Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 239

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 239
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 239
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 239
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 239

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).

On December 20, 1884, his beloved and loving wife passed to the unseen world, leaving a tender and sacred memory which nothing can efface. She was born in South Canaan township March 27, 1853, the youngest daughter of Moses and Eliza- beth (Cobb) Swingle. Her family is of pioneer stock, and is now numerously represented in Wayne county, as will be seen in the history that appears elsewhere.

WILLIS RALPH COBB, who is now suc- cessfully engaged in general agriculture in New Milford township, Susquehanna county, brings to his work a degree of scientific skill which has pro- duced notable results, and at present is devoting considerable attention to apiculture in addition to other lines of effort. As a thoughtful and efficient educator, Mr. Cobb has won friends in various localities in his county, and his career will be watched with interest.

Our subject was born November 20, 1860, on a farm of which his present homestead is a portion. His paternal ancestors were early settlers in Orange county, N. Y., and his grandparents, Zipron and Rebecca (Byron) Cobb, passed their lives there. His parents, Holloway W. and Minerva J. (Dwan) Cobb, were both natives of that section, but are now residents of New Milford township, Susquehanna county, further mention being made of them else- where. From an early age our subject displayed a love of books, and gave promise of intellectual ability, and at eighteen he began teaching school, in which profession he met with gratifying success.

He taught fifteen terms in Susquehanna county, one at the Dean school, one at Tewksbury, eight at Hart Lake, two at Davis and three at Summit, and while thus employed he became interested in the care of an apiary at the homestead, the work occu- pying his time in vacation. During his first ten terms of teaching he held a "provisional" certificate, but during the last five terms he held a "profes- sional" certificate. In 1890 he took charge of his present farm, where he now has thirty-five colonies of bees, but at one time he had fifty-five hives. He commenced with five colonies, which the fourth year increased to fifty-five colonies, making that year over a ton of honey. Mr. Cobb has also given much time to the care of poultry, in which pursuit he has been very successful. He raises about 200 chickens each year, and winters about 150 fowls, always keeping a record of expenses and receipts in connection with same. Politically Mr. Cobb is a Prohibitionist, and he is active in religious work as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Heart Lake, being secretary of the board of trustees and superintendent of the Sunday-school. On March 26, 1890, he was married at New Milford to Miss Jennie S. Burdick, and they have two chil- dren: Isoline G., born January 21, 1893, and Homes R., born October 16, 1895.

Mrs. Cobb belongs to a well known family, and was born January 9, 1864, in Gibson township, Sus- quehanna county. Her paternal grandparents, Simeon and Katherine Burdick, came from Con- necticut at an early day, and her father, Simeon Burdick (2), was born in Clifford township, Sus- quehanna county, March 28, 1818. Since 1865 he has resided in New Milford township, and for some years he was engaged in farming and carpentering, but he has now retired from business. His wife, Caroline (Price), was born March 14, 1832, a daughter of Stephen and Triphena Price, of Man- chester, Wayne county. Mrs. Cobb is the eldest of three children, the others being Nettie M., wife of Moses H. Cortright, a carpenter at New Milford, and Miss Bertha B., who is at home.

L. D. TYLER. We are now permitted to touch briefly upon the life history of one who has retained a personal association with the affairs of Wayne county for several years, and is to-day a leading merchant of Tyler Hill. He is a worthy representative of one of the most prominent pioneer families of the county, and his ancestral line traces back to the Colonial epoch in our country's history. His life has been one of honest and earnest en- deavor, and due success has not been denied him.

Israel Tyler, our subject's father, was the founder of the town of Tyler Hill, and was a promi- nent lumberman and miller here for many years. He was born February 26, 1806, in Damascus town- ship, a son of William Tyler, of Sullivan county, N. Y. The great-grandfather of our subject was Paul Tyler, who was born in Connecticut, in 1751, and on selling his property in that State removed

1020

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to Sullivan county, N. Y. He was one of the five sons of Bezaleel Tyler, who took an active part in the war of the Revolution. They were Capt. Bezaleel ( who was killed at the battle of Minnisink, on the Delaware river, July 22, 1779), Silas, Charles, William and Paul. Israel Tyler grew to manhood in Wayne county, receiving a common- school education, and became one of the promi- nent men of his day. He built two sawmills and a gristmill at Tyler Hill, and accumulated a fine property. The greater part of his life was spent in lumbering, and then rafting down the Delaware ; he also carried on a general store, and engaged in farming. In politics he was a leader in the Demo- cratic party until his death April 23, 1874. He married Miss Lavina Tyler, who was born and reared in Damascus township, a daughter of Judge Moses and Mary ( Ross) Tyler, and died Septem- ber 6, 1892. Her father was one of the most in- fluential and distinguished citizens of the county, and was the grandson of Capt. Bezaleel Tvler, be- fore mentioned. Israel Tyler and wife had a family of three children, namely: L. D., the subject of this review ; Moses, a pioneer merchant of Damas- cus township, who was engaged in business with our subject until his death in 1892 (he left a widow and two daughters) ; and William, also deceased. Israel Tyler and his wife were highly respected citizens, and steadfast in their adherence to the teachings of John Wesley.

In the county of his nativity L. D. Tyler passed his boyhood and youth, receiving a good literary education in the local schools, and an excel- lent knowledge of business methods under the able guidance of his father. He afterward took charge of his father's mill at Tyler Hill, and continued to engage in the milling and lumbering business until the death of his brother Moses, since which time he has given his entire attention to his mercantile in- terests. He owns a large general store, and enjoys an extensive trade. Mr. Tyler was united in mar- riage with Miss Cynthia M. Newcomb, of Middle- town. Orange Co., N. Y., a daughter of Thomas and Maria Newcomb. She died in 1883, and her death was widely and deeply mourned, for she was a woman beloved and respected by all who knew her, and was a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Lillian, the only child of this union, was liberally educated in the home schools, and at female seminaries at Binghamton and Saratoga, N. Y. ; she is now the wife of N. J. Thompson, a wholesale merchant at Elmira, N. Y., and has two sons, M. D., who is attending college at Princeton, N. J., and Jerome, in school at home. Mrs. Thomp- son is a member of the Daughters of the Revolu- tion. On January 29, 1890, Mr. Tyler was again married. his second union being with Imelda Mapes, a lady of culture and refinement, who was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., a daughter of New- comb and Mary (Gabriel) Mapes, the former of whom was a lumberman, but is now engaged in the livery business at White Lake, N. Y. Besides Mrs.

Tyler they had two daughters, Sarah, now the wife of John Mercer, a farmer at White Lake, and Vic- toria, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler have a most beautiful home at Tyler Hill, with broad verandas and bay windows, and furnished in a modern and most approved style.

Politically Mr. Tyler affiliates with the Demo- cratic party, and though he takes a deep interest in its success he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. He is well posted on general topics of the day, is frank and cordial in manner, and is a popular and successful citizen, honored and respected by all who know him. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Delaware Lodge No. 561, of Cochecton, N. Y., now Callicoon, N. Y .; he is not only a charter member of the lodge, but is past master, and has filled all the chairs.

ALMON L. SOUTHWORTH. Among the leading and representative farmers and stock raisers of Liberty township, Susquehanna county, there is none who stands a more prominent figure than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch.

Mr. Southworth was born February 16, 1841, on the farm where he now resides, a son of Arthur and Maria (Turner) Southworth, both natives of Connecticut, the former born in 1805, the latter in 18II. The paternal grandparents, Gideon and Sal- lie Southworth, were born in Saybrook, Conn. Be- ing opposed to the war of 1812 and not wishing to be drafted, the grandfather left his family in Con- necticut, in 1813, and went up the Hudson river to Albany, and from there proceeded up the Mohawk Valley to the Genesee river. He went up that river some distance, then took an easterly course through a dense and unbroken wilderness to Binghamton, N. Y., going all the way on foot and alone. From Binghamton he came to Montrose, Susquehanna county, where he selected land and developed a farm. He did not leave his home and family be- cause of any cowardice or because he was afraid to go to war ; but his principles and inclinations being for peace and harmony, he left to avoid the draft. In Susquehanna county he remained about three months, there purchasing a farm, and then returned to Connecticut for his family. In 1814 he made another trip to Susquehanna county, this time with his wife and children conveyed in a wagon con- structed by "Uncle Gideon" in the following fash- ion : two pair of cart wheels put together so as to make a big wagon drawn by four cattle (two cows and two oxen). The cows were milked twice a day, and the milk was tested, though not by the "Bab- cock test." Upon the farm above mentioned they lived for fourteen years. He then traded the farm for 400 acres of land in Liberty township one mile west of Lawsville, which place is today owned by his grandchildren. There he died in 1858, his wife in 1851, honored and respected by all who knew them. He was always a strong Abolitionist and fearless in his denunciation of slavery. He took an

A. D. Southworth

1021

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

active and prominent part in religious affairs as a member of the Baptist Church, and gave liberally toward the erection of a house of worship, and after- ward to its support.

In the family of this worthy pioneer were eight children, namely : (1) Russell, born in Connecticut, was reared in Susquehanna county, Penn., and be- ing provided with a fair education, he engaged in teaching in the public schools for a time. For his first wife he married Mary Smith, who died leaving no children. He afterward wedded Eliza Brown, by whom he has three children: Mary (now de- ceased ) ; Eliza, wife of Nathan Shipman, of New York State, by whom she has one daughter, Flor- ence; and Charles, a resident of Lawsville, who is married and had two children, Mabel and Mildred. (2) Fidelia, born in Connecticut, married Charles Stanford, of Liberty township, where they and their family all died, except two daughters, Hannah and Emily. (3) Roxanna, the first of the family born in Pennsylvania, married Philo Luce, of Bridgewater township,` where both died. Their children were: Flora, Warren, Israel, Rebecca, Spencer, Sallie, and Russell (deceased), all residents of Susquehanna county with the exception of Israel who makes his home in California. (4) Emily (deceased) was the wife of Joseph Webster, of Susquehanna county. They have grandchildren living, but their children are now deceased. (5) John was killed by a falling tree at the age of fourteen years. (6) Hannah mar- ried Jared Marsh, a native of Connecticut and they located in Liberty township, Susquehanna county. Of their family three are still living : Lora, who mar- ried Ansel Geer, of Brooklyn, Susquehanna county, and they are now living on the old Marsh home- stead ; Carrie, an invalid; and Wilmer, a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. (7) Benjamin (deceased) married Elmyra Marsh and located with his father in Laws- ville Center, where his widow is still living with . his children on the old homestead. In their family were seven children : Wallace, who was never heard from after being taken prisoner during his service in the Civil war and sent to Andersonville prison, in 1864; James, who died in New Milford, Penn .; Frederick, Clarence,Archie and Edgar, all residents of Lawsville ; and Emma, who died when a young lady.

Arthur Southworth, father of our subject, com- pletes the family. He was born in Chester, Conn., where he lived until nine years of age, after which he was reared in Bridgewater township, Susque- hanna county, and attended the subscription schools, making the most of his educational advantages, so that he was able to engage in teaching in the com- mon schools of the county. In 1830, he wedded Miss Maria Turner, who was born in Litchfield county, Conn., in 1811, a daughter of Chauncey and Sylvia (Warner) Turner. After his marriage he located in Lawsville (now Liberty) township, where he purchased a tract of wild land, which has since been transformed into the fine farm which our sub- ject now owns. He bought other land, erected a sawmill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber

for many years. During early life he was connected with the militia of the county, and being the drum- mer of his company he beat the drum at the public execution of Jason Treadwell, who was hung at Montrose for the murder of John Harper. In poli- tics he was first a Whig and later a Republican, and though he took an active part in public affairs, he never aspired to office. He was reared in the Bap- tist Church, but later in life became connected with the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife was also a faithful member. He died on his farm in 1880, and she, who had shared with him all the hardships of their early married life, passed away in 1896.

Our subject is one of a family of five children, the others being as follows: (1) Mariette, born on the old homestead, in 1831, was educated in the schools of that district and in the Harford schools, and for a number of years engaged in teaching in Susquehanna county, and in Broome county, N. Y. She married Julius Vance, of Montrose, who is now engaged in business in Kirkwood, Broome Co., N. Y., and they have one son, Arthur T., a resident of New York City, who is married and has two chil- dren, Arthur and Edith. Arthur, Sr., is editor and treasurer of the "Home Magazine," (2) Turner J., born in 1837, received a collegiate education at Har- ford, Penn., and in 1861, at the opening of the Civil war, he enlisted in Company H, 51st N. Y. V. I. Under Gen. McClellan, he participated in the battle of Yorktown, after which he was taken ill and sent to Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., where he died. Later his body was brought home and buried with all the honors of a soldier. The Grand Army Post of his village now bears his name-South- worth. (3) Ezra E., a bachelor, born in 1849,was well educated, especially in music, which he took up at the age of seventeen years, is now a professor of both instrumental and vocal music at the Musical College of Scranton, Penn., and is a leader in mu- sical circles. (4) Carrie Lavilla, born in 1852, is the wife of James C. Wheaton, a farmer of Franklin township, Susquehanna county, and they have five children, Mary, Julia, Philip, Arthur and Ezra.

During his boyhood, Almon L. Southworth pursued his studies in the district schools near his home, and later assisted his father in his farming and lumbering operations until the Civil war broke out. He first enlisted in the 28th P. V. I., was among the reserves at Gettysburg, and on the expiration of his term was honorably discharged; but in August, 1864, he re-enlisted, this time becoming a member of Company H, Second New York Cavalry, under Col. Randel, regimental commander ; Gen. Custer. brigade commander, and Gen. Sheridan. division commander. He participated in many engagements, including the battle of Fisher's Hill, in October, 1864, where his horse was shot from under him, he received a sabre cut across the forehead, and was taken prisoner and made to wear the Rebel uniform. Crawling on his hands and knees he passed the picket line and reached the Blue Mountains, where he subsisted on chestnuts for nine days before he

1022

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

reached his regiment. He was captured by the 4th Ohio Cavalry, who believed him to be a spy, and was sent to his company in his Rebel uniform, but was received by them in cheers as they supposed him to have been killed in battle. He also participated in the battle of Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864, and witnessed Gen. Sheridan's wonderful ride which is famous for all time. On February 27, 1865, his regiment broke camp to begin the long tiresome march (which continued about forty days) from Winchester to the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee at Appomatox April 9, 1865. The war having end- ed, he was honorably discharged in June, 1865, and returned home.

In 1868, Mr. Southworth was united in mar- riage with Miss Elvira Eastman, a well-educated and refined lady, who was born in Broome county. N. Y., whence in 1866 she was brought to Sus- quehanna county by her parents, Nathaniel and Emeline Eastman, also natives of New York State. They located at Franklin Forks, where the father conducted a wood factory for many years, and in Susquehanna county both parents died. Their chil- dren were Carrie W., wife of T. H. Hopkins, an attorney of Washington, D. C .; Elmyra, widow of Walter L. Beebe. of Franklin Forks ; Elvira, wife of our subject; Fannie, wife of Albin S. Bur- rows, of Grand Forks, N. Dak .; John, who mar- ried E. Bailey and resides in Binghamton, N. Y .; Julia, wife of E. R. Smith, of Montrose, Penn., and Austin, V., a resident of Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. Southworth have two children, one son and one daughter. (1) Susie E., born in 1868, was educated in the district schools, and is now the wife of Frederick B. Travis, of Lawsville Center, by whom she has three children : Pearl E., Ethel S., and Myra A. (2) Nathan F., born in 1873, also at- tended the district schools. He spent the summer of 1892 at Grand Forks, N. Dak., but now lives with his father on the old homestead in Liberty town- ship. He was married, in 1898, to Miss Annie Tobey, of Susquehanna county, who was born in Steuben county, N. Y., in 1868, and was educated at Vestal, Broome county, that State.

After his marriage, Mr. Southworth and his wife went to Missouri, but after farming there one season he returned to the old homestead in Sus- quehanna county. In 1883, with their two chil- dren, they went to Los Angeles, Cal., and spent about two years mainly in traveling over that State. On their return they left San Diego, Cal., in a "prairie schooner," in that way traveling to Dallas, Texas, and on to New Orleans, La., where they visited the Cotton Exposition. From that city they returned to their home by rail. Previous to his father's death he purchased the old homestead in Liberty township, and since his return from the West has successfully engaged in stock raising and dairy farming. Upon his place he has erected a fine residence and large stock barn, and made many other improvements which add to its valuable and attrac- tive appearance.

Though reared in the Baptist and Presbyterian Churches, Mr. Southworth is an evolutionist in re- ligious faith, and in political sentiment he is a Re- publican. He served as supervisor of Liberty town- ship for one term, but has never cared for official honors. Socially he is a man of prominence in his community, and is quite popular with all classes of people. He is a charter member of Southworth Post No. 222, G. A. R., and during his residence in Los Angeles was a member of Frank Bartlett Post No. 6. He also belongs to Warren Lodge No. 240, F. & A. M., of Montrose, and to the Heptasophs Order No. 338, of the same place; to Apalachin Tribe No. 296, I. O. R. M .; and to the Haymakers Auxiliary to the Red Men No. 29612. His son is also a member of the Red Men, belongs to the Sons of Veterans, to the Lawsville Band, and to the Heptasophs No. 338, of Montrose.

LYMAN R. GARRATT, who owns and oper- ates a good farm near Indian Orchard, in Berlin township, Wayne county, was born at Tracyville, June 7, 1843, and belongs to a family that has been prominently identified with the interests of the county for almost a century. His father, John Garratt, Jr., was born in England, August 13, 1797, a son of John and Elizabeth (Kelsey) Garratt, the former born January 4, 1760, the latter in 1756. The family emigrated to America in 1801, and located in Bethany, Wayne Co., Penn., since which time its members have borne an important part in the development and upbuild- ing of this section of the State. From Bethany John Garratt, Sr., and his wife removed to Berlin Center, where they spent their last days. Their children were: John, Jeremiah, Benjamin, and Alice (who married a Mr. Williamson, and died in Mansfield, Ohio).

John Garratt, Jr., was four years old when brought by his parents to this country, and amid scenes of pioneer life in Wayne county he grew to manhood. At one time while in the woods with a flock of sheen he heard the howling of wolves. The sheep huddled around him, so that he could see no other way of getting out than by clambering over their backs, which he did, and then ran to a clearing, where he was safe from the wolves. On another occasion, while he was going to his work through the wood, he saw a hungry wolf coming down the path toward him; he got behind a log, occasionally looking around to see what had be- come of his friend, the wolf, and just as it came opposite to him he sprang from behind the log and gave a loud screech, and the wolf, seemingly glad to escape with his life, scampered off. On May 25, 1828, he was married to Patience Albro, a na- tive of Dover, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Tice) Albro, the latter of whom was of German descent, and they were members of the Society of Friends. Her grandfa- ther was born in 1749, and died at the age of sixty- eight years ; her grandmother was born in 1745, and

1023

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

died at the age of seventy-two. Mrs. Garratt was reared in Bradford county, Penn., whither her par- ents had removed. After his marriage, John Gar- ratt, Jr., located at Berlin Center, where he owned and operated a sawmill, engaging in the manufac- ture of lumber until misfortune overtook him, when he lost the mill and removed to Traceyville, Wayne county. The farm on which he located he after- ward sold, and in 1847 purchased a tract of timber land at one dollar per acre, transforming that place into the fine farm which our subject now owns. There both parents died, the father at the age of eighty years, the mother at the age of seventy- seven. Wherever known they were held in the high- est regard.

In their family were eight children, four sons and four daughters: Those living are Eunice, now the widow of William Noble, and a resident of Da- mascus township, Wayne county; Shepherd J., of Beach Lake; Lyman R., the subject of this sketch; those deceased are Amadilly, who died at the age of six years ; Henry C., who died at the age of twen- ty-four years, leaving a widow and three children ; Elizabeth, who married Mark Compton, and died in Berlin township; Phoebe Ann, deceased wife of Ed Andrews, having died in Equinunk, Penn .; and John, who died in Berlin township, in 1894, leaving a widow and five children. In politics the father of these children was an ardent Democrat, and he most capably filled the office of justice of the peace. For years he was an earnest member of the Baptist Church, and served as deacon in that body.

Lyman R. Garratt spent his boyhood and youth like most farmer boys of his day, assisting in the labors of the farm and attending the local schools. He was married February 25, 1874, to Miss Jennie Berry, a native of Salem, Wayne county, and a daughter of George Berry (now deceased), and his wife, Lena (Barcow), who is still living in Wayne county, at the age of sixty years. Mrs. Garratt, who was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died July 28, 1880. In Wayne county, March 15, 1882, Mr. Garratt was again married, this time to Selina Ham, who was born, reared and educated here. Her father, John Ham, was a native of England, where he married Mary Wickett, and in that country were born to them seven children. On coming to the United States they located in Berlin township, Wayne Co., Penn., where seven other children were added to their fam- ily, making fourteen in all, seven of whom are living, viz .: Mrs. Mary Budd, Richard, Mrs. Eliza Tay- lor, Mrs. Selina Garratt, Thomas, Mrs. Amanda Colwell, and William H .; those deceased are Will- iam, Lewis, James, Samuel, Mrs. Betsy Neal, and John. The mother died December 16, 1897, at the age of seventy-nine years; the father is still liv- ing at the age of eighty-two, and is well preserved. He finds a pleasant home with our subject. By oc- cupation he was a farmer ; in politics a Democrat ; and in religious connection an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 239

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