Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 290

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 290
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 290
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 290
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 290

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).

Jacob Morey, our subject's father, was born January 1, 1812, in Northampton county, and is still (1899) living at his homestead, Mt. Bethel, Northampton county, where he has been engaged for many years in farming and carpentering. Politically he is a Democrat and he and his estimable wife are devout members of the Reformed Church. In 1846, he married Miss Mary A. Hester, a native of Northampton county, born in 1816, and they have had three children, of whom our subject is the eld- est. (2) Catherine married T. Sterner, of Allentown, Penn. (3) Ellen married W. W. Felker, of Portland, this State.

Our subject was born January 19, 1848, at the old home in Northampton county, and on complet- ing the course of study afforded by the local schools he entered the State Normal School at Millersville, where he pursued the general and scientific courses, graduating in 1869 and 1871. In the latter year he went to Stroudsburg to take charge of the public schools, and this position he retained until 1875 when he was elected superintendent of public in- struction for Monroe county. In 1877 the leading people of Stroudsburg, including the directors of the schools, urged him to resign and again take charge of the city schools. He did so and remained in control until 1882 when he entered upon editorial

work. In 1880 he had formed a partnership with Dr. J. H. Shull and Charles Staples and purchased the Farmers Advocate, a weekly paper published at Stroudsburg, but after a time Mr. Staples withdrew and Milton Heller joined the company. In 1882 they bought The Monroe Democrat, merging the two papers into one, when our subject undertook the editorial management. In 1884 Mr. Greenwalt, the former editor of the Democrat, became asso- ciated with him in the management of the paper. In 1886 Mr. Morey was appointed, by President Cleveland, to the post of internal revenue agent, be- ing assigned to duty on accounts which required him to visit the different offices in all parts of the United States. He served until the close of 1889 when he again took charge of The Democrat, and in 1891 he became the sole proprietor of the paper. In its political views this popular sheet reflects our sub- ject's personal opinions as he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and has several times served as chairman of the county committee. As a citizen he is public spirited and his interest in educational matters remains as keen as ever. He has been iden- tified with the schools of Stroudsburg in some capac- ity during the greater part of the time, being a director at present, and he not only assists in making out the course of study but he makes a practice of visiting the schools once a week. He is also a trus- tee of the State Normal School at Stroudsburg.

In 1873 our subject was married to Miss Fran- ces Rafferty, who was born in 1847, at New York, ' and they have three attractive daughters: May Alice, now the wife of Samuel D. Mellick: Bertha and Ida L. The family is prominent socially and is connected with the Reformed Church of the United States, Mr. Morey being a leading member of the Stroudsburg congregation. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, Portland Lodge No. 311, F. & A. M., at Portland, Penn .; Hugh De Pavne Com- mandery No. 19, K. T., at Easton, Penn .; the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows. and the Order of Red Men, in which he is Past Grand officer of the State organization and for seven years has been a member of the grand lodge of the United States, serving as chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and the Committee on Constitutions and Laws.

ROBERT BATTAN. The biographical his- tory of America is replete with instances of men who, in the present or the now departing generation, have left crowded homes in the countries of Europe, and won competence and distinction in a new land. Opportunities for advancement and success did not perish after the coming of the early fathers. To the individual of force and character, who is attract- ed by the conditions of life in this country, there is ever open a pathway to honor and position.

William Batten, an English lad, in 1835 left his home in Cornwall, and emigrated to America. Whatever the comparative success to which he at- tained in life, he planted anew the stern yet in-

37 mary

1241

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

vigorating conditions surrounding his home, which gave opportunity to the succeeding generations. William Batten upon his arrival in the United States settled at once at Black Band, the site of Honesdale, Penn. He found employment there with Col. Seely, and for seven years remained in . his service, during that time marrying Miss Sarah A. Swingle, a native of South Canaan township. About 1842 he removed to South Canaan township, where he engaged in farming and continued until his death, in 1885, at the age of sixty-six years. His estimable wife survived him only four days, dying in the sixty-second year of her age. Both were buried in South Canaan township. In poli- tics William Batten was a Republican. He was a member of the Protestant Methodist Church. The three children of William and Sarah A. Batten were, Robert, subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of C. A. Cortright, merchant and liveryman, of Honesdale, Penn .; and Mary, who married Ben- jamin Seely, a farmer of South Canaan township, and died in 1882.

Robert Battan, general merchant and farmer at Waymart, Wayne county, was born in Seely- ville, Penn., in June, 1836. Until the age of twelve years he remained at home with his parents, assist- ing in the work of the farm. At that tender age he began his own career, as a teamster for Mr. Bron- son, a manufacturer, being thus employed for seven years. At the age of nineteen years he entered the service of Judge Waller, for whom he engaged in teaming and similar work. Six years later he accept- ed a position as salesman of agricultural implements, with J. F. Roe, of Honesdale, with whom he remained five years, traveling through the country, and in that time he became thoroughly familiar with the trade. Mr. Battan then spent several years on the farm, and in 1887 he located at Waymart. In partner- ship with Z. A. Woonnacott he purchased the gen- eral store of A. S. Patterson, and for two years thus continued in business. He then bought his part- ner's interest, but in two weeks he sold him the entire property, and then purchased the hardware store of Thomas Medland. This business he has since greatly improved and extended, adding con- tinually to the stock, with corresponding gains in trade, until now he has the largest establishment in general merchandise in Waymart. He was burned out August 15, 1891, when he purchased the lot and built his present store.

Mr. Battan was married November 23, 1865, to Miss Mary J. Wagner, daughter of Adam Wag- ner, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere. Three children have been born to Robert and Mary J. Battan, as follows: Anna E., wife of E. F. Ames, a banker of Forest City, Penn .; Coe M., bookkeeper for her father; and William, at home.

Mr. Battan and wife are prominent in the so- cial life of Waymart. He is an active member of the F. & A. M. and of the I. O. O. F., of South Canaan township. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. Battan possesses the heri-

tage of tireless energy, and the signal success he has won in life is due in large measure to his in- dustry, guided by business sagacity of a high order. He has been the architect of his own fortune, and the obstacles he has encountered has served only to develop a character recognized for its sound judg- ment and forcible ability.

GOULD P. MILLER. Among the reliable successful and substantial farmers of Clifford township, Susquehanna Co., Penn., there is prob- ably none who stands higher in public esteem than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He was born on the same farm on which he now resides, September 25, 1828, son of Adam and De- liverance (Foster) Miller, natives of Ireland and Connecticut, respectively. They were married in Clifford township and died on the present farm of our subject, the father in April, 1831, at the age of sixty-eight years; the mother in 1872, at the age of seventy-nine, their remains being interred in Clifford cemetery. They were earnest and con- sistent members of the Baptist Church, and the father was a farmer by occupation. To them were born seven children, namely: Emily, deceased wife of Harrison Doud; Redmond, who died while in the Union army ; John, who died unmarried; Mer- rick, deceased, who married Jane Ferris; Samuel, who died unmarried; Gould P., our subject; and Waity Ann, who died unmarried. The father was twice married, his first wife being Eleanor Rich- ardson, of Philadelphia, who died in Clifford town- ship, and by that union he had four children : Charles, William, Anna and Mary, all now deceased. After the death of Adam Miller, his widow, on October 16, 1834, wedded John Spedding, by whom she had one child, Nelson.

Although Gould P. Miller made his home with his mother until he attained his majority, he com- menced working for neighboring farmers at an early age, laying stone, etc. At the age of twenty- one he left the parental roof, but after his mar- riage returned to the home farm, which he now owns and successfully operates. It is a valuable tract of seventy-six acres, well improved with good buildings.

In Lenox township, Susquehanna county, April II, 1852, Mr .. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Clarkson, and to them were born the following children: Jasper, deceased; Waity Ann, deceased wife of Emory Greene, a farmer of Clifford township; Leanthy, wife of George Cuddeback, a farmer of the same township; Mer- rick, who married Ida Beck and is engaged in farm- ing in Clifford township; Edwin G., at home ; Jane, wife of Jacob Hindman, of Silkworth, Penn .; Sarah, wife of Nelson Phillips, a farmer of Clifford township; Grace, wife of Grant Bennett, farmer, same township; and Wellington M., at home. Mrs. Miller was born in Lancashire, England, Jan- uary 26, 1832, and when two years old was brought to this country by her parents, James and Isabella

1242

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

( Bigland) Clarkson, who first located in Clifford township, Susquehanna county, but later removed to Lenox township, where the father followed farm- ing until called from this life in 1866, at the age of seventy-three years. The mother died in 1847, at the age of forty-three, and both were laid to rest in Clifford cemetery. They were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and highly re- spected by all who knew them. Their children were Margaret, wife of Abraham Churchill ; James, a resident of Lenox township; Ann, wife of Ebenezer Waterman, of Lackawanna county ; Elizabeth, wife of our subject; Anthony, who died unmarried; John, a resident of Benton, Penn .; Hannah, deceased wife of Sedgwick Hull; Isa- bella, wife of George Mund, of Carbondale, Penn .; and William, who left home at the age of seventeen years.

Religiously Mr. Miller is a member of the Bap- tist Church, and politically is identified with the Republican party. He is one of the leading repre- sentative citizens of his community, and has been called upon to fill local offices, having served as poormaster, township treasurer and roadmaster in a most commendable and satisfactory manner. He and his family are very pleasant and are quite prominent socially in the community where they reside. On October 13, 1899, Mr. Miller was called upon to mourn the loss of his faithful and devoted wife, who that day passed to her last rest, leaving "a world made better by her life."

E. A. PAGE. Without ostentation, cheer- fully bearing the burdens and responsibilities of life, presenting to the world and to his many friends a character that grows more lustrous the longer it is known, winning through the potential- ity of sterling traits a substantial share of life's material rewards, the subject of this sketch, a well known resident of Jackson township, Susquehanna county, is in every sense a representative citizen.

Mr. Page was born in Richmond, N. H., in June, 1822, son of Eli and Sarah (Aldrich) Page. His parents, natives of New Hampshire, mi- grated about 1823 to Susquehanna county, living for a few years in Harford township, then settling in Jackson, where they remained through life. The father in politics was a Democrat, held various local offices and was esteemed an excellent farmer. His, wife, mother of our subject, was one of the good Christian women of the township. Their family of five children was as follows: (I) Margery, who died unmarried, aged fifty years. (2)E. A., our subject ; (3) A. A., born in Harford in 1824, married Miss Mary Miller, of Susquehanna county, and settled in Jackson township. His wife died leaving five children, four of whom-Willis, Evalyn, Friend and Harry-are now living. For his second wife A. A. Page married Mrs. Wil- lard Larrabee, nee Lamb, by whom he had two sons -Ralph, a resident of Des Moines, Ia., and Fred. (4) Eliza, born in Jackson in 1834, married Judson

Tennant, of Harford, and settled in Jackson, where she died, leaving one daughter-Flora. (5) Norris, born in 1836, married Miss Diana Taff and settled near the State line, where he now resides with his family.

E. A., the second in the above named fam- ily, was reared on the farm, and in 1850 married Miss Eliza A. Sweet, daughter of Arta and Sarah (Osmun) Sweet, representatives of one of the old- est and best known families of the county. Amos Sweet, the grandfather of Arta, migrated with his wife and children, Capt. Asahel, Stephen, Oney, Polly and Nancy, from Attleboro, Mass., to Harford township in 1795, joining the Nine Planters settle- ment. Three other sons, Amos, Jr., Elias and John, remained in Massachusetts, until 1797, when John and Elias, the father of Arta, also came to Harford. Elias married Abigail Foster and set- tled in Harford. His children were Captain Elias; Joseph; Alfred; Hannah, wife of Saxa Sey- mour, a Harford merchant; Eliza, who married a Mr. Capron, and moved to Akron, Ohio; Arta; and Abigail, wife of Ira Belcher, of Gibson. Arta married Sarah Osmun and their children were as follows: Eliza A., Sarah J., Forest Foster, George M., Abel T., Hannah A., Helen B., and Clara E. Eliza A. Sweet was born in Harford in 1825 and was educated in the neighboring schools. After the marriage of E. A. and Eliza A. (Sweet) Page in 1850, they moved to their present farm in Jackson, where our subject cleared up a good farm, erected good buildings and developed one of the finest farms in Jackson township. To them have been born five children, all of whom were lost in childhood. William Le Grand, the eldest, born in 1851, died at the age of fourteen years; Sarah E. died the same year at the age of twelve years; Helen M. died when two years of age; Freddie died in childhood from measles; and Georgie F., when six years and six months old, was fatally stricken with diphtheria. The children were bright and interesting boys and girls, and their loss was deeply felt. Politically Mr. Page is a Democrat. Himself and wife are most highly respected by all who know them, for their genial worth and many most estimable qualities.

CHARLES S. BANKER, a well-known con- tractor, builder and farmer of Liberty township, Susquehanna county, has been prominently identi- fied with the interests of this section throughout his active business life. He is a champion of every movement designed to promote the general wel- fare, a supporter of every enterprise for the public good, and has materially aided in the advancement of all social, industrial, educational and moral in- terests.

A native of Susqueha .na county, Mr. Banker was born in Franklin township, in November, 1857, a son of David and Esther (Watson) Banker. The father was born in Long Island, in 1798, and in 1805 was brought to Susquehanna county by

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1243

his father, George Banker, who located near the Susquehanan river, in Liberty township, taking up a tract of government land on Wyley's creek, about two miles from the river. After erecting a log cabin for the accommodation of his family, he commenced to clear and improve his land, and there he and his worthy wife made their home un- til death. Their remains were interred in a

private burying ground upon their farm. In their family were three sons and two daughters, namely: (I) Charlotte married A. T. Fish, of Lawsville Center, Susquehanna county. (2) Sophia married Joseph Lewis, a Congregational minister, of Susquehanna county, and they re- moved to Lee county, Illinois, where she died, leaving three sons, who are still residents of that county. One daughter married a Mr. Virgil, and also made her home in that county. (3) Nathaniel married Elizabeth Belcher and located on his father's old homestead in Liberty township, where he reared a family of ten children-Wesley ; Levi; Addison Walter; Richard; Lucy and Hannah,. both deceased; Sarah, wife of Charles Williams, of Hallstead, Penn .; Mrs. Lydia Kellum, of Hall- stead; and Mary, widow of Frederick Hollister, a railroad man of Hallstead, where she still re- sides. (4) Benjamin married and located in Franklin township, Susquehanna county, where he engaged in farming until his death. He left two sons, Benjamin and Israel, who have reared fami- lies in Susquehanna county.

David Banker, our subject's father, completes the family. He grew to manhood upon the home farm, receiving a very limited education. In 1826 he married Miss Elizabeth Watson, a daughter of James and Sarah Watson, pioneers of Franklin township, and for three years after his marriage lived near the old homestead, then purchasing a partially improved farm in Franklin township, where he continued to reside throughout life. There his first wife died, in December, 1851. The chil- dren born to them were as follows: (I) Jeremiah remained for a number of years on the old home- stead in Franklin township. (2) David married Delia Dewey, of Illinois, and operated the old home farm with his brother Jeremiah until a few years ago, when the latter removed to another farm in Franklin township. (3) Esther is the wife of George W. Barton, now of Binghamton, N. Y., and they have one son, Frank. (4) Seeley mar- ried Ellen Camp, of Illinois, and lived for some time in Lee county, that State, where she died. Later he moved to Union county, Iowa, where his death occurred in 1898. He left four daughters- Ida, wife of a Mr. Black, of Illinois; and Minnie, Jessie and Nellie, all residents of Iowa. (5) Mary is the wife of Johnson Cornell, of Susquehanna county. (6) Andrew married Helen Lines, of Sus- quehanna county, and removed to Erie county, Penn., where she died, leaving two sons and one daughter-Myron and Arthur, who both hold office with the elevated railway company in New York

City, and are prominent men there; and Eva, wife of Frederick Trobridge, postmaster of Great Bend, Penn. (7) Julia is the wife of J. Emery Gunn, of New Milford, Penn., and they have four children, Jerome, Fernando, Laura and Almeda. For his second wife the father of our subject mar- ried Esther Watson, a sister of his deceased wife, and the only child born of this union was our sub- ject. David Banker died upon his farm in Frank- lin township in 1883, and the mother of our subject passed away in 1888. Both united with the Pres- byterian Church in early life, were consistent and earnest Christians, and took an active part in all Church work, to which they gave liberally of their time and means. The father was identified with the Republican party, and held several local offices of honor and trust.

Charles S. Banker was reared on the home farm, and attended school in Great Bend. At the age of eighteen he began serving an apprenticeship, with his brother, at the carpenter's trade, and later he spent two years working at same in Lee county, Ill. On his return to Susquehanna county, in 1873, he commenced contracting on his own account, and has since successfully carried on operations in that line. In 1879 his mother purchased the farm in Liberty township where he now resides, and which came into his possesssion at her death. He has made many improvements upon the place, including the erection of a commodious modern residence in 1891.

In 1887 Mr. Banker married Miss Ida Aldrich, the only child of Farris and Julia Aldrich, promi- nent early settlers of Susquehanna county, the former of whom died when she was only four years old. She was educated in the high school of Bing- hamton, N. Y., and prior to her marriage was one of the successful teachers of Broome county, that State, and Susquehanna county. To our subject and wife have come two children: Esther, born in September, 1891; and Robert, born in March, 1894. Both Mr. and Mrs. Banker hold member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Hall- stead, and take an active interest in its work. So- cially he is a member of Hope Grange, of Hallstead, and politically he affiliates with the Republican party. He has held the office of school director, and has also been a member of the vigilance com- mittee.

THOMAS H. STITES, proprietor of Stites' "Mountain House," was born July 5, 1853, in the city of Philadelphia, where his education was chiefly obtained. After coming to Monroe county he en- gaged in the lumbering and mercantile business with his father. In 1874 they built what is known as Stites' "Mountain House," a commodious and modern house, to which is attached one thousand acres of land, including a well-cultivated farm, which supplies the table with fruits and vegeta- bles. The Analomink river, considered as good a trout stream as can be found, surrounds the place.

1244

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The subject of this sketch is a stanch Repub- lican. In religion he inclines to the Methodist faith, of which his father and mother were strict adherents.

DELMER STARK is a well-known druggist furniture dealer and speculator of Rush, Susque- hanna county. His record is that of a man who, by his own unaided efforts, has worked his way upward to a position of affluence. His life has been one of industry and perseverance, and the system- atic and honorable business methods which he has followed have won him the support and confidence of many. Without the aid of influence or wealth, he has risen to a prominent position among the business men of Susquehanna county, and his native genius and acquired ability are the stepping-stones he used.

Mr. Stark is a native of Susquehanna county, born in Springville township, August 16, 1854, a son of Seth B. Stark, who was born May 28, 1808, in Wyoming county, Penn., and there married, on October 24, 1833, Miss Fanny Squire, who was born September 4, 1815, in Wyoming county. They came to Springville township in 1834, and here the father died May 3, 1881, aged seventy-three years. He was a prominent farmer, and served as justice of the peace for ten years, besides filling other town- ship offices. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was an active worker in same, and served as superintendent of the Sun- day-school at Ball's Church for many years. The mother died at West Nicholson, Wyoming county, December 6, 1895, aged eighty years, and was laid to rest in the Stark cemetery, in that county. The children born to them were as follows: Harmon, a farmer of Springville township, Susquehanna county, served during the Civil war in Company B. 132nd P. V. I., and was wounded in the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862; Mary married M. O. Stark, a distant relative, and now a retired citi- zen of Nicholson, Penn., who served as a member of Company A, 57th P. V. I .; Rosetta is the wife of Jeremiah Stevens, a speculator of Nicholson, who served as county commissioner of Susquehanna county for six years; Eliza married Loren Ball, and died in 1862, in Wyoming county (he was in the Civil war, and was held in Andersonville prison for some time) ; Bently died in 1862 at Harrison's Landing, while in the seven-days' fight under George B. McClellan; Nathan R. died in 1876, from injuries received during the Civil war, in which he served with the 192nd N. Y. V. I .; Zura died of diphtheria in 1862; Dexter W., a resident of Tunkhannock, Penn., is general agent for the Champion Mowing Machine Co .; Almon is a farmer and dealer of West Nicholson; Delmer is our sub- ject ; and H. Clymer is a farmer of West Nicholson. Our subject's paternal grandfather, John Stark, was born December 5, 1776, in Orange county, N. Y., son of William Stark and grandson of Christopher Stark, who came to the Wyoming

Valley in 1772-73. In 1779 John Stark married Temperance Pratt, who was born May 16, 1780, in Orange county, N. Y., and died in 1814; she was our subject's grandmother. On February 12, 1815, he married, for his second wife, a Miss Camp, who was born March 22, 1774, and died in 1862, in Illinois. John Stark died July 18, 1841. He was an early settler of Wyoming county, Penn., resid- ing at East Lemon, and followed farming through- out life.

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 290

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