USA > Pennsylvania > Lycoming County > Genealogical and personal history of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Volume II > Part 7
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united in marriage to Martha Seibring, who was born April 26, 1791, and the following named children were born to them: John S., Rachel W., who became the wife of Henry C. Reeder; Charles; William B., mentioned at length hereinafter; George W .; Mary Ann, who became the wife of Abraham Stadden; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Henry Else: Pearson L .; Martha, who became the wife of Jacob Sheffer; and Ann Eliza. Mr. and Mrs. Konkle were prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served in the capacity of elder and class-leader for many years. Their deaths occurred, respectively, January 10, 1853, and December 30, 1871.
The boyhood days of William B. Konkle were spent in the same manner as the majority of boys reared in the country, assisting with the work of the farm during the summer months, and attending the district school during the winter months. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five years of age, giving his father valuable assistance in the operation and cultivation of his estate. For a number of years following that period he engaged in lumbering on Wallis Run and Loyalsock creek, and for ten years followed the same line of business on Mill creek. At the expiration of this period of time he and his brother engaged in contracting and built several of the county bridges. In 1851 he embarked in the mercantile business at Montours- ville, which he continued for two years, and also manufactured brick for several years. In 1860 he turned his attention to farming, conduct- ing his extensive operations on two farms, located in and surrounding the borough of Montoursville, of which he was the owner, and his pro- gressive and practical methods brought to him a large degree of success. He has occupied several positions of trust and responsibility in the borough, among them having been those of burgess, supervisor, mem- ber of the borough council, and of the school board. From early man-
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hood until 1862 Mr. Konkle cast his vote with the Democratic party, after which he changed his allegiance to the opposing political party. He was one of the organizers of the Grange Lodge at Montoursville.
In 1847 Mr. Konkle was united in marriage to Amelia Bastian, and the issue of this union was three children: Martha Amelia, Rachel Ann, and William B., a physician and surgeon of Montoursville. In early life Mr. Konkle adhered to the tenets of the Lutheran church, of which he was a member for twenty years, but later he and his wife joined the Methodist Episcopal church at Montoursville, in which he held the offices of trustee, steward, class-leader, and superintendent of the Sunday School.
MELCHI BELLES.
One of the highly cultivated and therefore productive farms located in Fairfield township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, for which that section of the state is noted, is the property of Melchi Belles, who was born in Luzerne county, in the vicinity of Wilkesbarre, in March, 1825, a son of Peter Belles. Melchi Belles was indebted to the common schools of Luzerne county for a practical education, which is so essential in the career of every one who is seeking to make a place for themselves in the great world of finance, commerce, politics or otherwise. When about twenty-three years of age he engaged in business for himself, devoting his time and attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits, which proved both successful and remunerative. About the year 1865 he took up his residence in Lycoming county, settling on the farm in Fairfield township where he now resides, which consists of two hundred and fifty acres of arable land, from the products of which he has been enabled to provide a comfortable home for his family. Through-
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out his long and useful life he has been recognized as an honest, upright man, who has been faithful to every trust reposed in him.
On September 7, 1848, by Samuel Pell, Melchi Belles was married to Catherine Miller, who was born August 12, 1826, a daughter of John Miller. They were the parents of two children, namely: William, born May 16, 1851, married Ella Johnson, and resides on his father's farm; John Franklin, born October 21, 1854, died March 27, 1872. The mother of these children, whose life was a most exemplary one, passed away January 4, 1899. Mr. Belles is a Democrat.
WILLIAM F. BRITTAIN.
William F. Brittain, a representative citizen of Muncy, where he is serving in the capacity of postmaster, was born at Chestnut Grove, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1861, a descendant of an English extraction.
Zebulon J. Brittain, grandfather of William F. Brittain, came from New Jersey to Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, at an early day and there followed agricultural pursuits and was also a lumber dealer, deriv- ing a goodly livelihood from both enterprises. By his marriage to Anna Derr the following named children were born: Thomas, who was killed in the Civil war; John H .; Ellen, who became the wife of Samuel Sny- der; Mary, who became the wife of Samuel Crist; and Sarah, who became the wife of Jacob Crist.
John H. Brittain, father of William F. Brittain, was born in Ly- coming county, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1828. He was a farmer, con- ducting his operations in Muncy, where his death occurred in 1883. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and cast his vote for the candidates of the Republican party. He was united in marriage to
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Susan Adams, who was born near Danville, Pennsylvania, died May 15, 1903, daughter of Thomas Adams, who was born in Scotland, set- tled near Danville, Pennsylvania, where he was a farmer and where his death occurred. Three children were the issue of this union: Edward, who resides in Muncy, Pennsylvania; Anna Bell, who died at the age of three years; and William F., mentioned hereinafter.
William F. Brittain was reared in the town of Muncy, and obtained his education in the public schools, the Lycoming Normal School, at Muncy, and Lafayette College, at Easton, graduating from the latter with the class of 1884. Subsequently he began the manufacture of fur- niture at Muncy, under the firm name of The Muncy Manufacturing Company, he having at first charge of the office work, and is now ( 1905) serving in the capacity of secretary of the same. He is also interested in the Magnetic Mineral Water Company, of Muncy, who are selling what they claim to be " the purest water on earth," the celebrated Sizer- ville Magnetic Mineral Water, a positive and speedy cure for Bright's disease, indigestion, rheumatism, dyspepsia, kidney, liver and stomach troubles. The water flows from an artesian well 600 feet deep, situated at Sizerville, Cameron county, Pennsylvania, and in addition to its remedial powers it is an unsurpassed nerve tonic and an excellent table water. The water is bottled and shipped to any portion of the United States and Europe, and physicians and other professional men have highly recommended its use. In 1903 Mr. Brittain was appointed post- master at Muncy, and is still serving. Since his appointment the office has advanced until it is now second class, this being the only second class office in the county, and Williamsport being the only first class office. Mr. Brittain takes pride in his office, is faithful and conscientious in the performance of his duties, and his courtesy and ability is highly appre- ciated by the citizens of Muncy. He attends the Presbyterian church
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of Muncy. He is a Republican in politics, and by his vote and influence advances the interests of that party. Mr. Brittain is a Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of Lodge No. 299, of Muncy. He is also a mem- ber of the Royal Arcanum.
In 1888 Mr. Brittain married Miss Margaret Coulter, a daughter of James Coulter, of Muncy. Three children have been the issue of this union : Martha, who is acting as chief clerk in the post office at Muncy ; Mary; and James McKinley. The family are highly esteemed in the community. Mr. Brittain is secretary of the Muncy board of trade and is very active and greatly interested in the welfare of his town.
A. G. DECKER.
No citizen of Brady township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, is better known throughout the surrounding country than A. G. Decker, proprietor of a general store, who enjoys an extended trade and great popularity. He was born May 22, 1857, in Mosquito valley, Arm- strong township, a son of G. F. and Mary (Fousel) Decker, he being the eldest of six children. The names of the others are as follows : Rosa, deceased ; Albert, Edward, Clara, and Anna, deceased.
A. G. Decker attended the common schools of his birthplace until he was eighteen years of age, and the knowledge thus acquired qualified him for the position of teacher, in which capacity he served the following three years. He farmed one year for his father, and in 1880, after his marriage, located at Maple Hill, White Deer valley, Brady township, where he followed farming until 1898, in which year he purchased the store of which he is now proprietor. Prior to that year, in connection with his agricultural pursuits, he conducted a store for three years for the Grangers. He is still the owner of the farm, which is operated
A. S. Decker
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by hired help, and from which he derives a goodly income. The farm is a model in every respect ; the buildings are up-to-date, handsome struc- tures, equipped with the best private water plant in the county. In politics he is a supporter of Democratic principles. Aside from farming and mercantile business Mr. Decker has held various offices, being assessor three years, school director fifteen years, justice of the peace eight years, which office he now holds. He is also a writer and orator of consider- able ability, occasionally addressing public meetings on various topics. He writes many articles for publication, also songs and poems, and his library contains many songs, poems and literary productions that ema- nated from his fertile brain.
Mr. Decker married, February 14, 1880, Jennie Carpenter, daugh- ter of James and Catherine ( Salada) Carpenter, who resided at Salladas- burg, and reared a family of four children: Jennie, above mentioned; Annie, Harry, and Roxanna, deceased. The following named children were the issue of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Decker : Arthur S .. born December 18, 1881, resides at home, and is engaged in the trucking business. Estella, born October 21, 1883. Maud, born May 2, 1885, became the wife of Fred Metzger and mother of one child, Clifford Metzger; they reside in Brady township, where he follows farming. Eva, born October 31, 1887. Ralph, born January 14, 1890. Mabelle, born November 15, 1893.
E. M. GREEN.
The Green family, of which E. M. Green, a leading and influential citizen of Muncy, Pennsylvania, is a worthy and honored representative, is noted for the many excellent characteristics displayed by its members, one of whom served with credit and distinction during the Revolutionary war, that terrible struggle for liberty in which the soldiers endured so
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much privation, and suffered so severely in order that we might be able to enjoy freedom.
Levi Green, father of E. M. Green, was a native of Massachusetts, removing from thence in early life to New York state, and subsequently becoming one of the pioneer settlers of the North Branch valley, Penn- sylvania. By his marriage to Mary Montanye, eight children were born, they being reared to lives of usefulness and activity. His death occurred in 1848, and his widow passed away in 1857.
E. M. Green was born in Tioga county, New York, March 6, 1816. He was reared on a farm, learning in early life to assist with the various routine duties thereof, and his education was obtained by attend- ance at the common schools of the neighborhood. In 1855, at the age of thirty-nine years, he migrated from his native state to Pennsylvania, locating in Lycoming county, township of Muncy, where he engaged in the grocery business. Two years later he established a hardware busi- ness which he conducted successfully for ten years, after which he passed it over to his sons, they being very successful in the management thereof. The honorable and unsullied reputation he gained during his business career was the means of his being chosen as one of the directors of the First National Bank of Muncy, in which capacity he served for ten years. Upon the organization of the Citizens' National Bank, in 1885, he was elected its president, and has since performed the duties of this responsible office, and much of the financial success which the bank has achieved has been the result of his safe and conservative policy.
In 1844 Mr. Green married Jane Robb, a daughter of James Robb, and three children were born to them: Maggie, deceased; Robert M., and Nathaniel D. Green. Mr. and Mrs. Green are loyal and faithful members of the Presbyterian church of Muncy, to the support of which they contribute liberally.
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WILLIAM GUNDRUM.
William Gundrum, of Muncy, was born in Wolf township, Ly- coming county, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1846, a descendant of an old and honored German ancestry.
John Gundrum, grandfather, was born in Germany, and upon his arrival in this country settled in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, where he followed farming. Later he moved to Jaysburg, near Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he followed the same occupation and where the remainder of his life was spent. He married and reared a family of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom became active and useful in the community. Their names were as follows: George, Jacob, Frederick, Samuel, Henry, William, Solomon, Mary, Catherine, Susan, Anna, and another, whom Mr. Gundrum cannot name.
Samuel Gundrum, father, was born in Lebanon county, Pennsyl- vania, 1806, obtained his education in the common schools thereof, and remained there until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He was a farmer all his life, his operations along this line proving highly remunerative. He held membership in the Lutheran church, and his political allegiance was given to the Republican party. Mr. Gundrum was married twice. His first wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Bugh, bore him the following named children: John, George, Mary, and Barbara. His second wife, Christiana (Gray) Gundrum, who was born in Wolf township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, daughter of John Gray, a farmer of that township, and a descendant of an English extraction. Four sons were the issue of this union: Wilson, a farmer of Lycoming county ; Ellis, a resident of Muncy; William, mentioned hereinafter; and Charles, who was drowned at the age of eight years. Samuel Gundrum, father, died February 10, 1892. He survived his second wife many years, she having passed away in 1875.
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William Gundrum spent his boyhood days on the farm, assisting with the varied duties thereof during the spring and summer months, and attending the old district school during the three or four winter months. He remained on the farm until 1890, when he went to South Williams- port and for two years was employed on the boom and in the saw mills of that town. Upon his return to Muncy, in 1892, he purchased a piece of property on Main street from Charles Mozely and engaged in the hotel and restaurant business, which he still continues, deriving there- from a lucrative livelihood. He possesses good business ability, is pleas- ant and genial in manner, which characteristic wins for him many friends and he well merits the esteem in which he is held. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and a Republican in politics. Mr. Gund- rum married, May 22, 1880, Nancy M. Riddell, a daughter of John Riddell, and three children were the issue: Della, died in infancy; Charles R., a graduate of Lycoming County Normal School, at Muncy, and Williamsport Business College. He is now located at Donora, near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Bessie I., who resides at home.
JACOB BOWER.
Jacob Bower, who served with fidelity during the Civil war, par- ticipating in several engagements throughout which he displayed a brave and fearless spirit, is a native of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, born November 14, 1843, a son of Henry and Hannah Bower, old and hon- ored residents of Lycoming county.
Jacob Bower received such advantages as the common schools in the neighborhood of his birth afforded. He began his active career in the Richel Furniture Factory, in which he has been employed for the long period of thirty-two years, and by close application to the perform-
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ance of the duties assigned him, and by carefully looking after the inter- ests of the company, he was promoted to the position of foreman, in which capacity he is now serving. August 24, 1864, he enlisted in the United States service as private in Captain J. C. Blanchard's Company. Ninety-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, recruited at Williamsport, and commanded by Captain J. C. Briscoe. The regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division of the Twenty-fourth Corps, Army of the James, and they participated in the battles of Fort Gregg and Alexandria, Virginia, April 2, 1865. Immediately after the victory at Petersburg was made complete, the regiment joined in the pursuit of the rebel army and was engaged in battle at Rice's Station. April 6, 1865. Shortly after the surrender of General Lee, the division was ordered to Richmond, Virginia, went into camp upon its arrival, and they were mustered out of service and honorably discharged in that city, June 2, 1865. Mr. Bower holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Hughesville. He is a Democrat in politics.
In 1866 Mr. Bower was united in marriage to Amelia Sampsel, who was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1843, a daughter of Henry and Eliza Sampsel. Their children are: Laura May, born October 22, 1871, wife of William E. H. Laird, no issue; and Bertha O., born July 28, 1878, unmarried, resides with her parents.
FRANKLIN KRAUSE.
Franklin Krause was born in Susquehanna county, near Montrose, July 28, 1842. His parents were Joseph and Mary Ann (Sprout) Krause, who were counted among the pioneer settlers of Susquehanna county.
July 18, 1863, when the Civil war was in progress, Mr. Krause
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enlisted in Company G, Twenty-sixth Militia, and served six weeks, at the expiration of which time he was sent home. September 15 of the same year he was drafted in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-third Regiment, and participated in the Battle of the Wilderness, which took place May 5, 1864. During this engagement he was taken prisoner, and was kept in confinement seven months and eleven days, during which time he was in two different prisons, one at Andersonville and the other at Florence, South Carolina. He was paroled December 8, 1864. On the 27th day of June, 1865, he received his discharge from service, near Annapolis, Maryland, and has followed the occupation of farming ever since. Politically Mr. Krause affiliates with the Republican party, and he and his family are members of the Picture Rocks Baptist church.
December 14, 1870, Mr. Krause was united in marriage with Miss Maria Jane Hewitt, daughter of Alexander and Caroline Hewitt.
DANIEL CLAPP.
Daniel Clapp, whose death occurred April 4, 1882, was an enter- prising and public-spirited citizen, and the success he achieved during his active business career was due to careful and methodical habits, pru- dent investments and strict integrity. He was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1821, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Clapp. ---
His education was acquired by attendance at the common schools in the neighborhood of his home, and his first experience in the business world was gained by serving as clerk in a store at Danville, Pennsylva- nia, where he remained four years. He then returned to his native county and at once entered into partnership with his brother, Beneval Clapp, in the mercantile business at Turbutville, and one year later, in
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September, 1843, they removed their business to Muncy, continuing the same until 1845. Mr. Clapp then purchased his brother's interest and conducted the business alone until 1859, a period of fourteen years, when Mr. L. S. Smith was admitted to partnership, and the firm conducted business under the style of D. Clapp and Company. In connection with their mercantile business, the firm dealt heavily in lumber, and in 1869 Mr. Clapp purchased the Port Penn sawmill and from that year until his death was successfully engaged in the manufacture of lumber. Mr. Clapp always manifested a keen interest in the welfare of the borough of Muncy and its people, was a staunch advocate of the cause of educa- tion, and it was largely through his instrumentality that the public school building was erected in Muncy. He was a member of and a liberal contributor to the Methodist Episcopal church of Muncy. Prior to the Civil war he was a Democrat, but at that period changed his allegiance to the Republican party, whose principles he ever after advocated.
Mr. Clapp married, September 10, 1845, Catherine L. Updegraff, daughter of Samuel Updegraff, of the "Long Reach," who was the youngest son of Derrick Updegraff, a Quaker, who came from York, Pennsylvania, to Lycoming county, toward the close of the last century, and purchased five hundred acres of land on the Susquehanna, at what is known as the "Long Reach," where his death occurred in 1815. Samuel Updegraff was born June 9, 1793, was the father of six chil- dren, and died aged about forty-five years. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clapp, as follows: Alice, who became the wife of J. Artley Beeber, of Williamsport; Daniel; Annie, who became the wife of Clarence E. Sprout, of Williamsport; Henry, Frank and May C. Clapp.
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ELLIS M. CRUSE.
Ellis M. Cruse, of Picture Rocks, Lycoming county, connected with Burrows Brothers and Company's large furniture manufactory, is a native of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, in which his activities have been exerted, and was born in Hughesville, November 20, 1863, a rep- resentative of an old and honored native-born ancestry.
His paternal grandfather, Alexander Cruse, was born in Bucks county, near the city of Philadelphia, and died in Muncy, same state. He was a shoemaker by occupation, and he performed military service during the war with Great Britain in 1812-14. He married Sophia Levas, who was born in England, and to them were born six children, of whom two died in infancy ; those who came to maturity were: William, who is a farmer, residing in Michigan; Maria, who became the wife of Perry Sanders; Joseph T., of whom further mention is made; Jesse, who died unmarried.
Joseph T. Cruse, son of Alexander and Sophia (Levas) Cruse, was in his childhood brought to Muncy by his parents, who made the journey thither in a canal boat. He was reared in Muncy, and cultivated a farm near Hughesville until 1888, when he removed to Picture Rocks, where he died. He married Charlotte Sanders, who was born in the eastern part of Lycoming county, near Montoursville, August 1, 1830, and died September 26, 1897, having survived her husband but a few weeks. She was a daughter of Israel and Elizabeth ( Minnick) Sanders, and in the paternal line was of German extraction. She was one of twelve children: Charles ; Charlotte, who became the wife of Joseph T. Cruse; Perry; Jackson; John, Israel; Porter; Jerry; and four who died young. After their marriage, Joseph T. and Charlotte Cruse settled in Hughes- ville, whence they shortly removed to a nearby farm, upon which they
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lived for about twelve years. They then removed to a farm near Picture Rocks and subsequently took up their residence in the village, where Mr. Cruse died August 8, 1897. He was a man of character and ability, and served as supervisor and school director. He was a member of the Evangelical church, and a Democrat in politics. To him and his wife were born nine children, of whom two died in infancy. Those who came to maturity were: Sophia E., who became the wife of R. D. Collins; Mary, who is unmarried; Annie E., who is the wife of G. B. Van Bus- kirk; Ellis M., the immediate subject of this narrative; Israel S., who married Anna Wilson, and resides in Marion, Indiana; Emma, who be- came the wife of Elmer Clark; Debbie, who became the wife of Harvey Melhuish.
Ellis M. Cruse, eldest of the sons in the family last named, was reared to a life of industry upon the farms upon which his parents resided during his boyhood. He received his education in the common schools in the vicinity of Picture Rocks. After leaving school he entered the shipping department of Burrows Brothers and Company's furniture man- ufactory at Picture Rocks, in 1884, and has been connected with that department continuously to the present time, having had it in charge for a number of years past, a sufficient attestation of his efficiency and ability as a business man. Mr. Cruse, with his family, attends the Baptist church. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. He is a member of Lodge No. 101, K. O. T. M., of Picture Rocks. Mr. Cruse has held the office of clerk of the Baptist church sixteen years con- tinuously, and is a member of the school board and president of the same, having served in this capacity five years.
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