USA > Pennsylvania > Lycoming County > Genealogical and personal history of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Volume II > Part 21
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has cast his vote for the candidates of that party since attaining his ma- jority.
Mr. Glass married Mary E. Bartlett, who was born August 23, 1856, a daughter of George and Catherine (Cramer) Bartlett, whose family consisted of the following named children: Israel; Sarah; Re- becca, deceased; George, deceased; William, deceased; Mary E., afore- mentioned as the wife of James Glass; Frank; and Milton, deceased. George Bartlett ( father) was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and there followed carpentering and painting with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Glass have reared a family of five children, as follows: Sallie, born January 26, 1876; Cora, born November II, 1877; Charles S., born Oc- tober 27, 1880; William, born December 22, 1881; and Maud, born September 17, 1883.
ALBERT DECKER.
Albert Decker, who has been successfully engaged in the quiet but useful calling of agriculture since 1901, in which year he purchased a farm at the Stone Church and moved thereon, is a native of Clinton township, born September 14, 1876, a son of Henry and Mary ( Herr) Decker, and grandson of Alexander and Elizabeth ( Herman) Decker.
Alexander Decker (grandfather) was a native of Germany, was reared, educated and married there, and in 1834, accompanied by his wife and family, set sail for the new world, locating in what is known as Mosquito Valley, Armstrong township, Lycoming county, Pennsyl- vania, where he endured all the hardships incident to the life of a pioneer. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Herman, bore him eight children, two of whom died in infancy, and the names of those reared to manhood and womanhood are as follows: Catherine, who became
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the wife of John Lehman; Elizabeth B., who became the wife of a Mr. Ritter, of Vandalia, Illinois; Henrietta, who became the wife of Jacob Sweely; Gottlieb F., who married Mary Fousel; Henry, mentioned hereinafter ; and John C., who married Julia Fousel. The family were members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Decker died in March, 1878, having survived his wife several years, she passing away in 1874.
Henry Decker (father) was born in Wittenberg, Germany, April II, 1833. He attended the common schools in the neighborhood of his home in the Mosquito Valley, whither his parents removed when he was an infant. Upon attaining manhood he settled on a farm in Clinton township, which he cultivated and operated for a number of years, but subsequently he became noted as a builder and was largely identified with the business interests of Montgomery, Pennsylvania. He was the owner of a large number of dwelling houses in the town, which he leased at a nominal rent in order to enable the occupants to acquire a home by purchase on easy terms. He was actively connected with local affairs, and the esteem in which he was held is evidenced by the fact that he was chosen to serve in the capacity of school director, super- visor, assessor and a delegate to county conventions. He was a Demo- crat in politics. On May 3, 1855, he was married to Mary Herr, and the following named children were born to them: Henry, Rosanna, Catherine, Alexander, William, George, Mary, John, Frank, Edward, Albert and Isaac. Mr. Decker and family held membership in the Lutheran church of Brady township, in which he served as deacon.
Albert Decker, eighth son of Henry and Mary (Herr) Decker, is a graduate of Lycoming County Normal School and Williamsport Commercial College, completing his studies at the age of twenty-two years. His first employment was as clerk in his father's store, and in connection therewith he engaged in lumbering to a considerable extent.
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He continued thus until 1901, when he purchased a farm at the Stone Church, which, under his excellent management and progressive meth- ods, has become one of the most productive in that section of Lycoming county. Mr. Decker has always taken an active interest in the principles of the Democratic party.
Mr. Decker married Elsie D. Hulshizer, who was born April 7, 1878, and their children are: Nevin O., born February 24, 1901, and Laura E., born July 31, 1904.
JOHN .A. FRITZ.
John A. Fritz, a veteran of the Civil war and one of the well-known residents of Montgomery, Pennsylvania, who is esteemed highly for his sterling worth and integrity, was born August 28, 1845, a son of Enoch and Susanna (Artman) Fritz, who were the parents of the following named children : Marie, John A., Daniel, Hiram, Harriet, Maggie, Susan, Abraham, Belle, Martha and Elmer. Enoch Fritz (father) was a native of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In 1863, at the age of eighteen years, after completing his common school education, he enlisted in Company K, Fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served eighteen months or until the close of the war. He then returned to Montgomery, where he still resides. In politics he is a staunch advocate of Repub- lican principles, and never fails to cast his ballot for the candidates of that party. He is a member of Montgomery Post, Grand Army of the Republic.
In 1867 Mr. Fritz was united in marriage to Carrie T. Cramer, who was born April 28, 1844, in Easton, Pennsylvania, and their children are: Harry F., born July 8, 1868, is express manager and baggage master of the Pine Creek Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, married
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Ruth Ella Croft, issue, one child; they reside at Williamsport. Estella M., born October 14, 1869, became the wife of Wilson Everly, who is employed as foreman on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and their children are : Lavinia and Pauline. Cora F., born January 5, 1871, whose husband is a moulder at the steel plant in Williamsport, and they are the parents of three children: Charles, Ida and Florence. Maggie M., born April 19, 1872, became the wife of Russell Everhart, who is employed in the table factory at Montgomery, and they are the parents of one child, Vincent. Edward P., born June 18, 1873, married Mary Ellis, and their children are: Florence and Stella.
Henry Cramer, father of Mrs. Fritz, came to America from France in 1804, when twenty-three years of age, settled in Philadelphia, and after a residence of three years there came to Easton, where he resided until 1845, in which year he located in Washington township, Lycoming county, where he resided until his death. He followed farming through- out his active career. By his marriage to Rosa Bower the following named children were born: Jacob; John, deceased; Elias; Matilda; Carrie T., wife of John A. Fritz; and Hattie Cramer.
JACOB LITCARD.
Jacob Litcard, a prosperous agriculturist residing at Muncy, was born June 10, 1832, in the house in which he now resides, a son of James and Catherine (Schieres) Litcard, for many years honored and re- spected residents of that section of the state. Jacob Litcard obtained a practical education in the common schools adjacent to his home, and his occupation throughout the active years of his life has been that of farm- ing, which has yielded him a goodly income and enabled him to ac-
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cumulate a competence for his declining years. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and a Democrat in politics.
On December 24, 1868, Mr. Litcard married Catherine Shoemaker, who was born December 16, 1837, and their children are: Alfred Henry, married Dora Lease, who bore him three children: Paul, Walter and David; they reside in Montour county. James Harvy, married, but had no issue; they reside in Montour county. Mina May, became the wife of Jesse Michael, and their family consists of the following named children: Arthur, Alice, Catherine, Willard, Milo and Rosie.
JAMES W. RAKESTRAW.
James W. Rakestraw, a prosperous agriculturist of Montoursville, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, whose reliable and progressive meth- ods have brought to him a large degree of prosperity, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1843, a son of William and Mary (Sweigard) Rakestraw, natives of that county. William Rakestraw was a shoemaker by trade, an honorable and conscientious man, who nobly performed all the duties of life. He died in 1845, and his widow subsequently became the wife of Joseph Knouff, of Perry county, Penn- sylvania, and mother of one child, Joseph W. Knouff. Mrs. Knouff died in 1848.
The boyhood days of James W. Rakestraw were spent in the same manner as those of most boys reared in the country-assisting with the work during the summer months and attending the common schools dur- ing the winter months. At the age of nineteen years he engaged at railroading on the Pennsylvania line, and later was employed in a saw mill for a number of years. In 1864 he located in Lycoming county and was employed in various ways until 1873, when he began farming in old
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Lycoming township, and nine years later, in 1882, settled on his present farm in Fairfield township, where he devotes his attention to general farming and dairying. The confidence and esteem reposed in him by his fellow citizens is evidenced by the fact that he was chosen to fill the offices of school director and treasurer of old Lycoming township. In politics he is a Democrat with independent proclivities.
Mr. Rakestraw was united in marriage to Louisa Bastian, of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1863, and her death occurred the fol- lowing year. In 1866 he married Hannah Hinkle, daughter of John R. Hinkle, of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. Their children are as fol- lows: Minnie, who became the wife of John Saylor, Ella May, Sarah Gertrude, Jennie Ray, John Roseberry, James Harrison, Lydia Joseph- ine and Sophia Bertha Rakestraw. The family, which is one of the most highly respected in the community, hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Montoursville.
JOHN WOCHNER VILLINGER.
John Wochner Villinger, a prosperous merchant of Williamsport, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, was born in that place, February 10, 1855. a son of Conrad and Louisa Villinger. The father was born in Linxkrich, Baden, November 25, 1827, and the mother at St. Blase, Baden, July 18, 1826.
In early life John W. Villinger acquired a common school educa- tion in English and German, and at the age of eleven years began work in a planing mill, where he was employed for about two years, during which time he attended a night school conducted by the Young Men's Christian Association, in what was known as Holden's building (after- wards the Merchants' National Bank building), at the corner of Third
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Sevillinger
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and Pine streets. He was later employed in a grocery store for about three years, and in the winter of 1872 attended the Commercial Col- lege of Davis & Oplinger, in what was known as the Shultz building.
Beginning with the spring of 1872, he served a three years' appren- ticeship with the firm of Hays & Philips, and while there acquired a thorough knowledge of the tin, sheet-iron and copper-snrithing trade. His term of service having expired, he was employed as a journeyman until the first of March, 1884, when the firm of Villinger and Dunn was formed for the conduct of a plumbing, tin and stove business, in the Shultz building. Mr. Villinger continued in this business for nine months, when his partner disposed of his interest, and he conducted the business alone at the same stand until 1886, when failing health com- pelled him to retire from active life for a time. In 1889, three years later, Mr. Villinger entered into the plumbing, gas and steam-fitting business with his brother, Harry H. Villinger, conducting the same on West street, in the Metropolitan block, and then 324 West Third street, and then in 1895 to his present location at 46 West Fourth street, and continued in this occupation with success, until the death of his brother in 1898, and since then has conducted the business alone at No. 46 West Fourth street.
Mr. Villinger is an unmarried man, and in religious matters affil- iates with the Lutheran church, is independent in politics and a member of the Heptasophs.
JOHN BALL.
John Ball, owner of the Scott farm on Loyalsock Creek, is the son of Peter and Jane (Brierden) Ball. Peter Ball was born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, but realizing that the opportunities for a successful busi- ness career were greater in the new world than in the old he emigrated
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here upon attaining manhood. He first settled at Ralston, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, but after a residence of one year there removed to Blossburg, where he resided nine years. He then moved to Trout Run, remaining one year. The following two years and a half he resided at Hoagland's Run, from whence he removed to Blooming Grove, remain- ing there two years, then located at Williamsport, and after a residence of three years removed to Loyalsock, where he resided five years. The following two and a half years were spent in Black Hole Valley, after which he removed to Muncy Creek, where he had resided six years at the time of his death, February 15, 1881. He was a blacksmith by trade, and by close application to this line of work was enabled to provide a comfortable home for his family. He was a consistent member of the Catholic church, and a Democrat in politics. He was united in marriage to Jane Brierden, who bore him seven children: Margaret Ann, who became the wife of Edward Bower; John, mentioned at length herein- after: Mary A .; Sarah J., who became the wife of Seely Hetherland ; Eliza Jane; Peter; and Rebecca, who became the wife of George Rentz.
John Ball, son of Peter and Jane (Brierden) Ball, was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1852. He was educated in the township schools and at the graded schools of the borough of Mont- gomery. When seventeen years of age he was employed by the Misses Scott to manage their farm in Fairfield township, and so faithfully and conscientiously were his duties performed that he was retained in their employ for the long period of nineteen years and eight months. Since then he has continued the management of a farm on a large scale, and has achieved a large amount of success as the result of his patient and persevering labor, this, notwithstanding the fact that he served no ap- prenticeship to the occupation of farming. Mr. Ball came into the own- ership of what is known as the Scott farm through the will of the Scott
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sisters, whom he had served so faithfully. Mary and Sarah Scott were the daughters of Amos Scott and died unmarried. They were of Scotch- Irish descent and their ancestors were prominent in the early Pennsylva- nia settlements, the Scott homestead having been in the family for at least one hundred years. In 1886 Mr. Ball married Mary Magdalene Winters, daughter of John and Christiana (Schambacher) Winters. Mr. Winters' ancestors came from Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and were connections of the Lincoln family, who were the ancestors of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Ball and his wife are the parents of four children : Sarah, born April 25, 1889, died January 8, 1892; Ruth C., born March II, 1891; a son who was born January 4, 1894, and who died January 6, 1894; and Violet, born March 4, 1898. Mr. Ball is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and is a strong advocate of prohibition, for which party he casts his vote. He has frequently acted as delegate to state and county conventions, but has always con- sistently refused to hold office, although often urged to accept the candi- dacy. The family hold membership in the Fairview Methodist Episco- pal church, in which Mr. Ball acts as trustee and steward.
Mr. Ball also was one of the organizers and promoters of the Loyal- sock Telephone Company. He is a member of the Board of Directors of said corporation and his sound judgment and business ability are recog- nized as valuable in the administration of the company's growing field of usefulness.
WILLIAM C. EBNER.
William C. Ebner, actively and prominently identified with the varied interests of Montoursville, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, com- mercial, financial, political and social, was born October 3, 1833, in the vicinity of Danville, Montour county, Pennsylvania, the eldest son of
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John and Mary B. (Bennett) Ebner, whose family consisted of four other children, as follows: Mary, John, Charles and George. During the early part of the life of John Ebner (father) he resided in Easton, Pennsylvania, from whence he removed to Reading, but after a short residence there located in the neighborhood of Danville, and in 1840 came to Lycoming county, settling at Hayes Mills.
William C. Ebner obtained a practical education, which prepared him for the activities of life, at the common schools adjacent to his home. His business career was devoted to mercantile pursuits, in which he was highly successful, acquiring a competence which enabled him to retire from active duties and responsibilities, and to spend his days in comfort and ease, this being the fitting sequel to a life of toil. He is the pro- moter of the Montoursville Electric Railroad, which adds so materially to the growth and development of that section of the county. The esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens is evidenced by the fact that he served as commissioner of the county, and president of the town council. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been affiliated with the Masonic fraternity for the long period of forty- four years.
Mr. Ebner was united in marriage, March 3, 1870, to Mary A. Lundy, who was born October 3, 1833, a daughter of Ellis Lundy, and three children were the issue of this union : Jennie R., born July 6, 1871, became the wife of Dr. Harry Berger, of Muncy, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of one child, Blanche Berger; John E., born May 15, 1874, in Montoursville, married Myrtle Young, and now resides in Wil- liamsport ; Mary W., born July 4, 1877, in Montoursville, is a teacher in the public school, and resides at home with her parents. The family en- joy the acquaintance of a wide circle of friends, who esteem them at their true worth.
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DANIEL EGLY.
Among the practical and progressive agriculturists of Montours- ville who have achieved a large degree of prosperity as the result of their reliable methods and honorable business transactions may be mentioned the name of Daniel Egly, a son of Jacob and Catherine Egly, whose birth occurred in Fairfield township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, Feb- ruary 20, 1844.
His boyhood and early manhood days were spent in assisting with the various duties on the homestead, and he pursued his studies in the common schools of the neighborhood. He followed the occupation of boating for two seasons, but upon abandoning that line of work turned his attention to farming, continuing up to the present time ( 1904). His products are of a superior quality and therefore find a ready sale in the nearby markets, and the whole appearance of his property, including his residence and out-buildings, testify to the labor bestowed upon it. Mr. Egly has served his township in the capacity of school director. He is a member of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Egly married, January 16, 1867, Sarah E. Snyder, who was born in Muncy Creek township, July 3, 1847, daughter of Jacob Elijah Snyder, who, after the death of his father in Germany, left his native land for the new world, accompanied by his mother, one brother and one sister. Ten children were the issue of this union, one of whom is de- ceased; the surviving members of the family are as follows: William E., born October 17, 1867, was married to Mary Entz, and they reside on John Ball's farm in Fairfield township. George E., born August 26, 1869, was married to Jennie Neff, and their children are: Ethel, Roy, Edith and Marion; they reside in Muncy. Henry, born April 30, 1872, unmarried, is a carpenter by trade, and resides in Pittsburg. James B.,
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born June 17, 1875, unmarried, and resides in Pennsdale. Foster, born November 16, 1877, was married to Minnie Smith, and their children are: Rolland, Edna and Donald. Lizzie, born September 17, 1878, be- came the wife of William Pewterbaush, and they are the parents of one child, Harry. Lydia B., born June 12, 1884, became the wife of Chester McConnel. Robert C., born March 5, 1886. Addie May, born Septem- ber 13, 1887.
HENRY STRATTON COLE.
Henry Stratton Cole, a venerable and respected resident of Mon- toursville, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, was born in White Deer township, same county, January 12, 1838. His father was born June I, 1810.
Henry S. Cole resided in the neighborhood of his birthplace until he was five years of age, at which time his parents removed to Warren- ville, Lycoming county, where he obtained excellent educational advan- tages in the common schools, and subsequently served an apprenticeship at the trade of shoemaker, which line of work he followed throughout the active years of his business career. By industry, perseverance and close application he provided a comfortable home for his family, and his daily walk and conversation was such as to win and retain the confidence and good will of all who came in contact with him.
Mr. Cole married, June 15, 1867, Mary Abigail Bennet, who was born in Fairfield township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1847, educated in Dickinson Seminary, and became the mother of nine children, all of whom are living at the present time (1904). George Bennet, father of Mrs. Cole, was born December 25, 1813, in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, residing there until he reached early manhood
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years, when he removed to Fairfield township, Lycoming county, making his home there for the remainder of his life. On February 2, 1844, he married Martha Strebeigh, who was born June 26, 1822. Their children are: Mary Abigail, John A., Agnes J., Daniel S., Bessie and George.
HERVEY ELSE.
Hervey Else, whose business career has been one of marked enter- prise, wherein his reliable methods have contributed in large measure to his prosperity, is a native of the town in which he now resides, Montours- ville, Pennsylvania, having been born December 25, 1853, a son of Hervey Else.
After completing a common school education he started out to gain his own livelihood, and at once secured employment in a butchering busi- ness, thereby gaining a thorough and practical knowledge of the details of the various branches, which enabled him in later years to engage in business on his own account. He is now the proprietor of a meat mar- ket in Montoursville, which is well stocked with the best quality of meat and poultry, and by his courteous consideration of the wants and needs of his customers' has gained an enviable reputation and secured a liberal patronage. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, casts his vote with the Republican party, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Junior Order of United American Me- chanics.
Mr. Else married Frances Snyder, who was born February 26, 1856, a daughter of George W. and Mary J. Snyder. Their children are : Della W., born September 26, 1869, died March 19, 1872. Flora F., born January 23, 1872, died April 12, 1872. Jennie F., born November 17, 1873, became the wife of Dewitt F. Beach, and has one child, Lillian
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May Beach. Elizabeth N., born November 18, 1874, became the wife of Thomas B. Weaver, and they are the parents of one child, Addis Leroy Weaver. Sylverus, born December 23, 1876, unmarried, resides at home. Harry A., born April 14, 1879, married Mamie Moon, and one child has been born to them, Edna Marion Else. Edna B., born March 26, 1888, resides at home with her parents.
HENRY TALLMAN.
Henry Tallman, who for many years prior to his death, March IO, '1896, was actively identified with the agricultural interest of Fairfield township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where he was recognized as an upright, honorable man, his word being as good as his bond, was a native of Loyalsock township, Lycoming county, a son of Gideon and Julia Ann Tallman, the date of his birth having been September 6, 1837.
He obtained his education in the common schools adjacent to his home, attending the same during the winter months, the remainder of the year being devoted to work on the homestead. When old enough to earn a livelihood for himself he secured employment in the boating business, continuing thus for several years, and subsequently he gave his attention exclusively to farming, conducting his operations on a large tract of land which he purchased in Fairfield township, and which he left to his wife at his decease, upon which she now resides. His land being under a high state of cultivation his products were of a superior quality and were readily disposed of at advantageous prices.
On March 21, 1865, Mr. Tallman was united in marriage to Ellen Moyer, fourth daughter of Michael and Maria (Hock) Moyer, residents of Fairfield township. They were the parents of three sons, namely : William H., born June 9, 1868, died October 9, 1880, aged twelve years;
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