USA > Pennsylvania > Book of biographies; This volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of the Seventeenth congressional district, Pennsylvania > Part 56
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R EV. THOMAS MISICKI, D. D., was born in Przeworsk, Galicia, Austria, December 31, 1866. He attended the schools of his native city and when ten years of age further continued his education at Cracow, where he attended high school for a period of eight years, studying the Latin, Greek, German, French and Polish languages, together with mathematics, geography, his- tory and the physics; after graduating there- from he entered the Catholic Seminary, where he began the study of theology. He com- pleted his education and preparation for the priesthood by a four years' course at the Ja- gellonic Austrian University, and was or- dained a priest by the late Cardinal AAlbin Dunajewski, Prime Bishop of Cracow, May 19, 1889, after which he visited Germany. France and Spain. During his extensive trav- els through these countries he prepared his doctorate of theology, and the degree of D. D. was conferred upon him February 1, 1892. which degree in Austria is given only to can-
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didates passing four rigorous examinations showing proficiency not only in theology, his- tory of the church and common law, but also a thorough knowledge of the four Eastern lan- guages, viz: Hebrew, Syriac, Chaldaic and Arabic, as well as all Bible sciences. With the permission of the Austrian University, after four years of study in Latin and Greek, on August 30, 1892, he was made eligible as a teacher of these languages in Austria.
In 1893 our subject came to the United States and first located in Winona, Minn., where he was connected with the clergy of the St. Stanislaus Church for a brief period. His next pastorate was in Berea, Ohio, where he was appointed rector of St. Adalbert's Church in the Diocese of Cleveland, and, after a term of service there, he went to Meriden, Conn., as pastor of the Polish church, and while there enjoyed the distinction of being the only Po- lish priest in the state. A few months later he was transferred to Mount Carmel, where, under Bishop Thomas McGovern of Harris- burg (now deceased) he had supervision of one of the largest parishes in the state. He remained there until February 13, 1897, when he was transferred by the Bishop to the pastor- ate of St. Stanislaus Kostki's Church at Sha- mokin.
A brief history of the church is here ap- pended. The Poles began to settle in and around Shamokin about the year 1854, but they worshiped with the members of St. Ed- ward's Parish until the members of St. Stanis- laus Kostki's Beneficial Society organized what has since grown into this big and grow- ing congregation. Rev. Emanuel Goch, the first Polish priest sent to Shamokin, soon erected a small frame church at Race and Cherry streets, where the substantial rectory now stands. Rev. Joseph Juszkiewicz was his successor, and in 1874 he broke ground for
the construction of the present brick edifice. There was a considerable number of Lithua- nians here at that time and they joined with the Poles in founding the parish, but it re- quired several years before sufficient · funds could be raised for the completion of the edi- fice. The Poles and Lithuanians have since worked together harmoniously, just as their ancestors had done before coming to America. Bishop Shanahan dedicated the new church on December 8, 1881, but Rev. Florian Klo- nowski had been sent there on July 13, 1876. Soon after the completion of the church a parochial school was built; this has been changed into the rectory; and a comfortable home was also prepared for the Sisters of the Order of St. Francis. In 1893 a handsome three-story brick structure was added to the parish and is devoted entirely to educational purposes, and contains about 450 pupils, taught by seven sisters and a layman. The church membership includes about 2,800 souls in 650 families. Since Father Misicki took charge of this parish he has lifted $3,500 of the church debt and added to the inside ap- pearance of the church by remodeling and re- decorating. The decorator having charge of the work is Francis Baraldi of Philadelphia, one of the most famous decorators in Pennsyl- vania. The windows are from Munich, Ba- varia, and cost $225 each, and are works of rare artistic merit. Father Misicki is assisted in his labors by Rev. Francis Wengrzynowski.
OSEPH B. QUIRK, the genial super- intendent of the Prudential Life Insur- ance Company for the Shamokin dis- trict, was born at Pottsville, Schuylkill Coun- ty, Pa., June 4, 1867, and is a son of Thomas and Alicia (McBarren) Quirk. Thomas Quirk was a native of Pottsville, the county-seat of
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Schuylkill County, and died when our subject was very young.
Our subject received his education in the schools of Pottsville and Frackville; and, al- though these places could not then boast of having such good schools as at the present day, Mr. Quirk, by diligence and persever- ance, made the most of his opportunities and thus secured a thorough education, and so far has thoroughly demonstrated that he can make practical use of his schooling.
After leaving school, at the age of eighteen, our subject began his career in life as a book agent, which occupation he followed for two years, discontinuing it then to engage with the Prudential Life Insurance Company, which he still represents. Mr. Quirk was sta- tioned for one year at Tamaqua, a city of about 6,000 inhabitants. He proved himself to be such a successful solicitor that he was pro- moted by the company to the position of as- sistant superintendent, and on June 27, 1892, he was transferred to Shamokin, where he ceased to do actual soliciting and assumed the more important duty of putting out new agents, instructing them and keeping them at work. From time to time, as he learned new things about the business, more impor- tant work was entrusted to him by the com- pany. For four years he continued to be as- sistant at Shamokin. Step by step Mr. Quirk succeeded in mastering all the particular features and methods of the business, and, be- ing an apt reader of human nature, he put into execution many plans of his own for securing and retaining new solicitors; so well pleased was the company with his ability to organize that he was still further promoted and made superintendent of the Shamokin district May II, 1896, which position he still retains. He now has under his supervision, besides Sha- mokin, the minor districts of Mount Carmel,
Sunbury, Milton, Danville and Bloomsburg. At each of these towns he has an as- sistant superintendent with a staff of men; the latter do the actual soliciting and collecting and turn over the money thus obtained to their superior, the assistant superintendent in charge of their town, who in turn reports to Mr. Quirk, his superior. In this manner all the business transacted in the district has to pass through Mr. Quirk's hands, and he alone is responsible for the success of the business.
Under Mr. Quirk's efficient management the business in his district has increased so rapidly that he now has a force of seven as- sistant superintendents and thirty-three field men, with a fine prospect for still greater in- crease in force.
In April, 1890, our subject was united in marriage with Emma Eveland, a most charm- ing lady; their home has been made happy by the presence of four beautiful children, three sons and one daughter, namely: James, Ethel, Norman, and Harry.
Our subject is an earnest Republican, of firm views, and does much to further the in- terests of his party. Mr. Quirk can truly be called a self-made man, working his way from a common book agent, going from house to house to his present position, where he is liv- ing in affluent circumstances. His manner of discharging his duties reflects credit on his ability and is a source of pride and gratifi- cation to his employers. Mr. Quirk is a pleas- ant gentleman and is respected and admired by all who have the good fortune to know him.
URTON B. SMITH, a prominent hardware dealer, who is the junior member of Boughner, Goodwill & Company, in Shamokin, Coal township, was
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born February 21, 1857, in Pottsville, Schuyl- kill County, Pa., and is a son of William C. and Diana (Cake) Smith, and a grandson of Samuel Smith of Philadelphia. He received a good practical education in the public schools of Shamokin, after which he was ap- prenticed and learned the printer's trade, and was the "devil" in the Shamokin Herald office. He continued to work for the Herald as a printer for a period of about seven years, and for two years was an equal partner with D. L. Sollenberger in the Shamokin Times. He then entered the employ of his father, where he remained for two years, and in 1884 en- gaged in the hardware business, his present occupation, from which he is reaping a neat competency.
William C. Smith, father of our subject, was a man of prominence and possessed in a very large degree the esteem and respect of all who knew him. He was born in Philadelphia, November 1, 1820, and attended the public schools of that city until he reached the age of eighteen years. Early in life he learned the trade of a machinist and entered the employ of Heywood & Snyder at Pottsville, remain- ing with them many years. He withdrew from their employ and established a business of his own in the same line in the same city, which he carried on successfully until the close of the Rebellion, in 1865, when he sold out. He subsequently accepted the superintendency of two collieries at Locust Gap, being employed by the Mammoth Vein Coal Company. These collieries are still in operation. He remained with that company four years, when coal oper- ating engaged his attention, and his next en- terprise was a partnership with his son-in-law, Jacob R. Keiser, at Lancaster Colliery, near Shamokin. They operated the colliery with much success until May. 1893. when they sold out to the Shipman Coal Company, realizing
a neat profit on their investment. At this juncture Mr. Smith retired from active busi- ness pursuits. A number of years prior to his death he was a director of the First National Bank of Shamokin. He married Diana Cake, who was born at Pottsville, August 7, 1824, and lived until January 22, 1897, surviving her husband, who died November 21, 1895. They were the progenitors of a family of five children, who were: Francis H., who resides at Pottsville, and carries on a truck business; Emma E., now deceased, who was the wife of Jacob R. Keiser; Ralph H., who died near Reading, Pa .; Warren M., who died in 1890 in Australia, and was an engineer in the em- ploy of the English government.
Our subject was united in marriage with Lillian Evert, daughter of Daniel Evert of Shamokin. This happy event was consum- mated December 22, 1886, and their home is blessed with the presence of five children: Charles C .; William C .; Edwin F .; Martha E .; and Harold H. Mr. Smith is a member of Shamokin Lodge No. 255, F. & A. M., and his presence is highly appreciated at the meet- ings of the lodge.
J OSEPH SHARPLESS, an honored and highly respected citizen of the town of Bloomsburg, was for many years pro- prietor of a foundry on Center street and a leading business man, being one of the sub- stantial citizens who made the town what it is to-day. Shrewd and energetic in his busi- ness affairs, he accumulated a handsome com- petency which enabled him to retire in 1879 and spend the declining years of his life in the peace and quiet of private life. He is a son of Benjamin and Hannah (Bonsall) Sharpless, and was born at Catawissa, Colum- bia County, December 6, 1808.
Our subject is descended from John Sharp-
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.
less, a native of England, who came to America at about the same time as William Penn, and located in Chester County, Pa. There the family lived for many years, Ben- jamin Sharpless, the father of our subject, be- ing the first to settle in this district. He was born August 7, 1764, and after reaching man's estate he learned the trade of miller. In 1795 he crossed the mountains and located in Sun- bury, Northumberland County, where he operated a mill for two years in partnership with Robert Coburn, but later was associated with Enos Sharpless. He also was employed as a teacher in the schools for some time. In 1805 he disposed of his business and moved to Catawissa where he purchased a farm ad- joining the village, which is now laid out in town lots, and carried on agricultural pur- suits. Four years later he purchased a grist- mill and conducted it with much success until 1812 when he built a paper mill in company with John Clark on the site of the present paper mill and manufactured paper by hand, making it of rags as pulp paper was at that time unknown. He lived a long and useful life and passed to his final rest May 28, 1857. He owned a fine home in Catawissa which was erected by him in 1835. In Philadelphia in 1782 he was united in marriage to Hannah Bonsall, a daughter of Edward Bonsall, and the following children blessed their union: Mary Ann, who married a Dr. Wadsworth; Eliza, who died at the advanced age of ninety- four years; Edward; William; Joseph, the sub- ject of this biographical sketch; Bonsall, who died in infancy; John; Harriet, the wife of George Reifsnyder; Sarah, the wife of Louis Yetter; and Kersey J. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp- less were faithful members of the Society of Friends and liberally contributed to its sup- port.
Joseph Sharpless, our subject, assisted his
father in the paper factory until he attained his majority, when, in 1841, he went to Roar- ing Creek and engaged in the general mer- chandise business for five years. His next business venture was at Berwick, Columbia County, where he conducted a foundry for two and one-half years. He then became in- terested in the manufacture of charcoal and pig iron at Foundryville, at which he con- tinued until 1849. He then moved to Blooms- burg and purchased the Morse foundry on Center street, where Mr. Rollin's house now stands, and there operated the Sharpless Foundry for thirty years. He was extensive- ly engaged in the manufacture of stoves, coal- breakers, and other articles in that line and by the use of good judgment in his manage- ment met with almost unbounded success. His rise to a place of prominence in the af- fairs of the town was due entirely to his own efforts, as he began life without capital and step by step worked his way to the front rank The career of this worthy gentleman is an excellent example of thrift and industry and the results thereof, and is well worthy of imi- tation by the coming generation. Since re- tiring from his foundry business in 1879 he has not been actively identified with any busi- ness although he is indirectly interested in several enterprises. Characteristic of the fam- ily, he has reached an advanced age and ap- pears to be many years younger than the rec- ord shows. He is still active and light upon his feet, making from one to three trips to the postoffice every day regardless of the in- clemency of the weather. His is a well known figure upon the streets of Bloomsburg and heartily enjoys paying his friends a visit at their places of business. He is a man who holds the esteem and respect of all for his many noble traits of character. He resides in a fine home on Main street which he erected
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in 1854, and also owns considerable real es- tate in the borough, having erected many handsome residences.
On February 4, 1836, Mr. Sharpless ,was joined in a marital union to Mary Ellen Fos- ter, who was born July 7, 1817, and is a daugh- ter of John F. and Eleanor (Hallingshead) Foster. She has been a faithful and loving wife and mother, and a true help-meet to her husband in every sense of the word, adding materially to his success in business. She is enjoying the best of health and lives in the midst of a large circle of old friends by whom she is dearly loved for her true womanly char- acter. This happy union has resulted in the birth of nine children, namely: Harriet R., born February 23, 1837, resides at home, adding to the comfort of her aged parents in their declining years. Lloyd T., a grocer by occupation, was born March 18, 1839, and married Mattie Wagonseller. Benjamin F., born May 22, 1841, was twenty years of age when he enlisted in Company A, 6th Reg. Pa. Reserves, in the Civil War, and contin- lied in the service until mustered out in June, 1864. He then learned the trade of a moul- der and in 1868 became a partner in the firm, Sharpless & Harman, proprietors of the Eagle Iron Works, and later succeeded to the own- ership of his father's establishment at Blooms- burg, which he operated with good results until 1893, when he remodeled the building, which is located on the corner of Center and Sixth streets, and fitted it up for stores and dwellings. He now occupies a portion of it with a well stocked shoe store which is prov- ing a very remunerative business. He was united in matrimonial bonds to Sophia Hart- man, a daughter of Charles Hartman, by whom he has had six children, namely: Jos- eph L., a clerk, Charles H., a grocer, Ray F., Arthur, and two who died in infancy. He is
also president of the Bloomsburg Land and Improvement Company and is one of the good substantial citizens of the town. Loretta A., born January 4, 1843, is the wife of Jeffer- son Vanderslice; Clara, born November 12, 1844, died April 4, 1849. Elizabeth, born Sep- tember 7, 1846, married Wesley Eyer. Ara- minta E., born November 24, 1848, married Jasper Wilson. Mary Ellen, born October 16, 1852, died September 9, 1853. Harry F., born October 4, 1863, is an extensive real es- tate dealer of Pueblo, Co !.
Politically Mr. Sharpless is an unswerving Republican and has frequently served as coun- cilman and school director. He and his be- loved wife are liberal supporters of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, of which they have been attendants for many years.
ILLIAM ELLIS STARR has fol- lowed the milling business ever since starting out in active business life, and is the lessee of the oldest mill in Sulli- van County, Pa., the Lewis mill. He manu- factures a high grade of buckwheat flour and wheat-flour, also does a large amount of cus- tom milling. He is a native of Lycoming County, Pa., and is a son of Anthony and Hannah (Berger) Starr.
Our subject was intellectually trained in the schools of his native township and early in life learned the trade of a miller, which he has since pursued. In 1875 he located in Hills- grove township, Sullivan County, and leased the old Lewis mill on Loyalsock Creek; the mill was erected by Charles Snell, our sub- ject's ancestor. Mr. Starr has placed a new foundation under the mill and added another story; it has three sets of stones used for grinding. Our subject does all kinds of cus- tom work and his flour always commands a
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JOHN WATSON BUCK.
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.
good price on the markets, which tends to demonstrate its high grade. Mr. Starr has made many friends and customers by his strict attention to business and honest dealings and is performing all the duties of a good citizen.
Mr. Starr formed a matrimonial alliance with Maria J. Green, a lady of many excellent virtues, and a daughter of Wheeler Green, whose sketch also appears in this Book of Bi- ographies. As a result of this happy union a family of six children blessed their home, as follows: Wheeler Lloyd, a miller by trade; Florence and Leon Anthony, deceased; Hat- tie Irene; Clyde Raymond; and John Sidney.
Mr. Starr is Republican in politics and has served as school director for fifteen years; re- ligiously he and his family are attendants and liberal supporters of the Methodist Church.
OHN WATSON BUCK. Among the prominent and energetic business men of Sullivan County, Pa., is the gentle- man named above and whose portrait appears on the opposite page, who is recognized as one of the leading merchants of Sonestown, where he owns a large general store. He is exceedingly popular in both business and so- cial circles, and is ready to assist in all move- ments that tend toward the advancement and prosperity of his adopted township. He was born in what is now Strawbridge, Lycoming County, Pa., June 9, 1853, and is a son of Jacob and Hannah (Rishel) Buck, and grand- son of John and Magdalena (Springer) Buck.
Our subject traces his ancestral history back to his great-grandfather John Buck, the founder of this prosperous family in the Unit- ed States, who emigrated from Germany to America at an early date. He was the father of three children: Benjamin, Polly, and
John. John Buck, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Northampton County, Pa., September 23, 1807. He learned the trade of a gunsmith but engaged in farming the most of his life; he first settled in White Hall, Montour County, Pa., then removed to Sullivan County. For about two years he lived at North Mountain and then he pur- chased the farm now owned by Robert Tay- lor, Jr., at Muncy Creek; after residing there for some years, he removed to the state of Wisconsin, and later to Missouri, where he passed from this life at the age of eighty years. As a result of his marriage with Magdalena Springer he had the following children: Ja- cob, Lydia, Nancy, John, Mary, Phebe, and Eliza. All of these grew to maturity. His wife died at the age of about seventy-seven years.
Jacob Buck our subject's father, was born November 2, 1829, and in his early manhood worked in a saw mill until about 1860, when he bought a farm on North Mountain and for twenty-three years was engaged in farming, with the exception of one year, which he and his family spent in the West; but liking the climate here so much better, he concluded to return to his farm. At the expiration of that time he accordingly settled in Muncy Creek. Lycoming County, where he resided until his death and was the owner of one of the finest farms in that section of the county. He died March 17, 1899. He was married July 22. 1852, to Hannah Rishel, a daughter of Jos- eph and Martha (Phillips) Rishel. and grand- daughter of Jacob Rishel. Joseph Rishel was a carpenter by trade; he also followed wear- ing and farming, pursuing the latter vocation during the major portion of his active days. He first settled in Bloomsburg. Pa .. later in Davidson township, Sullivan County, but fin --
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ally in Penn township, Lycoming County, where he died at the age of eighty-one years; his wife departed this life when aged eighty- four years. They reared three children, name- ly: George W., Hannah, and Martha. Our subject's mother was born June 2, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Buck are the parents of the follow- ing children: John Watson, our subject; Martha Jane, who was born April 1, 1856; Lewis Harvey, born December 28, 1859, who is clerking in our subject's store, married Sadie Derrick, by whom he has two children -Harry and Clayton; James Leonard, born November 27, 1861, is clerking at Williams- port, and is married to Lizzie Hoffer, by whom he has one child-Ethel; Lucy Alda, born August 10, 1868, is the wife of Morgan Gavitt of Laporte, Pa., and they have reared three children,-Minicent, Blake, and Fred- ericka; Carrie Adella, born September 19, 1869, died January 21, 1898; Laurette May, born April 14, 1872, died June 9, 1898; Mary, born June 27, 1873, resides with our subject; and Annie Eliza, born June 27, 1875, who is residing at home most of the time.
John Watson Buck possesses a fine educa- tion and started out in life as a school teacher, teaching for five years and working at car- pentering during the summer vacations; he then accepted a position with A. T. Arm- strong of Sonestown. Remaining there a little over one year, he resigned and took one term at the Muncy Normal School and then accepted a position as clerk and bookkeeper with Jeremiah Kelly of Hughesville, Pa. Re- maining there during the winter of 1881 and 1882, he then took a course at the Williams- port Commercial College, graduating Decem- ber 12, 1882. His next position was with Mr. Armstrong of Sonestown, Pa., with whom he remained a year and a half; he then became bookkeeper and general assistant for the firm
of Hicks & Burnley of Williamsport, Pa. In 1885 he returned to Sonestown and again en- gaged with Mr. Armstrong, with whom he remained about two years. He then went to work for Bodine & Warn in Sonestown and for nine years acted as manager of their store. At the expiration of that time he bought out the firm; he also purchased the two-story building, in which the store was located, which was built in 1876 by Robert Whitaker. Mr. Buck immediately increased the stock, and now carries a complete line of dry goods. groceries, boots and shoes, gents' furnish- ings, hardware, paints and oils, and all kinds of farming implements; his store is one of the most complete general stores in the county, and by his honest and straightforward deal- ings he has built up a large and enviable pat- ronage. He is enterprising and public-spirit- ed, and enjoys the respect and good will of a large circle of acquaintances.
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