Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 84

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 84
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 84
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 84
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 84

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formed Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. In 1896 he was elected school director, and has served as secretary of the board; he is prominently identified with the K. of P., I. O. O. F., and the P. O. S. of A., and is most highly respected by his ever- widening circle of friends.

SIDNEY G. WEBSTER, one of the enterpris- ing and energetic young farmers of Sterling' town- ship, Wayne county, still resides on the old home- stead where he was born January 26, 1869.

Our subjeet's parents, Gustavus A. and Ar- menia (Bidwell) Webster, were also natives of Wayne county, the former born in Sterling town- ship, the latter in Salem township. The father car- ried on operations in his native township through- out life, and transformed his place into a well-cul- tivated and produetive farm. He held several local offices, such as supervisor, assessor and school di- rector, and was numbered among the most useful and honored citizens of his community. Politically he was identified with the Republican party, and religiously he was an earnest member of the Chris- tian Church. He died June 25, 1892, at the age of seventy-one years, nine months and five days, and was buried at Salem. His widow, who was born May 30, 1826, is an intelligent woman, and now makes her home with her sons Elmer E. and Sidney G., who live on adjoining farms. In order of birth their children were as follows : Marion J., born Feb- ruary 20, 1848, married Jennie Martz; he is an agent, living in Scranton, Penn. Franees D., born August 2, 1851, is the wife of Nelson C. Benjamin. a farmer of Brooklyn, Penn. Leonora F., born February 14, IS55, is the widow of G. A. Catterson, of Chinehilla, Penn. Helen B., born February 5, 1858, is the wife of John Swartz, a farmer of Ster- ling township. Elmer E., born Mareh 14, 1863. married Albertie L. Ferguson ; he is a farmer of the same township. Sidney G. completes the family.

Our subject's paternal. grandparents were Levi A. and Martha (Munn) Webster. of Connecti- euit, of which State his maternal grandparents, Oren and Betsy ( Daniels) Bidwell. were also natives. In 1801, when a child of five years. Oren Bidwell came to Salemi township. Wayne Co., Penn., with his parents, Ephraim and Doreus ( Andrews ) Bidwell. who spent their remaining years here. On reaeh- ing manhood he turned his attention to farming. and continued to follow that pursuit throughout life. He died March 27. 1851. aged fifty-five years. his wife in 1861, aged sixty years, and both were buried in Salem. Their children were as follows : Ira married Eliza Wright : Lavisa married Archi- bald Smith : Iliram married Dolla Nicholson; Mary J. married Abram Simons; Armenia is the mother of our subject: Amanda married Reuben Ingel : Gilbert died when young : Stephen died in the army during the Civil war: William H. married Polly Jones : George married Marian Leonard ; and Frank- lin died in the army. Ira. William H. and Armenia are now the only survivors.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

As soon as he was large enough to be of any assistance Sidney G. Webster began to aid in the operation of the home farm, to the cultivation and improvement of which lie still devotes his energies. He is a thorough and systematic agriculturist, and is meeting with well-deserved success in life. The Republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles, and he holds membership in the Pa- triotic Order Sons of America.

At Hollisterville, Wayne county, Mr. Webster was married March 26, 1890, to Miss Kate Snyder, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Bellis, a Methodist Episcopal minister. They have one daughter, Dora E., born July 3, 1897. Mrs. Web- ster was born in Madison township, Lackawanna Co., Penn., June 20, 1871, and is a daughter of Fred- erick and Emeline ( Beisecker ) Snyder. Her father was born on the ocean, in 1851, when his parents, Charles and Mary ( Brock) Snyder, were emigrating from Germany-to America. In this country they made their home in Luzerne county, Penn. Mrs. Webster's mother was a native of that county, and a daughter of Adam and Polly (Swartz) Beisecker. of Luzerne (now Lackawanna) county, where they still make their home. Mrs. Webster is the second in order of birth in a family of five children, the others being Mary J., now the wife of Edward Webster, a farmer of Madison township, Lacka- wanna county; Ethel E., wife of Forest Pees, a decorator of Scranton, Penn .; and Elizabeth B. and Frederick C., who both died when young. The father, who was a farmer by occupation and a con- sistent member of the Christian Church, died No- vember 16, 1879, at the early age of twenty-eight ycars, and was buried in Madison township, Lacka- wanna county. The mother is now the wife of l'eter Frederick, a farmer of that township, by whom she has two children, George C. and Gracie G.

SAMUEL T. SMITH, a leading and influ- ential citizen of Jackson township, Monroe county, successful as a tiller of the soil, and one who has been prominently identified with local affairs. is the proprietor of two good farms. He makes a specialty of stock raising, which he carries on on an extensive scale, and is to-day the largest stock dealer in the township.

Mr. Smithi belongs to one of the old families of the county, his grandfather. Abran Smith, hav- ing been born in Hamilton township. At an early dav. however, he located in Jackson township, where he took up 118 acres of wild land, a con- siderable portion of which he cleared, and in con- nection with the improvement and cultivation of his own farm he engaged in threshing with a flail for neighboring farmers. He died in Jackson township in 1883. at the advanced age of ninety- four years, and his wife, who bore the maiden name vi Possinger, died in 1872, at the age of seventy- six years. In their family were six children: Fan- nie. deceased wife of David Gantzhorn, of Pocono township, Monroe county; Susan, deceased wife of

Robert Thompson, an Englishman by birth, who lived in Blakeslee, Penn., and participated in four wars, two in this country; Sarah, widow of Jacob Buskirk ; Joseph P .. father of our subject; Cather- ine, deceased wife of John Buskirk; and Abraham, a farmer in Bay county, Michian.

Joseph P. Smith, our subject's father, was born in Jackson township, May 30, 1830, and there grew to manhood. He received only a common- school education, but was a great reader, possessed a wonderful memory, and his opinion was always sought in township matters. He came into pos- session of the old homestead in Jackson township, where he spent his entire life as a general farmer. In Stroud township, Monroe county, lie was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Turner, a daugh- ter of Benjamin and Mary (Acre) Turner, natives of that township. Mrs. Smith was born there, July 15, 1827, and died March 10, 1897; her hus- band- passed away February 28, 1882, and the re- mains of both were interred in Reeders cemetery, Jackson township. Both were members of the Lutheran Church, and highly esteemed by all who knew them. In politics Mr. Smith was a stanch Democrat, and he acceptably filled the offices of school director, constable and collector. Samuel T. is the eldest of their children, the others being: Mahlon, a farmer and lumberman of Clearfield county, Penn .; Morris, a hotelman of Du Bois, Clearfield county ; and David, section boss on the Wilkes. Barre & Easton railroad, and a resident of Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania.

In Jackson township Samuel T. Smith was born August 26, 1852, and in its common schools he acquired his literary education. At the age of twenty-two he left home, and for some time did general work throughout Monroe county. He followed the carpenter's trade, and also engaged in lumbering at Tobylianna Mills, Monroe county, and in Sullivan county, where he worked as con- tractor for Hoyt Brothers for three years. One year he devoted to distilling birch oil in Lycoming county, Penn., but in 1886 he returned to Monroe county and bought an improved farm of eighty- seven acres at Neola, Jackson township. to the cultivation of which he devoted his time and attention for ten years. In 1897 he purchased the Silas Rinehardt homestead. comprising 119 acres, ron of which have been cleared, and he now owns both farms.

At Belvidere. N. J .. June 24. 18;8. Mr. Smith married Miss Emma A. Reinhart, who was born in Jackson township. Monroe county. February 5. 1855. a daugliter of Silas and Rachel ( Heller) Reinhart ( whose sketch is given elsewhere in con- nection with that of Mrs. Sarah .A. Wilson). and died September 9. 1809. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had three children: Linnie. born April 20. 1881 : Stan- ton. born August 13. 1883: and Essie Olive. horn June . I. 1887. Essie O. is now attending school. while Linnie and Stanton are successful teachers in their township.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Since casting his first vote Mr. Smith has been unwavering in his support of the Democracy, and he has taken a very active and prominent part in local polities. He has served as school director for three years, was inspector of elections in 1886, as- sessor in 1887 and 1888, and in 1890 was elected justice of the peace, which office he is now most capably and satisfactorily filling. In 1895 his name was before the county convention for the office of sheriff, and he was defeated only by a small ma- jority ; again, in 1898, he entered the list with eight opponents in the field. and made a good race, coming out only ninety-three votes behind the win- ning candidate. Twenty-three years ago Mr. Smith joined the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Snydersville, Penn., and is to-day a mem- ber of the Junior Order of American Mechanics at Sciota, Monroc county; American Protective As- sociation, and the Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- ica at Tannersville, having become connected with the last named in 1897. Although not identified with any religious denomination, he attends Church and gives liberally to the support of the Method- ist Episcopal Church at Reeders. As a citizen he meets every requirement and manifests a com- mendable interest in everything that is calculated to promote the welfare of the community in any line. In manner he is pleasant and genial, and all who know him esteem him highly for his genu- ine worth.

TRUMAN S. OSBORN, one of the leading farmers and lumbermen of Dreher township, Wayne county, is a native of that county, born March 6, 1839, in Salem township.

Our subject's father was born in Pittston, Luzerne county, Penn., June 6, ISI4, and at an early day came to Wayne county, making his home thereafter in Salem township, where he engaged in business as a farmer and lumberman. He was quite prominent in local affairs, and was called upon to serve in several township offices. Re- ligiously he held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. At Palmyra, Penn., he was married, December 17. 1837, to Miss Harriet Har- ris, who was born in Kingston, Penn., July 18, 1821, and died in October, 1865, being laid to rest in Arlington cemetery. Our subjcet is the eldest of their children, the others being as follows: Oli- ver, born September 26, 1842, married Lucy Wil- cox, and died November 8, 1800: Mary F., born September 27, 1845. is the wife of F. Brundage, a farmer of Lake township. Wayne county ; Will- iam H., born March 8. 1847. married Martha Kick- worth. and died in Wisconsin in 1885: Zilpha M., born July 1, 1849, is the wife of Charles White, a sawyer of Mayfield, Penn. : Luty A., born Au- gust 25, 1851, is the wife of Harvey Daniels, a farmer of Lake township. Wayne county ; Wilson and Wilmer, twins, were born December 21. 1855, and the former is a resident of California, the lat- ter dying when young; Martha A., born February

4, 1857, is the widow of Hiram Williams, a farmer of Lake township; George, born October 5, 1860, married Ann Beach, and is a fireman on the Dela- ware & Hudson railroad, residing in Carbondale, Penn .; and Peter, born April 10, 1863. died when young., For his second wife the father married Martha Madison, by whom he had one son, Albert P., a carpenter of Carbondale. Mr. Osborn passed away December 24, 1876.

During his boyhood and youth Truman S. Osborn aided in the operation of the home farni, but after attaining his majority he went to Pron- ised Land, Pike Co., Penn., where he engaged in lumbering. for a time. He then helped Lewis Bortree to build a sawmill, and afterward worked for his father-in-law, Jeremiah Williams, for four years. Returning to his father's old homestead. he operated the same for one year on shares, and then again rented the Williams farm for four years. In connection with farming he-carried the mail between South Sterling and Moscow for four years, and on May 15; 1868, purchased his present place, to the cultivation and improvement of .which he has since devoted his attention with marked success. He first bought fifty acres, for which he- paid $700, and to the original purchase has added torty-one acres, making a finc farm, on which he has erected all the buildings and made other im- provements that add to its beauty and value. Prosperity has crowned his well-directed efforts. and besides his home farm he also owns the one which his son operates. During the early sixties. besides attending to his other business. Mr. Osborn carted lumber to Easton, Nazareth, Bath. Cherry- ville, Mechanicsville, Bethlehem and Quakertown. the distance being from fifty to sixty miles. and sold one load, drawn by two horses, for $16o. He also carted lumber to New Jersey. crossing the Delaware on a ferry at Slateford, and selling near Blairstown. At that time horse fecd was selling for $3.30 per hundred pounds.

At Fennersville. Monroe Co., Penn., Mr. Os- born was married, June 21, 1862, to Miss Rebecca J. Williams, who was born on the old homestead in Dreher township, a daughter of Jeremiah Will- iams, whose sketch appears elsewhere. The fol- lowing children were born of this union: Etta . ... wife of Jacob Lamini, of Newfoundland, Penn .: William H., who married Emma Distol, and is engaged in farming on his grandmother's farm in Dreher township; Arthur J., who married Eliza- beth B. Carlton, and is engaged in farming in Dreher township: Grace, who died at the age of nine years : Ruth, who died at the age of two years and ten months; Lyman, who married Celia Bur- rus, and is running a farm of his own known as the "C. G. Wolfe farm"; Eva, who died at the age of two years and ten months : Ida M., at home : and Mary F., who was married June 20, 1898. to Eddie Adams, a farmer in Dreher township.

During the Civil war Mr. Osborn was drafted. and to hire a substitute he had to give $300, which

805

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was all the money that he possessed. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has most creditably filled the offices of collector and constable for two terms vach. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the l'atriotic Order Sons of America.

JACOB PLACE is widely known through- mit Middle Smithfield township. Monroe county, Penn., as the proprietor of "Mountain View House," at Maple Grove, and he belongs to one of the oldest families of that section. being a son of Martin Place and a grandson of Jacob Place. .

Jacob Place, the grandfather, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He made his home in Middle Smithfield township, where he cleared up a farm upon which he made general improvements and carried on agricultural pursuits all his life. He and his wife died on the home, and were laid to rest in the Coolbaugh cemetery. Their family consisted of six children, of whom William, the eldest, followed the carpenter's trade for some years. during his early manhood, atter his marriage engaging in hotel-keeping in Pike county; he left three children, Jacob H., Oliver (who lives in Scranton, Penn. ), and Fannie (the wife of Wilson Vanauken, of Pike county). James married and lived thereafter in Smithfield township, carrying on a hotel; Martin is the father of our subject; the three daughters married and settled in Monroe county.

Martin Place was born in 1811 in Middle Smithfield, where he is still living, the only sur- viving member of his family. When a young man he learned the trade of carpenter, which he fol- lowed as a contractor and builder for some years, and as he prospered in business he invested from tinic to time in land in various parts of Monroe county, now owning a number of well improved farms and other real estate there. He is well- known as a man of fine business qualifications and wide experience, and he has for years been one of the most prominent citizens in Middle Smithfield township, where no man occupies a higher position among the leading men of the section. Martin I'lace married Miss Mary Overfield, who was also a native of Middle Smithfield township, and they became the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are still living. Mrs. Place departed this life in 1894. Of their family, Lydia, who is the widow of Philip Depuy, resides with her father on the homestead ; she has one daughter, Edith, now the wife of Verne Smith. of Smithfield. Eliza mar- ried Jacob Transue, of Shawnee, and has one son. Irvin. Sarah is the wife of Frank Walter, of East Stroudsburg. Madison married Vernie Lewis, of New Jersey, and they reside in East Strouds- burg, where he is engaged in millwrighting; they have one daughter. Mamie. Morris R. is unmar- ried. and resides on the old homestead with his father. William married Miss Sallie Overfield, of

Middle Smithfield, and lives in Smithfield town- ship, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits on his fine farm; they have one son, George. Martin, Jr., is unmarried and lives at home, assisting his father in looking after his numerous business interests.

Jacob Place was born September 29, 1842, in Middle Smithfield township, and grew to manhood on the home farm. He learned the carpenter's trade in his earlier years, and for a number of years was engaged in contracting and. building in Mon- roe county, Penn., and New Jersey, making his home in Middle Smithfield, and since 1890 he has conducted the hotel at Maple Grove. He purchased the property and the building, which was erected by Dr. Grover and originally used as a sanitarium, and he has one of the most commodious and modern establishments of the kind in the vicinity, which he has changed and improved materially for hotel purposes. It is located on the Milford road, only a quarter of a mile from Bushkill and a mile from the Delaware river. in a region noted far and wide for the healthfulness of its climate and the beauty of its scenery, and they are prepared to entertain the traveling public the year round, having the best accommodations. Mrs. Place is his able assistant, superintending the culinary department personally, and their table is provided with everything the city and local markets afford in the way of eatibles. The host and his wife endeavor to provide every possible comfort for their guests, and the hotel is located in a beautiful region near Bushkill falls and many other noted points of interest to visitors.

On March 22, 1881, Mr. Place was united in marriage with Miss Georgiana Herman, of Mid- dle Smithfield, whose parents, Evan and Elizabeth Herman. are well-known residents of that town- ship. Our subject has always taken a deep interest in the public affairs of his county, and he has held various local offices, serving several years as school director and a number of times as judge of elec- tions. He has always been identified with the Democratic party. Socially he and his wife rank among the best citizens of the township, and they are highly esteemed among a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

JOHN KNAPP. a leading representative agri- culturist of Preston township. Wayne county. is one of the most loyal and patriotic citizens of his com- munity. For four years during the Civil war he was one of the "boys in blue." valiantly fighting for the old flag and the cause it represented. It has often been said that letters sent home during the war by the soldiers of all grades would make. if pub- lished, a better history of the war than has yet been given, and the suggestive views of the conflict in the individual experiences contained in this book cer- tainly give new color to many historic scenes.

In the township where he still continues to make his home. Mr. Knapp was born July 11, 1844. a son of William Knapp and grandson of Henry Knapp.

806

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

His great-grandfather took part in some of the early wars of this country. The father was born and reared near Black River, N. Y., coming to Wayne county, Penn., in early manhood. Here he married Julia Hine, a native of Susquehanna county, Penn., whose ancestors were from Connecticut, and were early settlers of Wayne and Susquehanna counties. Her father, Merritt Hine, was the founder of the village of Hine's Corners. After his marriage William Knapp purchased the farm on which our subject now resides, and to the original fifty acres he later added a 100-acre tract, clearing and con- verting the entire amount into a good farm. There he died at the age of seventy-two, his wife at the age of eighty-four years. They were worthy mem- bers of the Baptist Church, and were held in high regard by all who knew them. Of their eight chil- dren, George is the eldest. (2) Ira enlisted in Com- pany A, 56th P. V. I., during the war of the Re- bellion, and was killed in an engagement in front of Petersburg, June 19, 1864 ( it being the same charge in which Capt. Oliver Mumford lost his life) ; he was buried on the battlefield by our subject. He left a widow and two sons. (3) Amanda married Jolın Worth, who was also a member of Company A, 56th P. V. I., and was killed at Gainesville, leaving a widow and three children. She afterward married J. W. Hayes, a member of the 67th P. V. I., and now lives in Austin, Potter Co., Penn. (4) Mrs. Mary Mumford is next in order of birth. (5) Thomas was also a soldier of the 56th P. V. I. (6) John and (7) Dallas MI. complete the family.

John Knapp spent his boyhood and youth on the home farm attending the common schools and aiding in the work of the place . On October 2, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 56th P. V. I., and partici- pated in a number of important engagements in- cluding the battles of Rappahannock Station, Sul- phur Springs, Gainesville, Groveton, and the second battle of Bull Run. He was wounded under the right ear by a minie ball, and for about eight weeks was confined to hospital. He was in the first and second battles of Fredericksburg, and the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where he was taken prisoner by the Rebels, but was soon after- ward recaptured by the Union men. At the time he was assisting his brother Thomas, who was severely wounded. He took part in the Wilderness cam- paign and the battles of Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and North .Anna River. At one time, while engaged in scouting. he captured eight Rebels. A party of twenty-five had been sent out on this expedition, but he became separated from his comrades, and alone captured eight Confederate soldiers. Other en- gagements in which he participated were the battles of Petersburg. Weklon railroad. Hatcher's Run. and at Muddy River or Five Forks he was slightly wounded April 6. 1865. Remaining in the service until after the surrender of Gen. Lee, he was hon- orably discharged at Philadelphia, July 7, 1865, with the rank of sergeant.

Returning to Wayne county, Mr. Knapp lo-

cated on the old homestead where he is now succes .- fully engaged in general farming and dairying He owns 160 acres of valuable land on Spruce Lak In March. 1873, he was united in marriage wit: Miss Louisa Lee, a native of Preston township, a:1. a daughter of William and Lucinda Lee, the foriner born in West Virginia, the latter in Preston town- ship, Wayne Co .. Penn. Her father was also a mem- ber of the 56th P. V. I .. and served all through the war. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have eight children. four sons and four daughters, namely: Willard: Isabel, wife of John Lee; Warner; Ida; Elmer; Floyd; Edna ; and Flora.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Knapp has been a pronounced Republican in politics, taking an active interest in public affairs,and he has acceptably served as supervisor of his township for about five years. He is a prominent meniber of Capt. Oliver Mumford Post No. 373, G. A. R., and has served as junior and vice-commander several times. He is a man of good physique, and of soldierly bearing. and his genial, kindly disposition wins him friends wherever he goes.

LEVI HOFFMAN, a leading agriculturist of Middle Smithfield township, Monroe county, was born in Bucks county, Penn., in November. 1828, and is a son of Abram and Mary ( Roderick) Hoff- man, also natives of that county.

Conrad and Elizabeth Hoffman, the paternal grandparents, were both natives of Bavaria. Ger- many, and on coming to this country at an early day located in Bucks county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They reared a family of five children, all horn in Bucks county: ( 1) Philip married and lived in Haycock township. that county. where he died leaving three children, all now de- ceased. (2) John wedded Mary Keiser. of Bucks county, and in 1823 they removed to Middle Smith- field township. Monroe county, where he cleared and improved a farm. making it his home until his death in 1883. He had a large family of children. one of whom. E. D. Hoffman, is represented else- where. (3) Christian married and died in Bncks county, leaving four children, Elias. Josepli. Lizzie and Mary A. (4) Elizabeth married John Cool. of Bucks county, where both died on his farm. leaving two children. Elizabeth, who is married and resides in Easton. Penn. : and Isaac, who is married and resides on the old homestead in Bucks county. (5) Abram. father of our subject, was the youngest in the family.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 84

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