Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 99

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 99
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 99
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 99
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1 > Part 99

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In the death of Esquire Bliss another link is severed that connected former generations with the present. He was born in Columbia, Tolland Co., Conn., May 11, 1767. In 1804 he removed, with a large family, into what was then the wilderness of Silver Lake, Susquehanna Co., Penn., where he had to endure the hardships and privations inci- dent to pioneer life. He came to LeRoy, Bradford county, in 1841, where he continued to reside until his death. His health was remarkably good until within a few months of his decease, when the physical powers gave way under the weight of years, and his lamp soon ceased to burn, as if . simply burned out. In the character of the deceased we contemplate a Puritan of the Old School. A man of active habits, he applied his industry to the sphere of his own proper duties. Alive to the improvements of the age, he was a conservator of the principles which alone render im- provements of real value. He was a devoted patriot and philanthropist, ever ready to do any good work. In early life- he made a profession of the religion of Christ, and was ever after distinguished for consistent, devoted, though unobtru- sive, piety. In 1813 he received the appointment of justice. of the peace, which office he held until the change in the law terminated his commission. As a magistrate he exhib- ited an enlightened sense of his duty as a guardian of the public peace. He believed that peace was as effectually promoted by discouraging unnecessary litigation as by in- flicting the salutary penalty of the law when circumstances made that necessary. Although toward the close of life his thoughts were more concentrated upon the things of the better world, he did not forget the duties of a citizen of this. He was extremely feeble in body at the time of the last Presidential election, but he summoned strength to be con- veyed to the polls, where from his seat in the carriage he deposited his vote for the present chief magistrate of the Union, remarking at the time that his first vote was given for Washington, that he had voted at every Presidential election since, and hoped he had not now voted for the last President the country was to have. What patriot can fail to sympathize with him in that aspiration? His mental faculties were possessed until the last. and he left leaving surviving friends with the assured consolation that he has gone to be with Christ, which is far better .- Mark the per- fect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.

Horace Bliss was born in 1792, in Connecticut, came with the family to Susquehanna county in

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1804, and after his marriage, on April 27, 1813, to Isabella Rose, daughter of James Rose, settled on a farm in Choconut Valley, where his family of seven children were reared. His wife was a native of Northumberland county, Penn. Horace Bliss passed away May 15, 1868, aged seventy-six years, eighteen davs, his wife on February 27, 1874, aged seventy-eight years, seven months. She was a woman of lovable disposition, and she and her hus- band were held in loving esteem by all who knew them. We have the following record of their fam- ily: (1) Henry B., the eldest, enlisted for service in the Mexican war, and died soon afterward, being buried in the City of Mexico. He was a general favorite, a great reader, and a man of fine charac- ter. (2) Francis A. has been engaged in the flour, feed and grain business in Owego, N. Y., for many years, and is a gentleman highly respected by a very large -circle of friends and acquaintances. (3) Chester H. died July 25, 1899, at the home of his daughter in Port Jervis, N. Y. ; his home was in Brooklyn, N. Y. For a long time he held an im- portant government position. He left a widow and two daughters, both born and reared in Silver Lake -Isabella J., wife of Elmer E. Tingley, of Port Jervis, formerly of Susquehanna county ; and Anna R., wife of Francis Govers, of Brooklyn, N. Y. (4) George R. died January 20, 1851, at the age of twenty years, two months and sixteen days, passing away at Middletown, Penn., where he was engaged in teaching school. He was a fine scholar, an effi- cient educator, and a young man of beautiful, supe- rior character. (5) Jane Isabella and (6) Sarah P. never married, and died at the home of their sis- ter, Mrs. West, the former on May 28, 1868, the latter June 7, 1888. (7) Anna B. (Mrs. James West), the youngest, acquired a good education, and in 1850, when very young, she married, for her first husband, Andrew H. Rose, son of Dr. Rose, who settled on the property now occupied by Col. and Mrs. James West. One son blessed this union, Francis H., who died in February, 1874, at the age of twenty-one years ; he was a lifelong invalid, but was very lovely and angelic in disposition.

The following extractions, from the Montrose Republican, appeared in that paper, the first on the occasion of the double bereavement of the family in May, 1868, when Deacon Bliss and his daughter passed away within two weeks, the second in Feb- ruary, 1874, when Mrs. Bliss and her grandson died within an even shorter period :

Within a few brief days, father and daughter have passed from earth. Their home is truly left desolate and sad, for they each were as lights and comfort there. Mr. Bliss had a spirit of rare hopefulness, peace and faith. The companion of his youth, now widowed, ever found in him a husband in whom to trust with perfect confidence ; his children feel the loss of their best earthly counsellor, ever devoted to them. Friends mourn a friend, and Christians a faithful disciple of the Lord. He united with the Choconut Baptist Church in 1819, and served in the office of Deacon for twenty-six years, useful and beloved. During his last years he seemed to live on the verge of heaven. No fears

dimmed his hope, feeling that Christ was his righteousness and sure foundation. When near to death, he praised God, with joyful lips, longing for the time of release, that he might go home. " Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."

Miss Jane Isabella Bliss had ever endeared herself to parents, brothers and sisters, and to all who knew her, by an earnest spirit of affectionate and cheerful kindness. To her, each looked for comfort and help, and ever found willing hands, and a sympathizing heart. Her smile was sunshine. In the days of her youth, she put her trust in her Savior, and during her life ever bore the fruits of the grace she received. The last months were full of physical distress, but all was endured with patience, in the fullness of hope beyond this life. The living mourn their departure, but believe their rest is glorious. " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints."

Again and again has the angel of death entered the doorway of this once happy home, and many loved and precious ones have passed away. Now, the mother's darling has been snatched from her arms, the pet bird of the house- hold has flown. Almost before a suspicion of danger, the dear light in the beautiful loving eyes grew dim in death, and the pure angel spirit went up to the tender arms of the loving Father. None but God can know the anguish of the moth- er's heart, bereft of her darling only child, or the desolation of his home, made cheerful by the sunny loving presence, but the lovely soul lives in the glory of Heaven. The beau- tiful, sweet, frail flower blooms in the Paradise of God.

In one short week the fond and loving grandmother followed Frankie to the happy home above. Two sons and two daughters are left to mourn the loss of the most tender and devoted of mothers. Her home, where her cheering pres- ence never seemed more necessary to the hearts so wrung with anguish, is doubly desolate and sad, but God knew best, and in His infinite wisdom and mercy took her tenderly and suddenly to Himself. During a useful and faithful life her consistent, devout piety, and her love for her family and friends, were remarkable and touching. Her brothers and sisters, and relatives, ever found in her a kind mother. In her early youth her treasures were laid up in Heaven, and in all sorrows and trials she was patient and cheerful, with Christian faith and fortitude. Nearly six years since, her beloved husband and eldest daughter were taken to their home in Heaven, going only a little before the loved wife and mother, and petted grandson. "The day of her mourn- ing shall be ended."

The same paper, on the death of Miss Sarah P. Bliss, said :

Miss Bliss was the light and joy of the home, now left desolate. The beloved elder sister, the counsellor, she had greatly endeared herself to brothers, sisters, and to all kin- dred and friends, who knew her, by a life of kind faithfulness and love, which sought good for others. No service too great, nor devotion too untiring, where she could minister help and comfort. Her departure was sudden, a sickness of twenty-four hours, but she had lived as one ready for many years. The gathering at the funeral testified love and esteem for the departed, and sympathy for the bereaved. " He giv- eth His beloved sleep."

Andrew H. Rose passed away April 7, 1855, four years and some months after his marriage. He was a man of fine education and admirable person- ality, and was popular and respected by all who knew him. In 1884, as above mentioned, Mrs. Rose married, for her second husband, Col. James West. She has been postmistress at Sheldon since 1872.

James Rose, the father of Mrs. Isabella ( Rose) Bliss, was the only brother of Dr. Robert H. Rose. He married Isabella Hall, of Philadelphia, and they

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lived in Northumberland county, Penn., for many years. He was a very highly educated and talented gentleman, his wife a very beautiful and lovely woman. Their daughters were Isabella, Ann, Elizabeth, Mary and Sarah, their sons Robert, John and George. They lived in the house now owned by Henry K. Sheldon, who occupies it in the sum- mer months. James Rose was always an elegant writer, and was in Dr. Rose's office, engaged in writing. The Rose family were Presbyterians with the exception of James Rose, who was an Episco- palian, and Edward W. Rose's children are Epis- copalians.

Robert H. Rose, youngest son of Dr. Robert H. Rose, was in the Civil war, serving from 1861 to 1865, and was in the Indian war for one year. He held the rank of major, and was considered a very fine officer. Major Robert H. Rose was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church for some years be- fore his death, in 1885, at Mankato, Minn. He was a very amiable, affectionate, kind gentleman. He married. Charlotte Ladd, of the State of Maine, youngest sister of Rev. Francis D. Ladd.

Rev. Francis D. Ladd was born in 1820, at Hallowell, Maine, and after receiving a thorough preparatory education entered Bowdoin College, from which he was graduated in 1841. He united with the Presbyterian Church of his native town when fifteen years of age, and soon decided to enter the ministry, abandoning the mercantile life which had been his first choice. He studied theology in the seminary at Bangor, Maine. His first charge was in Susquehanna county, Penn., where he had charge of three Churches, one of them being the Church near Silver Lake, of which he was the first pastor. Removing thence to Philadelphia he passed the remainder of his life in that city, where he was pastor of the Penn Presbyterian Church, in Girard avenue, for a number of years before his death. He joined the Christian Commission organized during the Civil war, and while on a trip South after the battle of Fair Oaks caught typhoid fever, which carried him away shortly after his return home. We excerpt the following from an article which ap- peared in the "Presbyterian" at the time :

The Rev. Francis D. Ladd, pastor of the Penn Presby- terian Church, in Philadelphia, died of typhoid fever in that city on Monday, July 7, in the forty-second year of his age. Mr. Ladd paid a visit a few week- ago to the army before Richmond, to minister to the sick and wounded, and returned with the seeds of the disease within him which has since car- ried him to the grave. Two pages of manuscript, hastily written with a pencil after his return, now lie before us, attest- ing how fully he sympathized with the sufferers, and how earnestly he sought to enlist the sympathies and efforts of others in their behalf. He did not know then, as we know now, that these were the last efforts which he should ever make to relieve human suffering, or console the sick and dy- ing .... Mr. Ladd had been pastor of the Penn Church for a number of years. He labored in this field with great fidelity and patience, encountering many difficulties, and gladly showing self-denial for the sake of the interests of the Church, and desiring nothing more than to be successful in winning souls for Christ. He was a good man -- of cultivated intellect -humble, devout and conscientious in the discharge of all

his duties. He was a member of several of the Boards of the Church, and was always prompt in his attendance at their meetings, and zealous in his support of all their plans to do good. In his last illness his heart and mind were kept in perfect peace, and he died in the triumphs of faith. He has fallen while yet in the fullness of his strength, but he has done well the work assigned to him, and we trust has entered into rest ...... May He who cares for His Church with un- ceasing care raise up those who shall take the place of the fallen, and carry on, with increased energy, the work of the Lord.

The " Home and Foreign Record " said: It has pleased the Head of the Church, in His inscrutable wisdom, to de- prive the Board of the valued services of an esteemed and loved brother by the removal from among us of the Rev. Francis D. Ladd. For several years he had been an active member of the Executive Committee of the Board, and dis- played a deep interest in the cause of education. He has fallen a martyr to his devoted love of country. Those who knew him best were aware that the sufferings of our noble soldiers in the Peninsula were sure to elicit the activities of his sympathetic nature, and his zeal for the welfare of others caused him to forget himself in order that their sufferings might be relieved.

Mr. Ladd married Caroline Rose, daughter of Dr. Robert H. Rose, of Silver Lake, Susquehanna Co., Penn., and she and the only child born to this union preceded him some years to the other world.

DR. ROBERT H. ROSE (deceased). Per- haps to no one individual is Susquehanna county more indebted for the early development of its re- sources than to Dr. Rose, who was born in 1776, in Chester county, Penn. His father, a Scotch gen- tleman, and his mother, a lady of Dublin, came to the United States a little before the war of the Revolution, and settled in Chester county, Penn- sylvania.

Robert H. Rose received a liberal and accom- plished education. "In the early part of my life I was accustomed to pass mv winters in Philadelphia, and the rest of the year in the country. In spent the greater part of 1799 rambling in the wilderness which now forms the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illi- nois and Missouri. I hunted with the Indians, slept in their wigwams, and was half tempted to remain with them." He studied medicine and was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, to please his friends, who thought he should have a profession ; but it was said that he never seriously intended to practice. Late in 1800 or early in 1801 Dr. Rose first visited, on a hunting expedition and . trip of pleasure on the invitation of Col. Pickering, the lands of Susquehanna county. In 1803 he pur- chased one hundred thousand acres along the State line, including what is now the whole of Silver Lake township, in Susquehanna county, of Anne, widow of Tench Francis, who bought of Elizabeth Jervis and John Peters, whose patent was obtained from the State in 1784. During the year 1803 he gathered about him a large number of workmen to fell trees near the lake, and to construct a sawmill preparatory to the erection of his dwelling-house. His grounds were beautiful and well laid out, and he lived like an old English baron, while all around him was a howling wilderness. He held cut induce-

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ments to industrious men to purchase farms in this vicinity, advertising the farms extensively both in this and foreign countries, and thus bringing many foreigners to the county ; he was active in the build- ing of turnpikes through the county, and was in- strumental in having Montrose made the county seat, giving land for the erection of public build- ings.

Dr. Rose published, about 1820, a volume of poems, or, as he termed them, "Sketches in Verse." In this volume his many quotations from the Latin, French and Italian show his familiarity with various languages and authors. His musical abilities also were of a high order, and his poetic and literary tastes made him a prominent member of the literary club of which Dennie (editor of the "Portfolio" until his death in 1812), Nicholas Biddle, Ewing, and others were ornaments.

Dr. Rose was married, in 1810, to Miss Jane Hodge, daughter of Andrew Hodge, of Philadel- phia, and they reared a family of seven children- three sons and four daughters-viz .: Edward W., who is fully mentioned farther on; Annie, who mar- died William Maine, and died in 1898 in Brooklyn, N. Y .; Ellen and Emily, who did not marry ; Caro- line, who became the wife of Rev. Francis D. Ladd, and settled in Philadelphia; Robert H., who mar- ried Miss Charlotte Ladd, and moved to Minnesota ; and Andrew H., who married Miss Anna Bliss, and settled near the old Rose homestead, where his death occurred in April, 1855 (his widow is now the wife of Col. James West, of Silver Lake). Edward W. Rose is the only survivor of this family. The fa- ther died in 1842, the mother following him to the grave in about 1860.

Edward W. Rose was born in June, 1821, on the beautiful homestead in Silver Lake township, where he grew to manhood, and, with the excep- tion of four years during which he was in business in Maine and Minnesota, he has always made his home there. Like his brothers and sisters, he re- ceived his education at home, under private tutors. In 1846 he married Miss Marian Simpson, a native of Scotland, whose parents, John H. and Agnes Simpson, also of Scottish birth, came with their family to America when Mrs. Rose was but a child, settling in Silver Lake township, Susquehanna Co., Penn., where she was reared and educated. Mr. Simpson was a most worthy, excellent gentleman, a devout Christian, and was the first elder (or dea- con) in the Presbyterian Church at Silver Lake, under the incumbency of Rev. Francis D. Ladd, the first pastor. He was universally beloved and re- spected, as was also his wife, who was a very supe- rior Christian woman. They made their home at Silver Lake for many years, dying there. They had five sons: Robert C., Joseph C., Alexander C., John C. and William B., of whom but two survive- Joseph, a resident of California, and Alexander, living in Iowa. The youngest daughter, Miss Jane H. Simpson, has a very cozy home, living in a hand-

some house near the lake, in the vicinity of H. K. Sheldon's home at Silver Lake. She has taught in select schools, proving an excellent instructor, and is very much respected.

Mrs. Rose passed away in March, 1899, after more than fifty years of happy wedded life, deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends and acquaint- ances whom she had attracted to her by her many fine qualities of head and heart. Mr. Rose is now retired from active life, making his home with his children in Binghamton, N. Y. He is a devout member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also his wife, and has always given liberally to the support of religious work and charitable enterprises gen- erally. His family, however, have for the most part been Episcopalians. Politically the members of this family have been identified with the Repub- lican party from its organization, and have taken an active interest in its welfare and in the public af- fairs of the communities in which their lot has been cast. They have established and maintained a rep- utation for public spirit and progress which has en- titled them to high rank among the intelligent and substantial citizens of the day, and the present gen- eration has proved itself worthy of such an hon- ored ancestry. Of the five children born to Ed- ward W. and Marian (Simpson) Rose we have the following record :

(I) Robert H. Rose is a wealthy retired resi- dent of Binghamton, N. Y. He is a lawyer by pro- fession, and for some years was located at Smeth- port, McKean Co., Penn., where in addition to his legal practice he was engaged extensively in the oil business in that vicinity. He finally settled in Binghamton, where for a number of years he was well known as a leading lawyer and business man. Mr. Rose married Miss Lena Hamlin, a daughter of Judge Henry Hamlin, of Smethport, and they have had two children-Marion Rose, who died at the age of fourteen years ; and Robert C. Rose, who is now attending college. Mr. Rose is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, in which he is well ad- vanced.

(2) Edward L. Rose was born at the old home in Silver Lake township, and received the greater part of his education at Montrose, Susque- hanna county, where he commenced his business career with F. B. Chandler. For a number of years he was engaged in the oil business in the Bradford county ( Penn.) and West Virginia fields, becoming quite wealthy in this line. In 1893 he erected a beautiful home in Binghamton, which is now occu- pied by his widow and three children-Marion, Alice and Edward. He married Miss Laura J. Long, of West Virginia. Mr. Rose passed away very suddenly in March, 1899, his death being caused by heart disease. He was held in high es- teem wherever he was known, both as a business man and an exemplary citizen, was vice-president and cashier of the Strong State Bank, at Bingham- ton, and prominent in various connections. Like

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his brother, he was a Freemason of high rank. Of generous impulses and noble character, he was pop- ular among those of his own station in life, beloved by all the poor and needy, and looked up to by all classes for his many sterling qualities of head and heart.

(3) Henry J. Rose was born in December, 1853, at the old Silver Lake homestead, and re- ceived a good education, finishing his literary train- ing in the Montrose school. In 1877 he engaged in mercantile business with his brother Edward, in West Virginia, where he continued until 1885, since which time he has made his home in Silver Lake township. In 1879 he married Miss Sarah Worth- ing, daughter of Col. John P. and Elizabeth Worth- ing, prominent residents of Binghamton, N. Y., and a descendant of one of the old families of that section. Since retiring from business in Virginia Mr. Rose has, in partnership with his brothers Robert and Edward, been engaged in building up and improving the old homestead property at Sil- ver Lake, the resort they have established there be- ing one of the finest in the country. They have erected fine modern buildings, with club houses and every provision for the comfort and convenience of their guests, who come here in large numbers during the summer months, finding this an ideal spot in which to pass the warm season; one of their build- ings is 100 x 40 feet, and all are finely furnished. During the past season they entertained at their handsome houses over one hundred people from the wealthier classes of New York City, Jersey City and Philadelphia. Henry J. Rose has had the man- agement of the resort, and he is ably assisted by his wife, who in addition to being a capable business woman and manager has a culture and refinement of manner which qualify her for the duties of host- ess in such an establishment, and she has proved an admirable and popular entertainer. Mr. and Mrs. Rose have a magnificent home, luxuriously and tastefully appointed in every department, and they are as popular among their circle of private friends and acquaintances as among their patrons, dispens- ing a charming hospitality. They have had one child, Edward W., born in West Virginia, who died in Silver Lake when six years old.

(4) Agnes Rose was born in 1863, at Mont- rose, and received a fine education, graduating from the Wheeling (W. Va.) high school. She mar- ried H. L. Fillibrown, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who is now, however, engaged in business in Binghamton, where they make their home. They have two chil- dren-Louisa and Howard.

(5) Caleb C. Rose was born in the old Silver Lake homestead, and received good educational ad- vantages. Until 1898 he was engaged with his brother at Binghamton, and he is now residing at Fulton, N. Y., being manager there for his brother's gas business. He married Miss Frances Hill, daughter of George C. Hill, of Montrose. They have no children.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 1, Part 99

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