Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 152

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 2390

USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 152
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 152
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 152
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 152

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Samuel L. Van Akin was born at Parker's Glen, Pike Co., Penn., November 19, 1847, and received a district-school education. At the age of fourteen he obtained employment on the Erie railroad, learned telegraphy, and was an operator for that road for twenty years, spending seventeen years of that time in Lackawaxen. After severing his con- nection with the railroad company he opened a din- ing saloon at the Lackawaxen station, which he conducted only a short time, and in 1888 embarked in mercantile business at that place, in which he has since successfully engaged, his patronage having steadily increased from the beginning until it has now assumed extensive proportions. He is also in- terested in the quarrying of blue stone, and does a large and profitable business as a dealer in flour and feed. Upright and honorable in all transactions, he has gained the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. Religiously he and his wife are Christadelphians.

At Middaughs, Pike county, Mr. Van Akin was married, January 5, 1871, to Miss Abbie M. Ketcham, who was born on the old homestead in that county, March 28, 1848, a daughter of John C. and Phobe (Middaugh) Ketcham. Four children blessed this union : John D., born April 25, 1872, is now telegraph operator for the Erie Railroad Com- pany at Lackawaxen ; Samuel L., Jr.,born October II, 1874, is telegraph operator in the signal tower for the same company at Lackawaxen ; Maud, born Sep- tember 15, 1877, died October 1, 1890; and William L., born May 10, 1882, is at home. Politically, Mr. Van Akin is independent ; he takes a public-spirited interest in the welfare of his community, but he has never sought or held office, though often urged by his friends to do so.

John C. Ketcham, Mrs. Van Akin's father, was born at Mt. Hope, Orange Co., N. Y., June 11, 1813, a son of John and Abigail Ketcham, both natives probably of New York State. He resided for many years in Middaughs, Pike Co., Penn., where he was in the employ of the Erie Railroad Company. The family removed to Dodge county, Wis., where he followed agricultural pursuits, and on his return East he spent a short time in New Jersey, but his last days were passed at Parker's Glen, where his death occurred April 2, 1872. His wife was born in Westfall township, Pike county, March 13, 1816, a daughter of Levi and Margaret (Van Akin) Mid- daugh, and died October 6, 1893. She was twice married, her first husband being a Mr. Drake, by whom she had six children: L. Nelson, Catherine Jane, James Seeley and Elizabeth Ann, all deceased ; and William Jefferson and Margaret E., still living. By her marriage with Mr. Ketcham she had two children-Abbie M., wife of our subject; and John P., who died at Parker's Glen at the age of twenty years.

JOSEPH W. LEARN, an energetic and enter- prising farmer of Paradise township, Monroe coun- ty, was born there in September, 1840, and is a.

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worthy representative of one of the prominent pio- neer families of the county.

His parents, John and Susanna (Workheiser) Learn, were born, reared and married in Hamilton township, but began life together on a farm in Paradise township, near the Pocono township line, where the father purchased a tract of wild land and erected thereon a log house, which was the home of the family for many years, but was finally re- placed by a good two-story residence. Substantial barns and other outbuildings were also built, and to the further improvement and cultivation of his farm he devoted his energies until life's labors were ended. He cleared a large tract, and at the time of his death was the owner of one of the best farms in the township. Politically he was a Jacksonian Dem- ocrat, and was prominently identified with the polit- ical interests of his township. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, was instru- mental in erecting the house of worship where he attended services, and was a liberal contributor to all Church work. His wife, who was a faithful member of the same Church, died in 1879, and he passed away in December, 1881.

Of the eleven children born to them, nine reached years of maturity: (1) Elizabeth (de- ceased) was the wife of William Coffman, of Para- dise township; (2) Christine (deceased) was the wife of Tobias Setzer, of the same township. (3) Lydia married Jacob Warner, of Pocono township, Monroe county, and they lived in Paradise township, where she died leaving a family. (4) Katie is the wife of Samuel Bowman, and now resides in Iowa. (5) Hannah married Charles Anglemyer, of Pocono township, and they resided in Stroudsburg, where she died leaving a family. (6) Jacob wedded Mary A. Woodling, of Pocono township, and they resided on the old homestead, where she died in 1898, leav- ing three children-John, Annie and Alvin. (7) Julia is the wife of William C. Heller, a resident of Mt. Pocono, and they have a family. (8) Mary married James Buskirk, of Hamilton township ; they bought a farm in Lackawanna county, and there made their home; they had a family and are both now deceased.

On the old homestead in Paradise township, Joseph W. Learn passed his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farmers' sons, aiding in the labors of the fields until he attained his majority, and receiving a limited education in the neighboring schools. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Heller, a daughter of James and Rachel (Keller) Heller, of Hamilton township. She was born in 1844, and educated in the public schools of Paradise township, whither her parents has removed, and where they spent their last days. After his marriage Mr. Learn purchased a farm a mile and a half east of Swiftwater in Paradise township and erected thereon a good house, which was destroyed by fire in 1892, but was immediately replaced by his present comfortable residence, built on the same foundation. It is one of the fine homes

of the country, and is surrounded by good and sub- stantial outbuildings and well cultivated fields, all of which stand as monuments to the thrift and enter- prise of the owner.

To Mr. and Mrs. Learn have been born five children, as follows: (I) William J., born on the present home of the family, in February, 1862, married Sarah Bowman, daughter of David Bow- man, of Pocono township, and they now reside in Paradise township, where he is employed at the "Wiscasset House." They have two daughters, Pearl and Edith. (2) Franklin J., born in Decem- ber, 1865, married Annie Schook, of Paradise town- ship, and they make their home in Mt. Pocono. Their children are Florence and Clare. (3) Milton S., born in July, 1869, is engaged in farming in Paradise township; he married Nettie Bush, of that township, and has two sons, Dale H. and Arlet. (4) Ida M., born in July, 1875, is the wife of John Fanseen, of Paradise township, and they have three sons-Leandro J., Clinton and Norman. (5) 'Clinton E., born June 6, 1879, received a good pub- lic-school education, and is now at home with his parents.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Learn has been identified with the Democratic party, has served as a member of the election board, and filled other local positions to the entire satisfaction of all con- cerned. Both he and his wife are worthy members of the Presbyterian Church, and give liberally to the support of the Church and Sabbath-school work. They started out in life in a very modest way, but through their combined efforts they are now well- to-do, and they number among their large circle of friends and acquaintances many of the best people of the county.

ABRAM TRANSUE is widely

known throughout Middle Smithfield township, Monroe county, as the owner of Echo Valley farm, where for the past twelve years he and his worthy wife have conducted one of the most popular of the numerous summer resorts in this locality with suc- cess characteristic of the members of this family, who have long held a place among the valuable citizens of this part of Monroe county.

Mr. Transue's grandparents were natives of France, his grandfather, Elias Transue, being one of three brothers-John, Philip and Elias-who left their native country and came to seek a home in the New World, all settling in Smithfield town- ship, Monroe Co., Penn., near Shawnee. John and Philip both raised large families, the former having six children, viz .: John, Abram, Jacob, Susan (Mrs. Peter Albert, of Smithfield ), Barbara ( Mrs. Shrauder, of Shawnee), and Mrs. Henry Strunk, whose husband settled in Smithfield. Philip and his family lived in Pocono township. Mr. and Mrs. Elias Transue first located in Northampton county, Penn., removing thence to Smithfield, Mon- roe county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their family consisted of nine children-

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five suns and four daughters-namely : Anthony (father of Abram Transue), John C., Abram, Jacob, Isaac, Margaret ( Mrs. Jacob Yetter ), Bar- bara ( Mrs. Philip Shivey ), Susan ( Mrs. Michael Hotterstine, of Middle Smithfield ) and Polly (Mrs. William Fish ).

Anthony Transue was born in 1790, in Smith- field township, and during his boyhood received the benefit of such schools as were then in vogue in this locality, in the meanwhile obtaining a thorough knowledge of the duties on a pioneer farm. On commencing life on his own account he settled in Shawnee Valley on part of a large tract which his father had purchased, clearing out a large portion of that land, upon which he remained for some years. In 1827 he bought from his father the farm upon which his son Jacob now resides, but which at that time was in its primitive condition, and he spent the rest of his life in the improvement and cul- tivation of this place. He first erected a small log barn, and in 1842 a frame barn, which was burned down in 1853 and replaced by a large frame barn, and he made numerous other improvements on the property during his residence there. He died in 1860. Anthony Transue married Miss Catherine Brutzman, daughter of Jacob Brutzman, who was one of the early settlers of Warren county, N. J., coming from Montgomery county, Penn., where he was born in 1779. Mrs. Transue passed away a few years after the death of her husband. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Susan is the wife of Valentine Transue, and has three chil- dren-Abram, Alice and Ida ; they reside in Sus- quehanna county, Penn. Frederick, born in 1832, married Miss Matilda Noack, of Monroe county, and they resided in Shawnee, where he died in 1872, leaving a family of five children-Philip, David, Jacob, Elizabeth and Amanda ; his widow and fam- ily still reside in Monroe county. Henry, born in 1834. was first married to Elizabeth Mosier, who died leaving one daughter, Mattie, and he subse- quently wedded Miss Fanny Gardner, of New Jer- sey, by whom he has two children-Clyde and Edna ; they live in Stroud, where he is engaged in mercantile business. Jacob B., born in 1837, mar- ried Miss Eliza Place, of Middle Smithfield, and they have one son, Irvin L .; they live on his farm in Smithfield township. Katie, born in 1839, is the wife of Michael Walters, of Smithfield; they have one son and one daughter-Josephine and Irvin. Adam, born in 1842, married Margaret Kinney, of Smithfield, and has a family of three children- Olive, Kinney and Charles; they live in Warren county, N. J., where he conducts one of the finest hotels along the Delaware river, his establishment being especially popular as a summer resort. Eve, twin sister of Adam, is the wife of James Kinney, and has one daughter, Edith; they live in Stroud township, near East Stroudsburg, where Mr. Kin- ney follows the blacksmith trade. Hannah, born in 1844, is the deceased wife of Warren Dunblazer, of Lackawanna county, Penn. ; she left one son,

Woodward. Abram is the subject proper of this sketch.

Abram Transue was born in 1849, in Middle Smithfield township, grew to manhood on the old home farm, and received his early education in the public schools of his native place, supplementing this with an attendance of several terms at the Brodheadsville high school. Up to the time of his marriage he was engaged in assisting in the agri- cultural work on the paternal farm, after which he purchased the Henry Overfield property, lying three miles northeast of Shawnee, on the Middle road in Middle Smithfield township, where he has since made his home. Mr. Transue has made various changes and numerous improvements on this tract since it came into his possession, has erected a fine new barn, also the store in which he has carried on his general mercantile business since 1894, and the large three-story house which now adorns the prop- erty, and which he opened to the public twelve years ago. His buildings are all commodious and con- veniently arranged, and the entire property is finely laid out and under a good state of cultivation, yielding the owner a substantial income in addition to that derived from his other undertakings. His home is beautifully and healthfully situated on the road leading from Water Gap to Bushkill, one mile from the Delaware river, in the heart of the Blue mountains, and six miles from the famous Delaware Water Gap, to which place trains on two great roads run direct from Philadelphia and New York, and he numbers many of his guests from those and other large Eastern cities. The surrounding scenery is unrivalled in the variety and beauty of its grandeur, the Echo Valley Farm being centrally located from all the noted falls in this region, But- termilk Falls, Marshall's Creek Falls ( four miles east) and many other remarkable points of interest in the neighborhood. Mr. Transue is an admira- ble host, and he is ably assisted in entertaining his guests by his competent helpmeet, who deserves credit for the share she has had in the success of their establishment as a hostelry for summer vis- itors to this part of Monroe county. The house is supplied with all modern conveniences for the ac- commodation and comfort of their patrons, the table is provided with all that the local and city markets and the farm itself afford, and those who have once enjoyed the hospitality of this worthy couple are always ready to return.

In 1877 Mr. Transue was united in marriage with Miss Arminta Overfield (daughter of Ananias and Katie Overfield), who was born in 1855 in Mid- dle Smithfield, and received a good education, fin- ishing her studies in the higher schools of Scran- ton, Penn. Three children have blessed their union : Edith, born in 1878; Elmer, born in 1881, and Ethel A., born in 1887, all living at home. The family attend the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Transue are earnest members and liberal supporters. Mr. Transue's political sym- pathies are with the Democrats, and he is an enthu-

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siastic and loyal worker in the local interests of his party. He has held the office of inspector of elec- tions.

FRANKLIN BENDER, a prominent general farmer and highly esteemed citizen of Lehigh town- ship, Wayne county, is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Hamilton township, Monroe county, June 4, 1859. His father, Jerome Bender, was born in the same county, in 1832, and there followed the cooper's trade throughout his active business life. For three years he was a member of the Union army during the Rebellion, and was wounded in the service. He was married in Mon- roe county, March 23, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Larn, who died July 17, 1888, at the age of fifty-two years, one month and twelve days. They always made their home in Monroe county, where the father engaged in lumbering for many years. He died January 6, 1889.

In the family of this worthy couple were the following children: Emma L., born September 7, 1856, is the wife of Malon Steen, of Minnesota; Mary, born January 6, 1858, is the wife of Charles K. Smith, a farmer of Monroe county, Penn .; Franklin is the next in order of birth ; Tellilah, born January 28, 1861, is the wife of Williamn Deubler, of Canadensis, Monroe county ; Sarah, born March 24, 1867, died February 15, 1895, the wife of George Deubler ; Peter, born August 3, 1870, died Decem- ber 10, 1892; and Louisa, born February 17, 1875, is the wife of John Keesler, a farmer of Lehigh township, Wayne county.

When a mere youth Franklin Bender began lumbering with his father, and at the age of twenty- one started out in life for himself as a lumber job- ber. He continued operations in Monroe county until 1886, when he came to Wayne county and purchased a tract of 100 acres in Lehigh township, on which he engaged in lumbering and farming for some time. The land was at first all wild and un- improved, but by dint of continual labor and good management he has cleared and placed under the plow fifteen acres of the amount, and has erected a large barn and fine residence. He has now prac- tically given up lumbering, and expects in the future to devote his entire time and attention to general farming, with which occupation he is thoroughly familiar, having mastered every department of farm work.

On October 18, 1881, at Stroudsburg, Penn., Mr. Bender was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Beehler, the ceremony being performed by Rev. J. W. Elliot, a Methodist Episcopal minister. Her father, Jacob Beeler, was a native of Germany, and on coming to America at the age of five years located in Monroe county, Penn., where he died February 16, 1877, at the age of fifty-two years. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Wagner, was born in that county May 6, 1834, and is a daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Seigher) Wagner, who were natives of the Fatherland, but

were married in Monroe county, Penn., where Mr. Wagner was employed as a farmer and cooper. Their children were Joseph, a U'nion soldier, now deceased ; Edward; Simon; David, also a soldier, now deceased ; Frank, deceased ; Catherine ; Rosana ; and Mary, now Mrs. Beehler, who finds a pleasant home with our subject and his wife. Her children are as follows: Frank, a resident of Dutchess county, N. Y. ; John, of Tobyhanna, Monroe Co., Penn. ; Mary, wife of Edward Hillard, of Paradise, Monroe county ; Carrie, wife of William Lambert, of Bucks county, Penn .; Tillie, wife of Nick Noll, of Monroe county ; Sophia, who was born June 21, 1862, and is now the wife of our subject : Julia, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Michael, who died in infancy ; Cassie, who married William Big- ley, of Bethlehem, Penn., and died at the age of twenty-seven years; Edward, a farmer of Barton- ville, Monroe county ; Albert, a farmer of Lacka- wanna county, Penn .; Cyrus, who died at the age of two years ; Amsey, a resident of Wayne county ; one who died unnamed in infancy ; Jacob, a farmer at Bartonville, Monroe county, Penn. ; and James W., in the Government employ at Bethlehem, Penn- sylvania.

Mr. and Mrs. Bender have a family of eight children, whose names and dates of birth are as fol- lows: Archibald, September 11, 1881 ; Lewis, Sep- tember 6, 1882 (died in infancy) ; Horace, Septem- ber 24, 1885 : Charles, January 20, 1889 ; May, De- cember 13, 1890 (died at the age of five years) ; Roland, February II, 1893; Teddie, July 6, 1895 ; and Prodice, January 24, 1898. Politically Mr. Bender is a stanch Democrat, and has served as in- spector of elections. He has been a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America since 1888, and is one of the most popular and influential citizens of his community, taking an active and prominent part in promoting the welfare of his township and county.

DAVID. B. WARNER, the well-known post- master of Swiftwater, Monroe county, and a lead- ing general merchant of that place, is a native of the county, his birth occurring in Paradise township November 13, 1866. There his father, Richard Warner, has spent his entire life, engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. He is a supporter of the Demo- cratic party, and both he and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. He wedded Mary Brown, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Brown, and to them were born two sons: David B. and George H.

Reared upon the home farm, David B. Warner acquired his literary education in the common schools and at the age of twenty-one began farming for the neighbors, continuing that occupa- tion for some years, during which time he carried the mail between Swiftwater and Pocono for twelve years. In 1892 he purchased a stock of goods and embarked in general merchandising at Swiftwater, where he has since carried on operations with marked success, by fair dealing winning a liberal

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patronage from the public. Politically he is a sup- porter of the Democratic party, and he takes a com- mendable interest in public affairs, giving his aid to all enterprises which he believes calculated to prove of public benefit. He has efficiently served as school director for three years, and for the past three years has also been postmaster of Swiftwater. Socially he is a charter member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, of Tannersville, Penn. Mr. Warner was married in Columbia, N. J., in 1892, to Miss Annie Learn, daughter of Jacob Learn, of Paradise township, Monroe county, Penn., and they have one child. Elwood, born in February, 1894.

A. K. STONE, editor and proprietor of the "News," at East Stroudsburg, Monroe county, is winning an enviable reputation in the journalistic field. Ilis paper, a seven-column folio, semi-weekly, is independent in politics, and its able and fearless discussion of the problems of the day have made it a recognized factor in the progress of the com- munity.

Mr. Stone comes of good Colonial ancestry, and is a direct descendant of Hugh Stone, a native of England, who settled in one of the New England colonies at an early period. Benoni Stone, our sub- ject's grandfather, came from New England many years ago and settled at Waverly, Lackawanna Co., Penn., where he engaged in farming. He lived to be ninety-five or ninety-six years old, and left a large family of children.

Oscar F. Stone, the father of our subject, was born and reared in Lackawanna county, and in early manhood was employed as a conductor on the Gravity road, between Pittston and Hawley. An accident crippled him for life, and for many years he ran a stationary engine at Hawley, where he died at the age of forty-five years. Politically he was a Democrat, and as a citizen he was much esteemed for his excellent qualities of character. He married Miss Alvira L. Mitchell, a native of Hollisterville, Wayne county, and they had seven children, of whom two died in childhood. Of the others Victor B. is a locomotive engineer, residing in Scranton ; John M. is in the employ of the Erie railroad at Hawley: Earl W. is a stone cutter and contractor at Scranton : and Sidney S., also a resident, of Scran- ton, is a train dispatcher on the Erie & Wyoming railroad.

Our subject was born January 11, 1862, at Hawley, where he grew to manhood, receiving a public-school education. He learned the printer's trade there, and later he removed to East Strouds- burg and purchased the "News" in partnership with a Mr. Woodward. After a time the latter bought our subject's interest, but he sold the entire business to Mr. Emerson from whom our subject bought it again in the fall of 1889. Since that time he has conducted it alone with marked success. In 1886 he married Miss Minnie A. Turner, a na- tive of Hawley. born January 31. 1870, now de- ceased. and he has one son, Claude. Mr. Stone is

popular socially. He belongs to the B. P. O. E., and for some time has been an active member of the lo- cal fire brigade.

JOHN SARSFIELD O'CONNOR. As the founder and owner of the J. S. O'Connor cut-glass manufactory of Hawley, Wayne county, the larg- est of its kind in the world, this gentleman has more than a local reputation, and the products of his plant are shipped to all parts of the United States.

Mr. O'Connor is a native of Ireland, born June 6, 1831, in Londonderry, a son of Neil and Sarah (Connor) O'Connor, and a grandson of John and Mary (O'Hara) O'Connor. The grandfather belonged to the gentry in Ireland where he passed all his days. He was killed in a steeple chase. Neil O'Connor was born in Londonderry, where he spent his early days, and when a young man went to Edinburg, Scotland, where he learned his trade, that of mason builder. There he met and married Miss Sarah Connor, who was born in Greenock, Scotland, daughter of David and Agnes (Barr ) Connor, of Ireland, the former being a merchant in the city of Londonderry. Mr. and Mrs. O'Con- nor crossed the Atlantic with their family about 1836, and settled in St. John's, Canada, Mr. O'Con- nor following his trade until 1840, in which year he sent them to Greenock, Scotland, as he wished to enlist for service in the Mexican war. He held the rank of captain of a company of New Orleans Rangers, under Kerney, throughout that struggle, and after it was ended brought his family to New York City, where they made a permanent home, Mr. O'Connor dying there at the age of eighty- two years. His widow died four years later, also aged eighty-two. During his earlier years he had served a part apprenticeship at the watchmaker's trade, and acquired some knowledge of the busi- ness. On settling in New York he set up in the business on his own account as a jeweler and watch- maker, continuing thus until his death. There were eight children in his family, six sons and two daughters, viz .: Anna married Peter McGregor, and both are deceased. John S. is the subject proper of this sketch. David died in Greenock, Scotland. Arthur died in Greenock. Arthur (2) served in the Civil war, and died in New York City. William died in Greenock. Catherine and her husband, James Cochran, are both deceased, her death occurring in New York City. James J. is the superintendent at C. Dolphinger & Son's glass manufactory at White Mills, Wayne Co., Penn .; he was a soldier in the Civil war.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 152

Author: Publication date: 1900 Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 2390

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 2390