Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 69

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 69
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 69
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 69
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 69

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Mrs. Mary A. Kresge was born August 12, 1847, in Kunkletown, Monroe Co., Penn., a daugh- ter of Thomas and Mary (Smail) Christman, also of Monroe county, who had a family of ten children, to wit: David (in Eldred township), Aaron (in Dallas, Penn.), Mary A. (wife of our subject), Sarahı (deceased), Lucinda (married to Peter Hi- nene, of Eldred), Edwin (of Lehighton, Penn.), Emma and Sarah (both deceased), Abraham (of Lehighton), and Elizabeth (wife of Theodore Smith, a carpenter and contractor, also of Lehigh- ton). . The father of this family, who was a carpen- ter by trade, died October 13, 1892; the mother passed away in September, 1888, at the age of sixty-three years, and they are buried at Kunkle- town.

John and Mary ( Andrews) Christman. paternal grandparents of Mrs. Mary A. Kresge, were married in Eldred, Monroe county, where they were promi- nent farmers. Their children were: Thomas ( father of Mrs. Kresge), Elizabeth (wife of John Bover), and Kate A. (wife of William Hauck). William and Barbara Serfass, maternal grandparents of Mrs. Kresge, were also farming people of Eldred town- ship, Monroe county. They had children as fol- lows : Mary ( mother of Mrs. Kresge). George ( married to Kate Greenswike), Elizabeth ( wife of Anthony Frantz), William ( married to Barbara Serfass), Jolm (married to Effie Everett). Amelia (wife of Melvin Christman), Susanna (wife of Henry Hauck), and Reuben (married to a Miss Hauck).

FRANK KELLER is a well-known resident of Shohola township, Pike county, where lic was born July 19, 1861. His father. George Keller, was a native of Baden, Germany, and when a lad of seventeen years came to the United States. Here he married Josephine Kreiter, who since his death

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has become the wife of Valentine Hipsman, of Sho- hola township.

Frank Keller remained in his native township until he attained the age of twenty years, and then secured employment as a stone cutter in Albany and Rochester, N. Y., being gone about four years. In 1886 he came into possession of fifty-two acres of new land in Shohola township, nine of which he now has under cultivation, and is engaged in farm- ing in a small way, but devotes the greater part of his time and attention to quarrying, cutting and carving building stone, and also in lumbering dur- ing the winter months. He is a very industrious, energetic and enterprising business man, and in his undertakings is meeting with a well-merited suc- cess.

At Port Jervis, N. Y., October 30, 1886, Mr. Keller was married by Rev. James A. McWilliams, a Presbyterian minister, to Miss Mary Augusta Knealing, who was born October 25, 1859, a daugh- ter of Henry C. and Anna ( Byer) Knealing. She first weddded Charles Palmer, who died in 1885, leaving three children, George C., Henry C., and Valentine, and by her marriage to our subject has become the mother of two others: Lorena, born May 22, 1887; and Norman H., born January 5, 1890.

Mr. Keller exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy, and has most ably served his fellow citizens in the capacity of inspector of elections, judge of elections several times, constable and tax collector for three years each, and justice of the peace since 1897. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Labor, and religiously both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church of Shohola, Penn., and they are held in high regard by all who know them.

EDMUND BUDD is one of the worthy citi- zens of Oregon township, Wayne county, that Eng- land has furnished to this region. His grandfather, George Budd, who spent his entire life in Cornwall, England, was a carpenter by trade, and that occupa- tion has been followed by most of his descendants. His children, George, Richard. Joseph, John, Sarah and Betsy, all died in England.

Richard Budd, our subject's father, was also born in Cornwall, where on attaining to man's estate he was united in mariage with Miss Jane Prower, a daughter of William and Betsy ( Mitch- ell) Prower. After her husband's death Mrs. Budd came with her eldest son to Anterica, in IS51, locating at Beach Lake, Berlin township, Wayne Co., Penn. Her children were Richard and Jolin, who both died in Berlin township; William, a resi- dent of Michigan; Jane, who died in infancy; and Edmund, who is the youngest.

In the parish of Whitestone, Cornwall, Eng- land, Edmund Budd was born in June, 1820, and there grew to manhood, learning the trade of a car- penter. In the parish of St. Mary, Cornwall. he was married January 1, 1842, by Rev. Walter Gee,

to Miss Sarah, daughter of Richard and Ann (Elliott) Woodley. The year of their marriage they crossed the broad Atlantic and took up their resi- dence in Honesdale, Penn., and a year later located on the farm where Mr. Budd still continues to make his home, having transformed the native forest into one of the most productive farms of the local- ity. Upon the place is an excellent orchard, well- kept buildings and a handsome residence, all of which stand as monuments to his thrift and in- dustry.

For forty years Mr. and Mrs. Budd traveled life's journey together, sharing its joys and sor- rows, but on August 25, 1882, she departed this life. They were the parents of the following named: Jane Ann, born September 10, 1842, died March 30, 1893, at which time she was the widow of Joseph May; Richard W., born May 1, 1845, is a contrac- tor and builder, living in Carbondale, Penn .; Sarah T., born March 10, 1847, is the widow of Brice Davey ; Mary T., born May 29, 1848, died January 7, 1850 ; H. Thomas, born July 1, 1853, is a carpen- ter in Scranton; and Ellen T., born February 18, 1860, is the wife of Arnold Sluman.

For many years the Republican party has found in Mr. Budd a stanch supporter of its principles, and he has most capably and satisfactorily filled the offices of school director, assessor, tax collector and member of the election board. He has always been foremost among the old settlers in advancing the interests of the township, and has given his aid to every enterprise for the public good. He is a regular attendant at the Methodist Episcopal Church.

A. F. VOIGT, proprietor of a leading restau- rant in Honesdale, Wayne county, is one of its well and favorably known citizens, and has been identi- fied with business interests here for almost twenty years.

Mr. Voigt is a native of the Fatherland, born August 4, 1847, in the kingdom of Saxony, son of August and grandson of Samuel Voigt. The last- named married Augusta Ackerman in his native country, and they reared a family of five children- Ferdinand, Edward, Adolph, Henry and August. In 1847 the parents and some of the children sailed for the United States, intending to settle in Texas, but the father died on board ship during the voyage and the rest were obliged to proceed alone, arriving safely at their destination, the town of Industry, Texas. August Voigt was born in Germany De- cember 12, 1818, and there married. in 1842, Miss Caroline Raetzer, who was born November 17, 1823. and died in 1869. Six children blessed their union -August E., who lives on a farm in Texas, where he engages in stockraising : Constantine, who was killed in the West: A. F., whose name opens this sketch ; Max, who has a store in Red Rook, Texas; Ottilia, the wife of Herman Pester: and Cecelia, who died when a child. In 1865 the father brought his family to America, and for five years after their

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

arrival they lived in New York City, August Voigt engaging in the window shade business. He then removed to Texas, where lie carried on farming until thirteen years ago, since which time he lias made his home in Honesdale with his son A. F. Voigt. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and he gives his political support to the Republican party.

A. F. Voigt received a liberal classical education in the old country, attending the schools of his na- tive place and the high school at the State Capital in Bohemia. He also studied at Rackoniz ; and at these various institutions received instruction in the Ger- man, Bohemian, Latin and French languages. After coming to America he engaged in the window-shade business, becoming foreman for a New York com- pany, and continued to follow it until he had an attack of painter's colic, which caused him to aban- don that occupation. Coming to Hawley, Wayne Co., Penn., he took charge of the "Eddy Hotel," which he conducted from 1870 until 1873, and then for six years he owned and conducted a general merchandise store, which he disposed of in 1879, the year of his removal to Honesdale. For the first five years of his residence here he had charge of the""National Hotel," and he has since carried on his present place of business, one of the leading and best conducted restaurants in Honesdale. MIT Voigt numbers among his patrons some of the leading citizens and prominent men of Honesdale and Wayne county, whose custom he has attracted no doubt as much by his genial and courteous man- ners as by the excellent service of his establishment. He makes a comfortable income from his restaurant, and deserves the encouragement which has been shown from all quarters.

In 1869 Mr. Voigt was united in marriage with Miss Emelia Ott, who was born September 10, 1848, in Bavaria, Germany, and who became the mother of ten children. namely : One who died in infancy : Otto C., who is in Texas; Arno C. and George E .. who are studying medicine, the former at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, the latter at the University of Pennsylvania: one deceased in infancy; Alma O., Mrs. Harry Gretter ; Inka C., deceased in infancy : Cora : Florence ; and Martha, living at home. Mrs. Voigt passed away April 5. 1889.

Our subject is socially, one of the best known and most popular men in the town of his adoption. He is a gentleman of culture and agreeable man- ner, with those genial pleasant ways which are only born of good nature and love of sociability, and he is welcomed into all circles as a desirable compan- ion, worthy friend and interesting conversational- ist. For twenty years he has been a member of the Honesdale Liederkranz, of which he has served as president several times ; is an honorary member of the Wilkes Barre Liedertafel: a member of the Hawley Maennerchor, and of Scranton Lieder- kranz. Fraternally he unites with the Red Men and the American Legion of Honor at Alonesdale,

of which he has been collector for six years, and is a member of Lackawanna Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Hawley, where he has passed all the Chairs. Mr. Voigt's fine appearance, polished bearing and fine voice have won him an enviable popularity where- ever he has gone, and he numbers his friends in Honesdale by the score. His political predilections are Democratic.

PROF. DAVID L. HOWER has been con- nected with the public schools of Wayne county since 1892, and is at present serving his fourth year as county superintendent. He makes his home in Honesdale. Mr. Hower is a native of Lycoming county, Penn., son of Christian and Katharine (Kiess) Hower, the former of whom was born in Germany in 1821, came to this country in early life, and settled in Lycoming county, Penn., where he and his wife still reside. She was born in that county, and belongs to an old and respected family of Pennsylvania. Christian Hower is a mason by trade, but after coming to this country he made farming his principal business. He was the father of a large family, eight of whom lived to maturity.

David L. Hower was reared in Lycoming county, where he began his education in a log school house on his father's farm. Having determined to take up the teacher's profession he entered the Lycoming County Normal school, at Muncy. where he graduated in 1884; later he matriculated at La- fayette College, from which he was graduated in 1892. with honor, in the scientific course, receiv- ing the degree of B. S. In 1894 he took the degree of Master of Sciences from his Alma Mater. How- ever. he had long ago commenced active work in his life calling, having taught previous to entering college, and in 1892 he came to Honesdale as assist- ant principal of the high school, a position for wirich, by experience and thorough preparation, he was well fitted. He continued as such four years. giving the utmost satisfaction in his labors, and in 1896 the people showed their appreciation of his faithful and efficient services by electing him to the responsible position of county superintendent, which he has held continuously since June of that year. Prof. Hower has, in the discharge of his duties as superintendent, proved himself a capable and tireless worker for the advancement of educational interests in Wayne county, a competent instructor, and a citizen who takes a vital interest in the welfare of his adopted community. During his teri of office he has organized a directors' association in con- nection with the teacher's institute, established sev- eral township high schools, conducted district insti- tutes, started many country school libraries, issued common-school diplomas to deserving pupils and has raised the standard of the teacher's profession in the county. Mir. Hower is a Republican in political sentiment. In religious connection he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, and belongs to the Masonic Order. being a Royal Arch Mason.

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EDWARD A. HOLMBECK, blacksmith, of Damascus, Wayne county, is looked upon as one of the respected, intelligent men of this community, of which he has been an active citizen since 1869. Mr. Holmbeck is a native of New York State, born in August, 1840, in Fosterdale, Sullivan county, son of Samuel and Lydia F. ( Horton) Holmbeck. llis maternal grandfather, Paul Horton, was one of the old pioneer settlers of Sullivan county.

After his marriage Samuel Holmbeck settled in Lackawanna county, Penn., where he remained four years, at the end of that time returning to Sullivan county, N. Y., and locating on a farm which he purchased. Six years later he moved to Fosterdale. same county, where he followed his trade, that of blacksmith, and in connection he also farmed and lumbered during the remainder of his life. He passed away in 1886, his wife in 1860, leaving two sons, Sanford and Edward A., whose name intro- duces these lines. Sanford Holmbeck was born in 1837, in Sullivan county, N. Y., and there grew to manhood, being educated in the public schools of the county. He married Miss Mary E. Lay- man, of Sullivan county, and they now reside in Bethel, N. Y., where he is engaged in business. They have a family of five children-Edward A. married Flora Davidson, of Bethel, where they re- side. Harvey married Mabel Lapalt, of White Lake, Sullivan county, and now lives in Liberty, same county, where he follows his trade, that of barber. Carrie is the wife of Jacob Knight, of Callicoon, N. Y. Maggie is the wife of John E. Lamoreaux, of Liberty. Nettie is unmarried and lives at home.

Edward A. Holmbeck grew to manhood in his native county and there received his education, attending the common schools. In 1861 he enlisted for service in the Union army, joining Company F, 56th N. Y. V. I., Tenth Legion,- under Col. C. H. Vanwyck, and was sworn in at Newburg, Orange Co., N. Y. He was all through the Peninsular campaign under Mcclellan in the spring of 1862, and in the fall of that year was sent to Hilton Head, S. C., and from there to Morris Island, where his command was stationed during the siege of Charles- ton, in the latter part of 1864. There they were engaged in guard duty until the close of their term of service. Vr. Holmbeck's first term had expired in 1864, and he re-enlisted at Beaufort. S. C., re- ceiving a corporal's commission. He was mus- tered out October 17, 1865, being honorably dis- charged at Charleston, S. C., with an army record of which he may be justly proud, for he was in active service from the time of his enlistment to the close of the struggle, and took part in many in- portant movements. Mr. Holnbeck returned to his old home, and on March 10, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Fannie A. Layman. of Sul- livan county, the daughter of Benjamin and Deru- sha Layman, who were prominent residents of that county. The young couple located on a farm in Delaware county, N. Y., which Mr. Holmbeck pur-

chased, but after one year's residence there they sold and removed to the town of Delaware, where he invested in a tract of timber land. He built a house and continued to improve the place during his stay on it, but in 1869 he sold and went to New York City, for a short time following his trade there. He returned the same year, however, and settled in Galilee, Wayne Co., Penn., where he had bought real estate, building the first house in the village. He also put up the blacksmith shop which lie has carried on up to the present time, and he has become one of the leading citizens of the place, both in business and public affairs. In 1891 he was elected justice of the peace by his fellow citi- zens in Damascus township, who showed their ap- preciation of his fidelity and ability by re-electing him in 1896, and he continues to hold the office to the satisfaction of all concerned. He is regarded throughout the township as a citizen of true moral worth, and he has the respect and esteem of all who know him. His neighbors and friends generally have the utmost faith in his judgment in local affairs, and he bears an enviable reputation for jus- tice and fair dealing among his associates every- where ..

Mr. and Mrs. Holmbeck have had one son, Eugene, who was born in February, 1867, in Sulli- van county, and was reared to manhood in Galilee, where he received a good public-school training. He is an energetic, progressive young man, of good moral habits, and a favorite among his companions. He now resides in Scranton, Penn., where he fol- lows the trade of barber. Mr. and Mrs. Holmbeck are members of the M. E. Church in Galilee. Po- litically he is a Republican, and takes a deep inter- est in the welfare of his party. As one of the sur- vivors of the 56th N. Y. V. I., he is a well-known member of Grand Army Post No. 284. of Calli- coon, N. Y., in whose affairs he takes a loyal in- terest.

WESLEY C. HENRY. The "Park House," at Parkside, Monroe county, is one of the best of `the summer hotels of this section, and its guests include the cream of society of New York and Philadelphia. Situated on the banks of the Analo- mink creek, with 234 feet of water front. the place presents unusual advantages in boating and bath- ing, while brook trout abound in this and other streams in the locality. The house is surrounded by shady lawns and a beautiful park, and 500 cet of veranda afford lounging places for the guests. A tennis court provides exercise and amusement for lovers of that game, and walks and drives to places of interest supply constant relief from ino- notony. Mt. Pocono is only cight miles distant, Delaware Water Gap thirteen miles and High Bridge three miles, while Paradise Falls, Red Rock Glen and other noted spots are within easy reach. A well-appointed livery stable is maintained in con- nection with the hotel, the equipage being of the finest, and in every way the genial and enterprising

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proprietor endeavors to incet the needs of his vis- itors. The hotel, which is about 1,700 feet above the sea level, is supplied with modern conveniences, including acetylene light, and bath rooms, reading rooms, sitting rooms, and bed rooms are furnished with an eye to solid comfort rather than display. The water is of the purest, coming from an ice-cold spring near by, and the table is bountifully pro- vided with the best the city markets afford, in addi- tion to the delicious cream, milk, eggs. vegetables and fruits from our subject's farm. The place is only three hours ride from New York or Phila- delphia on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western R, R., allowing business men every facility for at- tending their affairs in the city while spending their leisure hours in the salubrious air of the delightful resort.

Mr. Henry comes of excellent pioneer stock, and is a great-grandson of Arthur Henry, a native of Scotland or Ireland, who settled in Northamp- ton county at an early day. Arthur Henry, who was a farmer by occupation, had a large family of children, as follows : William, Jacob, James, Charles, Lydia (MIrs. Jacob Smith, of Paradise township, Monroe county ), Hannah ( MIrs. Decker), Nancy (Mrs. Ichabod Price ), Jane (Mrs. Hanson Campbell, of Monroe county), and" Arthur, Jr., of whom nothing is known except that he settled in the south.

Charles Henry, our subject's grandfather, came to Monroe county in 1829, locating for a time in Stroudsburg, and later in Henryville, where he purchased a large tract of land. For many years he rafted extensively on the Delaware river, and in 1842 erected a sawmill on the property now owned by his grandson. Wesley C. Henry, subject of this sketch, and this remained on the property until 1895, when our subject had it removed. He also built a number of houses on the property, and one he operated as a hotel for some years. Later, in 1858, he purchased 300 acres of land near Stroudsburg, where he erected a large stone house now owned by Dr. P. J. Mucheer. He was a man of rare busi- ness ability and experience, but notwithstanding his cares he was always keenly interested in polit- ical affairs in Monroe county, serving two terms as sheriff. and holding a number of local offices. His popularity was based on personal worth, and he had many friends all over the county. Ile died in 1876 at his old homestead near Stroudsburg, and was buried in the new cemetery at that city. By his first wife. Mary ( Posten). he had seven chiklren : William. father of our subject: Caroline, wife of Samuel Brown. of Stroud township: Emily, wife of Sammel Hilgret, of Paradise township: Hetty. wife of Henry Braman, of Henryville : Mary, who married Mr. MeFall. of New Jersey, and settled near Spragueville : and Charles, who died in chil 1- hood. llis second wife was a Miss Van Buskirk, a member of a prominent family of Monroe coun- ty, and they had one datighter. Susan, who mar- ried Vincent F. Miller, of Manasquan, New Jersey.

William Henry, our subject's father, was born June 16, 1838, in Paradise township, and was edu- cated in the schools of Henryville, where he grew to manhood; much of his time was spent in clerk- ing in the store for his father. In 1858 he married Miss Susan S. Brown, who was born in 1834, the daughter of John and Jane ( Posten) Brown, and a member of one of the old pioneer families of Smithfield township. After his marriage Mr. Henry removed to Dallas, Luzerne county, where he engaged in mercantile business for some two or three years ; but a fire destroyed his store, leaving him without capital. He then, in 1864, removed to Stroudsburg, and engaged in the well and pump business. Later he moved to East Stroudsburg. where he purchased the primitive property, and opened a livery stable, which he conducted until 1880. He also engaged in a general grain and hay business, and dealt largely in horses, buying and selling in the markets of Philadelphia. On dispos- ing of his livery business in 1880, he started a match factory under the firm name of W. E. Henry & Co., and this he sold to the Diamond Match factory in 1882. In October, 1882, he purchased the. old homestead at Henryville owned by his father, where he rebuilt the mill and engaged in the general stone and flag stone business, in partner- ship with Mr. Kistler. In March, 1883, he erected a large addition to the house for the purpose of keeping city boarders, and in April, 1884, he pur- chased Mr. Kistler's interest in this business, which he continued alone until his death, on May 13, 1885. His worthy wife, who is much esteemed for her devoted Christian life, survived him, with one son, Wesley C., our subject. They succeeded to his large business, and still reside on his homestead, which is one of the finest estates in Paradise Valley.

Our subject was born December 25. 1859. at Dallas, Penn., and his education was obtained in the public schools of Stroudsburg. He also tock a course in a business college at Poughkeepsie. N. Y., graduating in 1883, and since his return home has purchased his mother's interest in the business, which he conducts with marked ability and success. In January, ISS4, he married Miss Annie L. Spragle, who has been a most efficient helpmect in all his enterprises. She was born March 28. 1864, at Tannersville, and was educated at Stroudsburg, where her parents, William and .Absilia Spragle, were prominent residents. Mr. Henry and his wife are popular socially, and he belongs to the Royal Arcanum and to Lodge No. 319. B. P. O. E., of Stroudsburg. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religion he inclines to the Methodist faith, of which his mother is an earnest and faithful adherent.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 69

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