Local History: Chapter XLVIII: Biographical Sketches - TURBUT AND
CHILLISQUAQUE TOWNSHIPS: Bell's History of Northumberland Co PA
Local History Northumberland County Biographical sketches-Turbut and
Chillisquaque Townships.
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Transcribed from Bell's History of Northumberland County Pennsylvania
CHAPTER XLVIII.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
TURBUT AND CHILLISQUAQUE TOWNSHIPS.
MICHAEL FOLLMER, born in Germany in 1723, was the father of six
sons and three daughters, and died in 1793, aged seventy years and three
days. He and his sons donated the site of the Follmer Lutheran church,
and a farm of eighty acres to the congregation, and, with his wife, he
was buried in this church yard. He left a tract of land near Milton to
his sixth son, Henry Follmer, an active member of the church, who
married Susan Stohl, by whom he had five children: Philip; Andrew;
Thomas; Maria, and Elizabeth. He died in 1822, aged fifty-four years
and sixteen days, and his widow died in 1861, aged eighty-nine years,
eleven months, and nineteen days. Andrew Follmer, the second son of
Henry Follmer, inherited sixty-eight acres of land, upon which he reared
two sons, Henry P. and Reuben T.; the latter is dead. He obtained a
common school education, and was an elder of the Reformed church at the
time of his death, March 29, 1862, aged sixty-six years and five months.
His widow, whose maiden name was Mary Pool, a native of Mercer county,
Pennsylvania. died in 1863, aged sixty-seven years.
END OF PAGE 1106
HENRY P. FOLLMER, farmer and gardener, whose ancestry can be traced
back nearly two centuries, was born where he now resides, December 28,
1819, and is a son of Andrew and Mary (Pool) Follmer. He received a
liberal education in the schools of that period; after the death of his
father he purchased the farm where the former was born, and is
consequently of the fourth generation to possess that valuable property.
On the 22d of February, 1887, he and his sons established a green
grocery at Milton. In 1849 he married Mary Jane, daughter of Elijah
Crawford, of Northumberland county, and they are the parents of eight
children: Alfred C., of Clearfield county; Sarah, wife of Jesse Server,
of Milton; Lewis L., who married Cora, daughter of Anthony Barber, of
Lewis township; Harvey W., of Milton, who married Alma, daughter of
Thomas Foresman, of Union county; Andrew; Eliza; Eleanor C., and Edward.
Elijah Crawford, father of Mrs. Follmer, was born in Montour county in
1796. His father, Jacob Crawford, was also a native of that county.
Elijah Crawford married Eleanor Voris; about 1827 he moved to Packer's
island and remained until 1829, when he removed to Delaware township.
He was a farmer by occupation, a member of the Presbyterian church, and
a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in 1868, and his widow in 1883.
They reared nine children; those living are: Priscilla, Mrs. Daniel
Blue; Sarah, Mrs. John Good; Mary J., Mrs. Follmer, and Thomas, of
Turbut township. Mr. Follmer is a Republican, and has served as school
director; he was jury commissioner for three years, and has filled
various township offices. He and his family are members of the German
Reformed church, of which he is an elder.
WILLIAM FOLLMER, deceased, was born in Turbut township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 24, 1810. He married
Eleanor McWilliams, daughter of John McWilliams, and followed farming in
Turbut township. He was a Democrat and served one term in the State
legislature; he was also justice of the peace for a number of years and
president of the Danville Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He was a
member of Milton Lodge. F. & A.M., and of the Lutheran church. He was
also a stockholder of the Buffalo Milling Company of Lewisburg. He died
in 1888, and his wife on the 27th of December, 1876. Twelve children
were born to their union, four of whom are living: Margaret wife of
David Ott, of Turbut township; Hannah; John, and Francis M. The last
named was born on the farm where he now resides, February 16, l867. He
received his education in the public schools and Bloomsburg State Normal
School.
DANIEL H. FOLLMER, farmer, was born in Turbut township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, August 19, 1843 son of Daniel and
Sarah (Lantz) Follmer. He received his education at the public schools
and Milton Academy, and has always been engaged in farming. In 1869 he
married Rebecca C., daughter of Elias Schaffer a native of Berks
County, Pennsylvania, and an early settler of Turbut township. By this
END OF PAGE 1107
union they have two children: Rollin Sidney and Bertha Gertrude. Mr.
Follmer is a Democrat in politics, and filled the office of township
auditor two years. He and his family are members of the Follmer
Lutheran church, and he formerly served as deacon of the same.
THE McKNIGHT FAMILY. The name of William McKnight, or rather one
phonetically the same, appears upon the records as one of those who made
application for three hundred acres of land on April 3, 1769, the first
day of the opening of the land office. As preference was given those
who had rendered military service, this would indicate presence in the
valley for some time previous to this date. In 1774, while a resident
of Buffalo township, then a part of this county, he purchased three
tracts of laud, "contiguous to and bounded on each other," in Turbut
township, about four miles east of Milton, along the Limestone run. One
tract was called "Trout Spring," the second, the "Limestone Quarry," and
the third, " McKnight's Addition." The first tract, of over three
hundred acres, was taken up at the opening of the land office by
Christian Rora, who, on September 1st of the same year, sold his claim
to John Lowdon. Lowdon had his claim confirmed by a patent in 1774,
and, in less than a month after the survey and granting of the patent,
he sold the tract to McKnight for three hundred twenty-one pounds
English money. Nine years later McKnight sold two hundred acres to John
Follmer, "to be taken off the eastward ends of the before described
three tracts." Family tradition records that an old soldier who owned
the property now called the John McCormick homestead offered it to
McKnight for a rifle and an overcoat. In 1776, at the breaking out of
the Revolutionary war, he was one of the Committee of Safety for this
county. At the Trout Spring he had a log fort filled with portholes, and
often he had to leave this fort and go to the neighboring Limestone
ridge, where he would spend the night sleeping with his rifle by his
side. Both he and his wife, Elizabeth, finally perished at the hands of
the Indians, being scalped by them near Fort Freeland. Their only son
had to take charge of their remains and bury them himself. They are
interred in the Chillisquaque graveyard. They had a family of one son
and three daughters.
JAMES McNIGHT, their son, was married to Elizabeth Gillen. He was
regarded as a man of the greatest courage and integrity. In 1778 he was
elected a member of Assembly, and while the incumbent of this position
was captured by the Indians, but his life was spared. He had a family
of five children, two sons and three daughters. All the children, but
William, left this county and settled in Seneca and Ontario counties,
New York, where their descendants still reside. William McKnight
married Susanna Rover, and had a family of four daughters: Catharine,
who became Mrs. Thomas Ritter; Priscilla, who married Isaac Dunkel;
Annie M., who married Charles Artman, and Elizabeth, who died young.
Mrs. Artman is the only surviving member of the family. Her family and
that of Thomas Ritter still live on part of the land purchased in 1774.
END OF PAGE 1108
JOHN ESCHBACH was born in Germany, December 15, 1747, immigrated to
America, and settled in that part of Northampton county which is now
Lehigh county. He married Catharine Bush, who was born in Germany in
1749. Their immediate descendants were John; Anthony; Valentine;
Philip; Solomon; Elizabeth; Susanna; Savilla; Mary, and Catharine.
ANTHONY ESCHBACH learned the blacksmith trade, which occupation he
followed. He was married in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, to
Barbara Romig, and their children were: Jonathan; David; Jacob; John;
Anthony; Catharine; Sarah, and Elizabeth B. In the fall of 1804
Anthony, Jr., and his father traveled on horseback from Lehigh to
Northumberland county, and together purchased a tract of three hundred
forty-seven acres of land in Turbut township for twenty-six dollars
fifty cents per acre. In the spring of 1805 they moved their families
over the mountains and settled upon the same, building a log house
sixteen by twenty feet, one story high. They were one of the early
families of the county, and endured the privations and hardships of the
pioneer. The only child living of Anthony, Jr., is Elizabeth, Mrs.
Balliet, of Lockport, New York. Anthony Eschbach was one of the early
members of the Paradise Reformed church, helped to organize the same,
and served as elder for many years.
DAVID ESCHBACH was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1802,
son of Anthony, and removed with him to Turbut township in 1805. He
acquired his education at the schools of the township. In 1824 he
married Elizabeth Rishel, of Chillisquaque township, who died in 1844.
Their children were: David, deceased; Edward, of Frederick City,
Maryland; Clarissa, wife of Benjamin Shaffer, of Kansas, and Elizabeth,
wife of William S. Klapp, of Milton. He was again married, in September,
1845, to Sarah, daughter of Philip Eschbach, by whom he had the
following children: Seth, a merchant of Milton; I. A., of Turbut
township; Henry Clay, a physician of Iowa, and Daniel Elmer, a real
estate agent of Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Eschbach became one of the
prominent farmers of the township, and was also an extensive lumber
manufacturer. He was a member of the Paradise Reformed church, in which
he served as elder many years and until his death. Politically he was a
Republican, and filled the office of school director a number of terms.
He was one of the directors of the Lewisburg Bank, and later a director
in the Milton National Bank, which office he held at the time of his
death. He died in February, 1879; his wife survives him, and lives near
the homestead farm.
ISAIAH A. ESCHBACH was born on his present farm in Turbut township,
May 19, 1854. He received his education in the township schools, and
has always followed farming. In December, 1875, he married Alcesta,
daughter of William Balliett, by whom he has three children: Ralph
David; Paul Balliett, and William Josiah. He is an active member of the
Republican party, and now holds the office of school director. He and
his family are
END OF PAGE 1109
members of the Paradise Reformed church, in which he is deacon and
secretary of the consistory. He is a stockholder in the Milton Creamery
Company, a member of Turbut Grange, P. of H., and present secretary of
the latter.
JACOB HOTTENSTEIN was one of three brothers who immigrated to
America at an early day. The family had its origin in Germany, the name
being originally Von Hottenstein. One of these brothers died in
Philadelphia; another settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where
some of his posterity are living, and Jacob, the third one, located in
Berks county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1727 and is the ancestor of a
large number of descendants yet living. In 1729 he removed to Maxatawny
township, in that county, where he purchased one hundred sixteen acres
of land for forty pounds and twelve shillings, which property is now
owned by a descendant, Dr. Edward Hottenstein. Jacob married Dorothy
Reber, and to this union were born four sons and two daughters: Jacob;
William; David; Henry; Dorothy, and Maria. He died, March 23, 1753, at
the age of fifty-six years.
HENRY HOTTENSTEIN, son of William Hottenstein, and grandson of
Jacob Hottenstein, purchased a farm in Ontelaunee township, Berks
county, Pennsylvania, where he resided thereafter, becoming one of the
prominent farmers of the county. He was independent in his political
proclivities and served one term of three years as commissioner of Berks
county. He married Catharine Spohn, and to them were born nine sons and
four daughters, all of whom are dead except Esther and Charles. He died
in 1844, and his wife in 1839.
CHARLES HOTTENSTEIN, farmer, was born in Berks county,
Pennsylvania, May 25, 1811, son of. Henry and Catharine (Spohn)
Hottenstein. He was educated in the common schools and an academy at
Reading, and was the second German in Ontelaunee township who was
considered competent to teach in the common schools, which occupation he
followed during winter seasons for about twelve years. He has also been
a practical surveyor. He married Veronica Kauffman, removed to Montour
county, Pennsylvania, in 1840, and in 1845 he came to Northumberland
county and located on the farm where he now resides in Turbut township.
While in his native county he was elected township auditor, which he
resigned to accept the position of clerk of the county poorhouse for a
term of one year. In 1855 he was elected commissioner of Northumberland
county, and after serving for three years he was elected to the
Pennsylvania legislature; he subsequently served as county auditor. He
was elected a justice of the peace in 1854 and has served continuously
ever since. During the war he was treasurer of the bounty fund and
handled about thirty thousand dollars without being required to furnish
bond. He has always been an ardent Democrat, and in 1860 was chosen a
delegate to the national Democratic convention to nominate candidates
for President and vice-president of the United States, held in Charles-
END OF PAGE 1110
ton, South Carolina, and which adjourned to meet subsequently in
Baltimore, Maryland, which resulted in the selection of Douglas and
Breckenridge; he attended both of these conventions but did not vote.
His wife died in 1877 and he was subsequently married to Caroline Susan
Elwell, of Orleans county, New York There were born to his first
marriage twelve children: Allen S., an attorney of Milton; Henry and
Daniel, both of Turbut township; Mary, wife of Harry Hafer, of Union
county, Pennsylvania; Sarah, wife of Jacob K. Stahl, of Union county
(she was graduated from the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown,
Pennsylvania, and taught four years in Scranton, this State); Susan,
wife of Thomas O. Long, of Williamsport; Clara, wife of Daniel F. Raup,
of Turbut township; Abram C., who was graduated in the class of 1882
from Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and now
resides in North Carolina; William, who lives in Turbut township, and
three who died in infancy. Mr. Hottenstein is a member of Paradise
Reformed church, in which he has served as trustee, deacon, and
treasurer.
DANIEL HOTTENSTEIN, farmer, was born in Turbut township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1846. He received an
academic education at Limestoneville, Montour county, and followed
teaching ten terms. He was married in 1871 to Sarah Ellen Horlocher, a
native of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and daughter of M. Horlocher, who
came to Turbut township with his parents when five years old, in 1813.
Mr. Hottenstein is the father of five children: Edna; Mary V.; Charles
H.; Sarah E., and Aaron C. He is a Democrat and has served six years as
school director. He belongs to Turbut Grange, P. of H., and is a member
and deacon of the Paradise Reformed church.
JACOB HOFFA was born, May 20, 1800, in Berks county, Pennsylvania,
and removed to Northumberland county between 1817 and 1820; he learned
the carpenter trade and followed the same for many years. In 1832 he
began farming, at which he continued successfully until his death, May
15, 1882. His business career was a remarkably successful one, and he
won the esteem of all with whom he had dealings. He married Ragina
Follmer, who was born, June 23, 1804, and was a daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Bower) Follmer. She died, August 26, 1867. To this union
were born seven children, five of whom are living: John; Samuel F.;
Cyrus; Sarah, who married John Shalter, and Reuben. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffa
were leading members of the Lutheran church, in which Mr. Hoffa was
deacon, elder, trustee and Sunday school superintendent for many years.
In politics he was a Democrat.
JOHN HOFFA, farmer, was born, May 3, 1826, son of Jacob and Ragina
(Follmer) Hoffa. He received a common school education and has devoted
his active life principally to agricultural pursuits. He located on his
present farm in 1865. In 1886 he was elected a member of the State Board
of Agri-
END OF PAGE 1111
culture and re-elected in 1889. He is a member of Turbut Grange, No.
349, P. of H., lecturer for the same, and also for Pomona Lodge, No. 31,
composed of Montour and Northumberland counties. He served one term as
auditor of Northumberland county, and has been school director and
overseer of the poor of Turbut township. He is a member of the Lutheran
church, and has held official positions in that denomination. In his
political affiliations he is with the Democratic party. His children
are named as follows: Catharine, wife of J. D. Smith, of Kansas; Jacob
P., a physician at Washingtonville, Pennsylvania; Daniel H.; John F.;
William F.; Cora, who married Ham Maginness, of Allenwood, Pennsylvania,
and Cyrus.
DAVID IRELAND, deceased, immigrated from Scotland to Northumberland
county and purchased over one thousand acres of land in Turbut township;
he settled thereon and was subsequently forced to take refuge with his
wife at Sunbury during the Indian incursions. While there David
Ireland, Jr., was born to them. The senior David Ireland spent much
time in trying to invent a device of perpetual motion. His son, David,
Jr., was a member of the early militia companies; he married Sarah
Teitsworth, and to them were born three children: David; Sarah, and
Eliza. He was a Presbyterian and a member of the Chillisquaque
Presbyterian church. His son David was born in Turbut township in 1807,
and in April, 1843, married Martha H. Hoyer.
JOHN Hoy, retired farmer, was born in Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, December 26, 1805, and was married in 1828 to Sarah
Kimmel. In 1848 he came to Northumberland county and settled upon the
farm where he has since resided. In connection with farming he has been
engaged in the manufacture of brick. He is a Democrat, and has filled
various township offices in a creditable manner. He is a member of the
German Reformed church. His wife died, September 22, 1862, and was the
mother of fourteen children. twelve of whom are living: Edward; Hannah,
wife of Michael Fagely: Sarah widow of Nathan Fehr; Franklin; Hettie,
wife of William Follmer; Levina, wife of Thomas Kirchner; John; Maria,
widow of William Wagner: Amanda, wife of Jacob Friese; Samuel;
Elizabeth, wife of John Naraconk, and David N. Mr. Hoy was again
married, to Mrs. Sarah Miller, widow of George Froby.
DAVID N. Hoy, son of John Hoy, was born on the farm where he now
resides, November 28, 1850. He received his education at the township
schools and has followed farming, butchering, and brick-making. In 1871
he was married to Maggie Harman, daughter of Mrs. Mary Harman, of
McEwensville, by whom he has four children: Tillie Diana; Raymond M.;
Lula Fronetta, and Jesse Clarence. He is a Democrat, and a member of the
Lutheran church, in which he has been a deacon and assistant
superintendent of the Sunday school, being treasurer of that
organization at the present time.
END OF PAGE 1112
JOHN ROUSH, farmer, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, June
30, 1812, son of Michael and Sarah (Lincoln) Roush, the former a native
of Schuylkill county, the latter of Union county, Pennsylvania. They
were married in Union county. The father was a farmer, and in after
life engaged in the mercantile business. He was a major in the military
company, and a prominent member of the Lutheran church. His wife was a
member of the Methodist church during the greater portion of her life.
Six children were born to them, two of whom are living: John, and
Rachel, widow of Daniel Bellman, of Davis, Illinois. The subject of this
sketch received his education at the public schools and at Mifflinburg
Academy under Professor Todd, and engaged as clerk in the mercantile
business at Mifflinburg. In 1836 he formed a co-partnership with Charles
Montelius and engaged in the dry goods business, which continued three
years. In 1846 he came to Northumberland county, married Mary E.,
daughter of John T. and Hannah (Hower) Montgomery, located at
McEwensville, and soon after purchased a farm near that town. In 1850 he
purchased the Jacob Kerr farm and lived upon the same four years. In
1854 he removed to Milton, and in 1855 formed a co-partnership with
William Heinen, and established the present business of Heinen, Schreyer
& Company. This partnership continued until 1870 when he retired from
the firm, and has since lived upon his present farm near Milton. He has
reared one child, John M. Mr. Roush is an active member of the
Democratic party, and has filled various township offices. He is a
director in the Milton National Bank, and a prominent member of the
Lutheran church.
WILLIAM M. AUTEN was born, July 14, 1814, along the banks of
Chillisquaque creek about nine miles from its mouth, in what is now
Montour county, Pennsylvania, a son of Henry and Jane (Maxwell) Auten,
of Irish and Scotch ancestry, respectively. He was educated in the
common schools, and when about eighteen years old began to learn the
trade of a millwright, which he subsequently followed in connection with
farming to the close of his business life. He was first married to
Sarah, daughter of Joseph Kline, and to this union were born five
children: Joseph H.; Wesley; Isaiah; Catharine J., who married Samuel
Giffen, and John J. Mrs. Auten died in 1848 and he was afterwards
married to Sarah Marr, widow of John Marr, and by this marriage were
born seven children: James; William; Edward; Voris; George B.;
Elizabeth, who married W. B. Cox, and Annie, who married Angus
Fairchild. On the 8th of January, 1891, Mr. Auten died after a severe
illness of about four weeks. He served one term as a justice of the
peace for Chillisquaque township, and for many years was an earnest
promoter of the public schools, having served several terms as school
director. In his political affiliations he was an unswerving Democrat
and represented his party in county and State conventions. Mr. Auten was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a true Christian, one who
was always at his post of duty
END OF PAGE 1113
when health would permit, and was a devout student of the Bible. In his
death the community in which he lived lost one of its most upright,
honest, and respected citizens.
WILLIAM WALDRON, farmer, was born in Turbut township, September 17,
1814, son of Lafferd Waldron, who was born in Hunterdon county, New
Jersey, in 1764, came to this county with his father, Cornelius Waldron,
in 1785, and settled near Muncy, in what is now Lycoming county.
Cornelius Waldron was a captain in the Revolutionary war; and a captain
in a military company after its close. He afterwards purchased a farm in
Brady township, Lycoming county, and still later settled at the mouth of
Muddy run. He was killed by accident while felling a tree upon the
latter place. The father of our subject married Hannah Webb, and settled
upon the farm whereon his son William now resides, where he resided
until his death in 1837; his wife died in 1832. They were members of the
Warrior Run Presbyterian church. They reared eleven children, all
deceased except William and Charles. The subject of this sketch received
his education at the township schools, and has always followed farming.
In 1841 he married Annie, daughter of Philip Hilgert, of Chillisquaque
township, by whom he has reared ten children: Philip H., residing near
home; William A., of Michigan; Charles L., of Milton; Frank P., of
Chillisquaque township; George W., of Limestone township; John C.,
residing at home; James M., a civil engineer of Georgia; Hannah J., wife
of Ephraim Deitch, of Williamsport; Mary, wife of James Marsh, of
Michigan, and Sarah Elizabeth, residing at home. Mr. Waldron is a
Presbyterian in faith, and has always been an active member of the
Democratic party; he has served as justice of the peace fifteen years,
and also filled various other township offices. He was one of the
original members of Turbut Grange, P. of H., and was one of the original
stockholders of the First National Bank of Milton. His oldest son was a
member of Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania
Volunteers.
J. W. KELSEY, farmer, was born in Connecticut May 28, 1815, son of
Noah and Sophronia (Hinkley) Kelsey, natives of that State and farmers
by occupation. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, a Democrat
in politics, and a member of the Congregational church. He reared a
family of fourteen children, nine of whom are living: J. W.; Edwin, of
Connecticut; Cynthia, Mrs. Studley, of Hartford, Connecticut; Maria,
Mrs. Calvin Post, of Connecticut; Emily, Mrs. Serens Gladding, of
Connecticut; Jeannette; Sarah; Harriet, and Isaac, of Connecticut. The
subject of our sketch was reared and educated in his native State, came
to Northumberland county in 1838 at the age of twenty-three years, and
engaged in school teaching, having taught in Northumberland and Union
counties twenty-four winters. In 1850 he married Margaret, daughter of
Samuel Blain, of Turbut township, and to them have been born six
children: Hannah S.; Mary L., wife of Cornelius Vanderbilt, of Paterson,
New Jersey; Samuel B., of Paterson,
END OF PAGE 1114
who married Maggie Flood, of Northumberland county; Albert S., of
Lycoming county, who married Dora Whipple, of Northumberland county;
Rosa, and Watson R. Mr. Kelsey has lived in Turbut township since his
marriage, and settled upon his present farm in 1887. He is a Republican
in polities and has served as school director; he is a member of Turbut
Grange, P. of H., and has served as master ten years. He has been a
member of the German Reformed church twenty-seven years, and has served
as elder and deacon.
JACOBY HARTMAN, deceased, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania,
April 21, 1816. He came to Northumberland county when a young man, and
began life as a farm laborer. October 18, 1842, he married Elizabeth,
daughter of John Haag, and after marriage engaged in farming in Turbut
township. Mr. Hartman received but an ordinary education in the schools
of that period, and was an entirely self-made man. He started in life a
poor boy, and at the time of his death was considered one of the well-
to-do farmers of Turbut township. He was a member of the First Lutheran
church of Milton, and retained that connection to the time of his death.
Politically he was a Republican. He died in 1880, and his wife in 1881.
Nine children were born to them, three of whom are living, and reside
upon the homestead in Turbut township; Sallie A.; Hettie M., and
Harrison H.
STEPHEN GLAZE, farmer, was born in Lewis township, August 4, 1816,
son of Stephen and Mary (Beck) Glaze, natives of Berks county, who
settled in Lewis township at a very early date. The father was a wagon
maker by trade, and a soldier in the war of 1812. He and wife were
members of the Lutheran church. Their family consisted of five children,
two of whom are living: Stephen, and Levi, of Michigan. Mr. Glaze was
one of the prominent men of Lewis township, and a man of good business
ability. Politically he was a Democrat, and served in the various
township offices. He died in 1870. The subject of our sketch was reared
upon the homestead farm, and received his education at the public
schools. He began life as a carpenter, and has followed that occupation
in connection with farming. In 1848 he married Rachel Raup, who was born
in Lewis township, by whom he has had five children, three of whom are
living: Mary, wife of John C. Folt, of Watsontown; Gustavus, and Alfred
R., a Lutheran minister of Espy. Mr. Glaze again married, November 10,
1881, Mary Annie Gagle. Her parents, Conrad and Margaret (Weber) Yagle,
were natives of Berks county, and settled in Lewis township. In politics
Mr. Glaze is a Democrat, and has filled several township offices. He is
a member of the Lutheran church of Turbutville, and has served as elder
and deacon many years.
JOHN MAUSTELLER, farmer, was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania,
June 17, 1822, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Shultz) Mausteller. His
father was drafted in the war of 1812, and furnished a substitute; he
became one of the prominent farmers of the county. In politics he was a
Democrat. He
END OF PAGE 1115
died in 1863, and his widow survived him until 1887. They were members
of the Presbyterian church for many years. Their family consisted of
eight children, seven of whom are living: John; Mary, wife of Peter
Cromley, of Montour county; William, of Columbia county; Rebecca, widow
of Levi Wright of Columbia county; Margaret, wife of Hiram Cromley, of
Montour county; Sarah, wife of Elijah Cromley, of Montour county, and
Paul, of Montour county. The subject of our sketch was reared in
Columbia and Montour counties, and received his education in the local
schools; he has always followed farming, and removed to his present farm
in Turbut township in 1868. In 1844 he married Maria J., daughter of
James Girton, of Columbia county. She died, January 8, 1868; by her he
had four children: James Dallas, formerly a practicing physician of
Danville, who died in Denver, Colorado, August 26,1883; Elsie, wife of
William Geiger, of Montour county; Sarah Matilda, who died, June 24,
1890, and Daniel, of Turbut township. He was again married, in 1871, to
Catharine, daughter of James Black, of Union county, by whom he has one
child, William. Mr. Mausteller is a Democrat in politics, and has
served as school director, supervisor, and tax collector.
DANIEL S. LINEBAUGH farmer, was born in Turbut township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1822, son of John C. and
Mary (Stitzel) Linebaugh, who settled in Turbut township about 1820.
They were prominent members of the old Paradise church, and reared a
large family. Our subject was married in 1845 to Mary Fich, and has four
children: Annie M.; John A.; Daniel O., and Charles.
MINNER G. MARSH, farmer, was born in Rush township, Northumberland
county, Pennsylvania, April 9, 1824, son of Isaac and Sarah (Gulick)
Marsh, natives of New Jersey and Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
respectively. The father came to this county in 1807 with his father,
Isaac Marsh, who purchased a farm in Rush township. He died, January
31, 1874, and his wife died, May 28, 1867. They reared five children:
Minner G.; Mary; Daniel G.; Williamson, and Ellen.
GEORGE WASHINGTON FUNK, farmer, was born in Bucks county,
Pennsylvania. July 27, 1831, son of Henry and Catharine (Stover) Funk,
natives of that county who came to Northumberland county in 1839, and
located upon the farm whereon our subject now resides. He was a
prominent member of the Milton Baptist church, and served as deacon many
years; in politics he was a Republican, and served in the various
township offices. He died in 1852 and his wife in 1871. Their family
consisted of six children who grew to maturity: Franklin, of Milton;
George W.; Clementine, wife of Samuel Hoffa, of Milton; Catharine, wife
of Michael Rissell, of Milton; Lewis, deceased, and Annie, Mrs. William
Heinen, deceased. The subject of this sketch came to Northumberland
county at the age of eight years; he received his education at the
township schools, and has always lived upon his present
END OF PAGE 1116
Page 1117 contains a portrait of Solomon Fairchild.
Page 1118 is blank.
farm. In 1864 he married Rebecca, daughter of George T. and Catharine
(Martin) Gauby, natives of Berks county, who came to Northumberland
county in 1840 and located in Milton. Mr. Gauby was a deacon in the
Baptist church, and died in Milton in 1889; his wife still survives him.
They reared four children: Reese D., of Florida; Mary, Mrs. Harry
Snyder, of Milton; Rebecca, Mrs. G. W. Funk, and Lydia, deceased. The
subject of this sketch has no children. He is independent in politics
with prohibition proclivities. He is a stockholder in the Milton Driving
Park Association, and a member of Turbut Grange, P. of H. Mr. and Mrs.
Funk are members of the Baptist church of Milton.
WILLIAM WEIDENHAMER, farmer, was born in Berks county,
Pennsylvania, January 29, 1832, son of Jacob and Susannah Weidenhamer,
also natives of that county, who afterwards moved to Montour county,
where the father engaged in farming and in the mercantile trade at
Limestoneville. He was a Democrat in politics and filled various
township offices. His death occurred in 1863 and that of his widow in
1887. They reared four sons and two daughters, five of whom are living:
Wellington D., of Limestoneville; William Daniel, of Milton; John A., of
Watsontown, and Elizabeth E., who married Emanuel Mauser, of Liberty
township, Montour county. Our subject moved to Montour county at the
age of seven years and received his education in the common schools. At
the age of nineteen years he began boating and has since followed
different occupations, principally farming. On January 29, 1856, he was
married to Margaret Kurtz, daughter of George Kurtz, of this county, and
moved to Iowa, where he was engaged in lumbering and the mercantile
business for four years. In 1867 he came to his present farm in Turbut
township, where he has since remained. His wife died in 1887 and was
the mother of the following children: Clarence A.; Harry; Thomas S.;
William; Edward; Ada Gertrude; Clinton Ellis, and George S. Mr.
Weidenhamer is a stockholder in the Milton creamery, The Record
Publishing Company, the Milton Driving Park and Fair Association, and
the Milton Trust and Safe Deposit Company. He has always taken a deep
interest in the success of the Democratic party and was once a candidate
for sheriff. He has served as school director for a number of years,
having been recently re-elected to that office. He was a member of
Milton Lodge, No. 256, F. & A.M., and a charter member of the Turbut
Grange; he is a trustee of Trinity Lutheran church of Milton, and was a
charter member of the Wilkesbarre and Western Railroad Company.
REUBEN H. KLAPP, farmer and fruit grower, was born in Berks county,
Pennsylvania, January 12, 1833, son of Peter and Catharine (Haag) Klapp,
natives of that county, who settled in Union county in 1842. His father
was a tanner by trade, and followed that occupation over twenty years,
after which he engaged in farming. He was a deacon and leader of the
choir in the Lutheran church, and politically was a Republican. He had
a good edu-
END OF PAGE 1119
cation, and in his younger days taught the German language. He died in
1861, and his widow in 1874. They reared fourteen children: Reuben;
Jerrett, of Lock Haven; Sophia, Mrs. Henry Heberling, of White Deer
Mills, Union county; Catharine; Mary; William, of Florida; Daniel,
deceased; Samuel, of Milton; Rebecca, Mrs. William Michael, of
Trevorton; Charles, of Milton; Sarah, deceased; Delilah, Mrs. Beck, of
Dakota; Ella, of Milton, and John, of Union county. The subject of this
sketch removed to Union county at the age of nine years. He received
his education at the township schools, Milton Academy, and Pennsylvania
College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, after which he was engaged in
teaching fourteen years; since then he has been engaged in farming and
fruit culture. In 1876 he came to Northumberland county and located upon
his present farm. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, One
Hundred and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the
close of the war, receiving wounds at the battle of Appomattox. June 9,
1864, he married Mary, daughter of Isaac Marsh, of Northumberland
county. She died, January 26, 1886, leaving no children. He was again
married, June 3, 1888, to Mrs. Hettie Herr, widow of Christopher Herr,
and daughter of Charles and Hettie (Newhart) Albright, of Lehigh county,
Pennsylvania. Mr. Klapp is an active member of the Republican party, of
Henry Wilson Post, G.A.R., and of the Turbut Grange. He and his wife are
members of the Lutheran church.
SAMUEL M. BLAIN, farmer, was born in Milton, Pennsylvania, November
23, 1834, son of Samuel and Hannah (Kieffer) Blain. The first of his
ancestors to settle in Northumberland county, was George Blain, a native
of Dublin, Ireland, who immigrated to America prior to 1800 and settled
in Turbut township. The father of our subject was born in Turbut
township in 1799 and was a farmer by occupation. He was a member of
Warrior Run Presbyterian church, but subsequently joined the Milton
Presbyterian church. He was a Whig, a strong Abolitionist, and a
Republican in politics. His death occurred in 1882, and that of his
widow in 1885. He reared a family of seven children: Margaret, wife of
J. W. Kelsey; Sarah Jane, who married James B. Wilson, of Lewisburg, and
died in 1889; George; Mary Ann, wife of John Russell; Samuel M.;
Matilda, wife of Zacharias Yagel, and John. Our subject was reared in
his native township and received his education at the public schools.
In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, as a
private, and was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, in which he
served to the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge. His
service was principally in the West, and although participating in
several of the famous battles, he was fortunate enough to escape wounds.
After the close of the war he purchased a farm in Chillisquaque
township, where he resided five years, and then became a resident of
Turbut township. In 1864 he was married to Sarah E. Wilson, daughter of
William and Ellen Wilson, by whom he has three children: Mattie W.;
Jessie Belle,
END OF PAGE 1120
and Ella M. Mr. Blain is a Republican, and with his family belongs to
the Milton Presbyterian church. He is a member of Henry Wilson Post,
G.A.R., of Milton. Mrs. Blain's grandparents were Hugh and Annie
(Crawford) Wilson, natives of Scotland and Ireland, respectively, who
settled in that part of Northumberland county which now forms a part of
Columbia county, Pennsylvania. At the fall of Port Freeland Mr. Wilson
was captured and scalped by the Indians.
SAMUEL EVERITT, farmer, was born in Northampton county,
Pennsylvania, January 9, 1836, son of Asa and Susan (Adams) Everitt. His
father was a native of New Jersey, and his mother of Northampton county.
They removed to Northumberland county in 1838 and located in Turbut
township, where they were recognized as one among the leading families
of the township. Mr. Everitt was a Republican in politics, and he and
wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Milton. He died,
February 6, 1889; his wife died in 1882. They reared a family of nine
children, six of whom are living: Matilda, wife of James Fries, of Iowa;
Samuel; Catharine, wife of Daniel Detrick, of White Deer township, Union
county; Asa, of Delaware township; William, of White Deer township,
Union county, and Mary, wife of William Koch, of Chillisquaque township.
The three dead are Susan, deceased wife of Charles Heilman, of
Watsontown; David, and Christiana, who was the first person buried in
the upper cemetery at Milton. The subject of this sketch came to this
county at the age of two years, and has always been engaged in farming.
He was married in 1864 to Catharine, daughter of Philip Heilman, of
Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and by this union they have two children:
John E. and Heilman P. Mr. Everitt is a stockholder and director in the
Farmers' National Bank of Watsontown, having served as director since
its organization. He is one of the wealthy and influential citizens of
Turbut, and has one of the finest farms in the township. He and his
family are members of the Lutheran church, and politically he is a
Republican.
ZACHARIAS YAGEL, carpenter, was born in Northampton county,
Pennsylvania, October 5, 1836, son of Conrad and Margaret Ann (Weaver)
Yagel, natives of Germany, who immigrated to America, located in
Northampton county, and afterwards removed to Northumberland county.
The subject of our sketch received his education at the township
schools, and also acquired the German language. He learned the carpenter
trade, which he has since followed. October 1, 1864, he married Hannah
Matilda Blain; forty-five years they lived in Watsontown, and have since
resided upon their present farm in Turbut township. Eight children have
been born to this union: Annie B., wife of Willard Whipple, of Milton;
Annie Margaret; Emma Jane; Elizabeth L.; Samuel Blain; James Watson;
John Russell, and George Z. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, One
Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine
months. He and his family are members of the
END OF PAGE 1121
Presbyterian church of Milton, and politically he is a Democrat. Mr.
Yagel's father's family consisted of six children: Lavina, wife of
Samuel Shade, of Limestoneville; Zacharias; John, of Watsontown; Sarah,
wife of William Derr, of Union county; Mary Ann, wife of Stephen Glaze,
and Martin, of Watsontown.
SETH C. HILL, farmer, was born in Chillisquaque township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1836, son of Elijah and
Rebecca (Wenrich) Hill. His father was a native of Berks county, and
came with his parents to Chillisquaque township; here he was reared and
began life as a day laborer, but afterwards engaged in farming in
Limestone township, Montour county, where he remained ten years, and
then moved to Turbut township, where he remained until his death in
March, 1887. He was an active Republican in politics, and for thirty-
five years a member of the Lutheran church of Milton, serving as deacon
of the same many years. His wife still survives him. They reared five
children, two of whom are living: Seth C. and Alfred. The subject of
this sketch received his education at the public schools, and has
principally followed the occupation of a farmer. For six years he
engaged in the lumber business in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, and was
engaged in the grocery business in Milton several years, after which he
embarked in the dairy business, and in 1880 accepted his present
position as manager of the farm and dairy of William Homer. In 1801 he
married Rachel, daughter of Abraham Angney, a native of Bucks county and
a settler of Turbut township. By this union they have six children:
Clara; Kate; Alice; Bessie; William, and Harry. Mr. Hill is an elder in
the Lutheran church of Milton. Politically he is a Republican.
JOHN SHEEP, farmer, was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, April
19, 1837, son of William and Margaret (McCollum) Sheep, natives of that
county, and farmers by occupation. They were members of the
Presbyterian church, and both died in the year 1850. They reared a
family of four children: David M., of Bloomsburg; James; John, and
Annie, who died in 1858. The subject of this sketch was reared in
Montour county, and received an ordinary education. In 1855 he removed
to Michigan, where he remained two years; he then returned to
Northumberland county, resided two years at Milton, and in 1859 settled
upon his present farm in Turbut township. In 1860 he married Jane,
daughter of Robert McKee, of Montour county, by whom he has had seven
children: Margaret Jane, wife of Albert C. Crawford; Mary; Flora, wife
of G. B. Wesner, of McEwensville; Harriet; William, who died in 1877;
Robert M., and John E. Mr. Sheep was drafted in the war of the
Rebellion, and furnished a substitute. In politics he is a Democrat,
and has served as school director of the township. He and his family
attend the Presbyterian church.
EDWARD J. STAMM, farmer, was born in Lewis township, Northumberland
county, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1839, son of Jacob and Mary (Deifen-
END OF PAGE 1122
bacher) Stamm. The father was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in
1808, removed to this county with his father, Frederick Stamm, in 1816,
and settled on a farm in Turbut township. Frederick Stamm afterwards
moved to Centre county, but in a few years returned and died upon the
old homestead. He was a prominent member of the Reformed church, and
served as deacon and elder for many years.
Jacob Stamm, the father of Edward J. Stamm, was brought up on the
homestead farm which in later years he purchased. In 1834 he married
Mary Deifenbacher, daughter of Philip Deifenbacher, of Montour county,
this State. He learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed for
many years. He was an influential Democrat, and served as overseer of
the poor over eighteen years; he also filled various other township
offices, and was a member of the Paradise Reformed church, of which he
was deacon and elder for many years. He died on the 28th of October,
1881, and his widow survives with her son, Edward J. Stamm. Her children
are named as follows: William B.; Edward J.; Daniel D.; Franklin K; Levi
F., and P. L. Our subject received his education at Limestoneville,
Turbutville, and Milton, after which he was employed as a teacher
sixteen years. He settled upon his present farm in 1871. He was married
in 1866 to Amelia A. Berger, daughter of Jacob Berger, of Montour
county, Pennsylvania. By this union six children have been born:
Alovesta M. E., wife of Franklin Lahr, of Turbut township; Hurley W.;
Grace C.; Lloyd W.; Charles E., and Ralph Jacob. Mr. Stamm is a
Democrat; he has served as overseer of the poor and in other township
offices. He is one of the stockholders and directors of The Record
Publishing Company, and a stockholder of the Milton Creamery Company. He
is a member of the Reformed church, while his wife belongs to the
Lutheran church.
J. U. KURTZ, farmer, was born in New Jersey, October 9, 1840, son
of Andrew and Sarah E. (Diehl) Kurtz, who came to Northumberland county
in 1842, engaged in farming in Chillisquaque township, and also engaged
extensively in lime-burning. The father was a Democrat in politics, and
served in various township offices. He and his wife were prominent
members of the Lutheran church of Milton. He died in March, 1885; his
wife died in April, 1882. They reared nine children, three of whom are
living: J. U.; Amandus, of Turbut township, and Sarah, wife of Abraham
Clemens, of Chillisquaque township. The subject of this sketch was
reared and educated in Turbut township, and remained upon the homestead
farm until 1859. In 1861 he enlisted in the three months' service under
Colonel Stewart, re-enlisted in the three years' service in Company A,
Sixth Pennsylvania Reserve, and was honorably discharged at the
expiration of twenty-three months on account of disability. After the
close of the war he went to Williamsport, where he engaged in the lumber
business five years. In 1868 he settled upon his present farm in Turbut
township. In 1863 he was united in mar-
END OF PAGE 1123
riage with Sarah E. Bartoe, of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, by whom he
has twelve children: George McClellan, who married Ida Ammons, and
resides in Turbut township; William Andrew; Edward E., who married
Lizzie Royer, of Lewisburg; Elizabeth, wife of John Bender, of Turbut
township; Margaret; Ida; Hattie; Charles E.; Ella; Annie; Jennie, and
Bessie. In politics Mr. Kurtz is a Democrat; he is a member of Henry
Wilson Post, G.A.R., and one of the trustees and treasurer of Turbut
Grange, P. of H.; he and his family are members of the Follmer Lutheran
church.
JOHN DUNKEL, farmer, was born in Turbut township, Northumberland
county, Pennsylvania, March 25,1842, and is a son of John and Margaret
(Kissinger) Dunkel. He received his education in the public schools and
has followed farming during his active life. He was married in 1871 to
Mary E. Kauffman, daughter of Solomon Kauffman, of Lycoming county,
Pennsylvania, and has one child, John. He is a Democrat in politics,
has served as school director, and is a member of Paradise Reformed
church. His father, John Dunkel, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania,
in 1803, and after marriage located in Turbut township in 1836. He was a
member of the Paradise Reformed church, and died in 1881. His wife died
in 1871, and was the mother of seven children: Fanny M.; A. K.; Peter;
John; Margaret; D. K., and Emma.
W. A. DEETER was born in Chillisquaque township, Northumberland
county, Pennsylvania, January 19, 1846, son of Jacob and Eliza Ann
(Barr) Deeter, natives of Montour and Lycoming counties, Pennsylvania,
respectively. They were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, of which he was deacon and elder. The father died in 1850 and
his widow married David Karchner, who died in 1889; she survives him and
resides in Milton. Her first marriage gave her two children: W. A. and
George; and her second marriage four children: Russell K., of
Williamsport; Martha, Ann, and Nora, all of Milton. Our subject has
resided upon his present farm since the age of four years. In 1871 he
married Margaret Gauger, daughter of John B. Gauger, of Montour county,
this State, and by her has two children: Harry and May. He is an active
Democrat, and was the candidate of that party for commissioner in 1888.
He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and with his family belongs to the
Lutheran church, of which he has served as deacon fifteen years.
H. W. WOLFE, school teacher and farmer, was born in Union county,
Pennsylvania, September 6, 1847, son of Daniel and Caroline (Farley)
Wolfe, natives of Union county, who settled upon the present farm of our
subject in 1853. They became one of the prominent families of the
township, and removed to Missouri in 1881, where they now reside. Their
family consisted of three children: H. W.; Sarah, wife of Lewis Rissell,
of Missouri, and Mary C., wife of Daniel Masteller, of Turbut township.
The subject of our sketch came to Turbut township when six years of age.
He
END OF PAGE 1124
was educated in the public schools and Milton Academy, and learned the
carpenter trade, which he has followed since 1872; he has also been
engaged in teaching school during the last eighteen years. In 1870 he
married Maggie A., daughter of John Dunkel, of Turbut township, by whom
he has one child, Frank D. Mr. Wolfe is a member of the Prohibition
party, and of St. John's Reformed church of Milton, in which he has
served as deacon. Since 1880 he has been employed in the Milton Car
Works.
JOHN C. KROCK, farmer, was born in Northampton county,
Pennsylvania, January 31, 1848, son of John and Mary (Smith) Krock,
natives of that county, who removed to Northumberland county about 1853
and settled in Delaware township, where the father still resides. His
family consisted of John C.; Mary, wife of E. Diefenbacher, of Delaware
township, and Annie. He is a member of the German Reformed church, and
politically is a Republican. The subject of this sketch was reared and
educated in Delaware township, and learned the trade of shoemaking,
which he followed eight years, since which he has been engaged in
farming. In 1867 he married Emma, daughter of Frederick Whitman, of
Watsontown, by whom he has five children: Ida; Flora Elizabeth; Minnie;
John Frederick, and Maud. Mr. Krock and wife are members of the German
Reformed church of Milton, and politically he is a Republican.
J. W. HOUSE, blacksmith, was born in Chillisquaque township,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1848, son of Andrew and
Caroline (Bitzner) House, natives of Germany, who immigrated to this
county, where they were married. Our subject was reared and educated in
his native township and learned the blacksmith trade at Milton; he has
since followed this occupation, locating in Turbut township in 1871. In
1876 he was married to Sarah Steiner, daughter of John Steiner, of Lewis
township, by whom he has two children: John and Mary. He is a member of
the Turbut Grange, P. of H., and of the Lutheran church, and is a
Democrat in politics. His father's family consisted of six children:
Emanuel, of Turbut township; Jacob, of Chillisquaque township; Andrew,
of Milton; Henry, of Chillisquaque township; Caroline, and J. W. The
two last named are twins.
HENRY J. SYPHER, farmer, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania,
May 19, 1848, son of Abraham and Annie (Follmer) Sypher, farmers by
occupation, and now residents of Union county. Their family consists of
two children: Henry J., and Leah Ann, wife of John Bricker of Union
county. The subject of this sketch received his education at the public
schools of his native county. In 1869 he married Julia Ann, daughter of
George and Mercy (Sternart) Berkheimer, of Chillisquaque township, and
former residents of Union county, where the father still lives, her
mother having died in 1887. The subject of this sketch settled upon his
present farm near Follmer's church in 1870; he has five children: Annie
M., wife of Harvey Sones, of Hughesville, Lycoming county; William
Henry; George Abra-
END OF PAGE 1125
ham; Veronica Idilla, and Bessie Leah. Mr. Sypher is independent in
politics, and has filled the office of school director of Turbut
township. He has been a prominent member of Turbut Grange, P. of H.,
since its organization. His wife and family are members of the Lutheran
church.
WILLIAM KLICK, farmer, was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania,
February 15, l850, son of Peter and Lavina (Wenrich) Klick, natives of
Schuylkill and Berks counties, respectively. Mr. Klick was reared and
educated in Lebanon county, and has always followed farming. He migrated
from Lebanon to Union county, and April 3, 1879, removed to Turbut
township, where he is now engaged in farming and huckstering. In 1872 he
married Mary, daughter of Christian Page, of Union county. She died in
1874 leaving no children. He was again married, in 1876, to Carrie,
daughter of Daniel Pick, of Union county, by whom he has five children:
Mary Alice; William Arthur; Peter Harrison; Sallie Estella, and Charles
Dougle. Mr. Klick is a member of Turbut Grange, P. of H., in which he
has filled several offices. He and his wife are members of the Follmer
Lutheran church, in which he has served as deacon, and is now church
treasurer; in politics he is a Democrat.
THE MURRAYS OF CHILLISQUAQUE. About the year 1770 three brothers,
James, William, and John Murray, settled on lands lying along the
Chillisquaque creek in Northumberland county in the vicinity of the
present village of Pottsgrove, for which they obtained patents from the
Commonwealth.
To this original colony were afterwards added several members of a
family of the name of Murray who had come from Scotland and settled on
the Swatara (now in Dauphin county) in 1732. It is known that kinship
was claimed between these two families but the relationship was probably
remote and can not now be determined. There appear to have been others
also of the same name who settled in the same locality at about the same
period, but it is not known that any blood relationship existed between
the latter and the two families first mentioned.
The Murrays were stanch Presbyterians and active members of the
Chillisquaque church. The several families of the same name became at
one time so numerous as to constitute a large proportion of the local
community, but subsequently many of the members removed to different
parts of the West and comparatively few of their descendants now remain
in this State.
Among the members of the Swatara family who settled on the
Chillisquaque, was John Murray who represented this district in the
House of Representatives from 1807 to 1810, and served as a member of
Congress from 1817 to 1820. He was born in 1768 and was married to
Margaret Murray, a daughter of Colonel John Murray of Dauphin county.
They had several children, one of whom was the late John Murray
(merchant) of Milton.
James, one of the three brothers first mentioned and known as
Colonel James Murray, took an active part in the war of the Revolution
as colonel of a regiment of militia which had probably been raised in
the upper end of the
END OF PAGE 1126
county. At the organization of the Northumberland county militia in
January and February, 1776, James Murray was captain of the Seventh
company of the Second battalion (Colonel James Potter's) and William
Murray was captain of the Fifth company of the Third battalion (Colonel
William Plunket's), in which the lieutenant colonel was James Murray.
Subsequently James Murray became colonel (succeeding Colonel Plunket
probably, as the latter was not in entire sympathy with the American
cause after the declaration of independence); he was first called into
active service in the winter of 1776-77, and on the 11th of November,
1777, marched with the Northumberland county militia to Philadelphia.
His regiment was attached to General James Potter's brigade and
participated in the movements in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1776-78.
A paper dated May 1, 1778, is on record in the office of the
Secretary of the Commonwealth, giving the names of the captains and
number of men in the rank and file of the Second battalion of the
Northumberland county militia commanded by Colonel James Murray, a copy
of which will be found in Chapter III. p.119. James McMahan, one of the
captains of this regiment and subsequently known as Major McMahan, was
married to a sister of Colonel Murray. There are but few of Colonel
Murray's descendants now living in the county.
John Murray, one of the three brothers first mentioned, had one
son, Thomas, and three daughters: Jane, married to John McMahan; Ann,
married to John Reznor, and Mary, unmarried. The son was known as
Thomas Murray, Jr., to distinguish him from another of the same name a
few years his senior. Thomas Murray, Jr. was a member of the House of
Representatives in 1813, and in 1814 was elected to the Senate. In 1820
he was elected a member of the XVIIth Congress and served during the
years 1821 and 1822, being the immediate successor of John Murray
previously mentioned. On account of increasing ill health he declined a
re-nomination, and died on the 25th of August, 1823. He was married to
Charity Arbour, who in her early life had some thrilling experiences
with the Indians and had frequently been obliged to fly to Fort Augusta
for protection. Their children were Mary; John F.; William; Hannah;
Joseph Arbour; Nancy; James; Thomas, and Margaret. Thomas was born,
January 22, 1809, was educated at the Milton Academy under Dr. David
Kirkpatrick, studied medicine under Dr. James S. Dongal, of Milton, and
Dr. Thomas Van Valzah, of Lewisburg, was graduated at the University of
Pennsylvania in 1833, and subsequently practiced in Westmoreland and
Indiana counties. He retired from the practice of medicine a few years
ago and has since lived at Beaver, Pennsylvania.
William Murray was born, August 26, 1796; he was married to Nancy
Gray Wilson, of Lewisburg, resided for a time at Washingtonville,
Montour county, removed from there to Lewisburg and subsequently to
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he died, June 13, 1886. William and
Nancy G. Mur-
END OF PAGE 1127
ray had three children: Eliza N., who was married to James Black, of
Lancaster; Thomas, who died in early life, and Samuel Wilson, who is at
present a resident of Milton.
THE MCMAHAN FAMILY of Northumberland county are descended from John
and Margaret McMahan, natives of the North of Ireland, who immigrated to
Pennsylvania about 1744 and settled in Sherman's valley, Cumberland
county. They had one son, James, born to them in Ireland, and two sons
and six daughters were born after coming to their new home in the wilds
of Pennsylvania. Their names were: John; Benjamin; Rachel; Sarah;
Elizabeth; Agnes; Margaret, and Mary. The father followed farming in
Cumberland county until his death in 1767. Two years later, in 1769,
James McMahan, in company with James, William, and John Murray, Johnson
Cheney, Thomas Hewitt, and William Fisher paid a visit to the West
Branch valley for the purpose of seeing the country and inspecting the
lands which had been thrown open for settlement the previous year. They
were so well pleased with the country that all decided to make it their
future home, which purpose they afterwards carried into effect. James
McMahan selected and purchased three hundred acres of land on
Chillisquaque creek, and in 1771 located permanently upon his purchase.
His wife, Mary, was a sister of Colonel James Murray, and became the
mother of seven sons and one daughter: John; Jane; James; William;
Thomas; Robert; Benjamin, and Samuel. Soon after he had effected a
settlement, his brothers, John and Benjamin, and also his mother,
followed him to this valley. John bought land about one mile east of
James, a part of which farm is still the home of one of his grandsons.
Benjamin subsequently moved to Huntingdon county, where many of his
descendants now live. John McMahan married Jane, daughter of John
Murray, and sister of Thomas Murray, Jr., who bore him nine children:
James; Peggy; John; Hannah; Benjamin; Thomas; Polly; William, and
Samuel. Mrs. Margaret McMahan also took up her abode on Chillisquaque
creek, and a few years after coming she was drowned while crossing that
stream in a wagon.
Whether the McMahans were soldiers from choice or from necessity we
know not, but one thing is certain, as soldiers they did their duty and
did it well. Major James McMahan, as he was familiarly known, got his
first taste of war when a lad of eighteen, being fired upon by a band of
Indians on the bank of the Juniata river and wounded in the left
shoulder. He afterwards served as first sergeant in the Second
battalion of Pennsylvania troops in the French and Indian war. He held
a captain's commission in the Revolutionary war, and at the close of the
Revolution he was promoted to major. At one time he had command of a
small stockade fort, built on his own farm on the bank of Chillisquaque
creek for the protection of the settlement against roving bands of
Indians. During this period, while in the woods hunting stock, Major
McMahan was taken prisoner by an Indian and a white man painted.
END OF PAGE 1128
But being left alone with the Indian he brained the savage with the butt
of his gun, made his escape, and returned to the fort in safety. He
went with Captain Boone's company to the relief of Fort Freeland, but it
had surrendered before their arrival. In short, both James and John
McMahan did admirable service in defense of Northumberland county, as
well as elsewhere, throughout the struggle for American liberty, and at
its close they retired to their farms, upon which the remaining years of
their lives were spent. They were among the founders of Chillisquaque
Presbyterian church, and were worthy men and good citizens. John
McMahan, eldest son of Major McMahan, was a colonel in the war of 1812,
while James, the second son, was a major in the same war, both serving
with credit along the Niagara river. Colonel McMahan was complimented by
General Scott as one of the bravest and most efficient officers in his
command.
JAMES MONTGOMERY immigrated from Scotland to this country, and
procured a tract of land in Montour county, where he lived and died. He
was one of the founders of the Chillisquaque Presbyterian church.
H. R. MONTGOMERY was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, in 1819,
a son of James Montgomery. He married Sarah Mull, a native of Berks
county, and afterwards located where his son D. M. now resides. He
served as justice of the peace twenty-five or thirty years in Montour
county, also served as overseer of the poor of Chillisquaque township.
He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and politically a Democrat.
He died in 1881; his wife still survives him. They reared nine
children: James, a physician of Buckhorn, Columbia county, Pennsylvania;
John S.; Mary, Mrs. C. H. Marsh; Sarah A., Mrs. William Eckman, of
Sunbury; D. M.; William, a farmer of Chillisquaque township; H. B.;
Clara B., and Alice Jane.
JOHN S. MONTGOMERY was born in Chillisquaque township, August 21,
1859. He received his education at the Pottsgrove Academy, learned
telegraphy, and was in the employ of the Philadelphia and Reading
Railroad Company five years at Danville. In 1888 he established his
present mercantile business. He is a member of the Presbyterian church,
and politically a Democrat.
D. M. MONTGOMERY, of the firm of J. S. Montgomery & Company,
merchants, was born in Chillisquaque township, September 27, 1865, son
of H. R. and Sarah (Mull) Montgomery. He was educated at the Pottsgrove
Academy, and afterward learned telegraphy, which occupation he followed
several years. In 1889 he became a member of the present firm. He is a
member of Corona Lodge, I.O.O.F., of Conemaugh, and Brownfield Lodge, R.
of P., a member of the Presbyterian church, and politically a Democrat.
JACOB S. RISHEL was born in that part of Northumberland county
which is now Montour, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1806, son of Jacob and Mary
(Sanders) Rishel. His grandfather, Michael Rishel, was a native of
Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and one of the early settlers of
Northumberland county. The father of our subject was a farmer by
occupation, and died in Montour county in 1836. He reared twelve
children, two of whom are living: Jacob S., and Regina, wife of Jacob
Wireman, of Montour county. The subject of this sketch was reared on
the homestead farm and attended the district schools, after which he
learned the tanner's trade, which he soon relinquished to become a
farmer, which has been his principal occupation. In 1850 he removed to
Northumberland coun-
END OF PAGE 1129
ty and settled in this township. In 1829 he married Elizabeth, daughter
of Anthony Diehl, of Montour county. She died in 1870. Ten of their
children grew to maturity; those living are: Mary, Mrs. William Rayer;
Michael, of the firm of J. R. Smith & Company, of Milton; Susan, widow
of John C. McWilliams; Hannah, Mrs. Thomas Kutz, of Williamsport; Thomas
H., of Missouri; Jacob Henry, of Milton, and William James, of Kansas.
Mr. Rishel has always been an active Democrat, and has filled offices of
trust in Montour and Northumberland counties. He has been identified
with the Lutheran church many years, and is serving as elder of the
same.
HUGH MARTIN was born in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1810.
His father was born in White Deer township, Union county, Pennsylvania,
and married Mary Ambrose, also a native of that county. Our subject was
reared in Lewisburg, and attended the public schools. Before he was
eighteen years of age he had earned sufficient money by working on the
canal to buy a house and lot in Lewisburg. After this he learned the
trade of plasterer, which he followed nearly twenty-five years. In 1848
he removed to Chillisquaque township, and for eleven years engaged in
farming, after which he removed to Montandon, where he has since
resided. In 1831 he married Hannah, daughter of John Maurer, of Berks
county, Pennsylvania. She died in 1884, leaving a family of two sons
and two daughters: Alexander, a farmer of this township; Elizabeth, Mrs.
James Bannen, who has two sons in the Lutheran ministry; Robert, who was
killed at Milton, and Fannie, Mrs. Elias Bieber. Mr. Martin is a member
of the Democratic party, and in 1864 was elected county commissioner,
serving three years. He has also served as overseer of the poor seven
years and in other township offices. He is a charter member of the
Lewisburg I.O.O.F., and a stockholder in the Lewisburg Bank, the First
National Bank of Milton, the Lewisburg Nail Company, and the Lewisburg
Bridge Company. He is a liberal supporter of all churches, but not
identified with any particular denomination.
WILLIAM REED, farmer, was born at Pottsgrove, February 15, 1820,
son of James and Mary (Perry) Reed, natives of Berks county, who settled
at Pottsgrove, where he secured a tract of land, which he cleared and
improved; he also erected the first hotel in the town, and conducted the
same several years. He served as postmaster twenty-eight years. He
reared five children: Washington, deceased; Eliza; Margaret; William,
and Joseph, who was a member of Company D, One Hundred and Twelfth
Pennsylvania Volunteers,
END OF PAGE 1130
and was killed at Petersburg, Virginia. The subject of our sketch
married in 1843, Lydia, daughter of Emanuel Beck, of Montour county, by
whom he had three children: E. B.; Charles, deceased, and Sarah, Mrs. J.
R. Smith, of Milton. Mr. Reed is a Republican, and has filled the
various township offices. He is a member of the Lutheran church.
EMANUEL B. REED, son of William and Lydia (Beck) Reed, was born at
Pottsgrove, April 26, 1865. He received his education at the Milton
Academy, after which he became station agent for the Philadelphia and
Reading Railroad Company at Pottsgrove, which position he filled six
years. He is an active member of the Republican party, and has served
in several of the township offices.
SOLOMON FAIRCHILD, farmer, was born in Luzerne county,
Pennsylvania, May 15, 1823. He was reared in his native county and
educated in the public schools, and has followed the occupation of
farmer. December 23, 1852, he married Emily, a daughter of Abraham
Lines, of Luzerne county. She died in 1853. April 29, 1856, he married
Sarah, daughter of Jonathan Robbins, of Luzerne county. He is the
father of eight children: Ambrose; Franklin; George; Solomon; Sarah
Elizabeth; Linda May; Minnie, and Grace D. Mr. Fairchild removed from
Luzerne county to his farm in this township in 1873. He is a director
in the First National Bank of Milton. Politically he is a Republican,
and has served as school director and in other township offices. Mr.
Fairchild and family are members of the Presbyterian church of Milton.
WILLIAM S. FORESMAN, farmer, was born in Chillisquaque township,
December 10, 1825. His grandfather, Joseph Foresman, removed to
Northumberland county in 1799 and took up a tract of land, whereon he
lived for many years. He was a pioneer and prominent man of the
township. Joseph Foresman, father of our subject, was born in 1784 He
learned the black-smith trade, which occupation he followed until he had
earned money enough to purchase a farm in Chillisquaque township. He
married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Wilson Hunt, and reared a family
of six children, three of whom are living: Evaline, Mrs. Dubias Cawley,
of Milton; John H., of Point township, and Elias. From 1832 to 1855 he
conducted a hotel near Montandon, which was widely and favorably known
as Foresman's Hotel. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of
the Presbyterian church. His wife died in May, 1845, and he in 1855.
The subject of our sketch was reared in this township, received his
early education in the district schools, and has followed the occupation
of farming. In January, 1851, he married Sarah Ann, daughter of Thomas
Pardoe, by whom he has seven children: Sarah Elizabeth; Benjamin F., of
Philadelphia; Amanda, Mrs. Jacob Harmon, of Lewisburg; Charles Edward,
of Shamokin; Emma; Harry B., and Iantha. Mr. Foresman settled on his
present farm in April, 1870. Politically he is a Republican, and has
served as supervisor and overseer of the
END OF PAGE 1131
poor of the township. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian
church.
JOSEPH NEAGLEY, farmer, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania,
October 12, 1829. His father, Daniel Neagley, was also a native of
Dauphin county, and his mother, Margaret (Gable) Neagley, was a native
of Canada, and moved with her parents to the United States when seven
years old. After her marriage to Mr. Neagley she located in Dauphin
county, where both died, he, February 2,1873, and she, October 3, 1876.
They were members of the Reformed church, of which he was an elder for
many years. They reared eleven children: George; John; Joseph; Daniel;
Mary; Catharine; Sarah; Isaac; Margaret; Hannah, and William. Our
subject remained on the homestead farm until 1859, when he removed to
his present place, where he has since resided. In 1854 he was married
to Elizabeth Lenker, daughter of John Lenker, of Northumberland county,
and to this union have been born eight children: Agnes, wife of John
Schwenk; William A, of Milton; Jacob A, of Sunbury; Alice, wife of E. F.
Marsh, of Williamsport; John D.; Elizabeth M.; Joseph C., and Catharine
E. Mr. Neagley is a Democrat and has filled the office of school
director. He and his family belong to the Lewisburg Reformed church,
and for twelve years he has served as deacon and trustee of the same.
ABRAM FAIRCHILD, farmer, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania,
December 25, 1832, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Lutsey) Fairchild,
natives of that county, and farmers by occupation. They were members of
the Presbyterian church, and the parents of thirteen children. Those
living are: Solomon; Rosanna, Mrs. Cornelius Styer, of Montour county;
Priscilla, Mrs. Matthias Rasley, of Butler county, Pennsylvania;
Isabella, Mrs. Ziba Kramer, of Iowa, and Abram. The subject of this
sketch was reared in Luzerne county and attended the district schools.
In 1854 he married Hannah, daughter of Barnet Miller. He was engaged in
farming in Luzerne county until 1874, when he removed to Northumberland
county and located upon the farm where he now resides. Mr. Fairchild is
a director in the First National Bank of Milton, and a stockholder of
the Milton Knitting Company, the Milton Trust and Safe Deposit Company,
and the Milton Driving Park and Fair Association. Politically he is a
Republican; he has served two years as supervisor and two years as
constable in Luzerne county. He has seven children: Elizabeth, wife of
E. F. Colvin, of Milton; Annie, wife of John D. Derr, of Steelton,
Pennsylvania; Milton O., a farmer of Union county; Mary, wife of Eyer
Spyker, of Lewisburg; Angus A., of Pottsgrove; Clara J., and Milo
Wesley. Mr. Fairchild and family are members of the Presbyterian church
S. M. MILLER, postmaster, Pottsgrove, was born in Montour county,
Pennsylvania, April 24,1834, son of Daniel Miller, who was born in
Chillisquaque township in 1810. He married Jane Dale and settled in
Montour county,
END OF PAGE 1132
where he worked at the shoemaker trade. He afterward removed to
Pottsgrove, and was appointed postmaster in 1872. He died in 1880; his
wife still survives him. They reared seven children, two of whom are
living: William D., of Philadelphia, who is engaged in the real estate
business, and S. M. The subject of this sketch attended the township
schools, and afterward learned the trade of harness maker, which he has
since followed. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and
Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers; he was wounded at the battle of
Fredericksburg, Virginia, and was honorably discharged from the service.
He re-enlisted in the Thirty-ninth Pennsylvania Militia, and again in
the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and served as corporal until
the close of the war. He was then in the employ of the Philadelphia and
Reading Railroad Company three years. In 1872 he married Emma R.,
daughter of Enos Brookes, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, who died in 1882.
He again married in 1883, and has three children: Jennie May; Hattie M.,
and William L. Mr. Miller is a Republican in politics, and was appointed
postmaster at Pottsgrove, October 28, 1889.
J. F. BUCHER, deceased, was born in Northampton county,
Pennsylvania, May 24, 1834. His father, Nicholas Bucher, was a native of
Switzerland, and settled in Northampton county when a boy. He married
Elizabeth Bachman, and in 1837 removed to Northumberland county, where
he engaged in farming. He was a member of the Reformed church. He was
the father of six children, five of whom are living: Samuel; John, of
Milton; Sarah; J. F., and Catharine, wife of David Kohler. The subject
of this sketch received his education at the Lancaster and Milton
schools, and at the age of eighteen years learned the blacksmith trade,
which occupation he followed for some time. In 1862 he enlisted in
Company B, One Hundred and Seventy-second Pennsylvania Volunteers as
first lieutenant, serving nine months. In 1868 he removed to Milton,
where he worked at his trade until 1874. In 1886 he located upon the
farm where his family now resides, and where his death occurred,
September 15, 1890. In 1864 he married Adeline, daughter of John Wolfe,
by whom he had eight children: Elizabeth; Mary; Clara W.; John N.;
Margaret J.; J. F.; Frederick B., and Adeline, deceased. He was a member
of the F. & A.M. of Milton and the G.A.R. Politically he was a
Democrat; he served in the offices of justice of the peace and auditor
of the township, and was elected county treasurer in 1881, serving three
years. Mr. Bucher was a member of the Reformed church, to which his
family also adheres.
ELIAS BIEBER, farmer, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania,
September 1, 1835, son of John and Hannah (Shaeffer) Bieber, natives of
Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and Seneca county, New York,
respectively. His father was a farmer, a Democrat in politics, and
served as school director. He was a consistent member of the Lutheran
church and died in October, 1863. His widow died in May, 1869. Ten
children were born to their union,
END OF PAGE 1133
four of whom are living: Elias; Benjamin, of Chillisquaque township;
Anna, a maiden lady, living in Lycoming county, and William, of Lycoming
county. Our subject was reared and educated in his native county and
his occupation has always been that of a farmer. December 24, 1868, he
was married to Sarah F. Martin, daughter of Hugh Martin, of Montandon,
by whom he has six children living: Howard L., of Lycoming county; Woods
M.; Florence B.; William F.; Benjamin F., and Annie F. In 1859 he came
to Northumberland county and located upon his present farm. He is a
member of Chillisquaque Grange, P. of H. He is a Democrat in politics
and is a member of the school board. He and his wife belong to the
Lutheran church of Lewisburg.
JAMES O. GIFFEN, farmer, was born in Chillisquaque township, March
3, 1837. His grandfather, James Giffen, a blacksmith by trade, was a
native of Delaware and one of the early settlers of Montour county,
whence he removed to Chillisquaque township and engaged in farming. He
was a member of the Presbyterian church. John Giffen, father of our
subject, was born in Montour county, November 23, 1805, and removed to
Northumberland county, December 24, 1833. He married Margaret, daughter
of Samuel and Jane (Reed) McMahan. He became one of the prominent
farmers of the township. He was a member and an elder in the
Chillisquaque Presbyterian church, and politically a Republican. He
died, March 10, 1885; his wife still survives him. They reared five
children: Christiana, wife of I. C. Rishel, of Chillisquaque township;
James O.; Mary, wife of Rev. Charles Park, of Orange county, New York;
Samuel M., of Muskegon county Michigan, and John R. The subject of our
sketch was reared on the homestead, where he still resides, and attended
the public schools. December 4, 1867, he married Martha C., daughter of
John Watson, of Lock Haven, Clinton county, Pennsylvania, by whom he has
three children: Walter W.; Jennie M., and John M. Mr. Giffen was
engaged in the grocery business two years at Milton, the remainder of
his time being occupied in farming. He is a Republican in politics, and
has served as township auditor and assessor. He is a member of the
Chillisquaque Grange, and purchasing agent for the same and for the
Grange Association comprising six counties. He is a member of the
Chillisquaque Presbyterian church.
JOSEPH PARDOE, farmer and county commissioner, was born in
Chillisquaque township, March 15, 1839. His father, Thomas Pardoe, was
born in London, England, March 4, l795, and came to America with his
parents when a child. The father of our subject married Sarah Hause and
located upon a farm in Chillisquaque township, where he followed the
occupation of farmer, distiller, miller, and store keeper. He was a
Republican in politics, served as justice of the peace for many years,
and also as supervisor and school director. He was a member of the
Presbyterian church. He died, April 21, 1873; his widow died, November
18, 1876. They reared ten chil-
END OF PAGE 1134
Page 1135 contains a portrait of Joseph Pardoe.
Page 11365 is blank.
dren, of whom five are living: William, of Milton; Sarah, Mrs. W. S.
Foresman; Franklin C., of Montour county; Joseph, and Hannah, Mrs. John
H. Gottshall, of Flint City, Michigan. The subject of our sketch was
educated in the public schools, and has been engaged principally in
farming. In 1860 he married Susan, daughter of Andrew I. Fetzer, of
Chillisquaque township, by whom he has four children: Mary J., Mrs. C.
R. Shearer; Sarah L., Mrs. Thomas F. Haup, of Sunbury; T. H., and Grace.
He is an active member of the Republican party, was elected tax
collector in 1888, in which capacity be served two terms, and in 1890
was elected county commissioner. In 1891, when taking his official
position, he sold his farming implements and removed his family to the
town of Northumberland. Mr. Pardoe and family are adherents of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
REV. T. O. CLEES, deceased, was born in Lycoming county,
Pennsylvania, November 16, 1839, son of Frederick and Hannah (Obern)
Clees, natives of the same county and of Scotch-Irish extraction. He
spent his early days upon a farm, and at the age of fifteen years he
began learning the cabinet maker's trade, which he followed for a time.
He received his education at Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, from
which he was graduated in 1865. From this date to 1868 he was principal
of the high school at Montoursville, Pennsylvania. He joined the
Methodist Episcopal church in 1856. March 11, 1868, he entered the East
Baltimore Conference, and was appointed to the Watsontown charge with
Rev. Henry Wilson. He afterwards served the Washingtonville charge. He
was married, November 10, 1870, to A. Tillie Andrews, daughter of John
Andrews, a native of Columbia bounty, Pennsylvania, who removed to
Montandon in 1868. From 1873 to 1876 Mr. Clees had charge of a church
at Elysburg; from 1876 to 1879 he preached in Columbia county, where he
was assigned to the Orangeville charge and built three churches at a
cost of twenty-five thousand dollars. In 1882-84 he preached at
Selinsgrove and Shamokin Dam, where he also completed a church. From
here he went to Town Hill and soon after retired from active ministerial
duties on account of failing health. He was a pioneer of the
Prohibition party and one of its most active workers. He died, February
18,1887. His widow survives, and in 1887 established her present
mercantile business at Montandon. She has two children: William Atwood
and Robbins Kimber Clees.
J. WILSON HESS was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, January
9, 1841, son of Jacob Hess, who was also born in that county. John
Hess, grandfather of our subject, was born in Northampton county, and
settled in Columbia about the year 1810. He was a farmer by occupation,
one of the substantial men of the community, a Democrat in politics, and
a member of the Reformed church. The father of our subject married
Saloama Fenstermacher, a native of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. In
1862 he removed to Union county, and thence in 1864 to Chillisquaque
township, where he
END OF PAGE 1137
engaged in farming. He served in the different township offices, and
for many years as elder and deacon of the Reformed church. He died in
1874, his wife having died in 1870. They reared five children, two of
whom are living: Catharine, Mrs. Jones of Talmadge, Ohio, and J. Wilson,
who attended the schools at Bloomsburg, Millville, Limestoneville, and
Lewisburg.
In l864 he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Ninety-second
Pennsylvania Volunteers, as captain of the company, and was honorably
discharged in l865. After his return from the war he was engaged in the
mercantile business at Montandon two years, after which he practiced
dentistry nearly three years. He was then engaged with the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company as weighmaster at Montandon one year, clerked one year,
after which he taught school in Baltimore county, Maryland, two years,
and clerked in Baltimore about five years. In 1865 he located in
Montandon. In 1864 he married Emma, daughter of Jacob Wolfe, of Buffalo
township, Union county, by whom he has three children: Charles E., of
Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Jessie M., and Clara F. Mr. Hess is a member
of Andrew G. Tucker Post G.A.R., of Lewisburg. Politically he is a
Democrat, has served as township auditor, and is now serving his tenth
year as justice of the peace. He is a member of the Baptist church, and
his wife of the Reformed church.
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON NESBITT, farmer, was born in Chillisquaque
township, February 27, 1841. His grandfather was a native of York
County, Pennsylvania, and one of the pioneer settlers of this township.
He built the first boat and rowed the first ferry across to Lewisburg.
He served in the Revolutionary war. Fleming Nesbitt, father of our
subject, married Annie W., daughter of Job Randolph, of Cumberland
county, Pennsylvania. He was a member of a militia company of Lewisburg
for many years. He started in life poor, and became one of the affluent
and influential citizens of the township. He was an elder in the
Presbyterian church, and in politics an active Republican. He died in
1877, and his wife in 1874. They were the parents of eleven children,
of whom seven are living: Susan Ann, wife of Robert Montgomery, of
Columbia county; Jonathan, of Pottsgrove; Mary Ellen, wife of Thomas
Robinson, of Washingtonville; Rebecca M., wife of Robert Johnson, of
Pottsgrove; Catharine; Randolph, and W. H. H. The subject of this
sketch was reared in this township and educated in the public schools.
September 4, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Twelfth United States
Infantry; he was wounded in the right arm and ribs at the battle of Bull
Run, and in the right shoulder at the battle of the Wilderness. In 1865
he married Ellen J., daughter of Joseph Gray, of Dauphin County,
Pennsylvania. They have eight children: Edith M.; Jennie G.; Arthur F.;
Harold; Annie L.; Helen J.; Joseph Gray, and John R. He is a member of
the Presbyterian church of Milton, and politically is a Republican.
END OF PAGE 1138
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TROXELL, farmer, was born upon the farm whereon
he now resides, August 29, 1849. His grandfather, Abraham Troxell, was
one of the early settlers of Chillisquaque township, where his father,
George Troxell, was born in 1797. He married Catharine, daughter of
Henry Kline, of Chillisquaque township, and by occupation was a farmer.
He was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and
politically, a Democrat. He died in 1884; his wife died in 1872. They
were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living: Reuben, of
Michigan; John, of Chillisquaque township, Charles, of Chicago
Illinois: George, of Indiana; Aaron, of Chillisquaque township; Lucy,
Mrs. William Pardoe, of Milton; Margaret, Mrs. John Hassenplug and
Benjamin F. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public
schools. In 1869 he married Rebecca, daughter of Israel Royer, of Union
county, Pennsylvania. She died, July 16, 1879, leaving four children:
Katie; Blair; George, and Cora May. In 1883 he married Amanda, daughter
of Thompson and Mary (Homan) Strahon, of Centre county, Pennsylvania.
One child has been born to this union, Mary Bordell. Politically he is
a Democrat, and has served in this office of township constable. Mr.
Troxell and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
JOHN A. RINE, Farmer, was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania,
December 13, 1850, son of Benjamin and Susan (Hummel) Rine, natives of
that county, who came to Northumberland county in 1852, and settled in
Chillisquaque township, where they now reside. They are members of the
Lutheran church at Lewisburg. Five children have been born to them:
John A.; Mary Ann, Mrs. Frank B. Shuck, of Delaware township; Susan,
Mrs. William Noll; Benjamin F., who married Annie Stahl, and Maria S.
The subject of our sketch attended the township schools and Lewisburg
Academy, and has been engaged in farming and dealing in stock. December
31, 1872, he married Amanda, daughter of John and Catharine Shuck, of
Kelly township, Union county, by whom he has four children: Ada G.;
Jennie May; Harvey Luther, and Charles Edwin. Politically Mr. Rine is a
Democrat; he is now serving in the office of school director, and is
treasurer of the school board. For twelve consecutive years his has
been deacon and trustee in the Lutheran church of Lewisburg.
JOHN HENRY WINGERT was born in Pine Grove, Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, December 3, 1852. His father, Jeremiah Wingert, was a
native of Perry comity, Pennsylvania, and married Hester, daughter of
John Van Gundy, of Union county. In 1855 he removed to (that county,
where he engaged in business as a farmer and nurseryman. He became one
of the prominent farmers of that county. Politically he was a
Republican, and served in various township offices. He was a member of
this Christian church. He died in 1864; his widow still survives him,
and is the wife of J. H. Seabold, of New Berlin, Pennsylvania. The
subject of this sketch was
END OF PAGE 1140
reared in Union county and educated at Bucknell University, from which
he graduated in 1872. Since then he has been engaged in the mercantile
business at Lewisburg and Montandon, one year at each place, and in
teaching school and farming. In 1878 he married Lizzie, daughter of
Edward Hummel, of Chillisquaque township. She died in February 1883,
leaving one child, Marion Mae. Mr. Wingert has been teacher of the same
school six years. He is a member of the Baptist church of Montandon,
deacon and clerk of the same, and has also been superintendent of the
Sabbath school for a number of years. Politically he is a Democrat, and
has been auditor and assessor of the township several terms.
GEORGE M. WALTER, farmer, was born, December 18, 1853. His father,
Solomon B. Walter, was a native of Buffalo township, Union county,
Pennsylvania. He married Catharine Mark, of Snyder county. They came
to Northumberland county, and settled upon the farm now in possession of
our subject in 1847. The father was a Republican in politics, and
served as school director and as postmaster of Chillisquaque. He was a
member of the Evangelical church. He died, January 19, 1881; his wife
still survives him. They reared nine children: Cyrus F., of Point
township; Many C., Mrs. Abraham Grove, of Union county, Pennsylvania;
Lillian, Mrs. G. W. Furey, of Sunbury; Lavina; George M.; Joanna, Mrs.
F. H. Shermer, of Sunbury; Maggie, Mrs. Mr. H. Herr, of Clinton county,
Pennsylvania; Lincoln, attorney at law, Mt. Carmel, and Chester F. The
subject of this sketch was reared on the old homestead, and received his
education at the township schools and Bucknell University, Lewisburg,
Pennsylvania. January 1, 1889, he married Lizzie, daughter of Samuel
Muffley, of Montour county. They are members of the Lutheran church.
Politically Mr. Walter is a Republican.
JOHN E. K. SCHWENK, merchant and postmaster at Chillisquaque, was
born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania August 24, 1854, son of Abraham
and Catharine (Klinger) Schwenk, natives of Montgomery and Schuylkill
counties, Pennsylvania, respectively. His father was a merchant, a
manufacturer of blasting powder, and hotel keeper in Schuylkill county.
He retired from business and removed to Lewisburg Union county, this
State, where he died, March 10, 1885; his widow died in 1887. They were
members of the Lutheran church and the parents of eleven children:
Samuel K., who was a member of the Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers and
rose to the rank of brigadier general; Aaron K., also a member of the
Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and now a wholesale merchant of
Philadelphia; Abraham, who resides in Philadelphia, and was also a
member of the Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers; Daniel, deceased;
Milton, a retired lieutenant of the United States Navy, residing in New
York City; Elmira, of Philadelphia; John F. K. and Peter. twins. the
latter being a physician in Philadelphia: George; Jacob, and Frances,
deceased. Our subject received his education
END OF PAGE 1140
at Bucknell University, and followed farming until 1885, when he engaged
in the mercantile business at Chillisquaque. January 27, 1879, he
married Agnes Neagley, daughter of Joseph Neagley of Chillisquaque, by
whom he has three children: Edna; Lizzie, and Annie. He is a Republican
in politics and was appointed postmaster in October, 1889. He and his
wife are members of the Reformed church at Lewisburg, of which he is a
deacon.
WILLIAM B. Cox, postmaster, Montandon, was born in Chester county,
Pennsylvania, January 5, 1857, son of Samuel and Mary (Schmucker) Cox,
natives of Delaware, who settled in Lancaster county and later in
Chester county. In 1861 Samuel, father of our subject, enlisted in the
One Hundred and Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving three years and
six months in the commissary department. Since the close of the war he
has had charge of hotels at Montandon, Selinsgrove, and for the last
five years has been proprietor of the Eagle Hotel at Lebanon,
Pennsylvania. Mrs. Cox died in 1884. She was the mother of five
children: William B.; Elizabeth, Mrs. J. M. Funk, of Lebanon; Harry;
Ada, and Edward. His second wife was Mrs. Sarah (Bisell) Bigony, by
whom he has three children: Charles; Belle, and Carrie. The subject of
this sketch was educated at the Millersville State Normal School; for
several years he was engaged in teaching, and later in the sale of
agricultural implements. He removed to Montandon in 1877. In 1880 he
married Elizabeth, daughter of W. M. Auten, of Chillisquaque township,
by whom he has three children: Frank; Maxwell, and Blanche. Mr. Cox is a
Republican in politics, and was appointed postmaster of Montandon,
August 15, 1889. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. of Montandon and of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
END OF CHAPTER XLVIII.