Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 249

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 249
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 249
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 249
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 249

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).

Thomas Miller received a common school edu- cation, but the schools of his day were not very proficient, and he had one teacher who made the statement that it was of no use to study geography and grammar. When ten years old he first began to attend to odd jobs connected with milling opera- tions, and throughout the greater part of his life has been in some way identified with lumber in- terests. At the age of thirteen he commenced keep-

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ing books for his father, and in his office obtained a good knowledge of business methods, which has been of practical benefit to him in later years. He remained with his father until twenty-two, the latter operating a clothes-pin factory and sawmill, which our subject then purchased and carried on alone for two years, selling out at the end of that time to Mr. Wallace, for whom he worked for eight years, or until the failure of his employer. Mr. Miller conducted the store and afterward bought the entire plant, but reverses overtook him and he lost everything two years later. He was next en- gaged in contract work in Sullivan county, Penn. Returning to Monroe county, he began scaling logs and also worked in a mill, and then entered the office of Isaac Stauffer, in whose employ he has remained since 1887, keeping books for the exten- sive lumber and ice business of that gentleman.

On June 5, 1876, at Sciota, Hamilton township, Monroe county, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Mary E. Stitzer, a native of the county, born in Canadensis, Barrett township, September 24, 1856, daughter of Samuel and Louisa (Smith) Stitzer. Nine children bless this union: Lilly May; Alma, now the wife of George Strunk, of Tobyhanna town- ship; Nettie; Mary; Floyd; Thurston; Stanley ; George and Clyde. Socially Mr. Miller is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America at Houser Mills, and politically is identified with the Democ- racy. Recognizing his fitness for office his fellow citizens have called upon him to serve in several public positions of honor and trust. Since attaining his majority he has been a school director and secre- tary of the board much of the time. He has also served as township auditor several terms and con- stable one term, and is now serving his second term as justice of the peace. For two terms, or during the time of Grover Cleveland as President, he served as postmaster at Houser Mill, and since then has acted as assistant. Both he and his wife are active members of the Reformed Church, with which their daughters are also connected, and he has served as deacon and as superintendent of the Sunday- school, in the same, and is now filling the offices of elder and trustee.

JOHN VOGT, JR., proprietor of the "German Hotel," is one of the most successful and enterpris- ing business men of Shohola, Pike county. His life demonstrates what may be accomplished through energy, careful management, keen foresight and the utilization of the powers endowed by nature, and the opportunities of the times.

His father, John Vogt, Sr., was a native of Switzerland, and on coming to America at the age of twenty-eight he located at Shohola, Penn., where he still resides. He has carried on operations as a farmer and laborer throughout life, and has been in the employ of the Erie Railroad Company for nearly forty years. He was married at Shohola to Miss Genevieve Meyers, a native of Wurtemberg,

Germany, and they have become the parents of the following children: John, Jr., is the eldest; Otto died at the age of seven years ; Mary is now the wife of Gipson McKean, a farmer and lumberman of Shohola township, Pike county; George married Lizzie Bridge and is employed in a machine shop in Kingston, N. Y .; Edward died young; Margaret is the wife of John Heckel, a merchant of Kingston, N. Y .; Elizabeth is the wife of George A. Knealing, a farmer of Shohola township, Pike county ; Chris- tiana is living at home ; Emma and Annie, twins, the former married Christian Beisel, a farmer of Lacka- waxen township, Pike county; the latter married Henry Bankert, also of Lackawaxen township; Cath- erine is the wife of Mike Buckel, a farmer of the same township; Otto is a blacksmith, employed in a ma- chine shop at Kingston, N. Y .; Laurence is superin- tendent of a machine shop in Kingston; and Will- iam lives at home and assists his father in the work.

John Vogt, Jr., was born in Pike county, Oc- tober 28, 1853, and grew to manhood in Shohola township but had little chance to attend school. He has, however, obtained a good practical knowledge of business affairs in later years. He was married at Shohola, in 1876, to Miss Mary, daughter of Joseph and Catherine Heckel, and five children were born of the union: George, born January 21, 1877, is now a barber at Shohola; Joseph Herman assists his father at the hotel ; Annie died at the age of six years; Charles died at the age of eleven months; and Fritz is at home.

Mr. Vogt began his business career at the age of thirteen years as an employe on the Erie rail- road, and as section hand remained with that com- pany for nearly twenty-four years, being foreman at Bradford, Penn., for the last four years. In 1887 he came to Shohola and took possession of the hotel property which he had previously purchased and still owns. He has spent several thousand dol- lars in erecting houses and barns, and making other useful improvements which have added greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place. In addition to the management of his hotel, which has become a great favorite with the traveling public, he gives special attention to the excursion business, and has large dancing halls, pavilions, etc., for the pleasure of his guests. He has always been a stanch Democrat, but is independent in his views, and gives his support to any measure which he believes calculated to prove of public good. He served as school director for some years, and was a member of the grand jury at Philadelphia. For seven years he has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for five years with the Order of Red Men, and both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.

JOSIAH TAYLOR, a prominent agriculturist of Gibson township, Susquehanna county, is the own- er of a fine farm on East Mountain, which has been in the possession of his family for many years. He

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comes of good New England stock and his paternal grandparents, Amos and Polly ( Starks) Taylor, were natives of Massachusetts but came to Susquehanna county in 1789, locating in Gibson township. Amos Taylor owned over a thousand acres of land in this section, and was one of the leading farmers and in- fluential citizens of his township.

William Taylor, our subject's father, was born in Gibson township, January 16, 1811, and was en- gaged in farming there for many years, but in 1883 he removed to Canaseraga, N. Y., where he died July 24, 1885. Politically he was a Republican, and religiously he inclined toward the Baptist Church, in which he was baptized. His wife, Mary E. Kelley, was a native of Gilbson township and a daughter of James and Esther (Denny) Kelley, well-known residents of that locality. The following children were born of the union : John F., contractor, builder and dealer in supplies at Taylor, Penn., now re- tired; Sarah J., born June 8, 1839, married S. C. Avery and died October 5, 1897, in Ararat ; Charles, born September II, 1840, is a farmer in Herrick township; Josiah is mentioned below; Freeman, born January 8, 1844, is a contractor and builder in Denver, Colo .; Zachariah, born July 1I, 1847, died in Gibson township; Eugene, born July 8, 1852, is a foreman of a coal breaker at Winton, Penn .; Leslie, born July 10, 1850, died in Texas; Herbert, born June 15, 1853, died June, 1855; Lafayette, born May 10, 1855, resides at Rarden, Ohio, where he is engaged in business as a merchant, manufacturer of barrels, and operator of a stone quarry, and was formerl an extensive lumber dealer; William, born June 10, 1859, is a foreman on a railroad and resides at Ottawa, Kansas; and Volney E., born May 28, 1861, is a carpenter at Rarden, Ohio.

Josiah Taylor was born September 1, 1842, on his present homestead where he has always resided. From sixteen to twenty-four years of age he was interested in stone masonry but he has since devoted his attention to general farming. Politically he usually affiliates with the Republican party, but in 1896 he voted the Democratic ticket. On March 27, 1867, he was married at Carbondale, Penn., to Miss Kessie A. Felton and three children have brightened their home: Nora E., born in June, 1871, married John J. Manning, an attorney at Olyphant, Penn .; Herrley C., born September 19, 1877, is at home; Belva, born June 1, 1883, is a fine pianist and is now attending school at Olyphant.

Mrs. Taylor, who was born at Nicholson, Penn., June 10, 1843, is a member of an old and respected family of Susquehanna county, and her paternal grandfather, Creash Felton, was among the early settlers in Lathrop and Springville townships. He was a farmer by occupation and for many years served as justice of the peace. Her father, Henry Felton, was a native of Lathrop township, and en- gaged in farming in early manhood. His death occurred in 1844 at the age of thirty, and his remains were buried at Nicholson, Wyoming Co., Penn.

He married Miss Mary Pickering, a native of Gib- son township, who died in 1871 aged fifty-two years and was interred at Manzer cemetery. They had three children : Charles, a farmer in Harford township, Susquehanna county ; John C., who was born April 29, 1840, at Nicholson, and is now a lead- ing farmer of Gibson township; and Kessie, wife of our subject. The mother married a second husband, Acaqus Card, by whom she had children as follows : Lucinda, who died in Kansas, married first Myron McDonald and second L. Saville ; Miner is deceased ; Annis married William Wilbur, a farmer at Nichol- son, Penn .; Dennis (twin of Annis) resides in Uniondale, Penn. ; Malissa married William K. Tay- lor, a mechanic of Decatur township; and Phœbe died in childhood.

ALBERT C. CROSSLEY, proprietor of a lumber mill and turning works in Starrucca, is entitled to distinction as one of the most progressive and enterprising men of Wayne county, and his name is inseparably connected with the industrial and business interests of this region. Upon the commercial activity of a community depends its prosperity, and the men who are now recognized as leading citizens are those who are at the head of extensive business enterprises. Mr. Crossley is a man of broad capabilities, and one who carries for- ward to successful completion whatever he under- takes.

He was born in New York City, August 3, 1865, and belongs to an old and prominent family, most of its representatives for generations being sea captains of note, prominent in both business and social life. Elijah Crossley ( father of our subject) was a native of Connecticut, and was a highly edu- cated man. For many years he was a leading and successful business man of Sherman, Wayne coun- ty, and was widely and favorably known. He was a Republican in politics, and for some years served as postmaster at Sherman, where he died at the age of sixty-nine years. He wedded Miss Mary Adams, of New York, and to them were born the follow- ing children who are still living: William; James; Walter A .; Albert .C .; and Belle, wife of George Stage, of Hancock, N. Y. Those deceased are Mary, who died at the age of eighteen years; and Emma and Della, who died in childhood. The mother is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

Albert C. Crossley was reared in Sherman, Wayne county, and received an excellent business education, which has well fitted him for the responsi- ble duties of life. Coming to Starrucca in 1889, he here established his present lumber mill and turn- ing works, where he is engaged in the manufacture of different kinds of dowels and roller blocks for printing purposes. Most of these are sent to Europe, especially to England, France and Germany, and he also deals in wall paper. Being an energetic and reliable business man, he is meeting with excellent success, and his is one of the most important manu-

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factories in Wayne county, employing from twenty- five to fifty men.

On August 2, 1894, Mr. Crossley was united in marriage with Miss Jennie R. Mumford, daughter of Hon. W. W. Mumford, a prominent business man of Starrucca, and to them have been born two sons- Mumford C. and Richard J. Besides his valuable business property in Starrucca, Mr. Crossley has an elegant residence in that place, where hospitality reigns supreme, the many friends of the family al- wavs being sure of a hearty welcome. Socially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and politically is a Republican. He has made eleven trips to Europe, and his observing eye and retentive memory have en- abled him to carry back with him as pictures on mem- ory's wall, the scenes of beauty and historic interest he has visited, they remaining. Travel and his so- cial, genial nature have made him an entertaining companion, and he is a stanch and loyal friend, fond of good fellowship, and devoted to those who have his confidence.

CORINGTON H. WARNER, M. D., is one of the most successful physicians and surgeons of Susquehanna county, and a prominent resident of Rush. He has much natural ability, but is withal a close student, and believes thoroughly in the maxim: "There is no excellence without labor." His devotion to the duties of his profession, there- fore, combined wth a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the science of medicine, has made him a most successful and able practitioner, one whose prominence is well-deserved.

Dr. Warner was born in Le Raysville, Bradford Co., Penn., February 7, 1837. His father, Harmon Warner, familiarly known as "Uncle Harmon," was born in New Milford, Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1797, and in 1817 married Sally M. Joyce, a native of the same county ; her father was a drum-major in the Revolutionary war. In 1823, Mr. and Mrs. Warner removed to Bradford county, Penn., where he engaged in farming until his death, June 14, 1882. He was a typical New England Puritan, and was a man of prominence in his community. His wife, was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died in 1880, at the age of eighty years, and both were laid to rest in the cemetery at East Her- rick, Bradford county. The children born to them were as follows: Harriet, now the widow of Edwin Taylor, a farmer, and a resident of Rome, Bradford county ; Emaline, who married C. E. Taylor, a Methodist Episcopal minister (both are now de- ceased) ; Oliver, who was in the butter and milk business in New York, and married Sophia Chaffie (both are deceased) ; Tamar, who (first) married Bliss Chaffie, and (second) Ira Brink, a retired farmer of Oxford Mills, Iowa ; Marcus E., a farmer of Le Raysville, Penn., who married Doshia A. Chaffie ; Corington H., our subject ; and George F., a farmer and teacher of vocal music at Stevensville, Penn., who married Martha Towner.

Dr. Warner remained on the home farm with his parents until he attained his majority, and then began reading medicine with Dr. Benjamin De- witt, of Le Raysville, studying under his direction for three years. In the meantime, in 1861, he en- tered the Medical Department of Ann Arbor (Mich.) University, and was graduated the fol- lowing year with the degree of M. D. He first opened an office at Bellefountaine, Mahaska Co., Iowa, remaining there until June, 1863, and then returned to Le Raysville, where he enlisted, March 4, 1864, for three years, in Company D, 14Ist P. V. I., under his brother, Capt. M. E. Warner. The regiment was assigned to the Third Corps, Army of the Potomac, and he participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Potopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Poplar Springs Church, Boydton Plank Road, Dabney's Mills, Fort Fisher and Sail- or's Creek. On April 7, 1865, he was promoted to the rank of corporal; on May 6 was transferred to Company A, 57th P. V. I., and on account of ill- ness was sent to Emery Hospital, Washington, D. C., May 28, remaining there until honorably dis- charged, on June 27. Though never wounded, he had many narrow escapes, at one time having his knapsack shot away.

Returning to his native county, the Doctor en- gaged in the practice of his chosen profession at Stevensville until 1869, and at Le Raysville until 1883, and then came to Susquehanna county. For six years he was located in Rushville, and then re- moved to Rush, where he was not long in building up the large and lucrative practice which he still enjoys. His time is devoted for the most part to office practice. He is quite prominent socially, is a Master Mason, a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, and of the Grand Army Post at Rush. His political support is ever given to the men and measures of the Republican party. He is a pleasant and affable gentleman, and a stranger in his presence soon feels perfectly at ease.

At East Herrick, Penn., in February, 1861, Dr. Warner married Miss Emaline Barnes, by whom he had two children: Marion H., who married Bell Clover, and is engaged in farming in North Branch, Minn .; and Carrie, who died in infancy. The wife and mother, who was a native of Orwell, Brad- ford county, died March 12, 1872, aged thirty-one years, and was laid to rest in South Hill cemetery, Orwell. Her parents, Nelson and Emaline Barnes, were natives of Connecticut, and early settlers of Bradford county, where her father followed farm- ing throughout the remainder of his life. Dr. War- ner was again married, at Le Raysville, June 27, 1872, his second union being with Miss Amelia M. Brister, a native of Middletown, Susquehanna coun- ty. Her parents, Elmer N. and Phœbe M. (Riley) Brister, were natives of Susquehanna and Wyoming counties, Penn., respectively, and were married in the former county. The father, who was a promi-

CHE Warner, M.D.

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nent farmer, and held township offices, died while on a visit at the home of our subject, April 2, 1889, aged sixty-seven years, and was buried in Le Rays- ville cemetery. The mother is still living, at the age of seventy-five, and now makes her home in Philadelphia. Mrs. Warner is the eldest of their children, the others being Helen M. and William C., the former the wife of Edwin W. Sheives, a car- penter and insurance adjuster of Elmira, N. Y. William C. Brister in business agent for the Phila- delphia & Reading Railroad Co. at Philadelphia ; he married Amelia V. Ellsworth, and they have two. sons-Fred Elmer and John M., both physi- cians of Philadelphia. Mrs. Warner's paternal grand- parents, Ira and Betsy ( Pierce) Brister, natives of Connecticut, came to Susquehanna county, Penn., about 1820, and he died here, but his wife's death oc- curred in Le Raysville; he was a farmer by occu- pation. Their children were Joseph; Elmira, wife of David Sherman; Linas; Rial; Milton; Elmer N., father of Mrs. Warner; and Sarah, wife of H. Phelps. Mrs. Warner's maternal grandparents were Paul and Mehitable (Orcutt) Riley, the for- mer a native of New York City, the latter of Con- necticut. They also came to Susquehanna county at an early day, but later removed to Le Raysville, where they died. By trade the grandfather was a cabinetmaker. In early life he was a sea-faring man, having left home at the age of nineteen and followed the sea for many years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his adopted son, Joseph Stratley Riley, served through the Mexican war, dying of fever on his trip home.

DANIEL LANE SHELDON, a well and favorably known resident of Auburn township, Sus- quehanna county, was born Mav 25, 1831, in Spring- ville township, same county, son of Nathaniel Shel- don, who was an early resident of this section. His grandfather, Archibald Sheldon, was born about 1772 in Dutchess county, N. Y., son of Benjamin Sheldon, who was killed in a runaway accident. Archibald Sheldon was married in his native coun- ty to Ruth Howland, who was born in 1779, and in 1817 they came to Susquehanna county, Penn., locating in Springville township, where he bought possession right to a tract of fifty acres. Here they made a permanent home, Mr. Sheldon follow- ing farming, in connection with which he had a distillery and contracted and built turnpikes. He died in 1855, his wife in 1835. Their children, all of whom are now deceased, were Milton ; Nathaniel ; Harriet, wife of Nathan Spalding, of Auburn town- ship ; Raymond, who died at the age of twenty-three years ; Benjamin, of Auburn township; and Emily.

Nathaniel Sheldon was born April 20, 1800, in Dutchess county, N. Y., and was seventeen years old when the family settled in Springville town- ship. There he married Elvira Lane, who was born in Bradford county, Penn., March 26, 1807, a daughter of Alexander and Abigail (Mills) Lane,

the latter of whom was a cousin of Aaron Burr. Of the children born to this union, Julia A. is the widow of Charles R. Davis, of Springville township ; Daniel Lane is the subject proper of these lines ; Roxanna died at the age of twenty-two years; and Hannah M. is the wife of Porter Loomis, of Wyom- ing county, Penn. The mother died about 1873, the father on December 13, 1863. During his earlier years he traveled considerably through Michigan, and for some time worked on the Erie Canal, but in 1828 he settled on a tract of 190 acres in Spring- ville township, and there carried on farming for many years. He was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an Abolitionist in political faith before the war, afterward uniting with the Republicans.

Daniel L. Sheldon was given a good practical education, attending the district schools and Wyom- ing Seminary, and during his early manhood he taught for a short time in Carbon county, this State. He remained at home, assisting his parents, until his marriage, on July 3, 1855, to Miss Saloma Pratt, who was a native of Pike township, Bradford coun- ty, Penn. To this union were born the following named children: Bentley and Byron, who died in infancy ; Roxanna, wife of William Ellis, of Wyom- ing county ; Elsie, widow of Edward Doherty, of Wilkes Barre, Penn .; Mary, who died at the age of two years; Ruth, wife of W. Heavner, of Scranton, Penn .; and Pratt, who is a soldier in the regular army, Battery F, 6th U. S. Artillery, now in Manila. The mother of these died August 9, 1887, and on June 10, 1892, Mr. Sheldon wedded for his second wife Mrs. Catherine M. Warner, who was born July 22, 1839, in Wyoming county, daughter of Tilton H. and Catherine (Draper) Smith, and is the youngest in their family of twelve children, viz. : Truman, who died at the age of eighteen years; Samuel W., who resided in Springville township, and died in 1897; Susan, who married W. Russell, of Washington, Wyoming county, and died in 1895; Isaac O., born March 20, 1817, living in Washing- ton township, Wyoming county; Oliver P., born October 14, 1819. living in Nichols, N. Y .; Sarah, Mrs. E. H. Lvman; James G., born September 12, 1824, engaged in mercantile business in Fremont, Dodge county, Neb .; Esther, born March 2, 1827, now deceased, who first married L. Safford, and later became the wife of P. Lyman; Charles A., born September 5, 1829, of Fremont, Neb .; Joseph T., born November 28, 1831, a landowner and speculator of Fremont, Neb .; Mary J., born August 16, 1834, deceased wife of David Carpenter, of Tunkhannock; and Catherine M., Mrs. Sheldon. The father of these was born November II, 1788, in Orange county, N. Y., and died May 1, 1863, in Wyoming county, Penn., where he had followed farming for many years; the mother was born June 24, 1790, and died June 15, 1840. Catherine M. Smith was first married August 16, 1862, to Amos Warner, who was born January 6, 1833, in Pennsyl-

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vania, son of Thompson and Charity (Dutchess) Warner, and died January 6, 1891. He was a farmer by occupation and made his home in Auburn town- ship for many years. In December, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, 179th P. V. I., and was honorably discharged in November, 1863.

When Mr. Sheldon commenced life for himself he engaged in merchandising at Lynn for a year, and then began farming on a part of the old home- stead, also carrying on agricultural pursuits in Wyoming county for some time, owning seventy- six acres there. He came to Auburn township, in June, 1892, and in 1898 bought the place he now occupies, a tract of 130 acres, 100 of which are improved and under cultivation. In addition to the regular farm work he has also carried on dairying on a small scale, but he has devoted himself chiefly to sheep raising, in which he has met with encourag- ing success from the start. Mrs. Sheldon owns fifty-three acres, all but ten of which are improved. By close attention to his business affairs Mr. Sheld- on has managed to acquire a comfortable compet- ence and he gains a good living from his land, which is cultivated in a systematic and modern manner, and thoroughly cared for in every respect. However, he has found time to interest himself in matters of local importance, and though never an aspirant for office his ability and public spirit have caused him to be elected to various offices of re- sponsibility and trust. In Springville township he served for twenty years as school director, and he has served as supervisor and one term as assessor in Springville with entire satisfaction to all con- cerned. His political support is given to the Re- publican party. Mr. Sheldon attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is a zealous member, and takes an active part in Church and benevolent work, contributing liberally to the cause of religion. Socially he is a member of the Grange and various fraternal organizations, and is well known in this locality.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 249

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