Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 272

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 272
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 272
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 272
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 272

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Mrs. Nancy A. (Kennedy) Johnston was born April 2, 1807, and died January 27, 1887, her re- mains being interred beside those of her husband, in New Milford cemetery. She was a daughter of David and Rhoda (Sternes) Kennedy, of Connecti- cut, who settled in Wayne county at an early day. Her father, who was a farmer by occupation, cleared a homestead in the midst of the wilderness, and the first apple orchard in the locality was planted by him, from seeds brought from Connecticut in his vest pocket. The following reference to this worthy couple is found in an old book: "They were pious, prudent and intelligent people."

FRANK C. BUNNELL and his brother, J. K. BUNNELL, JR., are counted among the sub- stantial citizens of Texas township, Wayne county, and well deserve prominent mention in this volume.

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The Bunnell family has long been identified with Wayne county, David Bunnell, the grandfather of the gentlemen named above, having settled in 1804 at Bethany, Wayne Co., Penn., with his wife Parthenia (Kellam). In 1839 he purchased a large tract of land in Dyberry and Texas townships, in partnership with three of his sons, and engaged in lumbering on an extensive scale. J. K. Bunnell, Sr., the father of our subjects, was the fifth son of the old pioneer, and was born at Bethany January 14, 1817. He was the youngest of the three sons who joined their father in the purchase of the land mentioned, and assisted in the clearing of the tract, and the construction of buildings for a homestead. In time he became the sole owner of 180 acres of the land, lying on what is known as Bunnell's Pond, and comprising the original homestead. He has ever since been engaged in agricultural work princi- pally, and for twenty years past has given his attention to dairying, the product of his dairy being disposed of in Honesdale and vicinity. His intelli- gence and sound judgment make him an authority in his lines of work, and his farm is conducted in a thoroughly scientific manner. From childhood he was taught by his parents that those who succeed in life must lay the foundation for success in their industry and correct habits, and these lessons were wisely enforced by practical training in the various lines of labor which fall to the lot of a pioneer farm- er's son. In addition to this judicious home train- ing, his active and ambitious mind acquired a good store of information in the schools of the locality. For many years he has been prominent in public affairs in Texas township, holding different offices, including that of supervisor, and for a long time he has served on the board of trustees of the Methodist Church at Honesdale, of which he and his estimable wife have been members for more than forty-five years. In 1841 he married Miss Ann S. Browns- combe, who was born January 1, 1823, in Devon- shire, England, near the borders of Cornwall, and died March 7, 1893. Her parents, John and Johanna (Spettigue) Brownscombe, came to Wayne county with their family in 1830, and, after residing in Ber- lin township for eleven years, settled at Bunnell's Pond, where their last days were spent. The fa- ther, who was a man of fine education, followed teaching as an occupation in the old country, and during his residence in Wayne county was frequent- ly called upon to serve as clerk of elections, and in other positions requiring ability, accuracy, and dis- patch. Mrs. Ann Bunnell was one of the family of three children, the other being Henry B., who has for forty-four years been an honored clergyman of the Methodist Church in Pennsylvania ; and Elizabeth, wife of Seth C. Whiting. of Winsted, Connecticut. J. K. and Ann S. Bunnell had a family of seven children, namely: (I) Caroline E. was born Sep- tember 18, 1842. (2) George W., born in 1844, died February 4, 1863. (3) William B., born June 30, 1847, died October 15, 1860. (4) Hattie E., born

December 22, 1849, married Henry Webb, a farmer of near Bethany, and has two sons-Robert and William. (5) Frank C. is mentioned below. (6) Sarah Emma, born September 11, 1856, married Charles R. Brady, D. D. S., and died July 30, 1889, in Honesdale, leaving one daughter-Kate B. (7) J. K., Jr., is mentioned below.

Frank C. Bunnell was born September 16, 1853, in Bunnell town, Wayne county, and grew to man- hood on the old homestead, receiving a good practi- cal education in the local schools, while assisting his father in the work of the farm. In May, 1877, he married Miss Libbie Bone, of Honesdale, a daugh- ter of John and Julia Bone, natives of Liskeard, Eng- land, who came to this country in 1849, and were for a number of years residents of Honesdale, where they were held in high esteem by all who knew them. Her mother died there, and her father is now a resident of Scranton, Penn. After his marriage Mr. Bunnell settled upon his present farm, which was given him by his father. It is a fine place, adjoining the old homestead, and was formerly known as the Hughes farm. Since taking posses- sion Mr. Bunnell has made many improvements upon the estate, has devoted much attention to dairy- ing, and keeps a number of high bred cows, shipping the milk to New York City. His home life is one of comfort and refinement. He has two daughters : Alice Anna, born May 23, 1878; and Julia May, born March 10, 1880. The former graduated from the Honesdale high school in June, 1898. In poli- tics F. C. Bunnell is a Republican, but he has never aspired to office, although he has been frequently urged to allow his name to be presented as a candi- date for township positions. He and his family are all active members of the Methodist Church at Honesdale, contributing liberally to its support, and giving efficient help in all the work of the society.

J. K. BUNNELL, JR., youngest son of J. K. Bunnell, Sr., was born December 4, 1862, on the old homestead, and there spent his youth, giving his father such assistance as his growing strength per- mitted. He remained at home until his mar- riage, and was educated in the the local schools and the schools of Honesdale. On September 20, 1893, he married Miss Anna Mary Taylor, who was born in 1868, in Berlin township, Wayne county, only child of Lewis Taylor, a prominent farmer of that locality. He is a native of England, and his wife, whose maiden name was Eleanor Decker, was born in Johnstown, N. Y. Since his marriage Mr. Bunnell has conducted the old home- stead, which he has improved in many ways, mak- ing additions to the buildings, and erecting a large barn, with all conveniences for dairy farming. He has also constructed two siloes, of fifty and seventy- five tons capacity, respectively, and he keeps on the average about thirty head of Holstein and Jersey cattle, enabling him to furnish his patrons with the best of milk and butter. He is at present the sole agent for the Eureka mower in his own and adjoin- ing townships. Politically, as in other respects, he

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is not inclined to follow the opinions of others, and although he formerly affiliated with the Republican party he now votes independently. He takes an active part in all the progressive movements in his locality, as is the custom of his family, and he and his wife are both members of the Methodist Church at Honesdale. Their union was blessed with one beloved daughter, Candace E., who died in Febru- ary, 1898, aged one and one-half years.

PROF. ALFRED W. LARRABEE, one of the most successful school teachers in Susquehanna county, was born in Jackson, that county, April 2, 1837.

Our subject's parents, Emory B. and Laura A. (Wheaton) Larrabee, were both natives of New England, but became acquainted and were married in Susquehanna county. The father moved here in 1825 with his parents, Capt. Veranas and Lucy (Bennett) Larrabee, natives of Vermont, who lo- cated in Jackson township, where the grandfather followed farming, and at intervals held township offices. He was a pensioner of the war of 1812, and commanded a company of the State militia. It was in 1821 that our subject's mother came to Susque- hanna county, with her parents, Moses B. and Polly. A. (Aldrich) Wheaton, of New Hampshire, who also settled in Jackson township. In connection with farming Mr. Wheaton followed school teaching for over a half century. The father of our subject en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in Jackson township throughout his active business life, and also held township offices, such as school director, supervisor, etc. In politics he was a Republican. He died in April, 1899, aged eighty-eight years, and his wife passed away in 1887, aged sixty-seven years, the remains of both being interred in the North Jack- son cemetery. She was a consistent member of the M. E. Church. Our subject is the eldest of their six children, the others being William H., a butcher of Susquehanna; Oscar G. and William W., both carpenters of Susquehanna; John W., a tonsorial artist of the same place ; and Winfield S., a painter of North Jackson, now deceased.

Alfred W. Larrabee's boyhood days were spent in close proximity to the whipping rod, both at home and in the public schools. At the age of sixteen years he received a certificate, to teach the common branches, of school director Adin Miller, of South Gibson. His next certificate was from the first county superintendent, Willard Richardson, under the Act of 1854. This was the beginning of his life work. The hours of hard labor greatly exceeded those of pleasure while he was toiling up the hill of science and wisdom, teaching both public and select school winters, and learning the carpenter's trade, to enable him to attend the academies at Harford and Montrose. At the age of twenty-one years he received his professional certificate, after which he taught nearly all the time until the war broke out, in 1861. At the country's first call for

aid he enlisted in Company F, Ist Penn. Light Artillery, which was known as "Rickett's" Battery, and remained with them for two and a half years, always doing the work of a sergeant, having com- mand of one gun. He was in thirty-two engage- ments up to the time he was wounded, at the second battle of Bull Run, his left hip being fractured by the premature discharge of his ten-pounder. From the battlefield he was taken to Carver hospital, Meridian Hill, Washington, D. C., where he stayed three months. Thence obtaining a sixty days' furlough, he went home, in March, 1863, and was married to Emma D. Doyle, second daughter of Justin L. and Lydia Ann W. (Avery) Doyle, natives of Rhode Island, who came to Susquehanna county with their respective parents when young, and remained here. Only a few days after his marriage he went back and was sent to Portsmouth Grove hospital, Rhode Island, where, while convalescing, he was made head clerk for Surgeon-General Edwards. After three months' service he was discharged, but only a few days elapsed before he re-enlisted, in Troop M, Ist New York Vet. Cav. During his stay with them he was in command of the provost guard, at Camp Piatt, W. Va. From this camp he ob- tained a leave of absence, and went home, to find his wife dead and buried ; their wedded life had been only thirty-two days. Returning to camp, he stayed until discharged at the close of the war.

On his return home from the army our subject began studying with renewed vigor, trying hard to bury his sorrow in the knotty problems of science, and in 1867 he had mastered the Latin language and received a State certificate for the same, with twenty-three additional branches. In May, 1872, he was again married, this time to Miss Wealthy J. Gelatt, of Thompson, and they began housekeeping in Susquehanna. Here he graded the public school, and was principal three years. From there he moved to Great Bend, graded the public school at that place, and served as principal until appointed county superintendent, to fill the unexpired term of W. W. Watson, resigned. In 1876 a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Larrabee, Mabel L., now wife of Dr. W. W. McNamarra, of Thompson. Our sub- ject was divorced from his second wife. He was again alone, but he kept on teaching, keeping up his physique with the saw and hammer when not in the school room, and dotting the county here and there with memorials of his handiwork. One town contains sixteen dwelling-houses of which he is the architect. In 1880 he came to Union Dale, and graded the public school here. In 1882 he married, for his third wife, Georgieanna L. Barriger, fourth daugh- ter of the late Henry S. and Sophia A. (Pickering) Barriger, residents of Gibson, Penn. He was princi- pal of the graded school four years, and taught select school as many years more, twenty-one pupils from his select school receiving certificates to teach through his instruction. The Professor is now building himself a home, the upper part of which

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will be fitted up for a private school room. All these years he has kept up his untiring zeal for learn- ing, and to-day is as great a student as ever. The past with him is a mighty memory, as his pupils number between five and six thousand. He keeps pace with the cycle of public events, and is recognized as a scholar and a Christian gentleman. He never seems to have done his best. There is always a reserved force for another time. Fraternally he be- longs to the I. O. O. F., and is an honorary member of the Jr. O. U. A. M .; he is a stanch Republican in political sentiment.

ALFRED C. GROW, one of the progressive and well-to-do general farmers of Auburn township, Susquehanna county, was born May 7, 1840, in Mehoopany, Wyoming Co., Penn., son of John W. and Caroline ( Wakefield) Grow.

John W. Grow was born January 3, 1820, in Connecticut, son of Danford and Chloye (Jones ) Grow, who became early settlers of Meshoppen, Penn. In Meshoppen township, Wyoming county, he met and married Caroline Wakefield, a native of Massachusetts, daughter of Cyrus Wakefield, a farmer, and, they soon afterward removed to Me- hoopany, where Mr. Grow operated a sawmill, and also carried on a coopering business. Seven chil- dren were born to their union, namely : Alfred C .; James, who died at Akron, Ohio; Philander, who died while serving in the Civil war; Adelia, wife of Franklin Bullock, a retired citizen of Tunkhan- nock, Penn .; Emerson, a blacksmith, living in Illi- nois ; George, who runs a sawmill in Auburn town- ship; and Uneca, who died in childhood. The mother died in 1855, at Meshoppen, Penn., where she was buried, and where the father now lives re- tired. He married, for his second wife, Mrs. Eu- nice White, and to them were born children as fol- lows: Inez, married to Solomon Baker, a stone mason of Meshoppen; Ida, wife of Maleel Har- vey, a farmer of Kizerville, Penn., and Hattie, wife of John Harvey, who owns a farm near Kizerville. Mr. Grow is a member of the Baptist Church.

Alfred C. Grow received his education in the public schools and remained under the parental roof up to the age of fifteen years, after his moth- er's death making his home with an uncle for a year. Between the ages of thirteen and fifteen he worked in a sawmill at Meshoppen. For a few years during his early manhood he worked with various farmers, and he also lived at home for two years. For three months he was engaged in re- pair work on the river dam, and for two or three years prior to his marriage ran a sawmill in Spring- ville township, Susquehanna county, which his fa- ther rented. After his marriage, in 1860, he pur- chased a mill in Springville, which he ran for six months, at the end of that time moving to Lyman- ville. Penn., where he engaged in farming for a year. In July, 1861, he enlisted, for three years, in Company H, Ist Pennsylvania Light Artillery, un- der Capt. James Brady, but he was discharged in

January, 1862, at Washington, D. C., on account of disability. For the next two years he was capable of doing little work, though he carried on farming for about a year, and in December, 1863, he moved to Doylestown, Ohio, where he was employed for a few months in the Buckeye reaper and mower shop. In January, 1864, he re-enlisted, this time in Com- pany G, 120th O. V. I., under Capt. Benjamin Jones, after a few months' service with that com- mand transferring to the 114th O. V. I., and later to another Ohio regiment. He participated in the Red River campaign, was in various skirmishes, and was under fire for a week at Blakely, but he was never wounded. He came home on furlough in the fall of 1865, and received an honorable discharge from the service in May, 1866, at Columbus, Ohio.

For about one year after his return from the army, Mr. Grow was under the doctor's care, after which, until 1871, he was employed in the reaper and mower machine shop at Doylestown. In 1872 he returned to Pennsylvania, first renting a farm in Auburn township, Susquehanna county. The next year he worked the Whitesmith farm, in 1874 and 1875 the Lemuel Blakesley farm at Springville, and subsequently Dr. Gratton's farm at Benton Center. On his return to Springville he worked for six years for Lemuel Blakesley, and he has since been en- gaged in farming on his own account, at present liv- ing on the Beardsley farm, in Auburn township, near the Baptist Church. It comprises 130 acres of good land, and by industry and careful management Mr. Grow has derived a good income from the farm, gaining a well-deserved reputation for prog- ress and thrift in all his undertakings. He is re- spected by all who know him as intelligent, honest, hard-working man, and is well known in the vicinity of his home.

On February 4, 1860, Mr. Grow was united in marriage with Miss Annie Wiles, the ceremony tak- ing place in Springville township, and they have had children as follows: Clark E., who died at the age of six years ; Caroline A., wife of Thomas Bag- ley, a machinist of Towanda, Penn .; James L., a farmer of Rush township, Susquehanna county ; John, who died at the age of twenty-five years ; Al- fred E., a molder, of Towanda, who married Eva Lake ; Blanche V., married to Burton Thomas, who owns a farm in Springville; Edith, wife of Fred Thomas, who owns a farm in Springville; Charles, a farmer of Auburn township; Harry and Clara, twins, the former living at home, the latter married to Zibe Lott; and Wileston T. and Burton C., liv- ing at home. Mr. Grow takes a deep interest in re- ligious matters, uniting with the Baptist Church, to which most of the family belong, and in which he has held the office of deacon for six years. While liv- ing in Ohio he attended the Christian Church, in which he was an elder for five years. His political sympathies are with the Republican party. So- cially he belongs to the G. A. R. and I. O. O. F., and he and his wife are members of the Daughters of Rebekah.

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Mrs. Annie (Wiles) Grow was born March 2, 1844, near Meshoppen, Penn. Her mother, Martha Boughton, was twice married, and Annie was born to the first union, but as she was only a young child when her mother wedded Martin Wiles she always went by her stepfather's name. Mrs. Wiles lived to the advanced age of eighty-seven years. As the family consisted of eleven children Mrs. Grow com- menced to help when but ten years of age, going to school winters and doing housework and spin- ning in the summers. She married Mr. Grow at the early age of sixteen. Always studious, quiet and unassuming, she gained many friends, and she is an active Church worker, having from early life been a constant attendant of Sabbath-school and Church. She is president of the Mission Circle, and may always be relied upon in any good work.

EDMUND L. VAN GORDEN, for a number of years a prosperous and honored citizen of Rush township, Susquehanna county, commenced life for himself in limited circumstances, poor in everything but energy and indomitable will power. Success at length crowned his well-directed efforts, and he is now the possessor of a fine farm and comfortable competence.

Mr. Van Gorden was born in Bradford county, Penn., March 2, 1840, a son of Levi M. and Mehitable (Terry) Van Gorden, the former a na- tive of Pike county, the latter of Rush township, Susquehanna county. The father made his home in Bradford county from the age of twenty until twenty-six, and in the meantime was married, in Rush township, Susquehanna county, where he lo- cated on leaving Bradford county, and continued to make his home through the remainder of his life. He was a farmer, and actively engaged in that oc- cupation until his death, March 29, 1892, when he had reached the ripe old age of seventy-seven years and nine months. He survived his faithful wife only seven weeks, she dying February 9, 1892, and they now sleep side by side in Rush cemetery. Both were earnest, consistent Christian people, the father a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the mother of the Baptist Church. Our subject is the eldest of their four children, the others being . Prudence J., deceased wife of Ebenezer Stanton ; Lucy R., who (first) married Aden Stevens, and ( second) William Bradshaw, a hotel man of Stevens- ville, Penn. ; and Charles A., a carpenter of Lester- shire, N. Y. Our subject's paternal grandparents were Abraham and Rebecca Van Gorden, and his maternal grandparents were Ichabod and Lucy (Metcalf) Terry, who are mentioned elsewhere.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed on the home farm, where he remained until after he was married, May 19, 1862, at Benton, Penn., to Miss Eliza Jane Estell, a native of that place, who died in August, 1864, at the age of twenty years, and was buried in Rush cemetery. Her parents were Jacob and Hannah Estell, of Benton.

The only child born to our subject by this union, William, married Frankie Terry, and now lives in Scranton, Penn. ; he is a compressed air engineer.

On May 12, 1867, at Myersburg, Bradford Co., Penn., Mr. Van Gorden wedded Miss Annie Varges- on, a native of that county, and a daughter of James and Mary A. Vargeson. They separated in January, 1874. She died July 1, 1877, aged twenty-eight years, and was laid to rest at Standing Stone, Brad- ford county. By this union were two daughters: Emma J., now the wife of Jacob Berry, who is fore- man for the West Ridge Coal Co., of Scranton ; and Ada M., wife of William Kambeck, of Scrant- on, who during the war with Spain was commis- sioned captain of Company B, 13th Regiment, P. - V. I., and was stationed at Camp Mckenzie.

Mr. Van Gorden was again married, at Nichol- son, Penn., June 23, 1877, his third union being with Mrs. Amy (Brown) Betts, who was born in Lenox, Susquehanna county, August 11, 1842. Her parents, John and Minerva (Wright) Brown, farm- ing people, were natives of Connecticut and Ver- mont, respectively, and both died in Lenox, Penn., the former in 1874, aged sixty-seven years, the latter in 1876, aged sixty-five, their remains being in- terred at Lathrop, Penn. The children born to them were as follows: George W. and Lovisa, both deceased; Henry, a resident of Nicholson, Penn .; Rowena, widow of Joshua Crandall, who was killed in the Civil war; Christina, wife of Joseph Saund- ers, of Hop Bottom, Penn .; Porter, also a resident of Hop Bottom; Lucinda, who was killed by a fall- ing tree ; Amy, wife of our subject; Nancy, wife of Warren Kilburn, of Rush township, Susquehanna county ; Alonzo, a resident of Hop Bottom; and Lydia, Isaac and Adeline, who alt died young. Mrs. Van Gorden's paternal grandparents, Wise and Lovisa Brown, were natives of Connecticut, and located in Lenox township, Susquehanna Co., Penn., at an early day, making their home upon a farm there until called from this life. Her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Wright, were also natives of Connecticut, and early settlers of Brooklyn township, Susquehanna county ; they, too, were farming people.

On leaving the old home farm, at the age of twenty-seven years, Mr. Van Gorden went to Glen- wood, Susquehanna county, where he was employed for one year pulling stumps, having purchased a machine of 180 horse-power for that purpose. With his machine, drawn by two mules, he traveled through Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Wyoming counties for some years, and did considerable busi- ness along that line. For six months he was located in Lenox township, Susquehanna county ; spent one year on a farm in Benton, Penn. ; and made his home for fifteen years in Nicholson, where, in connection with the operation of his own machine, he was en- gaged in haypressing for three other parties for five years, each. While there he served as street com- missioner five years, constable the same length of

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time, and tax collector three years. On July 5, 1890, he located upon a farm in Rush township, Susque- hanna county, where he now owns 150 acres of excellent land under a high state of cultivation. He has recently rented the place and now makes his home in the city of Scranton. He is a stockholder in the Rush Center Creamery, which was built in 1892, and is one of the most enterprising, progres- sive and industrious business men of his community. For ten years he has been faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, being a strong Temperance man, he gives his political support to the men and measures of the Prohibition party.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 272

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