Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, Part 42

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 42

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Large portions of the works were destroyed by the "Resolved second that in Samuel Wilson Mur- ray we have seen an unusual exemplification of the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ : in his unsullied personal life; his strict business inter- rity : his spirit of practical brotherly kindness: his broad Christian charity ; his humble but unswery- ing loyalty to the Kingdom of Christ, and his great fire of 1880, and rebuilt on a larger scale, having been replaced by substantial stone and brick buildings, and every department was amply supplied with the most approved machinery and appliances. Connected with the plant was a saw- mill for the manufacture of the oak lumber used in the business, and sixteen acres of pool for the personal love and devotion to the church of his storage of logs, which were purchased along the choice.

Susquehanna river and its tributaries and brought

"Resolved third that we recognize the distin- from Muncy dam by the canal. . The works, lo- guished and conscientious fidelity with which he discharged every responsibility imposed upon him by the church : having in his nearly fifty years of

cated between the Philadelphia & Erie railroad and the West Branch canal, with a branch from the Philadelphia & Reading railroad running to membership in this church filled and honored these the premises, enjoyed unusual transportation fa- various official relations with characteristic quiet cilities. Under the most efficient management, dignity and sound judgment.

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"Resolved fourth that we gratefully acknowledge munity. He possessed a strong personality. He his large-hearted generosity in the bestowal of his had a wonderful memory, was a keen observer and means in the liberal support of the church in her local and general enterprises, his large contribu- tions to charitable, educational and benevolent causes, and the spirit of helpful kindness with which he responded to every worthy appcal. a man of remarkable versatility and mental grasp. He had an inventive mind and a strong inclina- tion to literature. He was a great reader and had traveled extensively in this and foreign lands. He was a forceful speaker, a sound reasoner and a "Resolved fifth that we extend to the family of our translated brother our profoundest sympathy in the great loss they suffer in his departure, but rejoice with them that a kind Providence permit- ted them to enjoy for so many years his wise and kindly counsels and his saintly fellowship. pleasing and entertaining conversationalist. He was a man of the strictest integrity, with an un- blemished character, and his life stands out and reflects the highest ideal of the upright man. Mr. Murray always had the courage of his convictions. He stood boldly and aggressively for what he be- "Resolved sixth that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased, and also that they be published in the city papers and be entered upon the records of the church." lieved to be right and he was unswerving in his devotion to any cause he espoused. He was a man of generous impulses and without ostentation has given away vast sums. Hundreds of families have felt his generosity who never knew from whence it came. While Mr. Murray has not been active in business for a few years, due to declining health, his loss will be keenly felt by the whole commun- ity."

Mr. Murray reached his eightieth year, dying at his home on North Front street, Milton, June 15, 1909. In poor health for several years, he had spent most of the winter and spring at Old Point Comfort, coming home a few days before his death, which was unexpected. The veneration and high On Dec. 17, 1866, Mr. Murray married Sarah Matilda Meckly, daughter of Dr. John Meckly, of Milton, who survives him. Two children were born to this union, John Heber and Helen Be- atrice, the former of whom died June 18, 1895. esteem in which he was held were seen in the many marks of honor paid at the funeral. The banks and practically all other business places of the city were closed during the funeral hour as a spe- cial mark of respect, and the services were largely attended by citizens of all classes. Eloquent and JOSEPH E. PENSYL, of Paxinos, Northun- berland county, has been a resident of that place impressive tributes to his character and standing were paid by his pastor and a former pastor of the since 1896 and devotes the greater part of his at- M. E. Church, where the services were held. The tention to the lumber business, in which he has remains were interred in the Upper cemetery at built up a prosperous trade. He is well known in Milton. We quote the following from the pastor's public life, having served the community in vari- address: "For half a century he has gone out and ous official capacities, and is considered a capable and reliable man, able to handle any work he un- in among you. His life was an open book and was read by all. There was not a page in it that need- dertakes. ed to be concealed or that might not be read by all the community. He had high and clear con- ceptions of right and an unusual sense of fine moral distinctions. The standards of business in- tegrity are higher in this community because he lived here. To have lived a public business life in a community for fifty years in this age of corrupt business practices without any man being able to place the finger upon a single dishonorable or even questionable business transaction, is an imperish- able monument to the transcendent moral great- ness of the man's character."

The Milton Evening Standard had the follow- ing editorial in its issue of June 16. 1909: "In the death of Samuel Wilson Murray, which occurred at his home on North Front street. last night, Mil- ton loses one of her most distinguished and hon- ored citizens. He came to Milton ahnost a half century ago and established the first industrial en- terprise of any magnitude in our town-the Mil- ton car works. He has been all these years'a con- spicuous figure in the industrial. commercial, fi- nancial, social and moral development of the com-

Mr. Pensyl was born March 16, 1862, in Ralpho township, this county, son of David R. Pensyl, and is a member of one of the pioneer families of this region. Jacob Pensyl (or Bentzel), his great- great-grandfather, was a native of Germany, and coming to America made his home in Northumber- land .county, Pa., taking up fifty acres of land at the present site of the borough of Shamokin. His location was where the "Eagle Hotel" now stands. Afterward he abandoned this place and took up a. 200-acre tract in Ralpho township (where his great-grandson, David R. Pensyl, later resided) to which he moved. He had one son, John.

John Pensyl, son of Jacob, was born in 1267 and was nine years old when his father settled at what is now Shamokin. He was a member of the Ger- man Reformed Church. one of the organizers and original members of the old Blue Church in Ralpho township. and donated an acre of ground for church purposes. the edifice of that congregation being located thereon to this day. He died upon the homestead in Ralpho township in April. 1849. at the age of eighty-two. John Pensyl married

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Barbara Hinkle, and to them were born five chil- time he has become interested in the lumber busi- dren : Kate, who married Frederick Lebie; Leah, ness, supplying timber for the Shipman Coal Com- who married John Fisher: John, who was twice pany's and Buck Ridge collieries. Eight men and married ; George, born Aug. 1, 1799; and Leon- two four-horse teams are kept constantly busy at ard.

Leonard Pensyl. son of John and Barbara (Hin- kle) Pensyl, was born May 11, 1804. on the home- stead in Ralpho township, and died Oct. 1. 1883 [date is also given Oct. 31. 1884]. He was a farm- er by occupation. He was an active member of the German Reformed Church, which he served as deaeon and elder for twenty-one years: in pol- ities he was a Demoerat. He married Elizabeth Kaseman, daughter of Frederiek William Kase- man, of Ralpho township, and to this union wer? born three children : Sarah S., born July 3, 1828, died Jan. 3, 1908, who was the wife of Daniel H Adams, of Ralpho township; Daniel, who died Jan. 24, 1834, aged seven months, sixteen days; and David R.

David R. Pensyl, son of Leonard, was born Sept. 25, 1835, on the old Pensyl homestead, which he inherited, following farming there throughout his aetive years, except for a short time when he was in the mercantile business, which he started in 1857 and carried on for two years. He had over two hundred aeres of land. Mr. Pensyl died Feb. 15, 1910, and is buried at the Blue ehureh. He

was a member of that ehureh, and socially was a Mason, holding membership in Shamokin lodge. 'F. & A. M:, and in the Conelave. Though a Dem- oerat in polities and interested in the success of his party, he never took any aetive part in its af- fairs or in publie matters of any kind.

In 1859 Mr. Pensyl married Carolina Fry, daughter of Joseph Fry, and eleven children were born to their union: Lenora, who is the wife of Alonzo D. Smink. of Shamokin, and has children. Florenee (wife of Robert Roth and the mother of children, Robert L. and Harriet L.) and Renben L .; Joseph E .: Laura, wife of Joseph B. Hill. of Tharptown. Pa .: Leonard, a resident of Sham- okin : David J., living at Weigh Scales. Northum- berland eounty: Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of George Burkert: Hannah, living at Mount Carmel, Pa. : Cora, wife of Frank Leader, a mer- ehant of Mount Carmel: Bertha M., who died in in faney : Oscar W., member of the firm of Paul & Pensyl, butchers of Shamokin: and Carrie F .. George Pontius, son of John, was the great- grandfather of Abraham W. Pontius. He lived in Buffalo Valley, in Snyder (now Union) county, and died at a comparatively early age. He is buried at Smith Grove church. He had sons Thomas ( who is buried in Snyder county) and deeeased, who was the wife of Rutherford Haves. . Joseph E. Pensyl attended the Kaseman sehool in his native township. He was reared to farmi- ing, which he continued to follow for a number of years, owning a farm at the Blue church which he later sold to his brother-in-law, G. J. Snyder. . George. For ten years he farmed the ground which has George Pontius, son of George, was born in Jackson township. Snyder county, where he lived and owned the farm which later became the prop- since been sold to the Blue Church for cemetery purposes, this being the new part of the burial ground at that church. In 1896 he moved to Pax- erty of his son Henry. He married Susan Snyder. inos, where he has since made his home. Mean- who died aged seventy-five years, three months.

this work, Mr. Pensyl doing quite an extensive business. Since his removal to this point he has been almost continuously identified with public affairs, having served fourteen years as constable of Shamokin township and for some time as tax collector. While a resident of Ralpho township he was eonstable for two years and supervisor for three years. He is identified with the Democratic party, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., belong- ing to Elvsburg Lodge. In religion he adheres to the Reformed faith, being a member of the Blue Church.

Mr. Pensyl married Elizabeth Snyder, daughter of Isaac Snyder. They have no children.

ABRAHAM W. PONTIUS, of Sunbury, whole- sale and retail dealer in iee cream and confection- ery, which he also manufactures, began that busi- ness in a modest way in 1894 and has made a nota- ble suceess, displaying enterprise and executive ability which would have insured him prosperity in any line. His modern, well kept establishment is a credit to the borough and his career has been active and honorable, for he has come to the front by hard work and close application to the highest principles in all his dealings.

Mr. Pontius is a native of Snyder county. Pa .. born Jan: 4, 1870, son of Henry Pontius and grandson of George Pontius. Jolm Pontius. his first ancestor in America, was born in 1:18 in Alsace, and arrived here in 1738, locating in Tul- pehoeken. Berks Co., Pa. In 1743 he married Anna Catherine Zellers, daughter of John Zellers. and they had quite a large family, the sons being : (John) Henry, born in 1744: (John) Peter, born in 1247: John, born in 1251: Andrew Michael; George, and Frederick. Of these. Peter was a soldier in Capt. John Lesher's company from Berks county, during the Revolutionary war. and was in the battle of Long Island. All of the sons were pioneers, several being among the first settlers in Buffalo Valley, in what is now Union county. Pa., and many of the next generation were among the early settlers in Ohio and Illinois.

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twenty-one days, Mr. Pontius attaining the age resides at Lewisburg, retired. He is a member of of eighty-three. He was a member of the Reformed the United Evangelical Church. Mr. Heiser mar- ried Phoebeann Missuna, who died in 1907. at the age of seventy-four years, and they had chil- dren : James H. (died young), Edwin S., Willis D., Phoebe, Elmer E., C. Regina, M. Edith and Enima Irene (died aged seventy-four years). Church, his wife of the Lutheran Church. They had a family of six children, namely: Henry; George, of Lewisburg. Pa .; Mary, wife of Lemekus Stocker : Catharine. wite of Daniel Benfer ; Susan- na, who is unmarried : and Elizabeth, wife of Con- rad Maurer.

Henry Pontius, son of George, was born in 1828 in Jackson township, Snyder county, and died Jan. 21. 1897. He is buried at the U. E. church at Kratzerville, Snyder county, of which church he was long an active member. He was one of its organizers and for many years a pillar of the con- gregation, serving as class-leader, exhorter, and in various official positions, the duties of which he discharged with zeal and efficiency. In politics he was a Republican, and he served many years as assessor of Monroe township, Snyder county. By occupation he was a farmer, owning a tract of one hundred acres. His wife, Sarah ( Heiser). daughter of David Heiser, of Snyder county. died in 1904, aged sixty-nine years. They had two children : Laura. who married Elmer Greiner, and Abraham W. Mr. and Mrs. Greiner now live on the Henry Pontius homestead.

There were at least two members of the Heiser family serving in the Revolutionary war, Gotleib) Heiser having been a private in Captain Ritter's company from Berks county: and there was one John Heiser in that war from Pennsylvania.

The Federal Census Report of 1:90 records the names of Henry, Charles and Ulrich Heiser, heads of families from Brunswick and Manheim town- ships, Berks (now Schuylkill ) county.

David Heiser, a son of one of the three named as heads of families in 1790, was married to Elizabeth Rudolfe. He lived in the Buffalo Valley, in Union county, Pa., and they are buried at Bath, Pa. They had these children : Henry. John, Daniel, Christian, David, Molly ( never mar- ried), Mrs. Krebs, Mrs. Showers and Mrs. Pat- terson.

David Heiser, son of David, was born in Mifflin county, Pa., in 1794, and died in 1857. He is buried at Kratzerville, in Snyder county. He was a stonemason by trade and also a farmer. In reli- gion lie united with the Evangelical Churel, and in politics he was an old-line Whig. His wife, Magdalena (Iummhoff ), was born in 1800, in Lan- easter county, and died in 1867. She, too, is buried at Kratzerville. They had children : John, Henry, David, Elizabeth. Daniel, Sarah. (married Henry Pontius), Abraham, Susan, Mary, Benjamin and Anne.

Daniel Heiser, son of David, born in 1830, in Union (now Snyder) county, was a farmer, miller and merchant for forty years, and took part in local public affairs in his active years, serving as school director nine years and assessor. He now

Abraham W. Pontius received a common schoo! education in the home locality in Snyder county, ' and was reared to farming pursuits, which he followed until twenty-four years old. Coming to Sunbury at that age, in 1894, he has since devoted himself to his present line of business. He began with a retail confectionery and ice cream store at No. 231 Market square, near the courthouse, con- tinuing at that loeation for eleven years. During the first three years he confined himself to the retail trade, but soon branched out as a wholesale dealer, until his customers are now drawn from a territory embracing seven counties. In 1904 he built the Pontius building, at Nos. 404-406 Market street, which he has since occupied. It is three stories high, of light brick with gray stone trin- ming, with a frontage of 30 feet on Market street and 104 feet in depth, extending back to the whole- sale room, which fronts on No. 16 North Fourth street, and which is 18 by 40 feet in dimensions. The buildings are connected, and there are en- trances on both Market street and North Fourth street. The upper part of the Pontius building is finished for use as offices, lodge rooms and dwelling rooms. Mr. Pontius has made an addi- tion to the main building, 18 by 36 feet in dinen- sions, where he manufactures and stores his ice cream. He has all the most modern machinery and applianees for manufacturing ice cream and confectionery, and his retail store is most attrac- tively arranged and fitted. The tiled floor and wainscoting, large mirrors, and other tasteful ap- pointments, give it a wholesome, inviting appear- ance which appeals to the patrons. There are ac- commodations for serving a hundred and sixty customers at one time, if necessary, and the es- tablishment is one of the most popular places of its kind in Sunbury. Both retail and wholesale departments are condueted in the most hygienic manner, a fact which brings the best class of trade in the vicinity. Mr. Pontius has eight employees. He ships his iee cream and candy throughout cen- tral Pennsylvania. His enterprise has drawn him into other loeal business interests, and he was one of the promoters of the Sunbury National Bank. of which he is a director. He was instrumental in having the present loeation of the bank, on Market street, ehosen for the site of its building and served as a member of the building committee. This structure adjoins the Pontius building, which was so planned that it is in harmony as to exterior with the bank building. being apparently a con- tinuation of it.

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On Jan. 22, 1896, Mr. Pontius married Jennie his family belonging to the Lutheran congregation Conrey, daughter of J. C. Conrey, of Northum- at the Himmel Church. He was very regular in berland, this county, and they have had one son, C. Henry. He and his family are members of the First U. E. Church of Sunbury, in which he is very active, at present serving as steward and treasurer. In 1910 he was a delegate to the gen- eral conference which met at Cantou, Ohio. Mr. Pontius is a Republican, and served two years as councilman of the Second ward. Fraternally he . belongs to True Cross Commandery, No. 122, Knights of Malta, and to two insurance orders, the Royal Areanum and the Protected Home Circle- all of Sunbury.

DANIEL G. FEGER, a farmer in the eastern end of Washington township. was born Aug. 10, 1850, at the place where he now lives, which was also his father's home.

Conrad Feger, his grandfather, was a native of Berks county, Pa., coming thence to Northumber- land county before his marriage. Here he wedded Hosanna Fisher, and they lived in Northumberland county for about twenty years. at the end of that

where they are buried. Conrad Feger followed distilling as well as farming. He lived to the age of ninety-two years, his wife dying some years previously. They were Lutherans in religions faith. Their children were born in Northumber- land county, and all but Joseph, the eldest, accom- panied them out to Ogle county, Ill., he having married previous to the removal and his wife pre- ferring to remain in Northumberland, her native county. The family was as follows: Joseph, John, Daniel, Samuel, Conrad, Peter, David, Harry, Isaac, Sarah; Elizabeth, Katie and Rosie. Con- rad Feger had a cousin George, who conducted' a

his attendance on church services, and was an active worker in the church, serving as deacon, elder and trustee. His first wife, Molly ( Geist ). daughter of Andrew and Catharine (Snyder) Geist, of Upper Mahanoy township, was born April 19, 1812, and died Sept. 29, 1863. They had six children: An- drew married Malissa Michael and had three chil- dren, Charles O., George W. and Joseph, the last named deceased : they lived in Dongola, Union Co., Ill. Harriet married Adam Cherry, and they lived in Upper Mahanoy township, where her father, Joseph Feger, died. Mary (deceased) married Henry Otto and lived at Shamokin, this county. Sarah married William H. Otto and they live at Pottsville, Pa. Andelina (deceased ) mar- ried Henry Schminkey and lived at Ashland, Pa .. Daniel G. is mentioned below. For his second wife Mr. Feger married Mrs. Anna ( Wolfgang) Gotts- hall Herb, her first husband having been Samuel Gottshall. her second Daniel Herb and her third Joseph Feger.

Daniel G. Feger attended subscription school 'period moving out to Ogle county, Ill. There . during his boyhood, but not for long. He was they took up 160 acres of land for which they paid reared to farm life, which he has followed prac- $1.25 per acre, followed farming, and prospered, tically all his life, for though a carpenter he en- passing the remainder of their days in that county, gaged at the trade only one season. In 1869 he began farming on his own account at his present home, his farm consisting of ninety-six acres. In 190; he remodeled the old part of his residence and . built the new part. Mr. Feger has always been a successful farmer and has his land in good shape. His recreation is hunting, and he has shot many rabbits and raccoons, shooting usually seventy-five rabbits during the season. He was the champion raccoon and fox hunter of his district for many years. having caught and shot as many as twenty- six raccoons in one season.

pottery store in Harrisburg, and who became blind affairs, having helped to hold many elections. He in his later years.

Mr. Feger is a Democrat and interested in the success of his party and the administration of local has served his township for six years as school di- rector and three years in the capacity of super- visor.

Joseph Feger, son of Conrad, was born Jan. 5. 1812, in Jackson township, Northumberland coun- ty, and was a carpenter in his earlier manhood, On' Oct. 18, 1868, Mr. Feger married Harriet Kembel, daughter of Daniel and Catharine (Feger) Kembel, of Washington township, and they have had fourteen children, nine of whom reached maturity: Charles W .. now of Spokane. Wash. : Joseph H .. of Frackville, Pa. : Harvey E .. who carries on his father's farm : Lillie A .. wife of Schuylkill county ; JJennie M., Mrs. Daniel Weary. of Frackville, Pa. : Laura B., Mrs. William Belles. later becoming a farmer. In 1850 he settled on the farm in the eastern end of Washington town- ship now owned by his son Daniel. There he farined until 1869, when his son Daniel succeeded him on the place and he moved to the western part of Upper Mahanoy township, living retired in that location until his death, which occurred April 23. G. A. Brosius. of Upper Mahantango township, 1887. He was a man of intelligence and trusted by his fellow men, and as he was an excellent hand at figures he served about twenty years as town- of Montandon, Pa. ; Frank R., Gertie M. and Dan- ship auditor, being also assessor of Washington iel C., unmarried. Mr. Feger and his family township for about twelve years. In politics he worship at the Himmel Church, belonging to the was a Democrat, in religion a Lutheran. he and Lutheran congregation.

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JOHN J. BRIERLEY, of Trevorton, North- David Keim was born Sepr. 8, 1808, at Shoc- umberland county, has been superintendent of the makersville, in Perry township, Berks county, silk mill at that point since January, 1908, the plant being a branch of the Shamokin Silk Mills, owned by J. H. and C. K. Eagle. The business has been his life work. His aptitude for this industrial art, and his long practical experience, make him a valuable man in his capacity as su- perintendent. Mr. Brierley was born Jan. 2, 1867, in Paterson, N. J., where his father, Johu Brier- lev, a native of England, settled upon coming to America, in 1854. The father was employed throughout his active years by the Hinchliffe Brothers, brewers, of Paterson. He married Sarah Clark.

John J. Brierley attended the public schools of his native city. When only a boy of twelve he began to work in the silk mills, beginning at the bottom, and he has worked his way up through the various stages of employment, rising by etfi- cient service to his present responsible position. In 1898 he came to Shamokin, Pa., entering the Shamokin Silk Mills as a foreman, and when the mills passed into the ownership of the Eagle brothers he continued as foreman in their em- ploy. In January, 1908, he was sent to Trevorton to take charge of the branch mill there, as super- intendent. About one hundred hands are em- ployed in this plant, which is kept busy constant- ly, the output of these mills finding a steady de- mand in the market. Mr. Brierley's efficiency and devotion to his work. and his intelligent com- prehension of its requirements and possibilities. have brought out his executive qualities, which have proved quite as important in the successful operation of the plant as his thorough knowledge of silk manufacturing.

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Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, Part 42

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