Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 36

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 36
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 36
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 36
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 36

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).

Our subject was trained to the habits of indus- try in his youth, and when twelve years old he en- tered the employ of Thomas Brondage, with whom he remained eight years. In 1882 he became con- nected with the Delaware Bridge Co., and for five years he was employed by them in building bridges in every county in the State of New York. In 1888 he established himself in the livery business in Delaware Water Gap, purchasing real estate and building a large barn, and he now enjoys a large trade. His carriages and horses are of a fine grade, and he does a large contract business in his town. He also owns a large coal yard, where he keeps a good supply of hard coal. In 1883 he mar- ried Miss Mary E. Ward, of Savona, Steuben coun- ty, N. Y., the only daughter of Wesley and Sarah Ward, and a member of one of the prominent fam- ilies of that section. After his marriage he brought his young wife to the borough of Delaware Water Gap, where he has resided up to the present time, and their home is a model of neatness. They have had four sons, William M., Arlington, Joseph (who died in infancy ) and Leroy-all born in the borough. Politically Mr. Ruth is a Democrat, and he has al- ways taken an active part in local affairs, having served eight years as constable and also as chief of police. Socially he is identified with the P. O. S. of A., and in religion he inclines to the Methodist faith, his wife and mother being devout members of that Church.

WILLIAM A. CONNELL (deceased), late general manager of the Connell Coal Co., of Scran- ton, Penn., had extensive business interests in this sec- tion, and the following brief account of his career will be appreciated by our readers, among whom he had many friends.

Mr. Connell was born September 8, 1860, in the city of Scranton, where his family has long been prominent. Hon. William Connell, his father, who

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is one of the leading coal operators of the State, was at one time a member of Congress from the Twelfth District of Pennsylvania, and in 1898 he was pro- posed as a gubernatorial candidate, but his name was withdrawn by him.

Our subject's education was begun in the schools of Lackawanna county, and he was prepared for college under the instruction of Prof. Plumley, of Scranton. Soon afterward he engaged in the coal business with his father, taking the post of gen- eral manager. He died November 21, 1899. He was an active, enterprising young man, and under his able administration the business flourished, his judgment being equal to his energy. Politically he always affiliated with the Republican party, to which he gave effective support. He resided in Scranton, where he owned a beautiful home, and in March, 1890, he married Miss Matilda F. Kear, one of the most charming society women of that city, and a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Kear, well- known residents of that place. One son, William A. Connell, Jr., was born to this union in December, 1890, and died January 2, 1900. Mrs. Connell is identified with the Methodist Church at Scranton, and is active in its various lines of philanthropic and religious effort.

ORVILLE W. SPENCER. Prominent among the enterprising, energetic and reliable citizens of Mt. Pleasant township, Wayne county, is Mr. Spen- cer, who was born July 22, 1845, and is a representa- tive of one of the old and honored families of the county. His paternal grandparents, Ezra and Eliza (Clark) Spencer, were natives of Connecticut, but at an early day became residents of northeastern Pennsylvania, and the family has since been promi- nently identified with the growth and development of Wayne county. Here the grandfather died at the ripe old age of eighty-three years, honored and re- spected by all who knew him.

Philo C. Spencer, our subject's father, was born in Wayne county, in 1820, and on attaining to man's estate married Miss Lucy Ann Simmons, whose family were among the earliest settlers of Sus- quehanna, Penn. As a means of livelihood Philo C. Spencer worked at the carpenter's and wagonmak- er's trades. In religious connection he is an earnest and faithful member of the Methodist Church. He is still living, at the age of eighty years, and is held in high regard throughout the community in which he makes his home.

During his minority Orville W. Spencer re- mained on the old homestead, and is indebted to the public schools of the neighborhood for a good prac- tical education, which has well fitted him for life's responsible duties. He wedded Miss Mary J. Page, and to them have been born eight children, as fol- lows: Clara M. (deceased), John P., Richard P. (deceased), William O., Annie E., Calvin B. (de- ceased), Jennie M. and George C.

John Page, Mrs. Spencer's father, was but a boy when he came to Pennsylvania with his father, Rich-

ard Page, and was reared and educated here. He married Miss Eliza Kernaghan, a native of Orange county, N. Y., and they became the parents of five children, namely: The eldest was still-born; Ann Eliza died at the age of sixteen years ; the twins, one of whom died in infancy, and Maria, who died at the age of fourteen years; Mary Jane, Mrs. Spencer, is the only one now living, and occupies the old Page homestead. The mother of these children died at the age of sixty-eight years, but the father is still living at the age of eighty-three years, one of the solid and successful citizens of Wayne county.

Politically Mr. Spencer is a member of the Re- publican party, in the success of which he takes a deep interest. He is a Methodist in religious belief and constant in attendance at Church services. He is of a very sociable, genial nature, is popular in social circles, and in business affairs is numbered among the most substantial, progressive and reli- able citizens of Mt. Pleasant township, one whose prosperity is well deserved.

GEORGE WASHINGTON DERSHEIMER is one of the thrifty young farmers and dairymen of whom Wayne county is justly proud. His fine farm of 150 acres is located in Lake township, and the most casual observer is sure to note the evidence of the system and care of the owner. He was born at Dunmore, Lackawanna Co., Penn., May 24, 1866, a son of Thomas and Charlotte (Curtis ) Dersheimer.

Thomas Dersheimer was born April 28, 1829, a son of John Dersheimer, of Luzerne county. He was a butcher by trade, and in 1886 became agent for the Chicago Beef House, and has since engaged in business as a commission merchant, handling dressed beef exclusively. On February 20, 1865, at Hollisterville, he was married, by Rev. C. L. Rice, to Charlotte Curtis, of South Canaan, who was born in Wayne county, July 27, 1838, and died at Dun- more, July 13, 1877. To this union came children as follows: George Washington; and Lizzie M., born August 1, 1868, died March 17, 1870. The father formed a second matrimonial union, marry- ing Angeline Cross, of Sterling township. No chil- dren came to them, but they adopted Mrs. Dershei- mer's nephew, Ralph Letchworth, who gives them a son's love in return for their kind attention and happy home. His mother was the wife of T. P. Letchworth, an undertaker of Dunmore, Penn., and is now deceased. Thomas Dersheimer is one of the prominent and wealthy citizens of Dunmore, where he makes his home. His wife is one of the leaders in the social circles. She is a highly-cultivated and intelligent woman, actively interested in the cause of education, her interest in the work not having abated in the least when she left her work as teacher to preside over Mr. Dersheimer's home.

George W. Dersheimer was but eleven years- old when his mother died, and he went to live with an uncle, Peter Dersheimer, remaining one year, at the end of which time he went to the home of an- other uncle, Moses Curtis, who resided in South

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Canaan township, and there he made his home until he was eighteen years of age. Returning to his father, he attended school that winter, fitting him- self to work on his father's books, which he did for one year. The next five years he spent as fireman on the Erie & Wyoming railroad, and in 1893 his father made him a present of the fertile farm where- on he makes his present home. He has greatly im- proved the place, the land being now under a high state of cultivation, and he has a dairy of nineteen cows, selling the cream to the Scranton Dairy Com- pany.

On May I, 1889, Mr. Dersheimer was married, by Rev. William Edgar, of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Dunmore, to Miss Rhoba Rockwell, and they have become the parents of three children, name- ly : Charlotte M., born August 21, 1890; Minnie A., born June 30, 1892; and Rena E., born July 22, 1895. Mrs. Dersheimer was born October 3, 1863, a daughter of Joseph C. and Susan (Jaggers) Rock- well, and was carefully educated. She is a charm- ing, cultured woman, and presides over her home with the inimitable grace of the true born lady. Mr. Dersheimer is a member of the B. L. F., of Dun- more Gravity Lodge No. 404, and the I. O. O. F., of South Canaan. In politics he coincides with the doctrines of the Republican party. Both he and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Progressive, energetic and intelligent, Mr. Dersheimer is bound to succeed in whatever he attempts. His well-tilled fields, his dairy, his home, all attest the practical up-to-date agriculturist and dairyman.

Joseph C. Rockwell, father of Mrs. Dersheimer, sacrificed his life on the altar of his country dur- ing the Civil war. He enlisted in the Union army at Tarrytown, N. Y., becoming a member of Bat- tery F, Sixth New York Heavy Artillery, and on May 19, 1864, at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, Va., received a wound from which he died in Alexandria, Va., June 10, following, at the early age of twenty-three years. He was a brave and gal- lant soldier, and in yielding up his young life on the battlefield closed an honorable service, leaving a record of which his posterity shall ever refer with pride. He left a wife and one child, Rhoba, now Mrs. George W. Dersheimer. Mrs. Rockwell has since become the wife of a Mr. Brooks. Joseph C. Rockwell's parents were Hiram and Rebecca ( Merritt) Rockwell, the former a son of William Rockwell, a native of Connecticut who settled in Susquehanna county in an early day ; the mother was a daughter of William and Rebecca (Lanfer) Mer- ritt, also Connecticut people who settled in Sus- quehanna county. Hiram Rockwell was born in Susquehanna county. He was a farmer by occupa- tion, a good man and citizen, and an active worker and local preacher in the Baptist Church.

AUGUST SMITH, a well-to-do agriculturist of Texas township, Wayne county, is one of the self- made men whose success has proved that energy,

perseverance and sound judgment will command for their possessor an honorable position in life.

Mr. Smith was born in 1848 in Baden, Germany, son of Adam and Lutgart (Keller) Smith, both of whom were born and reared in that Duchy. The father was a glass-blower by occupation, and some years after his marriage he removed with his fam- ily to Cadiz, Spain, where he followed his trade for about three years. In 1855 he came to America with his family, locating first in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he was employed at his trade for six years. In 1861 he gave up the work on account of failing health, and removed to Sullivan county, N. Y., pur- chasing a farm which he conducted for some time. Later he rented the property to a tenant and removed to Indian Orchard, Wayne county, where he pur- chased the "George Weaver farm," and there his re- maining years were spent, his death occurring in 1864, at the age of forty-nine. His wife survived him with six children, of whom three are still living. (I) Lewis, born in Germany in 1840, died in 1866, in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he had been employed as a glass-blower. He married a Miss Collins, of that city, and she survives hum with four children, Lewis, Adda, Lizzie and Lutgart. (2) Ferdinand, born in Germany in 1842, was a glass-blower by trade and resided in Brooklyn, where his death occurred in 1879. He married Miss Sarah Manning, of Brook- lyn, and had one son, Ferdinand, now residing in Brooklyn with his mother. (3) August, our sub- ject, is mentioned more fully below. (4) Fred- erick was born in Germany in 1849, and after the death of his father took charge of the homestead. He died in April, 1892, at the threshold of a most promising career. (5) Rosie, born in Germany in 1852, is now the wife of Michael Coyn, of Hones- dale, the builder of the "Coyn House," of that city. They have eight children, Joseph, Julia, Frederick, Alice, Fannie, Helen, Florence and Rosella. (6) Mary, born in 1860, in Brooklyn, N. Y., married Anthony Rickett, of Wayne county, and they now reside upon the old homestead in Indian Orchard. Thev have five children, Rosie, Lizzie, Lewis, Julius and Veronica.

As our subject was only seven years old when he came to America his education was obtained in the schools of Brooklyn, N. Y., during the time of his father's residence there. After the removal of the family to Wayne county he found employment in the Dorflinger glass works at White Mills, as a journey- man glass-blower, and for twenty-nine years he re- mained with that company, becoming such an expert in his chosen line of work that he commanded a sal- ary of $20 per week. In 1883 he purchased his present homestead near White Mills, a fine estate of 125 acres, formerly known as the Jones farm. He has made many improvements upon the place, mak- ing it one of the most attractive homes in the lo- cality, and he keeps the farm well stocked with good breeds of domestic animals, including some fine Per- cheron horses. Throughout his life he has shown the thrift for which the German race is noted, and

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he has made his way to prosperity without sacrificing his integrity and honesty. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat, has always been one of the active workers in local affairs, taking special interest in educational matters, and for nine years past has been a member of the school board of Texas township. He is now treasurer of the board, and for three years he served as collector of the school fund. He and his family are devout members of the Catholic Church, with which he has been connected from childhood.

In 1879 Mr. Smith married, for his first wife, Miss Elizabeth Rimlinger, of White Mills, Wayne county, a native of France. Her father, Michael Rimlinger, came to America with his family some years ago, and is now a highly-respected resident of White Mills. Mrs. Elizabeth Smith died in 1888, leaving four sons. all of whom give promise of be- coming substantial citizens. Frank and Joseph are employed as cutters in the Dorflinger factory, and August and John are still attending school. In 1890 Mr. Smith married Mrs. Mary Doetsch, nce Tuman, a daughter of George Tuman, of Wayne county. Her first husband, Dr. Doetsch, was a suc- cessful physician at Pittston, and later at Honesdale, where he died in 1884, leaving two children : Jacob, born in 1872, who is now engaged in the book-bind- ing business at Honesdale, and Miss Christina, who was born in 1877, in Scranton, Penn., and received an excellent education in the schools at Pittston and Honesdale, her fine mental gifts enabling her to make good use of her opportunities. She now re- sides with her mother, at the homestead.

PHILIP S. LEE, a prominent agriculturist of Stroud township, Monroe county, is a man whose in- dustry and thrift have won for him a comfortable competence, and his attractive homestead near Stroudsburg gives evidence of his judicious manage- ment.

Mr. Lee belongs to one of the pioneer families of Monroe county, his grandfather, Ebenezer Lee, a native of Ireland, having settled there at an early day. This worthy citizen had four children, among whom was a son, Edward, our subject's father. Of the others: (I) Jesse died in Monroe county, unmarried. (2) Joseph, a farmer in Stroud township, Monroe county, married Miss Peggie Bush, of the same township, and died in 1892, leav- ing three children, George, Charles, and Miriam, wife of Michael Brishe, of Stroud township. (3) Mary married John Miller, of Stroud township, and both are now deceased ; they had four children, (a) Sal- lie married Birchie Canard, and died in Ohio some years ago. (b) Elizabeth married James White, of Stroudsburg, and died leaving three children- John, now engaged in mercantile business in Stroudsburg ; Edward, who is married, and is em- ployed as a conductor on the Wilkes Barre & Eastern railroad, and Martha, the wife of Truman Arnold, of Michigan. (c) Alice, wife of Dennis Edinger, now postmaster at Stroudsburg. (d) Ames Miller resides in Tonawanda, Pennsylvania.

Edward Lee, the father of our subject, was born in Monroe county, in 1801, and in early manhood married Miss Rachel Platenburg. Soon afterward he purchased forty acres of wild land, two and one- half miles north of Stroudsburg, which he cleared and improved for a homestead, erecting good build- ings. He died there in 1893; his wife, who had shared all the hardships of their years of struggle, passed away in 1874. They had three sons-Will- iam W., Philip S. and Sydenham W. William W., born February 10, 1828, in Stroud township, is a re- tired farmer in Susquehanna county. He married Miss Caroline Detrick, of Wilkes Barre, and has two sons, Edward and George, who are married and re- side in Susquehanna county. Sydenham W. Lee, born February 1, 1836, in Stroud township, occupies his father's old homestead. He married Miss Fran- ces Berry, of the same township, and has two chil- dren, Bertha and Harry, who are both at home.

Philip S. Lee was born February 10, 1831, at the old home in Stroud township, and was reared a farmer boy. As a young man he learned the car- penter's trade with William Rowe, of Stroudsburg, and this business he followed successfully for eight- een years. In 1855 he purchased a small tract of wild land in Stroud township, where he cleared a farm and built a substantial residence and other buildings. In 1877 he sold this property, and bought 100 acres of the Joseph Dusenburg farm near Smi- ley's bridge, on the road from Stroudsburg to Spragueville. He has made many improvements, including the building of a commodious and com- fortable modern residence and a bank barn. Polit- ically Mr. Lee is a Republican of the old-time Whig stock, his father having been an ardent Whig until the war issues brought about readjustment of party lines. Our subject has at times held office in his township, including that of supervisor, and as a citi- zen he is active in promoting the best interests of the locality. In religious faith he is a Methodist, and he and his wife are leading members of the Church at Mt. Zion.

In 1853 he married Miss Esther Brutzman, who was born in 1836, daughter of Lewis Brutzman, a well-known resident of Stroud township, and his wife Phœbe (Posten), who now resides with our subject at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have had three sons, all of whom are taking honorable places in life. (I) William O., born September 7, 1862, received a public-school ed- ucation, and is now employed as a street-car con- ductor in Scranton. In 1885 he married Miss Rhoda Brish, of Stroud township, and they have three chil- dren, Mahlon, Anna and Carrie. (2) Alexander Sherman, born May 3, 1867, was educated in the public schools of Stroud township, and now resides at Yatesville, Luzerne county, being employed as an engineer on the Wilkesbarre & Eastern railroad. He married Miss Emma Ruff, of Stroudsburg ; she died in August, 1898, and he subsequently married Miss Phobe Malone, a daughter of a well-known engineer on the Wilkesbarre & Eastern railroad.

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(3) Edward Martin, born July 21, 1874, completed a public-school course, and in 1892 entered the em- ploy of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad Company as a fireman. Two years later he returned to the old homestead and assisted his father, and in 1896 they began prospecting for coal ; at pres- ent they are drilling 266 feet below the surface with every prospect .of success. He has fine musical tal- ent as well as business ability, and plays the cornet in the Spragueville band. On December 16, 1899, he married Miss Elizabeth Werkheiser, of Kellersville, Hamilton township, Monroe county. Philip S. Lee had three daughters, Mary, Carrie and Mildred, one son, Hiram, and one grandchild, Milton, all now de- ceased.

GEORGE H. ROBACKER, an energetic, en- terprising and prosperous farmer of Greene town- ship, Pike county, comes of good old German stock. His paternal grandfather, Christopher Ro- backer, was a native of Baden, Germany, and was there reared and married. On his emigration to America he located in Dreher township, Wayne county, where both he and his wife died.

George Robacker, our subject's father, was born in Baden, Germany, May 1, 1812, and was twelve years old when brought by his parents to the United States. On attaining his majority he com- menced operating the old homestead in Dreher township, Wayne county, but later removed to Greene township, Pike county, where he engaged in farming and lumbering until his death, Novem- ber 24, 1856. He was married in Waymart, Wayne county, to Miss Elizabeth Fribley, who was born November 3, 1820, a daughter of John Fribley, and died January 14, 1889. The children born of this union were Moses K., a resident of Newfoundland, Penn .; George, the subject of this review; Levin, a farmer of Greene township, Pike county, who died leaving a wife and five children; Milana, wife of George Waltz, of Newfoundland, Penn .; Sophia, widow of Charles D. Waltz, and a resident of East Branch Pond, Greene township: Jacob, a farmer of the same township; Harriette, wife of William Derne, of Bethlehem, Northampton Co., Penn .; and Annie, who is living with our subject.

George H. Robacker, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Dreher township, Wayne county, Mav 9, 1843, but his boyhood and youth were passed in Greene township, Pike county, in attending school during the winter months and as- sisting in the farm work during the summer season. In 1864-65-66 he spent the greater part of his time working at lumbering in the counties of Potter, Elk and Clearfield, Penn .. meeting with good suc- cess. Soon afterward he bought land, and has since devoted his energies to general farming and lumber- ing. He has met with a well-deserved success in his life work, and to-day has one of the finest farms in Pike county, consisting of 102 acres, one-half of which he has placed under a high state of cultiva- tion, and improved with good and substantial build-

ings that stand as monuments to his thrift and en- terprise.

In Greene township, Pike county, May 7, 1870, Mr. Robacker was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Heberling, a daughter of Peter and Regina ( Strauss) Heberling. Her paternal grandfather was Peter Heberling, a native of Baden, Germany, and her maternal grandparents were John and Eliza- beth ( Sailor) Strauss, natives of Wurtemberg, Ger- many. Mrs. Robacker was born May 13. 1844, and is second in the order of birth in a large family of children, the others being as follows: Emma, wife of John Marsch, a farmer of Greene township, Pike county ; Henry, John and Edward, all farmers of the same township; Jacob, a resident of Helena, Mont .; Levin, an insurance agent of Philadelphia, Penn. ; Hattie, wife of Moses Phillips, of Strouds- burg, Penn .: Peter, who is also living in Strouds- burg : Ella, wife of George Meyers, of Greene town- ship, Pike county: Ida, wife of Jacob Waltz, of Stroudsburg: and Herbert, a farmer of Greene township, Pike county.

Mr. and Mrs. Robacker have a family of four children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Maurice A., June 27, 1872; Ella E., July IO, 1874; Byron John, April 27, 1879; and Agnes S., January 19. 1885. The parents are both faith- ful members of the Hopedale Moravian Church, in which Mr. Robacker is serving as elder, and was assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school. In 1880 he served as a delegate of the Moravian Church to the Senate at Hope, Ind .; also in 1892 served as delegate to the district Senate of the same Church at Bethlehem, Penn. At present he is serv- ing as superintendent of the Sunday-school. So- cially he has been identified with the I. O. O. F. for thirty years, and also belongs to the American Protective Association. He has always been a strong Republican when it comes to national poli- tics, but at local. elections votes for the best man regardless of party affiliations. He himself has most acceptably served as judge of election, super- visor for several years and overseer of the poor.

FREDERICK W. STEPHENS, a well-known farmer and milk dealer residing in Dyberry town- ship. Wayne county, was born on the place which is still his home, March IO, 1855. His paternal grand- father, James Stephens, was a native of Cornwall, England. where he grew to manhood, married and reared his children. In 1843 the family emigrated to the United States and located in Honesdale, Wayne county, Penn., where the grandfather died in 1869. His children were William, who died May 22, 1895; James, a school teacher by pro- fession, who spent his entire life in England : John, who died in Mt. Pleasant township, Wayne county ; Thomas, the father of our subject: Harry (de- ceased). who was a resident of Honesdale : Jane, wife of George Fitz, of Mt. Pleasant ; and Lydia, a resident of Brooklyn, New York.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 36

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