Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 219

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 219
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 219
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 219
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 219

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Warg were as follows: Reinhard F., who now owns and con- ducts the shoe store left by his father, married Rosa Merz, and has two children, Reinhard and Lizzetta ; Carl died at the age of fourteen years; Amelia died at the age of six ; Frederick died at the age of three ; Frank is a printer living in New York City; Au- gusta, who was an accomplished musician and played the organ at Church from the age of twelve years, died when sixteen ; Lena is with her mother, and Charles died at the age of eight years. Mr. Warg left his family in comfortable circumstances, and they occupy a prominent place in the social circles of the community. Mrs. Warg, who is a lady of more than ordinary business ability, conducted the store for five years after her husband's death, and then sold to her son. Both mother and son have for many years been teachers in the Sunday-school, and are leading and influential members of the Ger- man Congregational Church.

DWIGHT CHAPMAN is pleasantly located upon a fine farm of 146 acres in Salem township, Wayne county, where he is industriously engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has brought the land to a fine state of cultivation, and the improvements which we see to-day have been effected by his in- dustry, perseverance and good judgment. The farm buildings are neat and substantial, and with their surroundings present the picture of the com- plete country home.

Mr. Chapman was born in Portland, Mid- dlesex Co., Conn., May 30, 1837, a son of Ralph Chapman, whose sketch is given elsewhere. Dur- ing his boyhood and youth our subject remained with his parents, not leaving home until his mar- riage to Miss Lavina Andrews, which occurred March II, 1858, at Waymart, Wayne county, the ceremony being performed by Siperon Carr. Esq. They have become the parents of five children, namely: Florance, a farmer of Salem township, married Miss Percie Polley: Delazine died at the age of two years ; Arthur died at the age of one and one-half years; Ida M. married Florance Good- rich, who is engaged in farming in Salem town- ship; Earl is at home.

Mrs. Chapman was born in Salem township, February 24, 1839, a daughter of Adrial and Eleanor (McCabe) Andrews, natives of Hartford, Conn .. and Canada, respectively. Her paternal grandfather was John Andrews. Her parents be- came acquainted and were married in Salem town- shin, Wayne county, and were among the first set- tlers of that section. where they made their home during their entire married life. The father be- came a well-to-do and prosperous business man, engaging in farming, the sawmill business, and the manufacture of wagons, and at one time he was also interested in the undertaking business. He clied in 1881, aged eighty-five years, the mother in 1877, at the age of sixty-three, and both were laid to rest in Salem cemetery. Three children were

born to them: Nancy, who died when young; and Lucina and Lavina, twins, the former the wife of David Abbey, a farmer of Salem township, and the latter the wife of our subject. The father was three times married.

Mr. and Mrs. Chapman began their domestic life upon a part of their present farm, as she owned IOI acres of it at that time. In 1892 he purchased forty-five acres, and now has 146 acres of as fine farming land as is to be found in the township. In October, 1862, he joined the "boys in blue," enlist- ing for nine months in Capt. G. B. Hubble's Com- pany, 169th P. V. I. He was on guard duty all of the time, and on the expiration of his term of en- listment was mustered out at Philadelphia in Sep- tember, 1863. He is now a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics is identi- fied with the Republican party. For three years he lias efficiently served as school director in his dis- trict, and as supervisor of the township for two years. His genial, pleasant manner has made him quite popular with all classes, and as a public- spirited, enterprising man he is recognized as a valuable citizen of the community.

WILLIAM D. BUCKINGHAM, a progress- ive and enterprising farmer of Berlin township, Wayne county, has spent his entire life in this lo- cality, his birth occurring in the township Septem- ber 22, 1864, and he is a worthy representative of one of the most honored and highly respected families of the community.

John Buckingham, Sr., the father of our sub- ject, -was born in Cornwall, England, October 28, 1826, a son of Digery Buckingham, who died in that country. In 1839 the widowed mother with her five children crossed the ocean to the United States, and took up her residence upon a tract of wild timberland in Berlin township, Wayne coun- ty, which the son, John Buckingham, later trans- formed into a good farm. The first log house was replaced by a good frame residence, erected on a natural building site : barns were built ; an orchard set out, and the land placed under a high state of

cultivation. Mr. Buckingham met with marked success in his labors as an agriculturist and be- came quite well-to-do financially. He married Miss Emma Dony, who in every possible way aided him in his undertakings, proving a most faithful helpmeet. Her father, John Dony, was also a native of Corn- wall, England, and died in Bethany, Penn., highly esteemed by all who knew him. To John and Emma (Dony) Buckingham were born seven chil- dren, namely : Frances D., Mrs. Benjamin V. Gray ; Elizabeth, wife of Wallace Spry, of Berlin town- ship; Sarah E., wife of George Spry, of the same township; Rebecca, a resident of Forest City, Penn .; William D., of this sketch; Emma G., also of Forest City; and John R., who lived on the old homestead, and now resides on a farm in Da- mascus township, Wayne county, which he pur-

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chased (he was married March 22, 1899, to Blanche Woodley, daughter of Fred Woodley). The fa- ther departed this life in 1894, but the mother is still living on the old homestead at the age of seventy years. She and most of her children are faithful members . of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which the father also belonged. He took a very active and prominent part in its work, gave liberally of his means to its support, and his aid was never withheld from any measure which he believed calculated to prove of public benefit.

Amidst rural scenes William D. Buckingham grew to manhood, his early life being spent in as- sisting in the labors of the home farm and in at- tending the local schools, where he acquired a good practical education. He now lives on the old home- stead, and as a farmer ranks among the best in Berlin township, as a business man is prompt, energetic and reliable, and as a citizen is worthy of the high regard in which he is held by all who know him. On October 23, 1890, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Saunders, who was also born and reared in Wayne county, a daughter of Samuel and Grace (Brock) Saunders, promi- nent residents of Berlin township. Two children grace this union : Stella and Joseph William.

DANIEL S. DECKER (deceased) was for many years a prominent resident of Stroud town- ship, Monroe county, and his exemplary Christian character won the confidence and esteem of his ac- quaintances in a marked degree. His long term of service in responsible positions with leading busi- ness firms and corporations speaks volumes for his ability and trustworthiness, while in the varied relations of life he displayed a high sense of duty.

Mr. Decker was born December 30, 1838, in Smithfield township, Monroe county, a son of Ber- nard and Elizabeth Decker, both natives of New Jersey. His father, who was a farmer by occupa- tion, removed with his family to Pike county at an early day, but later purchased a farm in Smith- field township, Monroe county, where his remain- ing years were spent. Our subject was one of a family of ten children, the others being: Samuel ; Charles W .: Calvin: Cornelia and Jackson, who died in childhood ; Margaret, who married Ephraim Huffman, and had three children-Carrie, Alvin and Vanlee: Rhina, wife of Jerome France, of Mountain Home, Monroe county ; Susan, who died in childhood; and Sarah, who married Francis Van Gordon, of Middle Smithfield township, Mon- roe county.

The late Daniel S. Decker was reared as a farmer boy at his father's homestead, and received a good public school education. In 1860 he mar- ried Miss Margaret J. Metzgar, and made his home in Spragueville, taking the position of bookkeeper and superintendent in the store of L. Andrews, with whom he remained a number of years. Later he had charge of a store for his brother at Mountain Home. In 1886 he moved back to his home near

Spragueville, and from that time until his death, in 1892, he was employed as local yard master on the Delaware, Lackawanna & 'Western railroad. Politically he was a Democrat of the Jacksonian type, and socially he was identified with the I. O. O. F., at Mountain Home, and with the F. & A. M. at Stroudsburg. His estimable wife survives him, and of their nine children seven are living: (I) Harry, born in November, 1861, at Belvidere, N. J., was educated in the public schools of Monroe coun- ty, and now holds his father's former position as yard master. He married Miss Morrilla Tranger, of East Stroudsburg, who died in May, 1897, leav- ing two sons, Leroy and Harry I. (2) Edmond, born in October, 1863, is a telegraph operator at Wilkes Barre. He married Miss Cassie Daily, of Tannersville, and has three children, Mabel, and Ruth and Raymond (twins). Charles, born in December, 1865, at Spragueville, is a telegraph op- erator at East Stroudsburg. He married Miss Anna LeBar, of Stroud township, and has two daughters, Edith M., and Lena. (4) Laura, born in Sprague- ville September 5, 1867. died at the age of five years. (5) Franklin, born March 14, 1870, died when sixteen months old. (6) George M., born May 1, 1872, is employed as yard master on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad. He married Miss Bertha Place, of East Stroudsburg. (7) Archie W., born in June, 1874, is a railway fireman and resides at Moosic, Penn. He married Miss Daisy Vroom, of Columbia, N. J. (8) Cora B., born March 29, 1878, at Mountain Home, Penn., resides with her mother. She possesses fine musical talent, and her refinement and culture make her a favorite in the best social circles of the ' neighborhood. (9) Lizzie E., born February 18, 1885, is now attending the Stroudsburg schools.

Mrs. Margaret J. Decker, who is highly es- teemed among her many friends for her excellent qualities of character, was born December 25, 1843, near East Stroudsburg, a daughter of George A. Metzgar, a native of Middle Smithfield township, Monroe county, born in 1813. This worthy citi- zen followed agricultural pursuits throughout life, being employed for many years as superin- tendent of the extensive farming interests of B. F. Starboard, at East Stroudsburg. He died in 1888 at the home of his son, W. H. Metzgar, with whom both father and mother resided a number of years in their old age ; they both were members of the M. E. Church and died triumphant, trusting in God The mother, whose maiden name was Elanor Win- ans, and who was born and reared in Middle Smithfield township, died in 1892. Mrs. Decker is the eldest in a family of nine children. (2) Jonas died in childhood. (3) Mary A. married W. F. Nice, of Middle Smithfield township, and died in 1884. She had nine children, Maggie, Lizzie and Harry living: the others died in childhood. (4) Hannah M., married W. R. Stright, a business man of Philadelphia, and has two children, George E., and Mary A. (5) Franklin married Miss Elmira

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Sebring, of Price township, Monroe county, and is now engaged in farming in that locality. He had eight children, Ela J. (wife of Chas. Bender, of Barrett township, Monroe county), Maggie, Ed- ward, Martha, Charles, Harry, Earl, Claude. (6) John J., born at Stroudsburg in April, 1851, is a resident of Stroudsburg. He married Blanche E. Bowman, of Paradise Valley, and has four chil- dren, Lula, Stella, George and William. (7) Lizzie married William H. Bugless, farmer of Pocono township, Monroe county, who is also a machinist and is employed at the railroad shops at Strouds- burg. They have three children, Laura, Bertha and William. (8) WILLIAM H., born March 28, 1856, at Stroudsburg, was educated in the public schools of that vicinity. He is a member of the M. E. Church. In 1886 he bought the W. F. Nyce property; half a mile south of Spragueville, and has made substantial improvements upon the place. In 1894 he secured a position with the Elk Tanning Co., in Elk county, and is located at Ridgway, Penn. He is not married, but is popular socially, and is a member of the Mountain Home Lodge No. 684, I. O. O. F. (9) George M., born March 8, 1858, resides at Wilkes Barre, and is in the employ of the Wilkesbarre & Eastern railroad. He married Miss Mary E. Crandell, of Grover, Bradford county, and has three children, Chester, Archie and Mary.

JOHN F. BLAKE, a leading agriculturist and prominent citizen of Manchester township, Wayne county, was born December 5, 1852, at Beach Lake, Berlin township, same county, a son of John V. Blake, a native of Cornwall, England, who, when seventeen years of age, came to America and took up his residence in Pennsylvania. By occupation he was a blacksmith and farmer, in religious belief a Methodist, and in politics a Republican. He took quite an active interest in all Church work, and served as trustee of his Church for some time. In early life he married Jane Downey, also a native of England, and to' them were born ten children : George (deceased), John F., William, Samuel and Franklin (both deceased), Charles, Alfred, Ella (deceased), Eva, and Benjamin. The mother of these children, who was a true Christian woman and a most estimable lady, died at the age of forty- eight years, and the father afterwards married Jane James, who was also born in England.

On the home farm the subject of this sketch was reared to habits of industry and thrift, and in the public schools of the locality obtained a good practical education, which, in later years, he sup- plemented with reading and study. He was married December 28. 1876, to Miss Tempie S. Woolheater, and to them were born three children, two of whom are still living : Abigail J. and Clarence D. Blake. One of the greatest sorrows that has come into their lives was caused by the loss of their daughter Peace, who died at the age of eighteen years. She was a bright, intelligent young lady, and was loved for her amiable qualities of mind and heart.

Noah D. Woolheater ( Mrs. Blake's father) was born in Roxbury, Delaware Co., N. Y., June 22, 1816, a son of John and Susan (Robinson) Woolheater, both natives of Long Island, N. Y., the former being of German parentage. Previous to his marriage Noah D. Woolheater successfully engaged in teaching school for ten years, and in his native country also followed the carpenter's trade until coming to Equinunk, Wayne Co., Penn. In 1862 he purchased the property at Union, known as the Samuel Price tavern and farm, one of the well known landmarks of Wayne county. He was mar- ried September 12, 1844, to Miss Abigail Scudder, also a native of Roxbury, Delaware Co., N. Y., born July 21, 1820, a daughter of Smith Scudder, who was of Welsh parentage, and a member of the So- ciety of Friends. Her brother, Isaiah Scudder, was for years one of the leading citizens of Equi- nunk, Penn., where he was engaged in the tanning business, and is now a resident of Damascus town- ship, Wayne county. To Mr. and Mrs. Woolheater were born eight children, namely: Edward, a resi- dent of Equinunk; Daniel (deceased) ; Emona, popular and successful teacher of Wayne county ; Benjamin, deceased; Tempie S., wife of our subject; Annie (deceased) ; Isaiah, of Bing- hamton, N. Y. ; and Mrs. T. H. Dunn, of Scran- ton, Penn. The mother died at the age of sixty- eight, the father at the age of seventy-four years. He was a prominent and influential citizen of his community, and as a Republican he was called upon to serve as tax collector of his township, and was also postmaster. In the Methodist Episcopal Church he held membership, and served as trustee and steward in same.

For two years after his marriage, Mr. Blake lived in Bethany, Wayne county, and then operated a farm in that county for the same length of time. In 1880, he went to Caddo, Blue county, Choctaw Nation, Ind. Ter., where he spent one year, and at the end of that time went to Texas, but did not long remain in that State as there he contracted malarial fever. Returning north to Peabody, Marion Co., Kans., he spent one season there, and in 1888 we again find him in Wayne county, Penn., where he has since continued to reside. In Manchester town- ship he has a fine farm of 100 acres, on which he is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. He takes quite an active interest in public affairs, and is a supporter of Republican principles, and has efficiently served on the school board for six years. He is a consistent member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and has the respect and es- teem of all with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life.

ALVA S. KEYES is one of the representative business men of Wayne county, successfully carry- ing on operations as a dealer in agricultural im- plements, wagons, buggies, sleighs, etc., at Lake Ariel. He is a native of the county, born in Dyberry township. December 22, 1847, and is a son of Dan-

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forth and Nancy (Smith) Keyes, the former a na- tive of Windham county, Conn., the latter of Plain- field, New Jersey.

Mr. Keyes' paternal grandparents, John and Blanch Keyes, were also born in Connecticut, and about 1829 came to Wayne county, Penn., bringing with them their eight children. They first located in Lebanon township, near Rileyville, where the grandfather rented property for eight or ten years, and then moved to Honesdale. Their children were as follows: (1) Percy married Sabina Will- moth, who died some years ago, leaving a family. (2) John married Abigail Calkin, and resided in Great Bend, Penn., where she died and where the family still live. (3) Mary A. married John Ham, and resides near Toledo, Ohio, where her husband died. (4) Danforth, the father of our subject, is next in the family. (5) Josiah married Delila Cal- kins, who died leaving one child, Minor, and he afterward wedded Sarah Wood, of Pike county, by whom he has had seven children, Chauncey, George, Truman, John, Ella, Lucy and Annie. They reside at Matamoras, Pike county. (6) Henry died while attending school in Wayne county. (7) Austin mar- ried Alice Sampson, who died soon afterward, leav- ing one daughter, Alice, who died young; for his second wife he married a New Jersey lady, by whom he has one daughter. They reside in New Jersey. (8) Lucius married Drucilla Calkins, is engaged in farming in Berlin township, Wayne county, and has had a family of six children, Lydia, Danforth, Florence (deceased), Amasa, Mabel and Howard.

The parents of our subject became acquainted and were married in Wayne county, and there con- tinued to make their home throughout life. The father was born in 1817 and died in 1854, the moth- er was born May 28, 1812, and died September II, 1870, the remains of both being interred at Bethany, Wayne county. Of the three children born of this union, Henry E. died at the age of twenty years ; Alva is second in the order of birth; and George is a resident of Michigan.

Alva S. Keyes was only seven years old when his father died, and at the age of nineteen he took charge of the home farm, which he successfully oprated until he reached the age of thirty. He then joined his brother George M. in business at Drinker, Penn., where they conducted a store to- gether for three and one-half years. On disposing of his interest he removed to Gravity. Wayne county, and there carried on operations as 'a merchant for two and one-half years, selling out at the end of that time, though he remained a resident of Grav- ity until 1891, engaging in the wagon business. During the summers of 1890 and 1891 he was mana- ger of the "Lake Hotel." at Lake Ariel, and in the latter year embarked in his present business, which he has since successfully carried on. In April, 1865, when only seventeen years of age, he entered the service of the government, going to North Carolina with a construction corps and driving oxen. He served some two months.

At Dyberry, Wayne county, Mr. Keyes was married, November 25, 1869, to Miss Martha J. Bunnell, and they have become the parents of three children : Minor E., born May 17, 1871, married Blanche Schofield, and is engaged in the drug busi- ness at Detroit, Mich .; Frank O., born March 26, 1873, married Augusta Ely, and is an insurance agent at Dunmore, Penn .; and Ellis D., born No- vember 28, 1874, is station agent at Maplewood, Penn. Mrs. Keyes is an active worker in the M. E. Church.

Politically Mr. Keyes is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and he has most capably filled the office of school director in Dyberry town- ship three years and at Lake Ariel for one year. He possesses an excellent library, of which he makes good use, and is well versed on the leading questions and issues of the day. In his social relations he is a Master Mason, belonging to Salem Lodge No. 330, at Hamilton, and wherever known he is held in the highest esteem by all. One of his most cher- ished possessions is a Past Master's jewel presented him by the lodge.

PETER C. BISHOP, section foreman for the Delaware & Hudson Canal Co., at Hawley, Wayne county, was born at that place, January 5, 1826. His parents, Hiram and Anna (Curcellis) Bishop, were natives of New York and New Jersey, re- spectively, but became acquainted and were mar- ried in Bethany, Wayne Co., Penn. The father engaged in the occupations of lumbering and farm- ing, and was also interested in boating on the canal at different times throughout his business career. He was one of the most prominent men of his com- munity, and was elected to a number of local of- fices, for several terms serving as supervisor of Texas township, Wayne county, where he resided for many years prior to going to Honesdale. His political support was given the Democracy. He died in Honesdale, in 1882, aged eighty-four years, his wife passing away two months previous at the age of eighty-two. John Bishop, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was of Holland origin.

The children of Hiram and Anna (Curcellis) Bishop were as follows: George died in Missouri, where he was engaged in farming. Margaret mar- ried Simeon Kimble, a lumberman and lock tender on the canal, and both died in Wayne county. Susan married Ira Compton, a farmer, who died in Wayne county ; she died in 1846. John, a lock ten- der on the canal, also died in Wayne county. Lea- hany is the deceased wife of Charles Leonard, a re- tired farmer at Joliet, Ill. Harvey is foreman on the canal at Honesdale. Peter C. is next in the order of birth. Henry is a carpenter in the employ of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Co., under our subject. Hiram is attending gates for that com- pany at Greenridge, Penn. Anna married Samuel Hazelbecker, and both are now deceased. Cather- ine is a dressmaker in Hawley.

When a child. Peter C. Bishop accompanied

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his parents on their removal to the ridge in Palmyra township, Wayne county, and later to a place near Honesdale, in Texas township, remaining with them until he had attained his majority. At the age of ten he began driving a horse on the towpath, and later was engaged in boating on the canal with his father and brother. After being so engaged ten years, he entered the employ of the canal company, working at carpentering and other occupations until 1872 when he was appointed section foreman, having charge of ten miles of the canal between West Falls and Hawley. This responsible position he still continues to fill in a most efficient and ac- ceptable manner.

At Hawley, December 25, 1850, Mr. Bishop married Miss Lucy Williams, Rev. Barker, a Methodist Episcopal minister, performing the cere- mony. The children born of this union are as fol- lows: (1) Anna E., residing with her parents, is the widow of Franklin Pallett, and has one daugh- ter, Lucy. (2) Louis, a telegraph operator at Honesdale, married Ida Summers, of Scranton, Penn., and had five children, Edna (deceased), Grace, Harry, Helen and Louise. (3) Albert L., a lineman for the Western Union Telegraph Co., and the Hudson River Telegraph Co., at Hawley, married Fannie Miller, of Stroudsburg, Penn., and has two children, Irene and Ellen. (4) Frances is the wife of Herbert Plum, baggage master on the E. & Y. R. R., residing at Dunmore, Penn., and has four children, Max V., Henry, Marguerite and Albert. (5) Sarah J. is with her parents.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 219

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