Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 358

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 358
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 358
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 358
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 358

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the county. When a young man he purchased a farm in Conklin township, Broome Co., N. Y., where he lived for a few years, and on disposing of that place bought a farm in Great Bend township, Susquehanna Co., Penn., upon which he spent his remaining years. In September, 1838, at Stock- port, N. Y., he married Miss Nancy J. Haywood, who was born in Johnstown, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1818, and died in 1888, after a happy married life of fifty years. The father spent his last days with our subject, passing away in February, 1894, at the ripe old age of eighty years. He was among the most highly esteemed and upright citizens of the county, and had a host of warm friends. In his family were five children, namely: (I) Dewitt C., born in Conklin, N. Y., in July, 1839, died July 27, 1842. (2) Henry, born May 10, 1842, was well educated in the higher branches of learning, and was a teacher in the public schools of Susquehanna for several terms. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1866, he was employed as a clerk in one of the large stores of Binghamton, N. Y. (3) Theodore R., our subject, is the next in order of birth. (4) Addison was born on the old homestead in Great Bend township, in May, 1849, and there he still continues to reside, two miles east of the village of Great Bend. He received a good educa- tion in the schools of Hallstead and Great Bend. In January, 1872, he married Harriet James, a daughter of William and Miranda James, honored early settlers of Great Bend, and they have three children-Henry, Frank and Ralph, all students in the Great Bend schools. (5) William H., born on the old homestead in November, 1851, died in 1863.

The early education acquired by Theodore R. Mesick in the district schools, was supplemented by a course in the higher graded schools of Great Bend. He always remained with his father upon the home farm, and after his marriage purchased a part of the place and erected thereon a comfort- able residence. His time and attention have al- ways been given to agricultural pursuits, and on leaving the old homestead in 1894, he removed to his present farm near Red Rock on the Susque- hanna river in Great Bend township.

In 1870, Mr. Mesick was united in marriage with Miss Eleanor Jackson, of Great Bend, a daughter of James and Mary (Wharton) Jackson, prominent citizens of Great Bend township, the former born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1812, the latter in Greene county, that State, in 1814. They came to Susquehanna county, in 1840, and after a short time spent in Great Bend, bought property at Hickory Grove, known as the Almon Munson farm. Later they located near the Red Rock tannery on the Susquehanna river, and con- ducted the boarding house for the tanning com- pany for nine years. While living here Mr. Jackson enlisted in the 50th P. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Richmond, in June, 1864. He was a noted hunter and frequently killed two or three bears in one day. His wife survived him many years, dying

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in 1887. In their family were nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Mesick have one son, William P., who was born in October, 1872, and was educated in the schools of Great Bend.

Politically, Mr. Mesick is a Jacksonian Demo- crat, with which party his father also affiliated, and he has held the offices of auditor, school director and supervisor for three years each. Religiously he and his family are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church of Hallstead, and fraternally are active and prominent members of East Great Bend Grange, No. 940. The son was a delegate to the State Grange in Williamsport, in 1896, and two years before Mr. and Mrs. Mesick were both sent as delegates to Harrisburg, he being master of the local Grange at that time. He is a recognized leader in agricultural circles in his township, and has done much to advance the interests of the farmer. His support is never withheld from any enterprise which he believes calculated to prove of public benefit, and he and his wife are highly re- spected by all who know them.

EVAN W. JONES. Both as miner and as farmer the subject of this sketch has been eminently successful. Many years ago he abandoned the former occupation for farming, and has by his own efforts won property and influence in Gibson township, Susquehanna county, where he now owns and operates the well-known Oscar Washburn farm.

Mr. Jones is a native of Wales, having been born in Swansea, January 14, 1827, son of Thomas W. and Mary (Edmund) Jones, who in 1854 migrated from Wales to America and settled in Luzerne Co., Penn. Thomas Jones, the father, was a farmer by occupation. From Luzerne Co., Penn., he moved to Rock Island, Ill., where he worked in the mines. Later, he returned to Carbondale, Penn., where he died in 1867, aged seventy-five years. His wife died in Olyphant, Penn., in 1874. To Thomas and Mary Jones were born six children, namely: William, of Herrick township, Susque- hanna county ; Evan W., our subject ; Daniel, who enlisted at Rock Island, Ill., in 1861, in an Illinois regiment, and died at Little Rock, Ark., in 1863; Owen, who lived on a farm at Olyphant, Penn., and died there in 1874; John E., who was a musician during the Civil war in a Pennsylvania regiment ; and Catherine, wife of John W. Jones, who is mas- ter mechanic at Carbondale for the D. & H. Rail- road Company.

Upon his arrival in America with his parents in 1854, our subject purchased from George Walker a farm of fifty-nine acres in Herrick township and there engaged in farming, and also followed mining. In 1858 at Carbondale, Penn., he married Miss Jane Thomas, a native of that town, and a daughter of John and Gwennie (Williams) Thomas, who when young migrated from Wales to America and were married at Carbondale. John Thomas was a man of unusual prominence and force of character. For

thirty years he was mine boss for the D. & H. Co., which sent him to Wales on one occasion to bring over three shiploads of miners. He was also a minister and teacher, popular among the people with whom he lived. He died in 1884 in Herrick township, where he owned a well-tilled farm of two hundred acres. To John and Gwennie Thomas were born four children : Jane, the wife of our sub- ject ; William W., of Gibson township, Susquehanna county ; John, of Clifford township ; and Mary Ann, who married William Thomas, of Wilkesbarre. To our subject and wife have been born three children : Thomas A., of Chicago, Ill .; John, who lives on the farm; and Anna J., now Mrs. Fred Holmes, of Gibson township. In 1886 Mr. Jones came to Gib- son township, where he has since resided and where he has engaged in farming on his well-improved property. He is an experienced and skilful miner, and sank the first shaft below Scranton in the Moosic field. In politics he is a stanch Republican. He is a self-made man and one of the prominent and substantial citizens of Gibson township.

MICHAEL DEVINE is one of the repre- sentative citizens of Rush township, Susquehanna county, and is now retired from the active labors of life. His has been a busy career, with little time for idleness along the thoroughfare of life, where he has left his mark and may truly feel that he has not lived in vain. The object of respect by young and old, his familiar figure is greeted with affection and esteem, and in his declining years he is en- joying the reward of a well-ordered life, and one in which he has exerted himself to do good to those- around him.

Mr. Devine was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., August 25, 1832, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Frier) Devine, also natives of that county, who came to Susquehanna county, Penn., in 1834, and took up their residence in Auburn township, where. the father, an excellent farmer, died August 25, 1840, at the age of forty years. After his death the mother removed to Rush township, where she- passed away in August, 1850, at the age of fifty, and was laid to rest in Devine Ridge cemetery,. Rush township. She was an earnest, consistent Christian, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is one of a family of thirteen children, but only four of these lived to manhood and womanhood, namely : Harriet, of Rush town- ship, now the widow of Orlando Snell, who died in the army during the Rebellion ; Ami R., who mar- ried Hulda Isabell, of Bradford county, Penn., and also died during his service in the Civil war; Michael, our subject; and Samuel, who died in 1863, at the age of twenty-two years.

Michael Devine remained with his mother until her death, when he was eighteen years of age, and then began working by the month on a farm, being thus employed for eleven years. In the meantime he had purchased a farm in Rush township, which he afterward operated for three years and then sold ..

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Later he owned and operated another farm in that township for the same length of time, and on dis- posing of that he bought his present farm of 137 acres, on which he has since made his home. He has taken a deep interest in the educational affairs of the community and for three years most effi- ciently served as school director. He is an active and prominent member of the Methodist Church in West Auburn, in which he served as steward and class leader for many years, and has been trustee since the church was built in 1867. His political support is ever given the men and measures of the Republican party, and he is well informed on the leading questions and issues of the day.

On February 22, 1862, in Wyoming county, Penn., Mr. Devine married Miss Elvira Warner, and to them has been born a daughter, Jennie, now the wife of William Benton France, who is men- tioned below. Mrs. Devine was born in Auburn township, Susquehanna county, January 8, 1842, a daughter of Thompson and Charity (Frier) Warner, who were natives of Massachusetts and New York, respectively, and were married at Great Bend, Sus- quehanna county. They removed from that county to Washington township, Wyoming county, in 1851, and there both died, the father November 12, 1864, aged sixty-five years, the mother June 7, 1881, aged seventy-two, the remains of both being interred at Kizerville, Wyoming county. By occu- pation the father was a farmer. Their children were John, a veteran of the Civil war and a retired farmer of Rush township, Susquehanna county ; Amos, a soldier of the Civil war, who died in 1892; Sidney, a veteran of the same struggle and a retired farmer of Wyoming county; George, who died in the army ; Daniel, also a soldier in the Civil war, who was killed by a falling tree in 1894; Elvira, wife of our subject ; Levi, a veteran of the war and a car- penter of Auburn Corners, Susquehanna county ; Lucy, deceased wife of Elmer Shefler ; and Milton, a farmer of Bradford county, Penn. Mrs. Devine's paternal grandfather, Sanford Warner, was a life- long resident of Massachusetts and a farmer by oc- cupation ; while her maternal grandfather, Peter Frier, was also a farmer and always made his. home in Schoharie county, New York.

William Benton France, a well-known general farmer and dairyman of Rush township, is a native of Susquehanna county, born in Auburn township, August 5, 1862, a son of Daniel V. and Luticia (Kirkkuff) France, who are natives of Warren county, N. J., the former born September 27, 1836, the latter February 23, 1838. They became ac- quainted and were married in Auburn township, Susquehanna Co., Penn., where they still reside, the father being engaged in business as a farmer and huckster. They are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is serv- ing as trustee. Their children are: Clark W., now a stock dealer of Wilkesbarre; William Benton ; Emma R., wife of S. B. Hunt, a cigar packer of Binghamton, N. Y. ; Sarah I., wife of E. N. Flumer-

felt, a farmer, contractor and builder of Ararat township, Susquehanna county; Cora, deceased ; Ernest P., a clerk of Wilkesbarre, Penn. ; and John R., Jessie and Harry, all at home. William Benton France grew to manhood upon the home farm, which he rented for three years after attaining his majority, and then located upon the farm known as the Alex Brown farm. He was married Novem- ber 14, 1883, to Miss Lucy J. Devine, who was born on the old homestead, June 1, 1863. They are also members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. France is a Republican.

BENJAMIN J. BARNEY, proprietor of the "Quaker Lake House," in Silver Lake township, Susquehanna county, has, though still a young man, become well known as an able business man, and his popularity as a host has been constantly increasing ever since he undertook the management of his fine hotel.

Mr. Barney was born in August, 1868, at Binghamton, N. Y., son of Benjamin J. and Emma (Jones) Barney, the former of whom was born in 1822, at Elizabeth, N. J., of which State his father, Thomas Barney, was also a native. Our subject's mother was a daughter of John R. and Jane Jones, who were born in North Wales, and after their ar- rival in America made their home in New York City, where she was reared and educated. Benjamin J. and Emma (Jones) Barney were married in 1857, in New York City, and shortly afterward settled near Utica, N. Y., where Mr. Barney carried on the butchering business for some eighteen years. Moving then thence to Binghamton, he embarked in the same line in that city, in which he was very successful, continuing same for a number of years. In 1873 he came to Quaker Lake, Susquehanna Co., Penn., where he purchased a lake front of sixty acres and opened a summer resort for city people, following this business until his death, in 1893. Al- though a stanch Republican in political sentiment, Mr. Barney never took any part in public affairs beyond casting his vote, giving his attention strictly and unreservedly to business matters, and he gained a high standing among his fellow citizens in the township and county for upright dealing and a sterling honesty which was never questioned. He lived the life of a conscientious Christian in all his relations with his fellow-men, and was loved and honored everywhere for his genuine worth. In re- ligious connection he was a member of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Barney, now seventy years of age, resides with her daughter, Mrs. W. T. Clarke, in Binghamton, N. Y. They had a family of four- one son and three daughters-Jennie, Viola, Lillie and Benjamin J. Jennie, born in 1858, at Holland Patent, N. Y., finished her education in the higher schools of Binghamton, and married Walter Mosher, and resides in Binghamton ; Viola, born in 1863, in Binghamton, received a good education, attending high school in New York City, and was a teacher in the public schools of Binghamton for

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several years prior to her marriage to W. T. Clarke, of Hawleytown, N. Y., now of Binghamton ; Lillie, born in Binghamton, was educated in the district schools, and the select school taught by the Misses Chamberlin of Choconut Valley ; she married Al- bert G. Moses, a farmer of Hawleytown, N. Y., where they reside.

Benjamin J. Barney received the advantages offered by the district schools of the neighborhood of his early home, and also attended the select school taught by the Misses Chamberlin. He al- ways remained at home, after reaching manhood, assisting his father in his various business enter- prises, of which he eventually took full charge, and since his father's decease he has looked after his mother's interests and managed the hotel at Quaker Lake. In September, 1896, he married Miss Mabel A. Lathrop, of Binghamton, N. Y., who was born in 1878 at Forest Lake, Susquehanna county, daughter of S. C. and Libbie (Steiger) Lathrop, of Binghamton ; Mrs. Barney was educated in Bing- hamton, completing her training in the higher schools. The young couple have always resided at the home in Silver Lake township, and Mrs. Bar- ney has proved herself a capable helpmeet in the entertainment of their numerous guests, and in the management of the well-patronized resort. There are sixteen fine cottages at this beautiful lake, owned by wealthy residents of Binghamton and other cities, and the surroundings are most inviting, while in the hotel no pains are spared in providing for the comfort and conveniences of guests. The table is supplied with the best the local markets af- ford, the rooms are pleasant and tastefully fur- nished, and Mr. and Mrs. Barney attend personally to the management of all the details of the house, making many friends among their patrons by their genial and truly hospitable disposition.

Mr. and Mrs. Barney have two children-Eliza- beth, born in 1897, and Benjamin J., born in 1899. She is a member of the West Presbyterian Church, of Binghamton, and Mr. Barney, though not a church member, has always been deeply interested in the advancement of Christianity and given lib- erally toward church and charitable enterprises. His political sympathies have always been with the Republican party, but he takes little interest in par- tisan affairs except as a public-spirited citizen.

SAMUEL VAN HORN (deceased) was one of the loyal defenders of the Union during the war of the Rebellion, and a representative farmer and dairyman of Thompson township, Susquehanna county. He was a native of New Jersey, born in Essex, July 9, 1832, and was a son of William and Betsy (Kimber) Van Horn, the mother's birth oc- curring in New York. His paternal grandfather was William Van Horn, Sr., who came to this country from Germany and at one time owned Manhattan Island, N. Y., where he first located. For a time after his marriage the father continued to make his home in New Jersey, and then removed

to Montrose, Penn. Some years later he became a resident of Thompson township, Susquehanna county, where he purchased a tract of wild land and in the midst of the forest developed a farm. His first buildings here were of logs, but in later years they were replaced by more modern struc- tures. Both he and his wife died upon this farm and were laid to rest in Thompson cemetery. To them were born eight children, as follows: (1) Jacob W., born in New Jersey, in August, 1820, married Fila Benson, daughter of Job Benson, of Jackson, and became a prominent business man of Thompson, where he and his wife conducted a hotel for many years. They afterward removed to Wind- sor, N. Y., and he died in Odessa, N. Y., in March, 1895. (2) Sally A., born in New Jersey, in April, 1823, married J. W. Brown, of Thompson, and died in March, 1895. (3) Fannie, born January, 1826, died July, 1840. (4) Nathaniel, born in New Jer- sey, in July, 1829, married Elizabeth Stewart, of Thompson, and settled on the old Van Horn home- stead, where he cared for his parents during their declining years. Later he traded the place for a farm in Odessa, N. Y., where he died in October, 1898. He and his brother Jacob were both soldiers of the Civil war. He left a wife and two daughters : Ida, wife of George Gelatt, of Odessa, N. Y .; and Susan, wife of Charles Alt, of the same place. (5) Samuel is the next in order of birth. (6) Catherine, born in New Jersey, in June, 1834, is the wife of John Wrighter, a farmer of Thompson, and they have three children : Fannie, wife of Hiram Barnes, of Jackson ; Frederick, who is married and lives in Cameron county, Penn .; and De Forest, who is with his parents. (7) Hannah, born in New Jersey, in March, 1837, is the wife of Jackson Chandler, of Thompson, and has three children: Jane, Charles and Ella. (8) Phoebe L., born in Montrose, Penn., in March, 1841, married Asahel U. Tucker, of Ara- rat, and died in February, 1893, leaving two chil- dren : Ada, wife of Robert Adair, who lives on the old Tucker homestead ; and George, who is married and lives in Waterville, Lycoming Co., Penn.

Samuel Van Horn secured his literary educa- tion in the public schools of New Jersey. He was eighteen years of age when he came with the family to Susquehanna county, and until he attained his majority he assisted in the work of the home farm. In 1858 he married Miss Emily Harris, who was born in Susquehanna county, in 1839, a daughter of John and Orpha (Phippins) Harris. After the death of her mother, in 1850, she lived out, and was educated in the schools of Rhode Island and Susquehanna county. Leaving his wife and child, Mr. Van Horn enlisted, in 1864, in Company A, 137th N. Y. V. I., and remained in the service until the war ended and peace was once more restored. After his return to Susquehanna county, he pur- chased the present home of the family, which at that time was only partially improved. He re- modeled the house and erected a new barn, and cleared a large portion of the farm, continuing to

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devote his time and attention to its further im- provement and cultivation until his death, which occurred on April 18, 1893.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn, namely: (1) William, born in Thompson, in 1862, received a fair education in the home schools, and now follows farming, his home being in Thompson borough. He married Minnie Kim- ber, of Corning, N. Y., and they have one son- Maynard. (2) Nora, born in 1871, is now the wife of Ernest Jacobs, of Thompson, son of Robert Jacobs, and they have two children-Viola and By- ron. (3) Nellie E., born in Thompson, in July, 1877, is the wife of Herbert Burchell, a farmer of Thompson, and they have one daughter-Nina- born on June 19, 1896. (4) Samuel Guy, born in 1885, is attending the home schools and lives with his mother.

In his political views Mr. Van Horn was a Democrat, and he was called upon to serve as treasurer and inspector of his town. Socially he belonged to Frank Hall Post, No. 505, G. A. R., of Thompson. He was a man of exemplary habits and sterling worth, a good citizen, a brave soldier, an affectionate husband and kind father-one that commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact.

LIEUT. DAVID MASON (deceased), in his lifetime an honored and highly respected citizen of Susquehanna, was born near Belfast, County Down, Ireland, December 14, 1824, a son of David and Elizabeth (Geddis) Mason.

The father, who was a machinist by trade, was born in the highlands of Scotland, in 1788, and in 1799 moved to Ireland, where he was married, his wife being a native of County Down, where their entire married life was passed. There the father died in 1852, his wife a year later. Of the seven children born to them our subject is the only son ; Elspa died in Ireland when a young lady; Eliza- beth married James Clauders, who was killed near London, England, in 1852, after which she and her only child came to New York, but she is now · living in Canada; Mary A. married a Mr. Arm- strong and remained in Ireland; Martha married Edward Mckinley and died a few years later in Ireland ; Ellen and one other daughter died in in- fancy.

In his native land the subject of this sketch grew to manhood and received a common school education. At the age of fourteen years he com- menced learning the machinist's trade and served a seven years' apprenticeship, being principally employed on stationary engines used in the manu- facture of linen. In November, 1851, he sailed for America on the "Constitution," which was wrecked on the New Jersey coast ninety miles from New York, but all the passengers were saved, being taken off on the lifeboats. After two months spent upon the water Mr. Mason finally landed in New York, where he worked at his trade for a short

time. Later he was for three years employed as a machinist in Paterson, N. J., and from there went to Kingston, Canada, where he worked at his trade three or four months, and at Toronto for about the same length of time. In 1855 he came to Sus- quehanna, Penn., and entered the shops of the New York & Erie railroad, where he was a trusted and faithful employe for over thirty years.

In 1858 Mr. Mason was united in marriage with Miss Honora Malee, of Susquehanna, who was born in County Waterford, Ireland, on Decem- ber 24, 1836, and came with a sister to this country. Her parents, John and Alice (Powell) Malee, spent their entire lives in Ireland. Of the six children born to our subject and his wife, Frederick F., Frederick A., and George all died in infancy ; Lena, born in Susquehanna, in 1865, was educated in the public schools of that place, married William C. Kotz, of Easton, Penn., who is engaged in the butcher business, and now resides in Lanesboro, Penn. (they have one child, Mason W. Kotz, born February 12, 1897) ; David G., born on March 18, 1869, and also attended the public schools and learned the machinist's trade, now holding the position of car inspector for the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company, at Pitcairn, near Pittsburg; and Charles V., born December 14, 1874, was a student in the Susquehanna schools, and as a machinist he is now employed in the railroad shops at that place.

When the Civil war broke out Mr. Mason was among the first to offer his services to his adopted country, enlisting April 19, 1861, at the first call for volunteers, becoming a member of Company K, 6th Pennsylvania Reserves, under command of Capt. McCauley, of Susquehanna. At that time he was not a naturalized citizen, but his strong op- position to slavery caused him to take up arms in defense of the Union. At Camp Curtin he was elected first lieutenant of his company, and moved to the front as a commissioned officer, being mus- tered into the United States service in July, 1861. His first engagement was at Drainsville, December 20, 1861, after which the regiment went into win- ter quarters at Pierpont, Va. In the spring of 1862 they joined the army of the Potomac under Gen. McClellan and did guard duty at the White House during the Peninsular campaign. They partici- pated in the second battle of Bull Run, in August, 1862, and the battles of South Mountain and An- tietam ; were under command of Gen. Burnside in the battle of Fredericksburg, in December, 1862, where their losses were very heavy ; and were also with Gen. Burnside in his "stick in the mud" cam- paign. The campaign of 1863 opened with the bat- tle of Chancellorsville, and was followed by the battle of Gettysburg, where the Fifth Pennsyl- vania Corps was literally cut down. Here Lieut. Mason was detailed for other duties on account of disabilities, and was taken to Baltimore, where he remained until honorably discharged from the serv- ice in March, 1864.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 358

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