Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 103

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 103

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tinued to work for the canal company until 1820. since which year he has made his home at Sunbury. For thirty years after settling there he was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- pany (at the time he entered the service it was as an employee of the Northern Central Railway Company), retiring in 1900. He married Mary Lower, daughter of Michael Lower, and they have had four children: Edward (living at Sunbury. Pa.), Della, Minnie (who died' aged twenty-four years) and Walter J.

Walter J. Leonard obtained his education in the public schools of Sunbury, graduating from the high school in 1898. He commenced railroad- ing the same year, starting as a messenger, and was promoted from time to time until in 1900 he became master of the freight yard at Sunbury, where he has charge of fifty men. Mr. Leonard has won his promotions on merit, having made a record for trustworthiness and capability by a consistent career of faithful and reliable service.

On Nov. 25, 1896, Mr. Leonard married Clara Day, daughter of Noah Day, and to them have been born five children. two of whom died in in- fancy ; the survivors are Dorothy Ruth. J. Edward and Sidney. Mr. Leonard has a home of his own at No. 426 South Fourth street. He and his family attend the Methodist Church, and socially he is identified with several organizations, holding membership in True Cross Commandery, No. 112. Knights of Malta. Lodge No. 416. Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 261. B. P. O. Elks. the Y. M. C. A. and No. 1 Fire Company, all of Sunbury. In politics he is a Republican.

Leonard, was a native of York county, Pa. For a number of years he lived at Millersburg. Dauphin Co .. Pa., where he conducted the work train, and he died at the age of sixty-five. in about 1891, at that place, where he is buried. He was a member of the United Evangelical Church. He and his wife Jane ( Beck), who was also of York connty, had a family of eight children.

Mr. Day's first marriage was to Alda Gilbert, who is buried at Millersburg. By that union he had two children: Frederick, who lives at Stone Harbor, N. J .: and Jennie, who married Samuel Kobel and lives at Millersburg, Pa. On Oct. 12, 1826. Mr. Day married (second) Margaret Yeager, daughter of Christian Yeager, a native of Ger- many, who lived at Georgetown ( Dalmatia), Pa. Mr. Yeager married Sarah Burrell, who was from Lower Mahanoy township, this county, and they had children: George. Alexander. Sarah, Peter and Margaret (wife of Noah Day). Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Day: Clara, Mrs. Walter J. Leonard: Cora M., wife of Jonathan Kunkel, of Sunbury: Jackson, who died in in- fancy: Virgie V., wife of Ralph Bailey, of Wil- liamsport, Pa. ; Daisy, who died in infancy, and Verlin E., wife of Charles B. Smith, a railroader. who has a daughter, Geraldine Elizabeth ( they reside with Mrs. Day).

PATRICK F. KEARINS, of Shamokin, pro- prietor of the "Market Street Hotel," has suc- ceeded his father in the business. The latter was one of the early hotel-keepers of the borough, and in his day was a well known man and regarded as one of the public-spirited citizens of Shamokin.

Patrick Kearins, the father, was born in 1833 in Ireland, and was a yonng man when he came to America. He located at Shamokin among the early residents of the place, and for some time followed mining, later engaging in the hotel busi- ness. which he continued until his death. He took a great interest in the welfare of his adopted town, and was respected by the many, with whom

Jackson Day, grandfather of Mrs. Walter J. he came in contact in his business and social relations. He died in 1898, at the age of sixty- four years, and is buried at Shamokin. He was a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church. Mr. Kearins married Bridget Kelly, who died when still a young woman, the mother of five children : Mary, who married Joseph Simmons; Katie, who married Peter Feibig: Thomas, who died when seventeen years old: John, who is living with his brother Patrick: and Patrick F.

Noah Day, son of Jackson and Jane ( Beck) Dav, was born May 1, 1851, at Shrewsbury, York Patrick F. Kearins was born at Shamokin Jan. 18, 1811, and received his education there in the public and parochial schools. For about two Co., Pa., where he received his education. He began railroading at the early age of fifteen years on the Pennsylvania Railroad Company's years he was employed at the mines, and then

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learned the printer's trade, at which he was en- he passed the remainder of his days, dying at gaged for about seven years in all, until he became Warrensville March 6, 1901, in his ninety-fifth associated in the hotel business with his father, year. He is buried at that place. Though a hearty, about two years before the latter's death. After rugged man all his life, he had lived retired for the that event he continued the business on his own last thirty-five years, enjoying the fruits of his account, buying the property in 1903. The loea- carly industry. At the time of his death the flag tion, at Nos. 22-24 North Market street, is a on the local schoolhouse was placed at half-mast . favorable one for hotel purposes, and Mr. Kearins as a mark of respect and in recognition of his has held the trade which his father established and inereased it by his own good management. He has a wide acquaintanceship and is a sub- stantial and respected man.

useful citizenship and high character. His par- ents were members of the German Reformed Church, but he and his family were Methodists. Mr. Jacoby was married in New York State to Clara H. Biels, who was born April 12, 1809, daughter of John Biels, and died March 16, 1890. They were the parents of eight children, four sons Abraham Abker: Mary Augusta married Robert Abker, nephew of Abraham Abker; Chester (de- ceased ) lived in Cascade township, Lycoming county ; William is a resident of Loyalsock, that

In April, 1902, Mr. Kearins married Margaret Jones, daughter of Herbert M. Jones, the latter a native of Wales who came to America and settled in Shamokin. Mr. and Mrs. Kearins have had the and four daughters: Sarah ( deceased) married following children : Mary, Marguerite ( deceased ) , Patrick and John (the latter deceased). Mr. Kcarins is a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church and a member of the Foresters, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Red Men. He is an county; Lucy died young ; Abraham is a farmer of independent voter, supporting the best man, re- Caseade township; Ezra R. is mentioned below ; gardless of party. Rachel died when fourteen years old.

Ezra R. Jacoby was born Oct. 16, 1845, near - EZRA R. JACOBY, of Northumberland, now serving as assistant yardmaster for the Pennsyl- vania Railway Company at that point. has been in the employ of that company continuously for the long period of forty-three years, and for over a quarter of a century held the responsible posi- tion of general yardmaster. Mr. Jacoby is of German descent. his great-grandfather having been one of the five Jacoby brothers who came from Wurtemberg, Germany, to this country, one settling in Philadelphia, on what is now Jaeoby Masonville, N. Y., and was six months old when brought by his parents to Pennsylvania. He at- tended publie school for a short time during his early boyhood, but his educational advantages were limited, and he read and studied in his inature years to make up for early deficiencies. After working on the farm until he was fourteen years old, he was later employed in the lumber woods until the fall of 1862, at which time he en- listed, from Williamsport, Pa., in the Union army, becoming a member of the 3rd Regiment, Penn- street, so named in his honor: he conducted what sylvania Heavy Artillery, Volunteers, with which was known as the "Black Horse Hotel." One he served until Angust. 1865. He was in the en- settled at Valley Forge, and participated in the gagement before Petersburg. Revolutionary war. Another settled on Durham On Nov. 27, 1867. Mr. Jacoby entered the em- ploy of the Pennsylvania Railway Company, with which he has since remained. He began as brake- man, was eonductor in Williamsport for eighteen months, and then, in March, 1870, came to Sun- creek, in Bucks county, Pa., and during the war sold his wheat to the Colonial Government. being paid in Continental money, some of which is still treasured by members of the family, Mr. Ezra R. Jacoby, of Northumberland, having part of it. bury to take the position of yardmaster, being

The fourth brother settled near Allentown, Pa., and the fifth in Bueks eounty, at Bursonville. The last mentioned had a son John Jacoby, who in time became judge of the county. His homestead was near Bursonville, on Durham creek. where he had a stone mansion of Colonial arehiteeture. He was twice married, his second wife living to the age of 104 years.

Samuel Jacoby, son of John Jacoby by his see- ond marriage. was born May 8, 1806, at the home- stead. In 1824 he moved to near Masonville, in the State of New York, and continued to reside in that State until 1846, when he removed to Pennsylvania. Settling first at Trout Run, in Iveoming county. he farmed there for some years, and then moved to Lovalsoek, same county, where who died when fifteen years old ; Dora Belle, Mrs.

thus engaged for five years. From that time until 1903 he was general vardmaster, his service in this capacity being highly creditable. Since re- lieved of this responsibility he has been assistant vardmaster at Northumberland. During his more active years he had charge of mueh important work, and had as many as cight hundred men under his supervision at times. He attained his high position through his own efforts, and he has held the esteem of his associates and employers throughout his long earecr.

On Nov. 12, 1865, Mr. Jacoby married Florenee M. Brown, daughter of Heman and Anna Belle (Snyder) Brown, and to them have been born six children : Harry, now of Oil City, Pa. : Drucilla,

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Charles H. Dodge; Charlotte, Mrs. Samnel Todd; Augustaville, this county, son of Hiram R. Miller. Charles, who died in infancy ; and Augustus K., His grandfather, a railroad man, who makes his home at North- un berland.

Mr. Jacoby and his family have occupied the present home on Front street, Northumberland, since April, 1884. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church there, and socially he belongs to Lodge No. 22, F. & A. M., of Sun- bury ; Chapter No. 174, R. A. M .; Danville Com- mandery, No. 37, K. T .; and Bloomsburg Con- sistory, thirty-second degree.

JOHN D. SWAANGER, photographer and art dealer, and one of the busiest and most popular of the younger citizens and business men of Milton, Pa., is a native of Franklin county, born at Lurgan, in 1883, son of Daniel D. and Mary E. (Long) Swanger.

Daniel D. Swanger is one of the prominent and best known men in Franklin county. For many years he taught school, for twenty-five years filled the office of justice of the peace, and for several

David Miller, son of George, lived in Shamokin years was president of the Lurgan Mutual Fire township, Northumberland county, and followed Insurance Co. At the present time he is engaged farming. He married Grace Jones, and their as a merchant at Lurgan. He married Mary E. children were : Solomon, Jefferson, Maria (married Long, and their children born to them arc: Libby, Reuben Kline), Rosania (married Farnsworth Bruce, Harry, Ellis, Anna, Thomas and John D. Reed), Louisa (married Jacob Gouser) and Hi- ram R.

Hiram R. Miller, born July 14, 1835. died May father. IJe then left home, going to Shippensburg, 4, 1894, and is buried at the Augustaville stone church. He was a miller by trade. His wife. Lucy A. Startzel, born Jan. 31. 1846, now re- sides in Sunbury. They were the parents of five children, namely : Maria A., born Sept. 15. 1866 ; George V., June 15, 1868; Herbert A., June 28, 1812; Bertha, Nov. 19, 1885 (died young) ; and Emory L., Dec. 29, 1883.

George Startzel, father of Mrs. Luey A. (Start- zel) Miller, lived near Paxinos, in Shamokin township. this county, and died at Snydertown, that township. He married Ellen Adams, daugh- ter of Casper Adams, and to them were born the following children : David, Daniel, Peter, George A., Mary, Lucy A. and Harriet.

Emory L. Miller received his early education in the public schools and later attended Bucknell Academy, at Lewisburg, after which he took a course at Syracuse University, graduating from that institution in 1906. Meantime, however, he had learned the carpenter's trade with William Simpson, of Sunbury, and followed that line of work for some seven years before he entered col- lege. After his gradnation he located in the bor- ough of Shamokin, where he has since been established in business as a contractor and bnilder. He has had the contracts for a number of substan-

EMORY L. MILLER, a young business man . tial and important buildings in the locality, having of Shamokin who is making a success as a con- creeted the S. O. Reed and C. M. Adams residences tractor and builder, was born Dec. 29, 1883, at in 1909: the "Ross Hotel," the Marheft building

John D. Swanger attended the schools in his native town, and for a time was employed by his Cumberland county, where he learned photography under C. A. Goodhart. In 1902 he opened a studio at Reynoldsville, Jefferson county, and for two and a half years carried it on successfully. He then came to Milton, and accepted a position with H. B. Montgomery, and later bought out his employer. Since then he has carried on the busi- ness alone, and so well has he succeeded that he has little time for anything but his work. He studies constantly to perfect himself in all the new and most scientific methods, and he has won an enviable reputation. He is a member of the State Photographers' Association. Fraternally he be- longs to the Woodmeu.

Mr. Swanger married Carrie E. Billmeyer, danghter of Henry Billmeyer. of an old and prom- inent family of Northumberland and Montour counties. They attend the Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Swanger has been a resident of Milton but, comparatively speaking, a few years. vet he has shown himself a citizen of genuine worth. He is a member of the Board of Trade; and takes an interest in its work as well as in all movements that look to the growth and develop- ment of the borough.

George Miller, who is commonly called "Hunter George," immigrated from Germany some time in 1200. He settled near Hamburg, Berks Co., Pa., He had several children, but nothing is known of them by his descendants with the exception of John Miller, who settled in Shamokin township, Northumberland county, prior to 1185. He owned about thirteen hundred acres of land situated upon the Centre pike. He built his log house on the south side of the road opposite where George W. Miller later made his home. In 1785 he married Catherine Raber, who was born Sept. 26. 1769, and by whom he had two sons and two daughters : George and David, both deceased; Elizabeth, who was twice married, first to a Mr. Rockefeller and later to a Mr. Wilbour; and Sarah, who married a Mr. Miller. Before his death John Miller divided his property between his sons, David tak- ing the land on the south side of the valley and George that on the north side.

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and the residence of J. C. Brown, all in Shamo- kin. He drew the plans for the Kleckner business college at Sunbury, and drew the plans for the I. O. O. F. building at Trevorton, which he also eon- strueted. His reliability and fitness for the work are best shown in the nature of the contracts in- trusted to him, and his best recommendation is his work itself.

On March 21, 1910) Mr. Miller married Minnie S. Crone. They reside at No. 510 North First street, Shamokin. He is a Lutheran in religion, a member of the I. O. O. F., and belongs to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity of Syracuse Uni- versity.

BENJAMIN I. EVANS, of Mount Carmel, Northumberland county, inspector of the Fifteenth Anthracite Inspection District of Pennsylvania, holds a responsible relation to the eight thousand inine workers employed in the twelve eollieries over which he has jurisdiction. He has been a mine worker all his life, practically, and is well versed in the duties of his position, the import- ance of his work and the obligation under which it puts him to serve his fellowmen to the best of his ability.

Mr. Evans is a native of Wales, born in 1862, and was eighteen years old when he came to Am- eriea. His first location was at Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he followed mining for about ten years, after which he became foreman of. the eolliery at Mahanoy Plane. He occupied that position about five years, and his next ex- perience was at Buck Mountain, Schuylkill county, also as foreman, whence he changed to the Maria colliery, at Mahanoy City, for two years. He came to Mount Carmel in September. 1903, and has since made his home in that borough. Mr. Evans took the examination to qualify for State mine inspector in 1902, at Pottsville, and passed with a high grade. He has sinee passed other examina- tions, in 1903, 1906 and 1908, continuing to hold his position through merit and eminent fitness for its duties. He is thoroughly conversant with its responsibilities and has proved himself eompe- tent to inspeet and report upon the twelve eollieries in his care, in which a total of about eight thou- sand people are engaged. His integrity and fair- ness, and a high sense of honor, have marked his performance of the trust he has so long held, and he is not only well but favorably known throngh- out the loeal coal field.

Mr. Evans was married to Charlotte Baer, and to them has been born one daughter, Elizabeth A., now the wife of Frederick Persing, of Mount Carmel. They reside at No. 24 North Maple street, Mount Carmel, where Mr. Evans main- tains his office also. Socially he is a member of the Elks and. Odd Fellows, and in politics he is a Republiean.

WILLIAM H. DUNKELBERGER has been established in business at Sunbury for only a few years, but his store has a wide reputation, being the largest of its kind in central Pennsylvania and carrying a stoek noted for completeness. Mr. T. Herman Crone, father of Mrs. Miller, was born at Trevorton, Northmnberland Co .. Pa., was a butelier by occupation, and died in Shamokin, this county, Sept. 1, 1896. He married Emma Sweitzer, daughter of John 'Sweitzer, a native of Germany, and to their union were born three Dunkelberger is located at No. 43: Market street. in the heart of the business district of the borough, and is engaged as a dealer in floor coverings. tapestries and upholstery goods of all kinds. He is one of the younger element, having been born April 8, 1880, at Middleburg, Snyder Co., Pa., daughters : Mary, who is at home ; Minnie S., Mrs. and is of Northumberland county stock, his grand- Miller; and Bessie, at home.

father, John Dunkelberger, having been a farmer in Little Mahanoy township. Jolin Dunkelberger was married three times, and had six children by one union, namely : Cornelins, Henry, Lewis, Sam- uel, Lizzie (who never married) and Mrs. Henry Peifer.

Cornelius Dunkelberger, father of William H. Dunkelberger, was born in 1839 in Little Ma- hanoy township, and spent a number of years int Northumberland county. Later he moved to Sny- der county, where he has sinee made his home, having long been a resident of Middleburg and one of the influential citizens of that place, active in business, political and church circles. In fact. he has been an enthusiastic worker and a leader in every line which has elaimed his interest. For a number of years he was a prosperous grain, coal and lumber merchant. Since 1884 he has been connected with the United States internal revenue. service at that point. In the year named he was appointed storekeeper and gauger, later deputy collector, and has been in the Government service since 1888. He has long been active in the Re- publican party in his loeality. having been eom- mitteeman from Franklin township, Snyder eoun- ty, for some years, eounty chairman, and frequent- ly delegate to county and state conventions. For many years he has been one of the most energetic workers in the United Evangelical Church of Middleburg, in which he holds membership, hav- ing been long superintendent of the Sunday- sehool, a class-leader, exhorter, eie .. in fact, one of the pillars of the congregation. He married Har- riet Sechrist. daughter of Henry Sechrist. who lived near Port Treverton, Snyder county, and they have a family of six children. namely: Ella married J. I. Acher and they live near Port Trever- ton ; Elizabeth married J. R. Kreeger. of Middle- burg ; Mary married Dr. J. G. Sallada, of Benton.

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

l'a. ; Gertrude and Lillian are nnmarried; Willian! H. is a resident of Sunbury.

William H. Dunkelberger received his education in the publie schools of Middleburg. At an early age he began clerking in a general store at Lewis- town, Milllin Co., Pa., and was thus engaged for thirteen years, laying a thorough foundation for his future career, becoming familiar with the de- tails of merchandising and business methods and gaining an insight into the executive branch of the business which has proved most valuable to him in his independent venture. In 190; he com- menced on his own account at his present location in Sunbury, and he made a success from the start. He has worked hard to place his business on a substantial foundation, and he deserves the large share of patronage which has come to him. On Feb. 3, 1903. Mr. Dunkelberger married Nellie Crawford, daughter of Albert and Margaret (Sheep) Crawford, who lived near Milton. North- minberland county, and they have had one son. William Crawford. The family are members of the First Presbyterian Church . of Sunbury. So- cially Mr. Dunkelberger unites with Lodge No. 22, F. & A. M., of Sunbury, with Northumber- land Roval Arch Chapter. No. 124, also of Sun- bury, and the B. P. O. E. Lodge No. 267. of Sun- bury. .

JOSEPHI ERASTUS A. SOWERS, of Shamo- kin, foreman for the Monnt Carmel Iron Com- pany, was born Ang. 19, 1842, in Spring City. Chester Co., Pa,, in which county the family has been established for some time. His grandfather. Joseph Sowers, was a native of Germany. and came thence to America many years ago. settling near Spring City. He followed farming. and continued to reside there until his death. His children were Erastus, Mahlon and Abner.

Abner Sowers, son of Joseph. was born on his Reading (to which he transferred in 1911 from

father's farin in Chester county. He lived prin- cipally at Royer's Ford, Montgomery county. where he followed farming for some years, later working in a mill. He died in 1860 .- Mr. Sowers married Elizabeth Taney. also a member of a Chester county family, of French descent, and to them were born three children: Joseph Erastus A .; Charles, who died young : and Annie, now de- ceased, who was the wife of Rev. Henry Chapman. an Episcopal minister. After the death of her husband Mrs. Sowers married William Wileox. who is now also deceased. and by that nnion had two children, William and Annie, the former now a resident of Bethlehem. Pennsylvania.

Joseph Erastus A. Sowers attended public school at Norristown. Montgomery county. and commenced to work in the rolling mills there. Thenee he went to Pottsville, where he learned the molder's trade, continuing to follow it until he enlisted for service in the Civil war. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, 96th Regiment, Penn-

sylvania Volunteer Infantry, from which he was transferred to the 52d Pennsylvania regiment, and he held the rank of sergeant throughout his service. He was under General MeClellan and took an active part in the Peninsular campaign, and in the operations in North and South Carolina, the bat- tles in which he was engaged including Williams- burg. Fair Oaks. Seven Pines, Bolten Bridge. Malvern Hill. White Oak Swamp, James Island. Fort Sumter, Yorktown, Fort Wagner, Morris Is- land, Ball Island, and Fort Johnson, where he was captured July 3, 1864. He was taken to Charleston and thence to Andersonville, where he was held three months, from there going to Florence, where he was kept two months before receiving his parole. He was discharged Nov. 27, 1864, after three years and five months of ser- vice.

Returning to Pottsville, Pa., Mr. Sowers worked there one year and then went to Port Carbon, where he took charge of the foundry for J. R. Boyer. He held that position for several years. at the end of which time he had a chance to bet- ter himself, becoming foreman of the molding de- partment in the establishment of John Mullen & Son, at Shamokin, Dec. 21, 1875. He remained with this firm for the long period of thirty years. and has since held his present position, being now foreman for the Mount Carmel Iron Company. Intelligent. faithful and conscientions, Mr. Sowers stands high among his fellow workmen as well as with his employers, and he is a respected citizen of the borough in which he has so long made his home. He is a well known member of the Masonic fraternity. holding membership in Shamokin Lodge, No. 255, F. & A. M. : Shamokin Chapter. No. 264, R. A. M. : Shamokin Commandery. No. at, K. T .: Williamsport Consistory. thirty-second degree: Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .. of Irem Temple, of Wilkes-Barre) : and the Temple Club, of Shamokin. He also belongs to Lincoln Post, No. 140, G. A. R. In polities he is a Re- publican.

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Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 103

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