USA > Pennsylvania > Book of biographies; This volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of the Seventeenth congressional district, Pennsylvania > Part 41
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Benjamin McHenry, father of our subject, was born in Fishing Creek township, May 13, 1812, and is the oldest McHenry living to- day. He has been a farmer by occupation, and has spent his whole life on the farm en- gaged in agricultural labors. He was very successful in his chosen occupation and was always considered to be one of the leading
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men of his community. He acquired a liberal education in the common schools and then purchased a farm in Greenwood township consisting of sixty acres of well-improved land, which he still owns. He also operated a threshing machine for twenty-six years in which he was very successful. A man of iron constitution, it is said that he has whip-sawed more timber than any one man who ever resided in Columbia County. He chose for his life-companion Lovinia Conner, a daugh- ter of Thomas Conner, a well-to-do farmer of Greenwood township. She passed from this life February 14, 1885, aged seventy years. To Mr. and Mrs. McHenry were born the following children: Montville, a prac- ticing physician of Exchange, Pa .; Alfred, a blacksmith, residing in Cambria, Pa .; Nor- man, a prominent farmer residing in Co- lumbia County; Thomas C., deceased, who was a physician; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of M. Smith, also deceased; James Boyd, whose name heads the above lines; Lloyd, deceased; and Alveretta, deceased. Our subject's father is grand-and great-grand- father of fifty children, all of whom are still living. Mr. McHenry, to whom an exceed- ingly old age has come, and yet who lives with as bright an eye and with faculties as clear and unimpaired as in the days of yore, is one of the most widely-known and highly-re- spected residents of Greenwood township. He is now on the sunny western slope of life, surrounded by friends of the present and the dear memories of the past, and is filling out a life that has been of use and advantage to himself and everyone who has come within the circle of his good influence.
James Boyd McHenry was educated in the Greenwood Seminary and at the age of eigh- teen years he went to Cambria, where he learned the trade of a blacksmith. He then
located in Roaring Creek; later in Benton, where he continued to follow his trade until 1804, when he was elected sheriff of Colum- bia County, serving until 1898. For cleven years our subject was associated with William Appleman in the manufacture of wagons. Later, with his brother Thomas C., he built the McHenry hotel, which was destroyed by fire in 1896. Our subject immediately re- built the hotel into a handsome three-story structure, 42 by 80 feet; he also built two large dwellings, which he rents. He owns a farm of one hundred and five acres near the town of Benton.
Mr. McHenry formed a matrimonial al- liance with Maria Moore, a daughter of George Moore, a resident of Sugarloaf town- ship, Columbia County. Four children have been born to our subject and his wife, as fol- lows: Annetta, wife of W. N. Kline, and having one child, Boyd; Rebecca and Lloyd C., who are attending school; and T. C., who died aged six and one-half years. Socially our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Benton.
OEL MORTON is the genial proprie- tor of the Berwick House at Berwick. Pa., which is a large brick structure, partially surrounded by long, broad verandas, overlooking the Susquehanna Valley with its beautiful mountain scenery in the back- ground, and one of the best and most popular hotels in this section of the state. He is a son of Benjamin and Bessie (Morgan) Mor- ton, and was born in Yorkshire, England. December 6, 1839.
Benjamin Morton, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Yorkshire, England, where he lived his entire life. He was a filemaker by trade and, in connection with farming, made that his occupation. He formed a mat-
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rimonial alliance with Bessie Morgan and they reared a family of children, one of whom was Joel, our subject.
Joel Morton was engaged in agricultural pursuits in England until 1863, when, with the good judgment and foresight that has since characterized his every action, he de- cided that America afforded better opportuni- ties for a successful career. In that year he came to this country and located in Mono- cacy, Pa., where he conducted a hostelry for seven years. He then moved to Rock Glen, where he was the proprietor of a hotel for ten years. July 24, 1890, he came to Ber- wick and purchased the Berwick House on the corner of Market and Front streets, to which he added one story, making three in all. Large verandas were built, the rooms, forty- two in number, were equipped with steam heat, gas and many other conveniences, which added greatly to the comfort of the traveling public. Two bath-rooms are at the disposal of the guests, and by no means the least pleasant feature of the place is the spacious and attractive dining hall. The. table, under the careful supervision of the landlord's hospitable wife, is all that could be desired to satisfy the wants of the inner man. He has two fine barns, one of which he rents to W. F. Ruch, and the other is occupied as a livery which he conducts in con- nection with the hotel. He has some hand- some turn-outs and his horses are as fine roadsters as are to be found in the community. Mr. Morton is a jovial and good-natured land- lord, and the manner in which he caters to the wants of his guests has made him so ex- tremely popular that the patronage of his hotel is constantly on the increase. He is elated and encouraged by the success with which he is meeting and never tires of doing all in his power to increase the pleasure and
comfort of those stopping beneath his roof. He is well known throughout his section of Columbia County and has an enviable repu- tation as an honest and straightforward busi- ness man.
In 1862 our subject was united in matri- monial bonds to Mary Fisher, a native of England, and they are the proud parents of the following children: Sarah, who married William Ungsinger of Sunbury, and who have one son, Robert; Frank, the proprietor of the Nescopeck Hotel, who married Lizzie Oss; William, a fireman on the D., L. & W. R. R., married to Emma Krall; Mary, wife of John Tress of Riverside, Pa .; Lizzie, who resides at home; Benjamin D., a hotelkeeper who wedded Bessie Wright; George, who holds a clerical position; Thomas, a clerk and assistant to our subject; and Flossie, who is attending school. Politically Mr. Morton affiliates with the Republican party.
ILLIAM J. RAMSEY, an enterpris- ing citizen of Sagon, Coal town- ship, Northumberland County, Pa., and inside-foreman at the Hickory Ridge Col- liery, has had a thorough mining career and, through steadiness of character and conscien- tiousness in his work, has won for himself a splendid position, the duties of which he fills to the entire satisfaction of the company. He is a son of Cyrus and Margaret (Henry) Ram- sey, and was born March 15, 1859, in Schuyl- kill County, Pa.
Cyrus Ramsey, father of our subject, was born near Lebanon, Pa. He was a teacher in his younger days, but during his later life was a colliery clerk in the region of the Hick- ory Swamp Colliery. He lived in that region thirty-five years prior to his death, which oc- curred at Coal Run. He was a man of good, practical education, and was widely known in
COL. ANDREW D. SEELY.
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that section. Our subject's mother was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., but is now living at Coal Run.
William J. Ramsey, the subject of this biog- raphy, spent his early life in the mining dis- tricts and consequently followed the occupa- tion of a miner. At the age of nine years he went into the breaker as a picker of slate, and remained there until he entered the mines as a full-fledged miner. It was not long until he was promoted to the position of assistant fore- man at Hickory Swamp, where he remained two and one-half years. At the end of that period, in 1894, he accepted a similar position at Hickory Ridge, and his work being satis- factory, in April, 1898, he was promoted once more, to the position of inside-foreman.
Politically Mr. Ramsey is a Republican and is an active supporter of his party, having served a number of times on the election board, and has also been a delegate several times to the county conventions. He is a member of several fraternal organizations, namely : Knights of the Golden Eagle; Jr. O. U. A. M .; Knights of the Mystic Shrine; and holding offices in the Jr. O. U. A. M. and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Mr. Ramsey, on July 18, 1881, married Eliza Sands, daugh- ter of Samuel Sands, of Shamokin, Pa., and they are the parents of five children, as fol- lows: George A .; Cyrus R .; Joseph S .; B. Franklin; and Ethel Irene. Mr. Ramsey is one of the most active workers in Sagon and is a man of strictest integrity.
OL. ANDREW D. SEELY, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, one of the valued citizens of the town of Berwick and superintendent of the paint department of The Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company of that
town, was born in Berwick, May 5, 1842, and is a son of Nathan and Catherine (Krisher) Seely, and a grandson of Samuel and Marga- ret (Cortright) Seely.
Samuel Seely's birth-place is not known, but he resided in Strasburg, Pa., nearly all his life, engaged in farming and teamstering. While hauling a load of goods from Philadel- phia to his home town he was killed in a run- away accident. He was united in marriage with Margaret Cortright who bore him five children, namely: John, Nathan, Hannah, Huldah, and Andrew. Mrs. Seely formed a second marriage union with Samuel Santee and they were the parents of three children: Samuel, Isaac and Robert.
The father of our subject was born in ISI0, and was a blacksmith by trade, having served an apprenticeship to that trade in the shop of Thomas Cole of Berwick. He moved to Orangeville, Pa., where he embarked in busi- ness on his own account, but later removed to Berwick where he followed his trade the rest of his active days. He served as major in the state militia; as inspector of the Second Brigade; and as captain of the Light Horse Artillery. He also served as constable of the town. He erected the house in which Lyman Fowler now resides. His wife was Catherine Krisher and they were the parents of two children, namely: Andrew D., our subject; and Fanny E. The latter became the wife of G. D. Jacoby of Berwick, and they reared the following children : Warren; Boyd; Kate, the wife of H. S. Williams; Mary, deceased; Sally, who is the wife of H. J. Sitler; Annie, who is the wife of G. F. Vandoozer; and Etta. The father of our subject died in 1865.
Andrew D. Seely acquired a good education in the common schools and then learned the trade of a stonecutter and worked for Capt. A. H. Rush of Berwick until the breaking
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.
out of the Rebellion. April 20, 1861, he en- listed in Company C., 16th Reg., Penna. Vol. Inf., which was one of the first companies sworn into the Union service during the Civil War. Three months later he re-enlisted in the 84th Regiment, which, on account of the loss of men, was later merged with the 57th Regiment. When our subject was mustered out, on July 25, 1865, he was sergeant of his company. Returning home he was employed at the works of The Jackson & Woodin Manu- facturing Company, where he now has charge of the paint department and has some twenty men under his supervision.
August 27, 1870, our subject was made cap- tain of the Jackson Guards, serving at Scran- ton, Pa., in 1871; December 31, 1871, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 17th Regiment and served during the riot at the Susquehanna Depot in 1874; he saw active service at Wilkesbarre and Hazleton, at which places he was on Maj. Osbourne's staff; in 1877, on the re-organization of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, he was made aide-de- camp of the Third Brigade under Gen. Sieg- fried; he was also made aide-de-camp on Gov. Pattison's staff with the rank of lieu- tenant-colonel. Col. Seely did effective service during the riots at Homestead, Pa. He has assisted in quelling all the riots in the state and has won the highest praise for the good judgment he displayed.
Col. Seely on March 25, 1878, was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Miranda C. Stackhouse. Our subject is a member of the Knights of Malta; G. A. R .; Society of the Army of the Potomac; Knights of the Golden Eagle; P. O. S. of A .; Camp No. 32, U. V. L .; Lodge No. 436, B. P. O. E., of Blooms- burg, Pa .; and Col. A. D. Seely Camp, No. 25, Sons of Veterans. He has been a member and chief of the fire department for the last
seven years; has served as burgess of the bur- ough of Berwick; and as health officer eight years. Mrs. Seely is a member of the Wom- en's Relief Corps, and is a very active worker in the organization. Col. Seely occupies a residence, No. 309 East Front street, which is one of the finest in the borough and is equipped with every modern improvement. Col. Seely holds a commission on the retired list of the National Guard of Pennsylvania and is entitled to be the guest of the governor of Pennsylvania upon all state occasions.
IRAM W. HELLER, who has charge of "Berwick Heights," the home of C. R. Woodin and son, is one of the prominent citizens of Berwick, and was born in Mifflin township, Columbia County, Pa., November 10, 1850. He is a son of Michael and Mary Ann (Hetler) Heller, grandson of Christopher and Susanna (Lantz) Heller, and great-grandson of Michael Heller.
Michael Heller, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Berks County, Pa., and served throughout the Revolutionary War under Gen. George Washington. Dur- ing his later days he engaged in farming in Northampton County, Pa.
Christopher C. Heller was born in North- ampton County in the village of Hellertown, and when he grew to manhood he moved to Columbia County and purchased a large tract of iand in Mifflin township. He cleared a part of the farm, built a saw-mill, and built the house now standing there. He also built a blacksmith-shop and did work for himself and sometimes for his neighbors; he was naturally a mechanic and made the first threshing ma- chine ever used in Columbia County. He died on his farm in Mifflin township in 1861 at the age of eighty-four years. He was
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joined in wedlock to Susanna Lantz, who died in 1872 aged eighty-four years. Four child- ren were the results of this union, namely: Michael; John; Mary M .; and Sarah A.
Michael Heller, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead in Mifflin township, September 8, 1823, and carried on farming the greater part of his life. He also learned the trade of a blacksmith from his father when he was a boy and carried on blacksmithing to a large extent. He was very successful in his chosen occupations and added considerable land to the original home- stead. Mr. Heller was widely known through- out Columbia County and was held in high esteem for his many sterling qualities which stand as an example to the rising generation. He was a strong Republican in politics, and, in a Democratic town, he was elected three times as poormaster, which tends to show his popularity and the respect in which he was held by his fellow-citizens. Religiously he was a member and deacon of the German Re- formed Church. Socially he was a member of Lodge No. 246, I. O. O. F., of Mifflin. He formed a union with Mary Ann Hetler, a daughter of Michael Hetler of Columbia County, and the following children were born to them: Francis Whitney; Hiram Westley, the subject of this sketch; Christopher Co- lumbus; Sarah Catherine; John Madison; Harriet Alice; and Morris M. The last three died in their infancy. Mrs. Heller passed from this life in 1863. Our subject's father formed a second matrimonial alliance with Elizabeth Smoyer, a daughter of Peter Smoyer. Seven children were the results of this union, namely: Alfred B .; Amanda, de- ceased; Wilson A., deceased; Rush M .; Wil- liam H .; Martha M .; and one who died in infancy. The father of our subject died on the old homestead in 1893.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the old homestead and followed the pursuits of an agriculturist until 1881, when he ac- cepted a position as coachman for C. R. Woodin, in which he proved himself honest, faithful and reliable, and was rewarded by being made general servant. When Mr. Woodin purchased "Berwick Heights" and built a magnificent residence, our subject was given charge of the same, and has held that position to the present. Mr. Heller has crossed the Atlantic Ocean three times and has traveled extensively through the Eastern Hemisphere, and also through most of the states of the Union. Mr. Heller devotes his entire time and attention to the trust be- stowed upon him; he is a gentleman of re- fined principles, and has won hosts of friends who hold him in high esteem.
J EREMIAH JOHN BROWER. This honored and esteemed pioneer citizen of Columbia County, who resides in the town of Bloomsburg, is passing his sun- set days in ease and comfort, enjoying the reward of his early industry and persever- ance. He has been identified with the inter- ests of Columbia County for more than a half-century and has long been recognized as one of its best citizens, aiding and maintain- ing it in reaching its present position among the first-class communities of the state. He was born in Browertown, Union township, Berks County, Pa., April 10, 1821, and is a son of John and Fanny (Millard) Brower, and a grandson of Abraham Brower.
John Brower, the father of our subject, was a resident of Union township, Berks County. where he was engaged in the manufacture of grain-scoops, door-locks, and various other specialties. He was wedded to Fanny Mil-
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lard, who was of Quaker descent, and they reared two children: Jeremiah J., the subject of this sketch; and Matilda, the wife of Rich- ard Jones.
Jeremiah J. Brower received a good educa- tion in the public schools and before he was seventeen years of age he was teaching in Catawissa and was known as an excellent teacher in penmanship. In 1848 he em- barked in the mercantile business at Mifflin- ville, Columbia County. In 1850 he sold his store and moved to Bloomsburg, where he opened and conducted a large store on the corner of Main and Iron streets for a period of nineteen years. He then erected the Paul E. Wirt block and carried on his business in that building until 1870, when he was elected jus- tice of the peace and served in that position for a term of ten years. In 1881 he began dealing in carpets and oil-cloth and remained in that business until he retired from active business. He was succeeded by his grandson, William H. Brower, who is now successfully carrying on the business.
In 1853-54 Mr. Brower built the beautiful residence, No. 229 Market street, at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, one of the finest brick residences in the town of Bloomsburg. Our subject takes an active part in the growth and welfare of his community and always lends a helping hand toward any measure that tends to benefit his fellow-citizens. He has assisted in forming four building and loan associations; has served as secretary and treas- urer of the Mutual Building and Saving Fund Association; and has served as treasurer of the Masonic lodge about twenty-seven years. He has also been a stockholder and officer in many industries started in Bloomsburg, and was one of the chief promoters of many indus- tries that have led to the building up of the community.
In 1841 Mr. Brower was united in marriage to Eliza Brothwell, a daughter of Dr. Eleazer Brothwell of Mifflinville. His wife departed this life in 1893, at the age of seventy-six years six months and two days, leaving the follow- ing children: Fanny J., wife of James K. Brugler; Eleazer B .; Ada Eveline, wife of L. S. Wintersteen; and Mary Eliza, who mar- ried J. H. Lingle.
Mr. Brower is one of the foremost citizens of his county and is highly respected and hon- ored for his sterling worth and integrity as a neighbor, a gentleman and a citizen.
OSEPH E. A. SOWERS, a substantial and influential citizen of Shamokin, Coal township, was born August 19, 1842, in Spring City, Chester County, Pa., and is the son of Abner and Elizabeth (Taney) Sowers. Both his paternal and maternal an- cestors were residents of Chester County; the former being of German and the latter of French origin.
Abner Sowers, our subject's father, was born on his father's farm in Chester County, Pa., and spent the greater portion of his life near Royer's Ford, where he followed farm- ing, but later in life worked in a mill. He died leaving a widow and two children: Jo- seph E. A., our subject, and Annie, now de- ceased, formerly wife of Rev. Henry Chap- man, an Episcopalian minister. After the death of his father our subject's mother was again united in marriage, wedding William Wilcox, now deceased. One son was born to them, and bears his father's name, William Wilcox, and is now a resident of Bethlehem, Pa. His mother now resides in Philadelphia.
Joseph E. A. Sowers received a common school education at Norristown, Montgomery County, Pa., after which he entered the roll-
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ing mills of that place. He subsequently left Norristown and went to Pottsville and there learned the molder's trade, which occupation he followed until he entered the Union Army in the War of the Rebellion. In 1861 he en- listed in Company I, 52d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and served as sergeant for three years and five months. He was with Gen. McClellan and took an active part in the Peninsular cam- paign; was on duty in North Carolina, South Carolina, on James Island in front of Fort Sumter, at Yorktown, and was finally taken prisoner July 3, 1864, at Fort Johnson, on Morris Island.
After his capture at Fort Johnson he was taken to Charleston, S. C., thence to Ander- sonville, Sumter County Ga., where he re- mained three months and shared with his fel- low-comrades prison life in the "hell of all hells" known to mankind on this earth. The total of Union prisoners received at this noto- rious prison during the war was 49,845; of this number 12,926 died. He was transferred from Andersonville Prison to Florence, S. C., where he was imprisoned for two months and then paroled. At the close of his military ser- vice he returned to Pottsville, where he em- ployed himself for one year, after which he located at Port Carton, accepting charge of the foundry for J. R. Boyer. Mr. Sowers con- tinued working there for several years, oper- ating the foundry with ability and success, and discontinued the same only to accept the more lucrative position of foreman of the molding department with John Mullen & Son, at Sha- mokin, December 21, 1875.
Our subject was united in marriage with Ella Lord, October 25, 1866, and their home was blessed with five children, one being now (lead. The living children are: Harry, who married Katie Miller and has two bright chil- dren, Essie and Frank,-he is a machinist in
the employ of John Mullen & Son; Elizabeth; Harvey B., who married Frances Burner, and is a molder, also in the employ of John Mullen & Son; and Ella May. The two daughters, Elizabeth and Ella May, are still at home; both are affable young ladies, and to their presence is greatly due the sunshine and hap- piness which gladdens the hearts of their par- ents.
Mr. Sowers is a man who has rendered emi- nent services in various fields of labor. He has been faithful in all the relations of life and is a most valued member of society. His in- terests politically are identified with the Re- publican party. Socially he is a member of the following lodges: Shamokin Lodge No. 255, F. & A. M .; Shamokin Chapter No. 264, R. A. M .; Shamokin Commandery, K. T .; and is also a member of Lincoln Post No. 140, G. A. R.
HARLES H. CAMPBELL, who is a veteran of the Civil War and was for many years connected with the many leading industries of Bloomsburg. is now living in retirement in that town and re- sides in a handsome and modern brick resi- dence on Fifth street. He is a son of Joseph WV. Campbell, and was born in Luzerne Coun- ty, Pa.
Joseph W. Campbell was born in York County, Pa., in 1813 and was a good citizen and a reliable business man, accumulating a handsome competency during his active life. For many years he was foreman of construc- tion on the North Branch of the Pennsylvania Canal, the duties of which position he per- formed up to the time of his death in 1878. at the age of sixty-five years.
Charles H. Campbell was reared and edu- cated in his native county, after which he be-
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came an instructor in the public schools as a means of earning a livelihood, continuing as such for three years. He was an able teacher and was appointed to the position of principal of the high school of White Haven, perform- ing the duties of that office for about eight years. He then engaged in the same line of work as that of his father, following it until 1862 when the Civil War assumed a very gloomy aspect, and, seeing that his services were needed at the front, he enlisted in Com- pany F, 143rd Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf. Enlisting as a private he traveled the line of promotion and was finally made adjutant. He partici- pated in all of the battles of the Army of the Potomac, including the battles of Fredericks- burg, Gettysburg, Culpeper, Wilderness, Petersburg, and many others of lesser import- ance. He was at all times in command of three companies of brave and daring soldiers. Never flinching in the hour of peril, always faithful to his charge, and always to the front he rendered valuable aid to the cause of the Union and received praise on all sides for his admirable conduct and coolness while under the enemy's fire. He continued in the army until the close of the war and his enviable record in the service has been continued throughout his life. Upon returning from the war he located at Bloomsburg where he be- came identified with some of the leading in- dustries of which he is still a stockholder. From 1880 to 1887 he was superintendent of what is now the Bloomsburg Car Mfg. Co.'s store, but resigned in 1888 when he was elect- ed register and recorder of Columbia County. He served in the latter capacity for six con- secutive years in a satisfactory manner. He has since lived in retirement to enjoy a well needed rest after so many years of activity. He is a member of the company which built and owns the beautiful Proctor's Inn, one of
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