Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 94

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 94
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 94
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 94
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2 > Part 94

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at home. Mrs. Shupp was born in Hamilton town- ship, Monroe county, December 1, 1847, a daugh- ter of Charles and Hannah (Werkheiser) Ruth, also natives of Monroe county, where the mother departed this life in 1853, at the age of twenty- seven years. She left three children: Catherine; George who died at the age of fourteen years ; and Louisa, now the wife of John Newell, a farmer of Minnesota. The father was again married. his second union being with Miss Emma Lippeneott, by whom he also had three children: George; Augusta, wife of Nelson Spade, of Luzerne county, Penn .; and Ella. Throughout the greater part of his life the father engaged in farming, but at one time also conducted a meat market in Hamilton township, Monroe county. He died near Wilkes Barre, Luzerne county, in 1892, at the age of seven- ty-three years, and was buried in that county.

The Democratic party has always found in Mr. Shupp a staneh supporter of its principles, and he has ever taken a prominent part in political affairs. His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, eleeted him county auditor in 1872, and so acceptably did he fill the office that he was re-elected in 1884, serving two terms. Prior to this he had served as constable for six years, and was appointed by the governor as justiee of the peace for one year, and elected to that office in 1872 for a term of five years; he also held he offices of assessor, assistant assessor and township auditor. For the past forty years he has been a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and is now one of its trustees. He is one of the most popular and in- fluential citizens of his community, and is publie- spirited and progressive.

JOHN L. DE WITT, a well-known agrieult- urist and hortieulturist of Stroud township, Mon- roe county, is a man whose character commands the respect and estcem of the community in which he has made his home, and the following biog- raphy will be read with interest.

Mr. De Witt was born February 19. 1849, at Harmony, Warren Co .. N. J., a son of Peter and Elizabeth ( Leffler) De Witt, both natives and life- long residents of that county. The father, who was also an agriculturist, died in 1866; the mother passed away in 1870. This worthy couple had a large family of children, as follows: (1) Cather- ine married Albert K. Metz, of Phillipsburg, N. J., who died in 18;8. She has five children: James V., Hannah, Samuel. Benjamin and Lizzic. (2) James W .. a farmer in New Jersey, married Miss Lizzie Kock, of Warren county, and has two daughters, Rosie (now Mrs. Marshall Engler. of New Jersey). and Lillian ( wife of William Bach- man, of Warren county, N. J.). (3) William died in childhood. (4) Levi L. married Miss Eliza- beth Vanatta. of New Jersey, and has two sons. Albert and Arthur. (5) Peter B., a resident of Phillipsburg. N. J., married Miss Jane Hawk, of the same State, and has had seven children, Bertha

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(who died in childhood) ; Eva (wife of Howard Peiffer), Kate, Charlotte, Sallie, Jennie and Peter B., Jr. (6) John L. (our subject). (7) Moses, who died in 1883, married Miss Anna Cotsley, of New Jersey, who survives him with two sons, Den- jamin and Raymond, still residing in Warren coun- ty, N. J. (8) Hannah and (9) Isaac died in childhood. (10) One died in infancy.

Mr. De Witt grew to manhood at the old homestead in Warren county, N. J., receiving a practical education in the local schools. In 1870 he went to Grant county, Wis., where he followed farming for two years, and on his return to. New Jersey he engaged in bridge building. In 1880 he came to Monroe county, where he met and mar- ried Miss Sallie A. Smiley, and then settled upon the old Smiley homestead, near Spragueville, which he purchased later. He has enlarged the farm somewhat, making it one of the most valua- ble estates in the neighborhood, and has made many improvements, the buildings being of modern style, with every convenience. He makes a specialty of raising berries for the market, but has all kinds of fruit that this climate will permit. In politics he is a Democrat, of the Jacksonian type, and has served two terms as supervisor of Stroud town- ship, and four years as town clerk: He belongs to he A. P. A., and the Order of American Me- chanics, Council No. 12, of Phillipsburg, N. J., and he and his wife are leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Spragueville, to which they contribute largely. For twelve years Mr. De Witt has served as a trustee in that society. Of his two children, Frederick W., born May 12, 1883, is a student in school No. 4, of Stroud town- ship; Annetta, born March 16, 1888, died at the age of four years.

MIrs. De Witt is a member of an old Colonial family, and her great-grandfather, Thomas Smi- ley, was a Revolutionary soldier. Her grand- father, David Smiley, was among the first settlers of Monroe county, and her parents, William and Susan (Fowler) Smiley, were both natives of the county. She was the eldest of three children ; the others, Franklin and Alexander, died in childhood.

SIMON BONSER. Among the self-made men of Monroe county-men who have accumu- lated a comfortable competence through their own energy and thrift-may be numbered the gentle- man whose name introduces this sketch. He now makes his home in Ross township, where he is meeting with well-merited success in the operation of his farm and steam sawmill.

A native of Monroe county, Mr. Bonser was born February 20, 18449, in Chestnut . Hill town- ship, and is a son of George and Lydia ( Frantz) Bonser, natives of Chestnut Hill and Ross town- ships, respectively. Both died on a farm ad- joining our subject's, in the latter township, the father on February 4. 1894, at the age of seventy- four years, the mother on January 1, 1884, at the

age of sixty-two; the former was laid to rest in Ross township, the latter in Chestnut Hill town- ship. Both were earnest and consistent members of the Reformed Church, and in politics Mr. Bon- ser was a Democrat. Ile was one of the promi- nent farmers of his community, and served as school director for some time. In his family were seven children: James and Henry, both farmers of Ross township; Simon, our subject; John and Freeman, both deceased; William, a farmer of Ross township; and Amanda, wife of Oliver Dardt, who is employed in the slate mines of Northampton county. Mr. Bonser's grandfather was John Bon- ser, and his maternal grandparents were Michael and Susannah ( Burger ) Frantz, of Monroe county.

During his early life Simon Bonser assisted in the work of the home farm, and attended the local schools, remaining with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter's trade with John Maches. After serv- ing one year's apprenticeship, he then worked as a journeyman in Northampton county, Penn., for one year, after which he embarked in contracting and building on his own account, carrying it on quite successfully in connection with farming until 1895. In 1884 he purchased his present farm in Ross township, Monroe county, to which he removed from the old homestead, and which he has placed under excellent cultivation. In March, 1895, he bought a sawmill of 25-horse power from John Fabel. and has since engaged in the manufacture of lumber, together with his farming operations. He holds membership in the Reformed Church, and is identified with the Democratic party.

In March, 1880, Mr. Bonser was married in Hamilton township, Monroe county, to Miss Su- sannah Serfass, by whom he has ten children: William J., Mary L., Augusta E., Emma R., Nettie L., Alice M., Howard F., Jennie M., Raymond C. and Eva F. Mrs. Bonser was born in Northamp- ton county, Penn., and is a daughter of Peter D. and Mary (Smith) Serfass. Her father was born in Northampton county, June 25, 1813, and died March 20. 1857; her mother was born in Monroe county. August 7. 1820, and died September 21, 1853, the remains of both being interred at Jersey. Penn. They were members of the Reformed Church, and in political sentiment Mr. Serfass was a Democrat. Their children were: William H., a mail agent, of Ross township: Howard S., de- ceased : Mary L., who wedded William Gordon, and resides in Lambertsville, N. J. : and Susannah, wife of our subject. Her maternal grandparents were Alexander and Susannah Smith.

JACOB B. V.\N' TASSELL, one of the most enterprising business men of Milford, Pike county, has made his way to success through his own efforts. and is justly respected for his industry, thrift and sound judgment.

Mr. Van Tassell was born March 3. 1855, at .Andover, N. J., a son of Jacob H. and Catherine

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(Pollard) Van Tassell, the former of whom, who was a blacksmith by occupation, was born Septem- ber 23, 1826, at Pompton, N. J., and died Novem- ber 18, 1893, at Newton, N. J., his remains being in- terred at Andover. His wife, to whom he was married May 7, 1842, at Bucksheer Valley, N. J., continued to reside at Newton until 1896, when she came to Milford to make her home with our subject. This worthy couple had a large family of children as follows: Charles, who married Elizabeth Van- Arden, and was accidentally killed through being thrown from a hay wagon by the limb of a tree; William H., who married Mary Hyler, and resides in Stanhope, N. J., where he is employed as foreman of a furnace ; Amanda, who died at the age of twen- ty-two; Richard (deceased), who married Amelia Stites ; Eliza (deceased), who married George Dun- lap; Jacob B., our subject ; Jennie, who died at the age of twenty; George, who died at twenty-one: Susan, who died at the age of three and one-half years; and Johnnie, who died at the age of ten months.

Mrs. Catherine ( Pollard) Van Tassell was born August 7, 1822, in Bucksheer Valley, Morris Co., N. J., a daughter of Aaron and Catherine ( Walton) Pollard, well-known residents of Mt. Hope, N. J., where her father was engaged in business as a cooper. They had the following children: Harriet, Susan, Jacob, Catherine, Sarah, Mary, all now de- ceased but Catherine and Sarah.

Our subject remained with his parents until he reached the age of eighteen, and during the last year of that time he worked in a shoe factory. He then went to Succasunna, N. J., where he worked three years in John N. Young's livery stable. Later he came to this section, and after working a year and a half as hostler and bar tender at the "Half Way House" in Pike county, he located at Milford. For six months he was engaged in the milk business . on his own account, running one wagon, and on sell- ing out he entered the employ of George Horton, a liveryman at Milford, with whom he remained a year and a half. The next three years he spent in managing two farms in Milford township owned by Col. Augustus Page, and for seven years he was employed by the month to manage a farm near Milford village for Col. Lewis. Since that time he has been engaged in the livery business at his present place, and he has built up a large and profitable trade. He has a fine stock of horses and carriages, and in addition to his regular business he is ex- tensively engaged in carting and teaming. Politic- ally he is a Republican, but he has not taken active part in public affairs. Ile and his family are much esteemed socially, and he is a member of the K. of H. at Port Jervis.

On July 16. 1877, Mr. Van Tassell was married at Milford to Miss Pernina Robinson, and three chil - dren brighten the home: Lillie M., Mamie P. and William J. Alrs. Van Tassell is a native of Morris county, N. J., and is descended from honored pio- neer ancestry. Her grandparents, Benjamin and

Margaretta Robinson, were lifelong residents of that locality, and her grandfather followed farming there. They had five children: Joel, who resides at Cokesburg, N. J. ; John ; Philip comes next ; Mary A., wife of Peter Ely ; and William, deceased. John Robinson, Mrs. Van Tassell's father, passed his life in Morris county, and was engaged in farming for many years. As a citizen he was greatly respected, and at times held local office. He died January 6, 1892, aged seventy-seven, and his wife, Clarissa A. (Johnson), died December 29, 1898, also aged sev- enty-seven. She was a daughter of John and Annie Johnson, farmers of Morris county, and was the eldest in a family of six children, the others being : Massa, Nancy, Mary, William, and Andrew J. To John and Clarissa A. Robinson the following chil- dren were born: James (deceased), who married Catherine Bess : Andrew J., a resident of Flanders, N. J., who married Amanda Lake; Mary H., wife of Daniel Hopler, a farmer in Middle Valley, N. J .; Margaret A., wife of John Mooney, a farmer at Budd's Lake, N. J .; Pernina, wife of our subject ; William O., a farmer at Mt. Schooley, N. J., who married (first) Cora Conrad, and (second) Eliza- beth Wright; and George H., a stationary engineer in Livonia Station, N. Y., who married Angeline Seals.

JOSEPH M. KERR, a leading druggist of Stroudsburg, Monroe county, is related to some of the oldest and most highly-esteemed families of that section, and in his successful career has shown that he possesses in full measure the sterling qualities of character which distinguished his pioneer an- cestors.

The Kerr family originated in Scotland. the first of the name to come to America being Josep! Kerr, our subject's grandfather, who was born in Scotland in 1793, went in boyhood to the North of Ireland. and at eighteen years of age, in 1811. came to this country. For a time he was employed in Philadelphia as a salesman, thence going to New Jersey, where he was engaged in a slate quarry as superintendent. Later he removed to Stroudsburg, and there spent his remaining days, retiring a number of years before his death. He married Ellen De Puy Stroud, daughter of John and Elizabeth (DePuy) Stroud, and granddaughter of Col. Jacob Stroud, the founder of Stroudsburg, of whom an account ap- pears elsewhere. The following children were born of this union: Eliza. Rachel ( who died in 1834). Ann. George, James. Mary M., Ellen M .. Rachel D., Sallie (born February 22. 1836, who married W. E. Little, an attorney of Wyoming county ). and Emma. Joseph Kerr was a farmer by occupa- tion, and by industry and good management he suc- ceeded in accumulating a handsome property ; he once owned several acres now included in the city of Chicago. Taking an .interest in pub- lic affairs, and active in the ranks of the Democratic party, he was prominent in political circles, and held many local offices, serving also as member of the

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ·

State Legislature. 'He was one of the founders of and one of the first elders in the Presbyterian Church at Stroudsburg, and always contributed liberally toward its support.

James Kerr, the father of our subject, was born April 17, 1827, and died June 17, 1800. He was reared in Stroudsburg, and prepared for college at Dr. Van Devce's school, Easton, Penn., fitting him- self for the law ; but the care of the estate left by his father occupied his attention until 1887, when he retired from business. He inherited part of the old homestead, and engaged in farming. He was an excellent citizen, and thoughi no aspirant for polit- ical preferment he was chosen to several local po- sitions of trust ; like his father, he was a Democrat in sentiment. For many years he was active in religious work as a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he held the office of elder. He did not belong to any secret order. In 1859 James Kerr married Miss Catherine Coolbaugh, who was born November 11, 1837, and now resides in Stroudsburg. She belongs to a well-known pioneer family, being a granddaughter of John Coolbaugh, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, taking part in the battle of Monmouth. He was one of the founders of the first Masonic lodge in Monroe county, Zebulon Lodge No. 179, of Coolbaugh, then in Pike county, which was organized in 1821, in the old Coolbaugh homestead, and was the first Wor- shipful Master of same. Moses Coolbaugh. Mrs. Kerr's father. was born in the old family home- stead in Middle Smithfield township, Monroe coun- ty, and became a substantial and prosperous eiti- zen. He married Miss Mary Nice, and had chil- dren as follows: William F., now deccased, was a banker in Chicago; Amzi, now deceased was an honored resident of Monroe county; George is deceased ; M. Frank is a farmer in Smithfield town- ship; Mrs. Catherine Kerr is the mother of our subject : Mrs. Lydia Peters resides in Somerville. N. J. ; Eloner is the wife of E. Freeman, of Mont Clair, N. J .: Susan. Mary and Hannah all died unmarried. To James and Catherine Kerr two chil- dren were born. our subject being the younger. Frank C .. born March 1, 1860. attended the schools of Stroudsburg, and then took a course in the Phila- delphia College of Pharmacy. On returning home he engaged in business as a druggist, continuing successfully until his death, which occurred No- vember 20. 1800. During his brief business carcer he gained an enviable reputation, and he was con- nected for some time with the Phoenix Fire Com- pany. He was popular socially, being actively identified with the Royal Arcanum and the Young Men's Social League, and from an early age he . was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

University of New York, New York City ; but while there his brother died, andhe was compelled toreturn honie and take charge of the business. Young as he was, he displayed ability, and under his judicious management the business has steadily increased. In 1894 he married Miss Lelia M. Michaels, who was born May 1, 1871, and both are popular in the best social circles of their locality. Mr. Kerr is an aet- ive worker in the Masonic Fraternity, being a Past Master of Barger Lodge No. 325 at Stroudsburg, a Past High Priest of Monroe Chapter No. 281, and a member of Hugh De Payne Commandery No. 19, K. T. at Easton, which is recognized as one of the finest Commanderies in the world. Seventy-seven years after his great-grandfather Coolbaugh helped to organize the first Blue Lodge ( of which he was the first Worshipful Master), our subject helped to organize the first Chapter, of which he became the first High Priest, and he is still serving as such. Mr. Kerr is independent politically.

ELIAS D. HUFFMAN, of Marshall's Creek, Monroe county, is widely known in and about the eastern part of Monroe county as one of the most active business men of this region, his varied in- terests in the hotel, mercantile and milling lines bringing him in contact with people from all over the surrounding country. He is one of the substan- tial citizens of the community, prominent in com- mercial and public affairs, and popular among his large circle of friends and acquaintances, and he be- longs to a family whose members have been leading citizens of Smithfield township for many years.

Mr. Huffman was born in August, 1841, in Middle Smithfield, and is a grandson of John and Mary Huffman. natives of Bucks county. this State, who migrated to Monroe county during the pioneer days and settled on a tract of wild land in Middle Smithfield, where they passed the remainder of their lives. John Huffman had his full share of the trying experiences which fell to the lot of the aver- age pioneer, but he succeeded by hard labor in clear- ing out a good farm from the wilderness, and he became one of the well-known citizens of his day in the township. ile erected a sawmill on his prop- crty. and in addition to his agricultural work was for many years engaged in the manufacture of hun- ber. He was killed in 1876 while crossing the Dela- ware. Lackawanna & Western tracks in his carriage : his wife passed away a few years previously. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom we have mention of Samuel ( the father of our subject), John. Frederick, Levi. Joseph, Maria & Mrs. Abram Haltermany. Polly & Mrs. John Frutchey, of Middle Smithfield. Elizabeth ( Mrs. Posinger, of Brad- ford. Penny. and Susan (Mrs. E. G. Mosier. of Middle Smithfield.

Joseph M. Kerr was born February 5, 1805. and his concation was begun in the Monroe Col Samuel Huffman was born in 1815 in Bucks to Monroe county, where he grew to manhood. 1le was married in Madde Solitiold township to Miss Susan Dietrick, who was born in isty in Smithi- legiate Institute of Stroudsburg. Having decid- f county. Pean., and when a boy came with his parents ed upon the drug basiness as his calling. he took a course in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. ! and later attended the Medical Department of the : 54

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

field, of which town her parents, Elias and Mary E. Dietrick were early and prominent residents, and shortly afterward he purchased a tract of new land in Middle Smithfield, where he made a permanent home. Mr. Huffman was for the most part engaged in agricultural pursuits, and he cleared out a good- sized farm, on which he made general improvements, erected good buildings, etc., meeting with steady success in all his undertakings as a result of industry and economical management. He died in 1863. To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Huffman were born three children : Elias D., Mary and William. Mary was born in December, 1843, on the home farm in Middle Smithfield, received a good education in the public schools, and after the death of her father removed with her mother to Marshall's . Creek, where she passed away in 1893; she was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and was widely mourned by her friends and neighbors here and about her old home. to all of whom she was known as a worthy Christian woman. William was born in November, 1845, on the home farm, grew to manhood there, and died in 1866.

Elias D. Huffman was reared on the home place in Middle Smithfield, acquired a good practical edu- cation in the neighboring public schools and re- mained on the old home farm until about five years after the death of his father, when he and his mother sold the property and purchased a half-interest in the gristmill and store property and goods of Will- iam Peters, at Marshall's Creek, where they took up their residence. Our subject invested abont $2,000 in this business, which he took hold of in January, 1867, and he has since continued it, on a constantly increasing scale, until he now has ex- tensive interests all over the county, as both a mer- chant and miller. In 1877 he built the large hotel on his property, which he has since conducted with „such gratifying success, he and his competent wife seeing to the comfort and entertainment of their many quests in a truly hospitable and friendly man- ner, a fact which is responsible for the large patron- age they have received as much as the excellent management in other directions. In addition to the duties which his different business enterprises have brought Mr. Huffman has for a number of years filled the office of postmaster at Marshall's Creek. to which he was first appointed in 1866. He held the position for ten years, and in 1898 he was again appointed, serving at the present writ- ing.

Mr. Huffman has been remarkably successful in all his ventures, but it is only fair to say that he has merited all the good fortune which has come to him. for he has worked incessantly to keep his affairs in smooth condition and give proper attention to the numerous details of his various concerns. He has proved himself equally capable as hotel- keeper. miller, merchant and public servant, and he has also managed his large farm in Middle Smith- field. which viekls him a good income. He has taken the interest which every public-spirited citi-

zen should feel in the promotion of different pro- jects for advancement in the locality, encourag- ing every such movement both with his means and influence. He is one of the stockholders in the local telephone company, and is at present serving as one of the directors and as secretary and treas- urer of same.

In November, 1866, Mr. Huffman was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Henry and Sarah Smith, prominent residents of Smithfield, and the young couple came to the home in Marshall's Creek which they have since occupied. Their union has been blessed with eight children, four sons and four daughters: (1) Laura, born in November, 1867, is at home with her parents. (2) Harvey, born in May, 1869, received his elementary education in the public schools, attended the State Normal School at Kutztown, from which he grad- uated in 1892, went to the University of Pennsyl- vania and later studied law under J. B. Storm. He is now one of the leading young practitioners of Stroudsburg, where he has gained considerable pop- ularity for his cleverness and scholarly attainments, and made many friends among his business asso- ciate's ; he now holds the position of commissioner's clerk, which he is filling with faithfulness and ability. (3) Eleithea, born in June, 1871, is a well- educated, intelligent young lady, and is at present in charge of her father's store. (4) Jay, born in October, 1874, received a good education, finishing in the State Normal School at Stroudsburg, and is now engaged in the livery business. (5) Norman, born in January, 1877, has been a student in the East Stroudsburg Normal School, and is now at the Normal at Kutztown. (6) Flora, born in March, 1878, received her education in the public schools and the East Stroudsburg State Normal School above mentioned ; she is living at home. (7) Melvin HL, born in September, 1880, is a student at the same school. (8) Francis, born in February, 1885. As will be seen all the children have been given good educational advantages, which they have not failed to appreciate, and they are a credit to the parents who have rcared them, taking their place among the useful and active members of the com- munity in which they reside and forming a home circle noted for brightness and geniality. In re- ligious connection Mr. and Mrs. Huffman are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church of Smithfield. Mr. Huffman is an Odd Fellow fraternally, and one of the charter members of Mountain Home Lodge No. 684. In political faith he is a loyal Democrat.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 2, Part 94

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