Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 349

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 349
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 349
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 349
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 349

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).

In New York City, June 16, 1868, Mr. Lehde was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Bor-

mann, who was born there May 29, 1848, and died on the present farm of our subject, May 19, 1888, her remains being interred in the Milford cemetery. Her father, John H. Bormann, was also a native of Germany, and on coming to America in 1845, settled in New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Lehde were born ten children, namely : William, who died in infancy; Charles W., at home; and Anna and Louise, both of whom died in infancy; Christian H., and Henrietta, at home; Charlotte, who died in infancy ; John H., at home ; and Wilhelmina and George, who died when young. The children are excellent musicians, and play for the pleasure of the home circle and their many friends. The fam- ily residence is pleasantly located upon a large and beautiful farm two miles from Milford, and in the top of one of the trees on a high elevation flut- ters an American flag, which can be seen for miles around, showing the owner of the place to be a most patriotic and loyal citizen. He not only took part in the Civil war, but again offered his ser- vices to his adopted country in her war with Spain. He is an honored member of the G. A. R. Post No. 29, of New York City, and the German Hus- sars, a military company of the same place ; in poli- tics is an ardent silver Republican ; and in religious faith, a Lutheran.

EVAN C. HERMAN, in his lifetime a success- ful and reliable farmer, was held by the people of Middle Smithfield township, Monroe county, in that reverence and respect tacitly accorded those whose lives have been distinguished by integrity and use- fulness.

Mr. Herman was born on the farm which was his last earthly home, in 1821, and belonged to one of the old and honored families of the county. His paternal grandfather, Frederick Herman, a na- tive of Germany, came to the New World about the time of the Revolutionary war and settled in Monroe county, making his home for many years at Marshall's Creek. He married Rebecca Staggers, a native of Bucks county, Penn., and they became the parents of ten children, namely: Frederick, Jr .; Stephen ; Joseph ; Jacob ; John ; Catherine, wife of George Edecer, of Philadelphia; Mary, wife of Adam Overfield, of Middle Smithfield township, Monroe county ; Rebecca and Sarah, twins, the for- mer the wife of Adam Roe, of Monroe county, the latter the wife of John Fredericks, of Cherry Val- ley, Monroe county ; and Elizabeth, who married David W. West, and died near Martin's Creek, Northampton county.

Frederick Herman, Jr., was born in Monroe county, Penn., and on reaching man's estate mar- ried Lettice Coolbaugh. He bought a tract of land of John Place in Middle Smithfield township, to which he added by subsequent purchase until he had a valuable farm. For some years he lived in a log house on this property, but it was finally re- placed by a good frame residence. His wife died in February, 1821, and he passed away in 1828,

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leaving two sons, John and Evan C. John C. Her- man was born in March, 1819, in Middle Smithfield township, and received a limited education. He wedded Miss Mary Walters, of Monroe county, and for some time they lived on the old homestead, but finally removed to Tunkhannock, Penn., where he followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1895. In his family were ten children, as follows: Luticcia is now the wife of a Mr. Rooler, a resident of Harrisburg, Penn. ; Sarah, wife of George Hahn; Rebecca, wife of a Mr. Nye, of Wyoming county, Penn .; Elizabeth, wife of a Mr. Billings, of the same county; Annie, wife of Seymoure Place; Hannah, wife of Henry Place ; Edith; Rilla, wife of a Mr. Love; Frederick and Daniel.

Evan C. Herman grew to manhood in Middle Smithfield township, where he attended the sub- scription schools for a few terms, there be- ing no free schools in this section during his youth. As soon as large enough to be of any assistance he began to aid in the operation of the home farm, as his father devoted his attention to the mason's trade, erecting the piers for the first bridge across the Delaware river at Milford, the county seat of Pike county. When a young man our subject learned the wheelwright's trade with Jacob Lish and followed the same for some years. In 1847 he purchased his brother's interest in the homestead, and until his death gave his exclusive attention to agricultural pursuits with marked suc- cess. With the aid of his sons he placed the land under excellent cultivation, and made many im- provements thereon, including the erection of a fine two story residence, a large barn and other out- buildings, which stand as monuments to their thrift and enterprise. It is one of the best regulated and most productive farms of the county, as well as one of the most attractive in appearance.

In 1845 Mr. Herman married Miss Elizabeth Mosier, who was born in 1825, in Smithfield town- ship, Monroe county, where she was reared, her parents being John and Sarah (Overfield) Mosier, pioneers of this region. For one year after their marriage they lived on her father's farm in Smith- field township, and then removed to the old Her- man homestead, where the widow still lives. Theirs was a long and happy married life of over fifty- three years, and to the last they found their greatest enjoyment in each other's company. Six children blessed this union, all born in Middle Smithfield township. (1) Lydia, born January 10, 1846, mar- ried George Clark, of Middle Smithfield town- ship and resided near Pittston, Penn., where he died. Later she became the wife of Benjamin Cochran, of White Haven, Penn., where she died in 1890. By her first union she had five children, Calvin, Chester, Frank, Philip and Georgiana, and by the second one child, Luella. (2) Mary Alice received a good public school education, is refined and scholarly in her tastes and has been a great comfort to those left in the old home. (3) Georgi-

ana married Jacob Place, of Maple Grove, Monroe county, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. (4) Frank, born in 1861, grew to manhood on the old homestead and received a good common school education. His father becoming disabled from an injured limb he took charge of the farm when only twelve years old, managing the entire work, and with the assistance of his brother William carried it on up to that Monday night, November 20, 1899, when his earthly labors were finished, and he was summoned by the Divine Master to enter into rest. His death was due to a severe attack of grippe, the preceding winter, and although he com- plained of weakness, especially of the heart, he continued his work on the farm, having been en- gaged in the field the day before his death. He was in many respects a remarkable man. How manfully and how nobly he had stood by his mother and the rest of the family, from that day when, at the early age of twelve years, he undertook the man- agement of the farm, his acquaintances can testify. In the management of township affairs, he took an important part, having served as school director two terms, and was active in the support of the Democratic party. A pleasant, genial gentleman, a noble son and brother, he had won the esteem of all who knew him. (5) William, born in 1864, was educated in the home schools and is now en- gaged in farming in Middle Smithfield township, where he is also serving as tax collector for the second term, which will make six years in all. He married Bessie Huffman, a daughter of Levi and Anna Huffman, prominent citizens of Monroe county, and two daughters have been born to them-Eva and Anna.

After casting his first vote Mr. Herman was identified with the Democratic party, but never aspired to official honors, and wherever known he was held in high regard. Although a cripple and unable to do any active work, he never lost his in- terest in his home and in the community, and was always glad to welcome his friends and talk over the events of the day, both national and local. His death occurred October 9, 1899, when he was aged seventy-eight years. His death, followed just six weeks later by that of his son, Frank, so universally beloved, brought sorrow to the entire circle of the friends, and inspired a deeper appreciation for the glory of lives well spent.

DURAND CHAMBERLIN, an honored veteran of the Civil war and a highly esteemed citi- zen of Springville township, is a native of Susque- hanna county, his birth occurring in Gibson township, June 5, 1832.

His father, Wright Chamberlin, was born in Litchfield county, Conn., and was united in mar- riage in Pennsylvania with Miss Mary Billings, a daughter of Jasper Billings. The following chil- dren were born of this union: Theodore died in Minnesota ; Mary is the wife of Thomas Clark, of Occoquan, Prince William county, Va .; Charles

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died in Lynn, Susquehanna county, Penn .; Eliza- beth is the widow of William S. Hall and a resident of Alpena, Mich .; Amanda is the widow of A. P. Brown and a resident of Peckville, Penn .; Joseph was living in Virginia during the Civil war, and being a Northern sympathizer, he was thrown into prison, where he died; Jackson died in Tunkhan- nock, Penn .; Durand is the next of the family ; and Harriet is a resident of Auburn, Penn., and the widow of Charles Avery, a soldier of the Civil war. On coming to Susquehanna county, Penn., the father located in Gibson township, where he owned property. He was a Republican in politics, and was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also his estimable wife. He died at the age of eighty-three years, and she passed away November 19, 1883, at the age of eighty- four years and two months.

Durand Chamberlin was reared in Springville township and educated in its common schools. At the age of fifteen years he began the battle of life for himself and for many years cared for his mother. He purchased property in Springville township, consisting of a lot and buildings, and now in con- nection with farming, he is employed as an attend- ant at the cemetery. In Lynn, in June, 1863, during the war of the Rebellion, he enlisted for three months in Company D, 35th P. V. I., under Capt. Halsey, of Montrose, and after coming home, re-enlisted in January, 1864, in Company H, 7Ist P. V.I., under Capt. Smith, and was in active service for about a year in Virginia and around Peters- burg. He is an ardent supporter of the Republican party and its principles, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and the Odd Fellows Society at Lynn. Those who know him best are num- bered among his warmest friends, and no citizen of Springville township is more highly respected than Mr. Chamberlin.

FRANKLIN A. BOWELL, proprietor of the "Bowell Hotel," at South Gibson, Susquehanna county, enjoys an excellent reputation with the traveling public, and his house is usually filled in summer with appreciative guests. The hotel, which contains eighteen rooms, was built in 1860 by Manly Walker, and has been remodeled several times to meet modern demands. It is beautifully located. ten miles from the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad, at Foster, and among its ad- vantages is a constant and abundant supply of spring water conducted into the house from a spring twenty rods distant.

Mr. Bowell is a native of Gibson township, born February 28, 1871, and belongs to a well known family. His paternal grandparents, Seba and Mary (Stocker) Bowell, came from England in 1844 and settled in Ararat township, Susque - hanna county, where the grandfather died somej years ago, at the age of seventy-nine. The grand -! mother spent her last days with a daughter, Mrs. Perlina Howell, of Gibson township. Thomas S.l.

Bowell, our subject's father, was born in England April 11, 1836, and was but eight years old when he came to America. For many years he followed agriculture in Ararat township, Susquehanna county, but he now resides among his children. He married Mrs. Anna C. (Bronson) Jones, and they had four children, viz .: Abbie N., wife of Martin Berk, a tanner in Binghamton, N. Y .; Franklin A., our subject ; Miss Lettie, who resides in Gibson township; and Sherwood, who makes his home with his mother in Gibson township. By her first marriage, to James N. Jones, Mrs. Bowell had two children: James N .; and Ida M., wife of Benonia Brooks, of Hallstead, Penn.

Mrs. Anna C. Bowell, who was born in Gibson township, June 19, 1838, is a woman of strong character and is noted for her industry as a seam- stress and spinner. Among her most treasured possessions is a spinning wheel, which is about one hundred and fifty years old. Her parents, Lewis and Arelia E. (Hine) Bronson, were natives of Connecticut, but were married in Gibson township, where the father engaged in farming in connection with the wagonmaker's trade. He died March 20, 1850, aged forty-two years, and his wife, who fol- lowed dressmaking as an occupation, died January 14, 1880, aged sixty-seven years, nine months. This worthy couple had the following named children : Adeline, deceased, who married (first) Frederick Washburn, and (second) Asbury Frieburg; Ann, who died at the age of two years; Anna C., our subject's mother ; and Elizabeth, wife of William Barnes, a farmer of Ararat township.

Franklin A. Bowell began the task of bread- winning at the age of nine years, when he left home to enter the employ of David E. Holmes, the owner of a store and mill at South Gibson. He remained with Mr. Holmes nine years, and after spending one year on a farm went to Binghamton, N. Y., where he was employed in a chair factory for a few months. The next six months were spent in driving a stage between South Gibson and Hop- bottom, and for two years he again worked for Mr. Holmes. He then followed different occupa- tions for a year before entering the employ of William Shaffer, the then proprietor of the hotel, and finding the business congenial he purchased it after three and one-half years, and has since continued it successfully. In politics he is a Re- publican, and he belongs to the I. O. O. F. at Harford.

On June 7, 1899, Mr. Bowell was married, at Binghamton, N. Y., to Mrs. Alice M. (Conrad) Rogers, daughter of Martin Conrad and widow of Dr. William Rogers, of Gibson, who died January 25, 1807. By her first marriage, which occurred February 8, 1888, Mrs. Bowell had three sons: William M., born March 8, 1889; Merritt C., born June 9, 1893, who was drowned at South Gibson, January 17, 1899, with four other boys; and Guy C., born January 13, 1896. Mrs. Bowell is a native of Herrick township, Susquehanna county, and her

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family is well-known in this section. Her paternal grandparents, George and Betsey Conrad, settled in the county at an early day, and her father, who was a successful farmer, was born in Gibson town- ship August 10, 1828, and died in Lenox township, September 2, 1887. Her mother, whose maiden name was Marilla Miller, was born in Gibson June 7, 1837, the daughter of Henry and Lovisa (Wood- ward) Miller, who died in Lenox township at the home of Martin Conrad. Mrs. Conrad died Jan- uary 3, 1893, and was buried at South Gibson. Of the five children born to Martin and Marilla Con- rad the eldest, Eugene, is a farmer in Harford town- ship, Susquehanna county ; Elmer is a motorman in Scranton; Alice M. is the wife of our subject ; Clara married Frank Gibbs, an attorney of Scran- ton ; and Isabella died when nine months old.

The late Dr. William Rogers, mentioned above, was born in Harford, September 24, 1839, son of Jeremiah and Margaret (Martin) Rogers, natives of the North of Ireland. After completing a course in the Harford Academy he taught for several years, and in 1862 he began reading medi- cine with Dr. A. M. Tiffany, of Harford. In the fall of the same year he enlisted in Company C, 3d Pennsylvania Artillery, and during his service he saw much active duty, the last two months being spent as a military detective under General Miles, who had charge of Jefferson Davis. On returning home Doctor Rogers resumed his studies, grad- uating from Lovell's Commercial College in 1865. and from the Medical Department of the Univer- sity of Michigan in 1869. About two years later he settled at South Gibson, where he secured a large practice by his skill in treatment and diagnosis.

CHARLES A. SNYDER, a well-known and popular engineer on the Erie Railroad, and one of the leading citizens of Matamoras, Penn., traces his ancestry back to Jacob, one of three brothers by the name of Snyder, who came to America from Holland, prior to the Revolutionary war. They settled on land in Columbia Co., N. Y., near the Hudson river, and took part in aiding the colonies in their struggle for independence. The second of the family, of whom there is authentic record, was Jacob II, son of Jacob, the emigrant, who was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and on Octo- ber 19, 1781, witnessed the surrender of Lord Corn- wallis to Gen. Washington at Yorktown. The children born to him, all now passed away, were as follows : Maria, who married John Dings ; Mar- garet, who married Coon ; Jacob III, men- tioned below; Elizabeth, who married

Emmet ; John, who married Hannah Tish; Tunis ; Catherine, who married Charles Wademan; and David. Nearly all of these later on became citizens of the State of Pennsylvania.

Jacob III became the grandfather of our sub- ject. He was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., April 15, 1786, and died in Lackawanna Co., Penn., in February, 1879, in his ninety-third year, his wife,

Rebecca Niver, had died at the same place February 20, 1866, at the age of seventy-five. The same patriotic blood that made his father a soldier in the Continental army, flowed through his veins, and Jacob III served his country all through the war of 1812. Rebecca (Niver) Snyder was of Ger- man descent, and a daughter of William Niver, a life resident of the State of New York, who was also a Revolutionary soldier, and a comrade of Jacob Snyder II, and with him witnessed the sur- render of Cornwallis. To Jacob III and Rebecca (Niver) Snyder were born twelve children, the greater number of whom reached maturity, and set- tled in New York and Pennsylvania. They are as follows: Elias, mention of whom will be made later on ; Maria, born June 2, 1810, married Daniel English, a carpenter ; Sabrina, born May 31, 1812, married Angus Cameron, cabinet maker and under- taker, of Carbondale, Penn .; Elizabeth, born Sep- tember 27, 1815, married Hiram Lamphere, a glassblower of McComb Co., Mich .; John G., born August 9, 1817, a farmer by occupation, married Sarah Ann Cobb ; Abram, born December 20, 1819, was master mechanic for the Pennsylvania Coal Company, at Hawley, Penn., married Margaret Jane Wemelsdorf ; Henry, born December 24, 1821, foreman blacksmith for D. & H. Company at Car- bondale, Penn., married Electa Marsh; Jacob B., born July 7, 1824, a lawyer of Scranton, Penn., mar- ried Elizabeth Decker ; Charles, born September 18, 1826, pattern maker of Bradford, Penn., married Elizabeth Moore; Eleanor, born September 14, 1828, married George Decker, a carpenter ; Ira, born March 6, 1831, an ax maker at Deposit, N. Y., married Martha Blanshan ; Margaret, born Oc- tober 19, 1833, died at the age of sixteen. Those still living are Charles, of Bradford, Penn .; and Jacob B., now crier of the court of Lackawanna Co., Pennsylvania.

Elias Snyder, our subject's father, was born at Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y., October 16, 1808. He remained with his parents until twenty- one years of age, and with them resided at different times in the counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, Schoharie and Delaware, in New York State, and later settled in Luzerne, now Lacka- wanna Co., Penn., where he engaged in farming and the manufacturing of lumber, as a life work. On May 27, 1832, he married Maryann Stuart, who was born in Scott township, Luzerne Co., Penn., June 17, 1814, daughter of William Stuart, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in Sligo, Ireland, in 1773, one of the four children of James Stuart, the other three being : Ann, James and Margaret. William and Ann came to America, while James and Margaret remained in Ireland.

William Stuart took up a quarter section of land in Scott township, Luzerne Co., Penn., where in May, 1813, he married Cynthia Cone (daughter of Calvin and Rebecca (Leete) Cone) and died June 21, 1822, aged forty-nine years. His wife, Cynthia, was born August 20, 1783, and died No-

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vember 18, 1859, aged seventy-six years. The chil- dren born of this union were four in number, as follows : Maryann, Mrs. Elias Snyder; Louisa, born 1816, married Daniel Finch, a farmer; Eliza- beth, born 1819, married Peter Vail, a farmer ; and Jane, born 1821, married Jabez Smith, a farmer, and manufacturer of lumber. Ann Stuart married Thomas Montgomery, a native of Ireland and a veteran of the war of 1812. He was a descendant of Gen. Richard Montgomery, who fell at Quebec.

The maternal ancestors of our subject's grand- mother, Cynthia (Cone) Stuart, descended from William Leete, a lawyer, who was the first colonial governor of Connecticut. He was born at Doding- ton, England, in 1603, married Ann Payne, and died April 16, 1683. II. John Leete, the first white child born in Guilford, Conn., was born 1639, married Mary Chittendon, died November 25, 1692. III. John Leete, born January 4, 1674, married Sarah Allen, died May 17, 1730. IV. Gideon Leete, born February 7, 1703, married Abigail Ros- siter, died in 1781. V. Gideon Leete, born May 5, 1731, married Ann Parmalee (no date of death), and was a Revolutionary soldier. VI. Rebecca Leete, born March 4, 1761, married Calvin Cone, of Chester, Conn., December 7, 1780, and died in 1823.

The paternal ancestors of Cynthia (Cone) Stuart descended from one Daniel Cone, who came from Edinburg, Scotland, on the ship John Sarah, in 1626. He became one of the first settlers of Had- dam, Conn., but in 1651 went to Boston. He mar- ried Mehitabel Spencer, and subsequently returned to Haddam, Conn., where he died in 1706. II. Ebenezer Cone (at this point the Cone record is badly seared and in such a bad state of preserva- tion that some names and dates are obliterated). III. Ebenezer Cone, born 1698, married Elizabeth , died in 1788. IV. Elijah Cone, born in 1723, married Elizabeth He was a Revo- lutionary soldier and died in 1793. V. Calvin Cone, born in 1760, married Rebecca Leete, De- cember 7, 1780. To this couple were born the fol- lowing children: Dorastus Cone, who married Mary Comen ; Rebecca Cone, who married Esquire Enos; and Cynthia Cone, our subject's grand- mother.

To Elias and Maryann (Stuart) Snyder were born ten children, as follows: (1) Stuart L. N .. born March 2, 1834, a farmer of Scott township, Lackawanna county, married Sophia Webb. (2) Rebecca, born December 2, 1836, is the wife of George Makley, a veteran of the Civil war, now a carpenter and contract builder of coal breakers in the Lackawanna Valley, and residing at Madison- ville, Penn. (3) Enos, born February 23, 1839, a veteran of the Civil war, living retired because of disabilities received while in service. He married Sarah Cameron, of the Isle of Jersey, and now re- sides at Port Jervis, N. Y. (4) Elizabeth, born March 14, 1841, is the widow of Lorin Turner, of Lackawanna county. (5) David, born January 13,

1843, a veteran of the Civil war, is a farmer and horseman, and is the present owner of "Invest- ment," by "Jay Bird," and a half-brother of "Aller- ton." He married Mary Snyder, and resides at Dundaff, Penn. (6) Angus C., born March 26, 1845, a veteran of the Civil war, is an engineer on the Erie & Wyoming Valley Railroad, residing at Dunmore, Penn. He married Ann Heaneon, of Scotland. (7) Charles A., our subject. (8) Jacob I., born October 18, 1849, also a soldier of the Civil war, is now engaged in lumbering at Idaho Springs, Col. (9) Candace M., born January 28, 1852, died January 25, 1864. (10) Alice Janette, born December 24, 1853, died March 5, 1864. Elias Snyder, the father, died May 25, 1894, aged eighty- six years, and the mother died June 1, 1897, at the age of eighty-three years.

Charles A. Snyder was born May 9, 1847, in Scott township, Luzerne (now Lackawanna) Co., Penn., and at the age of nineteen years went to Port Jervis, N. Y., where, in November, 1866, he secured employment as fireman on the Delaware division of the Erie Railroad. At the expiration of twenty-one months or in August, 1868, he was advanced to the position of engineer, serving in that capacity about four months and thereafter alter- nately as engineer and fireman until at the end of three years, in November. 1869, when he was per- manently promoted to the position of engineer, in which capacity he has since been identified with the road -- first, in the freight, and now in the pas- senger service, running engine No. 336, a Vanclain Compound of the culm burner type of Baldwin build, on Mail train No. 5, the Vestibuled Chicago Limited, westward, and No. 12, the Atlantic Ex- press, also a mail train, eastward. He uses neither tobacco nor intoxicating liquors of any kind what- ever, and his long retention in this position plainly indicates his fidelity to duty, as it is a well-known fact that railroad companies keep in their employ only those men who best serve their interests.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 349

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