Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 105

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 105

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).

resided at Fisher's Ferry, Northumberland county, as early as 1762. He passed all his life in that neighborhood, living in Northumberland county until his death. He served four years on the Colonial side in the Revolution, from 1:46 to 1181, being a private in Capt. Stephen Chambers' company of the 12th regiment: was transferred to the 3d Regiment in July, 1778, and was dis- charged Jan. 25, 1781. He was at Valley Forge, at the battles of Monmouth, Long Island and Ger- inantown, and saw other service under Washing- ton. He married Ann McMahan.

AAsa. Bergstresser, son of John and Ann ( Auch- inuty) Bergstresser, was a tanner by trade, but upon locating in Shamokin, this county, engaged in the butcher business. He was killed on the railroad, at Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill county, in May, 1899, when sixty-nine years old. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Rehr, died in Shamokin in 1892. They were the par- ents of eleven children, namely: Dora, now the wife of William Roth: Lena. married to James Getter : Mary, married to William Haupt; Jennie. married to William Simmers: Minerva, married to William Seitz; Lillie, married to Jacob Con- rad; Clara, who died young; Franklin A .; Wil- liam ; Charles, and John.

Franklin A. Bergstresser was but three years old when taken by his parents to Helfenstein, Schuylkill county, where he attended public school. When ten years old he began picking slate at the Helfenstein colliery, and in 1881 he came to Locust Gap, Northumberland county, where he began as a slate picker at the Locust Spring col- liery. In time he became breaker oiler and then fireman and running engineer, later acting as assistant foreman at the breaker for two years. In 1900 he took his present position at the Locust Spring colliery, where he has charge of the me- chanical department, having eight men under him. His work is responsible, and he has been efficient in every respect and found reliable under all cir- cumstances, having the good-will and respect of

John Bergstresser, son of Philip, was born Oct. 8, 1775, in Union county, and there made his home for a number of years. Eventually he removed to Dauphin county, Pa .. where he died March 27, 1852. He was a millwright by trade and also ran several saw and grist mills, in 181? building his employers and those associated with him in one at Fisher's Ferry, Northumberland county, his work. He is one of the best known men in which he operated successfully for nine years. He this district.

On Aug. 26, 1887, Mr. Bergstresser married Ida May Klinger. daughter of George A. and Janie (Sharp) Klinger, and they have three children. Grace E., Gertrude I. and Jennie M. Mr. Bergstresser is a member of the Methodist Church, and fraternally he holds membership in the I. O. O. F. (also Rebekah degree ) and Royal Arcanum.

JOIIN A. GRAY, track foreman of Division No. 16 on the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad. at Milton, Pa .. and one of the substantial men of the borough, was born in Lewis township, North- umberland county, Sept. 20, 1866, son of Fred-

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erick Gray, and great-great-grandson of Robert Gray, an English emigrant.

Robert Gray came from England in Colonial times with his wife, Mary Reese, and settled on a farm near Jerseytown, Pa. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary war he joined Washington's army and fought with the Colonies in freedom's cause.

Lieut. Samnel Gray, son of Robert, was born in Miller; Bessie; and Pearl, who married George Brown.

Montour county, Pa., in 1192. He was a Whig in political faith, and his patriotism was evidenced by his service as an officer in the second war with the mother country in 1812, he being stationed at Black Rock. He was a noted contractor and the canal between Watsontown and Dewart. Pa., was constructed by him. He also engaged in teaming. His death was caused by accident June 4, 1831. he falling under the wheels of a wagon, while driving a six-horse team. His wife, Isabella Watson, born Nov. 11, 1800, died Sept. 5, 1863. Both she and her husband were members of the Presbyterian Church. Her parents, John L. and Elizabeth (Mann) Watson, eame froin Dublin, Ireland, at an early day and located in Columbia county, Pa., on a farm. They were stanch patriots in the Revolution, and, John Watson was taken prisoner by the British on account of his senti- ments, and chained to the floor. His wife resened lim, her devotion, no less than a regard for her physical weakness, touching the hearts of the guards and her plans were not interfered with. Lieut. Samuel Gray and wife had seven children : Joseph H., born Jan. 4, 1818; died in August.

Mr. Gray married Catharine Zettle, daughter of Emanuel Zettle, of Spring Mills, Center county, and they have become the parents of children as follows: Frederick E., a member of the class of 1912 Pennsylvania State College: Mary R .: 1876; John G., Dec. 12. 1820. Feb. 2. 1861: Sarah; Jolm A., Jr. ; Harry, who died aged six Catherine, Oct. 22, 1822. in 1856 (married Samuel Gray, a relative) : Robert. Oct. 5, 1824, May 9, 1848: Mary Y., July 8, 1827, in March, 1880 (married William Kissner, deceased) ; Phoebe, March 28, 1829, in 1821 (married Jesse Hill. a farmer in Montour county) ; and Samuel Russell, March 24, 1831.

John G. Gray, born Dee. 12. 1820, son of Lieut. Samuel, died Feb. 2, 1861. His early days were passed in the home in Lewis township, North- umberland county, but later he removed to Dan- ville, where .his death occurred. He followed farming in Montour county. He married Phoche Walizer, for his first wife, and the children born to this union were: Sammel, Frederick, Isabella, Jolm and . George. He married (second) Mrs. Lottie Colwell, and three children. Stephen. Phoebe and Jane. blessed this marriage.

He married Sarah Iches, daughter of Samuel Iches, and their children were : John A. : William R .; Catharine, who died in infancy; Ellen, who married Daniel Nicholls; Frederick, who died young; Ida, who married Charles Linn; Mary, who married Harry McDonland; James, who died young; Samuel; Henry; Alice, who married Charles Newton ; Mande, who married Charles

John A. Gray attended the school at Black Hole Valley, near Muncie, Pa., and the Rising Spring public school and the Spring Mills high school in Center county for two summers and three winters. During the summers when not in school he worked on the track, and this has always been his business. He began training for it at the age of fourteen, and was but eighteen when he was made foreman of sub-division No. 7, with five and one-half miles of track in his care. His present division, No. 76, which he has had since 1899, has three miles of track. He has from twelve to twenty men under him. Mr. Gray has been careful of his resources. and he is the owner of two fine farms, one the old Fetzer farm of seventy-five acres in Chillisquaque township, and the other the 140 acre farm in Lewis township that formerly belonged to his great unele, Samuel R. Gray.

months, and Edna M. The family home is at No. 27 Railroad avenue, Milton. Fraternally Mr. Gray is a member of the Sons of Veterans. Mr. Gray has been faithful in the performance of his duty. and has won the high regard of the officials over him. In every relation of life he has proved his worth, and he has the well earned esteem of the people of Milton and Northumberland county.

HENRY B. MEYER, a blacksmith of Sha- mokin, where he has established a profitable busi- ness, las resided in the borough since 18:6, but he is a native of Schuylkill county and comes of a family which was established there by his grand- father. John Meyer.

John Meyer came from Germany with his family and settled at Pottsville. Schuylkill Co., Pa. He was a carpenter, and followed his trade for many years, later engaging in the dairy business, selling milk and yeast. A well known man of his day, he had many friends. His children were: Conrad,

Frederick Gray, son of John G., was born in August, 1844, and now lives near Watsontown, Pa., in what is known as the Thomas addition. For many years he was employed on the Pennsyl- Catharine. Martin and Louis. vania Railroad as trackman, and in 1890 was re- Conrad Meyer, son of John, was the father of tired from active work. He gave twenty months' Henry B. Meyer. He was born in Germany in of service to his country in the Civil war in' 1×2? and was seven years old when brought to Rickett's Battalion, Pennsylvania Light Artillery. America. After beginning work he followed min-

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ing for some time, and later was engaged in dif- pumps and an engine, this being his last work at ferent kinds of mechanical work, following the the mines. Becoming proprietor of the "White trades of carpenter, stonemason and clockmaker. Hotel," located at No. 412 North Shamokin He made his home at Ashland, Schuylkill county, street, in the borough of Shamokin, he conducted where he died Feb. 1, 1908, at the age of eighty-

it until 1907. In 1908 he was appointed county one. His wife, Wilhelmina (Fient), came to detective by District Attorney A. K. Deibler, and America from Germany when eighteen years old, and they had children as follows: Kate, Sophia, John (who died when thirteen years old). Henry B., Richard (who died Jan. 1, 1910). Mary, Elizabeth. Thressie ( who died aged eight years), and Minnie.

he has served in that capacity since, with great efficiency, discharging the duties of his office in- telligently and faithfully. His first duties in this incumbency took him among the "Black Hand" offenders at Marion Heights. in this county, and he has made many important arrests, leading to con- viction, in that and other fields.

Henry B. Meyer was born Sept. 11, 1852, at Ashland, Schuylkill county. and there attended On Aug. 31, 1901, Mr. Glass married Gertrude the public schools. He began work as a slate Irene Shrover, who was born at Dalmatia in 1884, picker, and continued to follow mining until he daughter of Jacob and Bena Shroyer, and died April 4, 1907, leaving two sons, Robert and John,

reached the age of nineteen, since which time he has been engaged at blacksmithing. Coming to who are living with their uncle Reese in Phil- Shamokin in 1876, he was with the late J. B. adelphia. Zimmerman for the long period of twenty-four Socially Mr. Glass unites with the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Shamokin Lodge), and in re- ligion he is a member of the Episcopal Church. In politics he is quite prominent in the Republican party and he has served as committeeman from the Second ward. He is a well known athlete and was one of the star players on the old Shamokin football team. years, four months, until, in' 1901, he commenced business on his own account. His shop is at No. 13 East Walnut street. Mr. Meyer is a fine mechanic. as his long continuance with one em- ployer would indicate, and he does a thriving business, getting a gratifying share of the patron- age in his locality. He is conscientious and hon- orable in his work, a fact which holds his cus- toners.

MICHAEL J. WHALEN, inside foreman at On Aug. 18, 1880, Mr. Meyer married Ida H. the Locust Gap colliery, has been a miner all his Lott, daughter of John T. and Delilah ( Hopper) life, and his father and grandfather before him were also engaged at mining in this region. Lott, and a'member of a well known Northumber- land county family. They have a fine home at No. 547 North Sixth street. Mr. Meyer holds member- ship in the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

JOHN H. GLASS, county detective of North- umberland county, was born Jan. 12. 1882, in Coal township, son of Samuel Glass. His father was a native of County Meath, Ireland, born in 1838, and came to America when nineteen years old, settling in Shamokin, Pa., where he made a permanent home. He worked as a miner, in the Joseph, Thomas. Michael, Mary and John F.

employ of the late Thomas Baumgardner, being thus engaged for thirty years. and was known to all as an industrious, upright citizen. He died April 4, 1902, and is buried at Shamokin. Sam- uel Glass married Maria Richards. a native of Wales, who came to America in girlhood. She now makes her home with her son Richard in Shamokin. To Mr. and Mrs. Glass were born children as follows: Jolm (deceased), Richard (deceased ), Sammel, Reese, William. John H. and George.

John HI. Glass attended public school in Sha- mokin and when a boy began work at the Buck Ridge colliery, picking slate. He was thus engaged for a period of three years, after which he drove team in the mines for two years and then cut coal for two years. For another two years he ran

Michael Whalen, the grandfather, came from Ireland when a young man and settled in Schuyl- kill county, Pa., at "Black Sam's" farm, near New Philadelphia. about one and a half miles from Middleport. He followed mining and became a well known man of his day, serving as tax collector of his district. He was a Democrat in politics. He died at Pottsville, Schuylkill county, at the home of his youngest son. John F. Whalen, Esq. He and his wife had a family of six children : Patrick,

Michael Whalen. father of Michael J. Whalen, was born in Schuylkill county, and died there in 1891. He was engaged as engineer at different collieries, and in 1863 came to Locust Gap. Northumberland county. but later returned to Schuylkill county. locating at Mahanoy City. His death occurred two miles east of Shenandoah. He married Dora Glenning, who was born in Ireland, daughter of Patrick Glenning, and came to Amer- ica when five years old. She died Oct. 5, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Whalen had children as follows : Michael J., Bridget, Mary A. ( Mrs. John O'Brien), John, Andrew, Joseph and Thomas.

Michael J. Whalen was born Ang. 29. 1862, at Silvercreek, Schuylkill county, and received his schooling in his native county. At the age of nine he began picking slate at the breaker, doing

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such work until he reached the age of fourteen, Haag were members of the Paradise Lutheran after which he was employed at the mines in dif- Church, of Turbut township, and they are buried in the cemetery of that church. Seven children were born to them: John; Catharine (deeeased) ; Beneville K .; Elizabeth, Mrs. Jacoby Hartman, deceased: Rebecca, who married William Balliet and lived in Montour county; Hettie, who married William Gouger and also lived in Montour county ; and Sarah, deeeased.

ferent capacities. When seventeen years old he had charge of the sinking of the Greenridge slope, No. 2. He was engaged as a miner until 1885, when he moved to Mount Carmel. Northumber- land county, there following mining. In July, 1897, he came to Locust Gap to take the position he has since held, inside foreman at the Locust Gap colliery. He was foreman at the Marion colliery for two years. 1894-99. prior to his removal to Loenst Gap. Mr. Whalen has charge of three hundred and fifty men, among whom he is re- spected and well liked, and he is favorably known in the community where he has so long made his home.

On Aug. 24, 1889, Mr. Whalen married Alice Debo, daughter of Peter Debo, who was of French ancestry. Thirteen children have been born to this union, four of whom died young. The sur- vivors are : Rev. William (priest, who was ordained in 1911). Dora, Joseph, Andrew, Albert, Thomas, Helen. Michael and John.

Mr. Whalen is a member of the Catholic Church, and of the Knights of Columbus. He is inde- pendent in politics.

GEORGE W. HAAG. deceased, was in the em- ploy of what is now the American Car & Foundry Company, of Milton, for over thirty-six years, having entered the establishment when a young man. He was in charge of the air brake depart- ment (of which he was the head, at the time of his death ) before the present company assumed ownership of the plant. He was a skilled me- chanic, a master in his line, as his long continuance in a responsible capacity with one place proves.

Hans Haag, the progenitor of this family in America, came to this country prior to 1234, and settled in Maxatawny township. Berks county, where he paid tax and quit rent in 1234. In 1959 he was still a taxpayer, his assessment then being eleven pounds. At the same time Andreas Haag was a taxable. paying twenty pounds, and when the Maxatawny Church at Bowers was built. in 1159, he gave one aere of land to the church to be used, as he said in the deed, "as long as the sun and moon shines." The latter's son, Andrew Haag. also contributed to the church : he was then a young man. He was the father of John, grandfather of George W. Haag.

John Haag. son of Andrew, was born near Bowers, in Berks connty. Feb. 12, 1794. In 1836 he moved to Northumberland county, settling in Turbut township. where he purchased a farm of 160 acres from the Kelehner estate. There he made his home and followed farming until his death, which occurred Jan. 12. 1861. He married Mary Knauss, also of Berks county, born Jan. 21. one son Burritt ) : and Margaret, at home. Mrs. 1795, who died March 21. 1869. Mr. and Mrs.

John Haag, eldest son of John, was born in Berks county March 20, 1814, and came to North- umberland county with his father. He, too. fol- lowed farming, upon the death of his father pur- chasing the old homestead. which he eultivated. He was a prominent Demoerat in his day, and served many years on the loeal school board, part of the time as treasurer of that body. In 1874 he was elected county treasurer, in which office he served one term, until 1876. Mr. Haag married Margaret Leinbach. born Feb. 2, 1820, who died May 2, 1892, surviving Mr. Haag a number of years : his death occurred Dec. 12, 1826. They were members of the Lutheran Church at Paradise and are buried at the Paradise cemetery. Eight children were born to their union: Mary E. mar- ried Franklin Iloy: Sarah J. married John Baker; Susan married William Kummerer: Margaret E. married Jacob Seidell: George W. is mentioned below: John: B. Franklin lives in Kansas; E. Newton is an attorney in Philadelphia.

George W. Haag was born June 16. 1842. and was a pupil in the public schools of Turbut town- ship in his early boyhood, later attending the MeEwensville Academy and also the Milton Academy. He worked on his father's farm until 1823, at which time he eame to Milton and en- tered upon his apprenticeship to the machinist's trade, which proved to be his life work. He began his employment at this line with Murray. Dougal & Co., and when the plant was sold to the Amerieau Car & Foundry Company. its present owners. he continued in charge of the air-brake department. in which capacity he was engaged until his death.

During the Civil war Mr. Haag served in the I'mion army as a member of Company B. 131st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was twice wounded, being shot in the breast and side at the battle of Fredericksburg: he was taken to Point Lookout hospital. He was a member of Henry Wilson Post. No. 129, G. A. R., of Milton, and of the Royal Arcanum at Milton. Mr. Haag died Aug. 21, 1910, and was buried at the upper eeme- tery, Milton, Pa.

On Dec. 8. 1864. Mr. Haag married Susan Leinbach, danghter of John B. Leinbach. of Lewis township, Northumberland county, and they were the parents of two children : George W .. who mar- ried Rae Mervine ( she died Ang. 23, 1907, leaving Haag and her children are members of the Re-

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formed Church at Milton, but Mr. Haag held a partnership with Montgomery Sweeney, with membership in the Lutheran Church. whom he did a general dry goods and grocery

JOHN B. LEINBACHI, father of Mrs. George W. business for one year, under the name of Sweeney Haag, was born Sept. 9, 1815, in Northumberland county, and his family was also settled in Berks county from an early day. His grandfather, Henry Leinbach, a native of Berks county, came to Lewis township, Northumberland county, in 1800, and purchased a farmi. Henry Leinbach, son of Henry, was born Oct. 5, 1784, and died Feb. ? , 1829. He married Mary Barnhart, born March 15, 1789, who died Sept. 30, 1816. They reared a family of eight children : Daniel. Henry, John B., Benneville, Sarah (married George Hittle), Mary (married F. H. Carver), Elizabeth ( married Simon Cameron ) and Rebecca (married. C. Sworney ).

John B. Leinbach was a prominent mian of his day in Lewis township, where he engaged in farm- ing until 1861, when he was appointed agent for the American Life Insurance Company of Phila- delphia, holding that position five years. In 1867 he became manager of the Union Mutual Fire In- surance Company for the central part of Pennsyl- vania, continuing in that capacity also for five years, until in 1872 he became agent for the North-

. western Life Insurance Company. He was a stanch Democrat in politics and a member of the Reformed Church, belonging to the church at MeEwensville.

On Oct. 2, 1858, Mr. Leinbach married Mary Dunkel, and to them were born the following named children : Fannie: Elizabeth, who married

S. S. Alexander ; Susan, wife of George W. Haag; Schuck, who was born July 19, 1821, in Union Sarah, wife of J. P. Dentler ; John F .; Calvin R .. county, Pa., danghter of Philip and Catherine of Kansas; Mary, wife of P. E. Maus; Gertrude, ( Diebert ) Schuck. Six children were born to Mrs. Frauntz; and Oliver, who married Jennie Smith.

Beneville K. Haag, son of John and Mary (Knauss) Haag, was born in Berks county Jan. 9, 1817. Ile received his education in the sub- seription and publie schools of his native county. and came with his parents to Northumberland county in 1836. By the time he had spent two years on the farm his father bought here he had attained his majority, and he began clerking in

MeEwensville. He was employed there for four years, during which the he gained considerable valnable experience in that line, as a large business in grain as well as in general merchandise was done at the store. The grain was hanled to Port May, near Watsontown, and shipped by canal. In 1842 Mr. Haag became clerk in a general store in Lewisburg, continning there until 1847, when he came to Milton and formed a partnership with T. S. Maekey & Son under the name of Mackey & Haag, dealers in dry goods and hardware. In 1849 this firm was dissolved and Mr. Haag formed

& Haag. His next association was as senior mem- ber of the firm of Haag & Caldwell, which lasted one year, at the end of which tiine the stock was divided, Mr. Haag taking the stand on what is now the site of the Milton Bank. In 1853 he established the firm of Haag & Brown, dealers in hardware and books, which did business until 185, when he took entire control. continuing the business for many years. In time his son-in-law, John Buoy, became a partner in the concern. In 1863 Mr. Haag purchased a lot on Front street from Elizabeth Miller, and in 1865 he erected a building on that property. In 1825 this block was burned, but he at once rebuilt it and continued the business. In the disastrous fire of Mav 14. 1880, which swept nearly all the business district of Milton, Mr. Haag's stores were again destroyed. He began rebuilding immediately, putting up the block now owned by his son-in-law, John Baoy. After this fire Mr. Haag invested in a number of lots on Front street, south of his business block. and on his newly aequired land put up other busi- ness places. In 1889 he erected the "Haag Hotel," now known as "The Milton," which was opened to the publie April 1, 1890. This is still the largest building in Milton and one of the finest hotel buildings in the city. Mr. Haag was a director of the National Bank of Milton from 1865 to 1875.

On Feb. 20, 1852, Mr. Haag married Sarah

this union: William A., deceased: Mary E .. who married John Buoy: Charles H .. deceased ; Sallie. deceased : Thomas T .; and Hettie, wife of C. A. Chapin.

While at MeEwensville Mr. Haag was post- master, and he was also a trustee of the academny. After the great fire of 1880, in Milton. he was appointed a member of the distributing committee which.handled the relief funds.

ARTHUR B. WETZEL, senior member of the the general store of Geddes, Green & Walls, at firm of Wetzel & Gass, electrical contraetors and

dealers of Sunbury, is a young man of enterprise and energy, and by hard work has won a sub- stantial place in local business circles. He was born in Sunbury July 11. 1883, and received his education there. leaving high school just two months before his class graduated to engage in

business. He served his apprenticeship to the electrical business in Sunbury and Shamokin, and for a brief period was also employed by the West- inghouse Electrical Manufacturing Company at Pittsburg. He has been in business for himself from a comparatively early age, and the firm of

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Wetzel & Gass are the leading contractors in their line in Sunbury, where they have built up a large trade. They have cquipped many important structures in and around the borough, including the Northumberland county jail, the courthouse.' Olive Rae (widow of Dr. Charles Woodruff), twins, the Mary M. Packer hospital, the Hooven Mercan- and Vincent. Mr. Wetzel and his family are Lutherans in religious matters. tile Company's building, the plant of the Sunbury Ice Company, the Clemmer building. the "Aldine Hotel," the Presbyterian Church, the Baptist Church, the "Neff House," the Burial Case Com- pany's building, the William H. Rohrbach man- orer, and died July 27, 1909, at Sunbury. He was sion, the Blank & Gottshall mill, the Rohrbach school building, the Francis E. Drminheller school building, the J. C. Packer residence and No. 1 engine house, all in Sunbury ; as well as the Milton Realty Company's building, at Milton. this county. Four regular men are employed besides the two members of the firm, both of whom bear high reputations as skilled electricians. Wetzel & Gass also deal in electrical supplies, their store at No. 441 Market street, Sunbury, having the largest and most complete line of such goods to be found in Northumberland county. Their re- liable work, up-to-date in every particular and bearing the tests of time well, has won them the extensive patronage they now enjoy.

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Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 105

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