Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3, Part 28

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 28
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3 > Part 28
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3 > Part 28
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3 > Part 28

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ABRAHAM LUCE is one of the business men of Springville township, Susquehanna county, where he has successfully carried on operations as a wagon maker for over a third of a century. lle has gained recognition and prestige as one of

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the influential and representative citizens of the community, and has won an enviable reputation in business circles by his superior ingenuity, me- chanical skill and business ability.

Our subject's father. David Lucc, was mar- ried in Warren county, N. J., to Miss Phoebe Criger. For a number of years they lived in Hack- ettstown, N. J., where he followed his trade of wagon making. After the death of his first wife he married the widow of Cornelius Low. In 1836 he came to Pennsylvania, but afterward returned to New Jersey, and did not locate permanently in this State until 1842, when he took up his residence in what is now Wyoming county, then a part of Lu- zerne county, where he bought property previous to his marriage. In Auburn township he engaged in farming on his second wife's property until called from this life at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife died in the same place August 9, 1893. The children born to Mr. Luce were the result of his first marriage: George ( deceased ) was a carpen- ter and farmer, and died in Wyoming county ; Abraham; Mary, wife of Aaron. Jayne, of Russell Jlill, Wyoming county : Catherine, deceased wife of Thomas Kintner : Jacob, a farmer of Wyoming county ; Fannic, deceased wife of Conrad Kintner, of Wyoming county ; Sarah Ann, deceased wife of Daniel Carney. of the same county : Mrs. Elizabeth Belles, who died in Michigan, and Phœbc, who died in infancy.

Abraham Luce was born in Hackettstown, N. J., September 15, 1820, and was a young man when he came to Pennsylvania. Hle and his brother took charge of his father's business in Wyoming county, and moving the plant to Pittston engaged in the manufacture of wagons there for seventeen years. In 1864 he came to Susquehanna county, and took up his residence in Springville township, where he opened a wagon shop and has since successfully engaged in business. He purchased a well im- proved farm of fifty acres, to which he has since added another fifty-acre tract, and for one year en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, but since then has either hired some one to operate the farm or rented it. In 1865 he built upon his place a large brick residence at a cost of over $1.000. and in this pleasant home hospitality reigns supreme, the many friends of the family always being sure of a hcarty welcome.

In Susquehanna county, Mr. Luce married Miss Lucinda Blakeslee, a daughter of Zopher and Abigail ( Taylor ) Blakeslec, and ninc children have been born to them. namely: Alathea. a resident of White Haven, Carbon Co., Penn .. married Lyman Phillips, and had one child, Edna, now deceased ; Francis E., who died young; Irwin B., a salesman of Wilkes Barre. Penn., married Rose Churchill, and has two children. Lillie and Walter ; Eunicc. deceased wife of Joel Benscoter; Mary married Archibald Sheldon, a farmer of Springville town- ship, Susquehanna county, and has two children. Clarence and Burns; Clarence C. died at the age of

sixteen years ; George P., a lumber dealer of Dow- ners Grove, Ill., married Jennie Squircs, and has three children; L. B., who married Rowina Kcl- logg, has two children, and is engaged in farming in Springville township; and Nellie married John Maryott, of Montana, and has two children.

During the Civil war Mr. Luce was one of the State guards organized to drive Lee's army from Pennsylvania, and since 1861 he has been a stanch supporter of the Republican party, but never an , aspirant for public favors. For half a century he has been a member of Gohonto Lodge No. 314, I. O. O. F., of Pittston, and for many years has been officially connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Pittston and Linn, of which he is now a trustee. His public and private life are above re- proach, for his career has been one characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty, and he receives and merits the high regard of the entire community.

RICHARD ELBERT MCMINN. Pennsyl- vania sent many brave men to the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Rebellion, and this well known resident of South Canaan Corners, Wayne county, was among the number that gavc proof of courage on the battlefield. He comes of patriotic stock, members of his family having served in the two wars with England, and by his own gallantry he has added lustre to the name.

On the paternal side he is of Scottish descent, the first of the family to leave the hills of "Auld Scotia" being his great-grandfather, Thomas Mc- Minn., who came to America with his wife in 1772. He located first in Newburg, N. Y., where he resid- ed about ten years, and during the struggle of the Revolutionary period he served as a soldier under Washington. About 1782 he settled upon a farm in Delaware county, N. Y., where his remaining years were spent. Major James McMinn, the grandfa- ther of our subject, was born and reared in Del- aware county, and in 1805 was married there to Miss Susan Fish. by whom he had three children: Har- rison, born in 1807: James, in 1809, and Susan. in 1811. At the outbreak of the war of 1812 he volun- teered as a soldier, and his gallant service won for him a promotion to the rank of major. During the fierce and decisive battle of New Orleans he met a soldier's death while leading his men.

Harrison McMinn, the father of our subject, being left fatherless at an early age. was soon taught by circumstances that he must rely upon his own brain and brawn to gain a livelihood. As his sister and younger brother were not strong. they could do little to assist in the support of the fam- ilv. and he became the chief reliance of his mother. flis schooling was necessarily limited, and irregu- lar attendance during the winter was all that was permitted nim. In 1825 a call was made for labor- ers to prepare the great railway for the Delaware & Hudson Canal Co. in this section. and this led to hi- removal to Wayne county, where he made his permanent home. At that time there was but one

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house in the site of the beautiful little city of Hones- dale, and he helped to build the first frame house in Carbondale. On November 15, 1829. he mar- ried Miss Elizabeth Jaggers, and soon afterward he purchased a tract of land in South Canaan town- ship, near what is known as Curtis Pond. The estate, which is now called the MeDonnough farm, was in its primitive state, and after making a road to it by blazing the trees in the unbroken forest he eut down enough trees to give room for a log house and barn. Here the young couple began housekeeping, an oxsled full of furniture enabling them to make their rude cabin comfortable. Four miles from any store, postoffice or church, and sur- rounded on all sides by dense forests, one might have supposed that they would have been lonely, but in later years they described that time as filled with contentment and pleasant effort. By day the sound of the axe betokened the advance in the work of clearing, and at night, around the fireside. Mr. McMinn drew sweet musie from his violin or flute. while his faithful wife continued her labors with the distaff or the spindle, transforming the flax or newly shorn wool into eloth for the use of the household. The howl of the wolves in the forest served only to intensify their sense of comfort and security, and the wholesome influences of a life "near to nature's heart" brought unalloyed hap- piness. As prosperity came to them a frame house was built, and other improvements made, and in 1863 they changed that farm for the one now owned by George Fielding, in the same township, half a mile from South Canaan Corners ; but later. as ad- vaneing years told upon their strength, they were indueed and permitted themselves to be cared for by loving hands in the home of their son-in-law, Hiram Rockwell, rather than by hired help in the old home.

The wife and mother passed away January 6, 1891, and Mr. MeMinn died April 20. 1804. He was one of the leading men in South Canaan town- ship in his dav, being especially active in educa- tional and religious work, and during the time of compulsory military training he served in the mili- tia as drum and fife major. He held varions town- ship offices, including that of school director, and for many years he was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being actively en- gaged in its work as a class leader, Sunday-school superintendent and leader of the choir. Of their children, James R .. the eldest, born January 18. IS?I, married Miss Lizzie Kennedy, and settled upon a farm near Jackson, Susquehanna county ; William H., born January 14, 1833, married Miss Jeannette Stanton, and resides in Carbondale, where he is employed as a machinist : Rosanna, born Feb- ruary 12, 1835, died in infancy : Rebecca, born No- veniber 15, 1837, is the wife of Hiram Rockwell, a farmer in South Canaan township, Wayne coun- ty; Hannalı M., born July 5. 1840, married William HI. Moore, a farmer in the same township: R. Elbert, our subject, is mentioned more fully below ;

Susan Eliza, born August 2, 1844, died at the age of four years; George H., born April 20, 1847, mar- ried Miss Adelia Stone, and resides in Carbon- dale, where he is employed as foreman of the D. & H. Co .; and Adelia E., born Januarv 19, 1851, is the wife of Charles Bloes, the station agent at Scranton for the E. & W. railroad.

Our subject was born July 2, 1842, at the old homestead, and during his youth he assisted his father in the farm work, and at lumbering in the woods and sawmills. The distriet schools, which he was permitted to attend during the short winter terms, afforded him the only educational opportu- nities, and he has many times regretted that his ambition was not more strongly turned toward his studies rather than a competition with other boys of his acquaintance in the use of the axe, scythe, and such tools, a contest which then seemed all in- portant to them. On August 3, 1862, at the age of twenty, he enlisted in Company A, 137th P. V. 1., under Capt. J. M. Buckingham, and although? they are not mentioned among Fox's three hundred gory regiments, they saw much severe fighting, and fulfilled every duty faithfully and cheerfully. Mr. MeMinn took part in the battles of South Monn- tain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, and on Jan- uary 20, 1863, he was injured in the left breast while with his regiment on detached duty at Aqua Creek Landing. Soon afterward they were ordered out on what was popularly known as "Burnside's stick- in-the-mud campaign," and although he had not re- covered from the effects of his injury, he bravely went with his regiment. After many weary days spent in wading through the deep mud under stormy skies, they reached Belle Plain; but the effort was too great for Mr. McMinn, and he was prostrated with pneumonia. Violent hemorrhages set in, which continued so long that he has never recov- ered his health. On April 3, 1863, he was dis- charged from the service, and he now receives a small pension from the government.

In 1864 Mr. McMinn began to work at the carpenter's trade in Plymouth, Penn .. and in July, 1865, he was injured by some falling timber while at work, necessitating the amputation of his left leg below the knee. In August, 1866. he was em- ployed as a watchman by the New England Coal Co., at Plymouth, and he put his leisure time to good use by studying mechanics and the various methods of mining coal and preparing it for mar- ket. In 1868 he was installed as engineer of the Susquehanna Coal Co. at Plymouth, Penn .. and he remained until 1879, running machinery and at times making repairs as might be required. At various times he served in different positions with the company from miner and carpenter to that of bookkeeper. In 1876 he purchased a one-half in- terest in a store in South Canaan, and on severing his relations with the Coal company, in 18;9. he removed to that place, and took active part in the management of the business. A year later he sold his interest and good will to his partner, B. F. Swin-

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gle, and for some time devoted his time to farming, carrying the mail, and following other occupations from which his infirmities did not debar him. He first purchased a farm in South Canaan township; but after a year he sold out and bought the old homestead of his wife's family. Ile is naturally of an energetic nature; yet a continual irritation in his old wound kept him from hard manual labor, and in 1894 he sold his farm and removed to the vicin- ity of South Canaan Corners. Since 1806 he lias been deputy postmaster there, and at the present time he is agent of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Co. for that locality. He has always been in sym- pathy with progressive movements, and is especially interested in educational matters, having served as school director for three years. For many years he has been a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 534, at Gravity, and socially he is much esteemed. In polities he is a stanch Republican. On July 20, 1872, he was married in South Canaan township, by Rev. Mark Berryman, a Protestant Methodist minister, to Miss Abbie E. Swingle, and five chil- drer blessed this union, Lizzie A., born June 8, 1873, married J. B. Keen, Jr., a mechanic at Willi- mantic, Conn .; Grace E., born July 25, 1875, mar- ried Ira WV. Swingle, a South Canaan merchant ; William H., born June 27, 1877, Edyth, born Sep- tember 5, 1880, and Ralph E., born October II, 1883, are at home.

On December 20, 1884, his beloved and loving wife passed to the unseen world, leaving a tender and sacred memory which nothing can efface. She was born in South Canaan township March 27. 1853, the youngest daughter of Moses and Eliza- beth (Cobb) Swingle. Her family is of pioneer stock, and is now numerously represented in Wayne county, as will be seen in the history that appears elsewhere.

WILLIS RALPHI COBB, who is now suc- cessfully engaged in general agriculture in New Milford township, Susquehanna county, brings to his work a degree of scientific skill which has pro- duced notable results, and at present is devoting considerable attention to apiculture in addition to other lines of effort. As a thoughtful and efficient educator, Mr. Cobb has won friends in various localities in his county, and his career will be watched with interest.

Our subject was born November 20, 1860, on a farm of which his present homestead is a portion. His paternal ancestors were early settlers in Orange county, N. Y., and his grandparents, Zipron and Rebecca ( Byron) Cobb, passed their lives there. Hlis parents, Holloway W. and Minerva J. ( Dwan) Cobb, were both natives of that section. but are now residents of New Milford township. Susquehanna county, further mention being made of them else- where. From an early age our subject displayed a love of books, and gave promise of intellectual ability, and at eighteen he began teaching school, in which profession he met with gratifying success.

Ile taught fifteen terms in Susquehanna county, one at the Dean school, one at Tewksbury, eight at Ilart Lake, two at Davis and three at Summit, and while thus employed he became interested in the care of an apiary at the homestead, the work occu- pying his time in vacation. During his first ten terms of teaching he held a "provisional" certificate, but during the last five terms he held a "proies- sional" certificate. In 1890 he took charge of his present farm, where he now has thirty-five colonies of bees, but at one time he had hity-five hives. He commenced with five colonies, which the fourth year increased to fifty-five colonies, making that ycar over a ton of honey. Mr. Cobb has also given much time to the care of poultry, in which pursuit he has been very successful. Ite raises about 200 chickens each year, and winters about 150 fowls, always keeping a record of expenses and receipts in connection with same. Politically Mr. Cobb is a I'rohibitionist, and he is active in religious work as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Ileart Lake, being secretary of the board of trustees and superintendent of the Sunday-school. On March 26, 1890, he was married at New Milford to Miss Jennie S. Burdick, and they have two chil- dren: Isoline G., born January 21, 1893, and Homes R., born October 16, 1895.

Mrs. Cobb belongs to a well known family, and was born January 9, 1864, in Gibson township. Sus- quehanna county. Her paternal grandparents, Simeon and Katherine Burdick, came from Con- nectieut at an early day, and her father, Simeon Burdick (2), was born in Clifford township, Sus- quehanna county, March 28, 1818. Since 1865 he has resided in New Milford township, and for some years he was engaged in farming and carpentering, but he has now retired from business. His wife, Caroline (Price), was born March 14, 1832, a daughter of Stephen and Triphena Price, of Man- chester, Wayne county. Mrs. Cobb is the eldest of three children, the others being Nettie M., wife of Moses H. Cortright, a carpenter at New Milford, and Miss Bertha B., who is at home.

1. D. TYLER. We are now permitted to touch briefly upon the life history of one who has retained a personal association with the affairs of Wayne county for several years, and is to-day a leading merchant of Tyler Hill. He is a worthy representative of one of the most prominent pioneer families of the county, and his ancestral line traces back to the Colonial epoch in our country's history. Ilis life has been one of honest and carnest en- deavor, and due success has not been denied him.

Israel Tyler, our subject's father, was the founder of the town of Tyler Ilill, and was a promi- nent lumberman and miller here for many years. Ile was born February 26, 1806, in Damascus town- ship, a son of William Tyler, of Sullivan county, N. Y. The great-grandfather of our subject was Paul Tyler, who was born in Connecticut, in 1751, and on selling his property in that State removed

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to Sullivan county, N. Y. He was one of the five sons of Bezaleel Tyler, who took an active part in the war of the Revolution. They were Capt. Bezaleel (who was killed at the battle of Minnisink, on the Delaware river, July 22, 1779), Silas, Charles, William and Paul. Israel Tyler grew to manhood in Wayne county, receiving a common- school education, and became one of the promi- nent men of his day. He built two sawmills and a gristmill at Tyler Hill, and accumulated a fine property. The greater part of his life was spent in lumbering, and then rafting down the Delaware ; he also carried on a general store, and engaged in farming. In politics he was a leader in the Demo- cratic party until his death April 23, 1874. He married Miss Lavina Tyler, who was born and reared in Damascus township, a daughter of Judge Moses and Mary ( Ross) Tyler, and died Septem- ber 6. 1892. Fler father was one of the most in- fluential and distinguished citizens of the county, and was the grandson of Capt. Bezaleel Tyler, be- fore mentioned. Israel Tyler and wife had a family of three children, namely: L. D., the subject of this review ; Moses, a pioneer merchant of Damas- cus township, who was engaged in business with our subject until his death in 1892 ( he left a widow and two daughters ) ; and William, also deceased. Israel Tyler and his wife were highly respected citizens, and steadfast in their adherence to the teachings of John Wesley.

In the county of his nativity L. D. Tyler passed his boyhood and youth, receiving a good literary education in the local schools, and an excel- lent knowledge of business methods under the able guidance of his father. He afterward took charge of his father's mill at Tyler Hill, and continued to engage in the milling and lumbering business until the death of his brother Moses, since which time he has given his entire attention to his mercantile in- terests. He owns a large general store, and enjoys an extensive trade. Mr. Tyler was united in mar- riage with Miss Cynthia M. Newcomb, of Middle- town, Orange Co .. N. Y., a daughter of Thomas and Maria Newcomb. She died in 1883, and her death was widely and deeply mourned. for she was a woman beloved and respected by all who knew her, and was a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Lillian. the only child of this union, was liberally educated in the home schools, and at female seminaries at Binghamton and Saratoga, N. Y .; she is now the wife of N. J. Thompson, a wholesale merchant at Elmira, N. Y .. and has two sons, M. D .. who is attending college at Princeton, N. J., and Jerome, in school at home. Mrs. Thomp- son is a member of the Daughters of the Revolui- tion. On January 29, 1890, Mr. Tyler was again married, his second union being with Imelda Mapes, a lady of culture and refinement, who was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., a daughter of New- comb and Mary ( Gabriel) Mapes, the former of whom was a lumberman, but is now engaged in the livery business at White Lake. N. Y. Besides Mrs.

Tyler they had two daughters, Sarah, now the wife of John Mercer, a farmer at White Lake, and Vic- toria, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler have a miost beautiful home at Tyler Hill, with broad verandas and bay windows, and furnished in a modern and most approved style.

Politically Mr. Tyler affiliates with the Demo- cratic party, and though he takes a deep interest in its success he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. Ile is well posted on general topics of the day, is frank and cordial in manner, and is a popular and successful citizen, honored and respected by all who know him. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Delaware Lodge No. 561, of Cochecton, N. Y., now Callicoon, N. Y .; he is not only a charter member of the lodge, but is past master, and has filled all the chairs.

ALMON L. SOUTHWORTH. Among the leading and representative farmers and stock raisers of Liberty township, Susquehanna county, there is none who stands a more prominent figure than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch.

Mr. Southworth was born February 16, 1841, on the farm where he now resides. a son of Arthur and Maria (Turner) Southworth, both natives of Connecticut, the former born in 1805. the latter in 18II. The paternal grandparents. Gideon and Sal- lie Southworth, were born in Saybrook. Conn. Be- ing opposed to the war of 1812 and not wishing to be drafted. the grandfather left his family in Con- necticut, in 1813. and went up the Hudson river to Albany, and from there proceeded up the Mohawk Valley to the Genesee river. He went up that river some distance, then took an easterly course through a dense and unbroken wilderness to Binghamton. N. Y .. going all the way on foot and alone. From Binghamton he came to Montrose, Susquehanna county. where he selected land and developed a farm. He did not leave his home and family be- cause of any cowardice or because he was afraid to go to war; but his principles and inclinations being for peace and harmony, he left to avoid the draft. In Susquehanna county he remained about three months, there purchasing a farm, and then returned to Connecticut for his family. In 1814 he made another trip to Susquehanna county, this time with his wife and children conveyed in a wagon con- structed by "Uncle Gideon" in the following fash- ion : two pair of cart wheels put together so as to make a big wagon drawn by four cattle (two cows and two oxen ). The cows were milked twice a day. . and the milk was tested. though not by the "Bab- : cock test." Upon the farm above mentioned they 1 lived for fourteen years. He then traded the farm for 400 acres of land in Liberty township one mile west of Lawsville, which place is today owned by his grandchildren. There he died in 1858. his wife in 1851, honored and respected by all who knew them. lle was always a strong Abolitionist and fearless in his denunciation of slavery. He took an

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A. S. Southworth

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

active and prominent part in religious affairs as a member of the Baptist Church, and gave liberally toward the erection of a house of worship, and after- ward to its support.

In the family of this worthy pioneer were eight children, namely : ( 1) Russell, born in Connecticut, was reared in Susquehanna county, Penn., and be- ing provided with a fair education, he engaged in teaching in the public schools for a timc. For his first wife he married Mary Smith, who dicd leaving no children. He afterward wedded Eliza Brown, by whom he has three children: Mary (now de- ceased ) ; Eliza, wife of Nathan Shipman, of New York State, by whom she has one daughter, Flor- ence; and Charles, a resident of Lawsville, who is married and had two children, Mabel and Mildred. (2) Fidelia, born in Connecticut, married Charles Stanford, of Liberty township, where they and their family all died, except two daughters, Hannah and Emily. (3) Roxanna, the first of the family born in Pennsylvania, married Philo Luce, of Bridgewater township,` where both died. Their children were: Flora, Warren, Isracl, Rebecca, Spencer, Sallie, and Russell (deceased), all residents of Susquehanna county with the exception of Israel who makes his home in California. (4) Emily (deceased) was the wife of Joseph Webster, of Susquehanna county. They have grandchildren living, but their children are now deceased. (5) John was killed by a falling tree at the age of fourteen years. (6) Hannah mar- ried Jared Marsh, a native of Connecticut and they located in Liberty township, Susquchanna county. Of their family three are still living : Lora, who mar- ried Ansel Geer, of Brooklyn, Susquehanna county, and they are now living on the old Marsh home- stead ; Carrie, an invalid ; and Wilmer, a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. (7) Benjamin ( deceased) married Elmyra Marsh and located with his father in Laws- ville Center, where his widow is still living with his children on the old homestead. In their family were seven children : Wallace, who was never heard from after being taken prisoner during his service in the Civil war and sent to Andersonville prison, in 1864; James, who died in New Milford, Penn. : Frederick, Clarence, Archie and Edgar, all residents of Lawsville ; and Emma.who died when a young lady.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 3, Part 28

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