Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 33

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 33
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 33
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 33
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 33

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).

Mrs. Gregg was born at Hawley, February 24, 1853, a daughter of Abram and Jane ( Womelsdorf ) Snyder, the former born in Greenfield, Luzerne Co., Penn., December 20, 1819, the latter in Reading, Penn., December 25, 1820. They were married Sep- tember 14, 1842, and became the parents of the fol- lowing children: Frances, born May 22, 1843, is the wife of Dighton Daniels, of Hawley, a clerk for the Erie Railroad Co. ; Emma R., born May 5, 1845. is the wife of Samuel K. Dodd, a carpenter and builder ; Jane A., born August 11, 1847, is the wife of George Ammerman, of Hawley ; Abram R., born February 19, 1851, is a railroad conductor, residing in Scranton, Penn. ; Helen R. is the wife of our sub- ject ; Myron T., born August 2, 1855, is a druggist in

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Hawley ; Samuel W., born December 25, 1857, died July 3, 1863 ; and Mary E., born October 18, 1861, resides with her mother in Hawley. The father, who was a cabinet maker by trade, was made super- intendent of the Pennsylvania car shops in Hawley, and died at that place September 5, 1863. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a Republican in politics.

Socially, Mr. Gregg is a prominent member of the F. & A. M. Lodge No. 305, of Hawley, of which he is past master, and religiously is a leading and in- fluential member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is serving as steward; while politically he is identified with the Republican party. He is a valued and honored citizen of Hawley, is a man of sterling worth in all the relations of life, and his name is inseparably connected with the business in- terests of his adopted city.

JOHN W. ANDREWS. The Latin name Andreas signifies "manly," or "like a man," and is generally supposed to have originated with Andrew, the first called of our Savior's apostles. He was born at Bethsaida, the son of Jonas, and the brother of Peter, and became, first, a disciple of John the Baptist. Scripture tells us but little of him, but Origen says he preached in Scythia, and St. Jerome says he preached in Achaia. Tradition tells that he was crucified at Patras, in Achaia, on a cross in the form of the letter X. St. Andrew became the patron Saint of Scotland. The name has become common in England, and from the earliest history men bearing the name Andrew or Andrews have been close to the ruling sovereign-friends of those

Monarchs-the powerful and the strong- Famous in the history and the song Of olden time.

The books of heraldry give full and complete descriptions of the coats of arms belonging to dif- ferent families, according to the spelling of the name, but these insignia of rank are of small moment in a country of republican institutions, and regard- less of the termination of the name, be it Andrew, Andrews, Andrewes, Andrus, Andreuss, Andreas, Andres, Andros, Andross, Androws, Androwes, An- drose, or Andores, all have reached a common level and acknowledged themselves but different branches of the same tree. The diversity in orthography might easily be attributable to the clerks, registrars and ministers of a parish, who often spelled by sound, or at least without any attempt at verification. William Andrews came from Hampsworth, Eng- land, to New Haven, Conn., in 1638 or 1639. His family spelled' the name Andrews, but when one branch, a few generations later, settled in Coventry and Vernon, Conn., the minister of the parish re- corded the baptism of the children, and called the father "Anders."

John Andrews, the progenitor of this branch of the family, came to this country in 1640 to avoid

the persecutions that were caused by the unsettled state of the British government at home. He and his wife Mary settled at Farmington, Conn., where their son Daniel, who was a large land owner and attained considerable prominence in the community, died April 16, 1731, at the age of eighty-two years. Daniel Andrews had, married (his wife's name is now unknown), and his eldest son, Daniel, Jr., was born at Farmington March 9, 1672. He married Mabel, a daughter of Jacob Goff, of Weth- ersfield, and died August 21, 1748, when he was aged seventy-seven years, and his remains rest at Great Swamp, where a red sand-stone monument marks his grave. Joseph, the eldest son of Dan- iel, Jr., was born 1711 at Wethersfield, Conn., and on December 13, 1733, was married (first) to Mrs. Elizabeth Wilcox, and (second) to Theoda Pendal. The eldest son of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Wilcox) Andrews was Daniel, who was born in 1734 at South Glastonbury, and served in Second Company, 5th Regiment, during the Revolutionary war. He married Anna, a daughter of Charles and Lucy Eddy, of South Glastonbury, and after her death Mr. Andrews was married to Mrs. Sallie Brown, a widow at East Hampton, Conn., and they became early settlers at Hamlinton, Penn. John Andrews, Sr., the son of Daniel and Anna (Eddy) Andrews, was born in Glastonbury, and married Lucy Eddy, who died December 10, 1827. In the family of children was born John, Jr., who first saw the light December 14, 1792, and on August 23, 1818, mar- ried Amanda Hamlin, who was born May 3, 1799, and lived at Salem, Penn. After her death he mar- ried Betsey Hollister, who was born November 3, 1801, and died August 11, 1865, at the age of sixty- four years. He owned 125 acres of land in Salem township, was one of its substantial citizens, and died January 2, 1850, a faithful and consistent mem- ber of the Methodist Church. He was the father of the following children: Abner, mention of whom is made below; Andrew J., born January 25, 1824, was married December 30, 1846, to Harriet L. Jones, of Salem township; Amanda J., born November 28, 1825, was married September 13,. 1854, to Anson Bidwell, and both are now deceased; Abigail M., born December 7. 1827, died June 3, 1855; Asahel C., born January 25, 1832, was married. December 29, 1853, to Eliza McLean; Mary, born February 25, 1842, was married December 25, 1866, to Thomas B. Engle, a soldier in the Civil war; and Martha, born August 20, 1843, married December 25, 1866, to Frank Engle, also a soldier in the war of the Rebellion.

Abner Andrews was born October 3, 1822, in Salem township. He was a farmer by occupation and a faithful follower of. the teachings of the Methodist faith. On November 4, 1845, he was united in marriage to Phobe Orinda Peet, of Litch- field, Conn., who died October 3, 1890. Their chil- dren were: Salinda, widow of William Jones, a farmer of Lake Ariel; Adelaide, wife of John W. Watson, a farmer of Hamlinton, Wayne county ;

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Ann E., wife of Henry Blake, a farmer of Hamlin- ton ; and John W.

John W. Andrews, the subject proper of this re- view, was born in Salem township, June 24, 1860. The home farm was the scene of his boyhood and youth, and continued to be his abiding place until he had reached the age of twenty-four years. Hav- ing a desire to enter the mercantile business, he went to Jermyn, Lackawanna Co., Penn., where he started the first cash store known in that vicinity. For four years he carried on this business with no little success, and then returned home and worked on the farm for three years. The attractions of the mer- cantile world were strong, and Mr. Andrews found it impossible to resist the

Divinity that shapes our ends, Rough hew them how we will.

and in January, 1893, he purchased his present gen- eral store at Lake Ariel, from Edgar Simons, and has built up a lucrative trade. On January 9, 1894, he was appointed postmaster, and now finds his time is well taken up with the duties attendant upon the faithful discharge of his obligations to the govern- ment and the management of his own extensive in- terests. Courteous and genial, of honest, upright purpose, he has won customers, and of the customers he has made firm friends. In his political faith he is a Democrat, and takes an active part in the work of his party. For two years he served as poormas- ter of Salem township, and in many ways has evinced his willingness to do his duty to his fellow citizens as a loyal, patriotic American.

On September 28, 1882, Mr. Andrews was mar- ried to Anna Pellett, who was born November 28, 1857, a daughter of Adelbert and Mary J. ( Ainsley) Pellett. Adelbert Pellett was born in Wayne coun- ty March 28, 1827, and followed his trade of car- penter and builder until his retirement in 1887, since which time he has resided with his daughter, Mrs. Andrews; he was twice married, first to Mary J. Ainsley ( who was born March 27, 1831, and died at Hawley, Penn., March II, 1863), by whom he be- came the father of three children : Fannie M. (born May 29, 1856, died June 28, 1858), Anna (Mrs. Andrews), and Clarence (born January 6, 1860, died April 5, 1866) ; his second wife was Miss Amanda Tyler ( who was born October 1, 1835, and died June 8, 1866), and by her he had one child, Adelbert (born May 5, 1866, died September 26, 1866). Mr. Pellett is a Republican in political faith, and a Methodist in religious belief ; he is a fine type of the self-made man peculiar to our country. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews has been blessed by the advent of four children: Lena Pearl, Adelbert, Marjorie L. and A. Densy. Mrs. An- drews is a refined and intelligent lady, and presides with gracious dignity over their charming home. Mr. Andrews is one of the substantial citizens of the town, and is a popular member of the O. U. A. M., and of Anthracite Commandery No. 211, Scranton, Penn., A. & I. O. K. of M., and has received the

Red Cross degree. Progressive and well versed on the topics of the time, he is one of those citizens on whom rests much of the responsibility for ad- vanced reforms.

HON. EDMUND B. HARDENBERGH, member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from the Twenty-sixth Senatorial District, is one of Hones- dale's most prominent and influential citizens. Al- though well born he may be said to have been the architect of his own fortunes, as he has made his way upward through circumstances which would have discouraged many, and the following brief ac- count of his life and character will doubtless be an inspiration to ambitious youths in future years.

Mr. Hardenbergh was born July 31, 1846, in Wayne county. His father was of Holland-Dutch and English extraction, and his mother of English descent. His paternal grandfather, Leonard Har- denbergh, was a man prominent in his day and gen- eration. He possessed a large tract of land in New York State, ceded to him in the Hardenbergh patent, and was the owner of slaves, all of whom he freed before his death. His estate was largely lost through the endorsement of the paper of too many friends.

Leonard Hardenbergh married Mary Brodhead, eldest daughter of Capt. Luke Brodhead, of Revo- lutionary fame, and a personal friend of LaFayette. Capt. Brodhead was a lineal descendant of Capt. Daniel Brodhead, who came to America in 1716, and was the ancestor of the Brodhead family in America. The children of Mary Brodhead and Leonard Hardenbergh were: Elizabeth, John, Rachel, Henry, and George Harrison, who was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born at Marbletown, Ulster Co., N. Y., in 1807, and died at Hawley, January 18, 1879. He was married at Bartonsville in 1831, to Harriet, daughter of Major Joseph Barton. Major Barton was born in Sussex county, N. J., of English parentage in 1781, and died at Honesdale, Wayne county, in 1848. He was con- missioned major of a regiment of militia. He mar- ried Rebecca Yard, who died in Washington, N. J., in 1826 at the age of 36. Eight children were born to them as follows: Charlotte, Caroline, Cassandra, Harriet, John Robinson, Sarah Anne, Matilda Hughes, and Joseph, Jr.

After the death of his wife Major Barton re- moved to the village of Bartonsville, Monroe Co., Penn., which was named after him. Here he was proprietor of the "Barton House" (which still re- mains with name intact), postmaster, and part owner of a mail and stage route passing through this place to Easton, Penn. He afterward removed to Canaan Corners, still retaining his interest in the mail and stage route ; where he also kept hotel and was postmaster. Thence he removed to Honesdale, Penn., where he died. He married Eliza, youngest daughter of Elizabeth Harrison and Capt. Luke Brodhead, for his second wife, who survived him. No children were born to them.

Harriet Barton was born March II, 1812, at

yours truly EBHardenbergh

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Washington, N. J., and died at Hawley July 28, 1868. She possessed great strength of character, and wisdom to a marked degree. She was a Chris- tian in word and deed, and universally beloved. The fact of her being left motherless at an early age, with her younger brothers and sisters to care for, may have strengthened these natural character- istics. While a young girl attending school in Phil- adelphia, she became acquainted with the usually taciturn Stephen Girard, who was a good friend and who asked her father if he might adopt her. The permission was not given. After her. marriage to George H. Hardenbergh she removed with him to Palmyra, N. Y., thence to Wayne county, Penn., living first at Honesdale, where Mr. Hardenbergh engaged in the dray business for a short time ; then to Wilsonville, where he manufactured axe handles, but soon moved to what is known as West Hawley, being one of the first settlers. This place was first called Hardenberghville after him; but on account of the unwieldiness of the name it was changed to Hawleysbergh, then to Hawley. After coming to this place he was superintendent of a coal company until his final retirement from business. George and Harriet Hardenbergh were charter members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Hawley, which mem- bership they retained until death; although both were of the Presbyterian predilection. Mr. Har- denbergh was also a charter member of the Masonic lodge, and was in every way a respected and leading citizen.

Of the ten children born into his family, Anna Elizabeth, John, Leonard and Willy J. died in in- fancy and early childhood; Mary Elizabeth died at the age of eighteen; Joseph Barton enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, served the full time and was honorably discharged ; he died at Hawley aged forty- eight. Franklin Harmon died at Port Jervis in June, 1876; he was universally esteemed. The three remaining members of this family are Charles Harrison, now connected with railroad work and re- siding at Avoca, Penn .; Sara Louise, a teacher of music at Scranton,, Penn. ; and Edmund Burnham Hardenbergh, subject of this sketch.

Mr. Hardenbergh was reared in the vicinity of Hawley, and attended school at that place for some time. At an early age he evinced a strong disposi- tion to carve his own fortune and to assist his fam- ily. After much importunity his mother yielded to his wish to be a bread-winner. She was willing to make any sacrifice to educate her children, but wished to foster the spark of rugged independence in her boy, and expected him to soon tire of the work and to return to school. He was thus permitted to become a slate picker when eight years old. Even at this age he was noted for his thoughtful yet cheer- ful disposition, and innate consideration for others, while his conduct was always marked by practical common sense, and on this account he was soon pro- moted to carry water, or to act in any capacity his strength would permit ; but this career was cut short

by his falling into the canal basin; fortunately he was rescued from drowning when going down the third time. For weeks his life was despaired of, but health was restored through a tender mother's watch- fulness, and he then went to school. The ever thought- ful care of his mother was returned in later years by the earnest devotion of this son, as the writer of this article can so well attest, she being left a legacy to him through his mother's dying request. From the home school he went to the Wyoming Seminary, Kingston ; but not wishing to remain he was sent with his brother Franklin to the Normal School at Palmyra, N. Y., and afterward took a course at Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie. Still having a desire for active work, and not wishing to leave home, he accepted a position as brakeman on the Erie R. R. when in his seventeenth. year. Soon afterward he was promoted to the position of bag- gagemaster, and then to that of conductor, in which he served for many years. Indeed he may be said to still hold this position, as he has not formally severed his relations with the company, although he is no longer in active service.

His integrity of character and able work as conductor brought him to the favorable notice of a large portion of the people of this section, and his qualifications for the place being recognized he was elected to the State Legislature from Wayne county in 1885 and 1887 on the Republican ticket. Having served two terms in the Lower House, he in 1890 received the support of the delegation from his county for member of the State Senate, the district being composed of Wayne and Susquehanna coun- ties, but on account of the dead-lock he withdrew his name; in 1894 he was the unanimous choice of the district, and was elected to the Senate by a hand- some majority ; in 1898 he was re-nominated for the Senate without opposition, and after a bitter strug- gle, on account of factional disturbances in the Re- publican party, was re-elected. His faithful discharge of duty has justified the confidence of the people, and his supporters and friends anticipate for him still greater honors, he being prominently mentioned for the Republican nomination for Auditor General, of the State of Pennsylvania, in the year 1900. During all these years he has been actively engaged in the work of the Republican organization, and at different times has been chairman of the County Committee of Wayne county also delegate to the State and National Conventions.

In 1869 Mr. Hardenbergh married Susan Kimble Pellett, who was born in Paupac, Pike Co., Penn .; and two children have blessed their union, Clara Louise and Raymond Waite. Mr. and Mrs. Hardenbergh are prominent in the best social circles, Mrs. Hardenbergh being a member of Grace Episco- pal Church, of which Mr. Hardenbergh is a vestry- man. He is also identified with various fraternal orders, including the Order of Red Men, Order of Railway Conductors and the Masonic Society, in which latter he has received the Chapter degrees.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

FRED W. POWELL, M. D., is one of the suc- cessful general practitioners of Honesdale, Wayne county, and though still a young man he has estab- lished a lucrative and growing practice in the city of which he is a native.

Dr. Powell is the eldest son of Seth W. and Helen (Bryant) Powell, who are still living in Honesdale. The father was born in 1838, in Eng- land, whence he was brought by his parents to America at an early age, the family locating in Honesdale, where he has since resided. For many years he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, but he is now retired from active life. His family con- sisted of three children, viz: Fred W., William B. (who is a graduate of the University of New York), and Mary E. (unmarried).

Fred W. Powell was born September 15, 1864, and received his elementary training in Honesdale, subsequently attending Lafayette College, where he took a special course in chemistry. His med- ical education was acquired in Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, where he grad- uated in 1888, after which he took charge of the Post-Graduate Hospital and became one of the staff of the Bellevue. Overwork in the college, however, soon began to tell on his health, and as he needed a change he withdrew from hospital work and spent some time in travel and work elsewhere to recuper- ate. A few years ago he settled down to the duties of general practice in his native town, and here he has since remained, by his skill and thorough fitness for his profession building up a clientele which is certainly a credit to one of his years and experience. His political sympathies are with the Republican party.

WILLIAM F. DECKER, prothonotary and clerk of the courts of Monroe county, is one of the most respected citizens of Stroudsburg, and his able and efficient service in his present office gives no sur- prise to those who have watched his faithful per- formance of duty in other lines of effort. He comes of good pioneer stock, and his ancestors for several generations, in both paternal and maternal lines, have been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Bar- ney Decker, the grandfather of our subject, made his home at an early day in what is now Middle Smith- field township, Monroe county, and attained the ad- vanced age of eighty-four years. His grand- mother, Elizabeth Gunsaules, lived to be eighty years of age.

Our subject's father, Calvin Decker, was born in 1825 in Middle Smithfield township, Monroe county, and for many years was a successful farmer in Stroud township. He affiliated with the Demo- cratic party, and in religious faith was a Methodist, he and his wife, Rosanna Frutchey, being leading members of the Church in their locality. He died in 1892, and his wife, who was born in 1830, passed away in 1867. This worthy couple had seven chil- dren, of whom our subject was sixth in the order of birth.

William F. Decker was born July 31, 1862, in Stroud township, Monroe county, and was educated in the schools of Monroe county. On leaving school he spent about five years as a shipping clerk in Phil- adelphia, and later learned the tanner's trade. For a number of years he was employed in the tannery at East Stroudsburg as bookkeeper and superintend- ent, continuing until January, 1897, when he took charge of his present office, to which he was elected as the regular nominee of the Democratic party. He is a man of pleasing presence and genial manners, and his popularity is founded upon the solid basis of character.

On September 14, 1887, Mr. Decker married Miss Jeanette Brown, who was born in October, 1868, in Columbia county, Penn., and four children have brightened their home: Rosanna, Adele, Helen C. and G. Barrett. Mr. Decker and his wife are prominent socially, and are identified with the Pres- byterian Church. He is also connected with sev- eral fraternal orders, including Masonic, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Improved Order of Red Men, and Royal Arcanum. His home, a very desirable one, is on Washington street, East Stroudsburg.

JOSEPH GARDNER BRONSON (originally spelled Brunson ) , a popular general merchant of South Canaan Corners, Wayne county, is a true type of American progress and enterprise. Hisintellectual en- ergy, prudent business methods and reliable sagacity haveall combined to make him one of the ablest busi- ness men of Wayne county. He was born on the old homestead in South Canaan township, July 2, 1852, and since reaching manhood has been prominently identified with the agricultural and commercial in- terests of the county.

Owen Bronson, his father, was also a native of South Canaan township, born May 8, 1805, and was a son of Amos and Lucinda (Lyons) Bronson, who were born, reared and married in Danville, Conn., and were among the earliest settlers of Wayne county, Penn., locating in South Canaan township about 1800. The grandfather was a very ingenious man, and was a self-taught millwright. In his fam- ily were six children, all now deceased, namely : Daniel ; Lyman ; Noah ; Owen ; Mrs. Mary Spangen- berg, who died in 1894, when past the age of ninety years ; and Rowena.

Owen Bronson always made his home in South Canaan township, and during his younger days worked at the carpenter's and millwright's trades, but later followed the quiet pursuits of farm life. He was one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community, and was called upon to serve in several local offices. On March 16, 1829, he was united in marriage with Miss Clarissa Swingle, who was born in South Canaan township, August 2, 18II. Her father, Henry Swingle, was twice mar- ried, his first wife being Margaret Enslin, his sec- ond, Barbara Thorp. Mr. and Mrs. Bronson were both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Church. He died April 27, 1881, and she on May 19, 1884, the remains of both being interred in South Canaan township.

In the family of this worthy couple were the. following children : Elizabeth, born March 27, 1831, married Orris Abbott (now deceased), and she died in 1897 ; Simon, born March 20, 1833, died October 3, 1851 ; Harvey, born November 2, 1835, is a farmer of South Canaan township; Rowena, born October 21, 1837, married (first) Dennis Ful- ler, and after his death wedded Spencer Curtis, of South Canaan township, and she died January 8, 1896; Michael, born October 19, 1839, is a con- tractor and builder of Seattle, Wash: ; Leonard, born June 5, 1841, was a contractor and builder of Corry, Penn., where he died July 17, 1896; Amy, born April 2, 1843, married William Bell, a farmer of Maplewood, Penn., and died in May, 1896; Ruth, born June 28, 1845, died August 6, 1848; Alexan- der, born August 13, 1850, lives on the old home- stead, which is now the property of our subject ; Joseph G. is next in the order of birth ; and William, born January 13, 1854, died July 6, 1858.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 33

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