Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 384

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 384
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 384
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 384
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 384

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Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have had five children : Thomas, Margaret A., Carrollton E., William R. and Ellen F., all living at home. The family is an industrious, intelligent one, prominent in local af- fairs, and the children all give promise of doing credit to their worthy parents, who are among the most esteemed residents of the neighborhood.

THOMAS SHEPHERD was born September 24, 1872, on the farm at Beaver Dam, in Delaware township, formerly occupied by his parents, and came to their present farm with them in 1878, since which time he has continued to reside here. He re- ceived his education in the public schools of the dis- trict, and at the age of eighteen years taught one term at Long Meadow, Pike county. After school was dismissed he commenced work at the carpenter's trade, though he had never served any apprentice- ship, and he followed that calling for two years with success. When twenty-one years of age he com- menced work at the blacksmith's trade, which he also learned by working for different blacksmiths, and he has since been engaged in blacksmithing in connection with general farming on the home place, building the shop he now conducts in March, 1893. He has recently invested in a farm in the township, and he has gained an enviable reputation among the young men of the locality as a thrifty, hard worker, as well as a good manager, and he will no doubt in time take a high place among the successful men of Delaware; he has the good wishes of all who know him. His political sympathies are with the Democratic party. Fraternally he unites with Van- dermart Lodge, I. O. O. F., and in religious connec- tion he is a member of the M. E. Church.

WILLIAM L. HARVEY is one of the typical business men of Wayne county, and is one of

Gouldsboro's most prominent and highly respected citizens. He now gives particular attention to the ice business, being secretary and manager of and a heavy stockholder in the Gouldsboro Ice Co., and president and manager of and a heavy stockholder in the Lackawanna Mountain Ice Co., both of Gouldsboro.

A native of New Jersey, Mr. Harvey was born in Mercer county, November 21, 1844. His parents, Patrick and Rachel A. (Lytle) Harvey, were natives of New Jersey, and both died in Princeton, that State, where the father was engaged in teaching school. He departed this life in 1873, at the age of fifty-seven years, the mother on March 28, 1897, aged eighty-five, and both were buried at Princeton. Their children were Ira C. (deceased), who mar- ried Mary Elizabeth Hoffman, now a resident of Trenton, N. J. ; Phœbe Ann, who died when young ; William L. of this sketch ; Phobe Ann, now the wife of J. W. Jones, a Presbyterian minister of Baltimore, Md .; Emma, wife of Jerome Hulit, a farmer of New Jersey ; Baldwin, who died when young; and Mary C., who lives in Princeton, New Jersey.

On leaving the home farm at the age of twenty- two years, William L. Harvey went to Luzerne county, Penn., where for four years he had charge of a sawmill for I. C. Harvey & Co., Mr. Harvey being his brother. The following year he conducted a hotel at Clifton, Penn., and was then engaged in the same business at Wilkesbarre for eight months, after which he carried on a restaurant at Nanticoke, Penn., for sixteen months. Returning to Clifton, he was appointed postmaster, and also served as justice of the peace until 1885, when he came to Gouldsboro, where he conducted the "Simons House" for thirteen years and twenty-seven days, giving it up April 1, 1898. He is also a civil en- gineer, and while in New Jersey followed that pro- fession quite extensively, and has since devoted some time to it at intervals.

At Wilkesbarre, Penn., December 22, 1871, Mr. Harvey was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Gersbacher, and they have become the parents of two children: Mamie, who graduated at the Con- servatory of Music, New York, and is now success- fully engaged in teaching that art ; and Theodore R., a leading dentist of Westfield, N. J., who graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College in 1895, and married Eliza Gilpin, a daughter of Dr. Fletcher Gilpin, of Newfoundland, Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Harvey was born in Baden, Germany, September 16, 1851, but during her infancy was brought to America by her parents, Reinhart and Matena (Zimmerman) Gersbacher, who arrived in this country May 3, 1852, and, after spending some time in Clifton, located in Luzerne county, where the father engaged in lumbering and in the hotel business until his death; he died October II, 1896, when he was seventy-three years of age. He served as commissioner of that county from January, 1874, until 1877. His wife departed this life February 25, 1882, at the age of fifty-nine years, three months

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and eleven days, and was buried by his side in Clifton cemetery. They had a family of four daugh- ters: Caroline, wife of our subject; Mary, wife of Richard Woodring, who is engaged in clerking in South Bethlehem, Penn. ; and Clementine and Emma V., still on the old home place.

For the past nine years Mr. Harvey has effi- ciently served as justice of the peace, and for the same length of time has been school director and secretary of the board. During the Civil war he manifested his patriotism by trying to enlist in the Union army, but was rejected on account of poor eyesight. He is an ardent supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party, and in his social relations is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Wal- lenpaupack Lodge. His career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the busi- ness world, for he has ever conducted all transac- tions on the strictest principles of honor and integrity. His devotion to the public good is un- questioned, and arises from a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellow men.

GEORGE MITCHELL, junior member of the well-known firm of W. & G. Mitchell, general mer- chants at Milford, Pike county, is an enterprising and successful business man, and his career might well serve as an example for any ambitious youth who has to make his own way in life.

Mr. Mitchell derives his abilities from good Scottish ancestry, his family having been identified with the parish of Longside, Aberdeen, Scotland, for many years. Robert Mitchell, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, lived and died in Scotland, the father of three children : Mary, Margaret and Robert, Jr.

Robert Mitchell, Jr., our subject's father, fol- lowed the carpenter's trade, and was also engaged in agriculture. He was an excellent citizen, and was especially active in religious work. He died in Scotland in 1846. He married Miss Elizabeth Sellar, who died in Milford, Penn., in 1886, having come to America in 1872. This worthy couple had the following children: Robert, who died in early manhood while studying for the ministry at Mar- cellus College ; John, who came to the United States in 1881 and died in Iowa where he was engaged in farming ; James, who died in Scotland; George, our subject; Elizabeth, wife of John Findley, of Mil- ford; Miss Mary and Miss Isabella, who conduct a millinery store in Milford; and William, our sub- ject's partner.

George Mitchell was born April 24, 1843, at the old home in Scotland, where he remained until 1872, he and his brother John having charge of the home- stead for some years. He then came to the United States and located at Milford, engaging in the fur- niture business. After four years he formed a part- nership with A. D. Brown and entered into a gen- eral mercantile business under the firm name of Brown & Mitchell. Two years later Mr. Brown sold his interest to J. J. Pollion, and the new part- nership continued two years when our subject with-

drew and engaged in his present business with his brother William. They have prospered from the first, and now enjoy the largest trade of any mer- cantile establishment in Milford. Our subject's sound judgment and integrity have made him popu- lar in his community, and although he has not aspired to official honors he was elected treasurer of Milford borough, and served one term. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party, and he and his wife are identified with the Presbyterian Church at Milford, of which he is a leading member.

In April, 1886, Mr. Mitchell was married at Milford to Miss Blanche Crissman, a member of a prominent family of that locality. Her father, Cyrus Crissman, formerly the proprietor of the "Crissman House" at Milford, was born in Sussex county, N. J., in 1816, and died in Milford in 1860. Her paternal grandparents, George and Sarah (Dia- mond) Crissman, were natives of Holland, whence they came to this country, making their home at an early day upon a farm in New Jersey, where their remaining years were spent. Mrs. Mitchell's mother, Mrs. Sarah Jones Crissman, now a resident of Mil- ford, was born in Sussex county, N. J., a daughter of Moses and Margaret (Brocar) Jones, and a granddaughter of Jonathan and (Aarons) Jones, natives of Wales, who came to this country after their marriage, settling in Sussex county, New Jersey.

LUTHER A. CONRAD, a worthy representa- tive of the agricultural interests of Springville town- ship, Susquehanna county, has spent almost his en- tire life upon his present farm, a highly-cultivated place of fifty acres which he rents from his father. His paternal grandfather, a native of New England, was the founder of the family in Susquehanna coun- ty, locating in Auburn township, where he owned about fifty acres of land, to the cultivation of which he devoted his time and attention throughout life. He married Elizabeth Bennett.

Isaac Conrad, father of our subject, was born in Auburn township, May 4, 1831, but for many years he has made his home in Springville, and has also followed agricultural pursuits as a life work. He married Miss Margaret Wilbur, a daughter of Tabor and Mary Wilbur, who were of Irish parent- age, and five children were born of this union, namely: George, who died at the age of thirty-six years; Claude, who died at the age of twenty- eight years; Luther A., our subject; Ella, who died young; and Clara, wife of Harry Luce, of Springville township, Susquehanna county.

Luther A. Conrad was born in Springville township, February 25, 1863, and during his boy- hood and youth attended the common schools of that locality, remaining at home much of the time. He is now successfully engaged in general farming on the old homestead, and also operates an adjoining tract of twenty acres. He keeps five cows, and is engaged in dairying to some extent. Since casting his first vote he has been an ardent suppporter of the

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Republican party, and socially he has been a member of Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 181, at Lynn, since De- cember, 1888, and of Encampment No. 50 for the past three years.

In Springville township, Mr. Conrad was mar- ried, in 1886, to Miss Millie Albertson, of Warren county, N. J., and they are the parents of three chil- dren : Edna May, born June 24, 1892; Hazel E., born October 16, 1895 ; and Leigh Foster, born May 9, 1898. Mrs. Conrad's parents, John and Lydia (Cool) Albertson, are well-known residents of Dimock township, Susquehanna county. Both were born in Warren county, N. J., the former July 12, 1828, the latter June 1, 1835. In their family were the following children: George, a farmer of Blairs- town, N. J .; Elmer, a farmer of Foster, Susque- hanna Co., Penn .; Albia, wife of Theodore Le Bar, of Portland, Penn .; Millie, the wife of our subject, born March 6, 1864; Elizabeth, wife of Miner

Avery, of Lackawanna county, Penn .; Theodore, a resident of Dimock township, Susquehanna county ; Maggie, who died young; and Herbert, a resident of Lackawanna county. Mrs. Conrad's paternal grandparents were Hughey and Zubia (Connell) Albertson, and her maternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth (McCracken) Cool.

EDWIN R. BODIE is a leading representa- tive of the business interests of Prompton, Wayne county, where he is successfully engaged in general merchandising, and is also efficiently serving as jus- tice of the peace.

Mr. Bodie is a native of Wayne county, Penn., born in Dyberry township, March 17, 1857, and is a representative of one of its honored pioneer fami- lies, his parents being Charles F. and Jane P. (Snell) Bodie. (The name was originally spelled Bode.) His paternal great-grandfather was a na- tive of Holland, and about 1820 emigrated to Amer- ica, locating first in Philadelphia, whence he re- moved to Shohola, where he worked in a glass fac- tory for a time. He then came to Wayne county, and spent the remainder of his life upon a farm about one and one-half miles from Bethany. On coming to this country he was accompanied by the grandparents of our subject, Joseph and Caroline (Fox) Bodie, who were also natives of Holland, and died in Dyberry, Wayne county. In early life the grandfather engaged in glass-blowing, but later followed farming in Dyberry township. The father of our subject, who was a carpenter by trade and worked for tanneries, died of typhoid fever in Octo- ber, 1865, at the age of thirty-six years ; the mother, who was born December 31, 1833, now makes her home with her children. They are: Joseph A., a photographer, of Honesdale; Mary, wife of G. W. Strongman, a manufacturer of gloves in Honesdale ; and Edwin R., the subject of this sketch.

Edwin R. Bodie was provided with a good practical literary education during his boyhood and youth, but special attention was given to the study of music under Prof. D. B. Tonner, at Bethany,

Wayne county. By written lessons, he was also under the instruction of Prof. George F. Rook, of Chicago, Ill. In 1876 he began teaching both vocal and instrumental music, and was thus employed dur- ing the fall and winter months for eight years, but at the end of that period his voice failed and he was obliged to abandon the profession. From 1881 until 1887 he lived on the farm with his mother, and in the latter year came to Prompton, where he has since done a good business as a merchant.

At Carbondale, Penn., September 23, 1881, Mr. Bodie was married to Miss Hattie J. Aunger, Rev. Bryan, a Presbyterian minister, officiating. A daughter, Ellen Louise, blesses this union. Mrs. Bodie was born in Wayne county, July 23, 1862, a daughter of John and Mary ( Pethick) Aunger, na- tives of Cornwall, England, who spent their last days in Bethany, Wayne county, the former dying in April, 1869, aged thirty-eight years, the latter in May, 1879, aged thirty-six years. There were only two children in their family, the younger being Nel- lie, now the wife of Henry Lewis, a carpenter of Carbondale. Mrs. Bodie's maternal grandparents, William and - ( Ashton) Pethick, came to Amer- ica at an early day, and are still residents of Bethany, Wayne Co., Pennsylvania.

In the exercise of his elective franchise, Mr. Bodie supports the principles of the Prohibition party, and he is at present most efficiently serving as president of the town council and as school di- rector. Socially he affiliates with the I. O. O. F., of Aldenville, Wayne county ; religiously he is a sin- cere and earnest member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, in which he is serving as president of the board of trustees. He is honored by his fellow men to the fullest extent for his sterling integrity, and as a business man and citizen is deserving of the confidence and respect so freely accorded him.

JOHN PERKIN, proprietor of one of the most desirable farms in Berlin township, Wayne county, comes from across the sea, his early home having been in Devonshire, England, where he was born in 1841, a son of John and Elizabeth (Hoar) Per- kin.

Mr. Perkin's father was born in Plymouth, England, in 1811, and when a boy learned the black- smith's trade with his uncle, William Perkin, following the same during his residence in his na- tive land. In 1839 he married Elizabeth Hoar, of Devonshire, and they located near Plymouth, where they continued to make their home until their emi- gration to America, in 1873. They first located in Canada, a year later coming to Wayne county, Penn., where Mr. Perkin purchased 300 acres of partially improved land in Berlin township, near the Pike county line, known as the Dunkirk sawmill property. To its further development and cultiva- tion he devoted his energies for many years. Here his wife died in 1877, leaving three children, two sons and one daughter. Mary was born in 1843, in England, where she was reared and educated,

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and in that country married Richard Warring. Coming to this country with her father, they set- tled upon a part of his farm in Berlin township, where they now have a well-cultivated and highly- improved place, being surrounded with all the comforts of life. Of their three children, John and Bessie were born in England, and Albert was born in Wayne county ; the sons are both unmarried, and Bessie is now the wife of Charles Defort, of Wayne county. William Perkin, the brother of our subject, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1845, and there married Annie Parkin. They also came with his parents to Wayne county, and lived on a farm in Berlin township, where he died in 1884, leaving a wife and family.

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Cornwall, England, where he received a fair edu- cation and also obtained an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits, which he followed during his residence there. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Colling, a native of Cornwall, and a daughter of John and Anna Colling, who died in that country, leaving a family of three children: John, who is married, and resides in Australia ; Jes- sie, wife of our subject; and Annie, unmarried, who is a resident of Cornwall. Mr. and Mrs. Per- kin have two children: William J., born in England in 1867, was reared on the home farm in Wayne county, and since his marriage has continued to reside upon the old homestead with his parents ; he was married in June, 1897, to Miss Eldgert G. Lil- lie, of Wayne county, who is a well-educated and cultured lady, and was for some years a successful teacher in the public schools. Mary A., the only daughter of our subject, was born in Cornwall, in August, 1869, and is now the wife of Virgil B. Case, of Damascus, Wayne county, by whom she has two sons, Charles J. and William P. Mr. Case now occupies and operates his farm in Pike county, Pennsylvania.

In May, 1874, Mr. Perkin came with his parents to Wayne county, and has since resided upon his present farm in Berlin township, on which he has made many excellent improvements which add greatly to its value and attractive appearance. He has enlarged the residence, built two good barns, and erected other outbuildings, having now one of the best farms in the township. After his mother's death his father remained with him on the home- stead until 1884, when he married Mrs. Elizabeth Robins, of Beach Lake, making his home there until his death in 1894.

Mr. Perkin is independent in politics, always endeavoring to cast his ballot for the man best qual- ified for the office, regardless of party affiliations. He has held the office of township auditor one term, school director two terms, and at the present time is a member of the school board and treasurer of same. The duties of these positions he has discharged in an able and most satisfactory manner. He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church at Beach Lake. They are numbered among the best

citizens of the township, and their hospitable home is always open for the reception of the many friends who delight to congregate there.

THOMAS FITZGERALD (deceased) was, during the first half of this century, one of the most prominent and highly-esteemed residents of Silver Lake township, Susquehanna county, a gentleman of culture and intelligence who would have been a valuable citizen of any community, wherever his lot was cast.

Mr. FitzGerald was a native of Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, born in 1774, son of John and Lot- tie (Omie) FitzGerald. He received a thorough education in the schools of his native country, be- coming a fine classical scholar and proficient as a linguist, and for twenty years before coming to this country, in 1827, he held the important position of custom-house manager of the Port of Tralee. Mr. FitzGerald married Miss Julia O'Flynn, sister of Rev. Francis O'Flynn, the first Catholic clergyman in Susquehanna county, and who established the first church of that denomination in this part of the State, being missionary all over the district during the four years of his residence here. His death occurred in 1830. Mr. FitzGerald visited his brother-in-law, Father O'Flynn, and having been persuaded to settle here, he returned to Ireland for his wife and family, which then consisted of seven children. They made their home on what is now known as the Glen Farm, in Silver Lake, where Mr. FitzGerald devoted himself to the management of the work on the place, living comparatively re- tired. He was possessed of abundant means, which enabled him to enjoy the best in life, and he was greatly interested in church work as a devout Catho- lic. He gave land for the church and cemetery and after the death of his brother-in-law was especially active in the erection of the church, which was then in process of construction.

Mr. FitzGerald was greatly beloved for his kindness of heart, and was as useful in civil life as in religious circles, directing his influence for good in every cause which he thought would advance the welfare-moral or material-of the community in which he resided. His political support was always given to the Democratic party, with which his sons have also been identified, and his advice on matters of public importance was often sought by his fel- low citizens, who respected him for his genuine worth and appreciated his ability and talents. He held many local offices in the gift of his townsmen, and also served as county auditor with satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. FitzGerald passed away in 1854, his widow in 1866, and they were deeply mourned throughout the locality with which they had so long been prominently identified. Mr. and Mrs. FitzGerald were the parents of nine children, all of whom grew to maturity and of whom we give a brief record below. They were reared in the Catholic faith, and have always been active in church and charitable work, worshiping at the old

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church near their home. All have been highly edu- cated, receiving the advantages offered by institu- tions of recognized standing and their father's high literary attainments, and have taken their place among the intelligent and substantial citizens of their day and place. The sons have become suc- cessful in business and professional circles, and the daughters ladies of culture and refinement, influ- ential in every movement for good in the community, and beloved for their Christian character and many kindly and charitable acts.

(I) Catherine FitzGerald was born in Ireland, where she received an excellent literary training, studying several of the higher branches. In 1834 she became a teacher in Madame Cehegarry's pri- vate school in New York City, where she remained some years, and subsequently, for twenty years, she taught in Madame Coutan's higher private school, giving instructions in various branches. Later she taught French and English in a private school in LaFayette avenue, Brooklyn. For the past eight- een years, however, Miss FitzGerald has led a retired life, residing at the old home in Silver Lake township. She is a lady of unusual culture and learning, especially in the languages and classics, and she is highly esteemed wherever known for her many admirable qualities of head and heart.

(2) Mary FitzGerald was born in 1812 in Ireland, and was educated there and in America. She married Michael Larkin, a merchant of Apala- chicola, Fla., where they resided, and in 1844 visited her old home in Silver Lake. Her sister Ellen, then a promising girl, accompanied her on the return trip, and the vessel went down in a storm on the Gulf of Mexico, Mrs. Larkin, her child, and sister perishing with all on board.

(3) John FitzGerald was born in Ireland and was a boy of thirteen when he came with his pa- rents to America. He finished his elementary education in the schools of Montrose, Penn., after which he commenced the study of law with Lawyer Mason, a prominent attorney of New York City, where he finally engaged in practice on his own account. He died in 1847, unmarried.

(4) Letitia FitzGerald was born in Ireland, and, being only a child when the family settled at Silver Lake, she received the greater part of her education in her new home. For some years she followed the teacher's profession in the schools of the town, but ill health compelled her to abandon it, and she has been an invalid the greater part of her life. She still resides at the old home.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 384

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