Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 48

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 48
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 48
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 48
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 48

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John S. O'Connor was still in his boyhood when his parents settled in New York City. an! it was there he learned his trade. that of glass cut- ter. serving an apprenticeship of five years with the firm of E. V. Houghnought & Co. For four years afterward he worked as a journeyman. until h . was appointed superintendent of the E. V. Hout :- nought plant. in which responsible position he al-, remained four years, at the end of that time reizi- ing and coming to White Mills, Wayne Co .. Penn.,

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to engage in the same line under his brother-in-law. John Marrett. After six months he was apppointed superintendent, in which capacity he continued for another six months, when he withdrew to accept the same position with C. Dolphinger, with whom he remained for twenty-five years, until he embarked in business on his own account, in 1890.

Mr. O'Connor's judgment in business affairs. naturally keen, strengthened by years of experience in this particular line, and backed by sound busi- ness principles, was in all those years a potent factor in the prosperity which the factory enjoyed, and his ability and the value of his practical knowl- edge of the details of the work were felt in every department. In addition to this he went into the mercantile business in White Mills, which he con- ducted for nine years until his store was destroyed by fire in April. 1897, and he also held the office of postmaster of the town for four years, finally re- signing from that position. In 1890 he erected his plant at Hawley, where all kinds of fine cut- glass ware is turned out, and which is completely fitted with the most modern machinery for this work, has its own plant for illuminating purposes, and is the only factory of the kind in America run by water power. The business has grown steadily until employment is furnished to 300 men, and their cutting shop. which is one of the largest and finest in the world, is built of stone on the solid rock, which also forms one end of the first story. Mr. O'Connor invented the Parisian pattern, in which was introduced the first curve cutting done on glass, and he is also the inventor of the automatic feeding- up machine, which saves a great deal of time. keep- ing the cutting wheel dampened ; they also manu- facture a putty powder for polishing high-grade work. The establishment is managed by Arthur E. O'Connor, and our subject is at present resid- ing in Hawley in the handsome and commodious home he recently built.

Mr. O'Connor deserves to be ranked among the prosperous self-made men of the community, as the wealth he now enjoys has been accumulated through his own .persevering and untiring efforts, and he started out with no particular aid to his fortunes. He is one of the oldest glass cutters in the United States, and with such a hand at the helm there is no doubt that the industry of which he is the head. and which is regarded as one of the most important in this part of Pennsylvania, is destined to still greater prosperity in the future. Personally, Mr. O'Connor has the confidence and esteem of all who meet him. as business associate, employer or friend. and he is well and favorably known all over Wayne county.

On April 5. 1860. Mr. O'Connor was united in marriage. in New York City, with Miss Hannah Marrett, who was born in Birmingham. England. and came to America when a child with her parents. William F. and Johanna O'Keiff Marrett. Mr. Marrett was a glass cutter, and carried on an es- tablishment in New York City, acquiring a com-

fortable fortune in the business. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor have been born five children : Arthur E .. superintendent of the glass-cutting plant, whose sketch appears elsewhere; Anna, the wife of Tim- othy O'Connell. a well-to-do blacksmith of Hones- dale, Penn. : Catherine and Clotilde, who live with their parents; and Mary, wife of Thomas Cusick.

This record would not be complete without some mention of his service in the Civil war. On May 26, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Com- pany F, Goth Regiment. N. Y. V. I., under Col- Corcoran, and served faithfully to the end of his term, receiving but one wound, a slight one in the left wrist. He was honorably discharged Septem- ber 3, 1865, with rank of sergeant. Politically Mr. O'Connor sympathizes with the Republican party.

WOODWARD FAMILY. The first settlers in this country by the name of Woodward came from England. At just what time seems to be a matter which is hard to state positively. Some of the old members of the family claimed that they came in 1634. and that the family consisted of nine brothers. The name Woodward originated from the occupa- tion of the family early in the history of England, as they were at that time the wardens of the King's wood -- hence the name Woodward. The first set- tlers made their home in Connecticut.

The first one of this name to settle in this sec- tion of the country was Enos Woodward, who came here in the year 1775. from Massachusetts, and was among the first settlers in Paupack, Pike Co., Penn. This party had intended to settle in Wyoming, and were on their way there, but as the land along the Wallen Paupack was good, and as there were large quantities of timber there, they concluded to settle alongthe Paupack. They built a block house of large logs, hewn on two sides and the flat sides laid on top of each other, then the cracks were thoroughly cemented with clay, which was found in abundance along the flat lands of the place. This building was made as strong and secure as it was possible to make it with the material which they had. The block house was surrounded by a court, with a stone wall enclosing the court, and making the place quite secure against the attacks of either wild beast or Indians. Temporary huts were erected around near the block house, but at night all were gathered into the block house for safety. These people began to clear the land at once, and put in corn and other crops as soon as the ground could be prepared for them. As there was no mill nearer than Easton, they pounded their corn. and thus prepared it for food. From the spring of 1775 till the summer of 1778 they lived in quiet, except now and then a skirmish with Indians or an exceptional attack of wolves. which were quite numerous in that section. We have no knowledge of the name of Enos Wood- ward's wife, excepting that her name was Mary. They had several sons, all young men at this time. and very helpful in preparing a home for the family.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1778 they were attacked by the Indians, and although secure in the block house and having a knowledge of Indian warfare. yet they came very near being beaten out .by the Indians, As it was, they succeeded in driving the Indians away, and were about to leave for a more safe locality, when the messengers reached them telling them of the massaere at Wyoming. This decided them to leave for Orange county, N. Y., at once, and the entire settlement left for that place. Enos Woodward and family left with the others. We here lose track of the family for a few years. Enos Woodward joined the patriot army, and became a soldier in the Revo- lutionary war, serving as a soldier until the close of the war. Then a part of the original settlers came back to Paupack, and Enos Woodward and his family were of that number.

Why Mr. Woodward did not settle again in Paupack we are unable to say, but instead of stay- ing long with the settlers there, he with his family made a settlement at Cherry Ridge, near where the cemetery is now ( 1898) located. Mr. Woodward purchased a large tract of land, and divided it into farms which were occupied by himself and his sons. It is supposed that he began this settlement in or about the year 1794. P. G. Goodrich in his "His- tory of Wayne County," says: "By an assessment of Canaan township, made in 1799, by John Bunting, it appears that Enos Woodward and his sons John, Silas and Abisha, had more cleared land than any others in the county; Enos Woodward had fifty acres of improved, and one hundred and seventy-five acres of unimproved land. Enos Woodward, the great-grandfather of C. H. Woodward, was a na- tive of Massachusetts. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and while home on a fur- lough took part in an Indian fight on the Paupack. He was tall, noble in bearing and much resembled his grandson, Hon. George W. Woodward."

+ Enos Woodward died August 9, 1803, and was buried in the Paupack cemetery. A fine stone which was erected at the head of his grave bears this inscription : "This stone is erected in the mem- ory of Enos Woodward, who settled in the country in 1775, and died August 9. 1803, aged 78 years." After the death of Mr. Woodward the old home- stead came into the possession of his son, John, and he lived there until his death. His mother lived with him until her death, and she was buried at Cherry Ridge. Why she was not buried at Paupack we do not know, but we stippose because of the fact that a burial place had been selected at Cherry Ridge, and, perhaps, they thought to remove the remains of her husband to that place, but it was not done. The stone at her grave is exactly the same as the one at the grave of her husband, and bears this inseription : "In memory of Mary, wife of Enos Woodward, who died April 15, 1818, age 87 years."

Jolin Woodward ( son of Enos, and grandfather of C. H. Woodward ) had married Sarah Charlotte Caywood, and their children were: (1) Elami moved to Seott township, Luzerne county, Penn,

(2) Asher went West several years after the death of his mother. (3) Amzi L. in 1830 was married to Irene R. Killam, a daughter of Moses Killani, of Paupack. Pike county, Perm. This couple located on a farm along Middle creek, in Paupack, Wayne county, which is still known as the Woodward farin. He died December 22, 1878, leaving five children (three daughters and two sons)-Mrs. John 11. Ames, whose husband is a farmer, resides at Haw- lev. Mrs. Jacob S. Ames is a resident of the same place. Miss Adelia and her nephew, Raymond D. Woodward, occupy the old Woodward farm above mentioned. R. Bruce died February 11, 1875. leav- two children ( Raymond D., and Mrs. Charles Cramer, a resident of Dunmore. Penn.). Cassius H. is referred to farther on. Moses K. died in 1865. Two daughters died in early childhood. (4) Daniel D. Woodward lived on a farm at Hoadleys in Cherry Ridge township. He died several years ago leaving a widow, who, with one daughter, Mrs. G. W. Collins, resides on the farm. Four other children survive-two daughters, Mrs. Henry Stan- ton, of Carbondale, Penn., and Mrs. F. A. Dony, of Scranton, Penn., and two sons, H. P. Woodward and F. P. Woodward, prominent newspaper men of Dunmore. (5) John lived at different places in Wayne county. He died several years ago leaving two sons, Delevan Woodward, who resides at Honesdale, and Enos Woodward, who lives in Texas.

Amzi L. Woodward. In his marriage to Miss Killam there were united descendants of two of the oldest families in that section of the county, as her ancestors, Zadock and Ephraim Killam, were com- panions of Enos Woodward in the first settlement of Paupack. In the following poem, written by Cassius H. Woodward, are given the names of near- ly all the first settlers of Paupack :

THE OLD SETTLERS.

From the far away New England, Through the forest wild to roam, Came a band of sturdy people Seeking for themselves a home. Down the grand and beauteous Hudson With its lovely banks of green, And its swiftly flowing current, Our own grand and noble stream.

From Poughkeepsie striking westward Through the valley, o'er the hill, Often weary with their journey But pressing onward with a will. They had heard of a fair valley Which was known as Minisink, And they woukl not pause until they Sat their feet upon its brink.

But the Indian tribes were hostile, And the traitor Brant was there, Sorrow, trouble, death was near them, Heavy was their load of care, And they said, " there is a river Which is known as the Paupack, And along its shady border Of rich land there is no lack.

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" If we could but reach that river With its natural meadow land, We indeed would then be happy And would rest our tired band." And they started, ever westward, Kept their course o'er vale and hill, Till they saw the falls of Paupack And the sight their bosoms fill.

With thoughts, sublime and tender As they stand and gaze awhile, Then they follow up the river Many a long and weary mile. And at last they reach the flat land With its tender, waving grass, And they settled near the river- They had found a home at last.

And they built a fort for safety, For their wives and children dear,

While around them every evening Howling wolves are very near; And they toil on, nobly bearing Summer's sun and winter's snow,

That their loved ones may have plenty As adown life's path they go.

And the names of the old settlers On the Paupack thus appear, Enos Woodward and his family. Wife and sons so very dear. Zadock, John and Ephraim Killam, Zebulon Parish and old Amos Park,

And their three kind neighbors, J. Edwards, D. Gates and Roger Clark.

Nathaniel Gates and Joshua Varnum, Old Uriah Chapman, and another Neighbor of his, named Reuben Jones, Jacob and Walter Kimble and their brother Able Kimble. Then Isaac Parish and Eliab Varnum, men of mind If not of money. Hezekiah Bingham And John Pellet, neighbors very kind.

Then the Washburns, Nat and Joe, With John Ansley, men of worth, Silas Park and old William Pellet, Better men have ne'er had birth. Thus they lived in peace and quiet, Raised their families, tilled the soil, And enjoyed their home life greatly, Though they led a life of toil.

And the present generation Kindly think of these old men, Who cleared land and founded homesteads Along the Paupack river, when Naught but forests were around them, Indian foes were very near, And upon their graves so lowly Kindly do we drop a tear. .

CASSIUS H. WOODWARD was born on the old Woodward homestead in Paupack township, Wayne county, July 8. 1851, a son of Amzi L. and Irene R. ( Killam) Woodward. and remained with his parents until he attained his majority, attending the district schools and aiding in the labors of the farm. For two years he then clerked in the mercantile es- tablishment of J. S. Ames & Bros., at Hawley, but feeling the need of a better education, he then en- tered Wyoming Commercial College, Kingston, Penn., where he graduated. Returning to Hawley,

he clerked in the store of his former employers for five years, and then embarked in merchandising on his own account, being alone for eight years. He then became associated with William A. Gregg, and the business has since been carried on under the firm style of Woodward & Gregg. They are wide- awake, progressive business men, who by straight- forward, honorable business methods have built up an excellent trade. On November 24, 1874, at Hawley, Mr. Woodward was married to Miss Sarah Quick, of Tafton, Pike Co., Penn., and a daughter of Samuel and Jane Quick. To this union has come one daughter-Nellie.

In his home Mr. Woodward has further con- tinted his studies along various lines, and is a grad- uate of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific course. Aside from casting his ballot with the Re- publican party, he takes no active part in political affairs. Socially, he affiliates with the Junior Order United American Mechanics of Hawley, and, re- ligiously, he is a prominent member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, in which he is now steward.

JOHN BOOREM. The subject of this sketch has a record as a soldier of his country of which he may well be proud. He is a descendant of one of the early settlers of Pennsylvania, and through life has lived most worthily amidst the scenes of his youth. During the Civil war he served in defense of the flag and participated in many of the desperate struggles of that memorable conflict.

Mr. Boorem was born in Paradise township, Monroe county, July 21, 1832. son of John and Elizabeth (Nauman) Boorem, and grandson of John Boorem, who migrated to America from Eng- land during the Revolutionary war and settled in the wilderness of what is now Northampton county, Penn. Here, surrounded by hostile Indians, he cleared up a little farm and made a home for his family. He died in 1808. leaving four children- two sons and two daughters. Of these, John, the father of our subject, was the eldest : Jacob married and settled in Northampton county, where for many years he served as justice of the peace, and there he died, leaving no children : Catherine became Mrs. Breader. and died in Berwick, leaving a family.

John Boorem was born in Northampton county in 1798. He was only ten years of age when his father died, and being the eldest of the four chil- dren, the burdens of life fell heavily upon his young shoulders. Not only did he bravely assume the duties that lay before him, but he made unusual efforts to secure an education, attending school whenever possible and studying at home by the light of the log fires at night. His wife. Elizabeth, was the daughter of Michael and Mary Nauman, natives of Northampton county and later near neighbors of the Boorems in Paradise towship. John Boorem en- gaged in various callings. He learned the trade of a stone mason and followed same during the sum- mer months, teaching school in winter, and leaving mainly to his sons the work of clearing up the farm.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

now known as the Heller place, near the Paradise Church. His trade he would follow in Northamp- ton county, returning to Monroe county to teach during the winter. He remained upon the farm in Paradise township until his death, which occurred in 1844. He left a wife and ten children, all of whom lived to maturity. ( 1) Joseph married Eliza- betli Dornblacer, and settled on the farm in Para- dise township, now owned by Ann Keller ; here he died, leaving a wife and three children. (2) Jacob, unmarried, lives with his brother Frank in Para- dise township. (3) Sarah became the wife of Sam- uel Robins, of Scranton, and died leaving a family. (4) Mary married Henry Masters, who was a soldier in the Civil war, and later for many years conductor on the Gravity road. She lives near Salem, Wayne county, and has five children. (5) Susan married Reuben Miller, and died leaving three children-Jacob, Jeremiah and Annie. (6) Frank :. a farmer, lives in Paradise township with his fam- ily. (7) Elizabeth, the wife of Theodore Pol- hamus, of Scranton, died leaving five children. (8) Samuel is married but has no children: for thirty years he has been a railroad conductor at Scranton. (9) Lydia, who married Sanford Robins, of Scran- ton, has two children -- Edith and Julia.

Our subject received his education in the dis- trict schools, and when a boy learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for some years. He also worked in the lumber woods at White Haven, on the Lehigli, and at other points. In 1862 Mr. Boorem enlisted, at Philadelphia, in Company II, 90th P. V. I., which became a part of Gen. Pope's army. Their first battle was at Cedar Mountain, where the losses were heavy, and our subject par- ticipated in the battle of Bull Run, immediately fol- lowing. He was at South Mountain, and saw Bar- bara Fritchie in the house where she had run out the American flag. At Antietam, where the goth Pennsylvania lost seventy-five men, our subject was seriously wounded in the left breast by a bullet, and was taken to Findley hospital. Washington,. whence he was honorably discharged from service as unfit for further military duty.

Returning home. Mr. Boorem in 1866 married Miss Jane Smieson, daughter of Isaac and Mary Smieson. He settled at Mountain Home and there engaged in farming. Mrs. Jan'e Boorem died in 1874. leaving four children. as follows: (1) Agnes, born in 1860, is the wife of David Jolin, an iron worker at Walls, Penn. (2) Joseph. born in 1870, married Celestia Crissman, and now follows lumber- ing in Mekern county: he has one child, Ina. (3) Laura is the wife of William Doble. of Bethlehem. Penn., and has one child. (4) Susan is the wife of William Surplus, of Goodsboro. Penn. : they have two children-Herbert and Clarence. Mr. Boorem for his second wife married Miss Emma Bond. daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth Bond, and by this marriage has five children: Mabel. Alexander, Sedgwick. Ord and Maude.

In 1892 Mr. Boorem purchased what was

known as the Cross farmi, near Mountain Honie. erected a new house and shop, and has made man! general improvements, and here he now resides with! his family. Politically Mr. Boorem is a Republican. He was reared under the influence of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his parents were de- vout and consistent members. Mr. Boorem is a member of the G. A. R. post at Stroudsburg. He is also a member of the Mountain Home Lodge No. 684, I. O. O. F., and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He is a worthy representative citi- zen of Monroe county, and has won and holds the high respect of the community in which he lives.

LEWIS T. SMITH. In this age of colossal enterprise and marked intellectual energy. the prom. inent and successful men are those whose abilities. persistence and courage lead them into large under- takings and assume the responsibilities and labors of leaders in their respective vocations. Success is methodical and consecutive, and however much we may indulge in fantastic theorizing as to its elements and causation in any isolated instance. vet in the light of sober investigation we will find it to be but the result of the determined application of one's abilities and powers along the rigidly de. fined line of labor. The late Lewis T. Smith was by far one of the most prominent. enterprising and successful business men of Mt. Pocono. Monroe Co .. Penn., and was a most important factor in promoting the welfare of the village.

Mr. Smith was born at Tobyhanna Mills, Mon- roe county, in 1836, and was a son of Oliver D. aud Eleanor (Trible ) Smith, pioneers and prominent citizens of Coolbaugh township. where they died. In the family were eight children : Lewis T. : Georg". T., a resident of Coolbaugh township : Martin, who died in East Stroudsburg, Monroe county : Frank. Katie, Anna and Susan. all deceased; and Effic. wife of Emanuel Detrick, of Paradise township. Monroe county.

Our subject was twice married. his first wife being Miss Caroline Lasher, a daughter of Howard Lasher, of Tobyhanna, and she died in Mt. Po- cono, in 1882, leaving one son. Harry, who is repre- sented elsewhere. In 1886 he married Miss Mart'a Warner, who was born in Mt. Pocono, in 1864. a daughter of Hiram and Lavina ( Fetherman ) War- ner, who were born and reared in Coolbaugh town- ship, Monroe county. She is a lady of culture and refinement, who was also reared in Coolbaugh town- ship and received a good practical elucation. Hc brought his bride to his elegant home in Mt. I',- cono. where they lived happily until he was called from this life January 11. 1898. There were two sous born of this union: Lewis T., who was born in 1889. and is now attending the public schools of Mt. Pocono; and Francis J .. who was born April 7. 1808.

After his first marriage Mr. Saith n . ved ! . Mt. Pocono and purebased 300 acres of land whi i! are not included within the corporate limits of the

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

village. There he erected a large hotel, which he opened for the accommodation of city boarders ; also embarking in merchandising at that place, and was identified with many other business enterprises which materially advanced the interests of the town. At one time he conducted a large livery stable, and also engaged extensively in the manu- facture of sawed lumber, making a specialty of props and tics. He was a man of unusual business ability, was remarkably successful in all his under- takings, and was a recognized leader in public affairs, being highly esteemed by all who knew him. During the Civil war he became general manager of transports, and remained in the United States service for four years. For a number of years he filled the office of justice of the peace at Mt. Pocono with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the general public, being first elected to that position in July, 1889, and remaining in office until liis death.

Mrs. Smith has taken full charge of his ex- tensive business, and has successfully managed the livery stable and farm, and gives her close atten- assisted him in many ways prior to his death. She is a woman of more than ordinary ability, well fitted to take charge of her husband's affairs, having assisted him in many ways prior to his death. She is a member of the Episcopal Church of Mt. Pocono, is a true Christian woman, and her many charitable acts have endeared her to the people round about her. Mr. Smith was a member of the Masonic Fra- ternity.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 48

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