Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 13

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1098

USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 13
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 13
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 13
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 13

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LEVI T. BIRCHARD. In those early days of the English colonies when strong arms and stout hearts were the only heritage of a people whose watchword was "Trust in God and keep your powder dry," there came from old England. in 1635, one Thomas Birchard, to found a new line in the Western world. Accompanying him were his good helpmeet, Mary Robinson, and their son, John. John was born in England in 1628. and on com- ing to America located with his parents in Connect- icut, where, in 1653, he wedded Christiana Andrus, by whom he had fourteen children. Among these children was a son, Samuel, who lived in Hartford. Conn., and married Anna Calkins, by whom he had a son. John. John Birchard grew to manhood in Hart- ford. and wedded Mary Baldwin, and they became the parents of Jesse, who married Lydia Backus. daughter of Elisha and Sarah ( Waterman) Backus.

On December 14. 1770. there was born to Jesse and Lydia ( Backus) Birchard a son, Jesse (2). He left the old Connecticut home and went West, far into the wilderness of what was then Luzerne county, Penn., but is now and has been since 1801 in Susquehanna county. Here in ISoo he erccted a log house, and with his wife and son Asahel moved into the new home. He followed farming during his life and met with the many hardships the early settlers endured. The nearest post office was Wilkes Barrc. He was a Presbyterian in his religious faith and early established a place of worship at his own home. Birchardville, which was named for him, then erccted a Baptist church, and he was active in assisting in its work and support. In po !- ities he was a Whig. and like the descendants of

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

those liberty-loving men and women, who left their native land to find freedom in the New World, he was strongly opposed to slavery, and gave of his time and means to advance the cause of abolition. In November, 1797, he wedded Harriet Smith, of Norwich, Conn., a daughter of Asahel and Althea (Tracy) Smith, the former a sea captain and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Jesse Birchard died in 1840, and his faithful wife, who had so bravely endured at his side the trials of pioneer life, died in May, 1859. They left three children. (1) Asahel W., who was born in Connecticut in August, 1800, grew to manhood in Birchardville, where he worked on the farm, receiving only a limited edu- eation. He married Esther J. Rouse in March, 1830, and they settled near Birchardville, where, leaving two children, they both died, he in August, 1835. (2) Jesse T., born in Forest Lake, in No- vember, 1802, grew to manhood and married La- mira Smith, of New York State. They remained some time in Forest Lake, and tlien removed to Montrose, where he followed. carpentering. He died in October, 1853, and his wife in November, 1872. They had four children: Asher L., deceased ; Harriet H., deceased : Caroline B., who was twice married, lier first husband being Homer Frazier, and her second Orlando Watrous, of Montrose; and Charles H., of Philadelphia.

John S. Birchard, the third child in the family of Jesse and Harriet ( Smith) Birchard, was born April 7, 1805, in Birchardville, where he grew to manhood, having a more extensive knowledge of farming than of books, his education in a literary line being limited to the very primitive district schools of that day. He had the advantage of one or two terms in a select school at Manington, now St. Joseph, and taught for some time in the district schools at home. He settled on the old homestead and made many improvements in the old home, erected in 1818. A few years before his death he purchased property in Towanda, Penn., where he lived the later days of his life. In September, 1831, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Griswold, who was born in Choconut township, Susquehanna county, in December. 1808, a daughter of Jehiel and Abigail (Judson) Griswold, the former of whom was born in Killingworth, Conn., in 1772, where his family was well known. Both Mr. Birchard and his wife were consistent members of the Presby- terian Church, and took an active part in its work. Mr. Birchard held a life scholarship in the Pres- byterian College at Towanda, and never lost his in- terest in the advance of education. He died No- vember 18, 1870, and his wife May 10, 1858. They were the parents of six children: (1) Levi T. is mentioned farther on. (2) Sarah M., born in November, 1835, died in her twenty-third year. (3) Payson K., born in October, 1838, died in 1855. (4) Harriet .A., born in November, 1840, attended the high school in Towanda, and became a teacher. She married Brainard Bowen, of Troy, Bradford county, where he followed tanning, until

he was killed, in 1898, by a runaway horse. They had two daughters-Esther Mary and Saralı An- nette, both residing in Troy, Penn. (5) Abigail J., born in October, 1843, wedded Lacey Stevens, of Stevensville, Bradford county, Penn., and has two daughters-Eva L. and Ruie M., both teachers in the Bradford county schools. (6) Jesse G., born in March, 1847, died in early manhood.

Levi T. Birchard was born March 20, 1834. and received his primary education in the district schools of Birchardville. He later studied in Har- ford Academy, in Susquehanna county, and then entered the Towanda Collegiate Institute. For some years he engaged in teaching in the county schools, and met with universal success both as an instructor and as a disciplinarian. He then set- tled on the old Birchard homestead and has there remained ever since, taking an active interest in the raising of thoroughbred stock, principally Jersey cattle, of which he has a fine herd. His farm, now comprising 250 acres of well tilled and improved land, is one of the best in the county, and he takes pride in keeping abreast with the latest improve- ments in methods and machinery.

On October 4, 1859, Mr. Birchard was united in wedlock with Miss Martha G. Morgan, a daughter of David and Esther Morgan, prominent residents of Brooklyn township, Susquehanna county. Mrs. Birchard passed away in 1863, leaving no children. In 1864 Mr. Birchard wedded Miss Jerusha E. Tracy, who was born in Bradford county, Penn., in January, 1841, a daughter of Arobel and Elvira (Kellogg) Tracy, of East Smithfield, Bradford county. Mrs. Birchard received a good education in the Towanda Collegiate Institute, and became one of the successful teachers in the county. Early in life she united with the Congregational Church, and her Christian character shed its beneficent rays on all who came within her circle. Her cultured mind and womanly ways were an incalculable influ- ence for good, and her active work in Church and Sunday-school did much toward the advancement of the cause of Christianity. She died September 14, 1898, leaving a family of six children: (I) Martha E., born in September, 1865, graduated from the State Normal School at Oswego, N. Y., and for several years was a teacher in the Montrose high school, later going to the Oak street graded school in Binghamton, N. Y., and has been very successful in her chosen profession. (2) Selden C., born in April, 1867, married Edna A. Brad- shaw, and has one son-J. Carlton, born in May, 1806. He lives on a farm in Forest Lake town- ship. (3) Jesse B., born February 23, 1869. died in 1873. (4) Mary T., born in January, 1873. was educated in the schools of Troy, Bradford county, Penn., and has followed teaching in the home schools. (5) Don Frederick, born in Oc- tober, 1875, attended the home schools and later graduated from the Montrose high school and has taught in the district schools for several years. (6) Levi T., Jr., born in October, 1879.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Politically Mr. Birchard has always been iden- tified with the Republican party. He has ever taken a keen interest in public affairs, and, while in no sense of the term an office seeker, his active work in the party has brought him to the front, and he has held a number of local offices, such as school director, overseer of the poor and for a number of terms has been justice of the peace. His conduct of business of the various offices he held has amply justified the confidence of his con- stituents, and were he willing to enter public life much higher places in the gift of the people would be opened to him. In his religious faith he is a l'resbyterian, and contributes liberally of both time and money to the advancement of the moral and religious welfare of the community.

THE ,METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MILFORD, PIKE CO., PENN.

The beginning of Methodism in Milford un- doubtedly dates back to the occasional visits of the itinerant preachers, who with tireless zeal ranged from Maine to Florida, preaching salvation wherever an open door could be found.

The very first indication of such preachers is found in 1790, when we discover a record of one sta- tioned at Stroudsburg, who traveled over this section of country. From that time an itinerant preacher was always found in this locality, making as many visits as possible, but because of the large territory they were few and far between. However, during one such visit in the year 1813 to this "Godless, prayerless, Sabbath-breaking village," a willing listener was found in the village blacksmith, Bar- tholomew Weed, a man of such humble circum- stances that he kept house in two rooms. This than, soundly converted, immediately "established a family altar and kept sacred the Sabbath Day, much to the astonishment of his neighbors, occasionally holding services at his house, where he talked to the people as best he could, which provoked derision, manifested by hurling missiles at his house and singing songs." Alone he labored for Christ until, in 1815, he removed to Philadelphia. Subsequently he became an itinerant preacher in the Philadelphia Conference.

After the departure of Bartholomew Weed we find no certain records until 1826. In that year John K. Shaw, a young man just beginning his la- bors and famous for his earnest preaching, eame to fill his appointment at Newton, Sussex Co .. N. J. Milford had heard of his coming, and upon his ar- rival a messenger was waiting to invite him to preach in this town. He promptly accepted the in- vitation. "There was no Church of any sort in the place, and but little Christian influence. He preached in the court house and succeeded in win- ning the approbation of the people, who crowded around and urged him to come again. This he con- ented to do. and so added another to the already abundant list of his appointments. During the year he had the pleasure of receiving over fifty converts,

of organizing a Church and commencing a house of worship, which was completed the following year." That organization began with six souls: Mrs. Eliza Mott, Mrs. Louisa Broadhead, Mrs. Mary Olm- stead, Mrs. Sophia Snitor, Mr. and Mrs. David Hand.

At that time the Philadelphia Conference had jurisdiction over this territory, and it appears that the charge was added to the Stroudsburg Circuit of the East Jersey Distriet. The following appoint- ments were made for that circuit : 1827, Lawrence MeCombs and William Colbert; 1828, Jacob Hav- ener and William Colbert. In 1829 Milford first appears on the records as a separate eireuit, with Thomas Millard and Bromwell Andrews as pastors, the charge still remaining on the East Jersey Dis- trict. In 1830 the charge was placed on the Asbury District, with James Long and Joseph Chattel as pastors. In 1831 Samuel Grace and Abraham K. Street were appointed pastors. In 1832 William Bloomer was appointed to serve alone. So faitli- fully did he fulfill his commission that the charge grew from 228 members to a cireuit of 408 mem- - bers. The next year, 1833, two men were appoint- ed, W. Baker and V. Shepherd, and the work still continued to spread. In 1834 the Bishop appointed a third man to meet the growing needs of the work. The appointments for that year read W. Baker. O. Badgley, and one to be supplied by the presiding elder. In 1835 the pastors were B. Andrews, W. Thomas, and one to be supplied. In 1836 Milford was once again separated from circuit work and made an independent charge, with Benjamin Day as pastor. In 1837 the New Jersey Conference was set off from the Philadelphia Conference, and Mil- ford was apportioned to the Paterson District, of the New Jersey Conference, with Benjamin Day as pastor for a second year. The following appoint- ments were made during the succeeding years: 1838, Richard Lanning ; 1839, 1840, Alexander Gil- more; 1841, 1842, George Winsor; 1843, William MI. Burrows : 1844. John D. Blain ; 1845, Henry B. Beegle: 1846, George Hughes; 1847, Daniel E. Frambes : 1848, A. E. Ballard; 1849, 1850, J. K. Burr; 1851, William Day: 1852, T. S. Wilson; 1853. Thomas Walters: 1854. R. B. Lockwood; 1855, 1856, T. S. Dedriek ; 1857. A. H. Brown. In 1858 the Newark Conference was set off from the New Jersey Conference. and Milford apportioned to the former. From that time the appointments are as follows: 1858. H. J. Hayter : 1850. Isaac Thomas; 1860, 1861, Thomas Rawlings: 1862. 1863. James H. Brown (two months before the expiration of Mr. Brown's last year he enlisted in the army and was appointed chaplain, the unexpired portion of his term being filled out by G. W. Horton) : 1864, Joshua Mead: 1865, 1866, Richard Johns: 1867, William E. Tomkinson (after a few weeks Mr. Tomkinson became discouraged and left the charge, and James Boyd Brady, a young local preacher, just arrived from Ireland. was appointed ; he served for about six months, and then left to attend school, a

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Gill, a former Baptist preacher, being appoint- ed to fill out the balance of the year) ; 1868, 1869, Charles S. Ryman : 1870, 1871, Joseph P. Mc- : Caulay (during a temporary absence of the pastor George W. Smith served the charge) ; 1872, T. D. Frazee; 1873, 1874. E. F. Bisco: 1875, 1876, R. W. Copeland ; 1877, 1878. 1879, William McCain : 1880, 1881, 1882, E. S. Jamison ; 1883, 1884, R. B. Lock- wood; 1885, 1886, R. M. Aylesworth : 1887, D. W. Ryder ; 1888, 1889, W. F. Randolph ; 1890, 1891, Cornelius Clark : 1892, 1893, 1894, Steward F. Custard ; 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, Warren R. Neff.

The following men have served the Church as presiding elders: 1829 to 1832, George Banghart ; 1833 to 1836, Manning Force ; 1837 to 1840, Wat- ters Burrows; 1841 to 1844, Manning Force : 1845 to 1848. Isaac N. Felch : 1849 to 1851. W. A. Wil- mer : 1852 to 1855, Manning Force ; 1856 to 1859. Benjamin Day ; 1860 to 1863, S. W. Hilliard ; 1864, C. S. Vancleve: 1865 to 1868, C. S. Coit: 1869 to 1872, N. Van Sant: 1873 to 1876, S. H. Opdyke; 1877, Thomas H. Smith : 1878 to 1879, J. N. Fitz- """gerald, who was elected to the office of Bishop in 1880; 1880 to 1883. C. S. Coit: 1884 to 1887, Charles R. Barnes : 1888 to 1893, Samuel P. Ham- mond : 1894 to 1896, Sanford Van Benschoten, who died in December, 1896, Alexander Craig being appointed to fill out the unexpired term ; 1897, James B. Faulks; 1898, to present time, John R. Wright.

In 1852 the charge was changed from the Pat- erson District to the Newton District. In 1880 it was changed back again to the Paterson District. In 1897 it was again changed to the Jersey City Dis- trict. As has already been stated, the first church building was begun in 1826 and completed in 1827. It was located ,on the bank of the Delaware river, a short distance north of the "Jersey Bridge," the site having been selected through the influence of Judge Brink, who donated the land to the Society, thinking that Milford was destined to be built at that point. The river freshets. however, demon- strated that such could not be the case, therefore the Judge, who, with his wife, was a member of the Church, gave the Society in exchange for the prop- erty the present site. on Ann street. About the year 1835 the building was taken down in sections and moved to the site of the present edificc. At that time it had galleries on three sides. Ten years late. in 1845. a question arose about the validity of the title of the Society. and for a few months the church was closed, pending a legal adjustment. During that time the people worshiped in the court house. After the adjustment the Society continued to use the church, and a large revival followed the return. During the war times the subject of a new church building was agitated, and in 1864. on the Ioth day of July, the present structure was dedicated, free of debt, the Rev. I .. R. Dunn and the Rev. Will- iani Tunison assisting in the dedication. The old building is still standing, and since 1864 has had a

varied experience, having been used as a seminary, dwelling and (now) boarding-house.

Adhering to its policy of incurring no debt, the furnishing and decorating of the church has been a gradual process. In 1800 the walls were frescoed. In 1892 steam heat was introduced. In 1896 thie Sunday-school room was modernized. In 1898 the oil lamps gave place to acetylene gas. In 1879 tlie parsonage was erected, with a debt of $800, which was paid off in 1884.

While the history of each separate pastorate would make delightful reading, we can only touch upon a few of the most exceptional. The first re- markable increase was during the pastorate of William Bloomer, who raised the membership from 228 to 408 on what was then the Milford Circuit. The next and perhaps the greatest work was under George Winsor; who almost trebled the member- ship. Another noteworthy revival was under Rev. George Hughes. The Rev. J. K. Burr held a won- derful revival on the Jersey side of the river, result- ing in the building of the Montague church. Under Rev. William McCain the Church reached a high level. The closing of the watch-case factories seri- ously affected the Church, but it recovered. The greatest revival of recent years is accredited to Rev. R. W. Copeland. Among the men who have stood in the pulpit of the Church and become widely known are Lawrence McCombs, who dared im- peach a Bishop for heresy, and also served as a presiding elder : George Banghart ; Manning Force : Benjamin Day ; C. S. Ryman, who all served as pre- siding elders; and J. N. Fitzgerald, who became a Bishop.

The following men have found their wives in beautiful Milford: Rev. George Winsor married Harriet Olmstead ; Rev. William MI. Burrows mar- ried Sally Ann Thrall; Rev. Thomas Walters mar- ried Olivia Freel ; Rev. H. J. Hayter married Mary Sherman : Rev. Joshua Mead married Alice Howe: Rev. Charles S. Ryman married Mary Wells: Rev. R. W. Copeland married Kate Blizzard. Of the above ministers, the Revs. Winsor, Burrows and Walters lie buried in the beautiful Milford ceme- tery.

The Sunday-school was organized some time prior to the organization of the Church, but accurate statistics prior to 1838 are not obtainable in time for this article. In that year we find a school of 115 scholars, with a library of seventy-five books. The school expanded until, in 1850. there was school in six school houses in the vicinity in addition to the main school, with a total enrollment of 323. and a total library of 600 books. At the present time the school is in a most flourishing condition. In the carlier years the pastor frequently served as superin- tendent. and the following men have held that office since 1860: Col. Joli Nyce, Joseph Chaniberlin. Albert Sherman, John Ryman, William Angle, Rus- ling Dewitt.

Conspicuous among thiese who have served as class-leaders are Hugh Ross, Richard Williams.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Henry Beam, Hiram Dewitt, Jonathan Weeks, William Watson, Benjamin Drake, Mrs. E. A. Smith, William Angle, Rusling Dewitt. Hugh Ross was a local preacher of whom it was said that if he had been as powerful a lawyer as he was preacher he would have made a wonderful success.

Most prominent among the members of the Church have been: William Watson, Benjamin Drake, Jonathan Doolittle, Hugh Ross, Richard Williams, Mrs. Suitor, Mrs. Frcel, Mrs. Broadhead, Mrs. Giles, Samuel U'tter, Thalia Utter, Albert B. Sherman, Mrs. Sherman, Benjamin Sippit, James H. McCarty, Martin Culver, John B. Dewitt, Charles Probasco, Mrs. Mary Watson, Hopkins De- witt, Col. John Nyce, Henry Beam, Mrs. Bean, John Slack, Mrs. Slack, Henrietta Slack, Moses Rockwell, William Angle, William Watson, Jr., Rusling Dewitt, Joseph Chamberlin, P. N. Bourn- ique, William Ryman, Frank Pletcher, Mrs. George Winsor, John M. Aldrich. Mrs. Jane Emmerson is the eldest in length of membership, having joined the Dingman charge in 1838. Miss Nancy Olmstead holds the oldest membership in Milford, having joined the Church in 1839. Mrs. Winsor united in 1841. . H. B. Wells, who was born in 1827, the year the first church was dedicated, was converted in 1846, uniting in full membership in 1847, and has been for fifty-three years a most loval and liberal supporter of the Church. Mrs. Phoebe Wells, wife of H. B. Wells, was also a prominent member. Two brethren have gone from this Church to preach the Gospel of Free Salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. They are Bartholomew Weed, already referred to, and William E. Palmer, at present stationed at Wesley Church, Paterson, New Jersey.

REV. WARREN ROBERTS NEFF. the hon- ored pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Milford, Pike county, is a man whose labors in the cause of Christ have been singularly blessed. The Church of which he now has charge is largely at- tended, and the spiritual interest thus shown is ae- companied by a gratifying interest in the material growth and development of the Society.

Mr. Neff probably derives some of the religious ardor which has characterized his life from his old Huguenot ancestry. He belongs to the same stock as the famous Felix Netf. His paternal grandfather. Godfried Neff. a native of Alsace, was a graduate of a German University, and, in compli- ance with the German law, tock up the trade of a shoemaker, but subsequently became a farmer by occupation. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Caroline Hoffman, made their home at Mo- hawk Hill, Lewis Co., New York.

John C. Neff, our subject's father, was engaged in business for some time as an midertaker and cabinet maker at Boonville, Oneida Co .. N. Y., but in April, 1866, he removed to Passaic, N. J., where he was engaged in business as a contractor and builder until his death, September 4, 1870. He was married, August 21, 1862, to Miss Christiana R.

Kirchner, daughter of Frederick and Marther Kirchner, natives of Baden, Germany, the former of whom was a cabinet maker by trade and had served as a soldier in the German army. Our subject was the younger of two children; the other, Mary Josephine, is now the wife of Gordon Dunn, a resi- dent of Passaic, New Jersey.

Rev. Mr. Neff was born November 1, 1865, at Boonville, Oneida Co., N. Y., and was not quite five years old when his father died. The latter left no will, and the property was lost through litigation, Icaving the widowed mother, who was a cripple, to bring up the children as best she could." The sad experiences of his early life developed in our sub- ject a precocious manliness, and as a boy he endeav- ored to assist in the maintenance of the little fan- ily. As soon as the burial was over a summons was issued against the widow by the landlord for a year's rent in advance, because the family, on account of the funeral, had been detained in the house a few days beyond the term of the lease. Lawyer Ward, of Paterson, N. J., defended the widow, and the lad was his mother's constant escort. The lawyer was so pleased with him that he promised to make a lawyer of him, and when the lad had passed his fifteenth birthday Mr. Ward summoned him to his office and tried to induce him to study law. The boy declined, however, and on telling his pastor of his decision was urged to study for the ministry. This was also declined, and then began a long bat- tle against convietion of duty, and each new pas- tor, by a strange coincidence, urged the same duty. He was converted under the preaching of Rev. (now Dr.) J. W. Marshall, and when a trifle over fourteen years of age (in January, 18So) joined the Church. In October, 1880, when not yet fifteen. he found a position as errand boy for the firm of Worten & Aldrich, eloth finishers in New York City. On January 1. 1882, he changed to the posi- tion of errand boy for the firm of Reid & Barry, Passaic, N. J., known as the Dundee Dye & Print Works. In three weeks he was promoted to the post of office boy, with increased salary. A few months later he was promoted to a elerkship, and a little later he passed one of the clerks to a position as bookkeeper, each promotion being accompanied by an increase in salary. He had occupied all but the highest position in the concern when he leit to prepare for the ministry. in 1889.

Soon after our subject united with the Church Rev. ( now Dr. ) C. S. Ryman licensed him to exhort. and in 1801 Rev. (now Dr.) J. B. Brady licensed him as a local preacher. In April, 1805. he was ordained a deacon by Bishop John F. Hurst. and in April. 1899, was ordained an elder by Bishop Charles H. Fowler. In the fall of 1880 he entered Centenary Collegiate Institute, at Hackettstown. N. J., and completed in two years nearly the whole of the four-years' course, in 1801 graduating with high honors in the Greck Scientific course .. . The next fall he entered Wesleyan University. at Middle- town, Conn., as a classical student, withi only fifteen

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 13

Author: Publication date: 1900 Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1098

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1098