USA > Pennsylvania > Book of biographies; This volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of the Seventeenth congressional district, Pennsylvania > Part 28
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TANLEY S. MERITHEW, an en- terprising and progressive farmer and business man of Forks town- ship, Sullivan County, Pa., whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is a veteran of the Civil War, in which he participated in many engagements and established an excel- lent record for bravery and coolness in the time of danger. He is a son of Merritt and Polly (Northrup) Merithew, and was born in Wysox township, Bradford County, Pa., in 1837.
Our subject is of English descent, his great- grandfather, Merritt Merithew, having come from England and located in Salem, Mass., early in the eighteenth century. His grand- father was Samuel M. Merithew, who was born in Salem, Mass., in 1752, and removed to Wysox township, Bradford County, Pa., in 1812, and purchased what is now known as the Strickland farm. Though well advanced in years, he continued to follow the occupa- tion of a farmer until he was four-score-and- five years of age. He then went to live with his son-in-law, James English, at whose home' he died in 1849, having attained the rare age of ninety-seven years. He was the progenitor of the following children: Hiram; Samuel; Lydia; Merritt; Lafayette; Lloyd; and Della. Politically, he was a Democrat; his religious opinions conformed with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Merritt Merithew, the father of our subject, was born in Salem, Mass., in 1810, and was but two years old when he moved to Pennsyl- vania with his parents. He was reared on his father's farm and obtained what education
he could pick up, for the public-school system was not then in existence. At an early age he learned the trade of a whipmaker and also that of a shoemaker and, although he was practically a farmer by occupation, he fol- lowed those trades off and on throughout life. While in the prime of life he purchased what was known as the William Hinman farm in Monroe township, Bradford County, which consisted of one hundred acres on the Burling- ton turnpike. This property he cultivated until 1866, when he disposed of it to our sub- ject. Politically, he was always a loyal and unswerving Republican and always voted for the principles and candidates of that party. Religiously, he was a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. He formed a matri- monial alliance with Polly Northrup, by whom he had the following children : Phoebe, who married U. M. Cox; Wealthy Jane, the wife of C. F. Yonkin, of Forks township; Charlotte, who died in 1848; Rosanna, who married A. R. Moe, of Tompkins County, N. Y.,-Mr. Moe is dead and his widow resides in Rochester, N. Y .; Stanley S .; George, who married Mary Goss, and now lives at Towan- da; and John, who married Mary Williams, and also lives at Towanda. Mr. Merithew was called to his final rest in 1879.
Stanley S. Merithew obtained his education in the common schools of Wysox township and in the old academy at Towanda. Soon after leaving school he learned the trade of a miller, which he followed at different times for many years. In 1863 he enlisted in the 34th Reg., N. Y. Independent Battery, and ren- dered distinguished service in the following battles : Vicksburg, Miss., July 4, 1863; Siege of Jackson, Miss .; Blue Springs, Tenn .; Len- oir Station, Tenn .; Campbell Station; Siege of Knoxville; Rutledge; Wilderness: Spottsyl- vania; on the left of Spottsylvania; North
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Anna; Salem Church; Gaines' Farm; Cold Harbor; and before Petersburg, June 18, 1864, and remained there nine months and sixteen days, until Lee's surrender. He was mustered out June 27, 1865, at Hart's Island, N. Y., after which he returned to Bradford County, Pa., locating at Monroeton, where he was made postmaster. In 1873 he bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of coal and wood land in Westover township, Clear- field County, Pa., which he still owns and which is a valuable estate. In 1883 our subject moved to Campbellville, Sullivan County, and in the same year was appointed assistant postmaster there, which office he held for thir- teen years, in connection with which he oper- ated a flour and feed mill, which is now owned by Norton & Hotteinstein. In 1896 he rented the F. C. Weuck farm, consisting of one hun- dred and twenty acres, in the northwest part of Forks township, upon which he is now loca- ted. Besides engaging in general farming he conducts a general store, which is well patron- ized. He is widely known throughout that section and is highly respected by all with whom he comes in contact.
Mr. Merithew was united in marriage with Mary Ellen Rockwell, a daughter of Allen and Catherine (Cole) Rockwell, who were the par- ents of the following offspring: William; Lemuel; Liza; Elizabeth; Franklin; Mary; Ellen; Sally; and Reuben. Our subject and his wife are the proud parents of three chil- dren, namely : Portus L., who married Rose Bullock; George N., deceased; and Hattie Belle, whose union with Charles Phflaum is blessed with three children,-Portus Leon, Genevieve, and Wilhelmina. Politically Mr. Merithew is strongly affiliated with the Re- publican party, the principles of which he be- lieves to be the foundation upon which rests the future prosperity of our country. Socially
he is past grand-master of Burnside Lodge No. 679, I. O. O. F., and a member of Swartz Post, No. 72, G. A. R., of Albany, Pa.
R EV. WILLIAM E. FISCHER, the esteemed and honored pastor of Trin- ity Lutheran Church of Shamokin, Northumberland County, is a son of John Henry and Eliza (Gilbert) Fischer. He was born October 6, 1849, in Berlin, Somerset County, Pa., and received a practical educa- tion in the public schools of his native place. After teaching a couple of years in Somerset County he entered the preparatory depart- ment of the Pennsylvania College, from which he graduated in 1872. Having decided to fit himself for the ministry he entered the theological seminary, graduating in 1875. He at once took charge of a congregation at Center Hall, where he was so well liked by his parishioners that they retained him for eighteen years.
September 14, 1893, our subject accepted the pastorate of Trinity Lutheran Church at Shamokin, where his labors are fully appre- ciated by his congregation. His labor in Shamokin has been fruitful of much good, both in his church and the community at large. Being a man of more than ordinary ability, of warm and generous heart, supple- mented with deep convictions and Christian fervor, he is the friend of all. In times of trouble and deep distress he is with his people in heart and full sympathy; on joyful occa- sions no one adds more to the pleasant hour. He has made many changes and improve- ments in the church, having thoroughly re- modeled the edifice. His popularity and suc- cessful management are shown in the fact that the membership of the church has been great-
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ly increased, having now 654 members en- rolled. Rev. Mr. Fischer also enjoys the dis- tinction of having rare literary talent and has been a regular correspondent for two of the church papers of his denomination for the past seven years. He also has prepared a number of Children's Day services in music, and con- tributes many articles to the Lutheran Quar- terly. Since his connection with the ministry he has served the church as delegate to the general synod about twelve times. His serv- ices are frequently sought to make addresses on public occasions, such as commencements, anniversaries, etc. In 1897 the Susquehanna University conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Our subject is one of a family of twelve children, many of whom have led remarkable careers and deserve a place in this sketch, as does also his father, a man of superior education and ability.
John Henry Fischer, father of our subject, was a native of Germany, and was born at Hessen Cassel, on the River Lahn, in 1812. At the age of twenty he immigrated to America and first located near Berlin, Somerset Coun- ty, Pa., and afterward moved to Berlin. He was a man of more than ordinary education and for years was a correspondent for a Ger- man paper published in Germany in the home of his boyhood. He was a shoemaker by trade and when not occupied at his bench he pur- sued his literary work. He was a close stu- dent and a careful reader, thereby acquiring much valuable information. Being a devout member of the Lutheran Church he took quite an active part in all church work. Eliza- beth Gilbert became his wife; she also was born in 1812, and survived her husband twen- ty-one years, he having departed this life in 1872, while she lived until September 11, 1893, having reached the advanced age of eighty- five years. Our subject and the following
named are the most prominent of their n11- merous family : Henry, who was a graduate of the Millersville State Normal School, and afterward held the important and respon- sible office of county superintendent of schools of Bedford County, Pa.,-he dis- charged the duties of this office with rare abil- ity for three terms and is now principal of the Seventeenth Ward schools of Pittsburg; John, who read law, published a paper for a number of years in Bedford County, Pa., now resides with a son, who is a very successful attorney at Altoona, Pa.,-he has been promi- nent in Bedford County politics and frequent- ly mentioned for the legislature; Rev. A. H. Frank, who took a college course at the Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, after which he prepared himself for the ministry by taking a complete theological course at the Gettysburg Seminary,-he graduated in 1883. and since then has labored in the "vineyard of our Master," now being located at Easton, Pa .; Tobias, whom the goddess of Fortune guarded with a jealous arm, was a soldier in the Union Army and passed through the en- tire Civil War,-he was taken prisoner by the Rebels and carried by them to the famous Libby Prison, and to Salisbury, N. C., from which he escaped; Philip, a popular editor of an educational journal, resides in California, and has served as county superintendent of Alameda County, Cal., for three years.
Our subject was united in marriage with J. Annie Philson, and their home has been made happy by the presence of three children : Marion L .; Ella P .; and William B.
ILLIAM F. JOHNSON, who has been serving in the responsible po- sition of inside-foreman at Buck Ridge Co !- liery since 1888, enjoys the distinction of hav-
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ing traveled extensively throughout Europe, Australia, and India. He is a son of Matthew and Martha (Foster) Johnson, and was born July 6, 1851, in Cramlington, North- umberland County, England.
When two years old our subject was taken to Australia by his parents where he was reared and educated in the common schools. In 1867 he returned to England, but shortly afterward located in Westphalia, Germany, where he was engaged in what was termed "sinking" in connection with coal mining. He remained in Germany until 1873, at that time immigrating to this country and locating in Bear Valley, Northumberland County, Pa. In 1875 he accepted a position at Reynoldsville, Jefferson County, Pa., as foreman for Heim & Goodwill, where he remained until 1876; returning to Bear Valley, he continued to work there until the company sold out to the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Com- pany, after which he was inside-foreman at the same colliery until 1888, when he was transferred to his present position at Buck Ridge. Deeds speak louder than words, and the fact that he has retained his position for the past ten years is high tribute to his ability and worth.
Matthew Johnson, father of our subject, was never in America, but left England for Australia in 1853, located in Ballarat, and en- gaged in mining gold. He returned to Eng- land in 1867 and remained there until his death, which occurred in 1874, at the age of forty-eight years. He had a family of five children, whom he named: John, formerly a miner, now a merchant in Shamokin, Pa .; Matthew, now a gold miner in the mountains of Colorado; Susan, wife of Thomas Graves, and resides in England; Martha, who is a head-nurse in an asylum in England; and William F., the subject of our sketch.
We now return to our subject, who was united in marriage with Margaret Jane Good- will, daughter of John Goodwill and niece of Robert Goodwill, whose sketch appears else- where in this volume. Our subject and his estimable wife are blessed with a family of six boys : Matthew, who married Elizabeth Jones, resides in Shamokin, and is a water-tender in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Co., at Buck Ridge Colliery; John, who married Agnes Daniels and is a miner at Buck Ridge; Robert, a pump engi- neer at the same mines; Franklin, Sidney and William, who are at home preparing them- selves for the battle of life by getting a good education. Politically our subject is an ear- nest Republican and believes the principles of that party will best advance the interests of his country.
R. JOHN C. FAUGHNAN, a skilful veterinary surgeon of Shamokin, Pa., was born April 17, 1865, in Lycom- ing County, near Williamsport, Pa., and is a son of Frank and Fanny (Crimmis) Faugh- nan.
Frank Faughnan, the father of our subject. was a native of Ireland, but came to the United States about 1848, and died where our subject was born and reared, at Bodines, Ly- coming County, Pa.
Dr. John C. Faughnan, our subject, was educated in the common schools of his native place, worked upon the farm where he was reared and then engaged in the lumber busi- ness at the age of sixteen years, which he con- tinued six years. At the age of twenty-two he entered the veterinary department of the University of Pennsylvania, remaining there one' year; then he entered the Ontario Veter-
ROBERT M. CUMMINGS.
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inary College of Toronto, Canada, from which he was graduated in 1890. In the spring of 1891 he located in Shamokin, Pa., where he is now practicing his profession. Since January 18, 1896, he has also engaged in the livery business. Dr. Faughnan is a member of the Veterinary Association of Schuylkill Valley, Pa.
In the spring of 1891, just prior to our sub- ject's removal to Shamokin, he was appointed assessor of Gamble township, Lycoming County.
R OBERT M. CUMMINGS, a promi- nent and well-known attorney-at-law of Montandon, Northumberland County, Pa., a recent portrait of whom ap- pears on the opposite page, was born in Chil- lisquaque township November 21, 1833, and is a son of William and Hannah (Erwin) Cum- mings.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Cummings, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born in Londonderry, Ireland, immi- grating to this country with his fifteen broth- ers and settling in Chester County, Pa. He was commissioned captain of a company in a Chester County regiment and served in the Revolutionary War until its close. In 1794 he went to Chillisquaque town- ship, Northumberland County. There he bought between 300 and 400 acres of land, which had been taken up by Peter Boor in 1769. On this land Mr. Cummings carried on farming, after it had been cleared and improved generally, and also built and conducted a distillery. Part of this land he divided with our subject's father, and it was on this farm that Mr. Cummings departed this life, at the age of eighty years. His wife, whose
maiden name was Elizabeth Church, lies be- side him in the Northumberland cemetery. Their children were: Ann, born April 29, 1782, died November 29, 1821, married a Mr. Fordsman; Thomas, born July 7, 1784: James, born December 7, 1786, was a farmer of Chil- lisquaque township; Elizabeth and Polly, born January 10, 1790, died in infancy; William, our subject's father, who was born November 19, 1791; John, born October 5, 1793; and Polly, born January II, 1799.
William, the father of the subject of this personal history, settled on a part of the homestead and followed farming all his life. He remodeled and enlarged the original house; a part of the old house remains as it was in former days, being made of logs with weatherboard covering. William Cummings married Hannah Erwin, daughter of William and Mary Erwin. He died in 1865, and his wife passed away in 1883. Several children blessed their union. John Andrew Jackson, who was born without hands, in spite of the fact became an expert penman, received an excellent education, taught school, and for two terms served as register and recorder for Northumberland County; he was also the publisher of the latest maps of Northumber- land, Montour and Columbia counties. He married Helen M. Sisty. Robert M., our subject, was the second child born to his par- ents. Mary Ann, who resides at Montandon. is the widow of Thomas T. Baker. Mr. Baker. a son of Jacob Baker, was born in Hunting- don County, Pa., and was one of the eight sons who served in the Civil War. He was a member of Company I. 192d Reg .. Pa. Vol. Inf. He died at the age of sixty-one years. He was the father of the following children : Clara A .; Elmer E .: Ella J .; Carrie. M. and Hannah Mary, postmistress of Montandon. Sarah Jane, who lives at Montandon, is the
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widow of David Kingsberry, of Luzerne County. Annie C., the fifth child of William and Hannah Cummings, married Wesley Auten and resides in Baltimore. Harriet J., deceased, married J. W. Taylor. Margaret Agnes, who married Amandus Freize, resides on the old homestead. Eliza T. died at the age of seventeen years. William Cum- mings was an unswerving Democrat; he was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Robert M. Cummings, the subject of this biography, attended the common schools and Lewisburg Academy, later studying law with G. F. Miller, of Lewisburg. He was admitted to the Northumberland County Bar in 1859. In 1865, when there were only two buildings on the site, Mr. Cummings and his brother, John, purchased land and laid out what is now known as the village of Montandon. There our subject erected a large brick residence and office, where he carries on his practice. He has dealt extensively in real estate, and has done much to further the progress of the village. His practice has been mostly in the Orphans' Court and in cases involving real estate, and he has established an excellent reputation, his judgment being eagerly sought by people for miles around Montan- don.
Mr. Cummings married Mary E. Albright, a daughter of John Albright, of Northumber- land County, Pa., and late of Turbot town- ship, that county. This marriage has been blessed by seven children, as follows: Clara Elizabeth, who married F. B. Irvin, of Brook- lyn, N. Y., and has three children, Miriam, Kathryn E. and Beulah E .; John W., who is a teacher by vocation; Herbert W., who, in partnership with Lewis Dewart, is engaged in the practice of law at Sunbury; Mary A. and Harriet J., both at home; and three who died in infancy.
Mr. Cummings has served for ten years on the school board. He has served officially in the Methodist Church, materially assisting to build the church edifice. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat and takes an active interest in the political affairs of the town. He is a member of Lodge No. 623. I. O. O. F., of Pottsgrove, and has served as district deputy grand master of Northumberland County. By all with whom he is acquainted Mr. Cum- mings is spoken of only in the highest terms and he is respected by every one.
RANKLIN W. LUCKENBILL has won an important place among min ers of the Seventeenth Congressional District, that of mine foreman of the North Franklin Colliery of Trevorton, Zerbe township. He began working in the mines as a slate-picker at the age of fourteen years, after which he began mining, worked his way up to pro- motion as fire-boss and finally advanced to his present position as mine foreman in 1893. He fills his position exceptionally well; all his success has been achieved by hard and well directed efforts on his part. He was born on Christmas Day, 1855, in Wayne township, Schuylkill County, Pa., is a son of William and Sarah (Yeich) Luckenbill, and grandson of Henry Luckenbill, who was a practical farmer and a valued resident of Schuylkill County, who died when the father of our sub- ject was very young.
William Luckenbill, our subject's father, was born in 1835. Since 1869 he has lived in Branchdale and is still there spending his de- clining years. He is a strong believer in the principles of the Reformed Church and takes quite an active part in all church affairs. In his younger days he served as an officer of the church. He is a carpenter by trade and has
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worked continuously at that calling all his lifetime. Our subject was one of a family of twelve children; seven boys and five girls, as follows: John, now deceased; Franklin W., our subject; William, engaged in the collieries at Branchdale; Emma Rebecca, who died in childhood; George, who is now a minister of the German Reformed Church in Pough- keepsie, N. Y.,-he had exceptional educa- tional advantages and made good use of them, is a graduate of Ursinus College, also of Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pa .; Alice, the wife of George Eisenburg, now residing at Minersville, Schuylkill County; Ida, wife of John Salem of Tremont, Pa .; Harvey, a miner at Branchdale; Charles, also a miner in his native town; Mary Ann, who is at home; and Emma and Edmond, both de- ceased.
Franklin W. Luckenbill was united in mar- riage with Mary L. Brodt, March 13, 1880, and their home is blessed with two bright and attractive daughters: Edna May, born De- cember 4, 1889, and Bertha Estella, born March 9, 1891.
Our subject, just in the prime of his life, is filling his position of trust and grave re- sponsibility to the best of his ability. He is an affable and congenial man and has a host of friends and acquaintances who delight in his prosperity.
Capt. Henry Brodt, father-in-law of our subject, well deserves mention in this sketch. He was a native of France, immigrated to America in 1850 at the age of seventeen years, locating at Llewellyn and continued to reside there until his death. He was a mason and plasterer by trade. He rendered valiant ser- vice to his country during the Civil War, en- listing in the Union Army as a private in Company A, 50th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., serv-
ing throughout the war, and was promoted to 2d and Ist lieutenant and finally to captain.
J OHN RAUP, one of the pioneer resi- dents of Mount Carmel, Northumber- land County, Pa., is now living a re- tired life, having spent many years in unceas- ing activity. He is a son of George and Martha (Marks) Raup, and was born in Roar- ing Creek township, Columbia County, Pa., November 23, 1830.
Mr. Raup is of German ancestry and is a grandson of Leonard Raup, a native of Ger- many, who, upon coming to the United States located in Eastern Pennsylvania, finally settling in Columbia County; during his en- tire life he followed the occupation of a farmer.
George Raup, the father of our subject. was born in Columbia County, Pa., where he made his home throughout his life. Like his father, he took to agricultural pursuits, in the prosecution of which he met with fair suc- cess. In religious attachments he was a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. He was joine:1 in the holy bonds of wedlock with Martha Marks and their union was blessed by the birth of the following children : Hannah, Ra- chel, Elizabeth and Polly, deceased; Henry, who lives in retirement in Columbia County: John, the subject of this biographical record: George, who resides at Elysburg, Northum- berland County, and is a merchant; Jonas. who resides near Catawissa; David, a farmer who also . resides near Catawissa, Columbia County; William, a farmer residing in Kan- sas; Solomon, who died-young; and Charles. who also died young.
John Raup was reared and educated in Co- lumbia County, attending the common schools in all but the summer months, when
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he worked out. Just after attaining his ma- jority he went to Danville, Montour County, Pa., having no means whatever, and there he worked at whatever employment he could get until 1854, when he removed to Mount Car- mel. He was among the first residents of what is now a flourishing borough, but at the time there were but two houses in the village. He accepted a position in Schall's Powder Factory, remaining for a period of five years. He then enlisted in Company G, 129th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., served nine months and returned home May 20, 1863. He became a boss in the employ of the Coal Ridge Improvement & Coal Company. He was always faithful to the charge entrusted to him and remained in that capacity for ten or twelve years and then moved to Excelsior and accepted a similar charge. He was an industrious and energetic man and for the long period of nineteen years and eight months he discharged his duties in a manner above criticism, acquiring the good will and approval of his employers and the respect of his subordinates. In October, 1895, he returned to Mount Carmel, where he has since lived in retirement, in the midst of his family and a host of stanch friends.
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