Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3, Part 18

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1000

USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3 > Part 18
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3 > Part 18
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3 > Part 18
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3 > Part 18

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Charles [1. Spencer of this review obtained his education in the public schools near the home farm. and as soon as old enough began to assist in the labors of the fields, soon becoming a skillful and painstaking agriculturist. Prosperity has crowned his business efforts, and he is to-day one of the most substantial citizens of Mt. Pleasant township. On February 21, 1882, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily Giles Doyle, a daughter of David Doyle, of Mt. Pleasant township, and they became the parents of three children: Ezra. Clarence D. and Emory G. The greatest loss that has come to Mr. Spencer was in the death of his estimable wife, who passed to the world beyond in November, 1894. leaving many friends to mourn with her sorrowing husband. As an ardent Democrat Mr. Spencer has

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. ever taken an active part in local politics, and has been honored with a number of positions of public trust, including those of township supervisor and assessor, which he filled with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

DAVID T. BRYANT. Among the leading and influential agriculturists of Oregon township, Wayne county, who thoroughly understand their business, and pursue their chosen calling in a methodical and workmanlike manner, is the subject 4 of this biography. He is a native of the county, born in Bethany, July 11, 1830, and is a son of William Bryant, who was born in Cornwall, Eng- land, in July, 1795, and at the age of twenty-eight years came to America. Two years after his arri- val he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel, the eldest daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Hodge) Bidwell. Her paternal grandfather, Ja- cob Bidwell, was a native of Germany, and on com- ing to America when a young man located in New York State. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Bryant were Eliza, wife of Gehnan Page, of Bos- ton, Mass .; Lucretia, widow of Francis Stephens, of Berlin township, Wayne county ; Mary, deceased wife of Aaron Pulis; Nancy, deccased wife of T. Savage, of Boston, Mass .; Axie, widow of Orin Parks, of Berlin township, Wayne county; Olive, widow of William Stephens, of Boston, and An- drew Jackson, who died in New York State.

Soon after liis marriage William Bryant locat- ed in Bethany, and assisted in clearing the first land in the present borough limits. His father had an opportunity to purchase the land on which Honesdale is now located for six cents per acre. On selling his property in Dyberry township, Will- iam Bryant purchased land in Oregon township, `where he made his home until called to his final rest in the fall of 1856. His children were as fol- lows: Ann, who married Nathan S. Young and died in Concordia, Kans .; James H., who was a sol- dier of the Civil war, and was killed during the siege of Petersburg ; Amanda, widow of John S. Pulis, and a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y .; David T., the subject of this sketch; Eliza, who married Martin Reed, and died in California: Henry G., a Methodist minister, who married Mattie Avery, and died in California ; Lucretia, widow of Frank- lin Dunchec, and a resident of Sidney Centre, Del- aware Co., N. Y .; Joseph, who is now living in Kansas; and Elwyn O., who died in California.

During his boyhood and youth David T. Bry- ant had little opportunity to attend school. At the age of seventeen lie came with his parents to Ore- gon township when it was all a vast wilderness, and in the work of transforming the wild land into highly cultivated fields he bore an important part. After the death of his father he took charge of the lumbering and farming interests of the family, and still lives on the old homestead.

At Barnet, Vt., October 23, 1853, Mr. Bryant was married to Miss Lois Ann Stevens, by Rev.

Thomas Goodwillic. Her parents were Jolin and Jennett ( Miller) Stevens, the former born in Bar- net, Vt., December 25, 1788, the latter in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1797, emigrating with her parents to Vermont when twelve years old. Their children were: Rhoda, deceased wife of James Gibson, of Barnet; Janette, deceased wife of Horace Brown, of Barnet; John C., a resident of Granville, Iowa; and Lois Ann, who was born February 28, 1826, and is now the wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant have three children: (1) Warren S., born August 24, 1854, married Gertrude Ames, and re- sides in Mayfield, Luzerne Co., Penn. (2) Dar- win M., born February 6, 1859, is now at home assisting in the farm work. During one winter he was employed in the orange groves of Florida, the winter of 1879-80 he passed in Georgia, and for one summer he was superintendent of Rev. F. B. Savage's farm in Orange county, N. Y. (3) Meroe, born October 25, 1861, is the wife of Dwight M. Cavin, of Delaware county, New York.

For many years Mr. Bryant has voted the Re- publican ticket, and he has been called upon the serve as school director, auditor, and on the elec- tion board. In the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Bethany, he holds membership, and he is a sup- porter of all measures which he believes will in any way advance the moral, educational or material wel- fare of his township and county.

DAVID FREMONT HOPKINS, a well known agriculturist of Clinton township, Wayne county, is a man whose sound common sense and vigorous able management of his affairs liave been important factors in his business success, and with his undoubted integrity of character have given him an honorable position among his fellowmen.

A native of Wayne county, Mr. Hopkins was born in Dyberry township, December 29, 1855, but was very young when his parents removed to Clin- ton township, where he attended school, while later he was a student in the Wayne County Institute, then located at Prompton. At the age of eigliteen he went to Bergen county, N. J., where he found employment and remained two years, returning lome at the end of that time to take charge of the farm. To his portion of the old homestead he has alded from time to time until he has 300 acres of fine land, one-half of which is under cultivation, and the farm is so well arranged that every branch of the work is profitable. Special attention is given to dairying. Mr. Hopkins finding a ready market at Carbondale for his products, which re- ceive the highest market price. For dairy purposes he keeps twenty milch cows of the best breeds, and in his dairy has the latest mechanical appliances such as cream separators, etc. Besides his cattle he has a flock of twenty-five sheep, several horses, hogs, and poultry. Pork raising has proved a paying venture in connection with the dairy, Honesdale being a good pork market.

Politically Mr. Hopkins is somewhat liberal

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in his views, and at local clections votes for the man he considers best qualified for the office, but on National issues he stands with the Republicans. Ile has most efficiently served as justice of the peace for five years, assessor two years, and as president of the school board. He and his family are all earnest and consistent members of the Baptist Church and the Christian Endeavor Society, while he is deacon and trustee of the Church and assist- ant superintendent of the Sunday-school. Over his life record there falls no shadow of wrong. His public service has been most exemplary, and his private life has been marked by the utmost fidelity to duty.

Mr Hopkins was married, November 27, 1879, to Miss Selina A. Moore, who was born Septem -. ber 4, 1864. Her parents, George and Mary ( Mills) Moore, were both natives of England, but were married after coming to the United States. In their family were five children, namely: James, a blacksmith of Aldenville, Wayne county; Selina A .; Ida, wife of Ernest Oliver, of Carbondale ; Kate, wife of Francis Oliver, of Dyberry, Wayne county ; and Mamie, wife of Francis Faatz, of Carbondale.

Five children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins, namely : Harry M., born November 14, 1881; Ada Violet. August 20, 1886; Arthur A., May 14, 1889; Mark Raymond, June 6, 1893 ; and Marion Letta, August 6, 1899. The home has been darkened by the sudden death of the eldest son, Harry M., who departed this life August 20, 1897. He was a faithful member of the Baptist Church and Christian Endeavor Society, of which he had been president, and was an active worker in the Sunday-school, serving as its treasurer at the time of his death. Being a very industrious boy, he was his father's right-hand man, his mother's comfort, and everybody's friend, always ready to help at home, at school, or in Church work. His life, though short, contained more good works and was a better example than many who have reached their three-score years and ten. He united with the Church by baptism in 1892, but it would be difficult to say when he was converted. as he had always been so good. As was said of President Madison, "If his soul was turned inside out we doubt if there would be a spot found upon it; and then he was ready to die if God called him."

CHARLES H. HOWELL, a prosperous farmer and popular eitizen of Mt. Pleasant town- ship, is one of Wayne eounty's native sons, born April 2, 1842.

Elisha K. Howell, our subject's father, was also a native of Wayne, and was a son of John W. Howell, who was born in New England, and whose father was Job Ilowell. Here Elisha K. Howell passed his boyhood and youth, and on reaching man's estate wedded Miss Rosetta Keen, daughter of Capt. Mathias Keen. They became the parents of five children, as follows: Charles H., our subject; IIelen, now the wife of Isaae

Johnson, of Starrucca, Penn .; Thomas N., a resi- dent of Clinton township, Wayne county ; Mary, wife of George Kent, of Binghamton, N. Y. ; and Rosa, wife of Augustus Jennings, of Broome coun- ty, N. Y., The mother is now living at Melrose, Susquehanna Co., Penn .; the father departed this life August 21, 1888. He was one of Wayne coun- ty's highly respected citizens, and was an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, hav- ing served for nine months in the Union army dur- ing the Civil war as a inember of Company D, 179th P. V. I. When his term of enlistment had expired he was honorably discharged at Harris- burg, Pennsylvania.

The Keen family of Wayne county, of which our subject's mother is a member, is supposed to be of Swedish origin. Jacob Keen, Mr. Howell's great-grandfather, was a resident of Virginia, and Capt. Mathias Keen, it is believed, was born there. The latter first married Miss Muzzy, who bore him two children. In February, 1815. he moved with his family to Canaan township, Wayne Co., Penn., and purchased 200 acres of wild land, including Canoe pond, which he afterward turned into a mill site. To get to his new home he had to drive over lumber roads and part of the way through an un- broken wilderness. Their new home was a rude log eabin, but he at once commenced to improve the desolate surroundings. The accidental dis- charge of his gun, while hunting, gave him a pain- ful wound which he carried through life. But nothing daunted, this brave man with true courage erected a carding machine and gristmill, thereby benefiting the country roundabout for many miles. In 1830 the gristmill was torn down and a sawmill erected in its place. He was very active and did much for the good of the country. While in Orange county, N. Y., he raised a company of mili- tia, called the "Republican Blues," of which he was made captain. He was proficient in military drill, and on reaching Wayne took an active in- terest in military affairs and was appointed by Gov. Snyder captain in the 103rd Regiment of Pennsyl- vania militia. He was a strong Jacksonian Dem- ocrat, and held many township offices, an ardent Freemason and a prominent member of the Ma- sonie fraternity. Capt. Kcen's second wife was Anna Reeves, and their children were: Julia, James, Mathias, Elvira, Mary, Jacob L. ( who lives on the old homestead), Ann, Catherine, Rosetta (who married Elisha Howell), Louisa and Eliza- beth. The Captain dicd in 1835.

The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm, comprising 142 acres of valuable land in Mt. Pleasant township, and since starting out in life for himself he has devoted his time and at- tention to agricultural pursuits with marked suc- ccss. His farm is under excellent cultivation, is very productive, and is improved with a model res- idence and good barn and other outbuildings. Upon the place there is a fine orchard of good bearing trees, and in fact everything about the premises is

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kept in first-class order, so that it is one of the most desirable farms in the locality. In connection with general farming Mr. Howell is also interested in dairying, and this branch of his business has also proved quite profitable.

In 1865 Mr. Howell was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Southwick, daughter of Joshua Southwick, from New Hampshire, who was a mem- ber of the Society of Friends: he was a poet of no small ability. Joshua Southwick was married three times, and Sarah is the youngest of six chil- dren by the third wife, whose maiden name was Weaver. Mrs. Howell was born in Astoria, was but an infant when her mother died, and was reared and educated in New York City. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Howell, Bertha is now the wife of Fred Walker, of Scranton, Penn. Evelyn graduated from Pleasant Mount Academy, was an honored student of the Stroudsburg State Normal, and is now a successful and popular teacher, en- gaged in the eighth and ninth grades in the high school at South Abington, Lackawanna county. Maud, the youngest daughter, lives at home with her parents. Harry is in New York City.

Mr. Howell is independent in politics, always voting for the man whom he thinks best qualified to fill the office, regardless of party lines, and he himself has acceptably served as a member of the school board for three years. He is broad and progressive in his views, is intelligent and well in- formed on topics of general interest as well as the leading questions and issues of the day, and these qualifications make him one of the most influen- tial citizens of his community.

ROBERT F. SPANGENBERG, one of the successful farmers and enterprising business men of Hamlinton, has spent his entire life in Wayne county, his birth occurring in Lake township, Au- gust 1, 1863. His parents, Clayton R. and Esther (Foote) Spangenberg, are now prominent and highly respected citizens of Salem township, their sketch appearing elsewhere.

Our subject was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys. He remained with his parents until his marriage, at Hamlinton, June 19, 1889. to Miss Carrie L. Haag, who was born at that place December 21, 1866, daughter of Matthias and Alice A. ( Morgan ) Haag. Mr. Haag was a native of Weidersheim, Germany, and at the age of twelve years accompanied his father, broth- ers and sister on the emigration to America, the mother having died in Germany. At the age of sixteen years lie commenced to learn the black- smith's trade in Honesdale, continuing to follow sanie the greater part of his days, running a black- smith and wheelwright shop of his own in Hamlin- ton for several years. though the last sixteen years of his life were principally devoted to the under- taking business. Ile prospered financially, and left his family in comfortable eircinstances. Ile liad only two children, and the elder, Clarence M., died

in infancy. During the war of the Rebellion lie manifested his love for his adopted country by en- listing, February 27, 1864, in Company B, 2nd P. V. H. A., under Capt. R. C. Horner, and renrained in the service until honorably discharged, January 29. 1866; although he was in several hard-iought battles, he was fortunately never wounded. He was a sincere and earnest Christian, a faithful men- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was the lead- er of the Church choir for many years, superintend- ent of the Sunday-school, and assisted in organiz- ing several Sunday-schools in Wayne county. He was a very kind-hearted, charitable gentleman, always ready to grant a favor, and it is safe to say that no man in his community was more highly re- spected or honored than Mr. Haag. . He died July 6. 1885, at the age of forty-nine years, widely and deeply mourned. His wife, who was a native of Salem township, Wayne county, passed away Marchi 14. 1893, aged fifty-eight years. and was laid by his side in the Salem Corners cemetery.

Mrs. Spangenberg's maternal great-grandpar- ents, Samuel and Mary ( Mason) Morgan, spent their entire lives in New London. Conn. Her grandparents, Aaron and Ruby W. (Rathbone) Morgan. removed from New London county, Conn., to Wayne county, Penn., at an early day. and the former became a prominent and extensive farmer and landowner in Salem township. He died Oc- tober 8, 1850, at the age of fifty-seven years, and his wife October 3. 1867, at the age of seventy- three. In their family were five children. namely : Ruby J., a resident of Hamlinton, Wayne county ; Sarah A., who married Henry Abbey, but both are now deceased; Lucia M., who lives with her sister in Hamlinton; Augustus, who died at the age of nine years : and Alice A., the mother of Mrs. Spangenberg.

For two years after his marriage Mr. Spang- enberg operated his present farm, and then went to Long Island, where he followed carpentering with Henry Purday for the same length of time, his wife meanwhile keeping a milliner shop. Return- ing to his farm he lias since devoted his energies to the cultivation and improvement of the place. which consists of seventy acres of rich and arable land. supplied with a good set of farm buildings. In his political affiliations Mr. Spangenberg is in- dependent, preferring not to be bound by party ties. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in the social cir- cles of the community occupy an enviable position.

MERCER B. MCCARTY owns and conducts one of the finest farms in Delaware township, Pike county, where he is regarded as one of the represen- tative thrifty agriculturists of his section, and lie - comes of a family which has for several generations past borne an honorable and useful part in the ad- vancement of Pike county. He is a son of Cornelius McCarty, who in his day was one of the most promi- nent men in and around Dingman's Ferry, and a

PHILIP MCCARTY

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

grandson of Philip McCarty, whose father, also named Philip, was the original owner of the old MeCarty homestead in Dinginan township, where he died. The place is now occupied by another great-grandson.

Philip MeCarty, grandfather of Mercer B. Mc- Carty, was a native of Pike county, and passed his entire life here, dying March 22. 1885, at the ad- vanced age of eighty years and three months. He was a lifelong farmer. He married Rachel Van- Etten, who was also a native of Pike county, born August 4, 1803, died January 7, 1880, and six chil- dren blessed this union, as follows : Cornelius, born July 12, 1825; Margaret, born May 17, 1828, de- ceased January 1, 1898: Jacob, born April 1, 1831, deceased at the age of nine years; Amanda, born December 19, 1833. deceased at the age of twenty- six, unmarried ; Martha A., born March 6, 1837, who died young ; and Ralph B .. born October 2, 1841.

Cornelius McCarty was reared and educated in his native county, and his name became a well- known and respected one in this vicinity. For thirty-five years he successfully conducted an ex- tensive mercantile business at Dingman's Ferry, and he also engaged in lumbering on a large scale, ac- quiring a very fair share of this world's goods dur- ing his long commercial career. He was as active ir, public life as in business circles, held many local positions of trust and responsibility, filling the of- fice of school director up to the time of his decease, and was looked up to by all who knew him as a man of keen judgment, a good manager, and one, per- fectly honorable and trustworthy in all his trans- actions.

Cornelius McCarty was first married to Miss Jane Stoll, a native of Sussex county. N. J., and a daughter of Robert Stoll. who passed his entire life in New Jersey. She died March 31, 1862, the moth- 'er of three children : Savilla, who died at the age of three years : Beraldi. who carries on the old McCarty homestead in Dingman township; and Mercer B., whose name introduces this sketch. For his second wife Mr. McCarty wedded Mrs. Mary A. (Daniels) Stoll; no children were born to this union. Mrs. McCarty had one child by her first husband. George Stoll. Mr. McCarty passed away January 9. 1885. at the age of fifty-nine years. deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends and neighbors throughout this region, and was laid to rest in Milford cemetery.

Mercer B. McCarty was born October 25. 1859. at Dinginan's Ferry, Pike Co., Penn., grew to man- hood here. receiving his education in the common schools, and has engaged in farming since commenc- ing life on his own account. His mother dying when he was scarcely three years old, his great- aunt, Miss Catherine Van Etten, assumed the care of him. and they still reside together: she is now eighty-four years of age. Mr. McCarty has never enlisted in the army of Benedicts. He devotes the greater part of his time and attention to the care of his farm and the management of his business in- terests, and he has a reputation among all who have 62

had dealings with him as a man' of unusually good judgment, upright and honest in all his methods. His farm work is done in a systematic. modern way. everything about the property indicating the personal pride which the owner takes in its appear- ance, and the fertility of the land speaks volumes for the thorough knowledge he has on all matters per- taining to farming. Mr. McCarty takes the interest which every public-spirited citizen should feel in the affairs of his town and county, and he has held the office of supervisor in Delaware township. His po- litical sympathies are with the Democratic party.

LEWIS ROBERTS, a well known and suc- cessful dairyman and farmer of Manchester town- ship. Wayne county, was born in Ulster county, N Y., in February, 1837. His father. Richard Roberts, was a native of Dutchess county, that State, and a son of John and Catharine Roberts, who were born, reared and married in Wales, and after living in Delaware county, N. Y .. for some years. removed to Michigan, where their last days were passed. . They reared a large family of chil- dren: Shadrack. Robert. John. Margaret. Annie, Eva. David. Catharine and Richard. With the ex- ception of the eldest, who remained in Wales, all died in this country.

In Delaware county, N. Y., Richard Roberts married Annie Woolheater, a native of that coun- ty, and they made their home in Ulster county. N. Y .. where he followed farming until 1851. He then purchased a farm in Sullivan county, that State, and on selling that place, in 1880, came to Man- chester township. Wayne county, Penn .. where his death occurred in 1892. His wife passed away in 1885. In their family were five children, all born in Ulster county, N. Y .: (1) Dinghee A., born in 1835, was educated in the public schools of Ulster and Sullivan counties, and now owns and operates a farm in Manchester township. Wayne Co., Penn. He is unmarried. (2) Lewis is second in the family. (3) Phoebe, born in 1840, married John Wood, of Sullivan county, N. Y., who died during his service in the Union arnty in the Civil war, leaving a wife and two sons. Richard B. and David H., both residents of New York State. (4) Catharine, born in 1843, was educated in Sullivan county, and now keeps house for her brother Dinghee A. (5) Jolm W. died at the age of seventeen years.

Lewis Roberts is indebted to the public schools of Ulster and Sullivan counties. N. Y .. for his edu- cational privileges. Always a patriotic and loval citizen, having the interests of his country at heart, he enlisted. in the fall of 1861, in Company II. 56th N. Y. V. I., and was sworn into the United States service at Newburg. N. Y .. where the regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, under con- mand of Gen. Mcclellan. He participated in the battles of Yorktown, Fair Oaks and the seven-days' fight, after which the regiment returned to York- town, and remained there until December, 1862.

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when it was sent to Newbern, N. C. It was next at Hilton Head, under Gen. Gilmore, and after tak- ing part in the engagements at Jolin's Island went to Folly Island, where they were on picket duty un- til the spring of 1863. They were next in the bat- tle of Honey Hill and the engagement on the Charleston railroad, and after the surrender of Lee remained in Charleston for a time, thence proceed- ing to Summerville, and later to Columbia and Orangeburg, S. C. They were next at Windsboro, remaining there until the fall of 1865, when they returned to New York and were honorably dis- charged. Our subject became corporal and later second sergeant.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3, Part 18

Author: Publication date: 1900 Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1000

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1000