Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4, Part 75

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 75
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 75
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 75
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 75

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and in that country married Richard Warring. Coming to this country with her father, they set- tled upon a part of his farm in Berlin township, where they now have a well-cultivated and highly- improved placc, being surrounded with all the comforts of life. Of their thrce children, John and Bessie were born in England, and Albert was born in Wayne county ; the sons are bothi unmarried, and Bessie is now the wife of Charles Defort, of Wayne county. William Perkin, the brother of our subject, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1845, and therc married Annie Parkin. They also came with his parents to Wayne county, and lived on a farm in Berlin township, where he died in 1884, leaving a wife and family.

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Cornwall, England, where he received a fair cdu- cation and also obtained an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits, which he followed during his residence there. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Colling, a native of Cornwall, and a daughter of John and Anna Colling, who died in that country, leaving a family of three children : John, who is married, and resides in Australia ; Jes- sie, wife of our subject; and Annie, unmarried, who is a resident of Cornwall. Mr. and Mrs. Per- kin have two children: William J., born in England in 1867, was reared on the home farm in Wayne county, and since his marriage has continued to reside upon the old homestead with his parents ; he was married in June, 1897, to Miss Eldgert G. Lil- lie, of Wayne county, who is a well-educated and cultured lady, and was for some years a successful teacher in the public schools. Mary A., the only daughter of our subject, was born in Cornwall, in August, 1869, and is now the wife of Virgil B. Case, of Damascus, Wayne county, by whom she has two sons, Charles J. and William P. Mr. Case now occupies and operates his farm in Pike county, Pennsylvania.

In May, 1874, Mr. Perkin came with his parents to Wayne county, and has since resided upon his present farm in Berlin township, on which he has made many excellent improvements which add greatly to its value and attractive appearance. He has enlarged the residence, built two good barns. and erected other outbuildings, having now one of the best farms in the township. After his mother's death his father remained with him on the home- stead until 1884, when he married Mrs. Elizabeth Robins, of Beach Lake, making his home there until his death in 1894.

Mr. Perkin is independent in politics, always endeavoring to cast his ballot for the man best qual- ified for the office. regardless of party affiliations .. He has held the office of township auditor one term, school director two terms, and at the present time is a member of the school board and treasurer of same. The duties of these positions he has discharged in an able and most satisfactory manner. Hc and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church at Beach Lake. They are numbercd among the best

citizens of the township, and their hospitable homc is always open for the reception of the many friends who delight to congregate there.

THOMAS FITZGERALD (deceased) was. during the first half of this century, one of the most prominent and highly-esteemed residents of Silver Lake township, Susquehanna county, a gentleman of culture and intelligence who would have been a valuable citizen of any community, wherever his lot was cast.

Mr. FitzGerald was a native of Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, born in 1774, son of John and Lot- tie (Omie) FitzGerald. He received a thorough education in the schools of his native country, be- coming a fine classical scholar and proficient as a linguist, and for twenty years before coming to this country, in 1827, he held the important position of custom-house manager of the Port of Tralce. Mr. FitzGerald married Miss Julia O'Flynn, sister of Rev. Francis O'Flynn, the first Catholic clergyman in Susquehanna county, and who established the first church of that denomination in this part of the State, being missionary all over the district during the four years of his residence here. His death occurred in 1830. Mr. FitzGerald visited his brother-in-law, Father O'Flynn, and having been persuaded to settle here, he returned to Ireland for his wife and family, which then consisted of seven children. They made their home on what is now known as the Glen Farm, in Silver Lake. where Mr. FitzGerald devoted himself to the management of the work on the place, living comparatively re- tired. He was possessed of abundant means, which enabled him to enjoy the best in life, and he was greatly interested in church work as a devout Catho- lic. He gave land for the church and cemetery and after the death of his brother-in-law was especially active in the erection of the church, which was then in process of construction.

Mr. FitzGerald was greatly beloved for his kindness of heart, and was as useful in civil life as in religious circles, directing his influence for good in every cause which he thought would advance the welfare-moral or material-of the community in which he resided. His political support was always given to the Democratic party, with which his sons have also been identified, and his advice on matters of public importance was often sought by his fel- low citizens, who respected him for his genuinc worth and appreciated his ability and talents. Hc held many local offices in the gift of his townsmen, and also served as county auditor with satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. FitzGerald passed away in 1854, his widow in 1866, and they were deeply mourned throughout the locality with which they had so long been prominently identified. Mr. and Mrs. FitzGerald were the parents of nine children. all of whom grew to maturity and of whom wc give a brief record below. They were reared in the Catholic faith, and have always been active in church and charitable work, worshiping at the old

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church near their home. All have been highly edu- cated, receiving the advantages offered by institu- tions of recognized standing and their father's high literary attainments, and have taken their place among the intelligent and substantial citizens of their day and place. The sons have become suc- cessful in business and professional eireles, and the daughters ladies of culture and refinement, influ- ential in every movement for good in the community, and beloved for their Christian character and many kindly and charitable acts.

(1) Catherine FitzGerald was born in Ireland, where she received an excellent literary training, studying several of the higher branches. In 1834 she became a teacher in Madame Cehegarry's pri- vate school in New York City, where she remained some years, and subsequently, for twenty years, she taught in Madame Coutan's higher private school, giving instructions in various branches. Later she taught French and English in a private school in LaFayette avenue, Brooklyn. For the past eight- een years, however, Miss FitzGerald has led a retired life, residing at the old home in Silver Lake township. She is a lady of unusual culture and learning, especially in the languages and classics, and she is highly esteemed wherever known for her many admirable qualities of head and heart.

(2) Mary FitzGerald was born in 1812 in Ireland, and was educated there and in America. She married Michael Larkin, a merchant of Apala- chicola, Fla., where they resided, and in 1844 visited her old home in Silver Lake. Her sister Ellen, then a promising girl, accompanied her on the return trip, and the vessel went down in a storm on the Gulf of Mexico, Mrs. Larkin, her child, and sister perishing with all on board.

(3) John FitzGerald was born in Ireland and was a boy of thirteen when he came with his pa- rents to America. He finished his elementary education in the schools of Montrose, Penn., after which he commenced the study of law with Lawyer Mason, a prominent attorney of New York City, where he finally engaged in practice on his own account. He died in 1847, unmarried.

(4) Letitia FitzGerald was born in Ireland, and, being only a child when the family settled at Silver Lake, she received the greater part of lier education in her new home. For some years she followed the teacher's profession in the schools of the town, but ill health compelled her to abandon it, and she has been an invalid the greater part of her life. She still resides at the old home.

(5) Patrick J. FitzGerald was born in Ire- land, grew to manhood on the old homestead in Silver Lake, and after his father's decease, took tlie management of the estate, continuing to reside there until his deatlı, in 1887. He was unmarried. He was a devout church member and a man greatly respected throughout the community for his high Christian character and goodness of heart.

(6) Julia A. FitzGerald was born in Ireland, was reared on the farm in Silver Lake township,

and received her education in the Sisters' schools in New York City, later becoming a teacher in the schools near her home. She married Prof. Joseph Stenter, a learned musician and teacher of music, of Brooklyn, N. Y., where they resided a number of years, thence removing to Jeffersonville, Sulli- van Co., N. Y., where they now make their home. They have had two children-Fannie, Mrs. Gungen- hauser, of Brooklyn; and Michael, who died in boyhood.

(7) Ellen FitzGerald, the youngest child born in Ireland, was drowned while on her way to Flor- ida with her sister, Mrs. Larkin, the vessel on which they had taken passage going down in the Gulf of Mexico.

(8) Frances S. FitzGerald was born in 1828, on the homestead at Silver Lake, and received her education partly at the schools of the neighborhood and partly under the tuition of her sisters at home. She has spent some time in New York City, but her life has been passed principally on the home- stead, where she has managed the household affairs for a number of years.

(9) Anne A. FitzGerald was born in 1830 at Silver Lake, and acquired a thorough education, attending the Sacred Heart school in New York City. Slie taught in the schools near her home for some years previous to her marriage to Gustave Coutan, of New York, who was a son of Madam Coutan, one of the celebrated teachers of New York City in her day.

G. W. LANE, an enterprising and popular young business man of Honesdale, Wayne county, has had a remarkably successful career, and his friends anticipate for him still greater things in the future, as ability, tact and enterprise command a high premium in the business world.

Mr. Lane is a son of Christopher C. Lane, now a leading resident of Honesdale. Jacob Lane, our subject's grandfather, a native of Monmouth county, N. J., was a market gardener by occupa- tion, and lived to an advanced age. His wife was a native of England. Christopher C. Lane, the father of our subject, was born February 25, 1827, in Mon- roe county, N. Y., coming to Honesdale in early manhood and engaging in the boating business, being now the owner of the docks at that point. As a citizen he is held in high esteem, and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but of late years he has supported the Republican party. He married Miss Jane N. Clark, who was born in 1836 in Easton, Penn., and is still living. Four children were born to them: G. W., our subject: Mrs. Sidney Hen- wood ; Miss Bertha and Miss Charlotte.

In early life our subject attended the public schools of Honesdale, graduating at the age of six- teen. He then went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., to take a course in a business college, but he left the institu- tion two weeks before the time for his graduation, having been offered a desirable position in a bank

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

at Honesdale. He was the youngest clerk that had ever been employed in the bank, and he discharged his duties so well that he served continuously from 1882 to 1895, being appointed paying teller and re- ceiver in 1889. In the meantime he had worked up a profitable life-insurance business, and in 1895 he resigned his position in the bank in order to give his entire time to his later enterprise. At present he does an extensive business in life, fire, and acci- dent insurance, to which he adds real estate, and his well-directed efforts have already brought him a small fortune. He is also active in municipal affairs, having served as a member of the city council, and during his conection with that body he held the office of treasurer.

On January 12, 1888, Mr. Lane was married to Miss Lottie E. Petersen, and their home is bright- ened by two children, Marian L. and Charlotte. The family is prominent in social life, and Mr. Lane is identified with various fraternal orders, including Oslek Tribe, Independent Order of Red Men; the I. O. O. F., Fredonia Lodge of Honesdale; Hones- dale Lodge, No. 218, F. & A. M., in which he holds the rank of worshipful master; Palestine Comman- dery, at Carbondale; and the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Wilkesbarre.

FRANK PETERS, a well-known farmer and prominent citizen of Hamilton township, Monroe county, was born at Gouldsboro, Wayne Co., Penn., January 31, 1858.

Barney and Catherine (Foster) Peters, parents of our subject, are both natives of Germany, the father born in July, 1824, the mother in 1834, and when young came together, with Nicholas Ruster, to the New World. In his younger days the father was a tanner, later devoting his time to farming, but is now living retired. During the war of the Rebellion he entered the Union army, and he lost his right hand in the service of his adopted country. Now in their declining years he and his wife are enjoying a well-earned rest, at their pleasant home in East Stroudsburg. In religious faith they are Lutherans, and in political sentiment the father is a Democrat. Frank is the eldest of their family; Philip married Bertha Heller, and is engaged in farming at East Stroudsburg; Joseph wedded Mary Lee, and operates his father's farm; Elizabeth is the wife of John 'Row, a railroad conductor of Scranton, Penn. ; Conrad married Sally Peters. and is engaged in farming in Stroud township, Mon- roe county; Mary, widow of Robert Colbt, is a resident of East Stroudsburg: George married Emma Kramer, and is employed as fircman at the Normal School in East Stroudsburg : Charles mar- ried Martha Prutzman, and is engaged in farming in Middle Smithfield township, Monroe county ; and Elbina and I.ena are at home with their parents.

Frank Peters remained under the parental roof until twenty-two vcars of age, aiding his father in the labors of the farm. Ile then worked in a tan- nery at Sciota, Monroc county, for cight years and

in a limestone quarry for one year, after which lie purchased his present farm from Susanna Transuc, and he has since given his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, with good results. He is a thorough and systematic farmer, and a business man of known reliability. Success has attended his well- directed efforts, and he is now the possessor of a comfortable home and competence. His political support is always given to the Democratic party and in his church relations he is a Lutheran.

On October 30, 1881, at Sciota, Hamilton town- ship, Mr. Peters married Miss Cecelia Steimetz, by whom he has two children, Martin and Lavine. Mrs. Peters was born in that township April 1, 1866, and there her father, Reuben Steimetz, is still en- gaged in general farming. He was born in North- ampton county, Penn., June 8, 1824, a son of John and Polly (Stoudler) Steimetz, also natives of Northampton county, whence they came to Monroe county in 1838. The parents of John, Philip and Betsy (Oberidge) Steimetz, spent their entire lives engaged in farming in Northampton county, and his wife's father, George Stoudler, was also a resi- dent of that county. In Monroe county John Steimetz carried on farming throughout his active business life. He died there in November, 1881, aged eighty-four years, his wife in April, 1868. Their children were John, George, Philip, Charles, Thomas, Levi, Reuben, Lydia A. (wife of Samuel Haney), Polly (wife of John Rodder), Mary Ann (Mrs. Shaffer), Clara (Mrs. Searles), and Katie J. (Mrs. Wallet).

Reuben Steimetz came to Monroe county in 1842, and also engaged in farming as a life work. He holds membership in the Reformed Church, and casts his ballot with the Democratic party. On De- cember 24, 1856, in Monroe county, he married Miss Sarah J. Murphy, and to them were born three chil- dren, namely: Clarissa, now the wife of Robert Hartman, a farmer of Hamilton township, Monroe county ; Cecelia, wife of our subject; and Lavine, who married Hattie Shafer, and is engaged in farm- ing in Hamilton township. Mrs. Sarah J. Steimetz was born in Chestnut Hill township, Monroe county, in October, 1833, a daughter of John and Margaret (Shook) Murphy, also natives of that township, where her father died in 1881, aged seventy-four years; her mother passed away in 1897. Their children were Hannah M., wife of Samuel Wells: Sarah J., mother of Mrs. Pcters ; Daniel, a resident of Polk township, Monroe county ; Susan, wifc of Lane Phillips; Elizabeth, wife of Jack Anthony: Julictte, wife of John Shaffer; Adam; Catherine, wife of Jacob Hagley; Mary, wife of George Bra- der ; Jane, Mrs. Phillips ; Ella, wife of Silas Shoop; Caroline, wife of Samucl Wein: and Louise, wife of Joseph Flight. John Murphy was a son of George and Mary ( Arnold) Murphy, farming peo- plc. who always made their home in Monroe county, and his wife's parents, Henry and Margaret ( Kon- klc) Shook, were also well known agriculturists of Chestnut Hill township, Monroe county.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

HON. DANIEL MYERS VAN AUKEN. The history of this distinguished resident of Milford is of unusual interest, his brave and successful struggle with adverse circumstances in carly life lending greater lustre to the achievements which have placed him in the front rank of the legal pro- fession in Pike county.

Mr. Van Auken was born January 15, 1826, at Montague, N. J., and in the paternal line his an- cestry is traced to. Holland. His boyhood was spent chiefly in Sussex county, N. J., at the home of his great-aunt, Kate Van Auken, and his education was begun in the district school near by. His sum- mers were occupied with farm work, and during the winter season he was often employed in cutting timber and wood, but he managed to secure a good foundation for subsequent study. In this school he had a negro boy for a seat mate. Later he attended school at Montague, Sussex Co., N. J., under Somner C. LaZelle, and at the age of fifteen, on completing his course there, he began teaching. His earnings during two seasons enabled him to enter Deckertown Academy, then conducted by Prof. William Rankin, but at the end of a year his health failed and he was obliged to give up his studies for a time. He still had some funds left, and as he received a good offer in the following spring from the directors of the school at Pleasant Valley, N. J., he resumed his profession, spending two years there. He then returned to Deckertown Academy, remaining a year and a half, when his funds gave out. His ability had attracted the at- tention of Prof. Rankin, who undertook to prepare him for college, and later paid him a small salary for doing some work. In 1850 Mr. Van Auken entered the junior class of Union College, at Sche- nectady, N. Y., where he remained two years, graduating July 9, 1852. Soon afterwards he came to Milford, and began to read law under John B. LaForge, with whom he spent three years, being admitted to the Bar in 1855. In the meantime he had been active in politics, doing effective work on the stump, which won him friends in all parts of the county. He was appointed to fill an unexpired term as district attorney, in the place of William Smith, resigned, and at the next election he was chosen to the office on the Democratic ticket. In 1866 he was elected to Congress by a large ma- jority, and two years later he was re-elected, receiving 7,605 votes more than his Republican op- ponent. In 1874 he was a candidate from Pike county for the office of presiding judge of the Twenty-second Judicial District of Pennsylvania, and after balloting several thousand times the con- ferces nominated him ; but the Democrats of Wayne county ,insisted upon placing Hon. Frederick M. Cranc's name before the people. This action caused a division in the Democratic ranks, and the election of the Republican candidate, Charles P. Waller, by a small majority. Judge Waller's death in 1882, after seven years of his term had expircd, brought on another conflict over the Democratic nomina-

tion, Mr. Van Auken receiving the indorsement of the Pike County Democracy, while George S. Purdy was supported by Wayne county, the divided strength of the party again bringing defeat. For nine years past Mr. Van Auken has served as dis- trict attorney, and at present he is the oldest member of the Milford Bar. He resides at the old Ross homestead, which is separated from Milford bor- ough by Elizabeth street and Vandermark creek. He and his family are prominent socially, and he is an active member of the Masonic Fraternity, having joined at Port Jervis, N. Y., where he attained the rank of Master Mason, and later he helped to or- ganize the Milford Lodge.

On November 4, 1857, Mr. Van Auken was married at Milford by Rev. Mr. Todd, a Presby- terian minister, to Miss Marcia Brodhead, by whom lie had three children: (1) Grace B., married Henry S. Mott, of Washington, D. C., a govern- ment employe, and they have two children, Theodosia and Charles Van Wyck. (2) Ross B. married Eva Paget, and resides on a farm at Mil- ford. (3) Florida McElrath marricd Hugh W. Brodhead, a machinist at Milford, and has two children, Daniel and Marcia. Mrs. Marcia Van Auken was born at Milford June 10, 1834, and died September 26, 1885. She was a member of a well- known family, of which an account is given else- where, and the line of her descent was traced to Daniel Brodhead, the first American ancestor, through Richard, Daniel, Garret, John (1), John (2), and John H.

Hon. John H. Brodhead, father of Mrs. Van Auken, was born January 5, 1802, in Milford, and died October 22, 1881. He was a man of wealth and prominence and served some years ago as a member of the State Legislature, while at the time of his death, which occurred at Washington, D. C., he held a position under the general government. He married Miss Louisa Ross, a native of Milford, born March 14, 1802, now deceased. Of their chil- dren the eldest, Louisa (now deceased) married Rev. Dr. H. S. Carpenter, a Presbyterian clergy- man at Brooklyn, N. Y .; Miss Mary G. resides in Milford ; Augustus, a deceased Presbyterian minis- ter, was a missionary in India for twenty years; Marcia (Mrs. Van Auken) was fourth in the order of birth; John F. (deceased), who served in the quartermaster's department during the Civil war, married Louisa Avery, daughter of Hon. Otis Avery, of Honesdale; Ross went to sea and was never heard from afterward; Mark, who was a quartermaster during the Civil war, and now holds a government position at Washington, D. C., mar- ried Lizzie Burley, daughter of David Burley, a prominent resident of Milford, Penn. : Kate married the late Hon. Charles H. Van Wyck, formerly a general in the United States army, a congressman from the Thirty-cighth District of New York and United States senator from Nebraska. having been chosen to the latter position during his residence in that State.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

JOHN N. COLE, who is numbered among the wealthy dairymen and stock dealers of Dainascus, Wayne county, is deservedly honored as one of the best examples of the self-made man in this section, of which he is one of the solid, respected citizens. He is a native of Sussex county, N. J .. born in December, 1854, a son of Moses and Elizabeth (Holbert) Cole.

Moses Cole was born in 1821 in Sussex county, N. J., where he grew to maturity. He married Elizabeth Holbert, who was born in Pike county, Penn., in 1826, a daughter of Joseph and Sabra Holbert, who were among the first settlers of that county. After his marriage Mr. Cole bought a farm in Sussex county, near Milford, where he resided during the remainder of his life, dying in May, 1891, at the homestead. His widow still sur- vives, at the advanced age of seventy-one years. Eight children blessed their union, of whom we give a brief record: Mary J. was born and reared in Sussex county, and lives with her mother on the homestead ; she is unmarried. William H. married Miss Libbie Stanton, of Orange county, N. Y., where they reside, their home being near Middle- town; he is one of the wealthiest men in that vi- cinity, owning a number of farms and engaging extensively in dairying; they have no children. Thomas J. received his education in Deckertown, N. J., and has followed the profession of teacher in the public schools of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Orange county, N. Y., where he now lives ; he mar- ried Miss Lydia Hazen, of Pike county, Penn., and has two children, Elmer and Charles. Martha E. is the wife of Edward Bevin, of Sussex county, N. J., and has two children, Francis and Ella. Ophelia is unmarried, and makes her home with her sister, Mrs. Beamer, in Orange county, N. Y. Ella mar- ried Edward Beamer, formerly of Sussex county, now of Orange county, N. Y., where he carries on farming ; they have three children, Leslie, Hattie and Ella. Grant married Miss Mary Hazen, of Pike county, Penn., and they live on the paternal home- stead in Sussex county ; they have one daughter, Myrtle. John N. is the subject proper of this bio- graphical sketch.

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Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4, Part 75

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