USA > Pennsylvania > Book of biographies; This volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of the Seventeenth congressional district, Pennsylvania > Part 59
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Mr. Welsh was one of the organizers of the Miners' and Laborers' Benevolent Association of the anthracite coal region, of which he served as president for three years. He served as president and also as vice-president of the Industrial Congress of the United States, a mark of high distinction. He was the first member of the Knights of Labor in Schuylkill County. He came to Northumberland Coun- ty in 1886 and since that time has taken no active part in politics.
AMES U. M. SHEW, whose portrait is presented on the opposite page, one of the bright and hustling young busi- ness men of Light Street and general superin- tendent of the Bloomsburg Paper Mills, was born in Gunpowder, Baltimore County, Md., May 6, 1869. He is a son of James M. and Anna Mary (Fisher) Shew, and grandson of Joseph and Mary (Shew) Shew.
Joseph Shew, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a native of London, England, who, when young, immigrated to America, locating in Baltimore County, Md., where he engaged in the cultivation of the soil. He was also a surveyor and followed that profession in con- nection with farming. He was constable of his township and was a veteran of the War of 1812, serving as an emergency man at Balti- more, Md. He was united in the bonds of wedlock with Mary , Shew, a native of Vir- ginia, and they reared a family of four chil- dren, namely: James M., the father of our subject; Henry, who died while en route for
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Denver, Col., on business in behalf of the Order of Railway Conductors,-he was a con- ductor on the Baltimore Central Railroad a number of years; Jacob, who resides at Port Deposit, Md., and is a machinist and engineer by trade; and Mary, the wife of Charles Heiser of Baltimore, Md.
James M. Shew, father of our subject, was born in Baltimore County, Md., September 9, 1831, and at the age of seven years began working in the paper mills of Baltimore Coun- ty, which were owned by William H. Hoff- man. He remained in the mills forty-four years, during which time he was promoted several times, in 1858 being made manager of the entire plant, which consisted of four mills, Gunpowder, Marble Vale, Clipper, and Rockdale, all of which are located in Balti- more County. Later he removed to Blooms- burg and purchased a half interest in the Trench Paper Mills of Fishing Creek town- ship, the firm being known as Trench & Shew; two years later he returned to his form- er employers and again managed the Balti- more mills for three and one-half years. He is now a resident of Light street. He is own- er of the Bloomsburg Paper Mills, and also conducts a blacksmith and repair shop. Po- litically he is an unwavering Republican and firmly upholds the principles of his party. On February 6, 1852, he was wedded to Anna Mary Fisher, a daughter of Lewis Fisher of York County, Pa., and a family of eleven children blessed their happy home, namely: Sarah, deceased; Margaret J .; Lydia, who wedded Robert J. Ruhl; Rebecca, the wife of John B. Kidd of Baltimore. Md .; Mary, united in marriage to D. S. Richards of Bal- timore, Md .; James U. M., the subject of this review; Josephine, wife of George B. Smith of Scott township, Columbia County; Irene, who married W. M. Ent of Light Street, Columbia
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.
County; Phoebe; and John W., a paper man- ufacturer of Bloomsburg. The father of our subject is a member of Washington Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M., of Bloomsburg; Blooms- burg Chapter No. 218, R. A. M .; Mt. Moriah Council No. 10, R. & S. M .; Crusade Com- mandery No. 12, K. T .; Orient Conclave, No. 2, Red Cross of Constantine; and Caldwell Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32nd degree, N. M. J.
James U. M. Shew received his intellectual training in the public schools of his native town and at the age of eighteen years began working in the paper mills of Bloomsburg, which were owned by his father. Since 1894 our subject has been general superintendent of the mills and is one of the most popular workmen in the plant. He is also recognized as one of the most valued citizens of Blooms- burg and is held in high esteem for his many excellent traits of character.
Mr. Shew is a member of Washington Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M. of Bloomsburg. Politically he is an ardent Republican. On May 23, 1888, our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony with Permelia A. Brown, a daughter of the late Charles Brown, and they are the parents of two children: Guy, and Helen Martha. Dr. Fredrica, the maternal great-grandfather of our subject's wife, was a native of France and was a physician in the American Army during the Revolutionary War. Joseph Brown, the paternal grand- father of our subject's wife, was a resident of Bloomsburg and was the progenitor of a fam- ily of sons, namely: William H., bookkeeper and paymaster on the Lehigh Valley R. R. and a resident of Cunningham, Pa .; Hiram, a resident of Beech Haven, Pa .; George, pro- prietor of the Central House of Bloomsburg; Clark, died at Hamburg, Pa .; and Dr. Rob- ert, deceased, who was a well-to-do physi- cian residing at Tower Hill, Pa.
Charles Brown, the father of Mrs. Shew, was born in Bloomsburg and during his younger days learned the trade of a tailor which he followed a number of years. He was for some time foreman in the tailor-shop owned by George Burch of Manayunk, Pa. He passed from this life February 29, 1887, at the age of fifty-nine years. He was a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity and was well versed in Masonry. Religiously he was a member of the Methodist Church. He was united in wedlock with Lydia Fredrica, a daughter of Henry Fredrica, formerly a resi- dent of Mifflinville, Columbia County, Pa. Five sons and two daughters blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, namely: Clark W .; Joseph, deceased; E. Reed; Albert C .; Daniel L .; Martha J., wife of William Newman; and Permelia A., wife of our subject.
OHN McELWEE. Another prominent and popular business man, well and fa- vorably known in railroad circles in the Seventeenth Congressional District, is our subject, who is special agent for the Northern Central R. R. Co. He is actively engaged in looking after the interests of the company in any and every line in the vicinities of Sunbury, Wilkesbarre, Hazleton, Pottsville, Tamaqua. and other sections. His interests are closely identified with those of the company he repre- sents; and as he is thoroughly alive and en- ergetic, he is quick to secure advantages for the company in detecting and reporting im- positions and frauds.
Mr. McElwee is of Irish descent, as his name indicates, and was born in County Don- egal, Ireland, in 1843. He is a son of George and Mary (Morrison) McElwee, and immi- grated to America when about eighteen years . old, having received his education in Ireland.
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.
He first located in Tamaqua, Schuylkill Coun- ty, Pa., for a short time, but subsequently moved into Luzerne County. Not being fa- vorably impressed with his abode, and believ- ing the advantages were better at his former place of residence, he returned to Tamaqua in 1862 and remained there about one year, when he again moved, locating in Shamokin.
Our subject found employment in and around the mines until April 25, 1865, when he entered the employ of the Northern Cen- tral R. R. Company as brakeman, was soon advanced to the position of fireman, and fi- nally appointed a conductor. At this post he was always pleasant and accommodating, but scrupulously exact and honest in the dis- charge of his duty, and served the company so well in this capacity that he was still further promoted to the position of yard-master in 1872. His proficiency in performing the du- ties of this position is fully attested by the fact that he remained yard-master for a period of twenty-four years, discontinuing in 1896 to accept his present confidential and trusted po- sition, that of special agent, as before men- tioned.
Mr. McElwee carefully avoids being drawn into the meshes of politics. He is such a thor- ough railroad man that he takes little interest in matters not pertaining to the success of his company. Our subject was twice mar- ried and has two children as the result of his first marriage: John H., born January 20, 1867, now in the employ of the Northern Cen- tral R. R. Co. in the capacity of engineer; and Mary Jane, born August 30, 1876, who resides at home.
AMUEL F. GILBERT, M. D., a phy- sician of well-known repute, now liv- ing in Elysburg, Northumberland County, Pa., is a son of Jacob and Susan (Fet-
terhoff) Gilbert, and was born in Halifax township, Dauphin County, Pa., August 4, 1845.
The paternal great-grandfather, Samuel Gilbert, was born August 10, 1743, and died April 18, 1826. He married Catherine Saul, who was born December 11, 1757, and died June II, 1805. He was a tanner and lived in Lebanon County, Pa. The grandfather, Jacob Gilbert, was born April 2, 1783, in Lebanon County, and moved, in 1815, to Lykens Val- ley and later to Millersburg. His first wife was Elizabeth Long of Dauphin County, who was born March 17, 1785, and died February 19, 1827. His second wife was Elizabeth Mark, who was born December 23, 1783, and died April 10, 1854. His first union resulted in six children: Samuel, born October 2, 1805; John, born December 12, 1806; Jacob, our subject's father; Sarah, born September 24, 1809; Catherine, born August 30, 1812; and George, born December 31, 1813, and died November 10, 1869.
Jacob Gilbert, the father of our subject, was born near Jonestown, Lebanon County, Pa., February 24, 1808, and married Susan Fetter- hoff, daughter of Col. Fetterhoff of Lykens Valley, Dauphin County; Mrs. Gilbert was born February 20, 1808. Jacob Gilbert was a farmer, miller and tanner by trade, and car- ried on farming in Halifax township the great- er part of his life, dying there on June 10, 1888. He was very active in politics, being a stanch Republican, and holding many offices. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, being one of the leading workers. His wife died in 1882. They had nine children, as follows: George, a retired farmer living in Halifax, Pa., who was born December II, 1829, and married Lavinia Garman; John, born December 23, 1831, died April 21. 1853; Mary, born July 7, 1834, married Paul Riland,
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.
a retired farmer of Halifax, Pa .; Elizabeth, born May 6, 1837, married Amos Grim, and they live in Halifax, Pa .; Sarah, born Sep- tember 16, 1839, died September 28, 1842; Catherine, born December 16, 1841, died Jan- uary 9, 1842; Jacob, born April 21, 1843, died March 16, 1844; Samuel F., our subject; Isaac, a retired farmer of Halifax, Pa., born April 29, 1849. The children were all edu- cated in the public schools.
After completing his education Dr. Gilbert taught school for five years and then attended Lebanon Valley College. In 1870 he entered the University of Pennsylvania and was grad- uated in 1872, when he at once began prac- ticing in Sunbury, Pa. He then moved to Augustaville, Northumberland County, Pa., where he practiced for four years, going from there in 1876 to Elysburg, Pa., his present lo- cation. He was married on February 17, 1876, to Ella Seasholtz of Upper Augusta township, a daughter of Jacob and Ruth (Rockefellow) Seasholtz, both of Upper Augusta township. Mr. Seasholtz was a contractor. He is dead, but his wife still resides in Upper Augusta township. Dr. Gilbert took up the practice of Dr. Robbins of Elysburg, and has built up a very large and lucrative clientage in Northum- berland County and adjoining districts. The Doctor has several farms and also owns the Dr. Robbins homestead, on which he now lives. He is a strong temperance worker, a member of the F. and A. M. Lodge, No. 414, of Elysburg, and an attendant of the Re- formed Church, of which his wife is a mem- ber. He has been blessed with several chil- dren, as follows: Amy E., born August II, 1879; Carrie C., born August 17, 1880; Ruth, born April 3, 1887; and Grace, born February 2, 1889; all of whom reside at home. The people of Elysburg and vicinity speak only in the highest terms of Dr. Gilbert, and he has
a host of warm, well-wishing friends. He be- gan the battle of life a poor boy, but with un- tiring energy and unflinching will he has reached the goal of success.
Q. HARTMAN, one of the well-to- do and influential citizens of Danville, Pa., who is the proprietor of the Nemoloton Silk Mills of that town, was born at Scranton, Pa., May 3, 1861, and is a son of John G. Hartman, deceased, who was a native of Germany and a mechanic by trade.
F. Q. Hartman possesses a good education which he received in the public schools of Scranton. Leaving school when a mere lad he sought employment in the Sagnoit Silk Mills of Scranton remaining with that com- pany many years during which time he be- came thoroughly familiar with the manufac- ture of silk. His wide experience in busi- ness affairs attracted the attention of the Dela- ware & Hudson Railroad Company officials who offered him a position as assistant-pay- master of the railroad, which position he ac- cepted; not only did he fulfill his duties with great credit to himself but to his superior offi- cers as well, and upon his resignation from that position of trust he was begged to recon- sider his action, and as an inducement, he was offered an increase in salary, but our sub- ject had determined to enter into business on his own account. He removed to Danville and erected a large two-story brick building 53 by 125 feet on Water street and engaged in the manufacture of silk. The mill is equipped with sixteen thousand spindles and gives employment to about three hundred hands who are kept constantly busy in order to keep up with the orders. In 1896 the mill was destroyed by a cyclone and our subject sustained a severe loss; he immediately re-
GEORGE G. BAKER.
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.
built and enlarged the mill, which is equipped with the most modern machinery. The mill is lighted throughout by electricity, which is supplied by its own dynamo.
Our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony to Genevieve Atwood, a daugh- ter of Eugene Atwood, a silk manufacturer of Stonington, Conn. Mr. Hartman is con- sidered an important factor in the business and industrial interests of Danville, aiding ma- terially in developing its resources.
EORGE G. BAKER, the well- known undertaker of the town of Bloomsburg, Columbia County, and a member of the firm, Baker & Wanich, man- ufacturers of the U bed spring, is a son of Frederick H. and Jane (Seward) Baker, and was born in Huntingdon, Luzerne County, Pa., October 20, 1864.
Frederick Baker, the father of our subject, was born in Cambria, Pa., where he followed farming and milling and was a very prosper- ous man. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Jane Seward, who was a native of Fairmont Springs, Pa., and they reared a family of children, one of whom was George G., the subject of this personal history.
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George G. Baker was reared on his fath- er's farm and after attaining man's estate went to Shickshinny, Luzerne County, where he became an undertaker and cabinetmaker, un- der the tutelage of John L. Pealer. He opened a business at Pleasant Hill in connec- tion with John Baker, continuing for a period of two years. He then disposed of his inter- est and associated with P. P. Copeland at Shickshinny, until the latter's death, when he removed to Bloomsburg and bought out the business of E. R. Furman and has conducted
it since November 29, 1887. He is an hon- est and conscientious worker and possesses the patronage of the leading citizens of Bloomsburg and immediate vicinity. He has fine hearses and one of the finest and best- groomed teams in the county. He patented the U bed spring, which is the most perfect spiral bed spring made, and, in partnership with John N. Wanich of Bloomsburg, manu- factures them in all styles and sizes. Mr. Bak- er is genial and possesses the friendship and esteem of all with whom he is acquainted.
Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance with Lenora C. Sterling, a daughter of Clin- ton B. Sterling of Bloomsburg, and they be- came the parents of four children, namely: Charles C .; Lucy; Robert; and Mary. Mr. Baker is a member and past grand of the I. O. O. F .; is past captain of the Sons of Veterans; past president of the P. O. S. of A .; and master workman of the A. O. U. W. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the prin- ciples of the Democratic party. Mr. Baker's portrait is shown on a page in proximity to this.
HOMAS S. LAIRD, a blacksmith of considerable prominence at Nord- mont, Laporte township, Sullivan County, Pa., is purely of Scotch descent, as his name indicates. He is the second child and eldest son of William and Sarah (McNeil) Laird, and was born at Washingtonville. Montour County, Pa., January 21, 1831.
Col. William Laird was the first of the Laird family to come to America. He was born in Scotland and came to this country at the age of seven years in company with some friends. He grew to manhood in the midst of the most exciting times in our country's history, at a
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.
time when young men for love of country left fathers, mothers, and sweethearts, and husbands left wives and families, that they might battle for the cause of freedom. It is almost needless to say that he responded to the call to arms. He served as a private under the illustrious Washington in 1755, and dur- ing the Revolutionary War he served as cap- tain of Washington's body-guard, which fact is to-day the boast of his descendants. He wedded Rosanna Gaston, a Scotch emigrant, and settled in Northumberland County, Pa., where he bought a farm and became a tiller of the soil, an occupation he followed until cut off by death at the extreme age of ninety- seven years. His companion also lived to a very old age. Realizing that our country, de- pleted by the ravages of war, would need in the future many brave men and women to support the cause for which they fought, Col. Laird brought into the world sixteen children, eight boys and eight girls. It is not absolutely known how many of the girls reached ma- turity, as women sometimes change their names early in life, and their identity is easily lost. But the following boys grew to man- hood: Thomas; John; James; William; Samuel; and Matthew.
Thomas, the eldest of these, was the grand- father of our subject. He was born in Derry township, then a part of Northumberland County, Pa., and died at the age of sixty-five years, having been a farmer all his life. He participated in the War of 1812 and was wounded at the battle of Lundy's Lane. He was united in marriage with Annie McBride, a Scotch emigrant, who, upon dying, left him with seven children, namely: Martha; Ro- sanna; Sarah; Esther; Eliza; William; and Thomas. Mr. Laird formed a second matri- monial alliance with Hester McReynolds, and they had two children: Anne, and Russell.
William Laird, the father of our subject, was born in Derry township, Columbia Coun- ty, Pa. Early in life he learned the trade of a blacksmith, working at his chosen calling for a canal company, being thus employed when his life was cut short by a misfortune which deprived his wife and children of a lov- ing husband and father. He was accidentally drowned at Carrasawaga Falls, Dauphin County, Pa., while yet in the prime and vigor of manhood, having only attained the age of thirty-five. He was married to Sarah McNeil, who survived him, having borne him four chil- dren, viz .: Mary, who died in infancy; Thomas S., our subject; Ann; and Samuel.
Our subject is particularly fortunate in one respect, there are many interesting facts and adventures by which he can remember his forefathers, and this is not alone true of his father's family, for there are many thrilling experiences told of his maternal ancestors, one of which deserves a place in this sketch. Sarah (McNeil) Laird was the daughter of Samuel McNeil of Columbia County, who was of Scotch descent. Her mother's maiden name was Annie Davis, who was taken prisoner by the Indians during the Revolutionary War at Chillisquaque Creek, seven of her sisters and brothers being killed at the same time. She was kept in captivity for five years, when Ezra, her brother, who was in the Colonial Army at the time of her capture, went to Canada, where she was held, and succeeded in securing her release. After her husband's demise our subject's mother formed a second marital union with Benjamin J. McWilliams, no issue resulting from their marriage.
Thomas S. Laird learned the blacksmith's trade by serving an apprenticeship under Jo- seph Green of Hughesville for a period of two years. He then started in business for him- self at Sonestown, Sullivan County, Pa.,
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.
where he remained one year; then he moved successively to Smithsville, Taylorville, Hughesville, and finally settled at Nordmont in 1876, where he is considered an expert in his business. He was united in marriage with Sarah Jane Glidewell of Davidson township, Sullivan County, and their home was blessed by the presence of nine children, as follows: Jerome; William; Coralynn; Caroline; Amanda; McClellan, now deceased; Elean- ora; Russell; and Estella. It gives great pleasure to speak of a good man and to note what he has done, and we feel sure there are few men who more fully enjoy the confidence and good will of their fellow-men than does Mr. Laird. As to the question of religion and where people shall worship, he expresses broad and liberal views. In politics he up- holds the principles of the People's party; has been on the election board twenty-one years as judge, inspector or clerk; and was auditor of Davidson township for eighteen years.
IRAM M. HAAS, who is one of the most energetic and progressive busi- ness men of the town of Sun- bury, is the well-known operator of the Sun- bury Flour Mills and is also extensively en- gaged in farming. He is a son of John S. and Margaret (Deppen) Haas, and was born in Jackson township, Northumberland County, March 4, 1846.
The Haas family originated in Germany and our subject is the grandson of Lawrence Haas, who was a man of considerable means, but lost nearly all his wealth by unwisely go- ing bail for supposed friends. He was the father of John S. Haas, the father of our sub- ject, who was born in Northumberland Coun- . ty in 1812, and resided in Mahanoy and Jack-
son townships until 1850, when he moved to Upper Augusta township, which is now within the corporate limits of Sunbury. His occu- pation in life was that of a farmer, but he also owned and operated the mill which is now conducted by his son. He was a good busi- ness man and was quite successful in life. Po- litically he was a Democrat of the Jacksonian type and was an ardent supporter of Jackson. Socially he was an Odd Fellow. He was united in marriage to Margaret Deppen, and of the children born to them but one, Hiram M., our subject, grew to maturity. Mr. Haas closed his eyes in final sleep in 1875, aged seventy-five years, and his beloved wife sur- vived him until 1878, when she, too, was called llome.
Hiram M. Haas was but four years of age when he was brought to Upper Augusta township by his parents, and he has made the township his home ever since. After attending the public schools for several years he took special courses of study in Sunbury Academy and later in the Missionary Institute. After obtaining a good education he left school in 1867 and spent five months in Eastman's Business College, where he received an excel- lent business training. He then returned home and worked upon his father's farm for a few years, after which he operated the Sunbury Mills, continuing successfully until a few years after his father's demise, when he leased the mill for a term of years and again took up ag- ricultural pursuits. Subsequently he again op- erated the mill in connection with farming. and has since continued to operate the mill. He makes four by steam, water, and roller process, and it finds a ready sale on the mar- ket, being of the highest grade. Mr. Haas is a man of exceptional business qualifications and under his skilful guidance the affairs of the mill are in a thriving condition and the
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.
business is netting the owner a handsome in- come. He has been equally successful in the manipulation of his affairs upon his two farms, both of which are located in Upper Augusta township, one consisting of 140 acres and the other of 65. Mr. Haas stands high in the esti- mation of his fellow-citizens and numbers his friends by the score.
Our subject was joined in marriage to Ro- setta Hull, a daughter of John Hull of Snyder- town, Northumberland County, on May I, 1870, and their happy union is blessed by the birth of eight children: John F., who married Harriet O. Detrich of Sunbury, and is mana- ger for his father; Edward L., of Sunbury; Isaac J., who married Amy E. Fasold of Sun- bury; Hiram W .; Mary M .; Essie; Nellie M .; and Marion V. Politically Mr. Haas is a firm supporter of the Democratic party, tak- ing an active interest in local politics. He has served as school director and recorder. Socially he is a member of the Royal Arca- 1111m.
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