and past representa-
tive member; past chief patriarch of the En-
campment of Laporte; and past president of
Washington Camp, No. 344, P. O. S. of A.
of Sonestown, Pa. During his many business
changes, Mr. Buck has always held his resi-
dence in Sonestown and has
in any other place.

never voted
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

563

 

 

EV. CHARLES B. SCHNEDER, |

pastor of St. John’s Reformed Church
of Shamokin, is a son of Baltzer
and Elizabeth (Bowman) Schneder, and was
born January 5, 1861, at Bowmanville, Lan-
caster County, Pa. His education began in
the public schools of his native township and
was continued at the Keystone State Normal
School of Kutztown, Pa., where he took part
of his preparatory course. He afterward took
a course at the academy at Lancaster, Pa.,
after which he entered Franklin and Marshall
College, from which he graduated in 1885,
being a salutatorian of the class. He then
entered the Eastern Theological Seminary at
Lancaster, Pa., from which he graduated
in 1888. On July 15, 1888, he was ordained
and accepted as his first field of labor the Pine
Grove charge, Schuylkill County, Pa. This
charge consisted of five congregations, all sur-
rounding Pine Grove. He remained connected
with that parish until 1891, at which time he
was chosen to fill his present responsible posi-
tion in. Shamokin.

Since his connection with the church in
Shamokin our subject has been an untiring
worker and has built the present edifice, cost-
ing about $30,000. When he accepted the
charge at St. John’s the congregation num-
bered 456 members. Rev. Schneder is a man
of pleasing address; he is generous and lib-
eral in his sentiments, positive in his convic-
tions, and firm in expression of his views. He
has ever exhibited the genuineness of religious
experience by living a true Christian life, and
by his earnest efforts has added to his flock
until his congregation now reaches a mem-
bership of 950, while his Sunday School num-
bers about 1,000. Rev. Schneder keeps
abreast of the times by having all the subsi-
diary organizations connected with the
church. He has served the church as a dele-

 

gate to the district and general synods. He
has served on the board of beneficiary educa-
tion and as a member of the board of trustees
of the East Susquehanna classis, of which
he is a member, and while in Schuylkill Coun-
ty was stated clerk of the classis.

Rev. Schneder is purely of German origin.
The Schneder family in this country was
founded by John Schneder, who came from
Germany and located near New Holland, Lan-
caster County, Pa., where his remains lie
buried. He was one of the earliest pioneer
settlers and became a tiller of the soil; his
broad acres were not easily counted, and late
in life he was enabled to build a large, com-
fortable and substantial homestead, and within
its doors strangers as well as old-time friends
were entertained with generous hospitality.
His eldest son was called Jacob, whose son,
Baltzer, was the great-grandfather of our sub-
ject.

Amos Schneder, son of Baltzer and grand-
father of our subject, was born and reared in
Lancaster County, Pa. He was a veterinary
surgeon and farmer and lived to the age of
ninety-one years. His son Baltzer, our sub-
ject’s father, was born in 1831 and still lives
at the old homestead on his grandfather’s farm
enjoying the peaceful and quiet life of a farm-
er. He was originally a shoemaker, but later
in life engaged in farming, and has since re-
sided on the old homestead farm. He has
taken a very active interest in church affairs,
and is a firm believer in the doctrines of the
Reformed Church of the United States. He
is serving as an elder of that church at the
present time. He was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Bowman, a pious lady, and their
home was blessed by the presence of four sons
and two daughters. Of these Sarah, the wife
of James K. Fox, lives in Missouri; David B.
lives in Sendai, Japan, where he is occupying
564

the chair of dogmatic theology in the Re-
formed Theological Seminary; Charles B. is
our subject; Mary B. is the wife of David B.
Bender, lives in Lancaster County, Pa.; Amos
B. is at present a member of the junior class
in Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster,
Pa., is living temporarily in that city; and
Martin died in childhood.

——-—+4 + +

R. ROBERT A. KENNEDY, a prom-
inent and successful practitioner and
4 9 one of the most active citizens of Sha-
mokin, Pa., is well known, not only in medi-
cal associations, but also in social circles
throughout the Seventeenth Congressional
District. After years of useful preparation,
during which he was obliged to work his way
through the medical college, Dr. Kennedy
reached the goal of his ambition and became
a full-fledged M. D., graduating from the
Pennsylvania Medical University in 1881. He
immediately began the practice of his profes-
sion in Shamokin, where he has energeti-
cally applied himself for years and succeeded
in building up a substantial and lucrative
practice, enjoying the reputation of being a
very successful specialist in the treatment of
diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat. He
thoroughly qualified himself for these special
departments by taking courses of study in
the best medical institutions in New York
and Philadelphia.

Our subject was born August 12, 1853, in
Shamokin, and is a son of William and Maria
(Ammerman) Kennedy, and a grandson of
Jonathan Kennedy, of Scotch-Irish stock,
who emigrated from the North of Ireland
and located in White Deer township, Lycom-
ing County, Pa., where he is registered as
having been one of the pioneer settlers of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

that county. He engaged in agricultural pur-
suits and general development of the country.
He was known to all, far and near, as a man
of just and upright principles, full of progres-
sive ideas about practical farming. He was
a Whig and as such took a very active in-
terest in local politics. He died at the old

| homestead in the community where he was

honored and respected by all.

William Kennedy, father of our subject, was
born at the family home in Lycoming Coun-
ty about 1818 or 1820. He was reared and
educated in the common schools of his native
county. \Vhile a young man he removed to
Shamokin and was one of the earliest settlers
of that place, going there early in the 4o’s;
he was also one of the first merchants in Sha-
mokin, where he carried on a successful and
remunerative business until late in the 60's,
when he located in Schuylkill County, Pa.
where he spent the remainder of -his days.
He was united in marriage with Maria Am-
merman and their union was blessed with five
children. Death mercilessly robbed them of
all except ome, Robert A., the subject of this
sketch. William Kennedy spent the closing
years of his life in contracting and speculat-
ing. He died at the age of sixty-five years,
having lived to see his only surviving son a
successful physician and surgeon.

Our subject began his education by attend-
ing school in Shamokin, after which he took
an academical course at Elysburg, and then
entered Bucknell University at Lewisburg,
from which he graduated in 1873, having con-
ferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of
Philosophy. Then began his struggle to ob-
tain a medical education. He commenced to
study medicine under a preceptor, Dr. S. M.
Todd, in Berks County, at the same time en-
gaged in teaching in the Mount Pleasant
Seminary at Boyertown; this enabled him to
PETER

G. BOBB.

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 567

 

 

take several courses of medical lectures at the
Pennsylvania University, after which he suc-
ceeded in getting an appointment for one year
at the city hospital of Wilkesbarre, Pa. He
next went to Danville and studied under the
late Dr. James D. Strawbridge, after which he
was in charge of the drug store of Dr. Ran-
kin at Muncy for about one year. He was
then financially able to complete his medical
education by attending the Pennsylvania Uni-
versity until 1881, when he graduated with
honors as before mentioned.

Our subject was united in marriage with
Sallie Magee, which happy event was consum-
mated March 2, 1882. Four children have
been born to them, only one of whom 1s liv-
ing, Roberta A., who was born July 18, 1896,
and is a joy and comfort to her parents. Dr.
and Mrs. Kennedy are both consistent mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church, and are very
liberal supporters of it.

Dr. Kennedy was one of the organizers of
the Northumberland County Medical Asso-
ciation and is also a member of the West
Branch Medical Society of Pennsylvania, the
Pennsylvania State Medical Association, and
American Medical Association. He is an
earnest Republican and gives his support to
the nominees of that party. Educational
matters have shared his generous support and
for six years he cheerfully gave his time and
services as a member of the school board of
the city of Shamokin. He is an active mem-
ber of the following lodges and organizations:
Past master of Shamokin Blue Lodge, No.
255, F. & A. M.; Shamokin Chapter, No. 264,
R. A. M.; Shamokin Commandery, No. 77,
K. T.; Philadelphia Consistory Scottish Rite
Masons, consisting of 32 degrees; Rajah Tem-
ple Mystic Shrine; past president Washington
Camp, No. 660, Patriotic Order Sons of
America; Shamokin Council of the United

 

 

Order .\merican Mechanics; Black Diamond
Lodge, No. 1092, I. O. O. F.; past exalted
rulér of Shamokin Lodge, No. 355, Order of
Elks; and Liberty Hose Company of the Sha-
mokin Fire Department.

——__—2 0 _ __

ETER G. BOBB, deceased, whose por-
trait appears on the opposite page, was
a well known and much respected
business man of Paxinos, Pa., and was born
in Jackson township, Northumberland Coun-
ty. September 28, 1842. He was a son of
Michael M. and Elizabeth (Gonsar) Bobb, of
Jackson township, and grandson of Michael
Bobb, a native of Germany, who was the first
of the family to locate in Jackson township.
Michael M. Bobb, the father of our subject,
was born September 28, 1812, at Big Ma-
hanoy, Pa. He grew to manhood in Lower
Augusta and followed the trade of a tailor
there for about nine years. In 1852 he re-
moved to Shamokin township, locating at
Snufftown, where he worked at the tailor
trade and farming. He later sold out and
moved to Union County, near Mifflinburg,
where he carried on farming, but he subse-
quently moved to Rockefeller township,
where he resided, enjoying the fruits of his
labor, until he departed this life at the age of
seventy-two years. His wife survived him
nine years, dying at the age of seventy-five.
Mrs. Bobb was a daughter of Daniel Gon-
sar, a farmer of Jackson township who lived
to the age of sixty-two years. Our subject’s
parents were members of the Lutheran
Church. They had eleven children, namely:
Mary Ann, now deceased, who married J. A.
Treats, a resident of Snufftown; Daniel, who
operates a planing mill in Sunbury, Pa.; Eliz-
abeth, deceased, who married William Biles
of Mount Carmel, Pa.; Caroline, who was the
568 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

wife of Jacob Dundore, deceased, a cattle
drover; Peter G., whose name heads these
lines; Sarah, the wife of C. Frederick Lindig,
a resident of Lewisburg, Pa.; William W.,
deceased; Michael, who died young; Frank-
lin Pierce, who married Mary Bone, and now
operates a planing mill at East Lewisburg,
Pa.; and Louisa, widow of James Havens,
who lives in Lewisburg. Mr. and Mrs. Bobb
gave their children the benefits of an educa-
tion in the public schools.

Peter G. Bobb lived at home until he was
eighteen years of age, when he taught school
for two years, and then clerked in a store at
Paxinos for John Nesbit for three years. He
was married in 1865 to Mary Jane Fisher, a
daughter of John and Hannah (Yocum)
Fisher, the former a miller of Paxinos. They
became parents of four children and the three
youngest still brighten their mother’s home:
Bessie, the first born, married John H. Kase,
a farmer of Mayberry township, Montour
County; Carrie Belle; Alfred Cameron; and
Mildred P. After 1867 our subject went into
the general merchandise business for himself
at Paxinos and so continued until 1868, when
he sold out to Thomas Metz, and then he
clerked for three years. He was appointed
postmaster of Paxinos and was not permitted
to relinquish his position for twenty-three
years. He was also appointed ticket and
freight agent at Paxinos for the Northern
Central Railroad in 1871, continuing until
1894. He then started the business now op-
erated by his son, and dealt in farm imple-
ments of all kinds, harness, whips, coal and
fertilizers, ete. He also owned two farms in
Ralpho township. Mr. Bobb departed this
life on February 8, 1899, and the business
which he placed on a firm basis is being suc-

cessfully conducted by his son, Alfred Cam-
eron Bobb.

 

Politically Mr. Bobb was a firm adherent
to the principles of the Repubtican party, but
was not an office-seeker. The Methodist
Church found in him a worthy and active
member. He enlisted in June, 1863, in Com-
pany A, 28th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and was in
service until June 27, 1863. Having lived in
Paxinos for over forty years and having at-
tained a position of prominence in the com-
munity, his success is often cited by his
friends, who desire their children to emulate
his example.

—_——~-0—p___

\J ENRY E. FAWCETT, who is exten-

sively engaged in general farming and
\ = dairying, is a highly respected citi-
zen of Elkland township, Sullivan County, Pa.
He was born on the farm on which he now
resides, September 3, 1857, and is a son of
John and Phoebe (Bird) Fawcett.

His grandfather was Henry Faweett, a na-
tive of England, who immigrated to America
in 1819, locating on the farm now owned by
J. Kline, Esq., in Sullivan County, Pa. It was
a tract of timberland which had not under-
gone the improvements which civilization
brings. He cleared a piece sufficient in size
on which to build a cabin, and after its erec-
tion he and his wife lived there the remainder
of their lives, working hand in hand, convert-
ing a vast wilderness into fields fit for cultiva-
tion.

John Fawcett, the father of our subject, was
born in England in 1817, and was two years
of age when his parents came to this country.
His opportunities for obtaining an education
were few, but he made the best of them and
acquired a good business training. Upon
reaching maturity he purchased the farm now
owned by our subject, built a good house, and
during the remainder of his days followed

 
farming, making great improvements on his
property. In the latter years of his life he
erected a new and modern home, the one in
which Henry E. Fawcett now lives, but it was
not entirely completed at his death. He was
aman of excellent qualities and always aided
those who had been less fortunate in life than
he. He passed into the realms of the unknown
September 21, 1881, and his death was greatly
mourned by a large circle of friends and ac-
quaintances. He married Phoebe Bird, a
daughter of George and Sarah (King) Bird,
who was born in 1873, and is now living with
her son Asa in Elkland township, being a well-
preserved woman for her years. The children
resulting from this union were: Philinda, the
wife of James Hart; Lydia, the wife of David
McCarty; George; Asa, who married Lizzie
Schrader; Sarah; Minerva, the wife of Wells
McCarty; and Henry E., the subject of this
personal history. Mr. Fawcett was a stanch
Republican in his political affiliations; in re-
ligious views he was a Wesleyan Methodist.

Henry E. Fawcett was reared on his fath-
er’s farm and educated in the district schools.
The happiness and success of his father in the
pursuance of agricultural pursuits influenced
him in choosing farming as his life’s work.
He purchased the old homestead, improved it,
and at the present time has a fine farm of 160
acres under a high state of cultivation. He
is engaged in dairying and raises grain and
other farm produce; and for many years he
ran a threshing machine and was also engaged
in the lumber and bark business. He is a man
of good business capacity, and good results
have attended his efforts on all sides.

Mr. Fawcett was joined in hymeneal bonds
with Arvilla Mullen, a daughter of John and
Selena (Woodhead) Mullen, and a descendant
of an old and well-established family in Sulli-
van County. Anthony Mullen, the earliest

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

 

569

 

ancestor of whom there is any record, lived
in New York City and was a drummer in the
Revolutionary War. He was a sea captain
and was finally lost at sea, leaving a very large
property in New York City. His son, Charles
Mullen, at an early day moved to Sullivan
County, Pa., where he was given a tract of fif-
ty acres by Dr. Joseph Priestley as an induce-
ment for him to locate there. He cleared the
land and built a log house, the work being
greatly facilitated by the use of tools which
he was enabled to make, as his trade was that
of a blacksmith. He subsequently took up
more land, but as he was at a distance of thirty
miles from the nearest mill, he finally located
on our subject's farm, where he died at the
age of sixty-five years. He married Eliza-
beth Hoagland, and they reared the following
children: Hannah; Charles; Joseph; Mar-
tha; William; John; and Anthony. John
Mullen, the father of Mrs. Fawcett, was edu-
cated in the district schools and in the college
of Jersey Shore, in which he took a complete
course under Prof. Nehemiah Ross, gradua-
ting at the age of twenty-two years. He came
into possession of the homestead property,
and has since followed farming. He married
Selena Woodhead, and the following children
were born to them: Almeda, Cecelia, Lettie,
Rose, Frank, Lillie, Janie, Arvilla, Melville,
Clara, Charles, ‘Luella, and Ada. Mr. Mullen
was born in Elkland township, Sullivan Coun-
ty, March 1, 1821, and is now an honored
member of that community.

Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett are the parents of
two children: Lee and Lena. Politically Mr.
Fawcett is very active and is one of the most
popular men in the Republican party in ‘Sulli-
van County. He was the party nominee for
sheriff in 1895 and ran away ahead of his tick-
et, but was defeated by the small margin of
sixty-five votes. He has served as constable,
570

school director, and superintendent of roads.
In religious views he is a Wesleyan Metho-
dist, and he and his wife both take an active
part in church and sabbath school work.

AVID L. SOLLENBERGER, the
popular postmaster at Shamokin, and
one of the best known newspaper men

of Pennsylvania, is a son of Samuel S. and

Anna M., (Lehn) Sollenbérger, and was born

October 14, 1853, in Mechanicsburg, Cum-

berland County, Pa. At the age of sixteen

years he became a compositor in the office of
the Newville Pennsylvania Star, at Newville,

Cumberland County, Pa., where he served

three years; in 1873 he went to Pittsburg,

Pa., where he worked at his trade as a jour-

neyman until 1877, when he removed to

Northumberland County and purchased the

Watsontown Record and published it ten

months, when he sold out and bought a half

interest in the Sunbury Democrat, and was
associated with it until June, 1879. In No-
vember, 1879, he purchased a half-interest in
the Shamokin Times, and continued in con-
nection with it until 1891. In 1886 he formed

a partnership with W. S. Ginterman and

founded the Shamokin Daily Dispatch, which

he continued to publish until 1891, when he
severed his connection with the Dispatch and

Times and entered a new field of labor, that

of editing the Sunbury Evening Item.

August 24, 1894, during the latter part of
the Cleveland administration, our subject was
appointed postmaster at Shamokin. His pop-
ularity and worth as a public servant have
been recognized by the head of the Postoffice

Department at Washington and Mr. Sollen-

berger has been honored, as well as rewarded,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

for his efficient service, by being continued in
office under the present administration.

John Sollenberger, great-grandfather of our
subject, was born in Lancaster County, Pa.,
in 1774, but removed to Cumberland County,
locating in Monroe township, near Carlisle,
where he followed the occupation of a farmer.
He died in 1856, having attained the ripe age
of eighty-five years.

Our subject’s maternal grandfather was
born in Lancaster County in 1794, and was a
farmer by avocation; he died at the old home-
stead in Cumberland County in 1878, lacking
but one year of having lived as many years as
did his venerable father. Religiously, he was
of the German Baptist persuasion. The grand-
father on the maternal side was David Lehn.

Samuel S. Sollenberger, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Mechanicsburg, Pa., in 1830,
and lived all his life in his native county. In
the later years of his life he engaged in teach-
ing school. He was a valued citizen, and his
premature demise was deeply regretted by a
large circle of friends. His death occurred in
1873, he having crossed the threshold of only
forty-three years. The marriage of Samuel S.
and’Anna M. Lehn was blessed with but one
child, David L., subject of this sketch, who
was educated in the common schools of the
county of his birth. He was a close student
and by diligent application to his studies at
school he acquired a good practical education.
Politically our subject is a Democrat and al-
ways has taken an active interest in party
work and is a successful party organizer. In
1884 he was a delegate to the Allentown state
convention and an alternate to the national
convention of the same year. Socially he affil-
lates with the Odd Fellows and is a member
of Lodge No. 9, I. O. O. F-., of Pittsburg, Pa.

November 29, 1876, he married Annie A.
Brown, an accomplished and charming. lady,
 

GEORGE J. HIGGINS,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 573

 

 

and to them have been born five children:
Erie G.; Helen Pearl; Mary G.; Vida C., who
died August 22, 1898; and David B.

—_—_—+ -.»____.

EORGE J. HIGGINS, local agent

of the Philadelphia & Reading Rail-

road and also agent of the United
States Express Company, whose portrait is
shown on the opposite page, is among the
well-known citizens of Shamokin, Northum-
berland County, Pa. He enjoys the distinc-
tion of being a self-made man in every sense
of the word, having worked his way up from
messenger boy to his present responsible and
lucrative position of freight and passenger
agent at the above station. At the age of fif-
teen years he was an expert sound operator
and was appointed operator at the Reading
station at Shenandoah. He was a faithful and
untiring worker and his promotion fell to
him step by step. At the age of eighteen he
was again promoted, to the post of assistant
weigh-master at the Frackville scales, at
which place he spent two and one-half years
in weighing coal and then accepted the chief
clerkship at the Reading depot in Shenan-
doah. In 1888 he was promoted to the posi-
tion of station agent at Allenwood, on the
Reading: system, and two months later was
transferred to a similar position at Locust
Gap, where he remained until June 1, 1891,
when his services were rewarded by another
promotion and he was sent to Shamokin as
station agent for the Reading.

Our subject was born in Tamaqua, Schuyl-
kill County, Pa., July 27, 1865, and is a son
of John F. and Margaret (Franey) Higgins,
well-known residents of Shenandoah, and
grandson of William Higgins, a native of Ire-
land, who came to America when a young
_man, some eighty years ago, and located in

 

Schuylkill County, being one of Tamaqua’s
pioneer settlers, the entire region at the time
being a vast, untouched wilderness. John F.
Higgins, the father of our subject, was born
in Tamaqua in 1837. He was a molder by
trade; later in life he discontinued working
at his trade and engaged in the shoe business.
He died at Shenandoah in 1893, at the age
of fifty-six years. He endorsed the principles
of Democracy and took a very active in-
terest in local politics; he was tax collector
of Shenandoah in 1891 and 1892. The fol-
lowing children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Higgins besides George J., the subject of
this sketch: Alice, wife of Edward Ratch-
ford, of Shenandoah, Pa.; William J., an un-
dertaker of Mount Carmel, Pa.; John F., Jr.,
who is state senator of the Thirtieth Sena-
torial District, and lives at Shenandoah; Me-
lissa M.; James C.; Nellie E.; Kate M.;
Charles C.; Julia A. Most of the family live
in Shenandoah, Pa.

On October 21, 1891, our subject was
united in marriage with Julia M. Tobin, the
accomplished daughter of John and Margaret
A. (Turner) Tobin, well known residents of
Shenandoah. They, with their two children,
Margaret E. and John F., now reside at No.
1 South Shamokin street, Shamokin.

Mr. Higgins is a thorough railroad man,
possesses progressive ideas, is popular with
the masses, and makes an all-round ideal
agent and citizen. He is an active member
of Sunbury Lodge, B. P. O. E., of which he
is exalted ruler; and is also a member of the
Cresco Social Club of Shamokin, of which he

is a trustee.
—____~<-e

GNATIUS B. BINDER, a worthy cit-
izen and retired merchant of Shamokin,
Coal township, is of German-Bohemian

He is a son of Joseph and Agnes

 

descent.
574 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

(Sterski) Binder and was born July 30, 1845,
in Austria-Bohemia. His parents were na-
tives of Bohemia.

The father of our subject was born in 1820,
immigrated to America in 1873 and located in
Northampton County, where he purchased a
large farm and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits. In this calling he met with much suc-
cess, and after some years of careful work he
finally died at Berlinville in 1884, at the age
of sixty-four years. He ana his good wife
were parents of eleven children, three of
whom died in the Old Country and the fol-
lowing grew to manhood and womanhood, be-
sides our subject: Ferdinand, Anthony,
Adolph, Albert, Philip, Mary, and Rudolph.
Ferdinand, Anthony, Albert, Philip, and Ru-
dolph are residents of Mauch Chunk, while
Adolph lives in Berlinville and Mary is a nurse
in St. Louis, Mo.

Ignatius B. Binder received a good educa-
tion in his native country, where he also
learned the butcher’s trade. He immigrated to
America several years before his parents, lo-
cating in Bethlehem in 1867, where he fol-
lowed butchering about one year. He then
removed to Catasauqua, where he carried on
the same business for about two years, return-
ing to Bethlehem again for a short time. He
sold out his business to good advantage and
spent some time traveling in the states and
thus familiarizing himself with the scenery and
customs of America. After spending three
months in travel throughout the West he re-
turned to the East and again embarked in
business, following his trade quite success-
fully in Heidelberg, Lehigh County, Pa.,
then in Lehigh Gap, and finally located per-
manently in Shamokin in 1872. After being
actively engaged in butchering for about
twenty years he decided to discontinue the

 

 

butcher business. In 1893 he engaged in
general merchandising, at which he prospered
for two years. Having accumulated a snug
sum of money and having no family depend-
ing upon him, he retired from active business
pursuits, and he and his amiable wife are
spending their days in comfort and ease, ina
way to suit their fancy.

On July 10, 1870, Amelia Kautter became
the wife of our subject. She is a daughter
of Conrad Kautter of Stuttgart, Wurtemberg,
Germany, and first saw the light of day Feb-
ruary 4, 1845. Her sister, Paulina Slopey,
widow of Edward Slopey, also resides in this
country.

Our subject and his worthy wife were de-
nied a family of their own, but one of his
brother’s children was taken into their home
and they reared and loved her as their own.
This was Mary, now the wife of Wesley Ber-
ren of Shamokin. Mr. Binder is a faithful
member of St. Edward’s Roman Catholic
Church and is deeply interested in all work
pertaining to the church.

—_—————_+-¢ »—__—__

RANK M. GROSS, M. D., a physician
of good repute throughout Sullivan
County, is a highly esteemed citizen

of Forksyille. He is a son of Dr. James D.
and Ann (Brenizer) Gross, and was born at
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pa.,
January 4, 1852.

James D. Gross, father of our subject, was
born near Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Coun-
ty, and was a son of Jacob and Catherine
(Barnhart) Gross. The family on the paternal
side came from Maryland, and his mother was
a native of Cumberland County, Pa. The
father was a man of high educational attain-
ments and was a graduate of Dickinson Col-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 575

 

 

lege at Carlisle, Pa. He chose medicine as
his profession and graduated from the Jeffer-
son Medical College of Philadelphia, after
which he commenced practice at Shepherds-
town, Pa. He later went to White Pigeon,
Mich., and finally located at Flat Rock, O.,
where he died at the age of forty-three years.
He married Ann Brenizer, a daughter of
George Brenizer of Cumberland County, and
they had but one child, the subject of this
sketch. Mrs. Gross passed away in her sixty-
fifth year.

Frank M. Gross was but a child when his
father died, and his mother passed away
March 20, 1888. He attended the public
schools of Mechanicsburg and later the Cum-
berland Valley Institute, being possessed of
high ambitions and determined to obtain a
good education. Noting the success attained
by his father as a physician, he decided to
study medicine, and entered the office of Dr.
Harshbarger, now of New Albany, Pa. He
graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute

at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1881, and, with a grim.

determination to succeed, he entered upon his
practice at Burnt Cabin, Pa. He subsequently
followed his profession in the following places:
New Albany, Pa.; Forkston, Wyoming Coun-
ty, Pa.; Loomis, Mich.; Little Meadows, Sus-
quehanna County, Pa.; Powell, Pa.; and in
1897 located at Forksville, Sullivan County,
Pa., succeeding to the practice of Dr. Ormsby
and forming a partnership with Dr. Blake E,.
Gamble. He has attained a high degree of
efficiency in the diagnosing and treatment of
cases and his efforts have been attended by the
best of results.

Dr. Gross was united in marriage with Ar-
metta Simpson, a daughter of Isaac D. Simp-
son of Waverly, N. Y., and they have one
daughter, Maud, who was born at West Au-
burn, Susquehanna County, Pa., June 12,

 

1881, and is a student of the Waverly Acad-
emy. Dr. Gross is an Odd Fellow.

~~ 0

ILLIAM G. HOLLISTER, a high-
ly-esteemed resident of Mount Car-
mel, Northumberland County, Pa.,

is a well-known manufacturer of shoes, hav-
ing followed that line of business ever since
embarking in the business world. He is a son
of Isaac and Jane (Mahood) Hollister, and
was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., March 2,
1854. He is of Irish descent and is a grandson
of Samuel Hollister, a native of Ireland, who,
upon coming to this country, located in
Schuylkill County, Pa., with his family.
Isaac Hollister, the father of our subject,
was born in Ireland in 1828, and at an early
age was brought to America by his parents.
They resided in Schuylkill County until 1853,
when they removed to Mount Carmel, North-
umberland County. Isaac was a shoemaker
by trade and throughout his life plied that
trade with good success. In 1863 he was the
only Democrat in the village, but with the
courage of his convictions he cast his vote for
Woodward, his party candidate for governor.
He was at all times an enthusiastic supporter
of the Democracy, but never aspired to office.
Mr. Hollister was called to his final rest on
July 20, 1895. His companion in life was Jane
Mahood, who was born in 1830, and their hap-
py union was blessed by the birth of éight chil-
dren, a record of whom follows: William G.,
the subject of this biographical record; Sam-
uel, a shoe merchant at Locust Gap, North-
umberland County; Isaac H., deceased, who
was appointed postmaster in February, 1894,
and served until his death, on July 13, 1895;
Lydia, deceased; Jane, the present postmis-
tress of Mount Carmel, who was appointed to
576

succeed her brother upon his death; Mary
Emma, who died at an early age; James, who
resides at Mount Carmel and is a fireman at
the Reliance Colliery; and Mary, who lives
at Mount Carmel with her mother.

William G. Hollister, the subject of this
sketch, was reared at Mount Carmel and re-
ceived his education in the public schools,
after which he learned the trade of a shoe-
maker with his father. He was quick of per-
ception and in a short time was a very skilled
workman for his years. He was but thirteen
years of age when he completed his first pair
of boots, and he has continued in shoemaking
up to the present time. He carries a full stock
of shoes, and for the past year also has been
successfully engaged in the manufacture of
mining and mill shoes, for which there is a
good demand in that section. He is a reliable
business man and is respected by his fellow-
men wherever known.

On July 3, 1891, Mr. Hollister was united
in marriage with Mary Cavanaugh, and four
children have been born to them: Mary Ger-
trude; James; Joseph; William Leo; and
Samuel Edgar.

4-0» —---_

OHN McCLEERY, president of the
Milton Trust & Safe Deposit Com-
pany, through whose efforts it was or-

ganized in 1887, has for many years been
prominently identified with business enter-
prises in Milton, Northumberland County,
Pa. He is a man of great energy and strong
personality and his efforts in various under-
takings have met with gratifying and deserved
success. He is ason of Dr. William and Mar-
garet (Pollock) McCleery, and was born April
8, 1837.

Our subject’s ancestors were natives of

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

Scotland, who, at the time of the early perse-
cutions, established a home in Ireland, where
Michael McCleery, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was born. He had a brother
John, who came to America and served as a
captain in the Revolutionary War, being
killed in the battle of Bunker Hill.

John McCleery, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born at the forks of the Conestoga,
in Earl township, Lancaster County, Pa., Oc-
tober 13, 1767, and at an early age engaged.
in mercantile pursuits at Harrisburg. He
later moved to Milton, Northumberland
County, Pa., being among the first to engage
in business there, and opened a general mer-
chandise store on the corner of South
Front street and Broadway, where Folmer’s
grocery store is now situated. He dealt large-
ly in produce and grain, but the means of
transportation to markets were very limited
and he had-to ship them down the river in
arks to the larger cities, where he would trade
for merchandise. He finally retired from that
business and purchased a farm, which now
forms a part of the William Cameron estate,
and there successfully engaged in farming the
remainder of his life. On September 23, 1802,
he and Mary Lytle, who was born at Lytle
Ferry, on the Susquehanna River, in Dauphin
County, March 16, 1774, and was a daugh-
ter of Joseph and Sarah Lytle, were united
in marriage by Rev. Nathan Souden. Pater-
nally she was of English descent, while ma-
ternally her ancestors were of Irish extraction.
Their union resulted in the following issue:
William; Sarah, the wife of John L. Watson,
was born February 18, 1805; Joseph, born
January 10, 1807; Jane, who married Rev.
David X. Junkin, was born February 4, 1809;
Elizabeth, born September 10, 1811; and
Mary, born March 16, 1814, who wedded
Rev. Nathan Shotwell.
i SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. | O77

 

Dr. William MeCleery, the father of our
subject, was born at Halifax, Dauphin Coun-
ty, Pa., July 31, 1803, and early in life was
brought to Milton by his parents, practically
growing up with that borough. His educa-
tion was obtained in the Milton .\cademy,
Rey. David Kirkpatrick, D. D., principal.
He then attended the Washington College at
Washington, Pa., and later graduated from
the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia
in 1827. He then entered upon the practice
of his profession at Milton, and ina very short
time established a very large clientage, which
he retained until 1857, when he was succeeded
by his son, Dr. James P., who is a promi-
nent physician of the borough at the pres-
ent time. He then lived in retirement for a
brief period, gaining a much needed rest, but
a state of idleness was antagonistic to his
energetic temperament, and he was soon ac-
tively engaged in business, building at Milton
the first steam saw-mill erected on the West
Branch of the Susquehanna River, it being sit-
uated where the car manufacturing establish-
ment is now located. This saw-mill was erected
in 1844. This he operated until death, which
occurred on December 4, 1867, at the age
of sixty-four” years. He was originally a
Whig in his political affiliations, as was his
father, but he later became a Republican.
He built the handsome residence in which
our subject now lives, in which he spent his
latter days. He was joined in the holy bonds
of wedlock with Margaret Pollock, a daugh-
ter of William Pollock, and a sister of the
late James Pollock, ex-governor of Pennsyl-
vania, and they were the parents of the follow-
ing children: Mary, born September 9, 1830,
is the wife of Joseph D. Potts of Philadel-
phia; James P., a record of whose life ap-
pears elsewhere; Sarah, deceased, was born
November 5, 1834; John, the subject of this

 

personal history; William P., born April 27,
1834, was a captain in the 18th Reg. U. S.
Inf. in the Civil War, and later served against
the Indians on the western plains,—he re-
signed his commission in 1868 and is now
engaged in business at Troy, Pa.; and Julia
J., deceased, who was born October 18, 1841,
was the wife of Gen. Jesse Merrill. Mrs. Mc-
Cleery died in 1842 aged thirty-six.

John McCleery was educated at the Milton
Academy, Tuscarora Academy, Juniata, and in
Princeton College, from which he was grad-
uated in 1858. Immediately after leaving co!-
lege he accepted a position as assistant princi-
pal of the Milton Academy, being associated
with Rev. W. T. Wylie, and at the same time
he read law with Hon. James Pollock, and
continued until the Civil War broke out, when
he entered the service, being mustered in
June 1, 1861, as captain of Company H, of
the 5th Regiment of Pennsylvania Reserves.
He was severely wounded in the battle of the
Charles City Cross Road in the seven days’
fighting before Richmond, and was taken
prisoner on June 30, 1862, being incarcerated
in Libby Prison. There his health was im-
paired and he has never completely regained
it as his injuries finally resulted in paralysis.
Upon his release from Libby he was mustered
out on account of his physical disability, but
as he later greatly improved in health, he was
mustered in as a lieutenant-colonel with the
28th Emergency Regiment at Harrisburg.

‘After the close of the war he returned home

and began to practice law, but the duties were
too arduous for one who had undergone the
great physical strain to which he was sub-
jected during the war, and he finally gave it
up. He has since been closely allied with all
enterprises organized to further the interests
of Milton. He was recently identified wit
the Milton Car Works; the Milton Rolling
578 , BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Mills; is a director of the Milton Water
Works; and is president of the Milton Trust
& Safe Deposit Company. It was largely
through his efforts that the latter was organ-
ized on February 17, 1887, it being incorpo-
rated with an authorized capital of $250,-
000.00, one-half of which was paid in in cash.

Mr. McCleery was married June 6, 1866, to
Mary Helen Marr, a daughter of David and
Hettie L. (Davis) Marr, and a great-grand-
daughter of Joseph and Susanna (Price) Marr.
Joseph was born in Northampton County,
Pa., June 15, 1750, and in 1793 he came up
the West Branch of the Susquehanna River
to Turbot township, where he purchased of
the widow of Turbot Francis a tract of 379
acres of land, it being a portion of the estate
known as “The Colonel's Reward.” It was a
choice piece of land for which he paid five
pounds per acre, and in 1793 he located upon
it with his family. He lived there the re-
mainder of his life, dying September 3, 1796;
his wife died December 27, 1826. His wife’s
maiden name was Susanna Price, and she was
born April 27, 1754. They had the follow-
ing children: Mary, the wife of Robert Mar-
tin; Hannah, the wife of William Hull, whose
sketch also appears in this work; David; Will-
iam; Joseph; and Alem, a prominent attor-
hey who has twice served as congressman.
David Marr, the father of Mrs. McCleery, was
born on the old homestead, and was a farmer
by occupation, owning two fine farms. He
later became a railroad contractor and finally
became a woolen manufacturer at White Deer
Mills, Union County. He died at the age
of forty-seven years. He married Hettie la
Davis and they had four children: Annie
Eliza, the wife of John A. Grier; Mary Helen,
the wife of our subject; William, who died
in infancy; and Rebecca, who also died young.
Mr. Marr formed a second union with Harriet

 

Matchin, by whom he had five children:
William; Alem; Brainard; Alfred; and Jean-
ette.

Mr. and Mrs. McCleery have two children,
namely: Edward Heber, a physician of Kane,
Pa., who attended Lawrenceville School, was
a member of the class of 1888 at Princeton,
and graduated from the Jefferson Medical
College in 1890; and Margaret Pollock. Po-
litically our subject is a stanch Republican,
but has never accepted an office. He is a.
conscientious member of the Presbyterian
Church. Socially he is a member of the G.
A. R. post; and also the Union Veteran’s
Legion.

Sa

progressive residents of Elkland town-

ship, Sullivan County, is a man of ster-
ling worth and integrity, and is one who has
won his way to a high station in life through
his individual efforts. He is a son of Joseph
and Mary (Hague) Whiteley, was born in
Lancastershire, Eng., March 31, 1838, and
was christened in the Olden Episcopal
Church.

Joseph Whiteley, the father of our subject,
was born in England and was a cotton manu-
facturer by trade, being an expert in his line.
In 1841 he emigrated from his native land to
this country, locating in the city of Philadel-
phia; but, desirous of having a home of his
own, he later removed to Sullivan County,
where land could be obtained at a reasonable
price and where many of his friends had pre-
viously located. In 1846 he bought fifty acres
of land which had been little changed from its
primitive state by the hand of man. After
making a partial clearing he purchased an ad-
joining fifty acres which had been partly -
cleared by Mr. Ainworth, and upon which had

ad OHN WHITELEY, one of the most
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

been built a house. Into that he moved with
his family and subsequently purchased a third
tract of fifty acres, all of which he cleared up
and turned into valuable land. On this third
tract one of the first clearings in the county
had been made; at the time of its purchase it
contained a log house, the floors of which
were made of split hewed planks, and it con-
tained the first panel door in the township.
Our subject has about four feet of this plank-
ing and he prizes it very highly. This land
has been divided and is now owned by three
persons: J. Barnes, who has the homestead;
A. Dey, Esq.; and Mrs. Bryan. Joseph
Whiteley was a man of great industry and un-
tiring in his energy. In the summer months
he lived upon the farm and cultivated the soil,
whilst during the winter he worked at his
trade in Philadelphia, following that plan for
several years. When he came to Sullivan
County he was not very well provided with
the world’s goods, owning a grey horse, a
wagon, and fifty cents, but he led an exem-
plary life and at the time of his retirement to
Forksville, a short time prior to his demise, he
was a well-to-do man. The only part remain-
ing of the wagon in which our subject came to
Sullivan County is the singletree bolt. Both
Joseph and his wife lived to reach an advanced
age and lie buried in the Bethel Cemetery. His
union with Mary Hague resulted in the fol-
lowing offspring: Ann, wife of John Wright;
John, our subject; William, a veteran of the
Civil War; Elizabeth, wife of William C.
Marsden; Martha, wife of Daniel Bedford;
and Mary, wife of E. W. Snell. In religious
views he was strongly attached to the estab-
lished English Church. Politically he was a
Whig and later a Republican, serving as
school director, saperyes and in minor
township offices.

John Whiteley, the sabject of this sketch,

County of Cornwall,

 

579

attended the public schools and farmed with
his father for a time, after which he peddled
Yankee notions with much success. He next
bought a farm near Bethel Church consisting
of 114 acres, erected new buildings, and has
since followed farming. He is a hustling and
energetic man, and in whatever line he has
engaged has been very successful. He is a
man of strong character, leads an honest life,
and has a large circle of acquaintances and
friends.

Mr. Whiteley was joined in wedlock with
Elsie Dikeman, a daughter of Parks Dikeman
of Tompkins County, N. Y., and they have
five children: Joe, a stock dealer, who mar-
ried Ada Walker, and has two children, Renie
and Vibert; Mary, who was a school teacher
and postmistress for several years and is the
wife of Orville Bartow, and has three children,
Earl, LaRue, and Brice; Ora, wife of Eugene
Avery, who has one child, John Roy, and
taught school for three years; Susie, a mu-
sician; and Roy, fourteen years old, who lives
at home.

Mr. Whiteley is a Republican in politics
and has served several years as auditor and
poormaster.

a

AMES VISICK, a prosperous and en-
terprising business man of Mount Car-
mel, Pa., is efficiently serving in the po-

sition of outside-foreman of the Pennsylvania
Colliery. He is a son of Theophilus and Eliz-
abeth (Moyle) Visick, and was born in the
England, March 23,
1848.

Mr. Visick traces his ancestry on the pater-
nal side to a French Huguenot origin, and on
the maternal side to Scotch-Irish.

Theophilus Visick, the father of our subject,
was a resident of the most active and wealthy
580

parish in the wonderfully rich mining district
of County Cornwall. He was a machinist by
vocation, and throughout his life worked at
that trade about the copper and tin mines.

James Visick was educated in the common
schools of his native town, after which he
learned the trade of a machinist and engine-
driver, at which he continued until he reached
the age of twenty-one years, when he set sail
for this country. He first located at Mt. Riga,
Dutchess County, N. Y., where he plied his
trade with good results for four years, in con-
nection with other branches of the mining
business. He acquired an extended knowl-
edge of the business and in 1873 accepted a
position in the anthracite coal region of Penn-
sylvania, erecting machinery for Mr. Holden
Chester at the Luke Fidler Colliery. His next
position was with the Mineral Railroad &
Mining Company, by which he was employed
to look after machinery. He remained with
that company until after the Union company
was organized, and on December 1, 1884, be-
came outside-foreman of the Pennsylvania
Colliery at Mount Carmel, Northumberland
County. He is a man of ability, faithful to the
best interests of his employers, and stands
high in the estimation of his fellow-workmen
and fellow-citizens.

Mr. Visick was joined in the holy bonds of
wedlock with Anna Maria Brey, August 11,
1868, and they are the happy parents of the
following children: Minnie, who is at home
with her parents; William, who is a black-

smith at the colliery; Gifford, who also resides

at home; and Myrtle.
o> __—_

OHN F. WELSH, whose wide expe-
rience in mining operations makes his
services invaluable as inside-foreman
of the Burnside Colliery, Shamokin, Pa., is

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

a gentleman who has ever exerted a pow-

| erful influence in behalf of the working man.

In 1852 he came to the United States, locat-
ing in New York City. In the spring of
1853 he crossed the continent and settled in
California for a period of four months, when
he joined Walker’s filibustering expedition to
Nicaragua. Afterwards he went to New York
State, where he enlisted in the Federal Army
during the Civil War, serving with credit for
a period of three years. The war having closed
he returned to England, where he married,
but soon after again came to this country,
taking up mining at Tonsville, Schuylkill
County, Pa. This has since been his vocation,
and with the exception of some time spent
in the copper regions of the United States
and the gold fields of Alaska, he has mined
in the anthracite coal region. He has always
been devoted to the best interests of his em-
ployers, who value his services highly, and
stands among the foremost men of the bor-
ough.

For the advanced position he took in the
furtherance of the interest of his fellow-work-
men he attained much prominence in the min-
ing circles, and in 1878 the appreciation of his
efforts were shown by his election to the State
Legislature of Pennsylvania from the Second
District of Schuylkill County. He served two
terms in that capacity and his career at Har-
risburg was marked by the greatest activity.
He opposed all measures which ‘in his opinion
were not for the public welfare, and aided in
passing a number of bills which are now laws,
among them being: the Night School Bill,
the Store Order Bill, and the Ambulance Bill.
He also strongly advocated the eight-hour
law, which never passed through the House,
and his honest efforts were heartily com-
mended by organized labor bodies throughout
the country. He was also at one time nomi-
 

 

 

SHEW.

JAMES U. M
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

583

 

 

nated for State Senator from the Schuylkill
district. In 1875 he was president of the anti-
monopoly committee that met in Harrisburg,
which organization wielded a potent influence
in the presidential campaign that followed.

Mr. Welsh was one of the organizers of the
Miners’ and Laborers’ Benevolent Association
of the anthracite coal region, of which he
served as president for three years. He served
as president and also as vice-president of the
Industrial Congress of the United States, a
mark of high distinction. He was the first
member of the Knights of Labor in Schuylkill
County. He came to Northumberland Coun-
ty in 1886 and since that time has taken no
active part in politics.

——_—_¢-«-»—___

is presented on the opposite page, one

of the bright and hustling young busi-
ness men of Light Street and general superin-
tendent of the Bloomsburg Paper Mills, was
born in Gunpowder, Baltimore County, Md.,
May 6, 1869. He is a son of James M. and
Anna Mary (Fisher) Shew, and grandson of
Joseph and Mary (Shew) Shew.

Joseph Shew, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a native of London, England, who,
when young, immigrated to America, locating
in Baltimore County, Md., where he engaged
in the cultivation of the soil. He was also a
surveyor and followed that profession in con-
nection with farming. He was constable of
his township and was a veteran of the War of
1812, serving as an emergency man at Balti-
mote, Md. He was united in the bonds of
wedlock with Mary Shew, a native of Vir-
ginia, and they reared a family of four chil-
dren, namely: James M., the father of our
subject; Henry, who died while en route for

J AMES U. M. SHEW, whose portrait

 

Denver, Col., on business in behalf of the
Order of Railway Conductors,—he was a con-
ductor on the Baltimore Central Railroad a
number of years; Jacob, who resides at Port
Deposit, Md., and is a machinist and engineer
by trade; and Mary, the wife of Charles Heiser
of Baltimore, Md.

James M. Shew, father of our subject, was
born in Baltimore County, Md., September 9,
1831, and at the age of seven years began
working in the paper mills of Baltimore Coun-
ty, which were owned by William H. Hoff-
man. He remained in the mills forty-four
years, during which time he was promoted
several times, in 1858 being made manager
of the entire plant, which consisted of four
mills, Gunpowder, Marble Vale, Clipper, and
Rockdale, all of which are located in Balti-
more County. Later he removed to Blooms-
burg and purchased a half interest in the
Trench Paper Mills of Fishing Creek town-

‘ship, the firm being known as Trench &

Shew; two years later he returned to his form-
er employers and again managed the Balti-
more mills for three and one-half years. He
is now a resident of Light street. He is own-
er of the Bloomsburg Paper Mills, and also
conducts a blacksmith and repair shop. Po-
litically he is an unwavering Republican and
firmly upholds the principles of his party.
On February 6, 1852, he was wedded to Anna
Mary Fisher, a daughter of Lewis Fisher of
York County, Pa., and a family of eleven
children blessed their happy home, namely:
Sarah, deceased; Margaret J.; Lydia, who
wedded Robert J. Ruhl; Rebecca, the wife
of John B. Kidd of Baltimore, Md.; Mary,
united in marriage to D. S. Richards of Bal-
timore, Md.; James U. M., the subject of this
review; Josephine, wife of George B. Smith of
Scott township, Columbia County; Irene, who
married W. M, Ent of Light Street, Columbia
584 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

County; Phoebe; and John W., a paper man-
ufacturer of Bloomsburg. The father of our
subject is a member of Washington Lodge,
No. 265, F. & A. M., of Bloomsburg; Blooms-
burg Chapter No. 218, R. A. M.; Mt. Moriah
Council No. 10, R. & S. M.; Crusade Com-
mandery No. 12, K. T.; Orient Conclave, No.
2, Red Cross of Constantine; and Caldwell
Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32nd degree, N. M. J.

James U. M. Shew received his intellectual
training in the public schools of his native
town and at the age of eighteen years began
working in the paper mills of Bloomsburg,
which were owned by his father. Since 1894
our subject has been general superintendent
of the mills and is one of the most popular
workinen in the plant. He is also recognized
as one of the most valued citizens of Blooms-
burg and is held in high esteem for his many
excellent traits of character.

Mr. Shew is a member of Washington

Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M. of Bloomsburg.:

Politically he is an ardent Republican. On
May 23, 1888, our subject was united in the
bonds of matrimony with Permelia A. Brown,
a daughter of the late Charles Brown, and
they are the parents of two children: Guy, and
Helen Martha. Dr. Fredrica, the maternal
great-grandfather of our subject’s wife, was
a native of France and was a physician in
the American Army during the Revolutionary
War. Joseph Brown, the paternal grand-
father of our subject’s wife, was a resident of
Bloomsburg and was the pr ogenitor of a fam-
ily of sons, namely: William H., bookkeeper
and paymaster on the Lehigh Valley R. R.
and a resident of Cunningham, Pa.; Hiram,
a resident of Beech Haven, Pa.; George, pro-
prietor of the Central House of Bloomsburg;
Clark, died at Hamburg, Pa.; and Dr. Rob-
ert, deceased, who was a well-to-do physi-
cian residing at Tower Hill, Pa,

 

Charles Brown, the father of Mrs. Shew,
was born in Bloomsburg and during his
younger days learned the trade of a tailor
which he followed a number of years. He
was for some time foreman in the tailor-shop
owned by George Burch of Manayunk, Pa.
He passed from this life February 29, 1887,
at the age of fifty-nine years. He was a mem-
ber of the Masonic fraternity and was well
yersed in Masonry. Religiously he was a
member of the Methodist Church. He was
united in wedlock with Lydia Fredrica, a
daughter of Henry Fredrica, formerly a resi-
dent of Mifflinville, Columbia County, Pa.
Five sons and two daughters blessed the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, namely: Clark W.;
Joseph, deceased; E. Reed; Albert C.; Daniel
L.; Martha J., wife of William Newman; and
Permelia A., wife of our subject.

————+-»—___—

OHN McELWEE. Another prominent
and popular business man, well and fa-
vorably known in railroad circles in the

Seventeenth Congressional District, is our
subject, who is special agent for the Northern
Central R. R. Co. He is actively engaged in
looking after the interests of the company in
any and every line in the vicinities of Sunbury,
Wilkesbarre, Hazleton, Pottsville, Tamaqua,
and other sections. His interests are closely
identified with those of the company he repre-
sents; and as he is thoroughly alive and en-
ergetic, he is quick to secure advantages for
the company in detecting and reporting im-
positions and frauds.

Mr. McElwee is of Irish descent, as his
name indicates, and was born in County Don-
egal, Ireland, in 1843. He is a son of George
and Mary (Morrison) McElwee, and immi-
grated to America when about eighteen years
old, having received his education in Ireland.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

585

 

He first located in Tamaqua, Schuylkill Coun-
ty, Pa., for a short time, but subsequently
moved into Luzerne County. Not being fa-
vorably impressed with his abode, and believ-
ing the advantages were better at his former
place of residence, he returned to Tamaqua in
1862 and remained there about one year, when
he again moved, locating in Shamokin.

Our subject found employment in and

around the mines until April 25, 1865, when
he entered the employ of the Northern Cen-
tral R. R. Company as brakeman, was soon
advanced to the position of fireman, and fi-
nally appointed a conductor. At this post he
was always pleasant and accommodating, but
scrupulously exact and honest in the dis-
charge of his duty, and served the company
so well in this capacity that he was still further
promoted to the position of yard-master in
1872. His proficiency in performing the du-
ties of this position is fully attested by the
fact that he remained yard-master for a period
of twenty-four years, discontinuing in 1896 to
accept his present confidential and trusted po-
sition, that of special agent, as before men-
tioned.

Mr. McElwee carefully avoids being drawn
into the meshes of politics. He is such a thor-
ough railroad man that he takes little interest
in matters not pertaining to the success of
his company. Our subject was twice mar-
ried and has two children as the result of his
first marriage: John H., born January 20,
1867, now in the employ of the Northern Cen-
tral R. R. Co. in the capacity of engineer; and
Mary Jane, born August 30, 1876, who resides
at home.

—_——t+ o>—__

AMUEL F. GILBERT, M. D., a phy-
sician of well-known repute, now liv-
ing in Elysburg, Northumberland

County, Pa., is a son of Jacob and Susan (Fet-

 

terhoff) Gilbert, and was born in Halifax
township, Dauphin County, Pa., August 4,
1845.

The paternal great-grandfather, Samuel
Gilbert, was born August 10, 1743, and died
April b8, 1826. He married Catherine Saul,
who was born December 11, 1757, and died
June 11, 1805. He was a tanner and lived in
Lebanon County, Pa. The grandfather, Jacob
Gilbert, was: born April 2, 1783, in Lebanon

County, and moved, in 1815, to Lykens Val-

ley and later to Millersburg. His first wife
was Elizabeth Long of Dauphin County, who
was born March 17, 1785, and died February
19, 1827. His second wife was Elizabeth
Mark, who was born December 23, 1783, and
died April 10, 1854. His first union resulted
in six children: Samuel, born October 2, 1805;
John, born December 12, 1806; Jacob, our
subject’s father; Sarah, born September 24,
1809; Catherine, born August 30, 1812; and
George, born December 31, 1813, and died
November 10, 1869.

Jacob Gilbert, the father of our subject, was
born near Jonestown, Lebanon County, Pa.,
February 24, 1808, ant married Susan Fetter-
hoff, daughter of Col. Fetterhoff of Lykens
Valley, Dauphin County; Mrs. Gilbert was
born February 20, 1808. Jacob Gilbert was
a farmer, miller and tanner by trade, and car-
ried on farming in Halifax township the great-
er part of his life, dying there on June Io,
1888. He was very active in politics, being a
stanch Republican, and holding many offices.
He was a member of the United Brethren
Church, being one of the leading workers. His
wife died in 1882. They had nine children,
as follows: George, a retired farmer living in
Halifax, Pa., who was born December 11,
1829, and married Lavinia Garman; John,
born December 23, 1831, died April 21, 1853;
Mary, born July 7, 1834, married Paul Riland,
586 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

a retired farmer of Halifax, Pa.; Elizabeth,
born May 6, 1837, married Amos Grim, and
they live in Halifax, Pa.; Sarah, born Sep-
tember 16, 1839, died September 28, 1842;
Catherine, born December 16, 1841, died Jan-
uary 9, 1842; Jacob, born April 21, 1843, died
‘March 16, 1844; Samuel F., our subject;
Isaac, a retired farmer of Halifax, Pa., born
April 29, 1849. The children were all edu-
cated in the public schools.

After completing his education Dr. Gilbert
taught school for five years and then attended
Lebanon Valley College. In 1870 he entered
the University of Pennsylvania and was grad-
uated in 1872, when he at once began prac-
icing in Sunbury, Pa. He then moved to
Augustaville, Northumberland County, Pa.,
where he practiced for four years, going from
there in 1876 to Elysburg, Pa., his present lo-
cation. He was married on February 17, 1876,
to Ella Seasholtz of Upper Augusta township,
a daughter of Jacob and Ruth (Rockefellow)
Seasholtz, both of Upper Augusta township.
Mr. Seasholtz was a contractor. He is dead,
but his wife still resides in Upper Augusta
township. Dr. Gilbert took up the practice of
Dr. Robbins of Elysburg, and has built up a
very large and lucrative clientage in Northum-
berland County and adjoining districts. The
Doctor has several farms and also owns the
Dr. Robbins homestead, on which he now
lives. He is a strong temperance worker, a
member of the F. and A. M. Lodge, No. 414,
of Elysburg, and an attendant of the Re-
formed Church, of which his wife is a mem-
ber. He has been blessed with several chil-
dren, as follows: Amy E., born August 11,
1879; Carrie C., born August 17, 1880; Ruth,
born April 3, 1887; and Grace, born February
2, 1889; all of whom reside at home. The
people of Elysburg and vicinity speak only in
the highest terms of Dr. Gilbert, and he has

 

a host of warm, well-wishing friends. He be-
gan the battle of life a poor boy, but with un-
tiring energy and unflinching will he has
reached the goal of success.

———F o> —_____

Q. HARTMAN, one of the well-to-
, do and influential citizens of Danville,

Pa., who is the proprietor of the

“Nemoloton Silk Mills of that-town, was born

at Scranton, Pa., May 3, 1861, and is a son
of John G. Hartman, deceased, who was a
native of Germany and a mechanic by trade.

I’, Q. Hartman possesses a good education
which he received in the public schools of
Scranton. Leaving school when a mere lad
he sought employment in the Sagnoit Silk
Mills of Scranton remaining with that com-
pany many years during which time he be-
came thoroughly familiar with the manufac-
ture of silk. His wide experience in busi-
ness affairs attracted the attention of the Dela-
ware & Hudson Railroad Company officials
who offered him a position as assistant-pay-
master of the railroad, which position he ac-
cepted; not only did he fulfill his duties with
great credit to himself but to his superior offi-
cers as well, and upon his resignation from
that position of trust he was begged to recon-
sider his action, and as an inducement, he
was offered an increase in salary, but our sub-
ject had determined to enter into business on
his own account. .He removed to Danvil'e
and erected a large two-story brick building
53 by 125 feet on Water street and engaged
in the manufacture of silk. The mill is
equipped with sixteen thousand spindles and
gives employment to about three hundred
hands who are kept constantly busy in order
to keep up with the orders. In 1896 the mill
was destroyed by a cyclone and our subject
sustained a severe loss; he immediately re-
 
 

 

 

 

GEORGE G. BAKER.
; rs
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 589

 

 

built and enlarged the mill, which is equipped
with the most modern machinery. The mill
is lighted throughout by electricity, which is
supplied by its own dynamo.

Our subject was united in the bonds of
matrimony to Genevieve Atwood, a daugh-
ter of Eugene Atwood, a silk manufacturer
of Stonington, Conn. Mr. Hartman is con-
sidered an important factor in the business
and industrial interests of Danville, aiding ma-
terially in developing its resources.’

——_—_—__~+4-e.

 

EORGE G. BAKER, the well-

known undertaker of the town of

Bloomsburg, Columbia County, and

a member of the firm, Baker & Wanich, man-

ufacturers of the-U bed spring, is a son of

Frederick H. and Jane (Seward) Baker, and

was born in Huntingdon, Luzerne County,
Pa., October 20, 1864.

Frederick Baker, the father of our subject,

was born in Cambria, Pa., where he followed .

farming and milling and was a very prosper-
ous man. He was united in matrimonial
bonds with Jane Seward, who was a native
of Fairmont Springs, Pa., and they reared a
family of children, one of whom was George
G., the subject of this personal history.
George G. Baker was reared on his fath-
er’s farm and after attaining man’s estate went
to Shickshinny, Luzerne County, where he
became an undertaker and cabinetmaker, un-
der the tutelage of John L. Pealer. He
opened a business at Pleasant Hill in connec-
tion with John Baker, continuing for a period
of two years. He then disposed of his inter-
est and associated with P. P. Copeland at
Shickshinny, until the latter’s death, when he
removed to Bloomsburg and bought out the
business of E. R. Furman and has conducted

 

 

it since November 29, 1887. He is an hon-
est and conscientious worker and possesses
the patronage of the leading citizens of
Bloomsburg and immediate vicinity. He has
fine hearses and one of the finest and best-
groomed teams in the county. He patented
the U bed spring, which is the most perfect
spiral bed spring made, and, in partnership
with John N. Wanich of Bloomsburg, manu-
factures them in all styles and sizes. Mr. Bak-
er is genial and possesses the friendship and
esteem of all with whom he is acquainted.

Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance
with Lenora C. Sterling, a daughter of Clin-
ton B. Sterling of Bloomsburg, and they be-
came the parents of four children, namely:
Charles C.; Lucy; Robert; and Mary. Mr.
Baker is a member and past grand of the I.
O. O. F.; is past captain of the Sons of
Veterans; past president of*the P.O. S. of
A.; and master workman. of the A. O. U. W.
Politically he is a stanch supporter of the prin-
ciples of the Democratic party. Mr. Baker's
portrait is shown on a page in proximity to
this.

 

HOMAS S. LAIRD, a blacksmith of
considerable prominence at Nord-
mont, Laporte township, Sullivan

County, Pa., is purely of Scotch descent, as
his name indicates. He is the second child
and eldest son of William and Sarah (McNeil)
Laird, and was born at Washingtonville,
Montour County, Pa., January 21, 1831.

Col. William Laird was the first of the Laird
family to come to America. He was born in
Scotland and came to this country at the age
of seven years in company with some friends.
He grew to manhood in the midst of the most
exciting times in our country’s history, at a
590 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

time when young men for love of country
left fathers, mothers, and sweethearts, and
husbands left wives and families, that they
might battle for the cause of freedom. It is
almost needless to say that he responded to
the callto arms. He served as a private under
the illustrious Washington in 1755, and dur-
ing the Revolutionary War he served as cap-
tain of Washington’s body-guard, which fact
is to-day the boast of his descendants. He
wedded Rosanna Gaston, a Scotch emigrant,
and settled in Northumberland County, Pa.,
where he bought a farm and became a tiller
of the soil, an occupation he followed until cut
off by death at the extreme age of ninety-
seven years. His companion also lived to a
very old age. Realizing that our country, de-
pleted by the ravages of war, would need in
the future many brave men and women to
support the cause for which they fought, Col.
Laird brought into the world sixteen children,
eight boys and eight girls. It is not absolutely
known how many of the girls reached ma-
turity, as women sometimes change their
names early in life, and their identity is easily
lost. But the following boys grew to man-
hood: Thomas; John; James; William;
Samuel; and Matthew.

Thomas, the eldest of these, was the grand-
father of our subject. He was born in Derry
township, then a part of Northumberland
County, Pa., and died at the age of sixty-five
years, having been a farmer all his life. He
participated in the War of 1812 and was
wounded at the battle of Lundy’s Lane. He
was united in marriage with Annie McBride,
a Scotch emigrant, who, upon dying, left him
with seven children, namely: Martha; Ro-
sanna; Sarah; Esther; Eliza; William; and
Thomas. Mr. Laird formed a second matri-
monial alliance with Hester McReynolds, and
they had two children: Anne, and Russell.

 

William Laird, the father of our subject,
was born in Derry township, Columbia Coun-
ty, Pa. Early in life he learned the trade of
a blacksmith, working at his chosen calling
for a canal company, being thus employed
when his life was cut short by a misfortune
which deprived his wife and children of a lov-
ing husband and father. He was accidentally
drowned at Carrasawaga Falls, Dauphin
County, Pa., while yet in the prime and vigor
of manhood, having only attained the age of
thirty-five. He was married to Sarah McNeil,
who survived him, having borne him four chil-
dren, viz.: Mary, who died in infancy; Thomas
S., our subject; Ann; and Samuel.

Our subject is particularly fortunate in one
respect, there are many interesting facts and
adventures by which he can remember his
forefathers, and this is not alone true of his
father’s family, for there are many thrilling
experiences told of his maternal ancestors,
one of which deserves a place in this sketch.
Sarah (McNeil) Laird was the daughter of
Samuel McNeil of Columbia County, who was
of Scotch descent. Her mother’s maiden name
was Annie Davis, who was taken prisoner by
the Indians during the Revolutionary War at
Chillisquaque Creek, seven of her sisters and
brothers being killed at the same time. She
was kept in captivity for five years, when Ezra,
her brother, who was in the Colonial Army at
the time of her capture, went to Canada,
where she was held, and succeeded in securing
her release. After her husband’s demise our
subject’s mother formed a second marital
union with Benjamin J. McWilliams, no issue
resulting from their marriage.

Thomas S. Laird learned the blacksmith’s
trade by serving an apprenticeship under Jo-
seph Green of Hughesville for a period of two
years. He then started in business for him-
self at Sonestown, Sullivan County, Pa.,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 591

 

where he remained one year; then he moved
successively to Smithsville, Taylorville,
Hughesville, and finally settled at Nordmont
in 1876, where he is considered an expert in
his business. He was united in marriage with
Sarah Jane Glidewell of Davidson township,
Sullivan County, and their home was blessed
by the presence of nine children, as follows:
Jerome; William; Coralynn; Caroline;
Amanda; McClellan, now deceased; Elean-
ora; Russell; and Estella. It gives great
pleasure to speak of a good man and to note
what he has done, and we feel sure there are
few men who more fully enjoy the confidence
and good will of their fellow-men than does
Mr. Laird. .\s to the question of religion and
where people shall worship, he expresses
broad and liberal views. In politics he up-
holds the principles of the People’s party; has
been on the election board twenty-one years
as judge, inspector or clerk; and was auditor
of Davidson township for eighteen years.

J IRAM M. HAAS, who is one of the
most energetic and progressive busi-
XU. ness men of the tawn of Sun-
bury, is the well-known operator of the Sun-
bury Flour Mills and is also extensively en-
gaged in farming. He is a son of John S. and
Margaret (Deppen) Haas, and was born in
Jackson township, Northumberland County,
March 4, 1846.

The Haas family originated in Germany and
our subject is the grandson of Lawrence
Haas, who was a man of considerable means,
but lost nearly all his wealth by unwisely go-
ing bail for supposed friends. He was the
father of John S. Haas, the father of our sub-
ject, who was born in Northumberland Coun-
ty in 1812, and resided in Mahanoy and Jack-

 

 

son townships until 1850, when he moved to
Upper Augusta township, which is now within
the corporate limits of Sunbury. His occu-
pation in life was that of a farmer, but he also
owned and operated the mill which is now
conducted by his son. He was a good busi-
ness man and was quite successful in life. Po-
litically he was a Democrat of the Jacksonian
type and was an ardent supporter of Jackson.
Socially he was an Odd Fellow. He was
united in marriage to Margaret Deppen, and
of the children born to them but one, Hiram
M., our subject, grew to maturity. Mr. Haas
closed his eyes in final sleep in 1875, aged
seventy-five years, and his beloved wife sur-
vived him until 1878, when she, too, was called,
Home.

Hiram M. Haas was but four years of age
when he was brought to Upper Augusta
township by his parents, and he has made the
township his home ever since. After attending
the public schools for several years he took
special courses of study in Sunbury Academy
and later in the Missionary Institute. After
obtaining a good education he left school in
1867 and spent five months in Eastman’s
Business College, where he received an excel-
lent business training. He then returned home
and worked upon his father’s farm for a few
years, after which he operated the Sunbury
Mills, continuing successfully until a few years
after his father’s demise, when he leased the
mill for a term of years and again took up ag-
ricultural pursuits. Subsequently he again op-
erated the mill in connection with farming,
and has since continued to operate the mill.
He makes flour by steam, water, and roller
process, and it finds a ready sale on the mar-
ket, being of the highest grade. Mr. Haas is
a man of exceptional business qualifications
and under his skilful guidance the affairs of
the mill are in a thriving condition and the
592 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

business is netting the owner a handsome in-
come. He has been equally successful in the
manipulation of his affairs upon his two farms,
both of which are located in Upper Augusta
township, one consisting of 140 acres and the
other of 65. Mr. Haas stands high in the esti-
mation of his fellow-citizens and numbers his
friends by the score.

Our subject was joined in marriage to Ro-
setta Hull, a daughter of John Hull of Snyder-
town, Northumberland County, on May 1,
1870, and their happy union is blessed by the
birth of eight children: John F., who married
Harriet O. Detrich of Sunbury, and is mana-
ger for his father; Edward L., of Sunbury;
Isaac J., who married Amy FE. Fasold of Sun-
bury; Hiram W.; Mary M.; Essie; Nellie
M.; and Marion V. Politically Mr. Haas is a
firm supporter of the Democratic party, tak-
ing an active interest in local politics. He
has served as school director and recorder.
Socially he is a member of the Royal Arca-
num.

OHN HENRY ROTHROCK, M. D.
We have the pleasure to present to our
readers the biography of one of Sones-
town’s foremost physicians, whose excellent
reputation for professional honor and skill has
been acquired through a general practice of
about fifty years.
that peculiar insight into the hidden causes of
various forms of disease which will ever be the
greatest recommendation of a successful phy-
sician. A case once definitely diagnosed loses
much of the dread that surrounds it, and the
mistakes that are occasionally made by even
the best of practitioners result from incorrect
diagnoses. Dr. Rothrock was born at Shrews-
bury, Pa., seventy-eight years ago, and is a
son of Jacob and Sarah (Yost) Rothrock.

Dr. Rothrock possesses.

 

Jacob Rothrock was born at York, Pa., and
early in life learned the trade of a saddle and
harness-maker, and followed that occupation
at Williamsport, Pa., the rest of his active
career. He died at the age of fifty-eight years.
Mr. Rothrock was united in marriage to Sarah
Yost, who died at the age of seventy-eight
years, and this union was blessed by the birth
of the following children: Elizabeth, de-
ceased; Emeline; Susan; John H., the sub-
ject of this narrative; Abraham; Joseph;
James; George; Sarah; Jacob; Mary; and
two who died in infancy.

Dr. John Henry Rothrock completed his
elementary education in the public schools of
Williamsport and, preferring. the profession
of medicine to any other vocation, he directed
his studies in that direction in the office of Dr.
Samuel Pollock. Later he graduated from the
Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia
and, returning to Williamsport after his grad-
uation, he practiced with his preceptor one
year. His next field of usefulness was at
Block House settlement, near Liberty, Tioga
County, Pa.; then he practiced at Mifflin-
burg, Union County, Pa.; next at Hughes-
ville, where he remained for twenty-five years.
Dr. Rothrock was not long in that community
before his skill as a physician became known.
He rapidly grew in the confidence of the peo-
ple and soon possessed an enviable reputation.
In 1878 Dr. Rothrock, on account of failing
health, removed to the mountainous regions
of Sonestown, where his health has since been
greatly improved and he has built up a large
and lucrative practice in the vicinity. He
purchased the estate of the Lorah Brothers,
which consists of eighty acres of good land,
and carries on farming to a large extent. For
the last nine years the Doctor has given up
driving through the country to make his calls,
but his valuable advice is still sought by many
Bi Yes
MY

Lf

 

BENJAMIN LEWIS.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 595

 

 

and will be as long as he is able to give it.
He has spent much time and money in fixing
up his farm, and is rewarded by having one
of the most beautiful homes in the township.
Dr. Rothrock was joined in matrimonial
bonds with Margaret Robb, a daughter of
James Robb of Muncy township, Lycoming
County, Pa., and she passed from this life at
child-birth. Politically our subject always has
been loyal to the Democratic party, and has
served in many township offices; religiously
he is liberal in his views, while fraternally he
is a member of the Masonic Order. Dr. Roth-
rock is a well-read and unusually intelligent
citizen, and stands high in the esteem of his
fellow-men, who respect him as one who has
filled all the requirements of a true citizen.

ENJAMIN LEWIS, deceased, whose
portrait is shown on the opposite
page, was a prominent farmer of

Hillsgrove township, Sullivan County, Pa.,
and resided on a fine farm of one hundred and
eighty-four acres on the Loyalsock Creek,
three miles from the village of Hillsgrove.
He was a son of George and Sarah Lewis, and
was born in Wetherby, England, September
22, 1842.

Mr. Lewis was the youngest son in a fam-
ily of fourteen children and was reared and
educated in England. At the age of twenty-
two years he came to America, obtaining em-
ployment as a farmhand on the farm of Jona-
than Lewis of Hillsgrove, Sullivan County,
Pa. It was while serving in that capacity tha
he met Anna Lewis, a daughter of his em-
ployer, whom he subsequently married. They
located on her father’s farm, which is still :n
possession of Mrs. Lewis, and there he fol-

 

lowed farming during the remainder of his
life, becoming one of the most progressive
and substantial citizens of the community.
There he built a new house, a modern home
in every particular, and also greatly improved
the land. In private life he was greatly es-
teemed by his fellow citizens and had a large
circle of friends. He was called to his final
rest October 21, 1891.

His union with Anna Lewis resulted in the
birth of seven children, as follows: Albert
Leslie, a stonemason of Towanda, Bradford
County, who married Minnie Jennings by
whom he has:one son, Robert; Emma Lilian;
Maud Antoinette; Sarah Eveline, whose union
with James Grady of Binghamton, N. Y.,
has been blessed with two children, Anna
May and Amy Helena,—Mr. and Mrs. Grady
reside in Jamison City, Columbia County,
Pa.; Hattie May; Daisy Elizabeth, who died
at the age of three months; and a son who
also died in infancy. Politically Mr. Lewis
wasastanch Republican. In religious attach-
ments he was a member of the Methodist
Church.

Jonathan Lewis, the father of our subject's
widow, was born at Sickling Hall, Wetherby,
Eng., and came to the United States in his
early manhood. After a few years’ residence in
this country he went back to England, and,
upon returning to this country subsequently,
settled near Hillsgrove, Sullivan County, Pa.,
where he passed the remainder of his days in
agricultural pursuits and where many of his
descendants are now located. Jonathan
Lewis was united in marriage to Elizabeth
Fawcett. Mrs. Lewis the widow of our sub-
ject, still lives on the farm formerly owned
by Mr. Lewis, and is surrounded by many
friends who love her for her many estimable

traits of character.
’

596

R, JOSEPH PRIESTLEY, deceased,
was for more than forty years a
prominent practitioner of the medical

profession in Northumberland, Northumber-

land County, Pa., where the Priestley family
has been established since 1794, the year in
which the eminent philosopher, Rev. Joseph

Priestley, settled there. The latter was the

most learned gentleman of the state of Penn-

sylvania in his day and in the short space of
two years gave to the public more facts con-
cerning pneumatic chemistry than all of the
scientists who preceded him, and by his won-

derful discovery of oxygen gas attained a

world-wide reputation.

Rev. Joseph Priestley was born at Field-
head, near Leeds, Yorkshire, England, March
13, 1733, and in his early days gave evidence
of being a great student; at the age of sixteen
years he had an extended knowledge of the
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages. He
entered the ministry as assistant to the Rev.
Mr. Meadows of Needham Market, Suffolk,
and during his three years in that capacity he
wrote and published his first book, entitled
“The Doctrine of the Atonement.” For the
subsequent three years he devoted his efforts
to literary works on religious subjects, and
“Observations on the Character and Reason-
ings of the Apostle Paul” resulted from his
pen. In that period he also compiled and
published an English grammar. He gave the
subject of political economy much attention
and after his meeting with Benjamin Franklin
his scientific researches relative to electricity
began. He wrote many works thereafter, the
most prominent being ‘‘An Essay on Govern-
ment,” “A familiar Introduction to the Study
of Electricity,” and “A Chart of History,”
Having removed to Leeds, his residence
chanced to be in close proximity to a brew-
ery, and his observations of fixed air caused

 

 

 

 

-chemists of Paris.

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

by fermentation led him to make experiments
whose culmination was the solution of many
problems which had been a perplexity to the
scientific world. He wrote a number of pa-
pers in which he elucidated his theories as
to how nature purified the air for the support
of animal life, how air vitiated by animal res-
piration was a pabulum to vegetable life, and
one of these papers read before thé Royal
Society in 1772 obtained the honor of the
Copley Medal. He threw enlightenment upon
his discovery of nitric air; showed the use of
a burning lens in pneumatic experiments; re-
lated the discoveries and properties of marine
acid air; and he added much to the little
theretofore known of air generated by animal
putrefaction and vegetable fermentation, and
determined many facts relating to the diminu-
tion and deterioration of air by the combus-
tion of charcoal and the calcination of met-
als. It was not until June or July of 1774,
however, that his greatest discovery was
made, that of dephlogisticated air, which he
announced publicly for the first time at the
table of M. Lavosier in Paris in October of
that year, and at ‘about the same time re-
peated his experiments before the scientific
In 1780 he removed to
Birmingham, Eng., where he had charge of
a dissenting congregation. In 1789 he ex-
pressed his disapproval of the “Test Act,” and
by favoring the French Revolution he pro-
voked an attack from Burke in Parliament
and aroused the hostility of the populace, his
residence being burned by a mob July 14,
1791. During the next three years he made
his home at London and Hackney, but find-
ing that he was still in disfavor with the pub-
lic he decided to leave England, and on the
7th of April, 1794, he immigrated to America.
In his “Memoirs,” he relates how Northum-
berland chanced to become his home. Many
other English emigrants came to this country
with him, and it was their intention to estab-
lish a settlement for all friends of liberty at
the head of the Susquehanna River in Penn-
sylvania. He located there, but the scheme
which they had concocted fell through. Hav-
ing located there and being pleased with the
country Dr. Priestley decided to remain and
in 1795 began the erection of a large house
on the estate which he purchased to the east
of the borough, which is still in a good state
of preservation and is owned by Robert Scott,
Esq. He laid out a beautiful lawn and set
out many shade trees, but the beauty of the
property has been greatly marred by the con-
struction of a canal and the’ Delaware, Lack-
awanna_& Western Railroad. In this grand
old house the Doctor had a large library and
a laboratory, and every other convenience for
the pursuit of his studies, there being on
the roof an observatory which has disap-
peared in recent years. He became the own-
er of many thousands of acres in what is now
Sullivan County, which he sold to his fellow
countrymen very cheap as an inducement for
them to locate in that section. Aftér com-
ing to this country he did not participate in
civil affairs, but was very active in promoting
the educational interests, being one of the
founders of Northumberland Academy. He
was a Unitarian in his religious convictions
and established the oldest church of that de-
nomination in Pennsylvania, at Northumber-
land. The last years of his life were spent
in the quiet and happiness of retired life,
and he passed away February 6, 1804, and
was buried in the Northumberland Cemetery.

Joseph Priestley, a son of Rev. Joseph
Priestley and the grandfather of our subject,
was born in England in 1768, and after his
marriage came to this country with his

 

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 597

father. He too became interested in land
speculations in Sullivan County, and the vast
wilds which he and his father possessed have
long since been converted into beautiful
homes and farm land. His first union was
formed in England, April 15, 1792, with Eliza-
beth Ryland, and they were the parents of
five children, namely: Joseph Raynor; Eliza-
beth Raynor, born August 28, 1798, who was
the wife of Joseph Parker; Lindsay, born July
21, 1801; Marian, born July 26, 1803, who
married Rev. William Bower; and Sarah, born
April 28, 1807, who married Robert Wain-
wright. After the death of his wife Mr.
Priestley returned to England, where he
formed a second matrimonial alliance with
Lucinda Barton, and, as she was opposed to
coming to America to live, he spent the re-
mainder of his life there, dying September 3,
1833.

Joseph Raynor Priestley, the father of our
subject, was born in.England March 23, 1793,
and upon reaching maturity succeeded to his
father’s property. Although a man of means
he was largely engaged in farming through-
out his life. On April 22, 1817, he was unit-
ed in marriage to Frances Dundas and they
had eight children: Jane B., born January
15, 1818; Joseph, the subject of this personal
history; Elizabeth, born August 3, 1821;
Marks John, born January 17, 1823; Lindsay,
born February 9, 1827; Marianne, born Sep-
tember 22, 1831; Jane D., born May 4, 1833;
and Sarah A., born May 10, 1836. Mr.
Priestley died on November 10, 1863, and his
wife survived him until December 18, 1878.
He was one of the founders of the First Na-
tional Bank of Northumberland and for many
years served as its cashier.

Dr. Joseph Priestley was born in Point
township, Northumberland County, Pa., Sep-
tember 22, 1819, and attended the private.
598

school taught by the Rev. David Kirkpat-
rick of Milton. He then read medicine with
Dr. James Dougal of Milton, and was gradu-
ated from the medical department of the
University of Pennsylvania in March, 1844.
He took up the practice of his profession at
Northumberland and rose rapidly to a place
in the foremost ranks of the physicians of
that section. During the forty years of his
practice he had a very large patronage and
was at all times held in the highest esteem.
He was an extensive owner of real estate,
possessing several farms. He purchased the
grand old brick building known at the time
as the Burr Hotel, and remodeled it into a
fine home and office, in which his daughters
now, live. This property is at the corner of
Market and Front streets and faces Market
Square park. He practiced at Northumber-
land until his demise, March to, 1883. He
was a member of the national, state and coun-
ty medical associations, and served as presi-
dent of the county association. He was an
unswerving supporter of the Republican par-
ty.

On March 4, 1847, Dr. Priestley was joined
in marriage with Hannah H. Taggart, who
was born September 10, 1825, and died Sep-
tember 28, 1894. This union was blessed by
the following children: Hannah T., who mar-
ried Hasket Derby Catlin of Gouverneur, N.
Y., by whom she had two children, Joseph,
and Lucy H., deceased; Joseph Raynor, who
died in childhood; Frances D., the wife of
William Forsyth of St. Paul, Minn.; and An-
nie S., and Jean B., who reside on the old
homestead in Northumberland.

;
RS. ELIZABETH M. FRICK, who
is a respected resident of the bor-
ough of Danville, is a daughter
of William Colt, one of the earliest business

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

men of that town, and the relict of Dr. Clar-
ence Henry Frick.

Dr. Clarence H. Frick was born in Dan-
ville, Montour County, in 1828, and was a son
of George A. Frick and a grandson of John
Frick. His great-great-grandfather was Con-
rad Frick, who was born in Heidelberg, Ger-
many, and in 1732 departed for America, be-
ing the first of that name to locate in this
country.

George A. Frick, our subject’s father by
marriage, was born in Lancaster County, Pa.,
and early in life studied for the legal profes-
sion. He later moved to Danville, where he
was one of the first lawyers to enter upon a
practice, and he continued longer than any
of his contemporaries, or until 1851. He did
much toward advancing the welfare of that
borough and was instrumental in the estab-
lishment of the iron works. He, with a num-
ber of other men, purchased land which was
rich with iron ore and offered firms great in-
ducements to locate there and manufacture
iron. He erected the first brick house in Dan-
ville, the one in which James Scarlett now re-
sides. He died at the age of eighty-five years
and six:months. He was united in marriage
to Eleanor Hurly, and they became the par-
ents of the following children: Arthur W.;
Clarence H., M. D.; Augustus G.; Martha
H.; Alexander J.; and others who died in
their infancy. In religious attachments they
were Lutherans.

Dr. Clarence Henry Frick was reared and
educated in Danville, where he lived until the
outbreak of the Mexican War, when he gave
vent to his patriotism by enlisting in the Co-
lumbia Guards. He participated in the first
engagement of the war, the storming of Vera
Cruz, under Capt. Wilson as a lieutenant, and
upon the latter’s death, April to, 1847, suc-
ceeded to the captaincy. He continued as cap-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 599

 

 

tain of the company throughout the war and
took a prominent part in the battle of Cerro
Gordo, the storming of Chapultepec Heights,
and the defense of San Angelos. Dr. lrick
fought with bravery and daring throughout
the entire war and was: completely broken
down in health when he returned home, July
28, 1849, and, like many another, never fully
recovered from the effects of the unfavorable
Mexican climate. Dr. Clarence H. Frick left
a large practice to enlist in the War with Mex-
ico, and resumed it after his return from.the
war, but on account of failing health gave it
up in 1857. His death occurred in 1861, at
the age of forty-three years. His death was
a sad blow to his loving wife and a large num-
ber of friends in whose midst he had always
lived. Asa result of his union with Elizabeth
McClurg Colt they reared the following chil-
dren: William Colt, a resident of New York
City, who is general sales agent of the Howe
& Polk Manufacturing Company of Danville,
and for several years has been largely en-
gaged in the iron business, married Mary
Clark, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth
Donaldson; George Augustus, a resident of
Philadelphia; Clarence Henry, Jr., who is
teller of the Danville National Bank, and mar-
ried Lizzie Holloway, by whom he had three
children, Ruth H., Clarence H., and Sallie
Cornelia. In religious belief Dr. Frick was
an Episcopalian.

William Colt, the father of our subject, was
born in Erie, Pa., but at an early age moved
to Danville, Montour County, where he was
one of the prominent business men. In 1828
he became one of the original stockholders of
the river bridge which was built in that year,
and was one of the managers of it for many
years. He was also a large contractor in the
building of the North Branch Canal. He later
engaged in the mercantile business under the

 

firm name Colt & Donaldson in the building
in which the Danville National Bank is now
located. He was successfully engaged in that
line until he became a coal operator in Schuyl-
kill County. He built and resided in the large
brick house in which Mrs. Frick now resides.
Mr. Colt passed to his eternal rest May 14,
1855, at the age of sixty-five years, and his
worthy wife survived him many years, dying
in 1880, aged seventy-eight years. Their chil-
dren were: John Donaldson; Elizabeth M.,
the subject of this personal history; and Su-
san M., a maiden lady residing with her sister.
Mrs. Frick is a woman with many lovable
traits of character and has a large circle of
friends in Danville, numbering them almost by
her acquaintances. :

—____¢-«.—______

AMES STROUP, deceased, was one of
the prominent and influential agricul-
turists and citizens of Davidson town-

ship, Sullivan County, Pa. He was very in-
dustrious and successful in his business af-
fairs and resided on the estate which is now
owned and cultivated under the supervision of
his wife. He was a son of Eli and Rebecca
(Newman) Stroup, and was born in Davidson
township in 1842.

Eli Stroup, the father of our subject, was
born in Lycoming County, Pa., but after his
marriage moved to Shrewsbury township, Sul-
livan County, where he followed his trade as
a carpenter. He was a skilled workman and
built many of the old mills now standing in
that locality. His father put him out to work
at an early age and he followed his trade until
his demise. Mrs. Stroup now resides in Da-
vidson township and is enjoying life at the ad-
vanced age of seventy-eight years. Her
maiden name was Rebecca Newman, and her
marriage with Mr. Stroup resulted in the birth
600

of eight children: Mary Elizabeth; Amanda
(Mrs. Cox), a resident of Elmira, N. Y.;
Amelia, the wife of Daniel O’Brien of Sayre,
Pa.; Anna, who was the wife of James Gould,
and both are now deceased; John, a carpen-
ter of Chicago; Alfred, deceased; and Mon-
roe, who resides with his mother.

James Stroup obtained his intellectual train-
ing in the common schools, after which he be-
gan working on the farm of James Taylor,
who subsequently became his father-in-law.
After his marriage in 1867 he remained with
Mr. Taylor until December 8, 1872, when he
moved to the farm, upon which he died on
March 27, 1886. He made many improve-
ments upon the property and became one of
the most successful farmers in that section.
He was a man of high character and good
habits and was highly esteemed by a large
circle of friends.

In August, 1867, Mr. Stroup was united in
marriage with Catherine H. Taylor, who was
born on October 20, 1837, a daughter of
James and Delia (Edkin) Taylor. Mr. Taylor
was born on January 5, 1808, and his wife on
May 22, 1810. He was a farmer in Davidson
township nearly all of his life, and was a very
prominent man. Both Mr. and Mrs. Taylor
are now deceased. Our subject and his wife
had five children, namely: Maggie, the wife
of George Crawley, a farmer of Davidson
township; Jonah, who died at the age of six
months and five days; Curtis Delmar, who

_lives with his family on the home farm with his
mother, married Laura Brink, who was born
September 3, 1871, and they have three chil-
dren,—James L., Harry Donald, and George
Dewey; Taylor Mendey, a farmer by occupa-
tion, who married Addie Starr, by whom he
has one daughter, Catherine Clarissa; and
Delia, who died in infancy. Politically Mr.
Stroup was a Democrat and held several

 

: BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

township offices. Since his demise his wife
has owned and cultivated the old homestead,
consisting of 150 acres of land, and has dis-
played rare judgment in the manner in which
she has managed her affairs. She is a woman
of many virtues and has many friends.

RS. ROSALIE HUGO, a descend-

ant of one of the pioneer families of

Sullivan County and the widow of

the late Charles Hugo, is a daughter of Fred-

erick and Fredericka (Vitus) Bowers, both of

whom were natives of Berlin, Germany, immi-
grating to America in 1855.

Mr. Bowers met with many difficulties in
trying to immigrate with his family to Amer-
ica. As they started in a small boat to board
the sailing vessel they were stranded on a
sand-bar, and, during a severe storm, the vessel
in which they were to sail went down. Nothing
daunted, and with the determination to make
this country their home, they made another
effort to fulfil their desires and set sail in an-
other ship for America, landing at Baltimore
after a tedious voyage of eight weeks. One
small child died while they were at sea.

Mr. Bowers, being a shoemaker by trade
and having friends in Germantown, Pa., set-
tled there and worked at his trade. Being
very desirous of owning a home for himself
and family, he readily consented to purchase
with his little savings, through some land
agents, a small farm in a supposedly German
settlement near Elkland, Merritt’s Lake, in
Elkland township. Taking his small belong-
ings, in company with his family, he moved
northward, and reached the destination, only
to find that he had been swindled by, rascals
and left destitute in a wild land, far from
home and with the winter season fast ap-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 6°

proaching, Sheltering his family in one small
room, the only one to be obtained, Mr. Bow-
ers looked about to see how he could better
himself. Many of our readers will doubtless
recall the murder of Vitencruber and the sub-
sequent conviction and execution of the mur-
derer, Kamb. The room that these emigrants
had they were obliged to share with this mur-
derer and his wife. Using the remainder of
his almost exhausted funds he bought a small
piece of woodland and began to build a little
log-cabin near the lake. But the severe win-
ter, with its heavy falls of snow and keen frosts
setting in, prevented him from finishing this
structure, which was located not far from
where Mrs. Hugo, the subject of this biog-
raphy, now lives. Taking our subject, then a
child of ten years, with him through the deep
snow, he built a fire in the half-finished cabin,
dug up the earth floor, and with his hands
filled the cracks between the logs with earth
to keep out the snow and cold. Then taking
the others of his family to the cabin he began
in this inauspicious way his struggle for ex-
istence in the New World. He lived on this
place the remainder of his days, with the ex-
ception of the second winter, which was spent
in Forksville, where, by economy, he was able
to purchase a cow, and with this and his fam-
ily he returned to the log cabin, working at
his trade and doing odd jobs for his neighbors
or any work which enabled him to keep the
wolf from the door. Mr. Bowers died at the
age of forty-five, and left six children, as fol-
lows: Rosalie, the subject of this sketch; A.
Conrad; Veronica; Emma; Louisa; and
Francis. His widow married Fred Smith and
they have one child, who lives on the old
homestead.

Charles Hugo immigrated in 1850 to Phila-
delphia at the age of thirteen years, and later
moved to what is now known as Merritt’s

 

Lake, where he bought a small farm. His
title to the property proved to be worthless
and he was left destitute, without a friend and
in a strange country. Charles Hugo was
born in Gilson, Germany, December 13, 1837.
Mr. and Mrs. Hugo began married life under
adverse circumstances, and their final outcome
proves that untiring energy and diligence
brings success to those who labor for it.
Shortly after their marriage they settled on the
North Street road, buying 100 acres of the
Eldred tract, Mr. Hugo working at farming
for hire and in the mines. In the latter place
he severely injured one hand, which incapaci-
tated him from labor for some time. He ac-
cumulated a small capital and opened a small
country store, but did not meet with the suc-
cess he anticipated; thereupon, leaving his
wife in charge of the store, he began to ped-
dle, exchanging merchandise for produce. In
this business he won for himself the reputa-
tion of an honest, reliable merchant, and
found many willing friends to assist him. As
his capital grew larger Mr. Hugo added farm
after farm to his possessions; notwithstand-
ing the fact that he and his wife endured more
than their share of life’s hardships, it is not
strange that they, possessed of ambition and
untiring energy and perseverance, succeeded
in the end.

At Mr. Hugo’s death, in 1897, he left all of
his children well provided for, and to his wife
bequeathed a fine estate. His children were:
Henry J., who married Christiana Banmunk, ,.
and is the father of three children, Fanny, En-
voy, deceased, and Grace; Augustus, who
married Annie Knupper, and has two chil-
dren, Blanche and Pearl; Addie, the wife of
Anthony Glockler, by whom she has two chil-
dren, Mamie and Julia; Victor C., who mar-
ried Bertha Crossley, and has two children,
Beulah and Maud; George; Charles, de-
602

ceased; Emma, deceased; William; Mary;
Albert; Robert; and Frankie. Socially our
subject’s husband was a Mason and an Odd

Fellow.

R. WILLIAM T. WILLIAMS, a
5 leading physician and surgeon, who

also is engaged in business as a drug-
gist in Mount Carmel, is a son of Thomas T.
and Margaret (Hughes) Williams. He was
born in Merthyr Tydvil, Wales, April 27,1854.
He is one of the most energetic and enter-
prising citizens of Northumberland County
and holds high rank as one of the leading
physicians and surgeons, not only of the coun-
ty but of this state.

 

 

 

 

The parents of our subject came to the.

United States in April, 1855, William then
being their only child, and located at Scran-
ton, Pa. The father, who was born in Wales,
December 25, 1830, had been a furnace ma-
son in Wales, and naturally he followed his
trade as mason after locating in Scranton.
He worked at his trade and prospered in
Scranton until about 1864, when he removed
to Northumberland County, locating at
Mount Carmel, where he engaged in mining
and contracting and where he has since re-
sided almost continuously. The father was
one of the organizers of the Congregational
Church in the borough and for many years
has served as a deacon in that church. In
politics he has been a Republican and has
served as a member of the school board, al-
ways taking an active interest in his party and
its success. He married the mother of our
subject in Wales and there have been born
to them four children, as follows: William
T., our subject; John, who was a merchant in
Mount Carmel up to his death in August,
1886; Margaret, who is a teacher in the pub-

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

lic schools of Mount Carmel, in which she
has taught for ten years, and who also is a
graduate of the Millersville State Normal
School; and Mary, who is at home and is one
of the most popular clerks in the dry goods
store of E. C. Tier. The paternal grandpar-
ents of our subject were Thomas Williams
and Mary Rosser, and those on the maternal
side were John and Margaret (Hughes).
After attending the public schools of Mount
Carmel the subject of this review, William T.
Williams, :.t the age of thirteen years, entered
the shops of the Mount Carmel Iron Com-
pany where he worked for five years, learn-
ing the trade of machinist and going to night
schools during that period. At the age of
nineteen years he graduated from the Mount
Carmel High School. About that time our
subject’s father removed his family to Knox-
ville, Tenn., the father’s purpose in migrat-
ing being to engage in iron ore mining. The
family soon returned to Mount Carmel, how-
ever, but William remained in Knoxville
where he read medicine with Dr. D. V. Boyn-
ton, a prominent practitioner of that city. He
then entered the Louisville Medical College,
attending two courses of lectures, and then,
in September, 1874, returned to the North
and entered the Medical University of the
City of New York, from which he graduated
March 14, 1875. In the spring of that year
Dr. Williams located in Plains, Luzerne Coun-
ty, Pa., where he practiced medicine for one
year. He removed to Mount Carmel in Jan-
uary, 1876, and since has devoted himself to
his practice there which has grown constantly
and which is one of the largest held by any
physician in Northumberland County. In
addition to his regular practice Dr. Williams
is local surgeon for the Pennsylvania and
Lehigh Valley railroads which positions he
has filled most acceptably for some time, and
 

THOMAS GORREY.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

605

 

 

he also is engaged in the drug business with
Dr. R. W. Montelius, with whom he has been
associated since 1886.

Dr. Williams was united in marriage on
April 13, 1880, to Jennie Jeffries, daughter
of Howell and Sarah Jeffries of Mahanoy City,
Pa., and to them have been born two child-
ren: Thomas Lamar, who is a student at
Bucknell University in the freshman class;
and Harold, deceased.

Our subject is an Odd Fellow; stands high
in the Masonic orders, being a Knight Tem-
plar; is a trustee of the Congregational

Church of Mount Carmel, and is superintend- -

ent of its Sunday school; he also is president

of the County Sunday School Association and

president of the Wyoming Sunday School
Union; is a member of the Schuylkill County
Medical Society and an ex-president of the
society; a member of the Pennsylvania State
Medical Society; of the American Medical
Association; was a member of the Interna-
tional Medical Congress of 1887; and is a
member of the International Association of
Railway Surgeons. In politics Dr. Williams
is a Republican and he has served on the
board of school directors of Mount Carmel.

4-2»

HOMAS GORREY, a contractor of
good repute in this section of the state,
is an enterprising and progressive citi-

zew of the town of Bloomsburg, where he re-
sides in a handsome residence at No. 224 West
Main street. He was born in New York City,
March 18, 1848, and is a son of Michael and
B. Agnes (Larkin) Gorrey.

The family is of French origin and origi-
nally spelled their name M’Gori, but after the
French revolution, when they located in Ire-
land, it was changed to Gorrey by some and
to Gorey by others.

 

Michael Gorrey, the father of our subject,
was born in County Galway, Ireland, where
he lived for many years and in partnership

with his brother, Thomas, owned a farm and

supply store. During the religious rebellion in
that country their property was confiscated
by the government and they lost everything
they had. As a result in 1848, Mr. Gorrey
came to freedom-loving America where all
men are equal and are allowed to have their
own opinions and prejudices. He located in
New York City but soon after moved to Yon-
kers, where he remained until 1854, when
he came to Schuylkill County, Pa., and fol-
lowed mining as a means of earning a com-
petency. After a residence of six years in
that community he moved to Centralia, Pa.,
and was engaged in mining until 1876, when
he purchased a farm at North Bend. He was
united in marriage to B. Agnes Larkin of
Ireland and they reared the following child-
ren: Thomas, the subject of this personal his-
tory; John; Catherine; Michael; James; Pat-
rick; and Mary.

Thomas Gorrey went to work in the mines
at the early age of seven years as a slate
picker, and at twelve became a mule driver,
for which service he received $4 per week,
but being of economical habits he managed
to save enough ‘out of his salary to pay his
way in a night school, where he obtained a
fair education. With his father’s assistance,
he managed to attend the Millville Academy,
after which he removed to Bloomsburg and
became an apprentice to the trade of car-
penter. In 18¢8 he entered the employ of
John S. Sterner, who was one of the best
contractors and builders of his day. He later
became foreman and continued as such until
188s when he began contracting in his own
behalf. He has not only erected some of the
handsomest residences and buildings in
606 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

Bloomsburg, but their architecture is also the
tesult of his labor. Among the many buildings
which he has erected the following are of the
most importance: Bloomsburg Carpet
works; Penn Elevator works; Novelty works;
the Brass & Copper works; Bloomsburg Ice
& Cold-storage plant; a large addition to the
Bloomsburg State Normal School, also its
large heating plant; remodeled the court-
house; and superintended the erection of the
desk works. Among the many handsome
residences he has built are those of Paul E.
Wirt, L. S. Wintersteen, C. C. Peacock, W.
R. Tubbs, Levi E. Waller, C. W. McKelvey,
and the Episcopal parish house.

That Mr. Gorrey has attained such a suc-
cess is due to his own untiring and indus-
trious efforts. Beginning without means, he
has established a reputation in his line of work
that will stand the test and compare favorably
with that of any other contractor and builder
in the county. The residence in which he
lives on West Main street was erected in
1800 by Dr. Daniels but was remodeled and
enlarged by our subject and changed into a
more modern house. He also owns a resi-
dence on West Main street, three double
houses on Railroad street, also a lot on that
street and a single house, three lots on East
Mill street, and a small farm and summer resi-
dence in Hemlock township, Columbia Coun-
ty. He is a stockholder in the Bloomsburg
Cold Storage Company, and Bloomsburg
Match Company, and was formerly a stock-
holder of the Bloomsburg Brass & Copper
Company and the Bloomsburg Elevator and
Machine works. In politics he is a Demo-
crat and served on the town council seven
years.

Mr. Gorrey was joined in wedlock to Emma
Sterner, a daughter of John S. Sterner, and
their union has been blessed by the birth of

 

ten children, eight of whom are living, name-
ly: Mary, whose death occurred at the age
of sixteen years, just as she was entering the
senior class of the Bloomsburg Normal
School; Annie, who died in infancy; Thomas
who is connected with the 7th Army Corps
and is in the 2d Hospital Corps; Elizabeth, a
dressmaker and milliner of Bloomsburg; John,
who is a bricklayer; Catherine, who is in at-
tendance at school; Annie; Fannie; Helen;
and Mary. Mr. Gorrey’s portrait accompa-
nies this sketch of his life, being presented on
a preceding page.

—_——__+-e »___-____

ORRELL DUNLAP learned the art

of farming on his father’s farm and

has ever since continued in that in-

dependent calling. He is also engaged exten-

sively in stock raising and lumbering and

owns a fine farm in Hillsgrove township, Sul-

livan County. He was born in Plunkett’s

Creek township, Lycoming County, Pa., Sep-

tember 1, 1847, and is a son of George Grant
aml Margaret (Foulcroud) Dunlap.

George Grant Dunlap was born in New-
berry, Pa., but moved to Middletown, Pa.,
where he carried on lumbering; later he fol-
lowed the same business at Barbara’s Mills,
then Sandy Bottom, Pa. He finally settled
on the farm now owned by our subject, which
then was covered by a dense forest; he cleared
a portion of it and farming was his principal
occupation the remainder of his life. His death
occurred on April 6, 1870, while his wife de-
parted this life June 13, 1882. They were the
parents of nine children, who were named as
follows: Mary Elizabeth, widow of Charles
Simon, who now resides at Williamsport, Pa.;
Sarah Jane, who died in her younger days;
Correll, our subject; Henry, died August 15,
1869; Benjamin, who wedded Mary Diggins,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 607

 

and they are residents of Hillsgrove township;
George, died September 1, 1881; Florence,
wife of William Montgomery, and they live at
Laporte, the county seat of Sullivan County;
Rosa, who also resides at Laporte; and Orella,
who died September 15, 1881.

Correll Dunlap worked at gardening at
Newberry, Pa., in his early manhood, and later
he took charge of his father’s farm, and, with
the exception of two years which were spent
in a tannery at Proctor, Pa., he has contin-
uously resided on the homestead. Our sub-
ject is a hard, industrious worker, and his
farm, which contains eighty acres, ranks
among the best farms in Sullivan County.

Mr. Dunlap is a stanch Democrat, firmly
supporting the principles as advocated by his
party, and he has held many township offices.
Fraternally he is a member of Hillsgrove
Lodge, No. 305, I. O. O. F. Religiously he
and his wife are devoted members of the Bap-
tist Church at Loyalsock, Pa. July 3, 1866,
our subject was joined in marriage with Mary
E. Grier, born in Lycoming County, March
14, 1849, and a daughter of John and Mary
(Luck) Grier, both now deceased. The fol-
lowing children were born to them: William,
a farmer, who married Kate Hines; Adeline,
who died aged six years; George Grant, who
resides at Muncy Valley, Pa., and married
Margaret Snell; Mary Ellen, died aged one
year; Charles, a farmer residing near our sub-
ject, and who wedded Sarah Van Horn; Lil-
lian, the wife of Harvey Birdsell; one who
died in infancy; and Harry B., who is attend-
ing school.

——_—4 2 >

ROF. ALBERT U. LESHER, a man
of intellectual attainments and the ef-
ficient principal of the Market Street

Public School of the borough of Berwick,

 

Columbia County, was born in Fayetteville,
Franklin County, Pa., and is a son of Henry
C. and Caroline (Wilson) Lesher. He is a
grandson of Jacob Lesher, who was the pro-
genitor of a large family of children, one of
whom was Henry C., the father of our’ subject.

Henry C. Lesher was'a photographer by
trade, but at the outbreak of the Civil War he
cast aside all business and enlisted as a sol-
dier. He served for some time but contracted
a disease which resulted in his discharge from
the army. He died in 1870. He was just
entering the prime of life and his death was
a sad blow to his young wife, to whom he had
been married but a few years. Mrs. Lesher
is a daughter of Rev. Elijah B. Wilson, who
was formerly a minister of the Evangelical
Church in Columbia County, and is now liv-
ing in Belvidere, N. J. She is an amiable
and accomplished lady and is loved by a large
number of friends for her many excellent qual-
ities. Mr. and Mrs. Lesher’s union was
blessed by the birth of one son, Albert U.,
whose name appears at the head of these
lines. -

Prof. Albert U. Lesher received his primary
education in the Mount Joy Soldiers’ Orphan
School, graduating in 1881, and this was fur-
ther supplemented by a course in the Millers-
ville and West Chester state normal schools.
He then took up the study of law under the
tutelage of Brown & Hensel of Lancaster,
Pa., in connection with which he taught
school, being principal of the Sporting Hill
school in Lancaster County until he moved to
Berwick in 1893. He then accepted a posi-
tion as a teacher in the grammar schools, act-
ing in that capacity until 1894, during which
time he demonstrated his ability as an educa-
tor. He was then promoted to the position
of principal of the Market Street school, the
608 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

duties of which he has since faithfully per-
formed. The school is a two-story brick
building, possessing many of the modern con-
veniences and is furnished neatly through-
out. It was erected at a cost of $30,000 and
has a seating capacity of 500 pupils. There
are.500 pupils in attendance and they are
divided into six grades which are under the
charge of Prof. Lesher. He has the good
will and respect of the pupils and their par-
ents, and is in favor with the school board.
His. teachings go beyond the regular studies,
for he strives to elevate the moral and social
tone of his pupils.

Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance
with Alverna Wenner, December 31, 1891,
and they are the happy parents of one son, Ar-
thur B., who first saw the light of day January
18, 1893; and a daughter, Helen W., born July
29, 1898. Socially he is a prominent mem-
ber of the Patriotic Order Sons of Amer-
ica, and has passed through all of the de-
grees of that society. In 1896 he was award-
ed first prize as orator at the state convention
of that order. In 1897 he was called upon
to serve in the capacity of vice-president of
the state organization of that body. He was
for some time editor-in-chief of the Lancaster
County School Forum; and has been secre-
tary of the Columbia County Teachers’ Insti-
tute for several years. He is a poet of more
than ordinary ability and a number of his
works which have appeared in print were quite
widely read and received very favorable com-
ment from literary critics. Prof. Lesher lives in
a fine home which he purchased and upon
which he has made some very important im-
provements. He is one of the leading citi-
zens of the community and is highly respected

and esteemed by all who have the pleasure of
his acquaintance.

 

EORGE W. MYERS, a well-known

business man of Muncy Valley, Sulli-

van County, Pa., has established an
enviable reputation as a landlord, being thew
proprietor of the Pennington Hotel. He was
born April 5, 1858, in Davidson township,
Sullivan County, Pa., and is a son of Jacob
and Fredericka (Geiger) Myers.

Jacob Myers was born in 1818 in Wurtem-
berg, Germany, where he married his wife.
On coming to America the couple settled in
Lancaster County, Pa., where Mr. Myers fol-
lowed farming, later buying a farm in Sullivan
County, Pa., where Mr. Myers lived until he
departed this life, at. the age of seventy-three
years. These children resulted from the
union, namely: Louisa; Fred, who died on
the voyage to this country; John; Jacob;
Henry; David; Mary Ann, deceased; George
\W., the subject of this sketch; Lafayette and
Maria, twins; William; James; Albert;
Charles; and Caroline.

George W. Myers, the subject of this sketch,
attended the district schools until he was fif-
teen years of age, when he began his appren-
ticeship to the carpenter trade. This he fol-
lowed as a journeyman and contractor in the
vicinity of his home and in New York State
until 1897, when, in company with Charles
Crawley, he purchased the Judge Gansel Ho-
tel. In 1898 our subject purchased his partner's
interest and has since conducted the hotel
alone. He has made many improvements and
it now consists of sixteen large and pleasant
roonis, which are newly furnished and equip-
ped with all modern conveniences. The Pen-
nington Hotel is two stories high and is lo-
cated in the heart of the village. A very pleas-
ant feature of this well-known hostelry is the
excellent table which it sets. An ample ‘livery
service is provided for the use of the patrons
 

 

 

 

 

EZRA S, LITTLE,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 611

 

and, in fact, everything possible is done for
the accommodation of the guests. Our sub-
ject is a man of high principles and takes an
active interest in all public affairs. Politically
he is an unswerving supporter of the Demo-
cratic party and has held a number of minor
offices.

On February 23, 1899, Mr. Myers was mar-
ried to Mrs. L. Rosa Betz, widow of John
Milton Betz, of Muncy, Pa. Mr. Betz died
August 28, 1895, leaving one child, Grace E.
Betz, who resides with our subject. Mrs. My-
ers is a daughter of James F. and Christiana
Worthington, and was born March 1, 1872.
Mr. and Mrs. Worthington are living. They
have reared six children: Rosa, wife of our
subject; Ida; Harry; ‘Ernest; Milton; and
Orval.

 

ZRA S. LITTLE, whose portrait appears
on the opposite page, is a veteran of the
Civil War and since its close has
been actively engaged in the cultivation of the
soil, owning a fine farm in Hillsgrove town-
ship, Sullivan County, Pa. He was born in
Bradford County, Pa., October 28, 1839, and
is a son of William P. and Rebecca (Rogers)
Little.
Our subject’s grandfather was Daniel Little,
a native of the state of New Jersey, but at the
time of his death he was a resident of Sullivan
County; his vocation was that of a farmer.
William P. Littl, father of our subject, was
born in Sullivan County, Pa., but in 1838 he
became a resident of Bradford County, Pa.,
where he carried on farming until 1868; in
that year he moved to Iowa, locating in Cher-
okee County, where farming was his chief oc-
cupation. He and his wife died there, the
death of our subject’s mother occurring in
1878. Asa result of his matrimonial alliance

 

 

with Rebecca Rogers William P. Little reared
a family consisting of nine children: A. C.,
proprietor of the Lewis House at Eagle’s
Mere, Sullivan County, who during the winter
of 1898-99 erected the new hotel at that re-
sort, the largest in this section of the state;
Sarah R., deceased; Ezra S., the subject of this
sketch; John Lambert; Ellen, deceased; Har-
riet M., who lives in Iowa; Emma, who was
first wedded to a Mr. Richards and upon his
death married Eldo Whitehouse and now re-
sides in Ida County, Iowa; W. Martin, a
farmer in Cherokee County, Iowa; and Jo-
seph R., a farmer in Ida County, Iowa.

Our subject remained at home working on
his father’s farm. until the breaking out of the
Civil War, when, laying aside all plans for the
future, he tendered his services in behalf of
the Union. On August 25, 1862, ne enlisted
in Company C, t41st Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., un-
der Col. H. G. Madill.and Capt. Swartz. He
was in the battle of Fredericksburg. and at
Chancellorsville, where, a: May 3, 1863, he

_ was shot in the thigh and was sent to the hos-

pital at Mt. Pleasant, near Washington, D. C.,
where he remained one month, when he was
transferred to Philadelphia, where he was con-
fined until January, 1864, when he returned to

‘his company. At Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864,

he was again wounded, receiving a shot in one
leg just above the knee; after a few months
in the Satterlee Hospital at Philadelphia he
joined his company near Petersburg, near
which place he took part in several skirmishes,
and was also at the surrender of Gen. Lee.
He received his honorable discharge May 27,
1865, and after a few weeks’ visit at his home
in Bradford County he came to Sullivan
County and settled on his present homestead.
The farm consists of 120 acres of land, all of
which has been put under a fine state of culti-
vation by our subject.
612 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Mr. Little was wedded December 16, 1868,
to Rachael D. Snell, a daughter of John and
Rachael (Calflesh) Snell, both of whom are
now deceased. Her father was a farmer and
lumberman of Sullivan County. Our subject
and wife have adopted one child, James, who
is now residing at home. Politically Mr. Lit-
tle is an avowed Republican, casting his first
vote for “Abe” Lincoln; he has held the office
of county commissioner for three years; is
now serving his third term as justice of the
peace; and has filled other township offices.
He is a member of J. P. Jones Post, No. 436,
G. A. R., of Forksville. He and his wife at-
tend the Wesleyan Methodist Church at Hills-
grove.

 

R. HARVEY J. S. WEICKSEL, who

belongs to a family distinguished for
literary attainments and_ religious
zeal, is a skilful veterinary surgeon of Sha-
mokin, Pa. He was born January 15, 1871,
in Ringtown, Schuylkill County, Pa., and is.a
son of Rev. Henry and Angeline Weicksel,
and grandson of Henry Weicksel, who was
born and died in the province of Bavaria, Ger-
many.

Rev. Henry Weicksel, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Germany, September 21,
1817, and came to this country when a young
man, landing in Baltimore, Md. He soon af-
ter entered the college at Gettysburg, mar-
ried, and then settled at Hanover, York Coun-
ty, and entered the ministry of the Evangel-
ical Lutheran Church, which sacred calling he
followed throughout his life. He later re-
moved to Ringtown, and died in December,
1896, in Shamokin, Pa., where he was living
in retirement. Rev. Luther M. C., the eldest
of the children, was graduated from Muhlen-

 

 

 

 

 

 

berg College at Allentown and the theological
seminary at Philadelphia, and in 1876 entered
the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church, and is now stationed at Renova, Clin-
ton County, Pa.; Jemima Elvira is the wife
of Daniel G. Seiler, of the firm of E. G. Seiler
& Co., wholesale commission merchants of
Shamokin, Pa.; Amelia, unmarried, is now
living in Washington, D. C.—she graduated
from Keystone State Normal School, at
Kutztown, Pa., and then studied physical cul-
ture, graduating from Dr. Sargeant’s School,
at Cambridge, Mass., and is now one of the
loved and respected teachers in the Friends’
School in Washington, also finding time to do
considerable special work; William began to
study for the ministry in 1884, graduating
from Muhlenberg College and Mount Airy
Theological Seminary, and was called to his
first charge at Shamokin, Pa., and then went
to Coudersport, and thence to North Lima,
Ohio; Frederick A. first learned the trade of
a plasterer and then clerked for a time, and
at a later period studied theology at Selins-
grove, and was ordained a minister in the
Lutheran Church and located at Numidia,
Pa.; Harvey J. S., our subject, was the next
in order of birth; Lizzie, our subject’s half-
sister, his father having married twice, mar-
ried Julius Sebach, and to them were born
one son and one-daughter; Julius, a graduate
of Pennsylvania College, and also of the theo-
logical seminary at Gettysburg, is one of the
devoted and talented young ministers of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church, and is respect-
ed for his literary ability and criticisms as weil
as for his religious fervor in promoting the
best interests of the church with which he is
connected. His sister Lena is studying kin-
dergarten work,

Dr. Harvey J. S. Weicksel, our subject, re-
ceived his preliminary education in the public
1

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 613

 

 

schools and then attended one year at the
State College of Pennsylvania, when he en-
tered the veterinary department of the Uni-

versity of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, from |

which he was graduated in 1894, and located
in September of the same year in Shamokin,
Pa., where he has since remained. In connec-
tion with his profession he does considerable
work for Dr. Leonard Pearson, state veteri-
nary commissioner of Pennsylvania, in the
way of looking after the health of cattle.

Dr. Weicksel is a member of the United
States Veterinary Medical Association and of
the Pennsylvania State Medical Association;
also a member of the Knights of Malta and
of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, tak-
ing an active part in the choir.

 

OHN PACKER HAAS, one of the

representative business men of Sun-

bury, Northumberland County, Pa., is
a man of considerable influence, being held in
the highest esteem by his innumerable ac-
quaintances. He was born in Sunbury, Sep-
tember 30, 1849, and is a son of John and
Mary (Gheen) Haas. He is descended from
Revolutionary stock, his great-grandfather on
the paternal side having participated in the
War of the Revolution.

Daniel Haas, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a native of Shamokin township,

Northumberland County, Pa., where he en-
gaged in tilling the soil, becoming a man of
prominence in that locality. In political at-
tachments he was a Democrat. He married
Eve Reed, a member of a well-known family
of Shamokin township, and their union was
blessed by the birth of eleven children, among
whom was John Haas, the father of our sub-
ject.

 

 

John Haas was born June 22, 1822, in
Shamokin township, Pa., and spent his young-
er days in work upon his father’s farm. After
leaving home he engaged in mercantile busi-
ness and in mining coal, spending many years
in that business. He was a member of the
firm of John Haas & Company and of Haas
& Fageley of Shamokin, a firm very well-
known at the time, but he retired from the
coal business in 1875. He then was interested
in the Sunbury Nail Works, with which he
was identified until 1894, when he resigned as
its president. He was always interested in
public improvements and was connected with
numerous public enterprises, namely: as di-
rector of the First National Bank; one of the
first directors of the Shamokin, Sunbury &
Lewisburg Railroad, and was for many years
president of the missionary institute, now
known as Susquehanna University. He has
been an elder.in the Lutheran Church at Sun-
bury for thirty-five years, and was superin-
tendent of the Sunday School for thirty years.
Politically he is a Republican, and during the
Civil War was a very strong Unionist. He
is now enjoying life at the advanced age of
nearly seventy-seven years. His union with
Mary Gheen resulted in the birth of four chil-
dren: John Packer, the subject of this sketch;
J. Clementine, who married L. T. Rohrbach;
Mary Alice, wife of the late Dr. C. M. Martin;
and Louisa, who died in infancy.

John’ Packer Haas received his intellectual
training at Susquehanna University and at
Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, Pa.
Upon leaving school he was employed by his
father at Sunbury, and later was extensively
engaged in the wholesale and retail coal busi-
ness at Baltimore, Md. While residing in
that city he was appointed treasurer of the
Baltimore postoffice to serve under Postmas-
ter Harrison Adreon. Upon the expiration of
614

his term of four years he returned to Sunbury,
Pa., where he engaged in the iron business
until the Sunbury mill closed down for a few
years. He then engaged as New York State
agent for the Pottstown Iron Company, with
his office located at Syracuse, N. Y., and he
efficiently served in that capacity until the
company closed the works. He has since de-
voted his attention to his private interests. He
is aman of exceptional business ability, ener-
getic and always trustworthy. He has the ex-
plicit confidence of his fellow-citizens and is
everywhere respected. In politics he is a
stanch Republican. He was honored by the
unanimous nomination for Congress from his
county and declined the nomination from the
Seventeenth Congressional District.

On November 4, 1872, Mr. Haas was united
in marriage with Sally Schaffle of Lewisburg,

Pa., eldest daughter of C. W. Schaffle, de-

ceased, and they became the parents of three
children: Mary G., now Mrs. A. J. Carter of
Waynesburg, Pa.; Gertrude, who lives at
home; and Jennie, deceased. In religious at-
tachments the family are members of the
Lutheran Church.

ANSLER B. BIRD, the leading mar-

ket gardener of the village of River-

side, was born in Elysburg,

Northumberland County, Pa., March 18,

1859, and is a son of John S. and Rachel Ann

(Potter) Bird, and grandson of James S. and
Sarah (Fisher) Bird.

Our subject’s grandfather was a native of
the state of New Jersey, but resided at Bear
Gap, Northumberland County, Pa., the great-
er part of his life, where he was engaged in
farming. He married Sarah Fisher, who bore
him a family of six children, namely: Henry,

 

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

James, John S., Lena, Anna, and Sarah. He
died at the age of eighty-three years; his wife
passed from this life aged eighty-two years.
John 8. Bird, the father of our subject, was
born on his father’s farm at Bear Gap, Feb-
ruary I, 1824, and spent his younger days
learning the trade of a tanner; in 1875 he
moved to Montour County and became a resi-
dent of Mausdale, where he worked for
Charles Fenstermacher for about eleven
years. In 1877 he moved to Riverside, and
purchasing four lots on the corner of Avenue
E and Sunbury street, erected a fine residence,
which he has since made his home. In 1862
Mr. Bird enlisted in the Union Army and
served nearly three years; he was assigned to
Company D, 150th Reg., in the famous Buck-
tail Brigade, and was soon promoted to pri-
vate, and at the battle of Gettysburg he was
wounded in the left arm, for which injury he
now receives a pension. His wife is Rachel
Ann Potter, a daughter of Thomas Potter of
Catawissa, Pa., and six children have_blessed
the union, as follows: Emanuel, deceased;
James, a resident of Nanticoke, Pa., book-
keeper for the Susquehanna Coal Company;
Kersey, deceased; Ransler B., our subject;
Levi, deceased; and Martin, a Congregation-

-al minister residing at Brainerd, Minn. Mr.

and Mrs. Bird are members of the Methodist
Church and our subject’s father is sexton of
the same. Mr. Bird is treasurer of the vil'age
of Riverside.

Our subject followed farming until 1887,
when he removed to Riverside and purchased
of Richard Wilson ten lots, or two and one-
half acres of land; he improved the buildings,
set out fruit trees and began raising vegetables
for the market. In 1891 he erected a green-
house, which contains forty-seven hundred
square feet of glass, and he not only raises
many beautiful flowers but keeps one of the
 

 

 

 

JOSEPH KEIM.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 617

 

 

largest and best kept gardens in Northum-
berland County. On market days his wagon
and display of vegetables, berries, fruit and
flowers are the envy of all. Our subject also
raises lemons, and during the season of 1898
he picked and sold over one hundred choice
lemons; he also ships flowers and shrubberies
to the surrounding towns.

Mr. Bird was united in marriage to Emma
Shannon, a daughter of Joseph L. Shannon,
whose sketch also appears in this Book of
Biographies. Three children have blessed the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Bird, namely: John
Elliott, born February 1, 1893; Eva Sophia,
born June 24, 1896; and Esther Elizabeth,
born March 22, 1898. Mr. Bird is independ-
ent.in his political views, always upholding
the candidate who, in his opinion, is the best
man. He has served as a school director; re-
ligiously, he is a member and steward of the
Methodist Church.

——

OSEPH KEIM, outside-foreman at the

Henry Clay Colliery near Shamokin,

Pa., was born July 19, 1843, in Blythe

township, Schuylkill County, Pa., and is a son
of Jacob and Maria (Steck) Keim.

Jacob Keim, our subject’s father, and his
brother Peter were the first of the family to
come to America. They took an active part
in the development of the anthracite coal in-
dustry. Jacob Keim’s life came to an untime-
ly end when our subject was only six years
of age, at the Kaska Williams Colliery, in
Schuylkill County, it being the first accident
of the kind in the anthracite coal region. Pe-
ter Keim spent his life in mining and had al-
ways worked with his brother until Jacob's
death, when he removed to Wisconsin and
took up a homestead. His family was swept
away by an epidemic of cholera morbus.

 

Joseph Keim, our subject, was the eldest
one of the family upon his father’s death, hav-
ing a younger sister and brother. The broth-
er, Jacob, born two weeks after his father’s
death, is yet living and is a resident of East
Mahanoy township, Schuylkill County, where
he follows mining as a business. The sister,
Katherine, became the wife of Lawrence P.
Brennan, and they reside at Jackson’s Patch.
At the age of eight years our subject went
into a coal-breaker as a picker of slate, attend-
ing school only for a short time during the
year, and then under incompetent teachers,
which gave him very poor advantages for ob-
taining an education. From picking slate he
became a driver of teams in and around the
mines, and next he engaged in farming, after
which he ran an engine in Schuylkill County.
His first position was with P. D. Luther, who
operated the Kaska Williams Colliery, in
Schuylkill County. Later our subject was
employed as foreman at the Penitentiary Col-
liery, also operated by Mr. Luther. Shortly
afterwards he enlisted in Company H, 173rd
Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and entered the Civil War
for nine months, remaining for about ten or
eleven months. He did not participate in any
engagement, as he arrived on the field too
late for the battle of Gettysburg. After re-
ceiving his discharge from the army he began
work in the Kaska Williams Colliery under
the employ of Mr. Luther, and ran engines
for some time. Later he went to what was
known as the Berry Colliery, which had been
operated for a time by P. J. Berry, but upon
his failure returned to the hands of the Mac-
Neal Coal & Iron Company. Mr. Keim was
appointed superintendent of the Berry Col-
liery; his success in this connection made him
the choice of the company to operate the
Jackson’s Patch collieries, a much more re-
sponsible position. The strikes of the W. B.
618

A. entailed great losses and put to large in-
convenience the MacNeal Company and,
upon the company’s failure, the property
passed into the hands of White, Fowler &
Snow, and our subject remained in their em-
ploy. This company continued in business
but a short time, when Franklin B. Gowen,
who was the president of the Philadelphia &
Reading Coal & Iron Company and the Phil-
adelphia & Reading Railroad Company, fore-
closed the mortgage, taking everything out
of the mines and closing them up. Mr. Keim
was with the Philadelphia & Reading Coal &
Iron Company while this was being done and
subsequently he was transferred to the Knick-
erbocker Colliery near Yatesville, under the
same management, in the capacity of a fore-
man, remaining there until about 1872, when
he was again transferred to the Shenandoah
City Colliery, remaining until May 1, 1884,
when he left and went to Pottsville and went
into the natural ice business for one year. On
October 12, 1885, he again entered the em-
ploy of the company, going to the North
Franklin Colliery at Trevorton, and remained
there until April 23, 1888, when he was trans-
ferred to the Henry Clay Colliery at Shamo-
kin, where he has since remained. This is one
of the most important positions of the kind in
the section; it includes the Henry Clay, Peer-
less, Sterling and Big Mountain workings,
and Mr. Keim has the superintendence of the
outside workings of the Henry Clay and Big
Mountain. 5

Our subject married Elizabeth Simmet,
who died at Shenandoah, May 23, 1880. They
have been blessed with six children: Mary,
the wife of Edward Agnew of Philadelphia,
Pa.; Matilda, the wife of John P. Quinn of
Shamokin, Pa.; Herman J., a cutter by trade,
who was employed by a large Chicago firm for
five years, but is now in business for himself

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

in the West; Leo L., who lives in Shamokin,
Pa., and is in the employ of the Henry Clay
Colliery; Rose, unmarried; and John, who
died in 1880 at Shenandoah.

Mr. Keim is a stockholder in the Shamokin
Title & Trust Company. He is a Republican
in politics and very much interested in all
national affairs, but has never sought an offi-
cial position. He is a member of Lincoln
Post, No. 140, G. A. R., of Shamokin, and in
1897 was its commander; and is a member
of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. Mr. Keim’s portrait accompanies this
sketch, being presented on a foregoing page.

OHN REBMAN, one of the popular

commercial travelers representing F. P.

Delley & Company of Philadelphia,
who makes his home at Danville, Pa., was
born in Stuttgart, Germany, January 3, 1847,
and is a son of John and Catherine (Hansel-
men) Rebman, and grandson of Hesock Reb-
man,

Hesock Rebman was a descendant of nobil-
ity, and our subject has a copy of his coat-of-
arms and crest. He had charge of the mint
in Germany many years. His son, John, the
father of our subject, was born in Germany,
and was engaged in the manufacture of calico.
He came to the United States in 1852 and set-
tled in Frankfort, Pa., where he remained
some time, when he moved to Philadelphia
and spent the latter days of his life in quiet
and peace. While a resident of Frankfort, he
was successfully engaged in the manufacture
of axles, and operated a large factory. He
was united in marriage with Catherine Han-
selmen, and they were the parents of two chil-
dren, namely: Frederick, deceased; and John,
the subject of this personal history. Upon
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 619

 

 

the death of our subject's father, Mrs. Reb-
man was wedded to Louis Houtrum, and they
have raised one daughter, Lizzie.

John Rebman entered the Wisengras Gym-
nasium during his younger days, where he be-
came a marvel in performing feats on the
trapeze. He came to the United States on the
-ship “Washington” and landed in Philadel-
phia May 13, 1860, and for some time he was
engaged in following the barber's trade. He
then took up his old profession, and traveled
with many of the leading circuses in the
United States, including Forepaugh’s Show,
Robinson's Show, was with R. E. Gardner
four and one-half years, and was with R. S. O.
Stokes, when that gentleman made a_ tour
through Europe, where our subject was billed
as the special attraction. He was the first one
to introduce to the world the double somer-
sault, and won a reputation as the most dar-
ing leaper of his day. Our subject spent many
months traveling through Brazil and Cuba.
He was obliged to retire from the show busi-
ness as the hard work was fast telling on his
physical health, and he came to Danville, Pa.,
and under the firm name of Krebs & Rebman
carried on a wholesale and retail liquor house.
In 1887 he became a traveling salesman, rep-
resenting the well known firm of F. P. Delley
& Co., of Philadelphia.

Mr. Rebman was united in the bonds of
matrimony with Emma M. Leigles, a daugh-
ter of E. R. Leigles, who for many years was
identified with the iron mills of Danville, but
who is now engaged in farming at Kipp’s
Run, Pa. Five children resulted from this
union, namely: Frederick B., an operator at
Youngstown, Ohio, was wedded to Anna
Haves; Samuel C., a bookkeeper for Rochey,
Pierce & Company of Pittsburg, was married
to Jennie Askner, and they have one child,
Annie; and Harry J., a lawyer of Danville,

 

who was admitted to the bar in 1895. Mr.
Rebman is a member and past master of Dan-
ville Lodge No. 516, F. & A. M.; Lodge No.
too, TO, 0. F.5 1 G. R.M.: and KK, of P,

0

ILLIAM KIEFER, one of the most
enterprising and successful of the
younger business men of Mount

Carmel, has won success by his perseverance
and industry. He is a son of William and
Dorothea Kiefer and was born in Schuylkill
Haven, Schuylkill County, Pa., November 9,
18€o. His parents were natives of Germany
and each came to the United States when
young and subsequently married here.

The father of our subject located in Potts-
ville, where he became a butcher, and followed
the meat business for several years. He re-
moved to Mount Carmel in 1884 and followed
bis business as a butcher until within a few
years, when he practically retired from active
business. He and his wife were blessed with
a family of seven children, two sons and five
daughters, one dying in infancy. The sur-
viving children are as follows: Alice, wife of
Dr. Edmund W. Samuel of Mount Carmel;
William, our subject; Anna, wife of Oscar
Scott, a cabinetmaker of Mount Carmel;
Thomas, who is in business with the subject
of our sketch; Mary and Emma, who are mil-
liners in Mount Carmel; and Martha, a teach-
er in one of the schools of Mount Carmel.

Our subject received but limited education
in the common schools in Frackville, Schuyl-
kill County, Pa. At the age of about seven-
teen years he left home and removed to Mount
Carmel, and entered the employ of Charles
K. Maurer, who established the first meat
market in the town of Mount Carmel. Wil-
liam remained with Mr. Maurer for eight
years, when he established a similar business
620 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

on his own account, which immediately pros-
pered and which, with his brother Thomas, he
now conducts under the firm name of Kiefer
Bros. He ran the market for six years, at the
end of which period the business had so en-
larged that his brother joined him and took
up a part of the active management of the
market. The firm now does the leading butch-
er business in Mount Carmel. The brothers
do their own killing and cater only to the best
trade. They keep five delivery wagons con-
stantly employed, and their business amounts
to about six thousand dollars per month. The
firm occupies the ground floor of a large
three-story brick building, which is admirably
arranged for their particular business.

Aside from his individual business Mr. Kie-
fer has considerable interests in local corpor-
ations and has done much to materially ad-
vance the industrial prosperity of Mount Car-
mel. He is a director in the Mount Carmel
First National Bank and has been such for
about six years; he is a director of the Edison
Electric Nluminating Company; and a direc-
tor of the People’s Building & Loan Asso-
ciation. In politics our subject is an active
Democrat. He has served one term as a school
director of the borough. He is a member of
Mount Carmel Lodge No. 378, F. & A. M.

On December 25, 1886, Mr. Kiefer was
joined in the bonds of matrimony to Mary
Eddy, daughter of Peter and Lydia (Wool-
cock) Eddy, of Shamokin. Their union has
been blessed by two children: Frederick and
Dorothy.

——_+ o> —_____

R. RALPH W. MONTELIUS, one
G of the most prominent and successful

physicians and surgeons with a large
practice in Mount Carmel and throughout
Northumberland County, is a son of Alfred

 

 

 

 

 

M. and Eliza J. (Hartshorn) Montelius, and
was born February 5, 1854, in Curwensville,
Clearfield County, Pa. Having for some time
been an active and enthusiastic member of
the National Guard of Pennsylvania, when the
war between the United States and Spain
broke out, Dr. Montelius was one of the first
to offer his services to his country, and he has
served with distinction in various capacities,
winning high praise as an officer of excellent
executive ability.

The great-grandfather of our subject,
Charles Montelius, had a most interesting ca-
reer, starting out at an early age under con-
ditions which were not the most favorable but
which he turned to his advantage by his nat-
ural ability and his pluck and perseverance.
He was a native of Germany and was edu-
cated with a view to his serving in the French
Legislature. When quite young, however,
Charles was kidnaped, brought to this coun-
try and bound out to a Mr. Bartholomew, a
merchant in Philadelphia, in payment for his
passage to the United States. This occurred
during the French revolutionary period.
Charles served the necessary term of six years
in payment of his transportation to this coun-
try, paid strict attention to business, and in-
cidentally won the affections of the daughter
of Mr. Bartholomew, whom he married. He
went into business as a general merchant at
Sixth and Walnut streets in Philadelphia and,
being persona grata to his father-in-law, from
whom he received considerable encourage-
ment and assistance, he was very successful.
He finally removed to Union County, this
state, where he invested extensively in farms
in the Buffalo Valley territory, and spent the
remainder of his life in managing his farms
and several estates which he acquired. The
grandfather was a man of determined char-
acter and strong will and of positive opinions
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 621

 

as to what was right or wrong. In politics he
was a Whig. He was a member of the famous
“Buck Shot Legislature,” serving in it dur-
ing the most exciting period of its existence.
It is related that he was urged by Thaddeus
Stevens to “vote with the party and let con-
science go to the Devil,” but that was not
in accord with Mr. Montelius’ idea of right
and he rebelled and refused to obey the dic-
tate of the old political war-horse. His re-
fusal to vote with his party on important
measures caused a serious disturbance and
resulted in a personal attack upon him. To
escape personal harm, and at the same time
act as his own judgment dictated, Mr. Mon-
telius leaped from a second-story window
in the state house and escaped from his tor-
mentors. Religiously the grandfather was
a member of the German Reformed Church.

Alfred M. Montelius, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Mifflinburg, Union County,
Pa., in 1827, was reared and resided there un-
til he was twenty-one years old, when he re-
moved to Curwensville, Clearfield County,
where for several years he was engaged in
business as a general merchant. In 1861 he
enlisted in the 105th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and
served eleven months during the Rebellion.
After his discharge from the army he removed
to Mount Carmel, in October, 1862, and was
appointed superintendent of the Mount Car-
mel Colliery, which was later operated by
Montelius, Righter & Co., his brother, Wil-
liam, being the head of the company. Sub-
sequently Alfred became a member of the
firm and retained his interest until his death,
Novémber 28, 1886. He was one of the or-
ganizers of the Mount Carmel Water Com-
pany, of which he was the first president; a
promoter of the Edison Electric Illuminating
Company, and the first bank of Mount Car-
mel,—the Mount Carmel Savings Bank. He

 

was a Republican in politics and served as a
school director for several terms. A.M. Mon-
telius was known as a most charitable man,
giving freely to the poor and being a very
liberal supporter of the Methodist Church,
with which he was affiliated. He married.
[liza J. Hartshorn, daughter of Benjamin
Hartshorn, a pioneer distiller of Clearfield
County, and to them were born eight chil-
dren, as follows: William T., who some time
ago retired from active business and resides
in Mount Carmel; Ralph W., the subject of
this review; Walton H., a real estate dealer
of Philadelphia; Katharine, the wife of Harry
E. Brown of Philadelphia, who is in the em-
ploy of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad;
Belle Louise, wife of D. M. Hinkle, a promi-
nent business man of Williamsport, Pa.; Rol-
lin Clark, a prominent coal merchant in Phil-
adelphia, who also is a Republican and very
active in politics; Howard H., who is in the
employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Wil-
liamsport, Pa.; Frank, who is private secre-
tary to J. M. Wallis, formerly general super-
intendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Our subject, Ralph W. Montelius, was ed-
ucated in the common schools of Curwens-
ville and in the academies at Mifflinburg and
Elysburg and at the State Normal School in
Bloomsburg, Pa. For a short time he man-
aged his father’s general store in Mount Car-
mel, also studying medicine with Dr. W. J.
Haas, the first resident physician of Mount
Carmel. He entered Jefferson Medical Col-
lege, Philadelphia, from which he was grad-
uated in 1876. Because of ill health he did
not. immediately take up the practice of his
profession, but in the fall of 1876 he removed
to Mount Carmel and soon afterwards began
the practice of medicine, which he has con-
tinued there since. He has a large practice,
particularly as a surgeon. Dr. Montelius is
622 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

a member of the Schuylkill County Medical
Society; the Lehigh Valley Medical Associa-
tion; the Pennsylvania State Medical So-
ciety; and the Medical Society of the United
States. In politics he is a Republican and
has served two terms as a school director and
has frequently been a delegate to conventions
of his party. He is a member of Mount Car-
mel Lodge, No. 378, F. & A. M., of which
he is a past master; and is past commander
of Prince of Peace Commandery No. 22,
Knights Templar.

On October 17, 1876, our subject was
united in marriage with Carrie E. Sillyman,
daughter of Oscar H. Sillyman of Mount Car-
mel, and to them have been born two chil-
dren: Carrie E., born July 7, 1879, and Kath-
arine, born December 18, 1887.

When the war with Spain was declared Dr.
Montelius promptly forsook his personal
practice and prepared to serve with the 8th
Reg., Pennsylvania Volunteers, and went out
as surgeon with the rank of first lieutenant.
He was detached from his regiment June rr,
1898, and was made chief consulting surgeon
of the Ist division hospital at Camp Alger,
Va., being subsequently transferred to Camp
Meade, where he was detailed as executive
officer and placed in charge of all the prop-
erty belonging to the camp. Subsequently,
when the troops went to Augusta,.Ga., Dr.
Montelius, in addition to his already exten-
sive duties, was made a member of the sum-
mary court. He relieved Maj. Wyeth of the
Ist division, 5th Army Corps, who was or-
dered to Oklahoma, and for some time was
in entire charge of the medical stores at Camp
McKenzie, in Georgia. Dr. Montelius proved
very popular with his fellow officers and with
the men in the ranks and was regarded as one

of the most capable and energetic officers in,

the corps. He received an honorable dis-

:

 

charge and was mustered out of the service
on the 7th day of March, 1899, and returned
to Mount Carmel, where he resumed the prac-
tice of his profession.

———_—_+---»—______

HARLES P. HANCOCK. — Standing

conspicuously in the foremost ranks

of the leading business men of

Montour County, is the subject of this per-

sonal history, who is the proprietor of the

famous “Globe Store” of Danville, one of

the largest in the state, excluding those of

Philadelphia. He is a son of William and

Mary (Reay) Hancock, and was born in Dan-
ville, Montour County, Pa.

The family is of English extraction and Mr.
Hancock’s grandfather was a resident of
Lainesfield, Staffordshire, England. He was
for many years a clerk at the Spring Dale
[ron Works, near Bilston, Eng., and upon
becoming an expert accountant his services
were sought by many. He was the father of
two sons: James and William, both of whom
came to this country and located at Danville,
Pa.

William Hancock, the father of our subject,
was born at Lainesfield, Staffordshire, Eng.,
it is thought, in 1812. He became a stock-
taker and iron finisher of expert skill, and es-
tablished a reputation in that line of work.
When the Mountain Iron Works of Danville
was built its projectors conceived the idea that
pig iron could be made from anthracite coal,
and as a result a rolling mill was erected in
1844, of which A. J. Voris, Esq., was made
general builder, and Mr. Henry Brevoost su-
perintendent. In order to make the trial they
needed the assistance of experts for whom a
man was dispatched to Sunderland, Eng.,
where he secured the services of two highly
recommended men, William Hancock and
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 623

 

= =e

John Foley. In 1844 they came to Danvil’e
and assumed charge of the plant, manufactur-
ing what is known as the T rail, which is
now in universal use. The U rail was pre-
viously in use, but after they began to manu-
facture the T rail, on October 8, 1845, it was
supplanted by the latter, which is now the
standard throughout the world. These rails
were made under the supervision of Mr. Han-
cock, who had charge of the straightening
and finishing, and his efficiency in that de-
partment made him noted far and wide in
railroad circles. In 1847 in company with
John Foley, under the firm name of Han-
cock & Foley, he purchased a mill which had
been built by Bird Patterson, and named it
the Rough and Ready Rolling Mill, for the
manufacture of merchant iron. They con-
tinued until 1850, when it was merged into
a rail mill and changed the name to the Glen-
dower Iron Works. They were decidedly
successful from the very start and eight years
later our subject’s father became sole propri-
etor and operated it until 1867, when the
National Iron Company, of which he was
made president, was formed and succeeded
the Glendower Iron Works. In 1870 he and
a Mr. Creveling built a furnace, but one year
later the National Iron Company purchased
it and operated it in connection with its other
plant until the death of Mr. Hancock in 1872.
In 1874 the heirs of William Hancock pur-
chased the entire business under a mortgage
sale and organized the Hancock Iron & Steel
Company. Mr. Hancock was a very ener-
getic and progressive business man and did
more than any other man to promote the
iron industry in his section of the state. His
advice was frequently sought by the leading
manufacturing concerns in the vicinity and
always yas freely given with the rare judg-
ment whick was characteristic of him. He

 

was of honest and upright character, of chari-
table disposition, and fair in his dealings with
all men. His death was a sad loss to the
horough. At his death he was erecting one
of the handsomest homes in Danville, a large
three-story residence, built of Vermont gran-
ite and stone, on Market street, which is now
the home of Charles P. Hancock, his son.
He was a director in the Danville National
Bank. Religiously he and his family were
members of the Episcopal Church. He was
thrice united in the bonds of matrimony, first
with Isabella Emerson in England, who died
at the age of thirty-six years. Their children
were: Sarah, the wife of Benjamin G. Welsh;
Elizabeth J., the widow of J. D. Gosh, M.
D., of Danville; Isabella, the wife of Harvey
B. Crane; Cornelia P., who married S. A.
York of Danville; and William D., who died
at an early age. His second marital union
was with Mary Reay, a daughter of John
Reay, a native of England, by whom he had
three children, as follows: Charles P., the
gentleman whose name heads these lines;
George M.; and Mary M., who married F.
W. Watkin. His third marriage was to Mary
Jones. Their children were: Harry T., who
is a clerk in the “Globe Store,” in Sunbury,
Pa.; Jennie E.; and Augusta, the wife of John
L. Lane.

Charles P. Hancock was reared in Dan-
ville, and obtained a good English education
in the public schools, after which he accepted
a clerical position with the firm, Cleland,
Simpson & Taylor. He continued in their
employ until the firm removed to Scranton,
Pa., when he was urged to accompany them
as his services would be hard to replace. He
was an ideal clerk, a model of politeness, and
seemed to know the wants of every customer
by intuition, always pleasing them and send-
ing them away from the store satisfied. In
624

1883, after having acquired the necessary ex-
perience, he resigned his position with the
above firm and launched in business on his
own account. He returned to Danville and
opened the “Globe Store,” where his former
employers were located, and there has estab-
lished the best store of its kind in this sec-
tion of the state, owing to his untiring
energy in catering to the wants of his many
customers from all sections of the county, and
his successful management. The building in
which he is located is large and commodious,
three stories high, and with its white front
presents an attractive appearance. It is
stocked with the latest and largest line of
dry goods, notions, cloaks, ladies’ tailor-made
suits, men’s furnishings, and fourteen compe-
tent clerks are constantly employed to attend
to the large patronage. The store is a mode!
of neatness, everything being systematically
arranged and in its place, which is always
pleasing to a patron who does not wish to
be delayed in making a purchase. Mr. Han-
cock richly deserves the abundance of suc-
cess with which he has met, and has the good
wishes of a host of friends. In 1898 he
opened the largest retail dry goods store in
Sunbury, where fifteen clerks are employed.
Mr. Hancock was united in matriage to
Adda L. Krebs, a daughter of Simon Krebs,
who was formerly a resident of Danville and
now is president and superintendent of the
Listic Mining & Manufacturing Company, of
Somerset, Pa. This union was blessed by the
birth of three sons, namely: William K.;
Charles P., Jr., who died in infancy; and John.
Mr. Hancock takes an active interest in pub-
lic affairs. He once served as president of
the town council. He was also a member of
the board of trade and has held numerous
other offices of minor importance. He is a
stockholder and director of the Danville Na-

 

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

tional Bank. Religiously he is a member of
Christ Memorial Church of Danville, and has
been a vestryman for some time. Socially
he is a member of the following orders: Ma-
hony Lodge, No. 516, F. & A. M.; Danville
Chapter, No. 239, R. A. M.; Calvary Com-
mandery, No. 37, Knights Templar; and the
Mystic Shrine.

———__—_—_+-e »—___.

ILLIAM WRAGG, a well known

citizen of Shamokin, Pa., has for

many years been one of the most
prominent men in the town and is known
throughout the county as a man of high prin-
ciples and ceaseless energy. He is an outside-
foreman at the Hickory Ridge Colliery and
discharges his duties in a manner worthy of
the highest praise. He was born December
8, 1855, in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, Pa.,
and is a son of Benjamin and Anna (Booth)
Wragg.

Benjamin Wragg was a native of Derby-
shire, England, and immigrated to America
about 1850, settling in Tamaqua, Schuylkill
County, Pa. where he died in 1871 at the
age of fifty-one years. His occupation was
that of a carpenter and he followed his trade
in England and in this country. From the
time he came to this country until his death,
he was in the employ of John Donaldson &
Company, coal Operators, acting as superin-
tendent and foreman most of the time, and
was for four years prior to his death super-
intendent of the mines. His first wife was
also a native of England and she bore him
three children all of whom died young. His
second wife was the mother of our subject
and they were blessed with seven children, as
follows: William, the subject of this sketch;
Samuel, who is assistant outside-foreman at
the Richards Colliery near Mount Carmel;
 

WHEELER GREEN.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, 627

 

 

Mary R; John H., who is in the employ of the
Union Coal Company as fireman; Benjamin
F., who is blacksmith for the Union Coal
Company at Hickory Swamp Colliery; Eliza
J., who is at home; and George W., who is
an engineer at Hickory Swamp Colliery.

William Wragg, the subject of this biog-
raphy, for many years has been in the min-
ing business, for at the age of ten he began
to work as a slate-picker in the breaker, for
the Donaldson Company, and later became
shipping clerk for the same company. Then
for twenty years he was engineer for several
different companies, and on May 1, 1893, he
accepted a position as outside-foreman at the
Hickory Swamp Colliery, under the operation
of the Union Coal Company. This colliery
employs between 400 and 500 men and boys
and Mr. Wragg’s duties are many, but he
has performed them with such energy and
zeal as to give entire satisfaction to his em-
ployers and fellow-workmen. He was trans-
ferred to Hickory Ridge Colliery, which a'so
is operated by the Union Coal Company, on
February 1, 1899.

Politically Mr. Wragg is a strong Repub-
lican and he is always looking out for the in-
terests of his party. He married Emma J.
Oliver, a daughter of Pierce Oliver and a step-
daughter of Thomas Senger, who was one of

‘the victims of the famous ‘Mollie Maguire’
uprising in Schuylkill County. Mr. and
Mrs. Wragg have been blessed with four

children, namely: -Gertrude; Rebie A.;
Thomas S.; and Sarah H.
2S

HEELER GREEN, one of the old-

est and most respected residents of

Sullivan County, is now living in
retirement, having acquired a handsome com-
petency in farming and the lumbering busi-

 

ness, which have been life-long occupations.
He was born near his present homestead in
Hillsgrove township, September 12, 1814, and
his parents were Richard and Mary (Plotts)
Green. ;

Richard Green, father of our subject, came
from New Jersey State to what is now known
as Sullivan County, via Bloomsburg, Muncy
Valley, thence over the mountains to the vi-
cinity of our subject’s present home. He
bought a tract of 50 acres and began its culti-
vation. In those pioneer days a man could
make a comfortable living with very little
capital, as the woods were filled with all kinds
of game, while the streams abounded with fine
fish. Many times our subject’s father killed
deer and other game from his cabin door. His
original farm is now owned by Edward Mc-
Bride, and his later purchase, which consists
of 330 acres, is owned by our subject. Rich-
ard built a saw-mill and cut lumber, which he
rafted down to the Susquehanna River, thence
to the markets, and he had many thrilling ex-
periences in floating lumber down the river,
also with the wild beasts in the woods. Mr.
Green possessed a strong constitution, was
a hard and industrious worker, and possessed
hosts of friends. He passed from this life at
the agé of eighty-four years, ten months and
twenty days. He was an unwavering Dem-
ocrat in his political views, whilst religiously
he was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
His children were John, Wheeler, Joseph, Al-
fred, Isaac, Robert, William, Sarah, Annie,
Rachael, Harriet, and Mary, all of whom grew
to manhood and womanhood except Robert,
who died in infancy.

Wheeler Green was reared and always has
lived on his present homestead. His boyhood
days were spent in aiding his father in clear-
ing the farm, also in lumbering. When he
grew to manhood he took the responsibility
628 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

of taking much of the lumber down the river
to the markets, having made many trips dur-
ing his youthful days. Our subject now owns

250 acres of land and, though an old man, he.

is still active and able to do a big day’s work.
Mr. Green enjoys splendid health and takes
great pleasure in driving over the country be-
hind a span of spirited colts.

Mr. Green was joined in marriage with Har-
riet Ball, a daughter of John and Ann Ball;
she was born May 29, 1811, and died Decem-
ber 12, 1874. They reared the following chil-
dren; Sarah A., born January 26, 1843, who
is the wife of Dr. W. J. Randall of Forksville,
Pa.; Ursaline, born January 27, 1845, wife of
Abe Fogle and residing in Colorado; Maria
J., born April 20, 1847, wedded to William
Starr; John W., born August 3, 1849, who
has charge of the homestead and married
Martha Bedford; and Isadore, born October
16, 1853, who married Henry Froman, and
resides near the home of our subject.

Our subject upholds the principles of the
Democratic party and is also a strong tem-
perance man. He has served as school direc-
tor and as superintendent of roads.  Reli-
giously he is a prominent member of the
Methodist Church, of which he has been a
class-leader for over fifty years. We take
pleasure in announcing that a portrait of Mr.
Green appears on a preceding page.

R. JOEL G. RAESSLER, a leading
5 physician and also a druggist of

Mount Carmel, is a son of George
and Sarah (Geist) Raessler, and was born
February 4, 1846, in Hegins township,
Schuylkill County, Pa.

The father of our subject was a native of

 

 

 

 

 

Northumberland County, but he removed
when quite young to Schuylkill County, in
which he resided and followed his trade as a
tanner throughout his active career.

Our subject received his preliminary edu-
cation in the common schools and attended
the Freeburg Academy and the Millersville
State Normal School for some time. He first
mastered civil engineering and surveying, at
which profession he worked for five years,
teaching in the common schools during the
winter months, and also began the study of
medicine, determined to adopt a profession
more to his liking than surveying or teaching.
He received his preliminary instruction in
medicine from Dr. Shope of Valley View,
Schuylkill County. Entering the University
of Michigan, he took a course which well
fitted him to complete the learning which he
had set out to gain, graduating from that in-
stitution and then entering the celebrated Jef-
ferson Medical College in Philadelphia, from
which he graduated in 1870.

Immediately returning to Valley View after
his graduation from the Philadelphia college
Dr. Raessler entered upon the practice of his
profession in that town and was very suc-
cessful, continuing to practice there for four-
teen years. He then removed to Mount Car-
mel, where he has since resided and where
he has by strict attention to his clientage, and
by his unusual ability and his very extensive
knowledge of disease and the most modern
methods of practice, attained high rank as a
physician and a business which is very grati-
fying as well as lucrative. In addition to his
regular practice he also conducts a drug busi-"
ness which has been very successful.

Politically Dr. Raessler always has been a
stanch and consistent Democrat. He has
served as a member of the board of school
directors in Mount Carmel and also asa mem-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 629

 

ber of the borough council. He is a member
of the lodge of the I. O. O. F. at Hegins,
Schuylkill County, having joined it when he
was twenty-four years of age. Religiously
Dr. Raessler is an active member of Grace
Reformed Church, Mount Carmel,
he was one of the original trustees. He also
has been superintendent of the Sunday
School, being the first at the head of the
school upon its organization, in May, 1888.

Dr. Raessler married Mary E. Loudens-
lager, and to them have been born four sons:
Rufus, a graduate of Jefferson Medical Col-
lege, Philadelphia, who is practicing his pro-
fession at Anthon, Woodbury County, Ia.;
Elvin, a painter, who resides in Iowa; Vester,
who is attending the Ohio Normal Univer-
sity and is to be a pharmacist; and Archie,
who is at home.

of which

———+ 2 > _—_—

EWIS EVANS, one of the leading cit-
izens of Shamokin, Pa., and inside-
foreman at the Swamp Colliery, is
one of the most highly respected men in the
community, and has for several years been
one of Shamokin’s most prominent citizens.
He is a native of Wales, having been born
there April 5, 1849, and is a son of William
and Mary (Evans) Evans.

Our subject’s parents came to this country
in 1863, and settled near Scranton, Pa., where
William Evans, who had been a contractor
in and around the mines in his native coun-
try, accepted a position as foreman near
Scranton, but shortly removed to Plymouth,
Luzerne County, Pa., where he also acted as
foreman during the remainder of his active
life. He lost his life in the famous disaster
at Avondale, in September, 1869.

Lewis Evans, the subject of this biography,

 

at the age of nine years began his career as
a door-boy, also driving horses, and when he
came to the United States with his parents
he continued at this occupation until he was
eighteen years old, when he began his min-
ing career at St. Clair, near Pottsville, Schuyl-
kill County. Being ambitious to advance, it
was not long until his abilities were recog-
nized and he was promoted to the position
of fire-boss at Shenandoah, Schuylkill Coun-
ty, and he so satisfactorily filled his duties
that he was again promoted in 1890 to the
position of inside-foreman at the Allen Gow-
an Colliery of the Philadelphia & Reading
Coal & Iron Company, remaining there until
August, 1893. He then accepted a similar
position at the Swamp Colliery under the
Union Coal Company.

Politically Mr. Evans is an active and un-
swerving Republican, and has always taken
a deep interest in all political affairs, and he
constantly has the interest of his party and
fellow-citizens at heart. On October 9, 1870,
he was joined in marriage with Margaret
Richards, daughter of Shem Richards of St.
Clair, and they are the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Mary Ann, the wife of Har-
ry Finn, a fire-boss at the Swamp Colliery;
Shem, a fire-boss under the employ of his
father, who was married February 22, 1899,
to Mary J. Edwards of Shenandoah, Pa.;
William, who is load-boss at Swamp Colliery
and married Eleanor Gensal of Coal Run; and
Margaret and Rachael R., who both reside at
home. Mr. Evans is well known throughout
the county and he has made a host of friends.
Socially our subject is a member of Shenan-
doah Lodge, No. 511, F. & A. M., of She-
nandoah, Pa.; also Shamokin Chapter No.
264, R. A. M.; Shamokin Commandery of
Shamokin, Pa.; Shenandoah Lodge No. 591,
I. O. O. F., of Shenandoah, Pa:; Lincoln
630 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

as ote eee - — —_

Lodge No. 92, Knights of Pythias, of St.
Clair, Pa.; and Schuylkill Tribe No. 202, I. O.
R. M., of St. Clair.

 

MBROSE G. HAAS, the well known
secretary of the Shamokin school dis-

trict, has taken unusual interest in

the advancement of educational facilities dur-
ing the nine years he has served as director
on the school board. At the age of thirty-
one he was elected a member of the schoo!
board by the voters of the First Ward and has
since served continuously to the entire sat-
isfaction of his constituents. The Washing-
ton and Lincoln school buildings were erect-
ed while he was president of the board; sth-

sequently he served one term as treasurer and’

three terms as chairman of the building com-
mittee. He is secretary of the board at the
present time and is highly commended for
the able and efficient manner in which he per-
forms the duties of the responsible office.

Our subject is a son of Frederick S. and
Sarah (Williamson) Haas, and was born Aug-
ust 12, 1858, receiving his early education in
the public schools of Shamokin. At the age
of fourteen years he learned the trade of a
printer but did not follow it. As a boy he
was in the Northumberland National Bank,
and afterward accepted a position as clerk in
a business house in Shamokin where he was
engaged for nine years. In 1886 the firm of
Wagonseller & Haas was established and the
mercantile business occupied Mr. Haas’ atten-
tion for a number of years.

Politically our subject is a Republican, and
always has been an active worker and party
organizer and has done much to strengthen
the party in his district; he has been in at-
tendance at every local convention as a dele-

 

gate since he attained his majority; has been
frequently consulted by the congressional
party committees and usually attends the state
conventions. Aside from being a noted poli-
tician his life is linked and interwoven in
the fraternal societies. He is past master of
Shamokin Lodge No. 255, F. & A. M.; past
high priest of Shamokin Chapter No. 264, R.
A. M.; past commander of, Prince of Peace
Commandery No. 30, K. T., and Caldwell
Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32d Degree, Scottish
Rite Masons, at Bloomsburg; member of Ra-
jah Temple, A. A. O. N. of Mystic Shrine, at
Reading, Pa.; is a past president of Camp No.
149, P. O. S. of A.; exalted ruler of Shamo-
kin Lodge, B. P. O. E.; and past commander
of Anthony Wayne Commandery No. 13, P.
O. S. of A.; and is past national inspector
of the National Camp, which honor was con-
ferred on him at the meeting at Denver in
1885. Religiously our subject is of the Pres-
byterian faith. He married Sallie Lewis April
26, 1882, and has one son, Frederick S., born
June 12, 1886.

The grandfather of our subject on the pa-
ternal side was Frederick Haas. He was a
native of Sunbury, but left there and went
into the coal regions of Schuylkill County,
Pa., where he engaged in the coal operating
business; subsequently he returned to Shamo-
kin, Coal township, where he died. Politi-
cally he was an old line Whig and had served
his party as county treasurer. The maternal
grandfather was Samuel Williamson.

Frederick S. Haas, father of our subject,
was born in Sunbury in 1830, and was reared
and educated in that town. He was engaged’
in the service of the Northern Central R. R.
Co., being weighmaster and train dispatcher.
In 1867, or thereabout, he was made cashier
of the First National Bank of Northumber-
land County, and remained in that capacity
 

 

Ee

JACOB MARKL
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

633

 

 

until the bank closed. He always was active
in the work and organizations of his party,
but never sought political preferment, except
as school director, in which capacity he served
from 1860 until his death, which occurred in
1878. Hewasa prominent Odd Fellow. He
was a consistent Christian gentleman and a
central figure in the Presbyterian Church in
which he was a trustee and an active worker.
His family consisted of six children: Samuel
W., deceased; Frederick Potter Withington,
who lives in Shamokin, and is a patternmaker;
holding the position of foreman in John Mul-
len & Son’s pattern shops; our subject; Bessie,
who died at twenty-four vears of age; Caroline
and Sarah, both unmarried.

——+4-0 »—--—

a ISS ANNIE M.ARKLE, who be-

longs to one of Milton’s oldest and

highly respected families, was

born in Milton, Northumberland County, and

is the only surviving daughter of Jacob
Markle.

Jacob Markle, whose portrait appears on a
preceding page, was born in Berks County,
Pa., and was a son of Christian Markle, who
came with his father, Gasper Markle, from
Germany, near Amsterdam, and settled in
Berks County. There Gasper Markle en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits and at a later
period settled in. Moreland, Lycoming Coun-
ty, Pa., where both he and his wife died. His
wife was Annie Maria Straub, and they were
the parents of two children: Joseph, who was
a general in the War of 1812; and Christian,
who removed to Milton as early as 1808,
where he lived in retirement the remainder
of his life. Christian’s children were: Jacob;
Gideon; Samuel; Peter; William; John;
Mary; Elizabeth; and Catherine.

Jacob Markle, our subject’s father, in eariy

 

manhood went to Reading, Pa., and learned
to manufacture hats. After that he estab-
lished a factory in Milton and made all kinds
of men’s hats. His factory was located where
Mr. Embody’s store now is, and he carried on
a very extensive business for several years. He
was united in marriage with Kate Hogen-
teller, who died at the age of forty years,
leaving one child, Zechariah. Being an only
son, Zechariah was given the best of advan-
tages, and after he grew to manhood’s estate
was instructed in every branch of hat-making,
and succeeded his father in 1852, carrying on
the business for many years. He married
Ann Forrest. Ata later period he engaged in
the grocery business at Danville, retired in
1874, and-lived, until he died in 1891, in Dan-
ville and Milton. He was active to the last
and was a man who won the love and respect
of all. Our subject’s father was united the
second time in marriage, his second wife being
Harriet Eckert, a daughter of George Eckert
of Berks County. She died April 2, 1893, in
her ninetieth year. She was very active until
her last day; all her faculties were unimpaired,
her carriage graceful and upright; she was a
faithful member of the Baptist Church, and
was loved by both old and young in the very
large circle of her acquaintances. Our sub-
ject’s father succumbed to that insidious dis-
ease, consumption, in the prime of life, being
forty-eight years old when he died. He
was a private under his uncle, Gen. Josepn
Markle, in the War of 1812. He left a val-
uable estate, from which his family has re-
ceived the benefit for many years. He was a
member of the Lutheran Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Markle were the par-
ents of two daughters: Elizabeth, who died
at an early age; and Annie, our subject, who
has been a life-long resident of Milton and
owns considerable property, including a hand-
634 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

some brick residence on Mahanoy street. We
find in her an exemplification of the truth of
the saying, “As the mother, so the daughter,”
and her many friends can make her no bet-
ter wish than that she continue to follow in
her mother’s footsteps.

eS

the first permanent settler on the

Loyalsock Creek, in Hillsgrove town-
ship, Sullivan County, Pa. He bought his
land, with the improvements on it that had
been already made, of a man by the name of
Ogden, who took his family in a canoe and
went farther down the creek.

John Hill was a native of Upton, Leicester
County, England. He left Liverpool No-
vember 15, 1793, and after a thirteen weeks’
passage landed at New York February 18,
1794. He was a man of fine education, as
his books and writings testify. On March
15, 1796, he was married to Mary Robb,
daughter of Robert and Susanna Robb of
Muncy, Pa. He died July 1, 1834, aged
eighty-two years; his wife Mary’s age and
death are not recorded, but it is known that
she lived to a good old age, respected by all
who knew her. Their home was a house of
entertainment for travelers during their mar-
ried lives. The old Hill property has been
a home for travelers for one hundred years,
and still is; at the present date (1899) it is
conducted as a licensed hotel. To John and
Mary Hill were born four children, as fol-
lows: Susanna, born October 14, 1797, mar-
ried Joseph Sadler, an account of whose life
follows in this sketch; Mary, born April 14,
1799, married David Rogers, and reared a
family of three daughters and two sons, dying
in 1858; John Cheatle, born March 31, 1801,

Jd OHN HILL. This early pioneer was

 

died a bachelor October 4, 1841, at the age
of forty; and Martha Jane, born January 15,
1805, and married to Isaac Craven,—she
reared a family of three sons and two daugh-
ters, and lived to a good old age.

Joseph Sadler, who married Susanna Hill
in 1819, was a son of Samuel Sadler of Liver-
pool, England. Joseph Sadler established the
Sadler family in Sullivan County, and lived
there until his death June 3,-1820. His wife
lived to the age of sixty-seven years and
eleven months. Their only child was John J.

John J. Sadler was born in Sullivan County
March 21, 1820, and after growing up settled
upon the old homestead left him by his father.
He resided there and actively engaged in
agricultural and lumbering pursuits until his
death, September 12, 1890. He is survived
by his wife, who now lives in the village of
Hillsgrove. On November 3, 1853, he was
united in marriage with Anna H. Bothwell,
who was born in Canton, Bradford County,
Pa., October 26, 1834, and they reared six
children: Harriet W., born August 1, 1854,
and died August 28, 1856; Claudius W., born
November 14, 1856; Justin S., born August
22, 1859, and died March 1, 1860; Clara A.,
born April 22, 1861, is the wife of Malcolm
McCormick, and lives at Wausau, Wis.; Alex.
H., born April 22, 1864, died May 13, 1866;
and Charles R., a barber by trade living in
New Albany, Pa., born January 11, 1866, and
married to Philena Sherman.

Claudius W. Sadler obtained a public school
education and after leaving school engaged
in working for the tannery in Hillsgrove,
hauling bark and lumber. He followed that
line of work for five years, after which he
located on the Susanna Sadler property,
where he has since resided. He has greatly
improved the farm and has added to it, until
there is now 100 acres in all. He has carried
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

635

 

 

on general farming and has by good manage-
ment been very successful. He is a man of
honor and possesses the esteem of his neigh-
bors and many friends throughout the town-
ship. On November 17, 1884, he was united
in marriage with Laura Hoagland, who was
born in the village of Shunk, Sullivan County,
February 14, 1861, and is a daughter of Uriah
and Electa (Peppers) Hoagland, both of
whom now reside in Shunk. Politically Mr.
Sadler is a Republican. He is a member
of Hillsgrove Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Shunk
Lodge, No. 220, P. O. S. of A. In religious
attachments his wife is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church at Hillsgrove.

ELSON M. SMITH, M. D., who has

been successfully engaged in the prac-

tice of his profession in the vil'age

of South Danville since 1882, is a man thor-

oughly familiar with the intricacies of his pro-

fession, in which he stands second to none in

his vicinity. He was born at Trevorton,

Northumberland County, August 12, 1857,

and is a son of Samuel S., and Sarah (Reed)

Smith, and a grandson of Morris Smith, who

followed the trade of a miller in Shamokin
township all of his life.

Dr. Samuel S. Smith, the father of our
subject, was born in Northumberland County,
and after completing his education in the com-
mon schools, began the study of medicine un-
der the preceptorship of Joseph Robbins, a
physician of experience of Elysburg, Pa. He
then matriculated at the University of Penn-
sylvania, from which he was graduated upon
the completion of a two-years’ course. He
then began to practice at Hartleton, Union
County, and after a time located at Trevorton,
Northumberland County, where he firmly es-

 

tablished a good practice which he continued
until his death in 1862, aged thirty-four years.
He was joined in wedlock to Sarah Reed, a
daughter of Mathias Reed, a resident of Irish
Valley, Northumberland County, and they be-
came the happy parents of the following child-
ten, all of whom were given good educations
and are now highly respected citizens of the
various communities in which they live: Ga-
len, a farmer of Northumberland County; Dr.
Nelson M., the subject of this sketch; William,
a farmer and canner; Clinton S., a prosper-
ous merchant of South Danville; Laura, wife
of Dr. Kline of Reading; and Clara, who mar-
ried Lafayette Lechler of Gearhart township.

Dr. Nelson M. Smith attended the public
schools for several years, after which he be-
came a medical student in the office of Dr.
Pursell of Danville. He later entered the
University of Pennsylvania from which he
graduated with the class of 1882 and imme-
diately after entered upon his first practice in
South Danville. Having been reared in that
section of the county, he was already well-
known to many of the citizens of South Dan-
ville as a studious and enterprising young man
who had attained a complete mastery of his
chosen profession, and one in whom they
could unhesitatingly place their confidence.
He built an office on Sunbury street and in
a remarkably short time acquired a large and
lucrative practice. He is a member of the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the
Montour County Medical Society. He owns
a fine residence on Gearhart street, and is
also the owner of numerous valuable lots in
the village.

Dr. Smith was united in the holy bonds of
matrimony to Lillie Gearhart, a daughter of
Peter and Celestia (Coup) Gearhart, a lady
of many excellent and lovable traits of char-
acter. Socially our subject is a member of
636 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Mahanoy Lodge, No. 516, F. & A. M., whilst
in religious views, he is an adherent to the
faith of the Baptish Church.

OSEPH ZUERN, an esteemed citizen

of Shamokin, Pa., was born February

19, 1816, in what is known as the Irish

Valley, Northumberland County, Pa., and is

a son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Cherry)
Zuern,

The grandfather on the paternal side of the
family was Michael Zuern, who was a native
of Germany, whence he came to the United
States, and died in a little village about five
miles west of Shamokin, Pa., where he was
engaged in mercantile business.

Solomon Zuern, the father of our subject,
lived at Irish Valley until about 1817, when
he removed with his family to Ohio and re-
sided there about seven years; then he re-
turned to Northumberland County, where he
followed agricultural pursuits until his death.
He married Elizabeth Cherry, and to them
were born six children who grew to maturity,
and three who died in infancy. Hester, the
eldest, was the wife of Samuel Hummel, both
are now deceased; Samuel, deceased; Joseph,
our subject; William, deceased; Daniel, de-
ceased; and Mary Elizabeth, now deceased,
who was married twice, first to Nathaniel
Morgan, and after his death, to John Shipp.

Joseph Zuern, our subject, was a year old
when his father moved to Ohio; upon his re-
turn with his parents to Pennsylvania, he be-
gan his education in a subscription school
which was taught in an old log school house
in the Irish Valley, attending but a limited
time, however, perhaps one month in the win-
ter time. When he was fourteen years of age
he went with his uncle, Jacob Scholl, a tailor

 

in the neighborhood, and worked for him at
tailoring for four years. Then, after working
six months on a farm for wages, he learned
the blacksmith’s trade with his brother-in-law,
Samuel Hummel, and they worked in the
Black Rock tunnel at Phoenixville when the
Philadelphia & Reading Railroad was being
built in 1835, doing the first blacksmithing
work in connection with the building of that
tunnel. After learning this trade he went to
what was known as the Big Tunnel on the
Catawissa road then in the process of con-
struction, and later went to Pottsville, thence
to the Falls of Schuylkill, where he did the
first work on the first bridge built across the
Schuylkill River by the Philadelphia & Read-
ing Railroad Company. On January 8, 1841,
he removed to Shamokin and did general
blacksmithing work until 1851, when he
formed a partnership with Paul Ammerman,
under the firm name of Ammerman & Zuern,
and engaged in mercantile business, in which
he continued for two years, when they en-
gaged with a third person in the coal pro-
ducing business for about three years. Giv-
ing up that line of work our subject estab-
lished a flour, feed and provision store, which
business he pursued uninterruptedly for twen-
ty-seven years, when at the end of that time.
in 1881, he retired from active business life.
Mr. Zuern has always been a stanch Demo-
crat, and in the 40’s was appointed postmaster
under the administration of President James
K. Polk, but at the end of his term he re-
signed his position. Since 1836 he has been
a member of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church and has been prominent in the church
government, holding at various times the of-
fices of deacon, elder, and trustee.

Mr. Zuern has been twice married. His
first wife was Mary Ann Teatsworth, and to
them were born four children: Charles, born
 

[ARKLE.

N

I

ELENA

ND H

MARTIN A
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 639

 

 

November 9, 1843, and died when three days
old; Clarissa, born March 8, 1845, who is the
wife of William M. Smith, and they are now
living in Altoona, Pa.; Alvin, born March 22,
1848, who is a tinner and resides in Shamo-
kin, Pa.; Henrietta, born August 9, 1850, the
wife of Frank K. Sausser, a tinner by trade.
After the death of his first wife our subject
married Mary Ann Sober, July 6, 1854, and
by this marriage there were also four chil-
dren: Austin Eugene, born May 15, 1855, and
died February 1, 1897; Alice Rosalie, born
January 10, 1858, now deceased; Lizzie Maria,
born March 25, 1862, deceased; and Edwin
Owen, born May 8, 1866, and now engaged
in the jewelry business in Shamokin, Pa.

 

ARTIN MARKLE, formerly pro-

prietor of Eagle Run _ Brewery,

of Shamokin, Northuniberland

County, has by his honest and upright deal-

ings won the respect and confidence of a large

circle of friends among the leading business
men in his section of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Markle was educated in the common
schools and remained on the homestead farm
in Germany until he attained the age of sev-
enteen years. In April, 1852, he immigrated
to the United States, arriving in New York
April 23, 1852, remaining in that city but a
short time, however, and then removing to
Slatington, Northumberland County, Pa.,
where he entered the employ of the Lehigh
Coal & Navigation Company as lock-tender,
which occupied his attention for nineteen
years.

In 1862 our subject engaged in the mer-
cantile business and conducted a store at the
lock, which place is known to this day as
“Markle’s Lock.” In December, 1871, he lo-

 

cated in Shamokin and purchased the John B.
Douty brewery, now known as Eagle Run
Brewery, which he successfully operated until
1895, when he sold his business to P. H. Fur-
mann and practically retired from active busi-
ness pursuits, reaping the benefits of a reward
commensurate with a life of industry and fru-
gality.

Our subject was born in Wurtemberg, Ger-
many, February 12, 1835, and is a son of
George and Barbara (Souter) Markle, and a
grandson of Jacob and Kathrina Souter on the
maternal side. His father held a civil office
under the German government for forty
years; he died in Germany about 1890. Our
subject is one of a family of seven children,
most of whom are accounted for as follows:
George Jacob, who came to America two
years after our subject and settled in Green-
field, Mass., where he conducted the Germania
Hotel for a period of twenty years,—he died
September 22, 1898; Casper, who immigrated
to the United States in 1857 and since 1866
has resided in Greenfield, Mass., a cutler by
trade, having been engaged in that business
ever since he left his native country; and
George and Christina, both of whom reside in
Germany.

Martin Markle was married, June 17, 1852,
to Helena Eith, daughter of Casper Eith, a
native of Germany. By this union were born
seven children: Hannah, wife of Pius Schwei-
benz, who owns a brewery in East Mauch
Chunk; William M., who at the time of his
death, August 18, 1898, was proprietor of the
Central Hotel in Shamokin; Amandus, who
is in the employ of the Eagle Run Brewery;
Helen, wife of Daniel Stahl, foreman of the
same brewery; George F., a resident of
Uniontown, Northumberland County, and a
dairyman by avocation; Sarah, widow of
Charles Tretter, who resides with her father
640 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

in Shamokin; and Cecelia, wife of Francis
Rankey, a manufacturer of paper boxes in
South Bethlehem, Pa. Mrs. Markle died No-
vember 9, 1808.

Mr. Markle enjoys the distinction of being
one of the most enterprising and progressive
citizens of his adopted home. He is a director
of the First National Bank of Shamokin and
has been treasurer of the bank for thirteen
years; a director of the Shamokin Powder
Manufacturing Company; assisted in organ-
izing the Shamokin & Mount Carmel Street
Railway Company, and is one of its present
board of directors; and also a director and
treasurer of the Shamokin Street Railway
Company. He isa Christian gentleman and a
valued member of the Lutheran Church. In
his political views he is very decided and is a
Democrat of the Jeffersonian stamp. <A por-
trait of Mr. and Mrs. Markle is shown on a
preceding page.

ENNIS BRIGHT, a retired hardware
merchant, resides in a handsome
home at No. 132 West Market street,

in the borough of Danville, Montour County,

Pa. The record of his life reveals unusual ac-

tivity, and the height of the success which he

has attained reflects great credit on his gen-
eral business ability. Although at present he
is not actively engaged in business, he is large-
ly interested financially in a number of enter-
prises. He isa son of Peter and Mary (Evans)

Bright, and was born in Valley township,

Montour County, then Columbia County, Pa.,

March 22, 1839.

The family is of French and German ex-
traction and was established in this country
by Michael Bright, who was born in Chris-
tianstadt, Germany, May 6, 1706, and was a

 

 

 

 

 

son of John Bright. Coming to America in
October, 1726, at the age of twenty years,
when the province of Pennsylvania consisted
of three counties, namely: Philadelphia,
Bucks, and Chester, he located in Chester
County. In 1728 he located at Schaeffers-
town, Chester County, one of the oldest towns
in the state, and there he became an extensive
land-owner. He was united in marriage with
Margaret Simon, a daughter of Jacob Simon,
and their union resulted in the following is-
sue: Jacob, born April 13, 1729; George,
born in June, 1731; Michael, born November
24, 1732; Catherine, born April 6, 1834;
John, born January 20, 1736; Peter, born May
13, 1738; David, born August 9, 1740; Maria,
born August 1, 1742; Sally, born June 7,
1745; and Christian, born April 6, 1747.

Michael Bright, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was a saddler by trade, and at
an early day located in Reading, Berks Coun-
ty, where he kept one of the first hotels and
was a very large landowner. In 1760 he built
a residence at the corner of Fifth and Wash-
ington streets, and there lived until his death,
in 1814. His first marriage was with Sarah
Stoner, by whom he had two children:
Michael and Jacob. His second union was
with Mrs. Catherine Brower, and their union
was blessed with four children: Sarah, born
November 11, 1769; and David, the grand-
father of our subject, Peter and John, who
died in infancy.

David Bright was born in Reading, August
5, 1771, and took to agricultural pursuits
upon reaching manhood. He also followed
teaming and also did considerable building in
and about that city, being one of its most en-
terprising citizens. On January 27, 1793, he
married Catherine Hottenstien, who died at
the age of eighty years, and they became the
parents of the following children: Sally, who
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 641

 

 

was born December 25, 1793, and married M.
Yeager; Michael, born August 16, 1795; Ab-
bie, born January 1, 1797, married George
Fisler; William, born September 2, 1798, mar-
ried Susan Lora; Catherine, born February
19, 1800, was the wifé of John Green; John,
born December 5, 1803; David, born Decem-
ber 25, 1808; Aaron, born July 8, 1809, mar-
ried Maria Miller; and Francis, born Septem-
ber I, 1812.

Peter Bright, the father of our subject, was
born November 21, 1801, and early in life
moved to Valley township, Montour County,
and purchased the farm which our subject
now owns. There he carried on general farm-
ing and became one of the first men of that
section. He erected new buildings on the
property and made many other improve-
ments, opening up a limestone quarry, from
which he supplied limestone to the Danville
furnaces. He also burned lime to a great ex-
tent, and was a very energetic business man,
accumulating a handsome competency. He
died at the age of eighty-one years. In ‘De-
cember, 1827, he was joined in Hymen’s bonds
with Mary Evans, a daughter of Philip and
Ann Elizabeth (Van Reed) Evans, and the
following children were born to them: Re-
becca, who married Emanuel Seidler; Abner,
and David, who died at an early age; Hiram,
who married Rhoda A. Butler; Evans, de-
ceased; Dennis, the gentleman whose name
heads these lines; Albert, deceased; Penina,
of Danville; Philip, deceased; Abbie, the
wife of William Achenback; and Mary, de-
ceased.

Dennis Bright obtained his primary educa-
tion in the district schools, after which he
walked three miles daily, that being the dis-
tance from his father’s farm to Danville, in
order that he might further his education by
a course of study in the Danville Academy.

 

He then entered the Greenwood Seminary,
where he remained for two years; following
this he became a student in the Pittsburg
Commercial College, where he received a
business education. Returning home, he as-
sisted his father in the labors about the farm
until 1861, when he removed to Lafayette,
Warren County, Ind., which was the home
of one of his brothers. Upon the commence-
ment of hostilities in the Civil War our subject
determined to enter the service, and on April
20, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the 15th
Reg., Ind. Vol. Inf., for three -months. The
regiment was held in Indianapolis by Gov.
Morton until the expiration of that term, but
when the call for three-years’ men was made
he re-enlisted on June 14, 1861, as first ser-
geant of Company A, of the same regiment.
The regiment’s first engagement was at Rich
Mountain, W. Va., where, having put the
Rebels to rout, the regiment was given orders
to pursue them in their retreat. At Elkwater
the rapidly retreating Confederates turned and
made a bold stand, and in the engagement
which followed our subject was wounded by
a musket ball passing through his ankle, dis-
abling him to such an extent that he was pre-
vented from active service until the following
spring. He was then ordered to his regiment
and was promoted to a captaincy on the staft
of Brig.-Gen. George D. Wagner, his brigade
having been transferred from West Virginia
to the army of Gen. Buell in Kentucky for
the investment of Forts Henry and Donelson.
Having figured in the capture of these two
important points, the brigade joined the army
of Gen. Grant in Tennessee, and at the battle
of Pittsburg Landing Capt. Bright received
an injury in his wounded ankle and was in-
capacitated for further active duty. He was
detailed to garrison and provost duty, and
after a service of two years was honorably
642 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

2

discharged. He immediately thereafter re-
ceived. an appointment as an assessor of in-
ternal revenue. He was subsequently ap-
pointed lieutenant-colonel of the 8th Division
of the National Guard of Pennsylvania. He
located in Danville, where, in company with
Col. Charles Eckerman, he purchased the
plant now known as the Atlantic Oil Refin-
ing Company, which was established by John
Heller and Charies Shultz. From the crude
oil they refined illuminating oil and lubricat-
ing oil in large quantities and did a very ex-
tensive business. In 1872 they disposed of
the business to Bailey & Welsch. Our sub-
ject, having heard nothing for some years of
his brother Philip, who had gone to California,
crossed the continent to search for him and
found that he had been robbed and murdered.
Returning one year later he bought the hard-
ware establishment of Van Allen & Com-
pany in the Opera House block in Danville,
and carried on this business with characteristic
ability for a period of fifteen years. He then
sold the business to E. J. Moore, and has
since lived a retired life, with the exception of
carrying on farming on the old family estate
in Valley township, which he still owns. He
also continues to conduct his limestone quar-
ries. He is the owner of considerable prop-
erty and has a winter home and orange grove
in Marion County, Fla., where he spends the
winter months, which are so cold and disa-
greeable in the Northern States. His home
in Danville was built by Thomas Beaver; it is
a fine brick residence and commands an ex-
cellent view of the Susquehanna River and
beautiful mountain scenery.

In 1872 Mr. Bright married Lucy Reay, a
daughter of John Reay. She is a lady of ex-
cellent qualities, is kind and charitable, and
has proven a worthy companion and a loving
wife. She is of English birth, but was reared

 

and educated in California. Our subject is a
Republican in his political affiliations, and the
manner in which he is esteemed by his fellow-
citizens was shown when he was elected to the
Legislature in 1872, being the first of his
party to represent the district in that -body.
‘A kind husband and a true friend, our subject
is well thought.of by every one.

J ON. WILLIAM K. HOLLOWAY,
an honored and influential citizen of
NW = Danville, who is passing his latter
days in retirement, enjoying a_ well-earned
competency, and who is now serving his third
term in the city council, was born in Amity-
ville, Berks County, Pa., January 1, 1835. He
spent his younger days upon his father’s farm
and attended the public schools of his native
town. At the age of thirteen years, of his own
free will he sought a position as clerk in a
store in the city of Reading, the county seat
of his native county. This was the starting
out of a self-made man, one who became and
who for many years has been a model business
man. He has won an excellent reputation for
square dealing, unswerving integrity and for
all the many qualities which are component
parts of true manhood. His example is one
that might advantageously be followed by all.
In 1856 our subject located in Danville, Pa.,
where he was employed as a clerk in the old
Montour Iron Company’s store; later he was
transferred to the dry goods department,
which position he retained one year, at which
time the old firm was succeeded by Waterman
& Beaver, when he was promoted to time-
keeper and superintendent of accounts. His
next promotion was to cashier and paymaster,
in which capacity he remained about twelve
years, fulAlling his duties with great credit to

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 643

 

 

himself and employers. In 1880 the store pass-
ed to Waterman & Company, who subsequent-
ly sold out to the Philadelphia & Reading Coal
& Iron Company, and Mr. Holloway became
general manager of the entire business. April
1, 1887, our subject, in company with W. C.
Frick and F. P. Howe, purchased the store,
and it was conducted under the firm name of
William K. Holloway & Company. Three
years later Mr. Frick purchased our subject's
interest and Mr. Holloway then retired from
active business, with the exception of looking
after his personal and real property. In 1897
Mr. Holloway became a silent partner of the
firm of Miller & Rhoads of Richmond, Va.

Our subject resides in his handsome brick
residence, No. 16 Bloom street. He is a stanch
Republican in politics, and although he has
never sought political distinction, he served
an unexpired term as associate judge, having
been appointed by Gov. Beaver, and is now
serving his third term in the city council. In
1859 Mr. Holloway was united in marriage
to Ruth Yeager, a daughter of Jacob Yeager
of Columbia County, Pa., and to this union
five children have been given, namely: Sally,
deceased, who was the wife of W. S. Rhoads,
and they were the parents of one child, Kath-
erine; Lizzie, who is the wife of Clarence
Frick, teller of the Danville National Bank,
and who has reared three children, Ruth,
Clarence, and Cordelia; William D., who was
recently a member of the firm of Holloway
& Hurst, dealers in wholesale stationery, of
Danville; Thomas B., who graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania Medical College
in 1897 and is now a resident physician of the
Philadelphia Hospital; and Mary, who re-
sides at home. Mr. Holloway and his family
are popular and consistent workers in the
Presbyterian Church.

 

 

DWIN W. ALEXANDER. This

worthy and esteemed citizen of Benton,

Pa., after a life of industry in the

peaceful and honorable occupation of a far-

mer, is now living in retirement in the above

named borough. He is a son of Silas and

Elizabeth (Smith) Alexander, and was born

in Nanticoke, Luzerne County, Pa., April 8,
1841.

Silas Alexander was a native of New Jer:
sey, and was born in 1799, and died in Wilkes-
barre, Pa., aged eighty-nine years, in 1887.
He was an orphan, raised by an uncle. He
was an apt scholar and acquired a good edu-
cation in the common schools of his native
town, and at the age of eighteen years he
moved to Nanticoke, Pa., and there engaged
in teaching school a short time. He then
moved to New York city where he opened
and conducted an eating house until the chol-
era epidemic broke out in. 1832. He then
returned to Nanticoke and carried on gen-
eral merchandising the remainder of his life.
He was a very successful merchant and suc-
ceeded in accumulating a small fortune. Po-
litically he was formerly an old line Whig, but
later a stanch Republican; he served as post-
master of Nanticoke for fifty years, his service
only being broken during the administration
of President Buchanan. Religiously he was
a member and active supporter of the Presby-
terian Church. He was united in marriage
to Elizabeth Smith, a native of Luzerne Coun-
ty, Pa., and this union was blessed by the
birth of thirteen children, namely: Cyrus, a
retired business man of Nanticoke; Mary A.,
James, Maria, and John, deceased; Charles,
of Ithaca, N. Y.; Eugene, a merchant of Nan-
ticoke; Adrian, a retired citizen of Nanticoke;
Phoebe A., wife of Mr. Lesering; Edwin W.,
our subject; and three who died in infancy.

Edwin W. Alexander was educated in the
644 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

schools of Nanticoke, and then began clerk-
ing in his father’s store, where he remained
until 1878 when he bought a farm in Benton
township, Columbia County, Pa. He there
pursued the vocation of an agriculturist until
1890 when he sold his property and moved
to the borough of Benton where he has since
lived in retirement, enjoying a well earned
competency. Our subject owns the Alexan-
der homestead in Nanticoke, and since his
father’s death he has replaced the old stone
buildings with new brick ones; he also owns
a tract of coal land in Nanticoke, Pa.

Mr. Alexander is an ardent Republican and
cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln; re-
ligiously he is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. In 1866 Mr. Alexander was united
in the bonds of matrimony with Anna A.
Tompkins. Six children have been born to
them, namely: James D., a wholesale con-
fectioner; Mary Elizabeth, the wife of B. C.
Lambach, a wholesale confectioner and baker
of Freeland, Pa.; a son and daughter who died
in infancy; Charles A., who died in his boy-
hood; and Mabel, aged ten years, who resides
with her parents. Gideon Tompkins, our
subject’s father-in-law, was a successful farmer
and stonemason of Slocum township, Luzerne
County, Pa. He died at the age of eighty-
three years; he was a member of the Metho-
dist Church. His wife was Elizabeth Carson,
a native of Philadelphia, where our subject’s
wife was also born. Mr. and Mrs. Tomp-
kins later moved to Montgomery County,
where they resided until 1854, when they be-
came residents of Slocum township, Luzerne
County, Pa.

———_+-+—___
=

R. BLAKE E. GAMBLE, a young
iS

and successful practitioner of medi-
' Pa., is associated with Dr. F. M. Gross, a well-

 

 

 

 

cine of Forksville, Sullivan County,

 

known physician of that community, and they
have a large and lucrative practice, which ex-
tends throughout Elkland, Fox and Forks
townships. He is a son of Dr. Emanuel and
Annie (Blake) Gamble, and was born in Brad-
ford County, Pa., November 3, 1869.

Dr. Emanuel Gamble, the father of our sub-.
ject, was born at Jersey Shore, Pa., and when
young studied medicine and was graduated
from the Eclectic College of Medicine at Cin-
cinnati, Ohio. He then moved to Bradford
County, Pa., where he engaged in the practice
of his profession with much success for a pe-
riod of twenty years, after which he returned
to Cincinnati. Finally he entered upon prac-
tice in Waverly, N. Y., and continued until
his demise, at the age of fifty-three years. He
married Annie Blake of Franklin, Bradford
County, Pa., and they became the parents of
three children. Mrs. Gamble passed away at
the age of twenty-five years.

Dr. Blake E. Gamble obtained his intellect-
ual training in the public schools, after which
he studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. Thom-
as Gamble of East Troy, entering upon his
study with a vim and determination which
was not to be denied. - He then entered the
Eclectic College of Medicine of Cincinnati,
Ohio, and was graduated in 1891, having
thoroughly mastered his profession, and he
immediately thereafter located at Forksville,
Sullivan County, Pa., principally to regain his
health, which had become quite feeble, owing
to overstudy. He practiced to some extent
for the following two years, and then returned
to Cincinnati to take a special course in bio-
chemistry and electro-physics. In 1894 he
again moved to Forksville, where he soon es-
tablished a good practice, and in 1897 he
formed a partnership with’ Dr. Grogs, with
whom he has since been associated. They
have a large village and country practice,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

645

 

which extends throughout the township. Our
subject is a man of excellent character, is pop-
ular and stands high in the confidence of his
fellow-citizens.

Dr. Gamble was joined in Hymen’s bonds
with Blanche Collins, a daughter of A. A. Gol-
lins of Forksville, and was called upon to
mourn her death in 1897, at the age of twenty
years. Socially Dr. Gamble is a member of
the Masonic fraternity of Troy, Pa., and of
the Patriotic Order Sons of America of Forks-
ville.

 

<<

HILIP M. FORRESTER, a prominent

f citizen of Upper Augusta township,

Northumberland County, now living

on the old Forrester homestead, was born

April 4, 1836, and is a son of James and
Sarah (Mettler) Forrester.

The paternal grandfather was John Forres-
ter of New Jersey, who married Jane Beatty,
also of the same state. About 1800 they lo-
cated on the tract of land in Upper Augusta
township, now known as the old Forrester
place, where the subject of our sketch now
resides. There were but few improvements
and little cleared land on the tract. Mr. For-
rester set to work and, after clearing many
acres of forest land, built a small house and
made many improvements in general. There
he lived the remainder of his life and carried
on farming, also teaching school several years
in the township. Mr. Forrester was greatly
interested in educational matters, and he gave
the land for and helped to erect a school
house on his farm. He was a very bright
and intelligent man and was greatly loved by
his neighbors. He was a Methodist and
prominent in church affairs. He died at the
age of seventy years and was much mourned
by all. His children were: Esther, who

 

married Michael Moore; Betsey, who mar-
ried Henry Kline; Ann, the wife of Isaac
Kline; Sarah, who married Jacob Fleller;
James B., the father of our subject; and Jane,
who died unmarried.

The maternal grandfather was Henry Met-
tler of New Jersey who located at an early
date in Rush township, Northumberland
County, and followed farming, and also was
local preacher. He had seven children as jol-
lows: Nancy, who married Henry Kline;
Hannah, wife of B. Kase; Mary, the wife of
James Eackman; Sarah, our subject’s mother;
John, who married Elizabeth Laycock; Ralph,
who married Mary Houseworth; and William,
who married Elizabeth Clark.

James B. Forrester, the father of our sub-
ject, was born October 13, 1796, in Trenton,
N. J., and died at the age of seventy-five years,
while his wife lived to the age of eighty-seven
years. Their children were as follows: Fran-
cis, born December 3, 1819, died at an early
age; George, now deceased, married Bar-
bara Smith, and later Ella Savage; William,
born May 14, 1823, deceased; John, bor: Jan-
uary 18, 1824, deceased; Samuel B., born Oc-
tober 18, 1827, and died young; Henry M.,
a farmer living in Muncy, Pa., born March
16, 1829, married Susan Farr; Jane, born Sep-
tember 10, 1830, deceased; Ira M., a retired
farmer residing in Danville, Pa., born May
12, 1833, first married Malinda Eckman and
secondly Sarah Roberts; Elizabeth, born
March 24, 1834, married David Anderson and
they live in Winnebago, IIl.; Philip M., our
subject; Capt. Charles W., born December 23,
1838, who is western superintendent of the
Star Union Line, and has his headquarters at
Chicago,—he served three years in the war
of the Rebellion; Sarah, born September 19,
1841, married Peter Moore, and died in 1876;
James E., born November 18, 1843, now liv-
646 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

ing in retirement at Selinsgrove, Pa., who
married Rebecca Caldwell and later Mary
Emery. The children were educated in the
public schools, some attending school at Sun-
bury and Williamsport, Pa.

Our subject, Philip M. Forrester, lived at
home until October 8, 1861, when he enlisted
in Company I, 58th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., at
Sunbury, under the command of Col. Richter
Jones and Col. Readman. Mr. Forrester
served under Capt. Jackson and Capt. Beyers,
and fought in the battles of Suffolk, Va., Lit-
tle Washington, N. C., and Cold Harbor, Va.,
taking part in many skirmishes. After three
years, four months and twenty-four days in
the army, he was discharged at Harrisburg,
Pa., February 27, 1865, when he returned to
his home, remaining there until his marriage.
January 19, 1869, he married Sarah Ellen
Clark, of Rush township, who was born De-
cember 31, 1839. She was a daughter of
William and Jane (Moore) Clark. Mr. Clark
was born in Upper Augusta township, fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits in Rush township,
and died in August, 1878, at the age of sev-
enty-nine years. His wife, a native of Rush
township, died in 1888, at the age of eighty
years. They had seven children, as follows:
Lukins C., who married Mary Kinnie, and
lives in Fayette, Ia.; Asenath, who married
John Bird, now deceased; Hamilton, a retired
farmer residing in Catawissa, Pa., who mar-
ried Margaret Redder; Mary, the wife of J.
D. Clinton Kase, a retired farmer at Elysburg,
Pa., whose life history is given elsewhere in
this work; Margaret, the wife of John Wal-
lize, a retired farmer of Rush township; Will-
iam, also a retired farmer in Rush township,
who wedded Ellen Kase; and Sarah Ellen,
the wife of our subject.

Philip M. Forrester, the subject of this
biography, has resided since 1865 on the old

 

homestead which consists of 123 acres, and he
has made many improvements on the place.
He has twenty-one head of stock, and since
August 16, 1882, has operated a milk route in
Sunbury. He also carries on general farm-
in@ Mr. Forrester is a stanch Republican
and has held many township offices. He isa
member of William A. Bruner Post, No. 335,
G. A. R., of Sunbury. He attends the Meth-
odist Church at Kline’s Grove. Mr. Forrester
is highly respected and has a large number
of firm friends. His union with Sarah Ellen
Clark has been blessed with five children:
Gertrude, born May 22, 1870, now living at
home; Charles R., born October 8, 1871, who
married Mazie Haughawout, of Rush town-
ship, and they are the parents of two child-
ren, Margaret Ellen, born October 18, 1895,
and Lilian Grace, born October 20, 1897;
William. C., born March 24, 1874, now living
at home; Sarah, born October 4, 1878, also
at home; and Elizabeth, born September 16,
1881, who is at home. Charles R. assists his
father in the dairy business.

ORIS AUTEN, a successful and

prominent attorney-at-law of Mount

Carmel, is a son of William Maxwell
and Sarah (Allison) Auten, and was born July
8, 1856, in Chillisquaque township, Northum-
berland County. The paternal grandfather of
our subject was a native of Northumberland
County, in which he resided during his life-
time, and was a miller and millwright by occu-
pation. The father of our subject was also a
millwright and was born in Northumberland
County July 7, 1814. He was active in local
politics as a Democrat and held several of-
fices, including justice of the peace and school
director. He was also an active member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church until his
 

JAMES LEE HARMAN.

PETER S HARMAN
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 649

 

 

death in January, 1891. The maternal grand-

father of Mr. Auten, James Allison, was one

of the pioneers of Northumberland County.

The subject of this review, Voris Auten,
was reared in the township in which he was
born. He was educated in the common
schools and in the Lewisburg Academy and
University, pursuing part of the scientific
course in the latter institution. For several
terms he taught in the common schools of
his native township and for six years in the
schools of Sunbury. While teaching to earn
his livelihood our subject also took up the
study of law under the guidance of Frank A.
Marr, an attorney of Sunbury. He was un-
usually successful in mastering the intricacies
of legal lore and was admitted to the bar of
Northumberland County in September, 1881.
In June, 1883, he removed to Mount Car-
mel, opened an office and soon began to ac-
quire the practice which has grown constantly
until it has become large and lucrative.

In politics Mr. Auten is an active and en-
thusiastic Democrat. He was elected district
attorney of the county in the fall of 1889, and
so satisfactorily did he fulfill the duties of the
office that he was re-elected to a second term
in 1892. He is president of the First National
Bank of Mount Carmel, also a director of the
Mount Carmel Water Company. He is a
member of the I. O. O. F., and also of the
P..& A, M.

On June 9, 1887, Mr. Auten was united in
marriage with Jennie Renn, daughter of Dr.
George M. Renn of Sunbury. To them has
been born one child, Agnes Renn, July 11,
1893. :

—___~+ + +____

ETER S. HARMAN. The gentleman
whose name heads this biography is
one of the best known men of Colum-

bia County, and is greatly respected by the

 

citizens of Bloomsburg for his sterling worth
and integrity as a neighbor, a gentleman, and
citizen. He is senior member of the firm of
Harman & Hassert, the largest car-builders
and machinists of Bloomsburg. Our subject
was born in Mifflin township, Columbia Coun-
ty, Pa., June 5, 1831, and is a son of George
and Mary (Knorr) Harman.

George Harman was a native of Northum-
berland County, Pa., and settled in Mifflin
township, Columbia County, in 1833; later he
located in Orangeville where he followed his
trade as a tanner, having learned it during his
boyhood days. He was very successful and
by his energy, industry and the exercise of
economy, amassed a fortune and spent his
latter days in ease and comfort. He passed
from this life at the age of eighty-three years.

Peter S. Harman, when only thirteen years
of age, left the parental roof to serve an ap-
prenticeship to the molder’s trade, working
with Louis H. Maus, of Bloomsburg. He then
traveled through the West, working at his
trade as a journeyman, later going to Phila-
delphia, where he worked for three years; in
1861 he moved to Mahanoy City, Pa.; and
for three years conducted a foundry and ma-
chine shop. Removing to Bloomsburg he
formed a partnership with Benjamin F. Sharp-
less and operated a foundry and machine shop
under the name of Sharpless & Harman.
Four years later Mr. Harman established his
present business. In 1875, in company with
George Hassert, a skilled mechanic and in-
dustrious workman, our subject purchased a
tract of land, formerly known as the Barton
farm, erected a building 50 by 60 feet, and
began the manufacture of the Eclipse cooking
stove and heater, and the Montrose plough.
The business, conducted under the firm name
of Harman & Hassert, increased so rapidly
that in 1879 they bought more land and in
650 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

1880 built a large addition to their shop; it
now has 300 feet frontage on East street an¢l
is 300 feet deep. They have added the man-
ufacture of mining cars and castings, machin-
ery for constructing and operating mines, and
a repair shop, and they give employment to
about 60 men who turn out first-class work.
Our subject is truly a self-made man, and
owes his present good standing to his ener-
getic and industrious habits. He always has
taken an active interest in the progress of his
adopted town, and when the elevator works
failed he was among the first to put money
in and assist it to run again, thus giving em-
ployment to a large number of men and as-
sisting materially to keep up the business in-
terests of the town.

Mr. Hartman purchased a lot of John Pen-
man on Iron street upon which he built the
handsome house in which he now resides. In
1856 he was united in the bonds of matrimony
with Rebecca Freeze, a daughter of James
and Frances (Goss) Freeze; her father was
one of the early millers of Bloomsburg. Our
subject and wife have reared seven children,
of whom those surviving are well established
in life and are popular and well-to-do in the

various localities in which they reside. These.

children were as follows: Frank F., who died
aged five years; Howard F., who died aged
three years; Grace, the wife of Daniel But-
ler; Fanny, wife of William E. Hartman; Jen-
nie, who wedded Amos H. Stroh; James Lee;
Mary; John G., who is district attorney
of Columbia County; and Paul Z., the young-
est, a student at the Bloomsburg State Nor-
mal School. Mr. Hartman was formerly a
Whig, but has been a stanch Republican since
the formation of the party. He has served as
president of the Bloomsburg borough council
for four years, and as councilman three years.
Religiously he isa member of the Episcopal

 

Church. Our subject is one of the most sub-
stantial and active Masons in the county; is
past master of Washington Lodge, No. 265,
F. & A. M.; past high priest of Bloomsburg
Chapter, No. 218, R. A. M.; past T. I. G.
master of Mount Moriah Council, No. 10, R.
& S. M.; past E. M. T. commander of Cru-
sade Commandery, No. 12, K. T.; and is V.
G. treasurer of Zerrubbabel Council, P. of
J., 16th degree.

James Lee Harman married Jessie Kimble,
served an apprenticeship to the molder’s
trade, and is now bookkeeper in his father’s
office. He is prominently connected with
Masonic societies, having received the 32d
degree. He is T. I. G. M. of Mount Moriah
Council, No. 10, R. and L.; T. P. G. M. of
Enoch Grand Lodge of Perf., 14th degree,
Ancient and Scottish Rite; grand treasurer of
Caldwell Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32d degree;
and treasurer of Orient Conclave, No. 2.

Portraits of Peter S. and James Lee Har-
man appear on a preceding page.

—__~++ «+ ___

ARRY DIEMER, a prosperous farm-
er of Montour township, Columbia
County, is a son of Samuel B. and
Mary Jane (Richards) Diemer, and was born
at Catawissa, Pa., January 27, 1863.

The paternal great-grandfather of our sub-
ject was a native of Ireland, who came to
America when young and located in Penn-
sylvania. His son, the grandfather of our
subject, was a well-known carpenter and
builder of the town of Sunbury, Northum-
berland County. He erected many large
buildings in that vicinity, all by the old meth-
od which was much more difficult than the
process of to-day as the lumber when placed
in the hands of the carpenter was rough and
unfinished. He was an active member in and

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

651

 

 

a liberal supporter of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church. He was twice married, and
reared a family of two sons and two daugh-
ters, namely: Sarah; Elizabeth; Jolin, a late
resident of Sunbury; and Samuel B., our sub-
ject’s father.

Samuel B. Diemer was born in the town
of Sunbury in 1818 and during his younger
working days was engaged as a bookkeeper
in Philadelphia. Later he resided in Main-
ville, Columbia County, where he managed
a store for a brief period; then he purchased
the old Esther Furnace four miles back of
Catawissa, which he successfully operated for
a number of years, but during the Rebellion,
the Confederates seized a large quantity of
his iron that was then in Richmond, Va. The
financial loss caused him to suspend opera-
tions in the furnace, and his next business
ventures were to conduct a general merchan-
dise store at Centralia and later one at Cata-
wissa, which he conducted with remarkable
success until his death in 1890. During the
war he joined a Pennsylvania reserve corps,
and although he did not have the opportunity
to take part in any important battles, he was
on the reserve force at Antietam, Gettysburg,
and several other places. In political belief
Mr. Diemer was a Republican and served as
assessor and notary public for many years,
during which time he transacted considerable
business of a legal nature. Socially he was a
member of the Masonic fraternity for many
years. He was united in the holy bonds of
wedlock to Mary Jane Richards, a daughter
of the late John Richards, a successful farm-
er who owned the property upon which our
subject is now located, and they became the
happy parents of three sons and four daugh-
ters, namely: Hattie R., a resident of Cata-
wissa; Clara, the wife of W. H. Abbott of
Catawissa; John R., a merchant of Catawissa;

 

Harry, the gentleman who is the subject of
this sketch; and three who died in infancy.

Harry Diemer was reared in Catawissa
where he received his education in the public
schools and at the State Normal School of
Bloomsburg. At an early age he began work
in the store and remained there until his mar-
riage in 1886, when he moved upon his ma-
ternal grandfather’s farm, which is now
owned by Mrs. Diemer. It is an excellent
piece of property, consisting of 200 acres of
good farm land, upon which he carries on
general farming and dairying. He has quite
a large milk route, supplying the village of
Rupert. Mr. Diemer is an up-to-date farmer
in every respect and uses only the latest of
farming implements, thereby gaining an ad-
vantage over those who still cling to the old
patterns. He is honest and upright in all his
dealings and is held in high esteem by his
neighbors. '

On March 30, 1886, our subject was united
in matrimonial bonds to Emma J. Rauch, a
daughter of Michael Rauch of Rupert, by
whom he has three sons and one daughter:
John;. William; Robert; and Mary Jane. Po-
litically Mr. Diemer is a stanch Republican;
for many years he has been school director.
|

and wealthy citizen of Danville. He

was born in Danville, December 27,
1835, is a son of Michael C. and Isabella
(Montgomery) Grier, and a grandson of Rev.
Isaac Grier, S. T. D. His mother, Isabella,
was the daughter of Alexander Montgomery,
and granddaughter of Gen. William Mont-
gomery, prominent in civil and military af-
fairs throughout the Revolutionary period.
The great-grandfather was Col. John Grier,

Aan X. GRIER, Esq., is a prominent
652 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

who was of Scotch-Irish birth, and with many
other Protestants came to America about the
year 1740. This sturdy old ancestor was a
farmer and resided below Chambersburg, Pa.
His son, Rev. Isaac Grier, above named, was
the first minister on the West Branch of the
Susquehanna River; he was pastor of a Pres-
byterian church of Northumberland, of Sun-
bury, and in Clinton County, and was for sev-
eral years principal of the old brick college
at Northumberland. His death occurred in
1812 or 1813. He was married to Elizabeth
Cooper, a daughter of Dr. Cooper, who was
chaplain at Gen. Washington’s headquarters
and was held as a prisoner by the British for
many months. Among their children were
Robert C., who became an eminent jur-
ist and a justice of the Supreme Court of
the United States; Thomas C., principal
of the Danville Academy, who died young;
Rev. Isaac, D. D, a graduate of Prince-
ton College, who preached over fifty years in
the Presbyterian Church; John C., who first
settled in Danville, where he conducted a mer-
cantile business until 1846, when he went to
Wilkesbarre, Pa., and thence to Peoria, IIL;
William N. was educated at West Point,
served on the western frontier and also dur-
ing the Civil War, and was colonel of the 1st
Regiment, U. S. Cavalry, later being com-
missioned brigadier-general; Martha, was the
wife of Gen. Robert Orr of Kittanning, Pa.;
Jane was married to William Hibbler of
Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Elizabeth married Rev. Dr.
Thomas C. Strong; Margaret married Henry
Sproul, of ‘Pittsburg, Pa; M. C. was a
prominent Pennsylvanian, greatly esteemed
for his philanthropic nature, his public spirit
and his high place among the most honored
and influential laymen in the synods and gen-
eral assembly of the Presbyterian Church.
Isaac X. Grier was the second son of M.

2

 

C. Grier, the eldest son being W. A. M. Grier
of Brooklyn, N. Y., and the youngest Rev.
J. B. Grier, D. D. Mr. Grier graduated at
Lafayette College in 1858. Before going to
college he had learned telegraphy and after
graduating he acted as secretary and treasurer
of the old Susquehanna River and North and
West Branch Telegraph Company, Iater
merged into the Western Union. Meanwhile
he studied law in the office of Edward H.
Baldy, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in
1861. Aside from his legal practice he was
fully identified with the large public inter-
ests of the community and was especially zeal-
ous and successful in his efforts to bring about
the location at Danville of the State Hospital
for the Insane, of which he is one of the trus-
tees. In 1885 he was admonished by im-
paired health, resulting from overwork, to re-
strict his practice to the management of his
own large estate, mainly in the neighborhood
of Scranton, and the care of a limited num-
ber of clients. In 1865 Mr. Grier was mar-
ried to Emma W. Porter, youngest daughter
of Hon. James M. Porter of Easton, Pa., an
eminent jurist and Secretary of War in the
Cabinet of President Tyler.

Mr. Grier’s only son, J. M. P. Grier, grad-
uated at Lafayette College in 1888, and was
about to be admitted to the bar when he sud-
denly died. The daughter, Isabella, is the
wife of Hon. Rufus King Polk, present Rep-
resentative in Congress from the Seventeenth
Pennsylvania District.

o.oo

ANIEL F. SCHMICK. The Philadel-
phia & Reading Railroad Company
has an efficient servant in Daniel F.

Schmick, yardmaster at Shamokin, North-

umberland County, Pa. His connection with

this road dates back to 1878, when he was

 

 

 

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 653

 

 

a brakeman; afterward he served some time
as a conductor, and subsequently was advanc-
ed to his present responsible position as yard-
master, which he has filled to the entire satis-
faction of the company for nearly eleven years,
which is the most flattering recognition of his
ability and worth.

Mr. Schmick was born on “the eightieth an-
niversary of the independence of our country,
July 4, 1856, in Hamburg, Berks County, Pa.,
and is a son of Theodore and Sarah (Shaffer)
Schmick. His father was also a native of
Hamburg, Berks County, as was also his
grandfather, Peter Schmick, who belonged to
one of the pioneer families of that section of
Pennsylvania. He was a blacksmith of noted
skill and was living at Catawissa at his death.
Theodore Schmick, father of our subject, was
in active service on the railroad for a period
of at least fifteen years. He.was killed Janu-
ary 25, 1882, in a terrible manner, at the age
of forty-six years and eleven months. He was
in the employ of the Reading Railroad, serv-
ing as conductor when he was deprived of
life by a wreck on the Catawissa Branch. Prior
to his death he was a conductor for many
years. At the age of twenty-one he enlisted
in a military company at Catawissa. He also
served in the Union Army for several months
during the Civil War.

Mr. Schmick attended the public schools,
but had very few advantages for securing an
education. Early in life he learned the trade
of a house painter, also the undertaking and
cabinet-making business with his father in his
native city. Subsequently he worked in a keg
factory. His first experience at railroading
was in the employ of the Catawissa Railroad
Company as car greaser, after which he work-
ed for the Philadelphia & Reading as brake-
man.

Our subject was united in marriage with

 

Ida Lynn and has a large family, ten children
having been born to the couple, one now de-
ceased. Mr, Schmick is an active and valued

member of Garfield Lodge No. 1,061, I. O.
O. F.

 

LIAS DILTZ, a progressive and enter-

prising farmer of Davidson township,

Sullivan County, Pa., comes of

German ancestry, although he, himself, was

born April 1, 1865, in Sugar Loaf township,

Columbia County, and is a son of Emanuel
and Lovina A. (Kline) Diltz.

George Diltz, our subject’s grandfather, was
the original emigrant, having been reared to
manhood in Germany. Upon his arrival in
this country he settled in Sugar Loaf town-
ship, Columbia County, Pa., where he took up
a tract of 150 acres of timber land. This farm
is now divided among his sons Emanuel and
John, and a part belongs to Thomas Smith;
it has since been cleared and now constitutes
one of the best pieces of farming land in that
township. Our subject’s grandfather follow-
ed both the farming and lumbering business,
in which he was remarkably successful; he
owned two saw mills, one of which is still in
operation and in possession of Silas Benja-
He died in 1873 at the age of sixty-five
years, and his wife died at about-the same time
aged sixty years. Their children were: Philip,
Sally, Emanuel, John, Elias, and Betsey.

Emanuel Diltz was born in Sugar Loaf
township, and was also reared and educated
there; he started out in life as a lumberman,
and while still a young man purchased from
his father 50 acres of land, upon which he
has continued to reside up to the present time.
He also bought his father’s saw and shingle

min.
654

mill, which he continues to operate. Mr. Diltz
is past his sixty-fifth year in life and 1s prom-
inently known throughout his community as
a good neighbor and excellent citizen. Po-
litically he is a Democrat, and is an earnest and
conscientious supporter of his party. Re-
ligiously he is a member of the Methodist
Church. His union with Lovina A. Kline re-
sulted in the birth of the following children:
Irvin, who wedded Clara Kitchen; Elias, our
subject; Emma, wife of Britton Cole; Lizzie
B., wife of Harvey Clinger; and Oma.

Elias Diltz received his schooling in his
native township. His first business venture
was in farming, he having rented his father’s
farm for one year. After carrying on lum-
bering a short time he removed to Sullivan
County and settled in Nordmont, where he
worked in the woods peeling bark. In 1886
he took up his residence in Davidson town-
ship, where he purchased his present farm
of 50 acres of Joseph Robbins. In 1893 he
erected a two-story frame house and in 1896
a fine commodious barn. The house stands
on the same ground where, 75 years ago, Wil-
liam J. and Susannah Robbins, grandparents
of Mrs. Alice Robbins Diltz, first built a log
house and settled, and where they lived for
several years. They came from Columbia
County, when Davidson township, Sullivan
County, and in fact the whole of Sullivan
County, was little better than a wilderness
of forest. The pioneers cleared the farm and
raised a family of four sons and one daughter,
—Henderson, Thomas, Leonard, Joseph, and
Mary. ,During. the winter months after the
harvests had been gathered Mr. Diltz worked
in the woods for different contractors. Our
subject is an industrious, painstaking, honest
farmer, possessing many warm friends in the

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

community of which he is a valued member.

Mr. Diltz was joined in matrimonial bonds
with Alice Robbins, a daughter of Joseph and
Mary (Henley) Robbins, and five children
have been born to them, namely: Lester,
Charles, Hazel Josephine, Willard, and Mary.
In politics Mr. Diltz, though not an office-
seeker, firmly advocates the principles of the
Democratic party.

 

young man who has built up a large

practice in the short time he has been
in Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pa.,
and he promises to be one of the most prom-
inent and successful physicians of his time.
The marvelous rapidity with which he has
built up his present clientage is almost in-
credible to one not familiar with the Doctor’s
push and energy. Almost his entire time not
given to his practice is devoted to study, and
his admirers feel satisfied that he will yet win
a name that will rank high in the world of
science. Dr. Cake was born in Sunbury, Jan-
uary 19, 1869, is a son of John Adam and
Minnie E. (McCullough) Cake, and a grand-
son of Joseph Cake.

John Adam Cake, Sr., father of Dr. John
Adam Cake, was born in Harrisburg, Dauphin
County, Pa., August 25, 1846, and is a son
of Joseph W. Cake, after whom the hamlet
of Caketown, which is now part of Sunbury,
was named. John Cake was educated at Rus-
sell’s Military School and at Yale and Prince-
ton, after which he read law for some time
with Benjamin H. Brewster of Philadelphia;
he subsequently pursued his studies one year’
with Rockefeller & Rohrbach of Sunbury, and
then was admitted to the bar in Sunbury in

J OHN ADAM CAKE, Jr., M. D., is a
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 655

March, 1870, where he has practiced ever
since, and also looked after his large property
interests. In 1867-68 he was assistant cashier
in the Philadelphia Custom House under his
father, who was then United States Collector
at that port. In 1878 he was a delegate to the
convention held at Toledo, O., for the purpose
of organizing the Greenback and Labor par-
ty, and therein took an active part. Later he
represented his district in the national con-
ventions of 1880 and 1884, and in the ensuing
campaigns worked hard for the success of the
candidates, Weaver and Butler. In 1880 he
was his party’s nominee for Congress and in
1882 their candidate for judge of the Supreme
Court. He is now a Republican, but has
withdrawn from active participation in poli-
tics. On February 27, 1868, at Pottsville,
Pa., Mr. Cake was married to Minnie E. Mc-
Cullough, daughter of Capt. Hugh McCul-
lough, who fell at Murfreesboro, Tenn., in the
Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Cake have four chil-
dren: Dr. John Adam, the subject of this
sketch; Minnie C.; Joseph W.; and Edith.
Dr. John Adam Cake was educated in the
Sunbury High School, graduating in 1887,
after which he entered Lafayette College at
Easton, where he studied three years. On his
return to Sunbury he read medicine with the
late Dr. F. B. Masser, subsequently entering
the University of Pennsylvania, from which he
was graduated in 1893. He immediately be-
gan the practice of his profession at Sunbury.
In February, 1894, Dr. Cake was joined in
wedlock with Clara Jones, an accomplished
young lady of Shamokin, Coal township, Pa.
They have one daughter, Helen Marie. Our
subject is a great lover of athletic sports, and
while at college he spent much time in the
gymnasium and athletic departments. He 1s
an active and participating member of the
Northumberland County Medical Society.

 

ILLIAM B. TAYLOR, one of the

bright and energetic young busi-

ness men of the town of Blooms-
burg, Columbia County, who is proprietor of
the largest bottling establishment in the
county, was born in Roaring Creek township,
Columbia County, in the old log house which
stood at the foot of Cinder Tip of Esther
Furnace, and is a son of Franklin and Eliza-
beth (Bonawitz) Taylor, and a grandson of
George and Mary (Giger) Taylor.

George Taylor, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was of sturdy Scotch-Irish descent,
born in Virginia, and was a veteran in the
War of 1812. He learned the trade of a mil-
ler at Brandywine, Chester County, Pa., and
later moved to Columbia County, where he
was employed for seven years by John J. Bow-
man of Catawissa. He followed the trade of
a miller all his active days, and was consid-
ered among the best in his line of business.
He was joined in wedlock to Mary Giger, a
daughter of Conrad Giger, and a family of
ten children was the result of this union,
namely: Washington; Franklin, the father of
our subject; Maria: John; Caroline; Harriet;
Sarah; Martha; Margaret J.; and Martin. Mr.
Taylor died at the age of fifty-five years; his
wife lived to the age of eighty-four years.

Franklin Taylor, the father of our subject,
was born at Bowman’s Mills, now Ash Mills,
in Briarcreek township, Columbia County,
Pa., January 27, 1823, and during his boy-
hood days he worked with his father learn-
ing the trade of a miller, and remained in his
employ until his father’s death. He then
worked for the Esther Charcgal & Iron Fur-

‘nace Company for eighteen years, and later
became keeper of the same works.

In 1863
he removed to Bloomsburg, where he found
employment in the foundry works for twenty
656 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

years. In 1887 Mr. Taylor was appointed
janitor of the Fifth Street Public School, a po-
sition he holds at the present time. He pur-
chased a home at No. 147 Fourth street,
where he is spending the remainder of his
active days. He was wedded to Elizabeth
Bonawitz, who was born in Dauphin County,
Pa., August 3, 1828. They are the parents
of the following children: Jennie, deceased;
Charles, a molder residing in Bloomsburg;
George, deceased; William B., whose name
heads this sketch; Annie and Margaret, de-
ceased; Harry, a merchant by profession;
Franklin, deceased; and Clarence, deceased.

William B. Taylor received his schooling in
the public schools of Bloomsburg. During
vacations he worked in a brickyard, carrying
brick and later at scraping castings for B.
F. Sharpless;.and next at mixing mortar and
carrying a hod. Later he served an appren-
ticeship with J. H. Sterner for several years
at the carpenter’s trade. For a year he
worked at car building; then was bartender
for his father-in-law for three years, after
which he engaged in contracting with W. H.
Rhodomoyer as partner. Subsequently our
subject bought W. H. Gilmore’s bottling
works, the largest of the kind in Columbia
County. He has added two buildings, 45 by
80 feet and 25 by 8o feet respectively, to the
works. Three teams are kept constantly busy
delivering. Our subject makes a specialty of
bottling ale, porter, carbonated drinks and
Bartholomay lager beer.

Our subject resides in a neat little residence
located at No. 128 Iron street. He formed a
matrimonial alliance with Lillie M. Gilmore,
a daughter of W. H. Gilmore, and grand-
daughter of William and Hester (Quiger) Gil-
more, both natives of Connecticut.

W. H. Gilmore came to Columbia Coun-
ty in 1852 and followed farming until 1862,

 

when he enlisted in Company E., 132d Reg.
Pa. Vol. Inf., and served gallantly through-
out the war. The most notable battles in
which Mr. Gilmore participated were Antie-
tam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.
After the, close of the war he conducted a
saloon for thirty-three years, and in 1883 he
started the bottling business now owned by
our subject. He wedded Emma Wicht, a
daughter of William Wicht, and they reared
the following children: Lillian, William,
Charles, Mary and Harry.

Our subject and wife are the parents of
eight children, namely: Emma E.; Charles
H.; George F.; Jennie M.; Lillian M.; Hattie
B., deceased; Annia K.; and Willie D. Mr.
Taylor is a stanch Democrat in his political
views; socially he is a member of the O. U.
A. M. of Bloomsburg.

 

sents the First Ward in the borough
council of Mount Carmel, Northum-
berland County, Pa., is the popular proprie-
tor of a hotel located at Vine and Water
streets, and is widely known as one of the
leading citizens of his community. He is a
son of John and Mary (Gibbons) Gibbons,
and was born in Mount Carmel township,
Northumberland County, December 1, 1862.
John Gibbons, the father of our subject,
was born in County Mayo, Ireland, but when
young came to America, where he followed
the occupation of a miner. He continued in
that line of work until he met his death by
accident while working in the mines, February
25, 1878.
John F. Gibbons, our subject, was edu-
cated in the common schools and began active
work on his own account as a slate-picker at

Jd OHN F. GIBBONS, who ably repre-
 

JGH D. McBRIDE

HU
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

659

 

 

‘
the age of eight years. Being naturally bright
and industrious, he was bound to work his
way to better things, and it was but a short
time until he was a driver, and next a loader-
boss. He then worked for a time with his
brother, P. H. Gibbons, who is now district
superintendent of the United Improved Gas
Company of Philadelphia, but was then en-
gaged in the tea business. He next accepted
a position in the Pennsylvania Railroad de-
pot as a trucker, in which capacity he served
for six months, when he returned to Mount
Carmel and resumed work in the mines. This
he continued until November 24, 1892, when
he embarked in the hotel business at Vine and
Water streets, where he has since been lo-
cated. He has met with unusual success in

this business and has established a first-class,

reputation. He has entered actively into: the
field of politics and is one of the leaders in
the Democratic party. He has frequently
been a delegate to county conventions, and
in February, 1896, was elected to the borough
council from the First Ward, a high compli-
ment to his popularity, for the district had

gone Republican by three hundred majority.

at the previous election. He served his con-
stituents so well that he was again persuaded
to run for the office.

On September 27, 1887, Mr. Gibbons was

united in marriage to Mary E. Quinn, and |

they are the parents of four children: Mary;
Katie; Adrian, who died at the age of three
and a half years; and Helen, who died at
the age of thirteen months. In social life our
subject is also very prominent, being an offi-
cer in many fraternities. He is a member of
the F. O. R. L. B., of which he was president
and also treasurer for six successive terms;
of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, of which
he has been treasurer since its organization in
1882; he was also county treasurer of the

.

 

same society, having held three treasurerships
at the same time, and in 1893 was a delegate
to the state convention of the A. O. H., which
was held at Pittsburg, Pa.; he was a member
of the Knights of Labor when that order
flourished, and attended many of the conven-
tions of that society at Sunbury, Shamokin,
Lykens and other places; he was formerly a
member of the Amalgamated Association, and
while quite young was elected treasurer; he
is a member of the Citizens’ Hook and Ladder
Company, and has been one almost since its
otganization. He is.very active in the work
which comes before the council and was
elected president of the finance committee,
president of the council, being the first Dem-
ocrat to acquire that honor, and was chair-
man of the law and street committees.

—_-_< -e- >_<

J] UGH D. McBRIDE. Among the
well-to-do and successful agricultur-
L_ ists of Columbia County is the sub-
ject of this’ sketch, residing on a fine farm
in Hemlock ‘township. His portrait is pre-
sented on a preceding page. He has been
interested in the agricultural development of
the county more or less all his life, and in the

 

prosecution of his vocation he has met with
far more than ordinary success.

He was born
on the old McBride homestead in Hemlock
township January 30, 1828, and is a son of
William and Mercy Carr (Barton) McBride.

Hugh McBride, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was reared and educated in the northern
part of Ireland and was of Scotch-Irish des-
cent. With his wife and children he came to the
United States and purchased from the Penn
estate a tract of land consisting of 640 acres
of wild and uncultivated land in Hemlock
township, Columbia County, Pa. He cleared
a part of his purchase and engaged in tilling

at
660 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

the soil; he was the first settler in that section
of the county. His farm was located at the
lower end of Frosty Valley and is now di-
vided into three large farms, one of which. is
owned by the estate of the late P A. Evans,
another by Robert Crossley, and the third
part is owned by our subject and is known
as the old McBride homestead. Politically
Hugh McBride was a firm Democrat. He
was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He was the father of eight children: Hugh,
James, Nathan, Thomas, William, Jane, Su-
san, and Mary, all of whom are deceased. *
William McBride, the father of our sub-
ject, was born on the old homestead in Hem-
lock township and was reared to agricultural
pursuits. He was also a pioneer of Colum-
bia County and was a prominent member of
his community. He was a soldier in the War
of 1812. Politically he was a Jackson Dem-
ocrat and served two terms, 1824 to 1828, in
the State Legislature. Religiously he was
an active and consistent member of the Pres-
byterian Church. He chose for his compan-
ion Mercy Carr Barton, a daughter of Elisha
Barton, a descendant of the old Barton family
that early settled in this part of the state. As
a result of this union four sons and five daugh-
ters were born, all of whom are deceased but
our subject. They were as follows: Mary,
who was the wife of William Emmet and
resided in Ohio; Rachael, who was the wife
of John Barkley; Sarah, who wedded William
« G. Quick; Susan; Elizabeth; James, who
went to the Mexican War and was never
heard from afterwards; Franklin, who was a
farmer on the old homestead until his death:
William; and Hugh D., the subject of this
sketch. :
Hugh D. McBride was reared on the old
homestead and received his education in the
public. schools of Catawissa and also in the

 

high school of that town. While a young
man he learned the trade of a plasterer, which
he followed a few years, and then returned to
the old homestead and engaged in the pur-
suits of an agriculturist.

In politics our subject is a supporter of the
Democratic party and has held several town-
ship offices. He is a member of Catawissa
Lodge, No. 349, F. & A. M., and has been a
Mason for thirty-one years. Mr. McBride was
wedded to Alveretta Stecker, a daughter of
Gideon Stecker, a farmer of Hemlock town-
ship. Two children have blessed the home of
our subject and his wife: Charles Grover; and
Anna.

———-———< -e -~______

AMES A. McCARTHY, a prosperous
merchant of Locust Gap, Northum-
berland County, Pa., is an active and

influential worker in the field of politics, be-
ing a prominent member of the Democratic
party in his section. He is a gentleman who
has always labored for the best interests of
the village and he is accorded the respect and
good will of his many acquaintances in the
county. He is a son of John and Margaret
(Mohan) McCarthy, and was born in Locust
Gap, Northumberland County, Pa., Febru-
ary 10, 1864.

Our subject’s grandfather was Francis Mc-
Carthy, a native of County Longford, Ireland,
who upon coming to this country located at
Minersville, Schuylkill County, where he was
among the earliest settlers. His vocation was
that of a miner.

John McCarthy, the father of our subject,
was born in Schuylkill County, in February,
1837, and there grew to manhood, but at the’
age of twenty-five or twenty-six years, he re-
moved to Locust Gap. He was engaged in

-mining work, being employed in the capa-

«
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 661

 

 

=
city of an engineer, and was very successful
in his life’s work. He died in 1865. In his
political affiliations he was a firm supporter of
the principles of the Democratic party. He
was joined in Hymen’s bonds with Margaret
Mohan, who was born in Ireland, but came to
America at about the age of six years, settling
in California. She later moved east to Pitts-
burg, Pa., thence to Schuylkill County, and
finally to Northumberland County, where she
was married. The couple became the proud
parents of three children, namely: Frank,
now deceased; James A., the subject of our
sketch; and John, who is proprietor of the
Locust Summit Hotel at Locust Gap.

James A. McCarthy was reared at Locust
Gap and there attended the public schools
until 1884, when he took a commercial course

in Bryant & Stratton’s Business College in.

Philadelphia. After the completion of his
studies in that institution he returned to Lo-
cust Gap and accepted a position with William
Harvey, the leading general merchant of the
village. He faithfully discharged the duties
of his position for five years, and hav-
ing acquired an extensive knowledge of
the business, he bought the store and has
since conducted it in a highly successful
manner. As a business man he is shrewd
and enterprising, and, beginning as he did
without means, it is greatly to his cred-
it that he occupies his present- position
in the affairs of Locust Gap. He is a Demo-
crat in his political attachments, and in him
is found a stanch advocate of the cause of his
party. He is active in county, state and na-
tional politics, and has frequently represented
his district as a delegate to various conven-
tions, in 1895 and 1896 being chairman of the
Democratic county committee. In 1896 he
attended the Democratic national convention
held at Chicago, which nominated William

 

Jennings Bryan for president. At present he is
efficiently serving as tax collector of Mount
Carmel township, having been elected in 1897
for a term of three years. His name is fre-
quently mentioned as a candidate for pro-
thonotary of Northumberland County, and
we are assured ‘that if he consents to run for
that office he will receive the undivided sup-
port not only of his party, but his many
friends who favor the opposing party in prin-
ciple.

December 31, 1885, Mr. McCarthy was
united in marriage with Bridget Harvey, a
daughter of William Harvey, the former pro-
prietor of the mercantile house now conducted
by our subject, and their children are as fol-
lows: Mary Jane, Margaret, Regina, and
Elizabeth, deceased; Cora; and Mary.

SSS

yy ON. WILLIAM M. ROCKEFEL-
LER, who for a period of twenty-
\ Lone years was recognized as the
leading attorney of the Northumberland
County Bar, and who for another period of
twenty years presided as the judge of the
Eighth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, was
born in Sunbury, Northumberland County,
his preSent place of residence, August 18,
1830, and is a son of David and Catherine
(Mettler) Rockefeller. His active career has
been a meritorious one, and his important la-
bors on bar and bench entitle him to the
highest regard and esteem of his fellow-towns-
men. Since he retired from the bench in
1891 he has been leading a more or less re-
tired life, because of poor health, and has
spent much of the time in the South; he has
also indulged himself in considerable travel-
ing, visiting the principal countries of Europe.

The family is of either Holland or German

 

o
662 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

stock. To begin with, the original ancestor
of the Rockefellers in America, Peter Rocke-
feller, was born in the Old Country in 1710,
and emigrated to America, settling in Arm-
ville, Hunterdon County, N. J., where he ac-
quired a vast tract of land. His will bear-
ing the date December 6, 1738, transfers 763
acres of land, situated in Armville township,
to his son, who was also named Peter. Of
the children of Peter Rockefeller, Jr., one,
Godfrey Rockefeller, was a brother of the
grandfather of John D. Rockefeller, the
Standard Oil magnate, and the great-grand-

father of our subject.
Godfrey Rockefeller moved to Northum-

berland County, Pa., in 1798 and took up his
residence as a pioneer farmer near Snyder-
town, in Rush township, where he owned a
large farm, which he transformed into a cul-
tivated state from a dense wilderness of for-
est, its condition when he settled upon it.
Of his children William Rockefeller, the
grandfather of the Judge, was born, reared,
lived and died. on the old homestead farm in
Rush township, engaged wholly in agricul-
tural pursuits. His life was not characterized
by any especially stirring events, for he was
content to enjoy home life, secure in the
estimation and good will of his fellow-citizens.
His wife bore him several children," and oi
these David Rockefeller, the father of the
subject of this biographical review, was born
on the homestead, September 6, 1802.

David Rockefeller grew to manhood on the
homestead and obtained the customary-rudi-
ments of an education in the common schools
of Rush township; he gave especial attention
in his young manhood to the study of sur-
veying, and practically made it his life occupa-
tion. He became one of the most efficient
and expert land surveyors of Pennsylvania
and had ample scope for his talents in that

 

 

&
line, for he was frequently called upon to sur-
vey disputed lines, locate original lines, cor-
ners, etc., and to give expert testimony in
court in cases arising out of such disputes.
He thus obtained wide reputation, for his
work carried him into all sections of the Key-
stone State. He served as deputy sheriff a
number of years in early life, was register and
recorder by appointment in 1847-48, and
served as deputy surveyor general of North-
umberland County for a long term of years,
being considered by his fellow-citizens almost
a fixture in that office. He was one of the
best known men in his part of the state, this
distinction resting almost wholly upon his
good work asa surveyor. In 1826 he located
in Sunbury, and spent the remainder of his
life there, dying in that town August 22, 1876.
He married Catherine Mettler and they be-
came the proud parents of five children, three

of whom died in infancy, the two surviving

children being: William M., the subject of
these lines; and A. Jordan, an attorney-at-
law, who died in 1862.

Judge Rockefeller acquired an excellent
academic education in Sunbury Academy, and
then read law with the late Hon. John B.
Packer of Sunbury, and the late Judge Jor-
dan, also of Sunbury, with whom he com-
pleted his professional training, being admit-
ted to the bar of Northumberland County on
August 6, 1850. He practiced law one year
in Minersville, Schuylkill County, and then
located in Sunbury, where he practiced con-
tinually until 1871, when he was elevated to
the bench. Entering upon the practice of
law with a complete preparation and having
mental abilities and a natural bent of the kind
considered most useful for a lawyer, Judge
Rockefeller attained both prosperity and in-
fluence in his twenty-one years.of varied prac-
tice and valuable experience.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 663

Ever since the War of the Rebellion, our
subject has been a stanch Republican, al-
though he was a Democrat before the struggle
that showed the folly of secession. He was
elected to the position of president judge of
the Eighth Judicial District of Pennsylvania
on the Republican ticket and served two terms
of ten years each, presiding until 1891, his
excellent record as a judge being indorsed
in 1881 by a re-election to the judgeship.
He was succeeded in 1891 by the present in-
cumbent, Judge Savidge, whose personal his-
tory we present on another page of this Book
of Biographies. In 1855, a few years after
locating in Sunbury for the practice of his
profession, our subject was elected chief bur-
gess of the borough. In 1853, in collabora-
tion with Judge Jordan and M. L. Shindel,
he revised and edited the second edition, of
the “American Pleader’s Assistant,” a guide
for young lawyers in pleading and legal forms,
that has found a place in many libraries.
During his twenty years on the bench Judge
Rockefeller tried a great number of cases,
among which were many prosecutions
brought against the ‘“Molly Maguires.” He
delivered the opinion of the court in the Ly-
coming judicial contest, which covered a long
term of years, and a vast amount of com-
plicated evidence. As a judge, our subject
was clear, concise and decided, upholding well
the dignity of the bench, and exhibiting legal
learning that made all of the members of
the bar entertain for him the profoundest re-
spect. Few of his rulings ever admitted a
questioning doubt, and very rarely have his
decisions been reversed in a higher court.
He was very popular in legal circles and was
a man of no small political influence.

On August 11, 1857, occurred the cere-
mony that united Judge Rockefeller in mar-
riage with Emily Jones, daughter of Thomas

 

and Maria (Housel) Jones of
Union County, Pa. They have three child-
ren, namely: Mary, the wife of J. Nelson
Ewing, of Baltimore; Charles W.; and Flora,
the wife of Ward Rice of Pueblo, Colo.

Charles W. Rockefeller, our subject’s only
son, is a leading attorney at Sunbury, and
is also engaged in the insurance business, be-
ing a member of the firm of Derr & Rocke-
feller. The family are members of the Pres-
byterian Church, in which the judge has been
a trustee for nearly forty years and chair-
man of the board since 1876. He is a man
of fine, gentlemanly instincts, true to all that
is best in life, and a power for good in the
community where almost his entire life has
been spent.

Lewisburg,

—_—__—_<¢-0-»—___—.

ISS FRANCES E. HAWLEY is
one of the most estimable women
of Watsontown, Delaware town-

ship, Northumberland County, Pa., and is a
descendant of families of great prominence.
She is the only surviving child of John Milton
and Jane L. (Alder) Hawley.

John Milton Hawley, who is living in prac-
tical retirement on his farm near the village
of Watsontown, was born in Muncy, Lycom-
ing County, Pa., June 26, 1825, and is a son
of Enos and Mary (Sweeney) Hawley, and a
grandson of Robert Hawley. Robert Haw-
ley, who was born on the Brandywine River
in Chester County, Pa., was of English an-
cestry. Being a strict adherent to the Quaker
doctrines he did not participate in the Revo-
lutionary War, but tradition tells us that Rob-
ert Hawley was warned to flee from his home
and, shortly after, the battle of Brandywine
was fought upon his premises. He learned
the tanner’s trade. In 1800 he settled in Ly-
coming, Pa. with a colony of Quakers at.
664 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

Pennsdale, near Muncy, where he conducted
a tannery. He subsequently operated a tan-
nery in Hughesville, but at the time of his
death resided at Muncy. He and his wife,
Patience, both lived to an advanced age and
lie buried in the Friend’s Burying-ground at
Pennsdale. They reared the following child-
ren: Robert; Gideon; Enos; Ann (Haynes);
Hannah (Whitaker); and Mary (Yearsley).

Enos Hawley, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Chester County, Pa., and
when young moved with his parents to Ly-
coming County, where he learned the trade of
atanner. He first located in Muncy but later
went to Hughesville where he succeeded to
his father’s business and continued it until his
retirement, when he removed to Muncy. He
was appointed postmaster and served in that
capacity for seventeen years. He was a good
general business man and lived a long and
useful life, dying at the age of eighty years;
his wife died at the age of seventy-eight years.
He married Mary Sweeney, a daughter of
John Sweeney, a soldier of the Revolutionary
War who lived to reach the age of ninety-
nine years, and their union was blessed by the
birth of four children: John Milton, the fath-
er of our subject; Robert, who married Sarah
J. Cook; Lucretia, the wife of Russell Bo-
dine; and Alfred, who married Rachel Wil-
letts.

John Milton Hawley attended the com-
mon schools and received a good intellectual
training, after which he took up the occupa-
tion which his father had followed for many
years with good results, that of a tanner. In
1863 he was appointed clerk to the superin-
tendent of the Catawissa Railroad and re-
moved to Catawissa where he faithfully dis-
charged the duties of that position until 1874.
In that year he located at Watsontown and
purchased part of the Pardee estate near the

 

village, and there followed market gardening
until 1893, since which time he has lived in
retirement. He is a man of strong character
and splendid habits, and is highly respected by
all. He was joined in matrimonial bonds with
Jane L. Alder, September 2, 1848, on the old
Alder homestead known as “Rose Hill,” at
Muncy. Mrs. Hawley is a daughter of
Joshua and ‘Elizabeth (Lewis) Alder, and
comes from a distinguished, family.

Joshua W. Alder was born in New Castle,
Northumberland County, England, in Octo-
ber, 1788, and was a son of Caleb and Doro-
thy (Walker) Alder. The family is of French
origin and was established in England_ by
French refugees. Caleb Alder was Born in
New Castle, Northumberland County, Eng-
land, it is thought, and with his wife and only
child came to the United States, locating in
New York City, in 1802. He was a man of
wealth and lived the life of an English gentle- .
man, doing no active work but investing his
capital in real estate, owning at one time what
is to-day known as Hoboken, N. J. There he
died and there his son, Joshua W. Alder, grew
to manhood, attending the public schools for
some years. He later went to England to
complete his education, and while in that
country met and married Jane Lewis, a
daughter of Lyson Lewis, returning to this
country soon after. He settled in New York
City and there studied chemistry and survey-
ing, acquiring an extensive knowledge of both
branches which was invaluable to him in his
subsequent work. George Lewis, the uncle of
Joshua W. Alder’s wife, who was a large mer-
chant and a very wealthy man of New York
City, acquired several thousand acres of land
in Sullivan County, Pa., and desiring to know
its worth, engaged Mr. Alder, then a young
and energetic man, to investigate his pur-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 665

 

 

chase. This he accordingly did and while
prospecting discovered a beautiful lake on a
mountain top which he immediately named
Lewis Lake, but it has since been renamed
Eagle’s Mere and is at the present day one
of the most popular summer resorts in the
state of Pennsylvania. There Joshua discov-
ered a fine quality of white sand, and by means
of his deep knowledge of chemistry, he read-
ily saw that glass could be made from it. This
afforded a valuable field of industry, as there
was very little glass manufactured in the
United States. He gathered a sample of the
sand, returned to New York City, and there
analyzed it, proving to his satisfaction that it
was of the desired quality. George Lewis
immediately made preparations to open this
valuable industry and engaged Mr. Alder and
Israel Lewis, his brother-in-law from Eng-
land, to go to the lake and erect suitable
buildings for the manufacture of glass. As
there were no railroads, they, with a large
force of men, made their way overland by
means of wagons and horses, going by the
way of Berwick, Danville, and Muncy, and
finally up the valley to their destination. Then
their work began in earnest, making roads
through an almost inpenetrable forest and
hewing down trees for the erection of build-
ings. Finally all was accomplished and every
thing ready for the manufacture of glass. In
a short time they were turning out a very
fine quality of clear window glass and nothing
remained but to place it upon the market,
but then the most serious obstacle of all pre-
sented itself. The only market to which the
glass: could be taken was Philadelphia; and
that could only be reached by wagon over a
rough and mountainous road. Many attempts
were made to take glass to Philadelphia, but
each time the glass was broken, and after a
trial of six years the venture was abandoned.

 

They then attempted to raise sheep there and

shipped many hundred out from New York
City, and in this too they were unfortunate,
for the sheep died in the winter months. It
has been estimated that George Lewis sunk
a half million dollars in these ventures, and
there is now no trace of what promised to be
ene of the most prosperous industries in the
state, the buildings having long since been
torn down, and in their stead are to be found
nothing but pleasure resorts. Joshua W.
Alder and his wife moved to Lewis Lake in
1810, and after abandoning the glass enter-
prise, moved to Muncy, where he built a
home which is now owned by William Ellis.
In 1822 he built the handsome residence
there which is now owned by Mrs. Fanny
Musser and occupied by her and his daugh-
ter, Mrs. Elizabeth L. Foster. Mrs. Foster
now owns the old piano which was manu-
factured in London by George Astor, and
which her father moved about with him to his
various homes, and she values it very highly
as a family heirloom. Mrs. Alder died at
the age of twenty-eight years, and Joshua
subsequently returned to England where he
married Elizabeth Lewis, a sister of his first
wife, and a woman of many accomplishments.

“Mr. Alder died in 1837, at the age of forty-

seven years, but his wife lived to the age of
eighty-two years, before passing into the
world of rest. Their union was blessed by
the birth of six children: George; Lyson;
William A.; Jane L.; Fanny; and Emma.

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Hawley became the
parents of four children, namely: Elizabeth;
Joshua W.; Frances E.; and Caroline L., all
dead but our subject. Her parents are both
enjoying excellent health, although now well
aiong in years, and they enjoy the love and
respect of all who know them.
666 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

R. KIMBER C. McWILLIAMS, one
of the leading physicians of Shamo-
4 9 kin, Pa., was born at Elysburg,
Northumberland County, Pa., October 7,
1857, and is a son of William and Catherine
(Caldwell) McWilliams. His grandfather, Da-
vid McWilliams, was born in Turbot town-
ship, Northumberland County, Pa. Soon
after his marriage to Jane Craig he removed
‘to a farm near Elysburg, being one of the
earliest settlers in that community.

Dr. McWilliams began his education in the
public schools and later took a finishing
course at Elysburg Academy, afterward teach-
ing school for a number of years. In the
course of these events he chose a profession
and began the study of medicine under Dr.
S. F. Gilbert of Elysburg, after which he en-
tered Jefferson Medical College of Philadel-
phia, graduating in 1884. He immediately be-
gan the practice of his profession at Main-
ville, Columbia County, where he remained,
however, only two months, subsequently lo-
cating in Snydertown, where he remained
about two years. In 1886 he removed to
Shamokin, and on October 11, 1887, was
united in marriage to Elizabeth J. Chester of
that place. Desiring to treat special diseases
scientifically, he removed to Philadelphia in
1892, where he practiced his profession three
years, at the same time taking special lectures
on diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat
at the Jefferson Hospital.

During the last year of his stay in Phila-
delphia he was chief assistant of a clinic at the
Polytechnic Hospital and was superintend-
ent of the Beacon Dispensary the entire three
years of his stay’ in Philadelphia. Having
completed his purpose in these three years of
study and practical experience in the hospi-
tals named above, he returned to Shamokin
and began treating diseases of the eye, ear,

 

 

 

 

 

nose, and throat. His success in these special
departments of medicine has been greater
than anticipated. Aside from having a large
practice among a desirable class of patrons
our subject does much charity work and is
amply repaid in the knowledge of his power
to relieve suffering and by the expressions
of gratitude from the recipients of his benefi-
cence: In religious belief he is a Presbyte-
rian and has been an elder in that church for
a number of years.

William McWilliams, father of Dr. K. C.
McWilliams, was born in Turbot township,
where he lived through the period of his early
years. He was educated: in Milton Academy
and learned the profession of a civil engineer,
following it throughout his active life. He
assisted in laying out the borough of Shamo-
kin, and was employed in making the survey
of the railroad from Shamokin to Sunbury,
working under Kimber Cleaver. Many of the
mines in the early development of the coal in-
dustry were surveyed by him and many of the
maps were made from his measurements.

In politics he was always a Republican, but
never aspired to office. He was an elder in
the Presbyterian Church for many years, was
greatly interested in the educational system
of our country, and was very active in its
cause, being one of the prime movers in the
founding of Elysburg Academy. He was es-
pecially interested in the common schools of
his township. He and his estimable wife were
blessed with a family of five children, four
sons and one daughter: Clifton C., who was
engaged in teaching during his younger days
and now resides on the old home farm neat
Elysburg,—he is an active Prohibitionist :
Kimber C.; David A., a graduate of Dickin-
son Seminary, who studied law at Minneap-
olis, where he practiced several years,—he
subsequently entered the McCormick Theo-
at
 

 

 

 

MOSES AUSTIN ROGERS.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 669

 

 

logical Seminary at Chicago, became a min-
ister and now holds a charge in that city; Cora
R., for eight years a successful teacher in the
Shamokin schools, who is now a student in the
University of Chicago; and William Caldwell,
who died in early childhood.

 

OSES AUSTIN ROGERS, whose
portrait the publishers present on
the opposite page, is the oldest
merchant in Sullivan County, Pa., having es-
tablished himself in business in the town of
Forksville in 1855, and it may be easily said
that no other store in the county excels his.
He is the senior ntember of the well known
frm of M. A. Rogers & Son, which was
formed in 1882, his son, William C., being
junior member, and he is respected as one
of the valued men of his community. He
has been a life-long resident of Forksville.
He was born March 22, 1833, and is a son
of Moses and Jane (Sadler) Rogers, and
grandson of Samuel Rogers.

The Rogers family is of English descent
and our subject traces his ancestral history
back to William Rogers, who was a grandson
~ of John Rogers, the martyr, who was born in
1505. The next in line of descent was Jos-
eph, born in 1732; then Samuel, born in
Standah, England, May 1, 1760; the next was
Samuel Rogers, Jr., the grandfather of our
subject, who was born December 6, 1762, at
Bramley, three miles west of Leeds in York-
shire, England. He learned the trade of a
weaver in his early days and followed it in
his native country until the summer of 1801,
when he and his family joined his oldest son,
Samuel, who had come to America in 1800,
and had located in the city of Philadelphia, Pa.
He rented a small farm near that city, but,

 

wishing to make a larger settlement for his
family, he went north and at the forks of
Loyalsock Creek, in Sullivan County, Pa., he
purchased of Dr. Joseph Priestley, a tract of
land consisting of 124 acres, the price per
acre being but $2.50. He then returned to
his family, sending his son, Jonathan, to his
new home to erect a log cabin and prepare
for their coming; there he cleared a part of
his land and in addition to farming and work-
ing at his trade manufactured neatsfoot oil.
His estate is now in the possession of his
grandson, John W. Rogers. Samuel was
married June 1, 1782, to Ann Gaunt, who was
born in 1762, and they reared the following
children: Samuel, born December 6, 1782,
died February 14, 1857; Joseph, born August
1, 1784, died April 3, 1847; Jonathan, born
October 7, 1785, died August 20, 1830; John,
born February 11, 1787, died March 1, 1858;
William, born March 17, 1788, died Novem-
ber 19, 1872; Hannah, born February 13,
1790, died October 13, 1848; Richard, born
July 15, 1791, died November 15, 1875;
David, born January 9, 1793, died February
10, 1840; Abram, born February 28, 1794,
died March 6, 1794; Elizabeth, born April 9,
1795, died on the day of her birth; Martha,
born May 8, 1796, died February 1, 1798;
Benjamin, born September 28, 1797, died
May 7, 1851; Reuben, born December 8, 1798,
died July 24, 1850; Jacob, born January 31,
1800, died in June, 1801; George, born De-
cember 9, 1802, died October 24, 1804; Isaac,
born July 26, 1804, died February 15, 1856;
Moses, our subject’s father; and Martha, born
May 11, 1808, died February 18, 1870. Our
subject’s grandfather died January 29, 1828,
and his grandmother died in 1823.

Moses Rogers was born on his father’s
homestead April 14, 1806, and worked with
his father during his youth, assisting him in
670 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

farming and the lumber business. He also
worked in the woolen factory which was erect-
ed in 1803 by his brothers, Jonathan and Sam-
uel. It was the first factory of its kind in that
section of the state. They bought their wool in
Philadelphia, hauled it over the mountains by
teams, and manufactured it into cloth, which
was then taken back to Philadelphia where it
was made into clothing for the soldiers of the
War of 1812. In 1817 the factory was de-
stroyed by a flood and was never rebuilt.
Moses later took possession of the homestead
upon which he built a fine house and out-
buildings and increased the acreage of the
farm to 400 acres. He died February 18,
1879. His wife was Jane Sadler, a daughter
of Joseph Sadler, and she was born August
20, 1810, and died February 6, 1892. The
following children resulted from this union:
Zilphia, born August 2, 1829; Samuel S., born
September 22, 1831; Moses A., our subject;
Isaac, born August 19, 1834; William, born
October 8, 1836, was killed at the battle of
Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864; Mary Jane, born
February 8, 1838; and John W., born Jan-
uary 2, 1845. In politics Mr. Rogers was a
Republican.

Moses Austin Rogers attended the common
schools and then started in business as a clerk

in the store of Alonzo Potter, who owned the:

first store in Forksville, and later was with
W. J. Eldred, remaining with him for four
years. In June, 1855, he erected a building
and buying a complete line of general mer-
chandise began business for himself; in 1874
he built on a new front to the store and to-day
has one of the most complete general stores in
Sullivan County; his store occupies two floors,
both being stocked with all the articles which
tend to make his stock of goods complete.
He gives his customers the closest attention
and by honesty and courtesy to his patrons

 

has built up a very large trade. In 1882 he
took his son William C. into the business, and
the firm has since been known as M. A. Rog-
ers & Son. In 1866 our subject erected a
handsome home in the town; he also owns
considerable other property in the township.
Mr. Rogers is one of the most enterprising
and progressive business men in the town of
Forksville, always interested in any movement
which tends to advance and build up his
adopted town.

Mr. Rogers was wedded to Abigail Potter,
a daughter of George W. Potter, a retired ma-
chinist of Towanda, and this union resulted
in the following offspring: William C.; Charles
S.; Josephine married R. W. Stephens, by
whom she has two children, Leon and Carl-
ton; George Arthur; and Mary Eva, de-
ceased.

William C. Rogers was born December 4,
1859, and was educated in the high school at
Vineland, N. J., and at the Poughkeepsie
Business College, graduating from the latter
institution in 1882; upon returning home he
entered the store of his father as a partner.
He married Mary E. Wright, a daughter of
John Wright, and to them one child has been
born, Guy W., born March 31, 1884. Heisa
member of Evergreen Lodge, No. 163, F. &
A. M.; No. 161, R. A. M., of Towanda; and
No. 16, K. T., of Towanda. He served in the
State Legislature in 1887-88 and has also
served in the town council. He is vice-presi-
dent and a director of the National Bank of
Dushore.

Charles S. Rogers is a dentist of Towanda
and married Mary Marsden, by whom he had
three children: Stanley, Marsden, and Helen.
George Arthur Rogers was born March 28,
1873, and is a graduate of the School of
Electricity of Washington, D.C. In 1897 he
bought out B. W. Fawcett of Forksville and
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 671

 

 

now conducts a jewelry store. He is a mem-
ber of Lodge No. 522, I. O. O. F., and is also
past grand of the same. On January
17, 1899, he was united in marriage with
Mazie Shafer, a daughter of Jesse Shafer of
Forksville.

Our subject is a strong Republican in poli-
tics, as are all his sons, and served as post-
master thirty-one years; he has also been
school director and overseer of the poor. He
was treasurer of the Home Insurance Com-
pany, but resigned in 1897, having held that
office for eighteen years. In 1876 he was
elected associate judge of Sullivan County
and held the office for a period of five years.
His associate on the bench was F. B. Pom-
eroy of Dushore, now deceased. In 1884 he
was alternate delegate to the national con-
vention in Chicago which nominated James
G. Blaine. Religiously he is a member of the
Methodist Church and has served as trustee,
steward and superintendent of the Sunday
School. Socially he isa member of I. O. O. F.

eS ERNEST DAVIS is classed among
= « the solid and substantial business
men of the town of Berwick, Pa., and is su-
perintendent of the Berwick Electric Light
Company. He was born at Jersey Shore, Ly-
coming County, Pa., July 16, 1869, and is a
son of Thomas H. B. Davis, a well-known
carpenter and contractor of Summer Hill,
Briarcreek township, Pa.

For many years our subject had charge of
the C. R. Woodin electric light plant on the
Heights, where he proved himself to be an
efficient electrician and attracted the atten-
tion of the officials of the Berwick Electric
Light Company, who offered him the super-

———____+ «+

 

 

 

 

intendency of their plant, which position he '

accepted, succeeding W. E. Boyce. This com-

 

pany was organized in 1892 and immediately
built, on the site of the Freas Bros.’ foundry,
a brick plant, 45 by 50 feet, with a boiler and
engine room 30 by 40 feet, and in addition
an office and work-rooms. The plant has two
engines, one of 100-horsepower, the other of
150-horsepower, two 1,200-light machines, a
Westinghouse and a Warren dynamo, one 60-
are light and two 30-arc light machines. The
town of Berwick is well illuminated by forty-
five are lights on the streets which are well
distributed throughout the borough, and be-
sides furnishing lights for many dwellings and
nearly all the stores of the place, the com-
pany supplies the lights for the mammoth
works of The Jackson & Woodin Manufac-
turing Company which are in the town.

Mr. Davis chose for his life companion lola
Miller, a daughter of John F. Miller, a promi-
nent citizen of Wilkesbarre, Pa. Mr. and
Mrs. Davis reside in their handsome residence
at No. 408 East Front street, which was for-
merly the property of the Berlins. Mr. Davis
performs his work in such a manner as to
win the confidence and esteem of his superior
officers. As a citizen he stands high in the
estimation of his fellow-men and is one of
the most prosperous and highly-respected cit-
izens of Columbia County.

—_—____+-¢ »>____

OHN H. KREITZER, wholesale and
retail grocer, of Milton, Pa., is virtually

a self-made man. He was born in Mil-

ton, Pa., October 24, 1858, attended the pub-
lic schools of his native place, and when four-
teen years of age became a driver on the tow-
path. At the close of the season he found em-
ployment at William Price Hull’s grain and
coal office for two years, after which he at-
tended school until 1877. In choosing a vo-
cation he preferred mercantile pursuits for his
active mind. Accordingly, he was a clerk for
672 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Albert Cadwalder from April 1, 1877, until
August 12, 1879, when he was appointed su-
perintendent of James Buoy’s grocery store
on Mahanoy street, where he remained until
January 11, 1881. At that time he purchased
a half-interest in the business, and it was con-
ducted under the firm name of Buoy & Kreit-
zer, and operated under that name until May,
1883. Mr. Kreitzer then purchased his part-
ner’s interest, and conducted the business
alone,

Our subject’s career has been one of prog-
ress. Starting out, a young man with no cash
but a large amount of energy and upright
principles, he has risen to the topmost round
of the ladder and is now the largest wholesale
and retail grocer in his section of the state.
He now owns a fine brick block. Mr. Kreit-
zer has improved and enlarged this building
and has built a three-story warehouse at-
tached to it. The warehouse was built in
1891, and since its erection Mr. Kreitzer has
dealt in groceries, provisions, crockery, wood-
en and willow ware, grain, hay and feed. Ad-
joining his grocery store he built a wholesale
confectionery store. The confectionery busi-
ness is operated under the firm name of The
KKreitzer Wholesale Candy Company, and the
firm is composed of the following members:
J. H. Kreitzer, president and treasurer; M. C.
Kreitzer, assistant treasurer; and M. E. Kreit-
zer, secretary, and they are wholesale dealers
of confectionery, fruits and nuts. Mr. Kreit-
zer deals largely in country produce and ships
to nearby markets, employing ten men to as-
sist him. He is the owner of a fine stable and
keeps six fine horses for general use. John
H. Kreitzer is a son of Washington and Cath-
erine (Lore) Kreitzer and a grandson of Bal-
sar and Mary (Zimmerman) Kreitzer,

Balsar Kreitzer was born in Myerstown and

 

was a direct descendant of Peter Kreitzer,
who came from Germany and settled in Tulp-
ehocken, Berks County, Pa., in 1762. About
1826-27 Balsar Kreitzer went to Milton, Pa.,
and was largely interested for many years as
contractor for lumber jobs, cleared off most of
the heavy timber around Milton, and rafted
most of it to market. His principal business
was lumbering. He purchased the old Luth-
eran Church on Mahanoy street and remod-
eled it into a dwelling, which is now the resi-
dence of Samuel Fletcher. Mr. Kreitzer was
a Whig and later a Republican. He held
minor offices in the township and was a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church. He died in 1878
at the age of seventy-eight; his good wife sur-
vived him until 1884, when she, too, laid down
the burden of life, at the advanced age of
eighty-two. Their children were as follows:
Washington, our subject’s father; John; Sar-
ah; Jacob; Reuben; William; Adam; and
Moses, who died in early childhood.
Washington Kreitzer, father of our subject,
was born at Milton, Pa. At the age of ten
years he drove a canal team and considered
himself a man. He was very energetic and
quite handy with horses. Later he drove a
packet team and in winter a stage coach, also
carrying the mail up and down the river for
many years. Thus in various ways he accu-
mulated in the course of a few years money
enough to try a business venture for himself.
He associated himself with Conrad Cares, un-
der the firm name of Kreitzer & Cares, and
engaged in the butchering business in Milton.
Later he was associated with Charles Hoye
in the same business. After a short time he
sold out his interest and served as assistant
for William P. Hall, dealer in coal and grain.
He subsequently carried on the dairy busi-
ness. He served two terms as street commis-
 

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 673

 

sioner. During his last years he assisted his
son, the subject of this sketch, in the gro-
cery business. He possessed a strong consti-
tution and was a hard worker; previous to the
illness which caused his death he had often re-
marked that he had not paid twenty-five dol-
lars for medicine during his lifetime. On June
17, 1898, in his seventieth year, he died with
dropsy. Catherine Lore, daughter of J. Lore
of Iola, Pa., became his wife and survives her
husband. She resides in Milton, aged sixty-
six years. The following are their children:
Mary Catherine, who married John Byres, of
South Milton; John H., our subject; Eliza-
beth, who became the wiie of William Cowles,
of Muncy, Pa.; Abraham, who died young;
Addie, who married Augustus Berger, of
Watsontown; William Washington, now de-
ceased.

February 11, 1886, our subject was united
in marriage with Mary Catherine Ettla, a
daughter of Capt. George H. and Amanda C.
Ettla. One daughter now blesses the home
of our subject, Mary Elizabeth. Both he and
his family are of the Presbyterian faith.

Mr. Kreitzer, besides being an active man
in business circles, has done much to advance
the interests of Milton. From 1893 to 1896
he served as chief burgess of Milton; for three
years as councilman of the borough; for three
years as auditor; as judge of election for two
terms, and in other minor offices. He is a di-
rector of the Milton board of trade, and is
financially associated with the Milton Knit-
ting Company and the Milton Driving Park
& Fair Association. He is also a stockholder
in the Milton Trust & Safe Deposit Company.
Socially he is a member of the Royal Arcanum
and has served as secretary and treasurer of
the Baptist Church and Sunday School for
nine years.

 

 

 

NDREW ROBERTSON. The active
experience as a coal operator of the gen-
tleman whose name heads this re-
view covers a period of over half a century
in the anthracite coal fields of Northuniber-
land and Schuylkill counties, he having been
in the business longer than any man now liv-
ing in either county who is in the business
at the present time.

Our subject was born April 23, 1826, near
a place called Johnson, in Scotland, and his
parents were George and Agnes (Aiken) Rob-
ertson. In 1831 or 1832 his father, desiring
a wider field for the cultivation of his talents
and the exercise of his energies, emigrated
with his family to Nova Scotia, British Amer-
ica. He removed to that country as a super-
intendent of mines for a foreign corporation
operating what were known as the Sidney
Morris Mines. He remained there until about
1836 when he came to Pennsylvania, locat-
ing near Pottsville where he embarked in coal
operating, continuing in that business the re-
mainder of his active life, dying in 1849 at the
age of forty-six years.

Andrew Robertson had but limited advan-
tages for securing an education so far as the
schools were concerned, as his school-boy
days were included in that period just prior
to and following the adoption of the present
common school system. Most of his educa-
tion has been obtained in the great univer-
sity of practical business operations. His ini-
tial experience in coal mining was secured
when, as a boy, he was engaged about the
mines of his father as a picker of slate and in
other jobs such as fell to boys about a mine.
His father died when he was young and An-
drew learned the trade of a blacksmith which
he followed in the vicinity of his birthplace
about three years. He carefully husbanded
his earnings and at the end of that time he
674 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES,

 

had accumulated sufficient morfy to go into
the coal-producing business on his own ac-
count on a very small scale. This he did at
New Philadelphia, about six miles east of
Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pa., where he
remained about three years and then went
to St. Clair, and entering into partnership
with William Littlehales, took charge of an
old colliery, repaired it, and operated it for a
short time, when he sold out and returned to
New Philadelphia where the firm started a
new enterprise known as the New Philadel-
phia Shaft, operating it about two years when
it was sold. About this time, or in 1853, the
gold fields of California seemed to offer un-
usual advantages to the ambitious and enter-
prising, and, yielding to the strong impulse,
Mr. Robertson resolved to try his fortunes on
the Pacific coast. There for two years his
fortunes were cast among the miners, part
of the time as a searcher after the precious
metal and part of the period as a blacksmith,
a trade which at that time and under the

circumstances stood him in very good stead. .

After this experience on the Western Slope he
returned to Schuylkill County and for one
and a half years was employed as superintend-
ent of the coal operations of Rhoades &
Shoullenberger of New Philadelphia. He
then formed a business partnership with
Thomas Beddall and opened a colliery about
one mile from New Philadelphia known as
the Lick Run Colliery. They successfully
operated this enterprise for a period of about
two years when misfortune overtook them and
the colliery was burned. Their next opera-
tions were at the Eagle Hill Colliery with
which they were connected from 1861 to 1865
when they sold out to eastern capitalists.

In 1866 Mr. Robertson removed to
Shamokin, Northumberland County, and
first became identified with the eastern

 

anthracite coal fields. He formed a part-
nership with Henry Guiterman and Thom-
as Gorman and built the Greenback Col-
liery, which they operated until 1869, when
Mr. Robertson sold his interest to his part-
ners. In the meantime the same firm had
leased the Henry Clay Colliery and Mr. Bed-
dall and Mr. Robertson opened a colliery at
Helfenstein in the Mahanoy Valley. The lat-
ter enterprise, however, did not prove a pay-
ing one and was abandoned. About the time
he was operating the Henry Clay Colliery
our subject formed a copartnership with Alex-
ander Fulton and entered into a contract
to mine and deliver coal for the McIntyre
Coal Company of Elmira, N. Y., operating in
Lycoming County, Pa., near Ralston, about
twenty-seven miles north of Williamsport.
This contract covered a period of four years,
at the end of which time he returned to Sha-
mokin and has since made that town his head-
quarters for his extensive coal operations.
He formed a partnership with C. W. Kings-
ley of Cambridge, Mass., and purchased a
half interest in the Excelsior Coal Company
in 1880 and it has continued in active opera-
tion ever since. In 1886 the same company.
opened the Corbin Colliery and has operated
it in connection with the Excelsior Colliery.
These enterprises are of considerable magni-.
tude giving employment to a force of about
six hundred and fifty men. Having two out-
lets the firm always has given steady employ-
ment and been noted for the generous treat-
ment of its men.

Mr. Robertson's operations have not been
confined to the anthracite region, but since
1890 he has been largely interested in devel-
oping the bituminous districts of Virginia and
West Virginia. In the above year the Sha-
mokin Coal & Coke Company, consisting of
himself and other capitalists, was organized
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

675

 

and the company is extensively engaged in
the mining and shipping of coal and the man-
ufacture of coke at Mayberry, West Virginia.
The mines are in the celebrated Pocahontas
field. Of this company our subject’s son,
George W., is vice-president, and his son,
Andrew D., a director.

In connection with his two sons, Andrew
D. and George W., Mr. Robertson bought a
large interest in the same region in the Tur-
key Gap Coal & Coke Company, one of the
most extensive and best-equipped plants in
that section of the state. He also is inter-
ested in the Bottom Creek Coal & Coke Com-
pany, being active as a director in both com-
panies. He also isa stockholder in the Clinch
Valley Coal & Coke Company of Virginia.
Mr. Robertson is one of the several capitalists
who built and equipped the first electric light
plant in the United States outside of New
York City, in which city the Edison Electric
Company had equipped a plant. The plant
referred to is that built in Shamokin, and
was the first in this country, outside the me-
tropolis of New York State, to be used for illu-
minating a residence, a church or an opera
house. This fact certainly speaks highly for the
public spirit and enterprise of the gentlemen at
the head of the Shamokin corporation. Of this
company, the Edison Electric Illuminating
Company of Shamokin, Mr. Robertson has
been an active director since its organization.
He also is a director of the Shamokin Gas
Light Company and of the Shamokin Pow-
der Company.

Testimony of the highest sort to the ex-
perience and the thoroughness of Mr. Robert-
son in mining is the fact that he was some
time ago appointed and now serves as a mem-
ber of the state board of examiners whose
duty it is to examine for fitness and experi-
ence all applicants for appointment as mine.

 

boss in the anthracite field. To this work of
great importance Mr. Rolvertson gives much
attention and to his wise oversight is consid-
erably due the fact that mine-bosses are men
of experience and caution, resulting in mani-
fold benefits both to the mine-owners and the
mine-workers.

Religiously Mr. Robertson is a member of
the Second Presbyterian Church of Potts-
ville, Pa., where he resides, although he is con-
sidered, practically, a resident of Shamokin,
with whose commercial interests he is so close-
ly identified. Fraternally our subject is a
member of Pulaski Lodge No. 216, F. & A.
M., Mt. City Chapter, R. A. M., and Con-
stantine Commandery, Knights Templar.

Mr. Robertson has been three times mar-
ried. His first marriage was with Phoebe
Barlow and was blessed by the birth of four
children, William, Phoebe and Nathan, all de-
ceased, and Andrew D., a sketch of whom ap-
pears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Robert-
son married as his second wife Malinda Bar-
low, sister of his first wife, and to their union
were born: George W., who is interested in
business with his father; Phoebe, wife of F.
G. Clemens of Pottsville, Pa.; and Ida, de-
ceased, and a fourth child who died in in-
fancy. Mr. Robertson was united in marriage
for the third time to Mrs. Rose Barlow, nee
Randall.

To few men has been accorded the privi-
lege of such a long and successful business
career as that of Andrew Robertson. His
life record, contemporaneous almost with the
history of the anthracite coal industry, is in-
deed an inspiration to every young man who
would succeed in life. It is a lesson of in-
dustry, honesty, perseverance and pluck, and
clearly demonstrates the possibilities of our
American youth when backed by these quali-
ties of head and heart. His is a mind in which
676 +

the power of construction and generalization
are highly developed, while he possesses that
executive and organizing ability which is so
essential in carrying out enterprises vast in
conception and far reaching in their influence.
Successful and honorable has been his career,

and as Mr. Robertson looks back upon its:

conquests it is with that happy conscious-
ness of having faithfully performed every duty
entrusted to his care in such manner as to
win the confidence and respect of all who
have had business or social relations with him.

Being possessed of quite a fortune Mr. Rob-
ertson is enabled to exercise his charitable
propensities with lavish hand, but in this com-
mendable inclination, as in all other matters,
his unostentatious spirit prevails and is a dis-
tinguishing characteristic of his many good
deeds of which the general public knows little.
In this he follows literally the Biblical injunc-
tion: “Let not thy right hand know what thy
left hand doeth.” So unassuming is the
man, and so plain and unaffected is his man-
ner, that it was impossible to obtain from him-
self information concerning his charitable and
kindly deeds, but the facts were made known
by those who have been intimate for years
with Mr. Robertson in business and in social
relations.

—

 

pe

HOMAS J. EDWARDS, inside-fore-
d man of the Pennsylvania Colliery, is
one of the most enterprising men in
Strong, Mount Carmel township, Northum-
berland County, Pa., and has always been one
of that town’s most active workers. He is a
man of upright principles and excellent char-
acter and has a host of friends in the county.
He is a son of Richard and Elizabeth (John)
Edwards, and was born September 18, 1840,
in Glamorganshire, Wales.

 

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Our subject’s mother died when he was a
child, and his father immigrated to America in
1854 and located at Pottsville, Pa., where he
followed the trade of a tailor, but it was only
a short time until he moved to Summit Hill,
Carbon County, Pa., and there remained the
rest of his life, dying in 1860.

Thomas J. Edwards, the subject of this
biography, came to America at the age of fif-
teen years, and in October, 1855, located with
his father in Pottsville, Pa. Previous to his
coming to this country he had worked in the
mines for six years, and after his father’s re-
moval to Summit Hill he began work in De-
cember as a driver of mules, and then worked
as a laborer, and later as a miner. It was in
this way he obtained the positions of fore-
man and finally that of inside-foreman in Lu-
zerne County, and he has remained in that
position ever since. His first position as fore-
man was under the employ of Judge Leiser-
ing of Mauch Chunk; next, for the Buck
Mountain Coal Company, and in July, 1894,
he entered the employ of the Union Coal
Company at Hickory Ridge, and remained
there until 1898, when he went to the Penn-
sylvania Colliery. He has always given en-
tire satisfaction to all of his employers and
has steadily advanced in the business.

Mr. Edwards has always been a stanch Re-
publican, taking an active interest in political
affairs. He is one of the most active mem-
bers of the Baptist Church and is one of the
trustees of the Northeastern Pennsylvania
Welsh Association. He is also a member of
the Welsh Baptist Church in Mahanoy City,
there being no organization of the kind in his
home. Mr. Edwards enlisted in the Civil
War August 15, 1861, in Company A, 4th
Reg., Pa. Cavalry, and also served as private
for three years in the Army of the Potomac.

_He is a member of several fraternal organi-
 

 

HYMAN P. HALL.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

679

 

 

zations, including Lodge No. 357, F. and A.
M.; Mapeth Chapter, R. A. M.; Lodge No.
617, I. O. O. F.; Knights of the Golden
Eagle; and Royal Arcanum, all of Mahanoy
City. He is a member of and the present chap-
lain of Lincoln Post No. 140, G. A. R., of
Shamokin, Pa.

In May, 1860, Mr. Edwards was united in
marriage with Margaret Richards, and they
are the parents of several children, namely:
Richard, who was killed in a coal breaker;
Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas H. Kooms of
Mahanoy City; Jane, the wife of John H.
Bernard of MacAdoo, Pa.; Polly, the wife of
Harry Mengel of Mahanoy City; Richard,
motorman between Mahanoy City and She-
nandoah; Thomas J., who was killed by ac-
cident; John, who is clerking at Hickory
Ridge, married Hannah Frank, and he and
his wife live with the subject of this sketch;
Oliver P., at home; Maggie, and James A.
Garfield, both living at home.

 

oo

 

AMUEL HALSEY DEAN, one of
the educators in Northumberland
County in recent years, is superintend-

ent of schools at Mount Carmel.

 

o> —___.

YP YMAN P. HALL, the popular station-

agent and operator at the village of
\__ Sonestown, on the Eagles Mere Di-
vision of the W. & N. B. R. R., in which ca-
pacity he has served since 1890, and a much
respected citizen of that village, is a repre-
sentative of one of the prominent and indus-
trious families which has long been connected
with the growth and development of Sulli-
van County. Our subject was born at Fair-
field Center, Lycoming County, Pa., May 14,

 

 

1853, and is a son of Richard and Hannah
(Johnson) Hall.

Richard Hall, the great-grandfather of our
subject, was a native of England and immi-
grated to the American Colonies prior to the
Revolutionary War; little is known of him,
but he located in the state of New Jersey and
carried on farming, and Richard Hall, the
grandfather of our subject, was born in that
state.

Our subject’s grandfather located in Ly-
coming County at an early date and pur-
chased from the government « large tract of
land which extended from: Montoursville to
Hall’s. He sold many farms from his pur-
chase and made a settlement at Hall’s, wh.ch
was named in honor of him. His farm is now
known as the Stover farm. His vocation was
always that of an agriculturist and he was
very successful, being the possessor of a hand-
some fortune at his death, which occurred at
the age of seventy-five years. He was buried
in Montoursville Cemetery. He was the
father of ten children, six of whom were
named as follows: James; Louis, who was
killed at the battle of Lundy’s Lane in the
War of 1812; Jonathan; Samuel; Hannah
(Rogers); and Richard, Jr.

Richard Hall, the father of our subject,
was born and reared on his father’s farm in
the village of Hall’s and although he was
reared to agricultural pursuits early in life
he engaged in the lumbering industry, which
he followed for a number of years. Later he
purchased a farm in Shrewsbury township,
Lycoming County, and there carried on gen-
eral farming until death claimed him at the
age of seventy years. His farm is now ownel
and operated by his son, William C. Hall. Mr.
Hall was joined in matrimonial bonds with
Hannah Johnson, a daughter of Robert John- -
son, who immigrated to this country from
680

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

County Cork, Ireland. Our subject’s mother
was born in 1818 and died in 1883. The
following children were born to this union:
Egbert, a retired merchant of Muncy, Pa.;
Francis, who lives at Montoursville, Pa.;
John, who resides at Glen Mawr, Pa.; Pier-
son, deceased; Hyman P., the subject of this
sketch; William C., who is farming on the
homestead; Sylvester, a resident of Shrews-
bury; Lycoming County, Pa.; and Nancy, de-
ceased.

Hyman P. Hall received a good education,
passed the necessary examination for a school-
teacher, and taught one term in Penn town-
ship, Lycoming County, Pa. He then turned
his attention toward masonry and later fol-
lowed contracting. Entering the employ of
the W. & N. B. R. R. he was made station-
agent at Chamouni, Pa., from which place he
was later transferred to Nordmont, and in
1890 assumed the duties of his present posi-
tion, which he has filled to the entire satis-
faction of his superior officers and to the trav-
eling public. Mr. Hall purchased the Lion
Lumber Company property, upon which site
was a handsome residence.

Mr. Hall chose for his life-companion Mary
E. Boatman, a daughter of Claudius Boatman
of Shrewsbury, Lycoming County, Pa., and
they are the happy parents of the following
children, as follows: Leslie, who married H.
D. Lockwood of Sonestown and they have
one child, Abbie; Damon, a woodworker in
Sonestown; Ada, residing at home; Orville,
also a woodworker by trade; and Mildred,
Ward, Lettie, Paul La Rue, and Iva, who
reside at home. Fraternally our subject is a
member and has passed through all the chairs
of the P.O. S. of A. Politically he is a Dem-
ocrat and served as postmaster of the village
during 1896-97. Mr. Hall's portrait is shown
on another page of this work.

 

ACOB L. SNYDER, a large landowner
and one of the representative men of
Elkland township, Sullivan County, re-

sides on his farm most of the time, but also
is practically a citizen of Forksville. He is a
son of Adam L, and Louisa (Eichenlaub) Sny-
der, and was born in New Bavaria, on the
Rhine River, Germany, November 27, 1834.

Adam L. Snyder, the father of our subject,
was born in Germany and there learned the
trade of a button and loop-maker, which he
followed until 1836, when he came to Amer-
ica, landing in Baltimore, Md. He again took
up his trade in Harrisburg, Pa., with that of
tailoring, and continued at those occupations
until after his removal to Pottsville, Pa. He
next moved to Sullivan County, where he pur-
chased a tract of timberland off the Ward tract
in Cherry township, on which he resided ten
years. He then moved to Dushore, in 1849,
and erected the second house built in that
town, which is now owned by James Farrell.
He remained in that section until 1852, when
he purchased the Eldred farm in Elkland
township, one of the earliest settled farms in
that locality, but in a short space of years he
returned to Dushore and engaged in the gro-
cery business. Later he purchased a small
farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits un-
til he removed to Campbellville, where he pur-
chased a water privilege and built a grist-mill,
which is now the property of Norton & Hot-
teinstein. He also built a house and barn
and lived there until he removed to New AL
bany, Pa., where he bought a farm and fol-
lowed farming until 1871, when he retired
from active labors and moved to California,
where he finally died. He was united in mar-
riage with Louisa Eichenlaub, and the follow-
ing children blessed their home: Henry, de-
ceased; Jacob L., the subject of this personal
history; John, a fruit-grower of California;
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 681

 

 

Nicholas, a farmer of Canton; Louise, the wife
of Benjamin Faustner of Salem, Ore.; Mary
(McGeorge), of California; Adam, a farmer
of Salem, Ore.; Christian, a farmer of Elkland
township, Sullivan County; Caroline, de-
ceased, who was the wife of Frederick Wig-
gen; and Angeline, the wife of John Knight,
who resides in Salem, Ore. Politically Mr.
Snyder was a strong Democrat, but never held
nor sought office. Religiously he was reared
under German Catholic influences in his native
country, but upon coming to America he
joined the Albrights.

Jacob L. Snyder attended the public schoo's
and, being bright and industrious by nature,
he obtained a good education. His father’s
success as an agriculturist aided him in choos-
ing his occupation, and he followed farming
after leaving school. He acquired part of the
Eldred farm, some fifty acres, on which a Mr.
Houck now resides, and on this he continued
to live for some years, building a new house
and making many other substantial improve-
ments. He then went to Montoursville, where
he purchased a canal boat and followed boat-
ing for one year, after which he again took up
his former occupation. In 1867 he moved to
Forksville, purchased the Forksville Hotel,
which was being built at the time, and after
completing it conducted it with the highest
success for a period of twenty-one years, with
the exception of two years, which he spent,in
the West. It was in the spring of 1870 that
John Huckell came East as agent for the
Cawker, Huckell, Kaskinka & Rice Colony in
Kansas. He described in glowing terms the in-
ducements and benefits of the Western coun-
try, and during the summer succeeded in get-
ting sixty of the citizens of Sullivan and Brad-
ford counties interested in the project. Each
member, upon the payment of $75, became a
member of the colony, $15 of which sum was

 

to go to the government. These men selected
the land and upon the arrival of the colonists
each was told where his tract was located.
During the summer of that year all plans were
laid, and in October, 1870, our subject and
the other members bade good-bye to the East
and started for the then far West. At the end
of a week’s travel they reached Solomon City,
Kan., and at that point Mr. Snyder,. together
with John Huckell, William Brown, Francis
Warren, Cheat Craven, William Warren, Ru-
dolph Kaskinka, and William Huckell, en-
gaged a team and together they travelled up
the Solomon River Valley to the forks of the
Solomon River, where the town of Cawker
City was located. The journey covered 100
miles, taking three days to traverse the dis-
tance. The second night after leaving Solo-
mon City a very amusing incident occurred
which is of interest. As the party was travel-
ing along wondering where they would spend
the night, they discerned a light on the prairie,
and with prospects of a good meal ahead and
a warm place to sleep, they made for the light.
Upon reaching it they were somewhat sur-
prised to find that it was a mere hut con-
structed of sod, 11 by 13 feet in size, and occu-
pied by a man, his wife and three children.
Advancing to the door our subject inquired
if he and his party could be put up for the
night. The proprietor, who was an Eastern
man, replied that he would give them the best
possible accommodations. So the team was
outspanned and after partaking of a comfort-
able supper the balance of the evening was
spent in telling the various experiences
through which they had passed, and at an
early hour they prepared to retire. Taking
their blankets they made themselves as com-
fortable as possible on the floor, and there
spent the night. During their journey it was
not an uncommon sight to see many newly-
682 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

made graves, the result of the Indian out-
rages that had taken place the June before.
In the third night the party reached the end
of their 1,424-mile journey and were greatly
surprised to find that Cawker City consisted
of two houses or shanties, one being used for
a hotel and the other occupied by Mr. Sny-
der’s brother-in-law, Francis Best, who had
arrived there about a month previously with
his wife and nine children. It may be well
to mention here that the party of ten of which
our subject was a member left their families
in the East. The day after their arrival the
party proceeded to look up their land. All
readers of history and those in touch with
current events are presumably familiar with
the ins and outs of what was called the Home-
stead Grant. Mr. Snyder received his grant
of 160 acres, which had been selected by the
above-mentioned company, but at the end of
four days his idea of Western life underwent
a decided change and remarking to the oth-
ers that he would not bring his family to such
a wilderness, he picked up his few belongings
and with Francis Warren returned to Solo-
mon City, and from there back to Forksville.
In the spring of 1871 he purchased a hotel
in Solomon City, Kan., for $4,000, and to-
gether with his family moved to his new pur-
chase, where he conducted a hotel for about
one and one-half years. At the expiration of
that time, owing to ill health, he disposed of
his property, but in the end lost his entire
investment. He returned to Forksville, and
in the spring of 1873 became proprietor of
the Forksville Hotel, establishing a great rep-
utation for himself and the establishment
throughout that section of the county. Dis-
posing of this finally, he built the store now
conducted by A. L. Smith, which he still owns,
and also three tenement houses. In 1893
he built the Snyder Hotel which he conducted

 

for five years. He purchased the Daniel Lit-
tle farm, located in Elkland township, con-
sisting of 190 acres, on which he erected a
new house and barn, and there he has since
resided with the exception of the time which
he spends in Forksville. He is also owner of
numerous landed interests throughout that
section. Always industrious and energetic,
he has won his way to the front ranks of the,
business men.

On January 1, 1857, Mr. Snyder married
Sarah Ann Huckell, who was born in Elkland
township, October 22, 1830, and was a daugh-
ter of William Huckell. They had two chil-
dren: William H., who was born August 24,
1858, and died January 18, 1864; and George
W., a commercial man of Forksville and own-
er of the old Ridgeway Farm in Elkland town-
ship, who was born September 7, 1860. He
married Mary Fleming and has two children:
Marion and Lou. Mrs. Snyder died Novem-
ber 26, 1861, and our subject formed a sec-
ond alliance with Sarah Ann Huckell, who
was born August 24, 1831, and they had one
son: Charles L., born September 16, 1863,
died September 18, 1863. Politically our
subject is a Democrat and has served as a
member of the borough council of Forksville,
as supervisor and school director.

ACOB SMITH, a veteran of the Civil

War and outside-foreman in the Ster-

ling Colliery near Shamokin, was born

January 3, 1839, in Limestone township,

Montour County, Pa., and is a son of Fred-
erick and Catherine (Miller) Smith.

Grandfather Smith, a native of Reading,

Berks County, Pa., removed to Columbia

County, thence to Montour County, and later

back to Columbia County, where his death oc-

curred.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 683

 

Frederick Smith, our subject's father, is
still living in Limestone township, Montour
County. He was born January 3, 1809, near
Reading, Pa. He married Catherine Miller
and became the father of five children, three
boys and two girls: Peter, who lives near
Jerseytown, Pa.; Jacob, our subject; Matilda,
who married John Strickland; Mary, unmar-
ried; and William, who is also single.

Jacob Smith was educated in the public
schools, attending for a limited time, and then
learned the harnessmaker’s trade, working at
it for three years prior to the war and four
years after. He then became an employee of
the Bear Valley Colliery and began work at
the lowest round of the ladder in the coal
region, where he was allowed to remain only
four or five months when he was promoted
to the position of outside-foreman. In that
colliery he was retained by Heim & Goodwill
until it was sold to the Philadelphia & Read-
ing Coal & Iron Company, and then our sub-
ject went to the Burnside Colliery, where he
remained three years. He next moved to
Delaware and engaged in farming for five
years, at the expiration of that period re-
turning to Shamokin and assuming the posi-
tion of outside-foreman at the Sterling Col-
liery, where he has remained ever since. Mr.
Smith married Emma Kester, and to them
have been born seven children: Jennie;
George; Andrew; Edith B.; Warren; and
Clara and Emma, who both died at an early
age.

When the necessity for volunteers became
pressing in the Civil War Mr. Smith enlisted
in Company E, 131st Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., on
August 6, 1862, for nine months, but served
almost ten months. He participated in the
battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg
and Antietam. He was wounded in the ter-
rible battle of Fredericksburg. The total Un-

 

ion loss that day, killed and wounded, was
12,321, and the Confederate loss, killed and
wounded, 5,309. To-day a National Ceme-
tery is on the ground where the battle was
bloodiest and about 15,000 brave soldiers are
buried there.

Our subject is a member of Lincoln Post,
No. 140, G. A. R.; James A. Garfield Lodge,
No. 1061, I. O. O. F., and the Encampment
in connection with same.

——--—#e% --

LLIS EVES, a member of the firm of
Ellis Eves & Bro., manufacturers and
dealers in lumber and shingles and
all kinds of mill work, of Millville, is one of
the substantial business men of Greenwood
township, and is a scion of one of the oldest
and most prominent families of Columbia
County. He is a son of Charles and Sarah
(Kester) Eves, and was born in Greenwood
township, Columbia County, Pa., January 16,
1834.

Our subject’s great-grandfather was John
Eves, who was of Scotch-Irish parentage, and
was born in Ireland in 1720. After growing
to maturity John engaged in the manufacture
of woolen goods near Dublin, Ireland, at
which he continued until he sought a home
in America, first locating in Delaware and
later in Bucks County, Pa. He resided in
Bucks County for some time. In 1769 he pur-
chased a tract of land consisting of 1,200 acres
located at the forks of Fishing Creek, in Co-
lumbia County, and including the site of the
village of Millville. Having never seen the
land, in the following year he went to examine
his new acquisition, first going to Milton,
Northumberland County, where he made in-
quiry for Fishing Creek. None had ever
heard of the place, but an Indian who heard
684 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

him ask the question quickly volunteered the
information and with another of his race of-
fered to act as his guide. The three started for
what was to be Mr. Eves’ future home and fi-
nally arrived at Fairview, a high hill overlook-
ing the valley in which his property lay. The
Indian, pointing to the land below, informed
him that it was the desired spot, but utterly
refused to descend with Mr. Eves, who went
alone and made a thorough examination of
the soil, which proved entirely satisfactory.
He spent some time below and upon return-
ing to the top of the hill found the Indians
in a high state of impatience over his long de-
lay. Upon returning, the Indians suggested
that one go ahead and the other follow Mr.
Eves, but the latter, fearful of Indian treach-
ery, compelled both to precede him, and they
continued their journey. He returned to his
home and prepared to move to his new tract
of land with his family. In the spring of 1771
he went to Fishing Creek with some of his
sons and they- effected a clearing and erected
some buildings, after which he again
went to Bucks County, and in the spring
of 1872 started with his family for their
new home. By means of a wagon
drawn by four’ horses, in which was packed
only such goods and furniture as were
absolutely necessary, they made their way
overland with much difficulty. They arrived
safely within a few miles of their destination,
when night overtook them, rendering it im-
possible to find the roads. The mother, with
her young children, rode the horses to a cabin
which was located at a spring, one-fourth of a
mile northwest of the present village of Mill-
ville, on the estate now owned by David and
William Masters. There they located and en-
tered upon the duties of pioneer life, having
for neighbors only the beasts of the forest, and
the Indians, with whom they were very friend-

 

ly and who always respected Mr. Eves. No
white inhabitants resided nearer than fifteen
miles, which was also the distance to the near-
est grist-mill, which was located at Catawissa.
There the great-grandfather of our subject re-
mained at peace with the world and engaged
in the laborious task of clearing up his farm.
He and his family had no trouble with the
Indians, excepting when his son Thomas was
shot by an Indian spy, having been mistaken
for another man. The Indians were often
guests at his home, and one particularly, who
frequently stopped with him when making
long trips through the country, promised to
warn him if there ever was an uprising among
the tribes so that he might seek safety in
flight. True to his promise, on the night of
the Wyoming massacre, the friendly red man
walked forty miles to warn his white friends
of their danger, giving his warning in the ex-
pressive language, “Go quick, bad man
among the Indians!” By noon of the follow-
ing day the family were on their journey,
reaching Washingtonville, Montour County,
that night. There they stopped long enough
for the worthy and kind-hearted wife to care
for a woman who had been severely wounded
by a shot from an Indian’s gun. They then
returned to Bucks County, where they re-
mained until 1785, when the rebellious spirit
of the red men had been quelled. Then,
deeming it safe to return to their home in
Columbia County, they again set out, taking
cattle and hogs with them. One pig was
caught by a_bear and frightened the others
and they broke loose and, with the instinct
true to animals, returned to their former
home. Mr. Eves found his home and out-
buildings burned and immediately set about
to rebuild them. He also built and operated
a saw-mill, and in 1790 built the first grist-
mill in that section of the county. He was a
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 685

 

 

member of the Society of Friends and was the
first of that sturdy old Quaker body to locate
in that neighborhood, and to him. and _ his
descendants is due much of the credit for the
present standing of Greenwood township, with
its fine farming land. He was united in mar-
riage to Edith Yelman, and their union re-
sulted in the following offspring: Sarah;
Thomas; John; Joseph; Martha; William;
Chandler; Eliza; Sarah; Edith; Andrew;
Mary; Priscilla; Mark; Anna; Samuel; and
Elizabeth. Mr. Eves was called to his eternal
rest in 1802, after a long and useful life, and
his worthy wife survived him sixteen years,
dying in 1818.

Chandler Eves, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, probably was born in Bucks County in
1762, and moved to Greenwood township,
Columbia County, with his parents. He was
extensively engaged in farming on a portion
of the old homestead, where he built and for
a number of years operated what is now the
Shultz grist-mill, located near Rohrsburg,

Greenwood township. Later he built a woolen —

mill, the first in that section of the state, lo-
cated about one-half mile from Millville,
which is now known as the Millville Worsted
& Woolen Mill, and he successfully operated
it for several years. Where John Eves’s wag-
on factory now stands he also erected a saw-
mill and clover-mill, which he conducted until
his death, in 1836. He was a man of excellent
judgment and good business qualities and was
one of the most prosperous men in Green-
wood township. He married Rachel Kester,
and reared a family of four sons and two
daughters, namely: Annie; John K.; George
F.; Benjamin; Charles; and Rachel.
Charles Eves, the father of our subject, was
born on his father’s homestead and early in
life turned his attention to agricultural pur-
suits.

 

Later he operated the saw-mill which.

was built by his father, and was extensively
engaged in the manufacture of lumber, wag-
ons and wagon-material until his death, which
occurred in 1854, at the age of forty-five
years. He formed a marital union with Sarah
Nester, a daughter of Aaron Kester, late a
farmer of Mount Pleasant township, and they
became the happy parents of five sons and one
daughter, whose names are here recorded:
Ellis, in whom the interest of this sketch cen-
ters; Rachel, the wife of Edwin John of Mill-
ville; Chandler, who follows the occupation
of a farmer and is an insurance agent of Green-
wood township; John, an extensive wagon
manufacturer and lumberman of Millville;
William Webster, who is in partnership with
our subject; and James Barton, who is a deal-
er in hardware and agricultural implements.
Ellis Eves obtained, a good education in
the public schools and in the Greenwood Sem-
inary of Millville, and was reared upon the
farm. In 1856 he succeeded his father as own-
er of the wagon manufacturing establishment
and later sold an interest to his brother, John,
and subsequently two of his other brothers,
William Webster and James Barton, became
members of the firm They also embarked in
the mercantile and lumber trade and con-
ducted the business successfully for several
years, when John withdrew to take entire
charge of the wagon factory, and James Bar-
ton became a dealer in farming implements.
Since 1870 the firm name has been Ellis Eves
& Bro., and they have a large patronage in
the mercantile business and also deal exten-
sively in lumbering and planing-mill work.
They have always resided in the vicinity of
Millville and have sustained the reputation for
strict integrity and honesty, established. by
their ancestors. Our subject always has been
interested in the advancement of the interests
of the village and has been closely connected

’
686 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

 

 

with many leading enterprises. He is a di-
rector of the Farmers’ National Bank of Wat-
sontown; a director of the Bloomsburg Water
Company; is a life member of the Columbia
County Agricultural Society, of which he has
been president for several years; has been
secretary of the Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany of Millville since its organization; is a
member of the board of trustees of the Green-
wood Seminary Company, having served as
such trustee continuously for over thirty
years, having always been active in his en-
deavors to sustain and promote the best inter-
ests of that institution.

In 1860 our subject was united in marriage
to Mary Margaret Masters, a daughter of the
late George Masters of Millville, by whom he
has four children: Charles Millard, who clerks
for his father; Lois Melvina, deceased, who
was the wife of H. J. Demott; Paschal Lewis,
also a clerk for the firm of which our subject
is amember; and Georgianna, wife of Samuel
Demott. Margaret, his wife, died in 1870,
and in 1880 Mr. Eves married Elizabeth Eves,
daughter of David and Sarah Eves.

Politically Mr. Eves is an unswerving Re-
publican. He has served several terms. as a
member of the borough council. He is a
member of Washington Lodge No. 26s, F.
& A. M., of Bloomsburg; and a charter mem-
ber and past grand of Millville Lodge No.
809, I. O. O. F.

——--—+<

 

ORDAN HOWARD ROCKEFEL-
LER is a successful real estate dealer
and attorney-at-law of Sunbury, North-

umberland County, Pa., of whose family a
more complete history will be found elsewhere
in this book in a biographical sketch of Wil-
liam M. Rockefeller.

J. Howard Rockefeller is the only son of

 

the late A. Jordan and Mary A. (Forsyth)
Rockefeller, and was born in Sunbury, March
12, 1862. He was educated in the public
schools of Northumberland and at Granville
Military Academy, Granville, N. Y., from
which he graduated in 1880. He was subse-
quently engaged in the general mercantile
and coal business at Espy, Columbia County,
Pa., for three years, and later was engaged in
the same business for two years at Northum-
berland. Having accumulated sufficient mon-
ey in five years’ business to defray expenses,
in 1885 he entered upon the study of law un-
der the late J. N. Hill of Sunbury. Three
years later, in 1888, he was admitted to the
bar and has since practiced his profession in
Sunbury. He has also been admitted to the
Supreme Court of the state and the United
States District and Circuit Courts. He has a
good general practice and is meeting with
success as an attorney.

Mr. Rockefeller possesses a natural bent of
mind for real estate speculation, and from his
earliest manhood he has been dealing in real
estate. Having keen insight into land values
he is regarded as a careful and shrewd in-
vestor, always making profitable investments.

-He owns a farm of 750 acres in Point town-

ship, 400 acres of which is under a fine state
of cultivation, the balance being timberland.
This is one of the finest farms in Central Penn-
sylvania. Mr. Rockefeller personally super-
intends this farm and is one of those who
know how to make farming profitable. He
also owns a large number of lots within the
corporate limits of Sunbury.

Our subject’s father, A. Jordan Rockefeller,
was born in Sunbury, and was educated in his
native town, after which he studied law with
the late Judge Alexander Jordan. He was
admitted to the bar at the early age of twenty

years and gained a good practice. He was
 
 

 

REV. JAMES A. HUBER.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 689

 

 

also a leading politician, being a Democrat
prior to the war, and afterward a Republican.
He was a fluent speaker and made many cam-
paign speeches. He was remarkably talented
and was a bright young attorney when cut off
by death just in the beginning of a brilliant
career. He died at the age of twenty-five
years and his widow still survives him, resid-
ing in Sunbury. He was joined in the holy
bonds of matrimony with Mary A. Forsyth,
a daughter of William T. Forsyth, now de-
ceased, who was a prominent citizen of North-
umberland. They had one son, Jordan How-
ard, subject of this sketch.

Our subject sought for his wife, Edith Ger-
trude Hunsinger, daughter of William Hun-
singer of Milton, Northumberland County,
Pa., and two sons now bless their home: Jor-
dan Howard, Jr., and William H. Mr. Rock-
cteller is a Democrat and takes a nominal in-
terest in party successes. In his religious be-
lief he is an advocate of the doctrine of the
Presbyterian faith, like all his family.

EV. JAMES A. HUBER, pastor of
St. Hubert’s German Catholic Church
of Danville, Pa., was born at Lan-
caster, Pa., February 15, 1853, and is a son
of William and Catherine (Koperle) Huber.
William Huber, now deceased, was a native
of Baden, Germany, who, upon coming to this
country, located at Lancaster, Pa., where he
followed his trade as a builder and contractor.
He was united in marriage with Catherine
Koperle, and a family of eight children was
born to them, who were named as follows:
William, Titus, John, Mary, James, Barbara,
Harry, and Catherine.
Rev. James A. Huber was a graduate of St.
Vincent’s College, and was ordained to preach

 

in 1880, and at once became assistant pastor
of St. Mary’s Church of Lancaster, from
which place he was sent to New Freedom,
Pa. Later he became pastor of the Carlisle
Catholic Church, then was stationed at Eliz-
abethtown, from which place he removed to
Danville, and has occupied the pulpit of St.
Hubert’s German Catholic Church since
March, 1895. The handsome church edifice
was erected in 1862, is built of brick, and has a
large basement, where the German Catholic
School is conducted by sisters, Catherine and
Huberta, who have some sixty pupils. The
church is heated by hot air and lighted by gas;
it has a membership of fifty families.

A portrait of Rev. James A. Huber is pre-
sented on another page, in connection with
the above life history.

yf ON. ABRAHAM SHIPMAN, de-

ceased, who in his day served as asso-
\ ciate judge of Northumberland
County, Pa., and also as county surveyor, was
a well-known and most influential man. He
was a son of John and Mary (McKinney)
Shipman and was born March 6, 1810, in
Lower Augusta township, where he resided all
his life, passing away August 8, 1878. He
was educated in the common schools of his
native county and studiously applied himself
when not in school, thereby acquiring a good
education. He studied civil engineering un-
der David Andrews and became a proficient
surveyor, entering upon the duties of his pro-
fession in March, 1836. He built what is
known as the Shipman mill, on the old home-
stead in Rockefeller township, and carried on
farming and milling in conjunction with sur-
veying and conveyancing, doing quite an ex-
tensive business. He served as county sur-

 
690 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

veyor for several years; was associate judge
for a period of ten years; and subsequently
was justice of the peace in Lower Augusta
township for several years. Politically he was
an ardent Democrat, active and influential in
the councils of his party, and for a long time
was its recognized leader in the county.
Harmon Shipman, Sr., the progenitor of
the American branch of the numerous Ship-
man family, was a native of Germany and was
born in 1717. He immigrated to this country
about 1740, settling in New Jersey at a place
known as Uniontown, in what is now Har-
mony township, Warren County; there he
purchased 200 acres of land, which was then
covered with a dense forest and was a fitting
abode for the wild beasts and the native braves
whom civilization was slowly but surely forc-
ing from their heritage. With characteristic
industry this hardy pioneer began the battle
with the forces of nature to improve and trans-
form the wilderness into productive and fruit-
ful fields. He accomplished his task and lived
out his long life on his estate, hewn out by
his own efforts from that vast wilderness, and
died March 8, 1805, aged eighty-eight years.
During the Revolutionary struggle Har-
mon Shipman aided the American cause, in
many ways contributing both his time and his
means and by sending four sons, William,
Nicholas, John, and Christian, to the service,
bidding them to fight gallantly for their coun-
try’s freedom. At the close of the war the
patriots found themselves so impoverished by
their loyal efforts that the older. sons, with
their families, moved to other settlements.
William and Nicholas settled in Lower Au-
gusta township, Northumberland County,
Pa., in the spring of 1794. In 1802 their
brothers, Christian and Jacob, settled in the
same vicinity, and again a part of the family
had been reunited. According to tradition

 

Harmon Shipman, Sr., was first married in
Germany, and his wife came with him to
America. They were the parents of five chil-
dren, one of whom, William, was the grand-
father of our subject. Harmon Shipman, Sr.,
married for his second wife a Miss Howe, and
they had a family of six children.

William Shipman, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Harmony township, Sussex
County, New Jersey, June 9, 1756. He set-
tled in Lower Augusta township, Northum-
berland County, Pa., in 1794; there he died
June 23, 1841, and his remains were buried in
the Mountain Presbyterian burial ground of
that township. He married soon after the
close of the Revolutionary War, settling in
Lower Augusta township, where he purchased
150 acres of land, and subsequently made ad-
ditional purchases until he became owner of
a large acreage. He and his wife had a family
of eight children, one of whom was John Ship-
man, father of Abraham Shipman, the subject
of this sketch.

John Shipman was born in Sussex County,
New Jersey, October 13, 1783, and at eleven
years of age accompanied his parents to Low-
er Augusta township, where he spent his life
in the tranquil and peaceful pursuits of hus-
bandry. He died April 8, 1850. He was
united in marriage with Mary McKinney, a
daughter of Abraham and Abigail McKinney.
This daughter was born January 25, 1786, and
died March 10, 1851. John and Mary Ship-
man were parents of eleven children, the eldest
of whom was the late Abraham Shipman, the
subject of this sketch.

Abraham Shipman was united in marriage
February 14, 1837, with Elizabeth Yoxthei-
mer, by whom he had eleven children, ten of
whom grew to manhood and womanhood.
All were born in Lower Augusta township and
were named as follows:
a

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 691

 

 

(1st.) Lemuel, who was born December
15, 1838. On September 27, 1860, he married
Maria Bloom, daughter of William Bloom.
Lemuel received an academic education in
New Berlin, and early in life was employed in
the saw and grist milling business by his
father. October 30, 1862, he enlisted in the
Union Army, in Company D, 3rd Reg., Pa.
Vol. Artillery. He was promoted to second
lieutenant of the same company, May 16,
1864, and served as such until the close of the
war. While officer-of-the-day at Fortress
Monroe he had charge of a very distinguished
prisoner, no less a personage than Jeff Davis,
President of the Confederate government. He
was register of wills, recorder of deeds and
clerk of the Orphans’ Court of his native
county from 1874 to 1880, and has filled other
positions of trust and honor. In 1887 he re-
moved to Lewisburg, Union County, where
he was prominent in business circles. He re-
moved to West Virginia in 1889 and followed
the lumbering business; at this writing he is
at Meridian, Miss., engaged in lumbering and
other enterprises.

(2nd.) Matilda, who was born August 19,
1840. On August 12, 1859, she married John
Bloom of Lower Augusta township, now a
successful farmer of Rockefeller township.

(3rd.) Mark, who was born April 24, 1842,
and died June 22, 1870. He enlisted in the
Union Army soon after the firing on Fort
Sumter, and remained in active service during
the entire war, being stationed most of the
time at Key West, Fla.

(4th.) Saul, who was born January 4, 1844,
and was married July 13, 1869, to Lucinda
Fasold. He also enlisted in the Civil War,
served in Company C, 131st Reg., Pa. Vol.,
and was discharged nine months after enter-
ing the service. On his return home he took
a preparatory collegiate course at Freeburg

 

Academy. In 1864 he engaged in teaching
school, and continued to teach until 18609,
when he was elected superintendent of
scktools of Northumberland County. He
was re-elected in 1872, serving six years; was
a faithful official and thoroughly posted in the
duties of his office. He now resides upon a
farm in Rockefeller township, engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits and teaching.

(5th.) Ruth, who was born August 6, 1845,
and on October 31, 1867, became the wife of
Joseph Gass, Jr., a farmer of Rockefeller town-
ship.

(6th.) Ann, who was born November 25,
1847, and was married November 15, 1866,
to Anthony S. Speece, who is now engaged in
the powder business at Speeceville, Dauphin
County, Pa.

(7th.) Rebecca J., who was born Decem-
ber 27, 1850, and married Franklin Maberry.

(8th.) Silas, born April 30, 1853, and died
August 14, 1853.

(gth.) Ira, whose life history will be given
later.

(1oth.) Walter, who is also mentioned in
this review.

(11th.) Jefferson, who was born February
24, 1859, read law with his brother Walter,
was admitted to the bar and is now a suc-
cessful attorney at Mount Carmel, Pa.

Ira Shipman, county superintendent of
schools of Northumberland County, Pa.,
and resident of Sunbury, is a son of the late
Judge Shipman, whose history has been given.
Prof. Shipman was born in Lower Augusta
township, now Rockefeller township, five
miles southeast of Sunbury, May 17, 1854.
His election to the position of county school
superintendent recalls the coincidence of his
birth with the creation of the office of county
superintendent, which was established in
1854 by an action of the State Legislature of
692 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Pennsylvania. He received his education and
training in the common schools of his native
township, at Freeburg Academy, and at the
Shippensburg State Normal School. He be-
gan teaching school at the age of seventeen
years and followed that profession uninter-
ruptedly for a period of twenty-two years,
having taught four years in his native town-
ship and eighteen years in Sunbury. In 1893
he was elected county superintendent of
schools and in 1896 was re-elected. In his
young manhood he was assistant to his father,
who was an expert surveyor and civil engi-
neer, and when not otherwise engaged Prof.
Shipman follows that calling now and is re-
garded as one of the best surveyors in the
vicinity of his home. He was civil engineer
of the borough of Sunbury for five years, but
resigned in 1893, having been elected county
superintendent. He served as justice of the
peace for a number of years during his resi-
dence in Rockefeller township. Upon the
death of his father he purchased the old fam-
ily homestead, which he remodeled and made
his place of residence for eight or ten years.

Ira Shipman has an honest and just pride
in the progress and development of his
adopted town, and has done much to advertise
the advantages of Sunbury. He is a man of
fine scholarly attainments; having been the
guardian of his own literary pursuits, he de-
serves the hearty commendation of all. In the
discharge of his official duties he has the repu-
tation of being strictly honest and impartial,
and is held in high esteem by teachers and all
others, who regard him as an exemplary pub-
lic servant and a most thorough and deserving
gentleman. In his religious views he is an ad-
herent of the Presbyterian Church.

On April 26, 1876, Prof. Shipman was
united in marriage to Theresa, daughter of
Solomon and Caroline (Kline) Miller of Low-

 

er Augusta, now Rockefeller, township. Unto
them have been born three children: Herbert
M., deceased; Ralph; and Waldo.

Walter Shipman, a successful attorney-at-
law and justice of the peace of Sunbury, is also
a son of the late Judge Shipman, whose family
is one of the leading ones in the Seventeenth
Congressional District. He was born in Low-
er Augusta township, August 3, 1856, and re-
ceived his primary education in the public
schools, which was supplemented by a course
in Freeburg Academy and at Millersburg
State Normal School. He also became a
teacher and followed that calling for a num-
ber of years, but finally decided to enter the
legal profession. After reading and studying
law he was admitted to the bar and has since
been actively engaged in practicing his pro-
fession in Northumberland County. In 1893
he was elected justice of the peace in Sunbury,
and re-elected to the same office in 1898. He
is a Democrat; his town has a Republican
majority ranging from 150 to 200 votes; the
fact of Mr. Shipman’s election and re-election
to the same office on the Democratic ticket is
ample evidence of his efficiency and great pop-
ularity with the masses.

April 30, 1878, Mr. Shipman took for his
bride Josephine M. Coldren of Lower Augusta
township, and three children have blessed
their home: Lida M., born April 23, 1879,
who is a graduate of the Sunbury High
School, and now assists her father in his office
duties; Carrie G., born July 15, 1882; and
James F., born October 29, 1884.

Walter Shipman is a pleasant, genial gentle-
man, of fine mien; a man of exalted character,
and has the air of a good politician. He has
been very successful in building up a lucrative
law practice and his success is the just reward
of concentration and perseverance.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

693

 

 

R. FREDERICK DRAK ER,
Among the many able physicians who
are practicing their profession in Sha-

mokin at the present time none have met with

greater success than the subject of this sketch,

Dr. F. D. Raker. Few are better known or

more skilful, and none have a larger practice

than that which occupies the entire time and
attention of this active physician and surgeon,
who owes his prominence in his profession to
his own perseverance, which has enabled him
to surmount all difficulties and become what
the world rightly terms a self-made man. He
is a native of Northumberland County. He
acceptably filled the office of county coroner
for two terms of three years each. Although
he takes a lively interest in public affairs and
is a good illustration of the representative Sha-
mokin citizen, his extensive practice prevents
active undertakings outside of his profession.

Dr. Raker was born in Little Mahanoy
township, on December 26, 1856, and attend-
ed the ungraded district schools when not
working on his father’s farm. Then he en-
tered the Elysburg and Freeburg academies,
and at the age of twenty years commenced
teaching school in Washington township. In

1877 he went to Wyoming township and be-

gan reading medicine with Dr. D. H. Dorn-

sife. By 1879 he had saved sufficient money
to complete his medical education and he en-
tered Jefferson Medical College, from which
institution he was graduated two years later.

He then began to practice his profession at

Beaumont, Wyoming County, but remained

there only seven months. On January 10,

1882, Dr. Raker removed to Shamokin, where

he has since been in continual practice. The

young physician pushed rapidly to the front
after locating in Shamokin, his professional
skill soon being recognized by all classes of
the people. It was not long before he had as

 

 

 

 

 

many patrons as he could attend, and the re-
sult has been that in addition to acquiring an —
excellent reputation as an able physician and
surgeon he has amassed a goodly share of this
world’s goods as well. He does not confine
his practice to any one branch of his profes-
sion. Like all others who have attained suc-
cess in his vocation, he has had to pay the
penalty in hard work and untiring zeal for the
relief of suffering humanity. He still burns
the midnight oil in keeping himself well in-
formed on all new developments in the med-
ical world.

In 1889, in connection with Dr. D. S. Hol-
lenback, he established the drug business un-
der the firm name of Hollenback & Raker.
He carried the Democratic banner success-
fully through the election of 1887 as candi-
date for the office of coroner, and again in
1890, and has also served as physician for the
Shamokin and Coal township poor district.
He has invested his earnings in real estate and
owns a number of desirable building lots at
Marshallton, which he is now disposing of
at reasonable prices.

Frederick Raker, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a native of Little Mahanoy township
and a son of Conrad Raker, who was one of
the pioneer settlers in the Mahanoy Valley.
Frederick Raker spent his life in Little Ma-
hanoy township, where he followed both farm-
ing and blacksmithing, and died at the age of
forty years. He married Elizabeth Hoffman,
who lived to the advanced age of eighty-seven
years; her family was noted for longevity.

C. H. Raker, father of Dr. Raker, was prob-
ably born at Block House, in Tioga County,
and has lived at the old homestead all his Jife,
except a short time spent in the West. He
learned the trade of a gunsmith and followed
that occupation to some extent. He is an ar-
dent Democrat, but not an office-seeker, and
694 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

has never held office other than a township

“office. In religious matters his preferment is
the Lutheran Church, of which he is a useful
and active member. He and his wife were
parents of a family of eleven children, two of
whom died in infancy. Following are the
names of those now living: Frederick D., sub-
ject of this sketch; Mary Elizabeth, wife of
Alvin Raker, residing at Shamokin; Rev.
John H., who graduated at Muhlenberg Col-
lege at Allentown, and is now a minister at
Lebanon, Pa.; Lydia, wife of John Schlegel,
of Shamokin, Pa.; Hattie, wife of Samuel
Moyer, of Shamokin; Albert, who resides on
the old homestead at Raker, Northumberland
County; Ida, wife of John Hillbush, of Sha-
mokin; and Edward, a student at Muhlen-
berg College.

In 1882 Dr. Raker was united in marriage
with Alveretta Wirt, who died June 19, 1885.
May 27, 1890, he wedded a second wife, being
united with Mary Ada Deppen, a daughter of
Joseph Deppen, a successful real estate dealer
of Mount Carmel, Northumberland County,
Pa. Two sons and two daughters now bless
their home: Conrad and Ralph; Eva and Al-
ma. Mrs. Raker died May 8, 1808.

Dr. Raker is a member of the Columbian
Medical Society of Shamokin; the Northum-
berland County Medical Society; the Penn-
sylvania State Medical Association; the Jef-
ferson Medical College Alumni; and the
American Medical Association. He is also a
member of the P. O. S. of A., and of the I.

O. O. F., and an active member of the Trinity
Lutheran Church.

 

>

 

 

 

 

lar and genial proprietor of the Elys-
burg Hotel, and one of the best
known citizens of Elysburg, Pa., is a son of

) AYTON K. LEISERING, the popu-

 

Henry B. and Mary A. (Echrote) Leisering,
and was born at Bear Gap, Shamokin town-

ship, Northumberland County, Pa, August» -

16, 1859.

Henry B. Leisering, the father of our sub-
ject, was born March 20, 1824, in Sunbury,
Pa. The greater part of his life was spent at
Bear Gap, but in 1884 he moved to Elysburg,
Pa. He was a miller by trade and beside fol-
lowing that occupation- had charge of and
worked on the turnpike for many years. He
was a stanch Democrat and, while he did not
aspire to office, he was a prominent worker in
politics. He was a hard working man and by
honesty and integrity won for himself a large
circle of friends, being widely known. Mr.
Leisering married Mary A. Echrote of Allen-
town, Pa., who was born July 15, 1819, and
lived to reach the age of seventy-nine years.
Our subject’s father passed away February
22, 1895, at the age of seventy-one years. He
left several children, namely: Annie, who died
at the age of twenty-nine; Herbert, a livery-
man of Shamokin, Pa., who married Kate
Lanciscus, and has two children, Malcolm
and Lena; Stella, who married Clark Creasy,
a farmer in Briarcreek township, Columbia
County, by whom she has three children, Day-
ton, Clara, and Grace; Tacie, who married
Theodore Heck, a butcher and proprietor of
a feed store at Shamokin,—they have three
children, Irene, Millie, and Harry; and Day-
ton K., the subject of this biography. The
children were all educated in the public
schools at Elysburg, Pa.

On October 14, 1879, Dayton K. Leisering
married Mary E. Richard of Shamokin town-
ship, a daughter of John and Catherine (Os-
tricher) Richard. Mr. Richard’s wife was born
in Germany, but he was born in Shamokin
township, where he lived all of his life work-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 695

 

ing at farming and as a butcher. They were
the parents of three children, as follows: Wil-
liam A., who is in the lumber business at Elys-
burg, and the father of five children, Harry,
Dayton, Florence, Mabel, and Walter; Mary
E., the wife of our subject; and Eugene, who
is living with ‘his father, who married Ella
Lindermute of New Media, Columbia County,
and has one son, Earl.

Dayton K. Leisering lived at home, work-
ing for his father until he was twenty years
old, when he married, and he continued to re-
side with him for five years longer. Then he
removed to Bear Gap and followed lumbering
for one year, when he moved to Elysburg,
where he is now engaged in farming and
threshing. In 1887 he rented the hotel which
he now owns and in 1895 purchased it. He
has made many improvements on the build-
ing and it presents a fine appearance, being
modern in every respect. The Elysburg
Hotel is well-patronized and bears a flattering
reputation, as it sets an excellent table; a bar
is also run in connection with the house. The
guests are given every attention and it is al-
ways with a feeling of regret that they take
their departure from this well-known hos-
telry.

For the past seven years Mr. Leisering has
carried on an extensive timber business, get-
ting out mine supplies. He is an unswerving
Democrat and takes an active interest in poli-
tics. In 1898 he was elected school director
for three years. With years of hard work
has come success to our subject, and he is
spoken of by all as a man deserving of great
prosperity. Religiously he is a member of
the German Lutheran Church, while his wife
is a member of the German Reformed Church.
His marriage has been blessed by one child,
John H., who was born June 8, 1881.

 

R. P. J. FAUGHNAN, a highly re-
spected citizen and well known phy-
sician of Locust Gap, Pa., has for

many years been one of the most active men

in the township, and has built up a large and
lucrative practice in the county. He is the
son of Francis and Fannie (Cremman) Faugh-
nan, and was born February 23, 1865, in

Gamble township, Lycoming County, Pa.

Francis Faughnan was born in County Lat-

rim, Ireland, and he married Fannie Crem-

man who was a native of County Cork, Ire-
land. They immigrated to America in the
early 40's and settled in Lycoming County,

Pa., where Mr. Faughnan departed this life.

His wife, however, still lives in that county.
Dr. P. J. Faughnan, the subject of this

sketch, was educated in the schools of Ly-

coming County and also attended the Lycom-
ing County Normal School at Muncy, Pa.

For three years he taught school, and during

the summers worked at carpentering, doing

contract work. He then entered the pre-
ceptorship of Dr. D. C. Flanagan of Ralston,

Pa., and later entered the College of Phy-

sicians and Surgeons, at Baltimore, Md., and

was graduated from that institution in 1892.

In 1893 he successfully passed the state ex-

amination and was admitted to practice in

Pennsylvania, and at once located at Locust

Gap, his present location, and has since en-

joyed a large general practice.

Dr. Faughnan married Winifred Mathew-
son and their union has been blessed with
one child, Marguerite. Politically, Dr.
Faughan is a stanch Deinocrat and while he
has never sought political distinction, he has
represented his party as delegate to county
conventions. Dr. Faughnan has a host of
warm friends in the county. He is a man
of splendid attainments and fine natural abili-
ties and is looked upon as one of the best
physicians in the county.

 

 

 

 
696 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

JOSEPH HARRISON, under
, whose successful management the
Danville Knitting Mill Company
has prospered, is a lineal descendant of the in-
ventor of the knitting machine, and was born
December 17, 1863, in the city of Philadel-
phia. He is a son of William J. and Anna
(Wrightson) Harrison.

William J. Harrison, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in County Derry, Ireland, and
early in life came to Philadelphia, Pa., where
he followed the trade of a baker and later
that of an engineer. When the Civil War
broke out he enlisted and rendered valuable
aid to the cause of his adopted country. After
returning home he carried on a drug business
until his retirement, when he returned to his
native land and spent the remainder of his
declining days, dying in 1896, at the age of
sixty-one years. He was united in marriage
with Anna Wrightson, a daughter of John
Wrightson, who was a native of England, and
a grandson, maternally, of Charles G. Shirt-
lift, the inventor of the knitting machine. Mr.
Wrightson learned the details of the knitting
business and came to America, locating in
Philadelphia, where he established a knitting
mill. He was succeeded as proprietor by his
three sons: Henry, deceased; Arthur; and
William. The two last named are still in that
business. This union of our subject’s parents
resulted in the birth of the following children:
W. Joseph; Robert C., a spinner of Philadel-
phia; Mary J.; John H., also a spinner of
Philadelphia; and Oliver T., deceased. Mr.
Harrison purchased a fine residence property
in Philadelphia, where his beloved wife still
lives.

W. Joseph Harrison attended the public
schools of his native city until he was twelve
years of age, when he began working in the
knitting mills, entering the employ of J. J.

 

Glazier & Co., where he took advantage of
every opportunity offered for advancement.
After gaining a thorough knowledge of the
business he accepted a position as foreman of
the Love & Company Knitting Mills of Phil-
adelphia, which he held in a satisfactory man-
ner for a period of four years, when he be-
came manager of the Thomas West Mills, in
that city. At the expiration of five years time
he became foreman of the Taylor & Haw-
thorne Company of Wilmington, Del., re-
maining with that firm until 1896, when he
came to Danville and became stockholder and
general manager of the Danville Knitting Mill
Company, which was formerly the Equitable
Stocking Company. At that time the plant
was located on West Center street in an old
school-house which was rebuilt to meet the
requirements of the business. In July, 1898,
the company erected a three-story brick build-
ing, 48x84 feet, on Church street, which they
now occupy. It is well lighted with electricity
and heated with steam and equipped in every
way for the convenience of carrying on the
business. They make a specialty of gentle-
men’s fine hose, and, as the demand for their
goods is exceedingly large, 300 skilled hands
are constantly employed. This was the first
factory in the vicinity of Danville to employ
female help, thereby effecting a great good by
giving employment to many needy persons.

Mr. Harrison was united in matrimonial
bonds with Mary D. Farrell, a daughter of
Edwin W. Farrell, a machinist of more than
ordinary skill, of Philadelphia, and they are
the happy parents of five children, namely:
Annie; William; Lillie; Joseph; and Thom-
as. Socially he is past sachem of Mahoning
Tribe, No. 77, I. O. R. M.; and was the or-
ganizer of Ialtah Tribe, No. 115, and of Men-
eola Tribe No. 187. Politically, our subject
is a Democrat.
 

ROBERT N. HARRIS.

REV
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. €99

 

 

EV. ROBERT N. HARRIS. It is a
pleasure to write the review of the
life and work of a man such as is
the subject of this sketch, however brief and
inadequate it may be in some details. Clothed
in the spirit as well as the garb of the min-
istry, naturally modest and unassuming, Rob-
ert N. Harris is not the man to tell much of
his deeds nor to take unto himself as much
credit as is cheerfully given to him by those
who know him best and who are most inti-
mately associated with him in his church
work. Higher compliment need not be paid
our subject than to characterize him as a
strong, eloquent man of God as pastor and
Christian, and as an equally strong, self-pos-
sessed, helpful man as citizen, neighbor and
friend.

Rev. Robert N. Harris is a son of Robert
N. and Mary A. (Kees) Harris, and was born
in West Philadelphia, Pa., October 28, 1866.
He is the popular, scholarly and successful
pastor of the First Congregational Church of
Mount Carmel, a church which has constantly
increased in numbers and influence for good
under his ministrations.

Our subject was educated in the pub‘ic
schools of Philadelphia and also had the bene-
fit of instructions by Rev. P. J. Kain of Phila-
delphia, under whose guidance he well pre-
pared himself to enter the ministry as he had
determined to do when quite young, which
decision was made upon his conversion. Af-
ter devoting himself to evangelistic work for
some time our subject was made associate
pastor with his tutor and friend, Rev. P. J.
Kain, and was placed in charge of the First
Congregational Church at West Pittston, Pa.,
in September, 1891. He remained in charge
of that church until March, 1894, when he
accepted a call to the Second Congregational
Church at Coaldale, Schuylkill County, Pa.,

 

where he remained until September, 1896,
during which time the membership of the
church was increased twelvefold and a beau-
tiful house of worship built and dedicated, free
from all debt. He then removed to Mount
Carmel and assumed the pastorate of the
church of which he is now the head. He
presides over the largest Protestant congre-
gation ih the town, his church has all the cus-
tomary working societies and the increase in
membership has been large and rapid since
he became pastor. When he was called to
Mount Carmel the church was in quite a sad
state in many respects and the few surviving
members, who had stood by it for many years,
were much discouraged but agreed to still
hold on and to try once more, provided our
subject could be secured as their pastor. Mr.
Harris accepted the call and with his char-
acterestic energy set to work and aroused
such interest and attracted people so gener-
ally by his powerful and eloquent preaching
and his many good traits of personal charac-
ter, that the church is to-day on solid foun-
dations and a new and much larger edifice,
costing about $6,000, stands a fitting monu-
ment to the energy and popularity of the pas-
tor and the love and respect in which he is
held by his congregation.

Comparatively few weeks have passed since
a terrible event occurred which was the means
of forever linking with the local history of
Mount Carmel and its residents the name and
the deeds of Rev. Robert N. Harris. It was
in the disastrous railroad wreck at Dunellen,
N. J., that the greater, the more concealed,
manly character of our subject was revealed.
He was among those on the ill-fated train
and was seated in the midst of the victims of
the wrecked coach; unlike many of the offi-
cials and others, he retained his self-posses-
sion, and, therefore, was able to do what was
700 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

to be done quickly and effectively. It fell
to his lot to assume charge of the rescue and
to aid in their exacting work the physicians
who first arrived. The details of the terribte
catastrophe need not be recounted here, nor
is it possible to adequately describe the quiet
dignity, the helpful and consoling spirit in
which Mr. Harris went among the dead and
wounded and ministered to their comfort,
bodily and spiritually. Among the passen-
gers were a number of the citizens of Mount
Carmel, eight of whom yielded up their lives,
and to the wounded Mr. Harris spoke words
of cheer, gave nourishment, and through al
the terrible ordeal, in the midst of the moans
of the dying and the pitiful appeals and pray-
ers of the suffering, bore himself like unto the
true man of God that he is. His was a cheer-
ful presence, a ray of gladsome light shedding
itself upon the darkness which dread disaster
had lowered over many homes in Mount Car-
mel. Appreciating his efforts, the railroad
company placed free telegraphic communica-
tion and a special car at his disposal, and,
thus, Mr. Harris was enabled to quickly per-
form the sorrowful duty of notifying loved
ones of the terrible blow which had fallen.
His messages, whether bearing the tidings of
death or the notice of injury, were so written
that they ever will be remembered as those
of a man with a manly and sensitive heart
and filled with the tender Godly spirit. His
services at the wreck endeared him to those
not only within his:church but to those who
differ with him in belief but unite with all
in recognizing his assistance in a time of need
and in loving him for the kindly, effective
and gentle manner in which it was given; and,
not until after the arrival of the other rescuers,
whom Rey. Mr. Harris gave all the credit
for their noble work at the wreck, was as-
certained the valuable service which Rev. Mr.

 

Harris had rendered in the terrible hour of
need.

On August 17, 1893, our subject married
Emma B. Brown, daughter of Charles Wes-
ley Brown of West Pittston, Luzerne County,
Pa. To the happy couple have been born two
children: Wesley Kain, born May 25, 1894,
and.Eleanor May, born June 25, 1896.

The parents of the subject of this review
came of sturdy Scotch-Irish stock, both hay-
ing been born in County Donegal, Ireland,
where they were reared. The mother of our
subject came to this country in 1849, locating
in Philadelphia, and the father followed in
the succeeding year. The couple were married
in 1855. The father in his native country was
a farmer and landowner. He located in Phil-
adelphia where he was connected for some
years with Wetheril & Co., manufacturers of
lead, and where he now resides at the age
of sixty-eight years. His wife died. in July,

1893. In politics the father always has been
a Republican. Religiously he is one of the
three surviving charter members of the

Princeton Presbyterian Church of which Rev.
Dr. Addison Henry is pastor. He has always
taken active part in the work of that church
in which he has long served as an_ elder.

Robert N. Harris and_ his wife, Mary,
parents of our subject, had given unto them
six children: Albert E., William A., and
Katharine J., who are deceased; our subject;
Annie E., wife of James E. MacIntyre of
Germantown, Pa., who is a drummer by oc-
cupation; and Charles K., who is a resident
of Philadelphia and a brassworker by occu-
pation.

To the many friends and well-wishers of
Rev. Robert N. Harris, it will be a pleasure
to learn that his portrait is shown on a pre-

ceding page, in connection with the above
account of his life and works.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

ETER BALDY, Sr., who was one of
the most prominent men of Danville,
was a son of Paul and Catherine

(Beam) Baldy, and was born in Sunbury,
Northumberland County, Pa. In 1814 he left
the town of his nativity and located in Dan-
ville where he followed his trade, that of a
blacksmith, for several years. He subsequent-
ly engaged in the general merchandise busi-
ness, at which he was very successful and
at which he continued the rest of his life. He
was a public-spirited man and did much for
the borough of Danville. He organized the
first bank of Danville in 1848 and served as its
president until his demise. He was a liberal
supporter of the volunteer soldiers of Dan-
ville, especially of the Baldy Guards under
Capt. Ramsey, and the Fencibles under Capt.
Shreeve. He did considerable building in the
village. He retired from active business du-
ties some twenty years before his death, which
occurred November 24, 1880. He was al-
ways deeply interested in religious works.
When young he was an active member of the
Lutheran Church, but in 1828, when Christ
Episcopal Church was built, he became one of
its first vestrymen. His son, Peter Baldy, Jr.,
was the first to be baptized in the church, and
afterwards he became the organist. Peter, Sr.,
was one of the main supporters of the church
and in 1844 presented it with a large bell. He
bequeathed $5,000 for the support of the cler-
gy of that church, $500 to the Sunday School,
and $50,000 for a suitable memorial to him-
self and his beloved wife. His will was exe-
cuted to the letter, and as a result one of the
most beautiful churches in Eastern Pennsyl-
vania was erected at Danville. His companion
in life was Sarah Hurley, a daughter of Dan-
iel and Martha Hurley, who passed to her eter-
nal rest in November, 1875, in the eighty-fifth
year of her age. They were the parents of the

 

701

following children: Edward Hurley, Martha
Hurley, Mary Catherine, Peter, Jr., Hurley,
and Elen Ann.

Edward Hurley Baldy was a man of schol-
arly attainments and graduated from Prince-
ton College before he was of age. He then
took up the study of law with Josiah Comly,
and was admitted to the bar at the age of
twenty-two years. He then began to practice
in the village of Danville, and was one of the
most successful lawyers of the county. He was
a shrewd and energetic man and was an elo-
quent orator. His reputation extended
throughout the state and he acquired high
standing in the foremost ranks of his profes-
sion. He was an enterprising man, and, like
his father, took an active interest in the wel-
fare of Danville. He succeeded his father as
president of the Danville National Bank. In
company with Charles Paxton he laid out a
tract of land which is to-day within the ‘cor-
porate limits of the borough. He was attor-
ney for all of the early manufacturing plants
in the eastern part of the state. He accumu-
lated a fortune. In 1872 he erected a hand-
some stone residence on West Market street,
one of the finest in the town at that time.
After living a long and useful life he was
called to his final rest in 1891, at the age of
seventy years. He was united in the bonds
of wedlock to Mary Jennison, a daughter of
William Jennison, who was for many years
connected with the Pennsylvania Iron Works
of Philadelphia, but finally located in Danville,
residing on the site of the present Methodist
Episcopal parsonage. Five children blessed
this union, namely: Mary J. (Grove); Kate
G. (Watson); Edward H., Jr., and Emily,
deceased; and William Jennison, a well-known
attorney and real estate dealer of Danville,
who succeeded his father as president of the
Danville National Bank. Mrs, Baldy died at
702 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

the age of twenty-six years. Her husband
formed a second matrimonial alliance with
Henrietta C. Montgomery, who came from
one of the early families of Pennsylvania. She
is descended from one Robert Montgomery,
who, with his wife Sarah, emigrated from Ire-
land at the age of thirty-two years and located
on the present site of the city of Harrisburg,
Pa., where he engaged in the cultivation of the
soil. His son, John, was born in County Ar-
magh, Ireland, and was but four years old
when he came to America with his parents.
He lived in the vicinity of Harrisburg all his
life, and his death resulted from an accident
in 1792, at the age of fifty-eight years. Asa
result of his union with Christina Foster he
became the parent of a son, David, the grand-
father of Mrs. Baldy. David Montgomery
married Agnes Shaw, by whom he had the fol-
lowing children: Eliza; John G., the father
of Mrs. Baldy; Margaret; William S.; David
B.; Robert F.; Christina; Nancy; and Caro-
line B. John G. Montgomery was born on
January 28, 1805, and after reaching maturity
studied law under the direction of Judge
Cooper of Danville. He was a prominent law-
yer of Danville and lived an active life until
his demise, in 1857. His first marriage was
with Deborah B. Kerr, a daughter of Jacob
Kerr, and after her death he married Hen-
rietta Cooper, a daughter of his former pre-
ceptor, Judge Cooper. This union resulted in
the following issue: Agnes; Alice; Elizabeth;
Henrietta C.; Margaret; John C.; and Car-
oline. Mrs. Baldy died in 1864, leaving five
children: Sarah Hurley, the wife of Dr. Irving
H. Jennings, a record of whose life appears
below; Dr. John Montgomery of Philadel-
phia, who is without doubt one of the best
physicians of the state of Pennsylvania;
Alice, who married a Mr. Hartman; Henry
Waller; and Henrietta Cooper. Edward H.

 

Baldy was again married, his third union be-
ing with Alice Montgomery, a sister of his
second wife.

Dr. Irving H. Jennings, whose office is lo-
cated at No. 104 Mill street, Danville, Pa.,
is one of the leading dentists of Montour
County. He was born in Harrisburg, Pa.,
and is a son of John C. Jennings. He
obtained his intellectual training in the public
and high schools of Harrisburg, after which
he was prepared for the dental profession in
the University of Pennsylvania, from which
he graduated in 1883. Immediately there-
after he began practice in Harrisburg and
continued until 1885, when he moved to Dan-
ville, where he has since continued to prac-
tice.

Dr. Jennings was joined in hymeneal bonds
with Sara Hurley Baldy, and they are the hap-
py parents of a bright and interesting son,
Edward Baldy Jennings, who was born in
Danville, September 4, 1897. Religiously, Dr.
and Mrs. Jennings are consistent members of
Christ Episcopal Church of Danville.

—————<¥~4-e- > —___—_

ILLIAM F. HALEY, a leading
merchant of Locust Gap, who is
proprietor of one of the largest gro-

cery stores of that place, is known for his hon-
est and upright dealings with all and is a man
of the strictest integrity. He is a son of Pat-
rick and Barbara (Meisberger) Haley, and was
born in Coal township, Northumberland
County, Pa., August 14, 1871.

Patrick Haley, the father of our subject,
was born February 22, 1835, at Mount Laffer,
Schuylkill County, Pa., and moved to North-
umberland County at the age of nineteen and
located in Coal township. Although a prac-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 708

 

tical miner, he followed contracting among
the mines nearly all his life time, and it was in
the mines at Coal township that he lost his
life, August 20, 1884. He was a life-long
Democrat, and he never cared for public life
for himself, but he was untiring in his efforts
for the success of his friends. He married
Barbara Meisberger, a native of Germany,
who came with her parents to this country
when but five years old. She was born Jan-
uary 3, 1850, and her father was Michael Meis-
berger. Her parents were among the earliest
settlers of Coal township, and were highly re-
spected in the county. Our subject’s parents
reared eight children, as follows: William F.,
the subject of this biography; Mary, deceased,
who was the wife of Peter Duppy of Locust
Gap, and whose daughter, Margaret, is being
reared by our subject; Michael, who was kill-
ed in the mines at the age of twenty-one years,
nine months and three days; Margaret, the
wife of Walter Bosine, who resided at Locust
Gap; Elizabeth, the wife of Frank Brecker of
Locust Gap; Eugene, who is in the employ
of our subject; Victoria, who is at home; and
Patrick, who died at the age of three years.
Our subject’s mother is still living and is
spending her declining days at the home of
her son.

William F. Haley, the subject of this biog-
raphy, was educated in the schools of Coal
township, but at the age of nine years he be-
gan picking slate, continuing his schooling
during the summer. At the age of eleven
years he went into the mines, remaining there
until he was nineteen years old; he then
worked for two years in the grocery store of
his aunt, Mrs. Enoch Shoda of Mount Carmel.
At the end of that period he engaged in the
huckstering business for three years, having
a large patronage and being very successful;
in connection with that business he became

 

proprietor of the grocery store which he now
conducts.

On November 22, 1897, our subject mar-
ried Elizabeth Rourke. Mr. Haley has a large
and lucrative business and he is an active and
interested citizen of Locust Gap. In politics
he is a Democrat.

GDEN H. OSTRANDER, one of the
most widely known citizens of North-
umberland County, is a highly es-

teemed resident of Riverside, where he is en-
gaged in civil engineering, in the real estate
business, and as an expert accountant. He
was born in New York City, October 12,
1837, and is a son of Philip H. and Julia A.
(Van Loon) Ostrander, both of whom were
natives of New York City.

Our subject was reared and educated in
New York City, learned the profession of a
civil engineer, and then spent six years in the
employ of the New York & Hudson River
Railroad. He then gave up his profession
and moved to Danville, Pa., to accept a posi-
tion in a large general store; later he spent
one year in Philadelphia; then he returned to
Danville and became accountant for Grove
Bros., of that town, which position he held for
a period of seven years. This position he re-
signed to accept an appointment as postmas-
ter of Danville, and at the expiration of his
term, in 1869, he again took up his former
profession as a civil engineer. In 1869 he
laid out the village of Riverside, which lies on
the bank of the Susquehanna River, opposite
the borough of Danville, and is located in
Rush township, Northumberland County. Our
subject built a handsome brick residence, with
a brown-stone front, on the corner of Avenue
704 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

D and Sixth street; the house is surrounded
by a well-kept lawn and beautiful shade trees
and shrubberies. He also built and sold some
twenty other model residences, and induced
many people to make Riverside their home.
Mr. Ostrander has supervised the erection of
many of the residences and business structures
of Riverside, including the bridge that was
built in 1875, which connects Danville and
Riverside, and the Danville Water Works. In
1871 he erected the Union School building,
paid the bills and carried all indebtedness for
several years, when it was transferred to the
school district. He has been interested in
the growth of both Danville and. Riverside,
has served as president of the Glendower
Mills, now known as the Mahoning Rolling
Mills, and has served as accountant for nearly
all the mills and manufacturing establishments
in Danville. He has also served as justice of
the peace, as school director, and has been a
member of the village council of Riverside.

In 1898 the borough of Sunbury made a
contract with George F. Steefer and Mr. Os-
trander for the making of an official map of
the borough, and in 1899, after about a year
and a half of labor, the work was completed,
at a cost of about $2,000.

Mr. Ostrander was wedded to Melissa D.
Brown, a daughter of George B. Brown of
Danville.

George Brown was born in Columbia Coun-
ty, now Montour County, September 13,
1816, and is a son of Samuel and Dorothy
(Neice) Brown, the former a native of Eng-
land and the latter a native of Holland.
George Brown engaged in farming until he
Was seventeen years of age and then began
clerking in a store at Mifflinville, Pa, In 1834
he moved to Danville and purchased the store
of S. M. Bowman & Company; he then stud-
ied dentistry and later opened a dental office.

 

In 1856 he opened and conducted a stationery
store, and to him belongs the honor of estab-
lishing the first daily newspaper of Danville.
He was united in marriage to Sarah A. Gear-
hart, a daughter of John Gearhart, and as a
result of this union four children were reared,
namely: Benton B.; Melissa D., our subject’s
wife; John G.; and William G.

Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander are the parents of
the following children: George B., a clerk re-
siding at Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Walter S., a civil
engineer and surveyor of Riverside; Sarah B.,
who is attending school; and Henry and
Mary, who died in infancy. Mr. Ostrander
is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is
the oldest past master living of Danville
Lodge No. 224, F. & A. M.; is ,past high
priest and past commander of the Knights
Templar; also a member of Danville Chapter.
Our subject is a member of the Baptist
Church and has served as trustee many years;
he also aided in the building of the Episcopal
Church of Riverside. Mrs. Ostrander is a
member of the Methodist Church.

In politics our subject is a Democrat, but
was formerly a Republican, having cast his
first vote for Lincoln.

———_—_+-« »_______

R. SAMUEL B. ARMENT, a well-
known physician and surgeon of Co-
lumbia County, is one of the popular

and highly esteemed residents of Bloomsburg.

He was born in the city of Philadelphia, Au-
gust II, 1852, and is a son of Oliver H. P.

and Mary Govett (Whitehead) Arment, and

grandson of Benjamin Arment.

The grandfather of our subject, with his
widowed mother, removed from New York
City to Delaware County, Pa., where Benja-
min was bound out to learn the trade of a

 

 

 

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 705

shoemaker, which vocation he followed a
short time; he then purchased a farm near
Middletown, Delaware County, and engaged
in the cultivation of the soil. When the West
Chester Division of the Pittsburg & Western
Railroad was laid across his farm he erected
a fine house near the track, which the railroad
company afterward bought and transformed
into a station, calling it Greenwood Grove.
Benjamin Arment passed from this life aged
eighty-two years; he was the father of the
following children: Wilham Henry; Oliver
Hazard Perry; Benjamin Franklin; Henry
Harrison; Margaret; and Sarah. The grand-
mother of our subject died at the age of fifty-
six years.

Oliver Hazard Perry Arment was born on
his father’s farm in Delaware County, Pa., and
when he attained his manhood he learned the
carpenter's trade and worked with Joseph
West of Philadelphia for several years. Later
he was a builder and contractor, in which busi-
ness he was very successful; he was a very act-
ive man and was held in high esteem by his
neighbors and acquaintances. He entered the
world of rest, September 19, 1878, at the age
of sixty-six years. Mr. Arment chose for his
companion in life Mary Govett Whitehead, a
daughter of John Whitehead of Philadelphia,
and to them the following children were born:
Annie, the wife of Charles H. Bridenhurst;
Samuel B., the subject of this narrative; Mary,
who died in her infancy; and Ella Lucretia,
the wife of Dr. A. S. Koses, a prominent den-
tist of Harrisburg, Pa. Our subject’s father
was a member of the Episcopal Church; in
politics he was a stanch Republican. Socially
he was a member and treasurer of Veritas
Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Philadelphia, and of
Moscosca Lodge, I. O. R. M.

Dr. Samuel B. Arment, at the age of eleven
years, went to live with his grandfather, Ben-

 

jamin Arment, and attended the public
schools of Middletown until he was sixteen
years of age; he then learned the carpenter's
trade and followed that occupation until he
was twenty-one years of age, when he began
the study of medicine under Dr. J. W. Mc-
Ewen of Philadelphia. Later he entered Jef-
ferson Medical College, and was gradtiated in
1878. His work in college was of a high or-
der and he received honorable mention from
Prof. J. M. DeCosta for the report of clinical
cases, and a pocket operating case from Dr.
T. H. Andrews for the best dissection in the
anatomical rooms. Of like character has been
his work since as a practitioner. Immediately
after his graduation he served six months as
assistant demonstrator under Dr. T. H. An-
drews, thereby adding extensively to his
knowledge and gaining much practical expe-
rience. He next followed his chosen profes-
sion at Vincentown, N. J., for one and one-
half years; later he went West and operated
a ranch at Morning Side, near Sioux City,
Iowa, remaining in that business for over a
year. He then again took up his profession
and practiced with Dr. A. J. Weeks for some
time. Returning to Philadelphia he accepted
a position as assistant demonstrator under A.
C. W. Beecher of the Jefferson Medical Col-
lege; and as chief of the staff under Dr. C.
H. Allis in the orthopedic department of the
Jefferson Medical College Hospital. In 1887
Dr. Arment moved to Bloomsburg to take
charge of Dr. Gardner’s practice while the lat-
ter was away, and finding the location to his
liking he continued in-his profession there,
becoming a very skilful practitioner, and rose
to the front ranks with wonderful rapidity.
Dr. Arment was wedded to Armentine Mc-

| Intyre, and they are the parents of one child,
! Armentine Lucretia, who was born January
22, 1892.

Our subject bought of Mr. P. E.
706 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Wirt his residence at No. 26 West Fifth street,
and has remodeled and equipped the same
with the latest improvements; his office and
parlors are in his residence, and his home is
one of the handsomest in the community. In
1892 the Doctor patented the well-known Ar-
ment lawn-mower, and has a manufacturing
plant in Bloomsburg, this business alone
yielding him a handsome income. He is a
member and past master of Washington
Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M.; past high priest
of Bloomsburg Chapter, No. 218, R. A. M.;
past eminent commander of Crusade Com-
mandery; illustrious commander-in-chief of
Caldwell Consistory, A. A. S. R., 32nd degree;
and is viceroy of Orient Conclave, No. 2,
Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine.

DWARD G, HOFFMAN, who prior to
his death, July 13, 1898, was prothon-
otary and clerk of the several
courts of Montour County, Pa., was one of
the highly esteemed and valued citizens of the
town of Danville. He was a native of Rush
township, Northumberland County, and was
a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Wolverton)
Hoffman, a grandson of Abraham Hoffman,
and a great-grandson of Jacob Hoffman.
Jacob Hoffman was born in Germany. He
immigrated to this country, locating in New
Jersey, where he engaged in the cultivation of
the soil. He was a soldier in the War of the
Revolution. Abraham Hoffman, the grand-
father of our subject; settled in Shamokin
township, Northumberland County, Pa.,
where he was successfully engaged as an agri-
culturist. He was the father of the follow-
ing children: John; Peter; Michael; Abra-
ham; Barbara; and Maria.
Abraham Hoffman, the father of our sub-

 

ject, was born on his father’s farm in North-
umberland County where he spent his boy-
hood days assisting his father in the labors
on the farm. Attaining his majority he was
in the mercantile business for a number of
years, sold out and purchased a farm in Rush
township, Northumberland County. He re-
mained there the rest of his days, passing away
at the age of eighty-seven years, four months
and twenty-seven days. Prior to his death
he was a hearty, strong and active man, and
his demise was sudden, the cause being a
stroke of apoplexy. He was joined in the
bonds of wedlock with Elizabeth Wolverton, a
daughter of Roger Wolverton of Northamp-
ton County, Pa. They were the parents of
eight children, namely: Maria, John, Beulah,
Jacob, Jemima, Erastus, Isaac, and Edward
G. Mrs, Hoffman died at the age of fifty-nine
years.

Edward G. Hoffman, the subject of this
sketch, received his primary education in the
public schools and completed it by a course
in the Danville Academy. The next nine
years were spent in teaching in the public
schools of Danville, after which he carried on
farming in Rush township for four years. In
1861 he removed to Danville and was employ-
ed as bookkeeper in the store of Waterman &
Beaver. Later he served as commissioner
clerk for the county for five years. In 1873
he was elected justice of the peace, and in
connection with the duties of that office also
acted as prothonotary of Montour County.
In 1887 our subject was elected prothonotary
and clerk of the courts of Montour County,
and filled those offices until his death; he
proved himself worthy of the position, and
won high esteem in his profession.

Mr. Hoffman was united in the bonds of
matrimony with Sarah E. Mettler, a daughter
of Wilson Mettler, a prominent farmer of
 

ISER,

rR

RKH

JACOB D. WE
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 709

 

 

Rush township, Northumberland County, and
they had one child, Annie Elizabeth, born in
1864, who assisted her father in the discharge
of his duties, being deputy prothonotary. In
1869 Mr. Hoffman erected a handsome brick
residence at No. 121 Market street, where he
resided the remainder of his life. He was a
member and past master of Danville Lodge
No. 224, F. & A. M.; Danville Commandery
No. 37, of Danville.

 

ACOB D. WERKHEISER, a pros-

perous and enterprising merchant of

Espy, Columbia County, whose _por-

trait is shown on the opposite page, is a son

of John and Helena (Dietrich) Werkheiser,

and was born in Upper Mount Bethel town-

ship, Northampton County, Pa., September
28, 1827.

The paternal grandfather of our subject,
Carl Werkheiser, was a native of Germany,—
upon coming to this country he located in
Northampton County, where he was one of
the leading agriculturists. He reared a large
family of children.

John Werkheiser, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Northampton County, Feb-
ruary 16, 1791, and at an early age learned

_ the trade of a tailor. He followed that occu-
pation in Upper Mount Bethel township un-
til 1831, when he moved to Briarcreek, now
Center township, Columbia County, and
there devoted the remainder of his life to till-
ing the soil and operating a saw-mill. He
was an industrious worker and was quite suc-
cessful in business affairs. He was a stanch
Democrat and held many township’ offices.
He was an active member and officer in the
Lutheran Church. His death, which oc-
curred March 6, 1860, was the result of acci-

 

dentally falling from a wagon and breaking
his neck. He was united in the holy bonds
of wedlock with Helena Dietrich, a daughter
of Mr. J. Dietrich of Upper Mount Bethel
township, Northampton County, and they
reared five sons and three daughters, namely :
Charles, deceased, formerly a tailor but later
a huckster and farmer of Mifflinville, Colum-
bia County; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the
wife of the late Samuel Dietrich of Berwick;
Peter F., deceased, who was a tailor and after-
wards a huckster of Mifflinville; John, a re-
tired tailor and miller of Mifflinville; Reuben,
who died at an early age; Sarah Ann, de-
ceased; Katie Ann, the wife of Nehemiah
Richart of Espy; and Jacob D., the subject of
this personal history.

Jacob D. Werkheiser received his education
in the public schools, after-which he worked
for a time at the tailor’s trade with his father.
He then learned the trade of a shoemaker
which he followed from 1845 to 1878, during
which time he was also engaged in boating
on the Pennsylvania canal; he also engaged in
huckstering for one year. In 1863 he
opened a general merchandise store in connec-
tion with the manufacture of shoes and has
very successfully continued the mercantile
business since. He has a neat, well-appear-
ing store and under his capable management
it has the patronage of the leading citizens of
the community.

Mr. Werkheiser has twice taken the mar-
riage vows. His first union, which occurred
in 1850, was with Catherine Stricker, a daugh-
ter of Peter Stricker of Catawissa, and they
were the proud parents of five children: Miles
Arthur, a shoemaker of Byron, Lee County,
Ill.; John Lloyd, a resident of Pittston, Pa.;
William Charles, an employee in the railroad
signal station at Duryea, Luzerne County, and
also a groceryman of that place; Sarah Ma-
710 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

tilda, wife of Lewis Miller of Pittston, Pa.;
and Clara, who died when four years of age.
His second alliance was with Elmyra Lunger,
a daughter of Jacob Lunger of Jackson town-
ship, Columbia County. Our subject is past
grand master of Espy Lodge, No. 681, I.
O. O. F., and was also chaplain for several
years. In religious attachments he is a Luth-
eran. He joined the Lutheran Church when
he was eighteen years of age. He has been
a member of the council of that church since
1852 and has been the secretary of the coun-
cil for forty years. He was one of the charter
members of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Espy; and was superintendent of
the Sunday School several years. He has also
been secretary of the Creveling Cemetery
Company for thirty-five years and is the treas-
urer of the Odd Fellows’ Hall Association of
Espy, Pa.

ICHAEL MEYLERT was a promi-

nent and highly esteemed citizen

and a substantial business man of

Laporte, Pa., of which town he was the

founder. He laid out the streets and parks

of the town and did more to promote its in-

terests than any other man. Mr. Meylert

was born in New Milford, Pa., on June 20,

1823, and he was a son of Secku and Abigail
(Nichols) Meylert.

Secku Meylert was a farmer of Susquehan-
na County, Pa., and as a result of his marriage
with Abigail Nichols the following children
were born: Amos N.; Michael, the subject of
this biographical sketch; Henry, who died in
infancy; William; Mindwell; Asa; Maria;
Guerdon; Priscilla. Amos N. was united in
marriage with Ann Dennis, and they reared
the following children: Addie, the wife of J.

 

A. Scranton, who has two children, Lydia and
Robert; Charles, deceased, who was joined
in marriage with Laquer Lawrence, by whom
he reared three children, Laquer, Charles,
and Fanny; William wedded Mary Rielly,
who bore him one daughter, Florence; Mary,
wife of O. Johnson; Kate, wife of J. F. May-
lon, and has two children, Catherine and
Theo; and Louise, who is the wife of Fred
Rodewald, and is the mother of one child,
Annie. William, the fourth child born to
Secku and Abigail Meylert, married Mary A.
Gregory, and they reside in Laporte. They
have reared five children: Mina, the wife of
E. S. Chase, by whom she has three children,
Ada, Edith, and Helen; Adaline; Howard,
whose marriage with Mary Cain resulted in
the birth of one child, Grace; Fanny; and
Frank, who wedded Rose Miller. Mindwell
Meylert was united in marriage with Alfred
Sauer, and their home has been blessed by
two children, Alfred and Fred. Asa Meylert
was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Har-
riet Hodgdon. Maria Meylert married Isaac
Brunner and four children blessed this union,
uamely: Mary, the wife of William Mullen,
is the mother of two children, Eugenia and
Meylert; Meylert B. married Mary Mayall,
and they have reared three children, Char-
lotte, Mayall, and Meylert; Anna; and Edith.
Guerdon Meylert married Ellen Madden;
Priscilla, the youngest child born to Secku
and Abigail Meylert, married Judson Richard-
son, and they have two children, May and
William.

Michael Meylert, the subject of this sketch,
acquired a good education in the public
schools and at Montrose and Friendsville
academies. At the age of eighteen years he
began teaching school. Later he was em-
ployed by a corps of engineers to work on
the North Branch of the canal, during which
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 711

 

 

time he made his home at Tunkhannock.
Upon the completion of the canal he followed
surveying and civil engineering and surveyed
the asylum lands. He subsequently entered
the employ of William B. Clymer, general
agent of the Bingham estate, and took charge
of the surveying department. In 1847, when
Sullivan County was divided from Lycoming
County, Mr. Meylert, the father of our sub-
ject, and Mr. Clymer purchased the Norris &
Fox lands, which lie in the south-central part
of Sullivan County, and they appointed Mich-
ael Meviert as agent, and he purchased many
hundred acres of land. He built a rude log

house and settled at what is now the town of:

Laporte; he surveyed and laid out streets and
parks; built many houses, and set out shade
trees. He erected the first frame house there,
now known as the Mountain House, and later
built the Laporte Hotel, a handsome and sub-
stantial structure, three-stories high, which
was destroyed by fire in 1897. He also built a
saw-mill and later established a newspaper,
with which he was connected for some thirty
years. In 1851 Mr. Meylert became inter-
ested in tanning, and in that year built ‘a tan-
nery. Besides a beautiful brick building,
which he made his home, he owned several
other residences. Mr. Meylert was never
known to abandon any important project hav-
ing once set about the execution of it, and it
was this persistency of effort which won him
success and which gained for him the admira-
tion and respect of his fellow-citizens.
Politically our subject was an uncompro-
mising Democrat and upheld the principles of
his party with the steadfastness that character-
ized all his actions. He was positive in his
opinions and fearless in their maintenance. In
1851 he was honored by election to the State
Legislature and passed the first railroad bill
allowing a railroad to be built between Cata-

 

wissa and the State Line. He surveyed the
route of the Williamsport & North Branch
Railroad. Our subject’s mind was always act-
ive and, industrious and his business affairs
were always conducted with great wisdom and
skill; he was regarded as a man of weight in
his community, whose opinions and judgment
were highly valued. The death of Mr. Mey-
lert occurred on January 17, 1883, and his loss
was greatly mourned by the community in
which he had so long resided and with which
he was so closely identified. Mrs. Meylert
now resides in Laporte, where she is held in
high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances.

 

ACOB B. MAGARGEL. Among the
foremost and enterprising merchants of
Sullivan County, Pa., is the gentleman

whose biography we write, who has been en-
gaged in the mercantile business in the village
of Sonestown since 1891, and who at present
keeps one of the most complete general stores
that can be found in the country. He ts also
recognized as one of the valuable members
of the community. He was born in Sones-
town April 2, 1869, and is a son of Thomas
S. and Phoebe E. (Houseknecht) Magargel,
and grandson of Britten Magargel, who re-
sided in the city of Philadelphia during his.
early manhood, but later moved to Lycoming
County, Pa., where he conducted a merchan-
dise store and operated a farm.

Thomas S. Magargel was born and reared
in the city of Philadelphia, and his youthful
days were spent attending the district school
and assisting his father in the cultivation of his
father’s farm and working in his store. In
early manhood, Mr. Magargel took up his res-
idence in Sonestown and rented the old Tay-
712

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

lor Hotel, which he later bought, and rebuilt
into a handsome three-story house, contain-
ing seventeen rooms, which he furnished
throughout with the latest conveniences. He
conducted this hotel until his death, which
occurred in 1889; the hotel was the most pop-
ular stopping-place for the traveling public in
the community and was classed among the
best hotels in its section of the county. He
was united in marriage with Phoebe E.
Houseknecht, a daughter of Jacob and Su-
sanna (Sones) Houseknecht, and they became
the happy parents of the following children:
Harry, a farmer by vocation, married Belle
Ray and they are the parents of four children,
—Brewnard, Schuster, Emerson, and Wort;
Ella May is the wife of Lincoln Sheets; Clara
was united in marriage with Charles Starr and
they are the parents of two children,—Celia
and Frank, deceased; Jacob B. is the subject
of this personal history; Frank is a prominent
merchant of Muncy Valley, Pa., and his wife
is Cora Crawley; Ralph is living at home;
and Maude, deceased. Our subject’s mother
is one of a family of ten children, namely:
John, Julian, Peter, Betsey, Jacob, Benjamin,
Daniel, Charles, Mary Jane, Issachar, and
Phoebe E. Mrs. Magargel conducted the
hotel after the demise of her husband until
January 2, 1899, and is a lady much respected
for her many excellent traits of character. Our
subject’s father was an unwavering Democrat
and held the office of commissioner and con-

stable; fraternally he was a member and past~

grand of the I, ©, ©, F.

Jacob B. Magargel attended the district
schools and the Muncy Normal and then
taught some five terms in all in the public
schools of Sonestown; his first venture into
business was in the year 1891, when he and
his brother Frank purchased the mercantile
store then owned by Jacob Lorah. They also

 

bought the building which was erected by
Jacob Lorah in 1876 and was a two-story
frame 24 by 60; they carried a complete line

of goods such as is carried in a general store-

and succeeded in establishing an enviable
trade. Later our subject purchased the inter-
ests of his brother Frank, who went to Muncy
Valley, Pa., where he opened a like store; Mr.
Magargel has greatly increased the stock since
taking full possession of the store and by his
honest and straightforward ways of dealing
has gained the confidence and good-will tof
the entire community. Mr. Magargel also
owns a fine and productive farm consisting of
102 acres and has men to cultivate the same
for him, as his time is too much taken up in
his store to attend to agricultural work.
Politically, Mr. Magargel is a solid Demo-
crat and takes an active interest in any enter-
prise that tends to promote the interest of his

_ native township and county. He was appoint-

ed postmaster of Sonestown on April 5, 1893,
and held the office until February 20, 1896.
During his stay in office he gave complete
satisfaction to the community. Fraternally
he is a member and past grand of the I. O.
O. F. and has passed through all the chairs
of the P.O. S. of A.

DGAR & HUNT are the present pro-
prietors of the Crystal Springs Distil-

lery, an old establishment well-

known throughout the state for the excellent
pure rye whiskies which are distilled there.
Edgar & Hunt (Alfred H. Edgar, George B.
Hunt) succeeded the firm of Edgar & Beish-
line (Alfred H. Edgar, Clem G. Beishline);
the latter firm purchased the plant January 1,
1898, and set out to sustain the reputation es-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 713

 

 

tablished by the former owner, B. Frank Ed-
‘oar, father of Alfred H. The partnership of
Edgar & Beishline was terminated by the
death of the junior member of the firm, Mr.
Beishline, on November 13, 1898. Mr. Edgar
then admitted George B. Hunt as partner,
and the business has since been conducted un-
der the firm name of Edgar & Hunt.

Alfred H. Edgar, who is one of the best dis-
tillers of the state, was born in Fishing Creek
township, November. 11, 1870, and is a son of
B. Frank and Susan (Hartman) Edgar.

The Edgar family is of Scotch origin, and
James Edgar, the great-grandfather of our
subject, was a native of the state of New
York, but at an early day moved to Benton,
Benton township, Columbia County, Pa. Af-
ter a time he moved to Fishing Creek town-
ship, in the latter part of the eighteenth cen-
tury. The later years of his life were spent as
a resident of the state of Ohio, where he
passed to his eternal resting place. His wife’s
maiden name was Buchanan, and she was de-
scended from the same ancestors as was Presi-
dent Buchanan; their union resulted:in the
following offspring: John married Hester
Zimmerman and lived in-Indiana, where he
died; Robert married Susanna McHenry, and
died in Fishing Creek township; Martha mar-
ried Moses McHenry, and lived in Fishing
Creek township; Ellen married Elias McHen-
ry; Elizabeth became the wife of John Jack-
son of Indiana; Edward was a resident of
Ohio; Christina married Silas McHenry, and
died in Ohio; and James, the youngest, who
was the grandfather of our subject.

James Edgar was born August 22, 1806,
and early in life was a farmer and lumberman
of Benton township, but subsequently sold his
property there and moved to Fishing Creek
township, where he followed the same occupa-
tion and became a prominent man. He was

 

deeply-interested in public affairs and for sev-
eral years served as constable. In 1828 he
was joined in wedlock with Sarah McHenry,
a daughter of Daniel McHenry, whose father
was the well-known pioneer of that name. She
was born April 28, 1810, and was called to her
home in the unknown beyond in Fishing
Creek township, September 10, 1882. To their
union were born nine sons and one daughter,
as follows: Daniel married Louisa Stokes, and
resided in New Columbus, Luzerne County,
where he died October 23, 1890; Robert died
February 25, 1897, at the age of sixty-four
years; Emanuel, deceased, married Martha
McHenry, and was a stonemason and plaster-
er by trade; George W., a farmer and stock
raiser of Clay County, Neb., married Nellie
Smith of Pittston, Pa.; William E., a late
farmer and stockraiser of Fishing Creek town-
ship; Hiram R., a stockraiser of Loup Coun-
ty, Neb.; James C., who married Rosa Smith,
a sister of Nellie Smith, named above; Thom-
as Hardy, a record of whose life appears else-
where in this Book of Biographies; and B.
Frank, the father of our subject.

B. Frank Edgar was born in Fishing Creek
township, Columbia County, September 9,
1836, and remained at home with his parents
until he was eighteen years of age, when he
learned the trade of a carpenter. This he fol-
lowed for a period of twenty years, when he
learned the trade of a distiller, and embarked
in that business at Van Camp, Fishing Creek
township, establishing the business which is
now conducted by his son. He operated it
successfully until 1894, when he moved the
plant to Crystal Springs owing to the excel-
lent facilities there for carrying on the busi-
ness. Crystal Springs is a never-failing stream
of as pure and good water as can be found in
Columbia County. Mr. Edgar accumulated
money rapidly and purchased considerable
714

real estate, owning at one time three large
farms, two of which he disposed of prior to his
death. He was a man of strict integrity and
fine business qualifications, and conducted his
business up to the 1st of January, 1898, when
he disposed of the establishment to his son,
Alfred H., and Clem G. Beishline. He retired
from business life and lived in peace with him-
self and the rest of the world until his death,
which occurred April 22, 1898. Politically, he
was a stanch Democrat and held many of the
township offices, serving as county commis-
sioner for six years. He formed a marital
union with Susan Hartman, a daughter of
Solomon Hartman, and the following children
blessed their union: Warren, who is book-
keeper for his uncle, Thomas Hardy Edgar;
Dora B., the wife of A. B. McHenry, a mer-
chant of Stillwater, Pa.; Charles M., a late
farmer of Fishing Creek; Hattie M., the wife
of George B. Hunt, who is junior member of
Edgar & Hunt; Alfred H., whose name heads
these lines; and Thomas E., who died at an
early age. After the demise of- his wife Mr.
Edgar formed a second alliance with Martha
Golder, by whom he had four children: Her-
ald; Alma; Madge; and Olive. Prior to his
death he moved to the town of Bloomsburg,
where his wife and family still reside.

Alfred H. Edgar was reared on the farm
and obtained an intellectual training in the
public schools, after which he learned the
trade of a distiller, serving in that capacity
for his father up to the latter’s death. He
then became the senior member of the firm of
Edgar & Beishline, and it is mainly due to his
expertness as a distiller that his pure and well-
flavored whiskies find a ready sale on the mar-
ket and rank with the best in the state. They
manufacture a pure rye, sweet-mash, copper-
distilled whisky, to which is bestowed much
labor, care and personal attention. It is kept

 

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

until fully matured, and at the present time
they have on hand 6,000 gallons ranging in
age from two to five years. Mr. Edgar is
equally as popular in private circles as in busi-
ness, and has a large number of friends in the
community, where he has always resided.
June 30, 1896, he was united in matrimonial

‘bonds with Anna R. Savage, a daughter of

David Savage of Bloomsburg, by whom he
has one daughter, Clara Savage.

Clem G. Beishline, who was junior member
of the firm of Edgar & Beishline, and a man
of excellent business propensities, was a son
of John W. and Sarah E. (Hess) Beishline,
and was born in Benton township, September
29, 1869.

His great-grandfather was Michael Beish-
line, who was born in Germany, and in the
early part of the eighteenth century located in
America. He settled in Butler township, Lu-
zerne County, where he followed the occupa-
tion of a farmer. His son, John B. Beishline,
was also one of the leading agriculturists of
that section, but the later years of his life were
spent in Benton township, Columbia County,
where John W., our subject’s father, was born,
February 15, 1840. In early life John W.
Beishline followed teaching in connection
with farming, but later learned the trade of a
carpenter.
occupation and became an extensive con-
tractor and builder, doing work throughout
the county. His career came to a sudden’end
while working upon the residence of Capt.
C. G. Jackson of Berwick, August 14, 1878,
at the early age of thirty-eight years. He was
a soldier of the Civil War, first enlisting as a
musician, but after the expiration of his term
again enlisted as a lieutenant. When he left
the service he was captain of Company A,
74th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf. Politically, he was
a Democrat, whilst in religious belief he was

He was quite proficient at that.

2
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 715

 

 

a member of the Reformed Church. Socially,
he belonged to the I. O. O. F. He was
united in marriage with Sarah Hess, a daugh-
ter of Benjamin Hess, a farmer of Fishing
Creek township, and they reared one son,
Clem G. Mrs. Beishline is now residing at
Pond Hill, Luzerne County.

Clem G. Beishline received a good English
education in the public schools and at New
Columbus Academy, and after arriving at ma-
turity was engaged in several different lines
of work until he formed a partnership with
Mr. Edgar and operated the Crystal Springs
Distillery. Socially, he was a member of the
Odd Fellow Lodge and the Patriotic Order
Sons of America of Berwick. On January 25,
1893, he was united in marriage with Laura
McMichaels, a daughter of James McMichaels
of Berwick, and one daughter was born to
them, Virginia.

a RS. PHOEBE E. MAGARGEL,
who, until January 2, 1899, was
proprietor of one of the most
popular public houses in the southern part of
Sullivan County, is the widow of the late
Thomas S. Magargel, who was born in the
city of Philadelphia and who was a son of
Britten and Ann (Schuster) Magargel.

Britten Magargel was of Scotch descent
and settled in Lairdsville, Pa., during his later
years, where he conducted a mercantile store
and later engaged in general farming.

Thomas S. Magargel possessed a fine edu-
cation and his boyhood days were spent assist-
ing his father in running the store and later
aided him in the labors about the farm. Aft-
er his marriage he settled in Sonestown, where
he rented the old Taylor Hotel, and through

| Jacob;

 

his successful management of the same ac-
cumulated enough money to purchase the
property, and, in 1886, he erected a three and
one-half story hotel of 17 rooms; the rooms
were large, comfortable and well furnished,
and Mr. Magargel gave the business the clos-
est supervision and no expense or trouble was
spared to make the hotel service perfect, even
to the smallest detail: That these efforts were
not lost on those accepting of his hospitality
was evidenced by the fact that once guests
they were always guests when business after-
wards called them to that locality. He was
very popular with the transients, and aided
by his loving wife did all in his power to make
it as homelike as possible. The demise of Mr.
Magargel, which occurred in the year 1889,
was greatly lamented by a host of friends, who
recognized him as a man of sterling worth
and strict integrity. He was an upright citi-
zen, highly esteemed in his community, and
exerted his influence in the promotion of its
best interests.

Mr. Magargel chose for his life companion
Phoebe E. Houseknecht, who has proved her-
self a kind and loving wife, and much of the
success of her husband was due to the part
she had taken in the management of the hotel.
She is a daughter of Jacob and Susanna
(Sones) Houseknecht, and her father was born
in Lycoming County and was a son of John
Houseknecht who was a farmer and who died
aged eighty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs.
Houseknecht were the parents of the follow-
ing children: John; Julian; Peter; Betsey;
Benjamin; Daniel; Charles; Mary,
Jane; Issachar; and Phoebe E., the subject
of this sketch. Mrs. Magargel conducted the
hotel after her husband’s death until January
2, 1899, and has won the highest respect of the
traveling. public as a landlady; the hotel, as
operated by her, was by all odds the best in
716 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

its section of the county, was well furnished,
and the meals served by this establishment
also added greatly to its popularity with the
traveling public.

Mr. Magargel was a solid Democrat in poli-
tics, and served as commissioner and as con-
stable; fraternally he was a member and past

grand of the I. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. Ma-

gargel reared the following children: Harry,
a farmer by trade, was married to Belle Ray
‘by whom he reared four children,—Brewnard,
Schuster, Emerson, and Wort; Ella May is
the wife of Lincoln Sheets; Clara is the wife
of Charles Starr, and two children blessed
their home,—Celia and Frank, the latter de-
ceased; Jacob B. is a prominent merchant of
Sonestown; Frank, a merchant of Muncy Val-
ley, Pa., was wedded to Cora Crawley; Ralph
is living at home; and Maude, deceased.

HARLES KRUG, one of the oldest
contractors and builders residing in
the town of Bloomsburg, by his
reliable work and straightforward methods of
doing business, has attracted to him hosts of
friends and patrons. He was born in Penn
township, Berks County, Pa., November 11,
1844, and is a son of Adam and Annie E.
(Isenhardt) Krug.
Adam Krug, the father of our subject, was
a native of Germany, and while in that coun-
try learned the trade of a tanner. Immigrating
tO the United States, he located in Penn town-
ship, Berks County, and again took up his
former trade. Later he moved to Lycoming
County and purchased a tract of land and en-
gaged in the cultivation of the soil; he retired
to Union County, where he spent his remain-
ing days.

 

Our subject acquired a liberal ‘education in
the common schools of his native town and
during his boyhood days learned the carpen-
ter’s trade; at the age of twenty years he
moved to Bloomsburg and followed his trade
as a journeyman until 1871, when he engaged
in building and contracting, which business
he has continued to the present time. He has
erected some of the handsomest dwellings and
business blocks in Bloomsburg, and the State
Normal School and the court-house, which
were erected by him, demonstrate the excel-
lency of his workmanship. He also owned
and operated a planing-mill until it was de-
stroyed by fire. In 1897 our subject built his
present home on East Third street, which is a
handsome brick structure. Mr. Krug is an
industrious and energetic man, a good citizen,
and is held in high esteem.

Mr. Krug is the parent of seventeen chil-
dren, all of whom are living, and bid fair to
follow in the footsteps of their excellent par-
ents and become important members of the
communities in which they reside. His first
wife was Frances Ann, a daughter of John
Yeager of Roaring Creek township, and she
entered the world of rest at the age of thirty-
Six years. ‘Asa result of this union the follow-
ing children were born: Laura A., the wife
of Henry C. Jones; Willet, a foreman in the
lumber mills of Bloomsburg; Elwell, foreman
for W. A. Shepard & Sons of Wilkestown;
Cora, united in marriage to Harry Beishline;
Annie; and William, Morris, Arthur, John
and Paul, all carpenters by trade, who reside
in Bloomsburg. Our subject’s second mar-
riage was to Mary M. Fredrick, a daughter of
Samuel Fredrick, a resident of Catawissa, and
a family of seven children has blessed this
union: Sarah; Julia; Helen; Charles H.;
Margaret; George; and Grace.
 

RUSSELL C. BUCKALEW.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 719

USSELL C. BUCKALEW, whose
portrait we show on the opposite
page, is the well-known proprietor
of one of the favorite livery stables of the town
of Bloomsburg, and by fair-and-square deal-
ings has become well and widely known
throughout the town and county. He was
born in Cambria, Luzerne County, Pa., July
g, 1836, and is a son of John and Rachel
(Creveling) Buckalew, grandson of James
Buckalew, and great-grandson of John Buck-
alew.

John Buckalew was a descendant of Francis
Bucéleuchs, who traced the name back to the
time when Queen Mary of Scotland left her
native country for France. Francis and Gil-
bert, who were his brothers, immigrated to
America and located on Long Island, which
was then in the possession of the Dutch. Their
name Boileau, and Francis spelling his, Buck-
alew. Francis later moved to South Amboy,
N. J., where he spent the remainder of his life,
dying at the advanced age of one hundred
and ten years. He had a son, Samuel, who
died aged ninety-six years; Samuel was the
progenitor of one son, John, the great-grand-
father of our subject, who was born in Octo-
ber, 1754. He was a millwright and miller by
trade and followed those occupations in Mun-
cy, Pa., for several years. In 1873 he was
joined in marriage to Mary McKenney, who
was born in 1754. In 1776, under the Frank-
lin Central Committee of Philadelphia, he was
appointed’ one of the committee of safety for
Turbot township, Northumberland County,
and in 1778 he was obliged to leave that coun-
ty on account of trouble with the Indians. He
accordingly moved to Maryland and rented a
mill at Rock Run, which he operated until the
close of’the Revolutionary War, when he re-
turned to Northumberland County and set-
tled on Chillisquaque Creek. He passed his

 

remaining days there, dying July 3, 1833; his
wife passed from this life November 25, 1829.
They were the parents of five sons and seven
daughters, one of whom was James, the
grandfather of our subject.

James Buckalew was one of the pioneer set-
tlers of Cambria, Luzerne County, Pa.; he
built a hotel and store and conducted them
for many years. His hotel was destroyed by
fire. In company with Mr. Stephens, James
Buckalew built a section of the Shickshinny
Canal. He was one of the prosperous busi-
ness men of his community and at one time
owned nearly all the land where the town of
Cambria is now located. He formed a matri-
monial alliance with Catherine Jones and they
reared the following children: John, Elmira,
Evans, Sally Ann, Mary, Eli, Elizabeth, and
Harriet. Mr. Buckalew entered the world of
rest at the age of eighty years.

John Buckalew, the father of our subject,
was reared in Cambria and when he grew to
manhood took charge of his father’s store and
conducted it for several years. Later he en-
gaged in the cultivation of the soil and was the
owner of a fine farm in Fairmount township.
He was joined in wedlock to Rachel Creve-
ling, a daughter of Samuel Creveling, and the
following children were reared: Russell C.,
the subject of this sketch; Amos, deceased;
Sheridan, a farmer; Sarah C., the wife of John
Robinson, a resident of White Haven, Pa.;
Evans, who resides in Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Eli,
deceased, who was a veteran of the Rebellion;
Samuel S., who is engaged in farming on the”
old homestead; Mary R.; and James M., who
also resides on the old homestead. Mr. Buck-
alew died aged seventy years. The mother
of our subject died aged sixty-four years.

Russell C. Buckalew was reared on the farm
and remained under the parental roof until
720

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

1861, when he answered President Lincoln’s
call for more troops to put down the Rebell-
ion, and enlisted in Company F, 7th Reg., Pa.
Reserves. He was mustered out in 1864, after
serving three years and three days; the prin-
cipal battles in which our subject participated
were: the seven-days’ engagement which oc-
curred between Manassas and Washington,
D. C., August 26,—September 1, 1861, in
which the battles of Second Bull Run and
Chantilly were fought; Harper’s Ferry; South
Mountain; and Antietam. He returned home
in 1871, engaged in business and became ship-
ping clerk for Dufais & Walter, the largest
cotton brokers in New York City. He served
as cotton sampler, being licensed by the New
York Cotton Exchange, and held that respon-
sible position until October 1, 1879, when he
removed to Bloomsburg and, with his brother
Amos, purchased the Ricewick livery stables.
He has since become sole proprietor of the
stables and keeps a fine assortment of horses
and carriages, and has both night and day

.. service for the accommodation of his numer-

ous patrons. His business is conducted, in a
thoroughly systematic manner and Mr. Buck-
alew is very popular with those who have an
occasion to deal with him. He also runs a
bus line to the D., L. & W. and Reading de-
pots.

Our subject was joined in Hymen’s bonds,
January 28, 1880, to Mary E. Gager, a daugh-
ter of Andrew Gager of New York City, and
three children have blessed their happy home:
Louis Walter; Lillian Barton; and Raymond
Gager. Mr. Buckalew is a member of the G.
A. R.and the U. V. L. Our subject has been
very successful in his business career. He has
one of the best conducted stables in the town,
he is obliging and courteous, and his business
is rapidly increasing.

 

ISS MARGARET McCORMICK
HULL, one of Milton’s most esti-
mable ladies, is a descendant of
one of the early settlers of Northumberland
County. She was born in Washingtonville,
Montour County, and is a daughter ofthe
late and greatly esteemed Dr. Thomas R.
Hull, who was born near Milton, in Turbot
township, February 19, 1815. Her grand-
father, William Hull, one of the early settlers
of Turbot township, Northumberland County,
Pa., was born in Sussex County, N. J., July
eae rae

William Hull was a direct descendant of
Benjamin Hull, whom tradition says was a
Frenchman, who came to America and settled
in Massachusetts in 1640. Later he went to
Sussex County, N. J., being among the earli-
est settlers of that county. His son, Benja-
min, lived near Newton, Hampton township,
Sussex County, N. J., for many years on the
farm his father settled; this estate was‘known
later as the Bale farm. Benjamin’s son, John,
settled in Wallpack township, Sussex County,
N. J., when his son Benjamin was ten years
old.

Benjamin Hull, son of the Benjamin named
above, resided in Sussex County, N. J., near
Newton, and there married Anna Duer. There
they continued to live, and to them were born
the following children: Charity (Jones); Nan-
cy (Bell); Sarah (Kays); Mary (Morris);
Rhoda (Ryerson); Elizabeth (Ryerson); Mar-
tha (Young); Ruth (Hopkins); John, who
married Margaret Lantz; Benjamin, who mar-
ried Elizabeth Case; Phoebe (Warfesse); Wil-
liam, our subject’s grandfather; and Dorcas
(Price).

William Hull, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, settled in Northumberland County, Pa.,
before 1800, where he married on January 12,
1797, Hannah Marr, a daughter of Joseph
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 721

 

 

Marr. She was born March 23, 1777, and
died February 10, 1858, surviving her hus-
band thirty years. They were the parents of
fourteen children, but only nine of these grew
to maturity. The names of the nine were:
Susan, who married Samuel McCarthy; Eli-
zabeth; Jesse; David; Alem; William P.;
Thomas R., our subject's father; Sarah A,,
who married J. H. Brown; and Hannah, who
married Robert M. Slater. Mr. Hull lived
near Milton with his large family on a farm
now owned by Mr. Grosh, and the buildings
standing to-day are monuments of his energy
and industry, and the fine estate which he left
is an indication of his financial success.

Dr. Thomas R. Hull, our subject’s father,
was reared on a farm and attended the Milton
Academy. ‘Choosing the profession of medi-
cine, he became a student under the instruc-
tion of Drs. James S. Dougal and William
McCleery, and was graduated from Jefferson
Medical College in 1838. As Washingtonville,
Montour County, was a flourishing borough
and near the place of his nativity, he chose
that place in which to begin his professional
career. Being thoroughly prepared for his life
work, and with abilities beyond the average,
he soon established a reputation second to
none in the surrounding country, and _ his
practice extended for many miles in every di-
rection. The arduous life of a physician, who
has a large practice, sooner or later brings ex-
haustion, and this exhaustion Dr. Hull began
to feel in 1861, when he sold his practice and
removed to Milton with the intention of re-
tiring; but, as his services were eagerly
sought, he would never refuse a call of dis-
tress so long as he lived. He was a true man.
His generous, kind and affectionate nature
won for him many friends, who deeply felt the
loss of his valuable life when he was taken
from their midst. During his later years he

 

was financially interested with his son, Wil-
liam Hull, of Milton, in the coal and grain
business. Dr. Hull was married, February 23,
1843, to Elizabeth McCormick, who survived
her husband several years. They were the par-
ents of six children, the eldest being our sub-
ject, Margaret McCormick, the others being
as follows: William, now living in Philadel-
phia; Alem P. is a physician practicing in
Montgomery County; Thomas R., of Milton;
Harry B., an attorney of Grand Rapids,
Mich.; and Elmer S., a physician who married
Mary E. Weimer, by whom he has three
children—Elmer E., Alem P., and Edwin
Weimer.

Miss Margaret McCormick Hull lives at
Milton in the residence purchased by her
father, Dr. Hull. It was the Hayes property
and was formerly called the McCurly Hotel,
which, after being enlarged and improved,
makes a home worthy of the highly respected
subject of this sketch.

°

a —_

DWIN C. CASWELL, the senior mem-

ber of E. C. Caswell & Company, one of

the largest industries of the vicin-

ity of Bloomsburg, is a son of Whipple and

Olive Houghton (Blackmar) Caswell, and was

born in the town of Thompson, Windham
County, Conn., July 16, 1838.

Whipple Caswell was born in Douglas,
Mass., in 1808, and during his younger days.
followed farming there. In. 1852 he located
at Burrillville, R. I., where he followed
farming for some time, but spent the lat-
ter years of his life in retirement. He was
united in marriage to Olive Houghton Black-
mar, who was born in Abington, Conn., in
1812. They reared the following children:
Alonzo W., of Worcester, Mass.;' S. Alphon-

~-
722 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

so, who was born in Douglas, -Mass., March 8,
1836, and at twelve years of age entered an
apprenticeship in the cotton mills at South-
bridge, Mass. At nineteen years of age he be-
came overseer in the woolen mills at Burrill-
ville, R. I., and in 1874 entered into partner-
ship with our subject and George and William
Youngman. They leased the Nippenose Mills
at Antes Fort, Lycoming County, Pa., and
ran. them for eight years. Alphonso and Ed-
win C. Caswell then established the Blooms-
burg Woolen Mills. They took in their broth-
er, Marcus, who died one year later. Alphon-
so continued with the firm until his- death,
July 6, 1887; the remainder of the family
were: Edwin C., the subject of this personai
history; Whipple, Jr., of Adams, Mass., who
died in January, 1898; Jerome, of Fort
Wayne, Ind.; Osborne, of Dayville, Conn.;
Everett, deceased; Marcus, deceased, who left
a wife, Mary (Antes), and a son, Carlton A.,
who has charge of the second floor of our
subject’s plant; and Emma, who lives with
her brother. Carlton A., a son of Marcus and
Mary (Antes) Caswell, after graduating from
the Bloomsburg High School attended the
Textile School of Philadelphia, graduating at
the head of his class and winning first prize, a
gold medal, for the general excellency of his
work. He later took a thorough course in
Palm’s Business College of Philadelphia, grad-
uating in December, 1897, and has since had
charge of the weaving and designing depart-
ment for E. C. Caswell & Company. Mr.
Whipple Caswell, the father of our subject,
was called to his final resting place at the age
of eighty-two-years, his wife having preceded
him many years, dying at the age of sixty-
nine.

Edwin C. Caswell attended the common
schools until he was nine years of age, when

he received his first instructions in the cotton
*

 

mills at Woodstock, Conn., as a mule boy. At
the age of fourteen years he began work in the
woolen mills of Burrillville, R. I., where he
learned the art of weaving fancy cassimeres
and later became designer, in the meantime
attending school at intervals until he was six-
teen years old. He followed his trade in Mass-
achusetts and Rhode Island until 1868 when
he accepted a position as boss weaver and de-
signer at Johnstown, Pa., being the most skill-
ful workman in that line in the state. He
again returned to Massachusetts where he
held several prominent positions until 1874,
when he and his brother formed a partnership
and established a factory at Antes Fort, Pa.,
continuing until 1882 when they moved to
Bloomsburgh and established the plant of
which Mr. Caswell is at the head. They erect-
ed a structure, 54 by 124 feet, three stories
high, with a boiler and engine-room 26 by 36
feet, at a cost of $15,000. The mill was fitted
with the latest machinery for the manufacture
of fancy dress goods, at a cost of $30,000.
Forty skilled laborers are employed the year
round, and XX merino wool is all that is used.
After the death of our subject’s brother, the
present firm of E. C. Caswell & Co. was or-
ganized, E. C. Caswell and J. M. Staver, be-
ing the members. There are three sets of
cards, 1,260 spindles, and fourteen looms.
September 30, 1896, at 1 a. m., the third floor

- of the building was carried away by a tornado,

completely destroying the machinery and
causing a loss of $8,000. Ten days previous-
ly 1,000 of the window lights had been broken
by a hail storm, but in spite of all misfortune, .
only two months’ work were lost. The busi-
ness is now in a prosperous condition. The
mill employs sixty hands. In 1888 the firm
began to manufacture all-wool cassimeres
which are shipped directly to their, wholesale
house in New York City; from whence they
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 723

 

 

are shipped to all points in the United States.

Mr. Caswell resides in a beautiful residence
at the corner of West and Fifth streets, which
he built a short time ago. Socially he was a
Mason while in Massachusetts, and is now
a member of La Belle Valley Lodge No. 232,
F, & A. M. of Jersey Shore, Pa.

AMUEL JASON PEALER, a civil
Ss engineer and surveyor of good repute,

who resides at Asbury, Fishing Creek
township, Columbia County, Pa., is a veteran
of the Civil War, in which he served with
great credit to himself and to his family, who
justly look at his record with pride. He is a
man of tried business ability, and stands high
in his community. He is a son of Samuel and
Mary (Sheidy) Pealer, and was born January
18, 1833. Our subject is of English and Ger-
man descent, and the family name was origi-
nally spelled in two ways, Peale and Beale, but
later it was altered to Pealer and Bealer.

Paul Pealer, the grandfather of our subject,
was a resident of Berks County and a soldier
of the Revolutionary War, serving in the Con-
tinental Army until the close of that struggle.
He then returned to his home in Berks Coun-
ty, where he lived until his demise.

Samuel Pealer, the father of our subject,
was born in Reading, Pa., in 1787, and early
in life settled in Columbia County, where he
bought a large tract of land. Having pre-
viously learned the trade of a millwright, he
erected a mill on his property, which was lo-
cated near Jonestown, and there followed that
line of work in connection with farming for
many years. Several years prior to his death
he leased his farm to his eldest son and then
purchased a small property in Fishing Creek
township, where his wife died. While mak-

 

ing a visit to his daughter in Iowa he passed
away, in 1854, at the age of sixty-eight years.
In politics he was originally a Democrat, then
a supporter of Henry Clay and the Whig par-
ty, and finally a Republican. He was joined
in marriage to Mary Sheidy of Luzerne Coun-
ty, Pa., and they became the parents of the
following children: Paul, Peter, David, Levi,
George, Mary, Catherine, Barbara, Elizabeth,
Sevilla, Margaret, and Samuel Jason, the sub-
ject of this review. Paul Pealer had four sons,
as follows: Isaac K., who enlisted in 1861 in
the ist N.Y. Dragoons, and was killed instant-
ly by a bullet which struck him in the forehead
at the battle of Cold Harbor; S. L., who also
served in the 1st N. Y. Dragoons and was shot
in the head at Winchester; Frank A., who
was in Company E, 209th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.,
and was wounded in the thigh at Bermuda
Hundred; and §S. F., who was orderly ser-
geant of Company A, 198th Reg., Pa. Vol.
Inf. Peter, second son of Samuel and Mary
Pealer, was a resident of Fishing Creek town-
ship. His son, Oscar, served in Company F,
209th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and was taken pris-
oner at Bermuda Hundred, dying of starva-
tion and inhuman treatment in Salisbury Pris-
on, N. C. David, third son of Samuel and Mary
Pealer, who resides at Wyoming, Iowa, was
musteted into service July 22, 1861, by Maj.
Wood at Lafayette, Ind., in Company E, 20th
Reg., Ind. Vol. Inf., and participated in the
following battles: Flood Hatter’s Inlet, No-
vember 2, 1861; the engagement between the
Monitor and Merrimac, March 8th and oth,
1862; the Seven Days’ battle before Rich-
mond, near Fair Oaks, Va., June 19, 1862;
Glendale, June 30, 1862; Malvern Hill, July
1, 1862; Second Battle of Bull Run, August
29 and 30, 1862; Chantilly, September, 1862;
Fredericksburg, December I1, 12 and 13,
1862; Cedars, May 12, 1863; Gettysburg,
724 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

July 2, 3, and 4, 1863; and he then served
in the same regiment with the Army of the
Potomac until the close of the war, coming
out at the end with but three slight wounds,
which he received during his entire service.
He served with that division of the army from
the battle of Petersburg to the surrender of
Lee’s Army, and was mustered out at Arling-
ton Heights in 1865. Levi, fourth son of
Samuel, lives in Fishing Creek township.
George died young. Mary, the widow of Ja-
cob Bender, resides in Iowa. Catherine is the
wife of Robert McCalmount, and resides* in
Iowa. Barbara died in Iowa. Elizabeth is the
wife of John Beishline of Fishing Creek town-
ship. Sevilla died unmarried. Margaret, de-
ceased, was the wife of Peter Eveland of Fish-
ing Creek township.

Samuel J. Pealer was reared on his father’s
farm and lived with his parents until his fath-
er’s death in 1845, when he moved to Asbury
and lived with his sister Margaret. He re-
ceived his education in the common schools of
Fishing Creek township, at New Columbus
Academy, and also took a special course in
higher mathematics under the private tutor-
ship of Prof. A. L. Johnson of Lancaster, Pa.
At the age of sixteen years he became a teach-
er, continuing as such for two years, when
he took up field work under William Bucka-
lew.

For three years our subject was employed
on government work in Minnesota, and on
July 1, 1863, he was commissioned second
heutenant of a company of emergency men
under Capt. R. F. Clark. He also did special
work at the time of the Rebel invasion in
1864 for Maj.-Gen. Cadwallader and Maj.-
Gen. Couch, also under the orders of Gen.
Albright. He later enlisted in Company E,
209th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and was shortly
after detailed as recruiting officer, with the

| that rank until the close of the war.

 

rank of second lieutenant, serving also as
judge-advocate. He recruited three compan-
ies and was appointed captain of Company A,
74th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., which he joined at
Green Spring Run, Va. He was a man of
great popularity in his regiment and was sub-
sequently chosen major, receiving twenty-four
out of a possible twenty-seven votes, and held
Upon
returning to his home at Asbury Mr. Pealer
taught school and, in addition, engaged as a
surveyor and civil engineer, the latter of
which has been his occupation up to the pres-
ent day. He was for a time employed by the
Pennsylvania Coal Company and has also
done the chief work and engineering for the _
Salem Coal Company. Since 1895 he has been
largely engaged in surveying about 80,000
acres of land in West Virginia, in Pocahontas
and Randolph counties. His efforts have been
attended by good results and he stands among
the first business men of Asbury. He is a man
of honor and integrity and is highly esteemed
by all.

On January 18, 1862, our subject was united
in marriage with Samantha C. Coleman, a
daughter of Cornelius Coleman of Asbury,
who was born March 19, 1838, and they are
the parents of eight children: Alice M., the
wife of Ezra A. Chapman, a resident of Hun-
tington, Luzerne County; Lizzie C., the wife
of George Vanliew; Stewart, who died in in-
fancy; Woodin; Ella Eva; Robert Samuel;
Charles Revere; and Blanche Florence S.
Mr. Pealer is a Republican in politics and
actively supports the principles of his party.
Socially he is a member of Mountain Lodge,
No. 264, I. O. O. F., of Orangeville, Pa. In
religious attachments both he and his wife are
faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Asbury, and he is recording stew-
ard of the Orangeville charge. For eight
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 725

years he was superintendent of the Sunday
School and at the present time is assistant su-
perintendent.

 

ENRY BROWN, an intelligent and
prosperous farmer of Forks township,
Sullivan County, Pa., is a man of
great industry who has attained success
through his own individual efforts. He is a
son of John and .\nn Brown, and was born in
Forks township, July 22, 1844, on the family
homestead on Loyalsock Creek.

John Brown, the father of our subject, came
from England in the early 40’s and took up a
large tract of land in the valley of the Loyal-
sock. There he fought the battles of the pio-
neer with nature and fortune and succeeded
in wresting from the shadowy wilderness
many acres of rich land. Shortly after locat-
ing in Forks township he built a log house and
barn, both of which were replaced by frame
buildings in or about 1860, which were swept
away by the largest and most disastrous flood
ever known on the creek. Undaunted by this
‘loss, however, John Brown again erected a
house and barn. He dealt extensively in lum-
ber, doing a very large custom business. He
died in 1854, his wife having passed away
many years previous. Their children were:
Charles, deceased; Mary Ann, deceased; and
Henry, our subject. Mr. Brown was a Demo-
crat in politics and in his religious views he
was inclined to be liberal. .

Henry Brown was reared and educated in
Forks township, taking advantage of all op-
portunities which enabled him to better him-
self intellectually. He has always been en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits on his present
place and being most industrious and pains-
taking he has been successful. He owns a
tract of forty acres of the levelest land in Sulli-

 

van County, his farm being part of his father’s
original purchase. Mr. Brown has never left
the ranks of single-blessedness, but is content
to till his fields and enjoy the tranquillity of
rural life alone. His household affairs are
looked after by the wife of his deceased broth-
er, Charles, whose maiden name was Mary
Sherman and who resided in Overton before
her marriage. Politically Mr. Brown is an un-
swerving supporter of the Democratic party.
He is a man of great popularity among his
neighbors and has many friends.

 

ILLIAM E. KEARNEY, dealer in
real estate in Shamokin and Coal
townships, and justice of the peace

of Shamokin, has led a remarkably busy life
and is a self-made man. He was born Janu-
ary 11, 1859, in Trevorton, Northumberland
County, Pa., and was educated in the public
schools of Shamokin. While a youth he be-
gan his career, as many of his companions did,
by working at the breaker as a slate-picker.
He followed that and other occupations in
and about the mines until he reached man-
hood, when he engaged in mining, working
as a miner for a period of two years. Al-
though mining was a-useful and remunera-
tive occupation it did not altogether suit our
subject’s fancy, and, as he also wished to see
something of the world, in August, 1881, he
went to New York City to seek employment
more suited to his tastes. Soon after his ar-
rival in New York he apprenticed himself to
learn the barber’s trade, discovering in a very
short time that he had much natural talent in
that direction, and during his two years’ stay
in New York he not only mastered the ton-
sorial art but also learned the associate art of
hair dressing and manufacturing hair jewelry,
726 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

wigs, etc. After becoming thoroughly pro-
ficient he returned to his native county and
started in business for himself at Shamokin,
where he now has a large hair-dressing estab-
lishment, manufacturing wigs and all kinds of
hair jewelry, including such articles as ladies’
and gentlemen’s watchguards, breastpins,
bracelets, finger rings, earrings, and various
other kinds of ornaments, together with hair
flowers, wreaths, crosses, and many other
beautiful designs in hair work. Mr. Kearney
is truly master of this art and takes especial
pride in this branch of his business, conscien-
tiously filling all orders entrusted to him with
such fine workmanship that his ability is
easily recognized. He has found this business
to be not only a pleasure to him but very
profitable, as one may judge by the large
amount of real estate which he owns in the
town of Shamokin and Coal township. In the
fall of 1898 he accepted the contract from
Shamokin borough to pave its principal
thoroughfare, Independence street, with
Mack paving blocks, the amount involved ap-
proximating $20,000.

In March, 1889, our subject, with his broth-
er, M. A. Kearney, and W. E. Deibert organ-
ized the Shamokin Lock & Novelty Manufac-
turing Company.

Since his election as justice of the peace in
1890 and his subsequent re-elections to the
same office, our subject has dealt largely in
real estate, buying and selling not only for
others but for his own profit, thus acquiring
valuable realty interests both in town and
country property. Mr. Kearney is.a_ true
Democrat of the Jacksonian type and takes
an active interest in all the local, state, and
national conventions held by his party. He
was delegate to the convention that nomin-
ated Jenks for governor of Pennsylvania, and
one of the alternates to the convention which

 

nominated Polk for Congress against H. E.
Davis, another prominent candidate for nom-
ination.

Patrick Kearney, grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a native of County Mayo, Ireland.
Mathew Kearney, son of Patrick Kearney and
father of our subject, was also born in Ireland,
whence he emigrated to America, May
2, 1847, accompanied by his’ mother,
wife and three sisters. He first located
in Clintonville, Mass., but shortly  after-
ward moved to the anthracite coal regions of
Pennsylvania, first locating in Luzerne Coun-
ty, then Carbon County, then, in 1850, at
Trevorton, Northumberland County, and fin-
ally in 1865 he located permanently in Sham-
okin. He was a miner and contractor,—
driving tunnels in connection with the mining
of coal. He had the reputation of being an
expert, and drove many of the large tunnels
in the early development of the coal industry
about Shamokin. Politically he was a Dem-
ocrat and was tax collector of the borough
of Shamokin at the time of his death, which
occurred October 31, 1870. His widow, Ann
(Devitt) Kearney, survived him for nearly
nineteen years, passing from life to eternal rest
March 25, 1889. They were the parents of
eleven children, the following six of whom
are still living: Mathew A., who owns a mod-
ern hotel in Shamokin and receives a liberal
share of public patronage; William E., the
subject of this sketch; Daniel, a skilled detec-
tive on the Chicago police force where he has
served for twelve years; Annie, now the be-
loved wife of J. F. McLaughlin of Pottsville,
Pa.; James J., a successful attorney-at-law at
Shamokin; Bridget, an accomplished young
lady of Pottsville, Pa.

On April 28, 1892, our subject was united
in marriage with Margaret Sweeney, a charm-
ing and accomplished young lady, and their
Missing Page
Missing Page
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 729

 

 

home is made happy by the presence of three
children: Mathew Wilfred .A.; Daniel Web-
ster; and Mary Margaret Adela.

 

ATTHEW TAYLOR. The Taylor

family is classed among the pioneer

families of Sullivan County, Pa,

and its members have contributed their full

share toward the county’s prosperity and de-

velopment. The gentleman whose biography

we write, and whose portrait is presented on a

preceding page, is a representative of this

prosperous and energetic family and was born

in Shrewsbury township, November 12, 1833;

his parents were James and Delia (Edkin)
Taylor and his grandfather, Robert Taylor.

Robert Taylor was the first of this promi-
nent family to settle in Sullivan County, hav-
ing located there in 1803; he formerly resided
at Warrior Run, Northumberland County,
Pa., and was a life-long farmer. His wife was
Elizabeth Mayes.

James Taylor, father of our subject, was
also born in Shrewsbury township, Sullivan
County, and resided there all his life. He
carried on farming in Shrewsbury and David-
son townships and also owned a saw-mill and
was one of the prosperous lumbermen of his
community. He departed from this life Aug-
ust 31,1870. His wife, Delia Edkin, was also
a native of Shrewsbury township, Sullivan
County, and they were the parents of a fam-
ily of five children, namely: Matthew; Al-
fred, deceased; Katie, who is the wife of James
Stroup, whose biography may be found else-
where in this book; Sarah Jane, who died
aged twelve years; and Margaret Jane, who
died aged eighteen years.

Matthew Taylor was educated in the district

 

schools of Shrewsbury township and reared to
agricultural pursuits on his father’s farm. He
has -always followed farming in Shrewsbury
township and in March, 1870, he took charge
of his present fine farm which consists of 174
acres. He is regarded as one of the most
progressive and industrious farmers of Sulli-
van County. Our subject is ably assisted in
carrying on the farm by his son George.

Mr. Taylor and Sarah Ann Richarts were
united in matrimonial bonds September 1o,
1862. She was born in Davidson township,
Sullivan County, November 27, 1844, and is
a daughter of David and Louisa (Weaver)
Richarts, both now deceased; her father was.
a stonemason and shoemaker by trade. A
family of six children was born to Mr. and
Mrs. Taylor, namely: Laura I., who wedded
Lloyd V. Buckholder, a wagonmaker of
Muncy Valley, Pa., and they are the parents
of eight childrenn—Dora May, Lulu Maria,
Eveline, Josie Alice, Charles Matthew, Sarah
Helen, Jessie Lillian, and Dorothy; James;
Margaret J., wife of Delanson Poust, a far-
mer near Hughesville, Lycoming County, Pa.,
and four children have blessed their home,—
Elwell, Seeley Jane, Garrett Lindsay, and
Clarence; George S., born October 8, 1867,
married Eleanor Craft, born November 5,
1874, and Charles Leroy and Sarah Ethel have
been born to them, the latter dying Decem-
ber 17, 1898; Anna, who married Samuel Su-
cules, a farmer of Shrewsbury township, Sul-
livan County, and they have three children,—
Myrtle, Hurley Raymond, and Arthur Jen-
nings; and Clyde W., a farmer of Hughesville,
Pa., who married Martha J. Kahler. Politi-
cally Mr. Taylor is a Democrat and for the
past four years has served as tax-collector of
Shrewsbury township. Religiously he favors
the Baptist Church. The Taylor family al-
ways has been well known and esteemed for
730

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

honesty of purpose and high moral principles,
which traits of character have been trans-
mitted to its descendants, of whom Matthew
Taylor is one of the most honored.

LIAS SWARTZ MILLER, superintend-

ent of the Danville Water Works, which

is one of Danville’s latest and

most successful improvements, is recognized

as one of the valued residents of that borough,

and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citi-

zens. He was born in Danville borough, No-

vember 11, 1844, and is a son of William G.

and Martha (Walker) Miller, and a grandson
of George Miller.

George Miller, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Lancaster County, Pa. His
father, whose name is unknown to the pres-
ent generation, located in that county at an
early date, being the first sheriff of the county.
George Miller learned the trade of a gun-
smith; he purchased a residence and shop
where the opera-house now stands, and there
followed his chosen occupation until his death
in 1842, at the age of sixty-five years. He was
united in marriage with Sarah B. Myers, and
they became the parents of nine children,
namely: John, Elizabeth, William G., Mar-
garet, Levi, Mary, George, Julia Ann, and
Jacob H. The grandmother of our subject
passed from this life at the age of eighty-five
years,

William G. Miller, the father of our subject,
was born in Lancaster, Pa., and his boyhood
days were spent in his father’s gunshop, where
he learned the trade of a gunsmith, which oc-
cupation he followed in Danville all his life.
He built a neat little home, which is now the
home of Mrs. Rebecca Hess. Mr. Miller was
wedded to Martha Walker, a daughter of
Robert Walker and a native of County Derry,

 

Ireland. Asa result of this union the follow-
ing children were born, ten of whom are now
living: Sarah B.; Robert C.; William H.;
Joseph W.; Elias Swartz, our subject; Mary
Jane; Luther, deceased; James S.; Maria B.;
Martha A.; Isabella B.; and Emma. Mr.
Miller departed from this life in 1882, aged
seventy-three years and six months; his wife
died at the age of seventy-seven years.

Elias Swartz Miller acquired a good educa-
tion in the public schools and then worked in
the gun-shop owned by his father until his
eyes failed him. He then worked at various
jobs until the water works was established in
1873 when he was appointed assistant super-
intendent. In 1883 he was appointed super-
intendent, which position he held until 1889,
when he began to work as a mechanic in the
nail mills of that town. In 1891 he returned
to his former position as superintendent of the
water works and has since filled that responsi-
ble position to the entire satisfaction of his
superior officers and the citizens of Danville.
Up to 1872 Danville had only wells and
springs with which to supply water, but in
that year a committee composed of the fol-
lowing gentlemen was appointed to thor-
oughly investigate various water-supply sys-
tems: George W. Wray, J. W. Sweisfort,
William Buckley, and M. D. L. Sechler. These
gentlemen decided upon the Holly Company's
system, and accordingly, in 1878 or 1879, a
large tank, 50 feet long, 74 feet wide, and 10
feet deep, was sunk in the Susquehanna River.
In 1884 another tank with the following di-
mensions, 46 feet long, 74 feet wide, and 73
feet deep, was sunk, and the water is pumped
from these tanks into a Morrison-Jewell Fil-
ter. The works also has a storage tank with a
capacity of 98,000 gallons of filtered water.
In the engine-room are three Worthington
pumps, two of which pump the water from the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 731

 

 

two large tanks into a receiving tank, and
the third pumps the water through the pipes
into all parts of the borough. There are 1,600
hydrants for family use; 106 double fire hy-
drants; and the D., L. & W. R. R. and a
number of manufacturing plants are also sup-
plied with water. The officers of the Water
Works Company are: R. K. Polk, president;
F.C. Angle and C. P. Harder, commissioners;
E. S. Miller, superintendent; Jacob Byerly
and Angus Wright, engineers; E. E. Bell
and George Holligan, firemen.

Mr. Miller was united in the bonds of mat-
rimony with Esther R. Barr, a daughter of
Washington P. Barr of Danville. She died at
the age of twenty-seven years, leaving one
child, Laura M. Our subject formed a second
marital ufion with Sarah C. Foust, a daugh-
ter of Daniel Foust of Mahoning township,
Montour County. He is a member and past
master of Mahoning Lodge No. 516, F. & A.
M.; past high priest of Danville Chapter
No. 239, H. R. A.; and past eminent com-
mander of Calvary Commandery No. 37,
eos

} ———SSSS Se
EORGE W. KEEFER. The gentle-
man whose name appears at the head
of this sketch is an. extensive con-
tractor of Sunbury, Northumberland County,
where he has resided for many years and for
whose interests he has worked with the un-
tiring energy and zeal that characterizes the
man. He has been closely identified with all
enterprises having for their ultimate end the
advancement of the borough, and is looked
upon as one of her progressive citizens and
held in high esteem by the whole community.
He is a son of George and Elizabeth (Weiser)
Keefer, and was born in what was then Lower
Augusta township, now Rockefeller, North-
umberland County, April 22, 1845.

 

His paternal grandfather, a native of Oley
township, Berks County, at an early age came
to Shamokin township, Northumberland
County, bringing his wife and two children.
He was engaged in agricultural pursuits there
the remainder of his life, and became a very
prosperous man. He was the progenitor of
four sons and four daughters, namely: Daniel;
George, the father of our subject; John; Pe-
ter; Catharine; Mollie; Elizabeth; and Han-
nah. They are all now deceased.

George Keefer was born in Oley township,
Berks County, in 1796, and was but eight
years of age when he moved to Shamokin
township with his father. There he grew to
manhood and after his marriage moved to
Lower Augusta township, near Lantz’s
Church, where he was successfully engaged in
farming and milling until 1864. At that time
he disposed of his grist mill, but continued at
farming until his death, which occurred Oc-
tober 16, 1879, at the advanced age of eighty-
three years. He was a very prominent man
in the political affairs of the section, and his
advice was very much sought in party coun-
cils. He was affiliated with the Democratic
party, and was called upon to serve in many
of the township offices. Religiously, he was
a faithful member of Lantz’s German Re-
formed Church, which he helped to build and
of which he was trustee and elder for many
years. He twice took the marriage vows, his
first wife being Mary Lantz, by whom he was
the father of five children: Samuel; Peter;
Margaret; Hannah; and Mary M. His sec-
ond union was with Elizabeth Weiser, and
they became the happy parents of six children,
whose names are as follows: Catherine;
George W., the subject of this biographical
sketch; Philip W.; John S.; Jennie; and
Lucy A.
732 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

George W. Keefer was intellectually pre-
pared for the duties of life in the public
schools of Lower Augusta township, and was
reared on the farm. In 1865, at the age of
twenty years, he embarked in the mercantile
business in Lower Augusta township, where
he continued for two years. He then located
at Herndon for a period of two years, and in
1869 moved to Sunbury, where he followed
a similar line of business for five years. Since
1874 he has been engaged-in contracting and
building. He is an energetic worker and has
built many large public buildings, bridges
for the coyinty and railroads, and many priv-
ate residences, always fulfilling the contracts
to the letter, and in such a manner as to gain
the approval of his employers. His business
has grown to a great extent, and at times he
gives employment to a large number of men.
In 1896 the Sunbury Mutual Life Insurance
Company was organized, and he has since
been its president. The remaining officers of
the company are: George B. Cadwallader,
vice-president; Amos Bloom, secretary; Uri-
as Bloom, treasurer; and P. C. Oberdorf,
agent. He is a man whose honesty and
straightforwardness have never been ques-
tioned, and he is alike popular with ‘his em-
ployers and fellow citizens, who esteem him as
a man of great worth to the community.

In his political belief, Mr. Keefer is a stanch
Democrat, and has served in an official capac-
ity as burgess three terms, and in the council
a number of times. He is also president of
the board of trade and has held the position
since its organization in 1891. Socially he is
a member of Shamokin Lodge No. 255, F.
& A. M. In his religious attachments he
is a member of the German Reformed Church.
On December 16, 1878, Mr. Keefer was unit-
ed in marriage with Belle M. Zeigler, a daugh-
ter of George W. Zeigler, Esq., who was a

 

prominent attorney-at-law of Sunbury, but
has been living in retirement since 1895.

Mr. Zeigler was born at Gettysburg, Adams
County, Pa., May 24, 1819, and is a son of
George and Gertrude Elizabeth (Chritzman)
Zeigler. His grandfather was Emanuel Zeig-
ler, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, whose
home was at Gettysburg, where he followed
the trade of a hatter. George Zeigler, the
father of George W., was also born at Gettys-
burg, and there plied the trade of a hatter.
For some years he served as prothonotary of
Adams County. He subsequently moved to
Dauphin County, near the city of Harrisburg,
where he spent the remainder of his life, and
at one time was elected register and recorder
of the county. In political belief he was a
Democrat. He was a soldier of the War of
1812. He was joined in wedlock with Gert-
rude Elizabeth Chritzman, by whom he had
seven children, six sons and one daughter.
Mrs. Zeigler was born in Germany, and died
at the age of seventy-five years in Butler
County, Pa., where she was living with one
of her sons.

George W. Zeigler was intellectually equip-
ped for the battles of life in the public schools
of Gettysburg, after which he learned the
printer’s trade in the establishment of the old
Gettysburg Compiler. He thereafter located
at Butler and engaged in the printing business
with a brother, but later entered upon the
study of law in the office of Samuel A. and
John N. Pervian of that town. He was ad-
mitted to the bar at the age of twenty-two
years, and practiced at Butler for two years,
when he removed to Jefferson County. His
career there was one of unceasing activity
and he acquired an extensive practice, in fact
his duties became so onerous that his health
was impaired, and he moved to Selinsgrove,
where he practiced for two years. He then
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 733

moved to Sunbury, where he became a lawyer
of recognized ability and cared for a large
clientage until 1895, when he retired on ac-
count of his advanced years. He is a Demo-
crat in politics, and was elected to the State
Legislature in 1854, being returned to that
body in 1855 and 1861.

On December 27, 1838, Mr. Zeigler was
married to Mary .\. McQuistion in Butler,
Pa., and they became the parents of the fol-
lowing offspring: Isabel, the wife of our sub-
ject; Joseph, superintendent of the Adiron-
dacks Railroad: Gertrude E., the wife of P. P.
Smith; J. Walter; George, who died in 1860
at the age of thirteen years; and Edgar, who
died in infancy. Mrs. Zeigler died Septem-
ber 5, 1889, at the age of sixty-nine years,
eleven months and five days. Socially Mr.
Zeigler is a member of Sunbury Lodge No.
22, F. & A. M.; and of the Odd Fellow
Lodge. Religiously he is an adherent to the
faith of the Presbyterian Church.

GEORGE F. KEEFER, surveyor of the

borough of Sunbury, and a citizen in high

standing, is a son of Peter and Amelia (Haas)
Keefer, and was born in Upper Augusta
township, Northumberland County, Pa.,
August 10, 1864. He isa grandson of George
and Mary (Lantz) Keefer, and his ancestral
history will be found in the foregoing sketch
of his uncle, George W. Keefer.

Peter Keefer, the father of our subject, was
born in Lower Augusta township March 3,
1838, and has lived in that and Upper Au-
gusta township all his life. He is an extensive
contractor, making a specialty of bridge build-
ing, but early in life he was engaged in the
mercantile business for a period of ten years,
beginning at the age of about eighteen years.
He then began contracting, and for more than

 

thirty years has followed that line of business
with good results. He is a man of good busi-
ness ability, and his career has been a most
industrious one. Politically he is a Democrat,
and, although not active in the workings of
the party, has been school director at odd
times. In religious attachments he is a de-
vout member of the Reformed Church. He
was joined in marriage with Amelia Haas, and
they reared one child, George F., an account
of whose life follows.

George F. Keefer was reared in Upper Au-
gusta township, and obtained his mental train-
ing in the public schools of East Sunbury,
completing the prescribed course. He sub-
sequently took up a course of study in Buck-
nell College at Lewisburg, Pa., from which
he was graduated in June, 1886. During a
part of the time in school, he was engaged in
teaching, and after his graduation he contin-
ued for some time,—a period of seven years
in all. He then took up the subject of civil
engineering and surveying, and gained much
practical experience during the four years he
spent as a member of a corps engaged in that
line of work. In 1890 he embarked in busi-
ness on his own account, and established an
enviable reputation as a civil engineer and sur-
veyor. Four years later he was appointed to
act in that capacity for the borough of Sun-
bury, and he is now serving his fourth consec-
utive year as such. He is a business man of
the first class, shrewd, enterprising, and a
hard worker, and aside from the duties of his
official position he has a good patronage. He
has a large circle of acquaintances throughout
the county, with whom he is very popular.

Mr. Keefer was united in marriage, in 1895,
with Ella R. Kuebler of Rockefeller township,
and they have one son, Paul Frederick. So-
cially he is a member of the BP. OC.
734 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

OHN LYMAN RICHARDSON, east-
ern agent for the Weatherwax Manu-
facturing Company of San Francisco,

Cal., and an enterprising business man of
Bloomsburg, was born in Waverly, Pa., and
is a son of John L. and Catherine (Heermans)
Richardson.

Amos Richardson must have come to New
England before 1640. We find he was in
Boston as early as 1645, but he was doubt-
less there several years before. He is de-
scribed as a merchant tailor, and was a man
of great respectability and good taste. After
the departure of Stephen Winthrop, the gov-
ernor’s son, for England in 1641, he was agent
for him in New England, as he afterwards
was for his brother John Winthrop, the first
governor of Connecticut after the charter.
With Dean Winthrop and others he was one
of the original grantees of Groton, Conn.,
though he never went there to live. He was
a man of strong convictions and determined
energy and will, with a good deal of original
talent, kind hearted, but never, submitted to
a wrong without an effort to secure the right.
He died at Stonington, Conn., August 5,
1683. Stephen Richardson, third son of
Amos Richardson, was born in Boston, June
14, 1652. He was a man of character and
influence and lived and died in Stonington,
Conn. Amos Richardson, second son of
Stephen Richardson, was born in 1681. He
settled in Coventry, Conn. Nathan Richard-
son, eldest son of Amos Richardson, was
born March 20, 1725. Nathan Richardson,
fifth son of Nathan Richardson, was born at
Coventry, Conn., October 27, 1760, and re-
moved to Manchester, Vt., about 1780, and
from there to near Burlington, Chittenden
County, Vt., where he soon after died. He
was an upright Christian man. William P.
Richardson, son of Nathan Richardson, was

 

born at Manchester, Vt., July 22, 1784. In
his early childhood he developed more than
ordinary aptness to learn and excelled as a
reader. During the period of his life few men
of his position were oftener called upon to
read in public. In the Congregational
Church, of which he was a member, regular
service at that time was always held on the
Sabbath in the absence of the minister. On
such occasions—and they occurred hundreds
of times during his life-time—Mr. Richardson
was invariably called upon by one of the dea-
cons to conduct the service and to stand in
the pulpit and read a sermon to the congre-
gation. For weeks, and sometimes months,
he served the church in this way in the ab-
sence of the pastor. He studied theology un-
der the instruction of the Rev. Ebenezer
Kingsbury (the grandfather of E. P. Kings-
bury, of Scranton), pastor of the Congrega-
tional Church at Jericho Centre, Vt. On ac-
count of the protracted sickness of his mother

who required his constant care, he was com-

pelled to relinquish all thought of the ministry
as a profession. Mr. Richardson married, Sep-
tember 7, 1807, Laura, daughter of Capt.
John Lyman. He was an old Jeffersonian
Democrat, an ardent supporter of Madison
and Monroe’s administrations, and a decided
advocate of the War of 1812. He enlisted
as a volunteer and was an officer of his com-
pany which was ordered to Plattsburg. After
the close of the war he purchased a farm near
Jericho Centre, directing his attention to agri-
cultural life. He was for many years a jus-
tice of the peace, often a member of the board
of selectmen, and represented Chittenden
County in the Legislature of the state in 1821,
1822 and 1824. He wrote the early history
of Jericho township which was published in
“Thompson’s Gazetteer of the State.” He
early became interested in the cause of edu-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

735

 

cation and secured the establishment of a
good academical school in his township; and
was president of the first organized temper-
ance society in his town. When more than
eighty years of age he removed with his wife
to Butternuts, Otsego County, N. Y., where
the couple spent the remainder of their days
with their son-in-law, Edward Converse.
Mr. Richardson, the father of J. L. Richard-
son, died February 28, 1871.

J. L. Richardson, the father of our subject,
was born near Jericho Centre, Chittenden
County, Vt., September 15, 1816. The coun-
ty was named after the first governor, and
one of the most renowned governors of the
state; was the county in which Col. Ethan
Allen, the hero of Ticonderoga, lived and
died; the native county of Senator Edmunds;
the native county of Dr. Higbee, former su-
perintendent of public instruction in Pennsyl-
vania; and the first public school which Mr.
Richardson attended was soon after taught
by the father of President Arthur.
term in the academy of his native town found
him a schoolmate of Judge Poland, for. many
years a member of Congress from Vermont.
At the age of nineteen Mr. Richardson taught
his first school near his native town, and soon
after entered Burr Seminary, at Manchester,
Vt., then under the principalship of his rela-
tive, Rev. Lyman Coleman, D. D., subse-
quently professor of ancient and modern his-
tory in Lafayette College, teaching winters,
however, during the four years of his con-
nection with the seminary. He left Manches-
ter in 1842 on a visit to his sister Hannah,
who, with her husband, John G. K. Truair,
had charge of the Gilbertsville Academy and
Collegiate Institute at Butternuts, Otsego
County, N. Y. He spent a year at that place,
teaching in the academy, and during one term
was associated with the late Rev. Reuben

His first.

 

Nelson, D. D., who was a teacher of languages
in the same institution. Mr. Richardson
moved to Luzerne County in 1843 and taught
school for several years. In the fall of 1855,
while he was principal of Madison Academy
at Waverly, Pa., he was commissioned by An-
drew G. Curtin, then secretary of state and
superintendent of public instruction, as super-
intendent of the schools of Luzerne County.
The act authorizing a superintendent was
passed in 1854 and the late Rev. J. W. Lescher
was the first superintendent, but he resigned
shortly after the law went into effect. Mr.
Richardson’s first act as superintendent was to
issue the following circular:

“Fellow Teachers: As you are about to
enter upon the arduous and important duty
of training the youthful mind, it can hardly
be necessary to remind you of the responsibli-
ity attendant upon the positions you are to
occupy. At least for a brief period, the moral
and intellectual training of far the larger por-
tion of the children and youth of Luzerne
County will devolve upon you. Around the
faithful teacher clusters a moral grandeur
which no other profession can claim. You
are to act directly upon the human mind,
just at that period of its existence when im-
pressions are the most lasting, and when its
direction is the most easily given. With this
view of the subject, parents are about to sur-
render to your guidance and care the most
precious gifts which Heaven has bestowed
upon them. Remember their deep anxiety
as they watch the mental and moral de-
velopment of their children while under
your instruction and supervision. Remem-
ber ‘that just as the twig is bent,
the tree’s inclined. You are to do an
important part of the work for preparing
those under your charge for the practical
duties of life. The great moral and political
736 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

machinery of the state will soon be propelled
by those who are now young. Be careful,
then, how you deal with the future jewels of
our country. Cultivate in them a love of
study and correct thought; impress upon their
young minds the principles of moral right as
the only sure basis of their future usefulness.
We are acquainted with many of the diffi-
culties which will attend your efforts. Many
of you will be without proper apparatus for
your school-rooms, without a uniformity of
text-books, located in miserable houses, en-
tirely unfit for the noble design of education.
But be of good cheer, for we believe a bet-
ter day is coming. School directors are be-
ginning to act in the right direction. The
citizens of our thriving villages are beginning
to feel uneasy when they view their splendid
churches and their magnificent hotels, etc.,
in contrast with their small, dingy, gloomy
school-houses. The contrast is producing
unpleasant sensations of mind, and shows a
want of propriety, harmony and consistency.
But we are rejoiced to know, that, in several
places, efforts are in progress to leave these
miserable school-buildings to the moles and
bats, and in their places erect others better
fitted for the education of those of whom it
was said, ‘Of such is the Kingdom of Heav-
en!’ If you find your school-rooms not fur-
nished with blackboard surface, maps, charts,
etc., urge the directors to provide them for
you. If school boards see that you are anx-
ious by any means in your power to secure
the improvement of your pupils, they will not
be backward in assisting you. It will become
my duty to visit your schools during the win-
ter—a duty I intend without fail to perform.
We shall note the progress your schools are
making, and your own tact and skill as teach-
ers. I would suggest that you procure and
read Page’s ‘Theory and Practice of Teach-

 

ing,’ take the Pennsylvania School Journal,
and you will be more likely to succeed in
your profession. Keep a faithful report of the
attendance, progress, and deportment of your
pupils. Organize so far as you can town
teachers’ associations for mutual improvement
in the art of teaching, and be assured of my
willingness to co-operate with you in efforts
to elevate the common schools of our county.

“J. L. RICHARDSON,
“County Superintendent.”

Mr. Richardson did much to improve the
efficiency of the common schools, and as the
office of county superintendent was very much
objected to by a large number of people at the
first, he did much to elevate the office and
gain for it the commendation of the people.
He held the position for five years and then
voluntarily retired. He was succeeded in the
office by Rev. Abel Marcy. The Richardsons
are a race of teachers. They are found scat-
tered throughout the country,Jjn our colleges,
seminaries, public schools, and in every de-
partment of schelastic labor. Of the brothers
and sisters of Mr. Richardson, Betsy, Nathan,
and Martin L. taught in Vermont; Mrs. Ed-
ward Converse taught in Lackawanna County
more than forty-five years ago; Mrs. J. G. K..
Truair had charge of the young ladies’ depart-
ment in the Gilbertsville Academy and Colle-
giate Institute; Mrs. Emily Hillhouse taught
an academical school in Columbus, O.; and
Simeon L. taught in Minnesota. Thus out of
a family of ten children who grew up to ma-
turity, eight were teachers. It is a fact
worthy of note that during a portion of the
time that J. L. Richardson was county super-
intendent of Luzerne County, Rev. Willard
Richardson was county superintendent of
Susquehanna County, and Judson Richardson
was county superintendent of Sullivan Coun-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 737

 

ty. Mr. Richardson was for six years an
agent of the New York .\merican Missionary
Association, and as such addressed thousands
of his countrymen in favor of the newly-cre-
ated citizens of African descent. His first
year’s residence during this work was in $1.
Louis, Mo., devoting his time to the organi-
zation of schools and employing teachers for
them. He visited the states of New York,
Pennsylvania, and Vermont, and raised thous-
ands of dollars for his work among the freed-
men. He is a pioneer anti-slavery man and
cast his vote for James G. Birney, John P.
Hale, and other anti-slavery leaders. At the
age of fourteen he signed the pledge at a tem-
perance meeting, of which his father was presi-
dent, and he has never drank a glass of wine
in his life. In two presidential campaigns he
was employed by the state committee of the
temperance organization to canvass for votes,
and to do all in his power to build up the
cause. He has also been agent and solicitor
for the Tunkhannock Republican, a temper-
ance paper, and also for the Scranton City
Journal. In 1879 he retired to a farm in
Cooper township, near Danville, Montour
County, Pa. He married June Ig, 1846,
Catherine Heermans, at that time living in
Hyde Park (now Scranton), Pa. She was a
sister of Edmond. and John Heermans, and
niece of the late Joseph Fellows.

We herewith publish an article from the
pen of C. H. Browning, which appeared in
the Philadelphia Press August 14, 1898, in
which Admiral Dewey is shown to be of
royal descent, and our subject a descendant
of the same ancestors:

“While it will not add a particle to the
everlasting fame which Dewey—there is only
one ‘Dewey’—has brought to his surname
through his heroism at Manila, yet it is agree-
able to know that he is in a genealogical point

 

of view no ‘up-start’ and that on the con-
trary he is ready to match ancestors with any
one who may come along, and stands ready
to back up his assertions with statements bear-
ing on his claims found in Browning’s ‘Amer-
icans of Royal Descent,’ Douglas’ ‘Peerage of
Scotland,’ Dugdale’s ‘Baronage of England,’
Anderson’s ‘Royal Genealogies,’ ‘The Magna
Charta Barons and their American Descend-
ants,’ and the other big guns of his genealog-
ical armament.

“Admiral Dewey’s pedigree begins on the
very border of mythology with Thor, the
Saxon God, or cult-hero, who is almost a
myth, called variously Vothinn, Othinn, Odin,
Bodo, and Woden, the King of the West Sax-
ons, A. D., 256-300, who with his spouse,
Frea, were the Mars and Venus of Saxon
mythology. This King Woden, the God of
War, is described as the great-grandfather of
the bugaboos of English history, Horsa and
Hengst, brothers, freebooters and pirates, of
whom the Saxon annals tells us that Hengst
was the King of Saxons, and died between A.
D. 474 and 495, first King of Kent.

“Leaving this progenitor of the Saxon rul-
ers of Britain, Admiral Dewey's royal lineage
passes along the royal Saxon line on the con-
tinent, through King Hengst’s son, Prince
Hartwaker, to the historic King Dieteric, and
his ‘famous’ wife (he had others), Wobrogera,
a daughter of the unique character, Bellun,
King of the Worder. Their grandson, Wite-
kind the Great, was the last King of the
Saxons, A. D. 769-807, and then dwindled
into only their dukes, and Duke of West-
phalia, while his descendants for a few gene-
rations were only Counts of Wettin, until on
the genealogical line we come to the great
Robert—Robert-fortis—who, by his sword
became Count of Axjor and Orleans, Duke
and Marquis of France, and won the hand of
738 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

the fair Lady Alisa, sister-in-law to the King
of France, Lothaire I.

“This hero of medieval history, Robert-for-
tis, the great-grandson of the great Witekind,
was the founder of the so-called Capuchin line
of monarchs of France, for from him, through
a line of Dukes of France and’ Burgundy,
Counts of Paris, etc., who by their swords
and intermarriages, became firmly seated on
French soil, was descended the celebrated
Hugh Capet, Duke of France, who usurped
the throne of France and supplanted Charles,
Duke of Lorraine, the heir of Louis d’Outre-
mere, or King Louis IV., the last Carlovin-
gian, or descendant of the great Emperor
Charlemagne, to occupy the ‘French’ throne.

“Tis said ‘blood will tell.’ How true it is
in Dewey’s case. The blood of the finest war-
riors in history tells in him. He inherited the
‘knack of knowing’ when to do it and how
to do it, and is the peer of any of his ances-
tors from King Hengst to Hugh Capet, yet
unconsciously he emulated the traits of many
of them.

“Two other kings of the Capuchin line—
Robert the Pious, and Henry the First—
Dewey numbers among his illustrious ances-
tors, and Gibbon in his ‘History of the Rom-
an ‘Empire,’ tells us of the high lineage of
one of his early ancestresses, Anne of Russia,
wife of Henry I., of France. Gibbon states
she was the daughter of Jaroslaus, Grand
Duke or Czar of Russia, A. D. 1015-1051,
who was a descendant of Basil, the Macedon-
ian, first emperor of Constantinople, of his
line, A. D. 867, and that Basil was descended,
on his father’s side, from the Araeides, the
rivals of Rome, possessors of the scepter of
the East for 400 years, through a younger
branch of the Parthian monarchs, reigning in
Armenia; and on his mother’s side, from the
European, Constantine the Great, and Alex-
ander the Great, the Macedonian.

 

“All these illustrious historic characters
were Dewey’s forbears and so also were many
others, he nor any one can ever be proud of.
But genealogy, like politics, ‘makes strange
bedfellows.’ He was born to these—good,
bad and indifferent ancestors—they have been
discovered for him, not manufactured, and of
their attributes he has inherited the best, so
it appears.

“Continuing Dewey’s pedigree, we find that
one of his ancestors—the one necessary to
connect him with these historic characters—
was the son of King Henry I., of France,
Hugh the Great, or Magnus, Duke of France
and Burgundy, Marquis of Orleans and Count
of Paris, and through his wife Count of Ver-
mandois and Valois, a noted man of his day.

“It is here that Dewey’s pedigree leaves fhe
Continent and begins to be a part of English
history. | Dewey’s ancestresses, Lady Isabel
de Vermandois, was the daughter of the afore-
said Hugh Magnus, and was the first wife (he
was her first husband) of Robert de Bello-
mont, or Beaumont, a Norman, Earl of Mil-
lent, who accompanied William of Normandy
on his expedition to England, and for the
part he took in the contest was created in
1103 Earl of Leicester and granted> many
manors in England, dying in 1118. He had
issue by Lady Isabel, Robert Bosse de Bello-
mont, second Earl of Leicester, who was jus-
ticiary of England, and, dying in 1168, had
issue by his wife, Lady Amelia or Amica, a
daughter of Ralph de Waer or Waher, who in
1066 was the Earl of Norfolk, Suffolk and
Cambridge, but forfeited these earldoms in
1074; Robert-blanc-Mains, third Earl of Lei-
cester and Steward of England, whose daugh-
ter, Lady Margaret de Bellomont, was an an-
cestress of Admiral Dewey.

“This lady married Saher de Quincey, an
English baron, created in 1207 by King John,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

739

 

to win him over to his side, Earl of Winches-
ter. This baron accepted and enjoyed the
honors conferred on him by John, but never
was friendly to him. On the contrary, he
was, next to Fitz Walter, the leader of the
insurrectionary barons, and did as much work
as any of them to compel King John to grant
the Magna Charta—the charter of liberty—
and was one of the twenty-five sureties chosen
to enforce its observance. It is through this
baron that Dewey is eligible to membership
in the Order of Runnymede.

“Turning now to the pages of the Scottish
peerage books, we learn that this Earl of Win-
chester’s granddaughter, Elizabeth de Quin-
cey, was the wife of Alexander de Comyn,
second Earl of Buchan, who was a descendant
of Donalbane, King of Scots, which gives
Dewey a ‘strain’ of the sturdiest sort. And
reverting again to the English peerage, we
find that Gilbert, Baron d’Umfraville married
Lady Agnes, a daughter of the aforesaid Eliz-
abeth, Countess of Buchan, and was the pro-
genitor of a line of d’Umfravilles to Lady Joan
d’Umfraville, who married Sir William Lam-
bert, Knt., Lord of Owlton Manor, in Dur-
ham. From the authentic pedigrees of the
official Heralds of England we learn that a
great-granddaughter of this marriage was the
wife of Thomas Lyman, Gent, of Navistoke,
in Essex, who died in 1509, and the mother
of Henry Lyman, of High Ongar, in Essex,
who was the ancestor of that Richard Lyman,
born at High Ongar Manor in 1580, who
came to the Massachusetts colony in 1631 and
died in 1640 at Hartford, Conn., of which city
he was one of the founders and earliest lot
owners.

“His son Richard Lyman (of Windsor,
Conn., died in 1662) daughter, Hepzibah,
married November 6, 1662, Josiah Dewey
(who was baptized October 10, 1641, and was

 

the son of Thomas Dewey, the first of this
surname to come to the new world—to Bos-
ton, Mass., in 1633) and they were the par-
ents of Josiah, Jr., born December 24, 1666,
who was the lineal ancestor as set forth in
the ‘Dewey Genealogy’ by William T. Dewey,
of Montpelier, Vt., of our gallant hero, Rear
Admiral George Dewey.

“Richard Lyman, the patriarch of all the
Lymans of English descent in America, was
born at High Ongar, Essex County, Eng-
land, and was baptized October 30, 1580.
The date of his birth is not known. He mar-
ried Sarah Osborne, of Halstead, in Kent.
She went to America with her husband and
all her children, and died in Hartford, Conn.,
about the year 1640, soon after the death of
her husband. Mr. Lyman embarked about
the middle of August, 1631, with his wife
and children, in the ship ‘Lion,’ for New Eng-
land, taking their departure from the port of
Bristol. There went in the same ship, Martha
Winthrop, the third wife of John Winthrop, at
that time governor of New England, the gov-
ernor’s eldest son and his wife and their child-
ren, also Eliot, the celebrated apostle of the
Massachusetts Indians. The ship made anchor
before Boston on November 2, 1631. Rich-
ard Lyman first became a settler in Charles-
town, Mass., and, with his wife, united with
the church in what is now called Roxbury, un-
der the pastoral care of Eliot, the apostle to
the Indians. He became a freeman at the
General Court June 11, 1635, and on October
15, 1635, he took his departure with his fam-
ily from Charlestown, joining a party of about
one-hundred persons who went through the
wilderness from Massachusetts to Connecti-
cut, the object being to form settlements at
Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield. He
was one of the first settlers at Hartford. The
journey from Massachusetts was made in
740 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

about fourteen days’ time, the distance being
more than one hundred miles, and through a
trackless wilderness. They had no guide but
their compass, and made their way over moun-
tains, through swamps, thickets, and rivers,
which were not passable except with the great-
est difficulty. They had no cover but the
heavens, nor any lodgings but those which
simple nature afforded them. They drove
with them one-hundred and sixty head of cat-
tle, and, by the way, subsisted in a great meas-
ure on the milk of their cows. The people
carried their packs, arms, and some utensils.
This adventure was the more remarkable as
many of this company were persons of figure
who had lived in England in honor, affluence
and delicacy, and were entire strangers to
fatigue and danger. Richard Lyman on this
journey suffered greatly in the loss of cattle.
He was one of the original proprietors of
Hartford, and there is little doubt that he and
his wife formed a connection with the first
church in Hartford, of which the Rev. Thomas
Hooker was pastor. His will, the first on
record at Hartford, is dated April 22, 1640, is
first in the valuable collection of Trumbull,
and stands Record I, page 442, and followed
by an inventory of his estate. He died in
August, 1640, and his name is inscribed on
a stone column in the rear of the Centre
Church, of Hartford, erected in memory of
the first settlers of the city. His wife, Sarah,
died soon afterward. Richard Lyman is re-
ported to have begun life in the new world
as a man of ‘considerable estate, keeping two
servants.’

“John Lyman, known as Lieutenant Ly-
man, born in High Ongar, September, 1623,
came to New England with his father. He
married Dorcas, daughter of John Plumb, of
Branford, Conn. He settled in Northamp-
ton, Mass., where he resided until his death,

 

August 20, 1690. Lieutenant John Lyman
was in command of the Northampton soldiers
in the famous Falls fight, above Deerfield
May 18, 1676. Moses Lyman, son of Lieu-
tenant John Lyman, was born in Northamp-
ton, Mass., February 20, 1623, and died Feb-
ruary 25, 1701. Captain Moses Lyman, the
only son of Moses Lyman, was born February
27, 1689, and died March 24, 1762. He mar-
ried Mindwell Sheldon, December 13, 1712.
Simeon Lyman, son of Captain Moses Ly-
man, was born in 1725 in Northampton,
Mass., settled in Salisbury, Conn., and joined
the church in that place in 1740 by letter from
the church in Northampton. He married
Abigail Beebe, of Canaan, Conn., and both
died in Salisbury in the year 1800. John Ly-
man, son of Simeon Lyman, of Salisbury,
Conn., was born March 11, 1760. He mar-
ried Huldah Brinsmade, of Stratford, Conn.
He migrated to Jericho, Vt., soon after the
Revolutionary War, among the first settlers
of the state. He was a man of deep thought,
sound judgment, and an earnest Christian.
As a bold and fearless soldier and sure marks-
man, he served faithfully his country in the
war of the Revolution. He died in 1840.
Laura Lyman was born November 10, 17809,
and married September 7, 1807, William P.
Richardson. She died at Butternuts, Otsego
County, N. Y., February 28, 1869.”

In an address delivered by Hon. Lyman
Tremain, a descendant of Richard Lyman
through Simeon Lyman, at a reunion of the
Lyman family, he uses this language:

“How mighty and marvelous are the physi-
cal, moral, and political changes that have
been wrought in the condition of our country
since Richard Lyman first entered the val-
ley of the Connecticut. These can only be
briefly sketched on this occasion. Eleven
years before he landed at Boston, the Pil-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

grims had planted their footsteps upon the
rock at Plymouth, and laid broad and deep
the foundations of free religious worship and
republican liberty. Two years before King
Charles the First had granted the charter in-
corporating ‘The Governor and Company of
the Massachusetts Bay in New England.’
The year before John Winthrop had been
chosen governor of Massachusetts, and had
emigrated to the colony, leaving his wife in
England to follow him when her health would
allow. * * * These feeble colonists have
become a mighty nation. Where stood those
primeval forests now stand populous cities,
flourishing towns and villages, and smiling
farms and farm houses, while the journey that
then required fourteen days for its accom-
plishment is now made by the iron horse sev-
eral times every day.”

John Lyman Richardson received his pri-
mary education in the public schools of
Wilkesbarre, Pa., which was later supplement-
ed by a course in the State Normal School
at Bloomsburg where he was prepared for
Lafayette College, entering the class of 1885.
He then taught school for a short time, and
in 1886 became shipping clerk and buyer for
the Manhattan Brass Company of New York
City, remaining in the position for three and
one-half years; he then accepted a like posi-
tion with Randolph & Clowes of Waterbury,
Conn. In 1891 he removed to Bloomsburg
and in company with F. J. Richard built the
Tube Plant, of which our subject was treas-
urer until 1894. For the past year Mr. Rich-
ardson has been representing the Weatherwax
Manufacturing Company of San Francisco,
Cal., and has been assigned to the eastern
states, where he is meeting with the greatest
of success. In 1895 our subject and Mr.
Richard built four large tenement houses,
and in 1898 the former built a large and hand-
some residence on East Main street.

741

 

Mr. Richardson formed a matrimonial alli-
ance with Minnie Bittenbender, a daughter of
Evan E. Bittenbender of Grand Rapids,
Mich., and they have been blessed by two
children, namely: Catherine R., born June 5,
1896; and John L., born July 4, 1897. In
political views our subject affiliates with the
Republican party.

Evan E. Bittenbender, father of Mrs. J. L.
Richardson, was born February 26, 1842, at
Cambria, Luzerne County, Pa. His father,
Henry Bittenbender, removed with his family
to Forks, Columbia County, Pa., and pur-
chased what is now known as the Zaner farm,
one of the best in the Fishing Creek Valley.
Upon reaching his twenty-first year Evan E.
enlisted in Company E, 209th Reg., Pa. Vol.
Inf., in which company he served until the end
of the Civil War. His company was engaged
in some of the fiercest battles of the war,
among others Fort Steadman and Petersburg.
He married Rebecca Matilda Stoker, daugh-
ter of Daniel Stoker, September 28, 1865, and
removed in the same year to Constantine,
Mich., subsequently removing to Grand Rap-
ids, Mich., in 1881.

we

 

EORGE P. and HARRY W. ARM-
STRONG, constituting the firm of
G. P. Armstrong & Bro., are pro-
prietors of the leading general merchandise
store and are among the foremost of the pros-
perous business men of McEwensville, North-
umberland County, Pa. They are sons of
Gen. George W. and Elizabeth (Witter) Arm-
strong, and are members of an old and well-
established family of Northumberland Coun-
ty.
Their earliest known ancestor was James
Armstrong, a native of Ireland, who taught

 
742 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

school and engaged in surveying in that coun-
try. He was a well-educated man, and on
June 1, 1786, came to America, locating in
Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa. He brought
with him the following high recommendation
from business and professional men, an excel-
lent testimonial as to his character:

COUNTY OF FERMANAGH.
CORPORATION OF ENNISKILLEN.
[Seal. ]

We, the under-named Provost, Burgess, and
Freemen of the aforesaid corporation, do cer-
tify that the bearer, James Armstrong, was
born and bred in the neighborhood ‘of this
Corporation, of Protestant parents; that he
always behaved himself soberly and indus-
triously, practicing the business of a Land
‘Surveyor, with many other businesses of trust,
which he punctually discharged to the satis-
faction of his employers. In testimony where-
of we have affixed the seal of our Corporation.
Given under our hands this twenty-fifth day of
May, One Thousand Seven Hundred and
Eighty-six. ART. JOHNSTON,

Recorder.
WILLIAM SCOTT,
Provost.

WALTER HUDSON,
ROBERT HASSARD,
Burgesses.

The bearer, James Armstrong, was born on
ny estate, in County Fermanagh, of reputable
parents, and has always behaved himself reg-
ularly and soberly. MR. ARCHDALL,

Member for the County of Fermanagh.

James Armstrong, above mentioned, served
as clerk to my church twelve years, last April,
and behaved himself soberly and well and was
schoolmaster to my parish of Ennis McSaint,
otherwise Churchhill, for five years, and de-

 

clined teaching school on getting employment
as Surveyor of Land, which was of more ad-
vantage to him than teaching school. Given
under my hand this thirty-first day of May,
1786. JN. NIXON,
Tutor and Vicar of Said Parish.

N. B.—I have promised to restore him to
his clerkship if he returns in twelve months’
time.

The bearer, James Armstrong, of Cossbys-
town, who is now about to set out for Amer-
ica, acted in a place of trust and authority for
me for seven years past, and acquitted himself
with as much honesty and integrity as I could
expect or wish for.

Given under my hand this 30th day of May,
1786, six. WM. OWENS,

Curate Ennis McSaint Parish, Ireland.

I have known the above mentioned James
Armstrong for some time, and I believe the
above to be true. AND. R. MILLAR,

Vicar Clogham.

Mr. Armstrong readily procured a position
as instructor in the Carlisle High School as
teacher of mathematics. While residing in
Carlisle he married Eleanor Pollock, who was
born February 7, 1760, and died February 26,
1823. She was a daughter of John Pollock,
who also came to this country and made his
home in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa.
He was a son of Dr. Thomas Pollock, whose
ancestors were from Renfrewshire, Scotland.
Mrs. Armstrong fell heir to a tract of 200
acres of land.in Northumberland County, the
place now owned by Merritt Sanster, which
adjoins McEwensville, and her husband then
resigned his position and located thereon. He
followed farming until his death, on Septem-
ber 20, 1829. James Armstrong was the pro-.
genitor of the following children: Anthony,
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

the grandfather of our subjects. Elizabeth,
who was born November 11, 178g, and died
on July 5, 1861, married George Blain,
and had five children; Ellen, who married Ja-
cob Mosteller; Prudence, the wife of J. D.
Brittain; James, whose wife was [Elizabeth
Amans; Jane; and Mary, the wife of Henry
Martin. Eleanor, the third child of James and
Eleanor .\rmstrong, was born July 28, 1791,
and died on September 22 of the same year.
Eleanor, the fourth child born to her parents,
was born on August 8, 1792, and died on Feb-
ruary 7, 1857, married .\ndrew Guffey, and
their children were: Margaret, the wife of J.
P. Armstrong; Andrew J., who married Mary
M. Falls; James, who married Elizabeth Shan-
non; Harriet, the wile of S. C. Frymire; Clar-
issa; Richard, who married Hester McKee;
and Eleanor. Catherine, the fifth child, was
born September 26, 1793, and died November
9, 1857. John, born December 18, 1795, died
April 2, 1863. Jane, born October 25, 1798,
died September 14, 1844. James, who was
born December 3, 1800, and died on October
15, 1871, married. Mary Reeder, and they were
the parents of the following children: Dr.
Richard, whose wife was Mary Kensing; Mar-
garet E.; George B., who married Emma Ax-
tell; William; and Mary, the wife of Frank
Morgan. Mary, the ninth child born to James
and his wife Eleanor, was born September 9,
1803, and died April 20, 1879. Richard,
who was born April 13, 1805, became a mis-
sionary, going to the Sandwich Islands in
1832, where he established the first church.
He followed his calling there and accom-
plished much good, but his life was cut short
in 1860, when he was thrown from his horse
and killed. His wife and daughter, Amelia,
established a school at Oakland, Cal., for the
education of the Chinese, and his son, Sam-
uel, established the institute at Hampton, Va.,

 

743

for the education of Indians and Negroes. He
married Clarissa Chapman, and their union
was blessed by the birth of eight children,
namely: Caroline; Carrie; the wife of Ed-
mund Beckwith; Samuel; William N.; Ellen;
James; Clara; and Amelia.

Anthony Armstrong, the grandfather of our
subjects, was born on September 6, 1788, and
early in life was engaged in teaming from Mil-
ton to Philadelphia, before the existence of
railroads in that section or before the canal
was built. He hauled produce and provisions
down to market and returned with a stock of
merchandise, the trip being three weeks long.
He subsequently took to agricultural pursuits
and continued at that the remainder of his life,
dying in January, 1868. Politically he was a
firm Democrat. He was appointed captain
of the Northumberland Cavalry Troop, it be-
ing organized in 1824, by Gov. J. Andrew
Shultze, the first in the county. He married
Elizabeth Guffey, who died in 1832. Several
years afterward he married Martha Conley,
who died in 1878. His union with his first
wife resulted in the following offspring: Jane,
the wife of Edwin V. Derickson. Matilda A.
was the wife of Judge John F. Dentler, by
whom she had ten children, namely: Mary E.,
the wife of P. Mellick; Harry C.; Wallace
W.; Jane E., the wife of J. N. Sloan; John
M.; James D.; Julia, the wife of William
Withers; Jessie F., the wife of Alfred Bagney;
Maggie M.,who married Leidy Morelock; and
Sally M. (Gifford). Margaret, the third daugh-
ter of Anthony and Elizabeth Armstrong, was
the wife of John Sloan. Andrew married An-
geline Watson, and their children were:
James; Elizabeth, the wife of H. Allen; An-
thony, who niarried Kate Grifey; David, who
married Jane McWilliams; Mary, the wife of
Frederick Gosh; and Emma. James F., the
fifth child of Anthony and Elizabeth, married
744 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES

 

Margaret Guffey, and they were the parents of
the following children: Hannah; Mary; Liz-
zie, the wife of Henry Nye; Henry; Samuel;
Clara; Scott; and Hattie. George W. is
the father of the gentlemen whose names head
these lines. :
General George W. Armstrong was born,
July 31, 1822, in Turbot township, Northum-
berland County, Pa., and received a good ed-
ucation in Milton Academy and the public
schools. He taught school for two terms and
at the age of eighteen years went into the
office of the Ledger at Milton, where he
learned the printer’s trade and subsequently
became a part-owner of the publication. In
1844 he disposed of it to J. R. Eck and en-
listed in Company C, 2nd Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.,
serving in the Mexican War until August of
the same year, when he received his discharge
in order to accompany the remains of Gen. R.
H. Hammond to his home at Milton, Pa. He
then became one of the proprietors of the Pal-
ladium of Bordentown, N. J., and after dis-
posing of his interest there moved to Potts-
ville, Pa., where he was associated with G. L.
Vliet, Esq., in publishing The True Democrat.
After a period of two years, in 1849, he moved
to McEwensville, and in the following year
began clerking in the store of Dentler & Arm-
strong, in which capacity he continued until
1859, when he embarked in business on his
own account. He purchased the Watson &
Vincent store, which was built in 1828, and
also the residence adjoining, which was built
by the same firm in 1832. His business was
begun on a small scale, but as his patronage
grew he increased his stock and facilities for
handling the trade of his customers, occupy-
ing two floors of the building. He became
the leading merchant in the village and one
of the largest in the district, and continued in
a prosperous manner until 1890, when he re-

 

tired in favor of his sons, who now operate the
store. They have a first-class store in every
respect and enjoy the confidence and respect
of the community to a marked degree. Gen.
Armstrong served as postmaster of Mc-
Ewensville for about eight years and has
served as school director for twenty-eight
years, still continuing in that capacity. In
1853 he was commissioned first lieutenant in
the Northumberland County Cavalry Troop
by Gov. Bigler, was commissioned second
lieutenant. in 1854, and one year later was
made acaptain. Ever since the time of James
Armstrong the family have been strict adher-
ents to the faith of the Presbyterian Church.
The father of our subject was united in
hymeneal bonds with Elizabeth Witter, who
was born July 1, 1822, a daughter of Amos

| Witter, who came from near Westfield, Mass.,

and settled at Milton at an early day. The
Witter family traces its ancestry back to one
Capt. Ebenezer Witter, who was a native of
Westfield, Mass. He served as a captain in
the Revolutionary War, and on page 20 of
the “Lexington Alarm List” from the town
of Preston, Conn., may be found his record.
He was born September 11, 1732, and was
three times married. His first wife was Amy
Meref, to whom he was married June 2, 1757,
and from this union the Cook family de-
scended. His second union occurred Septem-
ber 22, 1763, with Abigail Geer, and in 1796
he married for his third wife Hannah Page.
The family record is very incomplete, but it is
thought that Mrs. Armstrong is a descendant
of Capt. Witter’s second union.

In connection with Francis Ball, under the
firm name of Witter & Ball, Amos Witter en-
gaged in the manufacture of carriages on Wal-
nut street previous to the year 1840, and
became a prominent man of that locality. He
was a major of the state militia. He insti-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 745

 

 

tuted the first lodge of Masons at Milton, and
was the first grand master; he was also a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows’ Lodge. He lived to
reach the advanced age of seventy-five years,
and his wife died at the age of forty-five years.
His wife’s maiden name was Mary Delevan,
and their union resulted in the following issue:
Amos; Albert; Henry; Hammond; Jane;
Lucy: Amelia; Elizabeth; and Margaret.
Gen. Armstrong and his wife were the parents
of five children: Lucy Blanche, the wife oi
William F. Dewitt; Matilda, the wife of James
Buoy; George P.; Annie; and Harry W.

George P. Armstrong was born in Mc-
Ewensville., Pa., May 3, 1854, and received his
education in the McEwensville Academy, af-
ter which he taught school for ten years. He
took up the trade of a plasterer and followed
that occupation for some years; he also spent
one year prospecting in the West. He clerked
in a general merchandise store and after ac-
quiring the requisite amount of experience, in
1890, became a partner with his brother, Har-
ry, in conducting the store formerly owned
by his father. He is a shrewd, clever business
man, and has been very successful. He has
held many minor offices of the borough and
is now serving as assessor. Socially he was
formerly a member of the Odd Fellows’
Lodge.

Harry Witter Armstrong was born Septem-
ber 18, 1861, in McEwensville, and was edu-
cated in the academy at that place. He served
as a clerk in his father’s store and for a num-
ber of years prior to the latter's retirement had
complete charge of the store. He has fol-
lowed that line of business continuously since.
He became a partner to his brother in 1890,
and by their honest and straightforward meth-
ods of dealing with the public they have ac-
quired an enviable reputation for their estab-
lishment. Harry Witter Armstrong was ap-

 

pointed postmaster and served under both of
Cleveland’s administrations. Religiously he is
a member of the Warrior Run Presbyterian
Church and is trustee of that organization.
He is one of the popular men of the village
and has many friends throughout the county.

UNCAN C. CAMPBELL,* a repre-
sentative and leading farmer of Rush
2 township, Northumberland County,
was born June 15, 1826, on the place where
he now lives, and is a son of Abraham and
Jane (Cameron) Campbell, and grandson of
Robert Campbell of New Jersey, who was a
farmer and had a family of eight children.
The Cameron and Campbell families are of
Scotch descent.

Abraham Campbell, our subject’s father,
was a native of New Jersey, but was brought
when a lad of eight years to Rush township,
where he grew to manhood and lived the re-
mainder of his life, following the peaceful vo-
cation of a farmer, until he died in October,
1861. His wife, Jane (Cameron) Campbell,
who died in 1854, was a native of Fishing
Creek, Pa. To them were born five children:
Robert, who died in 1861, was a farmer and
married Sarah Ann Vastine, now deceased, of
Rush township; Margaret, and her husband,
Joseph Hartman, are both deceased; Flora,
who died at the age of four years; Duncan C.,
our subject; and Joseph L., deceased, whose
wife was Ellen John of Danville, N.Y. Mr.
Campbell was an active, stirring man, a Dem-
ocrat in political views, in religious attach-
ments a Methodist and served as trustee and
steward in the church. -

Duncan C. Campbell, our subject, was mar-
ried December 25, 1849, to Nancy Colket of

 

 

 

 
746 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Rush township, who died May 30, 1887. She
was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Vas-
tine) Colket. John Vastine was a cooper by
trade, and both he and his wife lived and died
in Rush township. Our subject and wife be-
came the parents of five children, namely:
Arthur Monroe, born February 17, 1851, mar-
ried Blanche Wood of Syracuse, N. Y., and
manufactures corsets in that city; Flora J.,
who married Charles M. Vendevander, and
lives in Northumberland, Pa., having one
son, Forrest; Elizabeth, who married Oba-
diah Fox, a merchant of Mount Carmel, Pa.,
and has four children, Stella, Kimber K.,
Howard, and Ethel; Joseph B., who married
Esther Leiby of Bear Gap, Pa., and has two
children, Gertrude and Duncan; and James
L., a carpenter for the Pennsylvania Railroad
at Riverside, Pa., who married Mary Hurd,
and they have four children, Blanche, Arthur,
Duncan C., and Myrtle.

Our subject’ has always lived on the old
homestead, with the exception of three years,
when he lived on an adjoining farm. He has
180 acres of land, upon which he has made
many improvements; he built a very fine
house in 1894, in which he has hot and cold
water, bath, furnace heat, etc. He has oper-
ated a threshing machine for several years and
also cut and sawed a great deal of lumber from
his place. He keeps on the average about
twenty cows and has run a milk route to Dan-
ville, Pa., for about fifteen years, the manage-
ment of which is now in the hands of his son
Joseph, who has always lived with him and is
one of the prominent men of Rush township.
Our subject’s popularity among his friends
has caused him to hold many offices, viz.,
school director, auditor, overseer of the poor,
judge of elections and-many other minor po-
sitions. He has always been a stanch Demo-
crat. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.,,

 

Lodge No. 527, of Snydertown, Pa. He is
also a member of the Grange. Inheriting all
the love and respect of his Scotch ancestry for
the Sabbath and divine worship, our subject
has not confined his energies to secular work
alone, but has devoted much of his time to
church affairs, and has served as trustee and
steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church
at Kline’s Grove. He has a rugged constitu-
tion, which has enabled him to labor hard and
long, and his many friends regret that a bad
accident which left him with a broken hip
should cripple him for life and prevent him
from enjoying some of the blessings which
have come to him as the result of the toil of
younger days.

R. W. T. GRAHAM,* who is unex-
celled in Northumberland County as
2 a physician and surgeon, is acting in
that capacity for the Pennsylvania Railroad
and is one of the foremost citizens of Sunbury.
He is a son of Dr. G. M. and Rebecca (Kelley)

 

 

 

 

_ Graham, and was born in Juniata County, Pa.,

November 27, 1862.

The family is of Scotch-Irish stock, and its
members were among the early pioneer set-
tlers of Central Pennsylvania, where William
Graham, our subject’s great-grandfather, lo-
cated, buying a tract of one hundred acres of
land on the south side of Tuscarora Creek, in
what is now Spruce Hill township, Juniata
County, for the paltry sum of three dollars
per acre. He cleared part of the land and
during the remainder of his life was engaged
in its cultivation. His son, John Graham, the
grandfather of our subject, was born upon this
property, which he was engaged in cultivating
until 1837, when he moved to Cumberland
County, near Carlisle, and tilled the soil the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. TAT

 

remainder of his life, dying in 1867, after at-
taining the age of eighty-four years. He was
a man of exceptional business qualifications
and good judgment. He formed a matrimo-
nial alliance with Polly Turbett, a daughter of
Col. Turbett, who was actively engaged in the
battle at Princeton, and others of prominence
in the Revolutionary War. This union re-
sulted in the birth of ten children, the young-
est of whom was Dr. G. M. Graham.

Dr. G. M. Graham was born in Spruce Hill
township in 1829, and obtained his intellectual
training in the Tuscarora Academy and Dick-
inson College of Carlisle, Pa., after which he
took up the study of medicine and was grad-
uated from the Jefferson Medical College of
Philadelphia in 1853. He immediately after
located in Perrysville, now Port Royal, and
acquired a lucrative practice, doing a vast
amount of work in the surgical line, as he was
especially efficient in performing operations.
He was for many years an elder in the Presby-
terian Church. At 6 o'clock a. m., June 1,
1854, he was joined in wedlock to Rebecca
Kelley, and they became the parents of four
children, three sons and one daughter, all of
whom grew to maturity. Mrs. Graham was
a daughter of Joseph Kelley, M. D., a native
of Lancaster County, who was born Novem-
ber 19, 1795. He was a graduate of the med-
ical department of the University of Penn-
sylvania, and located in Spruce Hill township,
where he was a prominent physician. He lived
a long and useful life, dying in 1887, at the age
of eighty-two years. Religiously he was an
elder in the Presbyterian Church for many
years. He chose as his companion in life
Anna Breson Stewart, who died in 1870, aged
sixty-five years, and who was a descendant of
the Stewarts, a prominent family of Scotland.

Dr. W. T. Graham was educated in the Port
Royal Academy and in Dickinson College,

 

from which he graduated in 1886, after which
he read medicine with his father for some time,
and was graduated from the Jefferson Medical
College in 1889, after which he remained at
home for one year, and then moved to Miner’s
State Hospital at Ashland, Pa. He served for
two years as assistant surgeon of that institu-
tion, and in 1893 removed to Sunbury, and
has since been surgeon for the Pennsylvania
Railroad and carried ‘on a general practice.
He is also a member of the Northumberland
County Medical Association. During his brief
residence in Sunbury Dr. Graham has become
firmly established in the good will and affec-
tion of the people.

ILLIAM BRONG.* = Cultivating
the soil has been the principal occu-
pation of the gentleman whose

name heads this sketch, and he is the owner
of a farm pleasantly situated in Hillsgrove
township, Sullivan County, Pa. His parents
are Joseph and Catherine (Hufsmith) Brong,
and he was born in Monroe County, Pa., Oc-
tober 20, 1840.

Our subject’s grandfather was Jacob Brong,
also a native of Monroe County; he was en-
gaged in farming and the lumber business and
owned a large saw-mill. He continued to re-
side in Monroe County all his life and died
there an old man. Joseph Brong was born
in Monroe County, Pa., where he lives at the
present time, having spent over eighty years
of his life in that county. He has been a farm-
er all his life, and has been remarkably suc-
cessful; he has made many friends, all of
whom respect and esteem him for his many
sterling qualities. He was twice married. His
first wife was Catherine Hufsmith, a native of
Monroe County, and his second wife was Mrs.
748 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

Catherine Kreste. Our subject's mother died
in 1880. She was the mother of thirteen chil-
dren, who were named as follows: William,
our subject, the eldest; Sarah, who is a resi-
dent of Monroe County; Mary Ann, wife of
J. B. Miller of Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Hannah,
who united in marriage with William Everitt,
a retired farmer of Monroe County, Pa.;
Charles H., a carpenter by trade, residing at
Peckville, Pa.; Emeline, who resides at home;
Julia Ann, deceased; Savannah, who married
Albert Kreste, and they are residents of Beth-
lehem, Pa.; John, a laborer residing at
Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Millard, who lives in Mon-
roe County, Pa.; Nathan, deceased; and two
who died in their infancy.

William Brong began farming as a laborer
in his native county; when the Civil War
broke out he volunteered his services, and in
September, 1862, he enlisted in Company F,
176th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., under Col. A. A.
Leckler and Capt. Nicholas. The company
only participated in a few skirmishes, and at
the expiration of his enlistment, on June 2,
1863, our subject was discharged. Return-
ing home he began the life of a farmer, and in
1891 he left his native county and removed to
Sullivan County and settled in Hillsgrove
township, where he began lumbering; later
he settled on his present homestead near
Hillsgrove, owning a fine farm of eighty-two
acres.

December 25, 1864, Mr. Brong was united
in marriage with Ann Maria Anglemire, born
in Monroe County, Pa., June 9, 1841, and a
daughter of Adam and Sarah (Kreste) Angle-
mire, both of whom are now deceased; her
father was a farmer by occupation. Mr. and
Mrs. Brong are the parents of four children,
namely: Adam J., who resides at home; Rob-
ert, a farmer of Hillsgrove township, who
married Cora Jackson; Alda M., who died

 

young; and Bertha, an adopted child, born
April 16, 1895. Mr. Brong was formerly a
Democrat, but is now a Republican; he has
held the office of road commissioner several
years. Religiously he and his wife are mem-
bers of the German Reformed Church of Hills-
grove.

 

ANIEL SCHLIEF,* a prosperous
merchant of Shamokin, Pa., is purely
of German descent. He was born Feb-
ruary 6, 1863, at Silver Creek, Schuylkill
County, Pa., and is a son of Francis and
Barbara (Strohm) Schlief. His maternal
grandparents were Daniel and Catherine
(Steis) Strohm. They came over from Ger-
many on the same vessel which also bore the
father of our subject, then a young man. His
grandparents located on a tract of land in
Schuylkill County, Pa., known as the “Bushy
Tract.”

Francis Schlief, father of our subject, was
born in 1822 in Bavaria, Germany. He ar-
rived in America, July 15, 1848. He first set-
tled at Middeport, Schuylkill County, Pa., but
subsequently removed to Brady, Northumber-
land County, now known as Johnson City,
and engaged in agricultural pursuits until our
subject attained the age of six years, removing
at that time to Shamokin and engaging in
mining for many years. Later he was an as-
sistant in a mercantile establishment at Sham-
okin. He continued at that occupation until
cut off by death in 1882 at the age of sixty
years. He was a member of the Reformed
Church. He was a decided Republican.

Daniel Schlief attended public schools until
he attained the age of twelve years when he
began working at the mines as slate-picker,
continuing that occupation until seventeen
years of age, when he commenced clerking for

 

 

 

 
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

his father and diligently continued at that un-
til his father’s death in 1882, after which he re-
mained with his father’s former employer for
six years. By strict attention to his duties and
by close economy he had saved a considerable
sum of money with which, in 1888, he leased
a building and engaged in the mercantile
business for himself, directly opposite the
place he now occupies. He remained there for
several years and was successful to such a
marked degree that he was enabled to pur-
chase his present site and build a handsome
building of his own, at No. 600 West Pine
street, Shamokin. This is a modern brick
building with a frontage of 25 feet and a depth
of 60 feet, and is three stories high. In this
building Mr. Schlief carries a fine stock of
general merchandise and can please the most
fastidious. He is a close and careful buyer
and believes in quick sales and small profits,
thus securing for his customers many excel-
lent bargains,

Mr. Schlief was twice married. His first
wife was Mazie L. Hale, who bore him one
son, Daniel, now deceased. After the death
of his first wife, Mr. Schlief was united with
Mrs. Kate S. Lyne. Two children were born
to them, a daughter and son, Mazie Ruth and
Lloyd Allen. Mr. Schlief and his wife have
seen these loved ones laid to rest in the grave;
the misfortune fell heavily upon them, but
they have bowed to the will of Him who called
their loved ones home, and by this bereave-
ment their own lives have been more closely
cemented together.

Mr. Schlief is, virtually, a self-made man,
having risen from a day-laborer to a position
of wealth. He has been the architect of his
own fortunes in the truest sense of the word.
Both politically and religiously he follows in
the footsteps of his father, being an enthusias-
tic Republican and a member and liberal sup-

7

 

749

porter of the Reformed Church. He has serv-
ed as councilman for two years, and is now a
member of the board of health. He is a mem-
her of Washington Camp No. 30, P. O. S. of
\., and is also a member of the A. P. A., No.
149.

OBERT HENRY SAVAGE, D.D.S.,*

a proficient and successful dentist of

Sunbury, Pa., is a man who, by per-

severance and energy, has won success despite

adverse circumstances for which he was in no

way responsible and which he could not con-

trol. Dr. Savage is a son of James and Eliza-

beth (Ball) Savage and was born in Wiconis-
co, Dauphin County, Pa., August 3, 1859.

Our subject's grandfather, James Savage,
was a native of Wales and with his wife,
Eleanor, and family immigrated to the United
States, settling in Minersville, Schuylkill
County, Pa., where he died. He was a miner
in his native country and continued as such
in this country.

James Savage, father of the subject of this
review, was born in Minora, County of
Denbigh, North Wales, the home of his an-
cestors for many years, February 25, 1823;
in 1835, when the family settled in Miners-
ville, he was but twelve years of age. He
obtained a limited education in the public
schools and grew to manhood in the town in
which the family settled. When twelve years
old James entered the mines as a mule driver.
He continued in the mines as a laborer, pur-
suing the various lines of work and being reg-
ularly promoted until finally he undertook the
operation of a colliery on his own account at
Lykens, Dauphin County, Pa. He conducted
the colliery a short time and in 1859 migrated
to California, where he engaged in gold min-
ing for six years. Returning to Schuylkill

+
750

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

County Mr. Savage became superintendent
of a colliery at Gilberton, subsequently occu-
pying a similar position in a colliery at Lykens
operated by the Lykens Valley Coal Com-
pany. Some time later the company, Savage
Bros. & Kauffman, was formed and took
charge of and operated the Brookside Colliery
at Tower City, the colliery being the largest
one in the world. It is now owned by the
Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Com-
pany. When the colliery was sold to the Phil-
adelphia & Reading company Mr. Savage en-
tered the employ of the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe R. R. Co., as superintendent of a
gang of men engaged in prospecting in var-
ious parts of New Mexico for the railroad.
He continued in that position until his death
at Cimarron, New Mexico, on November 10,
1881. Mr. Savage married Elizabeth Ball, by
whom he had seven children, four sons and
three daughters. Mrs. Savage also has passed
to her final rest beyond earthly bounds.

His primary scholastic training was ob-
tained by Robert Henry Savage in the public
schools of Tremont and subsequently he ac-
quired a good English education in Lebanon
Valley College at Auville. Having decided to
become a dentist, Mr. Savage entered upon
the study of his chosen profession and was so
fortunate as to place himself under the pre-
ceptorship of P. K. Filbert, D. D. S., a lead-
ing practitioner of Pottsville, Pa., under-
whose direction he quickly acquired a good
general knowledge of dentistry and fully pre-
pared himself to enter a dental college. Un-
fortunately his father, James Savage, met with
financial reverses and the son was compelled
to defer his course in a dental college until
such time as he had earned sufficient money
to defray the expenses of a dental-college
course.

Determined to succeed and to master his

 

chosen profession Mr. Savage, in 1879, went
to Selinsgrove, Snyder County, Pa., where,
as assistant, he practiced his profession for
two years under the direction of Dr. Van
Buskirk. In 1881 Mr. Savage removed to
Sunbury and served as assistant to Dr. G. M.
Renn, with whom he remained until 1884,
when he entered upon practice alone, which
he continued successfully for two years. In
1886 he formed a co-partnership with Dr.
Renn, the firm name being Renn & Savage,
and this firm continued pleasantly and profit-
ably for five years, when it was mutually dis-
solved. Soon after separating from Dr. Renn
Mr. Savage, in 1892, matriculated at the
Pennsylvania Dental College in Philadelphia,
and after taking a two years’ course received
the degree D. D. S., in March, 1894. He re-
turned to Sunbury after he was graduated
from the college. He has by diligent atten-
tion to the duties and details of his intricate
and most important profession and by _ his
skilful practice and courtesy built up a large
and lucrative clientage.

Our subject is a member of the Royal Ar-
canum and is identified with the Reformed
Church.

On July 12, 1885, Dr. Savage was united in’
marriage to Adelia Florine Garing of Sun-
bury, and to them two children have been
born: Effie, born September 5, 1886, and Ma-
mie, whose death cast over a happy home its
first sorrow.

4

 

LAF F. FERRIS.* Among the self-
made men of Columbia County and
one of her foremost agriculturists, as

well as a gentleman respected for his sterling
worth and integrity, we take pleasure in men-
tioning a few facts connected with the life of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 751

the gentleman whose name heads these lines.
He is a farmer by calling and is engaged in
the prosecution of his vocation on his fine
farm a few miles from the town of Berwick.
He was born at Mahoopany, Wyoming Coun-
ty, Pa, March 21, 1848, and is a son of Si-
meon and Holy Ann (June) Ferris.

Ransford Ferris, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was one of the prominent farm-
ers of Stamford, Conn., and spent his entire
life in that occupation. He passed from this
life about 1821. His wife was Lizzie June,
and they were the parents of the following
children: Avery, Simeon, Alvin, Joseph, Deb-
bie, Betsey, Lucetis, and .\bigail. Simeon
Ferris, the grandfather of our subject, was
born at Stamford, Conn., and died at his home
in Sussex County, N. J., September, 1821.
His occupation was that of a shoemaker,
which he followed in connection with farming.
He was joined in marriage to Nancy Simmons
and the following children blessed their home:
Isaac, who moved to the West during “his
young manhood; Appollos, deceased, was a
miller at Boontown, N. J.; Simeon, the father
of our subject; John Calvin, a retired farmer
residing at Tunkhannock, Wyoming County,
Pa.; Abbie, deceased, who was the wife of
Isaac Ward; Polly, deceased, who was the
wife of Smith Lockwood, of Connecticut;
Mary Ann, deceased, who was united in mar-
riage to Rufus Lonsburg of Connecticut;
Clarinda,. deceased, who wedded William
Douglas of Lovelton, Pa.; Martha, widow of
the late William T. Adams of Lovelton, Pa.;
and Electa, deceased, who was the wife of Ed-
win Lewis.

Simeon Ferris, father of our subject, was
born in Stamford, Conn., August 12, 1809,
and during his boyhood days he worked with
his father, learning the shoemaker’s trade,
which he followed in Sussex County, N. J.,

‘rest of his active days.

 

until 1836, when he moved to Mahoopany,
Wyoming County, Pa. He purchased a tract
of land and engaged in general farming the
In religious views he
was a devoted and consistent member of the
Methodist Church. He exerted a great influ-
ence for the good of the church and might be
called the father of the Mahoopany Methodist
Church. He entered the world of rest March
7, 1875. He was joined in the bonds of wed-
lock to Holy Ann June, and a family of twelve
children blessed their home, namely: Appol-
los, who was born at Wanaque, N. J., June
14, 1828, and was a stonemason and builder
residing at Tunkhannock, Pa.; David L., who
was born at Wanaque, N. J., February 25,
1830, and was a carpenter and builder of
Tunkhannock, Pa.; Michael, born November
24, 1831, died August 12, 1860; Harriet, born
at Liberty Corner, N. J., November 23, 1833,
and died April 25, 1855; Eliza Jane, born at
Liberty Corner, N. J., November 4, 1835,
widow of the late William Labor of Tunk-
hannock, Pa.; Henry, born at Mahoopany,
Pa., April 14, 1838, was a soldier in the
Civil War, and died at Hamburg, Pa., De-
cember 25, 1861, after serving three months
in Company B, 52nd Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.; Levi
L., born March 11, 1840, enlisted in Company
B, 52nd Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., in September,
1861, and was killed May 31, 1862, in the-bat-
tle of Fair Oaks, Va., by a minie ball, which
struck him above the right eye; Mary Emily,
born June 28, 1842, who is the widow of the
late John C. Fraley of Mahoopany, Pa.;
Charles, born June 13, 1844, enlisted in the

‘same company as did his two brothers, got as

far as Alexandria, Va., when he was taken sick
and was sent to the camp hospital, where he
died April 20, 1864; Clarissa, born in Ma-
hoopany, April 20, 1846, who is the wife of
Frank Smith, a lumberman; and our subject.
752 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

Olaf F. Ferris was reared on his father’s
farm and attended school until he was twenty-
one years of age. He then learned the trade of
a carpenter, which he followed as a journey-
man a number of years; later he was a con-
tractor and builder at Nanticoke, Pa., for a
period of ten years. He then embarked in
the grocery business in the same town, and
four years later, in 1857, he removed to his
present farm, which consists of 288 acres of
the best land in Briarcreek township. In ad-
dition to carrying on farming he keeps a dairy
and has a herd of fifteen head of thoroughbred
Jersey cattle. He also has a fine poultry yard,
which contains the following variety of chick-
ens: golden wyandottes; silver laced wyan-
dottes; buff cochins; partridge cochins; buff
leghorn; and Indian game.

Our subject is a member of the Wyoming
Lodge No. 248, F. & A. M., and also is past
master of the same lodge; Caldwell Consist-
oty, S. P. KR. S. N. M. J. of Bloomsburg:
Berwick Lodge, I. O. O. F., and grand past
master of Warrior Run Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
of Nanticoke, Pa.; Berwick Castle No. 20,
K. of G. E.; and in religious views he is a
member of the Presbyterian Church. Po-
litically Mr. Ferris is a firm Republican and
has served in the town council. January 7,
1875, he was united in the bonds of matri-
mony to Martha Fairchild, a daughter of the
late John Fairchild, a farmer of Nanticoke,
Pa. To this union four children were born:
Ada A., John Horace, Martha Elizabeth, and

Olaf Carleton, all of whom reside at home

with their parents.

——————4+-2 >—_____—_.

OHN G. HARMAN,” the popular dis-
trict attorney of Columbia County, is
an enterprising young lawyer, who, al-

though he has had but a few years’ practice,

 

gives promise of future greatness. He was
born in Bloomsburg, Columbia County,
March 16, 1873, and is a son of Peter S. and
Rebecca (Freeze) Harman. His paternal
grandfather was George Harman, who was
born in Northumberland County, Pa., but set-
tled in Mifflin township, Columbia County,
in 1833. Early in life he learned the trade of
a tanner, and after locating in Orangeville he
purchased and operated a tannery for many
years. He folded his hands in final rest at the
age of eighty-three years. He chose as his
companion in life Mary Knorr, by whom he
had a large family of children, one of whom
was Peter S. Harman.

Peter S. Harman, the father of our subject,
when thirteen years of age left the parental
roof to make his way in the world. He learned
the trade of a molder, serving an apprentice-
ship under Louis H. Maus of Bloomsburg,
after which he followed that occupation as a
journeyman for two years in several cities in
the.West. Upon returning East he located
in Philadelphia, where for three years he was
engaged in the same line of work. He con-
ducted a machine shop and foundry at Ma-
hanoy for three years. He then moved to
Bloomsburg and formed a partnership with
B. F. Sharpless, and they conducted a foundry
for four years, after which he conducted it
alone for two years. In 1875, in company
with George Hassert, a skilled mechanic, Mr.
Harman bought the old Barton farm, ‘upon
which they erected a building and began the

‘manufacture of stoves, plows, and mining

cars. Their success was immediate and the
business grew with such rapidity that it was
necessary to enlarge the plant in 1879, and
they have since given employment to sixty
hands the year around. . It is one of the prin-
cipal industries in the vicinity. When the ele-
vator works failed. Mr. Harman was one of the
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

753

 

 

first to advance the necessary capital to place
it on its feet again and revive the business in-
terests of the town. He purchased a house
and lot of John Penman on Iron street and
built a fine residence, in which he and his fam-
ily have since resided. In 1856 he married
Rebecca Freeze, a daughter of James and
Frances (Goss) Freeze, and they became the
happy parents of seven children, a record of
whom is as follows: Frank F., who died at
the age of five years; Howard F., who died
at the age of three; Grace, the wife of Daniel
Butler; Fanny, wife of William E. Hartman;
Jennie, who married Amos H. Stroh; James
Lee, who married Jessie Kimble, was an ap-
prentice to the trade of a molder, but is now
the bookkeeper of his father’s firm; Mary,
who is at home; John G., in whom the inter-
est of this sketch centers; and Paul Z., a stu-
dent at the Bloomsburg State Normal School.
Politically Mr. Harman was originally a
Whig, but is now an unswerving Republican;
he has served on the town council for three
terms and has been president of it for four
years. Religiously he is a liberal supporter
of the Episcopal Church. He is very promi-
nent socially, being past master of Washing-
ton Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M., past high
priest of Bloomsburg Chapter, No. 218, R. A.
M.; past E. M. T. commander of Crusade
Commandery, No. 12, Knights Templar; and
V. G. treasurer of Zerrubabel Council, P. of J.

John G. Harman, after completing the re-
quired course in the public schools, attended
the State Normal School at Bloomsburg, from

which institution he graduated with the class -

of 1891. He then read law under Col. John
G. Freeze, one of the most distinguished law-
yers of Columbia County, and was admitted
to the bar in May, 1894. He immediately
was taken in as a partner to his former pre-
ceptor, Col. Freeze, and they have since prac-

 

ticed together. Being an earnest and elo-
quent pleader, our subject rose rapidly in his
chosen profession to a position of prominence.
In September, 1896, he was appointed district
attorney to succeed T. B. Hanley. He com-
pleted the term of office in a satisfactory man-
ner, and January 1, 1897, was elected to that
office, which he has creditalbly filled since.

Mr. Harman was united in hymeneal bonds
to Mary Sherwood, daughter of H. G. Sher-
wood of Bloomsburg, who is loved by a large
circle of friends for her many estimable traits
of character.

a

EV. GEORGE J. BRECKEL,* who
is faithfully discharging the duties of
pastor of St. Joseph’s Church of
Milton, Northumberland County, Pa., and of
St. Michael’s Church at Sunbury, is a man
in whom every member of his parish unhesi-
tatingly reposes confidence, and one whom
everybody esteems. He is a son of Francis
and Mary Annie (Klute) Breckel, and was
born in Lancaster, Pa., September 8, 1870.
Francis Breckel, the father of our subject,
was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg,
Germany, September 1, 1824, and after re-
ceiving a good education learned the trade of
a baker. He soon after came to America and
located in Philadelphia, and subsequently in
Lancaster, Pa., where he followed his trade,
after some time entering business on his own
account. He contracted what is known as
baker’s consumption and was obliged to give
up his bakery, but he purchased a small piece
of land in the suburbs, on which he erected
a home, and there lived until his death, March
9, 1875. Politically he was a Democrat. He
was united in marriage with Mary Annie
Klute, who was born in the town of Olendorf,
754

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Armsberg, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany,
December 25, 1825, She was left an orphan
at an early age and came to this country, mak-
ing her home at Lancaster, where she married
Mr. Breckel. Their union resulted in the fol-
lowing issue: Rev. Francis L.; Tressia, who
died at the age of twenty-one; Mary, who
died at the age of nine years; Margaret and
Elizabeth, twins, who died in infancy; Sophia,
wife of D. Gochenour of Lancaster; John, de-
ceased; and George J., the subject of this
biographical record. .

Rev. George J. Breckel obtained his prelim-
inary training in the parochial school at St.
Joseph's, Lancaster, and was prepared for the
ministry at St. Vincent's, entering in 1885,
and taking a complete classical, philosophical
and theological course of study. On July 16,
1896, he was. ordained to the priesthood by
Rt. Rev. Thomas McGovern, Bishop of Har-
risburg, at the Cathedral, a nephew of the
Bishop being ordained at the same time. He
was shortly after called to his first charge, as
pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Milton and
of St. Michael’s at Sunbury, and has continued
as such up to the present time.

Among the earliest settlers of Milton were
many Catholics, and the first religious services
held in the valley of the West Branch were
held by them immediately after the close of
the Revolutionary War. They were held in
an old log hut which was erected for that pur-
pose on the farm of Martin Kieffer, and it is
recorded that some of the old Catholics of
Turbot township were buried there as far back
as 1787. A missionary priest occasionally vis-
ited the settlement to celebrate mass, instruct
and baptize the children, and preach the word
of God to the little congregation, thus keep-
ing alive the spark of Catholic faith in the
hearts of those pioneer families. About four
acres of land for parochial and burial purposes

 

were deeded to Rev. Francis Neale of George-
town, D. C., by John and Margaret Kieffer
May 13, 1805, adjoining the place of worship,
which was destroyed by fire May 14, 1880. On
March 1, 1882, Father Ganss, who was then
pastor, bought the property previously known
as the old Academy Hill, lying south and east
of the old parochial residence built by his
predecessor, and upon the exact site of the
academy he erected the present church at a
total expense of $10,000. He subsequently
laid out the grounds in lawns and terraces, and
the property is now one of the handsomest in
Milton. The building is in thorough harmony
with the best and most approved ideas of
Gothic architecture. It is conspicuously lo-
cated on one of the historic spots in Milton,
around which cluster many of the tenderest
ties and most sacred memories of pioneer
days.

St. Michael's Church at Sunbury, a mission
connected with St. Joseph's parish, had its be-
ginning in the autumn of 1863, as a result of
the efforts of Rev. J. J. Koch, who had pre-
viously conducted services at the home of a
Mr. McNamara, which stood on the site of
the Pennsylvania depot, and in the home of
John Leavy, on-Fourth street. At the latter
place he conducted services once every month
until 1866, when he was called to Shamokin.
During this time he collected subscriptions
amounting to $300, which formed the nucleus
of the fund subsequently used in purchasing
the property on which the church now stands.
Rev. Arthur McGinnis of Danville acted as
pastor during the following two years, but
since that time the pastors of Milton have had
charge. About this time Maj. Malone made
a grand effort toward securing a permanent
place of worship, and as a result of his en-
deavors and those of his able assistant, Rev:

Michael McBride of Harrisburg, enough
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. . 755

money was obtained to purchase the old
Methodist Church on Arch street in 1872, the
purchase price amounting to $3,500. It was
at once fitted up for Catholic worship and was
dedicated by Bishop Shanahan, and services
have since been held there weekly. Rev. Dan-
iel Maher succeeded Father Ganss as pastor
of St. Joseph’s, and he in turn was succeeded
by Rev. Thomas Hayes, who was relieved by
the present pastor.

Father Breckel is a learned, zealous and
energetic priest, and although he has been
connected with the parish but a few years, he
has the entire confidence of all who have been
so fortunate as to know him. He is especially
popular among the younger members of the
congregation and is at all times devoted to
their interests and ready to encourage and
foster every laudable enterprise that will ad-
vance them. In season and out of season he
has been assiduous in his labors for the eleva-
tion of his flock, and all ages and conditions
have been the objects of his pastoral care.
Whilst there he has made improvements in
many ways, and his good work, perseverance
and excellent business methods have made
him a host of admirers, not only among his
parishioners but the people in general who ap-
preciate the learned priest for his strict integ-
rity. In the cause of temperance he has taken
an advanced position and his work in this line
has been most gratifying to him in its happy
success.

 

AVID HOOVER,* a retired farmer
and carpenter of Snydertown, Pa., was
born in Shamokin township on the old

Hoover homestead, October 16, 1846. He is

a son of Samuel and Sarah (Lees) Hoover.

Samuel Hoover, our subject’s father, was

 

 

 

 

 

born in Shamokin township August 26, 1806,
and died February 26, 1872. His wife, Sarah
(Lees) Hoover, was born in Northumberland
County, November 12, 1804, and survived her
husband but one month, dying March 27,
1872. They were the parents of nine children,
namely: Sarah, born March 24, 1833, married
William Reed, now a retired farmer, and they
live at Reed’s Station, Shamokin township;
John, now deceased, was born August 27,
1834; Jacob, now a retired hardware mer-
chant and farmer, was born April 11, 1836,
married Ella Shrives, and lives in Bushnell,
Ill.; Margaret, now deceased, was born
March 13, 1836, married Lafayette Savage,
who lives at Snydertown; Mary A., born Jan-
uary 10, 1840, married Edison Wolverton and
lives at Holton, Kansas; Louisa, ‘now de-
ceased, born March 28, 1842, married Lafay-
ette Savage; Eli, born March 16, 1844, mar-
ried Emma Wolverton, and lives at Riverside,
Pa.; David, our subject; and Harriet, born
January 31, 1849, who is single and lives in
Snydertown, Pa. All of the children were
educated in the common schools. In early
life Samuel Hoover was a cooper by trade
and at a later period followed tanning and also
engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was
with his brother Joseph in the tanning busi-
ness in Shamokin township for thirty years,
but sold out in 1867 and bought a farm upon
which he lived the remainder of his life. He
was overseer of the poor and held many town-
ship offices. Socially he was a member of the
L. O. O. F. lodge at Snydertown. He very
generously gave his financial aid to the erec-
tion of the Lutheran Church of which he was
a member and his good works and active life
made him very well known in that part of the
county. ws

David Hoover, our subject, received a good
education in the common schools and then, at
756 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

the age of seventeen, went to Danville, Pa.,
where he learned the carpenter’s trade and
worked at it for three years. He was married
February 25, 1875, to Kate Reabuck, a native
of Rush township, and a daughter of Joun
and Sallie (Ressler) Reabuck of Mahanoy
township, Northumberland County. The
former spent his life in agricultural pursuits
and in 1851 moved to Rush township, where
he now lives. Our subject and wife have one
son, John Samuel, who was born November
10, 1890.

Mr. Hoover lived on his father’s farm, while
he also worked at the carpenter’s trade, until
he moved to his present home in 1898. He is
the owner of one of the most beautiful homes,
with all the modern improvements, in that sec-
tion of the county. He commenced building
it in 1866 artd brought it to its final comple-
tion in 1878. He still owns the old farm of
about eighty acres, which he now rents. For
several years he has been a member of the
school board; has served as chief burgess of
Snydertown borough; and also as overseer
of the poor.
The Lutheran Church has found in him

In political views he is a Demo-
crat.
a worthy and active member and has honored
him with many offices, which he has accept-
ably filled. His industry and careful dealings
‘have made him very successful and he is con-
sidered one of the most popular and esteemed
citizens of Snydertown.

R. WALLACE JOSEPH RAN-
DALL,* deceased, was a gentleman
widely known throughout Sullivan
County, and for many years was the only
practitioner of medicine in the borough of
Forksville. He was a son of Orrin Randall,

 

 

 

 

 

and was born at Columbia Cross Roads, Brad-
ford County, Pa., January 16, 1835.

Dr. Randall was educated in the public
schools of Elmira. He took up the study of
medicine with Dr. Axtel of Troy, Pa., later
being admitted to practice. He then prac-
ticed with his preceptor at Troy until about
1860, when he located at Forksville, Sullivan
County, continuing there until his death.
Ambitious by nature, he continued to study
during practice and obtained a wonderful
knowledge of medical science and great skill
in the treatment of his cases. Being the only
physician in that vicinity, his practice assumed
vast proportions. Many of his patients lived
at distant places necessitating long and hard
drives almost every day, but being of excep-
tionally strong constitution he withstood the
strain for years. His constitution finally was
impaired and typhoid fever setting in he was
obliged to take to his bed, but he believed
that it would be but a short time before he
would be about again. However, he never
rallied and passed away on October 3, 1881,
leaving a family and scores of friends to
mourn his loss. The doctor had been very
successful financially, and was the owner of
large real estate interests. As rapidly as he
could earn the money, he would invest it to
advantage and in this he always displayed
the best of judgment and unusual foresight.
At the time of his death he owned the noted
hotel Eagle Mere, and many acres of choice
land there. He owned what is known as the
John Brown farm, which he improved in
many respects,.making it a very valuable
property. He also owned a number of large
timber tracts. He purchased the John Brown
residence on Bridge street in Forksville,
where Mrs. Randall now resides, and in which
he had his office. Just prior to his last sick-
SEVENTEENTH ENC RESSLONAL DISTRICT. 757

 

ness he had a cellar almost nee for a
new store and office building, which he plan-
ned to be built on a lot adjoining his residence.
After his death Mrs. Randall carried out his
plans and erected a fine business block, and
also built a new house, which he expected to
erect, on the farm.

Mrs. Randall was born January 26, 1843,
and is a daughter of Wheeler and Hannah
(Ball) Green of Hillsgrove, Pa., and her union
with Dr. Randall was blessed with the follow-
ing children: Wilham F., a physician practic-
ing at Dushore, who was born February 7,
1867, and married Della Fleming, by whom
he has a son, Ralph; Esther M., born Novem-
ber 16, 1869, who married Rev. Charles
Schaubacher, a minister of the Methodist
Episcopal Church of Pennelton Center; Moses
L., of Lincoln Falls, Pa., born January’ 22,
1873, who married Nellie Osler, and they
have one son, Milton; John W., born August
8, 1876; Washington E., a drug clerk, who
was born November 9, 1878; and Maude,
born March 26, 1880. Socially our subject
was a member of Sullivan Lodge No. 522, I.
O. O. F. In politics he was a Republican; in
religious belief he was liberal.

+4 o>—_——_

REDERICK W, V; LORENZ a
German of great ability and enter-
prise, and a civil engineer by profes-

sion, is just in the prime of life and has had
quite an interesting career. He came to Amer-
ica in October, 1877, but remained in the
United States less than one year, departing
for Brazil on June 2, 1878, with some friends
and a corps of men employed by Philadelphia
capitalists to construct a railroad in South
America. After sojourning in that tropical
region for several months and having varied

 

 

 

and exciting experiences he decided to return
to the United States, which he accordingly
did in 1879. Immediately after his return he
was employed by the Philadelphia & Reading
Railroad Company for some time, subsequent-
ly entering the service of the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company. He remained with these
two companies until 1886, deciding at that
time to work at his chosen profession, that of
civil engineer. For several years he continued
to work at engineering and surveying, and did
a great deal of special work, prominent among
which may be mentioned the large railroad
bridge spanning Shamokin Creek and two
railroads. The construction of this substan-
tially-built bridge was in the sole charge of
our subject and was built conjointly by the
Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company
and Northern Central Railway Company,
costing $40,000. It is a magnificent structure
and Mr. Lorenz justly deserves the reputation
he secured by this piece of work. The bridge
is of modern construction and contains the
very best materials obtainable. Our subject
located in Shamokin permanently in 1882, be-
ing called there to assist his uncle, W. Lorenz,
chief engineer of the Reading system, in
building the Sunbury and Shamokin division
of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. Dur-
ing 1895 and 1896 he was city engineer of
Shamokin.

Our subject was born in Burgsteinfurt,
Westphalia, Germany, December 26, 1853,
and is a son of Victor and Augusta (Drost)
Lorenz. He received his education in the
high schools and colleges of Germany.

Victor Lorenz, father of our subject, has
held a high and important position in his na-
tive country, Germany, where he still resides.
He has an interesting life-history and is now
enjoying the comforts of an independent com-.
petency in old age and is the faithful and be-
758 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

loved friend of his employer. He was born
October 15, 1833, and was educated in the
schools of Germany. At the age of twenty-
five years he accepted the high and honorable
position of counsellor to the Prince of Ben-
theim Steinfurt, of the German nobility, and
has held that important and lucrative position
ever since; in fact, he has been in the service
of the Prince for about fifty years, and the
family counsellor of eight children, who love
and respect him, not as their servant, but as
their friend. Few can boast of having been
so intimately connected with people of such
rank, and our subject is justly proud of his
father.

Frederick W. V Lorenz was united in mar-
riage, by the beautiful Episcopal service, with
Clary Beury, a daughter of Christian Beury,
of Shamokin, Pa., on June 25, 1884. They
now have two bright and attractive daugh-
ters: Helen B., born August 30, 1885; and
Nancy L., born July 17, 1887. These daugh-
ters, just entering their teens, are a source of
pride and gratification to their parents, who
are rearing them in accordance with the doc-
trines of the Protestant Episcopal Church, of
which Mr. Lorenz is a vestryman.

 

oe

SWEISFORT, D. D. S.,* of Danville,

« Whose handsome dental parlors is at

the corner of Mills and Mahoning

streets, is one of the enterprising and pro-

gressive business men of the borough. He

is a son of Jonas Sweisfort, and was born in

Gilbertsville, Douglas township, Montgom-
ery County, Pa., December 19, 1839.

Jonas Sweisfort, the father of our subject,
was born in the state of Pennsylvania, and
early in life was the proprietor of a hotel, but
later, after settling in Montgomery County,

 

he was largely interested in the lumber busi-
ness. He married a Miss Whitman, and they
reared a large family of children.

After completing his education in the pub-
lic schools Dr. Sweisfort decided to adopt the
profession of a dentist, and went to Philadel-
phia, where he began to study, but when the
Civil War began he immediately enlisted in
Company C, 3rd Reg., Pa. Vol. Cav. He
served for three years and twenty-four days
as sergeant, and after receiving his discharge
returned to Philadelphia to resume his studies.
Upon taking his degree as dentist he imme-
diately entered upon a practice in Danville.
He was successful and soon established a large
general practice, although his greatest suc-
cess has been in the manufacture of sets of
false teeth and in bridge work. He is up-to-
date in his methods and ranks among the first
in skill and general ability; by careful and
conscientious work he has built up a practice
which we may safely declare with no fear of
successful contradiction to be the finest in
Montour County. He is actively interested
in the progress and enterprise of Danville,
being a member of the town council and a
member of the board of trustees of the Thom-
as Beaver Free Library, for which he has
selected and purchased nearly all of the

books. In 1879 he was made a member of the

national guard organization at Danville, of
which he was lieutenant for many years, but
later was lieutenant-colonel.

Dr. Sweisfort was united in the holy bonds
of wedlock with Hannah, a daughter of John
Everett of Montour County, and they are the
parents of two children: Lucy E., deceased;
and Gussie May. Socially he is a member
of Mahoning Lodge, No. 516, F. & A. M.,
and of Goodrich Post, No. 22, G. A. R. He
and his worthy wife are members of the Re-
formed Church.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 7E9

 

B. FISHER,* whose reputation
throughout Northumberland Coun-
ty is well established, is the proprie-

tor of the Neversink House at Trevorton, Pa.
He is a son of Valentine and Rebecca (Brit-
ton) Fisher, and was born November 21, 1849,
in Berks County, Pa.

Valentine Fisher was born in Berks Coun-
ty, Pa., about 1825, and moved to Trevorton
in 1865, where he has followed the tinner’s
trade during all of his active life. His wife
died in 1888. They were blessed with ten
children.

Z. B. Fisher, the subject of this biography,
was a mere boy when his parents moved to
Trevorton. At the age of sixteen he became
a slate-picker, being under the employ of the
Fagleys, and at the age of eighteen he began
mining. Most of his experience has been as
a contract miner, and he is now engaged most
of the time at North Franklin Mine No. 2,
with the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron
Company. In 1882 he erected a fine hotel in
Trevorton, now known as the Neversink
House. It is a large, commodious building,
three stories high, 50 foot front and 65 feet
in depth. Adjoining this well-known hotel is
Mr. Fisher’s residence, which is also three
stories high, 28 foot front and 48 feet deep.
These two buildings do much to improve the
appearance of the town. Politically Mr. Fish-
er is a Democrat and has been very active in
township affairs; he was constable for two
terms and overseer of the poor two terms. He
is a member of the I. O. O. F. No. 528 of
Trevorton; Knights of the Golden Eagle
Castle No. 455; and P. O. S. of A., Camp
No. 156.

Mr. Fisher married Kate Yordy, daughter
of Jacob Yordy of Trevorton, Pa. For many
years Mr. Yordy was justice of the peace and
was postmaster in 1860. He also taught

 

school many years in Trevorton and in the
township. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have been
blessed with nine children, as follows: Archi-
bald; Clyde; Bert; Valentine; Mabel; and
Vernon, all at home; Maud, deceased; Flora
Irene; and Zephaniah.

 

2

 

ILLIAM Y. CRUIKSHANK,* the
popular and efficient superintend-
ent of the casting department of the

Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company,
is a skilled mechanic, who has the supervision
of the work of 200 men. He was born in
Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pa., and is a
son of James and Margaret (McFarland)
Cruikshank.

~ James Cruikshank, the father of our subject,
was a molder by trade, and followed it during
his entire life. He had fifty years’ experience
in that line of work and, being an apt and
conscientious worker, he acquired a great deal
of skill. He and Margaret McFarland took
the matrimonial vows and they became the
parents of a family of children, one of whom
is William Y., the subject of this personal his-
tory. Mrs. Cruikshank closed her eyes in
final sleep at the age of forty-seven years, and
her husband died at the age of seventy-three
years.

William Y. Cruikshank received his educa-
tion in the common schools, after which he
learned the trade of a molder with his father,
and soon after was appointed superintendent
of the Lebanon Manufacturing Company of
Lebanon. In 1894 he was called to his pres-
ent position as superintendent of the casting
department of The Jackson & Woodin Manu-
facturing Company, which, when running
regularly, uses from 150 to 200 tons of pig
iron daily. Our subject has won the confi-
760 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

dence of his employers, who regard him as one
of the most reliable and faithful men in their
employ. He always pays the strictest atten-
tion to his business duties, and in private life
he is always looked upon with favor and is a
highly respected citizen.

Mr. Cruikshank was united in marriage to
Jennie Hunter, a daughter of Alexander Hun-
ter, and they are the proud parents of six chil-
dren, as follows: William H., deceased; Alex-
ander, a molder by trade; Mary, who married
J. C. Lynn; James K. and John C., twins,
who have just graduated from Berwick High
School; and Margaret, deceased. In religious
attachments the members of the family are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Socially our subject is a Mason.

ON. JAMES FOSTER,* chief bur-
gess of the borough of Danville,
N—_— Montour County, and general
manager of the Danville Stove Manufacturing
Company, which is the largest stove company
in the eastern part of the state, was born
March 18, 1842, and is a son of Thompson
and Eliza (Irwin) Foster.
Thompson Foster was of Scotch-Irish ex-
traction, and was born in North Ireland. His
trade was that of a blacksmith and mechanic,
which he had learned during his younger days.
He left his native country and came to the
United States, locating in Pittsburg, Pa.,
where he followed his trade a short time, and
then moved to Danville, Montour County,
Pa. He next was connected with the mam-
moth blacksmith shops of the iron works of
Danville, where he remained many years,
when he retired from the active duties of life
and moved to Philadelphia, where he died at
the age of seventy-nine years. He was joined

 

 

in marriage to Elizabeth Irwin, a native of
North Ireland, and they were the parents of
the following children: Alexander; Elizabeth;
James, the subject of this sketch; Jennie;
Thompson; Thomas; and Frances. Mr. Fos-
ter served as councilman of Danville and
as a director of the public schools.

Our subject received his elementary educa-
tion in the public schools of Danville and
then worked with his father, learning the trade
of a blacksmith. In 1862 he enlisted in Com-
pany A, 132d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., for a term
of nine months, but at the expiration of that
time he re-enlisted and served throughout the
close of the war. The most noted battles in
which our subject participated were Antietam,
in which he was wounded; Chancellorsville;
and Fredericksburg. At the close of the war
he was a member of the 194th Regiment, of
which he was first lieutenant; he was honor-
ably discharged in 1865, but again re-enlisted
in the 214th Regiment, which was discharged
in March, 1866. Returning to Danville, he
took up his former trade, which he followed
until 1882. On August 7th of that year the
Danville Stove Manufacturing Company was
organized, with the following officers: Henry
Vincent, president; our subject, superintend-
ent; and W. J. Baldy, treasurer. They pur-
chased the De Long Foundry, which they op-
erated at first on a small scale, but the busi-
ness increased so rapidly they were obliged to
enlarge their plant; accordingly, they erected
a large five-story structure 238 feet long, and
they now employ a force of 150 men. The
present officers are \V. B. Chamberlain, presi-
dent; James Foster, general manager; J. A.
Yorks, treasurer; and J. C. Lynn, secretary.
Our subject is also traveling salesman, and has
established agents in all the principal cities
east of the Mississippi River. The company
manufactures the well-known Beaver Steel
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 761

 

 

Plate Furnace, in which either bituminous
or anthracite coal may be used; also parlor
and cooking ranges.

James Foster was united in marriage to
Mary Gulick, a native of Danville, and a
daughter of Isaac Gulick, who comes from
the oldest families of Montour County. The
following children have blessed the home of
our subject and wife: John, a prominent shoe
merchant of Danville; Elizabeth; Phoebe,
deceased; Jennie; Alexander, a bookkeeper;
and James, deceased. Mr. Foster is a mem-
ber of St. Paul’s Methodist Church, of which
he is steward and a trustee; also superintend-
ent of the Sabbath School. He is a member
of Calumet Lodge No. 279, I. O. O. F., and is
a member of Goodrich Post No. 22, G. A. R.,
of Danville, of which order he served four
years as district deputy. Our subject was one
of a committee to organize the Danville Wa-
ter Works and was secretary and superintend-
ent of the same for many years. He owns a
fine residence on Walnut street and other
property in Danville.

—

LBERT E. THOMPSON,* mine fore-

man at Henry Clay Colliery at Sham-

okin, has occupied that important

situation since the autumn of 1888. He was
born in 1862 in Somersetshire, England, and
is the eldest son of Silas and Jane (Gass)
Thompson. He was brought to this country
by his parents at the age of three years, at-
tended the common schools until nine years
of age, and then went to work in the break-
ers and continued until he attained the age
of fifteen. For a couple of years after that he
worked in and about the mines, subsequently
becoming a miner, working in the Schuylkill
region and other places until he became of

 

age, when he was promoted to fire-boss at
Stanton Colliery, Gilberton, Pa. He labored
in that capacity at different places until 1888,
when he was appointed foreman at Henry
Clay Colliery.

Silas Thompson, father of our subject, im-
migrated in 1865, locating at New Philadel-
phia, Schuylkill County, Pa., and at once en-
gaged in mining. He subsequently worked as
a miner at Shenandoah in 1869; at Gilberton
in 1875; became a mine foreman in 1880 at
Stanton Colliery at Gilberton; from 1884 to
1886 was operating Chumberton Colliery on
a small scale; located in Shamokin in 1891
and remained there until his death in 1895.
He was a consistent member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, and was associated
with the I. O. O. F.; Knights of Pythias; and
Eagle Sons of St. Lawrence. His widow sur-
vives him. Their family consisted of three
sons and three daughters, besides one who
died in infancy, as follows: Alfred, subject of
this sketch; Helen, wife of William Boone, of
Gilberton; Carrie, widow of Jacob Turner, of
St. Clair; Frederick, who died young; Willis,
who resides at Shamokin and is engaged in
clerking; and Viola, who is at home, the com-
fort of her mother, to whom she is devotedly
attached.

April 3, 1889, our subject was united in
marriage with Sarah A. Beese, who was born
November 23, 1863, and is a daughter of
Solomon and Martha (Head) Beese. Her
parents are natives of Wales and immigrated
to America the same year that Sarah was
born, locating in St. Clair, where the aged
father still resides, having followed the occu-
pation of a miner all his life. Twice have our
subject and his wife been blessed with a child
and twice has the Grim Messenger deprived
them of the same; first a son, George Fred-
erick, born November 2, 1890, died July 11,
762 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

1894; secondly, Guy Daniel, born June 1,
1892; died August 2, 1892.

Mr. Thompson is a member of the Colum-
bia Tin Company of St. Clair. He is a mem-
iver of St. Clair Lodge, No. 255, 1. OG. 0. FE.
and of the Elks of Shamokin.

 

 

 

R. REUBEN HOLLENBACK,* a

| leading dentist of Shamokin, Pa., is a

ST son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Sherry)
Hollenback. He was born September 1, 1841,
in Lower Augusta township, near Sunbury,
Pa., where he was reared. At the age of six-
teen years he began to teach school and con-
tinued in that occupation for six years, teach-
ing in Coal township and Shamokin,

While teaching our subject took up the
study of the dental profession under the tute-
lage of Dr. B. F. Van Boskirk of Selinsgrove,
Snyder County, Pa. He entered the Pennsyl-
vania Dental College in Philadelphia in 1877,
and after graduating from that institution re-
moved to Shamokin where he since has resid-
ed and has continuously practiced his profes-
sion, now possessing a large clientage which
‘he has secured by the excellence of his dental
work, his uniform courtesy and his painstak-
ing effort to keep abreast with every progres-
sive and modern method in dentistry.

Politically our subject is a staunch Repub-
lican and has for years been active in the in-
terest of his party. He has been a member of
the common council of Shamokin, in which he
now represents the Third Ward, and he served
for one year as president of the body. Dr.
Hollenback never sought public office, ex-
cepting when he yielded to the wishes of his
many friends and consented to become a coun-
cilman. He is a member of St. John’s Re-
formed Church.

 

 

Our subject twice has been married, his first
marriage being to Dorothea, daughter of Mi-
chael M. Sober, who resided in the Irish Val-
ley; Northumberland County. Mrs. Dorothea
Hollenback died October 24, 1887, leaving
three children, as follows: William S., who is
a resident of Reading, Pa., and a. piano-tuner
by occupation; Hudson, a dentist practicing
in Mount Carmel, Pa., who graduated from
the Pennsylvania Dental College in Philadel-
phia in 1891; and Edwin E., also a dentist, a
graduate of the Pennsylvania Dental College
from which he received his diploma in 1892,
then engaging in practice with his father un-
til 1898, when he established an independent
office in Shamokin, Pa. Dr. Reuben Hollen-
back was married December 6, 1888, to Savil-
la, daughter of William Fidler of Shamokin,
and to them have been born two children,
Harry Franklin, aged eight years, and Flora
Lillian, aged six years.

Dr. D. S. Hollenback, brother of our sub-
ject, a prominent physician and surgeon of
Shamokin, was born May 26, 1836, in Lower
Augusta township, Northumberland County,
being the eldest son of Daniel and Elizabeth
(Sherry) Hollenback. He was educated in
the township schools and at Freeburg Acad-
emy, subsequently studied medicine in the of-
fice of Dr. Eyster, now of Sunbury, Pa., and
was graduated from the Jefferson Medical
College in Philadelphia, in April, 1864. Soon
after his graduation from Jefferson College
Dr. Hollenback entered upon the practice of
medicine and surgery in Shamokin, where he
since has resided and has become one of the
leading practitioners of the county. He mar-
ried Clara, daughter of Isaac Sober of Sham-
okin township, and to them has been born one
child, William W. Dr. Hollenback is an ard-
ent Republican, but never has been a seeker
of office and has held only one public position,
SEVENTEENTH. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

763

 

 

that of director of the poor, which he most ac-
ceptably filled in 1876. Dr. Hollenback is a
leading member of St. John’s Reformed
Church of Shamokin. He is widely known
as one of the oldest practitioners of medicine
in Northumberland County that are now ac-
tively engaged in their profession.

OHN J. WEBSTER‘ is one of the larg-
est lumber dealers of Sullivan County
and is practically a resident of Estella,

Elkland township, Sullivan County, Pa.,
where he owns a handsome residence, a large
and well improved farm and other valuable
property; he is temporarily located, however,
in Forks township. He is the eldest son of
Jonathan and Harriet (Blakeley) Webster, and
was born at White Deer Creek, Montour
County, Pa., October 8, 1836.

Jonathan Webster was born in England,
where he learned the weaver’s trade. Coming
to this country he located at Philadelphia,
where he worked at his trade for a short time.
Being a skilled and successful workman he
soon obtained a more lucrative situation in a
large woolen factory at White Deer Creek. By
unceasing labor and close economy he saved a
considerable sum of money which he invest-
ed in land, which at that time was very cheap.
He purchased 100 acres in Elkland township,
where his son William now resides. In sum-
mer, by patience and great effort, he slowly
cleared the timber from the land that he mrght
cultivate the soil. Out of the logs he built a
log house, where he and his wife lived in true
pioneer fashion. In winter he worked at his
trade for Thomas Engham at Monroeton.

In this way by unceasing toil in both sum-
mer and winter he was soon able to build
larger and more substantial buildings, the

 

same now standing on the farm. In his house
he put up a loom on which, during spare tinte,
he wove cloth for his family, and also for his
neighbors. He made a specialty of weaving
handsome shawls, which were a source of wou-
der and delight to all his neighbors and
friends; thus he was more prosperous than
many in his vicinity and accumulated a nice
property, the benefits of which he enjoyed to
the day of his. death, which occurred on the
farm at the age of seventy-three. His religious
life was based upon the doctrines of the An-
glican Church. He was a Whig in politics
and later a Republican. His wife died at the
home of our subject in 1896, aged eighty-four
years. Their children were: John J., the sub-
ject of our sketch; George, now deceased,
who served in the Union Army in the Re-
bellion; Ellen, deceased; William, of Elkland
township; Jonathan, who was killed in -the
War of the Rebellion; James, of Sugar Run;
Elizabeth, now deceased; and Marsden of
Bradford County.

John J. Webster was brought to Elkland
township by his parents when he was six
months old. There he was reared as a farmer
and at the age of twenty-one bought eighiv
acres of the George Molyneux tract near what
is now Estella, it being at that time an un-
touched wilderness. There he built a smali
boarding-house and kept a country tavern, at
the same time commencing the work of clear-
ing his farm. This venture was so successful
that eighty acres more of the same tract were
added to his farm. Being a man of energy
and enterprise he was desirous of obtainiag
the most possible good from the natural re-
sources of his land, so he built a saw-mili on
his grounds and manufactured lumber from
the timber in his own forest, also sawing for
his neighbors who came from miles around
bringing logs to his saw-mill. After years

©
764 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

of toil and industry he succeeded in improv-
ing his farm to his own taste and now enjoys
the honor and distinction of being one of the
most prominent agriculturists in his section
of the state.~

One of the noted features of this elegant
farm is a fine apple orchard of 150 trees. Mr.
Webster has given the care of this splendid
farm of 160 acres to a tenant, for he is so
busily engaged elsewhere that it is impossi-
ble for him to give his personal attention to
farming; he realizes, however, that much
more money can be made in the lumber busi-
ness than in farming, consequently he is ex-
tensively engaged in lumbering on the large
tracts of timber land owned by the Union
Tanning Company in Forks township.

Mr. Webster has been twice married. His
first wife was Jane Kaye, daughter of William
Kaye of Elkland township. She died about
the age of twenty-five leaving four children:
Carrie, who married Frank May and is the
mother of seven children, Bertha, Millie,
George, Lloyd, Merton, Dorothy, Lorine;
Charles G., who married Ella Brown and has
five children, George, John, Seth, Della, and
Blanche; Anna, who married A. F. Moly-
neux, and also has five children, Tina, Revival,
Ada, Walter and Wetsel; and Walter, a car-
penter and wagon-maker by trade. Mr. Web-
ter’s second wife was Mrs. Catherine Camp-
bell, daughter of Samuel Norton and widow
of Henry Campbell. Mrs. Campbell had two
children by her first husband, viz.: Jennie,
who married George Morton and bore him
two children, Essie and Nellie; Irene, who
married Lyman Caufer, and also had two
children, Katie and Violet.

Our subject and his second wife have been
blessed with a family of five children, three
sons and two daughters, namely, Merton, who
married Rosa Brown, and had a family of

 

seven children, Fanny, May, Helen, Frank
and Frances, twins, and Georgie and George,
also twins, now deceased; Nellie; and Harry.
Few men many years older than our subject
can boast of such a numerous family of chil-
dren and grandchildren. Mr. Webster is a
leading spirit in the Methodist Church and
has served as a member of the building com-
mittee ever since joining the church. Politi-
cally he is a Republican, and has served in
many township offices and one term as county
commissioner. Socially he is past grand of
Sullivan Lodge No. 522, I..0. O. F.; also a
member and past president of the Elkland
Grange.

B. COTNER.* Among the citizens
of Upper Augusta township the gen-

tleman whose biography we write
occupies a prominent position among the
prosperous and enterprising farmers of North-
umberland County, Pa. He was born in Lib-
erty township, Montour County, Pa., in 1835,
and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Stein)
Cotner.

The Cotner family is of German extraction,
and was founded in this country by our sub-
ject’s grandfather, who was a native of Ger-
many. He located in Muncy, Pa., where he
resided until his death, being killed by In-
dians; he was a soldier of the Revolutionary
War. Daniel Cotner was born at Muncy, Pa.,
but when he grew to manhood he moved to
Derby township, Montour County, Pa., where
he bought a large tract of land and carried on
farming. Later he moved to Liberty town-
ship, Montour County, where he resided until
his death. He was an earnest and public-spir-
ited citizen, possessing many friends, and ‘his
death was deeply lamented by hosts of ac-
quaintances., He was joined in marriage with
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 765

 

 

Elizabeth Stein by whom he reared a family
of eight children, namely: John, who died
young; David, deceased, was a farmer, and
his wife was Sarah McGee; Daniel, who is a
farmer of Montour County and was united in
marriage with Mary Worlina; A. B., our sub-
ject; Susan, who wedded Daniel Moyer, and
both are now deceased; Barbara Ann, wife of
Robert Lyons of Upper Augusta township;
Catherine, wife of Emery Johnson, a farmer of
Hastings, Mich.; and Marion, deceased.

Our subject obtained a common school edu-
cation and remained at home working on the
homestead until he was twenty-four years of
age, and after his marriage he conducted the
homestead for seven years on his own ac-
count. Selling out in 1866, he purchased his
present property, known as the Henry Gulick
homestead, where our subject’s wife has re-
sided all her life with the exception of seven
years. Ninety-seven acres constitute the
homestead, all of which has been put under
a fine state of cultivation by our subject, and
substantial outbuildings erected. In 1874 the
present commodious barn was erected, and in
1886 he built his present home, a beautiful
two-story brick house, containing both hot
and cold water throughout, and all the other
modern improvements. Mr. Cotner is a typi-
cal farmer, and the general appearance of his
home and surroundings tends to show that he
_is a careful, industrious and progressive man.

Mr. Cotner and Margaret Gulick were hap-
pily united in the bonds of matrimony January
15, 1859. Her parents were Henry and Cath-
erine (Eckman) Gulick, both natives of New
Jersey, and were farmers of Upper Augusta
township; they are both now deceased. They
reared five children, namely: Charles, a farm-
er who was first married to Rose Smith and
after her death wedded Julia Grady; Samuel,
who also lives in Upper Augusta township;

 

Mary, and Margaret, the wife of our subject,
were twins,—Mary was wedded to Daniel
Cotner, and both are deceased; and Niona,
deceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Cotner
was blessed by the birth of six children, as
follows: Charles, a farmer of Rush township,
who wedded Ellen Moore; Daniel, a prosper-
ous lumberman of Sunbury, Pa., who was
joined in hymeneal bonds with Stella Camp-
kell; Henry a resident of Danville, Pa., who
married Daisy Gonsar; Alfreda, who died
aged five years; George, who assists his
father, married Ella Gulick; and Minnie.
Politically our subject takes an active interest
in advancing the principles advocated by the
Democratic party and is a free silver man. He
has been elected a member of the board of
school directors and overseer of the poor, the
duties of which positions he faithfully and hon-
estly discharged. Mr. Cotner is a member
and regular attendant of the Presbyterian
Church.

ENERAL GEORGE W. BIGGER,*
blacksmith of Muncy Valley, Sulli-
van County, Pa., deserves to be called

a self-made man, and is held in high esteem
by all who have business relations with him,
He was born in Franklin township, Lycoming
County, Pa., in 1843, and is a son of James
and Catherine (Race) Bigger, and a grand-
son of William Bigger. The latter was reared
by his uncle, James Bigger, and was in his
early manhood engaged in teaching district
schools for a living. Not being satisfied to
devote his life to educational purposes alone,
he learned the glass-blower’s trade, moved to
Eagle’s Mere, Sullivan County, Pa., and
worked at his trade for several years; again
the desire for a change overpowered him, and
having been economical and saved some
766 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

money, he purchased a farm, now owned by
Jacob Dubler. There he lived and died, leav-
ing two children, Margaret Hester and James.
To the latter he bequeathed his farm.

James Bigger, father of our subject, was
born in Yates County, N. Y., near Dundee.
He, like his father, also, taught school when
a young man, afterwards turning his atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits on the farm he in-
herited. Catherine Race, daughter of Abra-
ham Race of Franklin township, became his
wife; she pursuaded Mr. Bigger to sell the
homestead, which he did, removing to Ly-
coming County. There he lived for a num-
ber of years, a highly esteemed and respected
farmer, when he died while yet in the prime
of life and in the vigor of his manhood, at
the age of fifty-two years. He left his wife
and ten children to mourn his demise. The
children are, respectively: Robert, George W.
(our subject), James, Lafayette, Garrett, Mar-
garet, Marion, Henrietta, and Cynthia. Our
subject’s mother contracted a second matri-
monial alliance with Mr. Henry Converse,
and after his death, a third, with F. P. Meyers,
also now deceased. She died August 23, 1897,
aged eighty-two years, one month and twen-
ty-eight days.

G. W. Bigger spent the days of his boy-
hood attending both public and_ private
schools, leading the life most genial to a lad
full of youthful spirits. He started out in life
for himself by working in a saw-mill where he
learned the art of manufacturing lumber. He
soon became a contractor. He and his broth-
er took lumbering. jobs in Columbia County
for John Wygett, in Lycoming County for E,
Lyons and others. Reared ona farm, the free-
dom of farm life had such a fascination for our
subject that he quit the lumbering business
and began farming, which occupation he fol-
lowed uninterruptedly for twelve years; al-

 

though he found farming profitable, he real-
ized that more money could be made in the
lumber business, so he erected a saw-mill of
his own at Eagle’s Mere where he carried
on an extensive lumbering business for four
years, and reaped handsome profits. Wish-
ing to invest his earnings safely where he
could net good returns without the labor con-
nected with the saw-mill he removed to Mun-
cy Valley, bought a comfortable home, form-
erly the D. C. Stephen’s property, and became
a dealer in agricultural implements. Soon
after locating there he was offered the fore-
manship of the blacksmith department of the
Union Tannery Trust Company, which posi-
tion he accepted and has retained for the past
four years, a fitting compliment to his profi-
ciency in filling it.. Gen. Bigger finds this
position not only lucrative but it interferes
in.no way with his former business, that of
dealing in implements, which he still con-
tinues. He was united in marriage to Ida A.
Worthing, the affable and accomplished
daughter of Henry B. Worthing, of Lycoming
County, Pa., which union was blessed with
seven children: Nellie E., who wedded T, J:
Schug, of Muncy Valley, whose home is
blessed with two bright children, Leon and
Paul; Elinor, wife of David Kassinger, who
occupies a position in a planing mill at
Gaines, Tioga County, Pa.—their home is
also blessed with two bright-eyed little ones,
Pearl and a baby; Edmond; Bradley; Hur-
ley D.; Harold; and Ransom D., who are at
the old home, where they assist their worthy
parents in every possible way and add much
to the joys of life. Gen. Bigger takes great
interest in educational matters and has been
school director for three years. He is a Re-
publican, and is training his boys in the same
political belief. Both he: and his estimable
wife are willing workers in the Methodist
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 767

 

Church. Our subject has an honorable mili-
tary record. In 1863 he enlisted in Company
E, 43rd Regiment Pa. Volunteer Infantry,
and was honorably discharged. He re-enlisted
in 1864 in Company E, 209th Pa., being dis-
charged at the close of the Civil War the fol-
lowing year. Thus we leave our subject, now
‘scarcely past the prime of life.

——_-—_4-« > -

R. ELISHA W. M. LOW,* who,
5 with his brother, George L. Low,
forms the firm of Low Bros., which
is extensively engaged in the lime business at
Lime Ridge, Center township, Columbia
County, Pa., is also the owner of large landed
interests and is one of the prominent business
men of the county. He is a son of Isaac and
Maria (Miller) Low, and was born in Briar-
creek township, Columbia County, Pa., Sep-
tember 9, 1829.

The Low family was established in America
by three brothers, who came from Holland,
the land of their nativity, one locating in New
Jersey, another in New York State, and the
third, the direct ancestor of our subject, near
Muncy, Pa., on the West Branch of the Sus-
quehanna River. It is not certain as to
whether he was the great-great-grandfather
of our subject or the great-grandfather.

John Low, the grandfather of our subject,
followed the trade of a weaver, and through-
out life resided on Muncy Hills, near Muncy,
Pa. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary
War and held the rank of a captain. He was
twice married and was the progenitor of a
large family of children.

Isaac Low, our subject’s father, was born

"near Muncy, Pa., April 2, 1802, and was the
youngest child born to his parents. At an
early age he moved to Columbia County, and

 

 

 

 

 

for the first two years was employed by Jesse
and John Bowman, two very prominent busi-
ness men of that section at that time. He
later became a partner with them, purchasing
a team, with which he hauled produce to
Philadelphia and New York City and store
goods on the return trip. He continued at
that line of work for two years. He married
Maria Miller, a daughter of Abraham Miller,
a farmer and a large land-owner in Briarcreek
and Center townships. He then moved upon
a farm near Berwick, and a short time after
he and the Bowman brothers purchased the
entire estate of Abraham Miller from the lat-
ter’s heirs. This property consisted of a large
farm and mill property near Berwick and: a
farm of 308 acres at Lime Ridge. They con-
ducted their business jointly for some years,
but as the Bowmans were well advanced in
years they wished to reduce their business re-
sponsibilities and asked for a division of the
property, allowing Mr. Low the choice of es-
tates. He selected the 308 acres at Lime
Ridge, part of which was cleared, and a tract
of timber land on which the well-known lime-
stone quarries are now situated. He devoted
the remainder of his life to agricultural pur-
suits, dying on the old homestead, May 27,
1847. He was a man of great industry, and
through his own unaided efforts he attained
great success. He was originally a Jacksonian
Democrat in his political belief, but later in
life became a Whig, being a candidate on the
ticket of that party for the Legislature. Re-
ligiously he was a consistent Methodist, being
one of the pioneers of that faith in Columbia
County. His marriage was blessed by the
birth of ten children, namely: Thomas, who
died in boyhood; Eliza, deceased, who was
the wife of H. E. Freace; Elisha W. M.;
Charles, deceased, who was a merchant of
Orangeville; Mary F., the wife of H. C. Bar-
768 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

ton, a farmer on the old Low homestead at
Lime Ridge; George L., deceased, who was a
member of the firm of Low Bros., lime mer-
chants of Lime Ridge; Maria Emily, deceased,
who married John Nicely of Shickshinny, Pa.;
Alice, deceased, who was the wife of Dr. Rit-
tenhouse of Williamsport, Pa.; and Thomas
B., who died at Army Square Hospital, Wash-
ington, D. C., March 8, 1864, as a result of a
combination of diseases which he contracted
while in the service. He was a member of the
84th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and actively partici-
pated in many important battles. At the bat-
tle of Chancellorsville he was captured by the
enemy, but fortunately made his escape a
‘short time after. He was a member of the In-
valid Corps at Gettysburg, and as a result of
exposure and poor treatment he contracted
typhoid fever, from which he never recovered,
dying at the age of twenty years and thirteen
days.

Dr. Elisha W. M. Low was reared on the
farm and received his education in the public
schools and in Dickinson Seminary, from
which he graduated in 1854. He soon after
took up the study of medicine with Dr. F. C.
‘Harrison, a practicing physician of Blooms-
burg, and graduated from the medical depart-
ment of the University of Pennsylvania March
6, 1857. It was his intention to go to South
America and there take up the practice of his
profession, but he did not, as he had made
financial investments in Columbia County
which required attention. He and his broth-
er, George L., established the firm of Low
Bros., lime merchants of Lime Ridge, and
they soon commanded a large business, ship-
ping lime extensively all over the country.
George L. Low has since died, but our subject
carries on the business under the old name.
He is a large landowner, having two good
farms in Center township, one in Bloomsburg,

 

and owns considerable farm land in Kansas
and Nebraska. He is identified with many
thriving enterprises in different sections of
Columbia County; has been a director of the
First National Bank of Bloomsburg for the
past twenty-five years, and has served as its
president since 1893. He has also been a
trustee of the Danville Asylum for the Insane
for a number of years. He has been an en-
ergetic and untiring worker and has forced
his way to a prominent place among the influ-
ential citizens of the county, acquiring the
esteem and respect of all with whom he is ac-
quainted.

In June, 1861, he was joined in hymeneal
bonds with Rebecca Hill, who also comes of
a very prominent family of the county, by
whom he has had nine children: Elmer E., a
member of the firm of Low Bros.; Banks, who
died at the age of six months; Helen May,
at home; Elizabeth, who is at home; George
L., a bookkeeper of Bloomsburg; Mary, who
died in early womanhood; Alice; Thomas
Hill; and John Vincent, who resides at home.
Socially our subject is a 32nd Degree Mason.
In religious attachments he is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and is a director
and ex-president of the Mountain Grove
Methodist Camp Meeting Association. Polit-
ically he is a stanch supporter of the principles
of the Republican party. He belongs to Wash-
ington Lodge, No. 265, F.& A. M., of
Bloomsburg.

 

OHN T. THOMAS,* inside-foreman of
the Cameron Colliery, holds one of the
most important foremanships in the

Seventeenth Congressional District and the ~
anthracite region. To give an adequate idea
of the responsibility of this position we will
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 769

 

 

mention that he has under his supervision six
assistants and eight fire-bosses; this colliery
gives employment to over 1,200 hands, and
the daily output is between 1,400 and 1,500
tons. The miners work from eight to ten
veins of coal. Mr. Thomas has been in and
about the mines since he was ten years old,
occupying many important positions, and is
thoroughly acquainted with the responsibili-
ties of his position. He was appointed inside-
foreman on February 22, 1896, and has dis-
charged the duties of his office exceptionally
well.

Our subject was born April 25, 1854, in
Carmarthinshire, at Ponta Barton, Wales, and
is ason of Thomas and Rachel (Jones) Thom-
as. He received only a few months’ schooling
_ in Wales, but entered the mines of that coun-
try when only ten years old, and continued
to work at mining until he immigrated to
America, locating at once in Shamokin, where
he soon secured employment about the mines.
For three years he was fire-boss at Henry Clay
Colliery, after which he occupied a similar po-
sition for two years at the Garfield Colliery,
which is now closed. In 1893 he was pro-
moted to assistant-foreman of the Cameron
Colliery, and served in that capacity for three
years, when he was appointed to his present
position.

The father of our subject was a miner in
Wales, being an outside-foreman and check-
weigher. He immigrated to this country one
year after the arrival here of our subject, lo-
cating in Shamokin. He has worked about
the mines ever since. His family then con-
sisted of our subject, three other sons, and
three daughters. One brother, Benjamin, is
now dead. Those living are John T., our sub-
ject; Rachel, now the wife of David Thomas
of Luzerne County, Pa.; Sarah Ann, wife of
Enoch Edmonds,-of Shamokin; William, who

 

is still a bachelor, editor of the Shamokin
Daily Herald, a bright and spicy paper; Mary
Jane, wife of Theodore Berry, of Shamokin;
and Thomas F., who is employed in the
mines.

Benjamin Thomas, brother of our subject,
was a young man who was well-known and
exceedingly popular, taking a prominent part
in educational and musical matters in Shamo-
kin. He was highly educated and, prior to his
death, he was principal of the Shamokin High
School. He died in 1897.

Our subject was married January 15, 1879,
and has three bright and attractive children:
David J., aged fifteen years; Benjamin, ten
years old; and Emrys, aged six years. Mr.
Thomas is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, being leader of the choir as well as
chorister of the Sunday School. In 1897 he
organized the Mozart Glee Club, which con-
sists of from twenty-five to thirty male voices.
Fraternally he is a member of the Shamokin
blue lodge No. 255, F. & A. M.

 

>——_—

RANCIS H. KOHLBRAKER.* An-
other well-known and prominent citi-
zen of Shamokin is the superintend-

ent of the Mineral Railroad & Mining Com-
pany, the gentleman whose name heads this
sketch. His companionable traits and sterling
worth are fairly attested in his having been
with his present employers since 1871, when
he entered their employ as an engineer; in
1887 he was promoted to outside-foreman and
served faithfully in that position until 1897,
when he was promoted to his present lucrative
position. His superintendency includes the
Luke Fidler and Cameron collieries, all in
close proximity to Shamokin. These collieries
are the largest in that section of the anthracite
770 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

region of Pennsylvania, and furnish employ-
ment to a force of 2,200 hands. Mr.: Kohl-
braker’s life from boyhood has been spent in
the mining regions, and, being of a careful
and observing nature, has made this business
a life-long study; has thoroughly analyzed
every detail, and is well fitted to discharge his
duties acceptably to his employers.

George Kohlbraker, father of our subject,
was a native of Germany, and came to Amer-
ica about 1849, locating near Pottsville,
Schuylkill County, Pa. Having learned the
carpenter's trade in Germany, he followed it
for some time after coming to this country.
He removed from Pottsville to Shamokin in
1857 and worked about the mines, partly at
his trade and in the mines for some time, and
then accepted the position of foreman at the
mines in the vicinity of Shamokin. He faith-
fully performed his duties for twenty
years, when he was deprived of life by an
accident. He died in 1880, at the age of fifty-
two years. He was a zealous Democrat and
an active worker in the interest of his party;
he also took an active part in educational af-
fairs, serving as school director for a number
of years. He was a devout Catholic. He was
united in marriage with Mary Banman, a na-
tive of Switzerland; who came to Amer-
ica with her father, John Banman, who lo-
cated in Pottsville, and also followed mining.
Our subject’s mother lived to be about sixty
years old and was the mother of twelve chil-
dren, four boys and eight girls.

Francis H. Kohlbraker was born December
15, 1856, near Pottsville, Pa., and was edu-
cated in the public schools of Shamokin.
While a boy he found employment about
the mines as a slate-picker and later in life be-

_came an engineer, and worked for individual
employers until he entered the employ of the
Mineral Railroad & Mining Company in the

 

same capacity. Truly he has made himself
what he now is, an honored and esteemed
citizen.

 

R. HOWARD S. CHRISTIAN,* an
experienced and skilled physician and
surgeon, commands a large and lucra-

tive practice in Millville and the immediate

vicinity. He is a son of Jacob and Martha

(Smith) Christian, and was born in Pine town-

ship, Columbia County, February 11, 1862.

His grandfather was John Christian, who was

one of the pioneer settlers of Pine township,

locating upon the estate which has since been
known as the family homestead and is now
owned by Judson, a brother of the gentleman
whose record we write. John was an exten-~
sive farmer and lumbermar and was success-

ful in his many business ventures. He was a

member and for many years an officer of the

Baptist Church, helping to establish the first
Baptist Church in Pine township. He was the

father of two sons and two daughters, name-

ly: Jacob, the father of our subject; John;

Mary (Rantz); and Rebecca (Derr).

Jacob Christian was born in Madison town-
ship, Columbia County, June 12, 1825, and
succeeded his father as owner of the home-
stead farm, which he successfully cultivated
for many years. He also operated a saw and
chopping mill on the property and was a very
prosperous man, earning a handsome compe-
tency. He was a faithful worker in the Bap-
tist Church, in which he held many offices.
He was united in matrimonial bonds to Mar-
tha Smith, a daughter of Charles Smith, a
native of Massachusetts and a wagon maker
of Bloomsburg, and they became the parents
of seven sons and two daughters, as follows:

 

 

 

 

' Theodore, deceased, a carpenter of Jackson
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

township; John C., a merchant of Millville;
Thomas H., deceased, who was a physician of
Beacham, Pa.; Judson J., who is a farmer and
miller on the old homestead; Ella M., the wife
of Arthur Cole, a lumberman of Sereno, Pa.;
William B., a lumberman of Millville; Dr.
Howard S., our subject; Dr. Justin L., a prac-
ticing physician of Lopez, Sullivan County,
Pa.; and Richard E.

Dr. Howard S. Christian, after obtaining a
good English education in Greenwood Semin-
ary at Millville, taught school for two winters
in that locality. He then began the study of
medicine under the tutelage of the late Dr. A.
P. Heller of Millville. He then took a course
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Baltimore, Md., from which institution he
graduated in the class of 1887. He then took
a special course in operative surgery, and after
becoming proficient in that branch of his pro-
fession, entered upon his first practice at Mill-
ville, in April, 1887. He made friends rapidly
and soon established an enduring reputation
as a physician competent to treat the most
complicated cases. He is of kind and gentle
disposition and is not only the physician to his
many patients but is their close friend as well.

On September 15, 1892, Dr. Christian was
joined in hymeneal bonds to Julia E. Eves,
by whom he has one bright and interesting
young son, Joseph H. Mrs. Christian comes
of one of the oldest and best known families
of Madison township, and is a daugher of
Joseph W. and granddaughter of John K.
Eves. John K. Eves was a son of Chandler
Eves, a record of whose life may be found in
the sketch of Ellis Eves, his grandson, which
appears elsewhere in this Book of Biographies.
John K. Eves was born on the old Eves estate
in Madison township, December 15, 1802, and
spent most of his life following the occupation
of a farmer in Greenwood township where he

 

771

was a prominent man. He was a member of
the Society of Friends. He married Sarah
Whitacre, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine
(Adlum) Whitacre, by whom he had six
daughters and one son, namely: Catherine;
Rachel; Mary; Ann; Sarah; Joseph W., the
father of our subject’s wife; Hannah; and
Eleanor S. Joseph W. Eves was reared on the
farm and obtained his intellectual training in
the public schools and at Greenwood Semin-
ary at Millville; he then took a course of study
and became a surveyor by profession, which
he followed for many years in connection with
farming. He also dealt in real estate until
1870, when he moved to Millville, where he
has since resided. Like his forefathers he is
a consistent member of the Society of Friends.
March 31, 1864, he married Sarah Warner, a
daughter of James and Julia A. Warner of
Muncy, Pa., and they had one daughter, Julia
E., who is the wife of Dr. Christian.
Politically Dr. Christian is a firm supporter
of the principles of the Republican party and
is now a member of the borough council. In
religious standing and fellowship he is a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church. Socially he is a
member and ex-president of the Columbia
County Medical Society; and is a charter
member and past grand of Millville Lodge

No. 809, I. O. O. F.

+120 >

ENJAMIN FRANKLIN FRUIT,*
an honored and highly respected citi-
zen of Jerseytown, Pa., who has been

living in retirement since 1880, is a descend-
ant of one of the pioneer families of Buffato
Valley, Pa. Our subject is a son of John and
Nancy (Bower) Fruit, and was born in Fruits
town, now White Hall, Montour County, Pa.,

May 29, 1826.
772

BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

Our subject’s great-grand{ather, John Fruit,
was a native of Ireland, who, in the hope of
bettering his financial condition in life and of
procuring a home for his children, immigrated
to the undeveloped and unoccupied lands of
this country prior to the Revolutionary War.
He settled in Buffalo Valley, near Lewis-
town, Pa., where he was one of the pioneer
farmers of that section. He was the father of
a large family of children, most of whom lo-
cated in Buffalo Valley where they also en-
gaged in the cultivation of the soil. John
Fruit, the grandfather of our subject, was born
in Buffalo Valley and during his younger days
aided his father in clearing his farm. After
continuing farming a number of years in that
section he moved to what was then known as
Fruitstown, now White Hall, Montour Coun-
ty; there he engaged in general merchandis-
ing the rest of his active days. Mr. Fruit was
inspector of the state militia during the Black
Hawk War. He was a member of the Pres-
byterian Church. His wife was Ellen Clark,
a native of Buffalo Valley, by whom he raised
a large family of children.

John Fruit, our subject’s father, was his
parents’ oldest child and was born in Buffalo
Valley; when he grew to manhood he moved
to Jerseytown where he was engaged in the
hotel business many years. Later he bought
a farm in Madison township and was engaged
in tilling the soil the rest of his life, with the
exception of filling a county office, when he
resided in Danville, the county seat. In 1834
he was elected treasurer of what was then Co-
lumbia and Montour counties, and in 1840 he
was elected sheriff. He was a strong Demo-
crat in politics and a leader in his county; re-
ligiously he was a member of the Presbyte-

«rian Church of which he was a consistent sup-
porter. He was united in marriage to Nancy
Bower, a daughter of John Bower, a native of

 

Berks County, Pa., but a farmer of Derry
township, Montour County. Four sons and
two daughters were the results of this union,
namely: Benjamin F., the subject of this per-
sonal history; Dr. Richard, deceased, late a
physician of Hazleton, Pa.; John, deceased,
was a practicing physician of Buckhorn, Pa.;
Catherine, who resides at Hazleton, Pa.; Rob-_.
ert, deceased, who was a well-to-do farmer of
Liberty township, Montour County, Pa.; and
Jennie, the wife of John Jiles of Hazleton, Pa.
Our subject’s father passed from this life in
1875 at the age of seventy-five years.

Benjamin Franklin Fruit was reared on his
father’s farm and received his education in the
district schools of his native township and the
high school at Danville; in 1849 he was em-
ployed as manager of the store owned by the
Cool & Lochard Company, of Beaver Mead-
ows, Carbon County, Pa. After remaining
six years in their service he took a trip
prospecting through Iowa and other West-
ern States; returning to his native town-
ship he purchased the old homestead of his
father, and carried on general farming for
several years. He next took a position as
manager of a store at Ebervale, Luzerne
County, Pa. Six years later he embarked in
the hotel business in Carbon County, Pa., and
continued that line of business eight years,
when he moved to Hazleton, Pa., where he
remained until 1878. During that time he
purchased a farm near Buckhorn, Hemlock
township, and another in Madison township,
Columbia County. Our subject next resided
in Bloomsburg for two years, and then re-
moved to Jerseytown, where he has since lived
in retirement, with the exception of looking
after his real estate.

Mr. Fruit is a stanch Democrat in politics
and has frequently been delegate to county
and state conventions. He was united in mar-
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 773

riage to Sarah Hendershot, a daughter of
John Hendershot, a carpenter and farmer re-
siding in Madison township. Our subject and
wife are the parents of three children, only
one of whom is living: Charles H., a resident
of Jerseytown, who married Emma Swisher, a
daughter of the late Dr. Thomas J. Swisher,
and they have reared two daughters, Sarah
and Margaret.

<q eo > —~

respected citizen of Shamokin, Coal

township, Pa., was born in Cornwall,
England, March 18, 1820. His grandfather,
James May, lived and died in Cornwall, and
his father, Joseph May, was reared there also
but immigrated to the United States in 1839,
coming direct to the coal regions of Pennsyl-
vania, but removed to Canada in 1841, locat-
ing about forty miles from Toronto in the
county and township of Wilber. The remain-
der of his life was passed in agricultural pur-
suits, his death occurring on his farm in Cana-
da. He married Anna George, also a native
of England, and their family consisted of seven
children, five sons and two daughters, namely:
James, who died in Schuylkill County, Pa.;
William, who died at Mineral Point, Wis.;
Isaac, the subject of this sketch, and only
surviving member of the family of children;
Joseph, who died in Wilber County, Canada;
Thomas G., who died in Shamokin; Mary
Ann, who married William Luke and died in
Canada in 1895; Elizabeth, who married Wel-
field Lee and also died in Canada.

Isaac May, Sr., had very little opportunity
to obtain an education. His parents were
the owners of a little farm in Cornwall and he
was put to the necessity of helping maintain
the family. He came with his parents to

AD ee MAY, Sr.,* a worthy and highly

 

Schuylkill County, Pa., and when they re-
moved to Canada two years later, he remained
in that county, declaring he had come to the
United States to live and would not return
to British soil. He engaged in mining in
Schuylkill County for a period of nine years,
afterward serving as mine foreman for indi-
vidual companies for several years. He then
went into business for himself, owning and
operating a mine at Middleport until 1853,
when he located permanently in Shamokin.
There he opened up what is still known as
Buck Ridge Colliery, and operated it nearly
ten years; prior to that it had been operated
by May, Audenried & Co. He built the break-
er during the time he was connected with
Buck Ridge Colliery and added to it the Burn-
side Colliery, operating both together for six
years, then selling both of them to the Phila-
delphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company in
1883. He then went into Columbia County
where, under the name of Isaac May & Co., he
leased and operated Morris Ridge Colliery for
eight years, when he sold his interest in the
business and retired.

In 1843 Mr. May was united in marriage
with Mary Sterling, a daughter of John Ster-
ling, of Pottsville, formerly of Berks County.
To them have been born fourteen children,
eleven of whom are still living: Maj. James
Elizabeth, widow of Henry W. Morgan,
who now resides in Shamokin; Isaac, of
Shamokin, formerly in the mercantile busi-
ness; Emma, widow of A. D. Allen, who also
resides in the borough of Shamokin; Mary
Ida, wife of Jacob F. Graeber, who is now in
the Klondike region prospecting for gold;
Joseph, deceased; Sarah Jane, wife of A. A.
Heizmanson; Sue, wife of W. W. Ryon;
George; Carrie; and Laura, wife of Daniel
D. Driscoll, a bicycle manufacturer of Read-
ing, Pa.
774 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

Our subject’s wife and family are members
of St. Edward’s Catholic Church, of Shamo-
kin, in which faith Mrs. May was born and
reared. Mr. May is a devout Christian gen-
tleman, and a member of the M. E. Church.
He is a progressive, influential citizen and has
identified himself with many Shamokin enter-
prises. He was a director of the Northumber-
land County National Bank; president of the
Miner’s Trust & Safe Deposit Company; one
of the originators of the First National Bank,
and its second president and has served as di-
rector for many years. In connection with the
interest manifested by him in all of these en-
terprises he has drawn freely on his own re-
sources and done much in the way of build-
ing up and improving the town and as a con-
sequence is a large real estate owner. He is
a stanch out-spoken Republican and_ has
served as overseer of the poor for many years,
and as supervisor of Coal township, which sur-
rounds the borough of Shamokin.

 

UGUSTUS A. LUDY,* who resides

on what is well-known as the old Green

farm in Hillsgrove township, Sul-

livan County, Pa., is extensively engaged in

general farming and lumbering. He is a son

of Conrad and Elizabeth (Kauffman) Ludy,

and was born in Huntersville, Lycoming
County, July 20, 1852.

Conrad Ludy, the father of our subject, is

a native of Germany, and lived there until

1847, when he immigrated to this country and

located in Huntersville, Pa. His first employ-

ment was in a saw-mill, and while thus en-

gaged he had the misfortune to lose an arm.

Several years later he moved to Montoursville,

Pa., and after tending locks for a time re-

turned to his former business, that of lumber-

 

ing. This he followed until three years ago
since which time he has been employed as an
engineer in a saw-mill at Proctor, Pa. He was
united in marriage to Elizabeth Kauffman, a
native of Bradford County, Pa., and five chil-
dren blessed their union: Augustus A., the
subject of this biographical record; William
Franklin, who met death by drowning at the
age of six years; Charles, who died in infancy;
George Hudson, a lumberman of Roaring
Branch, Pa.; and Peter Adam, also a resident
of Roaring Branch. Mrs. Ludy was called
to her final rest in 1890.

Augustus A. Ludy was educated in the pub-
lic schools of his native town after which he
embarked in the lumbering business on Loyal-
sock Creek in Sullivan County, where his
present farm is located. He continued at that
for many years, or until he located on his farm
in 1890. The farm consists of about twenty-
six acres of well-improved land, upon which
he has since been engaged in general farming,
although he still follows lumbering to some
extent. He is a man of great industry and has
been fairly successful. In private life he is a
good neighbor and has many friends. On
January 30, 1879, he was united in marriage
with Annetta McBride, who was born in Sul-
livan County, May 30, 1857, and is a daughter
of James and Harriet (Green) McBride. Mr.
McBride was a farmer on our subject’s farm,
but is now deceased. His wife is now living
with Mr. and Mrs. Ludy. This union was
blessed with the following children: Alta, who
died in 1881, aged two years; Ella Amber,
who was born in 1882 and lives at home; and
Etta Edna, born in 1886. Politically our sub-
ject is a Republican, and has served as tax
collector in the county for four years, consta-
ble for five years, and has held many of the
minor township offices. At the present time
he is overseer of the poor and has faithfully
served in that capacity for three years. So-
cially our subject is a member of the Patriotic
Order Sons of .\merica of Hillsgrove.  Re-
ligiously his wife is a devout member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Hillsgrove.

_ tO

D. CLINTON KASE,* a retired

farmer and merchant of Elysburg,

® Pa., was born in Montour County,

Pa., and is a son of John and Eleanor (De-

Witt) Kase, both of Rush township, North-
umberland County, Pa.

William Kase, the paternal grandfather, was
born in Rush township, and followed farming
all his life. He married Elizabeth Hubler.
John Kase, the father of our subject, was born
in Rush township, Northumberland County,
where he grew to manhood, removing in 1826
to Mayberry township, Montour County, Pa.
For a short time he was a tanner and distiller
of whiskey, later taking up farming, which he
followed until he retired in 1860. Mr. Kase
was an active member of the Presbyterian
Church, being elder for many years. Politi-
cally he was a Republican, taking an active in-
terest in the township affairs and holding all
the township offices. Mr. Kase had many
friends, being well known throughout the
county. He died at the ripe age of eighty-
seven years, in 1875. Mrs. Kase died April
29, 1869. Nine children resulted from this
union: Isaac, deceased, who married Sarah
Mattler; Charles, deceased, who married
Rachael Reed; William, deceased, who mar-
ried Sally A. Scott; Elizabeth, deceased, who
married S. A. Burgestresser; Catherine A.,
who married George West, and lives in Dan-
ville, Pa.t J. DB. Clinton, the subject of
this biography; Margaret, deceased, who
married K. McWilliams of Elysburg, Pa.;

 

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 775

 

James D., a retired farmer, who lives in North
Carolina, who married Mary Tousy; and
Sarah Ella, who died at the age of seven years.

J. D. Clinton Kase, the subject of this biog-
raphy, lived in Montour County until he was
twenty years old when he married Mary
Clark, daughter of William and Jane Clark of
Rush township, where Mr. Clark carried on
farming. After marriage Mr. Kase moved to
Mayberry township, where for thirty-five years
he was known as one of the most prominent
farmers of the section. In 1890 our subject
located in Elysburg, where he conducted a
hardware store for three years, at the end of
that period selling out to his son, Harry, who
does a prosperous business. Mr. Kase still
owns the old homestead in Mayberry town-
ship and he is now enjoying a retired life,
though he continues to take an active interest
in the affairs of the church and township. Mr.
Kase is an elder of the Presbyterian Church,
taking deep interest in all church matters.
For many years he has been a member of the
school board. Politically he is an unswerving
Republican. Mr. Kase has always been a
steady and unflinching worker and his life has
been crowned with success. He is very well
known and liked throughout the county, hav-
ing many friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Kase have been blessed with
several children, as follows: Ella, who mar-
ried John Pitman, and lives in Rush town-
ship,—they have five children, Mary L., Clin-
ton, William, Hattie and Dora; Simon G.,,
who married Dora Ent, living on his farm in
Upper Augusta township; Lizzie, who mar-
ried John V. Vought, a farmer in Mayberry
township, Montour County, Pa.; Clark, who
married Emma Crick, and now lives on the
old homestead in Mayberry township; Mar-
garet, widow of Silas Miller, who now lives
with her father; John, a farmer in Mayberry
776 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.

 

 

township, who married Bessie Bobb; and
Harry C., who was born November 6, 1871,
and who married Stella Sober, January 2,
1879. Harry C. hasa large store in Elysburg,
dealing in hardware, bicycles and buggies. He
has conducted this store since 1893 and does
a large and profitable business.

EORGE E. TAYLOR,” a prominent
and influential farmer of Shrewsbury
township, Sullivan County, Pa., owns

a fine farm of 350 acres, upon which he lives.
He is a son of Frederick and Margaret (Ed-
kin) Taylor, and was born in Shrewsbury
township, February 13, 1833.

On the paternal side of the family, our sub-
ject is a grandson of Robert Taylor, who was
a native of Lewistown, Pa., and was the first
to establish the family in Sullivan county. Up-
on locating there he acquired a large tract of
timberland which he cleared with a great deal
of difficulty and much hard work, after which
he erected a home. He operated a grist-mill
and a distillery, in connection with which he
engaged in agricultural pursuits with consid-
erable success, owning 600 acres of land at
the time of his demise, at the age of sixty-two
years. He was joined in matrimonial bonds
with Elizabeth Mayhue and they reared a fam-
ily of children, one of whom was Frederick,
ous subject’s father.

Frederick Taylor was a native of Shrewsbury
township, Sullivan County, and there resided
for many years of his life, being a prominent
citizen of Muncy Valley. Politically he was a
Democrat and served as supervisor and school
director of his township. He formed a matri-
monial alliance with Margaret Edkin, who

 

was born in England and emigrated to this
country with her father, George Edkin, who
settled on a farm in Shrewsbury township,
where he resided until his death at the age of
eighty years. His wife reached the advanced
age of ninety-three years before submitting to
the inevitable. Eight children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor: Sarah, deceased, was
the wife of Beaver Kitchen, who resides at
Montgomery Station, Pa.; William, deceased,
married Mary Anderson, and now resides in
Shrewsbury township; Robert, Jr., whose life
sketch also appears in this volume; George
E., our subject; Sophia, the widow of John
Faust, who resides in Muncy, Lycoming
County; Deborah, deceased, who was the
wife of John Roach, who is also deceased;
Margaret, deceased; and Theodore, who was
killed in the Civil War, in 1865. Mr. Taylor
died on March 13, 1886, and his wife survived
him five years, dying in February, 189r.

George E. Taylor was reared on the farm
and attended the common schools of his dis-
trict. Upon leaving school he aided his father
in clearing off a tract of timberland and lived
on the home farm. He continued to live there
after his marriage, and after his father’s death
succeeded to the ownership of the old home-
stead. He is recognized as a man of worth
and influence in his community, and has a
large circle of friends.

On December 25, 1881, Mr. Taylor was
joined in wedlock with Margaret Biddle, who
was born in Bradford County, Pa., Septem-
ber 16, 1842, and is a daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Stout) Biddle. Mr. Biddle was a
farmer by occupation. Politically Mr. Taylor
has always been a stanch Democrat and has
held many of the township offices. Religious-
ly his wife is a member of the Lutheran
Church of Dushore, Pa.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. Ti7

 

 

EORGE FERTIG, ESQ.,* a Civil

War veteran, retired merchant, and

justice of the peace of Northumber-
land, Northumberland County, was born Jan-
uary 20, 1847, at Kratzerville, Snyder County,
Pa., and is a son of John and Catherine
(Klinger) Fertig, and a grandson of Jacob
Fertig.

Jacob Fertig, our subject’s grandfather,
was a native of Berks County, where he was
a farmer for some time. Later he moved to
Montour County. His children were: Polly;
Sally; Susan; Elizabeth; and John.

John Fertig, our subject’s father, was born
in Berks County, Pa., and died in March,
1864. His first wife was Eva Harmon; after
her death he was united in marriage with
Catherine Klinger, who died in 1849. He was
the father of the following children: Eliza-
beth B., who married William Hare of White
Springs, Pa.; Sarah, now deceased, who mar-
ried L. R. Miller; Polly, who died at an early
age; John, who served his country in the Civil
War for three years, was a member of Com-
pany D, 52nd Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and was
taken prisoner and died at Fort Johnston, S.
C.; Adam, a member of the 47th Reg., Pa.
Vol. Inf., who was shot in the battle of the
Wilderness; and George. Our subject’s fath-
er was a farmer by occupation, a strong Re-
publican, and held many township offices. In
religious views he was an old school Luth-
eran.

George Fertig, our subject, received his
education in the common schools. In the fall

 

of 1862 he enlisted in Company F, 122nd Pa.

Reserves, for nine months’ service. He re-
ceived his discharge at Harrisburg, returned
home and after his father’s death operated, in
company for a short time with S. R. Yerick,
a general store at Kratzerville, Pa. He then
went into partnership with John S. Beaver at
Selinsgrove, Pa., and later was in business one
and a half years in a general store with George
Wirt. He then sold out his. interest and re-
moved to Indiana, where he operated a flour-
ing mill, returning in the fall of 1865 to marry
Mary Ann Showler, a daughter of John and
Catherine (Harmon) Showler, both now de-
ceased. Mr. Showler was a blacksmith and
farmer. Our subject and wife are the parents
of two children: G. Howard, who is shipping
clerk in the novelty works, but is a hat maker
by trade, married Elizabeth Poeth of Lew-
isburg, Pa. William E. is a grinder in the nov-
elty works, married Elizabeth Van Kirk of
Point township, and had one child, Annie,
now deceased. After our subject’s marriage
he settled in Northumberland and formed a
partnership with W. T. Forsythe in a general
store, where he remained seven years. Then
for a few years he was with Van Allen & Com-
pany. Ata later period he assumed the re-
sponsibility of the business alone. He has
now retired from business life, with the excep-
tion of performing the duties of justice of the
peace, to which office he was elected in 1894.
He has held many offices in the borough, So-
cially he is a member of the I. O. O. F.; K. of
P.; Red Men; and James Taggart Post, No.
350, G, A. RB.
INDEX

Biographical

 

 

A

Adams, Dr. Louis J.

Alexander, Edwin W.

Angle, Frank C.

Arment, Dr. Samuel B.

Armstrong, vee P. and
Harry W. é :

Aucker, Reuben S.

Auten, Voris.

Avery Howard D.

B

Baker, George G.
Baldy, Peter, Sr.
Barton, Thomas J.
Beahen, Thomas W. .
Bealor, Dr. John W.
Beaver, Jesse L.
Beck, John H. .
Bedford, Henry
Bennett, R. George
Bergstresser, SamuelE. .
Betts, Henry 5.’

Bigger, General Georme Ww. ‘

Binder, Ignatius B.

Bird, Mrs. Christianna C.

Bird, Ransler B.

Bird, Ulysses

Black, Prof. Moses R.

Black, William W.

Bloom, Urias

Bloomsburg State Nouutal
School, The

PAGE

90
643
196
704

741
228
646
476

589
701
438
245
222
539
297
290
164
480
252
765
573

426 |,

614
145

64
197
141

240

 

PAGE
Bobb* Peter G. . . . 567
Bogardus, John M. . . 414
Boody, Lincoln H. ae 139
Botsford, Milton W. . . . 256
Bower, Hiram R. . wi ind SOT
Bower, HiramW. . . . AT4
Bower, Isaiah . . 4 . 255
Boyd, Daniel Montgomery 93
Breckel, Rev. George J. . . 158
Breece, Horace . ais 142
Brennan, Patrick F. . . . . 441
Brewster, Rev. Philander S., —

M: Doe. ee x SB oe ee 798
Bright, Dennis. . . .. - 640
Brobst, Martin L . . . 180
Brong, William . . . . TAT
Brower, Jeremiah John. © 41d)
Brown, George E. . . 473
Brown, Henry. . . » . 725
Brown, Hiram H. . . . . 47
Brown, JamesC. . . 182] °
Bryfogle, Winthrop C. . 422
Buck, John Watson’. . . . 561
Buckalew,Capt. John M. . . 48
Buckalew, RussellC. . . 719
Buddinger, Joseph... . 437
Burg, Horace William, M. D. 266

Cc

Cadwallader, General George B. 120
Cake, John Adam, Jr.,M. D. . 654
Camp, David . . . . . 267
Campbell, Azariah . . . 535

 

Campbell, Charles H.
Campbell, Duncan C.
Carl, John

Caswell, Edwin Cc
Cathcart, Andrew B.
Catterall, Joseph H. .
Chalfant, Hon. Thomas .
Chester, Holden
Christian, Dr. Howard S.

Clement, Colonel Charles M.

Clement, General John Kay
Clifford, John
Colt, John T.

Conner, Captain Huirisen J.

Cotner, A. B.

Creasy, Samuel C.
Croninger, Matthias
Cruikshank, William Y.
Cummings, Robert M.

D

Davenport, Ray H.
Davis, D. Ernest .
Davis, Henry Eyre
Dean, Samuel Halsey
DeArmond, Samuel Edward
Deeter, William H.
Deininger, James C.
Derby, James M.
Dewart, Family
Dewart, Lewis .
Dickson, Duval
Diemer, Harry

PAGE
413
745
288
721
420
460

45
317
770
105
103
518
265
158
764
347
217
759
285

257
671
273
679
425
524
469
502
468
469

650
780

INDEX.

 

 

Dillon, John Lloyd

Diltz, Elias

Divel, Judge Henry
_ Dorr, Charles H.

Drinker, Francis P.

Dunlap, Correll

E

Eckman, Elisha M.
Edgar, Thomas H.

Edgar & Hunt .
Edwards, Thomas J
Elliott, Dr. John A.
Elwell, George Edward
Elwell, Hon. William
Erieg, George A.

Evans, Charles C.

Evans, Lewis

Everett, Francis M. ,
Evert, William Weaver .
Eves, Ellis .

F

Fagely, George K.
Faughnan, Dr. John C.
Faughnan, Dr. P. J.
Faust, Daniel

Faust, William

Faust, William B
Fawcett, Henry E.
Ferris, Olaf F. . :
Fertig, George, Esq. .
Fischer, Rev. William E.
Fisher, Albert C.

Fisher, Z. B.

Fleming, John .
Fleming, John R.
Flynn, John W.
Forrester, Philip M.
Forry, William F.
Fosnot, Lew C.

Foster, Hon. James . .
Frick, Mrs. Elizabeth M.

Fritz, Hon, Andrew Lucius .

Fritz, Charles

Fruit, Benjamin Franielin
Funk, Nevin U.
Furmann, P. H.

G

Gallagher, John E.
Gallagher, Francis W.
Gamble, Dr. Blake E,

PAGE

79
653

246
212
606

313
129
712
676
268
179
174
509
336
629
514
442
683

135
282
695
452
191
459
568

50
T717
280
488
759
3ll

14
400
645
526
140
760
598
371
520
771
122
121

338
234
644

 

PAGE
Gansel, Hon. Joseph . . . 584
Gardner, Dr. Benjamin Franklin 542
Garr, Prof. Eimer F... . . . 408
Gearhart,AlexanderMontgomery 463
Gearhart, Bonham R., Jr. - 63
Gearhart,George M.. . . . 351
Geisinger, Mrs. Abigail A. 195
Gibbons, John F. . . . 656
Gilbert, Samuel F., M. b. . 585
Glenn, Henry F. . . 230
Glockler, Anthony > « 828
Goeser, John H. . : 485
Golembiewski, Anthony 3 119
Goodwill, Robert . . 445
Gorrey, Thomas : 605
Graham, Dr. W. T. . 746
Green, Wheeler . 627
Grier, Isaac X., Esq. ‘ 651
Gross, Frank M., M. D. 574
Gross, Frederick . . 361
Grotz,JohnK. . ‘ . 829

H

Haas, Ambrose G. . . 6380
Haas, Frederick . . . . 490
Haas, Hiram M. . . . O91
Haas, John K. . . 368
Haas, John Packer . 618
Haley, William F. . . . 702
Hall, Hyman P. . . 679
Hamilton, Major EmanuelClay . 312
Hancock, Charles P. ‘ . 622
Hanlon, Dr. William J. 53
Hannan, Frank. . 185
Harding, James J. ‘ . 440
Harman, JohnG. . we om 158
Harman, Peter S. : . 649
Harpel, Dr Marcus Woward . 457
‘Harpel, William F. - . 513
Harris, Rev. Robert N. . 699
Harrison, W. Joseph é 695
Harter, Dr. Theodore C. . 29
Hartman,F.Q.. . . . . . 586
Hartzell, William A. ; . 298
Hassert, Mrs.George . 4 453
Hawley, Miss Frances E. 663
Hazen,CharlesE. . . « a WIS
Heim, Andrew A. . son we 268
Heller, Hiram W.. . ‘ 410
Hemingray, William, Sr. . . 486
Hemingway, Rev.Geo. H. . . 824
Hempsted, JamesG, . . . 20
Hennessy, Martin I. . 201

 

PAGE
Herr, August C. . . 498
Herring, Hon, Grant 37
Higbee, JamesI. . ‘ . 492
Higgins, George J. . ‘ 573
Hill, John... . 634
Hinckley, Hon. Henry M. . . 362
Hoffman, Edward G, ~ . . 706
Hoffman, Theodore . . . . 96
Hollenback, Dr. Reuben . . 762
Hollister, William G. . . . O75
Holloway, Hon. William K . 642
Holmes, William O. . . . . 416
Hoover, David . . . 755
Horn, MarcusD. . . 510
Houck,Samuel. . - . . 114
Houck, Rev. William A. ; . 820
Howells, John... . « 470
Huber, Rev. James A. pads 689
Hubler, Simon . . . del
Huckell, Rev. Daniel Themas . 40
Hugo, Mrs. Rosalie . . 600

Hull, Miss Margaret MeCoriitel 720

J
Jefferson, John . . . 152
John, RalphR.. . . . . . 115
Johnson, William F. . oe. 281
Jury, Wilson U. . » . . 865
K
Karns, Hon. Russell . . 112
Karns, Sedgwick B. : 126
Kase, J.D.Clinton . 7715
Kashner, Peter S. ‘ . 89
Kay, Albert. . . eo 191
Kearney, William: E. . ‘ 725
Keefer,George F,. .  . . 733
Keefer, George W. : . Bil
Keim, Joseph . . . 617
Keiser,JacobR. . . 111
Kennedy, Dr. Robert A. . 564
Kennedy, Thomas E.,  . 398
Kennedy, William A. 106
Kiefer, William : ‘ 619
Kimble, John G. , ; 42
Kitchen, Frank R. : . 3807
Kleim, Christopher A. . . . 425
Kline, HarryW . . 454
Knapp, Christian Frederick 11
Knight, Frederick Henry . . 540
Knight, Harry S. ‘ . 388

Koch, Very Rev. Téhn Joseph . 23
INDEX.

781

 

 

Kocher, William R. ‘
Kohlbraker, Francis H. .
Konstankiewicz, Rev. John Ch.
Kopp, Joseph

Kreamer, Conrad

Kremer, Charles L.

Kreitzer, John H. .
Krickbaum, William .

Kulp, Hon. Monroe H.

Kurtz, Hon. Jennings U.

L

Laird, Thomas S. .
Lancaster, Robert D.

Laubach, Issac Kinney Krickbaum 389

Lay, Dr. Anson A.
Leader. Charles C.
Leisering, Dayton K.
Lesher, Prof. Albert U.
Lewis, Benjamin

Lewis, Oscar

Lilley, Joseph M. .
Little, Ezra S...
Little, Hon. Robert R.
Logan, Joe A. :
Longshore, Ashbel, B., D. D. S.
Lorenz, Frederick W. V..
Lotier, Victor A.

Low, Dr, Elisha W. M.
Lowry, Rev. Andrew M,
Luckenbill, Franklin W.
Ludy, Augustus A,

M

McBride, Hugh D.
McCarthy, James A.
McCleery, James Pollock, M. D.
McCleery, John

McEliece, John

McElwee, John

McFarlane, James
McKamey, - Samuel
McKillip, Harvey A.
McHenry, Daniel .
McHenry, James Boyd :
McWilliams, Dr. Kimber C.
Magargel, Jacob B. Soe
Magargel, Mrs. Phoebe E.
Markle, Miss Annie
Markle, Martin

Mason, William Claytew
Mauser, A. & Bro.

PAGE

243
769
270
319
124
322
671
180
161
355

5e9
358

383

69
694
607
595
258

26
611
189
352
448
757
431
167
233
286
774

659
660
491
576
366
584

32
295
335

404
666
71
715
633
639

85
378

 

May, Isaac, Sr.

Mears, George W..
Meek, Dr. Francis J. .
Mercer, James H.. .
Merithew, Stanley S. .
Meuwese, Rev. Aloysius
Meylert, Michael

Miller, Alvin P.

Miller, Charles W.

Miller, Daniel L. .

Miller, Elias Swartz
Miller, James P.

Miller, Peter G.

Miller, William E.

Misicki, Rev. Thomas, D. Dz
Momley, Christian

Monroe, Washington Madison
Montelius, Dr. Ralph W.
Montgomery, Dr. James R.
Moody, W. W., M. D.
Moore, N. Patterson
‘Morehead, George E.
Morton, Joel,

Mowrey, Isaac

Mullen, John

Myers, George W.

N

Newbaker, Hon. P. C
Newman, Joseph S.
Norton, Powell .

Oo

Oram, William H. M.
Osler, Jeremiah M.
Ostrander, Ogden H. .

P

Packer, Hon. John B.
Pardoe, John

Pardoe, Joseph . :
Paules, William R., M. D.
Pealer, Samuel Jason
Pensyl, Hatton A., Esq. .
Peterman, Philip ;
Phillips, Hon. Maynard J.

Plumstead, Dr. Martin Elias .

Polk, Rufus K. .
Price, Thomas J. :
Priestley, Dr. Joseph .
Purcell, Martin E.
Purman, Dr. Willis H.

PAGE

7173
429
551
334
279
199
710
186
436
131
730
221
488

68
553
542
153
620
3821
116
508

95
405
552

608

173
250
134

109
155
703

211
184
154
292
723
525

98

394
507
504
596
548
523

 

Q

Quick, George Matthew .
Quirk, Joseph B.

R

Rabb, Dr. Charles W.
Raessler, Dr. Joel G. .
Raker, Dr. Frederick D,
Ramsey, William J. . .
Randall, Dr. Wallace Tosepl
Ratti, Joseph ey oa
Raup, John .

Reber, Dr. William McClellan ‘

Rebman, John .

Redeker, Theodore

Reed, Jacob H. .

Reese, Thomas C. .
Reichert, David Fred
Reimard, Charles H. .
Rhawn, William H.
Richard, Frederick J.
Richardson, John Lyman
Riehl, James L. ‘
Robbins, Cortez B.
Robertson, Andrew
Robertson, Andrew D. a
Robison, Capt. James Boyd .
Rockefeller, Jordan Howard

Rockefeller, Hon. William M. .

Rogers, Moses Austin
Rohrbach, Lloyd T. ;
Rothrock, John Sag M.D.
Ryon, George W. ‘
Ryon, William Ww.

Rutter, Dr. John C.

Ss .
Sands, Charles L. .
Sanger, Thomas

Savage, Robert Henry, D.D.5S.

Savidge, Hon. C. R.
Schaffer, John F.
Schill, George .
Schlief, Daniel .
Schmick, Daniel F. .
Schneder, Rev. Charles B.
Schoener, Solomon
Seely, Col. Andrew D.
Seibert, George W.
Seiler, Emanuel G.
Shannon, Joseph L.
Sharpless, Joseph .

PAGE

349
554

303
628
693
406
756
244
287
167
618
202
223
447
296
423
393
249
734
308
430
673
214

46
686
661
669
301
592
397

76
157

517
464
749

67
391
421
748
652
563
489
409
383

73
827
556
782

INDEX.

 

 

Sharretts, Rev. Edward A.
Shay, William Field .
Shew, James M.

Shew, James U. M.
Shindel, Rev. Martin L. .
Shindel, Dr. Will L. .
Shipman, Hon. Abraham
Shipman, D. Webster
Shultz, Cameron, M. D.
Shuman, Dr. Jesse E.
Sidler, William L.

Slate, William H. .
Small, William Henry
Smink, William H. R.
Smith, Burton B.

‘Smith, Clinton 8.

Smith, Jacob

Smith, James E.

Smith, John M.

Smith, Nelson M., M. D.
Snyder, Jacob L. ;
Sollenberger, David L.
Sowers, Joseph E. A. .
Stager, R.E. .

Starr, William Ellis
Staver, James M.

Stearns, Rev.William I.
Sterling, George S. se
Stroh, Lieut. Andrew Jackson

PAGE

333
348
183
583

54
495
689
419
310
125
497
208
392
227
555

682
529
123
635
680
570
412
467
558
545
251
432
511

 

PAGE
Stroup, James . . . . . 699
Sult, AlonzoJ.. . . : 235
Supplee, HoraceG. . . 309
Sweisfort, J., D. D.S. : . 158
Swenk, JacobH. . .. . 482
T
Taggart, Mrs. Annie P. . . 275
Taylor,GeorgeE.. . . . . 776
Taylor, Matthew . . . 729
Taylor, Judge Robert, ie . . 11
Taylor, William B. . . . . 655
Thomas, John T. ; . 768
Thompson, Albert E. 761
Thompson, JosephD. . . 339
Thompson, Hon. Samuel Y., M. D. 87
V.:
Van Dyke, James . ‘ 304
Vannan, ForbesH. . . . 318
Vastine, JacobH.,M.D. . . 501
Vincent, John H., Esq. 169
Visick, James : 579
Ww
Wallize, Harry Clark 33
Walter, Lincoln S. , . 479
Walton, Harry E. . . . 546
Watkins, Matthew Kear . 4% 219

 

Webster, John J.

Weicksel, Dr. oe S. :

Wells, Edward C.

Welsh, John F.
Wendling, Peter
Werkheiser, Jacob D.
West, Isaac D. oo
West, William Kase .
White, Alem Britton .
Whitley, John ee
Wiest, Daniel A. ...
Wilcox, G. Eldaah
Williams, John L.
Williams, John P.
Williams, William C. .
Williams, Dr. William T
Willits, Dr. Isaiah W.
Wilson, Harry W.
Wolverton, Hon. Simon P.
Woodin, Clemuel Ricketts
Wragg, William

Y
Yost, Alfred Nevin
Yost, Daniel
Young, A. P.

Zz

Zimmerman, John B. .
Zuern, Joseph

PAGE

763
612
547
580
553
709
532
381
239
578
307
340
387
289

81
602
345
342

17
205
624

466
415
451

359
636
Portraits.

 

 

Baker, George G.

Beaver, Jesse L.

Bird, Ulysses

Bobb, Peter G. .

Boody, Lincoln H.

Bower, Isaiah ese
Boyd, Daniel Montgomery

Brewster, Rev. Philander S.,M.D.

Brown, George E.

Buck, John Watson
Buckalew, Russell C. .
Chalfant, Hon Thomas
Chester, Holden

Clement, Colonel iaiies M.
Clement, General John Kay .
Croninger, Matthias
Cummings, Robert M.
Davis, Henry Eyre
DeArmond, Samuel Edward
Dillon, John Lloyd .

Edgar, Thomas H. .

Fritz, Hon. Andrew Lucius
Garr, Prof. Elmer E.

Gearhart, Alexander Sore

Geisinger, George F.
Goeser, John H.
Golembiewski, Anthony
Goodwill, Robert
Gorrey, Thomas
Green, Wheeler

Hall, Hyman P. :
Hanlon, Dr. William J.
Harman, James Lee

PAGE

588
538
144
566
138
254

92

472
560
718

44
316
101
100
216
284
272
434

78
128
370
402
462
194
484
118
444
604
626
678

52
648

 

Harman, Peter S.

Harpel, Dr. Marcus Howard
Harris, Rev. Robert N.
Harter, Theodore C.

Heim, Andrew A. :
Heim, Mrs. Hester K.
Herring, Hon. Grant
Higgins, George J.

Huber, Rev. JamesA.

Jury, Wilson U.

Keim, Joseph

Knapp, Christian heueiel
Koch, Very Rev. John Joseph
Kulp, Hon. Monroe H.
Kurtz, Hon. Jennings U. -
Lewis, Benjamin

Little, EzraS. . .

Little, Hon. Robert R.
Lowry, Rev. Andrew M.
McBride, Hugh D. .
McKamey, Samuel

Markle, Jacob . .

Markle, Mr. and Mrs. ‘Martin
Mason, William Clayton .
Mears, George W. .

Meek, Dr. Francis J.

Meek, Dr.J. Florian
Merithew, Stanley S.
Newbaker, Hon. P.C. .
Oram, William H. M. .
Packer, Hon. John B. .

Polk, Rufus K.. .
Purman, Dr. Willis H.

PAGE

648
456
698

28
260
261
- 36
572
688
364
616

10

22
160
354
594
610
188
232
658
294
632
638

428
500
550
278
172
108
210
506
522

 

Reber, Dr. William McClellan .

Richard, Frederick J.
Rogers, Moses Austin
Rohrbach, Lloyd T.
Ryon, George W.

Sands, Charies L.
Savidge, Hon. C.R.
Seely, Col. Andrew D.
Seiler, Emanuel G. .
Shannon, Joseph L. .
Sharretts, Rev. Edward A.
Shew, James M.

Shew, James U. M.
Shindel, Dr. Will L.
Shipman, D. Webster
Smink, William H R.
Smith, James E.

Staver, James M.

Taylor Matthew ,
Taylor, Judge Robert, 1
Thompson, Joseph D.
Vastine, Jacob H., M. D.
Walter, Lincoln S.
Werkheiser, Jacob D.
West, William Kase .
White, Alem Britton .
Wiest, Daniel A.
Williams, John L.
Willits, Dr. Isaiah W.
Wolverton, Hon. Simon P.
Woodin, William Ha'tman
Young, A. P.

PAGE

166
248
668
300
396
516

66
408

72
326
332
182
582
494
418
226
528
544
7128
150
338
500
478
7108
380
238
306
386
344

16
204
450
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