Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 5

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 5

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).

tion of the township. He has never been away from the place. Its buildings are in substantial condition. The house was built in 1873 by his later, when the owner, Isaac Martz, went to Da- father, who did nearly all the carpenter work him- self, leaving many evidences of his workmanship and artistic as well as mechanical ability, for he put in considerable ornamental woodwork, all specimens of his own handicraft. He also built the barn. The soil of this farm is red gravel and well adapted for general crops, Mr. Long also making a specialty of truck, as did his father. He sells his produce at Trevorton, where his father customers who have relied on the Longs for their vegetables - and fruit for thirty years. He is a typical member of his family, industrious, wide- awake, thrifty and enterprising, and is highly re- spected by all who know him.

On Dec. 15, 1887, Mr. Long married Laura Bloom, sister of Urias Bloom, who is mentioned On Dec. 2, 1893, Mr. Long married Daisy D. elsewhere in this work, and they have had ten Foy, and they have had two children, Mildred children, namely: One that died in infancy; J. C. and Ethel May. The Longs attend Zion's Harold; Samuel W., who was educated in the Union Church at Augustaville, Mr. Long being a public schools and at the Bloomsburg State nor- member of the Reformed congregation and Mrs. Long identified with the Reformed congregation. He has served as member of the church council. mal school and is now engaged in teaching pub- lic school in Northumberland county : Albert, who died in infancy ; Marguerite; Gertrude: Leon U .; Edna : Jean, and Laura.

GEORGE M. LONG was born Dec. 10, 1865, on the homestead farm, where he was reared to man- hood. When seventeen he commenced to learn the trade of painter and paper hanger, which he continued to follow for nine years in Shamokin and Williamsport. For ten years he was engaged in the mercantile business at Augustaville, and for two years.was interested in the same line in Sun- bury. In the spring of 1901 he began farming in Rockefeller township, where he now lives, hay- ing a tract of seventy-two acres which was for- merly the William M. Miller homestead. Mr. Long is one of the best farmers in his district, and his land is in excellent condition and under a high state of cultivation.

WILLIAM E. LoNa was born Feb. 8. 1873, on the Long homestead. and there grew up, receiv- ing his education in the local public schools.

The Foy family, to which Mrs. Long belongs, came to Northumberland county from New Jer- sey, and was early settled in what was originally Angusta (now Rockefeller and Upper and Lower Augusta) township. The first of the name to come liither was Samuel Foy, who was born in New Jersey in 1751 and died in Rockefeller town- ship in 1826. His wife, Osila, died July 5, 1851, aged seventy-three years, eight months, four days. These pioneers are buried side by side at the stone church at Augustaville. They had nine children, among whom were sons Charles and John.

John Foy, son of Samuel, owned and cultivated his own farm in Rockefeller township. He and his wife are buried there, at the Ebenezer Meth- odist Church, of which they were members. . (We have record of John Foye, died April 6. 1883. aged seventy-seven years, five months, twenty-two days, and wife Hannah, died July 2, 1886, aged eighty years, seven months, twenty-eight days, buried at the Ebenezer Methodist Church in Rock- efeller township.) Their children were: Samuel G .: Catharine, who married Samnel Shipman ;

. On Jan. 17, 1887, Mr. Long married Annie J. Wolf, danghter of Henry and Elizabeth (Yor- dy) Wolf, who lived in Rockefeller township. Five children have been born to this marriage: Herman M., who met an accidental death, at the age of seventeen years, six months: John Adam: George William ; Harry Elmer, and Mary Jan- Mary, who married Jonathan Harman and (sec- etta. Mr. Long and his family worship at the ond) Sammel Reeder ; Daniel B. ; and Harriet, who Augustaville Church, where they are members of married Jacob S. Snyder. the Reformed congregation. He is one of the Samuel G. Foye (as he wrote his naine), son most esteemed and intelligent citizens of his com- of Jolin, learned the carpenter's trade in his early munity.

life and followed it for a member of years. For some years he was mine boss at Bear Valley col- liery. Later in life he was a farmer in Lower Augusta township. where he owned a large farm.

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His first wife was Dinah Bloom, daughter of Wil- at Montandon, in West Chillisquaque township, liam Bloom, and they are buried at Malick's which has since been his home, this having been United Brethren Church, of which they were con- sistent members .. Among their children was a son Isaae F., who lives in Rockefeller township; he married Lydia Hassinger, and they have five chil- dren, William H., Lizzie G., Peter, Daisy and Grace I. By his second wife. F ---- Samuel G. Fove had these children: John Wesley, born March 22, 1855, who died in West Virginia Dee. 18, 1897 : Raymond : and several others. part of the Nesbit farm. He is a hard-working man, and has won success by his own efforts, be- ing respected by all who know him for his upright and honorable life. Ile has the confidence of his fellow citizens, whom he has served for three years in the capacity of school director. Politieally he is a Democrat and in religion a Lutheran. a mem- ber of St. Jolm's Church at Northumberland, which he helped to build. His fine farm is a

Daniel B. Foy, son of John, lived and died in eredit to the locality.

Rockefeller township. He was twice married, his

five children : Fannie: Jolin : William : Mrs. Eis- ter ; and Daisy D. who married William E. Long. For his second wife he married Sallie M. Rebuck, by whom he had six children: Katie, wife of Charles H. Brosions: Harry, who married Daisy Foy; Andrew C .; Lean : Paul, and Dona V.

GEORGE W. CRAMER, a respected farmer citizen of West Chillisquaque township, who owns a fine farm at Montandon. was born July 16, 1847, in Monroe township. Snyder Co., Pa., son of Na- sylvania. than Cramer and grandson of George W. Cramer. The grandfather came to this section from Bucks or Berks county, Pa., and took up land in Mon- roe township. He came to his death by foul play, being found dead in a strip of woods with a wound in his head. His children were: Reuben, who be- came a successful farmer, owning four farms in Snyder county, near Middleburg : Sallie, who mar- lied Jolm Gingrich : and Nathan.

Nathan Cramer was born in 1818 in Snyder county, and died in 1880: he is buried at North- umberland. He worked by the day, engaged in fishing on the Susquehanna, and also acted as pilot on that river, becoming a well and favor- ably known man, To him and his wife, Susanna ( Ritter). were born children as follows: Henry, now living at Danville, Pa .; Amelia. who died at the age of seventeen: Frederick. a resident of Northumberland, who died May 12, 1911 : George W. : Jolin F .. a plasterer, of Danville ; and Mary, who married Flemington Houghton and has sons Charles and Fred.

George W. Cramer remained in Snyder county until 1864. in which year he came to Point town- ship, Northumberland county. He continued to follow farm work, to which he had been reared. From Point township he went to Big Island, and then up the north branch, where he was employed for two years, from there moving to Chillisquaque township. where he farmed ten years for Gilbert Voris. For the next three years he was on the Dr. Maelay farm in Turbnt township, this county, in 1898 moving onto the D. M. Nesbit farm, where a few minor offices. He was a hard worker and he was occupied for two years. In 1900 he bought during his time accumulated two competeneies. the tract of eighty-coven acres, thirteen perches, the first having been lost through the dishonesty

Mr. Hoeh is of German ancestry, his great- great-grandfather having been the first of the fain- ily to come from the Fatherland. Samuel Hoch, the great-grandfather, a farmer in Snyder eounty. died at a comparatively early age leaving a large family of children, of whom John Hoch, grand- father of John W., was among the oldest. The family was separated after this bereavement, and John, then quite a small boy, was hired out to a farmer,' an entire stranger, no provision being made for his schooling, which was limited to a few months snatched at intervals in his work. At sixteen he began an apprenticeship to a car- penter, Albright Swineford, receiving his board and clothes, and this business he followed at Mid- dleburg, Pa., through his active life. He retired from business at the age of fifty-seven, and the last few years of his life were spent in Mifflinburg, his death occurring at the age of seventy-seven. His wife, Elizabeth Swineford, a daughter of his former employer, died at New Berlin, Pa., and both were buried at Middleburg. her birthplace, and their home during the greater portion of their married life. She was a Lutheran in faith, and Mr. Hoch belonged to the Reformed Church. He held various offices in the church at Middleburg, and at one time saved the edifice being sold by the sheriff. raising a subscription for this pur- pose. This task was undertaken on foot through C'entre and Union counties, and many weary miles were traversed before the objeet was accomplished. Politically he was a stanch Republican, and held

Mr. Cramer married Lucinda Brouse, daugh- first wife, Maria (Conrad), being the mother of ter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Dark) Brouse, of Snyder county, Pa., and they have had the fol- lowing children : Minnie M. (wife of Frank Hum- mel), William E., Wesley I., Albert J., Martin L., Bruce S., Leroy E., Lottie M., Hattie B, and Jennie Gertrude.

JOHN W. HOCH, proprietor of the "City Cafe" at Milton, Pa., was born at Beaver Springs, Snyder Co., Pa., Ang. 7, 1859, son of A. S. Hoeh, now residing at New Berlin, Union Co., Penn-

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of others. He had three children: A. S .; Mary M., who married Samuel E. Long, of Butler Co., Pa. ; and Abraham, who died in infancy.

to-date restaurant. All the work is done under his personal supervision, and to those who know him that speaks for first class service.

A. S. Hoch was born June 11, 1836, at Middle- burg, and there acquired his schooling. While still a boy he was compelled by his father's re- verses to assist in the support of the family, as he could earn fifty cents per day at carpentering. Mr. Hoch married Ida (. Stahl, daughter of Jeremiah Stahl, of Union county, and they have had children as follows: Joyce married the Rev. W. E. Peffley, a minister of the Evangelical faith stationed at Scranton: Albright S. and Elmer E. His hard work as a boy undermined his health, are at home. Politically Mr. Hoch is a , stanch Republican, and for eleven years he served as post- master at New Berlin. . He was a member of the school board for six years, and for a time was ber of Mifflinburg Lodge, No. 370, F. & A. M., and Lodge No. 163, I. O. O. F., of New Berlin. He is a man of good business and executive abil- ity. and is strictly honest and upright in all his dealings.

and as he could no longer work as a carpenter, he accepted a position as clerk for Daniel J. Bogar, of Middleburg, at ten dollars per month and

board. After a short time Mr. Bogar failed, and, president of the borough council. He is a mem- Mr. Hoch clerked for two years for Reuben Kel- ler, at Adamsburg. In 1860 he established a busi- ness of his own at Margaret's Mills, his capital amounting to $39 at the time. He had, however, the confidence of monied men. who assisted him, and in 1861 -he transferred his business to Kelly Cross Roads. and later opened another store at FRANK P. WALDRON, farmer of Turbut township, was born in that township Sept. 25, 1852, and has passed all his life in this section. Kelly Point, where he was the first merchant. He built up a large trade at both places and was in- strumental in having a post office established at

Mr. Waldron's first ancestor in this region was each place. In March, 1888, he moved to New his great-grandfather, Cornelius Waldron. The .Berlin, where his son was in business as senior .family has been established in America from Co- lonial days, and is of Duteh origin, its founder in this country, Baron Waldron, having come from Holland to what was then New Amsterdam. now New York, in 1660. After the English took possession of New Amsterdam the family moved to New Jersey, and Cornelius Waldron, above mentioned, moved from Hunterdon county, N. J., to Pennsylvania in 1785. His first location was near Muncy, in what is now Lycoming county. and afterward he bought a farm in Brady town- ship, that county, still later buying land at the mouth of Muddy run, in Northumberland county. He moved his family to this place, where he was accidentally killed while felling a tree. He was laid to rest in the old Warrior Run burying ground. Cornelius Waldron served as a captain in the Revolutionary war and after its close -was captain of a military company. member of the firm of Hoch & Kline, and by purchasing Mr. Kline's interest entered the firm which then became Hoch & Son. Five years later he retired, and the firm became Hoch & Oldt. Mr. Hoch is a member of the. Lutheran church, in which he has twice been elder, and for two vears was president of the Christian Endeavor Society. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the lodge at Lewisburg. On April 16, 1857, Mr. Hoch married ( first) Amelia Saltzman, born in November, 1838, in Adamsburg, Pa., daughter of William and Catherine Saltzman. She died June 18, 1884, and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery in Kelly township, Union county. To this union came two children. of whom Lizzie died in childhood: and John W. was the other. On Oct. 16, 1888, Mr. Hoch married (second) in White Deer township, Union county, Ida M. Keefer, born in Union county, daughter of Mar- tin and Utica (Herman) Keefer. Mr. Hoch is a Republican, and has been assessor, overseer of the poor, school director, and while in New Berlin a member of the borough council and its president for three years.

Laffert Waldron, son of Cornelius, was born in 1:84 in Hunterdon county, N. J., came to Penn- sylvania with his father, and purchased the farm on Muddy run. But he soon sold it and bonght a place about a mile east, in Turbut township, from the Kelleliner estate -- the place afterward John W. Hoch attended the schools near his home and improved his time by study at home. He taught school for fifty-four months. forty-six of which were passed in one building in Kelly township, Union county. Later he entered the mercantile business, and was successfully engaged occupied by his son William. There he passed the remainder of his life, dying on his farm in 1837. His wife, Hannah (Webb), died in 1832, and they are buried at the Warrior Run Presby- terian Church. The family attended services there. Mr. and Mrs. Waldron had the following in that line for twenty-one years, at New Berlin, children: John, Cornelius. Richard. William, selling out in 1906. He then retired from active Charles, David, M. D., Mary ( Mrs. Sloat), Sara work, but idleness did not suit him and on Feb. .( Mrs. Sloat), Jane and Hannali. Laffert Wal- 8, 1908, he bought out C. A. Hood at Nos. 112- dron was a fine peuman, and some of his work 114 Front street, Milton, where he has a fine up- now in the possession of his grandson, Charles L.

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Waldron, of Milton, shows unusual ability ; though in Chillisquaque township served seven years as it is over a century old it is not faded, and it member of the board of school directors, was is well cared for by the present possessor, who chosen treasurer of that body three times and prizes it highly.

William Waldron, son of Laffert, was born Sept. 17, 1814, on the old farm, and received his education in the township sehools. He followed farming all his life and prospered by dint of in- dustry, winning the respect of all who knew him because of his upright methods and high Chris- tian character. Though his own affairs demand- ed constant attention he was progressive, and ree- ognized the fact that a citizen owes his duty to his community as much as to his immediate per- sonal interests, and he did his share in local mat- ters, filling various township offices and serving of public education, not a particularly popular one in his early manhood, also received his ear- nest support, and all his children received good - advantages. He was an original member of the Turbut Grange, P. of H., and an original stock- holder of the First National Bank of Milton, giv- ing his influence and support to all institutions which in his opinion would be of general benefit. In religious connection he was a Presbyterian, an active and consistent member of the Milton Church. He died in 1901.

served one year as president. At present he is serving as auditor of Turbut township. He has been as faithful and conscientious in the admin- istration of its affairs as he is in the discharge of his personal obligations and his services have been greatly appreciated. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religious matters he is identified with the Reformed denomination, belonging to the church at Milton.

On Jan. 18, 1877, Mr. Waldron married Susan M. Hummel, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Lantz) Hummel, and they have had children as follows: Sarah E., who is at home; William C., fifteen years as justice of the peace. The eause now living at Reading, who married Grace Run- deo, and has a son, Frank P .; Annie M., unmar- ried ; John L .; Henry H., who died when six years old ; and George A., who died at the age of twelve.

John Hummel, grandfather of Mrs. Waldron, followed farming near Freeburg, Snyder county, where he died. He married Susan Hilbish. and they had children : Henry, John, Caroline (Mrs. Charles Rhode) and Susan (Mrs. Benjamin Rhine) .

Henry Hummel, son of John, was born in Sny- der county, Pa., and died in Northumberland county, at Milton, Nov. 1, 1900, aged seventy ycars, seven months, thirteen days. All his life he followed farming, owning a farm place in Chillisquaque township. along the Susquehanna river. Fifteen years before his death he removed to the borough of Milton, where he passed the re- mainder of his days. To him and his wife Sarah (Lantz), daughter of Samuel and Magdalena

In 1841 William Waldron married Anna Hil- . gert, daughter of Philip and Catherine Hilgert, of Chillisquaque township, and she died in 1900, at the age of eighty years. Ten children were born to this union: Philip H., who served during the Civil war in Company B, 131st Pennsylvania Volunteers ; William A., of Michigan; Charles Laffert, of Milton: Frank P .; George W., who married Ida Brobst : John C., who married Mary Kerr; James M., who graduated from the Penn- ( Martz) Lantz, were born children as follows: sylvania State College, became a civil engineer, Susan M., Mrs. Frank P. Waldron ; Sarah J., was formerly in Georgia and is now engaged in Mrs. Ogden Brown, living in Union county, Pa .; Catharine A., who married Irwin Romig; Wil- liam E., who makes his home with his sisters Mrs. Waldron and Mrs. Brown : and John S., who mar- ried Anna Gillinger and has one son, Jackson. the construction of the subway and tunnels in New York City; Hannah J., who married Eph- raim Deitch, of Williamsport; Mary, who mar- ried James Marsh, of Michigan ; and Saralı Eliza- beth, of Sunbury. Pennsylvania.

Frank P. Waldron received his education in HAAS. The Haas family has had many wor- thy representatives in Northumberland county in the last century or so, and the late Dr. Joseph Haas, for years a familiar and beloved figure all over the Mahanoy Valley, where he practiced medicine for over fifty years, has left several sons to perpetuate an honorable name. The only one who followed in his footsteps in the choice of a life work is Dr. Richard P. Haas, of Williams- town. Dauphin county; but the other three are still residents of their native county, John P. Haas engaged as a merchant at Shamokin, Ed- ward L. Haas occupying the old homestead in tlie schools of the home township, and was em- ployed with his father until he reached the age of twenty-five years. From that time on he was engaged in farming on his own aeeount, in West Chillisquaque township, where he was situated until 1904, the year in which he removed to Tur- but township and settled upon his present farm. This was the old William Marsh farm. It con- tains 134 acres, and is now known as "Meadow View Farm." It is a fine tract of limestone soil, plentifully supplied with good water, and Mr. Waldron has been decidedly successful in his agri- cultural operations. He has been a publie-spirited Jackson township, and William H. Haas engaged citizen, wherever found, and during his residence as a farmer at Dornsife. The late John B. Haas,

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long engaged as a merchant at Sunbury, was also 1872) ; Catharine married John Boulton and of this family, his father, Daniel Haas, having they made their home in Sunbury. been an uncle of Dr. Joseph Haas.

Frederick Haas, son of John, was born in ' The earliest of . this name at Sunbury, from Sunbury July 31, 1796, conducted the Haas mill

which section the members of the family have scattered to different locations, was Frederick Haas, who died late in November, 1813, and was buried in the old South Fourth street cemetery. His son John was his administrator. He had a brother Henry, who departed this life in January, 1805; and another son, Lawrence, who had been a resident of Jackson township, died in the sum- mer of 1803. In 1814 John and William Haas were taxable residents of Little Mahanoy town- ship, this county.

for some years, and was a popular and esteemed citizen of his day, well known all over the coun- ty. He was a Democrat in politics (as were all his sons) and stood favorably in the party. Har- ing been chosen to fill an unexpired term as county commissioner, he was at the end of the term elect- ed to serve a full three years, 1856-59, discharg- ing his duties with the highest intelligence and efficiency. Mr. Haas married Sarah Zimmerman, who was born June 20, 1798, and died Sept. 30, 1862, a little over a year after his own death. which occurred Aug. 19, 1861. They are buried in the family plot in the South Fourth street cemetery. . Mr. and Mrs. Haas were members of the German Reformed Church, in which he was long a zealous worker, holding various offices and attending services with great regularity. He took his children with him to Sunday morning wor- ship and sat among them, and though a strict family, twelve children, as follows: John (July 12, 1819-Feb. 20, 1846), Mary Elizabeth (Aug. 20, 1820-May 9, 1845, wife of John Hower), Wil- liam, Deborah, Sarah, George (Dec. 17, 1827- March 31, 1845), Dr. Joseph, Catharine and Mar- garet (twins), Charles, Henry and Amelia.

John Haas, the great-grandfather of John P. Haas, of Shamokin, was also one of the pioneers of Sunbury. He came from the Trappe, in Mont- gomery county, Pa., and learned the trade of blacksmith with Paul Baldy. He first engaged in business as a distiller, having built a small dis- tillery on the Center turnpike, two miles east of Sunbury, and after discontinuing operations there erected a sawmill on the land later owned by Dr. parent he was a most loving one. He had a large R. H. Awl. But the dam was twice washed away,. and he was ruined financially, being obliged to begin business again on borrowed capital-a thou- sand dollars loaned to him by one of his boy- hood friends, Joseph Heister, of Reading, who served as governor of Pennsylvania. He was thus enabled to engage as a merchant at Sunbury, JOSEPH HAAS, M. D., son of Frederick, was born Jan. 17, 1830, in Upper Augusta township, near Sunbury, and was there reared on the farm, receiving his early education in the local schools. He also learned milling with his father, but at the age of nineteen he began the study of medi- cine with Dr. J. W. Peal, of Sunbury, completing his course at Jefferson Medical College. Philadel- phia, where he was graduated in 1852. From that time until his death, for over fifty years, he was located at Mahanoy, in Jackson township, and had an extensive practice in the Mahanoy Valley, him to be venerated and beloved by all who knew him. His record is one of remarkable devotion to his chosen life work. No weather was ever too inclement to serve him as an excuse for not at- tending a patient, and though he was in his sev- enty-fifth year at the time of his death, Jan. 30, 1905, he was on his way to respond to a profes- sional call when heart failure, brought on by cold and exposure, suddenly brought his useful life to its close. He had started out in his sleigh over a cold country road, and a passing traveler, noticing his position and stopping to investigate, found him lifeless. He was only about half a mile from his home at the time. Few men have where he was located before 180? in a small log building on the north side of Market street, where the building of the Sunbury Trust & Safe De- posit Company is now located. Before 1808 he erected the brick house near the northwest cor- ner of Market and Fourth streets where he con- tinued in business for some years. In 1814 he purchased twenty-three acres of land and built the old stone mill known as "Haas's Stone Mill" on Little Shamokin creek. in Upper Augusta town- ship, just east of Sunbury, operating this mill in connection with his store and becoming quite pros- where his long and faithful ministrations caused perous. Mr. Haas was born in 1764, died Jan. 17, 1828, and is buried in the old South Fourth street cemetery at Sunbury. He was a member of the Reformed Church. His wife, Maria Eliza- beth (Druckemiller), born May 2, 1770, died Nov. 16, 1845. They were the parents of the follow- ing children : Henry lived and died at Sunbury, where he was proprietor of the "Central Hotel": Frederick is mentioned below ; Daniel always lived in Sunbury, where he was born in 1806, and at the time of his death was the oldest native resi- dent of that borough : George died Nov. 3, 1835, aged thirty-six years: Margaret married John Shanno and they lived at Millersburg, Pa., until their removal to Rockford, Ill. (Mrs. Shammo's. been more widely mourned, or more keenly nephew, Charles Haas, visited them there in missed, for his friends and patients, particularly

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Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 5

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