USA > Pennsylvania > Northumberland County > Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1 > Part 57
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110
In November. 1869. Mr. Gable came to Shamo- kin and engaged with his brother in the operation of the Lancaster colliery, and later, when the Min- eral Railroad and Mining Company was organized, he was made outside superintendent at the Luke Fidler colliery, holding that position until 1874, when he became general manager for the Enter- prise Coal Company. He continued thus until 1884, passing safely through all the troublous days of the "Molly Maguire" terror.
In the early eighties he was nominated by the Republicans of Northumberland county to repre- sent the district in the State Assembly, and al- though the county was Democratie by a normal majority of one thousand he was elected, and took a very active part in the work of that body. He . The only records of the arrival in this country of any Moutzes or Mountzes are as follows: George Mountz, ship "Charming Nancy," of Lon- don, Charles Stedman, master. from Rotterdam. Oct. 8, 1737 ; Peter Moutz, ship "Molly," Thomas Olliver, master, from Rotterdam, Oct. 11, 1741; Peter Mautz, ship "Sandwich," Captain Hazle- man, from Rotterdam, Nov. 30, 1750. A Samuel Mautz, son of George, went to Holland for a for- tune. It is not known definitely from which of ily with which this article is concerned descends, but it is likely that George was the ancestor. There was a Mountz family early in Berks county, one Joseph Mountz having been a taxable in Heidelberg township, that county, as early as 1159, when he was assessed as a single man. He had a brother George, who died in 1800, the year his will was entered ou record in the courthouse (a son, John G .. was executor of the estate). was chairman of the committee on Pensions and Gratuities and under the rules which apply to the second member was secretary of the committees on Mines and Mining and on Geological Surveys. He had charge of the Geological Survey Bill, succeeding only by the most untiring efforts in securing its enactment into a law. Other special results may be credited to his activity. Hall's Is- land, in the Susquehanna, opposite Georgetown, although a. very valuable property, had until then . these emigrants the Northumberland county fam- enjoyed immunity from certain taxes by reason of its being an independent school district. Through Mr. Gable's exertions the law so ex- empting it was repcaled. Among other things, he succeeded in securing the passage of a bill, which he seconded, creating an additional law judge for Northumberland county, but the same was vetoed by the governor. Mr. Gable was one of the committee of fifteen Republicans of the Legislature appointed by the party caucus to draft an Apportionment Bill and was earnest in his opposition to the measure which was finally passed, but which was vetoed by Governor Patti- son. Mr. Gable was a delegate to the State con- vention which nominated James A. Beaver for governor the first time.
At the end of his service as representative Mr. Gable became proprietor and manager of the "Na- tional Hotel" at Shamokin, conducting that estab- lishment until Oet. 31. 1889, when he was appoint- ed to the position of deputy United States internal revenue collector. In 1889 he was again the choice . of his party. receiving the nomination for the Legislature, but owing to the complication rising from the presence of a ticket placed in the field of Jacob Durst, died Dec. 4, 1864, aged sixty-six
by the Knights of Labor the support was divided. and he was defeated.
Mr. Gable was a member of Shamokin Lodge, No. 255, F. & A. M., of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, of the Grand Army of the Republic
In 1859 Mr. Gable married Mary J. Bloom, of Pottsville.
CHIARLES W. MANTZ, senior member of the firm of Mantz Brothers, who conduct the largest planing mill at Sunbury, has been a valuable citi- zen of that borough for many years, successful in business, an interested worker in its public and religious circles, and highly respected for his use- ful, industrious career: He was born May 16. 1854. in Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and be- longs to a family which has long been settled in this State. The name is also found spelled Mountz and Moutz.
One Nicholas Moutz (also Mautz), born about 1:54, died in Berks county in 1810, aged fifty- six years. He was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution [see Pennsylvania Archives, 20 Series, Vol. XIII, page 138] and received de- preciation pay from the State of Pennsylvania ; and Mary Mautz, his widow, was granted a gratuity of forty dollars and an annuity of forty dollars by special act of the Pennsylvania Legislature. Jan. 1, 1829 [Smith Laws, Vol. X. page 213]. Nicholas Moutz married Mary Heilman, who was born in 1756 and died in 1839. aged eighty-three years. They had a son Samuel. born July 31, 1:97, who died Sept. 22. 1827. aged thirty years: he mar- ried Susanna Durst, born Nov. 26, 1298, daughter years.
There is a tradition that Nicholas Mautz came to this country bringing with him a sister, who married a Zimmerman or a Rothermel.
The Orphans' court docket of Northumberland
250
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
1
county, Book III, page 118, states that letters of administration were granted to Adam Heilman and George Martin (the widow Mary and son George having sent in their renunciation) upon the estate of Nicholas Moutz, late of borough of Sunbury, deceased 28 Feb., 1810; the widow's name, Mary, and children George, John and Wil- liam only, are mentioned. Some of the thirteen children of Nicholas "Mountz" were: George, born March 26, 1176; Jacob, born Jan. 4, 1781, in Greenwich township, Berks county, who died Dee. 19, 1858, and is buried in the lower cemetery at Sunbury (he married Elizabeth Cressinger, and his daughter Katie was Mis. Cheny) : Sallie, wife of Benjamin Underwood, of Harrisburg, Pa. : Betsy, wife of Henry Bucher, of Sunbury; and Polly, wife of Benjamin Deal, of Sunbury.
-
The line of the Northumberland county Mantz family comes from this source, but is not definite- ly traeed. We give the following fragmentary records from the Orphans' court of Berks county : Vol. I, page 86, recites that John Mauntz, aged Jacob Mautz, late of Heidelberg township, Berks county, deceased, and who died intestate. peti- tioned for a guardian. . Court appointed John Eckert, blacksmith, of same township.
Page 87, same date, Mary Catharine, widow of above named, petitioned court to appoint guar- dians for her children. Lacarus, aged thirteen years, and Michael, aged eleven years. Court ap- pointed Lazarus Winger and Henry Fiedler.
Page 101, same date, Jacob Moutz, aged sixteen years, son of Jacob, deeeascd, states that his fa- ther left considerable estate and that the widow was appointed administratrix, that she had lately in- termarried with Jolin Fister, and petitioned the eonrt to appoint as his guardian his uncle George Loucks .- Granted.
Page 102, Feb. 12, 1762. George Mountz. in his petition to court states that his father died seven (7) years ago, leaving a widow and seven children and prays that the father's estate be valued. Com- mission appointed and it appraised the land at £600 and that George, the son of Jaeob Mountz, late of Heidelberg township. Berks county, shall have the land npon paying the widow her dowry and the children their respective shares.
The records of Little Tulpehocken Church, Bernville, Berks county, state that they were com- municant members in the years 1761, 1762 and 1763. .
May 5, 1831, daughter of John Smith, and died Nov. 23, 1863, at Ashland, where they then re- sided; she is buried there. She was the mother of four children, born as follows: Reynold D., March 17, 1851; Charles W., May 16, 1854; Wil- liam D., April 23, 1858; and Elmer E., Dec. 12, 1862. They came with their father to Sunbury after the mother's death. John A. Mantz subse- quently married (second) Adaline Good, daughter of George Good, of Sunbury, and to this union were born six children, namely: George Edward, born July 4, 1869; Oliver S., Feb. 18, 1871; Su- san J., Feb. 3, 1873; John T., Dee. 21, 1St- (died Ang. 15, 1878) ; Clinton A., Feb. 10, 1877; and J. Barton, March 27, 1879 (dicd April 23, 1881).
Charles W. Mantz received his edueation in the publie schools of Ashland, Schuylkill Co., Pa. Coming to Sunbury in 1865, he liere learned thic planing mill business in the employ of Ira T. Clement, with whom he remained for the long period of twenty-five years, in the planing mill
nineteen and npwards (13th Nov., 1161), son of' for ten years of that time and the other fifteen
Years as manager of the table works. In 1904 he began business on his own account, he and his three brothers, William D., Reynold D. and Elmer E., forming a partnership that year under the firm name of Mantz Brothers, and they have sinee been associated, having now the largest planing mill establishment in Sunbury. Charles W. Mantz is manager of this concern. The firm employs six- teen men, and all kinds of planing mill work are turned out. They also handle and deal in all kinds of lumber, and in both lines have built up a large business, which has shown a steady in- crease from the beginning. Mr. Mantz's long ex- perienee fits him well for the management of this plant and' he has shown business ability as well as practical knowledge in the conduet of the estab- lishment, much of the success of which has been duc to his efficient oversight.
On Nov. 21, 1871, Mr. Mantz married Kate Rogers. of Pottsville, Schuylkill eonnty, who died July 27, 1894, at the age of forty-one years. She was buried in the lower cemetery at Sunbury. Nine children were born to this union, all the survivors living in Sunbury except Katie. viz. : Aliee, who married Arthur E. Kelly; W. Harry: Sarah I., who married E. E. Jacoby: Margaret. unmarried ; Katie M., who married Medus Huff and lives in Philadelphia: Guy H. and Charles E., twins, who died in infancy: Benjamin Wert. married to Nellie Markell; and Raymond L., who died when four years old.
John A. Mantz, father of Charles W. Mantz, of Sunbury, was born May 11. 1827, in Sunbury, Mr. Mantz has long been an active member of Zion's Lutheran Church at Sunbury, having led the choir -- which has from twelve to sixteen ex- eellent voiees-for forty years, and he was choris- Northumberland Co., Pa., where he dicd Dee. 7, 1891. He was a carpenter and planing mill man by oeeupation. Removing to Pottsville during his young manhood, he was married there to Harriet ter of the Sunday school for many years, having Sevilla Smith, who was born in Berks county, Pa., charge of the singing; he is still a teacher in the
----
-------
--
251
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Sunday school. In politics Mr. Mantz is an in- children: Jacob, Reiley, Martin and Kate (Mrs. dependent Republican, and interested in good local Zerbe). government. He represented the old Second ward Martin Gass, son of William, was born in 1823 in Shamokin township, and died Dec. 1, 1909. at the age of eighty-six. He followed farming principally, but also engaged in boating on the in town council for two ternis. Socially he belongs to the Protective Home Circle, which has a mem- bership of six hundred in Sunbury.
WILLIAM D. MANTZ, another member of the canal. He was well known in Shamokin township, being a leading member of the Democratic party, and a faithful official of the township, which he served as justice of the peace and school director. He married Elizabeth Persing, daughter of Wil- liam and Mary Persing, the former of whom was born Nov. 18, 1792, and died June 18, 1881, aged eighty-eight years ; his wife, Mary, born Aug. 22, 1195, died June 4, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Gass are buried at the Blue church. They had two children, Eliza (who married J. J. Hogland) and William J. -
firm of Mantz Brothers, of Sunbury, was born April 23, 1858, in the Catawissa Valley, in Co- lumbia county, Pa. His education was obtained principally in the public schools of Sunbury, to which place he came with his father in childhood, in 1867. All his active years have been spent in the line of work in which he is still interested. In his youth he learned sash and door making at Sun- bury, having followed this trade in all for about thirty-eight years. In 1904, when the firm of Mantz Brothers was organized, he became a mem- ber of the concern, in the success of which his long experience in sash and door manufacturing has proved a valuable asset. He has borne his share in the upbuilding of the business and has worked faithfully to establish it upon a substantial and permanent basis. Mr. Mantz is a member of the Pennsylvania Relief Association, and of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, the latter a frater- nal insurance organization. In political matters he is identified with the Republican party.
In January, 1882, Mr. Mantz married Clara E. Rockefeller, daughter of Solomon and Catharine (Unger) Rockefeller, of the same family as Judge Rockefeller, of Sunbury, and they reside in their own home at No. 257 South Third street, Sunbury. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mantz, John S. and Lillie Adora. The son, an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- pany, lives at Sunbury, and is married to Emma Dietz; they have a danghter, Clara E., born Dec. 28, 1909. Mr. Mantz and his family are members of Zion's Lutheran Church of Sunbury.
WILLIAM J. GASS, a prominent farmer of Shamokin township, is a native of that township, born Aug. 29, 1845, and is the only son of Martin Gass, one of the leading citizens of this district in his day.
The Gass family is of German origin. William Gass, grandfather of William J. Gass, was an early settler in what is now Shamokin township, Northi- cumberland county, and also lived in Lower Au- gusta township. He was a miller by trade, and ran the old mill now owned and conducted by W.
Mr. Gass married Clara Mover, daughter of A. Reed, at Paxinos. Hc hauled goods as far as . David Moyer and granddaughter of Jacob Mover.
Reading, Pa. William Gass died upon his farm
William J. Gass was reared upon the farm, and remained with his father until he reached the age of twenty. He then resolved to try his fortune in the West, where he remained three years, spend- ing two years of that time in the Rocky Mountain region. His experiences were varied and interest- ing, but he returned to his native home and has since remained in Northumberland county. After coming back home he was with his father for a time, until he took the farm in the Irish Valley, in Shamokin township, where he still makes his home. It was the old homestead of Solomon Him- mel, one of the pioncers in this region, and here he has since worked and prospered, becoming one of the most substantial inen of his community. For about fifteen years Mr. Gass also followed the butcher business in connection with farming, eventually selling his interests in that line to his sons. He has been active in local affairs, par- ticularly in the welfare of the public schools, hav- ing served fifteen years as school director, which office he still holds; he has served twice as presi- dent of the school board. He has also been audi- tor of his township. The high standing he enjoys among his fellow citizens could be shown in no better way than by his long continuance in posi- tions of responsibility, and his influence has al- ways been considered a factor in local enterprises of every sort. He was made a Mason in 1822. is a member and past master of Elysburg Lodge No. 414, F. & A. M., and is a member of the Grange at Paxinos. Politically he is a Democrat. His religious connection is with the U. B. Church.
They have had the following children: Oswald
in Shamokin township, near Paxinos, and is buried P., who lives at Reed's station, this county ; Harry at St. Jacob's (Reed's) Church. He was well. S., who lives in Sunbury : Sidney W .. of Shamokin. known in the locality in his time. His wife, Mary (Kershner), died at the age of one hundred years, and is buried near Pottsville, Pa. They had
this county, who is in the butcher business: Lor- enzo D., who is associated with his brother Sid- ney; Harvey L., at home; Ursula, wife of William
252
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Moody; Bertha, wife of J. Wesley Richie; and born Aug. 17, 1826: David, born in 1830: Jacob, Annie.
NATHAN G. ADAMS, of Paxinos, Northum- berland county, has established a substantial busi- ness as a dealer in agricultural implements and a manufacturer of wagons. His trade has grown steadily . from the beginning. The stand is an old one. Mr. Adams is a comparatively reeent comer to Paxinos, and previous to his removal hither was located at Bear Gap, in Ralpho town- ship, where he carried on a general mercantile business.
Mr. Adams is a native of the county, born Feb. 1, 1866, in Ralpho township, near what is now the Blue church, and he is a great-grandson of Casper Adams, the first of the family in this country. Casper Adams was born April 25, 1755, at Langendiebach, Offenburg, Germany. Little Francis is a resident of Shamokin: John is de- is known of his early life. On coming to this country he lived in Berks county, Pa., before eom- ing to Northumberland county, where he was one of the earliest pioneers' in Ralpho township, own- ing several hundred acres of land there. He eleared some of his land and followed farming. He died Jan. 26, 1832, and is buried at St. Peter's sioner of Northumberland county ; Emma married
(the Blue) church in Ralpho township. Casper Adams married, in Berks county. Elizabeth Hinkle, of that county. and they had a large fam- ily, six sons and six daughters, namely: Freder- ick (1792-1833), John, Samuel. Casper, Leonard, Peter, Nellie (married George Startzel), Susanna (married Samuel Startzel), Elizabeth (married Gilbert Liby), Polly (married Peter Strausser), after his school days were over. His first employ- Maria (married Jacob Kreher) and Catharine (married Samuel Anspach).
Casper Adams, fourth son of Casper and Eliza- beth (Hinkle) Adams, was born April 10, 1796, on the homestead farm in Ralpho township, and was there reared to farm life. When he became of age his father deeded 100 aeres of land in Ralpho township to him. this being the farm afterward occupied by his son George C., near the Blue church. Mr. Adams was a man of active mind, one who interested himself in the general welfare as well as in the promotion of his own interests, and he was one of the foremost men of his lo- cality for many years, well known as a stanch Democrat and as one of the most liberal support- ers of the Blue Church, with which he was identi- fied all his life; he served as elder of that church and was one of the most generous contributors to- ward the ereetion of the elmreh edifice. He mar- ried Susanna Startzel (daughter of John), who was born March 14, 1800. and died Jan. 22, 1813: Mr. Adams died Jan. 28. 1882, and is buried at the Blue church. Their children were : Benjamin, who died in 1895, at the age of seventy-four years, ( Edward. William F. and Lueinda were his ehil- dren) ; Daniel H .; Casper. deceased ; George C.,
born in 1833, who died in 1895; Samuel, deeeased ; William; Elizabeth (deceased), who married Wil- liam Smith; Susanna (deceased), who married William Klase; Polly, Mrs. Fry, deceased; An- gelina, who married William Smith; and Harriet, deceased.
Daniel H. Adams, son of Casper and Susanna (Startzel) Adams, was born in 1822 on the old homestead near Elysburg, in Ralpho township. He followed farming all his life, owning a tract of about fifty aeres near the Blue church, and in connection with his agricultural work engaged in lime burning. He died June 20, 1892. Mr. Adams married Sarah A. Pensyl, who was born in 1829, daughter of Leonard Pensyl, and died Jan. 4, 1908. They are buried at the Blue ehureh. Twelve children were born to their union, viz. :
ceased ; Henry N. lives near Bear Gap, in Colum- bia eounty; D. Alonzo is on the old homestead in Ralpho township; Leonard M. is a resident of Shamokin ; Nathan G. is located at Paxinos; Alli- son C. is living in Ralpho township; Marietta (de- eeased) was the wife of Frank Erdman, commis- George Erdman: Elizabeth married Philip Rich- ard and they live at Elysburg. Northumberland county ; Lydia married Thomas Boughmer. of Ralpho ; Casper died young.
Nathan G. Adamis attended the Kascman sehool in Ralpho township. He was reared to farm life, remaining at home with his father for some time ment away from home was with the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company. in whose employ he remained about twelve years, being engaged as track foreman and having charge of the Weigh Scales division. Establishing himself as a general merchant at Bear Gap, in Ralpho township, he continued business there for seven years, at the end of that time selling out to J. W. Marks and removing to Paxinos, in Shamokin township, where he bought out A. C. Bobb. Here he has since been engaged as a dealer in implements, also manufacturing wagons, finding a steady demand in both lines in this community. His square methods and satisfactory transactions have won him a growing patronage. He has been quite active in the community since taking up his resi- dence there, and is considered a substantial citi- zen. He has business interests also in Bear Gap, being president of the Bear Gap & Numidia Tele- phone Company.
Mr. Adams married Daisy Yoeum. daughter of Obadiah Yoeum, of Cleveland township, Colum- bia Co., Pa., and they have had a family of six children : Grace, Malcolm, Frederick, Earl (who died March 14, 1911). Sarah and Lewis.
Socially Mr. Adams holds membership in Elys-
·
253
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
burg Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M., and in the P. O. yard, continuing to be active until late in life. S. of A., Camp No. 189. In religion he adheres His wife was Hannah Oyster, and their union was to the Reformed faith, being a member of the Blue blessed with the following eleven children: Eliza Church (St. Peter's). He is a Democrat in pol- was burned to death when twenty years old, at itics, and while in Ralpho township served as con- Newcastle, Schuylkill county; Harriet married stable and auditor. Lance Parker, and they live at Shenandoah, Pa. ; Mary never married; Kate married Abraham DIETRICH. The branch of the Dietrich fam- citizens in their respective communities, belong, is Fry ; Hannah never married: Elizabeth married ily to which Samuel and Levi Deitrich, prominent Peter Kauffman; Sarah married Thomas Moser : George died aged four years; John died aged descended from one of eight brothers of that name twenty-two years ; Samuel is mentioned later ; Levi who came from Germany about 1740 and settled at is mentioned later.
Philadelphia.
SAMUEL DEITRICH, former sheriff of Northum-
John Michael Dietrich, son of one of these eight berland county, and at present warden of the coun- brothers, was born in Philadelphia before the be- ginning of the Revolutionary war. When the bat- tle of Brandywine was fought, in 1777, the Diet- rich family lived near that now famous battlefield, and his mother took him and other small children into an underground cellar for safety. John
.
ty jail at Sunbury, was born in Schuylkill coun- tv June 21, 1854, son of George Deitrich. He began working in early youth in the coal mines, and followed the mining business until 1884, after which he conducted a hotel at Mount Carmel for five years. In 1894 he was appointed war- Michael Dietrich served as a soldier under Maj. den of the Northumberland county prison and "Mad Anthony" Wayne, in 1794, in the Indian served as such six years. In 1901 he was elected to wars; and later he served in the war of 1812, re- the office of sheriff. in which he served in 1902-03- ceiving for his services four grants of land in 04. In 1909 he again received the appointment of Schuylkill county. It is probable one or two of jail warden, in which office he has since served. these grants were located below Sunbury, in Mr. Deitrich has been active in Republican party Northumberland county. After living for some time in Schuylkill county (where he was among the first settlers at what is now the site of Potts- ville) he moved to a place below Sunbury, in what is now Lower Augusta township, and he farmed
affairs since 1880, and has served frequently as delegate to county convention, being a power in county political circles. He is financially interest- ed in various business enterprises, and is a man of substance and prominence, occupying an hon- one of the islands of the Susquehanna river, all of orable position in the community he has served so which are embraced in Lower Augusta township. ably as a public official. He is a large man, six At this place he remained some years, and some of feet, two inches in height, and weighing 240 his children were married while the family resided pounds. there. Later he returned to Schuylkill county, locating in the Deep Creek Valley, in Barry town- ship. There he died at an advanced age. He was a pensioned soldier at the time of his death. He
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.