History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections, Part 87

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

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PETER ALLES, farmer, P. O. Sugar Notch, was born in Germany, January 10, 1840, and is a son of John and Mary (Baker) Alles, who came to America, preceded

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

a year and a half by their two eldest children, in 1853, and resided in Brooklyn one year, and then removed to Wilkes-Barre where the father died in 1871, thence, to Sugar Notch where the mother died in 1890. Our subject is a grandson of Jacob Baker, who was for several years teameter in Napoleon's army, and of Frank Alles, who died in Germany. The family consisted of seven children besides our subject, as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. John Baker); John, retired, living in Wilkes-Barre; Mary (widow of Anthony Martin); Margaret (Mrs. Jacob Baker); Jacob, night police in Towanda, Pa., for many years; Catherine (Mrs. Allen Fisher), and Eliza- beth (second, both living), (Mrs. Allen Smith). Our subject was educated in his native country, and for one year in Brooklyn, and coming to Luzerne county with his father he worked in the breaker a short time there, then on a farm one year, drove team in the mine four years, served a three years' apprenticeship in New York at the cabinet making trade, drove team for the company at the Baltimore Mine two years, and since 1867 has operated the Company farm. Mr. Alles was married, July 12, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Windle and Catherine (Teele) Lower, and a granddaughter of John Teele, who served seven years in Napoleon's army and died in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Alles have had seven children, five of whom are living: Jacob, Mary, Frank, Catherine and Augustus P. The family are members of the Catholic Church; Mr. Alles is a Democrat in politics, and was for three years a member of the council in Sugar Notch borough.

CHARLES H. AMSBRY, agent for W. W. Amsbry, Plains, was born in Broome county, May 2, 1839, a son of Anson and Lydia (Crocker) Amebry, natives of New York, and of French and English origin respectively. In his father's family there were four children, three of whom are living: James H., a farmer, at Montrose, Pa .; Charles H .; and William W., capitalist and owner of coal land in Clearfield and Luzerne counties, also president of the Fairmont Land Company, residing at Germantown. Charles H. was reared on the farm, and educated in the common schools and Lowell's Business College, at Binghamton. He enlisted at Bingham- ton September 15, 1861, in what was known as "Dickinson's Guards," Company H, Eighty-ninth N. Y. V. I. In 1862-3 he was second lientenant; in 1864 first lieutenant and quarter-master; and in 1865, was commissioned captain, but was not mustered in until 1890; he was mustered out of the service August 12, 1865. In 1867 he engaged in the mercantile business at Binghamton, N. Y., where he remained eleven years; he then went to Wilkes-Barre, where he was engaged in the treasurer'e office for seven months; and thence to Nanticoke, where he had charge of the shoe department of J. H. Hildredth & Co.'s etore. In 1880 he went to Camptown, Bradford county, to superintend the mille of Hollenback & Amebry, which he purchased in 1884, and in April, 1891, removed to Plains. Mr. Amsbry was married December 13, 1866, to Adelia A., daughter of Hurd F. and Mary A. (Lewis) Brownson, of Binghamton. They have two children: Florence B., born March 28, 1869, and Lewis B., born February 3, 1871. He is a member of the G. A. R. and the F. & A. M .; he is a Republican in politics.

ASA ANDERSON, farmer and milkman, P. O. Luzerne, was born in Kingston town- ship, July 4, 1842, where he was reared, and educated at the common school. He ie a son of John and Rachel (Atherholt) Anderson, the former born in New Jer- sey, July 23, 1811, the latter in Bucks county, March 5, 1807. John Good was a son of Joseph, who was also a native of New Jersey, and. removed to this county in 1815, locating in Kingston township, on the farm now occupied and owned by A. J. Good. After spending some years there he removed to Dallas, where he purchased another farm, which he cleared during his lifetime. He was a very stout, robust man, a hard worker, and a person who believed in practicing the "Golden Rule" in his every-day life. He reared a family of five children by two marriages. His wives were sisters, whose maiden name was Keiser. His son, John, began business for himself in Dallas township, on a farm of fifty acres, on which he resided seven years. He sold that property, and in 1841 bought a farm in Kingston township com-

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

prising one hundred acres, to which he added one hundred and thirty more, sixty of which were under cultivation, the greater part being unimproved. John Good held several township offices with much credit to himself and those who chose him. He was very prominent in the Democratic party, whose influence was felt at the polls by his opponents. He died March 4, 1889, at the age of seventy-eight years. His family comprised nine children, seven of whom are living: Margaret, William, Elizabeth, Asa, Walter, James and Laura. Asa is the fifth in the family in order of birth, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. Anderson was twice mar- ried, first, in November, 1867, to Miss Ann, daughter of John and Julia Drutzman; she bore him five children, four of whom are living: John, Nellie, Jennie and Millie. For his second wife he married, March 4, 1880, Miss Emma, daughter of Henry and Ann Rummerfield; by this marriage there has been born one child, Elmer. Mrs. An- derson was born near Scranton, October 1, 1854. Mr. Anderson owns fifty acres of productive land, and carries on a dairy, milking eighteen cows. He is an enterprising, practical business man, and has held several township offices. He is a member of the Grange, and the P. O. S. of A. Politically he is a Democrat.

JAMES ANDERSON, merchant and sign painter, Luzerne borough, was born in Kingston township, this county, January 20, 1850, and is the son of John and Rachel (Atherholt) Anderson, natives of Pennsylvania. James Anderson was educated in the common schools of his native county, and graduated from the Wyoming Commer- cial College. After completing his education, he taught school for a number of years in the county of his birth. He subsequently became a contractor and car- penter, which business he followed for eight years, after which he was employed as clerk for Mr. Atherholt, with whom he remained two years. He then embarked in mercantile business as clothier and shoe dealer, which he continued until his wife assumed control, when it was changed to a general store. Mr. Anderson was mar- ried, in 1873, to Miss Margaret, daughter of John and Julia (Walp) Prutzman, natives of Pennsylvania, and this union has been blessed by the birth of three chil- dren: Gilbert, Stella and Charles. Mr. Anderson is a stanch Democrat, and has been twice elected assessor of his township, and three times as assessor of his borough. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

HENRY ANDERSON, clerk, Wilkes-Barre, was born in 1862, at Little York, Pa., and is the second in order of birth in the family of Simon H. and Mary Ann ( Weir) Anderson, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. He was educated in the public schools of Little York, and came to this county with his father in 1881. He accepted a position at the " Bristol House " as buyer, where he has remained up to the present day. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.

M. C. ANDERSON, proprietor of Wonderland Museum and Theatre, Wilkes-Barre was born in Philadelphia, Pa., August 2, 1858, a son of Joseph and Nettie Ander- son. They were natives of Austria, and came to America about 1852, locating in Philadelphia, Pa., where the father represented a leading New York commercial house as traveling salesman for many years, and where he yet resides. Our subject was reared in Philadelphia and educated in the public schools. He began life as clerk in a Philadelphia liquor house, and in 1876 went to Galveston, Texas, and clerked in a general merchandise store a few months. He then located in St. Louis, where he secured a position as advance agent for a theatrical company, and later traveled with a circus for six consecutive seasons, as manager of privileges. He next managed a troupe of glass blowers in museums up to 1891. In February of that year he opened "Wonderland" in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., a prominent resort which he has since successfully conducted on a first-class basis, and has made it one of the most attractive resorts in the city. It is noted for its cleanliness and respectability, and stands to-day as one of the leading houses of its kind in America. Mr. Ander- son has the reputation of being up to the times in procuring for his many patrons the very best attractions before the public, sparing neither pains nor expense to attain that end. His motto has always been "nothing too good for his patrons."

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

WALTER ANDERSON, farmer, P. O. Ruggles, was born September 25, 1846, reared and educated in Kingston township. He is a son of John and Rachel (Atherholt) Anderson, the former of whom was born in New Jersey, the latter in Kingston. John was a son of Joseph Anderson, who was a native of New Jersey and removed to this county in its early settlement, locating in Kingston township. He was a worthy man and an enterprising farmer. He had six children, by two marriages. His son, John Anderson, began life in Dallas on a farm of eighty acres, where he lived about ten years. He then removed to Kingston, where he also engaged in farming, living here until he died, in 1889, at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife died in 1891, at the age of eighty-five years. Mr. Anderson was a man of influence, and held several township offices, such as assessor, collector, etc. He was a stanch Democrat. He reared eight out of nine children born to him. Walter is the sixth of the family, and has always confined himself to agricultural pursuits. On December 24, 1879, he married Miss Susie, daughter of Elisha and Susie Nulton, to which union has been born one son, Dorey, aged eleven years. Mrs. Anderson was born in Dallas in 1851. Mr. Anderson removed to Lake township in 1884, on a farm of 127 acres. Some of this farm was very old, being one of the first cleared in the town. Most of it is situated in Wyoming county. He erected new buildings on a piece of ground close by the old farm, which he beautified as only a man of taste can do. He is a general and practical farmer, but pays special atten- tion to sheep raising. He is a member of the Grange; he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he has held several offices in the town. Polit-

ically he is a Democrat.

PETER FRANK ANDES, plumber and gasfitter, Wilkes-Barre, was born at Hazle- ton, this county, January 22, 1855. He is the fifth child of Michael Andes, a native of Germany who came to Hazleton in 1835, where he has since resided. Mr. Andes was married, February 10, 1877, to Miss Kittie, daughter of Peter and Kittie Anstett, and to this marriage have been born seven children, five of whom are now living, viz. : Henry, Lizzie B., Frank, Susie and Kate. Mr. Andes is a member of the well-known firm of Andes & Anstett, No. 44 Hazle street. He is a prominent plumber and gasfitter, and since April 1, 1887, when he entered into the partner- ship, he has enjoyed an extensive trade in every part of the city.

ABRAHAM ANDRES, powder-maker, Wapwallopen, was born in Hollenback township, August 8, 1846, a son of Peter and Mary (Yoey) Andres, the former born in Hollen- back township, the latter in Plymouth. Peter was a son of Abraham, who was also a native of this county, and whose father was an old pioneer. Abraham, Sr., owned a large farm in Hollenback township, on which he reared five children, who in their succession became sturdy pioneers. Peter began his agricultural life in Hollenback township, on a farm of sixty acres. He was a good, conscientious man, a kind neighbor, and a loyal citizen, and died in 1870, aged sixty yeare; his wife also died in 1870, aged fifty-six years. Their family consisted of ten children, eight of whom are living, Abraham being the third. Our subject was reared and educated in Hollenback township, and for over twenty-nine years he has followed powder-making, all the time in the employ of the Dupont Company. In 1866 he married Miss Lydia A., daughter of Even and Mary Ann Davis, and to this happy union there were five children born, four of whom are living: George, Morris, Grace L. and Mary A. Mrs. Lydia A. Andres was born in Hollenback township in 1839. Mr. Andres has held several township offices with much credit. He owns a neat house and lot on which he resides, and everything about his place looks cheerful and cosy, showing the taste and latent refinement possessed by the happy inmates. Our sub- is a member of the P. O. S. of A.

JACOB ANSTETT, a prosperous plumber and gasfitter of Wilkes-Barre, was born in Germany November 18, 1863. He was married, May 3, 1883, to Sophia, daughter of Michael Andes, who resides in Germany; both her parents are now over seventy years of age, but are still enjoying robust health. To the union of Sophia and

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

Jacob Anstett have been born four children: Emma E., Gertrude Dartha, Caroline Sophia and Frederick Anthony. Mr. Anstett is a man of much shrewdness and ability. He owns some very fine real estate on South River street, and is recog- nized as one of the most valuable citizens of Wilkes-Barre.

THOMAS W. AREGOOD, engineer, Luzerne, was born in Juniata county, Pa., Feb- ruary 21, 1833, and is a son of Samuel H. and Catherine (Hittle) Aregood, both of whom were born in Catawissa, Pa. Samuel H. Aregood was a miller by occupation, and a man of some political influence in the Democratic party. He removed with his family to this county about 1846, locating in Hanover township, where he pursued his calling, that of miller, until 1861, when he died at the age of sixty years. He reared a family of seven children, all of whom are living. Thomas W. is the sixth in order of birth, was reared and educated in his native town, and is, by occupation, a stationary engineer, a calling he has followed for twenty-two years. He removed to this county with his father in 1846, and has since that time been a resident of the same, having lived at his present home for seventeen years. He is, at present, boss in the Wyoming Coal Company's breaker. In 1861 he showed his patriotism by enlisting in Company A, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, for the term of three years. He participated in all the leading battles of the army of the Potomac; at the battle of Fair Oaks he received a minie ball in his right leg, which disabled him for a time, and he received an honorable discharge. In 1864 he re-enlisted in the same command, and served to the close of the war. During his last term of service he was promoted to the rank of duty sergeant, which rank he held at his discharge. He now receives a well-deserved pension. On February 18, 1866, Mr. Aregood married Miss Alice, daughter of John and Jane Grainger, to which union have been born twelve children, seven of whom grew to maturity and are now living: Mary E., Emma J., Thomas P., William H., Charles R , Oscar L., and Chester A. Mary E. is married to William J. Denniston, a master mechanic; Emma J. is mar- ried to John Perne, a miner. Mrs. Aregood was born in England, August 3, 1846. Mr. Aregood is a member of the G. A. R. Politically, he has been a Republican for the past thirty years.

CHARLES F. ARMBRUSTER, milkdealer, Wilkes-Barre, was born at Saylorsville, Carbon Co., Pa., June 6, 1868, a son of Theobald and Richarda (Reiser) Armbrus- ter, natives of Germany, who came to America about 1857, locating in Carbon county, Pa. ; in 1872 they settled in Wilkes-Barre, where they still reside, the father, who is a carpenter, having been in the employ of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Company since 1875. Their children were five in number, viz .: Edward (deceased), Louisa (Mrs. Fred Sauer), Henry J., Mary (Mrs. Frank Sauer) and Charles F. Our subject was reared in Wilkes-Barre from four years of age, and educated at St. Nicholas German Catholic school. Beginning at the age of thirteen he served an apprenticeship of three years at the cigar-makers' trade, and afterward worked four years. In 1889 he embarked in the milk business, in which he has since success- fully continued. He is a member of the St. Nicholas German Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Society and St. Conrad's Young Men's Society; in politics he is a Democrat.

F. HOWARD ARMSTRONG, postmaster at Plymouth, also manager of the first mill at that place, was born at Rileyville, Wayne Co., Pa., January 8, 1844, and is a son of Thomas and Maria (Slaven) Armstrong. Our subject's mother was a native of Ireland; his father was born in England, was an officer in the British army, and traveled a great deal, both by land and water, having been in almost every civilized country in the world. He came to the United States in 1840, settled in the State of New York, and subsequently went to Michigan. He died while on his way home from Australia. Our subject was a member of a family of nine children, of whom only three are now living, namely: Thomas, F. Howard and Margaret (now the wife of Giles Fitch, Jr.). F. Howard Armstrong was reared on the farm and attended the common schools. He enlisted in February, 1862, in the Fifty-ninth Regiment, in Company F, Second Cavalry. He was subsequently promoted to

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corporal, and rose, step by step, in the regular line of promotion, being second lieutenant when the war closed. He participated in many of the severe battles of the war, viz. : Battle of Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, the Wilderness, Peters- burg, Spottsylvania and Gettysburg. Mr. Armstrong was taken prisoner and con- fined in Libby prison for three weeks, and after his exchange again joined his com- pany; he subsequently re-enlisted and served until the close of the war, and was mustered out of the service June 26, 1865, in Virginia. He then returned to Penn- sylvania, and was employed at various kinds of business. In 1867 Mr. Armstrong came to Plymouth, and has resided here ever since. He was married in January, 1869, in Plymouth, to Hannah E. Jaguish, whose parents were of German and Irish descent, respectively. They have four children: Sabra A., assistant postmaster; Charles D., a clerk in the postoffice; Wheeler B. and Henry N. Mrs. Armstrong is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Armstrong is a Republican in politics, and was appointed postmaster under the administration of President Harrison. He has served as commander of the Captain Asher Gaylord G. A. R. Post, No. 109; he is past grand of Elm Lodge, No. 642, I. O. O. F., and is past worthy chan- cellor of the Radiant Star Lodge, No. 178, K. of P., of Plymouth.

JAMES ARMSTRONG, miner, P. O., Inkerman, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, December 24, 1854, and is a son of Anthony and Mary A.' (Rhuan) Armstrong, natives of the same place, who reared a family of six children, of whom James is fourth in order of birth. Our subject was educated in Ireland, and came to this country in 1868, settling in Sebastopol, this county. In that year he was appren- ticed to boot and shoe making, and upon being released as a journeyman, in 1872, he went to work in the mines as a laborer, remaining as such until 1878, when he went west and worked as a miner in Ohio and Indiana. He then journeyed to Chicago, Ill., where he was employed in iron works, returning home to Sebastopol in Decem- ber, 1880, since which time he has been employed as a miner by the Pennsylvania Coal Company. On August 9, 1882, Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage with Bridget, daughter of Timothy and Mary (Malia) McNulty, natives of County Mayo, Ireland, and they have been blessed with the following issue: Charles, born May 26, 1883; Mary, born May 20, 1886, and Blanche, born July 6, 1889. Our subject is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Henry Grattan Literary Association. In politics he is a Democrat, and held the office of school director from 1886 to 1889.

JAMES ARMSTRONG, proprietor of the "Hotel Armstrong," Wilkes-Barre, was born in Hazleton township, this county, August 15, 1855, and is a son of James and Anna (Cassiday) Armstrong, natives of Ireland, who were married at Easton, Pa., and for upward of forty years were residents of Hazleton, this county, where the father died in 1884. He served as township superintendent of schools upward of fifteen years, and was prominently identified with the public affairs of the township. His children were Michael, Mary, James, Anna, Barney, Anna (second) and John. Our subject was reared in Hazleton, educated in common schools, and began life in the mines in which he worked in various capacities for ten years. He then served as clerk in hotels of Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre six years, locating in the latter city in 1884, and in 1888 he became proprietor of the "Hotel Armstrong," which he has since successfully conducted. In 1882 he married Mary, daughter of Jacob Har- man, of Williamsport, Pa. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN J. ARMSTRONG, foreman of the Gazette composing-room, Pittston, was born in Pittston, February 25, 1859, a son of J. R. and Charlotte (Thomas) Arm- strong, both natives of Wales. They came to the United States in 1858 and located in Pittston, where they have since resided, the father having filled the position of fire-boss for the Pennsylvania Coal Company at their No. 10 Shaft from the time of his arrival until the present. They had a family of seven children, viz. : J. J., William (deceased), B. F., now general secretary of the Y. M. C. A., at Blooms-

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

burg, Pa., Ella, Rachel, Charlotte and Minnie. Our subject was reared in Pittston and educated in the public schools of that city. While a boy he worked as slate picker at Tompkins' Shaft, but at the age of ten years he secured a position in the general store of James Mayo, where he worked for about one year; then until his fif- teenth year he was employed at various occupations about his native city. He then entered a printing office in Dover, N. J., and began to learn the trade he has followed with more or less persistency until the present time. After a few months spent in Dover he returned to Pittston and secured a position in the Gazette office of that place, where he remained twelve years; then entered mercantile business on Main street, Pittston, and remained there two years, after which he removed to Danville, Pa., and opened a branch tea store, working in the interest of the Grand Union Tea Company, of New York City. He was there three years, at the end of which time he returned to Pittston and secured the position of foreman of the Ga- zette composing room (having held that position before he embarked in the mercan- tile business), and has since served in that capacity. Mr. Armstrong has a host of friends in his native city, and commands the love and respect of all who know him. He is a member of the Luzerne Baptist Church, of West Pittston; of the Y. M. C. A., of Pittston, and of the P. O. S. of A. Politically he is a Republican.

WILLIAM ARMSTRONG, inside mine foreman, Wilkes- Barre, was born in St. Austell, Cornwall, England, February 1, 1838, a son of John and Mary (Robbins) Armstrong. He was reared and educated in his native place, and worked at the machinist's trade, which he afterward gave up on the death of his master, and then engaged in mining up to 1863, and in August of that year he came to America, and located at Hancock, Mich., where he was employed in the copper mines until November, 1864. On January 1, 1865, he arrived in Wilkes-Barre, and worked in the coal mines until his return to England, in June of same year. In April, 1867, he sailed from England to California, and there and in Nevada worked in the gold and silver mines until 1869. January 1, 1870, he again located in Wilkes- Barre, where he has since resided, and where he worked in the mines until Decem- ber, 1870, when a fire broke out in the Baltimore Mine No. 2, and he was assigned to charge of same; it is still burning, though under control. In February, 1885, he took charge of the Baltimore Mine No. 3, as inside foreman, and still holds that position. Mr. Armstrong was married September 26, 1865, to Mary, daughter of Joseph and Mary B. (Thomas) Rowe, of St. Austell, England, and has four children living: William H., Ada M. R., John J. and James F. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Sons of St. George; politically, he is an advocate of prohibition, and is president of the Temperance Union of Wilkes-Barre.

CHARLES D. ARNOLD, engineer on the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, P. O. Hud- son, Plains township, was born in Muhlenburgh, Pa., July 8, 1842, son of Levi and Phoebe (Benscoter) Arnold, natives of Pennsylvania, of English origin. He is a grandson of Stephen Arnold, who came from Connecticut to the Wyoming Valley at a very early date. His father, who was a carpenter and later a farmer, reared a family of thirteen children, seven of whom are living, and of whom he is the seventh in order of birth. He spent his boyhood on the farm, receiving a common-school education, and at the age of fourteen began driving a mule on the canal, which he followed some time. He enlisted at Wilkes-Barre, September 16, 1861, in Company D, Ninth P. V. C., served his country faithfully, and was dis- charged, on surgeon's certificate of disability, June 10, 1864. He then engaged in farming for one year, after which he kept canal grocery and postoffice at West Nanticoke for two years. In 1868 he came to Plains, and, after firing for three years on the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, was promoted to his present position. In 1871 he purchased his present residence and removed there. Mr. Arnold was married, April 15, 1866, to Harriet E., daughter of Thomas R. and Susan (Macbeth) Chapin, natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana, respectively. They have had born to them six children, three of whom are living, viz .: Jaell M., locomotive engineer,

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History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections, Part 87

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