Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 100

Author: Floyd, J.L., & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, J. L. Floyd & Co.
Number of Pages: 1024

USA > Pennsylvania > Northumberland County > Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2 > Part 100

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Coryell as one of the first to introduee sails professional standing combined with his personal

About popularity made himn a desirable candidate of his party-the Demoeratie, then dominant in the State, and in October, 1851, he was elected presi- dent judge of what was then the Eighth Judicial district. comprising Northumberland, Lyeoming. Center and Clinton counties, by a large popular majority. He took the oath of office Nov. 28, 1851, and continued to serve, by reeleetion. for twenty years. In 1861 the counties of Northumberland, Montour and Lveoming constituted the distriet. Such continued honors as came to Judge Jordan were not the result of ehanee.

ALEXANDER JORDAN was born at Jaysburg May 19, 1998. and was a vonng ehild when the family removed to Milton. where he was reared. "Many complicated questions affeeting large per- He had the educational advantages afforded by the sonal and property interests, and involving prin- ciples not heretofore considered, arose during .Judge Jordan's ineumbeney: in these important cases his decisions have stood the severest scrutiny and will be an enduring evidence of his ability as a jurist. He was endowed in a remarkable degree with the logieal faculty, while his analytical pow- ers-keen. ineisive and accurate -- grasped at onee the essential points in an argument. dismembered of all irrelevant matter. To him the law was an local schools, but they were none too good and he . went to work early. Moreover, though little more than a boy during the war of 1812-15. he accom- panied the militia in the march aeross the State to Meadville, Crawford county, as deputy commissary, being absent several weeks: After elerking for ser- eral years in a store at Milton Mr. Jordan entered upon what was practically his apprenticeship to the legal profession, becoming an employee of Hugh Bellas. prothionotary of Northumberland county. intricate science, and its study was quite as mueh a for whom he was deputy elerk. During his work in that capacity he did begin the study of law

source of intellectual gratification as a profes- sional duty. His intercourse with members of the

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

bar was characterized by uniform courtesy, and John Vincent, son of Louis, was born Jan. 26, his rulings were so given as to leave no unpleasant 1209. On Dec. 1, 1733, he married Elisabeth Dore- feelings ; to the younger members his manner and words were kind, considerate and encouraging. mus, and they had children born as follows: Esther, July 2, 1434; Cornelius, April 15, 1237; Rachel, Feb. 24, 1739; Elisabeth, May 27, 1741; Elisabeth (2), Sept. 13, 1743; Jane, Feb. 28, 1746; Mary, March 5, 1748; Benjamin, March 10, 1751; Peter, Jan. 18, 1754.

"'A professor of the Christian religion, seeking to regulate his public and private conduct in strict conformity with the Christian faith, and to ex- emplify, by justice and diligence. the harmony of religions principles and professions with the diver- sified, important and dignified duties of a citizen, a lawyer, and a judge,' he was for many years an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Sunbury and superintendent of its Sunday school."

Judge Jordan was, twice married, his first union, in 1820, being to Mary, daughter of Daniel Hurley. After her decease he married Hannah Rittenhouse, formerly of Philadelphia, who survived him many years, continuing to make her home in Sunbury. Judge Jordan died Oct. 3, 1878, and is buried in the Sunbury cemetery.

Samuel Durell Jordan was one of the leading business men of Milton for many years, noted for his good judgment and executive ability, and he was prominent in the life of the borough geuer- ally. He was the organizer of the First National Bank of Milton, and became cashier when that institution opened for business, in February, 1864, continuing in that relation until his death, which occurred April 12, 18:5. His opinion in financial matters was sought and followed for many years in this section.

On June 23, 1849, Mr. Jordan married Elisa- beth Tharp, daughter of James and Phebe (Vin- eeut) Tharp, who was born in 1823, and died March 24, 1886, at the age of sixty-three. Mr. and

On March 3, 1778, Mr. Vincent married Angelica Mrs. Jordan are buried at Milton. They were the Huffe, who was born in August. 1:60, and their parents of the following named children : Florence children were born as follows: Phebe, Sept. 15, V., who is deceased ; Mary Hurley, who makes her 1979 (married James Tharp) : Isaac, Oct. 21, home in Milton: Elisabeth M., who married 1783; Nancy, Dec. 6. 1185: Polly. Oct. 19, 1787; Thomas Wilson and has two children, Elisabeth J. Elisabeth, 1989; Joseph, Sept. 18, 1790: John,

and Hurlburt L. : Frank. deceased ; and Virginia J., deceased. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Jordan belonged to the I. O. O. F. and was a Democrat in politics.

The Vincent family, to which Mrs. Samuel Durell Jordan belonged, was of noble origin. Louis Vincent, the first ancestor to come to America, was born in 1676 in France, during the reign of Louis XIV. in that country and of Charles II. in England, of an old Huguenot family, and came to America after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. The family first settled in Alabama and there became large slave owners, selling their slaves some time before the war and then coming to what is now Chillisquaque, Northumberland Co., Pa.

Bishop John H. Vincent erected a beautiful church at Tuscaloosa, Ala., in memory of the family.

`Cornelius Vincent, son of John, born in 123%, married Phebe Ward, who was born April 8, 1140. They had children as follows: Isaac, born June 20, 1757 ; Daniel, Jan. 17, 1760 ; Bethuls, June 3, 1163; Sarah, July 25, 1765; Benjamin, Oct. 5, 1768; John, Feb. 4, 1712; Elizabeth, Jan. 4, 1774: Rebecca, Oct. 27, 1176; Mary, Feb. 10, 1779.

Daniel Vincent, son of Cornelius, born Jan. 12, 1260, became the owner of about four hundred acres of land near Fort Freeland. Northumberland county, lying along Warrior run. In 1:90 he built the first mill in the vicinity, becoming particularly well known in this connection. . The mill was re- modeled in 1818 and is still standing. Daniel Vincent was at Fort Freeland when it was attacked by the Indians and he and his wife were taken prisoner, but she was sent back to her friends on horseback, while he was taken to Canada, where . he was held for four years. During this time he acted as Commission Agent for his captors. Dur- ing his fights with the Indians he sustained an injury in his side which continually grew worse and, finally, caused his death. He and many mem- bers of his family are buried in the Warrior Run cemetery.

Oct. 24, 1193: Lydia, Sept. 6, 1795; Bethuls, Oct. 17, 1798; and Jane, March 7, 1803.

Isaac Vincent, born Oct. 21, 1:83, married March 24, 1812, Rebecca Comly, who was born in Philadelphia Nov. 16, 1790. He was born on the old homestead in Northumberland county and early in life took to agricultural pursuits. He was heir to one-half of his father's estate and lived thereon all his life. His children were born as follows: Comly, Dec. 20, 1812: Daniel. Oct. 12. 1814: Nancy, Sept. 9, 1816: Daniel (?), Ang. 16. 1818: Charles C., Jan. 4, 1820: Sarah Caroline, Nov. 25, 1822: Isaac. Oct. 12. 1824: Jolin H .. Dec. 2. 1826; Rebecca, Dec. 8, 1829 : Hannah M., Aug. 12, 1831.

James Tharp, who died in 1849, at the age of seventy-three years, married Phebe Vincent, who died in March, 1855. They were the parents of Mrs. Samuel D. Jordan.

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

G. DAL FOX, proprietor of one of the most the Souter family to successfully engage in the manufacture of silk, he himself began in a mill up-to-date jewelry stores in Northumberland county, is an enterprising citizen of Milton. He as bobbin boy and learned the business from the was born in Rush township, this county, Jan. 28, ground up. His familiarity with every step in the 1859, son of Joseph and Hannah ( Zehnder) Fox. The emigrant ancestor of this branch of the Fox family settled in Germantown, Pa., and from there entered the service of the Colonies during the struggle for independence.

George Fox, grandfather of G. Dal, settled in Shamokin township. Northumberland county, and there followed farming. He and his wife are buried at Irish creek in that township. Their children were: Jacob: Martin, who served in the Civil war; Joseph; Matilda; Susan; Rachel; and Polly.

Joseph Fox, son of George, was born in 1826, and died in 1904. and is buried at Milton. was a miller by trade, and followed that occupation at Roaring Creek in Rush township. Afterward he bought the Vastine mill at Catawissa, located four miles cast of Danville on the Shamokin road. Later he came to Milton, where he died. He mar- ried Hannah Zehnder, daughter of John Zehnder, who was born in Germany. Their children were : Emma, who married W. H. Aten : Clara B., wife of Robert Foresman, of Scranton, Pa .; G. Dal ; Sue E., who married Jacob Dreshem, of Whitedeer,

manufacturing process, gained by practical ex- perience as well as through scientific study, and his masterly grasp of the commercial problems of this industry, give him a commanding position not only in local industrial circles but also among silk manufacturers throughout the country.

Mr. Souter is a native of England, born April 1, 1869, at Presbury, son of William Souter, Jr., and grandson of William Souter, both also natives of England. The latter was born near the Scottish border, where he was reared and educated, and where he learned the silk manufacturing business. Coming to America about 1865, he settled in Pat- He erson, N. J .. becoming one of the pioneer silk manufacturers of that State, where he made a permanent home. In January, 1906, though he had attained the age of ninety-two, he was well preserved in mind and body, a patriarchal resi- dent of Paterson.

William Souter, Jr., was born, and reared in England, and his entire business career was one of prominent identification with the silk mannfac- turing industry, in which line he was considered an authority, having made an exhaustive study of the

Union county ; Josephine, deceased wife of E. P. business. He traveled extensively, making a spe- Hilliard ; and James S .. business partner of G. Dal, and a resident of Milton.

G. Dal Fox attended the schools of Rush town- ship and Lewisburg College: After leaving school he began his preparation for commercial work by working as a clerk, continuing at this for fourteen years, three of which were spent in a general store, and the rest of the time in a hardware store: In 1902 he engaged in the jewelry business and has a most complete establishment. carrying a fine line of first-class goods. Ile also deals in fine hammer and hammerless guns, cutlery, fishing tackle and general sporting goods. His brother is his partner and these two young men have a fine patronage- one in fact that is drawn from far beyond the confines of the town of Milton.

cial study of the methods of silk making in both China and Japan. At the time of his death he was vice president and manager of an extensive silk manufacturing concern in Whitehall, N. Y. He met his death in October. 1900. when only fifty-three years of age, as the result of an accident, being killed by a trolley car in Newark, N. J. Mr. Souter married Martha Anna Chanelley, who died in 1880. She was born and reared in England, daughter of Robert Chanelley, a prominent con- tractor. Of the ten children born to William Souter, Jr., and his wife, Annie died in infancy : Sydney H. is mentioned below : Robert William is superintendent of the Littlestown silk mill in Littlestown. Pa. : Charles Harold is in the railroad service at Schenectady, N. Y .: Clyde Douglass graduated in 1907 from Dartmouth College: Ada is the wife of Edward Sargent, a contractor of

Mr. Fox was elected tax receiver of Milton on the Democratic ticket, and served three terms, making nine years in all, and this in spite of the Newark, N. J .; Jessie, Elizabeth and Margie are large Republican majority usually polled in the

all trained nurses, graduates of the training school borough. Fraternally Mr. Fox is very prominent, of the Newark (N. J.) General Hospital: and and as well very popular. He is a member of Edna is the youngest. The parents having emi- Lodge No. 913. B. P. O. E .. of Milton. and grated to this country in 1865. the eldest daughter was born in America. But the family returned to England two years later, not becoming perma- nent residents of the United States until 1879. represented his lodge at Los Angeles. Cal., in the summer of 1909. his trip and visit to the coast cov- ering a period of six weeks. He is also a member of Castle No. 256, Knights of the Golden Eagle.

Sydney H. Souter obtained his early edneation in the common schools of his native Jand, and SYDNEY H. SOUTER belongs to that class . after the family settled in America he became a of manufacturers who know their field of work student in Latimer's Business College, in Paterson, thoroughly. A member of the third generation of N. J., and later completed a course in the cele-

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

brated Bryant & Stratton Business College, Buf- important an enterprise of York county makes him falo, N. Y. He began his active business career one of the leading business men of that seetion. in a silk mill in Paterson, N. J., where he was However, he had not attained the limit of his use- employed in 1881-82, after which he attended fulness even in such high capacity, being identified school for one year at Northampton, Mass. He with other important ventures. then secured a position in the silk mill in that city,

In politics Mr. Souter is a consistent and un- where he was an employee for the next nine years, swerving advocate of the principles of the Republi- at the expiration of which period he returned to Paterson, where he continued to be identified with the same line of industry for one and one half years. He next passed a year in the silk mill at Pompton, N. J., and for the following three years was employed in the mill of which his father was manager and vice president at Whitehall, N. Y. can party, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been a zeal- ous worker for many years. Within the time of his residence at Paterson, N. J., he was secretary of the board of trustees of the Madison Avenue Pres- byterian Church, and he and his wife became members of the First Presbyterian Church of During the following two years he was again em- York, Pa. Fraternally Mr. Souter has attained ployed at Paterson, and he then removed to degrees of high distinction in Freemasonry, Catasauqua, Pa., where he had charge of the estab- n which he has passed the thirty-second lishing, equipping and placing in operation of a degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. silk mill, ably completing his work, after which he He became affiliated with: Zeredatha Lodge, came to York, Pa., arriving in that city Sept. 6, No. 451, F. & A. M .; Howell Chapter, No. 199, 1900. He there became associated with Henry R. A. M .; Gethsemane Commandery, No. 75, Musser, until recently the president of the Monarch Knights Templar. all of York: while he is iden- ' Silk Company, which they forthwith organized, tified with the I. O. O. F., the B. P. O. E. and the equipping a modern mill and instituting active Lafayette Club, of York; and the Woll Club of operations on Sept. 18th of the same year, the New York City. date the company received its charter from the

On June 25, 1890, Mr. Souter married Margaret state. Employment was afforded to a corps of Morton McLeod, daughter of Alexander McLeod. about six hundred persons, and the annual busi- a representative business man of Paterson, N. J. ness soon reached an aggregate of a million and To this union have been born two children, Sydney a quarter dollars, with a constantly increasing Herbert, Jr., and Martha Catherine.

demand for the company's products in the markets of New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, San BURT O. MILLER, of Sunbury, proprietor of Francisco, and other commercial centers. As vice the Keystone Steam Laundry, is a young business president and general manager of the company Mr. Souter showed great administrative and exec-

man who has made a name for himself as one of the most enterprising citizens of his generation in utive ability, while his intimate knowledge of the that borough. He undoubtedly inherits his ability details of the business largely conserved the phe- nomenal but substantial growth of the enterprise. So well was this appreciated that on the resignation of President Musser Mr. Souter was the unanimous choice of the directors for president. and he also continued to act as general manager.

in that line, his father, Charles S. Miller, having long held his own as a substantial and intelligent business man of the place, where he has been estab- lished since 1893. He does the largest incat busi- ness in the locality and is otherwise interested in its material advancement, being an energetic and

But the Monarch Silk Company was not the only progressive citizen, of high character and irre- . vast concern in which Mr. Souter was actively and proachable standing.

prominently interested. He and Mr. Musser suc- cessfully promoted the Littlestown Silk Company, which was organized in Littlestown, Adams Co., Pa., on July 2, 1903. It was capitalized at $50 .- 000, and like the Monarch kept running to its full capacity, the demands for its products keeping the mill in operation until midnight. As vice president and general manager of the Littlestown Company, Mr. Souter paid the place a weekly visit ; and between this mill. the Monarch and the main office, at No. 27 Spring street, New York, Elias Werner: and Josiah A., who married Polly which Mr. Souter also visited weekly, there was

.This Miller family has long been settled in Dauphin county, Pa., where Abraham Miller, great-grandfather of Burt O. Miller, was born. He was a farmer. owning land in Mifflin township. His brother John lived at Berrysburg, and another brother, Samuel, also lived in the upper end of Dauphin county. Abraham Miller was twice mar- ried, and by his first wife. whose maiden name was Row, had four children : Simon : George. who lived at Gratz, Dauphin county; Anna, wife of

Cooper and lived in Lykens valley between Berrys- certainly no busier man in York, and yet so burg and Elizabethville. By his second wife, Anna systematically did he work that he was ever ready (Bitterman), he had two children : Jolin N., of to give courteous attention to those who called Valley View, Pa. : and Rebecca, who married upon him. His prominent association with so

Angustus Lantz, of Georgetown, Pa. Abraham

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Miller died about 1865, at the age of sixty-five. tation known to the modern trade. In this respect, He and his family were Lutheran members at the he has not only met all the legal requirements, but brick church below Berrysburg, which he served in most ways has anticipated and exceeded them, officially. introducing many innovations in this line which are a credit to his intelligence and to his dispo- sition to do the right thing, whether it is expected of him or not. Mr. Miller is a member of the Sunbury Board of Trade and of the Business Men's Association. He is a director of the North Branch Fire Insurance Company of Pennsylvania, which was organized in 1909 with a capital of $300.000 (fully paid), and whose home office is at Sunbury. and is interested in the Sunbury and Sclinsgrove Trolley Linc.

Simon Miller, son of Abraham, was born in 1825 in Lykens valley, near Berrysburg, Dauphin county, and met an accidental death in the powder mill explosion at Trevorton, Pa., in March, 1863. He is buried at the Dunkelberger Evangelical Church in Rockefeller township, Northumberland county. Though a comparatively young man at the time of his death he owned his home and was in comfortable circumstances. He married Cath- arine Kobel, daughter of Frederick Kobel, and she survived him many years. reaching the age of sixty- five; she is buried by his side. Seven children were born to' Mr. and Mrs. Simon Miller: A

On Dec. 22, 1871, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Catharine Dunkelberger, daughter of George and Catharine (Rebuck) Dunkelberger, daughter that died in infancy; Mary, who died who lived in Upper Mahantango Valley, and nine young ; Charles S .; Louisa, Mrs. Edw. Fry, of children have been born to them: Arthula (wife Shamokin; Henry, a butcher, who worked for his of Robert Worrer), Harvey (of Sunbury), Katie brother Charles S. and lived and died at Trevorton, May (Mrs. H. E. Lebo), Ezra J. (of Sunbury), Pa. : B. Franklin, a miner, who lives at Trevorton ;

Burt O., Cora M., Charles M., Calvin E., and

his family are members of the First Evangelical Church of Sunbury. Socially he holds member- ship in the Knights of Malta. the Royal Arcanum

and Harriet. wife of Frank Conrad and living at Bertha (who died aged six years). Mr. Miller and Trevorton.

Charles S. Miller, son of Simon, was born July 29, 1849, at Gratz, Dauphin Co., Pa .. and was reared to farm life. When thirteen years old he and the Protected Home Circle.

Burt O. Miller was born Oct. 25, 1SS1. at where he was employed in the mnincs for eight Seven Points, in Rockefeller township, this county.

came to Zerbe township. Northumberland county, years, cutting coal. In 1872 he engaged in the and there received his carly education in the public cattle business at Seven Points, this county, and schools. Later he attended high school at Sun- from that line quite naturally changed to the bury and the Eastman Business College at Pough- butcher business, in which he now has liis principal keepsie, N. Y., graduating from the latter in 1902. Returning to Sunbury he began working for his father as bookkeeper and clerk in the large meat interest. He was located at Seven Points until his removal to Sunbury in 1893. He has since done business at his present location. on Market market, but he soon entered business on his own strect. and has long commanded the bulk of the account. Forming a partnership with Harry C. business in his line in the borough and surround- Fasold, who had had five years previous experienec ing territory. Mr. Miller keeps two delivery in the laundry business, he became interested as wagons constantly employed in his city deliveries, one of the proprictors in the Keystone Steam and has ten men regularly engaged to handle his Laundry, which they opened Oct. 25, 1902. at No. large trade. He not only kills the meat for his own 239 Sonth Fourth street, the firm of Miller & establishment, twenty steers weekly. thirty hogs, Fasold lasting until Dec. 4. 1909, since which time etc .. but also slaughters for dealers at Williams- Mr. Miller has conducted the business on his own port and Northumberland. He put up his own account. He bought out his partner's interest and slaughter-house, which is the largest in this section. is now handling the business alone. The laundry. having a capacity of $1,500 worth of business daily, which is now located at Nos. 16-18 North Fifth if necessary, and a switch from the yards connects street. is a most completely equipped plant. with direct with the Philadelphia & Reading railroad. all the facilities for doing a large amount of first-

giving unusual advantages for prompt shipping

and handling of all products. In 1890 Mr. Miller ployed. Mr. Miller commands the leading trade

class work. and twelve hands are constantly eni- in Sunbury. His executive talent and enterprise have been well illustrated in the manner he has built up the business, and the fact that he gains trade and holds it speaks well for his methods and standards of honor.

erected an ice plant ou the extensive property adjoining his slaughter-house. being the pioneer ice manufacturer in Sunbury. His plant has a daily capacity of fifteen tons. An cighty horse-power boiler has since been added to the original equip- ment. Mr. Miller has not only shown himself pro- Mr. Miller is a member of Lodge No. 267. B. P. O. Elks. of the Protected Home Circle, of Lance gressive in providing the most approved modern appliances for the convenient dispatch of his busi- and Shield Conclave. No. 11 (of which he has been ness, but also in installing all the devices for sani- a high officer), and of the Masonic fraternity, in

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

€

the latter connection holding membership in married, his first wife dying in Center county, and Maelay Lodge, No. 632, F. & A. M., of Sunbury; of his twelve children we have record of four by Northumberland Chapter, No. 174, R. A. M .; the first union, Samuel (a shoemaker, who lived Mount Hennon Commandery, No. 85, K. T .; and died at Loek Haven, Pa.), Henry A. (of Williamsport Consistory, thirty-second degree ; and Zembo Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Harrisburg.

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Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 100

Author: Floyd, J.L., & Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago, J. L. Floyd & Co. Number of Pages: 1024

Author: Floyd, J.L., & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, J. L. Floyd & Co.
Number of Pages: 1024