USA > Pennsylvania > Book of biographies; This volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of the Seventeenth congressional district, Pennsylvania > Part 6
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subject is an unswerving Democrat and in 1860 was elected county treasurer. He is a consistent member of the Christian Church, of which he is an elder.
EV. PHILANDER S. BREWSTER, - M. D., after preparing himself for the medical profession in his youth, served in the Union Army during the Rebel- lion and upon returning home entered the ministry, filling the pulpits of many churches until 1894, when he decided to follow the pro- fession of his first choice. He has a large practice in and about the borough of Ber- wick and has been particularly successful in the treatment of chronic cases. He is a son of Daniel and Roxanna (Beeman) Brewster, and was born in Wyalusing township, Brad- ford County, Pa., October 4, 1830.
The Brewsters are of English extraction and are probably descendants of Elder Brew- ster who came over in the Mayflower. James Brewster, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Long Island, N. Y., where he re- sided until 1800, when he and his family, which consisted of a wife, two sons and a daughter, moved to Susquehanna County, where he spent the remainder of his days. His occupation was that of a shoemaker, which he followed with success. He was the progenitor of a family of three children, namely: Daniel, the father of our subject; Eldad, who was a weaver in Susquehanna County and died at a comparatively young age; and Abigail, who married David Vergason of Bradford County, Pa.
Daniel Brewster was born on Long Island, N. Y., but moved to Bradford County, Pa., with his parents. Early in life he learned the trade of . tailor, but soon after moving
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.
to Wyalusing township he turned his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits, operating a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres. He was a natural student and was well-posted on all current topics of the day. He was a Jack- son Democrat and served under Gen. Jackson during the War of 1812. Although not a member of any church he was a strict adherent to the Presbyterian faith. He was united in matrimonial bonds to Roxanna Beeman and they reared a large family of twelve children, all of whom reached maturity before a death occurred. Their record is as follows: John, deceased, was a farmer and located near Chi- cago, Ill., at an early day, but spent the latter years of his life at New Lisbon, Wis .; Hannah, deceased, married Joseph Lee, a farmer of New Albany, Bradford County; Nelson, de- ceased, who was an agriculturist in Susque- hanna County; Pamelia, deceased, who mar- ried Nathan Coleman, a resident of Herrick township, Bradford County; Sally, who mar- ried William S. Lee of New Albany, Bradford County? Jane, deceased, who was the wife of Samuel Woodruff of Ohio; Jesse, deceased, who was a member of Company D, 14Ist Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and served until the winter of 1862, when he died at Falmouth, Va., as a result of exposure; Eldad, who re- sides in New York State; Caroline, deceased, who was the wife of John Kissle of Bradford County; Angeline, who married a Mr. Bee- man of New York State; Rev. Philander S., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; and Davis D., deceased, who was a mechanic and operated a planing-mill in the mountains of California. Daniel Brewster died in Or- well township, Bradford County, Pa., aged ninety-three years, two months and twenty- three days.
Rev. Philander S. Brewster was reared on his father's farm and after obtaining a good
common-school education learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed a short time. At the age of twenty-two he began teaching school, and, as he proved an able instructor, taught for six terms, during which time he also studied medicine. In October, 1862, he was drafted into Company D, 17Ist Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf. for nine months' service. He served in the Army of the Potomac for eleven months when he received his discharge and upon returning home entered the ministry of the Baptist Church, being ordained in Wyalu- sing township. His first charge was at Leh- man, Luzerne County, where he remained for four years; then he held a pastorate for one year in Lackawanna County; then at West Liberty Church, Susquehanna County, where he remained for a period of seven years. His next charges were at Lehman Lake and Union Churches of Luzerne County, where he filled the pulpits until 1889 when he was called to Berwick and officiated as pastor of the Baptist Church for five years. He had been practicing medicine also during this time, and in 1894 he left the ministry to care for his rapidly increasing patronage. He is a homeo- pathic physician and his success in treating chronic diseases has been exceptional, as some of his patients, who were pronounced incurable by the leading physicians of the county were placed upon their feet and are still enjoying good health. He is kind and sympathetic and wins his way to the hearts of his patients, who regard him in the light of a friend as well as a physician.
Our subject was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Nancy M. Hines, April 5, 1852, and was bereaved of her companionship by death in the same year. In 1854 he formed a second matrimonial alliance with Jane V. Mid- daugh, a native of Wyalusing township, Brad- ford County, who died in 1885. He was sub-
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sequently married to Mrs. Mary (Bouse) But- ler, relict of James Butler of Wyoming County.
We are pleased to announce that an ex- cellent portrait of Rev. Mr. Brewster appears on a page in proximity to this.
ON. MAYNARD J. PHILLIPS, ex- associate judge of Sullivan County, is a prominent and influential citi- zen of Davidson township, where he is en- gaged in agricultural pursuits on the old fam- ily estate. He was born July 14, 1854, and is a son of Griffith and Mary A. (Rogers). Phil- lips.
Our subject's grandfather, Griffith Phillips, was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., in 1778, and was a son of David Phillips. He had three brothers, Daniel, John, and William, all of whom moved to Madison township, Co- lumbia County, Pa. Griffith Phillips lived in Jerseytown, Columbia County, until twenty- one years of age and then moved to Chester County, where he learned the trade of a black- smith. Subsequently he moved to Danville and there followed his trade until 1809, when he went to Davidson township, Sullivan County, where he cleared a farm near Hem- lock School and followed agricultural pursuits and his trade until his death. He married Mary Hughes, who was born near Danville, Pa., and they became the parents of eight chil- dren : John, born August 10, 1812, who lived on a farm near Sonestown at his death in Oc- tober, 1893, and who married Susan Sones. who survives him; Rachael, deceased, born April 3, 1811, married Samuel Livergood, who operated a saw-mill in Hughesville and who served for three years in the Union Army under Maj. Bryan, dying in 1895; Hannah,
born December 12, 1814, was the wife of John Robbins, deceased, who went west in 1860, locating in Iowa,-she too is now deceased and is survived by a large family of children; Evan Il., born February 14, 1816, who lived on the old Spearman farm in Davidson town- ship until he sold out to the Lancaster Lum- ber Company, when he moved to Franklin township, Lycoming County, and lived upon a farm until his death,-he was the first sheriff of Sullivan County, his wife was Mary Jane Laird; Thomas, who resides on a part of the old Phillips homestead, was born November 30, 1817, and married Hannah Low, who died in 1889; Mary, deceased, born May 15, 1819, was the wife of Alexander Colley, a farmer of Columbia County; Griffith, the father of our subject; and David, deceased, born May 19, 1822, married Elizabeth Taylor, who lives on the old Phillips homestead in Davidson township.
Griffith Phillips, the father of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born in Davidson township, December 6, 1820, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He lo- cated upon the farm which our subject now possesses in 1863, but prior to that was en- gaged in the lumbering business. While liv- ing upon that farm he became convinced that there must be copper ore in the land and throughout his life-time searched in vain for it. As a farmer he was very successful. Po- litically he was a Democrat and served as a commissioner of Sullivan County and also as deputy sheriff under Evan H. Phillips, Esq .. the first sheriff of the county. He was serving as commissioner when the first court-house of Sullivan County was under construction at Laporte. He was united in marriage with Mary A. Rogers, a native of Kingston town- ship, Luzerne County, and they were the par- ents of seven children : David Wheeler, born
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.
April 13, 1853, died in infancy; Maynard Jo- siah; Hugh G., a farmer of Wolf township, Lycoming County, born October 1, 1856, who married Sarah Kahler; Willard I., born May 30, 1859, died September 13, 1863; Flor- ence H., born April 11, 1861, is the wife of William J. Yocum of Benton township, Co- lumbia County; McClellan A., born February 27, 1864, married Mattie L. Taylor, May 13, 1886, and she died December 1, 1886,-he now resides with our subject; and Hester A., born September 3, 1866, died November 4, 1886. Mrs. Phillips was sickly for many years and died of consumption, March 3. 1885. For several years prior to his death, November 4, 1886, Griffith Phillips was an in- valid and resided with his son Maynard, where he received such treatment as only a loving son can bestow upon a worthy father.
Maynard J. Phillips, being the eldest son, was at the age of twelve years obliged to leave school and assist his father upon the farm. When the father was stricken with palsy the great responsibility of looking after the family affairs was shifted to Maynard's young shoulders, but he did not falter under the weight. He set about his work with a grim determination that he would succeed and be a comfort to his parents in their declining years. His life was one of continuous labor on the farm and in the woods, but better times were in store for him. Although deprived of the privilege of attending the schools, he ob- tained an excellent practical education by pri- vate study and by contact with men of educa- tional attainment whom he met in the busi- ness world. When quite young he sold school books and school supplies, which vocation he made a success that he has every reason to feel proud of, and at the present time, he is the representative of the American School Book Company of New York City. He now owns
123 acres of the old homestead, all well-im- proved land, and carries on general farming.
On December 20, 1887, Mr. Phillips mar- ried Mary C. Pennington, who was born at Fairmont Springs, Luzerne County, Pa., March 7, 1862, and is a daughter of James N. and Elizabeth (Laubach) Pennington. Mr. Pennington is a farmer of Fairmont Springs; his wife is now deceased. Our subject and his wife have three children: Murl G., born July 23, 1889; Mary V., born February II, 1892; and Helen B., born July 23, 1895. Mr. Phillips always has been a firm supporter of the Democratic party, and in December, 1891, he was elected associate judge of Sullivan County, serving faithfully in that capacity until the expiration of his term; he has sev- eral times been chosen congressional and sen- atorial conferee from Sullivan County; he was elected school director in Davidson town- ship for three consecutive terms, also has been elected delegate by the school directors of Sullivan County to the state convention of school directors, held at Harrisburg, Pa., and is at the present time secretary of the school board. Our subject is a gentleman of rare mental power, pleasant and honorable in his dealings, and is deservedly popular with all. During his eventful public career he has shown a spirit of enterprise and determination which is worthy of emulation, while his suc- cess is a credit and honor to both himself and his legion of friends. Socially, Mr. Phillips is a member of Sonestown Lodge, No. 221, I. O. O. F .; the Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F .; Washington Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M. of Bloomsburg; and a member of the Farmer's Alliance. Religiously he and his worthy wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Muncy Valley and he has been superintendent of the Sunday School near his home for several years. A few years ago Mr.
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.
Phillips presented a lot to the congregation on which to erect a church and contributed liberally to the building fund and toward fur- nishing the church.
B ONHAM R. GEARHART, Jr., who had been cashier of the First National Bank of Danville, Pa., until March, 1870, when he became president, is one of the most prominent and highly-esteemed citizens of that town. He was born at Turbotville, Northumberland County, Pa., May 20, 1843, and is a son of Bonham R. and Elizabeth (Boyd) Gearhart.
Our subject's great-grandfather was Jacob Gearhart, a native of Strangsberg, Germany, who came to this country prior to the Revo- lutionary War; he located in the state of New Jersey, in what is now Hunterdon County. He served throughout the Revolutionary War and was captain in a New Jersey regiment. After independence had been gained he moved to Northumberland County, Pa., where he had friends. With his family he made his way over the uncultivated land by means of horses and wagons; at an old log house which had been deserted they stopped to rest, and, find- ing the land very fertile and well adapted for farming, decided to make a settlement there. Mr. Gearhart purchased a large tract of the land, which he cleared with the aid of his sons, and erected one of the first frame houses in the county, the one in which William F. Gearhart now resides; the house is still in good condi- tion and is one of the old landmarks. The great-grandfather purchased land from time to time and was soon the owner of 500 acres, of which he cleared 200 acres and set out a large orchard, which was destroyed by a hail- storm in 1846. He married Catherine Kline
and they were the parents of the following children : John, born in 1758; Jacob, born in 1763 and died in 1778; Herman, born in 1765, died in 1770; William died in 1854, at the age of seventy-eight years; George; Tunis; Charles, born in 1783 and died in 1863; Isaac; Catherine; Mary; and Betsey.
George Gearhart, our subject's grandfather, was born in what is now Hunterdon County, N. J., and removed to Northumberland Coun- ty with his parents. When George attained his majority, his father gave him a large tract of land, which was situated one mile south of the bridge that crosses the Susquehanna. He erected many buildings upon the land and successfully followed the occupation of a farmer all his life; he also purchased land at different times and at his death he was the owner of some 300 or 400 acres along the banks of the Susquehanna. His farm is now a portion of South Danville, and has been laid out in town lots. His wife was Achsah kun- yon, who bore him four children, namely : Bonham R., our subject's father; Benjamin; Eliza; and Rebecca. Mr. Gearhart, upon the death of his first wife, married Phoebe Lott, and this union resulted in the birth of three children, as follows: Achsah; George; and Herman.
Bonham R. Gearhart, Sr., father of our sub- ject, was born in Rush township, Northum- berland County, Pa., was educated in the dis- trict school, and, entering Jefferson Medical College was graduated before he attained his majority. He pursued his chosen profession at Sunbury, Washingtonville, later at Turbot- ville, and then moved to Danville, Montour County, Pa. He was considered one of the foremost physicians and surgeons of the county, and built up a large and lucrative practice. He passed from this life at the age of forty-two years, the cause of his death be-
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.
ing an attack of pneumonia. He was wedded to Elizabeth Boyd, a daughter of William Boyd, and the following children blessed their happy home: Bonham R., Jr., our subject ; Jasper B .; James B .; Alexander M .; and M. Grier. Our subject's mother still resides in Danville and has passed her eighty-fourth year.
Our subject attended the public school, and during his boyhood days was a clerk in a store at Wrightsville, York County, Pa. After serving five years as clerk he learned teleg- raphy, in which he soon became quite profi- cient, and was employed as operator and agent at Catawissa, Pa., serving in that posi- tion until 1865. In October, 1865, he became teller of the First National Bank of Danville, remaining in that position but a short time, when he was promoted to cashier. The bank is one of the most substantial financial insti- tutions in this section of the state and was established January 25, 1864, when a charter was obtained from the Government by the first board of directors, who were as follows : Samuel Yorks; George F. Geisinger; C. Lau- bach; Charles Fenstermacher; William Yorks; Fred Piper; and G. H. Fowler. At their first meeting Samuel Yorks was chosen president and W. A. M. Grier cashier. The bank is located in what is known as the A. F. Russell store, on the corner of Mill and Bloom streets. The second floor is used as a dwell- ing and the first floor consists of the bank and offices, which are large and well furnished. The vault is quite safe against burglary, the sides being twenty-four inches in thickness; it is made of solid steel railroad rails bolted together, two inches of steel plate, and the inner space is filled in with cement and emery from top to bottom; the door weighs 8,000 pounds, and has one of the best locks made, a Yale automatic time-lock. The present offi-
cers of this bank are: B. R. Gearhart, our subject, president; S. A. Yorks, cashier; and William L. McClure, assistant cashier.
Mr. Gearhart was married in 1870 to Mary Louise Yorks, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Ann (West) Yorks, and this union was blessed by the birth of two children, namely: Anna M .; and Robert Y., a student. Anna M. is the wife of M. Grier Youngman, cashier of the Danville National Bank of Danville, who is a son of John C. Youngman, and they are the parents of two children, Mary Louise and John Bonham. Mr. Gearhart is a strong Re- publican in politics. He has served in the city council, as treasurer of the State Hospital of Danville; and treasurer of The Thomas Beav- er Free Library. He is a trustee of the Grove Presbyterian Church and served as treasurer of the building committee when the church was erected. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a Knight Templar. In the Civil War he enlisted in Company D. under Col. Ramsey, in 1863, and served a full term of enlistment. Our subject owns a hand- some home on Bloom street.
ROF. MOSES R. BLACK, principal of the graded schools of Forksville, Sullivan County, Pa., is a man of rec- ognized ability as a teacher and has been one of the leading business men of the borough for a number of years. He is a son of James and Mary J. (Rogers) Black, and was born in Forksville, August 6, 1858. His grand- father was James Black, who was the progen- itor of two sons: James, the father of our sub- ject; and Henry F., who resides in the state of Illinois.
James Black was born October 26, 1820, and early in life learned the trade of a miller.
HON. C. R. SAVIDGE.
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.
He built the first grist-mill at Forksville in 1856 and operated it until his death, having a very large patronage, as it was the only mill in that section for many years. He was called to his final rest in 1862. Mr. Black was orig- inally a Whig in politics, but later became a Republican. Religiously he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was united in marriage three times, his first union being with Margaret Bryan, by whom he had five children: Henry F .; Martha; Julia; Catherine; and James. He was again mar- ried to Salome Hoppis, but their union was without issue. He formed a third alliance with Mary J. Rogers and their children were : Moses R., our subject; Jennie, wife of J. D. Seely of Osceola, Pa .; Della, wife of F. W. Peale of Eagles Mere, Pa .; and Freddie, who died young. Our subject's mother now re- sides at Nelson, Pa.
Moses R. Black obtained his intellectual training by attending the public schools of Elkland, Tioga County, Pa., the Genesee Wesleyan Academy, and the Normal School of Mansfield. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching in the district schools and in 1886 he was elected superintendent of schools of Sullivan County. His work in that capacity was of the highest order and he was re-elected in 1887. He subsequently pur- chased a furniture and undertaking business and planing mill at Forksville and operated it with good results until 1898, displaying excel- lent general business qualifications. In 1898 he disposed of his plant to Messrs. Wright & Haight and accepted the position as principal of the graded schools of Forksville, one for which he is eminently qualified. These schools were established in 1887, employ two teachers, and are considered the best in that section of the county. Prof. Black stands high in public esteem and has the hearty co-operation
of the school board and the citizens in his work.
Prof. Black was joined in marriage with Ada Shaffer, a daughter of Jesse Shaffer of Forksville, and they have two children : James, born in March, 1896; and Beatrice, born June 1, 1897.
Our subject is a Republican and has served three terms in the common council, one term as school director, and was again called upon to accept the latter office, but declined. Fra- ternally, he is a Mason; past grandmaster of the Odd Fellows lodge; a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America; and of the Grange. In religious attachments he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Black resides in one of the finest homes in the borough.
ON. C. R. SAVIDGE, judge of the Eighth Judicial District of Pennsyl- vania, residing in Sunbury, North- umberland County, is an indefatigable worker and possesses a legal turn of mind which, coupled with superior executive ability, made him a successful attorney and now make him an excellent judge. He carries with him into the chamber of justice the energy and business push so characteristic of the man, which en- able him to dispose of as much legal business, perhaps, as any judge in the state, in the same length of time. He is pleasant and affable, a good conversationalist, was an able advocate, and is now a distinguished jurist.
Judge Savidge was born January 19, 1851, in Trevorton, Northumberland County, Pa., and is a son of Samuel K. and Ellen (Camp- bell) Savidge. He is of Scotch-Irish descent.
Samuel K. Savidge, father of our subject, was born in Rush township, Northumberland
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.
County, and was a mason and bricklayer by trade. He was united in marriage with Ellen Campbell and to them were born the follow- ing children: C. R., subject of this sketch; Harmon C., manager of Whitmer & Sons' lumber business in West Virginia; and Lizzie A., wife of Willard Robinson of West Vir- ginia. Our subject's father and mother were both devout members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and died, respectively, in 1853 and 1882.
Judge Savidge obtained his early education in the public schools and by self tuition, hav- ing from early childhood evinced a fondness for books and study. At the age of fourteen years he began teaching in the district schools of Northumberland County and taught for four years. In 1867-70 he taught in the pub- lic schools of Danville after which he entered college at Princeton, N. J., graduating there- from in 1874. He was a classmate of Henry M. Hinckley and James Scarlett, well known citizens of Riverside and Danville, respective- ly. Subsequently, in 1874, he read law with Hon. S. P. Wolverton of Sunbury, and in February, 1877, he was admitted to the bar of Northumberland County. Immediately after his admission, he actively and energeti- cally entered upon the practice of his profes- sion and soon took a high rank as an able and thorough-going lawyer.
In his political affiliations our subject is a Democrat and in 1880 was elected by that party to the office of district attorney by a majority of 1,066 votes. In 1891 he was elected judge of the Eighth Judicial District and is now filling that office very acceptably to the people.
December 31, 1875, Judge Savidge was united in marriage with Louise Essick of Montour County, Pa., and to this union seven children were born: Harry W., a graduate of
Dickinson Law School at Carlisle, Pa .; Albert C .; Ralph W. E .; Preston M .; Louise; Lucile; and one, deceased. The Judge's family are wil- ling workers in the Baptist faith. Socially the Judge is a valued member of the blue lodge, F. & A. M., the Conclave; and Knights of the Golden Eagle. A portrait of the subject of this sketch is shown on a pre- ceding page.
ILLIAM E. MILLER, one of Forksville's most enterprising busi- ness-men, conducts a blacksmith shop at the end of Bridge street and is proprietor of the old stone grist-mill, which was built by Mr. Black many years ago. He is a son of Francis and Elizabeth (Davidson) Miller, and was born in Monroe township, Bradford County, Pa., December 12, 1855.
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