USA > Pennsylvania > Lackawanna County > Ransom > History and directory of Newton and Ransom townships, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania; > Part 19
USA > Pennsylvania > Lackawanna County > Newton > History and directory of Newton and Ransom townships, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania; > Part 19
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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
The value of the real estate is $761, 950, and of the personal property, $108,172.85, making a total valuation of $870.122.85.
There are (July 10, 1912) 686 inmates, of which, 483 are in the Asylum and 203 in the almshouse.
OLDEST INHABITANTS OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP
The following persons. forty-seven in all, are seventy years of age or over :
Mrs. Eliz. Roloson 97 William Garrison 74
Mrs. Mary Cornell 87
Catherine McNay
74
Geo. W. Biesecker
87 John Ford
73
Richard Busted
85 Mrs. A. S. Collum
73
John Cooper
83 Gould Whitlock
73
Mrs. Angeline Coon 83 Thomas Veety
Mrs. John Shook
72
Chris. VanBuskirk 81
John Cook
72
George Perigo 81 F. E. Bowman
80 Mrs. John Cook
72
Mrs. Ruth Hopkins
79 Mrs. William Sealey
71
Mrs. L. B. Ayers
79 Israel Vosburg
71
John K. Goodwin
78
David Smith
71
Judson J. Cahoon
78
John Shook
70
Mrs. C. VanBuskirk
77
Dennis Michaels
70
Judson C. Comstock 76 Mrs. Thomas Veety
Mrs. Frederica Smith 76 James E. Roche
John W. Ross 75
Chris Fahs
70
Mrs. Lena Finkler
75
William Sealey
70
John Roach
75 Wm. E. Thompson
70
Mrs. Jno. K. Goodwin 75
FARMING AND DAIRYING.
The plow and the cow are the ruling means of livelihood in Newton township. All kinds of grain, such as oats, corn, buckwheat, rye, wheat, etc., are raised. Many varieties of fruits, in- cluding peaches and plums, are raised in nearly every part of the township. Several of the
73
William H. Scutt
84 D. W. Richards
73
Mrs. Nancy Spencer 83
72
Lewis B. Ayers 82 Adam Thompson
72
Mrs.Abigail LaRue
71
J. Sterling Ross
79 Lewis D. Garrison
71
70
104
HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP
farmers are devoting much of their time (o growing strawberries, and large quantities of tomatoes, cabbage, beets and other vegetables are raised, which find a ready market in Seran- ton. Potatoes are extensively grown by several farmers in the township. C. S. Richards and Peter P. Vosburg being among the large grow- ers, having up-to-date machinery for planting, cultivating and harvesting the crop.
There are several farmers in the township who devote their time and energy to dairying. Among the leading dairymen who keep from twenty to thirty cows, are Amos G. Hollister, C. S. Richards, Ira Drake, L. F. Thompson, C. H. Kresge, T. M. Kresge, W. H. Spencer, A. II. VanCampen, Philip Harlos, Mary Fitz- simmons, George L. Coon, J. A. Lacoe, Frank A. Slate, J. S. Butterfield, and several others, keeping from ten to fifteen cows each.
In 1867 Peter Finkler began the trucking business. he being the first to raise garden truck for market this side of the mountain. For the last few years nearly every farmer is engaged
in this lucrative business, and nearly all kinds of vegetables are profitably raised, which are hauled to Scranton and Pittston markets.
GOOD PEOPLE.
The people of Newton and Ransom townships generally, are industrious, home-loving, law- abiding, and possess a liberal fund of quiet com- mon sense. Serious crimes are rarely if ever heard of within our borders and even petty of- fenses are infrequent. There are no saloons in either Newton or Ransom townships, and a drunken person is seldom seen. Indeed, these townships in this respect, are above the average. Nearly all the families own their own homes, and are prosperous. They are hospitable, peace- able and good neighbors. No more industrious people can be found in any other seetion. Gould Whitlock, who has been one of the Jus- tices of the Peace of Newton township since 1879, has not had a criminal case for over twenty years.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
HOMES AND PEOPLE OF NEWTON
LEWIS B. AYERS
Mr Ayers was born in Wantage township. Sussex county, New Jersey, November 25, 1830. When two years of age he came with his pa- rents to Newton township, which has since been his home, living in the township longer than any other person. He is a son of Peter and Maria (Drake) Ayers.
Mr. Ayers school days were limited to four winter terms. His father had a large family of eleven children, which made it necessary for Lewis to work out at an early age, for which he received $3 per month. When about thirteen years old he hired out for 25 cents a day. With some of this money he purchased a flint-lock shot-gun, nearly 5 feet, 6 inches long, which Stephen Winter, a neighbor, brought from New Jersey. Mr. Ayers has the gun at this writing, loaded and ready for service.
When about eighteen years of age he hired out to his uncle, William Ayers, who had taken the contract to make 20,000 railroad ties for the D. L. & W. R. R. Company which was then be- ing built from Abington to Scranton. The next year he began learning the carpenter's trade, being employed by George Walter for $8 per month. He worked at his trade for several year's.
Mr. Ayers was married July 6, 1854 to Miss
Phebe A. Collum, daughter of Henry R. and Esther (Skelenger) Collum. To this union eleven children were born, namely: (1) David A., born July 21, 1855 and died Sept. 20, the same year. (2) William H., born Aug. 21, 1856 and died Jan. 10, 1858. (3) Albert, born Feb. 19, 1858 and died July 31, 1851. (4) Amos H., born March 24, 1861. He married Miss Catherine Maas, daughter of John and Catherine (Barth) Maas of Ransom. They have nine children living: Frank, Nellie, Edith, Roy, Anna, Jessie, Alice, Ruth and Emma. (5) John W., born Dec. 4, 1862, and married Miss Helen Storey. He was killed July 15, 1902, by lightning on Forkston mountain, leaving a family of eight children, six of whom are living: Eliza, Myrtie, David, Justin, El- mer and Arthur. (6) Lewis B., born Jan. 23, 1865. He married Miss Dora Fahs. They have one son, Oscar. (7) Lizzie M., born March 10, 1867. She married Edward Taylor, and has one daughter, Bessie. (S) Hattie B., born Sept. 16, 1871. She married George Smith. They have five children : Mable, Lewis, Ethel, Belle and Albert. (9) Cora L., born Aug. 6, 1873. She married Charles Pfuhl. They have five children : Eva, Kate, Irene, George and Clarence. Mr. Pufhl died July 1, 1912. (10) Peter C., born Feb. 27, 1875. He
105
HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP
was married July 30, 1902 to Miss Mary J. Bra- dican, daughter of Peter and Mary (Derrig) Bradican. (11) Katie J., born Jan. 18, 1879, and married Archie Fitch of Mill City, Sept. 20, 1901.
Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have twenty-seven grand- children and nineteen great grandchildren liv- ing.
Mr. Ayers moved to his present home in 1884, and since then has been engaged in farm- ing. He was tax collector and constable in Newton for several years. About 1869, he pur- chased of Chauncey Sherwood the hotel at New- ton Centre (building now owned by Andrew Collum), which he conducted for five years.
bringing his family and goods with him. The journey from New Jersey to the Keystone State was made with ox teams through the woods, their path from Slocum Hollow (now Scran- ton ) being laid out by marked trees. The near- est store was located at Razorville (now Provi- dence), where the early settlers purchased their scanty supply of groceries and other necessary articles.
Peter Ayers was a son of David Ayers, whose father came from Scotland and established a shipyard at Sandy Hook, New Jersey, in 1759, at the time the Revoutionary War broke out.
Peter Ayers was married Sept. 30, 1820 to Miss Maria Drake, daughter of Benjamin
LEWIS B. AYERS AND FAMILY.
Upper Row-Mrs. Lizzie M. Taylor, Mrs. Hattie B. Smith, Mrs. Katie J. Fitch,
Peter C. Ayers
Lower Row-Mrs. L. B. Ayers, L. B. Ayers, Amos Ayers, L. B. Ayers, Jr. This Picture was taken July 6, 1912, Mr. and Mrs. Ayers Fifty-eighth Wedding Anniversary
Mrs. Ayers was born July 6, 1835 in Sussex county, New Jersey. She is a sister of Andrew S. Collum, the postmaster at Bald Mount.
Mr. Ayers was born the same year (1830) the first railroad in the United States was com- pleted.
PETER AYERS came to Newton township Mar. 25, 1832, from Wantage township, Sussex coun- ty, New Jersey. He took up a tract of land about one-half mile northeast of Brushy Ridge, (now Newton Centre) and cleared about two acres on a portion of the farm now owned by Harlan Jacoby, preparing to build a log-house. Soon afterward he sold his claim to Henry Walter for a yearling heifer. During the same year he took up another claim on the farm now owned by Chas. Biesecker. Here he made a clearing and erected a log-house (about twenty rods east from the Methodist church near Gard- ner's creek). He returned to New Jersey in the fall, remaining with his family until Sep- tember, 1833. Then he came back to Newton,
Drake. They had a family of eleven children, namely : Elizabeth, born Aug. 13, 1821; David, born Feb. 14, 1823; Jacob, born Nov. 17, 1824; Lucinda, born Oct. 4, 1826; Margaret, born Sept. 4, 1828; Lewis B., born Nov. 25, 1830; John, born 'Aug. 8, 1833; William, born March 27, 1835; Martha Jane, born Jan. 25, 1836; Alvin, born Dec. 1, 1838; Elsie, born Oct. 17, 1851. Only two are living, Lewis B. of New- ton and Elsie, who married Allen Weed and is living in Dushore, Pa.
BENJAMIN DRAKE was born in 1765 and died in 1842 in New Jersey. He was a son of Isaac Drake, born about 1732 and died about 1806. He is a descendant of Sir Francis Drake, the sea rover, explorer and destroyer of the Spanish Armanda. It is now more than 300 years since Sir Francis Drake wiped the Spanish fleet for- ever from the English channel. He died about 1595, leaving an estate worth $500,000. It is said that this vast amount lies in chancery in England, unclaimed.
106
HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP
ELIZABETH DRAKE, daughter of Benjamin, was married June 13, 1801 in Sussex county, N. J., to Barronet Rodney. They left New Jersey in 1802, and, following the Delaware river, landed in this corner of the State. They settled in Newton township about 1803, locating on the old Theodore Stone farin (near Hillside Home), now owned by Thomas McDonald of Scranton. Mr. Rodney built a log-house on the west side of the road leading from Schultzville to Kern's Corners, near the ledge, about thirty rods from the present residence.
WILLIAM D. AYERS
Mr. Ayers is the son of Jacob and Mary ( Milligan ) Avers, and grandson of Peter Ayers, one of the pioneer settlers.
Wm. D. Ayers married Miss Matilda Mun- son, Feb. 3, 1897, the only daughter of John and Pernella (Nelson) Munson of Ransom. Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have five children. Their names may be found in the Directory.
JACOB AYERS, born in Sussex county, N. J., Nov. 17, 1824 and died May 30, 1891 on the old David Madison Smith farm. Mary, his first wife, was born Ang. 18, 1837 and died in January, 1872. She was the oldest daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lacoe) Milligan. Ja- cob had seven children by his first wife: Har- riet E., born Aug. 5, 1856 and died Jan. 26, 1859. Elsa, born Nov. 11, 1858 and died Dec. 31, 1859. Rosey, born Oct. 19, 1860 and died Jan. 20, 1862. Ida, born Nov. 8, 1863 and married Arthur Jacoby of Newton. Viola, born April 24, 1866 and died Aug. 23, 1866. Cath- erine, born Dec. 19, 1867 and married Benj. Jacoby of Newton. William. born April 20, 1869. Jacob Ayers married Amanda Smith, daughter of Isaac Smith, for his second wife, to whom four children were born : George, Mary, Clarence and Isaac. Only Isaac is living. He was born Mar. 18, 1882. After Jacob Ayers' death, his widow married Judson Cahoon, May 6, 1903. Jacob Ayers was a son of Peter and Maria (Drake) Ayers.
GEORGE W. BEEMER
Mr. Beemer comes of a family that has long been identified with the history of Newton. His grandfather, Henry Beemer, came to this town- ship from Sussex county, New Jersey, in 1819, purchasing 250 acres of land, where he develop- ed a farmi out of the woods. Part of this farm is now owned by his grandson, George W. (See Henry Beemer.)
Our subject was born April 14, 1848 on the farm which he now owns. The life of a farmer is not devoid of opportunities for the practice of the sterling virtues of industry, perseverance and
brotherly kindness. On the contrary, it affords abundant chance to those who wish to build up an irreproachable character, while carrying on the vocation in which they hope to secure a com- petence. Mr. Beemer was born and reared or a farm. Much of his attention through life has been given to this work, in which he is con- sidered very efficient. For about six years from 1885, he conducted a large dairy of forty cows.
Mr. Beemer received his education in the dis- triet schools (Schultzville and Fire Proof) and Madison Academy at Waverly, this county, at that time the only preparatory school in this section. Later he attended Lowell's Business College in Binghamton. Here he graduated from a Commercial course in 1867.
February 11, 1878, Mr. Beemer became sup- erintendent of the Lake View Poor Farm in Abington, remaining there for five years. May 1, 1883, he was appointedSuperintendent of the Hillside Home. Resignhis April 1, 1888, he engaged in Farming until he was again appoint- ed January 1, 1890. Since thathe has devoted most of his time to the work of this institution. From the appearance of the institution no mis- take was made in selecting hini to fill this re- sponsible position:
Mr. Beemer was married November 25. 1878 to Miss Jennie, daughter of Nicholas and Har- riet ( MeEwen) Young. Her father, a native of Germany, game alone to this country at the age of fourteen. llis principal occupation was that of a tanner. Mrs. Beemer was born July 24, 1854 in Ulster county, "New York.
To Mr. and Mrs. Beemer two sons were barn : Horace A., born Aug. 8. 1879 and died July 25, 1880: Floyd D., born Aug. 5, 1888. He is a graduate of Key-tone Academy and Bucknell University, He now holds a trusted position in the Providence Bank, Scranton.
ELIAS BEEMER (father of our subject and a son of Henry), was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, Aug. 19, 1806 and died March 29, 1896 on the homestead farm. He was twice married, first, to Miss Caroline, daughter of Joseph Ba- ker of Newton. She was born in February, 1809 and died July 11, 1841. His second wife was Miss Phebe Albright, daughter of John and Catherine (Hooper) Albright of Abington. She was born Feb. 17, 1825 and died Feb. 17, 1901. Soon after his second marriage, Mr. Beemer built a saw-mill on his farm, and for about fifteen years engaged in lumbering.
Mr. Beemer had seven children by his second wife, namely : (1) Allen D., born Dec. 19, 1842, and married Miss Belle Ackerly. He was a sol- dier in the Rebellion, enlisting in Aug., 1861, in Company K, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. About 1870 he went West, locating in Cumming county,
RESIDENCE ON GEORGE W. BEEMER'S FARM
109
HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP
Neb. Here he started the new town of Beemer. He was twice elected sheriff of the county. He died in April, 1909, while warden of the State Penetentiary. (2) Jennie, born April 14, 1845, and married O. D. Hollister of Avoca. (3) George W., our subject. (4) Horace D., born Aug. 29, 1849, and about 1875 went to Wyom- ing where he married. He is a director of the First National Bank of Laramie City, Wyo. (5) Ella, born July 4, 1853, married W. H. Hollister, a brother of O. D. Hollister. He is a coal operator and a merchant in Avoca. (6) Samuel W., born Nov. 18, 1855, and is a store keeper at the Hillside Home. (7) Oakley, born Ang. 15, 1855, and married Miss Etta Smith. They are living in Clark's Summit.
turity he went to Trumble county, Ohio. Here lie worked for his brother, George, on a farm during the summer returning to New Jersey in the fall. He then worked for his father until twenty-five years of age, when he was married November 30, 1865 to Miss Phebe J., daughter of Geratus and Mary (VanEten) Major of Hainesville, New Jersey.
Mrs. Bowman was born July 12, 1846 and died Jan. 24, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman were the parents of four children, namely: (1) Marrilla C., born Sept. 14, 1866. She married Samuel E. Gregory, son of James K. and Mary (Trauger) Gregory of Lake Winola. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel E. Gregory are living at Lake Win- ola. He is a dealer in organs, pianos and
F. E. BOWMAN'S RESIDENCE
MISS VIVIAN BARDWELL
Miss Bardwell was born Oct. 19, 1893, in Tunkhannock and is a daughter of Robert W. and Estella (Trauger) Bardwell.
Miss Bardwell attended school at Tunhan- nock until thirteen years of age, when she entered the East Stroudsburg Normal School, from which she graduated June 23, 1910. In September the same year she began teaching the Lacoe school in Newton township, where she is now teaching her second term.
FRANCIS EDWARD BOWMAN
Mr. Bowman was born July 31, 1840 at Frankford Plains, Sussex county, New Jersey. He is a son of George and Susan (Bedell) Bow- man.
Mr. Bowman attended the common schools of Frankford township until about eighteen years of age. After he reached the age of ma-
sewing machines. They have a family of four children : Nina M., Harry W., Mary and Hor- ace S. (2) Melcena K., born June 30, 1868 and married Horace F., son of Lafenas and Caroline (Storms) Smith. They are living in Evanston, Ill. They have one adopted daugh- ter, Edna M., born March 6, 1901. (3) Charles M., born June 15, 1872. He married Miss Minnie, daughter of Nathan and Julia (Rob- erts) Deubler of Bardwell, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bowman have a family of four chil- dren : Allie Keath, Francis E., Anna B. and George J. They are living in Factoryville. (4) Arthur C., born Jan. 20, 1876 and died March 28, 1877.
After the death of his first wife Mr. Bowman married again, March 18, 1877, to Mrs. Huldah A. Tidaback. She was born Oct. 10, 1849 in Newfoundland, New Jersey, and a daughter of John G. and Elizabeth (Kimble) Pittenger. She married Theodore Tidaback, July 5, 1868.
110
HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP
He died of typhoid fever, Sept. 29, 1874.
Mr. and Mrs. Bowman came from Sussex county, New Jersey to Factoryville, Pa., in Feb- ruary, 1880. They came to Newton April 2, 1893, purchasing their present home from the Thomas Kresge, Sr. estate.
GEORGE BOWMAN was born July 23, 1794 in Sussex county, New Jersey and died April 28, 1873 in Frankford township, Sussex county, New Jersey. He was a son of Gershom and Elizabeth (Price) Bowman. He (George) mar- ried Miss Susan, daughter of John and Cath- erine (Hough) Bedell. John Bedell was born Aug. 20, 1746. His wife was born April 7, 1746. Mrs. George Bowman was born June 21. 1796 and died Sept. 24, 1887 (See Bedell' Family.)
Mr. and Mrs. George Bowman were the pa- rents of nine children, namely: (1) Gershom, born Aug. 6, 1819 and died Jan. 2, 1821. (2) Marilla, born Feb. 19, 1822 and died Oct. 11, 1868. She married William Stivers for first husband and her last husband was Stephen R. Crane. (3) Jane C., born June 6, 1824 and died April 10, 1891. She married Jacob Washer, and after his death, Charles Day. (4) John. born Sept. 18, 1826 and died Nov. 21, 1899. Tle married Miss Ursula Wilson. (5) George J .. born April 24, 1829 and is living in Branchville, New Jersey. He married Miss Cornelia Ludlam. (6) Peter, born Nov. 25. 1831 and is living in Branchville, New Jersey. He married Miss Eustatia Ann Terwilliger. She died Dec. 1, 1874. His second wife was Miss Ellen Kurent. (7) James H. born May 29. 1834 and died Sept. 2, 1895. He was thrice married, first to Miss Ann Compton, who died a few years later. His second wife was a Mrs. McKeeby. After her death he married Miss Mary Snook. (8) Oscar S., born Aug. 5, 1837 and died Nov. 22, 1900. He married Miss Matilda Compton, a sister of James Bow- man's first wife. (9) Francis E., the subject of this sketch.
GERSHOM BOWMAN, the grandfather of our subject, was born Sept. 18, 1747 and died Oct. 28. 1843. He married Mrs. Elizabeth (Price) Stoll. She was born Oct. 18. 1749 and died Sept. 18, 1844. Gershom Bowman settled in Frankford township, Sussex county, New Jer- sey. He was a son of John Bowman who was born in Holland, July 18, 1662.
THE BIESECKER FAMILY
JACOB BIESECKER and his son, John, came from Bethlehem, Pa., about 1823 and settled on farms in Providence, which they sold for coal land in 1846 at $100 per acre, and came to Newton. Here they bought a farm of Edward
Rozelle, where Chas. E. Lacoe now lives. They later bought the farms where Wm. J. Biesecker and Chas. Keller are living.
Jacob Biesecker was born May 20, 1779 and died May 11, 1863 in Newton, and is buried in the Newton cemetery. He married Miss Eli- zabeth Swartz, who was born Dec. 3, 1781 and died Dec. 16, 1872. They had three children, Kate, John and Hannah. Kate died several years ago. Hannah married John Krotzer for her first husband, to whom was born one son, Benjamin. Her second husband was John Keller, and to them two children were born: Mary and Charles. Charles is living in New- ton near Hillside Home.
JOHN BIESECKER, the son of Jacob and Eliz- abeth Biesecker, was born July 27, 1801 and died in Newton on the farm now owned by Charles E. Lacoe, Feb. 26, 1862. He married Miss Elizabeth Welda. They had seven chil- dren : Jacob H., George, William, Mary, Han- nah, Sarah and Catherine. Mrs. Elizabeth Biesecker, the wife of John, was born March 24, 1799 and died Aug. 31, 1875.
JACOB H. BIESECKER, the son of John and Elizabeth (Welda) Biesecker, was born October 25, 1823 in Providence and died Nov. 10. 1881 in Newton, where his son Charles now lives. He was married Sept. 14, 1847 to Miss Eleanor Krotzer, daughter of David (b. Jan. 1, 1789- d. June 22, 1861), and Elizabeth (b. Aug. 12, 1787-d. Oct. 21, 1851) Krotzer. To this union four children were born : Charles H., born Oct. 3, 1849; Catherine, born July 9, 1848 and died May 23, 1894; George W., born Feb. 2, 1855; Willie F., born Oct. 25, 1866.and died Aug. 2, 1869.
GEORGE W. BIESECKER
The subject of this sketch is one of the fore- most citizens of Newton township, being a life- long resident. He was born Feb. 2, 1855, and a son of Jacob H. and Eleanor (Krotzer) Bie- secker.
Mr. Biesecker attended school at Newton Cen- tre until eighteen years of age, when he entered Keystone Academy. He lived on the farm with his father until twenty-two years of age, when he was married, March 15, 1877, to Miss Ger- trude Knapp, the only daughter of Truman and Mary A. (Swallow) Knapp of Newton.
The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Biesecker were Joseph and Mary (Cooper) Swallow. Mr. Swallow was born in New Jersey, July 7, 1781. His wife was born in Wilkes-Barre, Feb. 9, 1786 and died in Newton at the home of her daugh- ter, Mrs. Knapp, Aug. 13, 1878. George Coo- per, the father of Mary Cooper, was of Revolu- tionary fame.
1
HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP
111
Since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Biesecker have resided at their present home, on the Knapp farm, where he has been engaged in dairying and truck farming. In the Spring of 1884 Mr. Biesecker purchased the Corselius farm, adjoining the Knapp homestead, for $5,000 and finished paying for the same four years later.
Mr. Biesecker has been a member of the I. O. O. F. Milwaukie Lodge, No. 267, for over twenty-five years, and also a charter member of Newton Grange No. 251.
in 1887, when they traveled through the middle West. The second time was in 1893, when they attended the World's Fair at Chicago, and visit- ed friends in several states this side of the Rocky Mountains.
Mrs. Biesecker is a cousin of Silas C. Swallow, a candidate for president on the Prohibition ticket in 1904.
Mr. and Mrs. Biesecker have four children, namely: (1) Arthur S., born Aug. 12, 1878, and graduated from Wyoming Seminary and State College, and is now Traveling Electrical
RESIDENCE OF G. W. BIESECKER
Mr. Biesecker cast his first ballot for the Pro- hibition Party when twenty-one years of age, and has since been allied with this party. He is a member of the Methodist Church, being a trustee and steward for about twenty-five years. He has been superintendent of the M. E. Sun- day School since 1884.
Mr. and Mrs. Biesecker were sent as State Delegates to the International Sunday Schoool Convention which was held in San Francisco, Cal., June 20-27, 1911. They spent a month sight-seeing on the Pacific Coast and in the far West. On their return trip they visited several weeks among relatives of the middle West.
Mr. and Mrs. Biesecker made two previous trips to the western states. The first time being
Inspector for the Lackawanna R. R. Co., with headquarters in Scranton. He was married June 11, 1908 to Miss Norma G. Decker of Falls. (2) Mary Belle, born Oct. 5, 1880. She attended Wyoming Seminary for three years, and was married Nov. 29, 1900 to I. S. Hunt, and has since resided in Scranton. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are the parents of four children : Wells, Eleanor and Dale are living. Gertrude died Nov. 1, 1907, aged 18 months. (3) Elea- nor K. was born Aug. 22, 1884. She graduated from East Stroudsburg State Normal School and taught three years. She was married June 27, 1908 to J. Garfield Harris of Wilkes-Barre, and has since resided at Dorranceton. They have one son, Richard Wayne. (4) Truman Knapp,
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HISTORY OF NEWTON TOWNSHIP
born Feb. 4, 1889. He attended sehool at Stark- ley Seminary of York State, and graduated in a commercial course from Wyoming Seminary. He was married May 18, 1911 to Miss Oelo Rifenbary, daughter of George Rifenbary, Su- perintendent of the Ransom Home. They are living with his father and working the home farm.
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