Genealogical and family history of the Wyoming and Lackawanna Valleys, Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 114

Author: Hayden, Horace Edwin, 1837-1917; Hand, Alfred, 1835-; Jordan, John W. (John Woolf), 1840-1921; Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1026

USA > Pennsylvania > Genealogical and family history of the Wyoming and Lackawanna Valleys, Pennsylvania, Volume II > Part 114
USA > Wyoming > Genealogical and family history of the Wyoming and Lackawanna Valleys, Pennsylvania, Volume II > Part 114

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).

He married, June 25, 1837, Susan Ferguson, daughter of Alexander and Margaret Ferguson. Six children were born of this marriage, five grew to maturity, and four are now living-Ziba Bennett, George H., William Henry, and Sarah J. The children who died in early life were: James and John.

William Henry Rice, the junior of these sur- viving sons, was born in Dallas borough, April 5. 1845. His mother, too, was a native of Dallas, daughter of Alexander Ferguson and wife Mar- garet Johnson, descendants of early settlers in that township. Margaret Johnson Rice died July 12, 1893. William spent his early life on his father's farm, and was educated in the common schools of Dallas. When he became of age he joined with his father in his farming and other enterprises, and upon the death of the latter suc- ceeded him in their management. He is known among his townsmen as an enterprising and pro- gressive citizen, public-spirited and liberal in the support of worthy measures for the welfare of both township and borough. He is a Republican, and one of the borough councilmen. He mar- ried, December 25, 1883, Jennie Smith, born 1865, died August 14, 1901, by whom he had three children-Edna M., born March 14, 1886; William Henry, Junior, born November 21, 1888; and Arthur J., born November 22, 1892. Sarah J. Rice, sister of Mr. Rice, is now keeping house for. him. For further account of the Rice family see

sketch of Mrs. S. L. Rogers, elsewhere in this work.

H. E. H.

PHILIP WALTERS. One of Plymouth's representative men is Philip Walters. He is a grandson of Philip Walters, who was a malt- ster of Llanarthney, Carmarthenshire, South Wales, where his ancestors had lived for many generations. His son Evan was born in Llan- artliney and was one of a family of four, one sis- ter and two brothers being the other members.

Evan Walters had the misfortune to lose his father when very young, and he was brought up by his uncle on a farm in Carmarthenshire. Al- though his education was acquired solely by his own exertions he was able to read and write both English and Welsh. He moved to Aberdare, Glamorganshire, South Wales, where he worked as a coal-miner for about sixteen years. In 1850 he went to Glynneath, Glamorganshire, where for three years he conducted a grocery and hotel. He then moved to Ystalyfera, Glamorganshire, where he continued the grocery business. Mr. Walters married Ann, daughter of Daniel Davis, of Llanon, Carmarthenshire, South Wales, where the family had been resident for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Walters were born the following children: 1. John, who was born about 1836 in Llanarthney, was a tinsmith in Ystalyfera, mar- ried, but had no children, and died of pneumonia about three or four weeks after the death of her mother and while his brother David was visiting lini. 2. Ann, who was born about 1838 in Llanarthney, married David Morris, a confec- tioner and baker at Neath, and had one child, Lill; after the death of her husband she suc- ceeded to the business and conducted- it for sev- eral years. She has now retired, being in com- fortable circumstances, and is living in Neath with her daughter and son-in-law, the latter be- ing the proprietor of a grocery store. 3. David, born March, 1844, in Llanarthney, was educated, as were his brothers and sister, at the public schools, and worked at the tinning trade until reaching the age of eighteen, when he came to the United States, landing in New York and settling in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. He worked as a miner at that place and at Lansford, Carbon county, also at Providence, Luzerne county, now Lackawanna county. Later he was employed as a clerk by John Levi at Hyde Park,, and in 1872 opened a general store at Catasauqua, Lehigh county, of which he was the sole proprie- tor for many years, but which is now conducted

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under the name of Walters Brothers, the firm having been organized in 1899. He married, May, 1864, Maria, daughter of Edward Edmunds, of Marthy Tydoil, whom he had met at Liverpool while on his way to this country. They made the voyage on the same ship, and two years after their arrival were married by Mr. Earle, pastor of the Presbyterian church, Catasauqua. Their children are: Evan, John, Annie, Margeret, and Philip, who served as a volunteer in the Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment during the Spanish- American war. John married Ada, daughter of Captain Joseph Matchett, of Catasauqua, and has seven children: Evan, Fannie, Naomi, Marion, Joseph, John and Leonard. 4. Philip, mentioned at length hereinafter. Mr. Walters, the father, died in 1871 and was buried in Cwingiedd ceme- tery, Breconshire, South Wales, near the junc- tion of the counties of Glamorganshire, Car- marthenshire and Breconshire. His widow suc- ceeded to the business which she conducted until her death, which occurred about fifteen years ago. An incident which occurred in connection with this event is worthy of note. Mrs. Walters' son David sailed from New York on a Cunard steamer with the intention of visiting his native country. He landed at Liverpool on Sunday after- noon, leaving for Ystalyfera Monday morning. On his arrival there he found that his mother had died on Sunday, the day of his landing in Liver- pool, and that the funeral would occur on the following day, which was Tuesday.

Philip Walters, son of Evan and Ann ( Davis) Walters, was born January 14, 1846, in Aberdare, Glamorganshire, South Wales, where he attended the public schools. In 1854 the family moved to Glynneath and in 1857 to Ystalyfera. In both these places he was a pupil in the public schools and later spent one year at the Normal College, Swansea, Glamorganshire. Meanwhile he en- gaged in the tinning business at Ystalyfera and Cwmbwila, Swansea, in the same county, and also served as a clerk in the grocery store of Hugh Bevan at Bridge End, and later in the gen- eral store of Brogden & Son at Tondu. In April, 1869, he emigrated to the United States, land- ing in New York whence he proceeded to Potts- ville, Pennsylvania. After a brief stay there he went to Catasauqua where he worked for a short time in the rolling mills. For a brief period he labored in the mines at Mahanoy City and then went to Plymouth, where he secured a position as bookkeeper with the firm of William Davis & Company, dealers in general merchandise. This position he filled until 1889, when he resigned in

order to engage in business for himself. He opened a general merchandise store and con- ducted a satisfactory business until 1894, when he was elected justice of the peace. He has since been re-elected, his commission to expire the first Monday in May, 1909. In 1897 he was elected burgess and served for three years. With the exception of one year at Lansford, where he con- ducted a general store for Thomas Philips & Company, Mr. Walters has been a continuous resident of Plymouth for more than thirty years. He acts as agent for all the steamship lines, and also conducts a fire insurance business. Mr. Walters is one of the oldest members of Elm Lodge, No. 642, I. O. O. F., of Plymouth, in which for thirteen years he served as treasurer. While engaged in the mercantile business he re- signed this office and is now a past grand, hav- ing passed the various chairs. He has been a member of Luzerne Castle, No. 56, Knights of the Golden Eagle, of Plymouth, since its organ- ization, and also belongs to Conclave No. 231, Improved Order of Heptasophs, of Plymouth. In politics he affiliates with the Republicans, He is a member of the Welsh Presbyterian church of Plymouth, in which he has always been an active worker and in which for fifteen years he served as chairman of the board of trustees. Mr. Wal- ters married, May 26, 1870, Jennett Harris and the following children have been born to them: 1. Annie, who married James H. Becker and has one child, Jennett Walters. 2. Morgan H., who was educated in the public schools and at the Kingston Seminary and was surveyor for the Lchigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company. He mar- ried Louise, daughter of the late George Durbin, miner of Plymouth, and their children were: Jennett, George and Philip. Morgan H. Walters died in December, 1904. 3. Evan, who was edu- cated in the public schools and at the Kingston Seminary and was employed in the steel works of Braddock, Pennsylvania ; now ( 1905) is clerk at the Nottingham colliery at Phinkett. 4. Eliza- beth, who resides at home. 5. John, who is a clerk in the service of the Lehigh Valley Coal Com- pany of Wilkes-Barre. 6. Deborah who was edu- cated in the public schools and at the Wilkes- Barre Business College, and is bookkeeper for Thomas West, Hosiery Mills, Plymouth. 7. David, who is a mining engineer in the service of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company. S. Edith, who is a student and resides at home. All these children were born in Plymouth.

Mrs. Walters is a daughter of Morgan Har- ris, of Ystradgynlais, Breconshire, South Wales,

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THE WYOMING AND LACKAWANNA VALLEYS.

the descendant of a long line of Welsh ancestors, many of whose sons and daughters are now living in Wales and America. Mr. Harris was a coal- miner in his native country. He married Eliza- beth Prosser, also a native of Wales, and they were the parents of the following children: 1. John, who emigrated to the United States about 1862 and settled in Youngstown, Ohio. Early in 1869 he moved to Plymouth, and in September of that year was suffocated in the Avondale dis- aster at that place. The breaker took fire and in consequence of the fact that in those days there was but one opening to the mine all beneath the surface perished. He was buried at Hyde Park cemetery with a large number of others who met death in the same disaster. His wife was Mary Jones, of Ystradgynlais, and their children are: Elizabeth, Jane, Thomas, and Mary, who is the wife of Ernest Mellow and resides in Philadel- phia. All the others live in Scranton. 2. Jennett, born March 20, 1846, in Merthyr Tydvil, Gla- morganshire, and received her education in Ystradgynlais. She landed in New York, May 26, 1870, where she was married the same day by Philip L. Davis, pastor of the Welsh Baptist church, to Philip Walters, as mentioned above. 3. Thomas, who lives in Ystalyfera, is married and has a large family. Mr. Harris died when his children were still young. John T. Harris, a nephew of Morgan Harris, was for many years chief of police at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and for five years served as alderman. He lost all his family with the exception of two sons in the Johnstown flood, in which so many perished. Many other branches of this line of Harrisses are scattered over the eastern part of the state of Pennsylvania. H. E. H.

LEWIS JONES, who for more than twenty years has been a prominent factor in business and political circles in West Pittston, is a representa- tive of one of the old families of the Wyoming Valley. His grandfather, who also bore the name of Lewis Jones, was born October 25, 1771, fol- lowed farming throughout his business career. and made his home in this section of the state un- til called to his final rest. He married Sarah Ben- edict and they became the parents of twelve chil- dren : Ira, born December 14, 1795: Frances. born August 9. 1797, wife of Elijah Sturtevant ; Hannah, born August 22, 1799, married a MIr. Rogers : Isaac D., born March 7, 1801 ; Eliza, born April 19, 1803: Lord, born July 9, 1805 : Lewis, born August 28, 1807; Gilbert W., born June 16, 1809; John B., born August 13, 1811 ;

Mary Ann, born September 17, 1813 ; Sallie Ann, born December 25, 1815, the wife of Houton Courtright ; and Benjamin, born January 17, 1820.

John Benedict Jones, son of Lewis and Sarah ( Benedict ) Jones, was born in Exeter township, Luzerne county, and never removed from that neighborhood. His life was devoted to agricul- tural pursuits, and in matters of citizenship he was progressive and public-spirited, giving a loyal support to the Republican party and faithfully performing all the duties of the many township offices to which he was elected. For more than half a century he served as a deacon in the Bap- tist church. His wife bore the maiden name of Lydia Frothingham, and their children were three in number : Fannie F., born May 24, 1853, is the wife of Robert J. Davies : Elizabeth C., born November 20, 1855 : and Lewis.

Lewis Jones was born April 27, 1857. on the old home farm in Exeter township, Luzerne county, and was educated in the public schools and at Bucknell University. On completing his education he devoted his entire time and atten- tion to the operation of the home farm in Exeter township until 1882, when he took up his abode in West Pittston. He then engaged in mer- chandising and was also interested in manufac- turing, and his business activity contributed to the commercial prosperity of the borough. He has for some years been recognized as a local leader in the Republican party, and for three years served as a member of the council of West Pitts- ton and was borough treasurer for four years. In 1900 he was elected tax collector and was re- elected in 1903, so that he is now filling the po- sition. Mr. Jones wedded Adela E. White, a daughter of Milo E. White, and they became the parents of five children : Edith L., born June 8. 1887; Jennett P .. born August 4, 1889, now de- ceased : Ruth A., born June 1, 1891 ; Grace E., born December 13, 1893 ; and Camilla. born An- gust 23, 1896, now deceased.

H. E. H.

HON. GEORGE F. O'BRIEN, actively and prominently identified with the professional. po- litical and social interests of Pittston, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in which his birth occurred November 28, 1876, is a son of Thomas J. and Margaret (Gerrity ) O'Brien.

Thomas J. O'Brien ( father ) was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the public schools of Pennsylvania, in which state his parents located, and upon attaining the

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age when he could earn a livelihood for himself secured employment about the coal mines, con- tinuing the same for several years. Subsequently he became superintendent for the Cowan & Dinniny Coal Mining Company, serving in that capacity eight years ; he filled a similar position for the Newton Coal Company, at Pittston, seven years, and at the present time ( 1905) is acting as superintendent for the O'Boyle & Foy Coal Company at Bernice, Sullivan county, Pennsyl- vania. By his marriage to Margaret Gerrity the following named children were born : Charles H., born in Pittston, April 9, 1867, educated in the public schools, entered the employ of the old Pittston Coal Company as engineer, remaining three years. He then served fourteen years as engineer for the Newton Coal Company at Pitts- ton, after which he entered into partnership with Messrs.Corcoran and Tigue in the clothing bus- iness under the firm name of Corcoran, O'Brien & Tigue. Two years later Messrs. Corcoran and O'Brien purchased the interest of Mr. Tigue, the name of the firm was changed to Corcoran & O'Brien, and they have now a well equipped store on Main street, Pittston, where they con- duct a prosperous business. He has served as school director several terms, and is now a member of the city council. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and a Democrat in politics. Mary, Alice, Lizzie, George F., men- tioned at length hereinafter; Adelaide, and one child who died in infancy.

George F. O'Brien acquired his education in the public and high schools of Pittstown, grad- uating from the latter in the class of 1894 ; Penn- sylvania State College, where he completed a three years' course ; and the University of Penn- sylvania, graduating from the law department thereof in 1900. He also pursued a course of legal study under the preceptorship of John T. Lanahan and John F. Shea, of Wilkes-Barre. After passing a successful competitive examina- tion he was admitted to the Luzerne county bar in 1900, and at once began the practice of his profession in Pittston. In April, 1901, he was elected city solicitor for Pittston, re-elected in 1903, served as attorney for Duryea borough two terms, and attorney for Pittston township four terms, and November 8, 1904, was elected to the legislature, on the judiciary general com- mittee, law and order, insurance committee, mines and mining, retrenchment, also reform. He was the only representative elected on the Democratic ticket from the coal region, and is also the second youngest man in the house. This fact is ample

proof of the popularity of Mr. O'Brien, and the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fel- low citizens. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, to the support of which he con- tributes liberally. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles, B. P. O. E., Division 42, A. O. of H. He married, October 11, 1905, Genevieve Kelley, of Scranton, daughter of William Kelley, a member of the firm of. Casey and Kelley.

H. E. H.

N. LOUIS SCHAPPERT, M. D., was born in the city of Wilkes-Barre, June 10, 1876, son of Peter and Sophia (Smith) Schappert, and grandson of Anthony and Margaret ( Reinhart) Schappert, natives of Germany, from whence they came to the United States in 1854, settling in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, but later removed to Hanover township. Anthony Schappert was a prosperous merchant, and he and his wife were the parents of eleven children, namely: An- thony, John, Catherine, who became the wife of Anthony Reber ; Henry, Joseph, Elizabeth, who became the wife of John Schaab; Margaret, who became the wife of Adamı Scheidel ; Jacob, Peter, Michael, and George.

Peter Schappert (father) was born in Ba- varia, Germany, April 30, 1840. When fourteen years of age he accompanied his parents to this country, and attended the St. Nicholas parochial school. In 1866 he embarked in the hotel busi- ness, which proved exceedingly remunerative, and in 1885 became the proprietor of "Schap- pert's Hotel," which he conducted up to 1896 and then retired. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church, and a Democrat in politics. On October 6, 1864, he married Sophia Smith, daughter of Peter and Catherine (Thom) Smith, of Wilkes-Barre, and to them were born the fol- lowing children: Mrs. Fred Stegmaier, Mrs. Wina Baumann, P. George, a merchant in Brook- lyn, New York ; Mrs. William Morris, Mrs. Wili- iam Goeckel, and N. Louis, mentioned herein- after. The father died January 27, 1903, and the mother May 19, 1899, and their remains are interred in the Darling Street cemetery.

N. Louis Schappert obtained a practical edil- cation in the public schools of Wilkes-Barre, his birthplace, and in 1890 went to Brooklyn, New York, where he entered the pharmacy of John Krausche. In 1891 he removed to Hazleton, Pennsylvania, entered the office of Dr. William R. Longshore and took charge of his drug de- partment, and at the same time read medicine

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THE WYOMING AND LACKAWANNA VALLEYS.

under his excellent preceptorship. In 1893 he went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended lectures for three years at the Medico-Chirurgical College, returning to Hazleton during the summer months of each year and there assisting his pre- ceptor. In 1896-97 he took a post-graduate course on diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat in the Polyclinic Hospital at Philadelphia, at the same time acting as assistant to Professor Webster Fox in the eye department of the Medico-Chirurgical Hospital. In January, 1898, he located in Wilkes- Barre and practiced general medicine for three years, and since that has devoted his entire time to his specialty of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. In 1898 he was appointed a mem- ber of the staff of Mercy Hospital. He is an ac- tive member of the Luzerne County Medical So- ciety, of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, Webster Fox Society of Philadelphia, and Jaines M. Anders' Medical Society, of Philadelphia. He also holds membership in the Knights of Colum- bus Council, No. 302, Wilkes-Barre, Gasang Verein Concordia, and Westmoreland Club. He attends St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, and casts his vote with the Republican party. His residence and office is at No. 31 South Washing- ton street, Wilkes-Barre. H. E. H.

CAPTAIN EDMUND D. CAMP. a lifelong resident of the city of Wilkes-Barre, where he is at present { 1905) serving in the capacity of as- sistant postmaster of that city, was born March 29, 1870, son of William Manning and Cecelia ( Riley) Camp, and grandson of Daniel Camp, who followed the occupation of farming in New Jersey and died in Newark, that state, at over eighty-six years of age. William Manning, the father, born in Sussex county, New Jersey, was a carpenter by trade and came to Wilkes-Barre at twenty-five years of age. Here he followed his trade till 1860, when his health failed and he took a position as clerk in the Exchange Hotel of Wilkes-Barre, then managed by Sam. Peter- baugh, and at that time the leading hotel of Wilkes-Barre. Here he remained up to the time of his death in 1871. His wife was a native of Ireland and came to this country with her parents when about four months old. In 1832 they came to Wilkes-Barre, floating down the Susquehanna river from Chenango Forks, New York, on a raft of lumber. She had three children, namely : Mary, deceased. Margaret, wife of D. W. Dod- son, of Townhill, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and mother of two sons, Osborn C. and Manning W. Dodson. Edmund D., mentioned herein-

after. Mrs. William H. Camp makes her home at present ( 1905) with Captain Edmund D. Camp.

The public schools of Wilkes-Barre afforded Edmund D. Camp the opportunity of obtaining a good English education. He began his active business career as a clerk in the five and ten cent store of F. M. Kirby, of Wilkes-Barre, but after a year's service as such he entered the employ of Conyngham, Schrage & Co., grocers of Wilkes- Barre, where he remained two years. He then engaged in the railway mail service, running be- tween New York and Pittsburg; New York, Geneva and Buffalo; Wilkes-Barre and Potts- ville ; Wilkes-Barre and Towanda ; and several other points, and this position he held for a period of nine years. November 16, 1887, he enlisted in Company D, Ninth Regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania, and in succession held the offices of corporal, sergeant, first sergeant, first lieuten- ant and captain. April 28, 1898, he was com- missioned with the rank of first lieutenant in Company D. Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry, (sce history of regiment elsewhere), in the Spanish-American war, served at Chicka- mauga Park, Georgia, and Lexington, Kentucky, was mustered out October 28, 1898, with the rank of captain. He then re-organized the company and took command, which he still retains ( 1905) having been promoted while in the service.

July 1, 1903, Captain Camp entered the Wilkes-Barre postoffice as clerk under Postmaster B. G. Hahn: (sketch elsewhere) ; November, 1904, was promoted chief clerk of the mailing division; February, 1905, Colonel J. D. Lacier was made postmaster, and Captain Camp re- ceived the appointment of assistant postmaster, the duties of which responsible position he is dis- charging with the utmost efficiency and capabil- ity and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Lodge, No. 61, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, of Wilkes-Barre, and past commander of Henry U. Lawton Camp, No. 19, United Spanish War Veterans. He is a Republican in politics. Captain Camp resides at No. 173 East Northamp- ton street, Wilkes-Barre. H. E. H.

A. FRANK LAMPMAN, M. D., who is en- gaged in the practice of medicine, diseases of eye and ear, and removing gallstones without opera- tion, at Wilkes-Barre, and whose skill and ability has crowned his efforts with success, was born at Pittston, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Febru- ary 4. 1873, and came to Wilkes-Barre, in 1879,

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THE WYOMING AND LACKAWANNA VALLEYS.

with his parents, Dr. John S. and Margaret ( Shales) Lampham, the former named having been a son of Dr. Norman and Phœbe ( Engle) Lampman, who were the parents of nine children, among whom are the following: George, Nor- man, Joseph, Edward, Elizabeth, Frances, and Mary A. Lampman.

Dr. John S. Lampman ( father ) was also a na- tive of Pittston. Pennsylvania, born December 20, 1838, his father having removed to that town from Columbia county, New York, his birth- płace, in 1810. Dr. Norman Lampman was skillful in treating diseases of the eye, and his son, John S., early manifested great talent in lo- cating and applying proper remedies. He suc- ceeded in bringing into use remedies unknown to any other oculist in the world, beginning his practice by treating and curing an afflicted sister in 1863, and he established such a reputation for skill in his special line as to become well known throughout the United States. In 1863. upon the death of his father. Dr. John S. Lampman assumed his practice, residing at Pleasant Val- ley, near Pittston, until 1876, when he removed to Wilkes-Barre, where he built up an extensive and lucrative practice, and where he resided until his decease. He was a prominent member of the Society of Good Fellows, and a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. He married, January 25, 1872, Margaret Shales, daughter of Charles Shales, of Kingston township, and three children were born to them: Harry L., died at two years of age ; A. Frank, and Ralph, who married Mand White. Dr. Lampman ( father) died August 5, 1904, and his wife passed away August 16, 1903.

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Genealogical and family history of the Wyoming and Lackawanna Valleys, Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 114

Author: Hayden, Horace Edwin, 1837-1917; Hand, Alfred, 1835-; Jordan, John W. (John Woolf), 1840-1921; Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1906 Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 1026

Author: Hayden, Horace Edwin, 1837-1917; Hand, Alfred, 1835-; Jordan, John W. (John Woolf), 1840-1921; Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1026