Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 86

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 86

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On Aug. 4, 1853, Dr. Rothrock married at New Bethlehem, Pa., Catherine Mohney, who still con- tinues to make her home at McClure. She was born at. New Bethlehem April 23, 1835, and there spent her early life, and is in the best of health though seventy-six years old. Her parents, Fred- erick and Mary (Caster) Mohney, were born in Northampton county, Pa., of Dutch ancestry. He died at the age of fifty-seven, of appendicitis, and she died aged eighty-four years. They are buried in Oak Ridge cemetery, in Clarion county. They were members of the German Reformed Church. Mr. Mohney was a farmer. Dr. and Mrs. Roth- rock had five children, namely: Marand, a prae- ticing physician at Fremont, Pa .: James B., a plasterer and extensive contractor of Lewistown, Pa .; Clara, married to Edward Knapp, who has been a carpenter on the Lewisburg & Sunbury railroad for years, living at Lewistown ; Mary E., wife of Charles Decker, a farmer of McClure, Pa .; and D. Rosswell.

D. Rosswell Rothrock was four years old when . his parents moved to Bannerville, Pa., where he Huntingdon county, on April 2, 1885, he had but thirty-one cents in cash. . But he purchased a

spent his youth. He attended public school five months in the year, and being an independent stock of drugs, a horse and some needful things boy earned enough to clothe himself from the for a doctor's office on a year's time, from Dr. time he was thirteen years old. On April 3, 1879, John B. Ollig, and started on a career which has the family moved to Middleburg, and on April 8th he and his brother James B. moved to the vicinity of Elkhart, Ind., where he was employed during the summer on a dairy farm, receiving from twelve to fifteen dollars a month. In Octo- ber, 1879, in accordance with his father's wishes,

winter, and in the fall of 1880 he was licensed to teaclı. Meantime, during the summer of 1880, he had attended the Selinsgrove Normal Institute, conducted by Prof. William Noetling, county sup- erintendent, and the following winter had a school in Franklin township, Snyder county, receiving twenty dollars a month. In 1881 he took a course in the academy at Freeburg, and the following winter taught the Winfield school in Hartley township, Union county, receiving thirty-five dol- lars a month. In 1882 he again studied in the academy at Freeburg, where he taught a primary school the same year, meantime working during the summer season at any work that would bring him funds to continue his studies. In the spring of 1882 he passed the examination before the Sny- der county board of medical examiners, securing a certificate of competency to read medicine, and he then gave all his leisure to the reading of medi- eine under his father's guidance, continuing to teach school in order to pay his way. The winter of 1882-83 he taught the first term of school held at the new brick schoolhouse in Franklin town- ship, north of Middleburg, and in the fall of 1883 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md. Returning home in March. 1884, he spent that summer in the har- vest field and at other work, continuing also his medical studies, and as his father removed to Mc- Clure that year he also practiced for a short time with hin, under his preceptorship. In the fall of 1884 he entered the Baltimore University School of Medicine, from which he was graduated the following year with highest honors, winning a gold medal for proficiency. By that time his sup- ply of money was so low that he had to sell some textbooks to pay his fare to Selinsgrove Junction, and he was rowed across the Susquehanna to Se- linsgrove early one morning before daylight. ar- riving penniless at five o'clock. With his diploma and his gold medal, but nothing with which to buy breakfast, he set out over the snow for Fre- mont, ten miles distant, and there his brother, Dr. Marand Rothrock, gave him money enoughi to take him home; but he decided not to spend it, and continued his journey, another twenty- two miles, on foot.

When he located for practice at Three Springs,

since been one of steady success. Within a short time he had established a paying practice. His brother Marand having met with an accident, he went to Fremont Oct. 10, 1886. to take charge 'of his large practice, remaining there until Feb. 14th following, when he established an office at

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

New Berlin, at which place he practiced for over trict deputy of Union county, in May, 1897, go- twelve years. In 1888 he opened a large drug ing as representative to the Grand Lodge, which store there, conducting same in connection with ' convened at Altoona, Pa. Since coming to Mil- his practice. According to an Act of the State ton he has become a member of the Northumber- Legislature relating to pharmacists, he had to take land County Medical Society. In June, 1892, an examination before the State Pharmaceutical Board in the Senate Chamber at Harrisburg, which he did April 11, 1888, passing and receiv-

the faculty of Freeburg Academy (which had just been chartered) presented him a diploma such as that institution has always given to those among

ing his diploma as registered pharmacist. He its students who enter the learned professions. owned a home and business block in New Berlin, and five acres of land near the town, which he improved materially after it came into his pos- session.

EDWARD B. ZIMMERMAN, of Shamokin, manager of the Shamokin Wagon Works, was born in that borough Sept. 18, 1876, son of John B. Ziminerman, and a descendant of a family which has long been identified with the place and for several generations with the same or similar business interests. Some account of the earlier Zimmermans will be of interest in this connec- tion.

The first of this family to settle in Northum- berland county was John Zimmerman, a native of Berks county, Pa., who was the great-great- grandfather of Edward B. Zimmerman. He pur- chased two hundred acres of land in Augusta township, where he lived and died. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Mahrberger, were married in Berks county, and they had a family of five sons and two daughters.";

On Oct. 30, 1899, Dr. Rothrock moved to George H. Zimmerman, son of John, was born Northumberland county, where he has since made in Berks county. He served as a soldier during his home in the borough of Milton. He purchased the war of 1812. He learned the trade of black- a fine farm in Montour county, upon which he smith, at which he was engaged for many years has made numerous improvements during his ownership, and he has proved as desirable a citi- zen in this community as in the other localities with which he has been identified.

in Sunbury, Northnumberland county, becoming well known in that linc. He married Mary Hall, and they had six children : Jeremiah H., Rachel (deceased, who was the wife of Isaac Seiler),

On June 16, 1885, Dr. Rothrock married at Lucy (deceased), Mary (who married Solomon Stroh), Elizabeth (who married Jesse MeClow, Thomas M. Purcell).

Centerville, Snyder county, Ella Walter, a native of Limestone township, Union county, born Feb. of Shamokin) and Emily (deceased, who married

3, 1863, second in the family of four daughters born to Valentine and Susannah (Shaffer) Wal- ter, the former a well-to-do retired merchant. Mrs. Rothrock was reared in Centerville, her parents moving to Snyder county when she was a child. She taught school seven terms before her mar- riage. Dr. and Mrs. Rothrock have had two chil- dren : Walter R .. born Jan. 8, 1887; and Helen Katherine, born Aug. 4. 1894.

Jeremiah H. Zimmerman, son of George H. and Mary (Hall) Zimmerman, was born Jan. 5, 1820, in Berks county, Pa., and was brought to Northumberland county by his parents when sev- en years old. The public schools, or schools of any kind, in his day, did not offer the advantages enjoyed by the youth of the present generation, and his opportunities were limited to three months' attendance. But if he had little training of that kind he had ample experience of the practical kind from his earliest boyhood. He learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, with whom he was engaged in the business for many years, at Sunbury. He continued at that work until elect- ed justice of the peace, for Sunbury, which office

Dr. and Mrs. Rothrock are Lutherans, and while at New Berlin were active members of the church there, the Doctor serving as deacon and treasurer. He has always been interested in the fortunes of the Republican party, and he took quite an active part in public affairs at New Berlin. He was elected chief burgess of that place before he had resided there a year and also served as school di- he filled two years. Moving thence to the borough rector and as treasurer of the school board. So- of Northumberland, he filled the position of col- cially he was a prominent member of the I. O. O. lector for the Pennsylvania canal (management of F. lodge at New Berlin, in which he filled all the which was then under State control), having been important chairs, and in 1895 he was elected dis-

appointed to that incumbency, in which he served

The Doctor's enterprise and energetic nature have led him into various fields which have proved as much of a benefit to others as to himself. In September, 1897, with a view to providing con- .. genial employment to the young people of the town, he and Prof. A. M. Wonder rented a build- ing, bought and installed knitting machinery and equipped the plant completely for the manufac- ture of men's hose. The idea was so novel to the community that people came for miles to see a stocking knit by machinery. In six weeks from the time the factory started the output had reached sixty dozen pairs per day and employment was afforded to thirty-two people, a condition which meant much to the prosperity of the town.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA SST

three years, until 1856. Meantime, in 1855, he of his father and grandfather, learning the trade had engaged in business with J. P. Purcell, under of blacksmith, in which he met with unusual suc- the firm name of Zimmerman & Purcell, miners cess. The carriage works established by his father and shippers of coal. at Shamokin, but after a in 1869, on Market street, in a building 20 x 30 brief career of success the company met with re- verses, failing in 1856. That year Mr. Zimmer- man was elected to the State Legislature, in which he served two terms, and on his return to private life he entered the employ of Stroh & Elliott, as superintendent of their eoal business. He was also engaged by various firms as bookkeeper, fill- ing positions of trust with Haas & Fagely and John Dewees & Brother, in 1864 locating perma- nently at Shamokin, where in 1869 he established the business later conducted by his son, John B. Zimmerman, manufacturing wagons and carriages and dealing in harness. In 1877 he established the livery business which he carried on until his death, in 1893. He was president of a Shamokin banking coneern.

feet. grew steadily in size and importance until they occupied a commodious site at Independence and Market streets, the establishment including blacksmith and carriage shops and a large repos- itory. Twenty-five employees were steadily en- gaged, in the manufacture of wagons, carriages and all kinds of vehicles, and the patronage was drawn from a wide territory. The equipment and facilities for handling all branches of the busi- ness were added to as the demands of the trade required, being always up to standard, and his business was the foremost of the kind in the bor- ough. In the spring of 1899 the business was moved to West Sixth street, in the vieinity of the high bridge, and Mr. Zimmerman died shortly after, on July 6, 1899. He was a very well known citizen of Shamokin, though he mingled little in public affairs, devoting himself almost entirely to the large business he had established. He did, however, at the solicitation of his fellow eitizens,

Mr. Zimmerman's career was a forceful exam- ple of what a man may accomplish by application and well directed energy. Though he had no ad- vantages of means of education to aid him in his early struggles his intelligenee and ambition car- serve as assistant burgess of the borough. He ried him over many hard places and won him a was a stanch Democrat in politieal faith. substantial position. not only as one who succeed- On April 5, 1874, Mr. Zimmerman married Jane Newberry, of the borough of Northumber- land. who survives him, making her home in Shamokin. Six children were born to this union : Ida May, Edward B., Harriet M., John, Clara and Grover Cleveland. cd well in his private undertakings but who re- ceived unusual marks of confidenec at the hands of his fellow citizens in the way of publie honors. In 1870 he was elected chief burgess, and twice afterward was ealled to that office, in 1876 and again in 1884. serving from 1884 to 1886. He

was a lifelong Democrat and ever active in pro- in the publie schools. After leaving school he at

moting the interests of his party, in which he was a leader in his section. At the time of Lee's raid into Pennsylvania he joined Captain Bruner's Company at Sunbury. He was a Mason for over fifty years, belonging to Sunbury Lodge and North- umberland Chapter.

In 1843 Mr. Zimmerman married Harriet M. Bright, daughter of Jacob Bright, a jeweler by trade, who died at Sunbury: Mr. Bright served in the war of 1812. Nine children were born to this marriage, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: Ella Luey, who married J. B. Phillips, and died in Virginia; Harriet, wife of Paul Roth, of Shamokin: John B .: George H., a painter of Shamokin, who married Sarah J. Drum- heller and has three children, William, Ralph (former chief of the Shamokin fire department and now serving in the borough council) and Howard: Rosa, wife of Samuel Haas, of Shamo- kin ; Milton E., born Aug. 22, 1857, an attorney; and William Cameron, a painter, who lives in Philadelphia.

John B. Zimmerman, son of Jeremiah H., was born May 22, 1851, in Sunbury, Northumberland county, and received his education in the publie schools of Shamokin. He followed the business

Edward B. Zimmerman received his education

once joined his father at the factory. learning the business, and upon his father's death he be- came manager of the plant, to which he devotes all of his time. It is in a flourishing condition, fifteen skilled workmen being regularly employed, principally on custom work, turning out farm and spring wagons. The trade is large, and includes general repair work as well as manufacturing. The building occupied is a fine, substantial struc- ture, 44 x 100 feet in dimensions. and conveniently arranged. Mr. Zimmerman has shown himself to be possessed of both the executive ability and me- chanieal skill which have characterized the mem- bers of this family for generations, and he is also maintaining the family reputation for high stand- ards of citizenship and personal worth. He is well known in the ranks of the Democratie party. in whose interest he has been active. Fraternally he belongs to the local lodge of Elks and to the Odd Fellows.

Mr. Zimmerman married Sarah Pursley, of Union county, Pa., and they have had one daugh- ter. Kathleen.

FOLLMER. The Follmer family in Northuni- berland county is descended from Jacob Follmer,

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

who with his wife and one son, Michael. then a March 14, 1857. He was the first of the family child, left Germany for America (Jacob's older to settle on Limestone run, in Turbut township. brother, Michael, may have come with them). He married Mary Elizabeth Geiger, who died Jan. Finding the early home for the Germans in the Schoharie Valley, in New York, closed to them, he eame in 1737 to Berks county, where he por- chased land in the Tulpehocken settlement and built for himself a home. There he reared his family and spent the remainder of his days. Two of his sons. Michael and George Jacob, came to Northumberland county in 1778 and settled in Turbut township.

Michael Follmer, who was born in Germany Sept. 26, 1723, died near the Follmer Church Sept. 29, 1793, and he was interred in the old burying ground adjoining that church: his wife was also buried there. A man of intelligence and strong religions convictions, he labored carnestly for two things in his new home, religion and edu- cation. He and his sons donated the site for the (4) William, born July 24, 1818, died Aug. 10. Follmer Lutheran church and a farm of eight 1888. He was an extensive farmer in Turbut, acres to the congregation, and in his will he left £15 to the church then in process of construction and £10 toward building a schoolhouse, as well as £10 toward the teaching of poor children be- longing to the church above mentioned. His wife Regina, whom he married in Berks county, was born June 18, 1:30, and died Aug. 18, 1813. Nine children were born to their union: John (born Jan. 16, 1750), George (born Aug. 16, 1751), Adam, Frederick, Henry, Michael, Eliza- . betli, Magdaline and Catharine. Their records and that of their posterity are given below in the order just named.

2, 1820, and for his second wife he married Eva Barbara Follmer, who died Feb. 23, 1857. His six children, four by the first union and two by the second, were as follows: (1) Susan, born April 3, 1804, died Oct. 15, 1826. (2) Daniel, born April 13, 1806, is mentioned below. (3) Salome, born Nov. 10, 1807, died Sept. 12, 1881. She married William Tobias, born Aug. 2, 1799, died Jan. 7, 1886, and they were the parents of six children: Caroline, who married Franklin Grier and had children, Oliver, Daniel and Jere- miah : Henry, whose children were George, Harry and Mary (married Samuel Berkhimer) ; Mary, , who married Jacob Stineman and had one son, William ; William ; Sarah, who married Samuel Hoy and had Calvin, Eva and Harry; and John.

his native, township, owning some three hundred acres, and a prominent citizen of his time, serv- ing for many years as justice of the peace, and one term in the State Legislature, and he was well known in local business circles as president of the Danville Mutual Fire Insurance Company and as a stockholder and one of the incorporators of the Buffalo Milling Company of Lewisburg. He was a Democrat in politics, a Mason in fraternal connection (member of Milton Lodge, F. & A. M.) and a member of the Follmer Church. He married Eleanor MeWilliams (daughter of John), who died Dee. 27, 1876, and they had a family

John Follmer. eldest son of Michael, born Jan. of twelve children : Mary E., born Dec. 20, 1839, 16, 1750, married Maria Elizabeth Geiger, who died Feb. 18, 1842; John H., born in 1841, mar- was born June 29, 1749, and died Oct. 3. 1836. They were the parents of two children, John and Henry.

John Follmer, son of John, born Oct. 12, 1775, dren, William, Harry, Jessie and Mary M. (who died April 25, 1845. He married Elizabeth Bow- er, born Feb. 8. 1784, died May 13, 1853, and they had two children. Regina and Samuel. The latter, born March 6. 1812, died Feb. 20, 1834. Regina Follmer, born June 23, 1804, died Aug. 26, 1867. She married Jacob Hoffa, born May 20, 1800, died May 15, 1882, and they had a family of seven children : (1) John, born May 3, 1826, died Dec. 20, 1894, married (first) Sarah Ann Schaeffer (born March 31, 1829, died Dec. 7, 1864), (sec- . ond) Mary G. Litchard (born Sept. 2, 1844. died Sept. 24, 1828) and (third) Margaret Follmer. His children were Catharine, Dr. Jacob P .. Dan- · iel, J. Folhier. W. Francis, Cora M. and Cyrus. (2) Samuel. (3) Cyrus married Margaret Au- ten. (4) Reuben. (5) Sarah An. (6) Daniel H., born in 1830. died in 1832. (7) A son died in infaney Dec. 22, 1834.

ried Jennie Mclaughlin; Sarah E., born July 14. 1843, died Sept. 1, 1859: Margaret J., born July 14, 1843, married David Utt and had four chil- married Rolland S. Follmer, mentioned below ) ; Susanna A., born Jan. 12, 1847, married Thomas Rissel and had two children, Ella H. and John H. ; Clara K., born Feb. 14. 1849, died Feb. 1, 1852 : William L., born May 20, 1855, died June 5. 1855; Hannah R. was born May 3, 1857 ; Daniel G., born May 3, 1857, died Sept. 27, 1859: Mary E., born April 17. 1859, died July 18, 1859: Martha H., born Sept. 6. 1860, died Oct. 10, 1862: Francis M., born Feb. 16, 1867, educated in the public schools and at Bloomsburg Normal, married Eliz- abeth Hunty, and had two children. Mr. Follmer married (second) Mrs. Susanna M. (Follmer) Marsh. (3) Anna, born March 28, 1824, died Jan. 30, 1892. (6) Mary Magdalin, the youngest, was born April 22, 1826.

DANIEL FOLLMER, son of Henry, was born April 13, 1806, on the old homestead in Turbut town- ship, and there passed his entire life, buying about

Heury Follower, younger son of John and Maria Elizabeth (Geiger) Follmer, born in 1722, died two hundred aeres of the original farm taken up

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NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

by his ancestor, upon which was erected a fine a Democrat. and he and his wife are members of stone house. He was a farmer throughout his ac- the M. E. Church.

tive years, living retired for twenty years before his death, whieli occurred Aug. 19. 1887. His farm, which was near the Follmer Church, is now owned by his son John S., of Milton. A promi- nent man in his district, he served in various township offices and for many years was a trustee of the Follmer Lutheran Church. In politics he was a Democrat up to the time of the Civil war.

CHARLES FRANKLIN FOLLMER, son of Daniel, was born Aug. 15, 1838, in Turbut township, on the old farm near the Folliner Church, and began his education in the local schools: Later he at- tended McEwensville Academy. He was reared to farming, and engaged in that calling until 1864, when he removed to Milton and entered the insur- ance business, in which he continued the remain- der of his life, becoming very well known in his section in that connection. Representing the most reliable companies of America and England, he gained a large circle of patrons and made a notable success of the business. Other enterprises of the borongh received his encouragement and substan- tial support. he having been a member of the Milton Gas Company ( which he served some years as secretary and treasurer) and a director of the First National Bank of Milton. He was also a member of the Buffalo Milling Company, of Lew- isburg. Upon the death of his father he purchased the old homestead where he was born, and he was the owner of that property at the time of his death, which occurred May 1, 1897. Mr. Folhner is buried in the Upper cemetery at Milton. He was one of the most progressive citizens of his time in this region, and his death was regarded as a general loss, for he was active in many phases of the life of the community and a useful man in every relation of life. In early life he was a Luth- eran, having been confirmed at the Follmer Church, but upon his removal to Milton he united with the Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a Demoerat.

On Oct. 15. 1829, Mr. Folhner was married, by Rev. Henry Myers, to Sarah Lantz, born March 18, 1811, died Feb. 24, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Foll- mer are buried at Follmer's Church. They were the parents of the following children: (1) Mary E., born Nov. ? , 1830, married Charles J. Engle and has three children : Emma, born May 14, 1853; David Franklin, born June 29, 1857. now of Philadelphia : and Sarah Elizabeth, born May 28, 1860, who married Wallace Weidenhamer, son of Willington Weidenhamer. (?) William G., born July 24. 1833, died in 1909, married Esther Hoy, who was born Sept. 4. 1837, and who sur- vives him, residing in Milton. They had seven children : Newton, born June 11, 1860, a Lutheran minister, now located in Pittsburg, married Anna Mande Schoch and has three children, Ethel L., Frank S. and William H .: Daniel, born Sept. 30, 1861, is deceased ; Sarah K., born March 21, 1863, married George M. Bucher and has three children, Harold, Esther R. and Robert L .; Ella P., born Nov. 4, 1865, married David C. Ditzler and has a family of six. Mabel E., Mary B., Nellie F., Mar- jory L., Leila C. and Frederiek W. ; Minnie A., born March 4, 1868, married John W. Berkhimer : Mary E., born Dec. 25, 1876, married David Cor- In 1872 Mr. Follmer married Abbie A. Thomas, daughter of William F. Thomas, of Moorestown, N. J., who, like his father, was a coal operator ; the grandfather was located at Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Follmer had two daughters: Henri- of Moorestown, N. J .: and Annie G., who lives with her mother. Mrs. Folliner now makes her home at Moorestown, New Jersey. selt; Margaret I., born April 7, 1879, married Adam Yerg, and has one son, Adam Follmer. (3) Margaret Ann, born July 15, 1836, unmar- ried, is living at the homestead in Turbut town- ship. (4) Charles Franklin is mentioned below. etta, who married Lord Hartman Burr. a banker (5) Sarah Elmira, born Oct. 8, 1840, married William Raup and they live in Chillisquaque town- ship. (6) Daniel Henry is mentioned below. (?) Susanna L .. born Feb. 3. 1846, unmarried, is liv- DANIEL HENRY FOLLMER, son of Daniel, boris Aug. 19, 1843, died in January. 1909, and is bur- ied at the Paradise Church. He received his edu- cation in the public schools and Milton Academy. He was a lifeloug farmer, and in 1889 purchased the well known place in Turbut township known as the Abe Engle farm, which contains eighty- two acres of the most valuable land in the district. In politics Mr. Follmer was a Democrat and he served two years as auditor of his township. With his family he belonged to the Folhner Lutheran Church, which he served as deacon. In 1869 he married Rebecca C. Schaeffer. who now resides in Turbut township with her children, Rolland Svd- ney and Bertha Gertrude, the latter the wife of J. ing with her sister on the homestead. (8) John S., born July 18, 1851, received his early educa- tion in the public schools of Milton and at Lime- stone Aeademy, read medicine with Dr. C. H. Dougal and graduated from Jefferson Medical Col- lege, Philadelphia. 1876. He had previously served an apprenticeship to the drug business, in which he engaged after practicing medicine one year, establishing himself in business at Milton, where he has a wide patronage and high reputa- tion. In 1879 he married Elizabeth B. Voris, daughter of Peter Voris, of Chillisquaque town- ship, and they have two children, Frederick Voris and Malcolm Murray. In politics Dr. Foller is

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Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 86

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