USA > Pennsylvania > Lycoming County > Genealogical and personal history of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Volume II > Part 14
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
181
LYCOMING COUNTY
and Callahan, spoken of in this sketch, a member of the Presbyterian church, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he takes an active part and he is a member of the school board, and is a man held in high esteem by all who know him. Harry, born Decem- ber 12, 1861, married Sarah E. Arnold, who bore him two children : Clyde, and Catherine Weaver. Frank B., born September 17, 1864, died February 27, 1872.
Byron A. Weaver acquired a good common school education. When about fifteen years of age he drove on the old canal from Mon- toursville to Philadelphia and Baltimore, continuing the same for a period of about six years. He then purchased a boat of his own and continued on the canal about sixteen years. In 1886 he engaged in the coal business in Montoursville in partnership with John E. Callahan, and in 1891 they engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, carry- ing a general line, and also handling all kinds of vehicles, wagons, etc., from which they derived a goodly income. In 1901 Mr. Weaver was appointed postmaster of Montoursville by the late President Mckinley, and has been the incumbent of the office ever since, rendering capable and efficient service therein. He also served as member of the borough council and treasurer of the borough. He is a director in the First Na- tional Bank of Montoursville, and prominent in all community affairs. He is a Republican in politics, and exercises a potent influence in behalf of the party whose principles he advocates. He is a member, trustee and treasurer of the Lutheran church of Montoursville, a member of the Protective Order Sons of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Montoursville.
Byron A. Weaver was married in April, 1879, to Miss Alice Berry, daughter of Samuel and Susan Berry, of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, and to this union have been born five children: I. Clarence Raymond,
182
LYCOMING COUNTY
who was educated in Montoursville public schools and learned the tin- ning and plumbing trade, serving an apprenticeship with O. B. Weaver, in Williamsport, for five years. January 1, 1905, he formed a partner- ship with his brother Howard A. and embarked in the hardware busi- ness in Montoursville. They purchased the hardware store of King & Sholtz, remodeled the store room and put in a large stock of goods, and now have the finest store in the place, everything modern and up-to-date. In addition to this they also conduct a general plumbing business. He married Miss Mamie Pysher, and they have one son, Byron Atwood Weaver. 2. Chester E., a student of Susquehanna University. 3. Howard A., who was educated in Montoursville high school, and served as assistant postmaster until 1905, when he embarked in the hard- ware business with his brother, as already narrated. He married Miss Cora Houser, daughter of George Houser, and they have one daughter, Pauline Weaver. 4. Bertha, a graduate of the Montoursville high school, class of 1904, and at the present time (1905) is assistant post- master. 5. Estella, who is pursuing her studies in the schools of Mon- toursville. The family are members of the Lutheran church, and are held in high respect in the community.
CHARLES W. KLINE.
Charles W. Kline, son of Aaron J. and Mary (Hilsher) Kline, was born March 24, 1847, at Jersey Shore, on the property where he now resides and where his life has thus far been spent. He is one of five children, namely: John H., a resident of Jersey Shore, who served through the war of the rebellion; William H., deceased, who also served through the war; Mary Elizabeth, widow of Dr. Grant S. Keyser, of Jersey Shore; Charles W .; and Clara E., wife of D. Betts, of Philadel-
183
LYCOMING COUNTY
phia. The father, Aaron J. Kline, was a native of Powell Valley, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. In 1833 he located at Jersey Shore and took up the carpenter trade, which he followed until the time of his death, 1878. His wife died in 1881. The paternal grandfather was an . old resident of Dauphin county. He was the father of three children : Aaron J., the father of our subject ; Louisa, married; Maria (Mrs. New- baker), deceased, who is survived by two children, Hiram and Luther, both of Dauphin county.
Charles W. Kline is a carpenter foreman of the pipe line of the Standard Oil Company. He has been in the employ of this company for twenty-six years, and previous to this was a contract carpenter for bridge work. Politically, Mr. Kline is a staunch Republican. In June, 1887, he was united in marriage with Harriet Frances, daughter of Thomas and Henrietta ( Smith) Shurr. Of this marriage one child was born, Frank Charles, and they have adopted a daughter, Charlene Brink. The parents of Mrs. Kline are natives of Clinton county, where Mr. Shurr carried on the lumber business for many years. About 1889 the family removed to Jersey Shore. Mr. Shurr has now retired from an active business life.
ANDREW FERGUSON.
Andrew Ferguson, an old resident and enterprising farmer of Ly- coming county, Pennsylvania, was there born in Porter township, April 29, 1845, the son of James G. and Ellen (McGuire) Ferguson, and grandson of Andrew Ferguson, of Scotch-Irish origin, who removed to Lycoming from Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in the early thirties. He first settled in Clinton county near Chatham Run, and oper- ated a grist mill. He married a Miss Graham, and by her the following named children were born: James G., Woods, Matthew, Ruth, Eliza-
184
LYCOMING COUNTY
beth, Rebecca, Sallie and Nellie. Mr. Ferguson and his wife later re- moved to a farm, which they lived on for some years, and where they died.
James G. Ferguson, the eldest child of Andrew and (Graham) Ferguson, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, and obtained his education in the schools of Clinton county. He was a farmer by occupation, owning an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land near Jersey Shore in Lycoming county. He was a man of intelligence and influence, served a term as associate judge of Lycoming county, and also held many minor offices, acquitting his duties with efficiency and credit. In 1843 he was united in mar- riage to Ellen McGuire, and the following named children were born to them : Andrew, mentioned at length hereinafter; Mary Jane, deceased ; Margaret, Robert J., Wood, Joseph, deceased; and one other child who died in infancy. The death of James G. Ferguson occurred in the spring of 1888, and his wife survived him but a year.
Andrew Ferguson obtained his educational training in the schools of his native township, and upon leaving the school-room engaged in ag- ricultural pursuits. He is the owner of a farm of seventy acres of valu- able, fertile land, situated on Pine creek, and in 1903 he erected a hand- some brick residence thereon. In addition to the cultivation of his farm, Mr. Ferguson has been interested in other pursuits. He conducted a threshing establishment for forty years and prospered in this business, and is also an expert engineer, and from time to time follows that occu- pation.
In politics Mr. Ferguson is a staunch Republican, adheres strictly to the principles of that organization, and loses no opportunity to ad- vance the interests of his party. In matters of religion he accords with the doctrines of the Presbyterian faith. As a citizen Mr. Ferguson is
185
LYCOMING COUNTY
well thought of, and is held in the highest esteem by his fellow towns- men. He has held the office of constable for five years, and is now ( 1905) engaged in the duties of that position.
In 1883 Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage to Jennie Olmstead, born June 4, 1864, of Salladasburg. Their children are: James H., born October 24, 1887; and Laura B., born August 10, 1891. James H. was educated in the Lycoming county high school. Mrs. Andrew Fer- guson is a daughter of Isaac and Rebeca Olmstead, both deceased; they were the parents of nine children. Isaac Olmstead was a farmer and lumberman. He died November 4, 1904, and his wife died about five years ago.
GILBERT J. DENNISTON.
Gilbert J. Denniston, a business man of prominence and ability of Porter township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, a man actively inter- ested in the progress and development of Jersey Shore, and a veteran of the war of the rebellion, was born in Monroe, Orange county, New York, August 25, 1838, a son of Nathaniel W. and Elizabeth ( Earl) Dennis- ton, both natives of Orange county.
The Dennistons in this country antedate the days of the revolution- ary war. The family is of Irish origin, the progenitor in this country being the great-great-grandfather of Gilbert J., who emigrated to the United States in the very early days of its settling. He had a son James, a native of County Longford, Ireland, who married and among whose children was Gilbert, a native of Orange county, New York, grandfather of Gilbert J. Denniston. Gilbert Denniston followed the oc- cupation of farming, having a strong liking for agricultural pursuits, and proved himself to be a capable and practical farmer. During the war of 1812 Mr. Denniston furnished a man to go in his place, not
186
LYCOMING COUNTY
through fear or lack of patriotism, but because he knew that he could be of more value in civil life. He married a Miss Wheeler, and among the children born of this union was Nathaniel W., the father of Gilbert J. Denniston.
Nathaniel W. Denniston was born in Orange county, New York. His wife, Elizabeth Earl, was also a native of Orange county. In 1856 they removed to Pine Creek township, Clinton county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Denniston was engaged in his occupation of farmer and lum- berer. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Denniston are: Mary C., de- ceased; Gilbert J., mentioned at length hereinafter ; George W., Delia, Bathsheba, Sarah, Rachel. Charles, deceased. The death of Nathaniel WV. Denniston occurred in 1879, eighteen years after the death of his wife, in 1861.
Gilbert J. Denniston was reared in Monroe, Orange county, New York, and there received his education at the public schools. In 1858 he removed to Cummings township, Lycoming county, remaining there six years, during which period he was engaged in the occupation of lumbering. In early life Mr. Denniston learned the stone mason, brick- laying and plastering trade, which he followed in conjunction with his agricultural pursuits until about 1902. He is the owner of one hun- dred and sixty acres of finely laid out and highly cultivated land, ad- joining the borough of Jersey Shore.
In politics Gilbert J. Denniston affiliates with the Republican party, and loses no opportunity of advancing the interests of this organization. He was the first tax collector appointed in his township, and has served as assessor, auditor and school director. He was one of the promoters and has now an interest in the silk mill establishment in Jersey Shore. He is one of the directors of the Jersey Shore National Bank, and in 1904 was accorded the honor of being elected a delegate to the Repub-
187
LYCOMING COUNTY
lican state convention. In all the offices to which Mr. Denniston has been elected, he has discharged his responsible duties with the greatest efficiency and credit, thereby gaining the respect and confidence of his fellow townsmen. He is now ( 1905) engaged in the duties of over- seer of the poor. In 1864, during the war of the rebellion, Mr. Dennis- ton enlisted as a private in Company G, Two Hundred and Third Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was soon promoted to acting com- missary sergeant, the duties of which position took him out of much active service, and in 1865 was honorably discharged, returning to home and civil life. He is an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and served as adjutant one year.
In 1862 Mr. Denniston was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Miller, born November 20, 1842, daughter of Harmon and Fannie (English) Miller, natives of York county, Pennsylvania, and Little Pine Creek, Lycoming county, respectively. She was one of ten children : Michael, William, John, Henry, George, Mary A., Martha E., Margaret F., Julia and Sarah Jane. The five sons of Mr. and Mrs. Miller are veterans of the civil war. Michael, William and John were members of Company G, Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and William and John died of fever while in the service; Henry was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry ; George enlisted, but was not assigned to any command. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert J. Denniston are as follows: Lawrence H .; Fannie A., deceased; Laura J., deceased; Harmon M., and Alice A., the wife of L. Curtn Thompson. Mr. Denniston and his family are regular and consistent attendants of the Methodist church.
188
LYCOMING COUNTY
WARREN B. MASTERS.
Warren B. Masters, postmaster of Jersey Shore, is of English de- scent, and his maternal grandfather, Warren Benscoter, was a Revolu- tionary soldier. His grandparents on both sides were pioneer settlers in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and were prosperous farming people. The Benscoters reared a family of twelve children.
Wesley Masters, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, resided upon a farm in Shickshinny, Luzerne county, for the greater part of his life, and his death occurred in that township.
Silas and Delilah (Benscoter) Masters, Warren B. Masters' parents, were both natives of Shickshinny. Silas Masters, who is still living and resides in Kingston, Luzerne county, was for a number of years en- gaged in business in Lock Haven, this state. Mrs. Delilah ( Benscoter) Masters died in 1889. She was the mother of three children, namely : Warren B., Archibald and Eugene.
Warren B. Masters was born in Shickshinny, December 1, 1862. He was educated preliminarily in the public schools of his native town- ship, and in 1880 was graduated from the high school in Lock Haven, whither his parents removed when he was fourteen years old. Imme- diately after the conclusion of his studies he entered mercantile business as a clerk in a dry-goods store at Lock Haven, in which capacity he continued for eight years, and in 1888 he engaged in a general mercantile business on his own account at Snow Shoe, this state. In 1891 he pur- chased the Blackwell general store in Jersey Shore, where he has ever since resided, and he carried on business successfully for a period of eleven years, or until 1902, when he was appointed postmaster, in which capacity he is still serving.
Mr. Masters' well-known business ability and sterling integrity
189
LYCOMING COUNTY
amply qualify him for the responsible position he now holds, and under his able direction the postal affairs of Jersey Shore are conducted in a most satisfactory manner. Politically he is a Republican and, although an ardent supporter of the principles of that party, he respects the opin- ions of his opponents, thereby acquiring the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens as a whole, irrespective of politics. For a period of- three years he served upon the school board and was twice elected president of that body. He is a charter member and past regent of the local Council No. 178, Royal Arcanum, and is past noble grand of Jersey Shore Lodge No. 101, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In November, 1885, Mr. Masters was united in marriage with Miss Marilla Gilbert, daughter of George and Susanna (King) Gilbert, of Larry Creek, this county. Their children are: Harry, Clarence, Cleta, Edna and John. Harry Masters is now a telegraph operator in the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company.
GEORGE DAUBER.
The father of George Dauber, of Cogan Valley, was Jacob Dauber, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, where he learned the cabinet- maker's trade. About 1820 he emigrated to the United States and set- tled in New York city, where he followed his trade. In 1857 he moved to Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where he bought a small farm of eleven acres, now owned and occupied by David Beach, at Quiggleville. Until about five years previous to his death he cultivated this farm, at the same time following the carpenter's trade as journeyman for George Stiber. He was a Democrat in politics, and served as elder, deacon and trustee in the Lutheran church.
Mr. Dauber married, in New York city, Margaret Wicker, a native
190
LYCOMING COUNTY
of the same place as himself, and the following children were born to them: I. George, mentioned at length hereinafter. 2. Louise, born April 6, 1853, became the wife of Jacob Shaffer, of Williamsport, and has six children: Edward, William, Walter, Albert, Harry and Carl. 3. Caroline, born October, 1855, married William B. Hartman, a pat- ternmaker of Williamsport. 4. Jacob, born June 16, 1859, married Liz- zie Sander; he is a carpenter and foreman for Bennett & Woodnutt, Williamsport. 5. Lizzie, born March 14, 1863, married George Biter, a worker in a furniture factory in South Williamsport, and has had two children: Ralph, deceased; and Ruth. Mr. Dauber, the father, died December 15, 1897.
George Dauber, son of Jacob and Margaret (Wicker) Dauber, was born August 7, 1850, in New York city, and attended the public schools of Quiggleville. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the carpen- ter's trade, to which he served an apprenticeship with George Stiber, with whom he remained four years. At the end of that time he went to Williamsport, where he worked two years for Daniel Hartman and one year for William Slack at stair-building. In 1876 he returned to Cogan Valley and there worked for different contractors until about 1880, when he began contracting for himself, continuing in that line of business for a number of years. In 1878 he bought the " Samuel Reed farm," of forty-seven acres, in Cogan Valley, about two miles north of Cogan Valley Station. He remodelled the buildings and has since made his home on this estate. In 1890 he purchased the adjoining property, known as the " Hayes farm," of one hundred and ninety-six acres, and has one of the best farms in Cogan Valley. For twelve years he served on the school board, ten years as treasurer and two as secre- tary. His political principles are those of the Democratic party. He is a member of the Lutheran church at Quiggleville, in which he has
191
LYCOMING COUNTY
served eighteen years as trustee, and for some time as superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a member of the building committee, hav- ing charge of the erection of the new church, and was one of the car- penters employed in the work.
Mr. Dauber married, August 23, 1877, at the residence of J. M. Sander, the Rev. Eggars officiating, Regina Amalia, born March 3, 1859, daughter of Jacob M. and Sophia (Aderhold) Sander, and they have been the parents of the following children: I. Bertha Louisa, born Septem- ber 1, 1878, wife of Harry Stiber, merchant at New Berry, and mother of two children, Mae Huber, born December 29, 1900, and Chester Nel- son, born March 27, 1903. 2. Sophia Caroline, born November 22, 1880, married Henry Stiber, carpenter for the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad Company, at Perryville, Pennsylvania, and has two children: Henry Clifford, born April 15, 1902, died at the age of fourteen days; and Erma Irene, born February 1, 1905. 3. Margaret Elizabeth, born March 24, 1883, married Harry W. Schaefer, brother of Dr. J. E. Schaefer, employed at Jersey Shore by the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad Company, and has two children: Brady William, born October 7, 1902; and Paul George, born January 31, 1905. 4. Anna Plumilla, born November 6, 1886, graduated from the Muncy Normal School, class of 1900-'03, taught two terms at Perryville and one term at Corters, and resides at home. 5. Jacob William, born Octo- ber 28, 1889, at home. 6. Amalia, born March 6, 1892, died June 28, 1892. 7 and 8. George Elwyn and Grace Ethel (twins), born February 23, 1895. 9. Harry Llewellyn, born March 26, 1898. 10. Earl Luther, born March 26, 1901, died May 14, 1902.
192
LYCOMING COUNTY
JAMES DALLAS SMITH.
James Dallas Smith, a practical and prosperous farmer of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, was born November 30, 1843, in Mifflin township, the son of Valentine and Martha (Robinson) Smith, and grandson of James and Matilda (Baird) Smith, of German and Scotch origin, re- spectively. They settled in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, not far from Lock Haven. James Smith was an industrious man and a useful citizen. He was a shoemaker by trade, following this occupation in the winter, and during the summer months he engaged in the cultivation of a hun- dred-acre farm which he owned. James and Matilda (Baird) Smith were the parents of the following named children: Valentine, father of J. D. Smith; Kline, John M., Absalom, Elizabeth, Mary A. and Jane.
Valentine Smith, eldest child of James Smith, was born in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, in 1823. In 1831 his parents removed to Lycom- ing county, locating in Mifflin township, and it was here that Valentine spent the greater part of his life. By occupation he was a farmer, a man of prominence and influence, and a useful member of the community. He owned several hundred acres of valuable land which he brought to a high state of cultivation. He held many offices in the township, and discharged his duties in a creditable manner. He married Martha Rob- inson, and by her were born five children: James Dallas, mentioned at length hereinafter; W. Tipton; Henry J., deceased; John A., deceased; and Mary, the deceased wife of John Gohl. The death of Valentine Smith occurred in 1896, some forty-two years after the demise of his wife. Of the five children who were born to them, but two, James Dallas and W. Tipton, survive.
James Dallas Smith was reared and educated in Salladasburg, and in early life turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and lumbering.
1.10
The XX /bushing O
193
LYCOMING COUNTY
In 1870 he removed to Porter township, and there in 1877 purchased a tract of fine farming land, comprising one hundred and twenty-six acres. This Mr. Smith has cultivated, and his farm is considered one of the finest in the county. On it he raises crops which bring the first market price, and has greatly improved his property by the erection and expan- sion of his buildings. Mr. Smith is an excellent farmer, a man of char- acter and standing in the community, and is held in great regard by his fellow citizens. This is demonstrated by the fact that he has been elected to the positions of supervisor and assessor of Porter township. Politically Mr. Smith affiliates with the doctrines of the Republican party, and is ever ready and anxious to lend his assistance to any enter- prise for the public benefit. In religious faith he is a consistent member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Smith enlisted in Company K, Eighth Veteran Volunteer Cavalry, September, 1863, served eighteen months and was discharged July 4, 1865.
In 1876 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Elizabeth Schwartz, to whom the following children were born: Henry V .; Effie, who is the wife of Henry Sellers; Delilah, the wife of Elsworth Fisher; Wilbur P., married Anna Teple; John A., deceased; Sarah, who is Mrs. John Coursen; and Minerva, who is the wife of Charles Fillman. The mother of these children passed away in 1883, and in 1889 Mr. Smith married for his second wife Sarah Whetstone, born December 22, 1842, daugh- ter of Isaac and Persis (Richelderfer) Whetstone, English and German origin; the former died 1884, the latter 1883. They reside in Jersey Shore, where Mr. Smith owns property. His son Wilbur operates the home farm.
GEORGE LUPPERT.
One of the representative men of Williamsport and a citizen of whom his home city has just reason to be proud is George Luppert. Mr. Luppert's career affords an example of perseverance which refuses
13
194
LYCOMING COUNTY
to be discouraged by repeated disasters and of courage which sets failure at defiance. There is probably no other man in the county who has suffered the reverses in business expectations which have fallen to the lot of Mr. Luppert, reverses which have all come from one source- Fire.
George Luppert, a native of Germany, married Anna Maria Pfir- mann, also born in the Fatherland, and they were the parents of the following children: George, mentioned at length hereinafter; Valen- tine, who married Barbara Welker, and has two children, Valentine and George C., both of whom are married; Catherine, who became the wife of Frederick Beiter and is the mother of a large family; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Ludwig Steinhilper and has a number of children; and David, who married Mary Snyder and has five children.
George Luppert, eldest child of George and Anna Maria (Pfir- mann) Luppert, was born November 2, 1835, in Bavaria, Germany, where he received a good common school education. In the summer of 1853 he emigrated to the United States, whither he was followed in the autumn of the same year by his father and his brothers and sis- ters. Mr. Luppert landed in New York and immediately proceeded to Philadelphia, where he remained six weeks, and in June, 1853, re- moved to Williamsport. There, in order to learn the carpenter's trade, he bound himself to Jacob Seckler for three years, the terms being that he should receive his board and washing, twenty-five dollars the first year, thirty-five the second and forty-five the third. When the rail- road from Philadelphia was laid in that part of the county it was pro- posed to cut through the center of the lot belonging to his employer, in consequence of which Mr. Seckler sold all his property and removed further west. Thus, Mr. Luppert, after a year's service, was released from his apprenticeship. He then went into business for himself as a
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.