Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 292

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 292
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 292
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 292
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 292

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GEORGE B. DECKER, the popular and effi- cient postmaster at Analomink, Monroe county, has in his fourteen years of faithful service displayed unusual ability and efficiency as a public official. A gratifying token of his success now treasured by

& B. Decker

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its recipient is a letter from Hon. John Wanamaker, ex-Postmaster General, bearing date of February 5, 1893, in which that distinguished official ex- pressed his appreciation of the absolute accuracy of Mr. Decker's work in that office, and stated that he was one of the few in the country who had proved themselves equal to every technical requirement. This commendation caused no surprise among those who knew Mr. Decker well, for his many years of active life among them as a miller, merchant and general business man have made them familiar with his merits, and the community shared in his satis- faction over the well-deserved recognition.

Mr. Decker was born September 9, 1855, in Pike county, and comes of excellent ancestry, being a direct descendant of Henry Decker, who was born probably in New York State, whence he came in early manhood to Pennsylvania, settling in what was then Pike (now Monroe) county. He was a farmer by occupation. There he married Maria Vanetten, and they had children as follows: Simon, Barnet, Ann, Maria, Madison, James, Wilson, Will- iam, and Catherine.

Barnet Decker (grandfather of our subject) was born in Pike (now Monroe) county, and died in Middlesmithfield township. Like his father, he was a farmer, and in the spring he also engaged in rafting on the Delaware river. He married Elizabeth Gunsaulus, and they became the parents of ten chil- dren, namely: Samuel, Calvin (father of our sub- ject), Charles W. (who served at one time as as- sociate judge of Monroe county), Margaret, Rhyma, Daniel, Jackson, Susan, Nellieand Sarah. Samuel and Rhyma are the only survivors of this large family. The former was born April 24, 1823, in Pike (now Monroe) county, and was reared in his native place. When a boy he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, which he has always followed, and he has also engaged in agriculture to some extent, con- clucting a small farm near Bushkill. He is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, with which his daughter also unites, and politically he follows in his father's footsteps, being a Democrat. Samuel Decker married Miss Sarah Depuy, who was born May 8, 1826, in New Jersey, and died January I, 1898; she, too, was a member of the Presbyterian Church. This union was blessed with one daughter, Clarrie E., who keeps house for her father.

Calvin Decker was born in Pike (now Mon- roe) county, and was reared to farming, which he followed all his life, becoming quite prosperous. He resided in Lehman township, Pike county. Calvin Decker married, for his first wife, Miss Rosanna Frutchey, and their children were: Francis, Luther, George B., William, John and Fannie. The mother of these dving, Mr. Decker married ( sec- ond) Miss Susie Walter, and to this union were born: Flora, Ella, Lillie, Anna, Frank and Lizzie. Mr. Decker was a Democrat in political sentiment.

Our subject obtained his early education in the public schools of this section, and work on the home farm developed in him habits of industry from 79

mere boyhood. For a short time he clerked in a store in which he was later a partner, and he was subsequently employed in a tannery at Analomink. His characteristic thoroughness was shown in every undertaking. even in youth, and while in the tannery he received promotion rapidly, and for fourteen years held the position of foreman. Having determined to engage in business on his own ac- count, he purchased a gristmill at Spragueville which he has since conducted profitably, and for a number of years he has carried on a general business in ship- ping ties, timber and wood, to the mines and else- where. On June 18, 1897, he became a partner in the mercantile firm of Decker & Fetherman, at Analomink, and his popularity, energy and sound judgment were recognized factors in the success of the enterprise ; on October 1, 1898, he sold his in- terest in the store to S. T. Detrick. Notwithstand- ing his business cares, Mr. Decker has found time to discharge the duties of citizenship and has taken an active part in the work of the Democratic party. During President Cleveland's first term he was ap- pointed postmaster at Analomink, which position he has held continuously ever since. He has served as school director of his district for fifteen years.

In 1878 Mr. Decker married Miss Ida Price, who was born September 8, 1857, at Analomink,. daughter of W. J. and Delih (LeBar) Price, the former of whom died July 28, 1899; the mother makes her home with Mrs. Decker. Two children. have blessed this union: Minnie F. and Ada M. Mr. Decker and his wife are much esteemed in social. life, and he is a leading member of the P. O. S. of A., at Analomink.

JOHN OAKLEY. Prominent among the old and honored citizens of Susquehanna county, whose lives have been devoted to agricultural pur- suits and who have made for themselves a com- fortable home and competence, is the subject of this review. For forty-three years he has resided in Springville township and taken an active part: in its development and upbuilding.

Mr. Oakley belongs to a family which was founded in this country by three brothers of En- glish birth, who separated on coming to America, one locating in New York State, another in the West, and the third, Elijah Oakley, in Luzerne county, Penn. The last named, who was the grand- father of our subject, bought property in that coun- ty, and there followed lumbering and farming until called from this life. He was buried on his. farm, which is included in Wyoming county. In poiltical sentiment he was a Democrat. He had a large family, consisting of several daughters and four sons who reached maturity, the latter being Robert; Joatham, who located in Harford, Sus- quehanna county ; John; and Samuel, the father of our subject. All are now deceased.

Samuel Oakley was born on the old homestead, in what was then Luzerne (now Wyoming) county, Penn., and remained there throughout life, his.

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time being devoted to agricultural pursuits. He married l'olly Jackson, a daughter of William and Sophia (Squirrel) Jackson, also residents of Lu- zerne county ; her father was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. Our subject's father died in 1865, aged seventy-six years, his mother in Oc- tober, 1866, aged seventy-four. She was a faith- ful member of the Christian Church, and with her husband had the respect and esteem of the entire community in which they lived. In politics he was a Democrat. Their children were Caroline, deceased wife of Alonzo Oakley; Nehemiah, who died in Wyoming county ; Sally, deceased wife of Loomis Taylor, of Lathrop township, Susque- hanna county ; Perry, a farmer of Wyoming coun- ty ; John, our subject ; Catherine, deceased wife of Sylvester Bacon, of Wyoming county; Mary Ann, wife of Edwin Stevens, of Brooklyn township, Susquehanna county ; and three who died young.

John Oakley was born October 25, 1823, in that part of Luzerne county which is now Wyoming county, and there grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education. He married Miss Nor- manda Reynolds, who was born May 14, 1824, in Benton township, Luzerne (now Lackawanna) county, a daughter of Griffin and Polly ( Stanton) Reynolds, who removed from Benton to Wyoming county. Four children were born to our subject and his wife, namely: Byron, a veteran of the Civil war, and a farmer of Springville township, Susquehanna county ; Julia, wife of George Noble, of the same township; George W., who is engaged in the butchering business; and Samuel, who died October 25, 1892.

Soon after his marriage Mr. Oakley bought property in Wyoming county, but in the spring of 1856 he sold that place and came to Susquehanna county, purchasing 121 2-3 acres in Springville township. At that time it was nearly all wild land, and where his residence now stands was a dense forest, but he at once turned his attention to its cul- tivation and improvement, and now has one of the best farms in the locality His pleasant home was erected in 1863, and greatly improved in 1897. It is surrounded by good barns and other outbuildings, and everything about the place betokens the thrift and enterprise of theowner, who certainly thoroughly understands his chosen calling. His farm is well stocked with cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry, and in connection with general farming he is interested in dairying and lumbering. Like his ancestors, he is a supporter of the Democratic party, and for several years he most capably and satisfactorily served as supervisor of his township. Fraternally he is a member of the Grange.

MISS ALICE C. POTTER, a highly-es- teemed resident of Gibson township, Susquehanna county, is a representative of a well-known family of that section, and a descendant of Capt. Joseph Potter, the noted pioneer.

Oliver Potter, the father of our subject, was

for many years a leading agriculturist of Gibson township. He was born there in January, 1818, son of Parley and Philena (Norton) Potter, and died May 21, 1898, at his homestead, his remains being interred at Gelatt. As a citizen he was much respected, and he and his wife were active members of the Free-Will Baptist Church for a long period. He married Maria Cooley, and they had four children: Elizabeth E., wife of Abner N. Dart, of Herrick township, Susquehanna county ; Preston C., who died at the age of twenty-one; Miss Alice C .; and one who died in infancy.

Mrs. Maria (Cooley) Potter was a native of Wayne county, and died in Gibson township in Au- gust, 1882, aged sixty years. Her father, Sheldon Cooley, was born in Connecticut, but made his per- manent home after his marriage at Manchester, Wayne county, where he engaged extensively in farming and lumbering. His wife, Elizabeth Mo- gridge, a native of Birmingham, England, came to America in 1812, and previous to their marriage she resided in Cochecton, New York.

PETER ERARD BEAURON. The life rec- ord of this gentleman, now a prominent and highly- respected citizen of Shohola township, Pike county, is of more than ordinary interest, for he has traveled extensively and made his home, at different times, in almost every one of the "four corners of the globe."

Mr. Beauron was born in Switzerland, January 6, 1842, but was only seven years old when he came to America, with his parents, John J. and Mary U. (Bourguard) Beauron, also natives of Switzerland. The father was born April 16, 1801, and, like many of his countrymen, became a watch manufacturer. In 1849 he emigrated with his family to America, and located in New York City, where he engaged in importing watches and watch materials for over twenty years. He died April 19, 1869, and his wife June 20, 1861, honored and respected by all who knew them. They had a family of three chil- dren, of whom our subject is the. youngest. Joseph Victor was married in New York City, and there carried on watchmaking and importing; owing to ill health he made a trip to Europe, and died while in France, in 1875, leaving two daughters, who are now living in New York City. Frances, deceased, married Leon Jodry (also from Switzerland), in New York City, and they had nine children, five sons and four daughters.

Mr. Beauron, whose name introduces this sketch, learned the business of manufacturing watches with his father in New York City, and at the age of twenty came with him to Shohola town- ship, Pike Co., Penn, where they purchased 939 acres of land, only twenty of which had been cleared, the rest being covered with very valuable timber. After remaining here a year he returned to New York City, and from that time on our subject may be truthfully called a "globe trotter." He located

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in cities of wealth, and secured the patronage of the best class of people. He spent four years in Havana, Cuba, where he engaged in importing watches and jewelry. He then crossed the Isthmus of Panama, and proceeded to San Francisco, Cal., where he remained three years. Going down the Pacific to Lima, the capital of Peru, he lived there for two years, then rounded the stormy Cape Horn to Rio, where he was in business for three years. Anxious to enter a new field of labor, and see still more of the world, he decided to locate in India, but being in no hurry he went by way of Europe, and made a tour of England, France and Spain. He then returned to England, and there embarked for Calcutta, arriving in the course of several months, and in that city engaged in business for two years. One season was also passed in the Himalayas, where the wealthy class of India spend their summers. He made short stops at Bombay and Cape Colony, and then proceeded to Australia, and after staying for three months in Sydney he located in Melbourne, where he was engaged in business for seven years.

While in Melbourne Mr. Beauron was mar- ried, February 28, 1876, to Miss Sarah Gertrude Wheeler, who was born in Australia March 19, 1858. Her parents, Nathaniel and Mary Ann (Mc- Bain) Wheeler, are both natives of England, and are still living in Melbourne, where the father is engaged in the wholesale grain business. Mr. and Mrs. Beauron have become the parents of the fol- lowing children: Sarah Josephine, born in Mel- bourne, Australia; Jane Ann, born in Melbourne ; Cecelia and Bertha, twins, born in Melbourne, the latter of whom died in Shohola, Penn .; Louisa, also born in Melbourne; Peter Victor, born in Paris, France; and Julia, Mary and Agnes, all born in Shohola, Pennsylvania.

The family, deciding to come to America, first paid a visit to Europe, traveling through England, Spain, Franceand Portugal, and at Bordeaux, France, took ship for New York, arriving there in 1888. After one year spent in that city Mr. Beauron re- turned to the wild property in Pike county, Penn., which he and his father had purchased many years before. There the family still resides, our subject being now retired from business, while he devotes his attention to farming on a limited scale, still own- ing 430 acres of the original tract. While in busi- ness he held membership in the Masonic Fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics he is independent. Travel, and his social, genial nature, have made him an entertaining com- panion, and he is a stanch and loyal friend, fond of good fellowship, and devoted to those who have his confidence.

PORTER H. HUNT, the sturdy blacksmith of Glenwood, Lenox township, Susquehanna coun- ty, whose merry anvil has rung in the village for ten years, is a master of the trade, and has followed in

the footsteps of his father, Stephen Hunt, who a generation ago was an industrious and successful blacksmith in Carbon and Luzerne counties.

John R. Hunt, the grandfather of our subject, was a lifelong farmer of Scott township, Luzerne county, where he died at the age of seventy-three years and three days. His family of eight children were as follows: Eunice, wife of A. Sisco, of Lu- zerne county ; Maria, wife of P. Snyder, of Carbon- dale ; Jane, wife of P. Ailsworth; Stephen, father of our subject ; Robert, of Brown Hollow, Lackawanna county ; Albert, of Scott Valley; John L., of Scott Valley; and Noah, a wagon maker of Clark's Green. Stephen Hunt, the father of our subject, was born in May, 1821. He was reared on the farm, and acquired a thorough knowledge of the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in Carbon and Luzerne counties until he retired from active life, living in Mill City. In politics he was a Repub- lican. He married Margaret Green, who is yet living, at the age of seventy-seven years. To Ste- phen and Margaret Hunt were born the following children: Maria, who married George Carney, of Falls, Wyoming county ; John B., a miner of Win- ton; Porter H., subject of this sketch; Joseph, who died young; Robert, who died young; Margaret Ann, who married George Pennelton, of Mill City ; Albert, a farmer of Mill City; Bell, who married John Walters, of Mill City; and Jacob, a farmer of Mill City.

Porter H. Hunt, our subject, was born in White Haven, Penn., January 1, 1857. He was ed- ucated in the common schools, and when of suffi- cient age began working in his father's shop, then in Dunmore, thoroughly learning the trade under his father's supervision. He lived during his youth in Luzerne, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. He was married, at Thorn Hill, by Elder Mil- ler, to 'Miss Viola McCracken, daughter of An- drew and Martha McCracken, who lived in Nicholson, and both of whom are now deceased. They had six children, as follows: Henry, of Nich- olson ; Ella, wife of Nelson Lowrey, of Taylorsville ; Annie, who died at the age of seventeen years; Viola, wife of our subject, born March 1, 1858; Ephraim, of Wilkes Barre ; and Lillie, wife of Frank Brown, of Nicholson.

To our subject and wife have been born seven children, as follows: Perry, born March 21, 1875, engaged in blacksmithing (on October 3, 1899, he married Miss Eva Benedict, a native of Mill City, where they are living; her parents died when she was young) ; George, born December 22, 1877; Cora, born January 18, 1880; May, born March 7, 1882; Lillie, born February 20, 1884; Martha, born December 20, 1886; and Nellie, born October 21, 1894.

Mr. Hunt began work at his trade for him- self at Hop Bottom, where he worked six months. He then followed his trade for three years at Ben- ton. Purchasing a home and a shop in Thomas

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Hill, he remained there until 1889, when he located at Glenwood, his present home. Mr. Hunt there pur- chased a house and lot, and erected his shop. In addition to blacksmithing he follows gardening. In politics he is a Republican. He is an active and thrifty artisan, and his labor contributes in large measure to the industrial life of the community.

H. W. GERRITSON, who as a mason and farmer has been identified with the interests of Springville township, Susquehanna county, for many years, was born August 12, 1848, and is a son of William H. Gerritson, who lived in Dimock town- ship, Susquehanna county, for some years.

In early life the father of our subject was em- ployed as a miner, but after purchasing fifty-six acres of partially improved land in Springville town- ship, in 1858, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Later he sold that property and moved to Lynn, where he lived retired until called from this life, February 8, 1897, aged seventy-two years. As a Democrat he took quite an active part in local political affairs, and held several minor offices to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He wed- ded Miss Mary Carlin, a daughter of Samuel Car- lin, and she died October 26, 1898, aged seventy years. H. W., our subject, is the eldest of their children ; Nettie is now the wife of Calvin Cornell, of Auburn township, Susquehanna county ; Lydia is deceased; S. R. is engaged in mining in Love- land, Colo .; Bertha is a resident of Lynn; William M. is with the volunteer army in Manila; and An- drew is a resident of Colorado.

From ten years of age H. W. Gerritson has made his home uninterruptedly in Susquehanna county, and is indebted to its common schools for his educational privileges. At the age of twenty he commenced learning the mason's trade, which he has since followed in Springville township. In 1898 he came into possession of fifty-two acres of im- proved land in that township, and has since devoted a portion of his time to farming and dairying, keep- ing five cows, besides some young stock.

On July 4, 1871, in Springville township, Mr. Gerritson was united in marriage with Miss Rosella Brooks, a daughter of John and Helen (Taylor) Brooks. Her paternal grandparents, Brown and Hannah ( Spalding) Brooks, were natives of New Hampshire, who came to Susquehanna county, Penn., at an early day, and took up land in Spring- ville township. Her maternal grandparents were William and Mehitable (Lyman) Taylor. Her fa- ther was born in New Hampshire, but was married in Susquehanna county, and continued to reside on the old homestead in Sprinville township until his death, March 15, 1882, when he was sixty-four years of age. Mrs. Gerritson was born March 22, 1853, and is second in the order of birth in a family of seven children, the others being as fol- lows: William R., a farmer of Bridgewater town- ship, Susquehanna county; Edgar, a farmer of

Brookdale, same county; Jennie, wife of Roscoe Compton, of Elk Lake, Penn. ; Griffin, a dairv farmer of De Kalb, Ill .; Jetta, wife of William Cappel, of Hyde Park, Penn .; and Lulu, wife of William Ward, of Springville township, Susquehanna coun- ty. Our subject and his wife have a family of six children, namely : Blanche, now the wife of George Gesford, a blacksmith of Lynn, Penn .; Grace, a resident of Montrose, Penn .; Arlie, who is working at farming in Lynn ; Harry, a resident of De Kalb, Ill. ; Virgie, a teacher in Springville township; and Helen, at home.

By his ballot Mr. Gerritson supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and he takes a commendable interest in public affairs. He at- tends and supports the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is a faithful member, and so- cially belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 181, of Lynn, which he joined in 1893; since March 9, 1897, both he and his wife have held membership with the Daughters of Rebekah No. 187, I. O. O. F., of Springville. Wherever known they are held in high regard, and in the community where they make their home none have more or warmer friends than Mr. and Mrs. Gerritson.

ERWIN W. MAXSON, a prominent dentist of Forest City, is a native of Susquehanna county, born in Lenox township, October 23, 1829, and is a son of Nathan and Sarah ( Dowd) Maxson, the for- mer a native of Rhode Island, the latter of Susque- hanna county, Penn. The paternal grandfather, Na- than Maxson, Sr., was also born in Rhode Island, and at an early day became a resident of Harford town- ship, Susquehanna Co., Penn., where he died in 1834, at a ripe old age. The maternal grandfather, Isaac Dowd, was a pioneer settler of Lenox town- ship, where he continued to make his home through- out life. Nathan Maxson, Jr., came with his par- ents to Susquehanna county, and when a young man located in Lenox township, where he followed the occupation of farming throughout his active buisi- ness career. He died in 1843, at the age of sixty years, his wife in 1879, at the age of eighty-nine, and both were laid to rest in Tower cemetery, Lenox township. In religious faith they were Universal- ists and Baptists, respectively, and were highly es- teemed by all who knew them. Their children were as follows: (I) Ezra was an attorney and deputy government surveyor in Texas, where his death oc- curred. For three months he took an active part in the Mexican war as one of the Texas Rangers and was with Gen. Taylor when he captured Matamo- ras. (2) Sterling B. is a retired wine manufac- turer of Glenwood, Penn. (3) Julia first married a Mr. Gile and second a Mr. Lyman, and died in Oregon. (4) Eleanor is the wife of John Lord, a farmer of Lathrop township, Susquehanna county. (5) Erwin W. completes the family.

At the age of fourteen years Dr. Erwin W. Maxson began to make his own way in the world

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by working for farmers and in sawmills, but he continued to make his home on the farm with his mother and brother until twenty-six years of age. In the meantime he was married, in Harford town- ship, in 1853, to Miss Addie S. Peck, by whom he had one daughter, Addie, now the wife of T. C. Manzer, of Forest City. Mrs. Maxson, a native of Vermont, died in 1856, at the age of twenty-one years, and was laid to rest in Tower cemetery, Lenox township. Her parents, Daniel H. and Melissa (Tower) Peck, were also natives of the Green Mountain State and early settlers of Sus- quehanna county, where her father, a farmer by oc- cupation, died. The mother is still living and makes her home in Harford township. Dr. Maxson was again married in Lenox township, in 1874, his second union being with Miss Salona A. Millard, a native of that township. Her parents, John and Lydia (Harding) Millard, were born in Luzerne county, Penn., and at an early day came to Lenox township, Susquehanna county, where they lived as farming people throughout the remainder of their lives. By his second marriage the Doctor has two sons: Herbert E., of Forest City, who mar- ried Eleanor Bell and has two children-Earold L. and Herbert E .; and Ralph W., at home.

At the age of twenty-four Dr. Maxson took up the study of dentistry with George Halstead, of Harford township, and was in his office at inter- vals for four years, working in the meantime at other occupations in order to meet his expenses. A short time after his marriage he removed from Lenox township to Waymart, Penn., where he spent one year, and the following year he lived in Honesdale. He made his home in Scranton for seven years, but owing to ill health he returned to Lenox township. When he had sufficiently recov- ered he removed to Susquehanna, where he en- gaged in the practice of his chosen profession for two years, but the following year was spent in com- parative idleness on account of his wife's health. After three years at Hopbottom, Penn., he was again obliged to give up business on account of illness, and returned to the old homestead, where he remained until November, 1890, at which time he opened his present office in Forest City. He is a good dentist and has built up an excellent trade during his residence here. He is very active for one of his age, and his erect form and black hair and beard make him appear much younger that he really is. He is strictly temperate and gives his political support to the Prohibition party and its principles. His life has been manly, his actions sincere, his manner unaffected, and his example is well worthy of emulation.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 292

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