Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 92

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 92

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).

913

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

company him to Ohio, remaining in Northumber- Daniel, the line in which we are interested being land county, where she died. She is buried at the

the posterity of the latter. The Matterns of Berks Stone Valley Church, in Lower Mahanoy township, county are descendants of Peter Mattern, William Their children were : Henry, who lived in Illinois; J. A. Mattern, chief clerk for the commissioners Michael, born Sept. 12, 1812, who died Jan. 29, of Berks county, tracing his line through the son Daniel also. 1890, in Jackson township (his wife, Leah, born Sept. 15, 1815, died March 20, 1875) ; and JJacob.

Daniel Mattern came from Upper Mahantango township to Eldred township before 1800, when the region was all covered with forest, and took up a tract of 160 acres which he cleared. This is now the farm of George Maurer. He built a log house and a log barn, the first buildings to be which he was succeeded by his son Daniel. He

Jacob Bower, son of Jacob, was born in Lower Northumberland county, Pa., in 1817, and died near Ilerndon in 1902, aged eighty-four years, nine months. He is buried at Mahanoy Church. He was a farmer in Jackson township, owning a 200-acre tract on which he lived from 1848. erceted upon the property, in the ownership of 'The farm is now owned by Isaac Tressler, a son- in-law. Mr. Bower held local offices, and was a married Rosina Schollenberger, also of Berks coun- prominent citizen. His wife, whose maiden name ty, and they had children as follows: David set- was Haas, died in 1861. They had five children : tled in Schuylkill county, where he died ; Polly married Jacob Lubold and both are deceased : Joseph lived in the vicinity of Lenhartsville, Pa .; Nathan is mentioned below ; Susanna married Cyrus ; Wilhelmina, who married Isaac Tressler, a farmer of Jackson township; Mary, who is un- married ; A. Clinton, of Shamokin ; and William F.

William F. Bower was reared to farm life. His George Neiswender : Elias, now (1910) eighty-four home was at the mouth of the Mahanoy creek, years old, lives in Schuylkill county: Frank lived and died in Schuylkill county; Daniel is men-

and he was educated in the local public school. When twenty-two years old he was licensed to tioned below. teach public school, and in 1881 he began teach- ing in Jackson township, being thus engaged four terms. He then clerked in the store, and in 1884 began farming in Jackson township, following that work three years. In 1887 he came to Herndon, where he has since lived. He started the first livery in the town, keeping three or four horses busy. He is a' substantial citizen, and his public services have made him one of the best known men in the vicinity. When the borough of Herndon was incorporated, in 1902, Mr. Bower was elected to the council and has ever since been a member of that body with the exception of one year. He is now the president of the council. He was at one time auditor of Jackson township. He is a Democrat, and has been committeeman of his party.

On May 24, 1881, he married Susan Deppen, daughter of John and Catharine (Lantz) Deppen, and they have had two children: Katie, who is a graduate of the Herndon schools, and has taught school a number of terms; and Walter, who is still a student. Mr. Bower and his family are members of the Reformed Church.

MATTERN. The Matterns of Upper Mahaney township, Northumberland county, represent one braneh of a family that settled in the adjoining township of Eldred, in Schuylkill county, in an early day, and they and other Matterns of east- ern Pennsylvania are descended from one l'eter Mattern, who in 1790 was a resident of Berks county, Pa. In 180? he lived in Upper Mahan- tango township, then a part of Berks county but since 1804 embraced in the territory of Schuyl- On Aug. 7, 1869, Mr. Mattern married Amelia .Herb, who was born Oct. 19, 18447. daughter of kill county. He was a farmer by occupation. Among his children were sons Peter, Jr., and Daniel Herb, and died Ang. 1, 1890. Seven chil- 58

AMOS MATTERN, son of Daniel, was born May 12, 1845, in Eldred township, Schuylkill county, and there lived until within a few months of his majority, meantime receiving his education in the local public schools. He has since lived in Upper Mahanoy township. Northumberland county, en- gaged in farming, in which he has been very suc- cessful. For thirty-three years he owned and lived upon a tract of 110 acres in the northern part of the township, in the spring of 1909 moving to his present home, near Leck Kill. There he has a twelve-acre tract lving along the main road from Herndon to Minersville. Mr. Mattern has been a public spirited citizen, and has served as sehool director and for six years as supervisor of Upper Mahanoy township, where he is regarded with re- speet by all who know him.

Daniel Mattern, son of Daniel, was born in Eldred township, Schuylkill county, was reared there, and followed farming in his native town- ship until a few years before his death. He owned a tract of 160 acres. He then retired and moved to Ashland, where he lived with one of his sons, and where he died when about seventy-six years old. He is buried at Kebler's Church, in Schuyl- kill county. Mr. Mattern was a tall man and well built. He married Lydia Diehl, daughter of Mich- ael Diehl, and they had children as follows : Amos : Samuel, who was a rover, never making a perina- nent settlement; Daniel, who died in his sixteenth year ; Michael, who never married : and Solomon, born July 28, 1853, who died unmarried Oct. 3, 1891, at the home of his brother Amos.

914

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

dren were born to this nnion: James, who lives in Philadelphia ; Felix D. : William H .. of Schuyl- kill county; Edward H .. who died in infancy; Lizzie, wife of A. Jackson Brosius: Monroe, of Upper Mahanoy township (his wife, Sylvia S., died Sept. 29, 1901, aged twenty-two years, five months, twenty-four days) : and Charles D., of Shamokin. In 1891 Mr. Mattern married (second) Catharine Cevilla Hornberger, daughter of George W. and Caroline (Schankweiler) .Hornberger, of Upper Mahanoy township, and granddaughter of George Hornberger. There is one son by this marriage, George Calvin, who was educated in the public schools and at Hepler's select school and began teaching public school in the fall of 1909, being at present engaged in Upper Mahanoy township. Mr. Mattern and his family are Intherans in re- ligious connection. In polities he is a Democrat.

FELIX DANIEL MATTERN, son of Amos, was born March 23, 1872, in Upper Mahanoy township, where he is now engaged in farming. He was reared to that occupation. and meantime received his education in the local public schools. In the spring of 1897 he commenced farming on his own account in his native township, renting for several years before he felt justified in buying farm land. In 1902 he came to the 120-acre property he has ever since cultivated. and which was formerly a Geist homestead. He has made a number of im- provements on the place, has a full line of modern farm implements to facilitate his work. and has had encouraging success in the production of his crops as well as their disposal, attending the Sha- mokin markets. He is an intelligent and active citizen, and has served eight years as overscer of 1

the poor in his district. He has been interested in the success of the Democratic party from a political standpoint, and has twice served as elec- tion judge in his precinct.

On Dee. 21, 1895, Mr. Mattern married Clara Ida Geist, daughter of Andrew and Polly (Latsha) Geist. of Upper Mahanoy township, and they are the parents of . three sons: Jesse L., Willard W. and Guy D. Mr. and Mrs. Mattern are Lutheran members of the Himmel Church, which he former- ly served as deacon.

Nathan Mattern, son of Daniel and Rosina (Schollenberger) Mattern. was born Jan. 27. 1823, in Eldred township, on his father's farm, where he grew to manhood. He learned the trade of carpenter and followed it in his earlier years, later becoming a farmer in Upper Mahanoy township, Northumberland county, on the farm where his son Aaron now lives. He owned this place, con- sisting of some sixty acres, as well as the seventy- five-acre tract now occupied by his son Jeremiah, in the same township. He was a well known resi- dent of that section. a Intheran member of How- erter's (St. Jacob's) Church and chorister for

many years: he sang at many funerals in the neighborhood. Mr. Mattern died May 25, 1907. aged over eighty-four years, and is buried at Ilowerter's Church. His wife, Sarah ( Diehl), daughter of Johannes Diehl, was born Dec. 19, 1819, and died April 15, 1881 : she, too, is buried at St. Jacob's Church. Mr. and Mrs. Mattern had children as follows: Jeremiah; Joel, who has a family of five children: Aaron, who has a family of seven : Nathan. who has six children : Enoch, who is the father of ten children : Elizabeth, who married Abraham Brown and has three children ; Sarah, who died in girlhood: John, who died in infancy: and Lydia. who died unmarried.

JEREMIAH MATTERN, son of Nathan, was born Nov. 2. 1849, on his father's homestead in Upper Mahanoy township. He was reared to farm life, but he possesses an unusual amount of mechanical ingennity and has learned several trades without serving a regnlar apprenticeship at any. His sne- cess as a well driller and thresher is well known all over this section, and he has established an extensive business in the latter line, being very busy during the season. He was the first man to bring a steam threshing apparatus into Upper Mahanoy and the surrounding territory, in 1881, when farmers were still possessed with the fear that their buildings would be in danger of being set afire if they allowed such an outfit on the premises. It was at this time, also, that he pur- chased the stationary sawmill he still operates, and he does sawing as well as threshing for many of his patrons on their own premises. The Inmber he saws for himself he sells to the coal mining town. He works one tract of his land in partner- ship with his sons, his son Charles living on the farm, which now comprises 185 acres. There were originally 227 acres in the property, but Mr. Mattern sold part of it. He owns another farm in the same township, the place where hic resides. The house in which he lives has been greatly remodeled since it came into his possession. and the barn. though in excellent condition. has stood for many years, having been built by his father in 1872. He is one of the most successful men in his vicinity, and has been prominent in public as well as in business affairs, has served two years as supervisor. and is at present tax col- lector. In political faith he is a Democrat.

In 1845 Mr. Mattern married Catharine Reed. daughter of David and Sarah ( Falck) Reed, and fourteen children have been born to this union: Emma J. married William Mattern, and they live over the line in Schuylkill county, on property ad- joining her father's: Sarah E. died when eighteen years old: Daniel H. married Nora Klock and they live in Shamokin : David died when just one year old: Mary C. married Monroe Mattern and they live in Upper Mahanoy township: Charles F., who lives on one of his father's farms in

915

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Upper Mahanoy township, married Cecelia Sny- David L. DeWitt learned his father's trade, der ; Rosa C. married Harvey Snyder and they live blacksmithing, but a few years after his marriage in Upper Mahanov; Edward. Katie S., Minnie L. and William @, are at home; one daughter died in infancy: Florence L. and Lizzie E. are at home. Mr. Mattern and his family worship at St. Jacob's Church. of which he has been a prominent member, having formerly served as deacon and at present holding the office of trustee. settled down to farming on the place in Lower Augusta where his widow continues to make her hoine. This was in 1878. The farm contains fifty- five aeres, which at one time belonged to Johu Snyder, who also owned land now in the possession of Harry E. G. Ney, adjoining. Mr. DeWitt was a thrifty man and made a good living off this place, and that he was trusted by his fellow citizens is shown in his long service on the school board, of which he was also secretary. In polities he was originally a Democrat. after the Civil war period supporting the Republican party. He served sev- eral years in the Civil war. In religion he was a

DAVID L. DEWITT, late' of Lower Angusta township, Northumberland county, lived and farmed for many years on the place now occupied by his widow and son Henry C. DeWitt, and was a much esteemed citizen of the community. He was born in Angust, 1844, son of Jacob DeWitt, devout Methodist. active in church life, serving and grandson of William DeWitt, whose father was Abraham DeWitt.

many years as class-leader and superintendent of the Sunday school, in fact he was one of the pillars of the church, He died in May, 1897, aged fifty- two years, nine months, nine days, and is buried at the Mountain Presbyterian Church.

William DeWitt. born in 1298, died in 1870. He was a pioneer of Lower Augusta township, where he followed farming. owning the property now belonging to Jackson M. Engle. He was twice married, his second union being with Elizabeth (Betzy) Tressler, who was born in 1806 and died in 1876. They are buried at the Mountain Pres- byterian Church. The following children were born of the second marriage: Jacob is mentioned

On Dec. 27, 1868, Mr. DeWitt married Susan Snyder, daughter of John and Martha ( Novinger) Snyder, of Lower Augusta township, the latter of whom came to this region from Berrysburg, Dauphin Co., Pa. Five children were born to this union: John J., who lives in Lower Augusta below ; Isaae, born June 11. 1823, died Jan. 20, township. married Hannah Radel. and their chil- 1906, married Elizabeth Krissinger (born March 11, 1824, died Dec. 11, 1905) and they lived in the Hollowing Run section in Lower Augusta dren are Violet E. and Catharine M. : Henrietta married Charles L. Culp, of Rockefeller township, and they have one son, Albert D. ; Mary A. mar- township; William W. married ( first) Mary Ann ried Timothy E. De Witt, of Sunbury, and they Latsha, and (second ) Elizabeth Bowersox, and have had four children. Russell E .. Lena A. ( who lived in the Hollowing Run district and at Hern- died in infancy), Evylin A, and Grace A. : George don before moving to his present home, in River- G. died when two and a half years old: Henry side, this county: Moses, who was married and C. is now farming the home place for his mother lived in Lower Angusta, died Feb. 27, 1881, aged forty-six years. six months, eight days : Paul mar- ried Abigail Shipman and they lived near Au- gustaville : Abraham married Sarah Renn, and they lived in Boyle's Run, in Lower Augusta town- ship; Matthew lived in Rockefeller (originally Lower Augusta ) township.

and lives there. The last named was married Feb. 10, 1902, to Mary Wetzel, daughter of Isaac Wetzel. of Lower Augusta township, and they have three children. Ralph W., Sallie and Hazel I. Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. DeWitt are Methodists in religious connection.

Jacob DeWitt, son of William, was a black- William W. De Witt, son of William De Witt, was sinith by trade and occupation. He lived at born May 11, 1828. in Lower Augusta township, Patricksburg, in Lower. Augusta township, where on the farm now owned by J. M. Engle. There he owned his home and a small tract of land, and he lived until he was about eighteen years old, died Oct. 14, 1889, aged sixty-nine years, six after which he learned the trade of miller at months, twenty-four days. A Presbyterian in ro- ligion, he belonged to the Mountain Church in Lower Augusta. He married Mary Clark, daugh- ter of John Clark, and to them were born these children : David L., Ehira (wife of Albert Con- rad and living at Reading. Pa. ) and C. William. The last named, born July 22, 1850, lives in Lower Augusta township: he married Malinda De Witt, daughter of William W. and Mary Ann (Latsha ) De Witt, and they have had eleven chil- dren, of whom but three survive, Daniel. Flavy and Rosa. Dornsite. For some time afterward he worked in the upper end of the Mahantango Valley, and also at Boalsburg in Centre county, in 1856 returning to Lower Augusta township. Northumberland county, where he purchased what is still known as the DeWitt mill property, now owned and operated by his eldest son, Daniel L. DeWitt, it having re- mained in the family continuously since. William W. DeWitt operated this mill for thirty years, from 1856 to 1886, and established the business on a most substantial basis. He then moved to Angustaville, whence after a few years

916

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

he moved to Herndon, and from there in 1897 to Leitzel, who came hither from Berks county, Pa., Riverside, his present home. He has lived retired and the earliest record we have of any of the since he gave up the operation of the mill. While name in Pennsylvania concerns one Johann Wolf- living at Angustaville he served a five-years term gang Leitzel, who was one of the 216 passengers on the ship "Peggy," and qualified Sept. 24, 1753. He was thirty years old at that time. [Pennsyl- vania Archives, Vol. XVII, pages 399-401. Switzerland. ] as justice of the peace, and previously he had been school director of his district for a number of years. He has also been very active in church work, he and his family being members of St. Peter's New Lutheran Church, in Hollowing Run, which he has served as deacon, elder, trustee and Sunday school superintendent. In polities he is a Demo- crat.

Mr. DeWitt's first wife, Mary Ann (Latsha), daughter of Henry Latsha, died July 4, 1894, aged sixty-three years, one month, nineteen days, the mother of nine children: Malinda, Louisa, Daniel L., Miranda (born in 1860, died in 1881), Richard, Katurah, Thamer, Lizzie and William. In 1897 Mr. DeWitt married (second) Elizabeth Bowersox. No children have been born to this union.

DANIEL L. DEWITT, son of William W. DeWitt, was born July 18, 1856, in .the old log cabin at DeWitt's Mill, in Hollowing Run, and he has spent all his life at that place. His early edu- cation was obtained in the local common schools, and later he attended the Missionary Institute at Selinsgrove. When eighteen years old he entered the mill, and from that time until his father's retirement assisted him, learning the business thoroughly, both manufacturing and management. In 1886 he became owner and proprietor of this famous establishment, which has been a milling property ever since the development of the section began. It was originally built about 1785, the first mill in the Lower Augusta region or anywhere in this section, pioneer settlers from a wide terri- tory bringing their grain to be ground. The origin- al building still stands, but new gearing has been put in several times. It is a landmark in the com- munity. Henry Masser owned it for some time, and Jonathan Harman succeeded him, the De- Witts having owned it since Mr. Harman's time. in 1809.'

A forty-acre tract of land is connected. with the mill property, and Mr. DeWitt has this farm under excellent and profitable cultivation. He has served as supervisor of his township, and for many years as deacon of the New Lutheran Church, of which he and his family are members. In politics he is a Democrat. A man of pleasant and genial dispo- sition, he is a good companion and an intelligent, entertaining conversationalist.

On April 10, 1881, Mr. DeWitt married Thamer E. Bloom, daughter of John and Matilda ( Ship- man ) Bloom, of Rockefeller township, and they have four children : Fannie, Grover C., George F. and Mary M.

Godfried Leitzel, born Nov. 8, 1770, came from Berks county to Northumberland county when a young man, locating in what was then known as Mahanoy township, where he married Magdalena Wagner, born March 25, 1769. He was a farmer, and was the first to obtain a warrant from the State for the 300-acre tract he owned in what is now Jordan township. Stock raising, however, was the industry in which he took the greatest interest, and he prided himself on keeping strong, valuable cattle, having big, fine horses, as many as fifty sheep at a time, and a number of cows. He died Nov. 1, 1848, his wife Jan. 6, 1840, and they are buried at the Hebe Church, in Jordan township. Their children were as follows: (1) Samuel, who lived and died at Uniontown, was twice married, the children of his first union be- ing William, Elizabeth, Moses, Catharine and Solomon. By his second marriage there were Henry, Julian, Lydia and Sarah. (2) George, born Dec. 19, 1793, died Jan. 7, 1815. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and though a strong yonng man died of disease contracted during his service. (3) Elias, born Dec. 24, 1299. died un- married Nov. 15, 1836, and is buried at St. Peter's Church, Mahanoy. He was a stonemason. and helped to put up the first stone building in Pottsville. (+) Jacob was drowned in the Susquehanna river at Danville. He was unmar- ried. (3) Benjamin is mentioned below. (6) William married and moved from this region. (7) Lydia married Samnel Beissel. (8) Sophia mar- ried John Heckert. (9) Betzy married David Malich: (10) Helena (Lehna), born in 1808, died

Godfried Leitzel had a brother who had sons George, Jacob, John and Joel, all four of whom lived in one community near New Berlin. Snyder Co., Pa. They reared families and their descend- ants still live in that locality.

In 1290 the Federal Census Report records the names of Frederick and Jacob Leitzel as heads of families in Bern township, Berks Co .. Pa., Frederick with wife and one daughter. Jacob with wife and four daughters.

Benjamin Leitzel, son of Godfried. was born Jan. 25, 1803. in Mahanoy (now Jordan) town- ship, Northumberland county. He owned the 300- acre farm in Jordan township previously meu- tioned, and other land, near Klingerstown, and he was an enterprising worker, prospering in all

LEITZEL. The Leitzel family of lower North- umberland county are the posterity of Godfried he undertook. He followed farming during the

----

-----

--- -- -----

---

₩

917

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

summer months, and weaving in the wintertime. interesting personality, and he is known and re- For seven years he served as a captain in the State spected far and near. He is a member of the militia, the local troops drilling at Mahanoy, where Democratic party and has taken part in its coun- they met twice a year, and the battalion days were cils, frequently serving as delegate to county con- ventions, which assembled at Sunbury. For nine successive years he served as school director of Upper Mahanoy township; was overscer of the poor four terms; supervisor one term; and has + held several precinct offices. He and his family are prominent members of the Lutheran congre- gation of St. John's Church, in Upper Mahanoy township, which he has served four years as dea- con : while in Jordan township he served fourteen years in succession as deacon, and two years as

also held there. He was a good disciplinarian, a man of medinm size, and one who commanded respcet wherever he went. In politics he was a Democrat, in religion a Lutheran, and he held various church offices, serving as deacon, elder and trustee. Mr. Leitzel died Feb. 27, 1881, and is buried at Hebe. His wife, Elizabeth Byerly, daughter of Ludwig Byerly, born June 3, 1808, died March 20, 1891. They were the parents of eight children : Sarah married James Troutman ; George B. is mentioned below ; Lydia married Wil- elder.

liam Troutman : Benjamin B. and David B., twins, are mentioned below ; Elizabeth died young ; twins died in infancy.

On July 23, 1853, Mr. Leitzel married Chris- tina Schmeltzer, who was born Sept. 11, 1833, daughter of Daniel and Catharine (Wolfgang) Schmeltzer, and died in 1863; she is buried at Hebe. Eight children were born to this union : Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Fetterolf, was burned to death, her clothing catching fire while she was burning rubbish in the garden; George died in infancy: Sarah and Hannah, twins, were born Sept. 13, 1856, and the former is now the wife of Jefferson Snyder, of Upper Mahanoy, the lat- ter the wife of John H. Mullin, Esq., of St. Clair, Pa. : Cassie married John Snyder and they live at Frackville, Pa .; Daniel S. is mentioned below ; Elias died in infancy ; Lydia married Wash. Hed- dings and they live in Upper Mahanoy.

George B. Leitzel, son of Benjamin, is now one of the oldest residents of Upper Mahanoy town- ship. He was born in Mahanoy (now Jordan) township Oct. 16, 1830, and was reared like the average boy in his neighborhood, having none of the advantages of free schools and advanced meth- ods of training. But he acquired considerable. practical information from the few books within his reach, and he had enough education to en- able him to transact business intelligently, and to do his full share in administering the public affairs of the locality, his ability and trustworthiness be- ing recognized to such an extent that he was called upon frequently to perform public service. In January, 1864, Mr. Leitzel married (second) Catharine Schmeltzer, who was born Feb. 28, 1839. daughter of Daniel Schmeltzer, and sister to Mr. Leitzel's first wife. Mrs. Leitzel's eyesight has From his youth he was trained to farm work, help- ing his father until he was nearly twenty-three years old, at which time his parents gave him a horse and buggy and turned over the cultivation become so seriously affected that she is now almost of the 300-acre farm, which lies along the Ma- blind. To this union have been born seven chil- hantango creek in Jordan township. He has al- dren: Samuel married Lizzie Schlegel and they ways been accustomed to handling horses, and has live in Jordan township; Benjamin Elmer lives always owned one or more himself. After ope- on his father's farm, as previously mentioned : rating the home place for ten years he settled in Emanuel is mentioned below: Sophia married the Schwabian Creek Valley in 1863, and for Charles Dichl and they live at Friedensburg, several years farmed an eighty-acre tract now

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Genealogical and biographical annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, Part 92

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