Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4, Part 65

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 65
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 65
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 65
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 65

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Gilchrist, of Lake Como; children, Margaretta, George, Lillian, Floyd, Minnic, Edith, Jennie and Ruth. (8) Jennie, wlio married Eleaser J. Mon- roe, a coal dealer at Forest City ; children, Alvin, Wallace, Maud, Eva, Ethel, Sarah, and Harold ..

Hugh W. Brown, the subject of this sketch, was born near Londonderry, Ireland, January 17, 1847. He received a good high-school education in Ireland, where he was reared on a farm. He came to America with his parents in 1871, settling at Lake Como, and a little later entered mercan- tile business with his brother Thomas. Five years later they opened a branch store at Forest City. Three years later after a prosperous career, they re- solved to take the money out of the mercantile trade and invest it in real estate. The change has re- sulted to the advantage of our subject, for he is now one of the leading real estate owners in For- est City. He is also engaged in the insurance busi- ness, and does the leading business of the place. One of his properties is a block of 135 feet frontage in the business part of the city.

Mr. Brown was married February 23, 1882, to Miss Katie Smith, who was born at Conklin, Broome Co., N. Y., February 16, 1850. The children of our subject and wife are: Margaret, Jennie, Florence, Harry, Archie and Marion. The family are mem- bers and attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Brown is a Republican.

OLIVER T. CONKLIN. The expression, "the dignity of labor," is exemplified in the life- record of this gentleman, who attributes his success to earnest work. He is a man of strong force of character, purposeful and energetic, and his keen discrimination and sound judgment are shown in the capable management of his business affairs as a leading blacksmith of Great Bend, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania.

Mr. Conklin was born in April, 1841, in Bloom- ingburg, Sullivan Co., N. Y., and is a son of Oliver C. and Catherine A. (Hunter) Conklin, also na- tives of New York, the former born in Sullivan county, in 1812, the latter near Goshen, Orange county, in 1816. His paternal grandparents were Jacob and Debby (Turman) Conklin. The grand- father, who was of English parentage, located on the Delaware river near Cochecton, Sullivan Co., N. Y., where he followed lumbering for a number of years, and then took up liis residence near Bing- hamton, Broome Co., N. Y., where his death oc- curred. In his family were two sons and seven daughters, namcly: Dermelia, wife of Nathan Crary, of New York State; Margaret, wife of Miner Hill, whose home was near Deposit, N. Y. : Sarah, wife of Perry Hess, of Chenango . Forks. Broomc Co., N. Y .; Emma, wife of Ezekiel Cole, of Chen- ango Forks ; Catherine, wife of Alva Green, of Kirk- wood, Broome Co., N. Y .: Mary, who wedded Henry McClurc and died in Binghamton, N. Y., where her four children still reside; Priscilla, wife of Garrett Begle, of Binghamton, where both died ;

Elias, for many years a leading merchant of Bing- hamton, where he died in 1870, leaving four chil- dren who still live there; and Oliver C., father of our subject.

Oliver C. Conklin was educated in the district schools of Broome county, N. Y., and in early man- hood married Miss Catherine A. Hunter, a daugh- ter of James and Mary Hunter, of Monroe, Orange Co., N. Y. After his marriage he located at Bing- hamton, when it was only a small village, and there followed farming for some years. Subsequently he operated several rented farms in Montgomery town- ship, Orange county, and in 1859 came to Susque- hanna county, Penn., locating on a farm adjoining the village of Great Bend, where he remained until after the Civil war broke out. In 1862 he enlisted in the 161st N. Y. V. I., and after eight months' service died at Baton Rouge, La. He left a widow and five children, the latter being as follows: (1) Julia, the cldest, was born in Binghamton, in 1839, and was educated in Orange county, N. Y. She married S. B. Eldridge, of Union, N. Y., who is now engaged in business in Binghamton. (2) Oliver T., our subject, is referred to farther on. (3) Adelia, born in Orange county, in 1843, married Harlow Blessing, a farmer of Great Bend township, Susquehanna Co., Penn., who enlisted in Company B, 90th N. Y. V. I., during the Civil war, and died at Key West, Fla., August 6, 1862, leaving a widow, who still resides in Great Bend. (4) Osborn, born in 1845, served for three years as a member of the 50th N. Y. V. I., during the Civil war, and then enlisted in the 2nd United States Regulars for three years. He was with Gen. Custer on the frontier at the time of the memorable massacre, when that gen- eral was killed. On the expiration of his three years' term, he re-enlisted for five years, and at the end of that time was made superintendent of the Soldiers' Orphan Home at Meadville. Penn. He married Dora Hoppel and is now living in Bing- hamton, N. Y. (5) Jacob H., born in Orange county, in 1847, served for three years in the 50th N. Y. V. I., and after his return home lived with his mother for a few years, but for the past sixteen years his whereabouts have been unknown.

During his boyhood, Oliver T. Conklin, the subject of this sketch, attended the district schools of Orange county, N. Y., and was living there when he offered his services to the government soon after the opening of the Civil war. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company B. goth N. Y. V. I. : was sworn into the United States service in New York City: and was assigned to the Army of the South under Gen. Foster, at Key West, Fla., where 270 of the regiment died of yellow fever. They were next ordered to Fort Jefferson, where they served as prison guards for seven months, and from there went to Beaufort, S. C., with Gen. Hunter. Going to New Orleans, they participated in the siege and capture of Port Hudson, under Gen. Banks, and when Gen. Early threatened an attack on Washing- ton, they were ordered back to Virginia, and took

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part in the engagements at Donaldsonville and Blue Ridge. They were also in the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864, where the losses on both sides were heavy. This was followed by the engage- ment at Fort Fisher, under Gen. Sheridan, and the troops then marched up the Shenandoah Valley to Harrisonburg, Va. In October they met Gen. Early at Cedar Creek and were driven back until Gen. Sheridan came up with his army, turning the tide of battle in favor of the Union forces. Several thousand Confederate soldiers were taken prisoners at this time. Mr. Conklin served three months over his term of enlistment, and was honorably dis- charged at New York City, October 10, 1864, after which he returned to his home in Great Bend, Sus- quehanna Co., Penn., and has since successfully en- gaged in blacksmithing.

In 1867 Mr. Conklin was married to Miss Sophia E. Judd, of Windsor, N. Y., who was born in 1848, and was educated in the high school of Susquehanna. A few years after his marriage, Mr. Conklin removed to Sioux Falls, S. Dak., where he followed blacksmithing for two years, and while there pre-empted a claim and proved up the same. Selling his property there, he returned to Great Bend, Penn., where his wife died February 18, 1882. Of the five children born to them, Jessie and Bertie died in childhood. Archer, born in Windsor, N. Y., in December, 1868, received a fair educa- tion in the schools of Great Bend, and when a young man went to Oshkosh, Wis., where he is employed as manager for the Rains Lumber Company. He married a lady of that place and has two children- E. Burton and Florence B. Adelaide M., born in March, 1874, is now the wife of Platt Rodgers, a business man of Meadville, Penn., and they have one daughter, Harriet. David W., born in Great Bend, September 18, 1880, is attending school.

Since attaining his majority, Mr. Conklin has always cast his ballot with the Republican party, and for a number of years he most capably and sat- isfactorily served as constable in his township. Re- ligiously his wife was a member of the Baptist Church, and was a good Christian woman, a faith- ful wife and loving mother, who like her husband was highly respected by all who knew her.

MRS. MARY ELLEN KEEN. As long ago as the time of Solomon the model woman possessed the business gifts which our later civilization is prone to consider new, and in his enumeration of the admirable qualities of the paragon, the Wisc Man lays stress upon her wisdom and foresight in worldly matters. "She considereth a field and buy- eth it," he declares approvingly, and doubtless he would heartily commend the business acumen which is shown by American women of today, especially if it was accompanied by true womanly grace and refinement, as in the case of the subject of this sketch, the proprietor of the "Pasadena House" near Stroudsburg. The location of this hotel, which is well known to the traveling public, shows rare

judgment, the view from the Blue Mountains at that point being particularly attractive. As it is only one mile south of Stroudsburg it is easy of access and the house itself, which is commodious and well designed, is handsomely furnished throughout and is equipped with every modern convenience. The grounds are tastefully laid out, sevcral rustic sum- mer houses and arbors adding to their beauty, while every detail of the management, including the ex- cellent cuisine, shows thoughtful care. The hostess is a charming entertainer, her Southern blood show- ing in her gracious and pleasing manner, and a summer spent in her home makes a bright spot in the memory.

Mrs. Keen is a native of the "Sunny South," having been born in May, 1843, in Montgomery county, Ala. Her father, John R. Thompson, was born in Alabama, and died there in 1842, before her birth. Her mother, whose maiden name was Mary Heckenell, was born in the Cumberland Valley, and, soon after the death of the husband and father, re- turned to that section, making her home in New- ville. Mrs. Kcen was the youngest in a family of eight children, of whom three are living, and are as follows: (1) Eliza married David Heck, of Maryland, and removed to Clinton, Ohio, where they own a fine large amount of farming land. They have a numerous family. (2) Elsetta married Dan- icl Grawbaugh, inventor of a telephone similar to that patented by Bell, his claims to the patent having been in the courts for a number of years. He resides at Heverly's Mills, near Harrisburg, Penn., where he owns valuable real estate, while Mrs. Grawbaugh also owns property in Mechanicsburg, Penn. They have three children-Olive, now Mrs. Oyster, of the Cumberland Valley, and two whose names are not given. (3) Mary Ellen is our sub- ject.

After completing a public-school course, our subject entered a select school in Baltimore, Md., where her natural gifts of mind were developed un- der competent guidance. In 1867 she married Morris L. Keen, of West Philadelphia, the first to bring to perfection the art of making paper from wood pulp. He was then a wealthy man, and after their mar- riage they traveled throughout the United States and Canada for some years. In 1874 they located in Stroudsburg, where Mr. Keen built a large mill for the manufacture of both wood pulp and paper on an extensive scale. The enterprise proved suc- cessful, the paper finding a ready sale in the Phil- adelphia market and in large quantities. He also built the "Highland Grove House," where he made his home until his death, in 1882. He was a man of fine intelligence, taking an interest in all ques- - tions of the day, and politically was a strong ad- herent of the principles of the Republican party. He and his wife had no children, and in 1885, Mrs. Keen decided to build a new home for the accom- modation of summer tourists, choosing a charming location near Stroudsburg. In 1892 she sold out and bought the "Pasadena House," which she has fitted

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up for the most exclusive elass of summer board- ers, with which it is well filled each summer. Mrs. Keen is an active worker in the Presbyterian Church at Stroudsburg, and holds an enviable position so- cially, her talents fitting her for any spliere of life.

WALTER H. JACKSON is an enterprising young business man identified with the agricultural interests of Wayne county. He was born in Pliil- adelphia, in July, 1874, and is a son of John and Mary (Holt) Jackson, both of whom were natives of England, where their marriage was celebrated. In 1872, bidding adieu to the land of their birth, they crossed the Atlantic and took up their resi- dence in Oregon township, Wayne county, where they remained for a year, removing thenee to Phil- adelphia. After a year spent in that city they re- turned to Oregon township, where the father died in 1876, leaving three little sons to the care of the widowed mother, who still survives her husband and now resides in Beech Lake. The children are Robert, who was born in England in 1861, and died in Oregon township at the age of twenty-five years; John F., who was born in England in 1865, and came with his parents to Oregon township, where he was reared to manhood, and married Miss Ella Sampson, a daughter of Solomon and Annie Sampson, her father being one of the veterans of the Civil war. Jolin F. Jackson now resides in Dyberry, where he follows the carpenter's trade. He has two sons : Bruce and Bary.

Walter H. Jackson spent the days of his boy- hood and youth in Oregon township, and acquired a good English education in the publie schools. He remained with his mother until 1893, when he was united in marriage with Miss Florence A., daugh- ter of John and Charlotte Loveless, her father being one of the prominent lumbermen of Damascus. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson began their domestic life in Ore- gon township, where they remained for one year. In 1895 our subjeet purchased the Howard Love- less property, adjoining his father-in-law's farm and situated in Damascus township, two miles west of Boyd's Mills. His farm comprises sixty-six aeres of rich and arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, the well-tilled fields yield- ing to him a golden tribute in return for his care and labor, while the modern and substantial build- ings upon the place stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise.

Mr. Jackson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Repub- lican party. Hc and his wife hold membership with the Metliodist Episcopal Church of Damascus, and he is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. Hc ranks among the. energetic young dairymen and farmers of his neighborhood, and his life has been one of honest industry and well- directed effort. The father dying of consumption only a few years after coming to America, Mr. Jackson and his brother John supported the mother and a brother who was in ill health. Perseverance

and energy liave ever been among liis marked ehar- aeteristics and have crowned his business efforts with success. He is certainly deserving of the pros- perity that has come to him. He and his wife are held in the highest regard throughout the commun- ity and have the warm friendship of the best eiti- zens of this locality.

JOHN C. BROWN, a prominent business man of Forest City, Susquehanna county, engaged in the furniture trade, is a fine example of the Scotch- Irish type of American citizenship. He is a man of sterling integrity, whose high purpose and indi- viduality make him honored among men.

Mr. Brown was born in County Donegal, Ire- land, July 12, 1841, a son of John and Margaret (Brown) Brown. He attended the national schools of the town of Alt and received an unusually thor- ough education. At the-age of eighteen years he was bound out for a term of four years to James Carr, of Cunninghamtown, County Donegal, by Castle Finn, to learn the carpenter's trade. Serving his full time, he remained a half a year longer as workman with his master. Returning home, he worked for about three years at his trade, then in 1867 he emigrated to America. For a year he worked at Hicksville, Long Island, then at New York for a year. Coming to Lake Como, Wayne Co., Penn., he was there engaged at his trade for nearly twenty years, combining it with farming and lumbering. In 1887 he disposed of his interests at Lake Como and removed to Forest City, where he at once engaged in the furniture business. Mr. Brown purchased the land upon which his block is situated and erected that substantial edifice. He has conducted the business ever since. He also owns the old homestead of 200 acres at Lake Como, which he purchased when he first moved there.

Mr. Brown was married in October, 1876, to Miss Sarah Jane Gilchrist, who was born in Done- gal, Ireland, July 20, 1843. Their children are Edith, Lettie, Mabel, and Frank, who dicd at the age of sixteen. In politics Mr. Brown is a Repub- lican. He has served as school director, eity as- sessor and poor director. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially he is con- nected with the I. O. O. F.

THOMAS BROWN, brother of John C. and an influential grocer of Forest City, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, March 28, 1844. He re- ceived a good common-seliool education in the Par- ish of Niney, Ireland, then in the National sehools. In his native land he heeanie a stationary engineer, and followed that occupation until he came to Amer- ica in 1868. Settling at Lake Como, Wayne Co., Penn., he remained there for a time, and then for a period of ten ycars lie conducted a general store at Hancock, N. Y., in partnership with his brother, H. W. They opened a branch store at Forest City, which H. W. managed, while Thomas looked after the Hancock store. In October, 1888, lic sold out the latter property and removed to Forest City,

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where he purchased an improved property. He erected and owns the business bloek in which his grocery store is located.

Thomas Brown was married November 17, 1864, to Miss Jane Monteith, who was born in Ireland, March 27, 1844. To Thomas and Jane Brown have been born five children, as follows : (1) John M., editor of the Forest City News, mar- ried Miss Florence Bivins, and has one child, Mon- tieth. (2) James A., a compositor on the Forest City News, married Miss Hattie McGlafflin, and has two children. (3) Rebecca is the wife of W. J. Maxey, a lawyer of Forest City; they have three children, Rexford, Florence and one whose name is not given. (4) Thomas, a compositor, resides with his father. (5) Mamie J.

Thomas Brown in 1888 established the Forest City News, which he and his sons have most sue- cessfully conducted. He is a Republican in polities, and is a member of the Methodist Church. He possesses an unusually fine library, has a decided taste for literature, and is one of the best informed citizens of Forest City.

WILLIAM GOODNOUGH is one of the younger business men of Winterdale, Seott town- ship, Wayne county, but his ability, enterprise and upright methods have already established for him an enviable reputation, and his popularity is estab- lished on a firm basis-that of his own well-tested merit.

Mr. Goodnough was born in Delaware county, N. Y., December 13, 1867, a son of H. S. and Ade- laide (Marble) Goodnough. The father was born in Stamford, same county, and in that State was mar- ried and continued to follow farming until 1883, when he removed to Winterdale, Wayne Co., Penn., where he has sinee followed the carpenter's trade. Our subjeet is the eldest of four children, the others being as follows: (2) Lula, born in Delaware county, N. Y., in 1869, is now the wife of Girard Tarvox, of Winterdale, and has two children; (3) Bell, born in Broome county, N. Y., in 1877, is the wife of Winfield Rosenkrans, of Sherman, Wayne county. (4) Walter, the youngest of the family, died in infancy.

William Goodnough obtained his education in the public schools, and at the age of twenty years began his business career as a jobber in stone and contractor to furnish wood for the chemical works of his distriet. In a few years, by his industry, he became the owner of a large tract of timberland, the wood from which he sold to the chemical works, where it was used in the manufacture of wood alcohol. Since 1889 he has suecessfully engaged in the stone quarry business on the Delaware river, and in this line has also met with excellent success. In 1893 he purchased real estate in the village of Winterdale, where he has since made his home.

In 1890 Mr. Goodnough was united in marriage with Miss Theekla Bone, of Illinois, who in 1887 came to Wayne county, Penn., with her parents.

They were natives of Germany, and on coming to the New World located in Illinois, where they inade their home for some years. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Goodnough, but Walter, the eldest, died in childhood. Those still living are Bernice, Grace, Leland, and Ferda May, who was born in 1897.

Throughout his entire married life, Mr. Good- nough has made his home in Winterdale, and be- sides his property in that village, he in October, 1896, purchased 200 aeres of timberland, in Buek- ingham township, Wayne county, from which he furnishes the wood to the chemical works of Balds Eddy, as previously stated. He is a wide-awake and energetic business man, of known reliability, and has the respeet of all who know him. Relig- iously, he was reared in the Baptist Church, and politically has always been identified with the Re- publican party.

A. E. FOSTER, the well-known and popular station agent and telegraph operator at Starrueea, Wayne county, was born in Ararat, Penn., a son of W. S. and A. C. Foster, who now make their home in Thompson, Susquehanna county, where the father is engaged in millinery and general mercan- tile business. He is a native of that county, and is a veteran of the Civil war, having served as captain in a Michigan regiment for three years, and par- ticipating in the battles of Bull Run, the Wilder- ness, Antietam and other engagements. After his return from the army he was married and engaged in lumbering for a number of years. Four chil- dren constituted his family, namely: Edward, born in Ararat, married Cora Leonard, and died at an early age, leaving a widow and one daughter, Emma; Guy, born in Ararat, was educated in the public schools of Susquehanna county, and is still at home with his parents; Emma, born in Thomp- son, died in childhood ; and A. E.

After completing his education in the public schools of Susquehanna county, A. E. Foster, the subject of this sketch, entered the employ of the railroad company at Thompson, where he learned telegraphy. For a number of years he has now filled the position of operator at Starrueca, has gained the confidence and esteem of his employers, and is a general favorite with the traveling public, as he is kind and obliging at all times. He married Miss Bessie Carpenter, of Uniondale, Penn. They hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Starrucca, and, politically, Mr. Foster is identified with the Republican party.

M. HENRY, a well-to-do and highly esteemed citizen of Paradise township, Monroe county, was born in April, 1843, in Pocono township, and is a representative of an old and prominent family of the county, whose members have been men of broad and liberal views, enterprising and energetie, and of good business ability. His grandfather, Arthur Henry, was born and reared in Bueks county, Penn.,

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but at an early day came to Monroe county, being among the pioneer settlers of Pocono township. He married Sallie Posten and reared a family.

Jacob Henry, our subject's father, was a native of Monroe county, and on rcaching man's estate married Miss Maria Price, a daughter of Eleazer Price. He purchased a large amount of land in Pocono township and engaged in lumbering and farming, rafting his lumber down Brodhead creek to Delaware Water Gap, and then down the Dela- ware river to Philadelphia, where it was marketed. After clearing away the timber he developed a good large farm from this land and made many improve- ments thercon. For many years he was one of the leading lumbermen of the county, and was promi- nently identified with public interests. He was a man of fine business qualifications, gave liberally to the support of churches and schools, and he was highly honored and respected by the entire com- munity in which he lived. He died on his farm in Pocono township, in October, 1867, and his worthy wife passed away in 1875.

In their family were the following children : (1) James married Mary A. Plattenburg, of Stroud township, Monroe county, and engaged in farming in Pocono township until July, 1898, when called from this life. He left five children, namely : Samuel; John; Eliza, wife of Timothy Crossman, of Monroe county ; Allina, wife of Frank Marter, of Pocono township; and Nettie, wife of Harvey Detrick, of Stroud township, Monroe county. (2) Melissa, born in Pocono township. married Joseph Smith, of the same township, and they moved to Battle Creek, Mich., where she died, leaving two children-Samuel and Annie, who are still resi- dents of Michigan. (3) Addison, born and reared in Pocono township, married Violet Seebring, of the same township and engaged in farming there until his death, in 1893. He left a widow, and five children-Jacob, Effie, Charles, Frank and Harry. (4) Joseph, who was born and reared on the old homestead, married Shook, of Stroudsburg, and they moved to Kansas, where he followed farm- ing near Topeka until his death in 1892. His wife died a few years later, leaving a family who still reside in that State. (5) Subject of this review is referred to farther on. (6) Jasper moved to Mich- igan on reaching manhood, and was there married and continued for a time to reside. but when last heard from was living on the Pacific coast. (7) Annie married Joshua Berry, of Pocono township, and with their family they now reside in California.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4, Part 65

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