Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, Part 73

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 73

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que township; Joseph and Mary, twins, born March 15, 1839, died Oct. 16, 1899, and July 28, buried at Lewisburg. Their children were : Jacob, 1839, respectively; Jemelalı, born June 14, 1842, George, Benjamin, Abraham, Andrew, David, An- died Jan. 1, 1844; and Thomas E., born Jan. 25, drew (2), Susan, Mary, Catherine and Elizabeth. 1846, died March 24, 1875.

George Troxel, son of Abraham, was born in Joseph Pardoe, son of Thomas, born March 15, 1797 and died in 1884. He was the owner of a 1839, was a well known man in Northumberland large farm in Chillisquaque township, which he

successfully cultivated. He served as school di- rector in his district. In his religious faith he was

county, making his home in Chillisquaque town- ship. In 1890 he was elected eounty commis- sioner ; in 1888-89 he served as tax collector .. In a Methodist. He married Catharine Kline, daugh- politics he was a Republican. He married Susan, ter of Henry Kline, and she died in 1872. Their daughter of Andrew J. Fetzer, in 1860, and she children were: Reuben, John, Charles (who died in Chicago), Sarah (who married William Haupt), Lucy Louisa (Mrs. Pardoe), Catharine (who married Lenas Stoudt), Margaret ( who mar- ried John Hassenplug, and lives in Milton), B. Frank (of East Lewisburg) and Aaron (of East Lewisburg).

resides at Montandon, this eounty. Their chil- dren were: Mary J., who married Charles Shearer, and has three children, Rupert, Susan P. and Joseph P .; Sarah E., who married Thomas Houpt, of Sunbury, and has a daughter, Grace J. : Thomas H., who married Bertha Kech, lives in Illinois, and has a daughter, Louisa R .: and Emma G., who married Frank Jolinson, and lives in Montandon.

WILLIAM PARDOE, second child of Thomas and Sarah, born Jan. 28, 1826, attended the eight- cornered schoolhouse in Chillisquaque township- which school building is still standing, a famous landmark in the district. He applied himself as- siduously to his books, and became fitted for teach- ing, a profession he followed for twenty-eight Years. He then bought a sixty-seven-acre farin in Chillisquaque township, and engaged in farming. He served a long time as school director and for a time was treasurer of the board, and also filled the offices of tax collector and constable. In 1898 he removed to Milton, and amid new surroundings won new friends. Wherever he lived he had a high reputation for honesty and square dealing. After his removal to Milton lie settled up several estates and filled the office of overseer of the poor. He died April 7, 1901. On Jan. 2, 1849, he mar- 1829, daughter of George Troxel.

JOHN F. WILSON, the well known photo- grapher of Milton, where sinee 1903 he has been located in the J. R. Smith building, is a native of Lycoming county, Pa., born in October, 1863. son of Ellis B. Wilson and grandson of Joseph Wil- son.

Joseph Wilson was born in Lycoming county, where he died, and was buried in Mill Creek town- ship. He passed the years of his active life as a farmer. He and his wife had children as follows: Ellis. B., William, Seth, Charles and Sarah.

Ellis B. Wilson was born in Lveoming county, where he died at the age of sixty-eight years, and was buried in Mill Creek township. For a few years he was engaged in the harness business at Montoursville, later taking up farming. He was twice married, first to Elizabeth Hite, daughter of George F. Hite, and their children were: Harry H., living in South Dakota: Ada F., who married

ried Luey Louisa Troxel, who was born June 4, Huston Wright, and died aged thirty-three years :

She now re- and John F. Later Mr. Wilson married (second) sidles at Milton. This union was blessed with the Kate Hall, who is also deceased, and to this union

was born one son, Rev. Rolland E., an Evangelieal minister at ITallstead, Pennsylvania. George F.

following family of children : Ida L., born Jan. 13, 1850, died Feb. 20, 1852: Martha J., born Nov. 27, 1852, married Lce Bellas, who died in Wil- Hite, father of Mrs. Elizabeth ( Hite) Wilson, was liamsport, and she died July 9, 1890, in Chillis- a native of Germany, and on coming to America quaque township (she had two children, William settled in Lycoming county. He married Chris- and Bertha) : Charles Edwin, born Ang. 31, 1855, tian Lipp, also a native of Germany, and they a buteher at Milton, married Lizzie Newberry; had children : Jacob, Sarah Neff, Fred, Mary, Eliz-

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abeth (who married Ellis B. Wilson), Emma was elected Northumberland county commissioner, Jones, John (died in the Civil war), Christian and serving from 1864 to 1867. He also served as George.

overseer of the poor for seven years, and held al-

any particular denomination he was a liberal sup- Muncy ; for several years he was at different places. on Lincoln street, on Dec. 1, 1903, opening his : John F. Wilson attended the public schools of most all the township offices, being a man who in- Montoursville, and made his home with J. C. Bry- spired the greatest confidence among his fellow an until he was nineteen years of age, at which he citizens. He was a charter member of Lewisburg time he went to Williamsport, Pa., there attend- Lodge, I. O. O. F. Though not connected with ing the Williamsport Commercial College, from which he graduated in 1886. His school days over, porter of all the churches. In 1831 Mr. Martin he took up photography, for which he had always inarried Hannah Maurer, daughter of John had a liking, and for a short time was located in Maurer, of Berks county, Pa. ; she was born Nov. 11, 1807, and died Aug. 21, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. In 1899 he canie to Milton. and was first located Martin are buried in Harmony cemetery, Milton. They had a family of four children, two sons and present studio in the J. R. Smith building, where two daughters, namely: Alexander is living at the old homestead in Montandon, Chillisquaque town-

he has since done a thriving business. He is a man of naturally artistic tastes, and his poses ship; Elizabeth married James Bannen, and had have none of the stiffness which mars so many pho- tographs.

children, Rev. Hugh (a Lutheran minister, now of Illinois), Rev. Robert (a Lutheran minister, of Williamsport, Pa.), May (married Fred Swooper), Cora (married Miles Derr : she is now deceased ) and Amy; Robert is mentioned below; Fannie is

Mr .. Wilson married Fannie Heddens, daughter of James and Fanny Heddens, of Washington- ville, Montour county, and they have a comfort- able honre at No. 57 Bound avenue, Milton. Mr. the wife of Elias Bieber and they reside in Chillis- Wilson is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the quaque township. State Photographers' Association. His religious ALEXANDER MARTIN, son of Hugh, a retired connection is with the Methodist Church. He has farmer now living at Montandon, was born in won many friends since he came to reside in Mil- Lewisburg, Pa., Aug. 5, 1834. He is the only sur- ton, and the prosperity that has attended his ef- forts here has been well deserved.

viving son of Hugh and Hannah Martin. When a young man he worked for his father on the farm in Chillisquaque township, Northumberland coun- MARTIN. . The oldest representative of this ty, and he has been a resident of that township family living is Alexander Martin, of Montandon, for sixty-three years, now having the old home- stead at Montandon. A man of quiet and unas- suming disposition, he has followed the paths of Northumberland county, son of Hugh Martin, who founded the family in this county, Edward Mar- . tin, contractor and builder of the borough of Mil- integrity and industry all through his long life, ton, is a grandson of Hugh, being a son of the and few men have won greater respect among their fellows for unpretentious but valuable services and

late Robert Martin. The father of Hugh Martin was born in White Deer township, Union Co., Pa., solid worth. He has served his township as school and his wife, Mary Ambrose, was also a native of director and in other officcs.

that county. Mr. Martin's first marriage was to Margaret Hugh Martin was born April 5, 1810, at Lewis- Harper, who died aged fifty-two years, leaving one burg, Union Co., Pa., where he was reared, in his son, George R. Martin, who married Ellen Krause : youth attending the local pay schools. When sev- they are the parents of two children, Earl and enteen years of age he had earned and saved Blanche. On April 19, 1894, Alexander Martin enough money, by working on the canal, to buy a married Mrs. Anna Wagley, widow of Allonza Wagley, and by this union had one daughter, Ed- na. now the wife of Curtis Slack, of Lock Haven; they have one daughter, Helen Elizabeth, house and lot at Lewisburg. Later he learned the trade of plasterer, which he followed about twen- ty-five years. He was a skilled workman, and many of the houses in his district showed his work- Robert Martin, son of Hugh, was born at Lew- isburg March 4, 1842, and died Jan, 22, 1880. He is buried at Milton. In early life he assisted his father at farming, later coming to Milton, where he was employed by Lenas Stout, who was in the grain and coal business. There he remained till his death, which was caused by falling from a tree. His wife, Elizabeth P. (Hause), was born Aug. 3, 1840. and died Aug. 11, 1898. Her father. George Hause. was a native of Northumberland county, and was a merchant at Chillisquaque creek for ser- manship. In 1848 he moved to Chillisquaque township, Northumberland county, where he pur- chased a farm of 120 acres of valuable land, which he cultivated for a period of eleven years. At the · end of that time he removed to Montandon, resid- ing there until his death, Dec. 11, 1893. Mr. Martin's business enterprise had turned out well, and he was a stockholder in the Lewisburg Bank, the First National Bank of Milton, the Lewisburg Nail Company and the Lewisburg Bridge Com- pany. Mr. Martin was a Democrat, and in 1864 he eral years, later engaging in farming. He died

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upon his farm, and he and his wife are buried in Adam was a resident of Richmond township in Harmony cemetery at Milton. He married Mary 1785 and that year paid 18 s., 9 d .. tax. In 1758 Keefer, and they had the following family: Eliz- Michael Knittle was a resident in Maxatawny abeth P. married Robert Martin : Mary A. married William B. Galbraith : Lydia died in Michigan : George is living in California : Peter is living in New Columbia. Pa. ; Frank lives in Corning, New York. township, and in that year he paid £1. 1s., 6d., tax. In 1775 he is registered as taxable in Rich- mond township when he paid £5 tax. In 1815 Michael Knittle, Jr., was a tax-payer in Rich- mond township, paying 44s. tax.

. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin had these children : Alfred : Fannie. who married James Stiver, of Montandon, Pa. : William : Edward : Catharine, who married Cyrus Trate, of Milton ; Mary, mar- Aaron Shultz Knittle, father of Joseph C. Knit- tle, lived in the vicinity of Cafawissa, Columbia Co., Pa., and was extensively engaged in farming. He married Sarah Campbell, daughter of Obediah ried to John Neiler and residing in Philadelphia; Campbell, and they had children as follows: Dan- and Melvin. iel, who is a merchant of Catawissa: Dallas, of

EDWARD MARTIN was born April 11, 1868, at Reading, Pa. ; John, of New Mexico; Jennie, wife Milton, and there began his education. When elev- of John Frederick, of Pottsville, Pa .; Laura, wid- en years old he went to live with his uncle, James ow of Silas Everet, of Mount Carmel: Mary, wife Bannen, near Turbutville, remaining with him of Franklin Maurer, a carpenter, of Shamokin ; till sixteen years of age .. He was seventeen when and Joseph C. . he came to Milton, where he was employed as a Joseph C. Knittle has been engaged in railroad nail feeder for three years, after which he learned work since 1876, and throughout that period has the slating business, at which he was engaged four been a resident of the borough of Sunbury. He years. In 1892 he went to the carpenter's trade has been an engineer since 1892, and is a member and followed it until 1897, when he engaged in of the Engineers' Brotherhood and of the Veter- the contracting and building business. He is now one of the largest contractors in the borough, em- ploying from six to eight men, and has established a business which does credit to his executive ability as well as to his standing as a reliable workman. ans' Association, in both of which organizations he is well known, and he is highly respected by all his acquaintances. A man of steady habits and faithful to his duties, he has been a reliable em- ployee throughout his connection with the rail- road service.

Mr. Martin married Mary Catharine Murphy, daughter of James Murphy, of Milton, and they have a large family : William J., Edna M., Luther

Mr. Knittle's first wife, Celesta (Ycager), died in August, 1896, at the age of forty-two years. H., Robert B., Amy E., Elmer A., Mildred E., She was the mother of five children, of whom Miss Mabel now lives in New York; William is a drug- gist in Philadelphia ; Clark is a carpenter at Sun-

Catherine, Grace and Harold. The family reside at No. 25 Stanton avenue, Milton. Mr. Martin is an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, bury, Pa .; and two died young. On April 19, which he has served as member of the council, and - he has been a teacher in the Sunday school since 1905. Fraternally he belongs to the Royal Ar- en, who lived and died in Sunbury, passing away

canum.

1906, Mr. Knittle married ( second) Mrs. Annie ( Fenstermacher) Bowen, widow of Joseph. Bow- Nov. 15, 1897, at the age of thirty-seven years. Mr. Knittle and his family are Lutherans in re-

JOSEPH C. KNITTLE, an engineer on the ligious faith.

Pennsylvania railroad who makes his home at Sunbury, was born May 24. 1854. This family is the belongs, was founded in Berks county, Pa., by of the same origin as the Knittles of Berks county, one Matthias Fenstermacher, a native of the Ger- Pa. , The history of the family in Pennsylvania be-

- gins baek in the middle of the eighteenth century. The only one of the name recorded in the Penn- sylvania archives up to Sept. 17, 1753, was Joseph Knittle, who came to America on the ship "Pa- tience," which landed him at Philadelphia on the date named.

The Fenstermacher family, to which Mrs. Knit-

man Palatinate, who crossed the sea on the good ship "Glasgow," which arrived at Philadelphia Sept. 9, 1238. On the original list of passengers his age is given as sixty years, and he was born in 1678. He was accompanied to America by his two sons : JJacob, who was then 29 years old, and Wil- helm, twenty-five years old. These three were pre- ceded to the New World by a third son: Philip,

Michael Knittle, probably a son of Joseph, was a resident of Richmond township, Berks county. who qualified at Philadelphia Aug. 30, 1737. Hc He made his will May 9, 1789, and it was entered was then twenty years of age. He settled in Long- June 13th of the same year. It is evident that swamp township, Berks county, and in 1759 he he died between these two dates, and his sons, paid a federal tax of ten pounds in that district. Michael and Daniel, were the executors. His chil- His father and two brothers also lived in Long- dren are given as follows: Frederick. John Adam, swamp township for some time. Tradition holds Michael, Daniel, Rosina and Catharine. John that one of the sons, probably Jacob, located near

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

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Philadelphia. The name is also spelled Fenster- tion, served as school director, and was one of the maker.

Philip Fenstermacher, son of Matthias, was a large property owner in Longswamp township and owned valuable land on which in later years was found iron ore in large quantities. Some of this time of his death was treasurer. For many years land is still in the possession of his posterity. He he was superintendent of the Union Sunday died in 1790, and his will was probated July 9th of that year, his widow Elizabeth being the ex- eeutor. The names of his sons John and Chris- topher were mentioned in his last will, and he al- so had a son Philip. Jr .. a son Michael, and one named Joseph. ?- sehool. Politically he was a Republican. His wife, Lenah (Reitz), died in December, 1909, aged eighty-one years, and they are buried at Dal- matia. Their children were as follows: Marietta. wife of D. F. Batdort: Anna, wife of A. Moeseh- lin : Milton R. : Jomm A .; Eliza Catharine, wife of John Otto : and Lizzie A., wife of William D. Wit- mer. All of this family are living, and all have families but John A., who has never married.

From this source probably . eame the family to which Mrs. Knittle belongs. Her grandfather, Joseph Fenstermacher, born March 28, 1798, died Oct. 18, 1875. He lived at Dalmatia, in Lower MILTON R. FENSTERMACHER, passenger, freight and baggage agent at Dalmatia for the Northern Mahanoy township, and followed the trade of cabinetmaker. His children were: Joseph; Aug- Central Railroad Company, was born in that town Dee. 14, 1861. He was educated in the public

ustus, who lived and died at Dalmatia ; Annie, who married William Negley: Sarah, who was schools there, and when eighteen began to serve twice married, her seeond husband being Isaac his apprenticeship as telegraph operator, at that Fetherolt; and Mary, who died unmarried.

Joseph Fenstermacher, son of Joseph, was a farmer by oceupation. He moved to Sunbury in August, 1874. He married Barbara Kobel, and they had children : Charles, James, Milton, Alice, Annie and Howard. Of these, Annie, now the wife of Joseph C. Knittle, was born at Urban, in Jordan township, Northumberland county.

point. On July 22, 1882, he entered the employ of the Northern Central Railroad Company as operator at Selins Grove Junction, whence after about nine months he was transferred to his native place. There he has since been stationed, and he is also agent at that point for the Adams Express Company. He has taught telegraphy to many young men and started them out in the service of the company. His satisfactory work has carned

John Fenstermacher, brother of Joseph, above, him the reputation of being one of the most reli- was born Aug. 4, 1800, in Lynn township, Lehigh able. as he is one of the oldest, employees in the Northern Central service. Painstaking, efficient and industrious, he deserves the high standing he enjoys. county, and came to Northumberland county be- fore his marriage, settling in Lower Mahanoy township. He owned and cultivated a small farm at Georgetown, and owned a home in that vil- On Jan. 8, 1885, Mr. Fenstermacher married lage. He died April 3, 1869, and his wife Cath- Sarah E. Lenker, daughter of Jacob and Sarah arine ( Michael), born Jume 15. 1802, died at Lenker, and they have had one ehild, Stella T .. Georgetown March 1. 1867, both being buried at who died in her ninth year. Mr. and Mrs. Fenster- that place. He and his family worshipped in the macher are Lutheran members of the church at Dal- Lutheran Church there. Their family consisted matia, where he is at present serving as leader of of two sons and three daughters, viz. : Isaac: Ka- the choir. He has been active in the life of the tie, Mrs. Philip Spotts : Anna Eliza (1838-1862), church in various ways. Mr. Fenstermacher oc- Mrs. Abraham Iletriek; Michael, born July 26, cupies a home of his own at Dalmatia, an I he also 1830, died March 12, 1891, who married Rebecea owns his father's old farm of forty aeres, located Snyder (1839-1894) ; and another daughter whose near the town. name is not given.

Isaae Fenstermacher, son of John, was born at DANIEL K. RUCH, a veteran of the Civil war, and now engaged in business at Milton, Pa., as a dealer in wall paper and paints, was born in Ang- usta township, this county, in 1834, son of Abra- ham Ruch, and is of German ancestry. Dalmatia. and there passed all his long life, dying March 23. 1904, aged seventy-seven years, four months, two days. In his earlier life he followed boating, until he became a partner of John Binga- man under the firm name of J. Bingaman & Co., Jacob Ruch, grandfather of Daniel K., was a native of Germany, who emigrated to America, and on coming to Pennsylvania settled in Augusta township, Northumberland county. He was a the firm establishing a large business at Dalmatia in the coal, grain, lumber and railroad ties trade. In time Mr. Fenstermacher became sole owner of the business, in which he was engaged for many stone mason by trade, and this he followed in eon- years, at his death being succeeded by his son neetion with farming. He became the owner of John A. He was a much esteemed man of his sec- a large farm in Augusta township. In 1814 he

active members of the Union Church at Dalmatia, in which he and his family held membership. He helped to build the present ehureh edifiee, held of- fices in the church for many years, and at the

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

and his family started for what was then the Far of William and Eliza (Corey) Burnman, of East- West, their destination being Whitley county, In- on, Pa., but later of Milton. To this union has diana, fourteen miles west of Fort Wayne. The been born a son, James P., who is associated with journey was made by team and much of it was along scarcely formed wagon roads. Mr. Ruch

his father in business, and who married Cora Holter, and has two children, Catherine and Har- bought a farm there, and was engaged in its culti- riet. Mr. Ruch resides at No. 165 Elm street. vation as long as he lived. He is buried there. After his death his. widow returned to Northum- berland county, and here died and was buried. Mr. Ruch was a man of large proportions, weigh- ing 347 pounds. To him and his wife were born eight children, namely : Abraham, Margaret, Da- vid, Charles, Susanna, Maria, Julia and Louisa.

Abraham Ruch,; son of Jacob, was born in Augusta township, and accompanied his parents on their reinoval to Indiana. In 1848 he returned to Pennsylvania, and settled in Augusta township, near the old homestead, and engaged in farming. He was a tanner by trade, but all his later years were given over to agricultural pursuits. He is buried in the old graveyard at Sunbury, his death having taken place in 1849. He married Eliz- abeth Keefer, daughter of Daniel, who died in 1887, aged seventy-four years, and is also buried at Sunbury. Their children were: Peter B., of Nebraska ; Daniel K. ; Louisa ; Charles ; Catharine; of C. C. Leader & Bro. continuing the manufac- Samuel, of Sunbury ; and Elizabeth.

Daniel K. Ruch received the education af- forded by the district schools in the neighbor- hood of his home. As a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1855 came to Mil- ton, and here engaged in planing mill work and carpentering. In 1867 he added painting and

ture and sale of clothing, dry goods and ladies' wear, on Independence street, until the year 1889. The association was then dissolved by division of the stock, the dry goods being removed to a new building erected by C. C. Leader, while E. M. Leader remained in the old location, and occupied the entire building in the manufacturing of cloth- this he followed until 1897, when he engaged in ing and sale of men's wear. In 1899 Mr. I. Spencer the wall paper and paper hanging business. He Hamilton, a brother-in-law of E. M. Leader, be-

also does some graining. His place of business is at No. 177 South Front street. He has won his own way in the world, and has gained a high whom he has had dealings. He is honest and upright, and gives conscientious attention to the work entrusted to him.

Mr. Ruch has an enviable record for service in the Civil war. There are three enlistments to his credit. He first served in Company B, 4th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and second in Company A, 3d Regiment of Emergency Men. and third in the Pennsylvania Veteran . Heavy Artillery.

Mr. Leader has not confined his attention whol- ly to the mercantile business, but has been active He suffered from a few minor flesh wounds, in various enterprises that have been essential to but nothing. very serious, and after two the growth and advancement of the community, years of hard service received his honorable being a member of the Board of Trade, as also the

Business Men's Association. Always active in the welfare of the town and the success of its indus- tries, he was president of the Shamokin and Coal Township Light & Power Company from its in- ception, this company absorbing and consolidating

discharge. He has a keen sense of humor, and with the intervening years to soften the recollection of suffering and privation. he can relate many interesting and amusing stories." He deliglits in meeting with his com- rades at arms, and is a popular member of the all the light and gas companies of the town. later Henry Wilson Post, No. 129, G. A. R. at Milton. sold to a New York and Philadelphia syndicate In polities he is a Republican.

now known as The Pennsylvania Lighting Com-

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Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, Part 73

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