Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 31

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 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 31

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All of our subject's children were carefully educated abroad, and the impress of generations of cultured ancestry is manifest in their charming man- ner. The Schanno place comprises about thirty- seven acres of land, and is located three miles from Milford on the banks of the Raymondskill, the Ray- mondskill Falls being only a half mile distant. The locality is famous for its fine roads, and coaching parties often drive over from Port Jervis, thirteen miles away, and from Delaware Water Gap. The locality is unique, and. a land mark of its true French character, "Hotel Schanno" is known to the best of New York's society as "Little Delmonico" be- cause of the excellence of the table, all the appoint- ments being first-class. Although in the heart of a valley, it is possible for business men to reach their office therefrom at all hours through the long-dis- tance telephone. At present the hotel is far from adequate to accommodate all guests who apply in summer. as there are but twenty rooms. Being most comfortable in winter as well as in summer, everyone takes an impression with him of having been in a home, not a hotel, surrounded by beauties of nature never to be forgotten. .

SAMUEL POSTEN ( deceased ) was for many years one of the leading farmers and highly respected citizens of Price township. Monroe county. He was a native of the county, born in Stroud township. in 1825, and was a son of Elihu and Eleanor Posten. who in 1832 located in Price township, where our subject grew to manhood. In 1840 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Veisley, who was born in Monroe county, Penn., in 1822. a daughter of Peter and Catherine ( Transue ) Yeisley. The grand- father was a native of Germany, and on coming to 37

this country located in Bucks county, where he made his home for some years, and then removed to Mon- roe county, locating on the farm in Smithfield town- ship, where his son John Yeisley now resides.

After his marriage, Mr. Posten purchased the Harrison Sebring property in Price township, on which he made many valuable and useful improve- ments, continuing to carry on general farming there until called from this life in March, 1877. He was identified with the Democratic party, and took quite an active and prominent part in local polities, most creditably serving as county commissioner of Mon- roe county for two terms, and filling a number of other township offices, such as supervisor, collector, assessor and school director. He was a man of upright, Christian character, honored and respected by all who knew him. He and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal Church early in their mar- ried life, and always took an active part in all Church work.

Having no family of their own, this worthy cou- ple adopted Annie Turner, who was born in Price township. in 1875, a daughter of John and Susan ( Yeisley) Turner, and a granddaughter of John Yeisley. Since her mother's death in March. 1877, she has made her home with Mrs. Posten. who reared her in a careful manner, and provided her with a good public-school education. In January, . 1892, she married Perry Turner, of Barrett township, Mouroc county, and to them have been born two children, Florence and Ruth. They have spent their entire married life on the old homestead with Mrs. Posten, and are of great comfort and help to her in her declining years.

Mrs. Posten is an amiable Christian lady of kind heart and noble impulses, whose kindly face is often seen at the home of her neighbors in times of sickness or distress. and her words of comfort and acts of kindness have cheered many a sick and despondent soul in the community in which she lives. Her married life was most exemplary. for she was a loving wife and true helpmeet to her hus- band in times of adversity as well as prosperity.

JOSEPH C. BRANNING. one of the most wide-awake and enterprising business men of Lack- awaxen township. Pike county, has shown in his suc- cessful career that he has the ability to plan wisely and execute with energy, a combination which. when possessed by men in any walk of life, never fails to effect notable results.

Mr. Branning comes from an old and honored Wayne county family. His grandfather. Jacob Branning, though a native of the Empire State. passed most of his life in Berlin township. Wayne Co., Penn., where he died in 1865. at the age of sev- enty-three years. Here he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Lashley, a native of Damascus township. Wayne county.

Moses D. Branning, our subject's father, was born in Damascus township. April 15. 1822, and for I many years followed the carpenter's trade in Wayne

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

county, also extensively engaged in lumbering, but for several years he has practically lived retired. finding a pleasant home with our subject. In Sulli- van county, N. Y., he married Ellen Carpenter, and of the children. born to them, Joseph C. is the eldest ; Sarah Jane is now the wife of James Hornbeck, an excelsior manufacturer at Equinunk, Wayne county ; Ophelia is the wife of Wells Lester, a carpenter of Equinunk; William Frank, a farmer of Berlin township, Wayne county, married Sophia Brink- man, and Susie is the wife of Jacob Hiller, a farmer of the same township.

Joseph C. Branning was born in Damascus township, Wayne county, December 11, 1845, but was reared in Berlin township, where his parents located when he was a mere child. At the age of eighteen he turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits, and for several years followed that calling in Berlin township. After his marriage he removed to Buckingham township, Wayne county, where he en- gaged in business as a farmer and lumberman for twenty years, and, as a jobber in the lumber woods during the winter months, he gave employment to many men. Coming to Lackawaxen township, Pike county, in 1887, he rented two large farms, a saw an !! planing. mill, bought all the timber on 4,500 acres of land, and opened a small general store. Here he has since carried on operations along these various lines, overseeing the entire business, and in this un- dertaking he has prospered, the winter of 1897-98 proving the most successful in regard to the amount of timber cut. He still owns 260 acres of land in Wayne county, most, of which is under cultivation. Socially Mr. Branning is a member of the Knights of Honor, and politically is a strong Republican. For six years he most creditably and satisfactorily served as supervisor of Buckingham township, Wayne county, and has been postmaster at West- colang, Pike county, since the office was established six years ago.'

On May 1, 1867, Mr. Branning was united in ". marriage with Miss Mary Hornbeck, who was born in Lackawaxen township, Pike county, February 27. 1849, a daughter of Jason and Rebecca ( Cole) Hornbeck. Her father was born near Milford, .. Penn., was a carpenter by trade, and followed that occupation in Pike and Wayne counties through- out life. In Lackawaxen township he married Miss Rebecca. dangliter of John Cole, whose family was originally from New Jersey. Five children blessed this union : John, who died in infancy : Elizabeth. wife of Franklin Holbert, a farmer of Lackawaxen township: James K., who married Sarah Jane Bran- ning, a sister of our subject, and operates an excel- sior factory in Equinunk, Wayne county: Mary Alice, who died in infancy ; and Mary, wife of our subject ..

Mr. and Mrs. Branning have had seven chil- dren, namely: Gertrude E., born May 23. 1860. was married April 20, 1887, to Edward Barnes, a blacksmith of Big Equinunk, Wayne county; Car- rie, born March 16, 1872, is a music teacher : Fred.

born December 16, 1873, died October 1, 1874; Roy, born January 26, 1877, died March 4, 1880; Mabel, born September 25, 1881, died October 31, 1881 ; and Lulu, born November 2, 1882, and Edna, born October 11, 1886, are both at home.

GEORGE H. BANKS has for several years carried on both farming and school teaching in Greene township, Pike county, and is recognized as one of the most able educators as well as one of the most thorough and skillful agriculturists of the lo- cality. He was born August 5, 1855, on a farm . which now forms a part of his present homestead.

Samuel and Mary (Stott) Banks, parents of our subject, were both natives of Yorkshire, Eng- land, and came with their respective parents to America in 1844, but were not acquainted at that time. Our subject's paternal grandparents were Rev. William and Elizabeth Banks, the former a cabinet maker and local preacher. He came to this country in the interest of the Howe Company, land agents residing in England, and paid William Fitz Howe one dollar for a deed to 100 acres of land. He made his home upon the present farm of our subject, and his first residence here was built of planks which he sawed with a whipsaw. He died at the age of seventy years. His children were William and James, both deceased; Martha, de- ceased wife of Reuben Hanes; Ann, deceased wife of John Crothers; Sarah, wife of Reuben Hanes; Samuel, father of our subject; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Albert Carlton ; and Mary, widow of John Carlton. At about the same time the pater- nal grandparents came to the United States, and the maternal grandparents, James and Susan Stott, of England, also crossed the Atlantic, and became resi- dents of Chester county, Penn., where the grand- father followed weaving. They had nine children : John ; Joseph ; James ; Ellis, the only one to locate in Greene township, Pike county: William; George : Sarah, wife of John Gleddle; Ellen, who married John Gledhill, and remained in England ; and Mary, the mother our subject.

Samuel Banks, our subject's father, came on the home farm with his parents, and in his younger days followed cabinet making and school teaching in Greene township, but later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was a man of prominence in his community and held a number of township offices, including those of school director and poor master. He died in 1889. at the age of sixty-five years. his wife in February, 1804. at the age of seventy years and one month, and both were laid to rest in the Greentown cemetery, Pike county. They were active and faithful members of Hemlock Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Banks was one of the organizers, and he was also a licensed exhorter in the Church. The children born to this worthy couple were Sarah, deceased : George H., of this sketch : Mary A., widow of Ernest Smith, and a resident of Dreher township. Wayne county; and William J., who married Matilda Rohmer and lives

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on the old homestead in Greene township, Pike county.

Until he attained his majority, George H. Banks remained on the home farm and aided his father in its improvement and cultivation. The edu- cation he had acquired in the public schools he sup- plemented at the age of twenty-three by attending a private school taught by Prof. J. F. Dooley. Since then he has successfully engaged in teaching, in connection with his farming operations. His polit- ical support is always given the principles of the Republican party, and for several years he most efficiently served his fellow citizens in the capacity of township clerk.

At Nobletown, Penn., June 10, 1880, Mr. Banks was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth K. Kipp, who was born in Greene township, Pike county, August 1, 1859, a daughter of John Kipp. Five children graced this union : Florence I .; Sam- uel L .; Mabel M .; Rapha G., who died in 1898; and Myrtle G.

MOSES VAN GORDEN BRISCO is a true type of the energetic, hardy and industrious citizens who make up the agricultural population of Pike county, and for several years he was postmaster at Delaware, in what has been known for half a cen- tury as the half-way house between Port Jervis, .N. Y., and Stroudsburg, Penn.

Mr. Brisco was born September 25, 1860, on the old Van Gorden homestead, in Lehman town- ship, two miles from his present home, and is a son of James D. and Elizabeth (Van Gorden) Brisco, also natives of Pike county. The father was born in Milford, in October, 1834, and died May 6, 1895, being laid to rest in Delaware cemetery, Dingmans Ferry. The mother was born in Lehman town- ship, May 12, 1832, and now finds a pleasant home with our subject. The father gave his political sup- port to the Democracy, and was honored with sev- eral township offices. Our subject is the eldest in a family of three children, the others being: Mary O., wife of H. M. Hornbeck, who conducts a board- ing house at Culbert Gap, N. J. ; and Harry L., who married Jennie Hornbeck, and is a stone mason at Dingmans Ferry. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Hugh and Sarah ( McCarty) Brisco, natives of Dublin, Ireland, and Pike county, Penn., respectively. About 1800 the former came to the New World and took up his residence in Milford, Pike county, where he followed the stone- mason's trade. Both he and his wife died in that county. His brother, who had accompanied him on his emigration to America, died shortly after his arrival here. The children of Hugh Brisco were: Patrick, who married Matilda Van Gorden. and is now a stonemiason of Milton, N. Y .: James D., father of our subject : Louise, wife of Edward Gib- bons: Margaret, a resident of New York State; Mary, deccased wife of Louis Benedict; Jane, who died unmarried; and Elizabeth, a resident of Gulf Summit, New York.

In 1860 Moses V. Brisco accompanied his par- ents, on their removal to his present farm in Leh- mian township, which the father rented for four years, after which the family lived in Westfall township, Pike county, for thirteen months, and for one year at Milford. Returning to the farm in Leh- man township April 1, 1876, the father purchased the place, and here our subject has since made his home, having purchased the interests of the other heirs since the father's death. He has always engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is recognized as a most thorough and skillful farmer. On Novem- ber 24, `1895, in Lehman township, he married Miss Cornelia Cortright, a daughter of William Cort- right, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.

In his political views, Mr. Brisco is a stanch Democrat, and since casting nis first vote, on attain- ing his majority, he has held some office. For four- teen years he most acceptably served as postmaster. at Delaware, and on resigning in 1896 his wife was appointed to the same position. He has also been auditor and supervisor of his township, and recently has been elected for his fourth term as collector, having filled that office for the past ten years. His official duties have been discharged with the utmost promptness and fidelity, and his career has ever been such as to commend him to the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. In religion he is a Presbyterian.

FREDERICK DREYER, a leading merchant tailor of Matamoras, is one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of Pike county. Though born on the other side of the Atlantic he is thoroughly American in thought and feeling, and is patriotic and sincere in his love for the "Stars and Stripes." For almost a quarter of a century his career has been identified with that of Matamoras, where he has acquired a comfortable competence, and where he is an honored and respected citizen.

Ludwig Dreyer, our subject's father, was born in Hanover, Germany, about 1787. and during his . youth learned the tanner's trade, which he followed in his native kingdom throughout his entire life. His father, Henry Dreyer, was a brewer by trade. and worked at the same until well advanced in years. Ludwig Dreyer married Miss Margaret Rolfingmeyer, also a native of Hanover. and a daughter of Frederick Rolfingmeyer, who was born in Prussia. Frederick is the eldest of their six children, the others being: Charlotte. now the widow of Frederick Beckman, of Cincinnati, Ohio ; George. who died at the age of nine years ; Louisa, widow of Jacob Klocpper. of Berlin, Germany ; Henry, a farmer of Quincy. Mich. : and Ludwig, who was killed at the age of five years.

Frederick Dreyer was born February 27. 1835. in Hanover. Germany, where he grew to manhood, and for five and one-half years he was a member of the German army. In his native land he also learned the tailor's trade, and at the age of twenty- six went to London, England, where he followed

. .

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

that occupation for four years. There he was mar- ried November 16, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth Swindel, a native of that country, and soon afterward they emigrated to America, locating in New York City, where he worked at his trade for nearly five years. They then returned to London, where the wife died, and the only son born of this union died in infancy. The daughter, Alvena, born January 16, 1870, is now the wife of Michael Uch, a butcher of Matamoras, Penn., and they have three children : Maggie and Mary (twins), born September 6, 1891 ; and Frederick Michael, born May 28, 1898. Mr. Dreyer was again married in London, Eng- land, August 25, 1872, his second union being with Miss Maria Veil, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 1, 1838.

Immediately after his second marriage, Mr. Dreyer returned with his wife to America, and this time took up his residence in Port Jervis, N. Y., where he carried on the tailoring business for a time. In 1874. however, he purchased property in Matamoras, Penn., and removed to that place, where he has since made his home and has suc- cessfully followed his chosen occupation. Since 1878 he has affiliated with the Masonic fraternity. and since becoming a naturalized citizen has cast his ballot for the men and measures of the Demo- cratic party. He has taken an active part in public affairs, served as assessor of his township two terms. and as a member of the school board five years, being its secretary for three years. For twelve years he lias also been the treasurer of the Mata- moras Building & Loan Association, and has given his support to all enterprises which he believes cal- culated to prove of public benefit. In the German Lutheran Church, of Port Jervis. he and his wife hold membership.

SAMUEL R. DIMMICK, deceased. The Dim- mick family is one of the oldest and most highly es- „teemed in this section, and the subject of this me- moir, formerly a leading resident of Milford, Pike county, was a worthy representative of the name. In every generation the family has been distin- guished for enterprise, thrift and patriotic spirit, and its members have won honorable records in various lines of effort. The first ancestor of whom we have a definite account was Thomas Dimmick, who came to America at an early date and settled at Barnstable, Mass., where he died in 1658. He married Ann Hammond, and left a son. Shubael.

11. Shubael Dimmick ( 1644-1732) married Joanna Bursley, and had three children: Thomas ( 1664-1607) (known as Capt. Thomas), who mar- ried Desire Shirges: John, who is mentioned below. and Shubael ( 1673-1728), who married Tabitha I.athrop.

HIT. John Dimmick was born in 1666. 1le married Elizabeth Lambert, and had three sons : Thomas ( 1604-1747 ), who married Ann Mason, a direct descendant of Capt. John Mason, the conquer- or of the famous Indian King Philip: Timothy, who

is mentioned below, and Shubael, who married Esther Pierce.

IV. Lieut. Timothy Dimmick, next in the line of descent, was born in 1698, married Ann Brad- ford, and had two sons: Timothy and Shubact ( 1737-1828) (known as Capt. Shubael), who mar- ried Elizabeth Wright.

V. Timothy Dimmick, the next ancestor, was born in 1726, and married his cousin, Desire Dimmick.

VI. Capt. Mason Dimmick, son of Timothy V., married Anna Robinson. At the beginning of the Revolutionary war he enlisted from Mansfield, Conn., receiving an appointment as captain, and he served with that rank throughout the struggle under Gen. Scott. An engraved sword, presented to him by Capt. Nathan Fulton, has been carefully pre- served, passing in turn to his son Samuel. his grand- son Chauncey W .. and great-grandson. Edward .Dimmick. Capt. Mason Dimmick was an early set- tler at Milford, where he taught school for some time.

VII. The late Samuel R. Dimmick. the subject proper of this biography, was born at Mansfield. Conn .. in 1793, and died at Milford, August 14, 1867, his remains being interred at the latter place. He enlisted from Mansfield during the war of 1812. and served until peace was restored. Later he came to Monroe county, and for some time he taught school in Middle Smithfield township, a short inter- val being spent in teaching at Johnsonburg. N. J., and on finally leaving Monroe county. in 1826. he taught for a term at Dingman's Ferry, and then lo- cated permanently at Milford, where a sister and several brothers had already settled. He conducted a hotel in the house afterward occupied by Mrs. Pinchot, and in 1828-20 he built the "Dimmick" House," a famous hostelry which has sheltered many noted people. Horace Greeley having been a frequent visitor in the old days. The house burned down in 1856. but was rebuilt with brick and is now a sub-

stantial and commodious structure, accomodating about fifty guests comfortably. Mr. Dimmick was an enterprising man, and at an early day he bought an interest in the stage line on the Milford and Owe- go turnpike, that method of travel and trans- portation being afterward superseded by the Erie railroad. When the line was abandoned Mlr. Dimmick had forty or fifty horses and a number of coaches left on his hands, and these were sent west to be used in less developed regions. Mr. Dimmick was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was prominent in political affairs, serving as county treasurer and county commissioner, and holding various township offices, including that of justice of the peace. He was married at Mansfield. Com. to Miss Wealthy Dimmick, daughter of Capt. Shi- : bael and Elizabeth ( Wright ) Dimmick, and a de- scendant of Shubacl Dimmick 11. She was born in 170%, and died at Milford in 1872. her remains being laid to rest beside those of her husband. This worthy couple had five children: Emeline, wife of

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Britton A. Biddis ; Samuel ()., a retired hotel keeper at Port Jervis, who married Lucinda Dimmick; Chauncey W., a retired hotel keeper at Washington, 1). C., who married Maria Church; Henrietta L., widow of Evert Eldred, a veteran of the Civil war, and Miss Frances A., who is mentioned below.

V'HI. MISS FRANCES A. DIMMICK, who was born at Milford in 1831, is a lady of remarkable talent and rare executive ability. Her musical gifts are of a high order, and she is especially accomplished as a violinist, two old French violins, made in 1700 and 1721, respectively, being among her most highly prized possessions. She has always been popular in the best social circles, being prominent in the Or- der of the Eastern Star, and is noted for her fine conversational powers. Horseback riding is a favorite diversion, but with all her accomplishments she has always found time to devote to business in- terests. For some time she was assistant postmas- ter at Milford, and the management of the hotel has been in her hands for many years. The first license, issued in 1858, was taken out in her name by her father, and this arrangement continued until 1879 when she removed to her own cottage, the heirs hav- ing decided to rent the hotel. In the spring of 1896. seeing that the property was being misman- aged, she again took charge, and has since conducted it successfully.

SEBASTIAN SINGER, a leading farmer of Pocono township, Monroe county. evidences by the manner in which he carries on his business that he thoroughly understands the vocation in which he is engaged, and success has attended his efforts toward acquiring a competency. Neatness and order pre- vail upon his place, which is managed, with regard to its cultivation, in a manner which reflects great credit upon the owner.

The Singer family was founded in Monroe county by our subject's grandfather, who was prob- ably a native of Northampton county, Penn .. and when a young man came to Monroe county, locating in Chestnut Hill township, where he took up a tract of wild land. Here he developed a small farm, and in connection with its cultivation he also worked at the cooper's trade. He was married in that town- ship to Susanna Possinger. a daughter of John Pos- singer, a pioneer of Monroe county. After his death, which occurred in Chestnut Hill, she made her home with our subject until she too was called to her final rest. In their family were nine children : Catherine married Jacob Hessler and was living in Huntersville, Penn .. at the time of her death : Elizabeth, widow of Nicholas Zacherias, is living with her daughter, Mrs. Amandus Possinger, at the age of eigthy-three years : George, father of our sub- ject, was next in the family: llenry married llar- riette Boien, and died at Clarks Summit. Penn .. at the age of seventy years: Sarah, widow of Henry Siptrowth, is living with a son in Jackson township. Monroe county : John married Eva An Rinker, and is engaged in farming in Bradford county, Penn. :

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 31

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