Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4, Part 62

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 62
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 62
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 62
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 62

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PETER BONSER, who since 1885 has been successfully engaged in the hotel business in Bos- sardsville, Hamilton township, Monroe county, is one of the well-known citizens of that place, with whose affairs he has been closely identified since his removal thither. He was born in Chestnut Hill township, Monroe county, in January, 1853, and belongs to one of the old-settled families of the section, being a son of Elias Bonser and grandson of John Bonser, who was born in Polk township, and passed his entire life in Monroe county.

John Bonser came to Chestnut Hill township in an early day, buying a farm upon which he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. He married Elizabeth Kreste, and they reared a family of six children, of whom we have the following rec- ord: (1) George, born in Chestnut Hill, married and settled in Ross township, where he owned a fine farm. He left a family of five children-James. Simon, Henry, William, and Amanda ( Mrs. Oliver Dark, of Pen Argyl, Northampton county). (2) Elias was the father of Peter Bonser, whose name introduces these lines. (3) Jacob. born in Chestnut Hill, settled in Ross township, where he was en- gaged in merchandising all his life. He married Miss Mary Kreste, of Monroe county, and they became the parents of four children-Charles : Sallie A., Mrs. Jerome Buskirk, of Pen Argyl. Northampton county ; John, who married, and set-

tled in Pocono; and Flora, Mrs. Heller, of North- ampton county. (4) Hannah married Jerry New- heart, of Eldred, Monroe county, where they still reside. They have no family. (5) Sallie A., be- came the wife of Peter Gilbert, of Pleasant Valley, Polk township, where they died, leaving two sons -William, who married, and died in Pleasant Val- ley; and Charles, who inarried Savilla Jones. and resides in Carbon county, Penn. (6) Reuben

married Lavina Trautz, of Ross township, and died on the old Bonser homestead there, where his wife still makes her home. They had three children- Jerome, who married Estella Shoemaker, and lives on the old homestead ; Annie, Mrs. Alvin Marsh. re- siding in Stroudsburg; and Charles, married a lady of Stroudsburg, where they reside.

Elias Bonser was born in 1824, in Chestnut Hill township, was there reared to manhood and after his marriage, to Miss Julia A. Anthony, bought a tract of wild land in his native township, where he made a permanent home. He was a car- penter by trade, and he erected all his own buildings on the farm, which he improved materially during his residence thereon, converting the place from a wilderness into a fertile and profitable tract. de- voted to general farming purposes. Here he de- parted this life in 1896, and here his widow still makes her home. They had a family of four chil- dren : Mary A., Peter, Amanda and Edwin, of whom the eldest, born in 1851, married Calvin Trautz, of Ross township, where they reside on their farm; they have one son, Irvin, who is married to Miss Alice Haney, and lives with his parents on the homestead. Amanda, born in 1856, married Jolin Trautz, and they live on his farm in Ross township; they have one son, Alvin. Edwin, born in 1861, married Miss Emma Gregory, of Polk township, by whom he has four children; they live in Weatherly, Penn., where he is engaged as car- penter in the car shops.

Peter Bonser received his education in the public schools of Chestnut Hill township, and grew to manhood on the home farm. When sixteen years of age he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade. serving his apprenticeship with a Mr. Smith. of Seranton, where he worked for three years, and subsequently working another three years in White Haven, whence he returned to his home. After his first marriage he settled on the homestead of his father-in-law. John Gregory, who was a promi- nent resident of Chestnut Hill township, and there carried on agricultural pursuits for nine years, at the end of that time trading his farm property for the hotel in Bossardsville, which he has since con- ducted. Mr. Bonser has a large patronage from the traveling public, whom he and his wife enter- tain in a most hospitable manner. providing their guests with every comfort, and by their geniality and desire to please winning the friendship of all who sojourn under their roof. The table is supplied with everything obtainable in the local and city markets, and Mr. Bonser has been deservedly suc-

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cessful in this venture, for he has spared neither pains nor expense to make his hostelry one of the most satisfactory in the county.

Politically, Mr. Bonser has been prominent as one of the stanch members of the Democratic party in Monroe county, and since his removal to Bos- sardsville he has taken an active part in the public affairs of the place, where he is regarded as a substantial, useful citizen, one who has the welfare · of his community at heart. For seven years he held the office of assessor, discharging the duties of that incumbency with fidelity and ability, and he was one of the strong candidates of his party for the office of county sheriff. Mr. Bonser is widely ac- quainted all over Monroe county, and he has the respect and confidence of all who know him or have had dealings with him.

In 1876 Mr. Bonser was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Gregory, daughter of John and Catherine Gregory, of Chestnut Hill, and she died leaving two children-Mary Alice, born in 1878; and Francis A., born in 1880. The daughter mar- ried Aaron Fetherman, of Hamilton township, who lives retired in South Stroudsburg. Francis Bonser is employed on Mr. Ryner's farm, at Williamsburg. In 1880 our subject married, for his second wife, Miss Edna Singer, of Tannersville, Monroe county, who died in 1882; she left one daughter, Carrie, who died when six years old. In 1888 Mr. Bonser wedded Miss Ida J. Young, daughter of J. W. and Catherine Young, well-known residents of Hamilton township. In religious connection Mr. and Mrs. Bonser are members of the Reformed Church of Hamilton. Fraternally he is a member of the P. O. S. of A., and he is president of Lodge No. 276, of Bossardsville.

JOHN M. ERVINE, one of the most active. energetic and enterprising agriculturists of Rush township, Susquehanna county, was born in Warren - county, N. J., November 17, 1863, and is a son of John J. and Ann M. ( Henry) Ervine (or Ervin), who are represented elsewhere.

When two years old our subject accom- panied his parents on their removal to Sus- quehanna county, where he grew to manhood amid rural scenes and early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained with his parents until twenty-four years of age, operating the old home- stead on his own account the last year. He then went to Peckville, Penn., where he engaged in teaming for the Delaware & Hudson Coal Co. for sixteen months, after which he returned home and rented his father's farm for a year. After his marriage he purchased his present. farm in Rush township from the Brotzman estate, and has since successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, he- ing acknowledged as one of the best and most skill- ful farmers of his community. His political support is always given the Democracy, and he takes an ac- tive and commendable interest in public affairs.

A Skinner's Eddy, Penn., April 3, 1889. Mr. Ervine was united in marriage with Miss Emma Augusta Brotzman, who was born on the old Brotz- man homestead in Rush township, January 9, 1863, a daughter of Abraham B. Brotzman, whose sketch is given below. One child, Ray, has been born of this union.

Abraham B. Brotzman (deceased) was for many years one of the leading and prominent citi- zens of Rush township, Susquehanna county. He was born in Warren county, N. J., December 15, 1826, a son of Jacob and Susan ( Metzgar) Brotz- man, both natives of Monroe county, Penn .. who at an early day removed to New Jersey, and in Sussex county, that State, the father died in 1856, at the age of seventy-nine years. He was a farmer by occupation. After his death the mother returned to Monroe county, Penn., where she passed away in May, 1859, at the age of eighty. In their family 'were the following children: Samuel, George, Catherine ( wife of Anthony Transue ), Sarah wife of James Logan), John, Hannah ( wife of John Christian), Daniel, Charles, Frederick. Jacob and Abraham. All are now deceased. Samuel, George, Sarah, Daniel and Abraham dying in Susquehanna county. Mr. Brotzman's paternal grandfather, Adam Brotzman, spent his entire life in Monroe county.

From his native county, Mr. Brotzman came to Susquehanna county, Penn., in 1859, and in Rush township purchased from a Mr. Cope a tract of 117 acres of wild land, for which he paid $1.750. He was always a hard worker, and he soon con- verted the place into a most desirable and well- cultivated farm, upon which he continued to make his home until called from this lite November 23, 1888, being laid to rest in Jersey Hill cemetery. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and his life was ever in harmony with his professions. Upright and honorable in all the relations of life, he won the friendship and esteem of those with whom he came in contact.

On February 15, 1850, in Stroudsburg, Penn., Mr. Brotzman married Miss Catherine Row. and to them were born nine children. namely: Susan. now the wife of William C. Singer, a farmer of Rush township; Mary A., wife of Allen Hoffman. a farmer of Monroe county; Jacob, who married Ida Smith, and is engaged in farming in Str. :: dis- burg; Elizabeth, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Aaron, who died young: Sarah. wife of Peter Warner. a farmer of Rush township. Ses- quehanna county: Emma Augusta. wife of Man M. Ervine: George M., who married Katie Stoll. and owns the old homestead, where his mother re- sides with him : and Martha, wife of Charles Peter. a farmer of Monroe county.

Mrs. Brotzman was born in Monroe county. December 15. 1828. and is a daughter of Peter and Susan Row. natives of Monroe county, and Beth- lehem, Northampton Co., Penn., respectively. The father, who was a farmer by occupation. spent his

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entire life in his native county, dying there March 15, 1884, aged seventy-seven years. The mother died November II, 1877, aged seventy-two years, and both were buried in the cemetery at Strouds- burg. They held membership in the Lutheran Church, and were honored and respected by all who knew them. Their children were: Charles, de- ceased ; Catherine, now Mrs. Brotzman ; Jacob, de- ceased; Philip, a resident of Nebraska; Elizabeth, wife of Amos Lee, of Monroe county ; Peter, who died in the army during the Civil war; Sarah, widow of Michael Rausberry, of Stroudsburg; Hannah; Emma, deceased wife of Caleb Walter; and Ann, wife of John Custard, of Monroe county. Mrs. Brotzman's paternal grandparents were Henry and Catherine ( Benson) Row, farming people, who died in Monroe county, and her maternal grand- parents also died in that county.

VICTOR LATOURNOUS. The old "Half- way House" between Honesdale and White Mills has long been a landmark to the travelers in that picturesque region, but it has never been so popular as during the past year under the able management of the subject of this biography, who is an ideal host. Since purchasing the place in 1897 Mr. Latournous has made many improvements which are greatly appreciated by the public, and he and his amiable wife are always prepared to entertain their guests in a thoroughly satisfactory manner.

In his genial and vivacious disposition Mr. La- tourous gives evidence of his descent from a French ancestry and one is not surprised to learn that he himself is a native of "La Belle France." His par- ents, Joseph and Magdalena ( Pelteaer) Latour- nous, resided during the first years of their mar- ried life in St. Louis, in Lorraine, then a province of France though since passed under German rule, and in 1866 they came to America, locating for a short time in Brooklyn, N. Y. After a few months they removed to White Mills, Wayne county, where the father engaged in the glass-blowing business with Mr. Dorflinger, but his plans were frustrated by his death in November of the same year. His wife with five children survived him, two of whom are now living. The children were: (I) Otto, born in 1846, in France, learned the glass blower's trade after coming to White Mills. He married Miss Eliza Simon, of Wayne county, and soon afterward removed to Pittsburg, Penn., and later to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he died in 1891, leaving three children-Joseph, Charles, and Mary, who re- side in Brooklyn with their mother. (2) Alex- ander, born in France, learned the glass blower's trade at White Mills and is now engaged in the occupation in Brooklyn, N. Y. He married Miss Frances Ranbeller. a native of Spain, and they have five children-Lena, Mary, Philomena, Louisa, and Julia. (3) Joseph, born in France, was employed as a glass blower at White Mills until his death in 1885, at the age of twenty-six years. (4) Charles, born in France, also learned the glass blower's trade

at White Mills, but he died at the early age of twen- ty-four years. (5) Victor is our subject.

Victor Latournous was born in 1857, at St. Louis, Province of Lorraine, and was only nine years old when his parents brought him to this country. For some years he attended the public schools of White Mills, and later he learned the glass blower's trade, which he followed until 1888. In 1891, he married Miss Annie Hallmier, who was born in 1864, in Bavaria, Germany, the daughter of Mar- tin and Catherine Hallmier, now well-known resi- dents of White Mills. After his marriage Mr. La- tournous continued to reside at White Mills until 1897, when he purchased the "Half-way House," formerly the property of James Mendy. He is one of the substantial citizens of the township, and so- cially he and his wife are popular. Hc belongs to the order of Heptasophs, at White Mills, and is an active worker in the Catholic Church of that place, of which his wife is also a member. Politically he is an Independent, casting his vote for the men and measures which he considers best, without re- gard to party lines. His home has been brightened by five children : Alexander, Charles, Mary, Clara and William, all born at White Mills.

CLAUD SCHILD, a relative of our subject'sand an honored member of his household, was born in 1836, in France, and after the death of his parents he decided to accompany his cousin, Joseph Latournous, to America. On his arrival in Wayne county in 1866 he entered the employ of Christ Dorflinger as a glass blower and after twenty-two years of continuous work in the same establishment he re- tired with a handsome competence, his earnings hav- ing been invested in a judicious manner from time to time. He has never married, and he is the only one of his immediate family who came to this coun- try. In religious faith he is a devout Catholic and he is held in high esteem among his associates for his excellent qualities. Like Mr. Latournous, he takes much interest in public questions and votes independently on all occasions.

T. W. STRICKLAND, a prominent black- smith of Springville, Susquehanna county, belongs to an honored pioneer family of Springville town- ship-one that took an active part in the early de- velopment and prosperity of that section of the county.

Jonathan and Polly (Sutton) Strickland, grandparents of our subject, were born in the Dela- ware valley, and at an early day came to Susque- hanna county, locating in Springville township, where ine purchased property and followed farming until his death. On their arrival this section was a vast wilderness, and for food they depended more upon the wild game killed than the products of the soil. Grain was marketed in Wilkesbarre, a canoe being used for part of the voyage down the Sus- quehanna river. The Stricklands and Suttons were among the very first families to locate in their sec- tion of the county. Our subject's father. Elisha

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Strickland, was born in Springville township, amid scenes very common to pioneer life, and the first shoes he ever possessed were bought with the money obtained from the sale of quails. When a young man he was employed in Scranton and different places in the valley, and later became a farmer of Springville township, where at the time of his death he owned a thoroughly cultivated and well improved farm of sixty-five acres. In Wyoming county, Penn., he married Miss Margaret Bond, a daugh- ter of Peter Bond, a miller of Tunkhannock, Penn., who there operated one of the oldest mills in this sec- tion of the State. Mr. Strickland died in 1889, at the age of seventy-five years, his wife in 1894, at the age of seventy-six. Both were consistent members of the Evangelical Church, and were held in high regard by all who knew them. Like all of his name, the father was a stanch Republican, but he never aspired to political favors. Our subject is the eldest of his children, the others being William G., who went to Los Angeles, Cal. ; Hannah, widow of Ezra Lambert, of Springville, Penn .; Peter, who was killed in the battle of Fair Oaks, during the Rebel- lion ; Ida, wife of Alonzo C. Brink, of Springville ; and Charles A., a farmer of Hop Bottom, who owns the old homestead in Springville township.

T. W. Strickland was born in Wyoming coun- ty, Penn., but was reared in Springville township, Susquehanna county, where he attended the com- mon schools to some extent ; a good education was not as easily obtained in those days as at the present time. At the age of fifteen years he commenced learning the blacksmith's trade in the shop of David Lathrop, of Springville, and he has since been iden- tified with that business, in his native township the greater part of the time. He spent nearly two years in the shop mentioned, after which, while out hunt- ing, he was disabled for some time by an accident. He spent a short time in boating on the canal, and then followed his trade in York county, Penn., re- turning to his native county after an absence of two or three years.

On January 1, 1863, Mr. Strickland was united in marriage with Miss Alice Van Duesen, a daugh- ter of Christopher and Lucinda (Wilcox) Van Duesen, the former a native of Albany, N. Y., the latter of Lackawanna county, Penn. In early life her father followed farming at different times in Warrensburg, Fort Edward and Glens Falls, N. Y., and about forty years ago came from the last-named place to Susquehanna county, Penn., purchasing a farm of Io acres in Springville township. There he followed his chosen occupation until about five years prior to his death, when he sold the property and retired from active labor. He passed away in 1874, aged eighty years, his wife in April. 1878, at the age of seventy-one years and one month. Of the six children born to them, four died in infancy, and two are still living: Mrs. Lucinda Barnes, a widow ; and Mrs. Strickland, who was born October 14, 1846. Her paternal grandparents, Henry and Eleanor (Birmingham) Van Duesen, were natives

of Germany and Holland, respectively. The mater- nal grandparents, Isaac and Freelove ( Madison) Wilcox, were both natives of New York State.

Soon after his marriage Mr. Strickland opened a blacksmith shop of his own in New Laceyville, Auburn township, Susquehanna county, and later spent two years in the oil regions of Pennsylvania. While there lie tried to enlist, during the Civil war, but his services were rejected on account of his partially disabled hand. On his return to Sus- quehanna county he took up his residence in the village of Springville, where he has since success- fully worked at his trade. He keeps well posted on the questions and issues of the day, and in political sentiment is a steadfast Republican. He is a charter member of Maple Lodge, No. 992, I. O. O. F., of Springville, and also belongs to the Encampment, at Lynn. Wherever known he is held in high re- gard, and his friends are many throughout his native county.

MAURICE S. QUINN is the genial proprie- tor of the "Half-Way House" on the river road in Westfall township, Pike county, three and one-half miles from Port Jervis, N. Y. In 1875 his father erected a hotel at that place, which he rented to Abe Huff, later to Peter Zann, and in 1894 our sub- ject took charge of the same, but the following year it was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $3.000. Mr. Quinn then built his present modern and at- tractive house of twenty-three rooms, and is con- ducting it with marked success, winning popularity as a host who understands well how to cater to the wants of the public.

Mr. Quinn was born August 28, 1866, in West- fall township. a mile below his present place, a son of Jolin and Catherine ( Westbrook) Quinn, the former a native of Dingman township, Pike county, the latter of Sussex county, N. J. By trade the father was a carpenter and he continued to follow that occupation throughout life until a few years before his death when he retired from active busi- ness cares. He met with a well-deserved success in his enterprises, and also won the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact in either business or social life. He died in September, 1890, at the age of fifty-seven years, his wife in 1885, at the age of forty-six, and both were buried in Milford cemetery. To them were born two chil- dren: Maurice S., our subject; and Benjamin. who died at the age of four years. Our subiect's maternal grandparents were Benjamin and Mary ( Nearpass ) Westbrook, who were natives of Sus- sex count . N. J .. in 1841 taking up their residence in Pike county. In their family were four children. all now deceased, namely: Solomon, who married Elizabeth Westfall; Jacob, who is representedi else- where; Sally J .. wife of Solomon Van Inwegen : and Catherine. mother of our subject.

Maurice S. Quinn remained with his parents until their deaths, and since he entered upon busi- ness life has followed farming in connection with

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the management of his hotel. He still retains the old home farm. He is one of the most energetic, enterprising and progressive young business men of the community, and is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, with which his father also affiliated. Socially he is a member of Vandermark Lodge, No. 828, I. O. O. F. On May 7, 1890, at Port Jervis, N. Y., he married Miss Mary Leonard, who was born in July, 1867, in Ireland. By her he has four children : John, Harry, Leonard and Mamie.

CHARLES CULVER, one of the leading young men of New Milford, Susquehanna county, is now efficiently serving as constable and tax col- lector of the borough, He was born in Wyoming county, Penn., in 1869, a son of Samuel.O. and Ella (Foster) Culver. The father is a native of Sus- quehanna county, and is a son of Daniel Culver, one of its honored pioneers, who is now residing in Springville township. At the age of fourteen years. in 1863, Samuel O. Culver enlisted. during the Civil war, in Company C, 203d P. V. I. He remained in the service ten months, and participated in the second battle of Fort Fisher. By trade he is a good worker, painter and paper hanger, and is now carry- ing on operations along those lines in Springville, where he and his wife now make their home.

Charles Culver, the only child of this worthy couple, was reared on a farm in Bridgewater town- ship, Susquehanna county, where he continued to reside until coming to New Milford in 1889. Here he found employment in the currying shop of the tannery, but at present his time is wholly occupied with his official duties, which are most conscien- tiously and faithfully discharged. He was first elected to both offices in 1895, and so acceptably did he fill them that he lias been continuously re- elected.

Mr. Culver was married in New Milford, in 1891, to Miss Grace Chapman, a native of New Mil- ford township, and a daughter of W. B. Chapman, now a resident of the village. To them have been born two children: Gladys and Claire. Politically Mr. Culver is identified with the Republican party, and socially is a member of Canawacto Lodge, No. 207, I. O. O. F .; Washington Camp, No. 589, P. O. S. of A., of which he has been secretary. He has also been district deputy grand master of the eastern district of Susquehanna county, and is a member of Columbia Hose Company.

JOSEPH A. FETHERMAN. farmer and millwright of Hamilton township. Monroe county, is a native of same, born in May, 1839, son of John and Annie (Storm) Fetherman, and. is descended on both sides from early pioncer settlers of the county. His grandfather. Bosser Fetherman, came hither from Bucks county. and settled on a tract of land in Cherry Valley, where lie carried on farm- ing until his death. He was the father of eight children, five sons-John, Jacob, Philip, Abram and

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4, Part 62

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