Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4, Part 85

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 85
USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 85
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 85
USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4 > Part 85

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).

On October 6, 1881, Mr. Smith wedded Miss Sarah E. Shook, the accomplished daughter of Abram and Hannah Shook, of Hamilton township, Monroe county, the former of whom is deceased; the mother now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have always made their home on the farm, and they are active in the social and church life of the neighborhood, where they are held by all in the highest esteem. They at- tend the M. E. Church, of which they are zealous workers, and politically Mr. Smith supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, in whose wel- fare he takes a deep interest. Fraternally he is a member of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of Amer- ica, and of Lodge No. 446, I. O. O. F., of East Stroudsburg ; his father was also a member of the last-named fraternity, uniting with the lodge at Fort Penn. Mr. Smith is regarded as one of the best citizens of the township, and he is highly respected for the success he has made in life by his industry and careful management and for the uprightness and honor which have marked his intercourse with all.

JOHN CALLAHAN. From the ranks of the leading and prominent citizens of Coolbaugh town- ship, Monroe county-prominent on account of what he has done in the business world-there is no one more deserving of mention in a volume of this character than John Callahan, the well-known proprietor of the "Pocono Heights House." His business interests have materially promoted the wel- fare of this section of the State, and he is recognized as one of the most public-spirited and progressive citizens of the community.

Mr. Callahan was born in Coolbaugh township, in 1844, a son of Danicl and Catherine (Galvin) Callahan. The father is a native of Ireland. born in County Cork, in 1813, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret ( Welsh ) Callahan, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle and emigrated to America in 1827, locating first in New York, where they spent

some tinie. On coming to Monroe county, Penn., they settled in Coolbaugh township, where the grandfather engaged in lumbering for many years. He was prominently identified with public affairs and held a number of local offices. He died very suddenly in Stroudsburg in the interest of the office of tax collector which he was then filling in Cool- baugh township. His wife survived him for some time and passed away at the advanced age of ninety years. In their family were six children, all born in Ireland: (1) John died unmarried at the age of forty years. (2) Jeremiah wedded Mary Yet- ter, of Coolbaugh, where they lived for some time and then removed to Scranton, Penn., and later to Chicago, Ill., where he died. His children were Thomas, William, Daniel, Abraham and John, whoare still residents of Chicago; Mary; Margaret, who is married and lives in the West; Julia, who is a Sister in one of the Catholic homes in the West ; and Eliza- beth, who is a Sister in an Indiana home. (3) Margaret married Daniel Buckley, also a native of Ireland, and both died in Coolbaugh township sonie years ago, leaving six children, namely: John ; Jeremiah; William and James, twins; Catherine, wife of Jeremiah Gupping, of Wayne county, Penn. ; and Mary, deceased. (4) Annie married Henry Long, of Philadelphia, and they make their home in Wayne county. Their children were Richard; Daniel; Henry; Mrs. Sarah Burriss, of Wayne county; Harriet, wife of Edward Barnes, of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Mrs. Margaret Jacks, of Iowa; Ellen, also a resident of Iowa; Frank, who is mar- ried and lives in Wayne county, Penn .; Jennie, a resident of Wayne county. (5) Ellen married David Burk, and located in Monroe county, near the Wayne county line, but later removed to Hor- nellsville, N. Y., where both died. They left three children : John, who married and settled in Brad- ford county, Penn .; William, who located in New York: and Mary, who married M. McCarty, of Brooklyn, N. Y., formerly a resident of Monroe county, Pennsylvania.

Daniel Callahan, who completes the family, received the greater part of his education in the schools of New York, and on reaching manhood married Catherine Galvin, a native of that State and a daughter of Jeremiah Galvin, of New York, who spent his last days in Coolbaugh township. After his marriage Mr. Callahan also located there and throughout the greater part of his active busi- ness life followed lumbering. His estimable wife died in 1866, and he now makes his home in Chi- cago at the age of eighty-four years. Our subject is the eldes+ of the six children of this worthy couple, all born in Coolbaugh township, Monroe county. (2) Daniel, born in 1849, attended the public schools of Coolbaugh township, and later graduated from the business college at Pough- keepsie, N. Y. He wedded Miss M. Kintz, of Para- dise township, Monroe county, and located at Toby- hanna Mills, where he engaged in merchandising for five years. There his wife died leaving three

1694

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

children-Clinton, James and Mabel. Later he married Jennie Bois, of Delaware, and they now 'reside in Wilkes Barre; Penn., where he is engaged in business. By this union he has one son, Edgar Lee. (3) Margaret was educated in the schools of New York and Scranton, and married Frederick Goreman, of the latter place, an engincer on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad, and is now living in San Antonio, Texas. They have two sons, Fred and Ralph. (4) Mary was also edu- cated in the schools of New York and Scranton, and married Patrick Cockran, a business man of the latter place, who is now living in Chicago, Il1. To them were born two sons: Charles, who died in Chicago in early manhood, and Edward, who is still with his parents. (5) Catherine marricd John O'Donald, of Scranton, and they also make their home in Chicago. (6) Ellen married Thomas O'Donald, of Scranton, and he is now a street car conductor in Chicago, where they are living. They have three children.

Reared in Coolbaugh township, John Callahan received a good common school education and be- gan his business life as a lumberman. During the Civil war he entered the Union service as a member of the Second Division Construction Corps, Army of the Cumberland, under W. W. Wright, chief engineer, and was with Gen. Sherman on his famous march to the Sea. He remained in the service as construction boss until the close of the war, when . he was honorably discharged and returned home. A written testimonial from his commanding officer speaks in the highest praise of his ability and service during the entire term of his enlistment. On his return to Coolbaugh township he resumed lumbering, and in 1865 he purchased from his father his present home. For ten years he was engaged in the hotel business and in merchandising at Mt. Pocono, being located there at the time of his marriage in 1875, but at the end of that time re- turned to his farm. In 1884 he purchased a tract of timber land near Gouldsboro, Wayne Co .. Penn., to which place he removed his family, and while liv- ing there also followed lumbering and merchan- dising. Selling out in 1892 he returned to his place in Coolbaugh township, Monroe county, erected a fine large house, and now entertains city boarders during the summer months. This hand- some structure is one of the many beautiful places in the Pocono Mountains: is finished throughout with hard wood; is supplied with every modern convenience for the comfort of his guests, and is pleasantly located 2.500 fcet above sea level.

In 1875 Mr. Callahan was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Young, a daughter of John and Abbie Young, of Stroud township, Monroe coun- ty. She was born in New York, in 1855, but was reared and educated in Monroe county. Our sub- ject and his wife have two sons: William, who was born in Mt. Pocono, in 1877, and was edu- cated in the schools of Gouldsboro and Coolbaugh township; and Jolin, who was born on the present

homestead of the family, in 1879. and has also re- ceived a good public-school education. In his po- litical affiliations Mr. Callahan is a Republican, and he has most efficiently served as a school director in Coolbaugh township for several terms. His all is never withheld from any enterprise which he be- lieves calculated to prove of public benefit, and the community recognizes in him one of its most valued and useful citizens.

SMITH DORNBLAZER, a well-known resi- cent of Auburn township, Susquehanna county. where he has been engaged in farming all his fff .. was born July 1, 1853, on the farm which he now carries on, and is the son of Daniel and the grand- son of John Dornblazer. The last namied was a native of Easton, Penn., but for many years made his home in Hamilton township, Monroe county. dying at Paradise Valley at a ripe old age. H. married Polly Lauvault, who was also born in Fa -- ton, and they became the parents of children as follows: Hannah, Betsy, Peter, John and Dank !.

Daniel Dornblazer was born April 26, 13:2. i:1 Hamilton township, Monroc Co., Penn .. where he grew to manhood. When twenty-five years of age he migrated to Wyoming county, a year later re- moving to Auburn township, Susquehanna county. where he made a permanent settlement, buying a tract of fifty-seven acres of land in its primitive condition. This place-the fine farm which he and his son Smith now occupy-was all cleared and in- -proved by his industry and toil, and he experienced all the privations and hardships which pioneers are subjected to. During the first part of his residence here he carried corn on his back to Meehoopany to have it ground. He took an active part in the work of converting what was then a wilderness into a beautiful and fertile farming country, and he is highly respected by all who know him for his indus- trious and upright life. Daniel Dornblazer was mar- ried, in Wyoming county. to Miss Rachel Miller, who was born January 9, 1814, in Hamilton township. Monroe county, and the following is a brief record of their family. Jolin Nelson, born October S. 1835, died January 6, 1863. while serving as a sol- dier in the Civil war; Edna, born August 10. 1839. married Joseph Klink, of Susquehanna county. an.1 clied in ISS5 : George W., born November 28. 1811. is engaged in farming in Wyoming county : Na' Ann, born April 13. 1844. married Kinley Transite. and died in 1884; Warren M., born December 1. 1846, is a farmer of Centermoreland. Wyoming county : Jonas, born March 9. 1849. died in chili- hood ; Jane, born January 2, 1851, died August 21. 1856: Smith is the subject proper of these line .: Harriet, born February 24. 1856, is the wife of Lets Courtright, a farmer of Russell Hill, Wyoming county. The mother of this family passed away August 18. 188.1. Daniel Dornblazer gives his alle- giance to the Democratic party, but he has never been an active politician.

During his boyhood Smith Dornblazer at-

- - -

1 1

1695

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tended the public schools in the neighborhood of the home farm, obtaining a good practical education. At the age of seventeen he began to work for neighboring farmers at general agricul- ture, to which he had been trained from his early years, and after beginning farming on his own account he rented farms for several years. After his mother's death he returned to the homestead, which he has ever since conducted for his father, who makes his home with him, and in addition he cultivates rented land, in all deriving a good in- come from his chosen calling. Mr. Dornblazer has also engaged in lumbering in the township, and in the winter time in Luzerne county, and in addition to farming he has for several years operated a threshing machine. He is universally known as an industrious, worthy citizen, meriting the respect and confidence of his fellow men, wherever he goes.

Mr. Dornblazer was married in Auburn town- ship to Miss Corinna Cool, who was born Decem- ber 21, 1853, daughter of G. R. and Mary ( Stowe) Cool, and they have two children, Bessie, born June 18, 1879, and Thomas J., born February 21, 1833, both at home. Our subject is a stanch Republican in political belief.

SHERMAN O. COSS, proprietor of the "Mountain Brook House" and the beautiful farm in Smithfield township on which it is located, is known as one of the most successful agriculturists and business men of this part of Monroe county, and although he is still a young man he is entitled, by reason of his ability and achievements, to rank among the most substantial citizens of the locality. He has developed a knowledge of farming and a capacity for good management which would do credit to a man with years of experience in the busi- ness world, and he is one of the native-born citi- zens of Monroe county of which she may well be proud.

Mr. Coss was born in June, 1866, in Middle Smithfield township, son of Daniel and grandson of Samuel Coss. who lived and died in the State of New Jersey. Samuel Coss had a family of four children: Oliver, Elias, Mary and Daniel, of whom Daniel was born in 1830, in Sussex county, N. J., where he passed his youth and early manhood. He received a good education in the public schools. and for a number of years was engaged in the teacher's profession. following the same both in his native State and in Monroe county, Penn., whither he came in 1850, locating in Middle Smithfield town- ship .. Mr. Coss learned the carpenter's trade dur- ing his early life, and he followed it to some extent for a number of years, but finally settled down to agricultural pursuits on the land he had purchased in Middle Smithfield, clearing out a large farm upon which he resided for many years. After the pio- necr labor of cutting off the lumber and putting the soil in arable condition was well under way Mr. Coss made numerous improvements in the equip-

ment and beautifying of his farm, upon which he erected a good dwelling and barn and substantial outbuildings, converting the place into one of the most desirable and highly improved properties of the township. He made his home there until 1891, when he and his wife took up their residence in a home he had purchased in Marshall's Creek, where they have since lived retired. Mr. Coss married Miss Lizzie Piter, and four children were born to them, namely: Della, Ida, Sherman O. and Sey- mour D. Della was born in 1862, received a thorough elementary and collegiate education, and for several years taught school successfully in Mon- roe county ; she is now the wife of George A. Bush, of Smithfield, and they make their home in Wilkes Barre, Penn., where Mr. Bush has been in the employ of the United States Express Co. for twelve years; they have no children. Ida attended the public schools and took her high school course in Philadelphia, where she graduated, subsequently engaging in teaching in the public schools for sev- eral terms ; she finally took up stenography, in which she became very proficient, and she held an im- portant position in a wholesale house in Philadel- phia, where she was taken sick and died in 1887. Seymour D. Coss is a graduate of the Kutztown ( Penn.) State Normal School and the Wilkes Barre Business College, and has been engaged in teaching in Monroe county for the past ten years. acquiring an enviable reputation as a competent and success- ful instructor ; he is unmarried, and resides with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Coss have always been identified with the Presbyterian Church. in whose support and work they have taken an active interest. They labored faithfully for many years to provide a comfortable home for their family, and they are now living in peaceful enjoyment of the fruits of their early toil, respected and honored by their many friends and neighbors in Marshall's Creek and throughout the locality.

In his early boyhood Sherman O. Coss at- tended the public schools of Smithfield township, later studying the higher branches in the select schools of Stroudsburg, and like the other members of his family he took up teaching, in which he was engaged for a few terms in Monroe county. In 1890 MIr. Coss was married to Miss Laura Kaul. who is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Monroe county, and the daughter of Lewis and Mary Kaul, prominent residents of Smithfield town- ship, and for several years the young couple made their home on one of his father's farms, where he carried on general farming. In 1894 Mr. Coss pur- chascd the Lewis Kaul homestead, the farm upon which he has since lived, a valuable tract. contain- ing 120 acres of fertile farm land. well cultivated and highly improved in every way, with a fine dwelling house and large, convenient outbuildings. This is considered one of the finest places in the township, well kept up in every respect. and for neatness is one of the characteristic features of Mr. Coss' home and surroundings. He has met with

1696

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

encouraging success in his farm work, in which he has displayed good judgment and a faculty for managing possessed by few, even of wide experi- ence. In addition to cultivating his large farmi he has for the past ten years been extensively engaged in handling farm implements and vehicles of all sorts, engines, threshers, cleaners, mowers, reapers, binders, wagons, buggies, etc., Courtland goods for the most part, which are well known all over the United States.

For the past few years Mr. Coss has opened his commodious home during the summer season to guests from various places seeking rest and recre- ation in this, the most beautiful and healthy locality in the State of Pennsylvania, in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountain region, 1,200 feet above tide- water. This part of Monroe county is noted far and wide for its beauty and picturesque grandeur, and "Mountain Brook House," near the famous Marshall's Creek falls, is charmingly situated, the surrounding scenery being generally considered the most attractive even in this locality of numerous and varied attractions. The air is pure and dry, malaria is unknown, there is an abundance of pure spring water, and numerous other natural allurements to those in search of health, with many well-known points of interest within easy reach-the mountains, Water Gap, Wind Gap, the Delaware Valley-for pleasure seekers in their walks or drives. The rooms in the house are large and provided with every modern convenience, well lighted and venti- lated, and newly furnished by Mr. Coss, who looks to the comfort of his guests in a most hospitable manner and leaves nothing undone which will add to their material enjoyment during their sojourn under his roof. The table is abundantly supplied with the best of everything from the city and local markets, the fruits and vegetables coming from the farm. All trains from New York on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western road and from Philadelphia on the Susquehanna line stop at Delaware Water Gap, Minsi and Stroudsburg, towns within easy driving distance, and there is no doubt that the ease with which this region may be reached from the large cities has added greatly to its popularity. Mr. Coss furnishes horses and carriages to those of his guests who desire them, and "Mountain Brook House" is well patronized by persons who desire a comfortable and quiet retreat where they can also secure the best accommodations.

Mr. Coss' first wife died in April, 1894, leav- ing two children-Harland, who was born in Sep- tember, 1892, and Laura E., born in January, 1894. In February, 1897, our subject was united in mar- riage with Miss Anna Dunn, of Stroudsburg, the daughter of Dexter Dunn, who was for many years a contractor on the Delaware, Lackawanna & West- ern road, continuing in that employ up to the time of his death; Mrs. Dunn is still a resident of Stroudsburg. The second union has been blessed with one son, Richard D. In religious connection Mr. Coss and his wife are members of the Lutheran

Church at Craig's Meadows. Politically he lias been a lifelong Democrat, but he takes no part in public affairs except as a voter.

CHARLES E. SMITH. Wayne county has many thorough-going and enterprising business men who have attained success through individual effort, and are to-day numbered among its well-to- do citizens. Among this number is Mir. Smith, of Dreher township, who is interested in several lines of business. He is a native of the county, born in South Sterling, December 15, 1855, and is a son of Louis R. and Christina ( Baillie ) Smith, well-known farming people, who are now living retired in New- foundland, Wayne county. The father was born in Palmyra township, Pike county, Penn., Decem- ber 16, 1832, the mother in Manchester, England. September 11, 1835. Our subject is the eldest of their children, the others being as follows: Horace A., Louis B., Ernest E., George A., Hugh B., David B. ( More extended mention is made of this family in connection with the sketch of David B. Smith on another page of this volume.)

Charles E. Smith was reared upon the home farm, and at the age of sixteen years began driving a stage between South Sterling and Moscow, Penn .. following that occupation for three years. At the end of that time he again took up farming upon his father's place, remaining with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when on his own account he took charge of a mail line between Stoddardsville and Gouldsboro, Penn., and conducted the same for a year and a half. He then went to Muscoda, Grant Co., Wis., where he engaged in railroad work and clerking in a hotel for three years. On his return to Wayne county he followed the butcher business for seven years, and has recently again taken up that business. He is also a life and fire insurance agent, buys and sells cattle and horses, and as an auctioneer has sold all kinds of goods in different parts of Pennsylvania for the past ten years. In January, 1896, he located upon his present farm of seventy-six acres in Dreher township, and has since successfully operated the same in connection with his other business.

In Grant county, Wis., Mr. Smith was married. September 26, 1881, to Miss Theressa Stark. by whom he has four children, namely: Harry E .. Charles, Hazel and Mabel. Mrs. Smith was born in Austria, October 12, 1856, and is a daughter of Joseph and Barbara ( Yuza ) Stark, also natives of that country, the former of German. and the latter of Bohemian extraction. In September. 1857. they emigrated to America and first located in Iowa county, Wis., where the father engaged in farming. but later they moved to Clear Lake, Iowa, and there the mother died in 1868, aged forty-five years. The father, who was born in June, 1827, is still living and now makes his home upon a farm in Grant county, Wis. By his first marriage he had the fol- lowing children: Josepli, a farmer of Muscoda ; Van, deceased; Frank, a farmer of Richland Cen-

- .

- ---

1697

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ter, Wis. ; John, a resident of Wisconsin ; Theressa, wife of our subject; Thomas; Frederick: Jacob; Edward; and Anthony and Elizabeth, twins. The father had no children by his second and third unions. His father, Joseph Stark, was a native of Germany, but died in Austria.

Being an accomplished violinist, Mr. Smith has often been employed to play for balls and other entertainments. Socially he belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and the American Protective As- sociation, and politically he is identified with the Republican party. For four years he capably filled the office of township auditor, and he has always been found true and faithful to every trust reposed in him, whether in public or private life.

JOHN LENZ. It would be difficult to find a more attractive building site, even in this pictur- esque region, than that occupied by the "Lamont Hotel," at Tracyville, Wayne county, now conducted by the subject of this biography. Situated upon an eminence, it commands a fine view of the Lacka- waxen river and a wide stretch of country, includ- ing the western part of the City of Honesdale. The Erie depot at Honesdale is conveniently located near by, and the house itself is commodious and well-arranged, containing every modern improve- ment. The genial proprietor is a man who is held in high esteem among all his associates, and al- though he has not long been a resident of the locality he has already made a host of friends.

.Mr. Lenz is of German birth and ancestry and his parents, John and Frances (Kroll) Lenz, were lifelong residents of the Fatherland, his father fol- lowing the mason's trade there for many years. When our subject was one year old his mother died and the father married a second wife, named Fran- ces Michaels, and after her death he formed a third matrimonial union, this time with Lorena Clom. To the first marriage there were born two chil- dren-Bertha, who died in Germany at the age of eleven years, and our subject, who is mentioned more fully farther on. There were no children born to the second union, but to the third there were five, namely: Clemens is a resident of Germany ; Clarissa married William Life. of Brooklyn. N. Y .; Joseph came in early manhood to New York City, where he married and engaged in business as a baker ; Jolin died in Germany in childhood: and William, a baker by trade, is unmarried and resides in New York.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of northeastern Pennsylvania, including the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe, Pt. 4, Part 85

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