Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 394

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 394
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 394
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 394
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 394

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CHARLES S. VAN WHY, the present pro- prietor of the "Lakeland House" and farm upon which that popular hostelry is located, in Middle Smithfield township, Monroe county, is a native of the township in which he makes his home, and a descendant of one of its first pioneer settlers, being a great-grandson of Henry Van Why, who after the close of the Revolutionary war, in which he served, came to Monroe county, Penn., locating in what is now Middle Smithfield township, near the Dela- ware river.

Arthur Van Why, son of Henry Van Why, was here reared to manhood, married, and was the fa- ther of five children-four sons and one daughter ; the daughter became the wife of John Walter, and they lived in Middle Smithfield township, where they died many years ago; Henry married and settled in Pike county ; Samuel made his home in Wilkes Barre, Penn., where he died; Arthur located in Pike county ; Benjamin was the father of the subject proper of these lines.

Benjamin Van Why was born in 1817 in Middle Smithfield township, received such education as the schools of that early day afforded, and here passed

his entire life. He was engaged in the butcher busi- ness and also dealt largely in cattle, succeeding by dint of industry and good management in building up a profitable trade and making a comfortable living for himself and family. He married Miss Susan Buss, by whom he had sixteen children, all of whom grew to maturity, and the family lived in Middle Smithheld until 1872, the year after Mr. Van Why's decease, when the moth- er moved to East Stroudsburg, in which city she died in 1886. Of their children, (I) Margaret re- ceived a public-school education, as did all her broth- ers and sisters, became the wife of Peter Garrias, of Flatbrook, N. J., and has a family of five children, Jennie, Cyrus, Rosie, Edith and Lester. (2) Jacob married Miss Sallie Barton, of Philadelphia, and they resided in Stroudsburg, where he died in April, 1898, she in 1888; they left one daughter, Nettie. (3) Lizzie is the wife of a Mr. Harris, of Newark, N. J., and has four children, Elmer, Susie, Mary and Lizzie. (4) Lucinda married James Banker, of Branchville, N. J., where they both died, leaving three children, Elizabeth, Sarah and Eva. (5) Sarah married Martin Chambers, of Smithfield, and they resided at Stroudsburg, where she died leaving two children, Elmer and Allie. (6) Mary is the wife of Edward Stack, who is engaged as a hatter in Newark, N. J .; they have one daughter, Hattie, who is married. (7) Jane married Elias Chambers, of Stroudsburg, and has three sons, John, George and one whose name is not given. They reside in New- ark, N. J. (8) John married Miss Rosie Derrick, of Stroudsburg, where they make their home, and has one son, Eugene. (9) Calvin married Miss Mina Coffman, of Stroud township, and they have four children, Floyd, Hall, Grace and Benjamin. The family live in Stroudsburg, where Mr. Van Why is engaged in business. (10) Arvilla married Theron Smith, of Stroudsburg, who died some years ago; she has four children, Clinton, Bertha and Bessie (twins) and one whose name is given. (II) Henry married Miss Alvina Detrick, who is engaged in business in East Stroudsburg, and is at present tax collector of that town, where they make their home. They' have one daughter, Susan. (12) Susan is the wife of Edward Gennons, a resident of Newark, N. J., who is engaged in contracting and building and has had charge of the "Metropolitan Hotel" of New York City for a number of years. (13) Catherine is the widow of Jacob Ruster, who died in East Stroudsburg ; they had no family. (14) George married. Miss Clara Cresge, of Chestnut Hill township, and they live in East Stroudsburg ; they have no children. Mr. Van Why lost an arm during his service with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western road. (15) Frank married Miss Annie -, who died in Stroudsburg, leaving two chil- dren, Myrtie and Willie.

Charles S. Van Why was born in August, 1853, acquired his schooling in Middle Smithfield town- ship, and there remained until about nineteen years of age, when he removed with his mother to East

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Stroudsburg. Here he commenced railroading, at which he continued for many years, as brakeman on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western road, his run being between Stroudsburg and Scranton, and by the time he left that employ, in 1885, he had been promoted to conductor of his train, serving in that capacity for three years. For the first four years after he abandoned railroading he was engaged in lumbering, subsequently following the contracting business for some time in Stroudsburg, and for one year carrying on a livery business in partnership with Jesse Ransberry. In 1893 he received the United States mail contract between Stroudsburg and Dingmans, running the route for two years, when he sold out and started in business for himself, opening the saloon and restaurant in East Strouds- burg which he continued up to April, 1898. He has since occupied the Joseph Overfield property (formerly one of the old Coolbaugh places) in Middle Smithfield township, which he has pur- chased, and his house, known as the "Lakeland House," is worthy of special mention, being one of the best patronized of the many summer resorts which are scattered over Middle Smithfield. It is thoroughly equipped for the purpose to which it has been turned, being provided with every modern improvement for the comfort and convenience of the guests, and the rooms, all large and airy, have been recently refurnished and decorated bv the en- terprising proprietor, who has spared neither pains nor expense to make "Lakeland House" a resting- place to be rmembered by those who have had the pleasure of even a brief sojourn there.

The house faces Coolbaugh Lake, which is on the farm, and is pleasantly situated on the Milford road, one of the most beautiful drives in Monroe county, between Delaware Water Gap and Bush- kill, within easy driving distance of Hygiene Park, Trees Park, Bushkill Falls, Dingmans, Lake View, the Water Gap, and many other famous sights in the Delaware Valley, which nowhere affords such attractive scenery as may be found in Monroe coun- ty. A telephone in the house, with church and post- office near by, well-shaded lawns laid out for croquet, tennis and other sports, charming walks, good fish- ing, especially in June and September (and in wint- er, on the ice), and boating are some of the numer- ous allurements held out to those who wish to spend the summer season in delightful recreation or to those in broken health who wish to recuperate in a region beautiful as it is healthful. "Lakeland House" has accommodations for about sixty-five guests, and the farm and good-sized dairy, which Mr. Van Why runs in connection, supply them with all the ne- cessities and many of the luxuries of the table, the host and his wife seeing to it that an abundance of good food, well cooked, is always provided. There is no doubt that the ease with which this charming locality may be reached from the large cities has also much to do with its popularity, for trains on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western road run directly from New York and on the

Pennsylvania road from Philadelphia to Strouds- burg, and Mr. and Mrs. Van Why number many residents of those cities among their patrons, whom they endeavor to entertain after the most hearty fashion.

In 1879 Mr. Van Why wedded Miss Annie Long, who is the daughter of Daniel and Sarah Long and belongs to one of the respected old fam- ilies of Stroudsburg, and the young couple made their home in East Stroudsburg, where Mr. Van Why purchased a dwelling, which he still owns. He made a number of changes in the place during his residence there, and there they remained until their removal to the farm in the spring of 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Van Why have had two children, both of whom were born in Stroudsburg-Melvin in 1883, Foster in 1893. The eldest is now attending school in Stroudsburg. The family attended the M. E. Church, in the faith of which our subject was brought up, his parents having been earnest mem- bers of that denomination. Politically he has been a lifelong Democrat, and from early manhood a zealous worker in the interests of his party ; he has served several terms as judge of election and in 1891 was honored with election to the council of East Stroudsburg, of which he was a member for three years. He is regarded by all as one of the most wide-awake business men and progressive cit- izens of Middle Smithfield township, and he is pop- ular with those who share his hospitality, and is re- spected by all who know him.

OLIVER F. BOWEN, one of the most relia- ble and highly respected agriculturists of Scott township, Wayne county, was born June 8, 1847, in Jackson township, Susquehanna Co., Penn., of . which county his grandfather, Oliver Bowen, Sr., was an early settler. His father, William M. Bowen, was there born, in 1821; he married Miss Sallie Washburn, a native of Connecticut, and a daughter of Stephen Washburn, who was also born in the Nutmeg State. They became the parents of chil- dren as follows: William B., who was a Union sol- dier during the Civil war, and is now a resident of Buckingham township, Wayne county; Oliver F., the subject of this sketch; Horace B., of Niagara Falls, N. Y .; Polly Ann, wife of S. J. Quick, of Windsor, N. Y .; Jane (deceased) ; Nathan L., of Sherman, Penn .; and Rose, wife of J. M. Quick. The mother of these children died in 1894, but the father is still living upon the old home farm in Scott township, honored and esteemed by the entire com- munity.

Mr. Bowen, whose name introduces this review, spent his boyhood and youth in much the usual man- ner of farmer boys of his day, and in connection with agricultural pursuits he also became familiar with lumbering in its various departments. He is one of the few remaining pilots or raft steersmen, and at an early day was well and favorably known among the lumbermen along the Delaware river. The first home of his own was a small farm on the

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road leading from Starrucca to Hales Eddy, N. Y., and he afterward purchased an adjoining farm, known as the Martin Gardiner farm, making in all 186 acres of fertile and productive land, which he has improved with good and substantial buildings.

In 1865 Mr. Bowen was married to Miss Lou- isa Hobbs, of Benton township, Luzerne Co., Penn., a daughter of Alanson and Irena Hobbs, both now deceased. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bowen, two died in infancy, and three when nearly grown, while those still living are Mary, wife of E. Henderson, of Starrucca, Wayne coun- ty ; and Elsie L.

In the community Mr. Bowen is a recognized leader in the Democratic party, and has often rep- resented Scott township in the county conventions of his party. As a public-spirited, progressive citi- zen, he is willing to aid all movements for the good of the community, and has accordingly been fre- quently elected to public positions of honor and trust, being at present a member of the board of school di- rectors. He is a practical, intelligent farmer, and one of the leading citizens of the township, hav- ing the respect and esteem of all.

BROWN SMITH is the owner of one of the finest farms in Smithfield township, Monroe county, where he has for many years been successfully en- gaged in general agriculture and dairying, and he is one of the leading members of the community in which he resides, active in its religious, social and political circles and an exemplary citizen in every respect.

Mr. Smith is a great-grandson of Adam Smith, one of the earliest settlers of Smithfield township, a native of Germany, who after coming to this coun- try located in Monroe county, Penn., purchasing extensive tracts of land in Smithfield, where he made a permanent home on the farm which has de- scended through successive generations to his great- grandson, Brown Smith. He made various improve- ments and erected buildings on different parts of his land, which upon his death became the property of his son Christian, the grandfather of our subject.

Christian Smith married Margaret Stiner, and they reared a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters, namely: Sallie, Charles, Mar- garet, Mary A., Lavina, Daniel, David and Han- nah. Of these Sallie became the wife of John Ace, of Susquehanna county, Penn., by whom she had two children-Urias and Lavina; the son is still a resident of Susquehanna county. Charles Smith married Miss Julia A. Workhauser, and they set- tled in Smithfield, where they both died; they left four children-Samuel, Valentine, Frank (who is married and lives in East Stroudsburg) and Ella (Mrs. Frank Transue, of Scranton, Penn.). Mar- garet is the wife of Daniel Tribell, of Susquehanna county, and they have four children-Frank, La- vina (Mrs. Wesley Jenning), Otto and Hester (Mrs. Van Yoe). Mary A. married A. Miles Bush, of Shawnee, and she and her husband have both

passed away; they left a family of five children- Mary (Mrs. Christian Cover, of Smithfield) ; Gaine, who is married and residing in Smithfield; Martha, wife of Henry Eilenburger, of East Stroudsburg ; Maggie, Mrs. Eugent Heller, of Smithfield; and Frank, unmarried, who lives in East Stroudsburg. Lavina Smith was the wife of Charles Keller, of Cherry Valley, Penn. Daniel died on the Smith homestead in early manhood.

David Smith, the father of the subject proper of these lines, was born in 1830, one-half mile east of Stroudsburg, and grew to manhood on the Smith homestead. During his boyhood he attended the public schools, where he received all his education, and he was engaged in helping his father on the home farm up to the time of his marriage, in 1854, to Miss Sarah P. Brown, daughter of John and Jane Brown, who is also a descendant of one of the old pioneer families of the township. The young cou- ple took up their residence in Stroud township, where Mr. Smith followed agricultural pursuits for five years, at the end of that time purchasing a farm at Brodheadsville, in Monroe county, upon which he remained four years. Selling this property, he re- turned to Smithfield and bought the old home place of his father, upon which he made his home for the remainder of his days, dying there in March, 1891. He devoted all his time to the work upon the farm, making many changes which added to its material value and greatly improved its appearance, and at his death the place was under a fine state of culti- vation and good order, neatness in every detail being one of the characteristic features about the Smith farm. He cleared about twenty-five acres of the land, and put up a good two-story dwelling and various outbuildings, all except the large barn, which was built by the original owner, Adam Smith. Mr. Smith was a prosperous farmer, and one of the most act- ive citizens of his locality during his lifetime, taking a lively interest in local politics and church matters, in which he was a zealous and influential worker. Politically he was a Democrat of the old Jacksonian stripe, as were his father and grandfather before him, and he held various offices of importance in his township with the same fidelity which he displayed in every trust. He was a consistent member of the M. E. Church, uniting with the Society at Strouds- burg, where he assisted in building the first house of worship, and he was always an energetic worker in religious or charitable enterprises. His wife, who survives him, is also a member of that Church, and she has all her life been a devoted Christian worker. Since her husband's decease she has made her home with her son Brown, who was the only child born to their union.

Brown Smith was born in August, 1857, in Stroud township, Monroe county, and he was still a child when his parents came to live on the homestead where he has passed the greater part of his life. He attended the Stroudsburg schools, where he re- ceived a good practical education, and he was thor- oughly trained by his father to general agriculture,

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which he has made his principal vocation in life. The farm passed into his possession on the death. of his father, and in 1893 he built the handsome and commodious residence which he and his wife now occupy-a home fitted with every modern im- provement and convenience for comfort and utility. Mr. Smith has IIO acres of land, on which are five good houses and all the outbuildings which the up- to-date farmer considers necessary for the proper equipment of his land. The property is conceded by all to be one of the most valuable in Smithfield township, and the present owner is a worthy suc- sessor to those who cultivated the place before him, for he is progressive and energetic in all his work and he keeps everything in the best order, sparing no pains to make his farm equal in appearance as well as productiveness to any in the neighborhood. In 1886 he commenced the dairy business, in which he has since continued, and he keeps a large herd of fine dairy cattle, supplying milk and cream to the markets of East Stroudsburg.

On October 6, 1881, Mr. Smith wedded Miss Sarah E. Shook, the accomplished daughter of Abram and Hannah Shook, of Hamilton township, Monroe county, the former of whom is deceased ; the mother now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have always made their home on the farm, and they are active in the social and church life of the neighborhood, where they are held by all in the highest esteem. They at- tend the M. E. Church, of which they are zealous workers, and politically Mr. Smith supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, in whose wel- fare he takes a deep interest. Fraternally he is a member of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of Amer- ica, and of Lodge No. 446, I. O. O. F., of East Stroudsburg; his father was also a member of the last-named fraternity, uniting with the lodge at Fort Penn. Mr. Smith is regarded as one of the best citizens of the township, and he is highly respected for the success he has made in life by his industry and careful management and for the uprightness and honor which have marked his intercourse with all.

JOHN CALLAHAN. From the ranks of the leading and prominent citizens of Coolbaugh town- ship, Monroe county-prominent on account of what he has done in the business world-there is no one more deserving of mention in a volume of this character than John Callahan, the well-known proprietor of the "Pocono Heights House." His business interests have materially promoted the wel- fare of this section of the State, and he is recognized as one of the most public-spirited and progressive citizens of the community.

Mr. Callahan was born in Coolbaugh township, in 1844, a son of Daniel and Catherine (Galvin) Callahan. The father is a native of Ireland, born in County Cork, in 1813, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Welsh) Callahan, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle and emigrated to America in 1827, locating first in New York, where they spent

some time. On coming to Monroe county, Penn., they settled in Coolbaugh township, where the grandfather engaged in lumbering for many years. He was prominently identified with public affairs and held a number of local offices. He died very suddenly in Stroudsburg in the interest of the office of tax collector which he was then filling in Cool- baugh township. His wife survived him for some time and passed away at the advanced age of ninety years. In their family were six children, all born in Ireland: (I) John died unmarried at the age of forty years. (2) Jeremiah wedded Mary Yet- ter, of Coolbaugh, where they lived for some time and then removed to Scranton, Penn., and later to Chicago, Ill., where he died. His children were Thomas, William, Daniel, Abraham and John, who are still residents of Chicago; Mary; Margaret, who is married and lives in the West; Julia, who is a Sister in one of the Catholic homes in the West ; and Eliza- beth, who is a Sister in an Indiana home. (3) Margaret married Daniel Buckley, also a native of Ireland, and both died in Coolbaugh township some years ago, leaving six children, namely: John; Jeremiah; William and James, twins; Catherine, wife of Jeremiah Gupping, of Wayne county, Penn .; and Mary, deceased. (4) Annie married Henry Long, of Philadelphia, and they make their home in Wayne county. Their children were Richard; Daniel; Henry; Mrs. Sarah Burriss, of Wayne county ; Harriet, wife of Edward Barnes, of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Mrs. Margaret Jacks, of Iowa; Ellen, also a resident of Iowa; Frank, who is mar- ried and lives in Wayne county, Penn .; Jennie, a resident of Wayne county. (5) Ellen married David Burk, and located in Monroe county, near the Wayne county line, but later removed to Hor- nellsville, N. Y., where both died. They left three children: John, who married and settled in Brad- ford county, Penn .; William, who located in New York; and Mary, who married M. McCarty, of Brooklyn, N. Y., formerly a resident of Monroe county, Pennsylvania.

Daniel Callahan, who completes the family, received the greater part of his education in the schools of New York, and on reaching manhood married Catherine Galvin, a native of that State and a daughter of Jeremiah Galvin, of New York, who spent his last days in Coolbaugh township. After his marriage Mr. Callahan also located there and throughout the greater part of his active busi- ness life followed lumbering. His estimable wife died in 1866, and he now makes his home in Chi- cago at the age of eighty-four years. Our subject is the eldest of the six children of this worthy couple, all born in Coolbaugh township, Monroe county. (2) Daniel, born in 1849, attended the public schools of Coolbaugh township, and later graduated from the business college at Pough- keepsie, N. Y. He wedded Miss M. Kintz, of Para- dise township, Monroe county, and located at Toby- hanna Mills, where he engaged in merchandising for five years. There his wife died leaving three

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children-Clinton, James and Mabel. Later he married Jennie Bois, of Delaware, and they now reside in Wilkes Barre; Penn., where he is engaged in business. By this union he has one son, Edgar Lee. (3) Margaret was educated in the schools of New York and Scranton, and married Frederick Goreman, of the latter place, an engineer on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad, and is now living in San Antonio, Texas. They have two sons, Fred and Ralph. (4) Mary was also edu- cated in the schools of New York and Scranton, and married Patrick Cockran, a business man of the latter place, who is now living in Chicago, Il1. To them were born two sons: Charles, who died in Chicago in early manhood, and Edward, who is still with his parents. (5) Catherine married John O'Donald, of Scranton, and they also make their home in Chicago. (6) Ellen married Thomas O'Donald, of Scranton, and he is now a street car conductor in Chicago, where they are living. They have three children.

Reared in Coolbaugh township, John Callahan received a good common school education and be- gan his business life as a lumberman. During the Civil war he entered the Union service as a member of the Second Division Construction Corps, Army of the Cumberland, under W. W. Wright, chief engineer, and was with Gen. Sherman on his famous march to the Sea. He remained in the service as construction boss until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged and returned home. A written testimonial from his commanding officer speaks in the highest praise of his ability and service during the entire term of his enlistment. On his return to Coolbaugh township he resumed lumbering, and in 1865 he purchased from his father his present home. For ten years he was engaged in the hotel business and in merchandising at Mt. Pocono, being located there at the time of his marriage in 1875, but at the end of that time re- turned to his farm. In 1884 he purchased a tract of timber land near Gouldsboro, Wayne Co., Penn., to which place he removed his family, and while liv- ing there also followed lumbering and merchan- dising. Selling out in 1892 he returned to his place in Coolbaugh township, Monroe county, erected a fine large house, and now entertains city boarders during the summer months. This hand- some structure is one of the many beautiful places in the Pocono Mountains; is finished throughout with hard wood; is supplied with every modern convenience for the comfort of his guests, and is pleasantly located 2,500 feet above sea level.

In 1875 Mr. Callahan was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Young, a daughter of John and Abbie Young, of Stroud township, Monroe coun- ty. She was born in New York, in 1855, but was reared and educated in Monroe county. Our sub- ject and his wife have two sons: William, who was born in Mt. Pocono, in 1877, and was edu- cated in the schools of Gouldsboro and Coolbaugh township; and John, who was born on the present

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 394

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