History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 103

Author: edited by John F. Meginness
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1650

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

Rev. Eugene A. Garvey, pastor of the Church of the Annunciation, Williamsport. Seven children have blessed this union, as follows: Mary; Catherine; Margaret; Agnes; Claire; Eugene, and Joseph. The family are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Cnrtin is one of the most liberal supporters of that denomination.

JOSEPH G. STONESIFER, grocer, was born in Carroll county, Maryland, October 22, 1843, son of Benjamin and Susan (Freed) Stonesifer, natives of that county and farmers by occupation. His parents reared a family of seven sons and four daughters. eight of whom are now living, and are as follows: Peter, of Canton, Ohio; Susan, wife of Captain Henry Morningstar, of Hanover, Pennsylvania; Reuben, of Will- iamsport, who served in the rebellion; Israel S., of Gettysburg, who was a lieuten- ant in the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers; John, of Hanover; Joseph G. ; Elias, of Springfield, Ohio, who served in the One Hundred and Thirty- eight Pennsylvania Volunteers during the entire war, and Daniel. The parents were members of the Lutheran church, and died in Adams county and York county, Penn- sylvania, respectively. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county, and received a public school education. He afterwards found employment in a machine shop, where he was working when the war commenced. On the 7th of August. 1861, he enlisted in Company I. Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served with his regiment until the battle of Monocacy, July 9, 1864, where he was captured. He was confined in Libby prison until February 22, 1865, when he was exchanged, and two months later was mustered out of service. He was with Grant from Culpepper to the close of the war, and excepting the period when a prisoner, he participated in all of the battles and campaigns in which his regiment served. After the war he located in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and one year later removed to Renovo, where he worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1867 he came to Williams- port, and in partnership with his brother Reuben he embarked in the manufacture of doors, shutters, etc., and remained in that business for several years. He subse- quently entered the employ of Alexander Beede & Company, wholesale and retail grocers, and remained with them until March, 1886, when he opened his present store, and has since built upone of the best retail trades in the city. Mr. Stonesifer was married, April 17. 1885, to Julia K., daughter of John Cramer of Williamsport, and has two children: Bessie Ray and May. The family are attendants of Mulberry Street Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Republican, and quite active in the local councils of his party. He is a member of the Masonic order, also of Reno Post, G. A. R., and the Union Veteran Legion.

ROBERT B. JOHNSTON, merchant, was born in Albany, New York, June 23, 1833, son of Robert B. and Marion (Blair) Johnston, natives of Edinburg and Glasgow, Scotland, respectively. They came to the United States in 1827, and took up their residence in Albany, New York. His father was a mechanic, and engaged in the manufacture of steamboat machinery. He died in Herkimer, New York. The sub- ject of this sketch was reared in his native city, received a public school education, and subsequently attended Whitesboro Seminary, Oneida county, New York. He came to Williamsport in 1850, and was employed with the lumber firm of Prey & Brown. In 1854 he stocked logs for Quinn & Tinsman, and in the following year for Major Perkins. He then went to what is now Octonto county, Wisconsin, and stocked logs in 1856-57, and subsequently went to Minnesota, where he operated a

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mill. In the fall of 1858 he returned to Williamsport and was employed as foreman- by Brown & England until the outbreak of the civil war. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry; he was promoted to a lieutenancy in Com- pany E, and served until compelled to resign by reason of disability. He was engaged a portion of his term of service on recruiting duty, and after resigning he returned to Williamsport. Here he was in the employ of Finley, Young & Company until 1877, when he established a general mercantile business on East Third street. He has since built up a large trade and accumulated much valuable property. Mr. Johnston is a Republican; he has served in the select council for six years, and was a member of the school board for one term. He was one of the organizers of the Williamsport Board of Trade, and has been one of its directors. He has been a mem- ber of Reno Post, No. 64, G. A. R. and was its delegate to California in 1886. He is. a Mason, and is connected with the lodge, chapter, commandery, and consistory. Mr. Johnston was married in 1862 to Mary A., daughter of Ripley Lamb, of Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and has a family of five children: Addie M., wife of H. Q. Staver, of Williamsport; Ella, wife of Edward Frantz of Williamsport; Minnie; Rob- ert B., and Edith.

WILLIAM SEITZ, merchant, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 6, 1854, son of John and Christina (Wagner) Seitz, who emigrated to America in 1854, locating in Williamsport, where the father resided up to his death, January 1, 1892. William Seitz was principally reared in Williamsport and received his education in the public schools. At the age of twelve years he was employed as a clerk in the mercantile store of Sweely & Wallace, and subsequently by Burch & Mussina,. after which he was engaged with his father and brother in the general mercantile business for five years. Following this was a five years' term of service with Alexander Beede & Company, and in 1882 the present firm of Seitz Brothers was formed and first began business on the corner of Fourth and William streets, remaining for four and a half years, and removing thence to their present loca- tion, where they do the leading crockery and grocery business in the city. He was. married in 1888 to Sophia, daughter of John Meyer, of Williamsport, and to this union has been born one child, Louise. Mr. Seitz is a Democrat in politics, is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and with his wife belongs to St. Mark's Lutheran church, of which he is a trustee.

JOHN T. REED, son of Jacob and grandson of Solomon Reed, because his father lay sick with consumption for four years and was unable to work, was compelled to assume many responsibilities beyond his years; consequently he was scarcely able to secure a very meager common school education by the time he was twenty-one years old. But by industry, rigid economy, and sacrifice, he managed to secure a liberal English education at Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport. In 1859 he married Eliza- beth, daughter of ex-Sheriff T. M. Hall, of Centre county, Pennsylvania, and for some time engaged in the profession of teaching. In 1863 he was elected county superintendent of schools of Lycoming county, and was twice re-elected to the same position. As a superintendent he was popular and brought about many needed reforms. In the beginning of his superintendency grammar, geography, and mental arithmetic were not taught in but comparatively few of the schools of the county. Mr. Reed succeeded in introducing these studies in connection with United States.

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

history in all the schools; he also organized the first county institute ever held in Lycoming county, at Muncy. On retiring from office he again entered the school room as principal of the public schools of Montoursville during the winter season, and as principal of the Lycoming Normal School in summer. He was also princi- pal of the public schools of Renovo for six years. As a teacher Mr. Reed had few equals and no superiors; his services were always in demand and com- manded the highest salary. In connection with his professional duties he was engaged in various other pursuits-farming and merchandising, and is at present engaged in the latter in Williamsport. He is the father of two children: James H. and Clara F., both of whom are married, the former to a Miss Russell, of Will- iamsport, and the latter to Dr. Charles Fullmer, of Renovo, to whom is born a son, John Bryan Fullmer. Mr. Reed is a Democrat in politics with Prohibition proclivi- ties, has served as a member of the Board of Health, and with his family belongs to the Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal church. At present he is a member of the Board of Education in the city of Williamsport.

WILLIAM H. THOMAS, merchant, was born in Mifflin township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1838, son of John and Mary Ann (Coudrick) Thomas. He was educated in the public schools and remained on the homestead farm until 1860, when he entered his father's store in Salladasburg; he remained there until 1886, when he succeeded his father to the business at that place. In 1888 he removed to Newberry, where he has since followed the mercantile business. He was appointed postmaster at Salladasburg by President Lincoln, served in that office for eleven years, and was a member of the school board of that village. He was married in 1862 to Mary, daughter of John Fiester, by whom he has six children: Oella May; Effie Rebecca, deceased; Cornie Ellen; Leidy Brice; John Lyon, and Mabel Amanda. Mr. Thomas is a Prohibitionist, and with his family belongs to the Methodist Epis- copal church at Newberry, of which he is steward.

CHARLES A. THOMAS, of the firm of Thomas Brothers, merchants, was born, February 25, 1848, in Mifflin township, Lycoming county, son of John and Mary Ann Thomas, both natives of Lycoming county. He was reared in his native town- ship, and received his education in the schools of his neighborhood. He learned the harness-maker's trade and followed that business in Salladasburg until 1885. In April, 1886, he and his brother, Sylvester C., formed the present firm of Thomas Brothers. They are also interested in farming and have an interest in the grist mill at Salladasburg and are stockholders in the Susquehanna Trust and Safe Deposit Company. He was married, October 15, 1872, to Sophia C., daughter of Isaac Pepperman, by whom he has two children: Myrtle Grace and Oda Geneva. He and family are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal church.

SYLVESTER C. THOMAS, son of John and Mary Ann Thomas, was born in Mifflin township, February 22, 1850. He was educated in the public schools of his neigh- borhood and lived on his father's farm until 1866; he then removed to Salladasburg and clerked in the store of John Thomas & Son until 1878, when he and his brother, Charles A., engaged in the mercantile business at Salladasburg, which they continued until they moved to Williamsport. He was married, October 15, 1874, to Anna, daughter of Isaac Pepperman, by whom he had one child, Edward M., who died February 12, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas belong to Grace Methodist Epis-

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copal church, in which he holds the office of steward. He is also a member of the Y. M. C. A.

JOSEPH EDLER, dealer in flour and feed, was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1827, son of Christian and Barbara (Kline) Edler. He received his educa- tion in the common schools, and learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed for eight years. In 1860 he and Thomas B. Neece embarked in the mercantile busi- ness at Hepburnville, where they continued for three years, Mr. Neece retiring at that time and Mr. Edler remaining until 1865. At this time he moved to Williams- port, and in partnership with Jonathan Neff, engaged in the grocery and provision business and had an extensive trade until 1870. Mr. Neff then withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Edler continued the business alone until the spring of 1871, when he sold out, and the following January went to Michigan, where he was engaged one year in the lumber business. In 1873 he and Joseph R. Huut operated the White mill, located near the railroad bridge in the city of Williamsport. In 1876 he was engaged in business in Philadelphia, during the Centennial, and in March, 1883, he entered the flour and feed business, in which he has continued ever since, having for a time Albert Wilson as a partner. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, and has served three years on the school board. During the war he furnished a substitute, and assisted his township in fulfilling the requirements of the government. He was married in 1852 to Clara W., daughter of John Neece, and to this union have been born two children: John Roland and Thomas Irvin. Mr. and Mrs. Edler are mem- bers of the Mulberry Street Methodist Episcopal church.

WILLIAM EDLER, retired, was born in Philadelphia, July 30, 1819, son of Chris- tian and Barbara (Kline) Edler. He received his educatiou in the schools of Will- iamsport, and was afterwards engaged in boating on the canal for a number of years. In 1865 he embarked in the coal business in Williamsport, which he followed until 1886, since when he has lived a retired life. He is a Prohibitionist in his political views, and has served one term each in the common and select councils of Williams- port. He was married in 1850 to Eleanor T., daughter of Jacob Weaver, and to this union has been born one child, Fanuie, who married H. R. Fulmer, of Will- iamsport. Mr. and Mrs. Edler are members of the Mulberry Street Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is trustee and class-leader, and has also been a mem- ber of the Preachers' Aid Society for many years.

JOHN R. HAZELET, merchant, was born in Chambersburg, Franklin county, Penn- sylvania, in 1844, son of William A. and Elizabeth (Judd) Hazelet, the former a native of that county, and the latter of Eugland. His father was one of the pioneer furniture manufacturers of Chambersburg, and later was engaged in the planing mill business in that town. His parents now reside in Williamsport, and are mem- bers of Pine Street Methodist Episcopal church. John R. is the eldest in a family of five children. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, and at the Chambersburg Academy, and subsequently learned the trade of painter and decorator. He located in Williamsport, April 1, 1868, established an art store, and has since built up a prosperous business. It is the only store of the kind in Will- iamsport, and carries a large stock of all classes of art goods and artist's and decor- ator's materials. Mr. Hazelet is a Republican, and a stanch suporter of Republicau measures and principles. He was married in 1874 to Sarah B., daughter of John

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

Ransom, and has four children: W. S .: Alice; John Ransom, and Martha. He and wife are members of Pine Street Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a trustee and superintendent of the Sunday school.

NELSON A. HUGHES, of the firm of Hughes & Bowman, dealers in boots and shoes, was born in Ontario county, New York, January 15, 1852, and is a son of Stephen H. and Cynthia (Foster) Hughes, natives of that State. He received his education in the public schools, and afterwards attended Hillsdale College and the Rochester Commercial College, where he completed his education. He was engaged in bookkeeping in Rochester for ten years, and in 1876 he embarked in the fancy goods business at Elmira, New York. He continued there until 1882, and then came to Williamsport and purchased a one-half interest in the retail boot and shoe business of J. E. Dayton & Company. In 1884 he formed a partnership with C. A. Bowman, and purchased the boot and shoe store of T. S. Underhill, on Pine street, which was established by the latter in 1860. The firm of Hughes & Bowman have since enjoyed a prosperous trade, and hare won a reputa- tion for dealing in the finest grades of goods that come to Williamsport. Mr. Hughes is one of the organizers of the Athletic Park Association and is president of that institution. He is a member and treasurer of the Williamsport Gun Club, and is recognized as one of the most expert shots in the city. He was a member of the first Board of Trade of the city, and belongs to the present one. He is a member of the Masonic order, and belongs to the lodge, chapter, and commandery. He is also connected with the I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Hughes was married in 1877 to Henrietta M., daughter of Samuel M. Bowman of Toronto, Ontario, and has four children: Roy V .; Edna M. ; Arthur V., and Nelson W. He is a Republican, and is an attendant of the Third Presbyterian church, of which organization his wife is a member.

CHARLES A. BOWMAN, of the firm of Hughes & Bowman, was born in Palermo. Ontario, Canada, October 27, 1856, and is a son of Samuel M. and Ann (Marr) Bow- man, the former a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of Milton, Pennsylvania. He was reared in Canada, and at the age of seventeen came to Williamsport. He was educated in the grammar schools of Oakville, Ontario, and at Tiffin, Ohio. After coming to Williamsport he was employed as bookkeeper for J. E. Dayton & Com- pany, and afterwards became traveling salesman for that firm. In 1884 he became a member of the present firm of Hughes & Bowman, and has since been engaged in the boot and shoe trade. Mr. Bowman was married in 1884 to Ida M., daughter of George S. Banger, and has two sons: George S. and Charles A. Mr. Bowman is a Republican, is a member of the First Presbyterian church, and is also connected with the Young Men's Christian Association.

WILLIAM NEUSCHAFER, dealer in boots and shoes, was born in Prussia, Germany, December 25, 1837, son of John and Margaret Neuschafer, who lived and died in their native land, his father dying when our subject was only six years of age. He was reared and educated in Germany, and at the age of fifteen he immigrated to Philadelphia, where he arrived in 1852. He learned the shoemaker's trade in that city and worked there until 1859, when he came to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He continued working at his trade up to 1876, in which year he established his present business on a small scale. Through the passing years he has gradually built up a

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substantial trade, until to-day his boot and shoe store is one of the leading mer- cantile establishments in that line in the city. Mr. Neuschafer was married in 1861 to Margaret Badder, of Germany, who has borne him six children, as follows: George, who died August 24, 1891; Lizzie, wife of Henry W. Warner of Philadelphia; William G .; Lewis; Harry, and Lillie. The family belongs to the German Lutheran church, and he is a trustee in that organization. He is a member of Williamsport Lodge, No. 570, I. O. O. F., aud is Past Commander of Wiley Encampment, No. 3. He is a Democrat of independent proclivities, and believes in supporting the most worthy men for office.

A. D. LUNDY, general insurance agent and book and stationery dealer, was born in Danville, Pennsylvania, in July, 1836. His father, John Lundy, was a native of Lycoming county and of Quaker descent, and was a merchant tailor at Danville, where he located when a young man and resided until his death in 1859. He mar- ried Mercy Morrison, of French birth, who at that time resided at Blackwell's, Tioga county. Our subject is the youngest of a family of seven children and was reared in Danville, where he received his education in the public schools of that place, after which he took up the study of civil engineering. He assisted Colonel Potts in engineering the construction of the Coal Run railroad, and also did engineering work on the Catawissa railroad. He came to Williamsport in 1854, where he was clerk for the superintendent of the Catawissa railroad for several years. In 1858 he moved to Iowa, remained there until 1861, and then returned to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In 1860 be married Miss Jennie, daughter of J. J. Ayres, and in 1862 became a partner with Mr. Ayres in the book, stationery, and insurance busi- ness, in which he has continued successfully from that time to the present. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was discharged in May, 1863. He participated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericks- burg, and Chancellorsville, and was second lieutenant of his company under Colonel Allabach. In politics he is a Republican, is now State agent for the Sun Fire Insur- ance Company, and with his firm is State agent for the Pacific Life Insurance Com- pany of California. Mr. Lundy was one of the organizers of and is a director in the Y. M. C. A., and with his family belongs to the Presbyterian church, of which he has been elder for over twenty years. He is the father of five children: Ayres D .; Cordelia Mercy; Mary B .; Frederick K., and Ethelweyn A.

CHARLES E. HICKS, dealer iu books, stationery, and wall paper, was born at Quakertown, Pennsylvania, June 24, 1849, son of William and Sarah W. (Edkin) Hicks. His father is a native of Quakertown, and his mother of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They came to Williamsport in 1852 and are both residents of this city. Our subject was reared in Williamsport and educated iu the public schools, after which he became a clerk in the book store of Sweely & Wallace, subsequently being employed with William M. Harris & Company, and was also five years with Ayres & Lundy. In 1875 he formed a partnership with D. E. Olmstead, and engaged in the dry goods and book business. At the end of two and one-half years this firm was dissolved, and from that time until 1879 Mr. Hicks continued the busi- ness individually. J. A. Gamble became associated with him in 1879, and the firm of Hicks & Gamble was thus formed. Since the retirement of Mr. Gamble in 1886 Mr. Hicks has conducted the business alone, and carries one of the largest stocks in

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the city. He is a member of the Board of Trade, belongs to Ivy Lodge, No. 397, F. and A. M., and is a Republican in politics. By the flood of 1889 Mr. Hicks lost his whole stock, amounting to about $7,000. He was married in 1870 to Louisa Ann, daughter of Lewis Weigle, who died in 1888, leaving one daughter, Georg- ianna. He was again married, in January, 1891, to Catherine B. Wheelock, nee Harvey, daughter of Anderson Harvey. He is a member of the Third Street Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is steward, and has been superintendent of the Sun- day school. He was instrumental in securing the erection of a mission church, now Limestone Methodist Episcopal church, on the Montoursville road, of which he is superintendent of the Sunday school. His wife is a member of the First Presby- terian church.

JOHN M. DEAN, dealer in stationery, wall paper, etc., was born in Livingston county, New York, January 23, 1854, and is a son of Orange and Mary (McDon- ald) Dean, natives of that county, and farmers by occupation. John M. was reared in his native county, and received a common school education. He came to Will- iamsport in 1871 and entered the employ of Ayres & Lundy, where he learned the book and stationery business. In 1875 he embarked in that business in partner- ship with his uncle, Alexander Dean, who has since died. During the past seventeen years Mr. Dean has built up a satisfactory trade, and is one of the leading book and stationery merchants in Williamsport. He was one of the organizers of the Board of Trade, and has always taken an active interest in the growth and progress of the city. Politically he is a Democrat, but takes no active part in political affairs. Mr. Dean was married in October, 1874, to Frances, daughter of James Blauvelt of Ithaca, New York, and has two children: Alexander and John M. Mrs. Dean is a member of Trinity Protestant Episcopal church, and he is a supporter of that organization.

GEORGE B. LEITER, dealer in books, stationery, and wall paper, was born in Greencastle, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1863, son of Jeremiah B. and Harriet S. (Wilson) Leiter. His parents were also natives of Franklin county, and removed to Williamsport in 1871, where they are members of St. Paul's Lutheran church. They have had born to them the following children: George B .; Silas C., who was born December 18, 1865, and is a dealer in stationery, etc., at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania; James W., deceased; Ida May; Seth T .; Grace V .; Betha A., and Vernie G. Our subject was reared in Williamsport, received his education in the public schools and the Williamsport Commercial College, after which he spent several years in Philadelphia. Returning to Williamsport in 1884 he entered into partnership with George A. Cohick and Fred R. Miller in the book, stationery, and bookbinding business. He retired from this connection in the following year, purchased his present business from L. S. Tilton, and has since enjoyed an excellent trade. He is the patentee and manufacturer of the game called "Ring-a-peg," and was treasurer of the Williamsport Passenger Railway Company for a number of years. He was married, November 24, 1885, to Miss L. Myrtle McNarney, daughter of Thomas McNarney, of Lock Haven, and has one child, Elsie Reba. He is a member of Lycoming Lodge, No. 112, I. O. O. F., and West Branch Encampment, No. 136; is Republican in his political proclivities, and with his wife belongs to Grace Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is librarian of he Sunday school.

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History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 103

Author: edited by John F. Meginness Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk Number of Pages: 1650

Author: edited by John F. Meginness
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1650