Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, Part 110

Author: Floyd, J.L., & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, J. L. Floyd & Co.
Number of Pages: 1090

USA > Pennsylvania > Northumberland County > Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1 > Part 110

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identified with the affairs of the locality since set- tling there, and has served six years as a school director, acting also as secretary of the board. Lessman, who was. born March 4, 1824, daughter His political sympathies are with the Republican party, in which he is a zealous worker, has been committeeman of liis township for two years, and has been chosen delegate to various county con- ventions. Fraternally he holds membership in Millersburg Lodge, No. 364, F. & A. M .; in Com- · mandery No. 364, Knights of Malta: in Council No. 854, Jr. O. U. A. M., of Dalmatia ; and Di- vision No. 24, of the Telegraphers Union, with AMBROSE L. ZERBE, son of Philip, was born Aug. 13, 1853, in Lower Mahanoy township, where headquarters at Williamsport.

: On Feb. 7, 1890, Mr. Zerbe married Catharine he grew to manhood. The day before his father Wright, daughter of James and Mary E. (Rape) Wright, the former of whom came to America on a farm, and he continued to hire out among from Ireland. Four children have been born to farmers until he reached the age of twenty, after this union : Mary Irene, Catharine Elizabeth, which he was employed in the lumber business at Thomas Clarence and James Henry.

Williamsport for a few years. He also learned the trade of stonemason, which he followed for seven years. In 1882 he purchased his present went to the war he obtained a place for the boy

Philip Zerbe, founder of the other branch of the family now so. well known in Lower Mahanoy, farm in Lower Mahanoy township, a tract of 116 was born Dec. 17, 1776, lived between County acres which was formerly the Jacob Schneider Line and Malta, in Lower Mahanoy township, and farm and subsequently owned by the latter's son owned the farm now the property of Alexander Frederick Schneider, from whom Mr. Zerbe pur- Deppen, a large and valuable tract. He died Nov. chased it. He has since cultivated and improved 19, 1857, and is buried at Zion's Stone Valley this place, building his substantial house in 1887, Church, as is also. his wife. Elizabeth, who was and he has attained a position among the pros- horn Dec. 12, 1779, and died April 14, 1837. They perous agriculturists of his section. He has served had children as follows: Philip P., born Dec. 24, six years as school director of his township, and 1808, who lived and died in Lower Mahanoy and has been an active member of the Lutheran con- is buried at Vera Cruz (he died Jan. 24, 1862) ; gregation of the Vera Cruz Church, in which he Peter, who lived in Lower Mahanoy, and died at has held office for many years, having been deacon, Tower City (he had a daughter Susan) ; Joseph; elder and, at present, trustce. In politics he is

Benjamin, who never married: David; Gabriel; and Julia, who married William Lower and (sec- ond) Joseph Schaffer.

a Republican.

In 1875 Mr. Zerbe married Sarah Jane Tschopp, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Zerbe) Tschopp, the latter a daughter of Joseph Zerbe. Five sons were born to this union, two dying in infancy. We have the following record of the others: (1) William Landis, born March 7, 1877, was edu-

Joseph Zerbe, son of Philip, was born in Lower Mahanoy township, and there owned the farm now in the possession of William Zyders, which he sold upon his removal to Iowa, in 1858. There he re- sumed farming, under primitive conditions at first, cated in the local schools and at the Keystone and passed the remainder of his days, living to State normal school at Kutztown, and has been an advanced age. He died in Cedar county, Iowa, engaged in teaching since 1895, continually in and is buried there. His wife, whose maiden Lower Mahanoy township, having a permanent

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certificate in twenty-four branches. He was mar- engaged at different vocations, in the northern ried to Annie Sophia Lahr, daughter of John and part of the State, and in 1903 he settled down to farining in his native township, where he has since remained. The farm of 127 acres which he cultivates is located along the Mahantango creek, and is in excellent condition, giving ample evi- dence of the intelligent care bestowed upon it. He carries on his work along modern lines, and in fact is progressive and aggressive in everything in which he takes an interest. He enjoys the confi- dence of his fellow citizens to an unusual degree, and has been intrusted with public responsibilities - of various kinds, having served his township as auditor, school director, tax collector and asses- sor. He is still holding the office of school di- rector, his experience as an educator making him a particularly useful man in that position, and he is giving his own family all possible advantages. Hannah (Boyer) Lahr, on Nov. 6, 1902, and they lived at Dalmatia from May, 1903, to September, 1908, since when they have resided on a proper- ty Mr. Zerbe purchased, a half mile north of Mal- ta (Vera Cruz). They have had four children : William . Ambrose, Aug. 15, 1904 (died Jan. 30, 1905) ; Katie Alvesta, May 26, 1907 (died June 26, 1907) ; Emmett John, May 27, 1909; and Irv- ing Herbert, July 3, 1911. Fraternally Mr. Zerbe belongs to Camp No. 9074, Modern Woodmen of America, and Council No. 854, Jr. O. U. A. M., both of Dalınatia. (2) Charles Henry, born Aug. 2, 1879, was educated in the local schools and at the Central State normal school, at Lock Haven, Pa., and has been engaged in teaching since 1903, continually in Lower Mahanoy township, having a permanent certificate. In 1899 he was married On Sept. 25, 1888, Mr. Zerbe married Mary A. Messer, daughter of Isaac and Susanna (Zerbe) Messer, of Paxton, Pa., whither they moved froni Lower Mahanoy in 1886. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Zerbe : Alva M., Susan M., Edith F., Sarah E .. Charles R. and Isaac M. Mi. Zerbe and his family are Lutherans, belonging to St. Paul's Church at Vera Cruz, which he has served as deacon. Politically he is a Republican. to Katie Amelia Shoffer, daughter of Jonathan J. and Naomi (Witmer) Shoffer, and with the exception of a six months' residence at Pillow they . have lived at Malta, now occupying a substantial house, formerly owned by his father and his grand- mother. While at Pillow Mr. Zerbe was employed at the Pillow Grange store. Three daughters have been born to him and his wife: Florence Naomi, Sept. 16, 1899; Arlene Sarah, Dec. 28, 1901, and Clara Miriam, Oct. 6, 1910. Fraternally Mr. Zerbe holds membership in Dalmatia Camp No. 9074, Modern Woodmen of America. (3) Rob- ert Blaine, born Jan. 17, 1892, also attended the · public schools, and Freeburg Academy, was li- censed to teach in 1909, at the age of seventeen years, and taught his first term in West Cameron township; he has since been engaged in Lower Mahanoy township.

Like the father, this family is identified with the Lutheran Church at Vera Cruz. and promi- nent in the Sunday school, the sons being respec- tively superintendent, secretary and organist, as well as teachers.

CHARLES W. ZERBE, son of Philip, was born Nov. 12, 1857, in Lower Mahanoy township, where he has passed practically all his life. He received his education in the common schools and at the Soldiers' Orphans' school at White Hall. Pa., and in 1880 obtained a license to teach public school from County Superintendent W. P. Scharf, of Snyder county, taking his first position in the fall of that year, at Aline. Returning to Lower Ma- hanoy in 1883, he was examined by Professor Wol- verton, then superintendent of public schools in Northampton county, and passing was installed at the. Union schoolhouse, where he continued for that term. He taught eight terms in all in Lower Mahanoy, and two terms in Upper Paxton town- ship, Dauphin county, and made a high reputation in the profession for conscientious and efficient work. For the next seven years Mr. Zerbe was

Alva Messer Zerbe, son of Charles W., was born June 1, 1889, was educated in the common schools, at Freeburg Academy, and Pennsylvania Business College, Lancaster, Pa., and has been teaching school since 1910 in Lower Mahanoy township. On June 18, 1910, lie married Esther Amelia . Kopenhaver, daughter of Williamn L. and Cora (Snyder) Kopenhaver, and a son, Clinton Eugene, was born to them Jan. 8, 1911. Mr. Zerbe is prominently identified with the Lutheran Church and Sunday school, serving the latter as officer and teacher; his wife is a member of the Reformed Church.

B. FRANK ZERBE, son of Philip, was born June 7, 1862, in Lower Mahanoy township, where he is now engaged in farming. He was reared in his native township and began his education in the public schools there, when eight years old entering the Soldiers' Orphans' school at White Hall, two miles west of Harrisburg, in Cumberland county, Pa., where he remained until he reached the age of sixteen. Returning to live with his mother in his native township. he worked some years for his brother William, from 1885 to 1900, assisting him in the plastering business. Since 1899 he has re- sided at his present home, west of Vera Cruz, hav- ing a farm of twenty acres formerly owned by Jacob Schrover and earlier by the Snyder family. As the cultivation of this place does not occupy all his time he also assists neighboring farmers, and is known as an industrious, reliable man, one who has made his way by his own efforts.

On Oct. 2. 1897, Mr. Zerbe married Annie B.

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Rothermel, and they commenced housekeeping in Lee and Maizie I. Mr. Zerby and his family are 1898 at Georgetown, the following year removing Lutheran members of the Church at Klingerstown, which he has served as deacon for three terms of two years each. 1 to their present home. They have five children : Tennye May, Bertha Emelie, Mark Stanley, Philip Andrew and Harry Franklin. Mr. Zerbe and his family are Lutheran members of the Vera Cruz Church, which he is at present serving as deacon, and he is also active in the work of the Sunday school. In politics he is a Republican.

Mrs. Annie B. (Rothermel) Zerbe is a grand- . daughter of Isaac and Lydia Rothermel and daugh- ter of Andrew and Sarah (Zartman) Rothermel, who were the parents of nine children : George, Ida, Oscar, Annie B., Charles, Linda, Emma, Alice and Adam.

David Zerbe, son of Philip (1776-1857) and Elizabeth Zerbe, was born in Lower Mahanoy township, where he passed nearly all his life. By

Christian Zerbe, who lived in Kelly township, in what is now Union county, Pa., is mentioned in the history of Union county as a trustee of the first Lutheran Church there. His purchase of land there might have been recorded in the North- umberland county office. He married Maria Chris- tina Strauss, daughter of John Philip Strauss, and their children, as recorded at the Lutheran Church of Rehrersburg, were born as follows : John George, March 20, 1774; John, Feb. 15, 1776; Maria Catharine, Jan. 16, 1778; Susanna, Jan. 31, 1780; Jacob, Feb. 8, 1782; Mary Chris- tina, Oct. 8, 1783; Henry, Nov. 11, 1785; Mary Salome, Oct. 29, 1787; Elizabeth, May 25, 1789;

trade he was a carpenter and postmaker, and he Anna Mary, April 26, 1792; Samuel, May 24, also burned lime. He was well known in his vicin- 1795. ity, having held local office. was a Democrat in politics and a Lutheran in religion, and is buried

DAVID ZERBE, a respected farmer citizen of Low- at St. Paul's (Schwartz's) Church at Urban. He er Mahanoy township, was born Dec. 17, 1844, and .died April 8, 1908, aged eighty-two years, two has followed farming practically all liis life. On

months, fourteen days. Mr. Zerbe married Lydia

Aug. 13, 1864, he enlisted for three years in the (Ressler) Wetzel, who was born April 18, 1826, Union service, becoming a private of Company H, daughter of Solomon Ressler, and first married Solomon Wetzel. She is living at Trevorton, in failing health. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Zerbe: Frank, a resident of Trevorton ; William A .; and Mary, wife of George Trautman, of Shamokin. 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and had served but one year of his term when discharged because of the termination of the war. From childhood he was employed among farmers, continuing thus until twenty-four years old. For a short time he fol- lowed blacksmithing, and he later was engaged at the carpenter's trade in his native township for ten years. In 1870 he began farming in Lower Ma- hanoy township, and he purchased the farm of

1902. It is fertile land, located along the Mahan- tango creek, and was at one time the home of Dan- iel Frantz. Mr. Zerbe has prospered by industry . and good management, and he has a nice home, acquired by his own efforts. He has served two years as overseer of the poor in his township.

WILLIAM A. ZERBY, son of David and Lydia (Ressler) Zerbe, was born March 18, 1864, in Jor- dan township. He was reared to farm life, work- ing for his parents until he reached his majority, seventeen acres which he now occupies in the year after which he began farming at his present home in Jordan township. His first work on his own account was as a lumber inerchant, and he estab- lished a sawmill as the increase of his business de- manded, having operated same since 1892 in con- nection with his agricultural work. He has lum- bered over three counties, Northumberland, In 1868 Mr. Zerbe married Sarah Schaffer, who was born in 1844, daughter of Franklin and Mary (Troutman) Schaffer, and she died leaving no children. On Thanksgiving Day, 1901, Mr. Zerbe married Agnes Klinger, daughter of Samuel Klinger, of Uniontown. Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Zerbe are members of the Reformed congregation at Zion's (Stone Valley) Church, in which he has been a prominent worker, having served eighteen years as deacon, and five years as elder. On politi- cal questions he is a Republican. Schuylkill and Dauphin, selling his product in the coal region, and employing as many as twenty men, besides teamsters and help to cultivate his farm. His home place consists of forty-eight acres in Jordan township, on the road leading from Hebe to Klingerstown. and was formerly the John Wiest homestead. It is only part of a much larger tract as the land was originally laid out. Mr. Zerby is a Democrat and has been active in the interest of his party in lower Northumberland county. He has served as school director, and is a public-spirited citizen in every respect.

RICHARD H. SIMMONS. M. D., county medi- On June 12, 1888, Mr. Zerby married Emma cal inspector for Northumberland county, and Knorr, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Feth- physician-in-charge of Pennsylvania Dispensary erolf) Knorr, and they have had six children: Ed- No. 53 at Shamokin, is one of the most popular ward, Charles R., Clarence R., Lulu A., Homer, medical practitioners of this county. He resides

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

at No. 116 South Sixth street, Shamokin. He have come one daugliter, Vera S., and one son, was born in Cornwall, England, July 5, 1869, son Carl B., the latter dying in infancy. of George T. Simmons.

lowed farming in England, owning two farms. He land county. John Jacob Seiler, a native of east-

Henry Simmons, grandfather of the Doctor, fol- also carried on a hotel business. He made one visit to Ameriea to see his son, then living in Michigan. He married Mary Bartle, and both died in England. Their children were: Henry, Richard John, William, James, Edwin, George T., Mary, Joseph, and two that died in infaney.

George T. Simmons, son of Henry and father of Dr. Richard H .. was born. in Cornwall. England, Dee. 24, 1847. He came to Ameriea in May, 1869, landing in New York City. He spent one year in Michigan, and came to Shamokin, Pa., in 1869. At first he engaged as a miner, but later opened a grocery store, which he condueted for twenty-one years, retiring in 1903. He married in England Anna Hocking, a native of that country. Their children were: G. Clarenee, teller in the Market Street National Bank, at Shamokin; Zella H., at home; and Riehard H.

Richard H. Simmons was born July 5, 1869, and was but eighteen months old when brought to Am- erica. He attended the local schools of Shamokin, and later the high school, and began work as a clerk in the drug store of H. A. Shissler, after which he went to Philadelphia and entered the eni- ploy of William Cliffe, in the same line of work. He gained.a practical insight in the business, and finding it eongenial determined to enter the medi- cal profession. In 1890 he became a student at the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1893 re- ceived his degree of M. D. He located at Shamno- kin, where he has established a large practice, having risen rapidly in his profession ; he has held a number of positions that have proved his worth. At the present time he is filling the office of eounty. medieal inspcetor, appointed by Samuel G. Dixon, of Harrisburg, through the Pennsylvania Health Department. He is also physician-in-charge of Pennsylvania Dispensary No. 53, Shamokin.

Politically the Doctor is a stanch Republiean. His religious eonneetion is with the Reformed Church. During his eollege days he played left end on the football team, 1891-92-93, and was one of those who helped to make the team famous dur- ing those years. He is a member of the Medieal Club of Philadelphia, and the Engineer Club of Central Pennsylvania, located at Harrisburg. Fra- · ternally he is a Mason of high degree, belonging to Shamokin Lodge, No. 255,. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master ; Shamokin Chapter, No. 264, R. A. M. : Shamokin Commandery, No. 77, K. T .; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O, N. M. S., of Reading.

On June 12, 1895, Dr. Simmons was united in marriage to Cora B. Seiler, daughter of Emanuel G. Seiler, of Shamokin, and to bless this union

SEILER. The Seiler family to which Mrs. Sim- mons belongs has long been known in Northumber-

ern Pennsylvania, of German extraction, settled in Little Mahanoy township, where he was en- gaged in farming. He became known for his great strength. He was born May 22, 1780, and died Mareh 12, 1866. The maiden name of his wife was Kuntzman.

Daniel Seiler, son of John Jaeob, followed the wheelwright's trade until 1845, when he pur- chased a farm in the Mahantango Valley, and en- gaged in its cultivation from that time until his death, Aug. 27, 1877 .. He was one of five who were the first to espouse the cause of the new Republican party in his township, and he was always active in polities. He held the offiees of deacon and elder in the Reformed Church. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Geist, were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, namely: Jacob, a farmer on the old homestead ; Emanuel G .; Mary Magdalene, widow of John K. Haas, of Shamokin; Daniel G., head of the commission house of D. G. Seiler & Co., of Shamokin; Sarah Ann, who married Aaron H. Haupt, of Shamokin ; Aaron, of Shamokin; Felix G., member of the firm of D. G. Seiler & Co .; and Isaac G., who resides at Selinsgrove, Snyder Co., Pennsylvania.

Emanuel G. Seiler, son of Daniel and father of Mrs. Simmons, was born in Mahanoy township June 21, 1847. He worked on his father's farm and attended the township sehools until he was about eighteen years old. After learning the car- penter's trade he followed that occupation for sev- eral years in his home neighborhood and in Shamo- kin. In 1869 he eame to Shamokin and opened a sinall store, which his care and good judgment de- veloped into a good paying business. In 1871 he formed a partnership with J. K. Haas, and they opened a small store at Pine and Second streets, carrying a stock of dry goods, groceries and con- feetionery. At the end of five years Mr. Haas re- tired taking the dry goods business, and Mr. Seiler eontinited the grocery and eonfeetionery de- partments. The business was gradually enlarged and in 1879 Henry S. Zimmerman became a part- ner, the firm becoming E. G. Seiler & Co. By this time a wholesale jobbing business had been added, and it so developed that the retail busi- ness was sold. Prosperity seemed to choose this firm for her especial protege, and the business has expanded and grown, till new buildings have been erected, new members admitted to partnership, warehouses have been built. The present style is Seiler, Zinnerman, Otto & Co., and thirteen men are employed, including three traveling salesmen who cover all territory within a radius of three

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Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, Part 110

Author: Floyd, J.L., & Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago, J. L. Floyd & Co. Number of Pages: 1090

Author: Floyd, J.L., & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, J. L. Floyd & Co.
Number of Pages: 1090