Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4, Part 46

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1058

USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 46
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 46
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 46
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 46

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Augustus W. Balch was born May 12, 1842, in Cortland county, N. Y., near the village of Virgil, but during his infancy was brought by his parents to Pennsylvania, and he received liis education in the schools of Lackawaxen township, Pike county, where his father was employed for some years. He commenced to earn his own living when very young, and at the age of fourteen accepted a posi- tion on the Delaware & Hudson canal, with which he was connected for ten years. The succeeding seventeen years he spent in the employ of the Erie railroad, beginning as brakeman on a freight train, and by industry and exceptional ability, gradually working his way upward until he became night ticket agent and baggage master at Port Jervis, N. Y., which position he held for some years. He was also in the waybill office and was promoted to the posi- tion of yard master, which he retained eleven years. On severing his connection with the road, in 1882. he purchased suitable machinery, and for seven months was engaged in the kindling wood business. This he sold, and on November 2, 1882, purchased tlie; store at Matamoras which he has since con- ducted with remarkable success, now doing the leading business in his line there. Within the past few years he has taken into partnership his son, Augustus W., Jr., and the business is now carried on under the firm style of A. W. Balch & Son.

In Montague, Sussex Co., N. J., Mr. Balch was married, July 4, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Brink. daughter of Levi and Frances (Dexter) Brink. The Dexters were among the early settlers of New York State. Our subject and his wife have become the parents of seven children. namely : Alfred B., who died at the age of four years; Erastus I., and Augustus W. (twins), born April 12, 1870, the for- nrer of whom is married to Alice E. Mulley, a native of Pike county, the latter to Myrta Westbrook; Julia K., who was born in 1874, and is now cashier in her father's store ; Eliza F. and Fanny, who both lied in infancy ; and Ida, who was born in 1880, at home.

In his political affiliations Mr. Balch is a

strong Republican, and he has ever taken an active and prominent part in public affairs. As Inde- pendent candidate lie was elected county commis- sioner, and he has also been called upon to serve as school director three terms, justice of the peace five years, and now re-elected for another term of five years, and in various minor offices. Socially, he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; and in religion he is a member of Hope Evangelical Church, in which he is serving as trustee, while his wife holds membership in the Baptist Church. They receive and merit the high regard of the entire community, and have made many warm friends since coming to Matamoras, where they have a fine house, built in 1895.

EDWARD H. STACK. Inheriting from his father one occupation, that of farming, and living on the old homestead, the subject of this sketch has exhibited the best of original enterprise by erecting on the farm a large ice house. He supplies the town of Susquehanna with ice, and by his honest, capable and obliging methods of doing business has become a most popular ice dealer.

He was born in Oakland township, Susque -- hanna county, in September, 1857, the son of Ed- ward and Katharine (Sullivan) Stack. Both par- ents were born in County Kerry, Ireland. In 1822, when a young man, the father migrated to Amer- ica. At Utica, New York, he met and married his wife. He came to Susquehanna to work on the construction of the Erie road. He was industrious and thrifty, and ambitious to own a home of his own. In 1856 he purchased the home in Oakland township, which is now owned and occupied by his son, our subject. He cleared up a large portion of the farm, erected good buildings and there re- sided until 1890. In that year he removed to Sus- quehanna, where he owns considerable real estate, and where he still lives. Of his children. May, the eldest child. married Thomas Riley, a hotel pro- prietor at Susquehanna, and has five children- Mary, Katie. Nellie, Mabel and Edmund; Ellen married Michael King, an Erie engineer at Sus- quehanna, and has two sons-Edward and Arthur ; Jared married Helen McGraingan, and lives at Scranton; and William is a machinist at Susque- hanna.

Edward H. Stack, our subject. was reared on the home farm in Oakland township, receiving his education in the schools of Susquehanna. He was engaged for some years as a butcher in Susque- hanna. In 1888 he married Miss Mary Kelly, who was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1867, daugh- ter of Matthew and Mary (O'Donnell ) Kelly, who migrated to America in 1870. Her parents migrated in 1891 to Susquehanna, where Mr. Kelly is employed as a mechanic in the railroad shop.

Soon after his marriage our subject purchased the old homestead in Oakland township. Besides engaging in general and dairy farming he is an extensive ice dealer. To our subject and wife has

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been born one son, Edward J., born March 25, 1889, a student of St. Jolin's Academy in Susque- hanna. In politics Mr. Stack is a Democrat. He has filled the office of school director in Oakland township. Himself and family are members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Stack is a member of Branch No. 11, C. M. B. A., of Susquehanna. He is a young business man of enterprise and ability, and of high-moral standing.

JOHN H. MITCHELL. Among the agricul- turists of Susquehanna county who have attained success from a financial point of view is the gen- tleman whose name introduces this sketch. Almost his entire life has been passed upon his present farm, and its well-tilled fields and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place testify to his skill and ability in his chosen calling.

The Mitchell family was founded in Connee- ticut at an early day in the history of this country, and there our subject's grandfather, Henry Mitch- ell, was born and reared. In Colchester, New Lon- don county, that State, he was married, April 28, 1814, by Rev. Ainos Loomis, to Miss Mary Ely, and in January, 1816, they came to Susquehanna county, Penn., first locating in Brooklyn township and later removing to Bridgewater township. where they lived for ten years. At the end of that time they removed to Lemon township, Wyoming Co., Penn., where both died, the grandmother May 4, 1861, aged seventy-nine years, one month and eleven days, the grandfather, October 5, 1880, aged eighty-eight years and six months. In politics he was a Republican. Their children, who are all now deceased, were as follows: Horatio Henry, born February 7, 1816; two who died in infancy unnamed; George Ely, father of our subject; and Eunice Mary, who was born September 6, 1826, and married Ezekiel Mowry, Jr., of Meshoppen, Pennsylvania.

George Ely Mitchell was born in Brooklyn township, Susquehanna county, March 16, 1823. and was seven years old at the time of the removal of the family to Lemon township, Wyoming county, where he grew to manhood and was mar- ried, October 27, 1850, to Miss Rebecca Thomas, a daughter of Salmon and Roselinda (Lathrop) Thomas, and a granddaughter of Ezekiel Lathrop. For fourteen years after his marriage, Mr. Mitch- ell continued to follow farming in Lemon township, Wyoming county, and then removed to Springville township, Susquehanna county, where he purchased eighty-four acres of partially improved land, to the further development and cultivation of which he devoted his energies for many years. He was an ardent Republican in politics, and in Lemon township most creditably filled a number of local offices, including those of supervisor and constable. During the Civil war he manifested his love of country by trying to enlist in the Union army, but was rejected. He died May 4. 1884. honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife,

who was born February 12, 1828, is still living on the old homestead in Springville township.

John H. Mitchell, our subject, is the only child of this worthy couple. He was born in Lemon township, Wyoming county, January 16, 1863, and was two years old when he came with his parents to Springville township, Susquehanna county, where he attended the common schools and grew to manhood. He has always remained on the old homestead with the exception of a few months spent in clerking in a store in Springville. He is en- gaged in general farming and dairying, and for the latter purpose keeps nine cows. He also operates a threshing machine and ensilage cutter in the fall, and is agent for Heebner & Sons. of Lansdale, Montgomery Co., Penn. He is a wideawake, en- ergetic business man whose sterling integrity and honorable, upright manhood fully entitle him to the high position he holds in the estimation of his fellow citizens. Politically, he is a stanch Re- publican, and has served as a member of the elec- tion board. On January 31, 1884, he joined the Odd Fellows' Lodge, No. 992, of Springville, is a charter member of Vesta Lodge. No. 187, Daugh- ters of Rebekah, and the Encampment No. 50, at Lynn; and Utility Grange, No. 873, of Spring- ville.

Mr. Mitchell was married in Dimock town- ship to Miss Jessie Miles, who was born Decem- ber 29, 1862, and died February 2. 1899. Her great-grandfather. Thomas Miles, and his wife, whose maiden name was Adams, were natives of Litchfield county, Conn., and were the founders of the family in this State, taking up their residence in Mehoopany, Wyoming county, when her grand- father, Thomas Miles, Jr., was in his teens. They were farming people and both died before the birth of her father. In their family were ten children. five sons and five daughters. the former being Thomas ; John, who lived in Wyoming county, but died in Bradford county, Penn .; Jasper, who died in Ohio; Jonathan, who died in Susquehanna county ; and Joseph, who went South when a young man, and all trace of him was lost.

Thomas Miles, Jr .. was born in Litenfie1.1 county, Conn., but was reared in Wyoming county, Penn., and afterward spent twenty years in Bradford county, where he owned and operated a farm. In 1840 he came to Susquehanna county and located in Dimock township, where he bought 130 acres of land and made his home until called from this life in 1862, at the age of seventy-five years. Politically, he was first a Whig and later a Republican, and religiously was an active mem- ber of the Baptist Church. In Wyoming county he married Polly Vost, a daughter of Lemuel and Katie Vost. She died in 1850, aged sixty years. Their children were Elizabeth. deceased wife of B. B. Wells ; James, who died in Wisconsin ; Jasper, who died in Susquehanna county : Lucy, wife of Richard Kinney, of Wyoming county; Jonathan. a resident of Lackawanna county ; John. who died

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in Susquehanna county; Riley, a soldier of the Civil war, who died in Bradford county ; William C., father of Mrs. Mitchell; Ora. deceased wife of A. Lewis, of Bradford county; Jerusha, deceased wife of John Canum, of the same county ; Cordelia, deceased wife of John Montgomery, of Bradford county ; Harriette, deceased ; and Abigail, who died in infancy.

William' C. Miles was born in Wyoming county, February 28, 1814, and died January 24. 1899. He was reared and educated in Bradford county, and at the age of twenty-one he entered a sawmill, where he worked for two years; later was a lumber contractor in Wyoming county; and for a year engaged in peddling goods through north- eastern Pennsylvania. He then came to Susque- hanna county and purchased 115 acres of land in Dimock township, where he is still engaged in gen- eral farming and dairying, keeping a herd of about sixteen cows. In his political views he is a stanch Republican, and he most creditably served as super- visor of his township for several terms until he refused longer to accept the office. He is a promi- nent member and trustee of the Baptist Church, and fraternally is a member of the Grange. In Sus- quehanna county, he married Miss Eliza C. Hen- drick, a native of the county, who died in 1890, at the age of seventy years. Of the four children born of this union, two died in infancy, and Mrs. Mitch- ell, who was the youngest, died in 1899, as pre- viously stated. The oldest, Hendrick Carrington, is still living and makes his home with his father. He wedded Mary Allen, a native of New Jersey, and they have three children : Maud Allen, now the wife of Isaac Baker; Edna Jean; and Mary Allyne.

G. LESTER LEWIS. Among those agricul- utrists of Jessup township, Susquehanna county, whose farms manifest to the most casual observer the energy and ability of their owner in his chosen calling, is the subject of this review. He was born in Pike township, Bradford Co., Penn .. March 18, 1832, and is a son of Jaines and Betsy (Ross) Lewis, natives of Bradford and Susquehanna counties, re- spectively.

About 1825 the father came with his parents to Susquehanna county, and made his home in Middletown township until 1837, when he became a resident of Jessup township and spent his last days there. He was a farmer by occupation, a Republican in politics, and for many years served his fellow citizens in the capacity of constable to their entire satisfaction. He was born February 9, 1802, and died in Jessup township June 22, 1869,

'while his wife was born in 1801, and died in Brad- ford county, May 10, 1874, the remains of both being interred in Fairdale cemetery. They were sincere Christians and held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were Clarissa P., deccased wife of John Shelp; Loren S., a farmer of Tompkins county, N. Y .; Justus. ;

deceased; G. Lester, our subject ; Mary, wiic of Thomas E. Beaumont, of Middletown township; Wilbur, a farmer of Nebraska'; Huldah J., wife of William Whitney, a farmer of Rush township, Sus- quehanna county ; and . William, who died while serving as a soldier in the Civil war. Our subject's paternal grandparents, John Lewis and wife, were natives of Connecticut, and on coming to Penn- sylvania, located in Bradford county near the Sus- quehanna county line, where they died in old age. By occupation the grandfather was a farmer. In their family were six children, namely: James, Levi, Gemima, Cyrus, Annie and Mary, ali de- ceased. The maternal grandparents, Joseph and Polly Ross, were also born in Connecticut, and died in Middletown township, Susquehanna county, when past the age of eighty years.

G. Lester Lewis remained on the home farm until he attained his majority, and was then mar- ried, at Montrose, to Miss Rosanna Shelp, who was born in Jessup township, June 11, 1833, and died July 3. 1873, being laid to rest in Fair Hill cemetery. By this union three children were born : Frederick married Hattie Shay, and is engaged in farming in Forest Lakc township, Susquehanna county ; Elsa H. is the wife of Martin Darrow. a farmer of the same township; and Charles B. mar- ried Luella Mather and lives in Binghamton, New York.

At Fairdale, Susquehanna county, Mr. Lewis was again married, May 13, 1874, his second union being with Miss Alice E. Tuck, who was born in Conklin, N. Y., July 29, 1849, a daughter of Rev. Thomas and Catherine (Vanness) Tuck, natives of England and Bradford county, Penn., respect- ively. Her paternal grandparents, Henry and Alice E. (Southworth) Tuck, spent their entire lives in England as farming people. The maternal grand- parents, George and Hannah Vanness, were na- tives of Connecticut, and died at Standing Stone, Bradford Co .. Penn. When a young man, Rev. Thomas Tuck, accompanied by two brothers and two sisters, emigrated to America and located in New York State, about 1840. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but most of his life was devoted to school teaching. He dicd in 1850, at the early age of thirty-two years, and was buried at Standing Stone, Bradford county. He had only two children : Francis, who married Thercssa Brum and died in Minneapolis, Minn. ; and Alice E., wife of our subject. For her second husband the mother married Elias Jagger. and she is now living in Wellsboro, Penn., at the age of seventy-four years. The children born of this union were Cordelia, deceased ; Harriet L .. wife of Henry Berchard, of Susquehanna : Mary .1., a resident of Montrose ; and Carrie A., who married Thomas Evans, deccased, and died August 16, 1899.

At the time of his first marriage Mr. Lewis was employed as a sawyer in a sawmill in Wyalising township, Bradford county, which position he held

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for about six years. Later he purchased a farm in that township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devoted his energies for thirteen years, and in March, 1866, located upon his present farni in Jessup township, Susquehanna county, where he has since made his home uninterruptedly. He also owns an adjoining farm, and in the opera- tions of these he has met with a well deserved success. Politically, he is a supporter of the Re- publican party and its principles, and for nine years he most efficiently served as school director in his district. For many years he has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, has held the offices of steward and class leader for the past twenty-five years, has ever taken an active and prominent part in its work, and in his daily life has shown himself to be consistent with the beliets which he professes, being generous and charitable in answering the appeals of the distressed.

SETH WATERMAN EDDY, a well-known and highly respected citizen of Rush township, Sus- quehanna county, was engaged during the earlier years of his life in agricultural pursuits, but is now retired from active labors, though he still con- tinues to occupy his farm. The neat and thrifty appearance of his place tells, in unmistakable terms, of his rare business enterprise, untiring labor, close attention and broad and liberal views.

A native of Susquehanna county, Mr. Eddy was born in Dimock township, August 4, 1826, and is a son of Charles and Abigail (Lathrop) Eddy, natives of Vermont and Connecticut, respectively. Both having come to Susquehanna county at an early day, they were married in Dimock township, November 25, 1818, but later spent some time in Vermont, returning to Dimock township after the death of the paternal grandfather of our subject. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, was born May 19, 1791, and died July 30, 1861, while the mother was born June 10. 1792, and died Sep- tember 29, 1865. the remains of both being interred at Elk Lake, Dimock township. They were men- bers of the Presbyterian Church of Montrose, and were held in high regard by all who knew them. Their children were Eliza E., now the widow of Samuel Cornell, of New Milford, Penn .; Mary E., deceased wife of Erastus Sprout; Alice L., wife of J. H. Hall, a farmer of Rush township : Seth W., our subject ; Asa L., and Charles H., both farmers of Lycoming county, Penn .; Charlotte E., who died young; and Charlotte A., deceased wife of Albert Little.

During his minority Seth W. Eddy assisted his father on the home farm, and in the sawmill, and then went to Springville Hollow, Susquehanna county, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. After devoting his attention to that occupation for fifteen years. he purchased a farm and again en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, spending two years upon that place. The following year he rented his father-in-law's farm, and then purchased his

present place in Rush township, to the further im- provement and cultivation of which he devoted his energies for many years with most gratifying results.

On April 30, 1849, at Skinner's Eddy, Wyom- ing Co., Penn., Mr. Eddy was united in marriage with Miss Philena C. Doolittle, who was born in that county, November 14, 1824. Her parents, James and Laura (Church) Doolittle, were natives of Litchfield county, Conn., and New York State, respectively, and were married February 11, 1821. They were consistent members of the Methodist Church, and the father was a farmer by occupa- tion. Both died near Skinner's Eddy, the father May 19, 1890, aged ninety-two years, the mother November 12, 1888, aged eighty-eight years, and were laid to rest in Laceyville cemetery, Wyoming county. Their children were Eunice, deceased, who first married Job Green, and second Daniel Brotz- man ; Philena, wife of our subject ; Lucy A., widow of William Dexter and a resident of Skinner's Eddy ; and Sarah A., who first married Wesley Car- len and second E. E. Chaffee. MIrs. Eddy's pa- ternal grandparents were David and Hannah (El- ton) Doolittle, who were born in Connecticut and died in Wyoming county, Penn. The grandfather was a farmer and a soldier of the Revolutionary war. He was four times married, his second wife being a Mrs. Miller, the third Rhoda Canfield, the fourth Elizabeth Huff. Mrs. Eddy's maternal grandparents, Ebenezer and Eunice (Gernsey) Church, were natives of New York State, where the former died, but the death of the latter occurred in Wyoming county, Pennsylvania.

To Mr. and Mrs. Eddy were born the follow- ing children : James M. and Laura, who both died young ; William, who married Lucy J. Bolles, now deceased, and was killed by a falling tree, leaving twins-Vern and Vera; Frances A., who died in infancy; Lucius M., who died at the age of six- teen years ; Vira A., who died young ; and Eliza M .. wife of T. H. Hall, who lives with our subject and by whom she has one son, Benton Milo. Earnest and consistent Christian people, Mr. and Mrs. Eddy are both active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. in which he has served as steward, class leader and Sunday school superin- tendent. Being a strong temperance man, he casts his ballot with the Prohibition party, and he has filled the positions of school director for four years and judge of elections. He never acts except front honest motives, and in all the relations of life has maintained a character and standing that has im- pressed all with his sincere and manly purpose to do by others as he would have others do by him.

JOHN H. MCCARTY, a military veteran, is a leading agriculturist of Milford township, Pike county, and his homestead of three hundred and sixty-five acres is one of the most beautiful estates in Pennsylvania. The Raymonds Kill Falls, located upon this tract. are much admired, one being seven-

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ty-five and the other sixty fect in height, and the scenery attracts many visitors during the sum- mer season. The residence is known as the Ray- monds Kill House, and in addition to this farm Mr. McCarty owns sixty-five acres of bottom land in Milford township, and twenty-six acres in Dingman township, Pike county, all of whieli is under cultiva- tion.

Mr, MeCarty was born April 27, 1835, in Dingman township, and is of Irish descent in the paternal line. Philip McCarty, our subject's great- grandfather, came from Ireland at an early day, being so poor at the time that he was sold for a term of years to pay for his passage, but he became one of the wealthiest pioneers of Pike county, where he owned large tracts of land. Philip McCarty (2), our subject's grandfather, was a corporal in the Revolutionary army. He married Marie Van- dermart and settled in Pike county, becoming the owner of extensive tracts of land. He had the fol- lowing children : Frederick, James, Joseph, Philip and Jacob (twins), Polly, who married Aaron Van Auken, and Betsey, who married Elias Hendrick- son.

Jacob McCarty, the father of our subject, was born in Dingman township, Pike county, in 1804, and died there March 6, 1867, his remains being interred at Milford cemetery. His wife, Catherine Van Auken, was born in 1808, and died in 1872 They had four children: Uriah, who married Olive R. Crawford and died in 1869; John H., our subject ; William, who married Virginia Finch and resides in Denver, Colo .; and Abram, who mar- ried Adelia Rowe, and occupies the old family homestead in Dingman township.

John H. McCarty remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-three, when he purchased a half interest in a lumber mill belong- ing to his brother Uriah. The partnership lasted until 1862, when our subject enlisted at Milford in Company B, 179th P. V. I., under Capt. John Frazier. At the expiration of his first term of nine months, he re-enlisted in the same company in the District of Columbia, for "three years or the war," under Capt. Club. During the engagement at Seventh street road or Early's raid on Washing- ton he was stationed on the right flank of our forces when a sliver struck him in the forehead, making a wound so severe that a permanent scar resulted, but he did not leave his company, however. On July 13, 1865, he was discharged from the general hospital at Argyle, Va., and until the following spring he remained at home. He then began clerk- ing in his brother's store, but on March 7, 1867. he returned to the homestead, owing to his father's death. He had charge of the place until 1873, when he rented a farm in the bottom lands in Dingman township, and two years later he removed to his present homestead. In 1897 he purchased the farm which he rented in 1873. Politically, he is a Re- publican and he has always been active in local affairs, serving four terms as road master, one as

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4, Part 46

Author: Publication date: 1900 Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1058

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1058