History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections, Part 145

Author: Bradsby, H. C. (Henry C.)
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1532

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SPENCER D. HUNT, merchant, Huntsville, was born July 2, 1849, in Elmira, N. Y., a son of Sylvester and Maria (Palmer) Hunt. The former was born in Hunts- ville, the latter in Elmira, where they were married and reared a family of four children, two sons and two daughters: May A., Emily M., Franklin F. and Spencer D. Sylvester is the son of John, who was born in Huntsville, and is a prominent man of that place. John was a son of Levi, who was a native of Connecticut, and who settled here in the very early history of the county. He was one of the first pioneers in Jackson township; Huntsville bears his name. The Hunts were marked for their patriotism and devotion to the cause of freedom and independence. They have participated in all the wars in the United States from first to last. Levi Hunt, the old pioneer, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. John, his son, was a soldier in the war of 1812. John, second, served in the Mexican war. Sylvester, with two brothers and one son, served faithfully in the war of the Rebellion, in defense of their country and its union. Sylvester was a member of Company H, Ninth P. V. C. His son, Spencer D., the subject of this sketch, when but a mere boy, hearing the older ones read of the rebellious spirit developing itself in the Southern States, could not subdue the patriotic spirit which was transmitted from father to son, from one generation to the other, and willingly gave himself as a sac- rifice upon the altar of his country. On September 10, 1861, he became a member of Company C, Fiftieth New York Engineers, for the term of three years. Though a mere lad he took the place of a man, participating in all the principal battles, viz. : Gettysburg, Yorktown, Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, Second Bull Run, Chicka- hominy, Seven Days' Fight, Harper's Ferry, Deep Bottom, " Burnside in the Mud," Rappahannock, Rapidan, Petersburg and Richmond, through all of which he passed without a wound, although his clothes were cut by balls on various occasions. Mr. Hunt served as a private, but was at one time in the quarter-master's depart-

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ment. He was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment, and has since lived in the old native place of his ancestors, Huntsville, an exemplary citizen of that town. Mr. Hunt was the third in his father's family in order of birth. He was reared and educated in Huntsville, where he has always made his home, and where for sixteen years he has been engaged in the butcher business. In 1890 he engaged in a mercantile enterprise, that of a general supply store for country trade. In addition to this he runs a milk route in Plymouth. At the age of twenty-three he married, March 17, 1871, Miss Sarah M., daughter of Chester and Mary Fuller, of Lehman, by which union he has one son, William F., who is assistant postmaster. Mr. Hunt is a man of much political influence, receiving the respect of both parties because of his sterling qualities and his adherence to the principles of right. He was appointed postmaster two years ago, which office he fills to the entire satisfaction of his community. He has also served with much credit as census enumerator. He is a member of John J. Whitney Post No. 339, G. A. R., of which he has been senior commander for five years; since 1885 he has been post commander, and has served as mustering officer in the post for six years. Politically, he is a Republican.

I. J. HUTCHINS, farmer, P. O. Hunlock Creek, was born in Jackson township, July 13, 1857, a son of George L. and Sarah (Cook) Hutchins, the former born in Wilkes-Barre, October 14, 1824, the latter in Union township, November 20, 1830. George L. Hutchins is a son of John Hutchins, a native of New York State, who came to this county about 1820, locating at Wilkes-Barre. He was a bridge builder, and a master workman in the erection of the Wilkes-Barre bridge in 1828. He resided in that city a number of years, following his business at various points, and met his death by drowning while pursuing his vocation on the Hudson river. His family consisted of three sons: George L., Henry and John. George L. Hutchins began his business career in Plymouth township as a millwright and carpenter, which he followed all his life. At the same time he owned a farm of considerable extent, the work on which he had done by hired help while he pursued his chosen calling, which was more profitable financially. He is still living and enjoying good health; his wife died November 18, 1889. Their family consists of two children: I. J. and Sarah E., both living. Our subject was reared and educated in Plymouth township, and has always resided there. He is a natural mechanic, but confines himself to agricultural pursuits. His farm, which is a model one, comprises 225 acres. He is a Democrat, and has held the office of assessor with credit to him- self and the satisfaction of those whom he represented. On September 12, 1879, he married Miss Emma A., daughter of Mrs. Lizzie Anderson, and to this union were born three children: Charles G., Sarah E. and Nellie M. Mrs. Emma Hutch- ins was born in Kingston township, March 10, 1830. Socially, Mr. Hutchins is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M.

IRA REESE HUTCHINS, despatcher, Harwood Mines, a bright and genial young business man, was born in Mifflin township, Luzerne county, October 2, 1866, a son of Martin L. and Margaret (Yohe) Hutchins, natives of Luzerne county. Our sub- ject is the second in a family of eleven children, was reared in his birthplace, receiving his education at the public schools of his native town, and at the State Normal School, Bloomsburg. After completing his education he went to Philadel- phia as entry clerk in a wholesale grocery store, where he remained for six months. In 1887 he went to Lattimer Mines and worked as clerk in the Company store for about nine months, afterward working in the office until September, 1891, when he went to Harwood Mines, and accepted his present position. Mr. Hutchins was united in marriage December 22, 1891, with Lizzie Green, of Hazleton. In political matters he is a stanch Democrat, and is a member of the P. O. S. of A. He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hutchins is a gentleman of education and rare business ability.

JOHN A. HUTCHINS, manufacturer of terra-cotta wares, and owner and operator of the Morning Star Coal Mine, of Wyoming borough, was born July 4, 1848. He

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is a son of Thomas and Martha (Landon) Hutchins, natives of Pennsylvania and of English origin. The father was a tanner by trade, and in 1869, 1870, 1871 was recorder of Luzerne county. He was interested in the terra-cotta works with his son at the time of his death, which occurred in 1884. Thomas Hutchins was twice married; by his first wife, he had one child, John A .; by his second he had seven children, all of whom are living. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and began life for himself at the age of nineteen as deputy recorder, at which he worked a year and a half; he was then employed in the same office for two years in re-indexing the indices, after which he and his father purchased the terra-cotta works. In 1888 he purchased his coal lands from S. R. Shoemaker, and opened the Morning Star Mine the same year; it produces at present 150 tons of coal a day, and also furnishes the fire-clay for his factory. He has recently purchased a one-half interest in 452 acres of coal land, which he is about to develop. Mr. Hutchins was married January 21, 1873, to Miss Mary J., daughter of W. S. and Maria (Tripp) Shoemaker, natives of Pennsylvania and of German and French origin, respect - ively; her father was a farmer of Wyoming borough. This happy union was blessed with six children, viz. : William T., born May 4, 1874, attending Lehigh University; Rheiner T., born July 1, 1878, now at Hillman Academy; Martha L., born April 30, 1880, and Ernest J., born May 21, 1882, are attending the Wyo- ming high school; Genevieve B., born April 21, 1888, died January 17, 1892, and Beatrice M., born August 2, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins attend the Presby- terian Church; he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M .; he is a sound Democrat, and was a member of the first borough council; at present he is serving as school director.

MARTIN L. HUTCHINS, general merchant, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Rock Glen, was born in Mifflin township, Columbia Co., Pa., January 15, 1842, a son of Daniel and Phobe (Creasey) Hutchins. His paternal grandfather, John Hutchins, of English descent, was a pioneer of Nescopeck township, this county, where for a time he served as constable. His children as far as known were John, Abram, Daniel and Alam. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Henry Creasey, a pioneer of Mifflin, Columbia Co., Pa., who cleared and improved a farm, and died there. Daniel Hutchins, who was a shoemaker by trade, spent most of his life in Mifflin township, and died there. His children were Catherine (Mrs. Daniel Gear- hart), Elizabeth (deceased), Harriet, Dorcas (Mrs. Dorcas Werkheiser), Martin L. and Thomas W. (deceased). Our subject was reared in Mifflinville, and was edu- cated in the public schools and Millville Academy. On October 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company M, Sixteenth P. V. C., and participated in the battles of Kelleys Ford, Upperville, Gettysburg, Shepherdstown, Culpeper, Briston, Palms Station, Stony Creek and other engagements, and was present at Lee's surrender at Appomattox; was promoted to corporal from the ranks "April 1, 1863, and sergeant, January 1, 1865, and in August, 1865, he received an honorable discharge from the service. After his return home he taught school in 'Nescopeck township, and in December, 1866, embarked in general merchandising in Black Creek township, in which he has since successfully continued, and his present location at Rock Glen he has occupied since 1871; he has been engaged in lumbering since 1876, and farming since 1887. On November 2, 1865, he was married to Margaret E., daughter of Jacob and Rachel (Brown) Yohe, of Mifflin township, and they have four children living: George, I. Reese, Mintie R. and Arthur Rush. Mr. Hutchins served twenty years in succession as justice of the peace of Black Creek township, and was several years postmaster at Black Creek; has also held the offices of school director and township clerk, and for twelve years was agent for the Adams Express Company. He is a member of the G. A. R., Union Veteran Legion and P. O. S. of A .; in politics he is a Democrat.

WILBER L. HUTCHISON, M. D., Wapwallopen, was born at Jeansville, this county, June 11, 1866, a son of James B. and Margaret L. (Workheiser) Hutchison, and is of Scotch-Irish and German descent. His father, a native of Columbia County, Pa.,

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located at Jeansville in 1863, where he was manager of a general store for twenty years. From 1885 to 1890 he was postmaster at Hazleton, after which he managed a wholesale house there one year, and since then has been manager of a Company store at Ehrenfeld, Cambria Co., Pa. His children were Wilber L. and Florence. Our subject was reared in Jeansville, this county, and educated at Dickinson Sem- inary, Williamsport, where he was graduated in 1884. In 1888 he began the study of medicine with Dr. H. B. Casselberry, of Hazleton, and was graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1891; in April of same year he located at Wapwallopen, where he has already succeeded in building up a lucrative practice. He married, June 21, 1892, Edith, daughter of William and Mary (Allen) Martin, Hazleton. Dr. Hutchison is a member of the P. O. S. of A. and Jr. O. U. A. M., and in politics is a Democrat.

J. O. IDE, farmer, P. O. Lehman, was born July 22, 1822, in Lehman township, where he was reared and educated. He is a son of Nehemiah and Barbara (Sweet) Ide, the former of whom was a carpenter by trade and an expert at farming, a man of influence and worth in his day, holding several township offices during his useful life. He was born March 7, 1793, at Stockbridge, Mass., and died September 15, 1872. His family numbered seven children, six of whom grew to maturity, and two of them are now living. Nehemiah was a son of Nehemiah Ide, who was a native of Massachusetts and a Revolutionary soldier, participating in the battle of " Bunker Hill " and other noted engagements fought in defense of liberty and independence. He moved to this county about 1801, locating in Lehman township, where he bought 300 acres of land, part of which is now owned by "Squire " Ide. His children were all born before he moved from Stockbridge, and he brought with him six sons who' proved to be pioneers indeed in Lehman township. Their names are Elijah, Nathaniel, William, John, Nehemiah and Oliver. Nehemiah died in 1822 at the age of sixty- one years. J. O. Ide, the subject proper of this sketch, received part of his educa- tion at Mauch Chunk, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade at which he worked up to the time of his marriage. He wedded for his first wife Miss Charlotta, daughter of Benjamin F. and Charlotta Wesley, and by her he had two children, one of whom is now living, Luther. For his second wife Mr. Ide married Miss Margaret, daughter of Thomas Shires, by which union there were seven children, six of whom are now living: Thomas N., Walter B. and Arthur B. (twins), William O., Nora M. and Warren J. Mrs. Charlotta (Wesley) Ide died August 9, 1858; Mrs. Margaret (Shires) Ide died April 20, 1885. J. O. Ide entered the army September 14, 1861, as a member of the Sixth Wisconsin Battery, for the term of three years, and participated in all the noted battles of the Western army under Pope. Some of the engagements were Vicksburg, Corinth, Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson City, Champion Hills, Black River and Missionary Ridge. He was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service, having proved a patriotic and courageous soldier. In 1865 he moved on his present residence as its owner, and has here since resided. He is a prosperous farmer of liberal means, and a man honored by his fellow citizens. Politically, he is a Republican, and has held the office of assessor eleven years, and justice of the peace, twenty-two years, besides other minor offices. He is a member of the G. A. R. and I. O. O. F., and is a consistent member of the M. E. Church.

C. L. IDE, farmer, P. O. Lehman, was born January 12, 1854, a son of J. O. and Augusta (Wesley) Ide, the former born in Lehman township, the latter in Ross. J. O. is a son of Nehemiah Ide, who was born in Stockbridge, Mass., and came to this county about 1800, locating in Lehman township, where he took up a farm of 300 acres which yielded rich harvests to the labors of his six sturdy sons, who were yeomen not to be found in every township. The Ides are a numerous family, and all spring from Nehemiah Ide, of Stockbridge. Nehemiah, Jr., settled west of Leh- man, where he lived an uneventful life, but was a man of influence in his day. He died about the year 1871, at the age of seventy-five. His family consisted of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity, and two of them are yet living. J. O., his

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son, is now living on his father's old place of 150 acres, and is a man of marked ability and influence in his native township, honored by his fellow citizens above his peers. He has held the office of collector and assessor for several terms. His family consisted of eight children, seven of whom are now living, Charles L. being the eldest in the family. Our subject was reared and educated in Lehman township (with the exception of the first ten years of his life which were spent in Wisconsin, his father having moved there when Charles was eight months old). His education was com- pleted at the Wyoming Seminary, after he had received a liberal training at the common school. In early life he confined himself to teaching school, at which he proved successful, and at which he continued for several terms. After he was married he ceased to teach school, and gave his attention exclusively to agriculture, at which he also succeeds. In 1878 he moved on his farm, which contains 145 acres, some of which is well improved, and gives his attention to general farming. He is a good neighbor, and a hospitable gentleman. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Ide married on May 18, 1876, Miss Mary, daughter of William and Lydia Allen, and by her he had three children: Rose M., Logan W. and Cora W., the latter being deceased. Mrs. Mary (Allen) Ide was born in Dallas township, January 19, 1851.

CYRUS IDE, farmer, P. O. Lehman, was born August 29, 1837, in Lehman town- ship, where he was reared and educated. He is a son of John and Sally (Foster) Ide, the former born in Stockbridge, Mass., June 10, 1789, the latter in Vermont, September 10, 1797. John was a son of Nehemiah Ide, a native of Stockbridge, Mass., and a Revolutionary soldier of some fame, who fought bravely for liberty and independence. About 1800 he moved to Lehman township, this county, with his family of six sons, and sturdy boys they were too, making good citizens and hon- est farmers who helped to make the township of Lehman what it is. He died in 1822 at the age of sixty-one. John, his son. followed in the footsteps of his father, and followed farming pursuits, at which he proved an adept. His life was some- what uneventful. He reared a family of twelve children, eight of whom came to maturity, and seven of them are now living. Cyrus is the ninth of the family, and, like his progenitors, confined himself to the honest tilling of the soil. On January 8, 1863, he married, in Lehman, Miss Susan, daughter of Benjamin and Jemima Wolf, by which marriage there are four children: Eva S. (married to Daniel Cris- pell, of Lake township), F. J., Mina L. and Stephen W., all yet living and unmar- ried. Mrs. Ide was born in this county May 22, 1843, and is a most estimable lady. Mr. Ide has lived on his present place since 1865, on a farm of seventy acres, besides which he owns other property near by. He is a practical and prosperous farmer of large and varied experience, and his surroundings show thrift and neat- ness. He and his wife and children are all members of the Baptist Church. He is a member of the Grange, and politically, he is a Republican.

E. F. IDE, farmer, P. O. Lehman, was born June 30, 1835, in Lehman town- ship, where he was reared and educated. He a son of John and Sally (Foster) Ide, the former born June 10, 1789, in Stockbridge, Mass., the latter September 10, 1797, in Vermont. John was a son of Nehemiah Ide, who was born in Stock- bridge, Mass., and was a brave soldier in the Revolutionary war, having been engaged in several battles, including that of Bunker Hill. He moved to this county about 1800, locating in Lehman township, where he purchased 300 acres of land on which he lived all the rest of his life as a worthy citizen. He confined him- self to clearing the wilderness, and by the help of his six sturdy sous, who had accompanied him from Massachusetts, he made it to "blossom as the rose." He died in 1822. John, his son, began life as an agriculturist, living near Lehman Centre on a farm of 160 acres which he improved and on which he built. He was a worthy citizen, a practical farmer and good neighbor. He served the town in various capacities, doing credit to himself and his fellow citizens. Aside from this, his life was uneventful. He died July 19, 1866, at the age of seventy-seven. His family consisted of twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturity, eight of whom 57

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are living, E. F. being the ninth in the family. Our subject has always confined himself to farming. In August, 1862, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he became a member of Company F, One Hundred and Forty-ninth P. V. I., enlisting for the term of three years. He proved his heroism and courage in meritoriously par- ticipating in the following battles: Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness and Spottsylvania, at which latter he received a severe wound. Thus was ended his active service for his country, but he served her in other capacities. He was honor- ably discharged, and now enjoys a pension. Mr. Ide has lived at his present place of residence since 1866, on a farm of 144 acres well improved, the result of his own energy and perseverance in agricultural pursuits. He is a general farmer and a prosperous one, and his surroundings show neatness and taste for the beautiful. On October 5, 1869, he married Miss Mary, daughter of John and Catherine Cris- pell, and by her he had eight children, five of whom are living: Razena, Ruth, Mar- garet, Edmund and Russell. Mrs. Ide was born in Lehman, October 15, 1849. Mr. Ide, in addition to his farm, has a mill in which he manufactures lumber to a great extent. He and his wife enjoy full communion with the Baptist Church. He is a member of the Grange; politically, he is a Republican.

J. S. IDE, farmer, P. O. Lehman, was born December 11, 1818, in Lehman township, where he was reared and educated. He is a son of William and Hannah (Sweet) Ide, the former born in Stockbridge, Mass., the latter in Tioga county, N. Y. William was a son of Nehemiah Ide, who is said to have been born in Stockbridge, Mass., was a brave soldier in the Revolutionary struggle, and participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, besides other minor engagements. He moved to this county with his family, consisting of six sons, in about 1801, locating in Lehman township. He had, however, purchased 100 acres of land on which he had paid some money, but after the close of the war he could not meet the other payment; his money being " Continental " was worthless, and thus his claim was forfeited. He pur- chased 300 acres in Lehman township, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1822, when he was aged sixty-one years. His son William settled on the old homestead, where he spent his life as an industrious farmer, serving his township in various capacities, and proving himself to be a man of worth and influence. He died in 1854 at the age of sixty-six; his family numbered eight chil- dren, seven of whom grew to maturity, and three of them are now living, Jacob S. being the second in the family. Our subject has always worked at farming, proving his ability by his work; he is also an adept with tools, being what is commonly called one of Nature's mechanics. At the age of twenty-one, in August, 1840, Mr. Ide married, for his first wife, Miss Sarah, daughter of Zachariah and Charlotta Neely, and by her he had four children, two of whom are living: Abraham N. and Isaac B. For his second wife he married, December 2, 1863, Miss Sarah, daughter of Charles Harris, by which union there are no childreu, For his third wife Mr. Ide married, January 26, 1878, Miss Sallie, daughter of William Booth, and there is no issue by this marriage. Mrs. Sarah (Neely) Ide died December 12, 1861; Mrs. Sarah (Harris) Ide died February 6, 1877; Mrs. Sallie (Booth) Ide died April 10, 1889. Miss Nellie C., daughter of Allen H. and Lydia A. Booth, of Centre Moreland, is ward of Mr. Ide, and keeps house for him. Mr. Ide is a prosperous agriculturist, living on his own farm of 100 acres on which he moved in 1842. It was then a wilderness, with no improvements nor buildings; now it is a well-culti- vated farm with pleasing surroundings. He is a Republican, and has held various town offices with credit to himself and satisfaction of his fellow citizens. He is a consistent member of the M. E. Church.

JAMES IDE, farmer, P. O., Lehman, was born (January 7, 1828), reared and educated in Lehman. He is a son of Oliver and Amanda (Allen) Ide, the former of whom was born in Stockbridge, Mass., March 27, 1798, the latter born in Pittstown, N. Y., November 4, 1799. Oliver was a son of Nehemiah, who was also a native of Stockbridge, Mass., and who fought in the Revolutionary struggle for liberty and independence, displaying heroism and fidelity to his country and the humane princi-

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ples for which he fought. He moved to Lehman about 1800 with his six sons, who became sturdy pioneers in their township. He was an extensive farmer, owning about 300 acres of land which his sons helped to subdue. Oliver Ide began life on the farm now owned by his son James. He was a carpenter and worked at his trade all the earlier part of his life. His farm comprised 160 acres of land, which he cleared and beautified as much as his day would warrant. Oliver Ide lived to be seventy- two years of age, and died November 4, 1870. His family consisted of nine chil- dren, all of whom grew to maturity, and eight of whom are now living. James is the second of the family, and has always confined himself to farming, working with his father until twenty-three years of age. In 1870 he married, for his first wife, Miss Margaret, daughter of Matthew and Sarah (White) Winters. By this marriage there was one child, Clarence J., born March 21, 1871. For his second wife he married, June 30, 1885, Miss Mina, daughter of Clark Wolf, by whom he has had two children, one of whom is now living, George R. Mr. Ide is a general farmer, enterprising and always abreast of the times, and has resided on the farm all his life. He is hospitable and entertaining to a fault. He is a member of the Grange. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church in good standing. Politically, he is a Republican.

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History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections, Part 145

Author: Bradsby, H. C. (Henry C.) Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago : S. B. Nelson Number of Pages: 1532

Author: Bradsby, H. C. (Henry C.)
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1532